The 2017 NBA Draft Thread

[mhd]

I'm really focused on two guys so far where we'll likely pick. Josh Hart & Isaiah Hartenstein. Hart has been balling since his freshman year. He's complete lock to be a solid rotation player IMO. A can't miss type as long as the team that drafts him doesn't give up on him as he makes an initial adjustment to this level.

Hartenstein is all upside. He's a legit 7-0 with a nice frame, excellent athleticism and the rough draft sketch of a stretch 4 skillset. His level of raw physical ability is pretty impressive. We desperately need some youth up front with Gortat getting older and Morris still capable of doing Chief Kieff type things. I also love Leaf but I think he'll be long gone by the time we pick if he comes out.

My ideal scenario now is to use the 2018 1st while keeping the 2017 pick to add to our shallow talent base.

DAT, are you going to post your annual tier's list? Its probably the best part of the draft thread.

[mhd]

BTW, Chad Ford just posted his updated mock. He has the Wizards taking Zach Collins, a center from Gonzaga (Hartenstein goes a couple of picks later, while Hart goes late 1st).

[Dat2U]

I'm really focused on two guys so far where we'll likely pick. Josh Hart & Isaiah Hartenstein. Hart has been balling since his freshman year. He's complete lock to be a solid rotation player IMO. A can't miss type as long as the team that drafts him doesn't give up on him as he makes an initial adjustment to this level.

Hartenstein is all upside. He's a legit 7-0 with a nice frame, excellent athleticism and the rough draft sketch of a stretch 4 skillset. His level of raw physical ability is pretty impressive. We desperately need some youth up front with Gortat getting older and Morris still capable of doing Chief Kieff type things. I also love Leaf but I think he'll be long gone by the time we pick if he comes out.

My ideal scenario now is to use the 2018 1st while keeping the 2017 pick to add to our shallow talent base.

DAT, are you going to post your annual tier's list? Its probably the best part of the draft thread.

I got some work to do before I have enough confidence to go there. I haven't seen everyone yet. Still not sure about some of the high touted guys too. Fultz is going to be very good but honestly I think the strength of the draft is the depth... not necessarily the guys at the top. Although this is a much stronger class, I remember saying the 2013 draft was one where you'd likely find someone in the late lottery as good as a top 3 pick. I actually wasn't crazy about moving up (although it worked out with Porter). I feel the same way this year. There will be some absolute studs in the late lottery/mid-1st round who will be better than the guys drafted in the top 5. There also some guys drafted in the 20s-30s who will become very solid NBA players. I think my tier list is not going to look anything like what the draftexpress or ESPN list will look like.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'm really focused on two guys so far where we'll likely pick. Josh Hart & Isaiah Hartenstein. Hart has been balling since his freshman year. He's complete lock to be a solid rotation player IMO. A can't miss type as long as the team that drafts him doesn't give up on him as he makes an initial adjustment to this level.

Hartenstein is all upside. He's a legit 7-0 with a nice frame, excellent athleticism and the rough draft sketch of a stretch 4 skillset. His level of raw physical ability is pretty impressive. We desperately need some youth up front with Gortat getting older and Morris still capable of doing Chief Kieff type things. I also love Leaf but I think he'll be long gone by the time we pick if he comes out.

My ideal scenario now is to use the 2018 1st while keeping the 2017 pick to add to our shallow talent base.

Got to check out Hartenstein.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'm really focused on two guys so far where we'll likely pick. Josh Hart & Isaiah Hartenstein. Hart has been balling since his freshman year. He's complete lock to be a solid rotation player IMO. A can't miss type as long as the team that drafts him doesn't give up on him as he makes an initial adjustment to this level.

Hartenstein is all upside. He's a legit 7-0 with a nice frame, excellent athleticism and the rough draft sketch of a stretch 4 skillset. His level of raw physical ability is pretty impressive. We desperately need some youth up front with Gortat getting older and Morris still capable of doing Chief Kieff type things. I also love Leaf but I think he'll be long gone by the time we pick if he comes out.

My ideal scenario now is to use the 2018 1st while keeping the 2017 pick to add to our shallow talent base.

DAT, are you going to post your annual tier's list? Its probably the best part of the draft thread.

I got some work to do before I have enough confidence to go there. I haven't seen everyone yet. Still not sure about some of the high touted guys too. Fultz is going to be very good but honestly I think the strength of the draft is the depth... not necessarily the guys at the top. Although this is a much stronger class, I remember saying the 2013 draft was one where you'd likely find someone in the late lottery as good as a top 3 pick. I actually wasn't crazy about moving up (although it worked out with Porter). I feel the same way this year. There will be some absolute studs in the late lottery/mid-1st round who will be better than the guys drafted in the top 5. There also some guys drafted in the 20s-30s who will become very solid NBA players. I think my tier list is not going to look anything like what the draftexpress or ESPN list will look like.

DX sucks for the most part.

[AFM]

DAT, are you going to post your annual tier's list? Its probably the best part of the draft thread.

I got some work to do before I have enough confidence to go there. I haven't seen everyone yet. Still not sure about some of the high touted guys too. Fultz is going to be very good but honestly I think the strength of the draft is the depth... not necessarily the guys at the top. Although this is a much stronger class, I remember saying the 2013 draft was one where you'd likely find someone in the late lottery as good as a top 3 pick. I actually wasn't crazy about moving up (although it worked out with Porter). I feel the same way this year. There will be some absolute studs in the late lottery/mid-1st round who will be better than the guys drafted in the top 5. There also some guys drafted in the 20s-30s who will become very solid NBA players. I think my tier list is not going to look anything like what the draftexpress or ESPN list will look like.

DX sucks for the most part.

You should post your tiers this year Ken. You always knock the late 1sts, 2nd rounders out of the park.
Just in case EG reads these boards.

[Ruzious]

I'm really focused on two guys so far where we'll likely pick. Josh Hart & Isaiah Hartenstein. Hart has been balling since his freshman year. He's complete lock to be a solid rotation player IMO. A can't miss type as long as the team that drafts him doesn't give up on him as he makes an initial adjustment to this level.

Hartenstein is all upside. He's a legit 7-0 with a nice frame, excellent athleticism and the rough draft sketch of a stretch 4 skillset. His level of raw physical ability is pretty impressive. We desperately need some youth up front with Gortat getting older and Morris still capable of doing Chief Kieff type things. I also love Leaf but I think he'll be long gone by the time we pick if he comes out.

My ideal scenario now is to use the 2018 1st while keeping the 2017 pick to add to our shallow talent base.

So, anyone with Hart in their name. Not lungs or aortic valves. Gotta have Hart. Actually, those 2 make a lot of sense.

[Ruzious]

Not sold on Hart. I think Jenkins has a better NBA game.

Btw: Jay Wright is a big whiner.

I think Bridges is Nova's 2nd best prospect. Jenkins has a pretty jump shot, but I don't see him as being an NBA prospect.

There is a road that Jenkins get to the NBA as a specialist, he already takes a lot of his 3s from the NBA 3 point line. I do like his pump fake and he's a decent passer (ie not a Nick Young player). Questions of course remain about his ability to stay in front of guys although he has improved dramatically.

Hart by the numbers is simply a more efficient player. I would say his chances to become a good player are better since he's good at multiple things from scoring off the dribble, rebounding, and assists. Hart even has a better 3 point percentage this season (although would certainly say that Jenkins is a better shooter from deep).

BTW, I think Nova's second best prospect is Divencenzo, the red shirt freshman. Could be another Josh Hart player but Bridges has better length.

If Divencenzo becomes anything like Hart, I'll give you huge props because I don't see it.

[Illmatic12]

Agreed -- but other than Jeanne DR has all your guys way above where our pick is right now. Jeanne is a fascinating player -- 7'2" 195lbs!

John Collins over Thomas all day every day. From his physical characteristics it's hard to see how he'd succeed. But he is absolutely killing it for Wake.

Is Jeanne supposed to be comparable to Rudy Gobert? Heard about him a bit last year

Size is the same, but Jeanne is actually a more coordinated athlete with better touch/footwork around the basket and much better range. Gobert was a little better as a shot-blocker and his willingness to mix it up.

Comes down to this. Gobert looks to mix it up a little more and... Work ethic. Gobert has a really strong work ethic and focus on getting better. Thats why he is so good. I have no real insight into that for Jeanne, but if he does... he could be better offensively and a little worse defensively (though Gobert is so good defensively, that a small step down is still great)

Gobert: Defensive awareness, Shot-blocking, physicality, finishing through contact, Work ethic.
Jeanne: Footwork, shooting touch, rebounding, athleticism (Though not much better).

From what I've seen, there is no way Jeanne is available after Gobert's success. Again, Jeanne needs to get stronger and more physical. Really obvious on finishing and getting position both offensively and defensively. His offensive ceiling hurts him now as he gets to cute and settles for long J's...
But man, if Otto, Oubre, and Mahinmi make him more physical and focused... We have a STRONG contender for the next 5-6 years

Thanks, great info.

I secretly have an obsession with Gobert's game (he is so impactful, probably a top 15-20 player in this league but people don't give him credit) - if we could get a center like that to round out our core, I would be ecstatic. But like you said, most teams are probably thinking the same thing and will reach for Jeanne in the draft.

If he's actually the real deal it may be worth trading up in the draft to secure him. But maybe there are still too many question marks

[Kanyewest]

I think Bridges is Nova's 2nd best prospect. Jenkins has a pretty jump shot, but I don't see him as being an NBA prospect.

There is a road that Jenkins get to the NBA as a specialist, he already takes a lot of his 3s from the NBA 3 point line. I do like his pump fake and he's a decent passer (ie not a Nick Young player). Questions of course remain about his ability to stay in front of guys although he has improved dramatically.

Hart by the numbers is simply a more efficient player. I would say his chances to become a good player are better since he's good at multiple things from scoring off the dribble, rebounding, and assists. Hart even has a better 3 point percentage this season (although would certainly say that Jenkins is a better shooter from deep).

BTW, I think Nova's second best prospect is Divencenzo, the red shirt freshman. Could be another Josh Hart player but Bridges has better length.

If Divencenzo becomes anything like Hart, I'll give you huge props because I don't see it.

Divencenzo reminds me of a young Josh Hart. Hart was solid but not great as a younger player. Both are deceptively athletic. Jay Wright always seems to go with him in crunch time. I'm encouraged by his basketball IQ, recently he had a 20 point game along with Hart against St. Johns and had a nice game winning tip in against Virginia.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I got some work to do before I have enough confidence to go there. I haven't seen everyone yet. Still not sure about some of the high touted guys too. Fultz is going to be very good but honestly I think the strength of the draft is the depth... not necessarily the guys at the top. Although this is a much stronger class, I remember saying the 2013 draft was one where you'd likely find someone in the late lottery as good as a top 3 pick. I actually wasn't crazy about moving up (although it worked out with Porter). I feel the same way this year. There will be some absolute studs in the late lottery/mid-1st round who will be better than the guys drafted in the top 5. There also some guys drafted in the 20s-30s who will become very solid NBA players. I think my tier list is not going to look anything like what the draftexpress or ESPN list will look like.

DX sucks for the most part.

You should post your tiers this year Ken. You always knock the late 1sts, 2nd rounders out of the park.
Just in case EG reads these boards.

Thanks, AFM.

I'm no Dat when it comes to tiers. He is THE best, IMHO.

That said, it's something I think I'm (finally) up to, this year.

[dangermouse]

Wish we had a high second round pick to take Grayson Allen. He's a dick but you can't deny he's got talent, I think he'd be a steal with a high second rounder. Watching him I can see he isn't a point guard, but I get a Ben Gordon, OJ Mayo or Eric Gordon vibe from him. I think he could really help a good team (like us) with vets who can reign him in a bit, more than he could help a bad team with lots of young players, like the Sixers or Pelicans etc. I think he'd be a disaster there.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Whenever he declares, this guy will likely be a second round steal.

Watch on YouTube

Reminds me of Darius Songaila. Undersized C/PF.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Watch on YouTube

Donovan Mitchell

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Watch on YouTube

Donovan Mitchell

CCJ. How do you rate UVA's London Parrentes? Will he be drafted? Can he stick in the NBA?

[payitforward]

DX sucks for the most part.

Your guy Swanigan has been moved into R1 by DX.

[krii]

BTW, Chad Ford just posted his updated mock. He has the Wizards taking Zach Collins, a center from Gonzaga (Hartenstein goes a couple of picks later, while Hart goes late 1st).

No way Collins declares this year. He has to work on his game for another year at least and he will be the main axiom of the 2017/18 Gonzaga team. Nevertheless, he is a great kid with a huge potential. Mobile big who can shoot (mid-range and 3s), very talented yet not really there. He lacks strength - even if he can compete with some NCAA players he is still a year away from being strong enough. One year with Karnowski will be huge for him - he already started to play similar post-up game (Arvydas-like passes + efficiency) and he is controlling his mind whilst playing against WCC referees

anyway - I'd love to see him in Washington. Next year though, one year with Mark Few will make him a lottery player!

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Watch on YouTube

Donovan Mitchell

CCJ. How do you rate UVA's London Parrentes? Will he be drafted? Can he stick in the NBA?

I'm not seeing him as an NBA prospect.

Small, slow, not athletic. Can he defend NBA PGs? He's a catch-and-shoot player. He has a nice step back shot. That said he can't create off the bounce.

To answer LSBF, no and no.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Watch on YouTube

Donovan Mitchell

CCJ. How do you rate UVA's London Parrentes? Will he be drafted? Can he stick in the NBA?

I'm not seeing him as an NBA prospect.

Small, slow, not athletic. Can he defend NBA PGs? He's a catch-and-shoot player. He has a nice step back shot. That said he can't create off the bounce.

To answer LSBF, no and no.

I tend to agree. Smart as hell though and super composed. A lot like Brogdan but a tick down in all measurables.

[stevemcqueen1]

I like what I see from Donovan Mitchell's game CCJ. He reminds me of Beal. Similar style and body type. He's got my vote for who to pick at 24, but I like Hart and Swanigan in that range too.