SD2042 wrote:VCfor3 wrote:SD2042 wrote:For me, it's come down to Mo Bamba if we keep the pick. Although VCfor3 mentioned defense can naturally improve by committee, it's still an issue that needs to be address in our frontcourt. Although JJJ defense is solid as well, offensively he's a project just like Ivan Rabb is still a work in progress as well. With Bamba, his aggression on defense is solid. He will need to add some muscle to meet the physical standards of the NBA. Offensively he's ahead of JJJ albeit not by much. Bamba will be in development in that area. Eventually when the Grizzlies trade away Gasol, Bamba will be ready to take over Gasol's place as center of the Grizzlies.
As for if we trade the pick, I'm looking at Mikal Bridges as he provides a scorer's mentality and can play both sides of the ball after playing with Villanova for his college career. Scoring is another area the Grizzlies need to improve on as well. Not to say that Bridges just solves the problem by himself. The Grizzlies still have lots of work to do regardless of who they pick in this year's draft.
I think JJJ is ahead of Bamba offensively, but if Bamba is right and he has worked on his shot mechanics to be a better 3pt shooter then it is closer. JJJ hit almost 40% of his deep balls last season. Bamba is also an intelligent, well-spoken guy which makes me think he is a little more likely than most to put everything together. I would be ok with him if the FO feels he is the better prospect after seeing everyone in the workouts, but we are the only team in the top 8 who didn't request a workout with him so the chances of him being the pick are slim.
Plus 1 on the intelligence and well spoken factor. I'm kinda of surprise the Grizzlies didn't request a workout with Mo. Mo's game put me in the mindset of Clint Capela with a three point shooting ability(mostly occasional) Anyways, to JJJ's credit, he currently does have a bit of the upper hand on Mo right now in terms of having some offensive skills to go along with his defense.To me, his game reminds of a better athletic Marvin Williams.
There are quite a few solid options at the top of this draft. I just hope our FO doesn't blow this yet again. Our drafting has been very poor outside of Brooks.
Bamba - smart, elite length, could be Gobert-like with better offense
Doncic - offensive stud
Ayton - Size and athleticism in spades who can be a threat from all three levels on offense. Similar to Towns but you hope he develops more on defense
Bagley - Motor that doesn't quit. He will be a great rebounder and potentially a top offensive option. He is athletic enough to stay in front of guys on the perimeter and seems like he should play solid team defense. Maybe the rim protection/shot blocking from high school will resurface.
JJJ - hit from 40% from deep and is a heck of a shot blocker. You could argue he has the most potential of all the draft picks due to the way he can impact both sides of the ball especially if he gets a little more aggressive/confident on offense as he develops.
Porter - Could be Durant-like if he develops, isn't hampered by his injury, and he gets a little more of an edge to him
Young - Could be Curry-like. He put up okay-ish numbers while being triple teamed. He could open up the entire court with his range single handedly. Defense will be a concern though.
Mikal - FO likes him. He could be great on both sides of the ball though his potential is perceived to be lower than the others already mentioned.