Post by kmatrixg on Jul 15, 2011 14:38:27 GMT -5
With the recent selection of Adonis Thomas #2 Overall, I was curious how he would go up against my other #2 pick Josh Smith. Smith has turned into a defensive powerhouse, with a great deal of offense in his game as well. He's currently the 2nd franchise cornerstone in Sacramento next to Brandon Roy, and has been there all but one of his 9 years in the league. That is what started this idea - this is the 10th draft I'll be involved in, so I am going to go back and see how I did as a GM in each draft.
With the Memphis Grizzlies:
2013 SSBL Draft:
#2 Overall Selection - SF Adonis Thomas Memphis University
Obviously the jury is still out on Thomas, however these first two picks look eerily similar to those in 2004 - Dwight Howard goes 1st, Josh Smith goes 2nd. I'm not going to sit here and compare directly, hinting that Drummond was a bad selection or anything, but it can bode well for Thomas' development on a Grizzly team that has no true big bodied SF.
The fact that he is already an above average post player and defender fits great with my tough nosed forward scheme I've been building. Let's hope he has half the career Smith is having at this point.
2012 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Patric Young Florida University
Young has become in just one season a reliable Defender and Rebounder in the pros. Recently acquired by the Trailblazers after getting a free DLeague spot last season (played 85 games) Young should look to fill up the stat sheets as a starting 4 for a good chunk of his career.
#23 Overall Selection - F Augusto Cesar Lima
Another forward who has yet to prove whether he can stay, or go, Cesar Lima is a talented combo-forward who seems to strive defensively on the perimeter. One of the older draftees in last seasons group, Augusto reportedly has some good upside, however it's solely up to him to tap into that potential.
#26 Overall Selection - PG J-Mychal Reese
This pure playmaker received many accolades after being drafted, proving in his stint during the preseason that his passing ability is primed to become one of the greatest. Being almost a carbon copy of late great passer Derrick Zimmermann, Reese should be able to give any team in the league expert distribution skills and uncanny handling.
#42 Overall Selection - G Tu Holloway
Tu had a nice TC this year, and looks like he can give me some minutes off the bench at the 2 guard. I think he'll be a nice combo-guard for the future, one of those guys that you keep stashed away.
2011 SSBL Draft:
#4 Overall Selection - PG Brandon Knight
Knight has burst onto the scene this past season, proving he can shoot the ball with the best. He made 119 3's last season while dishing 6.4 assists. The one knock on Knight at this point is his handling, which is erratic to say the least. However, Knight is one of the premier young PG's in the league and many say he has a ceiling of Stephon Marbury. Well, I say that... Despite being the the 3rd guard picked in the first 4 selections, I still think Brandon Knight will be one of the better PG's in the league when it's all said and done.
#15 Overall Selection - F/C Jeremy Tyler
I openly bashed this pick, however when looking at him for the Raptors, he hasn't turned out too bad. Surprisingly better than the #5 overall pick DeMarcus Cousins, Tyler may still have some potential to tap, yet. He could end up being a reliable big off the bench, or even so, a solid starter with double double potential. I guess the only thing wrong with this pick was the fact that Josh Selby went right after.
#42 Overall Selection - F/C Nikola Vucevic
Big bodied, well rounded skilled bigman. The USC product proved his worth last season when starting PF Martynas went down with numerous injuries. Vucevic showed an ability to score, rebound and block shots effectively in a starting role, which led the Grizzlies to play him as their primary backup while Udoh was in the DLeague refining his scoring. Time will tell whether or not Vucevic becomes a staple in the league, however with this great start it's hard not to envision some success.
2010 SSBL Draft:
#5 Overall Selection - F/C DeMarcus Cousins
This was the last time I picked a Memphis product, let's hope it doesn't turn out the same as Cousins did. After coming into Training Camp overweight and out of shape, Cousins failed to make his mark in the league after so much hype and excitement. Right now, Cousins is battling with Serge Ibaka for the starting job in Toronto. For a 5th overall selection, Cousins is wholeheartedly disappointing any owner who may have given him a shot.
#14 Overall Selection - F Donte Greene
Greene turned out to be one of the better players in this draft when you look back, and is starting his career very well for the Lakers. A rare "does everything" type of 7 footer, Greene has a long career ahead of him, and nothing points to him slowing down anytime soon. Was it a mistake to deal him for Andrew Bynum? Possibly... If I hadn't, I would have been able to pick a solid big in this draft instead of Adonis Thomas... Can't change the past though.
#31 Overall Selection - G Jordan Crawford
He enjoyed a couple nice seasons here, but after I drafted Knight and then Reese, I had to cut him. I don't even know where he is now, but it was clear he wouldn't become the scorer or playmaker I needed in my backcourt. Sorry Lil'JCraw.
With the Toronto Raptors
2009 SSBL Draft:
#58 Overall Selection - PG A.J. Abrams
I think this was Auto'd...
2008 SSBL Draft:
Back when 2nd Rounders were garbage, I enjoyed a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out who to pick with my late first, late 2nd.
#26 Overall Selection - F Darrell Arthur
Turned out to be pretty decent in fact. Stuck behind Budinger in Seattle, Arthur has the skill to be a solid backup at the 3/4/5. He's never really had the chance to show what he can do, but I'd guess it'd be alright if he did play.
#56 Overall Selection - F Nathan Jawai
I don't think he made it in the SSBL.
2007 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Jeff Green
He's floating around here somewhere. Not the player I thought he'd end up being, but he wasn't as bad as he could have been.
#19 Overall Selection - F Brandan Wright
Another guy who has stuck in the league, despite being good, Wright found his niche as a shot blocker/defender. He's making money, so that's always a plus.
#56 Overall Selection - F Demetris Nichols
I was actually really happy with how Nichols turned out. He was a decent scorer, got by on defense and could do a number of other things if he needed to. Perfect guy to have on the IR in case someone got hurt.
2006 SSBL Draft:
#27 Overall Selection - F Shawne Williams
I was so happy when I got Shawne Williams, however I had to move him so I could avoid the HC back in 08. He's turned into a key player on a championship team, a guy who can step in and do whatever is needed, and a premier defender. For his career in just 21 minutes averaged per game, he's averaging 1.2 steals and .7 blocks, as well as 7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Stat stuffer.
#42 Overall Selection - G Daniel Gibson
Gibson is enjoying a very lucrative and successful career. Another former pick playing for the Raptors, Gibson is a premier outside shooter, and needless to say he's one of the better SG's in the game. Recently selected to the ASG in 2010, he was also picked as the games MVP. Not bad for a 2nd round pick.
2005 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Amir Johnson
Johnson has since disappeared from the file, however he was an athletic big who had a bit of potential when he was drafted. No idea where he went, but probably left the league after not being signed during FA or something.
#41, 42, 43 Overall Selections - F Martynas, F Dijon Thompson, F Erazem Lorbek
2 of these 3 guys are now staples on their respective teams. I should have given more time to Martynas as he exploded the minute I traded him. Lorbek was one of those guys I sent to Seattle in the Kobe trade and has been the starting PF for the team for the last 6 seasons. As far as 2nd round success stories go, these two guys are up there on the list.
2004 SSBL Draft:
#2 Overall Selection - F Josh Smith
Coming around full circle, Josh Smith was possibly the best player from the 2004 draft. Just like this year, I had a hell of a decision to make. I was torn between Okafor, Iguodala, Smith, hell I think I was even considering TJ Ford. But, Smith was selected and was ultimately turned into Yao Ming, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
#14 Overall Selection - G Raymond Felton
A decent pick, Felton is still around the file somewhere, and is about the same skill-wise as he was when drafted.
#17 Overall Selection - F Brandon Bass
Bass had a nice stretch run in Detroit as the starting PF, but with the emergence of Derrick Williams, Al Thornton and Marcin Gortat, he simply has no room to play big minutes anymore.
#20 Overall Selection - C Pavel Podkolzin
Huge body, Pavel is the type of player that will give twice what he should because of his size. He's never been a dominating player as far as ratings go, but his numbers are those of a starting quality bigman. Meh, can't go wrong with a 7 and a half foot center.
With the Memphis Grizzlies:
2013 SSBL Draft:
#2 Overall Selection - SF Adonis Thomas Memphis University
Obviously the jury is still out on Thomas, however these first two picks look eerily similar to those in 2004 - Dwight Howard goes 1st, Josh Smith goes 2nd. I'm not going to sit here and compare directly, hinting that Drummond was a bad selection or anything, but it can bode well for Thomas' development on a Grizzly team that has no true big bodied SF.
The fact that he is already an above average post player and defender fits great with my tough nosed forward scheme I've been building. Let's hope he has half the career Smith is having at this point.
2012 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Patric Young Florida University
Young has become in just one season a reliable Defender and Rebounder in the pros. Recently acquired by the Trailblazers after getting a free DLeague spot last season (played 85 games) Young should look to fill up the stat sheets as a starting 4 for a good chunk of his career.
#23 Overall Selection - F Augusto Cesar Lima
Another forward who has yet to prove whether he can stay, or go, Cesar Lima is a talented combo-forward who seems to strive defensively on the perimeter. One of the older draftees in last seasons group, Augusto reportedly has some good upside, however it's solely up to him to tap into that potential.
#26 Overall Selection - PG J-Mychal Reese
This pure playmaker received many accolades after being drafted, proving in his stint during the preseason that his passing ability is primed to become one of the greatest. Being almost a carbon copy of late great passer Derrick Zimmermann, Reese should be able to give any team in the league expert distribution skills and uncanny handling.
#42 Overall Selection - G Tu Holloway
Tu had a nice TC this year, and looks like he can give me some minutes off the bench at the 2 guard. I think he'll be a nice combo-guard for the future, one of those guys that you keep stashed away.
2011 SSBL Draft:
#4 Overall Selection - PG Brandon Knight
Knight has burst onto the scene this past season, proving he can shoot the ball with the best. He made 119 3's last season while dishing 6.4 assists. The one knock on Knight at this point is his handling, which is erratic to say the least. However, Knight is one of the premier young PG's in the league and many say he has a ceiling of Stephon Marbury. Well, I say that... Despite being the the 3rd guard picked in the first 4 selections, I still think Brandon Knight will be one of the better PG's in the league when it's all said and done.
#15 Overall Selection - F/C Jeremy Tyler
I openly bashed this pick, however when looking at him for the Raptors, he hasn't turned out too bad. Surprisingly better than the #5 overall pick DeMarcus Cousins, Tyler may still have some potential to tap, yet. He could end up being a reliable big off the bench, or even so, a solid starter with double double potential. I guess the only thing wrong with this pick was the fact that Josh Selby went right after.
#42 Overall Selection - F/C Nikola Vucevic
Big bodied, well rounded skilled bigman. The USC product proved his worth last season when starting PF Martynas went down with numerous injuries. Vucevic showed an ability to score, rebound and block shots effectively in a starting role, which led the Grizzlies to play him as their primary backup while Udoh was in the DLeague refining his scoring. Time will tell whether or not Vucevic becomes a staple in the league, however with this great start it's hard not to envision some success.
2010 SSBL Draft:
#5 Overall Selection - F/C DeMarcus Cousins
This was the last time I picked a Memphis product, let's hope it doesn't turn out the same as Cousins did. After coming into Training Camp overweight and out of shape, Cousins failed to make his mark in the league after so much hype and excitement. Right now, Cousins is battling with Serge Ibaka for the starting job in Toronto. For a 5th overall selection, Cousins is wholeheartedly disappointing any owner who may have given him a shot.
#14 Overall Selection - F Donte Greene
Greene turned out to be one of the better players in this draft when you look back, and is starting his career very well for the Lakers. A rare "does everything" type of 7 footer, Greene has a long career ahead of him, and nothing points to him slowing down anytime soon. Was it a mistake to deal him for Andrew Bynum? Possibly... If I hadn't, I would have been able to pick a solid big in this draft instead of Adonis Thomas... Can't change the past though.
#31 Overall Selection - G Jordan Crawford
He enjoyed a couple nice seasons here, but after I drafted Knight and then Reese, I had to cut him. I don't even know where he is now, but it was clear he wouldn't become the scorer or playmaker I needed in my backcourt. Sorry Lil'JCraw.
With the Toronto Raptors
2009 SSBL Draft:
#58 Overall Selection - PG A.J. Abrams
I think this was Auto'd...
2008 SSBL Draft:
Back when 2nd Rounders were garbage, I enjoyed a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out who to pick with my late first, late 2nd.
#26 Overall Selection - F Darrell Arthur
Turned out to be pretty decent in fact. Stuck behind Budinger in Seattle, Arthur has the skill to be a solid backup at the 3/4/5. He's never really had the chance to show what he can do, but I'd guess it'd be alright if he did play.
#56 Overall Selection - F Nathan Jawai
I don't think he made it in the SSBL.
2007 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Jeff Green
He's floating around here somewhere. Not the player I thought he'd end up being, but he wasn't as bad as he could have been.
#19 Overall Selection - F Brandan Wright
Another guy who has stuck in the league, despite being good, Wright found his niche as a shot blocker/defender. He's making money, so that's always a plus.
#56 Overall Selection - F Demetris Nichols
I was actually really happy with how Nichols turned out. He was a decent scorer, got by on defense and could do a number of other things if he needed to. Perfect guy to have on the IR in case someone got hurt.
2006 SSBL Draft:
#27 Overall Selection - F Shawne Williams
I was so happy when I got Shawne Williams, however I had to move him so I could avoid the HC back in 08. He's turned into a key player on a championship team, a guy who can step in and do whatever is needed, and a premier defender. For his career in just 21 minutes averaged per game, he's averaging 1.2 steals and .7 blocks, as well as 7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Stat stuffer.
#42 Overall Selection - G Daniel Gibson
Gibson is enjoying a very lucrative and successful career. Another former pick playing for the Raptors, Gibson is a premier outside shooter, and needless to say he's one of the better SG's in the game. Recently selected to the ASG in 2010, he was also picked as the games MVP. Not bad for a 2nd round pick.
2005 SSBL Draft:
#13 Overall Selection - F Amir Johnson
Johnson has since disappeared from the file, however he was an athletic big who had a bit of potential when he was drafted. No idea where he went, but probably left the league after not being signed during FA or something.
#41, 42, 43 Overall Selections - F Martynas, F Dijon Thompson, F Erazem Lorbek
2 of these 3 guys are now staples on their respective teams. I should have given more time to Martynas as he exploded the minute I traded him. Lorbek was one of those guys I sent to Seattle in the Kobe trade and has been the starting PF for the team for the last 6 seasons. As far as 2nd round success stories go, these two guys are up there on the list.
2004 SSBL Draft:
#2 Overall Selection - F Josh Smith
Coming around full circle, Josh Smith was possibly the best player from the 2004 draft. Just like this year, I had a hell of a decision to make. I was torn between Okafor, Iguodala, Smith, hell I think I was even considering TJ Ford. But, Smith was selected and was ultimately turned into Yao Ming, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
#14 Overall Selection - G Raymond Felton
A decent pick, Felton is still around the file somewhere, and is about the same skill-wise as he was when drafted.
#17 Overall Selection - F Brandon Bass
Bass had a nice stretch run in Detroit as the starting PF, but with the emergence of Derrick Williams, Al Thornton and Marcin Gortat, he simply has no room to play big minutes anymore.
#20 Overall Selection - C Pavel Podkolzin
Huge body, Pavel is the type of player that will give twice what he should because of his size. He's never been a dominating player as far as ratings go, but his numbers are those of a starting quality bigman. Meh, can't go wrong with a 7 and a half foot center.
