SBNation Mock Draft, Pick #9: Charlotte Bobcats

by Ridiculous Matt on Jun 17, 2008 1:56 PM EDT in NBA Draft 2008 Comment 5 comments

Wit the ninth pick in the 2008 SBNation NBA Mock Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats, represented by Queen City Hoops , select...

Joe Alexander, Forward, West Virginia University. 6-8, 230 lbs.

Queen City Hoops says:

Since this is a mock draft for Ridiculous Upside, Brook Lopez is...not the pick. While I see little chance the Bobcats would pass him at 9, given the opportunity, I will. As I've written else where previously, when your NBA comparisons are to Chris Kaman and Brendan Haywood, it is tough to be excited about a prospect. Enough denigrating Brook, and on to hyping the potential of:

Joe Alexander.

Brewhoop did a good job building him up in their selection of Anthony Randolph, and I had been planning to take whichever one of the pair they left anyway. To reiterate the high points: Crazy athletic, strong, constantly improving game. Another point to note: He will play a bit taller than his height of 6'8.25", due to his wingspan of 6'11" and a standing reach of 8'10". That standing reach just happens to match that of Kevin Love, who is slotted to play PF/C in the pros, meaning Alexander should be able to spend some time at 4 himself. Considering the Bobcats had been using Gerald Wallace at the 4 regularly, until concussions caused him to ask out of it, this would help fill the hole the Cats have when it comes to guarding perimeter based big men (watching Emeka or Nazr trying to guard Bosh and Dirk is painful).

Another note on Gerald: I see some similarities between the two players. Both are late bloomers, who are athletes first, basketball players second. Watching Gerald's progression as a player over the last few years gives me a good feeling about drafting a slightly larger version of him.

The New Jersey Nets, represented by NetsDaily , are on the clock.

The 2008 SB Nation Mock Draft so far:

1. Chicago Bulls- Blog-A-Bull: Derrick Rose

2. Miami Heat- Peninsula is Mightier: Michael Beasley

3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Canis Hoopus: OJ Mayo

4. Seattle Supersonics- Ridiculous Upside: Eric Gordon

5. Memphis Grizzlies- 3 Shades of Blue: Kevin Love

6. New York Knicks- Posting and Toasting: Russell Westbrook

7. Los Angeles Clippers- Clips Nation: Jerryd Bayless

8. Milwaukee Bucks- BrewHoop: Anthony Randolph

9. Charlotte Bobcats- Queen City Hoops: Joe Alexander

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Comments

Bosh or Dirk

Would absolutely kill this dude.

Bosh would probably take him all the way into the paint.

Dirk would hit mid-range fade-aways on him all day.

I guess the Queen City has completely given up on Adam Morrison.

by Truth About It on Jun 17, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree that at this point in his development, Bosh or Dirk would abuse Joe. But with him, there at least exists the possibility that at some point in the future, he could competently guard them, thanks to his size and athleticism.

As for Adam, I have not totally given up on him…offensively. However, nothing that I saw (or anyone that I am aware) in his first year made it look like he had any interest in playing defense, ever. In fact, bringing up Joe’s inability to guard someone and then invoking Morrison kind of made me laugh (though, that is not entirely good, since he still plays for my team).

by qchoops on Jun 17, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

Truthaboitit was saying Morrison would be better defensively than Alexander. He was just speculating on whether drafting another wing player to go with all the wings Charlotte already has spells the end for A-Mo.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Underrated

I think Alexander is going to be top 2 or 3 player from this draft. He is quite athletic and he is starting to come into his own. I believe he started playing at a late age which should provide more room for development. I think he can play small or big forward.

by njnick on Jun 17, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs