Grading the 2009 Dallas Mavericks Draft - Page 2 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

darkwitzki · 06-26-2009, 02:35 AM

Pick#56 http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ahmad-Nivins-1230/

"Although he’s made significant improvements in his stat-lines, Nivins is still very much the same player physically, aside from having a well-noted boost in conditioning. Boasting pretty good length and a very strong frame at 6’9, he’s both mobile and coordinated for a player his size, but he lacks in quickness, and his explosiveness from static and near-static situations is not much to speak of. However, when he has a head start, such as on pick-and-rolls and in transition, Nivins is able to get off the floor quite well, but this unfortunately doesn’t help him much in his post-up game.

Looking at his game, the one area that stands out the most in comparing with year’s past is Nivins’ finesse game on offense, which has improved notably over the past two years. While he isn’t going to fool anyone for Chris Bosh, he shows a respectable ability to face-up and put the ball on the floor for straight-line dribbles from the 15-foot range, scoring on running hooks and pull-up jumpers despite a lack of quickness. Speaking of his face-up game, Nivins’ mid-range jump shot is much improved as well, as he shows good form from 15 feet out featuring a high and quick release and a shot that he hits with relative consistency.

In the post, Nivins has a decent repertoire of moves at his disposal, and his awareness and decisiveness have both steadily improved over the past few seasons. He can turn to his left or right shoulder, fade away with hook shots and turnaround jumpers, or attack the basket strong with drop steps and step-throughs, while he shows a nice command of reverse lay-ups at the rim and shows a decent command of counter-moves. Due to his lack of explosiveness from standstill positions, Nivins is mostly an under-the-rim player in back-to-basket situations, but his game has evolved to the point that he doesn’t simply rely on his brute strength to get the job done, now having a pretty well-diversified attack"

Quetzalcoatl · 06-26-2009, 05:18 AM

B-

Good moves, but not so greats. Are the Mavs in the right way?

DevinHarriswillstart · 06-26-2009, 05:38 AM

B-

Not sure the huge upside on Beaubois. I can see why they liked him over Lawson and Maynor though with this athleticism. Plus, Denver had to give up a future first rounder for Lawson. Definitely not worth it.

Calathes is a steal at 45.

MavsX · 06-26-2009, 07:08 AM

well it sounds like josh howard will be traded this off-season. At least that is my thoughts

jthig32 · 06-26-2009, 07:21 AM

Considering that they got Calethas for free because of the maneuvering they did before the draft, you have to call the draft execution a success, and anyone complaining about the move before the draft (Coop, Dirno) should be eating a bit of crow, I would think.

And people should probably stop referring to late second rounders as "basically worthless".

Thomas86 · 06-26-2009, 07:49 AM

I'm happy with what the Mavs did in this draft I mean they did better than last year, Rodrigue Beaubois is super quick and can ball and Rick said he was gonna play on the Mavs this coming season, Nick Calathes is gonna be playing overseas anyway since he singed a contract with Greece.

EricaLubarsky · 06-26-2009, 08:25 AM

I give every draft an "I"

Its WAY too early to tell on any draftee if they will become anything.

Still coming in with a late first rounder and ending up with Beaubois, the 45, 56, and a second rounder next year seems like some sharp GMing.

Dirkenstien · 06-26-2009, 08:38 AM

Just learned that we're keeping the 56 pick. Awesome.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear Beaubois will be sticking with the team and not going overseas. I think the kid may have some serious potential and being mentored by Kidd should do wonders.

Upgraded from B- to B+

mqywaaah · 06-26-2009, 08:44 AM

I give myself an F for not knowing the guys that we drafted. I mean, I did see their youtube vids and I must say I am quite impressed. But, that's it. Anyone mind filling me on our picks ups and downs? Too lazy to read it somewhere else.

tcat075 · 06-26-2009, 08:44 AM

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/br...y/1114876.html

another piece on Beaubois and the Dallas FO.

mqywaaah · 06-26-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

Just learned that we're keeping the 56 pick. Awesome.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear Beaubois will be sticking with the team and not going overseas. I think the kid may have some serious potential and being mentored by Kidd should do wonders.

Upgraded from B- to B+

So, Kidd is staying, right?

Dirkenstien · 06-26-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mqywaaah

So, Kidd is staying, right?

I don't see how Mavs management let's him get away. Honestly, I believe the rumors going around about the Lakers shopping Farmar and the Celtics shopping Rondo has a lot to do with Kidd being a free agent and them trying to free up a spot to bring him on board with the MLE. You also have to assume Lebron and Shaq will both team up and go after Kidd as hard as they can, but we have the money advantage and if we can get another All-Star talent on board then we can prove to be a competitive team next year as well. It's not a sure thing just yet but I'd say it's probably 80% in our favor at the moment.

dirno2000 · 06-26-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

Considering that they got Calethas for free because of the maneuvering they did before the draft, you have to call the draft execution a success, and anyone complaining about the move before the draft (Coop, Dirno) should be eating a bit of crow, I would think.

And people should probably stop referring to late second rounders as "basically worthless".

Hey, I returned to the scene of the crime and admitted it was wrong last night

. Picking up Calathes made the draft for me so it turned out to be a genius move.

In theory I still don't think they got value from droping down two spots where they did but this was a unique circumstance as they knew their guy would be there.

dalmations202 · 06-26-2009, 09:24 AM

I'd give them an "A" for effort and moves, and an "I" for player acquisition.

I think you grade drafts 3 years after the fact for player acquisition.

jthig32 · 06-26-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirno2000

Hey, I returned to the scene of the crime and admitted it was wrong last night

. Picking up Calathes made the draft for me so it turned out to be a genius move.

In theory I still don't think they got value from droping down two spots where they did but this was a unique circumstance as they knew their guy would be there.

Ah I didn't see that. Not that I didn't think you would (assuming you liked grabbing Calathes).

TheMaverick · 06-26-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Some Guy

I like that keeping the 56th pick in the draft made it a "big success".

Who did you want? Blake Griffin? With what we had to work with initially, we did a hell of job.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I give every draft an "I"

Its WAY too early to tell on any draftee if they will become anything.

Still coming in with a late second rounder and ending up with Beaubois, the 45, 56, and a second rounder next year seems like some sharp GMing.

Yes, I agree it is way to early to grade the players in the draft, but we're grading the actual draft itself and how it played out... plus giving it an I is not as fun =P

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalmations202

I'd give them an "A" for effort and moves, and an "I" for player acquisition.

I think you grade drafts 3 years after the fact for player acquisition.

I is such a cop out =P

but at least the FO is trying

TheMaverick · 06-26-2009, 11:26 AM

this is what Chad Ford said
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...tGrades-090626

DALLAS MAVERICKS GRADE: B-

Round 1: Rodrigue Beaubois (25, obtained from Thunder)
Round 2: Nick Calathes (45, obtained from Wolves via Sixers and Heat), Ahmad Nivins (56, via Blazers)
Analysis: I like the Mavericks' second-round picks more than their first-rounder. I'd be willing to bet Calathes becomes a much better player than Beaubois, both in Europe and in the NBA, and Nivins is an up-and-comer.
I am not sold on Beaubois and think Toney Douglas would have been a better pick here.

CapitanObvious · 06-26-2009, 11:33 AM

Booby is a good pick just because we can call him booby

purplefrog · 06-26-2009, 12:06 PM

I give them a 'B+'. Beaubois is a perfect fit for the Mavs' needs and Calathes is a steal. Nivins sounds like a Nick Collison type player (a good thing imo). I'd give an 'A' if they could have found a way to get Sammy Young or Blair (I hate the idea of Blair being a Spur). For me, the FO gained back a bit of credibility but they still have a ways to go before I'm confident they have a viable plan for improving the team. Fact is that I'm a bit surprised they made above average decisions.

Warriors taking Curry was a great move. They've got an amazing amount of talent on the wings.

Kidd Karma · 06-26-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mqywaaah

I give myself an F for not knowing the guys that we drafted. I mean, I did see their youtube vids and I must say I am quite impressed. But, that's it. Anyone mind filling me on our picks ups and downs? Too lazy to read it somewhere else.

Haha, Anthony Morrow was not even in the Draft Media Guide a year ago and he was what the top 3 point shooter......there are a few no names who will make a name for themselves.....you hope he's on our side.

Kidd Karma · 06-26-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirno2000

Hey, I returned to the scene of the crime and admitted it was wrong last night

. Picking up Calathes made the draft for me so it turned out to be a genius move.

In theory I still don't think they got value from droping down two spots where they did but this was a unique circumstance as they knew their guy would be there.

....haaha, I had him tabbed too early as our 24th pick. Nelson and Cuban know what they're doing, scouting out the landscape. Getting 3 players + a 2010 OK City 2nd rounder for the 22nd.

Kidd Karma · 06-26-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplefrog

I give them a 'B+'. Beaubois is a perfect fit for the Mavs' needs and Calathes is a steal. Nivins sounds like a Nick Collison type player (a good thing imo). I'd give an 'A' if they could have found a way to get Sammy Young or Blair (I hate the idea of Blair being a Spur). For me, the FO gained back a bit of credibility but they still have a ways to go before I'm confident they have a viable plan for improving the team. Fact is that I'm a bit surprised they made above average decisions.

Warriors taking Curry was a great move. They've got an amazing amount of talent on the wings.

Yea, I like the scouting reports on Beaubois. The wingspan, the defensive prowess, could prove to be a good change of pace for Kidd....or have Beaubois play the quicker points and allow Kidd to play free safety defensively and run the offense. Agree on Calathes, a steal at 45, not 24 where I was thinking they would grab him.

Dickie V seems to think Curry will be ROY. I love that pick for GSW, allows them to interchangeably work Ellis and Curry as hybrid 1-2 guards, either can push, create, shoot or finish at the cup, no set duties....unlike the Mavs with Kidd. I would not be surprised if Curry starts, along with Ellis, Jackson, Randolph and Biedrins.....and please do not move him for Stoudemire.

Flacolaco · 06-26-2009, 12:21 PM

Press conference on the radio now...

Donnie excited about "not just athleticism, energetic athleticism"

Huh?

Underdog · 06-26-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Donnie excited about "not just athleticism, energetic athleticism"

Huh?

I'd imagine "energetic athleticism" is the antithesis of Erick Dampier...

Kidd Karma · 06-26-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Press conference on the radio now...

Donnie excited about "not just athleticism, energetic athleticism"

Huh?

Guys flying around the ball, attacking on defense.

tcat075 · 06-26-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

I'd imagine "energetic athleticism" is the antithesis of Erick Dampier...

Don't forget Matt Carroll, too.

mavs777 · 06-26-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Press conference on the radio now...

Donnie excited about "not just athleticism, energetic athleticism"

Huh?

He really has a way with words huh?

Kidd Karma · 06-26-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavs777

He really has a way with words huh?

Gift of Gab, probably from his dad's side. Nellie always had a way with the media. I guess junior has it too, the charm, I remember in the chat that a question was posed, if nothing is done this offseason, would Nelson be fired, Sefko said no and pointed to his track record.

SMC0007 · 06-26-2009, 12:55 PM

F SEFKO

dude1394 · 06-26-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

F SEFKO

Harsh....but funny.

Dtownsfinest · 06-26-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Press conference on the radio now...

Donnie excited about "not just athleticism, energetic athleticism"

Huh?

Yea I heard that and wondered WTF. But I think a prime example of someone with athleticism and not energetic athleticism is a guy like Tracy McGrady or Vince Carter. A guy with energetic athleticism would be someone like Josh Smith from the Hawks.

dmack24 · 06-26-2009, 01:53 PM

I like that we got an insurance policy for Kidd; but we already had three pgs prior to the draft; I do not care what you say about Jet as a two guard; he is in the body of a one and struggles horribly against true two guards like Kobe, or a Joe Johnson. Now we have 4 point guards; and there is not a promise that Rodrigue will be ready for this season intangible wise; and yet we are left with a strong deficit at sg again. Unless Gerald Green can Antoine can make key contributions game in and game out; we will have the same results as last year. Plus the thought of getting rid of Barea would be a huge mistake; considering Kidd will not play for us after next year. Rodrigue looks like another Jet if you ask me; a sg in a pgs body.

craggmac · 06-26-2009, 01:57 PM

Birdman bleeds energetic athleticism.

dmack24 · 06-26-2009, 01:58 PM

On some lists Beaubois was not even suppose to be drafted; but from what i see the Greek could be a steal; I hope he can play the two guard because we desperately need help there.

dmack24 · 06-26-2009, 01:58 PM

i would love to have Birdman as our starting Center.

SMC0007 · 06-26-2009, 02:00 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Underdog · 06-26-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmack24

I like that we got an insurance policy for Kidd; but we already had three pgs prior to the draft; I do not care what you say about Jet as a two guard; he is in the body of a one and struggles horribly against true two guards like Kobe, or a Joe Johnson. Now we have 4 point guards; and there is not a promise that Rodrigue will be ready for this season intangible wise; and yet we are left with a strong deficit at sg again. Unless Gerald Green can Antoine can make key contributions game in and game out; we will have the same results as last year. Plus the thought of getting rid of Barea would be a huge mistake; considering Kidd will not play for us after next year. Rodrigue looks like another Jet if you ask me; a sg in a pgs body.

Wow, there are a lot of inaccuracies in your post...

First of all - Jason Terry's offensive skills are better-suited for SG than PG, despite his body type (he doesn't have great court vision...)

Second - JJB will never be a starting PG in this league - we were fishing for someone who could replace Kidd when he leaves and we found a player with potential...

Third - what makes you think Kidd won't play for us after next season? If we re-sign him, it'll probably be to a 3-year deal...

craggmac · 06-26-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I feel bad about Michael Jackson too....

hawks87 · 06-26-2009, 02:36 PM

Hey guys thought i would give you a little insight to your #56 pick Ahmad Nivins, seeing as i had the pleasure of seeing him all 4 years while at St. Joes. Coming in we all knew he had offensive abilities and he would rebound well. The only question mark was his D. However in the last 2 years he has really stepped up his shot-blocking and post up D. He has also improved his 10-15 foot jumper, which he seems to continue to shoot more and more of. He was also a double-double machine in College, i believe he put up 20 some in his senior year, and that should translate well in the NBA. The only guy with more double-doubles was Blake Griffen, who by the way went toe to toe with Nivins in the 2008 NCAA Tourny 1st round game, in which Nivins was able to match him.

A few other points.
- His nickname in college was Slim
- A10 Player of the year
- 3 time all A10 team
- He actually played with Nick Calathes's older bro Pat for 3 years at SJU
- And Finally he is probably one of the nicest kids in the draft and will bring great chemistry in the locker room.

here is 2 of his top 10 sportscenter plays(on the same night) @ villanova, which display his Offense an Defense.

#7 and #4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRAdK...layer_embedded

dirno2000 · 06-26-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawks87

Hey guys thought i would give you a little insight to your #56 pick Ahmad Nivins, seeing as i had the pleasure of seeing him all 4 years while at St. Joes. Coming in we all knew he had offensive abilities and he would rebound well. The only question mark was his D. However in the last 2 years he has really stepped up his shot-blocking and post up D. He has also improved his 10-15 foot jumper, which he seems to continue to shoot more and more of. He was also a double-double machine in College, i believe he put up 20 some in his senior year, and that should translate well in the NBA. The only guy with more double-doubles was Blake Griffen, who by the way went toe to toe with Nivins in the 2008 NCAA Tourny 1st round game, in which Nivins was able to match him.

A few other points.
- His nickname in college was Slim
- A10 Player of the year
- 3 time all A10 team
- He actually played with Nick Calathes's older bro Pat for 3 years at SJU
- And Finally he is probably one of the nicest kids in the draft and will bring great chemistry in the locker room.

here is 2 of his top 10 sportscenter plays(on the same night) @ villanova, which display his Offense an Defense.

#7 and #4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRAdK...layer_embedded

Thanks for the insight. He was at the press conference this morning and he sounds like a bright guy. Looking forward to seeing him in summer league.