2012 Draft Prospect: Bernard James [Archive]

Bruno

03-04-2012, 05:19 PM

http://warchant.zenfolio.com/img/s10/v16/p639880047-3.jpg
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240 lbs
Birthday: 02/07/1985
College: Florida State

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Bernard-James-6515/)
nbadraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/bernard-james)

Kurik

03-24-2012, 11:53 PM

bluebellmaniac

03-25-2012, 02:50 AM

He's 27, former Staff Sergeant in the Air Force and is considered by many analysts to be one of the better post defenders in college. I think he may be available with the second round pick or even go undrafted due to his age and I would love for the Spurs to give him a shot.

Pretty impressive. Sounds exactly like someone that Pop and RC would give a serious look at .... and grab with the 60th pick. Be interesting to see what we could do with such a disciplined prospect.

buttsR4rebounding

03-25-2012, 09:52 AM

Unless the rules changed with the new CBA I believe he is too old for the draft. He is a FA and can be signed by anyone.

Kurik

03-25-2012, 01:31 PM

I don't believe so, he will be automatically eligible for the draft. He dropped out of high school at 16 to join the Air Force and got his GED while in the service.

TDMVPDPOY

03-25-2012, 03:14 PM

bring him in man, i prefer this guy than the one we got from england playin in the swiss alps

biziofromdowntown

03-31-2012, 09:04 AM

interesting

Wild Cobra Kai

04-03-2012, 08:08 AM

If he were as good as you said, T2S, he'd be in the mock draft for someone, instead of the #89 prospect and likely available as a non-drafted FA. If he truly were ready to "play right now", he'd likely be in the lottery.

ace3g

04-19-2012, 06:47 PM

Maybe this fitting title will become relevant in a couple of months:

KsWn5ovRcR4

4PGSU6A8BjM

-21-

05-22-2012, 07:50 PM

I dont care how old he is, he can play right now. He is a great defender and great athlete. He gets with the right team and he can have a good 7-9 year career. Hes a great shot blocker, moves very well on pick and roll D, rebounds strong and has a few raw post moves.

Yeah, he's a solid shot blocker/rebounder, plus he defends in the post. He's a little slow though imo, to defend the pick and roll well. Also, I don't think you should expect anything from him on offense. That said, I'd love for the Spurs to get him in the 2nd round. He seems like a Spur in that he's disciplined off the court and plays hard on the court.

Darkwaters

05-25-2012, 09:56 AM

Would be a solid choice at 60. Only knock on him is that he was Air Force.

:)

SenorSpur

05-30-2012, 02:09 PM

Wow. I heard about this kid, but have not done any research on him - yet. He certainly sounds like Spur-material. If he can defend, protect the rim and provide a post presence like everyone says, I'm in - no matter how old he is. Besides, the Spurs prefer mature players anyway.

SamoanTD

06-08-2012, 04:07 PM

Saw him on the combine he looked like he moved very well I like his background to someone spurs definitely on there radar.

Richie

06-08-2012, 04:41 PM

Still feel like this guy is perfect for the Spurs. May have to trade up in the second round to get him

tesseractive

06-08-2012, 06:00 PM

Still feel like this guy is perfect for the Spurs. May have to trade up in the second round to get him

Basically the guy we hoped we were getting with DeJuan Blair, but with legit size? Do I have that right?

ace3g

06-12-2012, 01:14 AM

QzNuixNVAvE

V3s4E2fsGYE

SenorSpur

06-12-2012, 11:41 PM

Damn! After watching these interviews, I love this guy even more! As such, I don't care if the Spurs move up into the first round. He has some solid defensive skills, loves doing dirty work and comes from a very good defensive program. Instead, I hope they move up into the early second round and take either this guy, Kyle O'quinn or Henry Sims.

ace3g

06-12-2012, 11:47 PM

He even says in the 2nd interview that he (and his agent) hopes he stays in the 2nd round so he isn't locked into a 3/4 year rookie contract with his age.

--

Brandon Mellor ‏@BrandonMellor

Former #FSU C Bernard James (@iBall_) measured 6'8.75 in socks, 6'10 in shoes, 7'3 wingspan, 9'0.5 standing reach at the NBA Draft Combine.

dylankerouac

06-13-2012, 01:23 PM

I hope we get a big in this years draft that the team is interested in developing.

loveforthegame

06-13-2012, 02:31 PM

Thanks for the interviews. Really impressed with him. :tu

Salty

06-13-2012, 02:58 PM

Very plausible that we can get this guy by moving up in the draft if someone bites on a trade for Blair. Not sure how high Blair's stock is after these playoffs, but he's a proven commodity and other teams will know what they're getting.

ace3g

06-13-2012, 03:35 PM

If the Spurs are interested, next question is how many spots would they have to move up in the draft. Although his wishes are to stay in the 2nd round, he is the type of player that could be taken earlier than expected (possibly even 1st round).

Either way Spurs need to keep their eyes/ears on alert where Bernard is forecasted to go; considering he is exactly the type of player they need on the roster.

Would be nice to bring in a lefty draft pick with military background...

--

Another vid:

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-21-

06-14-2012, 03:29 PM

His stock seemed to go up. Just checked on draftexpress.

Before they had him at 55 to the Mavs... Now they got him at 42 to Milwaukee.

ace3g

06-14-2012, 03:57 PM

Rookie life? No sweat when compared to past for FSU's James

http://www.nba.com/2012/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/06/14/bernard-james-serviceman-turned-draft-prospect/

ace3g

06-18-2012, 02:55 PM

His interview after his workout with the Bobcas:

http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video/2012/06/18/120618jamesm4v-2131634/index.html

dylankerouac

06-18-2012, 05:24 PM

This guy sounds good. I hope he gets his second round wish.

timvp

06-25-2012, 04:02 PM

If this guy drops to 59, which might happen due to his age (27), he makes a lot of sense. Fills a position of need, high character and Military Town USA would embrace him.

T Park

06-25-2012, 08:01 PM

plus hes good defensively, can block shots, has athleticism.

Could be a Kawhi Leonard esque pick. Would be great if he could fill that position of dire need.

Floyd Pacquiao

06-25-2012, 11:25 PM

Sounds like a spur and looks to be talented and athletic in a position the spurs need...hope he falls in the spurs hands

ace3g

06-26-2012, 04:52 PM

FSU's James hopes to hear his name called

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/8094437/florida-state-seminoles-bernard-james-hopes-find-home-nba

Here is a video from his workout with the Nuggets, shows comparison to the other PFs doing the same drills:

http://www.nba.com/nuggets/video/prospects-show-quick-feet

SenorSpur

06-26-2012, 05:40 PM

I feel like this guy would be an absolute perfect fit for the Spurs - both on and off the court. He fits almost every need they seemingly have on the frontline. I hope all teams, prior to the Spurs selection #59, pass on this guy because of his age.

Dr. John R. Brinkley

06-26-2012, 05:49 PM

Andthentherewas21

06-26-2012, 05:56 PM

Lefty, military, older - like David.
ACC, sci fi dork - like Tim.

Unfortunately, offensively challenged...though maybe Chip could sprinkle his magic jump-shooting pixie dust on him. Obviously, a hard-nosed banger is what we need, but if he is a complete offensive liability he won't see much time in the playoffs.

Wouldn't need much offense though, look at what Perk did to us against OKC. Just one or two go-to moves in the post and (wishfully) a 15-17 foot shot like Ibaka.

Dr. John R. Brinkley

06-26-2012, 06:31 PM

Wouldn't need much offense though, look at what Perk did to us against OKC. Just one or two go-to moves in the post and (wishfully) a 15-17 foot shot like Ibaka.

I don't agree with the comparison of the situations (mainly because the Spurs' defense sucks) but I agree that an outside shot and at least a single reliable post move would be all he needs to get playing time...assuming his defense is solid.

-21-

06-26-2012, 07:06 PM

I think we're gonna have to move up to get him. His stock has risen over the past few days, probably gonna go early 2nd round.

pad300

06-26-2012, 11:59 PM

He wouldn't be my choice. At 27, he's got a significant physical development advantage over college guys, but he doesn't stick out from the pack statistically. He'll have to do it against other full grown men in the NBA. Without the physical advantage, I don't see how he is going to do it...I'd rather go foreign or gamble on someone with more core potential at 59.

timvp

06-28-2012, 10:11 AM

The Cavaliers have strong interest in using one of their picks at 33 and 34 on Florida State forward Bernard James, a 27-year-old military veteran.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--syracuse-s-dion-waiters-drawing-interest-from-cavaliers.html

It's sounding more and more like James will be long gone by the time the Spurs pick. I'd like him at 59; hopefully teams get scared off by his age when it comes time to pull the trigger.

Richie

06-28-2012, 10:44 AM

Theres no chance he's there at 59. We need to trade up to get him, hopefully for Blair

SenorSpur

06-28-2012, 11:23 AM

Theres no chance he's there at 59. We need to trade up to get him, hopefully for Blair

^ This

timvp

06-28-2012, 11:31 AM

While I like James as a no-risk gamble at 59, I don't like him nearly as much higher in the draft. Tbh, most 27-year-old NBA players would absolutely crush college competition.

SamoanTD

06-28-2012, 11:39 AM

While I like James as a no-risk gamble at 59, I don't like him nearly as much higher in the draft. Tbh, most 27-year-old NBA players would absolutely crush college competition.

You take into account he never played in High School he just started picking up the game when he got into the military. So you can't really compare him to 27 year olds that are in the NBA and have been playing almost all there lives.

Cant_Be_Faded

06-28-2012, 11:43 AM

Don't rebounds, shot blocking, and defense translate well to the NBA?

If we trade up to get a guy in this mold,.I'm cool with that

benefactor

06-28-2012, 11:48 AM

Trading Blair to move up in the second for this guy would be a waste of an asset tbh.

Cant_Be_Faded

06-28-2012, 11:57 AM

Keeping him on the team would technically be a waste of an asset, too

SenorSpur

06-28-2012, 11:59 AM

Trading Blair to move up in the second for this guy would be a waste of an asset tbh.

Disagree.

If the Spurs were to somehow draft James, he would arrive as the 2nd best interior defender, rebounder and shotblocker on the Spurs from day one.

Cant_Be_Faded

06-28-2012, 12:02 PM

Can this guy run?
If he's fast enough to stay on the break and get into transition d, I like the idea of trading up to get him

benefactor

06-28-2012, 12:13 PM

Disagree.

If the Spurs were to somehow draft James, he would arrive as the 2nd best interior defender and shotblocker on the Spurs from day one.
...and in three seasons he'll be 30.

I agree with LJ. If he is there late in the second then its worth the gamble. If the Spurs are going to give up assets I'd much rather it be for a player that will actually play more than a handful of seasons.

SenorSpur

06-28-2012, 12:32 PM

...and in three seasons he'll be 30.

I agree with LJ. If he is there late in the second then its worth the gamble. If the Spurs are going to give up assets I'd much rather it be for a player that will actually play more than a handful of seasons.

So what if he's 27. What do the Spurs have along the frontline now? It's not like this kid can't play or that he doesn't have a demonstrated track record. He's a diligent, talented, hard-working kid, who fills an immediate need, at a position where the Spurs are woefully deficient.

So what if he'll be 30 in three years. This kid has no injury history and only started playing ball very late in his teens. As such, he doesn't have the wear and tear that most kids his age have.

Of course, this is all speculation on both our parts, just like the draft itself. However, this kid appears to be a solid investment. That said, investing an asset into a player that fills an immediate need is a sound decision. After all, that is exactly what the Spurs did last year, when they landed Kawai.

Darkwaters

06-28-2012, 12:37 PM

I love this kid and would gladly scoop him up in the 2nd.

Is he worth the 59? Absolutely.

Is he worth Dejuan Blair? Probably.

Andthentherewas21

06-28-2012, 01:52 PM

I think if it only costs you Dejuan you have to give it a try. Its the double edged sword of having to give up a known quantity for something unknown, but doing so with the knowledge that the known quantity hasn't been enough or the right fit. Yes James has 3 seasons until hes 30, and should probably have dominated more than he did in college, but as long as he has a chance to do a good job of filling the Spurs needs immediately, then you have to go for it.

I like Blair and he is pretty productive given his minutes, and especially for his contract. But if the Spurs are trying to win a championship, and Blair can't or won't be used in the postseason, you have to trade him for someone you think can.

benefactor

06-28-2012, 02:38 PM

SenorSpur

06-28-2012, 03:08 PM

Understand. And the Spurs roster is just brimming with multi-dimensional players along the frontline right now.

Vic Petro

06-28-2012, 03:31 PM

Spur fan is funny. They see shot blocker and they are ready to throw the sink at another team to get said player.

The guy is older and can't shoot. In order to compete the Spurs still have to score. Some limited player that only does one thing well is not going to make this team some sort of defensive juggernaut again. James can't be of much value defensively if he is a complete liability on the other end. Hes a situational player at best.

Isn't pretty much any player you'd get back for Blair going to be a situational player? Blair himself is a situational player. They can get a guy with a higher ceiling than James, sure, but the probability of getting a future starter in the mid 2nd round is slim. For what this team needs now, he's not a bad fit imo.

I'm not saying Bernard James or bust, just think trading up in the 2nd round to draft him isn't necessarily a horrible move because he's 27 or limited offensively. Every player in the mid 2nd round has warts and this guy has a better chance to play right away than most.

Cant_Be_Faded

06-28-2012, 03:33 PM

Can he run?

Salty

06-28-2012, 03:58 PM

There's a good chance he'll be a Spur if DeJuan gets sent to Golden State imo. If the Spurs don't trade Blair or don't pick James, he'll end up with Cleveland at #33 or #34.

benefactor

06-28-2012, 04:18 PM

Isn't pretty much any player you'd get back for Blair going to be a situational player? Blair himself is a situational player. They can get a guy with a higher ceiling than James, sure, but the probability of getting a future starter in the mid 2nd round is slim. For what this team needs now, he's not a bad fit imo.

I'm not saying Bernard James or bust, just think trading up in the 2nd round to draft him isn't necessarily a horrible move because he's 27 or limited offensively. Every player in the mid 2nd round has warts and this guy has a better chance to play right away than most.
If some team can't be convinced to give up a late first for Blair I'd rather see the Spurs keep him and package him with other players/picks for a better player.

benefactor

06-28-2012, 04:23 PM

Understand. And the Spurs roster is just brimming with multi-dimensional players along the frontline right now.
You're right...it isn't...but adding James doesn't change that.

SenorSpur

06-28-2012, 06:47 PM

You're right...it isn't...but adding James doesn't change that.

After watching the Spurs continuously flame out in the playoffs in consecutive years, in part, because of their inability to match the energy and athletic skill of some of their opponents, it's high time for an upgrade to the frontline. Enough with the undersized bigs and playoff-choking stretch 4's. The Spurs desperately need length, size and some athleticism on the frontline. It's essential that they improve defensively in this area. I believe this kid can help If they choose another option who provides the same skills, that's fine too.
The bottom line to all this is what they currently have is not working.