[Derwood]

I am more of a bandwgn Bulls fan, but don't they have the Knicks first round draft pick? If so, they have a shot at 1, 2 in the draft?

 

We do have the Knicks pick, which might very well be #1 overall. The odds of the Bulls getting a top 2 pick with their selection is less than 2 percent if they do miss the playoffs. If they do slide in, and they should, they pick would be arund 14th.

 

.08%, but who's counting? :lol:

 

Are we sure that Tyrus Thomas is declaring? He was only a redshirt freshman

[CP_414]

Latest nbadraft.net mock has us taking Thomas at #1 and Ronnie Brewer at #12. Personally, I think if Noah declares, the Bulls take him with a hypothetical top pick.

 

I believe Noah when he says he is coming back to school. It's not like the guy is in need of money. The college game is so much more exciting, and the co-eds make Gainesville a very hard place to leave. I know there are groupies everywhere, but UF girls are among the best. I think Noah stays at UF, and we draft either Aldridge or Thomas with the Knicks pick.

 

That would be the greatest press conference in the history of sports.

 

Reporter: You are comming off of a national champoinship and you really increased your draft stock. So are you going to enter the draft.

 

Noah: Well, I've given it a lot of thought. And here is how I see it: The NBA isn't going anywhere and I've still got a year to grab all the poontang I can. I mean what is a few million dollars compared to the coed at UF.

 

Have you seen the girls here? Man oh man, that stuff is worth more than gold. I intend to get as much as I can, becuase once I turn pro my manwhore days will be over. So I guess I'm staying. So all you ladies I'll be at TGIF tonight from 9-12. Get there early.

 

If your dad is a Hall of Fame tennis player and Rock star in Europe, you've got Millions. Any dude who looks like him should cash in on the co-eds as long as possible.

[snoodmonger]

Are you folks actually suggesting he'd stay nin school for the [girls]? Something tells me NBA players don't have trouble landing high-quality [gals], folks.

[FloridaCubbie]

That would be the greatest press conference in the history of sports.

 

Reporter: You are comming off of a national champoinship and you really increased your draft stock. So are you going to enter the draft.

 

Noah: Well, I've given it a lot of thought. And here is how I see it: The NBA isn't going anywhere and I've still got a year to grab all the poontang I can. I mean what is a few million dollars compared to the coed at UF.

 

Have you seen the girls here? Man oh man, that stuff is worth more than gold. I intend to get as much as I can, becuase once I turn pro my manwhore days will be over. So I guess I'm staying. So all you ladies I'll be at TGIF tonight from 9-12. Get there early.

It's funny beacause it's true.

[1908]

Family friendly, guys.

[Outshined_One]

Well, here's the problem Noah has...

 

This is a weak draft year in terms of the overall quality of players. Prior to the tournament, the top prospects were Aldridge, Gay, Morrison, Bargnani, and McRoberts. I don't care how optimistic you are when it comes to these guys' respective ceilings...that is just a weak group.

 

Thanks to the tournament and shifting around of prospects, he has a legitimate shot at going #1 or #2 overall. He's talented enough to get productive minutes in the NBA at this moment in his basketball career. Granted, he could still use some improvement and hasn't reached his ceiling yet, but that's pretty much true of any draftee.

 

If he stays another year, he runs a number of risks. He could get injured. He'll have to contend with a much strong potential draft class, especially with guys like Oden expected to be available. He's basically where Matt Leinart was last season after USC won the Championship...only the Bulls seem to be in a much better position than the 49ers were.

 

Plus Chicago is a much better place than San Fran. He could hang out with his Florida alum buddies Rex Grossman and Ian Scott. :D

[rawaction]

You know, if the Bulls lose the lottery and get the #4 pick (from the Knicks), I'd almost rather take Brandon Roy with that pick. While the Bulls need a big man, badly, they also need a 2-guard with size, IMO. After Roy, there's not much 2-guard help in this draft.

 

I think it basically becomes a question of Aldridge and Mardy Collins vs. Roy and a guy like Horford. I honestly don't know what combo I would pick, mainly because I don't like Collins too much.

[1908]

ESPN Chat[/url]"]Q: Chad, tell me that someone is going to have the guts to draft Andrea Bargnani #1. This year seems to resemble the 2001 draft when Gasol sould have gone #1. Agree?

 

Chad Ford: It's a good comparison. We may be reaching a bit on the upside of guys like Tyrus Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge. Bargnani is putting up solid numbers in the Euroleague, like Gasol was. He's probably more ready for the NBA than scouts are giving him credit for. I just can't figure out which team is going to pull the trigger for him at No. 1. Of all the teams out there, the Bulls might make the most sense, but from what I hear, Tyrus Thomas is their guy if they get the No. 1 pick.

 

Q:Would Tyrus Thomas be a good complement to Chandler? I'm not sure that he is, Wouldn't Aldridge be a better fit for the Bulls?

 

Chad Ford: My thinking for the last month was that Aldridge was a better fit. He's much more polished offensively. However, I've got a pretty good source in Chicago that says Thomas is the guy.

I could live with the 6-9 guy with the 40+-inch vertical.

[Andy]

I don't see any other major player for the top pick taking Tyrus Thomas, so there's a better than decent chance that this means the Bulls are going to take Thomas no matter which of the top 4-5 picks they end up with.

[SouthSideRyan]

Sigh, I really want Aldridge.

[snoodmonger]

Sigh, I really want Aldridge.

 

I agree. He seems way more skilled than thomas.

[Outshined_One]

I just haven't liked watching Aldridge. While he seems to be fine in the low post in the college game, he'll get mauled underneath by guys like Garnett and Bowen, who will push him around and basically out-muscle him. Aldridge just doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who doesn't seem to have that killer instinct and willingness to get dirty underneath.

 

I feel much the same way about the vast majority of foreign PFs/Cs in the NBA. It's like they'd much rather kick out and take the jumper than go to the low post and get the layup and the foul. It's like they either get overpowered or they're hesitant to take that approach, which can seriously hurt the underneath game.

 

Noah and Thomas, on the other hand, seem to have those down and dirty qualities I like seeing in Cs and PFs. Having a player like that can really make a team much stronger defensively and offensively, in my opinion.

[Sweep The Leg Johnny]

Noah and Thomas, on the other hand, seem to have those down and dirty qualities I like seeing in Cs and PFs. Having a player like that can really make a team much stronger defensively and offensively, in my opinion.

 

I agree - I haven't really enjoyed watching Aldridge as well. He's a very balanced player, but I don't see the intensity and fire as a Thomas or a Noah possess.

 

But with that said, Aldridge does have the biggest body of those three players. Both Thomas and Noah are in the 220's, Aldridge has a good 20-30 pds on both guys. Not to say Thomas and Noah can't grow into their bodies, but it appears that Aldridge should have a leg up in guarding PF/C position immediately and in the future.

 

For the Bulls, I'd personally wouldn't be psyched on any of these guys with a top 3 pick. But if I had to draft one and all three were available, it would be Noah. His intensity and smarts really make him a safe pick. You know he'll bring intense effort game in and game out. He'd fit in nicely with the Bulls. But for some reason, I can't see him being more than a Brian Grant. A guy who does 15 and 10 and brings hussle and intensity.

[USSoccer]

I think Noah and Thomas both end up as spectacular busts in the NBA. There are plenty of 6-8, 6-9 guys in the league with good verticals and unpolished offensive skills, except they can't actually contribute meaningful minutes to a contender.

 

The Bulls are in a point with their roster that they need a difference maker, or at least need to add some scoring in the low post. I think Aldridge, Roy, or Bargnani would be good 1st picks. After that, you're looking at something likely in the 12-15 pick range. I'd bet Thomas would still be there at that point, and if not, fine.

 

I'd even be comfortable with them replacing Janniero Pargo with JJ Redick if they have that mid 1st round pick and there isn't anyone better, since one is just a streaky gunner and the other is a very good long range specialist. Keep in mind they need an offensive 4 or 5, a big guard, and improvements in the bench and back end of the 9 man rotation. Harrington, Pargo, and Sweetney are all good candidates to be replaced, and they need players to go with the rest of the pieces they have. They are not going to get a difference mkaer with that 2nd 2st round pick, so why not take a guy that improves your rotation but isn't necessarily an "upside" player?

[rawaction]

Noah and Thomas, on the other hand, seem to have those down and dirty qualities I like seeing in Cs and PFs. Having a player like that can really make a team much stronger defensively and offensively, in my opinion.

 

I agree - I haven't really enjoyed watching Aldridge as well. He's a very balanced player, but I don't see the intensity and fire as a Thomas or a Noah possess.

 

But with that said, Aldridge does have the biggest body of those three players. Both Thomas and Noah are in the 220's, Aldridge has a good 20-30 pds on both guys. Not to say Thomas and Noah can't grow into their bodies, but it appears that Aldridge should have a leg up in guarding PF/C position immediately and in the future.

 

For the Bulls, I'd personally wouldn't be psyched on any of these guys with a top 3 pick. But if I had to draft one and all three were available, it would be Noah. His intensity and smarts really make him a safe pick. You know he'll bring intense effort game in and game out. He'd fit in nicely with the Bulls. But for some reason, I can't see him being more than a Brian Grant. A guy who does 15 and 10 and brings hussle and intensity.

 

That's why I'm starting to lean more toward Roy (probably an overdraft at 1-3 though) if the Bulls get the 4. He has the best shot at being a 20 ppg scorer. And there's a big dropoff at the 2G after him.

[1908]

I think Noah and Thomas both end up as spectacular busts in the NBA. There are plenty of 6-8, 6-9 guys in the league with good verticals and unpolished offensive skills, except they can't actually contribute meaningful minutes to a contender.

Both Noah and Thomas might not develop into stars, but I can't understand how you could watch them play and come away so dismissive of their potential. I'm more inclined to agree with Draft Express' profiles.

 

Thomas

Noah

 

The Bulls are in a point with their roster that they need a difference maker, or at least need to add some scoring in the low post. I think Aldridge, Roy, or Bargnani would be good 1st picks. After that, you're looking at something likely in the 12-15 pick range. I'd bet Thomas would still be there at that point, and if not, fine.

Crazy talk.

 

I'm intrigued by Bargnani, but he's not going to be a low post presence.

 

I'd even be comfortable with them replacing Janniero Pargo with JJ Redick if they have that mid 1st round pick and there isn't anyone better, since one is just a streaky gunner and the other is a very good long range specialist. Keep in mind they need an offensive 4 or 5, a big guard, and improvements in the bench and back end of the 9 man rotation. Harrington, Pargo, and Sweetney are all good candidates to be replaced, and they need players to go with the rest of the pieces they have. They are not going to get a difference mkaer with that 2nd 2st round pick, so why not take a guy that improves your rotation but isn't necessarily an "upside" player?

Redick most likely won't get past the Jazz at 13 or so.

[1908]

That's why I'm starting to lean more toward Roy (probably an overdraft at 1-3 though) if the Bulls get the 4. He has the best shot at being a 20 ppg scorer. And there's a big dropoff at the 2G after him.

I like Roy's all around game but I don't see the star potential in him. I think the Bulls have a decent shot at landing Brewer with their second pick and I think he'd be a good fit. Kinda like Iguodala, athletic combo guard with a suspect shot.

[USSoccer]

I think Noah and Thomas both end up as spectacular busts in the NBA. There are plenty of 6-8, 6-9 guys in the league with good verticals and unpolished offensive skills, except they can't actually contribute meaningful minutes to a contender.

Both Noah and Thomas might not develop into stars, but I can't understand how you could watch them play and come away so dismissive of their potential. I'm more inclined to agree with Draft Express' profiles.

 

Thomas

Noah

 

The Bulls are in a point with their roster that they need a difference maker, or at least need to add some scoring in the low post. I think Aldridge, Roy, or Bargnani would be good 1st picks. After that, you're looking at something likely in the 12-15 pick range. I'd bet Thomas would still be there at that point, and if not, fine.

Crazy talk.

 

I'm intrigued by Bargnani, but he's not going to be a low post presence.

 

I'd even be comfortable with them replacing Janniero Pargo with JJ Redick if they have that mid 1st round pick and there isn't anyone better, since one is just a streaky gunner and the other is a very good long range specialist. Keep in mind they need an offensive 4 or 5, a big guard, and improvements in the bench and back end of the 9 man rotation. Harrington, Pargo, and Sweetney are all good candidates to be replaced, and they need players to go with the rest of the pieces they have. They are not going to get a difference mkaer with that 2nd 2st round pick, so why not take a guy that improves your rotation but isn't necessarily an "upside" player?

Redick most likely won't get past the Jazz at 13 or so.

 

Every year there some player who gets hot during the NCAA tournament and everyone raves about them, and they get to the league and don't really have much of an impact. With a top 4 pick, you have to try and get an impact player. I think Noah has more of a shot at that than Thomas does, simply because Noah has more size, a more polished offensive game, and is probably a more mature individual than Thomas is. I think a Brian Grant celing is about right for Noah, maybe a little better, but Thomas has a real chance to be a fringe rotation guy after 3 years. I don't see how you want a project like that with the team you have right now.

 

I'd rank them Aldridge/Roy/Noah, and wouldn't consider Thomas unless we don't make the playoffs and luck into a top10 pick with our other 1st rounder.

 

Also, I don't know wy the Jazz would take Redick. They just took Deron Williams last season, and I'd be shocked if they went with another small guard like that, unless they plan on eventually having a small Williams/Redick backcourt.

[snoodmonger]

Of those profiles, I was more impressed by Noah's. Thomas sounds like another Chandler waiting to happen.

 

The thing is, if we (yeah, WE. Eat it.) go low-post, we need an offensive presence, someone who can score on more than stick-backs and alley-oops. I don't think Thomas really fits that bill. Noah might. Aldridge does.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

That's why I'm starting to lean more toward Roy (probably an overdraft at 1-3 though) if the Bulls get the 4. He has the best shot at being a 20 ppg scorer. And there's a big dropoff at the 2G after him.

I like Roy's all around game but I don't see the star potential in him. I think the Bulls have a decent shot at landing Brewer with their second pick and I think he'd be a good fit. Kinda like Iguodala, athletic combo guard with a suspect shot.

 

Here's one place I disagree with you. Roy might still end up measuring at 6'4, but I think he definitely has NBA star potential - he can create his own shot, has a great jump shot, and plays great defense. I think Roy suffers from playing on the west coast (not saying you're one of those who haven't watched him much).

[1908]

Every year there some player who gets hot during the NCAA tournament and everyone raves about them, and they get to the league and don't really have much of an impact. With a top 4 pick, you have to try and get an impact player. I think Noah has more of a shot at that than Thomas does, simply because Noah has more size, a more polished offensive game, and is probably a more mature individual than Thomas is. I think a Brian Grant celing is about right for Noah, maybe a little better, but Thomas has a real chance to be a fringe rotation guy after 3 years. I don't see how you want a project like that with the team you have right now.

 

I'd rank them Aldridge/Roy/Noah, and wouldn't consider Thomas unless we don't make the playoffs and luck into a top10 pick with our other 1st rounder.

Again, I don't agree with your assessment of Noah or Thomas, and not many NBA scouts and execs do either if you put any stock in Chad Ford's draft ranking. In any event, Paxson hasn't had a bad draft yet, so I'll give the benefit of the doubt with whomever he takes. I'll be ecstatic if the Bulls end up with Thomas.

 

Also, I don't know wy the Jazz would take Redick. They just took Deron Williams last season, and I'd be shocked if they went with another small guard like that, unless they plan on eventually having a small Williams/Redick backcourt.

Williams is not a small PG, and the Jazz are reportedly enamored with Redick.

[1908]

That's why I'm starting to lean more toward Roy (probably an overdraft at 1-3 though) if the Bulls get the 4. He has the best shot at being a 20 ppg scorer. And there's a big dropoff at the 2G after him.

I like Roy's all around game but I don't see the star potential in him. I think the Bulls have a decent shot at landing Brewer with their second pick and I think he'd be a good fit. Kinda like Iguodala, athletic combo guard with a suspect shot.

 

Here's one place I disagree with you. Roy might still end up measuring at 6'4, but I think he definitely has NBA star potential - he can create his own shot, has a great jump shot, and plays great defense. I think Roy suffers from playing on the west coast (not saying you're one of those who haven't watched him much).

Roy does have all those things. He lacks the amazing athleticism that the majority of star 2-guards have in the NBA, though. He could be the exception to the rule a la Michael Redd, although he doesn't shoot like Redd. He's the top SG in the draft but I don't think he's a top 5 pick.

[USSoccer]

Every year there some player who gets hot during the NCAA tournament and everyone raves about them, and they get to the league and don't really have much of an impact. With a top 4 pick, you have to try and get an impact player. I think Noah has more of a shot at that than Thomas does, simply because Noah has more size, a more polished offensive game, and is probably a more mature individual than Thomas is. I think a Brian Grant celing is about right for Noah, maybe a little better, but Thomas has a real chance to be a fringe rotation guy after 3 years. I don't see how you want a project like that with the team you have right now.

 

I'd rank them Aldridge/Roy/Noah, and wouldn't consider Thomas unless we don't make the playoffs and luck into a top10 pick with our other 1st rounder.

Again, I don't agree with your assessment of Noah or Thomas, and not many NBA scouts and execs do either if you put any stock in Chad Ford's draft ranking. In any event, Paxson hasn't had a bad draft yet, so I'll give the benefit of the doubt with whomever he takes. I'll be ecstatic if the Bulls end up with Thomas.

 

Also, I don't know wy the Jazz would take Redick. They just took Deron Williams last season, and I'd be shocked if they went with another small guard like that, unless they plan on eventually having a small Williams/Redick backcourt.

Williams is not a small PG, and the Jazz are reportedly enamored with Redick.

 

How often are basketball scouts correct in a player's pre-draft evaluation? How many of them are enamored with measurables and physical gifts, and look less at performance on the court? How many of them are picturing what a guy might be rather than what he is?

 

Unless a player is a "Can't Miss", I'd venture a guess that scouts are wrong in basketball about 90% of the time.

[1908]

Of those profiles, I was more impressed by Noah's. Thomas sounds like another Chandler waiting to happen.

The crucial different between Tyson and Thomas is the hands. That is, Thomas catches everything and Tyson's small hands make it difficult for him to catch the ball in the low post.

[1908]

How often are basketball scouts correct in a player's pre-draft evaluation? How many of them are enamored with measurables and physical gifts, and look less at performance on the court? How many of them are picturing what a guy might be rather than what he is?

 

Unless a player is a "Can't Miss", I'd venture a guess that scouts are wrong in basketball about 90% of the time.

How do you measure correctness in drafting? How often are you correct in your assessment of how college basketball players will develop in the NBA? No doubt it's an inexact science, but it strikes me as hubris to dismiss scouts' opinions of a player in favor of your own. That's just my opinion, and I think it's fun to argue about who's likely to do what from the upcoming draft class.