2013 NBA Draft

[csb669]

Is hitting a baseball a skill? It combines timing, reaction, coordination and physical tools much like shot blocking

Touche. I see your point, I just don't think it's anywhere near on the same level. I was not joking when I said you can grab someone who has never seen a basketball before and they can block a shot. It happens frequently in countries where basketball isn't as popular. Hitting a baseball (especially a 90mph fastball or a curve) requires a bit more practice and technique.

 

[AZCavs]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Cleveland is still shopping around and trying to pull off a trade, according to source. One source said Cavs are trying to "do a mega deal."</p>— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/statuses/349933711913005057">June 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A mega deal? No dice. A super-mega deal? I'm listening.

 

[CodyL1121]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>NBA Draft prospect Nerlens Noel (knee) says he's optimistic he will be 100 percent ready to play by November. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nbadraft&amp;src=hash">#nbadraft</a></p>&mdash; Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/349934682768543745">June 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[The Human Q-Tip]

Just stating the facts:

Definition of SKILL
1obsolete : cause, reason
2a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability <language skills>


A skill requires learning and knowledge. If you can do it based on sheer instinct and reaction alone, it isn't really a skill.

Steals and blocks at the obscene rate Noel does requires the ability to read what the offense is doing, anticipate passes so as to jump passing lanes and be ready to meet the shooter for a block, understand where your teammates are and when the right time is to risk a steal or leave your man for a block, etc.. That's all basketball I.Q. stuff, which is not something you're just born with. It's learned.

And unlike some guys whose risk-taking in terms of blocks and steals leaves the defense exposed and can be a negative, Noel's defensive presence was a game-changing advantage for his team. He knew the exact right time to make those moves within the context of the overall defense, improved in terms of keeping balls inbounds and directing them to other players on his team, etc.. His coach also said he'd call out defensive instructions to other players and help coordinate the entire on-floor defense. The guy understands the game.

 

[MarkPriceFan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>NBA Draft prospect Nerlens Noel (knee) says he's optimistic he will be 100 percent ready to play by November. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nbadraft&src=hash">#nbadraft</a></p>— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/349934682768543745">June 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
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If true, you gotta assume he's the guy.

 

[winner0274]

There are four basic components to blocking shots.

1) Height / wing span
2) Quick leaper (athleticism)
3) Timing
4) Effort

Timing is the only one of those that could be remotely construed as a skill, but it's a very reactive quality, not necessarily a learned one.

I'm a hockey goalie and going by your logic there is no skill involved since it's just reacting to pucks being shot.

 

[Ohio]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>NBA Draft prospect Nerlens Noel (knee) says he's optimistic he will be 100 percent ready to play by November. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nbadraft&src=hash">#nbadraft</a></p>— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/349934682768543745">June 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
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/debate.

Welcome to Cleveland, Nerlens.

 

[Anglefan]

Makes me uneasy that he is saying that now. I don't think he should play in November.

 

[Ohio]

Ford's chat has started.

Zac (New York)

Be honest. You're ready for the draft to be over, right? Go home, lay on the beach, forget that this (the most unpredictable draft all time!) week ever happened? Maybe spend two seconds without someone asking you what the Cavs are gonna do at #1?

Chad Ford (1:03 PM)

No way. My favorite time of the year. Love it. Love the intrigue. Wish I KNEW what Cavs were doing at one, but it makes it more suspenseful. As to what the Cavs are going to do? I don't know. I don't think they know. However, reading the tea leaves, I think Noel is the favorite. Could be Len, Bennett or Porter. But if I was betting man, based on all my conversations with people, he's the guy.

Jordan (Chicago)

Are the cavs going to be able to trade the number 1 pick for a proven veteren. Are they trying to do so, and what teams would they be talking to right now?

Chad Ford (1:04 PM)

They are trying. Not sure they're going to pull it off. Doubtful actually. Trades are hard to do period. But here the Cavs want A LOT in return for the No. 1 and I just don't think teams really value it. To get a very good young player, it's going to take more than the No. 1 pick. They'll likely have to deal Tristan Thompson too.

Billy (Orlando)

The steals stat for college big man is really intriguing to me. How much does this weigh your opinion of Noel and do you think it's a big factor in how teams determine his worth?

Chad Ford (1:06 PM)

It's a big factor in many of the analytical models that teams use. Steals are a predictor of NBA success for big men. Noel averaged 2.2 steals per game. Len averaged 0.2 steals per game. That's a big factor hurting him in various analytics studies. It speaks to Noel's superior athleticism and motor.

Zach (Cedar Falls)

If you were the cavs, would you heavily consider oladipo? obviously they took waiters last year, but i feel they need a more dynamic wing player. also, would you flip thompson and the number one for a player like a rudy gay?

Chad Ford

I would. If I was the Cavs GM it would be: 1. Noel 2. Oladipo 3. Porter

JD (VA)

Mavs found a trade partner yet for their first rounder?

Chad Ford (1:34 PM)

They're talking to everyone right now. I still think it's likely that they trade their pick tomorrow. The Cavs are obvious partners, but it's a very tricky trade given Marion's ETO status and the Cavs needing to wait to clear cap space. Other options are out there. If they keep the pick, it will be because a favorite, like Michael Carter-Williams slips to them.

 

[CalBuckeyeRob]

I can block a shot by a 10 year old right now without any training at all. But blocking shots with any consistency of actual athletes of similar age takes a series of skills. You need to determine who is going to shoot, where the ball will leave their hand, get to the top of the release, all while avoiding running them down and getting called for a foul. Watch the videos of Noel and you will see plenty of blocked shots of guys he was not guarding. It takes skill to be defending one guy and block the shot of another.

 

[dawgpridetosu]

Just stating the facts:

Definition of SKILL
1obsolete : cause, reason
2a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability <language skills>


A skill requires learning and knowledge. If you can do it based on sheer instinct and reaction alone, it isn't really a skill.

There are few things quite as awesome on a messaging board than someone posting something stupid, getting called out, and then responding and further proving their stupidity.

 

[Heights]

I would say I was 100% going to be ready to play at the start of the season too if I wanted to be the first pick in the draft and the number 1 team wasn't sure what they were doing...

 

[Soar]

Sorry if posted.

James Ennis ‏@JamesDa_Truth 41m
Good workout with the Cavs back to la I go ))

 

[Rich]

I think people are really setting themselves up for disappointment if they still want oladipo or bennet. Those are really long shots now. Close to saying Mclemore is on that list too and Porter might not be far behind. Just judging the media reports, id be stunned if its someone besides len or noel.

 

[catfish]

I think people are really setting themselves up for disappointment if they still want oladipo or bennet. Those are really long shots now. Close to saying Mclemore is on that list too and Porter might not be far behind. Just judging the media reports, id be stunned if its someone besides len or noel.

Dont always believe everything you read.