2016-2017 College Basketball / '17 NBA Draft Thread IV

[taj2133]

looks like ball didn't close the deal with the lakers at his workout
L.A. Lakers Not Entirely Sold on Lonzo Ball, Holding out Hope for Markelle Fultz
KEVIN DING
JUNE 9, 2017
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball sits down after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Lonzo Ball was fine.

He was humble and respectful in conversation over meals.

He shot the ball well on the court.

He very well might be the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft pick in two weeks’ time.

Yet Ball also didn’t blow the Lakers away or seal any deal in the time he spent with their officials Tuesday and Wednesday, according to sources.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball speaks with the media after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
The Lakers remain intrigued by Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson, and to a lesser extent De'Aaron Fox, along with Ball for their No. 2 overall pick.

They are hopeful they can get Fultz in for a workout despite speculation that he would work out only for the Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. Lakers officials just went to meet and scout Jackson in Sacramento on Thursday, and Fox is coming in to see the Lakers on Tuesday.


Ball didn’t separate himself clearly from the pack. The thing is, he never was going to do that in a one-on-none workout format that gave him no one to find with a dynamic hit-ahead pass in transition or a perfectly timed bounce pass for a basket cutter.

Ball met with reporters after his Wednesday workout at the Lakers facility and cited all the shooting he did, and that was because there wasn’t much else for him to do in that format. Further evaluation of his pick-and-roll game or defensive capability wasn’t possible—same as it wasn’t possible to become even more smitten with his passing skills.

Jackson’s workout Thursday was also one-on-none and focused on addressing concerns about his shot. It remains to be seen whether Ball or any of the top prospects allow themselves to be tested in more stressful workouts in their second visits with the Lakers, assuming they have them.


Orlin Wagner/Associated Press
Given that the Lakers have no consensus on their preference yet, daring to go into a three-on-three format to see Jackson’s fierce competitiveness head-to-head, for example, would be valuable intel and could affect the Lakers’ thinking.

For now, the Lakers at least have a better idea of who these four young men are.

They met with Fultz, the most advanced scorer available, and Fox, a rare speed demon, at the NBA Draft Combine last month. This week they’ve gotten to chat with Ball, whose best quality is setting up teammates, and Jackson, a four-position defensive monster.

A quiet and reserved Ball reinforced to the Lakers how different he is from his attention-seeking father, LaVar. Jackson is a go-getter with a clear killer instinct. Fultz aspires to be the best ever. Fox exudes an authentic confidence.


New Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson has been involved at every step of the predraft process, including stepping in during workouts to ask prospects to do something on the spot that he believes is important to see. Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and coach Luke Walton had dinner with Ball on Tuesday night. Ball then had lunch with Lakers owners Jeanie, Joey and Jesse Buss on Wednesday.

Five of the aforementioned Lakers basketball decision-makers, not including Jeanie, went to see Jackson on Thursday.

Jackson is the only forward among the four, but the Lakers are not expected to decide based on position. The organizational goal is to get to a point where the team is playing largely positionless basketball the way Walton’s former team, the Golden State Warriors, do—with current youngsters Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson all already capable of bringing the ball up the floor.

Ball raised some eyebrows by saying the Lakers "need a leader, a point guard, and I feel that I can bring that to the team"—potentially a slight to Russell.

However, the Lakers view Russell as a combo guard, and Walton played him primarily at shooting guard late last season.

The NBA draft is June 22.

Kevin Ding is NBA senior writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @KevinDing.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714648-lonzo-ball-may-be-a-star-but-los-angeles-lakers-have-questions-ahead-of-draft

[Vince5693]

looks like ball didn't close the deal with the lakers at his workout
L.A. Lakers Not Entirely Sold on Lonzo Ball, Holding out Hope for Markelle Fultz
KEVIN DING
JUNE 9, 2017
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball sits down after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Lonzo Ball was fine.

He was humble and respectful in conversation over meals.

He shot the ball well on the court.

He very well might be the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft pick in two weeks’ time.

Yet Ball also didn’t blow the Lakers away or seal any deal in the time he spent with their officials Tuesday and Wednesday, according to sources.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball speaks with the media after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
The Lakers remain intrigued by Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson, and to a lesser extent De'Aaron Fox, along with Ball for their No. 2 overall pick.

They are hopeful they can get Fultz in for a workout despite speculation that he would work out only for the Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. Lakers officials just went to meet and scout Jackson in Sacramento on Thursday, and Fox is coming in to see the Lakers on Tuesday.


Ball didn’t separate himself clearly from the pack. The thing is, he never was going to do that in a one-on-none workout format that gave him no one to find with a dynamic hit-ahead pass in transition or a perfectly timed bounce pass for a basket cutter.

Ball met with reporters after his Wednesday workout at the Lakers facility and cited all the shooting he did, and that was because there wasn’t much else for him to do in that format. Further evaluation of his pick-and-roll game or defensive capability wasn’t possible—same as it wasn’t possible to become even more smitten with his passing skills.

Jackson’s workout Thursday was also one-on-none and focused on addressing concerns about his shot. It remains to be seen whether Ball or any of the top prospects allow themselves to be tested in more stressful workouts in their second visits with the Lakers, assuming they have them.


Orlin Wagner/Associated Press
Given that the Lakers have no consensus on their preference yet, daring to go into a three-on-three format to see Jackson’s fierce competitiveness head-to-head, for example, would be valuable intel and could affect the Lakers’ thinking.

For now, the Lakers at least have a better idea of who these four young men are.

They met with Fultz, the most advanced scorer available, and Fox, a rare speed demon, at the NBA Draft Combine last month. This week they’ve gotten to chat with Ball, whose best quality is setting up teammates, and Jackson, a four-position defensive monster.

A quiet and reserved Ball reinforced to the Lakers how different he is from his attention-seeking father, LaVar. Jackson is a go-getter with a clear killer instinct. Fultz aspires to be the best ever. Fox exudes an authentic confidence.


New Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson has been involved at every step of the predraft process, including stepping in during workouts to ask prospects to do something on the spot that he believes is important to see. Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and coach Luke Walton had dinner with Ball on Tuesday night. Ball then had lunch with Lakers owners Jeanie, Joey and Jesse Buss on Wednesday.

Five of the aforementioned Lakers basketball decision-makers, not including Jeanie, went to see Jackson on Thursday.

Jackson is the only forward among the four, but the Lakers are not expected to decide based on position. The organizational goal is to get to a point where the team is playing largely positionless basketball the way Walton’s former team, the Golden State Warriors, do—with current youngsters Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson all already capable of bringing the ball up the floor.

Ball raised some eyebrows by saying the Lakers "need a leader, a point guard, and I feel that I can bring that to the team"—potentially a slight to Russell.

However, the Lakers view Russell as a combo guard, and Walton played him primarily at shooting guard late last season.

The NBA draft is June 22.

Kevin Ding is NBA senior writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @KevinDing.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714648-lonzo-ball-may-be-a-star-but-los-angeles-lakers-have-questions-ahead-of-draft

Thanks for direct quoting a whole bleacher report article. I had no idea where to find this

[LloydFree]

Agreed. Boston's weakness is bigs already. Plus, Amir Johnson and Olynyk are free agents. And you don't just cast aside an All-NBA Defensive Player for a guy who is going to be good but probably not an all-star either.

If Danny Ainge doesn't think Fultz is a star, then he has to have the balls to get Jonathan Isaac, who they really, really need, with the #5 pick, and Zach Collins or Lauri Markkanen with the #10 pick.

Of course, I hope he stays put. I find it interesting that the Sixers were dumb for drafting logjams at center, yet Markelle Fultz is somehow the obvious choice for a team that wants to give Terry Rozier more minutes. The Sixers should've traded down in 2015 (I wanted and still want Justise Winslow), and Celtics should trade down for Jonathan Isaac and a center at #10.
.


[Edit: Yes, Josh Jackson may be a better Justise Winslow than Justise Winslow.]

I say Ainge asks for #5, Labisserre and Caulie-Stein. Everybody was wondering why the Celtics worked out Dennis Smith and suddenly Dennis Smith cancels his Knicks visit. Hmmm...


... and Josh Jackson is nothing like Justise Winslow

Not doubting your theory of DSJ but, WHY would Bos want DSJ to begin with?? dont they have enough guards and AB isnt a FA till next year and DSJ plays no defense

IMO, if you're of the mindset that taking Fultz at #1 makes sense, with all those guards on the roster, then taking Dennis Smith is no different. Dennis Smith has just as much talent as Fultz, and I've put him right next to Fultz, on my board all year. As far as defense is concerned, Fultz is no better than Smith. I don't know why that would be a factor.

[sixerhp3]

I say Ainge asks for #5, Labisserre and Caulie-Stein. Everybody was wondering why the Celtics worked out Dennis Smith and suddenly Dennis Smith cancels his Knicks visit. Hmmm...


... and Josh Jackson is nothing like Justise Winslow

Not doubting your theory of DSJ but, WHY would Bos want DSJ to begin with?? dont they have enough guards and AB isnt a FA till next year and DSJ plays no defense

IMO, if you're of the mindset that taking Fultz at #1, with all those guard on the roster, then taking Dennis Smith is no different. Dennis Smith has just as much talent as Fultz, and I've put him right next to Fultz, on my board all year. As far as defense is concerned, Fultz is no better than Smith. I don't know why that would be a factor.

If we want a big 3, I think Smith is the most likely to become a star along with Embiid and Simmons. The guy is truly too elite athletically, strong, and has tons of scoring skill. Take him BC.

[Sixersftw]

If Fultz isn't a lock at 1 it would be very odd for us not to get a workout given our draft position, roster, and Fultz's man crush on Simmons. Seems like a perfect landing spot.

[smittybanton]

looks like ball didn't close the deal with the lakers at his workout
L.A. Lakers Not Entirely Sold on Lonzo Ball, Holding out Hope for Markelle Fultz
KEVIN DING
JUNE 9, 2017
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball sits down after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Lonzo Ball was fine.

He was humble and respectful in conversation over meals.

He shot the ball well on the court.

He very well might be the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft pick in two weeks’ time.

Yet Ball also didn’t blow the Lakers away or seal any deal in the time he spent with their officials Tuesday and Wednesday, according to sources.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 07: NBA Prospect Lonzo Ball speaks with the media after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
The Lakers remain intrigued by Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson, and to a lesser extent De'Aaron Fox, along with Ball for their No. 2 overall pick.

They are hopeful they can get Fultz in for a workout despite speculation that he would work out only for the Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. Lakers officials just went to meet and scout Jackson in Sacramento on Thursday, and Fox is coming in to see the Lakers on Tuesday.


Ball didn’t separate himself clearly from the pack. The thing is, he never was going to do that in a one-on-none workout format that gave him no one to find with a dynamic hit-ahead pass in transition or a perfectly timed bounce pass for a basket cutter.

Ball met with reporters after his Wednesday workout at the Lakers facility and cited all the shooting he did, and that was because there wasn’t much else for him to do in that format. Further evaluation of his pick-and-roll game or defensive capability wasn’t possible—same as it wasn’t possible to become even more smitten with his passing skills.

Jackson’s workout Thursday was also one-on-none and focused on addressing concerns about his shot. It remains to be seen whether Ball or any of the top prospects allow themselves to be tested in more stressful workouts in their second visits with the Lakers, assuming they have them.


Orlin Wagner/Associated Press
Given that the Lakers have no consensus on their preference yet, daring to go into a three-on-three format to see Jackson’s fierce competitiveness head-to-head, for example, would be valuable intel and could affect the Lakers’ thinking.

For now, the Lakers at least have a better idea of who these four young men are.

They met with Fultz, the most advanced scorer available, and Fox, a rare speed demon, at the NBA Draft Combine last month. This week they’ve gotten to chat with Ball, whose best quality is setting up teammates, and Jackson, a four-position defensive monster.

A quiet and reserved Ball reinforced to the Lakers how different he is from his attention-seeking father, LaVar. Jackson is a go-getter with a clear killer instinct. Fultz aspires to be the best ever. Fox exudes an authentic confidence.


New Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson has been involved at every step of the predraft process, including stepping in during workouts to ask prospects to do something on the spot that he believes is important to see. Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and coach Luke Walton had dinner with Ball on Tuesday night. Ball then had lunch with Lakers owners Jeanie, Joey and Jesse Buss on Wednesday.

Five of the aforementioned Lakers basketball decision-makers, not including Jeanie, went to see Jackson on Thursday.

Jackson is the only forward among the four, but the Lakers are not expected to decide based on position. The organizational goal is to get to a point where the team is playing largely positionless basketball the way Walton’s former team, the Golden State Warriors, do—with current youngsters Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson all already capable of bringing the ball up the floor.

Ball raised some eyebrows by saying the Lakers "need a leader, a point guard, and I feel that I can bring that to the team"—potentially a slight to Russell.

However, the Lakers view Russell as a combo guard, and Walton played him primarily at shooting guard late last season.

The NBA draft is June 22.

Kevin Ding is NBA senior writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @KevinDing.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714648-lonzo-ball-may-be-a-star-but-los-angeles-lakers-have-questions-ahead-of-draft

I'm sure folks think that I am unreasonably obsessed with ballhandling, but I insist that it is an art as much as a skill, and makes a major difference in the NBA, most especially for guards.

There's no getting around the fact that for all their considerable other skills, neither Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, nor DeAAron Fox have a strong off-hand. None of the three is very good at beating his defender to their weaker side.

For whatever his flaws may be and however important they are, Dennis Smith Jr is leaps and bounds better with his offhand than any of those three. And it's not really close. Those spectacular dunk highlights that are most often shown come off his off-hand dribble (left). Incredible!

I think its gotta be hard to project stardom to either Fultz, Ball or Fox when they lack an important skill someone not even in the conversation has.

[LloydFree]

Agreed. Boston's weakness is bigs already. Plus, Amir Johnson and Olynyk are free agents. And you don't just cast aside an All-NBA Defensive Player for a guy who is going to be good but probably not an all-star either.

If Danny Ainge doesn't think Fultz is a star, then he has to have the balls to get Jonathan Isaac, who they really, really need, with the #5 pick, and Zach Collins or Lauri Markkanen with the #10 pick.

Of course, I hope he stays put. I find it interesting that the Sixers were dumb for drafting logjams at center, yet Markelle Fultz is somehow the obvious choice for a team that wants to give Terry Rozier more minutes. The Sixers should've traded down in 2015 (I wanted and still want Justise Winslow), and Celtics should trade down for Jonathan Isaac and a center at #10.
.


[Edit: Yes, Josh Jackson may be a better Justise Winslow than Justise Winslow.]

I say Ainge asks for #5, Labisserre and Caulie-Stein. Everybody was wondering why the Celtics worked out Dennis Smith and suddenly Dennis Smith cancels his Knicks visit. Hmmm...


... and Josh Jackson is nothing like Justise Winslow

A. Nice trade. Ainge should ask for that. But Kings shouldn't give it. I wouldn't even give up five and ten in this draft for #1, for the same reason I would trade #1 for the #5 and #10.

B. "Nothing"? Lol. Winslow and Jackson have differences, including body type and 3pt shooting percentages (if you believe in Jackson's stroke). Otherwise, I find their defensive agility and intensity to be very similar. I also think their ballhandling ability is similar, with the edge going to Jackson. Moreover, regardless their one on one attributes, I think both would fill a similar role for the Sixers ... similarly.

If I were the Kings, I wouldn't give it either. I'd just select Dennis Smith myself, and keep my big men. Fultz isn't any better than DSj, IMO. But if they are choosing to deal with Ainge, that's the minimum it would take to get #1. The Celtics are in win now mode, and I would think they'd prefer Caulie-Stein to whatever developmental Big man they could get at #10 (and the only big worthy to go that high, Z Collins, isn't guaranteed to be available at #10). Also, DSj is one of the few guards in this draft that is physically mature enough to play right now. I'd do that trade all day if I were the Celtics.

[76ciology]

Fultz and Ball so weak that we have to have a slight worry if one of them falls to us..

..but then who would draft a wing who has short wingspan and is as athletic as Chandler Parsons....

[LloydFree]

Not doubting your theory of DSJ but, WHY would Bos want DSJ to begin with?? dont they have enough guards and AB isnt a FA till next year and DSJ plays no defense

IMO, if you're of the mindset that taking Fultz at #1, with all those guard on the roster, then taking Dennis Smith is no different. Dennis Smith has just as much talent as Fultz, and I've put him right next to Fultz, on my board all year. As far as defense is concerned, Fultz is no better than Smith. I don't know why that would be a factor.

If we want a big 3, I think Smith is the most likely to become a star along with Embiid and Simmons. The guy is truly too elite athletically, strong, and has tons of scoring skill. Take him BC.

To each his own. I'm not taking Dennis Smith over Josh Jackson.

[smittybanton]

I say Ainge asks for #5, Labisserre and Caulie-Stein. Everybody was wondering why the Celtics worked out Dennis Smith and suddenly Dennis Smith cancels his Knicks visit. Hmmm...


... and Josh Jackson is nothing like Justise Winslow

A. Nice trade. Ainge should ask for that. But Kings shouldn't give it. I wouldn't even give up five and ten in this draft for #1, for the same reason I would trade #1 for the #5 and #10.

B. "Nothing"? Lol. Winslow and Jackson have differences, including body type and 3pt shooting percentages (if you believe in Jackson's stroke). Otherwise, I find their defensive agility and intensity to be very similar. I also think their ballhandling ability is similar, with the edge going to Jackson. Moreover, regardless their one on one attributes, I think both would fill a similar role for the Sixers ... similarly.

If I were the Kings, I wouldn't give it either. I'd just select Dennis Smith myself, and keep my big men. Fultz isn't any better than DSj, IMO. But if they are choosing to deal with Ainge, that's the minimum it would take to get #1. The Celtics are in win now mode, and I would think they'd prefer Caulie-Stein to whatever developmental Big man they could get at #10 (and the only big worthy to go that high, Z Collins, isn't guaranteed to be available at #10). Also, DSj is one of the few guards in this draft that is physically mature enough to play right now. I'd do that trade all day if I were the Celtics.

Love DSJ. Most talented in the draft. Scared of ACL history.

If I'm Kings, though, I'd hope Tatum falls to #5, then I go guard #10--one of Monk, Ntilikina, DSJ or Mitchell will be there.

Celtics are getting Serge Ibaka in free agency anyway. And if Collins isn't there at #10, I take Markannen or trade back for Harry Giles or Adebayo. Plenty of bigs in the #10-20 range.

All that said, I have a feeling Collins will be there at #10. Minnesota is the most likely landing spot for Collins in the top ten. But if Orlando goes DSJ or Malik Monk to replace Elfrid Payton, that leaves Jonathan Isaac to the Wolves, and from there I dont think Collins goes to either New York or Dallas.

[broseph13]

Can you imagine trading #3 for #5 and #10 and drafting Isaac + Ntilikina?

Simmons
Ntilikina
Covington
Isaac
Embiid

Mannnnnnnn

Serious question: Has anyone here even seen this Ntilikina fella even play in a full game? If not, why are we even mentioning him as a guy this team needs to get? You can't go by a 5 minutes of highlights...

Yeah. The FIBA U18 semi-final and final are both on youtube. I wouldn't take him at 10, fwiw.

Watch on YouTube

I watched a good portion of that game....imo, he's not ready to be an NBA PG. Too slow, average handles, average NBA athleticism. Honestly, the only thing going for him is his length and height, and if he were 6'1/6'2 instead of 6'4/6'5, no one would even be talking about this guy as an NBA first rounder...

[Fat]

If Simmons is going to be running the show. Monk makes the most sense no? He"s a threat anywhere on the floor

[OleSchool]

I say Ainge asks for #5, Labisserre and Caulie-Stein. Everybody was wondering why the Celtics worked out Dennis Smith and suddenly Dennis Smith cancels his Knicks visit. Hmmm...


... and Josh Jackson is nothing like Justise Winslow

Not doubting your theory of DSJ but, WHY would Bos want DSJ to begin with?? dont they have enough guards and AB isnt a FA till next year and DSJ plays no defense

IMO, if you're of the mindset that taking Fultz at #1 makes sense, with all those guards on the roster, then taking Dennis Smith is no different. Dennis Smith has just as much talent as Fultz, and I've put him right next to Fultz, on my board all year. As far as defense is concerned, Fultz is no better than Smith. I don't know why that would be a factor.

I dont think Fultz at 1 makes sense at all for Bos. I figured Bos would move down for Isaac or Tatum but, to move down and take another guard (even though I like DSW more than Fultz) is a little head scratching

[oddwolfhooligan]

If Simmons is going to be running the show. Monk makes the most sense no? He"s a threat anywhere on the floor

Most would rather that we try to land someone with more upside. Monk has legitimate value as a Lou Williams type role player, but who wants to settle for that with the 3rd pick?

[SelfishPlayer]

If Simmons is going to be running the show. Monk makes the most sense no? He"s a threat anywhere on the floor

Drafting Monk with only Simmons as a playmaker will result in a low Bball IQ starting lineup. Monk, Simmons, and Covington, as the starting perimeter players is a stupid team. Kentucky often ran two PGs (Briscoe and Fox) with Monk.

[Fat]

If Simmons is going to be running the show. Monk makes the most sense no? He"s a threat anywhere on the floor

Most would rather that we try to land someone with more upside. Monk has legitimate value as a Lou Williams type role player, but who wants to settle for that with the 3rd pick?

He can be better than that in my opinion I can see how it's easy to mark him as that type of player though.

Who does the majority like Jackson?

[Mik317]

smokescreens everywhere

[smittybanton]

TJ Leaf will be Tom Gugliotta with a three point shot. That is all.

[Kobblehead]

TJ Leaf will be Tom Gugliotta with a three point shot. That is all.

Gugliotta was not only defensively competent, but outright excellent most years. Do you honestly see T.J. Leaf being an asset on the defensive end? He's less hopeless than Markkanen, but he's a damn poor defender in his own regard with a SF wingspan.

[smittybanton]

TJ Leaf will be Tom Gugliotta with a three point shot. That is all.

Gugliotta was not only defensively competent, but outright excellent most years. Do you honestly see T.J. Leaf being an asset on the defensive end? He's less hopeless than Markkanen, but he's a damn poor defender in his own regard with a SF wingspan.

Why would I not? You're comparing his defense to Lauri Markkanen means I can't really take this seriously. Sounds like you were one of the people telling me Wade Baldwin is a good defender because of his long arms.

[Edit: And Gugliotta's wingspan was what?]