Snapbacks and Handshakes: The 2017 Draft (Raps pick #23)

[HeadtopChunes]

Semi had a different role than Green in college. He's got an elite shooting, strength, athleticism, and work ethic. Him and DeRozan as pick and pop combo would be insane. He also is one of the quickest guys in college in terms of lateral agility. He's going to be a stud.

Him Bolden and Devin Robinson are lotto like talents with great measurements. Add in Bruno and I think in a few years we could have the longest, best shooting guys in the league. Five years from now I see.

Poetlt
Bruno/Bolden
Semi
Powell/Robinson
Wright

It could be a low seed playoff team alone. The mix of skills, shooting, and most importantly two way talent.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

I like Delon but I don't see him a starter unless he gets that shot down. Until he does he'll always be a backup. Bolden I really like. Robinson is a great athelte but the basketball skill isn't really there yet.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Semi Ojeleye reminds me of PJ Tucker, more athletic though.

[iqbalpanchod]

Semi had a different role than Green in college. He's got an elite shooting, strength, athleticism, and work ethic. Him and DeRozan as pick and pop combo would be insane. He also is one of the quickest guys in college in terms of lateral agility. He's going to be a stud.

Him Bolden and Devin Robinson are lotto like talents with great measurements. Add in Bruno and I think in a few years we could have the longest, best shooting guys in the league. Five years from now I see.

Poetlt
Bruno/Bolden
Semi
Powell/Robinson
Wright

It could be a low seed playoff team alone. The mix of skills, shooting, and most importantly two way talent.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

I like Delon but I don't see him a starter unless he gets that shot down. Until he does he'll always be a backup. Bolden I really like. Robinson is a great athelte but the basketball skill isn't really there yet.

He can run an offense and he has the potential to be a better shooter. He can definitely help in terms of ball movement.

Robinson has an elite shot and length. It will translate in terms of being a role player.

Bolden is the same in terms of elite shot, defensive potential, and being a stash option in the d league.

[VanWest82]

I hope Masai is able to pick up a 2nd so we can draft Frank Mason. With all this money we're about to throw around, it's unlikely Joseph will be back after next season (assuming he isn't traded before then).

Mason has heart. I watched a lot of Kansas games the year Wiggins and Embiid were there. Mason was feisty even then, and his game has improved so much since freshman year. A lot of his skills (PnR, drive and kick, three point shooting, etc.) will translate well to the NBA. To me, Mason is a much better version of FVV.

[HeadtopChunes]

I hope Masai is able to pick up a 2nd so we can draft Frank Mason. With all this money we're about to throw around, it's unlikely Joseph will be back after next season (assuming he isn't traded before then).

Mason has heart. I watched a lot of Kansas games the year Wiggins and Embiid were there. Mason was feisty even then, and his game has improved so much since freshman year. A lot of his skills (PnR, drive and kick, three point shooting, etc.) will translate well to the NBA. To me, Mason is a much better version of FVV.

Do you think he would be better then Delon? Delon can do all that besides that shooting and gaurd 1-3 most nights. Better than FVV maybe I'd rather use a 2nd on a guy like Bolden or Bell

[VanWest82]

I hope Masai is able to pick up a 2nd so we can draft Frank Mason. With all this money we're about to throw around, it's unlikely Joseph will be back after next season (assuming he isn't traded before then).

Mason has heart. I watched a lot of Kansas games the year Wiggins and Embiid were there. Mason was feisty even then, and his game has improved so much since freshman year. A lot of his skills (PnR, drive and kick, three point shooting, etc.) will translate well to the NBA. To me, Mason is a much better version of FVV.

Do you think he would be better then Delon? Delon can do all that besides that shooting and gaurd 1-3 most nights

I think it's absolutely crippling to your offense if your lead ball handler can't shoot. Delon is afraid to shoot. He passes up wide open mid range jumpers. He'll swing the ball when he's open from three point line. I've even seen him pass up open lay ups. He reminds me of Ricky Rubio when he's struggling with his confidence, only without Rubio's HOF level passing ability.

Maybe DWright will lock himself in a gym until he figures it out. I'm hopeful, just wouldn't bet on it.

Edit: and yes, I think Frank Mason will be a better pro than Wright.

[VanWest82]

Semi had a different role than Green in college. He's got an elite shooting, strength, athleticism, and work ethic. Him and DeRozan as pick and pop combo would be insane. He also is one of the quickest guys in college in terms of lateral agility. He's going to be a stud.

Him Bolden and Devin Robinson are lotto like talents with great measurements. Add in Bruno and I think in a few years we could have the longest, best shooting guys in the league. Five years from now I see.

Poetlt
Bruno/Bolden
Semi
Powell/Robinson
Wright

It could be a low seed playoff team alone. The mix of skills, shooting, and most importantly two way talent.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

I agree there's a lot to like. But what position do you see him playing for us? He excelled @ SMU playing a lot of small ball 5. If we re-sign Ibaka, we'll have like 5 guys on the roster capable of playing some version of center for us (and six if you include Semi). We're already experimenting with trying to turn Siakam from an inside big into a perimeter forward. That's a tough transition, one that Semi has already flunked out of once (at Duke) trying to make it playing that way. Positional fit is important.

[HeadtopChunes]

Semi had a different role than Green in college. He's got an elite shooting, strength, athleticism, and work ethic. Him and DeRozan as pick and pop combo would be insane. He also is one of the quickest guys in college in terms of lateral agility. He's going to be a stud.

Him Bolden and Devin Robinson are lotto like talents with great measurements. Add in Bruno and I think in a few years we could have the longest, best shooting guys in the league. Five years from now I see.

Poetlt
Bruno/Bolden
Semi
Powell/Robinson
Wright

It could be a low seed playoff team alone. The mix of skills, shooting, and most importantly two way talent.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

I agree there's a lot to like. But what position do you see him playing for us? He excelled @ SMU playing a lot of small ball 5. If we re-sign Ibaka, we'll have like 5 guys on the roster capable of playing some version of center for us. We're already experimenting with trying to turn Siakam from an inside big into a perimeter forward. That's a tough transition, and Semi has already flunked out once (at Duke) trying to make it playing that way. Positional fit is important.

It would have to be 3 and small ball 4. Whether or not he can is upto the scouting staff. I think hed be okay at 3 he has the speed for it. His perimeter skills need work but he should be fine

[VanWest82]

I agree there's a lot to like. But what position do you see him playing for us? He excelled @ SMU playing a lot of small ball 5. If we re-sign Ibaka, we'll have like 5 guys on the roster capable of playing some version of center for us. We're already experimenting with trying to turn Siakam from an inside big into a perimeter forward. That's a tough transition, and Semi has already flunked out once (at Duke) trying to make it playing that way. Positional fit is important.

It would have to be 3 and small ball 4. Whether or not he can is upto the scouting staff. I think hed be okay at 3 he has the speed for it. His perimeter skills need work but he should be fine

So after failing to make the move from being a 5 to a 4 @ Duke, and then succeeding again as a 5 @ SMU, you want to turn him into a 3? Can you come up with even one example where that's worked? The general rule is you can stretch guys out positionally (i.e. go from being a 2 to a 3 or 3 to a 4, etc.) but it's really hard to transition the other way around.

[HeadtopChunes]

I agree there's a lot to like. But what position do you see him playing for us? He excelled @ SMU playing a lot of small ball 5. If we re-sign Ibaka, we'll have like 5 guys on the roster capable of playing some version of center for us. We're already experimenting with trying to turn Siakam from an inside big into a perimeter forward. That's a tough transition, and Semi has already flunked out once (at Duke) trying to make it playing that way. Positional fit is important.

It would have to be 3 and small ball 4. Whether or not he can is upto the scouting staff. I think hed be okay at 3 he has the speed for it. His perimeter skills need work but he should be fine

So after failing to make the move from being a 5 to a 4 @ Duke, and then succeeding again as a 5 @ SMU, you want to turn him into a 3? Can you come up with even one example where that's worked? The general rule is you can stretch guys out positionally (i.e. go from being a 2 to a 3 or 3 to a 4, etc.) but it's really hard to transition the other way around.

He was a 4 at SMU not a 5? And Semi is planning on playing SF/PF. You can't have a 6'7 dude be a 5.

[Syd-TK3]

Half of my posts have been bitching about getting Semi since about my join date. Trade 23 to Philly for 37, 39, 40. That gets us Semi Ojeleye, Devin Robinson, and Jonah Bolden. These guys are all lights out shooters something we need to compete in the new NBA and to make up for DD's lack of 3 ball. They all shoot 40+% on 4+ FGA from 3-point range.

If Anthony can be acquired as the new starting 4 next to Ibaka it would be perfect. You have possibly 4 great three point shooters around DeRozan at all times.

Ibaka
Melo
Ojeleye
DeRozan
Lowry

He's coming in with improved playmaking as well hopefully to find the open shooter more often while maybe improving his own three? From at least the corner I would hope.

If OG, Diallo, Fergeson, And Mitchell are all gone by our pick I'm okay with trading back for picks.
Not sure if its possible to get 3 probably just 2 of those.

I'd take bolden and one of Robinson/Iwundu/Semi

Not gonna entertain this crazy Melo fantasy everyone seems to have though.

[OAKLEY_2]

Half of my posts have been bitching about getting Semi since about my join date. Trade 23 to Philly for 37, 39, 40. That gets us Semi Ojeleye, Devin Robinson, and Jonah Bolden. These guys are all lights out shooters something we need to compete in the new NBA and to make up for DD's lack of 3 ball. They all shoot 40+% on 4+ FGA from 3-point range.

If Anthony can be acquired as the new starting 4 next to Ibaka it would be perfect. You have possibly 4 great three point shooters around DeRozan at all times.

Ibaka
Melo
Ojeleye
DeRozan
Lowry

He's coming in with improved playmaking as well hopefully to find the open shooter more often while maybe improving his own three? From at least the corner I would hope.

If OG, Diallo, Fergeson, And Mitchell are all gone by our pick I'm okay with trading back for picks.
Not sure if its possible to get 3 probably just 2 of those.

I'd take bolden and one of Robinson/Iwundu/Semi

Not gonna entertain this crazy Melo fantasy everyone seems to have though.

As Tolzman said they look for their very best targeted player and then draft them. If Ibaka is back I do not think it will be a centre and if Ibaka plays power forward like he should, you have Ibaka and Siakam 1,2 at power forward meaning any power forward picked at 23 should be 905 bound. That would ideally be a freshman type prospect with no rush on being in the line-up. Diallo and Ferguson would be perfect to learn with 905 as would Leaf

[C_Money]

I don't even care about defence this year. Give me a guy who can score over a guy who can defend any day.

[HeadtopChunes]

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[RaptorsLife]

Read on Twitter

Hopefully he impresses and he stays in the draft

[ATLTimekeeper]

The positives about Semi's potential is that athletically he's elite, and smashed the agility drill at the combine, he works hard and he's a smart kid. Unless he really doesn't like playing defense, he's probably going to end up defending pretty well. JR Smith can play passable D now, and he's a moron who doesn't like playing defense. The guys that forever suck either have extreme physical issues (like Jose or Isaiah Thomas) that can't be improved on, or just don't care (like most of David Lee's career). I tend to be biased towards character and work ethic.

[Syd-TK3]

Half of my posts have been bitching about getting Semi since about my join date. Trade 23 to Philly for 37, 39, 40. That gets us Semi Ojeleye, Devin Robinson, and Jonah Bolden. These guys are all lights out shooters something we need to compete in the new NBA and to make up for DD's lack of 3 ball. They all shoot 40+% on 4+ FGA from 3-point range.

If Anthony can be acquired as the new starting 4 next to Ibaka it would be perfect. You have possibly 4 great three point shooters around DeRozan at all times.

Ibaka
Melo
Ojeleye
DeRozan
Lowry

He's coming in with improved playmaking as well hopefully to find the open shooter more often while maybe improving his own three? From at least the corner I would hope.

If OG, Diallo, Fergeson, And Mitchell are all gone by our pick I'm okay with trading back for picks.
Not sure if its possible to get 3 probably just 2 of those.

I'd take bolden and one of Robinson/Iwundu/Semi

Not gonna entertain this crazy Melo fantasy everyone seems to have though.

As Tolzman said they look for their very best targeted player and then draft them. If Ibaka is back I do not think it will be a centre and if Ibaka plays power forward like he should, you have Ibaka and Siakam 1,2 at power forward meaning any power forward picked at 23 should be 905 bound. That would ideally be a freshman type prospect with no rush on being in the line-up. Diallo and Ferguson would be perfect to learn with 905 as would Leaf

I'm sorta on the fence with Leaf.
Shooting is good but on low attempts, Really like his passing instincts though and I think its an underated skill for a big man. His athleticism is better than I thought and is a good lob catcher.
Its just his defense is obviously concerning and his ceiling doesn't look very high

[VanWest82]

He was a 4 at SMU not a 5? And Semi is planning on playing SF/PF. You can't have a 6'7 dude be a 5.

I agree you don't want a 6'7 guy playing the 5, that was kind of my point. But I went back and checked, and you're right, Semi was more of a 4 @ SMU. Brown, who was smaller, played the 5.

[HeadtopChunes]

He was a 4 at SMU not a 5? And Semi is planning on playing SF/PF. You can't have a 6'7 dude be a 5.

I agree you don't want a 6'7 guy playing the 5, that was kind of my point. But I went back and checked, and you're right, Semi was more of a 4 @ SMU. Brown, who was smaller, played the 5.

Yeah you had me confused there for a minute lol

[OAKLEY_2]

"He (Leaf) plays decent position defense in the pick-and-roll but doesn’t put much fear on dribble drivers because he lacks the length to protect the front of the basket. He makes rotations but hasn’t shown much in terms of explosiveness coming off the weak-side as a constant shot blocking threat in help defense either."

"When you add up all of Leaf’s positive and negative traits and project long-term improvement, he’s a high-end NBA role player. He’ll be a strong supporting cast member who scores 12-15 points, grabs six or seven rebounds and maintains the team’s ball movement. Leaf could be the third or fourth scoring option on a playoff team.

Is that kind of production worth a lottery pick? I’m not sure, especially in this year’s draft. But given his inside-out skill set and sharp off-ball instincts, I’d be surprised if he slipped past the early 20s."

From fanrag.