[1908]

Good one.

 

I prefer Roy at No. 2 and trading up from 16 (using one of our curret players) to get Sheldon Williams. Give me guys who are ready to help now, because the East is there for the taking. Roy is screaming Dwayne Wade to me, and Sheldon (in spite of my allegiance to UNC) is the perfect Skiles guy who could be a poor man's Brand. If you follow this logic, you still have cap room to pick up a veteran post presence such as Pryzbilla or Ilguaskas, who is rumored to be on the block.

All signs point to the Hawks taking Sheldon at number 5. It would take one of the young core guys to trade up that high, most likely -- presuming the Hawks were even interested.

[USSoccer]

Frankly, I'd prefer Tyrus to Roy but Brandon Roy is awesome. Roy does seem to fit the bill of previous Paxson picks.

Roy is more athletic than I thought, but Thomas is still my guy at number 2. 7-3 wingspan, 9-0 standing reach, 40-inch vertical, plays with a chip on his shoulder.

 

How many college games has he played? Do we have a good enough sample size to know anything other than he is "toolsy" (to use a baseball term)? He looks to be more of an athlete than a basketball player. From what I have read, it sounds like Pax prefers him. If he does, I am disappointed, but I'll hope to eat crow come next season.

How many college games did Deng play?

 

Deng was far more polished offensively, and coming out of a better program as far as fundamentals go.

 

I think Thomas is a bust waiting to happen. I'd take my chances on Roy or even Morrison before rolling dice on Thomas.

[1908]

Deng was far more polished offensively, and coming out of a better program as far as fundamentals go.

Deng was not very polished offensively. He was drafted on potential. Thomas' offensive game is a lot better than you think. He's shown a nice mid-range game in workouts and 3-pt range on his shot. I'd be fine with the pick if Pax decided to take Roy. I wouldn't be happy if he took Morrison, though.

[USSoccer]

Deng was far more polished offensively, and coming out of a better program as far as fundamentals go.

Deng was not very polished offensively. He was drafted on potential. Thomas' offensive game is a lot better than you think. He's shown a nice mid-range game in workouts and 3-pt range on his shot. I'd be fine with the pick if Pax decided to take Roy. I wouldn't be happy if he took Morrison, though.

 

I meant more polished relative to Thomas. Showing midrange jumpers and 3 point range in a controlled workout means nothing. He didn't show the ability to do that in college, in game situations.

 

Drafting Morrison would mean you could use Deng or Noc in a big deal. Not advocating it, but it would open up that possibility.

[1908]

I meant more polished relative to Thomas. Showing midrange jumpers and 3 point range in a controlled workout means nothing. He didn't show the ability to do that in college, in game situations.

He did show a nice mid-range game in college games, actually, according to scouts. He played his role on LSU, and that didn't include taking his game outside. Deng certainly didn't use all of his skills during his Freshman year at Duke.

 

Do you read a lot of the draft coverage materials? Your opinion of Thomas is definitely in the minority in those circles. Did you make up your mind watching him play in the NCAA tournament?

[USSoccer]

I meant more polished relative to Thomas. Showing midrange jumpers and 3 point range in a controlled workout means nothing. He didn't show the ability to do that in college, in game situations.

He did show a nice mid-range game in college games, actually, according to scouts. He played his role on LSU, and that didn't include taking his game outside. Deng certainly didn't use all of his skills during his Freshman year at Duke.

 

Do you read a lot of the draft coverage materials? Your opinion of Thomas is definitely in the minority in those circles. Did you make up your mind watching him play in the NCAA tournament?

 

My opinion is certainly less informed that those who follow the SEC seriously, but pro scouts are enamored with upside, athleticism and potential. I wouldn't shock me to think that the majority see him as an athletic beast with a high ceiling.

 

I personally feel that he's not going to be an impact player. I think he might end up being Tyson Chandler redux. I think we can do better with that pick.

[1908]

Jun 20 - The Oregonian reports LSU forward Tyrus Thomas has pulled out of his workout for the Blazers that had been scheduled for Tuesday. Art Sasse, Blazers vice president of communication, told the newspaper that Thomas' agent informed the Blazers that a team with a higher pick (No. 1-3) had promised it would select Thomas.

[USSoccer]

Jun 20 - The Oregonian reports LSU forward Tyrus Thomas has pulled out of his workout for the Blazers that had been scheduled for Tuesday. Art Sasse, Blazers vice president of communication, told the newspaper that Thomas' agent informed the Blazers that a team with a higher pick (No. 1-3) had promised it would select Thomas.

 

Well, 1908, I hope you and everyone else are right about Thomas...I can't see Toronto drafting him.

[1908]

My opinion is certainly less informed that those who follow the SEC seriously, but pro scouts are enamored with upside, athleticism and potential. I wouldn't shock me to think that the majority see him as an athletic beast with a high ceiling.

Rightly so. Many believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft. But he also seems to have the competitive drive and work ethic to reach it.

[USSoccer]

My opinion is certainly less informed that those who follow the SEC seriously, but pro scouts are enamored with upside, athleticism and potential. I wouldn't shock me to think that the majority see him as an athletic beast with a high ceiling.

Rightly so. Many believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft. But he also seems to have the competitive drive and work ethic to reach it.

 

Based on one season at LSU, and one good NCAA tournament?

 

What did people say about Stromile Swift before he came out?

[1908]

What did people say about Stromile Swift before he came out?

Amazing athlete. Concerns about his work ethic. Like Tim Thomas, and Rudy Gay this year.

[1908]

What did people say about Stromile Swift before he came out?

One scout described Tyrus as Swift with Ben Wallace's attitude.

[Andy]

What did people say about Stromile Swift before he came out?

One scout described Tyrus as Swift with Ben Wallace's attitude.

If that's the case I can warm up to him. Roy or Thomas please, no Morrison.

[RynoRules]

1908:

 

I don't think comparing Thomas to Deng is really what you want to do here. I like Deng alot, but is that all we want Thomas to be at no. 2? Is Deng able to put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it? He's a nice third offensive option and a very good defensive player, IMO. I want more with the second pick, and I think that "more" is Roy, based on wha I have read.

 

It appears based on the report above that this is a done deal. If so, I am disappointed, but again, I hope I am wrong about him.

[1908]

I don't think comparing Thomas to Deng is really what you want to do here. I like Deng alot, but is that all we want Thomas to be at no. 2? Is Deng able to put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it? He's a nice third offensive option and a very good defensive player, IMO. I want more with the second pick, and I think that "more" is Roy, based on wha I have read.

You've read that Roy has superstar potential? Where have you read that? Honestly, I'd like to read it. I've heard people compare Roy to Deng in fact -- lots of skills, master of none kind of guy. Take this clip, for instance.

 

That said, I mentioned Deng because Paxson saw enough in one year of college to draft him, not to compare him to Thomas. I think Thomas' ceiling is higher than Deng's, but Deng is really young still -- younger than Roy.

[RynoRules]

From ESPN.com:

 

Scouting Report: A slasher ... Has a great feel for the game ... Can move opponents around in traffic with his lower body strength ... Finishes around the rim very well ... Understands how to collect shot opportunities from mid-range and below with his off the ball movement ... Is a fantastic ball-handler and passer ... Anticipates the game ... An impressive rebounder because of this, as well as his lower body strength ... Improve outside shooting is key ... Has trouble sticking jumpers from beyond 17 feet ... Will never become a star unless he develops a perimeter game that can keep a defense honest, but has star potential.

 

I have highlighed the "important points".

 

Let me be clear - I am not saying Roy is MJ; however, the scouting report above sounds a lot like the one on Jordan when he came out. He's developed range inside 17; needs work outside of that range. Moreover, I have read in several places that he handles the ball like a PG. Maybe Chris Paul is more accurate comparison than Wade? In any case, I like him better than Thomas for what the Bulls need.

 

EDIT: And I don't see where I stated that Roy has "superstar" potential. Please show me. At most, I implied "star" by comparing him to him Wade.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

C'mon guys. I love Brandon Roy. I went to a rival Pac-10 school of his and have seen him play throughout his career. And I can say without a doubt that Tyrus Thomas should be drafted ahead of Roy. Roy will probably win ROY (heh) because he's currently the most advanced player in the draft, but Tyrus (and maybe Bargani - I don't know much about him) should definitely end up as better pros. I have no problem with the Bulls selecting any of those 3. Just no Morrison. Edited June 20, 2006 by CaliforniaRaisin

[RynoRules]

C'mon guys. I love Roy Williams. I went to a rival Pac-10 school of his and have seen him play throughout his career. And I can say without a doubt that Tyrus Thomas should be drafted ahead of Roy. Roy will probably win ROY (heh), but Tyrus (and maybe Bargani - I don't know much about him) should definitely end up as better pros. I have no problem with the Bulls selecting any of those 3. Just no Morrison.

 

:shock:

 

Me too, but then I am a Carolina fan.

 

EDIT: And how can you assert that Bargani will be a better pro than Roy if you admit to not knowing much about him?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

C'mon guys. I love Roy Williams. I went to a rival Pac-10 school of his and have seen him play throughout his career. And I can say without a doubt that Tyrus Thomas should be drafted ahead of Roy. Roy will probably win ROY (heh), but Tyrus (and maybe Bargani - I don't know much about him) should definitely end up as better pros. I have no problem with the Bulls selecting any of those 3. Just no Morrison.

 

:shock:

 

Me too, but then I am a Carolina fan.

 

EDIT: And how can you assert that Bargani will be a better pro than Roy if you admit to not knowing much about him?

 

Reading his scouting reports. More than some of you are doing with Tyrus Thomas.

[RynoRules]

C'mon guys. I love Roy Williams. I went to a rival Pac-10 school of his and have seen him play throughout his career. And I can say without a doubt that Tyrus Thomas should be drafted ahead of Roy. Roy will probably win ROY (heh), but Tyrus (and maybe Bargani - I don't know much about him) should definitely end up as better pros. I have no problem with the Bulls selecting any of those 3. Just no Morrison.

 

:shock:

 

Me too, but then I am a Carolina fan.

 

EDIT: And how can you assert that Bargani will be a better pro than Roy if you admit to not knowing much about him?

 

Reading his scouting reports. More than some of you are doing with Tyrus Thomas.

 

I have read Mr. Thomas' scouting report, and my opinion is unchanged. If you look at him in a vacuum without considering the Bulls' circumstances, I definitely understand the notion that he has a higher ceiling than Roy andshould be picked.

 

But the Bulls need immediate production, and particulalry need a permiter player with the ability to create his own shot. History shows us that players of Thomas' type are not as productive from the outset as guys like Roy are, and several of them have been outright flops. If you insist, I will create a list, but I think we both know to whom I am referring. Here is why I am not in love with Thomas, relative to what the Bulls need:

 

From Collegehoops.com:

 

Weaknesses: Needs to add weight to his frame – is still too thin to play the post in the NBA. Doesn’t have very deep range on his jump shot – only shot (and hit) one 3-pointer this season. Still very inexperienced – was a medical redshirt his first year in school and then played one season – and game is still raw.

Edited June 20, 2006 by RynoRules

[1908]

Let me be clear - I am not saying Roy is MJ; however, the scouting report above sounds a lot like the one on Jordan when he came out. He's developed range inside 17; needs work outside of that range. Moreover, I have read in several places that he handles the ball like a PG. Maybe Chris Paul is more accurate comparison than Wade? In any case, I like him better than Thomas for what the Bulls need.

How does that scouting report compare to Thomas'? Why is Roy's superstar potential more likely or more valid than Thomas'? Thomas is younger and hasn't been playing as long as Roy, suggesting he has a much better shot at being the player that puts "a team on his shoulders every night."

 

And I don't see where I stated that Roy has "superstar" potential. Please show me. At most, I implied "star" by comparing him to him Wade.

Is Deng able to put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it? He's a nice third offensive option and a very good defensive player, IMO. I want more with the second pick, and I think that "more" is Roy, based on wha I have read.

I call a player that can put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it a superstar. What would you call him?

[RynoRules]

Let me be clear - I am not saying Roy is MJ; however, the scouting report above sounds a lot like the one on Jordan when he came out. He's developed range inside 17; needs work outside of that range. Moreover, I have read in several places that he handles the ball like a PG. Maybe Chris Paul is more accurate comparison than Wade? In any case, I like him better than Thomas for what the Bulls need.

How does that scouting report compare to Thomas'? Why is Roy's superstar potential more likely or more valid than Thomas'? Thomas is younger and hasn't been playing as long as Roy, suggesting he has a much better shot at being the player that puts "a team on his shoulders every night."

 

And I don't see where I stated that Roy has "superstar" potential. Please show me. At most, I implied "star" by comparing him to him Wade.

Is Deng able to put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it? He's a nice third offensive option and a very good defensive player, IMO. I want more with the second pick, and I think that "more" is Roy, based on wha I have read.

I call a player that can put a team on his shoulders every night and carry it a superstar. What would you call him?

 

Ok, lets not get into our subjective definitions of "superstar" vs. "star". I did not intend to take this down that path. I do think Roy has star potential, and more particulalry, is far more likely to reach that potential in his first two seasons than Thomas is. Is it possible that Thomas will become a greater force overall than Roy? Absolutely. That said, I think the Bulls need help now, and Roy is better equiped to provide it.

[1908]

That said, I think the Bulls need help now, and Roy is better equiped to provide it.

I don't think the Bulls can find a player in this draft that will turn them into title contenders next season. I think their window opens 2, 3 years down the road. Right when Thomas is becoming a Stoudemire-like force, I hope.

[USSoccer]

That said, I think the Bulls need help now, and Roy is better equiped to provide it.

I don't think the Bulls can find a player in this draft that will turn them into title contenders next season. I think their window opens 2, 3 years down the road. Right when Thomas is becoming a Stoudemire-like force, I hope.

 

For every Amare Stoudemire there are how many Swifts? Players like Thomas carry with them a tremendous risk. He only came out because of his family's financial situation. You're talking about a very immature 18 year old getting millions of dollars. Who's to say he's not going to lose that work ethic and drive?

[1908]

That said, I think the Bulls need help now, and Roy is better equiped to provide it.

I don't think the Bulls can find a player in this draft that will turn them into title contenders next season. I think their window opens 2, 3 years down the road. Right when Thomas is becoming a Stoudemire-like force, I hope.

 

For every Amare Stoudemire there are how many Swifts? Players like Thomas carry with them a tremendous risk. He only came out because of his family's financial situation. You're talking about a very immature 18 year old getting millions of dollars. Who's to say he's not going to lose that work ethic and drive?

The majority of draft prospects don't reach their ceiling. I find it odd that you're convinced Thomas is such a tremendous risk. I'm talking about a very mature young man from all reports who will be 20 in two months. And who's to say any player won't lose this or that after they're drafted?

 

You do your research. You talk to his coaches and the young man. And you make your pick. I have full confidence in Paxson.