Official Discuss your CB Draft team

[Greenbean]

LA Lakers: Coach K

PG Curry/Augustin/Dooling
SG Roy/M Thornton
SF Maggette/Q Richardson/McGrady
PF J Green/Beasley
C  T Chandler/D Andersen

Picks:12.12 13.5 13.12

does anybody have comments, ideas, projections?

I feel like this is a solid team.

I still feel that this team would struggle against teams with size at the 4 spot. Other than that a really nice roster with some weapons on offense.

With the right coach...50-53 wins is withing reach IMO.

[ChampKind]

The Pistons as of today

Head Coach Patrick Ewing

Pg Wall
SG Azubuike
SF Marvin Williams
PF Al Jefferson
C  Hibbert

Bench
6th man: SG Ben Gordon
PG Bibby
PF/C Ryan Andersen
PF/C Larry Sanders
SF  Luke Babbit
C/PF Kevin Seraphin


What does everyone think about this team?

I like the backcourt quite a bit, though both your starters (rookie + injury) have questions. Having the Bibby/Gordon backup there is a nice touch. Your frontcourt I like less, and I think those guys get scored on quite a bit. Big Al's defensive concerns are well documented, and while Roy Hibbert is a great weakside shot blocker, he's prone to getting pushed around by big centers and ripped up entirely by faster big men. He's also mentally not there yet, and tends to let one moment ruin his whole night. Having Anderson/Sanders/Seraphin backing up the big man spots doesn't inspire a lot of confidence either, though Anderson is a talented rotation player.

Jefferson and Wall together will be fun, and if Azubuike can return to form, it will be a fun, 3 pronged offense. But I don't think Marvin Williams is anything more than a borderline starter at this point in his career (I think you're better off with Wall/Gordon/Azubuike in many situations), and a lot is riding on Hibbert at center thanks to a relatively weak selection of bigs. Unfortunately, I don't think he's going to make that jump yet - though I know you disagree.

A fun collection of talent and some favorite players here, but I still think you need to add a big man, or fully commit to a smaller, faster squad.

When has Hibbert been pushed around?  As for the jump, he is already putting up 11 and 5 in 25 minutes a game.  How many 7 footers are there in the NBA doing that? 


Williams has been the starting SF for a playoff team that won over 50 games.  He is far from a fringe starter. 


My starting big men are going to have to improve their defense.  My bench bigs are more athletic with the potential to be good defenders. 

Of course, that's one of the reason's I selected Patrick Ewing to be the head coach.  He has the experience and the know how to help the young big men on my team learn to play NBA level defense. 


How many teams are ready to defend my two low post threats? 



Again, this team is a team that could sneak into the playoff this year, but down the road as the defense is put in place, a real threat.

Hibbert got pushed around in every game I saw him start in Indiana. He's big, but his strength is lacking. He doesn't get his blocks and rebounds because of position or his innate ability to keep from being posted up, he gets them from getting beat and gambling - this is why he only plays 25 minutes a game, because he takes risks on blocks and fouls as a result. I've seen him play 50+ games live over the past two years, and I am extremely confident in this analysis. Roy is effective because of his size and he has a solid basketball IQ, but his lack of strength and athleticism will keep him from developing into a top tier center.

Additionally, he isn't a great shooter (though he is developing a nice baby hook), and misses bunnies ALL THE TIME. I cannot tell you how frustrating he could be to watch live. But he's got a good attitude, plays hard, and is the right kind of player you want on your team. Just don't try to sell him as a key piece of your starting lineup, because he simply is not. While I respect your opinion, Roy Hibbert just isn't the player that you are making him out to be. I don't think you can call him a low-post threat just yet.

Williams is the weakest link in that starting lineup whose inefficient play keeps him as a fringe starter - last year was arguably his worst year since his rookie season. His minutes decreased and he ceded time to players like Maurice Evans and Mario West - defensive minded role players who basically out-hustled him.

I like your team, I think it will be fun, but I think you may be overselling a couple of guys. No shame in that. These are my opinions, that's all.

[Who]

LA Lakers: Coach K

PG Curry/Augustin/Dooling
SG Roy/M Thornton
SF Maggette/Q Richardson/McGrady
PF J Green/Beasley
C  T Chandler/D Andersen

Picks:12.12 13.5 13.12

does anybody have comments, ideas, projections?

I feel like this is a solid team.

Its a real solid team. In my opinion you'd be better served shopping Maggette like mad for a small forward with some defense behind him. Roy and Curry already like the ball in their hands, you don't need Maggette doing the same.

Jeff Green could fill the small forward role.

I'd prefer to have a better three point shooter (33% last season) in there though. Green was hitting 39% of his threes the year before ... but his so-so performance last season gives me pause.

[Who]

The Pistons as of today

Head Coach Patrick Ewing

Pg Wall
SG Azubuike
SF Marvin Williams
PF Al Jefferson
C  Hibbert

Bench
6th man: SG Ben Gordon
PG Bibby
PF/C Ryan Andersen
PF/C Larry Sanders
SF  Luke Babbit
C/PF Kevin Seraphin


What does everyone think about this team?

I like the backcourt quite a bit, though both your starters (rookie + injury) have questions. Having the Bibby/Gordon backup there is a nice touch. Your frontcourt I like less, and I think those guys get scored on quite a bit. Big Al's defensive concerns are well documented, and while Roy Hibbert is a great weakside shot blocker, he's prone to getting pushed around by big centers and ripped up entirely by faster big men. He's also mentally not there yet, and tends to let one moment ruin his whole night. Having Anderson/Sanders/Seraphin backing up the big man spots doesn't inspire a lot of confidence either, though Anderson is a talented rotation player.

Jefferson and Wall together will be fun, and if Azubuike can return to form, it will be a fun, 3 pronged offense. But I don't think Marvin Williams is anything more than a borderline starter at this point in his career (I think you're better off with Wall/Gordon/Azubuike in many situations), and a lot is riding on Hibbert at center thanks to a relatively weak selection of bigs. Unfortunately, I don't think he's going to make that jump yet - though I know you disagree.

A fun collection of talent and some favorite players here, but I still think you need to add a big man, or fully commit to a smaller, faster squad.

When has Hibbert been pushed around?  As for the jump, he is already putting up 11 and 5 in 25 minutes a game.  How many 7 footers are there in the NBA doing that?  


Williams has been the starting SF for a playoff team that won over 50 games.  He is far from a fringe starter.  


My starting big men are going to have to improve their defense.  My bench bigs are more athletic with the potential to be good defenders.  

Of course, that's one of the reason's I selected Patrick Ewing to be the head coach.  He has the experience and the know how to help the young big men on my team learn to play NBA level defense.  


How many teams are ready to defend my two low post threats?  



Again, this team is a team that could sneak into the playoff this year, but down the road as the defense is put in place, a real threat.

Hibbert got pushed around in every game I saw him start in Indiana. He's big, but his strength is lacking. He doesn't get his blocks and rebounds because of position or his innate ability to keep from being posted up, he gets them from getting beat and gambling - this is why he only plays 25 minutes a game, because he takes risks on blocks and fouls as a result. I've seen him play 50+ games live over the past two years, and I am extremely confident in this analysis. Roy is effective because of his size and he has a solid basketball IQ, but his lack of strength and athleticism will keep him from developing into a top tier center. Additionally, he isn't a great shooter (though he is developing a nice baby hook), and misses bunnies ALL THE TIME. I cannot tell you how frustrating he could be to watch live. But he's got a good attitude, plays hard, and is the right kind of player you want on your team. Just don't try to sell him as a key piece of your starting lineup, because he simply is not. While I respect your opinion, Roy Hibbert just isn't the player that you are making him out to be. I don't think you can call him a low-post threat just yet.

Williams is the weakest link in that starting lineup whose inefficient play keeps him as a fringe starter - last year was arguably his worst year since his rookie season. His minutes decreased and he ceded time to players like Maurice Evans and Mario West - defensive minded role players who basically out-hustled him.

I like your team, I think it will be fun, but I think you may be overselling a couple of guys. No shame in that. These are my opinions, that's all.

Roy Hibbert is a poor defender and poor rebounder.

[Lucky17]

LA Lakers: Coach K

PG Curry/Augustin/Dooling
SG Roy/M Thornton
SF Maggette/Q Richardson/McGrady
PF J Green/Beasley
C  T Chandler/D Andersen

Picks:12.12 13.5 13.12

does anybody have comments, ideas, projections?

I feel like this is a solid team.

Its a real solid team. In my opinion you'd be better served shopping Maggette like mad for a small forward with some defense behind him. Roy and Curry already like the ball in their hands, you don't need Maggette doing the same.

Co-sign. Move Maggette to the bench as your 6th man to back up both wing spots.

Find a way to acquire better options at SF, preferably defense. Q-Rich and McGrady offer very little at this point. Perhaps Green or Beasley can play spot minutes at the 3, although I don't think either are great options there.

I also would look to get a legit veteran big. This team is one Chandler injury away from disaster.

You may need to use Thornton to address your depth issues, but I have no idea what his trade value is.

[JSD]

Portland Trailblazers

Coach: Jerry Sloan

Starters
C- Brook Lopez
PF - Derrick Favors
SF - Thaddeus Young
SG - Evan Turner
PG - Goran Dragic

Bench
C - Spencer Hawes
PF - Matt Bonner
SF - Luke Walton
SG - Maurice Evans
PG - Jason Williams

The rights to Ricky Rubio.

Total Payroll -  $30.783 Million

I'd be very grateful to get feedback, ideas on what the team could use, and just general opinions on the team's future before heading into the last day of the draft.

Thanks

[Lucky17]

Portland Trailblazers

Coach: Jerry Sloan

Starters
C- Brook Lopez
PF - Derrick Favors
SF - Thaddeus Young
SG - Evan Turner
PG - Goran Dragic

Bench
C - Spencer Hawes
PF - Matt Bonner
SF - Luke Walton
SG - Maurice Evans
PG - Jason Williams

The rights to Ricky Rubio.

Total Payroll -  $30.783 Million

I'd be very grateful to get feedback, ideas on what my team could use, and just general opinions before heading into the last day of the draft. Thanks

I think you have one surefire starting caliber player in your starting lineup. I am not yet convinced that Dragic is a starting caliber player, Thad Young is borderline, and you have two rookies.

Bonner and Evans are nice role players/glue guys. Luke Walton is toast. Hawes needs to step it up this year.

Lottery team, perhaps not even 20 wins. The potential is there for a nice group of players that can grow together though. I hope Sloan doesn't grind these kids down, and suck all the joy out of playing, while they lose their first year.

[StartOrien]

Portland Trailblazers

Coach: Jerry Sloan

Starters
C- Brook Lopez
PF - Derrick Favors
SF - Thaddeus Young
SG - Evan Turner
PG - Goran Dragic

Bench
C - Spencer Hawes
PF - Matt Bonner
SF - Luke Walton
SG - Maurice Evans
PG - Jason Williams

The rights to Ricky Rubio.

Total Payroll -  $30.783 Million

I'd be very grateful to get feedback, ideas on what the team could use, and just general opinions on the team's future before heading into the last day of the draft.

Thanks

What I don't get about your team is why would you decide to go young, and then once it go to your bench stop? Rookies slid forever this year, and after you started establishing yourself as a 'young team' you filled your bench with role players for championship contenders.

[wdleehi]

Good news.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

brought in Bill Walton during the summer to help improve Roy Hibbert's defense. Both big men are glad to be working together.

"It's an honor for me to work with such a fine young man, such an outstanding talent with such an outstanding package," Walton told The Indianapolis Star. "He has tremendous potential. We are working on his total game. Summertime is when the championships are won. Physical fitness and skill development."

"I've got to be able to alter or block the shot and get the rebound," Hibbert said. "Mr. Walton told me I've got an offensive game, but I need to be able to dominate the paint and keep guys out of there."

Hibbert is also improving his conditioning by having intense 90-minute cardio workouts.

"Those guys have been kicking my butt," Hibbert said. "It's a lot of kickboxing and normal boxing. My conditioning is going to be on point next season."

One more reason we drafted him.  Work ethic.   

[ChampKind]

Good news.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

brought in Bill Walton during the summer to help improve Roy Hibbert's defense. Both big men are glad to be working together.

"It's an honor for me to work with such a fine young man, such an outstanding talent with such an outstanding package," Walton told The Indianapolis Star. "He has tremendous potential. We are working on his total game. Summertime is when the championships are won. Physical fitness and skill development."

"I've got to be able to alter or block the shot and get the rebound," Hibbert said. "Mr. Walton told me I've got an offensive game, but I need to be able to dominate the paint and keep guys out of there."

Hibbert is also improving his conditioning by having intense 90-minute cardio workouts.

"Those guys have been kicking my butt," Hibbert said. "It's a lot of kickboxing and normal boxing. My conditioning is going to be on point next season."

One more reason we drafted him.  Work ethic.   

Off topic, but Hibbert as a kickboxer with his reach would be insane. Dude could punch you from the other side of the ring.

[wdleehi]

Good news.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

brought in Bill Walton during the summer to help improve Roy Hibbert's defense. Both big men are glad to be working together.

"It's an honor for me to work with such a fine young man, such an outstanding talent with such an outstanding package," Walton told The Indianapolis Star. "He has tremendous potential. We are working on his total game. Summertime is when the championships are won. Physical fitness and skill development."

"I've got to be able to alter or block the shot and get the rebound," Hibbert said. "Mr. Walton told me I've got an offensive game, but I need to be able to dominate the paint and keep guys out of there."

Hibbert is also improving his conditioning by having intense 90-minute cardio workouts.

"Those guys have been kicking my butt," Hibbert said. "It's a lot of kickboxing and normal boxing. My conditioning is going to be on point next season."

One more reason we drafted him.  Work ethic.   

Off topic, but Hibbert as a kickboxer with his reach would be insane. Dude could punch you from the other side of the ring.

Well he was on the Pacers and now on the Pistons.


There is a history of brawls there. 

[The Walker Wiggle]

New and Improved Orleans Buccaneers

Only three picks left...

PF Al Horford/ Linas Kleiza
SF Gerald Wallace/ Dorrell Wright
C DeMarcus Cousins/ Antonio McDyess/ Timofey Mozgov
SG Eric Gordon/ Raja Bell
PG Jrue Holiday/ Beno Udrih

Coach: Stan Van Gundy

Nobody say nothing.

1. What's Holiday's offensive game like? Is he a pure PG? I must confess I don't know much about him, other than I've heard he is physically gifted and has always been mentioned as a good defender. Should you start the steady Udrih instead?

What does Jrue do? Holiday is 6'4" with a 6"7"+ wingspan and played plus defense out of the gate. (I stress the measurements only because I'm pairing him with the 6'3" Gordon.) The 76ers have handed him the keys to their offense. And post-All Star break he averaged 11.9 ppg on .49 FG% and .41 3PT% with 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Not for nothing, he also finished as the leader is assists and scoring in Orlando, over-shadowinig second pick Evan Turner in every regard. And he's both dangerous at the rim and a great catch and shoot 3pt threat - a luxury with a frontcourt that passes the ball so well. (His mid-range game does lag behind.)

On the Bucs, the 20 year old NBA sophomore is in a similar position to 2007-2008 Rondo. That didn't work out badly.

2. I thought Kleiza was more of a SG/SF (albeit big for the position) than a SF/PF.

He's  6'8", 245lbs, very physical in his style of play, and when last in the NBA split time evenly between the 3 and 4 on a 54 win Nuggets team that went to the WCF. He'll be doing the same in New Orleans as the first forward off the bench. But it does appear true that he posted better numbers at the 3, consistently out scoring and out rebounding opposing reserve small forwards. I'll chew it over.

3. McDyess is a nice insurance policy in case Cousins is slow to make the leap. He could fit nicely alongside Horford in the starting lineup.

Thanks. For what it's worth, I gave a lot of thought to putting Cousins in a position to succeed. And KC still hasn't picked up the gauntlet I threw down. Choice quote, "My 35 year old back up center just out rebounded Stoudemire in a playoff series." Well, unless dealing Griffin was a concession that NOLA has the best rebounding frontcourt in the league?

If steady, efficient distribution from the point, the team is pretty solid. Strong rebounding and defense, and good shooters off the bench.

I'm of the opinion rebounding advantage and efficient 3Pt shooting equal postseason success. Recent results by and large back me up.

[celticpride07]

Co-sign. Move Maggette to the bench as your 6th man to back up both wing spots.

Find a way to acquire better options at SF, preferably defense. Q-Rich and McGrady offer very little at this point. Perhaps Green or Beasley can play spot minutes at the 3, although I don't think either are great options there.

I also would look to get a legit veteran big. This team is one Chandler injury away from disaster.

You may need to use Thornton to address your depth issues, but I have no idea what his trade value is.

perhaps this works better:

i envision curry bringing ball up the court then Roy dominating the ball most of the time.

Starting Lineup

PG Stephen Curry(work w/out ball, run off picks for shots)
SG Brandon Roy(dominate the ball)
SF Quentin Richardson(3-point shooting,decent defender)
PF Michael Beasley(better rebounder,can spread floor)
C  Tyson Chandler(Great defense)

Second Unit
PG DJ Augustin(Backup Point)
SG Marcus Thornton(instant offense)
SF Corey Maggette(6th man)
PF Jeff Green(streaky shooting, average defense)
C  David Andersen(serviceable big, good shooter/rebounder)

Reserves: McGrady, Dooling

I think this rotation works well.

[JSD]

Portland Trailblazers

Coach: Jerry Sloan

Starters
C- Brook Lopez
PF - Derrick Favors
SF - Thaddeus Young
SG - Evan Turner
PG - Goran Dragic

Bench
C - Spencer Hawes
PF - Matt Bonner
SF - Luke Walton
SG - Maurice Evans
PG - Jason Williams

The rights to Ricky Rubio.

Total Payroll -  $30.783 Million

I'd be very grateful to get feedback, ideas on what the team could use, and just general opinions on the team's future before heading into the last day of the draft.

Thanks

What I don't get about your team is why would you decide to go young, and then once it go to your bench stop? Rookies slid forever this year, and after you started establishing yourself as a 'young team' you filled your bench with role players for championship contenders.

You can only have so many rookies on one team. The idea was to put supportive players around the young guys to establish good team morale, work ethic and because there's only so many minutes to go around. Young guys need to make and learn from mistakes without constantly having to look over their shoulder.

[StartOrien]

JSaad, but wouldn't one or two do?

And do you really expect top level rookies to respect the Matt Bonners and Luke Waltons of the world?