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

[DirtyDez]

I'm embarrassed for Romar and Fultz.

Can someone rescue Michael Porter?

[thamadkant]

Many of the internet posters (here and elsewhere) did but "everybody" doesn't work. It was obvious to many of us that we played our best when Thomas was on the court and I know I wasn't alone in supporting him. Unfortunately, there was a lot of loud pro-Goran support which made it look a little more one-sided than it was.

I was always a fan of his but didn't think he was right for the team or a particularly good signing. I think many people knew he was a good player but not the right fit when we had two point guards already.

I want us to draft Lonzo but I have already accepted that we will end up drafting Malik

Yes, Thomas is a great scorer, but I have never been a fan of guys who dribbled the whole shot clock and dumped it for a potential assist a the end only when they couldn't get their own. I want team ball.

I don't like freelance basketball from individuals on a consistent basis. It's not a recipe for success in the playoffs. I could argue that Barkley cost the team in the playoffs because of it.

Then I can assume you dont like Bledsoe, Knight and Booker.
Because I too hate ISOs.... Unless the player is so good at it that it leads to wins.... Like Harden or early Lebron James....

Suns is is the worst ball movement team IMO... Considering the amount of usage the backcourt gets

[bwgood77]

I was always a fan of his but didn't think he was right for the team or a particularly good signing. I think many people knew he was a good player but not the right fit when we had two point guards already.

I want us to draft Lonzo but I have already accepted that we will end up drafting Malik

Yes, Thomas is a great scorer, but I have never been a fan of guys who dribbled the whole shot clock and dumped it for a potential assist a the end only when they couldn't get their own. I want team ball.

I don't like freelance basketball from individuals on a consistent basis. It's not a recipe for success in the playoffs. I could argue that Barkley cost the team in the playoffs because of it.

Then I can assume you dont like Bledsoe, Knight and Booker.
Because I too hate ISOs.... Unless the player is so good at it that it leads to wins.... Like Harden or early Lebron James....

Suns is is the worst ball movement team IMO... Considering the amount of usage the backcourt gets

I don't like the way Knight plays, or particularly the way Bledsoe plays, although I think he is a good player. Booker is too young to judge, and he passes and gets more assists at times than I expect from a SG so I like that.

[Blackification]

At least McD has shown he knows how to draft.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Ultimately it looks like McDonough will have 10 first round selections including 7 lottery picks in 1.5 seasons time, so I'd say he needs to have landed 2 All-Stars out of them to have done well.

[Zelaznyrules]

Ultimately it looks like McDonough will have 10 first round selections including 7 lottery picks in 1.5 seasons time, so I'd say he needs to have landed 2 All-Stars out of them to have done well.

"Lottery picks" is so meaningless IMO. There is such a huge difference between the late 90's/early 00's era Clippers lottery picks and our current run of lottery picks. Grouping the number 1 pick in with the 14th pick is very misleading. I don't know what we're going to have in the way of future picks but really, this last draft was the first time we really had a legit opportunity to accomplish much. Our number 5 pick came in a year where the top players weren't even good bets to start 5 years down the road let alone star. If Bender goes bust for non-injury reasons, that will look bad for McD and to a lesser extent, the same goes with Chriss. But so far, the only really dumb move he's made on draft day (IMO) is selecting Ennis.

[Mulhollanddrive]

That's all true.

But if it's 2020 and there's no All-Star from those 7 lottery picks, fans won't care about details.

[bwgood77]

http://insider.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/18396903/chad-ford-nba-mock-draft-20-picks-philadelphia-76ers-boston-celtics-more

3. Phoenix Suns
Josh Jackson
Kansas
Freshman
Forward
The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and Jackson happens to be the highest-ceiling defensive prospect in the draft.
His length, athleticism and motor allow him to guard three positions on the floor. Although he isn't an elite offensive player because of his inconsistent shooting, he's a terrific playmaker and slasher who excels in the open court. Most importantly, he's a high-character player who would immediately add toughness and grit on and off the court.
He'd be a great fit with the rest of the Suns' young players.
Odds of winning lottery: 15.6 percent
Projected record: 26-56

[darealjuice]

Josh Jackson had a nice game for Kansas tonight with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block on 60% from the field. His jumpshot is still shaky to me, but he's such a high IQ player and he'd be the best defender on the team the day we sign him if we drafted him.

[bwgood77]

Josh Jackson had a nice game for Kansas tonight with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block on 60% from the field. His jumpshot is still shaky to me, but he's such a high IQ player and he'd be the best defender on the team the day we sign him if we drafted him.

Wow that strong of a defender? I'm surprised they struggled with K-State so much. Does he ever shoot the 3? Were you watching them and the Suns at the same time?

[darealjuice]

Josh Jackson had a nice game for Kansas tonight with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block on 60% from the field. His jumpshot is still shaky to me, but he's such a high IQ player and he'd be the best defender on the team the day we sign him if we drafted him.

Wow that strong of a defender? I'm surprised they struggled with K-State so much. Does he ever shoot the 3? Were you watching them and the Suns at the same time?

More that we don't have any really good defenders, but he's also a very good defender and probably works the hardest on that end out of anyone on KU. He is more of a spot up guy, but he'll definitely shy away from it now because he can get to the bucket basically whenever he wants. It'll be interesting to see how he responds to the increase in athleticism in the NBA for sure.

I was flipping between both games, but I was mostly on the Suns game until the KU game was closing out. This Kansas team is very talented out on the perimeter with Mason, Graham, Svi, and Josh Jackson, but losing Azubuike down low for the season leaves them really hurting down low with only Landon Lucas and Carlton Bragg left in the rotation. It's at the point where they've been playing Josh Jackson frequently as a small ball 4 and having him operate out of the high post a lot, which he's done pretty well at.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Any chance he improves his 26% 3PT and 55% FT or is that what to expect at NBA level too?

[darealjuice]

Any chance he improves his 26% 3PT and 55% FT or is that what to expect at NBA level too?

I don't think he'll ever become a knock down shooter, but I feel like he could eventually become passable. His problem is that he has a very low release and doesn't always shoot at the top of his jump. By all accounts he's an extremely hard worker, so I'm sure he'll show improvement over his career, but I wouldn't expect him to be above average as a shooter early on.

He's such a highly rated prospect because he is very fluid and athletic and he is good at just about everything besides shooting right now, which will hopefully come as he develops.

[bwgood77]

I imagine more will shake out as the college season progresses, but I think Dennis Smith Jr would be up there with Fultz with me right now. I still need to watch all the top pgs closer, but Fultz shooting over 45% from 3 with 6.7 assists, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals is impressive.

But Dennis Smith Jr, at close to 40% from 3, with 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 3.4 rebounds is also impressive, though not nearly as impressive.

Then you have Ball, at 14.3 pts, 8.1 assists, 43.4% from 3, 52.5% overall (quite a bit better than the two above), with 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1 block also impressive.

Again, I need the eye test and I need to know more about Ntilinka, but I think the three above would have to be my top 3 just looking at what I think we need long term. We obviously need defense, but I do think Bender will be a decent defender, and defensive stopper 3&D role players feel more like something you could more easily get in FA. Ideally we still had the Laker pick and could address a defensive wing in the draft, but maybe we get that next year with one of our two likely high picks, and we have a little more time with Bender playing at the 3 now along with Warren and Dudley being an adequate defender as well (or will be in time imo).

[Blackification]

Any chance he improves his 26% 3PT and 55% FT or is that what to expect at NBA level too?

I don't think he'll ever become a knock down shooter, but I feel like he could eventually become passable. His problem is that he has a very low release and doesn't always shoot at the top of his jump. By all accounts he's an extremely hard worker, so I'm sure he'll show improvement over his career, but I wouldn't expect him to be above average as a shooter early on.

He's such a highly rated prospect because he is very fluid and athletic and he is good at just about everything besides shooting right now, which will hopefully come as he develops.

Sounds like the kind of guy you draft after you have your franchise changing superstar. Like he is a better Tony Allen or something, which is a great piece for the core but not what you build around.

I'm with Bwgood. Fultz, Dennish Smith, Lonzo. Those are my top three guys

[darealjuice]

Any chance he improves his 26% 3PT and 55% FT or is that what to expect at NBA level too?

I don't think he'll ever become a knock down shooter, but I feel like he could eventually become passable. His problem is that he has a very low release and doesn't always shoot at the top of his jump. By all accounts he's an extremely hard worker, so I'm sure he'll show improvement over his career, but I wouldn't expect him to be above average as a shooter early on.

He's such a highly rated prospect because he is very fluid and athletic and he is good at just about everything besides shooting right now, which will hopefully come as he develops.

Sounds like the kind of guy you draft after you have your franchise changing superstar. Like he is a better Tony Allen or something, which is a great piece for the core but not what you build around.

I'm with Bwgood. Fultz, Dennish Smith, Lonzo. Those are my top three guys

He's kind of like an upgraded TJ Warren in my opinion, he has a great touch on his floaters and around the rim like TJ, and both of them are very smooth, but Josh is all around more athletic, a better passer, more active on the boards, and is already a really good defender with the potential to be a lock down guy. He reminds me a bit of Kawhi in college in terms of play style, except he's a better passer, probably a bit more athletic, and not as long.

I agree that he's not someone you build your franchise around right now, but if he figures out his jump shot then the sky's the limit for him. I have Fultz as my top prospect and DSJ close behind, but I'd put Josh and Lonzo in the same tier right now.

edit: Highlight reel from last night:

Watch on YouTube

[Jarlaxle0204]

Hopefully we land in the top 4. I'd be happy with any of Lonzo, DSJ, Jackson, or Fultz (even though I have my preferences). The worst possible thing would be to land 5th and have all 4 of those guys off the board.

[bwgood77]

Hopefully we land in the top 4. I'd be happy with any of Lonzo, DSJ, Jackson, or Fultz (even though I have my preferences). The worst possible thing would be to land 5th and have all 4 of those guys off the board.

There is a decent chance Malik Monk goes top 4. If so, I'd probably be happy with any of 5-7 on Ford's draft, though I'd likely take DSJ:

4. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)*
Malik Monk
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

The Lakers have a 35.6 percent chance of landing a top-three pick in the draft, per BPI. If they do that, they'll keep the pick another year. There's a very strong incentive for the Lakers to tank, given the strength at the top of the draft and the fact that they could lose their pick completely.
If the Sixers get this selection, it's the best-case scenario for them. Monk is the most dynamic scorer in the draft. He can light it up from anywhere. Pairing him with Fultz in the backcourt would give Philly two elite shooters and scorers to pair with Simmons and Joel Embiid.

If the Sixers trot out Embiid, Simmons, Dario Saric, Fultz and Monk next season, we will be talking about them as the best young team in the NBA, and Sam Hinkie will finally find some redemption for "The Process."
Odds of Lakers winning lottery: 11.9 percent (Philadelphia will get L.A.'s first-round pick if it falls outside the top three.)
Projected record (Lakers): 27-55

5. Miami Heat
Dennis Smith
NC State
Freshman
Guard

The Heat are in full-blown rebuild mode. Goran Dragic is available, and Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside are the two building blocks for the future.
Finding a dynamic scorer to play alongside that duo is a must, and Smith has that ability. He's an explosive athlete who can create his own shot and finish above the rim. He isn't an elite shooter, but his 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc gives scouts hope that he's improving.
Odds of winning lottery: 8.8 percent
Projected record: 29-53

6. Dallas Mavericks
Frank Ntilikina
France
Age: 18
Guard

The bounty of college freshmen point guards is obscuring one international prospect who has the potential to be just as good as the rest of them. He has a 7-foot wing span, sees the floor well and can be a terrific defender.
Ntilikina just took home MVP honors after leading France to the Under-18 European Championships a couple weeks ago. He scored 31 points on seven 3s and had four rebounds and three assists in the title game.
The Mavericks have two of the best international scouts in the business on their staff. They aren't sleeping on Ntilikina.
Odds of winning lottery: 6.3 percent
Projected record: 30-52

7. Orlando Magic

Jayson Tatum
Duke
Freshman
Forward

How deep is this draft? Some NBA scouts have Tatum No. 1 on their board. He goes No. 7 here.
Tatum is the prototypical NBA wing in both size and skill set. He's athletic and strong, he can score from all over the floor, and he plays defense. His lack of a strong 3-point shot (6-for-20 so far this season) is the biggest weakness of his game and pushes him a little farther down the board for some teams.
The Magic don't really need a small forward, especially when Aaron Gordon continues to show so much promise. But at this point, Tatum is the best player on the board and a great pick here.
Odds of winning lottery: 4.3 percent
Projected record: 32-50

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/5lul80/chad_ford_nba_2017_mock_draft_20_projecting_top/

[Blackification]

**** chad ford trying as hard as he can to get that lakers pick as high as possible

[ATTL]

Washington playing Oregon on ESPN right now with bill Walton calling the game.