2014 NBA Draft Poll

[MADXSTER]

Where will Semaj get drafted overall?

[D-West & PO-Z]

35th

[BBC 08]

I don't think there are enough options.

[xu82]

I don't think there are enough options.

You want to deal with fractions?

[mid major]

Semaj= Kenny Satterfield. Definitely listening to the wrong people.

[Masterofreality]

I don't think there are enough options.

Most colorful poll we've ever had.

[xu82]

Most colorful poll we've ever had.

In Easter egg colors even!

[X-man]

Since the latest projection has Semaj moving up into the late first round, I put him at #30. Of course the decision by the Harrison twins may move him back down into the second round.

[Muskie]

Where can I find a good mock draft? All of the normal sites I check seem to be concentrating on the playoffs.

[X-man]

Where can I find a good mock draft? All of the normal sites I check seem to be concentrating on the playoffs.

Here is my source: http://www.nbadraft.net/.

[Muskie]

I voted 30 as well. If Semaj must turn pro, I'd like to see him end up on a team like the Spurs where he will have a little bit of time to become a professional player, with a good coaching staff.

[Masterofreality]

I voted 30 as well. If Semaj must turn pro, I'd like to see him end up on a team like the Spurs where he will have a little bit of time to become a professional player, with a good coaching staff.

Absolute Bottom of Round One. Don't slip any..........

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/mock-draft

Parrish updated his today, still have Semaj in first round at #28.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://hoopshype.com/draft.htm

Number 30 is this mock updated today as well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.mynbadraft.com/2014-NBA-Mock-Draft-Round-2/

#31 in this mock updated today.

[RoadWarrior]

How is Mrs. James Posey?

[MADXSTER]

bump

[james notsirhc 0]

Looks like he shit well in the combine. It's all up to his team workouts now. I think he'll go in the 25-40 range.

[SixFig]

Looks like he shit well in the combine. It's all up to his team workouts now. I think he'll go in the 25-40 range.

I have been shitting well this week. Went through the rim every time. Scouts have me going #8 overall to Cottonelle

[STL_XUfan]

I have been shitting well this week. Went through the rim every time. Scouts have me going #8 overall to Cottonelle
Anyone can shit well in an open gym. I don't know why scouts care about the combine when they have so much game footage of you shitting against real competition.

[BlueGuy]

Anyone can shit well in an open gym. I don't know why scouts care about the combine when they have so much game footage of you shitting against real competition.

I have to say... If I was in the middle of an open gym, I would probably have a hard time shitting. Especially with all the scouts watching me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[X-band '01]

Looks like he shit well in the combine. It's all up to his team workouts now. I think he'll go in the 25-40 range.

So does that mean Semaj was dropping dimes or dropping deuces?

[X-band '01]

I do feel a little bad for James here; an innocent post with one little misspelling has caused this thread to take an amusing turn.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Since the lottery I have seen two drafts with Semaj at #28 and one with him not drafted at all.

[xu82]

Since the lottery I have seen two drafts with Semaj at #28 and one with him not drafted at all.

My official guess is - somewhere in between.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My official guess is - somewhere in between.

Yeah. I'm starting to really think first round is a stretch but I wouldnt be surprised if he has good workouts with a team at the end who want to take a chance he can become a really solid point guard.

[MADXSTER]

Not much time left before this poll closes

[DC Muskie]

I haven't seen any mock drafts with Semaj in the first round. This is going to be a pretty good draft.

[Chalmers0]

I haven't seen any mock drafts with Semaj in the first round. This is going to be a pretty good draft.

Parrish is the only guy I've seen who still has him going first round (he's had him going to the Clippers at 28 I think in every version of his mocks). I'd be absolutely shocked if he goes in the first round and at this point maybe even a little surprised if he gets drafted at all.

[XfansinKy]

[QUOTE=X-band '01;451796]So does that mean Semaj was dropping dimes or dropping deuces?[/QUOTE
So he wasn't shitting bricks?

[THRILLHOUSE]

A sample of what scouts are saying about Semaj:

Has some talent, pretty good athlete, but his shot is suspect. I can see him breaking into someone's rotation as a backup. He can really pass.

Strengths: Christon is a long and athletic scoring point who can get where he wants on the floor—namely into the paint where most of his baskets come from. He’s very good in transition and can also defend his position pretty well. He’s also very, very fast up and down the floor—physically, he’s an NBA-quality athlete. Christon looks like one of the more interesting second-round guards with some room for growth.

Weaknesses: He didn’t shoot three-pointers at a bad clip (38.8 percent) but also didn’t shoot many of them (less than two attempts per game), so his development into a confident perimeter threat, like many of the points in this class, will be key. He could use some more weight on his frame and will also need to grow more comfortable facilitating play.


Quotes taken from these 2 articles:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140623/nba-draft-scouts-top-54-players-andrew-wiggins-jabari-parker-joel-embiid/#ixzz35W1hWn00

http://nba.si.com/2014/06/16/2014-nba-draft-point-guard-rankings-dante-exum-marcus-smart/2/

[Muskie]

Chad Ford had him smack dab in the 40's on the last mock I saw.

[bleedXblue]

A sample of what scouts are saying about Semaj:

Has some talent, pretty good athlete, but his shot is suspect. I can see him breaking into someone's rotation as a backup. He can really pass.

Strengths: Christon is a long and athletic scoring point who can get where he wants on the floor—namely into the paint where most of his baskets come from. He’s very good in transition and can also defend his position pretty well. He’s also very, very fast up and down the floor—physically, he’s an NBA-quality athlete. Christon looks like one of the more interesting second-round guards with some room for growth.

Weaknesses: He didn’t shoot three-pointers at a bad clip (38.8 percent) but also didn’t shoot many of them (less than two attempts per game), so his development into a confident perimeter threat, like many of the points in this class, will be key. He could use some more weight on his frame and will also need to grow more comfortable facilitating play.


Quotes taken from these 2 articles:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140623/nba-draft-scouts-top-54-players-andrew-wiggins-jabari-parker-joel-embiid/#ixzz35W1hWn00

http://nba.si.com/2014/06/16/2014-nba-draft-point-guard-rankings-dante-exum-marcus-smart/2/

Which is why I was so puzzled in how few 3s he was attempting per game last year. If he wanted to showcase his talent to help with his draft status he should have showed more versatility to his game. It's not like he wasn't making them at a nice clip.

[PMI]

Which is why I was so puzzled in how few 3s he was attempting per game last year. If he wanted to showcase his talent to help with his draft status he should have showed more versatility to his game. It's not like he wasn't making them at a nice clip.

I think Semaj could've shot a little bit more from outside (ie. passed up fewer of the WIDE open shots) but I don't think his average would've been anywhere near 39% had he been taking 4 or 5 threes a game. I don't think he would've ultimately helped his draft status by taking too many more threes because I think he would still be shooting the same way he is right now in camps, and at best could've developed the reputation of being streaky. Honestly, I think he may have done as much or more to help his draft status by showing how effective he is at getting into the paint and finishing while everyone in the building knows that's what he's trying to do. The shot can develop over time and I think a team will draft him knowing that upside. But he was never going to be drafted based on his shot. He'll be drafted based on some special abilities he already has, and how successful his career is will be contingent on how much he improves and develops in the other areas.

[mistabeecee41]

I think Semaj could've shot a little bit more from outside (ie. passed up fewer of the WIDE open shots) but I don't think his average would've been anywhere near 39% had he been taking 4 or 5 threes a game. I don't think he would've ultimately helped his draft status by taking too many more threes because I think he would still be shooting the same way he is right now in camps, and at best could've developed the reputation of being streaky. Honestly, I think he may have done as much or more to help his draft status by showing how effective he is at getting into the paint and finishing while everyone in the building knows that's what he's trying to do. The shot can develop over time and I think a team will draft him knowing that upside. But he was never going to be drafted based on his shot. He'll be drafted based on some special abilities he already has, and how successful his career is will be contingent on how much he improves and develops in the other areas.

Yep, he said the same exact thing in a recent interview. Trying to prove a point by shooting more then he usually would will do more harm than good. His best chance is to show off what he's good at - transition game, driving, finishing, passing.

[bobbiemcgee]

bump

[GoMuskies]

Looking forward to a big draft for my Jazz tonight. They need a lot of help, obviously, and should get some of it tonight.

Seems like Semaj is looking at mid-second round. Hopefully it's a good fit and he makes the team.

[MADXSTER]

1) Andrew Wiggins
2) Jabari Parker
3) Joel Embiid
4) Aaron Gordon

[Retire33]

Just having a tough time figuring out how this Payton kid is better than Semaj. They out and out say that Payton can't shoot and led nation in turnovers.

Help me out here...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mistabeecee41]

Just having a tough time figuring out how this Payton kid is better than Semaj. They out and out say that Payton can't shoot and led nation in turnovers.

Help me out here...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I've said the same thing to Chad Ford in about 4 ESPN NBA Draft chats. Everybody wants to find the new Damian Lillard.

[xu82]

Well, if you can't shoot you want to be a leader in some category. Turnovers happen to be his thing, apparently.

[xu82]

Looks like the Magic just traded for the guy who turns the ball over but can't shoot. They are learning! This is better than the guy they drafted from Europe who decided he didn't feel like relocating. At least Mr. TO lives on this continent and is likely to show up for work. (I'll bash him here to ensure his enshrinement into the HOF - what do I know?)

[SixFig]

Should be in my pet peeves but...

Bill Simmons...will someone shut this guy up. He is THAT guy who jock sniffs all day and pretends to know everything about everything. Also...what happened to being an objective "journalist"

End rant

[waggy]

This is better than the guy they drafted from Europe who decided he didn't feel like relocating.


I think alot of times when teams draft euro guys, they do so because they don't want them to show up. It saves them money.

[bobbiemcgee]

Looks like the Magic just traded for the guy who turns the ball over but can't shoot. They are learning! This is better than the guy they drafted from Europe who decided he didn't feel like relocating. At least Mr. TO lives on this continent and is likely to show up for work. (I'll bash him here to ensure his enshrinement into the HOF - what do I know?)

They traded the guy they picked who can't play here for 2 yrs. so they're getting better. The Magic now have the 56th pick and need Semaj. They also dumped Affalo's salary so they can sign Bron and Melo (sarcasm font)

[xu82]

I think alot of times when teams draft euro guys, they do so because they don't want them to show up. It saves them money.

I suppose it looks better than "Pass".

[xu82]

They traded the guy they picked who can't play here for 2 yrs. so they're getting better. The Magic now have the 56th pick and need Semaj. They also dumped Affalo's salary so they can sign Bron and Melo (sarcasm font)

Semaj will show up for work!

[BMoreX]

@SBNationGIF: South what? https://t.co/u4Mjk2iRsi

[waggy]

I suppose it looks better than "Pass".


Yup that's effectively what it is. I wonder how many NBA spots are really available each year on average.

[BMoreX]

First round done.

[xsteve1]

Starting to look bad for Semaj. Still a couple PG's rated higher. If he falls past 50 it may be better he not get drafted.

[BMoreX]

Doesn't look good for Semaj...

[SixFig]

Holding out hope. This is a stacked year. Hope Semaj can prove people wrong

[mistabeecee41]

Think his best bet at this point is the 45-49 range. Worked out for all of those teams.

[sirthought]

Just a gut guess, but I'm thinking his best fit would be Pacers or Spurs at this stage.

[BMoreX]

Semaj currently Bilas 9th best available (at pick 43).

[BMoreX]

Don't see PHI taking him with their next two...they just took PG Russ Smith.

[sirthought]

Just looking at some of these guys in the second round. Crazy deep draft.

[nkymuskie]

Don't see PHI taking him with their next two...they just took PG Russ Smith.

They just traded Russ to NOLA for Pierre Jackson which still does not help Maj

[BMoreX]

Maybe Indiana or San Antonio (2 picks)? They worked him out.

[xu82]

Maybe Indiana or San Antonio (2 picks)? They worked him out.

Two great landing spots if he can make it stick.

[bobbiemcgee]

So did the Magic. Magic trying to dump personnel and salaries, but this one wouldn't hurt.

[sirthought]

Maybe Indiana or San Antonio (2 picks)? They worked him out.

Is there an echo in here?

[BMoreX]

Semaj to Heat

[nkymuskie]

Semaj to Heat

Good call

[oddblob]

nooooooooooooo

[xu82]

Miami!!! And they can't pronounce Semaj!
Or Christon...
But they got Xavier right!

[oddblob]

happy for semaj!

[Lloyd Braun]

(Charlotte)

[BMoreX]

Gonna have to battle with Napier.

[xufandownsouth]

He's actually off to Charlotte. Part of the trade to land Napier.

[sirthought]

Whoa. Let's hope he gets an opportunity. They already have Napier drafted, which doesn't seem good for him.

[BMoreX]

Any idea on the Hornets guard situation?

[sirthought]

Hornets are a better prospect for him. Luke Ridnour is becoming a free agent, I believe. Kemba Walker is pretty established.

[bobbiemcgee]

Heat

[BBC 08]

Congrats Semaj!

http://img.pandawhale.com/60383-Rob-huebel-Glitter-gif-YFgP.gif

[nkymuskie]

He stands a much better chance of sticking with Charlotte. Hopefully everything works out for him

[BandAid]

Congratulations Semaj!

[Juice]

Break out your old Hornets Starter jackets

1463

[bobbiemcgee]

gary washburn ‏@GwashburnGlobe 2m
NBA source said the #hornets will trade the Semaj Christon pick to the #thunder

[xu82]

gary washburn ‏@GwashburnGlobe 2m
NBA source said the #hornets will trade the Semaj Christon pick to the #thunder

I can't keep up! Should I be happy? I'd like to be happy!

[BandAid]

gary washburn ‏@GwashburnGlobe 2m
NBA source said the #hornets will trade the Semaj Christon pick to the #thunder

Well Fisher is gone, so that's good

[THRILLHOUSE]

Semaj will be reunited with his Brewster Academy teammate Mitch McGary in OKC.

[Xavgrad08]

Good luck Christon. Would be nice to have another Musketeer in the league.

[xu82]

Semaj will be reunited with his Brewster Academy teammate Mitch McGary in OKC.

Throw in Jalen and the others and you have a pretty good high school team. Didn't realize McGary was part of that, but I saw them play against Nerlens Noel (ESPN, I'm sure) and it was quite a sight. I thought I knew a bit about high school basketball...

[THRILLHOUSE]

Throw in Jalen and the others and you have a pretty good high school team. Didn't realize McGary was part of that, but I saw them play against Nerlens Noel (ESPN, I'm sure) and it was quite a sight. I thought I knew a bit about high school basketball...

Another draft pick, TJ Warren, was on that team as well. Along with Jakaar Sampson and Aaron Thomas. That was one loaded team.

[Masterofreality]

Absolute Bottom of Round One. Don't slip any..........

Well, ok.

Absolute bottom of Round 2, but who's counting?

[NY44]

When I was at the Providence game I saw a Thunder scout there for him. It would be nice to think that they've had their eye on him for awhile.

Players picked this late are prone to jump teams a lot early in their careers, but if he can stay put, I think this is a perfect fit for him. I expect Westbrook to jump ship in the coming seasons which might mean more playing time for Mr. Christon.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Congrats to Semaj; #55 is better than nothing, considering that both S. Kilpatrick and S. Bhullar were not drafted.

[Milhouse]

When I was at the Providence game I saw a Thunder scout there for him. It would be nice to think that they've had their eye on him for awhile.

Players picked this late are prone to jump teams a lot early in their careers, but if he can stay put, I think this is a perfect fit for him. I expect Westbrook to jump ship in the coming seasons which might mean more playing time for Mr. Christon.

Why would you think Westbrook would Jump Ship? He's signed through 2017. He loves Playing with Durant and they've had nothing but success there......

OKC is a great landing spot for Maj. And to think a lot of people said he wouldn't get drafted.

[sgarcia]

Why would you think Westbrook would Jump Ship? He's signed through 2017. He loves Playing with Durant and they've had nothing but success there......

OKC is a great landing spot for Maj. And to think a lot of people said he wouldn't get drafted.

When did Semaj get traded to OKC? Thought he got traded to Charlotte. Did something happen overnight?

[Xville]

Why would you think Westbrook would Jump Ship? He's signed through 2017. He loves Playing with Durant and they've had nothing but success there......

OKC is a great landing spot for Maj. And to think a lot of people said he wouldn't get drafted.

He almost didn't get drafted. Let's not act like he got drafted in the first round. I hope that Semaj realizes his dream and makes the team, but I still think he made a mistake by going early. Time will tell though.

[NY44]

Why would you think Westbrook would Jump Ship? He's signed through 2017. He loves Playing with Durant and they've had nothing but success there......

OKC is a great landing spot for Maj. And to think a lot of people said he wouldn't get drafted.

I've always been weary of his need to be The Man on the court and fully expect him to want to be the star of his own team someday. I could easily be wrong. It would be nice if Semaj could stay there and develop under him until 2017 though..

[XfansinKy]

Well Fisher is gone, so that's good
Yea I hadn't thought about that. Fisher was a point guard and unless OKC has their eye on another PG somewhere you would have to think Semaj will fit right in. I thought he should have stayed(I'm only an expert in my own mind) but even so he has to be one of the fastest players in the NBA already, and we know he can jump outta the gym. Good luck to SC and hopefully congrats to coach Mack on his first recruit out of high-school to play in the NBA.

[bleedXblue]

What's done is done. Good luck To Semaj, I hope he makes the team and works himself into the rotation quickly.

[XUOWNSUC]

Congrats to Semaj! Good Luck!

[Milhouse]

He almost didn't get drafted. Let's not act like he got drafted in the first round. I hope that Semaj realizes his dream and makes the team, but I still think he made a mistake by going early. Time will tell though.

I wouldn't say he almost didn't get drafted. He had multiple workouts with the Spurs and the Pacers pre draft. Those teams held 3 spots in the final 5.

It gets so tiresome here people constantly saying "he won't get drafted" "he shouldn't have gone". To think that Semaj wouldn't have been one of 60 players drafted this year was just foolish in my opinion. But there's also not a ton of NBA fans around here either.

[XU-PA]

When did Semaj get traded to OKC? Thought he got traded to Charlotte. Did something happen overnight?

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/27/4204683/hornets-select-pg-christon-with.html

draft day wheeling and dealing

[mistabeecee41]

2nd round picks always have a tough road (especially this late) but I think the circumstances seem to point in the right direction for Semaj. It's not like the team picking at 55 was like "whatever, i'll pick this guy". The Thunder actively pursued the pick, and paid cash to get it. To do that - at such a late point in the draft, shows they didn't want him to fall out of the draft and have the option of going wherever he wanted.

[NY44]

He almost didn't get drafted. Let's not act like he got drafted in the first round. I hope that Semaj realizes his dream and makes the team, but I still think he made a mistake by going early. Time will tell though.

Let's not open the right move vs wrong move discussion yet again. What's done is done. He's in and has to prove himself now, just like everyone else and just like he would have to do next year if he stayed.

Also, please don't forget how insanely deep this draft was.

[XU 87]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/27/4204683/hornets-select-pg-christon-with.html

draft day wheeling and dealing

Good. I would have had a very difficult time rooting for the team that drafted him.

[GoMuskies]

Good. I would have had a very difficult time rooting for the team that drafted him.

I would have had no problem. I assume the current Heat are going to be blown up this offseason.

[PMI]

2nd round picks always have a tough road (especially this late) but I think the circumstances seem to point in the right direction for Semaj. It's not like the team picking at 55 was like "whatever, i'll pick this guy". The Thunder actively pursued the pick, and paid cash to get it. To do that - at such a late point in the draft, shows they didn't want him to fall out of the draft and have the option of going wherever he wanted.

Exactly. This fact alone negates this "he almost didn't get drafted" nonsense. We all would've loved to have him on the team this year, but as of today, Semaj is going to be able to provide for his family and begin his professional career. There's no reason to believe he didn't do his homework before hiring an agent and remaining in the draft. I also don't think you can convince me that if he had stayed another year, he'd have some significantly higher chance at having a much better career than he will now. He is going to have to work his way into a rotation just like he would have had to next summer. I think he's looking at a couple of years of minimal playing time on a great team before developing into a part of a rotation, either in OKC or elsewhere. And I think that's exactly what he'd be looking at next year, just as a slightly older man. Best of luck to a great Xavier rep!

[JTG]

Why would you think Westbrook would Jump Ship? He's signed through 2017. He loves Playing with Durant and they've had nothing but success there......

OKC is a great landing spot for Maj. And to think a lot of people said he wouldn't get drafted.

Westbrook and Durant together is not a good plan. Westbrook is a team wrecker. He wants the ball all the time.

[JTG]

Good. I would have had a very difficult time rooting for the team that drafted him.

This. With the Heat, I would not have been able to root for him.

[GoMuskies]

Can OKC retain control of Semaj and assign him to the D-League without paying him the minimum NBA salary?

[Milhouse]

Westbrook and Durant together is not a good plan. Westbrook is a team wrecker. He wants the ball all the time.

Westbrook is not a teamwrecker at all. He's more than willing to share the ball with durant. If he wasn't then how come Durant has lead the NBA in scoring 4 of the last 5 seasons? Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players in the game. Clearly he could go to nearly any team and be the #1 guy. He's a top 10 player in the league right now. But he signed his extension to stay with the Thunder and did so without an opt out clause showing how much he likes the organization and Durant.

[PMI]

If Westbrook and Durant together is not a good plan then there are literally only 1 or 2 "good plans" in all of professional basketball.

[LA Muskie]

Westbrook is not a teamwrecker at all. He's more than willing to share the ball with durant. If he wasn't then how come Durant has lead the NBA in scoring 4 of the last 5 seasons? Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players in the game. Clearly he could go to nearly any team and be the #1 guy. He's a top 10 player in the league right now. But he signed his extension to stay with the Thunder and did so without an opt out clause showing how much he likes the organization and Durant.

Exactly. The "Westbrook isn't a team player" mantra is absurd.

[NY44]

If Westbrook and Durant together is not a good plan then there are literally only 1 or 2 "good plans" in all of professional basketball.

Since Spurs v Heat has been the Championship 2 years running, this might actually be accurate.

I fully believe that they need to win by 2017 for this roster to stick together. They probably need to win by 2015 for Brooks to keep his job.

[PMI]

Since Spurs v Heat has been the Championship 2 years running, this might actually be accurate.

I fully believe that they need to win by 2017 for this roster to stick together. They probably need to win by 2015 for Brooks to keep his job.

The problem with that notion is that it assumes that all you have to do to build a contender is come up with a good plan. I'm sure if Lebron wanted to go play in OKC, they'd make that work. But given that it's the real world and not a video game, a Westbrook/Durante combination is about as good a plan as they're going to start with. Westbrook may not be perfect but he is way, way down the list of OKC's problems. And the notion that someone suggested that all he wants to do is shoot is ridiculous. Durant leads the league in scoring every year and Westbrook's assist numbers are always impressive. Just because he also happens to be one of the most gifted scorers on top of that does not mean he's a ball hog. He's an elite player who has sacrificed in order to coexist with another superstar.

[mistabeecee41]

The problem with that notion is that it assumes that all you have to do to build a contender is come up with a good plan. I'm sure if Lebron wanted to go play in OKC, they'd make that work. But given that it's the real world and not a video game, a Westbrook/Durante combination is about as good a plan as they're going to start with. Westbrook may not be perfect but he is way, way down the list of OKC's problems. And the notion that someone suggested that all he wants to do is shoot is ridiculous. Durant leads the league in scoring every year and Westbrook's assist numbers are always impressive. Just because he also happens to be one of the most gifted scorers on top of that does not mean he's a ball hog. He's an elite player who has sacrificed in order to coexist with another superstar.

Kendrick Perkins is awful. Thabo Sefolosha had an awful shooting year. Ibaka was playing hurt in the playoffs.

Westbrook, KD and Ibaka is a fantastic trio to start off with. If you think otherwise, you clearly don't watch the NBA. Reggie Jackson is a fantastic 6th man. Steven Adams showed promise and if he continues to improve, will see more minutes and be a tremendous improvement over Perkins.

Rumors are that Perkins might be tradeable. If they can do that to free up cap space to find an upgrade from Sefolosha and some more front court depth, they'll be in a great spot next year.

[Juice]

Exactly. The "Westbrook isn't a team player" mantra is absurd.

I laugh at and dismiss anyone who says that shit.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Kendrick Perkins is awful. Thabo Sefolosha had an awful shooting year. Ibaka was playing hurt in the playoffs.

Westbrook, KD and Ibaka is a fantastic trio to start off with. If you think otherwise, you clearly don't watch the NBA. Reggie Jackson is a fantastic 6th man. Steven Adams showed promise and if he continues to improve, will see more minutes and be a tremendous improvement over Perkins.

Rumors are that Perkins might be tradeable. If they can do that to free up cap space to find an upgrade from Sefolosha and some more front court depth, they'll be in a great spot next year.

Sefalosha is an unrestricted free agent, their guard rotation is Westbrook/Jackson/Lamb with Roberson listed as a SG but he is really a SF. OKC has 10 guys under contract which is not good especially with McGary and Heustis coming on board. Leaves just two spots wearing suits behind the bench for Christon. I see OKC cutting Roberson with Heustis coming in. They won't resign Thabeet who has a team option this year and roll the dice with Adams who I like and McGary.

The Christon draft pick is a hedge against Sefalosha getting a good deal from some other team and bolting. If he does it allows OKC to have another guard on the roster.

Honestly, I think Christon either shuffles between being a 12th man-suited inactive-D League all year. If he absolutely earns a spot in a year, he will sit behind Westbrook and Jackson and be a safety net for them in case Jackson bolts for more money.

[Xville]

Exactly. This fact alone negates this "he almost didn't get drafted" nonsense. We all would've loved to have him on the team this year, but as of today, Semaj is going to be able to provide for his family and begin his professional career. There's no reason to believe he didn't do his homework before hiring an agent and remaining in the draft. I also don't think you can convince me that if he had stayed another year, he'd have some significantly higher chance at having a much better career than he will now. He is going to have to work his way into a rotation just like he would have had to next summer. I think he's looking at a couple of years of minimal playing time on a great team before developing into a part of a rotation, either in OKC or elsewhere. And I think that's exactly what he'd be looking at next year, just as a slightly older man. Best of luck to a great Xavier rep!

It would be nice to have him on the team, but that isn't why I think he made a mistake in regards to leaving early. Either way the guy is going to make money no doubt. However if he wants to play in the NBA in my opinion he would have been better served to stay another year and work on his game. He could have possibly been a first round pick with guaranteed money. However.. I still wish him well and it will be easy to root for him if he stays with okc...love me some durant.

[Milhouse]

There's also the chance that he comes back and has a down year or not as good of a year and doesn't get drafted at 22.

Semaj got drafted. Do you know how many college players dream of that? 99% of them. For selfish reasons we all wanted him to come back obviously but he's old for his age and the time was ripe. He got drafted and he has his shot. He's in a great situation.

NY44 you saying Scott Brooks needs to win next year or he's out is absurd. He will not get fired after reaching the western conference finals in 3 of the last 4 years. He is beloved there...

[Chalmers0]

There's also the chance that he comes back and has a down year or not as good of a year and doesn't get drafted at 22.

Semaj got drafted. Do you know how many college players dream of that? 99% of them. For selfish reasons we all wanted him to come back obviously but he's old for his age and the time was ripe. He got drafted and he has his shot. He's in a great situation.


I definitely agree with most of this post. I can't believe (well, unfortunately I can) the amount of people I've seen on Twitter or message boards that instantly called Semaj an idiot or selfish or anything along those lines once he didn't get picked in the first round. Like you said, the kid realized a dream that 99% of people don't get to. I think this hit me even more when seeing players like James Farr tweet last night about how proud of Semaj he was. Semaj saw an opportunity to reach something he had been dreaming about for years and I will absolutely never fault a kid for taking a risk to chase a dream. There is absolutely no guarantee that coming back for another year leads to any different result and can obviously just lead to more risk (injury etc).

The Thunder may not be a perfect landing spot for him but I definitely think it is one of the few spots he could have went towards the end of the draft and still had a chance to make the roster. I'm excited to watch him play in the Summer League and hopefully he impresses enough that he can latch on at the end of the bench for the year and prove his worth.

[BMoreX]

@GoodmanESPN: Sim Bhullar is headed to summer league with Sacramento.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

@GoodmanESPN: Sim Bhullar is headed to summer league with Sacramento.

One more stop before Europe? Seriously, what was this kid thinking? Big, slow, and not really dominant in an easier league and he thinks because he is massive he makes the NBA?

[BBC 08]

You guys are not appreciating my glitter gif.

[THRILLHOUSE]

One more stop before Europe? Seriously, what was this kid thinking? Big, slow, and not really dominant in an easier league and he thinks because he is massive he makes the NBA?

Staying in school wouldn't really change what he is. Guys with the build Sim has don't really have a long shelf life. Might as well get out now and get paid while he is still in good health, even if it will be overseas.

[bobbiemcgee]

Not much has changed. Semaj will make millions over his career somewhere (barring serious injury). Slightly more than the avg. bear college grad.

[GoMuskies]

You guys are not appreciating my glitter gif.

Obama

[XfansinKy]

Will Semaj be playing in Summer league? If so, that's his 1st opportunity right off the bat. If this has been mentioned in this thread already I apologize as I jumped straight to the last page.

[paulxu]

Not much has changed. Semaj will make millions over his career somewhere (barring serious injury). Slightly more than the avg. bear college grad.

Are you inviting that wacko back to the board so LM can smack him around some more?

[bobbiemcgee]

1464

[smileyy]

Will Semaj be playing in Summer league?

Yes.

[XU Cowbell Kid]

And the notion that someone suggested that all he wants to do is shoot is ridiculous. Durant leads the league in scoring every year and Westbrook's assist numbers are always impressive. Just because he also happens to be one of the most gifted scorers on top of that does not mean he's a ball hog. He's an elite player who has sacrificed in order to coexist with another superstar.

Two years ago (I'm going back this far because he was injured half of this year), Russell Westbrook attempted the 2nd most number of field goals in the entire league, behind only Kobe Bryant. At the same time, he was 102nd in effective field goal percentage. To give you an idea, the other players that took close to the same volume of shots with the same efficiency levels are people like JR Smith, Jrue Holliday, Monta Ellis, and Brandon Jennings.

There are obviously other parts of Westbrook's game that help to make him more valuable than these other players, but from strictly a scoring perspective, he is not in "elite" company, to be sure. The guy likes to shoot, and he isn't very good at it.

[bobbiemcgee]

The world outside of X is having a lot of trouble with Maj's name:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SAMAJ-CHRISTON-signed-8x10-photo-XAVIER-COA-/191202386014

[PMI]

Two years ago (I'm going back this far because he was injured half of this year), Russell Westbrook attempted the 2nd most number of field goals in the entire league, behind only Kobe Bryant. At the same time, he was 102nd in effective field goal percentage. To give you an idea, the other players that took close to the same volume of shots with the same efficiency levels are people like JR Smith, Jrue Holliday, Monta Ellis, and Brandon Jennings.

There are obviously other parts of Westbrook's game that help to make him more valuable than these other players, but from strictly a scoring perspective, he is not in "elite" company, to be sure. The guy likes to shoot, and he isn't very good at it.

Russell Westbrook averages 22 point, 7 assists and almost 6 rebounds per game. If that isn't elite, then elite almost ceases to exist. I get that he is a volume shooter, but efficiency numbers in the NBA are overrated because they're often reserved for players who aren't talented or good enough to take more shots. Could Westbrook be a better decision maker in terms of when to pull the trigger? Absolutely, and that's always been a fair criticism of his game. But he is still an absolutely elite point guard playing next to the best scorer in the world. What he brings to a team is not replaceable unless you have another HOF type guy in his stead. Not by a long shot. The guys you mention in his "efficiency company" are not remotely as good all around players as he is so it really is an apples to oranges comparison. In order to win a title you need a couple superstars, and he is a superstar. If the Thunder think they're better off without him, that will be the beginning of the end of their impressive run of great seasons. I don't think they are that stupid.

[bobbiemcgee]

Sam Presti is no dummy. Fisher looks like he is retiring and Jackson sez he wants to start. Since that ain't going to happen maybe he's gone too. Semaj may be their insurance policy.

[DC Muskie]

Fisher is now coaching the Knicks, so I think he's retired from playing.

[XfansinKy]

Sam Presti is no dummy. Fisher looks like he is retiring and Jackson sez he wants to start. Since that ain't going to happen maybe he's gone too. Semaj may be their insurance policy.
Yea I don't see Jackson as a player off the bench much longer. He could probably go start for near half of the other NBA teams. Just the fact that Semaj ended up at OKC because they actively pursued him has to be a good sign for him. He seems like a kid that can keep his head down, not make waves, and use that good quality to get right in and make that team.