Lately HoopsVibe fans have been sending me emails with questions regarding the draft and other stuff. So here are some of my answers to those questions.
Maria from Seattle- Lance I’m so excited that the Supersonics go the #2 pick who do you think is better for Seattle Oden or Durant?
Lance- Well Maria, if I was Seattle I would take Oden you have an all-star forward in Rashard Lewis already, and he has said all season long he would like to come back. So Durant is not necessary. Seattle lacks a true quality center in their lineup and Oden would fill that void.
Texas Tim- I’m a Mavericks fan and I’m still mad the Warriors beat us. We don’t have a first round pick this year. Do you think we should trade for a fist rounder? Or do you think we’ll find a legit contributer in the second round?
Lance- Texas Tim, I don’t think the Mavericks need to trade up for a first rounder, this draft is deep enough where you can find legit contributers in the second round. The Mavericks have three second round selections, and I believe they’ll find some quality help.
Randall- The Hawks got lucky by getting the third pick and this time around we really need a PG. Do you think #3 is too high to take Conley or should we find a good trade deal?
Lance- Well Randall, I really don’t see why #3 is too high to take Conley he’s the best PG in the draft, he’s a smart and talented player who can contribute sooner than later. I would say take him that’s there biggest need, they passed on Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Raymond Felton. Now they can redeem themselves by taking Conley.
Got Paid?- I know you’re not big on young guys leaving school early when they’re not not ready yet. But don’t you think it’s wrong for the NBA to tell them they have to play one year of college ball first? They just trying to make a living, plus we send 18 year olds to war, how is 18 too young to be in the NBA?
Lance- Well Got Paid?, I hear that war point alot and it’s valid. But like most jobs in the world you have requirements and that’s one of the NBAs. Right, Wrong, or Indifferent it is what it is. It’s not gonna kill a player to try college ball first. Most players usually aren’t ready for the NBA and I still wouldn’t rely too much on the NBDL just yet. So I don’t think it’s wrong.
Enrique Norris- Lance, who do you think the most underrated player in the draft is? and the most overrated? and why?
Lance- Good question Enrique, I would say Morris Almond is the most underrated player to me. He is a complete basketball player with numerous skills on both sides on the floor. I think he’s NBA ready physically, mentally, and skill wise. I would say Joakim Noah is the most overrated to me. He’s not a bad player, but I think he won’t be as good as advertised in the NBA. He is a better team player than an individual player. Being projected as a top 5 player is way too high for a player who may very well be a 6, 7, or 8th man for a team during his career.
Amanda- I looked at your new 1st round mock draft and I was wondering, why did you let Yi Jianlian slip to 12?
Lance- Well Amanda, Jianlian is definitely worthy enough to go as high as 3. But really looking at team needs he slipped, he could definitely be higher if had more strength and had a big man mentality. Talking with team reps, they’re still not sure about his basketball passion, his age, and how he’ll play against the best competition over here on a nightly basis. So due to those factors, he slipped on my list for now.
This last message is to the ladies that are always sending me messages and pics, and wanting to know if I’m available. I’m sorry but I’m not available, but I’m flattered by the interest. For whatever reason this question is being asked more than basketball questions. So I wanted to clear the air with that.
Thank you HoopsVibe fans for all the wonderful questions and comments. I enjoy them all and I look forward to more in the future.
