Identifying the next 'KG' and 'Ray'

[Fred Roberts]

I like the thought process here but agree w/ others that the next KG / Ray aren't out there. We're going to have to go about it different way this time around (most likely), possibly by developing in house talent, making several trades and getting a large group of highly skilled guys that can go the Pacers route of winning as a team without a true lights out superstar . .. or star trifecta.

[BigAlTheFuture]

I'm considerably more interested in identifying the next Paul Pierce.

That's what I was thinking. We can't get the next KG and Ray when we don't have a Pierce already.

[rickyfan3.0...]

Yeah true. It ain't Rondo.

[footey]

The next Ray Allen could be in this draft.  What separates Ray from almost every NBA player is his work ethic.  A lot of guys are naturally gifted shooters, but how many of them put in the time like Ray Allen?  Danny's job is to find him in the drat.

The next KG probably hasn't been born yet.

[Timdawgg]

I think Rondo is our Ray Allen from a skill level.  As others are saying we need to find a Pierce and KG. 

[LooseCannon]

Well, I could see Bradley continuing to improve his three-point shooting from the wings so that he is around 42% on threes overall, so maybe he can be the Ray Allen.

[celticmania]

I don't think that what happened in 07 can be duplicated anytime soon. I think the plan should be to draft well witb all of the picks we have. Add those players with the young talent we have (Olynyk, Sully, Bradley) and as those players develop and more talented players become available via trade, we come up with a package.  But right now, tge closest things are Melo and KLove and im not really a fan of either.

[Fafnir]

All great points... but Would it take that long for Davis though?

LeBron or Durant -- they are the only guys I see A.Davis being traded for.

And I doubt even those trades would be accepted by NOH. More time to build around Davis before he can start to agitate for a contender around him or he'll force his way out.

[sofutomygaha]

The Davis and Beal talk is wishful thinking, obviously. The "next KG and Ray" would be, as others have pointed out, ~30yo all-star vets who have been stuck in bad situations and are hungry for a chance to contend. The existing candidates that might fit that description are Lamarcus Aldridge (though his situation seems to be turning around), Kevin Love (though he is a little young for the part), Carmelo Anthony, and that's about it.

Who else is cast in this little re-enactment? Rajon Rondo is Paul Pierce, Sullinger is Al Jefferson, Kelly Olynyk is Wally Szerbiak mixed with Brian Scalabrine and Leon Powe, Phil Pressey is Sebastian Telfair, Avery Bradley is Tony Allen, Kris Humphries is Theo Ratliff. I guess Vitor has to be Kendrick Perkins.

[Monkhouse]

The next Ray Allen could be in this draft.  What separates Ray from almost every NBA player is his work ethic.  A lot of guys are naturally gifted shooters, but how many of them put in the time like Ray Allen?  Danny's job is to find him in the drat.

The next KG probably hasn't been born yet.

Thon Maker.

[LarBrd33]

I'm considerably more interested in identifying the next Paul Pierce.

But I mean... that's basically what Rondo is.  We already have that slot filled...   All-star level talent without a superstar leader (KG) and an equal (Ray).

[GreenFaith1819]

The next Ray Allen could be in this draft.  What separates Ray from almost every NBA player is his work ethic.  A lot of guys are naturally gifted shooters, but how many of them put in the time like Ray Allen?  Danny's job is to find him in the drat.

The next KG probably hasn't been born yet.

Thon Maker.

Agreed. The kid so much reminds me of KG.

Will be interesting to see how he continues to develop.

[Monkhouse]

The next Ray Allen could be in this draft.  What separates Ray from almost every NBA player is his work ethic.  A lot of guys are naturally gifted shooters, but how many of them put in the time like Ray Allen?  Danny's job is to find him in the drat.

The next KG probably hasn't been born yet.

Thon Maker.

Agreed. The kid so much reminds me of KG.

Will be interesting to see how he continues to develop.

Yup. Every one forgets that KG was in the 3pt shooting contest in HS. KG had a decent stroke from deep, but he focused on post moves and the mid range. Which is what I suspect Thon Maker will continue to do.

[GreenFaith1819]

The next Ray Allen could be in this draft.  What separates Ray from almost every NBA player is his work ethic.  A lot of guys are naturally gifted shooters, but how many of them put in the time like Ray Allen?  Danny's job is to find him in the drat.

The next KG probably hasn't been born yet.

Thon Maker.

Agreed. The kid so much reminds me of KG.

Will be interesting to see how he continues to develop.

Yup. Every one forgets that KG was in the 3pt shooting contest in HS. KG had a decent stroke from deep, but he focused on post moves and the mid range. Which is what I suspect Thon Maker will continue to do.

Agreed.

The clips on Thon show such a resemblance to a young KG...I just hope his handlers are bringing him up the right way.

It would be awesome to see another KG in the league in a few years.

[GreenFaith1819]

I'd say that Joakim Noah and perhaps Klay Thompson resemble KG and Ray Ray.

Too bad it's next to impossible to get either.

Joakim reminds me of the fiery, defensive-minded leader that KG is.

Klay Thompson is still developing, but at his rate he will be a great shooter one day. Smooth stroke from the kid. Smooth player.