sidsid wrote:Scase wrote:sidsid wrote:
For a draft like this, the 29th and 2nd rounder hold more value because a team that is looking to jump into this draft is doing so to get cheap, controlled talent that they expect to play sooner rather than later. They are not deluding themselves about it being a star, they are hoping to strike gold with an affordable rotation player for their cap/tax precarious team.
The 16th pick is in a bad spot simply because it costs more and wouldn't hold more value in what is expected to be a flatter draft, unless a team gets draft fever and falls in love with a guy.
I think he tries to push one off for the flexibility reasons mentioned by other posters (if we manage to retain our lotto pick this year).
The 29th to me is the absolute worst value of the bunch though. It's basically a 2nd rounder, except it has a guaranteed contract. A second rounder is pretty low value as well, finding value at that spot is super rare, but at least you can waive them. 16th should be the highest value, the criticisms about this draft being weak, is more about the top end nature being thin, I imagine roleplayers/bench players should be a solid pickup for most teams on rookie salaries.
That said, pretty much all the picks are low value.
I'm just thinking of the likely suspects that would want to jump into a draft like this. Cash strapped teams are going to be counting every penny. The 16th pick holds about an extra 1.5M in salary with escalation compared to the late picks. Kira Lewis was salary dumped for tax purposes and he was only making under 6M. the 1st vs. 2nd debate comes down to guaranteed rates and RFA status after 4 years vs. A negotiation on salary and term for the second. Eye of the beholder type of decision.
That would be every single team that is above the 2nd apron. Which is about 8 of them right now. Suns/Wariors have the highest picks I would assume. I could see 31/29 for 20, maybe not the Warriors 10th/11.
