2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Ghost of Kleine]

Obi Toppin with 24, 12, 4 blocks and 3 assists today, including a 3.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401170257

I really like Paul Reed, But DAMN!!! I'm afraid that Toppin has just moved to #1 on my list!
This is exactly the type of power forward that we need next to Ayton. An athletic, aggressive, dominant utility type of dirt worker 3 & D Big that will play tough. Sign me up! Now we just have to hope that Jones and Bowers don't magically find a way to screw this up!

[bwgood77]

Obi Toppin with 24, 12, 4 blocks and 3 assists today, including a 3.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401170257

I really like Paul Reed, But DAMN!!! I'm afraid that Toppin has just moved to #1 on my list!
This is exactly the type of power forward that we need next to Ayton. An athletic, aggressive, dominant utility type of dirt worker 3 & D Big that will play tough. Sign me up! Now we just have to hope that Jones and Bowers don't magically find a way to screw this up!

Yeah, I wanted a 3 pt shooting guy next to Ayton, but he not only does that, he dominates. I mean when was the last time Dayton was ranked #7 in the country. Never. They probably have only entered the top 25 on occasion.

[ATTL]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

[Bogyo]

This dude looks the most like Amare ever since Amare. The way he moves is almost carbon copy. Some of the moves too. Doubt he lasts above 10 if he has 2 more games like that (especially if he has one or 2 in march).

This is exactley why I had my previous comment about liking this draft for our purposes.

[Ghost of Kleine]

This dude looks the most like Amare ever since Amare. The way he moves is almost carbon copy. Some of the moves too. Doubt he lasts above 10 if he has 2 more games like that (especially if he has one or 2 in march).

This is exactley why I had my previous comment about liking this draft for our purposes.

Spot on! If our front office finds a way to screw this up yet again......................

[Desertfox]

After spending 4 years in Dayton. it'd be cool to have a Dayton Flyer on the Suns, might even be able to convert some of my friends into Suns fans. Count me in the Obi Toppin bandwagon, just who we need next to Ayton.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Obi does resemble Amare just a bit - a skinny, less powerful version, better shooter, worse on the glass.

I think it's worth noting that Paul Reed, despite being a junior, is more than a year younger than Obi, a sophomore. Twice the block rate, almost twice the steals rate, much better on the glass. But then again, Dayton's winning games, while DePaul has struggled.

Jalen Smith might be better than both of these guys. Traditional PF size, shooting 43% from 3 on good volume, for a good team in Maryland. Almost two years younger than Obi. Not a great leaper, but whatever.

All of these guys have great advanced stats. If I had to guess, Jalen Smith will be the guy drafted first, because of his youth, size and shooting. I guess a team might grab Obi first due to the scoring and thus perceived star potential.

[bwgood77]

I'm talking of the draft though, and Halliburton could play the 2 and off ball. He is over a 42% 3 pt shooter, also averages over 7 apg and 2.6 steals per game.

We also have 3 wings and one can play at the 2. All are decent to really good shooters.

Yeah but I already endorsed Halliburton in my original post. I guess I should have emphasized that if we're in a position to take him, I really can't see another prospect who would dissuade me from grabbing him.

Haliburton is great, And if I had to choose between Haliburton and a solid power forward prospect, It would truly be a tough decision. In the end, I'd have to go with Toppin, As he's just been so dominant, Can hit the three, is putting up great stats, has a constant motor and plays with tenacity. He's a really solid 3 & D 4 ( ** as Bgood pointed out being a critical need) And to be honest, I would have to agree with Logician ( I think it was) that pointed out that in watching him play, He's really the closest thing to " Amare" that we've seen. And the idea of a potential Stoudemire next to Ayton, Is just simply too tantalizing for me to not take him as our first option IF he's available. And If he's already off the board, Then Yes, absolutely take Haliburton. Then trade whatever asset we have available ( Baynes or Saric or whatever)? For a late first or early 2nd. Then take either Paul Reed or McDaniels.

Now, With respect to our needs for bench scoring. I've mentioned him before, But really.............

Aaron Nesmith is being slept on by many as a possible strong 6th man scoring option. He's got solid size at 6'6, and his game is a mix of Jamal Murray and TJ Warren in terms of scoring. Also, He would be available in the late first to early 2nd round. He's a career 41% three point shooter. And shot over 50% on his threes for the season. And would be a stellar backup Booker honestly. If you check out the video, You'll see that he's got an in between game and scoring style that's a mix of Booker and Warren. But he's also hitting bigtime clutch threes from outside the arc as well.

Watch on YouTube

And of course you also have Devin Vassell too. Who's just a really athletic polished scorer and plus defender too that also hits big shots and makes winning plays both on/ off ball.

*** Play close attention to his stat lines and his style of play for a 3 and D wing. He's like Mikhail Bridges, But with great shooting. And he's got solid size at the 2 being 6'6 - 6'7.

Watch on YouTube

Lastly, I don't need to tell anyone about Tyler Bey, He's a walking double/Double. An ELITE rebounder and defender that is shooting over 40% from three. And he's the closest thing to Marion.. . ...Well, Since Marion himself. This is really a solid utility draft to find quality starter level prospects as well as solid role players and specialists for a team, IF ONLY the teams' scouting staff does it's " Due Diligence".

Tyler Bey sure didn't look too good against AZ...going against Zeke Nnaji. I don't see too many double doubles in his last 5 games since conference play started... https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4278502/tyler-bey

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yeah but I already endorsed Halliburton in my original post. I guess I should have emphasized that if we're in a position to take him, I really can't see another prospect who would dissuade me from grabbing him.

Haliburton is great, And if I had to choose between Haliburton and a solid power forward prospect, It would truly be a tough decision. In the end, I'd have to go with Toppin, As he's just been so dominant, Can hit the three, is putting up great stats, has a constant motor and plays with tenacity. He's a really solid 3 & D 4 ( ** as Bgood pointed out being a critical need) And to be honest, I would have to agree with Logician ( I think it was) that pointed out that in watching him play, He's really the closest thing to " Amare" that we've seen. And the idea of a potential Stoudemire next to Ayton, Is just simply too tantalizing for me to not take him as our first option IF he's available. And If he's already off the board, Then Yes, absolutely take Haliburton. Then trade whatever asset we have available ( Baynes or Saric or whatever)? For a late first or early 2nd. Then take either Paul Reed or McDaniels.

Now, With respect to our needs for bench scoring. I've mentioned him before, But really.............

Aaron Nesmith is being slept on by many as a possible strong 6th man scoring option. He's got solid size at 6'6, and his game is a mix of Jamal Murray and TJ Warren in terms of scoring. Also, He would be available in the late first to early 2nd round. He's a career 41% three point shooter. And shot over 50% on his threes for the season. And would be a stellar backup Booker honestly. If you check out the video, You'll see that he's got an in between game and scoring style that's a mix of Booker and Warren. But he's also hitting bigtime clutch threes from outside the arc as well.

Watch on YouTube

And of course you also have Devin Vassell too. Who's just a really athletic polished scorer and plus defender too that also hits big shots and makes winning plays both on/ off ball.

*** Play close attention to his stat lines and his style of play for a 3 and D wing. He's like Mikhail Bridges, But with great shooting. And he's got solid size at the 2 being 6'6 - 6'7.

Watch on YouTube

Lastly, I don't need to tell anyone about Tyler Bey, He's a walking double/Double. An ELITE rebounder and defender that is shooting over 40% from three. And he's the closest thing to Marion.. . ...Well, Since Marion himself. This is really a solid utility draft to find quality starter level prospects as well as solid role players and specialists for a team, IF ONLY the teams' scouting staff does it's " Due Diligence".

Tyler Bey sure didn't look too good against AZ...going against Zeke Nnaji. I don't see too many double doubles in his last 5 games since conference play started... https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4278502/tyler-bey

Sure, I can see that and do agree man. But as we all know, All players go through some modicum of slumps at times in their careers. I guess my primary interest in him ( *** as a potential secondary pick, acquired through trade)? Is due to his being an elite rebounder and high level defender. And as his stats still show, He's averaged at minimum 13 / 9/ 1. For the season whilst shooting ( * albeit small sample size) 47% on his threes for the season. And his per 40, and advanced stats are still amazing.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-bey-1.html

His per 40 indicates averages of :
19 points/ 13 rebounds/ 2 assists/ 2 steals/ and nearly 2 blocks (at 1.9). And his advanced stats indicate:
A 27 PER/ 60 TS% / 53 FG%/ .256 WS/40/ and an Offensive rating of 113 to a defensive rating of 79.

Having said that, Would I take him with our lottery pick? Not at all. However, If we acquired a secondary pick in the late first to early 2nd, He'd be one of a couple players that I'd totally consider (*** as a potential backup to Bridges IF we lose Oubre in free agency). Either Bey or Devin Vassell would give us a pretty solid option for a backup 2/3 behind Bridges. As well as cheap Oubre insurance, Just in case.

**Also, any thoughts yet on Nesmith as a potential 2nd round steal to play in a 6th man scoring role off the bench? As he's a mix of Buddy Hield/ Michael Redd in terms of scoring potential?
But my top 3 for power forwards are:
1- Okungwu. ( still).
2- Obi Toppin. ( Just to ready to contribute now).
3- Paul Reed. (** Awesome find bybthevway man!)

And my top 3 options for backup guard ( *in the lottery range) are
3 possible trade considerations that I really like for that are:
1- Haliburton.
2- LaMelo Ball.
3- Theo Maledon.

*** Although I still really want them to consider either Aaron Nesmith or Devin Vassell with a late first or early 2nd round pick acquired by trade.

[jcsunsfan]

This dude looks the most like Amare ever since Amare. The way he moves is almost carbon copy. Some of the moves too. Doubt he lasts above 10 if he has 2 more games like that (especially if he has one or 2 in march).

This is exactley why I had my previous comment about liking this draft for our purposes.

Its those hunched shoulders like Amare.

The camera angle in these highlights is useless. Cannot get a sense of the speed on the floor.

[ATTL]

So bey was born in Vegas around the time shawn was there. Coincidence?

I'd like to walk out of the draft with haliburton and bey. I think haliburton will be the best player for us out of the people we could potentially take.

[TheLogician]

Watch on YouTube

[bwgood77]

Didn't read yet, but plan to...

Read on Twitter

[Desertfox]

From that article Haliburton sounds alot like Lonzo Ball or Ty Jerome, excellent passer and defender, decent spot-up shooter, but otherwise can't drive or create for himself. Could definitely fit on the Suns next to Booker and Ayton, but doesn't sound like a backup scoring guard. We already have Jerome on the team so wouldn't draft unless Jerome has been traded already or he is BPA.

Definitely on the Obi Toppin bandwagon.

[No-Man]

Obi Toppin is not a good defender, like at all, he is a better shooter/better IQ version of Derrick Williams

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Haliburton is great, And if I had to choose between Haliburton and a solid power forward prospect, It would truly be a tough decision. In the end, I'd have to go with Toppin, As he's just been so dominant, Can hit the three, is putting up great stats, has a constant motor and plays with tenacity. He's a really solid 3 & D 4 ( ** as Bgood pointed out being a critical need) And to be honest, I would have to agree with Logician ( I think it was) that pointed out that in watching him play, He's really the closest thing to " Amare" that we've seen. And the idea of a potential Stoudemire next to Ayton, Is just simply too tantalizing for me to not take him as our first option IF he's available. And If he's already off the board, Then Yes, absolutely take Haliburton. Then trade whatever asset we have available ( Baynes or Saric or whatever)? For a late first or early 2nd. Then take either Paul Reed or McDaniels.

Now, With respect to our needs for bench scoring. I've mentioned him before, But really.............

Aaron Nesmith is being slept on by many as a possible strong 6th man scoring option. He's got solid size at 6'6, and his game is a mix of Jamal Murray and TJ Warren in terms of scoring. Also, He would be available in the late first to early 2nd round. He's a career 41% three point shooter. And shot over 50% on his threes for the season. And would be a stellar backup Booker honestly. If you check out the video, You'll see that he's got an in between game and scoring style that's a mix of Booker and Warren. But he's also hitting bigtime clutch threes from outside the arc as well.

Watch on YouTube

And of course you also have Devin Vassell too. Who's just a really athletic polished scorer and plus defender too that also hits big shots and makes winning plays both on/ off ball.

*** Play close attention to his stat lines and his style of play for a 3 and D wing. He's like Mikhail Bridges, But with great shooting. And he's got solid size at the 2 being 6'6 - 6'7.

Watch on YouTube

Lastly, I don't need to tell anyone about Tyler Bey, He's a walking double/Double. An ELITE rebounder and defender that is shooting over 40% from three. And he's the closest thing to Marion.. . ...Well, Since Marion himself. This is really a solid utility draft to find quality starter level prospects as well as solid role players and specialists for a team, IF ONLY the teams' scouting staff does it's " Due Diligence".

Tyler Bey sure didn't look too good against AZ...going against Zeke Nnaji. I don't see too many double doubles in his last 5 games since conference play started... https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4278502/tyler-bey

Sure, I can see that and do agree man. But as we all know, All players go through some modicum of slumps at times in their careers. I guess my primary interest in him ( *** as a potential secondary pick, acquired through trade)? Is due to his being an elite rebounder and high level defender. And as his stats still show, He's averaged at minimum 13 / 9/ 1. For the season whilst shooting ( * albeit small sample size) 47% on his threes for the season. And his per 40, and advanced stats are still amazing.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-bey-1.html

His per 40 indicates averages of :
19 points/ 13 rebounds/ 2 assists/ 2 steals/ and nearly 2 blocks (at 1.9). And his advanced stats indicate:
A 27 PER/ 60 TS% / 53 FG%/ .256 WS/40/ and an Offensive rating of 113 to a defensive rating of 79.

Having said that, Would I take him with our lottery pick? Not at all. However, If we acquired a secondary pick in the late first to early 2nd, He'd be one of a couple players that I'd totally consider (*** as a potential backup to Bridges IF we lose Oubre in free agency). Either Bey or Devin Vassell would give us a pretty solid option for a backup 2/3 behind Bridges. As well as cheap Oubre insurance, Just in case.

**Also, any thoughts yet on Nesmith as a potential 2nd round steal to play in a 6th man scoring role off the bench? As he's a mix of Buddy Hield/ Michael Redd in terms of scoring potential?
But my top 3 for power forwards are:
1- Okungwu. ( still).
2- Obi Toppin. ( Just to ready to contribute now).
3- Paul Reed. (** Awesome find bybthevway man!)

And my top 3 options for backup guard ( *in the lottery range) are
3 possible trade considerations that I really like for that are:
1- Haliburton.
2- LaMelo Ball.
3- Theo Maledon.

*** Although I still really want them to consider either Aaron Nesmith or Devin Vassell with a late first or early 2nd round pick acquired by trade.

You might like this. Written by a fellow ex mod of the GB and also of the Knicks forum. Also know he worked for a team scouting last offseason.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/31/aaron-nesmith-scouting-report/

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

Tyler Bey sure didn't look too good against AZ...going against Zeke Nnaji. I don't see too many double doubles in his last 5 games since conference play started... https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4278502/tyler-bey

Sure, I can see that and do agree man. But as we all know, All players go through some modicum of slumps at times in their careers. I guess my primary interest in him ( *** as a potential secondary pick, acquired through trade)? Is due to his being an elite rebounder and high level defender. And as his stats still show, He's averaged at minimum 13 / 9/ 1. For the season whilst shooting ( * albeit small sample size) 47% on his threes for the season. And his per 40, and advanced stats are still amazing.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-bey-1.html

His per 40 indicates averages of :
19 points/ 13 rebounds/ 2 assists/ 2 steals/ and nearly 2 blocks (at 1.9). And his advanced stats indicate:
A 27 PER/ 60 TS% / 53 FG%/ .256 WS/40/ and an Offensive rating of 113 to a defensive rating of 79.

Having said that, Would I take him with our lottery pick? Not at all. However, If we acquired a secondary pick in the late first to early 2nd, He'd be one of a couple players that I'd totally consider (*** as a potential backup to Bridges IF we lose Oubre in free agency). Either Bey or Devin Vassell would give us a pretty solid option for a backup 2/3 behind Bridges. As well as cheap Oubre insurance, Just in case.

**Also, any thoughts yet on Nesmith as a potential 2nd round steal to play in a 6th man scoring role off the bench? As he's a mix of Buddy Hield/ Michael Redd in terms of scoring potential?
But my top 3 for power forwards are:
1- Okungwu. ( still).
2- Obi Toppin. ( Just to ready to contribute now).
3- Paul Reed. (** Awesome find bybthevway man!)

And my top 3 options for backup guard ( *in the lottery range) are
3 possible trade considerations that I really like for that are:
1- Haliburton.
2- LaMelo Ball.
3- Theo Maledon.

*** Although I still really want them to consider either Aaron Nesmith or Devin Vassell with a late first or early 2nd round pick acquired by trade.

You might like this. Written by a fellow ex mod of the GB and also of the Knicks forum. Also know he worked for a team scouting last offseason.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/31/aaron-nesmith-scouting-report/

Thanks man!
Awesome read. It appears that he definitely has a lot of development still needed to his overall game and skillset. and He'll also need to get stronger, Which If done diligently, Should add somewhat to his overall athleticism. But I believe both those things IF properly addressed through the player development and strength training of whatever franchise might draft him, Should be attainable goals. Having said that, I would still love to get him, or either Vassell or even Nwora with a late first or hopefully 2nd round pick off ( from trade). As any of them could potentially provide added scoring to our bench on a low cost contract.

*** And with their production and low contract value, As an added bonus, They would also become potential high value trade assets for us to eventually use as part of that elusive "Big Trade" for an actual star player. Or to keep if their production and skillset proves invaluable to our team vision and roster needs going forward

[bwgood77]

So looking at the draft I think the Suns trade up for Lamello his shot hasn't been consistent but it's not broke like Rubio's or his brothers. He is actually a better prospect than Lonzo, physically just bigger and stronger without the broken looking shot. Having a strong defensive Ben Simmons type guard with a better shot playing next to Booker would be nice, also someone that constantly pushes the ball would be nice. He also comes in having played some pro ball overseas, if he was playing college right now he would be the clear #1 pick

It's very hard to trade up, and this is a bad draft and we don't have many assets to trade to move up. And I think we have to stop drafting guys that we think can develop a shot. Even when we draft great college shooters they have struggled from 3 (Booker, Bridges). We need a solid shooter, defender and passer. There are options. We will learn more about these guys over the next two months as they grow during conference play and we can see how they do against the tougher competition in the tourney. I think Morant improved his stock there.

LaMelo hasn't even played college ball. He played in his dad's league, which failed, then some Australian league (NBL). I'm not sure how good that league is, or where their 3 pt line is, but I am not sure I'd be a fan of drafting him.

[bwgood77]

It makes more sense to sign Gallo and draft Nico than trade picks/assets for Markkanen and Dinwiddie. Two guys who don't defend. At least get a proven commodity and a guy with upside on a rookie scale contract.

What are your thoughts on Nico? I was very low on him to start the year but he’s been growing on me more and more. If I knew he could even be a slightly below average defender he’d be my #1 target.

Obviously he likes him, and I know you didn't ask me, but he seems very confident and sure of himself, without being selfish, but can take over at times if needed. His assists have dropped slightly it seems in conference play, but he shoots fairly well. A short wingspan, so defense could be an issue.

One thing I can say from watching him, and I haven't watched all the AZ games this season, is that he seems like a total team player. And I think he will probably be able to shoot fairly well and get to the line. And he has the confidence when it matters at the end. He also seems to be an extremely high iq player.

[bwgood77]

So looking at the draft I think the Suns trade up for Lamello his shot hasn't been consistent but it's not broke like Rubio's or his brothers. He is actually a better prospect than Lonzo, physically just bigger and stronger without the broken looking shot. Having a strong defensive Ben Simmons type guard with a better shot playing next to Booker would be nice, also someone that constantly pushes the ball would be nice. He also comes in having played some pro ball overseas, if he was playing college right now he would be the clear #1 pick

I agree. I expect him to go #1 anyway.

Only 3 guys i really have interest in and none of them are named Mello.

Haliburton- Good size for a PG, very efficient scorer (50%FG, 41%3PT), very very solid defender, solid play-making ability and passer. Only averages 15 points a game, but does so with great efficiency, the rest of the time he is busy getting his teammates shots (6.6 assists a game). Would love for him to be our PG of the future, but he is likely a top-5 pick.

Toppin- A somewhat undersized PF, Can get you 20 points a night, has range, can hit the 3, but is also a defensive player. Once again, projected to go before our pick (Unless we start losing more games).

Reed- An older PF (HELLO JAMES JONES!), the kid is all about that defense defense defense! Has a limited offensive game, but does hit around one 3 a game at right around 30%. Rebounding machine, but more-so known for his defense. A Siakam-ish kind of player that should be available wherever we end up drafting at.

I like those guys too. Halliburton gets a lot of steals too. Some worry about his athleticism, but he seems to do everything. Toppin looks like a cross between Amare and Marion...maybe a poor mans...or middle class man's Marion/Amare hybrid, though we did draft both of those guys in about the range we like sit in the draft 9 or 10. Reed I think will go later..but I like him.