Draft Prospect: Daniel Orton

[Bruno]

http://www.kentucky.com/static/kentuckysports/img/0910orton.jpg
Height: 6-10
Weight: 255 lbs
Birthday: 08/06/1990
College: Kentucky

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Daniel-Orton-5272/)
nbadraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/daniel-orton)

[yavozerb]

anybody watch this kid play? Is he worth a gamble in the late 1st?

[exstatic]

Almost no stats (3.4p/3.3r), but an eye-popping 1.6 blocks in 13.2 minutes. REALLY raw, though. You could count on one season, or maybe even two seasons in Austin. He probably wouldn't contribute during the Duncan era.

If you're doing a project, though, he'd probably be worth a flyer. Get 'em young. He's only 19.

I'd almost rather pass, though, with the risk of another Mahinmi-like cult pretty high in this case. :lol

[mogrovejo]

They'd never pass him the ball, but he's a great body, is very fluid, can become a great post defender in the NBA and it looked to me he has a nice touch. At the very least he can run and jump like a pro is supposed to do, unlike many "NBA ready" guys. Difficult to assess his level of readiness when he had such a limited role in his team.

[jesterbobman]

Chad Ford has been saying that the Thunder are really high on him, and probably wouldn't get past their 2 picks.

[mountainballer]

Chad Ford has been saying that the Thunder are really high on him, and probably wouldn't get past their 2 picks.

I can see why, the Thunder now have the luxury to gamble on such a guy. (a bit like when Spurs gambled on Ian 2005). I think they will use the better pick (#20-22) to upgrade their shooting department and pick either Anderson, Williams or Bradley. to use the Suns pick for Orton (or another defensive true big man like Jerome Jordan or Larry Sanders) makes a lot of sense long term.

[jesterbobman]

I think the fact that the Thunder have 2 guys at each of SG and PG(Thabo/Harden, Westbrook/Maynor), while they're not getting much out of their bigs is putting some weight to the idea of drafting bigs, and eventually one will work out. Serge has been really good for them, but getting a big guy who can defend at Centre makes some sense. If He could develop into a Perkins type, they'd presumably be very happy.

Also of note about him. The Draft express twitter (http://twitter.com/DraftExpress) is reporting that Orton apparently tore his ACL last year(Well, they're saying there's alot of talk at Portsmouth about it)

[mountainballer]

I think the fact that the Thunder have 2 guys at each of SG and PG(Thabo/Harden, Westbrook/Maynor), while they're not getting much out of their bigs is putting some weight to the idea of drafting bigs, and eventually one will work out.

yeah, they already have a nicely balanced back court, but don't you agree that a true shooter at the wing is what is missing there to make it complete?

[jesterbobman]

I think Harden shooting is good enough to work(at 37.5%). There is, I guess room in the rotation for a 5th guard, a combo type, who can play with Westbrook or Harden in the backcourt. And shooters of very high quality are always going to be useful when other guys are drawing attention. There isn't going to be a great number of available minutes though, so it's picking for depth(especially at SF). Their big rotation has some potential(Ibaka, and Muellens if he develops), but they're still a little small, and a bit of help rebounding and defending bulky bigs(Blair, for example) would help. I personally doubt that Collison and Krstic are really in their long term plans. (Maybe 1 I guess) If they're playing Green at PF, they kind of need someone to battle inside. Orton fits that bill a bit, as a fairly tall, Bulky type(260). Also, Orton depends on what they do in free agency, but there aren't that many high quality centres available.

For us, Bigs who can block will be valued, but if Splitter is on board, the big rotation isn't the biggest need(Unless people are traded). Depends on what happens, but I think there are better options for us, though I can understand the Thunder being quite interested and possibly taking him with their earlier pick.

[jesterbobman]

I think Harden shooting is good enough to work(at 37.5%). There is, I guess room in the rotation for a 5th guard, a combo type, who can play with Westbrook or Harden in the backcourt. And shooters of very high quality are always going to be useful when other guys are drawing attention. There isn't going to be a great number of available minutes though, so it's picking for depth(especially at SF). Their big rotation has some potential(Ibaka, and Muellens if he develops), but they're still a little small, and a bit of help rebounding and defending bulky bigs(Blair, for example) would help. I personally doubt that Collison and Krstic are really in their long term plans. (Maybe 1 I guess) If they're playing Green at PF, they kind of need someone to battle inside. Orton fits that bill a bit, as a fairly tall, Bulky type(260). Also, Orton depends on what they do in free agency, but there aren't that many high quality centres available.

For us, Bigs who can block will be valued, but if Splitter is on board, the big rotation isn't the biggest need(Unless people are traded). Depends on what happens, but I think there are better options for us, though I can understand the Thunder being quite interested and possibly taking him with their earlier pick.

[exstatic]

It doesn't really matter if Splitter is on board or not. A kid like this? He'll be spending one, if not two complete seasons in Austin.

[hsxvvd]

He is the equivalent of drafting a kid out of highschool. Might be worth the risk. It raises an interesting thought. Are we at the point, where we need to draft long term prospects with a long term view for improvement? Rather than immediate contributors.

[Darkwaters]

He is the equivalent of drafting a kid out of highschool. Might be worth the risk. It raises an interesting thought. Are we at the point, where we need to draft long term prospects with a long term view for improvement? Rather than immediate contributors.

No, I think you still draft immediate contributors at this point in time. George Hill and DeJuan Blair have been huge in revitalizing this team and are key cogs in keeping us competitive for the future. If you can add another piece like that I think you leap at it.

Parkers health has been an issue all year which, next year, could be completely reversed. Ginobili shows renewed everything and is still potent. And Duncan is still playing - therefore, it's still game on.

[yavozerb]

No, I think you still draft immediate contributors at this point in time. George Hill and DeJuan Blair have been huge in revitalizing this team and are key cogs in keeping us competitive for the future. If you can add another piece like that I think you leap at it.

Parkers health has been an issue all year which, next year, could be completely reversed. Ginobili shows renewed everything and is still potent. And Duncan is still playing - therefore, it's still game on.

I agree with your statement about drafting a player as an instant reserve if possible. I would rather draft a foreign player and stash him than draft a young kid knowing he has 0% chance of contributing for at least 2 years and having to foot the bill.

[duncan228]

NBA Mock Draft: Bigs Abundant But Offensively Challenged (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tsn-nbamockdraftbigsabun)
SportingNews

20. San Antonio. Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky. Orton is unproven, but he has good size and could go higher for a team willing to gamble. The Spurs are looking to move up in the draft.

[benefactor]

No.

[The Truth #6]

I could see us drafting him, playing him a year in Austin, then sticking him at the end of the bench for ordering the wrong wine once at a team dinner.

Just kidding.

[lmbebo]

I think he'd be a great pick...a few years ago. I wouldn't mind trading a future to grab him as a 2nd 1st round pick this year. He'd be at the bottom of list of choices. Not upset if we grabbed him, but doesn't really fill an immediate need.

[Mr Bones]

It surprises me that Kentucky had two centers with such high % body fat in Cousins and Orton... if you have trouble being in top shape at age 19/20 playing for one of the best programs in the country, what does that say about your chances at age 25 and beyond? I know it's not a deal-breaker, but it has to worry the GMs that are looking at them. I'd much rather deal with a young 225 lb center that needs to add 15 pounds of muscle than a young guy who needs to lose 15 pounds of fat.

[Bruno]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog?name=nba_draft&id=5260049&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fblog%3fname%3dnba_draft%26id%3d5260049


A few teams have privately expressed some concerns about Orton's left knee. While the issue hasn't risen to the point that a team would seriously consider not drafting him, there are worries that his knee is still weak and may have some structural issues.

Orton tore cartilage in his left knee in November of 2008 and ended up missing his senior year of high school. This past February, Kentucky head coach John Calipari noted to the media that he felt like Orton was still hobbled by the knee -- though Orton, at the time, claimed it was 100 percent.

While the teams that had the information stressed that the concerns have not scared them away from drafting him, they do muddy the waters a bit when you factor Orton's sparse playing time last year and that he lacks the production of other big men in the draft.

[mountainballer]

^
I wouldn't touch Orton unless he goes the Blair route and slips to the 2nd round.
(and Blair did show that he can play 30 MPG for a season in college)
Orton's combine has also been a bit disappointing. he was always advertised as "true" 7 footer and comes out 6'10 in shoes. (great wingspan though). and not exactly in great shape and also not as impressive athletically as expected.
he is quite articulate and gives some funny answers, but I still got an ambivalent impression about him. not sure he is in fact that great to work with for a coach and the team.
and there is the story about his father, the wannabe coach, who reportedly is omnipresent and is pretty annoying. (like publicly claiming his son would be a top 5 pick and would have made Cousins look bad, if he had got more playing time)

[Mr Bones]

Who was the last out of shape Center with almost no playing time in college that got drafted based on upside and potential that turned out to be an impressive pro?

[ChuckD]

Who was the last out of shape Center with almost no playing time in college that got drafted based on upside and potential that turned out to be an impressive pro?


Guy is a K Perkins clone.

Boston has Perkins AND Big Baby. It all depends on the environment the player gets dropped into.

[Mr Bones]

Big Baby had a great college career and Perkins got drafted out of high school.

My post asked who was the last out of shape Center with almost no playing time in college that got drafted based on upside and potential that turned out to be an impressive pro?

[Pistons < Spurs]

DraftExpress

Daniel Orton has canceled all six of his remaining workouts, according to an NBA source. Speculation is that he may have a promise from OKC

[Mr Bones]

Any college player who cancels workouts based on a "promise" is just foolish... if something unexpected happens, that team is going to break the promise and do what is best for the organization.

[ChuckD]

Any college player who cancels workouts based on a "promise" is just foolish... if something unexpected happens, that team is going to break the promise and do what is best for the organization.

You're not just promising the player, you're promising the agent, who will have players in the next ten drafts and free agents available for the same period. In addition, agents usually work together in agencies, and the entire agency could slap a FA boycott on your team.

A GM had better think long and hard about that before breaking one.

[Bruno]

If the OKC promise at #21 is true, it isn't a good news for Spurs.

I hoped Orton would be drafted before Spurs pick and allowed an interesting SF to slip to #20.

[ducks]

Pacers may take Orton at No. 10

By Mark J. Miller

Daniel OrtonIf the Indiana Pacers don't trade its No. 10 pick in next week's NBA draft, they might take Kentucky center Daniel Orton with the selection, the Indianapolis Star reports.

The 19-year-old who declared himself ready for the NBA after his freshman year worked out for the team on June 1. The team is setting up a second workout, according to the paper.

The 6-10, 260-pound Oklahoma native averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for Kentucky.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Pacers-may-take-Orton-at-No-10;_ylt=AvTHL9mz0CeehqtUb7ngxEeLvLYF?urn=nba,24947 5

[benefactor]

Think Tank ducks. Your kind isn't allowed here.

[ducks]

you are rude!

[ChuckD]

Ten is pretty high to pick a kid that is not only a "one and done", but only played 13 minutes doing it. When your minutes are that low, a handful of good games can skew your stats a lot. He's obviously got a lot of upside, but...ten?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

you are rude!

:lol

[Bruno]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlP4L6RegJGQALR4pHJP37e8vLYF?slug=aw-draftbuzz062210


Orton stock dropping

There’s a great deal of uncertainty and caution surrounding Kentucky center Daniel Orton, who has cancelled several workouts in the final days before the draft, but has tentatively planned a visit with Indiana on Tuesday.

League executives say Orton has been out of shape and struggling with knee issues during the predraft process. Orton, a 6-foot-10 freshman, had planned to hire agent Raymond Brothers, but sources said an internal family struggle over control has kept him without formal representation. With so much uncertainty surrounding Orton, he could face a steep drop Thursday night.

Orton has been working out with former NBA coach Bob Hill. As one Eastern Conference executive said Monday, “There are too many red flags right now.”

I guess Orton is out of the picture at #20.
Maybe getting a very late first or an early second to draft him and let him develop in Austin would be a good idea.

[mountainballer]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlP4L6RegJGQALR4pHJP37e8vLYF?slug=aw-draftbuzz062210



I guess Orton is out of the picture at #20.
Maybe getting a very late first or an early second to draft him and let him develop in Austin would be a good idea.

I see him drop to the 2nd round. and with this family around him, it will be tough to get guaranteed money at all. his pathetic and money grubbing father and brother just work hard to kill the career of Orton.

[Ocotillo]

Working out with Bob Hill? I guess there is no Spurs connection there unless it is super ultra-CIA. :lol

[Mr Bones]

I think of Marvin Williams not starting as a freshman on that North Carolina team that won the championship-- but he still got good minutes... and was then heralded by some as the most talented player in the draft. He has turned out to be a good player, but not worthy of being taken #2. I think I feel the same about Orton at #20.

[duncan228]

Hayward, Orton Among Prospects On The Rise (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tsn-haywardortonamongpro)
SportingNews

Back in April, there was some question about whether these underclassmen were making the right decision in putting in their names for Thursday’s NBA draft. But for all five, their spots in the first round are secure and their stock is on the rise.

C Daniel Orton, Kentucky. Orton didn’t get a chance to show what he can do last year, but he is physically imposing and, scouts say, defensively sound.

[ChuckD]

I think of Marvin Williams not starting as a freshman on that North Carolina team that won the championship-- but he still got good minutes... and was then heralded by some as the most talented player in the draft. He has turned out to be a good player, but not worthy of being taken #2. I think I feel the same about Orton at #20.

MW had a three year period where he averaged 14p/5.5r. For a #2 pick, that's not great but could only be considered a rousing success for a #20 pick.

Even with his issues and family squabbles, anywhere past the lottery isn't really a reach for a high potential big man like Orton. If I were a GM, though, I'd have to think long and hard about picking him at 12 or higher. Big men are often overvalued in the draft, though. I think he should go between 15-25.

[boutons_deux]

Sounds like another physical talent who hasn't learned to play the entire game. 3 more years in college outta help.

[ChuckD]

This guy's first professional game was a disaster. 3 points 3 boards 5 fouls some turnovers and was ejected for a little scuffle

Why should Orlando be surprised? Isn't 3/3 what he averaged at KY? :lmao

[Cane]

This guy's first professional game was a disaster. 3 points 3 boards 5 fouls some turnovers and was ejected for a little scuffle

Well the bolded part sounds like he's been watching plenty of tape from Orlando's Dwight Howard ;)

[ChuckD]

Why on earth would Orlando draft ANOTHER high maintenance emo center? Isn't one enough?