Snapbacks and Handshakes: The 2017 Draft (Raps pick #23)

[OAKLEY_2]

Agile bigs which Rabb is have a place in the league.

[OAKLEY_2]

Not really lol no offense...

It's fairly obvious we're looking to use this draft pick to clog a hole that Patterson leaves. The majority of prospects we've looked at have been PFs (or combo SF/PFs). Which if there wasn't a plethora of PF prospects in our range I would be a lot more annoyed about because imo it should be BPA but there's potential that one of them is the BPA, imo Rabb will not be the best PF on the board when we do pick (not to say we don't make the mistake of drafting him).

Rabb is another "JV", big man from the past that doesn't fit the way the league is heading.

5-10 years ago you would love to have good low post threat like JV and Rabb, now that style of play is/has become all but obsolete. Rabb is only working on extending his range where majority of PFs in our range already do and are much more fluid ballhandlers, another flaw that doesn't get discussed. In addition, besides being fairly awkward off the dribble he's not that quick which also doesn't bode well in a league built on speed and shooting. Funny because just a few years back I would have been raving about a player like him but I see how he doesn't fit into the way the league is and is continuing to evolve into.

On Rabb. He is still very young. He's versatile. He is better than an average athlete. He not spectacular but he likely is solid. Lastly, who says we are finding anyone better than Paskal to supposedly fill Patterson's shoes? 23 pick is going to 905 unless we tank and rebuild which I am not laying any bets on. Rabb is as good a 905 learning candidate as any in this crapshoot later first round draft.

Bolden can be in the rotation as early as this coming year.

Lol. Casey has a special bench called paying dues.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

[Syd-TK3]

Only got 2 workouts left after today and they've only had like 3 guys I'm interested in

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? The workouts are just getting started.

A week ago I seen a list of future works and it only went to June 7.
But maybe its only released a week in advance and there's more next week

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[Mr.Raptorsingh]

I'm not all that familiar with the guys the Raps are working out today, with the exception of Kennedy Meeks. They all seem like 2nd rd./undrafted range prospects, for the 905 D-League squad.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Only got 2 workouts left after today and they've only had like 3 guys I'm interested in

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? The workouts are just getting started.

A week ago I seen a list of future works and it only went to June 7.
But maybe its only released a week in advance and there's more next week

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They typically don't schedule too far in advance. I think groups do circuits, and now there's these "pro days" being scheduled to protect players from getting demolished in a workout scrimmage. This weekend is the Eurocamp, and then they'll probably have a few more workouts here the following week.

[Throwback24]

I hate to be a doonie downer but I'm not even excited about this pick. They're going to be sent down to the 905 and rot there for years.

Powell forced Caseys hand and he still gets shafted and he actually has talent.

[Dalek]

Glad they are bringing in PJ Dozier. He is clustered in a group that includes Terrence Ferguson, Semi Ojeleye, Wes Iwundu, and Sidarius Thornwell. All of them offer some offensive versatility and defensive potential. I have followed Dozier for along time because he was a top Rivals prospect in highschool and a McDonald's All-American, but he had a knee issue and played on a knee with almost no MCL for years.

Guys with knee issues worry me. but he seems to have recovered enough. In some ways he reminds me of Derozan. Just this hyped prospect from a good family and has a huge work ethic that should make him succeed. He is almost 6-7 and has a 6-11 wingspan so he is a good size for a wing, but will need to put on weight.

Why I lost faith in him is his shooting. He didn't hit his freethrows (59%) and his threes were below 30%. In the current NBA that is almost inexcusable for a wing. However, he does have some skill as a slasher and his size is great. Only 20 years-old so he still has some time, but as a sophomore I didn't see the statistical jump I would like. Maybe he could find a niche like Michael Kidd Gilchrist, or if his shooting improves, he could be like Trevor Ariza whose jumpshot came much later in his career.

Basically, if we draft this kid we believe that the development program could make him a viable scorer like Norman Powell experienced while in Toronto. I don't want to underestimate it, but Dozier has a very good basketball IQ that makes him intriguing.

[Troubadour]

I'm not all that familiar with the guys the Raps are working out today, with the exception of Kennedy Meeks. They all seem like 2nd rd./undrafted range prospects, for the 905 D-League squad.

With the two added roster spots for two-way contracts, it's a good idea to scout potential undrafted players.

[Troubadour]

It's Semi Ojeleye or bust for me. I just don't think there's a more versatile athlete in our range. He's strong enough to defend 4s and maybe even 5s, but he's quick enough to hold his own against wings. On a switch, I think he could also compete. Offensively, he's a great shooter off the catch and in pick and pop situations. Strength and vertical allow him to finish at the rim with the best. He's not the most creative off the bounce, but he can attack a closeout as a rookie.

If the goal is to find a player for this era, Ojeleye is the player.

[CoachJReturns]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Indeed. Perhaps I'm wrong, but there appears to be a habit of writing guys off because they don't play x style of game. While the league has turned into a 3 point shootout, not every player will fit that mold. More importantly, there are only a couple guys available this late in the draft who have that skillset and like the rest of the picks available they have glaring holes in their games. There is no perfect player at 23.
If we're going to lock ourselves into playing Warriors ball we basically limit our draft choices to Lydon or Semi. Though given the fact Casey, DeMar and Lowry will all likely be back, the style of play won't change regardless. So I guess it's all kind of irrelevant what style anyone plays, particularly on offense, as they won't get minutes and won't get touches when they do. Oh well. Go Rabb.

[Troubadour]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Indeed. Perhaps I'm wrong, but there appears to be a habit of writing guys off because they don't play x style of game. While the league has turned into a 3 point shootout, not every player will fit that mold. More importantly, there are only a couple guys available this late in the draft who have that skillset and like the rest of the picks available they have glaring holes in their games. There is no perfect player at 23.
If we're going to lock ourselves into playing Warriors ball we basically limit our draft choices to Lydon or Semi. Though given the fact Casey, DeMar and Lowry will all likely be back, the style of play won't change regardless. So I guess it's all kind of irrelevant what style anyone plays, particularly on offense, as they won't get minutes and won't get touches when they do. Oh well. Go Rabb.

What's the one thing that stands out about Ivan Rabb to you? I don't get the hype about him. He seems like a run of the mill big.

[Dyehardrapsfan]

What do you guys think of Alec Peters, quite the shooter. If he has a half decent three point shooting percentage. Maybe the Raps should look at him? Poor mans JJ Redick?

I take it his D sucks but that will come in time. We just need some one off the bench to sit at the line and bombs away.

[Dalek]

I'm not all that familiar with the guys the Raps are working out today, with the exception of Kennedy Meeks. They all seem like 2nd rd./undrafted range prospects, for the 905 D-League squad.

I wouldn't sleep on Dozier being a guy that Toronto is interested in with their pick. Toronto loves having multiple ball handlers and good defenders on the court. Dozier is a decent playmaker and can drive into traffic, take contact and finish well.

Again, I see a lot of similarities with Derozan in his driving ability which is more advanced than Derozan coming in.

PJ's numbers are kind of skewed because he was playing as the primary ball handler a lot of the time which could have affected his rebounding numbers. PJ did finish at a 56% clip at the rim.

Again, if the goal is to increase ball movement and defense. Dozier gives you a lot of good options.

[BoyzNTheHood]

What do you guys think of Alec Peters, quite the shooter. If he has a half decent three point shooting percentage. Maybe the Raps should look at him? Poor mans JJ Redick?

I take it his D sucks but that will come in time. We just need some one off the bench to sit at the line and bombs away.

He's a big man, a PF so he won't be JJ Redick. If anything his best case scenario is Ryan Anderson. He'd instantly be our best shooter, but what else does he do? Not much. Which is why he's ranked as lowly as he is.

[BoyzNTheHood]

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[CoachJReturns]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Indeed. Perhaps I'm wrong, but there appears to be a habit of writing guys off because they don't play x style of game. While the league has turned into a 3 point shootout, not every player will fit that mold. More importantly, there are only a couple guys available this late in the draft who have that skillset and like the rest of the picks available they have glaring holes in their games. There is no perfect player at 23.
If we're going to lock ourselves into playing Warriors ball we basically limit our draft choices to Lydon or Semi. Though given the fact Casey, DeMar and Lowry will all likely be back, the style of play won't change regardless. So I guess it's all kind of irrelevant what style anyone plays, particularly on offense, as they won't get minutes and won't get touches when they do. Oh well. Go Rabb.

What's the one thing that stands out about Ivan Rabb to you? I don't get the hype about him. He seems like a run of the mill big.

Frankly, I don't feel anyone in our range "stands out" exactly. lol. But as far as what he does best, it's probably rebounding. As I've stated many many many times now, the intrigue with him is based around his improvement as a shooter.
Personally, what I've been considering all year since Rabb decided to skip last year's draft and we took Poeltl, is how the 2 could potentially be together.
It's a huge series of if's with them, but the potential to have 2 guys who can shoot, pass and score in the post is kind of exciting. Something we've never seen on the Raptors. Also, Poeltl is the better defender while Rabb is a better rebounder, so there's the possibility that they complement each other quite well. They could be the most skilled frontcourt we've ever had in a few years time, but it's all only potential right now. As potential is all we can discuss with any draft prospect, including the guys we want to think are ready to contribute right away. They likely aren't and will be with the 905 just like Rabb.
Anyway, Rabb is my top choice still, though I'm pretty high on Bolden and am open to guys like Semi and even Lydon if the front office is so focused on 3 point shooting.

[PhilBlackson]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Sorry but what a horrible comparison lol

You are talking about some of the best PFs to have played the game versus a fairly average PF in Rabb. Its no more relevant than me saying I wonder what people would say about better 2pt shooting SGs like Kobe or Jordan in relation to Ferguson (I know he is actually a good 3pt shooter but its for the sake of comparison). All the names you listed were n are substantially bigger and stronger than Rabb and had A LOT more skills than he does. Not to mention they would likely be classified as Cs in todays game.

/mini rant

[BoyzNTheHood]

I don't think there was a vertical measurement. Besides that it's entirely possible if he has a long neck. He's an inch and half shorter than Norm and perhaps he has really broad shoulders which would inflate his wingspan and not help his reach measurement. Lots of realistic possibilities to consider.

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There was a vertical measurement. And I'll say it again, there's no way his reach is 8'1". I'm 6'1" and my wingspan is exactly the same as my height yet I can reach higher than him? I should've declared!

You can say it as many times as you like, doesn't make it any more or less true. Fact is he may have very broad shoulders and a long neck which would allow for a large wingspan and a short reach.

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You're right, me saying it doesn't change anything, however history tells us a different story from yours. If you want to be gullible enough to believe that a person who is 6'1" with a 6'10" wingspan can only have an 8'1" standing reach then go right ahead. But if you would take 2 seconds to look at facts you would see why you're severely misled.

Monte Morris is the same height with 4 less iches on his wingspan yet he has virtually the same reach (half an inch difference).

Melo Trimble is the same height with 8 inches less on his wingspan yet his reach is only 1.5 inches different

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Sorry but what a horrible comparison lol

You are talking about some of the best PFs to have played the game versus a fairly average PF in Rabb. Its no more relevant than me saying I wonder what people would say about better 2pt shooting SGs like Kobe or Jordan in relation to Ferguson (I know he is actually a good 3pt shooter but its for the sake of comparison). All the names you listed were n are substantially bigger and stronger than Rabb and had A LOT more skills than he does. Not to mention they would likely be classified as Cs in todays game.

/mini rant

I never compared Duncan, Randolph or Aldridge to Rabb so I'm not sure where that's coming from. I'm comparing styles of play. They're all primarily post up guys, which just happens to be a dying asset in the NBA. People are undervaluing post up guys now much like they would if those 3 were declaring now.

[OAKLEY_2]

Sometimes I wonder what people in here would say if guys like Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge were in this draft class. The league is going a different way, guys like that can't succeed in the NBA anymore... yadda yadda yadda...

If you can play, you can play. Period.

/mini rant

Indeed. Perhaps I'm wrong, but there appears to be a habit of writing guys off because they don't play x style of game. While the league has turned into a 3 point shootout, not every player will fit that mold. More importantly, there are only a couple guys available this late in the draft who have that skillset and like the rest of the picks available they have glaring holes in their games. There is no perfect player at 23.
If we're going to lock ourselves into playing Warriors ball we basically limit our draft choices to Lydon or Semi. Though given the fact Casey, DeMar and Lowry will all likely be back, the style of play won't change regardless. So I guess it's all kind of irrelevant what style anyone plays, particularly on offense, as they won't get minutes and won't get touches when they do. Oh well. Go Rabb.

If Gordon Hayward was in this draft many on this board would make the case he was underwhelming.

If Rabb is our pick I trust our scouts. Ditto Leaf. Ditto Bam. Leaf will have his detractors in the war room.