12 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Yahoo Sports: 2012 NBA Draft's Top 10 Prospects
http://sports.yahoo....0bC3YdEekO8vLYF

1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky, Fresh., 6-10, 220 pounds, PF/C – Scout's opinion: "People compare him to Hakeem Olajuwon or Patrick Ewing, but if you compare their freshman numbers, Davis' are probably better. He blocks shots, rebounds and changes the team approach defensively. He was a guard four years ago, before he grew, but he is grasping the concept of being a big man."

2. Andre Drummond, Connecticut, Fresh., 6-10, 251 pounds, C – Scout's opinion: "He's very big. He's probably the most physically prepared guy in draft. You look at him and his body says, 'NBA center,' but his game doesn't match his body. In his defense, it takes big men more time to develop."

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, Fresh., 6-7, 228 pounds, SF – Scout's opinion: "He's tough. He's everything you want in a small forward – big, aggressive. He can't shoot it well, but he can get better at it. Can't-miss prospect."

4. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, Soph., 6-8, 223 pounds, SF – Scout's opinion: "He has a chance to be the second pick. He's as safe a pick as there is. He's consistently scored since high school. He consistently scored more than most in the draft. Some say he's one dimensional, but he can shoot the ball, which every coach wants."

5. Bradley Beal, Florida, Fresh., 6-4, 201 pounds, SG – Scout's opinion: "He's a great shooter. He defends, he rebounds very well for his position. He's a very smart kid."

6. John Henson, North Carolina, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC and he blocks shots, rebounds, is long and can finish in transition. He's improved every year at North Carolina. The biggest issue for him is filling out his body."

7. Perry Jones III, Baylor, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He has no heart, but he's the best talent available after Anthony Davis. Your owner could end up saying, 'How did we miss on this kid?' It's a gamble, but after a while if he keeps getting passed up it's a no brainer."

8. Thomas Robinson, Kansas, Jr., 6-9, 240 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He's a steady player. He has improved every year. A little undersized at his position, he showed toughness after returning to play after losing his mother. Tough to do. Through it all he still got better as a player."

9. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Soph., 6-9, 280 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "Good hands. Wide body. Good basketball IQ. He can face up and play away from the basket. He lacks athleticism and explosion, which is a concern at his size. I think he is 6-foot-8 and he plays like a center."

10. Cody Zeller, Indiana, Fresh., 6-11, 215 pounds, C – Scout's opinion: "He's a very skilled and good player. At his age and position, he will get better. But he has short arms and doesn't rebound well."

Other candidates: Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb; Kentucky forward Terrence Jones; Illinois center Meyers Leonard; Weber State guard Damian Lillard; North Carolina guard Kendall Marshall; Baylor forward Quincy Miller; Duke guard Austin Rivers; Syracuse guard Dion Waiters; North Carolina center Tyler Zeller.

[SBTarheel]

Yahoo Sports: 2012 NBA Draft's Top 10 Prospects
http://sports.yahoo....0bC3YdEekO8vLYF

1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky, Fresh., 6-10, 220 pounds, PF/C – Scout's opinion: "People compare him to Hakeem Olajuwon or Patrick Ewing, but if you compare their freshman numbers, Davis' are probably better. He blocks shots, rebounds and changes the team approach defensively. He was a guard four years ago, before he grew, but he is grasping the concept of being a big man."

2. Andre Drummond, Connecticut, Fresh., 6-10, 251 pounds, C – Scout's opinion: "He's very big. He's probably the most physically prepared guy in draft. You look at him and his body says, 'NBA center,' but his game doesn't match his body. In his defense, it takes big men more time to develop."

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, Fresh., 6-7, 228 pounds, SF – Scout's opinion: "He's tough. He's everything you want in a small forward – big, aggressive. He can't shoot it well, but he can get better at it. Can't-miss prospect."

4. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, Soph., 6-8, 223 pounds, SF – Scout's opinion: "He has a chance to be the second pick. He's as safe a pick as there is. He's consistently scored since high school. He consistently scored more than most in the draft. Some say he's one dimensional, but he can shoot the ball, which every coach wants."

5. Bradley Beal, Florida, Fresh., 6-4, 201 pounds, SG – Scout's opinion: "He's a great shooter. He defends, he rebounds very well for his position. He's a very smart kid."

6. John Henson, North Carolina, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC and he blocks shots, rebounds, is long and can finish in transition. He's improved every year at North Carolina. The biggest issue for him is filling out his body."

7. Perry Jones III, Baylor, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He has no heart, but he's the best talent available after Anthony Davis. Your owner could end up saying, 'How did we miss on this kid?' It's a gamble, but after a while if he keeps getting passed up it's a no brainer."

8. Thomas Robinson, Kansas, Jr., 6-9, 240 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "He's a steady player. He has improved every year. A little undersized at his position, he showed toughness after returning to play after losing his mother. Tough to do. Through it all he still got better as a player."

9. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Soph., 6-9, 280 pounds, PF – Scout's opinion: "Good hands. Wide body. Good basketball IQ. He can face up and play away from the basket. He lacks athleticism and explosion, which is a concern at his size. I think he is 6-foot-8 and he plays like a center."

10. Cody Zeller, Indiana, Fresh., 6-11, 215 pounds, C – Scout's opinion: "He's a very skilled and good player. At his age and position, he will get better. But he has short arms and doesn't rebound well."

Other candidates: Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb; Kentucky forward Terrence Jones; Illinois center Meyers Leonard; Weber State guard Damian Lillard; North Carolina guard Kendall Marshall; Baylor forward Quincy Miller; Duke guard Austin Rivers; Syracuse guard Dion Waiters; North Carolina center Tyler Zeller.

I do not like Sullinger or Robinson at the next level at all.

I can't wait to see what Henson's role will be in the league..If anyone remembers Dennis Rodman in his early Detroit days (Think '87,88), I think he's the same guy..Energy, defensive stud, rebounder...etc. Obviously Rodman grew into a Hall of Famer, and I don't expect that for John, but I think his upside is tremendous.

[Pedro Cerrano]

If the Wizards get the #2 pick and take Drummond over Kidd-Gilchrist I'll go postal.

[SBTarheel]

If the Wizards get the #2 pick and take Drummond over Kidd-Gilchrist I'll go postal.

Oh god no. I'd be more worried about them taking Barnes than Drummond to be honest. I think Barnes will be decent, but I'd also rather have MKG.

[Nuclear Dish]

I can't wait to see what Henson's role will be in the league..If anyone remembers Dennis Rodman in his early Detroit days (Think '87,88), I think he's the same guy..Energy, defensive stud, rebounder...etc. Obviously Rodman grew into a Hall of Famer, and I don't expect that for John, but I think his upside is tremendous.

I don't see that comparison panning out. Rodman was as good a rebounder as there's ever been. To me, Henson is a defensive shot changer/blocker, and his rebounding will struggle a bit at the next level (sort of like it did for Rasheed Wallace).

Best case scenario for Henson: Bill Walton (NBA stats) - 13 PPG, 10 RPG, 2 BPG, 52% FG%
Worst case scenario: Theo Ratliff - 10 PPG, 8 RPG, 3 BPG

[SBTarheel]

Moreso like Rodman early in his career, think pre tattoos. Obviously he developed into the best rebounder ever, and I don't expect that out of Henson.

[mweb08]

I think he's more of a shot blocker who will be a good, but not great rebounder. On offense, he will be a good finisher, fast break guy, and will be a good mid-range shooter.

I actually like him him more than Barnes going forward.

[Nuclear Dish]

I think he's more of a shot blocker who will be a good, but not great rebounder. On offense, he will be a good finisher, fast break guy, and will be a good mid-range shooter.

I actually like him him more than Barnes going forward.

So, isn't that Theo Ratliff, with maybe a tad more upside? Maybe even a Marcus Camby type?

I think Barnes will always be a scorer, and the next level will encourage that. But he's streaky, and he will therefore never be a superstar. His all-star potential will be based a lot on what else he can do. He's not flashy, so he isn't going to be Vince Carter. I haven't thought of a good comp for him yet. I'm working on it.

I'm most curious to see how Zeller's game is going to translate. Is he going to get pushed around? Or is he going to become more of a finesse big man? I think his game will translate into something like Channing Frye.

[SBTarheel]

He already has more offensive game than Ratliff ever had.

Barnes comp: Glen Rice, Eddie Jones, I even saw one compare him to a young Bernard King..Interesting.

[Nuclear Dish]

He already has more offensive game than Ratliff ever had.

Barnes comp: Glen Rice, Eddie Jones, I even saw one compare him to a young Bernard King..Interesting.

I'm not so sure his offensive game will translate as easily to the NBA as you think. He might score more, but his game is going to be primarily about his defense, especially at first.

If Harrison Barnes ends up with a career like Glen Rice, it's going to kill me. How does a guy like that blow up in our face when we needed him most?

[SBTarheel]

I like the Rice comparison the more I think about it, though HB is quicker off the dribble, and not as dead aim a shooter..

[mweb08]

So, isn't that Theo Ratliff, with maybe a tad more upside? Maybe even a Marcus Camby type?

Well they're 5's, Henson is a 4. My comp is Ibaka. A very athletic and long shot blocking 4 who can step out and hit a jumper. Henson won't be as good of a shot blocker, but will probably be a better shooter and ball handler.

[mweb08]

Barnes has a much better shot imo at being like Gerald Green, without the world class hops than he does Glen Rice.

Maybe the recent version of Caron Butler.