If draftin' him is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Who is the guy that you secretly want the Pelicans to draft at #6 in spite of his red flags?

Examples:
McCollum but you are concerned he did not play at a major college.
Len but you think he is a reach at #6.
Shabazz but you are worried he will be a one dimensional scorer.

Bennett and Zeller.

Alex Len is my favorite guy on the board, but he's not loved around this board so I guess he'd qualify. I like his athleticism and size, and his two way play.

Dario Saric would definitely be a stretch at 6, but I like him as a longterm prospect. I think he could be something like Galinari if he met his potential.

I think Michael Carter Williams has a ton of upside and would be an awesome pick should he be committed to getting his jumpshot down, but I'm wary of his attitude. I'm higher on him than most, but I also feel he could easily bust.

That's my 3 "stretches" for this draft. Those 3 or Trey Burke are who I hope we come away with if no one falls.

Shabazz because he isn't your typical Monty type player but I think as far as potential wise he could be the best player in the draft. A JR smith/James Harden scoring threat off the bench with instant offense. Obviously needs much improvement on defense, passing, and just his mental game.

CJ McCollum, Ironically as it is, he is kind of a mix between Lillard (basket attacking creating space) and Curry (crafty ball-handling using screens off ball). He's not better than either player, but it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up just as good

MCW, Saric, Gobert. They all have huge upside but need to develop their skills.

I don't secretly want anyone. All my wants for this team are open.

Yeah, for me it's Saric. I know he's got no business being taken at 6, but I would secretly be kind of pleased with that pick. It's easy to get seduced by the guy you know less about sometimes.

Mine would be Steven Adams, for sort of obvious reasons and I could update the signature.

Are any of y'all participating in the 6th pick tourney?

The what?

I secretly want Shabazz Muhammad. I'll admit it. This board isn't very high on him, but I really like his potential. He needs to be more efficient, but he can score in a multitude of ways. James Harden had underrated athleticism coming out of college, and he couldn't create his own shot. I feel like there are a lot of similarities, and it's not just because they are both lefties. I think Shabazz has a James Harden ceiling, and a swing guy that can play both the 2 and 3 with that skill set is extremely valuable.

Gobert - despite his lack of range and strength he has the potential along with davis to make us the next twin towers on defense.

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

I secretly want Shabazz Muhammad. I'll admit it. This board isn't very high on him, but I really like his potential. He needs to be more efficient, but he can score in a multitude of ways. James Harden had underrated athleticism coming out of college, and he couldn't create his own shot. I feel like there are a lot of similarities, and it's not just because they are both lefties. I think Shabazz has a James Harden ceiling, and a swing guy that can play both the 2 and 3 with that skill set is extremely valuable.

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*internet high five*

I still want Burke more. Would take Oladipo and Porter if they were there over him.

Not really a secret but I'm high on Bazz. He doesn't really gets much love here, but I like his scoring potential moving forward. He's an above average shooter spot up and off screens, a very good offensive rebounder, possesses a punishing post game, and has a competitive fire to him that I love seeing in players. If he can learn to create offense for himself at a higher rate and finish it at the rim, Bazz can average 20 ppg easily.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

The what?

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The 6th pick tournament on bourbonstreetshots.com

Forgot to mention my mancrush on McCollum. I talked about him with Slim via PM. Here's a tidbit (bc im too lazy to repeat myself).

He can play the 2 in stretches, but his primary position is going to be at point. He's a master at reading and reacting to the pick and roll, has a great stroke, and finishes at the rim at an efficient rate. Vision isn't extraordinary but his driving and kicking out game is more than serviceable for the time being. Love his first step. An offensive machine.

Defensively, he has work to do. He's solid at reading the passing lanes but lacks the ability to stay in front of his man consistently. Not the greatest athlete in the world, but certainly not a slouch. 6'3 with a 6'6 wingspan at the 1 is just about average, so length shouldn't be too much of an issue when defending an opposing PG.

Slim pointed out that McCollum might not be the best fit with the ongoing AR experiment. And while I agree, I think CJM would be a great pick granted Demps views him as highly as I do. Chances are he won't be the pick, but I would love to be wrong.

The best thread title in a while lol

Bazz is just crafty offensively as they come, has a old school game that this team has never had before. Saric can be awesome and MCW has a considerably high ceiling, just has to get it all together. CJM would be a great safe pick. We seem to be at a great spot where if someone falls we can get them in a hitch and if we "reach" it really won't be that far out because around where we pick players are around the same talent level and draft tier if you say for a good a number of picks. Just a huge range of options at this spot.

I don't believe Mccollum anymore of a PG than Gordon. He can be a ball handler but I don't see him as a point guard. His turnover rate has been consistently high for a guy who isn't a full time Point at Lehigh and he would need a PG/ball handler to play with him to make it work. So this is where I'd disagree with the Rivers sentiment. I think Rivers work because of his ability to protect the ball. Yes, both like to have the ball in their hands but McCollum is a very capable off guard. Rivers/McCollum combo would be what we had in mind for Gordon when we drafted Rivers.

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Originally Posted by RyanM

Mine would be Steven Adams, for sort of obvious reasons and I could update the signature.

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I don't want him at 6 but I would like to trade back up to get him.

Secretely, I would like our team to win with our offense, when our defense can't match our opponent firepower.
So at 6 would take a risk on Bazz.

no one specific but if i can name a couple people who i think will perform better than where they were picked:

oladipo
bazz
mcollum
adams

Every time i watch a draft video of someone, i'm all about that guy until about the halfway point and the "Weaknesses" take the wind right out of my sail. For all of them. They all have glaring weaknesses.

I've been warming up to Len...

This is what I want to see happen.
Draft Burke
Move GV to backup SG, if he doesn't want it trade him
Have Rivers and Burke have a fight for the staring PG spot
Sign Tony Allen (Monty style D)
Sign budinger
Sign one of the brewer brothers
Sign Pek
Let everyone else walk and sign some end of the bench guys. My dream offseason

I'm high on Bazz as well. If Porter is gone I'd love to draft him to play SF and resign Aminu. I think a Bazz/Aminu rotation at the 3 would be great. I'm also higher on Zeller than most. I'd prefer him over Noel ten times out of ten. I'd be cool with either assuming McLemore, Burke, Porter and Dipo are all gone.

Alex Len. Best center in draft. No matter what you think Noel is. A more pressing question for me is who I hope we don't draft...Trey Burke, not because I don't think he good I just think we haven't given Austin a real chance yet. Fill another need and if Austin doesn't pan out, fill PG then.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

Alex Len. Best center in draft. No matter what you think Noel is. A more pressing question for me is who I hope we don't draft...Trey Burke, not because I don't think he good I just think we haven't given Austin a real chance yet. Fill another need and if Austin doesn't pan out, fill PG then.

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PG is a need until proven otherwise.

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Originally Posted by RyanM

Mine would be Steven Adams, for sort of obvious reasons and I could update the signature.

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great point. after watching clips of every big in the draft, he is the only one that looks to have hall of fame athleticism. but he's young and unproven and his production left a lot to be desired.

my favorite would be olidipo despite his lack of "shot creation." i think hell create in lots of ways that go unseen by a statistician

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

PG is a need until proven otherwise.

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But it's not the only one. That's my point.

i think alex len will be very good, he is 7"1, athletic, dunker, post game, mid range, rebounder, shot blocker. he is everything u want in a center

Seth Curry in the 2nd round. All because that means Mama Curry will be in the building!

I'd also like to see one of the Juniors if we can get a 2nd 1st rounder; Hardaway or Rice. Think both will have long careers.

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Originally Posted by NMThreeMVP

Seth Curry in the 2nd round. All because that means Mama Curry will be in the building!
I'd also like to see one of the Juniors if we can get a 2nd 1st rounder; Hardaway or Rice. Think both will have long careers.

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Attachment 4942

MILF material!

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

I secretly want Shabazz Muhammad. I'll admit it. This board isn't very high on him, but I really like his potential. He needs to be more efficient, but he can score in a multitude of ways. James Harden had underrated athleticism coming out of college, and he couldn't create his own shot. I feel like there are a lot of similarities, and it's not just because they are both lefties. I think Shabazz has a James Harden ceiling, and a swing guy that can play both the 2 and 3 with that skill set is extremely valuable.

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Its where scouting comes in. Obviously he wasn't efficient at the college level which concerns me since he was an older freshmen, but it doesn't mean he can't succeed at the next level. He probably needs to condition himself better and show a willingness to succeed like Rivers does. Our FO needs to scout well so we don't miss on our draft picks.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

But it's not the only one. That's my point.

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Doesn't matter. Its still a need and no reason to pass on a prospect just because of Rivers who still projects as a combo guard off the bench until proven otherwise.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Doesn't matter. Its still a need and no reason to pass on a prospect just because of Rivers who still projects as a combo guard off the bench until proven otherwise.

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Doesn't matter? Why? We have other needs to fill with prospects where we don't have any body we have invested a draft pick in so its not passing, its going in another direction. I understand you think Burke is BPA. But everyone doesn't feel that way. And if Austin doesn't succeed it's not like we just wasted this pick. Who says we can't get Smart next year?

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

Doesn't matter? Why? We have other needs to fill with prospects where we don't have any body we have invested a draft pick in so its not passing, its going in another direction. I understand you think Burke is BPA. But everyone doesn't feel that way. And if Austin doesn't succeed it's not like we just wasted this pick. Who says we can't get Smart next year?

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Because Rivers can still be productive even with another PG. There's no certainty he can be a quality backup in this league more or less a starting PG. Plus next year's draft is deep in SFs. I'm not saying Burke is the BPA. I don't think he is, but if the team thinks he is, they would be foolish to pass on him because of Rivers. It's just a bad move. Rivers hasn't entrenched himself as the starting PG so that position is still a need.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

Because Rivers can still be productive even with another PG. There's no certainty he can be a quality backup in this league more or less a starting PG. Plus next year's draft is deep in SFs. I'm not saying Burke is the BPA. I don't think he is, but if the team thinks he is, they would be foolish to pass on him because of Rivers. It's just a bad move. Rivers hasn't entrenched himself as the starting PG so that position is still a need.

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We not going to agree on this but you making my point. There is no certainty so why don't you take the steps to get certain. Can't be entrenched when you played a different position for most of the season. You don't even know what you really have yet. Just what you think.

I want Michael Carter Williams but at 6 his too much of a risk. I have no idea what to expect from him guarding strong and fast NBA PGs. I have no idea how he will contribute offensively at the next level beyond his passing and I'm wondering if even that will be offset by turnovers. Also, Syracuse players have tendency to not live up to the hype for whatever reason. You can build an all bust team from the Boehim era with his guys.

That being said... UCLA guys the last few seasons have been notoriously underrated. Shabazz is instant O. And I think he has the size and athleticism necessary to defend and rebound his position. Does he have the willingness? And if he doesn't now, will he gain it by the time we have to make hard decisions about his next contract?

Bennett. His defense is apparently suspect and he's viewed as a tweener, but the dude has the look of a big time NBA, inside/outside scorer, a Z-Bo with better handles and 3-point range. He's going to be a load to handle in a couple of years...

This is one of the worst drafts as far as talent in a while, so I don't see the big deal about "stretching" and grabbing the guy you want. I want Saric at #6. Draft based on need. There isn't more than a back-up or middle of the pack PG in the draft so I'd rather get someone we can use than gamble on Burke becoming a superstar when I don't feel like he ever will.

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Originally Posted by mxlad1

This is one of the worst drafts as far as talent in a while, so I don't see the big deal about "stretching" and grabbing the guy you want. I want Saric at #6. Draft based on need. There isn't more than a back-up or middle of the pack PG in the draft so I'd rather get someone we can use than gamble on Burke becoming a superstar when I don't feel like he ever will.

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Classic way to set yourself up for failure.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Classic way to set yourself up for failure.

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Not always true. There have been instances where BPA over need was the wrong choice.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

Not always true. There have been instances where BPA over need was the wrong choice.

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But of course. No one way is fool proof. But in this draft? Where you're going to try and fulfill a need with a so-so talent? Not a good look. Your odds are better just grabbing the best player, regardless of position. Even if it's a PF like Bennett, though I don't htink he'll be on the board anyways.

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Originally Posted by new city champ

Bennett. His defense is apparently suspect and he's viewed as a tweener, but the dude has the look of a big time NBA, inside/outside scorer, a Z-Bo with better handles and 3-point range. He's going to be a load to handle in a couple of years...

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agree, if he is willing to play D he could be the best player in the draft.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

But of course. No one way is fool proof. But in this draft? Where you're going to try and fulfill a need with a so-so talent? Not a good look. Your odds are better just grabbing the best player, regardless of position. Even if it's a PF like Bennett, though I don't htink he'll be on the board anyways.

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I agree, but in this draft I think he's the 2nd or 3rd best SF prospect, and in THIS draft I don't think drafting the best available SF than the best available PF (which we don't need, and what will likely fall to us in a BPA situation) will do too much to put us in the hole in the future. I think he's a solid, coachable player that fills a need, and I think he's a top 10 player. In a lousy draft it shouldn't matter if a team goes and picks a kid like that a couple picks higher than he was projected.

i still think victor oladipo will end of being the best player in this draft, him burke or porter

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

i still think victor oladipo will end of being the best player in this draft, him burke or porter

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I'm secretly hopeing Burke goes to Orlando at 2 or at the very least Phenoix at 5. I'd be ok with him here, but I'm not crapping my pants like a lot of people are over him. Even is he is on the board at 6 and the usual top 5 are gone, I think I call up Atlanta and offer the 6 for 17 & 18 or Minnesota and offer 6 for 9 & 26. Short of that I flip a coin, heads its Burke, tails its Len. McCullum is my secert pick but 6 is too high for him. Maybe Minny's #9 would be better but I can't see that trade happening. (Maybe if we threw in Lopez, and signed Pek in FA? I don't know) When's the draft?

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Originally Posted by Davisistheman

I'm secretly hopeing Burke goes to Orlando at 2 or at the very least Phenoix at 5. I'd be ok with him here, but I'm not crapping my pants like a lot of people are over him. Even is he is on the board at 6 and the usual top 5 are gone, I think I call up Atlanta and offer the 6 for 17 & 18 or Minnesota and offer 6 for 9 & 26. Short of that I flip a coin, heads its Burke, tails its Len. McCullum is my secert pick but 6 is too high for him. Maybe Minny's #9 would be better but I can't see that trade happening. (Maybe if we threw in Lopez, and signed Pek in FA? I don't know) When's the draft?

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June 27

CJ McCollum