Aaron and Nick in the draft

Zero · Post by **Zero** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:41 pm

Not much longer until our guys will be drafted. Word going around is the Celtics are going to take Aaron. I really hope hey don't send him to Minny for K Love.

Aaron worked out for the Kings and will be working out for the Lakers later today. I will try to update all the workout tweets that go around about the guys.

Where do you see them going and who would you like see draft them?

I say Aaron to the Lakers and Nick to the 76ers in the second round.

etank34 · Post by **etank34** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:46 pm

Please don't let AG go to the Lakers. And please let Nick be drafted, period. That's all.

CalStateTempe · Post by **CalStateTempe** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:50 pm

Hope neither end up in Minny.

When is the draft?

We going to have a in-draft thread?

Zero · Post by **Zero** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:03 pm

Thursday June 26th. Def need a draft thread.

OT: but Zach Lavine jumped 46 inches today at the Lakers workout.

Main · Post by **Main** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:03 pm

Draft is the 26th. Assuming they keep Rondo, that wouldn't be a terrible fit for AG.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:21 pm

i'd much prefer him in boston with rondo and stevens than in a dying la with kobe.

dcZONAfan · Post by **dcZONAfan** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:15 pm

AG simply HAS to play with a stretch 4 to have success at the next level, at least until his jump shot becomes consistent (which I believe eventually it will). Sullinger is a perfect running mate, not to mention Olynick (or however you spell his fucking name) can stretch the floor too. With a PG like Rondo I don't see how any situation could be better than my Celts for AG, assuming they aren't blowing shit up and changing the entire roster

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:42 pm

ASUHATER! wrote:i'd much prefer him in boston with rondo and stevens than in a dying la with kobe.

Actually, he seems to have a similar work ethic to Kobe, so I think he'd be OK there. He seems less rapey than Kobe, so that's a win as well. I think Gordon is a top ten lock, but his rawness holds him back. Like I posted in a former life, I'd take him #1 because he has the best combo of motor and athleticism. He doesn't puss out like Wiggins and is much more gifted than Parker.

Nick is such a crap shoot. I wouldn't be shocked if he went late first round. I wouldn't be shocked if he went undrafted.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:43 pm

if gordon was a 65 instead of 45% ft shooter and had a somewhat reliable jumpshot, he'd be a #1 pick.

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:51 pm

ASUHATER! wrote:if gordon was a 65 instead of 45% ft shooter and had a somewhat reliable jumpshot, he'd be a #1 pick.

That's why I'd pick him first. You can develop a J, and Aaron is a hard worker. Wiggins is the tin man, and Oz is far away. Parker is a solid scorer and meh in other areas. He has Joe Johnson game.

dcZONAfan · Post by **dcZONAfan** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:59 am

Spaceman Spiff wrote:
ASUHATER! wrote:if gordon was a 65 instead of 45% ft shooter and had a somewhat reliable jumpshot, he'd be a #1 pick.
That's why I'd pick him first. You can develop a J, and Aaron is a hard worker. Wiggins is the tin man, and Oz is far away. Parker is a solid scorer and meh in other areas. He has Joe Johnson game.

Cmon I love AG as much as the next guy but his upside isn't nearly that of Wiggins and Embiid. Both of those guys can clearly become stars on both sides of the ball if they turn out as expected, while AG will never be that first option on offense (Wiggins might not be either, but I'd rather bet on him becoming that than AG). Embiid has been playing basketball for like 3 years. If health is not a factor he has HOF potential, and I think it is a stretch to say that about AG (of course it's a stretch to say that about any College Frosh, but embiid has all the skills to end up there)

prh · Post by **prh** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:49 pm

Starnet: Johnson feels at home working out for Suns

The first time Nick Johnson stepped onto the Phoenix Suns practice court, his teammate was Jahii Carson, his coach was Rex Chapman and … he was 8, maybe 9, years old.

This was a bit different.

Johnson joined Elfrid Payton and four other NBA draft prospects for a workout Thursday for the Suns, who hold three first-round picks and the No. 50 overall selection.

Widely projected as a second-round pick, Johnson is hoping to latch on to a first-round spot like the one the Suns have at No. 27. But he gave the impression Thursday that even going to Phoenix at No. 50 wouldn’t be all bad, either.

Not for a guy who grew up watching Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and company go deep into the NBA playoffs. And not for a guy who practiced inside the US Airways Center with an AND1 youth travel team coached by Chapman, a former Suns player.

With the Suns, “it was definitely one of the most exciting arenas in the NBA, and this year they got it back, I think,” Johnson said, later adding, “I would love to play at home. This is home for me.”

Johnson grew up in the Phoenix area, though he transferred to Nevada’s Findlay Prep as a junior in high school, then enrolled at UA two years later. After three seasons with the Wildcats, he opted to jump into the NBA draft pool a year early.

Although Johnson isn’t expected to gain the guaranteed money of the first round in the June 26 draft, he said he feels good about his decision to leave school.

“I had a great three years at Arizona, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Johnson said. “I think I chose the right decision just by all the feedback I’ve gotten. I think I was ready for this experience, and I’m taking advantage of it.”

The Suns were the seventh team Johnson said he has worked out for, and the public feedback from coach Jeff Hornacek and GM Ryan McDonough was also positive.

Phoenix ran the six prospects — which also included Melvin Ejim of Iowa State, Shawn Jones of Middle Tennessee State, Roscoe Smith of UNLV and T.J. Warren of North Carolina State — through a rugged workout that finished by having the prospects run as many lengths of the court as possible in three minutes.

Johnson raced through 28 lengths. The Suns said he also shot well after being worked out physically earlier in the morning.

“We try to wear guys out,” Hornacek said, adding of Johnson, “He’s strong, athletic and can really shoot the ball.”

While Johnson has had to face questions about what position he plays — he was a shooting guard at UA but has the size of an NBA point guard — McDonough indicated that Johnson’s versatility as a combo guard will help him somewhere.

“It gives you more flexibility, and with our current roster, if you can play a one or two, that’s an advantage,” McDonough said. “Guys who can only play one position are a little bit limited.

“I think like most rookies, he’ll come off the bench at first, be able to shoot the ball, put some points on the board. Defensively he’s got some strength.”

Already, Johnson has also received good feedback from Oklahoma City (which has picks No. 21 and No. 29) and Orlando (12), with both teams asking him back for a second look. The Knicks are also interested, Johnson said, if they can secure a draft pick.

Johnson said he has worked out for seven teams — the Bulls, Suns, Magic, Thunder, Hawks, Celtics and Raptors — so the visit to Phoenix gave him a much-needed rest stop at home.

After Thursday’s workout, Johnson was expecting to spend the weekend at home before leaving for a workout with the Clippers on Monday.

Then it’s back to the grind: After LA comes Denver, Houston, Minnesota and Cleveland, Johnson said, making travel even tougher than the drills teams are putting him through.

The tiring part “would be the airplanes, the travel,” Johnson said. “When you have 10 flights here to six cities in a week and a half, it’s tough. But it’s also fun. I mean, not a lot of guys are able to do this, so it’s a good experience. You get to see every practice arena and stuff like that.”

Which included that one special practice court, in that one special city.

“When I got to the hotel last night, it started to kick in,” Johnson said. “I started remembering all the practices we had here. … When I walked in, it felt like home.”

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:09 pm

dcZONAfan wrote:
Spaceman Spiff wrote:
ASUHATER! wrote:if gordon was a 65 instead of 45% ft shooter and had a somewhat reliable jumpshot, he'd be a #1 pick.
That's why I'd pick him first. You can develop a J, and Aaron is a hard worker. Wiggins is the tin man, and Oz is far away. Parker is a solid scorer and meh in other areas. He has Joe Johnson game.
Cmon I love AG as much as the next guy but his upside isn't nearly that of Wiggins and Embiid. Both of those guys can clearly become stars on both sides of the ball if they turn out as expected, while AG will never be that first option on offense (Wiggins might not be either, but I'd rather bet on him becoming that than AG). Embiid has been playing basketball for like 3 years. If health is not a factor he has HOF potential, and I think it is a stretch to say that about AG (of course it's a stretch to say that about any College Frosh, but embiid has all the skills to end up there)

Embiid does have the highest ceiling. He also broke his back, and is raw. Wiggins hasn't shown he has the heart. He floated and only asserted himself sporadically. If AG gets a J, he can put up 20 a game. He is as valuable defensively as Embiid, if not more so, right now. Embiid is a great shot blocker, but he needs to develop physically to hold his ground.

Hey, I know it's a minority opinion, but AG's drive to improve is pretty unquestioned. Does Embiid have that?

Zero · Post by **Zero** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 2:42 pm

I really think Nick is gonna do well in the NBA. He would be a great back up energy guy for a contending team.

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 4:55 pm

Zero wrote:Not much longer until our guys will be drafted. Word going around is the Celtics are going to take Aaron. I really hope hey don't send him to Minny for K Love.

Aaron worked out for the Kings and will be working out for the Lakers later today. I will try to update all the workout tweets that go around about the guys.

Where do you see them going and who would you like see draft them?

I say Aaron to the Lakers and Nick to the 76ers in the second round.

Love to see AG in a Laker uniform!

http://www.nba.com/lakers/140604workout_gordon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC52lEJGNo4

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 4:59 pm

HiCat!!!

CalStateTempe · Post by **CalStateTempe** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:10 pm

Hell Yeah! HiCAt!

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:13 pm

What's happening guys! Good to see familiar Wildcat fans. Lets get this party started..

Especially glad to see 97 here.

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:21 pm

I love this kid's game. Outstanding choice if Mitch can pull it off.

If the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately decide to stay put and keep the seventh pick in the draft, finding a player with a high floor and high ceiling should be the top priority.

The Lakers simply can't afford to miss on this pick given their lack of overall assets, and with that in mind, Arizona forward Aaron Gordon should be the player the Lakers home in on for draft day.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087 ... ron-gordon

UAtrue · Post by **UAtrue** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 7:02 pm

NBA Draft 2014: Nick Johnson another example of Arizona basketball school

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball ... basketball

.....Whether the Suns decide to draft a hometown kid or not is less important. For Arizona's purposes, Johnson's performance and his similar attitude to last year's Arizona draftee, Solomon Hill, said a bit about the direction of Sean Miller's program. Arizona has become an NBA training facility. "Not a lot of guys are doing this or able to do this," said Johnson, who will continue his busy workout tour with visits to Houston, Dallas, Denver and the Los Angeles Clippers . "It's a good experience, getting to see every practice arena, stuff like that, all the facilities, all the staffs.".....

Mocked as a mid-second round pick, he just might work his way into a selection that's viewed as a reach. Putting his name out there and not shying away from competition, there's a better chance a team will reach to select a proven winner and competitor....

But no matter where Johnson lands, he -- and fellow draftee Aaron Gordon -- will mark what's about to become the regular for the Arizona basketball program.

It's going to be pumping out NBA players with success, just as it did during the Lute Olson days.

Hell yeah!

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Sun Jun 22, 2014 8:55 am

Johnson, Gordon on different paths to NBA Draft

8 hours ago • By Bruce Pascoe

Gordon, projected as a mid-lottery pick in Thursday’s draft in Brooklyn, New York, has only auditioned for teams picking in the 4-8 range.

“He has the easy life,” Johnson told reporters in Sacramento, California, on Friday after working out for the Kings. “He asked me how many workouts I had. I think I was at 12 then. He was like, ‘Man, you been going.’”

Now he’s trying to prove in workouts that he can also play point guard while also showing off his jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism.

But because of his athleticism and willingness to play anywhere, Gordon’s position isn’t being questioned as much as his shooting.

Gordon hit just 42.2 percent of his free throws at UA last season, but has spent the spring trying to convince everyone that he’s retooled his form. His agent, Calvin Andrews, said a mental change helped, too.

“The majority of the time (this spring) he’s been focused on improving his (field-goal) shooting and free throw shooting,” Andrews said. “It’s night and day. He’s so confident in his shot now it’s ridiculous. He can shoot the ball really well right now.

“He suffered from some confidence issues in school but now he’s really confident. He feels like he can shoot like Stephen Curry right now.”

http://azstarnet.com/sports/basketball/ ... a7604.html

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 11:38 am

From all I've heard, it really does seem like a confidence thing with Aaron. He was reportedly a good free throw shooter in practice, and all the workout videos I've seen, his stroke is solid. Then games started, and...uh oh. That mental aspect really matters for being a shooter, and it's one place he could use a little arrogance. He's a humble kid, but great shooters aren't humble. They believe they won't miss, ever.

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:16 am

$$$$

Elise Gordon has brother Aaron's back as draft approaches

Elise Gordon, fresh out of Harvard with a degree and four years of college basketball experience, is planning and tracking all of her brother’s personal appearances this week.

Then, wherever Aaron lands, she plans to accompany him to help with his personal business while spending a year preparing for law school. If the team that picks Aaron has an appealing law school nearby, she may apply there and stick around for a while longer, too.

http://azstarnet.com/sports/basketball/ ... d7fc9.html

CatnapTom · Post by **CatnapTom** » Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:53 pm

Grantland's Ryen Russillo talks to scouts to get their read on Aaron Gordon.

ESPN's Ryen Russillo talked with three NBA scouts about Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon and his NBA potential, and nothing they said was all that surprising.

It was how it was said that's quite fascinating.

All three scouts who were questioned complimented Gordon's character and work ethic. They all acknowledged he must become a better shooter. And they all pointed out that he will be a top-10 pick despite lacking something that for other players can make or break careers.

The following are select excerpts from Russillo's complete article over at Grantland.

Scout 1:

I think he's Shawn Marion.

Here's why I like Gordon, and it's rare for me (my teams have always been about shooting; you need it to win). It's simple: Gordon impacts the game without being a shooter. It's hard to do that. He knows 100 percent what he is. Jabari Parker will take a million bad shots; Gordon already knows he can't take them.

...

For me to be this complimentary to a kid that isn't a shooter is rare. He just needs to develop as a representative shooter over time, to at least be a guy you have to put a defender on. I hear he can't make 3s - who the fuck cares? Sixteen-footer, 33 percent from 3, five years from now? That's all you'll need.

Scout 2:

Great motor. Great kid. Great teammate. He's the only guy, along with Embiid and Wiggins, where the attraction is defense first.

...

Owners drafting high want offense. Think about draft night - "Hey, we drafted a really versatile defensive specialist." How's that going to go over?

Scout 3:

Offensively, his game is he's going to get fouled, he's an attacker. But he has to start making his free throws. Today it's a joke. He shot 3s in college. He thought it was part of his game. It isn't.

There are two things you usually get better at in our league: shooting and getting stronger. I think he will do both. He's a worker, so I think he gets better. But his ceiling is probably [as] an adequate shooter.

By Kevin Zimmerman - SB Nation June 25, 2014

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball ... -grantland

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Wed Jun 25, 2014 5:14 pm

Scout 1 hits it. Scout 2 shows why so many teams draft in the lottery every year. Scout 3...well, shooting is the easiest skill to become competent at. It's easier than making someone a great athlete or giving them a motor.

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:03 am

“I get to pay for my dad at dinner,” Gordon says. “They don’t have to pay for me anymore.”

That’s a given, of course. As a projected top-10 pick in tonight’s NBA draft, Gordon, 18, will land a two-year rookie-scale contract worth between $4 million and $7 million plus thousands of endorsement dollars.

Tonight

• What: 2014 NBA Draft

• When: 4 p.m. today

• TV: ESPN

http://azstarnet.com/sports/basketball/ ... 7004a.html

Coop Cat · Post by **Coop Cat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 11:47 am

"Final" Chad Ford Mock Draft has Gordon going #5 to Utah:

The Jazz, like the Sixers and Magic, have been trying to get into the top. Sources say that while there was some internal debate for months, the Jazz would take Jabari Parker if they got the top pick. Sources say the Jazz have or are planning to increase their offer to include the 23rd pick and Alec Burks, but it's doubtful that will be enough to pry away the No. 1 pick.

If they stay at No. 5, it appears that Gordon has emerged as their top prospect after Parker, Wiggins and Exum. He had a stellar workout in Utah and the team is convinced that he could have an Andrei Kirilenko-like effect on the team. Because Gordon has never been a shooter, he has had to develop every other part of his game (ballhandling, passing, rebounding, defense) to justify putting him on the floor. But if he could ever learn how to shoot, he has everything else that you could want in an NBA star.

also has Johnson once again out of his two round Mock.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mo ... Mock-Draft

mrqsjhnsnsux · Post by **mrqsjhnsnsux** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 3:08 pm

The NBA draft is looking like a Color Me Badd concert

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/7AE1C2 ... 8jOfONl7pf

Gordon's suit isn't nearly as bad as some of the others.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 3:48 pm

Main Event · Post by **Main Event** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 3:48 pm

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:01 pm

#4!!!!!

Bear Down AG!!!!!!

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:04 pm

Main Event wrote:

Good call.

PieceOfMeat · Post by **PieceOfMeat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:05 pm

Good for AG. I wish him luck.

CatnapTom · Post by **CatnapTom** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:05 pm

Didn't see that coming.

Congrats Aaron ......

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:06 pm

Congrats Aaron!

NYCat · Post by **NYCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:07 pm

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:11 pm

NYCat wrote:

I see why people like Sean Miller.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:11 pm

BBQ wildcat · Post by **BBQ wildcat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:13 pm

Congrats, AG!!! I Know you will make the entire Wildcat fan base proud. #alwaysawildcat

NYCat · Post by **NYCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:13 pm

CatnapTom · Post by **CatnapTom** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:15 pm

Alieberman wrote:

I always suspected this guy was a clown, now I'm sure of it.

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:17 pm

Alieberman wrote:

As opposed to how high Kansas and Duke were raised by Wiggins, Parker and Embiid, I guess.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:17 pm

Spaceman Spiff wrote:
Alieberman wrote:
As opposed to how high Kansas and Duke were raised by Wiggins, Parker and Embiid, I guess.

no shit

splitsecond · Post by **splitsecond** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:19 pm

Gordon and Oladipo together is going to be awesome.

CalStateTempe · Post by **CalStateTempe** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:20 pm

Arizona fans are putting his twitter on blast.

what a clownshow.

cats101 · Post by **cats101** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:23 pm

So proud of Aaron. Go rep the UofA!

NYCat · Post by **NYCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:27 pm

HiCat · Post by **HiCat** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:50 pm

"I was" surprised, he said. "I worked out pretty well when I was in Orlando. I felt good about it... It just clicked, man, it really clicked."

Gordon crossed the Barclays Center stage wearing a cobalt-royal type of blue suit, with a medium blue tie. When it he was asked if that meant anything, considering that blue is a Magic color, Gordon smiled.

"It is close, but I really came in today having no idea," Gordon said. "The anxiety and the anticipation were all here. I just happened to like this color."

http://azstarnet.com/sports/blogs/pasco ... f887a.html

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 6:02 pm

I like the Magic complementing Gordon with Elfrid Payton.

3goggles · Post by **3goggles** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 8:23 pm

Where do you think Johnson will end up being drafted?

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