2011 NBA Draft Official Thread

[motherscratcher]

Pfft I'm back into feh mode. They have a TPE about to be worthless and Hickson and Andy that seem like they should and can be moved at any moment.

When does it actually expire? Is there anything at all to use it on now?

[Calis32]

All these PF's had better be able combine to form Voltron or at least Captain Planet. Still, this is the second round of a 'weak' draft. Is it really going to matter in the long run?

[JCoz]

I saw this on another site..

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=20170

Well, it might be bullshit but it does make me feel a little better.

Ton of stuff on that link. What makes you feel better?

The stuff YahooFan quoted in his post:

Tristan Thompson's stock is soaring with several hours to go before the 2011 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering using the #4 selection on Thompson, the Detroit Pistons are very interested in him at #8 and there are several teams including the Houston Rockets that are trying to trade up in the first round to select him. Many are wondering why Thompson is climbing draft boards all of a sudden, but it makes perfect sense if you delve into the numbers that teams use to project each prospect's potential.


Teams that rely heavily on advanced analytics have Thompson projected as one of the top players in this draft class based on his statistics. As ESPN's John Hollinger recently wrote, the numbers support a Thompson pick. Hollinger has Thompson ranked as the third-best prospect in this class and his statistical rating that takes into account his numbers, efficiency and potential puts him higher than anyone else in the class. Thompson's 16.21 rating puts him ahead of Kyrie Irving (15.14) and Derrick Williams (15.97). The numbers also rank him ahead of some of the best bigs in recent years including Greg Monroe (15.77), Chris Bosh (15.57) and Derrick Favors (15.51).

I don't know if that's bullshit or not, but it sounds OK to me.

I did read that prior to the draft....forgot.

The only thing that could make me feel better regarding that is that it pokes a tiny hole in the overwhelming feeling that this was a Gilbert pick. Its worth noting at least.

I still hate the pick.

[Orenthal]

Don't foget we still have a chance to rescue this at #54.

[StewieG]

Is it too late to hire Danny Ferry?

[e0y2e3]

Acting as if Hollingers rating system tells us what the Cavs, Pistons and Rockets rating systems said about TT is beyond stupid.

As is acting like his numeric evaluation changed at some point and cause this insane rise up draft boards!@$!!!

Other reasons than analytics brought him up the Cavs draft board.

And beyond that Hollingers rating system has had... uhm.... sketchy at best results in the past.

Everyone remember his obsession with Danny Green, right?

I love Hollinger, but the draft ain't his game.

[Orenthal]

Pfft I'm back into feh mode. They have a TPE about to be worthless and Hickson and Andy that seem like they should and can be moved at any moment.

When does it actually expire? Is there anything at all to use it on now?

Expires on the 31st due to the lockout. The Cavaliers are trying to get 8 more days since if there was no lockout it would be good till July 9th.

[motherscratcher]

Don't foget we still have a chance to rescue this at #54.

I'm going to drink now.

[JCoz]

Not acting as if E0. Not saying its even a good evaluation. Just saying there is SOME chance that it wasn't an emotionally based decision. Even if its megamillions style.

And again, I still hate the pick.

[CAVSTRIBEBROWNSin07!]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

[StewieG]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Yep.

[JCoz]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

That's right, Dude. 100% certain.

[motherscratcher]

Not acting as if E0. Not saying its even a good evaluation. Just saying there is SOME chance that it wasn't an emotionally based decision. Even if its megamillions style.

And again, I still hate the pick.

Yeah. Pretty much just looking for any reason not to swallow draino.

[swerb]

I am loving the new deputy commish ... this guy is great. Way better than Russ Granik.

[Orenthal]

Don't foget we still have a chance to rescue this at #54.

I'm going to drink now.

See, I hated seeing Tristan picked, but I happen to know that there's a Little #54 on the way.

[OldDawg]

I am loving the new deputy commish ... this guy is great. Way better than Russ Granik.

Hey Swerb, hope your ball game was better than the draft.

[swerb]

I am loving the new deputy commish ... this guy is great. Way better than Russ Granik.

Hey Swerb, hope your ball game was better than the draft.

Should have scheduled a doubleheader.

[mikeperry]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

[e0y2e3]

Silver is going to take over for Stern in the not too distant future.

He's also the guy Gilbert commented on by asking "Who is that guy"

Anyhow, The Wolves continue to confuse and just not pick players to attempt to avoid being mocked or something:

chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Sorry ... Wolves had 31 pick from Heat. Then Nets bought 31 from Wolves for cash and 2013 2nd. It's getting late.

[OldDawg]

\chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Sorry ... Wolves had 31 pick from Heat. Then Nets bought 31 from Wolves for cash and 2013 2nd. It's getting late.

Huh??

[e0y2e3]

The wolves essentially traded back in this draft eight times, that was the latest.

[motherscratcher]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

Definitely hope you're right about TT.

I think that for a lot of people here it is not the player picked as much as what the pick reveals about the hierarchy of organizational decision makers. (That's a thing, right?)

[JCoz]

And got very little in exchange, as it were.

Replacing the Petty Cash.

[mikeperry]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

Definitely hope you're right about TT.

I think that for a lot of people here it is not the player picked as much as what the pick reveals about the hierarchy of organizational decision makers. (That's a thing, right?)

Which it total, utter, complete speculation...correct?

[motherscratcher]

The wolves essentially traded back in this draft eight times, that was the latest.

In 2-3 years they are going to have the greatest D-League team ever.

[e0y2e3]

It's trying to bunt a runner to third in a series you are down 3-1 in w/ your second best hitter up. It's a joke of a thought process and approach even if they find magic in a hat and get lucky.

No excuse to not go BPA BPA BPA in the Cavs current situation.

[motherscratcher]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

Definitely hope you're right about TT.

I think that for a lot of people here it is not the player picked as much as what the pick reveals about the hierarchy of organizational decision makers. (That's a thing, right?)

Which it total, utter, complete speculation...correct?

Absolutely. But that's what we do here, isn't it? Why else are we here?

[YahooFanChicago]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

I hope you're right about that! Not sure though since so many experts seem to hate the TT pick. Pretty soon even Dennis will probably show up and talk about how he was on no ones board and that BA hated him.

[OldDawg]

It's trying to bunt a runner to third in a series you are down 3-1 in w/ your second best hitter up. It's a joke of a thought process and approach even if they find magic in a hat and get lucky.

No excuse to not go BPA BPA BPA in the Cavs current situation.

Especially when almost no one thought he was the BPA.

[e0y2e3]

No, it is not total complete utter speculation. It has been well covered that he just magically flew up draft boards in the last few days and that his interview was one of the biggest reasons.

It also has been well established that Vala was the guy all day.

If you follow this stuff seeing a shift to take a short cut to get a guy who will play now was made late tonight you aren;t following anything.

Either way, it is inarguable that a last second change of heart occurred and that it was driven by a fucking interview for a prospect who can't score and isn't even the best defensive prospect in the draft.

Call me an arm-chair GM all you want but you're playing the same game w/ less facts.

[e0y2e3]

And FTR: It's not that I think this guy is going to be terrible and completely useless, it is that this is just that in the first year of a rebuild not taking BPA is a complete and utter joke.

[JJN]

So I guess I'm the only one who got the exact 2 guys he wanted.

Nope, I love both picks. I think TT is going to be better than Williams because of his frame and athleticism. Williams is a tweener who had an amazing conference tournament and NCAA tourney game against Duke. Other than that all season he was meh. Thompson has a nice wingspan, a standing reach of over nine feet and a 35-inch vertical. He has the raw materials to be coached up.

It never ceases to amaze me that people, on draft night, determine that a franchise blew it. Sure. Oden was this lock No. 1 or No. 2 pick and the Blazers got high grades for getting him. How did that work out. (Damn, Leuer just went. I wanted him).

Everyone needs to relax. Thompson is going to be an outstanding player. He was effective in a damn good conference, is young and has tons of potential. To talk about how the Cavs screwed this draft up already is silly.

Williams was blowing people's doors off all year. Yeah, Williams was "meh" while shooting 60% from 2 and 3 point range. Blow it out your ass.

[Calis32]

Orlando getting Justin Harper (32nd pick) from Cavs for 2 future second rounders.
per Chad Ford Twitter

[jta1975]

Bye Bye Justin Harper, I liked him best of the two....Orland for future 2nds

[StewieG]

Again, he's an undersized PF, with no post game, no outside shot and less upside than other guys who were there at that spot. He also shoots under 50% from the line. And he's a good athlete, but not a freak...which is what you want when someone isn't very skilled. But he's long, so he's got that going for him.

I'm totally fine with that pick at 22. I hate it at 4, with the other guys who were available.

I hope I'm wrong, I really do. But I don't think I am.

[e0y2e3]

chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Orlando getting Justin Harper (32nd pick) from Cavs for 2 future second rounders.

[e0y2e3]

Again, he's an undersized PF, with no post game, no outside shot and less upside than other guys who were there at that spot. He also shoots under 50% from the line. And he's a good athlete, but not a freak...which is what you want when someone isn't very skilled. But he's long, so he's got that going for him.

I'm totally fine with that pick at 22. I hate it at 4, with the other guys who were available.

I hope I'm wrong, I really do. But I don't think I am.

In this draft I am fine w/ that pick in the 8-12 range once the high ceiling guys are gone.

[daddywags]

I think that for a lot of people here it is not the player picked as much as what the pick reveals about the hierarchy of organizational decision makers. (That's a thing, right?)

I don't think it's necessarily what it "reveals" about the heirarchy as much as it is about what "some folks believe" it reveals about the heirarchy. Peeps seem to think that because "almost nobody" in the media thought he should go this high it "must" be the owner butting in and demanding the pick.

[OldDawg]

Don't trade harper for 2 future 2s. Trade TT for a future 1. Call it a mulligan.

[e0y2e3]

Again, it was mentioned in the media that TT had become of interest to the Cavs starting yesterday. This wasn't a nobody thing.

Mentioned repeatedly and cited as the Cavs being scared of waiting a year for Vala as a reason by EVERY GOOD REPORTER.

Then the Cavs spent the entire day trying to trade to make sure they could get Vala. This included dropping back two spots to make Gilbert happy about not having the #4 pick sit and aquiring another lottery pick to make Gilbert happy.

If you can't see where the best NBA reporters nailed these stories all day, Cavs failed to get anything that made Gilbert comfortable w/ the guy not playing right now (WHICH AMICK JUST SAID IN A FUCKING INTERVIEW) that the call was forced then you are being obtuse or just fucking blind.

[mikeperry]

No, it is not total complete utter speculation. It has been well covered that he just magically flew up draft boards in the last few days and that his interview was one of the biggest reasons.

It also has been well established that Vala was the guy all day.

If you follow this stuff seeing a shift to take a short cut to get a guy who will play now was made late tonight you aren;t following anything.

Either way, it is inarguable that a last second change of heart occurred and that it was driven by a fucking interview for a prospect who can't score and isn't even the best defensive prospect in the draft.

Call me an arm-chair GM all you want but you're playing the same game w/ less facts.

So it was "established" that Vala was the guy all day, huh? That HAS to be true because NBA front offices NEVER engage in disinformation leading up to a draft, right? Don't be naive. It's just like the rumor that the team was going to take Kanter No. 1...these things are floated out there for a reason and, unfortunately, sometimes the fans bite, get all caught up in it and freak out when things do not go as expected.

Listen, don't believe anything you hear about who a team is taking until that card is at the podium. As far as Thompson not being the best defensive prospect in the draft, that is irrelevant. NBA general managers and their scouts get paid a lot of money to determine how they feel a player's game will translate to the NBA. If you just wanted to draft according to the consensus best player available, why even have scouts? You could take all those mock drafts and use them to determine the consensus player for each of your draft slots. That would save you a lot of money.

For you to claim it is "inarguable" a last-second change of heart occurred is foolish. Unless you have access to the Cavs' pre-draft board you have no idea what you are talking about. So play GM with the so-called facts all you want. It doesn't mean that you weren't taken in by disinformation any more or less than everyone else.

[e0y2e3]

Acting like I am making shit up here is just fucking ignorant. The reason this came out was to get someone who can play now.

I'll let you choose between the GM being too dumb to take the better prospect that he likes more because he has to sit for a year while you are supposed to suck or the owner making the call.

[e0y2e3]

Mike, don't even go six year old and play the "BAD INFO LEAKED" card.

Amick, Woj and DX were getting the same reports about the trades the Cavs were trying to make and there was NO CHANCE of TT being gone at four. These are guys that nailed every single trade now and in the past and guys that aren't reporting bullshit. The trade attempts for Vala were very real and the Cavs had nothing to gain by fronting on them.

Smoke screen bullshit is bullshit, pay attention and read everything that happened today or stop commenting on it to be frank.

The Kanter #1 thing was just the Cavs bullshitting his agent to get a second workout from him.

Glad you cracked that mystery inspector gadget!!$!!

[daddywags]

I could be wrong, eO, you watch these things much closer than I do, but I could swear I'd seen Thompson floated as of interest to the Cavs at 4, or in a trade down, before yesterday. I'm not interested in trying to look that crap up, though.

Why in the world would we trade 32 for 2 Orlando second rounders, though? Neither one is likely to be as high as 32 unless the league contracts even if they lose D. Howard.

[mikeperry]

Acting like I am making shit up here is just fucking ignorant. The reason this came out was to get someone who can play now.

I'll let you choose between the GM being too dumb to take the better prospect that he likes more because he has to sit for a year while you are supposed to suck or the owner making the call.

Get defensive much? No one is saying you are making anything up. I am saying that the pre-draft speculation, hype and reports are usually as reliable as LBJ is loyal. Getting bent out of shape because someone does not agree with you doesn't change things.

[e0y2e3]

He showed up in Amicks mock yesterday and had been mentioned in trade downs before, yes. He only came into the picture at four once the Vala buyout became an issue.

[e0y2e3]

Acting like I am making shit up here is just fucking ignorant. The reason this came out was to get someone who can play now.

I'll let you choose between the GM being too dumb to take the better prospect that he likes more because he has to sit for a year while you are supposed to suck or the owner making the call.

Get defensive much? No one is saying you are making anything up. I am saying that the pre-draft speculation, hype and reports are usually as reliable as LBJ is loyal. Getting bent out of shape because someone does not agree with you doesn't change things.

No, because you are claiming reports from guys who nailed every single trade and angle for this draft as wrong when they are correct.

Acting like Woj is Clayton and Amick is Sam Amico is silly and doesn't even warrant a response. Be happy I gave you what I gave you. You're just covering your ears and screaming trying to pretend that all of these attemtped trades and what not didn't happen today.

[StewieG]

Wow...Diebler got drafted...

[motherscratcher]

I'm not going to get bent that the Cavs traded Harper, but I don't understand why. I mean, who gives a shit about a couple of low 2nd rounders 2/3 years from now?

[e0y2e3]

I don't understand how a rebuilding team doesn't do something there.

I mean christ, draft a Euro risk or something.

DO SOMETHING