The Official 2007 NBA Draft Thread

[Exile on Waveland]

No need to bump the thread, but...

 

 

I'll be quite surprised if McRoberts is a lottery pick.

 

Prepare to be surprised. Not saying I agree with it, I vehemently don't, but everyone places him that high.

 

Ha ha. Hey, I'm glad I was wrong I should've been wrong. No way I think McRoberts is that good, but he'd been considered a lottery prospect for over two years. I don't think enough of NBA teams to expect the correct decisions.

[badgercub]

 

I hope Yi blows off going to Milwaukee.

 

he won't. he's said he's not going back to China, and even though is "people" wanted him to land in a major metropolitan city, I doubt he walks away from the Bucks

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the Bucks trade Yi. He doesn't want to be there, and the Bucks just picked up the options of Bogut and Villanueva. The Bucks need a point guard and that Sessions kid out of Nevada isn't it. I have heard a few unsubstantiated rumors floating around of the Bucks looking to acquire last years #6 pick in the draft Devin Harris who is from Milwaukee.

[Exile on Waveland]

 

I hope Yi blows off going to Milwaukee.

 

he won't. he's said he's not going back to China, and even though is "people" wanted him to land in a major metropolitan city, I doubt he walks away from the Bucks

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the Bucks trade Yi. He doesn't want to be there, and the Bucks just picked up the options of Bogut and Villanueva. The Bucks need a point guard and that Sessions kid out of Nevada isn't it. I have heard a few unsubstantiated rumors floating around of the Bucks looking to acquire last years #6 pick in the draft Devin Harris who is from Milwaukee.

 

Devin Harris was the 5th pick in the 2004 draft. But, otherwise, I agree that a Yi trade seems imminent.

[1908]

If Big Baby is drafted in the first round, somebody is getting ripped off.

Count on him being drafted in the first.

Bad call.

Zing.

[Exile on Waveland]

If Big Baby is drafted in the first round, somebody is getting ripped off.

Count on him being drafted in the first.

Bad call.

Zing.

 

I think he should've been drafted in the first, if that makes you feel any better. I also thought he would be.

[1908]

Ha. Good one.

 

Pax blew this draft, IMO. The 9th pick going to a playoff team is a gift. Noah isn't good enough to make the difference down low we desperately need. He should have explored options on the trade mkt. This team is ready to win now, not develop another raw and athletic fwd/center.

 

I give Pax credit for taking a risk and signing Wallace, but I think the organization's (read: Pax and Skiles) philosophy of drafting conservative and playing the same way is beginning to show its limitations. You can win 50 games and maybe go to the Eastern Conference Finals under this philosophy (think of the Heat before they had the stones to trade for O'Neal). But that's about it, IMHO.

 

For whatever reason, Pax appears to be afraid to make the big move.

Not making a trade isn't blowing this draft. The Bulls will need to include either Nocioni or Brown (very unlikely) in a sign and trade to make any significant deal, and that can't happen until July 1. Seems a little early to me to declare the offseason over.

 

Who did you want the Bulls to select at 9 from those still on the board?

[Keener98]

Ha. Good one.

 

Pax blew this draft, IMO. The 9th pick going to a playoff team is a gift. Noah isn't good enough to make the difference down low we desperately need. He should have explored options on the trade mkt. This team is ready to win now, not develop another raw and athletic fwd/center.

 

I give Pax credit for taking a risk and signing Wallace, but I think the organization's (read: Pax and Skiles) philosophy of drafting conservative and playing the same way is beginning to show its limitations. You can win 50 games and maybe go to the Eastern Conference Finals under this philosophy (think of the Heat before they had the stones to trade for O'Neal). But that's about it, IMHO.

 

For whatever reason, Pax appears to be afraid to make the big move.

Not making a trade isn't blowing this draft. The Bulls will need to include either Nocioni or Brown (very unlikely) in a sign and trade to make any significant deal, and that can't happen until July 1. Seems a little early to me to declare the offseason over.

 

Who did you want the Bulls to select at 9 from those still on the board?

 

I would have traded down and seen what else was available then. Maybe get a pick for next year. I just think Noah is redundant on this team, and with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league, so trade down and gather more picks for later.

[1908]

I would have traded down and seen what else was available then. Maybe get a pick for next year. I just think Noah is redundant on this team, and with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league, so trade down and gather more picks for later.

This isn't the NFL. Multiple picks in the lower half of the first round are worth significantly less than a top ten pick. NBA teams rarely trade down more than a couple of slots. You can't think of a player you would rather have had at nine than Noah?

[Derwood]

with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league

 

List of past #9 picks:

 

2006: Patrick O'Bryant

2005: Ike Diogu

2004: Andre Igouldala

2003: Michael Sweetney

2002: Amare Stoudamire

2001: Rodney White

2000: Joel Pryzbilla

1999: Shawn Marion

 

So yeah, not exactly a guaranteed "star" at that pick

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Aside from trading the pick, Law IV and Wright are two guys I could see people logically preferring to Noah.

[Keener98]

I would have traded down and seen what else was available then. Maybe get a pick for next year. I just think Noah is redundant on this team, and with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league, so trade down and gather more picks for later.

This isn't the NFL. Multiple picks in the lower half of the first round are worth significantly less than a top ten pick. NBA teams rarely trade down more than a couple of slots. You can't think of a player you would rather have had at nine than Noah?

 

I would have gambled on Wright probably. For me it comes down I feel that Noah will not make us a better team next year, in my opinion. The Bulls have to do something in free agency or trades now, or we will enter the season with the same team basically as last year.

[1908]

Aside from trading the pick, Law IV and Wright are two guys I could see people logically preferring to Noah.

Law? On the Bulls? No thanks. I like our undersized combo guard better.

 

I would've been fine with Julian Wright, but I prefer Noah.

[Keener98]

with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league

 

List of past #9 picks:

 

2006: Patrick O'Bryant

2005: Ike Diogu

2004: Andre Igouldala

2003: Michael Sweetney

2002: Amare Stoudamire

2001: Rodney White

2000: Joel Pryzbilla

1999: Shawn Marion

 

So yeah, not exactly a guaranteed "star" at that pick

 

Where did I say guaranteed? I said trying to get a star. I havent seen anybody who thinks Noah will be a star in the NBA, where as there are people taken after him that have "star potential". And Id consider 3 of those 8 to be stars, with the jury still out on POB since he was just drafted last year.

[1908]

I would have traded down and seen what else was available then. Maybe get a pick for next year. I just think Noah is redundant on this team, and with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league, so trade down and gather more picks for later.

This isn't the NFL. Multiple picks in the lower half of the first round are worth significantly less than a top ten pick. NBA teams rarely trade down more than a couple of slots. You can't think of a player you would rather have had at nine than Noah?

I would have gambled on Wright probably. For me it comes down I feel that Noah will not make us a better team next year, in my opinion. The Bulls have to do something in free agency or trades now, or we will enter the season with the same team basically as last year.

You think Julian Wright is closer to making an impact than Noah is next year? I can't see it. Same is true for Hawes. If your focus is on immediate impact and fit, Noah's the easy pick at 9.

[1908]

Where did I say guaranteed? I said trying to get a star. I havent seen anybody who thinks Noah will be a star in the NBA, where as there are people taken after him that have "star potential". And Id consider 3 of those 8 to be stars, with the jury still out on POB since he was just drafted last year.

David Thorpe (ESPN writer; NBA player trainer) is very high on Noah. Which players taken after Noah are said to have star potential?

[Keener98]

I would have traded down and seen what else was available then. Maybe get a pick for next year. I just think Noah is redundant on this team, and with a number 9 pick you should be trying to get a star. Noah will never be a star in this league, so trade down and gather more picks for later.

This isn't the NFL. Multiple picks in the lower half of the first round are worth significantly less than a top ten pick. NBA teams rarely trade down more than a couple of slots. You can't think of a player you would rather have had at nine than Noah?

I would have gambled on Wright probably. For me it comes down I feel that Noah will not make us a better team next year, in my opinion. The Bulls have to do something in free agency or trades now, or we will enter the season with the same team basically as last year.

You think Julian Wright is closer to making an impact than Noah is next year? I can't see it. Same is true for Hawes. If your focus is on immediate impact and fit, Noah's the easy pick at 9.

 

No I worded that wrong. I dont think there really was anybody at that spot to help us greatly next year, which is why I would have went with somebody with more upside/"star potential" than Noah. Noah right now is going to get manhandled playing the post, and if he bulks up a bunch then he loses his athleticness/fast break ability, and becomes a big guy who plays D and cant score. There are numerous guys like that in the NBA who werent taken with the 9th pick in the draft.

[Keener98]

Where did I say guaranteed? I said trying to get a star. I havent seen anybody who thinks Noah will be a star in the NBA, where as there are people taken after him that have "star potential". And Id consider 3 of those 8 to be stars, with the jury still out on POB since he was just drafted last year.

David Thorpe (ESPN writer; NBA player trainer) is very high on Noah. Which players taken after Noah are said to have star potential?

 

3 guys off the top of my head who were taken later and have more potential than Noah-Wright, Williams, and Chandler.

[1908]

No I worded that wrong. I dont think there really was anybody at that spot to help us greatly next year, which is why I would have went with somebody with more upside/"star potential" than Noah. Noah right now is going to get manhandled playing the post, and if he bulks up a bunch then he loses his athleticness/fast break ability, and becomes a big guy who plays D and cant score. There are numerous guys like that in the NBA who werent taken with the 9th pick in the draft.

I think you're painting the absolute worst case for Noah without watching him play a single NBA game. Paxson's track record in the draft is outstanding. Even if I were down on the Noah pick, I'd still give Paxson the benefit of the doubt for Noah's rookie season.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Aside from trading the pick, Law IV and Wright are two guys I could see people logically preferring to Noah.

Law? On the Bulls? No thanks. I like our undersized combo guard better.

 

I would've been fine with Julian Wright, but I prefer Noah.

 

Law would've made a nice 3rd guard that can score a bit and capably trigger the offense, especially if Thabo moved more towards the 3 if Nocioni was dealt for post help. He would've been an immediate upgrade over Duhon's 25 mpg, IMO. Even more so compared to Noah, who won't have that type of PT to step into. Brown + Thomas only got ~35 mpg, and I can't see Thomas not getting the majority of those minutes between him and Noah.

[Keener98]

No I worded that wrong. I dont think there really was anybody at that spot to help us greatly next year, which is why I would have went with somebody with more upside/"star potential" than Noah. Noah right now is going to get manhandled playing the post, and if he bulks up a bunch then he loses his athleticness/fast break ability, and becomes a big guy who plays D and cant score. There are numerous guys like that in the NBA who werent taken with the 9th pick in the draft.

I think you're painting the absolute worst case for Noah without watching him play a single NBA game. Paxson's track record in the draft is outstanding. Even if I were down on the Noah pick, I'd still give Paxson the benefit of the doubt for Noah's rookie season.

 

Your right, Pax does deserve some leeway. I loved the Tyrus Thomas pick last year, as I see Thomas with star potential. I just dont like the Noah pick, I might be painting it worst case scenerio, but its because I strongly feel he will never be even a 15-8 guy in the NBA. Just my opinion, and if Im wrong, I will gladly admit it. Lets just hope Pax makes some noise in free agency or the trade market.

[1908]

3 guys off the top of my head who were taken later and have more potential than Noah-Wright, Williams, and Chandler.

John Hollinger put together a college prospect evaluator for this year's draft. It's an Insider article. It was free when it first appeared a few days ago. That's no longer than case, which is too bad for the nonsubscribers because it's a great read and an interesting tool. Anyway, here's how that system ranks Noah along with the players you mentioned:

 

528.6 Noah

511.3 Williams

483.1 Chandler

481.4 J. Wright

[1908]

Aside from trading the pick, Law IV and Wright are two guys I could see people logically preferring to Noah.

Law? On the Bulls? No thanks. I like our undersized combo guard better.

 

I would've been fine with Julian Wright, but I prefer Noah.

 

Law would've made a nice 3rd guard that can score a bit and capably trigger the offense, especially if Thabo moved more towards the 3 if Nocioni was dealt for post help. He would've been an immediate upgrade over Duhon's 25 mpg, IMO. Even more so compared to Noah, who won't have that type of PT to step into. Brown + Thomas only got ~35 mpg, and I can't see Thomas not getting the majority of those minutes between him and Noah.

The Bulls are looking to deal Duhon and focus on a Gordon, Hinrich, Thabo rotation.

 

Hollinger's system that I mentioned in my previous post ranked Law at 445.2. I find myself often agreeing with Paxon's decisions. I like them even better when the stats guy's work supports them.

[Keener98]

3 guys off the top of my head who were taken later and have more potential than Noah-Wright, Williams, and Chandler.

John Hollinger put together a college prospect evaluator for this year's draft. It's an Insider article. It was free when it first appeared a few days ago. That's no longer than case, which is too bad for the nonsubscribers because it's a great read and an interesting tool. Anyway, here's how that system ranks Noah along with the players you mentioned:

 

528.6 Noah

511.3 Williams

483.1 Chandler

481.4 J. Wright

 

Thats one guy who thinks that, and he may be right we dont know, but Im sure we could both find numerous people who feel differently.

[1908]

Thats one guy who thinks that, and he may be right we dont know, but Im sure we could both find numerous people who feel differently.

It's more than a feeling. It's a statistical method that he outlines in that article and evaluates against previous drafts. You're welcome to your feelings on Noah. I'm more inclined to trust Paxson based on his track record and trust Hollinger based on his stats.

[Keener98]

Thats one guy who thinks that, and he may be right we dont know, but Im sure we could both find numerous people who feel differently.

It's more than a feeling. It's a statistical method that he outlines in that article and evaluates against previous drafts. You're welcome to your feelings on Noah. I'm more inclined to trust Paxson based on his track record and trust Hollinger based on his stats.

 

I hope you and them are right