Alex Len, Anybody?

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Originally Posted by ScoutWithoutClout

i he is way too risky for the 6th pick. the only reason he gets attention is his athleticism and the "what he could be" factor. id rather get a guy who we know who he is.

pelicans can't take chances on projects. we need sure things.

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List the "sure things" in this draft. There are none. They are ALL being drafted on potential, measurables, etc.

Len is a consensus top 10 pick, he wouldn't be any more a risk at 6 than any player in the draft IMO.


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Not a fan of Len. Also I think Davis' future is at PF.

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Originally Posted by LetsGeauxPels

List the "sure things" in this draft. There are none. They are ALL being drafted on potential, measurables, etc.


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im not saying the player below are going to be hall of famers or all stars, but they're lower risk than len from what I've seen

olidipo, bennett, burke, zeller, mccullom, carter-williams, goodwin, caldwell pope, franklin, rice jr.

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Originally Posted by ScoutWithoutClout

im not saying the player below are going to be hall of famers or all stars, but they're lower risk than len from what I've seen

olidipo, bennett, burke, zeller, mccullom, carter-williams, goodwin, caldwell pope, franklin, rice jr.

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Only three of those players I would even consider picking before Len and none of them are risk free and that's the point.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBar

Not a fan of Len. Also I think Davis' future is at PF.

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I'll tell you why a player like Len makes sense. If you truly feel that Davis is the 4 of the future, then I'm sure you aren't so high on Lopez as the center of the future. Jason Smith contract will be up soon and he could very well cost as much as Lopez to keep.

Now here's the biggest factor. We all know how expensive NBA centers can be and how hard it is to acquire a good one. It's very rare to find a good center outside of the lottery and when Lopez and his contract is up, you'll have to replace him. Seeing that we shouldn't be in the lottery in two years at our pace, it kills your flexibility to have to go find a suitable replacement.

It's a lot easier to find a guard or wing outside of the lottery compared to a prototypical big man with the skillset. Now I'm not advocating that we select Len but I don't think it's a bad idea to take a guy that could man the position with Davis for the next decade. I don't know if Len that type of player but I can see why it is considered an attractive option.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

I'll tell you why a player like Len makes sense. If you truly feel that Davis is the 4 of the future, then I'm sure you aren't so high on Lopez as the center of the future. Jason Smith contract will be up soon and he could very well cost as much as Lopez to keep.

Now here's the biggest factor. We all know how expensive NBA centers can be and how hard it is to acquire a good one. It's very rare to find a good center outside of the lottery and when Lopez and his contract is up, you'll have to replace him. Seeing that we shouldn't be in the lottery in two years at our pace, it kills your flexibility to have to go find a suitable replacement.

It's a lot easier to find a guard or wing outside of the lottery compared to a prototypical big man with the skillset. Now I'm not advocating that we select Len but I don't think it's a bad idea to take a guy that could man the position with Davis for the next decade. I don't know if Len that type of player but I can see why it is considered an attractive option.

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This is exactly what I'm seeing. We pass on Len now and AD stays at PF we will have hole in our lineup for a long time.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

I'll tell you why a player like Len makes sense. If you truly feel that Davis is the 4 of the future, then I'm sure you aren't so high on Lopez as the center of the future. Jason Smith contract will be up soon and he could very well cost as much as Lopez to keep.

Now here's the biggest factor. We all know how expensive NBA centers can be and how hard it is to acquire a good one. It's very rare to find a good center outside of the lottery and when Lopez and his contract is up, you'll have to replace him. Seeing that we shouldn't be in the lottery in two years at our pace, it kills your flexibility to have to go find a suitable replacement.

It's a lot easier to find a guard or wing outside of the lottery compared to a prototypical big man with the skillset. Now I'm not advocating that we select Len but I don't think it's a bad idea to take a guy that could man the position with Davis for the next decade. I don't know if Len that type of player but I can see why it is considered an attractive option.

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Great post.....i'm starting to lean towards Len over Burke as I have faith River's can be just as good.
However if Len's foot injury is bad then I dont want him at all.
My only problem is that our medical staff will have to make that decision. :eek:

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Great post.....i'm starting to lean towards Len over Burke as I have faith River's can be just as good.
However if Len's foot injury is bad then I dont want him at all.
My only problem is that our medical staff will have to make that decision. :eek:

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Agreed, it's seems like it shouldn't be hard to get a top notch medical staff. Show them the MONEY! And his injury is not bad only had surgery to make sure it wouldn't be a future problem.

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Originally Posted by LetsGeauxPels

List the "sure things" in this draft. There are none. They are ALL being drafted on potential, measurables, etc.

Len is a consensus top 10 pick, he wouldn't be any more a risk at 6 than any player in the draft IMO.


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Fair dos. That being said, if we're gambling I'd rather gamble on someone else.

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Originally Posted by donato

Fair dos. That being said, if we're gambling I'd rather gamble on someone else.

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That's your choice. But I'm putting my money Len.

Len? I'd rather trade down myself

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

My only problem is that our medical staff will have to make that decision. :eek:

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

Agreed, it's seems like it shouldn't be hard to get a top notch medical staff. Show them the MONEY! And his injury is not bad only had surgery to make sure it wouldn't be a future problem.

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I'm sure it's a little more involved than just the team trainers giving Len the 'ole once over. Any player that has or is recovering from and injury is sent to doctors and specialist who are 'likely' experts in the field of that particular injury and they asses and give their reports to the team. The doctor that preformed the opreation will be consulted as will the rehab doctors and all that will be compaired with similar injuries and player histories etc.

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Originally Posted by Davisistheman

I'm sure it's a little more involved than just the team trainers giving Len the 'ole once over. Any player that has or is recovering from and injury is sent to doctors and specialist who are 'likely' experts in the field of that particular injury and they asses and give their reports to the team. The doctor that preformed the opreation will be consulted as will the rehab doctors and all that will be compaired with similar injuries and player histories etc.

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Yes but are these 'likely experts' held accountable like the personnel of our medical staff should/would be?
I think not.
At the end of the day its just their opinion whether or not they think the player will have reoccurring problems
and if they are wrong......oh well.

Nobody can be 100% sure.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Yes but are these 'likely experts' held accountable like the personnel of our medical staff should/would be?
I think not.
At the end of the day its just their opinion whether or not they think the player will have reoccurring problems
and if they are wrong......oh well.

Nobody can be 100% sure.

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I can assure you those Doctors have just as much riding on it, maybe more. A couple bad calls and its not just getting let go from your team, your entire practice comes under fire and you stop being viewed as an expert. That's not to say mistakes ant happen, but being a sports doctor is big business that is entirely built around how good you are.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

I can assure you those Doctors have just as much riding on it, maybe more. A couple bad calls and its not just getting let go from your team, your entire practice comes under fire and you stop being viewed as an expert. That's not to say mistakes ant happen, but being a sports doctor is big business that is entirely built around how good you are.

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This!

Hey theres good money in being Dr. Joe Blow the orthopedic surgeon, but don't underestimate the alure of being Dr. James Andrews the orthopedic surgeon.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

That's your choice. But I'm putting my money Len.

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So you're all Len? :hihi: Wow that was bad

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Originally Posted by Purple Haze

So you're all Len? :hihi: Wow that was bad

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Lool im not sold on Len at all. Len not working out at the combine really hurt his chance to impress me. Steven Adams ftw!

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

Lool im not sold on Len at all. Len not working out at the combine really hurt his chance to impress me. Steven Adams ftw!

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You would pass on Len for Adams? Based on what? The combine? Cause his numbers weren't better. Olowakandi anyone? NBA workout warrior.

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Originally Posted by Davisistheman

I'm sure it's a little more involved than just the team trainers giving Len the 'ole once over. Any player that has or is recovering from and injury is sent to doctors and specialist who are 'likely' experts in the field of that particular injury and they asses and give their reports to the team. The doctor that preformed the opreation will be consulted as will the rehab doctors and all that will be compaired with similar injuries and player histories etc.

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I agree but I'm just saying our medical squad has not been what I would call adequate recently. Why can't we just get better people?

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

You would pass on Len for Adams? Based on what? The combine? Cause his numbers weren't better. Olowakandi anyone? NBA workout warrior.

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Ive watched Len maybe thrice, and he was not very impressive when i watched him. He does not stand out, and he did not show me anything to justify picking him. I think he will be a massive bust, but thats just my opinion. (No- i would not take Adams a 6... I just wish we had a later pick to grab him).

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Originally Posted by ScoutWithoutClout

way too often maryland played a good opponent and Len disappeared. 5, 6, 7 points/boards. his combine and measurables are great, but his game isn't. maryland didn't even make the tournament. i know he's young and has a lot of potential, but the last thing the hornets need is a big with foot problems who wants to play away from the basket.

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THIS.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

Ive watched Len maybe thrice, and he was not very impressive when i watched him. He does not stand out, and he did not show me anything to justify picking him. I think he will be a massive bust, but thats just my opinion. (No- i would not take Adams a 6... I just wish we had a later pick to grab him).

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And what games were that? Cause the national televised ones against UK and Duke he dominated. And the last two games of the NIT he dominated as well. It must have been one those games he was getting triple teamed every time he touched the ball which happened more often than not.

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Originally Posted by neworleanshoo

THIS.

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But THIS is not true, but go with it.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

I agree but I'm just saying our medical squad has not been what I would call adequate recently. Why can't we just get better people?

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I don't think I know enough "True" details to judge either way. We assume they missed on Gordon, but I've read some reports that they understood his injury, and knew it would be a process. One thing that comforts me is that new owner Mr. Benson is very good at surrounding himself with quality poeple that help him make the most educated decisions. I feel comfortable that if the medical staff is less than standard, they will be ungraded.

DX finally got Len's video up.

http://http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Alex-Len-4232/

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

DX finally got Len's video up.

http://http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Alex-Len-4232/

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I don't love Len and in fact prefer Zeller as a player, but he does have a perfect frame, is really athletic, is coordinated, and has some rough offensive skills. That combination is valuable in any draft and might be worthSometimes those guys are Andre Drummond (who I would have passed in at 6 last year for Lilliard, Barnes, etc.) and sometimes they're Meyers Leonard.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

DX finally got Len's video up.

http://http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Alex-Len-4232/

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I don't love Len and in fact prefer Zeller as a player, but he does have a perfect frame, is really athletic, is coordinated, and has some rough offensive skills. That combination is valuable in any draft and might be worth a gamble. Sometimes those guys are Andre Drummond (who I would have passed in at 6 last year for Lilliard, Barnes, etc.) and sometimes they're Meyers Leonard. I do think he'd really struggle to find minutes on this team for the next couple of years.

Why are people saying Leonard is a bust? I think he is where he is expected to be at this point. He's a project that has shown promise.

Bump... Len up to number 5 on Chad Ford's Big Board, ahead of McLemore (6) and Burke (7), fwiw. For those without ESPN Insider:

Len, who is on crutches due to a stress fracture in his left ankle, isn't able to work out, either. But that hasn't stopped his rise on our Big Board. Increasingly, teams are looking to him as a potentially safer alternative to Noel. While he's likely to miss the next four to five months as he rehabs his ankle, teams feel like he has better size, is more polished offensively and could have a bigger upside than Noel. As we've previously reported, he's seriously in the mix with the Cavs for the No. 1 pick, with some sources indicating the Cavs could be moving his direction (I'm told Noel, Porter and Oladipo are the others). The Bobcats are also very high on Len, as are the Suns and Pelicans.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...p-30-prospects

Also noticed nbadraft.net has Len going #5 to Phoenix in its latest mock. (6/9)

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Originally Posted by LetsGeauxPels

Bump... Len up to number 5 on Chad Ford's Big Board, ahead of McLemore (6) and Burke (7), fwiw. For those without ESPN Insider:

Len, who is on crutches due to a stress fracture in his left ankle, isn't able to work out, either. But that hasn't stopped his rise on our Big Board. Increasingly, teams are looking to him as a potentially safer alternative to Noel. While he's likely to miss the next four to five months as he rehabs his ankle, teams feel like he has better size, is more polished offensively and could have a bigger upside than Noel. As we've previously reported, he's seriously in the mix with the Cavs for the No. 1 pick, with some sources indicating the Cavs could be moving his direction (I'm told Noel, Porter and Oladipo are the others). The Bobcats are also very high on Len, as are the Suns and Pelicans.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...p-30-prospects

Also noticed nbadraft.net has Len going #5 to Phoenix in its latest mock. (6/9)

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Happy for Len, but very interesting to see McLemore slip to 6th when a few months ago he sounded like the #1 pick... if he's there at 6 we may be able to get some real value for that pick, or if he could play SF somehow, all the better

Not sold on this kid...I rather zeller.

Len is not gonna be a good player. And why are we targeting an non rebounding big who is already having injury issues? Its gonna be a wasted pick...I would be depressed if we get him.

Len averaged 11.5 rebounds per 40 min-pace adjusted.

Noel averaged 11.6 rebounds per 40 min-pace adjusted.

Len is not a bad rebounder. He'll average anywhere from 8-10 rebounds per 36 in the NBA.

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Originally Posted by aas3452

Not sold on this kid...I rather zeller.

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I really like Zeller too. Just not sure he's going to be a 5, not sure he fits here. But I think he may be one of the most productive players to come out of this draft, and I see him as ready to play from day 1.

If McLemore is there at 6, run to the podium with his name on it. At 6'5 I'm sure he could play some time at SF if needed. This year Mason played some 3 and I think Iggy is 6'6 so not a big height difference there.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

Ive watched Len maybe thrice, and he was not very impressive when i watched him. He does not stand out, and he did not show me anything to justify picking him. I think he will be a massive bust, but thats just my opinion. (No- i would not take Adams a 6... I just wish we had a later pick to grab him).

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To truly see how good Len can be and is at this point. You would have had to watch him throughout the entire season and more than twice. Why? Cause he played with the worse guards in NCAA history who were complete ball hogs and the coach was a nimrod. He had a top 5 nba pick on his team and didn't run his offense thru him. If you had watched a lot of the games. then u would of saw that the times they did get Len involved he dominated. He dominated Noel vs uk. He dominated plumlee vs duke. He is very efficient. Can't really get big numbers in games u only get to shoot the ball 3-5 times. The times he did shoot 7-13 times he was in the 55-65% range. Here are his game stats vs legit nba comp. where he actually got the ball.on the season He avgd 12 pts 8rb 2 blks a game even tho he only avgd 8 shot attempts in 25 min for the year.
@UK 23 pts 12 rb 4 blks 0 to's on 10-18 shooting. 55%. 32 min played?

@ duke 19 pts 9 rb 3 blks 2 to's on 6-8 shooting for 75% but got to the line going 7-8 for 87%. 28 min played

@unc 20 pts 7 rb 1 blk 1 to on 5-7 shooting For 71%but got to line Going 10-12 for 83%. 31 min playes

Here are his games vs those teams when he wasn't used enough and his guards just chucked shot after shot and turned it over.

@unc 10 pts 5 rb 1blk 1to on 4-7 shooting for 57%. 2-2 at ft line. His guards?? 3-21 shooting with 12 to's and only 2 assist. Wells (not included in above #s) was 8-11 shooting with 5 tos and 2 assist. So 11-32 combined.

@duke 10 pts 8 rb 1 blk 1 to on 5-8 shooting for 62%. 0-1 at ft line. His guards?? 6-20 except for wells who went off for 9-13 shooting this game with 30 pts and 10-10 at ft line. 11 tos and 15 assist combined for the group of guards.

@duke 8 pts 10 rb 1 blk 1 to on 3-6 shooting for 50%. 0-0 at ft line. His guards?? 14-40 shooting with 10 tos and 8 assist.

Bottom line is Alex Len is very good and has back to the basket offensive game. He is solid on the defensive end and I think would compliment Davis very nicely. We would have an awesome front court with Len at center and keeping Davis at the 4 where I think he best suited for.

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Originally Posted by Bee-Fense

Len averaged 11.5 rebounds per 40 min-pace adjusted.

Noel averaged 11.6 rebounds per 40 min-pace adjusted.

Len is not a bad rebounder. He'll average anywhere from 8-10 rebounds per 36 in the NBA.

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This


Len only played like 26 minutes per game so his base stats don't look good.
I think he is top 5 or 10 in this draft in pace adjusted rebounds.

I'll be happy with Len if he can give us what Lopez give us with better rebounding. With his size and athleticism, his value will be on the defensive end. I'm not expecting a superstar or an all-star out of him. I'm expecting a solid center who can do a little bit of everything and be the center of the team for the next 10+ years. That's all I'm asking of him if he's the guy we take.

When it comes to prospects, It's all comes down to expectations.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

I'll be happy with Len if he can give us what Lopez give us with better rebounding. With his size and athleticism, his value will be on the defensive end. I'm not expecting a superstar or an all-star out of him. I'm expecting a solid center who can do a little bit of everything and be the center of the team for the next 10+ years. That's all I'm asking of him if he's the guy we take.

When it comes to prospects, It's all comes down to expectations.

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I think he can become that and more. Especially with how weak the center position is today in the nba. Nothing like back in the day. He is also only 19 yrs old. I'm on board with him or Bennett being the pick. I won't mind Burke but I'm not head over heels for him like most.

I think Len is going to be really good. Would love for the NOP to get him

I think he could possibly go number 1 though 'cause Cavs really want a low post player and Len is highly skilled. I hear their considering him, so I wouldn't be shocked if they took him.

The question has changed. It's not - Would you take Len at 6?

It's - Would you trade up to get Len?

He is going top 5. Would you give up an asset to get him?

It's amazing this guy rising and he not even working out. If I was Dell, Len would have been my target. Now it looks like he may be off the board. Don't really have a plan B. oh well

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The question has changed. It's not - Would you take Len at 6?

It's - Would you trade up to get Len?

He is going top 5. Would you give up an asset to get him?

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Depending on the asset. What u got in mind?

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The question has changed. It's not - Would you take Len at 6?

It's - Would you trade up to get Len?

He is going top 5. Would you give up an asset to get him?

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I like Len more than most and I wouldn't trade anyone outside Smith or Lopez with our 6 pick for him. Not enough minutes for all of them anyway.

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Originally Posted by GESWhoseBack

I like Len more than most and I wouldn't trade anyone outside Smith or Lopez with our 6 pick for him. Not enough minutes for all of them anyway.

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Vasquez can get the boot with that trade as well as those guys.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The question has changed. It's not - Would you take Len at 6?

It's - Would you trade up to get Len?

He is going top 5. Would you give up an asset to get him?

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I think if he gets past clev at 1 and Phoenix at 4 he will be available. Don't see magic,wizards or bobcats taking him. On the fence with Phoenix taking him. Who do u see as being a lock to take him if he is there when they pick in top 5?

I think you gotta get to 3 to take Len. Bobcats will run to the podium if he is on the board.

I personally don't love Len. He is 8th on my board, so I wouldn't mind him at 6, but wouldn't trade up. But #4 is as low as I think he goes now that GM's are all excited about what Gasol and Hibbert did this postseason

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

I think you gotta get to 3 to take Len. Bobcats will run to the podium if he is on the board.

I personally don't love Len. He is 8th on my board, so I wouldn't mind him at 6, but wouldn't trade up. But #4 is as low as I think he goes now that GM's are all excited about what Gasol and Hibbert did this postseason

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Who do you think we will pick at 6 if Saric does pull out?