2019 NBA draft part deux

[Klomp]

Clarke loves to rim run on transactions, cuts and dives to the rim, and catch lobs; all passes that teague cant make on a regular basis.

hes going to to be an offensive mess his first year if we draft him and he has to play with teague. But his defense might more than make up for it down the line.

If you're drafting Clarke, it's not for his offense.

[Nick K]

Washington is a guy I don't see the high upside for. I see someone who can be very solid, but not flashy. I think Taj Gibson is his max upside. The Kentucky factor is the only thing that makes me think I could be wrong about that.

I think I get the comp and if true that is very good value at 11. I think very highly of Taj. PJ can shoot the 3 very well. Taj not so . Taj is better inside but that doesn't mean PJ can't improve there. Cal sure knows talent.













i

[Nick K]

Ten years later, I honestly still have no idea what in the **** Washington was thinking there.

Me neither. That was Flip wasn't it? Then we passed on Steph!

Flip was the head coach but not the general manager, whatever it’s worth.

Good point. It still seems a little like a Flip choice.

[KGdaBom]

PG of Teague caliber will be available for MLE money. Any team offering a lottery pick for him would be crazy. That only remarks Thibs mistake when he signed him. Even if we were trading Rubio away, we should have signed someone like Collison or Corey Joseph.

You couldn't be more wrong about this. Teague is a solid NBA starting PG. They don't go for MLE.

[KGdaBom]

Clarke loves to rim run on transactions, cuts and dives to the rim, and catch lobs; all passes that teague cant make on a regular basis.

hes going to to be an offensive mess his first year if we draft him and he has to play with teague. But his defense might more than make up for it down the line.

I disagree on offensive mess. He has a great transition game as you mentioned plus a good shot from the FT line in. He shot 68% in college. I think his offense is going to be just fine.

[Nick K]

PG of Teague caliber will be available for MLE money. Any team offering a lottery pick for him would be crazy. That only remarks Thibs mistake when he signed him. Even if we were trading Rubio away, we should have signed someone like Collison or Corey Joseph.

You couldn't be more wrong about this. Teague is a solid NBA starting PG. They don't go for MLE.

I agree and in the right system, Teague can be effective. Phoenix is willing to deal their 1st for a veteran PG. Teague is a realistic 12 mil and up PG. He might be the right fit for them. Of course, they probably won't do that.

[Klomp]

Draft Express New Mock

TimberWolves 11th Pick
Nasser Little

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 224

The former top-five recruit saw his stock drop after an inconsistent freshman season, but he has appeared to have worked his way back into the lottery with a strong pre-draft process, particularly by showing better outside shooting potential.

Little's toughness, athleticism and long-term potential will be attractive to an organization that is attempting to reboot its culture after the dismissal of head coach Tom Thibodeau and the hiring of a new decision-maker in Gersson Rosas.

Someone mentioned sliding Covington down to PF. If that happens, I think Little could be a really nice pick and a potential steal. Little has the defensive ability to still take the more physical offensive wing (something Wiggins struggles with). He's got a lot of Okogie in his game, which is a very good thing.

[Neeva]

Washington is a guy I don't see the high upside for. I see someone who can be very solid, but not flashy. I think Taj Gibson is his max upside. The Kentucky factor is the only thing that makes me think I could be wrong about that.

Yet you like clarke lol
i think a lot of the clarke fans wanted kbd at 20 last year , Isaac two years ago and bender three years ago lol

[Nick K]

Washington is a guy I don't see the high upside for. I see someone who can be very solid, but not flashy. I think Taj Gibson is his max upside. The Kentucky factor is the only thing that makes me think I could be wrong about that.

Yet you like clarke lol
i think a lot of the clarke fans wanted kbd at 20 last year , Isaac two years ago and bender three years ago lol

Yep....and KBD might be the best of them 3 years from now. I must say I liked Isaac. Sometimes you get hung on the wrong organization and don't develop.

[wolfen]

Washington is a guy I don't see the high upside for. I see someone who can be very solid, but not flashy. I think Taj Gibson is his max upside. The Kentucky factor is the only thing that makes me think I could be wrong about that.

I think I get the comp and if true that is very good value at 11. I think very highly of Taj. PJ can shoot the 3 very well. Taj not so . Taj is better inside but that doesn't mean PJ can't improve there. Cal sure knows talent.i

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

[Nick K]

Washington is a guy I don't see the high upside for. I see someone who can be very solid, but not flashy. I think Taj Gibson is his max upside. The Kentucky factor is the only thing that makes me think I could be wrong about that.

I think I get the comp and if true that is very good value at 11. I think very highly of Taj. PJ can shoot the 3 very well. Taj not so . Taj is better inside but that doesn't mean PJ can't improve there. Cal sure knows talent.i

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

I think your critique is a good one. I think NAW is a safer pick at 11 but I like PJW too. My thinking is we have Saric on a good contract and an up and comer in KBD. Power forwards seem to be a dime a dozen. What do we do about our mediocre at best guard play. Guards are so important in today's NBA. Shouldn't we address that first?

[Klomp]

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

I haven't really seen the wing abilities, that would certainly change my perception of him.

[minimus]

I think I get the comp and if true that is very good value at 11. I think very highly of Taj. PJ can shoot the 3 very well. Taj not so . Taj is better inside but that doesn't mean PJ can't improve there. Cal sure knows talent.i

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

I think your critique is a good one. I think NAW is a safer pick at 11 but I like PJW too. My thinking is we have Saric on a good contract and an up and comer in KBD. Power forwards seem to be a dime a dozen. What do we do about our mediocre at best guard play. Guards are so important in today's NBA. Shouldn't we address that first?

To be specific we need to replace Rose scoring/playmaking ability. We can partially mitigate this issue by executing better, but in terms of ballhandling combined with scoring creativity we are also bottom NBA level.

[wolfen]

I think I get the comp and if true that is very good value at 11. I think very highly of Taj. PJ can shoot the 3 very well. Taj not so . Taj is better inside but that doesn't mean PJ can't improve there. Cal sure knows talent.i

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

I think your critique is a good one. I think NAW is a safer pick at 11 but I like PJW too. My thinking is we have Saric on a good contract and an up and comer in KBD. Power forwards seem to be a dime a dozen. What do we do about our mediocre at best guard play. Guards are so important in today's NBA. Shouldn't we address that first?

PJW and NAW are so close for me. I do agree that guard is a greater need and of greater importance. First and foremost we need a PG, we also need scoring punch from the backcourt. Reality is that Wiggins is here for the long haul, plays the 2, and so does Okogie. The most likely outcome for NAW is a 2 who can play the 1, and will be a guy who wouldn't be a starter for you right out of the gate. This seems to be the consensus out there with draft prognosticators on NAW, that he'll be a combo 2, good facilitator, who can also play the point, and will hit the 3 and score in other ways.

Should we force it and make him a full time PG? I don't know, that is a tough call. You want a player to be used in his most effective role and I'm not sure that full time PG is that for NAW, it could be, but I'm not sure. He's awfully good OFF the ball too. Hitting catch and shoot 3's, scoring on cuts to the hoop, facilitating from the wing, things he does when he's not playing PG. Does he have the potential to be a good starting NBA PG? I think yes, but again, I think that goes against the general draft expert general consensus. The best scenario for NAW would be that he is your starting 2 guard alongside a scoring PG. Another reason I want Bowman in round 2, I think those 2 would work off of one another like peas and carrots. But there's so many hens in the house with Wigs and Okogie at the 2. I suppose it would be wise to take it slow for a year and see what Wigs can do under the new regime, even if we draft NAW and have Okogie.

As far as PF's, I think Saric's best role is off the bench, and I think he'll REALLY excel under the new regime. Sure it's fun to root for KBD, but we can't count on him or include him as a dependable player, certainly he's not someone where you'd say "don't draft this guy, we've got KBD". On a very good team I'm not sure he's in the rotation, let's be honest. Washington - between he and NAW, the talent level and potential is very similar, but Wash has one advantage over NAW - the NBA body. He's got good size to guard starting 4's and enough quickness and excellent wingspan to switch on the perimeter and disrupt passing lanes with that length as well. I don't see a scenario where a team could ever game plan to take advantage of Washington on the defensive end. If NAW is playing the 2, you've got potential for some of the bigger and stronger 2's to take advantage of him.

[wolfen]

Not stirring things up, but I disagree on the Taj comp. If you want to compare him to a timber-bull then the better comp is Deng, and a younger Deng. PJW has a much more dynamic game than Taj, most notably his ability to handle the ball, he's a very good passer and initiator, and will be a plus shooter from the perimeter. They do have similarities in size, around 6-8 with 7-2 wingspans, both around 230 pounds, but PJW has additional wing characteristics that Taj just doesn't. Let's not forget, Deng is 6-9 220 with a wingspan over 7 feet as well. Very similar size and build. Deng is a 3 who can play the 4, PJ is a 4 who can play the 3, and probably some 5 in small ball situations.

As far as upside, it's there. He was a 5 star recruit and was always one of the top players during the showcase games (sometimes the best) with the other high profile recruits coming out of highschool. For me, he's not just the safest pick at 11, but has a higher upside than Clarke or Hachimura.

I haven't really seen the wing abilities, that would certainly change my perception of him.

If you have time, go back and take in The Stepien's "The Case For PJ Washington" article:

https://www.thestepien.com/2019/03/15/case-pj-washington/

It talks about his wingy tendencies, excellent vision and passing, and much improved 3 point shooting. Love this quote from the article about his performance in the all star circuit before he went to KY:

"Washington came into Kentucky a top 15 prospect by RSCI, and it was very well deserving. One of the best players throughout EYBL in 2015 and 2016, he spent the circuit competing against players like Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Jaren Jackson Jr, Wendell Carter Jr, Mitchell Robinson, Michael Porter Jr, Trae Young and Mo Bamba, most of whom are having great rookie seasons in the NBA. With averages of 17 PPG and 11 RPG, Washington shot 61 percent from the field while keeping himself in MVP discussion throughout the 2016 year. Again, this was against a very good class of bigs, and although EYBL is not a perfect indicator, it is a sample worth something when you’re looking at projections and the bigger picture. It’s also worth noting that it isn’t uncommon for Kentucky bigs to have skills and talent diminished during their Wildcat stint under Calipari, and for them to be better in the NBA than projected."

Another good article that talks about Wash's wingy-ness...

https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2019/2/28/18233571/pj-washington-nba-draft-kentucky-sec-player-of-the-year

[Klomp]

It talks about his wingy tendencies, excellent vision and passing, and much improved 3 point shooting. Love this quote from the article about his performance in the all star circuit before he went to KY:

"Washington came into Kentucky a top 15 prospect by RSCI, and it was very well deserving. One of the best players throughout EYBL in 2015 and 2016, he spent the circuit competing against players like Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Jaren Jackson Jr, Wendell Carter Jr, Mitchell Robinson, Michael Porter Jr, Trae Young and Mo Bamba, most of whom are having great rookie seasons in the NBA. With averages of 17 PPG and 11 RPG, Washington shot 61 percent from the field while keeping himself in MVP discussion throughout the 2016 year. Again, this was against a very good class of bigs, and although EYBL is not a perfect indicator, it is a sample worth something when you’re looking at projections and the bigger picture. It’s also worth noting that it isn’t uncommon for Kentucky bigs to have skills and talent diminished during their Wildcat stint under Calipari, and for them to be better in the NBA than projected."

I pulled up some videos of him in AAU ball before you posted this. And while I understand and believe in the bolded, I just didn't see an extended skill set that had been diminished by the Kentucky system. Essentially, it was the same player. That wasn't the case a few years ago with Towns, whose ability screamed off the screen how much he was diminished.

And while I like his passing, I'm not sure that it translates into having wing abilities.

Like I said, I worry that Gibson could be his upside, with Trey Lyles being a very possible career trajectory. Not all Kentucky products turn into stars at the next level, and I'm guessing Washington is one who won't.

[theGreatRC]

Kevin Porter Jr doing drills (Nothing crazy, just some 1 on none type of stuff) He looks pretty explosive..I know he has "off court issues" and that's actually pretty concerning, but he looks like he'll be a bully at the 2 guard if we want to take a risk.

Watch on YouTube

[GeekFreak]

Kevin Porter Jr = J. R. Rider ...we been down that road. It's a bumpy road that leads to nowhere good.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[InfraRen]

Gimme Herro or Doumbouya