Archives for May 2012

NBA Draft 2012: Pass-First PGs

May 31, 2012 by Ed Weiland Leave a Comment

The PG class of 2012 looks like it could be the worst group since 1992, an otherwise strong draft that included Lee Mayberry and Brent Price as the top two floor generals. I can’t say whether or not 2012 will beat that draft for PG futility. There are some interesting prospects, but none who stand out as sure things. The most interesting thing about this group of PGs is there are three prospects who put up very high assist rates, as measured by A40 (assists per 40 minutes). I’m going to look … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2012: Pass-First PGs

First Round Fall Out (Western Conference)

May 29, 2012 by Harlan Schreiber Leave a Comment

1. Denver Nuggets: When you look back at the past decade of Denver Nuggets history, yet another first round loss might seem like stagnation. The Nuggets have made the playoffs each of the last nine seasons but made it past the first round only once (2008-09 when they lost to the Lakers in the Conference Finals). But there is progress. Really! Trading Carmelo Anthony and Nene has gotten Dener some nice young players (Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Javale McGee and some other parts) … [Read more...] about First Round Fall Out (Western Conference)

NBA Draft 2012: Andre Drummond

May 23, 2012 by Ed Weiland Leave a Comment

Andre Drummond is considered the top center available in the 2012 draft. He was highly-touted coming in as a freshman this past season, but struggled to get things going and did not live up to expectations. He wasn’t terrible, but was hardly the dominant force some were expecting. For a look at how Drummond compares to other players at a similar time in their careers, here are NCAA freshmen centers who played at least 500 minutes who posted a R40 of at least 10.0 and B40 of at least 3.5, as … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2012: Andre Drummond

First Round Fall Out (Eastern Conference)

May 22, 2012 by Harlan Schreiber Leave a Comment

While the playoffs rage on, it is still a fine time to stop for a minute and consider those who have already been knocked out. So we begin our annual Fall Out series, in which we assess the departed and their future prospects. The losers have been gone for at least a week and this gives us a little more perspective and avoids quickly pronouncing failure and success. Today, we look at the Eastern Conference: 1. Chicago Bulls: Losing in the first round as one seed really hurts. In the case … [Read more...] about First Round Fall Out (Eastern Conference)

NBA Draft 2012: Bradley Beal

May 16, 2012 by Ed Weiland Leave a Comment

I’m starting my 2012 draft analysis with a look at the players who are considered potential 2nd overall picks. Today it’s Florida SG Bradley Beal. Using the 2nd overall pick on a SG has been very rare. We’d have to go back to the 70s when David Thompson (1st overall ’75), Otis Birdsong (2nd overall ’77) and Darrell Griffith (2nd overall ’80) went in the top 2. Since then #3 is as high as any SG has been drafted. While the group drafted at #3 includes the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan in … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2012: Bradley Beal

NBA Draft 2012: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

May 10, 2012 by Ed Weiland Leave a Comment

The second pick the NBA draft has produced many stars, but also many famous busts. Bob Petit, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Rick Barry, Earl Monroe Dave Bing, Wes Unseld, Rudy Tomjanovich, Bob McAdoo, Isaih Thomas, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning and Kevin Durant were all drafted 2nd, which shows a HOFer can be found. The busts have fallen into 3 categories: • Big guys who were more big than good: Hasheem Thabeet, Darko Milicic, Shawn Bradley, Sam Bowie and Steve Stipanovich. • Freshmen forwards: … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2012: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist