College basketball and 2017 draft - One more poll after last game

[DirtyDez]

Lavar and Magic must have a deal in place. Start spewing the most ridiculous **** possible to scare teams off if the Lakers don't have #1. Otherwise wow pops is delusional. It's not even silly anymore.

[Kerrsed]

Jeeze, seems like there is more and more every damn day!

http://brobible.com/sports/article/lavar-ball-lebron-james-sons-basketball-whack/

[sunsbum]

I don't care about his dad at all. TBH hes doing a really good job of getting his son drafted high with all the media attention. I just think Lonzo himself isn't good. I don't see it. So A+ for the dad c- for the son.

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

[blee732]

Took a stab at the radar/spider charts (link above). Definitely not as detailed as what kennydorglas posted, I straight copied the ratings from nbadraft.net, everything is on a scale of 1 to 10 (here's a link to Fultz - http://www.nbadraft.net/players/markelle-fultz).

[Christine-In-AZ]

My pre-tourney Suns draft board

1. Fultz
2. Smith Jr.
3. Jackson
4. Tatum
5. Ntilikina
6. Fox
7. Monk
8. Isaac
9. Markkanen
10.Ball

If drafting at #2 for Smith Jr. or at #5 for Ntilikina I'd be looking for trade down options

[SlovenianDragon]

I don't care about his dad at all. TBH hes doing a really good job of getting his son drafted high with all the media attention. I just think Lonzo himself isn't good. I don't see it. So A+ for the dad c- for the son.

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

Sadly the way most of us like to see things usually inst how things are. Even with his father all over the media people still project him to be 1 or 2. And TBH he hasnt really shown anything ive thought was worth a high pick. So his dad putting his name in the media all the time has to be good for him. I bet 75% of NBA fans didn't know who the hell he was til his father was all over the news and espn and now every1 drools over him....

Anyways...

Watch on YouTube

[NTB]

http://arizonasports.com/story/1056322/earl-watson-lonzo-ball-complete-opposite-of-dad-lavar/

“My best friend said it best: he said (LaVar) is a marketing machine,” Watson told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “The fact that he says things that people talk about all day is brilliant. I think his son Lonzo said it best, too. He said, ‘My Dad is who he is, I just got play basketball, I can’t worry about who he is.’

“We all figure out through those quotes, especially from Lonzo, you understand that Lonzo is complete opposite, quiet, just plays basketball,” Watson added.

“I saw a quote about LaVar said he could beat Michael Jordan … that was great,” Watson told Doug and Wolf. “We might have to tell his dad he can’t say anything like that until he beats the coaching staff in one-on-one.”

“It’ll die down eventually when the kid gets to the NBA,’ he added. “It’s unique, I guess you should say, for the sport of college basketball.”

[SlovenianDragon]

http://arizonasports.com/story/1056322/earl-watson-lonzo-ball-complete-opposite-of-dad-lavar/

“My best friend said it best: he said (LaVar) is a marketing machine,” Watson told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “The fact that he says things that people talk about all day is brilliant. I think his son Lonzo said it best, too. He said, ‘My Dad is who he is, I just got play basketball, I can’t worry about who he is.’

“We all figure out through those quotes, especially from Lonzo, you understand that Lonzo is complete opposite, quiet, just plays basketball,” Watson added.

“I saw a quote about LaVar said he could beat Michael Jordan … that was great,” Watson told Doug and Wolf. “We might have to tell his dad he can’t say anything like that until he beats the coaching staff in one-on-one.”

“It’ll die down eventually when the kid gets to the NBA,’ he added. “It’s unique, I guess you should say, for the sport of college basketball.”

That's what I'm saying man!!! The mans father is putting in more work than this kid does on the basketball court. Now I'm not saying the kid doesn't give it all on the court I just mean the hype around him is all from his father. The dad is a genius. The kid is an NBA bust. The money comes in regardless.

[bwgood77]

I don't care about his dad at all. TBH hes doing a really good job of getting his son drafted high with all the media attention. I just think Lonzo himself isn't good. I don't see it. So A+ for the dad c- for the son.

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

[SlovenianDragon]

I don't care about his dad at all. TBH hes doing a really good job of getting his son drafted high with all the media attention. I just think Lonzo himself isn't good. I don't see it. So A+ for the dad c- for the son.

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

You are talking about the future and different NBA teams in the future. His father wants the high draft pick and its working. What ever comes after will come. For now, for them, its one step at a time. Get drafted high.

A+ marketing by the father.

[bwgood77]

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

You are talking about the future and different NBA teams in the future. His father wants the high draft pick and its working. What ever comes after will come. For now, for them, its one step at a time. Get drafted high.

A+ marketing by the father.

He was ranked #2 before this. I seriously doubt any team is saying "This dad makes me want to draft him more." Shoe companies will be turned off too. Few people are going to buy that clothing stuff. It's obvious he doesn't know anything about business.

Chad Ford saying the Suns would take him at #1 (before all this) scares me a bit even though I don't know how good that info is. Watson never says anything negative, except about Knight after Knight proved he wasn't helping the team. If Watson said positive things that may enforce somewhat what Ford claims.

If we win the lotto somehow and take him over Fultz I imagine not many here will be particularly happy to say the least.

[sunsbum]

I would like to point out that this dude thinks the world revolves around him. He has much control over what his sons do and just think how easily something can splinter a relationship between dad and front office. Let's look at what we know. His sons all have the same type of first name he does, He thinks he can create a brand, and before said brand has even gotten off the ground he's looking for 50$ shirts and 75$ hats. He says his son is better than Steph Curry. He says He can beat MJ 1 on 1 while scoring 2 PPG at Washington only to take his ball and go home to a smaller school so he "could get his numbers up". All of this things by themselves aren't that bad, but when you look at it as a whole it's worrying to me. Listen to his interviews, he thinks his word is final and true. Now think of this. Suns draft ball, he's not going to start. Not happening. Period. Dad will be in the media calling for him to star from day 1 and will NEVER let up. McD - "Lavar is a great guy but we do what's best for our basketball team and right now Eric bledsoe is our guy". KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM. It's over, relationship severed he'll poison the well. He'll talk to the media, he'll talk into his sons ear. And just like his 2ppg days at Washington state (obtw that wasn't his fault he only scored 2ppg) he'll take his ball and go somewhere else.

[SlovenianDragon]

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

You are talking about the future and different NBA teams in the future. His father wants the high draft pick and its working. What ever comes after will come. For now, for them, its one step at a time. Get drafted high.

A+ marketing by the father.

He was ranked #2 before this. I seriously doubt any team is saying "This dad makes me want to draft him more." Shoe companies will be turned off too. Few people are going to buy that clothing stuff. It's obvious he doesn't know anything about business.

Chad Ford saying the Suns would take him at #1 (before all this) scares me a bit even though I don't know how good that info is. Watson never says anything negative, except about Knight after Knight proved he wasn't helping the team. If Watson said positive things that may enforce somewhat what Ford claims.

If we win the lotto somehow and take him over Fultz I imagine not many here will be particularly happy to say the least.

I don't think any team cares about the father that much good or bad. Its just the hype that surrounds him....

During march madness all the scouts and media going to be surrounding Lonzo like:

Watch on YouTube

I don't even like Lonzo but ill be watching UCLA because of what? The hype train.

We will eventually see what happens to him in the draft and NBA...Maybe ill be forced to eat my own words....I hope not they have a lot of calories.

[Bogyo]

I got in an argument with that newcomer UCLA-fratboy/Lonzo-fanboy a couple pages ago. He sounded like LaVar - decided to ignore him, and he seems to be gone for good.
Besides his dad - and the seriuos issues he can cause, there are still legit questions about his game in my opinon. I'm very curious to see how he reacts/plays when they play better teams with good D, and good individual defenders. Arizona game had him exposed a bit, and if he continues to struggle in march that would be a huge red sign for me. He can run all he wants, and make open jumpers with that funky shot of his against inferior competition, but if he struggles against decent college teams, what is he gonna do against NBA teams? He is not really good in half court sets, struggles with the P'n'R, and can't get a good look (enough time to set up his shooting motion from below the waistline to across his face) with tight D, and not uber-athletic enough to drive home and bang it on the rim protectors.

[Zelaznyrules]

I this you're going for the any attention is good attention look when in a case like this I think it's 100% wrong. I bet you every cent of my wealth no GM is looking forward to dealing with Dad. I do t see how you could make any light ot of this kind of exposure.

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

You are talking about the future and different NBA teams in the future. His father wants the high draft pick and its working. What ever comes after will come. For now, for them, its one step at a time. Get drafted high.

A+ marketing by the father.

Not really. He didn't really get a national podium until long after his son had earned his way into the spotlight and a top 2 draft pedigree. Ball is legitimately one of the top college freshman ever. Maybe you can make a case his game won't translate to the next level but I don't see how anyone could contest his impact on that Bruins team.

[Frank Lee]

and then there is this..... clearly giving Jackson the edge
1= Fultz
2= Ball
3 = Jackson
4= Tatum
5 = Isaac

[Mulhollanddrive]

DeAaron Fox is peaking at the right time, with a 3 point shot (11 / 30 last 14 games), he is as NBA star worthy as anyone.

We'd have to figure out what to do with Bledsoe though.

[SlovenianDragon]

Yes, this isn't helping. People knew well who Lonzo was before his dad emerged in the national spotlight over the last few weeks. I'm almost certain we will begin to hear that many GMs are hesitant because of this at some point in the future. Maybe not enough for it ultimately to make a difference, and the league and an NBA team would likely be able to insulate him from it to a large extent. I don't remember a dad having much impact or anything for a team. He may come out and say his son should be playing but he will if he earns it and that's the simple fact.

You are talking about the future and different NBA teams in the future. His father wants the high draft pick and its working. What ever comes after will come. For now, for them, its one step at a time. Get drafted high.

A+ marketing by the father.

Ball is legitimately one of the top college freshman ever.

[kennydorglas]

Two raw prospects from Texas (probably for 2018 tho)

Andrew Jones - overall percentile 54th (slightly above average)

Spoiler:

Jarrett Allen - overall percentile 49th (neutral)

Spoiler:

[bhawk]

Just a quick point on Ball and on any of the other top prospects... remember that these guys are all very YOUNG and their games are not perfect. Look at Booker. The comp was Reddick and Klay Thompson... now the comp is Kobe!?! These prospects will all get better with age and NBA experience. What is the foundation or floor that the prospect will build upon? Arguably, this draft class has the highest floor in the last 10 years. We literally can't miss in the top 5 and maybe even the top 10...

The question for me is which prospect (at our pick) will have the highest ceiling? I get that none of prospects will be an All-Star in year 1, 2 or 3... but 4-10 look out! Ball, Fultz, Smith, Tatum, Jackson all have the potential to be perennial all-stars. They all have HIGH ceilings.

Who develop the best? Who has the personality, passion, fire and work-ethic to build upon their god-given foundations? Who LOVES to play basketball? Conversely, which prospects will succumb to the money, fame, women, distractions and NOT develop their games?

On Lonzo Ball... WOW! Great talent, high floor and one of the highest ceilings. He has elite size at the 1. Great vision and facilitation. Great IQ. His shot will get better with time. Lonzo will have a Jason Kidd-like career... maybe better.

But his father really, really sucks. Like SUPER-BAD. I can't remember a meddling blow-hard parent like this... ever. The guy is just an all-around ass-hat. My biggest fear with Lonzo Ball is that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. As Lonzo matures, will he turn into his father and become an entitled, rich, blow-hard, arrogant jerk-off? I hope not.