Re: 2023 Draft Prospect discussion Part II

[BoyzNTheHood]

If anyone missed the recent Dan Tolzman interview he mentioned a few things the Raptors key in on with prospects.

-mentioned the most translatable quality with prospects is measurables/athleticicism.
-they prioritize IQ and do heavy research on character (mentioned as an example like who will be living with them in Toronto).
-specified rebounding for size/ position/ age as an indicator of intelligence/competitiveness.
-at this time of year he likes to see which prospects have 'checked out' and which ones are still competing/finishing plays.

In this draft I've singled out a few of these types I've been interested in:

1) Anthony Black. Measurables will translate. High character. Rebounding is decent but not special. Still going all out in the tournament.
2) Gradey Dick. Size will translate. He's physically weak, so that could be an issue. No clue about his character. Rebounding is meh for his size. Didn't check out.
3) Rayan Rupert. Elite measurables (reported Kawhi measurements). High character. Rebounding is meh in a pro league. Starting on a competitive team.
4) Leonard Miller. Measurables will translate. No clue about his character but no flags. Excellent rebounder. Still playing (unlike Scoot)
5) Bilal Coulibaly. Excellent measurables. No clue about his character. Excellent rebounder. Seems like a competitor.
6) Brandin Podziemski. Good size, meh athlete. No clue about character. Special rebounder. Bounced from NIT, but still produced like 1/3 of his teams buckets.

Later on there's older super productive bigs like Trayce and Tschibwe. They'll both make it to the NBA, but I don't think the Raptors need either of them with JP and Koloko.

He described Taylor Hendricks

[ATLTimekeeper]

If anyone missed the recent Dan Tolzman interview he mentioned a few things the Raptors key in on with prospects.

-mentioned the most translatable quality with prospects is measurables/athleticicism.
-they prioritize IQ and do heavy research on character (mentioned as an example like who will be living with them in Toronto).
-specified rebounding for size/ position/ age as an indicator of intelligence/competitiveness.
-at this time of year he likes to see which prospects have 'checked out' and which ones are still competing/finishing plays.

In this draft I've singled out a few of these types I've been interested in:

1) Anthony Black. Measurables will translate. High character. Rebounding is decent but not special. Still going all out in the tournament.
2) Gradey Dick. Size will translate. He's physically weak, so that could be an issue. No clue about his character. Rebounding is meh for his size. Didn't check out.
3) Rayan Rupert. Elite measurables (reported Kawhi measurements). High character. Rebounding is meh in a pro league. Starting on a competitive team.
4) Leonard Miller. Measurables will translate. No clue about his character but no flags. Excellent rebounder. Still playing (unlike Scoot)
5) Bilal Coulibaly. Excellent measurables. No clue about his character. Excellent rebounder. Seems like a competitor.
6) Brandin Podziemski. Good size, meh athlete. No clue about character. Special rebounder. Bounced from NIT, but still produced like 1/3 of his teams buckets.

Later on there's older super productive bigs like Trayce and Tschibwe. They'll both make it to the NBA, but I don't think the Raptors need either of them with JP and Koloko.

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If anyone missed the recent Dan Tolzman interview he mentioned a few things the Raptors key in on with prospects.

-mentioned the most translatable quality with prospects is measurables/athleticicism.
-they prioritize IQ and do heavy research on character (mentioned as an example like who will be living with them in Toronto).
-specified rebounding for size/ position/ age as an indicator of intelligence/competitiveness.
-at this time of year he likes to see which prospects have 'checked out' and which ones are still competing/finishing plays.

In this draft I've singled out a few of these types I've been interested in:

1) Anthony Black. Measurables will translate. High character. Rebounding is decent but not special. Still going all out in the tournament.
2) Gradey Dick. Size will translate. He's physically weak, so that could be an issue. No clue about his character. Rebounding is meh for his size. Didn't check out.
3) Rayan Rupert. Elite measurables (reported Kawhi measurements). High character. Rebounding is meh in a pro league. Starting on a competitive team.
4) Leonard Miller. Measurables will translate. No clue about his character but no flags. Excellent rebounder. Still playing (unlike Scoot)
5) Bilal Coulibaly. Excellent measurables. No clue about his character. Excellent rebounder. Seems like a competitor.
6) Brandin Podziemski. Good size, meh athlete. No clue about character. Special rebounder. Bounced from NIT, but still produced like 1/3 of his teams buckets.

Later on there's older super productive bigs like Trayce and Tschibwe. They'll both make it to the NBA, but I don't think the Raptors need either of them with JP and Koloko.

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

Relax. No one’s giving any hot takes. I’m saying the description of the player they’re looking for fits Taylor Hendricks.

[ItsDanger]

If anyone missed the recent Dan Tolzman interview he mentioned a few things the Raptors key in on with prospects.

-mentioned the most translatable quality with prospects is measurables/athleticicism.
-they prioritize IQ and do heavy research on character (mentioned as an example like who will be living with them in Toronto).
-specified rebounding for size/ position/ age as an indicator of intelligence/competitiveness.
-at this time of year he likes to see which prospects have 'checked out' and which ones are still competing/finishing plays.

In this draft I've singled out a few of these types I've been interested in:

1) Anthony Black. Measurables will translate. High character. Rebounding is decent but not special. Still going all out in the tournament.
2) Gradey Dick. Size will translate. He's physically weak, so that could be an issue. No clue about his character. Rebounding is meh for his size. Didn't check out.
3) Rayan Rupert. Elite measurables (reported Kawhi measurements). High character. Rebounding is meh in a pro league. Starting on a competitive team.
4) Leonard Miller. Measurables will translate. No clue about his character but no flags. Excellent rebounder. Still playing (unlike Scoot)
5) Bilal Coulibaly. Excellent measurables. No clue about his character. Excellent rebounder. Seems like a competitor.
6) Brandin Podziemski. Good size, meh athlete. No clue about character. Special rebounder. Bounced from NIT, but still produced like 1/3 of his teams buckets.

Later on there's older super productive bigs like Trayce and Tschibwe. They'll both make it to the NBA, but I don't think the Raptors need either of them with JP and Koloko.

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

I'm just going off your summary points. I assumed it was an accurate summary.

[ATLTimekeeper]

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

I'm just going off your summary points. I assumed it was an accurate summary.

It was, but your criticism would still be invalid.

[ATLTimekeeper]

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

Relax. No one’s giving any hot takes. I’m saying the description of the player they’re looking for fits Taylor Hendricks.

I didn't respond to your post. Could be Hendricks, too. I assume he'll be gone by our pick and didn't include him.

[ItsDanger]

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

I'm just going off your summary points. I assumed it was an accurate summary.

It was, but your criticism would still be invalid.

Oh, OK. Maybe next time he can mention 1st step, ball handling, perimeter shooting, midrange, finishing at the rim, offhand skills. But that would be if you actually value offense.

[WuTang_CMB]

It's incredibly concerning that Tolzman didn't mention an offensive attribute. While I value athleticism, I also value change of pace in scorers. Most of the top scorers in the NBA have that style.

Okay, maybe listen to the interview and what was asked before giving us your hot takes. He didn't mention they value superstars, either.

Relax. No one’s giving any hot takes. I’m saying the description of the player they’re looking for fits Taylor Hendricks.

Also, the rebounding was next on the list as transferable for a real skill since measurables aren't. More of a general comment. I don't think we would shy away from a prospect if they are an average rebounder.

Based on our history, measurables and defensive metrics are likely tops on our list. I don't see that changing this draft even with the subpar year. Getting the sense with improved team play from Poeltl, we will just bring everyone back. Draft #16, trade for better bench help, and roll into next season.

[Ell Curry]

Is Prosper on Marquette gonna be drafted? If not, looked an interesting undrafted Canuck prospect. Improved significantly every year, very good size for a 3, can shoot it, drew 8 fouls (might have been more, they said that with a few minutes to go), seemed like a real boring bench 3/4 type who could spot up and play some D, like a Keita Bates-Diop type, and we could use that sort of guy with Otto and Thad being washed.

[ItsDanger]

Is Prosper on Marquette gonna be drafted? If not, looked an interesting undrafted Canuck prospect. Improved significantly every year, very good size for a 3, can shoot it, drew 8 fouls (might have been more, they said that with a few minutes to go), seemed like a real boring bench 3/4 type who could spot up and play some D, like a Keita Bates-Diop type, and we could use that sort of guy with Otto and Thad being washed.

Seen him play several times. Not sold on the 3 pt shot yet. His NBA role is 3 & D. Poor ball handling. Average rebounder? I want this type of player to get a lot of steals/blocks. Hustles a lot which will embarrass many on Raps roster. Sticks his nose in everywhere and not afraid. I see him being an NBA role player but he has to be able to consistently shoot.

[ATLTimekeeper]

I'm just going off your summary points. I assumed it was an accurate summary.

It was, but your criticism would still be invalid.

Oh, OK. Maybe next time he can mention 1st step, ball handling, perimeter shooting, midrange, finishing at the rim, offhand skills. But that would be if you actually value offense.

You were encouraged to seek out the interview to avoid sounding so ignorant. I can only lead this poor horse to water so many times...

[ItsDanger]

It was, but your criticism would still be invalid.

Oh, OK. Maybe next time he can mention 1st step, ball handling, perimeter shooting, midrange, finishing at the rim, offhand skills. But that would be if you actually value offense.

You were encouraged to seek out the interview to avoid sounding so ignorant. I can only lead this poor horse to water so many times...

Maybe summarize it better next time and not be so defensive.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Oh, OK. Maybe next time he can mention 1st step, ball handling, perimeter shooting, midrange, finishing at the rim, offhand skills. But that would be if you actually value offense.

You were encouraged to seek out the interview to avoid sounding so ignorant. I can only lead this poor horse to water so many times...

Maybe summarize it better next time and not be so defensive.

I'm not going to take responsibility for you.

[Ell Curry]

Is Prosper on Marquette gonna be drafted? If not, looked an interesting undrafted Canuck prospect. Improved significantly every year, very good size for a 3, can shoot it, drew 8 fouls (might have been more, they said that with a few minutes to go), seemed like a real boring bench 3/4 type who could spot up and play some D, like a Keita Bates-Diop type, and we could use that sort of guy with Otto and Thad being washed.

Seen him play several times. Not sold on the 3 pt shot yet. His NBA role is 3 & D. Poor ball handling. Average rebounder? I want this type of player to get a lot of steals/blocks. Hustles a lot which will embarrass many on Raps roster. Sticks his nose in everywhere and not afraid. I see him being an NBA role player but he has to be able to consistently shoot.

Yeah, agreed. He's a dead average 3pt and FT shooter but has improved and he was a guard I've read. The lack of blocks suggest he's probably an oversized 2 guard in the NBA who can't dribble, so that's a g-league/europe guy, but he has an interesting base to be a 905 guy and work on his shot for a couple of years. A 6'8 guy who can defend 2s and 3s and has improved his shot is worth that type of flier.

[OakleyDokely]

GLEAGUE STATS:

Scoot Henderson: 30.7 MIN, 16.5 PPG, 5.4 REB, 6.5 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.5 BLK, 42.9 FG, 27.5 3PT, 76.4 FT, 53.7 TS, 27.5 USG
Leonard Miller: 30.6 MIN, 18.0 PPG, 11.0 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.8 BLK, 55.4 FG, 32.7 3PT, 79.2 FT, 64.3 TS, 21.8 USG
Sidy Cissoko: 29.9 MIN, 13.1 PPG, 2.8 REB, 3.6 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.9 BLK, 46.0 FG, 30.7 3PT, 63.5 FT, 60.3 TS, 19.1 USG

[Ell Curry]

If anyone missed the recent Dan Tolzman interview he mentioned a few things the Raptors key in on with prospects.

-mentioned the most translatable quality with prospects is measurables/athleticicism.
-they prioritize IQ and do heavy research on character (mentioned as an example like who will be living with them in Toronto).
-specified rebounding for size/ position/ age as an indicator of intelligence/competitiveness.
-at this time of year he likes to see which prospects have 'checked out' and which ones are still competing/finishing plays.

In this draft I've singled out a few of these types I've been interested in:

1) Anthony Black. Measurables will translate. High character. Rebounding is decent but not special. Still going all out in the tournament.
2) Gradey Dick. Size will translate. He's physically weak, so that could be an issue. No clue about his character. Rebounding is meh for his size. Didn't check out.
3) Rayan Rupert. Elite measurables (reported Kawhi measurements). High character. Rebounding is meh in a pro league. Starting on a competitive team.
4) Leonard Miller. Measurables will translate. No clue about his character but no flags. Excellent rebounder. Still playing (unlike Scoot)
5) Bilal Coulibaly. Excellent measurables. No clue about his character. Excellent rebounder. Seems like a competitor.
6) Brandin Podziemski. Good size, meh athlete. No clue about character. Special rebounder. Bounced from NIT, but still produced like 1/3 of his teams buckets.

Later on there's older super productive bigs like Trayce and Tschibwe. They'll both make it to the NBA, but I don't think the Raptors need either of them with JP and Koloko.

I'd add Julian Phillips. #15 in his class, McDonalds All-American, playing big minutes for the top defensive team in the country, 82% from the line, parents were in the army, rebounds it okay. Looks like he's going 2nd round, but if we trade down to get another pick and try to draft a bench scorer (Terquavion, Sasser, Lewis) then I could see us falling in love with him as a kinda average starting 3 in the NBA type, or maybe we move down from say #13 and turn Boucher into like Rozier and #27 or Rozier and #34. Like this:

Poeltl 28 - Koloko 12 - Achiuwa 8
Siakam 35 Achiuwa 7 Barnes 6
Barnes 29 OG 19
OG 16 Trent 28 Rozier 2
VanVleet 28 Rozier 20

sort of thing, with Barnes and Siakam I guess handling it when Van Vleet is out, and because of injuries, Rozier's 22 a game looks like 25 or so most likely. Phillips becomes the main prospect to develop and gets g-league time since he's young.

[God Squad]

Just an all time horrible draft after the top 3

tbh the HS senior and Junior class is kind of weak as well. I think the top 3 players in HS basketball are softmores

There's supposed to be several really good guys in the '25 NBA draft including Boozer who is getting a lot more hype than Wiggins did at the same point. Boozer is a better prospect than Victor Wembanyama in my opinion( things can change) and is really only behind Doncic as a prospect in the last decade imo.

I'm a big Cameron Boozer fan also. He's just so poised for his age, and atm their isn't anything he "Can't" do.

[Ell Curry]

GLEAGUE STATS:

Scoot Henderson: 30.7 MIN, 16.5 PPG, 5.4 REB, 6.5 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.5 BLK, 42.9 FG, 27.5 3PT, 76.4 FT, 53.7 TS, 27.5 USG
Leonard Miller: 30.6 MIN, 18.0 PPG, 11.0 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.8 BLK, 55.4 FG, 32.7 3PT, 79.2 FT, 64.3 TS, 21.8 USG
Sidy Cissoko: 29.9 MIN, 13.1 PPG, 2.8 REB, 3.6 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.9 BLK, 46.0 FG, 30.7 3PT, 63.5 FT, 60.3 TS, 19.1 USG

If Scoot is let's say John Wall and going behind Miller, then I think Siakam and #13 for let's say Hayward and #3 is probably worth it in the long run. Save like 25-30M a year, balance out the rotation, try to win when Barnes is hopefully ready in 2-3 years after getting a bump from getting to play the 4 (which should help him, as it does virtually all 3s now that traditional Davis brother type 4s are largely obsolete).

Poeltl-Koloko
Barnes-Achiuwa
OG-Hayward/Porter
Trent-Scoot/MLE
VanVleet-Scoot

and either Hayward expires and our cap situation is clean, or we move Hayward for a backup wing, either with a pick (for a good 6th man type) or some meh guys on smaller deals from a team wanting cap space, like Brooklyn with their extra wings. Ideally you sign like Josh Richardson or Strus with the MLE but probably actually get like Lonnie Walker or Nunn or someone like that. We should have signed Malik Monk, that was annoying to miss on him twice, same as Hartenstein.

[OakleyDokely]

I really like Anthony Black. 6'7 with close to a 7ft wing span. Solid shooting splits for a freshman 45/30/70. Gets to the line a lot, he's averaging 5+ attempts per game. High steals rate with 2 per game. Also averaging 5+ boards, 4+ assists.

[Dalek]

For all the over emphasis on physicals, Toronto has to recognize the huge mental aspect of the game. What is the guy's motor like and how does he compete on every possession.

Just a reminder to keep tabs on Amari Bailey who I think will be a high level defender and just a great all-around basketball player at the next level. Remember, one of the best defenders in the league, Alex Caruso is a smallish guard with decent athleticism, but his competitive nature shows. Bailey can be that type of player with more offense.

Bailey is handling the ball more and creating his shot more in the tournament. In the five games since Jaylen Clark went out, Bailey has averaged 17 points, including a career-high 26 against Colorado in the Pac-12 tournament.

He basically doubled his average after their top option went down. Coach Cronin love Bailey's grit:

“I love guys that play hard because they get better,” Cronin said. “You can polish up the other stuff if a guy will compete. Like if I was a front-office executive [in the NBA], if I couldn’t get the answer to that, I could care less about length, skill, height, upside. If I watch a guy and he doesn’t have a ticker and he won’t physically compete, I can tell you that guy’s got no shot in the NBA because those guys, for all their drama, those guys play hard, man.”

https://www.aol.com/news/amari-baileys-moment-arrived-far-213805834.html

This is a five-star, well-heralded guy who just came in and played high level team ball. While other similar elite guys can barely get minutes in the tournament, he is defending top players and making important shots. With the above average on-ball defense, how could he not be a draft-worthy for Toronto?

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