| Author | Comment | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1kingzfan |
Friday, June 26, 2009 (All Posts) |
Lead | |
|
Welcome to the Bleacher Mob Forum!
|
|||
Seattler |
Evans | ||
|
This move...The selection of Evans will in time prove to be another brilliant move by Petrie...Petrie elected elected to bypass on the flash of Rubio who will
ultimately end up being a Jason Williams flash in the pan. Evans will prove his value in the long run...write it down...
|
|||
jodystone6467 |
Kings get their man: Tyreke Evans: | ||
|
Kings get their man: Tyreke Evans:
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1978957.html When the months of tension-filled preparation ended and the Kings were finally on the NBA draft clock Thursday in New York, they had the same five-minute allotment as the rest to deliberate their pick. But Madison Square Garden officials needn't bother with the clock. The Kings had their man. The team so badly in need of a talent boost opted for Memphis guard Tyreke Evans with the No. 4 pick, taking him without hesitation or concern for the popularity of the pick because they simply see him as special. With the Clippers taking Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin at No. 1, Memphis choosing Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 and Oklahoma City selecting Arizona State guard James Harden third, the Kings were left to choose from all four players believed to be on their short list: Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, Davidson guard Stephen Curry and Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn. But none of them, as Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie and his staff saw it, compared to Evans. Some saw Rubio as a better fit, his passing skills needed on a team that ranked 27th in assists per game last season. Evans is a wholly different player, a 6-foot-5 talent who has impressive penetration skills, is a good defender and can play both guard positions. Last season at the University of Memphis, he led his team to 27 consecutive wins after coach John Calipari moved him from shooting guard to point guard. Even in defeat, Evans' play had some scouts predicting he would eventually be the best player from this draft as he scored a season-high 33 points against Missouri in their NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game. "I think he can be the best player in the draft," an elated Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof said. "A (6-5) point guard who's 220 pounds, and that can score, who can defend the (point guard, shooting guard and small forward) positions with a 7-foot wingspan who's really, really fast. I don't know where you find those guys. They're one in a million. "I think early on we all kind of liked Jonny Flynn, and I still think he'll be good. But this guy was just another dimension. He's an anomaly." Maloof said there was no push from ownership to take Rubio. "I think (Rubio) will be a good NBA player," he said. "I don't think he's going to be as good as Tyreke Evans. I'll say that right now. This guy has the potential to be great, and we are very, very lucky to have this guy on our squad." The selection was made despite draft day controversy surrounding Evans as well, as there was a grave element to the Kings' prospect evaluation process that had gone largely unnoticed among fans and media in Sacramento Tuesday. In 2007, Evans was the driver in a shooting in which his cousin, 18-year-old Jamar Evans, killed 19-year-old Marcus Reason from the passenger seat of the car. Tyreke Evans was not charged after a police investigation, but the story resurfaced Tuesday when Jamar Evans - who court testimony indicates was shot at in the Chester Township, Pa., incident before he fired back - was sentenced to nine to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder and firearm charges. The Kings, according to Petrie, were well aware of the incident throughout the draft process. They conducted an investigation into the matter that gave them the confidence to not be concerned. "In Chicago, one of the interview questions that we asked all the players was, 'What's the biggest adversity that you've had to overcome in your life?' " Petrie said. "Some people might have ducked that, but he was very upfront about that. He talked about that situation, explained it, all the things that went on around it. He was very up front and candid about it." Evans raised his stock in his second Kings workout on Sunday that came after his individual workout earlier. "I felt (the Kings) were pretty interested in me, and I knew there was a couple guys they were looking at, and I was one of them," he said. "I went there with the other guards, and they were saying I was a lot stronger, I was physical, I could get to the basket anytime I wanted. I think it fit the bill." Evans, quite clearly, is prepared to push for minutes at the point guard position currently held by Beno Udrih. "I think if you put the ball in my hands to run the point, I think I'll do good at it," he said. Defensively, he has a chance to be an outstanding defender with his length and his size and his strength. His shooting needs to improve. That's pretty common knowledge. "He considers himself a point guard. They put him at point guard at Memphis this year, and they won 27 games in a row," Petrie said. "Does he
have to get better as a point guard? Absolutely, but he thinks of himself as a point guard. … He's just too good of a talent to pass on."
|
|||
jodystone6467 |
NBA draft brings buzz back to Arco – Tyreke Evans is Kings' prize: | ||
|
NBA draft brings buzz back to Arco - Tyreke Evans is Kings' prize:
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1978898.html In the end, it became a choice between style and substance. Select teen sensation Ricky Rubio of Spain with the fourth overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft and the Kings would have instant potential to regain national and global impact with a player known as a fancy passer and teen heartthrob. Pick Tyreke Evans, the powerfully built point guard from Memphis, and the Kings get the player considered fundamentally the better choice but also someone investigated in a drive-by shooting. The popular consensus at Arco Arena on Thursday night was Rubio, who was cheered by fans every time his image appeared on the large-screen TVs at midcourt as the draft was televised from New York. But Evans was the Kings' unanimous choice, which was met with both cheers and concern. The Kings went with Evans because of his strength and scoring ability over Rubio's fancy passing abilities and potential for international impact similar to the glory days of Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic earlier this decade. And the Kings picked Evans at a time when the franchise could use all the feel-good publicity it can muster after losing an NBA-high 65 games and ranking last among 30 teams in attendance last season. The gamble isn't just if Evans, 19, can immediately improve the roster, it's also how he will be received in Sacramento. Evans was at the wheel of a car involved in a 2007 drive-by shooting in Philadelphia that resulted in a death. His cousin Jamar Evans was sentenced to nine to 20 years in prison for being the triggerman. Evans testified on behalf of the prosecution that he didn't know his cousin had a gun until it was fired. Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof said they knew of the incident, in which Evans was not charged. "This guy will be great," Gavin Maloof gushed to the crowd, working the stage with the energy of Mick Jagger. "He's a great kid. He wants to be here. "I'm tired of all the negativity about this franchise. It's changing - and it changes today." To be sure, this was no ordinary draft for the Kings. It was the most anticipated pick since 1989, when the Kings had the No. 1 overall pick. The franchise swung and missed with Pervis Ellison, who played in just 34 games for the Kings. But in those days, Kings fans were thrilled just to have a professional product to call their own. Sellouts came win or lose. The franchise made a profit. It's different now. The Maloofs slashed ticket prices for the 2009-10 season in an attempt to bring back fans. There's also a new coach with Paul Westphal - the fourth since 2007. And Kings fans are starving for entertainment, a reason to return to Arco, after yawning through a 2008-09 campaign that was the worst in franchise history. "That's why I really wanted Rubio," said Shaun Carvahlo, 25, seated with wife, Maricela, 23. "It would have been fun to see some fun again at Arco again. Rubio would have put the Kings back in the spotlight after we became a laughingstock." Rubio was selected with the No. 5 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Oak Ridge High School buddies Scott Liebert, Zack McMillen and Kevin Backers made the drive from El Dorado Hills hoping for an Evans pick. Each said they would eagerly snatch up an Evans jersey. "Oh, absolutely," Backers said. "People are disappointed about Rubio, but after a few games, they'll see how good Evans is." Said Linda Michael, 65: "He's a safer pick than Rubio. And we shouldn't hold that incident against Evans. He can start new here." Evans jerseys are already being made. He and the other first-round pick - yes, a foreigner after all - Omri Casspi of Israel - will be introduced to fans Saturday afternoon at Marshall Park on J Street. "We want to get Evans and (Casspi) connected with the fans as soon as we can," said Mitch German, the Kings vice president of business communications. "We have a young core the community can be excited about and we can build a bond like we had before." The Evans pick drew political favor before and after the selection. President Barack Obama recently visited the Palms Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas owned by the Maloof family. A basketball fan who correctly predicted North Carolina would win any NCAA Tournament office pool, Obama told the Maloofs that he "loved the kid from Memphis - Tyreke Evans," Palms co-owner George Maloof told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson attended Thursday's draft party. He said he could understand the buzz about Rubio, but as a former NBA star guard, he also recognizes how talented Evans is, too. And the mayor preached patience in the rebuilding efforts and acceptance for Evans regarding the drive-by incident. "He wasn't charged, so give him a chance to start fresh and embrace him," Johnson said. "I think about Chris Webber when he was traded here. He didn't want to come here, had (some history) and then he became one of the most popular players here. These are the best fans in the NBA. They can demand improvement. It'll get better here." |
|||
jodystone6467 |
Across the board, Kings agree Evans is best choice: | ||
|
Across the board, Kings agree Evans is best choice:
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1978960.html The Kings didn't draft the conventional, creative point guard, the charismatic Spaniard who would have spurred season-ticket sales and whose presence immediately would have addressed the club's most glaring deficiency: someone to pass the ball to everyone else. So this is a lousy pick, right? Combo guard Tyreke Evans instead of Ricky Rubio? Instead of Jonny Flynn or Stephen Curry? Not if Evans plays to his reviews. Not if he can make his point. Not if the Kings win more than once in a while. This was a classic, definitive Geoff Petrie selection, and as close to a unanimous decision at Arco Arena as the last Urijah Faber-Mike Brown World Extreme Cagefighting match. That 6-foot-5 size. That exceptional length and reach. The abilities in the open court. The physical strength and versatility. The upside that caused Kings officials to scream when Oklahoma City drafted James Harden at No. 3, leaving Evans for them at No. 4. Whereas I have a particular affinity for players who push and pass the ball - for the pure point guards who amass double-digit assists and involve their teammates - Petrie drafted the guard who dominated the individual workouts, whom many NBA scouts and executives regarded as the most intriguing prospect after Blake Griffin and, more important, who he believes is a clearly superior talent to the higher-profile Rubio. The Maloofs swallowed hard here. These past few days, they probably even choked up a little. Rubio would have meant fannies in the seats, at least initially. But Petrie, whose draft history is hard to quibble with unless someone wants to mention the occasional Quincy Douby, must know something about sales. He spoke. The Maloofs listened. They bought in. "We loved Ricky Rubio," an almost giddy Joe Maloof said midway into Thursday night's festivities, "but Tyreke is the player Geoff thinks is going to help get us back to where we want to be. Geoff, coach (Paul) Westphal, all the scouts, everybody felt this was the right guy. It's about winning. Winning sells tickets. Believe me, the room erupted when David Stern announced that Oklahoma City took … Harden." Asked whether Rubio's complicated and unresolved buyout issue was a factor in the decision to pass on the DKV Joventut star, Maloof shook his head. "Everyone just thought Tyreke was the best player." If not a completely safe pick. There were matters besides his playmaking skills to investigate. In November 2007, Evans was driving a car from which his cousin, Jamar Evans, shot and killed 19-year-old Marcus Reason in Chester, Pa. Tyreke Evans was neither arrested nor charged, and according to Petrie, any concerns about maturity were allayed after conducting an intensive background check and interviewing the Memphis star during the predraft game in Chicago. Petrie and Westphal were no less forceful when discussing Evans' prospects as a starting point guard. With only fleeting mention of incumbent Beno Udrih's return, they spoke of Evans' ability to attack the basket, to post up and draw double-teams, a willingness to find open teammates and defend aggressively. They repeated the words "tough" and "physical." And they deviated from the NBA habit of squeezing players into specific roles. "He's a basketball player," Westphal said, with a slight smile. "You can just … feel it. He has that something about him." There is no doubt. They have no doubts about this selection. They wanted Evans. Evans wanted the Kings. He thinks of himself as an NBA point guard. They think he'll get there, too. And if the youngster develops as expected alongside a nucleus that includes Kevin Martin, Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson and Francisco García, they'll be right. Thursday will be recalled as a fine, perhaps fateful day for the Kings. |
|||
jodystone6467 |
Kings war room is a peaceful place: | ||
|
Kings war room is a peaceful place:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/2009/06/post-26.html Kings coach Paul Westphal described the Kings draft "war room" - a term I detest, by the way - as a unified, cohesive place, even as Geoff Petrie, the scouts, the new assistant coaches, etc., waited to hear what the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder were going to do with their respective Nos. 2 and 3 NBA Draft picks. I heard the Kings were particularly concerned about the Grizzlies, whose owner, Michael Heisley, makes it clear every year that he makes the final decisions, and can trump the basketball people at a moment's notice. (As I frequently note, among intrusive NBA owners, the Maloofs are in the lower echelon). But this, from the new Kings coach: "It (the draft) always throws you a few curveballs. The first 15 minutes were the toughest. We were scared to death that something was going to happen that would change the scenario that allowed him (Tyreke Evans) to come to us. We sweated every second ... The final decision is always Geoff (Petrie), with a possibility the Maloofs deciding differently. That's the hierarchy. The good thing is, we were on same page ... and Geoff is really good at (sorting) through it and getting to the core part of what the decision should be.''
As I wrote in today's editions of The Bee, I liked the selection of Tyreke Evans because he is considered such a major talent. My feeling all along has been that the Kings should draft Ricky Rubio because they desperately need a point guard and would benefit from his entertaining, flashy style - assuming his buyout situation was resolved, of course - or go with the physically gifted Evans, who is more of a combo guard. Every NBA type I've spoken with these past few days believes Evans is going to be a big-time player. Not everyone, however, is convinced he is going to be a big-time NBA point guard. Unlike Derrick Rose, Evans' predecessor at Memphis, his assist to turnover ratio gives one pause. In 29 minutes per game, the 6-foot-4 (without shoes) Evans averaged 3.9 assists and 3.6 turnovers. He attacks the rim, breaks down defenders (see his abuse of Stephen Curry in last Sunday's workout), can post up and draw double teams, and undeniably brings a physical toughness. But the best passer on this Kings roster is Spencer Hawes, the starting center, and so far, Spence is not Bill Walton or Vlade Divac. Who sets up Kevin Martin? Finds Jason Thompson and Hawes where they are most effective? The good news is, the Kings' talent level jumped appreciably. But the personnel has to fit. It will be interesting.... What of Rubio? Watching the young point guard's face when he fall when he wasn't drafted by the Kings at No.4 was revealing. Watching his reaction when he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves five minutes later was almost painful. He was crushed. He (and his agent, Dan Fegan) obviously wanted things to work out differently in Sacramento. That's why you have to remain skeptical when new Wolves boss David Kahn - former owner of the NBDL Reno Bighorns, by the way - says he plans on pairing Rubio and Jonny Flynn in the backcourt. Those phone lines to Mike D'Antoni's New York Knicks are probably buzzing as we speak ....
Word of Michael Jackson's passing cast an immense pall over Arco Arena in the hours preceding the draft. With the televisions inside the building turned to CNN, fans, journalists, Kings employees, etc., gathered around the sets, stunned by the news, eager for more information. As a New York native who spent her teen years in Las Vegas, I remember grabbing my fake I.D. and going with friends to see the Jackson Five at the lounge shows on The Strip. How ridiculous was this? While The Osmonds were performing for megabucks in the main showrooms at places like Caesars Palace, us poor UNLV college students could walk into the lounge shows (free of charge), sip a single watered-down drink for about $2, and spend hours being dazzled by Michael and his brothers. Sad, tragic ending for an incredible entertainer ... |
|||
sackingsfan4life |
|||
|
I saw this link when looking at the comments in the Sacbee
http://www.draftexpress.c...aft-Scouting-Report-2704 He does sound a lot like Rubio to be honest. The problem is they cannot play both, or can they? If they intend to hand over the keys to the engine temporarily to Sergio, which I expect they might with Tyreke getting some backup minutes at the 1/2 until he gets fully acclimated to the position, then I would expect that Kevin Martin remains at the SG spot, and Evans because of his wingspan moves to the three spot. Rodriquez/Beno/ Kevin Martin/Francisco Garcia Tyreke/Nocioni/Omri Casspi Thompson/Donte Green/Brockman Hawes/ I think it is obvious that we are pretty deep now at the 3 spot, and we have talent at the 4 spot, though not as much as the SF position. Although I know that Nocioni can play the four spot as well, and I expect so can Casspi as well. I think that a backup 4/5 is still important, especially someone who can play the center position assuming Brockman sticks, I know Brockman is supposed to be a really hard worker, and very good rebounder, but I am not sure with his lack of length if he can play center for us, and even if he can, I still think that Center is our biggest weakness right now. I know that Garcia, and Tyreke can play the pg position in spurts, so that isn't a huge need, but I would feel better with another guy who could play the pg position, perhaps a guy who can also play the SG position as well, especially with Martins penchant for injury? What I hope happens? I think we have significant cap room this season, so I am hoping that we use that on a backup center, and also bring back Diogo as well. I also wouldn't mind seeing Rashad McCants back as well. I am still not sure I love, or even like the selection we made at 1.4, but I am willing to keep an open mind. I remember hating the pick of Spencer Hawes, and of course I was really wrong about Hawes. I did not feel as bad as I did yesterday about Hawes, because I truly felt we needed a true passing pg, but then again if Sergio can be that guy, even for the short term, we may have something. I expect that in Summer League the Kings will not tip their hands about this, and will try to play Tyreke at pg, and rightfully so. He still is learning how to play pg, after only playing it for a half of a season. Sergio is young, maybe he will stick around, and maybe Geoff, and the Kings did get it right. I hope they did, I really wanted a pure passing pg. I know they say that Tyreke ran so many iso's because that is the offense they ran in Memphis. I guess time will tell, huh? I loved Salmons, but Kevin and Salmons did not fit well. I am hoping this is not a repeat of that situation.
Last Edited By: sackingsfan4life
06/26/09 07:52:25.
Edited 1 times.
|
|||
jodystone6467 |
Picks..23..38.. | ||
king of the jungle |
Depth chart as of today IMHO | ||
|
Evans/Rodriguez/Udrih
Martin Garcia/Greene/Casspi Thompson/Nocioni/Brockman/Thomas Hawes FWIW, I'm very pleased with the Kings' draft. Evans and Casspi I've been fine with for a while. Rodriguez may have a legit chance to shine in Sacramento and is about ready to blossom. Brockman is limited but his rebounding prowess is superior and might find a niche with the Kings. I think it no coincidence that both Casspi and Brockman are tough guys. Same quandry in terms of disposable pieces, however, with Udrih and Thomas leading the pack. Can they be packaged to a team looking to cut costs and in need of a point for a legit backup big? Haven't put any time into it, but what team might that be? |
|||
Whit |
Chad Ford | ||
|
So Chad Ford says he "thought the Kings would do the right thing and take Rubio." What's with that? "The right thing" -- not really a
basketball concept. Is he saying that Rubio was owed something by the Kings, but not the Thunder/Grizzlies/etc.? Sounds a little sanctimonious.
|
|||
i |
Post Draft Thoughts | ||
SactoGreg wrote: LMAO. Predictable misunderstanding and reactionary venom toward me, from Greg, as always. No big. As to the Kings' draft, they now have two shooting guards, Kevin Martin and Tyreke Evans, and two point guards Beno Udrih and Sergio Rodriguez. And then you have the versatile, but underused, Francisco Garcia, who can fill in at both positions plus small forward. Both Evans, as shooting guard, and Rodriquez, a point guard, can play both point and off guards spots in a pinch. Big whoop. Geoff evidently made this pick and the owners, coach, scouts are all, reportedly (though these guys lie - but I believe them this time), are happy about drafting Evans. Well, at least that's something. I am not the only one with misgivings, and disappointed, about this for the Kings. Sure, I like what Tyreke did mid-season with Memphis, moving over from shooting guard to point guard to help the team continue winning. There was even a point when I thought he might be a good draft pick for the Kings, if they could trade Kevin Martin. He is also reportedly a draft workout "stud." Okay. His size and ability to bully smaller point guards to get to the hoop in a non-game setting probably looked like a bowling ball in a room of bowling pins. But he did not go up against big, quick, strong shooting guards, or a big, quick point like Derek Rose (who will own him). (Heck, Paul Harris could flatten Tyreke like pancake, and Paul didn't even get drafted.) In the NBA, game in and game out, he is going to be guarded by guys just as big, quick and tough as he is supposed to be, with even more experience and lots more skills. Chris Paul is smarter and quicker. Kobe Bryant would switch onto him and stop him or steal the ball. The Kings were smart to pick up Sergio though; because, unlike Tyreke, he will not have to learn to play the point in the NBA. Right now, Tyreke is being billed as the Kings new savior, that he was the best player, but as a point guard, and will somehow return the Kings to their winning ways. Well, this is a lot to put on a guy's shoulders who is still just barely learning the position. If Paul Westphal, a good coach, devises a way to bring him along in a three guard rotation, with Beno, or Sergio, and Kevin, where Tyreke plays both shooting guard and point guard, well, over time, it might work out. But expecting him to come in and take over the point and run the team and somehow will the team to victory is asking a bit much of him. So far, being a UMemphis fan the last two seasons, I saw the kid play some, and liked most of what he did; but he certainly was no Derek Rose by any stretch, and tended to hog the ball, a lot. He reminded me of a shorter, less skilled version of John Salmons. And if that is what the Kings wanted, why didn't they keep Salmons? Ah well... If the Kings get better and stay in Sacramento, KUDOS; if they do not, at this juncture, it would not surprise me. I am not upset. I was actually happy when I saw Ricky and Jonny get picked by Kahn's Timberwolves. They deserved to be picked high in this draft. As to Ricky Rubio, and Jonny Flynn, I really like those guys (two of my very favorites in this draft) and I will no doubt follow their careers and wish them well, and watch their games as often as I may; but I do have some misgivings for what David Kahn says he is considering with playing both at the same time. If one were the starter and the other the bench player, and they also spent time on the court together due to specific game match ups, with Ricky playing the point on offense and defending the off guard on defense when Jonny was playing off guard on offense and defending the opposing point guard, it could work easily, but playing both as starters, game in and game out, is fraught with the same kind of concerns for me as having two off-guards, with one playing point. So... Six of one, half a dozen of the other. If Kahn sees it is not working, he will probably trade either Ricky or Jonny to someone like Walsh and the Knicks, or whoever, for players that do fit the new coach (whomever it proves to be) and which ever starting point they pick; but they have options, and will improve, lots. As it is, having Al Jefferson and young players, like Rubio, Flynn and Love, who play both offense and defense well and are excellent passers, bodes well for FUN viewing. They could put together a mixture of the old Thomas/Dumars Pistons game and the old Divacs/Webber Kings game. What they need now is - a COACH! The right one will make all the difference. It will be his job go sort this out. Beyond that, the Trailblazers made some very interesting moves. The Bulls got tougher and better (whew). I like what the Thunder did too. The steal of the draft, of course, most likely goes to the Spurs (who else?): DeJuan Blair (one of my favorite players in this draft) fell right into their laps at #37. (With Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair added to the current roster, and a healthy Manu Ginobili, another NBA title is no longer out of reach.) Whew! Speaking of which, IMHO, there are some other players (besides Blair) that fell into the 2nd round (like Sam Young and Patty Mills) who may prove to be better NBA prospects than most of those picked in the 1st. And I saw Rick's Rockets buy three draft picks (and have a feeling that they will make transactions that will allow them to advance even further in the playoffs). Enjoy the Summer!
Last Edited By: i
06/26/09 08:55:50.
Edited 5 times.
|
|||
jodystone6467 |
|||
|
"LMAO. Predictable misunderstanding and reactionary venom toward me, from Greg, as always"
|
|||
jodystone6467 |
Blazers trade Sergio Rodriguez on otherwise uneventful draft day: | ||
|
Blazers trade Sergio Rodriguez on otherwise uneventful draft day:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/06/blazers_trade_sergio_rodriguez.html TUALATIN -- Yaaaawwwn. In one of the franchise's dullest, most uneventful and least interesting draft days in recent memory, the Trail Blazers ditched their trade-happy ways Thursday and selected four players who are not expected to contribute next season. General manager Kevin Pritchard has made the NBA draft a roller-coaster, you-never-know-what's-going-to-happen-next event the past three years,
engineering 15 trades that helped remake the Blazers into a playoff team. But this time, Pritchard turned the draft into a snoozefest, landing one player few
Blazers fans had heard of -- Spanish forward Victor Claver -- and three second-round prospects.
The nondescript night signaled two themes: The Blazers' rebuilding process has reached the point where the team no longer needs to invest heavily in the draft, and the Blazers will be a factor this offseason in the free agent and trade market. "There's no doubt about it," Pritchard said. "We want to add the right pieces ... we've talked a lot about it. We're going to target some guys, we're going to talk to people and we are going to try to help our team with free agents." For a brief moment, Pritchard did offer Rip City a tease that the Blazers would have another active draft night. Just before the Los Angeles Clippers selected Oklahoma's Blake Griffin with the No.1 overall pick, the Blazers traded backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez, the No.38 pick and cash to the Sacramento Kings for the No. 31 selection. The move provided a twofold benefit. Rodriguez, who endured an up-and-down three seasons with the Blazers, openly lobbied for a "change" the day after the season ended, so the Blazers were able to ditch a disgruntled player. And perhaps more important, they also were able to free additional cap space -- Rodriguez will make $ 1.57 million next season -- to help their offseason goals. The Blazers had considered the trade with the Kings since at least the first week of June. "We all felt like it was Sergio's time," Pritchard said. "He had struggled with his role. I don't think there was a doubt about that. We never faulted Sergio for wanting to play more. We want guys to (want to) play. It was just his time (to go)." Blazers coach Nate McMillan said the team will "definitely" need to acquire another guard before next season, but Rodriguez's departure potentially opens the door for last year's first-round pick, Jerryd Bayless, to step up. "Now Bayless will slide in that position and we will look to give him a ton of minutes at the point guard position in summer league and develop him and get him ready for the season," McMillan said. The Blazers used the 31st pick from the Kings to acquire the draft rights to Arizona State senior Jeff Pendergraph. The 6-foot-9 forward, a first-team All-Pacific-10 Conference selection, was one of two college seniors the Blazers drafted. They also selected Villanova senior Dante Cunningham, a 6-8 forward who is one of six players in school history to finish with at least 1,300 points and 800 rebounds. The Blazers settled on the rugged duo for one overarching reason: to partially satisfy the team's need for toughness. "Pendergraph and Cunningham ... were both in the same (predraft) workout here ... and it was war," Pritchard said. "And it was at the tail end of workouts and those guys get really tired during those times. It was all-out war. And we need to bring that to our team. We need to bring that toughness." Pritchard did manage to throw one curveball by drafting Claver with his only first-round pick, at No. 22. Even though college prospects such as DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh), Wayne Ellington (North Carolina) and Sam Young (Pittsburgh) and international prospect Omri Casspi (Israel) were still on the board, Pritchard drafted a player who did not visit Portland for a predraft workout. Claver will not play for the Blazers next season -- he'll stay with Pamesa Valencia of the Spanish ACB League -- but Pritchard said he "loves" the Spaniard's ability and envisions the 6-9 prospect developing into a starter. Claver, who contemplated entering the draft last year, participated in a workout for the Blazers last summer before withdrawing his name. Pritchard compared Claver's potential to that of two Blazers from Europe -- Rudy Fernandez and Nicolas Batum. Claver, who has a "significant" buyout clause in his contract and probably will remain overseas for at least two years, could play for the Spanish national team this summer. "He's a guy we've targeted a long time," Pritchard said. "He's an athletic swing guy (and) can really shoot it. I really thought that he had a chance to go pretty high in this draft and ... with him falling (to No. 22), we're really happy to get him." Claver fractured his leg in December and missed most of the ACB League season, but has played his entire professional career in Spain. Before his injury, he averaged 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15 games. In the Blazers' final move Thursday, they used the No. 55 overall pick on Patrick Mills, a 6-foot guard from Saint Mary's who averaged 18.4 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds last season as a sophomore. A native of Australia, Mills competed in the Beijing Olympics last summer. The Blazers' second-round selections will add some intrigue to their summer league plans, but Pritchard said it's probable that Pendergraph and Cunningham will make the regular-season roster, a rare occurrence but not completely unheard of with the Blazers. Jerome Kersey (46th pick in 1984) and Clifford Robinson (36th in 1998) are perhaps the most prominent second-round picks in team history, and recent picks such as Josh McRoberts and Taurean Green made the regular-season team as rookies. It might not have been Pritchard's most exhilarating draft day, but he left the team's "war room" in Tualatin pleased nonetheless. "We do feel like we've helped ourselves today in the draft," Pritchard said.
Last Edited By: jodystone6467
06/26/09 08:59:34.
Edited 1 times.
|
|||
Hallama |
|||
|
Evans: ok, moving on from Rubio, what I like about Evans - making up a new word here "slitherability". He has great body control in the lane.
Probably the best out of this draft excluding Harden. His footwork going to the basket is quite good; uses his steps to maneuver instead of going in a straight
line, will not get many charges because of this, and many easy baskets. Evans also has a unique quality to his game, I haven't quite defined it yet but he
has an awkward style that most stars have. Some of his moves reminds me of Gary Payton. He doesn't have the natural passing or mean streak on defense yet,
but that might come. He will be a handful for smaller PGs to guard in the half court, especially if he has NBA quality quickness, we'll have to wait and
see on that, but he certainly has the physical advantage. Great ball handling skills for his size, surprisingly good handling skills full court. Can really
push the ball. Seems to have ok vision and he mentions he would like to get on the Nash level of delivering the perfect pass - good to hear. Obviously, his
shot is a concern, but you never know. Guys like Finley had a pretty bad shooting percentage rep coming out of college but turned out fine. Haven't seen
too much of his defense yet, but he has all the tools to be a good defender. Might be one of those guys who really excel at the pro level where the court is
more open from man to man defense. I would like to see Westphal use him at the FT line against a zone. Don Nelson does this with his best player against a
zone, and it works well. Not really an above the rim player like McGrady and LeBron, but knows how to use angles and runners to finish. Should be a summer
league star.
|
|||
Hallama |
|||
|
"Can I ask why the Kings did this trade? why???
Or are They going to keep him or let him go? " Jody, Sergio Rodriguez is a really good and young PG. He's more of a off the bench player, but he is a spectacular passer. And I mean spectacular. He was the Spanish Rubio four years ago until the real thing showed up. Cal him Rubio-lite. So you could look at it as the Kings got Sergio and Brockman for DeJean Blair (or Sam Young). Time will only tell on that one, and to Petrie's defense, the trade was made long before the Kings knew either of those Pitt players would be available. You'll love Sergio in small doses. Many alley-oops to Kevin Martin. |
|||
SactoGreg |
OK | ||
|
Yeah...venom... that's what it is... venom.
Actually, I am not the one that is predictable. You repeat yourself so often, it's easy to predict your next post. Oh well, passion I suppose. KOTJ, I agree that the Kings did well, and that the back court looks pretty good going into the season. Pickng up Sergio was really the key to making this work if you look at it closely! And Evans is going to be a stud for many years to come. My guess is that it will be Udrih that is first to go. Come next Wednesday, it'll be very ineteresting to see what rumors begin to float regarding free agency. I believe Petrie when he says he will focus on the front court through free agency, and that excites me. That's the area I really believe the Kings need a kick in the pants! And many talk about Evans not being a PG. Hogwash! He played PG very successfully the last few weeks at Memphis, and with some work with Westphal's coaching staff, he'll work out fine. And I am even more excited with the fact that he is a good defender. This should be fun watching him develop! P.S. - Hey Steve! How is the Big Easy? |
|||
jodystone6467 |
Hallama.. | ||
|
K thanks..
|
|||
Hallama |
|||
|
The question that needs to be answered about Evans playing PG is if he can create enough havoc and be just successful enough to cause other teams fits. He
might be a nightmare matchup for a lot of teams with smaller PGs. I think his defense is a big question mark too. He seems coachable so he should be ok. I know
some are assuming he will be a good defender, but honestly I haven't seen it yet. He has the tools though...
|
|||
SactoGreg |
|||
|
I am assuming he is a decent defender since that is what his college coach said about his game, it's what Petrie, Westphal and Reynolds said, and the
fact that he has a wing span that is damn near 7'!
|
|||
BigO |
|||
|
Thoughts on the draft:
Griffin was the right pick for the Clips, but it's hard to believe the Clippers fortunes will change which is too bad for him. He seems like a good kid and has shown a great work ethic. Hope it doesn't go to waste in Clipperland. That said, I still maintain he'll be a good, maybe even very good player but not great. He's athletic but not the kind of freak that young Amare, KG and Dwight Howard are/were. And is raw offensively - he won't be Duncan or McHale in the post. I think he's a high effort garbage man honestly. And I don't mean that disrespectfully. He's big and athletic and will scrap for points and rebounds, but he won't be the best player to come out of this draft. Memphis with Thabeet. I think he'll be a huge (pun intended) disappointment. Not a bust only because he WILL block shots, but I don't think he's a starting center for a good team. We'll see. The biggest problem is that I just don't see a passion for the game. Not uncommon for 7 footers. They get pushed into basketball solely because of their size and stay in because of the allure of the money. But without that love for playing, I just don't see him developing. We'll see. Harden has that old guy at the park game. Really, he reminds me of when a bunch of athletic teens play three on three and wonder afterwards how that guy in his early forties is still running the next game while they sit on the sidelines calling next. He's shifty, he's smart and he just gets it done while every once and a while slamming one down and reminding you that he's still a young guy. I don't see stardom, but he can be a piece on a good team. I like the pick Evans? Well, I've already decided not to argue Petrie picks. I have reservations of how he fits in, but he could be the best player in this draft. Geoff was the ONLY GM to see Rubio work out in the flesh and he scouted him intently and still passed. Whether taking Evans is confidence in Tyreke or an indictment of Rubio we'll have to wait and see. In a way this reminds me of the 1994 draft when the Kings, accused of being too soft, went out and got Brian Grant and Michael "Animal" Smith. All three picks in this draft are regarded as tough and or scrappy. And I like the Rodriguez pick up. I really can't wait to see some summer league games. Even with reservations I wanted Rubio, but I have a good feeling about this draft. How does Minnesota get two of my favorite players in this draft and still screw up? Because it took both of them and is talking about playing them together in the backcourt. Ricky Rubio trying to guard guys like Kobe, Vince Carter, Dwayne Wade or even Kevin Martin? Don't set up the kid to fail. And you have to put the ball in his hands, so does Flynn play primarily off the ball? If you're going to do that why not take a guy like Curry? I think Minny was a bad landing place for Rubio for a number of reasons. His camp seems to think so too. Already rumors that he won't come over next season if he remains a Timberwolf. Honestly, I think Minnesota was caught flat footed. I really think they believed either Harden or Evans (the more likely target) would be there for them and they'd pair one of them with a PG and it seems Flynn was at the top of their list. I don't think they were ready for Rubio to drop into their laps. I hope he gets dealt. He's not right for them and that team (or city) isn't ready for him. He needs a lot of work, coaching, patience and stability - not to mention the right guys around him to maximize what he does well and mask what he doesn't. Minnesota can't provide those things. The Warriors? I'm not a Curry fan and I'm not sure he's successful in the NBA under ideal conditions. But if he's staying in Oakland and being paired with Ellis I really don't like it. Jordan Hill to the Knicks is good value I guess, but I still don't understand Hill as a top 10 pick. Based on what I saw of him I think this is a good representation of how weak this draft is. I think he's a bust. DeRozan to the Raptors is the kind of gamble they needed to make. Unlike a lot of high risk/high reward athletes from the past, he comes in with an actual midrange game to go along with his athleticism. I think he'll be a decent player in time but I don't think he as the ceiling that some think he does. I wonder if Jennings going to Milwaukee signals that they won't go hard after Sessions. I've said all along that I can't gauge Jennings - both because I haven't seen enough and because from what I have seen he has star potential and the kind of mentality that could make him a bust. I think he wanted the brighter lights of a bigger city but maybe the Bucks will be good for him. He's still the player in this draft that I don't have any kind of read on. He's another player I really want to watch in the summer league. |
|||
JB |
|||
|
Yep Evans gotta be an upgrade on defense just knowing he isn't Beno. I think as much as the water bug PGs will struggle to defend him, he will get burned
by speed. Just puts more pressure on the already weak interior defense. They really need a guy that can block shots and put butts on the floor when they come
in. I'm very concerned about ball movement and what kind of offense is best suited for Evans. He might have the same mind set as a Dwayne Wade or LeBron...
but not the skill level. He has decent handles, but not outstanding. If he works on that and improves his shooting, then he might be an offense focal point and
dsitributer. I think it just leaves us with more PG questions than ever. Looking forward to the summer league and see what he does.
|
|||