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

[Dalek]

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.

He is definitely a guy who will need to learn how to play the Raptor's style of defense, but he was the anchor for Kansas this past year where the team fell apart without him on the floor. Being a rim deterrent and a lob threat are still valuable in the NBA, so I think at his most basic he can get on the floor.

As far as his defense on the perimeter, I watched the Oklahoma game where they went small on him and he showed decent foot speed and lateral agility that is surprising for a big man. Here is a couple clips of him work on defense. Skip to 1:32 to see some highlights of him guarding out in space.

Watch on YouTube

He is not one of those guys that are seven feet and suffering from asthma attacks after playing 10 minutes. He played 36 minutes against Baylor and when it was other tough competition, he was in the 30 minute range.

[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.

He is definitely a guy who will need to learn how to play the Raptor's style of defense, but he was the anchor for Kansas this past year where the team fell apart without him on the floor. Being a rim deterrent and a lob threat are still valuable in the NBA, so I think at his most basic he can get on the floor.

As far as his defense on the perimeter, I watched the Oklahoma game where they went small on him and he showed decent foot speed and lateral agility that is surprising for a big man. Here is a couple clips of him work on defense. Skip to 1:32 to see some highlights of him guarding out in space.

Watch on YouTube

He is not one of those guys that are seven feet and suffering from asthma attacks after playing 10 minutes. He played 36 minutes against Baylor and when it was other tough competition, he was in the 30 minute range.

Like I said if we pick him I'm confident in Masai's talent evaluation as well as Nurse's creativity in utilizing him, but I just don't see a guy worth pick 28.

I have seen those d highlights. He does have decent foot speed for a big (though he relies more on his length than quickness and footwork to guard in space), and he's a good (though not elite) shot blocker but how valuable are guys with that very limited skill set currently?

Nerlens Noel was a better shot blocker and defender as a Freshman (4.4 blks, 2.1 stls, 9.5 reb), and he plays less than 20 minutes a game despite still being a very good defender in space and shot blocker per 40 minutes (3.3 blks and 2.2 stls). Poeltl can barely see the floor for San Antonio (16.6 mins) despite being a very good defensive big who averages 3.4 blks, 1.2 stls, and 12.8 rebs per 40 minutes. Both of these guys have better post games than Udoka, but like him, neither can shoot even a little bit in game.

Heck I'd rather just sign Noel for cheap as a UFA after the season if we want elite shot blocking and a guy who can switch on the peremiter.

[OGLife]

I see Mitchell Robinson potential with him as his ceiling. I think he should lose some weight as he doesn't need to be 270 to play in the NBA (240 would be best for him).

I just don't see him developing any offense where he would be starting worthy.

He turns 21 this year, so there's time to develop a shot but I just don't see it happening.

[Psubs]

Like I said if we pick him I'm confident in Masai's talent evaluation as well as Nurse's creativity in utilizing him, but I just don't see a guy worth pick 28.

I have seen those d highlights. He does have decent foot speed for a big (though he relies more on his length than quickness and footwork to guard in space), and he's a good (though not elite) shot blocker but how valuable are guys with that very limited skill set currently?

Nerlens Noel was a better shot blocker and defender as a Freshman (4.4 blks, 2.1 stls, 9.5 reb), and he plays less than 20 minutes a game despite still being a very good defender in space and shot blocker per 40 minutes (3.3 blks and 2.2 stls). Poeltl can barely see the floor for San Antonio (16.6 mins) despite being a very good defensive big who averages 3.4 blks, 1.2 stls, and 12.8 rebs per 40 minutes. Both of these guys have better post games than Udoka, but like him, neither can shoot even a little bit in game.

Heck I'd rather just sign Noel for cheap as a UFA after the season if we want elite shot blocking and a guy who can switch on the peremiter.

Agreed, I' also rather sign Noel or Alex Len as a backup C. Give Len 1/2 the MLE. 1 year with a team option 2nd.

[HeadtopChunes]

Turns out Diakite has pending sexual assault case, so i dont see us bringing him in.

[Indeed]

Like I said if we pick him I'm confident in Masai's talent evaluation as well as Nurse's creativity in utilizing him, but I just don't see a guy worth pick 28.

I have seen those d highlights. He does have decent foot speed for a big (though he relies more on his length than quickness and footwork to guard in space), and he's a good (though not elite) shot blocker but how valuable are guys with that very limited skill set currently?

Nerlens Noel was a better shot blocker and defender as a Freshman (4.4 blks, 2.1 stls, 9.5 reb), and he plays less than 20 minutes a game despite still being a very good defender in space and shot blocker per 40 minutes (3.3 blks and 2.2 stls). Poeltl can barely see the floor for San Antonio (16.6 mins) despite being a very good defensive big who averages 3.4 blks, 1.2 stls, and 12.8 rebs per 40 minutes. Both of these guys have better post games than Udoka, but like him, neither can shoot even a little bit in game.

Heck I'd rather just sign Noel for cheap as a UFA after the season if we want elite shot blocking and a guy who can switch on the peremiter.

Agreed, I' also rather sign Noel or Alex Len as a backup C. Give Len 1/2 the MLE. 1 year with a team option 2nd.

I think people here mis-understand. There is no chance anyone we pick at 28 would start playing. We are regardless going to sign someone from FA for short term. The one we draft is for long term, and most likely bench players (including Azubuike, Smith, Reed, Carey, etc.). When you look at Davis, he cannot even get consistent minutes as a rookie, and suppose to start in G-League (and Davis has better potential than most of the guards at #28, so you are at most looking for someone better than McCaw, RHJ, Boucher).

Meanwhile, Noel does not have good footwork when he is drafted. Azubuike already has a good footwork, using his toe most of the time, capable of lifting both feet on the spin. Of course, Azubuike is much older, which is expected he can make those turnaround post move as compared to Noel.

[GM89]

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.

Always got the feeling RHJ and James Johnson wanted to play more on the ball point forward roles. Maybe if they realized earlier in their careers to embrace the 3&D role than their 3pt shot would probably be closer to the league average by now.

[mademan]

A guy like Maledon might fall to the early 20's. I could see Masai using our second rounders (this and next year), our pick and some cash to trade up for him. 6'4 long PG who plays a very smart brand of basketball

[Psubs]

A guy like Maledon might fall to the early 20's. I could see Masai using our second rounders (this and next year), our pick and some cash to trade up for him. 6'4 long PG who plays a very smart brand of basketball

Quicker Delon Wright?

Just hope for some teams to pick Nico Manion, Trey Jones, Maxey, Terry, Ramsey and Dotson before us.

[Mark_83]

Like I said if we pick him I'm confident in Masai's talent evaluation as well as Nurse's creativity in utilizing him, but I just don't see a guy worth pick 28.

I have seen those d highlights. He does have decent foot speed for a big (though he relies more on his length than quickness and footwork to guard in space), and he's a good (though not elite) shot blocker but how valuable are guys with that very limited skill set currently?

Nerlens Noel was a better shot blocker and defender as a Freshman (4.4 blks, 2.1 stls, 9.5 reb), and he plays less than 20 minutes a game despite still being a very good defender in space and shot blocker per 40 minutes (3.3 blks and 2.2 stls). Poeltl can barely see the floor for San Antonio (16.6 mins) despite being a very good defensive big who averages 3.4 blks, 1.2 stls, and 12.8 rebs per 40 minutes. Both of these guys have better post games than Udoka, but like him, neither can shoot even a little bit in game.

Heck I'd rather just sign Noel for cheap as a UFA after the season if we want elite shot blocking and a guy who can switch on the peremiter.

Agreed, I' also rather sign Noel or Alex Len as a backup C. Give Len 1/2 the MLE. 1 year with a team option 2nd.

I think people here mis-understand. There is no chance anyone we pick at 28 would start playing. We are regardless going to sign someone from FA for short term. The one we draft is for long term, and most likely bench players (including Azubuike, Smith, Reed, Carey, etc.). When you look at Davis, he cannot even get consistent minutes as a rookie, and suppose to start in G-League (and Davis has better potential than most of the guards at #28, so you are at most looking for someone better than McCaw, RHJ, Boucher).

Meanwhile, Noel does not have good footwork when he is drafted. Azubuike already has a good footwork, using his toe most of the time, capable of lifting both feet on the spin. Of course, Azubuike is much older, which is expected he can make those turnaround post move as compared to Noel.

Define hardly any minutes. He plays 17 minutes a game at arguably our deepest position (guard) which is also currently more than two vets in Poeltl and Noel play on their teams. Heck, he would be playing at least 24 mins a game if not for Nurse's weird love affair with McCaw (though Davis's inconsistent defense is also part of it).

I'm pretty sure everyone understands that the pick isn't going to be a day one starter or rotation guy, though I would be shocked if a guy like Tillman, Reed, or whoever we picked (sans Poku) didn't at least get some minutes. I bring up Noel only because he's still pretty young (only 5 years older), and pretty much brings you all the same shot blocking plus better peremiter defense for relatively cheap.

Your last sentence is a bit confusing. Azibuike is not older than Noel, and I haven't seen him pull off many if any post moves in all the college footage I've seen. When not rim running on the pick and roll, I've mostly seen him get inside position on defenders for the over the top pass and the easy dunk.

[Mark_83]

Turns out Diakite has pending sexual assault case, so i dont see us bringing him in.

That's unfortunate. Although we did draft Hernandez who had previously been charged with battery.

[mademan]

A guy like Maledon might fall to the early 20's. I could see Masai using our second rounders (this and next year), our pick and some cash to trade up for him. 6'4 long PG who plays a very smart brand of basketball

Quicker Delon Wright?

Just hope for some teams to pick Nico Manion, Trey Jones, Maxey, Terry, Ramsey and Dotson before us.

ya. I know this thread is full of talk about bigs, because of Gasol and Ibaka's FA status and age in general, but theres just so much guard talent in this draft, i dont see how we dont end up drafting one of them. Some talent is sure to fall through, whether its Maledon, Kira Lewis, Hampton or even a guy like Nico

[GM89]

Define hardly any minutes. He plays 17 minutes a game at arguably our deepest position (guard) which is also currently more than two vets in Poeltl and Noel play on their teams. Heck, he would be playing at least 24 mins a game if not for Nurse's weird love affair with McCaw (though Davis's inconsistent defense is also part of it).

I'm pretty sure everyone understands that the pick isn't going to be a day one starter or rotation guy, though I would be shocked if a guy like Tillman, Reed, or whoever we picked (sans Poku) didn't at least get some minutes. I bring up Noel only because he's still pretty young (only 5 years older), and pretty much brings you all the same shot blocking plus better peremiter defense for relatively cheap.

Your last sentence is a bit confusing. Azibuike is not older than Noel, and I haven't seen him pull off many if any post moves in all the college footage I've seen. When not rim running on the pick and roll, I've mostly seen him get inside position on defenders for the over the top pass and the easy dunk.

To be honest late 1st/2nd round and undrafted rookies usually don't get any playing time on playoff teams and are stuck in the g-league. It's a testament to the raps scouting abilities to keep finding guys like Powell and Davis who are good enough to see bench minutes in their first year.

[Dalek]

Like I said if we pick him I'm confident in Masai's talent evaluation as well as Nurse's creativity in utilizing him, but I just don't see a guy worth pick 28.

I have seen those d highlights. He does have decent foot speed for a big (though he relies more on his length than quickness and footwork to guard in space), and he's a good (though not elite) shot blocker but how valuable are guys with that very limited skill set currently?

Nerlens Noel was a better shot blocker and defender as a Freshman (4.4 blks, 2.1 stls, 9.5 reb), and he plays less than 20 minutes a game despite still being a very good defender in space and shot blocker per 40 minutes (3.3 blks and 2.2 stls). Poeltl can barely see the floor for San Antonio (16.6 mins) despite being a very good defensive big who averages 3.4 blks, 1.2 stls, and 12.8 rebs per 40 minutes. Both of these guys have better post games than Udoka, but like him, neither can shoot even a little bit in game.

Heck I'd rather just sign Noel for cheap as a UFA after the season if we want elite shot blocking and a guy who can switch on the peremiter.

Agreed, I' also rather sign Noel or Alex Len as a backup C. Give Len 1/2 the MLE. 1 year with a team option 2nd.

I think people here mis-understand. There is no chance anyone we pick at 28 would start playing. We are regardless going to sign someone from FA for short term. The one we draft is for long term, and most likely bench players (including Azubuike, Smith, Reed, Carey, etc.). When you look at Davis, he cannot even get consistent minutes as a rookie, and suppose to start in G-League (and Davis has better potential than most of the guards at #28, so you are at most looking for someone better than McCaw, RHJ, Boucher).

Meanwhile, Noel does not have good footwork when he is drafted. Azubuike already has a good footwork, using his toe most of the time, capable of lifting both feet on the spin. Of course, Azubuike is much older, which is expected he can make those turnaround post move as compared to Noel.

I just think Azubuike is physically ready to play in the NBA at 7 feet and 270 lbs. Noel was a great talent coming in but he was skinny and a bit of head-case when he first came in. It took him a while to figure out who is as a role player. Azubuike knows what he is and excels at it. I see him as a guy who can get 10-15 high impact minutes and on a rookie deal that is inexpensive.

[HeadtopChunes]

A guy like Maledon might fall to the early 20's. I could see Masai using our second rounders (this and next year), our pick and some cash to trade up for him. 6'4 long PG who plays a very smart brand of basketball

Quicker Delon Wright?

Just hope for some teams to pick Nico Manion, Trey Jones, Maxey, Terry, Ramsey and Dotson before us.

He’s Delon with potentially elite shooting upside and a better finisher. Hes a top 5 talent for me imo. Id def trade up for him if hes not drafted too high.

[HeadtopChunes]

A guy like Maledon might fall to the early 20's. I could see Masai using our second rounders (this and next year), our pick and some cash to trade up for him. 6'4 long PG who plays a very smart brand of basketball

Quicker Delon Wright?

Just hope for some teams to pick Nico Manion, Trey Jones, Maxey, Terry, Ramsey and Dotson before us.

ya. I know this thread is full of talk about bigs, because of Gasol and Ibaka's FA status and age in general, but theres just so much guard talent in this draft, i dont see how we dont end up drafting one of them. Some talent is sure to fall through, whether its Maledon, Kira Lewis, Hampton or even a guy like Nico

For sure, I don’t think the draft should be used to patch roster holes. Thats what FA is for.

Most of the gaurds are just more talented than the bigs/forwards in this draft imo and we don’t have a single gaurd on a long term contract either. Even if we do sign Fred to a long term deal, in 4/5 years a gaurd drafted this year would just be hitting their prime while Fred exits his.

Combine that with our system preferring multiple ballhandlers, i think we should be absolutely fine with drafting a gaurd especially if they can play multiple positions like Maledon, Maxey etc

[Mark_83]

Define hardly any minutes. He plays 17 minutes a game at arguably our deepest position (guard) which is also currently more than two vets in Poeltl and Noel play on their teams. Heck, he would be playing at least 24 mins a game if not for Nurse's weird love affair with McCaw (though Davis's inconsistent defense is also part of it).

I'm pretty sure everyone understands that the pick isn't going to be a day one starter or rotation guy, though I would be shocked if a guy like Tillman, Reed, or whoever we picked (sans Poku) didn't at least get some minutes. I bring up Noel only because he's still pretty young (only 5 years older), and pretty much brings you all the same shot blocking plus better peremiter defense for relatively cheap.

Your last sentence is a bit confusing. Azibuike is not older than Noel, and I haven't seen him pull off many if any post moves in all the college footage I've seen. When not rim running on the pick and roll, I've mostly seen him get inside position on defenders for the over the top pass and the easy dunk.

To be honest late 1st/2nd round and undrafted rookies usually don't get any playing time on playoff teams and are stuck in the g-league. It's a testament to the raps scouting abilities to keep finding guys like Powell and Davis who are good enough to see bench minutes in their first year.

That and Nurse seems to be pretty open to giving players a shot to contribute whether it's a Boucher or Davis or McCaw, he likes to use all his toys.

[Indeed]

Agreed, I' also rather sign Noel or Alex Len as a backup C. Give Len 1/2 the MLE. 1 year with a team option 2nd.

I think people here mis-understand. There is no chance anyone we pick at 28 would start playing. We are regardless going to sign someone from FA for short term. The one we draft is for long term, and most likely bench players (including Azubuike, Smith, Reed, Carey, etc.). When you look at Davis, he cannot even get consistent minutes as a rookie, and suppose to start in G-League (and Davis has better potential than most of the guards at #28, so you are at most looking for someone better than McCaw, RHJ, Boucher).

Meanwhile, Noel does not have good footwork when he is drafted. Azubuike already has a good footwork, using his toe most of the time, capable of lifting both feet on the spin. Of course, Azubuike is much older, which is expected he can make those turnaround post move as compared to Noel.

Define hardly any minutes. He plays 17 minutes a game at arguably our deepest position (guard) which is also currently more than two vets in Poeltl and Noel play on their teams. Heck, he would be playing at least 24 mins a game if not for Nurse's weird love affair with McCaw (though Davis's inconsistent defense is also part of it).

I'm pretty sure everyone understands that the pick isn't going to be a day one starter or rotation guy, though I would be shocked if a guy like Tillman, Reed, or whoever we picked (sans Poku) didn't at least get some minutes. I bring up Noel only because he's still pretty young (only 5 years older), and pretty much brings you all the same shot blocking plus better peremiter defense for relatively cheap.

Your last sentence is a bit confusing. Azibuike is not older than Noel, and I haven't seen him pull off many if any post moves in all the college footage I've seen. When not rim running on the pick and roll, I've mostly seen him get inside position on defenders for the over the top pass and the easy dunk.

I watched 2 or 3 full games of Azibuike, he has post moves. However, teams are doubling him, plus Kansas does not have good entry pass players. If you truly watch the full game, you saw a few entry passes went to turn overs. Definitely not limited to rim running on the pick and roll.

https://youtu.be/VNEWO89jUiY?t=3387

[GM89]

Turns out Diakite has pending sexual assault case, so i dont see us bringing him in.

That's unfortunate. Although we did draft Hernandez who had previously been charged with battery.

He will probably go undrafted because of this but unless his case proves to be really bad then some teams won't care and will offer him a two-way contract.

[Indeed]

Quicker Delon Wright?

Just hope for some teams to pick Nico Manion, Trey Jones, Maxey, Terry, Ramsey and Dotson before us.

ya. I know this thread is full of talk about bigs, because of Gasol and Ibaka's FA status and age in general, but theres just so much guard talent in this draft, i dont see how we dont end up drafting one of them. Some talent is sure to fall through, whether its Maledon, Kira Lewis, Hampton or even a guy like Nico

For sure, I don’t think the draft should be used to patch roster holes. Thats what FA is for.

Most of the gaurds are just more talented than the bigs/forwards in this draft imo and we don’t have a single gaurd on a long term contract either. Even if we do sign Fred to a long term deal, in 4/5 years a gaurd drafted this year would just be hitting their prime while Fred exits his.

Combine that with our system preferring multiple ballhandlers, i think we should be absolutely fine with drafting a gaurd especially if they can play multiple positions like Maledon, Maxey etc

Not too worry about guards, since there could be more supply than demand. There would be more (talented) forward next season, but I am still unsure about drafting a guard this year.
I think some of them have their concerns Bane (concern with short wingspan), Maledon (concern with lateral quickness on defense), Ramsey (concern with his focus), Bolmaro (concern with A:T ratio), etc.

Unless someone like Kira Lewis drops, who seems to be a bit more overall, otherwise, there could be holes at our range regardless of drafting a guard or forward.