[HomerKangParticipant]

 If you’re picking 11th,  and Harris is gone, but those 4 are still available, who would you take with the Pelicans pick ?

( if this sounds like another sixers post, well…..yeah, it is.  Sorry, but itching to know who the majority of fellow fans out there prefer, regardless of which of the top 4 heavyweights they will take first).  The current board already doesn’t care about positions either since whoever made that board has them taking TWO small forwards in Parker and McDermott. 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I think Hood is the best pro prospect out of all those guys.  I’ve always said that I thought Rodney Hood was Duke’s best player this year.  Jabari had all of the hype, but Hood was the most consistent.  He’s a better shooter and defender than Jabari.  I think Rodney will have a solid NBA career as a possible starter or at the worst a good 6th man.  

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I think Hood is the best pro prospect out of all those guys.  I’ve always said that I thought Rodney Hood was Duke’s best player this year.  Jabari had all of the hype, but Hood was the most consistent.  He’s a better shooter and defender than Jabari.  I think Rodney will have a solid NBA career as a possible starter or at the worst a good 6th man.  

[TFCParticipant]

 Of those 4, it has to be Stauskas.

I like Payne better for the Sixers as an ideal stretch 4 though, or LaVine as an upside pick.

 

 

[TFCParticipant]

 Of those 4, it has to be Stauskas.

I like Payne better for the Sixers as an ideal stretch 4 though, or LaVine as an upside pick.

 

 

[LA12Participant]

 Both providing an outside shot with the ability to somewhat create their own shots at times (something I see McDermott struggling to do in the NBA). McDermott’s probably the best shooter of all three, but those two are most likely to be less of a liability in the league on defense than McDermott. But McDermott seems like a fighter who’s willing to put in work to overcome his athletic disadvantages. I see him having a very solid career.

[LA12Participant]

 Both providing an outside shot with the ability to somewhat create their own shots at times (something I see McDermott struggling to do in the NBA). McDermott’s probably the best shooter of all three, but those two are most likely to be less of a liability in the league on defense than McDermott. But McDermott seems like a fighter who’s willing to put in work to overcome his athletic disadvantages. I see him having a very solid career.

[ibe12Participant]

I think Hood will be the best pro out of those guys. He’s a solid shooter with range, he has an under rated handle and he’s more athletic than McDermott and Warren. For the Sixers it all depends on who they pick first. If Parker doesn’t come out and they pick Embiid or Randle I can see them going with Hood, LaVine or McDermott. If they go Parker I see them going Gordon, Payne or LaVine. This draft is so deep you can come up with all type of combinations that make sense.

[ibe12Participant]

I think Hood will be the best pro out of those guys. He’s a solid shooter with range, he has an under rated handle and he’s more athletic than McDermott and Warren. For the Sixers it all depends on who they pick first. If Parker doesn’t come out and they pick Embiid or Randle I can see them going with Hood, LaVine or McDermott. If they go Parker I see them going Gordon, Payne or LaVine. This draft is so deep you can come up with all type of combinations that make sense.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 Stauaskas>> Hood

Doug>> Warren.

Hood can shot the 3,but he’s not a good defender,& cant create off the dribble. he’s pretty much a spot up shooter.  Stauskas can create his shot, he can also shot from 3,and he’s a good athlete, dont let the color of his skin fool you. 

Warren has a good in between game,but cant shot the 3 ball. average defender. not an elite athlete. 

Doug can shot the lights out from everywhere on the floor. has a decent post game. also not an elite athlete and quesiton marks on his defense. but i like Doug’s overall offensive game.

i’d also take James Young over Warren.

[Sabdiego12345678Participant]

 warren was the best offensive player last year he mad more shots than anyone else he is a terrific offensive rebounder and an underrated athlete i dont see why youd take doug over warren he is more of a liability and he isnt as bad of a 3pt shooter as people say he just needs to choose better shots and stop fading when it isnt needed he asctuall shot .314 for his career and no one else in the ncaa was a better scorer and he played against better competeion than doug 

[Sabdiego12345678Participant]

 warren was the best offensive player last year he mad more shots than anyone else he is a terrific offensive rebounder and an underrated athlete i dont see why youd take doug over warren he is more of a liability and he isnt as bad of a 3pt shooter as people say he just needs to choose better shots and stop fading when it isnt needed he asctuall shot .314 for his career and no one else in the ncaa was a better scorer and he played against better competeion than doug 

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 Stauaskas>> Hood

Doug>> Warren.

Hood can shot the 3,but he’s not a good defender,& cant create off the dribble. he’s pretty much a spot up shooter.  Stauskas can create his shot, he can also shot from 3,and he’s a good athlete, dont let the color of his skin fool you. 

Warren has a good in between game,but cant shot the 3 ball. average defender. not an elite athlete. 

Doug can shot the lights out from everywhere on the floor. has a decent post game. also not an elite athlete and quesiton marks on his defense. but i like Doug’s overall offensive game.

i’d also take James Young over Warren.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Stauskas is the best.  He should be the best shooter of the bunch in the NBA and he is the best ball-handler and passer.  None of those players are good defenders, but Stauskas should be the best offensive player in the NBA.  McDermott was the best in college, but Stauskas has a much more NBA -style game than McDermott. If the Sixers get Stauskas and Wiggins/Parker out of the draft, they they should be extremely pleased.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Stauskas is the best.  He should be the best shooter of the bunch in the NBA and he is the best ball-handler and passer.  None of those players are good defenders, but Stauskas should be the best offensive player in the NBA.  McDermott was the best in college, but Stauskas has a much more NBA -style game than McDermott. If the Sixers get Stauskas and Wiggins/Parker out of the draft, they they should be extremely pleased.

[TrollingParticipant]

As usual, player projections are nothing more than an assessment that includes many variable factors.  Things that cannot be accounted for will ultimately determine the success of the four players listed.  With that said, I’ll provide my reasoning below…

 

Stauskas looks to provide shooting at the next level at worst.  He appears to be a more fluid athlete than the majority of shooters (specialist) at the next level.  I just noticed this site has he compared with Jason Kapono, which really undersells Stauskas athleticism.  Maybe Stauskas could become a less rebounding healthier version of Mike Miller.  At this point, his shot is better than Miller’s at the same age.  Miller was a solid athlete leaving Florida (underrated) and Staukas appears to identify that way as well.

Doug McDermott is one of those guys that everyone should want to exceed at the next level.  He has worked as hard as anyone to maximize his potential and appears close to reaching it.  NBA gm’s, fans, and the media consistently fall in love with the extremely athletic players and often ignore guys like McDermott.  With that said, McDermott is highly polished and skilled.  His projection is difficult because we all are wondering if he has the lateral quickness to survive at the next level.

TJ Warren scored at an extraordinarily efficient level this season, but more importantly he scored in a variety of ways.  Warren was in a terrific system that maximized his skillset and often put him in situations where he could score in less than 3 dribbles.  I don’t see this happening at the next level.  Warren could potentially struggle with his lateral quickness at the next level as well.  I see him improving his 3 (see freshman year) with time because I think it will be necessary for him to garner minutes. 

Rodney Hood projects the best out of these four guys.  In fact, I don’t think at this point it is even close.  Hood consistently finished contested shots around the rim, made the mid-range pull up jumper, and hit NBA range threes off the bounce (even with the occasional hand in his face).  Some may not see the importance in this, but this shows how good of shooter he really is.  It also shows his poor shot selection, which he was willing to display at times (perhaps settling?).  I think a majority of that shot selection was due to him being asked to carry such a large load (Parker and Hood both had to generate the majority of their offense).  Another other obvious weakness Hood displays is his lack of driving and finishing with his right (ever?).  Hood is a willing defender who attempted to play the "stopper" role, sometimes unsuccessfully, but you love to see that in a guy defined as a shooter.  Hood is only one year older than Stauskas and Warren, but appears to be quite a bit more athletic than either of those guys.  I think Hood could benefit a multitude of NBA teams right now.  Who wouldn’t want an above average athlete as the teams shooter?

 

[TrollingParticipant]

As usual, player projections are nothing more than an assessment that includes many variable factors.  Things that cannot be accounted for will ultimately determine the success of the four players listed.  With that said, I’ll provide my reasoning below…

 

Stauskas looks to provide shooting at the next level at worst.  He appears to be a more fluid athlete than the majority of shooters (specialist) at the next level.  I just noticed this site has he compared with Jason Kapono, which really undersells Stauskas athleticism.  Maybe Stauskas could become a less rebounding healthier version of Mike Miller.  At this point, his shot is better than Miller’s at the same age.  Miller was a solid athlete leaving Florida (underrated) and Staukas appears to identify that way as well.

Doug McDermott is one of those guys that everyone should want to exceed at the next level.  He has worked as hard as anyone to maximize his potential and appears close to reaching it.  NBA gm’s, fans, and the media consistently fall in love with the extremely athletic players and often ignore guys like McDermott.  With that said, McDermott is highly polished and skilled.  His projection is difficult because we all are wondering if he has the lateral quickness to survive at the next level.

TJ Warren scored at an extraordinarily efficient level this season, but more importantly he scored in a variety of ways.  Warren was in a terrific system that maximized his skillset and often put him in situations where he could score in less than 3 dribbles.  I don’t see this happening at the next level.  Warren could potentially struggle with his lateral quickness at the next level as well.  I see him improving his 3 (see freshman year) with time because I think it will be necessary for him to garner minutes. 

Rodney Hood projects the best out of these four guys.  In fact, I don’t think at this point it is even close.  Hood consistently finished contested shots around the rim, made the mid-range pull up jumper, and hit NBA range threes off the bounce (even with the occasional hand in his face).  Some may not see the importance in this, but this shows how good of shooter he really is.  It also shows his poor shot selection, which he was willing to display at times (perhaps settling?).  I think a majority of that shot selection was due to him being asked to carry such a large load (Parker and Hood both had to generate the majority of their offense).  Another other obvious weakness Hood displays is his lack of driving and finishing with his right (ever?).  Hood is a willing defender who attempted to play the "stopper" role, sometimes unsuccessfully, but you love to see that in a guy defined as a shooter.  Hood is only one year older than Stauskas and Warren, but appears to be quite a bit more athletic than either of those guys.  I think Hood could benefit a multitude of NBA teams right now.  Who wouldn’t want an above average athlete as the teams shooter?

 

[shangrilaParticipant]

Hood sucks. I wouldn’t touch him with a 20 foot pole. He doesn’t defend at all and can’t create offence for himself against NBA calibre opponents. He can shoot, I’ll give him that, but I don’t think that alone outweighs his negatives.

Warren is tough to judge since he’s such a unique prospect. There aren’t many players in recent years that rely so heavily on 2pt shots, and that’s typically what takes a hit when you move on to the pros. That said he looks like such a smart player on that end that it’s hard to root against him, so I could see him having a role on a team. I just think he’s more of an instant offence kind of guy rather than a star.

McDermott I wouldn’t touch either. He’s going to be an absolutely horrible defender regardless of which forward position he plays and while he shoots really well, I think his shortish arms and lack of athleticism will kill the rest of his offence.

So that leaves Stauskas, who is my personal favourite. I think he’s arguably one of the most polished offensive players in the draft. He can shoot ridiculously well but has also added a nice dribble-drive game while showing an increased effectiveness working out of the PnR. If you want to put this in Sixers context, I think he’d make a great partner to MCW, able to space the floor for him while also taking off some of the ball handling pressure. However he does have significant issues defensively and would be lucky to be average there, but I think he’s in that Steph Curry/Kevin Love mold; his positives on offence outweigh the negatives on defence. This is especially true if the Sixers were to take Embiid or Noel became the defensive force some though pre-draft, so that side could be covered.

[shangrilaParticipant]

Hood sucks. I wouldn’t touch him with a 20 foot pole. He doesn’t defend at all and can’t create offence for himself against NBA calibre opponents. He can shoot, I’ll give him that, but I don’t think that alone outweighs his negatives.

Warren is tough to judge since he’s such a unique prospect. There aren’t many players in recent years that rely so heavily on 2pt shots, and that’s typically what takes a hit when you move on to the pros. That said he looks like such a smart player on that end that it’s hard to root against him, so I could see him having a role on a team. I just think he’s more of an instant offence kind of guy rather than a star.

McDermott I wouldn’t touch either. He’s going to be an absolutely horrible defender regardless of which forward position he plays and while he shoots really well, I think his shortish arms and lack of athleticism will kill the rest of his offence.

So that leaves Stauskas, who is my personal favourite. I think he’s arguably one of the most polished offensive players in the draft. He can shoot ridiculously well but has also added a nice dribble-drive game while showing an increased effectiveness working out of the PnR. If you want to put this in Sixers context, I think he’d make a great partner to MCW, able to space the floor for him while also taking off some of the ball handling pressure. However he does have significant issues defensively and would be lucky to be average there, but I think he’s in that Steph Curry/Kevin Love mold; his positives on offence outweigh the negatives on defence. This is especially true if the Sixers were to take Embiid or Noel became the defensive force some though pre-draft, so that side could be covered.

[vulture711Participant]

I honestly believe he will be much better than people are projecting.  He was dissed for being in a small conference, then went to a large conference and still excelled.  Short arms, not that quick yadayada

The D league is full of athletic guys with long arms who simply can’t play.  I’d take Doug because he knows how to ball at a high IQ level and he’ll have a 10 + year NBA career.  No risk at all with him in the 11 range 

[vulture711Participant]

I honestly believe he will be much better than people are projecting.  He was dissed for being in a small conference, then went to a large conference and still excelled.  Short arms, not that quick yadayada

The D league is full of athletic guys with long arms who simply can’t play.  I’d take Doug because he knows how to ball at a high IQ level and he’ll have a 10 + year NBA career.  No risk at all with him in the 11 range 

[bimirudParticipant]

McDermott and Stauskas are complete offensive players with top-notch shooting ability, smarts and work ethic.

Problem is, neither of them seems to fit the type of player that NBA teams like to feature in their offensive sets.

Obviously, either of these guys could be 18-20 PPG scorers, but that’s assuming that teams want to run plays for them.

The earlier poster mentioned the preponderance of long-armed-athletes – I see far too many of those in the NBA when what I really want to see are BASKETBALL PLAYERS.

That’s why I don’t watch as much NBA ‘ball as I used to.

 

  

[bimirudParticipant]

McDermott and Stauskas are complete offensive players with top-notch shooting ability, smarts and work ethic.

Problem is, neither of them seems to fit the type of player that NBA teams like to feature in their offensive sets.

Obviously, either of these guys could be 18-20 PPG scorers, but that’s assuming that teams want to run plays for them.

The earlier poster mentioned the preponderance of long-armed-athletes – I see far too many of those in the NBA when what I really want to see are BASKETBALL PLAYERS.

That’s why I don’t watch as much NBA ‘ball as I used to.

 

  

[shangrilaParticipant]

I just think it’s too much for him to overcome. Randle has short arms too and that likely hurts his ability to finish, but he has athleticism and strength Doug doesn’t. I look at his offensive game and struggle to see the majority of it translating. He spent most of his career as a mismatch PF. His scoring in transition probably will, as will his ability to cut and obviously his shooting, but he won’t be able to create off the dribble against NBA defenders, nor will he be able to post up many of them.

There’s also the point about him defensively. Who, if anyone, can he guard? He’s too short for the PF spot, which long arms would have helped, and he’s far too slow for SF. He looks like a significant negative on that end and I’m not sure if his shooting can overcome it.

I mean, I could see him playing in the league. Teams can always find a use for great shooters and as a backup I could see him having some success. But is that what you want from a lottery or possible top 10 pick? And even then there’s a definite risk that his athleticism brings him down.
 

[shangrilaParticipant]

I just think it’s too much for him to overcome. Randle has short arms too and that likely hurts his ability to finish, but he has athleticism and strength Doug doesn’t. I look at his offensive game and struggle to see the majority of it translating. He spent most of his career as a mismatch PF. His scoring in transition probably will, as will his ability to cut and obviously his shooting, but he won’t be able to create off the dribble against NBA defenders, nor will he be able to post up many of them.

There’s also the point about him defensively. Who, if anyone, can he guard? He’s too short for the PF spot, which long arms would have helped, and he’s far too slow for SF. He looks like a significant negative on that end and I’m not sure if his shooting can overcome it.

I mean, I could see him playing in the league. Teams can always find a use for great shooters and as a backup I could see him having some success. But is that what you want from a lottery or possible top 10 pick? And even then there’s a definite risk that his athleticism brings him down.
 

[vulture711Participant]

 Who does Korver guard ?  Or Ryan Anderson ? Sure it’ll be a problem when matched against KD or LeBron – but those guys are a nightmare for every team.  I’d rather have a 3 who can score, even if his D is soft than a 3 who supposedly can D, but can’t put the ball in the hoop

[vulture711Participant]

 Who does Korver guard ?  Or Ryan Anderson ? Sure it’ll be a problem when matched against KD or LeBron – but those guys are a nightmare for every team.  I’d rather have a 3 who can score, even if his D is soft than a 3 who supposedly can D, but can’t put the ball in the hoop

[TrollingParticipant]

 How is it that Hood sucks, but Stauskas is apperently much better?  Stauskas doesn’t get tunnel vision when driving (ala Hood) and can create better for his teammates at the collegiate level.  I don’t see Stauskas being much of a creator for others at the next level.  Do you honestly believe he will?  

Hood appears to be nearly equal or better at everything else.  Even if you disagree with that statement, how can you justifiably say Hood sucks?  

Hood appears at worst to be a willing defender who can knock down the three or mid-range jumper (sucks?).

[TrollingParticipant]

 How is it that Hood sucks, but Stauskas is apperently much better?  Stauskas doesn’t get tunnel vision when driving (ala Hood) and can create better for his teammates at the collegiate level.  I don’t see Stauskas being much of a creator for others at the next level.  Do you honestly believe he will?  

Hood appears to be nearly equal or better at everything else.  Even if you disagree with that statement, how can you justifiably say Hood sucks?  

Hood appears at worst to be a willing defender who can knock down the three or mid-range jumper (sucks?).

[shangrilaParticipant]

Hood is not "equal or better at everything else". He’s a worse creator (as evidenced by his lower FTAs), he’s a worse passer, he’s significantly worse efficiency-wise and his defensive stats paint his as identical to Stauskas (who we all admit is likely going to be bad). He’s a better rebounder and that’s about it, which isn’t much to gloat at considering that for a F he’s still bad in that area. Practically everything else he is worse at than Stauskas and often significantly so.

As far as being a willing defender, I think we must have watched different players. I rarely, if ever, saw him get into a proper stance, staying upright and just lazily throwing his arms out. He gets beaten constantly on this end because of it and to top it off, he lacks any sort of toughness on either end of the floor, actually. He’s practically useless on that side of the ball.

And offensively his lack of toughness forces him to settle for tough floaters and jumpers rather than finishing at the rim, like a good scorer would (like Stauskas, for example). As I said above he doesn’t get to the FT line anywhere near enough and that’s not because he played a smallar role; both he and Stauskas share similar usage %s. And Stauskas will translate offensively because he can beat you in numerous ways. If you close out he has the ball handling skills to attack off the dribble. He’ll never be Wade, but he’ll be good enough to take advantage of what the defence gives him. And if they play off him, well, he’s an amazing shooter. All a team in the pros will have to do against Hood is played a similarly sized opponent (half of his good offence came from taking advantage of smaller players) and tell them to play him tight. Without his shooting he’s useless on that end and no matter what he’s likely going to be a useless defender as well.

Honestly, what is there to like about him? I just don’t see it and apparently the scouts are leaning that way too. DX has him at 25 right now, for example.

[shangrilaParticipant]

Hood is not "equal or better at everything else". He’s a worse creator (as evidenced by his lower FTAs), he’s a worse passer, he’s significantly worse efficiency-wise and his defensive stats paint his as identical to Stauskas (who we all admit is likely going to be bad). He’s a better rebounder and that’s about it, which isn’t much to gloat at considering that for a F he’s still bad in that area. Practically everything else he is worse at than Stauskas and often significantly so.

As far as being a willing defender, I think we must have watched different players. I rarely, if ever, saw him get into a proper stance, staying upright and just lazily throwing his arms out. He gets beaten constantly on this end because of it and to top it off, he lacks any sort of toughness on either end of the floor, actually. He’s practically useless on that side of the ball.

And offensively his lack of toughness forces him to settle for tough floaters and jumpers rather than finishing at the rim, like a good scorer would (like Stauskas, for example). As I said above he doesn’t get to the FT line anywhere near enough and that’s not because he played a smallar role; both he and Stauskas share similar usage %s. And Stauskas will translate offensively because he can beat you in numerous ways. If you close out he has the ball handling skills to attack off the dribble. He’ll never be Wade, but he’ll be good enough to take advantage of what the defence gives him. And if they play off him, well, he’s an amazing shooter. All a team in the pros will have to do against Hood is played a similarly sized opponent (half of his good offence came from taking advantage of smaller players) and tell them to play him tight. Without his shooting he’s useless on that end and no matter what he’s likely going to be a useless defender as well.

Honestly, what is there to like about him? I just don’t see it and apparently the scouts are leaning that way too. DX has him at 25 right now, for example.

[Author]

Posts