During College Basketball's most recent year, the Washington State Cougars were one of the surprise teams of the tournament ranked No. 4 in their bracket and advancing to the Sweet 16.
One of the key contributors to the run was PG/SG Kyle Weaver.
Kyle averaged 12.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 1.7 SPG.
Here are some of his highlights from the 2007-08 season:
25 points, 12 rebounds against Stanford
23 points, 11 rebounds against Stanford
20 points, six assists, two steals against Washington
After his senior season at Wash St. was over, naturally Weaver declared for the 2008 NBA Draft. Many teams across the league could use the services of a player like Kyle, but I believe that the Denver Nuggets are the best team for No. 25.
Reasons why Weaver would make a good fit in Denver
1. Weaver is a combo guard and spent some time at PG throughout his collegiate career at Washington St. Kyle is explosive to the basket and is a good finisher and also a good passer.
2. If Kyle decided to play point guard in the NBA, he would easily have the height advantage over every opponent 6-foot-6, 201 lbs.
A short list of the tallest point guards:
Jason Kidd 6-foot-4
Steve Nash 6-foot-3
Deron Williams 6-foot-3
Jose Calderon 6-foot-3
Basically to summarize every point guard, the average height is about 6-foot-2.
Kyle Weaver stands 6-foot-6.
Weaver will be able to reclaim the starting role, as the Nuggets might not resign last year's point guard Anthony Carter.
3. Kyle's style of play already fits within the Nuggets system. He averaged 1.7 SPG this year and 2.2 the previous year. Denver led the NBA in steals this season with their entire starting lineup averaging at least one steal per game.
My analysis is Kyle Weaver is a solid guard, not particularly great at any aspect of the game but very skilled in each department.
My comparison of Weaver is to Ronnie Brewer of the Utah Jazz.
I also view him as a steal and a wild card in the draft because let's face it, how many 6-foot-6 point guards are there in the NBA?
comments (11) write a comment »
write a new comment
5 months ago
Kyle Weaver played for the Washington State Cougars.
from 5 months ago
Thanks for the correction, I got a little confused.
5 months ago
Also, Weaver will be a PG at the next level, as well as a lock-down defender. I don't have him as high as No. 20 in my big board, but I do think he'd be a nice fit for the Nuggets. Weaver will be able to fit in wherever he is drafted to, though.
from 5 months ago
I wasn't for sure either if he could go as high as #20 in the draft. Maybe if the Nuggets trade J.R. Smith they can possibly get a early 2nd round pick and select Weaver then.
5 months ago
What do you think about Ty Lawson out of UNC? It's said he's near the top of the wish list for the nugs. He would be a perfect fit for their run and gun system and would fill the much needed spot at the point. He could be a real good compliment to Melo and AI, but will he drop to 20?
from 5 months ago
In Mock Drafts that I've seen, they have Ty Lawson going as early as 24-38 dropping as far as 30-34.
I also think Lawson would be a decent fit for the Nuggets, but his size may come into question in the NBA.
The average height of a guard is 6-2, Ty's only 5-10,5-11.
His speed is a definite asset to any team.
If Denver can somehow aquire a early 2nd round pick, Lawson would be their guy.
5 months ago
Mick, I don't think it's a question of Lawson dropping to No. 20, it's if the Nuggets want to take him that high. Just my opinion.
5 months ago
Do you guys think that the nugs would be better off trying to acquire some higher picks and addressing their needs through the draft or with a straight up trade for a proven player?
from 5 months ago
Yes and No.
It's a doubled edge sword.
The highest I think the Nuggets can get in the draft is probabily the 3rd pick and that scenario will have them dealing a combination of players including Iverson, Smith, Kleiza, and maybe even Marcus Camby.
With that pick, they would most likely take Derrick Rose if available or O.J. Mayo.
If they decide to trade for a player factors like team chemistry, underacheivement, and experience (old and young) may hurt them.
In the long run, getting a great player through the draft is cheaper for the first copule of years and if he's a star then you'll have to shell out the money, if he's not then you're in a sticky situation dealing with a bust.
I don't think the Nuggets will trade up that high as the 3rd pick though. At the highest maybe the 10th or 12th.
Most likely, Denver will attempt to go out and aquire some players this offseason.
A perfect example of trading away your current situation for the future would be in Seattle.
They traded away Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis and they didn't do so hot this year, 60+ losses and the 2nd worst team in the NBA.
So, the Nuggets maybe better off trading for the that right player.
5 months ago
Clearly there are going to be some changes with Denver over the off-season. Weaver would fit in well with their up-tempo style. Though he was in a deliberate offense at WSU, the kid loves to push the ball if given the chance.
Weaver is going to be a great pick-up for whoever drafts him. But if he were to end up with the Nuggets, he would be a great PG combo with Anthony.
from 5 months ago
I agree Lew. Thanks for the comments.
Weaver a nice addition that Nuggets squad who are desperately searching for talent at the point guard position.
Kyle also has the tools to play shooting guard, as he did at Washington State.
write a new comment