2009 Suns Draft

[Gee!]

I really hope the Suns get Ty Lawson.. This dude is gonna be special and would fall right in line with our motto of having a good PG..

 

[Ryanwb]

There is nothing better than the NBA Darft

 

[lou_skywalker]

and there is nothing better than a GM selling picks for HUGE money

 

[Gee!]

There is nothing better than the NBA Darft

You shut your face.. Dam thing wont let me edit the title..

 

[ArizonaSportsFan]

The Suns would have to rise in the lottery to - or trade up to - #3 at worst to get Lawson. I would imagine Griffin going first, then it is kind of a toss-up between some good-to-great players. A Griffin is exactly what this team needs to pair with Amare. But around where we'll land 13-14, I would hope for a Sam Young or similar to be available. We need more scoring from the front line, IMO.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

The Suns would have to rise in the lottery to - or trade up to - #3 at worst to get Lawson. I would imagine Griffin going first, then it is kind of a toss-up between some good-to-great players. A Griffin is exactly what this team needs to pair with Amare. But around where we'll land 13-14, I would hope for a Sam Young or similar to be available. We need more scoring from the front line, IMO.

You have got to be kidding. Lawson is projected anywhere from 10 - 18 even with his last performance.

If the Suns want him he will likely be there. I like Dragic anyway.

I am hoping Harden falls.

 

[slinslin]

1. use this thread: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f7/official-2009-draft-thread-131346.html

2. No way does Lawson go as high as #3 in this draft. He isn't even the #1 PG in the draft. He would be a decent pick at #14 but I don't feel like he is worth trading up for. Between Lawson, Maynor and Flynn it is still argueable who is the 3rd best PG in the draft.

Rubio is miles ahead of him and Jennings is much better value also.

Griffin is not what this team needs to pair with Amare. He is practically the same player, he looks a bit shorter on television. He is no shotblocker or defender either. His rebounding would be nice but there is no way to guarantee how it will translate to the NBA.

 

[Matt L]

I think that Lawson is too short.

 

[Mulli]

1. use this thread: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f7/official-2009-draft-thread-131346.html

2. No way does Lawson go as high as #3 in this draft. He isn't even the #1 PG in the draft. He would be a decent pick at #14 but I don't feel like he is worth trading up for. Between Lawson, Maynor and Flynn it is still argueable who is the 3rd best PG in the draft.

Rubio is miles ahead of him and Jennings is much better value also.

Griffin is not what this team needs to pair with Amare. He is practically the same player, he looks a bit shorter on television. He is no shotblocker or defender either. His rebounding would be nice but there is no way to guarantee how it will translate to the NBA.

Can you explain this?

 

[Folster]

I think that Lawson is too short.

According to his bio, he's the same height as Chris Paul which is reassuring because their games are similar. We'll find out about his overall length and if his bio height is accurate when the pre-draft camps roll around.

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

You shut your face.. Dam thing wont let me edit the title..

I fiexed it for you Gee.

 

[slinslin]

Can you explain this?

That's easy.

1. Jennings is taller.

2. Jennings is much much more athletic. Jennings to Lawson athletically is like lets say Chris Paul to Mike Bibby.

3. Jennings is 2 years younger.

4. Jennings was the highest rated player of his highschool class.

5. Jennings is getting valueable pro experience in europe this year and eventhough he isn't dominating it's rare that an 18-19 year old is getting playing time in the euroleague.

6. Jennings should be more mature than almost any player in the draft after spending a full year overseas on a european pro team.

7. It doesn't hurt that Jennings is a natural lefty that's always handy and often causes defenders trouble.

Here is Jennings blog, gets a bonus point from me
http://blog.underarmour.com/wheninrome/

Though I take Ricky Rubio over him and for that matter I would probably take Ricky Rubio over Blake Griffin also.
Best PG I have seen in Europe and he is still only 18 years old. He is 6'4, has great ball handling, terrific passing, good defender.

Only concern with Rubio is that he is a poor athlete, I am not sure he can even dunk at 6'4. He is a poor leaper.

According to his bio, he's the same height as Chris Paul which is reassuring because their games are similar. We'll find out about his overall length and if his bio height is accurate when the pre-draft camps roll around.

He isn't even comparable to Chris Paul. After Paul's freshman season I said he should come out, he was a lock for a top 5 pick. Lawson took 3 years and isn't as good as Paul was as a freshman. Paul is an athletic freak, Lawson is rather average athletically.

PS: Please merge the draft threads and sticky.

 

[joshstmarie]

bj mullens intrigues me alot. i dont care how bad hes was at osu, hes got a crud load of potential. word is that hes going to be forced to leave ohio state because his grades are bad.

 

[slinslin]

I am pretty sure Mullens already declared because his family is very poor and they need the money asap.
He is not a candidate for #14 imo and I think it is highly unlikely we will draft a true center 2 years in a row.

 

[Matt L]

The ESPN lotter machine had the SUNS picking Brandon Jennings at #14.

They also had Curry going #9 to the Knicks.

I would be willing to trade up for Curry. I think he will be good.

 

[joshstmarie]

I am pretty sure Mullens already declared because his family is very poor and they need the money asap.
He is not a candidate for #14 imo and I think it is highly unlikely we will draft a true center 2 years in a row.

why wouldnt we draft a center? shaq wants to leave and even if he doesnt hes gone after next year..i guess youd just like to take the risk of drafting a center with 2010's 2nd round draft pick? makes sense.

 

[slinslin]

We already have a project at center,y ou can't have 20 year old Robin Lopez and another 19 year old major center prospect at the same time.
Doesn't make sense, neither of them can possibly play PF either.

And #14 is too high for Mullens.

 

[joshstmarie]

a year ago mullens was a top 5 draft pick on nbadraft.net the only reason he has dropped is because he had such a bad year when so much was expected out of him. you can certainly have both considering lopez wont be here outside of the last day of his current contract imo.

 

[Folster]

He isn't even comparable to Chris Paul. After Paul's freshman season I said he should come out, he was a lock for a top 5 pick. Lawson took 3 years and isn't as good as Paul was as a freshman. Paul is an athletic freak, Lawson is rather average athletically.

Not even comparable?

Paul's sophomore season: 15.3 ppg, 6.6 apg, and 2.4 spg.
Lawson's junior year: 16.6 ppg 6.6 apg, and 2.1 spg.

I'm not saying Lawson will be as good as Paul, but their games, size, and build have similarities. For the record Lawson has shrunk an inch according to ESPN who now lists him at 5'11" I have not seen any source question his athleticism and label it as average as you did. NBAdraft.net writes:

Borko Popic - 5/21/2008 Strengths: Combines speed, quickness, strength and ball handling to form a very intriguing package A one man fastbreak, he is able to stay under control and maneuver around defenders even at the ultimate breakneck pace Has a pass first mentality, understands who to get the ball to and is always looking to get others involved before getting his own offense going Has the rare ability to pull up on a dime and elevate for a shot after going full speed Breaks press-defenses with ease, splitting double teams and traps with a variety of moves Possesses and extra gear in the open court and is always looking to push the ball and aggressively attack the opposition His shot has shown some improvement and he is able to get good elevation and balance under it Uses his explosive first step to create separation off the dribble allowing him to get into the paint at will, where he shows tremendous body control while finishing at the rim His ability to get into the lane also makes him very dangerous as a drive & dish weapon, because he is very patient and reads the help defense nicely allowing him to deliver precise passes to open teammates His poise and composure are rare for the college level; he is very efficient with the ball sporting one of the best assist/turnover ratios With his great quickness and a strong body he shows flashes of being a very pesky defender He is able to turn ball handlers numerous times in the backcourt, then totally harass and discourage them from penetrating on the perimeter
Weaknesses: The greatest concerns are his height and subpar length, because of them, he not only has problems finishing around the rim but also struggles to get shots off against taller defenders Although his shot has gotten better (15% increase in ft shooting) his mechanics are still very flawed- he has not changed his release point, continuing to shoot the ball from his chin His follow through is very inconsistent and he tends to push the ball out as if shooting a teardrop A less than formidable jump shot combined with his short frame will substantially hurt his ability to operate in a half court set In the pick & roll oriented NBA, teams will go under screens daring him to shoot, and if he cant become a dependable knock down shooter, his role may only be as a change of pace guard off the bench Another question mark is his durability, as he suffered a sprained ankle in mid-season and never regained his form He has also not logged major minutes in college (25.5 mins/gm) which could be a result of a less than adequate motor or simply due to the depth of the team Even though he has great tools to be a pesky defender, his focus on that end has been sporadic at best: he seems lackadaisical and loses track of his assignment with regularity He has a bad habit of playing defense with his hands down, which does not bode well because with his short frame, people can shoot over him with ease


Aran Smith - 9/4/2007

Strengths: Lightning quick point guard with excellent passing ability ... Aggresive, competitive player who plays at a high level of intensity at all times ... His body is built like a bowling ball allowing him to absorb contact and play extremely physical ... Really thrives at pushing the ball up the floor and his supreme foot speed and first step make him a handful for opposing point guards to contain ... Might be the quickest point guard on the college level and will be in elite company on the next level ... Low center of gravity allows him to change directions and burst from a standstill position incredibly quickly ... Gets into the lane virtually at will and uses his strength well to create space ... Extremely athletic, can get up and finish at the rim ... Has a decent outside shot and can get hot from 3 point range ... Took over the point guard duties as a freshman last season and showed excellent promise ...
Weaknesses: Despite a good feel for the point guard position, he still has a ways to go learning the nuances of the position. But he is in a tremendous situation playing for a premiere talent developer (Roy Williams) at one of the most prestigious basketball schools in the country ... Size is a concern for him as he is around 6-0 and despite his great athletic ability, he struggles to get shots off against bigger opponents ... Will also struggle some defensively as he is a post up/match up problem against tall points ... Lacks great length with short arms and doesn't have a high release point on his shot ... His offensive game is still developing, but he appears to be a better spot up shooter than shooting off the dribble ... Can get wild at times, but overall had a solid A/TO ratio ...
Notes: Came into North Carolina as the top rated point guard in his high school class which included Mike Conley Jr. and Javaris Crittenton ... Considered the top point guard to play at prestigious Oak Hill Academy by his HS coach Steve Smith ...

Size and length are legitimate concerns, but athleticism is not.

 

[binkar]

I am pretty sure Mullens already declared because his family is very poor and they need the money asap.
He is not a candidate for #14 imo and I think it is highly unlikely we will draft a true center 2 years in a row.

Unless they have decided Lopez is likely to be a career backup. Mullens has a ton of potential, but it does worry me that that potential never seemed to shine through at OSU.

The ESPN lotter machine had the SUNS picking Brandon Jennings at #14.

They also had Curry going #9 to the Knicks.

I would be willing to trade up for Curry. I think he will be good.

I like Curry, but think his game is very similar to Barbosas in the sense that both are scoring guards that don't really have a true position. Curry may be able to develop into a point guard, but I think we would be better off draft either a true 2 or a 3,4, or 5.

 

[Mainstreet]

I am hoping Harden falls.

I hope Harden goes in the top ten selections. I have to admit I have seen Harden play only twice, but his lack of athleticism and his inability to create his own shot really is a real turnoff for me at SG or any position. He seems to be an opportunist and plays like a point forward. In the NBA he will not always be able to just let the game come to him. I hope some team will pick him before the Suns. Just to be fair to ASU and UofA, I wouldn't touch Budinger either in the first round.

 

[joshstmarie]

I like Curry, but think his game is very similar to Barbosas in the sense that both are scoring guards that don't really have a true position. Curry may be able to develop into a point guard, but I think we would be better off draft either a true 2 or a 3,4, or 5.

the biggest difference (which imo is huge) between curry and barbs is 1.) curry doesnt get down on himself when his shots not falling and 2.) hes MUCH smarter and more AWARE of things going on around him than barbs is.

 

[binkar]

the biggest difference (which imo is huge) between curry and barbs is 1.) curry doesnt get down on himself when his shots not falling and 2.) hes MUCH smarter and more AWARE of things going on around him than barbs is.

Those arguments are subjective though IMO. Curry didn't have the option of getting down on himself and shut down offensively because he was the only real offense Davidson had. When you are playing around a group of NBA players it can be more difficult to play "free and easy" like Curry did at Davidson when it wasn't a question he was 10 times better than anyone else on his team. Leandro also has some things going for him that Curry doesn't.
A)Barbosa has a lot better size and length.
B) Barbosa has a better ability to get to the basket IMO.

That said, I feel Curry is a better shooter and has a lighting quick release that will allow him to get his shot off in situations Leandro can't.

I just feel like Curry will be one of those instant offense type players in the league and I think Barbosa fills that roll for us. I am not saying their games and styles of play are identical I just think they will both have a similar roll in the NBA.

I would just rather not use the pick on a fairly one dimensional offensive backcourt player because that hasn't gotten us anywhere lately. I would rather get some toughness and athleticism in the front court at either the 3,4, or 5. Preferably a 3 like Clark, Johnson, Young, Aminu, etc. Unless a dynamic player like DeRozan, Harden, or Jennings fell to us.

 

[Matt L]

Those arguments are subjective though IMO. Curry didn't have the option of getting down on himself and shut down offensively because he was the only real offense Davidson had. When you are playing around a group of NBA players it can be more difficult to play "free and easy" like Curry did at Davidson when it wasn't a question he was 10 times better than anyone else on his team. Leandro also has some things going for him that Curry doesn't.
A)Barbosa has a lot better size and length.
B) Barbosa has a better ability to get to the basket IMO.

That said, I feel Curry is a better shooter and has a lighting quick release that will allow him to get his shot off in situations Leandro can't.

I just feel like Curry will be one of those instant offense type players in the league and I think Barbosa fills that roll for us. I am not saying their games and styles of play are identical I just think they will both have a similar roll in the NBA.

I would just rather not use the pick on a fairly one dimensional offensive backcourt player because that hasn't gotten us anywhere lately. I would rather get some toughness and athleticism in the front court at either the 3,4, or 5. Preferably a 3 like Clark, Johnson, Young, Aminu, etc. Unless a dynamic player like DeRozan, Harden, or Jennings fell to us.

I gotta disagree. Curry pretty much had to be the whole offense at Davidson. He just switched to PG so he basically has had one season there. He has a pretty decent shot and has the quickness to get open for it.

Barbosa on the other hand has had many opportunities to show anything as a PG and has pretty much stunk each time. He is lightning fast but often under control. He basically has two shots, 1) layup or 2) jump shot when his feet are already set. When it is a set shot he is very consistent, when he has to pull up from the dribble, not so much.

I like Barbosa but I don't think that him and Curry have the same game or are the same player.

 

[HooverDam]

Im so paranoid the Suns are going to take Budinger towards the end of the lottery. Hill and Barnes will be gone and the Suns will have a need at the 3 (even though I think Chase is more of a 2 in the NBA) and Sarver knows the team is going to stink so he'll likely want to sell some jerseys and tickets by taking the hometown kid.