2011 draft.....

[Zerol]

Been pulling for the Jazz to trade for a second round pick to take David Lighty. This is what's on David Aldridge's article on nba.com:

[William Buford's] teammate, [David] Lighty, impresses with his ability to defend in space. Scouts think he may be able to guard as many as three positions in the pros and will be able to rebound his position.

"I thought [Lighty] was undraftable at the beginning of the year and now I think he can be drafted in the second round," one scout said. "Whatever offense he gives you is a plus. Nobody thought Wes Matthews could score like this. If they did, he would have been drafted ... this generation is not going to pass on Lighty like they passed on Matthews. He's going to get drafted."

 

[mellow]

Nash is really the only great player he can compare himself too, so of course that is what he is going to go for.

Coach Nisalke was making fun of young players for always comparing thier games to Jordan, Magic, LeBron etc. When in reality the majority of them will be out of the league and the few that make it will be role players.

But really who of us wants to read in SI or onESPN that Jimmer thinks he can be the next Luke Ridinour?

 

[Zerol]

DA's article about PGs of interest (Kyrie Irving):

This year's Draft is more traditional, at least where point guards are concerned. The group has potential, and someone will certainly reach his and become a star. But as a whole, there isn't as much there as in past years.

The consensus top point -- and the likely first pick overall -- among NBA types is Duke's Irving, who turns 19 this week and is just reacclimating himself with his teammates after missing almost all of the regular season with a severe toe injury. No matter that Irving played in just nine games before getting hurt, and has looked understandably rusty in the first couple of games of the NCAAs.

Of the freshman that are likely to be one-and-dones, Irving, the Jersey kid with the explosive game, is the clear choice over Kentucky's Brandon Knight. "Personally I don't think it's close," said a Central Division personnel man, "and I think Brandon Knight is a good player."

Irving's quickness, floor game, toughness and creativity make him a potential star in the Chris Paul mode.

"His talent level is several notches above the other guys," said a Western Conference general manager. "The guy comes into a program the caliber of Duke, and they give him the keys to everything from day one. Coaches would prefer to have some seniority lead the team, every single one, but (Mike) Krzyzewski realizes, 'I can't do that.' (Irving) goes into Michigan (State) and scores 31. If he doesn't get hurt, Duke could be the prohibititve favorite in this tournament."

And he has impressed a lot of pro scouts by deciding to play in the NCAA Tournament, knowing full well that he's likely a top pick and can do nothing to really help his Draft stock. "I think that's impressive that he wants to come back," the Central Division man said. "I like that."

Kemba Walker:

Connecticut's Walker already had fans before leading the Huskies to five wins in five days earlier this month to capture an improbable Big East title, but that incredible performance only solidified his standing as one of the country's best scorers. Of all the point guards coming out, Walker gets the most votes as the one who could step in immediately and contribute. With the NBA rules against contact out front, he will be incredibly difficult to cover with his quickness and bounce, though his size (6-foot-1) will give him trouble at the defensive end.

"Walker's had the better year (than Knight), he's got the buzz, he had the great Big East tournament, but he's probably 5-foot-10," a veteran personnel man says. "If you look around the NBA, it doesn't mean you can't play. Earl Boykins proved you can play. But how many guys come into the NBA and dominate under six feet? That doesn't mean the guy can't play. I don't see him playing with the toughness of a Kyle Lowry, but I could see him coming in and being as effective as him."

Said a Central Division personnel director: "I'd be concerned with his size as a point, not as a two. In terms of the Draft, he's going to be the second point guard taken. There's only scoring point guards now that start. From everything I've heard, he's a great kid."

Walker may not be a starter immediately, but at the worst, he could be a third guard right away, even for the better teams.

Said a Pacific Division personnel man: "You look at Ty Lawson and what he's done and he's a little more dynamic than Ty. He has more of a defensive mindset than last year and he's kind of evolved into the kind of guy that can get his shot. Splitting pick and rolls, stopping on a dime and shooting the floater. You see NBA players make those plays."

Brandon Knight:

Kentucky's Knight displayed the good and bad of his game in the first two games of the tournament. He went 39 scoreless minutes against Princeton in the second round, looking more and more frustrated with each passing minute, missing all seven of his shots. But with the game on the line, he created something out of nothing and banked in the game-winning shot. Two days later, he erupted for 30 against West Virginia to lead the Wildcats to the Sweet 16.

Another scoring point, Knight is the preference of those who think long term. He will be a work in progress for a couple of years, but he eventually could be a very good floor general. "He's very smart, accomplished academically, really studies the game," one scout said. In the NBA, he could well become a combination guard that might work just as well in "two-guard" fronts where both guards in the backcourt handle the ball.

But he isn't viewed as highly as Wall.

"He doesn't have the physical tools John Wall's got," the Pacific Division man said. "He's a much better perimeter shooter. To me, that's the only area he has over Wall. Wall has quicker hands, he's stronger, he has better vision. Just a more dynamic player offensively. He played at the rim and above the rim, whereas (Knight's) game is at 15 feet, 20 feet. That's where he does his damage. Wall attacks you from all over; [Knight's] kind of a straight line guy."

A Northwest Division scout says Knight isn't a great athlete compared with other point guards already in the league, but will be good as a catch-and-shoot guard in the pros. "Off the wiggle isn't his thing," the scout says. "A one-year guy, and him not being an elite athlete, that's going to be a struggle for him. He struggles to create space against college guys."

Jimmer Fredette

Then there's Fredette, the BYU senior who led the nation in scoring and who put up 52 in the Mountain West semifinal. There is no question about Fredette's ability to put the ball in the basket. His range is unlimited and his ability to create his own shot will make him dangerous, no matter who's guarding him. He's much better than the likes of Travis Diener and Bryce Drew, other scoring guards who've been compared to him.

"Not only can he shoot it, he can get it off under duress," one general manager said of Fredette. "He splits traps. Nice assist totals. He's got vision. He's a very productive player. You can make the argument that he's a high volume shooter, but I would be surprised if he just washes away. I'm not saying he's a star, a max player, but I think he'll find a niche in the league and be successful, like Kyle Korver and J.J. Redick. He'll be on the ball. You could slide him over. Especially if he gets on a good team and he's with guys who draw double teams in the frontcourt. He's going to create some dilemmas for teams."

Said a Central Division man: "I don't know if he's good enough to go (in the Lottery) or not. But having said that, he could play for us right now, because he could score. He's probably going to be a guard that comes off the bench and makes things happen."

Fredette's issue is defense. He doesn't play any. It's not just that he's garden variety bad; he's historically bad, according to a lot of scouts.

"I think he's almost invisible defensively," one personnel director said. "I watched Jackson Emery (Fredette's backcourt mate at BYU) out there and he's guarding like one and a half guys. I don't think I've ever seen (Fredette) bend his knees at the defensive end."

Some say that Fredette's defensive liabilities are a product of his importance to BYU, that the Cougars can't afford to have him get in foul trouble, so they encourage him to be passive on defense and not take chances. Others disagree.

"To me, that's kind of a copout," the personnel director said. "How many point guards really get in foul trouble in the course of a game? I just don't think he has any desire to defend. He can be a backup. He has to play a team that gives him some rope to take the kind of shots he takes. If you look at the starting point guards in our league, he has just no chance at defending any of them."

Said a veteran scout: "I don't see Fredette being a key part at our level. I see him like Eddie House, basically. You're a point guard; you have to be able to guard somebody."

 

[NUMBERICA]

I really, really want the Jazz to acquire a 2nd rounder (Bell to Minnesota, Miles to who cares for a couple of 2nds?). I'm very high on Charles Jenkins (I'd draft him over the Jo Bro), and I really like David Lighty. Even Justin Holiday.

 

[Revolution 9]

If Burks and Jimmer have no interst in playing defense then why should we take them?
We need a complete player, or at least a player without a huge weakness on one side of the ball.

We aren't looking just to get a better scorer in here, and improve the team a bit. We need to be looking for the right piece to win a championship.
Burks, and Jimmer seem to be fun players that will score a lot, and get scored on a ton. Right now both seem like a pass to me.

 

[cowhide]

I really, really want the Jazz to acquire a 2nd rounder (Bell to Minnesota, Miles to who cares for a couple of 2nds?). I'm very high on Charles Jenkins (I'd draft him over the Jo Bro), and I really like David Lighty. Even Justin Holiday.

I like Charles Jenkins a lot. I think he is one of the sleepers in the draft. I hope the Jazz can get rid of some dead weight on the roster to get another second round pick.

 

[Thee Idiotic Minivan K]

If Burks and Jimmer have no interst in playing defense then why should we take them?
We need a complete player, or at least a player without a huge weakness on one side of the ball.

We aren't looking just to get a better scorer in here, and improve the team a bit. We need to be looking for the right piece to win a championship.
Burks, and Jimmer seem to be fun players that will score a lot, and get scored on a ton. Right now both seem like a pass to me.

That's all well and good, but complete players that can score and play defense don't exactly grow on trees.

 

[billyshelby]

I think I know what it would feel like if I watched the WNBA final.

As far as last night goes, the only guy on the entire floor I like is Lamb. I think he's going to grow into a very solid pro. Very controlled motion player. No wasted movement and he plays smart. Can't bench 3 pillows, but he uses those stick man arms very well.

 

[Revolution 9]

That's all well and good, but complete players that can score and play defense don't exactly grow on trees.

More complete players are there if you pick wisely. I realize everyone is flawed to some degree. We aren't trying to find a "perfect player" in this draft,
but I think someone will be available that will be a more complete than those 2.

 

[cowhide]

Where are you getting that Burks does not want to play defense? The few games I saw he was giving a good effort and had several steals. All players are flawed even the great ones have flaws, but the great ones work on their flaws so they are not so obvious or they simply become strengths.

 

[GVC]

As far as last night goes, the only guy on the entire floor I like is Lamb.

Apparently, the guy has a 7'4'' wingspan (which is ridiculous for a guy who stands 6'5''...although he looks taller than he's listed IMO).

Also, dude went off during UConn's 11 game win streak to end the season (and capture the NCAA championship):

11 GP
32 MPG
.549 FG
.516 3PT (16 - 31)
.848 FT (28 - 33)
15.3 PPG
4.5 RPG (9 - 41 - 50)
1.5 APG
1.0 SPG
0.8 BPG
1.4 TO

Kid looks legit. If, for whatever reason,he decides to declare, the Jazz should target him at 12 (although, he could easily go top 10). If the Jazz don't move into the top 3, he wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.

 

[Revolution 9]

Where are you getting that Burks does not want to play defense? The few games I saw he was giving a good effort and had several steals. All players are flawed even the great ones have flaws, but the great ones work on their flaws so they are not so obvious or they simply become strengths.

Reading people's comments, and draft profiles. Is he a tough defender? I've never seen him.
Reports seem to be conflicting on his defense. If that is not an issue than we should take a serious look at him.

Also, we need someone with a fairly complete game(no huge weaknesses), or at least one special elite NBA skill.
I don't think Jimmer will be an elite NBA scorer, and if that's the case why draft him? If Burks is NOT a bad defender
he is really intriguing. Other than what people are saying about his 3 pt shot he seems to have a well rounded offensive game.
He might be that wing we need so badly(if he can play defense too- or be an elite scorer).

 

[BENTLEY]

an exerpt from Aldridge's article on nba.com

https://www.nba.com/2011/news/featu...aldridge-big-board-shooting-guards/index.html

But Burks does need to work on some things, and not just his shooting. He has to stop ignoring the defensive end of the floor. "There's no pride in doing it yet," says a Northwest Division executive.
"He has no interest," the first Northwest scout said of Burks. "He won't go under, through, or behind (screens). He's got some issues. But we draft on talent, and he's very talented. He'll have the ball and he'll break you down. In space, he's (tough) ... great upside if he's willing to work. Something tells me (the work ethic) is not off the charts because he hasn't worked on his body at all. But the holes in his game are fixable."/QUOTE]

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Is there any chance Lamb comes out as well? I'd take him at #6. May it be a reach? I suppose but kid seems that good and like he'd crush it off the curl.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

I like Lamb but he is not a lottery pick at this moment. He is too skinny to have an impact, and he seems to be closer to 6'3" or 6'4" than the listed 6'5".

What the hell games have you been watching?

 

[mellow]

I've posted previously about the early entrant deadline to enter (april 24) and then withdraw (May 8)from the draft. It appears that the 2 weeks is not enough time for the teams to scout the players and give them feedback. see : https://www.draftexpress.com/article/Testing-the-NBA-Draft-Waters-May-Never-Be-the-Same-3657/

I wonder if the underclassmen players uncertainity of draft position, the difficulty of navigating the new rules, and the prospect of an extended lock-out will keep players from entering the draft? Will it even matter to the top 12 prospects that will be available to the Jazz?

 

[Hantlers]

Lamb is going to be good. Think of a Rip Hamilton clone that actually plays defense. Very unlikely he comes out this year unfortunately, but I'll bet he comes out next year and since we're going to suck we can take him then. But I'd be willing to bet that by next year he's a top-5 pick.

 

[NCJazz]

Lamb is going to be good. Think of a Rip Hamilton clone that actually plays defense. Very unlikely he comes out this year unfortunately, but I'll bet he comes out next year and since we're going to suck we can take him then. But I'd be willing to bet that by next year he's a top-5 pick.

Top 5? That is awfully high. A lot of the incoming freshman will have to stink/not declare for that to happen.

 

[Hantlers]

Top 5? That is awfully high. A lot of the incoming freshman will have to stink/not declare for that to happen.

Obviously it really depends on which team is picking but the kid has one of the smoothest strokes I've ever seen. He plays in a good offense, he moves well off the ball, he's an average ball handler but he can easily improve that. He's 6'5, pretty athletic and plays great defense. So yes, top 5 pick. He'll average 15-20 ppg next year with a good shooting percentage.

 

[Revolution 9]

Would love to grab Knight AND Lamb this year. Drop Price, and Bell this offseason.
Ahhh pipe dreams...