Draft Thread Part 4

[Dalek]

Came across an SI draft sleepers article. I really like Jeremy Woo's prospect analysis. Most of these names are guys I have mentioned in the draft thread:

Jason Preston, PG, Ohio | Junior
Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 185 | Age: 21

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

RaiQuan Gray, F, Florida State | Junior
Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 260 | Age: 21

Jose Alvarado, PG, Georgia Tech | Senior
Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 180 | Age: 23

Dalano Banton, G/F, Nebraska | Sophomore
Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 205 | Age: 21

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=LeagueHimLeagueHim

EJ Onu, F/C, Shawnee State (NAIA) | Senior
Height: 6' 11" | Weight: 240 | Age: 21

Preston was one of the breakout stars of college basketball season, building a name for himself in leading Ohio to the NCAA tournament and an upset win over Virginia. The NBA took note well before that, with his 31-point, eight-assist, no-turnover showing against Illinois in November placing him squarely on the radar as a prospect. And while the buzz surrounding him has been minimal for much of the season, Preston has piqued legit interest from front offices, earning an invitation to the combine with a real opportunity to work his way toward a top-40 selection.

https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/14/2021-nba-draft-sleepers-jason-preston-raiquan-gray

Preston is a stand-out for me as well as Onu who got a G-League combine invite. Banton is a guy I am curious if Toronto takes an interest in. He is from Toronto and is a very Josh Giddey like player. He can pass very dynamically out of pick and roll and is 6'9. He needs to work on his shooting, but if he is there in the mid-40s he'd be interesting.

[Reeko]

One thing that separates him from those other players is the aggressiveness. This is impressive.

His hair looks like the head of an alpaca. It's a little distracting.

Hence his name lol

Well at least he's got a nickname already. Let's ride the Alpaca to another championship.

[hyper316]

Watch on YouTube

Don't think you can pencil him in as a defensive liability. His block/steal rate is very good. Has a good motor and willingness to defend. Should be an excellent rebounder. Comparisons to Sabonis/Jokic/Kanter seem unfair. Elite guys might feast on his drop coverage and he'll get posterized on occasion but he'll be better than those guys mentioned.

Offensively I legit think he has a chance to be just a flat out better version of Sabonis with a 3 point shot. That's a top 15 offensive talent if he pans out.

Seems like one of those guys you look back on and wonder why he didn't go higher.

One thing that separates him from those other players is the aggressiveness. This is impressive.

What's surprising to me most about Sengun is his passing skills. Above average for center, definitely fills a need after Gasol left

[Dalek]

Let’s see, switchable defence with length…check, 3 point shooting…check, gets to the line and makes free throws…check, rebounds for his position…check, age and upside to leverage…check!

Watch on YouTube

I like to check the social media profiles of these guys and Moody passes my checklist as well:

Playing 1 on 1 in durag ala Melo - check
Big vert dunk picture - check
Boxing workout to demo work ethic - check

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Kai Jones has the same type of feed minus the durag. Alperen most recent Insta is him chilling by the ocean (step up your game). The guy who worries me is Keon Johnson. He has like zero social media presence. Weird for a lotto guy to not use social media.

[Psubs]

Let’s see, switchable defence with length…check, 3 point shooting…check, gets to the line and makes free throws…check, rebounds for his position…check, age and upside to leverage…check!

Watch on YouTube

I like to check the social media profiles of these guys and Moody passes my checklist as well:

Playing 1 on 1 in durag ala Melo - check
Big vert dunk picture - check
Boxing workout to demo work ethic - check

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Kai Jones has the same type of feed minus the durag. Alperen most recent Insta is him chilling by the ocean (step up your game). The guy who worries me is Keon Johnson. He has like zero social media presence. Weird for a lotto guy to not use social media.

Maybe Keon is the silent assassin type like Kawhi?

Is Keon the unproven taller version of Davion Mitchell? Davion really only had 1 good year. Keon's freshman season is comparable to Davion's 1st year at Baylor after sitting his transfer year. Thus Keon is a couple years ahead in development but who knows if that development happens.

Watch on YouTube

@2:58 OMG damn!

I'm good with Keon, Bouknight, Moody, Barnes or Giddey if the Raptors don't move up. Trust in the Exec.

[WuTang_CMB]

I honestly think Sengun is under rated based on his production and how much other guys are being talked about.

He’s not your traditional Euro big in my mind. His rebounding will translate and his shootimg will improve (ft% is there, good form). His passing is what excites me as well. Nurse wants a big who can pass (which will benefit Siakam) because our offense becomes less predicable when you have a Centre throwing it around with his smarts.

2 big things for him to make him my number 1 at 7/8;
- how he performs at olympic qualifying
- measurements at combine

If those check out well, i dont see how he’s not seriously contending at our 7/8 pick.

[Reeko]

I honestly think Sengun is under rated based on his production and how much other guys are being talked about.

He’s not your traditional Euro big in my mind. His rebounding will translate and his shootimg will improve (ft% is there, good form). His passing is what excites me as well. Nurse wants a big who can pass (which will benefit Siakam) because our offense becomes less predicable when you have a Centre throwing it around with his smarts.

2 big things for him to make him my number 1 at 7/8;
- how he performs at olympic qualifying
- measurements at combine

If those check out well, i dont see how he’s not seriously contending at our 7/8 pick.

After seeing the most recent draft profile of him on here, I wouldn't punch my tv if we picked him. I like his physicality down low, he's always seeking out contact, and his passing really is excellent for an 18 year old center. Still, two of the most important skills for the modern center are big question marks for him, can he shoot and make the 3 ball consistently and is his positional defense good enough for him not to get eaten alive by smaller guards in the league. I don't care so much about his shot blocking, I want to know if he can make the right rotations at the right times.

[JS_raptors]

Let’s see, switchable defence with length…check, 3 point shooting…check, gets to the line and makes free throws…check, rebounds for his position…check, age and upside to leverage…check!

Watch on YouTube

I like to check the social media profiles of these guys and Moody passes my checklist as well:

Playing 1 on 1 in durag ala Melo - check
Big vert dunk picture - check
Boxing workout to demo work ethic - check

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Kai Jones has the same type of feed minus the durag. Alperen most recent Insta is him chilling by the ocean (step up your game). The guy who worries me is Keon Johnson. He has like zero social media presence. Weird for a lotto guy to not use social media.

His shorts in the boxing pic look familiar

[StringerBell]

Watch on YouTube

Don't think you can pencil him in as a defensive liability. His block/steal rate is very good. Has a good motor and willingness to defend. Should be an excellent rebounder. Comparisons to Sabonis/Jokic/Kanter seem unfair. Elite guys might feast on his drop coverage and he'll get posterized on occasion but he'll be better than those guys mentioned.

Offensively I legit think he has a chance to be just a flat out better version of Sabonis with a 3 point shot. That's a top 15 offensive talent if he pans out.

Seems like one of those guys you look back on and wonder why he didn't go higher.

The more one watches this kid, the more there is to like. And besides his obvious skillset and fundamentals, what I like most about him is the swag and confidence he has as an 18 yr old playing against grown men. I've been dead against drafting bigs in the top ten unless they're can't miss prospects(Embiid, AD, Ayton, Mobley) but man, if he has fade away baseline jumpers and a reliable 3 pt shot in his arsenal...I don't even know anymore.

Edit/ Yeah he has it. Come away with the same feeling watching him play as Lamelo last year. Just seems a step ahead of everyone on the floor on the offensive end. He's a can't miss imo.

[Psubs]

Thing is with Sengun, his ceiling is what Kevin Love? I'm not sure I'd love that pick with more potential picks that could turn out like Booker or Mitchell or Jimmy Butler.

I see Sengun more like a JV level prospect. That's a good pick in the teens. Charlotte (need a big), San Antonio, GS, Boston are good spots. I don't see him dropping past OKC at #18 to be the beefy complement to Poku. He could learn a lot from Horford. Actually, poorman's Horford is a good comp.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Even if you hate Cs and think he's Kyle Wiltjer on stilts-level mobility, he's easily the most productive player in this lotto range and he's a year younger than Cunningham, Mobley, Suggs, Barnes, half a year younger than Green, 2 months older than Kuminga and 4 years younger than Mitchell!

[StringerBell]

Thing is with Sengun, his ceiling is what Kevin Love? I'm not sure I'd love that pick with more potential picks that could turn out like Booker or Mitchell or Jimmy Butler.

I see Sengun more like a JV level prospect. That's a good pick in the teens. Charlotte (need a big), San Antonio, GS, Boston are good spots. I don't see him dropping past OKC at #18 to be the beefy complement to Poku. He could learn a lot from Horford. Actually, poorman's Horford is a good comp.

He's a hell of a lot closer to Kevin Love that say Keon Johnson is to Devin Booker. Not to say Johnson or some of those other wings can't get there but I think Sengun is really advanced for his age. He;s so fundamentally sound, great feel for the game. I may have jumped the gun on before watching more video of him. He's right there in the 7-12 range imo.
Plus he's is a much much much better prospect at age 18 than JV was. Really not even close.

[vulture]

I don't follow this logic. One of the best midrange players of all-time goes off against a drop center in Jokic, and somehow that's an indictment on Sengun's defence? Why is Sengun comparable to Jokic here? Because he's from Europe? I'm not saying he'll be good or bad, I just don't understand drawing conclusions based on seemingly arbitrary comparisons.

Lmao right?!

We watched luka and now Mitchell destroy Kawhi and PG13 - supposedly elite perimeter defenders. Guess we should refrain from drafting a wing player as well. Or maybe some guys are just elite offensive players and can’t be stopped.

There’s quite a few guys I’d pick before Sengun but this logic is ridiculous.

Luka and Mitchell destroyed the complete lack of rim protection that the Clippers have with Ibaka out. PnR = easy basket unless PG or Kawhi manage to fight through a screen. Zubac is a liability and Cousins is too slow. There is a reason a big man almost always wins DPOTY. They anchor defenses


All the quotes I got, no one has countered the fact that he’s slow laterally, can’t shoot and will probably look even worse defensively in the open court against NBA talent with the better spacing and quicker guards that can shoot. He looks like he tries harder around the rim than JV did but I don’t see this guy being the anchor of a top level defense.

What gets him this high in the draft doesn’t really compliment our roster and changing how we play (5-out with the C setting screens and rolling occasionally) for him doesn’t make sense unless you think he’s so good in the post we just have to get him the ball all the time

Man I’ve been saying the same thing about sengun in this thread. The highest outcome for him is Kevin love if he ever develops his shot.
He will not be able to guard in occasional switches like love used to.

His medium outcome is kanter if his shot doesn’t develop at all and he will never play in a playoff series.

I just wouldn’t pick him over a wing ever considering the most impactful guys are wings in the league.

[Dalek]

Let’s see, switchable defence with length…check, 3 point shooting…check, gets to the line and makes free throws…check, rebounds for his position…check, age and upside to leverage…check!

Watch on YouTube

I like to check the social media profiles of these guys and Moody passes my checklist as well:

Playing 1 on 1 in durag ala Melo - check
Big vert dunk picture - check
Boxing workout to demo work ethic - check

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Kai Jones has the same type of feed minus the durag. Alperen most recent Insta is him chilling by the ocean (step up your game). The guy who worries me is Keon Johnson. He has like zero social media presence. Weird for a lotto guy to not use social media.

Maybe Keon is the silent assassin type like Kawhi?

Is Keon the unproven taller version of Davion Mitchell? Davion really only had 1 good year. Keon's freshman season is comparable to Davion's 1st year at Baylor after sitting his transfer year. Thus Keon is a couple years ahead in development but who knows if that development happens.

Watch on YouTube

@2:58 OMG damn!

I'm good with Keon, Bouknight, Moody, Barnes or Giddey if the Raptors don't move up. Trust in the Exec.

Keon is a weird kid, maybe in a good way because social media is a distraction. I found out that he is a bit like Kai Jones, in that he came to basketball a little late. He was shortstop growing up, so it is kind of amazing he is a lottery pick now. He was his state's basketball POY twice prior to college, so he has shown rapid growth.

[StringerBell]

Lmao right?!

We watched luka and now Mitchell destroy Kawhi and PG13 - supposedly elite perimeter defenders. Guess we should refrain from drafting a wing player as well. Or maybe some guys are just elite offensive players and can’t be stopped.

There’s quite a few guys I’d pick before Sengun but this logic is ridiculous.

Luka and Mitchell destroyed the complete lack of rim protection that the Clippers have with Ibaka out. PnR = easy basket unless PG or Kawhi manage to fight through a screen. Zubac is a liability and Cousins is too slow. There is a reason a big man almost always wins DPOTY. They anchor defenses


All the quotes I got, no one has countered the fact that he’s slow laterally, can’t shoot and will probably look even worse defensively in the open court against NBA talent with the better spacing and quicker guards that can shoot. He looks like he tries harder around the rim than JV did but I don’t see this guy being the anchor of a top level defense.

What gets him this high in the draft doesn’t really compliment our roster and changing how we play (5-out with the C setting screens and rolling occasionally) for him doesn’t make sense unless you think he’s so good in the post we just have to get him the ball all the time

Man I’ve been saying the same thing about sengun in this thread. The highest outcome for him is Kevin love if he ever develops his shot.
He will not be able to guard in occasional switches like love used to.

His medium outcome is kanter if his shot doesn’t develop at all and he will never play in a playoff series.

I just wouldn’t pick him over a wing ever considering the most impactful guys are wings in the league.

I'm of the same mind when it comes to picking wings over bigs, but I think Sengun may be the exception. The wings in the 7-10 range all have question marks about their game, most notably 3 pt shooting.

[Dalek]

Man I’ve been saying the same thing about sengun in this thread. The highest outcome for him is Kevin love if he ever develops his shot.
He will not be able to guard in occasional switches like love used to.

His medium outcome is kanter if his shot doesn’t develop at all and he will never play in a playoff series.

I just wouldn’t pick him over a wing ever considering the most impactful guys are wings in the league.

I'd be cautious about the logic that you draft wings because they tend to be the most impactful. Looking at the wings in this class we have some who don't know how to shoot (Barnes), some who cannot make plays (Moody), others who cannot defend (Kispert). I think given how popular the wing position can be, the bar becomes pretty high for the player to be successful.

I think with Sengun's case I think his shot will develop. He was nearly 80% from the line and he started to shoot threes more at the end of the season. Even Mike Schmitz from ESPN thought his shot will extend to three.

Regarding the defense, you don't expect Sengun to be your stopper but his defensive numbers were great at 18. If you look at Sabonis as a baseline for his defense, Sabonis has had +3.0 defensive win shares over the past three years (19 - 2020 and 11 - 2021 overall in the NBA). When he plays with Turner he has less of a defensive load, as he can funnel guys to Turner, but his minutes includes him being the lone big against other benches. The Pacers kill other teams with Sabonis.

Sabonis has so many positives on offense that it outweighs his defensive issues. The offense is where we need to think about Sengun. A guy with his skill and touch is really what the NBA is about. It is not just a 6'8 and under league. I'd argue it is more of a skill league now.

[TD2FutureStar]

I really want a guy that can just dominate the game in all facets like Luka. Cade seems like the closest comparison. What a joy to watch tge Raps would be if we land the #1 pick this year.

[Dalek]

Let’s see, switchable defence with length…check, 3 point shooting…check, gets to the line and makes free throws…check, rebounds for his position…check, age and upside to leverage…check!

Watch on YouTube

I like to check the social media profiles of these guys and Moody passes my checklist as well:

Playing 1 on 1 in durag ala Melo - check
Big vert dunk picture - check
Boxing workout to demo work ethic - check

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Kai Jones has the same type of feed minus the durag. Alperen most recent Insta is him chilling by the ocean (step up your game). The guy who worries me is Keon Johnson. He has like zero social media presence. Weird for a lotto guy to not use social media.

His shorts in the boxing pic look familiar

Holy jaw drop! I never noticed the Raptor's shorts before.

This is as big news as when Boogie wore these:



I have to cop a pair of those shorts Moody has.

[vulture]

Man I’ve been saying the same thing about sengun in this thread. The highest outcome for him is Kevin love if he ever develops his shot.
He will not be able to guard in occasional switches like love used to.

His medium outcome is kanter if his shot doesn’t develop at all and he will never play in a playoff series.

I just wouldn’t pick him over a wing ever considering the most impactful guys are wings in the league.

I'd be cautious about the logic that you draft wings because they tend to be the most impactful. Looking at the wings in this class we have some who don't know how to shoot (Barnes), some who cannot make plays (Moody), others who cannot defend (Kispert). I think given how popular the wing position can be, the bar becomes pretty high for the player to be successful.

I think with Sengun's case I think his shot will develop. He was nearly 80% from the line and he started to shoot threes more at the end of the season. Even Mike Schmitz from ESPN thought his shot will extend to three.

Regarding the defense, you don't expect Sengun to be your stopper but his defensive numbers were great at 18. If you look at Sabonis as a baseline for his defense, Sabonis has had +3.0 defensive win shares over the past three years (19 - 2020 and 11 - 2021 overall in the NBA). When he plays with Turner he has less of a defensive load, as he can funnel guys to Turner, but his minutes includes him being the lone big against other benches. The Pacers kill other teams with Sabonis.

Sabonis has so many positives on offense that it outweighs his defensive issues. The offense is where we need to think about Sengun. A guy with his skill and touch is really what the NBA is about. It is not just a 6'8 and under league. I'd argue it is more of a skill league now.

I just can’t see him not getting exposed in this pick and roll league. Also with nurse playing so many different kinds of defences, he doesn’t fit.
Can you actually imagine him playing in a closing 5 in a playoff game? I don’t see it at all.

Of course if the organization believes he’s the best player on the board when we pick then you take him and figure it out later.

[Indeed]

Came across an SI draft sleepers article. I really like Jeremy Woo's prospect analysis. Most of these names are guys I have mentioned in the draft thread:

Jason Preston, PG, Ohio | Junior
Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 185 | Age: 21

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

RaiQuan Gray, F, Florida State | Junior
Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 260 | Age: 21

Jose Alvarado, PG, Georgia Tech | Senior
Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 180 | Age: 23

Dalano Banton, G/F, Nebraska | Sophomore
Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 205 | Age: 21

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=LeagueHimLeagueHim

EJ Onu, F/C, Shawnee State (NAIA) | Senior
Height: 6' 11" | Weight: 240 | Age: 21

Preston was one of the breakout stars of college basketball season, building a name for himself in leading Ohio to the NCAA tournament and an upset win over Virginia. The NBA took note well before that, with his 31-point, eight-assist, no-turnover showing against Illinois in November placing him squarely on the radar as a prospect. And while the buzz surrounding him has been minimal for much of the season, Preston has piqued legit interest from front offices, earning an invitation to the combine with a real opportunity to work his way toward a top-40 selection.

https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/14/2021-nba-draft-sleepers-jason-preston-raiquan-gray

Preston is a stand-out for me as well as Onu who got a G-League combine invite. Banton is a guy I am curious if Toronto takes an interest in. He is from Toronto and is a very Josh Giddey like player. He can pass very dynamically out of pick and roll and is 6'9. He needs to work on his shooting, but if he is there in the mid-40s he'd be interesting.

We discussed Dalano Banton, and mentioned he might return to school

Undraft: Dalano Banton
Taller Bembry. Has the speed and size combination. 6'11 wingspan, which is alright for SF. From Toronto.
Shooting is a concern, but show some promise.

Watch on YouTube

I think I read he's going back to Nebraska. Super intriguing prospect though.

RaiQuan Gray is my first choice of our 2nd round pick. I see him as a SF, even some think he is a PF.