Oladipo at #4?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Oladipo is a great competitor, a fierce defender, and a very good slasher.

If this sounds familiar, it is; because this is what most of us were saying about MKG last year before and after the draft.

I actually wanted MKG and thought that those traits that I mentioned above would make up for the fact that he couldn't shoot worth a lick.

So as I address Oladipo, I am going to address him as a shooting guard because that's the position he would play if he were selected by the BuzzCats.

One thing that every shooting guard needs is an outside shot. So I'm strictly going to limit my assessment of Oladipo based on his outside shot (at first).

Oladipo shot 44% from the three point line, which is great on paper. However, Oladipo only averaged 1.9 three point shots per game meaning that if he made at least one three point shot per game; his average would not fluctuate.

To put this in perspective, the other top shooting guard in the draft: Ben McLemore averaged 4.7 three point shots per game while making 42% of his three point shots.

If you want to dig even further, Oladipo only recorded three games (out of 36) where he recorded multiple three point buckets and the most three pointers he ever made in a single game was two. In comparison, Ben McLemore recorded 17 games (out of 34, half) where he recorded multiple three point buckets including six games where he recorded 4 three point baskets or more (McLemore also had two games where he recorded 6 three point baskets).

Oladipo is certainly a very good player, after all his average on his two point field goals is an astonishing 64% on 6.6 two point field goal attempts per game. Now if a common guy like me can figure out that Oladipo is flat out ridiculous from two point range, don't you think that NBA coaches will find that out as well? I am almost willing to guarantee you that Oladipo will be picked up at the three point line in a man-to-man defense and played with a two foot cushion so that he is forced to take the three point shot or pass the ball. Remember NBA shooting guards aren't going to be as slow of reactors to Oladipo's quick drives and slashes as NCAA shooting guards are.

Now I feel like some of you might say, "defenders are just going to play McLemore at the three point line," so I decided to look into the topic. After looking at all the shooting guards that are figured to be drafted (McLemore, Oladipo, McCollum, Caldwell-Pope, Hardaway Jr, Franklin, Crabbe, Jackson, Ledo, Green, Goodwin, Abrines, Nedovic, and Young), McLemore's 55.3% on 6.1 field one goal attempts per game is second to only Oladipo (or third to Albrines depending on how you view his stats).

I went a head and read some columns and watched a few games that I had DVR'd at home (I always DVR big games) to find out that though McLemore does struggle on the single dribble and shoot technique, he is actually pretty good at creating his own shot and driving to the hole. This assessment leads me to believe that defenders will have to play McLemore as a true all-around shooting guard or he will burn them.

Finally McLemore averaged a whole 10.8 field goal attempts per game to Victor Oladipo's 8.4 field goal attempts per game. This leads me to believe that McLemore has no problem being the go-to-guy as he averages nearly 11 shots per game. If you actually do the math, (4.7 three point attempts plus 6.1 two point attempts) you can see that McLemore averages around 26 points worth of shots per game. On the contrary, it looks like Oladipo does not have a problem deferring a shot to a teammate, which isn't a bad thing if he is playing on a team like OKC. However, with a team like the BuzzCats that could potentially have Biyombo and MKG out on the floor at the same time, you don't want another player on the court that doesn't mind passing up the ball or can't get off a three point jumper at the end of the game.

So the question is, do you want to wait three to four years for Oladipo to develop a three point jumper (that's about the time frame that Henderson developed his), and could potentially be a Dwayne Wade type of player? Or do you want McLemore, who will get you 15 points night in and night out; while reminding you of a young Ray Allen?

I hope this helped some of you guys out.

By the way, I'm an Alex Len guy; mainly because I really like Henderson and I'm desperate for a dominant big man. I just did this for research purposes. Maybe I can put it in a column at school for my coaching stats class if you guys think it's good enough.

[Darknight]

I'd love it.  Add Jabari next year to play the 4, sign or draft a Center and the Hornets can take the court with one hell of a young core. 

 

Jabari is too small to play the 4 not unless you want to play small ball.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Jabari is too small to play the 4 not unless you want to play small ball.

That's what a lot of people are saying he will play at Duke...

Unless of course you guys want to see DumbThree get dominated every game haha.

[Darknight]

That's what a lot of people are saying he will play at Duke...

Unless of course you guys want to see DumbThree get dominated every game haha.

 

In College, I can see him playing the 4. He is 6'8" and weighs around 220-225 pounds. I don't think many people can match up with that in College but I don't think he can get away with playing the 4 in the NBA.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

In College, I can see him playing the 4. He is 6'8" and weighs around 220-225 pounds. I don't think many people can match up with that in College but I don't think he can get away with playing the 4 in the NBA.

Good point, as a UNC fan it pains me to say this but y'all's team looks scary good.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Jabari is too small to play the 4 not unless you want to play small ball.

 

Obviously he's better suited to play the 3, but can play the 4.  College is different, sure, but he'll be the starting 4 at Duke it seems and even play the 5 in some situations ala LBJ with the Olympic team.

 

As for being a 4 in the NBA, Carmelo and Lebron both see a lot of time at the 4.  Paul Milsap is 6' 8".  Guys like David West are 6' 9" and Jabari could even grow an inch for all we know.  An inch of difference doesn't mean a lot.  Positions as a whole are changing in the league, and stretch 4's are becoming a norm.

[Darknight]

Obviously he's better suited to play the 3, but can play the 4.  College is different, sure, but he'll be the starting 4 at Duke it seems and even play the 5 in some situations ala LBJ with the Olympic team.

 

As for being a 4 in the NBA, Carmelo and Lebron both see a lot of time at the 4.  Paul Milsap is 6' 8".  Guys like David West are 6' 9" and Jabari could even grow an inch for all we know.  An inch of difference doesn't mean a lot.  Positions as a whole are changing in the league, and stretch 4's are becoming a norm.

 

If Parker plays the 4 in the NBA, he will be abused. All those guys you listed above have the girth and strength to bang down low with the big boys. Parker doesn't have that yet thus me saying he is too small.

[CarolinaNCSU]

If Parker plays the 4 in the NBA, he will be abused. All those guys you listed above have the girth and strength to bang down low with the big boys. Parker doesn't have that yet thus me saying he is too small.

 

Obviously, he's just coming out of high school. He's not going to add muscle/strength at Duke?  Or in the NBA?

 

Depending on where you look, he's listed anywhere from 225-240 right now.  Bigger than Carmelo was at the same period, and roughly the same exact size as LBJ when coming out of high school.  I don't think it's a stretch at all to assume he can add 15-20 lbs of muscle over the next few years, putting him somewhere around 240-250.  LBJ is around 250 right now, David West at 240, Carmelo at 230. Milsap is heavier at 255-ish,  Even guys like KG are 250 (and have a couple inches on him).  Girth/strength won't be a problem when his body matures along the same lines as everyone else. 

[carolina-chuck]

Parker won't play the 4 in the NBA. I dont care if hes 6'8 like Millsap. His style of play is different. He does have some post game turnover jumper but he's an outside shooter. He's not built like a PF. Anthony Bennett's style of play is a PF but unfortunately with the height of a SF. Maybe 5-7 years down the road Parker may evolve his game into one like how LBJ and Melo did, but he's going to be strictly a SF/SG in his early pro career. LBJ and Melo's game weren't like this till now. Lets remember their games revolved heavily as outside shooters.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Parker won't play the 4 in the NBA. I dont care if hes 6'8 like Millsap. His style of play is different. He does have some post game turnover jumper but he's an outside shooter. He's not built like a PF. Anthony Bennett's style of play is a PF but unfortunately with the height of a SF. Maybe 5-7 years down the road Parker may evolve his game into one like how LBJ and Melo did, but he's going to be strictly a SF/SG in his early pro career. LBJ and Melo's game weren't like this till now. Lets remember their games revolved heavily as outside shooters.

 

Again, I said he's better suited for the 3.  But CAN play the 4/could down the road when he gets bigger.  

 

Silly. Not to mention saying LBJ revolved heavily as an outside shooter is just a joke. He shot 35% from 3 once before his 9th season in the league.  He's added that and his mid-range as he's matured.  Slasher, obviously.  Shooter, no. 

 

I've followed this kid a damn near creepy amount as a Duke fan for years. I may know his game a litttttttle bit.  A nice scouting report on Jabari, since it seems like you know nothing of him outside of some Youtube highlights...

 

Strengths:

Much has been written and all has been well deserved as he is not only the best small forward in his class but also the best player in the class. His calling card lies in his versatility as he can displays many skills on the floor. When it comes to scoring he hardly ever forces the issue as his instincts and unselfishness are advanced for a young player. Parker can beat defenses from long, and mid range consistently while his dribble drive game is best utilized against like sized defenders or bigger. Simply affects the game in so many positive ways: scoring, passing, rebounding and handling the ball in addition to being very unselfish. Match up nightmare as he goes by taller guys and post up smaller ones. Overall, great feel with an elite basketball IQ.

Weaknesses:

Defending along the arc in terms of chasing shooters off screens and keeping small quicker players out of the lane. Parker can handle the ball very well for his size but must tighten it up his handle when he is under intense ball pressure. Add strength and continue to work on attacking the rim and finishing through contact on a consistent basis. He could also increase his lateral quickness in order to more effectively defend quicker perimeter players.

Bottom Line:

Parker plays with energy and urgency and seems to take the game very serious. It will be fun to follow Parker's progress because he has the tools to be an special player. He is versatile on the offensive end, with the ability to make plays from the wing, low block and high post. Parker has off the charts upside.

 

He can see time at SG, sure.  But he's more suited as a forward, primarily at the 3, but also could thrive at the 4 after maturing. 

[carolina-chuck]

Again, I said he's better suited for the 3. But CAN play the 4/could down the road when he gets bigger.

Silly. Not to mention saying LBJ revolved heavily as an outside shooter is just a joke. He shot 35% from 3 once before his 9th season in the league. He's added that and his mid-range as he's matured. Slasher, obviously. Shooter, no.

I've followed this kid a damn near creepy amount as a Duke fan for years. I may know his game a litttttttle bit. A nice scouting report on Jabari, since it seems like you know nothing of him outside of some Youtube highlights...

Strengths:

Much has been written and all has been well deserved as he is not only the best small forward in his class but also the best player in the class. His calling card lies in his versatility as he can displays many skills on the floor. When it comes to scoring he hardly ever forces the issue as his instincts and unselfishness are advanced for a young player. Parker can beat defenses from long, and mid range consistently while his dribble drive game is best utilized against like sized defenders or bigger. Simply affects the game in so many positive ways: scoring, passing, rebounding and handling the ball in addition to being very unselfish. Match up nightmare as he goes by taller guys and post up smaller ones. Overall, great feel with an elite basketball IQ.

Weaknesses:

Defending along the arc in terms of chasing shooters off screens and keeping small quicker players out of the lane. Parker can handle the ball very well for his size but must tighten it up his handle when he is under intense ball pressure. Add strength and continue to work on attacking the rim and finishing through contact on a consistent basis. He could also increase his lateral quickness in order to more effectively defend quicker perimeter players.

Bottom Line:

Parker plays with energy and urgency and seems to take the game very serious. It will be fun to follow Parker's progress because he has the tools to be an special player. He is versatile on the offensive end, with the ability to make plays from the wing, low block and high post. Parker has off the charts upside.

He can see time at SG, sure. But he's more suited as a forward, primarily at the 3, but also could thrive at the 4 after maturing.

Pretty much what I said.

Rebounding? Paul George is a pretty good rebounder. Is he a PF?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Again, I said he's better suited for the 3. But CAN play the 4/could down the road when he gets bigger.

Silly. Not to mention saying LBJ revolved heavily as an outside shooter is just a joke. He shot 35% from 3 once before his 9th season in the league. He's added that and his mid-range as he's matured. Slasher, obviously. Shooter, no.

I've followed this kid a damn near creepy amount as a Duke fan for years. I may know his game a litttttttle bit. A nice scouting report on Jabari, since it seems like you know nothing of him outside of some Youtube highlights...

Strengths:

Much has been written and all has been well deserved as he is not only the best small forward in his class but also the best player in the class. His calling card lies in his versatility as he can displays many skills on the floor. When it comes to scoring he hardly ever forces the issue as his instincts and unselfishness are advanced for a young player. Parker can beat defenses from long, and mid range consistently while his dribble drive game is best utilized against like sized defenders or bigger. Simply affects the game in so many positive ways: scoring, passing, rebounding and handling the ball in addition to being very unselfish. Match up nightmare as he goes by taller guys and post up smaller ones. Overall, great feel with an elite basketball IQ.

Weaknesses:

Defending along the arc in terms of chasing shooters off screens and keeping small quicker players out of the lane. Parker can handle the ball very well for his size but must tighten it up his handle when he is under intense ball pressure. Add strength and continue to work on attacking the rim and finishing through contact on a consistent basis. He could also increase his lateral quickness in order to more effectively defend quicker perimeter players.

Bottom Line:

Parker plays with energy and urgency and seems to take the game very serious. It will be fun to follow Parker's progress because he has the tools to be an special player. He is versatile on the offensive end, with the ability to make plays from the wing, low block and high post. Parker has off the charts upside.

He can see time at SG, sure. But he's more suited as a forward, primarily at the 3, but also could thrive at the 4 after maturing.

If somehow Hairston gets to play this year, I hope Duke plays Parker on him at the three.

I could see UNC taking advantage of Parker being a poor three point defender.

But that's for another thread/discussion/time

[CarolinaNCSU]

Lulz, have a good day, chuck.  You're welcome to have the last word, but all I'll say is this.  The case was just made showing he excels against bigger competition, isn't only a shooter, struggles guarding smaller/quicker guys, etc.  Basically, countering everything you said. But hey, play him at the 2.  And Paul George is 220 and an ideal 3.  Again, where I've always said Jabari should/will play.  Having MKG on the roster though, the case can be made that Parker could play the 4. But hey, reading comprehension isn't your strong suit.  

 

 

Carolina8789...

 

I imagine Rasheed (best defender) or Hood (long/athletic) will be on Hairston.  Either way, I imagine he gets his regardless. Jabari probably lines up with McAdoo since not much size (if any) will be given up, not to mention his soft play inside.  On the flip side of that, Jabari being guarded by McAdoo would scare the hell out of me if I were a Carolina fan. 

[CarolinaCoolin]

If we draft Oladipo we are going to start winning games with scores like 56-50

Vic can score too.