This topic contains 14 replies, has 7 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar machu46 10 years, 10 months ago.

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  • #49528
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    ppp38
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  • #786356
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    DaGuywhodidurma
    Participant

    The NBA draft combine is over.

    We looked at which players helped themselves here and here, and broke down the measurements and athletic testing results.

    So, the question is … did any of that change prospects’ draft stocks?

    After talking to scouts and GMs from nearly every NBA team, here’s our latest ranking of the top 30 prospects for the 2013 draft.

    Also, be sure to check out our updated Top 100 and our updated Mock Draft 3.0.

    1Nerlens NoelSCHOOL: KentuckyCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 7-0, 206POS: C
    10.5 PPG9.5 RPG4.4 BPG
    Noel didn’t play or do anything in the way of testing at the combine, but his measurements posed a conundrum. Noel weighed in at just 206 pounds, historically light for a big man. He also went through medical testing to mixed results. Although some teams appeared completely unconcerned about the results, a small handful said that their doctors believe Noel might need to miss the entire season to fully recover from his torn ACL. We still have Noel slated to go No. 1 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Granted, he’s not a lock to be the top pick, but from everything I can gather, he’s the front-runner.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 1 | PLAYER CARD

    2Victor OladipoSCHOOL: IndianaClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-4, 213POS: SG
    13.6 PPG6.3 RPG2.1 APG
    Although Oladipo didn’t do anything surprising at the combine, his athletic testing (he measured with an off-the-charts 42-inch vertical) and his interviews appear to have given him momentum. A number of GMs told me Oladipo was their favorite player in the draft. That doesn’t mean they’ll draft him No. 1, but, as one GM said, “I know he’s the one guy in this draft that my head coach would love to have right now. He’s an impressive young man on and off the court.” GMs were impressed by Oladipo’s mixture of candor and intensity in the interviews. Although there still are legitimate questions about his upside offensively, and it’s unlikely the Cavs will select him at No. 1, Oladipo now looks like a lock to go in the top 5, with Orlando, Charlotte and Phoenix his most likely landing spots.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 6 | PLAYER CARD

    3Otto Porter Jr.SCHOOL: G’townCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-9, 198POS: SF
    16.2 PPG7.5 RPG2.7 APG
    If the Cavs get scared off by Noel, don’t be surprised if they select Porter with the No. 1 pick. The Cavs are among a handful of teams near the top of the draft that are enamored with Porter’s all-around game. His high basketball IQ, versatility and high character make him one of the “safest” picks in the draft. If the Cavs pass, the Wizards, at No. 3, are a very strong possibility for Porter.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 3 | PLAYER CARD

    4Ben McLemoreSCHOOL: KansasCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-5, 189POS: SG
    15.8 PPG5.3 RPG2.0 APG
    McLemore has as much talent and upside as anyone in the draft. His picture-perfect jump shot and extraordinary athletic ability make him one of the few players on the board with the potential to be an All-Star. But concerns arose among NBA teams during his interviews. Although everyone attests to McLemore’s humility and thinks he’s a great young man, his lack of aggressiveness shined through even in the interviews. “The key question is: Do you love to win, or do you hate to lose?” one GM said. “The good ones love to win. The great ones hate to lose. McLemore’s a love-to-win type of prospect. Oladipo’s a hate-to-lose type.”

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 2 | PLAYER CARD

    5Anthony BennettSCHOOL: UNLVCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-8, 240POS: PF
    16.1 PPG8.1 RPG1.0 APG
    Bennett wasn’t able to play at the combine, nor did he interview. The shoulder surgery doesn’t appear to bother teams much; it’s more about the fit. He has an NBA-ready game and should be a terrific scorer at the next level, but his lack of ideal size makes him a little more difficult to plug in. The Wizards, Bobcats, Suns and Pistons are all taking a serious look.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 5 | PLAYER CARD

    6Trey BurkeSCHOOL: MichiganCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-1, 187POS: PG
    18.6 PPG3.2 RPG6.7 APG
    Perhaps the shine Burke received from Michigan’s deep tournament run is starting to wear off. Burke’s athletic testing results highlighted what many NBA scouts have feared, that he lacks the lateral quickness usually associated with elite NBA point guards. The Magic and Pelicans are both really interested, but if both go in a different direction, he could slide out of the top 10.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 4 | PLAYER CARD

    7Michael Carter-WilliamsSCHOOL: SyracuseCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-6, 184POS: PG
    11.9 PPG4.9 APG39.3 FG%
    Unlike Burke, Carter-Williams appears to be regaining some of his luster of late. His athletic testing and measurements at the combine were both impressive. And if he shoots as well in future workouts as he did in a private workout on Friday (watch the video), he could provide a compelling case for teams that value size and athleticism at the position. I could see him going as high as No. 2 overall to the Magic, and the Pelicans, Pistons and Mavs are also showing significant interest.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 9 | PLAYER CARD

    8C.J. McCollumSCHOOL: LehighCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 6-3, 197POS: SG
    23.9 PPG2.9 APG52 3PT%
    Teams can take a deep breath: McCollum’s foot is OK. His performance in the athletic testing portion of the combine paired with a strong workout in New York on Friday should put any concerns to rest. He obviously will continue to get more explosive as time goes on, but what’s there is already good. The same can be said about his shooting, as he looks effortless moving out to the NBA 3-point line. The Suns, Wolves, Blazers and Thunder look like his best bets in the lottery.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 7 | PLAYER CARD

    9Alex LenSCHOOL: MarylandCLASS: So.HT/WT: 7-1, 225POS: C
    11.9 PPG7.8 RPG1.0 BPG
    Len was on crutches during his visit to the combine. He measured well with a nearly 7-foot-4 wingspan and was impressive in interviews by virtually all accounts. If he could work out, I think he’d have a shot at going No. 1. However, from what I’m told, he’s still in the mix with the Cavs for that top spot anyway. It’s hard to imagine him falling out of the top 10.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 8 | PLAYER CARD

    10Cody ZellerSCHOOL: IndianaCLASS: So.HT/WT: 7-0, 230POS: C
    16.5 PPG8.1 RPG56.2 FG%
    Zeller helped himself tremendously with his athletic testing numbers at the combine. He tested as the most athletic big man in the draft and was in the top five of all participants at the combine. Now he just needs to complete the deal by proving to scouts that he has the perimeter skills to make the transition to the 4 position. If he shoots the ball well, he’ll move up another few spots on our board.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 12 | PLAYER CARD

    11Dario SaricCOUNTRY: CroatiaAge: 19HT/WT: 6-10, 223POS: SF
    7.7 PPG6.2 RPG2.1 APG
    Saric continues to play very well in the Croatian playoffs. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to come to the U.S. to do individual workouts for teams. He has national team obligations as soon as the season ends. That has forced several teams to make the pilgrimage to Croatia to check him out. The Pelicans, Blazers and Mavs appear to be the three teams most likely to grab him in the lottery.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 10 | PLAYER CARD

    12Steven AdamsSCHOOL: PittsburghCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 7-0, 255POS: C
    7.0 PPG6.2 RPG56 FG%
    No prospect has helped himself more the past few weeks than Adams. He tested well in the drills and in the measurements. His interviews, according to multiple scouts, were also off the charts. Suddenly, Adams has moved from a risky young pick to a potential high-reward upside pick. Although no one thinks he’s quite ready for the NBA, many are making the argument that he could end up being as good as Noel and Len in a few seasons.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 23 | PLAYER CARD

    13Kentavious Caldwell-PopeSCHOOL: GeorgiaClass: So.HT/WT: 6-6, 204POS: SG
    18.5 PPG7.1 RPG1.8 APG
    Caldwell-Pope didn’t particularly shoot it well in workouts, but the more I speak with GMs and scouts, the more likely it seems that he’s going somewhere in the mid-to-late lottery. Not only are teams attracted to his shooting ability and size but many feel as if he has a great grasp for the game and could be special someday. I could see him going to a team such as the Pistons, Wolves, Blazers or Sixers.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 13 | PLAYER CARD

    14Shabazz MuhammadSCHOOL: UCLACLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-6, 222POS: SF
    17.8 PPG5.3 RPG38 3PT%
    Muhammad did not have a bad combine, as some have suggested. He showed up and competed, which is something very few of the other top prospects bothered to do. His jump shot wasn’t falling, and teams were mixed on his interviews. Part of the issue is just finding the right team. The Pistons are a good fit, and the same is true for the Wolves and Mavs. I doubt he’d slide past the Jazz at 14.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 11 | PLAYER CARD

    15Mason PlumleeSCHOOL: DukeCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 7-0, 238POS: C
    17.2 PPG10.2 RPG 2 BPG
    Plumlee showed off terrific athletic skills and measured a little taller than expected at the combine. Skipping the workouts might have hurt him a little bit, but the measurements and testing reaffirmed that Plumlee has the size and athletic ability to play in the league for a long, long time.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 14 | PLAYER CARD

    16Kelly OlynykSCHOOL: GonzagaClass: Jr.HT/WT: 7-0, 234POS: C
    17.5 PPG7.2 RPG65 FG%
    Olynyk looked like one of the two most skilled big men in the draft during the drills portion of the combine, but he struggled in the athletic testing and measurements portions. Athletically, Olynyk tested as one of the worst athletes in the draft. And when it comes to his size, his T-Rex wingspan seemed problematic. Olynyk is a tough guy to peg. Teams either think he’s a fit or he’s not.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 16 | PLAYER CARD

    17Jamaal FranklinSCHOOL: San Diego St.Class: Jr.HT/WT: 6-5, 191POS: SG
    16.7 PPG9.5 RPG3.2 APG
    Franklin was in a walking boot at the combine, but his measurements and interviews were strong. He should be ready to practice again soon, and I’m scheduled to go take a look at him in Las Vegas this weekend.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 19 | PLAYER CARD

    18Shane LarkinSCHOOL: MiamiClass: So.HT/WT: 5-11, 171POS: PG
    14.5 PPG3.8 RPG4.6 APG
    Larkin’s poor measurements (5-foot-11 with a 5-11 wingspan) were offset considerably by terrific athletic numbers that ranked him as one of the best athletes the combine has ever seen. He also played well in drills and might have put himself in a position to go somewhere between 14 and 23.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 20 | PLAYER CARD

    19Dennis SchroederCOUNTRY: GermanyAGE: 19HT/WT: 6-2, 165POS: PG
    11.9 PPG3.3 APG40 3PT%
    Schroeder didn’t participate in drills because of a reported toothache. Although sources say he has a promise by a team to take him in the first round, it’s unclear exactly where that is. He could go as high as the Mavs at No. 13, and I doubt he’ll get past the Jazz at 21.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 21 | PLAYER CARD

    20Tony MitchellSCHOOL: North TexasClass: So.HT/WT: 6-8, 220POS: SF
    18.7 PPG6.0 RPG2.6 APG
    After a disappointing sophomore season, Mitchell made some serious progress at the combine, showing off better than expected measurements alongside some terrific athleticism. More importantly, he had candid interviews with teams that suddenly made GMs much more comfortable in taking him. Was he just in the wrong situation at North Texas? If teams believe that, he’s going to go a lot higher based on his talent.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    21Rudy GobertCOUNTRY: FranceAGE: 20HT/WT: 7-2, 238POS: PF
    8.1 PPG5.2 RPG1.5 BPG
    Gobert measured with the longest standing reach — 9-foot-7 — of anyone in the history of the camp. However, poor athletic results tempered that somewhat. Although scouts love his ability to alter shots at the rim, there are major questions about how ready he is for the NBA.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 17 | PLAYER CARD

    22Glen Rice Jr.NBA D-LeagueAGE: 22HT/WT: 6-6, 211POS: SG
    13.0 PPG6.2 RPG39 3PT%
    Rice came into the combine facing pretty high expectations, and the general consensus was that he struggled to meet them in Chicago. His shot wasn’t falling, and he didn’t really stand out in any of the drills or interviews. He’s still a likely mid-to-late first-round pick.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 18 | PLAYER CARD

    23Allen CrabbeSCHOOL: CalClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-6, 197POS: SG
    18.7 PPG6.0 RPG2.6 APG
    Crabbe’s terrific shooting at the combine, along with good measurements and above-average athletic testing put him in a competitive position to move up draft boards. With several teams, including the Thunder, Jazz and Bucks, looking for shooters, he could slide up into the teens.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 27 | PLAYER CARD

    24Sergey KarasevCOUNTRY: RussiaAGE: 19HT/WT: 6-7, 197POS: SG
    16.1 PPG3.0 RPG49 3PT%
    Karasev continues to draw interest from teams looking for a wing who can shoot the basketball. However, he’s getting significant competition from several others shooters, including Allen Crabbe and Reggie Bullock. With Karasev unable to do team workouts (he will participate in a group workout in Las Vegas this weekend), he might be losing some ground.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 22 | PLAYER CARD

    25Gorgui DiengSCHOOL: LouisvilleCLASS: Jr.HT/WT: 6-11, 230POS: C
    9.8 PPG9.4 RPG2.5 BPG
    An ankle injury kept Dieng out of the draft combine. His stock has been cooling of late as the excitement from Louisville’s NCAA title wears off and teams begin to wonder whether Dieng can contribute enough on the offensive end to justify a high selection. There’s expected to be a serious run on bigs in the teens, with a number of teams — including the Thunder, Mavs, Jazz, Celtics, Hawks and Bulls — looking for centers.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 15 | PLAYER CARD

    26Lucas NogueiraCOUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 20HT/WT: 6-11, 218POS: C
    5.4 PPG3.4 RPG1.1 BPG
    Nogueira is the international version of Nerlens Noel. Both are long, athletic shot-blockers who need to put on a lot of weight and continue to polish their offensive games. But for a team looking for an active defender with significant upside, he’s a great get in the late first round.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    27Reggie BullockSCHOOL: UNCClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-7, 200POS: SG
    13.9 PPG6.5 RPG44 3P%
    Bullock helped himself at the combine with terrific shooting as well as strong measurements and athletic numbers. He also was one of the better interviews in Chicago. More and more teams are looking at him in the 20s as a shooting specialist.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    28Jeff WitheySCHOOL: KansasClass: Sr.HT/WT: 7-0, 222POS: C
    13.6 PPG8.4 RPG3.8 BPG
    Withey didn’t do anything extraordinary at the combine, but few expected him to. His main attributes are his height and defense, and neither shows particularly well in the drills. Workouts will be key against Dieng, Adams, Gobert, Plumlee and Olynyk.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 24 | PLAYER CARD
    29Giannis AntetokounmpoCOUNTRY: GreeceAGE: 18HT/WT: 6-9, 215POS: SF
    9.5 PPG4.9 RPG1.3 APG
    Antetokounmpo (also seen as Adetokunbo) is still more mystery than anything else. A number of teams are intrigued, especially late in the first round as a draft-and-stash prospect. His draft range is as wide open as that of anyone in the draft. I could see him going as high as No. 16 to Boston, or further down in the first round to Oklahoma City at 29.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 28 | PLAYER CARD

    30Pierre JacksonSCHOOL: BaylorCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 5-11, 176POS: PG
    19.8 PPG3.8 RPG7.1 APG
    Jackson was the only player on this list to show up and play 5-on-5 at the Brooklyn workout. The move paid off. He stood out as the best player on the floor, and his confidence impressed the teams I spoke with there. His range right now is 21-35.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 25 | PLAYER CARD
    Next five in: Mike Muscala, F/C, Bucknell; Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan; Isaiah Canaan, Murray State; C.J. Leslie, NC State; Tony Snell, New Mexico

    0
  • #786423
    AvatarAvatar
    DaGuywhodidurma
    Participant

    The NBA draft combine is over.

    We looked at which players helped themselves here and here, and broke down the measurements and athletic testing results.

    So, the question is … did any of that change prospects’ draft stocks?

    After talking to scouts and GMs from nearly every NBA team, here’s our latest ranking of the top 30 prospects for the 2013 draft.

    Also, be sure to check out our updated Top 100 and our updated Mock Draft 3.0.

    1Nerlens NoelSCHOOL: KentuckyCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 7-0, 206POS: C
    10.5 PPG9.5 RPG4.4 BPG
    Noel didn’t play or do anything in the way of testing at the combine, but his measurements posed a conundrum. Noel weighed in at just 206 pounds, historically light for a big man. He also went through medical testing to mixed results. Although some teams appeared completely unconcerned about the results, a small handful said that their doctors believe Noel might need to miss the entire season to fully recover from his torn ACL. We still have Noel slated to go No. 1 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Granted, he’s not a lock to be the top pick, but from everything I can gather, he’s the front-runner.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 1 | PLAYER CARD

    2Victor OladipoSCHOOL: IndianaClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-4, 213POS: SG
    13.6 PPG6.3 RPG2.1 APG
    Although Oladipo didn’t do anything surprising at the combine, his athletic testing (he measured with an off-the-charts 42-inch vertical) and his interviews appear to have given him momentum. A number of GMs told me Oladipo was their favorite player in the draft. That doesn’t mean they’ll draft him No. 1, but, as one GM said, “I know he’s the one guy in this draft that my head coach would love to have right now. He’s an impressive young man on and off the court.” GMs were impressed by Oladipo’s mixture of candor and intensity in the interviews. Although there still are legitimate questions about his upside offensively, and it’s unlikely the Cavs will select him at No. 1, Oladipo now looks like a lock to go in the top 5, with Orlando, Charlotte and Phoenix his most likely landing spots.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 6 | PLAYER CARD

    3Otto Porter Jr.SCHOOL: G’townCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-9, 198POS: SF
    16.2 PPG7.5 RPG2.7 APG
    If the Cavs get scared off by Noel, don’t be surprised if they select Porter with the No. 1 pick. The Cavs are among a handful of teams near the top of the draft that are enamored with Porter’s all-around game. His high basketball IQ, versatility and high character make him one of the “safest” picks in the draft. If the Cavs pass, the Wizards, at No. 3, are a very strong possibility for Porter.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 3 | PLAYER CARD

    4Ben McLemoreSCHOOL: KansasCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-5, 189POS: SG
    15.8 PPG5.3 RPG2.0 APG
    McLemore has as much talent and upside as anyone in the draft. His picture-perfect jump shot and extraordinary athletic ability make him one of the few players on the board with the potential to be an All-Star. But concerns arose among NBA teams during his interviews. Although everyone attests to McLemore’s humility and thinks he’s a great young man, his lack of aggressiveness shined through even in the interviews. “The key question is: Do you love to win, or do you hate to lose?” one GM said. “The good ones love to win. The great ones hate to lose. McLemore’s a love-to-win type of prospect. Oladipo’s a hate-to-lose type.”

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 2 | PLAYER CARD

    5Anthony BennettSCHOOL: UNLVCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-8, 240POS: PF
    16.1 PPG8.1 RPG1.0 APG
    Bennett wasn’t able to play at the combine, nor did he interview. The shoulder surgery doesn’t appear to bother teams much; it’s more about the fit. He has an NBA-ready game and should be a terrific scorer at the next level, but his lack of ideal size makes him a little more difficult to plug in. The Wizards, Bobcats, Suns and Pistons are all taking a serious look.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 5 | PLAYER CARD

    6Trey BurkeSCHOOL: MichiganCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-1, 187POS: PG
    18.6 PPG3.2 RPG6.7 APG
    Perhaps the shine Burke received from Michigan’s deep tournament run is starting to wear off. Burke’s athletic testing results highlighted what many NBA scouts have feared, that he lacks the lateral quickness usually associated with elite NBA point guards. The Magic and Pelicans are both really interested, but if both go in a different direction, he could slide out of the top 10.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 4 | PLAYER CARD

    7Michael Carter-WilliamsSCHOOL: SyracuseCLASS: So.HT/WT: 6-6, 184POS: PG
    11.9 PPG4.9 APG39.3 FG%
    Unlike Burke, Carter-Williams appears to be regaining some of his luster of late. His athletic testing and measurements at the combine were both impressive. And if he shoots as well in future workouts as he did in a private workout on Friday (watch the video), he could provide a compelling case for teams that value size and athleticism at the position. I could see him going as high as No. 2 overall to the Magic, and the Pelicans, Pistons and Mavs are also showing significant interest.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 9 | PLAYER CARD

    8C.J. McCollumSCHOOL: LehighCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 6-3, 197POS: SG
    23.9 PPG2.9 APG52 3PT%
    Teams can take a deep breath: McCollum’s foot is OK. His performance in the athletic testing portion of the combine paired with a strong workout in New York on Friday should put any concerns to rest. He obviously will continue to get more explosive as time goes on, but what’s there is already good. The same can be said about his shooting, as he looks effortless moving out to the NBA 3-point line. The Suns, Wolves, Blazers and Thunder look like his best bets in the lottery.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 7 | PLAYER CARD

    9Alex LenSCHOOL: MarylandCLASS: So.HT/WT: 7-1, 225POS: C
    11.9 PPG7.8 RPG1.0 BPG
    Len was on crutches during his visit to the combine. He measured well with a nearly 7-foot-4 wingspan and was impressive in interviews by virtually all accounts. If he could work out, I think he’d have a shot at going No. 1. However, from what I’m told, he’s still in the mix with the Cavs for that top spot anyway. It’s hard to imagine him falling out of the top 10.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 8 | PLAYER CARD

    10Cody ZellerSCHOOL: IndianaCLASS: So.HT/WT: 7-0, 230POS: C
    16.5 PPG8.1 RPG56.2 FG%
    Zeller helped himself tremendously with his athletic testing numbers at the combine. He tested as the most athletic big man in the draft and was in the top five of all participants at the combine. Now he just needs to complete the deal by proving to scouts that he has the perimeter skills to make the transition to the 4 position. If he shoots the ball well, he’ll move up another few spots on our board.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 12 | PLAYER CARD

    11Dario SaricCOUNTRY: CroatiaAge: 19HT/WT: 6-10, 223POS: SF
    7.7 PPG6.2 RPG2.1 APG
    Saric continues to play very well in the Croatian playoffs. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to come to the U.S. to do individual workouts for teams. He has national team obligations as soon as the season ends. That has forced several teams to make the pilgrimage to Croatia to check him out. The Pelicans, Blazers and Mavs appear to be the three teams most likely to grab him in the lottery.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 10 | PLAYER CARD

    12Steven AdamsSCHOOL: PittsburghCLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 7-0, 255POS: C
    7.0 PPG6.2 RPG56 FG%
    No prospect has helped himself more the past few weeks than Adams. He tested well in the drills and in the measurements. His interviews, according to multiple scouts, were also off the charts. Suddenly, Adams has moved from a risky young pick to a potential high-reward upside pick. Although no one thinks he’s quite ready for the NBA, many are making the argument that he could end up being as good as Noel and Len in a few seasons.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 23 | PLAYER CARD

    13Kentavious Caldwell-PopeSCHOOL: GeorgiaClass: So.HT/WT: 6-6, 204POS: SG
    18.5 PPG7.1 RPG1.8 APG
    Caldwell-Pope didn’t particularly shoot it well in workouts, but the more I speak with GMs and scouts, the more likely it seems that he’s going somewhere in the mid-to-late lottery. Not only are teams attracted to his shooting ability and size but many feel as if he has a great grasp for the game and could be special someday. I could see him going to a team such as the Pistons, Wolves, Blazers or Sixers.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 13 | PLAYER CARD

    14Shabazz MuhammadSCHOOL: UCLACLASS: Fr.HT/WT: 6-6, 222POS: SF
    17.8 PPG5.3 RPG38 3PT%
    Muhammad did not have a bad combine, as some have suggested. He showed up and competed, which is something very few of the other top prospects bothered to do. His jump shot wasn’t falling, and teams were mixed on his interviews. Part of the issue is just finding the right team. The Pistons are a good fit, and the same is true for the Wolves and Mavs. I doubt he’d slide past the Jazz at 14.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 11 | PLAYER CARD

    15Mason PlumleeSCHOOL: DukeCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 7-0, 238POS: C
    17.2 PPG10.2 RPG 2 BPG
    Plumlee showed off terrific athletic skills and measured a little taller than expected at the combine. Skipping the workouts might have hurt him a little bit, but the measurements and testing reaffirmed that Plumlee has the size and athletic ability to play in the league for a long, long time.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 14 | PLAYER CARD

    16Kelly OlynykSCHOOL: GonzagaClass: Jr.HT/WT: 7-0, 234POS: C
    17.5 PPG7.2 RPG65 FG%
    Olynyk looked like one of the two most skilled big men in the draft during the drills portion of the combine, but he struggled in the athletic testing and measurements portions. Athletically, Olynyk tested as one of the worst athletes in the draft. And when it comes to his size, his T-Rex wingspan seemed problematic. Olynyk is a tough guy to peg. Teams either think he’s a fit or he’s not.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 16 | PLAYER CARD

    17Jamaal FranklinSCHOOL: San Diego St.Class: Jr.HT/WT: 6-5, 191POS: SG
    16.7 PPG9.5 RPG3.2 APG
    Franklin was in a walking boot at the combine, but his measurements and interviews were strong. He should be ready to practice again soon, and I’m scheduled to go take a look at him in Las Vegas this weekend.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 19 | PLAYER CARD

    18Shane LarkinSCHOOL: MiamiClass: So.HT/WT: 5-11, 171POS: PG
    14.5 PPG3.8 RPG4.6 APG
    Larkin’s poor measurements (5-foot-11 with a 5-11 wingspan) were offset considerably by terrific athletic numbers that ranked him as one of the best athletes the combine has ever seen. He also played well in drills and might have put himself in a position to go somewhere between 14 and 23.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 20 | PLAYER CARD

    19Dennis SchroederCOUNTRY: GermanyAGE: 19HT/WT: 6-2, 165POS: PG
    11.9 PPG3.3 APG40 3PT%
    Schroeder didn’t participate in drills because of a reported toothache. Although sources say he has a promise by a team to take him in the first round, it’s unclear exactly where that is. He could go as high as the Mavs at No. 13, and I doubt he’ll get past the Jazz at 21.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 21 | PLAYER CARD

    20Tony MitchellSCHOOL: North TexasClass: So.HT/WT: 6-8, 220POS: SF
    18.7 PPG6.0 RPG2.6 APG
    After a disappointing sophomore season, Mitchell made some serious progress at the combine, showing off better than expected measurements alongside some terrific athleticism. More importantly, he had candid interviews with teams that suddenly made GMs much more comfortable in taking him. Was he just in the wrong situation at North Texas? If teams believe that, he’s going to go a lot higher based on his talent.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    21Rudy GobertCOUNTRY: FranceAGE: 20HT/WT: 7-2, 238POS: PF
    8.1 PPG5.2 RPG1.5 BPG
    Gobert measured with the longest standing reach — 9-foot-7 — of anyone in the history of the camp. However, poor athletic results tempered that somewhat. Although scouts love his ability to alter shots at the rim, there are major questions about how ready he is for the NBA.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 17 | PLAYER CARD

    22Glen Rice Jr.NBA D-LeagueAGE: 22HT/WT: 6-6, 211POS: SG
    13.0 PPG6.2 RPG39 3PT%
    Rice came into the combine facing pretty high expectations, and the general consensus was that he struggled to meet them in Chicago. His shot wasn’t falling, and he didn’t really stand out in any of the drills or interviews. He’s still a likely mid-to-late first-round pick.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 18 | PLAYER CARD

    23Allen CrabbeSCHOOL: CalClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-6, 197POS: SG
    18.7 PPG6.0 RPG2.6 APG
    Crabbe’s terrific shooting at the combine, along with good measurements and above-average athletic testing put him in a competitive position to move up draft boards. With several teams, including the Thunder, Jazz and Bucks, looking for shooters, he could slide up into the teens.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 27 | PLAYER CARD

    24Sergey KarasevCOUNTRY: RussiaAGE: 19HT/WT: 6-7, 197POS: SG
    16.1 PPG3.0 RPG49 3PT%
    Karasev continues to draw interest from teams looking for a wing who can shoot the basketball. However, he’s getting significant competition from several others shooters, including Allen Crabbe and Reggie Bullock. With Karasev unable to do team workouts (he will participate in a group workout in Las Vegas this weekend), he might be losing some ground.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 22 | PLAYER CARD

    25Gorgui DiengSCHOOL: LouisvilleCLASS: Jr.HT/WT: 6-11, 230POS: C
    9.8 PPG9.4 RPG2.5 BPG
    An ankle injury kept Dieng out of the draft combine. His stock has been cooling of late as the excitement from Louisville’s NCAA title wears off and teams begin to wonder whether Dieng can contribute enough on the offensive end to justify a high selection. There’s expected to be a serious run on bigs in the teens, with a number of teams — including the Thunder, Mavs, Jazz, Celtics, Hawks and Bulls — looking for centers.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 15 | PLAYER CARD

    26Lucas NogueiraCOUNTRY: BrazilAGE: 20HT/WT: 6-11, 218POS: C
    5.4 PPG3.4 RPG1.1 BPG
    Nogueira is the international version of Nerlens Noel. Both are long, athletic shot-blockers who need to put on a lot of weight and continue to polish their offensive games. But for a team looking for an active defender with significant upside, he’s a great get in the late first round.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    27Reggie BullockSCHOOL: UNCClass: Jr.HT/WT: 6-7, 200POS: SG
    13.9 PPG6.5 RPG44 3P%
    Bullock helped himself at the combine with terrific shooting as well as strong measurements and athletic numbers. He also was one of the better interviews in Chicago. More and more teams are looking at him in the 20s as a shooting specialist.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: NR | PLAYER CARD

    28Jeff WitheySCHOOL: KansasClass: Sr.HT/WT: 7-0, 222POS: C
    13.6 PPG8.4 RPG3.8 BPG
    Withey didn’t do anything extraordinary at the combine, but few expected him to. His main attributes are his height and defense, and neither shows particularly well in the drills. Workouts will be key against Dieng, Adams, Gobert, Plumlee and Olynyk.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 24 | PLAYER CARD
    29Giannis AntetokounmpoCOUNTRY: GreeceAGE: 18HT/WT: 6-9, 215POS: SF
    9.5 PPG4.9 RPG1.3 APG
    Antetokounmpo (also seen as Adetokunbo) is still more mystery than anything else. A number of teams are intrigued, especially late in the first round as a draft-and-stash prospect. His draft range is as wide open as that of anyone in the draft. I could see him going as high as No. 16 to Boston, or further down in the first round to Oklahoma City at 29.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 28 | PLAYER CARD

    30Pierre JacksonSCHOOL: BaylorCLASS: Sr.HT/WT: 5-11, 176POS: PG
    19.8 PPG3.8 RPG7.1 APG
    Jackson was the only player on this list to show up and play 5-on-5 at the Brooklyn workout. The move paid off. He stood out as the best player on the floor, and his confidence impressed the teams I spoke with there. His range right now is 21-35.

    PREVIOUS RANKING: 25 | PLAYER CARD
    Next five in: Mike Muscala, F/C, Bucknell; Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan; Isaiah Canaan, Murray State; C.J. Leslie, NC State; Tony Snell, New Mexico

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  • #786439
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    I knew Oladipo was going to increase his stock at the combine. He was made for workouts and interviews.

    Noel’s injury history worries me. IF he misses the entire season, that’d be a great thing for him IMO.

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  • #786372
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    I knew Oladipo was going to increase his stock at the combine. He was made for workouts and interviews.

    Noel’s injury history worries me. IF he misses the entire season, that’d be a great thing for him IMO.

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  • #786459
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Rises
    Participant

    I don’t see whats so special about Nerlens Noel…

    He weighed in an anorexic 206 pounds, has no offensive skills, will have to play Pf or C and will be dominated physically for at least 3 years, Doctors have already red flagged his knee and I’m sure he won’t be insurable contractually…

    There is no logical reason to take Noel if you are Cleveland, Varejoe and Tristan Thompson provide defense and rebounding, I dont see him being then either of them at any point in his career. And I question how he helps Kyrie Irving at all, he may not even play this season. I thought the Cavs wanted to might a push and get into the playoffs. How does drafting a skinny shot blocker help them achieve that goal? They need a Sf that can grow with Irving, Waiters and Thompson.

    I honestly can’t stand the idea of Noel going top 5 despite all the questions regarding his health, size and lack of skills. Name me one prospect who this would have happpened for. How far would Drummond have slide if he were nursing a Torn ACL last year? I ask because he was a far better prospect than Noel and he was passed up on by several teams regardless of his elite size and athleticism. What makes Noel a can’t miss prospect that allows him to sit back and be picked Top 3 no matter what happens???

    I think he’s a giant bust in the making…

    Rant over…

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  • #786392
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Rises
    Participant

    I don’t see whats so special about Nerlens Noel…

    He weighed in an anorexic 206 pounds, has no offensive skills, will have to play Pf or C and will be dominated physically for at least 3 years, Doctors have already red flagged his knee and I’m sure he won’t be insurable contractually…

    There is no logical reason to take Noel if you are Cleveland, Varejoe and Tristan Thompson provide defense and rebounding, I dont see him being then either of them at any point in his career. And I question how he helps Kyrie Irving at all, he may not even play this season. I thought the Cavs wanted to might a push and get into the playoffs. How does drafting a skinny shot blocker help them achieve that goal? They need a Sf that can grow with Irving, Waiters and Thompson.

    I honestly can’t stand the idea of Noel going top 5 despite all the questions regarding his health, size and lack of skills. Name me one prospect who this would have happpened for. How far would Drummond have slide if he were nursing a Torn ACL last year? I ask because he was a far better prospect than Noel and he was passed up on by several teams regardless of his elite size and athleticism. What makes Noel a can’t miss prospect that allows him to sit back and be picked Top 3 no matter what happens???

    I think he’s a giant bust in the making…

    Rant over…

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    • #786460
      AvatarAvatar
      vulture711
      Participant

      There really isn’t a 1 or a 2 – there are 3-5 guys who maybe could be 1 based on need and a lot of questions. Me thinks quite a few teams in the Top 5 are nervous – I’d rather be picking 6-10 as a nervous GM. This draft is light at the top and deep through early 2nd round

      I think Chad captures that – guys who were 10-15 getting a look as Top 5, Guys who were 5 or 6 maybe 1 ? Everyone has something scouts like and something they don’t

      We’ll know in a month – I sense there will be a lot of picks trading hands this year

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    • #786528
      AvatarAvatar
      vulture711
      Participant

      There really isn’t a 1 or a 2 – there are 3-5 guys who maybe could be 1 based on need and a lot of questions. Me thinks quite a few teams in the Top 5 are nervous – I’d rather be picking 6-10 as a nervous GM. This draft is light at the top and deep through early 2nd round

      I think Chad captures that – guys who were 10-15 getting a look as Top 5, Guys who were 5 or 6 maybe 1 ? Everyone has something scouts like and something they don’t

      We’ll know in a month – I sense there will be a lot of picks trading hands this year

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    • #786473
      AvatarAvatar
      RMolloy24
      Participant

      Maybe you should just research Noel a bit more. His doctor told him to lose as much weight as possible to lessen the stress on his knee. His playing weight was in the 220-230 range like a lot of other centers coming into the league were at.

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    • #786542
      AvatarAvatar
      RMolloy24
      Participant

      Maybe you should just research Noel a bit more. His doctor told him to lose as much weight as possible to lessen the stress on his knee. His playing weight was in the 220-230 range like a lot of other centers coming into the league were at.

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    • #786535
      AvatarAvatar
      machu46
      Participant

      Noel is in the discussion for #1, but I agree that he shouldn’t be a consensus pick. Having said that, neither Varejao or Thompson play defense, and neither do Kyrie or Waiters for that matter, so they really need somebody that can come in and bring a defensive presence. Having said that, Kyrie is also the only guy in the starting lineup that can space the court with his shot, so they could use somebody like McLemore or Porter that would provide them another guy with a good jumpshot.

      In regards to Noel, I think it’s a little unfair to talk about the weight because he’s been out with an injury for awhile. He supposedly weighed somewhere in the 220-230 range when he was healthy I believe, which is a fine size for a rookie. And I also think it’s a little unfair to say he has no offensive skills. While he doesn’t really have a post-game yet, he’s shown a knack for being able to make good passes from the post and his ability to rack up offensive rebounds could be very good for a team like the Cavs that will undoubtedly miss a lot of shots lol.

      And in regards to Drummond, the thing that stopped him from going earlier was that he only showed flashes of what he could be at UConn, whereas Noel was a dominant defensive center that showed an ability to pass the ball from the post. Drummond showed that he COULD potentially do that someday, but team’s most likely questioned whether or not he would ever make it to that point.

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    • #786603
      AvatarAvatar
      machu46
      Participant

      Noel is in the discussion for #1, but I agree that he shouldn’t be a consensus pick. Having said that, neither Varejao or Thompson play defense, and neither do Kyrie or Waiters for that matter, so they really need somebody that can come in and bring a defensive presence. Having said that, Kyrie is also the only guy in the starting lineup that can space the court with his shot, so they could use somebody like McLemore or Porter that would provide them another guy with a good jumpshot.

      In regards to Noel, I think it’s a little unfair to talk about the weight because he’s been out with an injury for awhile. He supposedly weighed somewhere in the 220-230 range when he was healthy I believe, which is a fine size for a rookie. And I also think it’s a little unfair to say he has no offensive skills. While he doesn’t really have a post-game yet, he’s shown a knack for being able to make good passes from the post and his ability to rack up offensive rebounds could be very good for a team like the Cavs that will undoubtedly miss a lot of shots lol.

      And in regards to Drummond, the thing that stopped him from going earlier was that he only showed flashes of what he could be at UConn, whereas Noel was a dominant defensive center that showed an ability to pass the ball from the post. Drummond showed that he COULD potentially do that someday, but team’s most likely questioned whether or not he would ever make it to that point.

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  • #786513
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Rises
    Participant

    His body isnt built like a 230 lb player SORRY, He may have been at best 215, a 9 pound loss is easier to accept than a 24 pound loss…In fact no doctor would suggest a 6’10 Man to loss 20-30 pounds when that Man isnt overweight, in fact a respectable Doctor would suggest he gain some weight and add muscle to his Thin frame…If a doctor is suggesting a Rail Thin Man to drop as much weight as possible that doctor would be Considered a QUACK!!!

    Noel should be adding muscle mass and weight gain is neccasary for muscle gain.

    There is no excuse for a Pf/C prospect to be that Thin, none what so ever

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  • #786581
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Rises
    Participant

    His body isnt built like a 230 lb player SORRY, He may have been at best 215, a 9 pound loss is easier to accept than a 24 pound loss…In fact no doctor would suggest a 6’10 Man to loss 20-30 pounds when that Man isnt overweight, in fact a respectable Doctor would suggest he gain some weight and add muscle to his Thin frame…If a doctor is suggesting a Rail Thin Man to drop as much weight as possible that doctor would be Considered a QUACK!!!

    Noel should be adding muscle mass and weight gain is neccasary for muscle gain.

    There is no excuse for a Pf/C prospect to be that Thin, none what so ever

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