NBA Mock Draft for Lazar Hayward

[goodgreatgrand]

This is why Huizenga holds a special place in my heart.

The way in which he so easily 'bought' a World Series Championship and then dismantled the team immediately afterward was beautiful. Anyone that can make a mockery of baseball economics is a friend of mine. 

The NFL is another story. In fact, the NFL is closest thing we have ever had in the history of the world that best represents socialist ideals (at least according to a Princeton econ prof who's name is escaping me at the moment). It's virtually impossible to "buy" a championship.  

[shiloh26]

This is why Huizenga holds a special place in my heart.

The way in which he so easily 'bought' a World Series Championship and then dismantled the team immediately afterward was beautiful. Anyone that can make a mockery of baseball economics is a friend of mine. 

The NFL is another story. In fact, the NFL is closest thing we have ever had in the history of the world that best represents socialist ideals (at least according to a Princeton econ prof who's name is escaping me at the moment). It's virtually impossible to "buy" a championship.  

+1 Wayne Huizenga is a badass.  There are lots of rags to riches stories, but he literally began his career taking the garbage out, and now just sold what was his own private golf course designed by Gary Player.  For clarity, thats (1) Own private golf course and (2) designed by Gary Player, 2 unimaginably expensive things all wrapped up into one.  Its hard to believe such a savvy person would give a vote of confidence to Nick Saban.   

[shiloh26]

http://walterfootball.com/nbadraft2010mock_2.php

Here's one with him going (where else?) but the Jazz in the second round. 

[martyconlonontherun]

Laxar Hayward measurables: 6-4 1-2 without shoes ...8-6 standing reach ...225.8 pounds ...7.5 body fat.

http://twitter.com/gerywoelfel

Old man must had trouble typing the z on his phone.

Lazar and Gordon are cousins!  
http://www.journaltimes.com/sports/article_9fbf3052-6497-11df-914b-001cc4c002e0.html

[martyconlonontherun]

http://my.journaltimes.com/post/woelfel-world-of-sports/nba_will_get_upclose_look_at_mus_hayward.html

Goldfeder said Hayward already has seven team workouts scheduled, starting May 12 with the Miami Heat.

Hayward will also work out for Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and Memphis.

His height is really going to hold him back. There's a fine line of trying to get faster and not losing your strength. Hopefully he beasts in these workouts.

[MUfan12]

Ok.. I gotta ask for some other opinions on this. It could just be my bias, but what is it about Gordon Hayward that makes him a lottery pick? Or that much better than Lazar?

He's a tweener as well, and his outside shot is very inconsistent. He won't be able to come close to his rebounding numbers at the NBA level. He's a good ballhandler and passer, smart ballplayer.

I know he had a nice tournament, but I can see this guy being a bust. He reminds me of a skinnier Adam Morrison, and we all saw how that worked out.

[MUCrew]

Anyone watching the NBA Combine right now on ESPN3?  Had a glimpse of Zar there and they just had like a 10 minute conversation about 1-and-dones, kids entering the draft because "they don't like school," etc.  It's being covered by guys like Len Elmore, Andy Katz, Chad Ford, Jay Williams, Billy Hunter? - not sure.  Either way, it's on right now.

[martyconlonontherun]

G 6-8 SF
L 6-5 SF/PF

G led his team to the NCAA championship game. L led his team to the tourney.
Lazar also played a position that doesn't translate to the NBA your don't see many SF's playing C and thus getting mismatches on the offensive end. Lazar can play center in the BEast, but he won't be able to do it against D. Howard, Bogut and others.

Gordon played is more known on his style of play. NBA front offices know he is a solid ball handler and passer. They don't have to worry about if he will be able to switch positions. He plays a translatable position and is a hard worker.

I don't disagree with you on him being a possible bust, but it is real easy to see why Gordon is ranked so much higher.

[PGsHeroes32]

I like Gordon because I am also a fan of Butler behind MU of course. I think he will be just fine in the NBA but he did make the wrong choice deciding to go pro already. I definitly think he should have stayed for another year.


But boy would I love it if the Bucks got both Haywards. They would be my new favorite team.

[GGGG]

Ok.. I gotta ask for some other opinions on this. It could just be my bias, but what is it about Gordon Hayward that makes him a lottery pick? Or that much better than Lazar?

He's a tweener as well, and his outside shot is very inconsistent. He won't be able to come close to his rebounding numbers at the NBA level. He's a good ballhandler and passer, smart ballplayer.

I know he had a nice tournament, but I can see this guy being a bust. He reminds me of a skinnier Adam Morrison, and we all saw how that worked out.

Gordon Hayward isn't a tweener.  He's a 6'8" SF.

[wadesworld]

Ok.. I gotta ask for some other opinions on this. It could just be my bias, but what is it about Gordon Hayward that makes him a lottery pick? Or that much better than Lazar?

He's a tweener as well, and his outside shot is very inconsistent. He won't be able to come close to his rebounding numbers at the NBA level. He's a good ballhandler and passer, smart ballplayer.

I know he had a nice tournament, but I can see this guy being a bust. He reminds me of a skinnier Adam Morrison, and we all saw how that worked out.

Gordan Hayward has a very good shot and is a much more complete player than Adam Morrison.  Gordan is extremely smooth.  Obviously they are very different players, but it reminds me of Stephen Curry...those 2 make very difficult things look very easy.  He's 6'8"/6'9" (most list him at 6'8" but I've seen some listing him at 6'9") and can handle the ball like a point guard (not as quick but can handle it very well...read somewhere that both his parents are "shorter" - I think it said his dad was around 6' - so they had him practice his ball handling thinking he would stop growing early and be 6' as well).  His basketball IQ is also through the rough.  He's one of those guys who just gets "it"...you can't really explain it but he has something that most players don't.

I'd say the main difference between Lazar and Gordon is that Gordon has an extra 3" on Lazar and has a much higher basketball IQ and much better decision making.  Lazar's passing is suspect and his ball handling is even worse.  Gordon has no such problems.  I think Gordon is the real deal, and if he's still around at 15 I will be pretty disappointed if the Bucks pass up on him.

I like Gordon because I am also a fan of Butler behind MU of course. I think he will be just fine in the NBA but he did make the wrong choice deciding to go pro already. I definitly think he should have stayed for another year.


But boy would I love it if the Bucks got both Haywards. They would be my new favorite team.

It was definitely the right choice by Hayward to go pro.  What more can he do in college?  He won't get that much better by dominating the Horizon League next year, he'll get a lot better by going up against the best players in the world every day in practice WHILE making millions of dollars for it.  It also takes an unbelievable amount of talent combined with luck on a team to make it to the Final Four and championship games, so it'd be pretty hard for him and Butler to duplicate what they did this year.  There was no reason for him to stay in school.  If you're a first round pick you're guaranteed money.  Take the money while it's there.  His stock probably wouldn't rise all that much next year anyway.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

It's actually probably better if he doesn't get drafted.  Realistically,  he could get drafted from mid-to-late 2nd.  Those guys get cut all of the time.  It would be better to go undrafted and  try to make a team that gives him the best chance to win a spot.  Wes is the obvious example,  but this is not a new occurrence. He is a borderline NBAer and needs to find a place where he has a role to fill.......even if it's just the bench.

[martyconlonontherun]

I like Gordon because I am also a fan of Butler behind MU of course. I think he will be just fine in the NBA but he did make the wrong choice deciding to go pro already. I definitly think he should have stayed for another year.


But boy would I love it if the Bucks got both Haywards. They would be my new favorite team.

Honestly, I think fans are selfish when they make comments like this on guys staying another year. He led his team to a national championship game and is almost guaranteed a first round pick (most projecting him in top 20). He is guaranteed a 3 year deal and millions of dollars if he is drafted. He is then able to have the best coaches in the world (Bucks, who I feel will pick him if available at 15, have Skiles, Sampson and Peterson-all 3 are great coaches) and great facilities. His only obligation would be to working on his game during the off-season- no classes to go to.

So he should go back another year and supposedly get better practicing and playing with weaker competition? All of this while risking an injury?

[MuMark]

Also Gordon just turned 20......Lazar is 23.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

I'm all Warrior, but:

1. Gordon is WAY better than Lazar.
2. Gordon made ABSOLUTELY the smart move entering the draft this year.

[wadesworld]

I'm all Warrior, but:

1. Gordon is WAY better than Lazar.
2. Gordon made ABSOLUTELY the smart move entering the draft this year.

1. Yup
2. Yup

[GGGG]

And about the Adam Morrison comparisons...

Morrison came out as a junior, got drafted high...and well is generally considered a bust.  But would he have been a better player had he stuck around another year?  I doubt it.  Another year of college wouldn't have made Morrison, and it won't make Hayward, a better basketball player.

And in Morrison's defense, the torn ACL his second year didn't help his development either.

[shiloh26]

And about the Adam Morrison comparisons...

Morrison came out as a junior, got drafted high...and well is generally considered a bust.  But would he have been a better player had he stuck around another year?  I doubt it.  Another year of college wouldn't have made Morrison, and it won't make Hayward, a better basketball player.

And in Morrison's defense, the torn ACL his second year didn't help his development either.

To go back on the offensive against Morrison, he was also a bit of a headcase.  Watching him break down multiple times his senior year probably should have sent up some red flags... maybe not the guy to take third. 

I wouldn't want the Bucks to take him at 15 just because he is pretty limited athletically and thus wont be able to get to the rim like he did in college and is inconsistent with the outside shot.  He'll probably be a decent player at the next level, I just think mid-first is still too early where teams are still primarily concerned about upside. 

[tower912]

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/

Lazar: 6'4.5"
The one from Butler:  6'6.75"

Everybody lies about their height.   

[4everwarriors]

Raise your hand if you think Lazar can play the 2 in the Association.

[GGGG]

To go back on the offensive against Morrison, he was also a bit of a headcase.  Watching him break down multiple times his senior year probably should have sent up some red flags... maybe not the guy to take third. 

I wouldn't want the Bucks to take him at 15 just because he is pretty limited athletically and thus wont be able to get to the rim like he did in college and is inconsistent with the outside shot.  He'll probably be a decent player at the next level, I just think mid-first is still too early where teams are still primarily concerned about upside. 

What gives you the impression he's limited athletically?  The guy was all state in like three different sports in high school.

[goodgreatgrand]

The Butler kid actually reminds me a lot of Mike Dunleavy.

He wont be an impact player perse, but he will have a long career in the NBA.

[shiloh26]

What gives you the impression he's limited athletically?  The guy was all state in like three different sports in high school.

Perhaps 'limited athletically' was the wrong choice of words, he's obviously athletic, but he doesn't have the athleticism that you'd be looking for in a SF first round prospect.

http://www.jconline.com/article/20100506/NEWS0501/100506011/NBA-scouts-assess-Johnson-Moore-and-Hayward

1 scout: "He's also not very athletic"
Another: "He'll have problems getting his shot off because he doesn't have the athleticism to be an impact player in the league."

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Gordon-Hayward-5514/

"lacks the prototypical athleticism that would allow him to seamlessly transition his game to the next level"
"questionable athleticsm"

None of this means he can't be a good player, I just don't think he's mid-first round quality.

[GGGG]

Fair enough...good points.

[77ncaachamps]

Observations non-MU:

1) Interesting to hear the audio chatter during the first break about Pittman not knowing his step-brother died after being shot (which was announced on-air before they began to cover the actual drills).

2) Didn't know Sam Young impaled himself on the running vert bolt (fastened to the pole).