RaptorsHQ Goes One-On-One with Marquette’s Jerel McNeal

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT in NBA Draft

McNeal blows by another HQ fave, Terrence Williams

Franchise: How did things go today, how was the workout?

McNeal: I felt it went really well. Early on we did a lot of skills stuff, a lot of shooting; we had the breakout between the guards and the bigs, the guards did ball handling and stuff, stuff off the pick-and-roll, a lot of shots and things like that. For the rest of the time we got into some competing drills; 3-on-3, pick-and-roll situations, screen-down situations, stuff like that. It was real competitive though and I thought it went well.

F: Yeah, it looked for a while like you and Henderson were having a little discussion back and forth, a little friendly banter. I talked to Gerald about this, you guys have obviously played against each other in college, but had you worked out against each other yet?

M: No, this is the first one. But Gerald is a real good player, and it’s always fun to go against a better player – you always have to raise your own game then to a higher level so that was one of the reasons I thought it was a good workout; highly competitive. Guys were able to get after it.

F: And how many of these workouts have you attended?

M: This is my 11th one.

F: So it’s definitely a grind eh?

M: (Laughs) Yeah, definitely, definitely.

F: Take us through the process then after you were done at Marquette. You guys had an amazing season obviously, you were one of the top players in the Big East, and then you go right into this. Talk a little bit about the mental preparation and what you went through.

M: You know first, the main thing, well for me personally, I didn’t take a lot of time off. I knew this was coming up and I didn’t want to fall out of shape or anything so I took about a week off but then was in the gym ever since working on my body, getting myself ready mentally for all of this. When it comes up you know, it’s physically challenging but it’s more mentally than anything; all the travel, I mean city-to-city, you know, you’re only in every city for sometimes not even a day, then you’re back on a plane going somewhere else. Like I said it’s more mentally challenging than anything but at the same time everyday I wake up, you’ve gotta tell yourself this is an opportunity of a lifetime to come out for different NBA teams in different NBA cities working out, something you’ve dreamed about growing up. So you know, I’ll be tired later…I’ll just worry about this right now just knocking these out.

F: Is there anything in particular you’ve been working on that you felt people wanted to see more of? Obviously last year with James out you played the 1 sometimes…

M: Yeah, that’s been the main thing, is just the ability to play both positions. I think I’ve proven that I can play the 2 guard but there’s a lot of questions at the next level if I’m big enough to play the 2 guard, or how well will I translate to play the point but like you said, I spent a lot of time with the ball in my hands at Marquette this past year and things like that. The main thing I’ve been working on hasn’t been something so much on the court, it’s been something off; I’ve really been working a lot on my film breakdowns, looking at different films of myself trying to work on my decision making a lot more. You know, pin-pointing exact spots and times so that I can change my decision making so I make better decisions throughout the course of a game.

F: Just watching you today on the court and having seen you at Marquette quite a bit, and you’re executing the offense and stuff, now you see the NBA style of game where you have smaller kind of, what they used to call maybe combo guards, who are athletic and quick and getting wherever they want on the court – do you think that’s a big advantage now for someone like you?

M: Yeah, I definitely think it is. With this style of game like you said, in the NBA, I feel there’s just so much more room to operate and you have so many more opportunities to get in the lane and create help; which ultimately leads into open shots and baskets and things like that so that’s one of the things that I think is going to benefit me at the next level.

F: What about, have you talked to Wes or Dominic or any of the other guys from Marquette?

M: Yeah, I talk to both of those guys to get caught up; I just talked to Wes a couple of days ago and they’re going through pretty much the same process. We’re just trying to keep in touch as much as we can to make sure everyone’s doing alright. But it’s winding down now, we’ve got about another week.

F: And what about, have you been to Toronto before?

M: No, this is my first time. It’s a really nice city though.

F: You didn’t get a chance to look around though.

M: No, just driving in, driving through the city it just looks really nice.

F: Would you welcome being drafted by the Raptors?

M: Oh most definitely, you know, wherever I end up, whether it be here or somewhere else it would be a dream come true. Like I said, just to be on an NBA roster and be able to contribute any way I possibly can it would a big achievement, a big accomplishment for me. I welcome myself to any city (laughs!)

F: Let me ask you that, sometimes we hear up in Toronto there’s a stigma about coming up north to play in the NBA. Do you hear anything like that from other players; do you think that’s a myth or, from other kids who are coming out do you ever hear "aaah, I’ve gotta work out for the Raptors, not so sure I want to play up in Toronto," even if they’ve never been here before?

M: Everybody has their hearsay, me personally, I don’t pay much attention to it until I see something for myself and like I said, (sounding surprised), once I got here it looked like a big time city and I’m pretty sure they get really good fan support up this way as well. I’m pretty sure fans are really passionate, playing in a major city, a really nice city like I said, and being the only Canadian team you’ve probably got a huge fan base. You know, I haven’t heard a lot about that but like I said, you’ve really gotta put things aside and go and see it for yourself first.

F: Thanks man and good luck with the rest of the workouts.

FRANCHISE

-A few random HQ draft notes.

-Spent some time last night going over last year’s NCAA footage of Demar DeRozan. It’s so easy to fall in love with prospects this time of year that you find your original take on players changing, and you forget about all the game footage you spent January to April watching. Part of this was prompted by John Hollinger’s article yesterday, where a statistical analysis of DeRozan didn’t have him faring so well. Part of this was also prompted by RaptorsTV showing a replay of the Chicago pre-draft camp drills.

Watching the footage again it’s true that DeRozan is pure upside. He didn’t shoot well at USC, and didn’t stand out in any one area in particular, part of Hollinger’s issue. So I thought it might be interesting to compare the stats of DeRozan to Vince Carter and Andre Iguodala, two players his name is often linked to.

In his final season before entering the draft, Carter averaged:

15.6 points, 1.2 steals, 1.9 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and shot almost 60 per cent from the field.

Iguodala averaged:

12.9 points, 1.6 steals, 4.9 assists, 8.4 rebounds, and shot 45 per cent from the field.

Neither were great free-throw shooters (Carter was in the high sixties) but both were fairly solid from long-range (41 and 31.5 per cent respectively.)

DeRozan? Well after one season (and keep in my Iguodala played for two seasons and Carter for three before declaring) you can see that he put up very similar numbers:

13.9 points, 0.9 steals, 1.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and shot 52 per cent from the field.

So at face value, I’m not so sure why Hollinger is so down on DeRozan.

However looking at his percentages from the line and long-distance, 65 and 17 per cent respectively, you see the reason for concern.

But that’s not to say DeRozan can’t improve in this capacity. As my colleague Ray reported yesterday, there’s nothing "wrong" with DeRozan’s shot in terms of overall mechanics, he just needs to put in the work.

And considering DeRozan is one of the one-and-done cases that affects Hollinger’s stats, I’m not sure you can put a ton of weight into this as a fan. Instead, I think Hollinger’s grading system is useful in identifying that he is a high-risk pick. After all, we’re talking about a Hollinger grading system that while successfully identifying many "overrated prospects," it also whiffed on a number of strong yet undersized guards like Steve Logan and Reese Gaines.

Is Gerald Henderson a safer option?

Probably. But although deep down I’d still like to see Terrence Williams taken at 9, I’d be fine as well with DeRozan. For me, I’m not expecting this draft to make or break the 2009-10 season anyways and while I love the draft, am anxious to see what BC can cook up via free-agency.

-One final note. Also from the replay of the Chicago pre-draft camp, the ESPN crew spoke with Jeff Teague about where he had workouts scheduled. Surprise, surprise, one of those spots was Toronto. Obviously Teague hasn’t show up yet so I’m wondering if his agent nixed the idea for political reasons, or if this was a simple flight issue like Robert Dozier.

If it’s the latter, I expect to see Teague, a lottery lock in my opinion for next season had he returned to Wake Forest, up here in a final session early next week.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

Gerald Henderson*, not "Gerald Williams" right?

by CL on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

My bad - just corrected things...hectic time of the year for us so apologies if the copy-editing slips!

by Franchise on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Take Johnny Flynn if he's available at the 9th. Address the wing spot by letting Marion walk and pick up Hedo, or do a sign and trade Marion/Hedo. We've now addressed the wing and have a sick PG for the future (and the best player available at the 9-spot)

by Nick on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Heard yesterday that Orlando says they are willing to go over the cap to keep Hedo. Rest easy Franchise.

by Posterized on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

"you’ve really gotta put things aside and go and see it for yourself first." This is what Marion got to do last year, and what would be a productive strategy for key mid-level and above players. Trade for them a year or so before free agency, and they get the time to learn that Toronto is about more then the weather. Coming through on short roadtrips gives players a very superficial view of the city itself. No one's begging their coach to hold the morning practice here, then take the later flight to Miami:-)

In terms of impact next year, I'm anticipating trades far more then the draft. D.Smith has been hinting at a few trades in the works, and he's not one go out on a limb when it concerns the Raptors front office. I have a hard time with coming up with even 3:

1) Hump + cash for late 1st rd pick + vet backup pg
2) Marion sign and trade, take back 25% more salary in exchange for more favorable return?
3) Trade down from 9
(If the Rap's favorite swing player is off the board, the pick's best used for a team who wants their pick of pg's.)Try a similar transaction to the Indiana-Portland, Bayless for Branden Rush + Jarret Jack trade last year. Indiana trades down 2 spots (11-13 if memory serves) and picks up a guy caught up in a Blazers PG logjam. Jack was one year from restricted FA and wasn't likely to be resigned anyway, win-win.

by yardly on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't be against trading down in this draft at all, especially if it could still net you an athletic wing like Williams and a solid back-up option like Lawson or Maynor.

by Franchise on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise, latest rumour has the Bulls looking to move into the lottery and are dangling their 16&26 picks.

J. Salmons & 16th
Banks, 3mil & 9th

The 3 mil would pay a good chunk of Bank's salary next year. Then we could still try to use Humphries to acquire Minnesota’s 18th pick.

Using draft express, we could walk away with:

SF/SG - J. Salmons

16th & 18th - any 2 of -Williams/Clark/Johnson/Lawson/Daye/Teague

Realisitc and it makes us better next year. Any takers?

by Member29 on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not as high on Terrence Williams as you guys seem to be. Impressive athlete, runs the floor well, plays hard, but I'm not sure he has the offensive skillset you want in a small forward. As I recall, he really struggled to create his own shot against Michigan State. If the Raps could acquire a later first round pick he might be worth a flyer on. But at #9, you can get a guy with just as good a college resume and who and who has a better shot of contributing at the NBA level; in my books, that means Flynn or Lawson.

by Skywalker on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I like T.Williams for his D, rebounding, dunks, passing and astounding 'vision' on the court. Add him to the rotation! He may not be the greatest shooter, but he sure as hell does eveything else.

If we can draft Henderson/Flynn at #9... buy a pick for T.Williams and grab J.McNeal in the 2nd round, I will be a happy camper....

by JENGE on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Member29 - I'd bite.

Starting to get nervous about this draft and want to trade down to take a run at as many sure things as possible. (If they exist.)

by lurker on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The problem with this draft is that the guy the Raps seem to want most (Derozan) does not seem like he will be making a big impact for a couple of years.

If there is a deal out there that nets the Raps a legit SG/SF for #9, I would jump on it; especially if we want to be competitive this year and re-sign Bosh.

If I were BC, the call I would make would be to Golden State, to see if they're interested in #9 for Anthony Randolph. If I were G-State I would laugh at the offer, but I'm rational.

Rob

by 2nd Raps fan in LA on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

We all probably know this, but im just going to put it out there.Came accros and interview from fan590 posted on realgm.com in reguards to what directin BC is going in relation to the Draft...."We're looking really at the guard and wing position ... A couple of point guards, a couple of wings, and maybe one small forward that we'd be looking at," Colangelo told The Fan 590 in Toronto. "The two wings would be DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson, the two point guards would be Jrue Holiday, and Jonny Flynn, and you're probably looking at James Johnson as a possibility who was a great player at Wake Forest this past year, came out early and he's another talented player we would consider there."

by futurePC on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Jenge and Franchise you read my mind. I love this about you two.
I love the thought of Henderson (dfense, hops) and maybe some how BC pulls off a miracle to get T. Williams.
Or trade down in hopes of a T. Will and get a Maynor or Lawson(both real winners) somewhere at around 20-23# that would be kick ass.
Hansborough or Mcneal in the second.
That would be a dream.
But if they do draft Derozan, they would have a great feeling about that kid. BC and the Coaching staff get too talk to all these guys. So I just hope it goes good. I've always been a little disappointed with their picks.

by Doug on Jun 19, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Douglass!

Good to see some sort of 'consensus' before we disperse for the draft day itself.

I'm not sure if we can get Hansbrough to fall into the 2nd round?
I really hope that G.State takes D-Rozan. I don't want to have to pull my hair out next year (like I did this year watching jamario pancake - who I hope ends up on celebrity boxing vs Reggie Evans someday)

by JENGE on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Gentlemen,

got a couple fo trades to think about...

#9 pick and cash to phonix for Shaq ???

Phonix is really wants this guy gone and it would give the raps another big big body to bang...

raps trade #9 and graham to Min for mike miller and 16+19 picks

raps trade Graham & #9 to wash for the #5 and nick young...

I herd Vince in going to be playing with LBJ next year, hot off the press..

BIGGYC

by biggyc on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

An interesting article on ESPN on most successful drafters. Guess you happens to be number one.

For all the stats and advanced scouting metrics gathered on prospects these days, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo maintains there's no real science to the process. "At the end of the day, you also have to trust your gut," he says.

And that puts him in some strange company with a man who says this: "[My draft strategy] came from growing up on the playgrounds and having to pick players -- and not wanting to lose."

That man? None other than Isiah Thomas, he of the much-maligned track record as an NBA executive. But according to the D.R.A.F.T. Initiative's study, Colangelo and Thomas top the list of the best drafters from the past 20 years.

Seriously.

We figured out who was calling the shots for every team on draft day over the past 20 years and then, using John Hollinger's estimated wins added (EWA) stat, tracked how their picks performed in comparison to the expected value of their draft slot (net EWA). To be eligible, a GM had to have picked at least 10 players during the 20-year time period, leaving 46 eligible candidates to rank. Here's how the best and worst shook out:

1. Bryan Colangelo
Suns, 1995-2005; Raptors, 2006-current
Net EWA: 1.68
Colangelo's midround success is astounding: Steve Nash (1996, 15th pick, +7.72 net EWA), Michael Finley (1995, 21st, +5.15), Shawn Marion (1999, 9th, +9.76) and Amar'e Stoudemire (2002, 9th, +8.88). He also found Stephen Jackson (+2.78) in the second round. But even a guy like Colangelo has regrets. He says he wishes he'd taken Tayshaun Prince at No. 22 in 2002 over Casey Jacobsen. But he's not ready to give up on Andrea Bargnani (-5.97), the top pick in 2006, just yet.

by j on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Its good to see the leaf fans out in force and talking about ridiculously one sided trades.
Member29 - If chicago would do this deal then I will officially stop posting on this site. I would imagine that Salmons is an untouchable at this point for Chicago. His contract is pretty close to perfect and he had a huge impact on them down the stretch. They might (and by might I mean very slim chance) consider trading us Deng for the #9 pick if only for cap purposes but considering the lack of talent available I doubt it.
BiggyC - Problem is, I doubt Shaq would report and he definitely has the clout to get away with not reporting and that could hurt this teams chances of drawing players in the future. I would definitely have to clear it on the downlow with him firts (as Raptors are not a true contender he would say no). The Miller trade is just silly. They are not going to trade 2 picks and Miller for Joey G (who is not under contract) and the number 9 pick(not mention the 16 pick belongs to Chicago).

by McGateway on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Skywalker - If I'm drafting a SF, shooting isn't a huge problem for me. In fact, I sorta want a guy that can't shoot, who knows his game, and will attack around the basket. The Raptors simply do not need another player that falls in love with his jump shot, and instead, need a player that wants/needs to attack the rim almost all the time - and can pass out of situations if need be.

by Vicious D on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

what about sign and trade with the bucks, marion for richard jefferson, draft DD and certinaly the line up look like this
calderon
derozan
jefferson
bosh
bargani

by mobchester on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Here's a thought to stir things up - would anyone consider re-signing Jamario for next year? He'd be strictly an 8th man and I wonder if some time playing with Wade and under Riley has him less focussed on the 3 and more on the attack. It was weird but watching him in Miami, his style of game did seem to change.

Not saying I'd advocate bringing him back necessarily - but considering his price tag, just a thought...

by Franchise on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Vicious D, I agree that you don't necessarily need a guy who is in love with his jump shot either. That said, I didn't see a whole lot of versatility to Williams' offensive game, off the dribble or otherwise. Not in the NCAA tournament, anyway. I don't see a whole lot of difference between drafting Williams at #9 or trading down and grabbing Derrick Brown later in the draft. Brown may turn out to be the better player, if you ask me.

Not so keen on bringing Moon back. I just don't think he has the skill to attack the basket at this level. I know I just spent the last paragraph trashing Williams, but he brings at least as much to the table as Moon does, and he's tougher.

by Skywalker on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise, that's an interesting thought re: Jamario, but I think it depends on the money and who you take on the 24th. If the Raps take a SF then Moon can only take minutes away from that player, otherwise I think he would be ideal playing behind Marion (if he can give the same effort he gave in his first year).

Rob

PS-Did anyone hear BC on FAN590 talking about Bosh? I only read about it on Hoopsworld, but it seems that Colangelo is starting to talk earnestly about Bosh going somewhere else, and the fact that a sign and trade would be likely so Bosh could maximize his earnings.

What gets me though is that according to the article BC says that based on that reasoning he won't rush and make a bad deal now (because we can do a sign and trade). But when's the last time you saw a sign and trade deal that netted the team giving up the star anything of value???

by 2nd Raps fan in LA on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

2nd Raps:

In response to your sign and trade for anything of value query:

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/johnson_traded_050819.html

by Interloper on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Okay Franchise... Howland... late round picks that might have impact?

For example... Wayne Ellington.
Projected to go very late in the first round. I like this kids game...good shooter...understands the game...can slash...diamond in the rough perhaps?

Any other later round possibilities that you guys like?

by mcclarky on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Interloper, I don't know if you remember but Diaw was not considered a very good player in Atlanta, and his emergence in Phoenix was considered a great surprise. It's revisionist to pretend like Boris Diaw was anything more than a bit player when he was traded to Phoenix; go take a look at his stats in ATL. Matter of fact, he's only had 2 good years since coming into the league.

If that trade is what you would classify as a successful sign and trade deal then you've made my point for me.

Rob

by 2nd Raps fan in LA on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise:

Regarding Jamario, I have no problems having a player on our team who is played proportionate to their skill set and abilities.

We seem to have a very good idea what Jamario's involves; and what he doesnt think is important.

Rationally I have no problem with him at the 9 spot (or thereabouts) - but the emotional side of me says that I would rather draft a player like T.Will who plays good D, rebounds, passes better, is smarter and tougher.

Also emotionally I lost my cool on Jamario last year, and since we are maybe bringing back Delfino or Nesterovic - too much re-run could piss off like-minded fans.

For me it's Jamario's lack of toughness, crappy attitude, 3-ball chucking and soaking up playing time that could be used on another wing prospect - if we draft them.

by JENGE on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Jenge, wouldn't you rather have maybe a baby blue tar heel Danny Green in the second round be our 9th dude, rather then some soft smilly faced rail then 29 year old. Your right Hansborough will never be around in the second

by Doug on Jun 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions