Shotblockers in the second round: Tavares, Isaiah Austin, Bachynski, Sim Bhullar

[Global Celtic]

There could be some guys with potential as shotblockers/decent rebounders available in the second round. The always excellent DraftExpress ranks Walter Tavares (7'3") #34, Isaiah Austin (7'0") #35, Jordan Bachynski (7'2") #62, and Sim Bhullar (7'5") #97.
If we could get a second round pick, do you think any of those guys has the toughness, strength and stamina to be a serviceable center in the NBA?

[Monkhouse]

Would like Austin due to his length, but would love to see him bulk up 15-20 extra pounds before we start talking.

[Mr October]

I have only seen Austin and Bachynski play. Both are long and have the skill to play in the NBA. But they both are thin and will be pushed around Mikki Moore style.

That being said, i like them a lot and would have no problem buying a late second to get them and develop them while they hold the 15th roster spot. They mostly need to bulk up in order to become serviceable.

[knuckleballer]

Austin is completely blind in his right eye.  That's going to really hurt his peripheral vision and depth perception.  He's still worth a second round pick though. 

[CM0]

I'd absolutely love a trade to pick up Austin in the early 2nd. He would be a high lottery pick if he showed more offensive consistency. With some good coaching, Austin could be the steal of the draft at #25-#35.

[NorthernLightning]

There's another very interesting center prospect who may or may not stay in the draft. His name is Nikola Jokic, he's 19, 6'11, 255 lbs, and he's a former point guard like KO. In many ways he's a stronger, longer version of KO. Outstanding skills and vision and 3 point shot. Here are his highlights from this spring's Nike Hoops Summit, but you should also watch the full game to watch him go toe to toe with Okafor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyxoJbtk4Ro

[Global Celtic]

This team really needs a defensive specialist to play inside with Sully or Olynyk. Jokic seems a bit soft (although skilled) and I would gamble on Walter Tavares and try to make him focus solely on shotblocking/rebounding.
The Isaiah Austin situation is known in NBA circles for some time now. The kid is talented but I'm not sure he's tough enough to play NBA's interior game.

[pokeKingCurtis]

This team really needs a defensive specialist to play inside with Sully or Olynyk.

Agreed. Huge fan of Jelly Sullynyk, getting them a legit defensive role player center would be nice.

The Isaiah Austin situation is known in NBA circles for some time now. The kid is talented but I'm not sure he's tough enough to play NBA's interior game.

Sounds a bit like Chris Bosh.

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Sim Bhullar? You think he's going second round?

...

Undrafted imo.

[Global Celtic]

This team really needs a defensive specialist to play inside with Sully or Olynyk.

Agreed. Huge fan of Jelly Sullynyk, getting them a legit defensive role player center would be nice.

The Isaiah Austin situation is known in NBA circles for some time now. The kid is talented but I'm not sure he's tough enough to play NBA's interior game.

Sounds a bit like Chris Bosh.

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Sim Bhullar? You think he's going second round?

...

Undrafted imo.

I just tried to play basketball with one eye closed. Not easy but... slowly your brain starts to adjust. I think Isaiah Austin is doing it for years and if he gets stronger, he'll be fine.

[Evantime34]

If we pick up a second rounder (we would probably have to buy one) I would be happy with Isaiah Austin, he isn't really great but he has two skills that are in high demand in the NBA, perimeter shooting and shot blocking. If he can bulk up I think he would end up being a great second rounder.

[bball_numberguy]

One second round rim protector I might like to see Danny try and take a swing at would be Khem Birch.  He should be around as a mid to late second rounder and in my opinion has a bit of Larry Sanders to him.

Larry Sanders junior season at VCU: MIN: 26.9 PPG: 14.4 RPG: 9.1 BPG: 2.6 FG%: 53.4% FT%: 64.1%

Khem Birch junior season at UNLV: MIN: 31.4 PPG: 11.5 RPG: 10.2 BPG: 3.8 FG%: 51% FT%: 69.3%

Now for the physical measurements for both:

Sanders at the combine in 2010: Bodyfat 4.6%, Height w/o shoes 6'9.25", LBS 222.4, Wingspan 7'5.75" , Max vert 28, lane agility 12.49

Birch at the combine: Bodyfat 6%, Height w/0 shoes 6'7.5", LBS 208.8, Wingspan 7'1", Max vert 35.5, lane agility 11.6

I bolded areas where there was a significant difference between the two.  Looking at this Birch is definitely someone who I think is worth taking a flier on.  He probably needs to bulk up a bit and could have issues trying to bang with true with centers, but as a second round pick who could develop a bit in the D-Leage why not?

[Global Celtic]

One second round rim protector I might like to see Danny try and take a swing at would be Khem Birch.  He should be around as a mid to late second rounder and in my opinion has a bit of Larry Sanders to him.

Larry Sanders junior season at VCU: MIN: 26.9 PPG: 14.4 RPG: 9.1 BPG: 2.6 FG%: 53.4% FT%: 64.1%

Khem Birch junior season at UNLV: MIN: 31.4 PPG: 11.5 RPG: 10.2 BPG: 3.8 FG%: 51% FT%: 69.3%

Now for the physical measurements for both:

Sanders at the combine in 2010: Bodyfat 4.6%, Height w/o shoes 6'9.25", LBS 222.4, Wingspan 7'5.75" , Max vert 28, lane agility 12.49

Birch at the combine: Bodyfat 6%, Height w/0 shoes 6'7.5", LBS 208.8, Wingspan 7'1", Max vert 35.5, lane agility 11.6

I bolded areas where there was a significant difference between the two.  Looking at this Birch is definitely someone who I think is worth taking a flier on.  He probably needs to bulk up a bit and could have issues trying to bang with true with centers, but as a second round pick who could develop a bit in the D-Leage why not?

Yeah, some defensive potential but he would probably need D-League time. And we still have to see what Colton Iverson can do.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Khem-Birch-5793/