2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD 5

[ArthurVandelay]

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

lol

[Dalek]

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

It's Tidjane Salaun

100%

I do think the Spurs with two early picks would look at him first. He is one of Wemby's best freidns

Salaun told KENS 5 that he communicated with the Spurs, which shows that the team is doing its due diligence. They have shown interest in him and even scouted him in Cholet, France.

"Yeah, I talked with them when they came to Cholet," he said.

The 18-year-old has been a fast riser in the draft. He is listed at 6’9’’ and 212 lbs. Scouting reports describe him as relentless, fluid, agile, strong, and athletic.

He does need to improve his outside shot, overall offense, and rebounding, but he is raw and could use some time in the G League to develop.

Nevertheless, he will soon join his fellow French countryman, Victor Wembanyama, in the NBA.

And taking the court with Wemby will likely leave him in awe, whether or not he is his teammate.

"Victor is an inspiration for not only basketball players but for all the sports in France," Salaun said to KENS 5. "He's tall, and he makes the impossible possible."

Salaun says he admires Wemby's work ethic in improving his game.

"That’s great for all of us. He inspires me every day because he works a lot, and now he can dribble like a point guard."

The pair also keeps in contact, which would bode well for the Spurs if they were to select him and not worry about team chemistry between them.

"I talked with him in March," Salaun said about keeping in touch with the Spurs center.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/nba-hopeful-tidjane-salaun-speaks-with-the-spurs-sees-wembanyama-as-an-inspiration/ar-BB1nOSjh?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[MainEvent]

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

It's Tidjane Salaun

That would be my guess as well, and I hate it. Matas is also very much a Masai type.

For me at this point Salaun is the player I'm least excited about trading up for

[CazOnReal]

It's Tidjane Salaun

That would be my guess as well, and I hate it. Matas is also very much a Masai type.

For me at this point Salaun is the player I'm least excited about trading up for

I'm only excited by the prospect of trading up in this draft solely based on the two guys that the Raptors allegedly tried to trade up to acquire in prior drafts which were considered weak (albeit 2018 was more top heavy than it was "weak" weak) in Giannis and SGA.

They're being proactive in this retool, if nothing else. Step in the right direction.

[OAKLEY_2]

Does anybody "NOT" like Devin Carter as a prospect? You can question the ceiling, but I see no chance that he busts.

If we had 9 from Memphis and Carter was there at 9 he almost clears the deck of other selections. He'd have to be there too.

[ItsDanger]

Terrence Shannon Jr cleared of charges today. Plus athletic combo guard. Wonder if Raps are even interested.

[TimeForChange]

Read on Twitter

[DreamTeam09]

We don’t own the Pacers pick.

2026 first round draft pick from Indiana
Indiana's 1st round pick to Toronto protected for selections 1-4 in 2026 and 1-4 in 2027; if Indiana has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto by 2027, then Indiana will instead convey Utah's 2027 2nd round pick and Dallas' 2028 2nd round pick to Toronto [Indiana-Toronto, 1/17/2024]

My fault, I was thinking for this season. I’m not sure it gets you into the top 3 anyways, even this year. That pick will likely be outside the lottery.

lol but we do own the Pacers pick this szn lol #19

[DreamTeam09]

There isn't a single player in this draft worth giving up assets to trade up for.
Maybe Rischarer because of the perfect fit n potential, but that's about it.

[raptor jesus]

I don't really like the wing prospects who are projected in the lottery this year e.g. Risacher, Salaun, Cody Williams (haven't watched enough of Holland yet). Most of them look limited in terms of skill set and ceiling, and seem to be getting overhyped based on measurements. The guard crop is much more intriguing to me, and the trendiness of wings may push some good players down the board.

[Dalek]

Wolstat aka Woz got a scoop with Dan Tolzman:

That includes controlling Day 2. There have been rumours that teams already are making offers for the 31st pick, but Tolzman said “I wouldn’t say we’re expecting (teams to get aggressive after Round 1 concludes if they’ve fallen in love with a player), but I think it’s definitely a kind of cool added wrinkle that we’re looking forward to seeing what it brings,” he said.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how the first round plays out,” he added. “And, as always, there’s guys that slide into the second round that maybe teams hadn’t expected to and so what (does) that overnight frenzy looks like? It’ll be interesting to see, but also we feel like we could be in a good spot to where hopefully someone drops that we like ourselves.

“And so it’s not so much about what to do with that pick as much as we’re just in a good position, hopefully get a really good player.”

Tolzman said Toronto has been able to get an up-close look at many players. Many think No. 19 is their floor, so they want to make sure the Raptors know what they bring.

“It’s been an interesting blend (in for workouts),” Tolzman said after being asked by Postmedia how difficult it has been arranging workouts this year. “We’re getting a lot of players in, for sure, because it’s kind of a sweet spot of players that are trying to prove that they can be a top-20 pick, but also teams looking for back stops at No. 31.

“There is good mix of players but, as always, there’s a lot of players that feel they’re pretty confident that they won’t get to 19, so it’s always a conversation that we have (with getting in the highest-ranked prospects).”
Tolzman said Toronto has seen “a lot of interesting (players).”

Tolzman admitted this year has been a little different than others in that there hasn’t been as much separation as usual. Normally players can be broken into tiers by this point.

“It does seem like most players have a really wide range. Usually by this time we have a better idea of at least a smaller group of players we”ll likely be looking at 19, for instance. This year, I would say we have an idea but at the same time it could go completely differently if a few players that we think didn’t expect to go in front of 19 end up going and it pushes down a handful of guys,” he said.

“We’ll be ready for everybody just in case but at the same time, usually you know for sure who’s going to be off the board at that time.”

https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-good-spot-to-make-waves-draft

[Risk101]

Offseason priorities

The $23 million Bruce Brown team option. The Raptors could open cap flexibility if the option is declined but would lose a future trade chip.

The Scottie Barnes rookie max extension. Barnes is eligible to sign a five-year, $215 million extension. The contract would be the largest in franchise history.

The cost to retain restricted free agent Immanuel Quickley. The average starting point guard salary is $26 million.

The 2024 draft

First: No. 19 (via IND)

Second: No. 31 (via DET)

Draft notebook

The Raptors own two interesting picks in the middle of the draft at Nos. 19 and 31. The type of players they target might signal what their urgency level is to get back to the playoffs, after transitioning to a much younger roster built around Barnes. As constituted, they're still a long way from returning. It might make sense to focus on developmental upside with at least one of their picks, considering there are plenty of young players who need minutes already on board. -- Woo

Team needs

3-point shooting

Point guard depth

Bench scoring at the wings

Backup big

Quickley signed to a reasonable deal

Off-ball offensive development from Barnes

Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

The Raptors have their own first in the next seven years and a 2026 top-four-protected first from Indiana. The first is top-four protected in 2027 if not conveyed. Toronto has six second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Raptors are in position to have cap space for the first time since 2015 if they decline the $23 million Brown option and renounce all their free agents except Quickley. If the option is declined, Toronto could create up to $28 million in room. The Raptors have a $10.1 million trade exception available.

CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions for Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/40286276/nba-free-agency-2024-priorities-player-needs-30-teams-draft-outlook#tor

[CazOnReal]

Offseason priorities

The $23 million Bruce Brown team option. The Raptors could open cap flexibility if the option is declined but would lose a future trade chip.

The Scottie Barnes rookie max extension. Barnes is eligible to sign a five-year, $215 million extension. The contract would be the largest in franchise history.

The cost to retain restricted free agent Immanuel Quickley. The average starting point guard salary is $26 million.

The 2024 draft

First: No. 19 (via IND)

Second: No. 31 (via DET)

Draft notebook

The Raptors own two interesting picks in the middle of the draft at Nos. 19 and 31. The type of players they target might signal what their urgency level is to get back to the playoffs, after transitioning to a much younger roster built around Barnes. As constituted, they're still a long way from returning. It might make sense to focus on developmental upside with at least one of their picks, considering there are plenty of young players who need minutes already on board. -- Woo

Team needs

3-point shooting

Point guard depth

Bench scoring at the wings

Backup big

Quickley signed to a reasonable deal

Off-ball offensive development from Barnes

Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

The Raptors have their own first in the next seven years and a 2026 top-four-protected first from Indiana. The first is top-four protected in 2027 if not conveyed. Toronto has six second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Raptors are in position to have cap space for the first time since 2015 if they decline the $23 million Brown option and renounce all their free agents except Quickley. If the option is declined, Toronto could create up to $28 million in room. The Raptors have a $10.1 million trade exception available.

CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions for Toronto.

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/40286276/nba-free-agency-2024-priorities-player-needs-30-teams-draft-outlook#tor

Team needs: Literally everything

This reads like that Giddey strengths/weakness meme

The main need right now is an actual bench; Kelly and Ochai isn't a bad start but it is a start, and those bench needs include backup big man, backup guard amongst all other concerns.

[tdotrep2]

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

lol

[Indeed]

Ya mean like Thorpe? Sam Vecinie is very fan-like but he is one of the few that explains who works with Barnes and who doesn't.

No, but the scouting report isn't right to me.
For example, he mentioned Salaum is a good defender and can switch, but from eye test and other reports, he is not quick enough to guard guards, also over rotating and ended by being beat.

This is an 18 year old foreign pro prospect. Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer said about Salaun:

MINUSES

Needs to become a more fundamental on-ball defender to reach his full potential. He falls out of position and gets crossed up way too often.

Lacks shooting ability off the dribble. His handle is loose. He often looks the part, generating space with side-steps and stepbacks, but he often misses horribly with bricks off the backboard.

Until this year, he’s never been a good shooter. And there are some worrisome trends that his touch isn’t what it seems: He lacks a reliable floater, struggles to convert touch layups, and still shoots only about 70 percent from the line.

Sloppy passer who regularly throws the ball straight to defenders. He also has a tendency to rush simple plays and misread opponents.

In all of the chatter commentary there is a full expectation he could be drafted 7-12 so there are clear attributes teams like and then they project upside as we are talking 18 years old. Kid was born in 2005. I cannot tell much about him or Ware and prioritizing a big seems like a fool's errand save for Edey. I do know Filipowski looks worse athletically than Drew Timme and feel bad drawing attention to Timme's skillset for comparison. Vecenie has suggested Filipowski as Scottie compatible and sorry that's just insane. Give me Mogbo any day. Reach away.

Yes, but after all, the mock over the last few years were way off.
Anyway, it is just me spotting a few things when watching full games that I agree with few other scouting report, so my preference is not him and not finding the same things that I spotted from him.

[Axe Dragon]

I think I understand why teams would hesitate on Dillingham because I actually hadn't noticed it before. Here are his measurements:

6'1 without shoes
6'3 wingspan
164 lbs

I actually did a double take on the weight. I think the only guy I can think of playing at that height and weight is Trae Young. Even Dennis Schroeder is about 175 lbs which is 10 lbs heavier. Those two both play high level PG as in running the offense and making difficult passes and reads. Dillingham is more like a gunner with some passing skill but you know his first instinct is to shoot.

Another guy I thought of as a similar player type for Dillingham, De'Aaron Fox. He is a couple inches taller and 185 lbs. Can Dillingham add 20 lbs in a few years?

I think if Dillingham falls it is because people don't trust his size. It is just tough to start in the NBA and be a small PG, unless you have outlier skills.

Pretty much Allen Iverson’s measurements.

Axe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Indeed]

I wouldn’t want to give up our few tradable assets to get Salune tbh. I’m not seeing the high level upside

I’m guessing it might be a Poeltl move to get the 9 and assets and then draft Edey at 19 if he’s there (which from reporting he won’t be)

I am 95% sure that Toronto if trading up it would be to get Zach Edey because we have a history of reaching on drafts. Secondly, we obviously value Canadian guys. Thirdly, we showed our hand in putting only his interview on Raptors' socials. It is not like Edey needs publicity.

If we dump Poeltl as part of it, then it clears Edey's runway to start. Honestly, it would explain the huge number of undrafted guys we seem to be working out as opposed to guys in the 19-31 range.

My biggest question is if Edey fits with Barnes.
I think before we give up on Poeltl, I think we want a sure thing.

Meanwhile, I don't buy the rumor. The time we wish to trade up from Giannis, there was no rumor. Meanwhile, every year we rumor to trade up and ended up without trading up.

More like the other teams want to trade down, as they don't feel to pay a low pick backup for a higher salary.

[SpezNc]

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

lol

Do there is a link ? I can’t find any new article with Doug Smith about getting in top10!

[CazOnReal]

I think I understand why teams would hesitate on Dillingham because I actually hadn't noticed it before. Here are his measurements:

6'1 without shoes
6'3 wingspan
164 lbs

I actually did a double take on the weight. I think the only guy I can think of playing at that height and weight is Trae Young. Even Dennis Schroeder is about 175 lbs which is 10 lbs heavier. Those two both play high level PG as in running the offense and making difficult passes and reads. Dillingham is more like a gunner with some passing skill but you know his first instinct is to shoot.

Another guy I thought of as a similar player type for Dillingham, De'Aaron Fox. He is a couple inches taller and 185 lbs. Can Dillingham add 20 lbs in a few years?

I think if Dillingham falls it is because people don't trust his size. It is just tough to start in the NBA and be a small PG, unless you have outlier skills.

Pretty much Allen Iverson’s measurements.

Axe

Ask Rob how he feels about practice.

fwiw doug smith says toronto wants to get into the top 10 , was told they had a guy they were targeting in that range

lol

Do there is a link ? I can’t find any new article with Doug Smith about getting in top10!

It's Kevin O'Connor, not Doug. Take it for what it's worth since KoC has been spotty as far as sources goes.

[Indeed]

No, but the scouting report isn't right to me.
For example, he mentioned Salaum is a good defender and can switch, but from eye test and other reports, he is not quick enough to guard guards, also over rotating and ended by being beat.

This is an 18 year old foreign pro prospect. Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer said about Salaun:

MINUSES

Needs to become a more fundamental on-ball defender to reach his full potential. He falls out of position and gets crossed up way too often.

Lacks shooting ability off the dribble. His handle is loose. He often looks the part, generating space with side-steps and stepbacks, but he often misses horribly with bricks off the backboard.

Until this year, he’s never been a good shooter. And there are some worrisome trends that his touch isn’t what it seems: He lacks a reliable floater, struggles to convert touch layups, and still shoots only about 70 percent from the line.

Sloppy passer who regularly throws the ball straight to defenders. He also has a tendency to rush simple plays and misread opponents.

In all of the chatter commentary there is a full expectation he could be drafted 7-12 so there are clear attributes teams like and then they project upside as we are talking 18 years old. Kid was born in 2005. I cannot tell much about him or Ware and prioritizing a big seems like a fool's errand save for Edey. I do know Filipowski looks worse athletically than Drew Timme and feel bad drawing attention to Timme's skillset for comparison. Vecenie has suggested Filipowski as Scottie compatible and sorry that's just insane. Give me Mogbo any day. Reach away.

It's a close call for me right now between Flip and Mogbo. Going to have to wait for some more information and footage about Mogbo but Mogbo legit might be a top 10 player from this draft when all is said and done. He checks too many boxes, maybe his FT% is an indicator there is hope for his shot.

I think Mogbo being the first forward off the bench would be very good. I can see we can develop him similar to Norman Powell. I believe he can at least shoot the corner 3 and defend alright. I like him able to play bigger than his size, but still prefer him to play more at SF.