2020 NBA Draft Thread

[retrobro90]

He may be great but I just hate the idea of picking a guy like that early if we only have one pick based upon where we are right now as a franchise.

There's no way they take Quickley at 25. If they really like him they can trade down because no one is taking him that early. They have pick 53 which is way more likely. Thunder have also been linked to Pokusevski via KOC which is a way more likely pick at 25. There's just a lot of better upside plays at that spot outside of Quickley.

I would not be shocked if we did. Quickley is a very skilled player who could fit in nicely next to SGA.

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Yeah I mean I watched a lot of Kentucky this year. I think Quickley's a fine prospect and I don't mean they won't pick him at 25 as a negative toward him specifically. Just that they could probably trade back to get him and another asset. Quickley might realistically be available at 53

[getrichordie]

There's no way they take Quickley at 25. If they really like him they can trade down because no one is taking him that early. They have pick 53 which is way more likely. Thunder have also been linked to Pokusevski via KOC which is a way more likely pick at 25. There's just a lot of better upside plays at that spot outside of Quickley.

I would not be shocked if we did. Quickley is a very skilled player who could fit in nicely next to SGA.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=FrankieVision

Yeah I mean I watched a lot of Kentucky this year. I think Quickley's a fine prospect and I don't mean they won't pick him at 25 as a negative toward him specifically. Just that they could probably trade back to get him and another asset. Quickley might realistically be available at 53

I'd bet a whole a paycheck that he won't drop out of the 1st round.

[retrobro90]

I would not be shocked if we did. Quickley is a very skilled player who could fit in nicely next to SGA.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=FrankieVision

Yeah I mean I watched a lot of Kentucky this year. I think Quickley's a fine prospect and I don't mean they won't pick him at 25 as a negative toward him specifically. Just that they could probably trade back to get him and another asset. Quickley might realistically be available at 53

I'd bet a whole a paycheck that he won't drop out of the 1st round.

I'll remember

[ThunderBolt]

Does anyone else ever have a prospect they like, then there is a leak that a crappy organization is interested in drafting him and you immediately start to doubt yourself?

[ThunderBolt]

After listening to The Ringer podcast yesterday, I'm sold on Patrick Williams. It's not just his potential but who he is as a person bodes well for his development, imo.

[ThunderBolt]

Something I hadn’t heard before about Pokusevski. From the athletic.

The rumor is that Pokusevski has a promise from a team in the first round, and that’s why he bailed on the draft combine. Bigger picture, that may also be why he bailed on much of his 2019-20 season, depending on when the promise came.

Adding fuel to the fire are two data points: 1) Pokusevski’s agent, Jason Ranne, used to work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 2) The Thunder themselves are notorious in league circles for promising their pick and having him shut down workouts and other public viewings waaaaay ahead of the draft.

[getrichordie]

Something I hadn’t heard before about Pokusevski. From the athletic.

The rumor is that Pokusevski has a promise from a team in the first round, and that’s why he bailed on the draft combine. Bigger picture, that may also be why he bailed on much of his 2019-20 season, depending on when the promise came.

Adding fuel to the fire are two data points: 1) Pokusevski’s agent, Jason Ranne, used to work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 2) The Thunder themselves are notorious in league circles for promising their pick and having him shut down workouts and other public viewings waaaaay ahead of the draft.

If OKC is interested in Pokusevski, it could tie in to the whole CP3 to PHX thing as the Suns own the 10th pick. We will find out soon enough.

[ThunderBolt]

Something I hadn’t heard before about Pokusevski. From the athletic.

The rumor is that Pokusevski has a promise from a team in the first round, and that’s why he bailed on the draft combine. Bigger picture, that may also be why he bailed on much of his 2019-20 season, depending on when the promise came.

Adding fuel to the fire are two data points: 1) Pokusevski’s agent, Jason Ranne, used to work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 2) The Thunder themselves are notorious in league circles for promising their pick and having him shut down workouts and other public viewings waaaaay ahead of the draft.

If OKC is interested in Pokusevski, it could tie in to the whole CP3 to PHX thing as the Suns own the 10th pick. We will find out soon enough.

Ten seems a little high for him based upon where I see him mocked. He’s probably not my pick at that slot. I think it’s more likely we end up with someone we haven’t heard linked to okc.

[getrichordie]

Something I hadn’t heard before about Pokusevski. From the athletic.

If OKC is interested in Pokusevski, it could tie in to the whole CP3 to PHX thing as the Suns own the 10th pick. We will find out soon enough.

Ten seems a little high for him based upon where I see him mocked. He’s probably not my pick at that slot. I think it’s more likely we end up with someone we haven’t heard linked to okc.

Anything is possible this year. I feel like you could talk yourself into or out of the vast majority of guys this year. That's why everyone's boards are so all over the place. Pokusevski has been mocked top 5 and also mocked end of lottery as well as outside of first round. So who really knows?

[ThunderBolt]

If OKC is interested in Pokusevski, it could tie in to the whole CP3 to PHX thing as the Suns own the 10th pick. We will find out soon enough.

Ten seems a little high for him based upon where I see him mocked. He’s probably not my pick at that slot. I think it’s more likely we end up with someone we haven’t heard linked to okc.

Anything is possible this year. I feel like you could talk yourself into or out of the vast majority of guys this year. That's why everyone's boards are so all over the place. Pokusevski has been mocked top 5 and also mocked end of lottery as well as outside of first round. So who really knows?

That's why if we managed to get the PHX pick I think it would be ideal. I think I would rather have ten than one. We would be paying significantly less for possibly a similar level player.

[jake_swivel]

Yup, I don’t want any part of the top of this draft if it means dealing any future picks. ESPECIALLY if there is any possibility of getting freakin LaMelo.

[KJStark23]

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[getrichordie]

Just finished up another twitter mock. Took Achiuwa @ 25 and Karim Mane @ 53. Why not bring in another Canadian?

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[WestbrookGOATed]

I want Cole Anthony just because of the fact that he's a diehard Thunder fan. We need guys who want to be here long term.

[namlede]

Didn't know that. Any reason why he likes the thunder?

I want Cole Anthony just because of the fact that he's a diehard Thunder fan. We need guys who want to be here long term.

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[getrichordie]

In the process of co-writing a Thunder draft write up for a buddy's website. Figured I'd give a little sneak peak.

Thunder Big Board for 25th Pick

1. Aleksej Pokusevski
Skilled 7-footer that plays like a wing who has a ton of scoring and playmaking upside due to smooth form and stellar passing chops, though there are concerns about his somewhat thin frame and lack of burst and the level of competition he played, though Giannis comes from the same league.

2. Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa fits the mold as a fairly raw but supremely athletic big; has showcased legitimate ability to guard and muck things up 1-5 on the defensive end and has an awesome motor, but lacks feel and refinement on the offensive side where there are questions surrounding what he wants to be (is he a big or a big wing or both?).

3. Jaden McDaniels
Scoring-minded, but inconsistent 6-10 “wingy” forward type who has flashed the ability to score at all three levels and has showcased serious ability to impact plays on the defensive end with his long arms (7-0 wingspan), though he played in a zone at Washington; concerns lie within his skinny frame where he weighs in at just 184 lbs.

4. Jalen Smith
6-10 combo big with a great motor who flashed the ability to hit 3s running off screens and off the catch as well as the ability to put the ball on the floor once or twice when attacking closeouts; excelled at defending the rim despite weak legs, but there are concerns about how well he can defend out on the perimeter.

5. Immanuel Quickley
6-foot-3, 185lb. skilled, intelligent combo-guard who possesses a nice wingspan (6-8), and could be the best perimeter shooter in this draft class and has the tools and know-how to be solid on the defensive end as well but there are concerns about his passing ability and lack of strength.

6. Robert Woodard II
6-7, 230 lb. combo-forward who hangs his hat on the defensive side of the ball and has the required athleticism and tools (7-2 wingspan) to potentially play the 4 and some 3 as well as the 5 in smaller lineups and flashed the ability to efficiently hit 3s off the catch, though there are concerns about his perimeter shooting due to low volume (only 70 3PAs) and poor free throw shooting (64.1%).

7. Jahmi’us Ramsey
Highly athletic and young (just turned 19 in June) 2-guard who has an NBA-ready body and put together an efficient and high-volume season hitting 3s whether it was off the catch or stepping into a deep bomb in transition and is infamous for taking pictures with his shirt off, though there are concerns about his decision-making on the defensive side.

8. Josh Green
Highly athletic wing with good size (6-6 with 6-10 wingspan) who has a pension for making life difficult for opposing players on the perimeter and flashed some ability to hit 3s off the catch but there are questions about his feel and skill on the offensive side of the ball.

Spoiler:

9. Theo Maledon
French combo-guard who projects to be a plus-shooter and has great size (6-5 with 6-9 wingspan) and a solid overall feel for the game on the offensive side but there are questions about his athleticism and burst and how well that translates to the NBA.

10. Malachi Flynn
6-1 point-guard who was one of the best, if not the best, pick and roll ball-handler in all of college basketball and showed some serious ability to score at all three levels and also showed that he could be a factor defensively despite his lack of size but there are concerns about if his lack of size and elite athleticism will hold him back at the next level.

11. Tyrell Terry
6-3 crafty and intelligent but smaller guard who loves to shoot it and showed he can shoot it well from beyond the arc both off the catch and off the dribble and also has flashed some playmaking upside but there are concerns about his lack of strength and overall athleticism as well as ability to make a difference on the defensive side.

12. Daniel Oturu
6-9 big with long arms (7-4 wingspan) who was a dominant force in the Big10 conference this year on the offensive side of the ball, showcasing great touch around the rim (best finisher around the rim amongst all High-Major players) and also flashed the ability to step out and hit the 3 off the catch but there are concerns about how well his game can translate to the NBA given his reliance on post-ups.

13. Karim Mane
Big combo-guard from Canada who’s best competition was AAU (and 7 games in FIBA U19 event) and measures in at 6-6 with a near 7-0 wingspan (6-11) who has good, but not great athleticism and has an excellent shooting form where he flashed the ability to pull up for 3s off the dribble and knock them down off the catch and the ability to finish around the rim in a variety of ways despite contact.

14. Jay Scrubb
Athletic left-handed wing who played in, and dominated, the JUCO ranks this past season with his shooting and slashing and has excellent tools and athleticism (6-6 with a 6-10 wingspan) that bode well for translating to the NBA.

15. Elijah Hughes
Athletic wing from Syracuse who has a lot of vertical pop and flashed the ability to make some high level passes as well as some high-level shots from downtown; made some eye-popping defensive plays at the rim this past season but there are concerns about his defensive IQ given that he played in a zone at ‘Cuse.

[WestbrookGOATed]

Didn't know that. Any reason why he likes the thunder?

I want Cole Anthony just because of the fact that he's a diehard Thunder fan. We need guys who want to be here long term.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using RealGM mobile app

Not sure. I was watching an interview with him and Rachel Demita and she asked him who his favorite team was growing up and he surprisingly said the OKC Thunder, she said that was her favorite team too, I'm assuming because shes dating Roberson. He said he never had any NBA jerseys but he used to have a Thunder jacket that he wore religiously. Never went into detail why he likes them, but I thought it was pretty cool.

[WestbrookGOATed]

In the process of co-writing a Thunder draft write up for a buddy's website. Figured I'd give a little sneak peak.

Thunder Big Board for 25th Pick

1. Aleksej Pokusevski
Skilled 7-footer that plays like a wing who has a ton of scoring and playmaking upside due to smooth form and stellar passing chops, though there are concerns about his somewhat thin frame and lack of burst and the level of competition he played, though Giannis comes from the same league.

2. Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa fits the mold as a fairly raw but supremely athletic big; has showcased legitimate ability to guard and muck things up 1-5 on the defensive end and has an awesome motor, but lacks feel and refinement on the offensive side where there are questions surrounding what he wants to be (is he a big or a big wing or both?).

3. Jaden McDaniels
Scoring-minded, but inconsistent 6-10 “wingy” forward type who has flashed the ability to score at all three levels and has showcased serious ability to impact plays on the defensive end with his long arms (7-0 wingspan), though he played in a zone at Washington; concerns lie within his skinny frame where he weighs in at just 184 lbs.

4. Jalen Smith
6-10 combo big with a great motor who flashed the ability to hit 3s running off screens and off the catch as well as the ability to put the ball on the floor once or twice when attacking closeouts; excelled at defending the rim despite weak legs, but there are concerns about how well he can defend out on the perimeter.

5. Immanuel Quickley
6-foot-3, 185lb. skilled, intelligent combo-guard who possesses a nice wingspan (6-8), and could be the best perimeter shooter in this draft class and has the tools and know-how to be solid on the defensive end as well but there are concerns about his passing ability and lack of strength.

6. Robert Woodard II
6-7, 230 lb. combo-forward who hangs his hat on the defensive side of the ball and has the required athleticism and tools (7-2 wingspan) to potentially play the 4 and some 3 as well as the 5 in smaller lineups and flashed the ability to efficiently hit 3s off the catch, though there are concerns about his perimeter shooting due to low volume (only 70 3PAs) and poor free throw shooting (64.1%).

7. Jahmi’us Ramsey
Highly athletic and young (just turned 19 in June) 2-guard who has an NBA-ready body and put together an efficient and high-volume season hitting 3s whether it was off the catch or stepping into a deep bomb in transition and is infamous for taking pictures with his shirt off, though there are concerns about his decision-making on the defensive side.

8. Josh Green
Highly athletic wing with good size (6-6 with 6-10 wingspan) who has a pension for making life difficult for opposing players on the perimeter and flashed some ability to hit 3s off the catch but there are questions about his feel and skill on the offensive side of the ball.

Spoiler:

9. Theo Maledon
French combo-guard who projects to be a plus-shooter and has great size (6-5 with 6-9 wingspan) and a solid overall feel for the game on the offensive side but there are questions about his athleticism and burst and how well that translates to the NBA.

10. Malachi Flynn
6-1 point-guard who was one of the best, if not the best, pick and roll ball-handler in all of college basketball and showed some serious ability to score at all three levels and also showed that he could be a factor defensively despite his lack of size but there are concerns about if his lack of size and elite athleticism will hold him back at the next level.

11. Tyrell Terry
6-3 crafty and intelligent but smaller guard who loves to shoot it and showed he can shoot it well from beyond the arc both off the catch and off the dribble and also has flashed some playmaking upside but there are concerns about his lack of strength and overall athleticism as well as ability to make a difference on the defensive side.

12. Daniel Oturu
6-9 big with long arms (7-4 wingspan) who was a dominant force in the Big10 conference this year on the offensive side of the ball, showcasing great touch around the rim (best finisher around the rim amongst all High-Major players) and also flashed the ability to step out and hit the 3 off the catch but there are concerns about how well his game can translate to the NBA given his reliance on post-ups.

13. Karim Mane
Big combo-guard from Canada who’s best competition was AAU (and 7 games in FIBA U19 event) and measures in at 6-6 with a near 7-0 wingspan (6-11) who has good, but not great athleticism and has an excellent shooting form where he flashed the ability to pull up for 3s off the dribble and knock them down off the catch and the ability to finish around the rim in a variety of ways despite contact.

14. Jay Scrubb
Athletic left-handed wing who played in, and dominated, the JUCO ranks this past season with his shooting and slashing and has excellent tools and athleticism (6-6 with a 6-10 wingspan) that bode well for translating to the NBA.

15. Elijah Hughes
Athletic wing from Syracuse who has a lot of vertical pop and flashed the ability to make some high level passes as well as some high-level shots from downtown; made some eye-popping defensive plays at the rim this past season but there are concerns about his defensive IQ given that he played in a zone at ‘Cuse.

I would like either Ramsey or Green. Both would be a good pick at #25.

[ThunderBolt]

I watched some videos on Pokusevski. He definitely has some unique skills.I just don’t know how scouts evaluate what will and won’t translate when playing in some of these leagues. Some of the videos looked like he was playing in a middle school gym that didn’t even have bleachers for fans. Josh Green could be great but doesn’t really intrigue me.

[ThunderBolt]

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