Well....since Russell is climbing the draft charts, I started watching more clips. I rather find a game to watch, but basically he's a very smooth player. Almost too smooth. He's very slow with every movement (might be his 6'5 frame), but it seems to be affective. He seems like a guy that will have a long career and might not reach his potential until later in his career. Basically he's a tweener....too slow to guard quick guards.....too small to guard NBA SG's.
I also watched Towns a little bit....And I love this guys potential as a 7'0 center. He has great lateral movement, which allows him to guard all 5 positions. This is critical in the NBA, with all the pick and roll plays.
Since I like to look at players from a defensive perspective first, it opens my eyes to other players. In my opinion, Towns and Mudiay's defense are ahead of OK4 and Russells defense. The question is, how much do you value defense vs offense. I think Mike Dantoni really messed up 90% of all knick fans heads, thinking offense is more important, and defense will come later. Wrong.....if you are a solid defender at the college level, then you will be a solid defender in the NBA. If you are a weak defender in college, then for the most part you will be a weak defender in the NBA. Thats not the same for offense.....Offense is usually the first thing that improves when you come to the pros. This is why there are so many gems in every draft, because their value to tied to their offense. Look at Stanley Johnson....great defender and average on offense. I bet you we will look back at this draft and wonder how he was selected so late.
To make a long story short, Towns to me seems like the homerun pick we need, especially since he has a nice combination of offense and defense already. Someone who can guard the rim, and step out on the perimeter and apply man 2 man pressure defense as a 7'0 center is freakish.....He will fit right in, with other NBA bigs. OK4 doesn't have that elite athleticism right now, and will never be on Towns level as far as defense. But will Towns ever be on OK4 level, as far as offensive effeciency? Yes....
Think about it this way......The 2015 draft pick should not be relied on to build around. We all know about Kobe's of the world, Lebrons, Shaq, etc.....But for every Kobe, there are many NBA players that are drafted high and become journey men. Plus, there are no elite picks at the top of this draft like there was in drafts in the past. Basically, this draft is filled with solid rotation players, and a few gems hidden in the 1st round. So I believe you should use the draft for potential and free agents to fillout your talent. So why not take a chance on a player with a high ceiling (Anthony Davis or Westbrook potential), vs a player like OK4 who may never be better than Zack Randolph.
Born in Brooklyn, Raised in Queens, Lives in Maryland.
The future is bright, I'm a Knicks fan for life!