So How About JaVale McGee and #5, for the 3rd Pick?
There is something to be said...
...for holding onto the 3rd pick in this years draft. Historically, the top 3 picks dont bust, and rarely end up as role players. In terms of risk assessment, it makes sense that you take the remainder of Rubio/Thabeet. But how about value? Is there an deal out there that makes the Thunder a stronger team, faster?
There is speculation the Wizards could be shopping for Ricky Rubio, and would be willing to part with their #5 selection and Javale McGee to acquire him. I want to offer an opinion on this deal, and open up discussion on how it would affect OKC.
The State of Center in OKC
The signing of Nenad Krstic was a savvy move. Like most Eastern European centers, he offers an array of crafty low post moves and nice touch from inside 10 feet, on a team that has been searching for ANY sign of life from the position. He is surprisingly mobile, and has good length, but it doesn't translate well on the defensive end of the court.
It was evident last year that Krstic's lack of defensive toughness, created spacing issues in the post becasue Collison and Green (the only two REAL defensive presences on the blocks for OKC) tried to provide backside support but were overmatched at times. Collison at 6-10, and Green at 6-9 are too short and not quite "long enough" to scare anyone form running their offense through the post.
OKC Needs: Low post length, defensive toughness, a shot alterer, athleticism.
Enter Thabeet
Hasheem Thabeet is exactly what the Thunder need in the center position. An athletic defensive presence who will alter every shot in his zip-code. While his offensive game is rather raw, Thabeet is dominant enough at the defensive end, that a #3 pick validates his being a starter immediately...
but wait...
We are discussing value now, and a means to improve the Thunder quicker. Isn't Javale McGee a carbon copy of Hasheem Thabeet (less a year of college experience)? In addition to picking up the "spec" center OKC is looking for, they would also land the #5 pick.
JaVale McGee
McGee is more than meets the eye. At a legit 7-0 tall he also posseses a wingspan of 7-6. Prototype "Presti" length from a position where length is game-changing. Only a 2 year starter at Nevada, McGee showed shot blocking dominance in a short period of time.
Even more importantly (to my eyeball trade filter test), is the fact that he isn't a 'hard-gainer'. At 225 entering the league last year, he has legitimately added 12 pounds of mass and maintained a lean 6% body fat. This is the difference between him becoming a TRUE 260 pound defensive force, and not just a career shot blocker (ala Marcus Camby).
Here's a scout on him:
Rare physical specimen—has an almost unprecedented combination of size, length (7-6), athleticism and fluidity, packed on a frame that should easily be able to fill out nicely. Has excellent hands, runs the floor like a deer, and is extremely reactive off his feet. Has an intriguing variety of skills too—the ability to knock down 3-pointers, put the ball on the floor, and execute some incredibly smooth pivot moves in the paint, finishing elegantly off the glass with excellent extension and touch. Gets off the ground impressively and can really be a factor as a shot-blocker or on the offensive glass. —the sky is clearly the limit on his upside.
Thabeet vs. McGee (plus the #5) tilts the scales towards the latter from a value standpoint.
The #5 Overall Pick
James Harden fills out the Thunder Roster with an exclamation point. If ever a player had an obvious comparative upside, it 's Harden. He reminds me in every aspect of Mitch Richmond (starting with the tale of the tape... Both 6-5 215). HIs laundry list of scouted strengths is huge:
The Thunder don't need this pick to be a superstar, as they already have Durant. Drafting James Harden would effectively give KD his "Pippen"... a solid 2nd scoring option, and more importantly, a heady decision maker that can help keep a young team grounded through work ethic and poise.Offense: All-around offensive polish, Scoring instincts, Shot-selection, Ability to create own shot, Craftiness, Decision making, Efficiency, Mix between scoring and passing, Transition play, Versatility, Aggressive slashing mentality, Change of gears/Hesitation moves, 3-point shooting, Ability to catch and shoot
Defense: Ability to get in passing lanes, Commitment to playing defense, Off-ball defense, Assertiveness, Defensive rebounding,
Intangibles: Coachable, Fundamentals, Unselfishness, Winning mentality, Work ethic, Left-handed, Court vision, Balance, Body control, Solid frame.
Future Lineup/Outlook:
C: JaVale McGee
PF: Jeff Green
SF: Kevin Durant
SG: James Harden
PG: Russell Westbrook
Bench: Krstic, Sefalosha, Collison, Weaver, #25 this year, (2) #1's next year.
This completes as young and as promising a starting 5 that the NBA has. Length, length length with a deadly mix of shooters and scorers that are willing to play defense make for a certain playoff team in the near future.
Add to the mix, a #25 overall pick this year (maybe a worker like Hansborough for toughness), and 2 first rounders next year... and you have the flexibility to take the best players available at ANY position. An extremely deep, ridiculously young, and ultimately talented team is a near certainty within 2 years.
This post does not reflect the views of the staff of Welcome to Loud City or SB Nation. However, it was made by one of the members of the Welcome to Loud City community, so there is a large chance the above post is extremely ballin'!
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10 comments
Comments
I would love that trade but...
A source with the Oklahoma City Thunder indicated that there is no truth to the rumor that they are considering trading the #3 pick to Washington for Javale McGee and the #5 pick.
from draftexpress
Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D
by daddydai on May 26, 2009 7:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
True, but a lot of times teams just say things to throw off the rumors.
I’m still hoping it happens.
2010 Seahawks Mock: 1A: Eric Berry S, 1B: Ndamukong Suh DT, 2: Charles Brown OT, 4:Zac Robinson QB, 5: Stafon Johnson RB 6: Will Tukuafu DE, 7: Kerry Meier WR
Also acceptable, trade for Patrick Chung and draft Ed Wang so everyone can Wang Chung tonight.
by LantermanC on May 26, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt it happens if Rubio is gone.
I really can’t believe that the Wiz would give up McGee and their pick just to get Thabeet. Harden would be a great complement to Gilbert Arenas (if he’s healthy) and is an improvement over Nick Young.
Maybe they just LOVE Thabeet but that would be a pretty lopsided deal IMO.
by SoulHonky on May 26, 2009 12:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
From nearly all perspectives, this would be a rock-dumb move for Washington. You’re telling me that people are seriously considering giving up a rapidly improving 7’ center with great athleticism and physical skills AND their #5 pick for the happy chance at Rubio or Thabeet? It’s also not a salary dump, which makes this even more implausible. And it’s not like McGee is about to be demanding huge dollars next year either. So in short, we’re looking to trade down to get basically twice the return.
To put this in context: this would be more plausible if we were giving up Green + #3 for McGee and #5. But then, we wouldn’t want to make this trade. Trades like these rely on the opposing team being way more idiotic then we can perhaps reliably hope for.
by manifestus on May 26, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do we really need four seperate posts on this?
Especially since this was a rumor/dream scenario likely started by the Thunder?
by sammy on May 26, 2009 12:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not really...
Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D
by daddydai on May 26, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw the other posts as being more generalized.
I wanted to specifically breakdown this trade. Sorry if it was overkill sammy.
Bring Your Game, Leave Your Name.
by iverson2169 on May 26, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I wouldn't sweat personally, but...
that kid from the Goonies is a bit scary.
Also Known as "4D" one step beyond 3D
by daddydai on May 26, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
Sammy likes to argue. What is it about people named “Sammy” on the internet that they always like to push peoples buttons and start arguments? lol :p
-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 30, 2009 5:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If anybody could pull this type of deal off
it would be Presti. I’d be pretty content with it overall, I think. I’m not all that familiar with McGee thought, and in whatever happens, I still want to go after Gortat.
-This comment brought to you by Mr Pappagiorgio aka Mister P
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by Mr Pappagiorgio on May 26, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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