Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart will return for his sophomore season {merged}

Thanks, I haven't been as involved in all the draft prospect threads... And tbh, outside the big names I don't know many of the outside of top 5-6 prospects in the draft

MCW is probably a 8-12 pick realistically, but with Smart dropping out, he could be a shoe in for top 8. Actually, I'd say he goes top 8 for sure now.

Pretty much Burke and MCW for PG in the top 10 now.

I have MCW mocked going #6 to the Kings.

MCW should be a mid first round pick. Some time will be disappointed if they draft him in the top 10.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans78

MCW should be a mid first round pick. Some time will be disappointed if they draft him in the top 10.

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Agreed, but some team will draft him for the things he does well.

this changes everything from Burke & ourstandpoint

1- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Orlando.gif- Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
2- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Charlotte-07-pres.gif- Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
3- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Cleveland-03-pres.gif- Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
4- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Phoenix-00-pres.gif- Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
5- http://www.sportzin.com/forums/uploa...787-U10500.jpg- Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
6- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Sacramento-94-pres.gif- Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
7- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Detroit-05-pres.gif- Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
8- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Washington-07-pres.gif- Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
9- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Minnesota-08-pres.gif- Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State
10- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Philadelphia-09-pres.gif- Alex Len, C, Maryland
11- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Oklahoma-08-pres.gif- Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
12- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Portland-04-pres.gif- Glenn Robinson, SF, Michigan
13- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Dallas-01-pres.gif- Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
14- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Utah-04-pres.gif- Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Boy, Dieng sure shot up the boards with his performance. I didn't even know he was coming out.

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

Agreed. You could even throw Bennett in there as well. He is one of the most talented guy in this draft. Has all the tools but needs to get the mental aspect of the game down.

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But who will Bennett be able to defend in the NBA. lots of accounts say he's too small and lacks the aggressiveness to be effective at PF and is to slow to defense the SF spot.. 6'7 240lb iirc.. at this point to they grow much more vertically?

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

Wow, I am shocked he would go back. That is a terrible financial decision for him. Next year's draft looks to be stronger and he risks injury.

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this

Maybe.. just maybe... he likes college life.

This is bad. I could see Burke not being on the board when we pick. If it's all the same I want to stay away from Oladipo. Don't think he'll be more than an Avery Bradley guy in the NBA. Which is good but not what we should be looking for.

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Originally Posted by BeeBall Reasons

This is bad. I could see Burke not being on the board when we pick. If it's all the same I want to stay away from Oladipo. Don't think he'll be more than an Avery Bradley guy in the NBA. Which is good but not what we should be looking for.

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We've had him before on this team, Kirk Snyder.

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Originally Posted by Inner_GI

Boy, Dieng sure shot up the boards with his performance. I didn't even know he was coming out.

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I know nothing of his season or stats. But if that championship game is an indicator of his talent, he will be a stud and contribute from game one. Nice shot, hustle, nba ready body, great rebounder. I wouldn't be surprised if he is next Ibaka.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

Maybe.. just maybe... he likes college life.

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That is literally the only reason I can see for him staying.

He must really be the BMOC.

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Originally Posted by Davisistheman

But who will Bennett be able to defend in the NBA. lots of accounts say he's too small and lacks the aggressiveness to be effective at PF and is to slow to defense the SF spot.. 6'7 240lb iirc.. at this point to they grow much more vertically?

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I'm not crazy high on him, but the kid has talent/potential. He is certainly strong enough to hold his ground defensively, and he has a big wingspan to make up for his lack of height. I really haven't looked into him that much, but his numbers are undeniable. I don't like his attitude defensively though. I don't expect us to draft him, and he would probably be worst case scenario.

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Originally Posted by NOLa.

He must really be the BMOC.

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Until Brandon Weeden shows up and starts telling those young wipper snappers about his time in World War 1

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

I'm not crazy high on him, but the kid has talent/potential. He is certainly strong enough to hold his ground defensively, and he has a big wingspan to make up for his lack of height. I really haven't looked into him that much, but his numbers are undeniable. I don't like his attitude defensively though. I don't expect us to draft him, and he would probably be worst case scenario.

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I think he's basically Derrick Williams/Thomas Robinson of this year. Maybe a little better than either, but I don't even know if I'd go that far.

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Originally Posted by MeSoHornets504

I think he's basically Derrick Williams/Thomas Robinson of this year. Maybe a little better than either, but I don't even know if I'd go that far.

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Offensively, he's head and shoulders above both. Better skilled and better athletically. Not to mention he's longer. Defensively, he has better tools but lacks the mentality and the effort to defend. The problem is he's barely trying on the defensive end. He will have no problems putting up points and rebounding in the league.

I'm all in for shabazz, we need offense especially in his position.

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

Offensively, he's head and shoulders above both. Better skilled and better athletically. Not to mention he's longer. Defensively, he has better tools but lacks the mentality and the effort to defend. The problem is he's barely trying on the defensive end. He will have no problems putting up points and rebounding in the league.

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I'm not sure about the better athletically or longer. Derrick Williams has a 7'1.5" Wingspan and is roughly the same height. I have him about the same as Derrick Williams.

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Originally Posted by AD23forMVP

1- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Orlando.gif- Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
2- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Charlotte-07-pres.gif- Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
3- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Cleveland-03-pres.gif- Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
4- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Phoenix-00-pres.gif- Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
5- http://www.sportzin.com/forums/uploa...787-U10500.jpg- Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
6- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Sacramento-94-pres.gif- Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
7- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Detroit-05-pres.gif- Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
8- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Washington-07-pres.gif- Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
9- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Minnesota-08-pres.gif- Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State
10- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Philadelphia-09-pres.gif- Alex Len, C, Maryland
11- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Oklahoma-08-pres.gif- Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
12- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Portland-04-pres.gif- Glenn Robinson, SF, Michigan
13- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Dallas-01-pres.gif- Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
14- http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba/Utah-04-pres.gif- Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

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if Orlando doesn't get Noel, they'll take a serious look at Burke at 2 or trade down

Maybe it's Bennett's girth but for some reason he looks longer to me. Athletically, I still like Bennett much better due to the combination of size, strength, physicality, and length. He just has some nasty in him. Williams was way too finesse coming out of zona. Bennett also has superior handles and a much better post game. Overall, I feel Bennett's offensive game will translate much better.

We are a long way out knowing how the draft will play out. After the lottery and combine pass we will have a better idea. Theres always guys that shoot up the draft board after combine like Lillard and guys that slide down the boards like Sullinger and Perry Jones III did last year. Dont be surprised if Alex Len goes in the top 5. Also Id be shocked if Burke wasnt available when the Pelicans pick, unless Detroit jumped us in the lottery.

Welp, boom goes the dynamite.


Still think we can snag TB3.

I can't imagine we would without a bunch of moves to go along with it. We're already too crowded at the 4.

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Originally Posted by Davisistheman

But who will Bennett be able to defend in the NBA. lots of accounts say he's too small and lacks the aggressiveness to be effective at PF and is to slow to defense the SF spot.. 6'7 240lb iirc.. at this point to they grow much more vertically?

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He has a 7'1 wingspan

I wonder how Anthony Bennett compares to Carmelo athletically.

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Originally Posted by B504ever

We are a long way out knowing how the draft will play out. After the lottery and combine pass we will have a better idea. Theres always guys that shoot up the draft board after combine like Lillard and guys that slide down the boards like Sullinger and Perry Jones III did last year. Dont be surprised if Alex Len goes in the top 5. Also Id be shocked if Burke wasnt available when the Pelicans pick, unless Detroit jumped us in the lottery.

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If Detroit jumps us and takes Burke, they will become my mortal draft day enemy. First, Drummond. Now, Burke. Ahhhh

Bennett has way more skills than Derrick Williams. But he needs to play harder on defense

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Originally Posted by Nola Hornet

Offensively, he's head and shoulders above both. Better skilled and better athletically. Not to mention he's longer. Defensively, he has better tools but lacks the mentality and the effort to defend. The problem is he's barely trying on the defensive end. He will have no problems putting up points and rebounding in the league.

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more skilled yes? more athletic than thomas robinson? no way in hell.

This makes the lotto drawing a lot more interesting. No idea what Cleveland or Phoenix would do with the top pick like I know Orlando or Charlotte would. Especially if Cle and Phx ends up 1 and 2. Porter seems a good fit for both but I think neither has him as their BPA.

I wouldnt worry too much guys, even if we stay put at 5 we will be getting a very good player out of noel mclemore burke oladipo and porter and say we move down to 6th i wouldnt be that upset with shabazz. We are fine. But hey maybe a team really values one of these 6 and thought they would fall to them because of burke so maybe we could get great trade value for the pick.

I can't believe this. Smart was the guy I wanted. Now we have to land a top 5 pick.

He seemed to lack confidence during the tournament so I'm not shocked. He's not really ready mentally so this should be great for him because when he does come out he'll make an impact more immediately than he would have if he would have left this year.

56% chance at Top 5

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Originally Posted by RUFshreve

I can't believe this. Smart was the guy I wanted. Now we have to land a top 5 pick.

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Ya i know u did bro I feel for ya, but hey everything happens for a reason and in 4 years we will look back and compare whoever we draft this year and Smart and see if we made the right choice, God is on our side :D Also another way to look at it say he does really really well it could knock down one of the 3 awesome SF's next year to our draft pick, u never know!

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Originally Posted by IamQuailman

56% chance at Top 5

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nice! 55% chance at noel, mclemore, porter, burke and oladipo :)

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

nice! 55% chance at noel, mclemore, porter, burke and oladipo :)

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I'm afraid were gonna end up with someone like Alex Len. I'm all in for Burke now with the rest of you.

The only way we'd end up with someone like Alex Len is if Monty and Dell LIKE Alex Len and feel he can help this team. Picking #5 or #6 doesn't mean "oh, with that selection, you absolutely MUST select Alex Len".

Sounds like Thorpe over at ESPN thinks Burke should go #1.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/...1-overall-pick

We will be fine. Stern Gave benson a guaranteed top 3 pick this year. Just watch :hihi:

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

The only way we'd end up with someone like Alex Len is if Monty and Dell LIKE Alex Len and feel he can help this team. Picking #5 or #6 doesn't mean "oh, with that selection, you absolutely MUST select Alex Len".

Sounds like Thorpe over at ESPN thinks Burke should go #1.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/...1-overall-pick

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Well of course, but what if we end up with the 7th pick and the best players on the board are Len and Zeller. I'm worried we'll end up not landing a difference maker in this draft now. As much as I loved the idea of us landing Smart, I hate the idea of us picking Len even more.

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

The only way we'd end up with someone like Alex Len is if Monty and Dell LIKE Alex Len and feel he can help this team. Picking #5 or #6 doesn't mean "oh, with that selection, you absolutely MUST select Alex Len".

Sounds like Thorpe over at ESPN thinks Burke should go #1.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/...1-overall-pick

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Well of course, but what if we end up with the 7th pick and the best players on the board are Len and Zeller. I'm worried we'll end up not landing a difference maker in this draft now. As much as I loved the idea of us landing Smart, I hate the idea of us picking Len even more.

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Originally Posted by RUFshreve

Well of course, but what if we end up with the 7th pick and the best players on the board are Len and Zeller. I'm worried we'll end up not landing a difference maker in this draft now. As much as I loved the idea of us landing Smart, I hate the idea of us picking Len even more.

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Maybe if they end up 7th, they might trade the pick. Haha! I don't know.

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Originally Posted by kclaboy504

We will be fine. Stern Gave benson a guaranteed top 3 pick this year. Just watch :hihi:

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This is his last run... So he will make sure we are ok *wink*

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

more skilled yes? more athletic than thomas robinson? no way in hell.

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Must be a way on earth then! Don't let the frame fool you. Bennett is super athletic. It's his first strength on his scouting video. I would rather Bennett over Porter, Oladipo, and even McClemore but that's more cause I want to keep Gordon.

Well I want Rivers and Gordon to start anyway. But if the Pelicans were to get him he could be a great backup to either or both of them.

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Originally Posted by smcgull

Well I want Rivers and Gordon to start anyway. But if the Pelicans were to get him he could be a great backup to either or both of them.

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Have to move GV for that. Doubt they give the team to Rivers with GV still here. Don't know why I feel that way.

Smart move on Smarts part. He might have been a top 1 or 2 pick this year, but he would have gone to a crap team where he would have been pressured to perform out of the gate. If he comes out next year, he will have another year of education (basketball) under his belt, and can go to a team in a better spot in the 5-7 range....heck, we just might draft him next year.