Jesus is back folks, after a long-lasting stand on the ledge of a tall building and a coma-inducing plethora of pain killers following the Celtics title game loss, and he's feeling stronger than ever...or at least stronger than the night of game 7.
Enough of the 3rd person stuff, I'm here to talk about the upcoming NBA draft (tonight!). Unlike that pussy Chad Ford and some of the other idiots you see on TV I won't be trying to channel my inner Mel Kiper Jr and predict the draft outcome, because outside of the first 2-3 picks I'm sure it'd be all wrong anyway, especially with the mostly inevitable draftnight trades that will likely occur. Instead, I'll give you the Jesus Big Board of 2010 NBA draft prospects and try to profile some guys you may not be so familiar with.
Let's start with the obvious. We all know that John Wall is going #1 to Washington. It may not be the greatest fit in the world for either party, but you don't pass on a talent like John Wall. While a small part of me is still not convinced that he will be an all-NBA player, I had similar doubts about Derrick Rose coming out of college...and he's not too shabby.
At #2 I think you can probably move from the pencil to ink with the 76ers taking Evan Turner. The scoring machine from THE Ohio State University has done no damage to his rep this summer and seems to be a favorite of new Sixers coach Doug Collins. Rumor has it that he was not enamored with Derrick Favors on or off the court, whom many thought might be their selection. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Favors probably isn't a member of MENSA. I like Turner here.
Here's the rest of the Big Board I've broken it up into Top 5, Lottery talent, 5 late first rounders to keep your eye on, Second rounders to watch out for and of course, The Euros. For good measure, I added a "+ 1" to each set for just a little extra something. If you want more insight you'll have to sign up to be a Jesus Insider. ($24.95/mo) Hahahaha
TOP 5
DeMarcus Cousins C/PF (Kentucky)
NBA scouts love big guys, and there's lots to love here. At 6'11", 292 Cousins is a big boy and plenty athletic with a nice skill set that most bigs don't have. He could play the 5 or 4, though some NBA 4s will be a bit to quick. Anyone who watched Kentucky this year knows that he's prone to some baby-like hissy fits and poor attitude for stretches of time, though he always showed up at big moments and seemed to shine when the lights got brightest. Don't be shocked if this guy is part of a trade as many teams are rumored to be interested in moving up, including my beloved Celts.
Derrick Favors PF (Georgia Tech)
A freakish athlete with long limbs and great leaping ability, his work ethic and attitude are already being questioned. Another spoiled talent? I'm not sure, but MIN GM tore into him after a workout saying that he was out of shape and "not ready for the league". Yikes. No one likes to hear that leading up to the draft. Perhaps he'll be a steal if that opinion gains momentum. One thing is for sure the Wolves will be hoping that someone either trades up or that PHI or NJ takes one of the two guys already profiled. They've got their big nucleus in Jefferson and Love and would much rather have Johnson or Turner. Not likely, Minnesota. So keep wishing.
Wesley Johnson G/F (Syracuse)
A favorite of Jesus (me, not the Lord - although I'm not sure), this guy knows how to fill it. A scoring guru, here's what is being said...
Long, athletic swingman, Explosive leaper, Aggressive scorer, Deep range on jumper
Terrific rebounder, Versatile, can play and guard multiple positions, Needs to add strength.
If I wasn't mistaken I would think they meant Kevin Durant coming out of Texas. Remember all the hullabaloo about how he couldn't lift his own weight in the gym? Well, I'd say he's done alright for such a weak guy. I like Johnson. And I expect whoever nabs him to have one of the best players out of this class. NJ could have a nice little squad if they nab him and have Devin Harris, Brook Lopez and can sign either Amar'e or Booz in free agency.
+ 1
Ed Davis C (North Carolina)
We've seen this play out before, haven't we? Player from UNC that has scouts drooling, but doesn't really leap out of the tv set at the casual fan watching a game. A few years ago it was Marvin Williams who went from UNC bench to the lottery. Davis performed better at UNC, but the Heels were terrible this year so he might have been a bit unnoticed - but not too scouts. They love his "high motor" and his length at both ends. He has excellent size, rebounds well and has what most would call untapped raw upside to boot. Don't be shocked to see him as the subject of a trade or two. This is the kind of player that gives scouts a big boner but might make a fan scratch his head a bit.
LOTTERY
Ekpe Udoh, PF (Baylor)
Played some C at Baylor, will probably be limited to the 4 most times in the Association, unless he adds some real bulk. A great shot-blocking presence he helped Baylor almost make a miracle run this past March. He could be the defensive presence that some teams are looking for in the paint. He has worked on his offensive game, but is more in the Dalembert/Ratliff mode, perhaps with more offensive potential.
Greg Monroe, PF (Georgetown)
Scouts rave about this guys basketball IQ, a term I believe is a bit over-used, but we'll see. Monroe possesses a nice blend of face-up and back-to-the-basket post moves that most bigs (even NBA ones) don't have. Of the big guys mentioned, his game might be the most polished, though I'm not sure that there's a ton of room for growth either. He's big and long and can score from anywhere on the court (except the 3...for now). Some have questioned his toughness, and I'm sure G'town's exit at the hands of 14 seed Ohio University didn't help that reputation. Some have him as the #2 PF in this draft.
Gordon Hayward, F (Butler)
The leader of Butler's championship game run is mostly a lock for the lottery, and unlike previously hyped white-boy Tyler Hansbrough this kid's game is legit. He is great on both ends, and brings with him a shooting range that begins when he steps on the court. The one thing holding him down will be his lack of explosive athleticism. However, some well crafted plays to get him into good scoring positions could have some team really enjoying the benefits of this guy's game.
Luke Babbitt F, (Nevada)
Similar in style (and ethnicity) to previously mentioned, Hayward, Babbitt is a sharp-shooting forward out of Nevada who boasts a plethora of moves and like Hayward is a great scorer. Defense will limit his playing time in the pros. Think Kyle Korver with perhaps some more versatility, and a little more rebounding. Scouts love him though.
Patrick Patterson, PF (Kentucky)
He took a pretty big hit in production last season at Kentucky with Wall and Cousins being on the roster, but that's not to say that he isn't a great talent. He's got NBA athleticism and warrants a hand in his face from 15 feet and in. His post game isn't anything to write home about, but in the late lottery you're not always gonna find a starting big man. Patterson should be a nice role player on a decent squad until his game develops, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Cole Aldrich, C (Kansas)
I think this guy might be a little better than people give him credit for. He kind of gets that dumb, slow, unathletic honky reputation because he resembles Bryant Reeves. And while the shoe fits to some degree, it doesn't tell the whole story. What he lacks in physical attributes he makes up for in skill and smarts. He is a terrific post passer and plays well on both ends. He has also developed some good range on his jumper which he'll need in order to draw some defenders out on him at the next level. His game is more Kevin Love than Bryant Reeves, but some people can't see past it. It'll have to be a team that runs quite a lot of half-court sets though, for him to be effective. He's essentially a Bengie Molina of basketball. AKA Slow as molasses!
Xavier Henry, G (Kansas)
Scouts love this guy's game...for the record Jesus isn't as sold as "they" are. (Remember that, so in 2 years when he sucks ass and is rotting on the pine you can say..."oh yea, Jesus thought he might suck.") However, I'm willing to give in a little and admit that he does possess some eyepopping skills. He's got an "NBA body" for a guard and is a reliable deep threat. On top of that he can finish at the rim.
His flaws are that he falls in love with the jumper and hasn't shown much ability to create his own shot off the bounce. Although, at Kansas he always had Sherron Collins dribbling around to create the offense, so what opportunity did he have?
I like his game, but I think this could end up being one of the guys that gets the "shoulda stayed one more year" label.
Damion James, F (Texas)
Speaking of NBA bodies, this guy just looks like a ball player. Certain players at the college level just have that NBA look about them. I'm not sure how to define it, but James is one of those players. He is strong, plays physical and shoots a decent jumper. His one major issue will be that he is a bit undersized at the NBA PF position, and might not be versatile enough for the 3, especially on the defensive end. However, I still think he can come in and give a decent team some very decent minutes. James could be that player that really takes off at the next level where physical play is often more rewarded.
+1
Eric Bledsoe, PG (Kentucky)
I don't think that he'll be a two at the next level, except for maybe some occasional possessions, but he could become a very nice score-first kind of point guard. Rumor has it that he was one of the best players on the court at times during the pre-draft combine. His talents at Kentucky were always 2nd banana to John Wall, but Bledose is no slouch himself. Don't be surprised to see some team trade into the late lottery if they like him enough.
Late 1st Rounders
James Anderson, SG (Okla. State)
One of the elite scorers in NCAA last season for the Cowboys, Anderson will take that ability to the next level, and provide some instant offense for a lucky team. As a slashing type scorer he reminds me of Cuttino Mobley a bit, thought Anderson is right handed. The slashing helps him find the free throw line with frequency, a skill that many players don't have coming into the league, but as any great NBA scorer can attest, it is essential. His game is well-rounded and polished from a scoring sense, though he brings little else. He'll need to work on his defense or he'll be relegated to garbage time.
Larry Sanders, PF (Virginia Commonwealth)
Sanders is a defensive stalwart who needs polish on the offensive side. He's a solid rebounder and shows off great athleticism, as well as an improving jumper. He may never be a starter, but if he lands at the right spot he could develop slowly and become a formidable presence on both ends. He's raw, but he's got upside. Scouts and GM's love that shit. Head coaches...not so much.
Al-Farouq Aminu, SF (Wake Forest)
Imagine you're a conservative right-wing Christian in rural-ass Colorado and you read in the paper on Friday morning that your beloved Nuggets just drafted a guy named Al-Farouq Aminu! hahaha Truth be told he is an exceptional athlete with a mid-range J, and not a member of a terrorist group. Conservative fans should be more worried about thugs with tattoos on their throats like J.R. Smith. Aminu's list of attributes is nearly endless, yet I'm not sold on him as the top 10 talent some teams are seeing. His weaknesses are as glaring as his strengths. He's inconsistent, incapable of creating his own shot and has no game inside of about 10 feet if he's not in transition. Those things add up to a lot of question marks about the next level. No doubt someone will take a shot, and it could be very early. But I'd be happier if he slipped to my team with a later pick, at which point it is more worth the risk. Bad teams select early. Bad teams don't need "maybes" or "upside", they need contributors.
Paul George, SF (Fresno State)
Some see George going in the lottery, though that will be determined by trades and who is where. There's no doubting the talent though. He's got that NBA body, but the game isn't too bad either. He's a smooth wing player with a versatile scoring attack and good range. There are questions about his motor (when did we start using NFL terms to evaluate NBA players?) and he is very much largely unknown by the general public, which can sometimes work against a prospect. Whoever ends up with George could be a very fortunate franchise. Don't be surprised to hear his name early, but don't be surprised to see it drop like a rock either.
Solomon Alabi, C (Florida State)
To be honest, I'd never heard of this fucker until they started talking about the upcoming draft. Apparently, Chad Ford and the Celtics have a big boner for this guy. His numbers don't jump off the page at you...12 and 6 last season. He's got all the things a scout loves though - great shot blocker, huge wing span, athleticism and great energy. Chad Ford actually describes him as "a charismatic kid." Whatever that is worth, I don't know. At 7'1" and 237 he's a bit lean for the Association. He'll need to bulk up, and his O is still pretty weak apparently. Good luck with that. I'm not sure where this clown will end up, but at least when you see his name on THU night you can say you read about him here.
+ 1
Devin Ebanks, SF (West Virginia)
If he can add some long-range consistency to his repertoire Ebanks will be a very good NBA player. I always liked his game a lot while at West Virginia. A smart, slashing type scorer with great athleticism and a long rangy body, Ebanks should transition fairly smoothly to the NBA game. He's a good rebounder and proved to be a great defender at college, though in the league he'll play significantly less zone. A poor man's Wesley Johnson, there is still room for growth with Ebanks. He's be a nice grab for anyone at the end of the first round, and even better value if he slips to the second.
Second Rounders
Avery Bradley, PG/SG (Texas)
If you like offensive minded point guards then Bradley is your guy. He is an explosive scorer who can shift between the 1 and 2, though against bigger 2's he'd have problems on the defensive end at 6'3". He is lightning quick and gets to the rim consistently, where he can finish...and with authority. His FT percentage last season was horrific for a guard, something he'll have to fix. He is also considered one of the better defensive guards in the draft. He could be a player who rises in value as the night goes on, depending on how things shape up, but I think he's a better fit for a team in the early 2nd round.
Quincy Pondexter, SF (Washington)
If we're measuring actual basketball fundamentals, Pondexter gets a low score. Shooting and dribbling are not his game. He's more Darius Miles than Caron Butler, but he is one of the best "athletes" in the draft and some team is going to take a chance. From a physical standpoint he is the total package. If only he could dribble and shoot from the perimeter. But, he can't so that makes him a second rounder. Pondexter is very scrappy and always playing full bore. His failures won't be for lack of effort, which makes fans and owners very happy. Quincy will provide some much needed spark off the bench for a veteran squad.
Dominique Jones, SG (South Florida)
Like James Anderson, Jones was one of NCAA's elite scorers last season. His handles are questionable and he is probably a little reminiscent of Tony Allen, though perhaps not that explosive and a better shooter. He can slide to the point if needed, as Allen does in Boston, and is adept at getting to the basket. He is a hard-nosed guard with a great first step that should allow him to get lots of scoring opportunities at the next level. His midrange game needs work though if he wants to avoid falling in love with the long jumper and keep defenses on their toes. This is another perfect example of a guy who could contribute right away on a solid squad.
Lance Stephenson, SG (Cincinnati)
The Brooklyn native left school after only one year with the Bearcats, but Scouts have been drooling over him the last couple weeks. Some have him going as high as mid-first round, though that is probably just posturing to make other GM's nervous. He boasts a great mid-range game that few college players have, and is a big physical guard who finishes strong at the rack. He lacks a consistent J from deep, but that could come with time, rounding out his offensive game. There are also whispers about a bad attitude and selfish play, though that could just stem from the fact that he played at UC where the offense was slow and boring and he didn't quite fit in. Uptempo NBA style should be a little more to his liking.
Stanley Robinson, SF (UConn)
Some fear that Robinson might be too much of a power forward type player trapped in a smaller body. He is an exceptional leaper who can throw down some nasty jams in transition. He's a good defender, though, which should help alleviate some of that tweener status. He's working on his 3 point shot. If that develops he'll fit more naturally into that 3 spot at the NBA level. Inconsistency was his middle name at UConn, and he'll need to address that to have much success going forward. He's a nice project for a team who can stand to wait a bit.
+ 1
Greivis Vasquez, SG (Maryland)
I am a huge fan of this guy. He has a flair for the dramatic, and a knack for BIG plays. He rubs some people the wrong way, but his fun-loving nature should play well in the NBA, and if he works out could be just the ticket David Stern has been looking for to market his game to the Latino community. Vasquez is an excellent playmaker with great passing ability and a non-stop motor. He hustles his ass off and you expect him to come up with the loose balls. That being said, he needs a lot of consistency on his jumper to be a success at the next level, unless he can somehow figure out how to get to the basket a little easier.
Either way this guy is fun to watch, and I think some fan base is really going to enjoy his style on the court.
EUROS
Noticed anything yet? This draft is pretty void of big-time European talent. I think that is due in part to two major factors. One, for every Pau Gasol there are a few Darko Milicic's and teams are starting to be a little more weary of what talent they're bringing over here. Two, basketball has grown exponentially in popularity in Europe (one can only hope that someday soon soccer will be obsolete) and in turn the payrolls of European league teams have gone up dramatically. There's not a lot of incentive for a star player in Europe to come over and be a fringe player when he can make the same money at home. So unless it is Dirk or Pau they ain't coming. Anyway, here's a look at some of the stinky guys. Let's hope there's no more poop faces!
Kevin Seraphin, F France
Most see this guy as a late first rounder. He is long and athletic at 6'10", and apparently is an excellent leaper and good shot blocker. He runs the floor well, and finishes strong at the basket (doubtful). He's from France so he probably eats baguettes and smells like cheese. Most think he's pretty talented so he'll probably get a shot. This is a quote from Chad Ford..."no offensive game outside of 5 feet."
Wow! That should work out great.
Miroslav Raduljica, C Serbia
Huge guy, athletic and apparently a nice skill set in the post. I haven't seen him play but that sounds like a young Arvydas Sabonis! Like many Euros, the knock is that he can be a bit passive. Hopefully, a forearm to the chops from Shaq or the likes will wake his ass up a bit.
Ryan Richards, PF England
The guy looks like a baller but the things I read don't impress.
Basically all he has going for him is that whole NBA body thing. It even says he lacks basketball IQ, but at least he speaks English so maybe the learning curve will be a bit faster. Anyway, nothing to write home about.
Alexy Shved, PG/SG Russia
Europe? Asia? Eurasia? I don't know. Real Russia seems to be more in Europe, so we'll slide him in here. What the hell?
A talented guard at both positions, great passer with excellent court vision, deep range. Christ! Sounds like the Rusky version of Pistol Pete! I'm sure he's not that good, and in fact he could very well be drafted and stashed in Europe, the way the Spurs always seem to do it.
No one else worth mentioning, so no plus one.
Enjoy the draft, and good luck to all your teams! (Unless you're a Lakers fan...in which case I'll take a quote from DP - "Die.")
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