The Pick Two Draft Thread 2011

[Mulla]

Utah Trades: Al Jefferson
Charlotte Sends: Zach Randolph

Randolph is a better player, plays better defense and is healthier.  While chemistry with Randolph is a concern, there have been some vague rumblings that Big Al hasn't been the best fit in the various locker rooms he has occupied in his NBA career, either.  

One of the reasons big Al is struggling in Utah, IMO, is he is the type of player who creates his own shot and doesn't take full advantage of Deron's playmaking ability. I think Big Al would be better by DJ Augustin and the uptempo Silas system, while Randolph would likewise soar to even greater heights by Deron.

Doesn't hurt that ZDog isn't afraid of just pushing you out the way...

[The Walker Wiggle]

As for WW's comment, We view Javale as a staring 4 on this team.

Funny that we're regularly getting into arguments over position. But just as I don't see Rudy Gay at the 2, I don't see McGee at the 4. As near as I can tell, he's strictly played as a center thus far in his NBA career. Gasol has played more minutes at power forward.

Epic Vale is going to really struggle defending the perimeter. Compounded by the fact that he misses a lot of defensive rotations, fouls at a high rate and bites on a lot of shot fakes. And I say that as someone who has been a McGee booster from day one.

I also suspect that Memphis is going to struggle to space the floor on the other end with McGee, Gay, Gasol and Deng as four-fifths of the teams starting line up. The team does have great size, length, and athleticism.

[Fafnir]

As for WW's comment, We view Javale as a staring 4 on this team.

Funny that we're regularly getting into arguments over position. But just as I don't see Rudy Gay at the 2, I don't see McGee at the 4. As near as I can tell, he's strictly played as a center thus far in his NBA career. Gasol has played more minutes at power forward.

Epic Vale is going to really struggle defending the perimeter. Compounded by the fact that he misses a lot of defensive rotations, fouls at a high rate and bites on a lot of shot fakes. And I say that as someone who has been a McGee booster from day one.

I also suspect that Memphis is going to struggle to space the floor on the other end with McGee, Gay, Gasol and Deng as four-fifths of the teams starting line up. The team does have great size, length, and athleticism.

The difference between the 2/3 and 4/5 isn't really that big of one. Its more about whom you're being asked to guard. Offensively you have to deal with spacing, but that's not what you're talking about.

[Edgar]

As for WW's comment, We view Javale as a staring 4 on this team.

Funny that we're regularly getting into arguments over position. But just as I don't see Rudy Gay at the 2, I don't see McGee at the 4. As near as I can tell, he's strictly played as a center thus far in his NBA career. Gasol has played more minutes at power forward.

Epic Vale is going to really struggle defending the perimeter. Compounded by the fact that he misses a lot of defensive rotations, fouls at a high rate and bites on a lot of shot fakes. And I say that as someone who has been a McGee booster from day one.

I also suspect that Memphis is going to struggle to space the floor on the other end with McGee, Gay, Gasol and Deng as four-fifths of the teams starting line up. The team does have great size, length, and athleticism.

The difference between the 2/3 and 4/5 isn't really that big of one. Its more about whom you're being asked to guard.

while I agree most 4s can play 5 deffensively

not many 5s can play 4 nor offensively nor deffensively

[Fafnir]

Randolph is a better player than Jefferson because he's a better rebounder, offensively/defensively they're not all that different other than that. Randolph is more efficient iirc, but that's all.

[Edgar]

Randolph is a better player than Jefferson because he's a better rebounder, offensively/defensively they're not all that different other than that. Randolph is more efficient iirc, but that's all.

I like Al Jeff better
but this days hes stinking.
so I have to agree between the 2 the best choice right NOW is  Randolph but theres always room for teams of the future

[The Walker Wiggle]

The difference between the 2/3 and 4/5 isn't really that big of one. Its more about whom you're being asked to guard.

That's the counter-argument but I don't agree. Playing out of position McGee is going to find himself spending far more time outside of his comfort zone in offensive sets and defensive schemes, whether that's running the baseline or closing out on shooters.

There's less of a distinction in Gay's case, but then again, he's more a 3/4 than a 2/3.

[KCattheStripe]

The difference between the 2/3 and 4/5 isn't really that big of one. Its more about whom you're being asked to guard.

That's the counter-argument but I don't agree. Playing out of position McGee is going to find himself spending far more time outside of his comfort zone in offensive sets and defensive schemes, whether that's running the baseline or closing out on shooters.

There's less of a distinction in Gay's case, but then again, he's more a 3/4 than a 2/3.

Rudy really doesn't play any 4 at all, the Grizz gave up that experiment years ago. I think McGee will do well being asked to finish in transition and be athletic enough to cover stretch 4's. The big weakness to having Gasol is his inability to cover more athletic bigs, which is compounded by how worse Randolph is at it. It's why Rudy had to save them against the Raps because no one could guard Bargs. McGee will have some growing pains but this move was about the future of the Grizz, not the present.

[Who]

There's less of a distinction in Gay's case, but then again, he's more a 3/4 than a 2/3.

I think Rudy is far more of a 3/2 than a 3/4.

I greatly dislike seeing Rudy play the power forward position. Bad things happen regularly with Rudy at the four.

However, he is a very talented two guard. Good defender, high quality rebounder and a very tough cover offensively with his size advantage.

[The Walker Wiggle]

Well, with respect to McGee his value is almost entirely in his ability to make plays at the rim - on both ends. Move him away from the basket and he isn't a starting caliber player. (And actually he doesn't fair that well in defending the post either.)

As for Gay, you know the Grizzlies better than I do. At a certain point I'm stuck relying on online resources. 82games does suggest that even this season Gay has seen more time at the 4 than the 2. Same with last year, to such an extent that it isn't even possible to compare his production at SG and PF.

[KCattheStripe]

Well, with respect to McGee his value is almost entirely in his ability to make plays at the rim - on both ends. Move him away from the basket and he isn't a starting caliber player. (And actually he doesn't fair that well in defending the post either.)

As for Gay, you know the Grizzlies better than I do. At a certain point I'm stuck relying on online resources. 82games does suggest that even this season Gay has seen more time at the 4 than the 2. Same with last year, to such an extent that it isn't even possible to compare his production at SG and PF.

I'd blame that more on the Grizz needing help at PF, a shallow spot the past two years, and having a derth of 2 guards.

I'm not asking Mcee to play away from the basket offensively. Gasol would be the first big setting up away from the basket just like he does currently. As for his defensive abilities, you see what he is now, I see what he can be. I'm not trying to win with this Grizz team now.

[The Walker Wiggle]

Another trade to announce:

Minny sends Love, 3(2) 4(2)
Det sends Tayshaun Prince, Paul Pierce, 5(5)

I assume this means a youth movement is on in Detroit? Love has been a must see this season, but that's a steep price. Minnesota suddenly finds itself with a pair of proven winners on the wings.

A flash of light, some smoke, abracadabra and suddenly the Timberwolves sitting pretty with a core of Pierce, Noah, Prince and Nelson. Hat tip to Rondo2287.

[33-00-32]

Another trade to announce:

Minny sends Love, 3(2) 4(2)
Det sends Tayshaun Prince, Paul Pierce, 5(5)

I assume this means a youth movement is on in Detroit? Love has been a must see this season, but that's a steep price. Minnesota suddenly finds itself with a pair of proven winners on the wings.

A flash of light, some smoke, abracadabra and suddenly the Timberwolves sitting pretty with a core of Pierce, Noah, Prince and Nelson. Hat tip to Rondo2287.

The way detroit looked at it was they could acquire a player (Love) that would be #1 on their board for Prince who they considered a late #2 and who they wouldn't have kept if he wasn't wanted in this trade. Pierce was Minny's choice. We also acquired a very early #3 (3,2) and a very early #4 (4,2). Minnesota was in a great position to improve, they will have their starting 5 by the 2nd pick of the 2nd round. Detroit is....well.....Detroit. I still hope to improve on their current position and can do that with a mix of youth and skill (I hope). Love is a monster for years to come.

[StartOrien]

My picks probably not coming in until 10:30 today, guys. I've got to update my excel spreadsheet for all the guys selected, and I was close to a trade last night but haven't heard back from owner since.

[Rondo2287]

Another trade to announce:

Minny sends Love, 3(2) 4(2)
Det sends Tayshaun Prince, Paul Pierce, 5(5)

I assume this means a youth movement is on in Detroit? Love has been a must see this season, but that's a steep price. Minnesota suddenly finds itself with a pair of proven winners on the wings.

A flash of light, some smoke, abracadabra and suddenly the Timberwolves sitting pretty with a core of Pierce, Noah, Prince and Nelson. Hat tip to Rondo2287.

Thank you sir, looking forward to rounding out our starting 5 early in the second round.  But I did give up a good ammount with these 3rd and 4th rounders but that is mitigated a little by getting back the early 5th.  I think it was a good trade all around and Det has a good chance to build a very deep team