Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

[bphil]

After the draft, and especially after watching the Orlando summer league, I was over the moon about the Pacers' current rookie class. I saw a bright future for the team, and that's the first time I've felt that way in years.

Fast-forward a few months and we have Stephenson who is likely going to be suiting up for the Rikers Island Penitentiary intramural squad in the near future, and Rolle who has been cut. So basically we're left with Paul George (who I do still have high hopes for).

In July I would have given Bird an "A" for this year's draft. Now, however, I would probably downgrade that to a "B-" or a "C+".

Thoughts?

[bphil]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

Er... sorry, this thread was double posted... can an admin delete this one please?

[BPump33]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

After the draft, and especially after watching the Orlando summer league, I was over the moon about the Pacers' current rookie class. I saw a bright future for the team, and that's the first time I had felt that way in years.

Fast-forward a few months and we have Stephenson who is likely going to be suiting up for the Rikers Island Penitentiary intramural squad in the near future, and Rolle who has been cut. So basically we're left with Paul George (who I do still have high hopes for).

In July I would have given Bird an "A" for this year's draft. Now, however, I would probably downgrade that to a "B-" or a "C+".

Thoughts?

I liked Magnum (mainly his personality), but I understand why he was cut.

I don't like Lance's alleged actions, at all. However, even though I probably shouldn't, I will still cheer for him b/c he's wearing a Pacers uniform. I think it's become a moral issue for each individual on the Lance situation.

I am very excited to see PG play.

No disrespect, but I think we should wait until we've actually played some games to judge the rookies.

[90'sNBARocked]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

I would still give them an A

They took chances for the first time in Birds tenure, and didnt go for the safe , warm and cuddly pick

No matter hwo it turns out I give them an A

[BRushWithDeath]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

A lot better quite frankly. Much of my initial Paul George skepticism has turned to hope. Stephenson is what I thought he was. A project who probably won't turn out to be anything. I always knew Magnum's only prayer at a roster spot was a trade. George has me excited.

[BillS]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

C+? Because they cut a 2nd round guy and don't know the status of the other one?

Man, you grade harsh.

I could understand the criteria for an A being that your first round pick is a potential starter or sixth man and your second round pick makes the rotation. But to drop it to C if your first round pick meets that expectation but your second round picks do not is rough.

I'd consider "C (average)" to be that your first round pick is a potential rotation player in the future and your second round pick gets cut or sent to Europe. Seems we're well into "B" range even with the current situation.

[bballpacen]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

Absolutely, lets wait a few months, after we get some time to see their performances in the regular season... But for sake of argument, I would still go with an A... I dont think that it would have mattered who we drafted instead of Rolle, that was going to be the one cut... As for the Lance issue... Until there is a verdict one way or the other, according to the law of this great country, he is innocent... Like it or not...

[BringJackBack]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

We got the only player left I was interested in in the first round.. so in my books I like the first round. The only players I really like are Wall, Cousins, George, Turner, and Hayward.

Magnum just isn't all that and Lance has all the talent and if he is able to stick around -I am not implying in any way whatsoever that I believe he is innocent or that he should be freed so he should play for us or that the charges should be dropped or Jasmine is not the victim or any of that at all- than I still think that this draft has been an A- B+ in my book.

Paul George is going to be a monster.

[croz24]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

got exactly who i wanted at pick #10 in round 1. VERY disappointed we were not able to land jarvis varnado in round 2. just don't understand the logic behind trading for a nobody who couldn't even make 1st team all-wac, yet we couldn't find a deal for the national defensive player of the year, 3 time sec defensive player of the year, ncaa all time shot blocking leader, and 1st team all sec player jarvis varnado? i would hate to see varnado turn into another antonio davis, which he very well could.

[xBulletproof]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

I'd give them an A.

Second round picks are longshots, and while they can make your draft if you hit a homerun, I don't think it's fair to act like missing on a 2nd rounder (or two) can break your draft in the least.

I was happy with George the day we got him, he was exactly who I wanted. First time in my life a team I cheered for picked the guy I wanted. He's done nothing to disappoint, and I think he's better than I expected off the bat. He deserves to be in the rotation starting his rookie year. I didn't think there was anyway that would happen.

[SMosley21]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

I would still give them an A

They took chances for the first time in Birds tenure, and didnt go for the safe , warm and cuddly pick

No matter hwo it turns out I give them an A

That's a little odd I would say. So if Paul and Lance both turn out to be terrible this season, you would still give the Pacers an A grade for the draft?

[TinManJoshua]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

PG24's floor was high, but his ceiling is higher. He's already shown the floor.

I can't tell what's gonna happen with Lance. After a ruling, we'll find out.

Magnum got cut and my feelings aren't hurt.

I'd still give the draft at least a A-. Ask this question in two years and the answer will probably change.

[MyFavMartin]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

I'd have preferred Gani Lawal and Hamady Ndiaye in the 2nd round. I like PG at #10 pick and rumors were that NO would have taken him at #11. It's too bad that we didn't leverage that to address our roster spaces issues, but I trust that TPTB liked what they saw in individual workouts with PG to justify the pick.

There were guys that I did like available later in the first round: Ed Davis, Patrick Patterson, and Eric Bledsoe. I trust TPTB tried to make a move, didn't get offers they liked, and went with the solid pick of PG at #10. I'm sure lots of teams knew we wanted to move back but didn't see the cost of moving up to #10 worth it.

Time will tell. It's hard to judge this early.

I'm glad we've not suffered a set back like the Raptors or GS did with their pick. I'm also very happy that Tyler is back.

Davis is raw and a couple years away and PP I don't see as much better than Tyler/McBob.

[Hibbert]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

Lance Stephenson won't be going anywhere, he wont be going to jail or prison. He is a very unique talent and I was thrilled we were able to get him in the 2nd round. I think he is worth the risk 110%. Coming out of highschool he was the 3rd overall ranked player in the country. He had offers from Kansas, USC, Memphis, Maryland, eventually playing at Cinci. He has flaws, he is immature but still very young, he might be a head case, he is a me first selfish type player, and has a reputation for not getting along with or listening to his coaches, some called him un-coachable. The ball is in Lance's court now, what he decides to do with his talent and with his life is all up to him. He has potential to be a star in this league, I hope he proves his doubters wrong and becomes the player I can see him being. Can he do it? Of course. Will he grow up and put his past behind him? We will soon find out. I will root for him, support him to the fullest, and wish him the best. If he doesn't work out, it was worth a shot. If he becomes all he can be, watch out.

[MillerTime]

Re: Pacers '10 draft... how do we feel now?

Quite frankly, I didnt expect Rolle to make the team.

George is going to be a project. Dont expect him to step in right away and start contributing. He'll have a few games here and there where he shows a glimpes of star potential, but I dont think he'll be consistent in his rookie season. Give him 3 or 4 years and I wouldnt be surprised if he was a regular in the All Star game.

Lance is still a very good pick for the 2nd round. We all know the kid can ball, but his off-court issues are questionable, but this isnt/wasnt a shock to anyone, including upper management. Bird knew exactly what he was going to get himself into when he drafted Lance. Some of these guys in into the league and mature as their career progresses and a clear example of that is Artest and Stephen Jackson. Both were lunatics in Indy, while they were young, but both have now matured and are having successful careers.

Give Lance sometime. Hopefully he'll realize how serious these immature incidents can impact his life.