NBA Season 2016-2017

[Rondo9]

Did you just write all that just to say that Smart is disappointing and how Randle is good?

[alldaboston]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

Alright, I'll bite.

What makes Gordon, Exum, Randle, Stauskas and other players "gems" and worthy of praise, but Smart has "been a disappointment"?

If we list out his numbers (12.5 pts, 3.8 rb, 3.7 ast, and a steal a game, on an improved percentage both from the field and also from deep), he seems to be doing just fine, much like his peers in his draft class. Is it his performance in relation to Ford's "Tiers"? Is that what all this is about? Or is it some other ESPN publication bashing Smart (perhaps the NBA rank?), and hence their word is now undeniable?

[GreenFaith1819]

Almost 90 points between KD, Klay and Steph - AMAZING.

Yes - it's against PHX - without Tyson Chandler.

Yes - PHX is 3-7 (soon to be 3-8). But still - AMAZING play from those three. Draymond wasn't too bad, either.

I still say that if LeBron makes it past US or TOR that he'll run roughshod over GSW "AGAIN" but until that time I'm enjoying this season AND BOS's opportunity this year.

[celticslove]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

Alright, I'll bite.

What makes Gordon, Exum, Randle, Stauskas and other players "gems" and worthy of praise, but Smart has "been a disappointment"?

If we list out his numbers (12.5 pts, 3.8 rb, 3.7 ast, and a steal a game, on an improved percentage both from the field and also from deep), he seems to be doing just fine, much like his peers in his draft class. Is it his performance in relation to Ford's "Tiers"? Is that what all this is about? Or is it some other ESPN publication bashing Smart (perhaps the NBA rank?), and hence their word is now undeniable?

easiest explanation, see marcus jersey and lastname is not spelled as EMBIID and also was not drafted by Hinkie

[mr. dee]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

 

Typical LarBrd bait post, praising young guys from other teams while making it look like ours are complete scrub. Can't you just praise their players without ridiculing ours?

Smart is averaging just less than 2 PPG than Randle along with his elite defense, yet Gordon gets a praise for putting similar numbers when stat shows that he is just as bad as Smart if not worse when it comes to shooting.

You're completely trolling if you think his scoring numbers this season is a "disappointment". It is 3 PPG higher than his stats last season. Small sample size, but so far, he's pretty consistent with it, considering this team doesn't really emphasize heavy usg% with the ball.

He's the only legit 2-way player in the draft, along with Wiggins and Embiid. Gordon still have ways to go. Smart just need to take "smarter" shot selection. He's already good with his passing, mid-range,driving, post game and rebounding.

[celticsclay]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

rofl. Well done my friend. Instant classic post.

[LooseCannon]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

Defense is more important than ppg.

[tazzmaniac]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

You started a thread about the 2016 draft being pathetic after just 9 games.  Now you come back with a post about the 2014 draft being underrated even though you could have said it was a disappointing draft after the 1st year.  The same could be said about the 2013 draft which was perceived as weak at the time but looks a lot better now.  That should tell you not to write off any draft after such a short time frame. 

As for Smart, he's actually exceeded my expectations.  He's basically who I thought he'd be except better on defense.  I never thought he'd be a star.  I don't believe you did either.  So why would he be a disappointment?   

[LarBrd33]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

Alright, I'll bite.

What makes Gordon, Exum, Randle, Stauskas and other players "gems" and worthy of praise, but Smart has "been a disappointment"?

If we list out his numbers (12.5 pts, 3.8 rb, 3.7 ast, and a steal a game, on an improved percentage both from the field and also from deep), he seems to be doing just fine, much like his peers in his draft class. Is it his performance in relation to Ford's "Tiers"? Is that what all this is about? Or is it some other ESPN publication bashing Smart (perhaps the NBA rank?), and hence their word is now undeniable?

easiest explanation, see marcus jersey and lastname is not spelled as EMBIID and also was not drafted by Hinkie

marcus turns 23 in a couple months.  He's been disappointing.  But to his credit he's putting up slightly better shooting percentages so far.  At worst, he has a long career as a role player.  He could still make a leap.  If he does, the 2014 draft will look even better.

[LarBrd33]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

You started a thread about the 2016 draft being pathetic after just 9 games.  Now you come back with a post about the 2014 draft being underrated even though you could have said it was a disappointing draft after the 1st year.  The same could be said about the 2013 draft which was perceived as weak at the time but looks a lot better now.  That should tell you not to write off any draft after such a short time frame. 

As for Smart, he's actually exceeded my expectations.  He's basically who I thought he'd be except better on defense.  I never thought he'd be a star.  I don't believe you did either.  So why would he be a disappointment?

2016 draft has looked far worse than 2014 at the same point.

[tazzmaniac]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

You started a thread about the 2016 draft being pathetic after just 9 games.  Now you come back with a post about the 2014 draft being underrated even though you could have said it was a disappointing draft after the 1st year.  The same could be said about the 2013 draft which was perceived as weak at the time but looks a lot better now.  That should tell you not to write off any draft after such a short time frame. 

As for Smart, he's actually exceeded my expectations.  He's basically who I thought he'd be except better on defense.  I never thought he'd be a star.  I don't believe you did either.  So why would he be a disappointment?

2016 draft has looked far worse than 2014 at the same point.

In three years, the 2016 draft could look significantly better.  Take away Wiggins and the 2014 didn't look much better.   The 2013 draft didn't look much better. 

[wayupnorth]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

rofl. Well done my friend. Instant classic post.

TP.  it really is something.

[fantankerous]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

You started a thread about the 2016 draft being pathetic after just 9 games.  Now you come back with a post about the 2014 draft being underrated even though you could have said it was a disappointing draft after the 1st year.  The same could be said about the 2013 draft which was perceived as weak at the time but looks a lot better now.  That should tell you not to write off any draft after such a short time frame. 

As for Smart, he's actually exceeded my expectations.  He's basically who I thought he'd be except better on defense.  I never thought he'd be a star.  I don't believe you did either.  So why would he be a disappointment?

2016 draft has looked far worse than 2014 at the same point.

In Smart's defense, he's shooting pretty well in Celtics' losses.  It's the wins that have buggered him.

[LarBrd33]

Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding so far this year.  Still only 21 years old.  Averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists with 45%/57%/73% shooting... that's before tonight where he went off for 47 points.  Living up to the hype.

Meanwhile... Jabari Parker, who many folks here told me was not worth trading the Brooklyn pick for just a handful of months ago, is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists with 47%/35%/87% shooting... and is also only 21.

Oh, and Joel Embiid, in case you missed it, looks like a true future superstar so far. 

So much for the 2014 draft being "overrated".   The top 3 looks epic.  Those were the 3 guys pegged as potential superstars.  Still only kids... showing signs of it.   

After the top 3, others in that draft are showing progress as well.

Exum is still coming back from his injury, but averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists with 43%/36%/86% shooting in limited minutes... perhaps he's the one most likely to bust?  But he's still only 21.

Aaron Gordon continues to show improvement.  Averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1 block. 

Smart's been a disappointment, but #7 pick Julius Randle has been carrying the Lakers to a surprising 6-5 record so far and looks like a future all-star as well.  Averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block with 54% shooting.  Living up to the Z-Bo comps.   

Even oft-ridiculed #8 pick Nik Stauskas is showing some life.  Double-digit scoring his last two games and his shooting percentages are 49%/39%/85% to start the season.

As you go deeper you'll find other gems such as Nukic, Saric, Capela, and LaVine.

Payton and McDermott are a couple stand-out role players.

The 2014 draft is looking underrated.

rofl. Well done my friend. Instant classic post.

TP.  it really is something.

I don't get what's so funny about it.  I'm just marveling at how good (for the most part) the 2014 draft looks.  Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, Exum, Gordon, Randle, Stauskas and others seem to be living up to the hype. 

Sure, there might be a dud here or there.  But even 2003 had a dud in the top 6 - Darko Millicic... and yet it doesn't take away from how great that draft is regarded.

[ederson]

funny that most of the exciting prospects from the 2014 post similar statlines as the disappointing Smart......

Stauskas is showing signs of life after TWO half decent games but Smart is disappointing .....

It s not long ago when Avery Bradley was a disappointment