FanPost

Draft Picks and Free Agent Signings

This is me putting on my Fantasy GM hat and what I’d love to see happen on draft night and in the pre-season. I'll lay it all out first and then explain my reasons behind each choice (assuming we get the #5 pick):

Draft Picks:

#5 Stephen Curry
#18 DeJuan Blair
#28 Tyler Hansbrough

Free agent singings:

Hedo Turkoglu (unrestricted)
Chris Andersen (unrestricted)

Everyone has already gone over Curry's good bits - can score from anywhere, has played the point in college, lots of steals, but it's his weaknesses that everyone seems to be focusing on such as his defence, his height and if he can play the point at the NBA level. I think his height is not an issue if he is playing the point since he is now listed at 6’3 and his D will not be as noticeable if he has a big two next to him (which is where Brewer can finally start contributing).  Can he play the point? This leads me to why the Wolves should sign Hedo Turkoglu.

Turkoglu is a point forward and averages 5 assists a night. Having that type of player will take the pressure off Curry because he won't need to distribute the ball and make plays every possession. It also gives the Wolves another legitimate scorer which is something we sorely need. The hard part will be signing him for a deal under 4 years (he turns 30 next month).

For the #18 pick, I’ve decided to go with DeJuan Blair over Evans, Teague, and Mullens. I was thinking Mullens based purely on getting a 7 footer into the team, and have him coming off  the bench behind Jefferson but I’m going to go with DeJuan Blair because of his hustle and energy. He is only 6’7 but averaged 5.6 offensive boards last year which is just plain silly. People are comparing this guy to Paul Millsap, and even if his offensive game isn’t brilliant, he will provide some much needed spark off the bench.

Moving on, Tyler Hansbrough is a must pick for me at #28. He gives us a solid player coming off the bench, but more than that, he has a great attitude and he comes from a winning environment. Other people will be pushing for Calathes and I can see where they are coming from, but if you already have Curry and the Wolves decide to keep Bassy, there is no real need for him. The only drawback for taking Hansbrough with this pick is that we could really use a big with some athleticism and shot blocking potential. Which is why the Wolves should sign the Birdman, Chris Andersen.

Chris Andersen, 6rebs and 2.5blks a game in 20mins… Enough said

So, this is what the team would look like after the picks and signings:

Curry/ Bassy
Brewer/ Foye
Turkoglu/ Miller/ Gomes
Love/ Blair/ Hansbrough
Jefferson/ Andersen

And the last thing I will leave you with - Orlando's starting lineup:

Nelson, Lee, Turkoglu, Lewis, Howard

This team came 3rd overall in the East, but more importantly they have a small point guard that is more of a scorer than a passer, a 2 guard that is a great perimeter defender but doesn’t score much, Turkoglu, and a beast inside. Sound familiar?