Chad Ford: Leonard was the steal of the draft

[Spurtacus]

Draft Grade: A-

Round 1: Kawhi Leonard (15, obtained from Pacers), Cory Joseph (29)

Round 2: Davis Bertans (42, obtained from Indiana), Adam Hanga (59)

Analysis: The Spurs gave up a critical part of their rotation in George Hill to get Kawhi Leonard and Davis Bertans. But I think it was worth it for two reasons. One, the Spurs were going to have a hard time playing Hill once he hit free agency next summer. And two, I think Leonard was the steal of the draft at 15.

His approach to the game is a perfect fit with the Spurs. The team also go great value in the second round with Bertans. He can already shoot the lights out, and a few more years in Europe could turn him into a more complete player. Hanga was a stash pick at 59. I doubt we ever see him in the NBA, but you never know.

Joseph seemed like a bit of reach at 29. I think the Spurs see him as a replacement for George Hill, but I'm not sure the same level of talent is there.

[Mr. Body]

Yet you'll have people bitching and moaning about this pick. Maybe it doesn't pan out, I mean, obviously. But it's a great move at this moment.

[will_spurs]

I think it was a great move, but I also think it's safe for ny NBA writer to hail whoever the Spurs pick as "the steal of the draft". Everybody can believe it, so it's a no risk claim.

[Spurtacus]

I think it was a great move, but I also think it's safe for ny NBA writer to hail whoever the Spurs pick as "the steal of the draft". Everybody can believe it, so it's a no risk claim.

Leonard was ranked #7 overall by Ford and #5 by Hollinger. He was a mid lotto pick that fell to the first pick outside of the lotto. But I understand where you are coming from; lots of people said James Anderson and DeJuan Blair were the steal of the draft.

[SenorSpur]

With the logjam at the SG position, Hill was the logical player to move. And getting a rookie SF, who can score, rebound and defend in return, is certainly worth it. Hopefully, Leonard challenges RJ for the starting job.

[baseline bum]

Shit, it makes me nervous when Chad Ford loves a Spurs move. This is the same guy who wrote articles for an entire summer about how Darko was a superior long-term prospect than either James or Anthony.

[polandprzem]

Maciej lampe was also considered a lottery pick
And he had no success in NBA what so ever

[Mr. Body]

Maciej lampe was also considered a lottery pick
And he had no success in NBA what so ever

No offense, but what is this supposed to mean?

[Blake]

Shit, it makes me nervous when Chad Ford loves a Spurs move. This is the same guy who wrote articles for an entire summer about how Darko was a superior long-term prospect than either James or Anthony.

:lol

[King]

The same people who are angry at the Spurs FO for moving Hill for Leonard and parts are the same people who were angry at the Spurs FO for drafting Hill over Douglas-Roberts, Arthur and Chalmers.

[Buddy Holly]

The same people who are angry at the Spurs FO for moving Hill for Leonard and parts are the same people who were angry at the Spurs FO for drafting Hill over Douglas-Roberts, Arthur and Chalmers.

Probably the same people who were arguing that the Spurs should keep Gordan and trade Manu. Then got pissed when Gordan was traded.

[Killakobe81]

I think it was a good move and I am a bigger hill fan than most on here ...

Leonard is athletic and tenacious and plays a position of weakness while hill played in a crowded backcourt. Remember, your first pick last year needs to play too ...

[k_nguyen93]

I think it was a good move and I am a bigger hill fan than most on here ...

Leonard is athletic and tenacious and plays a position of weakness while hill played in a crowded backcourt. Remember, your first pick last year needs to play too ...

Someone that understands. Hill has no position to play. Can't dribble/pass and only hits threes from the corner. That being said he probably would have commanded mid level exception money next year. Spurs were right to get rid of him early. He didn't even improve last year. Frees up Anderson to play more two instead of trying to transition to the three.

[pgardn]

Leonard was ranked #7 overall by Ford and #5 by Hollinger. He was a mid lotto pick that fell to the first pick outside of the lotto. But I understand where you are coming from; lots of people said James Anderson and DeJuan Blair were the steal of the draft.

What kind of player is Anderson? I personally dont know, he has not played enough.

What kind of player is DeJuan Blair? Well he could be a beast when he took off pounds. So he decided to get fat when Pop benched him. Lets see if he can change his attitude now that his best buddy is gone.

[spursfaninla]

Probably the same people who were arguing that the Spurs should keep Gordan and trade Manu. Then got pissed when Gordan was traded.

Ducks?

[wildbill2u]

Leonard was the top SF pick in the draft according to Draft Express, so there are some other folks out there who like him for his athleticism and defense.

Everyone has been screaming about wanting youth, athleticism, rebounding and defense from the Sf position, and this pick, while maybe not perfect, fills those needs pretty well.

[pancakechef]

It was a decent pick with what was available.

[Obstructed_View]

The same people who are angry at the Spurs FO for moving Hill for Leonard and parts are the same people who were angry at the Spurs FO for drafting Hill over Douglas-Roberts, Arthur and Chalmers.

I like the trade, but I'd rather the Spurs have gotten any of those guys instead of Hill.

[ElNono]

Shit, it makes me nervous when Chad Ford loves a Spurs move.

[Phillip]

pretty much every pick the Spurs get is considered "the steal of the draft", and none of them are ever better than a decent role player.

[Spurtacus]

pretty much every pick the Spurs get is considered "the steal of the draft", and none of them are ever better than a decent role player.

Manu Ginobili & Tony Parker send their regards. The other guys...well they are still young.

[spurspokesman]

With the logjam at the SG position, Hill was the logical player to move. And getting a rookie SF, who can score, rebound and defend in return, is certainly worth it. Hopefully, Leonard challenges RJ for the starting job.

No hopefully he takes rjs starting job. Rj has become a pain to watch.

[Blake]

pretty much every pick the Spurs get is considered "the steal of the draft", and none of them are ever better than a decent role player.

Tim Duncan was stolen depending on who you ask.

[k_nguyen93]

Tim Duncan was stolen depending on who you ask.

SIMMONS. Scola at 56? Dejuan at 37 still a steal at the time. Maybe Jonas Jerebko will turn out better but they signed RJ.

[Solid D]

pretty much every pick the Spurs get is considered "the steal of the draft", and none of them are ever better than a decent role player.

and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 1 25 Dominique Jones (via trade with T-Wolves for cash)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 25 Roddy Beaubois (via trade with Thunder for pick)
2009 NBA 2 45 Nick Calathes (via trade with T-Wolves for pick & cash)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded to Magic for Reyshawn Terry)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 1 5 Devin Harris (via trade with Wizzards for Antawn Jamison)
2004 NBA 1 21 Pavel Podkolzin (via trade with Jazz for future pick)
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield

[Fabbs]

Shit, it makes me nervous when Chad Ford loves a Spurs move. This is the same guy who wrote articles for an entire summer about how Darko was a superior long-term prospect than either James or Anthony.
Thank you.

[lefty]

“If my opponent isn’t scoring, then we’re going to win the game. I take a lot of pride in trying to shave points off a players’ average or make sure he doesn’t have a good shooting night.”


:D

[mudyez]

from simmons' grantland draft draft blog...

"9:26 -- TRADE! Ric Bucher reports that San Antonio is sending George Hill to Indiana for the rights to Kawhi Leonard. Like it for both teams. Van Gundy's take: "When San Antonio does a deal, I always think they're right." Somewhere, the people watching this draft with Richard Jefferson are sitting in awkward silence."

http://www.grantland.com/story?id=6698842&page=2

[Nathan89]

and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 24 Byron Mullens (traded)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield
:vomit:

[Spurtacus]

and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 24 Byron Mullens (traded)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield

:lmao

[Solid D]

I updated list to show draftees acquired via trade but it's not much better.


and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 1 25 Dominique Jones (via trade with T-Wolves for cash)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 25 Roddy Beaubois (via trade with Thunder for pick)
2009 NBA 2 45 Nick Calathes (via trade with T-Wolves for pick & cash)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded to Magic for Reyshawn Terry)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 1 5 Devin Harris (via trade with Wizzards for Antawn Jamison)
2004 NBA 1 21 Pavel Podkolzin (via trade with Jazz for future pick)
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield

[Cessation]

^ Damn, mavericks suck ass when it comes to drafting. Good thing they have cubans deep pockets to make up for it.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

2003 Josh Howard (wasn't he traded too)?

[ChuckD]

2003 Josh Howard (wasn't he traded too)?

I think when it's annotated as (traded), they are talking on draft night. You are right, Josh Howard was traded, and Devin Harris, as well, their only two decent picks over that period.

[Mark in Austin]

Shit, it makes me nervous when Chad Ford loves a Spurs move. This is the same guy who wrote articles for an entire summer about how Darko was a superior long-term prospect than either James or Anthony.

:lol 'Coming Out of the Darko' FTW.

[easjer]

Darko has proven to be a superior long-term prospect - in that the long-term appears to be perpetual. How well did James or Anthony fair as long-term prospects? Not well, considering their immediate impacts on their teams. . .

Chad Ford may not always be right, but overall, it appears to be a good deal for the Spurs and far better than I'd expected this year.

[Shank]

Lol draft grades

[joshdaboss]

32" vertical

[Man In Black]

http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/leonard_kawhi00.html

[TJastal]

Dude has that whole Allen Iverson look. Been working overrtime on his dribbling and perimeter skillz too.

Somebody in the spurs organization better remind him he's 6'7" 225lbs and will probably be playing 1 of the forward positions...lol

[ChumpDumper]

lol agenda

[TJastal]

lol agenda

the only agenda here is your mission to bump your post count to new ridiculous levels. :lol

[ChumpDumper]

the only agenda here is your mission to bump your post count to new ridiculous levels. :lolNah, your agenda is to beatify George Hill and shit on the guy he was traded for even though you've never seen him play.

[TJastal]

I don't know why you keep calling every opinion of mine "an agenda".

My reasoning and opinions are not an agenda. First off...I'm very skeptical about anyone ESPN calls the "steal of the draft". Secondly, the spurs had a chance to grab Singleton who will be a much more polished player than Leonard and in two years will be a far better overall player than Leonard.

I would have been still butthurt to see Hill go, but a lot less butthurt had the spurs selected Singleton.

[NewcastleKEG]

He's 19 years old. . . . .

Buddy in the SD area already talking about buying a Spurs jersey. Enjoy this kid

[NASpurs]

I don't know why you keep calling every opinion of mine "an agenda".

My reasoning and opinions are not an agenda. First off...I'm very skeptical about anyone ESPN calls the "steal of the draft". Secondly, the spurs had a chance to grab Singleton who will be a much more polished player than Leonard and in two years will be a far better overall player than Leonard.

I would have been still butthurt to see Hill go, but a lot less butthurt had the spurs selected Singleton.

lol thinking you're a scout now

[dbestpro]

They need to keep Blair awayd from Leonard. Don't want the Human Avatar becoming the Hhuman Fench Fies along side the Human Hamburger.

[iminol]

Do we already know his jersey # number? I mean Leonard.

[TJastal]

They need to keep Blair awayd from Leonard. Don't want the Human Avatar becoming the Hhuman Fench Fies along side the Human Hamburger.

Well, he's gonna have plenty of time to hang out with Dejuan on the bench, if Pop wouldn't play Splitter last year he sure as hell isn't gonna play this raw rookie @ barely 20 years old...with no polished offensive skills, no post game, bad agility, bad vertical, shit for strength (lol 3 bench presses x @ 185lbs).

[Vic Petro]

I don't know why you keep calling every opinion of mine "an agenda".

My reasoning and opinions are not an agenda. First off...I'm very skeptical about anyone ESPN calls the "steal of the draft". Secondly, the spurs had a chance to grab Singleton who will be a much more polished player than Leonard and in two years will be a far better overall player than Leonard.

I would have been still butthurt to see Hill go, but a lot less butthurt had the spurs selected Singleton.

I like how you bash Leonard for having a crappy offensive game and then say you wish we had Singleton who has a worse offensive game. All Singleton does well is shoot spot-up 3's and play defense. After all the complaining about the Spurs relying too much on the 3, you'd rather have another 3-point shooter over a guy who attacks the rim and scores off putbacks?

Also re: Splitter let's not forget that he was set to be a rotation guy from day 1 until he hurt himself and fell into Pop's dog house. Same with Anderson. Pop is willing to give rookies a chance, but if they hurt themselves he seems to hold it against them to the detriment of the team.

[TJastal]

I like how you bash Leonard for having a crappy offensive game and then say you wish we had Singleton who has a worse offensive game. All Singleton does well is shoot spot-up 3's and play defense. After all the complaining about the Spurs relying too much on the 3, you'd rather have another 3-point shooter over a guy who attacks the rim and scores off putbacks?

Also re: Splitter let's not forget that he was set to be a rotation guy from day 1 until he hurt himself and fell into Pop's dog house. Same with Anderson. Pop is willing to give rookies a chance, but if they hurt themselves he seems to hold it against them to the detriment of the team.

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2011/5/24/2188125/kawhi-leonard-chris-singleton-tristan-thompson-markieff-morris


Kawhi Leonard

•Two-point percentage: 47.8%. That's just dreadful. Some of it can be explained by increased usage (Leonard's rate went from 25.6% to 27.5% from his first to his second year), but no lottery pick should ever be that low without a good reason.



•3PT%: 29.1%.
•Conclusion: And therein lies the problem. Leonard will have to become a passable three-point shooter, because he is so dreadfully inefficient as a two-point shooter. To do that, he will have to play further away from the basket, which negates his rebounding advantage. This is why I'm down on Leonard as a prospect. He's a great workout guy and has great measurables, but he doesn't have enough scoring ability to be anything more than a self-check as a 4, and even if he develops a three-point shot and becomes a 3/D type, it takes away his biggest on-court asset (rebounding). There are a lot of interesting things to the Leonard package, but they just don't add up to me.


Everything about Singleton indicates to me that he is the much better nba prospect and fit for the spurs. Taller, better agility, better leaper, much stronger in the upper body, all of which will translate into a much more polished nba SF/PF. And being able to hit 3's is defenitely a plus in the spurs' system, esp if he's going to be replacing Jefferson in the starting lineup.

[Isitjustme?]

The same people who are angry at the Spurs FO for moving Hill for Leonard and parts are the same people who were angry at the Spurs FO for drafting Hill over Douglas-Roberts, Arthur and Chalmers.


I like the trade, but I'd rather the Spurs have gotten any of those guys instead of Hill.

What a shitty take.

[Vic Petro]

Singleton has a worse two-point percentage.

[TJastal]

Singleton has a worse two-point percentage.


Conclusion: The latter figure is what gives Singleton some hope for me. I think he will much more easily transition into a 3/D role than Leonard. He improved his three-point shot from last year to this year, and I think he could develop into a three-point shooter in the pros. That allows me to excuse his similarly dreadful 2PT%, because if he's a 3/D guy, he's not taking a ton of 2s anyway. Leonard is younger, but I'd rather take Singleton than him.

Singleton's superior height, agility, strength, and vertical will also help him transition to either SF/PF.

Pop really won't be able to play Leonard as a SF nor will he be able to use him as a PF either. Besides being 2 inches shorter than Singleton and significantly weaker (3x 185lb bar to Singleton's 18x) he'd be regularily abused in the paint.

[Buddy Holly]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2011/5/24/2188125/kawhi-leonard-chris-singleton-tristan-thompson-markieff-morris





Everything about Singleton indicates to me that he is the much better nba prospect and fit for the spurs. Taller, better agility, better leaper, much stronger in the upper body, all of which will translate into a much more polished nba SF/PF. And being able to hit 3's is defenitely a plus in the spurs' system, esp if he's going to be replacing Jefferson in the starting lineup.

47% field goal percentage is dreadful for a small forward?

Might not want to tell that to Carmelo Anthony who has a worse shooting percentage. :lol

[Buddy Holly]

Singleton's superior height, agility, strength, and vertical will also help him transition to either SF/PF.

Pop really won't be able to play Leonard as a SF nor will he be able to use him as a PF either. Besides being 2 inches shorter than Singleton and significantly weaker (3x 185lb bar to Singleton's 18x) he'd be regularily abused in the paint.

Leonard is a 3, not a four. That's his position.

Just stfu and quit talking out your ass already.

[Buddy Holly]

Since you like quoting sites about players:


Chris Singleton is known as one of the best defenders in this draft class, but his offensive efficiency of .86 PPP leaves a lot to be desired, as it ranks 2nd worst in this group after Chris Wright.

Singleton's mediocre ball-handling skills seem to be the main culprit here. He turns the ball over at a fairly high rate, (14.2% of possessions), which ranks him 6th in this group.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chris-Singleton-1342/#ixzz1QIkxoUDV

[TJastal]

Leonard is a 3, not a four. That's his position.

Just stfu and quit talking out your ass already.

Exactly. He'll be limited to that position whereas Singleton could have been used in either position.

And Singleton will be a much superior defender at either position. Superior vertical, agility & strength will translate into a much better defensive player at the nba level.

Khwami's wingspan and hand size will not make up for his lack of all these other attributes. Quick 3's will blow by him. Big 3's will outmuscle him.

At first I thought he might develop into an Artest type player. Boy looks strong, but only being able to bench 185lb 3x @ 6'7" 230lb is just pitiful. Hell, I'm only 5'9" and 175 after a big meal and I can bench my own weight 3 X.

[stxspurs]

Exactly. He'll be limited to that position whereas Singleton could have been used in either position.

And Singleton will be a much superior defender at either position. Superior vertical, agility & strength will translate into a much better defensive player at the nba level.

Khwami's wingspan and hand size will not make up for his lack of all these other attributes. Quick 3's will blow by him. Big 3's will outmuscle him.

At first I thought he might develop into an Artest type player. Boy looks strong, but only being able to bench 185lb 3x @ 6'7" 230lb is just pitiful. Hell, I'm only 5'9" and 175 and I can bench my own weight 3 X.

Your short stubby arms make it easier to lift your weight

[NASpurs]

Your short stubby arms make it easier to lift your weight

This is the same guy who said "what's so special about running".

[TJastal]

Your short stubby arms make it easier to lift your weight

Actually my arms are extremely long for my height, 73 inch wingspan.

[stxspurs]

This is the same guy who said "what's so special about running".

That wasn't me.....but if u think about it.....

[NASpurs]

This is the same guy who said "what's so special about running".

Not talking about you. Talking about the guy who you quoted.

[stxspurs]

Oh lol

[TJastal]

This is the same guy who said "what's so special about running".

Keeping in good cardiovascular health is the key, and running isn't required to do that.

Unless you're suggesting somebody might "forget" how to run. Seems to me its like riding a bicycle, once you learn you'll never forget it :downspin:

[NASpurs]

Keeping in good cardiovascular health is the key, and running isn't required to do that.

Unless you're suggesting somebody might "forget" how to run. Seems to me its like riding a bicycle, once you learn you'll never forget it :downspin:

I'm not suggesting anything. You're the one who said "what's so special about running".

[TJastal]

I'm not suggesting anything. You're the one who said "what's so special about running".

So answer the question then, what's so special about running?

[NASpurs]

So answer the question then, what's so special about running?

When a guy has a broken foot and his job is to run? You're trolling me.

[TJastal]

When a guy has a broken foot and his job is to run? You're trolling me.

His job is to stay in some kind of physical shape and not turn into a couch potato. Which doesn't require running. He's got an endless supply of choices that are impact free .. swimming, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, rowng machines just to name a few.

Well, unless he forgets how to run and tries to row his way down the court. That could be a problem I suppose..

[ChumpDumper]

TJastal has never seen either Leonard or Singleton play.

[mountainballer]

Singleton's superior height, agility, strength, and vertical will also help him transition to either SF/PF.

Pop really won't be able to play Leonard as a SF nor will he be able to use him as a PF either. Besides being 2 inches shorter than Singleton and significantly weaker (3x 185lb bar to Singleton's 18x) he'd be regularily abused in the paint.

first of, it's ok that you would have preferred Singleton. some her share this opinion, some don't. it will take about 1-3 seasons to find out who was right.
however, taking the testing numbers from a single day as if they were the absolute and only proof of a players athletic abilities is nonsense.
watch a player like Leonard and you know that he is a better athlete than this numbers.

maybe this helps to understand:


@chadfordinsider Chad Ford
One theory on Kawhi Leonard's subpar testing. He did not warm up before the test. Most players had played 45 min. He was cold.
http://twitter.com/#!/chadfordinsider/status/73834961223954432


whatever the reason has been, no athlete in his right mind would try as hard as possible when he is cold. best method to get injured immediately. great moment to get injured, when you face a dozen of individual workouts with interested team, right?
teams test your athletic abilities in those workouts anyhow.

btw. numbers. you can't fluke a 40' vertical when you are a 30' athlete. or 20 reps when your limit is 5.
but a 40' jumper can do a test and (for whatever reason) just jump 30'. doesn't proof that he isn't able to jump 40.

[Harry Callahan]

and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 1 25 Dominique Jones (via trade with T-Wolves for cash)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 25 Roddy Beaubois (via trade with Thunder for pick)
2009 NBA 2 45 Nick Calathes (via trade with T-Wolves for pick & cash)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded to Magic for Reyshawn Terry)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 1 5 Devin Harris (via trade with Wizzards for Antawn Jamison)
2004 NBA 1 21 Pavel Podkolzin (via trade with Jazz for future pick)
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield

You read my mind. Thank you.

The Mavies have SUCKED at the draft for a long, long time. They often have not even taken decent role players. They have traded some #1s recently, but have only gotten decent production from Howard and Harris over the last decade, and they have been gone for a few years.

SA, on the other had, has generally hit on their #1 picks in that just about all of them (since the drafting of Duncan) are still in the league.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Being the steal of one of the worst drafts in recent memory is nothing to write home about. That being said, I like the Leonard pick and if Pop gets over himself and gives KL and TS starting nods then the Spurs could be back to being a good defensive team.

They're still a 2nd-round ceiling team with ancient stars, though.

[Harry Callahan]

Being the steal of one of the worst drafts in recent memory is nothing to write home about. That being said, I like the Leonard pick and if Pop gets over himself and gives KL and TS starting nods then the Spurs could be back to being a good defensive team.

They're still a 2nd-round ceiling team with ancient stars, though.

The 2001 draft was a terrible draft, based on eventual production. Tony Parker was the 28th pick in that draft and should have been a top five pick in hindsight.

Hopefully Leonard can be like that too. There's always 4-5 players that get it done and have good careers even in bad drafts.

I have not seen Leonard play. DD, did you see him play some? I assume you are in California.

I think the Spurs max is 2nd round too because of age, but at least some of the pieces for the post Duncan/Manu period may be starting to arrive.

The Lakers are starting to get long in the tooth too to a lesser extent. They have Bynum as a really good young player right now, but his knees are already a bit of a problem. They need some youth too.

[DeadlyDynasty]

The 2001 draft was a terrible draft, based on eventual production. Tony Parker was the 28th pick in that draft and should have been a top five pick in hindsight.

Hopefully Leonard can be like that too. There's always 4-5 players that get it done and have good careers even in bad drafts.

I have not seen Leonard play. DD, did you see him play some? I assume you are in California.

I think the Spurs max is 2nd round too because of age, but at least some of the pieces for the post Duncan/Manu period may be starting to arrive.

The Lakers are starting to get long in the tooth too to a lesser extent. They have Bynum as a really good young player right now, but his knees are already a bit of a problem. They need some youth too.

No, I'm not from Cali...but SDSU got a little play on late-night ESPN games as the season progressed. He's a versatile player with a ton of athleticism (things you guys already know) that can be a damn good starter if brought up right. Pop is a great coach, but he's gonna need to give the kid a lot of run and let him make mistakes. Don't give him the Splitter treatment.

Like i said before, he needs to start Leonard and TS and stick with them through the growing pains. The team will be better for it.

As for the Lakers...yeah, they're aging as well but they rarely build through the draft anyways. They're gonna need some speed in the backcourt and more scoring off the bench to win another one. The status quo won't do.

[Buddy Holly]

What's so special about running when talking about an athlete keeping up their cardio?

Oh my god, that's the most retarded question ever.

Unless NBA players do a spin class or p90x or speed walk, running is the most effective way for an athlete to get cardio you dumb ass.

[DeadlyDynasty]

For the Chris Singleton crowd--I did see a lot of him (I live in FL). He's not much to speak of on the offensive end (even though he led the Noles in scoring I believe) but GODDAMN is that guy a beast defensively. The Wiz got a keeper, imo. So did the Spurs though.

[jjktkk]

Singleton's superior height, agility, strength, and vertical will also help him transition to either SF/PF.

Pop really won't be able to play Leonard as a SF nor will he be able to use him as a PF either. Besides being 2 inches shorter than Singleton and significantly weaker (3x 185lb bar to Singleton's 18x) he'd be regularily abused in the paint.

WTF are you on?

[Mel_13]

No, I'm not from Cali...but SDSU got a little play on late-night ESPN games as the season progressed. He's a versatile player with a ton of athleticism (things you guys already know) that can be a damn good starter if brought up right. Pop is a great coach, but he's gonna need to give the kid a lot of run and let him make mistakes. Don't give him the Splitter treatment.



For the Chris Singleton crowd--I did see a lot of him (I live in FL). He's not much to speak of on the offensive end (even though he led the Noles in scoring I believe) but GODDAMN is that guy a beast defensively. The Wiz got a keeper, imo. So did the Spurs though.

Thanks. Opinions based on actually seeing the players in games are helpful,

[jjktkk]

Actually my arms are extremely long for my height, 73 inch wingspan.

This would come in handy, if you decided to choke the shit out of your self.

[Buddy Holly]

That dipshit TJastal has never seen the kid play but can already dictate what position he can and can't play and which players he can and can't defend.

His life is super fail.

[Obstructed_View]

This would come in handy, if you decided to choke the shit out of your self.

:lmao

[TJastal]

That dipshit TJastal has never seen the kid play but can already dictate what position he can and can't play and which players he can and can't defend.

His life is super fail.


My judgements were based on watching some game film of him online and also his poor preformances at the draft combine, which somebody already pointed out he was sitting in a cold gym and didn't have proper warm up. I think its a bullshit excuse but whatever. He'll get his chance to prove me wrong and I hope he does.

[ChumpDumper]

My judgements were based on watching some game film of him onlineBullshit. You cherry picked some other board's negative posts about him.
and also his poor preformances at the draft combine, which somebody already pointed out he was sitting in a cold gym and didn't have proper warm up. I think its a bullshit excuse but whatever.Excuses are only valid for players you like.
He'll get his chance to prove me wrong and I hope he does.No, you don't.

[TD 21]

Call it an unfair generalization if you must, but I've seen the type of player Leonard is succeed before. His name is Wallace. Who knows if he'll ever become All-Star caliber like Wallace, but he's definitely long term starter material, something that can't be said for any other young player on the Spurs not named Splitter.

As much as I like Hill, he isn't. He's a sixth man and his lack of size was glaring when the Spurs went to their best and often closing lineup, where he'd have to defend top opposition wings.

Right now, this may be a slight step back (other moves they make and how ready Leonard is will determine that), but they couldn't not do this. Not when you consider how long they've been looking to find a big, athletic, defensive minded wing. Look at all the fringe prospects they've had in that time, hoping they'd fluke out with one. They no longer have to resort to that.

[benefactor]

Good post, TD21. It's funny how Spur fan salivates over getting Gerald Wallace but they are pissed because the Spurs got Leonard. Their games are incredibly similar.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

and then there is this...
Dallas Mavericks draft history the past decade:

2011 NBA 1 26 Jordan Hamilton (traded)
2011 NBA 2 57 Targuy Ngombo (traded)
2010 NBA 1 25 Dominique Jones (via trade with T-Wolves for cash)
2010 NBA 2 50 Solomon Alabi (traded)
2009 NBA 1 25 Roddy Beaubois (via trade with Thunder for pick)
2009 NBA 2 45 Nick Calathes (via trade with T-Wolves for pick & cash)
2009 NBA 2 56 Ahmad Nivins
2008 NBA 2 51 Shan Foster
2007 NBA 2 34 Nick Fazekas
2007 NBA 2 50 Renaldas Seibutis
2007 NBA 2 60 Milovan Rakovic (traded to Magic for Reyshawn Terry)
2006 NBA 1 28 Maurice Ager
2004 NBA 1 5 Devin Harris (via trade with Wizzards for Antawn Jamison)
2004 NBA 1 21 Pavel Podkolzin (via trade with Jazz for future pick)
2004 NBA 2 50 Vassilis Spanoulis (traded)
2003 NBA 1 29 Josh Howard
2003 NBA 2 57 Xue Yuyang (traded)
2002 NBA 2 54 Mladen Sekularac (traded)
2001 NBA 2 43 Kyle Hill (traded)
2001 NBA 2 53 Kenny Satterfield


/thread

[Spurtacus]

Kawhibunga!

[vander]

I guess this Chad Ford guy knows a thing or two about basketball talent

[MannyIsGod]

Eh, broken clock twice a day blind squirrel nut etc etc

[anakha]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2011/5/24/2188125/kawhi-leonard-chris-singleton-tristan-thompson-markieff-morris

Everything about Singleton indicates to me that he is the much better nba prospect and fit for the spurs. Taller, better agility, better leaper, much stronger in the upper body, all of which will translate into a much more polished nba SF/PF. And being able to hit 3's is defenitely a plus in the spurs' system, esp if he's going to be replacing Jefferson in the starting lineup.


Singleton's superior height, agility, strength, and vertical will also help him transition to either SF/PF.

Pop really won't be able to play Leonard as a SF nor will he be able to use him as a PF either. Besides being 2 inches shorter than Singleton and significantly weaker (3x 185lb bar to Singleton's 18x) he'd be regularily abused in the paint.


Exactly. He'll be limited to that position whereas Singleton could have been used in either position.

And Singleton will be a much superior defender at either position. Superior vertical, agility & strength will translate into a much better defensive player at the nba level.

Khwami's wingspan and hand size will not make up for his lack of all these other attributes. Quick 3's will blow by him. Big 3's will outmuscle him.

At first I thought he might develop into an Artest type player. Boy looks strong, but only being able to bench 185lb 3x @ 6'7" 230lb is just pitiful. Hell, I'm only 5'9" and 175 after a big meal and I can bench my own weight 3 X.

:lmao

[Wild Cobra Kai]

TJastal, bringin' the bads....

[Obstructed_View]

God damn I must have still been mad at Hill from the playoffs. :lol