Knicks · The case for trading down or out (page 1)
Trading Down
It's a basic investment strategy: Diversification. The fact that we've had a dozen "case for" threads already shows that there are many OK and roughly equal choices. So it makes more sense to invest in many rather than one of them. The only time one investment rather than many diverse ones is a better bet is if it's obviously superior - like when the Cavs picked Lebron. That doesn't apply here. We also don't have any of our own second round picks the rest of this decade and don't have our own 1st rounder next year. If we could get a few productive young players here, that would begin to make up for the lack of future picks.
Trading Out for an established player or players
Assuming we will have almost half the cap dedicated to Melo and Calderon next year and still a sizeable chunk in future years, it doesn't make sense to wait many years for these first round picks to develop. Half rebuilding, half win now is likely not a good way to turn around a .200 team. My guess is that most guys who are solid NBA starters right now will still be playing better than most of the guys we could draft will be in the near future. So we could get better production during Melo's remaining prime and Calderon's remaining prime presence from established players.
I realize that trading lottery picks hasn't worked well for the Knicks but the last several times they kept their lottery picks (Sweetney, Frye, Hill, Gallo) were at least disappointments if not failures too. (Actually, the only thing that has worked out OK was investing in multiple later picks, which brought in guys like David Lee, Trevor Ariza, and more.)
One caveat is that none of this applies if Russell, Okafor, or Towns is somehow available. Then grab that player.
franco12 wrote:Should we start a thread for the case for not trading down or out?
That's already here. It's in the dozens of threads talking about who we should pick at 4. What's your point anyway?
Same with the 7'2 Euro dude. The first 3 teams have also been rumored to like him as well.
What you dont hear is any of those teams talking about Kaminsky or Stein. The best player might be whoever falls to us. Worse case it could be between Mudiay and the 7'2 dude. Then see whos interested in them for a draft day trade.
Vmart wrote:With respect I totally disagree with this strategy. I want to recall the year the Knicks had three number one picks. Not one of them made it Wallace, Dante something, Walter McCarty. It's not a sure fire thing. Because we are picking fourth you are creating a cut off. I guarantee you if the Knicks were picking 3 you make the third pick the cut off and call it the big two. Take the BPA and make the pick.
Yeah, nearly everything the team has done in the past has failed. That doesn't disprove diversification.
You're right that I (and many analysts) see a sharp drop-off after #3.
blkexec wrote:Keep in mind....if Mudiay is even in consideration to go as high as #2....might be a steal at 4.Same with the 7'2 Euro dude. The first 3 teams have also been rumored to like him as well.
What you dont hear is any of those teams talking about Kaminsky or Stein. The best player might be whoever falls to us. Worse case it could be between Mudiay and the 7'2 dude. Then see whos interested in them for a draft day trade.
Mudiay has played only 12 games beyond high school and they were OK but not stellar. He was outplayed by Will Bynum.
Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)
I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.
A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
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SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.
Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.
So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
10 of those 12 games were before he was hurt.
Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
10 of those 12 games were before he was hurt
Kyrie played in 11 games before he got hurt
Bonn1997 wrote:franco12 wrote:Should we start a thread for the case for not trading down or out?
That's already here. It's in the dozens of threads talking about who we should pick at 4. What's your point anyway?
not quite - but this seems the place to make the against trading down or out.
We need a franchise changing talent more than we need to plug roster spots with starters.
Lebron James and four NBDLers (exaggeration) made it to the finals this year.
We desperately need a player that can change the fortune of a franchise.
Melo is awesome, but he is the wrong side of 30, too many miles and may not be able to carry a team like he has in the past.
There is a greater chance that whomever we pick at 4 will change the outcome of this franchise than any group we might pick up later in the draft.
I believe Mudiay or Russell will be there at 4 and that both potentially can change the dynamics of the roster, team and our record next season.
One other thing: if we had our 2016 pick, I might look at this differently- and hope to find a franchise talent next year - we don't.
And hopefully, if we execute and the basketball gods smile on Phil & Dolan, we won't be picking this high again for several years.
Swing for the fences and hope you bag an NBA All Star- if you don't, then move on - but at least you tried.
SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
10 of those 12 games were before he was hurtKyrie played in 11 games before he got hurt
Did a guy like Will Bynum then take his place and actually out play him? Bynum put up better #s in the rest of the season than Mudiay did while healthy. I know Mudiay is young and maybe when he's in his fourth year and Melo's on a max contract in his sixteenth, Mudiay will be thriving but that's bad timing.
I don't dislike Mudiay but I don't love him either. My point is I don't love any of these guys available after #3, and I'd rather come out of the draft with multiple prospects than any one. If Mudiay slips a little and we're actually able to trade down for him and one other prospect, I'd be very happy with that. I'm not singling out Mudiay as a player to avoid but I'd avoid putting all our eggs in the Mudiay basket. If it was obvious that Mudiay was a better gamble than these other guys, we wouldn't have a dozen threads making the case for drafting other players.
franco12 wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:franco12 wrote:Should we start a thread for the case for not trading down or out?
That's already here. It's in the dozens of threads talking about who we should pick at 4. What's your point anyway?not quite - but this seems the place to make the against trading down or out.
We need a franchise changing talent more than we need to plug roster spots with starters.
Lebron James and four NBDLers (exaggeration) made it to the finals this year.
We desperately need a player that can change the fortune of a franchise.
Melo is awesome, but he is the wrong side of 30, too many miles and may not be able to carry a team like he has in the past.
There is a greater chance that whomever we pick at 4 will change the outcome of this franchise than any group we might pick up later in the draft.
I believe Mudiay or Russell will be there at 4 and that both potentially can change the dynamics of the roster, team and our record next season.
One other thing: if we had our 2016 pick, I might look at this differently- and hope to find a franchise talent next year - we don't.
And hopefully, if we execute and the basketball gods smile on Phil & Dolan, we won't be picking this high again for several years.
Swing for the fences and hope you bag an NBA All Star- if you don't, then move on - but at least you tried.
Well no one considers Mudiay to have Lebron potential. If Mudiay becomes just an ordinary all-star, he won't take four NBADLers to the finals. I'll admit your reasoning about needing a franchise changing player is the only reason to take Mudiay - maybe Mudiay has like a 20% chance (just my guess) of becoming a superstar but I'd put the odds of trading for or signing a franchise player (and benefiting from having drafted multiple good players in this draft) at at least 20% anyway.
We need top tier players. Just take the best player available at 4. He's likely to be quite good.
Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
10 of those 12 games were before he was hurtKyrie played in 11 games before he got hurt
Did a guy like Will Bynum then take his place and actually out play him? Bynum put up better #s in the rest of the season than Mudiay did while healthy. I know Mudiay is young and maybe when he's in his fourth year and Melo's on a max contract in his sixteenth, Mudiay will be thriving but that's bad timing.
I don't dislike Mudiay but I don't love him either. My point is I don't love any of these guys available after #3, and I'd rather come out of the draft with multiple prospects than any one. If Mudiay slips a little and we're actually able to trade down for him and one other prospect, I'd be very happy with that. I'm not singling out Mudiay as a player to avoid but I'd avoid putting all our eggs in the Mudiay basket. If it was obvious that Mudiay was a better gamble than these other guys, we wouldn't have a dozen threads making the case for drafting other players.
I am unqualified to put his game by game numbers into context. I will say that I would struggle to start a profession in China today as a 32 y/o... I do not think I would have assimilated well at all in China at 17 or 18. I think he can play though and if he's available I'd rather draft him than trade him.
If you don't love Russell or Mudiay and see more value in trading the pick--that's fair. Personally I see this draft as one with four blue chippers.
SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Bonn1997 wrote:If the big the 3 aren't available (Russell, Okfaor, Towns)I see this as a big 4 with Mudiay... I know less about him than the others but read Larry Brown's quotes about him:
Larry Brown: Mudiay would fit Sixers perfectly
By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: February 20, 2015
DALLAS - When it's time for the 76ers to pick in the NBA draft in late June, Southern Methodist coach Larry Brown thinks Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit.A 6-foot-5 point guard, Mudiay had committed to SMU before changing his mind to play professionally in China. When asked if Mudiay would be a good addition in Philadelphia, the former Sixers coach didn't hesitate.
"They would have a parade if they got him in the draft," Brown said before SMU's practice Wednesday at Moody Coliseum as the Mustangs prepared for a home game Thursday against Temple. "I don't mean a championship parade [but] just he's that good."
How good?
"He reminds me a lot of [Washington Wizards point guard] John Wall," said Brown, noting Mudiay can defend, rebound, and make other players better. "He is physically gifted and he has a great feel."
Brown thinks the addition of Mudiay would complement the young nucleus.
"To go with Joel [Embiid] and [Nerlens] Noel, [Michael] Carter-Williams, I think he would be phenomenal, and [with] the way Brett coaches," Brown said, showing his admiration for Sixers coach Brett Brown.
Mudiay won't turn 19 until next month.
"We would be 1, 2, or 3 in the country if he was here," Brown said."
As it is, the 21-5 Mustangs are ranked 21st nationally and lead the American Athletic Conference with a 12-2 mark. Temple (19-7, 10-3) has won seven in a row.
Brown was asked if Mudiay could be the shooting guard since the Sixers already have Carter-Williams at the point.
"No, MCW would play the two and that is not knocking him," Brown said. "This kid [Mudiay] I said [when he was] in high school I thought he could start on half the NBA teams, and I don't doubt that."
mnarducci@phillynews.com
@sjnard
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
He has wonderful potential but I can't get past that he played only 12 games and actually produced less than Will Bynum did. I don't think that potential is enough to outweigh the general rationale behind diversification. I'm trying to think about what the best gamble is.So you would have passed on Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving because they got hurt and played in limited games?
10 of those 12 games were before he was hurtKyrie played in 11 games before he got hurt
Did a guy like Will Bynum then take his place and actually out play him? Bynum put up better #s in the rest of the season than Mudiay did while healthy. I know Mudiay is young and maybe when he's in his fourth year and Melo's on a max contract in his sixteenth, Mudiay will be thriving but that's bad timing.
I don't dislike Mudiay but I don't love him either. My point is I don't love any of these guys available after #3, and I'd rather come out of the draft with multiple prospects than any one. If Mudiay slips a little and we're actually able to trade down for him and one other prospect, I'd be very happy with that. I'm not singling out Mudiay as a player to avoid but I'd avoid putting all our eggs in the Mudiay basket. If it was obvious that Mudiay was a better gamble than these other guys, we wouldn't have a dozen threads making the case for drafting other players.I am unqualified to put his game by game numbers into context. I will say that I would struggle to start a profession in China today as a 32 y/o... I do not think I would have assimilated well at all in China at 17 or 18. I think he can play though and if he's available I'd rather draft him than trade him.
If you don't love Russell or Mudiay and see more value in trading the pick--that's fair. Personally I see this draft as one with four blue chippers.
Oh I do love Russell. I think most of his #s suggest at least NBA all-star.
I agree with what you're saying but that's why I see it as too big a leap of faith after the 12 OK games in China to pick him at #4. At #4, I'd want to draft a player with a convincing body of work, not 12 games that could be excused away.
his play was just ok, why does he deserved to be picked that high? Cause we don't know anything about him and thats exciting. Seems a bit silly and dangerous.