WaltLongmire wrote:Not going…have never gone, but I would never boo any pick, even if I hated it. Might turn to a friend and say WTF, but why throw out hate at a player who has to walk up to the stage on the biggest night of his life, when he is not at fault for being picked where he is, while the folks who made the choice are sitting in a room somewhere not really caring what they hear.Always believe in giving any young player time to develop. Guys around here talk about rebuilding and developing young players, but many don't have the patience for it, and that is why this team has been so terrible over the years.
Really hoping that Russell somehow drops to us. I think he can energize the franchise. Never expected that there was even a chance he might be available, but now he's in the "you never know" category. Many say he's the perfect guard to run the triangle- it will be a steal if we get him.
Would be very happy with Porzingis or Kaminsky, and also happy with Winslow, and I believe one of these 3 will be taken on Thursday if Russell is gone.
Winslow is a competitor with a lot talent and even more pride and drive. Didn't like that foolish "branding" comment he made, but he can give you a lot of things to work with, and might become our Lebron neutralizer if we get him.
Kaminsky is the most underrated guy in the draft, but I think Phil likes him, and he's a guy who can play well in the Triangle and any other system out there. Continues to get better each year and he's smart.
Porzingis has more experience than almost any player in the draft, and the last two years he's played against and with grown men. Phil actually talked about this in his press conference, if anyone was actually able to hear the clip. If you are doing a true rebuild, he is the guy you take, but I've watched as much or more video of him than anyone, including the full games available, and if you think he can't contribute next year you are fooling yourself. He will get banged around, and needs added weight, but he has a much more polished game than many think, and he's a lot tougher than given credit for around here. I posted photos of some of the other thinner players who came into the league and became great, and he is not that different than they were at his age. Like OK4, his body has not yet matured, but its only a matter of time. I've seen him make some shots that few legit 7+ foot players have ever made with his fluency, and I've also seen a 7'1" kid who got beat at the foul line by a guard recover to block the shot.
Going on too much…here's part of an article about him a few days ago to close things out...
...After becoming fluent in English with a slight accent, after the experience of playing in Spain's ACB as the second-best league in the world and after Kyle Lowry was telling people at Impact a year ago he would not show up the next day unless Porzingis was on his team -- is that it is impossible to imagine an international prospect through the years more prepared for the NBA jump. Others have been stronger and more ready for the mosh pit life of the power forward who will have to rebound and defend inside no matter how good he is with the ball. Others have had the experience in the Olympics or world championships that provided scouting opportunities against the U.S. talent he will face three or four times a week in the future. But no one has the background of having left his family five years ago to play in Spain and the competition he got there.
http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/sc...http://journaltimes.com/sports/basketbal...
Especially nice 2nd link there Walt. I'll make it easy for all to see. Unless Carl Landry is lying, Porzingis is a very special player. I take him for his word here, I don't think it is nepotism like. Really look at what Landry is saying. We have scouted him heavily and if this is true we are taking him at 3. He is too much of a talent (unless Russel or the like slides and even then I'd take who I think is going to be special.)
BUCKS BEAT Porzingis has big fan in LandryThey have already become household names to even the casual basketball fan.
Jahlil Okafor.
Karl-Anthony Towns.
D’Angelo Russell.
Each of the aforementioned individuals received much notoriety for their accomplishments as college players and are locks to be among the top players chosen in Thursday night’s NBA draft.
And then there’s Kristaps Porzingis. He too will be one of the first players to have his name announced to an international television audience by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Yet, unless you’re an NBA official or a hard-core draftnik, you probably aren’t going to know much about Porzingis, a 7-foot Latvian who has been plying his craft overseas.
Marcus Landry, the former University of Wisconsin standout who played in Spain last season, feels that is unfortunate.
“It sad nobody really knows much about this kid right now because he played in Spain,’’ Landry said. “I think this kid is amazing.’’
If anyone should know Porzingis’ skill-set and personality, it’s Landry. He and Porzingis were teammates two seasons ago with Cajasol Sevilla. Landry also played against Porzingis last season when the 6-7 Landry started for Caragaoda in Spain.
In Landry’s opinion, Porzingis is as talented as anyone in the draft.
“Honestly, I think Kristaps should be the No. 1 pick if you’re going to base it off potential,’’ Landry said. “I personally think he’s the best kid in the draft. And I’m not saying that because he’s a friend of mine.
“I know basketball. I’ve been in the NBA; I’ve been around NBA players. I’d tell you if he sucks. But he’s really good. If he goes beyond No. 2, that would be a mistake on some team’s part.’’
Landry, who played for the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics during the 2009-2010 season and has been playing mostly overseas since, was asked to compare Porzingis to a current NBA player.
It didn’t take him long to respond.
“That’s very hard to do,’’ Landry said. “To me, there’s no one in the NBA like him. No one. But, if I had to compare him to anybody based on his potential, I would say — maybe he’s not going to fill it up as much — it would be Kevin Durant. He’s very much KD like.
“I know that’s saying a lot. But Kristaps can shoot over guys, he can put the ball on the floor for a big guy, he can pass well. Things Kevin Durant can do.’’
That shouldn’t be construed as Landry believing Porzingis will be the second coming of Durant. But Landry is convinced Porzingis will become a household name in a few years.
“He’s easily an All-Star type player. Easily,’’ Landry said. “He has the potential to be a great player.’’
While Porzingis will most certainly be playing in the Association next season, Landry hopes to as well. After his stints with New York and Boston, he’s come close to making the rosters for the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers in recent years.
Landry and his wife, Esueka, have been married nine years and have three children. They have traveled the world with stops in China, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Spain.
Now, the 29-year-old Landry is hoping to find work much closer to home.
“I’m still pursuing playing in the NBA again,’’ said Landry, an excellent perimeter shooter who won the NBA D-League Three Point Shootout in 2013. “A couple of teams have shown interest in me and have talked to my agent (Keith Kreiter).
“But, to be honest with you, I would love to come back home and play for the Bucks. I love it here. I went to Vincent and I stayed home and played at Wisconsin. Playing for the Bucks ... that’s been a dream of mine. I think that would be huge playing for the Bucks and being able to help out even more in my community.
“We’ll see. If God says so, it’ll happen.’’
He just doesn't shoot, he is a great shooter. So you have an freak athlete (with good footwork) that can put the ball on the floor and shoot it from deep. (I'm not sure about his game in close) Oh, and he shot blocker and defend.