Draft Watch 2018

[benchmobbin02]

Is MPG important when looking at top 10 picks? For example would you draft a top 5 college player if he logs only 22mpg?

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Well, in the last 3 years the only top ten picks that have played less than 22mpg are KAT and Zack Collins. That is excluding international player and Thon Maker who came straight from high school. Not sure if that proves anything except it depends on the player and situation.

[VeganKingsFan]

Right now I have DeAndre Ayton and Michael Porter Jr. at the top of my wish list for the Kings. Ayton has the look of a dominant big man who can stretch the floor, almost like another Joel Embiid (without the injury concerns). He just has to work on his rim protecting. There's no reason he can't improve on his weaknesses though. You have to realize how young he is even though he looks older. Michael Porter Jr. is that rare superstar potential scoring forward who can shoot from all over and create his own shot. That small forward/small ball 4 type is in demand throughout the league and there aren't enough of them. He is exactly what we need as long as he's healthy. Marvin Bagley has some major potential, but I am extremely high on Harry Giles and I see them as similar. I really like Doncic and think it's amazing what he's doing at such a young age, but what we really need is a potential superstar, and Ayton and Porter Jr. definitely can be superstars. Mohamed Bamba has some crazy potential and already shows rim protection ability. The question is will he develop and maximize his insane potential and be a quicker Gobert with better shooting and handles? You'd have to get a really good read on him. Players with his tools can develop like Giannis Antetekounpo did or fail to improve and just be serviceable. Honestly, I can't complain if we get any of the top 5(Ayton, Porter Jr., Bagley, Doncic, Bamba). Trae Young is risky and I don't know how he could fit on this team. If this weren't such an amazing draft at the top, taking the risk on Trae Young and hoping he can be another Curry would make sense. The 5 I mentioned are just too good to pass on for that gamble.

[nolimit0820]

Personally my top two prospects are Ayton and Doncic. I think Ayton is a speciman with the ability to play with his back to the basket or face up. I've heard concerns from posters about his rim protection, but he's averaging 2.5 blocks per game and I think he'll adapt. He's too physical, athletic, strong, and has good instincts. I don't know what it means for WCS, but maybe they play next to each other? My only concern with Ayton is that he does get pushed around a bit, and I think that's because he can seem uninterested at times. Red flag? Maybe. But his upside is crazy.

Doncic I think is the best fit for this team. He fits into the style of basketball we assume Vlade wants to play. Hes got good size, high IQ, can make plays...can shoot, pass, and dribble. I think he's the perfect fit and would be everything we're hoping for from the 3 spot and would thrive next to Fox and BB. Jackson and him can split minutes and steal some at the 4.

[VeganKingsFan]

After listening to some interviews of Mo Bamba, I'm a lot higher on him now because it's really clear that he will reach his insane potential.

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[kingjawn100]

The more i watch Ayton the more i wonder how effective he'd actually be in the modern NBA. 7-footers that aren't multi-positional fluid good ball-handlers like Anthony Davis & KAT and who cant shoot 3's like Porzingis/Dirk don't seem to be all that useful. And obviously if you don't have the passers to get him the ball that usefulness goes down considerably (Fox, while promising, is far from a pass first PG)

Defensively Ayton is far from a Rudy Gobert/Deandre type rim-protector . Last night i watched him give up tons of layups and get swatted and dunked on by smaller players.

I almost think of it as...how impactful would Patrick Ewing be in the modern NBA on a team like the Warriors? A lot of Ayton's game is mid-range jumpers and those are probably the least valuable shots in the NBA these days. Not to say that i wouldn't draft Ayton but id have serious reservations taking him #1 if the kings had the pick. I will say...one of the best things going for Ayton is for a guy that's gonna get fouled a ton in the pros, he is a 75% foul shooter so you don't really have to hide him/sub him out late in games.

To me, without question if Michael Porter is healthy he should go #1 in the draft. A 6'10 slasher that can do it all and play every position would be a no-brainer. A huge issue the kings might run into with Porter is that he can give his medical info to the teams of his liking and really control who drafts him. It's not really being talked about now but that's gonna be a huge factor down the line.

Towns shot 25% 3's at college and 42% this season. Ayton shoots 35% right now) He could become really someone special.

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His point is valid IMO because I haven't consistently seen the same sort of creative ball handling out of Ayton that you saw from those other bigs either. Bamba has some nice handling from what I've seen. Ayton is a bit brick fisted who does look like a really good spot shooter at the next level but doesn't have great touch around the rim. His shooting is very interesting though.

You see Towns or AD handling the ball and it looks like a guard that happens to be 7-foot with the ball. Ayton has some handle "for a big man" but it definitely does not look like a guy you'd be ok with having the ball at the top of the key and just letting him create.

Miles Bridges, should we end up picking 7/8 god forbid, to me is intriguing yet a little scary. His shot is pretty legit, he can jump out the gym and really play 2/3 or 4 but he has definite bust potential where he doesn't have the aseertiveness to be the primary scorer for an NBA team.

[SacKingZZZ]

I'm starting to move all in on Bridges. I still like him and now that he's transitioning into being considered one of the better shooters too you can't ignore his potential. I wouldn't mind seeing the Kings move down to select Bridges and maybe get a 2019 pick in the process. I'm starting to be more intrigued by the next draft class than this one. I wonder if the Sixers stay in Bridges range they'd be willing to send back the Kings pick? I can't remember if they still might have to trade that to the Cavs, or C's or whoever at this point.

[kingjawn100]

I'm starting to move all in on Bridges. I still like him and now that he's transitioning into being considered one of the better shooters too you can't ignore his potential. I wouldn't mind seeing the Kings move down to select Bridges and maybe get a 2019 pick in the process. I'm starting to be more intrigued by the next draft class than this one. I wonder if the Sixers stay in Bridges range they'd be willing to send back the Kings pick? I can't remember if they still might have to trade that to the Cavs, or C's or whoever at this point.

I don't know. You see Bridges' potential but i also think there's a big chance he could turn into a Jeff Green type where you wonder all his career why he isn't better than he actually is. If the Kings ended up with the 7th pick (unfortunately) and chose him id be thrilled. If the Kings traded down to the 7th pick and chose him id be less than excited.

[SacKingZZZ]

I'm starting to move all in on Bridges. I still like him and now that he's transitioning into being considered one of the better shooters too you can't ignore his potential. I wouldn't mind seeing the Kings move down to select Bridges and maybe get a 2019 pick in the process. I'm starting to be more intrigued by the next draft class than this one. I wonder if the Sixers stay in Bridges range they'd be willing to send back the Kings pick? I can't remember if they still might have to trade that to the Cavs, or C's or whoever at this point.

I don't know. You see Bridges' potential but i also think there's a big chance he could turn into a Jeff Green type where you wonder all his career why he isn't better than he actually is. If the Kings ended up with the 7th pick (unfortunately) and chose him id be thrilled. If the Kings traded down to the 7th pick and chose him id be less than excited.

Jeff Green as a floor isn't so bad but Green never had his motor or athletic prowess. I think he's got two important intangibles with his defensive potential and athletic ability that in todays game matter big time so even if he doesn't end up being a great stat producer he will impact the game. His finishing ability from the 4/3 is something the Kings haven't had in just about forever. Bridges is a beast in every sense of the word.

[VeganKingsFan]

Trading out of the top 6 in this draft when we really need a star would be a huge mistake. The 2019 draft class looks bad to me. I think the top 6 of the 2018 draft are all better than any player in the 2019 draft class as I currently see it. I'm so glad that the pick we gave up is next year's and not this year's.

[VeganKingsFan]

Personally my top two prospects are Ayton and Doncic. I think Ayton is a speciman with the ability to play with his back to the basket or face up. I've heard concerns from posters about his rim protection, but he's averaging 2.5 blocks per game and I think he'll adapt. He's too physical, athletic, strong, and has good instincts. I don't know what it means for WCS, but maybe they play next to each other? My only concern with Ayton is that he does get pushed around a bit, and I think that's because he can seem uninterested at times. Red flag? Maybe. But his upside is crazy.

Doncic I think is the best fit for this team. He fits into the style of basketball we assume Vlade wants to play. Hes got good size, high IQ, can make plays...can shoot, pass, and dribble. I think he's the perfect fit and would be everything we're hoping for from the 3 spot and would thrive next to Fox and BB. Jackson and him can split minutes and steal some at the 4.

Ayton is averaging 2.5 fouls, not 2.5 blocks. He has raised his blocks to 1.8 though, which is respectable. Bamba has 4.1 blocks a game though lol.

[kalenclayton]

Trading out of the top 6 in this draft when we really need a star would be a huge mistake. The 2019 draft class looks bad to me. I think the top 6 of the 2018 draft are all better than any player in the 2019 draft class as I currently see it. I'm so glad that the pick we gave up is next year's and not this year's.

I completely agree. This draft is top heavy for the most part, but that top is pretty hefty and relatively long. The top 6 is subjective, as we all have different top 6s. To put it into context, my top 6 is Ayton, Porter, Doncic, Bamba, Bagley, and Jackson. I think Knox, Sexton, and Carter have the potential to jump into this group as well. I’m not high on Trae Young and I don’t think he will be as good as folks are talking him up to be.

[City of Trees]

Isaac Bonga is going late lottery. 18 years old. 6'9 with speed, handles, passing, and can finish with the right or left.

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[bleeds_purple]

I think it is very difficult to squeeze more than 4 players out of this roster that can be considered useful for a good team in the NBA.

Contrary to common belief, I don’t believe we are all that talented at all.

If I was Vlade, I’m taking BPA no matter what with the Kings’ own pick.

I wish we make a play for another draft pick too.

I don't think it's really about whether the roster is talented. It is about BPA. But to me, a center can never be a BPA over a forward if the talent level is anywhere close. This is a forward league.

Ideally, you want the guys you are paying max money to be able to handle the ball and create from the perimeter on offense and switch to guard as many people on defense. A center just doesn't bring either of those to the table; even the crazy talented ones like Cousins and Embiid don't and as a result are never going to be as impactful as a forward of similar skill level.

[kingjawn100]

One fear i have is the boom potential of Trae Young. He has too many things going against him to be a top 3 pick (size, shot selection, defense) but he could be an absolutely transcendent player. The Kings are one team that almost certainly won't take him as i can't see he and Fox ever on the court together defensively. But a few teams may look very dumb passing on him.

Curry seems too lofty of a comparison but i wouldn't be stunned if he turned into Damian Lillard.

[SacKingZZZ]

Trading out of the top 6 in this draft when we really need a star would be a huge mistake. The 2019 draft class looks bad to me. I think the top 6 of the 2018 draft are all better than any player in the 2019 draft class as I currently see it. I'm so glad that the pick we gave up is next year's and not this year's.

There are no guaranteed superstars in this draft and no universal guys that are immediately apparent. There may be a superstar but this isn't the kind of draft where it's guaranteed to go 1st or 2nd. It's little bit like last years. I think it will be similar where certain teams like certain players like the Kings with Fox.

[SacKingZZZ]

One fear i have is the boom potential of Trae Young. He has too many things going against him to be a top 3 pick (size, shot selection, defense) but he could be an absolutely transcendent player. The Kings are one team that almost certainly won't take him as i can't see he and Fox ever on the court together defensively. But a few teams may look very dumb passing on him.

Curry seems too lofty of a comparison but i wouldn't be stunned if he turned into Damian Lillard.

He's starting to be outplayed by his counterparts which might take him down a notch. He could be transcendent but he'd still have to be on the perfect team for his weaknesses to be covered up and his strengths to be highlighted. I agree, the right team for him is out there and that's not Sacramento.

[kingjawn100]

One fear i have is the boom potential of Trae Young. He has too many things going against him to be a top 3 pick (size, shot selection, defense) but he could be an absolutely transcendent player. The Kings are one team that almost certainly won't take him as i can't see he and Fox ever on the court together defensively. But a few teams may look very dumb passing on him.

Curry seems too lofty of a comparison but i wouldn't be stunned if he turned into Damian Lillard.

He's starting to be outplayed by his counterparts which might take him down a notch. He could be transcendent but he'd still have to be on the perfect team for his weaknesses to be covered up and his strengths to be highlighted. I agree, the right team for him is out there and that's not Sacramento.

The interesting thing for Trae...is the right team gonna be the one that has very little talent and let's him try to score 30 a night from the jump? Or is the right team the one that has some pieces in place, where he can focus on being a point guard and being more selective with his shots? One thing to remember...Trae Young is an INCREDIBLE passer. He could take 12 shots a game and still be an all-star down the road (i wouldn't be shocked if he morphs into a steve nash type in the right situation).

Only way we should even consider him is if we slip to 6/7 and Doncic/Ayton/MPJ/Bagley/JJJ are all off the board. At the point you take Young and figure it out later.

[kingjawn100]

Anyone else see JJJ against minnesota last night? Sure it was after he barely saw the court vs Purdue but he looked unstoppable. 27 points, 5 threes, 3 blocks. Unreal potential. Only thing that gives you pause are his low rebounding numbers and how foul prone he is.

I know a few of these guys played early in the year but id love to see some of these elite bigs (bagley, jjj, bamba, ayton) square off against each other come tournament time similar to fox/ball last year.

[City of Trees]

Another average rebounding big is just what the Kings need

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[benchmobbin02]

Another average rebounding big is just what the Kings need

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Haha so true but just because a guy isn't grabbing 10 boards a game in college doesnt mean he won't be a good rebounder in the league. The team around him has a lot to do with rpg in both college and the pros.