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Re: Of Steven Adams

How would you rate Adams in the last few drafts among the centers adam? Among Kanter, Valanciunas, Biyombo, and Vucevic. Kanter is in the best shape, but Vucevic looks to be the best so far putting up 13 and 12. That guy really rebounds. I suppose if you add davis, and drummond to the mix vucevic could fall a bit. I think you have to take into account davis is 20, and drummond is 19, and Vucevic is 22. Where will drummond and Davis be at 22.
I'd probably go..

Anthony Davis
Drummond
Vucevic
Valanciunas
Adams
Kanter
Biyombo

I suppose I put Davis, and Drummond up top because they are the best athletes even though Vucevic has shown the most. I expect Drummond and Davis to have more potential going forward than Vucevic who lacks the athleticism and power to be great. I look at vucevic as more of a Z level almost all star. Davis and Drummond project to be shut down defenders, and Davis already has some offensive skills. Drummond just catches lobs, and offensive rebounds, but i suspect eventually he'll be more of a threat in the post with that frame and athleticism. Valanciunas can do a lot of the same stuff vucevic can, and may be next year he'll do it just as well and will cover more ground defensively as well. I put Adams below Valanciunas because V has that jump shot, and scores well around the basket. Adams will probably be a better defender out of the gate than valanciunas was, and he's a lot bigger coming into the nba than Valanciunas. I think Adams has above average athleticism, and has a steep learning curve which is why i put him with kanter as more of a developemental big. Drummond was raw, but he just used his otherworldy athleticism that could not be matched even in the nba. Adams isn't that athletic, and while big for a 19 year old is not oversized at center by nba standards. I expect him to be a 15-20 minute a night guy coming into the nba, but to grow into a back to the basket center, and eventually an all defensive teamer. I like Kanters back to the basket game, but not sure he has the defensive potential of adams.

I've mentioned this before, but Adams has been my favorite center prospect since Pau Gasol. Seriously. I think this kid has physical skills and coachability to be one of the best centers in the game. Of the players you listed, I would take Anthony Davis off that list because he's absolutely supposed to be a power forward. I'll give you two lists. The first is a list of where I would rank them prior to their playing in the NBA. The second list will be where they seem to be ranked after playing in the League.

Pre-Rank:
1-Steve Adams
2-Andre Drummond
3-Jonas Valanciunas
4-Nerlens Noel
5-Enes Kanter
6-Nic Vucevic
7-Bismack Biyombo

Post-Rank
1-Steven Adams
2-Jonas Valanciunas
3-Andre Drummond
4-Nic Vucevic
5-Enes Kanter
6-Nerlens Noel
7-Bismack Biyombo

Steven Adams has an ideal physical profile for a center. He's 7' tall, strong as an ox (his sister is an Olympic field athlete), seems to enjoy the game, knows he has to play a role, but wants to do more (knows he has to wait and earn it), he's probably the most coachable (willing to do whatever the coach asks) player I've ever seen. If you look back at his high school and prep days, as well as his draft workouts, you'll see that he does have offensive ability. He's not Wilt Chamberlin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Hakeem Olajuwon, but he's certainly got more skill than Omer Asik. As has been posted recently, his block rating in the NBA is predicted to be even higher than Nerlens Noel. The fact that he enjoys contact, can rebound the ball and runs the floor well, only adds to his outlook. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, if I could only come out of this draft with one player, it's absolutely, 100000% Steven Adams. The only reason I wouldn't just pick him #1 is because it would put too much pressure on him to perform right away. I don't think he'll be a polished player right out of the gate. I think he can be an Omer Asik-type player from Day 1, though. In a year, or two, I think he can be Joakim Noah. In a few years, I think he can be a healthier, more enjoyable version of Andrew Bynum.

If he's not in a Cavalier uniform, I hope I'm wrong.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

I think Adams is being overrated but he definitely has potential.

Seems more like an Enes Kanter type rather than Asik or Noah though, and that's nothing to laugh at.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

I've mentioned this before, but Adams has been my favorite center prospect since Pau Gasol. Seriously. I think this kid has physical skills and coachability to be one of the best centers in the game. Of the players you listed, I would take Anthony Davis off that list because he's absolutely supposed to be a power forward. I'll give you two lists. The first is a list of where I would rank them prior to their playing in the NBA. The second list will be where they seem to be ranked after playing in the League.

Pre-Rank:
1-Steve Adams
2-Andre Drummond
3-Jonas Valanciunas
4-Nerlens Noel
5-Enes Kanter
6-Nic Vucevic
7-Bismack Biyombo

Post-Rank
1-Steven Adams
2-Jonas Valanciunas
3-Andre Drummond
4-Nic Vucevic
5-Enes Kanter
6-Nerlens Noel
7-Bismack Biyombo

Steven Adams has an ideal physical profile for a center. He's 7' tall, strong as an ox (his sister is an Olympic field athlete), seems to enjoy the game, knows he has to play a role, but wants to do more (knows he has to wait and earn it), he's probably the most coachable (willing to do whatever the coach asks) player I've ever seen. If you look back at his high school and prep days, as well as his draft workouts, you'll see that he does have offensive ability. He's not Wilt Chamberlin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Hakeem Olajuwon, but he's certainly got more skill than Omer Asik. As has been posted recently, his block rating in the NBA is predicted to be even higher than Nerlens Noel. The fact that he enjoys contact, can rebound the ball and runs the floor well, only adds to his outlook. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, if I could only come out of this draft with one player, it's absolutely, 100000% Steven Adams. The only reason I wouldn't just pick him #1 is because it would put too much pressure on him to perform right away. I don't think he'll be a polished player right out of the gate. I think he can be an Omer Asik-type player from Day 1, though. In a year, or two, I think he can be Joakim Noah. In a few years, I think he can be a healthier, more enjoyable version of Andrew Bynum.

If he's not in a Cavalier uniform, I hope I'm wrong.

This is coming from Doolittle, the same guy who projects Oladipo 41st in the class in steals. I'm high on Adams if we can trade up and take him in the late lottery, just saying anything from Doolittle should be taken with a grain of salt.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

This is coming from Doolittle, the same guy who projects Oladipo 41st in the class in steals. I'm high on Adams if we can trade up and take him in the late lottery, just saying anything from Doolittle should be taken with a grain of salt.

My opinion of Steven Adams has come from watching him play over the last couple years. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of (and never use) advanced statistics to build a case for a player. Yes, they have some validity (depending on the stat, and what it measures), but it's not the reason I like Adams. I simply quoted the stat because it's a recent piece of news that supports what I've been saying, and can give light to those that do lean heavily on the advanced stats (the article mentions Ezeli having a higher block rate than Anthony Davis, afterall). Regardless, I know I'm in the minority on Adams--or at least the only one that thinks so highly of him. I absolutely know, and understand, why as well. He definitely struggled a bit at Pitt. His numbers were pretty pedestrian. I think he showed enough during his high school and prep school days, flashes during the season at Pitt, and even more during the pre-draft combine and during his workouts.

Like you, I'd feel much better for Adams if we could get him later in the draft. There was a time when getting him at #19 was pretty likely. However, teams are starting to realize what he can offer and he'll likely go in the top 10 now. I think we would have to get to #9 or 10, at the latest, to get him. I absolutely can see OKC taking him. It wouldn't surprise me if Philly took him, as well. Depending on how quick Portland wants to compete, and how high they are on Leonard, I could see the Blazers being interested also. Minnesota has mentioned his ability, as well. Of course, there are still a few players (Noel, McLemore, Porter, Oladipo, Bennett, Len, Zeller, Burke, etc) ranked above him, so it's pretty safe to assume he won't be a top 5 pick, however, top 10 is about his range right now. I mentioned a 3-way trade idea with Charlotte, Minnesota and us, but that's highly unlikely. Steven Adams is my target, though.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

1. <s>Nerlens Noel</s> Does not fit with thompson/varejao on cavs up front. Knee problems.

2.<s>Ben McLemore</s> Cavs have waiters. not a fit

3. Otto Porter

4. <s>Victor Oladipo</s> Again, cavs have waiters

5. <s>Anthony Bennett</s> Thompson

6. <s>Trey Burke</s> Irving

7. <s>Alex Len</s> Cavs need a center but not one with ankle problems.

8. <s>C.J. McCollum</s> Waiters again

9. <s>Cody Zeller</s> Thompson at power forward, not another zeller

10. <s>Shabazz Muhammad</s> lots of bad news recently, perhaps a liar, possible sociopath

11. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

12. <s>Michael Carter-Williams</s> Irving

13. Steven Adams

14. Giannis Adetokunbo

15. Rudy Gobert

16. Karasev

Those are probably your lottery picks assuming draftexpress is right, and i moved up gobert Karasev, and giannis, as the cavs need centers and small forwards. I crossed off the names I don't think fit with the cavs current roster or are injured assuming they keep the pick. I list a do it all small forward in Porter, a 3 and d guy in pope, a defensive small forward in Giannis, and paint protectors in Adams, and Gobert.

Of these players I'd rank them

1. Porter
2. Adams
3. Gobert
4. Pope
5. Giannis

If you compared Adams freshman year to Porters you could come away with a pretty strong arguement that Adams had the better freshman campaign and is more likely to be the cavaliers 1st pick if they keep it. Porter didn't have a very good freshman season, and was a bubble first round pick before blowing up his sophomore season. Adams has been on the nba map longer, and was considered a top recruit. Porter was not. Adams is probably overtaking Porter for the cavaliers at number one with his visit, and the unhealth of the other center prospects.

Assuming Noel, and Len were healthy I don't think Steven Adams would be getting the buzz he is. As it stands he's now the best big man prospect in the draft.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Don't think "Thompson" is a valid argument from taking another big man. As much as he has improved and as much as I love him as a player, Bennett would be an immense upgrade offensively at PF and add some nice scoring to our fromtcourt. Cavs could also play small with Tristan at the 5 at times and create an athletic lineip. Would still take Noel assuming everything checks out. Noel/Bennett/Len will probably be the pick though, in that order for me.
 
Assuming Noel, and Len were healthy I don't think Steven Adams would be getting the buzz he is. As it stands he's now the best big man prospect in the draft.

Could someone compare Adams and Drummond as prospects? I don't see a great deal of difference, but maybe that's just me?
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

1. <s>Nerlens Noel</s> Does not fit with thompson/varejao on cavs up front. Knee problems.

2.<s>Ben McLemore</s> Cavs have waiters. not a fit

3. Otto Porter

4. <s>Victor Oladipo</s> Again, cavs have waiters

5. <s>Anthony Bennett</s> Thompson

6. <s>Trey Burke</s> Irving

7. <s>Alex Len</s> Cavs need a center but not one with ankle problems.

8. <s>C.J. McCollum</s> Waiters again

9. <s>Cody Zeller</s> Thompson at power forward, not another zeller

10. <s>Shabazz Muhammad</s> lots of bad news recently, perhaps a liar, possible sociopath

11. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

12. <s>Michael Carter-Williams</s> Irving

13. Steven Adams

14. Giannis Adetokunbo

15. Rudy Gobert

16. Karasev

Those are probably your lottery picks assuming draftexpress is right, and i moved up gobert Karasev, and giannis, as the cavs need centers and small forwards. I crossed off the names I don't think fit with the cavs current roster or are injured assuming they keep the pick. I list a do it all small forward in Porter, a 3 and d guy in pope, a defensive small forward in Giannis, and paint protectors in Adams, and Gobert.

Of these players I'd rank them

1. Porter
2. Adams
3. Gobert
4. Pope
5. Giannis

If you compared Adams freshman year to Porters you could come away with a pretty strong arguement that Adams had the better freshman campaign and is more likely to be the cavaliers 1st pick if they keep it. Porter didn't have a very good freshman season, and was a bubble first round pick before blowing up his sophomore season. Adams has been on the nba map longer, and was considered a top recruit. Porter was not. Adams is probably overtaking Porter for the cavaliers at number one with his visit, and the unhealth of the other center prospects.

Assuming Noel, and Len were healthy I don't think Steven Adams would be getting the buzz he is. As it stands he's now the best big man prospect in the draft.
Why stop there?

1. <s>Nerlens Noel</s> Does not fit with thompson/varejao on cavs up front. Knee problems.

2.<s>Ben McLemore</s> Cavs have waiters. not a fit

3. Otto Porter Not athletic enough to separate from a man in concrete boots

4. <s>Victor Oladipo</s> Again, cavs have waiters

5. <s>Anthony Bennett</s> Thompson

6. <s>Trey Burke</s> Irving

7. <s>Alex Len</s> Cavs need a center but not one with ankle problems.

8. <s>C.J. McCollum</s> Waiters again

9. <s>Cody Zeller</s> Thompson at power forward, not another zeller

10. <s>Shabazz Muhammad</s> lots of bad news recently, perhaps a liar, possible sociopath

11. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Why was he on the worst team in college basketball?

12. <s>Michael Carter-Williams</s> Irving

13. Steven Adams Why did he suck all season?

14. Giannis Adetokunbo Played against children this year.

15. Rudy Gobert Gumby. Boom. Roasted

16. Karasev Possible head case

Point is, you can find question marks on every single player if you really want to nit-pick as much you did for certain players.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Oladipo's head is way too small bro. Small head = small brain.

Do not want.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Oladipo's head is way too small bro. Small head = small brain.

Do not want.

As someone with a small head, I take great offense to this :fu:
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Will be the Meyers Leonard of this draft.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Could someone compare Adams and Drummond as prospects? I don't see a great deal of difference, but maybe that's just me?

Drummond weighed in at 280, and measured out at the combine just as athletic as Adams while weighing 25 pounds more. Drummonds gets off the ground in a hurry. it's like kemp. As far as their games go they play a similar style-pound the boards, and both look to be very good defensively with center frames. Both pursue rebounds. they are not really the types to box out and let some else worry about the rebound. Neither can shoot free throws. I'd say the difference is size. Drummond came into the league baby shaq. Adams still has to fill out his huge frame. They are similar prospects.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Could someone compare Adams and Drummond as prospects? I don't see a great deal of difference, but maybe that's just me?

Adams and Drummond are pretty different prospects, and I'll get into more detail how but let me ask you this. If you think Adams and Drummond are similar prospects, wouldn't that make him a pretty exciting player to get? Leading up to the draft, people had tons of questions about him (I had him at #2 on my board) but his play throughout the year showed the talent that he really has.

As for the differences between Adams and Drummond--Andre Drummond is by far more athletic. He's got guard-like quickness, leaps off the ground in a split-second and runs the floor like a deer. If he keeps improving and learns to play with his head as much as his body, he could cause serious problems for the rest of the NBA. He's JaVale McGee's athleticism in Marc Gasol's body. Steven Adams, while incredibly athletic in his own right, isn't nearly the athlete that Drummond is. That said, Adams offers a ruggedness/toughness that is rare in today's NBA. He's strong as an ox, embraces and enjoys contact and plays through it. He has shown flashes of a face-up game and a jumpshot out to 15' (something Drummond probably won't be able to do, ever). Adams will be a work in progress, as is Drummond, and like Drummond, the things he does well (block shots, defend, rebound, run the floor) are things that he can do immediately in the NBA. Adams' work ethic is off the charts, as is his coachability. If his coach asked him to wear a chicken suit and bang his head into a wall, he'd do it happily. While Drummond has uncharted potential, I think Adams is more likely to reach his almost as incredible potential.

Adams can be an Omer Asik from Day 1, Joakim Noah within a couple years, and (possibly) an Andrew Bynum (minus the issues) if he reaches his potential.

Drummond can be JaVale McGee easily, DeAndre Jordan with a little work, and (possibly) a hybrid of Karl Malone and Shaq if he reaches his potential.
 
Re: Of Steven Adams

Don't think "Thompson" is a valid argument from taking another big man. As much as he has improved and as much as I love him as a player, Bennett would be an immense upgrade offensively at PF and add some nice scoring to our fromtcourt. Cavs could also play small with Tristan at the 5 at times and create an athletic lineip. Would still take Noel assuming everything checks out. Noel/Bennett/Len will probably be the pick though, in that order for me.

I'm not sure Bennett projects to be a better prospect than thompson. I agree he has potential, but I think similar to thompson he's got limitations physically and athletically that will keep him from being an impact player at the 4. I view Noel as an up grade over Thompson which is why I would select him even though I view him at power forward like Thompson. I don't really see this crop of point guard, shooting guards, and power forwards being all that good, which is why I don't think the cavaliers will go that route. I like the centers, and some of the small forwards, which is what we need anyway.
 

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