If we draft 5th...

[new city champ]

I thought GV was at SF. No doubt Oladipo is not an NBA-level polished scorer and maybe he never will be, but I'll offer a profile summary.

[I][I]Oladipo is a shooting guard who is also capable of playing small forward. His unique combination of explosive athleticism, fearless defense, and efficient shooting have drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan. Indiana coach Tom Crean would frequently attribute Oladipo's success to his extreme work ethic and pre-game preparation of reviewing film. Oladipo is known for entertaining fans with exciting dunks. As announcer Clark Kellogg noted, "Victor Oladipo is like a baby's bottom, smooth and sometimes... explosive."
On offense, Oladipo is capable of aggressively and quickly driving to the basket, aided by unparalleled athletic leaping ability. Following a victory by Indiana over #1 ranked Michigan, coach John Beilein remarked, "I've seen a lot of players. I don't know whether I've seen one quicker or faster, more athletic, than Oladipo. It's tough to stay in front of him." His offensive proficiency improved as his outside shooting range improved each year of his collegiate career.
On defense, Oladipo is a "lockdown off-ball defender who can defend multiple positions" He has the quickness to guard point guards and the strength and athleticism to fight around a forward and get to a front if caught in a mismatch. His athleticism and anticipation makes it hard to set a screen on him. He also does a great job of rebounding his position.

[Pelicans78]

I want Marcus Smart either way.

If we keep Gordon I don't really want Burke.

I'm the opposite. If we keep Gordon, I would draft Burke. If we trade Gordon, I would go with Smart and Oladipo over Burke. Smart over both.

[HornetGuru]

I'm the opposite. If we keep Gordon, I would draft Burke. If we trade Gordon, I would go with Smart and Oladipo over Burke. Smart over both.

Agree 100%, i dont think smart and gordon are a good fit, but i do think gordon would fit great with either trey burke or otto porter. If oladipo was BPA and we went with him i would seriously think about putting gordon at PG and oladipo at SG

[Pelicans78]

Agree 100%, i dont think smart and gordon are a good fit, but i do think gordon would fit great with either trey burke or otto porter. If oladipo was BPA and we went with him i would seriously think about putting gordon at PG and oladipo at SG

And that's why I wouldn't draft Oladipo if Gordon was part of the future, unless Oladipo would guard opposing teams PGs sincce Gordon is terrible at defending the pick n roll.

[BallSoHard]

Agree 100%, i dont think smart and gordon are a good fit, but i do think gordon would fit great with either trey burke or otto porter. If oladipo was BPA and we went with him i would seriously think about putting gordon at PG and oladipo at SG

Why would Smart be a bad fit with Gordon ???

[Pelicans78]

Why would Smart be a bad fit with Gordon ???

Smart can't play off the ball and both Gordon and Smart require the ball in their hands most of the time. Basically they couldn't play off each other as much and would take turns offensively. I also think Smart is more SG than PG and wonder if he could guard PGs because Gordon can't.

[da ThRONe]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yjnzRSArwYY#

[BallSoHard]

Smart can't play off the ball and both Gordon and Smart require the ball in their hands most of the time. Basically they couldn't play off each other as much and would take turns offensively. I also think Smart is more SG than PG and wonder if he could guard PGs because Gordon can't.

So how does that make Burke a better fit? Also, if Smart can't work without the ball in his hands, how does that make him a better SG than PG?

[ImSorryMonty]

Maybe a dumb question, but if we end up with the same record as Detroit/Sac, where would we end up picking/based on what?

[Coughka]

I've fallen out of love with Porter/Smart recently, moreso Smart.

I'd take Oladipo and maybe even Burke over both; but certainly Oladipo over both.

He flashes a really nice handle; check out 3:25 and on from the draftexpress video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgWJGiJJAwk

Indiana Coach Tom Crean seems to be getting more comfortable using him as a creator, however, as almost 20% of his possessions have come in isolations or as the ball-handler in pick-and-roll sets. He is far more comfortable dribbling and finishing with his right hand at this stage and doesn't show much in the way of advanced ball-handling skills, but he's still able to get the basket at times, as he is very difficult to stop once he's built up a full head of steam and is able to utilize his blazing speed.

And look what he does at 2:27 in this video to MKG:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzBNsMe9Tqg

The guy has shown he can improve tremendously; his elite level athleticism, elite level defense and energy, vastly improved jumpshot, and flashes of an isolation game put me on board with Oladipo as a top three prospect; if he finishes developing his handle and he can become something of a shot-creator, he could be one of the best all around guards in the league.

[endlessHIMdark]

Maybe a dumb question, but if we end up with the same record as Detroit/Sac, where would we end up picking/based on what?

coin flip

[da ThRONe]

I've fallen out of love with Porter/Smart recently, moreso Smart.

I'd take Oladipo and maybe even Burke over both; but certainly Oladipo over both.

He flashes a really nice handle; check out 3:25 and on from the draftexpress video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgWJGiJJAwk

Indiana Coach Tom Crean seems to be getting more comfortable using him as a creator, however, as almost 20% of his possessions have come in isolations or as the ball-handler in pick-and-roll sets. He is far more comfortable dribbling and finishing with his right hand at this stage and doesn't show much in the way of advanced ball-handling skills, but he's still able to get the basket at times, as he is very difficult to stop once he's built up a full head of steam and is able to utilize his blazing speed.

And look what he does at 2:27 in this video to MKG:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzBNsMe9Tqg

The guy has shown he can improve tremendously; his elite level athleticism, elite level defense and energy, vastly improved jumpshot, and flashes of an isolation game put me on board with Oladipo as a top three prospect; if he finishes developing his handle and he can become something of a shot-creator, he could be one of the best all around guards in the league.

Ideally I would like to ship Gordon for another pick and draft both Burke and Oladipo.

They are my two highest rated players this year.

[Soundwave]

After Monty's comments yesterday, I'm thinking trading the pick for an established player might be in the cards.

[Mr. West]

The front office still probably thinks Rivers is the PG of the future, so if it were Burke or Dipo I feel like we'd go Dipo. Not saying I agree or disagree with this, just what I would predict.

[endlessHIMdark]

After Monty's comments yesterday, I'm thinking trading the pick for an established player might be in the cards.

What comments?

[iNolaNightmare]

After Monty's comments yesterday, I'm thinking trading the pick for an established player might be in the cards.

I've been saying this all along. For Monty and Dell to keep their jobs, they absolutely have to speed up this rebuild. I would not be shocked in the least bit if the pick is traded for Bledsoe or someone like him.

[Snarly]

After Monty's comments yesterday, I'm thinking trading the pick for an established player might be in the cards.

Unfortunately for you, Williams doesn't make that decision.

[Soundwave]

Unfortunately for you, Williams doesn't make that decision.

I'm sure he has no input at all. Just ask Austin Rivers.

[Snarly]

I'm sure he has no input at all. Just ask Austin Rivers.

There's a difference between input and actually making the decision. Demps would have to agree with Williams in order for it to happen. If Williams had his way, Willie Green would still be with the team today.

[Soundwave]

What comments?

@Jim_Eichenhofer: Monty: "I can't grow up for the players we have. I can only hide so much... This is not AAU or college. This is the big boys' league."

.

@Jim_Eichenhofer: Monty on correlation between NOLA youth and injury: "I think a lot of the injuries were because their young bodies weren't ready for this."

Just stuff like this. I just think the youth and losing combined is starting to wear on him, but I digress. Didn't mean to thread jack. Carry on.....

[RUFshreve]

Charlotte- Nerlens Noel
Orlando- Marcus Smart
Phoenix- Ben McLemore
Cleveland- Otto Porter
New Orleans- ???

I'd go Burke over Oladipo in this scenario. I like both players a lot, but I don't see us pickin Dipo if Gordon stays.

[Eman5805]

I've been saying this all along. For Monty and Dell to keep their jobs, they absolutely have to speed up this rebuild. I would not be shocked in the least bit if the pick is traded for Bledsoe or someone like him.

Trying for a quick fix is just as liable to lose their jobs.

[Shelbywmccarty]

I love dipo there

If we pick 3 and Noel and smart are gone. I may go dipo there or porter.

[FLYINGPELICANS]

I think we should sign Seth Curry to be a roger mason type player. He won't get drafted after his injury. Might find a diamond in the rough in Curry

[FLYINGPELICANS]

I'd go Burke over Oladipo in this scenario. I like both players a lot, but I don't see us pickin Dipo if Gordon stays.

Too bad cavs need a wing too