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

[RaptorsLife]

"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.

Sounds like Kelly olynyk. Mo speights

[Young_Buc]

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.

Never seen him play, but his athletic talent in addition to his intangibles makes me believe hell end up as a solid player.

[VanWest82]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

[RaptorsLife]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

He is this years Malcom brogadon no doubt. His advanced stats are unreal. Watson gonna love him

[Psubs]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

The short wingspan hurts him like Dillon Brooks. He may end up like Brogdon without the PG skills.

[VanWest82]

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.

There's also the Nigerian connection between Masai and his parents. Sounds like his workout with Raptors went well today: http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2017/05/22/1495475715169-nba-web-170522-ojeleye-1436214/

[VanWest82]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

The short wingspan hurts him like Dillon Brooks. He may end up like Brogdon without the PG skills.

He's 6'5 with a 6'8 wingspan. That's not THAT bad.

[HeadtopChunes]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

The short wingspan hurts him like Dillon Brooks. He may end up like Brogdon without the PG skills.

He's 6'5 with a 6'8 wingspan. That's not THAT bad.

I really like him too he has that winning mindset. Some team is getting a steal.

[Psubs]

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.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/article150305707.html

40 inch vert, 8th in sprinting and 3rd in the agility drill.

[Kevin Willis]

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.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/article150305707.html

40 inch vert, 8th in sprinting and 3rd in the agility drill.

Semi could be a PJ Tucker like player

- slightly taller
- range out to the three
- strong build
- moves feet well
- tough mentality
- good shooter (semis is a better shooter actually)
- less fluid, more power

Don't know if he fits want we want to do with floor spacers. I guess he has he build to guard a Lebron or a Butler. Plus he's 22.

[VanWest82]

Just went down the rabbit hole with Semi Ojeleye SMU vids and I'm still not sure. He looks like a solid shooter with good size, but there are some red flags for me. For one, as big and strong as he is, and as good as his athletic tests have been, why does he consistently play below the rim (i.e. he needs to jump off two feet in order to elevate)? And why can't he beat his man off the dribble unless it's during a close out?

But the bigger issue is this: Raptors want to move away from one on one play, and improve the collective IQ of the team. Semi may be a smart guy in the classroom or IRL, but it sure doesn't seem to translate to the court. He lacks awareness, and holds onto the ball too much. For a guy who attacked off the dribble as much as he did, it's just a little damning to me that he only averaged 1.5 assists in over 34 mpg.

I'm nitpicking. You don't get perfect prospects at 23, but there are issues.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

I like Josh Hart, too. He's going to be a contributing player on a winning team imo. Danny Green-esque player.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Just went down the rabbit hole with Semi Ojeleye SMU vids and I'm still not sure. He looks like a solid shooter with good size, but there are some red flags for me. For one, as big and strong as he is, and as good as his athletic tests have been, why does he consistently play below the rim (i.e. he needs to jump off two feet in order to elevate)? And why can't he beat his man off the dribble unless it's during a close out?

But the bigger issue is this: Raptors want to move away from one on one play, and improve the collective IQ of the team. Semi may be a smart guy in the classroom or IRL, but it sure doesn't seem to translate to the court. He lacks awareness, and for a guy who attacked off the dribble as much as he did, it's just a little damning to me that he only averaged 1.5 assists in over 34 mpg.

I'm nitpicking. You don't get perfect prospects at 23, but there are issues.

Yeah he's not a home run. Every year the board tends to jump on a great athletic wing. I'm less interested in his flaws on offense, because looks like he'll largely be an energy wing who can bang in some threes and tear out in transition. Low blocks and steals for an athlete playing the 4 is a concern for me. You don't want older players to have to learn a lot, but it almost seems like he does. Coaches on good teams aren't going to play guys that will kill their defense, and he's older, so how many chances is he going to get?

[Saciid11]

Ojeleye is a poor man's Joey Graham, but Raptors will draft him based on advanced stats/a computer program (Watson).

This boardl/ franchise loves advanced stats and high character player .. no wonder we drafted so many busts ...

lol who are all the busts we've drafted? Outside of bruno and deandre daniels (TBD), everyone masais drafted looks like NBA players

I'm not talking about Masai, I'm talking about this franchise in general ... We suck at drafting ..

[iqbalpanchod]

Just went down the rabbit hole with Semi Ojeleye SMU vids and I'm still not sure. He looks like a solid shooter with good size, but there are some red flags for me. For one, as big and strong as he is, and as good as his athletic tests have been, why does he consistently play below the rim (i.e. he needs to jump off two feet in order to elevate)? And why can't he beat his man off the dribble unless it's during a close out?

But the bigger issue is this: Raptors want to move away from one on one play, and improve the collective IQ of the team. Semi may be a smart guy in the classroom or IRL, but it sure doesn't seem to translate to the court. He lacks awareness, and for a guy who attacked off the dribble as much as he did, it's just a little damning to me that he only averaged 1.5 assists in over 34 mpg.

I'm nitpicking. You don't get perfect prospects at 23, but there are issues.

Yeah he's not a home run. Every year the board tends to jump on a great athletic wing. I'm less interested in his flaws on offense, because looks like he'll largely be an energy wing who can bang in some threes and tear out in transition. Low blocks and steals for an athlete playing the 4 is a concern for me. You don't want older players to have to learn a lot, but it almost seems like he does. Coaches on good teams aren't going to play guys that will kill their defense, and he's older, so how many chances is he going to get?

He's not a first option potential guy. He's leading the NCAA in pick and pop efficiency. That's great to pair with DD as one of the best pick and roll ball handlers in the league. He can attack closeouts from DeRozan's doubles. He has the physical tools, shot, and work ethic to be a great player and will probably fit in the culture of putting work in after seeing Powell and DD.

[CoachJReturns]

Just went down the rabbit hole with Semi Ojeleye SMU vids and I'm still not sure. He looks like a solid shooter with good size, but there are some red flags for me. For one, as big and strong as he is, and as good as his athletic tests have been, why does he consistently play below the rim (i.e. he needs to jump off two feet in order to elevate)? And why can't he beat his man off the dribble unless it's during a close out?

But the bigger issue is this: Raptors want to move away from one on one play, and improve the collective IQ of the team. Semi may be a smart guy in the classroom or IRL, but it sure doesn't seem to translate to the court. He lacks awareness, and for a guy who attacked off the dribble as much as he did, it's just a little damning to me that he only averaged 1.5 assists in over 34 mpg.

I'm nitpicking. You don't get perfect prospects at 23, but there are issues.

Yeah he's not a home run. Every year the board tends to jump on a great athletic wing. I'm less interested in his flaws on offense, because looks like he'll largely be an energy wing who can bang in some threes and tear out in transition. Low blocks and steals for an athlete playing the 4 is a concern for me. You don't want older players to have to learn a lot, but it almost seems like he does. Coaches on good teams aren't going to play guys that will kill their defense, and he's older, so how many chances is he going to get?

Steals and blocks are very low and area a big red flag for me, though it's not like we're looking at gems this late in the draft.
As for the two foot jumping, some guys simply don't jump well off one foot. It's actually a very important skill/talent to have because on the break and attacking the rim it makes a world of difference. There are plenty of guys who test well with a max vertical off two feet, but nobody really takes off from one leg like LeBron and it makes him unstoppable when he gets a head of steam.

I'll take Diallo(if his shooting form looks less awkward than it did in high-school)
Anigbogu if he falls,
Rabb if he's available(though nobody else here still likes him),
maybe and I mean maybe Lydon for a pure shooter,
Evans if we move Cojo and there's any reason to think Lowry is gone though I'm sure he'll be back.
and Jeanne or Paseckniks for draft and stash.

[CoachJReturns]

Let's stop trying to find a Draymond because there isn't one.

I think it'd be better to look for someone with two way potential who can be great on one side of the ball. But if a player can't play offense as well as defense they need to look truly elite at what they do, otherwise they may often be unplayable. And no offense to Casey, but i don't think he's a guy who can find ways to compensate for the weaknesses of his players while playing to their strengths.

[Saciid11]

Jakob shows his basketball IQ by being at the right spots, making the right pass, and generally making good decisions. He's proven this in the NBA. Jakob will get stronger with age not really worried about that.

Bam misses defensive rotations, not a great passer (0.8 assists to 1.7 TOs per game) finds himself in the wrong place alot. More of an athelte than a basketball player at this point.

Those mistakes have more to do with Bam being 18 year old freshman then his bbiq..

Plenty of other freshman don't have this problem. Bam has been playing basketball since high​ school he's not new to the game. I'm not saying he can't learn or anything. Just that Jakob is already much further ahead here almost as atheltic with quicker feet. Jakob is the better prospect.

Jacob is not better prospect and I'm willing to bet on Bam having higher ceiling as prospect in NBA. Bam was better high school player and as fresh man playing in tougher division has shown more then Jacob has shown as freshman ..

[CoachJReturns]

Those mistakes have more to do with Bam being 18 year old freshman then his bbiq..

Plenty of other freshman don't have this problem. Bam has been playing basketball since high​ school he's not new to the game. I'm not saying he can't learn or anything. Just that Jakob is already much further ahead here almost as atheltic with quicker feet. Jakob is the better prospect.

Jacob is not better prospect and I'm willing to bet on Bam having higher ceiling as prospect in NBA. Bam was better high school player and as fresh man playing in tougher division has shown more then Jacob has shown as freshman ..

I'd take that bet. There are plenty of bigs with some athleticism who did well in high school. Once the size advantage goes away they aren't as effective as they were. But a skilled center who moves his feet well and knows where to be is very likely to succeed and that's Jakob. He's not a sexy, homerun type of pick. Jakob is the the steady, savy big who makes smart plays, but doesn't make the highlight reel a lot. Bam will probably be the better pure shot blocker and rebounder possibly, but Jakob is a smart pick and role defender, good passer and will have better overall shooting numbers. I'll give the edge to Jakob, but of course time will tell.

[CoachJReturns]

Can someone explain to me why Josh Hart is only the 45th ranked prospect on DX? I get that the guy isn't a world class athlete, but he's a proven winner with few real weaknesses in his game. He literally does everything well. I'd seriously consider him at 23 as Powell is likely to see some big offers after next season, and given our cap situation, and what is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion that Masai brings Lowry/Ibaka/Tucker back, it would be nice to have an insurance policy working with 905s next season.

The short wingspan hurts him like Dillon Brooks. He may end up like Brogdon without the PG skills.

He's 6'5 with a 6'8 wingspan. That's not THAT bad.

Not at all. I guess it's better to say his wingspan is not an advantage at all.