Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[dc]

McDaniels looks like he can shoot and put the ball on the floor...why punish a guy for being tall? We have room on our roster for a guy who can shoot and put the ball on the floor.

The guy has red flags. Led his team in turnovers (and he wasn't playing guard), fouled out 8 times and had 6 technical fouls. He's guy who needs growing up and likely will need to be babied.

https://www.si.com/college/washington/basketball/mcdaniels-needs-a-reset-in-his-approach-to-uw-games

[The Effect]

As has been the case for the last couple of years.. We need ALPHA DOG SCORER(S).

This has really been the case for as long as i can remember. Even when we had dwight and a finals caliber team, i dont think we had a true alpha scorer. Dwight was great, but he wasnt a dominant scorer. Vince was good but on the wrong side of his prime, Rashard was a pretty good scorer and was probably the closest thing we had to one. hedo was clutch, but he wasnt a go-to guy

Really i dont think we've had one since Tmac, 15-16 years ago

And tmac took us as far as............ Same as we did this year lol

Kinda hard to blame tmac
I mean his final 2 years here, without Google, how many people can tell me the 2nd leading scorer?

Those teams were all-time nba bad without him. The fact that he took that team in 02-03 to the playoff is nothing short of a miracle

[Bensational]

Say we draft McDaniels. Is he splitting minutes with Isaac, Okeke, AG, Aminu, Ennis? What’s his ideal position, F?

He’s not a physical player and isn’t a great shooter. He can handle the ball well but he is turnover prone. Sounds like a role player.

I think you start him as a 3 and eventually transition him to a 3/4 hybrid as his body matures.

For me, you take him knowing that his floor is an NBA cobbled together version of his base skills - defense, catch and shoot 3's, some on ball ability to get his own shot off. He has all the tools and could be shaped into a version of any of Ingram/Siakam/Oubre/J.Grant kind of player.

Not a #1, but perhaps a #2 or #3 IF he developed into the peak version of his current skill base. But still someone who can get his own shot off.

As far as minutes go? Isaac is out (and I kind of pity anyone who is making future roster plans with him in mind), Aminu is trash, Okeke is an injury returning unknown, and everyone wants/expects Gordon to be traded. Minutes could be made for him, if he were deserving.

Don't get me wrong, he's not do or die for me. Like I said earlier, it's coming down to a two-horse race between Kira and Terry. But if WeHam picked McDaniels, I wouldn't be upset.

[Bensational]

Does anyone else feel like WeHam's big board has already crossed out pure PGs (6'3 and under)?

With Fultz here, they have their PG investment.

Suddenly, the board at our range starts looking a lot thinner.

[SOUL]

Does anyone else feel like WeHam's big board has already crossed out pure PGs (6'3 and under)?

With Fultz here, they have their PG investment.

Suddenly, the board at our range starts looking a lot thinner.

DJ is a free agent and Fultz still has an injury history, would be very short sighted.

[yoyojw17]

Yeah i mean i like mcdanials (mostly just watched him because his brother played for my alma matter SDSU and so i watched to see if he was any good), but yeah i dont know if hes a future star or anything, but i think he has higher potential than alot of players in that range. My whole point was that i wouldnt eliminate a guy just because of position and who we currently have. Like im not passing on a Center if i think one is a future star just because of VUc, or passing on a PG because of fultz. Im taking the player with the highest ceiling no matter what.

With that said, no, i have 0 faith in this FO to draft that guy. I expect them to do what they have done their whole careers and draft the athletic guy with long wingspan and then praying that they are drafting the next giannis and not the next Bruno 2yearsawayfrombeing2yearsaway.

I know most here will disagree, but if im the FO, im selling the farm to get anthony edwards, but if thats not a possibility, im going after Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton or J. Ramsey. Yes i know all the flaws with all of them, but i also know that those guys all have the attitude this team desperately needs and the ability to put the ball in the basket and im willing to take a chance on them become dominant scorers for us to pair with Fultz long term.

Unfortunately none of the 3 have long wingspans, so i know it wont happen, and i fully expect this pick to be someone like McDaniels (7+ft wingspan) or Josh Green (defensive 3&D wing with a 6'10 wingspan)

and nesmith... with 6'10"-6'11" with a killer shot.

I get the concerns of course. and i hope they find someone that can put the ball in the basket at a high rate. I know people aren't about what they have done... but I still love the picks of Isaac, Bamba and Okeke... and I can see why they did what they did. Those players are rare and not a dime a dozen once they hit their potentials. But yup... i hope they are happy with their futures and will take the best player available that will possibly fill a need.

As i said... hoping that is with our pick. And getting a later first rounder and choosing a player like Mcdaniels can pay off dramatically in the future. A pairing of players that can defend and blanket the entire interior and still switch and pick up players on the perimeter would be suffocating. McDaniels would be an offensive version of isaac. I really think the lack f strength coming into college really shot him in the foot... and he couldn't be what he was in highschool. Affording him the opportunity to go from 6'-10/11" and 185lb to 220-230 could make a world of a difference in his development and confidence.

2 years from now...

Fultz/Nesmith/Mcdaniels/Isaac/Bamba

could be something special. But we don't know... we will have to see how it all pans out... IF it happens.

I know im in the major minority here, but im not nearly as high on isaac as everyone else here
I never understood the bamba hype in college and still dont get why people think hes some kind of future star. In college he had no nba level skills and was lazy on the court (unless he had a chance at an Sportscenter play), in the nba he hasnt shown he has any nba level skills and is still lazy on the court (unless he has a chance at an Sportscenter "booyah" play). The only real asset he has is that size\wingspan, which sure you cant teach, but if you dont offer anything else, what good is that? Was screaming at my tv to take MJp, but guess WeHam werent willing to take a chance on greatness because of injury concerns.....But then.....

.... okeke??
I hated the pick at the time because i knew he would miss the season and we desperately needed help asap but Okeke would miss year 1 and would be a rookie in year 2, so i dont expect much from him til year 3...so not really helpful in the short term. Well we are one year down, so hopefully he pans out, gonna give him the benefit of the doubt because he atleast showed in college that he had nba caliber skills on offense, defense and he plays hard. Ill take my chances on that.

As for Nesmith, i really like him as a player, but i have a feeling all these draft sites and youtuber scouts are overlooking him because of injury\limited tape and limited athleticism, something i dont expect NBA GMs to do. I dont see any way he makes it out of the top 10, let alone out of the lotto. id be pretty happy with him, but i honestly dont expect him to be there

I thought we were picking porter as well and thought we got lucky for him to fall..... but we didn't get him and at that point I try to realize WHY they selected Bamba. And yes... I can see bamba as a Gobert with a jump shot... which is well worth a high pick. As I've said... there could be a lot that revolves around the size issue. You might have all the length in the world but it will take a lot of work to outmuscle players at 210 lb. It might be enough to stand out in college.... but when you come into the and you weigh less than the average SF while being 4+ inches taller.... you can be exposed and it can effect everything from your ceiling on the court, body language, effort, rebounding, offense, defense etc. In the bubble... you actually saw him more active and throwing his weight around.... to some points where i thought he was bullying. His change in body composition will lead to his biggest strides and I can't wait to see where he ends up. Now that he has done a lot of growing up.... I will truly be able to figure out what kind of player he will be.

but.... who knows.

[KJStark23]

Watch on YouTube

[VFX]

Watch on YouTube

These guys are great. Pretty much summed up Orlando’s situation.

Disappointed they didn’t mention Tyrell Terry or moving up for Killian Hayes as options at all. While it’s true Orlando lacks outside shooters, I think the bigger issue is more about ball movement and shot creation. Watching the offense was painful for this reason.

Adding Okeke might alleviate some of the shooting issues. Hopefully they can draft someone that can provide more than a role player or 3&D wing that they last drafted.

[KillMonger]

Say we draft McDaniels. Is he splitting minutes with Isaac, Okeke, AG, Aminu, Ennis? What’s his ideal position, F?

He’s not a physical player and isn’t a great shooter. He can handle the ball well but he is turnover prone. Sounds like a role player.

Stockpiling talent. And like Isaac he will still be a tear away from a year away physically... and that's fine with me. Not worried about him on the offensive or defensive end as his body matures.

Isaac will be out next season.

People are making AG trade talks.

We'll see how aminu and ennis fit in next season.

And if we strike gold... it means other players can be moved for other pieces. I just feel as though we could get him at a discount based on what he could become.... while still looking at players we need... SG and back up pg.

McDanials is exactly the kind of player I expect this FO to move on considering their “strategy”. This is what worries me most. Failing to address anything glaring while “stockpiling assets” because they are playing 4D chess.

my rebuttal to this would be you can get in trouble trying to overthink and get stuck into picking positions, you want the best talent or best ceiling....like what if Mcdaniels is the next good young talent in the league and we passed on him because well we already got a logjam. It's because this draft is so nebulous that we can go anywhere we want with the pick and the answer will be right, at 15 unless someone falls the talent is not really that different from guys in the 20's.

[Bensational]

Does anyone else feel like WeHam's big board has already crossed out pure PGs (6'3 and under)?

With Fultz here, they have their PG investment.

Suddenly, the board at our range starts looking a lot thinner.

DJ is a free agent and Fultz still has an injury history, would be very short sighted.

I think DJ is a lock to re-sign, and even if not, I think WeHam prefer a veteran PG to offset Fultz. Someone Clifford will trust.

I also think they value length and switchability over a player being locked into defending only one spot. So a PG probably only gets a look in if they're exceptional (I'm pretty sure they gave Young a real strong look).

Terry may be an exception, since even as a PG he can play on or off the ball offensively. Makes him a good pair with Fultz depending on the matchup. Plus, Terry just seems like he'll be a smart and cerebral player.

Who knows?

[KillMonger]

Does anyone else feel like WeHam's big board has already crossed out pure PGs (6'3 and under)?

With Fultz here, they have their PG investment.

Suddenly, the board at our range starts looking a lot thinner.

DJ is a free agent and Fultz still has an injury history, would be very short sighted.

I think DJ is a lock to re-sign, and even if not, I think WeHam prefer a veteran PG to offset Fultz. Someone Clifford will trust.

I also think they value length and switchability over a player being locked into defending only one spot. So a PG probably only gets a look in if they're exceptional (I'm pretty sure they gave Young a real strong look).

Terry may be an exception, since even as a PG he can play on or off the ball offensively. Makes him a good pair with Fultz depending on the matchup. Plus, Terry just seems like he'll be a smart and cerebral player.

Who knows?

This is what i fear the most, clifford gets his input on decisions and we re-sign DJ......i don't really have a problem with DJ per se, (i say that through my teeth i might add) i hope we go another way just to see what he will change or not.....if it's a different player will he run the offense the same way? I don't really want a run it back team or a run it back offense

[pepe1991]

If we draft Terry we might keep DJ for 1 year and play Terry of ball, moving Ross to SF ( doesn't really matter anyway). Won't be best case scenario imo, i would not complain.

[VFX]

Stockpiling talent. And like Isaac he will still be a tear away from a year away physically... and that's fine with me. Not worried about him on the offensive or defensive end as his body matures.

Isaac will be out next season.

People are making AG trade talks.

We'll see how aminu and ennis fit in next season.

And if we strike gold... it means other players can be moved for other pieces. I just feel as though we could get him at a discount based on what he could become.... while still looking at players we need... SG and back up pg.

McDanials is exactly the kind of player I expect this FO to move on considering their “strategy”. This is what worries me most. Failing to address anything glaring while “stockpiling assets” because they are playing 4D chess.

my rebuttal to this would be you can get in trouble trying to overthink and get stuck into picking positions, you want the best talent or best ceiling....like what if Mcdaniels is the next good young talent in the league and we passed on him because well we already got a logjam. It's because this draft is so nebulous that we can go anywhere we want with the pick and the answer will be right, at 15 unless someone falls the talent is not really that different from guys in the 20's.

If they feel he is undoubtedly the best pick at Orlando’s selection, then sure. My rebuttal to this is that if McDanials isn’t able to get minutes on a mediocre Orlando roster, then he’s never going to be given the opportunity to prove otherwise. I agree with you that the draft at our pick is nebulous. Therefore, I believe more firmly in them making a selection that addresses lacking skill sets, player potential, and opportunity. All three factors should be considered.

Per the last post:


It’s not overthinking the pick. We both know this FO hasn’t moved up to select who they think is “BPA”. They also haven’t utilized the draft to address any of these glaring weaknesses while being one of the worst teams offensively. Why then would I trust them to select a high ceiling prospect that neither alleviates a weakness or offers enough playing time to create a different outcome?

I’m not saying they couldn’t change the roster down the road, but they haven’t shown it at all up to this point. All signs point to “compete at all costs” despite middling results in record and draft position. Therefore, they should be going both routes. If that’s too difficult for them, then they need to resign or be fired.

[drsd]

..

[drsd]

If we draft Terry we might keep DJ for 1 year and play Terry of ball, moving Ross to SF ( doesn't really matter anyway). Won't be best case scenario imo, i would not complain.

Tyrell Terry looks to have the physical tools to be a good back-up PG. Not a bad idea at #15.

I would think the Magic would resign Carter-Williams over Augustin though, leaving Terry as the 3rd-string PG his rookie year.


What I like about Terry from the 2021/22 season is playing him next to Ross. Teams will have to defend both out above the arc and that really frees up the post game for the Magic bench bigs.

..

[The Effect]

https://nypost.com/2020/09/30/timberwolves-confused-over-lamelo-ball-nba-draft-decision/

However, the site’s sources claim that if no worthy offer presents itself, Minnesota is leaning toward taking LaMelo Ball with the first pick on Nov. 18. Ball is the draft’s most intriguing prospect, given his unusual basketball upbringing with father LaVar dubiously pulling the strings.

If this article is right, and the wolves take Ball #1, im praying to any religious Deity i can think of that we make a trade with the warriors for #2 to get edwards. I honestly dont care what it takes. The only player i would hope would be off limits is fultz, but everyone else is up for grabs!
AG+Vuc for wiggins and 2?
AG+Evan+15 for wiggins and 2?
Isaac+15 for 2?
etc

Whatever,I dont care, make it happen WeHam!

[VFX]

https://nypost.com/2020/09/30/timberwolves-confused-over-lamelo-ball-nba-draft-decision/

However, the site’s sources claim that if no worthy offer presents itself, Minnesota is leaning toward taking LaMelo Ball with the first pick on Nov. 18. Ball is the draft’s most intriguing prospect, given his unusual basketball upbringing with father LaVar dubiously pulling the strings.

If this article is right, and the wolves take Ball #1, im praying to any religious Deity i can think of that we make a trade with the warriors for #2 to get edwards. I honestly dont care what it takes. The only player i would hope would be off limits is fultz, but everyone else is up for grabs!
AG+Vuc for wiggins and 2?
AG+Evan+15 for wiggins and 2?
Isaac+15 for 2?
etc

Whatever,I dont care, make it happen WeHam!

AG for #2, $17m trade exception, and Eric Paschall

[cedric76]

https://nypost.com/2020/09/30/timberwolves-confused-over-lamelo-ball-nba-draft-decision/

However, the site’s sources claim that if no worthy offer presents itself, Minnesota is leaning toward taking LaMelo Ball with the first pick on Nov. 18. Ball is the draft’s most intriguing prospect, given his unusual basketball upbringing with father LaVar dubiously pulling the strings.

If this article is right, and the wolves take Ball #1, im praying to any religious Deity i can think of that we make a trade with the warriors for #2 to get edwards. I honestly dont care what it takes. The only player i would hope would be off limits is fultz, but everyone else is up for grabs!
AG+Vuc for wiggins and 2?
AG+Evan+15 for wiggins and 2?
Isaac+15 for 2?
etc

Whatever,I dont care, make it happen WeHam!

Isaac + 15? No F way, r u mad?

[jezzerinho]

Just finished watching Mike Schmitz' breakdown with Tyrell Terry.

If I wanted that kid before for Orlando, now I'm totally sold at 15 if the expected guys are gone. Great character, clearly not a guy who's happy with mistakes or losing, just a pro already at only 18.

[The Effect]

https://nypost.com/2020/09/30/timberwolves-confused-over-lamelo-ball-nba-draft-decision/

However, the site’s sources claim that if no worthy offer presents itself, Minnesota is leaning toward taking LaMelo Ball with the first pick on Nov. 18. Ball is the draft’s most intriguing prospect, given his unusual basketball upbringing with father LaVar dubiously pulling the strings.

If this article is right, and the wolves take Ball #1, im praying to any religious Deity i can think of that we make a trade with the warriors for #2 to get edwards. I honestly dont care what it takes. The only player i would hope would be off limits is fultz, but everyone else is up for grabs!
AG+Vuc for wiggins and 2?
AG+Evan+15 for wiggins and 2?
Isaac+15 for 2?
etc

Whatever,I dont care, make it happen WeHam!

Isaac + 15? No F way, r u mad?

Nope, i just dont overrate isaac and personally have 0 faith in him both staying healthy and developing a true offensive game

I wouldnt want to build a team around a guy who will have missed 183 of a possible 319 games before he next plays a game
Add in that he still needs to develop the ability to create for himself, prove that he can stay healthy, prove that all these leg\foot injuries arent going to effect his game, and then hope he still improves....oh and he will be FA before he plays again, and i can bet anything he will be asking for a max deal because "he will be healthy by then"

If someone other team wants to take the chances that he stays healthy and develops while gifting us the best scorer in the draft,.....ill take that every single time

Sorry, but Isaac is not some untouchable top 5 player that people make him out to be.