Paolo, Chet, and Smith are going 1, 2, 3 in some order or another. There's a big gap between those 3 and everyone else (I happen to think there's also a pretty sizable gap between 1/2 and 3, but that's another story). There may be an interesting question of paying future draft capital to move up (#4 + top 4 protected 2023 for #3 or #2?).
My take on the next handful:
- Ivey: No thanks. Ivey's weak playmaking (3.9 assists per 40) means he's a either a SG or a combo guard. Problem is his shooting is suspect. 26% as a frosh turned into 36% last year, but there's a catch: he looked great early in the season, but shot like dog **** starting in conference play. November, December, January he shot 43%, 47%, and 42% from 3pt range, respectively. February and March? 18%, 33%. The Kings need off ball spacers around Fox and Sabonis.
- Griffin: I was pretty clear in the other thread. Hard no. Shooting looks great, but the defense is super questionable. Gives me scary McLemore vibes with his utter lack of anything else beyond shooting.
- Murray: I think he's a target if you move back, but I wouldn't take him at 4. Way too old (almost 22 at draft time) really cuts down the potential and if he's that old I'd want to see him dominating. I thought he was pretty good on offense (not a great playmaker) and just so-so on defense. I see his ceiling as decent role player so that lack of defense makes me say no.
The 2 guys I'd look at (and probably take 1 or the other):
1) Sharpe. Fluid, athletic, and good shooter. Ranked #1 in next year's freshman class, but reclassified. Past rankings have been overall solid in the past:
viewtopic.php?p=97715700#p97715700. I think he's got superstar potential and given the historical rankings his floor is probably "decent player"
2) Eason. He's a bit on the older side (not Keegan Murray old, though), but I think the difference I see between him and Murray is 2 fold:
a) He was dominant defensively
b) His characteristics point to elite role player as a floor (elite defense + already a good shooter)
In the end I'd probably gamble on high end talent and take Sharpe. Eason will probably be better sooner, but IMO you take BPA this high. Sharpe is clear BPA.
