So Let’s Recap

by Tommy Dee on June 11th, 2009 at 11:16 pm

So we’re two weeks away from the draft and there’s really not much clarity in terms of who’s going where. Amidst the workouts, the reports and the blogging, let’s take minute to focus the best we can on a few important points.

Of the players who worked out for the Knicks we know who’s in play, and I’m happy that the Knicks brought in Gerald Henderson for a look. You guys have gut feelings and I have mine, I think this kid is a sure-fire, productive NBA player for the next decade.

Now, I’ve heard some things (and thank you all for you comments and emails, and congrats to Alvino for a post that has nearly hit the century mark comments-wise. We really appreciate all the Gym Rat’s energy and devotion) about how we haven’t mentioned guys like Eric Maynor and Brandon Jennings. Maynor is a solid prospect and to be fair there’s not much difference between he and  the likes of Flynn and Lawson. Lawson is slightly ahead of Maynor in my book and at the end of the day if you put me on the spot I might just lean closer to Flynn’s overall athleticism and take him ahead of the others not named Rubio, Holiday and Curry. But make no mistake, Maynor can really help a team right away if put in the right situation.

Jennings is an enigma to me. He’s a crafty lefty guard, other than that I have no idea what to think about him. Let’s face it, Ricky Rubio, at 19, more than held his own against Team Redeem and he’s been playing elite-level basketball since 15. Jennings had a relatively unspectacular first season in Europe. I have no idea what he is, and if anyone has anymore info (please save the high school highlights) I’m all ears. But even the staunchest of Jenning supporters have to admit, the kid might be making a mistake balking on workouts.

Speaking of workouts here’s a note from Chad Ford’s chat based on Hasheem Thabeet:

“…Chad:Do you think Thabeet might really go at #2, and if so, does OKC have any good deals for Rubio?

Chad Ford

Yes. I think that’s the most obvious scenario if the Grizzlies keep the pick .. a big if at this point. One note on Thabeet, he was the only player to skip all of the athletic testing. He didn’t do vertical jump, lane agility, nothing. That’s disappointing…”

Let’s make one thing clear about Thabeet from my end. If I’m Walsh and both Holiday and Curry are gone, of course think about taking Thabeet. He’s good value at 8. I mean come on, I the guy’s not a second round pick, he’s going SOMEWHERE. Now, I would shun moving up in a deal to get him, but if he’s on your list and he’s the best on the board you’d have to take him. It’s moot because he’s not falling to 8. All I’m saying is don’t expect the guy to set the world on fire at any point in his career and as we know in NY that doesn’t fly. Big men become slower if they don’t get minutes and when they do, they simply can’t play at the NBA speed. I still maintain Thabeet does not have the speed to play 30 minutes in this system, nor do you want him to. Then they become specialists, which isn’t the worst thing, but not what you’re looking for in you lottery pick.

Got some good stuff in the works everyone, and again, thanks for taking the time to stop by and checking us out.
  • KBT1615

    Draft Day Watch Us Have To Pick Between Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn and Thabeet.
    If we pick a Brandon Jennings or Jonny Flynn we should make a play for Deandre Jordan Another Athletic Shot Blocking 7 Footer.
    If we get Thabeet with The 8th Pick we should buy a pick for Ghostface Douglas.

  • slambam

    Watching the Magic, they are very close to what we want to be as a team offensively. A bunch of shooters and they like to run. The difference though is they have the defensive player of the year on the inside. While i appreciated Thabeet as a college player, i despise him as a prospect, but watching this series makes me very intrigued on what Thabeet could do for us like Howard does for the Magic. I know i know hes not as physical, and i am pesonally very skeptical of Thabeet, but Donnie could believe he’s the missing piece. I would be disapointed if we drafted him, but i was understand what Donnie’s thinking. I dunno, just an interesting thought

  • BiggieSmalls

    Hahn has Curry working out for Minny next week.

  • Bart

    Wow Jennings will be there that should help his stock.

  • Bart

    If we get Thabeet then D Walsh should make a move for Maynor.

  • Clancy3434

    it’s no secret why Thabeet skipped his workout… he’s slow off his feet. he’s not a quick jumper like Mutumbo was. let’s please stop the comparisons. he’s not even ben wallce. he’s an unathletic, slow jumping big with limited offensive ability. his positives are he’s tall and long. he’ll get a few blocks based on that, but i have a feeling thabeet will become the new target for people to dunk over… i can see a youtube compliation in the works now.

    #2 over rubio? just fold the grizzlies now. is isiah running the show over there?

  • bmathews77

    Good sign for the Knicks….Steph Curry is canceling workouts. I read an article by Alan Hahn:

    Stephen Curry took yet another determined step toward being a Knick on Friday when he decided to cancel the rest of his predraft workout schedule after he has a previously scheduled workout with the Washington Wizards.

    The Wizards hold the fifth overall pick.

    The Davidson star did, however, cancel a workout with the Minnesota Timberwolves (sixth overall) next week.

    The NBA draft is June 25. The Knicks have the eighth overall pick. A Knicks source said the team was unaware that Curry had cancelled his workouts for other teams.

  • Magik_Trick

    wonder if hes backing away from competition? T-Wolves had planned a PG only workout with Jonny, Jrue, Jennings, and Steph..but he cancelled

    So, if the Wizards/Warriors dont draft Curry hes a lock to be a Knick, but Charlotte is still looking to trade up..

  • knicks55

    Curry at the 8th
    buyout a pick from a team like grizz or sactown
    select james johnson or even a guy like dejuan blair, if still available

    or

    Draft Thatbeet or Jordan Hill(i prefer hill)
    get another draft pick late
    select maynor or ty lawson or teague (i prefer maynor slightly ahead of lawson)

    select Jack Mclinton with a second round pick we get with the sergio trade

  • knicks55

    sry thats only if Hollidays gone as well, dont take ur chances with jennings..

    overloaded PG draft =/

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