Draft Prospect: Petteri Koponen

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.nba.com/media/draft2007/petteri_koponen.jpg

Full Name: Petteri Johannes Koponen
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 195
Birthdate: April 13, 1988 (Helsinki, Finland)
High School: Mäkelänrinne Senior HS (Helsinki, Finland)
Team: Honka Espoo Playboys (Finland)
Country: Finland

nbadraft.net profile (http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/petterikoponen.html)
nba.com profile (http://www.nba.com/draft2007/profiles/PetteriKoponen.html)
draftexpress.com profile (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1273)

[Kori Ellis]

A lot of people think the Spurs are going to draft him. This is the one the guy that they are looking at that I don't want. Too soft.

[Pistons < Spurs]

per Draftexpress:

Comparisons:

Best Case: Beno Udrih
Worst Case: Teemu Rannikko

[Oink Oink]

per Draftexpress:

Comparisons:

Best Case: Beno Udrih
Worst Case: Teemu Rannikko
Beno is his best case!!!

[picnroll]

link (http://draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1273)

Exploring European Draft-Day Storylines
June 17, 2007
Continuing a distinct trend that has followed him to every workout he’s attended so far, Petteri Koponen had himself another outstanding showing in front of multiple NBA teams, this time at a workout organized by his agent Marc Cornstein in New York City.

Eight Pinnacle Management clients worked out for at least ten NBA teams in separate workouts this past weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Teams that were in New York on Saturday/Sunday included Denver, Memphis, Boston (Danny Ainge), Houston, Utah, Portland (Kevin Pritchard), Toronto, Golden State, Seattle, Charlotte, Phoenix, Dallas, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Miami, the LA Lakers, and the New York Knicks.

According to an NBA executive that was present, the workout was well run and featured a good mix of shooting drills, and competitive one on one or two on two matchups. The players that were in attendance for the first session were Stanko Barac, Vladimir Golobuvic, Marko Lekic, and Milovan Rakovic—a group of big “bangers” who did a good job beating up on each other and neutralizing each other for the most part—even if Milovan Rakovic did well to separate himself from the pack.

The second session—featuring Petteri Koponen, Casey Hughes (Yale), Zoran Erceg and Artem Zabelin—was reportedly more informative. Erceg did a terrific job shooting the ball, although his flaws (rebounding, shot-creating ability, athleticism) were evident. Zabelin looks to be “oozing with potential,” although he still has a “very long way to go” as his body looks years away from filling out.

According to two separate NBA people who were in the building, it was Koponen that stole the show once again, showing good ball-handling skills, an ability to change directions quickly on the fly, excellent leadership skills, great poise, a high intelligence level, terrific intangibles, and a real winning attitude that made him standout in everything he did. The same “plays like an American guard” compliment that we heard from a different scout who saw him in Orlando conducting another multi-team workout was again repeated here—meaning he doesn’t suffer from the same athletic short-comings that other international guards do. His shooting mechanics were critiqued, but apparently his jumper went in at a good rate, particularly on pick and pop plays.

[picnroll]

link (http://draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1273)

Koponen Shines
April 8, 2007
Coming into the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit, point guard Petteri Koponen had a large task at hand. A 6’5” point guard out of Finland, he was faced with the task of grabbing the attention of the various NBA scouts in attendance, while proving he could play against more athletic competition. Koponen succeeded at both tasks, displaying the ability to run a team and making his way past more athletic players throughout the game.

Born in 1988, Koponen plays for a team called Honka Espoo. Honka currently ranks 2nd in the Korisliiga, the top league in Finland. While many players in his age group struggle to gain minutes, this hasn’t been a problem for Koponen. The Korisliiga ranks as one of the weaker leagues in Europe, and can probably compared to the leagues in Sweden and the Czech Republic in terms of competition level. While the league isn’t the strongest, it is probably safe to say that Koponen would likely receive at least some minutes in most of the stronger leagues in Europe.

Koponen reportedly plays 30-35 minutes per game with Honka as their started point guard, and has enjoyed recent success in Korisliiga playoffs. In a recent game, the young lead guard lead his team to a victory while scoring 27 points and shooting 7 of 9 from behind the three point line.

What makes Koponen impressive isn’t his scoring, but rather his command of an offense at such a young age. He perfectly fits the mod of the new age point guard with ability to see the court and break down the defense, in combination with his height and the way he moves on the court. During the Hoop Summit, his ability to see the floor and work the ball around the perimeter led to 6 assists and only 1 turnover in the final box score.

Due to the impressive play of Petteri Koponen, Memphis Grizzlies GM Jerry West made the trip to Finland this year with the sole intent of watching Honka play.

Both before and after the Hoop Summit, Koponen stated he’d potentially look into testing the waters in 2007 by placing his name on the early entry list. The fact that he reportedly has no agent makes the situation all the more interesting. He clearly stated after the game on Saturday that he’d move to a higher level of competition next season, citing the NBA as a preference, but mentioning a higher league in Europe as another potential destination.

Though Koponen plays a polished game for an 18 year old, he could clearly boost his draft stock with a good season against better competition in Europe. He will still be a relative unknown should he decide to declare this year, and it would be wise of him to pull his name out unless he receives a promise in the late first or early second round.

No matter what Petteri Koponen decides to do, he has clearly established himself as a player for NBA draft enthusiasts to follow. His combination of size, decision making, and shooting ability will give the soon to be 19 year old a chance to succeed in the NBA, whether he decides to make the jump this year or in the future.

Nike Hoop Summit Practices-- World Team (Day 4)
April 7, 2007
Petteri Koponen continued to show great maturity running the offense and knocking down jump shots from behind the three point line. Though he struggles to finish near the basket against bigger players, the young point guard can usually make something happened when able to penetrate past the free throw line. Tomorrow will be a big game for Koponen, where he will get the chance to prove he has the physical tools to compete against American players.
[Read Full Article]

Nike Hoop Summit Practices-- World Team (Day 3)
April 6, 2007
Petteri Koponen continued to stand out in the practices today, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. He displayed the ability to break down the defense in the halfcout and pass with good success. He understands the right time to attack, and generally will cycle through the various options of the offensive set before trying to create a play himself. On the perimeter he continued to sink the three point jump-shot with great consistency, showing a quick release despite the lack of lift. The most enjoyable part of Koponen’s game came when the ball wasn’t in his hands, but instead when he’d end up in the paint setting a screen in the offense. He isn’t afraid to lay a hard hit on bigger players and gave out many John Stockton type of hits in the paint to anybody who crossed his path. Even if Koponen doesn’t have the quickness to play the point in the NBA, he probably has the size to play the 2.
[Read Full Article]

Nike Hoop Summit Practices-- World Team (Day 2)
April 5, 2007
Petteri Koponen was one of the more intriguing prospects of the day. He possesses great size for a point guard at around 6’5” and has the quickness to penetrate past the other international players. What really stands out is how physical he plays the point guard position. In the paint, he really excels when setting screens, and isn’t afraid from contact from any player on the floor. As the day progressed, it was easy to appreciate how well he can run a team. Koponen controls the game well, can find the open man off the dribble, and is very crafty with the ball in his hands. Also, his shooting stroke has great consistency - he can make it both while set and off the dribble. The interesting thing for Koponen will be to see how he stacks up athletically against the American players. He may not have the quickness for the NBA level, but if he does he could be a really interesting prospect to watch.
[Read Full Article]

[Twisted_Dawg]

A lot of people think the Spurs are going to draft him. This is the one the guy that they are looking at that I don't want. Too soft.

I agree....much too soft.

But you do have to dig the name of the team he played for:

Team: Honka Espoo Playboys

[picnroll]

link (http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/petterikoponen.html)

NBA Comparison: Kirk Hinrich
Strengths: Has crept from under the radar to become one of the most hyped players in Nordic countries ever ... Great court vision, able to find the open guy no matter how narrow the passing agle is ... ”Houdini” in the open court ... A classic “pass first, pass second, shoot third” point guard when is fully adapted to team’s system ... Defensively he is excellent covering the passing lanes and defending off-the ball movement because of the combination of wits and wingspan...Also a solid team defender, big enough to defend shooting guards ... Tougher than seems, can take a lot of contact without complaining in both offensive and defensive sides ... Able to slash to the basket and draw the defense to him ... Excellent mental toughness, not even the toughest trash talker is able to get inside his head ... Quick, stable jump shot release with a high arch ... Great attitude, an extremely sportsmanlike player ... Picks up his coach’s advice quickly ... Willing to learn and be one of the best one day, works hard to correct the weak spots in his game ... A true talent with potential ...

Weaknesses: Although he takes good care of his body and has improved significantly during last two years, lacks the NBA athleticism ... Struggles in 1-on-1-defense against quicker, more physical point guards ... Still shows inexperience against top competition: Gets a fair share of bad pass turnovers against defensive-minded teams ... Makes quite a lot of rookie mistakes if opponent’s guards have “done their homework” ... Can get frustrated after a couple of easy fouls or turnovers and sometimes gets carried away in high tempo game ... Needs to get better running a 5-on-5 half court set: Has a tendency of forcing bad shots when he can’t get the offense flowing naturally ... Needs more confidence, can be overly critical towards himeslf ... Lacks vocal leadership, although has shown impressive ability to lead both veteran and junior teams ... Needs approximately two years of experience in bigger leagues before having a shot in the NBA ...


Notes: Made his debut in the Finnish top league Korisliiga as a 16-year old and has been able to learn the game from top international coaches Mihajlo Pavicevic (Montenegro) and Henrik Dettmann (Finland) ... Has been scouted by Rick Sheubrooks and Jerry West of the Memphis Grizzlies ... Finished with seven points (2-4 field goals), six assists and just one turnover against Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo in the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit ... Played his first game with Finnish National Team August 1st 2006 against Norway ... Played 15 National Team games in the summer of 2006, scoring 7,0 ppg...Played four games in Euro-Qualifications, third best scorer of Team Finland (10,3ppg) after Hanno Mottola (Zalgiris Kaunas) and starting point guard Teemu Rannikko (Olimpia Ljubljana) ... Netted 19 points and dished out 9 assists against Luxembourg September 16th 2006 ... Starting point guard in U20 Division B European Championship tournament ... U20 team finished third while Koponen scored 12,6ppg and delivered 3,4apg ... Best individual performance in U20 games: 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 steals July 18th 2006 against Macedonia...Was the starting point guard of 2007 Finnish Champion Honka Playboys ... Season averages in 2006/2007: 12,4ppg, 2,4rpg, 3,7apg, 1,7spg, 3,0topg while draining 54,2% of two point attempts, 39,2% of three point attempts and 84,1% of free throw attempts ...
Hippo T. - 5/14/2007

[RobinsontoDuncan]

hmmmm....i dont know kori, a guard with his skill and size, polished game, and basketball IQ at that age seems like a no brainer to me.

As of right now the guys that intrigue me the most are Koponen, fernandez, belini, and demitiris nichols.

we'll see, i highly doubt the spurs pick anyone i would like anyway

[picnroll]

link (http://collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/petteri_koponen_nba_draft_profile40778)

Petteri Koponen: NBA Draft Profile
May 15th, 2007
International, Prospect Profiles
By Jeff Fox
NBA Draft: Petteri Koponen


Team: Espoon Honka
Birth Year: 1988
Stats: Finnish League Stats

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 194lbs

Accolades: Nike Hoop Summit (07).

Scouting Report: An inexperienced, yet highly talented Finnish point guard.

Strengths: A winner – helped Honka win the 2007 Finnish League Championship. Played a strong game against the top U.S. high school players at this year’s Hoop Summit. Great passer. Can beat his man off the dribble and dish to an open teammate. Good three-point shooter. Great free throw shooter. Jerry West scouted him in Finland and commented on his “very high basketball IQ” and compared him to Steve Nash.

Weaknesses: Needs to take better care of the ball – averages almost as many turnovers as assists. Very young, especially for a point guard. Very inexperienced – the Finnish League is not one of the world’s top leagues. Needs to get stronger.

Projected 2007 Draft Range: Early second round pick.

Consensus: Koponen is a very skilled and exciting NBA prospect. While he is still probably a couple of years away from contributing at the NBA level, he has a very solid package of skills and should only improve as his body and game matures.

[pad300]

The people who are calling this guy soft, they are out of their fucking trees. Finn's don't come in "soft"...
Thats not just my opinion, look at some of the quotes that picnroll has been posting

Tougher than seems, can take a lot of contact without complaining in both offensive and defensive sides

Excellent mental toughness, not even the toughest trash talker is able to get inside his head

He isn’t afraid to lay a hard hit on bigger players and gave out many John Stockton type of hits in the paint to anybody who crossed his path.

What really stands out is how physical he plays the point guard position. In the paint, he really excels when setting screens, and isn’t afraid from contact from any player on the floor.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I suppose my only question is, if this guys is everything they're saying he is, why the hell is he projected to be bottom of the first/top of the second?


Seems like he would be a high lottery pick with this many intangibles, Kori is probably right

[picnroll]

The people who are calling this guy soft, they are out of their fucking trees. Finn's don't come in "soft"...
Thats not just my opinion, look at some of the quotes that picnroll has been posting
The Vikings were soft?

[jag]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pIBPcuodTw&NR=1&v3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA2N5IWchug&NR=1 (Impressive)

[ChumpDumper]

Well, this alley oop pass is better than anything the Spurs put up this season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBUoVgHKs0

[Darkwaters]

I suppose my only question is, if this guys is everything they're saying he is, why the hell is he projected to be bottom of the first/top of the second?


Seems like he would be a high lottery pick with this many intangibles, Kori is probably right

Because hes 18 and won't be ready to contribute for at least a year or two. Teams are in a "win now" mentality and can't afford to wait on a guy like Koponen.

[timvp]

If he had shut down workouts, I'd be convinced he's the Spurs' guy. But he worked out with the Suns today and has more workouts scheduled. It just doesn't fit the Spurs M.O. to promise a spot to a player in the first round if the player doesn't agree to shut it down.

Koponen's workout schedule appears to be that of someone with no solid promise.

[Mr. Body]

Is he 6'3", 6'4", 6'5" or what?

He comes with a ready-made nickname, which is great. (Has to do with his team name.)

[objective]

I suppose my only question is, if this guys is everything they're saying he is, why the hell is he projected to be bottom of the first/top of the second?


Seems like he would be a high lottery pick with this many intangibles, Kori is probably right

I would guess because other than international all-star teams he's only played in the finnish league, which is very poor competition.

[RADECK]

Come on guys, leauge in Finland isn't Spanish, Italian or Greek. It's like half proffesional, all teams from 2.league in Europe are better then teams from Finland. This guy first need to show something in Europe, than he can dream about NBA. No teams from Finland played in Euroleague, maybe some in lower competitions.....

Best Case: Beno Udrih - not even close

Worst Case: Teemu Rannikko - Teemu played for slovenian Olimpija, where Beno played, and all he can do is shot, defence zero, strenght zero....

Let them play hockey!


:nope :nope

[RADECK]

Notes: Made his debut in the Finnish top league Korisliiga as a 16-year old and has been able to learn the game from top international coaches????Mihajlo Pavicevic (Montenegro)???? and Henrik Dettmann (Finland)???? IS THIS A JOKE? :lol :lol :lol

... Has been scouted by Rick Sheubrooks and Jerry West of the Memphis Grizzlies ... Finished with seven points (2-4 field goals), six assists and just one turnover against Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo in the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit

... Played his first game with Finnish National Team August 1st 2006 against Norway - i never heard they have a basketball team

... Played 15 National Team games in the summer of 2006, scoring 7,0 ppg...Played four games in Euro-Qualifications, third best scorer of Team Finland (10,3ppg) after Hanno Mottola (Zalgiris Kaunas) and starting point guard Teemu Rannikko (Olimpia Ljubljana) ... Netted 19 points and dished out 9 assists against Luxembourg :lol


September 16th 2006 ... Starting point guard in U20 Division B European Championship tournament ?!... U20 team finished third while Koponen scored 12,6ppg and delivered 3,4apg ... Best individual performance in U20 games: 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 steals July 18th 2006 against Macedonia...Was the starting point guard of 2007 Finnish Champion Honka Playboys ... Season averages in 2006/2007: 12,4ppg, 2,4rpg, 3,7apg, 1,7spg, 3,0topg while draining 54,2% of two point attempts, 39,2% of three point attempts and 84,1% of free throw attempts ...

THIS ARTICLE IS JOKE!!! :lol

[exstatic]

And...who exactly was Parker playing against? No one had heard anything about the French league in 2000-2001. If you weren't from the former Yugoslavia, you probably weren't an NBA prospect. Times change. This kid came over here and balled against the best young US players and held his own.

[RADECK]

Since i'm coming from former Yugoslavia teritory i can tell you that French teams like Pao, Asvel, Limoges and others, are playing in top European leagues since i was born, maybe you heard for France in 2001, but they are playing very good basket since i know for my self.

[RADECK]

And...who exactly was Parker playing against? No one had heard anything about the French league in 2000-2001. If you weren't from the former Yugoslavia, you probably weren't an NBA prospect. Times change. This kid came over here and balled against the best young US players and held his own.

JOKE RIGHT?? Maybe geography is realy the biggest problem in States :lol

[AFBlue]

I don't dislike Koponen, but to me it seems as if all of these scouting reports were done or updated in the past MONTH. Doesn't it scare some of you that he wasn't even slated to get drafted before these pre-draft camps? Has anyone really seen enough of this kid to think he's worth a first round pick?

Having said that, I think it's possible that he is one of the Spurs' picks, so I hope we all warm to the idea that he can be left overseas for a year or two and be ready to contribute as the Spurs primary backup PG and play some SG as well.

[mathbzh]

Tony had 14,7 points and 5,6 assists in french proA , he was a european champion with the U18 french team. He was much more proven.
I like koponen (from what I heard, I never saw him) but he didn't prove he can play in a competitive league yet.
If you remember the French team played the olympics finals in sydney in 2000.
4 player in that team where playing in French ProA (the others where in Spain, Italy,... ).

[RADECK]

Tony had 14,7 points and 5,6 assists in french proA , he was a european champion with the U18 french team. He was much more proven.
I like koponen (from what I heard, I never saw him) but he didn't prove he can play in a competitive league yet.


BINGO

and i saw him playing, but as i said, FIRST he must prove that he's right player for Europe's leagues, than he can dream about NBA

[SFFF]

I have seen this kid playing many times. Do not draft him, I repeat, do not draft him.

I have nothing against Petteri and I hope all the best for him. He is good player and will develop to better but in Spurs all he would be is garbagetimer even after couple of years in Europe.

-Spurs Fan From Finland

[Run´n´gun]

Notes: Made his debut in the Finnish top league Korisliiga as a 16-year old and has been able to learn the game from top international coaches????Mihajlo Pavicevic (Montenegro)???? and Henrik Dettmann (Finland)???? IS THIS A JOKE? :lol :lol :lol

... Has been scouted by Rick Sheubrooks and Jerry West of the Memphis Grizzlies ... Finished with seven points (2-4 field goals), six assists and just one turnover against Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo in the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit

... Played his first game with Finnish National Team August 1st 2006 against Norway - i never heard they have a basketball team

... Played 15 National Team games in the summer of 2006, scoring 7,0 ppg...Played four games in Euro-Qualifications, third best scorer of Team Finland (10,3ppg) after Hanno Mottola (Zalgiris Kaunas) and starting point guard Teemu Rannikko (Olimpia Ljubljana) ... Netted 19 points and dished out 9 assists against Luxembourg :lol




September 16th 2006 ... Starting point guard in U20 Division B European Championship tournament ?!... U20 team finished third while Koponen scored 12,6ppg and delivered 3,4apg ... Best individual performance in U20 games: 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 steals July 18th 2006 against Macedonia...Was the starting point guard of 2007 Finnish Champion Honka Playboys ... Season averages in 2006/2007: 12,4ppg, 2,4rpg, 3,7apg, 1,7spg, 3,0topg while draining 54,2% of two point attempts, 39,2% of three point attempts and 84,1% of free throw attempts ...

THIS ARTICLE IS JOKE!!! :lol

Dettman led Germany to bronze in the 2002 world championship.

[Kamnik]

The Vikings were soft?

Finns were never Vikings

[Run´n´gun]

Our grandfathers won a war against great Soviet Union.
This thing called SISU (guts).

[Kamnik]

Our grandfathers won a war against great Soviet Union.
This thing called SISU (guts).

actually you did not win it

you lost it



but you did because famous because you were greatly outnumbered and still managed to hold them off for a long time

[Mr. Body]

The Finns had some of the world's best all-time snipers during the Soviet invasion.

[picnroll]

From Chad Ford today.

We have the Grizzlies selecting Mike Conley with the No. 4 pick in our latest mock draft, along with a note that the Grizzlies are deciding between Conley and Joakim Noah.

As of Friday, it appears that the Grizzlies, with new GM Chris Wallace in place, are leaning toward Noah. We'll make the update on Monday when Mock Draft Version 5.0 comes out.

Part of the reason that the Grizzlies are leaning toward Noah is that both Jerry West and Wallace are very high on a point guard they can get much later in the draft -- Petteri Koponen. West was the only GM in the league who actually went to Finland to see Koponen work out. Wallace fell in love during Koponen's workout in Orlando for around 10 teams.

The problem is that the Knicks, Suns and Spurs also like him as a prospect for the late first round. That means that if the Grizzlies really want him, they'll likely have to pry a pick away from a team in the 20s -- maybe a team with multiple picks, such as Philadelphia or Charlotte. Their bait right now could be Alexander Johnson -- a talented second-round pick from last year -- and a future lottery-protected No. 1 pick.

For a more detailed look at Koponen, check out my report from the workout I saw in New York.

And how 'bout this? With the Hawks leaning strongly toward taking Al Horford, the Grizzlies eyeing Joakim Noah and the Celtics looking at Corey Brewer, there's a real possibility that Florida Gators could go 3, 4 and 5 in this draft.

The Spurs are notoriously difficult to read, but a spy in the gym caught what he claims was one of two big workouts for pick No. 28.

The participants were Virginia Tech's Zabian Dowdell, Nevada's Ramon Sessions and Finland's Petteri Koponen. From what I gathered, Koponen and Sessions shined.

The Spurs will have a couple of bigs -- Nick Fazekas and Aaron Gray in on Friday.

But it sounds like they are leaning toward point guard. At this point, my guess is Koponen.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

So no more Dowdell?

[AFBlue]

It's all hearsay at this point. The other two could have "shined" in the spy's estimation, but it could also just be a facade as this will have been Dowdell's second workout w/ the team.

I will be happy with alot of picks and I certainly think Koponen could be a valuable role player in a year or two, but I am less in love with this pick than others.

To me, the backup PG position is one where a domestic prospect could come in and effect the game right away. I wouldn't be suprised if it is Kopenen, but I think there are better options...

[picnroll]

It's all hearsay at this point. The other two could have "shined" in the spy's estimation, but it could also just be a facade as this will have been Dowdell's second workout w/ the team.

I will be happy with alot of picks and I certainly think Koponen could be a valuable role player in a year or two, but I am less in love with this pick than others.

To me, the backup PG position is one where a domestic prospect could come in and effect the game right away. I wouldn't be suprised if it is Kopenen, but I think there are better options...
This is based on your viewing of Koponen's play I guess?

[AFBlue]

This is based on your viewing of Koponen's play I guess?

No Pic, you're right, I have never seen him play. I am, like most of us on alot of these prospects, relying on various reports. Most reports indicate that he would likely stay overseas for at least a year and be brought in afterwards. Most seem to indicate that he's not ready to contribute to an NBA team right away.

Again, IF the Spurs don't feel that he is ready to contribute as a backup PG, which is an area where a drafted prospect might actually be able to come in right away and give valuable minutes, I think there are better options. It says nothing of his talent or play, but based on what I've read, he isn't ready.

My position on him is more a factor of team need, versus actual talent, but I can certainly see him being the pick.

[AFBlue]

Here's the Koponen workout that Chad Ford was referencing in the Pic post....


Here's what I saw from Koponen and Zabelin:

Petteri Koponen, PG, 6-4, 18 years old, Finland

Koponen plays ball for what has to be the coolest-named team in the world -- the Honka Espoo Playboys. He drew enough attention from NBA scouts that Grizzlies GM Jerry West actually made a trip to Finland to see him play.

Koponen was also the starting point guard at the Nike Hoop Summit in Memphis in April and drew praise from NBA scouts for his solid play against two potential lottery picks in the 2008 NBA Draft -- O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose.

He averaged 12.7 ppg and 3.9 apg for the Playboys during the '06-07 season and scored seven points with six assists and just one turnover against Team USA in Memphis.

It's clear from both the game film and his play in Memphis that Koponen is a fundamentally sound point guard with great poise and leadership skills. He handled the relentless pressure from Rose and Mayo well at the Hoop Summit and made a number of excellent decisions that made his teammates better. His motor and enthusiasm also stood out as he played.

The type of workout he went through on Wednesday wasn't really tailor-made for him. Cornstein's partner, Semi Pajovic, is from Serbia and the focus of his workout was heavy on shooting both from a set position and off the dribble. Koponen is a good shooter, but he's not lights out. He's very accurate shooting off the dribble from midrange and showed off a beautiful floater that he lofted up over the outstretched 9-foot-3 standing reach of Zabelin.

His accuracy in the workouts diminished as he moved further back. He was very solid from the international 3-point line and the corners of the NBA 3. But as he moved to the rest of the NBA 3-point line, he had difficulty shooting the ball with much accuracy. Koponen has a somewhat flat shot that becomes more unforgiving with range.

While Koponen showed that he has a steady handle and can play mistake-free basketball, his lateral quickness and athleticism leave a little to be desired. He's not a bad athlete, but he does lack the pop that most NBA point guards have. This could be especially troubling for him on the defensive end.

Koponen went very hard for almost two hours but this wasn't the best setting to see him in. He's a pure point guard who needs to be in a 5-on-5 environment.

The Orlando predraft camp would be more appropriate for him. Unfortunately for both Koponen and a number of NBA teams that haven't had a chance to go to Finland to see him play, the Orlando committee didn't invite him. Apparently they think NBA teams need to see guys like Mustafa Shakur (who played four years of college and in last year's camp) one more time instead of lesser-known but equally talented players like Koponen. Seeing him play against some of the better prospects in the draft would allow teams to gauge how much his lack of lateral quickness and his excellent decision-making skills would make a difference at the next level.

Fortunately, we'll see Koponen again at the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso. From what I saw here, I think the chances of him working his way into the first round based off individual workouts are slim. But a good showing in Orlando (if the committee changes its mind) or in Treviso could get him there.

Cornstein has a knack for finding talented players overseas and convincing NBA teams to "promise" to pick them in the first round. If either Koponen or Zabelin is still in this draft on June 18, you'll know Cornstein found another buyer who's willing to roll the dice on potential and upside. But in a draft so loaded with more proven talent, it's a risky proposition this year.

[picnroll]

My position on him is more a factor of team need, versus actual talent, but I can certainly see him being the pick.
Fair enough. I'm more interested in them getting the talent that will prove the best in 2- 3 years. The probability based on the past that a low first round PG pick would come in and be better any than Vaugh or even a Miles is not that high. Certainly not worth going into another season hoping and counting on having solved the back up PG issue by plugging in Dowdell, Session, or Pruitt.

[AFBlue]

Fair enough. I'm more interested in them getting the talent that will prove the best in 2- 3 years. The probability based on the past that a low first round PG pick would come in and be better any than Vaugh or even a Miles is not that high. Certainly not worth going into another season hoping and counting on having solved the back up PG issue by plugging in Dowdell, Session, or Pruitt.

Clearly I think higher of Pruitt and Dowdell than you do, or clearly I think lower of Jacque Vaughn than you do.....or both.

I honestly think either could contribute next year.

As far as who will be the best prospect down the line between Pruitt, Dowdell, and Koponen....I'll let that one be sorted out in the future, because I can't predict it.

[picnroll]

Clearly I think higher of Pruitt and Dowdell than you do, or clearly I think lower of Jacque Vaughn than you do.....or both.

I honestly think either could contribute next year.


My comments are based solely on probabilities derived from past drafts.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

As a rule, I think you should take everything that Chad Ford says about a foreign prospect and divide it by two.

[timvp]

But it sounds like they are leaning toward point guard. At this point, my guess is Koponen.

I didn't think Koponen was the Spurs pick but Ford might be right. His "spy" in this case is probably dead on, seeing as the guy who is working out Dowdell (David Thorpe) writes for ESPN.com.

I'm not sure Koponen is going to be on the board when the Spurs select. I'd say there's a good shot he's selected in the 20's before it's the Spurs' time to pick. If he is on the board when the Spurs pick, after reading this Ford article, I have to think the Spurs pick him.

The even bigger news to me is this pretty much eliminates the idea that the Spurs have a promise in place at 28. If they had a promise, they wouldn't be working out Koponen -- who won't be there at 33.

And now if Sessions has jumped over Dowdell, I wonder if this makes Sessions an option at 28 or just 33. Plus with Fazekas and Gray coming in for a workout today, that jumbles matters even more.

Perhaps the Spurs have 33 ready to be used on a foreign prospect like Marko Tomas and are now trying to figure out who to take at 28.









Or this could all be a CIA Pop smokescreen.

I thought I had started to figure out what the Spurs were up to now I'm back to square one.

:dizzy

[picnroll]

I know nothing about this kid Koponen other than what's been written. I just like the idea of being able to pair Parker on the floor with a bigger, potentially strong playmaking PG, particularly now that Parker is starting to develop a more reliable J. Parker was coing off screens effectively with LeBron chasing in the finals. A Williams, Kidd- type PG would add damn great versatility to the Spurs attack.

[timvp]

If the Spurs really love Koponen, they can trade up to perhaps 17 by offering something like 28, 58 and Scola to New Jersey. Or perhaps 28, 33 and a future second.

I hope the Spurs get their guy, even if he might turn out to be Beno Udrih part two :)

[AFBlue]

I know nothing about this kid Koponen other than what's been written. I just like the idea of being able to pair Parker on the floor with a bigger, potentially strong playmaking PG, particularly now that Parker is starting to develop a more reliable J. Parker was coing off screens effectively with LeBron chasing in the finals. A Williams, Kidd- type PG would add damn great versatility to the Spurs attack.

I see where you're going with this, by putting a distributor on the floor you space it and allow Tony to go into scoring mode without necessarily stagnating the offense....

BUT, let's not throw out names like Kidd or Williams just because Koponen is a pass-first, tall PG. I know you're not comparing them, but I would hate to see someone make the assumption that we're drafting a foreign J-Kidd....

[AFBlue]

If the Spurs really love Koponen, they can trade up to perhaps 17 by offering something like 28, 58 and Scola to New Jersey. Or perhaps 28, 33 and a future second.

I hope the Spurs get their guy, even if he might turn out to be Beno Udrih part two :)

17 to get Koponen...are they really THAT impressed with him? Giving up Scola?

I'm against all that. Trading up to get a guy that will eventually be a backup PG, and backup two-guard....yikes.

[AFBlue]

I didn't think Koponen was the Spurs pick but Ford might be right. His "spy" in this case is probably dead on, seeing as the guy who is working out Dowdell (David Thorpe) writes for ESPN.com.



Here's the thing. If the "spy" truly was David Thorpe, then it's possible that he was just giving his opinion of how the workout went. If you notice, in the article Chad Ford says "the impression I got was that Koponen and Sessions shined."

It may certainly have been the case that Dowdell had a poor workout and the other two were good/great, but I don't know if that meant the Spurs felt the same way, or if it happened to sway them in one direction or the other....

[Mr. Body]

Wouldn't the Spurs know who David Thorpe is? Wouldn't they kick any known persons of interest out of the workout site, especially if they work for ESPN? Why do we trust what Chad Ford says?

... And for the record, I'd hate the Spurs to trade any two assets (28, 33, Scola) just to get Koponen. Yech.

[timvp]

17 to get Koponen...are they really THAT impressed with him? Giving up Scola?

I'm against all that. Trading up to get a guy that will eventually be a backup PG, and backup two-guard....yikes.

Well, it depends how highly they rate Koponen. If the Spurs think he has huge potential, you make that trade even if his ceiling is only a backup job on the Spurs because in 2-4 years you could flip him for another more pressing need.

The Spurs are in the position where they just need to add talent. Yeah getting a Long Three would be optimal but they aren't really hurting anywhere. If Koponen is viewed as a Parker like steal, the Spurs should do what they can to get him.

[picnroll]

I see where you're going with this, by putting a distributor on the floor you space it and allow Tony to go into scoring mode without necessarily stagnating the offense....

BUT, let's not throw out names like Kidd or Williams just because Koponen is a pass-first, tall PG. I know you're not comparing them, but I would hate to see someone make the assumption that we're drafting a foreign J-Kidd....
I don't mean he's anywhere close to Kidd or even Williams and the Spurs will hopefully figure out if he has enough potential. It's just a big, strong good playmaking, decent outside shooting PG would fill a lot of holes and compliment the team. I think that's what they were shooting for in Beno, missed, but still would like to get.

[timvp]

Wouldn't the Spurs know who David Thorpe is? Wouldn't they kick any known persons of interest out of the workout site, especially if they work for ESPN? Why do we trust what Chad Ford says?

I'm more under the impression that the "spy" is Dowdell himself. He probably told Thorpe that he sucked in the workout and that Kopo and Sessions tore him up. Then the comments probably trickled to Ford.

Usually I don't trust Ford but with such an obvious line to the truth, if Ford is ever going to be right, it'd be in this situation.

[AFBlue]

I'm more under the impression that the "spy" is Dowdell himself. He probably told Thorpe that he sucked in the workout and that Kopo and Sessions tore him up. Then the comments probably trickled to Ford.

Usually I don't trust Ford but with such an obvious line to the truth, if Ford is ever going to be right, it'd be in this situation.

If that's the case, maybe it IS a move by CIA Pop to throw people off the scent.

Maybe they're highest on Dowdell?

[AFBlue]

I'm gonna laugh when they draft Pruitt after all this talk....

[picnroll]

If that's the case, maybe it IS a move by CIA Pop to throw people off the scent.

Maybe they're highest on Dowdell?
Damn, Pop leaked it to Ford. :smokin

[Mr. Body]

If that's the case, maybe it IS a move by CIA Pop to throw people off the scent.

Maybe they're highest on Dowdell?

Seriously. If Dowdell was the Deep Throat here, then very likely he was asked to leak that info.

Weird.

As for Pruitt, I'm starting to think that's a Phoenix pick. I don't know if they'll go him or Belinelli with the #24.

[picnroll]

I'll say one thing, every PG that the Spurs have gone after recently during or just after the draft, Nelson, Jack, Beno, has come right in and played not sat overseas.

[pad300]

Just to add to the insanity in this thread, Kopponen at #14 -
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6947170

Pete Schrager predicts the Clips taking him as 2nd PG drafted, after Conley. I think the man is insane, but you never know...

[picnroll]

Just to add to the insanity in this thread, Kopponen at #14 -
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6947170

Pete Schrager predicts the Clips taking him as 2nd PG drafted, after Conley. I think the man is insane, but you never know...
First time anybody has called him lighting fast. Pretty soon he'll be ahead of Oden and Durant. :lol

[picnroll]

An oldie from June 17th just in case Spurs take him

Koponen wows in workout again

Jonathan Givony

Continuing a distinct trend that has followed him to every workout he’s attended so far, Petteri Koponen had himself another outstanding showing in front of multiple NBA teams, this time at a workout organized by his agent Marc Cornstein in New York City.

Eight Pinnacle Management clients worked out for at least ten NBA teams in separate workouts this past weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Teams that were in New York on Saturday/Sunday included Denver, Memphis, Boston (Danny Ainge), Houston, Utah, Portland (Kevin Pritchard), Toronto, Golden State, Seattle, Charlotte, Phoenix, Dallas, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Miami, the LA Lakers, and the New York Knicks.

According to an NBA executive that was present, the workout was well run and featured a good mix of shooting drills, and competitive one on one or two on two matchups. The players that were in attendance for the first session were Stanko Barac, Vladimir Golobuvic, Marko Lekic, and Milovan Rakovic—a group of big “bangers” who did a good job beating up on each other and neutralizing each other for the most part—even if Milovan Rakovic did well to separate himself from the pack.

The second session—featuring Petteri Koponen, Casey Hughes (Yale), Zoran Erceg and Artem Zabelin—was reportedly more informative. Erceg did a terrific job shooting the ball, although his flaws (rebounding, shot-creating ability, athleticism) were evident. Zabelin looks to be “oozing with potential,” although he still has a “very long way to go” as his body looks years away from filling out.

According to two separate NBA people who were in the building, it was Koponen that stole the show once again, showing good ball-handling skills, an ability to change directions quickly on the fly, excellent leadership skills, great poise, a high intelligence level, terrific intangibles, and a real winning attitude that made him standout in everything he did. The same “plays like an American guard” compliment that we heard from a different scout who saw him in Orlando conducting another multi-team workout was again repeated here—meaning he doesn’t suffer from the same athletic short-comings that other international guards do. His shooting mechanics were critiqued, but apparently his jumper went in at a good rate, particularly on pick and pop plays.


Joe Murphy / USA Basketball


Koponen has a difficult decision ahead of him as the deadline approaches on Monday. Does he settle for being drafted in the late first or early second round of this year’s draft, or does he instead decide to go back to Europe, join a good team in a high-level league where he can get plenty of playing time, and attempt to boost his stock into next year’s lottery? That’s a tough call indeed.

[El_Mago]

If the Spurs really love Koponen, they can trade up to perhaps 17 by offering something like 28, 58 and Scola to New Jersey. Or perhaps 28, 33 and a future second.

I hope the Spurs get their guy, even if he might turn out to be Beno Udrih part two :)

If the Spurs throw that combo of picks and Scola to Jersey for th 17th, there is no way in hell they should take PK....

They should take Rudy Fernandez who will still probably be there, and a much better player.

OR

Thaddeus Young who is the long SF the Spurs have been looking for and has unbelievable potential.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

A lot of people think the Spurs are going to draft him. This is the one the guy that they are looking at that I don't want. Too soft.

Agreed, he even looks like a pansy in his profile pic.

[El_Mago]

Apparently he is not afraid to mix it up and lay a hit on some people.

Also, he take and give out trashtalking.

[Steve-O-Matic]

"The Spurs are notoriously difficult to read, but a spy in the gym caught what he claims was one of two big workouts for pick No. 28.

The participants were Virginia Tech's Zabian Dowdell, Nevada's Ramon Sessions and Finland's Petteri Koponen. From what I gathered, Koponen and Sessions shined.

The Spurs will have a couple of bigs -- Nick Fazekas and Aaron Gray in on Friday.

But it sounds like they are leaning toward point guard. At this point, my guess is Koponen."

[TheTruth]

No bigs please. Too many of those in the pipline already.

[Holt's Cat]

If the Spurs are going to trade up for a PG, do it for Law. Not someone from Finland.

[Bruno]

Koponen measurements :
Height with shoes : 6'3.75
Wingspan : 6'5.5
Standing reach : 8'1
Weight : 194 lbs

[Mr. Body]

He's not nearly the 6'5" reported in some areas.

[ChumpDumper]

He's Acie Law-sized minus an inch of arm.

[spurscenter]

dude is good

[ChumpDumper]

I have no idea if he's good.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Koponen measurements :
Height with shoes : 6'3.75
Wingspan : 6'5.5
Standing reach : 8'1
Weight : 194 lbs

Thanks, where'd you get that from though?

[picnroll]

Puts him within an inch either side of Crittenton, Sessions and Law. Also of Utah's Williams, Hinrich and the same size as our very own Beno. If he has talent that's a decent size.

[AFBlue]

That actually makes him shorter than Pruitt with a shorter wingspan than Dowdell, the two other PGs that the Spurs are reportedly considering...

Having said that, I don't think his measurables mean much. Koponen would get drafted for his pass-first mentality, work ethic, and potential as the youngest of the prospective PGs.

[Bruno]

Thanks, where'd you get that from though?

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2002

[djohn14]

I just read this article thing on him, and it said best case...Beno Udrih. I'll pass.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1273

[ChumpDumper]

You read one article and want to pass on him?

[djohn14]

You read one article and want to pass on him?
To be honest I don't know. I guess I would have to see him play. I just got it into my head that if Beno Udrih is your best case scenerio, then your not first round pick worthy.

[picnroll]

To be honest I don't know. I guess I would have to see him play. I just got it into my head that if Beno Udrih is your best case scenerio, then your not first round pick worthy.
Another article compared him to Hinrich. Guess that means you want him now. :dizzy

[ChumpDumper]

I've only seen like two videos of this guy. All I can conclude is he would automatically become the best alley-oop passer on this team.

But that doesn't mean I want to use the 1st rounder on him..

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If the Spurs are going to trade up for a PG, do it for Law. Not someone from Finland.

Agreed. :tu

[El_Mago]

A little off topic....

BUT,

Does anyone know if Nemanja Aleksandrov is in the draf this year?

If so, I can see the Spurs drafting Aleksandrov with either of the three picks.

He is the long and elusive SF the Spurs have been missing.

If Aleksandrov is in the draft the Spurs should definitely pick him, and have everyone saying "who?" just like when they took Ian.

And yes, I know Aleksandrov has not played in nearly a year due to injury.

[djohn14]

I want Zabian Dowdell.

[picnroll]

Earlier stuff

Petteri Koponen: scouted by the NBA?
by xtf_no4 @ 2007-01-30 - 00:04:42
I was somehow surprised when I got a mail today from Finland about Petteri Koponen, a 1988 born Finnish PG I covered very briefly in September last year when he played with the Finnish NT in Luxembourg. I saw him there playing for the first time, I even did not know anything about him before I saw him during that game. He impressed me there as he was very young but showing good skills.

So today I got the information that Jerry West will go to Finland to scout him. You must admit that Koponen is putting up good stats so far in the Finnish league as he averages 11.4ppg 4.2apg and 2.4rpg. I definitely need to follow him on a closer basis, but he will probably sign with a bigger European club for next season.

Jerry West impressed by Koponen
by xtf_no4 @ 2007-02-06 - 01:27:40
Today, Jerry West was in Finland to see the top game of the Finnish league and to scout the young PG Petteri Koponen (1m93 PG 1988). I got some comments on the game and the press conference after the game from Finland. Here is what they say:

Petteri Koponen’s performance was nothing spectacular, but he was the most consistent player of his team with 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 5 turnovers in 40 minutes (2P 5-7 3P 2-7 FT 2-3). ToPo’s point guard Mookie Thomas played very physical defense against Koponen and managed to make Koponen look pretty bad at the beginning. In the first half Koponen took only three field goal attempts, but because his teammates couldn’t respond at all, he had to take more shots of his own. Excluding one bizarre three-point airball in the 4th quarter, Koponen took good, stable shots. He even had his first dunk attempt of the season, but his right-handed tomahawk over ToPo’s 6-9" Shawn Simpson rattled the rim and bounced away.

Jerry West’s comments about Koponen:
”He has a very high basketball IQ, something very rare for someone his age. It is clear he loves the game, is serious about it and truly wants to improve. He is a lot like Steve Nash, he must be a fun player to play with. From now on, experience will be his best teacher. It is already a big accomplishment that he plays in this level at the age of eighteen, but he has the tools to go much further.”

The press conference continued when Nike Global Basketball director Rich Sheubrooks entered the stage and told that Petteri Koponen was named to the “Team World” to play against USA at the Nike Hoop Summit (FedEx Arena, Memphis, TN, April 7th). Here’s what Sheubrooks had to say about Koponen:
“There is a saying, that where there is a player, a coach will arrive. Petteri Koponen was the player and Mihailo Pavicevic (Honka) seems to be the coach. Koponen has improved tremendously while playing with Honka and we will be happy to see him play in Memphis. Nike Hoop Summit is a great way for young prospects to show their skills. Nobody in the USA knew Dirk Nowitzki or Tony Parker before they played in Nike Hoop Summit. Last year, Mohamed Saer Sene earned himself a place in the NBA Lottery after his performance there.”

Here’s briefly some comments by Koponen himself:
”We couldn’t find the rhythm today and I am far from satisfied with my own performance. We have lost three in a row and with playoffs approaching, we have to find the way to stop losing. Nike Hoop Summit is a great possibility for me and my career. Still, the NBA hasn’t yet crossed my mind. Right now I’m focused to win the championship with my team in Finland. We’ll see what happens then. The former Nike Hoop Summit players is a very impressive bunch. It feels great to be a part of something like that."

Koponen will graduate from high school in the beginning of June and most likely he will play Euro-Qualifiers with Finnish National Team in the summer of 2007.

[Russ]

Jerry West’s comments about Koponen:
”He is a lot like Steve Nash, . . ."

Take your pick.

Door #1 , Kirk Hinrich.

Door # 2, Steve Nash or . . .

Door # 3, Beno!

[timvp]

Win For Finn in '08

:smokin

[yavozerb]

I've only seen like two videos of this guy. All I can conclude is he would automatically become the best alley-oop passer on this team.

But that doesn't mean I want to use the 1st rounder on him..

I could used to koponen to white...

[AFBlue]

True Hoop article about Koponen....mostly general conversation, but not a bad read.


Just Pick Me Already: Petteri Koponen

June 25, 2007 11:23 AM


This is an INSANE time of year for those players hoping to be picked in the NBA draft. The logistics alone are pretty bad: most are running from city to city trying to put on the basketball show of their lives in private team workouts, while spending hours and hours stuck on crazy flights and in strange hotels. Normal patterns of eating and sleeping are abandoned entirely. On top of all that, they're about to become millionaires. Or not -- if they mess up these workouts. And they're about to move somewhere, to some city, where they will take orders from coaches they are in most cases just meeting for the first time now. Through all the stress, pressures, and miles, the players are supposed to be majestic, undaunted, and charming. It's exciting, it's bizarre, and it's weird. Starting now, and through the draft, TrueHoop will be following the emotional experience -- with repeated interviews -- of a handful of draft hopefuls. We're calling it "Just Pick Me Already."

So far we have heard from Zabian Dowdell twice, Morris Almond, Jared Dudley, This is our first visit with Petteri Koponen.

Teenaged Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen entered the draft process facing some long odds. Finnish league experience? NBA teams barely care, especially as he had only OK numbers. Of course, big men can get a second look no matter where they're from, but little point guards? They had better be lights out shooters to get anyone too excited. Koponen, however, is a serviceable shooter by all estimations, but he's not coming to the NBA to nail threes all night. He's not here as a specialty player at all. If he makes it in the NBA, it'll be as full-on basketball player.

And, despite those long odds, he is in the mix to be a mid to late first-round pick. ESPN Insider Chad Ford wrote on Friday that Koponen is good enough that he might cause one team to pass up their shot at Mike Conley, Jr.:

Part of the reason that the Grizzlies are leaning toward [Joakim] Noah is that both Jerry West and Wallace are very high on a point guard they can get much later in the draft -- Petteri Koponen. West was the only GM in the league who actually went to Finland to see Koponen work out. Wallace fell in love during Koponen's workout in Orlando for around 10 teams.

The problem is that the Knicks, Suns and Spurs also like him as a prospect for the late first round. That means that if the Grizzlies really want him, they'll likely have to pry a pick away from a team in the 20s -- maybe a team with multiple picks, such as Philadelphia or Charlotte.
Chad Ford has watched Koponen work out, and has also recorded a podcast interview with him. In the 4.0 version of his mock draft, Koponen is predicted to be heading to San Antonio with the 28th pick. DraftExpress has him one pick later, to the Suns.

I asked Koponen's agent, Marc Cornstein, how a player who averaged 13 points and four assists for the, I'm not making this up, Honka Espoo Playboys, could wow NBA front offices. Cornstein was quiet for a moment and then said, thoughtfully: "He's really good."

He also must be putting on a pretty good show for executives. Near the tail end of a string of workouts, Koponen was nice enough to answer some of my questions, by email, over the weekend.

Have you spent much time in America? This must be the strangest kind of tour: gymnasium, airport, restaurant, hotel, gymnasium, airport, restaurant, hotel ...
I have been here about a month. First two weeks I was in New York, where I´m staying, preparing for workouts. And after that all these workouts started ... he he ... Yes, it has been an interesting experience and I have been in many different cities, or actually different hotels and airports. :/

And everywhere everybody is asking which city do you like most. It´s a hard question to answer because I haven´t actually seen anything, except New York. :)

How are the workouts going? Who have you played against? Do you get nervous? (They say Bill Russell used to puke before almost every game.)
Well, workouts have been good. Some of them a little bit better and some of them not as well as I would have liked, but I think that is normal. It has been nice to play against players who I have seen on TV, players like Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey from Florida. Of course I´m a little nervous before workouts, but I think it´s better like that because I know that I concentrate much better then. But I just go there and try to do my best and show what I can do. I´m working hard to achieve my dream (to play in the NBA). Will see on Thursday what will happen.

Linus Torvalds (the guy behind Linux), Aki Kaurismaki (did you ever see "Leningrad Cowboys Go America" speaking of crazy tours of the US), Nokia, fine glassware, berry pies ... that's about all I know about Finland. Can you help? What should we Americans know about your mother country that we do not?
He he, you know a lot about Finland. Well I think sauna (it's from Finland) is one thing that people should know, and also that Santa Claus is from Lapland -- which is a northern part of Finland -- not from North Pole, as you people think here in America. :)

Did you watch a lot of NBA as a child? Which teams?
They don´t show the NBA games in Finland, but I downloaded games from the internet, and usually tried to watch and learn something from point guards like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd.

Where is home these days? Where are all your possessions?
Well that is a good question. I can say that New York has been like a home this last
month, but we'll see what will happen and where I will end up.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-25-99/Just-Pick-Me-Already--Petteri-Koponen.html

[Mr. Body]

If it was ever obvious that this guy is a teenager...

He sounds 15 years old.

[objective]

lol, to think that Koponen wouldn't be where he is today if he hadn't illegaly downloaded NBA games from which he was able to learn from.

[jag]

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2002

Tony Parker was said to be 5'11 1/2" when he was drafted.

[objective]

Tony Parker was said to be 5'11 1/2" when he was drafted.

Yep. And as a young guy, Koponen could still grow.

Mahinmi was only supposed to be 6-8 at first, then bumped to 6-9, then 6-10, hell he might get listed at 6-11 now.

[Marcus Bryant]

Nike Hoop Summit 2007 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBUoVgHKs0)

[picnroll]

From a Finnish poster at another site: link (http://www.basketballforum.com/prospect-profiles/352317-petteri-koponen-2.html)

I wrote this on another thread already, but: His agent and he have said that most likely he will be drafted between 23 and 35. So they have a promise of somekind. Maybe even from the Knicks? I sure hope it's not the Knicks, with Marbury, Francis and Robinson on the roster he would not get playing time and his rolemodels aren't that good either... By the way his agent said that it is completely possible and likely so to say that Petteri Koponen is going to play in the NBA anyway next year...

Given a promise?? Most likely yes, Koponen has been saying all the time that without a first round promise he's out of the dreaft. He came down a bit and said that a promise in the first five of the second is okay as well. So my bet is that yes, he has been given a promise.

[timvp]

From a Finnish poster at another site: link (http://www.basketballforum.com/prospect-profiles/352317-petteri-koponen-2.html)

I wrote this on another thread already, but: His agent and he have said that most likely he will be drafted between 23 and 35. So they have a promise of somekind. Maybe even from the Knicks? I sure hope it's not the Knicks, with Marbury, Francis and Robinson on the roster he would not get playing time and his rolemodels aren't that good either... By the way his agent said that it is completely possible and likely so to say that Petteri Koponen is going to play in the NBA anyway next year...

Given a promise?? Most likely yes, Koponen has been saying all the time that without a first round promise he's out of the dreaft. He came down a bit and said that a promise in the first five of the second is okay as well. So my bet is that yes, he has been given a promise.

He isn't acting like a player with a promise. He's been working out as much as any player. Whoever asks, he'll go workout for them.

[wildbill2u]

Do you trust Jerry West to know something about guards? I do.

at 18, I think we take him at 28 if he is there and let him play somewhere in Europe, assuming he doesn't come in and blow Beno and Vaughn out of the picture during training camp.

[picnroll]

One more (http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-draft/nba-draft-news/lances-two-final-prospect-profiles-ar44416.html)

Lances Two Final Prospect Profiles
By Lance Walton
06.26.2007 - Updated on 06.26.2007

Petteri Koponen is 6’4,195 pounds and is becoming real popular with scouts. He is a pass first point guard with excellent court vision and he is always able to find the open man. He is a great slasher, who is not afraid to drive to the basket and draw contact. He has a great attitude, is very coachable, likes to learn the game, and works real hard to improve. He has a quick high arch release on his jump shot that is pretty decent. He is a good defender that can guard in the lane, at the top of the key, off the ball, as a help defender, or man to man. He has great mental toughness and doesn’t let things get to him.

Petteri tends to force shots and makes a lot of mistakes starting out. He struggles against more athletic players and also against great defenders that are more physical than him. He needs to improve his half court sets on offense, and his one on one on defense. He does make bad passes and turns the ball over frequently against good defensive teams. As a PG he needs to be more vocal. He is also still very young, so he struggles to play against top veteran competition. He’ll need at least two years before he’s ready to run an NBA team. At his best I believe he could be like Kirk Hinrich, and at his worse Sarunas Jasikevicius.

[zekes]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2924136


Petteri Koponen, the Finnish point guard who was the final pick of the first round, signed a waiver that allows him to play in the summer league.

The Blazers summer league team is gonna be fun to watch with Oden, Aldridge, Sergio Rodriguez, Koponen, etc.

[Darkwaters]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2924136



The Blazers summer league team is gonna be fun to watch with Oden, Aldridge, Sergio Rodriguez, Koponen, etc.

I hope Rudy Fernandez plays. But somehow I don't think he will. Hes more polished than all those guys on the team...what does he have left to prove?

[zekes]

I hope Rudy Fernandez plays. But somehow I don't think he will. Hes more polished than all those guys on the team...what does he have left to prove?

I think it would be beneficial to him to get his first taste of NBA caliber talent to better establish for himself if he is truly NBA ready, even if it is against Summer League players. Playing with Oden would be incentive enough for me personally. Who knows, maybe he won't get a waiver like Kopenen.