2021 Draft Thread - Part II

[Frichuela]

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Impressive content with accompanying graphics, great stuff

This doesn't have Murphy or Garuba falling to us... much less both being available in the 20s.

Yep. If this was (hypothetically) the order on draft day, I would be torn between:

1) Drafting Kispert or Moody at #15
2) If available, trading #15 to the Knicks for #19 and #32 and selecting a combo guard and a wing (or viceversa): Duarte (#19) and Dosunmu (#32) or Springer/Butler (#19) and Wieskamp (#32).

Many options in this draft!

[dckingsfan]

Impressive content with accompanying graphics, great stuff

This doesn't have Murphy or Garuba falling to us... much less both being available in the 20s.

Yep. If this was (hypothetically) the order on draft day, I would be torn between:

1) Drafting Kispert or Moody at #15
2) If available, trading #15 to the Knicks for #19 and #32 and selecting a combo guard and a wing (or viceversa): Duarte (#19) and Dosunmu (#32) or Springer/Butler (#19) and Wieskamp (#32).

Many options in this draft!

Yeah, I though that a trade down and getting a 3 point shooting wing & Garuba or Murphy would have been great. smh.

[FAH1223]

SI mock has us taking

https://www.si.com/nba/2021/07/20/nba-mock-draft-cade-cunningham-evan-mobley-jalen-green



15. Wizards: Alperen Sengün, F/C, Besiktas (Turkey)

Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Freshman

Sengün will make for one of the more fascinating case studies in this draft, with an impressive, outlier-type statistical profile after a dominant season in Turkey, but a post-up centric game that doesn’t necessarily vibe with the aesthetics of the modern NBA. He’s clearly a lottery-level talent, though not a fit for every team’s style of play. But a player with Sengün’s type of pedigree rarely falls too far in the draft, and while he may not hear his name called in the lottery, he shouldn’t fall too far into the teens. He’d be an intriguing option for the Wizards, who need help up front, are comfortable with international talent, and should be focused on adding the best available prospect here given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term fate of the roster.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

SI mock has us taking

https://www.si.com/nba/2021/07/20/nba-mock-draft-cade-cunningham-evan-mobley-jalen-green



15. Wizards: Alperen Sengün, F/C, Besiktas (Turkey)

Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Freshman

Sengün will make for one of the more fascinating case studies in this draft, with an impressive, outlier-type statistical profile after a dominant season in Turkey, but a post-up centric game that doesn’t necessarily vibe with the aesthetics of the modern NBA. He’s clearly a lottery-level talent, though not a fit for every team’s style of play. But a player with Sengün’s type of pedigree rarely falls too far in the draft, and while he may not hear his name called in the lottery, he shouldn’t fall too far into the teens. He’d be an intriguing option for the Wizards, who need help up front, are comfortable with international talent, and should be focused on adding the best available prospect here given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term fate of the roster.

It totally would not surprise me.

[gambitx777]

SI mock has us taking

https://www.si.com/nba/2021/07/20/nba-mock-draft-cade-cunningham-evan-mobley-jalen-green



15. Wizards: Alperen Sengün, F/C, Besiktas (Turkey)

Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Freshman

Sengün will make for one of the more fascinating case studies in this draft, with an impressive, outlier-type statistical profile after a dominant season in Turkey, but a post-up centric game that doesn’t necessarily vibe with the aesthetics of the modern NBA. He’s clearly a lottery-level talent, though not a fit for every team’s style of play. But a player with Sengün’s type of pedigree rarely falls too far in the draft, and while he may not hear his name called in the lottery, he shouldn’t fall too far into the teens. He’d be an intriguing option for the Wizards, who need help up front, are comfortable with international talent, and should be focused on adding the best available prospect here given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term fate of the roster.

I've seen some having him fall into the late 20s lots of variation in this draft .


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[SUPERBALLMAN]

I really hope we trade down.

Maybe something like the 15 to Knicks (giving them 15 & 19) for 21, 32, 58.

At 21 I'd look Guard... Butler, Duarte, McBride, Springer, Hyland.

32 I'd look wing... Wieskamp, Thor, Williams, Edwards, Bleijenbergh

58 take a flyer on a big... Maker, Badji, Onu, Sims, Garza, Mamukelashvili

[SUPERBALLMAN]

2nd round gem?

Draftroom:

Kessler Edwards SF – Pepperdine – HT: 6-8 – WT: 203 – WING: 6-11 1/4 – Jr – A versatile combo forward with a developing perimeter game and high level defense who will be able to hold his own defensively from day 1.

Draft Notes
Edwards is a multi-talented forward who projects as a floor-spacing, 3&D wing. His perimeter shot will get him a long look from NBA teams and he’s got the requisite size and agility to make it at the NBA level.

He’s got a nice quick release on his jumper and has been a consistent shooter over the years.

Edwards has quick hands and feet on defense and can guard a few positions. He can switch off on guards as needed and can even hold his own in the paint and guard some bigs.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[SUPERBALLMAN]

My goodness ! How about this kid Onu ??!!

NBA DraftRoom:

EJ Onu C – Shawnee State – HT: 6-11 – WT: 240 – WING: 7-8 1/2 – Sr – An intriguing small school prospect who blocks shots and can stroke the 3 ball.

Draft Notes
EJ Onu is one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft, despite being a fringe second rounder. He comes from way off the radar, having played at NAIA school Shawnee State. This past season for the Bears he averaged 17ppg, 8rbs and 4.5 blocks, while hitting 40% from downtown (52/1130).

He’s got a massive 7-8+ wingspan and can play above the rim while barely leaving his feet. His length allows him to dunk the ball with ease and have a major impact in the lane on the defensive end.

Watch on YouTube

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Watch on YouTube

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Here is the list of invitees to the NBA draft "Green Room", and possible additions.

I am surprised Springer is not on the list..Any other names that are missing?

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?s=20

I think it's safe to assume neither Thomas nor Jackson will be the Wizards pick.

Other than those two, any of these players could be the pick.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Here is the list of invitees to the NBA draft "Green Room", and possible additions.

I am surprised Springer is not on the list..Any other names that are missing?

Read on Twitter

?s=20

I've seen mocks that have butler and darute maybe falling to the second round. Like why invite them????


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Butler in round two will be a steal.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Sharife Cooper. Day'Ron Sharpe.

One is an elite playmaker. Cooper pops off the screen, as Dat2U has explained very well. He can effectively be the successor of Westbrook.

The other has elite weight with height and agility. Sharpe is the defender the Wizards need. He's about as strong Boogie Cousins as a rebounder.

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[Ruzious]

2nd round gem?

Draftroom:

Kessler Edwards SF – Pepperdine – HT: 6-8 – WT: 203 – WING: 6-11 1/4 – Jr – A versatile combo forward with a developing perimeter game and high level defense who will be able to hold his own defensively from day 1.

Draft Notes
Edwards is a multi-talented forward who projects as a floor-spacing, 3&D wing. His perimeter shot will get him a long look from NBA teams and he’s got the requisite size and agility to make it at the NBA level.

He’s got a nice quick release on his jumper and has been a consistent shooter over the years.

Edwards has quick hands and feet on defense and can guard a few positions. He can switch off on guards as needed and can even hold his own in the paint and guard some bigs.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Yes on Edwards (I've talked about him), and no on Onu (low BBIQ).

[nate33]

Sharife Cooper. Day'Ron Sharpe.

One is an elite playmaker. Cooper pops off the screen, as Dat2U has explained very well. He can effectively be the successor of Westbrook.

The other has elite weight with height and agility. Sharpe is the defender the Wizards need. He's about as strong Boogie Cousins as a rebounder.

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Cooper I like.

I'm not seeing it with Sharpe, though. He is neither an elite shot blocker nor switchable on the perimeter. You need your center to do one or the other if you want to build a good defensive scheme around him. The only exception is if he is such a good offensive player that you can live with the sub-par defense (like Jokic or to a lesser extent Valanciunas). Sharpe definitely hasn't shown that level of offensive aptitude. He is a 50% FT shooter and shoots only 51% from the floor against college competition.

I just don't see a role for him in the NBA. Being a good rebounder and post defender isn't enough.

[Ruzious]

Sharife Cooper. Day'Ron Sharpe.

One is an elite playmaker. Cooper pops off the screen, as Dat2U has explained very well. He can effectively be the successor of Westbrook.

The other has elite weight with height and agility. Sharpe is the defender the Wizards need. He's about as strong Boogie Cousins as a rebounder.

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Cooper I like.

I'm not seeing it with Sharpe, though. He is neither an elite shot blocker nor switchable on the perimeter. You need your center to do one or the other if you want to build a good defensive scheme around him. The only exception is if he is such a good offensive player that you can live with the sub-par defense (like Jokic or to a lesser extent Valanciunas). Sharpe definitely hasn't shown that level of offensive aptitude. He is a 50% FT shooter and shoots only 51% from the floor against college competition.

I just don't see a role for him in the NBA. Being a good rebounder and post defender isn't enough.

He kinda reminds me of another UNC big from a decade or so ago - Sean May - though Sharpe's a little taller - who was also real good on the college level but a bit of a dinosaur at the NBA level. Maybe Vernon Carey from the prior year's Duke team is a better comp - though I think Carey was a little better than Sharpe, tbh.

Interesting that Cooper recently said he's a legit 6'2. I would have guessed 6'. 6'2 makes him a significantly better prospect than 6'. How many major college freshman have averaged 8.1 assists per game AND 8.6 FTA's per game? That's almost exactly the same numbers that Trae Young averaged. Per 40, Cooper's FTA's and assists were actually slightly higher than Young's - though Young was obviously the better shooter of the 2. If Cooper develops a 3... he's a star. We've seen guys like LaMello Ball successfully change their shot mechanics in less than a year. Should we pick him if he's there at 15? As much as I've locked into the idea of trading down, we have to pick Cooper if he's there at 15. How many opportunities do you get to get a potential star at 15? Not many. We might luck into it with Cooper.

That makes it more important to buy a couple of 2nd round picks.

[Frichuela]

Let's talk Usman Garuba..

Ahead of draft night, Spain is playing Japan (July 26) and Argentina (July 29 in the am). Usman is a great fit for the Spanish squad as all 3 centers (Gasol bros and Willy Hernangomez) can hit the 3. So, we'll see if a couple of good games improve his draft stock...I have a sneaky feeling he won't get past the Warriors at #14..unless they trade that pick..

For the Wiz, he does not help our dire shooting need. However, I like him a lot as prospect. Looking at this NBA finals, his type of suffocating D and ability to switch 1-5 would be so helpful. He has already a good vision in O, so he needs to hit the 3 more consistently (particularly from the corners). At the minimum, he could become an upgraded (and bigger) version of PJ Tucker.

Thinking again about his fit with the Wizards, he could have a role next season as long as we make Bertans a SF (almost) full time, and Rui also plays SF when needed. On defense, Usman can guard the better SF/PF of our opponent. See minutes distribution below, with some hypothetical free agent hires (Caruso) and re-signings (Neto):

Russ (32)/Caruso (16)
Beal (34)/Neto (10)/Caruso (4)
Avdija (24)/Bertans (20)/Rui (4)
Rui (26)/Bertans (4)/Garuba (18)
Gafford (24)/Bryant (20)/Garuba (4)

In this configuration Garuba could fit in different line ups- as long as there is enough 3 pt shooting around him. In particular, I would play him next to Bertans as much as possible:

1) Caruso/Neto/Bertans/Garuba/Bryant (everyone an above average 3 pt shooter but Usman)
2) Russ/Beal/Bertans/Garuba/Bryant
3) Russ/Beal/Bertans/Rui/Garuba
4) Caruso/Beal/Bertans/Garuba/Gafford
5) Russ/Caruso/Rui/Garuba/Bryant

[Frichuela]

This brand new video session of Garuba with ESPN's Mike Schmitz is worth watching...A very likeable and hardworking kid

Watch on YouTube

[nate33]

Interesting that Cooper recently said he's a legit 6'2. I would have guessed 6'. 6'2 makes him a significantly better prospect than 6'.

He doesn't look 6-2 to me. He also doesn't appear to have very long arms.

I really worry that he will never be capable of being a starter in this league because he is always going to get hunted defensively. As much as I like his dynamic offensive skills, I don't think I'd pull the trigger and take him at #15. At #15, I want a guy who can start one day, not a super sub.

I'd be happy with him if we traded down to the 20's.

[Ruzious]

Interesting that Cooper recently said he's a legit 6'2. I would have guessed 6'. 6'2 makes him a significantly better prospect than 6'.

He doesn't look 6-2 to me. He also doesn't appear to have very long arms.

I really worry that he will never be capable of being a starter in this league because he is always going to get hunted defensively. As much as I like his dynamic offensive skills, I don't think I'd pull the trigger and take him at #15. At #15, I want a guy who can start one day, not a super sub.

I'd be happy with him if we traded down to the 20's.

In this draft... I don't think you'll get a starter on day 1 outside of the top 4 picks. Cooper will definitely be a starter at some point - if he develops a 3 point shot. Nobody penetrates any better than he does. Put it this way, he's not gonna be any worse defensively than Young - who has a ton of value, and I think he's stronger and tougher than Young.

[nate33]

Interesting that Cooper recently said he's a legit 6'2. I would have guessed 6'. 6'2 makes him a significantly better prospect than 6'.

He doesn't look 6-2 to me. He also doesn't appear to have very long arms.

I really worry that he will never be capable of being a starter in this league because he is always going to get hunted defensively. As much as I like his dynamic offensive skills, I don't think I'd pull the trigger and take him at #15. At #15, I want a guy who can start one day, not a super sub.

I'd be happy with him if we traded down to the 20's.

In this draft... I don't think you'll get a starter on day 1 outside of the top 4 picks.

I'm saying that there's a real chance that Cooper will never be a starter, or at least not a starter on a team that wins a playoff series.

Meanwhile, a guy like Butler or Springer may be underwhelming as a rookie, but I could see them continuing to get better and better until they are starting on a good playoff team.

The bottom line is that it's essentially a prerequisite to be 6-3 or taller, or extremely stout and strong, to hold your own defensively in the playoffs. If you're not a good defender, you better damn well be a superstar on offense, a guy so good that your team can afford to focus on finding plus defenders at the other 4 positions. I'm talking Curry/Nash/Young level good.

[Ruzious]

He doesn't look 6-2 to me. He also doesn't appear to have very long arms.

I really worry that he will never be capable of being a starter in this league because he is always going to get hunted defensively. As much as I like his dynamic offensive skills, I don't think I'd pull the trigger and take him at #15. At #15, I want a guy who can start one day, not a super sub.

I'd be happy with him if we traded down to the 20's.

In this draft... I don't think you'll get a starter on day 1 outside of the top 4 picks.

I'm saying that there's a real chance that Cooper will never be a starter, or at least not a starter on a team that wins a playoff series.

Meanwhile, a guy like Butler or Springer may be underwhelming as a rookie, but I could see them continuing to get better and better until they are starting on a good playoff team.

The bottom line is that it's essentially a prerequisite to be 6-3 or taller, or extremely stout and strong, to hold your own defensively in the playoffs. If you're not a good defender, you better damn well be a superstar on offense, a guy so good that your team can afford to focus on finding plus defenders at the other 4 positions. I'm talking Curry/Nash/Young level good.

As opposed to Crosby Stills Nash & Young.

Honestly, that seems like an awfully random criteria, tbh. It also seems very premature to assume Cooper will never be a good defender.