The Raptors and the 2015 Draft

[Bandit]

If Lowry and DD were traded on draft night for prospects and picks, a great way to deflect a lot of criticism is to draft a Canuck, eh?

Stop playing with my emotions...

And great write ups DanH. Really nice analysis

[007]

Don't think we're going to draft an SF. Too many options at PG and PF.

[Mindlessness]

I like Wood.



I said that on purpose, deal with it.

[Joey]

I like Wood.



I said that on purpose, deal with it.

[Cody73]

I like Wood too. (And technically I do mean both. Deal with it.)

[blackjitsu]

Was looking at Draft Express's practice footage of Center Robert Upshaw. What's everyone's take on him? I guess he's a mess off the court, but thanks to that he'll fall past the Raps. He was NCAA's top shot blocker, and with the new tools he's added offensively, he could potentially play a little PF. Thoughts? Is he too much of a head case?

[007]

Way too much of a head case. He's probably going to screw up in the NBA as well.

[MixxAOR]

Drummond was a "headcase" too.

[Just Is]

Drummond was a "headcase" too.

Too be fair, Drummond had a TON of red flags.

[Axel]

Drummond was a "headcase" too.

Drummond didn't get kicked off of multiple NCAA teams.

[MixxAOR]

All I care about is that he's a mobile 7 footer with 7.4 wingspan. One of the top in defensive rebounding and one of the best rim protectors. Everything else is irrelevant.

[Joey]

All I care about is that he's a mobile 7 footer with 7.4 wingspan. One of the top in defensive rebounding and one of the best rim protectors. Everything else is irrelevant.

Can't really say its "irrelevant" ... its certainly relevant when discussing prospects, to determine whether their off-court behaviour could negatively affect what you are trying to do on the court... see Ron Artest, Michael Beasley, Larry Sanders, Javaris Crittenton, Latrell Speewell etc ....

[ceez]

everything else isn't irrelevant. a big part of being a professional player is accountability. can you trust this guy not to implode?

[MixxAOR]

In my opinion talent comes first. I'm willing to take a risk with him being a headcase (smoked weed). It's a coaches and GM's responsibility to create an environment where he can develop as a player and a person. Coach needs to be able to teach accountability. For some players it takes time for example James Johnson. But you don't give up on talent.

[Axel]

In my opinion talent comes first. I'm willing to take a risk with him being a headcase (smoked weed). It's a coaches and GM's responsibility to create an environment where he can develop as a player and a person. Coach needs to be able to teach accountability. For some players it takes time for example James Johnson. But you don't give up on talent.

To a certain extent, yes, but ultimately a player has to man up as a person and take responsibility for their actions. Kicked off 2 teams in under 3 years and failing multiple drug tests does not sound like a person who has done that yet. He can block a million shots, but it's not much help if he's constantly getting suspended.

Smoking weed may not be the worst offence, but it is still against the rules, and if you want to earn a living playing in the NBA, you need to follow the rules.