2021 Draft thread. Woo! 15th pick here we come! Hoo. Ray.

[NatP4]

Germany - Wagner
Turkey - Sengun
Spain - Garuba
Australia - Giddey

I know nothing about draft prospects, but I'm pretty confident we will be choosing one of the above.

I'm torn between wanting to see Brooks' dream of an all-Ish Smith lineup vs Sheppard-feld's dream lineup of five Jan Vesely's.

I’m thrilled if we end up with Giddey. I like him almost as much as Jalen Suggs. As his shooting develops, I think he’s a guy that can play alongside Beal and Westbrook and eventually replace Westbrook as a legit primary ball handler. Franz Wagner will become an outstanding and easy to root for NBA player. An absolute winner that does all the little things. The second coming of Tayshaun Prince.

I think Sheppard will pick one of those two. Most likely Giddey if he’s there.

[nate33]

I think you guys are overstating Sheppard's predilection to draft foreign players. Sheppard is going to draft the best player he can find that fits our needs. Last draft, he would have drafted Okongwu if he could have, and they almost traded up for him. They didn't draft Avdija out of a foreigner fetish, they drafted him because they thought he was a top 5 talent who fell to 9.

With the addition of Gafford, and with young combo forwards Avdija and Hachimura already in the fold, I think our biggest need is a high upside young guard to be heir to Westbrook, or a quality SG/SF who can shoot 3's and defend out on the perimeter.

Giddey fits the mold of a high upside guard. They definitely might take him.

Moses Moody is a guy I think they'll strongly consider. He's got that 2/3 size and on-ball defensive ability that the team really lacks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we drafted him at #9.

They might also consider Davion Mitchell. He is a 3&D guard in the Patrick Beverley mold, who would play well alongside either Beal or Westbrook. He's basically a deluxe version of Raul Neto.

Wagner is a good player, but as I've said before, I think it will be difficult to groom him on a team that already has 3 guys who play the same position. I'd still take him, but I'd look to move Hachimura or Avdija. Man oh man how I wish we would have drafted Haliburton instead of Avdija. Haliburton and Wagner on this team would be perfect!

[Dat2U]

I think you guys are overstating Sheppard's predilection to draft foreign players. Sheppard is going to draft the best player he can find that fits our needs. Last draft, he would have drafted Okongwu if he could have, and they almost traded up for him. They didn't draft Avdija out of a foreigner fetish, they drafted him because they thought he was a top 5 talent who fell to 9.

With the addition of Gafford, and with young combo forwards Avdija and Hachimura already in the fold, I think our biggest need is a high upside young guard to be heir to Westbrook, or a quality SG/SF who can shoot 3's and defend out on the perimeter.

Giddey fits the mold of a high upside guard. They definitely might take him.

Moses Moody is a guy I think they'll strongly consider. He's got that 2/3 size and on-ball defensive ability that the team really lacks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we drafted him at #9.

They might also consider Davion Mitchell. He is a 3&D guard in the Patrick Beverley mold, who would play well alongside either Beal or Westbrook. He's basically a deluxe version of Raul Neto.

Wagner is a good player, but as I've said before, I think it will be difficult to groom him on a team that already has 3 guys who play the same position. I'd still take him, but I'd look to move Hachimura or Avdija. Man oh man how I wish we would have drafted Haliburton instead of Avdija. Haliburton and Wagner on this team would be perfect!

They loved Patrick Williams too. Deni was their favorite though and they tried to trade up for him.

I think Shepp has a 'type from years of foreign scouting but there's no doubt he's looking for the best player long term in his mind. He's trying to hit home runs in first and find a mature grinder & character guy in the 2nd.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If we end up picking in the 10-12 range I can see us targeting either Mitchell or Butler, depending on which one of them are still on the board. I can see them both being rated pretty much equally. I think Mitchell could be viewed as an ideal heir apparent - understudy to Westbrook at PG, and immediately adds a defensive presence off the bench to our backcourt. Butler could be seen as an ideal combo guard who you can pair with either Westbrook or Beal.

I could see Tommy liking both of these guys as players who can step in and contribute right away.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I would have thought someone like Garuba might be high on their list, but the acquisition of Gafford neutralizes that need , and allows them to just go more BPA with that glaring hole of interior D having been addressed. I can see adding perimeter depth at guard or SF being more of the focus now.

[payitforward]

I think you guys are overstating Sheppard's predilection to draft foreign players. Sheppard is going to draft the best player he can find that fits our needs. Last draft, he would have drafted Okongwu if he could have, and they almost traded up for him. They didn't draft Avdija out of a foreigner fetish, they drafted him because they thought he was a top 5 talent who fell to 9.

With the addition of Gafford, and with young combo forwards Avdija and Hachimura already in the fold, I think our biggest need is a high upside young guard to be heir to Westbrook, or a quality SG/SF who can shoot 3's and defend out on the perimeter.

Giddey fits the mold of a high upside guard. They definitely might take him.

Moses Moody is a guy I think they'll strongly consider. He's got that 2/3 size and on-ball defensive ability that the team really lacks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we drafted him at #9.

They might also consider Davion Mitchell. He is a 3&D guard in the Patrick Beverley mold, who would play well alongside either Beal or Westbrook. He's basically a deluxe version of Raul Neto.

Wagner is a good player, but as I've said before, I think it will be difficult to groom him on a team that already has 3 guys who play the same position. I'd still take him, but I'd look to move Hachimura or Avdija. Man oh man how I wish we would have drafted Haliburton instead of Avdija. Haliburton and Wagner on this team would be perfect!

I agree with every word of this. Except I think we're going to wind up with one of the top 3 picks via the ping pong balls.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Anyone know anything or have any opinions on Flanigan? He's catching my eye as a potential SG/SF target if we can pick up a 2nd rounder...



NBA DRAFT ROOM

Auburn – Ht: 6-6 – WT: 215 POSITION: SG SF BORN: 4/24/01

Draft Notes

Flanigan is a strong, sturdy wing player who is having a breakout sophomore season for the Auburn Tigers.

He’s got a strong base and a low center of gravity but can also rise above the rim and has legit NBA level athleticism.

The 6-6 lefty can handle the rock and create his own offense, either taking it into the lane or hitting step-back jumpers. He’s got the strength to finish through contact and uses his broad shoulders and overall strength to create space.

Flanigan is a versatile defender who has a chance to be really good on that end of the floor. He’s got the body and the athleticism to lock down 1-3 and could even guard a bit in the post, thanks to his strength.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[payitforward]

Flanigan looks to be a solid prospect.

nbadraftroom has Joel Ayayi at #39. I think he's going to be a good NBA player.

[Ruzious]

Flanigan passes the eye test - looks like a typical physically tough Alabama wing, but his stats aren't NBA worthy, imo. Way too many turnovers for what he produces, and his defensive stats are surprisingly bad for an NBA prospect - despite the impression that he's a good defender. Doesn't excel at shooting. I'd pass.

Ayayi is solid at every aspect of the game with good size, but... is he going to fall in that Jerian Grant mold - where his shot just isn't quite good enough to stick in the NBA? I think he has a good chance to be a solid 3rd guard - probably not more than that - but that's not bad.

[NatP4]

If we end up picking in the 10-12 range I can see us targeting either Mitchell or Butler, depending on which one of them are still on the board. I can see them both being rated pretty much equally. I think Mitchell could be viewed as an ideal heir apparent - understudy to Westbrook at PG, and immediately adds a defensive presence off the bench to our backcourt. Butler could be seen as an ideal combo guard who you can pair with either Westbrook or Beal.

I could see Tommy liking both of these guys as players who can step in and contribute right away.

I think they shoot for higher upside at that position.

[nate33]

I think you guys are overstating Sheppard's predilection to draft foreign players. Sheppard is going to draft the best player he can find that fits our needs. Last draft, he would have drafted Okongwu if he could have, and they almost traded up for him. They didn't draft Avdija out of a foreigner fetish, they drafted him because they thought he was a top 5 talent who fell to 9.

With the addition of Gafford, and with young combo forwards Avdija and Hachimura already in the fold, I think our biggest need is a high upside young guard to be heir to Westbrook, or a quality SG/SF who can shoot 3's and defend out on the perimeter.

Giddey fits the mold of a high upside guard. They definitely might take him.

Moses Moody is a guy I think they'll strongly consider. He's got that 2/3 size and on-ball defensive ability that the team really lacks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we drafted him at #9.

They might also consider Davion Mitchell. He is a 3&D guard in the Patrick Beverley mold, who would play well alongside either Beal or Westbrook. He's basically a deluxe version of Raul Neto.

Wagner is a good player, but as I've said before, I think it will be difficult to groom him on a team that already has 3 guys who play the same position. I'd still take him, but I'd look to move Hachimura or Avdija. Man oh man how I wish we would have drafted Haliburton instead of Avdija. Haliburton and Wagner on this team would be perfect!

I agree with every word of this. Except I think we're going to wind up with one of the top 3 picks via the ping pong balls.

We sure could use some luck. It's been a long time since we got lucky in a top heavy draft - the John Wall draft was the last one. (We moved up in the Otto Porter draft, but if we didn't, we could easily have grabbed Steven Adams or McCollum. I know Adams was my favorite.)

Now that we have Gafford and he looks to be a keeper at center, does that move Mobley down in anyone's opinion? I know Doc said he'd take Mobley at #1, but given our current needs, I think I'd put Cunningham and Suggs over him. Cunningham in particular looks like the best fit in terms of need. We really need a SG/SF swing man who can shoot and defend, and we ultimately need a playmaker to take over in the future when Westbrook ages out. Cunningham checks all the boxes.

[Ruzious]

Butler's going to slide in the draft - he gets put in the Jevon Carter tier. Mitchell's more of a wild card - he could go anywhere from end o lottery to end of 1st round. He goes higher than Butler, because he's in the Patrick Beverly tier, and Beverly's the kind of player that every team can use.

[nate33]

Butler's going to slide in the draft - he gets put in the Jevon Carter tier. Mitchell's more of a wild card - he could go anywhere from end o lottery to end of 1st round. He goes higher than Butler, because he's in the Patrick Beverly tier, and Beverly's the kind of player that every team can use.

Yup. Now that we are past the NCAA season and into the workouts/combine season. The older players with the established college resume will fall and the young guys with impressive athleticism and measureables will begin to rise.

[Ruzious]

I think you guys are overstating Sheppard's predilection to draft foreign players. Sheppard is going to draft the best player he can find that fits our needs. Last draft, he would have drafted Okongwu if he could have, and they almost traded up for him. They didn't draft Avdija out of a foreigner fetish, they drafted him because they thought he was a top 5 talent who fell to 9.

With the addition of Gafford, and with young combo forwards Avdija and Hachimura already in the fold, I think our biggest need is a high upside young guard to be heir to Westbrook, or a quality SG/SF who can shoot 3's and defend out on the perimeter.

Giddey fits the mold of a high upside guard. They definitely might take him.

Moses Moody is a guy I think they'll strongly consider. He's got that 2/3 size and on-ball defensive ability that the team really lacks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we drafted him at #9.

They might also consider Davion Mitchell. He is a 3&D guard in the Patrick Beverley mold, who would play well alongside either Beal or Westbrook. He's basically a deluxe version of Raul Neto.

Wagner is a good player, but as I've said before, I think it will be difficult to groom him on a team that already has 3 guys who play the same position. I'd still take him, but I'd look to move Hachimura or Avdija. Man oh man how I wish we would have drafted Haliburton instead of Avdija. Haliburton and Wagner on this team would be perfect!

I agree with every word of this. Except I think we're going to wind up with one of the top 3 picks via the ping pong balls.

We sure could use some luck. It's been a long time since we got lucky in a top heavy draft - the John Wall draft was the last one. (We moved up in the Otto Porter draft, but if we didn't, we could easily have grabbed Steven Adams or McCollum. I know Adams was my favorite.)

Now that we have Gafford and he looks to be a keeper at center, does that move Mobley down in anyone's opinion? I know Doc said he'd take Mobley at #1, but given our current needs, I think I'd put Cunningham and Suggs over him. Cunningham in particular looks like the best fit in terms of need. We really need a SG/SF swing man who can shoot and defend, and we ultimately need a playmaker to take over in the future when Westbrook ages out. Cunningham checks all the boxes.

I'm still for Mobley - because he can play the 4 and because I love defensive bigs that have versatility - like a young Ibaka with more ball skills.

[NatP4]

The Gafford pickup is such a huge piece. I think it makes them a good defensive team (top 15) going forward. Mobley is still a great fit at PF next to Gafford, but you aren’t actively seeking an athletic rim protector now. The team could really use a Westbrook replacement and another 3&D low usage wing. Some shot creation would help a ton also.

Westbrook replacement: Suggs, Giddey, Cunningham, Butler

3&D low usage: Wagner, Moody,

[NatP4]

The swing factor is Westbrook. With him, you need an impactful defending spot up shooting wing. Without him you obviously need that future guard. We’re better off drafting for the future, not the “missing piece” with this current roster.

[Frichuela]

If we end up picking in the 10-12 range I can see us targeting either Mitchell or Butler, depending on which one of them are still on the board. I can see them both being rated pretty much equally. I think Mitchell could be viewed as an ideal heir apparent - understudy to Westbrook at PG, and immediately adds a defensive presence off the bench to our backcourt. Butler could be seen as an ideal combo guard who you can pair with either Westbrook or Beal.

I could see Tommy liking both of these guys as players who can step in and contribute right away.

Yep. I'd be happy with either, particularly if our current run continues, we make the play-in tournament and therefore pick in the late lottery. Both would fit very well and be an upgrade of what Ish/Neto produce from the get go.

The upside play at the same position would be to pick Giddey (unlikely to drop to late lottery though) or Springer who are younger but less proven.

[Dat2U]

I agree with every word of this. Except I think we're going to wind up with one of the top 3 picks via the ping pong balls.

We sure could use some luck. It's been a long time since we got lucky in a top heavy draft - the John Wall draft was the last one. (We moved up in the Otto Porter draft, but if we didn't, we could easily have grabbed Steven Adams or McCollum. I know Adams was my favorite.)

Now that we have Gafford and he looks to be a keeper at center, does that move Mobley down in anyone's opinion? I know Doc said he'd take Mobley at #1, but given our current needs, I think I'd put Cunningham and Suggs over him. Cunningham in particular looks like the best fit in terms of need. We really need a SG/SF swing man who can shoot and defend, and we ultimately need a playmaker to take over in the future when Westbrook ages out. Cunningham checks all the boxes.

I'm still for Mobley - because he can play the 4 and because I love defensive bigs that have versatility - like a young Ibaka with more ball skills.

I'd draft a SG if he's the best player on the board. Drafting for fit with a top five pick is not something I'd do.

Although we're getting to the point where a top 5 pick feels unrealistic. Will be lucky if a guy like Mitchell is still on the board whenever we do pick.

[nate33]

I just ran the lotto simulator about 10 times and came away pretty depressed.

When we were the 6th or 7th worst team, we got into the top 4 almost half the time, and when we didn't, it looked like a team like New Orleans or Golden State would get there (opening up a Beal trade possibility).

Now, it seems like every single time I run the simulator the same 5 teams are in the top 4: Houston, Minnesota, OKC, Detroit and Orlando; with Cleveland or Sacramento occasionally jumping in there. The Wizards only cracked the top 4 once in 10 tries (#4).

We better focus on that #10 pick. It's got our name written all over it.

[Ruzious]

We sure could use some luck. It's been a long time since we got lucky in a top heavy draft - the John Wall draft was the last one. (We moved up in the Otto Porter draft, but if we didn't, we could easily have grabbed Steven Adams or McCollum. I know Adams was my favorite.)

Now that we have Gafford and he looks to be a keeper at center, does that move Mobley down in anyone's opinion? I know Doc said he'd take Mobley at #1, but given our current needs, I think I'd put Cunningham and Suggs over him. Cunningham in particular looks like the best fit in terms of need. We really need a SG/SF swing man who can shoot and defend, and we ultimately need a playmaker to take over in the future when Westbrook ages out. Cunningham checks all the boxes.

I'm still for Mobley - because he can play the 4 and because I love defensive bigs that have versatility - like a young Ibaka with more ball skills.

I'd draft a SG if he's the best player on the board. Drafting for fit with a top five pick is not something I'd do.

Although we're getting to the point where a top 5 pick feels unrealistic. Will be lucky if a guy like Mitchell is still on the board whenever we do pick.

Mobley's not just for fit - he's for defense and versatility up front. Don't knock him if he also fills a need. Actually, the need he fits is winning, imo.