2022 NBA Draft Talk: Never too soon

[shangrila]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

Somewhat ironically, given he's the only one of the main 3 Cs in this draft that took 3s he's actually the most likely of them to develop a shot from that range. Feel free to hate his guts now.

But seriously he looks like a solid option. I don't think any Cs are going to be reliable their first year or two, that's just how it goes for the overwhelming majority of big guys that enter the league, but long term he's a really interesting backup guy with some fringe starter potential.

If you really want a throwback C you should check out Kofi Cockburn (pronounced Coburn btw).

[shangrila]

How come people are so down on Hardy, i see the strong Poole vibes. Insane handles and off the dribble shooting is the foundation of every great scoring point guard. I know the finishing and defense look questionable, but those would be the two things I would expect to be behind in starting in the g league ignite vs playing for Kentucky.

I remain intrigued.

I really don't buy the finishing. I get the pro vs college argument but watching the tape he looks like he just flat out struggles converting around the rim. Bad angles, no touch, it's a mess. And I'm not sure it's one of those things that's easy to fix.

[LibertyPrime]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

I've been watching the mocks and he's been anywhere from 17-40's depending on the mock and the flavor of the week. Can't get a read on where he will go. I guess it depends on whether you buy the notion that traditional centers are coming back or whether you buy into the whole "modern positionless NBA" thing. Kessler's a one-position player.

Personally I like Kessler, although I'd like him more if he came with one of our second rounder than at #19. We need more more size, rebounding, and rim protection, and he's a lob threat too. If he plays within his limitations he's gonna have a long and productive career. But he needs to shoot about 300 hookshots a day in practice if he wants to be any kind of offensive threat because I don't see him beating anyone with that footwork or that stiff jumper, or bulling his way in with that high center of gravity. If anyone wants to tell me why I'm wrong I'm all ears.

Watch on YouTube

On a completely different topic, anyone else see a little Jim Jackson (three J's era) in David Roddy?

Kofi Cockburn is interesting. He looks tentative out there and he doesn't seem to have great instincts, but he's smooth moving for a big, quick, strong and athletic and just a physical beast. A good project player with a low second round pick? Maybe.

[KGdaBom]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

Somewhat ironically, given he's the only one of the main 3 Cs in this draft that took 3s he's actually the most likely of them to develop a shot from that range. Feel free to hate his guts now.

But seriously he looks like a solid option. I don't think any Cs are going to be reliable their first year or two, that's just how it goes for the overwhelming majority of big guys that enter the league, but long term he's a really interesting backup guy with some fringe starter potential.

If you really want a throwback C you should check out Kofi Cockburn (pronounced Coburn btw).

He shot the 3 at under 30%. He's garbage.

[Mattya]

Has anyone in this thread we shouldn’t draft Kessler because of three point shooting?

My issue is taking any center. We need a veteran center, not someone who needs to be developed. Feel like we could get higher upside players that will get a chance to develop at other positions.

Plus one of the biggest problems with these massive centers is they aren’t particularly good defending perimeter players. I’m not a big Duren person, but his mobility looks a lot more impressive and will translate better on defense than guys like Kessler and Williams.

Meanwhile Isaiah Hartenstien is a free agent, massive like these prospects and has proven to be an impactful defender, with some offensive versatility as well.

[shangrila]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

Somewhat ironically, given he's the only one of the main 3 Cs in this draft that took 3s he's actually the most likely of them to develop a shot from that range. Feel free to hate his guts now.

But seriously he looks like a solid option. I don't think any Cs are going to be reliable their first year or two, that's just how it goes for the overwhelming majority of big guys that enter the league, but long term he's a really interesting backup guy with some fringe starter potential.

If you really want a throwback C you should check out Kofi Cockburn (pronounced Coburn btw).

He shot the 3 at under 30%. He's garbage.

Yep, straight trash.

I am a little surprised at the lack of shooting in the C class this year. I know you hate it but it's what the league is these days so I'd have thought a lot of these guys would have been working on adding it to their games for the last few years. But I think the only one that can hit shots like that is Orlando Robinson and I'm not even sure he gets drafted.

[shangrila]

Has anyone in this thread we shouldn’t draft Kessler because of three point shooting?

My issue is taking any center. We need a veteran center, not someone who needs to be developed. Feel like we could get higher upside players that will get a chance to develop at other positions.

Plus one of the biggest problems with these massive centers is they aren’t particularly good defending perimeter players. I’m not a big Duren person, but his mobility looks a lot more impressive and will translate better on defense than guys like Kessler and Williams.

Meanwhile Isaiah Hartenstien is a free agent, massive like these prospects and has proven to be an impactful defender, with some offensive versatility as well.

KG was doing his "old man yelling at clouds" thing about 3pt shooting in general. I was having a bit of fun. So I don't think so.

And I kind of agree. I wouldn't be against Duren because he brings something that's hard to find on the open market, but guys like Williams/Kessler I would view as long term projects. Find a vet and have them as the backup while either of those guys marinate in the G League/wherever.

But then I think that relying on any rookie for next season shouldn't be the expectation. If they're good enough to deserve it, great, but they're typically too unreliable for teams like us with a fairly thin margin for error.

[shangrila]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

I've been watching the mocks and he's been anywhere from 17-40's depending on the mock and the flavor of the week. Can't get a read on where he will go. I guess it depends on whether you buy the notion that traditional centers are coming back or whether you buy into the whole "modern positionless NBA" thing. Kessler's a one-position player.

Personally I like Kessler, although I'd like him more if he came with one of our second rounder than at #19. We need more more size, rebounding, and rim protection, and he's a lob threat too. If he plays within his limitations he's gonna have a long and productive career. But he needs to shoot about 300 hookshots a day in practice if he wants to be any kind of offensive threat because I don't see him beating anyone with that footwork or that stiff jumper, or bulling his way in with that high center of gravity. If anyone wants to tell me why I'm wrong I'm all ears.

I do worry about his physicality. He's probably a few years from filling out, which isn't a crime or anything, but the added weight might limit his perimeter defence even further.

Offensively he'll be fine. He'll probably have an average shot by the time his rookie contract is up and combine that with rim rolling, offensive rebounding, stuff like that...yeah, he'll be fine. The days of dumping the ball down in the post for big men to go to work are long gone so as long as he can clean up there'll be a place for him in the league.

On a completely different topic, anyone else see a little Jim Jackson (three J's era) in David Roddy?

I've honestly soured on him recently.

I was always a bit iffy on his physical tools but after rewatching the combine scrimmages I'm starting to wonder if he has any idea how to play without the kind of massive usage he had at Colorado. Given people are viewing him as a role player, that should be a concern.

Kofi Cockburn is interesting. He looks tentative out there and he doesn't seem to have great instincts, but he's smooth moving for a big, quick, strong and athletic and just a physical beast. A good project player with a low second round pick? Maybe.

He probably goes undrafted honestly, but yeah I'd love to get him in for at least summer league. Can't teach that can of height and muscle.

[moss_is_1]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

I like him, but don't think he's a great fit for us. Elite shotblocker but not sure what else he does. Solid rebounder, needs to get stronger, bad shooter, and doesn't move that well.
I think guys like Jaylin Williams, Koloko, Diabate, and maybe John Butler are more interesting/better fits.

[SO_MONEY]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

I like him, but don't think he's a great fit for us. Elite shotblocker but not sure what else he does. Solid rebounder, needs to get stronger, bad shooter, and doesn't move that well.
I think guys like Jaylin Williams, Koloko, Diabate, and maybe John Butler are more interesting/better fits.

Kessler to me is a mid 2nd grade and personally I have him lower in that range of guys in that tier. I wouldn't freak out if we took him at #40, but there should be better options, much better options...?

[Norseman79]

Zvonimir Ivisic C Croatia 2nd Rd
Ibou Badji C Senegal 2nd Rd.

If you want GLeague developmental bigs, there you go. If you hit on either you have something special. Badji has Mutombo traits, Ivisic is a bigger Porzingis without a bad back.

Badji -
https://youtu.be/byGRl74tfXA

Ivisic-
https://youtu.be/kShYL-4Vjwo

Honestly, if you haven't watched you should. 2nd round potential steals.

[minimus]

If Justin Lewis can rebound, defend in NBA and hit corner 3s he should be our 2nd round pick

[Klomp]

The debate surrounding Kessler entirely comes down to if you think he can share the court with Karl-Anthony Towns. If not, 19 is a high price to pay for the ceiling of a 15 mpg backup.

[Klomp]

Just a mental note for people, here is the salary for any player we draft at 19....

$3,006,840 / $3,157,080 / $3,307,800 (TO) / $5,094,012 (TO) / $7,264,061 (QuO)

[wolves_89]

I think 19 is too high for Kessler. I'm skeptical that Kessler can play high-wall or switching defensive schemes at the NBA level which limits his usefulness. I expect 2 of Washington/Liddell/Williams to be available and I'd rather have any of them over Kessler.

[TwolvesFanRome]

I have officially decided my man: EASON

Move up and grab him would be great imho..

[younggunsmn]

Stat wise other than 3% Walker Kessler looks amazing and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I haven't seen much talk about him. Do we not like him? Is it that he's almost 21 or is it the low 3%.

Have I ever mentioned how I really hate the 3 point shot. It controls every aspect of the game now. You can have a great center prospect who can bully his opponent, is an offensive beast inside, blocks shots, rebounds, gets steals, defends and passes, but he can't shoot the three. Move on from this one.

I want us to draft him just out of principle.

Somewhat ironically, given he's the only one of the main 3 Cs in this draft that took 3s he's actually the most likely of them to develop a shot from that range. Feel free to hate his guts now.

But seriously he looks like a solid option. I don't think any Cs are going to be reliable their first year or two, that's just how it goes for the overwhelming majority of big guys that enter the league, but long term he's a really interesting backup guy with some fringe starter potential.

If you really want a throwback C you should check out Kofi Cockburn (pronounced Coburn btw).

If you watch the negatives on Kessler you can see how people have him a tier below Duren and WIlliams.
The shot isn't going to play, but the big thing for me was the lateral agility is going to allow opposing teams to play him off the floor by attacking him in isolation. NBA caliber guards will be able to put him in the spin cycle/get him turned around. Which drops him to a backup/role player.

Williams has enough agility on defense to be a starter, but right now offensively he's not much more than a lob threat.
He has issues with ball security, very weak dribble and you can attack him even as he's trying to facilitate from the top of the key with entry passes/dribble handoffs.
Which is why right now he's a tier below Duren, who I'd be shocked if he slips out of the top 10.
It will be interesting to see how far WIlliams slips, if he get past the Hornets at 13 we should be able to trade up for him, Cleveland's pick at 14 seems to be very obtainable.

I can't understand how Cockburn is going undrafted in every mock draft, I'd be excited to land him at 48 or 50.
Kind of likeLuke Garza last year.
Reminds me of Thomas Bryant of the Wizards.
Quality college production. That kind of size/strength combo is fairly rare, and he moves well for being 293 lbs.
If he stays healthy and can grasp NBA schemes he should be a quality backup in the league for years.

[younggunsmn]

Right now of the players likely to be available for me:

1. Jovic - Measurements moved him ahead for me 6'11, 7' wing and 9.0.5 reach.
I love his shot, especially at that size, and his motor.
He just has the most star potential for me, outside of Jalen Williams who is see his ceiling as a McCollum type player, the only player I could reasonably see making an all-star team if they meet their potential.

2. Jalen WIlliams
Great college tape, length, and savvy offensive player.
Stats were very mediocre his first 2 yearts.
Very average athleticism, which I quesiton if that will bog down/limit him against NBA athletes.
Has very similar physical/athletic profile to Jarrett Culver, who also averaged 18PPG against college competition.

3. EJ Liddell
I really want to like him, as a widebody who can rebound and hit a 3 he would fill a big need.
I question the explosiveness and I think he will have real problems trying to finish on the interior against NBA athletes.

4. Eason
Love the athleticism, but the shot is broke and too small for a full time 4.
Reminds me of Wiggins without any handles or Prince without any jump shot, but he will be a rotation player for somebody.


Not excited about any of the wings who might slip, Hardy or Washington. Wesley and his .495 TS% belong in the 2nd round.

So If I'm looking at tankathon's mock right now, here is my draft:
19. Jovic (Duren and Mark WIlliams off the board)
40. PF Justin Lewis/PG Jean Montero (Koloko, Kamagate, LaRavia, Braun, Roddy all off the board)
48. C Kofi Cockburn
50. PG Alondes WIlliams/PF John Butler

[Klomp]

Mocks have tried to give us TyTy, but I think I would rather draft Kennedy Chandler if PG is the target. Thoughts?

[Klomp]

Part of me wants to load up on wings. The need may not be immediately there, but if you have flexibility to play multiple spots, you are more likely to develop into something useful. In the 2nd, guys like Watson, Roddy, Lewis, Minott, etc