The Official 2007 NBA Draft Thread

Looks like this guy can block... he averaged a swat a game at the 3 in college. Pretty good boards too, but his FT percentage is ben wallace-like. Looks like we're drafting for roles instead of need (which is a good thing).

Sounds like Etan with a bit more scoring ability. See ya Poet

My DUMBASS Mavericks!!!!!!http://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gifhttp://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon8.gif

Sounds like Etan with a bit more scoring ability. See ya Poet

doing a little more research on this guy, it seems EG may have another second round gem. i liken his game to a Josh Smith- same type of athleticism, boards like a madman and plays stiff D (he actually averaged 3.5 bpg at fresno st.).

doing a little more research on this guy, it seems EG may have another second round gem. i liken his game to a Josh Smith- same type of athleticism, boards like a madman and plays stiff D (he actually averaged 3.5 bpg at fresno st.).

I've heard some comparisons to Josh Howard (which would be unbelievable) I see that the Bobcats cut Brevin Knight, I'd probably make a run at him. In fact, I'd be tempted to play Arenas a 2-guard

What do you think of this itv? Trade with Portland for Jarrett Jack (local guy) and Magliore (defensive-minded 7 footer), maybe send Hayes, Daniels and Haywood there. Then you start Caron (3), Antwan (4), Magloire (5), Knight (1), and Arenas (2). You have Jack as a backup point guard or you slide Arenas to the 1 when you bring Young or Stevenson off the bench. Or you can move Butler to the 2 and go big in the frontcourt with Blatche at the 3, and Pech at the 4 (Poet at the 5)

I've heard some comparisons to Josh Howard (which would be unbelievable) I see that the Bobcats cut Brevin Knight, I'd probably make a run at him. In fact, I'd be tempted to play Arenas a 2-guard

What do you think of this itv? Trade with Portland for Jarrett Jack (local guy) and Magliore (defensive-minded 7 footer), maybe send Hayes, Daniels and Haywood there. Then you start Caron (3), Antwan (4), Magloire (5), Knight (1), and Arenas (2). You have Jack as a backup point guard or you slide Arenas to the 1 when you bring Young or Stevenson off the bench. Or you can move Butler to the 2 and go big in the frontcourt with Blatche at the 3, and Pech at the 4 (Poet at the 5)

I wouldn't change a thing about how they use Gil. He leads this team and I like my leader to bring the ball up the court and get things rolling if he is capable. I know he isn't a traiditonal PG by any stretch but they seem to operate fine without that. I would wonder how bringing in a true PG would mess with the chemistry of their offense. It might degrade it for a season.

That said...if they do decide to shift Gil's role to the 2 then your plan makes a lot of sense. I am all for getting someone to patrol the middle and play defense. Solid interior defense plus the scoring ability of this team would make them serious contenders.

I wouldn't change a thing about how they use Gil. He leads this team and I like my leader to bring the ball up the court and get things rolling if he is capable. I know he isn't a traiditonal PG by any stretch but they seem to operate fine without that. I would wonder how bringing in a true PG would mess with the chemistry of their offense. It might degrade it for a season.

That said...if they do decide to shift Gil's role to the 2 then your plan makes a lot of sense. I am all for getting someone to patrol the middle and play defense. Solid interior defense plus the scoring ability of this team would make them serious contenders.

Good points. The biggest issue with my scenario would of course be perimeter defense. Knight and Arenas aren't going to scare anyone with their D.

I dont understand how a guy like Gil isn't a great defender. He isn't tiny, he's quick and athletic. That's all you need skills wise to be at least good. Is it an effort thing?

I dont understand how a guy like Gil isn't a great defender. He isn't tiny, he's quick and athletic. That's all you need skills wise to be at least good. Is it an effort thing?

You know what, I think it is. I love Gil but playing defense is a lot about effort, desire and perhaps most importantly willingness to do the little things that aren't going to show up in box scores or tv highlights. Arenas is obviously serious and dedicated about his profession but sometimes you have to wonder if he's more serious about succeeding at things that get him more recognition and face time. Like scoring 30+ points a game.

All that said, I have a good feeling that he's ready to elevate his game defensively. He's seen Wade win a title and Bron make it to the finals. Now he knows it's his time and if the Wizards are going to get there they need for everyone to play better defense.

Defense is more about desire than effort. If you want to play D you will. Doesn't matter how much effort you put foward if you don't want to play D you wont play to your highest level of it.

What do you think of this itv? Trade with Portland for Jarrett Jack (local guy) and Magliore (defensive-minded 7 footer), maybe send Hayes, Daniels and Haywood there. Then you start Caron (3), Antwan (4), Magloire (5), Knight (1), and Arenas (2). You have Jack as a backup point guard or you slide Arenas to the 1 when you bring Young or Stevenson off the bench. Or you can move Butler to the 2 and go big in the frontcourt with Blatche at the 3, and Pech at the 4 (Poet at the 5)

Re: Trade... I love AD's tenacity, consistency and ability to lead the offense for the second team. But I'd definitely do that trade in a second. Daniels isnt' getting any younger and I'd see the Magloire/Wood swap as evening out the age scale for both teams. Jack can play, especially leading a break. Magloire's getting old, but he'd be more than serviceable to hold down the fort for a year or so, giving our young bigs a little more insurance in in the post.

Re: lineup changes... I don't mind Gil at the point, but I've actually been a proponent of him at the 2 for the longest time. When Larry was here, they'd both be adept at bringing the ball up the court... even at Arizona, he switched between guard positions. AI's play has improved moving over to the 2 and Gil wouldn't be any different. A scorer like him would love the freedom to roam a bit more- he'll be able to come off more screens and his range will definitely be showcased a bit more. I've seen more than a few offensive sets that end quickly with Gil jacking an immediate three after bringing the ball up the court. You get a Jack to run point and the ball will move and we'll see the Princeton cuts in full. With that big lineup you suggest, I'd switch out Pech with D. Song (although I'd rather switch out Poet, but we'd need him at C) to form a pretty pass-heavy unit. I really think Blatche makes a statement this season.

Now that I think about it more, that's a brilliant trade suggestion. I see a bigger picture with what you're trying to do. SS, get EG the memo!