2015 NBA Draft

[Jukes]

Maybe I don't know this sport or something (that's probably it tbh), but why were four Kentucky players taken at picks 1, 6, 12, and 13 (plus 44 and 48) while two Badgers in Frankie and Dek were only taken at 9 and 18, despite the fact that we absolutely blew them the flower out in that big tournament?

Only college to have players drafted in the first 15 picks of the NFL and NBA drafts tho :D

Guess I gotta start going for Charlotte and Houston for Frank the Tank and Sammy

Not sure if you know much about college basketball but the teams that are successful in the championship play team basketball and a built to play as a team. Kentucky had raw talent that had been shown previously like in High School. When it come to winning 38 games in a row along the way players had off night. Guys like Towns, Lyles, Booker all won games for Kentucky which proved they were big time players

Frankie and Dek were our best players by a country mile last season - Gasser, Koenig, and Hayes were alright but not necessities. They won games all season for us, especially late on - yes, including against cowucky.

Helps being 22 years old going up against Freshman, which is why Kaminsky was drafted way too high. Had a great season in college but not enough upside to be a high pick in the NBA. Dekker I like, was great value for Houston.

"m-m-muh upside"

Upside is a complete bullshower term used by coaches/media/whoever to be bias towards a certain player for whatever reasons and agendas they may have. Production will always be superior to "upside", assuming the players play at the same level. Should a player lack production, or even the required, technical skill for a position, the media will attempt to compensate by generously promoting their upside.

For example (to use a sport I'm more familiar with), Clowney went #1 in last year's NFL draft because of his "incredible" upside. He had 3 (three) sacks in his junior (final) year of college, but was hyped to the skies because of said upside. The same also contributed to him being a 5-star recruit out of high school. This was exposed, with just 7 tackles and no sacks in his first year in the NFL. But, of course, he'll continue to get opportunities and $$$ because of his "upside".

Also, being older = instant impact at a pro level.

[Jay]

A few of my thoughts on the draft

1. The two best value picks were Winslow, and Mudiay. Not sure how Miami managed to have Dragic, Wade, Deng, Bosh, Whiteside all on the roster last season, and then still manage to add Justise Winslow too, a kid who most had in the top 7. Pat Riley continues to work his magic. Mudiay was a top 5 prospect, can do everything at a well above average level except for shoot. But his shot isn't broken, with a bit of development he could get there. It will be interesting to see where Lawson goes now.

2. The worst value pick by a long way was Frank Kaminsky. I like his game, but #9 is a massive reach - from what I heard he would have slipped to mid-late teens if Charlotte hadn't taken him. Charlotte already having Zeller, Hawes and Jefferson just mean this isn't a good fit. I can't see him being that much better than Olynyk at NBA level.

3. I've been firmly on the Russell > Okafor bandwagon for a while now. The Lakers made the right move. I think he can fit next to Kobe, and Randle + Okafor together would have just been disaster defensively and floor spacing wise. #TrustTheProcess continued for Philly, they took the best talent available. Yawn. Whenever they realise they need to move on from either Noel or Embiid, Boston will be here :)

4. Valk, do the Kings think WCS and Cousins can play next to each other, or is this pick just insurance for when/if Cousins is moved?

5. The Knicks fans booing Porzingis were pathetic. We all knew there was a clear drop off after the top 3, and they took the guy with the greatest upside after those guys. Can't knock them for that.

6. Does anyone have any info as to why Cliff Alexander didn't get drafted? He was a high lottery guy this time last year.

7. Why did Milwaukee give up a first round pick for Vasquez? I'd want to gain a first rounder just for taking on the contract. He's a fine back-up PG but that's all he is.

8. The Blazers acquiring Vonleh a couple of days ago, and Plumlee today, all but assures me that Aldridge is leaving. Hear that the Spurs are his #1 destination, followed by Lakers.

9. Of course Looney falls all the way to the Warriors at #30.. High potential guy with great athleticism. Presume he'll be packaged to try and dump the David Lee contract though.

10. So Atlanta acquired Tim Hardaway - I kinda like it. They don't have too many options to improve if they bring the band back so bolstering the depth is a good idea. Could flourish in the Hawks' offensive system.

[valkorum]

Yep. I just wanted to trade up, we have so many assets, I'd rather cash a few of them in for a potential all-star rather than just average players. We have enough of them. WCS to the Kings is interesting to me, not perfect fit but probably best player available. Needs to work on that jumper so he can play with Cousins.

Check out this video of his workout with the Kings - he can shoot, he just didnt need to on that Kentucky team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdPrggejbwQ

[valkorum]

4. Valk, do the Kings think WCS and Cousins can play next to each other, or is this pick just insurance for when/if Cousins is moved?

C: WCS
PF: DMC
SF: Gay
SG: McLemore
PG: Collison

That definitely works in my books.  WCS is very athletic and can spread the floor (he can actually shoot) and is great defensively.

[Jay]

Yep. I just wanted to trade up, we have so many assets, I'd rather cash a few of them in for a potential all-star rather than just average players. We have enough of them. WCS to the Kings is interesting to me, not perfect fit but probably best player available. Needs to work on that jumper so he can play with Cousins.

Check out this video of his workout with the Kings - he can shoot, he just didnt need to on that Kentucky team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdPrggejbwQ

Yeah I heard he was hitting 10-15 footers in workouts, but I don't know if that means he'll be able to shoot at NBA level. Remember that studies have shown that FT% in college is the best translation of shooting into the NBA, and he was only 50-something from the line. I'm excited to watch the pairing, and I think WCS was arguably best player available. Him or Mudiay.

[R.Griffen]

A few of my thoughts on the draft

6. Does anyone have any info as to why Cliff Alexander didn't get drafted? He was a high lottery guy this time last year.

Alexander had been dealing with eligibility issues as the NCAA investigates his mother's connection to a loan firm. He also had other issues prior to this one was his grade from memory. When he played he didn't set the world on fire like most expected. I did expect him to be picked up very late. Wasn't a huge shock to me and a few others who followed him closely when he didn't get picked up. From high school though the kid can play it has just set him back a year or 2. If he goes overseas like some are expecting he will be back for 2016/2017.

For a guy to be top 10 pick this time last year and then not make the draft is very strange though

[R.Griffen]

I might as well put my thoughts on the draft

1. Normally I like the guy who plays on the big teams and performers big in College, that being Okafor. However normally a number 2 pick in the draft would like a big who can impact the game right away. But that in mind LA are after bigs via trade and FA meaning they needed to replace the Kobe spot and Russell to me was the obvious choice for LA. I do think Okafor is better but the situation LA are in I would have taken Russell also.

2. Mudiay and Winslow did slide not guys who I would have expected to either. However once Winslow wasn't taken by Kings it was clear to me that Heat was going to land him as teams such as Charlotte was paying overs for players. But another one to also slide a touch was Harrell. Second round was very surprising the guy plays with energy night in night out. He improved his long range shot slightly but also has the ability to come up big on the board. This could be a Draymond Green type of development. Give him game time and he should improve greatly.

3. I wasn't a fan of Porzingis but he was the best player available same as Jay not sure why the booing was so bad. Not sure if Knicks is the type of team that Porzingis will improve greatly under but the ability is there. Gotta wait to see who the Knicks can add before I know his role for the season. Ball in hand for this guy is the key imo, however with Anthony how much shooting and touches of the ball will he get?

4. Seems to me in AFL, NBA, NHL not too sure about NFL but in the draft the good teams seem to get better and better through the draft. If Looney pick is not to sweeten the Lee deal he is a steal. State needed a power forward with Lee going out as some security. Need to see what trades are put in place and contract movements to see how deep on the bench he lines up at state or if he even is at State.

5. Stanley Johnson seems like the odd pick to everyone but apparently they had been after their man and knew he wasn't going before them so if that is what you wanted you got him. I like the upside in Johnson plays the corner 3 but will step inside with pace and get to the basket. Rumours are rumours so I won't even mention it. While this guy comes on to get the bench some minutes I can see him lighting up against smaller line ups or just poor defenders.

6. 76s. Okafor good pick goes with their rules of drafting but to me and Chris Ford and a lot of others was it thrown out of the window when selecting later picks. A PG is needed at the club. The PG doesn't even need shooting ability just someone to dribble and pass. Not point having depth when the starter is also a depth player. Should have packaged up those picks plus whatever is sitting at the bottom of the barrel to find a half decent PG or SG. Going to be a long season if Embiid is gone again.

7. Nothing special but Boston looking up playing it safe looking for upside but also instant inpact. They drafted well from what picks they had.

8. Thought I'd add my input on Towns can't go wrong with the upside or what he has shown. Just don't like the fact even though Kentucky was a super team that a guy can play 21 minutes per game and be the best player in the draft doesn't make sense to me but that's the NBA for you

9. Wasn't going to cover trades since Jay did that but WTF Vasquez! I am a fan one of my favourite players but I wouldn't even give up that much on 2k. A guy who has reached max potential why wouldn't you just hold and draft a young player to develop you never know. But with Vasquez he isn't going to be the next superstar.

10. Something teams are looking for is instant impact year after year, 2013/14 college season in Kentucky and their dream run Aaron Harrison hit 3 consecutive buzzer beaters the best I've seen nearly and won his team tournament matches doesn't get drafted. I dont care that he can't shoot it well very often but even this year he hit big shots when it was needed. His minutes on court in NBA would be better than throw away minutes to second or third string SG on most occasions

[Jay]

Wow! Not taking that deal could be the worst decision Charlotte have ever made.. 4 first round picks and they'd rather take. Kaminsky? I'm glad that Boston were making a huge play to move up, just a pity there wasn't a reasonable side on the other end of the phone.

The Celtics made a strong final push to multiple teams in spots 4-9 on draft day. It culminated with an all-in effort in attempt to get Charlotte to deliver the No. 9 pick with Boston lusting for Duke forward Justise Winslow (the same player it coveted while trying to shuffle higher).

According to sources, the Celtics' final offer to the Hornets was a package featuring as many as six draft picks, including four potential first-round selections (a combination of picks from this draft and in the future). But the Hornets could not be swayed and turned down multiple offers to select Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky.

[RiOtChEsS]

Wow! Not taking that deal could be the worst decision Charlotte have ever made.. 4 first round picks and they'd rather take. Kaminsky? I'm glad that Boston were making a huge play to move up, just a pity there wasn't a reasonable side on the other end of the phone.

The Celtics made a strong final push to multiple teams in spots 4-9 on draft day. It culminated with an all-in effort in attempt to get Charlotte to deliver the No. 9 pick with Boston lusting for Duke forward Justise Winslow (the same player it coveted while trying to shuffle higher).

According to sources, the Celtics' final offer to the Hornets was a package featuring as many as six draft picks, including four potential first-round selections (a combination of picks from this draft and in the future). But the Hornets could not be swayed and turned down multiple offers to select Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky.

dafuq is wrong with Charlotte, all those picks and took Frank instead ???

[Mat0369]

For example (to use a sport I'm more familiar with), Clowney went #1 in last year's NFL draft because of his "incredible" upside. He had 3 (three) sacks in his junior (final) year of college, but was hyped to the skies because of said upside. The same also contributed to him being a 5-star recruit out of high school. This was exposed, with just 7 tackles and no sacks in his first year in the NFL. But, of course, he'll continue to get opportunities and $$$ because of his "upside".

Also, being older = instant impact at a pro level.

You mean the guy that tore his meniscus in the first game he played and struggled with injury all year to only play 4 games and go on IR?

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Anyone seen this:

https://youtu.be/HsvaQR9hKDI

[Toga]

Haha that is great.

[Jukes]

For example (to use a sport I'm more familiar with), Clowney went #1 in last year's NFL draft because of his "incredible" upside. He had 3 (three) sacks in his junior (final) year of college, but was hyped to the skies because of said upside. The same also contributed to him being a 5-star recruit out of high school. This was exposed, with just 7 tackles and no sacks in his first year in the NFL. But, of course, he'll continue to get opportunities and $$$ because of his "upside".

Also, being older = instant impact at a pro level.

You mean the guy that tore his meniscus in the first game he played and struggled with injury all year to only play 4 games and go on IR?

Let me say it again

0 (ZERO) sacks in the NFL
3 (THREE) sacks in his junior year of college

Had they taken Mack they would've made the playoffs for sure (actually, swap their draft with the raiders and taken Carr they would've gone like 11-5 haha) - instead they got a guy who made no impact at all and regressed even further behind what you'd want from a number one pick. Sure is looking like another Courtney Brown

[RiOtChEsS]

For example (to use a sport I'm more familiar with), Clowney went #1 in last year's NFL draft because of his "incredible" upside. He had 3 (three) sacks in his junior (final) year of college, but was hyped to the skies because of said upside. The same also contributed to him being a 5-star recruit out of high school. This was exposed, with just 7 tackles and no sacks in his first year in the NFL. But, of course, he'll continue to get opportunities and $$$ because of his "upside".

Also, being older = instant impact at a pro level.

You mean the guy that tore his meniscus in the first game he played and struggled with injury all year to only play 4 games and go on IR?

Let me say it again

0 (ZERO) sacks in the NFL
3 (THREE) sacks in his junior year of college

Had they taken Mack they would've made the playoffs for sure (actually, swap their draft with the raiders and taken Carr they would've gone like 11-5 haha) - instead they got a guy who made no impact at all and regressed even further behind what you'd want from a number one pick. Sure is looking like another Courtney Brown

Potential the word is potential, upside is a buzz word

[Mat0369]

Let me say it again

0 (ZERO) sacks in the NFL
3 (THREE) sacks in his junior year of college

Had they taken Mack they would've made the playoffs for sure (actually, swap their draft with the raiders and taken Carr they would've gone like 11-5 haha) - instead they got a guy who made no impact at all and regressed even further behind what you'd want from a number one pick. Sure is looking like another Courtney Brown

And you can't judge a guys season when he was injured from the very first game, that is just stupid. If he was healthy the entire season fair enough, but he wasn't.