NBA scouts starting to see Dion.

[SteveC]

"Syracuse sophomore Dion Waiters (Top 100 Rank: 51) might be coming off the bench for the Orange, but he's already drawing raves from NBA scouts who feel like he's got a little Tyreke Evans to his game. Waiters is a strong physical guard who knows how to get to and finish at the rim. Strong games against Virginia Tech and Stanford in front of a number of NBA scouts have put him firmly on the map. There are serious questions about his jump shot and attitude, but the talent is there for him to be a potential first-round pick."

That's from the NBA Draft blog on (the hated) ESPN.com.

If he were to leave this year do you think he gets drafted?

 

[Cusefan95]

If he were to leave this year do you think he gets drafted?

Way too early in the season to tell...if he continues to show improvement throughout the year I could see him getting drafted.

 

[SkanSU]

I think he's going to have a break out year based on his play ... He has the potential to be a monster IMO. They question his jump shot and his attitude?? I guess I am not seeing the same Dion as they are. Mostly about attitude. I see a kid this year who has gone from selfish, it's all about me ... to a kid who is dishing off ... getting assists ... and seeming to be an integral part of the team...and enjoying himself at the same time.

Will he go if he can be drafted high enough ... you betcha.

 

[orangepassion]

The difference is Evans is 6'6. I think Waiters game is a little more D-Wade, though clearly nowhere near as good.

 

[longislandcuse]

Agreed, I think Waiters attitude has been tremendous this year. I think it will take him a year of being a good guy before those concerns go away. His jumpshot is pretty decent, I think.

 

[mark79]

I think he's going to have a break out year based on his play ... He has the potential to be a monster IMO. They question his jump shot and his attitude?? I guess I am not seeing the same Dion as they are. Mostly about attitude. I see a kid this year who has gone from selfish, it's all about me ... to a kid who is dishing off ... getting assists ... and seeming to be an integral part of the team...and enjoying himself at the same time.

Will he go if he can be drafted high enough ... you betcha.

Agree Skan - he possesses ball-handling skills, quickness, one-on-one skills, strength, and lately the ability to pass and play tough defense that is valued in the NBA. If he continues to develop his outside shot he will get a good look by the NBA.

 

[SoBeCuse]

His style of play resembles Evans and Wade. Obviously he his what 6'2- 6'3 realistically? But I think those are good comparisons in terms of style of play. I'm really impressed with his passing in the paint and he is fun to watch when attacking the basket.

 

[OttoMets]

I see a kid this year who has gone from selfish, it's all about me ... to a kid who is dishing off ... getting assists ...

Far too small a sample size to tell either way. This is my first glance at the board since the game last night - I don't know if this has been discussed in another thread - but (if only for one night, I hope) Selfish Dion was back with a vengeance against EMU.

Either way, four good games, two ok games, and one bad game probably don't give us a ton of insight into his professional potential.

 

[MyMeloMyMan]

He would leave if he was guaranteed first round...but, I just can't see anyone taking a 6'2 combo in the first round...unless you have Allen Iverson type skills.

 

[iommi]

I made a post the other day about this. I was sitting behind two Nets scouts at MSG last Friday. I spoke to Khalid Green, of the Nets. He said they liked what they saw from Dion during Wednesday's game.

 

[SoBeCuse]

I made a post the other day about this. I was sitting behind two Nets scouts at MSG last Friday. I spoke to Khalid Green, of the scouts. He said they liked what they saw from Dion during Wednesday's game.

Nice. Missed that other post. If he waits another year and gets more time at the 1 when Scoop leaves then it could help his stock even more.

 

[themorey]

i'm hoping Dion follows the path set by Kemba Walker. Come off the bench for 2 years and then become a national POY candidate in year 3 while winning the NC.

 

[orangefan13]

Dion has the potential to be a good defender as well.
Our most athletic player since Paul Harris.

 

[BlackKnight76]

i'm hoping Dion follows the path set by Kemba Walker. Come off the bench for 2 years and then become a national POY candidate in year 3 while winning the NC.

Kemba had no jumper till year 3 either. Dion's nowhere near as fast as Kemba, but he may be stronger.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SkanSU]

Far too small a sample size to tell either way. This is my first glance at the board since the game last night - I don't know if this has been discussed in another thread - but (if only for one night, I hope) Selfish Dion was back with a vengeance against EMU.

Either way, four good games, two ok games, and one bad game probably don't give us a ton of insight into his professional potential.

I was at the game last night ... as you were ... and I kept looking for Dion's point total and was surprised it was so low b/c he had been so active. I was then surprised that his assists were so low (3) as well. Then I watched the game x2 on TV. Dion could/should have had at least 3-4 more assists (2 to CJ) that were not converted. Then there was the massive slam by James ... assisted by Dion who could have taken it to the basket just as easily ... instead he dishes off to James who was 2-3 steps in front. When I see a low point total and what could have been 6-7 assists I call that unselfish play. Add to that his complete hustle both on offense and defense ... I'm not sure I can say that he was selfish last night (had he really been I think JB would have pulled him pretty quick - in fact there was a sideline shot him coming up to JB during a TO and putting his arm around his (JB's) shoulder ... actually got a smile from JB before JB lit into him)

In Dion I think we have seen a really positive transformation ... very pleased.

 

[Czar]

Best shot for him is to keep developing PG skills.

 

[OttoMets]

I was at the game last night ... as you were ... and I kept looking for Dion's point total and was surprised it was so low b/c he had been so active. I was then surprised that his assists were so low (3) as well. Then I watched the game x2 on TV. Dion could/should have had at least 3-4 more assists (2 to CJ) that were not converted. Then there was the massive slam by James ... assisted by Dion who could have taken it to the basket just as easily ... instead he dishes off to James who was 2-3 steps in front. When I see a low point total and what could have been 6-7 assists I call that unselfish play. Add to that his complete hustle both on offense and defense ... I'm not sure I can say that he was selfish last night (had he really been I think JB would have pulled him pretty quick - in fact there was a sideline shot him coming up to JB during a TO and putting his arm around his (JB's) shoulder ... actually got a smile from JB before JB lit into him)

In Dion I think we have seen a really positive transformation ... very pleased.

He's certainly active on defense; regardess of anything else, I'm thrilled to have ten guys in the regularly rotation who clearly take pride in their defense and are trying hard out there. We need that in order to be a good team, and it wasn't the case last year.

That said, it wasn't a great game for Dion. One of his three assists came on that fluke play where he barrelled into the lane out of control, lost the ball, and had Baye pick it up and lay it in. I agree that CJ blew that play where Dion got a nice steal and found him wide open underneath, but I think Dion probably got the assists he deserved.

He's got to learn that it's standard practice for guards to get the ball to the player in best position to score on the break; his mindset is that he's usually the player in best position to score, regardless of spacing. Nice to see confidence, but that earned him a missed dunk and lay-up on Tuesday, and it'd be nice if those four points were automatic for us.

No doubt that he's hustling, though. If he keeps that up, he'll be an absolute terror for less athletic or shaky ballhandling guards.

 

[SaintTristan]

Shocking. Just shocking.

 

[OttoMets]

Shocking. Just shocking.

I suppose you like players who go one-on-three and miss dunks. That's talent, right?

 

[SaintTristan]

I suppose you like players who go one-on-three and miss dunks. That's talent, right?

lol

 

[SkanSU]

Ummmm ... I believe James missed one as well.

 

[IthacaMatt]

His style of play resembles Evans and Wade. Obviously he his what 6'2- 6'3 realistically? But I think those are good comparisons in terms of style of play. I'm really impressed with his passing in the paint and he is fun to watch when attacking the basket.

I think he may be taller than that. Look at him next to Brandon next game when they're both on the floor during a timeout or dead ball situation. I would not be surprised to hear that Waiters has grown to 6-3 or 6-4. He looks pretty tall for a guard, although not as tall as MCW, who is like a praying mantis on defense.

 

[OttosBestFriend]

I guess I am not seeing the same Dion as they are. Mostly about attitude. I see a kid this year who has gone from selfish, it's all about me ... to a kid who is dishing off ... getting assists

Agreed that his attitude has changed somewhat, BUT...

Once you get labeled as a malcontent, you can't just shed that image with a few good games.

Needs to put "fun-loving and generous with the rock" Dion on display for a full season or two before his image is repaired - At least in the eyes of NBA teams who look for ANY reason not to draft a guy.

 

[OttoMets]

Ummmm ... I believe James missed one as well.

Won't find an argument from me.

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

If Dion and Fab stay next year, this team is going to be incredible. Like JB says about himself... he'd rather stay a year too late than leave a year too early... young players should take that advice to heart.