2016 NBA Draft

[QRich3]

Yeah, couldn't have put it better og. All of this we're talking is a bit empty though, cause in the end it's impossible to predict who's gonna turn into what, and what mentality each guy is gonna show in an NBA situation, so it's not like choosing one path or the other is gonna completely dictate what you're getting. 'Upside guy' or 'NBA ready guy' cah both turn out being stars, role players or busts, it's just a question of gathering information and playing the odds with it.

A guy like Jimmy Butler was considered that sort of low ceiling/decent floor guy, like Prince can be, and he's the one that turned into a two way star in his draft. Then, like 95% of the upside guys selected outside the lottery turn out being nothing, but some end up actually being decent role players who make a living of one or two skills, not all around stars like their ceiling predicted.

[og15]

Yea, in the end it is still not certain outside of a couple of players that are almost guranteed to be good. Basically you just have to do your best in terms of homework and also of course try to develop the guys you do get as much as possible. People might not think about it, but being a rookie in LA might also be a bit of a difficult thing, and you never know how guys will responds. JJ always mentions how it wouldn't have been so good for him to be in LA as a rookie.

[TucsonClip]

Technically you can sign 2nd round picks for longer if you want can't you? It's just that teams don't tend to like to do it. I'd prefer a guy with the 1st round pick who you know has at least one NBA skill, which is why I like Prince. He has the NBA body, can spot up shoot, and he can defend and is interested in defending. Probably zero star potential, but we're picking in the 20's, the chance of a star in the 20's is like 6%. Prince looks like there's an over 85% chance that he's a solid NBA player on the other hand.

Yes, you can and im sure Doc will try to do that with the 2nd round pick. Im just looking at the draft board and I would be totally fine taking a shot on someone like Murray, Zimmerman, Zizic, Hernangomez, ect. with that 1st round pick before someone at the end of round 1 does.

Obviously, everything is fluid and the list can change daily, im just looking at guys who could be on the board, but also off the board by 33.

[mattd13]

I went to see ben simmons in person and was not impressed. the lsu coached, who is horrible, wanted him to do to much and he appeared to lose interest and focus. does not seem to really fight or care at times. that kind of character will get you nowhere in the nba. in todays world they know everything about these guys and still miss at the top. at the upper level of the draft you had better look at the things that show he has the character to work hard and learn the nba game, plus be a good citizen. being a great athlete is not always going to pay off. I believe simmons just may prove my point. .he looks to have the james harden attitude. I would love to get lucky in the draft but in my mind it is a crap shoot at best.

[mkwest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/728026837377495040[/tweet]

Draft Express
NBADraft.Net

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIxJzcq1nio[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS1Ov2GUh-E[/youtube]

[kylem4711]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/728026837377495040[/tweet]

Draft Express
NBADraft.Net

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIxJzcq1nio[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS1Ov2GUh-E[/youtube]

is he basically lance with less hops?

[madmaxmedia]

The head coach side of Doc Rivers has consistently dominated our roster strategy, from trading away picks to the type of players we select, to development of our draft picks. Rivers seems to prefer guys that seem to be more NBA ready/high floor rather than projects/high ceiling. But you should only do that if you actually think you're going to try to play these guys. Otherwise you might as well pick that project player who is not going to get significant minutes for a year or 2, and maybe he can develop and make the most of his physical gifts. Project types don't necessarily need minutes to improve (since they're not getting a ton anyway, just enough to get their feet wet and start acclimating to NBA game), they need work with the coaching staff and time to physically develop (since they're typically young.)

Unless a miracle occurs, I feel like we're not going to get a rookie that really contributes anyway, because even on the second unit we have ball dominant Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford, plus whatever new old vets we pick up.

I'm not saying my picks would have been better (honestly I don't remember), but the last time I was actually excited by a Clipper draft was when we got Eric Bledsoe and Aminu.

[madmaxmedia]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/720692170928361472[/tweet]

It's this quote that gives me any sense of promise about Maker, not that stupid highlight video which wasn't even all that impressive.

I would take him if he was available at our pick, assuming that tweet speaks the truth.

[mkwest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Jeff_Ermann/status/728387748944617472[/tweet]

Draft Express
NBADraft.net

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61XD2k7VLM8[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Ahdp0lWDA[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKARDIOWvIA[/youtube]

[mkwest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/728653025682837505[/tweet]

Draft Express
NBADraft.net

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFfSmwPSIZk[/youtube]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/729748522631892992[/tweet]

[Ranma]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/LucasJHann/status/729054726478770176[/tweet][tweet]https://twitter.com/Dakota_Schmidt/status/721318937938374656[/tweet]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzMGFCgMdNI[/youtube][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnOPGhjIyQ[/youtube]


Austin Peters, UpsideMotor.com (1/21/16)

It is hard to see a scenario where Sabonis becomes a starter in the NBA. Post up players require the ball in their hands way too much for them to have an offense run through them if they aren’t going to be the best or second best player on the team. Sabonis can function as a ball screener in a more free flowing offense, but that would be taking him out of what he does best. Defensively, he will be the weak link in starting lineups and other teams will exploit that night in and night out.

What would be best for Sabonis is if he became the backup center. He could be the focal point on offense for second units while also being used as a pick and roll/pick and pop guy. His passing can improve enough to where he can make plays out of the post if help comes from different areas, which is key for players who are going to have the ball in their hands a lot.

Teams drafting in the lottery are likely looking for players who will be starters at some point. I’m not sure Sabonis will ever be that, but teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and the Detroit Pistons, who are all in need of a backup center, could take him in the 18-24 range on draft night.

Domantas Sabonis Scouting Report: January 2016


Stefanos, Makris, NBAdraft.net (4/19/16)

NBA Comparison: Luis Scola/Marc Gasol
Strengths: High energy and passionate post player, who always gives 100% ... He works hard on both ends of the floor… Has a really strong core and low center of Gravity … Runs the floor extremely well for a Big … Extremely crafty around the basket ... Relentless rebounder, one of the best of his Class, if not the best … Attacks the glass all the time … High Basketball I.Q and instincts … Always establishes deep position in the post … Great low-post scorer … Amazing footwork on offense … Already has a variety of moves with his back on the basket … Effective on Pick n Roll situations as the screener … Sets great screens and rolls hard to the basket … Has great vision and is already considered a good passer … Draws a lot of fouls and can translate those fouls in to points since he is a good Free throw shooter (76.8% from the line in 2015/16 season) … Can finish at the rim through contact … Puts the ball on the floor and attacks closeouts … Moves amazingly well without the ball … Excellent slasher … Works hard on defense … A good Low Post defender, always fights for position, making it difficult for his opponent to attack him … Above average lateral quickness for a big … Active hands on defense … Takes a good low stance when he has to guard a perimeter player … Really good at guarding the Pick And Roll … Jumpshot is far better than what he showed in games at Gonzaga ... Showed fiery leadership at the end of sophomore season leading Gonzaga into Big Dance and then to Sweet Sixteen

Weaknesses: Average athlete … Below average wingspan for his size (measured at 6-11 feet) … Lack of length and athleticism may affect his stock at the draft … Being physical has also its downside, since at time he commits too many fouls … Might be considered a tweener by NBA standards, since he lacks athleticism at power forward and size at center … Has problems against long and athletic defenders … Mid-range game is below average for the time being, although FT% and shooting in practice suggests that there is a lot of room for improvement … It’s essential to become a threat from mid-range, otherwise he will be considered limited offensively … Shooting mechanics aren’t always consistent … Like most left handers, at times he relies too much on his dominant hand … He mainly turns from the right shoulder when he is posting up his defender … Not equally adept at finishing at the rim with his right hand … At times he holds the ball too long when he is posting up when he is double teamed, which leads to turnovers … At the college level he was able to rely on his strength and size at times when he was posting up, but that might not be as easiest thing to do at the NBA level … It’s difficult to imagine him being a good shot blocker due to his limited vertical jumping ability and short wingspan …

NBAdraft.net Profile: Domantas Sabonis


Matt Kamalsky, DraftExpress.com (4/28/16)

Though he may not be an elite physical specimen, smart, fundamentally sound big men with win-first mentalities like Sabonis frequently provide value at the NBA level with their ability to do the dirty work inside. Playing exceptionally well down the stretch this season, Sabonis left NBA decision-makers with a lot to think about looking very comfortable against likely top-10 pick Jakob Poeltl. His upside may not be as obvious as some of the freakishly big or athletic underclassmen typically coming out of the NCAA ranks, but at just 19 years old, he already has a nice foundation of tools to build upon and may prove more capable against NBA length and athleticism as his game continues to blossom into his 20s.

Domantas Sabonis NBA Draft Scouting Report and Video Breakdown

[kylem4711]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/LucasJHann/status/729054726478770176[/tweet][tweet]https://twitter.com/Dakota_Schmidt/status/721318937938374656[/tweet]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzMGFCgMdNI[/youtube][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnOPGhjIyQ[/youtube]


Austin Peters, UpsideMotor.com (1/21/16)

It is hard to see a scenario where Sabonis becomes a starter in the NBA. Post up players require the ball in their hands way too much for them to have an offense run through them if they aren’t going to be the best or second best player on the team. Sabonis can function as a ball screener in a more free flowing offense, but that would be taking him out of what he does best. Defensively, he will be the weak link in starting lineups and other teams will exploit that night in and night out.

What would be best for Sabonis is if he became the backup center. He could be the focal point on offense for second units while also being used as a pick and roll/pick and pop guy. His passing can improve enough to where he can make plays out of the post if help comes from different areas, which is key for players who are going to have the ball in their hands a lot.

Teams drafting in the lottery are likely looking for players who will be starters at some point. I’m not sure Sabonis will ever be that, but teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and the Detroit Pistons, who are all in need of a backup center, could take him in the 18-24 range on draft night.

Domantas Sabonis Scouting Report: January 2016


Stefanos, Makris, NBAdraft.net (4/19/16)

NBA Comparison: Luis Scola/Marc Gasol
Strengths: High energy and passionate post player, who always gives 100% ... He works hard on both ends of the floor… Has a really strong core and low center of Gravity … Runs the floor extremely well for a Big … Extremely crafty around the basket ... Relentless rebounder, one of the best of his Class, if not the best … Attacks the glass all the time … High Basketball I.Q and instincts … Always establishes deep position in the post … Great low-post scorer … Amazing footwork on offense … Already has a variety of moves with his back on the basket … Effective on Pick n Roll situations as the screener … Sets great screens and rolls hard to the basket … Has great vision and is already considered a good passer … Draws a lot of fouls and can translate those fouls in to points since he is a good Free throw shooter (76.8% from the line in 2015/16 season) … Can finish at the rim through contact … Puts the ball on the floor and attacks closeouts … Moves amazingly well without the ball … Excellent slasher … Works hard on defense … A good Low Post defender, always fights for position, making it difficult for his opponent to attack him … Above average lateral quickness for a big … Active hands on defense … Takes a good low stance when he has to guard a perimeter player … Really good at guarding the Pick And Roll … Jumpshot is far better than what he showed in games at Gonzaga ... Showed fiery leadership at the end of sophomore season leading Gonzaga into Big Dance and then to Sweet Sixteen

Weaknesses: Average athlete … Below average wingspan for his size (measured at 6-11 feet) … Lack of length and athleticism may affect his stock at the draft … Being physical has also its downside, since at time he commits too many fouls … Might be considered a tweener by NBA standards, since he lacks athleticism at power forward and size at center … Has problems against long and athletic defenders … Mid-range game is below average for the time being, although FT% and shooting in practice suggests that there is a lot of room for improvement … It’s essential to become a threat from mid-range, otherwise he will be considered limited offensively … Shooting mechanics aren’t always consistent … Like most left handers, at times he relies too much on his dominant hand … He mainly turns from the right shoulder when he is posting up his defender … Not equally adept at finishing at the rim with his right hand … At times he holds the ball too long when he is posting up when he is double teamed, which leads to turnovers … At the college level he was able to rely on his strength and size at times when he was posting up, but that might not be as easiest thing to do at the NBA level … It’s difficult to imagine him being a good shot blocker due to his limited vertical jumping ability and short wingspan …

NBAdraft.net Profile: Domantas Sabonis


Matt Kamalsky, DraftExpress.com (4/28/16)

Though he may not be an elite physical specimen, smart, fundamentally sound big men with win-first mentalities like Sabonis frequently provide value at the NBA level with their ability to do the dirty work inside. Playing exceptionally well down the stretch this season, Sabonis left NBA decision-makers with a lot to think about looking very comfortable against likely top-10 pick Jakob Poeltl. His upside may not be as obvious as some of the freakishly big or athletic underclassmen typically coming out of the NCAA ranks, but at just 19 years old, he already has a nice foundation of tools to build upon and may prove more capable against NBA length and athleticism as his game continues to blossom into his 20s.

Domantas Sabonis NBA Draft Scouting Report and Video Breakdown

I'd be happy with this just so i can get a clippers sabonis jersey.

[mkwest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/rickbozich/status/730824814240337921[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/JCameratoCSN/status/730832140418600960[/tweet]


[tweet]https://twitter.com/Hoops_Clippers/status/730605794924761088[/tweet]

Draft Express
NBADraft.net

[tweet]https://twitter.com/nbairdjc/status/730900535843409920[/tweet]
Draft Express
NBADraft.net
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G62cy5tpj2U[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fCwaSg5W48[/youtube]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/mattyports/status/730903448112205825[/tweet]
Draft Express
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlKCU1MeHB0[/youtube]

[mkwest]

Draft Express Measurement Analysis from the Draft Combine

[tweet]https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/status/730894502106259457[/tweet]
Draft Express
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqdm5N0qQW8[/youtube]

[mkwest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/jeffgreer_cj/status/730899077525848064[/tweet]

Draft Express

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0T2-X3oY_0[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3w5baNau3U[/youtube]

Providence's Ben Bentil Impresses at NBA Combine

Bentil met here with Orlando, Golden State, Utah and Denver and said he has workouts coming up with the Clippers, the Lakers, Denver and Indiana.

"I just want to get positive feedback," he said.

Bentil is currently projected at No. 52 by DraftExpress.com

Adam Zagoria, https://www.sny.tv/college-recruiting/news/providences-ben-bentil-impresses-at-nba-combine/177874388/]SNY.TV

Draft Express

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPGpw_7uvmc[/youtube]

[JayClips92]

What do you guys think of Gary Payton II?

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2016/05/gary_payton_ii_earning_solid_r.html

[Ranma]

What do you guys think of Gary Payton II?

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2016/05/gary_payton_ii_earning_solid_r.html

I've had him under consideration for our 2nd-round pick and he's still among the candidates for that particular draft slot, but there seems to be other prospects of better value who should be available at this point. I'm certainly intrigued by his athleticism, particularly on defense. He's also shown instincts to be a good passer, but is not much of a ball-handler nor is his outside shot reliable. I was hoping he'd be an improvement in Austin Rivers' role, but upon 2nd glance, he seems to be lacking in areas that Austin is proving to be better at.

[Ranma]

Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com (5/14/16)

14. Domantas Sabonis | Gonzaga | PF | 6-10 | 230
The son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, a superstar in Europe before seven seasons with the Trail Blazers, was an intriguing prospect a year ago in the same lottery territory as 2016, before returning for his sophomore season. Domantas moves well for a big and plays hard, a combination that produces good results on the boards. He does not have much of an offensive game, especially beyond close range.

15. Furkan Korkmaz | Turkey | SG | 6-7 | 185
Korkmaz is a scoring threat beyond the three-point line and also a talented and willing passer, a nice combination for someone with good size for a shooting guard with the chance to keep growing. He needs to add bulk more than height, but is still only 18 and could fill out in time. And if he doesn't get stronger, Korkmaz could still make a big contribution as a shooter and facilitator.

16. Denzel Valentine | Michigan State | SG | 6-6 | 225
The important part of the Final Four team in 2014-15 has made a nice climb up draft boards this season with more experience and a larger role for an elite program. Valentine earned that centerpiece role as 22-year-old senior who is smart and versatile. He shot 44.4 percent behind the arc and also easily leading the team in assists, a testament to his ability to become a secondary ball handler in the pros as well as score.
...

22. Brice Johnson | North Carolina | PF | 6-10 | 230
He coasts with frustrating regularity, enough to possibly, though not likely, be the difference between first-round talent and second-round reality. He has good scoring instincts, the experience of four seasons on Tobacco Road and good height for the position along with the leaping ability that helped him win two high school state high-jump championships in South Carolina.
...

25. Taurean Prince | Baylor | SF | 6-7 | 215
The same player who began high school at a 5-9 guard and left as a 6-7 center has made similar strides in college, even if not on the growth chart. Prince will leave Baylor as one of the top seniors in the nation as a 3D prospect on the wing -- three-pointers and defense, although he did drop from 39.5 percent behind the arc in 2014-15 to 36.1 last season.

Top 30 Draft Board: NBA Combine Edition


Jonathan Givony & Mike Schmitz, DraftExpress.com (5/12/16)

Gary Payton II, Senior, PG/SG, Oregon State
8 points, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 steal, 5 fouls, 4-6 2P, 23.3 minutes

Payton didn't exactly steal the show in Thursday's 5-on-5 session, but he stayed in his lane offensively, used his athleticism in transition, did a nice job of staying in front of Cat Barber on defense, and made a couple of impressive passes while on the move in the half court. Payton isn't the most natural point guard, often looking to give the ball up rather than probing and facilitating offense. He found some success, however, in quick actions to the rim, displaying impressive vision and accuracy on a drive and kick in traffic while also showing excellent touch and instincts on a lob pass. Payton's highlight of the day came when he barreled down the lane unguarded and hammered home a tomahawk dunk off of two feet. The 23-year-old Seattle native still has his struggles as a scorer in the half court, mostly due to his shooting stroke. Payton missed a wide open pull up jumper from the elbow and turned down an open three from the wing a few possessions later. He's not quite a vocal floor general or big-time shot creator, but with Payton's defense, passing instincts, physical tools (6' 3” with a 6' 8” wingspan) and athleticism he was able to find some success playing off the ball next to Kay Felder, and remains an intriguing second-round prospect.
...

DeAndre Bembry, Junior SG/SF, Saint Joseph's
18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 7-10 2P, 1-2 3P, 1-1 FT, 21.4 minutes FT

The 21-year-old Bembry put together an impressive all-around performance as he scored 18 points in only 21 minutes while playmaking from the perimeter and showing some competitiveness on the defensive end. Bembry did a fair amount of his damage in transition where he's very opportunistic both as a lane-filler and ball handler.

A solid athlete, Bembry can finish above the rim in space and did so on a couple of occasions on Thursday. In the half court the 6' 6” Charlotte native found success playing both on and off the ball. He's very comfortable playmaking out of ball screens as he's an instinctual (though not overly advanced) ball handler with sharp court vision for a wing. Bembry's feel for the game also shows as a cutter – he was able to break free on the perimeter and finish off of a nice bounce pass from Jake Layman.

The key to Bembry unlocking his potential revolves around his jump shot. Bembry knocked down a catch and shoot three on Thursday and rattled home a step back mid-range pull up, but he missed a pair of jumpers as well. Although his mechanics aren't all that bad, he struggled to shoot it consistently for three years at Saint Joe's, so it will be interesting to see how he evolves as a shooter moving forward. Bembry also has room to improve as a 1-on-1 shot creator versus NBA level defenders. All in all Bembry is a versatile wing who checks a few different boxes and could very well hear his name called in the first round of this year's draft.

NBA Combine Competitive Action Recap: Day One


Tom West, Clipperholics.com (5/14/16)

2016 NBA Mock Draft: Answering Clippers, No. 1 Questions

[og15]

Maybe it's not smart, but for me I wouldn't mind it if the team ended up with Taurean Prince at 25th, then DeAndre Bembry was available at 33rd and they got him too. It's hard to see a guy like Bembry falling past the Spurs at 29th though.

[Ranma]

Maybe it's not smart, but for me I wouldn't mind it if the team ended up with Taurean Prince at 25th, then DeAndre Bembry was available at 33rd and they got him too. It's hard to see a guy like Bembry falling past the Spurs at 29th though.

I have the same initial thoughts. There's still plenty of research to be done, but I already have a few preferred targets based on the limited information I've read over. To be honest, I've been more preoccupied with the MLB Draft given the Dodgers' 5 picks in the first 101 selection slots. With Doc's early exit from the postseason, he'll hopefully put a higher priority to focus on the draft given our 2 late picks among the top 33. Despite the lower draft positions, this seems like a good opportunity to add talent that can contribute regularly to the team.

Candidates for 25th Overall

• Domantas Sabonis
• Denzel Valentine
• Taurean Prince
• DeAndre Bembry
• Brice Johnson

Candidates for 33rd Overall

• Furkan Korkmaz
• Thon Maker
• Diamond Stone
• Gary Payton II

Nabbing both Prince and Bembry would potentially solve our small forward void and even solidify the position despite the fact that both will be rookies, but Prince is projected to not be available by the time we pick. The same applies to both Valentine and Sabonis. Speaking of Arvydas' son, I recall QRich's concerns about him and I acknowledge that he is more of a center in a power forward's body; he needs both weight and length. It's a fair criticism to point out that he may not be athletic enough to thrive in today's game, but he's skilled, intelligent, energetic, and works hard.

Johnson's reputation for having an inconsistent motor concerns me enough to maybe push him more towards 2nd-round consideration, but he's been productive and flashes a Taj-Gibson-like game. Bembry is an appealing proposition given his all-around game whose primary shortcoming is his lack of a consistent perimeter shot. I'd like to see what Bob Thate can do for him. After all, if Al-Farouq Aminu can be a dangerous 3-point shooter, I'd like to think Bembry can be one as well but much sooner. The difference is that Neil Olshey was invested in Aminu and made it a point to put him in a position to succeed. If only Doc had such foresight and commitment to draft picks. Like og said, if we don't get Bembry with our 1st pick, he's unlikely to be available when we pick the 2nd time around.

Korkmaz is considered a clear 1st-round talent, but as unlikely as it seems, he might also go in the 2nd round. He's committed to playing in his Turkish league with a recently negotiated $2-million buyout. His camp is implying that if he's not taken in the lottery, Korkmaz would not be coming over for the 2016-17 season. Most teams will not have the patience to spend a 1st-round pick and wait for a guy to come over when he feels like it. However, all it would take is one team like the Spurs to make such an investment, plus, there are two other teams picking ahead of us in the 2nd round. Still, he'd be a great draft-and-stash prospect if we're presented with the opportunity.

Maker may not have the athletic ability to match the hype, but he's got length and seems to be a genuine hard-worker. The problem is that he is considered so raw at this point that it would be unlikely for him to contribute until late into his rookie contract before he hits free agency. By that time, the Clippers could be without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and likely Doc Rivers. I think Maker will eventually be a serviceable center in the NBA but he won't be ready for a while.