TKB 2nd Round Prospects: Lance, Collins, Hobson, Faried, Alabi
So every few weeks I look at draftexpress.com, NBAdraft.net and RealGM.com to see initial mock drafts now that the college season is over. As we know the Knicks have two second round picks as it stands now. Now, I know these will change and it’s not an exact science, but the purpose is to highlight as many prospects as we can for future reference. The Knicks select 38th and 39th.
Draftexpress
38th Darington Hobson SF/PF
22 years old; 6’7″; 205 lbs.
New Mexico, Junior
DX-
“Left-handed, Hobson is a very good ball-handler for his size, looking very comfortable attacking opponents off the dribble from the perimeter in one on one situations. He has excellent footwork and timing on his drives, and is a pretty fluid all-around player, displaying a high skill level and advanced scoring instincts. more”
Tommy’s Take-
Hobson would be good value at 38. Got the chance to see him against Montana and Washington. Against the Huskies he seemed too passive to me deferring too much to Dairese Gary. I think he can develop into a pretty good shooting guard in this league and to go along with his length and rebounding ability could become a solid defender.
39th Kenneth Faried PF
20 years old; 6’8″; 215 lbs.
Morehead State, Junior
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Tommy’s Take-I respect a guy from NJ who didn’t even get offers from Rutgers or Seton Hall who is now an NBA talent. My question is where? Is he a true PF at 215 pounds or even at 225? He’s smart and has good athleticism, but again I’m not sure just how his game will translate. Some shooting guards are that size. Sounds a lot like a possibility of a Balkman or Donnell Harvey-type situation.
38th- Lance Stephenson, Guard, 6’5/210 Cincinnati
Overall NBA ready- 87
Comparisons: Aaron McKie/ JR Rider
Date: 10/30/09
Strengths-Superior ball handler with a flare for the dramatic (good or bad) … Good court vision. Aesthetically pleasing shooting stroke … Supreme accuracy on pull up J’s, especially when dribbling to his left..more.
Weaknesses- Legitimate question marks surrounding his character and mental makeup (high school career marred by an assault charge) more
Tommy’s Take- I have to be careful, but I see Lance in the Tyreke Evans mold. Evans, to me, wasn’t overly impressive in college. He was very raw, but physically gifted and quickly took the NBA by storm because it seemed that physically he could compete at a high level. I see the same physical traits in Lance. Granted, he was terrible this season, but he has an NBA frame and, like Evans, could break out and be more suited for the game. I’m not comparing the talent level, but Lance could be a poor-man’s Evans. Lance was easily the best high school freshman I ever saw play then he proceeded to coast since. He has a great upside, but could also be out of the league in 3 years. High risk, but that’s what the 2nd round is about. This will be a tough call.
39th- Solomon Alabi, Center 7’1/251
Overall NBA ready- 92
Comparisons: Sam Dalembert
Date: 9/23/09
Strengths- Has worked hard in the weight room and gained a great deal of strength. appears as though he can get a lot stronger too … Length makes him a dominant defensive presence in the paint … An effective shot blocker who’s numbers (2.1 bpg in 22 mpg) can improve with more playing time … Quality free throw shooter for a big man at 68%, which should improve … more.
Weaknesses-Gets himself in trouble at times by trying to do too much offensively, particularly putting the ball on the deck and trying to make a move to the basket … At times looks awkward and his lack of a “feel” for the game and experience is apparent … Still working to the point where making plays with the ball (passing, catching, reacting) becomes second nature…more.
Tommy’s Take- What I like is the fact that at FSU Alabi learned a lot of pick and roll. And he’s agile and can block shots. He’s also developed a ton in a little time. I remember when he couldn’t even catch the ball. That development really is exciting. Good value pick if he falls this far. My biggest concern is that his base is very weak and he gets pushed out a lot. He needs to work on lower body balance and strength.
38th- New York: Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas
39th-(To New York via Denver): Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati
Tommy’s Take- Again, I’m not sure New York is the best fit for Lance, at least that’s what the Knicks may be thinking. But Collins is an interesting choice. The team needs more of a veteran QB and with Toney Douglas, who can play both positions they should be set. That said, he’s a pick and roll specialist with a nice mid-range game who can attack the basket and kick out with speed. A lot like Ty Lawson, but, to me a better, catch and shooter. Collins REALLY made sense earlier if he were to fall to the second round, but can that be possible? Really interested to see his workouts. If he’s there, I think you have to grab him.
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