Draft prospects - Who do we want?

[Coolbreeze44]

If we do get Okafor, Flip has to find some way to keep the driving lanes open. We don't need a guy who is going to clog the low post and restrict our athletes from getting to the basket, and thus the free throw line. Towns might be a better fit for us.

[Lipoli390]

I agree, Cool. If it's a matter of fit, then Towns seems to be the best choice among those currently touted as top 5 prospects. He may also be the best talent, although I'd still be inclined to put Mudiay and Russell ahead of him at the moment. But given Dieng's regression, Pek's limitations and Payne's unknowns, I'd say we have a greater need at the two big positions than we do at the guard positions. I'd still prefer taking the best player available, so I'm not sure yet what I'd do in this year's draft if given a choice between Okafor, Towns, Russell and Mudiay.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

If we do get Okafor, Flip has to find some way to keep the driving lanes open. We don't need a guy who is going to clog the low post and restrict our athletes from getting to the basket, and thus the free throw line. Towns might be a better fit for us.

Not only that issue, but I'm so over watching us without a true shot blocking presence. We haven't had one since Darko, and he sucked. Jahlil's not that guy either, evident by his putrid shot blocking %. Towns, on the other hand, is one of the most prolific shot blockers in college basketball this year, and is on pace to finish second in Kentucky history for shots blocked behind Anthony Davis. That's while playing much lesser minutes.

Everything about Towns fits this team much better than Okafor does. His defense, his passing, his mobility (running the floor), his shooting potential, his positional versatility. It all fits better with the pieces we already have.

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

Shaq was a back to the basket paint clover and he didn't block things up for Penny, Kobe, or Wade. Not saying that Okafor is Shaq. Just saying they are both back to the basket scorers only. You won't see The Dream fadeaway or a Ewing baseline jumper out of Okafor.

I think Okafor can fit. I think Towns can fit. I think Russell can fit. I like Russell best, I may be the only one though. If we pick Okafor we have to get a PF who is a great defender and rebounder to pair with him. Towns will take some time. Russell doesn't solve our big man need. We will have issues anyway you slice it, but we will have such a bright future with Wiggins and the one of the top 3 guys.

[bleedspeed]

I think Russell and Mudiay can have the biggest impact on the game just because of skills and position. We just can't afford to swing and miss with this pick.

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

I think Russell and Mudiay can have the biggest impact on the game just because of skills and position. We just can't afford to swing and miss with this pick.

Agreed. A defensive big would go a long ways in the win department however.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

I think we need the player that most resembles Anthony Davis. Is that Karl Anthony Towns?

[Papalrep]

I think Okafor is more at Al Jefferson's level than he is a Tim Duncan's. If Mudaiy came her is he the two guard or does he supplant Ricky? I could see Russell coming in and being plugged in at the two. Mudaiy is more like what we already have with Lavine. Raw, high ceiling.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

4:00 PM ET on CBS: Arkansas (Bobby Portis) vs Kentucky (Karl-Anthony Towns)

It's like Christmas morning for me. Two of my favorite prospects going head to head. It's also a huge game. UK is still undefeated and atop the rankings. ARK is second in the SEC and could use a big win like this to up their seed for the tourney. Their pressure defense is fantastic. Look to see UK's backcourt make mistakes and turn the ball over. Should be a good game overall.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

If we do get Okafor, Flip has to find some way to keep the driving lanes open. We don't need a guy who is going to clog the low post and restrict our athletes from getting to the basket, and thus the free throw line. Towns might be a better fit for us.

Because Pek is known for his midrange game keeping the paint open. Our guys have been doing fine with Pek so there should be no reason it couldn't work with Okafor.

I also find it funny that we keep saying we need shot blockers at the rim and then people bitch out Dieng and Payne for leaving their feet going for blocks. You can't stay grounded and get blocks in the NBA. You either keep position and challenge shots or commit to the block because that is the only way to actually get the block. Okafor is more likely to be a hold his ground and challenge shots guy like Pek and Towns is more likely to be a leave his feet guy going for blocks guy. The question then becomes whether or not we can play 3 guys going for blocks or if the more grounded guy is also needed to seal off defenders for rebounds.