falc82

Quote: Apples to Apples? And Im the moron around here? You're going to compare the adversity that Acie Law had to go through his Freshman year with a basketball program he had to help put on the map throughout his career to the team that Mike Conley Jr inherited? Wow just wow. Are you questioning the expression or me comparing them? I see no way that a similar comparison can be made between a senior in college and a freshmen in college as some people on here try to do. So yes, I do believe that comparing their freshmen years is a much more similar barometer than the alternative. Also can you claim that Conley having a higher apg, a:to, spg, fg%, pps than Law at any point in his career was because of the adversity Law faced? Give me a break. Besides I never said you were a moron. And an excellent point by Texas, how did Conley inherit a team that was fueled by 3 freshmen (including himself). He was a leader on the 2nd best team in college basketball, and excelled at running the team.

Quote: Law is quicker. Its amazing how good players look when they show HIGHLIGHTS. LOL. However Law is proven, he got it done in a very tough conferance on a taem where HE WAS THE MAN. Conley was good but not on Law's level and Conley had alot more help. Law led that team and has that MR. BIG SHOT mentality. I WANT THIS KID TO BE A HAWK!!!!! Everyone else in the NCAA/NBA nation sees Conley as the quicker player. Conley was a freshmen, Law a senior. Both were leaders on their team. Conley is the better pure PG in my opinion. Freshmen stats: Conley: 11.3 ppg 6.1 apg 3.4 rpg .518 fg% .304 3-fg% 2.2 spg, 2.77 a:to Freshmen stats: Law: 7.5 ppg 3.9 apg 2.1 rpg .387 fg% .216 3-fg% 1.3spg, 2.00 a:to Conley had better spg, apg, fg%, pps, a:to than Law did AT ANY POINT in his 4 year career. Law had his A:TO go down each of his first 3 years and then a slight bump to only 1.92 in his senior year. Very telling. Sounds like a JT type player. I was avoiding making this comparison until I saw these stats. Now that we're comparing apples to apples (freshmen years) who looks like the better player?

Quote: Well if we need defense so much in the paint then why is everyone vehemently opposed to Joakim Noah? See you guys just say no to people for the heck of saying no. If it is backed up with reasoning then its not just for the "heck of saying no". I wouldn't be opposed to Noah at all. At #11. At #11.

Also if you think Wright puts up 10/8 this next season on OUR team them you are kidding yourself. He will be behind Marvin/Smoove/Shelden/ZaZa and possibly even Solomon depending on how much he improves. Wright isn't ready for the NBA at only 210 lbs. He may average 10/8 at one point in the season (last month if we're out of it perhaps), but surely not for the whole season. Now if he goes to a team where he gets 25-30mpg then maybe. Tyrus Thomas averaged 5/3, that seems to be about what Wright would average on our team.

Quote: ..and that would put us in the playoffs, next year? He would have a terrific impact on our team. But I put those numbers for his rookie year because I don't see Woody starting him right away thus putting a strain on his numbers. Woody will probably start Claxton (till hurt) or Lue/AJ because they are vets. I can see Conley earning the starting spot and not getting it until a month after. Can't hold bad coaching against the kid though. Conley will be the real deal at PG and the majority of his impact will come towards the end of the season. Learn something about averages, they reflect a whole season.

Quote: One of Yi's strength is that he's mentally strong. He sure didn't look soft against team USA. Everyone looked good against team USA this summer for the most part. Are we really using this as a basis of judging players? He's got plenty of film and scouting reports from his CBA season, and the majority say that on defense this guy is soft.

Quote: Yeah because he's Chinese he's automatically soft. Please. This guy is nothing like Yao Ming. Yao is soft, this guy is AMERICANIZED. I didn't say because he was Chinese that he was soft. I said because he is Yi he is soft.

Quote: let me ask you this, what type of number do you really see Conley putting up? Depending on what team he ends up with... With us: first year I see him putting up 4.5 APG and 1 SPG 8.5 PPG In 2-4 years: 7.5 APG 1.7 SPG 14 PPG see: Andre Miller

Quote: Yi Jianlian 7'0 245 And as soft as a select comfort.

Quote: Plan C: #3, Lo, and Speedy to Philly. Miller/#12 to Atlanta. Draft Critt #11. Draft Hawes #12 C is interesting since no one else seems to mention the possibility of adding Miller. I feel he is the perfect addition to our team. Critt at #11 is fine since he has a lot of potential, but since we're adding an above avergae PG I might be inclined to go BPA at #11. Also when listing our options I feel you have to include some type of Blazers trade since they are seeking the #3 pick in the draft. I also heard BK mention that there has been more interest in the #11 than the #3 so far, but no link to back this.

Quote: Many wouldn't be opposed to getting Aldridge, and he and Wright are the same height, same wingspan, the only thing is 235, and Brandon Wright can reach that. This is false, please see other post for links. Aldridge 6'11" 240 lbs 7'5" wingspan Wright 6'9" 205-210 lbs 7'4" wingspan Wright may be a better athlete, but Aldridge has a much more polished offensive game and is still only 21 years old. Aldridge is also the better man to man defender.

Wright - 7'4 http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6818966 Aldridge 7'5 http://www.nbadraft.net/draftbuzz064.asp

6'9" 205 lbs http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=31611 6'11" 240 lbs http://www.nba.com/blazers/team/index.html...marcus_aldridge

Quote: He's valuable because you can't teach the hustle that he plays the game with. Want to know how important hustling is? A guy with average athleticism in Anderson Varajeo is capable of playing big time minutes and contribute deep in the playoffs because of his hustle. Noah is a guy with just as much hustle but a lot more ATHLETICISM. Since he had a late growth spurt he still has a lot of the quickness and passing ability he had when he was a PG. He is a great teammate that could have easily complained when he wasn't more involved with the offense this year. Instead he did all the dirty work setting high screens and rolls letting his teammates get involved. All the guy cares about is winning. That's where you're wrong. There is def no guarantee all those guys go ahead of him considering the CELTICS at #5 will give Noah some serious consideration. And if not there he will more than likely not get by the Bulls. Ok maybe there isn't a 0% chance he goes in the top 10 because stranger things have happened, but I wouldn't say exactly count on it like it's more than likely going to happen. I'll commend you for answering, and I think they are fair answers that do illustrate the value that Noah brings to a team. I still do not change my opinion that he is not going in the top 5, or possibly even the top 10 in this draft. I'm content to agree to disagree and see who's right come draft day though. In the mean time I'd love to add my two cents. I see you throwing around that Noah was going to be the #1 pick had he come out last year and that being some indication of his talent level. Several things I disagree with here. First, I do not think that Noah was ever going to seriously be the #1 overall pick. I think had he come out you would probably see him at #5 with the Hawks. Bargnani/Thomas/Aldridge were going up the hype machine at the time while people were a little hot/cold on Noah, and meanwhile the Bobcats were set on Morrison. Either way, the fact that he could have gone #1 in a weak draft means nothing for the evaluation of his talent this year since he has had another year in NCAA basketball in which many scouts feel he showed some flaws (mostly as an offensive liability at this point in his career and some think he is overrated defensively although I think he definitely holds his own defensively). Also, I really don't think the Bulls have any interest in Noah and will most certainly let him go by them. It is well known that the Bulls feel they lack an offensive threat in the low post, not just someone who can score down low but a big with low post moves who they can count on in the half court set. That individual doesn't really fit the profile of Noah very well in my opinion. They could be more a candidate for Hawes if they go the route of center. Also look for Law to be more likely to jump into the top 10 than Noah, if nothing else then they are equally likely to but I doubt they both do at this point. As I said, we'll see.

Quote: You're crazy if you think Noah won't go in the top 10. Noah may go as early as 5 if we don't take him Answer me this. Am I wrong to say that you are a UF fan? I believe you've stated that you are in another post. Let's say you are for a bit, but assume that it doesn't cloud your judgment..please explain why you think Noah is so valuable. Please break down the teams #3-10 and explain to me which team will take him. Do not fabricate, just explain his skill set and what team will more than likely take him. I guess it doesn't matter, within 24 hours it will be another player you become obsessed over and start supporting instead of using logic. Yi, Horford, Wright, Conley will all certainly go ahead of him. So now we are left with spots 7-10. Brewer, Green, Julian Wright, Hawes could all arguably go before him. Chicago will only take a big man if he contributes low post offense since that is one of their biggest needs. That has Hawes written all over him if they choose to go center. The Bobcats will not pick him. I really only see the Kings as a possible destination for him in the top 10 as of right now. It's possible he goes top 10, but please quit acting like he is a 2nd coming of someone, and that its beyond reason that he falls out of the top 5. It is very possible and in fact likely that he is there for us at #11 if we choose to go that direction. I'm all ears if you disagree, just please use something tangible to back it with. (HINT: Not just your opinion.)

Jefferson has played more than just one year in the NBA so I'm unsure why you're judging him based on his first year. No doubt he is a talented player though. Idiot or not, I don't think we're getting Jefferson AND their pick. I think the best we can hope for in terms of a Boston trade would be the #3 for Rondo/#5 allowing BPA at #5 and then a center at #11. I still like the Blazers as better trade partners for us though.

I doubt they are both gone. The Bulls may look long and hard at adding the low post offense that Hawes brings and the Kings may look to add Noah, but I seriously doubt at this point that both teams go that direction. It's more likely that Law is gone before 11 although most on this board disagree with this for some reason. I really like taking the mystery out of it personally. I've suggested this already, but a trade of Chillz and the #3 for Aldridge/Jack would be ideal and would allow us to go BPA at #11 (Brewer/Green?) since we already addressed all of our needs. Cheaper backup option, and I think Brewer brings more to a team off the bench than Chillz does. Defense, better shot. More of a pure SG/SF backup.

I've had the privilege of watching Hawes play 3-4 times. Offensively he really reminds of Duncan's style of play. Excellent footwork, use of the glass, good post moves, above average passer, and fluid. Defensively its another story. He's not as bad as advertised, but it is still not one of his strengths. He isn't as strong and big as Duncan either, obviously not on his level as a player, but his style of offense reminds me of him. The hawks could really use his low post offense, and he would fit nicely on this team. I just wish we'd add a bit more defense to the center position. Noah and him are different players, one focuses on offense and the other on defense. Both are good athletes in that they are fluid and fast players. If Conley is our choice at #3 and no trade is made, I would be ok with either one at #11.

I really think that Boston wants to keep Jefferson to build around. In an interview following the lottery, someone involved in the Celtics organization made the comment that Jefferson would be a top 3 pick in this draft, so they already had their top 3 pick. Dumb comment sure, but it shows their high opinion of Jefferson all the same. The more I think about it, the more I think that the Blazers would not trade Aldridge/Jack straight up for the #3. I think if we add in Chillz then we could get this deal done. At #11 you take BPA which I think will be a SG/SF. Ideally you have: Jack/Speedy/ JJ/Lue Marvin/Brewer Smoove/Shelden Aldridge/ZaZa That's a solid lineup right there, and Brewer simply serves as a cheaper backup option that Chillz will be without the threat of foot problems creeping up.

Quote: I agree. Orlando isn't trading him, anyway. Personally, I haven't seen him enough to make a call like that. What I have seen is not exactly impressive. He's just huge. He seems very stiff. I wouldn't say he is stiff at all. Dwight Howard is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, especially considering his size. I would however say that he is a bit clumsy at this point, but I expect that to go away as he matures and bulks up a bit. He is anything but stiff. Moot point, Orlando won't trade him, unless it looks like he won't resign. I'm guessing he will resign.

I wouldn't give up Smoove for many players in the NBA due to his vast potential. I give him up and more for Dwight however. I agree, Orlando doesn't do this trade. Go ask any Orlando fan and they will tell you the same thing. Dwight Howard is already their franchise player, someone they believe will become the next Shaq like force.

Quote: He took nearly 20 shots per game! And he barely missed 4 minutes of playing time per game, Are you going to deny that is overwhelmingly more opportunities? You earn opportunities based on your abilities. Durant has more ability. This is clear to everyone in America outside of two Hawksquawk posters that have put out some real quality material today.

Quote: The people who says that there's a big dropoff between Conlyey Jr. and Law have never really sat down and watched these guys play. I would watch Law play (like against Texas or against Texas Tech) and I would say: Darn, if this guy had the setup that Augustin had, this guy would be fire. The game that really sold me was Law vs. Louisville. WHo didn't see that? This guy went back and fourth by himself with a great shooting offense. And he won. When he would be the man against Texas, I would say, well he knows how to play them. But to see him do it in the NCAAs made it for me. Also, I don't think Law will make it out of the top 10. Really, there are some guys parading around on these Mocks that will definitely not make it into the top 10 ahead of Law. That's a bummer, but I hope that Law makes it to 11 and we can take him. I actually did watch a lot of both Law and Conley, and will pick Conley over Law. We need a distributer and a defensive presence at the PG in my opinion and Conley fits the bill more so than Law (with more potential to boot). Law definitely was capable of dominating games, but he almost always did this in a scoring capacity instead of a from a distributing standpoint (I know..I know..you have to consider what his team needed him to do). Really we're comparing a freshmen to a senior, and the freshmen was the better distributer/defender despite lacking 3 years of experience. And I agree 100% with you Diesel, I really don't see Law making out of the top 10 come draft day. Look for him to be considered by the Kings.

Yi has the height to play center, but not the strength or the defensive ability we should look for in a center. He is more of a SF/PF (albeit from the small sample of video I've been able to see). Noah on the other hand I could see playing center in an up tempo style offense. Do we play that style? No. But if he hits the weight room I can see him doing just fine. He is a help defender more than a "defensive presence" much like Smoove is, but I think he would be a good pick all the same. Only he is a serious reach at #3, and is better suited to #11 where I think he will still be available at. I like this deal for the Hawks as well. I don't know if Minny would do it, but it really is a nice package and seems fair for both teams. KG/JJ/Smoove is an incredible nucleus to base a team around. Adding either Conley or Law (Hopefully Conley) at PG, and retaining ZaZa at center would make us a contender in the east. I really think Minny would hold out for Smoove, and I wouldn't give him up in this package.

Unfortunately the NBA doesn't work like that. You can't simply average players together to determine a likely success rate. The NBA has 5 players on the court at one time, and therefore one star player or above average player can make a huge difference. Also if Noah is a B+ type player then I don't think the case can be made that Hawes is a D type player. He isn't the ideal solution at center, but he is vastly underrated by this board all the same. I like Noah more than most, but picking him at #3 is the same type of reach that picking Shelden at #5 was last year, and it is debatable that it is more of a reach. I see little evidence that points towards Noah being a top 10 pick this year, and in fact I can see a scenario where Law isn't even available at #11 but Noah is. The Kings/T-wolves are now looking as if they will focus more on PG than C, and if we or Memphis pick Conley at #3/4 then I can see Law going to one of those two teams. Noah was never going to be the #1 overall pick last year, but he would have more than likely gone top 3, but him coming back this year hurt his stock as questions were raised about his offensive ability, also this is a much deeper draft than last years. Noah at #3 is a huge reach, much more than Conley would be, and I do believe that at this point Noah is a #11 pick, not top 10.