Raps 2020 Picks (Prospect Watch, Update: Vecenie Mock Released)

[Indeed]

Ya Azubuike is gonna be a guy everyone looks back at and wonders why he didnt go higher. His physical gifts are tremendous and i havent heard anything about lazyness or anything (and he seems to have a good motor on the court).

He also has great hands. Im not sure why he doesnt have a Capela like floor with room to improve. If he can develop his shot like Ibaka, dude will be a standout. If he doesnt, he's still a great defender who's a strong lob threat and can catch a pocket pass and go

I think the NBA is so titled towards shooters that rim protection gets forgotten about. The thing with Doke is that he is not a stiff since he lost weight. I definitely think you can dump him into a game and he will do those basic things like protect the paint (which Toronto focuses its defense on) and be a target close to the basket. He is one of those exhausting players like Drummond who will be tough to take extra possessions away from.

More than shooters, NBA teams are valuing with switch defense, where quickness has been more impactful due to guard plays.

However, recently, it seems elite teams still require big bodies, as small centers are not heavy enough and could get into knee injuries for fighting against heavy centers. And we are seeing more offense generating from the forwards instead, where quicker center may not be as impactful as taller center to help contest these forwards.

I think we will still need a heavy weight center against bigs like Drummond and Gobert, and to throw a bigger body against some PFs. However, I think our priority would be another SF who is long and quick with the ability to post up with toughness. RHJ is borderline useful, but he couldn't shoot the 3s.

[Ell Curry]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

[HeadtopChunes]

Azubuike would be fine at 58 but I don't think he's talented enough for 28

[Psubs]

Ya Azubuike is gonna be a guy everyone looks back at and wonders why he didnt go higher. His physical gifts are tremendous and i havent heard anything about lazyness or anything (and he seems to have a good motor on the court).

He also has great hands. Im not sure why he doesnt have a Capela like floor with room to improve. If he can develop his shot like Ibaka, dude will be a standout. If he doesnt, he's still a great defender who's a strong lob threat and can catch a pocket pass and go

I think the NBA is so titled towards shooters that rim protection gets forgotten about. The thing with Doke is that he is not a stiff since he lost weight. I definitely think you can dump him into a game and he will do those basic things like protect the paint (which Toronto focuses its defense on) and be a target close to the basket. He is one of those exhausting players like Drummond who will be tough to take extra possessions away from.

More than shooters, NBA teams are valuing with switch defense, where quickness has been more impactful due to guard plays.

However, recently, it seems elite teams still require big bodies, as small centers are not heavy enough and could get into knee injuries for fighting against heavy centers. And we are seeing more offense generating from the forwards instead, where quicker center may not be as impactful as taller center to help contest these forwards.

I think we will still need a heavy weight center against bigs like Drummond and Gobert, and to throw a bigger body against some PFs. However, I think our priority would be another SF who is long and quick with the ability to post up with toughness. RHJ is borderline useful, but he couldn't shoot the 3s.

3 and D centres! Can you guard a Drummond and Gobert and hit a 3! Also if you can pass, that's bonus. Marc Gasol!

[Indeed]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

It is easy to say BPA, even at SF/PF, there are number of factors with obvious weakness across.
A SF/PF with length/wingspan and shooting, but not a good leaper / quickness
A SF/PF being a good leaper, quickness and shooting, but below average wingspan
A SF/PF who can shoot/pass and good length, but below average quickness
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan, but below average in shooting.
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan and quickness, but does not know how to play yet (rotation, positioning, etc.)

How do you define BPA?
The problem at #28 is that there is no clear cut BPA. Even at the same position, there is no definition on which weakness you see being less important (now and future).

[Indeed]

I think the NBA is so titled towards shooters that rim protection gets forgotten about. The thing with Doke is that he is not a stiff since he lost weight. I definitely think you can dump him into a game and he will do those basic things like protect the paint (which Toronto focuses its defense on) and be a target close to the basket. He is one of those exhausting players like Drummond who will be tough to take extra possessions away from.

More than shooters, NBA teams are valuing with switch defense, where quickness has been more impactful due to guard plays.

However, recently, it seems elite teams still require big bodies, as small centers are not heavy enough and could get into knee injuries for fighting against heavy centers. And we are seeing more offense generating from the forwards instead, where quicker center may not be as impactful as taller center to help contest these forwards.

I think we will still need a heavy weight center against bigs like Drummond and Gobert, and to throw a bigger body against some PFs. However, I think our priority would be another SF who is long and quick with the ability to post up with toughness. RHJ is borderline useful, but he couldn't shoot the 3s.

3 and D centres! Can you guard a Drummond and Gobert and hit a 3! Also if you can pass, that's bonus. Marc Gasol!

Ibaka is more a 3 and D instead.
Gasol is P and D (Point Center), which is way more than 3 and D. I am unsure it is on this draft, maybe Poku if he is able to bulk up and play physically against postup and bangers.

[Dalek]

More than shooters, NBA teams are valuing with switch defense, where quickness has been more impactful due to guard plays.

However, recently, it seems elite teams still require big bodies, as small centers are not heavy enough and could get into knee injuries for fighting against heavy centers. And we are seeing more offense generating from the forwards instead, where quicker center may not be as impactful as taller center to help contest these forwards.

I think we will still need a heavy weight center against bigs like Drummond and Gobert, and to throw a bigger body against some PFs. However, I think our priority would be another SF who is long and quick with the ability to post up with toughness. RHJ is borderline useful, but he couldn't shoot the 3s.

3 and D centres! Can you guard a Drummond and Gobert and hit a 3! Also if you can pass, that's bonus. Marc Gasol!

Ibaka is more a 3 and D instead.
Gasol is P and D (Point Center), which is way more than 3 and D. I am unsure it is on this draft, maybe Poku if he is able to bulk up and play physically against postup and bangers.

The thing with 3 and D centers is that this draft has a bunch of guys who are far away from the size and strength to compete in the NBA. Guys like Smith, Nnaji, Tillie all have iffy wingspans and are not necessarily going to be good rim protectors in the NBA. Poku looks like he wants to be a SG and has little interest in being a C at this point.

I see how Gasol and Ibaka have evolved into 3 and D centers, but the reality for Gasol is that he no longer as good scoring at the basket as he is from outside. Ibaka's threes come and go from season to season, but I don't think he was ever an elite paint scorer. I think what Nurse does best is figure out what you do well and he ensures you are the position to succeed.

Doke is a simple pick. You know he will rebound, block shots, and score at an elite level at the basket. He already has the legit size and strength of an NBA center with really decent athleticism and plus wingspan. He has good footwork so he does have a couple counter moves - he is not only a brute. He has shown the ability this year to guard outside of the paint. He will need to learn how to his his freethrows and pass a bit better to get past playing 10 minutes a game, but you know this guy will be an impactful 10 minutes from day one.

[Indeed]

3 and D centres! Can you guard a Drummond and Gobert and hit a 3! Also if you can pass, that's bonus. Marc Gasol!

Ibaka is more a 3 and D instead.
Gasol is P and D (Point Center), which is way more than 3 and D. I am unsure it is on this draft, maybe Poku if he is able to bulk up and play physically against postup and bangers.

The thing with 3 and D centers is that this draft has a bunch of guys who are far away from the size and strength to compete in the NBA. Guys like Smith, Nnaji, Tillie all have iffy wingspans and are not necessarily going to be good rim protectors in the NBA. Poku looks like he wants to be a SG and has little interest in being a C at this point.

I see how Gasol and Ibaka have evolved into 3 and D centers, but the reality for Gasol is that he no longer as good scoring at the basket as he is from outside. Ibaka's threes come and go from season to season, but I don't think he was ever an elite paint scorer. I think what Nurse does best is figure out what you do well and he ensures you are the position to succeed.

Doke is a simple pick. You know he will rebound, block shots, and score at an elite level at the basket. He already has the legit size and strength of an NBA center with really decent athleticism and plus wingspan. He has good footwork so he does have a couple counter moves - he is not only a brute. He has shown the ability this year to guard outside of the paint. He will need to learn how to his his freethrows and pass a bit better to get past playing 10 minutes a game, but you know this guy will be an impactful 10 minutes from day one.

I think Gasol is still good scoring at the basket, but Siakam has better mis-match most of the time. We saw Gasol posted up a few times against smaller players, and I think we are using him as an ex-factor, definitely more than 3 and D to me. Ibaka would be more 3 and D, his PnR is still very good, but definitely not someone who can initiate the offense like Gasol (even at this stage, I think Gasol can still postup and imitate the offense).

Doke (assume Udoke Azubuike) is one of my favorite with his footwork and agility, but one and done for not having a good shooting (based on free throw). I don't think some people can improve their shootings, particularly many 7 footers they still ended up could not shoot the ball. Even RHJ, James Johnson did not improve much on that aspect. Even I feel Azukuike can be a better shooter based on his soft touch, but hard to imagine him being draft higher.

[OAKLEY_2]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

I have always said BPA but in this draft I think we could easily go big project. Isaiah Stewart just turned 19 and has a shot - well where after one season is like .250 from 3. Yeah he isn't exactly 3 and D ready but with a 7'4 wingspan and good rebounding he could be developed slowly as longer term big to come into fruition. He prob projects as back-up centre but seriously what do we expect with number 27? I think thinking adding to depth after two seasons of development is our best move. That allows to retain maybe Gasol on a one option for two deal.

[Dalek]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

I have always said BPA but in this draft I think we could easily go big project. Isaiah Stewart just turned 19 and has a shot - well where after one season is like .250 from 3. Yeah he isn't exactly 3 and D ready but with a 7'4 wingspan and good rebounding he could be developed slowly as longer term big to come into fruition. He prob projects as back-up centre but seriously what do we expect with number 27? I think thinking adding to depth after two seasons of development is our best move. That allows to retain maybe Gasol on a one option for two deal.

I advocate for a couple Cs in the draft because I think they can perform well in the NBA, but if guys like Tyrell Terry, Patrick Williams, Saddiq Bey, Kyra Lewis, Theo Maledon fall to us you have to take them. To me it is about asset acquisition as well as drafting for need.

Having a good C is not always going to be the best asset long-term. Just last season, the NBA rebound leader Andre Drummond was traded for peanuts. A 3 and D SF, or PG who can shoot or has size plus speed are all things that can interest any team as a deal sweetener. Toronto has to think about Giannis in their planning, and to get him they will need to trade for a star like Beal. A team like Washington sucks long term, so getting versatile youth may interest them more than getting a solid back-up C.

[mademan]

Aleksej is a project, but at 27, dude could be a buy low option. He's basically a 7 foot SG; he's got decent foot speed, so if he can be groomed well enough to become an adequate perimeter defender, he'd be a great pick up. I dunno if like the idea of drafting a project after the whole Bruno thing tho

[NotMyKawhi]

Aleksej is a project, but at 27, dude could be a buy low option. He's basically a 7 foot SG; he's got decent foot speed, so if he can be groomed well enough to become an adequate perimeter defender, he'd be a great pick up. I dunno if like the idea of drafting a project after the whole Bruno thing tho

I'd pick him if he's there for sure

Great shooter, great shot blocker, good passer and he's 7 foot?


That's not a project, he could legit be the next kp

[mademan]

Aleksej is a project, but at 27, dude could be a buy low option. He's basically a 7 foot SG; he's got decent foot speed, so if he can be groomed well enough to become an adequate perimeter defender, he'd be a great pick up. I dunno if like the idea of drafting a project after the whole Bruno thing tho

I'd pick him if he's there for sure

Great shooter, great shot blocker, good passer and he's 7 foot?


That's not a project, he could legit be the next kp

I think theres a decent chance he's there. From what ive heard, he doesnt want to be a draft+stash. He wants to come over right away, which removes some of the teams who need those roster spots and cant spend them on a project (like Boston who have multiple picks)

[Dalek]

Aleksej is a project, but at 27, dude could be a buy low option. He's basically a 7 foot SG; he's got decent foot speed, so if he can be groomed well enough to become an adequate perimeter defender, he'd be a great pick up. I dunno if like the idea of drafting a project after the whole Bruno thing tho

I'd pick him if he's there for sure

Great shooter, great shot blocker, good passer and he's 7 foot?


That's not a project, he could legit be the next kp

Or the next Dragan Bender or Thon Maker. He shot 40% and 32% from three in a Greek second division. He also missed 3 months due to a knee injury and not a lot of public information is available about that.

I worry that a guy who is a very thin seven footer and is playing like a guard will have injury issues long-term. He also is not likely a draft and stash, so you have to make sure he develops in the G-League which can be hit or miss.

He definitely is skilled, but he seems like a long-term project. I was really high on Bender years ago when he was drafted but it just didn't click for him. Poku is coming in with less hype, and at 28 might be a reasonable gamble, but if he is there are 28, you have to ask yourself why 27 other teams/picks decided against taking this unicorn.

[Mark_83]

Not a fan of Azibuike. Great measurements and athleticism, but lacks any semblance of skill or feel. Can't face up or shoot. Limited post moves (primary move is getting deep inside position and getting uncontested dunks), and not aggressive enough.

He's basically a garbage man offensive rebounder, and rim runner. Defensively I don't think he's special enough to make up for that one-dimensionality. He's not bad on the switch but he's strictly a drop down guy. He's not gonna chase guys out on the peremiter like Gasol, he's gonna drop down which means he's gonna give up the three in a lot of cases.

He's a great shot blocker but our defense isn't really predicated on defense at the rim, but on guys being able to move in unison. Azibuike is a great blocker especially in transition, but he has Chris Boucher syndrome where he gets lost in team coverages and makes bad reads away from the rim.

If we pick him I trust Masai and Nurse to utilize him to the best of his ability. But I wouldn't take him at 28.

[casual_raps_fan]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

It is easy to say BPA, even at SF/PF, there are number of factors with obvious weakness across.
A SF/PF with length/wingspan and shooting, but not a good leaper / quickness
A SF/PF being a good leaper, quickness and shooting, but below average wingspan
A SF/PF who can shoot/pass and good length, but below average quickness
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan, but below average in shooting.
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan and quickness, but does not know how to play yet (rotation, positioning, etc.)

How do you define BPA?
The problem at #28 is that there is no clear cut BPA. Even at the same position, there is no definition on which weakness you see being less important (now and future).

To add to this, I also think later in the draft (where we are selecting), we would have to take into consideration of things like...
- fit with the development program (we have had success with high motor, toolsy, smart players)
- fit with the culture of the franchise/team (will the player be on the same page as the coaching staff and front office?)
- what their path to success is (what type of role will they play on the team?)

Teams like the Spurs, Heat, and Raptors have been good at identifying these things.

[Mark_83]

1. We should only be thinking BPA, like probably 25 teams around. Really only teams with 2 centers or 2 tiny guards who can't guard bigger players (unlike Lowry and Van Vleet) need to be not thinking BPA, like a team like Portland badly needing forwards and having lots of guards and centers. Only those kind of squads with massive imbalances and in a win now stage should be thinking anything but BPA, especially if they have a drafter like Masai.

The draft is 2 days before free agency as of now and the only players I'm fairly sure are on next year's team are:

______/______/_____
Siakam/_______/______
Anunoby/_____/McCaw
Powell-Davis-Thomas
Lowry/_____/____

and Stanley and Dewan Hernandez are under contract but who knows.

Then there's VanVleet, Gasol, Ibaka, Boucher and Watson who we probably want back but apart from thinking 1-2 of the 3 centers are back I have no idea.

So yeah, BPA but and even a shooting guard is fine since Davis can maybe be a backup PG option with Siakam running the show, or Powell can be mostly 3 with Anunoby splitting his minutes as the the backup 4 behind Siakam (maybe 13 and then Siakam 4-5 as a smallball 5 leaving him only 15-18 minutes at the 3 even).

2. Any news on any draft picks dramatically changing their bodies or shots during Covid?

It is easy to say BPA, even at SF/PF, there are number of factors with obvious weakness across.
A SF/PF with length/wingspan and shooting, but not a good leaper / quickness
A SF/PF being a good leaper, quickness and shooting, but below average wingspan
A SF/PF who can shoot/pass and good length, but below average quickness
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan, but below average in shooting.
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan and quickness, but does not know how to play yet (rotation, positioning, etc.)

How do you define BPA?
The problem at #28 is that there is no clear cut BPA. Even at the same position, there is no definition on which weakness you see being less important (now and future).

To add to this, I also think later in the draft (where we are selecting), we would have to take into consideration of things like...
- fit with the development program (we have had success with high motor, toolsy, smart players)
- fit with the culture of the franchise/team (will the player be on the same page as the coaching staff and front office?)
- what their path to success is (what type of role will they play on the team?)

Teams like the Spurs, Heat, and Raptors have been good at identifying these things.

Bingo. I would add high character/makeup/maturity too.

[casual_raps_fan]

It is easy to say BPA, even at SF/PF, there are number of factors with obvious weakness across.
A SF/PF with length/wingspan and shooting, but not a good leaper / quickness
A SF/PF being a good leaper, quickness and shooting, but below average wingspan
A SF/PF who can shoot/pass and good length, but below average quickness
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan, but below average in shooting.
A SF/PF who is a good leaper with good wingspan and quickness, but does not know how to play yet (rotation, positioning, etc.)

How do you define BPA?
The problem at #28 is that there is no clear cut BPA. Even at the same position, there is no definition on which weakness you see being less important (now and future).

To add to this, I also think later in the draft (where we are selecting), we would have to take into consideration of things like...
- fit with the development program (we have had success with high motor, toolsy, smart players)
- fit with the culture of the franchise/team (will the player be on the same page as the coaching staff and front office?)
- what their path to success is (what type of role will they play on the team?)

Teams like the Spurs, Heat, and Raptors have been good at identifying these things.

Bingo. I would add high character/makeup/maturity too.

Yes. I think maturity and character help moving onto the professional world from college. Having young prospects who are accountable, reliable, focused and professional can only help raise your chances of success.

[HeadtopChunes]

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[Dalek]

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This guy has the best draft content on the internet imo

You are probably up on this but he is a regular on the Prep2Pro podcast along with a bunch of other good writers. It is a good listen: https://twitter.com/Prep2ProPod