The Rage Monster wrote:The excitement is real! Now the pressure is on, assuming we keep the pick we need to get it right since we have our choice of everyone available. We need to take the best player regardless of position or the media's idea of who should be #1.
Right now I'm thinking that Okafor is the guy. I'm not a big fan of comparisons because 2 players never really turn out the same but the Duncan comparison seems accurate, at least offensively. Defensively the comparison breaks down, they're similar in size and athleticism but Duncan seems to play a little longer and has good timing on rotations when protecting the rim.
It would be worthwhile to compare their freshman years in college. Duncan averaged almost 4 blocks a game his freshman year and his college career. Okafor averaged 1.4 at Duke. That's a pretty big difference. Just sayin
I agree, that's why I said the comparison breaks down. In my opinion the only thing that separates the 2 players is timing on the rotations, it's not like trying to compare Okafor to a typical rim protector like Howard. The big if is if Okafor can learn when to rotate and get a feel for the timing of when to go up. I'm sure if KG is back year to mentor the young guys Okafor's defense will improve to Duncan levels.
Ugh, the last thing we should do is trade the one guy who seems to hold this squad together when he plays, especially now that we can surround him with potentially multiple scorers. We've got guys like Wiggins, Shabazz, Martin, LaVine and probably Okafor. These guys need to be fed and brought along. That ain't happening with some greenhorn PG or mediocre vet. Rubio may arguably be the perfect fit for this cast of characters.
(not to mention he's the one guy that plays defense, along with Wiggins).
Q...I agree....but his lack of scoring and poor shooting is more of a liability then his potential to get others to score in my opinion. Add his health issues, and Im tired of having a guy who doesnt stay on the court, and can barely knock down a 15 foot old man Sam Cassel jumper.
slimcalhoun27 wrote:Q...I agree....but his lack of scoring and poor shooting is more of a liability then his potential to get others to score in my opinion. Add his health issues, and Im tired of having a guy who doesnt stay on the court, and can barely knock down a 15 foot old man Sam Cassel jumper.
The injuries are a concern, no doubt, but just go look back at his On/Off numbers over the past couple of seasons. It's startling to see the type of difference he makes when on the court. Are we competitive when he's on the court? The answer is YES. Are we competitive when he is on the bench? The answer is a resounding NO. He's a massive difference maker, regardless of his flaws.
Both him and Pek have now injured themselves way to much. I am not sure if its there game play, or style...or just fragile, but wins are wins....and if we can't get a majority of games worth of production from either each year....I would rather move on from both somehow. On court, I absolutely agree....he is dynamic and brings a different attitude to the squad. But that has been way too far and few lately.
I am with Q -- Rubio is a difference maker. He causes havoc on defense, he gets the ball to guys in position to score, he is a leader and competitive as hell. We have a lot of young, exciting talent. I am happy to have Rubio orchestrate the show.
But just as Flip did with Mo Williams, he needs to make sure he has a qualilty backup PG. I think LaVine has improved enough to serve as the 3rd PG if needed, but we need a backup PG. I still love the Calderon idea!
kekgeek1 wrote:Would a Bud for Calderon trade be interesting for the Knicks?
Possibly, but if I was Flip I'd try to move Bennett first. The Bud we saw late in the season is a thousand times more valuable than Bennett, especially if we draft Okafor like it's thought to play out.
Towns is close to a no brainer. He's the consensus best player among scouts and he's the best fit for the team. I'll puke if we take Russell, he could be Evan Turner 2.0.
