***Official*** NBA Draft Thread 2015

[nobody 2,540]

Does anyone outside of LA think Kobe Bryant is still Kobe Bryant, slam dunk giant (Outplay the Kob? Son don't try it)?

 

All I hear on the radio out here is how they need to draft someone who's going to complement Kobe. Like the guy who's played 41 games over the last two years and kind of stunk last year and is now a year older is going to carry the Lakers to a championship if he gets a shiny new rookie that's not a shooting guard.

 

Just curious if the whole nation is that delusional or is it the local radio shows pandering to the LA audience.

[WhiteWonder 2,673]

Does anyone outside of LA think Kobe Bryant is still Kobe Bryant, slam dunk giant (Outplay the Kob? Son don't try it)?

 

All I hear on the radio out here is how they need to draft someone who's going to complement Kobe. Like the guy who's played 41 games over the last two years and kind of stunk last year and is now a year older is going to carry the Lakers to a championship if he gets a shiny new rookie that's not a shooting guard.

 

Just curious if the whole nation is that delusional or is it the local radio shows pandering to the LA audience.

 

its true though. Kobe isn't going anywhere and hes been the face of the franchise for how long now? As long as he is on the court the team will be his team for better or worse (worse) so the Lakers will look to sign a player who complements him in the short term and can take over in the long term and draft in the same manner.

 

I really see K Love going to LA. Of course if they draft 1 of the 2 big men, maybe not but draft aside, Love makes the most sense right now for LA. He compliments Kobe and while he wont win you titles when Kobe leaves, he can sertainly be part of a winning formula.

[MDC 7,082]

Why would any big name free agent want to sign with LA knowing that an old broken down Kobe will be soaking up a sizable chunk of cap space for the foreseeable future?

 

I'm not sure Kobe, Love + Okafor are even a playoff team in the West next year.

[The Moz 69]

Best thing LA could do is TRADE Kobe to a team 1 piece away from a title run and get a lot of picks from it.

[MDC 7,082]

Best thing LA could do is TRADE Kobe to a team 1 piece away from a title run and get a lot of picks from it.

I can't think of a team that going to trade picks to take on Kobe's 1-year $25m deal.

 

Best thing they can do is draft Okafor, ride out the last year of Kobe's contract and suck up a 25-30 win season. Next offseason the salary cap will rise and the Lakers will have a ton of $$$ to throw around on FAs.

[The Moz 69]

I can't think of a team that going to trade picks to take on Kobe's 1-year $25m deal.

 

Best thing they can do is draft Okafor, ride out the last year of Kobe's contract and suck up a 25-30 win season. Next offseason the salary cap will rise and the Lakers will have a ton of $$$ to throw around on FAs.

I would think San Antonio might trade a late first for Kobe - Pop loves him and he likes the team as well. If SA could take the cap hit for a year I could see it. Right now for LA Kobe is worthless and only hurts them but for a team like SA, ATL, Washington, Memphis, Chicago, ........ maybe Miami -- if LA gave KObe and their high 2nd rounder for the 10 overall. Kobe has 2 years left in him at a decent level and would be worth alot to a team that just needed 1 piece.

[KSB2424 3,148]

Kobe is going nowhere.

[MDC 7,082]

I would think San Antonio might trade a late first for Kobe - Pop loves him and he likes the team as well. If SA could take the cap hit for a year I could see it. Right now for LA Kobe is worthless and only hurts them but for a team like SA, ATL, Washington, Memphis, Chicago, ........ maybe Miami -- if LA gave KObe and their high 2nd rounder for the 10 overall. Kobe has 2 years left in him at a decent level and would be worth alot to a team that just needed 1 piece.

I dunno ... a 36 y/o SG coming off shoulder surgery and 2 straight injury riddled years? There are far better options to throw a max contract to even if it's one year. I'd sooner go heard after Khawi Leonard if you're going to throw that $ around.

[cbfalcon 825]

Kobe and Dirk are the only two players left in the league with no trade clauses I believe. At least that was the case at some point recently.

 

But at this point....Kobe, Duncan, Dirk...they'd retire before playing a single game for another team.

[KSB2424 3,148]

Does anyone know anything about these young Euro's? Every mock draft I see has my Hornets picking one at 9.

[phillybear 366]

Does anyone know anything about these young Euro's? Every mock draft I see has my Hornets picking one at 9.

 

Hezonja is the probably the best wing player in the draft. No weakness in his game. He's not getting playing time on his team because he is leaving for the draft and NBA.

 

Porzingis is very interesting. He has great quickness on defense, ability to score from the basket to the 3 line, and if he can pack on some muscle to bang with bigger bodies, could be the best big man in the draft. But that's an if. Stretch 4 role to pair with with a bruiser underneath would be ideal.

 

The Euros could go anywhere from #3 to #10. I can't see them going any later.

[WhiteWonder 2,673]

Joel Embiid (foot) suffered a setback in the healing process in his right foot.

 

Not good. A CT scan revealed an issue and the team is now consulting with doctors on what to do next. The details of the setback are not known, but this is potentially devastating news. We'll be looking for an update in the coming days, but chances are he won't play in summer league. This also affects how the 76ers may draft later this month

 

 

 

maybe another year of tanking is in order? Or maybe they can trade Nerlens Noel now, draft a big man and add MORE 1st rounders for future years that will "be better than Noel" anyway

[The Moz 69]

He is the new less talented version of Greg oden. Noel is a stud and the best player Philly has Noel is getting better on offense and already dominant on defense. Russel will be really good. They should try and package embiid and something now why he still has a little value.

[mobb_deep 920]

Does anyone outside of LA think Kobe Bryant is still Kobe Bryant, slam dunk giant (Outplay the Kob? Son don't try it)?

 

All I hear on the radio out here is how they need to draft someone who's going to complement Kobe. Like the guy who's played 41 games over the last two years and kind of stunk last year and is now a year older is going to carry the Lakers to a championship if he gets a shiny new rookie that's not a shooting guard.

 

Just curious if the whole nation is that delusional or is it the local radio shows pandering to the LA audience.

I don't think anyone in LA even thinks that. We all know Kobe is done, and has delayed our rebuilding process for the last couple years (along with the stupid trade, giving picks for Nash). I just respect everything that he has done for the franchise and want him to play his final year in LA. Best case scenario, he gets hurt again and we get another lottery pick in 16. Bring in Durant, with Okafor/Towns, Randle and a rookie/FA PG and we're well on our way back to title #17.

 

Either way the Lakers won't be bad for long. We're the most storied franchise in the NBA and Los Angeles is a destination city.

[The Moz 69]

I don't think anyone in LA even thinks that. We all know Kobe is done, and has delayed our rebuilding process for the last couple years (along with the stupid trade, giving picks for Nash). I just respect everything that he has done for the franchise and want him to play his final year in LA. Best case scenario, he gets hurt again and we get another lottery pick in 16. Bring in Durant, with Okafor/Towns, Randle and a rookie/FA PG and we're well on our way back to title #17.

 

Either way the Lakers won't be bad for long. We're the most storied franchise in the NBA and Los Angeles is a destination city.

How do you define done? Is he a 28 PPG player no -- If he is able to play the whole game I can esily see him as a 17-20 PPG player and still pretty damn good.

[mobb_deep 920]

How do you define done? Is he a 28 PPG player no -- If he is able to play the whole game I can esily see him as a 17-20 PPG player and still pretty damn good.

I mean his body is not physically capable of playing an 82 game season. 25 mil for a guy who can play 30-35 minutes for 50-60 games is not a good strategy for winning rings.

[The Moz 69]

I mean his body is not physically capable of playing an 82 game season. 25 mil for a guy who can play 30-35 minutes for 50-60 games is not a good strategy for winning rings.

basically he is like a,Dwayne wade now. If paired with a true star he could still be very valuable. That's why I think he has nice trade value to a team 1 player away or if la cam trade for Durant he can still be really good.

[DankNuggs 305]

Phillybear stop by to comment about Embiid (aka Ralph Sampson 2.0)????

[DankNuggs 305]

"Some sources have said the delay was the result of the foot's not healing properly and Embiid's lackluster work ethic.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20150615_Could_Embiid_sit_out_another_season__It_s_possible.html#KKujf0g0FguXGjWA.99"

[phillybear 366]

Phillybear stop by to comment about Embiid (aka Ralph Sampson 2.0)????

 

In the other thread:

 

So, word is Embiid's injury is healing more slowly than anticipated. Note the choice of words. Not re-injury, no mention of pain, simply less healing than anticipated. As compared to what, a person of normal height which determines average healing time, which originally was supposed to be 8 months, and as of right now is 12 months? While the news gives one pause, you have to look at the bigger picture.

 

The Sixers are a tight lipped organization. Nobody can predict Hinkie's moves. It's now less than 2 weeks until the draft. Everybody is predicting that Russell is a slam dunk for the Sixers. And I've been poo-pooing the logic of taking Russell. He is what he is. A good player. But not the type of player the Sixers have been drafting. The theme of the draft selections has been length, height, long reach, athleticism, very good defensive player. Russell is not that guy. Lately, I've been narrowing down my wish list to Porzingis, Hezonja, and Mudiay. Come out of the draft with one of these guys, and maybe more assets from trading down, and I'm happy. Standing pat that taking Russell is boring. Plus, when you get a chance to draft in the top 3, you always take a talented big. You can get an excellent PG much later in the draft. The Sixers are extremely likely to have 4 first round draft picks next season, 2 of them lottery. In those 4 picks, I'm certain to can grab a PG if you want one. Russell is not a franchise player type of pick. He's solid, but his upside is meh. Don't waste a #3 pick on a PG.

 

So, let's look at button lipped Hinkie. The Sixers have been silent forever. Everybody has them taking Russell, a pick of need, not best player available. Hinkie wants all options available on draft day. So, Wednesday, word gets out that the Sixers are targeting Porzingis. At the same type another source says they have been targetting Mudiay the whole time. Articles are written, mock drafts are adjusted. The very next day, word is out that the Sixers are negotiating with Efes and trying to bring Saric over a year or maybe two years earlier than expected. Many articles are written. Friday, word breaks that the workout that Russell had with the Sixers has been cancelled. Not rescheduled either. Simply cancelled. Oh, and Hinkie was out of town on Friday. So, why was the workout scheduled? Hinkie flew out to watch Porzingis work out. Then, for the fourth straight day, Sixers news breaks, and Embiid is the next Greg Oden. After a stunning 4 days of Sixers news, if I am another GM, I don't know what the fock the Sixers are going to do on draft day. Hinkie rubs his hands together and says "Perfect". It's a Sixers conspiracy. Just step back and connect the dots of four days of misinformation. That's what Hinkie does.

 

Draft day wish list, assuming Towns is gone.

Kristaps Porzingis

Mario Hezonja

Emmanual Mudiay

 

Consolation prizes

D'Angelo Russell

Jahlil Okafor

 

Fock Sh!t Fart

Justise Winslow

Willie Cauley-Stein

[KSB2424 3,148]

Word on the street is Lakers are considering D'Angelo Russel over Okafor.

[MDC 7,082]

Word on the street is Lakers are considering D'Angelo Russel over Okafor.

That would be incredibly stupid. And if that happens and I'm the Sixers, I am sprinting to the podium to draft Okafor.

[KSB2424 3,148]

That would be incredibly stupid. And if that happens and I'm the Sixers, I am sprinting to the podium to draft Okafor.

 

I would agree, the rumors (and that's just what it is, a rumor) is that they are targeting Jimmy Butler in Free Agency and want a dynamic PG to have a Russel - Kobe- Butler back court. The league is a copy cat league so I guess going small like Golden State is in vogue.

[MDC 7,082]

 

I would agree, the rumors (and that's just what it is, a rumor) is that they are targeting Jimmy Butler in Free Agency and want a dynamic PG to have a Russel - Kobe- Butler back court. The league is a copy cat league so I guess going small like Golden State is in vogue.

I think there's less than a 10% chance that the Lakers don't take KAT or Okafor. They need a big and one of then will be BPA by a mile. And being LA they'll probably sign Rondo and win 30 games next year.

[The Moz 69]

Kind of shocked at how much KAT has widened the gap over Oakafor. Oakafor was the slam dunk 1 almost all season. Now even LA is having second thoughts said it before I think Oakafor becomes a bust of sorts. He is a project in every way BUT having a great low post game..... awful defenDer and awful shooter especially fts ... not a lot of hustle either. I call him the next eddy curry

[MDC 7,082]

Kind of shocked at how much KAT has widened the gap over Oakafor. Oakafor was the slam dunk 1 almost all season. Now even LA is having second thoughts said it before I think Oakafor becomes a bust of sorts. He is a project in every way BUT having a great low post game..... awful defenDer and awful shooter especially fts ... not a lot of hustle either. I call him the next eddy curry

I totally disagree and think Okafor's floor is a 15-10 type guy. At worst you get an elite post scorer, a dying breed in the NBA. He's got the potential to be a young Dwight Howard.

[KSB2424 3,148]

I totally disagree and think Okafor's floor is a 15-10 type guy. At worst you get an elite post scorer, a dying breed in the NBA. He's got the potential to be a young Dwight Howard.

 

Agreed on the 15 and 10 floor. Don't really like the Howard analogy as Okafor is a polished offensive player with good footwork. More of a Timmy Duncan or Big Al Jefferson. But yeah, he's going to be good IMO. I'd take him first overall.

[DankNuggs 305]

 

Agreed on the 15 and 10 floor. Don't really like the Howard analogy as Okafor is a polished offensive player with good footwork. More of a Timmy Duncan or Big Al Jefferson. But yeah, he's going to be good IMO. I'd take him first overall.

Al Jefferson sounds like a good comp.... Every time MDC uses the term 'elite' it makes me want to break something

[nobody 2,540]

A 15 and 10 floor? That should be the no Brainerd #1 pick

[phillybear 366]

The thing with Okafor is that he's never been in playing shape, never worked on his game, and his attitude is under scrutiny. Of the top 7 players under consideration, Okafor has the highest chance to bust. In college games, teams game planned to drive the lane to take advantage of his non existent defense. He had problems getting up and down the court on possessions.

[MDC 7,082]

Al Jefferson sounds like a good comp.... Every time MDC uses the term 'elite' it makes me want to break something

That's good to know, I will be sure to use it daily

[nobody 2,540]

My take is Okafor's game reminds me of oliver miller. I know miller was only like 6'9" but with those orangutan arms, he might as well have been Okafor's height.

[The Moz 69]

The thing with Okafor is that he's never been in playing shape, never worked on his game, and his attitude is under scrutiny. Of the top 7 players under consideration, Okafor has the highest chance to bust. In college games, teams game planned to drive the lane to take advantage of his non existent defense. He had problems getting up and down the court on possessions.

we agree on something ... damn. Oakafor has no defense, poor work ethic, and hits ft's worse than Shaq and no offense outside the paint. YES he's a great low post scorer which is the only thing he's got. He wilted under the lights of the final 4 and seems to have an entitled attitude.

 

I will yes I am a UK Homer obviously but I think towns becomes the best center in the league within 3 years. The same way AD has become the best OF in 3 years. U like KAT MORE not that I think he us bettet just a GREAT ATTITUDE and seems anyway like a good guy

[nobody 2,540]

Porzingis looks raw. Really really raw. No post game, no left hand, no ball handling. Can't create a shot. Post game consists solely of shooting over shorter players. Not that athletic either, and skinny and weak. The only thing he seems to do well right now is shoot. His wing span looks sick though. I wouldn't be surprised if it was 10 feet.

 

He'll need to put on 60 pounds and develop a post game. I wouldn't draft him in the top 10.

[MDC 7,082]

I'd draft Porzingis in the Top 10. He's a project to be sure but once you get past the first few picks everyone has flaws and you're banking on upside.

 

The idea that he could be picked at 2-3 though is just laughable.

[phillybear 366]

Porzingis looks raw. Really really raw. No post game, no left hand, no ball handling. Can't create a shot. Post game consists solely of shooting over shorter players. Not that athletic either, and skinny and weak. The only thing he seems to do well right now is shoot. His wing span looks sick though. I wouldn't be surprised if it was 10 feet.

 

He'll need to put on 60 pounds and develop a post game. I wouldn't draft him in the top 10.

 

He is probably going to play power forward, but it gifted enough athletically to play SF as well. His defense is already very good, positioning, moving his feet quickness, getting in front of his man, with his shot blocking off the weak side of particular note. He projects to play at 240 by many scouts, and is already 220. He just needs to add about 20 lbs, which for a 19 year old is easy. His range is from the deep post to the 3 point line and is getting better every year. At 7'1, how much do you expect a big like that to ball handle? He is the 2nd best big man in the draft. With only 5 guys that look like solid picks, Porzengis will not fall out of the top 5, could go top 3. The Sixer, Knicks, Magic are all looking hard at him and he is a fit for all of them. I mean, 19, with so much unique ability on defense and to shoot from the outside, and so much potential to be great, not that he isn't already NBA ready.

[nobody 2,540]

He isn't anywhere close to nba ready right now. He's a good shot blocker, below average rebounder, decent defender, and he's going to get tossed around in the NBA like a rag doll. No way he'll be able to play small forward. Small forwards need to have the ability to create and slash. He's basically manute Bol with more weight

[phillybear 366]

He isn't anywhere close to nba ready right now. He's a good shot blocker, below average rebounder, decent defender, and he's going to get tossed around in the NBA like a rag doll. No way he'll be able to play small forward. Small forwards need to have the ability to create and slash. He's basically manute Bol with more weight

 

I know the term is being thrown around too much lately, but he is the prototypical stretch 4. I think he can defend against small forwards in a pinch. His most logical fit is with a team that already has a lane clogger on the roster, or will eventually acquire one. I don't think he's been asked to do some of the things that he will need to do in the NBA, not that he is incapable. He just needs to go to a team that can help develop him properly. He can play now, but it capable of really being something.

 

Porzingis is a very polarizing player. Some people love him, some people hate him. I'm a big fan of his potential.

[KSB2424 3,148]

I'm really hoping my Hornets go after Devin Booker. Dude is a lights out shooter and sneaky athletic.

[nobody 2,540]

 

I know the term is being thrown around too much lately, but he is the prototypical stretch 4. I think he can defend against small forwards in a pinch. His most logical fit is with a team that already has a lane clogger on the roster, or will eventually acquire one. I don't think he's been asked to do some of the things that he will need to do in the NBA, not that he is incapable. He just needs to go to a team that can help develop him properly. He can play now, but it capable of really being something.

 

Porzingis is a very polarizing player. Some people love him, some people hate him. I'm a big fan of his potential.

Yeah, he definitely should be projecting as a stretch 4, but he's going to be a complete liability defending the pick and roll. His length will make up for some of that, but he's going to get abused. Small guys will run by him and big are going to out-muscle him.