The Case for Russell

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

I agree that Towns isn't the athletic freak of Davis, Davis is one of a kind. I do like what Towns can do on the defensive side and his offensive game is very versatile and I can't think of many bigs other than Dirk who can shoot free throws better than him.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

I'm certainly not the only one who sees the Russell comparison to Harden as far-fetched. Others have said he doesn't have the same physical gifts. I'm reposting this from the web:

"What is there to see? His frame is his frame. Russell isn't EVER going to have Harden's frame or strength. And I saw Harden in HS and in college, he was a much better vertical athlete than Russell.
Look, Russell is a very fun play to watch but a lot of people are engaging in a lot of hyperbole.
Tell you what, let me know when he can shoot above 30% against real competition and I'll compare him to franchise guys"

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

I'm certainly not the only one who sees the Russell comparison to Harden as far-fetched. Others have said he doesn't have the same physical gifts. I'm reposting this from the web:

"What is there to see? His frame is his frame. Russell isn't EVER going to have Harden's frame or strength. And I saw Harden in HS and in college, he was a much better vertical athlete than Russell.
Look, Russell is a very fun play to watch but a lot of people are engaging in a lot of hyperbole.
Tell you what, let me know when he can shoot above 30% against real competition and I'll compare him to franchise guys"

Yeah I don't think Harden is the perfect comp for Russell. Both can glide on the court, shoot well, and are lefties. I think the best comp for Russell is Roy.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Towns doesn't need to be the next Davis. He has the chance to be the first Towns. Similar skill sets, but different in areas. (I expect Davis to have the better face-up game; Towns to have better low-post game)

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

I agree that Towns isn't the athletic freak of Davis, Davis is one of a kind. I do like what Towns can do on the defensive side and his offensive game is very versatile and I can't think of many bigs other than Dirk who can shoot free throws better than him.

The free throw shooting is nice, but it's not the end all be all to me. There is a long list of bigs that I would die to have had that were poor free throw shooters.

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

Towns doesn't need to be the next Davis. He has the chance to be the first Towns. Similar skill sets, but different in areas. (I expect Davis to have the better face-up game; Towns to have better low-post game)

I agree. Davis is extremely rare and would go first in almost every draft he would enter. Towns is a nice athlete, but he isn't in the Davis or Griffin class of rare athlete.

[Monster]

I just watched a longer highlight reel of Russell than I have seen before and he actually reminds me a little of Paul Pierce. The thing I see about Russell is he beats guys with skill and it probably helps in the college game he has pretty good size for a SG. Is he a great explosive athlete? No it doesn't look like it but the guy can handle the ball pass and shoot. What more do you want out of a guard? Ok defense but seriously the top 2 vote getters this year were Harden and Curry and Harden is no slouch physically both guys beat you with their ridiculous skill. Skill is what matters and I think Russell has enough when it comes to his physical makeup it's not going to hold him back much of his skills turn out to be as good as you can project. You could question his ability to defend but that hasn't held other guys back much but of course better athletic ability and size are good things to have.

If you are a team that needs a guard you are praying that Russell falls down to you. The Sixers or the Knicks would love him I am sure and who knows maybe even the Lakers will consider him.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I think the main reason Russell should at least be in the conversation is guards and wings dominate the league now. If he can be an all-star, that type of player tends to get teams further than great bigs nowadays. AD is special, but how many other bigs would you even put in your top 10? Lebron, Durant, Curry, Harden, AD, Westbrook, CP3, Griffin, LA and Wall are probably my top 10 right now (in no order) which is mostly guards and wings. That's at least why I think he deserves to be in the conversation even if we don't end up picking him.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Perhaps if we were OK with our group of bigs AND didn't have LaVine (who I believe in), I'd be pushing for Russel more than I am. Neither is the case, however, and Towns is still the pick that should be made.

[TRKO [enjin:12664595]]

I think the main reason Russell should at least be in the conversation is guards and wings dominate the league now. If he can be an all-star, that type of player tends to get teams further than great bigs nowadays. AD is special, but how many other bigs would you even put in your top 10? Lebron, Durant, Curry, Harden, AD, Westbrook, CP3, Griffin, LA and Wall are probably my top 10 right now (in no order) which is mostly guards and wings. That's at least why I think he deserves to be in the conversation even if we don't end up picking him.

Devils advocate, what if you project Towns/Okafor to be the next top flight player, then you have the one dominating big. You already have a guy who projects to be a great wing.