The Official Washington Wizards Thread

[stevemcqueen1]

Nerlens Noel 2012 Nike Hoop Summit Measurements: Hgt w/ shoes: 6’11, Hgt w/o shoes: 6’10, Wt: 216, W-Span: 7-4, Reach*: 9’1.5
Tyson Chandler 2001 Combine Measurements: Hgt w/ shoes: 7' 0.5, Hgt w/o shoes: 6' 11.5, Wt: 224, W-Span: 7-3, Reach: 9' 2

They seem comparable to me. Note that Noel is currently listed in the 220+ weight range. The question becomes is a very good defensive center worth a very high draft pick? Tyson has obviously switched teams a lot.

Their bodies are similar, but IMO Nerlens is a far better athlete. Much better leaper and much quicker and more nimble. Nerlens is a true pogo stick leaper that explodes off the floor. His upside is much higher than Chandler's IMO. Given how young he is and how good his IQ already is, I think he's going to put it together and be a really good NBA player way quicker than Chandler was.

Elite length + elite athleticism + special IQ should be enough to spend a very high pick on him.

---------- Post added January-23rd-2013 at 04:19 PM ----------

I'm in the minority but trading down and grabbing zeller would be ideal. Would compliment nene very well

I doubt we'll be able to trade down to get Zeller. If he comes out, I think he'll be a top 5 pick.

[Destino]

Their bodies are similar, but IMO Nerlens is a far better athlete. Much better leaper and much quicker and more nimble. Nerlens is a true pogo stick leaper that explodes off the floor. His upside is much higher than Chandler's IMO. Given how young he is and how good his IQ already is, I think he's going to put it together and be a really good NBA player way quicker than Chandler was.

Elite length + elite athleticism + special IQ should be enough to spend a very high pick on him.

I agree. Each have their advantages, Chandler is strong and there is never a guarantee that any rookie will get as strong as he potentially could. I think Chandler might be a little meaner too... he's got a little anger to him that I like in NBA bigs.

[stevemcqueen1]

McLemore is viewed as the number 1 over all pick by many right now. He probably has higher upside on athleticism alone then Beal, but you could probably argue that of Terrance Ross as well. I think the top 3 right now is probably:

Shabazz
McLemore
Noel

order varies on team need. Those guys have all star potential, 4-10 are probably starter quality, after that its probably a crap shoot.

Len definitely has the frame to be able to add more weight. Davis filled out quite a bit since his rookie campaign, I don't see why Len wouldn't be able to.

McLemore is the flavor of the month but I don't think he'll be top 3 when the draft comes around. The steak doesn't quite match the sizzle when you get down to watching him. Plus there are three really good big men in this class and a perimeter player that's better than him. His flaws are enough to keep him from going so high and he should not be valued above Shabazz IMO. Shabazz is and will be a much better scorer than McLemore and he's bigger and more powerful, more skilled, better instincts and feel for the game, and not that much slower or less explosive. His handle on the ball is much better and he's probably a better all around shooter.

All in all, I think Len has the highest upside in the class, followed by Nerlens. Len's measurables are absolutely ridiculous and you can tell he's smart. Zeller's upside is pretty good at his size and with his quick feet and amazing instincts for the game. Though Zeller's defensive potential at the five hinges on him getting far stronger.

I think Shabazz is going to be a James Harden type and he has All Star upside. Pretty good and worthy of #1 overall IMO. I think he's still the favorite but Nerlens is very close.

[nuposse87]

While I'd usually draft for upside, we ought to look at a player that can make an Immediate impact as well. If I were ranking players and purely upside alone I'd go with:

1. Noel
2. Len
3. Shabazz
4. McLemore
5. Austin
6. Gobert
7. Poythress
8. Porter
9. Zeller
10. Cauley-Stein (If he chooses to come out)

Guys who have upside but could actually useful from day one would go:

1. Shabazz
2. Noel
3. McLemore (although he's redundant on the roster..so we'd end up trading him)
4. Zeller
5. Len
6. Otto Porter

I think we ought to draft being mindful how the league is changing. Wing play is very important and teams that have great defensive potential go far if you don't have the likes of LBJ or Durant. Noel would be ideal for that in case we do win the lottery. I think Len would be a bit of a project, but if we elect to keep Okafor for the first half of next season, I think it'd go pretty for his learning on how to at least impact that facet of the game. I want us to go after a SF, because I honestly give us a 25% chance at becoming an attractive enough market for Cousins to try to force his way this year, I wouldn't be opposed to taking a raw big as its a good move for the future but we need talent that is ready to make a run. There is still a lot of college ball left to be played though, and the combine measurements will go a long way changing my current outlook.

[stevemcqueen1]

I agree. Each have their advantages, Chandler is strong and there is never a guarantee that any rookie will get as strong as he potentially could. I think Chandler might be a little meaner too... he's got a little anger to him that I like in NBA bigs.

Yeah Chandler is very strong.

It's easy to get down on Nerlens for his inept scoring skills. But you just have to remind yourself he's only 18 and he's already playing a high profile role as the best player at the biggest and most scrutinized college team in the country.

I think Nerlens can eventually get an effective offensive game. He's got a #1 overall pedigree, it should be achievable. He's got a better handle on the ball than I expected and if he masters a few dribbles and a spin move like Dwight he'll be able to get to the basket and score. His quickness and ability to uncoil and elevate way above the rim is like Dwight's. So explosive with his movements. Obviously there is a big strength difference, but Nerlens is still a surprisingly powerful dunker and effective finisher despite being so skinny. He's a smart player. Stick him with a good big man coach and start developing his back to the basket game. If he develops a nice set of jump hooks he can hit with both hands he could be an All Star given his defensive and rebounding abilities.

[mboyd784]

I agree. Each have their advantages, Chandler is strong and there is never a guarantee that any rookie will get as strong as he potentially could. I think Chandler might be a little meaner too... he's got a little anger to him that I like in NBA bigs.

Good point. Chandler built himself into pro big through hard work and force of will and it took him about four years to do so. And yea, that chip on his shoulder that he plays with is one of the reasons he's one of my favorite players.

About the game tonight, anyone know when the last time we finished 3-2 on a 5-game west coast road swing?

[stevemcqueen1]

Remember when the Jazz had those awful indigo and violent colors with the mountain range logo?

---------- Post added January-23rd-2013 at 09:19 PM ----------

We're having a hard time getting calls tonight.

[StillUnknown]

I absolutely hate it when refs wait to see if the shot falls before calling a foul. A foul is a foul, it should not be predicated on whether or not the player makes that shot.

[stevemcqueen1]

Back to shooting like our old selves I see.

---------- Post added January-23rd-2013 at 09:36 PM ----------

I absolutely hate it when refs wait to see if the shot falls before calling a foul. A foul is a foul, it should not be predicated on whether or not the player makes that shot.

"Ah **** he missed it? Guess we gotta call it then..."

[gortiz]

Back to shooting like our old selves I see.

---------- Post added January-23rd-2013 at 09:36 PM ----------



"Ah **** he missed it? Guess we gotta call it then..."

jesus ...just saw the box score. 5-21 shooting ...not a good start. did get to the line 11 times.

[stevemcqueen1]

Dear Lord Kanter is ugly.

This game is going to get ugly if we keep shooting like crap and turning it over and missing FTs.

[StillUnknown]

jesus ...just saw the box score. 5-21 shooting ...not a good start. did get to the line 11 times.

Last game of a long road trip is usually ugly.

[stevemcqueen1]

New rule: no more driving by Booker or Ariza.

[StillUnknown]

New rule: no more driving by Booker or Ariza.

That last Booker move brought back memories of JaVale.

---------- Post added January-23rd-2013 at 09:48 PM ----------

Enes Kanter having a pretty good half.


Our guy continues to not get minutes.

[stevemcqueen1]

This is going to be a beat down. We're playing terrible and unfocused. Utah is super sharp. Their reserves are lighting us up.