2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD 5

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

“I miss him (McCain) like crazy, man,” Scheyer says. “He’s a hell of a guy to be around. People are going to regret not picking him higher, I’m just telling you.”

[SpezNc]

new espn

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40306325/nba-draft-2024-debating-need-value-30-round-1-picks

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets)
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Nikola Topic | Red Star (Serbia) | PG | Age: 18.8

With a roster flush with talent at every position, it might make sense for the Thunder to consider drafting Topic, who was widely considered a top-five prospect prior to suffering a knee injury. Oklahoma City can afford to redshirt Topic next season, extend Josh Giddey at a palatable number and then slide a healthy Topic (the two share plenty of similarities) into Giddey's place if they eventually need to move the Australian due to luxury tax concerns.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Topic

Not only does Topic suit the Thunder's needs well, but he's a solid value for any team if he falls outside the top 10. Even if his partially torn ACL causes him to miss some or all of next season, drafting him now is a long-term value play. There were scouts who viewed him as a top-pick contender early in the season, and particularly if he does wind up sliding like this on draft night, Topic will be an interesting pro career to track in the years to come.


13. Sacramento Kings
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 20.2

Malik Monk, who finished second in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, is entering unrestricted free agency and Sacramento might be priced out of retaining him because of salary cap rules. Enter McCain, one of the best shooter/scorers in this draft, who happens to hail from Sacramento. McCain has an easy niche he can fill in the NBA with his scoring versatility, basketball instincts, competitiveness and smarts, making him an attractive option at No. 13.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: McCain

I personally prefer McCain to the guards left on the board in my scenario such as Walter, Dillingham and Isaiah Collier. McCain might not be quite as flashy or have the same level of upside, but teams should know exactly what they're getting. He's going to make shots and raise the basketball IQ of whoever else is on the floor with him, and there's intangible upside in that.


14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors)
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Salaun

Continuing to add shooting, length, defensive versatility, intensity and winning intangibles will likely be points of emphasis for Portland as it continues to rebuild its roster in the wake of the Damian Lillard trade. Enter Salaun, who brings all those qualities as well as one of the highest ceiling in this draft with his impressive long-term potential. He has the size to eventually play as a small-ball center as his frame fills out, but he also made quite a few 3-pointers this season and was tasked with guarding all over the floor.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Dillingham

Considering the number of scoring guards on the Blazers' roster, I don't expect Portland will go this route. But if you buy Dillingham's upside, his shot-creation skills would be hard to let slip much further than this on the draft board. At a certain point, I'd take a shot on him and hope his offensive talent cures all else.


15. Miami Heat
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Holland

It makes sense here for the Heat to take a flyer on a high-upside prospect such as Holland, who was at one point a candidate for the No. 1 pick. Miami has done a great job of helping players improve their perimeter shooting and decision-making consistency, and Holland's competitiveness and aggressiveness will likely be valued by an organization that places a premium on those attributes.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Walter

Grabbing a reliable 3-and-D wing in the middle of the first round is rarely a bad value play, and Walter's intangibles and shot-making should appeal to the Heat as a useful addition. I think this is the correct part of the draft for him to deliver a solid return.


16. Philadelphia 76ers
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 23.0

With Tobias Harris entering unrestricted free agency and coming off making $39 million, it might make sense for the Sixers to draft a player at his position to give them insurance. Da Silva, ranked No. 17 in ESPN's Top 100, has excellent size at 6-foot-10, made 40% of his 3-pointers and brings a strong feel for the game, unselfishness and competitiveness on both ends of the floor. He should be ready to play fairly soon for a team that's not looking to take a step backward.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.8

The Sixers hit big on Tyrese Maxey in 2020 when he fell to them at No. 21. And in much the same way, Carrington has a chance to deliver pretty exciting value outside the lottery. Whether Philadelphia would go this route is fair to ask -- they could use more immediate help -- but a Carrington-Maxey backcourt pairing would be exciting for the future.

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Tristan da Silva elevates for flush vs. Oregon State BeaversTristan da Silva elevates for flush vs. Oregon State Beavers

17. Los Angeles Lakers
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 22.0

Anthony Davis is coming off his best season in years from a durability standpoint but will likely need to have his minutes managed, and he has always preferred to play alongside another big man. Enter Edey, who can bring the Lakers some of the physicality they've been lacking inside the paint at times, finishing as the NBA's worst offensive-rebounding team last season. Edey, ranked No. 16 in ESPN's Top 100, is an elite screener, foul-drawer and finisher, and he comes ready to help a team as the best player in college basketball the past two years.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Da Silva

This is around the back end of what Da Silva's range appears to be, with most every team in the Nos. 12-to-18 range showing interest. This pick would marry both need and value for the Lakers, who can draft a useful, multipositional player with Da Silver here -- that is, if Los Angeles keeps the pick.


18. Orlando Magic
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Johnny Furphy | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.4

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The Magic ranked among the NBA's least prolific teams in both 3-pointers made and attempted last season. Enter Furphy, who has multipositional versatility operating in different lineup configurations with some outside shooting potential. Furphy, ranked No. 18 in ESPN's Top 100, also brings toughness, activity and youth, with the upside to continue to grow thanks to his steep development trajectory.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.6

There's a reason why Collier was once viewed as a top-pick candidate, and it would be hard for me to let him fall further than this. He'll need time to hone his shooting and decision-making, and if those skills don't improve enough, this could be a miss, but his strength, burst and passing skills are appealing. There aren't a ton of teams who need a developmental point guard in the Nos. 10-to-20 range, which might contribute to a draft night slide for Collier. But I think there's worthwhile upside to take a swing here for Orlando, even if there are higher-priority needs elsewhere.


19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers)
Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Kyshawn George | Miami | SG/SF | Age: 20.4

Surrounding primary ball handler Scottie Barnes with ample floor spacing will likely continue to be a priority for Toronto. George hit 41% of his 3-pointers last season and is intriguing to teams as a 6-foot-8 player with guard skills, fluidity-changing speeds and strong instincts on both ends of the floor. George, the No. 19-ranked player in ESPN's Top 100, has significant upside he can tap into with the late-blooming trajectory.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Furphy

The 19-year-old Furphy has a lot of development ahead of him after a surprise one-and-done campaign, but his size and shooting ability give him a good baseline to find an NBA role. Toronto presumably won't go this route in the draft after selecting another wing shooter from Kansas, Gradey Dick, in last year's draft -- but if need were no object, I'd take a chance on him.

I think that concept is hard to follow . It’s unclear who is available and who is not when they say “value pick “.

Like TDS is need of Philly but a value pick one spot down? Like really ? Same with Furphy. He is the need of Orlando but value pick for us.

Same with the top 3 where each of Sarr,Clignan and Risacher are each one time value pick and one time the need .

While I appreciated the effort of Givony / Woo and maybe I am alone in that opinion but it feels like this mock draft was content to get content .

I guess the key point is Givony/Woo appears really high on Furphy to pegged him as a VALUE pick at 19. For someone most often then not mock a bit lower it was a bit surprising to me

[SpezNc]

Do you have the link where to find this ?

I am curious who (if) will be the next big name (I means in the 15-35 range) to workout with us.

Since Edey it’s been quiet

[alpngso]

“I miss him (McCain) like crazy, man,” Scheyer says. “He’s a hell of a guy to be around. People are going to regret not picking him higher, I’m just telling you.”

I heard he paints his nails like Caleb Williams. Would be so fun to have tiktok sensation like him and Gradey

[alpngso]

Do you have the link where to find this ?

I am curious who (if) will be the next big name (I means in the 15-35 range) to workout with us.

Since Edey it’s been quiet

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2024-draft-workouts-tracker/

[WuTang_CMB]

Do you have the link where to find this ?

I am curious who (if) will be the next big name (I means in the 15-35 range) to workout with us.

Since Edey it’s been quiet

This isnt the complete list. Many more. Kolek was working out monday for example

[Spates]

Raps should try and move up to select McCain

[Thaddy]

We should play it safe and go with Missi. He could easily fill Koloko's role. I want a stretch big but it's hard to project anyone else that's as likely as Missi to be productive.

Tyson also looks to be a high floor player that can provide a needed spark off the bench. The athleticism concerns make him hard to reach for but his talent makes him unlikely to drop into the 2nd.

The player we'll likely see dropping is Smith. If he's available at 31st it looks like a no brainer. We need the rim protection and the shooting. He could potentially be one of the best young pieces on our team after his rookie season.

Missi - Olynyk - Smith

That would be a switchable but oversized front court with a good amount of shooting. It would be interesting to pair with Barnes and Dick.

When Atlanta drafts Sarr, just trade for Capela and take on his contract. No need to spend a pick. Send them McDaniels or Agbaji if you want. Or Boucher if they want a decent forward back?

Missi looks like a better young Siakam, with more powerful movements, and his dribble penetration could improve a lot with some ball handling development. I would project him to be better than Capela, I'm sure we'll look into that during individual work outs and see if he has a projectable shot.

[SpezNc]

Do you have the link where to find this ?

I am curious who (if) will be the next big name (I means in the 15-35 range) to workout with us.

Since Edey it’s been quiet

This isnt the complete list. Many more. Kolek was working out monday for example

Seems we can add Tyler Smith as well

https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/toronto-raptors-have-worked-out-g-league-ignite-draft-prospect-tyler-smith?utm_source=reddit.com

[WuTang_CMB]

“I miss him (McCain) like crazy, man,” Scheyer says. “He’s a hell of a guy to be around. People are going to regret not picking him higher, I’m just telling you.”

high character

Watch on YouTube

[C_Money]

I was thinking Kyshawn George at 31. Don’t think we should use the 19th pick on him.

[BoyzNTheHood]

“I miss him (McCain) like crazy, man,” Scheyer says. “He’s a hell of a guy to be around. People are going to regret not picking him higher, I’m just telling you.”

high character

Watch on YouTube

He’s a really good kid, it’s obvious. My thing is, how much can he do outside of shooting? Second, how much will social media distract him from his training?

[ATLTimekeeper]

His people insist he spends like 5 minutes a day making tik toks. This is just going to be more and more common as time goes on. I think there are legit concerns that he's pretty one-note as a smaller Gary Trent Jr. Wouldn't be the worst choice but he's definitely down the list of guys I'd like us to take with that pick.

[WuTang_CMB]

“I miss him (McCain) like crazy, man,” Scheyer says. “He’s a hell of a guy to be around. People are going to regret not picking him higher, I’m just telling you.”

high character

Watch on YouTube

He’s a really good kid, it’s obvious. My thing is, how much can he do outside of shooting? Second, how much will social media distract him from his training?

Smaller SG for sure. He's going to have to be more on ball IMO to really be an impact guy. I dont know if he has that since he's not much of a playmaker. Or is he happy in a role like Sheppard from Indiana ?

[goinrogue]

The Tyler smith stuff is legit and going under the radar. That thread about Masai in the gym watching Bronny - Tyler smith was there too. He’s been seen watching Tyler smith a few times plus private workout. Don’t be shocked if he’s our guy at 19.

[Dalek]

His people insist he spends like 5 minutes a day making tik toks. This is just going to be more and more common as time goes on. I think there are legit concerns that he's pretty one-note as a smaller Gary Trent Jr. Wouldn't be the worst choice but he's definitely down the list of guys I'd like us to take with that pick.

I like McCain as a basketball player and you can tell from his physical profile and shooting he is a huge attention to detail guy. I say this because I don't question that he is basketball first. The problem is social media and being in the NBA. The whole profile building piece starts in AAU and then worsens with NIL in the NCAA. This marketing persona creates a tension with basketball.

He already took a fair amount of mental abuse through his use of the platform and he has spoken about mental health issues. Having a player so focused on public persona is making what is already a stressful job even tougher. He paints his nails which is great self-care or empowerment, but you know with millions of people following there are going to be a vocal group that will tear him down. Honestly, I hope he does well, but I don't like big personalities who make it about them.

I am more into prospects that obsessed with basketball and focused on meditation to block out distractions, not guys who are borderline ADHD who need constantly stimulus and validation from the public. I am not sure how much McCain obsesses over it, but he sure does a lot of media along with his tik toks.

[WuTang_CMB]

The Tyler smith stuff is legit and going under the radar. That thread about Masai in the gym watching Bronny - Tyler smith was there too. He’s been seen watching Tyler smith a few times plus private workout. Don’t be shocked if he’s our guy at 19.

masai, dan, patrick

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Can Zachary Edey put the ball on the floor a little bit and can he shoot? Like, if you squint a little, you could see the makings of a star, at least offensively. There's a path there in terms of development imo

[OakleyDokely]

I don't think George fits the Raps profile, especially in this draft range. He isn't an analytics darling, he really isn't that versatile on either end, he wasn't a consistent/elite producer in college and he isn't a crazy athlete or abnormally big for his position . Maybe they take a shot on him if he's there at 31, but Id be surprised if they took him 19.

[ATLTimekeeper]

His people insist he spends like 5 minutes a day making tik toks. This is just going to be more and more common as time goes on. I think there are legit concerns that he's pretty one-note as a smaller Gary Trent Jr. Wouldn't be the worst choice but he's definitely down the list of guys I'd like us to take with that pick.

I like McCain as a basketball player and you can tell from his physical profile and shooting he is a huge attention to detail guy. I say this because I don't question that he is basketball first. The problem is social media and being in the NBA. The whole profile building piece starts in AAU and then worsens with NIL in the NCAA. This marketing persona creates a tension with basketball.

He already took a fair amount of mental abuse through his use of the platform and he has spoken about mental health issues. Having a player so focused on public persona is making what is already a stressful job even tougher. He paints his nails which is great self-care or empowerment, but you know with millions of people following there are going to be a vocal group that will tear him down. Honestly, I hope he does well, but I don't like big personalities who make it about them.

I am more into prospects that obsessed with basketball and focused on meditation to block out distractions, not guys who are borderline ADHD who need constantly stimulus and validation from the public. I am not sure how much McCain obsesses over it, but he sure does a lot of media along with his tik toks.

“I meditate every single day, every day,” McCain said.

McCain’s discipline for waking up at 5:30 every morning to do yoga is unwavering, a product of the mental strength that comes with meditation.

“I’ve always loved getting up early, I watched those videos of CEOs who wake up early and get the work in,” McCain said at media day. “I like the pressure of knowing I’ve got to perform right now. I trust my work.”

This is your guy, then!