Will Barton

[ctrey]

I have spent far too much time studying this, but I am going on record as saying this is the guy I want the Celtics to draft. I do not care if we stay at 21 and 22 and pick him then, or if we can drop back a few picks, get another asset of some sort and get him then.

The more I watch film, not just highlight reels but actual replays of games the more I like this kid. I live in Houston and two of the schools here, Rice and University of Houston, are in C-USA with Memphis so I have had the opportunity to watch a lot of replay games and this kid can play. He puts up very solid numbers in every category. His mid range game and finishing ability is outstanding. I have visions of the C's going small with Jeff Green at PF, Barton at the 3, Bradley and Rondo in the back court while either Hollins or Williams play the five while we give KG and PP a rest. It would be a tremendous line up that would maintain defensive intensity while still putting points up which we desperately need. Every way you look at his game it is productive, even when you start talking about by pace adjustment and other factors. He rebounds well, does not turn the ball over, gets to the foul line, is a bawl hawk, everything.

He could be a better long range shooter and needs to get bigger and stronger but for where we are picking I think we have to take him. Look, if some other players stunningly slip then fine, that would be great. However I think that chance is slim and considering that we need a guy who can swing between the 2 and 3 coming off the bench, Will Barton should be our guy.Thoughts?

[clover]

At 175 pounds, I can't see him contributing at all to guarding a Wade or James, which I think is something you want in a backup wing player.

[ctrey]

He has a 6'10" wing span. Weight and strength can be gained. He could be a bigger version of Rip Hamilton.

[Jerald7]

agree

[Celtic#9]

Jeff Taylor is a better wing defender even with his small wingspan. He will be available at the 21 and 22. However, I do like Barton but only if we move back to get cash or an asset. 21 for him is a big stretch. He is simply too small. He can't guard most 3's and will struggle with SG who can post up.

[The One]

I think he's going to be great.  I can imagine him and Rondo eventually being the best rebounding  backcourt in the league!

[wry791]

I think he's a classic Ainge guy. Highly rated out of HS, long, efficient stat wise and high rebounding numbers for his position.

[snively]

At 175 pounds, I can't see him contributing at all to guarding a Wade or James, which I think is something you want in a backup wing player.

Plenty of very skinny guys have proven capable of playing very solid D on the wing.  Bruce Bowen, Tay Prince, Larry Hughes (more of steals guy, but capable still)...

It's not a deal-breaker.

I love Will Barton, and I have no idea why he's not in the conversation with Dion Waiters, Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Ross for the late lottery.

He was a top 10 recruit out of high school, way ahead of all those guys.  And he just had a monster year, putting up 18ppg on 59% TS%, 8rpg, and 3apg with a positive assist to turnover ratio.

No medical issues, no off-court issues, good athleticism, good height and length.

He's painfully skinny, but so is Lamb, and Waiters is significantly shorter than both of them.

Waiters, Lamb and Barton are all very solid prospects, yet the first two are in the lottery and Barton's getting the first round bubble treatment.

[T-LoDaniels]

At 175 pounds, I can't see him contributing at all to guarding a Wade or James, which I think is something you want in a backup wing player.

Plenty of very skinny guys have proven capable of playing very solid D on the wing.  Bruce Bowen, Tay Prince, Larry Hughes (more of steals guy, but capable still)...

It's not a deal-breaker.

I love Will Barton, and I have no idea why he's not in the conversation with Dion Waiters, Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Ross for the late lottery.

He was a top 10 recruit out of high school, way ahead of all those guys.  And he just had a monster year, putting up 18ppg on 59% TS%, 8rpg, and 3apg with a positive assist to turnover ratio.

No medical issues, no off-court issues, good athleticism, good height and length.

He's painfully skinny, but so is Lamb, and Waiters is significantly shorter than both of them.

Waiters, Lamb and Barton are all very solid prospects, yet the first two are in the lottery and Barton's getting the first round bubble treatment.

THIS. Jeremy Lamb and Will Barton are both guys who were highly recruited out of high school and completed their sophomore years. Barton’s a little older. Barton is an inch taller, 5 lbs lighter with a shorter wingspan, but a 1/2 inch higher standing reach.

Some stats (all pace-adjusted per 40 minutes), Barton first:
Points: 19.4, 19.4
TS%: 0.597, 0.595
REB: 8.8, 5.3
AST: 3.2, 1.9
STL: 1.6, 1.4
BLK: 0.8, 0.7
TO: 2.4, 2.2
A/TO: 1.33, 0.86

Those are some VERY solid numbers

[clover]

I think he's a classic Ainge guy. Highly rated out of HS, long, efficient stat wise and high rebounding numbers for his position.

Agree.  A Marquis Daniels who can shoot and finish.

[clover]

I think he's going to be great.  I can imagine him and Rondo eventually being the best rebounding  backcourt in the league!

That's true!  I take it he's the best-rebounding wing in the draft.

[Sketch5]

No matter what He'll be too small for the 3 spot. Bring him in for the 2 spot, year behind Bradley and hopefully Allen who can teach him a few things. Add 15 to 20 pounds I don't think his frame will hold more than that.

[The One]

No matter what He'll be too small for the 3 spot. Bring him in for the 2 spot, year behind Bradley and hopefully Allen who can teach him a few things. Add 15 to 20 pounds I don't think his frame will hold more than that.

Rondo, Bradley, and Barton would be a filthy 3 guard rotation!

And in a pinch they could all be on the floor at the same time!  Absolute chaos!!