Wizards 2019 Draft Thread - Part II

[doclinkin]

So, yeah... you are asking "who is the 9th best prospect in the 2019 NBA draft? Assuming that the top 8 are... (your list)"

& that's all you are asking. Fair enough. At least that's a reasonable question. Not a terribly significant one but at least one that might be expected to have an answer.

Ha! you people are all asses. It was Dat's question and Dat's list. I answered with a guy. The rest of you want to quibble with the premise. And not provide an answer at all but just try once again to prove how smart you are. Cool. You're all geniuses. Offer a name.

[doclinkin]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

[dckingsfan]

Okay, way off target but... The Sacramento Kings have 3 second round picks and they will have four open slots. Taking the BPA - who would be your top targets in the second round? And do you think any could make a roster?

[TGW]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

I got you. This is tough.

1. Goga
2. Hayes
3. Bol
4. Semancic
5. Bruno
6. Hachi

This draft is loaded with center prospects. LOADED.

[Ruzious]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

I actually answered his question 2 pages ago, saying Samanic would be my pick, but this is a fun exercise, so I'll put up my board:
1. Samanic
2, Bol
3. Bitadze
4. Hayes
5. Clarke
6. Nassir Little - I've bashed him when mocks had him as a top 5 pick, but now he's gotten too much criticism. He is arguably the second most explosive athlete in the draft and did surprisingly well in 3 point drills at the combine.
7. PJ Washington

Am I picking Samanic over Bol, Bitadze and Hayes because he's a non-center? Yes, but I think they're all fairly close.

[nate33]

I'm intrigued by Taylor Horton-Tucker. He's just 6-4, but he has a 7'-1" wingspan and weighs 235. I think he could lighten up a bit (his body fat measured 8.4%) and become a pretty effective and switchable wing player. I'd like him a lot more if he rebounded more effectively in college.

Watching some video on him, he is a very good ball handler and sees the court well. Statistically, he's a lousy shooter, but lots of freshmen are.

[pcbothwel]

Agreed. Sekou and Bol are the only exciting picks for me at 9. I love Goga, but you just cant take him there given the needs of this team.

Offensively, Bol will be +++ offensive NBA player if:

A. He can stay healthy.
B. He doesn't piss off his coach with his defense.
C. He doesn't get played off the floor b/c opposing teams are consistently attacking him defensively.

Those are some big ifs.

However usually the taller you are, the harder it is to bust if you have a high degree of skill. He does so many things well offensively, it's really hard to imagine a total flame out unless it's due to injuries. Outside of that, his floor could be an Enes Kanter type of player who puts up efficient numbers but has a muted impact due to his defensive deficiencies.

He is 208 pounds, no way he can stay on court. If he puts on weight his feet will shatter. This guy would be on my do not draft list.

LOLOL... Do not Draft list... Tell me you're kidding.
Remember he had a bad foot injury, so he probably lost some weight in his lower body. I think he settles in at 220 in 2 years.
Otto was under 200 and Noel was 206... They turned out to be just fine defensively... Thon Maker and Khem Birch were also VERY skinny (Around 210) and both were 2-3 years older than Bol.

[nate33]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

It really is a challenge. All the best players on the board are centers, which we don't particularly need. I wouldn't take Hayes because I don't think he's better than Bryant and we only need one of them. The same goes for Kabengele. I like him, but why play him over Bryant?

I have zero faith that Bol Bol will remain healthy in the NBA. I wouldn't touch him.

Goga looks like the only center good enough that the BPA principle might outweigh the fact that we don't really need another center. But I'm worried that he is too plodding. Can he defend well enough to stay on the floor in crunch time of a playoff game? Is he the next Nurkic, or is he more of a Valanciunas who gets played off the floor when it matters?

I like PJ Washington for some teams, just not ours. He's a rather disappointing defender and we need a PF who is a plus defender. If I wanted a guy like Washington, I'd just resign a better version of him in Jabari Parker.

For me, it comes down to Clarke, Herro or Samanic.

Herro's lack of wingspan concerns me on defense, but other than that, he seems like a real promising pick. The guy can play. And teams always need shooters.

We'd all love Clarke if he was 6-9 with a 7-0 wingspan, but he's 6-8 with a 6-8 wingspan. Will his ridiculous college numbers translate?

And then there's Samanic. He checks all of the boxes. He's got good length, respectable athleticism (he scored surprisingly well in lane agility and 3/4 sprint) and shows promising skills. However, does his skill translate against NBA competition? How long will it take for him to develop?

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

[dckingsfan]

I'm intrigued by Taylor Horton-Tucker. He's just 6-4, but he has a 7'-1" wingspan and weighs 235. I think he could lighten up a bit (his body fat measured 8.4%) and become a pretty effective a switchable wing player. I'd like him a lot more if he rebounded more effectively in college.

Watching some video on him, he is a very good ball handler and sees the court well. Statistically, he's a lousy shooter, but lots of freshmen are.

You would take him in the second round if we had a pick? How about the Kings - would you take him?

[nate33]

Offensively, Bol will be +++ offensive NBA player if:

A. He can stay healthy.
B. He doesn't piss off his coach with his defense.
C. He doesn't get played off the floor b/c opposing teams are consistently attacking him defensively.

Those are some big ifs.

However usually the taller you are, the harder it is to bust if you have a high degree of skill. He does so many things well offensively, it's really hard to imagine a total flame out unless it's due to injuries. Outside of that, his floor could be an Enes Kanter type of player who puts up efficient numbers but has a muted impact due to his defensive deficiencies.

He is 208 pounds, no way he can stay on court. If he puts on weight his feet will shatter. This guy would be on my do not draft list.

LOLOL... Do not Draft list... Tell me you're kidding.
Remember he had a bad foot injury, so he probably lost some weight in his lower body. I think he settles in at 220 in 2 years.
Otto was under 200 and Noel was 206... They turned out to be just fine defensively... Thon Maker and Khem Birch were also VERY skinny (Around 210) and both were 2-3 years older than Bol.

Even if he gets to 220, it's a still a problem. 220 on a 6-11 guy is one thing, that's a John Henson build. But 220 on a 7'-3" guy is still frightfully thin. Porzingis is 7-3, 240 and he can't rebound, often gets pushed around, and is usually hurt.

[dckingsfan]

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

So, I definitely like Samantic (but since I don't watch much college hoops - I am not much help comparing). I really think he is going to be very good. I think he is only a year away.

But damn, he will be there later. I know we don't get to trade down but if we could...

Samantic & Clarke would be my choices. Or I would trade down again with the second pick and try to pick up more picks.

[pcbothwel]

He is 208 pounds, no way he can stay on court. If he puts on weight his feet will shatter. This guy would be on my do not draft list.

LOLOL... Do not Draft list... Tell me you're kidding.
Remember he had a bad foot injury, so he probably lost some weight in his lower body. I think he settles in at 220 in 2 years.
Otto was under 200 and Noel was 206... They turned out to be just fine defensively... Thon Maker and Khem Birch were also VERY skinny (Around 210) and both were 2-3 years older than Bol.

Even if he gets to 220, it's a still a problem. 220 on a 6-11 guy is one thing, that's a John Henson build. But 220 on a 7'-3" guy is still frightfully thin. Porzingis is 7-3, 240 and he can't rebound, often gets pushed around, and is usually hurt.

I didnt say it wasnt a concern.. But "Do not Draft" list is ridiculous. He is a top 3-5 talent and production in the draft, ZERO question. That is the starting point for any discussion about Bol. Now, you have to then discount that based on his frame/injury/personality concerns. I am of the opinion it puts him in the 8-15 range.

The problem with Porzingis is NOT his rebounding, its that for all his "Gifts", he really isnt that good of a scorer. IDC if Bol doesnt rebound that well if he can score like Dirk.

[Ruzious]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

It really is a challenge. All the best players on the board are centers, which we don't particularly need. I wouldn't take Hayes because I don't think he's better than Bryant and we only need one of them. The same goes for Kabengele. I like him, but why play him over Bryant?

I have zero faith that Bol Bol will remain healthy in the NBA. I wouldn't touch him.

Goga looks like the only center good enough that the BPA principle might outweigh the fact that we don't really need another center. Also, I'm worried that he is too plodding. Can he defend well enough to stay on the floor in crunch time of a playoff game? Is he the next Nurkic, or is he more of a Valanciunas who gets played off the floor when it matters?

I like PJ Washington for some teams, just not ours. He's a rather disappointing defender and we need a PF who is a plus defender. If I wanted a guy like Washington, I'd just resign a better version of him in Jabari Parker.

For me, it comes down to Clarke, Herro or Samanic.

Herro's lack of wingspan concerns me on defense, but other than that, he seems like a real promising pick. The guy can play. And teams always need shooters.

We'd all love Clarke if he was 6-9 with a 7-0 wingspan, but he's 6-8 with a 6-8 wingspan. Will his ridiculous college numbers translate?

And then there's Samanic. He checks all of the boxes. He's got good length, respectable athleticism (he scored surprisingly well in lane agility and 3/4 sprint) and shows promising skills. However, does his skill translate against NBA competition? How long will it take for him to develop?

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

And complicating the decision more - Samanic's stats were mediocre in Europe this past season - after doing great in the U18 tournament. But he's really impressed folks at the combine and gained a lot of good weight - weighing in at 227 at age 19 - 6'9.5 barefoot, so generally add 1.25 inches, so he's effectively 6'10.75. Has a poor wingspan, but he jumps very well. If he is the target, it might again make sense to trade down for him, because he could be there at the end of the lottery. That fits with a trade with Boston (even if that's not allowed in Dat's scenario ).

[doclinkin]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

It really is a challenge. All the best players on the board are centers, which we don't particularly need. I wouldn't take Hayes because I don't think he's better than Bryant and we only need one of them. The same goes for Kabengele. I like him, but why play him over Bryant?

I have zero faith that Bol Bol will remain healthy in the NBA. I wouldn't touch him.

Goga looks like the only center good enough that the BPA principle might outweigh the fact that we don't really need another center. But I'm worried that he is too plodding. Can he defend well enough to stay on the floor in crunch time of a playoff game? Is he the next Nurkic, or is he more of a Valanciunas who gets played off the floor when it matters?

I like PJ Washington for some teams, just not ours. He's a rather disappointing defender and we need a PF who is a plus defender. If I wanted a guy like Washington, I'd just resign a better version of him in Jabari Parker.

For me, it comes down to Clarke, Herro or Samanic.

Herro's lack of wingspan concerns me on defense, but other than that, he seems like a real promising pick. The guy can play. And teams always need shooters.

We'd all love Clarke if he was 6-9 with a 7-0 wingspan, but he's 6-8 with a 6-8 wingspan. Will his ridiculous college numbers translate?

And then there's Samanic. He checks all of the boxes. He's got good length, respectable athleticism (he scored surprisingly well in lane agility and 3/4 sprint) and shows promising skills. However, does his skill translate against NBA competition? How long will it take for him to develop?

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

Thank you. LOL finally someone (else) answering the question and not just being pointlessly clever.

[Ruzious]

I'm intrigued by Taylor Horton-Tucker. He's just 6-4, but he has a 7'-1" wingspan and weighs 235. I think he could lighten up a bit (his body fat measured 8.4%) and become a pretty effective and switchable wing player. I'd like him a lot more if he rebounded more effectively in college.

Watching some video on him, he is a very good ball handler and sees the court well. Statistically, he's a lousy shooter, but lots of freshmen are.

He is a fun player to watch and has some skills, but that shooting is going to knock him out of the 1st round, imo. I think he should have stayed in school, lost 10 pounds, and proved he can shoot - making him an easy 1st rounder.

[doclinkin]

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

So, I definitely like Samantic (but since I don't watch much college hoops - I am not much help comparing). I really think he is going to be very good. I think he is only a year away.

But damn, he will be there later. I know we don't get to trade down but if we could...

Samantic & Clarke would be my choices. Or I would trade down again with the second pick and try to pick up more picks.

I don't think he will be as far down the list as the Mocks have him. Usually when there is buzz about players it is a smokescreen for the guys who are not being mentioned. I don't think teams are really coveting Coby White for instance. team are badmouthing HUnter behind the scenes are likely trying to drive him down to their draft level.

Samanic has been scouted extensively for a few years, when he showed out at the combine in both his play and lateral swiftness measures (2nd fastest PF in the combine shuttle run, at 6'11") he opened eyes further. Every team needs players at all positions who can switch on the perimeter and hit an outside shot.

Yes last year he was a rookie who had moved up to the bigs and was playing against bigger stronger grown men after dominating at the lower level. He has put on strength quickly in a short time since then, which is another good sign for his future development. There will be bigger stronger more athletic guys in the NBA but you are drafting him for his all-court skill level. He plays the game hard and smart at both ends. Not sure why it seems impossible a team would draft him in the top 10. In any trade down scenario I wouldn't get too comfy feeling like a player you like is available later on. YOu have to simply say there are a handful of guys you like equally well and be okay with losing out.

In the case of Luka I have the feeling whatever team drafts him will be happy with the player through his career, and won't really worry too much about the slot they drafted him in. Is the the best player in the draft? No. But he has critical useful skills already (tall outside shooter who gives effort to rebound and hits an outside shot and passes willingly and switches outside) and has shown upside that is also tantalizing. So you get utility out of his first contract instead of waiting for him to develop, and have a chance at a player who improves every year (stronger, quicker read and react on his jumpshot as he adjusts to big league pace). That's the hope. Who knows. But to me improvement is the key to success in this league. Every rookie has to adjust. Are they willing? Do they have the tools to do so?

At 9 every player has question marks. The knock on Doumbaya for instance was that scouts have been watching him since he was 15-16 and felt at the time that they were watching a future #1 pick in the draft. And ended up frustrated that he has developed so slowly.

I'm saying I'd be comfortable taking Luka top 10 and not flinch. If I had two picks I'd take him with the earlier one and take whichever center later. But I don't think he falls very far out of the lotto.

[Ruzious]

LOLOL... Do not Draft list... Tell me you're kidding.
Remember he had a bad foot injury, so he probably lost some weight in his lower body. I think he settles in at 220 in 2 years.
Otto was under 200 and Noel was 206... They turned out to be just fine defensively... Thon Maker and Khem Birch were also VERY skinny (Around 210) and both were 2-3 years older than Bol.

Even if he gets to 220, it's a still a problem. 220 on a 6-11 guy is one thing, that's a John Henson build. But 220 on a 7'-3" guy is still frightfully thin. Porzingis is 7-3, 240 and he can't rebound, often gets pushed around, and is usually hurt.

I didnt say it wasnt a concern.. But "Do not Draft" list is ridiculous. He is a top 3-5 talent and production in the draft, ZERO question. That is the starting point for any discussion about Bol. Now, you have to then discount that based on his frame/injury/personality concerns. I am of the opinion it puts him in the 8-15 range.

The problem with Porzingis is NOT his rebounding, its that for all his "Gifts", he really isnt that good of a scorer. IDC if Bol doesnt rebound that well if he can score like Dirk.

I remember Pau Gasol as a rookie for Memphis. He was a 7' twig. Will Bol be able to add weight like Pau did? Funny thing is - he's listed at 235. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/bol-bol-1.html I expect he'll be 220ish by the beginning of next season, but that's a questionmark - as are the health of his feet. But his skill-set is nothing short of amazing - better than Porzingis', and we saw what Porz' trade value is - even with a legal problem hanging over him. If I'm GMing the Wiz, I think it's appropriate to take a risk on him.

[queridiculo]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

Bol Bol is out, he's on my do not draft list, and while I'd have no problem picking Goga outside of the lottery, I don't like that he's essentially a skilled stiff.

I don't see the upside with Bitadze longterm, and I'm not sure that he'll ever be a starter in this league due to his lack of burst and athleticism. There's no way you can have him out on the perimeter to switch and slide, he'll get pick and roll'd to death, and I don't see him do anything offensively at an elite level that would make me overlook his warts.

If you had asked me before the draft combine it would have been Brandon Clarke all the way, the measurements have me on the fence, but it's hard to ignore what he's put on tape.

So ignoring him for a minute, who else is there?

I like Jaxson Hayes potential long term, but for a specialist I find his rebounding numbers disappointing and I am underwhelmed by the wings remaining on the board.

That essentially leaves Hachimura, Clarke and Washington as the guys I'd pick from and considering all aspects of the game I really like the versatility of PJ Washington at PF.

Returning to Kentucky for another year showed his maturity and he really came through improving his game from one year to the next.

He does a little bit of everything at a high level, and what he lacks in size he makes up with understanding where he needs to be an effort, he's almost like an anti Kieff.

PJ Washington would be my pick.

[DCZards]

So let's assume no trade down scenarios exist. No one wants to move up. Garland at 4. Culver, 5. White, 6. Hunter, 7. Doumbouya is snatched up at 8? What do you do?

Here's what my board would look like:

1. C Goga Bitadze
2. C Bol Bol
3. PF Brandon Clarke
4. SG Tyler Herro
5. C Jaxson Hayes
6. PF P.J. Washington
7. C Mfiondu Kabengele

Lots of centers on that list. Should we reach for a non-C instead? I admit I do think Bitadze will be very good and I'm confident about that so I'm torn.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. Risk a pick, or what your board looks like at that point. Who is your best available given Dat's list of who is gone.

1. Nassir Little: He’s somewhat underrated because of his mediocre career at UNC. Good athlete, high energy and apparently shot well at the combine. Little’s rebounding #s in college bodes well.

2. PJ Washington: 9 is probably a little high to draft PJ, but I love the kid’s confidence and toughness. Great length, dramatically improved 3 pt shot. When he returned from injury during the tournament, it was obvious how much better he made Kentucky.

3. Brandon Clarke: Still a little leery of his shooting, but those outstanding rebounding and shot blocking #s are hard to ignore.

4. Cam Reddish: A risky pick, I know. A lot of red flags related to his desire and effort. But if I could be confident that a fire could be lit under Cam, he could turn out to be an excellent pick at #9.

[dckingsfan]

Put a gun to my head and I'd probably take Samanic, mostly because I haven't watched him enough to see the warts I see on everyone else.

So, I definitely like Samantic (but since I don't watch much college hoops - I am not much help comparing). I really think he is going to be very good. I think he is only a year away.

But damn, he will be there later. I know we don't get to trade down but if we could...

Samantic & Clarke would be my choices. Or I would trade down again with the second pick and try to pick up more picks.

I don't think he will be as far down the list as the Mocks have him. Usually when there is buzz about players it is a smokescreen for the guys who are not being mentioned. I don't think teams are really coveting Coby White for instance. team are badmouthing HUnter behind the scenes are likely trying to drive him down to their draft level.

Samanic has been scouted extensively for a few years, when he showed out at the combine in both his play and lateral swiftness measures (2nd fastest PF in the combine shuttle run, at 6'11") he opened eyes further. Every team needs players at all positions who can switch on the perimeter and hit an outside shot.

Yes last year he was a rookie who had moved up to the bigs and was playing against bigger stronger grown men after dominating at the lower level. He has put on strength quickly in a short time since then, which is another good sign for his future development. There will be bigger stronger more athletic guys in the NBA but you are drafting him for his all-court skill level. He plays the game hard and smart at both ends. Not sure why it seems impossible a team would draft him in the top 10. In any trade down scenario I wouldn't get too comfy feeling like a player you like is available later on. YOu have to simply say there are a handful of guys you like equally well and be okay with losing out.

In the case of Luka I have the feeling whatever team drafts him will be happy with the player through his career, and won't really worry too much about the slot they drafted him in. Is the the best player in the draft? No. But he has critical useful skills already (tall outside shooter who gives effort to rebound and hits an outside shot and passes willingly and switches outside) and has shown upside that is also tantalizing. So you get utility out of his first contract instead of waiting for him to develop, and have a chance at a player who improves every year (stronger, quicker read and react on his jumpshot as he adjusts to big league pace). That's the hope. Who knows. But to me improvement is the key to success in this league. Every rookie has to adjust. Are they willing? Do they have the tools to do so?

At 9 every player has question marks. The knock on Doumbaya for instance was that scouts have been watching him since he was 15-16 and felt at the time that they were watching a future #1 pick in the draft. And ended up frustrated that he has developed so slowly.

I'm saying I'd be comfortable taking Luka top 10 and not flinch. If I had two picks I'd take him with the earlier one and take whichever center later. But I don't think he falls very far out of the lotto.

Compelling arguments - and from my point of view - I just like watching him play. I guess he is a fit too - definitely a PF.