PhilBlackson wrote:Couple things that all this just makes me think when looking back at the draft...
1. WHERE DOES SCOTTIE GO IN A RE-DRAFT?
He might be in an odd way one of the best kept secrets. I know sounds ridiculous being the 4th pick overall. But if he showed what he is now back in college, anyone sure he doesn't go #1 overall?!? Hear me out because I would say same could be said for Evan Mobley (which I'll come back to) but Evan started and on average played almost 10mpg more. If Scottie starts...gets featured more, we sure he doesn't get more eyes on him??
I mean literally feels like every game either us as fans or even commentators are saying "I didn't know he could do that" lol if he had more opportunity. Showed some more of those drives to the basket, some of the pull up jumpers, creativity off the dribble....in addition to the havoc he creates defensively and Mobley is an underrated passer but Scottie looks like he might have some special passing ability. Maybe Mobley still does go ahead because he's more polished overall with a lot of the same strengths but it may be close and come down to what a franchise values or not.
Assuming these flashes are real from both guys (Mobley/Barnes), who's overall effect maybe greater overall?! I think Mobley may be the slightly better TALENT but it's arguable the overall IMPACT could favor Barnes in the end. Both guys are going to be incredible defenders, both can guard both the post and perimeter but Scottie gets more steals. Steals generally turn into fastbreaks, blocks usually prevent a score but doesn't necessarily change ball possession. That's added impact. Scottie will likely be able to bring the ball up the court and initiate plays more often and create more overall opportunities one way or the other (scoring or passing), he averaged more than double almost triple the assists, even if Evan can pass, will have the same amount of opportunity to do so and Scottie is the better passer. So another check there. Mobley is likely the better scorer but it's not like he's light years ahead, maybe can end up being a few more ppg but the steals and assists actually have a greater OVERALL impact on his team winning games. Then there's the intangibles of Scottie bringing so much energy for his team to feed off, being vocal to help direct guys and just a leader that I'm really not sure at the peak of their potential that it could be arguable either way...
2. THIS MANAGEMENT TEAM HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SCOUTING DEPARTMENTS EVER
EVERYONE was saying this was a top 4 draft and the 4th guy was Suggs (period...well kinda lol). Because that was THE narrative all year, well until we got 4th then media somewhat soured on him and said well there's THREE potential franchise changers and then Suggs lol...and the rest of the draft.
Right now it's looking there were in fact 4 legit franchise changers but the general population picked the wrong guy; Raps scouting did not and at the height of his potential it's arguable he can't go first or second -- and yeah that's potentially over the likes of Cade (although gotta see him first, I think he'll be smart/good enough to make arguement) and Green). Not sh*tting on Suggs, he can still turn out to be a VERY, very good PG/SG in the league, MAYBE (not looking like it so far) one of the best guards but I really don't see potential to be truly special like Scottie. That like I said either FSU kept Scottie one of the best kept secrets or our scouting just caught what others didn't...and when I look at the names we were linked to in the draft -- it probably has bit more to do with our scouting (I'm sure some element of luck) but look at the guys they were connected to:
Mobley (most people are thinking could/should be the best)
Barnes (shocking people that he might make an argument for it)
Giddey (shocking people that he was in fact worthy of going that high)
These guys just seem to be able to spot them and why personally I hope we fall just short of the Playoffs AGAIN this year. I get the Playoffs offering value to young players, one year not in it isn't going to kill the whole thing lol, I'd prefer a year of great flashes that there will be reason for optimism for next season but give this scouting department one more shot in the lottery. They turned undrafted to starters, 2nd rds to key rotations, late 1sts to borderline all-stars....give them opportunity where either we remain in the 10-12 range where they can be the ones to spot the Booker, Mitchell, Kawhi, Giannis that slides but not out of the lottery OR even better fluke back into the top 4 and they spot that next other star and we're set for YEARS vs a moral victory of "experience" (a beating at that) with a steeper hill to climb and tougher road to navigate. That's just my blab n 2c
Just remember that there may have never been less significant college season to judge prospects on. Scottie literally played only 24 games in college.
He's already played 12gms in summer league / preseason / regular season so far - all of which were higher caliber games than his college games.
So if anyone thinks the draft wouldn't already have looked dramatically different if it was made today instead of in June, they're wrong.
Any team that was letting those tiny sample college counting stats outweigh pure talent scouting was making a big mistake.