Draft prospects - Who do we want?

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Man, in watching D'Angelo Russell several times over the past couple weeks, it is getting harder not to include him in the discussion as the best prospect in this draft. He simply does everything well. There was a 3 possession sequence in the first half where he posted his man up and knocked down a turn-around J, followed by a fast break where he went end-to-end with a nice finish, followed by a very nice assist.

While he is not a pure PG, he is certainly capable of playing PG for periods of a game. He is what we want from Lavine, but better at everything. Lavine is an athlete that plays basketball, where Russell is simply a very skilled ball player. I know he could be redundant, but wouldn't rule him out completely.

Yeah, really getting tough to leave him out of the conversation at this point. And he's not redundant with someone unless that person is actually any good. We don't know if LaVine will be good or not, so we can't assume anything for now. We desperately could use another playmaker and shooter. This guy appears able to do both! We'll see, lots of games left to be played, but conference ball is where people are tested, and he's passing with flying colors.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I think if you get a shot at Okafor, you take it and find a different way to get a 4. Ricky getting the ball to Wiggins and Okafor could be something special. I would hate to pass that up because we're trying to plug the same hole at the 4 we already have this year.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Gorgui is not a power forward.

[Coolbreeze44]

Gorgui is not a power forward.

Another knee jerk post

[Coolbreeze44]

I can't see us passing anybody except the Lakers, Knicks, and 76ers. Doesn't really matter though, we are going to win the lottery.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Gorgui is not a power forward.

He's not the ideal PF, but in certain matchups, it makes a lot of sense. He's also very comfortable operating from up top and making smart passes. Yes, he did get burned by Milsap a couple of times, but overall he played a solid game tonight. Face-up PFs like Milsap that can dribble and hit the three are still more of the exception than the rule these days.

[Lipoli390]

Lip, did you and Flip discuss defense at all?

Yes. Flip was extremely unhappy with the team's defense last season. He attributed it primarily to a lack of preparation in practice. It would be interesting to talk to him now about the team's historically poor defensive play so far this season. I suspect I'll get the chance after the season, but I doubt he can fit lunch with me into his schedule at the moment. :).

I was impressed at how knowledgeable Flip was. He really did his homework on the draft and he had a great handle on players around the League. We talked mainly about the upcoming draft and current roster players. We also talked about Kevin Love and various trade possibilities. I promised to keep it all to myself and I did. There's still a lot I won't say because i don't want to disclose anything that might tip Flip's hand on future deals -- i.e. players he might be interested in based on who he liked in the draft and players he had in mind as possible acquisitions in exchange for Love. I can tell you with absolute certainty that Flip was definitely prepared to keep Love absent a deal Flip felt he couldn't turn down. He wasn't blowing smoke at all. I'll also say that Flip had Wiggins #1 on his draft board. And there was one other draft prospect he really liked as an alternative to LaVine.

I really do trust Flip as President of Basketball Operations. Not sure yet about Flip as head coach, but I think it's too early under the circumstances to say he's a failure in that role, especially when you consider his impressive prior track record as a head coach. Overall, he's a really good guy. Not many people in his position would take a season ticket holder like me out to lunch and and be so open and honest. He's got a lot of class. He'll make mistakes I'm sure. But I have a lot of trust in his eye for talent and his basketball judgment.

[thedoper]

Man, in watching D'Angelo Russell several times over the past couple weeks, it is getting harder not to include him in the discussion as the best prospect in this draft. He simply does everything well. There was a 3 possession sequence in the first half where he posted his man up and knocked down a turn-around J, followed by a fast break where he went end-to-end with a nice finish, followed by a very nice assist.

While he is not a pure PG, he is certainly capable of playing PG for periods of a game. He is what we want from Lavine, but better at everything. Lavine is an athlete that plays basketball, where Russell is simply a very skilled ball player. I know he could be redundant, but wouldn't rule him out completely.

Yeah, really getting tough to leave him out of the conversation at this point. And he's not redundant with someone unless that person is actually any good. We don't know if LaVine will be good or not, so we can't assume anything for now. We desperately could use another playmaker and shooter. This guy appears able to do both! We'll see, lots of games left to be played, but conference ball is where people are tested, and he's passing with flying colors.

Could you imagine Russel and Rubio as our backcourt? We would be the NBA globetrotters. Still would be short on size but I guess Flip will have a mix of trade options come draft time. If by a miracle we win I think you take Okafor and call it a day but if we are at 3 or 4 it could get really interesting for us.

[rapsuperstar31]

If we end up with a top two pick and grab either Okafor or Towns do we have enough ammo to trade for another top 5 pick to grab Russell? If we could find a cheap way to get our pick back from New York for maybe a couple of 2nds, we could try sending Lavine and a future lottery protected pick to a team for Russell.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

If we end up with a top two pick and grab either Okafor or Towns do we have enough ammo to trade for another top 5 pick to grab Russell? If we could find a cheap way to get our pick back from New York for maybe a couple of 2nds, we could try sending Lavine and a future lottery protected pick to a team for Russell.

I don't see Flip trying to do that nor do I see a team in the top-five wanting to trade with us. I also think Flip's very high on LaVine and has gone through this year of teaching him. He wants to be the guy that turns him into a success story.

I would like to know what the board thinks on Stanley Johnson vs D'Angelo Russell. If we had our pick, all things the same, who would you take?

Personally, I'd take Johnson. His NBA body, athleticism, defensive prowess, rebounding and finishing ability have me high on him. Also, he's an improving shooter with a good head on his shoulders. I'd roll with him and leave Wiggins at SG.