Aaron Gordon or Noah Vonleh?

[Mr October]

Who do you like better between Gordon and Vonleh? And why?

This doesn't have to be answered from a Celtic point of view. I just want to know who you think is going to be the better pro player.

[BigAlTheFuture]

Vonleh, without a doubt. I'd take Vonleh over Randle as well.

[PhoSita]

I really like Gordon's competitiveness, athleticism, and versatility.  Vonleh seems like he could be Al Horford, but he could also be Jordan Hill.  I'd be happy if the Celtics ended up with either, though; I just think Gordon has higher upside, especially defensively.

[Mr October]

I find this to be a really tough call, and my mind changes by the week.

Noah has the bigger body and wingspan. He rebounds really well, has small forward skills left over from his shorter playing days (shooting, handle), and gets a lot of deflections with those long arms. On the other hand, he is really raw when it comes to big man fundamentals and defense. He isn't a big time runner or leaper. Low motor. He doesn't look like he is comfortable in his bigger big man body yet.

Gordon is explosive and defends like a taller Tony Allen. He is great in the open floor, including dribbling, is a pretty good passer and rebounder. High motor. He just can't shoot (really can't shoot!!) and position wise is a 3/4 tweener.

[Quetzalcoatl]

Gordon is more skilled now, but like everyone is pointing out, Vonleh has a better body for the NBA and is progressing along very nicely.  I don't think Gordon will be as bad some people think, but Noah has to be the pick. 

[Fafnir]

Not sure myself, close call between the two.

I'm hopeful that we'll end up with a higher pick myself, but who knows. These two seem to be 6-10 slot roughly depending on where you look.

[PaulAllen]

Really think Vonleah will be a stud at the next level... his  points and rebounds per min is off the board... He has the build for the nba and getting bigger/stronger ... his wingspan tops the draft... so put it this way he has all the tools to be the next great player, so pair him with Stevens and we will see some great things...

[hwangjini_1]

Vonleh, without a doubt. I'd take Vonleh over Randle as well.

ok....but you please provide your reasoning for this conclusion? vonleh over gordan, i can understand on a couple of levels.

but vonleh over randle is an unique enough position that i am curious concerning  your reasons.

thank you in advance.

[Evantime34]

Gordon, can come in and defend at a near NBA level immediately and will grow offensively with the court time he gets due to his defense.

[BigAlTheFuture]

Vonleh, without a doubt. I'd take Vonleh over Randle as well.

ok....but you please provide your reasoning for this conclusion? vonleh over gordan, i can understand on a couple of levels.

but vonleh over randle is an unique enough position that i am curious concerning  your reasons.

thank you in advance.

1. Vonleh has more upside.
2. Vonleh has bigger wing-span. Randle struggles against bigger forwards. He's able to power through weaker college defenders, but don't see that flying in the pros.
3. Randle stinks at defense. I'm sure he can improve but Vonleh seems like a safer pick.

Overall, I think Vonleh has better tools to succeed in the NBA. Good size, strength, length. Randle is more polish now but if Vonleh can refine his post game and footwork, I think he will be a perennial all star. He's also adding perimeter offense to his arsenal. Just don't see Randle's game translating too well to the NBA.

[KGs Knee]

I have Vonleh in my top 5.

Pretty much agree with what BigAl says above.

[BleedGreen1989]

Really tough choice. Agree with Faf that these guys are likely in the 6-10 range.

Gordon concerns me a bit because of the tweener status. Is he the next Trevor Ariza or the next Shawn Marion?

Vonleh I haven't seen much of but has a perceived higher ceiling and his skill set matched with his size intrigues me.

I'd probably go Vonleh but its super close.

[Smokeeye123]

Vinleh might be the better player but unless we trim down our PF postion hes gonna be on a team 5 deep at PF.

[rondohondo]

If we finish outside of top 5, I take Gordon. I like his length and athleticism at the sf spot next to sully.

But

I don't think danny keeps the pick if it's not top 4 (Embiid, Parker, Wiggins, Exum)

I would trade randle,gordon, or vonleh if we could land melo,love, or some other all-star.

[RJ87]

If we finish outside of top 5, I take Gordon. I like his length and athleticism at the sf spot next to sully.

But

I don't think danny keeps the pick if it's not top 4 (Embiid, Parker, Wiggins, Exum)

I would trade randle,gordon, or vonleh if we could land melo,love, or some other all-star.

Agree that I think Danny tries to move the pick if it's not top 4 or 5.

But I'm curious about Gordon (I haven't seen much Arizona basketball), how does his shooting mechanics look? Can he become a better shooter? And does he have the lateral quickness to play the 3 at the next level?