2010 NBA Combine Coverage
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 8:36 AM PDT
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I'm going to leave this post open for Combine coverage. Mainly, I'm going to be posting quotes in the comments, feel free to respond to those with your thoughts on them. Keep in mind, there's 53 players to be interviewed today, so I'm going to be running around like a madman. If the updates aren't coming fast enough for you, I apologize, but my primary goal is to get the information, which is an undertaking in and of itself. The quotes will make their way to the page, just be patient.
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First group of players to be interviewed:
James Anderson
Jordan Crawford
Manny Harris
Xavier Henry
Dominique Jones
Darington Hobson
Sylven Landesberg
Andy Rautins
Lance Stephenson
Evan Turner
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Derek, I know you’re busy with players but if you can find any scouts/gms to get their comments on the (broken) combine process for the NBA and what they think could be done to make sure that players are fully evaluated properly that would be cool
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:37 AM PDT reply actions
I will ask what I can find. Don’t think many will be here. Probably see them at the ATTACK workout later in the evening.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Well see that’s a problem right there – combine is so uninteresting that teams and scouts don’t even show up (an accounting of who is and isn’t there would be cool)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions
they show up at the workouts. the media interviews are a separate event. Like I said, I’ll be at the ATTACK gym later this evening.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Have you learned nothing from todays modern media geniuses (you know, like TMZ) – it’s all about sneak attacks and questions about lindsay lohna – THAT’s how one makes their name :P
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions
It wasn’t on purpose
and i hate it’s a wonderful life – worst movie ever
THE MAN COMMITS SUICIDE – he’s a pussy – he wimps out cause life is too hard…
by jemagee on May 21, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Well you are at it – email jordan and ask him about ‘nominations’ i bet you can come up with a few (but by knowing you are disqualified)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Billy King does an excellent job working for NBA TV
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
And should realize his limitations :)
Eric Snow on the other hand does a great job and probably should look to move to a bench job cause some day he might be a good head coach
Chris Weber – well – he should never be on tv again
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Like I tweeted last night, ask Turner what number he’d wear if 21 was taken.
Or if you want a basketball question, ask him how his back is/is he working with a shooting coach.
He hasn’t even thought about it, but he hopes young would be nice and understanding.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure for a 50,000 dollar watch he’ll be fine :)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Turner on his back injury
(paraphrased)
He hasn’t felt any pain since. Once teams see the x-ray and MRI they won’t have any concern.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Turner on who he's working out with
(paraphrased)
He’s currently only scheduled to interview/workout with two teams here, the Nets and Sixers. He doesn’t have any workouts scheduled after the combine currently.
(these are all going to be paraphrased. I don’t have time to transcribe between sessions. I left the mic at Turner’s table for the entire interview).
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Wizards should at least make it LOOK like they are considering turner – just to up trade offers
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Turner on jumpers
Some of the jumpers are contested, either with someone closing out or putting a hand in his face, but most are uncontested.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Turner on who he's patterned his game after
Brandon Roy, Grant HIll, and Penny Hardaway, primarily. He hears Brandon Roy the most.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
I’m so tired of the B-Roy comparison cause it’s like entirely wrong
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Someone over at DF came up with a lot of interesting names – none of whom were close to B-Roy
B-Roy comparisons are the ‘hot name’ of the moment – an easy one for people who don’t think – and well – he’s not better than iguodala (nor is he healthy)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll take Brandon Roy
any day of the week over Iguodala. Roy is a basketball player. Iguodala is an athlete playing basketball. There is a difference. If you want outrageous dunks go with Iggy. If you good play and smart basketball decisions on the court take Roy.
by marklapinski on May 20, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, if you ignore every aspect of basketball that does not directly involve putting the ball in the hole, then yes, Roy wins. Iguodala’s inability to be a number one scorer(especially on a team without a #2 like LMA) causes people to punish him unjustly.
One of the many reasons I love Turner is that he’s better at rebounding and defending then Roy is right now, plus he has a nastier mindset. Said it before, but my comps are Manu/Current Kobe, because they, like Turner, use skillful guile with their deceptive athleticism and length to create optimum angles for themselves.
Exactly, because they both like to use unique angles & length. Plus, they are both just cold-blooded players and that edge leaks through
To your point of being cold-blooded, today I was watching an Evan Turner mix and at some point in the video, he beats his man off the dribble w/ a strong hesitation move and slams a two handed jam over a weak side defender. He gives him a look after he lands on the ground that must have seriously frozen his blood solid.
You’re so ridiculously wrong
Never watched his court vision or defense or ability to run the fast break.
If all you watch is EPSN highlights I have no time for you
by jemagee on May 21, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I want to issue a second moratorium
All posts that have the theme that ‘iguodala must be traded cause he can’t play with turner’ before they’ve played one minute of even pre season together should be deleted
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 9:12 AM PDT reply actions
Will ego submit to better players on his own team
I think everyone thinks Iguodala’s makeup is that he thinks he is a franchise player, one of the best in the league and only Sixers fans don’t know this. Run everything through Turner and Holiday.
Will Iguodala like playing without the ball in his hands all the time? Will he be satisfied with 12ppg if Holiday/Turner are giving you 30+ between them? His attitude is screwed up. He doesn’t realize his own shortcomings. He is like Ron Artest, but Artest is a fifth option on that team. So Iguodala would be good next to guys like Durant and Westbrook. He is not even a second fiddle. Is he someone you want to run through staggered screens so he gets open for a spot up jumper?
We need to address the center position, because we don’t have a center and Iguodala is the only player that could help us get that. Trade him for a young big and draft pick(s).
by marklapinski on May 20, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
go with “fucking” there, we won’t object.
by Michael Levin on May 20, 2010 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, I’d like it if we could make a moratorium on the cursing as well – i’ve been over board recently as idiots inundate the board – but no cursing would be nice…
by jemagee on May 21, 2010 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions
the one about collins being a done deal pretty much?
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
interesting – i think it’s a little optimistic but worth a thought anyway – i don’t what they could get by shopping andre and sam because of salary implications
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Shopping Sam and ANdre as a package right now is stupid on multiple levels
A. “Andre and Turner can’t work together” theory – someone prove it first
B. Sam is an expiring deal and NOT a bad player any more
If this was kates idea it’s epic fail on her part
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Trading Iguodala and Sam right now is
A. going to get you a bad (or multiple bad) contract(s) in return
B. not going to get the same value back
by Court_visioN on May 20, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
it’s part of the reason why I lost respect in her and will continue to read her blog/articles with a raised eyebrow. Her and the other writers have hopped on the “trade Iguodala because he won’t fit with Turner” bandwagon. I think the only reason it’s being mentioned is to appeal to the idiots who post comments.
I think if we draft Turner Iguodala becomes expendible. Right now we don’t even have a backup center, so I can’t see us trading Sammy until one is in place. Only way that could happen is if we trade Iggy for picks and a young big (DeAndre Jordan, Anthony Randolph, Serge Ibaka, etc)
by marklapinski on May 20, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah a mid-first and DeAndre Jordan for Iguodala sounds like a fair deal and one that matches up salary-wise and makes us better for the short and long term.
WHEREDIDYOUCOMEFROMMARKLAPINSKI
by Michael Levin on May 20, 2010 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
You also think Andre Iguodala doesn’t do anything but dunk
So you can see how no one would take your opinion seriously since you obviously don’t ever watch the sixers play
by jemagee on May 21, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Wesley Johnson on he and Turner almost playing together
I kid with him all the time. He tells me I shoot too much, and I tell him he dribbles too much. Looking back on it, transferring there would have been amazing.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Turner on his hand injury
It was there through the season. It didn’t really fully heal until after the season ended. There were times it felt better, but then you’d bump it and reaggravate it.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Meant Johnson.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Johnson on the feedback he's been getting from coaches on his position
I’ve been told both as a 2/3 and a 3/4
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson only working out/interviewing with teams in top 10 at the combine
Doesn’t have anything scheduled afterwards currently.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson on his age working against him
He’s still learning every day, still improving, and doesn’t feel age is necessarily reflective of untapped potential.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson on whether he could have envisioned his transfer working out any better.
Not at all. The fact that Boeheim accepted his transfer (when he virtually never has, if ever) gave Johnson a ton of confidence. Having that year with no basketball really helped him be realistic with himself and get ready to become a better basketball player.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson on Syracuse's defense
He’s played man his entire life before Syracuse, thinks he has enough versatility to be successful. Thinks his shooting, transition play, rebounding, and shotblocking are assets that will carry over to the pro’s.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson on where he's picked
Doesn’t matter where he’s picked, just being selected is an honor that he’s grateful for, and he’ll give it his all regardless.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Johnson on his role model
Brother was his biggest role model growing up, really pushed him to be a better player and person.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
some guy at ESPN Chicago asked Johnson about 7 consecutive questions about Johnson. It was a little awkward, actually.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
what is your name, what is your quest, what is your favorite color?
by Court_visioN on May 20, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
What is the average air speed of a laden swallow?
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Sorry, meant about LeBron.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
by Derek Bodner on May 20, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
he means ur actual looks – not the work ur doing – but i think ur work is also looking good so far
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Ask him if he knows someone named john ringo (or ringo john)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Updates coming soon. A little hectic right now.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
also have you seen my boy greivis at all today?
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 10:24 AM PDT reply actions
Comparison of 'bigs'
Hi Derek, you’re doing a great job.
I’d be interested in any new data in the way of objective or subjective comparisons of some of the big men there, including some athletic guys not getting much p.r. like Charles Garcia and Gani Lawal.
If you’re really really bored – and at work – the NBA combine is on espn3 (HT to the Sixers Beat telling me it was on ESPN u motivating me to check)
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 10:46 AM PDT reply actions
If you have espn3 online or espn u and access – they’re talking about him shortly
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 10:50 AM PDT reply actions
yea i’ve been checkin it out the past hour – i like that they’re touching on relatively unknown guys – ryan richards from england has an excellent voice/accent
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
“if this broadcast were a drinking game that you had to drink every time you heard ‘back to school,’ you would be plastered by now” — Chad Ford
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 11:00 AM PDT reply actions
I don’t think half the people here know anything about college basketball. If I hear one more person ask a prospect “who would you take #1, Wall or Turner”, I"ll lose it. Some guys have the same 3-4 questions they ask every prospect and ask nothing else.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Chad Ford on Twitter:
“Paul George, Eric Bledsoe, Ryan Richards were good today at Draft Combine.”
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 11:49 AM PDT reply actions
put it as part of my signature – i love him even more
"I'm a beast ready to be unleased." -- Paul George
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
it would help if i spelled “unleashed” correctly…
"I'm a beast ready to be unleashed." -- Paul George
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
no, unlease him — it’s better than buying anyhow. the safer option.
by Michael Levin on May 20, 2010 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah it’s great.
It would be even greater if it wasn’t just making ‘unleash the beast’ your own tagline…
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Interviews over
A few no shows, for various reasons. A lot of good quotes, but not time to go through the audio yet. Have to run over to ATTACK for a workout. Was perhaps a bit too ambitious at the beginning. No way I was going to keep that up once more and more prospects showed up.
Kentucky boys were interesting. Wall and Patterson spent a good bit of time sticking up for Cousins, and Cousins seemed to get a bit aggravated, particularly at Jonathan Givony and I. Oh well. Every prospect I asked agreed that the NCAA deadline to withdraw up was a bad idea and is way too early.
Wall is scheduled to interview with Sixers (and all top 5 teams), but no workout scheduled yet. Says he’s not going to discount it, and will consult with his agent.
Derek Bodner
LibertyBallers || @derekbodner || derek.bodner@draftexpress.com
Oh Come on – like the NCAA does anything with the players best interests at heart – it’s indentured servitude
by jemagee on May 20, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
draft express twitter said wall’s knowledge of the game was put on display in the interviews and was very impressive – what did you think of wall’s interview?
"I'm a beast ready to be unleashed." -- Paul George
by Tanner Steidel on May 20, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
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