What's the point of having a draft if you don't mock it. This is my second - and perhaps - final version...
1) New Orleans: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky – Obviously. Let’s move on.
2 – Charlotte: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas – If the Bobcats keep the pick, the athletically gifted double-double machine is probably the only option that makes sense for a team lacking, um, a lot.
3 – Washington: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida – No need to be coy about this one, Beal is the only option that makes positional and need sense based on the current depth chart. Add his textbook jumper and court awareness to an offense that made efficient strides late last season and the success rate goes up, especially from long range.
4 – Cleveland: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky – Players can develop their shot in the pro ranks. If MKG does and maintains the rest of his high-energy, intangible-heavy game, he forms a scary perimeter combo with his high school teammate, some guy named Kyrie Irving. Late draft chatter has Syracuse’s Dion Waiters gaining steam with this pick.
5 – Sacramento: Harrison Barnes, SF, Cleveland – Like the Wizards and Bobcats, the Kings came way up short last season in the make 3-pointers consistently category. Say what you want about Barnes’ ability to create his own scoring opportunities, but he can knock down perimeter looks and his athleticism is truly off the charts.
6 – Portland: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State – If the Blazers want the highest upside player remaining, Andre Drummond is the obvious call. However, Portland is lacking at the point guard slot and Lillard is impressing more and more. He might not be available when the Blazers pick again at 11.
7 – Golden State: Andre Drummond, PF, Connecticut – The Warriors need small forward help and therefore are probably hoping Barnes falls to them. Waiters is a much-rumored option. At this point, taking a shot on Drummond’s power-packed physique – and truly raw skill set – is a relative no-brainer.
8 – Toronto: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke – Waiters may have offer a more intrigue as a scorer and Jeremy Lamb has better size and athleticism, but Doc’s kid has that Kobe Bryant-like confidence teams fall in love with.
9 – Detroit: John Henson, PF, North Carolina – I’ve had Meyers Leonard in this spot, but far too many folk have the Pistons tabbing the slender but athletic shot blocker for me to ignore. Regardless, Greg Monroe gets some help inside.
10 – New Orleans: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina – Though not an elite prospect, the polished 7-foot senior averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds in his ACC Player of the Year campaign. Taking Zeller is more about adding a piece to the puzzle rather than selecting a future top 3 player.
11- Portland: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse – If the buzz surrounding the legitimate two-way threat is sincere, Waiters might surpass Davis as the overall number one pick by Thursday night. Call it naivete or a hint of skepticism, I’ll leave the 6-foot-4 wing around for the Blazers. Waiters dramatically improved his 3-point shooting (36.3 percent) as a sophomore while swiping 1.8 steals per game.
12 – Houston: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut – Based on all their maneuvering, seems likely the Rockets move this pick, if not any or all of their three first rounders. If the silky-smooth guard with size and length proved to NBA decision makers there is a competitive rage behind the placid demeanor, he could hear his name called in the top 10.
13 – Phoenix Terrence Ross, SF/SG, Washington – Whichever wing guard is left, the Suns take. Ross knocked down 37 percent of his 3-point tries last season and he has the versatility to swing up to small forward. Would benefit greatly if Steve Nash returned. Who wouldn't.
14 – Milwaukee: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor – After trading down for center Samuel Dalembert, the Bucks shoot for the moon with the highly-athletic, but low-motor 6-foot-11 forward. Jones is one of those players whose future position remains in question.
15 – Philadelphia: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State – The 76ers lose out in the scoring guard game of musical chairs, but the 6-foot-11 forward with crazy hops and double-double production last season is no mere consolation prize.
16 – Houston: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois – Whether it’s the Rockets or another team drafting in this spot, the athletic 7-foot-1 center who can run the court and averaged 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds as a sophomore will be tough to resist.
17 – Dallas: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina – Because there is so much talk about Marshall’s lack of athleticism, we’re set for 10 future years worth of stories about how the entirety of the D.C. area native’s skill set can be measured in measurements alone. Jason Kidd replacement owns a Jason Kidd knack for finding open shooters. That is what the point guard’s job is about.
18 – Houston: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky – Draft range for the 6-foot-9 forward starts at No. 7. Would be clearer if teams felt confident he could transition from college power forward to NBA small forward.
19 – Orlando: Royce White, PF, Iowa State – I’m a sucker for big men that are effective passers, especially when said passing leads to the player being deemed a point-power forward. One of my faves in this entire draft.
20 – Denver: Moe Harkless, SF/PF, St. John’s – Only inexperience and the freshman transitioning to a small forward role keeps the talented 6-foot-9 forward away from the lottery. Harkless scored 30 points against Duke and averaged 21.5 in two games against Georgetown last season.
21 – Boston: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State – Has a pro skill set, a major league caboose, but amateurish athleticism, an under-the-rim game and apparently a faulty back. Boston has an opening for a wide-bodied forward after trading away Big Baby last year. Sullinger will be ready for key minutes for the annual title contender.
22 – Boston: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse – Celts have lacked an interior power player since Kendrick Perkins was shipped to the Thunder.
23 – Atlanta: Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt – Taylor is one of the top athletes in the draft and a position hedge should Josh Smith be dealt.
24 – Cleveland: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure – The polished power forward averaged 16 and 8 last season while shooting 57 percent from the field. The Cavs could use a big man that can make shots away from the basket.
25 – Memphis: Evan Fournier, SG, France – The only international prospect receiving consistent first round love, Fournier’s high basketball IQ and knack for late game heroics eventually help the Grizzlies, either this year or next.
26 – Indiana: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky – George Hill is a free agent and should he return, Darren Collison’s trade bait status goes up a notch. Adding another ball handler works.
27 – Miami: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt – Play LeBron James wherever you want, but the reigning NBA champs need help in the middle regardless.
28 – Oklahoma City: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State – The Big 10 Player of the Year may be a rookie, but he will bring grit to a youthful Thunder lineup.
29 – Chicago: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt – The Bulls start setting the deck for Derrick Rose’s realistic return (2013-14) by adding a knockdown shooter.
30 – Golden State: Will Barton, SG, Memphis – With the final pick in the first round, the Warriors add an electric wing presence who shines in the open court.
31 – Charlotte: Tony Wroten, SG/PG, Washington – There are safer picks on the board, but the 6-foot-6 combo guards offers an assertive physical presence out of the backcourt. A potential lottery pick if he had stayed beyond his freshman season.
32 – Washington: Tyshawn Taylor, PG, Kansas - For my take on why the senior floor leader makes sense for the locals, click here.
Bonus local picks...No. 35, Golden State - Kyle O'Quinn (Norfolk State, PF)...No. 42, Milwaukee - Mike Scott (Virginia, PF)...No. 47, Utah - Henry Sims (Georgetown, C)...No. 54, Philadelphia - Hollis Thompson (Georgetown, SF)...No. 56, Toronto - Kris Joseph (Syracuse/Archbishop Carroll, SF)
Showing posts with label Washington Wizards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington Wizards. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wizards: second-round planning (CSNwashington)
Based on their current roster, the Wizards first round options can be broken down into three simple categories: right (Bradley Beal), wrong (Andre Drummond) or indifferent (just about anyone else). Barring a trade down or the team simply being all kinds of smitten for D.C.’s own Thomas Robinson, perimeter help is coming via the No. 3 overall pick.
The talk about what the Wizards should do in the second round is far less heated, but much more open for debate.
Right now, the Wizards depth chart is frontcourt heavy, backcourt light and shooting deprived. Some have a backup point guard as a high priority. Of course nobody will object to going with the “best available” approach.
With all that in mind, here’s a best guess look at whom the Wizards might select at No. 32.
Workout warriors: Looking at the prospects that visited the Verizon Center this month. DraftExpress.com’s mock draft projection in parenthesis.
Tyshawn Taylor (35) - Of the players checked out by the Wizards on their own turf, the Kansas point guard arguably stands out as the best combination of upside and roster need. The 6-foot-4 guard’s playmaking skills and defensive abilities outweigh his at times maddening decisions. Whereas Shelvin Mack was tasked with learning to play as a lead guard during his rookie season, Taylor had the ball in his hands during the Jayhawks run to the national title game and throughout his four years at Kansas.
Scott Machado (53) - Only Kendall Marshall arguably stands out as a purer point guard than the 6-foot-2 Iona product. Machado topped Marshall and every other Division I player last season with 9.9 assists per game while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. There is fear his fast-paced style, which thrived at Iona, will suffer in translation to the NBA's half court sets. His vision won't and the Wizards could use a point guard who is first and foremost a distributor.
Darius Miller (37) – Crowded up front or not, the Wizards could use a small forward type who knocked down 40.7 percent of his shots from beyond the arc during his final two seasons at Kentucky. Another of those rare college seniors, Miller showed during his days at Lexington he understands what it means to be a role player. Don’t underestimate that trait when it comes to establishing a cohesive roster/bench.
Tomas Satoransky (50) – The Wizards are not exactly in a“draft-and-stash” position, but with Beal or Barnes at three, the team’s top 11 are arguably in place. Though possibly a reach early in the second and not the only international option projected in the second, the 6-foot-7 Czech is an intriguing point guard prospect. Rather than having the athletic 20-year-old sit and watch, the Wizards could let Satoransky continue his craft learning ways overseas for another season.
Others: Kris Joseph (SF, Syracuse), Henry Sims (C, Georgetown), Miles Plumlee (C, Duke)
Deep sleepers/summer League invites: Sticking with the need shooters theme, Georgetown’sHollis Thompson and Northwestern’s John Shurna drain 3-pointers with layup line ease. Neither player is currently in the DraftExpress mock, though their long-range accuracy is NBA-worthy.
Everybody else: Looking at those whose summer plans to date have not included a D.C. visit
The talk about what the Wizards should do in the second round is far less heated, but much more open for debate.
Right now, the Wizards depth chart is frontcourt heavy, backcourt light and shooting deprived. Some have a backup point guard as a high priority. Of course nobody will object to going with the “best available” approach.
With all that in mind, here’s a best guess look at whom the Wizards might select at No. 32.
Workout warriors: Looking at the prospects that visited the Verizon Center this month. DraftExpress.com’s mock draft projection in parenthesis.
Tyshawn Taylor (35) - Of the players checked out by the Wizards on their own turf, the Kansas point guard arguably stands out as the best combination of upside and roster need. The 6-foot-4 guard’s playmaking skills and defensive abilities outweigh his at times maddening decisions. Whereas Shelvin Mack was tasked with learning to play as a lead guard during his rookie season, Taylor had the ball in his hands during the Jayhawks run to the national title game and throughout his four years at Kansas.
Scott Machado (53) - Only Kendall Marshall arguably stands out as a purer point guard than the 6-foot-2 Iona product. Machado topped Marshall and every other Division I player last season with 9.9 assists per game while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. There is fear his fast-paced style, which thrived at Iona, will suffer in translation to the NBA's half court sets. His vision won't and the Wizards could use a point guard who is first and foremost a distributor.
Darius Miller (37) – Crowded up front or not, the Wizards could use a small forward type who knocked down 40.7 percent of his shots from beyond the arc during his final two seasons at Kentucky. Another of those rare college seniors, Miller showed during his days at Lexington he understands what it means to be a role player. Don’t underestimate that trait when it comes to establishing a cohesive roster/bench.
Tomas Satoransky (50) – The Wizards are not exactly in a“draft-and-stash” position, but with Beal or Barnes at three, the team’s top 11 are arguably in place. Though possibly a reach early in the second and not the only international option projected in the second, the 6-foot-7 Czech is an intriguing point guard prospect. Rather than having the athletic 20-year-old sit and watch, the Wizards could let Satoransky continue his craft learning ways overseas for another season.
Others: Kris Joseph (SF, Syracuse), Henry Sims (C, Georgetown), Miles Plumlee (C, Duke)
Deep sleepers/summer League invites: Sticking with the need shooters theme, Georgetown’sHollis Thompson and Northwestern’s John Shurna drain 3-pointers with layup line ease. Neither player is currently in the DraftExpress mock, though their long-range accuracy is NBA-worthy.
Everybody else: Looking at those whose summer plans to date have not included a D.C. visit
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Evans back with Wizards. Coaching. For the summer (CSNwashington)
Even if injuries and a youth movement curtailed his playing time, Mo Evans proved valuable to the Wizards last season. The veteran small forward ostensibly served as a coach on the floor and in the locker room, a pro’s pro on a youthful roster prone at times to amateurish acts.
This summer, the 33-year-old Evans will do more than just play the role of a de facto assistant coach. He will be an actual assistant coach on the Wizards Las Vegas Summer League team next month.
The true oddity is Evans will do so while remaining an NBA free agent.
The idea came about during Evans’ exit interview with Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld and other members of the organization. The situation became clearer when Randy Wittman was retained as the Wizards head coach.
“I think it matched well with my skill set,” Evans said during a telephone interview. “The opportunity was there. Coach Wittman got his contract renewed. Having played a big role, kind of being a player-coach last year, playing and also assisting with some of our guys, it just made perfect sense to try and help out with that role.”
The Wizards will begin play on June 13, the summer league’s opening day. This will not be Evans’ first venture with the Sin City hoops event, but the first where the sidelines will be his true home. His current hybrid status makes for an ideal situation.
“I’ve had my fair share of Vegas and I’ve had my fair share of playing in the summer league,” said Evans, first acquired by the Wizards in a trade late in the 2010-11 season. “It will be great to go back and really help out some of the young guys with things that can sometimes get lost in translation between coaches and players.”
Just to be clear, this is not a whim for Evans, some way to pass the time. Within the last few days, the swingman completed his third pilgrimage to the annual NBPA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, participating in the coaching component of the high school basketball showcase.
Current and retired players take classes plus have the opportunity to “actually coach a team, call plays, call timeouts, go over strategy and really help these guys,” said, Evans, who will assist Sam Cassell, the Wizards summer league head coach, next month.
Roger Mason Jr., Evans’ teammate with the Wizards and himself a free agent, will also serve as an assistant as first reported by Alex Kennedy from Hoopsworld.com.
“Not to say that I’ve mastered it in any way shape or form, but I think I have enough tools in the bag to be an assistant to Sam,” Evans said.
Evans, who averaged 4.9 in 24 games last season, also believes he still has enough tools in the bag to remain an NBA player.
This summer, the 33-year-old Evans will do more than just play the role of a de facto assistant coach. He will be an actual assistant coach on the Wizards Las Vegas Summer League team next month.
The true oddity is Evans will do so while remaining an NBA free agent.
The idea came about during Evans’ exit interview with Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld and other members of the organization. The situation became clearer when Randy Wittman was retained as the Wizards head coach.
“I think it matched well with my skill set,” Evans said during a telephone interview. “The opportunity was there. Coach Wittman got his contract renewed. Having played a big role, kind of being a player-coach last year, playing and also assisting with some of our guys, it just made perfect sense to try and help out with that role.”
The Wizards will begin play on June 13, the summer league’s opening day. This will not be Evans’ first venture with the Sin City hoops event, but the first where the sidelines will be his true home. His current hybrid status makes for an ideal situation.
“I’ve had my fair share of Vegas and I’ve had my fair share of playing in the summer league,” said Evans, first acquired by the Wizards in a trade late in the 2010-11 season. “It will be great to go back and really help out some of the young guys with things that can sometimes get lost in translation between coaches and players.”
Just to be clear, this is not a whim for Evans, some way to pass the time. Within the last few days, the swingman completed his third pilgrimage to the annual NBPA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, participating in the coaching component of the high school basketball showcase.
Current and retired players take classes plus have the opportunity to “actually coach a team, call plays, call timeouts, go over strategy and really help these guys,” said, Evans, who will assist Sam Cassell, the Wizards summer league head coach, next month.
Roger Mason Jr., Evans’ teammate with the Wizards and himself a free agent, will also serve as an assistant as first reported by Alex Kennedy from Hoopsworld.com.
“Not to say that I’ve mastered it in any way shape or form, but I think I have enough tools in the bag to be an assistant to Sam,” Evans said.
Evans, who averaged 4.9 in 24 games last season, also believes he still has enough tools in the bag to remain an NBA player.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wizards - breaking down the Okafor, Ariza Lewis deal
Well, that was surprising.
The Wizards jumped into the trading waters on Wednesday, acquiring
veterans Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from the New Orleans Hornets.
Forget a singular focus on rebuilding: With this move, the Wizards have put themselves into the Eastern Conference playoff mix, maybe.
The cost?
Technically, Rashard Lewis’ buyout worthy contract and the
No. 46 pick in the 2012 draft. Realistically, the team’s salary cap flexibility
for the next two seasons and possible playing time for several recent first
round picks.
As an NBA scout described the deal to CSNwashington upon learning about the trade, “You went from a youth movement trying to build from the
draft to taking on money and thinking you can get to the eighth spot and next
year get into the playoffs."
Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld downplayed the trade’s impact on plans for the June 28 NBA Draft (“It doesn’t affect the draft at all."). We'll see, but Florida wing guard Bradley Beal - myprediction with the third overall pick before the trade - is now the logical front-runner. Washington retained its other second-round selection, No. 32 overall.
Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld downplayed the trade’s impact on plans for the June 28 NBA Draft (“It doesn’t affect the draft at all."). We'll see, but Florida wing guard Bradley Beal - myprediction with the third overall pick before the trade - is now the logical front-runner. Washington retained its other second-round selection, No. 32 overall.
Certainly, from a talent standpoint, the Wizards helped
themselves with the deal, though hardly in a "Big 3" sort of way. The newcomers each bring a defensive mentality and
are all by accounts solid citizens. The 6-foot-10 Okafor, who turns 30 this season, remains a
viable interior presence eight years into his career though injuries (sore left knee) limited him
to 27 games in 2011-12 (on his post-trade conference call, Grunfeld said the
players still must pass their physical exams).
Though he averages a double-double for his career, Okafor's numbers last season – 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.0
block – all represent career lows. With his $13.49 million salary next season, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft moves past Nene
($13 million) as the highest paid player on the team.
Despite his time in the spotlight with the trophy-raising Los
Angeles Lakers a few seasons back, Ariza is only 26 and coming off a bit of a
rebound season. His athletic presence
on the wing will help John Wall in the open court. His career 31.7 percent from
beyond the arc does not address the team’s perimeter shooting woes. This deal overall does arguably more harm than good offensivel
Though Lewis remains a solid locker room presence, injuries sapped
his onetime potent abilities. His days with the organization were numbered. We
knew this. The question was simply how he would, entering the final year of his
deal, receive his walking papers; as part of a trade, a hefty buyout (approximately
$13.7 million) or by way of the NBA’s one-time only amnesty clause.
By doing the deal and not writing Lewis a check, the Wizards
instead:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Scouting the hot NBA assistant coaches
In this space yesterday, we highlighted one NBA writer’s case for why former Portland and Seattle coach Nate McMillan should be the next Wizards head coach.
Now that the Orlando Magic have been mercifully knocked out of the playoffs, we could be only days away before Stan Van Gundy becomes available.
Should Wizards management decide interim coach Randy Wittman will not return and a veteran leader is their desired target, McMillan and Van Gundy are clearly viable options.
However, should they pass on a retread hire yet still want a coach with NBA experience, the question becomes which assistants are ready for the main job.
Monitoring the news out of Charlotte might provide some insight.
Unlike the tight-lipped Wizards operation, reports have been dripping out about whom the Bobcats intend on interviewing.
The latest name to surface, Orlando assistant and former Georgetown Hoyas and New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, "Ewing is a close friend of Charlotte owner Michael Jordan, and several sources believe the Hall of Fame center will turn out to be a serious candidate for the opening."
Ewing is one of several names alreadly linked to the job.
Previously Wojnarowki reported the Bobcats would interview Warriors assistant Mike Malone, the NBA's highest-paid assistant.
Then there is the one assistant even casual fans are aware of, Brian Shaw. The former Lakers assistant under Phil Jackson, Shaw is currently on the bench with the Pacers, who await the winner of the Heat-Knicks series (so Miami) in the second round.
Sam Amick from Sports Illustrated reported the Bobcats asked for permission to interview Shaw, but "permission was neither granted nor denied for Shaw to speak with Charlotte because he prefers to focus on the playoffs at the moment."
McMillan is also on Charlotte's radar, though some have questioned whether an established coach would want to take over a total rebuild. Regardless, these initial reports indicate the Bobcats are intent on exploring the assistant route for their young and clearly in need of help squad.
As for the Wizards, obviously Ewing's experience as a scorer and defensive presence could benefit their young bigs, especially Kevin Seraphin. Malone's star is on the rise and he could have his pick of jobs. Considering the young roster and another top 5 pick on the way, this job could be attractive for someone looking to mold the team after his own vision and not simply coach the established veterans on hand.
Shaw clearly knows from winning. My one concern here would be whether he intends on bringing the famed triangle offense to Washington. On the surface John Wall's style and speed does not make for a great fit with the point guard-light scheme that's more east-west than north-south. Of course, the Pacers are not using the triangle, so we'll see.
Of course the Wizards have yet to make a decision - publically anyway -on Wittman, so, we'll see.
Now that the Orlando Magic have been mercifully knocked out of the playoffs, we could be only days away before Stan Van Gundy becomes available.
Should Wizards management decide interim coach Randy Wittman will not return and a veteran leader is their desired target, McMillan and Van Gundy are clearly viable options.
However, should they pass on a retread hire yet still want a coach with NBA experience, the question becomes which assistants are ready for the main job.
Monitoring the news out of Charlotte might provide some insight.
Unlike the tight-lipped Wizards operation, reports have been dripping out about whom the Bobcats intend on interviewing.
The latest name to surface, Orlando assistant and former Georgetown Hoyas and New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, "Ewing is a close friend of Charlotte owner Michael Jordan, and several sources believe the Hall of Fame center will turn out to be a serious candidate for the opening."
Ewing is one of several names alreadly linked to the job.
Previously Wojnarowki reported the Bobcats would interview Warriors assistant Mike Malone, the NBA's highest-paid assistant.
Then there is the one assistant even casual fans are aware of, Brian Shaw. The former Lakers assistant under Phil Jackson, Shaw is currently on the bench with the Pacers, who await the winner of the Heat-Knicks series (so Miami) in the second round.
Sam Amick from Sports Illustrated reported the Bobcats asked for permission to interview Shaw, but "permission was neither granted nor denied for Shaw to speak with Charlotte because he prefers to focus on the playoffs at the moment."
McMillan is also on Charlotte's radar, though some have questioned whether an established coach would want to take over a total rebuild. Regardless, these initial reports indicate the Bobcats are intent on exploring the assistant route for their young and clearly in need of help squad.
As for the Wizards, obviously Ewing's experience as a scorer and defensive presence could benefit their young bigs, especially Kevin Seraphin. Malone's star is on the rise and he could have his pick of jobs. Considering the young roster and another top 5 pick on the way, this job could be attractive for someone looking to mold the team after his own vision and not simply coach the established veterans on hand.
Shaw clearly knows from winning. My one concern here would be whether he intends on bringing the famed triangle offense to Washington. On the surface John Wall's style and speed does not make for a great fit with the point guard-light scheme that's more east-west than north-south. Of course, the Pacers are not using the triangle, so we'll see.
Of course the Wizards have yet to make a decision - publically anyway -on Wittman, so, we'll see.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Shooting down Thomas Robinson to the Wizards
Trust me on this: I do not take any NBA mock draft seriously at this point, especially since - hello! - we do not have an actual draft order. However, since we know the Wizards will pick no worse than fifth and the draft class is largely set, we have a good feel for their likely options in that range should they miss out on the consensus overall number one pick, Kentucky's Anthony Davis.
Kansas star and D.C. area native Thomas Robinson is among them. The chiseled power forward is a double-double machine and the junior sports a non-stop motor that teams looking for an interior option will surely consider.
The question is whether the Wizards are one of those teams.
Apparently SBNation's Tom Ziller says yes. Yours truly says unless it's the shot blocking Davis, not so much, not right now.
After slotting Davis to the abysmal Charlotte Bobcats with the overall number one pick, Ziller sent Robinson back home with the No. 2 selection.
"A franchise that so believed in its ability to morph men it gave Gilbert Arenas a near-max after an ACL tear, extended Andray Blatche before he hit the market and hung with JaVale McGee for more than three years has changed so much that there's no chance it touches Andre Drummond with a fishing pole. Robinson's heart and work ethic will make some GM overlook his size and potential to be great in any one area."
Right now in terms of interior options, Robinson is the top non-Davis call for the Wizards, ranking above the likes of UConn's Drummond and Ohio State's under-the-rim wide-body Jared Sullinger. I agree there is zippy chance that at two the Wizards select the powerful but truly raw Drummond, even though another prominent NBA draft site has that marriage taking place.
If indeed the Wizards go big over small, the energetic Robinson is the logical call.
But considering the current roster makeup - an intriguing frontcourt with Nene and kids but a lineup devoid of shooters - adding a perimeter or wing weapon makes the most sense.
Kansas star and D.C. area native Thomas Robinson is among them. The chiseled power forward is a double-double machine and the junior sports a non-stop motor that teams looking for an interior option will surely consider.
The question is whether the Wizards are one of those teams.
Apparently SBNation's Tom Ziller says yes. Yours truly says unless it's the shot blocking Davis, not so much, not right now.
After slotting Davis to the abysmal Charlotte Bobcats with the overall number one pick, Ziller sent Robinson back home with the No. 2 selection.
"A franchise that so believed in its ability to morph men it gave Gilbert Arenas a near-max after an ACL tear, extended Andray Blatche before he hit the market and hung with JaVale McGee for more than three years has changed so much that there's no chance it touches Andre Drummond with a fishing pole. Robinson's heart and work ethic will make some GM overlook his size and potential to be great in any one area."
Right now in terms of interior options, Robinson is the top non-Davis call for the Wizards, ranking above the likes of UConn's Drummond and Ohio State's under-the-rim wide-body Jared Sullinger. I agree there is zippy chance that at two the Wizards select the powerful but truly raw Drummond, even though another prominent NBA draft site has that marriage taking place.
If indeed the Wizards go big over small, the energetic Robinson is the logical call.
But considering the current roster makeup - an intriguing frontcourt with Nene and kids but a lineup devoid of shooters - adding a perimeter or wing weapon makes the most sense.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
John Wall, future olympian?
The good news: John Wall is reportedly joining Team USA as a member of the select team that will scrimmage against the 2012 men's basketball Olympic squad this summer.
The interesting angle: This opportunity gives the Wizards speedy point guard a potential leg up on making the 2016 Olympic team.
The potential international buzz kill: Notable basketball decision-makers are looking at a 23-and-under roster format for future Olympic games.
Before we look ahead, let's focus on the present - and the present that comes with the invitation, which multiple outlets have reported. Instead of spending a second straight summer time playing in loosey-goosey charity games, Wall should be battling the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook during intense scrimmages.
Actually there was no fear of another summer fun circuit - "Nah, I’m cool on that, " Wall said the day after the season finale win over the Heat. "I’m done. It’s just workouts. I ain’t having none, that was just because of the lockout it was too much time."
Earlier that week, I asked Wall if he was going to attend any NBA playoff games in person and which point guards the maturing floor leader would study during the off-season. Seeing as he intended on doing the bi-coastal thing between D.C. and Los Angeles, Wall said he would hope to catch Paul and the Clippers in addition to the Lakers, who could face Westbrook and the Thunder in the second round.
Now Wall might get some hands-on lessons from those All-Stars.
Even with Derrick Rose's knee injury taking him out of the Olympic mix - big men Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom are also not expected to join the team's training camp - Team USA is still flush with point guard options. Unless Paul, Williams and Westbrook opt out or are injured before the London games, that trio will run the offense.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas July 6-11. After an exhibition against the Dominican Republic on July 12, the U.S. team will move operations to Washington for two days worth of practices before hosting Brazil in an exhibition game on July 16.
But what about future U.S editions?
The interesting angle: This opportunity gives the Wizards speedy point guard a potential leg up on making the 2016 Olympic team.
The potential international buzz kill: Notable basketball decision-makers are looking at a 23-and-under roster format for future Olympic games.
Before we look ahead, let's focus on the present - and the present that comes with the invitation, which multiple outlets have reported. Instead of spending a second straight summer time playing in loosey-goosey charity games, Wall should be battling the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook during intense scrimmages.
Actually there was no fear of another summer fun circuit - "Nah, I’m cool on that, " Wall said the day after the season finale win over the Heat. "I’m done. It’s just workouts. I ain’t having none, that was just because of the lockout it was too much time."
Earlier that week, I asked Wall if he was going to attend any NBA playoff games in person and which point guards the maturing floor leader would study during the off-season. Seeing as he intended on doing the bi-coastal thing between D.C. and Los Angeles, Wall said he would hope to catch Paul and the Clippers in addition to the Lakers, who could face Westbrook and the Thunder in the second round.
Now Wall might get some hands-on lessons from those All-Stars.
Even with Derrick Rose's knee injury taking him out of the Olympic mix - big men Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom are also not expected to join the team's training camp - Team USA is still flush with point guard options. Unless Paul, Williams and Westbrook opt out or are injured before the London games, that trio will run the offense.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas July 6-11. After an exhibition against the Dominican Republic on July 12, the U.S. team will move operations to Washington for two days worth of practices before hosting Brazil in an exhibition game on July 16.
But what about future U.S editions?
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