Tuesday Bolts – 6.24.14
Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe with a good piece on draft comps: “Rather, Embiid is being compared with Olajuwon at that stage, when both were young, and the comparison provides not only a point of reference, but it also offers a “ceiling” of just how good he might one day become. These comparisons are popular among fans, especially when a tantalizing young prospect is linked to a dominant NBA player, such as a Hall of Famer. And many of the comparisons come about because both players have similar builds, backgrounds, or playing styles. But all too often, comparisons are too easy, outlandish, or inaccurate, which ultimately can create lofty and unrealistic expectations.”
Darnell Mayberry: “As the NBA Draft approaches Thursday night, one question looms large. Can the Thunder do it again? Armed with two selections in the bottom third of the first round, the 21st and 29th picks, can the Thunder again come away with a steal? If anyone can do it, the Thunder seems to be that team. No team has had more success drafting in the 20s over the past six seasons than the Thunder, which over that span has acquired everything from stars to sixth men to promising sleepers.”
Anthony Slater: “Because of its current roster construction, OKC is unlikely to utilize both selections. First round picks are given guaranteed contracts and, already layered with developing talent and expected to be active in free agency, there doesn’t seem to be room on the roster for two more young projects. So if no appealing transaction unfolds, maybe general manager Sam Presti ships one of his picks for a future asset. It’s possible a fringe playoff team might love a guy at 21 or 29 and be willing to give up next year’s first rounder. Then you hope that team finds its way into the lottery. Side note: Some GMs might think the 21st pick in this draft is comparable to a late lottery pick in most other drafts.”
LeBron opted out. LeBron opted out!
LeBron in every team’s jersey.
Chad Ford has OKC taking Kyle Anderson at 21: “After watching Diaw tear through the Finals for the Spurs, maybe the Thunder need their own version of him. Anderson’s ability to facilitate from the 4 is special and could be a nice fit in a Thunder offense that could use a real distributor. North Carolina State’s T.J. Warren is another possibility here.”
