What is your personal big board right now?

[buzzkilloton]

I've been 1.Doncic all year but I've seen enough of Ayton to decide to change my mind. Hes a freak and the best top pick we've had since Brow.

1.Ayton
2.Doncic
3.Jackson JR
4. Bamba
5.Bagley
6.Porter JR
7.Young
8.Sexton
9.Mikal Bridges
10.Carter

[big-shot-ROB]

Ayton's last performances have made me update the board until Doncic gets back:

Ayton
Doncic

Bagley

Jackson Jr
Porter Jr
Mikal Bridges

Mamba
Young
Carter

Sexton

[VCfor3]

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. JJJ
4. Bagley
5. Porter Jr (assuming he looks better come workouts)
6. Bamba (If he has a decent tournament I may move him to 5)
7. Young
8. Mikal
9. Carter
10. Miles B
11. Sexton

[bwgood77]

1. Luka Doncic
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
3. Michael Porter (healthy)
4. DeAndre Ayton
5. Mikal Bridges

To be fair, I do recognize Bridges on-ball limitation and would not draft him 5th if I was a GM with my job on the line. I'm just not so high on Bagley, and Young and Bamba are super risky prospects to bet on in my eyes. Bridges, on the other hand, has skills and traits I know are going to translate and make him a valuable player – length, athleticism, understanding of the game, off-ball movement, defensive effort, mentality and a shot good enough to keep the spacing intact.

I pretty much feel the exact same as you do. Being in AZ and needing a C and thinking it from the Suns perspective, it is a near certainty Ayton would go 1. I might have to put him 2 (Doncic is clear cut #1 for me). Porter is tough....I don't know if Givony's latest write up in his mock is correct, but it's worrisome.

I love JJJr...though his foul rate and rebounding are concerning particularly from the Suns perspective.

They need 3 pt shooting and defense , so Bagley (and Ayton to some extent) don't make a ton of sense, but they simply also need more solid offensive threats. Bamba has HUGE bust risk to me..but he would be exactly what they need if he isn't. Young has less bust risk to me, and could be that second 3 pt threat/floor spreader they need. They also desperately need a PG to open things up for them. A C they also need, preferably defense, so it's hard to ignore JJJr....but the rebounding, when they have Bender at PF makes it tough.

I also love Mikal Bridges, who seems can't miss, but they are loaded with wings even if he likely ends up better than them.

If you were Suns GM, what do you think your big board would be?

[The-Power]

If you were Suns GM, what do you think your big board would be?

Tough one. You're much better informed about the needs of the Suns, and which players are keepers. Generally speaking, Booker is your biggest hope and you basically have to try maximize his potential if you want to make the next step soon. I like Bender, and despite me being disappointed with Jackson's approach this year I do think he can turn out to be a valuable player – but both guys wouldn't stop me from drafting someone I really like.

What you need, in my eyes, is someone who changes the culture of the team. Someone who is vocal, who can become a leader on both ends, who is very competitive and to some extent stubborn when it comes to approaching greatness. The question is whether one of those players is available in the draft and I'm honestly not so sure.

Doncic brings fire but obviously can't lead your defense and might actually be frustrated too soon. With him, you'd hope that his play is contagious and good enough to build around him with high-energy players and willing veterans. I'm confident that he can be that player, so he'd still be 1st on my board for the Suns.

Other than that? I'm not so high on Bamba and I also don't believe he has the fire to turn a franchise around. Jackson has the competitive spirit but doesn't strike me as a true leader – at least not right away. Still worth considering, though. Bagley is too bad defensively and while Mikal Bridges would be a great fit anywhere he goes, it's tough to turn things around as a young perimeter player with a role-player profile. Porter is not what you need next to Booker, there is some redundancy with them and it would leave many problem areas to be addressed.

Ayton and Young wouldn't really help your defense (quite the opposite for Trae) but they are a good fit, imo. Young and Booker are a great fit offensively and as you stated, you guys need someone who can create reliably. The question is: could you afford to draft a bust? Because the risk with him is real. Ayton helps you in several ways, although he's not the player to shoulder a huge load of responsibility either – yet.

All in all, you problem need impulses from beyond the draft regardless – level-headed veterans who still have something to offer, a demanding coach, and a clear commitment to winning by the franchise. So in the end, I'd mostly look at on-court fit and players who at least does not interfere with the new direction.

So, a top-5 big board for the Suns could look like this:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Jackson
4. Young
5. Bridges

Mitchell Robinson could be a dark-horse candidate for a spot short after that if he has great showings (especially in terms of mobility) during the workouts – but that's very much just a shot in the dark at this point because nobody can really assess him.

[bwgood77]

If you were Suns GM, what do you think your big board would be?

Tough one. You're much better informed about the needs of the Suns, and which players are keepers. Generally speaking, Booker is your biggest hope and you basically have to try maximize his potential if you want to make the next step soon. I like Bender, and despite me being disappointed with Jackson's approach this year I do think he can turn out to be a valuable player – but both guys wouldn't stop me from drafting someone I really like.

What you need, in my eyes, is someone who changes the culture of the team. Someone who is vocal, who can become a leader on both ends, who is very competitive and to some extent stubborn when it comes to approaching greatness. The question is whether one of those players is available in the draft and I'm honestly not so sure.

Doncic brings fire but obviously can't lead your defense and might actually be frustrated too soon. With him, you'd hope that his play is contagious and good enough to build around him with high-energy players and willing veterans. I'm confident that he can be that player, so he'd still be 1st on my board for the Suns.

Other than that? I'm not so high on Bamba and I also don't believe he has the fire to turn a franchise around. Jackson has the competitive spirit but doesn't strike me as a true leader – at least not right away. Still worth considering, though. Bagley is too bad defensively and while Mikal Bridges would be a great fit anywhere he goes, it's tough to turn things around as a young perimeter player with a role-player profile. Porter is not what you need next to Booker, there is some redundancy with them and it would leave many problem areas to be addressed.

Ayton and Young wouldn't really help your defense (quite the opposite for Trae) but they are a good fit, imo. Young and Booker are a great fit offensively and as you stated, you guys need someone who can create reliably. The question is: could you afford to draft a bust? Because the risk with him is real. Ayton helps you in several ways, although he's not the player to shoulder a huge load of responsibility either – yet.

All in all, you problem need impulses from beyond the draft regardless – level-headed veterans who still have something to offer, a demanding coach, and a clear commitment to winning by the franchise. So in the end, I'd mostly look at on-court fit and players who at least does not interfere with the new direction.

So, a top-5 big board for the Suns could look like this:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Jackson
4. Young
5. Bridges

Mitchell Robinson could be a dark-horse candidate for a spot short after that if he has great showings (especially in terms of mobility) during the workouts – but that's very much just a shot in the dark at this point because nobody can really assess him.

Yes, that's almost exactly what my board would look like for the Suns. Though I usually put Porter in there. Does he not work at the 4 and give the Suns another shooter to spread the floor (the small forward really need the lane to slash...though Bender can spread it but can also play some small ball 5 especially if he bulks up this offseason).

And where does Bridges play? Behind Booker? Ahead of Jackson? With Booker in back court? I would love a back court of Doncic and Booker and think Doncic makes everyone better.

[bwgood77]

So, a top-5 big board for the Suns could look like this:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Jackson
4. Young
5. Bridges

Mitchell Robinson could be a dark-horse candidate for a spot short after that if he has great showings (especially in terms of mobility) during the workouts – but that's very much just a shot in the dark at this point because nobody can really assess him.

I forgot to mention two things....many of us are high on Mitchell Robinson as a potential pick at 15/16 with our Miami and Milwaukee picks.

And I'm really starting to like Wendell Carter the more I look at him...nothing really not to like.

[The-Power]

Yes, that's almost exactly what my board would look like for the Suns. Though I usually put Porter in there. Does he not work at the 4 and give the Suns another shooter to spread the floor (the small forward really need the lane to slash...though Bender can spread it but can also play some small ball 5 especially if he bulks up this offseason).

And where does Bridges play? Behind Booker? Ahead of Jackson? With Booker in back court? I would love a back court of Doncic and Booker and think Doncic makes everyone better.

Yeah, Porter's talent certainly makes him intriguing even for the Suns. But I believe there are some overlaps between him and Booker in the way they like to operate – even though from different positions, obviously. But you still don't have someone who can create reliably, or someone who can get into the lane with ease, or anchor your defense. They might make it work but I'm not sure I really like the risk-reward here in the top 5.

Bridges can guard 1-3, and fits next to any on-ball creator offensively. I'm not completely sold on Jackson as a starter yet. If he becomes a good starter, I believe it will be by virtue of his playmaking skills which must be leveraged more (on top of good defense). In that case, Mikal fits well next to Booker (who has been tried out as a PG as we all know) and Jackson. If you need a PG AND Jackson still becomes a good starter based on other virtues then at worst Bridges projects to be a 25+ MPG 6th man type who fits next to all backcourt players on both ends. There are worse scenarios than this when looking at the 5th guy on your big board.

Re: Carter. Yeah, I do like him as a long-term NBA player but more towards the lower end of the lottery. Looks like a souped up version of Kyle O'Quinn (who, however, plays with an edge which makes him more valuable in the NBA) – that's a nice player, perhaps a starter especially if he can hit open 3's consistently or at least a good big off the bench. But I don't expect him to be anything special either.

[bwgood77]

Yes, that's almost exactly what my board would look like for the Suns. Though I usually put Porter in there. Does he not work at the 4 and give the Suns another shooter to spread the floor (the small forward really need the lane to slash...though Bender can spread it but can also play some small ball 5 especially if he bulks up this offseason).

And where does Bridges play? Behind Booker? Ahead of Jackson? With Booker in back court? I would love a back court of Doncic and Booker and think Doncic makes everyone better.

Yeah, Porter's talent certainly makes him intriguing even for the Suns. But I believe there are some overlaps between him and Booker in the way they like to operate – even though from different positions, obviously. But you still don't have someone who can create reliably, or someone who can get into the lane with ease, or anchor your defense. They might make it work but I'm not sure I really like the risk-reward here in the top 5.

Bridges can guard 1-3, and fits next to any on-ball creator offensively. I'm not completely sold on Jackson as a starter yet. If he becomes a good starter, I believe it will be by virtue of his playmaking skills which must be leveraged more (on top of good defense). In that case, Mikal fits well next to Booker (who has been tried out as a PG as we all know) and Jackson. If you need a PG AND Jackson still becomes a good starter based on other virtues then at worst Bridges projects to be a 25+ MPG 6th man type who fits next to all backcourt players on both ends. There are worse scenarios than this when looking at the 5th guy on your big board.

Re: Carter. Yeah, I do like him as a long-term NBA player but more towards the lower end of the lottery. Looks like a souped up version of Kyle O'Quinn (who, however, plays with an edge which makes him more valuable in the NBA) – that's a nice player, perhaps a starter especially if he can hit open 3's consistently or at least a good big off the bench. But I don't expect him to be anything special either.

Regarding JJJr, what are your thoughts on his rebounding?

[The-Power]

Yes, that's almost exactly what my board would look like for the Suns. Though I usually put Porter in there. Does he not work at the 4 and give the Suns another shooter to spread the floor (the small forward really need the lane to slash...though Bender can spread it but can also play some small ball 5 especially if he bulks up this offseason).

And where does Bridges play? Behind Booker? Ahead of Jackson? With Booker in back court? I would love a back court of Doncic and Booker and think Doncic makes everyone better.

Yeah, Porter's talent certainly makes him intriguing even for the Suns. But I believe there are some overlaps between him and Booker in the way they like to operate – even though from different positions, obviously. But you still don't have someone who can create reliably, or someone who can get into the lane with ease, or anchor your defense. They might make it work but I'm not sure I really like the risk-reward here in the top 5.

Bridges can guard 1-3, and fits next to any on-ball creator offensively. I'm not completely sold on Jackson as a starter yet. If he becomes a good starter, I believe it will be by virtue of his playmaking skills which must be leveraged more (on top of good defense). In that case, Mikal fits well next to Booker (who has been tried out as a PG as we all know) and Jackson. If you need a PG AND Jackson still becomes a good starter based on other virtues then at worst Bridges projects to be a 25+ MPG 6th man type who fits next to all backcourt players on both ends. There are worse scenarios than this when looking at the 5th guy on your big board.

Re: Carter. Yeah, I do like him as a long-term NBA player but more towards the lower end of the lottery. Looks like a souped up version of Kyle O'Quinn (who, however, plays with an edge which makes him more valuable in the NBA) – that's a nice player, perhaps a starter especially if he can hit open 3's consistently or at least a good big off the bench. But I don't expect him to be anything special either.

Regarding JJJr, what are your thoughts on his rebounding?

I'm not concerned. He's long, aggressive and should end up being a pretty strong player. Not the greatest hands but such a player should still end up being a good team rebounder if he continues to work on box-outs, positioning and that kind of fundamental stuff.

His low rebounding numbers are by and large a product of how Michigan State plays – all players are drilled to crash the glass, a couple of above average positional rebounders play next to JJJ, and he literally never played at the 5 iirc due to the plethora of big bodies on that MSU team. Add to this his perimeter-oriented offensive game and, even more importantly, his aggressive rim protection (that leads to many blocks but less rebounding opportunities) and I'm not at all worried.

I must add, however, that I look at him as a 4 who can rotate over to play the 5 when teams size down during the game. Ergo I don't compare his rebounding to that of NBA Centers but rather NBA 4's which obviously lowers the expectations in this regard.

[bwgood77]

Yeah, Porter's talent certainly makes him intriguing even for the Suns. But I believe there are some overlaps between him and Booker in the way they like to operate – even though from different positions, obviously. But you still don't have someone who can create reliably, or someone who can get into the lane with ease, or anchor your defense. They might make it work but I'm not sure I really like the risk-reward here in the top 5.

Bridges can guard 1-3, and fits next to any on-ball creator offensively. I'm not completely sold on Jackson as a starter yet. If he becomes a good starter, I believe it will be by virtue of his playmaking skills which must be leveraged more (on top of good defense). In that case, Mikal fits well next to Booker (who has been tried out as a PG as we all know) and Jackson. If you need a PG AND Jackson still becomes a good starter based on other virtues then at worst Bridges projects to be a 25+ MPG 6th man type who fits next to all backcourt players on both ends. There are worse scenarios than this when looking at the 5th guy on your big board.

Re: Carter. Yeah, I do like him as a long-term NBA player but more towards the lower end of the lottery. Looks like a souped up version of Kyle O'Quinn (who, however, plays with an edge which makes him more valuable in the NBA) – that's a nice player, perhaps a starter especially if he can hit open 3's consistently or at least a good big off the bench. But I don't expect him to be anything special either.

Regarding JJJr, what are your thoughts on his rebounding?

I'm not concerned. He's long, aggressive and should end up being a pretty strong player. Not the greatest hands but such a player should still end up being a good team rebounder if he continues to work on box-outs, positioning and that kind of fundamental stuff.

His low rebounding numbers are by and large a product of how Michigan State plays – all players are drilled to crash the glass, a couple of above average positional rebounders play next to JJJ, and he literally never played at the 5 iirc due to the plethora of big bodies on that MSU team. Add to this his perimeter-oriented offensive game and, even more importantly, his aggressive rim protection (that leads to many blocks but less rebounding opportunities) and I'm not at all worried.

I must add, however, that I look at him as a 4 who can rotate over to play the 5 when teams size down during the game. Ergo I don't compare his rebounding to that of NBA Centers but rather NBA 4's which obviously lowers the expectations in this regard.

Yeah, with Bender at the 4 currently and not the best rebounder himself, that concerns me unless they add someone in FA...I think theoretically if they could both rebound well, they would be a nice pair in the frontcourt because could both block shots, defend and hit 3s. Bender is a nice defender but not nearly the defender and shot blocker that JJJr is. Bender is likely to put on some weight in the off season though and maybe can play some more 5 and hopefully improve his physicality and rebounding. He's got a ways to go though if he's going to make it on the league as more than a rotation role player.

[daoneandonly]

Yeah, Porter's talent certainly makes him intriguing even for the Suns. But I believe there are some overlaps between him and Booker in the way they like to operate – even though from different positions, obviously. But you still don't have someone who can create reliably, or someone who can get into the lane with ease, or anchor your defense. They might make it work but I'm not sure I really like the risk-reward here in the top 5.

Bridges can guard 1-3, and fits next to any on-ball creator offensively. I'm not completely sold on Jackson as a starter yet. If he becomes a good starter, I believe it will be by virtue of his playmaking skills which must be leveraged more (on top of good defense). In that case, Mikal fits well next to Booker (who has been tried out as a PG as we all know) and Jackson. If you need a PG AND Jackson still becomes a good starter based on other virtues then at worst Bridges projects to be a 25+ MPG 6th man type who fits next to all backcourt players on both ends. There are worse scenarios than this when looking at the 5th guy on your big board.

Re: Carter. Yeah, I do like him as a long-term NBA player but more towards the lower end of the lottery. Looks like a souped up version of Kyle O'Quinn (who, however, plays with an edge which makes him more valuable in the NBA) – that's a nice player, perhaps a starter especially if he can hit open 3's consistently or at least a good big off the bench. But I don't expect him to be anything special either.

Regarding JJJr, what are your thoughts on his rebounding?

I'm not concerned. He's long, aggressive and should end up being a pretty strong player. Not the greatest hands but such a player should still end up being a good team rebounder if he continues to work on box-outs, positioning and that kind of fundamental stuff.

His low rebounding numbers are by and large a product of how Michigan State plays – all players are drilled to crash the glass, a couple of above average positional rebounders play next to JJJ, and he literally never played at the 5 iirc due to the plethora of big bodies on that MSU team. Add to this his perimeter-oriented offensive game and, even more importantly, his aggressive rim protection (that leads to many blocks but less rebounding opportunities) and I'm not at all worried.

I must add, however, that I look at him as a 4 who can rotate over to play the 5 when teams size down during the game. Ergo I don't compare his rebounding to that of NBA Centers but rather NBA 4's which obviously lowers the expectations in this regard.

I'd like to follow B-Dub's lead and ask if you'd be so kind as to post your big board for the Mavs? I'd imagine the main difference being Dal would have no need for Young with DSJ at the point.

[The-Power]

Yeah, with Bender at the 4 currently and not the best rebounder himself, that concerns me unless they add someone in FA...I think theoretically if they could both rebound well, they would be a nice pair in the frontcourt because could both block shots, defend and hit 3s. Bender is a nice defender but not nearly the defender and shot blocker that JJJr is. Bender is likely to put on some weight in the off season though and maybe can play some more 5 and hopefully improve his physicality and rebounding. He's got a ways to go though if he's going to make it on the league as more than a rotation role player.

The combo of Bender and JJJ strikes me as a great frontcourt pairing against small-ball line-ups – or, rather, line-ups without a traditional big. This doesn't look like a starting line-up to me, though. In this scenario, I'd probably move Bender to the bench to play him next to and instead of JJJ during the games. He can still get 30+ MPG if his play warrants it, but I'd look to add a physically strong veteran Center to play limited minutes as the nominal starter. Similar to what the Warriors do/did with Zaza or the Celtics with Baynes.

I'd like to follow B-Dub's lead and ask if you'd be so kind as to post your big board for the Mavs? I'd imagine the main difference being Dal would have no need for Young with DSJ at the point.

The Mavs are also in need of talent and should not primarily look for perfect fits, so I'd make some slight changes but not so many.

Actually, there's not much I'd change about my actual big board. The only player they definitely do not need is Young. I'd also drop Porter because you guys have Barnes who shares some similarities to Porter in terms of what they like to do on offense. Still, Porter is a more versatile scorer and they could work just fine as a 3/4 tandem if Barnes can handle to bigger 4's and defend 3's whenever there's a stretch- or low-usage 4 Porter can cover. Barnes can do that in principal, especially with a lower usage rate, although it's not optimal.

If you guys are all-in on DSJ (I wouldn't be, but a lot of people are and I can't blame them for looking for good fits with him) then Ayton might make the most sense. They could be trouble for opposing teams in the PnR and Ayton's sheer size would be welcome in Dallas, I suppose.

However, Doncic could be a good fit as well insofar as he allows DSJ to concentrate more on scoring – which is his first mode anyway. But in order to be a good fit – and not merely something that works – DSJ would have to develop an off-ball game and well, I wouldn't bet on that.

I like JJJ on that team as well, and just like him Mikal Bridges fits well everywhere as well. Bagley could replace Powell as a superior athletic high-energy big but I'm not sure how much you actually want that. He could be a good fit with DSJ offensively, though, especially if you manage to surround them with shooting (SG/SF) and rim protection (C) in the long run.

I'd probably go something like:

1. Doncic/Ayton
2. Ayton/Doncic
3. Jaren Jackson Jr
4. Mikal Bridges
5. Marvin Bagley
6. Michael Porter Jr

[daoneandonly]

Yeah, with Bender at the 4 currently and not the best rebounder himself, that concerns me unless they add someone in FA...I think theoretically if they could both rebound well, they would be a nice pair in the frontcourt because could both block shots, defend and hit 3s. Bender is a nice defender but not nearly the defender and shot blocker that JJJr is. Bender is likely to put on some weight in the off season though and maybe can play some more 5 and hopefully improve his physicality and rebounding. He's got a ways to go though if he's going to make it on the league as more than a rotation role player.

The combo of Bender and JJJ strikes me as a great frontcourt pairing against small-ball line-ups – or, rather, line-ups without a traditional big. This doesn't look like a starting line-up to me, though. In this scenario, I'd probably move Bender to the bench to play him next to and instead of JJJ during the games. He can still get 30+ MPG if his play warrants it, but I'd look to add a physically strong veteran Center to play limited minutes as the nominal starter. Similar to what the Warriors do/did with Zaza or the Celtics with Baynes.

I'd like to follow B-Dub's lead and ask if you'd be so kind as to post your big board for the Mavs? I'd imagine the main difference being Dal would have no need for Young with DSJ at the point.

The Mavs are also in need of talent and should not primarily look for perfect fits, so I'd make some slight changes but not so many.

Actually, there's not much I'd change about my actual big board. The only player they definitely do not need is Young. I'd also drop Porter because you guys have Barnes who shares some similarities to Porter in terms of what they like to do on offense. Still, Porter is a more versatile scorer and they could work just fine as a 3/4 tandem if Barnes can handle to bigger 4's and defend 3's whenever there's a stretch- or low-usage 4 Porter can cover. Barnes can do that in principal, especially with a lower usage rate, although it's not optimal.

If you guys are all-in on DSJ (I wouldn't be, but a lot of people are and I can't blame them for looking for good fits with him) then Ayton might make the most sense. They could be trouble for opposing teams in the PnR and Ayton's sheer size would be welcome in Dallas, I suppose.

However, Doncic could be a good fit as well insofar as he allows DSJ to concentrate more on scoring – which is his first mode anyway. But in order to be a good fit – and not merely something that works – DSJ would have to develop an off-ball game and well, I wouldn't bet on that.

I like JJJ on that team as well, and just like him Mikal Bridges fits well everywhere as well. Bagley could replace Powell as a superior athletic high-energy big but I'm not sure how much you actually want that. He could be a good fit with DSJ offensively, though, especially if you manage to surround them with shooting (SG/SF) and rim protection (C) in the long run.

I'd probably go something like:

1. Doncic/Ayton
2. Ayton/Doncic
3. Jaren Jackson Jr
4. Mikal Bridges
5. Marvin Bagley
6. Michael Porter Jr

Thanks, good read. Curious, where did you have DSJ ranked compared to the other PGs from his draft? has your opinion changed at all almost 1 season in?

[The-Power]

Thanks, good read. Curious, where did you have DSJ ranked compared to the other PGs from his draft? has your opinion changed at all almost 1 season in?

Not really, no. The issue I have with DSJ is not that I don't recognize his talent – I do. It's that I believe his approach to basketball doesn't lead to the best team results and can be justified unless you're an outlier like Westbrook. But even with Westbrook there are doubts as to whether teams with him as the undisputed leader can actually do real damage in the playoffs beyond just ‘outtalenting‘ teams. Not to mention that there's always the risk that players with DSJ's profile flame out early.

I ranked DSJ behind Fultz, Ntilikina and Ball, and somewhere with Fox (but a bit ahead, iirc) towards the end of the top 10-12. Ntilikina struggled but I still like him more as a potential championship piece – although we'd probably have to call him a SG soon. With regard to Ball I was and continue to be skeptical when it comes to him being a star-level player but I absolutely believe that he's going to be a valuable player on good teams with the potential to really impact the culture of a team positively. So I'd definitely take him ahead of DSJ as well. Fultz is obviously a special case – if he's not going to be able to shoot 3's reliably in the NBA then I'd roll the dice on DSJ (despite his own injury concerns) but it's too early to count him out.

That leaves us with Fox. Can't say Fox turned me from a doubter to a believer this year and I believe Fox also needs special circumstances in order to be a starting PG on a good team – he needs to be paired up with an elite perimeter player who can shoot and remain highly effective while sharing on-ball duties. In that case, if his defense becomes reliable and he's not a complete liability from behind the arc, I can see him working out for some good team as a starter. But DSJ's chanes to carry a team are certainly much higher, and given that Fox also needs special circumstances to be really valuable this might as well serve as the tiebreaker in favor of DSJ.

So, I ranked him 4th among PGs and he remains there although Fultz (obviously a question mark) and Ntilikina (expected positional shift) might push him up the rankings among PGs by default. Not going to count Mitchell as a PG, obviously.

[daoneandonly]

Thanks, good read. Curious, where did you have DSJ ranked compared to the other PGs from his draft? has your opinion changed at all almost 1 season in?

Not really, no. The issue I have with DSJ is not that I don't recognize his talent – I do. It's that I believe his approach to basketball doesn't lead to the best team results and can be justified unless you're an outlier like Westbrook. But even with Westbrook there are doubts as to whether teams with him as the undisputed leader can actually do real damage in the playoffs beyond just ‘outtalenting‘ teams. Not to mention that there's always the risk that players with DSJ's profile flame out early.

I ranked DSJ behind Fultz, Ntilikina and Ball, and somewhere with Fox (but a bit ahead, iirc) towards the end of the top 10-12. Ntilikina struggled but I still like him more as a potential championship piece – although we'd probably have to call him a SG soon. With regard to Ball I was and continue to be skeptical when it comes to him being a star-level player but I absolutely believe that he's going to be a valuable player on good teams with the potential to really impact the culture of a team positively. So I'd definitely take him ahead of DSJ as well. Fultz is obviously a special case – if he's not going to be able to shoot 3's reliably in the NBA then I'd roll the dice on DSJ (despite his own injury concerns) but it's too early to count him out.

That leaves us with Fox. Can't say Fox turned me from a doubter to a believer this year and I believe Fox also needs special circumstances in order to be a starting PG on a good team – he needs to be paired up with an elite perimeter player who can shoot and remain highly effective while sharing on-ball duties. In that case, if his defense becomes reliable and he's not a complete liability from behind the arc, I can see him working out for some good team as a starter. But DSJ's chanes to carry a team are certainly much higher, and given that Fox also needs special circumstances to be really valuable this might as well serve as the tiebreaker in favor of DSJ.

So, I ranked him 4th among PGs and he remains there although Fultz (obviously a question mark) and Ntilikina (expected positional shift) might push him up the rankings among PGs by default. Not going to count Mitchell as a PG, obviously.

I can see much of this, I wasn't big on Frank as a PG, but think he'd be decent enough as a 2. And yes I didnt see Mitchell as a PG at all, but he has proven to be better than advertised. I still think issac may end up having the highest ceiling of that draft class though when its all said and done.

[juanc]

If i would be a GM I would trade half of the team to get the picks and draft Doncic, Ayton, JJJ and Mikal
Imagine how scary would that lineup be in few years.

[nolang1]

If i would be a GM I would trade half of the team to get the picks and draft Doncic, Ayton, JJJ and Mikal
Imagine how scary would that lineup be in few years.

Nobody other than the Warriors has enough talent on hand to trade for 4 top 7 picks.

[clyde21]

If i would be a GM I would trade half of the team to get the picks and draft Doncic, Ayton, JJJ and Mikal
Imagine how scary would that lineup be in few years.

Nobody other than the Warriors has enough talent on hand to trade for 4 top 7 picks.

Trade who?

[doordoor123]

Group 1
Luka Doncic
DeAndre Ayton
Marvin Bagley

Group 2
Mikal Bridges
Jaren Jackson Jr

Group 3
Collin Sexton
Trae Young
Zhaire Smith
Lonnie Walker
Miles Bridges
Michael Porter Jr
Kevin Knox
Mohamed Bamba
Wendell Carter Jr
Robert Williams

Group 4
Elie Okobo
Bruce Brown
Landry Shamet
Keenan Evans
Tyus Battle
Anfernee Simons
Jerome Robinson
Khyri Thomas
Chandler Hutchison
Melvin Frazier
Troy Brown Jr
Jacob Evans
Dzanan Musa
Jontay Porter
Keita Bates-Diop
Chimezie Metu
Moritz Wagner
Adjin Penava
Alize Johnson
Mitchell Robinson
Sagaba Konate
Udoka Azubuike

GROUP 5
De’Anthony Melton
Jalen Brunson
Jevon Carter
Kerwin Roach
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Vince Edwards
Rodions Kurucs
Killian Tillie
Rui Hachimura
Daniel Gafford
Omer Yurtseven

GROUP 6
DeVonte Graham
Trevon Duval
Shamorie Ponds
Jon Elmore
Gary Trent Jr
Rawle Alkins
Shake Milton
Grayson Allen
LaGerald Vick
Donte DiVicenzo
Charles Matthews
Hamidou Diallo
Caleb Martin
Cody Martin
Justin Jackson
Kevin Hervey
Ethan Happ
Brandon McCoy
Austin Wiley