2014-2015 NBA Ramblings

[Kingdom]

11. Denver selects SG Gary Harris, from Michigan State

Harris is a two way player with the potential to be a sweet shooter/scorer like a Bradley Beal, perhaps even the ceiling of a young Ray Allen. But he is also a good defender and Denver doesn't have much of that going on. In addition, Harris has the ability to run the point to take pressure off Lawson.

[Hammer]

12. The Orlando Magic select Doug McDermott, SF Creighton

Got their PG of the future, and they have a nice little nucleus around it, but something seems missing. A pure spot up shooter. There's none better in this draft. Some question marks about what position he'll cover [do you really want him trying to cover Bron, Durant or Melo at any point in a game?], but his athleticism graded out much better than expected at the combine. Orlando has a ton of young talent, and with no really stand out shooter/scorer aside from the oldish Afflalo, getting a guy who can knock down some shots is key.

[Kingdom]

13. Minnesota selects SG Nik Stauskas, from Michigan

I don't know what Minnesota will do with Love but he's not going to resign with that barren wasteland. If Boston is offering picks and Sully or Olynyk, take it. That said, I'm taking the best pure shooter in the draft. But he's more than just that. He's also an exceptional ball handler and can run the point. Given Rubio's lack of development with his jumper, Stauskas provides a crunch time option. Also, he was overweight in college, get him slimmer and fitter and God knows what his ceiling might be.

[Hammer]

14. The Phoenix Suns select Kyle Anderson, PG/SF UCLA

The other UCLA guy on the board is much better value. But... Anderson could be the most versatile guy in this draft. He could also be the slowest guy in this draft. This is the ultimate boom-bust pick in the draft to me. His floor to ceiling is the widest in this draft. He could be out of the league in 2 years, or he could be a tool to change the NBA with another trend for the next 10-15 years.

[Kingdom]

Hammer likes tools.

[Hammer]

that randle pick looks even better now that josh mcbob opted out.

[Kingdom]

What a dumasss. He did well there. Now he'll either get overpaid and disappear or just disappear.

[Kingdom]

By the way, if we ran things, Philly could roll out MCW-Wiggins-Young-Young-Noel. I'd call that must see TV

[Kingdom]

15. Atlanta selects PF Adreian Payne, from Michigan State

There were no ideal wings available this high. So Payne is more of a BPA. Given the history of injuries with Horford, this makes sense. Payne is able to spell at PF and C, provide toughness and defense, while being able to stretch defenses. Pair him with Antic's psychotic motor, and their bench is formidable. Payne also brings high character much like Horford provides.

[Hammer]

16. The Chicago Bulls select Zach LaVine, PG/SG UCLA

The slide stops here. And what a talent to get, to groom behind/with Rose, if he ever returns, in a guy who could be a Derrick Rose clone. LaVine is the most athletic player in this draft. He's also raw as hell, and the Bulls may choose to chase someone more ready if they think they have a legit shot at Melo. But LaVine's upside is ridiculous, and for him to fall this far could become a long term blessing. Not my favorite player on the board at this spot [not even my favorite at PG], but what he could become is unmeasurable. And if Rose gets hurt again, and/or they miss out on Melo/bringing back Deng, this season is going to be a waste again anyway. Better to take the long term option, than a construed ready talent that is what he is, and will remain that way.

[Hammer]

By the way, if we ran things, Philly could roll out MCW-Wiggins-Young-Young-Noel. I'd call that must see TV

and orlando with exum, oladipo, harris, harkless, vucevic, mcdermott, nicholson and o'quinn. we're awesome at this.

[Kingdom]

17. Boston selects PF Dario Saric, from some country overseas.

I'm wary about foreign imports usually. He's likely a lottery pick irl, perhaps top ten if he comes over immediately. So this is a BPA pick. Bass isn't long term, you have to worry about Sully's health long term, and Olynyk likely isn't doing you much good on the glass. All 3 are gifted offensively. Saric will provide a blend of size, offensive skill, rebounding, and the ability to pass. He's by far the most rounded talented big they would have on the roster. Yep, Fab Melo he's not. Ultimately we know Boston wants to make trades, whether it's for Love, or some sign and trade for Gordon Heyward, it's unlikely they'll have these picks.

[Kingdom]

and orlando with exum, oladipo, harris, harkless, vucevic, mcdermott, nicholson and o'quinn. we're awesome at this.

And we'd no don't rip someone off for Afflalo and convince someone to take Jameer.

[Hammer]

i actually read today that saric would come over immediately if he got drafted by boston or la, but would probably go back overseas for most anyone else. so that really worked out for him in this draft.

[Kingdom]

He must have learned basketball by watching the 80's then