Nike Hoops summitt last year, and the fiba u-19 video that wasn't in english. Loved him then, and he's only gotten better. I've also watched every clip out there on him.
Was really hoping to keep this thread clean from reasoning and arguments, but whatever...
Me putting Exum at 2 is by process of elimination. Here's why I don't list other canidates there:
A. Embiid- because he has back issues. Even if he pans out medically, it is a huge risk. He has skills, but he is also very raw and at least two years away from playing at the value of his pick, and the level that our team needs. In any case, we already have Favors, Kanter, and Gobert who we are finally developing/ starting to look good.
B. Parker - Wouldn't draft him at 2 because he is a serious tweener. His college PER 40 matches Melo's, but it also matches Anthony Bennett's. He has serious defensive limitations. He was unable to guard slow and undersized college centers, how will he guard and NBA SF? Do you play him at the 4 because of that? He'd be very undersized. He's a serious one way player. Good, but not franchise good. If we don't care about defense, we already have an elite sized offensive minded PF IN kanter. If Jabari is a 4, the value just isn't there for us.
C. Randle - baby raptor arms. Undersized. No outside shot. No SF skills.
D. Smart - good player, but hell no at 2, and you know why.
E. Gordon - love the kid at 5 or later. Great d, athleticism, and has fluid enough movement to play SF, but he can't shoot.
F. Vonleh - way too raw. He has talent, but not refined enough for the 2nd pick. He has the ability to stretch the floor, has offensive potential, great size and body, but he is NOT a shot blocker. I think Kanter is farther along. Redundant. Waste of a tank.
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I have to laugh at people who act like we know everything about players after seeing them in college. Are you aware of how trashy the college game and competition is? 35 second shot clock, no spacing, little PnR, small and unathletic opponents, etc.
Exum not playing college is not a big deal. We've seen him in games, he has all the measurements, he has the obvious talent. Like all players in this draft, he will need further cultivation, but he has undeniable god given ability.
Furthermore, I don't like Trey's pace of play, defensive potential, or ability to get to the FT line. All of these issues are fixed with Exum. Our core has never had a PG who played to their strengths, so how do we even know if who we currently have are actually peaked, or close to peaking?