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

[PhilBlackson]

Haven’t followed this thread as intently this year but which names are emerging as the top 5 or so for our pick for anyone who has been???

[BoyzNTheHood]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

[Psubs]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

Have top 10 choices for #29 and 10 more for #59.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907034-how-to-spot-an-nba-draft-bust

[Dalek]

Haven’t followed this thread as intently this year but which names are emerging as the top 5 or so for our pick for anyone who has been???

I think it depends on the poster's philosophy, but from what I can surmise there are a few camps here:

High upside but long-term project: Jaden McDaniels, Poku, Bolmaro
Immediate contributor with low ceiling: Xavier Tillman, Desmond Bane, Grant Riller, Skylar Mays, Devon Dotson, Ty-Shon Alexander
Immediate contributor with a high floor: Tyrell Terry, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Smith, Tyler Bey, Cassius Stanley, Paul Reed

Top five for the board would probably be:

Xavier Tillman
Jaden McDaniels
Poku
Tyrell Terry
Paul Reed

/edit I made a change as I think Paul Reed has had a lot of people backing him.

[Dalek]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

Have top 10 choices for #29 and 10 more for #59.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907034-how-to-spot-an-nba-draft-bust

Interesting article. I think the point about low-block bigs is extremely valid and something Toronto may be considering as we have two pending free agents are both looking a bit old lately.

The cut-off mark seems to be around a 6.0 block percentage. From the five drafts between 2013 and 2017, notable bigs who finished with lower predraft block rates than 6 percent include Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, Marquese Chriss, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Kaminsky, Henry Ellenson, Brice Johnson, TJ Leaf, Tyler Lydon, Caleb Swanigan and Justin Patton.

Bigs who recorded block percentages higher than 6 percent include Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Myles Turner, Steven Adams, Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, Jusuf Nurkic, Pascal Siakam and Jonathan Isaac.

In the draft, the PFs, Cs in our range with a block percentage great than 6 are: Isaiah Stewart (7%), Paul Reed (9.7%), Udoka Azuibuike (10.9%), Jalen Smith (8.2%). For upside, I really like Stewart and Smith. Stewart is so young and physically ready to compete while Smith already has an offensive skill-set ready for the modern NBA.

[HeadtopChunes]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

Man I got sick of this draft months ago lol

[B-Ball Freak]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

Man I got sick of this draft months ago lol

Yeah, I'd be alot more invested in this years draft if we had like a top 15 pick or something. With Masai's draft record, this late first round pick will be a contributor though.

[Psubs]

The combination of a delayed draft, plus no added games for information to gather on prospects is killing this thread until the draft gets closer. Most of us have already laid out our top-5, top-10, top-15, hell our top-60 more than a few times already

Have top 10 choices for #29 and 10 more for #59.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907034-how-to-spot-an-nba-draft-bust

Interesting article. I think the point about low-block bigs is extremely valid and something Toronto may be considering as we have two pending free agents are both looking a bit old lately.

The cut-off mark seems to be around a 6.0 block percentage. From the five drafts between 2013 and 2017, notable bigs who finished with lower predraft block rates than 6 percent include Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, Marquese Chriss, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Kaminsky, Henry Ellenson, Brice Johnson, TJ Leaf, Tyler Lydon, Caleb Swanigan and Justin Patton.

Bigs who recorded block percentages higher than 6 percent include Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Myles Turner, Steven Adams, Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, Jusuf Nurkic, Pascal Siakam and Jonathan Isaac.

In the draft, the PFs, Cs in our range with a block percentage great than 6 are: Isaiah Stewart (7%), Paul Reed (9.7%), Udoka Azuibuike (10.9%), Jalen Smith (8.2%). For upside, I really like Stewart and Smith. Stewart is so young and physically ready to compete while Smith already has an offensive skill-set ready for the modern NBA.

Stewart seems like he'll be like Robert Williams on the Celtics. I like Smith better than Stewart because he can already shoot the 3 better than Siakam. I like Reed's ability to guard both forward positions and stay with some guards on a P&R and guard some small C's in the post.

[PhilBlackson]

I’m favouring McDaniels and Poku the most.

[Dalek]

Have top 10 choices for #29 and 10 more for #59.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907034-how-to-spot-an-nba-draft-bust

Interesting article. I think the point about low-block bigs is extremely valid and something Toronto may be considering as we have two pending free agents are both looking a bit old lately.

The cut-off mark seems to be around a 6.0 block percentage. From the five drafts between 2013 and 2017, notable bigs who finished with lower predraft block rates than 6 percent include Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, Marquese Chriss, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Kaminsky, Henry Ellenson, Brice Johnson, TJ Leaf, Tyler Lydon, Caleb Swanigan and Justin Patton.

Bigs who recorded block percentages higher than 6 percent include Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Myles Turner, Steven Adams, Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, Jusuf Nurkic, Pascal Siakam and Jonathan Isaac.

In the draft, the PFs, Cs in our range with a block percentage great than 6 are: Isaiah Stewart (7%), Paul Reed (9.7%), Udoka Azuibuike (10.9%), Jalen Smith (8.2%). For upside, I really like Stewart and Smith. Stewart is so young and physically ready to compete while Smith already has an offensive skill-set ready for the modern NBA.

Stewart seems like he'll be like Robert Williams on the Celtics. I like Smith better than Stewart because he can already shoot the 3 better than Siakam. I like Reed's ability to guard both forward positions and stay with some guards on a P&R and guard some small C's in the post.

Smith is a really good shooter for a big man, very fluid and isn't even just a standstill shooter. He can actually shoot fadeaways and run off screens (as strange as that sounds). I think he will go in the late lottery early 20s, but you never know, he may end up dropping to Toronto.

I think your comparison with Robert Williams and Isaiah Stewart is spot on. Both are slightly undersized bigs with big wingspans and decent athleticism and motor. I think getting a Robert Williams type would be a great outcome. Stewart also has a guy like Montrezl Harrell which he can aim to become in time, if he ever develops better post-scoring skills. He is going to need to figure out how to get his shot off against bigger guys, which he rarely had to worry about in college.

I know this is not that recent, but at Peach Jam, Stewart matched up against Wiseman and showed his motor while Wiseman showed his diverse skill set:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Stewart is only 19 and will be 20 next May, so he is pretty young and I think his offense game will grow.

[nabbs]

Interesting article. I think the point about low-block bigs is extremely valid and something Toronto may be considering as we have two pending free agents are both looking a bit old lately.



In the draft, the PFs, Cs in our range with a block percentage great than 6 are: Isaiah Stewart (7%), Paul Reed (9.7%), Udoka Azuibuike (10.9%), Jalen Smith (8.2%). For upside, I really like Stewart and Smith. Stewart is so young and physically ready to compete while Smith already has an offensive skill-set ready for the modern NBA.

Stewart seems like he'll be like Robert Williams on the Celtics. I like Smith better than Stewart because he can already shoot the 3 better than Siakam. I like Reed's ability to guard both forward positions and stay with some guards on a P&R and guard some small C's in the post.

Smith is a really good shooter for a big man, very fluid and isn't even just a standstill shooter. He can actually shoot fadeaways and run off screens (as strange as that sounds). I think he will go in the late lottery early 20s, but you never know, he may end up dropping to Toronto.

I think your comparison with Robert Williams and Isaiah Stewart is spot on. Both are slightly undersized bigs with big wingspans and decent athleticism and motor. I think getting a Robert Williams type would be a great outcome. Stewart also has a guy like Montrezl Harrell which he can aim to become in time, if he ever develops better post-scoring skills. He is going to need to figure out how to get his shot off against bigger guys, which he rarely had to worry about in college.

I know this is not that recent, but at Peach Jam, Stewart matched up against Wiseman and showed his motor while Wiseman showed his diverse skill set:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Stewart is only 19 and will be 20 next May, so he is pretty young and I think his offense game will grow.

I was reading that self creation Stewart's stats are insane.

Read on Twitter

[Dalek]

I was reading that self creation Stewart's stats are insane.

Read on Twitter

Wow, that is an interesting stat. I watched a ton of Washington games this past year and they were a weird team. All starters about 6'6" or bigger, no traditional PG, and their offense was pretty much to dump the ball to Stewart on the blocks each time or get a stop on defense and funnel the pass to a rim running Stewart. He won't have a high usage role in the NBA, but he will be expected to offensive rebound and rim run, which he is great at. He hits his freethrows and defends, so you can see an easy role for him as he develops. Honestly, he is a bit boring, but he adds physicality which is missing with Gasol and Ibaka at times.

[IceBelly05]

Shot creation, shot creation, shot creation, constantly showing its such a critical skill. Look at our struggles, the bucks struggles, and the nuggets coming back from 3-1. It has been such a big theme. Grant Riller NEEDS to be the pick (or mason jones as a good iso scorer less of a pull-up shooting threat) we have a team of + defenders and selfless players on offence but we need someone who’s gonna hit some ‘F you’ shots.

[Indeed]

Haven’t followed this thread as intently this year but which names are emerging as the top 5 or so for our pick for anyone who has been???

I think it depends on the poster's philosophy, but from what I can surmise there are a few camps here:

High upside but long-term project: Jaden McDaniels, Poku, Bolmaro
Immediate contributor with low ceiling: Xavier Tillman, Desmond Bane, Grant Riller, Skylar Mays, Devon Dotson, Ty-Shon Alexander
Immediate contributor with a high floor: Tyrell Terry, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Smith, Tyler Bey, Cassius Stanley, Paul Reed

Top five for the board would probably be:

Xavier Tillman
Jaden McDaniels
Poku
Tyrell Terry
Paul Reed

/edit I made a change as I think Paul Reed has had a lot of people backing him.

There is no immediate contributor. Davis is an example, as we saw he made many mistakes on defense.
And Tyler Bey would be long-term project as well, he is just an energy big at the moment.

[WeTheNorth123]

Dont see too many people talking about Nick Richards...this guy could be a sleeper...his game might transition well in the NBA

he has a surprisingly decent jump shot for a player who plays like Tyson Chandler/Jerret Allen/Javale Mcgee

[PhilBlackson]

Shot creation, shot creation, shot creation, constantly showing its such a critical skill. Look at our struggles, the bucks struggles, and the nuggets coming back from 3-1. It has been such a big theme. Grant Riller NEEDS to be the pick (or mason jones as a good iso scorer less of a pull-up shooting threat) we have a team of + defenders and selfless players on offence but we need someone who’s gonna hit some ‘F you’ shots.

I And 1’d not so much about Riller (I’d admittingly need to watch more footage on him) but the serious NEED for a player that can get his own shot.

The reality is no rookie will come in and take on that responsibility out the gate but nonetheless I agree that Playoffs time and time again show that having a player that can breakdown a defence on his own is essential.

It’s why my personal favourite prospect is Jaden McDaniels because he shows the potential to be one. Now unfortunately for us I do think a franchise like DEN or BOS will pick up on that before we even get the chance but I’m with you on the general premise that we need to find a player in that vein. If not someone is very skilled at breaking teams off the dribble and finding the open man but preferable someone who can do it on their own.

[Psubs]

Does anyone think that Masai will draft the best African player available?

The last two 1st round picks by Masai have been Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

https://www.wolfgangsport.com/2020/04/nba-draft-2020-projections-predicts-seven-nigerians-to-feature-as-africas-future-basketball-stars/

I think Oturu or Nnaji are the most likely taken at #29. Nnaji being a legit 6'11 bodes well.

Then Jordan Nnwora falling to #59. If not, Mamadi Diakite. Like a more coordinated Chris Boucher.

I think Diakite would be a nice RHJ replacement.

Watch on YouTube

What about a sign and trade of Marc Gasol for Paul Milsap? Denver needs a backup C.

PG Lowry - FVV - TD
SG FVV - Powell - Thomas/Watson
SF OG - Powell - McCaw/Diakite
PF Siakam - Milsap - Boucher
C Ibaka - Oturu - Boucher /Dewan

Eventually:

Giannis
Siakam
Anunoby
Ibaka
Oturu
Diakite

[Dalek]

Does anyone think that Masai will draft the best African player available?

The last two 1st round picks by Masai have been Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

https://www.wolfgangsport.com/2020/04/nba-draft-2020-projections-predicts-seven-nigerians-to-feature-as-africas-future-basketball-stars/

I think Oturu or Nnaji are the most likely taken at #29. Nnaji being a legit 6'11 bodes well.

Then Jordan Nnwora falling to #59. If not, Mamadi Diakite. Like a more coordinated Chris Boucher.

I think Diakite would be a nice RHJ replacement.

Watch on YouTube

What about a sign and trade of Marc Gasol for Paul Milsap? Denver needs a backup C.

PG Lowry - FVV - TD
SG FVV - Powell - Thomas/Watson
SF OG - Powell - McCaw/Diakite
PF Siakam - Milsap - Boucher
C Ibaka - Oturu - Boucher /Dewan

Eventually:

Giannis
Siakam
Anunoby
Ibaka
Oturu
Diakite

To me the best African player is Udoka Azubuike and it isn't really close. He was the best player on the best team in the NCAA. Even though his offense is pretty simple teams like Baylor game planned to stop him and failed. I mean the guy is 7 foot, 7'7" wingspan and is pretty mobile for his size. He also played pretty big minutes for Kansas.

I think a lot of times it is easy to look for the stretchy type bigs because it is en vogue, but the NBA still needs Rudy Gobert, Steven Adams types, and Azubuike has some real potential on that side.

[Dalek]

Wasserman is getting to be my favorite draft writer. Here is an article he posted on sleeper picks:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2905670-2020-nba-drafts-best-kept-secrets

His listed included:
Isaiah Joe (Arkansas, SG, Sophomore)
Naji Marshall (Xavier, SG/SF, Junior)
Nate Hinton (Houston, SG, Sophomore)
Sam Merrill (Utah State, SG, Senior)
Ty-Shon Alexander (Creighton, SG, Junior)

I keep forgetting about Joe because dropped out and then dropped back in, but he is a sleeper first round pick. The guy has great range and skill creating his shot. I think his body is too weak, but he is skilled.

Hinton and Alexander are the two guys I have been talking up a fair bit. Hinton is likely going undrafted, but his team Houston was fairly underrated and I think prepared him for the NBA game. He rebounds like a mad man and his shot is good and he is a big personality defender. He'd be nice at 59 or to get undrafted.

Spoiler:

At 6'5", 210 pounds, Hinton should stand out to NBA teams for his positional size, picturesque shooting stroke and instincts for rebounding and defending.

Hinton is one of 11 college players to finish a season with at least 1.5 threes per game, a 15.0 percent rebounding percentage and a 2.5 percent steal percentage, and five were Draymond Green, Robert Covington, Kenrich Williams, Torrey Craig and Ryan Broekhoff.

Hinton could have a chance to stick in the right non-creator role. He sports one of the smoothest looking jumpers in terms of footwork for shot prep, rising with balance, elevation and wrist snap. He shot 38.7 percent from three and 39.3 percent pulling up, showing distinguishable fluidity releasing off the catch and dribble.

Still, it's his defensive strengths and nose for the ball that separate Hinton, a guard who averaged 8.7 rebounds. Being a good rebounder isn't exactly a needle-mover, but his unique knack for tracking down misses highlights anticipation and reactions that can translate to other areas like jumping passing lanes, swiping ball-handlers and guessing opponents' decisions and moves.

Alexander is still on the bubble for me at 29. It is a bit high but I just like defense and skill.

Spoiler:

Though he was still mostly used off the ball, Creighton put Alexander in more ball-screen situations this season, and he made a legitimate jump with his execution and feel. A 43.3 percent spot-up shooter, he also graded in the 84th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, making 43.2 percent of his pull-ups while teammates shot 51.0 percent off his passes (74th percentile).

Flashes of isolation scoring (30 points, 27 possessions, 93rd percentile) highlight more development with his creation and contested shot-making. And though not the most explosive athlete for blowing by and finishing in traffic, he's sharp in the open floor, grading in the 86th percentile in transition with leak-out threes and body-controlled, step-through layups.

Alexander also put together some convincing sequences of lockdown defense, including against the nation's leading scorer Markus Howard and Seton Hall flamethrower Myles Powell. Even if the discipline isn't always there, NBA coaches should feel good about his 6'4" size and lateral foot speed working against different types of guards.

[IceBelly05]

Shot creation, shot creation, shot creation, constantly showing its such a critical skill. Look at our struggles, the bucks struggles, and the nuggets coming back from 3-1. It has been such a big theme. Grant Riller NEEDS to be the pick (or mason jones as a good iso scorer less of a pull-up shooting threat) we have a team of + defenders and selfless players on offence but we need someone who’s gonna hit some ‘F you’ shots.

I And 1’d not so much about Riller (I’d admittingly need to watch more footage on him) but the serious NEED for a player that can get his own shot.

The reality is no rookie will come in and take on that responsibility out the gate but nonetheless I agree that Playoffs time and time again show that having a player that can breakdown a defence on his own is essential.

It’s why my personal favourite prospect is Jaden McDaniels because he shows the potential to be one. Now unfortunately for us I do think a franchise like DEN or BOS will pick up on that before we even get the chance but I’m with you on the general premise that we need to find a player in that vein. If not someone is very skilled at breaking teams off the dribble and finding the open man but preferable someone who can do it on their own.

Absolutely, don’t think a 29th pick is gonna come in and be a instant contributor in that vein. But I’m with you that we need someone who can create real offence. But grant is probably the best 3 level scorer in this draft, he doesn’t have the ceiling of some other guys obviously which is why he’s mocked in the 20s - 30s. Also I don’t think a small ish guard can be a real #1 option on a championship team not am I suggesting he be a #1 option, but I think we have enough talent are coached well enough to win 55+ games and then in a close game when you need shot creation a guy like Riller would be huge. I hope Masai, Bobby, and Dan are smart enough to see to see that is CLEARLY the missing skill on this team.