Hammons & the UK exodus

[Beeazlebub]

7 players from UK have declared for the draft, including post players Dakari Johnson and Willie Cauley-Stein.

Not that I think Hammons will declare, but I'd take him over both Johnson and Cauley-Stein.

-Better rim protector
-Better Rebounder
-Better offensive player

The only advantage Cauley-Stein brings is the ability to defend on the perimeter.

With Johnson, it wouldn't even be close, and I'll be surprised if he ends up on a roster next season.

 

[boiler-deuce]

The more big men that declare the more it makes the picture muddy. IMO, makes AJ less likely to declare. JMHO.

 

[nat100]

Cauley Stein is the best defensive big man in the draft. I think he will be able to guard two positions at the next level. That will land him in the lottery for sure

 

[boilerdan_45]

Re: Hammons & the UK exodus

As much as I like AJ and his game, I'd take Towns. He is going to be the next great NBA center. AJ would be a great fit for the Warriors. They have scoring all over the roster. If Hammons steps up his rebounding and gets more focused and locked in on defense, he could be the kinda player to get them over the hump. Another year at Purdue would fix that! Of course
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[nat100]

Originally posted by boilerdan_45:
As much as I like AJ and his game, I'd take Towns. He is going to be the next great NBA center. AJ would be a great fit for the Warriors. They have scoring all over the roster. If Hammons steps up his rebounding and gets more focused and locked in on defense, he could be the kinda player to get them over the hump. Another year at Purdue would fix that! Of course
Posted from Rivals Mobile

Im not sure how many more defensive rebounds he is going to get. His efforts at blocking shots in the lane takes him out of position to get a lot of rebounds,.Obviously that would change if perimeter defenders kept their men out of the paint.

 

[Jack_Ripper]

If the UK NBA defection means AJ stays another year, I'll send Cal a Christmas card.....swear to God I will....

 

[toddbrewster]

Tough Choice

Do I leave and make good money for this year or do I work hard for a year and make great money? If he leaves this year, he can make a few hundred thousand, but if he improves like he did last year, he can make a few million.

 

[coolbrees]

Re: Tough Choice

I don't agree. NBA scouts know what AJs ceiling is at this point of his career already. One year won't make a huge difference at his age IMO

 

[StateStreet123]

Re: Tough Choice

Originally posted by coolbrees:
I don't agree. NBA scouts know what AJs ceiling is at this point of his career already. One year won't make a huge difference at his age IMO

This is the exact reason it would benefit him to come back. They think they know his ceiling and assume it wont get any higher based on age. According to your logic, if he were 18 they may project a lot of upside; at 23 not so much.

That is why you have to come back and prove them wrong by SHOWING it is higher with a great season.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Re: Tough Choice

I think that coming back paid off in a big way for JaJuan Johnson. Although he didn't stick in the NBA, he did receive 2 years of guaranteed money by moving up to the first round with a strong senior year. I don't know what he is making in Turkey, but I doubt it is close to what he made in those first two guaranteed years.
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[SIBoiler2]

Re: Tough Choice

Originally posted by StateStreet123:

Originally posted by coolbrees:
I don't agree. NBA scouts know what AJs ceiling is at this point of his career already. One year won't make a huge difference at his age IMO

This is the exact reason it would benefit him to come back. They think they know his ceiling and assume it wont get any higher based on age. According to your logic, if he were 18 they may project a lot of upside; at 23 not so much.

That is why you have to come back and prove them wrong by SHOWING it is higher with a great season.

I agree. Sometimes another year doesn't help your stock but I've got to believe it made a world of difference in $$ to Kaminsky to come back for his senior year.

 

[Like_a_Boss]

Hey, with the announcements of the UK players, technically Derek Willis is now the starting 4 on the team! Suck it, haters!!!

 

[paintball1979]

Re: Tough Choice

If you look at the two pictures of AJ on the front page, I think you look at a guy that really enjoyed this season and the college athletic experience. You only have this chance once in your life. Get the insurance policy and find out what more you can extract from a great period in your life.