Official 2014 NBA draft thread

[thedoper]

Even if Aaron Gordon fell in our lap, that's a big win. By the way, he's a small forward in the NBA in my eyes. Very good laterally and disciplined in terms of defense. On that end, I believe he's going to be above average. On offense, he's a good driver and terrific athlete. Good handle too. I keep seeing PF next to him on draft sites, but in the NBA, there's no reason why he can't be a physically dominating SF. Too good of a driver to not be able to succeed against normal sized SFs. Very capable passer too. Can play within a system. Can grab a rebound and go the length of the floor; big advantage. Needs to work on the jumper, though. Form looks fine, honestly, it's just not falling.

I also just like him as a kid. Seems to have a relentless work ethic. Has a great understanding of team concepts and WINNING. Also only 18 years old. Potential is very high.

I don't see him making it to 13, but if he does, we'd have to think about drafting him. I wouldn't groom him to be a PF, though. Looks like a small forward through and through.

I mentioned Gordon earlier in the thread. I think he would be perfect in so many roles on this team. I think he will be a great defender, and an excellent match to Ricky. He is all over the board on mock drafts, I suspect he will end up a few spaces higher than our pick, but if he dropped we should snag him no questions asked. He would be like Dante but with real hustle and athleticism. Him dieng and bazz with a competent back up PG would a fun 2nd unit.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Okay, so I've seen some talk about Stauskas over the last few days criticising him for his ability to get to the rim and finish. I also don't think he's getting enough credit for his passing ability. In my eyes, he's got the full package on offense. I can understand the questions about him on defense, though I think he'll be good enough there for it not to be an issue. It's the questions about his offense that have me a bit baffled.

Here's a short compilation of Stauskas plays that can show you what he's all about. The guy who did the breakdown did a pretty good job. No one has the time to show every play, but I've watched the majority of Michigan's basketball games this year just to see this guy play. The video is what I see on a game to game basis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjCE4TXhgEU

[thedoper]

Okay, so I've seen some talk about Stauskas over the last few days criticising him for his ability to get to the rim and finish. I also don't think he's getting enough credit for his passing ability. In my eyes, he's got the full package on offense. I can understand the questions about him on defense, though I think he'll be good enough there for it not to be an issue. It's the questions about his offense that have me a bit baffled.

Here's a short compilation of Stauskas plays that can show you what he's all about. The guy who did the breakdown did a pretty good job. No one has the time to show every play, but I've watched the majority of Michigan's basketball games this year just to see this guy play. The video is what I see on a game to game basis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjCE4TXhgEU

I think it is fair to look at his lateral quickness and wonder if he will be able to get his great shot off against long athletic defenders. I don't think it is coincidence that his down games were against more athletic teams. I think there is a reason many mocks have him in the late teens. I think he could end up exceeding those expectations as you point out but I also think he could just be a role player in the nba who comes in and knocks down threes. Either way I think he will be a long term, every day NBA player which is something you can't say about some of the players on our roster.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Some more of Nik's niceness off the dribble. These from last year. He's stronger and improved this season, though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4kSyLsZcD4

[mjs34]

Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

He added about 16 pounds of muscle and six inches on his vert last off-season. Only 20 years old. Him and Ricky should become workout buddies.

As for the K-Mart comparison, I don't 100% remember Martin when he was younger, but I doubt he was as good of a passer as Stauskas. Stauskas also seems to have the "alpha dog" mentality that Martin doesn't have.

I see Curry/Hayward in Stauskas.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

He added about 16 pounds of muscle and six inches on his vert last off-season. Only 20 years old. Him and Ricky should become workout buddies.

As for the K-Mart comparison, I don't 100% remember Martin when he was younger, but I doubt he was as good of a passer as Stauskas. Stauskas also seems to have the "alpha dog" mentality that Martin doesn't have.

I see Curry/Hayward in Stauskas.

The thing that Stauskas has that sets him clearly apart from Martin is his edgy attitude. Martin is a nice guy, but soft, and fades away when the game is on the line. Stauskas is cocky and maybe even a little bit arrogant. He's the kind of guy that gets in the heads of opponents, and that helps him on defense. He just thinks he's better than his opponent. I think we could use some of that attitude on this club .

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

He added about 16 pounds of muscle and six inches on his vert last off-season. Only 20 years old. Him and Ricky should become workout buddies.

As for the K-Mart comparison, I don't 100% remember Martin when he was younger, but I doubt he was as good of a passer as Stauskas. Stauskas also seems to have the "alpha dog" mentality that Martin doesn't have.

I see Curry/Hayward in Stauskas.

The thing that Stauskas has that sets him clearly apart from Martin is his edgy attitude. Martin is a nice guy, but soft, and fades away when the game is on the line. Stauskas is cocky and maybe even a little bit arrogant. He's the kind of guy that gets in the heads of opponents, and that helps him on defense. He just thinks he's better than his opponent. I think we could use some of that attitude on this club .

Exactly what I'm saying. I'm glad someone else sees it. Stuaskas has that "you can't guard me" attitude whenever he has the ball. It's what differs the Kevin Martins from the James Hardens. I will continue to believe that if we have a shot at Nik, Flip will take him, and if he doesn't take him, it will be a HUGE mistake.

[thedoper]

Harris out edged him in the big ten tourney. I see Harris as the superior prospect. Time will tell though.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Harris out edged him in the big ten tourney. I see Harris as the superior prospect. Time will tell though.

They went against each other three times this year.

- 1/25
NK: 19 pts (7-12 FG, 5-6 3P), 4 ast, 1 TO. Michigan won.
GH: 27 pts (9-16 FG, 4-6 3P), 5 reb, 1 TO. MSU lost.

- 2/23
NK: 25 pts (9-13 FG, 3-5 3P), 5 ast, 2 TOs. Michigan won.
GH: 21 pts (7-17 FG, 4-13 3P), 4 ast, 3 TOs. MSU lost.

- 3/16
NK: 17 pts (4-14 FG, 3-5 3P), 3 TOs. Michigan lost.
GH: 15 pts (7-13 FG, 1-5 3P). MSU won.

Been really fun to watch, but I think Nik's 2-1 against Gary. I actually really like both of these guys, to be honest. They're my top two SGs in the draft and two guys I would be thrilled to have. I actually think Harris gets drafted higher due to the whole package and having more athletic ability, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Stauskas is the superior NBA player. Happy with either.