Earlier this week, Chad Ford penned his annual
draft tier column. Basically, Ford breaks the draft into tiers of players, and the golden rule for teams which use this strategy is that you draft the player from the highest tier without exception. If there are several players remaining in the top tier, then you rank by position of need. I won't be using the tier approach, basically because I think the need for guards is too great to mess around with any of the bigs in the draft, other than Blake Griffin, and he's going to the Clippers.
If I was running the war room, we'd put these names on the board in this order, and draft the highest name when it was our turn, maybe we'd even trade up if one of them fell.
- Stephen Curry - Best shooter, best basketball IQ, ideal fit next to Iguodala at the point in this offense.
- Ricky Rubio - I debated this spot for a while, but Rubio's international experience and star potential were hard to ignore. I would love to see his measurables, but the kid represented Spain very well against the U.S. team in the Olympics, at 17 years-old.
- James Harden - Probably the most-complete SG in the draft. Excellent size, enormous wing span. Potential to be a lock-down defender at the 2 guard, and he can stroke the jumper.
- Jrue Holiday - Size, speed, strength and defense at the PG position. None of the other guys really offer that, and I'm a defense first kind of guy.
- Ty Lawson - Maybe too short, maybe an injury risk, but you just can't ignore his college stats. He dominated against the best teams in the league, and the fact that he played with great players at UNC should mean that he can step in and play his role with the starters right from the get-go. There won't be any adjustment from being the man in college to being a facilitator in the pros. Plus, he takes care of the ball. Possessions are always at a premium.
- Eric Maynor - He just strikes me as a steady guy who could step in and help you right away. He may never be a great pro, but he could be a solid starter for this team in the long run.
- Darren Collison - Everything about this kid screams solid pro to me. He's quick, he's fast, he's a tenacious defender, he can hit the jumper, he can run a team, and he's humble. If he didn't spend the past two seasons in the shadow of Russell Westbrook and Jrue Holiday I think he'd be much higher on everyone's list.
- Jeff Teague - The Lou Williams comparisons scare me, but I can't help but think Teague has a chance of being Lou with a solid jumper. He's definitely a step below the points I listed above, and I don't really see how he would wind up being my pick, but this is where he belongs on the list.
- Brandon Jennings - I view Jennings as a Teague clone, possibly with more explosiveness, but we really just don't know anything about his jumper. Had he gone to college and dominated, I think he'd be in the mix for a top-five pick, but he chose Europe and now he's a big unknown.
- Wayne Ellington - Smooth two who can shoot the lights out.
- Jodie Meeks - Good size for a two, excellent jumper. Could be a steal late in the first.
- Jack McClinton - Eddie House type who can also shoot the lights out. He shot over 45% from three last year.
As you can see, it's a short list, and there are some notable guys missing: Tyreke Evans, Gerald Henderson, Jonny Flynn and Demar Derozan. Simply put, I don't think these guys can shoot one bit and I've had my fill of guys who can't shoot. I don't care if one of them drops, I want to avoid them at all costs (Holiday doesn't make this list because I think his excellent size and defensive potential at the point make him a worthwhile shooter project).
So, let's pretend it's next Thursday night, this is how I envision my war room working. First, we're on the phones trying to trade up for one of the top four on my list. It's going to take a lot to get up for Curry, Harden or Rubio, but there's a chance Holiday starts to slide a little and you could possibly trade up with Toronto and grab him at number nine.
If those four guys are all off the board early and we couldn't swing a deal to get up for one of them, it's time to cross your fingers that Lawson falls to you. Most mocks have him going to us at #17 or lower, so this isn't out of the realm of possibility. I'd consider moving up a spot or two if we need to. At this point, Lawson is the clear target.
If someone snags Lawson before we can grab him, it's time to start working the phones again, this time, we're looking to move down, and my target is Darren Collison. The plan is to move into the 20s, pick up a second rounder, and draft Collison with that pick. I have Maynor ranked higher than Collison on my board, and if I'm forced to pick at #17 and choose between those two guys, I'm going with Maynor, but I really believe the difference between those two guys isn't that great, so my first option is to improve the team somehow with a trade down and get Collison.
Once I've drafted my guy, whoever it is, I'm going to start watching this list very carefully, especially the last three names on it. When the second round starts, if any of them are left undrafted it's time to start working the phones again. I don't want to buy a pick in the first round, because those contracts are guaranteed and let's face it, each one of these guys has washout potential. But when we start getting into the 30s, picks will be for sale and I'm going to be buying if it means landing one of these guys on the cheap.
So with less than a week to go, that's my war room strategy. Thoughts in the comments, as usual.
From sportingnews:
17. Philadelphia. Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest. With the trade for SF Jason Kapono, the Sixers are locked in on point guards, even if they re-sign PG Andre Miller. Teague has been proving he can run the point in workouts. The Sixers canceled a workout with G/F Chase Budinger, indicating they’re no longer searching for shooters.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/25686
So if the first 11 guys are off the board, and Evans is still, somehow, on it, you're taking Jack McClinton over Tyreke Evans. I think you could also make a case for Lawson having the best basketball IQ. Maybe Curry was constantly being trapped and whatnot, but nearly 4 turnovers a game can't solely be chalked up to aggressive defense.
Nash, Kidd, LeBron and Wade are always among the league leaders in turnovers. Do they have poor basketball IQs?
While not bad basketball IQs per se I think Wade is quite over rated personally and his injury history - he's going to cost someone A LOT of money :)
I doubt he leaves Miami. He'll cost Riley a lot of money, then Riley will just leave for greener pastures, like he did in NYC and LA.
Oh i doubt he leaves miami too - but I hope bosh doesn't end up there for his sake - cause i don't see wade as that durable - or that 'teammatey' either.
As "bad" as they are -- and LeBron's not a point guard -- their assist-turnover ratio crowns Curry's pretty hard.
Lebron is a facilitator regardless of position
Ok, guy, whatevs. The ratios are miles apart. Period.
And college is miles apart from the NBA
What's your point?
Really, the question is what's your point? Sometimes you snipe for sniping's sake whether it's germane or not.
Sometimes? More like almost always... it's an inferiority complex coupled with too much time on his hands. Dude needs to get a life.
Go 76ers.
If Lawson isn!t there at #17 I am going with M.Thornton,W.Ellington or T.Williams and targeting T.Douglas or Collison with a 2nd pick.I like Douglas better than Maynor,stronger,better defensively and a better shooter.
Why do you assume there will be a second pick?
I'm not into Harden as much so high as I'd prefer Iggy to man the 2 (so Thad can move to the 3). Until they give that a fair shot I don't want someone who will force Iggy to stay at 3 and Thad at 4.
I'd switch Lawson over Holiday as while Holiday has 'upside' Lawson has actually performed. Holiday is tough to evaluate as he was switched to SG and he didn't really excel there. Not his fault but I'd rather not draft another Antonio Daniels.
Question: If you can buy an early second round pick for some cash would you take a flier on any of these 3 guys: Nick Calathes, Jodie Meeks and Jack McClinton? I'd buy a pick for any of those 3 but would prefer Calathes (even if we wait a year) as he can play PG (perhaps best passer in the draft) and SG plus he is a good shooter and all around stat stuffer.
Not that I think Holiday will be a bust but he actually isn't that athletic. He does have good size and strength but he really didn't have that good a year at UCLA. I used to like him more as a prospect but looking at his statistics has me having some doubts.
Brian:
If we wind up moving DOWN next Thursday night, I fear that it will be the start of a truly HORRIFIC summer.
Brian:
If we wind up moving DOWN next Thursday night, I fear that it will be the start of a truly HORRIFIC summer.
Brian:
If we wind up moving DOWN next Thursday, I fear that it will be the start of a HORRIFIC summer.
Brian:
If it turns out that we move DOWN next Thursday, I will be bracing myself for a truly HORRIFIC summer.
Sorry - my computer is freaking out this morning...
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20090619_Intriguing_speculation_surrounding_Sixers__Ohio_State_7-footer.html
Huh?
Dave Berri looks at the point guards - his way
It's not all numbers obviously - but if I had to choose a numbers guy - I'd probably go with Berri over Hollinger in terms of reliability
http://dberri.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/pondering-potential-first-round-point-guards/
Nice Post Brian,
I would probably go with a slightly different list:
1. Curry
2. Rubio
3. Holiday
4. Lawson or Williams(haven't decided yet)
5. Evans
Sometimes, I think I might rate Williams and Lawson above Holiday. I am still not sure which one I'd pick between the two. I love bigger athletic guards like Williams, especially willing quality defenders who can pass and rebound. Plus, his shot has continued to improve. This is a guy who has said he'd rather score 10 and help two teammates get 10 then score 30 himself. He and Iguodala in the backcourt would be an interchangeable matchup nightmare on both ends, and he, Thad and Dala on the break would be almost unfair.
However, Lawson's production and athleticism is quite impressive. At worst, he is a waterbug coming off your bench to push the ball on one end and pressure it on the other.
6. Maynor
7. Ellington
8. Harden
9. Flynn
11. Beaubois
12. Calathes
13. Teague
14. Sergio llull
Once Maynor drops off, I really start looking more toward shooters and my free agent target shifts more toward Jarrett Jack.
Do you really think we need 2 Williams on this team? I am a Lou supporter, for now, but don't really think we need another Williams! :-)
Hey, if having a team that sounds like a malpractice law firm makes us champs, sign me up.
I'm told Mullens and another guy are slated to work out for Sixers tomorrow. Will let you know when I get the official word.
Dannie, call it cautious optimism.If they like Mullins upside, go with it.Hell,maybe in 2 years they finally will put the pieces in the proper places,[Mullins,Brand,Young,Iggy, ??].
MY preferences...
We should be able to get one of 'em. Not sayin he's dumb -- clearly, he's not -- but can't see how Curry could have the best basketball IQ with an A/TO ratio as atrocious as his was this past season.
In the second round I like Thornton and D. Green, in that order.
Sean, if T.Williams can become a legit 3pt. threat I sure would give an Iggy/T.Williams backcourt a chance to succeed.On draftexpress 2 guard ranking Williams ass/turn. is incredible and the versatility this team would have would be incredible.
He did shoot 38% from deep this year, and from my amateur POV, he seems to have a good stroke, although he tends to get streaky due to the Jason Smith problem(releasing on the way down too often). It is a correctable flaw though.
Also, he works out with Gary Payton, idolizes Magic and is a very humble, hardworking kid with a great personality. A guard tandem of Williams and Iguodala in the Princeton Offense would be crazy!
It would be "out of the box" thinking on E.S.!s part but where we are picking, if Lawson is gone, I would consider him the b.p.a. if he is there.
I guess you all saw where Iguodala's being sued for child support for knocking up a destitute video model.
Yeah, she wants like 12K/month or something for diapers.
Looks like she just wants too much.
In an interview a few years ago with XXL, the rap mag, Clayanna said:
“I can't stand a guy that's always bragging about what he got. The irony is that I attract most of those guys 'cause they look at me as some sort of materialistic girl,” she explains. “I don't need a guy to support me, but you better bring something to the table. ‘I ain't saying she a gold digger, but she ain't messin' wit' no broke niggas.'”
Yes i read it - and moved on - as it wasn't relevant t the sixers
Enjoying sports on a purely statistical level must be incredibly dull.
I enjoy watching sports on many level - i'm not a TMZ voyeuristic drone who cares about the personal life of the players on a team I root for. Iguodalas law suit with the mother of his child is not something I care to read about or talk about.
I enjoy watching sports, I don't get obsessed over it, I don't get upset when the team I root for loses I don't get over joyed when they win - my life isn't defined by the performance of a sports team.
The fact that you posted the article tells me more about you than you think my lack of interest tells you about me.
and yet you felt compelled to snipe about Tray's entry regarding it. i mean, the other clear and obvious option is to say nothing, but you really can't help yourself, can you? tray has his "obsessions" and you, no doubt, have yours.
And I seem to be one of yours it seems - since this had nothing to do with you - right?
What's good for the goose, John. But to stay on point, it's about your tone, guy. Geez, nevermind, you're never, ever going to get it.
Snipe on, soldier.
check this out! Who are these fans?
http://sixers.realgm.com/articles/126/20090619/30_teams_30_days_philadelphia_draft_preview/
Been thinking about BJ Mullens. I think the Sixers are hoping an interested team wants to move in front of them or makes them an offer to move into their spot to take him. Pushing back a guard for the Sixers.
1.Jrue Holiday
2.Tyreke Evans
3.Stephen Curry
4.Ty Lawson
5.Terrence Williams
6.Brandon Jennings
7.Jeff Teague
8.Eric Maynor
9.Marcus Thornton
10.Toney Douglas
Top three guys probably won't be there but if Holiday starts slipping hopefully Ed Stefanski will make the move to get up a few spots to grab him.
Mullens wasn't lacking in confidence today, referring to himself in the third person with his third answer. He runs the floor well and has good range with his shot. Reports are Detroit will take him at 15.
Courtney Witte on him today: "He is, potentially, going to be a very good basketball player in the NBA. He’s just a big-time talent who’s clearly one of the top three bigs in the draft. As you probably saw today, he can shoot the basketball. He’s got skill. He can go with his left hand, his right hand. He just needs more time."
According to published reports Mullens might now have a promise from the Pistons and that the sixers only brought him in to fulfill an earlier promise/committment regarding him working out.
Interesting that Mullens' agent is Andy Miller, who also represents Andre Miller, Marreese Speights and Eric Maynor.
Guys, is there any p.g.!s or s.g.!s that they would possibly trade the #17 pick for in the league? [Morrow,N.Young,G.Hill,A.C.Law,B.Rush] just wondering how high they are on the players available at #17.