General Day-After Draft Thoughts
by tyger1147 on Jun 27, 2008 9:57 AM CDT
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PrintSince the friendly dictator decided to create a thread for each of the Bulls' two picks, I thought it appropriate to deflect all general post-draft discussion to yet another thread. Feel free to bemoan who got better when you didn't think they had a chance to and who was just plain stupid. (Chad Ford provides his "grades.")
A few thoughts of my own:
Sacramento is either stupid or genius; I'd go with the former. Bill Simmons says it best.
Andy Katz tells us the Kings loved Thompson because "he was the best player they worked out." That's always smart -- ignore four years of his college games and concentrate on his two workouts.
I'm mildly impressed w/ what Indiana did. I don't think they'll be an "elite" team anytime soon, but I think they've immediately become a Top-4 team in the East. I think Ford, Rush and Hibbert have a chance to be good to really good players, just not great. They'll be a tough team for the Bulls to beat the next couple, but in 3-5 years their potential will be tapped. Not too bad for "rebuilding on the fly"--a term usually reserved for the NFL.
Wait, Minnesota had a good draft??? Love, Mike Miller and one of the three decent Euro prospects in Pekovic supposedly makes it so. Since it's McHale, though, I'm still skeptical.
Miami didn't do too poorly. Even if Wade and Marion end up leaving, Miami won't have a bad core to build around (especially if they get anything of value in a sign-and-trade for either one). Beasley, Chalmers and Darnell Jackson--all liked by Hollinger, by the way.
And you can't finish off any draft talk without some discussion of the Blazers. I'm actually not that impressed with the draft. Yes, Bayless was a steal, but I'm not high on him. I think he and Batum have two great ceilings, but I think they both have pretty low floors as well. What if Bayless doesn't learn how to run the point? What if Batum never fills out? The good thing for the Blazers is that both have, reportedly, great work ethics. They were swing-for-the-fences picks, in my opinion. Either they'll vault the Blazers to one of the greatest teams ever, or they'll stick the Blazers in that 50-60 win club year-in/year-out. Although, if that happens, I'm sure the Blazers will have plenty of assets to further improve.
Oh, and did Seattle really do that well? They get the biggest question marks of the draft.
So anyway, what are your thoughts? Who do you think "won" this draft? Who lost? Who are you upset about thinking they got someone you wish the Bulls would have? Who are you laughing at?
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On you Bayless observation...
One of the draft photos I saw had all the prospects gathered around Stern. Bayless is standing next to Rose, and it looks like the tips of his fingers come down about to Rose’ elbows.
One of the Bayless criticisms was that his short arms would likely make him a defensive liability, and next to Rose it really stands out.
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
If Oden plays next year...
They’ll be fine on defense.
Bayless is a rare talent. He can shoot like Gordon, and actually run the point.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought the big knock on Bayless was that he can't run the point
and that he was perfect for the Blazers because he could shoot and let Roy run the point.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
No doubt Roy is better...
But Bayless will be good too.
I watched EVERY Wildcat game last year and most of his problems with him running the point were because Jordan Hill can’t catch a pass to save his life, and Buddinger decided to play most of the season behind the arc. They had a defensive minded coach in Oneil, and Bayless was left on an offensive island without Lute Olsen.
When Nic Wise got hurt teams knew that Bayless had no options other than drive and kick to Chase who barely ever moved, or shoot the ball himself.
Trust me when I saw that Bayless has very good ball handling skills (WAY better than Gordon IMO) that weren’t a good fit for the players at U of A. It’s another reason I’ve heard that Jennings is considering playing overseas next year (beside the fact that he can’t pass the SAT’s)
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
and talk about a defensive liability...
He’s a little taller than Ben Gordon…but with a 5inch shorter wingspan (and a 2 inch shorter reach)!
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
But he's much quicker...
And might have a defensive giant like Oden behind him.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I tend to think the little things (like little arms)
start to add up when you’re competing against equally amazing talent with long arms.
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
You're right...
They should send him to Europe and call it a wash now.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
This is why some of us watch games...
And some of us watch YouTube.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Admittedly, I only saw him twice
(and never bothered to youtube him, btw), but I did read what other’s wrote, for example, this, from Jonathan Givony:
“Bayless…struggled to fight through screens on numerous occasions, giving his matchup plenty of time to set his feet and get a clean shot off. When he was defending players head on, his lack of length, height and energy was clearly a poor mix in terms of contesting shots. It’s pretty obvious that Bayless is going to have problems defending…”
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jerryd-Bayless-1067/
Dum spiro spero! (While there is life, there’s hope!)--Leon Trotsky
Wow...
Just as I thought. You have no actual opinion of your own.
This should be the part where I ask what 2 games you saw and when EXACTLY did Bayless look like a defensive liability, but I’ll spare you the embarrassment because I don’t even believe you even watched that many.
I read Draftexpress (that says he has an “Average” wingspan by the way) just like everyone else, but I also watched the games. Silly me, I formulated an opinion of my own in the end.
You must be so happy that we’ll be able to stop talking college basketball when the season starts. Then you only have to make comments on other players based on how they play against the Bulls.
In the future, just tell me up front that you’ll be hiding behind other people’s observations/articles/measurments BEFORE you get into it with me. It could have saved us both a lot of time.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
it's entirely acceptable
to hide behind other peoples opinions if you feel those peoples opinions are more trustworthy than yours (not your own, I mean you, KAE).
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough...
But when he states THREE TIMES IN A ROW that Bayless will be a defensive liability, when he could have just said UP FRONT that some other guy thinks he’s a defensive liability then who the hell am I debating this with?
Alec or Givony?
Please spare me the time and just post that article immediately.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree
it’s best to be upfront about where you get your info.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
it's my philosophy to automatically poop on whatever Portland did
curse them.
I think Indiana did a good job as well. They just needed a bunch of young cheap players, and you didn’t even mention Jarrett Jack (now that he’s not a Blazer, I can say he’s decent)
I’m also digging what Milwaukee did. Sure in some ways it’s striving for mediocrity, but hell there are basketball seasons to play, and they are in such a salary hole any ‘rebuilding’ would be almost too long of a process.
I also think Minnesota turns out ok, unless Mayo turns out to be a star. But if he isn’t, they got rid of nearly all their dead weight and locker room problems for actual players.
Not buying the Nets ‘success’. It’s basically a rule that whoever gets the guy that slipped had a great draft. Lopez likely sucks, so who cares if he was #3 or #10?
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT reply actions
they just traded for jefferson
and they just picked up Alexander and that UCLA guy. I don’t get that.
Minnesota is gonna have a much improved lineup. I think Love and Miller are gonna be McHale, ‘Sota guys. No – they’re definitely not gonna make the playoffs. But they’re gonna be bearable to watch now.
Maybe you’re right on Lopez – is he gonna be better than Diop? But I don’t know who would have been better at 10.
They need someone to duplicate Zydrunas Ilgauskus
When LeBron signs in 2010.
Has a team ever been so obvious in their long term planning for a potential free agent?
I think the UCLA guy will be a very serviceable pro. He’s horrible on offense, but he’s going to be a great defensive SF, and Milwaukee was a horrible defensive team, and they certainly don’t improve that aspect by trading for Jefferson and his injuries.
by Ozzie Montana on Jun 27, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Minnesota is eminently less watchable IMO.
They picked up Miller who is a good scorer, and Love who probably won’t be highlight film material in the man sized NBA (unless you count long outlet passes and big man 3 pointers).
Mayo would have been fun to watch, but given the chance to move Walker and Jaric I can’t really blame McHale.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Memphis made the smart move
Of getting someone who will at least generate some buzz for a franchise that desperately needs it. Sure their frontline could have used Love, but sometimes there are other things to consider when you’re playing in a small market.
by Ozzie Montana on Jun 27, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly.
How pissed do you think Mayo is though? Has ANYONE in Memphis ever had a shoe contract?
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
he already signed his Nike deal, he's set. Nike, on the other hand, yeah, they're probably not happy.
by fundamentallysound on Jun 27, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
They'll figure out a way to get him traded I'm sure.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I see Alexander as a 4
not a 3
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I like how you formatted the post, and I agree on most points
I liked what Indiana did, although with a front line of Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert, they won’t be a four seed… not even close. I liked Minnesota’s night also; they are a Telfair-emergence away from having playoff hopes again. And Miami snagged a starting point guard for next to nothing. Westbrook at #4 was a joke.
Bobcats deserve their own paragraph, especially after I defended their Big 4 yesterday. They came in needed a center to complete a starting five, and when Lopez luckily fell to them, they picked… D.J. Augustin. And then, at #20, with Koufos still available, they take Ajinca, who played all of four minutes in euroleague this year. To me, the worst combination of picks in the draft.
Oh, and the Bulls really did awesome. I’m so happy :)
if Augustin is productive and Lopez isn't
then position doesn’t matter.
Rumor has it the ‘cats are looking to deal Felton for a big.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Felton's not good and Lopez is a likely bust
They got a potential upgrade in Augustin at PG. They’ll definitely be interesting to watch this season. Augustin, Richardson, and Wallace all seem best fit for an uptempo system. Wonder how Larry Brown’s going to work his over controlling half court magic with them. Anyone else catch Mark Jackson saying last night that Larry Brown has a great history with coaching young teams?
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
Indy front line
You forgot about big Rasho!
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
The bottom of the East looks improved
Of course, the last couple off seasons have produced that mirage as well. With improvement from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Miami, it might actually take 41 wins to make the playoffs.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
and the Pacers and Raps
I think the Bobcats and Knicks, while not playoff teams, will also be better just by having new coaches.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, forgot about the Raps and the improvement at the top of the conference
Still waiting to see what Detroit and Orlando do this off season, but there should easily be at least 4 50 win teams in the East. That hasn’t happened in 10 years
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
The East will be painfully mediocre next year
How many teams can win 50 games? Boston, Detroit, and Orlando at this point right, maybe Washington if they ever stayed healthy? There’s going to be like 9 teams between that 40-45 win range.
If O'Neal's healthy, Toronto should be able to get to 50 wins
Bosh and Calderon give them 2 All Stars and Parker and Kopono are nice complements on the wing.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
I dunno the jury is out on O'Neal's ability to be relevant for a whole season
Last 4 seasons games played
41
51
69
42
by Ozzie Montana on Jun 27, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but how many of those injuries were major?
Like ACL or Microfracture surgery?
I’m really asking this, I don’t know.
Don't call me doughboy!
by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 27, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure of the severity, but to be fair
The first year he was suspended I think 20 games for the Pacers/Pistons fight, so not all his games missed were due to injury.
by Ozzie Montana on Jun 27, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
it's a chronic injury, which is likely worse
It was on some podcast I heard that O’Neal had some issue with hyperextending his knee a bit every time he jumped…so he’s like, working on altering the way he jumps, or something :)
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 27, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, since
Prince manages to be decent for the Pistons in that condition I guess it can be workable. But yeah. Very twiggy. Must have a crazy metabolism.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
Yeah but Prince is a SF, and I'd say 2-3 inches shorter
I don’t remember what Prince looked like in 2002, but while he’s got that crazy frame he has enough muscle on it to make it work.
by Ozzie Montana on Jun 27, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
In college
Prince looked like he needed a good meal too in college. He still does, though at least his shoulders seems to have improved a lot.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
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