I mean, Rubio was 2nd in ROY voting behind Kyrie. I don't like to play "what if" but the buzz around him was generally very positive until injuries slowed him down. You could do a lot worse than a healthy Rubio at #5.
-
Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.
2020 NBA Draft
- Thread starter blommen
- Start date
I mean, Rubio was 2nd in ROY voting behind Kyrie. I don't like to play "what if" but the buzz around him was generally very positive until injuries slowed him down. You could do a lot worse than a healthy Rubio at #5.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
- Messages
- 36,744
- Reaction score
- 93,847
- Points
- 148
I agree, especially with his added length. The way this league is going I'd prefer a perimeter player who can switch and most importantly disrupt three point shots. Staying in front of a quick player is important, but rotating onto three point shooters has become more important. Ball will be able to do that down the line. I don't think he is going to be there at #5, to your point, and his special length combined with playmaking will be a big reason why.
Another very "modern" thing he brings to the table is his ability to grab defensive rebounds and push the pace before the defense is set. With his passing and Sexton's speed, they'd be a real problem in transition.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2008
- Messages
- 34,087
- Reaction score
- 64,361
- Points
- 148
What about a healthy Rubio that doesn't play defense?
That's the part that leads me to think "overrated". I remember when Rubio was drafted - there was a recognition that his lack of shooting was a major drawback, but that his distributing skills plus defense would make him usable anyway. The defense was really part of the core package.
A non-defending Rubio, though....Not sure about that.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2005
- Messages
- 20,450
- Reaction score
- 33,353
- Points
- 148
I just feel like taking a gamble on Okoro seems to be the right move. If there is one thing this coaching/development team has shown that they can do, it's help players find their shot. I think Okoro with a shot is a potential star.
I think it's oversimplifying things to just say he "doesn't play defense." Just like the long contested 3's he takes on offense, he has more than his fair share of baffling brain fades on defense. But just like on offense, he has an uncanny knack for seeing the play before it happens, which combined with his length leads to a lot of rebounds and steals that typical PGs would never have a chance of getting. He needs a steady hand to guide him, even more so than most 18-year-olds, but his raw talent is really special.
MirORich
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2007
- Messages
- 32,553
- Reaction score
- 57,389
- Points
- 148
I agree. I’m hoping Edwards/Wiseman go 1-2, somehow CHA convinces themselves that they already have PG solved with Rozier/Graham and we’re able to work out a deal to jump from 5 to 3 tp grab ball.
There’s other scenarios and player I can get behind, but Ball is my main target.
kookoo
Good 'Ole J.R
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2007
- Messages
- 19,957
- Reaction score
- 15,592
- Points
- 123
Is Deni low on people's boards now? Especially if we're considering KPJ our SF of the future? Sounds like everyone wants a PG or PF at 5. Edwards also sounds like he's the consensus #1 pick but I can pretty much see any top 6 pick go at #1. Probably not a 5 just because they seem covered.
adam81king
All-Star
- Joined
- May 20, 2010
- Messages
- 5,806
- Reaction score
- 9,356
- Points
- 113
KPJ is a 2, not 3. Putting him at SF for anything other than spot duty is a risk not worth taking.
Henry Tuttle
NBA Starter
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2007
- Messages
- 1,979
- Reaction score
- 3,778
- Points
- 113
I swear KPJ looks like a 3 on the court but I know his measurables say otherwise. It’s not just the hair either, still looked the part with braids.
inliner311
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2009
- Messages
- 12,786
- Reaction score
- 13,544
- Points
- 123
I also think KPJ can play SF. There isn't that much difference between SGs and SFs against most teams. Even the difference between a PF and SF has gotten smaller in recent years.
I don't even look at players as traditional positions anymore. They are guards, wings, and bigs now. It's just a constantly changing combo of how teams use their lineups now. You need a good mix to matchup and versatility helps exploit matchups.
kookoo
Good 'Ole J.R
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2007
- Messages
- 19,957
- Reaction score
- 15,592
- Points
- 123
KPJ isn't 6'9 but he's got the skills of a prototypical SF in that he's an average shooter who is athletic. Lets call him a swing g/f. A Sexton/Porter/Dani/Love/Drummond lineup would be a pretty fun way to get a top 3 pick next year.
cabs
All-Star
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2018
- Messages
- 6,682
- Reaction score
- 8,804
- Points
- 113
I do think there is a difference, I think he is more equipped to defend the Klay's, Beal's and Harden's rather than the Kawhi's, LeBron's and Durant's of the NBA
inliner311
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2009
- Messages
- 12,786
- Reaction score
- 13,544
- Points
- 123
I would place KPJ securely in the wing category with Klay, Harden, and Kawhi. Beal I would consider a guard and I'm not sure KPJ would be able to keep up with his speed in a 7 game series. LeBron and Durant are extreme versatile, both play as a wing or a big depending on the situation of the game. LeBron will guard a guard if he has to.
KPJ might not match up with every SF in the league but I think he would be fine again the majority of them. Same goes with the majority of SGs. If a team put out 3 wings in a lineup I wouldn't be worried to throw to KPJ out there and assume he can guard at least 2 of them.