2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Saints14]

I don’t really understand why top guards go to Kentucky anymore. How many millions of dollars have these guys lost on their rookie contracts since the Fox/Monk draft?

2018: Shai - steal in the late lotto
2019: Herro - outperformed his draft slot in the late lotto
2020: Maxey AND Quickley both drafted in the 20s
2022: Tyty falls to the late first (that’s looking appropriate though)
2023: Cason Wallace off to a good start

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

[babyjax13]

I don’t really understand why top guards go to Kentucky anymore. How many millions of dollars have these guys lost on their rookie contracts since the Fox/Monk draft?

2018: Shai - steal in the late lotto
2019: Herro - outperformed his draft slot in the late lotto
2020: Maxey AND Quickley both drafted in the 20s
2022: Tyty falls to the late first (that’s looking appropriate though)
2023: Cason Wallace off to a good start

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

I wonder how important game action is vs. regular practice against the best players in the country. The success of Kentucky guards might indicate that practice and individual development work is more important at this stage of their careers than the role they play on the court (and those limited roles may help them develop a specific skill).

RE: Wagner, I like him. He's really good at getting to the rim and it looks like he could be a three-level scoring threat. We will see as the year plays out, but if I had to bet on one of their current guards it would be him.

[Colbinii]

I don’t really understand why top guards go to Kentucky anymore. How many millions of dollars have these guys lost on their rookie contracts since the Fox/Monk draft?

2018: Shai - steal in the late lotto
2019: Herro - outperformed his draft slot in the late lotto
2020: Maxey AND Quickley both drafted in the 20s
2022: Tyty falls to the late first (that’s looking appropriate though)
2023: Cason Wallace off to a good start

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

So...

You ask why these guards all went later in the lottery...yet most have far exceeded that draft profile? Perhaps they actually learn knowledge and skills in Kentucky that propel them in future growth more than other schools--not less.

[baldur]

I don’t really understand why top guards go to Kentucky anymore. How many millions of dollars have these guys lost on their rookie contracts since the Fox/Monk draft?

2018: Shai - steal in the late lotto
2019: Herro - outperformed his draft slot in the late lotto
2020: Maxey AND Quickley both drafted in the 20s
2022: Tyty falls to the late first (that’s looking appropriate though)
2023: Cason Wallace off to a good start

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

Maybe teams shouldn't underrate Kentucky guards then while drafting?

[clyde21]

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

Maybe teams shouldn't underrate Kentucky guards then while drafting?

only ones they was REALLY underrated was Maxey, I had him top10 not sure why he dropped that far...otherwise they are generally priced in...TyTy was crappy in college and the only reason he went in the 1st round was b/c he was a Kentucky guard...and it looks like he just sucks.

[Chuck Everett]

So Oso Ighodaro is a lot taller than I remember. I thought he was 6'8, but if he's a legit 6'11, I might have to give him some consideration as a lottery/mid-first round pick. He is switchable as a 4/5 and would look intriguing in a lot of places (like Sacramento).

[peZt]

So Oso Ighodaro is a lot taller than I remember. I thought he was 6'8, but if he's a legit 6'11, I might have to give him some consideration as a lottery/mid-first round pick. He is switchable as a 4/5 and would look intriguing in a lot of places (like Sacramento).

Berke Büyüktuncel from UCLA is 6'10 and he looked taller than Ighodaro

[The-Power]

Couple quick thoughts

– KJ Lewis really pops off the screen for Arizona. Great attitude. It's going to be interesting to see where he scoring game ends up because that will be important for his future outlook.

– Jamir Watkins had a great game versus Colorado. He's a prospect worth keeping an eye on, to see how his shooting and playmaking looks over the course of the season.

– What are everyone's thoughts on Kameron Jones? He looks in better physical shape to me. I think he has a chance to carve out an NBA role even with his limitations.

– Does Erik Reynold's shooting upside make him a noteworthy prospect à la Bones Hyland? Has anyone followed him more closely in the past?

– Cody Williams is still pretty raw but his flashes are brillant and he has already earned the trust of his coaches. Highly instinctive player. With continued development he could really be something. One of the most intriguing Freshmen in this class.

– Speaking of Freshmen, I love Sean Stewart. Not sure what his role at the next level will be exactly but he just pops off the screen whenever he's on the court.

– What a game by Dillon Mitchell versus Connecticut. Such an insanely explosive athlete with such a high motor. I really wish that it'll all come together for him at some point and he learns how to shoot the 3 so his NBA role becomes clearer.

– I have high hopes for Stephon Castle and Ja'Kobe Walter to turn this Freshmen class into something better than what it projects to be. If they can keep it up for the season and alleviate some concerns, that would make a big difference for this class.

– Does anyone not love watching Reed Sheppard play basketball?

[TheSuzerain]

Fun Edey - Oso duel

Edey was giving him the business for most of the game. But Oso closed strong and went like 6/6 on in between floaters (which makes his awful FT doing confusing as he seems to have touch).

Purdue wins though.

[Chi town]

Ja Kobe looked really good. Kid could go top 5.

[Chuck Everett]

Walter Clayton Jr kind of gave Pitt the business tonight. Pure shooter. I need to see more, but he was one of the few guys who made UConn work last NCAA tournament. The SEC will be a good test to see if he can carve out a career in the league.

[clyde21]

Ja Kobe looked really good. Kid could go top 5.

JKW and Castle are the only ones in the NCAA right now that look top 5ish to me

[babyjax13]

Ja Kobe looked really good. Kid could go top 5.

JKW and Castle are the only ones in the NCAA right now that look top 5ish to me

Edwards' shot will come around. Big wing who can shoot with a motor, even if he isn't super dynamic with the ball I think he's a top 5 guy.

[The-Power]

Ja Kobe looked really good. Kid could go top 5.

JKW and Castle are the only ones in the NCAA right now that look top 5ish to me

Edwards' shot will come around. Big wing who can shoot with a motor, even if he isn't super dynamic with the ball I think he's a top 5 guy.

I don't know. Even if his shot comes around a bit, I don't see all that much to be excited about. I'd agree that right now, I only see Walter and Castle as solid top 5 candidates and even they have to keep it up and expand on their game to be really exciting. Everyone else feels like a reach at this point. We'll see about Williams and Collier. But there's still time, so let's wait and see.

[FarBeyondDriven]

When you look at the Kentucky guards in the NBA who are performing well, how is this a knock on Kentucky? No offense.

I mean: Jamal Murray, Fox, Maxey, Quickley, Monk, Herro, Shai

All these guys are either super rich or about to be. The failures are Hami Diallo and TyTy, but Cal's track record with guards since arriving at Kentucky beginning with Wall and Bledsoe is incredible.

Maybe their year at UK was a learning experience that benefitted them in the long run, but it seems more likely to me that they're just elite recruits who were stifled in college. Typically we'd think of a learning year as guys trying stuff out and playing outside of their comfort zone, but they all showed more skill and breadth to their game in the NBA than at Kentucky (Wallace TBD)

Will DJ Wagner be the next one on the list?

So...

You ask why these guards all went later in the lottery...yet most have far exceeded that draft profile? Perhaps they actually learn knowledge and skills in Kentucky that propel them in future growth more than other schools--not less.

but that's proving the point. They're way more talented than where they were drafted and maybe going to Kentucky (or other players at major schools where minutes and touches are an issue) hurt their draft stock. Look at Sheppard's big game. He followed that up by scoring 0 in the next game. Mara just played 3 minutes tonight. McCain at Duke is way too good to be an afterthought scoring 6 pts. NIL money must be bonkers because in the past couple of seasons in particular it seems like guys are more than happy to return to school than be one and done.

[FarBeyondDriven]

Couple quick thoughts

– KJ Lewis really pops off the screen for Arizona. Great attitude. It's going to be interesting to see where he scoring game ends up because that will be important for his future outlook.

– Jamir Watkins had a great game versus Colorado. He's a prospect worth keeping an eye on, to see how his shooting and playmaking looks over the course of the season.

– What are everyone's thoughts on Kameron Jones? He looks in better physical shape to me. I think he has a chance to carve out an NBA role even with his limitations.

– Does Erik Reynold's shooting upside make him a noteworthy prospect à la Bones Hyland? Has anyone followed him more closely in the past?

– Cody Williams is still pretty raw but his flashes are brillant and he has already earned the trust of his coaches. Highly instinctive player. With continued development he could really be something. One of the most intriguing Freshmen in this class.

– Speaking of Freshmen, I love Sean Stewart. Not sure what his role at the next level will be exactly but he just pops off the screen whenever he's on the court.

– What a game by Dillon Mitchell versus Connecticut. Such an insanely explosive athlete with such a high motor. I really wish that it'll all come together for him at some point and he learns how to shoot the 3 so his NBA role becomes clearer.

– I have high hopes for Stephon Castle and Ja'Kobe Walter to turn this Freshmen class into something better than what it projects to be. If they can keep it up for the season and alleviate some concerns, that would make a big difference for this class.

– Does anyone not love watching Reed Sheppard play basketball?

yeah, I watched that whole game and came away very impressed with both. Cody Williams is years away though but he has Paul George upside (very unlikely) potential that G.M. salivate over so he's likely in the lottery mix. Like you said, you see flashes and if he was to put on some muscle and improve his handle he could be special. His coach certainly doesn't run plays for him so it's usually just him being forced to make things happen and sometimes he's complacent on offense.

Watkins unfortunately is 23 y/o already. If he was 19 y/o he'd be a lottery pick. He'll be a well above average starter in the NBA. I don't know if it's just taken longer to develop or he was stuck at a small program and it took this transfer to unlock his potential but he is legit. Someone picking in the 20s is going to get the steal of the draft.

[Catchall]

I really like Risarcher as a facilitator and two-way glue guy in this draft. I think he'll do everything that Kyle Anderson does, but he'll do it at twice the speed and with better shooting and scoring in general. Another comp to consider in terms of role (if not a direct physical comp) might be Jalen Johnson in Atlanta.

[The-Power]

Walter Clayton Jr kind of gave Pitt the business tonight. Pure shooter. I need to see more, but he was one of the few guys who made UConn work last NCAA tournament. The SEC will be a good test to see if he can carve out a career in the league.

Cole Anthony vibes. I think that's the outcome you'd hope for.

I'm also interested to see how Carlton Carrington develops throughout the season, and to see how he looks athletically against better teams.

[Hal14]

Walter Clayton Jr kind of gave Pitt the business tonight. Pure shooter. I need to see more, but he was one of the few guys who made UConn work last NCAA tournament. The SEC will be a good test to see if he can carve out a career in the league.

He's got a chance. It'd be a better chance if he was taller than 6'2", though..

[Hal14]

I really like Risarcher as a facilitator and two-way glue guy in this draft. I think he'll do everything that Kyle Anderson does, but he'll do it at twice the speed and with better shooting and scoring in general. Another comp to consider in terms of role (if not a direct physical comp) might be Jalen Johnson in Atlanta.

I don't see that comp. Similar height/size. Limited shot creation ability. But really not seeing much similarities beyond that.

Kyle Anderson is one of the best wing/forward defenders in the league. Risacher is not very good defensively, from what I've seen..