2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Ghost of Kleine]

Neither do I. Detroit, NYC and you can make a case for Charlotte all need PGs badly and Melo is going top 3 no matter whose there most like. But under this mock, I'll happily draft Hayes. Would you take him over any of the PFs, and if so which ones? For me its a tough call as I think that a backup big is very important and can save us $$ on Saric/Frank.

Btw I don't think there's any way that we purchase any extra picks. If anything we need to be worried about $arver selling it

Honestly, I think I'd only take Hayes over these 4s' in the first round honestly:
- Pokusevski.
- Patrick Williams.
- Saddiq Bey.
- Reggie Perry.
- Jaden McDaniels.
- Maybe............ Just maybe Over Achiuwa ( Due to his lack of offensive polish. But for me overall, I strongly believe that we could still get a comparable high potential guard prospect in one of Lewis, Riller, Terry, or maybe even Flynn perhaps later in the draft. That's why I consider this draft to be unique, As it actually plays to our advantage in that the perspective talent level is pretty even throughout the first round, And it even has quite a few potential gems in the 2nd round as well. But I also agree that frontcourt depth and for me at least, rim protection and rebounding are key issues still too. So I'd have a very hard time passing on either Toppin or Okungwu IF they fell to 10 as well.

As for purchasing additional picks, I actually think that this particular draft is one ( due to the lockdown and potential cap restrictions) Wherein even Sarver will may look to add low cost contractually controlled depth ( assets)!
My belief in this is furthered by Sarvers' recent selling of our G league team, And speculation of potential financial issues, as well as the overall shallow free agency pool this summer. So it's setting up for this draft to become a very cost effective way to add depth, and potential tradable assets, with minimal salary commitments, And minimal impact to our cap flexibility.

Having said that, I'd still rather have Vassell or Toppin or Okungwu or even Okoro possibly over having Hayes fall to us. But all things considered, I wouldn't be upset with Hayes IF we went that direction.

I'd have to agree. Any of the PFs land at our spot and I take one. Just to allow more size and the fact that Baynes is kinda old and Saric is simply meh to me. Much rather have one of those guys whether it'd be Toppin (offensively) or either of the other 2 with their rebounding and defense it makes a better match for what we need. That also goes to the amount of faith that I have in Paynes/Carter as well I suppose. I hope that both are back next season, that combo was punishing to the opposing benches when Rubio/Booker sat during the bubble.

Now, if all those guys are gone of course that should mean that Hayes or maybe even Halliburton drops to us. After reading and watching some videos on Hayes I'm closer to taking him over Halliburton if that happens. Hayes seems like he has much more potential as opposed to Halliburton, who while very good seems to me to be more what you see is what you get. Hayes is one of the youngest guys available and has a chance to exceed his draft slot by a fair measure. With either guy we wouldn't really need much this year as we have Rubio and both Payne/Carter. In this scenario it's really unfortunate that we don't have a G league team as it would pay to put whoever would be our PG pick in their for at least part of the season.

That all being said, and I've mentioned before that I want us to package this pick, other stuff and swing it for someone like Simmons. With Ayton slowly seeming like a big who doesn't like hanging out it the paint as much as we all want him to, Simmons seems like he can occupy that area and pass the ball out when the D collapses on him. Philly is ripe for trades now too with things in chaos over there.

Agree with the entire post man!

With regards to Simmons though, I could see them holding onto him for one more season, And IF it doesn't drastically improve, Then I could see them moving Simmons to Washington for Beal or something comparable. Then I could see them consider moving Embiid to Milwaukee for Giannis, IF Milwaukee feels Giannis is not staying. But I'd absolutely make the proposal IF I thought they'd actually bite on any of our assets aside from Booker. As far as trading Ayton/ Bridges/ multiple firsts, I'd only consider it for Giannis himself! ( And only if he agreed to resign. And if that was the our master plan, I'd surely draft Vassell with the 10th pick to replace Bridges ( Going out) in the deal. And add a 2nd for Oturu or Carey to fill in for Ayton. In 2021, I'd look to add a 2nd round pick for Kofi Cockburn.
A 7'1 306 lb. Young Shaq!

Watch on YouTube

He'd dominate the paint for us defensively, Whilst Giannis would play the 4.
Prior to the draft, I'd look to move Oturu or Carey for a quality backup point guard.

[Slim Charless]

Honestly, I think I'd only take Hayes over these 4s' in the first round honestly:
- Pokusevski.
- Patrick Williams.
- Saddiq Bey.
- Reggie Perry.
- Jaden McDaniels.
- Maybe............ Just maybe Over Achiuwa ( Due to his lack of offensive polish. But for me overall, I strongly believe that we could still get a comparable high potential guard prospect in one of Lewis, Riller, Terry, or maybe even Flynn perhaps later in the draft. That's why I consider this draft to be unique, As it actually plays to our advantage in that the perspective talent level is pretty even throughout the first round, And it even has quite a few potential gems in the 2nd round as well. But I also agree that frontcourt depth and for me at least, rim protection and rebounding are key issues still too. So I'd have a very hard time passing on either Toppin or Okungwu IF they fell to 10 as well.

As for purchasing additional picks, I actually think that this particular draft is one ( due to the lockdown and potential cap restrictions) Wherein even Sarver will may look to add low cost contractually controlled depth ( assets)!
My belief in this is furthered by Sarvers' recent selling of our G league team, And speculation of potential financial issues, as well as the overall shallow free agency pool this summer. So it's setting up for this draft to become a very cost effective way to add depth, and potential tradable assets, with minimal salary commitments, And minimal impact to our cap flexibility.

Having said that, I'd still rather have Vassell or Toppin or Okungwu or even Okoro possibly over having Hayes fall to us. But all things considered, I wouldn't be upset with Hayes IF we went that direction.

I'd have to agree. Any of the PFs land at our spot and I take one. Just to allow more size and the fact that Baynes is kinda old and Saric is simply meh to me. Much rather have one of those guys whether it'd be Toppin (offensively) or either of the other 2 with their rebounding and defense it makes a better match for what we need. That also goes to the amount of faith that I have in Paynes/Carter as well I suppose. I hope that both are back next season, that combo was punishing to the opposing benches when Rubio/Booker sat during the bubble.

Now, if all those guys are gone of course that should mean that Hayes or maybe even Halliburton drops to us. After reading and watching some videos on Hayes I'm closer to taking him over Halliburton if that happens. Hayes seems like he has much more potential as opposed to Halliburton, who while very good seems to me to be more what you see is what you get. Hayes is one of the youngest guys available and has a chance to exceed his draft slot by a fair measure. With either guy we wouldn't really need much this year as we have Rubio and both Payne/Carter. In this scenario it's really unfortunate that we don't have a G league team as it would pay to put whoever would be our PG pick in their for at least part of the season.

That all being said, and I've mentioned before that I want us to package this pick, other stuff and swing it for someone like Simmons. With Ayton slowly seeming like a big who doesn't like hanging out it the paint as much as we all want him to, Simmons seems like he can occupy that area and pass the ball out when the D collapses on him. Philly is ripe for trades now too with things in chaos over there.

Agree with the entire post man!

With regards to Simmons though, I could see them holding onto him for one more season, And IF it doesn't drastically improve, Then I could see them moving Simmons to Washington for Beal or something comparable. Then I could see them consider moving Embiid to Milwaukee for Giannis, IF Milwaukee feels Giannis is not staying. But I'd absolutely make the proposal IF I thought they'd actually bite on any of our assets aside from Booker. As far as trading Ayton/ Bridges/ multiple firsts, I'd only consider it for Giannis himself! ( And only if he agreed to resign. And if that was the our master plan, I'd surely draft Vassell with the 10th pick to replace Bridges ( Going out) in the deal. And add a 2nd for Oturu or Carey to fill in for Ayton. In 2021, I'd look to add a 2nd round pick for Kofi Cockburn.
A 7'1 306 lb. Young Shaq!

Watch on YouTube

He'd dominate the paint for us defensively, Whilst Giannis would play the 4.
Prior to the draft, I'd look to move Oturu or Carey for a quality backup point guard.

Well honestly if Giannis came it'd be to win a chip. Idk if he'd want to Bridges gone. Ayton, on the other hand would probably have to go as both of those occupy the same general space. I think MIL would take him and be happy to have it. With that dude you put video of-he's a monster, no doubt but we would almost need a guy like what MIL has w/ Giannis already- a 5 that can hit the three at a decent clip. The Lopez Bros are almost exactly what I would want lined up next to him honestly.

As to Simmons, IDK maybe its just me being homerish but I think I'd take the Rubio, Bridges, and pick combo over just Beal. This depends on where the pick lands at of course. Beal has a deal coming soon and it won't be cheap. In both Giannis and Ben's cases it kinda helps more that they would demand a trade to PHX (get recruiting Book).

[Ghost of Kleine]

[

Spoiler:

quote="Slim Charless"]

I'd have to agree. Any of the PFs land at our spot and I take one. Just to allow more size and the fact that Baynes is kinda old and Saric is simply meh to me. Much rather have one of those guys whether it'd be Toppin (offensively) or either of the other 2 with their rebounding and defense it makes a better match for what we need. That also goes to the amount of faith that I have in Paynes/Carter as well I suppose. I hope that both are back next season, that combo was punishing to the opposing benches when Rubio/Booker sat during the bubble.

Now, if all those guys are gone of course that should mean that Hayes or maybe even Halliburton drops to us. After reading and watching some videos on Hayes I'm closer to taking him over Halliburton if that happens. Hayes seems like he has much more potential as opposed to Halliburton, who while very good seems to me to be more what you see is what you get. Hayes is one of the youngest guys available and has a chance to exceed his draft slot by a fair measure. With either guy we wouldn't really need much this year as we have Rubio and both Payne/Carter. In this scenario it's really unfortunate that we don't have a G league team as it would pay to put whoever would be our PG pick in their for at least part of the season.

That all being said, and I've mentioned before that I want us to package this pick, other stuff and swing it for someone like Simmons. With Ayton slowly seeming like a big who doesn't like hanging out it the paint as much as we all want him to, Simmons seems like he can occupy that area and pass the ball out when the D collapses on him. Philly is ripe for trades now too with things in chaos over there.

Agree with the entire post man!

With regards to Simmons though, I could see them holding onto him for one more season, And IF it doesn't drastically improve, Then I could see them moving Simmons to Washington for Beal or something comparable. Then I could see them consider moving Embiid to Milwaukee for Giannis, IF Milwaukee feels Giannis is not staying. But I'd absolutely make the proposal IF I thought they'd actually bite on any of our assets aside from Booker. As far as trading Ayton/ Bridges/ multiple firsts, I'd only consider it for Giannis himself! ( And only if he agreed to resign. And if that was the our master plan, I'd surely draft Vassell with the 10th pick to replace Bridges ( Going out) in the deal. And add a 2nd for Oturu or Carey to fill in for Ayton. In 2021, I'd look to add a 2nd round pick for Kofi Cockburn.
A 7'1 306 lb. Young Shaq!

Watch on YouTube

He'd dominate the paint for us defensively, Whilst Giannis would play the 4.
Prior to the draft, I'd look to move Oturu or Carey for a quality backup point guard.

Well honestly if Giannis came it'd be to win a chip. Idk if he'd want to Bridges gone. Ayton, on the other hand would probably have to go as both of those occupy the same general space. I think MIL would take him and be happy to have it. With that dude you put video of-he's a monster, no doubt but we would almost need a guy like what MIL has w/ Giannis already- a 5 that can hit the three at a decent clip. The Lopez Bros are almost exactly what I would want lined up next to him honestly.

As to Simmons, IDK maybe its just me being homerish but I think I'd take the Rubio, Bridges, and pick combo over just Beal. This depends on where the pick lands at of course. Beal has a deal coming soon and it won't be cheap. In both Giannis and Ben's cases it kinda helps more that they would demand a trade to PHX (get recruiting Book).[/quote]

Lol! You're not wrong man! I guess with respect to that ( needing a 3 point shooting center for Giannis) I would instead look to this draft to add Vassell or Okoro at 10. Then add a late first round pick for Jalen Smith ( 6'10 4/5 ) shotblocking center that's averaging around 37% from three. Then I'd add a mid 2nd for **Killian Tillie ( 6'10 mobile 4/5) Good shotblocker, Smart defender and averaging close to 44% from three for his college career. Like a much better shooting Kleber!

Then in free agency, I'd look to add Bertans at the 3, So Giannis would be surrounded by ELITE 3 point shooters. Finally in 2021, I'd look to buy a 2nd round pick for a backup guard, Maybe Jeremy Roach! Or Jevonte Smart?

But the #1 player that I really want us to acquire via trade from Brooklyn is Nik Claxton!!! An interesting thing man, Did you know he's got nearly identical measurements to Giannis himself. He's 6'11 With a 7'2 1/2 wingspan. And a 36 inch vertical. And he's also got an advanced ballhandling skillset, and is a tremendous shotblocker and an improving perimeter scorer too. Check this out!
https://basketballsocietyonline.com/nicolas-claxton-scouting-report

There were many instances where he displayed his speed and ball handling ability in the transition game. He was used in the back-court, around the rim, and at the free throw line. This flexibility along with some other skills and traits, which I’ll mention here soon, makes Claxton fit into the new wave of position-less basketball quite nicely.

The first thing that stands out about Claxton’s game his ability to guard the perimeter. In the modern NBA we see plenty of big men who get switched on to guards only to be left out to dry by quick dribble moves. Claxton has quick feet that makes him capable of keeping an attacking guard in front of him. If he does get beat, he can use his long length combined with his quickness to recover to alter shots. Watch here as Claxton gets matched up against Kerwin Roach and eventually pokes the ball away for a quick turnover.

In the NBA, rim protection is a coveted asset to keep players from attacking the lane. Layups and dunks are considered the easiest shots in the game so finding players who can block and alter shots are of high importance. Claxton projects to have this ability and showed it at the combine. He measured in with a 7’2” wingspan and had a 36 inch vertical jump which was the highest of all potential centers according to NBA.com. He averaged 2.5 blocks per game and a total of 81 this season which is right around the ranks of Tacko Fall and Neemias Queta. Claxton shows the ability to recover on defense quite nicely and uses that length to come provide help side defense when needed.

The last major strength that I feel can translate for him at the next level is that he can be a quality transition big. Claxton is an athletic player whose mix of speed and ball handling allows him to get out and run the break if not lead it himself. Claxton also has solid vision as a passer that makes him very fun to watch in both the half-court and transition settings on offense.

Watch on YouTube

I think he'd have immense potential, Especially if he improves his ballhandling and perimeter shooting mechanics a bit!

[Ghost of Kleine]

http://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft

Interesting question guys! The latest Tankathon mock has us taking Toppin at 10, But both Vassell ( 11) and Aaron Nesmith ( 12) are still on the board too! So, IF we stay at 10, And all of Toppin/ Vassell/ Aaron Nesmith are on the board at 10, Who do you take hands down??? And why do you take this particular prospect over the other two?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

http://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft

Interesting question guys! The latest Tankathon mock has us taking Toppin at 10, But both Vassell ( 11) and Aaron Nesmith ( 12) are still on the board too! So, IF we stay at 10, And all of Toppin/ Vassell/ Aaron Nesmith are on the board at 10, Who do you take hands down??? And why do you take this particular prospect over the other two?

They're all good options. Each would be able to contribute immediately. Vassell is a lot like Bridges, but with a cleaner form on his jumper, though a worry about his FT%, which makes you wonder if he's really as good a shooter as he seems. He doesn't create his own shot, which means he's never going to replace what Booker gives us. He's probably the safest pick.

Nesmith is somewhat like Cam in terms of off-ball shooting. I'm confident he'll be a very good NBA player, though maybe not an outstanding one. He looks like Alec Burks does now (after, like, a decade in the league), only he's a much better shooter. Will probably give us more than Vassell in year 1.

Toppin would give us a combo of what Dario and Kelly give us. A post-up, stretch 4 that attacks the basket. Will need time to be an adequate defender. He'd be a perfect, permanent 6th man for us, I think. Could bring enough offensive firepower to carry the torch should Booker leave us in 4 years, allow us to go [Rubio]-Bridges-Cam-Toppin-Ayton (we would probably need more of a scoring PG in that scenario).

It's close between Toppin and Vassell, but I go Toppin. Biggest negative is that we'd have only one true center in our rotation for the foreseeable future, because he and Dario would have to consume all the backup 5 minutes. Nesmith and Vassell would push Oubre and Carter for minutes (which is to say, they'd sit on our bench unless injury occurs). I like all three but would go Toppin.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Read on Twitter

Some interesting opinions. Toppin having to play the 5 is something I've also wondered with him.

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[Biff]

Read on Twitter

Some interesting opinions. Toppin having to play the 5 is something I've also wondered with him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I view Toppin as a potentially better version of Harrell. He's about the same size but a little bigger in the upper body. Defense for both isn't a strength and neither are outstanding rebounders but boy can they score. Toppin is a better shooter though, which bodes well for his development. If he played 6th man he could win the award multiple times.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

[WeekapaugGroove]

Read on Twitter

Some interesting opinions. Toppin having to play the 5 is something I've also wondered with him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I view Toppin as a potentially better version of Harrell. He's about the same size but a little bigger in the upper body. Defense for both isn't a strength and neither are outstanding rebounders but boy can they score. Toppin is a better shooter though, which bodes well for his development. If he played 6th man he could win the award multiple times.

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

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[Wilber85]

I did Tankathon and got 1st - 4 times out of 10, 2nd - 2 times, and the rest was 10th.

Question.

If we get top 3. Do we trade out and include someone? if not, who would you draft

#1,2,3?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) Tweeted:
NBA nearing final steps on moving draft combine to a virtual event at regional sites, sources say https://t.co/sU49irhn8K

Read on Twitter

?s=20

As previously mentioned in the news listing here on realgm. Here's a direct link with info. For any who are interested.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I did Tankathon and got 1st - 4 times out of 10, 2nd - 2 times, and the rest was 10th.

Question.

If we get top 3. Do we trade out and include someone? if not, who would you draft

#1,2,3?

It's tough this year, don't really like anyone at the top THB.

I'm not spending too much mental energy forming my top board until after Thursday but something like this

Ball - might as well shoot for the stars, super bust potential but if he puts it all together he could be ridiculous.

Haliburton- like the exact opposite of Ball, safe but probably never a true 'star'

Hayes- raw but has a good feel for the game and if his shooting develops he has all-star potential

Vassell/Okongwu can't decide between the two but like both.

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[Biff]

Read on Twitter

Some interesting opinions. Toppin having to play the 5 is something I've also wondered with him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I view Toppin as a potentially better version of Harrell. He's about the same size but a little bigger in the upper body. Defense for both isn't a strength and neither are outstanding rebounders but boy can they score. Toppin is a better shooter though, which bodes well for his development. If he played 6th man he could win the award multiple times.

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

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I think if started doing a lot of yoga and worked on his mobility, it would help him a lot. He looks very stiff out there at times. If he worked on that, I could see that helping his perimeter defense a ton. He's athletic enough that he should be able to improve in that area and if he could cover wings competently, he could start at the 4 alongside Ayton no problem. If not, a great 6th man would be perfectly okay as well.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Some interesting opinions. Toppin having to play the 5 is something I've also wondered with him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I view Toppin as a potentially better version of Harrell. He's about the same size but a little bigger in the upper body. Defense for both isn't a strength and neither are outstanding rebounders but boy can they score. Toppin is a better shooter though, which bodes well for his development. If he played 6th man he could win the award multiple times.

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Who is your top 4? Edit: Never mind, I guess I saw your answer after posting this.

[bwgood77]

I did Tankathon and got 1st - 4 times out of 10, 2nd - 2 times, and the rest was 10th.

Question.

If we get top 3. Do we trade out and include someone? if not, who would you draft

#1,2,3?

I think the answer from a lot of people and even for me would be "trade down, get an asset and still get a good guy".

That may sound a lot better in theory than what kind of trade would be available though. It has been rumored teams will want to sell their picks or move down...so there may not be that much trade value in moving down or even moving the pick.

So unless the asset we get back is a difference maker, I would probably just draft top player on the board. But we've already seen them move down.

I am very high on Avdija though, and Toppin, so I'd just take one of those guys. I am too worried about anyone that can't shoot. Shooting was such a problem for us most of the year when we played teams at full strength, we just need to not draft any guys who "they just need to learn to shoot".

Now I do have faith our shooting will improve, with Cam getting more time and Bridges, after fixing his shot, was much better, especially if Rubio's shooting holds and Ayton keeps shooting 3s.

I don't think we can expect Payne and Carter or even Saric to continue shooting like they did in the bubble though. I do expect Carter to be very solid still as he was all season, but Saric, but Saric and Payne were over 50%, and that won't hold.

Given our bubble shooting, we were able to shoot league avg from 3 for the year, but much of the year, we shot so poorly from 3 in games we had no chance.

[bwgood77]

I view Toppin as a potentially better version of Harrell. He's about the same size but a little bigger in the upper body. Defense for both isn't a strength and neither are outstanding rebounders but boy can they score. Toppin is a better shooter though, which bodes well for his development. If he played 6th man he could win the award multiple times.

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

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I think if started doing a lot of yoga and worked on his mobility, it would help him a lot. He looks very stiff out there at times. If he worked on that, I could see that helping his perimeter defense a ton. He's athletic enough that he should be able to improve in that area and if he could cover wings competently, he could start at the 4 alongside Ayton no problem. If not, a great 6th man would be perfectly okay as well.

I think he will work at it. Even without that it is interesting to me so many rank him lower than really raw prospects with pretty high bust potential. Obi plays fierce with super athleticisim, offensive bbiq, work ethic and has an array of offensive skills we haven't seen in a PF prospect since I can remember. He is a perfect offensive 4 in today's game...and it's not like he isn't active defensively either. He is an energy guy, and gets blocks and steals. While that isn't a good judge of how good someone is on defense, and he certainly has the weakness staying in front of guys due to his stance, etc, that stuff is coachable, and I think he is highly coachable and obviously very hungry to keep getting better. He's not a guy that went through the motions because he was a high prospect like a lot of top prospects and had to work very hard to get where he is, not getting many scholarships and going to Dayton, etc.

I guess I can probably stop talking about him soon though, since we likely end up at 10, or possibly 11. And I'd ve very happy with Vassell or Hayes at one of those spots if they make it there. I don't necessarily expect either to be there, but there is a chance.

Of course after we talk about the draft for probably a couple more entire threads before draft day we will probably take someone completely out of left field or sell/trade our pick.

[WeekapaugGroove]

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I think if started doing a lot of yoga and worked on his mobility, it would help him a lot. He looks very stiff out there at times. If he worked on that, I could see that helping his perimeter defense a ton. He's athletic enough that he should be able to improve in that area and if he could cover wings competently, he could start at the 4 alongside Ayton no problem. If not, a great 6th man would be perfectly okay as well.

I think he will work at it. Even without that it is interesting to me so many rank him lower than really raw prospects with pretty high bust potential. Obi plays fierce with super athleticisim, offensive bbiq, work ethic and has an array of offensive skills we haven't seen in a PF prospect since I can remember. He is a perfect offensive 4 in today's game...and it's not like he isn't active defensively either. He is an energy guy, and gets blocks and steals. While that isn't a good judge of how good someone is on defense, and he certainly has the weakness staying in front of guys due to his stance, etc, that stuff is coachable, and I think is coachable and obviously very hungry to keep getting better. He's not a guy that went through the motions because he was a high prospect like a lot of top prospects and had to work very hard to get where he is, not getting many scholarships and going to Dayton, etc.

I guess I can probably stop talking about him soon though, since we likely end up at 10, or possibly 11. And I'd ve very happy with Vassell or Hayes at one of those spots if they make it there. I don't necessarily expect either to be there, but there is a chance.

Of course after we talk about the draft for probably a couple more entire threads before draft day we will probably take someone completely out of left field or sell/trade our pick.

If he simply can't move well enough to guard 4s which in todays NBA are basically wings from years past it won't matter how much he tries.

Now as a rim running scoring 5 he might be a lethal weapon.

He's a comp, is he like a little better version of Julius Randle?

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[Biff]

That's a really good comp and I agree on the 6th man thing too. Now I don't want that to be viewed as some slight on Toppin because a better shooting Harrell is a very useful player.

Obi isn't in my top 4 but I'd be completely cool with him at 10.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I think if started doing a lot of yoga and worked on his mobility, it would help him a lot. He looks very stiff out there at times. If he worked on that, I could see that helping his perimeter defense a ton. He's athletic enough that he should be able to improve in that area and if he could cover wings competently, he could start at the 4 alongside Ayton no problem. If not, a great 6th man would be perfectly okay as well.

I think he will work at it. Even without that it is interesting to me so many rank him lower than really raw prospects with pretty high bust potential. Obi plays fierce with super athleticisim, offensive bbiq, work ethic and has an array of offensive skills we haven't seen in a PF prospect since I can remember. He is a perfect offensive 4 in today's game...and it's not like he isn't active defensively either. He is an energy guy, and gets blocks and steals. While that isn't a good judge of how good someone is on defense, and he certainly has the weakness staying in front of guys due to his stance, etc, that stuff is coachable, and I think is coachable and obviously very hungry to keep getting better. He's not a guy that went through the motions because he was a high prospect like a lot of top prospects and had to work very hard to get where he is, not getting many scholarships and going to Dayton, etc.

I guess I can probably stop talking about him soon though, since we likely end up at 10, or possibly 11. And I'd ve very happy with Vassell or Hayes at one of those spots if they make it there. I don't necessarily expect either to be there, but there is a chance.

Of course after we talk about the draft for probably a couple more entire threads before draft day we will probably take someone completely out of left field or sell/trade our pick.

Yeah, this draft has a lot of potential but Toppin is someone that could help us right away. Outside of Ball, I'm not sure if there's anyone else I'd take over him. Haliburton maybe but with how well Payne played in the bubble, I think we'd be better off going with him as our backup PG and getting Toppin as a backup big. Who knows what kind of offers Saric and Baynes will get. The way Saric played, I could see him getting some offers we might not feel comfortable matching. Baynes was injured enough we might be able to resign him cheap but even if so, it would be nice having Toppin around to play bigger minutes if Baynes has injury problems again.

As for his perimeter d, I agree it's coachable. With what our coaches did with Ayton, I think they could help him improve in that area no problem. I don't think he'll ever be a great defender, he just doesn't quite have the instincts for it, but as you said, he plays hard and effort isn't the problem. Some technique improvement and working on flexibility would help him become at least a decent defender that isn't a liability.

[Walt_Uoob]

Jones seems to prioritize maturity, immediate impact, shooting, and defense, in roughly that order. He got at least three of those things last year with each of his main acquisitions (Rubio, Cam, Saric, and Baynes), and he tried for it with Jerome. Only in the second round did he go for raw athleticism and upside with Lecque.

I feel like that makes Haliburton and Vassell the most Jonesy picks, and then probably Toppin, Avdija, and Okongwu. I think he proved last year he's also willing to stick to those guns and pass on a more highly touted guy like Edwards, Ball, or Wiseman. Interviews and such could change this picture a lot, as I'm mostly using age as a very imperfect proxy for maturity here. I have no idea how Hayes would fit into this, as he is very young but has pro basketball experience already, but he's high on my own board. Not sure how Okoro fits into this schema either but he'd be the other guy in my personal top 10.

I'm personally not super high on Toppin (too one-sided), Ball (too much of a wildcard), or Wiseman (not a great fit), so ideally I hope we get the 4th pick and those three guys go 1-3 so we can have our pick of all the rest. But even if we stay at #10, those three should go before our pick, so we will be able to get one of the other 7 guys I've named here. So wth here's my personal board:

Hope they go before us: Ball, Wiseman, Toppin
Would be thrilled: Haliburton, Okongwu, Hayes
Would be very pleased: Avdija, Edwards, Vassell
Would be fine with: Okoro (and would also put Toppin and Ball here)

[Ghost of Kleine]

I did Tankathon and got 1st - 4 times out of 10, 2nd - 2 times, and the rest was 10th.

Question.

If we get top 3. Do we trade out and include someone? if not, who would you draft

#1,2,3?

That's a really good question man! It's difficult primarily with us for two reasons:

1st- This draft doesn't really have a clear cut number 1 prospect.
2- We have multiple needs throughout the roster, With many varying and debatable prospects with optimal individual elite skillsets that could potentially have a beneficial impact on our team. But to answer your question, For my part, I suppose it would be:

1- Melo.
2- Toppin.
3- Hayes.
*** I'd of course shop the pick first ( Just to see what kind of value I could get)! Although, I don't know that even a top 3 pick could get us in this draft. So I'd probably keep the pick, And go from there! But IF I WAS ADAMANT about trading back for more value ( veteran/ additional assets), I'd probably entertain one of these trades:

1- Phoenix/ New York
Phoenix trades a top 3 pick to New York for a pick swap ( 6th pick) / The 27th pick/ and the DALLAS 2021 UNPROTECTED FIRST.
Then I'd look to trade Oubre/ Okobo to Atlanta for the 4th pick. (* Now we have the 4th, 6th, 25th pick).
4- Draft Hayes.
6- Draft *Toppin.*
27- Draft Daniel Oturu.
Using the space from moving Oubre, We sign Gallinari, Then add Justin Holiday ( MLE). Resign Baynes ( 1 yr deal).

- Rubio/Hayes/ Payne.
-Booker/ Holiday/ Carter.
- Bridges/ Cam / Holiday.
- Gallinari/ Toppin/ Cam .
- Ayton/ Baynes/ Oturu.

2- Phoenix/ Detroit/ Philly
Part A) Phoenix trades a Top 3 pick to Detroit for Kennard and the the 5th overall pick.
5- Draft Hayes.
Part B) Phoenix flips Kennard to Philly for Richardson/ Broekhoff ( budget Kennard)/ 19th pick.
19- Draft Achiuwa or Reed. Then buy a 2nd for Oturu or Carey ( center depth).
Sign Crowder ( MLE) ( 1 yr deal).
Bring back Baynes ( 1 yr deal).

- Rubio/ Hayes/ Payne.
- Booker/ Richardson/ Carter.
- Bridges/ Crowder/ Cam
- Cam/ Oubre/ Bridges.
- Ayton/ Baynes/ Oturu.

3- Phoenix/ Boston
Phoenix trades a Top 3 pick to Boston for Marcus Smart/ 14th/ 26th picks.
14- Draft Aaron Nesmith.
26-Draft Tyler Bey.
** Buy a 2nd round pick for Oturu.
Sign Crowder ( MLE) and Baynes (1 yr deals).

- Rubio/ Smart/ Payne.
- Booker/ Nesmith/ Jerome.
- Bridges/ T Bey/ Cam.
- Cam/ Oubre/ T Bey.
- Ayton/ Baynes/ Oturu.