Thank Nation! Raps pick 9th - Draft on June 23rd 8pm (Part 7)

[Badonkadonk]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ex2azNRh3E[/youtube]

He makes sense for our team.

This is a very unflattering video of Skal.

If you think its unflattering, I don't think you actually watched the video. It talks about his strengths and weaknesses, which gives a more complete picture of what kind of player he is rather than a highlight reel of dunks. His strengths being nice shooting stroke, mid range game, nice offensive post game, great perimeter defender, solid weak side shot blocker, etc… His skill set is ideal for the modern 4 and would fit seamless into our system, especially next to JV or BB.

That's funny. Not only did I comment after finishing the video, but I actually watched a handful of Kentucky games to help complete the underwhelming opinion I have of Labissiere (I was watching for Murray but there he was in all his terrible glory).

Did you happen to catch who he had success against in the video? (i.e. most of his 'Strengths' clips).

- NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
- Kentucky State
- Boston University

On the flipside, the video shows his inability to use the glass or his body against teams that could actually throw some resistance at him (i.e. Indiana in both of those examples, Duke later).

Do you want to know why Calipari had to pull him out of games or why he wasn't able to crack 16mpg? If I could capture it in a nutshell, it would be at 4:32. He has no nose for defense or rebounding (where the narrator states that he'll likely be bullied by NBA players in the post). Back-to-back clips of the kind of feeble defense and inability to establish ANY kind of presence in the post that basically made him unusable for long stretches.

Basically, Skal sucked against any reasonable competition that was thrown at him and excelled against under-talented or under-sized teams (i.e. kind of how he dominated in HS).

Is it possible he could still turn out to be an all-star? I suppose anything is possible, but he was absolutely terrible last year and has the opposite traits that Masai wants.

[Masai Ujiri]

Rasheed Sulaimon and Wayne Selden - most underrated
European (Euroleague, Eurocup...) basketball star and maybe later a decent NBA career: Patricio Garino
6' 7" Height 6' 10" Wingspan 6.4 Body Fat 30.0 No Step Vert - 43% 3PT shooter
Off radar
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiOct5qbSq0[/youtube]

[WCCC]

It's suitable that Maker and Skal only looked good when faced up against each other. Two busts going at it.

Good with:
Poeltl
Furkan
Chriss - not as high on him as everyone else, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt since he started b-ball late
Luwawu - a small reach

Don't want if they drop:
Jaylen Brown - Rudy Gay/Derozan 2.0. No thanks.

Hesitant about taking if they drop:
Bender - not enough info about him, could be a Darko situation?

Do not want:
Skal - there is almost nothing special or great about this guy. Best thing I like about him is his jumper. On top of that, his injury concerns make him undraftable at our pick. If there was no pre-hype, this guy would be going in the 2nd round.
Ellenson - defense is more important for bigs

Don't reach, but can trade down for:
Sabonis
Prince

[S ID]

This guy looks like another option at 27. A draft + stash player with a good set of skills.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mike_Schmitz/status/742759011888431105[/tweet]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r36mlf0BKi0[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THrLhb2l2U4[/youtube]

Yup, he looks like a great stash candidate at 27. If he can put on some size while upping that 3pt percentage... wooh

[DreamTeam09]

This is a very unflattering video of Skal.

If you think its unflattering, I don't think you actually watched the video. It talks about his strengths and weaknesses, which gives a more complete picture of what kind of player he is rather than a highlight reel of dunks. His strengths being nice shooting stroke, mid range game, nice offensive post game, great perimeter defender, solid weak side shot blocker, etc… His skill set is ideal for the modern 4 and would fit seamless into our system, especially next to JV or BB.

That's funny. Not only did I comment after finishing the video, but I actually watched a handful of Kentucky games to help complete the underwhelming opinion I have of Labissiere (I was watching for Murray but there he was in all his terrible glory).

Did you happen to catch who he had success against in the video? (i.e. most of his 'Strengths' clips).

- NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
- Kentucky State
- Boston University

On the flipside, the video shows his inability to use the glass or his body against teams that could actually throw some resistance at him (i.e. Indiana in both of those examples, Duke later).

Do you want to know why Calipari had to pull him out of games or why he wasn't able to crack 16mpg? If I could capture it in a nutshell, it would be at 4:32. He has no nose for defense or rebounding (where the narrator states that he'll likely be bullied by NBA players in the post). Back-to-back clips of the kind of feeble defense and inability to establish ANY kind of presence in the post that basically made him unusable for long stretches.

Basically, Skal sucked against any reasonable competition that was thrown at him and excelled against under-talented or under-sized teams (i.e. kind of how he dominated in HS).

Is it possible he could still turn out to be an all-star? I suppose anything is possible, but he was absolutely terrible last year and has the opposite traits that Masai wants.

When drafting a project, you're not really focusing on his past, you're looking at his future.

He's already a better shooter now since his time at UK.
He will get bigger'
He will get stronger
He will gain professional nba experience

Now take those things and at it to a 7'0 mobile shot blocking defensive / solid hook shot and expanding shooting range PF to pair with our Stud C and now i'm excited.

[super_balls]

Really like this kid. Hoping Masai grabs him if he trades back. Should be gone by 20.

The biggest surprise was Juan Hernangomez. While he did not play against anyone, he did put his skills on display and he was impressive. His range all the way around the NBA three-point line was stellar. His aggressiveness around the basket in pad-contact drills was excellent. In talking with his agents, Hernangomez does not have a buyout in his contract so he’s free to come to a NBA team right away if that’s the best plan. Hernangomez also said he’d be fine staying in Europe another year or two if that’s the best plan. His skill and flexible attitude may make him hard to pass up in a fairly flat draft class. He has also been listed in various places as a small forward, which is not at all accurate. He’ll be a power forward in the NBA.”

“Yeah, I love the contact,” Hernangomez said. “It’s a different kind of play [between] Europe and USA, so I want to practice for a long time. I want to do it with a lot of energy and that’s it.”

If Hernangomez is able to match up physically with NBA big men sooner than expected, that would certainly make him one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft class. In his time with Estudiantes, Hernangomez has shown that he has a fluid game and that he can take the ball off the dribble, in addition to his notable shooting stroke. Teams are well aware of these attributes, but are still trying to figure out what kind of player Hernangomez can be in a few years once he puts on some more muscle and is more physically developed.

While Hernangomez isn’t going to throw down highlight worthy dunks like DeAndre Jordan, he did display some notable explosiveness in his recent workout.

“Yeah, I want to prove every area, that I got it,” Hernangomez said when asked about his athleticism. “I want to be the most [complete] player that I can [be], so that’s the way. Improve everything and work so hard.”

While there is a lot to already like about Hernangomez, it is possible that a team could draft him with the intent of stashing him overseas for another year or two. While Hernangomez does not have a buyout clause (meaning he can come to the NBA immediately), he still has not decided whether he will jump to the NBA this upcoming season.

“No, I only want to enjoy this practice and enjoy the draft,” Hernangomez said when asked if he had decided whether he would come to the NBA next season. “I don’t know what position [I’ll be selected at], so it depends on the draft. Until the draft, [once I’m chosen], I’ll then have to [then] make a decision with my family, with my agent, with everybody.”

Whether Hernangomez comes to the NBA next season or at some point in the future, it’s clear that he has the potential to be a valuable addition for any team. Big men who can stretch the floor, take the ball of the dribble and rebound are considered valuable assets and Hernangomez has already proven that he is capable of doing all of those thing. The big question is determining what else he will be able to do in a few seasons. If his recent workouts are any indication, the future looks pretty bright for Hernangomez.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHpL9TbllFc[/youtube]

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-saturday-juan-hernangomez-impresses-in-workouts/

I've been on the Hernangomez band wagon since the beginning of the playoffs. Love his game.. high motor, can shoot, has guard skills and plays above the rim.

[fame]

Just noticed that Denzel Valentine dropped to the early 20's in both draftexpress and nbadraft mocks. If he somehow fell to us at 27 I would beyond excited.

[TheGoodDoctor]

I'm just gonna say as my sig says GET CHRISS OR DIE TRYING....

I still think THIS kid is the one with the potential to be a SUPERSTAR

Although now I'm scared that this unfortunately isn't like Drummond because he's not flying under the radar like him and unlike AD scouts are catching on to that before the draft, but my God if he's there at #9 we better not pass on him because I think we'd end up regretting it as bad, if not worse!

[raptorstime]

just draft whoever can help us win now, we don't need another project

[S ID]

I'm just gonna say as my sig says GET CHRISS OR DIE TRYING....

I still think THIS kid is the one with the potential to be a SUPERSTAR

Although now I'm scared that this unfortunately isn't like Drummond because he's not flying under the radar like him and unlike AD scouts are catching on to that before the draft, but my God if he's there at #9 we better not pass on him because I think we'd end up regretting it as bad, if not worse!

He's (imo) the biggest candidate to drop because of the rawness. You just have to hope the Kings reach, which they like to do, but Chriss is from Sacramento so who knows...

[jindy20]

Don't want if they drop:
Jaylen Brown - Rudy Gay/Derozan 2.0. No thanks.

I for one would be elated if we're able to get a Rudy Gay or Derozan at 9 irrespective of team needs. Accumulation of assets, my friend. Draft Jaylen if he falls.

[TheGoodDoctor]

I'm just gonna say as my sig says GET CHRISS OR DIE TRYING....

I still think THIS kid is the one with the potential to be a SUPERSTAR

Although now I'm scared that this unfortunately isn't like Drummond because he's not flying under the radar like him and unlike AD scouts are catching on to that before the draft, but my God if he's there at #9 we better not pass on him because I think we'd end up regretting it as bad, if not worse!

He's (imo) the biggest candidate to drop because of the rawness. You just have to hope the Kings reach, which they like to do, but Chriss is from Sacramento so who knows...

You have no idea how much I hope you're right.

I really think this kid has a chance to be special, so much so that dare I say it but not even sure if I would take him over Murray *gasp* lol I just think his FREAKISH athleticism and skillset is gonna be perfect for the league. I feel like the return of the Vince Carter buzz coming back to town with this young Raptor!

[BismackonLebron]

Don't want if they drop:
Jaylen Brown - Rudy Gay/Derozan 2.0. No thanks.

I for one would be elated if we're able to get a Rudy Gay or Derozan at 9 irrespective of team needs. Accumulation of assets, my friend. Draft Jaylen if he falls.

Agreed he'd great value at 9 if he becomes either one of those two guys. Both are good nba players if put in a position to succeed. We're seeing it bow with both being much more efficient and contributing to winning bball, Demar more so.

[Lukeem]

just draft whoever can help us win now, we don't need another project

Picking a 9 the odds of selecting someone that would push us to add more than a win or two in the regular season are slim, pushing us significantly closer to being legit contenders is next to nil. If we want to do that it will be through FAs and trades.

However getting a project that might make those strides or higher by the end of his rookie contract, I'd put those Odds closer to 33%

By this time derozan and Lowry might be at the end of or slightly past their prime (who knows with the improvement they have shown) but Val and everyone else on the roster should be in their prime.

If we are looking at a win now pick I'd be surprised if we found someone that would give us more of a boost than doing a sign and trade for Dwight powell ( modest attainable PF)

[BoyzNTheHood]

This is not on topic by any means, but it goes with the theme of draft prospects and their combine measurements. I just watched a video on YouTube with Wilt Chamberlain and Muhammad Ali. In the video Angelo Dundee measured their winspans. Wilt measured 92 inches which is 7'8" [FACE SCREAMING IN FEAR]. Then he compared hand sizes to Ali and I don't think I've ever seen a hand that large. It looked like it would dwarf Kawhi's gogantic mits.

Add all of that in with this man's reported 40 inch vertical and it's awe inspiring. If only there was a Wilt Chamberlain today. The man's legend would be incomparable with all of the social media.

Here's the link. If anyone not on a mobile device could embed it that would be appreciated

https://youtu.be/fuX7FlddCRg

[super_balls]

This guy looks like another option at 27. A draft + stash player with a good set of skills.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mike_Schmitz/status/742759011888431105[/tweet]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r36mlf0BKi0[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THrLhb2l2U4[/youtube]

Yup, he looks like a great stash candidate at 27. If he can put on some size while upping that 3pt percentage... wooh

Plays similar to Sam Dekker. Dope find my dude, defintely an interesting stash candidate. Does he play on the same team as Luwawu? - Ugly barney jerseys look familiar.

[BoyzNTheHood]

This guy looks like another option at 27. A draft + stash player with a good set of skills.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mike_Schmitz/status/742759011888431105[/tweet]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r36mlf0BKi0[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THrLhb2l2U4[/youtube]

Yup, he looks like a great stash candidate at 27. If he can put on some size while upping that 3pt percentage... wooh

Plays similar to Sam Dekker. Dope find my dude, defintely an interesting stash candidate. Does he play on the same team as Luwawu? - Ugly barney jerseys look familiar.

Yup, he plays with Luwawu. The watermelon jerseys have a few NBA prospects in this draft.

[Kevin Willis]

Just noticed that Denzel Valentine dropped to the early 20's in both draftexpress and nbadraft mocks. If he somehow fell to us at 27 I would beyond excited.

He has bad news - rumor is it's Granger bad so he will drop. Just like Caris Levert dropped to nothingness. I wouldn't be surprised if he's second round now. I lie I would be surprised but he's not lotto anymore.

[WCCC]

Don't want if they drop:
Jaylen Brown - Rudy Gay/Derozan 2.0. No thanks.

I for one would be elated if we're able to get a Rudy Gay or Derozan at 9 irrespective of team needs. Accumulation of assets, my friend. Draft Jaylen if he falls.

Agreed he'd great value at 9 if he becomes either one of those two guys. Both are good nba players if put in a position to succeed. We're seeing it bow with both being much more efficient and contributing to winning bball, Demar more so.

Derozan is efficient on the odd years..or not even at that. He's had one efficient season and one "ok" season? Demar contributing to winning ball is just like Kevin Love contributing in bringing the Cavs to the finals.

Not to mention, DD completely maxed out on his talents..and that's after 7 years of forcing feeding him touches and minutes. Jaylen's not going to get that opportunity here. Gay on the other hand, as an "asset", was attained for Jose and Ed Davis and trade for PP + scrubs.

Yeah, it's fine if Brown turns out to be around their level..but we're talking about IF he turns out that way. You don't take him at the cost of passing on better prospects. I'd rather have high level role players or borderline all-star specialists than these type of players (Klay, Batum, Middleton, maybe last season's Crowder)

[Lukeem]

This is not on topic by any means, but it goes with the theme of draft prospects and their combine measurements. I just watched a video on YouTube with Wilt Chamberlain and Muhammad Ali. In the video Angelo Dundee measured their winspans. Wilt measured 92 inches which is 7'8" [FACE SCREAMING IN FEAR]. Then he compared hand sizes to Ali and I don't think I've ever seen a hand that large. It looked like it would dwarf Kawhi's gogantic mits.

Add all of that in with this man's reported 40 inch vertical and it's awe inspiring. If only there was a Wilt Chamberlain today. The man's legend would be incomparable with all of the social media.

Here's the link. If anyone not on a mobile device could embed it that would be appreciated

https://youtu.be/fuX7FlddCRg

Competed collegiately I'm track and field as well. Way ahead of his time for strength, carried bar bells in his luggage so he could work on road trips. benched more than shaw or Dwight Howard.

Lead the league in assists. Knocked off the greatest dynasty/ team ever. If they had counted blocks would have more quadruple doubles than the rest of the league combined over the entire history of the game.

Goat- but nobody cheers for Goliath