Post by ukfanjohn on May 2, 2012 16:48:51 GMT -5
The 2044 Draft had a lot of intriguing players. The consensus top 2 players before the draft were Bill Walton and George Gervin, with a bevy of solid looking players behind them. With their rookie season completed, let's look at how the draft may play out if it was redrafted today.
1. Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Jones SF 23 6'9'' 210 B C+ C A- C+ A (+7)
Rookie Stats: Bobby Jones SF 80 38.4 17.4 8.0 1.5 2.5 3.4 0.7 .497 .931 .143
Bobby was lauded as a perfect 5th starter before the draft, getting a nice combination of blocks/steals and an ok offensive game that may need work. Jones surely did not disappoint with the stats defense, averaging an amazing 5.9 Steals+Blocks per game. He also has an amazing stroke from the free throw line, and is quite efficient from inside the three point line. I don't think there is a team in the league that wouldn't love Bobby Jones on their roster.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Bill Walton C 23 6'11'' 210 B C- B A- A- B (-1)
Rookie Stats: Bill Walton C 80 29.5 13.5 10.4 3.3 0.8 2.2 1.5 .419 .662 .00
Bill was seen by many as the top prospect in the draft due to the demand for big men. While he may never be an amazing scorer, Bill showed the ability to rebound well enough as well as block shots to warrant him going 2nd this time. I still think young bigs, especially those that can do everything relatively well, are in high demand. If it wasn't for Bobby Jones doing what he did Bill would still be #1 in the re-draft in my eyes.
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Marvin Barnes PF 23 6'8'' 210 B+ C D+ B+ B+ A (No Change)
Rookie Stats: Marvin Barnes PF 82 33.3 13.0 9.6 1.5 0.7 3.2 1.8 .410 .753 .222
Barnes might have been valued higher due to the lack of big men, and I would have selected Barnes over Gervin if they were both available, due to the abundance of wings. Barnes was known to have shot blocking ability before the draft and he was able to display that ability averaging over 3 as a rookie, which is quite impressive. It remains to be seen if he can be a consistent scoring threat, but at the worst you're probably looking at a 12/10/3-4 big, which is very good. You could make a real case that Gervin should go ahead of Barnes, and maybe even Walton in the re-draft, Gervin had a pretty impressive rookie campaign and averaged near a 2 steals+blocks per game, he may be a star in a couple of seasons.
4. Denver Nuggets: George Gervin SF 23 6'7'' 180 B+ A- C B+ C A (-2)
Rookie Stats: George Gervin SF 79 33.3 20.3 5.2 2.3 1.1 0.9 1.9 .433 .782 .410
You could make convincingly easy case that Gervin should go ahead of Barnes, and maybe even Walton in the re-draft, Gervin had a pretty impressive rookie campaign and averaged near a 2 steals+blocks per game, he may be a star in a couple of seasons. He displayed the ability to carry the load as a number one option, and should only improve his volume with more Training Camps. If he can get C+/B- rebounding, he could be deadly and quickly develop into a top 15 player. The more I think about the more I think about putting him #2 behind Bobby.
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Money PG 20 6'0'' 170 B- B A- B C- A (+6)
Rookie Stats: Eric Money PG 75 19.3 9.9 2.2 4.1 0.8 0.1 1.8 .477 .821 .468
I initially didn't like this pick at #11, I thought there were still pretty good forwards that should have went before Eric in Mickey, Campy, and JVBK. However, after an amazing training camp and solid rookie numbers Money makes the top five in the re-draft. In a string of drafts that mainly had backup PGs (before Gus and Sobers), if you can get a good one it means immense value in a thin PG market. Money looks to be a good one.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Truck Robinson C 24 6'7'' 225 B+ C- D B+ B+ A (+4)
Rookie Stats: Truck Robinson C 82 29.8 16.4 10.1 1.4 0.6 0.6 1.6 .455 .702 .00
The Cavaliers initially picked Len Elmore, and really there are more than a handful of guys that would have been better than that pick. Elmore had his draft stock soar due to blocking, which led to the Cavaliers reaching for him early in the lotto. Truck has a few troubling flaws, but a +5 TC and 70% from the FT line are encouraging. His success going forward is contingent upon his handling improving to the point that it isn't a liability to have him as a top option with his immense strength and inside ability. I think with his flaws, #6 is the perfect position for Truck.
7. Orlando Magic: Phil Smith SG 23 6'4'' 185 B B B B+ C A (No Change)
Rookie Stats: Phil Smith SG 82 27.6 11.7 4.9 3.1 0.9 0.2 1.1 .435 .840 .345
In the process of doing this re-draft, I was wondering where these SGs, mainly Smith and Wilkes would wind up. Smith goes before Wilkes due to his rebounding his rebounding edge. Smith may or may not ever be a star, if he gets AC attention as well as another +2 TC, he could be deadly. He really has no flaws, he can rebound well enough for a SG, can score both inside and out. I worry that Smith may only be a jack of all trades, master of none type, or may fall into the Dr. J trap of having sick ratings but not living up to them, time will tell.
8. Miami Heat: Campy Russell SF 23 6'8'' 215 B+ B+ D+ A- C+ B (+6)
Rookie Stats: Campy Russell SF 79 29.7 14.7 6.0 1.6 0.8 0.0 0.9 .457 .833 .35
Fuck this guy. Campy had a very good TC and now looks like a very reliable scorer for years to come. His D+ handling doesn't mean shit, because he takes care of the ball nicely, he doesn't really seem to have any handling issue. His solid rebounding numbers also add to his game, the only qualm is that he isn't much of a stats defender. Another TC like his first and Campy could be a first option type player. Fuck.
9. Utah Jazz: Brian Winters SG 23 6'4'' 185 B- A B- B- D+ A (+7)
Rookie Stats: Brian Winters SG 44 11.0 2.8 1.2 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.5 .355 .824 .265
Billy Knight was the pick here, and in the re-draft I think the Jazz would take another SG here, but Brian Winters this time. Winters has solid ratings, but with a small number of minutes it is hard to gauge his stats. He looks decent enough at scoring the ball from mid-range, and it's likely that he has a 3-point stroke, but he just couldn't find it in his rookie year. The 35% from the field is troubling, but once again a bigger sample size would give a truer depiction of his abilites. He looks good though, definitely looks like the best SG left.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: John Drew SF 21 6'6'' 205 B+ B D+ C+ C+ A (-6)
Rookie Stats: John Drew SF 82 35.1 16.3 7.7 1.5 1.2 0.1 1.7 .423 .798 .391
Drew falls due to his lackluster training camp. He recovered with a nice rookie season, but I really don't think Drew is anything special. My view of him may also be tainted by the fact that he was traded in a massive rape deal. Drew looks like he will need some work, although I like the fact he can steal the ball decently, although his turnovers kinda negate that positive. Overall, meh. Could be a solid player, don't see a star though and I prefer Winters over him.
11. Miami Heat: Tom McMillen SF 23 6'11'' 215 A- C C- B- B- B (+7)
Rookie Stats: Tom McMillen SF 82 28.3 13.7 7.8 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.8 .455 .870 .000
McMillen took the move to SF very well, and looks like a possible fixture in some team's starting lineup. I love his game. He is a great FT shooter who doesn't turn the ball over and can also rebound quite well. Solid, solid player. Might take some work but he could end up doing what Steve Mix did for the Mavs this past season. Good find by the Celtics at #18, look forward to seeing how he does.
12. New Orleans Hornets (Bulls Forefit): Jamaal Wilkes SG 22 6'6'' 190 B B C B C- A (-6)
Rookie Stats: Jamaal Wilkes SG 82 29.0 13.2 3.0 2.9 1.0 0.1 0.9 .481 .842 .386
Meh. Wilkes had an unimpressive first training camp, but I don't think he's done for quite yet. The upcoming TC is important, as if he cant get a B+ scoring category back he may not be nothing more than one of the dime-a-dozen SGs you can sign in FA. He had a solid rookie season despite a mediocre training camp, and I feel that he will recover just fine. I just think Smith and Winters are better at this point.
13. Charlotte Bobcats: Len Elmore C 23 6'9'' 220 C+ C- D- A- B- B (-7)
Rookie Stats: Len Elmore C 78 29.6 8.3 7.8 1.3 0.8 2.2 0.9 .389 .690 .00
This was a hard choice. There were a lot of options here: JVBK, Billy Knight, Mickey Johnson, and Len Elmore. I went with Elmore due to his shot blocking ability. Mickey would have been #2, but I hate the fact that his rookie season was so very unimpressive. I do think Mickey still has potential, and it seems clear that Elmore does not. A liability on the defensive end and not an elite stat stuffer on the defensive end Elmore is just solid, nothing special. I do however think you take a big who can block shots over more impressive players at other positions. Maybe JVBK could go here, he looks solid or maybe Mickey will have a nice sophomore TC, more or less this has to do with the unknown of the other prospects and the fact that Elmore can at least block shots.
Original Lotto:
1 Milwaukee Bucks - Bill Walton C 22 6'11'' 210 B C- B+ B B+ A
2 Philadelphia 76ers - George Gervin SG 22 6'7'' 180 B+ B C- B C A
3 Charlotte Bobcats - Marvin Barnes PF 22 6'8'' 210 B C D+ B B A
4 Denver Nuggets - John Drew SF 20 6'6'' 205 B+ B- C- C+ C+ A
5 Los Angeles Clippers -Jamaal Wilkes SF 6'6'' 190 21 B+ B C C+ D+ A
6 Cleveland Cavaliers - Len Elmore C 6'9'' 220 22 C+ C- D A- B- B
7 Orlando Magic - Phil Smith SG 6'4'' 185 22 B C+ B B+ C A
8 Miami Heat - Bobby Jones SF 6'9'' 210 22 B C C A- C B
9 Utah Jazz - Billy Knight SG 6'6'' 195 22 B B C- C+ C- A
10 Charlotte Bobcats - Truck Robinson PF 6'7'' 225 23 B D+ D- C+ B- A
11 Miami Heat-Eric Money PG 6'0'' 170 19 B- C+ B- C+ C- B
12 Chicago Bulls - FORFEIT DUE TO HC PENALTY
13 New Orleans Hornets - Mickey Johnson PF 6'10'' 190 22 B C C- B C+ A
14 Charlotte Bobcats - Jan Van Breda Kolff SF 6'7'' 195 22 C+ B C A C B
1. Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Jones SF 23 6'9'' 210 B C+ C A- C+ A (+7)
Rookie Stats: Bobby Jones SF 80 38.4 17.4 8.0 1.5 2.5 3.4 0.7 .497 .931 .143
Bobby was lauded as a perfect 5th starter before the draft, getting a nice combination of blocks/steals and an ok offensive game that may need work. Jones surely did not disappoint with the stats defense, averaging an amazing 5.9 Steals+Blocks per game. He also has an amazing stroke from the free throw line, and is quite efficient from inside the three point line. I don't think there is a team in the league that wouldn't love Bobby Jones on their roster.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Bill Walton C 23 6'11'' 210 B C- B A- A- B (-1)
Rookie Stats: Bill Walton C 80 29.5 13.5 10.4 3.3 0.8 2.2 1.5 .419 .662 .00
Bill was seen by many as the top prospect in the draft due to the demand for big men. While he may never be an amazing scorer, Bill showed the ability to rebound well enough as well as block shots to warrant him going 2nd this time. I still think young bigs, especially those that can do everything relatively well, are in high demand. If it wasn't for Bobby Jones doing what he did Bill would still be #1 in the re-draft in my eyes.
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Marvin Barnes PF 23 6'8'' 210 B+ C D+ B+ B+ A (No Change)
Rookie Stats: Marvin Barnes PF 82 33.3 13.0 9.6 1.5 0.7 3.2 1.8 .410 .753 .222
Barnes might have been valued higher due to the lack of big men, and I would have selected Barnes over Gervin if they were both available, due to the abundance of wings. Barnes was known to have shot blocking ability before the draft and he was able to display that ability averaging over 3 as a rookie, which is quite impressive. It remains to be seen if he can be a consistent scoring threat, but at the worst you're probably looking at a 12/10/3-4 big, which is very good. You could make a real case that Gervin should go ahead of Barnes, and maybe even Walton in the re-draft, Gervin had a pretty impressive rookie campaign and averaged near a 2 steals+blocks per game, he may be a star in a couple of seasons.
4. Denver Nuggets: George Gervin SF 23 6'7'' 180 B+ A- C B+ C A (-2)
Rookie Stats: George Gervin SF 79 33.3 20.3 5.2 2.3 1.1 0.9 1.9 .433 .782 .410
You could make convincingly easy case that Gervin should go ahead of Barnes, and maybe even Walton in the re-draft, Gervin had a pretty impressive rookie campaign and averaged near a 2 steals+blocks per game, he may be a star in a couple of seasons. He displayed the ability to carry the load as a number one option, and should only improve his volume with more Training Camps. If he can get C+/B- rebounding, he could be deadly and quickly develop into a top 15 player. The more I think about the more I think about putting him #2 behind Bobby.
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Money PG 20 6'0'' 170 B- B A- B C- A (+6)
Rookie Stats: Eric Money PG 75 19.3 9.9 2.2 4.1 0.8 0.1 1.8 .477 .821 .468
I initially didn't like this pick at #11, I thought there were still pretty good forwards that should have went before Eric in Mickey, Campy, and JVBK. However, after an amazing training camp and solid rookie numbers Money makes the top five in the re-draft. In a string of drafts that mainly had backup PGs (before Gus and Sobers), if you can get a good one it means immense value in a thin PG market. Money looks to be a good one.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Truck Robinson C 24 6'7'' 225 B+ C- D B+ B+ A (+4)
Rookie Stats: Truck Robinson C 82 29.8 16.4 10.1 1.4 0.6 0.6 1.6 .455 .702 .00
The Cavaliers initially picked Len Elmore, and really there are more than a handful of guys that would have been better than that pick. Elmore had his draft stock soar due to blocking, which led to the Cavaliers reaching for him early in the lotto. Truck has a few troubling flaws, but a +5 TC and 70% from the FT line are encouraging. His success going forward is contingent upon his handling improving to the point that it isn't a liability to have him as a top option with his immense strength and inside ability. I think with his flaws, #6 is the perfect position for Truck.
7. Orlando Magic: Phil Smith SG 23 6'4'' 185 B B B B+ C A (No Change)
Rookie Stats: Phil Smith SG 82 27.6 11.7 4.9 3.1 0.9 0.2 1.1 .435 .840 .345
In the process of doing this re-draft, I was wondering where these SGs, mainly Smith and Wilkes would wind up. Smith goes before Wilkes due to his rebounding his rebounding edge. Smith may or may not ever be a star, if he gets AC attention as well as another +2 TC, he could be deadly. He really has no flaws, he can rebound well enough for a SG, can score both inside and out. I worry that Smith may only be a jack of all trades, master of none type, or may fall into the Dr. J trap of having sick ratings but not living up to them, time will tell.
8. Miami Heat: Campy Russell SF 23 6'8'' 215 B+ B+ D+ A- C+ B (+6)
Rookie Stats: Campy Russell SF 79 29.7 14.7 6.0 1.6 0.8 0.0 0.9 .457 .833 .35
Fuck this guy. Campy had a very good TC and now looks like a very reliable scorer for years to come. His D+ handling doesn't mean shit, because he takes care of the ball nicely, he doesn't really seem to have any handling issue. His solid rebounding numbers also add to his game, the only qualm is that he isn't much of a stats defender. Another TC like his first and Campy could be a first option type player. Fuck.
9. Utah Jazz: Brian Winters SG 23 6'4'' 185 B- A B- B- D+ A (+7)
Rookie Stats: Brian Winters SG 44 11.0 2.8 1.2 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.5 .355 .824 .265
Billy Knight was the pick here, and in the re-draft I think the Jazz would take another SG here, but Brian Winters this time. Winters has solid ratings, but with a small number of minutes it is hard to gauge his stats. He looks decent enough at scoring the ball from mid-range, and it's likely that he has a 3-point stroke, but he just couldn't find it in his rookie year. The 35% from the field is troubling, but once again a bigger sample size would give a truer depiction of his abilites. He looks good though, definitely looks like the best SG left.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: John Drew SF 21 6'6'' 205 B+ B D+ C+ C+ A (-6)
Rookie Stats: John Drew SF 82 35.1 16.3 7.7 1.5 1.2 0.1 1.7 .423 .798 .391
Drew falls due to his lackluster training camp. He recovered with a nice rookie season, but I really don't think Drew is anything special. My view of him may also be tainted by the fact that he was traded in a massive rape deal. Drew looks like he will need some work, although I like the fact he can steal the ball decently, although his turnovers kinda negate that positive. Overall, meh. Could be a solid player, don't see a star though and I prefer Winters over him.
11. Miami Heat: Tom McMillen SF 23 6'11'' 215 A- C C- B- B- B (+7)
Rookie Stats: Tom McMillen SF 82 28.3 13.7 7.8 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.8 .455 .870 .000
McMillen took the move to SF very well, and looks like a possible fixture in some team's starting lineup. I love his game. He is a great FT shooter who doesn't turn the ball over and can also rebound quite well. Solid, solid player. Might take some work but he could end up doing what Steve Mix did for the Mavs this past season. Good find by the Celtics at #18, look forward to seeing how he does.
12. New Orleans Hornets (Bulls Forefit): Jamaal Wilkes SG 22 6'6'' 190 B B C B C- A (-6)
Rookie Stats: Jamaal Wilkes SG 82 29.0 13.2 3.0 2.9 1.0 0.1 0.9 .481 .842 .386
Meh. Wilkes had an unimpressive first training camp, but I don't think he's done for quite yet. The upcoming TC is important, as if he cant get a B+ scoring category back he may not be nothing more than one of the dime-a-dozen SGs you can sign in FA. He had a solid rookie season despite a mediocre training camp, and I feel that he will recover just fine. I just think Smith and Winters are better at this point.
13. Charlotte Bobcats: Len Elmore C 23 6'9'' 220 C+ C- D- A- B- B (-7)
Rookie Stats: Len Elmore C 78 29.6 8.3 7.8 1.3 0.8 2.2 0.9 .389 .690 .00
This was a hard choice. There were a lot of options here: JVBK, Billy Knight, Mickey Johnson, and Len Elmore. I went with Elmore due to his shot blocking ability. Mickey would have been #2, but I hate the fact that his rookie season was so very unimpressive. I do think Mickey still has potential, and it seems clear that Elmore does not. A liability on the defensive end and not an elite stat stuffer on the defensive end Elmore is just solid, nothing special. I do however think you take a big who can block shots over more impressive players at other positions. Maybe JVBK could go here, he looks solid or maybe Mickey will have a nice sophomore TC, more or less this has to do with the unknown of the other prospects and the fact that Elmore can at least block shots.
Original Lotto:
1 Milwaukee Bucks - Bill Walton C 22 6'11'' 210 B C- B+ B B+ A
2 Philadelphia 76ers - George Gervin SG 22 6'7'' 180 B+ B C- B C A
3 Charlotte Bobcats - Marvin Barnes PF 22 6'8'' 210 B C D+ B B A
4 Denver Nuggets - John Drew SF 20 6'6'' 205 B+ B- C- C+ C+ A
5 Los Angeles Clippers -Jamaal Wilkes SF 6'6'' 190 21 B+ B C C+ D+ A
6 Cleveland Cavaliers - Len Elmore C 6'9'' 220 22 C+ C- D A- B- B
7 Orlando Magic - Phil Smith SG 6'4'' 185 22 B C+ B B+ C A
8 Miami Heat - Bobby Jones SF 6'9'' 210 22 B C C A- C B
9 Utah Jazz - Billy Knight SG 6'6'' 195 22 B B C- C+ C- A
10 Charlotte Bobcats - Truck Robinson PF 6'7'' 225 23 B D+ D- C+ B- A
11 Miami Heat-Eric Money PG 6'0'' 170 19 B- C+ B- C+ C- B
12 Chicago Bulls - FORFEIT DUE TO HC PENALTY
13 New Orleans Hornets - Mickey Johnson PF 6'10'' 190 22 B C C- B C+ A
14 Charlotte Bobcats - Jan Van Breda Kolff SF 6'7'' 195 22 C+ B C A C B