-
Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.
Adams vs Gobert vs Len (alphabetical order and such)
- Thread starter KB
- Start date
Meh. I really agree with what Tom Heckert said with regard to his draft strategy. If he is your guy and you like him, take him.
What if someone trades up to 4 to get him after you move down to 5? If he is highest on your board, take him.
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2007
- Messages
- 21,138
- Reaction score
- 57,968
- Points
- 148
I don't have any problem with the Cavs picking their guy (whoever it is) at #1. Obviously better to trade down and get your guy lower, but that's a luxury. Maybe the Cavs can pull that off but I'm not going to worry if they don't.
I'm very curious to see where the two big guys end up landing. Do they go #1 and #2? Does one or do both fall out of the top #5 due to concerns (injury/etc.)?
I wasn't implying that he was the Cavs top player. If Noel was their top guy, I'd want them to take him too. Just making a comment regarding draft strategy. I don't think its worth trading down a few slots in this draft. Teams like Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix, Washington won't give up good assets. Better off just having the first pick of the litter imo.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
- Messages
- 36,809
- Reaction score
- 94,110
- Points
- 148
I've read posts like this for three weeks. Yawn. Quoting experts, using statistics, use of stats or quotes that push a different #1 pick, anything that supports statements like these would be a welcome change of pace.
Last edited:
Anglefan
Getting a lot of that weak stuff outta here!
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2009
- Messages
- 1,912
- Reaction score
- 2,851
- Points
- 113
We've all seen the stats and watched the videos. He doesn't have any elite skills. He's big and has some potential. That's it. Every other potential pick has some sort of elite NBA skill. He has by far the lowest floor of any potential pick. Noel, Bennett, Oladipo, Porter, and McClemore all project as good NBA players at worst. Len could be a complete non factor in the league and at best he's a more athletic Z. Everyone else has a higher ceiling. I can't believe the Cavs will think this guy is their best option.
EdMonix11
All-Star
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2012
- Messages
- 5,029
- Reaction score
- 5,777
- Points
- 113
The thing about Alex Len is that you need to look at his individual skills to evaluate him properly. First, he's 7'1" 255 lbs.; he'll fill-out to 275-280 and that's a fucking load.
Second, he has a very refined low-post game. I see so many posts on here complaining about how the Cavs don't have a low-post threat, well, Alex Len is probably the best of the low-post centers over the past few drafts. He can Sikma, which many can't do, he also pivots well, has a drop step, a turnaround jumper, and a nice jump hook. He needs work with his left hand though his fadeaway jumper helps in that regard; like Marc Gasol.
Third, he has a mid-range game. He's not just a low-post and spot-up threat. Again, he can face-up, and drive to the hoop. Give him a cushion, and he'll shoot a jumper. He'd help an offense that really needs someone of his skill-set in the middle.
Fourth, he averaged over 2 blocks per game last season, and even more during his Freshman season, so he can certainly protect the rim. He also uses his body and goes straight up to contest shots very well; so he might not get credited with a block, but he certainly forced the shooter to adjust their shot. He accomplishes this with his footwork. I can't preach enough for people to just watch his feet, they're tremendous.
Lastly, Len rebounds the ball at a high rate, and at 7'1" 255 lbs, he should be able to compete for boards right off the bat in the NBA and he's not going to be pushed off his spot.
To me, he's by far the best option for the Cavs. They really need a player that will help on both sides of the ball and Len fits that bill better than anyone else in the draft. Feel free to disagree.....
Second, he has a very refined low-post game. I see so many posts on here complaining about how the Cavs don't have a low-post threat, well, Alex Len is probably the best of the low-post centers over the past few drafts. He can Sikma, which many can't do, he also pivots well, has a drop step, a turnaround jumper, and a nice jump hook. He needs work with his left hand though his fadeaway jumper helps in that regard; like Marc Gasol.
Third, he has a mid-range game. He's not just a low-post and spot-up threat. Again, he can face-up, and drive to the hoop. Give him a cushion, and he'll shoot a jumper. He'd help an offense that really needs someone of his skill-set in the middle.
Fourth, he averaged over 2 blocks per game last season, and even more during his Freshman season, so he can certainly protect the rim. He also uses his body and goes straight up to contest shots very well; so he might not get credited with a block, but he certainly forced the shooter to adjust their shot. He accomplishes this with his footwork. I can't preach enough for people to just watch his feet, they're tremendous.
Lastly, Len rebounds the ball at a high rate, and at 7'1" 255 lbs, he should be able to compete for boards right off the bat in the NBA and he's not going to be pushed off his spot.
To me, he's by far the best option for the Cavs. They really need a player that will help on both sides of the ball and Len fits that bill better than anyone else in the draft. Feel free to disagree.....
TyGuy
Make America a good boy again.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2005
- Messages
- 14,351
- Reaction score
- 13,754
- Points
- 123
That has me very uncomfortable selecting him at #1. I don't mind reaching for players you like, but this takes the cake, especially since I don't like him
TyGuy
Make America a good boy again.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2005
- Messages
- 14,351
- Reaction score
- 13,754
- Points
- 123
The stats simply don't back this up. According to the numbers I posted he is neither effective in the post, nor does he have an effective hook shot. He also hasn't run much pick and roll/pop which I think is pretty important considering our personnel.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
- Messages
- 36,809
- Reaction score
- 94,110
- Points
- 148
The fact his point guard doesn't get him the ball on pick and rolls shouldn't be an indictment against Len. The point guard isn't doing it right. The other points are totallyfair. Coachable, but fair.
TwoPistols
Sixth Man
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2012
- Messages
- 1,443
- Reaction score
- 1,292
- Points
- 113
Good breakdown. One of Len's best attributes as well is his ability to move off the ball. If you watch some film of him, he cuts to the hoop very well, finding open areas for easy dunks off drives. He'll definitely be able to translate that when Kyrie and Dion are getting to the rim at will. It will also be beneficial in the pick and roll. Len shot 68.1% on cuts. He knows how to get easy baskets. Ironically, the worst part of his game percentage wise is post-ups, where he shoots 39.3%. That's encouraging to me. He's already got some great moves, but get him working with Z like Tristan, and those numbers will see a boost. When he becomes more efficient at finishing these, he will be an absolute load.
AZCavs
Sixth Man
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2009
- Messages
- 1,515
- Reaction score
- 2,106
- Points
- 113
Beat me to the punch. Len doesn't have a refined post game... like, at all. I like when he finishes strong around the basket, but he is just as tentative as he is aggressive around the hoop. Now lets factor in that the Cavs have both Hibbert and Noah in their division.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
- Messages
- 36,809
- Reaction score
- 94,110
- Points
- 148
I'd love to see the same statistical breakdowns for Adams and Dieng, if they are available. I don't need Noels since he is only in play if his knee has bones and cartilage intact.
The use of statistical analysis and tons of people continually coming up with their own system has gone overboard. Of course it should be used and come into play but ultimately a team should judge players by what they do on the court, how they look on the court, their potential and what they might be after further development, their character and work ethic, and their fit with your team.
The word "elite" should not be used in regard to any of the top players in this year's draft. The #1 pick this year should not be compared to what a #1 pick may have looked like in past drafts. That's just the nature of this year's draft at the top.
Whoever the Cavs like the best and think is the best fit they should take. I'd prefer a C and Len's skill level, that he's a true C, and that his game is a better fit with the Cavs young frontcourt players put him ahead of Noel for me.
The word "elite" should not be used in regard to any of the top players in this year's draft. The #1 pick this year should not be compared to what a #1 pick may have looked like in past drafts. That's just the nature of this year's draft at the top.
Whoever the Cavs like the best and think is the best fit they should take. I'd prefer a C and Len's skill level, that he's a true C, and that his game is a better fit with the Cavs young frontcourt players put him ahead of Noel for me.