Ladies and gentleman, we have our first disagreement.
I voted for Bismack Biyombo. You voted for Kemba Walker. Herein lies a curious debate: what's the difference between Kyrie Irving/Brandon Knight and Walker?
Irving is the true, natural point guard among the three. His best abilities fit the position better than those of Knight and Walker and that alone should separate him as the best available. So then it comes down to Knight and Walker. I prefer Knight's 6'3 frame, his youth (he's only eighteen) and his intelligence, as he apparently got a 4.0 GPA this semester, all Kentucky class schedule jokes aside.
So what makes Walker so unappealing to me? Well, not a whole lot. If the Rockets didn't already have two point guards on the roster, I'd be willing to take a flier on Kemba. But given our situation and given the transition we'll be making with a new head coach, I don't like Walker for the Rockets. He's not the passer that Kyle Lowry is, and as soon as the Rockets transition ever so slightly away from the legitimate Rick Adelman offense, we're going to realize the value of a pass-first point guard, something that Adelman's system could do without.
Biyombo worked out today in Europe and apparently sucked, but as Jonathan Givony noted on Twitter, Biyombo isn't a workout guy. His impact is best made in 5-on-5 play where he can use his physical gifts to guard the basket in addition to guarding his own man. Bismack's jump shooting form and his touch around the rim could use work, as evidenced by his poor showing today, but guess what he brings to the table that can't be taught? A 7'6 wingspan and a 9'4 standing reach.
Give me Biyombo and Thabeet in the same organization. I'm actually okay with it, and in fact, I'd encourage it should Biyombo become available without having to trade away anyone substantial.
Remember, this is not a mock draft. It's a list of draft prospects in order of preference. Take players whom you'd want - don't try to guess what Daryl Morey will do.Previous Selections:
1. Derrick Williams
2. Kyrie Irving
3. Enes Kanter
4. Jonas Valanciunas
5. Jan Vesely
6. Brandon Knight
7. Kemba Walker