16. Celtics - Saric = You have to watch the 2012 hoop summit game from the beginning to the end to know that Saric was the real mvp. 13 pts, 14 rbs, 5 assists. He was better than 90 percent of the usa team players. Unfairly he was coming in with some pro experience and already a summit game the year prior under his belt. Shot needs to be more consistent, but his handles, penetration, rebounding and especially passing is top notch. He was directing/helping guys around the court like a QB. For 2013 it looks like his body has improved on top of gaining further pro experience. His size at 6'10/game reminds me of Magic Johnsons. There is a pretty good chance he gets picked much earlier but luckily for the celts , he can't come and play until 2014 that may turn off alot of teams.
You lost me at the Magic comparison..
I wouldn't be opposed to draft Saric. I think there are higher ceiling prospects out there but his mix of NBA readiness and potential is appealing. Having watched the 2012 hoop summit the positive are he has good court vision, above average ball skills for 6'10, a good nose for the ball, shows hustle, and has a good frame. However the negatives are that he lacks athleticism, doesn't appear to have good fundamentals defending perimeter, has only average length, and has a suspect outside shot.
If he can add strength (maybe he has in last year) and play more around 240 than 220 than he may be able to defend more 4s and not open himself up to getting burnt on the perimeter. This coupled with refining his outside shot should make him an effective 4/3 in the style of Ersan Iilyasova but with less of an outside shot and a better ball handler.
Ford actually wrote an article recently comparing Saric to Magic. I would post it here but I don't have insider.
Saric per 40 stats this past season where 13pts 10rb 3.6 assists 3.9 To. If chad Ford is comparing this kid to one of the greatest bball players ever than he is nuts.
He is playing in a pro league already and is 1994 born. Do you expect eye opening stats? Also the place he is playing at right now, is asking him to play full PF and not handle the ball as much. Which is a dumb strategy as handling the ball and passing is his top skills.
In terms of how he compares to Magic, its the way he can pull in guys towards him, and pass the ball to his teammates for easy buckets. Another magic trait was to post up, freeze the defense and find people cutting or make the pass to the key for open jump shots. Even Saric has mentioned he has patterned his game after Magic's.
Magic no doubt one of the best that ever has played and Saric has an eternity to be like/accomplish like him. But a glimpse of his game/size does say Magic more than anyone else. Even shoots inconsistently like him. But in the end, he has a way to control, take over games. If he slips to us we should all feel lucky imo. Some scouts say he is a top 5 talent and would of been a top 5 pick if he played in NA college.
update: He can be bought out for 1.2 million to start playing as soon as next season
Topic: 2013 Mock Draft v4.0 6/6/13 (Read 16533 times)