Prospect Watch: 3 Players to Keep an Eye on
by BrandonBecker on Jan 18, 2012 4:19 PM EST
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The dream is over--if there ever was one. The Charlotte Bobcats are not going to be in this year's playoffs, nor will they even sniff them. That isn't a particularly shocking statement seeing as low expectations were placed on the team entering the season, but for those that were hoping that this team could make it interesting, well, that dream died, too.
As the season progresses and the Bobcats' record continues to worsen, fans will start--if they already haven't--looking towards the draft. While there is still plenty of time till the draft, fans need to be aware of the stakes in the upcoming draft. This draft is deep. And I mean deep.
Despite this class having an abundance of talented players that are eligible to enter, it is a must for the Bobcats to land a top-3 pick. Let's face it: this roster is a diaster. There isn't a franchise player or even a go-to-guy on the team. Michael Jordan has committed to rebuilding and that process could be greatly sped up if Charlotte has a little luck in the lottery. Bottoming out is the Bobcats' only choice if they want to develop into a top team in the Eastern Conference.
The Bobcats got two nice pieces in Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo this past draft, yet I feel comfortable saying neither is going to develop into a superstar. There are a few players in this upcoming draft that have the potential to be the face of a franchise.
For those fans that aren't as well-versed in the college game, here are a few prospects you need to know about heading forward. All three have a possibility of being drafted near the top, which is where the Bobcats are likely to be selecting.
More after the jump.
Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
If you haven't heard of this kid by now you will by March. Robinson is having a tremendous season at Kansas pulling down a little over 12 boards a game and is averaging 17.8 points per game. After backing up the Morris twins a year ago, Robinson has been thrust into the starting lineup this year and has exceeded expectations. At 6'9" and 237 pounds he is too much to handle for most college players.
His game reminds me a bit of Amar'e Stoudemire's in the sense that he is quick and can take you off the dribble in a split second. As of now, Robinson has to be the Naismith favorite, and there's a possibility that he could wind up going No.1 overall in the draft.
Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
The best NBA prospect in college right now is Davis. There's so much untapped potential that he has and yet he is still a force already. Davis is a shot-blocking machine for the Wildcats and is extremely athletic. His wingspan is 7'4" and despite being 6'10", he can handle the ball pretty well for his size. In the NBA there will be a bit of a learning curve for the 18-year-old, but give him a couple years of experience and allow his body to fill out and you have a future star.
Some have compared his game to a young Kevin Garnett's. While I see the resemblances in some areas, Davis has yet to show much of anything in terms of post moves. Outside of using his quickness to get around defenders to dunk, he is still raw on the block.
Kentucky doesn't play through Davis on the offensive end like you may think. Rarely do his teammates dump the ball down low to him and let him go to work. Most of his points come off fast breaks, put-backs and alley-oops. Put him in an NBA uniform next season and he will be a defensive force right away. Offensively, it won't be there right away but it's only a matter of time before Davis puts it all together.
Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
Some scouts believe that Drummond is a better prospect than Davis, although I don't quite see it. That doesn't mean he isn't capable of being a stud in the NBA. Drummond already has an NBA body, terrific length and is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker. While he has shown flashes of dominance in college, there are still times when he disappears in games.
Consistency is an issue along with a lack of assertiveness at times for the 6'11" center. But at 18 years old, that is to be expected. What is so intriguing about Drummond, though, is the lack of quality centers in the NBA. A team like the Bobcats would greatly benefit from landing a top flight center prospect--sorry, Byron Mullens--to build around.
For those that want to check out Drummond, UConn plays tonight on ESPN2 against the Cincinnati Bearcats. It's a good chance to get to see a player that could very well be a potential Bobcat one day.
These are just three prospects out of a deep class and as we move closer to the draft, and see how the Bobcats continue to fare, I will look at other prospects. For now keep an eye on these three, because Charlotte would have to be happy with any of the above.
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Shoe on the other foot
After a few years of being a mediocre team, I forgot how nausea-inducing being near the top of the lottery can be. Even if the Bobcats bottom out, there’s still a chance someone else can catapult to the top, like Chicago did.
Hopefully this is the year the Bobcats catch a break in that department.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 18, 2012 4:30 PM EST reply actions
The worst team has a 75% change of NOT getting the #1 pick
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
The worst team has a 100% chance of getting a top 3 pick.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 18, 2012 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
Unless something’s changed from last year, they have a 36% chance of picking fourth.
by Handles Messiah on Jan 18, 2012 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
But they have really good odds of getting in the top 3.
Then again, unless we’re #2 and #1 if a sucker, we won’t be getting Davis unless we get the #1 overall.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
Good job with the article
Wasnt very uplifting but your just being honest. And I agree that Kemba and BB will not be superstars (even though I think it is possible for Kemba) I think Kemba will be a star and face of the franchise guy along with whoevere we take in this draft. My pick is Davis, I just think the dude will be a superstar once he bulks up and develops further whether he is playing PF or C. Im glad you mentioned Robinson because he is a player that I have been keeping up with, he is not the sexy pick I dont think he will be a star but definatley has the ability to be a 18 PPG and 8RPG guy consistently in the league, but I honestly would take Barnes or MKG over Robinson.
I think it is way to early in their careers
to feel safe in saying Kemba and/or BB won’t develop into superstars. When DJ gets traded (and I would bet american dollars that he does) Kemba will get a full opportunity to shine. After seeing what he did to close the college basketball season last year, the amazing performances in the Big East and NCAA tourneys, I have little doubt that he has “it”. MJ seems to see “it” in him, too… He has a man-crush on the dude. I know that dominance in college doesn’t always translate to success in the NBA, but really think about it… Of all the “sure-things” that failed to make it in the NBA, how many ever played at the level Super Kemba played last year. Carmelo Anthony played at that level in college and is/was a superstar (different debate), but other than him, I can’t come up with another good comparison off the top of my head. Guys like D. Rose and D. Wade didn’t win the championship, but were also dominant. I would actually be more shocked if Kemba does NOT become a superstar… here or somewhere else. Hopefully here. And if you considered Motumbo a superstar, with a predominately defensive game, then BB definitely has a chance. He’s showed me a lot in his two games against D. Howard, and being so young and raw, he could grow exponentially if he really wants to. Maybe we can get Cam to mentor him?
All Hail The Camtastic One!!!
Me, Bitches!
It's a long shot to say he'll ever become a superstar.
But, there is certainly some sembelence of a chance. I’m just not anywhere close to expecting.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Like I’ve said before, draft Davis/Drummond then trade up to select MKG in the mid-late lottery. In the second, pick up Dee Bost as a backup PG and Jeffery Taylor as backup SF and we’re set. If that happens, we’re a contender in two years.
"With the third pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select, Adam Morrison, Gonzaga."
You make it sound so easy.
The problem is, trading into the lottery to get MKG is going to take some really fancy footwork.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
And probably isn't possible.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
It really wouldn’t be that hard.
"With the third pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select, Adam Morrison, Gonzaga."
yes, i'm curious to hear about this as well.
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
Augustin+Diaw+Blazer’s 2013 first rounder
"With the third pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select, Adam Morrison, Gonzaga."
Drummonds looks like a pretty good ball handler in his highlights
I see a little Diaw in him, except he can also play the position the right way ;)
Judging by what I can dig up on YouTube, Drummonds looks more polished than Davis. With Mullins being a bit thin, moving him to PF beside Drummonds, with Biyombo coming off the bench for either, could be a pretty nasty front court rotation.
Or put it this way… We can easily fill PF position with players we already got. But finding a true C is hard for anyone.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
Drummond playing on espn now, unconn vs cinn
I just don’t think our biggest needs can be found in this article, we need a silky smooth 3 guard. I like Kidd gilchrist and would be more than happy to take Barnes. Unless someone can prove me wrong and say maggette is our future 3. Plus after watching biyombo yesterday can we at least say his celing may match all 3 of your your prospects
Trust me
Biyombo’s ceiling isn’t nearly as high as any of the three prospects I listed. Their offensive skill sets are so much further along than Bismack’s that it isn’t even funny. I love The Biz just like all of you do, but let’s be honest.
by BrandonBecker on Jan 18, 2012 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
I don't see where Drummond's or Davis' offensive game is that much better than BB's.
BB is only a year older and hasn’t had as much playing time… His O-game isn’t that different from theirs. As far as offense goes, John Henson is better than either.
All Hail The Camtastic One!!!
Me, Bitches!
It's way different.
So much different, it’s not even worth debating.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
Out of the three (Bismack, Drummond, and Davis)
Which do you think would be best as a defender 5 years from now?
Let's Go Cats!!!
Thoughts:
Bobcats would greatly benefit from landing a top flight center prospect—sorry, Byron Mullens—to build around.
Bismack is our, hopefully, our C for the future. If we get the #1 overall pick (crossing fingers) we have no choice but to select Anthony Davis. There is no #2. No debate. I guarantee you the consensus come draft time will be it’s Anthony Davis and the rest of his very good friends. If we can’t get lucky enough to nab the #1, then, and only then, will I be convinced that Drummond is the better pick.
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Regardless
We will have a great chance of getting a top 3 pick and in this draft, a great chance at getting a game changing, NBA star.
Cant help but be excited about the possibility this team has in 2014 and beyond.
Agreed.
Let’s say that we do get Davis. After a couple of years, we are by far the top defensive team in the league.
Henderson holding down the SG, Biyombo the PF and Davis the C. Those are fantastic defenders and no one will score. Even Kemba is doing well defensively for the PG, though I doubt he’ll ever be anything more than slightly above average. Still: that looks like a team that’s so good defensively that we’d be able to compete for some championships.
by Tim Rudisill on Jan 18, 2012 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t feel safe at all jumping to any conclusions about Kemba or Biyombo at this point. With no pre-season, and limited minutes in a portion of this mini-season we don’t really know what we’re dealing with yet. Both guys have shown flashes of “amazing” and I for one believe they are only gonna get better. I too, am looking forward to what may happen in the draft, but don’t write off our rookies as just So-so role players from now on because they haven’t dominated from day one. I feel like Kemba is a future all-star, and Big Smack could be our defensive anchor for years to come. Also, our whole games gonna open up when Reggie gets healthy.
by OnefacedTommy on Jan 18, 2012 8:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Close, but we'd only have the 2nd best odds of getting the #1, #2, or #3 pick.
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by Panthers FTW on Jan 18, 2012 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
Eventually the ping pong balls have to land in our favor instead of screwing us every year.
Right?
RIGHT?
:(
by Tim Rudisill on Jan 18, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
At least this draft is so deep that the top five are all really impressive.
If we walk away with any of the top bigs or small forwards we’re in good shape.
True
I’m not so hung up on getting a number one pick, top 5 is still a really helpful asset.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 19, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Brandonbecker
Thats why I used the word ceiling. Look at what the bobcats staff, not just Oak, did for Kwame. Appreciate the article rook, but I’ve been here since the Kelly Tripuka hornet days and will interject when needed. Ceiling is ridiculous on Biyombo. He needs to keep learning, playing and building confidence rather than getting drafted over. What you fail to look at is the unprecedented wingspan and desire to bang with the most dominant center currently in the league. He more than held his own and im excited to see him against even lesser forces. The last 10 years have been dominated by star WING players and good, not great centers like Bynum and Perkins. We clearly need WING help before help at the log jammed 4 or improving 5 spot. Just my take. Plus you and Bismack have the same initials, become a believer :)
I'm not sold on the argument
that just because everyone else has a superstar wing, that we should too.
by Tim Rudisill on Jan 18, 2012 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
Pnce we get Maggette and Williams back will we struggle like this?
They may take us out of Davis contention
We weren't winning any games with Maggette's contributions
He’ll get playing time, but I think he’s a nonfactor for the remainder of his contract.
Williams is good, but not great, could contribute to a few wins.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 19, 2012 8:23 AM EST up reply actions
Anthony Davis
“So just let me introduce myself my name is humpty pronounced with an umpty”
Looks just like him lol
by rscott94 on Jan 18, 2012 11:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I once got busy in a burger king bathroom
True story, I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.
by Basketball Rambler on Jan 19, 2012 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
watched the uconn game tonight
before even seeing this post just to really check out Drummond and see his game and how it looks so far compared to all his youtube vids.
His athleticism and ability to run the floor matches the hype. You just don’t see kids his age and size with that athleticism come along very often and that alone makes him an elite prospect. But right now, I agree with Vuduchild’s post earlier about his offensive game not being very developed. Doesn’t have much of a back to the basket game though showed some potential on a pretty nasty baseline spin move in the post for a dunk that was waved off b/c of a foul. He’s getting his buckets mostly on lobs/transition and getting set up by teammates. One big noticeable weakness is his foul shooting – he’s shooting sub 40% from the line on the year and his form at the line wasn’t pretty to say the least. But given the fact the kid enrolled into UConn a year early, I’d be pretty thrilled to have him and see him grow.
I’m thinking Biz can play either the 4 or 5 which wouldn’t sway us either way b/w Drummond and Davis (who I think is more of a 4). It’s just whoever plays in the front court with Biz will need to carry the scoring load. Hopefully Biz will develop his offensive game in the coming years but I still don’t think he’ll ever be a guy averaging 15 pts per game which is fine.
I would like to draft...
Either Drummond or Barnes. Barnes is so explosive and is able to close games and hit big shots. I haven’t seen a whole lot of Drummond but from what I hear he is a beast.
Let's Go Cats!!!
Barnes is less explosive than first thought.
He still could, but has not progressed like a “superstar wing” should
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Jan 19, 2012 10:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
What a depressing article
This is really sad because all this gloom doom, oh we stink stuff can be avoided if they hired the right coaching staff and made start draft moves.
It can still be fixed, but like most of the fans, the ownership has given up to just count this season as a wash. Why? I just feel raising the white flag already is ridiculous.
And Kemba and Biyombo can be superstars (Kemba already has all the qualities) if they HAVE THE RIGHT COACHING.
"You ain't supposed to be smiling and giggling after we lose. I've never had the mentality of losing in my whole life and for a person to tell me you can't win them all, that's a loser's mentality." - Cam Newton
smart not start. sorry
"You ain't supposed to be smiling and giggling after we lose. I've never had the mentality of losing in my whole life and for a person to tell me you can't win them all, that's a loser's mentality." - Cam Newton
HELL NO
To Thomas Robinson… He would be undersized for the 4 even, and would struggle guarding NBA bigs (lost the battle to 6’11 Mason Plumlee vs Duke). We would have two 6’9 guys patrolling our post. No thanks.
And hell no to Barnes. He seems to have a lower ceiling than originally thought and does not have the making of a superstar wing (25+ ppg etc #1 option on contending team). There hasn’t been a superstar wing to come out recently which is annoying, but shabazz Muhammad looks to be that next superstar wing. Maybe we can snag Davis this year and him next year.
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Jan 19, 2012 10:41 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The way the ball rolls...
Ups and downs. If I recall, less than a year ago, people felt the way you feel about Shabazz Muhammad as they felt about one Harrison Barnes. I think Barnes will be fine. He hasn’t been a world beater this season, but thats ok. I just think people have completely given up on a guy who is still REALLY GOOD! It’s kinda nice he isn’t smoking asses night in-and-out or we would be sitting here sweating bullets thinking about the Wizards getting that #1 pick and stealing our chance at a franchise SF. We are in a great spot. If we luck out…we have a chance to pick Davis/Drummond and shore up the post. If we get “screwed”, we fall to a spot where it looks like Barnes or MKG are waiting. Gorgeous.
I love Robinson. He’s nasty and will be a solid NBA player. His tenacity is unmatched in college bball right now. But you are right. He’s a PF for sure. Too many other options to make Rob a good pick for CHA.
won't win a beauty contest
but davis wins my vote on this one. sky really is the limit with this monster. he’s got the finesse right now, imagine him with some meat on his bones. he has the range game and the is generating a lot of blocks at the college level. imagine him with postgame
Cat Scratch Reader's not-so-creepy stalker
a.k.a. DeAngelo Williams in the stalking business- agile and elusive
Nice Post,
I think if things continue the way they have through the first part of the season then it would take a true miracle for the Bobcats front office to find a way to ‘blow’ this draft…
Has there been any news on Williams? I personally hope they wait until he’s completely 100 percent healthy..any news?
Being overseas
I have very limited knowledge of college players, however, one concern that comes to mind if we do draft Drummond or Davis is that they are both somewhat limited on the offensive end. I would expect to see Biyombo / Davis or Drummond as our future front court & combining their limited offensive games with a score first PG like Kemba seems risky. Do people think Kemba has the ability to consistently supply these big guys with good looks? And do people see these big guys developing great low post abilities or just adequate, e.g. Developing into 14ppg players or maybe 20ppg players?
by Cecil89 on Jan 20, 2012 7:52 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Good point Cecil
I think that’s the reason I like the idea of adding Barnes so much. Neither Davis or Drummond is an offensive powerhouse. Davis scores off his put-backs, and lobs around the hoop. Drummond likes to pop the short J, and has a limited back-to-bucket game. Both have the chance to add to their offensive arsenal. I think Drummond has a better chance to be a solid offensive player in the future. He has the body and athleticism to build a legit post game. Davis surely has better D and instincts…but you are right about being a bit hesitant to pair Biz with someone who might struggle to score on the NBA level. I guess, to sum up my thoughts….this is a huge reason why I’m not jumping off the boat for Davis. I think Drummond could turn into that post scorer to compliment Biz, but I just don’t see it from The Unibrow. The thought of our defensive prowess around the rim is ungodly, but it would be nice to actively feed someone under the bucket (Drummond).
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