NBA Draft and NCAA Basketball

[bwgood77]

My gut tells me we land around 5 and take Jackson or maybe Young unless Payton is just a super stud...then Jackson. Those two guys seem like guys McD would love. If Porter passes the tests, I think he'd love him too but that depends on his plans for Chriss and Bender and where to play them and their long term futures...

Though he is still listed as a SF too so if McD thinks of him that way then I think he might pass on him not just for that but with that and his injury concerns.

You'd think most anyone would have Doncic and Ayton 1/2 but who knows with McD these days?

I am really high on Bagley because I think about him as a C in the NBA. He is relentless fighting for rebounds and an athletic freak who knows how to play around the rim. He reminds me of Amare a little bit too.

He is decent shooting the ball already, his form looks good to me and I think he is gonna be better at that.

He is a legit 6'11, runs the floor like a gazelle and has a high motor on both sides of the court.

I think he can probably be somewhat like Amare. But today the NBA is a bit difference. Without shooting, or at least defense and rim protection there, we will really continue to be the worst defensive team in the league.

I'll be happy with him, particularly if it's outside the top 5, but with the top few picks I'm not sure I'd be that happy.

[bwgood77]

How the draft should looks like for every team to be happy:

SAC - Doncic
If someone could succeed in this dysfunctional team it is Luka. He should also find connection with Vlade and Bogdan.

ATL - Ayton
Ayton needs a good coach to reach his ceiling and Hawks can offer it.

DAL - Bagley
He could form exciting pick-and-roll duo with Dennis Smith, would have great coach and Dirk as mentor.

ORL - Young
Magic gets point guard they need.

PHO - Jackson
We needs defense and shooting. Also JJJ is very young but mature player with good bbiq, great motor and is son of former player. McD must love him.

MEM - Porter
Defensive oriented team gets great scorer and shooter. If healthy Marc-Mike-Michael trio could fight for playoffs.

CLE - Bamba
Cavs enters post-LeBron era drafting high potential freak. If they wants to stay competitive they may draft one of Bridges instead and Chicago would happily take Bamba then.

I'll be stoked with all but Bamba and Bagley but still really excited about them as well considering they are still among many people's top prospects. I have concerns, but I thought Bagley was probably the clear cut #1 when he reclassified before his weaknesses shows. But his strengths are dominating in a prime Amare type way.

My gut tells me we land around 5 and take Jackson or maybe Young unless Payton is just a super stud...then Jackson. Those two guys seem like guys McD would love. If Porter passes the tests, I think he'd love him too but that depends on his plans for Chriss and Bender and where to play them and their long term futures...

Though he is still listed as a SF too so if McD thinks of him that way then I think he might pass on him not just for that but with that and his injury concerns.

You'd think most anyone would have Doncic and Ayton 1/2 but who knows with McD these days?

I think I'd be stoked with any of these players.

Y'all don't remember what it was like when we were drafting in the twenties every year. You're stuck in the rough, where a "diamond" may be. But when you're looking at the top prospects year in, year out, and knowing that if they're good, you won't be able to sign him for 9 years? That suuucks. Unless you're competing for a championship.

If you're not trying to win it all, you better be swimming in lottery balls, I say.

Glad you'd be stoked. Last year you couldn't find anyone you liked near the top. I guess perhaps for good reason, though most rookies usually struggle as rookies.

[Qwigglez]

I didn't mean anything about the numbers when comparing Young and Ball, just the hype and thinking they will become transcendent players in the league. I just think Young is too small and lacks explosion and quickness. Sure he releases quickly on his jumper, but it won't help when the guards in the NBA have longer wingspans. Just my opinion, but I don't see Curry-like speed, handles, or maneuverability. Not really sure who to compare him to, and I'll happily eat crow if he proves he's anything but maybe an average PG in the league.

Hopefully the Suns just land a big, I'll be taking a closer look at JJJ, since honestly I haven't watched hardly any footage of him yet.

I think a lot of people are still very high on Ball. He was averaging 10,7,7 and 1.5. He isn't shooting well to say the least but about half his shots are 3s and he does shoot over 30% so that might improve.

But besides the great assists and boards, and steals, people were most impressed so far with his defense. Per b-ref, he has a drtg of 105 and a DBPM of 2.4. For comparison purposes, Josh Jackson has a 113 and a -1.6 in those categories.

Josh shoots a little better, but Lonzo kills him in every other stat, and it's not particularly close, 7-4 rpg, 7-1 ast/g, double the steals and blocks, etc. I guess per 36 most are closer but Ball still ahead in all, particularly assists obviously.

Make no mistake though. I'd rather have Josh.

But I'm just pointing out I wouldn't call Ball a bust yet unless you are ready to call Josh one. Now of course the Dad's another issue.

Not knocking Ball's game at all. He's definitely a decent player. He's that glue guy on the team. I wouldn't count on him in crunch time to get a basket though. Easy setup for defense if he does, just everyone stick on your guy, kind of like how the Spurs would isolate Nash and make him score, so he doesn't get others involved. Anyway, yeah his Dad makes him very unappealing. Glad he's with the Lakers, I would want to to trade him just because of Lavar.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

My gut tells me we land around 5 and take Jackson or maybe Young unless Payton is just a super stud...then Jackson. Those two guys seem like guys McD would love. If Porter passes the tests, I think he'd love him too but that depends on his plans for Chriss and Bender and where to play them and their long term futures...

Though he is still listed as a SF too so if McD thinks of him that way then I think he might pass on him not just for that but with that and his injury concerns.

You'd think most anyone would have Doncic and Ayton 1/2 but who knows with McD these days?

I am really high on Bagley because I think about him as a C in the NBA. He is relentless fighting for rebounds and an athletic freak who knows how to play around the rim. He reminds me of Amare a little bit too.

He is decent shooting the ball already, his form looks good to me and I think he is gonna be better at that.

He is a legit 6'11, runs the floor like a gazelle and has a high motor on both sides of the court.

I think he can probably be somewhat like Amare. But today the NBA is a bit difference. Without shooting, or at least defense and rim protection there, we will really continue to be the worst defensive team in the league.

I'll be happy with him, particularly if it's outside the top 5, but with the top few picks I'm not sure I'd be that happy.

I do think a dominant P&R game still has a place in the modern NBA, though it is conspicuous that the best to ever do it - Stockton/Malone and Nash/Amare - did not actually win any titles.

I think the thing I like most about Bagley is how obvious it seems that he'll put in the work it takes to be great. Though I do wonder if Bender/Bagley a good pairing. Seems to me your best off putting Bender next to either a true big or a dynamic big 4. Even better is having both options, which is why I really want to see Bender/Chriss work out.

If it's Bender/Chriss on the court, Bender has to be the 5. Chriss just doesn't have the height and length to protect the rim in the half court. Bender has to be okay getting beat up down low sometimes, as long as he's putting effort in to deny guys their spots. But if Chriss is at the 4 and he doesn't have a paint-clogging big behind him, he needs to move his feet a LOT better. He needs to defend without fouling, so he can stay on the court, and slide into the game.

[thamadkant]

Amare was strong and explosive... Bagley is finesse with good aggressiveness.. The Bosh comparison is good.

JJJ is a beast IMO.. A poor man's Anthony Davis in my books... Can't dribble as well But with better 3pt shooting already. That shot blocking range and athleticism is great combo today.

[kennydorglas]

I dont think Bagley can be a 5 in the nba tho
That's why he isnt higher on my board.

we already lack a lot of length on this team, getting him to play in the 5 would just kill us.

[sunsbg]

Nbadraft.net with pretty strange ranking now. JJJ - 2nd, Carter - 6th, Young/Bamba - 7th/8th. Only constant is Porter, who they have never moved from the 3rd spot.

[Qwigglez]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I couldn't take him over doncic but I do see porter as a realistic top 3 guy. You need multiple all stars to truely compete and his cieling is certainly that. The injury and just lack of seeing him do it in college is scary but the tool set to be special can't be denied.

[lilfishi22]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I'm with you. I'd take Porter #1 and I think a lot of people would if not for his injury and having no college ball for evaluation. If he's medically cleared, he's my clear #1 even though it would create a potential log jam at the 3/4 spot. MPJ is a guy who I think would be a nightmare to guard in the NBA, similar to KD. He's just long, very athletic, can shoot the hell out of the ball and play defense. I think it was oddity who wrote that MPJ is like a 6'10 Tatum which I can see but I also see some PG in him too. Coming out of that draft, I was a huge Tatum fan (equal with JJ) so getting an opportunity at an elite prospect who reminds me of Tatum makes me super excited. I absolutely see a a potential Durant/Klay/Iggy/Draymond comparisons in MPJ/Booker/JJ/Bender. Not saying they'll live up to that but that play style could be replicated with these players.

If we're in the top 3, I'd be happy with MPJ, Ayton or Doncic.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I'm with you. I'd take Porter #1 and I think a lot of people would if not for his injury and having no college ball for evaluation. If he's medically cleared, he's my clear #1 even though it would create a potential log jam at the 3/4 spot. MPJ is a guy who I think would be a nightmare to guard in the NBA, similar to KD. He's just long, very athletic, can shoot the hell out of the ball and play defense. I think it was oddity who wrote that MPJ is like a 6'10 Tatum which I can see but I also see some PG in him too. Coming out of that draft, I was a huge Tatum fan (equal with JJ) so getting an opportunity at an elite prospect who reminds me of Tatum makes me super excited. I absolutely see a a potential Durant/Klay/Iggy/Draymond comparisons in MPJ/Booker/JJ/Bender. Not saying they'll live up to that but that play style could be replicated with these players.

If we're in the top 3, I'd be happy with MPJ, Ayton or Doncic.

If we had the chance to take any one of these three players, and we passed, and they realized their potential...

That would hurt.

... Is JJJ on that list? Is Young?? And what about Marvin Bagley??

I think is a helluva class. It's not my big spin!

[lilfishi22]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I'm with you. I'd take Porter #1 and I think a lot of people would if not for his injury and having no college ball for evaluation. If he's medically cleared, he's my clear #1 even though it would create a potential log jam at the 3/4 spot. MPJ is a guy who I think would be a nightmare to guard in the NBA, similar to KD. He's just long, very athletic, can shoot the hell out of the ball and play defense. I think it was oddity who wrote that MPJ is like a 6'10 Tatum which I can see but I also see some PG in him too. Coming out of that draft, I was a huge Tatum fan (equal with JJ) so getting an opportunity at an elite prospect who reminds me of Tatum makes me super excited. I absolutely see a a potential Durant/Klay/Iggy/Draymond comparisons in MPJ/Booker/JJ/Bender. Not saying they'll live up to that but that play style could be replicated with these players.

If we're in the top 3, I'd be happy with MPJ, Ayton or Doncic.

If we had the chance to take any one of these three players, and we passed, and they realized their potential...

That would hurt.

... Is JJJ on that list? Is Young?? And what about Marvin Bagley??

I think is a helluva class. It's not my big spin!

I don't have them in my top 3 currently. Bagley, Young and JJJ rounds out my top 6. It's a ridiculous class.

[thamadkant]

I didn't mean anything about the numbers when comparing Young and Ball, just the hype and thinking they will become transcendent players in the league. I just think Young is too small and lacks explosion and quickness. Sure he releases quickly on his jumper, but it won't help when the guards in the NBA have longer wingspans. Just my opinion, but I don't see Curry-like speed, handles, or maneuverability. Not really sure who to compare him to, and I'll happily eat crow if he proves he's anything but maybe an average PG in the league.

Hopefully the Suns just land a big, I'll be taking a closer look at JJJ, since honestly I haven't watched hardly any footage of him yet.

I think a lot of people are still very high on Ball. He was averaging 10,7,7 and 1.5. He isn't shooting well to say the least but about half his shots are 3s and he does shoot over 30% so that might improve.

But besides the great assists and boards, and steals, people were most impressed so far with his defense. Per b-ref, he has a drtg of 105 and a DBPM of 2.4. For comparison purposes, Josh Jackson has a 113 and a -1.6 in those categories.

Josh shoots a little better, but Lonzo kills him in every other stat, and it's not particularly close, 7-4 rpg, 7-1 ast/g, double the steals and blocks, etc. I guess per 36 most are closer but Ball still ahead in all, particularly assists obviously.

Make no mistake though. I'd rather have Josh.

But I'm just pointing out I wouldn't call Ball a bust yet unless you are ready to call Josh one. Now of course the Dad's another issue.

Not knocking Ball's game at all. He's definitely a decent player. He's that glue guy on the team. I wouldn't count on him in crunch time to get a basket though. Easy setup for defense if he does, just everyone stick on your guy, kind of like how the Spurs would isolate Nash and make him score, so he doesn't get others involved. Anyway, yeah his Dad makes him very unappealing. Glad he's with the Lakers, I would want to to trade him just because of Lavar.

Ball is a good player.. Don't get me wrong. I rather have Payton because he doesn't have the baggage. But I see them as about equal right now so it means Ball will probably surpass him in a few years.

Ball is a smart player and high IQ for sure... He will find ways to contribute. He will improve his 3pt shooting and he will make a living being a top assist guy with 2 plus 3 pointers a game for many years.


Jackson will likely be better if he continues this trend... The confidence is something you see from a star player... And it's important..

[Qwigglez]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I'm with you. I'd take Porter #1 and I think a lot of people would if not for his injury and having no college ball for evaluation. If he's medically cleared, he's my clear #1 even though it would create a potential log jam at the 3/4 spot. MPJ is a guy who I think would be a nightmare to guard in the NBA, similar to KD. He's just long, very athletic, can shoot the hell out of the ball and play defense. I think it was oddity who wrote that MPJ is like a 6'10 Tatum which I can see but I also see some PG in him too. Coming out of that draft, I was a huge Tatum fan (equal with JJ) so getting an opportunity at an elite prospect who reminds me of Tatum makes me super excited. I absolutely see a a potential Durant/Klay/Iggy/Draymond comparisons in MPJ/Booker/JJ/Bender. Not saying they'll live up to that but that play style could be replicated with these players.

If we're in the top 3, I'd be happy with MPJ, Ayton or Doncic.

Definitely feel this is my big board too right now, and completely agree with the potential. I wish Porter Jr had played this season just to see what he is capable of, however at the same time, I'm pretty confident that his game translates well to the NBA and if we slip in the draft we should still have an opportunity to grab him.

Didn't Kyrie Irving only play like 9 games in college because of a ankle injury or something, and yet he was still drafted No 1? I would take that risk with Porter Jr.

[thamadkant]

Michael Porter would be a good pick too but back injuries are just one of those things. He's missed out on a long time from playing and that will show on his first season in the NBA. If Suns had 2 picks in the top 10 and he's there around pick 7... I would take him for sure.


But Ayton and JJJ would fit so well next to Booker Jackson Payton and one of Bender/Chriss... Bender lol

[Qwigglez]

Read on Twitter

Not that impressed with his lifting abilities to be honest. However, having never lifted in his life, this guy could fill out very nicely. Where's Jmac to talk about Ayton's fitness level?

[bwgood77]

I keep flipping on who I want the most in this draft. I want Ayton the most, but because we have the worse luck I would definitely settle on Porter Jr, and actually feel I want him more. These are the only two guys I want in this draft, however I wouldn't mind getting JJJ either.

Reason I like Porter Jr so much is because I'm thinking long-term, him and Booker will be dynamite. When it comes to the playoffs, and just in crunch time in general I see Porter Jr being able to shoot off the dribble. Jackson, Warren, Payton, Bender aren't reliable off the dribble in my opinion, at least when it comes to isolated plays coming from the three. Being able to shoot 3's off the dribble is one of the toughest things to do and I think having two players being able to do that makes our team lethal. Warriors have Durant and Steph, Cavs had Lebron and Irving, Heat used to have Lebron/Wade. Then on top of Booker/Porter Jr being able to drive, shoot off the dribble, they can also distribute to Bender, Jackson, Payton, who I feel are capable catch and shoot 3 point shooters. His passing ability and ball-handling look so fluid for a 6'10 player that I can't see him being anything less than all-star.

Anyway, this is why I'm sold on Porter Jr, as long as he's medically cleared. If we actually end up getting the No 1 pick I would be torn on taking him or Ayton.

I'm with you. I'd take Porter #1 and I think a lot of people would if not for his injury and having no college ball for evaluation. If he's medically cleared, he's my clear #1 even though it would create a potential log jam at the 3/4 spot. MPJ is a guy who I think would be a nightmare to guard in the NBA, similar to KD. He's just long, very athletic, can shoot the hell out of the ball and play defense. I think it was oddity who wrote that MPJ is like a 6'10 Tatum which I can see but I also see some PG in him too. Coming out of that draft, I was a huge Tatum fan (equal with JJ) so getting an opportunity at an elite prospect who reminds me of Tatum makes me super excited. I absolutely see a a potential Durant/Klay/Iggy/Draymond comparisons in MPJ/Booker/JJ/Bender. Not saying they'll live up to that but that play style could be replicated with these players.

If we're in the top 3, I'd be happy with MPJ, Ayton or Doncic.

In my other poll about lineups with potential rookies, I picked Doncic and MPJ. I think they complement us best, particularly in a league where you need to stretch the floor and have shooters and/or more play makers and bigs that can't either shoot, protect the rim, or both. JJJ of course can do both, so he's interesting. I think if we want a true big they are pretty easy to come by now for pretty cheap in free agency. I know Ayton could be a game changer, so I'll be happy with him but I think other guys fit today's NBA better. I do hope if we get Ayton our guards really feed him the ball a lot and get him involved so he can flourish. He could score at a high % as long as people are getting him the ball often, so I hope if we get him they know feeding him is probably the easiest way for us to come by points.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Not that impressed with his lifting abilities to be honest. However, having never lifted in his life, this guy could fill out very nicely. Where's Jmac to talk about Ayton's fitness level?

If that kind of body comes so naturally for him and he's never had to work hard to get where he is, that is kind of a concern for me. Not just it on it's own, but watching AZ this year I just kind of get let down watching him. He's really good but sometimes I feel he isn't the guy who is REALLY going to work hard and put in the effort to get better. I thought AZ would dominate. They don't, and they have a fairly loaded team around him too.

[Qwigglez]

I've been pretty adamant about getting players who want to be the best. Not just say that though, because I bet most lottery picked players say that, but actually work hard and show that Kobe Bryant like dedication. Booker seems to want it most, and Jackson too. Warren is still improving, but he won't ever be a top 50 player unless he starts nailing threes. Len doesn't want it enough, Bender gets lackadaisical quite often, but has recently been improving. So my biggest worry with Ayton is in line with your biggest worry about him. However, part of me feels like maybe he just hasn't had to overcome some kind of adversity yet, and when he will he will thrive.

[kennydorglas]

Hard to believe that Ayton never lifted before AZ.