Spurs' future draft picks [Archive] - Page 6

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 04:36 PM

What about Mahinimi playing the NBDL for a year? I think that could work out well for him and for the team.

That has been discussed, and frankly, its probably not a bad idea. The main problem for Mahinmi is that his team seems to be moving on without him, so getting him playing time is not a priority. If the Spurs could bring him over here then he could get to know their system and get LOTS of playing time (even if at a lower level). Frankly, the quantity of time on the court might be more important than quality at this point.

What about this? The Spurs do NOT sign him to a contract, but Mahinmi comes over and plays the season for the Austin Toros NBADL team. Then on his off-days he can come and work out at the Spurs facility (not sure if thats legal...but if it is!). Chances are that if the Spurs signed him this year that would be all he did anyways. Now they can do it without losing a roster spot.

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 04:43 PM

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but I want Sean Williams.

Why? The guy is the exact opposite of Matt Bonner.

Lazy
Doesn't hustle
Always in trouble (got kicked off BC team)
No range on his shot
Athletic

Thats not Spurs basketball

mardigan

05-25-2007, 04:45 PM

Why? The guy is the exact opposite of Matt Bonner.

Lazy
Doesn't hustle
Always in trouble (got kicked off BC team)
No range on his shot
Athletic

Thats not Spurs basketball
No crap, I would much rather have Dudley, guy isnt athletic, but is smart, hustles, is a leader and hits big shots

Big P

05-25-2007, 04:46 PM

I think that Mahinmi would have to sign with the Spurs before playing for the Toros. He is property of an NBA team & would need to have a contract in order to play in the D league.

ChumpDumper

05-25-2007, 05:10 PM

I think that Mahinmi would have to sign with the Spurs before playing for the Toros. He is property of an NBA team & would need to have a contract in order to play in the D league.I am not sure he actually has to. Everything I've read about Ricky Sanchez says that the Nuggets still hold his rights. If the labor agreement applies to the D-League as it has other minor leagues in the past, this could indeed be true. I'm thinking specifically of Steve Logan who was drafted by Golden State. As long as he was playing pro ball anywhere, the Warriors still held his rights.

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 05:13 PM

I am not sure he actually has to. Everything I've read about Ricky Sanchez says that the Nuggets still hold his rights. If the labor agreement applies to the D-League as it has other minor leagues in the past, this could indeed be true. I'm thinking specifically of Steve Logan who was drafted by Golden State. As long as he was playing pro ball anywhere, the Warriors still held his rights.

If Mahinimi signs to play with the Toros (but doesn't sign with the Spurs) would he be allowed to come to the Spurs facilities and practice with the team?

ChumpDumper

05-25-2007, 05:19 PM

Formally? I doubt it.

DarrinS

05-25-2007, 05:21 PM

Romantic longings belong in The Club.

:lol

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 05:33 PM

Brandon Rush withdrew.

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 05:34 PM

Brandon Rush withdrew.

I just saw that too. :bang

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 05:35 PM

Brandon Rush Withdraws From NBA Draft
25th May, 2007 - 5:55 pm
AP -
Brandon Rush, who led Kansas in scoring last year, has withdrawn from the NBA draft and will play his junior season at the school.

A two-time all-conference selection, the 6-foot-6 Rush averaged a team-high 13.8 points for the Big 12 champions.

Sophomore Julian Wright, another starter, has committed to the draft. But with Rush returning, Kansas will have all but one of the 14 players who went 33-5 and captured the Jayhawks' third straight conference title.

Rush was projected to be a second round pick by RealGM.com.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/46239/20070525/brandon_rush_withdraws_from_nba_draft/

picnroll

05-25-2007, 05:35 PM

Somehow I doubt Mahinmi would be to thrilled about playing in the NBDL plus doing it on a non-NBA contract.

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 05:40 PM

Beno+Barry+Elson+our 2nd rounder to Nugs for Camby. :smokin They want to trade Camby and they're bound to lose Blake so they can use Beno and if it don't work they have Barry to fall back on.

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 05:44 PM

Somehow I doubt Mahinmi would be to thrilled about playing in the NBDL plus doing it on a non-NBA contract.

Haha, I thought about that too.

Bruno

05-25-2007, 05:52 PM

If you expect 3 or 4 more withdrawal, the 28th pick will be less interesting.
It's quite possible that no SF with good size, good athletism and BB skills will be available at 28.

picnroll

05-25-2007, 06:03 PM

My bet is that the Spurs draft somebody with down the road value, maybe another player they can stash in Europe a couple of years. In 3 to 4 years they are going to be looking at a massive rebuilding job. The Spurs will want young players that are a little seasoned at that point but early on into their rookie contracts.

I suspect what they'll look for more immediate help are experienced, filler players that fit in their free cap space time frame plans when they begin the rebuilding process. Those will come through trades or FA. Just my wild assed guess.

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 06:16 PM

I have a feeling that even though Horry said he wants to play another year that he will still retire. So Horry retires, I would let Bonner go too, trade Beno, Barry, and Elson and our 2nd rounder(58) for Camby which is a win-win sitiation, put Butler and White in the rotation, draft a combo guard preferably Rodney Stuckey and a SF like Almond or Tucker, and sign Mahinmi. I have a feeling next year Bruce is gonna take a page out of Horry's book and not play as much in the regular season(like 10min less) then he will get his minutes in the postseason.

C CAMBY/BUTLER
PF DUNCAN/OBERTO/MAHINMI/(HORRY, if he doesn't retire)
SF BOWEN/WHITE/(ALMOND or TUCKER)
SG MANU/FINLEY/(stuckey)
PG TONY/STUCKEY/VAUGHN

Kevin Blackistone

05-25-2007, 06:20 PM

Beno+Barry+Elson for Camby? I know we bend Denver over in the post season year after year, but I doubt they'll let us do it to them in the offseason too.

mardigan

05-25-2007, 06:21 PM

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 06:27 PM

Not to incite an argument but what's wrong with Tucker?

mardigan

05-25-2007, 06:29 PM

Not to incite an argument but what's wrong with Tucker?
Oh no argument, Im just not a fan of 6-5 power forwards with no jump shot and limited athleticism. That coupled with the fact that he doesnt have good ball handling skills and isnt that great on d and Im just not a big fan. He might turn out to be pretty good, but I think its going to take a lot of time and work to get his guard skills looking passable

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 06:30 PM

Well I didn't know much about him so I just assumed he was good from his stats.

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 06:31 PM

What about Almond?

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 06:36 PM

What about Almond?

Pretty good. I think we'd love to get him.

yavozerb

05-25-2007, 06:37 PM

Almond at #28 and mcguire at #33 looks pretty good right now..

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 06:38 PM

Almond at #28 and mcguire at #33 looks pretty good right now..

Although, the Knicks were reportedly looking at Almond.

johngateswhiteley

05-25-2007, 06:39 PM

Oh no argument, Im just not a fan of 6-5 power forwards with no jump shot and limited athleticism. That coupled with the fact that he doesnt have good ball handling skills and isnt that great on d and Im just not a big fan. He might turn out to be pretty good, but I think its going to take a lot of time and work to get his guard skills looking passable

1. he's a SF
2. he has the wingspan of a 6-7 player
3. he's strong
4. he has a 38 inch vertical

...he would be a nice fit, imo.

mardigan

05-25-2007, 06:39 PM

What about Almond?
I like him a lot, think Corey maggette with less muscle but a much better shot. He can hget to the line, has great range, good size for a sg. Not good at getting shots off the dribble, passing, or playing d. He could be very good though. Check out Derrick Byars from Vandy, this kid is my favorite in the draft, he reminds me of Josh Howard a little in his frame and attitude. He could be around when the SPurs pick and I absolutely love his game.

mardigan

05-25-2007, 06:43 PM

1. he's a SF
2. he has the wingspan of a 6-7 player
3. he's strong
4. he has a 38 inch vertical

...he would be a nice fit, imo.
1) He was labeled as a "power wing" at Wisconsin (whatever that means)
2)Thats not a very big wingspan, Almonds is 6-10
3) Doesnt matter if he is much shorter than every guy he guards
4)Didnt know that, but when your that short it isnt quite as usefull

You could be right, he could turn out to be great, but I dont see him as much better than PJ Tucker last year and he still has a lot of work cut out for him

mardigan

05-25-2007, 06:47 PM

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=386
Tuckers scouting report
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1026
Almonds
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1009
Byars
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=198
Marco Belinelli, kid from Italy, would love for this kid to drop to the Spurs but I doubt it
If you get a chance, youtube some of his videos, he will impress you

Elliot fan, Idk if you check it out, but draftexpress.com is the shit and has a ton of info on all the picks

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 06:57 PM

Thanks. I've been on NBADraft.net.

AFBlue

05-25-2007, 07:31 PM

1) He was labeled as a "power wing" at Wisconsin (whatever that means)
2)Thats not a very big wingspan, Almonds is 6-10
3) Doesnt matter if he is much shorter than every guy he guards
4)Didnt know that, but when your that short it isnt quite as usefull

You could be right, he could turn out to be great, but I dont see him as much better than PJ Tucker last year and he still has a lot of work cut out for him

Something to add is that PJ Tucker also had the strenght/mass to play SF in the pros, which Tucker does not. One thing you did misspeak on however, Tucker is a great athlete and regularly gets above the rim. I'd say he's more Desmond Mason than PJ Tucker.

I think there's probably better options, but I wouldn't HATE him on this team.

Darkwaters

05-25-2007, 07:36 PM

mardigan

05-25-2007, 07:37 PM

Mr. Body

05-25-2007, 08:14 PM

I'm stunned Brandon Rush is going back to school.

yavozerb

05-25-2007, 09:45 PM

Its actually a good decesion for Rush cause next years draft should not be as deep and he will probably go top 10 next year..Plus he is coming back to a very good kansas team who has a shot at a champiosnhip..

Mr. Body

05-25-2007, 09:51 PM

It is a very good decision for Rush (and hopefully rumors of an ACL tear aren't true).

K-State Spur

05-25-2007, 10:17 PM

He's not a top 10 player. His handle sucks and he struggles to create his own shot.

But he can solidify 1st round status if he has a good year next season.

My guess is that he his knee problem coupled with no team willing to promise him a first round pick led him back to school.

Mr. Body

05-25-2007, 10:31 PM

Here's the only youtube video with Almond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxABT1q1V4I

It's a buzzer beater. Er, not quite a buzzer beater.

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-25-2007, 11:54 PM

Would the Spurs be interested in Rashard Lewis? He officially opted out.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2883178

Big P

05-25-2007, 11:57 PM

No money for Rashard.

Mr. Body

05-26-2007, 12:22 AM

Ditto. No money for him. Don't need him. He plays no defense. Forget it.

exstatic

05-26-2007, 12:39 AM

Ditto. No money for him. Don't need him. He plays no defense. Forget it.
Exactly. He's a lazy fuck who's constantly being called out by his own coaches. He got his first big contract, he stopped playing D, and his rebounds dropped from about 7 to about 5. He brought the boards back up to 6.6 this year, but I'd attribute that to it being a contract year, and his minutes going up from 36.9 to 39.1. I think he may be in for a rude surprise this summer, as there isn't a ton of cap cash out there. He may regret leaving whatever $$ on the table in Seattle. With the #2 pick, they sure as fuck aren't going to want his ass back.

timvp

05-26-2007, 02:44 AM

The more I look at the draft board, the more I like the options for point guards. There are a ton of them in that end of first round, beginning of second round area that should be up for grabs.

Anyone think Taurean Green might be a safe pick at 33? Yeah, he doesn't look that great compared to the other players on that Florida team, but he has big game experience and plays his best games when it's needed most. I think he's a very safe choice as a potential backup one.

mountainballer

05-26-2007, 03:36 AM

Something to add is that PJ Tucker also had the strenght/mass to play SF in the pros, which Tucker does not. One thing you did misspeak on however, Tucker is a great athlete and regularly gets above the rim. I'd say he's more Desmond Mason than PJ Tucker.

I think there's probably better options, but I wouldn't HATE him on this team.

100% agree. the Mason comparison is for sure more accurate than Howard, Hassell or Evans as some scouting reports mention.
I also would like to see other players drafted by the Spurs, but if none is there, Tucker would be a nice consolation prize.
Spurs need some usefull role players anyhow and Tucker looks like a player, who will be a good option for a 7th or 8th man, who plays some 15-20 minutes. he is said to be the likely most nba ready player in this draft, so if he provides some impact from the first season and does it for 4 seasons on the cheap rookie contract, it won't be a bad deal for the Spurs. and there is still the chance that he turns out to have been underated and becomes an important part of the core. (like Bowen once did)

Bruno

05-26-2007, 03:52 AM

Without looking at who is available in the draft and only by looking at Spurs roster, the more logical thing to do with the 28/33 pick is to draft a PG and a SF.
If Spurs keep both pick, I will be surprised if they draft a bigman or two swingmen.

picnroll

05-26-2007, 05:23 AM

yavozerb

05-26-2007, 05:57 AM

picnroll

05-26-2007, 08:34 AM

You want a second round combo guard, maybe this guy (http://draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1129)

"While the comparisons to current pros has been nice for Johnson, he had the opportunity to test his game against a future NBA player in the form of Corey Brewer when Jackson State met Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Though the Gators ran away with the game, winning 112-69 en route to a second straight national title, Johnson played very well against Brewer’ fantastic defense, scoring 21 points and dishing out 5 assists. For Johnson it was a real statement performance, proving that his scoring abilities were the real deal."

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-26-2007, 10:01 AM

Mr. Body

05-26-2007, 01:00 PM

I know I have been saying that I want Almond or Tucker but I just looked at McGuire's profiles and I was very impressed. Guard-wise, I would pick Javaris Crittenton by any miracle he's still there, but then again it happened to Marcus Williams last year. After that I would still pick Stuckey and if he is not there I would pick Petteri Koponen. And for the SF position, I would first pick Marcus Williams, if not then McGuire, then last would be Almond or Tucker.

If for some reason the Spurs decide to keep their picks, they couldn't go wrong with any of those picks. Not saying they're guaranteed locks, but those are some good risks, although Crittenton I think will be gone before 20. Gabe Pruitt is another tall combo guard. Stuckey I believe will go earlier, but would be very nice. I'm not sold that McGuire will be a good pro, but to see him at 33 would be worth a shot. PG with 28, SF with 33 IMO.

Figure out the roster spaces first.

mardigan

05-26-2007, 02:03 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2r2WueJDD7c
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KyPYO0L6_6U
Some Belinelli vids

Bruno

05-26-2007, 02:53 PM

I would rather draft multi-position player like stuckey than green at the pg position. Against teams like denver and phoenix who put multiple guards on the floor, parker and stuckey could play at the same time. Another multi-positional player would be mcguire who could play sf and pf in a small lineup with duncan at center.

I agree with that.

Parker plays 38 mpg in playoffs. Should Spurs spend a quite high draft pick (#28 or "33) and work with a guy who will at best plays 10 mpg when it counts ?

TDMVPDPOY

05-26-2007, 03:04 PM

i laugh if we draft some clown out of the blue who we havnt discussed yet or mentioned on nbadraft..net

timvp

05-26-2007, 03:23 PM

The problem with the phrase "combo guard" is 90% of the time the player is really a shooting guard who isn't big enough to be a shooting guard in the NBA so he's forced to try to be a part time point guard.

Personally, I'd rather the Spurs just get a straight up point guard than a guy who is supposedly a combo guard. Outside of Gilbert Arenas, I don't know many combo guards who actually panned out late in the draft.

Bruno

05-26-2007, 04:16 PM

Outside of Gilbert Arenas, I don't know many combo guards who actually panned out late in the draft.

Monta Ellis is quite good too. :)

The same thing can be said for true point guard.
How many starting or backup PG are second rounder ? Something like 6 with 2 of them being combo guard.
In fact, there are maybe more starting or backup PGs in the nba who have been undrafted than drafted in the second round.

picnroll

05-26-2007, 04:43 PM

2nd round PGs and SGs who've stuck since 2000
Dee Brown
Salim Stoudemire
Monta Ellis
Royal Ivey
Chris Duhon
Mo Williams
Flip Murray
Earl Watson
Michael Redd
Juan Navarro (not in the league but easily could be)

Not a lot considering that's 7 years worth. Pickings get pretty slim in round two. Packaging 28 and 33 to move up just a little and nab a more sure fire PG, one more likely to be able to contribute sooner rather than later, might be a good idea. Preferably a bigger PG that could play with Parker some and one that could spell him playing the bigger PGs.

Bruno

05-26-2007, 05:21 PM

Another PG that Spurs should be looking at is Terrel Everett :
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=491

He has been undrafted in last year draft but has been huge in french league this year. He will try to play in nba next year.

Darkwaters

05-26-2007, 06:07 PM

I saw Everett play at OU and was never impressed with him.

wildbill2u

05-26-2007, 06:40 PM

I don't like a pg pick with our first choice at all. Tony is gonna play major minutes per game and there are always some marginal veteran pgs on the market.

But Bowen is gonna have to have some help as father time inexorably moves in on his legs.

It will take a rookie a couple of years to be ready to take Bowen's place but you better get the best available one with your draft pick and get started on his training.

We don't have any choice IMO because we don't have any good trade bait that will get us a potential starter at SF in a year or so.

yavozerb

05-26-2007, 08:50 PM

I agree with wld that picking a pg with our 1st pick is pretty dumb considering some of our other needs such as sf. The spurs are not going to gurantee a 1+ mill. contract for a pg who simply will not play very many minutes. You draft a pg in the 2nd and you invite a couple to training camp and/or possible some in Fa and go from there..From what I remember speedy came pretty cheap in fa.

Mr. Body

05-26-2007, 09:15 PM

You're not going to find your SF starter with the 28 pick, most likely. That's the difference. You'll find your back-up PG more easily.

yavozerb

05-26-2007, 09:33 PM

So if byars is still on the board would you still draft a pg at #28?

Mr. Body

05-26-2007, 09:37 PM

No.

yavozerb

05-26-2007, 09:47 PM

I really do not think the level of pgs still available at #33 is much different than those still left at #28. The major difference is the guranteed contract which I really do not want a rookie back-up pg to have for only 10-12 minutes a night. I have said this before back up pg's do not last in this league as back-ups very long if they are legit, they simply get overpaid once the rookie contract is up. All Im saying is the SF and SG positions well be open for players after next year, lets draft players who can fill these spots!

Mr. Body

05-26-2007, 09:57 PM

The argument is just this: at 28 and 33 your expectations should be all players left are back-ups. We don't need a b-u SF. We need a b-u PG.

Just a general expectation. It's not wrong to look at PGs at 28 because that's one thing we need.

yavozerb

05-26-2007, 10:01 PM

Agreed!! I guess with the success (other than beno) that the spurs have done with FA back-up pg's I really have no problem going this route again. The reason I see this as an important draft is simply to get 1-2 rookies ready to compete for playing time after next year's contract expire. Nobody we draft we these picks well make or break next season's team, due to the fact playing time will be scarce..

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-27-2007, 06:49 PM

Brandon Rush withdrew because he's undergoing surgery for a torn ACL.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/may/27/brother_says_rush_tore_acl/?sports

Brother says Rush tore ACL
Jayhawk guard to go under knife next week, JaRon Rush says

JaRon Rush spoke to his younger brother Brandon on the phone at 10 a.m. Saturday, just after the injured Kansas University basketball player climbed out of a soothing pool of water.

Brandon was in good spirits, big brother said, even after informing his sibling he’d need surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

“He tore his ACL. He’ll have surgery next week (performed) by the KU doctors. He said they told him four to six months (rehab time),” JaRon Rush said. “Everything is good. He knows he’ll be back. He knows he’ll be fine.”

KU coach Bill Self — who has declined comment about the possible severity of Rush’s injury that was sustained playing basketball on Wednesday — on Saturday reiterated there would be further examination of Rush’s knee early next week, with a final evaluation made at that time.

“He tore his ACL. He wouldn’t have decided to pull out of the draft if it wasn’t that,” JaRon said, referring to Friday’s announcement that Brandon had withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and elected to return for his junior season. “You always want to get a second opinion (in this case from a Colorado specialist), but it’s a torn ACL.”

JaRon said he talked extensively with Brandon about ACL injuries during their phone discussion Saturday. JaRon Rush tore his left ACL in November of 2005.

“I was back playing in May,” JaRon said, “but it took longer than that to get strong. I didn’t have the expert attention Brandon will have every day at KU. I think he thinks they’ll do a great job (on the knee) and he’ll be back this season.”

Amazingly, JaRon and Brandon hurt their knees the same way.

“I was going up for a layup, and my knee went out on me. He did the same thing. It wasn’t even a game or anything. My friend says it’s the ‘Rush curse,’” JaRon said.

JaRon said Brandon’s mood had improved considerably since Wednesday, when he suffered the injury.

“He was crying to his mother that he hurt his knee. He didn’t even want to come back to school,” JaRon said. “I talked to him today, and he’s fine. He does want to be totally healthy (before playing again).”

KU coach Self said his stance involving comment on the matter was the same as Friday.

“He has hurt his knee. He’ll be evaluated in detail next week. Anything more than that is speculation,” Self said. “We’ll find out how severe when it’s evaluated fully.”

Rush’s AAU coach, John Walker, said Saturday “they said they need to let some of the swelling (inside of knee) subside and let the specialist in Denver evaluate the tests.”

He agreed with JaRon that Brandon was handling the injury well.

“To be hurt is tough on anybody. He’s handled that part well, knowing he’s going to be back at KU because he loves his teammates and he loves being there.

“Even during the whole draft process, he’s been talking about the team and the team’s schedule and how competitive they could be. I think this (coming back) will reaffirm the progress he has made at KU, and he’ll still have the opportunity to land a dream job that’s been his goal.”

More on the bright side ... “I think it will give him a chance when he comes back to be an improved player, because much of what he can do at first will be things like dribbling drills,” Walker said.

JaRon said his brother could handle whatever surgery might entail.

“Of course. He messed up his arm (in tumbling accident 10 years ago) and came back from that,” JaRon said. “He’s a hard worker and will do what it takes.”

A.H 21-50

05-27-2007, 08:04 PM

it will be interesting to see some players during the orlando pre-draft camp who begins Tuesday evening at 6 PM

From DE "Some creative teams—like the Houston Rockets for example—are scheduling private workouts in Orlando on the 5th of June, in conjunction with other NBA teams that will be allowed to watch as well. This will give the Rockets a chance to bring in players (like Jason Smith for example, who is already scheduled), that they otherwise would not have to opportunity to work out."

i don't know if the spurs are looking at some players on this camp like mc guire or dudley but maybe this camp can give us good informations about some players.

mookie2001

05-27-2007, 08:10 PM

everett?

yeah that guy didnt come close to regulating on 9 of the 12 pgs in the big 12

pad300

05-27-2007, 08:56 PM

Considering Back-up PG's. At pick #58, who's interested in Jared Jordan from Marist? I'm not sure if he cuts it on the physical ability side of things, but boy can he distribute the rock...

ChumpDumper

05-27-2007, 09:03 PM

I think Avis Wyatt might move up with a good camp, but if he's still there at 58 he might merit a try at an SF conversion.

yavozerb

05-28-2007, 11:01 AM

I think Avis Wyatt might move up with a good camp, but if he's still there at 58 he might merit a try at an SF conversion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qvDANEkcUM
best youtube video of any athlete in draft which actually shows some skills for a big man!!That said he may a good pick at #33 and a steal at #58 if no other big sf are available.

Mr. Body

05-28-2007, 11:23 AM

Avis Wyatt is this year's Keith Closs.

Bruno

05-28-2007, 11:30 AM

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2076

Reyshawn Terry Moving Up?

NBA teams appear to think more highly of Reyshawn Terry than we initially thought, at least according to an unscientific experiment we conducted with NBA scouts and executives this past week. When asked about the one player on our mock draft that is underrated more than anyone else, the name Reyshawn Terry seemed to come up again and again. This prompted us to bump him up into the early-mid portion of the second round, even though many said that they wouldn’t be shocked to see him go as high as the late first round.

One NBA scout we spoke to had the following to say: “we’re talking about a kid with great tools. He’s a 6-8 wing with an NBA body and exceptional athletic ability. He plays lock down defense and shot 44% from behind the arc. I liked your comparison earlier in the year to James Posey, and I don’t understand why you guys went away from that. You can’t judge these Carolina guys by their numbers.”

In our two-week long scouting trip around the country, Terry was indeed one of the players we came across—working out at Tim Grover’s gym outside of Chicago. Watching him in that informal setting, it was hard not to come away with the impression that he’s going to look phenomenal in private NBA workouts. You can read more about that in an article coming later this weekend.

The main question marks we have about Terry has to do with his focus and consistency on the basketball court. Too often he would disappear on the court and not assert himself on either end. He had a tendency to coast throughout his career at North Carolina, and oftentimes Coach Roy Williams would lose his patience with him because of a mental lapse and just yank him from the game. One executive we spoke to was pretty blunt when saying “our coaching staff loves him, but I want to know what’s going on upstairs with that kid.”

Terry will be playing at the pre-draft camp starting on Tuesday and has a real chance to help his stock with a good showing. He doesn’t need to score 20 points a game there, but he does need to play hard and do the little things for his team.

AFBlue

05-28-2007, 11:44 AM

Mr. Body

05-28-2007, 11:49 AM

DX also has Thaddeus Young saying he'll probably drop out if he's not headed for a top 15 pick.

exstatic

05-28-2007, 11:58 AM

Avis Wyatt is this year's Keith Closs.
Fuck!!! You just killed the thread!!![/oldschool]

mountainballer

05-28-2007, 11:59 AM

On Terry, I always thought this kid would do well in workouts and get someone to fall in love with him. I think there's far too much talent in this draft for him to sneak into the late first round, but I could see someone taking him in the early second (Spurs?).

He's a great athlete, good scorer, and underrated defender. His main issue is that he's not cognisent of everything that's happening on the floor and he tends to stand around at times...things that could be coached out of him, IMO.

but coaches are currently busy to coach the same things out of James White:lol

about T.Young.
he would be well adviced to stay for another year, he might have the chance to be even a top 5 pick next year.
but for the Spurs this would be bad news like every SF who withdraws.

conqueso

05-28-2007, 01:37 PM

I think Avis Wyatt might move up with a good camp, but if he's still there at 58 he might merit a try at an SF conversion.

I'm not sure if he could make the transition to SF, at least as far as the Spurs' needs at that position are concerned. For one, he's 6'10", and even though he appears to have pretty nice handles and some quickness for a big, he's not the type of swing man who can D up positions 1-4 on the floor. I didn't watch any VSU games this past year, and the highlights I saw posted here obviously only show the "exciting" defensive plays and don't cover how quick he rotates, how good his lateral movement is, or how well he stays in front of a driver. It appears as if he has a real quick trigger on his straight-up jumps, which is great if you're a big defending a bunch of undersized DII ninnies, but is pretty useless if you're d'ing up quick perimeter guys like Allen, Carter, Kobe, etc. That said, he'd probably be amazing matched up against Dirk; he's got the height, length, quickness, jumping ability, and defensive mindset to give Dirk fits. Unfortunately, I think he might be a little too small to be an effective NBA big man (he's nearly as athletic as a Marcus Camby, but a little shorter and a LOT lighter), but too tall and slow to be an effective SF for the Spurs. I think he'd be a good offensive small forward for another team, but I'm not sure if he'd be able to live up to the comparisons that are being made to a point forward like Diaw or Odom; I don't think his handles are that good, he's too light for the "forward" part, and too tall for "point" part.

This guy has a chance in the NBA, but I don't think he fits the Spurs or their needs well at all.

A.H 21-50

05-28-2007, 01:41 PM

From DX

Some impressions about hill , tucker and terry

Herbert Hill, 6-9, Senior, Power Forward, Providence

Hill looked like a natural in the post-drills that Grover ran him through on both days, showing a smooth jump-hook shot, text-book footwork, fantastic touch around the basket, and the wherewithal to find the net regardless of where he was around the paint. He’s a very impressive guy to watch in this kind of setting, as his fundamentals are clearly excellent. Hill’s shooting is still a bit of a question mark, as his mechanics are unorthodox—featuring a high, but inconsistent release point, although pretty nice touch. He was a bit streaky in the drills we saw.

In the five on five, Hill looked great on offense and just average on defense. He hit a couple of face-up jumpers from 15-16 feet out, but was at his best with his back to the basket in the post going into his phenomenal turnaround jumper. He’s got a real old-school game, with great hands, timing and footwork and a superb feel for pivoting and scoring in the post.

Defensively, Hill blocked some shots (again showing great timing), but struggled a bit in terms of his lateral quickness. He gave up way too much space to Shaun Pruitt in the post, and didn’t do a very good job rotating over when guards slashed their way into the paint. Providence played a lot of zone in college, so it was a little bit tough to evaluate this part of his game on tape, and there is clearly now an adjustment period for him. He would obviously benefit from bringing his intensity level up a notch in terms of the energy he shows, since NBA teams will want to see how he projects as a guy they bring off the bench in short spurts rather than the centerpiece role he played in college. Hill will be playing at the NBA pre-draft camp this upcoming week, so there is a lot he can show there to mitigate these kinds of concerns. He needs to be a beast there.

Reyshawn Terry, 6-8, Senior, Small Forward, North Carolina

Terry only made it in for the 2nd day of workouts because of his graduation ceremony in Chapel Hill. What we did see in the short time we had to evaluate him left a great taste heading into the Orlando pre-draft camp, though.

Terry is basically the prototype for what an NBA caliber small forward should look like. He has excellent size, a great frame, nice strength, good quickness, and plenty of fluidity to his movements too. On top of that, the trainers here have helped clean up the footwork on his shooting mechanics considerably, to the point that he no longer flails his body around and instead sets his feet neatly with good balance and gets off a nice looking shot. It indeed fell with some solid consistency from what we saw. His ball-handling skills still need some polish, but it’s not hard at all to envision him having some excellent workouts after the pre-draft camp, as we talked about yesterday. He can help himself in Orlando considerably by playing great perimeter defense and knocking down his shots when given the opportunity to do so. Everything else beyond that would be gravy as far as his future role in the NBA is concerned.

Alando Tucker, 6-5, Senior, SG/SF, Wisconsin

Like Terry, Tucker was only here for the 2nd day of workouts--and from what it looked like, he must have accumulated some serious rust in the 3-4 days he missed. Tucker’s shot didn’t fall for him at all today, hitting probably less than half of his shots with his feet set, and considerably less while on the move. He has a fairly slow release on his shot and plenty of wasted motion, putting a little hop in his jumper that does not allow him to get a consistent release point since he often shoots it while on the way down.

On the positive side, his ball-handling skills looked a lot better than we recall at Wisconsin, although like in Young’s case, these are ball-handling drills we’re evaluating him off of, not a competitive setting.

Tucker is very athletic, with a good physique and an average wingspan. His credentials in college speak for themselves, so It’s not all that surprising that his agent decided not to let him play at the pre-draft camp in Orlando, since scouts should have seen everything they need to know already evaluating him over the past four years. He projects as a solid role-player in the pros, but it remains to be seen just how high he will get drafted at this point.

here's the full article with other players like young , wright...
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2078

yavozerb

05-28-2007, 05:22 PM

I'm not sure if he could make the transition to SF, at least as far as the Spurs' needs at that position are concerned. For one, he's 6'10", and even though he appears to have pretty nice handles and some quickness for a big, he's not the type of swing man who can D up positions 1-4 on the floor. I didn't watch any VSU games this past year, and the highlights I saw posted here obviously only show the "exciting" defensive plays and don't cover how quick he rotates, how good his lateral movement is, or how well he stays in front of a driver. It appears as if he has a real quick trigger on his straight-up jumps, which is great if you're a big defending a bunch of undersized DII ninnies, but is pretty useless if you're d'ing up quick perimeter guys like Allen, Carter, Kobe, etc. That said, he'd probably be amazing matched up against Dirk; he's got the height, length, quickness, jumping ability, and defensive mindset to give Dirk fits. Unfortunately, I think he might be a little too small to be an effective NBA big man (he's nearly as athletic as a Marcus Camby, but a little shorter and a LOT lighter), but too tall and slow to be an effective SF for the Spurs. I think he'd be a good offensive small forward for another team, but I'm not sure if he'd be able to live up to the comparisons that are being made to a point forward like Diaw or Odom; I don't think his handles are that good, he's too light for the "forward" part, and too tall for "point" part.

This guy has a chance in the NBA, but I don't think he fits the Spurs or their needs well at all.

Con, how may forwards or guards do you think can really guard positions 1-4? I can think of bowen and marion only right now, but my point is it is very rare to find a player like this, esp. in the draft. This guys offense is ahead of his defense from what i've seen and read, but then again most players who come to the spurs are the same way. I will not say he will be a legit SF but the guys got skills and the spurs need to get a closer look, cause he will proably be there at #33.

wildbill2u

05-28-2007, 07:27 PM

Re Wyatt: While the video is only highlights and doesn't show the fuckups, I was impressed by:
1. Ball handling including a neat crossover dribble and drive along the baseline.
2. Shooting--a big guy that uses the backboard for outside jumpers reminds me of a pretty good player but I can't place the name right now.
3. Very mobile and some shot-blocking skills. Hard to tell about lateral movement but he looks like he might be a pretty good defensive player for a big man.
4. Size--at 6'10' and with some room to grow he might be pretty versatile along the front line.

He'd be worth our last pick maybe or bringing into camp if not drafted.

K-State Spur

05-28-2007, 07:46 PM

Con, how may forwards or guards do you think can really guard positions 1-4? I can think of bowen and marion only right now, but my point is it is very rare to find a player like this, esp. in the draft. This guys offense is ahead of his defense from what i've seen and read, but then again most players who come to the spurs are the same way. I will not say he will be a legit SF but the guys got skills and the spurs need to get a closer look, cause he will proably be there at #33.

Well, I'd argue even that's not really true. Bowen can't handle legit 4s in the post and while Marion won't get embarrassed by many guys, legit 1s and legit 4s are both going to put up some numbers on him.

yavozerb

05-28-2007, 08:02 PM

legit 1's and legit 4's are going to put #'s on everyone in the NBA!!Its not about stopping a player but making that player work for 48 minutes.

Mr. Body

05-29-2007, 12:35 PM

Zabian Dowdell, Virginia Tech senior point guard, looks very good to DX in workouts. Has great size (6'3"), wingspan, great handles, good defense.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2083

K-State Spur

05-29-2007, 01:59 PM

legit 1's and legit 4's are going to put #'s on everyone in the NBA!!Its not about stopping a player but making that player work for 48 minutes.

I'm not talking about all-star 1s and 4s, just guys who are truly the size/speed for the position.

For example, Bruce can make any 1, 2, or 3 in the league have to work for their points, but even a guy like David West (not even a top 10 power forward) would be a rough match-up for him on the low block.

Marion, meanwhile, can make most wings work hard for what they get, but will also struggle against true post 4s and many 1s will give him problems with their speed.

It was funny in the Suns series to hear the broadcasters talking about how great it was that Marion could guard any player on the floor. Now, Dantoni would match him up with any player on the floor, but is it really that great an accomplishment when Parker and Duncan were doing whatever they wanted with him? (and yes, I'm well aware that Parker and Duncan are tough match-ups for anybody)

Mr. Body

05-29-2007, 02:07 PM

It was funny in the Suns series to hear the broadcasters talking about how great it was that Marion could guard any player on the floor. Now, Dantoni would match him up with any player on the floor, but is it really that great an accomplishment when Parker and Duncan were doing whatever they wanted with him? (and yes, I'm well aware that Parker and Duncan are tough match-ups for anybody)

We're in an era of extremely poor broadcasting. ESPN's lowest common denominator/pretty faces approach. Used to be guys would do certain teams for years and years, and be quite knowledgeable. Now it's BSPN.

ChumpDumper

05-29-2007, 02:07 PM

Avis Wyatt is this year's Keith Closs. :wtf

That comparison doesn't make much sense at all, but if we can get an undrafted guy to average 1.25 blocks a game in 13 minutes off the bench, that's worth at least a summer league invite.

Add to that the fact he can shoot from the outside....

....and is 6'10" with some handles....

....and played his best games against the best teams on his schedule....

....and there's like one tall SF available outside the lottery -- also at the very end of the draft....

Why not?

Bruno

05-29-2007, 04:22 PM

Zabian Dowdell, Virginia Tech senior point guard, looks very good to DX in workouts. Has great size (6'3"), wingspan, great handles, good defense.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2083

There are a lot of PGs big enough to play SG in this draft : Stuckey, Critenton, Pruitt, Reynolds, Koponen, Dowdell..

I hope Spurs will draft one of them with the 28/33 if they don't have another plan for the backup PG spot.

Mr. Body

05-29-2007, 04:32 PM

:wtf

That comparison doesn't make much sense at all, but if we can get an undrafted guy to average 1.25 blocks a game in 13 minutes off the bench, that's worth at least a summer league invite.

Add to that the fact he can shoot from the outside....

....and is 6'10" with some handles....

....and played his best games against the best teams on his schedule....

....and there's like one tall SF available outside the lottery -- also at the very end of the draft....

Why not?

It makes plenty of sense: the guy who gets vastly overrated because few people have ever seen him play, but who 'seems' to have talent out the wazzoo. He's like a god on the message boards.

Mr. Body

05-29-2007, 04:33 PM

There are a lot of PGs big enough to play SG in this draft : Stuckey, Critenton, Pruitt, Reynolds, Koponen, Dowdell..

I hope Spurs will draft one of them with the 28/33 if they don't have another plan for the backup PG spot.

Bobby Brown, too. Aaron Brooks is probably too small. Here's hoping one of them falls to 33 - likely one will.

ChumpDumper

05-29-2007, 04:35 PM

It makes plenty of sense: the guy who gets vastly overrated because few people have ever seen him play, but who 'seems' to have talent out the wazzoo. He's like a god on the message boards.I would take God way before #58.

Mr. Body

05-29-2007, 04:36 PM

I'm not saying Wyatt's not a bad pick late in the draft, but some are starting to peg him for the late first.

ChumpDumper

05-29-2007, 04:40 PM

Nah, he'd have to have a great Orlando camp to move up that much. I think he got injured at Portsmouth and didn't play all the games there.

I just think skillwise he's ahead of where our previous SF conversion projects were when they were with the Spurs -- Sharrod Ford, Jamar Smith -- and I even think Smith would have been fine for spot duty. The important thing is just to have a guy like that on the team.

yavozerb

05-29-2007, 10:32 PM

Mackinnon trying to crack the big time
The National Basketball League's most valuable player Sam Mackinnon is preparing for his shot at a place in the NBA.

Mackinnon has secured work-outs with two teams still in the NBA play-offs - Cleveland and San Antonio - and could also attend camps in Miami and Toronto.

Mackinnon won the NBL's major awards and a NBL championship with Brisbane this year and says he is confident he can compete in the United States.

"You get to play against a few guys around the world in world championships and you think if they're in the NBA, maybe I might have a shot of sneaking in there," he said.

"It's about timing and now's the right time for me to give it a go. I just need to find a team that needs a 30-year-old white guy who can do a bit of everything.

"All you need is that foot in the door and if I do well at a camp scenario I could get invited back to a veterans' camp or just go for one of those spots.

"There's 15 spots in every team and I'd like to think that I could make one of those spots on an NBA team."

Not really draft news, but wanted to bump up this article!!

mountainballer

05-30-2007, 03:27 AM

some draftcamp notes about players Spurs might be interested in.

It is way too early to be drawing conclusions, but there may not be a better prospect in Orlando in terms of raw physical tools. McGuire was a man on a mission throughout the first session, looking to attack the basket off the dribble and blowing by his man fairly easily. McGuire dazzled all in attendance with a stunning put back dunk, and looks to be on the verge of a huge camp. Now McGuire must answer questions about his jump shot, which may be easier said than done at this point. The answers will start in the drills tomorrow…

difficult to say, if Spurs fans should be happy about a great camp of McGuire, or a bit scared that he might play himself out of our draft range.

Dudley once again showed those who were in attendance why he was such a celebrated player in the ACC. Nothing Dudley did was spectacular, but he was able to read the court and create plays for himself and teammates.
Dudley scored the ball on a couple of plays from his preferred elbow position and fed the ball around the perimeter, even lobbing a nice entry pass on occasion into a cutting teammate for the easy bucket.

I know that not many like the idea of drafting Dudley, but look at Oberto's impact and then tell that the lack of athleticismn is a reason why a player can't succeed with the Spurs.
Dudley might turn into a poor man's Shane Battier, what should be enough to find a place on the Spurs bench.
(I don't think he could ever be our starting SF, but a usefull 15-20 minutes bench player)

wildbill2u

05-30-2007, 08:16 AM

Draft X already has McGuire going a few picks ahead of our 28th. Too bad if true. But they have Byars dropping badly.

I wish they would start aligning their picks with the needs of the teams so we'd get a better idea of what the actual draft might look like.

yavozerb

05-30-2007, 08:41 AM

I can see a team like the knicks taking mcguire with there 1st. I agree with you on these mock drafts and think once june begins these drafts will become a little more realistic..

Mr. Body

05-30-2007, 09:08 AM

I can see a team like the knicks taking mcguire with there 1st. I agree with you on these mock drafts and think once june begins these drafts will become a little more realistic..

McGuire to the Knicks seems likely, but I'm hearing they're as likely to deal out the pick with a contract, since they're stacked with youth.

Mr. Body

05-31-2007, 02:31 PM

DX and nbadraft reports on the Orlando pre-draft camp very interesting.

More I read, the more it seems a cosmic certainty Jared Dudley will be a Spur next year.

AFBlue

05-31-2007, 04:21 PM

DX and nbadraft reports on the Orlando pre-draft camp very interesting.

More I read, the more it seems a cosmic certainty Jared Dudley will be a Spur next year.

This will make me angry...very, very angry.

Mr. Body

05-31-2007, 04:43 PM

Interesting TrueHoops post about role players and draft camps: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-24-140/Seeking-Role-Players-in-a-Star-System.html

I've been thinking about this lately. First, I disagree with the premise somewhat: Elson, Bowen, Oberto, all these guys would be terrific in draft camp scrimmages. They'd be close to dominant. Horry wouldn't stop being 6'10", a good shotblocker and rebounder, and terrific outside shooter. Vaughn would lock some 20 year old down and dish out 8 assists.

But the point is more that draft camps rarely show who will be the best role players. They simply aren't the best scenarios.

Every year we Spurs fans get all romantic over high fliers and super athletes and guys who can score everywhere on the floor, these great doomed prospects or guys we'll never be high enough to draft, when we're simply not that team. We're the team that will more likely draft Jared Dudley and Arron Afflalo and call it a day, ready for another deep run into the playoffs. We might need to get used to the idea.

ChumpDumper

05-31-2007, 04:46 PM

Actually we're the team that is more likely to trade our picks away and sign someone over 30.

timvp

05-31-2007, 07:29 PM

Damn it I just realized the Orlando pre-draft camp games are on NBATV :madrun

Mr.Bottomtooth

05-31-2007, 07:30 PM

That's good for me. Sorry timvp.

yavozerb

05-31-2007, 09:16 PM

BIG IRISH

05-31-2007, 09:24 PM

The spurs will draft at least one player who makes the roster, but i wouldn't hold my breathe for more than this. Our draft was last year when the spurs picked up white and butler. These are the guys who will possible fill out the 12 man active roster for next year.

Whil the spurs may draft someone who makes the roster it won't be the roster
for 2007-2008.

WHite
Butler
Ely

Whose leaving
Horry?
Beno-I Hope

This may be the year where the Spurs can move up in the draft-
for a BU Point guard/SF

BradLohaus

05-31-2007, 09:54 PM

We're the team that will more likely draft Jared Dudley and Arron Afflalo and call it a day

Replace Dudley with Demetris Nichols and add a flier on James Hughes, the Northern Illinois center, with the last pick and that's as good as it gets, IMHO.

Mr. Body

05-31-2007, 11:23 PM

Reportedly an NBA coach called James Hughes "awful."

BradLohaus

06-01-2007, 12:22 AM

Maybe it was Mike Brown or Flip Saunders who said that. :spin

I just thought he might be worth a shot, but he'd be Elson at best. I haven't seen anybody throw anything out there for the 58 spot. Not much you can do there, although we got lucky once with a foreign guard at the end of the 2nd round.

EvenFlow

06-01-2007, 01:13 AM

We're the team that will more likely draft Jared Dudley and Arron Afflalo and call it a day, ready for another deep run into the playoffs.

That's honest to god not a bad draft (as long as Afflalo is actually 6'5 and not 6'3 like I heard once). If this draft was ranked by basketball "players" and not talent or potential both would be in the top 5.

TDMVPDPOY

06-01-2007, 01:53 AM

why dont we trade our last 2nd round pick for portlands 2 last 2nd round picks which are consecutively :D:D:D:D

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 04:33 AM

We're the team that will more likely draft Jared Dudley and Arron Afflalo and call it a day, ready for another deep run into the playoffs. We might need to get used to the idea.

it will take quite some work to convice people here on this board, that they like the idea of the Spurs drafting Dudley.:lol

maybe the notes about his performance yesterday helps a bit:

Jared Dudley, 6’7, SF/PF, Boston College

13 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 to, 5-7 fg’s, 3-3 ft’s, 0-1 3-pt

Jonathan Watters

No, Jared Dudley doesn’t appear to have a natural NBA position. It doesn’t look like he’s worked much on his physique since the season ended. But after today’s phenomenal performance, it is fairly obvious that he will find a place in the NBA. His predecessor at Boston College, Craig Smith, had a phenomenal year in Minnesota and Dudley brings much of the same court savvy and experience to the table.

Dudley positively impacted the game nearly every time he touched the ball, whether it was finding teammates with beautiful passes (the 1 assist he was credited with in the box score is flat out wrong), hitting the glass with reckless abandon, always making the right decision on whether to take off up the court on his own or fire off a crisp outlet pass, or knocking down the open jumper with ease. Dudley is clearly on a different level in terms of his understanding of the game, and even though his team didn’t always get him looks in the halfcourt, Dudley found a way to make his presence felt.

Dudley is going to be the type of player that every successful team needs. He might not blow anybody away with any fancy individual skill, but the remarkable efficiency with which he seeks out small ways to contribute and converts is going to get him drafted, perhaps in the first round.
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2091

and from another article we learn that Dudley does know the perfect playce for him will be SA.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22132.shtml
The West Coast native who spent his college career on the East Coast wants to showcase his strengths in the NBA. Although he has his eye on the San Antonio Spurs, Dudley isn’t limiting his options. He knows the right team for him is out there.

however, if we come out of this draft with Dudley and Afflalo (or Almond, Tucker, Byars), as Body mentioned, I will be quite happy and also call it a day.

btw. just if someone is still speculating that Fernandez might fall (or that Spurs can somehow trade up a bit to get him)
after he struggled in his first 3 PO games he turned things around and played fantastic in the last 3 games (23+23+17 points, 59% FG, 50% 3s).
I'm more and more convinced that the Hornets will pick him at 13.
(in that case it will also not be a problem for him to pay his buyout, which was reported to be 1 million $)
Fernandez should be a great fit alongside Paul.

Bruno

06-01-2007, 05:06 AM

I don't get all the Dudley hate.

On the one hand, people are freakin high on Nocioni and the other hand they hate Dudley who seems to be the same kind of players.

TDMVPDPOY

06-01-2007, 05:14 AM

is dudley anyway related to chris dudley? we all know how he panned out, but i still respect the man for stickin around in the nba with his crap epitoure of a game

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 07:34 AM

I'm more and more convinced that the Hornets will pick him at 13.
(in that case it will also not be a problem for him to pay his buyout, which was reported to be 1 million $)
Fernandez should be a great fit alongside Paul.

After the Hornets got burned by Arvydas Macijauskas I don't know how interested they are in foreigners. Word is that Byron Scott is not too hot on their game and Jeff Bower doesn't scout the foreign talent like he should.

Now, they need a SG like crazy. But I'm not sure Rudy is who they'll take.

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 08:13 AM

After the Hornets got burned by Arvydas Macijauskas I don't know how interested they are in foreigners. Word is that Byron Scott is not too hot on their game and Jeff Bower doesn't scout the foreign talent like he should.

Now, they need a SG like crazy. But I'm not sure Rudy is who they'll take.

sure, the Macijauskas desaster didn't help to bring fernandez to NL.
so maybe you are right and they will pass on him, but IMO Fernandez is the best pure SG in this draft.

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 08:27 AM

sure, the Macijauskas desaster didn't help to bring fernandez to NL.
so maybe you are right and they will pass on him, but IMO Fernandez is the best pure SG in this draft.

Oh, without a doubt. But I think they're a little ethnocentric at this point and want to draft mainly from the college ranks. Plus, Rudy's buyout issues could be a problem in bringing him over this year and they really need help NOW at the 2.

TDMVPDPOY

06-01-2007, 08:32 AM

AFBlue

06-01-2007, 08:35 AM

I don't get all the Dudley hate.

On the one hand, people are freakin high on Nocioni and the other hand they hate Dudley who seems to be the same kind of players.

It's not hate on Dudley, but there have been numerous college players that dominated that arena who couldn't make an NBA roster. Dudley just doesn't have a game tailored to the NBA...he doesn't have the athleticism to play the 3 and doesn't have the height/strength to play the 4. He's a classic "tweener", and not in a good way.

Look, I could be wrong. Dudley could get drafted by the Spurs and turn out to be that good/great intangible guy who plays with great energy/intensity....he has that very endearing quality. I would only be upset because in my view the Spurs would potentially be passing on better overall players.

If the Spurs snag him with 33 I guess I'd be okay with it, and I generally trust the Spurs' judgement...but I would like for the Spurs to go out of character and draft a guy that's actually on the draft board for the rest of the world.

AFBlue

06-01-2007, 08:40 AM

fernandez looks like a busts, actually he wont live up to the player you guys think his going to be in the nba.....besides ginoboli is there any other good "white" SG in the league today? hell look wat happen to delfino who became a bust

Did you just say that because Fernandez is a caucasoid he can't play SG in the NBA? That's a flat-out rediculous statement. I do think some on this board overrate him and I do think that he can be streaky....but I also think that the Spurs would be lucky to snag him at 28.

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 08:55 AM

fernandez looks like a busts

????
I have have been watching Fernandez at least 10 times this season.
he didn't look like a bust. not even a bit. he looked like a gem in almost every single game.
and having watched young Manu a lot I claim that Fernandez looks mybe a even a bit more mature and polished than Manu did at the same age.
so when did you see him when he looked like a bust?

I don't claim that he will have a Manu like impact in the NBA.
all I say is that he has the same skill set, the same athleticismn, the same talent, the same fire, the same heart.
that's not the worst thing to start with.

and the difference to Delfino is, that Fernadez is a very smart and coachable guy.
Delfino wasn't able to adjust to the NBA because he wasn't able (or willing) to adjust to another situation on the team. maybe he thought the Pistons will rebuild immediatly around him.
however.
(and I still would like to see Delfino on another team, till lable him a bust)

leemajors

06-01-2007, 09:08 AM

????
I have have been watching Fernandez at least 10 times this season.
he didn't look like a bust. not even a bit. he looked like a gem in almost every single game.
and having watched young Manu a lot I claim that Fernandez looks mybe a even a bit more mature and polished than Manu did at the same age.
so when did you see him when he looked like a bust?

I don't claim that he will have a Manu like impact in the NBA.
all I say is that he has the same skill set, the same athleticismn, the same talent, the same fire, the same heart.
that's not the worst thing to start with.

and the difference to Delfino is, that Fernadez is a very smart and coachable guy.
Delfino wasn't able to adjust to the NBA because he wasn't able (or willing) to adjust to another situation on the team. maybe he thought the Pistons will rebuild immediatly around him.
however.
(and I still would like to see Delfino on another team, till lable him a bust)
tdmpvdpoy is usually ignored in any discussion remotely serious.

Mr. Body

06-01-2007, 09:22 AM

I see Charlotte getting Nick Young. It's a natural fit and I can see him falling there very easily - top 10 players seem set in my mind, although order isn't clear - then you have Acie Law probably at #11 and then Philly probably gets Julian Wright - I can't imagine them reaching for a SG with a pick coming up in the early 20s.

As for Dudley, I've really come around after my usual period of "wouldn't it be nice". If we get him at 28 I won't complain, be very happy. He'll be limited in parts of his game, perhaps get burned or overpowered at times, but as he says, he is a tremendous shooter at this point, and we will absolutely not have to worry about him blowing defensive rotations - he'll be where he needs to be. And I'd expect from him some of the same out-of-his-ass plays Horry does, like the steal on the inbounds early in Game 5 vs. Utah. Dudley can easily be that player. Obviously if we get him at 33 I'd be more thrilled, but will not be surprised to see the Spurs not take a chance. How many guys mention the Spurs as their number one choice?

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 09:29 AM

As long as we don't take Dudley with our 1st rounder, I'm okay with him.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 09:31 AM

Goddamn people persuade me too easily. They sucked me into Dominic McGuire and now y'all are sucking me into Jared Dudley.

Bruno

06-01-2007, 09:51 AM

he doesn't have the athleticism to play the 3 and doesn't have the height/strength to play the 4. He's a classic "tweener", and not in a good way.

It's a legit argument but Nocioni is in the same case and that was my point.

Nocioni is too slow to guard some SFs and too small to guard some PFs.

If you are very low on Dudley because he is a tweener, then you shouldn't be high on Nocioni.

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 09:51 AM

I didn't like the idea of Dudley very much at first. I thought he was a pretty poor choice. But the more I look at him the more I realize that hes probably actually an excellent choice. The guy plays Spurs basketball and seems to be what we want. But his work ethic and high basketball IQ make him exceptional. I only wish he were a better on man defender and wish he was better at pulling up off the dribble. A nice midrange game is so effective at the NBA level. All and all though, I think he wouldn't be a bad choice.

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 09:55 AM

Question:

Assuming we draft a PG with our first round pick and we're sitting at 33 with both Jared Dudley and Dominic McGuire available...who do you take? Both have had good showings at the predraft camp. But we have two VERY different players. McGuire symbolizes all the specific things we wanted in a SF (potential lockdown defender, long, athletic) while Dudley represents everything that we currently are and have been succesful with (high basketball IQ, good passer, good work ethic, nice shooter).

Who do you take?

Mr. Body

06-01-2007, 10:07 AM

I take Dudley. I'm still enamored of upside, athleticism, the chance to be a star. But we're in 'win now' mode and McGuire is no sure thing, and would take a couple years to round out, if he ever does. Dudley you can put in nearly right away.

But, damn, it's a tough choice. McGuire is having a spotty Orlando camp, but with good reports in general, while Dudley is almost consensus the guy topping everyone's list (for attending players).

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 10:12 AM

I only wish he were a better on man defender

the way he defended the much higher rated Jeff Green in the NCAA (forced him to 4-12 FG and 5 TOs) showed that he might also be underrated in this area.

EvenFlow

06-01-2007, 10:23 AM

At first I wasn't thrilled by Dudley and I was completely sold on McGuire. Now I realized that Dudley is more of what you look for in a player if your a championship quality team especially if your a team built on smarts and hustle like the Spurs. I've heard alot about McGuire's potential, but I also have heard that with James White and we all know Pop thinks White currently lacks the head for the game to play in his system (and I still think the Spurs will let him go). Also the guys who were commentating the pre-draft camp last night immediately mentioned the Spurs when talking about Dudley. I think he's just a perfect fit. But that's no guarantee the Spurs are gonna draft him.

Mr. Body

06-01-2007, 10:23 AM

Yeah, Dudley didn't want to lose that game vs. Georgetown. He did everything in his power.

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 10:25 AM

Who do you take?

as Body said, tough choice.
and I would also take Dudley.
some weeks ago I would have said it's a no brainer to take McGuire, but I changed my mind a bit.
it's just the fact that athletic players without enough fundamentals and BBIQ don't have a chance to find a place on this team anyhow, or have quite a hard time to learn and adjust.
White wasn't able to even make the team, same with Ely (a far better athlete than all other bigs on the roster), Elson lost his spot to Oberto.
the McGuire pick might have more upside, but I think Dudley will have more impact for the next 2 seasons (when Spurs will still compete for the title).

EvenFlow

06-01-2007, 10:32 AM

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 10:44 AM

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 11:28 AM

Whether or not we do take Dudley, I doubt we will let James White go. That would be a nice SF lineup of Bowen, White, and Dudley. I'm pretty sure that the duo can take over just fine after Bowen starts declining.

considering that White will still be on a cheap (700K) contract next season and the Spurs still around the lux tax threshold, I also think they will keep him, he might again not play much, but a team needs some insurance for the case of some injuries anyhow. but I'm not sure if he is in their big plans.
and if a nice trade needs some additional pieces to get things done, I'm also sure the Spurs won't hesitate to trow him in.

mountainballer

06-01-2007, 11:42 AM

4 months ago a Boston columist wrote a nice story about Dudley.
don't know about his ability to see the future, but it sounds quite nice.

http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/mens_basketball/articles/2007/02/07/you_can_set_your_watch_by_dudley/

You can set your watch by Dudley

By Jackie MacMullan, Globe Columnist | February 7, 2007

A couple of years from now, when he's helping Tim Duncan and Tony Parker win another NBA championship for the San Antonio Spurs, you will be kicking yourself for not paying closer attention to Jared Dudley while he was right here, under your nose, poised to steal your basketball heart.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:59 AM

And Jackie MacMullan whoops ass on Around the Horn.

K-State Spur

06-01-2007, 12:34 PM

Obviously Dudley is your classic tweener (not news to this conversation, i realize), but it seems to me that he would fit quite well as a '4' in a small ball line-up. He can defend the post & is nasty on the boards.

timvp

06-01-2007, 08:41 PM

Taurean Green, PG, Florida
10 points, 5 assists

Green had former teammates Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer cheering him on from the sidelines today.

Along with Jordan, Green is the steadiest guard here -- which makes it odd that they were put on the same team.

Green isn't great at anything, but he shoots the ball well, runs the offense and showed again that he can get to the rim.

I doubt he'll be a starter in the NBA, but he'll be a good backup point guard for someone.

This just feels like a pick the Spurs will make. Pop was an assistant coach when Sidney Green, Taurean's dad for the couple people who don't know that by now, played for the Spurs. Taurean quarterbacked a college team with great players that played an inside-outside style. He played his best ball late in the tourney. He survived and thrived in the pressure that it took to repeat.

The Spurs also like to draft players who play well in the draft camps. Green has been said to be shooting the ball well, which is a nice plus in the Spurs system.

I know it wouldn't be a sexy pick but I like Taurean Green at #33. I see no reason why he can't be a steady backup point guard for a decade. He's thrived in pressure. He plays defense. He knows how to play inside-out. Pop knows the family.

It just makes too much sense.

picnroll

06-01-2007, 08:43 PM

Green is a turnover machine. Jared Jordan ia a Nashesque passer, too bad he's small and not real quick.

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 09:11 PM

Taurean Green and Jared Dudley? That matches our needs perfectly...but they're not the sexy picks that everyone had been hoping for. With talk of Thaddeus Young, Acie Law and Rudy Fernandez I suppose most of us don't want to concede that the Green/Dudley draft is most likely imminent.

But really, can you complain with those two choices (well, clearly you can...I give it 5 seconds)? But these players seem like smart choices for the moment. The Spurs only have a handful of additional years to make championship runs. We have to live in the now and not think too much about the future. Players that are capable of stepping in and filling a role next year is what we need at this point in time. In a draft laden with potential there are few players can will be able to perform from day one...these two can. A two-time NCAA champion PG and a player of Dudley's basketball IQ will be capable of performing from day one. While I too would prefer to take Thaddeus Young or the like...but they're just not realistic. And players like McGuire are just too far away from contributing.

Taurean Green and Jared Dudley...I doubt I ever would have said it, but I can live with that.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 09:13 PM

#28 Jared Dudley
#33 Taurean Green
???
What ever happened to Stuckey and Koponen and Pruitt? Not to say I don't like these picks, but no one mentioned these two people at all in pretty much every page of this thread except this one and the one before.

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 09:15 PM

#28 Jared Dudley
#33 Taurean Green
???
What ever happened to Stuckey and Koponen and Pruitt?

I think we take Stuckey if hes there. But chances are that he isn't. I'm not all too high on Pruitt though. Koponen would be a nice player to have...but hes nowhere near ready and would be a long-term plan.

With the 58 though I like the plan of taking Sun Yue. Its a Spurs type pick...and it makes sense.

picnroll

06-01-2007, 09:16 PM

I'll be disappointed with Green. Doesn't look like a very good BBall IQ. Be real surprised if the Spurs pick him. After two games McGuire looks like another athlete without a basketball brain.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 09:17 PM

With the 58 I want either Yue or Wyatt.

yavozerb

06-01-2007, 09:37 PM

Dudley and green will i think def. be there during both our picks, so in essence they are safety picks..Nothing spectacular but decent nba players that will add depth.
My new 3 preferred picks would be: #28 Morris Almond #33 Jared Dudley #58 Jamaal Tatum.

A.H 21-50

06-01-2007, 10:25 PM

it will not be bad to pick dudley but with the 33 rd pick

for the first round maybe the team will take the best player available ??

if they could land a guy like stuckey if he still there or derrick byars ......

the problem is are we sure they will draft a pg and a wing player , the spurs organization always surprise me during drafts so maybe they could be some surprises

IMO with the 28 th pick Derrick Byars and a pg with the 33 rd will be good options

dudley can be a good pick for the team also , he shows very nice things during the predraft camp

http://www.nba.com/news/predraft_070531.html

Darkwaters

06-01-2007, 10:32 PM

I think that if Dudley is there at 33 we take him. He just makes too much sense for us at the moment. I'd love to take Byarswith the 28...but we would have an absolute ton of wings then. Barry would have to be traded along with a few other pieces I'm sure.

EvenFlow

06-01-2007, 11:25 PM

Byars or Afflalo, to me, are a lock to be Spurs, while I don't think Dudley is. I think the Spurs will draft Byars or Afflalo with their 1st round pick and probably go after a pg with the 33 pick. When it comes to the pg I like what I'm hearing about Zabian Dowdell. He's a big ,6'3, muscular pg who has a 6'9 wingspan and great lateral quickness. He seems like a career back-up pg who can do things such as control the tempo and play great defense. His size would be a bonus since the Spurs struggle against big point guards.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:31 PM

JARED DUDLEY DURING PRE-DRAFT CAMP TODAY.

Jared Dudley, 6’7, SF/PF, Boston College

13 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 to, 5-7 fg’s, 3-3 ft’s, 0-1 3-pt

Jonathan Watters

No, Jared Dudley doesn’t appear to have a natural NBA position. It doesn’t look like he’s worked much on his physique since the season ended. But after today’s phenomenal performance, it is fairly obvious that he will find a place in the NBA. His predecessor at Boston College, Craig Smith, had a phenomenal year in Minnesota and Dudley brings much of the same court savvy and experience to the table.

Dudley positively impacted the game nearly every time he touched the ball, whether it was finding teammates with beautiful passes (the 1 assist he was credited with in the box score is flat out wrong), hitting the glass with reckless abandon, always making the right decision on whether to take off up the court on his own or fire off a crisp outlet pass, or knocking down the open jumper with ease. Dudley is clearly on a different level in terms of his understanding of the game, and even though his team didn’t always get him looks in the halfcourt, Dudley found a way to make his presence felt.

Dudley is going to be the type of player that every successful team needs. He might not blow anybody away with any fancy individual skill, but the remarkable efficiency with which he seeks out small ways to contribute and converts is going to get him drafted, perhaps in the first round.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:32 PM

TAUREAN GREEN DURING PRE-DRAFT CAMP TODAY.

Taurean Green, 6-1, Junior, Point Guard, Florida
10 points, 5 assists, 3 turnovers, 3-4 FG, 1-1 3P, 3-4 FT

This was another excellent showing in what is turning out to be a terrific pre-draft camp for Taurean Green so far, particularly with the work he did getting his team well ahead in the box-score in the first half. Green showed the things that make him an intriguing prospect in terms of his combination of shooting, slashing and playmaking ability, making some excellent passes off the dribble on the drive and dish and putting outstanding pressure on the defense (going left or right) getting into the paint all game long, displaying nice toughness in the process. He also pulled up off the dribble from well beyond the NBA 3-point line on one occasion, swishing the shot and sending his three compadres from Florida who made a cameo—Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer—cheering visibly on the sidelines. More than possibly any other guard in this camp, Green has shown the quickest adaptation to the NBA 3-point line, at least from what we’ve seen in the games and drills so far.

More than anything, though, what this pre-draft camp has shown us is the incredible confidence that Green has in himself. He’s playing here without a care in the world, as if he’s been on some much bigger stages already in his career and doesn’t have much left to prove.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:34 PM

Heard some talk of Trey Johnson earlier in the thread so:

TREY JOHNSON DURING PRE-DRAFT CAMP TODAY.

Trey Johnson, 6-5, Shooting Guard, Jackson State, Senior
16 points, 1 rebound 1 assist, 6/14 FG, 4/4 FT, 1/2 3PFG

As one of the top pure scorers in college basketball, many people expected a strong performance from Trey Johnson here in Orlando. After struggling during the first game, he bounced back with one of the better performances throughout today’s games.

The bulk of Johnson’s points were scored from between 15 and 20 feet, where he used a high screen to create his shot. On the pick and roll plays, he shot a number of fade-away jumpers while moving to the right, a shot that seems nearly impossible to disrupt. Though this shot was effective a number of times, Johnson sometimes cools off and struggles to score for periods of time.

Though the senior guard had a number of pick and rolls run for him, he rarely decided to turn the corner and attempt to penetrate past the defender. He was fouled twice on drives to the basket, and it would add another dimension to the game if he attacked the hoop with better consistency. Johnson also appears to be struggling with the adjustment to the NBA three point line right now but he certainly has the shooting stroke to become at least a moderate threat.

Despite his effectiveness on the offensive end, Johnson struggled on defense against a number of players, including Brandon Heath and Brad Newley. The lack of fundamentals in this area hurt Johnson, and a lack of lateral quickness compounds the problem.

Johnson has the potential to become a scoring threat at the 2 off the bench, but his defense must improve in order for him to become a mainstay in an NBA rotation. It will also be interesting to see if he can adjust to becoming a role player rather than a first option on the offensive end. Players like Johnson rarely have plays run for them at the next level, and he must learn to get the bulk of his shots within the flow of the offense.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:36 PM

REYSHAWN TERRY DURING PRE-DRAFT CAMP TODAY.

Reyshawn Terry, 6-8, Senior, Small Forward, North Carolina
13 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 turnovers, 4-7 FG, 5-6 FT

After a fairly invisible first half, Reyshawn Terry came alive and finished up having a pretty decent stat-line in the end. He showed up some of the same concerning lack of assertiveness that plagued him for much of this year, getting lost in the shuffle when he wasn’t showing poor ball-handling skills creating his own shot from the perimeter. His pocket was picked on one occasion by Zabian Dowdell, and he forced his dribble on two other occasions to pick up a charge and a bad turnover. While extremely athletic, Terry is not the most fluid or reactive player in the world, not being the type of guy that can change directions on the fly while putting the ball in the floor or hanging in the air for a finish. He also went back to his old habit of fading away for no particular reason on his 3-point shot, something that he seemed to have corrected when we saw him a few weeks ago working out at Tim Grover’s gym.

It wasn’t all bad for Terry, though. Later on in the game, he picked up some easy baskets to get himself going, scoring two easy layups in transition and knocking down a wide open 12 foot jump-shot. He also played some solid defense at the small forward position on Quinton Hosely and Mohamed Abukar, who really struggled.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:38 PM

DEMETRIUS NICHOLS:

Demetris Nichols, 6’7, SF, Syracuse

17 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 2 to, 6-7 fg’s, 2-4 ft’s, 3-4 3-pt

The term “instant offense” certainly describes Nichols’ play so far in Orlando. His scoring totals have been unrivaled, and he is doing it with remarkable efficiency. Nichols is absolutely lethal as a spot up shooter, and has the length to get his shot off over most wing defenders. He is also good at making defenses pay for losing attention, capable of finding a soft spot in the defense and hoisting a shot before anyone can react.

The rest of Nichols’ game is less attractive, but he has the athleticism and length to contribute in other ways at some point. Nichols plays good defense at times, but could probably use his natural gifts to his advantage a bit more often in non-shooting areas. Nichols once again scored a large chunk of his points over a short period of time, but his shooting runs are proving to be game-changing here in Orlando. His team is now 2-0, and given the way he shot at Syracuse as a senior, it would be a surprise if Nichols didn’t light it up again tomorrow.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:39 PM

DOMINIC McGUIRE:

Dominic McGuire, 6-7, Small Forward, Junior
11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, 4/6 FG

An athletic forward with lots of upside, McGuire may be the most intriguing prospect at the pre-draft camp this season. After a lack of aggressiveness held him back on day 1, he bounced back with a solid all-around performance today.

McGuire displayed very impressive passing ability today, both in the half court and transition offense. His most impressive play came in transition when he took the ball coast to coast left handed before dishing the ball from under the basket to an open big man. There was no defensive pressure when he was bringing the ball up the court, however, and his ball handling will be an area that will need focus in the future.

In addition to passing, McGuire also made 3 spot-up jumpers from around the college 3 point range. The junior shot just under 30% from the three point line this season, and it appears that he has worked a great deal on his shooting mechanics since the end of the college season. The next step in this area will be to expand the range out to the NBA three point line.

As a slasher, McGuire has all the natural tools to excel in this area at the NBA level, thanks to a deadly first step and the ability to explode off the ground and hang in the air. For him to fully utilize this ability, better ball handling will be necessary. In addition, McGuire must stop shying away from contact at the basket. As proven on one drive today, he tries to finesse the ball around the defense rather than taking the contact and drawing the foul. Still, few small forward prospects are blessed with this kind of size and explosive athletic ability.

Defensively, McGuire made a number of athletic plays today, including a help side blocked shot and a handful of difficult defensive rebounds. His physical tools allow him to play good man to man defensive most of the time, but he sometimes loses his focus in this area. With a consistent effort, the tools are in place for him to become a lockdown defensive small forward at the NBA level.

On one hand, McGuire has great athleticism for a small forward prospect in combination with a pretty good overall feel for the game. At the same time, his soft style of play rarely allows him to take advantage of his natural gifts. Dominic McGuire could easily be a mid first rounder with more physical play, but it is tough to project a player who rarely goes to his strengths.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-01-2007, 11:39 PM

http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2091

TDMVPDPOY

06-01-2007, 11:54 PM

one question though about camps

are there ball hogs on team who will not pass the ball....just like every other tryout??

tempest186

06-01-2007, 11:57 PM

EvenFlow

06-02-2007, 01:12 AM

Here's a flattering article about Zabian Dowdell from a few days earlier.

East Coast Workout Swing: Day 8 (Zabian Dowdell, J.R. Reynolds, etc)
May 29, 2007
Of the five players training for the pre-draft camp, Zabian Dowdell was not only easily the most impressive seen here, but probably also one of the most impressive overall guys we’ve seen in our two week long scouting trip. Physically, Dowdell not only looks the part of an NBA player already, with a thick 200+ pound frame complimenting his 6-9 wingspan, but he also carries himself like one too. In the shooting drills he impressed mightily, showing a very fluid release with absolutely no wasted motion. One thing you can say about the players here is that they just aren’t allowed to shoot any other way than with perfect mechanics, with every flaw being nitpicked again and again by one of the many coaches in attendance, until the players get it right.

Dowdell showed great potential in the pick and roll drills the players ran, thanks to his outstanding handle and great patience picking whether to slip, split or drag the screen. He’s the one who needs the least coaching it seems on his technique, looking highly instinctive in the way he executes everything efficiently and with great fundamentals.

Even if Dowdell looked impressive in the drills portion of the workout, it was in the five on five that he clearly separated himself from the pack. It was here that his decision making skills as a point guard really came out, making outstanding reads time after time on the pick and roll, and a number of fantastic passes setting the table perfectly for a teammate to easily score. Dowdell made Thorpe really happy on one particular play, as he showed perfect timing utilizing a pick and roll, and then splitting the two defenders abruptly to open up the entire floor precisely the way he had been taught to just a few hours prior.

His ball-handling skills are definitely top-notch, showing a great little wiggle to create offense for himself with sheer craftiness, rather than with incredible explosiveness, and a beautiful pull-up game from the mid-range area. When given an inch, he knocked down the NBA 3-ball at a pretty solid rate as well, and when challenged on the other side of the floor, he took a lot of pride in locking down his man. One particularly impressive play in transition had him matched up with J.R. Reynolds trying to contain him in a one on one situation. Dowdell moved his feel beautifully, kept his strong body on him without fouling, and used his massive wingspan to just wrap him up and force him into an extremely difficult shot.

The lone negatives to come out of this workout would be for one his less than prototypical explosiveness getting by his defender and finishing at the rim, and two, his over-enthusiasm at times penetrating too far into the lane.

Between what we saw here, during the season (where he was named 1st team All-ACC), and at Portsmouth, we’re starting to think that we might have a very intriguing NBA prospect on our hands here. Dowdell is exactly the kind of big, strong, versatile and steady point guard that NBA teams like to bring off their bench, and his stock is quietly rising amongst those in the know around the league.

Players who can shoot, defend, pass and handle, and have the size and length to defend two positions are definite commodities these days, especially when they have extremely strong intangibles, big-time college experience and a high basketball IQ to boot. Thorpe considers him “the most sure-fire pro in my gym,” and raves about the fact that he way he’s responded to his training so far. Like all of the five players in attendance here, he was the captain of his team.

Mr. Body

06-02-2007, 02:58 AM

one question though about camps

are there ball hogs on team who will not pass the ball....just like every other tryout??

Yes. But this year there seems to be more career back-up points available than usual.

Jared Dudley is on what most were saying was the best camp team, with Reyshawn Terry as well as, I believe, Taurean Green.

mountainballer

06-02-2007, 05:01 AM

Yes. But this year there seems to be more career back-up points available than usual.

there are quite some and if we talk about Taurean Green as a possible pick with 33 we should also look at Bobby Brown. he didn't impress in the first two games, but had a decent one yesterday (13 pts). nbadraft calls him the most athletic PG in the camp.

Jared Dudley is on what most were saying was the best camp team, with Reyshawn Terry as well as, I believe, Taurean Green.

He is on a team with Terry, but not Green. (Visser is also on his team)

Dudley had another decent game last night (12 points 6 rebounds, 5-10 FG)

mountainballer

06-02-2007, 05:16 AM

something about Scola:
Tau won the first game of the ACB PO-semifinals against Barcelona. Scola had a bad shooting night (12 points on 5-13) but a good overall game. (9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks).
Splitter was quiet. 9 points, 4 rebounds (in 30 minutes)

mountainballer

06-02-2007, 05:35 AM

28 - Fernandez (if available though it looks like a longshot) but I think they may trade up and take Splitter
33 - Aaron Afflalo
58 - Herbert Hill

No real information, just some thoughts and gut feelings

each pick would be a steal with those picks, but the only realistic one is Afflalo IMO.
Spurs might find a way to trade up a bit, but not enough to get Splitter.
picking Afflalo+Fernandez, but no SF dosn't make sense
Hill is currently falling, but he won't drop to no.58. (if yes, this is a no-brainer)

Bruno

06-02-2007, 08:34 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-predraftcamp060107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Marist point guard Jared Jordan dazzled scouts with his passing and poise, and he says that he has "nine or 10" workouts scheduled with teams. He'll start in San Antonio next week.

"I think I proved to people that I can run a team," Jordan said.

yavozerb

06-02-2007, 08:40 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?si...=yhoo&type=lgns

Thought I would add this for you stuckey fans..

Perhaps no player has created as much intrigue as Eastern Washington shooting guard Rodney Stuckey, who is believed, according to sources, to be the Detroit Pistons' target at No. 15.

Said one Eastern Conference scout: "If this kid was playing at Washington, instead of Eastern Washington, people (would be) talking about him as a top 10, maybe top seven or eight player, in this draft."

Stuckey is a fearless, tough guard with a great shooting touch. Out of high school, he would've gone to the Pac -10, but he didn't have the grades to become eligible as a freshman.

A.H 21-50

06-02-2007, 09:02 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-predraftcamp060107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

interesting that jordan will have a workout with sas, that means they really want another pg but imo there's other pg's who are better than jordan

it wil lbe interesting to know all the players who are going to do a workout for san antonio

yavozerb

06-02-2007, 09:25 AM

interesting that jordan will have a workout with sas, that means they really want another pg but imo there's other pg's who are better than jordan

it wil lbe interesting to know all the players who are going to do a workout for san antonio

I could see the spurs getting a sf (Byars or Dudley) with #28 pick and then picking a pg (Jordan or Brown) with #33.

picnroll

06-02-2007, 09:51 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-predraftcamp060107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
He sure proved to me he can run a team. This kid's passing and playmaking were a thing of beauty. He was also clever with his dribble, hesitiation moves and change of direction not only to get open but to get open to create great passing angles. When pressed and doubled bringning the ball up he pass overr the top getting great opportunities for his teammates. Don't know how he'd hold up on the defensive end but he's worth a close look and from what I saw I'd be happy if the Spurs nabbed him in the second. Playmaking-wise he made all the other PGs look like pikers.

A.H 21-50

06-02-2007, 10:28 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ajt18_n2nE2Cvrhe5q4l2_K8vLYF?slug=ys-campwinnerslosers060107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

. Jared Jordan, 6-foot-2 guard, Marist – He improved his draft standing more than any other prospect. He proved he could excel against a higher caliber of player than he faced while at Marist. His individual workouts will become extremely important because teams will want him to be able to defend the pick and roll and shoot the ball consistently.

Jared Dudley, 6-7 forward, Boston College – A very versatile and intelligent player. Scouts like his floor game and his nose for the ball. He might not have a true position in the NBA, but his intelligence and understanding of how to play will help him to be an effective player.

Mr. Body

06-02-2007, 01:36 PM

Interesting about Jared Jordan, that SAS is asking for a look. I'd think he would struggle on defense, and he's not a great shooter, but Steve Nash did come from tiny Santa Clara, after all.

Rodney Stuckey - I've had him going to Detroit, or Tiago Splitter, depending on my mood. Seeing their need for scoring, he's a good pick there.

timvp

06-02-2007, 03:05 PM

Jared Jordan looked pretty good. Although I'm not sure how well he'd fit in the Spurs system. The point guard isn't a creator in the Spurs offense. He'd fit better on a team like the Suns or Jazz where the point guards dominate the ball.

On the Spurs, he's weakness on D would be exposed more than his ability to run the show. Only way you draft him is if he shows he's at least a decent defender and can shoot the ball. Playmaking ability isn't enough of a quality in a Spurs backup point.

Phenomanul

06-02-2007, 03:08 PM

Jared Jordan looked pretty good. Although I'm not sure how well he'd fit in the Spurs system. The point guard isn't a creator in the Spurs offense. He'd fit better on a team like the Suns or Jazz where the point guards dominate the ball.

On the Spurs, he's weakness on D would be exposed more than his ability to run the show. Only way you draft him is if he shows he's at least a decent defender and can shoot the ball. Playmaking ability isn't enough of a quality in a Spurs backup point.

Think of it this way though.... Michael Jordan at Spurs Games.... on our side (except for Spurs vs. Bobcat games).

We would be in the media's graces at last!

picnroll

06-02-2007, 03:26 PM

Jared Jordan looked pretty good. Although I'm not sure how well he'd fit in the Spurs system. The point guard isn't a creator in the Spurs offense. He'd fit better on a team like the Suns or Jazz where the point guards dominate the ball.
I think Pop works with the talent he has and creates the system around that talent. Certainly a lot different offense in the pre-Manu, pre-Parker years than in the Manu and Parker years. Kidd. Certainly if Kidd had signed with the Spurs Pop would have run a ball dominating PG offense.

Spurs haven't had a Nash-type PG and Jordan has a lot of Nash in him. Apparently not the shot but maybe that can be improveded upon. One knock is his athletcism, speed, quickness but he has that same ability to get people off balance and get by/around them that Nash has. He makes paasses like Joe Montana, threaded the needle last couple of Orlando games.

Unfortunately he seemed to have Nash-like defensive capability. Still ...

Mr. Body

06-02-2007, 06:19 PM

Think of it this way though.... Michael Jordan at Spurs Games.... on our side (except for Spurs vs. Bobcat games).

We would be in the media's graces at last!

No relation. This guy's white. And MJ's sons are nowhere as talented as this guy.

objective

06-02-2007, 06:23 PM

I could see Jordan with the last of the second round picks if he's still there.

Mostly I could see the attraction to him due to his ballhandling. Shooting and defense are a liability, but the Spurs might be able to trust him to bring the ball up under pressure, unlike Beno. Keeping turnovers low = plus for back-up point guards.

wildbill2u

06-02-2007, 06:33 PM

The DX pages now have the Finnish PG Kipponen falling to 29. I think we take him at 28 because the Spurs hate to pay money for someone that 'might make it' when they can draft Euro and stash them overseas without paying.

Then DX shows McGuire falling to us at 33. I'm down with that and would think we had a pretty good draft at that point.

Who cares about the last pick? Chances of a pickup there are remote.

yavozerb

06-02-2007, 06:42 PM

I still think a guy like Miles coming on to this roster at 24 can fill in as a legit back up pg and vaughn can be our 3rd pg. This hopefully will happen so we can draft a SG like Almond and possibly a center such as Gray. Just a thought..

Darkwaters

06-02-2007, 08:37 PM

At this point I think we need to look at several players quite closely. If the Spurs really like Koponen and think he could be a player they would want they should bring him in for a couple of good workouts. If they really like him that much, draft him at 28.

Players like Afflalo, Byars, Dudley, McGuire, Tucker etc, should be brought in and looked at. If the Suns covet Koponen they could easily trade up a handful of spots to overtake the Spurs. Hence, if Koponen is gone (or the Spurs decide hes not worth their 28) they should likely take an athletic wing. My choice at this point is Byars.

Then with the 33 I think the team should take Dudley (even if we take Byars earlier). The guy is just begging to be a Spur with his style and ability. He will be able to step in immediately and backup Bowen. If hes gone, McGuire is a good choice or a potential backup PG could be taken here (I like Florida's Taurean Green, but Bobby Brownor any other player could go here).

Then with the the 58 the team needs to dig deep. If the Spurs only drafted 1 wing with the first 2 picks then I like Avis Wyatt with the 58 (if hes there) or obviously Herbert Hill would be a steal. Frankly, I think a player like Sun Yue is more realistic. Hes an intriguing prospect that would stay overseas for a while to bulk up and figure things out. Of course, a PG like Mustafa Shakur could always be gambled on here as well.

I like the idea of Byars/Dudley/Yue. This assumes that Koponen does not pass the Spurs' test. To resolve our PG woes we can then either sign Chucky Atkins or Aaron Miles (or BOTH and simply not resign Vaughn).

yavozerb

06-02-2007, 09:07 PM

This is my guess as what the roster will look like for 2007-2008 minus Beno and Barry:

TP-rookie or FA- Vaughn (3)
Manu-Rookie or FA -Rookie or FA(3) Drafting Byars or Almond would be great here
Bowen-Finley-White (3)
TD-Horry-rookie or FA (3)
Elson-Fab-Butler (3)

As you can see I think there could be 4 possible open spots on the roster next year Max..

THE SIXTH MAN

06-03-2007, 04:21 AM

Adidas San Antonio Spurs 2007 NBA Draft Cap

http://tsa.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3726856dt.jpg

sportsauthority.com (http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2735842&cp=1398475.1421565.2098581&parentPage=family)

TDMVPDPOY

06-03-2007, 04:44 AM

that looks better than the spurs wcf cap

mountainballer

06-03-2007, 06:29 AM

the reports about Jared Jordan's performance sound almost identical to thoses about Beno back in 2004, when he shined at the Chicago pre draft camp.
btw. back then Chris Duhon was a totally disappointment at the camp.
I still wonder if this was the reason, why Spurs picked Beno over Duhon.

mountainballer

06-03-2007, 08:22 AM

another report from the camp that praises Dudley. seems like all the reporters are now on his bandwagon.
one mock already has him picked higher than the Spurs pick. (DX at 25)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_ekstrand/06/02/draft.camp.day3/index.html

btw. also mentioned is Ali Traore, who got lot's of approval, some called him best big man in the camp. (averaged 14.7 PPG on ridiculous 70%FG)
he also totally ouplayed the much higher ranked Herbert Hill, who was sometimes mentioned as a possible Spurs pick.
Traore is only 6-9, but has a 7-5 windspan and can jump. he is a 2nd round bubble, so quite an option for the no.58 pick.

(as mentioned in the prvious post, I don't want to overrate the camp. see Beno. but Traore seems to have developed nicely and might finally be better than some higher ranked prospects from France - including Ian.)

picnroll

06-03-2007, 08:28 AM

Traroe was a very strong, physical player with nice touch around the basket. He shares one trait with Mahinmi, he's a fouling machine.

Jordan led the NCAAs for two years straight in assists. Beno showed up one time to get a contract and then disappeared again.

A.H 21-50

06-03-2007, 10:05 AM

from a friend of mine in France who knows a close friend to traore

he have yet 6 workout scheduled with nba teams but nothing with the spurs actually

wildbill2u

06-03-2007, 10:22 AM

Darkwaters

06-03-2007, 04:28 PM

Just read in Houston Chronicle that the normal chances of a pick panning out as a player--not a star--when drafted from 25 down is only 15-20%. Anyone have any dispute with that?

Granted this is generally considered a deeper draft than most, the 28th, 33rd and 58th pick are basically crapshoots where the player may not even stick in the league, much less become an important cog in the rotation.

Maybe we all need to take a deep breath.

But thats just the thing. There are players that will be available in the second round this year that could have easily been in the teens last year. Hell, Florida's Noah is slated to go at about number 10 this year...he probably would have been a top 2 pick last year. We can definitely get some quality guys.

wildbill2u

06-03-2007, 06:24 PM

Ya still gotta be lucky at 28-58...cause this is a 28 caliber pick, one of the weakest picks in the draft.

Well, punk, are ya feelin' lucky?

(with apolgies to Dirty Harry)

mountainballer

06-04-2007, 02:58 AM

Just read in Houston Chronicle that the normal chances of a pick panning out as a player--not a star--when drafted from 25 down is only 15-20%. Anyone have any dispute with that?

but you did realize that 80% of the Spurs starting line up was drafted from 25 down? (I guess you agree that undrafted is included in the 25 down group).
and if you take the whole roster, the 25 down contingent is 67%.
so how can you point on a statistical number for the whole league, when a simple comparison would prove that your own team is not exactly fullfilling this statistical trend?

just for the fun. taking the current roster, the average pick of the Spurs is the #33 pick. (undrafted players are calculated as a no.60 pick)
this is by far the highest number of any NBA team.
(using the logic that 25 down players are usually worthless, the Spurs should be by far the worst team in the league)

btw. we got the #33 pick this year. take this a a good sign.

ChumpDumper

06-04-2007, 03:07 AM

but you did realize that 80% of the Spurs starting line up was drafted from 25 down?Finley was a #21 pick, but point taken.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 09:24 AM

btw. we got the #33 pick this year. take this a a good sign.

#33 = Jared Dudley or Zabian Dowdell

wildbill2u

06-04-2007, 10:17 AM

but you did realize that 80% of the Spurs starting line up was drafted from 25 down? (I guess you agree that undrafted is included in the 25 down group).
and if you take the whole roster, the 25 down contingent is 67%.
so how can you point on a statistical number for the whole league, when a simple comparison would prove that your own team is not exactly fullfilling this statistical trend?

just for the fun. taking the current roster, the average pick of the Spurs is the #33 pick. (undrafted players are calculated as a no.60 pick)
this is by far the highest number of any NBA team.
(using the logic that 25 down players are usually worthless, the Spurs should be by far the worst team in the league)

btw. we got the #33 pick this year. take this a a good sign.
I'm gonna salute the FO and Pop for making those picks because of better info and skill rather than luck--but since the rest of the league caught on to the Spurs trick of scouting Euros, there won't be many 'great but unknown' draft picks out there for us to gobble up.

In fact, you could easily argue that Parker and Manu were the last good picks the Spurs have made. They were immediately good enough to play--but none of their later Euro picks has panned out too well.

mountainballer

06-04-2007, 11:44 AM

I'm gonna salute the FO and Pop for making those picks because of better info and skill rather than luck--but since the rest of the league caught on to the Spurs trick of scouting Euros, there won't be many 'great but unknown' draft picks out there for us to gobble up.

In fact, you could easily argue that Parker and Manu were the last good picks the Spurs have made. They were immediately good enough to play--but none of their later Euro picks has panned out too well.

agree on what you said about the last years.
(the last good pick might have been Scola in 2002, though)
we could also point that since RC is responsible, the Spurs lack either the fortune or the foresight or both for another at least helpfull pick.
however. there are indications that the Spurs will change their startegy this year and not exclusivly go for Euros. (like hiring a college scout)

looking at this draft class and considering that the Spurs own 2 picks in an area where some usefull players will be left over, the chance isn't that bad, that we get one regular rotation player out of this draft.

yavozerb

06-04-2007, 12:21 PM

I still believe the #9 pick (bulls) pick can be had for the follwoing reasons: No player they draft in this spot will help them win the eastern confrence next year. This teams needs veteran players mixed with their youth if they plan on winning next year. This team also has to in the process of building a more solid team save money for expiring contracts such deng and gordon. Paxson will not break the bank for expensive players such as Gasol who would do more harm than good for the teams nucleus of players. The Spurs have players which the Bulls could use very much such as scola and butler who's skills are good but not great but also come at a very cheap price. If the spurs could give up these players along with this and next years #1 it could be had. It sounds like alot but #9 and #33 should fill out the roster for next years team.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 12:42 PM

I'd piss myself if Chicago sent the #9 our way for Scola + 10 second rounders and whatever else they want, but Yi or Hawes will be far too valuable for them.

mountainballer

06-04-2007, 12:53 PM

we have been talking so much about the Bulls as the team that might be most interested in Scola, that we forgot another (probably more realistic) option.

what about the Pistons? they obviously lacked scoring ability and especially low post scoring. their bigs are all on the downside of their career or on their way out. they still have a good team and could be on top of the East for 2 or 3 more years. they might be more interested in a player with lots of expirience (who is still much younger than the current frontcourt players), than in the usual rookie.

the difference between Spurs situation and Pistons situation is, that Scola shouldn't have a problem to play alongside Wallace, since Wallace never ever enters the paint on offense.

to somehow get the no.15 pick from the Pistons looks also a bit more realistic, than to get either the no.9 pick from the Bulls, or Nocioni in a S&T.
Detroit is one of the teams, that probably might also be interested in some of our problem players (namely Beno and Butler), since they need depth on either PG and C.
Spurs might be a good place for one of their headcases. Delfino might do better with a some tutoring of Manu and Fabricio.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 01:00 PM

Hmm... I've totally discounted Detroit for some reason. I've thought of Philly and New Jersey, but not the Pistons. In order to go with Scola, they'd have to consider a drop-off in defensive intensity, but it would give them an actual post dimension. I have thought that the team finding Splitter as Best Available at their pick might be interested in a swap instead for Scola - as the better player - I didn't think Detroit would be the team to do it.

Unfortunately I don't see at #15 what the Spurs want. That's why I've been so interested in the #12 from Philly (hoping Larry Brown is in their ear), because I see one of the top 4 SFs falling there, usually Julian Wright. At #15 the Spurs would have to settle for Thaddeus Young (probably) or go a different direction. I suppose, as you say, they could trade up #15 + #28 for a few spots.

If it were Scola + #28 as a demand, I'm not sure it's worth it.

mountainballer

06-04-2007, 01:24 PM

Unfortunately I don't see at #15 what the Spurs want. That's why I've been so interested in the #12 from Philly (hoping Larry Brown is in their ear), because I see one of the top 4 SFs falling there, usually Julian Wright. At #15 the Spurs would have to settle for Thaddeus Young (probably) or go a different direction. I suppose, as you say, they could trade up #15 + #28 for a few spots.

well, whatever happens, at 15 the Spurs would be in another dimension taking about possibilities. I agree that the best Sfs will likely be gone, but there is a small chance for a Danny Granger scenario involving Jeff Green or Corey Brewer.
(especially if some of the bigs impress ot the workouts. like Smith and McRoberts.)
but even if there wasn't one of the mentioned, why focus on getting a SF. just get the best player available and either put him on the team, or use him as the kind of trade bait we usually lack.(for getting a SF)

btw. I would give Scola + the #28 pick for the #15 pick.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 01:26 PM

yavozerb

06-04-2007, 01:48 PM

I'd piss myself if Chicago sent the #9 our way for Scola + 10 second rounders and whatever else they want, but Yi or Hawes will be far too valuable for them.

1st off yi will not be around by #9 and are the bulls going to wait 2-3 years for hawes to possibly develop into a pro type big man. Scola has experience playing in a professional league and has seperated himself as one of league's best inside players. If the bulls got him and/or butler at #9 and used the Spurs #28 pick on say aaron gray I would say that this would improve there inside game. No way Hawes is that much better gray.

A.H 21-50

06-04-2007, 02:06 PM

For me, it depends on who's still there.

If Green is still there, hell yes. Whatever it takes. If Brewer is still there, OMG DON'T WAIT, DO IT.

But I see only an outside chance Green tumbles a bit. If they could get him - and IF Detroit wants Scola - I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'm not sure Detroit wouldn't take Green first.

green or brewer are only dreams for us i think :dizzy

the question is'nt wich team will look at scola or someone else on our roster but if the spurs will do something to have a better first round pick ???

from what we saw in the past years they don't trade a lot of times for rookies but i know this draft is deep

So i don't see a lot of teams trading away their pick between the first and the 15-20 choices except for a very good player like Z-Bo but not for Scola

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 02:24 PM

green or brewer are only dreams for us i think :dizzy

the question is'nt wich team will look at scola or someone else on our roster but if the spurs will do something to have a better first round pick ???

from what we saw in the past years they don't trade a lot of times for rookies but i know this draft is deep

So i don't see a lot of teams trading away their pick between the first and the 15-20 choices except for a very good player like Z-Bo but not for Scola

Yes, it's not worth discussing Green or esp. Brewer.

But all things considered, I'd rather have Scola than Zach Randolph. Randolph is overpaid for too many years, has character issues, and has put up stats on a weak team (they'll go down once next to Oden). He also appears to have little effect on wins vs. losses, i.e. he just puts up stats, that's it.

RandomGuy

06-04-2007, 02:42 PM

I was wondering who had gotten the first pick in the 2029 draft yet.

My figuring is that will be the year that Tim's son will be eligible, if he hasn't signed by now...

I got dibs on being his agent, so all inquiries regarding the signing of that fetus should be directed to me.

vander

06-04-2007, 02:48 PM

so hypothetically, what Spurs assets would Greg Oden be worth. excluding the big 3?
I'm not talking about a trade here just a comparing of values, put Oden on one side of the scale, and what do you think it would take from the Spurs to balance it out?

its still a long time till game 1 so I started pondering this

I would say he's worth at least the rights to all of our foreign players + 7 future first round picks, top 3 protected.

mmmmmm twin towers 2.0 :drunk

Darkwaters

06-04-2007, 02:53 PM

I think hes worth at least Duncan right now. Why? Because on draft night every player is a potential star. And Oden has had that working in his favor for a long time before draft night. People are already sold on him. People believe that Oden will bring a championship to wherever he goes. Of course, Duncan is the same way...just older. But he has already proven his pedigree.

pad300

06-04-2007, 03:58 PM

Yes, it's not worth discussing Green or esp. Brewer.

But all things considered, I'd rather have Scola than Zach Randolph. Randolph is overpaid for too many years, has character issues, and has put up stats on a weak team (they'll go down once next to Oden). He also appears to have little effect on wins vs. losses, i.e. he just puts up stats, that's it.

I would certainly take a trade of #28 and Scola upwards for #15. Even if gree/brewer weren't available. McRoberts almost assuredly would be, and I think it would be worth it. I have stated before, that I would be very happy with a trade up for McRoberts; I think he is almost the ideal complimentary big next to Tim. I would also look at trades with Washington, (#16 I believe), NJ (#17). Both those teams are likely looking for PF help; Scola is much more developed than a college player, and will therefore provide immediate help (which both teams might be looking for, NJ and WAS want to win now; I am not so sure about Detroit - they might decide to fully rebuild).

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 04:28 PM

Upon reflection, I can't imagine Detroit gives up the #15, especially if Acie Law is there.

Bruno

06-04-2007, 04:39 PM

I don't see teams with 4 PFs like Detroit (Wallace, McDyess, Maxiell and Johnson) or Washington (Jamison, Songaila, Blatche, Pecherov) being interested in Scola.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 04:42 PM

I don't see teams with 4 PFs like Detroit (Wallace, McDyess, Maxiell and Johnson) or Washington (Jamison, Songaila, Blatche, Pecherov) being interested in Scola.

McDyess could be on the way out. Scola would be better than one or both of Maxiell/Johnson, Rasheed is not a post player.

Jamison is a SF/PF tweener, Blatche is nothing, Pecherov is not on the team.

That said, I don't see Wash. pulling for Scola, nor do I really see Detroit, either.

Bruno

06-04-2007, 04:49 PM

McDyess could be on the way out. Scola would be better than one or both of Maxiell/Johnson, Rasheed is not a post player.

Jamison is a SF/PF tweener, Blatche is nothing, Pecherov is not on the team.

:wtf

Jamison plays mainly PF.
Blatche is a good prospect.
Pecherov will sign with Washington this summer.
McDyess isn't gone for the moment.
Maxiell has been quite good.
Detroit is really high on Johnson.

yavozerb

06-04-2007, 04:51 PM

I see the sixers and the bobcats being real possibilities as well!!both have mutliple picks in the 1st..

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 04:52 PM

:wtf

Jamison plays mainly PF.
Blatche is a good prospect.
Pecherov will sign with Washington this summer.
McDyess isn't gone for the moment.
Maxiell has been quite good.
Detroit is really high on Johnson.

I don't think a single guy you mentioned is a post player. They're all jump-shooters.

And please on Blatche and Pecherov. Especially Blatche.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 04:53 PM

I see the sixers and the bobcats being real possibilities as well!!both have mutliple picks in the 1st..

I've long thought of Philadelphia, but I don't think they've discovered foreign players yet. They think Dalembert is from down south somewhere.

yavozerb

06-04-2007, 04:56 PM

I don't think a single guy you mentioned is a post player. They're all jump-shooters.

And please on Blatche and Pecherov. Especially Blatche.

Jamison is def. a SF and jump shooter. Not sure about the other 2

Bruno

06-04-2007, 05:01 PM

I don't think a single guy you mentioned is a post player. They're all jump-shooters.

First : all teams don't want to have a low post scoring PF. NBA's MVP is a jump shooting PF.
Second : Jamison and Wallace are good low post scorer. Maxiell isn't at all a jump shooter.

And please on Blatche and Pecherov. Especially Blatche.

Blatche is a very good prospect, great upside. Even if you remove Blatche and Pecherov, Wizards have 2 quality PFs with Jamison and Songaila : it's way enough.

Mr. Body

06-04-2007, 05:07 PM

Again, I don't think Detroit or Washington want him, but Jamison is more of a perimeter player, as is Wallace, although they will post from time to time (Wallace unsuccessfully against Cleveland).

Talking about Blatche and Pecherov is overstating the case, and we need to see if Songaila can get healthy.

Bruno

06-04-2007, 05:17 PM

Talking about Blatche and Pecherov is overstating the case, and we need to see if Songaila can get healthy.

Talking about Blatche and Pecherov isn't overstating.
Do you know a lot of tems with 4 starting level PFs ?

Both Detroit and Washington have :
- A good starting PF.
- A good backup PF.
- good third string PFs.

They don't need at all a PF. I can even see them trading one.

And Songaila has been heathly since February.

ChumpDumper

06-04-2007, 05:35 PM

Detroit might be blowing up that frontline a bit this summer. The Wiz could get another good big man with their first rounder.

Bruno

06-04-2007, 07:26 PM

Measurements and combine results :

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/Orlando%202007-Complete%20%20Results.xls

A.H 21-50

06-04-2007, 07:27 PM

Darkwaters

06-04-2007, 07:29 PM

We're sitting here talking about who we think the Spurs will draft while not fully fleshing out some of the more obvious details. Obviously the players that we pick will be dependent on how many roster spots we have available. The notable players that will likely be moved are obviously Barry, Udrih and Elson. But how will we move them?

I have been looking at several teams that could be in the market and I've been trying to figure out how to discard multiple players without taking much back in return.

Obviously we could probably deal Udrih for a future second round pick without too much difficulty. Especially to a team like the Clippers or Bobcats that could be in the market for a backup PG and (in the Bobcats case) are under the cap and nurturing youth. Udrih will likely be included in a larger deal though that will include either Elson or Barry (or both).

Barry could be sent to a team like the Clippers that are craving 3 point shooting as well as PG play. Obviously the Barry/Beno for Maggette trade should at least be revisited...but its likely dead. Hes a good vet on an expiring deal which gives him reasonable value. Another team that might have some interest is the Nuggets or Jazz. Utah is hurting for 3 point shooting and quality play at the 2 guard. The Nuggets are in the same position, but they are also trying to trim payroll. An expiring deal like Barry's would make sense for them.

Elson could be sent to a team looking for frontcourt help an especially one in need of athleticism. Also, Elson's deal is an expiring one, which gives him added value. Elson and Barry could be coupled much like Erik Williams and Matt Bonner were to acquire one more highly paid vet while the other team is mostly buying cap relief in a year. An ironic trade would send Barry and Elson to the Nuggets for Camby. However...I don't see that one flying in Denver. The teams off the top of my head that need frontcourt help include the Wizards and Nets, although I'm not sure if they have interest in Elson.

Any bright ideas?

Bruno

06-04-2007, 07:40 PM

So Jared Jordan can't jump and has alligator arms but is quite quick.

Marcus Bryant

06-04-2007, 07:46 PM

So the Spurs trade their #28 for the Suns' 2008 1st round pick, their #33 for the Grizzlies' 2012 2nd round pick, and use their #58 on Siaosi Tupou, a 7'10" center from the Kingdom of Tonga.

End of Thread.

wildbill2u

06-04-2007, 08:15 PM

I've long thought of Philadelphia, but I don't think they've discovered foreign players yet. They think Dalembert is from down south somewhere.
Isn't Dalembert one of those stinky cheeses from France?

timvp

06-04-2007, 08:54 PM

Measurements and combine results :

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/Orlando%202007-Complete%20%20Results.xls

Nice info. Durant is bigger than I thought. He could be listed at 6'11 in the NBA. That's pretty scary given his skill set.

The funniest thing of all is Jared Jordan has a 14.5 inches no-step vertical :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

That's ridiculously low. The second worst I see is 23 inches. The guy is 6-foot and 183 pounds and he can't get up at all? You're average WNBA player jumps higher. That's my same height and it was my playing weight and I could jump higher in 6th grade.

This guy better have more skills than Steve Nash because he seriously jumps lower than Rasho.

timvp

06-04-2007, 09:21 PM

Holy crap Oden has a 32 inch no-step vertical and a 3/4th court time of 3.27? That guy is going to be a monster. 6-foot-11 without shoes with the athleticism of a small forward and the speed of a point guard?

:wow

fuckespn

06-04-2007, 09:32 PM

Nice info. Durant is bigger than I thought. He could be listed at 6'11 in the NBA. That's pretty scary given his skill set.

The funniest thing of all is Jared Jordan has a 14.5 inches no-step vertical :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

That's ridiculously low. The second worst I see is 23 inches. The guy is 6-foot and 183 pounds and he can't get up at all? You're average WNBA player jumps higher. That's my same height and it was my playing weight and I could jump higher in 6th grade.

This guy better have more skills than Steve Nash because he seriously jumps lower than Rasho.

Holy shit I can't jump for shit and I still got like a 19 inch no step vert

mountainballer

06-05-2007, 03:56 AM

Detroit might be blowing up that frontline a bit this summer.

this was the starting point of the whole idea that they might be interestd in Scola.
Davis (38) might retire (even if he said he plans to play one more year) Webber (34) is FA and questionable, Nazr is on the trading block, McDyess (33) has a PO, will likely be back, but also likley just for the next season. if Nazr, Webber and Davis are gone, Wallace might be moved to the center spot, if they can't bring in another decent center.
Maxiell is a strong man and hard worker, but has no offensive skills to talk about. much like Malik, but with even less ball handling skills and very limited understanding of the game.
Johnson is FA, he has played a combined 11 games in his 2 seasons with the Pistons. he is even more raw than Maxiell. if they bring him back, it will take at lest another 2 seasons, till he can provide some impact. especially when talking about the impact a contender team needs.

of course the Pistons need to do something with their frontcourt this year, if they don't want that the window closes. (of course it won't be a aquisation of Scola that solves all their problems, just one little step).
there are lot's of speculations in the Detroit press and among the fans. trades for Zach Randolph and Shawn Marion are rumored. Nazr is the odd man out, seems like noone wants him anymore, but also Sheed is often mentioned as the one who should be traded.

however. Detroit is anything but settled on the PF and C spot.

Bruno

06-05-2007, 05:33 AM

Some measurements for players in Spurs range :

SF :

Jared Dudley
Height with shoes : 6' 7.25''
Wingspan : 6' 7''
Weight : 219

Morris Almond (last year results)
Height with shoes : 6' 6''
Wingspan : 6' 10''
Weight : 214

Derrick Byars
Height with shoes : N/A
Wingspan : N/A
Weight : N/A

Alando Tucker
Height with shoes : N/A
Wingspan : N/A
Weight : N/A

Dominic McGuire
Height with shoes : 6' 8.25''
Wingspan : 6' 10.5''
Weight : 220

Demetris Nichols
Height with shoes : 6' 7.5''
Wingspan : 7' 0.25''
Weight : 211

Reyshawn Terry
Height with shoes : 6' 7.5''
Wingspan : 6' 10''
Weight : 222

Trey Johnson
Height with shoes : 6' 5.75''
Wingspan : 6' 5''
Weight : 216

mountainballer

06-05-2007, 05:36 AM

the measurements and athletic testing numbers are fun and interesting to read as usual (and there should be some doubts as usual)
I don't think the top prospects tried very hard in the athletic test, especially not Durant. (he obviously didn't at the sprint and agility test. he isn't slower than most centers)

Dudley didn't do great, as expected, but his numbers also don't look as if there was that much of an athletic deficit compared to other SFs. (see Julian Wright)
(Dudley doesn't have a good wingspan, but a decent standing reach)

Conley's numbers are impressive. wow. quickest player and 2nd best leaper.
(his numbers are much better than those of Chris Paul two years ago)

Nick Young has a no step vertical of 39.5"! that's 4" more than the 2nd best (Conley) maybe the most impressive number of all athletical test numbers.
(wonder why his max. vertical was only 1" more. usually there is a difference of 5").

also impressive: Nichols was 10.39 in the lane agility test! I guess that's the best number of the last 3 years.
it was reported, that he displays nice lateral quickness, but this number makes him look like a living pinball.
I wonder why we've not been talking more about him.
he is an outstanding shooter (best shooter at the camp), has nice lenght and wingspan, is a decent rebounder and seems to have all tools that are needed to also make him a great defender. he will be available at 28 for sure, but likely also at 33. any thoughts?

Bruno

06-05-2007, 05:39 AM

Some measurements for players in Spurs range :

PG :

Taurean Green
Height with shoes : 6' 0.75''
Wingspan : 6' 2.25''
Weight : 173

Petteri Koponen
Height with shoes : N/A
Wingspan : N/A
Weight : N/A

Zabian Dowdell
Height with shoes : 6' 3''
Wingspan : 6' 10''
Weight : 191

Bobby Brown
Height with shoes : 6' 1.75''
Wingspan : 6' 4''
Weight : 170

Gabe Pruitt
Height with shoes : N/A
Wingspan : N/A
Weight : N/A

Aaron Brooks
Height with shoes : 5' 11.75''
Wingspan : 6' 4''
Weight : 161

Jared Jordan
Height with shoes : 6' 1.75''
Wingspan : 6' 0''
Weight : 183

naico

06-05-2007, 05:50 AM

Bruno

06-05-2007, 05:57 AM

Some things to note without to forget that height/combine doesn't tell the whole story :

For the SF :
Nichols, Terry and Mcguire are very close body wise : 6'8" with long arms, 210/220lbs and with quite similar results at the combine test.
Dudley is behind them : he is less athletic and has shorter arms but he is still decent. he seems quick enough to play SF.
Trey Johnson is likely too short to play SF in nba.

For the PG :
Dowdell is big enough to play SG. A 6'10" wingspan is quite impressive.
Brown has a quite good size for a PG and is very athletic.
Green is quite small and his combine results are average. He is just 1" bigger than Aaron Brooks, he has shorter arms than Brooks and is way less athletic. You can wonder if Green size and average athletic abilities will hurt him in nba.

Bruno

06-05-2007, 06:00 AM

Bruno

06-05-2007, 06:05 AM

BTW, maybe we can trade Scola to portland for the first pick.
They don't like Zach Randolph and they will need a PF if they trade him.
After all, Scola is more nba ready than NCAA freshmen like Oden or Durant.

colargol

06-05-2007, 06:14 AM

Isn't Dalembert one of those stinky cheeses from France?
:lol
:nope It's camembert!

mountainballer

06-05-2007, 07:06 AM

Any chance the spurs would want to take a look at Stephane Lasme? An amazing shotblocker, who is a bit undersized for his position but he has a 7' 2''
wingspan (better than Noah) and is a good athlete and if worked on could really develope into a nice player on offense as well. Nichols and Dudley(if he slims down, seems to run a bit on the slow side) i would welcome as well. I'd love to have Young, but he's out of our reach.

I would rather consider Carl Laundry than Lasme.
he was one of the nice surprises of the measurements. for the whole year it was mentioned, that he will be undersized for an NBA PF, but at 6-7.75 (6-8.5 in shoes) and at 248 lbs he isn't huge, but quite not as much undersized as usually mentioned. and his athletic results were excellent.
he played great at the NCAA tournament and was the one who kicked Arizona out of the tounamnet. also against the Gators he had a very good game and gave Noah and Horford quite some trouble and kept Perdue in the game for longer than expected.
I never had him on my list for the no.33 pick (like Hill or Fazekas), because I also bought the to undersized and not athletic enough argument. but right now he looks like a sleeper in this draft.

wildbill2u

06-05-2007, 08:47 AM

:lol
:nope It's camembert!
Next time I'll put (joke) in parenthesis for those who are challenged by subtlety in humor.

wildbill2u

06-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Has anyone ever done a scientific statistical study on whether a long wingspan is actually better --or even as good as--a tall and athletic body? Any examples?

Does the fact that a player drags his knuckles on the floor when he walks actually translate into basketball prowess? I remember Romain Sato's claim to fame was that he had a tremendous wingspan. He still has the wingspan--he doesn't have an NBA job.

Or am I asking for too much reality over fantasy here?

Mr. Body

06-05-2007, 09:30 AM

I'm guessing, in typical fashion we'll have little idea who the Spurs are working out. All I've heard so far is Jared Jordan.

yavozerb

06-05-2007, 11:52 AM

K-State Spur

06-05-2007, 11:56 AM

The more I look at it, the more I really like Dudley. His collegiate career and stats draw a lot of parallels to Josh Howard. Now, they obviously aren't the same player - I think JH is more athletic while Dudley is stronger and better in the post.

Mr. Body

06-05-2007, 12:00 PM

I still believe the spurs will not draft a pg this draft. We could address other postions such as: 2 (Almond or Belinelli), 3 (Dudley,Tucker, or Mcguire), 4 (Fazekas or Tomic), 5 (Gray or Visser). I would be happy with any of these 2 players and find our back up pg in FA.

I could definitely see drafting a point. There aren't many on the FA market, they're either very expensive or old. Plus there are a handful of good points floating around the early second round. If Dowdell is still there at 33, we could do much worse; but true, there might be another decent guy at another position there.

Tomic is pulling out of the draft, I hear.

Mr.Bottomtooth

06-05-2007, 12:05 PM

Any chance we take a look at Justin Williams this offseason?

Darkwaters

06-05-2007, 12:48 PM

I've been reading up on Dowdell and I think hes probably our man. He just seems to fit. Everything points to him being a good spurs type of player. Of course, I also think Dudley is probably our guy as well.

Can you imagine a second unit of Dowdell/Ginobili/Dudley/Scola/Oberto?

The 3 Argentine players already click very well together and would thrive in the NBA as a team. Dudley is a very smart basketball player and would quickly learn to play off of those guys and find his spots quickly. Dowdell would run the point, but would also be able to play off the ball a fair amount as the offense generally flows through Ginobili for the second unit anyways. Since hes really an undersized shooting guard with some refined PG polish it seems ideal. Obviously the interior defense wouldn't be the best with that group. But that unit has several legit shooters, a couple playmakers, low post scoring and a lot of chemistry already. We could do a whole lot worse.

I am simply salivating at the prospect of extending leads with Duncan AND Parker on the bench.