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Following potential 2014 draftees

LaVine looked ridiculous in the first half last night. So tantalizing as a prospect. He reminds me of Mclemore with his athleticism and shooting, but Mclemore couldn't do anything off the bounce and it's showing now in the league. LaVine looks to be as much a scorer as he is a shooter, can really handle and score off the bounce, pull up or get to the rim. Defends pretty well too, in fact, Alford had him guarding Carson whenever they were in the game together.

He's been inconsistent and he doesn't get a ton of minutes not starting, but man, I'd be scared to pass on him in a draft.

I like him as well. He's got the tools to be very good, but does he have the it factor and desire to be great? Time will tell. If I had to choose between him and Smart I'd take LaVine.
 
I like him as well. He's got the tools to be very good, but does he have the it factor and desire to be great? Time will tell. If I had to choose between him and Smart I'd take LaVine.

I think I've seen Smart more than anybody else this season - probably 10-12 times - and I still don't know what to think of him. First, I think he's a two, not a point. He has some big time positives - strong, athletic, nice handle for two, passes extremely well for a two, rebounds from the guard spot, is a good defender (probably the best in the draft), seems to have the intangibles you want, is a playmaker on defense, gets to the FT line, and has had two huge games recently. But...his shooting is a huge concern. He hasn't improved much from his freshman season and he's actually regressed from the FT line. Even in that huge game against Texas last week, was 4-11 FGs.

After all that, stick a gun to my head, I probably take LaVine too, despite the fact that Smart has been the man and LaVine is still a virtual unknown. LaVine's ceiling would just be too much to pass on.
 
I think I've seen Smart more than anybody else this season - probably 10-12 times - and I still don't know what to think of him. First, I think he's a two, not a point. He has some big time positives - strong, athletic, nice handle for two, passes extremely well for a two, rebounds from the guard spot, is a good defender (probably the best in the draft), seems to have the intangibles you want, is a playmaker on defense, gets to the FT line, and has had two huge games recently. But...his shooting is a huge concern. He hasn't improved much from his freshman season and he's actually regressed from the FT line. Even in that huge game against Texas last week, was 4-11 FGs.
Good description.
For some reason i want to not like smart but im having hard time with it.
Same goes for aaron gordon
 
The redeeming quality about Smart is his ability to play defense. I think he can guard 3 positions. If Hayward can shoot 40% from 3 then i wouldnt mind Smart.

I am not convinced of Gordons IT factor. He will be a good to very good compliment peice.

I want to see lavine play on both sides of the ball before i say i would take him before Smart.

I like Austin as a potential strech 4 but i like Payne a lot more.

I am really liking what i am seeing from Embiid sure he still does some boneheaded stuff but man his foot work is amazing for a player his young and size. Remember bigs are usually late bloomers.
 
how is this assessment of Embiid?

Strengths:
- Timing
- Versatility
- Ability to face the basket
- Nimble footwork
- Shot-blocking skills
- Strong Intangibles
- Work ethic
- Passing skills
- Above average athleticism
- Fluidity
- Mid-range Jumper

Weakness:
- Physical Toughness
- Older than class peers
- Average explosiveness
- Lower body strength
- Defensive rebounding


Defensive rotations are a strength. He covers ground on defense as well as Favors does. That's why having both on the floor together would give every other player an insurance policy.

Burke, Hayward/Burks, a 3D guy, Favors and Embiid would be a serious team.

I also think Embiid could become a 20-point scorer and a go-to post scorer, who can pass from the low block.
 
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