The (way too early) 2024 Draft thread. Woo! Tanking!

[tontoz]

I believe I can answer the second question. UConn’s perimeter defense is why Purdue only attempted two 3s in the second half.

The suffocating D of the Huskies taller, longer, more athletic wing players made it almost impossible for Purdue guards to get up 3pt shots.

It was actually the first half they attempted only 2 3s.

Alabama attempted 23 3s for the game against Uconn, shooting 48% from 3. Pretty sure Uconn was playing the same guys against Alabama and Purdue.

Alabama had better and more athletic perimeter players than Purdue.

Alabama doesn't have a 7'4 giant center that typically requires double teams.

[DCZards]

It was actually the first half they attempted only 2 3s.

Alabama attempted 23 3s for the game against Uconn, shooting 48% from 3. Pretty sure Uconn was playing the same guys against Alabama and Purdue.

Alabama had better and more athletic perimeter players than Purdue.

Alabama doesn't have a 7'4 giant center that typically requires double teams.

Yup…and UConn’s game plan was to let that giant score while using your great perimeter D to completely shut down Purdue’s small guys. Hurley said exactly that in the postgame interview. Plan worked

[leswizards]

I mentioned a couple of fouls which I think showed there was help defense. You ignore them. You claim there was no help defense when I am pretty sure there was help defense. Nate tries to downplay the help defense, but I think he does acknowledge that there was help defense in he said there was mostly no help defense for clingan (which implies there was help defense for clingan). Alabama’s 3 point shooters have an inch on Purdue’s best 3 point shooters, and they may be more athletic as well what happened in the Alabama game had nothing to do with this game.

I didn't say there was no help defense the entire game. I said the game plan was not to send help when Clingan was on him.

When Clingan was on the bench Uconn doubled a lot because his backup was too small to defend Edey.

Seriously there is a reason Purdue only made 1 3 all game. Their strategy was to stay at home on shooters and leave Clingan 1 on 1. When Clingan went to the bench they doubled aggressively.

I have shown 3 instances where clingan was in the game, yet someone other than clingan fouled Edey; 2 in the process of Edey shooting, the other not. I am pretty sure that shows help defense was sent at Edey while clingan was in the game. Yet, you still claim that is a figment of my imagination.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I believe I can answer the second question. UConn’s perimeter defense is why Purdue only attempted two 3s in the second half.

The suffocating D of the Huskies taller, longer, more athletic wing players made it almost impossible for Purdue guards to get up 3pt shots.

It was actually the first half they attempted only 2 3s.

Alabama attempted 23 3s for the game against Uconn, shooting 48% from 3. Pretty sure Uconn was playing the same guys against Alabama and Purdue.

Alabama made it as far as they did in the Tourney because they have a meteor shower of attackers who all can handle and shoot from deep. Their entire deal is to spread the defense out and attack from the outside in, with multiple guys distributing the ball or creating for themselves.

Purdue relied on one ballhandler to initiate the offense and find the seams, exploiting Edey's gravity to ensure the outside gunners are open. Their point guard was stifled by a bigger stronger faster guy who frustrated them from every inbounds and all the way up the court, which stole minutes off the clock and allowed their secondary defenders to swarm the outside shooters.

Clingan's ability to stand up to Edey solo did make all the difference. Both guys played well in their role and made a case for high draft selection. Edey showed he can force foul trouble on players who try to guard him one on one, and dominate smaller players even if they are long for their position. Clingan showed he can slow down even behemoth opponents who are otherwise unstoppable.

This was a good game that played out as I expected with the sole exception that UConn wasn't able to keep Edey under the 20/10 he has steadily earned all year.

I think Edey missing shots and fading as the game went on had more to do with exhaustion and just getting tired more than the actual defense being played against him. He was missing shots he usually makes. That credit does go to Clingan in that he was able to physically push Edey with size and weight, and make him exert himself more than he’s used to. He basically wore him out as the game went on.

[tontoz]

Yup…and UConn’s game plan was to let that giant score while using your great perimeter D to completely shut down Purdue’s small guys. Hurley said exactly that in the postgame interview. Plan worked

Yes that is what i saw. Obviously the plan was dependent on having the players to execute it. Most teams don't. Castle and Clingan were the key guys.

[tontoz]

I have shown 3 instances where clingan was in the game, yet someone other than clingan fouled Edey; 2 in the process of Edey shooting, the other not. I am pretty sure that shows help defense was sent at Edey while clingan was in the game. Yet, you still claim that is a figment of my imagination.

Over the course of an entire game there may have been random times when someone came from the blind side to go for a steal but the game plan was obvious.

Edey took 25 shots and 10 foul shots, his highest total attempts for the season. No chance that happens if the game plan was to double him consistently.

[tontoz]

I think Edey missing shots and fading as the game went on had more to do with exhaustion and just getting tired more than the actual defense being played against him. He was missing shots he usually makes. That credit does go to Clingan in that he was able to physically push Edey with size and weight, and make him exert himself more than he’s used to. He basically wore him out as the game went on.

Edey scored 17 pts in the last 10 minutes of the game.

[NatP4]

I simply don’t see how a C that provides no rim protection and can’t guard in space/on perimeter is worth a 1st round pick.

Rather go with any of Simpson, Kolek, Carter, Holmes.

[NatP4]

New No Ceilings mock:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft-v5

Has us taking Topic at #2 (yes please), Edey up to #11, Murray-Boyles at #20. Ware at #26 would be great value.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I believe I can answer the second question. UConn’s perimeter defense is why Purdue only attempted two 3s in the second half.

The suffocating D of the Huskies taller, longer, more athletic wing players made it almost impossible for Purdue guards to get up 3pt shots.

It was actually the first half they attempted only 2 3s.

Alabama attempted 23 3s for the game against Uconn, shooting 48% from 3. Pretty sure Uconn was playing the same guys against Alabama and Purdue.

As for the Crimson Tide, that guy Sears looked all worldly good.

If Sears were on Purdue I think the outcome would have been different yesterday.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I believe I can answer the second question. UConn’s perimeter defense is why Purdue only attempted two 3s in the second half.

The suffocating D of the Huskies taller, longer, more athletic wing players made it almost impossible for Purdue guards to get up 3pt shots.

It was actually the first half they attempted only 2 3s.

Alabama attempted 23 3s for the game against Uconn, shooting 48% from 3. Pretty sure Uconn was playing the same guys against Alabama and Purdue.

Alabama made it as far as they did in the Tourney because they have a meteor shower of attackers who all can handle and shoot from deep. Their entire deal is to spread the defense out and attack from the outside in, with multiple guys distributing the ball or creating for themselves.

Purdue relied on one ballhandler to initiate the offense and find the seams, exploiting Edey's gravity to ensure the outside gunners are open. Their point guard was stifled by a bigger stronger faster guy who frustrated them from every inbounds and all the way up the court, which stole minutes off the clock and allowed their secondary defenders to swarm the outside shooters.

Clingan's ability to stand up to Edey solo did make all the difference. Both guys played well in their role and made a case for high draft selection. Edey showed he can force foul trouble on players who try to guard him one on one, and dominate smaller players even if they are long for their position. Clingan showed he can slow down even behemoth opponents who are otherwise unstoppable.

This was a good game that played out as I expected with the sole exception that UConn wasn't able to keep Edey under the 20/10 he has steadily earned all year.

About the Connecticut guards, I think Castle is an obvious top-5 pick. He's destined for stardom.

(Unless it's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist part deux. I was wrong about him.)

How about Tristan Newton? He's an upper classman. Where does he belong in this draft?



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[doclinkin]

I don't get the vitriol that Edey enflames. I guess the idea is that his brand of basketball is not aesthetically pleasing? That he's just a big bully beating up on little kids and no one wants to see that.

But I don't see sense to the idea that he won't be able to do in the NBA what he does in college. Which is: score efficiently. Grab rebounds. Force fouls on opponents. Deter some shots and interior scoring on his size alone.

Okay its an open question whether his team will give up as many points as they score when he is on the floor. Reasonable to argue. But do people really think jump hooks and a dunks are not available in the league? Or that he won't have better passers and taller players feeding the post? Any PG in the league would love to have him as a bail out option. Offensively he's Shaq with a free throw shot. In pick up ball he's the first pick by any team captain.

Here's a question, if you gave Edey to UConn, do you think Hurley would have found a way to use him? Could they have won the championship with him? Or could Painter if he had UConn's roster around Edey? Or even one other star with a go-to offensive game?

Edey is a unique individual who will one day be in the Basketball hall of fame based on his NCAA run alone. No question. I fully expect he will have a long and interesting professional career if his health allows. I think in the NBA, but he would leave a trail of destruction in FIBA play.

He's a bright, hard working, polite and thoughtful kid, with a competitive streak and unmatched physical talents. You may dislike his game, think it ugly, but you can't argue it hasn't been effective up to now. And getting better. Last year he got played off the floor by smaller faster teams. This year he did not. No blaming him now that Purdue can't beat the high seeds. It took the most effective defensive center in the NCAA to check him, and the #1 best team to beat him. And even then he caused foul trouble and put up 37 points on solid percentages.

I get it that his game is boring. Ugly. Looks clumsy. I just don't understand the argument by people who seem to think he is not good or won't be able to put up numbers at the next level. Or come up with every tortured argument in the book to downgrade him. It's weird to me.

[doclinkin]

About the Connecticut guards, I think Castle is an obvious top-5 pick. He's destined for stardom.

(Unless it's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist part deux. I was wrong about him.)

How about Tristan Newton? He's an upper classman. Where does he belong in this draft?

MKG's jumper was totally broken. He shot it like his hands were taken off and sewed back on the wrong stumps. Castle hits a fine percentage from the FT line. His issue is that he jumps then kinda squares up and balances himself midair before his shot. It works at mid-range on his dribble pull up, but he doesn't get the distance he will need from the 3. If he were on a team with Curry and saw that level of dedication to the form and craft he would pick it up by osmosis, but he's a good kid who likes hard coaching so all he needs is a dedicated shot doctor to add range. He's got the tools to have a nice shot. And work ethic to calibrate it once he gets the right mentor.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

While everyone is waxing poetic about UConn's potential NBA prospects ... the guy that I think has the highest potential for NBA success is coach Dan Hurley. I see brilliant guy with a creative flair who puts his guys in the right position to succeed.

If there's any coach I'd pound the table for its going to be him. I'd take him over any player on the Huskies roster.

The great coaches assess their personnel first before they choose how they'll use their talent. Yes, creativity is involved. I would also say flexibility and tactical mastery are involved. Hurley adjusted to an essentially new group of players from last season and coached this team to an even better win loss record.

Dawn Staley is also a coaching savant. I'd love to see the Wizards at least interview her.

[tontoz]

New No Ceilings mock:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft-v5

Has us taking Topic at #2 (yes please), Edey up to #11, Murray-Boyles at #20. Ware at #26 would be great value.

I don't know anything about Ware but Topic + project center would be an ideal draft for me.

[tontoz]

About the Connecticut guards, I think Castle is an obvious top-5 pick. He's destined for stardom.

(Unless it's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist part deux. I was wrong about him.)

How about Tristan Newton? He's an upper classman. Where does he belong in this draft?

MKG's jumper was totally broken. He shot it like his hands were taken off and sewed back on the wrong stumps. Castle hits a fine percentage from the FT line. His issue is that he jumps then kinda squares up and balances himself midair before his shot. It works at mid-range on his dribble pull up, but he doesn't get the distance he will need from the 3. If he were on a team with Curry and saw that level of dedication to the form and craft he would pick it up by osmosis, but he's a good kid who likes hard coaching so all he needs is a dedicated shot doctor to add range. He's got the tools to have a nice shot. And work ethic to calibrate it once he gets the right mentor.

MKG had the worst form I've ever seen. I was like wtf.

[NatP4]

New No Ceilings mock:

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft-v5

Has us taking Topic at #2 (yes please), Edey up to #11, Murray-Boyles at #20. Ware at #26 would be great value.

I don't know anything about Ware but Topic + project center would be an ideal draft for me.

Topic and CMB that’s all I’m asking for.

[tontoz]

Okay its an open question whether his team will give up as many points as they score when he is on the floor. Reasonable to argue. But do people really think jump hooks and a dunks are not available in the league? Or that he won't have better passers and taller players feeding the post? Any PG in the league would love to have him as a bail out option. Offensively he's Shaq with a free throw shot. In pick up ball he's the first pick by any team captain.
.

Edey is one of the laziest defenders I can remember. It amazes me that he just stands and watches guys finishing inside. When guys are on the perimeter he might as well be sitting in a chair.

They might not call 3 seconds in college but they will in the NBA, on both ends. He won't have time to post up in the middle of the lane, take 2 or 3 dribbles and then shoot a jump hook over and over. He had some bad misses when he tried to shoot his jump hook from the baseline.

[Dat2U]

The only big I'd take with a top 6 pick is Alex Sarr. Not a chance in hell i'd feel comfortable taking Clingan that high.

Sarr, Dillingham, Topic & Holland are who I'm considering at the top.

I also like Sheppard, Collier, McCain, Knecht, Ware, Kolek & de Silva.

[payitforward]

Castle's not on that 2d list, dat?