2008 StR Community Draft Board: Pick #14

Speights me hard!

Ok, this is the point where Ajinca becomes the smartest option, which is why DraftExpress predicts him going to Portland in this slot.

Here’s a little video of his play in France last season:

http://www.lnbtv.net/lecture_video.php?video=ClipAjinca.wmv&titre=Clip%20Espoirs%20LNB%20-%20Alexis%20Ajin%E7a

Ajinca’s long term potential to become an impact player in the NBA is far beyond that of a conservative choice like Hibbert and as high or higher than an “upside” choice like Speights or Rush.

Ajinca has most of the qualities scouts drool over in DeAndre Jordan (height, length, crazy athleticism), but Ajinca is already a far better shooter and passer and is much more focused and determined and likely to deliver on his promise.

And one thing about Ajinca is for sure: the cat is 7’1 and has a freakin’ 7’9” wingspan! As they say, you can’t teach that. He’s only 20 years old and is gonna get stronger and more savvy, but from the moment he steps on the court he boosts the interior defense on a team that’s been weak in that area for years. He’ll instantly become one of the top shot blockers/shot alterers in the league.

TZ, the logic works for me. I was just curious. Also, my knowledge of potential players for the Kings is about 14 players long, so I’m just afraid of being exposed as a fraud with my “insights” on these picks. Oh well, I guess I had a good run. I picked Speights here, mostly because his named is pretty fun and everyone seems pretty high on him around here (way easier to go with the flow rather than fighting the current).

Jokes aside, I hadn’t heard of this guy before about a month ago. But he’s really tall, so he’s clearly a lottery pick, right? You know, rather than proven college players like Brandon Rush.

Like Rush -we got enough of, good or not.