Sam Smith's Mock

 
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> NBA Draft Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
angrypuppy
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 13 Apr 2001
Posts: 32730

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:41 am    Post subject: Sam Smith's Mock

Here's Sam Smith's mock, a bit dated (3/19/07) but worth posting.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-0703190067mar19,1,5474839.story

1. Greg Oden, fr., Ohio State, 7-0, 245 pounds. He won't be Rookie of the Year, but he could be a franchise center for the next decade, so you can't pass him up. A defensive force immediately.

2. Kevin Durant, fr., Texas, 6-10, 190. He might be what Len Bias could have been. He's an effortless scorer who will be one of the top young stars coming in. The Mavs reached the Finals built around Dirk Nowitzki. Durant could be better.

3. Al Horford, Florida, jr., 6-10, 245. A classic power forward, a tough rebounder who can play inside and out. Should plug right in.

4. Brandan Wright, fr., North Carolina, 6-9, 205. A versatile player who is a project with a high ceiling. He will need to bulk up and shoot better.

5. Joakim Noah, Florida, jr., 6-11, 232. He stayed long enough for pros to pick apart his game and lack of offense. But he's a rare big man who passes, runs and rebounds, and will be all hustle.

6. Yi Jianlian, China, 19, 7-0, 230. He's not like Yao Ming; he's more like Nowitzki or Andrea Bargnani, who play a face-up game. He's why half the NBA--including the Bulls' John Paxson--is in China this weekend despite the NCAA tournament.

7. Brook Lopez, Stanford, fr., 7-0, 245. Another face-up player, he's skilled and coming fast because of his size and knowledge. Still a bit of a project.

8. Spencer Hawes, Washington, fr., 7-0, 250. He's more of a classic NBA big man, playing inside with know-how. But he's coming off injury and an average athlete. Maybe a better version of Brad Miller.

9. Julian Wright, Kansas, so., 6-8, 225. Some say great versatility; others say utility player. Wright is unselfish (sometimes to his detriment), defends and has skills. Not a great shooter.

10. Jeff Green, Georgetown, jr., 6-9, 235. An excellent ballhandler who probably passes better than he shoots, he's more of a complementary player. But he's a good team guy who can play defense and both forward positions.

11. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina, so., 6-9, 245. He doesn't jump much, but scouts like his nasty disposition and competitiveness; a better version of Mark Madsen.

12. Chase Budinger, Arizona, fr., 6-7, 205. Tended to defer on a team of selfish players who overshadowed him, but he can shoot and has a smooth feel for the game.

13. Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech, fr., 6-8, 217. Can be a spectacular small forward, but he's inconsistent and a little weak. Still, he's a hard worker and a big-time prospect with Josh Smith comparisons.

14. Roy Hibbert, Georgetown, jr., 7-2, 278. A hard worker whose desire may overcome lack of speed and pace. Labors changing ends but will guard and block a shot.

15. Al Thornton, Florida State, sr., 6-8, 220. Clearly an athlete, but the pros wonder if he can adjust to small forward, even though some small power forwards have had success. An improving shooter from the Shawn Marion mold.

16. Tiago Splitter, 22, Brazil, 6-11, 240. Seems like he has been in last five drafts. Finally, it's his time. A physical, active player with some similarities to Tyson Chandler, he's awkward with the ball.

17. Rudy Fernandez, 21, Spain, 6-6, 172. The best of Europe's pros-pects, Fernandez shoots well and has good size for a shooting guard.

18. Michael Conley Jr., fr., Ohio State, 6-1, 180. A guard who can make smart plays and run a team, he's T.J. Ford with a better shot. Thin draft for point guards.

19. Acie Law IV, Texas A&M, sr., 6-3, 195. A Sam Cassell-type point guard who will make a play for himself. He's a good defender, tough with good size. Not considered a great athlete.

20. Josh McRoberts, Duke, so., 6-10, 240. Once thought to be a top-five pick, pros are uncertain about his toughness and commitment. But he is skilled and can handle the ball.

21. Corey Brewer, Florida, jr., 6-9, 185. The more pro scouts study him, the more confused they become. He's a good defender who some have compared to the Pistons' Tayshaun Prince.

22. Mario Chalmers, Kansas, so., 6-1, 195. His beauty is in the eye of the beholder because he is more of a scorer than a defender.

23. Javaris Crittenton, fr., Georgia Tech, 6-5, 198. Not great at running a team, which doesn't seem as important as it used to be for point guards. He's a Leandro Barbosa-like combo guard.

24. Glen Davis, LSU, jr., 6-9, 295. Another player who has slipped with more scrutiny. Good hands and footwork draw comparisons to Danny Fortson or Robert Traylor. He's a position player but has flair that could interest teams.

25. Darren Collison, UCLA, so., 6-1, 165. Considered to have a good feel for the point and the NBA game, he's more highly regarded than his better-known teammate Arron Afflalo.

26. Alando Tucker, sr., Wisconsin, 6-6, 205. Scouts have a problem seeing his game at his size at the next level. He will struggle to score, so he could be a role player who competes.

27. Aaron Gray, Pittsburgh, sr., 7-0, 270. Can you say Greg Dreiling? Gray is a slow big man someone will take a look at. Connecticut's Hasheen Thabeet and Nevada's Nick Fazekas also are in this category of future D-leaguers.

28. Ty Lawson, North Carolina, fr., 5-11, 193. Along with Texas' D.J. Augustin, he is a bowling-ball version of the Magic's Jameer Nelson, who is not quite the prototypical NBA point guard.

29. Nicolas Batum, France, 18, 6-8, 190. Perhaps he's the next Thabo Sefolosha. He's an effortless swingman who looks smooth passing and ballhandling. This is where teams begin taking chances on international players.

30. Marc Gasol, Spain, 22, 7-0, 265. Pau's brother, who is coming on as a good prospect. He's a good passer and decent offensive player.

Some players will return to college or stay overseas, which means there will be changes before June.

And because it's early in the NCAA tournament, well before teams begin working out players and giving physicals, several could work their way into the first round.

Among these hopefuls are Darrell Arthur and Brandon Rush of Kansas; Mario Belinelli of Italy; Nick Young of Southern California; Daequan Cook of Ohio State; and Taurean Green of Florida.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Lakersfield
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 11 Apr 2001
Posts: 6003

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:41 am    Post subject:

Totally off mock. Some players not declaring.

DraftExpress and NBADraft have Brewer in the top ten.
_________________
Started posting on Lakersground when it was lakers/rivals.com since Aug.2000.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
angrypuppy
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 13 Apr 2001
Posts: 32730

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 7:14 am    Post subject:

It isn't a bad mock, and there are some interesting surprises.

This draft is weak on PGs, as Smith noted. Darren Collison should be ranked much higher, surpassing Conley. In my book, Collison is a top 10 pick. Not only is this draft sparse at the point, PGs are too important, and Collison could be an impact PG.

J. Wright, Lopez are out... but this draft is a couple of weeks old.

Roy Hibbert is a much better prospect, and his tournament performance has shown how much he's grown as a player this year. Top 10, probably top 7 (what I'm calling the second tier).

Thaddeus Young is too raw and too risky to go that high. He'll probably fall to a team like Dallas, who won't need him to contribute, and is willing to gamble on the time and investment to develop him.

Corey Brewer and Jeff Green are wild cards, in that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They could go very early, or sink to the outside the fringe of lotto (particularly Jeff Green).

Glen Davis?!? Mario Chalmers?!? Geez... move south guys, you don't belong in this neighborhood.

Nicolas Batum a Thabo clone? He is intriguing. I can't wait to see how he does in workouts.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
davidse
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 14302

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:28 am    Post subject:

completely clueless from 7 (lopez already said he's returning to college) down.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
angrypuppy
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 13 Apr 2001
Posts: 32730

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:42 am    Post subject:

davidse wrote:
completely clueless from 7 (lopez already said he's returning to college) down.



Quote:
Here's Sam Smith's mock, a bit dated (3/19/07) but worth posting.




Quote:
J. Wright, Lopez are out... but this draft is a couple of weeks old.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Dr. Funkbot
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 24 Sep 2001
Posts: 8188
Location: Eagle Rock

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:43 am    Post subject:

Lakersfield wrote:
Totally off mock. Some players not declaring.

DraftExpress and NBADraft have Brewer in the top ten.


I saw where he had Brewer (right were the Lakers could take him), damn I hope he is more right that Draft Express!
_________________
R.I.P. Doc Buss
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
davidse
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 14302

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:01 pm    Post subject:

angrypuppy wrote:
davidse wrote:
completely clueless from 7 (lopez already said he's returning to college) down.



Quote:
Here's Sam Smith's mock, a bit dated (3/19/07) but worth posting.




Quote:
J. Wright, Lopez are out... but this draft is a couple of weeks old.


as far as i can recall, lopez said he'll not be entering the draft before that date, but if that was my only problem with this mock i'd really have no problem.

it's ridiculous in too many other ways - all you need to do is look at brewer...

but go ahead and defend it if you want. i don't care enough to argue over this crappy mock.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Fan0Bynum17
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 30 Nov 2005
Posts: 15436

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:08 pm    Post subject:

horford isn't going to be picked before wright.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
kaoss128
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 13058
Location: Morgantown, WV

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:08 pm    Post subject:

Horrible mock imo. Horford and Brewer too low. Hansbrough and Noah is too high. And Brandon Rush not even being drafted in the first round?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
TNLakersFanInLA
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 21 Nov 2004
Posts: 9657
Location: Chattanooga, TN

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:24 am    Post subject:

that is the WORST mock draft ive seen.
_________________
Monta Ellis: "Kobe is #1, I'm #2, LeBron is #3."
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Mike@LG
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 10 Apr 2001
Posts: 65135
Location: Orange County, CA

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:42 am    Post subject:

Guys, it was 3 freaking weeks ago.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
davidse
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 14302

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:55 am    Post subject:

so corey brewer at 21 is acceptable ?


the guy is a joke.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Mike@LG
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 10 Apr 2001
Posts: 65135
Location: Orange County, CA

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:07 am    Post subject:

davidse wrote:
so corey brewer at 21 is acceptable ?


the guy is a joke.


You know, I don't even care about defending Sam Smith because he's proof that members of the media aren't the most knowledgable when it comes to basketball but man, take it for what it's worth.

It's not like he's Dan LeBatard.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
davidse
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 14302

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:53 am    Post subject:

i'm not blaming him for some "questionable" calls, or naming guys that later pulled out of the draft.
but some things - such as brewer at 21, is not something anyone who knows anything about this draft should have said imho.

and i dont' even care enough about the guy to bash him - i'm all for giving credit. but you have to draw the line somewhere...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Mike@LG
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 10 Apr 2001
Posts: 65135
Location: Orange County, CA

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:07 am    Post subject:

Even Danny Granger and Gerald Green slipped to the mid-first round.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
angrypuppy
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 13 Apr 2001
Posts: 32730

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:08 am    Post subject:

Mike@LG wrote:
davidse wrote:
so corey brewer at 21 is acceptable ?


the guy is a joke.


You know, I don't even care about defending Sam Smith because he's proof that members of the media aren't the most knowledgable when it comes to basketball but man, take it for what it's worth.

It's not like he's Some moronic Miami writer.




Agreed.

Most here have lost perspective. The reason why most of us review mocks is to point out something to spur discussion, particularly on players that appear to not jive with the draftexpress or nbadraft mocks. For some reason, some feel that discussion isn't necessary, just a quick condemnation.

A mock worth a damn should have differences from draftexpress or nbadraft. Those two sources are far from perfect at this time of year, as players fly up (or down) the list in a matter of weeks. Remember where Andrew Bynum was within the March to April timeframe two years ago, Mike? He was listed by both nbadraft and draftexpress in the high 20s.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Mike@LG
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 10 Apr 2001
Posts: 65135
Location: Orange County, CA

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:13 am    Post subject:

Quote:
Remember where Andrew Bynum was within the March to April timeframe two years ago, Mike? He was listed by both nbadraft and draftexpress in the high 20s.


Yeah I didn't forget. Applied late to the draft.

Quote:


06/30/2005 - Updated 07:18 PM ET

NBA Draft 2005
Who's who?
Photo gallery: The NBA's future stars
PGs: Bios | Profile: Paul
SGs: Bios | Profile: Green
SFs: Bios | Profile: Williams
PFs: Bios | Profile: Lee
Cs: Bios | Profile: Bogut
Draft program
Complete 2005 NBA Draft coverage
Pick-by-pick selections
Team selections
Roscoe Nance's draft analysis
Mock drafts | A look back at 2004 draft
Team needs — Eastern Conference
Team needs — Western Conference
College underclassmen declaring for draft
Foreign players declaring for draft
Related stories
May makes his way to NBA
Celtics giddy to see Green slip
NBA's last call to high schoolers
Utes not wasted in drafts
Overseas players provide world of talent
Florida's Walsh, Roberson passed over
Knicks, Suns make draft-day deal
Marvin Williams may be draft's gem
Prep star Green readies for transition game
Point guards plentiful
Villanueva set to join NBA-pedigreed Huskies
O'Connor: Sometimes kids need to go to work
NBA gets ACC influx
Arizona's Frye looks forward to leap
Oden's NBA plans put on hold
Chats
Transcript: David DuPree wrapped up draft, season, looked ahead
Transcript: Roscoe Nance talked prospects on draft day

Advertisement

CENTERS

Deji Akindele — Chicago State

Height: 7-1 Weight: 240 Last season's stats: 12 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 56% FG

By Dick Whipple, AP


OVERVIEW: An early entry candidate after two years at Chicago State, Akindele was named the Mid-Continent Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He averaged 12 points, 8.6 rebounds and broke his own school record with 70 blocks. In only two years, the center is the school's all-time blocked shot leader with 132.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late second round

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Kelvin Cato

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Soumaila Samake

ROLE PROJECTION: Backup center

POSITIVES: Akindele could eventually be an excellent shot-blocker. He has the ability to move laterally across the lane quickly, meaning he can challenge and block the shots of players driving to the basket as well as be a presence against his man.

SHORTCOMINGS: Akindele was clearly overmatched at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. He is not yet strong enough to push and shove the big people he will face in the NBA. He also is very raw offensively, with only a few moves to speak of.

Martynas Andriuskevicius — Zalgiris (Lithuania)

Height: 7-2 Weight: 240 Last season's stats: 4.4 ppg, 50% FG

File photo


OVERVIEW: An early entry candidate in the 2004 draft before withdrawing his name from consideration, Andriuskevicius has spent the last two years learning from legendary Lithuanian center Arvydas Sabonis, who plays for the senior team. After playing with the junior squad in 2003-04, the 19-year-old averaged 4.4 points and shot 50% from the floor in 10 minutes with the senior team this year.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Andriuskevicius surprisingly stayed in the draft despite not having a promise from any NBA team that it would take him early. Teams better structured to select him would be those who don't need him to develop quickly, and that means Indiana (17), Memphis (19) and Sacramento (23) are possible destinations.

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Gregor (bleep)

ROLE PROJECTION: Backup forward until he gains weight.

POSITIVES: Andriuskevicius can shoot the basketball and run the floor well. He is too thin now to play minutes at center or even power forward but might get onto an NBA court in the next two years because he can shoot the perimeter shot comfortably to about 20 feet. He came up through the same system that produced another 7-3 Lithuanian, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Ilgauskas also was very skinny at this stage of his career. Today, Ilgauskas is one of the better (and few) true centers in the NBA.

SHORTCOMINGS: Andriuskevicius is very thin and very weak. He just turned 19 and has plenty of physical development ahead of him. He is not ready to play in the NBA now and could be another Darko Milicic — a very talented player who is going require patience and a long-range view in order to succeed.

Andrew Bogut — Utah

Height: 7-0 Weight: 245 Last season's stats: 20.4 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 62% FG, 1.9 bpg

By Eric Gay, AP


OVERVIEW: The Australian sophomore was the consensus college player of the year in 2004-05, averaging 20.4 points per game and 12.2 rebounds — second in the NCAA. Bogut also ranked eighth nationally with a field goal percentage of 62.0% and led the nation with 26 double-doubles. He led the Utes to a 29-6 record and the Mountain West Conference regular season title. Bogut averaged 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds last summer in Athens for the Austrailan Olympic Team.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Either the first or second overall pick. Bogut came right out and said the Atlanta Hawks, picking second, have told him they would take him if he isn't the No. 1 overall pick by Milwaukee.

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Brad Miller, Raef LaFrentz

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Chris Kaman

ROLE PROJECTION: Immediate starter.

POSITIVES: Bogut embraces the center position. Unlike so many 7-footers these days, Bogut relishes playing with his back to the basket. He has an excellent variety of post moves and already is adept at hitting open teammates when the double-team comes his way. Bogut is extremely aggressive and decisive when he gets the ball down low. He is a better athlete than many believe and he is physically ready to play in the NBA.

SHORTCOMINGS: Bogut is not much of a shot-blocker for a 7-footer. The ones he does block are usually shots taken by the man he is guarding, not against drivers that he switched off and confronted. He improved his free-throw shooting to 69 percent his sophomore year, but if he is going to be a go-to guy for his new team, he needs to bring that up a few more percentage points to be really effective.

Andrew Bynum — St. Joseph's H.S. (Metuchen, New Jersey)

Height: 7-0 Weight: 285 Last season's stats: 22 ppg, 16 rpg, 5 bpg

AP


OVERVIEW: Bynum averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks as a senior. In the McDonald's High School All-American Game, the 17-year-old tallied nine points and five rebounds in 11 minutes. Bynum originally committed to Connecticut before entering the NBA Draft.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Bynum says he is confident about being a lottery pick, and it's hard to imagine he would stay in the draft if he didn't have an idea he would go at least in the top 20. New York, picking eighth, is a team that obviously needs a center, but Isiah Thomas might not be able to wait for Bynum to develop into an NBA player.

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Brendan Haywood

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Michael Olowokandi

ROLE PROJECTION: Backup center

POSITIVES: Bynum has a soft touch around the basket and can even step out to about 14 feet and hit jump shots. He has lost a lot of weight over the past year and is getting closer to the type of condition he needs to be in. He is one of the very few players to come into the draft in recent years with legitimate center height and weight. He has some agility for a man his size, but this too must improve.

SHORTCOMINGS: Although Bynum blocked some shots in high school, he doesn't appear to have the quickness to drop off his man and challenge drivers to the basket. Conditioning work at the NBA level takes a serious, long-lasting commitment, and he will have to prove that he will do what it takes to remain in condition to play.


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/draft/2005-centers.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2005-05-14-nba_x.htm

How late did he declare? Mid-May. Talk about riding the momentum of hype leading up to the draft.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
RYZ
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 02 Jul 2003
Posts: 1393

PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:06 am    Post subject:

I remember Wade being projected behind Reece Gaines right before the NCAA Tourney.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> NBA Draft All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum






Graphics by uberzev
© 1995-2018 LakersGround.net. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
LakersGround is an unofficial news source serving the fan community since 1995.
We are in no way associated with the Los Angeles Lakers or the National Basketball Association.


Powered by phpBB