2014 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

[112288]

SB NATION
By Kevin O'Connor  @KevinOConnorNBA


Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NBA draft class has been hyped as one of the deepest in years, and for good reason. With potential franchise changers like Kansas' Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, and Duke's Jabari Parker, there is a lot to be excited about in the top five.

However, there is plenty of talent to be found elsewhere. This draft has the potential to be loaded if everyone expected to declare does so.

With March Madness fast approaching, it's time to ramp up our draft coverage at CelticsBlog.com. Here is my first big board for the 2014 NBA draft:


1. Joel Embiid | C | Kansas
Age: 19 | HT: 7'0" | WT: 240 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 2
ESPN: #1 | SI: #2 | DX: #1 | SBN: #1


Some fans want to see their losing teams "Bleed for Embiid" because of his star potential. With his long, athletic build, he will most definitely be a terror on the defensive end once he reaches his prime. Most remarkable of all is how he has fixed his weaknesses this season. Early in the year, he'd leap at pump fakes, but now he stays grounded and blocks shots; when he'd get double-teamed on the post, he'd turn it over, but now he makes an accurate pass out to the perimeter. Considering his intelligence, athleticism, and post game, it's clear that Joel Embiid is blossoming into a potential franchise changer.

2. Andrew Wiggins | SF | Kansas
Age: 18 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 200 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 3
ESPN: #2 | SI: #3 | DX: #2 | SBN: #5

Wiggins is quite the mystery: He sometimes flashes brilliant potential, yet he vanishes in other games. Is this inconsistency there because Wiggins is simply an underdeveloped 18-year-old, or will this become a regular thing, even when he reaches his prime? Speaking about his prime, there's no still reason to drop him far down the draft board because his smooth jumper, and athleticism on both ends of the floor have still both been put on full display in spurts. By March Madness, Wiggins could very well be projected to go number one again.

3. Jabari Parker | F | Duke
Age: 18 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 240 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 3
ESPN: #3 | SI: #1 | DX: #3 | SBN: #2

Jabari Parker is like a Carmelo Anthony clone on the basketball court. Like Melo, he plays a spectacular inside-out game, with a fast jumper, and strong post moves. He can also lead the fast break and finish in transition. But he has struggled in his past ten games, averaging 14.4 points on a 35.3 shooting percentage. Defenses have started to game plan for him by crowding him on the perimeter and by denying ideal positioning on the low post. His passing and defensive abilities also leave a lot to be desired (even though his D isn't as bad as advertised), but he still is a difference maker with his rebounding and leadership. With such a great attitude, it's only a matter of time before the weaker parts of his game improve.

4. Dante Exum | G | Australia
Age: 18 | HT: 6'6" | WT: 190 lbs
International | Projection: Top 5
ESPN: #4 | SI: #4 | DX: #5 | SBN: #3


It's hard to get a confident read on International prospects, but the existing footage of Exum is captivating. The teenager says that he models his game after Derrick Rose, and it shows. Like Rose, he's a high-flying guard, with the ability to drive and slash, but he also brings a more technically sound jumper -- though Exum must improve his consistency. With a long wingspan, he could comfortably play both guard positions on each end of the floor. Don't be stunned if Exum jumps into the discussion as a top three pick, especially if a team needs a point guard.

5. Noah Vonleh | PF | Indiana
Age: 18 | HT: 6'10" | WT: 240 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 10
ESPN: #8 | SI: #9 | DX: #7 | SBN: #7


When it's all said and done, Noah Vonleh might not crack the top five, but he'll be one of the safest top ten picks. Vonleh is a monster rebounder, due to his "Mr. Fantastic" type of ability to stretch for boards over a wide range. It's a small sample size, but he looks extremely comfortable taking a jumper, since he's 10-for-18 from behind the arc. His post game needs refining, but that will come with time considering his strong work ethic.. Vonleh will garner top five consider top five recognition soon enough.

6. Julius Randle | PF | Kentucky
Age: 18 | HT: 6'9" | WT: 245 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 8
ESPN: #5 | SI: #5 | DX: #4 | SBN: #6

Randle's shortcomings -- defense, shot blocking, passing, jump shot, short arms, vertical -- have started to show, and he is now sliding down draft boards. Randle has struggled versus taller, longer defenders, since he isn't able to bully his way to the rim or outmuscle them for rebounds. How will his game translate to the pros, where he won't be able to rely on pure power? There are more questions than certainties about his game, which is why it's time to drop him down the big board. But he still has loads of talent, and could rise back up very soon if he adjusts.

7. Aaron Gordon | PF | Arizona
Age: 18 | HT: 6'9" | WT: 225 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Top 10
ESPN: #7 | SI: #6 | DX: #8 | SBN: #4

SI.com says that an Eastern Conference executive compared Aaron Gordon to Shawn Marion, which makes a lot of sense. Gordon is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft, with a unique combination of athleticism, defense, hustle, rebounding, and determination. Like Marion, Gordon is a "glue guy," and could find a role on any team in the NBA. Right now he's severely limited offensively, but he doesn't turn 19 until September, so he has plenty of time improve his skills.

8. Marcus Smart | G | Oklahoma St.
Age: 19 | HT: 6'4" | WT: 200 lbs
Sophomore | Projection: Top 12
ESPN: #6 | SI: #8 | DX: #6 | SBN: #10

It looked like Smart improved his game earlier this season, but some of his downright terrible offensive performances are concerning. Just this month, he shot 3-of-14 against Baylor, 1-of-7 versus West Virginia, and 3-of-14 against Kansas. He's also shooting a miserable 10-of-45 from three-point range, the worst drought of his college career. As turnovers remain a major problem, one must wonder: Is Marcus Smart really cut out to be a point guard in the NBA? The last two months of the college season might provide the answer.

9. Gary Harris | SG | Michigan St.
Age: 19 | HT: 6'4" | WT: 210 lbs
Sophomore | Projection: Lottery
ESPN: #11 | SI: #10 | DX: #10 | SBN: NR

It's hard not to love Gary Harris: He hustles hard, plays fiery defense, shows leadership potential, drives well to the rim, and can occasionally shoot the lights out. Even though his three-point percentage has dropped this season (41.1% to 33.9%), his two-point statistic has actually risen (49.7% to 53.8%). With an increased role on offense, Harris is showing his potential as a go-to scorer, in addition to his lockdown defensive abilities.

10. Tyler Ennis | PG | Syracuse
Age: 19 | HT: 6'2" | WT: 180
Freshman | Projection: Lottery
ESPN: #10 | SI: NR | DX: #9 | SBN: NR


As the likes of point guards Marcus Smart and Andrew Harrison have begun to slide, Tyler Ennis has started his climb the rankings. Ennis has been a star for the undefeated Syracuse Orange, with a marvelous 3.9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. When he's on the court (almost always), Syracuse's offense is able to get easy shots thanks to Ennis' playmaking ability. He might not have the flash of some other players in this draft, but he could have a long career in the NBA.

11. James Young | G/F | Kentucky
Age: 18 | HT: 6'6" | WT: 215 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Lottery
ESPN: #18 | SI: #12 | DX: #14 | SBN: NR

James Young is like J.R. Smith, but with heart and hustle slapped on top of everything. He's a volume scorer, but makes the game look easy by getting the types of shots he wants, whether it's at the rim or on the perimeter. But unlike Smith, Young brings an "it factor." He always seems to make a difference on the game, whether it's his tendency to push the tempo, play strong defense, or by rebounding the ball.

12. Doug McDermott | SF | Creighton
Age: 21 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 225
Senior | Projection: Mid 1st
ESPN: #15 | SI: #20 | DX: #13 | SBN: NR


Despite the fact McDermott will probably win Player of the Year, many wonder if his game will translate to the NBA. He's not very athletic, and definitely won't make an impact defensively, but at worst, he'll be a three-point specialist. After all, he's a 45.8 percent shooter from behind the arc thanks to his perfect fundamentals. In other words, he projects to be like Kyle Korver, but with a much better game driving to the basket. It wouldn't be surprising if he averages 20 points per game a few times in his career, since he's that proficient offensively.

13. Nik Stauskas | SG | Michigan
Age: 20 | HT: 6'6" | WT: 205 lbs
Sophomore | Projection: Mid 1st
ESPN: #14 | SI: NR | DX: #19 | SBN: NR

Stauskas was impressive as a freshman at Michigan, but has taken his game to a whole new level this year. Who could've expected this? He's shooting 45.9 percent form three-point range, and appears to be equally effective no matter the situation. Whether he comes off a screen, or pulls up off the dribble, Stauskas' form has been pure. Most surprising of all has been ball handling and passing ability. With an expanded role on the team, Stauskas has shown that he might be more than a shooting specialist.

14. Dario Saric | G/F | Croatia
Age: 19 | HT: 6'10" | WT: 220 lbs
International | Projection: Lottery
ESPN: #9 | SI: #7 | DX: #11 | SBN: NR

Saric probably deserves to be higher on the board, but it's difficult to rank him since there is so little footage of him from this season. But from what's out there, it appears that Saric has drastically improved his body since from last year. He looks stronger, which is important since the majority of his game revolves around driving to the basket. Saric is a point-forward in many ways, and is very good at grabbing rebounds and then motoring up the floor. But he must improve his consistency shooting the ball if he wants to be more effective in the half court.

15. Willie Cauley-Stein | C | Kentucky
Age: 20 | HT: 7'0" | WT: 244
Sophomore | Projection: Mid 1st
ESPN: #19 | SI: #11 | DX: #12 | SBN: #8


Cauley-Stein has shown the potential of a excellent defensive player, since he keeps his head on a swivel and does a superb job of scanning the floor. It's rare that he's caught out of position, as he always challenges shots near the rim. However, he has struggled with consistency and has a nonexistent offensive skillset (unless he's right at the rim). It's also hard to understand why he only averages 6.4 rebounds per game when he has such outstanding size and length. However, he has all the tools to be an impact player in the NBA.

16. Zach LaVine | G | UCLA
Age: 18 | HT: 6'5" | WT: 180 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Mid to Late 1st
ESPN: #13 | SI: #19 | DX: #27 | SBN: #11

Everybody should keep an on LaVine because of his upside. Even though he's only averaging 11.5 points per game, and has had more disappointing games than great ones, he has still flashed the skill of a potential difference maker in the NBA. LaVine shoots the three very well, at 45.5 percent, but can also finish hard at the rim with thunderous dunks.

17. Jerami Grant | G/F | Syracuse
Age: 19 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 205 lbs
Sophomore | Projection: Mid 1st
ESPN: #17 | SI: #18 | DX: #15 | SBN: NR


Jerami Grant has immense potential but has yet to prove that he can hit a jumper. Despite that, he is a freak of nature athletically, and could turn into a star player in an up-tempo offense. As a great defender and rebounder, he can turn defense into offense with his abilities in the open floor.

18. Rodney Hood | G/F | Duke
Age: 21 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 180 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Mid 1st
ESPN: #12 | SI: #13 | DX: #17 | SBN: NR

Hood is a fantastic three-point shooter, and is able to score off the catch and dribble equally well, but he has problems elsewhere. He hasn't proven that he can attack the rim consistently, which means he doesn't get to the line very often. Hood's also not much of a defender, despite possessing respectable athletic skills. The potential is there for the 6-foot-8 for wing, but he lacks the polish.

19. Adreian Payne | F | Michigan St.
Age: 22 | HT: 6'10" | WT: 225 lbs
Freshman | Projection: Mid to Late 1st
ESPN: #22 | SI: #15 | DX: #20 | SBN: #14

If a competing NBA team wants a player to plug straight into their big man rotation, Adreian Payne is that man. At 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Payne is very good at scoring from both the high and low post. He may never be a fulltime starter in the NBA, but he'll be no worse than a quality role player on a contending team's bench.

20. Montrezl Harrell | PF | Louisville
Age: 19 | HT: 6'8" | WT: 235
Sophomore | Projection: Mid to Late 1st
ESPN: #16 | SI: #14 | DX: #23 | SBN: NR

Harrell is undersized, shoots 50 percent from the line, and is rudimentary on the post, so why is he on the top 20? Just to name a few things: his explosiveness, long wingspan, and heart. Harrell, despite his weaknesses, brings something special to the court. He has a long way to go and another year of college could benefit for him, but the talent is there for him to be a high-energy role player.

112288

[Sam]

So let's trade for a center, then see me in June to draft not one but two of these 20.

Sam

[cowens/oldschool]

Why do you want a center so bad Sam?

[Sam]

On the way to the doctor for a checkup. Will respond when I return.

Sam

[Sam]

Cow,

Okay, the doctor says I have at least another two or three Celtics championships to live through, so this is my answer to your question.

The reason I want a center so badly—and not just any old center, but a rim protector and an intimidator underneath, is as follows.

It's all about development of a team.  I believe that, in order to develop to its fullest and most expediently, a team needs good players at the two position that I feel make the team tick: center and point guard.  One fuels the break with rebounding, sets meaningful picks, and is the player of last resort on defense.  The other is the offensive catalyst in so many ways I won't bother to mention them.

If either or both those positions are unfilled, I believe it is far more difficult for the other forwards and guard to learn how to function as optimally as possible because they're all part of a ragtag series of adjustments such as having people play out of position or play a type of defense that's a compromise rather than the most effective strategy.

With specific reference to the Celtics, I believe you're one of the people saying that Jeff Green will improve once Rondo is is top shape.  So, in essence, you're saying that Jeff hasn't had an opportunity to show himself to the fullest because the team has been missing an extremely important 20% of the positional lineup.  I've heard the same thing about Avery Bradley.

I rest my case....almost.  The same thing is true of not having the rim protector/
intimidator in the middle.  I believe it has hurt all of the Celtics on the defensive end, because they're operating from a position of weakness—trying all sorts of schemes and gyrations to compensate for having no strong, tall defensive player backing them up in the middle.

Until all five positions have a lead player who can reasonably well fill the most important functions of those positions, I believe the Celtics are very likely to continue floundering.  Rondo's back, and not even at full strength; and the offense is looking better—not great, but promising.  But the defense still sucks.  And what's the suckiest part?  Opponents slicing down the lane like a hot knife through buttah.  What's needed to bring the defense at least a lot of the way toward reasonable efficiency?

I've seen people saying this team has to learn how to win.  I believe that's not something they learn from a book.  They learn it from experience.  And how can they get the needed experience without operating on all five cylinders?

Having a team in the development process without a good point guard and/or a good defensively minded center iss like having a car with no fuel and/or no tires.  Sure, you could push it on the rims, but odds are you're not going to Le Mans any time soon.

As to why I want a center so quickly, in case it's not obvious, it's because I want them to be able to start the serious development process sooner rather than later.  Until now, they've been pretty much fighting an unfortunately losing battle to keep their heads under water.  That's not really a great way to learn to develop the Australian Crawl.

Oh, I almost forgot a very important component of my thinking (such as it is).  I want them to trade for a proven center rather than to try to draft one who could very well turn out to be a project that evokes recall of names like Johnson and Fab (isn't that a detergent?).  (I'd much rather take chances on SFs, SGs, PFs, and even a PG to backup Rondo taken in the draft.  It's my impression that center is the one position that's most difficult to handicap when it comes to the transition from collect to the pros.

And no, I'm not just being impatient to see the development process culminated within the next week or two.  I just want to see the rebuilding process proceeding in earnest.  Not only proceeding in terms of competence and hopefully chemistry but also in terms of evaluation and separating the keepers from the others.  And I believe the type of center I've described about a million times is the most immediately necessary brick in the wall.

Let me know if I haven't explained my viewpoint well enough because I can certain cobble the words together in scores of configurations until I get it right.

If any of my wording seems as though I'm irritated at your question, I haven't used the right words.  I'm actually very appreciative of your question.

Sam

[cowens/oldschool]

Sam I'm with you, we need a rim protector/defensive presence, thats what the Cousy Celics, Hondo Celtics and Pierce Celtics all needed and somehow got, not always the easiest piece to get.

[Sam]

Cow,

That's why, if there's a chance to get a proven one sooner rather than later, I'd love to see the Celtics jump at the chance.

We'll see what happens. Only 16 days to go.

Sam

[worcester]

What was this 1955-56 Celtics lineup missing? What piece did it lack preventing it from winning 11 championships in the next 13 years?

23 Ernie Barrett SG 6-3 180 August 27, 1929 1 Kansas State University
14 Bob Cousy PG 6-1 175 August 9, 1928 5 College of the Holy Cross
20 Dick Hemric PF 6-6 220 August 29, 1933 R Wake Forest University
18 Jim Loscutoff SF 6-5 220 February 4, 1930 R University of Oregon
22 Ed Macauley C 6-8 185 March 22, 1928 6 Saint Louis University
15 Red Morrison C 6-8 220 April 26, 1932 1 University of Idaho
16 Jack Nichols PF 6-7 222 April 9, 1926 6 University of Washington
12 Togo Palazzi SF 6-4 205 August 8, 1932 1 College of the Holy Cross
19 Arnie Risen C 6-9 200 October 9, 1924 7 Ohio State University
21 Bill Sharman SG 6-1 175 May 25, 1926 5 University of Southern California

[cowens/oldschool]

Sam

Have you ever seen Miles Plumlee play? He was drafted by Larry Bird then traded to Suns, kid avgs 9-9 in about 25-27 minutes a game. Hes about 6'11" 260, his game reminds me of a poor mans Joakim Noah and on a team with marginal talent, Gerald Green is their starting 2, the Suns record is a remarkable 29-18 in the West. They have an above avg point in Dragic, amazing a team with a young talented 5 and 1 and marginal players elsewhere is 29-18.

I agree we need a center and that piece has to be a defensive/rebounding force or why bother? Pheonix lucked out with Plumlee, I don't think anyone thought he would be this good and the kid can improve as its only his second year. A player I wish we could pry is Noah.....no just kidding, hes locked in on Bulls and a few years ago Bulls rejected a Carmelo Anthony-Noah trade even up.

Hope Danny and friends are scouring rosters for the next Plumlee. A player I've been aware of is Rudy Gorbert, I think his name is, guy has great length, I think hes worth a look possibly.....

cow

[Sam]

Cow, I've only seen Plumlee play once or twice. My question about him is whether he's really a rim protector. He seems a little too easy to move out of the way. But maybe that just happened to be when I was watching.

I know nothing about Gorbert except that he plays in France so he can't possibly be all bad.

Sam

[tjmakz]

Rudy Gobert is a rookie with Utah.
I doubt they would trade him while he's on his rookie contract.

[cowens/oldschool]

Cow, I've only seen Plumlee play once or twice.  My question about him is whether he's really a rim protector.  He seems a little too easy to move out of the way.  But maybe that just happened to be when I was watching.

I know nothing about Gorbert except that he plays in France so he can't possibly be all bad.

Sam

I don't know how strong he is, he is very mobile and athletic, very good hops as he can block shots, hes definitely got the style of a Noah, not a big stiff like Perk.

[Sam]

Cow,

Noah could well be the prototype of the kind of center I'd love to see them get. Any yet, if you looked at his physical stats alone (6' 11", 235), one might not hesitate long before turning the page. It's difficult to realize that Noah is in his seventh year. Cow,

Noah could well be the prototype of the kind of center I'd love to see them get. (Yeah, Danny, just go out and find one of them!) And yet, if you looked at Noah's physical stats alone (6' 11", 235), you might not hesitate long before turning the page. It's difficult to realize that Noah is in his seventh year.

Sam

[bobheckler]

This draft may just have become a lot less enticing.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10405272/joel-embiid-strongly-considering-staying-sophomore-year-kansas

If Embiid stays in school, then the next center would be 7'0" Cauley-Stein of Kentucky. Vonleh is ranked higher, but he's 6'10".


bob


.

[bobheckler]

Rudy Gobert is a rookie with Utah.
I doubt they would trade him while he's on his rookie contract.

I watched some of the GSW-Utah game a few nights ago.  I paid special attention to #27, Rudy Gobert, since he piqued my interest last year in the draft.

With a 7'8" wingspan, the CA Dept. of Wildlife Preservation is talking about starting a breeding program with Rudy and a California Condor.  A jumpshot went up from the top of the key, he was out inside the free throw line and with one step he was able to approach the shot.  He's a toothpick, although he looks beefier than he did last year.  That's not saying much, admittedly.

Offensively, he's Colton Iverson/Fab Melo.  He picks-and-rolls.  His picks are comparable, but slightly more substantial than Vitor's.  Considering Vitor's picks are positively ephemeral, that's not great.

Defensively, he rotates quickly, that's how he was out at the free throw line.  He's going to get bounced back a lot by the monsters, but they damn well better dunk on him because, as the saying goes, you can't teach height and Gobert is 7'2" in sneakers, has that 7'8" wingspan and has a 9'7" standing reach.  If he stands on tip-toe he can touch the rim.  You have to bounce him into the 3rd row to get a shot over him. His timiing on his blocks looked pretty good, but how good does it have to be when you're 5" short of the rim?

Rudy would not solve our center beef problem, there's not much on those condor bones, but he sure as hell would solve our rim protection issues.


bob



.

[Outside]

Bob,

I watched some of that Utah game as well, and my impression of Gobert is that he's clueless out there. He seemed lost more than anything. But I only watched part of the game.

I wish I knew what was going on with the Warriors. They barely beat Utah, and they lost to the Bobcats last night. Ugh.

[cowens/oldschool]

Rudy Gobert is a rookie with Utah.
I doubt they would trade him while he's on his rookie contract.

maybe Jeff Green and a draft pick? if the per 36 means anything, this kid is at 12 boards and 4 blocks....Utah has 2 young bigs in Kanter and Favors, their wings are old and shoot, Richard Jefferson and the famous useless Marvin Williams.

[Sam]

I've only read about Willie Cauley-Stein and haven't seen him play—always a dangerous (if not ridiculous) way to evaluate a draft prospect.

The consensus seems to be that he's very strong ("opponents just bounce off him"), mobile (especially laterally) and a great shock-blocker. If I had learned that he's a great rebounder, I would have been very interested in spite of his limited offense. He appears to be just a mediocre rebounder, which is one reason why he'd be better off spending another year at Kentucky without having to share rebounding duties with Randle.

Willie has been described as a "one-trick pony," with that trick involving prolific shot-blocking ability. I guess I'd prefer at least two tricks: rim protection and rebounding ability. I believe the rest can be worked on while the league becomes familiar with him as a true intimidator.

Sam

[cowens/oldschool]

bob good points, not every 5 is a blaster ala Perk, Gasol, Hibbert....theres also a place for a mobile less monstrous 5, as long as he can protect rim and still battle such as Noah or DeAndre Jordan. I'm all for still getting a blaster, wish we could have gotten Steve Adams, who is strong and just learning the game and has shotblocking abilities.

Kelly O's natural skillset is not what we need as hes such a defensive liability.

[cowens/oldschool]

I've only read about Willie Cauley-Stein and haven't seen him play—always a dangerous (if not ridiculous) way to evaluate a draft prospect.

The consensus seems to be that he's very strong ("opponents just bounce off him"), mobile (especially laterally) and a great shock-blocker.  If I had learned that he's a great rebounder, I would have been very interested in spite of his limited offense.  He appears to be just a mediocre rebounder, which is one reason why he'd be better off spending another year at Kentucky without having to share rebounding duties with Randle.

Willie has been described as a "one-trick pony," with that trick involving prolific shot-blocking ability.  I guess I'd prefer at least two tricks: rim protection and rebounding ability.  I believe the rest can be worked on while the league becomes familiar with him as a true intimidator.

Sam

he's got Thabeet written all over him, with less impact.....pass IMHO.

[bobheckler]

Rudy Gobert is a rookie with Utah.
I doubt they would trade him while he's on his rookie contract.

maybe Jeff Green and a draft pick? if the per 36 means anything, this kid is at 12 boards and 4 blocks....Utah has 2 young bigs in Kanter and Favors, their wings are old and shoot, Richard Jefferson and the famous useless Marvin Williams.

Cow,

that doesn't work because of salary mismatches. Gobert is making $1M and Green is making $8.7M. Draft picks have no value in trades.

Even Hayward and Gobert for Green doesn't work, money-wise.


bob


.

[tjmakz]

I've only read about Willie Cauley-Stein and haven't seen him play—always a dangerous (if not ridiculous) way to evaluate a draft prospect.

The consensus seems to be that he's very strong ("opponents just bounce off him"), mobile (especially laterally) and a great shock-blocker.  If I had learned that he's a great rebounder, I would have been very interested in spite of his limited offense.  He appears to be just a mediocre rebounder, which is one reason why he'd be better off spending another year at Kentucky without having to share rebounding duties with Randle.

Willie has been described as a "one-trick pony," with that trick involving prolific shot-blocking ability.  I guess I'd prefer at least two tricks: rim protection and rebounding ability.  I believe the rest can be worked on while the league becomes familiar with him as a true intimidator.

Sam

he's got Thabeet written all over him, with less impact.....pass IMHO.

nbadraft.net has pushed Cauley-Stein back to the 2015 draft.
He is listed as 20th in that draft.
Is he better then Fab Melo? Yes.
But as of right now, he does not have NBA talent.
He does have the body to play in the NBA.

[Sam]

Thanks, TJ. That's about what I had surmised.

By the way, I hope your social life is going like a house afire.

Sam

[tjmakz]

Thanks, TJ.  That's about what I had surmised.

By the way, I hope your social life is going like a house afire.

Sam

Sam,

I'm not sure what I told you last.
I was dating a woman, we broke up for two months and are back together.
Everything is super awesome between us.
I am assuming we will go the distance and get married down the road.
Just trying to manage my emotional 15 year daughter with this situation, especially since my girlfriend has 3 kids of her own.
The mind and emotions of a 15 year old girl is hard for a 44 year old dad to understand... :-)
Sorry everyone for changing the subject, but Sam asked about my social life.

[bobheckler]

Thanks, TJ.  That's about what I had surmised.

By the way, I hope your social life is going like a house afire.

Sam

Sam,

I'm not sure what I told you last.
I was dating a woman, we broke up for two months and are back together.
Everything is super awesome between us.
I am assuming we will go the distance and get married down the road.
Just trying to manage my emotional 15 year daughter with this situation, especially since my girlfriend has 3 kids of her own.
The mind and emotions of a 15 year old girl is hard for a 44 year old dad to understand... :-)
Sorry everyone for changing the subject, but Sam asked about my social life.

TJ,

Don't apologize. We're family here.

FWIW, I've always found 15-year old boys much harder than 15-year old girls. Testosterone should be a controlled substance.




bob



.

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