2016-2017 College Basketball / '17 NBA Draft Thread

[cksdayoff]

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[Negrodamus]

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Freak. That last drive down the court was elite.

[76ersfan]

the thought of possibly adding a player like isaac, bridges, fox etc. with a pick that isnt ours is so damn fine

Haha it is. Potential starter you could say. All for MCW... We'll see what happens with time but looks great to start.


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[76ersfan]

If you had a choice between getting:

1) Fultz only

or

2) Josh Jackson and Frank Ntilikina

Which do you pick??

I'll take option 2.. But fultz has star/superstar potential.... Then again you could say the same about Jackson and you have Ntilikina.


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[76ersfan]

If you had a choice between getting:

1) Fultz only

or

2) Josh Jackson and Frank Ntilikina

Which do you pick??

I like Jackson better than Fultz at the moment, but they are 1-2 for me.

Things are very fluid in my mind right now for the top 4.

Today I would probably rank them 1. Jackson, 2. Fultz, 3. Smith, 4. Ball.
Ball at four? Hmm his jumper is a bit raw and funky from the limited amount I've seen, he might be better off staying another year.


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[Kolkmania]

If you had a choice between getting:

1) Fultz only

or

2) Josh Jackson and Frank Ntilikina

Which do you pick??

I know this is extremely long-term thinking, but at some point these guys have to be paid. If everything goes according to plan, Embiid and Simmons will earn max salaries. This means that there probably isn't enough room for two additional (near) max contracts if both of these prospects live up to their potentials.

I'm not saying I would go for option 1, neither that every prospect will be on this roster during their entire rookie contract. However it is something to keep in mind, just like the available USG% for every prospect.

[LloydFree]

I don't like to declare who I like the most as a pro prospect in November, because I like to see the players against other top players and teams. The players' weaknesses are easier to see against competition. Right now I'm leaning Lonzo Ball as my top choice, but I gotta see him a bit more.

[Unbreakable99]

I don't like to declare who I like the most as a pro prospect in November, because I like to see the players against other top players and teams. The players' weaknesses are easier to see against competition. Right now I'm leaning Lonzo Ball as my top choice, but I gotta see him a bit more.

You will see Ball vs Fox this Saturday.

[PhilasFinest]

I don't like to declare who I like the most as a pro prospect in November, because I like to see the players against other top players and teams. The players' weaknesses are easier to see against competition. Right now I'm leaning Lonzo Ball as my top choice, but I gotta see him a bit more.

Man, that kid just looks special. The Kevin Martin like jumper doesn't really worry me at all, he's simply smooth as hell.
Adding a big guard like Ball to Simmons/Embiid could make for one of the most exciting trio's in the league. Ball and Simmons' vision and passing would be lethal, especially in the open floor. Embiid pick and roll/pop would be a nightmare to defend and he would get so many good looks from those 2.

Embiid changes the game on defense. Him blocking shots, along with Ball,Simmons and Covington generating steals/tips and then getting out in transition would be deadly. Insert a quality SG (If Simmons plays the 4) or Stretch 4 (If Simmons plays the 3) who can make shots/score and you'd really be onto something.

[LloydFree]

I don't like to declare who I like the most as a pro prospect in November, because I like to see the players against other top players and teams. The players' weaknesses are easier to see against competition. Right now I'm leaning Lonzo Ball as my top choice, but I gotta see him a bit more.

Man, that kid just looks special. The Kevin Martin like jumper doesn't really worry me at all, he's simply smooth as hell.
Adding a big guard like Ball to Simmons/Embiid could make for one of the most exciting trio's in the league. Ball and Simmons' vision and passing would be lethal, especially in the open floor. Embiid pick and roll/pop would be a nightmare to defend and he would get so many good looks from those 2.

Embiid changes the game on defense. Him blocking shots, along with Ball,Simmons and Covington generating steals/tips and then getting out in transition would be deadly. Insert a quality SG (If Simmons plays the 4) or Stretch 4 (If Simmons plays the 3) who can make shots/score and you'd really be onto something.

Man, you are the man! Kevin Martin is exactly who I thought of when trying to figure out a successful NBA shooter with that kind of form and release. And the confidence he plays with... you don't see that often. He's Zach Lavine, with Kevin Martin's jumper and D'angelo Russell's passing awareness.

[PhilasFinest]

I don't like to declare who I like the most as a pro prospect in November, because I like to see the players against other top players and teams. The players' weaknesses are easier to see against competition. Right now I'm leaning Lonzo Ball as my top choice, but I gotta see him a bit more.

Man, that kid just looks special. The Kevin Martin like jumper doesn't really worry me at all, he's simply smooth as hell.
Adding a big guard like Ball to Simmons/Embiid could make for one of the most exciting trio's in the league. Ball and Simmons' vision and passing would be lethal, especially in the open floor. Embiid pick and roll/pop would be a nightmare to defend and he would get so many good looks from those 2.

Embiid changes the game on defense. Him blocking shots, along with Ball,Simmons and Covington generating steals/tips and then getting out in transition would be deadly. Insert a quality SG (If Simmons plays the 4) or Stretch 4 (If Simmons plays the 3) who can make shots/score and you'd really be onto something.

Man, you are the man! Kevin Martin is exactly who I thought of when trying to figure out a successful NBA shooter with that kind of form and release. And the confidence he plays with... you don't see that often. He's Zach Lavine, with Kevin Martin's jumper and D'angelo Russell's passing awareness.

Unfortunately, We are likely going to have to get lucky come lottery night. If he continues to play like this, I don't see him lasting past 2 or 3.

Fultz has been crazy impressive so far and would likely be the #1 pick if the draft were next week. Josh Jackson is one of those guys scouts dream of in terms of prototypes (size/athleticism) so he'd likely garner high praise. Outside of that, I can't imagine anyone else going over Ball. Kids been a stud.

[sixerhp3]

It is still really early in the college season, but IMO this draft class doesn't seem to have a transcendent talent like Simmons, Embiid or Towns. Surely there are some very good players and maybe the overall depth might be better than in recent drafts, but I still think Philly probably got 2 out of the 4 best prospects (if you include Anthony Davis to the three that I've mentioned previously) that have entered the NBA in the last 5 years or so.

I agree.

So far, I don't see a Simmons in the group, but I think that there are 5 or 6 players that could be Ingram-level. Then there are another 5 or 6 that could be in the Mudiay or Marcus Smart level.

The whole lottery from 1-14 looks strong so far to me. Where guys taken in the 10-12 area could be as good as players traditionally taken in the 6-8 area.

We certainly picked the right year to get the Lakers pick if it ends up in the 8-14 range. I'm not giving up hope on the 4-7 range though. I still think that the Lakers can't keep this up for the entire year, and that they will fall back to Earth before the end of the season.

Fultz and Smith Jr. are possible Simmons level for me. Explosive scorers

[51X3RF4N]

Is Fultz too reliant on being ball dominant that he wouldn't mesh well with Simmons? Or do you take him, put him at combo G on offense, let him defend the other team's PG, and let him and Simmons both run the offense? I would think they would both be able to bring it up depending on what the situation is in the game, as well as both being able to make plays to get open guys the ball.

Definitely would need a sharp shooter on the wings who can catch and shoot to go with them though.

[Ericb5]

He's Zach Lavine, with Kevin Martin's jumper and D'angelo Russell's passing awareness.

He might actually have Kidd's point guard soul too. I haven't seen enough of him yet to be convinced of it yet, but the reputation is that he is a born facilitator as well.

His shooting form IS funky as hell. It didn't remind me of Kevin Martin though. I think of Martin(picturing it in my head at least) as sort of pushing the ball from in front of his face. Ball, does the same thing, but with it off to the side of his head. He is almost flinging it a bit half cocked, which isn't how you would every teach it, but he shoots it pretty dame well.

[eagereyez]

Is Fultz too reliant on being ball dominant that he wouldn't mesh well with Simmons? Or do you take him, put him at combo G on offense, let him defend the other team's PG, and let him and Simmons both run the offense? I would think they would both be able to bring it up depending on what the situation is in the game, as well as both being able to make plays to get open guys the ball.

Definitely would need a sharp shooter on the wings who can catch and shoot to go with them though.

Having two primary ball handlers is a luxury. When one of them sits, the other can take over. The Sixers need a primary scorer more than they need a passer or defender. Someone who can create a shot on the perimeter and close out games.

[Kolkmania]

Looking at the box scores, YouTube highlight videos and percentages of Lonzo Ball he's really impressive, but I'm not sold yet, actually not at all.

It's the combination of UCLA's offense and Ball's own mentality to involve his teammate in every single possession, but to me he hasn't showed elite shot creating potential. He rarely attacks the basket, about 1 FTA per game and I think I'm generous if I'm stating that he's been the ball handler in 20 pick and roll situations this entire season. Some possessions he showed his elite court vision with drive and kicks, the other ones he turned the ball over due to meh ball handling skills. He'll probably grow into a decent catch and shoot guy, but his weird form is really hurting him with pull up jumpers.

He's been extremely good in transition, good at the boards and like his defensive versatility as well. For me he's more like the ultimate glue guy than the star of a team. For the Sixers that's not a bad thing with Simmons and Embiid already on their roster, but I think he's a bad fit with Simmons.

[LloydFree]

Looking at the box scores, YouTube highlight videos and percentages of Lonzo Ball he's really impressive, but I'm not sold yet, actually not at all.

It's the combination of UCLA's offense and Ball's own mentality to involve his teammate in every single possession, but to me he hasn't showed elite shot creating potential. He rarely attacks the basket, about 1 FTA per game and I think I'm generous if I'm stating that he's been the ball handler in 20 pick and roll situations this entire season. Some possessions he showed his elite court vision with drive and kicks, the other ones he turned the ball over due to meh ball handling skills. He'll probably grow into a decent catch and shoot guy, but his weird form is really hurting him with pull up jumpers.

He's been extremely good in transition, good at the boards and like his defensive versatility as well. For me he's more like the ultimate glue guy than the star of a team. For the Sixers that's not a bad thing with Simmons and Embiid already on their roster, but I think he's a bad fit with Simmons.

1. Can catch and shoot
2. Has defensive versatility
3. Good finisher in transition
4. Elite court vision

How is that not a good fit with Simmons?

[Kolkmania]

Looking at the box scores, YouTube highlight videos and percentages of Lonzo Ball he's really impressive, but I'm not sold yet, actually not at all.

It's the combination of UCLA's offense and Ball's own mentality to involve his teammate in every single possession, but to me he hasn't showed elite shot creating potential. He rarely attacks the basket, about 1 FTA per game and I think I'm generous if I'm stating that he's been the ball handler in 20 pick and roll situations this entire season. Some possessions he showed his elite court vision with drive and kicks, the other ones he turned the ball over due to meh ball handling skills. He'll probably grow into a decent catch and shoot guy, but his weird form is really hurting him with pull up jumpers.

He's been extremely good in transition, good at the boards and like his defensive versatility as well. For me he's more like the ultimate glue guy than the star of a team. For the Sixers that's not a bad thing with Simmons and Embiid already on their roster, but I think he's a bad fit with Simmons.

1. Can catch and shoot
2. Has defensive versatility
3. Good finisher in transition
4. Elite court vision

How is that not a good fit with Simmons?

Bad is exaggerated. Let's say it this way, I think they don't complement each other. Their best skills are very similar and they both need the ball in their hands to fully utilize their skills. I said that Ball could grow in a decent catch and shoot guy, he hasn't proved that his shot is reliable yet. He has hit them a decent rate so far in college, but that's an incredible small sample size with quite some airballs which could indicate some inconsistency in his shot. Combine that with Ball's low release point and Simmons' lack of shooting range the result will probably be poor spacing.

[Unbreakable99]

I would like to see Ball drive more. He shoots too many threes. Attack the basket more.

[LloydFree]

Looking at the box scores, YouTube highlight videos and percentages of Lonzo Ball he's really impressive, but I'm not sold yet, actually not at all.

It's the combination of UCLA's offense and Ball's own mentality to involve his teammate in every single possession, but to me he hasn't showed elite shot creating potential. He rarely attacks the basket, about 1 FTA per game and I think I'm generous if I'm stating that he's been the ball handler in 20 pick and roll situations this entire season. Some possessions he showed his elite court vision with drive and kicks, the other ones he turned the ball over due to meh ball handling skills. He'll probably grow into a decent catch and shoot guy, but his weird form is really hurting him with pull up jumpers.

He's been extremely good in transition, good at the boards and like his defensive versatility as well. For me he's more like the ultimate glue guy than the star of a team. For the Sixers that's not a bad thing with Simmons and Embiid already on their roster, but I think he's a bad fit with Simmons.

1. Can catch and shoot
2. Has defensive versatility
3. Good finisher in transition
4. Elite court vision

How is that not a good fit with Simmons?

Bad is exaggerated. Let's say it this way, I think they don't complement each other. Their best skills are very similar and they both need the ball in their hands to fully utilize their skills. I said that Ball could grow in a decent catch and shoot guy, he hasn't proved that his shot is reliable yet. He has hit them a decent rate so far in college, but that's an incredible small sample size with quite some airballs which could indicate some inconsistency in his shot. Combine that with Ball's low release point and Simmons' lack of shooting range the result will probably be poor spacing.

You still didn't explain how all of his skills fail to compliment Ben Simmons. Everything you describe is exactly what fits with Simmons. Even when youd describe his weaknesses, like lack of shot creation off the dribble, you're talking about something that Simmons does well and wouldn't be a necessity from a guard that plays with him. Now if you say you don't like him because he is just a high-level glue guy and don't see the upside, I can understand that take. But saying the skills he's shown don't fit with Simmons, is way off-base.