6/26 - Draft Day Thread

[McG]

PLEASE trade our early 2nd rounders to move up and get one of the studs left.

[dre_1614]

I like this pick.

[TheUrbanZealot]

TheUrbanZaftig Wrote:

McQ wrote:

That might be relevant if PG's where depended on to throw down flashy dunks. Unfortunately that phase of the NBA died the same time dunk contest did.

In interesting news, looks like the Blazers win the draft again.

Indiana Trades: Bayless + Diogu

Portland Trades: Rush + Jack

They just solidified every position but the 3 for the next 10 years. I see why Stern thinks we'll just root for them if the worst happens with the Supes...

Westbrook took over for Collison during the season and actually let the Pac 10 in assists during that time. That includes a conference that has Bayless and Mayo, 2 of the top PG prospects in the draft.

I think you are probably operating on lack of familiarity, which is understandable. Westbrook brings intangibles which the Sonics are lacking right now: defense and passion. The guy is just competitive. Most importantly though is his defense. He was the defensive player of the year in the Pac10!!! I mean that's no small feat.

I am curious if we will have a taker for Rid/Watson now...

If you consider my early assessment of Westbrook a 'lack of familiarity' than I will let you defer to your infinite knowledge instead. Like I explained earlier, we had a chance to get a player who has 3-point range, can creat his own shot AND legitimately run the point (Bayless). Instead we draft one thing: DEFENSE. I am fine with just, I am just curious to see what position they look to fill with a legit #2 scorer. And for your assist stat, Westbrook also played for a team ranked in the Top 2 most of the season i.e. his teamates can make baskets. I am not completely undermining 5 assists per game but it is FAR easier when 3 of those assists come from dishing it to Love on the block.

And about Rid/Watson, let's just say we NEED at least one of them next year. Westbrook has very little chance of starting (barring injury) during all of next season.

Well if you consider Westbrook's SOLE skill defense, then I would say your assessment is a bit short-sighted. Westbrook can do much more than just play defense. He can score, rebound, has potential to be a decent shooter. Besides, you have to remember the importance of perimeter defense in the NBA. I'd rather have a def. player of the year that is an average shooter than a lights out shooter who can't play defense.

[sonictecture]

I wonder if Ibaka would have been available at #32. Nothing gets me more excited than the advice we should forget Ibaka's name for 3 or 4 years, because that is when he is projected to be a possible player.

Is there any chance that Presti drafts at least one player with a chance at making the roster with one of the 4 second round picks?

[OzSonic]

That last pick won't go over to well in here I am guessing.

Jawai still a slim chance I guess considering this guy won't be ready for a few seasons.

[RiseoftheSonics]

I hate the 24th pick, why not take Jordan, he is a risk but he would be perfect at the 24th spot.

[TheUrbanZealot]

ugh ibaka aka olimude oyedeji.. horrible pick.

Lol. I love the short-sighted comparisons. Have you seen Ibaka play? The only thing he shares w/ O.O. is being from Africa. He actually has offensive ability, and is much more athletic.

Anyone doubting this pick is going to want to kiss Presti's feet 3 years from now. Ibaka is one of the top 3 talents in the whole draft!

Man i love Presti right now. He drafted exactly who I predicted...

[BBen]

We've got a good shot at getting one of: Chalmers, Jordan, George Hill, Jamont Gordon, Weaver with #32. If he gives it away I'll lose all respect for Presti.

[slick_watts]

i think what people are missing is how quick westbrook is with the basketball. the trend in the nba with PG's are quick PG's that can penetrate and either finish, get to the line, or draw defenders for open looks on the perimeter. this is something that westbrook should succeed with.

i really, really dislike the serge ibaka pick. he won't play for three years at least, i can live with that if you use a 2nd rounder but a first rounder stash pick?? i don't like it with all the talent still on the board.

[dre_1614]

Serge Ibaka
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Serge-Ibaka-1302/

"The schedule of the camp isn’t helping him either, as he played twice the second day, twice again in the third, while he had to go through a private workout with the Seattle SuperSonics during the lunch break (“private” gets all its significance here, as not even his agents were allowed to attend it—although the Spurs were)"

Looks like we really liked him.

[jenn_gp]

Couldn't we have picked up that guy from Congo with our next pick!?!?!?

What's the deal? Pick someone at 24 who can play NOW. God, I feel terrible for Arthur.

[McG]

TheUrbanZaftig Wrote:

Well if you consider Westbrook's SOLE skill defense, then I would say your assessment is a bit short-sighted. Westbrook can do much more than just play defense. He can score, rebound, has potential to be a decent shooter. Besides, you have to remember the importance of perimeter defense in the NBA. I'd rather have a def. player of the year that is an average shooter than a lights out shooter who can't play defense.

Since I obviously don't follow the Pac-10 I was just wondering how he scores. Obviously not jump shots (although I'm glad he has the POTENTIAL). I am excited that he averaged less than 4 rebounds over 34 minutes a game in COLLEGE though. Good to know. Anyways thanks for the breaking news info.

[BBen]

So the Blazers take Jordan I bet.

[slick_watts]

when's the last time a stashed big man came to the nba to be successful? arvydas sabonis? he doesn't even really count.

this smells to me like a cost-saving move by bennett. i'd be very surprised if ibaka is in the nba in three years when he's done with euro-ball.

[jenn_gp]

^Agreed Slick. That pick was very disappointing at 24.

They could have done so much more with it.