2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[cberry78]

Of those mediocre players you want to ax...One was a lotto pick and the other two were early second rounders..... oko was picked by us at 31
Whoops ... true story

Josh Jackson was a lotto pick.
Dragan Bender was a lotto pick.
Marquese Chriss was a lotto pick.

Just sayin'.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Of those mediocre players you want to ax...One was a lotto pick and the other two were early second rounders..... oko was picked by us at 31
Whoops ... true story

So what? What have any of those players really contributed so far? let's be honest k, Not all drafts produce the same caliber of prospects, And not all have the same outcome or trajectory just based on their range. Individual success varies, and is highly situational. So if a player isn't productive or making an impact, Then of course we should be considering alternatives.

And for just as many late firsts/ 2nd rounders that either flame out or don't progress well ( situationally), There are still a fair number that end up either being steals, highly impactful for their teams, or at the very least outplay their contracts. The lower the contractual cost, the greater the likelihood of that prospect being able to outplay their contractual price, And thusly be viewed as a positive outcome (asset). Also, The whole premise of this is for us to fill positional depth at areas of need with low cost contractually controlled depth. This allows us to actually apply more of our cap space to a higher tier of impactful free agents. So again, this is actually beneficial for us man. Also, adding maybe 2-3 rookie prospects at the end of the bench isn't going to have that much of a dramatic effect on our team's continuity man.

[Frank Lee]

That’s just reality ... draft = crap shoot... yet every suggestion you make involves acquiring multiple picks to plug and play. We may find an extra draft pick, and we will certainly invite some undrafted rooks to the off season practice squad.... but who knows really as there will likely be no ‘summer league’ to run some games with the unproven hopefuls. Expecting positive contribution is long odds, as most of theses kids are in the 2 yr finger crossing phase. What Jones did last yr though, was an attempt to bypass as much of the developmental time as he could. Does he do it again?

I’ll bet two rooks sign on... mostly for economics as we, I think, have to have 15 signed. Right now, keeping who we have inked, including Payne and LeQ? , we still need 6 more.

[Kerrsed]

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Pretty interesting to see a legit site posting their mock with trades included. You see that on fansite blogs, not one of the major draft sites. For them to do that it makes me wonder if they have more info than they are letting on. I mean with rumblings that Teams are already talking to agents about players in FA, it wouldnt surprise me if draft day trades are already pretty much agreed upon and teams are just biding time before they announce it.

The MIN/CHA trade seems rather plausible. While i dont think that any team should be stupid enough to trade a future unprotected 1st to move up (Let alone just move up 2 spots), it does seem like a very Hornets thing to do, specially if its for a guy they really have faith in like Wiseman.

The SAS/ATL trade is REAL interesting. I mean the Spurs would be getting out of the DeRozan business, but i would think they could get a much higher return than just moving up 5 spots in a weak draft. So i dont see why exactly they do this. But i do see why Atlanta does it (It would be a great move for them and very slick), and it would help us by taking up valuable Atlanta capspace and taking them out of the FA market.

[Ghost of Kleine]

[

Spoiler:

quote="Frank Lee"]That’s just reality ... draft = crap shoot... yet every suggestion you make involves acquiring multiple picks to plug and play. We may find an extra draft pick, and we will certainly invite some undrafted rooks to the off season practice squad.... but who knows really as there will likely be no ‘summer league’ to run some games with the unproven hopefuls. Expecting positive contribution is long odds, as most of theses kids are in the 2 yr finger crossing phase. What Jones did last yr though, was an attempt to bypass as much of the developmental time as he could. Does he do it again?

I’ll bet two rooks sign on... mostly for economics as we, I think, have to have 15 signed. Right now, keeping who we have inked, including Payne and LeQ? , we still need 6 more.[/quote]

That's a fair perspective. Overall, I just hope for 1 of Lewis/ Terry or Bane ( my overall preference). And a big that can cover both positions ( 4/5) to give us additional low cost value. You're right, I do mention multiple picks in trades, But only because this draft is actually underrated and relatively deep with solid tole players, And we do need depth at multiple positions. I just want to fill that depth as cost effectively as possible on order to give us additional cap flexibility for free agency, and to fill our depth needs so that we won't be as undermanned as we were this past season. I also do see us letting go of Kaminsky/ Okobo/ possibly Diallo and Tyriq Owens. So that's 4 end of bench options that would be replaced by 2-3 cheap contracts that might provide us with better production than what those previous players did. And IF by some chance they don't, Then the risk was minimal due to their low contractual cost.

But if they hit, Even moderately, Then we'll have positive trade assets to include in a bigger deal, that may supplant our need to otherwise include a core piece? Plus, IF the rumors of the league possibly shutting down the G league this season and increasing roster size to 17 ( for additional potential covid replacement players) to be held on rosters, Then we can focus on in house development/ chemistry within the team environment?

[Saberestar]

Shoot.... there’s 30-40 can’t missers and another 20 sure things in this draft

According to some(one) anyways




Draft fever is comically running rampant.



Just how many rookies do you think will be on this upcoming roster? ... I got the o/u at 2.5

Under. One rookie at most.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Shoot.... there’s 30-40 can’t missers and another 20 sure things in this draft

According to some(one) anyways




Draft fever is comically running rampant.



Just how many rookies do you think will be on this upcoming roster? ... I got the o/u at 2.5

Under. One rookie at most.

Yeah 1.5 should be the over/under. There's a chance they sign a UDFA as a 15th man type. Hell I'd say there's a better chance that number is 0 than 3.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

Shoot.... there’s 30-40 can’t missers and another 20 sure things in this draft

According to some(one) anyways




Draft fever is comically running rampant.



Just how many rookies do you think will be on this upcoming roster? ... I got the o/u at 2.5

Under. One rookie at most.

Yeah 1.5 should be the over/under. There's a chance they sign a UDFA as a 15th man type. Hell I'd say there's a better chance that number is 0 than 3.

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I'm going against the grain on this ( As expected) with 2 (Guard/ Big), Perhaps even three IF you consider an undrafted two way contract ( To the GLeague) player which will either replace Owen's or Lecque to be called up if necessary.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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[bwgood77]

Last offseason we signed Rubio, drafted Jerome, traded for Carter and signed Payne late.

I think them drafting a PG will depend on several factors:

Do they view Rubio as a long term piece?
Are they a believe in Jerome for the future?
Do they believe that Payne can be solid and a part of our future?
Do they want to keep Carter?

If all or even the Rubio and two of the other three are true, I think it would be less likely they take a PG, unless they can get their hands on Haliburton, who could be great off ball as well.

Carter plays off ball, or at least that's the role he plays best, but I don't view him as more of a 3rd string guard on a good team. I don't think he should/could be a backup 1 or 2 on a good team.

But if they believe Jerome and/or Payne can be, that may make them lean toward Vassell if he slips, or possibly Bane.

But, if they feel they need to replace Rubio in 2 years it's more likely they take a guy like Terry or Lewis, though I'd be surprised if they view either as long term starter material.

[Djedefre]

That should be irrelevant. A guy like Hayes, Terry or even Kira can easily split his minutes 50/50 between PG&SG. Jerome is Jones' flop, that's painfully obvious. Rubio is not a long term answer, and if we can't acquire a top PG via trade or FA, our best (and probably only viable) option might be to use him as some kind of a mentor and placeholder for one of the guys mentioned above and hope to have a smooth succession in 2 or 3 years. Maybe then we'll finally have a legit force at PG spot.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Don't overthink it, draft the best prospect. Other than Booker there isn't a player on this current roster that should factor into their decision m

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[bwgood77]

Don't overthink it, draft the best prospect. Other than Booker there isn't a player on this current roster that should factor into their decision m

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Well, the question will be who is the best prospect and of those in the same tier, you want the best fit and someone who might get playing time if he's ready.

Every team in this draft probably values guys differently, as do the the draft analysts studying them for media or discussion purposes.

I still probably wouldn't take Edwards or Wiseman at the top, even if they were thought of as the best prospects, because I don't think they are enough of a margin better right now or a sure thing to turn into something better than someone like Avdija or others...even Haliburton or probably Toppin.

[sunsbg]

Hayes is very intriguing. A guy compared to Harden and Ginobili two years ago turned out to be a pretty good player in this league.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Don't overthink it, draft the best prospect. Other than Booker there isn't a player on this current roster that should factor into their decision m

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Well, the question will be who is the best prospect and of those in the same tier, you want the best fit and someone who might get playing time if he's ready.

Every team in this draft probably values guys differently, as do the the draft analysts studying them for media or discussion purposes.

I still probably wouldn't take Edwards or Wiseman at the top, even if they were thought of as the best prospects, because I don't think they are enough of a margin better right now or a sure thing to turn into something better than someone like Avdija or others...even Haliburton or probably Toppin.

It does vary a little with where you're picking. Like top 5 or so absolutely take the best prospect because you expect them to be impact guys and if you're picking that high you can probably replace your current players. Worrying about fit early is how you take Bagley over Doncic because you have Fox.

Later in the draft I'd mostly draft BPA too because you shouldn't count on them anyway so roll the dice and hope for the best.

Middle of the draft is where you maybe look fit a little more but still you have a guy on a rookie contract for 4yrs (plus restricted rights from there) and teams turnover the majority of their rosters in 4 years so what looks like a logjam today might not be very soon.

Now the reality is teams will say BPA but they definitely do consider needs. I'm just saying it can get you in trouble.

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[Kerrsed]

The thing that sucks about drafting the best prospect is that if he doesnt fit a position of need, then he will get very very few minutes and will most likely fail because of not getting playing time. He will most likely just rot on the bench. Its the Rondo Paradox. I know many dont like him, but you cant deny that he has been a great PG in the past. We drafted him and traded it to Boston for cash. He would have most likely been stuck on the bench behind Nash and Barbosa. Wouldnt have had the opportunity to develop. But since Boston needed a PG, they were able to start him almost right away, giving him valuable playing time to develop his craft with real minutes in real games. If we would have kept him, he wouldnt be near the player he became, all because he fit a position of need elsewhere.

I feel like if we draft a wing (SF to be more specific), he will be stuck in that situation, logjammed behind Oubre (While he is here), Bridges, and Johnson. A SG is going to be stifled somewhat as well. Booker is our star and will get all the minutes he can handle, so a SG will only be looking at a handful of minutes when Booker rests. But thats ok if thats the type of player we are looking for, like his ceiling being a reserve 2 guard, just make sure he is the best reserve SG that he can be.

At PG we have Rubio, but he is up there in age so we can be looking for our PG of the future, so i understand drafting a PG. I would be ecstatic if Payne can be that guy. Was a big fan of him coming into the league and was really surprised he failed out (and so quickly). But then again he was drafted by a team with a star PG and a decent back-up (Westbrook & Augustin). Next stop was Chicago, and they really didnt have a need. Dunn was their supposed PG of the future and they put a lot of time into trying to develop him, but LaVine also spent quite a few minutes leading the team. So he hasnt had a real opportunity. He got that in the bubble and outshined all of our other PG's (Okobo & Jerome). The way he played in the bubble...... if he can keep that up, i think he would be great in the reserve role until Rubio retires or is traded. But i still wouldnt be opposed to drafting a guy, because its more than obvious that Okobo and Jerome are just not it.

I think if we go the PF or C route, they could very well be in for some solid developmental minutes. A C would be in line for some solid back-up minutes behind Ayton. Im in the camp that believes that Baynes is already gone. Diallo has been somewhat serviceable, but is limited in what he can do. He's good in the paint, maybe even great, but the further he gets away from the rim, the worse he gets. A PF is in somewhat the same situation. We need to cut Frank ASAP. Free up that cash. Im ok with Dario coming back, so a PF would be either backing him up or possibly competing for minutes with him. But the difference with the PF and C spot is that we have guys like Oubre (If he is still here) and Bridges that can help cover minutes at PF.

So long story short, yes, BPA, but we also have a somewhat need at 4 different positions, so i would look for that BPA at those 4 spots rather than just grabbing a SF because he is "Overall BPA".

[Ghost of Kleine]

98.7 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) Tweeted:
Who should the Suns draft?
https://t.co/mbEujHgcIj

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https://arizonasports.com/story/2430545/empire-of-the-suns-nba-draft-big-board-3-0-final-pre-draft-rankings/

10. Grant Riller, PG, Charleston, 23 years old (▼3)
The lack of competition and size must still be spooking teams on Riller, or they’re all going rogue on ranking him highly in the hopes of stealing him. His rise late in the process has not come.

Riller is one the most shifty and explosive ball-handlers we’ve seen in the last couple of years when it comes to the handle, and he’s the best finisher around the rim in this class. Anthony Edwards and he are so far away from this class’ third-best guard when it comes to an offensive skillset right now. It’s not close. At all.

The Suns don’t have another ball-handler outside of Booker that can consistently create offense. That’s not a huge problem right now, but boy is it going to keep becoming a bigger one until they solve it. Riller would at least help their progress in solving that.

Glad to see Riller is finally starting to get some recognition. And I hope that the suns are keeping an eye on him too.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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Rashad Phillips (@RP3natural) Tweeted:
Just to add some clarity to how dominate of a scorer Mason Jones really is:

36pts against LSU 10/17fg 4/6 from three
37pts against Tenn 11/17fg 3/7 from three
40pts against Auburn 12/24 5/12 from three
30pts against Bama 10/20fg 4/7 from three
41pts against Tulsa 12/18fg 5/11 https://t.co/ZdHcPJo2VB

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Intriguing two way contract/ undrafted consideration. As a really cheap microwave scorer. Although I'd really prefer Sam Merrill, Mason is a really potent ISO scorer, kind of in the Cory Maggette mold. But still improving. He's going to be a very solid microwave scorer for some team.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://nypost.com/2020/10/28/kira-lewis-on-knicks-radar-as-2020-nba-draft-approaches/

Kira Lewis on Knicks’ radar as 2020 NBA Draft approaches

By Marc Berman

October 28, 2020 | 7:49pm

The FaceTime call to Alabama coach Nate Oats came from Miami. On the other end were Oats’ former point guard, Kira Lewis Jr., Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, general manager Scott Perry and senior VP William Wesley.

They were all having dinner Monday night in Miami and wanted to clue in Oats on the good time they were enjoying.

Yes, the Knicks are serious about Lewis, the 6-foot-3 speed demon who has climbed up draft boards during the pandemic. Under new NBA guidelines, the Knicks are allowed 10 in-person workouts. Lewis became one of them.

Whether the Knicks are looking at Lewis with the No. 8-overall pick if Killian Hayes is off the board or — more likely — in a trade back, still is unclear with the draft not until Nov. 18.

So IF the Knicks do in fact take Lewis at 8, Who do you guys hope it pushes down to us? Or who out of the remaining Bane/ Terry/ Other? Do you guys really want IF Kira gets taken.