Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM

With the official announcement of who’s staying in the draft and who withdrew several websites have changed up their mock drafts.

NBADraft.net has seemingly everyone’s favorite player on this blog coming to the Wiz in Roy Hibbert (mike taylor 2nd round)
Realgm.com has Kosta Koufos coming to the Wiz with James Gist being selected in round 2.
Draft express continues with their Darrell Arthur prediction and Shan Foster in round 2.

I know everyone’s going to be excited wiht the Hibbert selection . But he has VERY mixed reviews as RealGm has him all the way down at 29 although Chad Ford says he might go as high as #12 to the Kings in his most recent article.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM

Not saying that college is the type of education that all humans should strive for (because there are so many people who are successful without it), but with how the NBA’s reputation is changing, I’m happy to hear that people like: Ty Lawson, Robert Vaden, Danny Green, and Wayne Ellington are returning back to school…It’s just crazy because sometimes it isn’t even waking up in the morning with this new “enlightenment;” sometimes it’s just in a moment – like today, not too long ago, I dropped a turkey sandwich (with one bite) in the garbage because it disgusted me to eat that thing…A person who ate meat all her life is now deciding to become a vegetarian…Anything can happen in this world, including in this league so I’m just kinda anxious about the month of July…

Oh and Dave J. (my DJ) is blogging on the 26th – I can’t wait!

“Go DJ, that’s my DJ” – - Lil Wayne

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM

I would agree Bridge. However, I will just take the devil’s advocate role and say that all players who would go in the first round are likely making the best decision for their careers. A 1st round contract is guaranteed for 3 years at over 1 million dollars per year guaranteed. (I just did the math assuming you work from age 22-65 you would need to make 69,747 dollars per year to make 3 million dollars in your career) and thats assuming they dont get their qualifying offer.

There are more than a few of us who will be lucky to make around 3 milllion dollars for our whole lives let alone in just three years. And assuming they get extended or a new contract you are talking set for life.

One bad knee injury in college can end that dream and after their playing career. College is always an option after your career is over or during the summer.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM

You can argue that even if you are drafted in round 2, it makes more economic sense to come out. If you play well, you get into real money sooner than a first round choice (viz. Blatche — and he’d have made a bunch more if he knew how to keep his nose clean).

It’s especially true if you are likely to be a first round choice in a current draft — there’s almost know jump up by waiting a year that pays itself back.

Still, I agree w/ Bridge — guys who go back to school because they want the degree should be applauded. Remember, even if it’s a year later, if you play in the league you will make *a lot* of money. Being smart and mature will help you keep that money — a very important issue for a lot of guys.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 12:48 PM

Again, I don’t disagree, I was just taking the devil’s advocate role. To me I can see both sides and I applaud Ty Lawson and Chase Budinger and all the guys that turned down the league. But im not going to argue at all with the guys that chose to enter the draft.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 12:58 PM

Totally agree.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 1:17 PM

Alright Tom (and anyone else that wants to be involved), I want to hear two things,

If you were forced to keep the pick (lets not discuss trades)
A. If you were the Wizards who would you like to pick at 18 and 47
B. Who do you think the Wizards will take at 18 and 47?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 1:32 PM

ESPN’s mock draft just came out and you can chalk up another vote for Rock Chalk Jayhawk Darrell Arthur

Comment from neal
Time June 17, 2008 at 1:44 PM

It’s not just about the money. Money is just a means to life experiences. A huge life experience is college. To miss it for money, when you are almost sure to get plenty of money anyway doesn’t make sense to me.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:07 PM

Ive been seeing alot of rumors online that the clippers are gonna try and get arenas one more time……..if they resign brand and maggette can they reallly afford arenas? would arenas go there if he could? and do yall think ernie grunfield is gonna sign arenas 2 a big contract then trade him to the clippers? i dunno but it kinda worries me a bit becaue its looking like the clippers, phili, and the hawks are teams that have alot of cap room, and since phili and atlanta already have good point guards, its looking like the clippers would be the best out of the 3

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:14 PM

Wizfan4life they can’t afford all three. Arenas would probably be only if they can’t sign elton brand.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:38 PM

Neal im not saying it’s just about the money. But the money definitely has something to do with it. You also get to compete against the best players in the world. You get to focus solely on basketball which will make u a better player. For players that came from harder backgrounds it also gives you a chance to change your families lifestyle quicker.

Also many of us enjoyed college because we were able to put focus into other things. As a college athlete you devote so much time to school and the team that you dont get the same experiences as your classmates

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:44 PM

New mock draft by hoopsworld has us taking Brandon Rush and Josh Duncan (Xavier)

Comment from popcornkid
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:47 PM

All of this draft talk is well and good, but can we get an update on Daniels? Is he going to have surgery on the wrist? Has it happened? Will it happen?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:52 PM

Speights at 18 and George Hill at 47 are the guys I’d take. Who do I think they *will* take? That’s asking more knowledge of me than I have. Maybe Speights at 18, and whoever they think is the best guy left at 47 — realizing that Ernie has a *much* better idea than I do about all these prospects.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 2:56 PM

popcornkid what I heard is he didn’t have the surgery and I dont know whether he is not going to have it or if he’s holding off on having it.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:04 PM

Well sometimes I think we all as fans want to see someone taken but think the team will go another direction. I’m not sure if Speights will be there obviously that’s the tough part to tell.

For instance a lot of people are mentioning Hibbert and I think that has more to do with being a hometown fan then him being the best player. Let’s just say if he went to Oregon their wouldnt be nearly the talk about him that there is.

I think speights is a good player/great athlete.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:22 PM

Agreed — I base my preference for who we should take on this list prepared using the Win Score method — I know, it’s my hobbyhorse!

Beasley, Love, Speights, Hendrix, Dorsey and Chris Lofton (off his previous years, not the last one) are the only prospects to get a “highly optimistic” rating.

Hibbert gets “optimistic” along with CDR, Jason Thompson, Chalmers, JR Giddens (who could easily be available at 47), Calathes, Aleks Maric and George Hill (those 3 could also be available at 47).

Hendrix was apparently a beast at the big west coast workout. From what we could see, he looked good working out for us as well. If Speights isn’t there, he might be a good pick at 18 too.

Man, I wish this draft would arrive already!

Comment from Bridge
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:27 PM

I COMPLETELY understand where you’re coming from SportzWiz. Just like devil’s advocate (or getting someone to see both sides of the story/situation, I guess that I can respect the fact that these players kinda laid out both routes of their future; knowing that one can guarantee immediate financial support but also looking at the other one, knowing that financial support will be delayed but still believing in themselves to finish school and know that they’ll still be successful in a future draft. If the main motivation is a person’s hard background, then I would have to wonder if obtaining their basketball dream is because they really want it or if it’s because of their background. I guess that, for me (and my background wasn’t a ‘just peachy’ one either), it’s about doing what you love to do despite situations such as background, etc. Money is just not important to me – it’s good to have because it makes life convenient, but it doesn’t guarantee happiness like so many people think it does…It only guarantees greed…

“Man, I wish this draft would arrive already!” – - – - Me too Tom!

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:30 PM

SportzWiz, I’ve been saying the same about Hibbert for awhile. If he’s Roy Hilbert from Oklahoma is there the same reaction? Doubt it.

I’d love Rush. Arthur is a terrible pick for this team. He duplicates what Jamison, Blatche and Songalia do already without adding anything.

I think Ernie goes for a lead guard and a back up center, not necessarily in that order.

All-Kansas
18 Chalmers
47 Sasha Kahn

All Euro
18 Ajinca
47 Dragic

Another option at 47 is Shan Foster, sharpshooter out of Vandy to replace R Mason Jr.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:43 PM

I know what you mean, we’ve been talking about the draft for what seems like months now! It definitely should be a fun night and as deep as this draft is there is really nobody I’m reluctant about.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:49 PM

I think its a combo of doing what you love and setting your family and yourself up for the future at the same time.

Comment from jhough813
Time June 17, 2008 at 3:55 PM

Everyone seems to be down on DeAndre Jordan now when just a couple of weeks ago he was in everyone’s top 10. I say if the Wiz have a chance on him at 18 you have to take it. I like Arthur but Jordan is 7’0 and much bigger/stronger. As for the #47 pick, I see a couple of people mentioning Giddens but I see him getting taken much higher than that. I think he’s going to be early 2nd round with the potential of being an All-Star. He was Kansas’ best player before he transferred so long ago.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 4:31 PM

The Wiz will be bringing in Jamont Gordon and George Hill for workouts tomorrow.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 4:32 PM

Bridge — you are a very smart young woman. Keep on thinking and learning, you are great!

I DeAndre Jordan had some not too good workouts, and people are worried that he is raw and won’t deliver for years. Some of the same concerns about Javale McGee, although he has climbed to 13 on DraftExpress’s new today mock draft, where they still show us taking Arthur at 18 and now Shan Foster at 47.

Comment from Rook
Time June 17, 2008 at 7:51 PM

Jheiser3 Says: If he’s Roy Hilbert from Oklahoma is there the same reaction? Doubt it.

On the other hand, both Utah and Cleveland are VERY interested in Hibbert. Two organizations that have done pretty well scouting talent in recent drafts.

Hibbert has also impressed several people at the Golden State workouts last weekend.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Word-on-the-Street-Golden-State-Workout,-Walker-Injury-2927/

“Hibbert on the other hand has gotten some strong reviews from teams who have seen him so far, as he appears to be in excellent shape and is reminding people why he was considered a lock for the lottery just a year ago, running the floor well (better than his peers), finishing with either hand around the basket, and shooting the ball better than expected from outside. Not surprisingly, the 21-year old Georgetown product has been extremely impressive off the court as well—which is an underrated element in this process. ”

“Off the court”; meaning he is showing up in a Suit and tie…. (not in t-shirts and shorts like DeAndre Jordan… I mean, this is his JOB INTERVIEW!!!). Hibbert is showing that he’s taking this very seriously – like he has his entire Georgetown career.

He outplayed both DeAndre Jordan and

Let’s face it…. the only knocks against Roy Hibbert are that he didn’t improve much in his Senior year, he lacks lateral quickness, and his lack of potential upside (is this all he’s got?)…

Is your ONLY knock against Hibbert that he is a Local prospect?

Hey – I’m not saying the guy is a franchise changer… or even that he could become an All-Star – but compared to the other Centers in the draft in the 1st round – Hibbert is the one player that could contribute RIGHT NOW…

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 7:56 PM

The lovefest for Hibbert has a lot to do with him being from Georgetown Rook. That’s not hard to see.

But you are right he could come in and probably play right away which isnt true about every guy around.

Comment from Rook
Time June 17, 2008 at 8:04 PM

jhough813 Says: Everyone seems to be down on DeAndre Jordan now when just a couple of weeks ago he was in everyone’s top 10. I say if the Wiz have a chance on him at 18 you have to take it. I like Arthur but Jordan is 7′0 and much bigger/stronger.

Actually, jhough813, there are a couple of reasons people are now down on DeAndre Jordan…

First, at the NBA pre-draft camp, he measured out at only 6’9 3/4″ – NOT 7-ft…
You mentioned strength – and one of his weaknesses listed on DraftExpress is his LACK of strength – and the fact he gets pushed around in the paint.

Second, his work ethic has been called into question. There were reports that he didn’t get along with the Coaching staff at Texas A&M.

Third, his recent private workouts for teams, and especially his showing at the Golden State workouts were very poor. See my post above about Hibbert…

Jordan is definately a high risk draft choice.

Comment from Rook
Time June 17, 2008 at 8:15 PM

SportzWiz Says: The lovefest for Hibbert has a lot to do with him being from Georgetown Rook. That’s not hard to see.

But you are right he could come in and probably play right away which isnt true about every guy around.

Yeah, SportsWiz I get that… but it shouldn’t work AGAINST him either!

Everyone can make a case that this guy should be drafted, or that guy should be drafted…etc..

But at pick #18, the question is do you draft a guy that has huge potential upside (and a huge potential to be a BUST), but will take 3 or 4 years to develop; By which time, he’s ready for Free Agency?

OR

Do you take someone that can help immediately? A player that has 4 solid years of College experience. A player that EVERYONE says is polished and ready for the NBA; Even if that player does not have the huge “potential upside”?

How many times has a late 1st round pick; a physical freak of nature (runs like a deer, jumps outta the gym) with tremendous upside – how many of those guys have gone on to be superstars? VERY FEW… (Actually, I can’t really think of one off the top of my head).

The draft is either like Roulette (for those who are daring)…. and sometimes the Russian variety…… or it’s like Blackjack (for those who are less inclined to taking huge risks).

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 17, 2008 at 8:33 PM

Rook, I dont know if you have missed it, for the last several posts people have talked about how the Wizards NEED to draft Hibbert and only Hibbert. Im not working against him. I take the middle road as I basically always do when it comes to a player.

So while people have been talking him up I have been trying to keep everyone somewhat even keel. Yes he is 7’2 and has looked good in workouts, but for someone that was a lottery pick last year he definitely didn’t improve like most people would have wanted as a senior. So while his workouts have gone well there is an entire season where he basically underachieved.

Im not saying we shouldnt draft him at #18, im just saying he’s not the only answer.

And you say a guy has four years, most players have at least 5 years with qualifiiers and then those teams have the best shot at resignning the player with the rules that are in place.

Again im not against Hibbert but there’s a reason he’s there at #18, all these players at 18 have flaws and most of them will struggle to play immediately even hibbert wont see extended minutes on this team which is why lots of people would like to see a trade for a vet.

I dont have the answer for who should be taken at 18 and i dont think there’s just 1 answer.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 17, 2008 at 8:58 PM

I think Hibbert could not be a mistake at 18; at the same time, I also really like Speights at 18. We can only take one guy; if they’re both gone, we can’t take either of them! Most likely, one of them *will* be gone.

There has been some sensible argument in favor of Batum as well — a lottery talent, etc…. Frankly, I doubt he is coming over next year, whoever chooses him.

I can’t imagine that Hibbert hasn’t gotten a thorough reading by Ernie and the gang; all other things being equal, it’s hard to imagine that going into the process he was anywhere but right at the top of the list.

Then again, who knows? Maybe we’ll trade our choice to Phoenix, who seems to want 2 choices for some reason. Depending on the deal, it might be just the right thing to do.

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time June 17, 2008 at 9:26 PM

I know, late as usual…
SportsWiz.. Tom stole my draft picks!!
I am glad to hear he is coming, so, bringing in George Hill makes me think he is going to be number #47.

Speights is who I would take at 18. As I mentioned yesterday, his outside shot is a big thing and I think he would learn a ton from Antwan. The timing on that is very solid, as well. Sign Antwan to a deal while developing Speights to fill that spot. If Blatche gets even better next season, all the better for us. Seeing those two on the court at the same time wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Honestly, where do all the draft experts get their information from?

Oh, and Hibbert (who I have not mentioned before)… I would be just fine bringing him in. I just think in terms of the future, Speights might be a better choice.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 17, 2008 at 10:46 PM

I was very “pro” Aaron Gray last year. I’m very “pro” Roy Hibbert for exactly the same reason this year. It’s wonderful he played at Georgetown and knows the Princeton offense, but, that isn’t the reason I consider him a great pick at #18. His numbers didn’t increase in his final year of college for the same reason Gray’s numbers dropped the year before. They both lost team mates that made them better players the prior years. Not because their games were any less effective. If Hibbert came out last year we couldn’t have touched him as he was projected as a lottery pick. This year we have a chance to get a seasoned guy that happens to be 7′ 2″ tall. You can’t teach size. He is smooth around the basket, has a good mid range shot, and runs the court very well for his size. Speights is more atheletic, but, he is 4″ shorter. Etan Thomas with a bit of offense? I don’t think Hibbert will ever become a star in the league, but, I think he will be like an Aaron Gray + and have a good long NBA career as a very solid player.

He is a local product, that is true SportzWiz. I’ll admit I’ve seen more of his game because he is a local product, but, even if he played for Pyrotechnic Institute of Walla Walla, Wash I’d still have to respect his overall game and draft him accordingly.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 17, 2008 at 10:48 PM

Just a thought…… Hibbert would probably be a better match up against Ilgauskus than Speight would be? We have to beat those rascals at some point lol.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 18, 2008 at 9:04 AM

I’m not a fan of DeAndre Jordan but it makes sense that he lacks strength, he’s 19.

Thats in no way a knock on Hibbert. The point is that he’s SO BIG and SO LOCAL that fans don’t see any prospect but him. They obsess on the kid the same way they obsess on MD, UVA, or VT players in the area.

My issues with Hibbert are many. Its not like Hibbert is known for his strength either. draftExpress’ review includes the line, “Struggles to finish through contact”. Not good for a 7’2 280 prospect.

-Can he keep up with a NBA game? Gtown did not push the tempo and still had to limit his minutes.

-He’s 7’2 but plays smaller than that with barely any lift off the floor. This allowed smaller players to challenge his shot. Will his scoring be limited in the NBA when he’s going up against stronger defenders nightly?

-He piled up fouls not by aggressiveness but by being a step slow. Can he defend his position in the NBA?

My biggest problem is motivation. The vibe he gives off is one of being “that kid” who someone saw and said “You should play basketball”. So the kid goes and gets an education while playing ball. He works at it but if he could he’d be off doing something else entirely. Its a means to an end. What happens when he isn’t the biggest kid on the court anymore?

And you have to admit there is some irony to you putting down the athletes who work out well then posting an excerpt about how Hibbert looked good in these same “workouts”. He’s not working out against NBA players either though. So is this just Kwame outplaying Chandler?