Official 2014 NBA draft thread

[bleedspeed]

George Karl quote - For two years, all I've heard is how good this draft is. And yet, I don't see LeBron James out there. I don't see Dwyane Wade out there. I think last year's draft was so poor, we are viewing this year's as an elite draft, and it's not.

I agree with Karl that there is no LeBron in this draft, but I also think it is ridiculously deep. Take a look at what Nik Stauskas is doing tonight, and he can't even see the lottery from where he is sitting in the mocks. A couple years ago was a typical draft, and we were willing to give up the 18th pick to get Bud. I can guarantee nobody would give up the 18th pick for Bud this year (or if they will, Flip better be calling them :) )

You do realize that Bud was not even selected in the first round. He went 44th.

48%-FG 39%-3P 80%-FT

Bud should have gone pro after his freshmen year and he might have been a lottery pick. Instead he went as a junior and was picked in the second round.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

The thing with Stauskas on defense is that his IQ seems to be really high. He knows what's going on around him. I think with NBA coaching (Hollins?) he could turn into a decent defender. He's not overly gifted with athleticism (I compare his ATH to Hayward or Lamb). He doesn't have long arms either so he isn't as disruptive in passing lanes or at bothering shots as we'd all like. It's not like he doesn't understand concepts or stay in front of his man though.

Harris projects to be a very good defender in the NBA. I can't voice my opinion on Petteway's defense as much because I haven't watched enough, but I don't doubt his defense if you think it's a positive for him. The way I see it, Stauskas is the best offensive player (catch-and-shoot, creating own offense, passing/shot-creating for others, etc.) of the three, but Petteway (trusting LST's opinion here) and Harris are better rebounders and defenders at this point.

I need to see more of Petteway, but it sounds like we could have our pick of a nice SG group when the time comes.

*Or we could make the playoffs and all of this becomes irrelevant, though I'll still be a Stauskas fan like I am with Oladipo lol*

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

The thing with Stauskas on defense is that his IQ seems to be really high. He knows what's going on around him. I think with NBA coaching (Hollins?) he could turn into a decent defender. He's not overly gifted with athleticism (I compare his ATH to Hayward or Lamb). He doesn't have long arms either so he isn't as disruptive in passing lanes or at bothering shots as we'd all like. It's not like he doesn't understand concepts or stay in front of his man though.

Harris projects to be a very good defender in the NBA. I can't voice my opinion on Petteway's defense as much because I haven't watched enough, but I don't doubt his defense if you think it's a positive for him. The way I see it, Stauskas is the best offensive player (catch-and-shoot, creating own offense, passing/shot-creating for others, etc.) of the three, but Petteway (trusting LST's opinion here) and Harris are better rebounders and defenders at this point.

I need to see more of Petteway, but it sounds like we could have our pick of a nice SG group when the time comes.

*Or we could make the playoffs and all of this becomes irrelevant, though I'll still be a Stauskas fan like I am with Oladipo lol*

I'm going to make the same disclaimer...I want the Wolves to make the playoffs this year. This thread second choice for me.

Yeah, I can see why many haven't seen Petteway...Nebraska basketball isn't on most people's "have-to" list. But he is a plus defender with a relentless motor.

That said, I have moved Stauskas ahead of him on my wish list. Although he is not an elite athlete, he's athletic enough and not just a shooter. He handles the ball really well, and he has a great first step that allows him to beat college defenders. Another thing I like about him is his attitude. He's not a smiling Wes Johnson/Jonny Flynn type, but rather has a little edge to him...and a lot of confidence. Everyone thought of him as the third wheel on this year's Michigan team, but when he was asked about his reaction to McGorry going down, he said it didn't really change things that much because he always thinks of himself as the best player on the team. I'm paraphrasing and I'm making him sound like kind of a dink which I don't think he is. He's just confident, and the Wolves could use a little more of that.

Regardless, it's clear to me that a really good player will be there if the Wolves end up drafting 13. It will be fun to watch the 3 Big 10 SGs and McDermott this month.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

McDermott with 45 tonight, wow. The thing that worries me about this guy is that he does one thing well - score. And scoring/efficiency does not necessarily translate to the NBA as well as, say, shotblocking or rebounding. In other words, he doesn't really have a secondary elite skill to fall back on. At least with Love, we knew he'd be at minimum a very good rebounder. With Ricky, we knew he could pass and get steals. What will McDermott do well if he can't score at the next level?

[Porckchop]

Ill say this about McDermott. If he could bring a better version of what Kyle Korver has brought to the league Id be thrilled. He obviously is more skilled but if the Wolves were to get him and the only thing he did well was shoot threes Id call that a win. If ur drafting 13 u hope that guy does one or two things really well.

[WildWolf2813]

James Young in round 1

Patric Young in round 2

My biggest fear is that this team still hasn't correctly developed a prospect in YEARS

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

James Young in round 1

Patric Young in round 2

My biggest fear is that this team still hasn't correctly developed a prospect in YEARS

That draft would clearly make us Young-er...maybe we could trade JJ and Bud for Nick Young during the summer :) .

As to your development comment, we will have a new coach next year, so past performance is not an indication of future results.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

McDermott with 45 tonight, wow. The thing that worries me about this guy is that he does one thing well - score. And scoring/efficiency does not necessarily translate to the NBA as well as, say, shotblocking or rebounding. In other words, he doesn't really have a secondary elite skill to fall back on. At least with Love, we knew he'd be at minimum a very good rebounder. With Ricky, we knew he could pass and get steals. What will McDermott do well if he can't score at the next level?

Q, McDermott is also a very good rebounder, having never averaged less than 7.2 rebounds in his four years in college.

McDermott being projected as a late lottery pick shows what a strong draft this is this year. I wondered in the past why he didn't come out early, but his situation is different than most college stars. His dad makes $1.5 million a year, so young Doug is probably enjoying his college years.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

James Young in round 1

Patric Young in round 2

My biggest fear is that this team still hasn't correctly developed a prospect in YEARS

Not a James Young guy at all. He's supposed to be a really good shooter; I haven't seen it. He's not a good driver and he's not anything special on defense like an Oladipo was (to make up for shooting). Looks like a project without a high ceiling. Needs to stay in school, in my opinion.

I wouldn't HATE drafting Pat, but I don't see the purpose. We just drafted Dieng to do what Pat would do and Gorgui does it better. I'd rather draft one of Pat's teammates in Wilby or Prather in the second round. Wilby's the best perimeter defender in all of college basketball and a developing point guard. Could see him being a really good second unit general. Prather's a fastbreak animal and cutter/catch-and-rip guy. Can't shoot yet, but he can finish with the best of them. Good strong body too.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

McDermott with 45 tonight, wow. The thing that worries me about this guy is that he does one thing well - score. And scoring/efficiency does not necessarily translate to the NBA as well as, say, shotblocking or rebounding. In other words, he doesn't really have a secondary elite skill to fall back on. At least with Love, we knew he'd be at minimum a very good rebounder. With Ricky, we knew he could pass and get steals. What will McDermott do well if he can't score at the next level?

Q, McDermott is also a very good rebounder, having never averaged less than 7.2 rebounds in his four years in college.

McDermott being projected as a late lottery pick shows what a strong draft this is this year. I wondered in the past why he didn't come out early, but his situation is different than most college stars. His dad makes $1.5 million a year, so young Doug is probably enjoying his college years.

Meh, his rebounding numbers don't stand out much and certainly his physical profile doesn't suggest he has much room for upside in this area. He's certainly not elite in this category.