2021 Draft Thread - Part II

[Dat2U]

I think I'd take Cooper at 16 and simply try to aquire another 2nd instead of trading down for one.

You're not concerned about Cooper's negative DBPM? It's pretty rare for draft prospects and the notable players who had it include Carsen Edwards, Jerome Robinson, Aaron Holiday, Rashad Vaughn, Shabazz Muhammad, John Jenkins, Jimmer Fredette. Only Lillard and McCollum had a negative DBPM and went on to be great players, and they're both awful defenders but can shoot the lights out. To a much lesser extent Shamet and McDermott had negative DBPM and carved out careers with their shooting. The only other exceptions are Garland who played 5 games and had a -0.1 DBPM but shot 48% on 4.6 threes. And MPJ who played 3 games.

Cooper only played 12 games so it's hard to say what he can or can't do. But he's 6 feet and is probably going to struggle to defend. He and Cam Thomas are the only two guys in this class with negative DBPM.

Excellent points, Shoe.

It's a pretty big gamble to grab a diminutive PG so high in the draft. He needs to have a Trae Young type of impact on offense for it to offset the defensive issues. There are some examples of diminutive PG's becoming good NBA defenders, guys like Van Vleet, Lowry, and Chris Paul, but they're typically the strong, stocky type. I don't know if Cooper has the frame for that. Chances are, he'll be a great, change-of-pace, rich man's Ish Smith type of backup PG, but not a guy you can really play in the playoffs.

I'm really intrigued by Cooper's ability to get to the rim and his court vision, but now I'm pretty leery of drafting him at #15. I also think he might last pretty late into the 1st round and maybe into the 2nd. If we want him, we should try and acquire a pick to get him, or trade down.

I would be more concerned about the DBPM if he was not a guard. I just can imagine what Cooper can do with floor spacing on the offensive end that he'd see in the NBA. He just pops on film over and over again.

He's not the safest pick or best fit as I previously noted but I do think he's the best combination of athleticism & skill available where we pick. Springer is a safer pick and better fit, same with Butler if his health checks out. Kispert too. I just lean towards the upside play.

[DCZards]

I’m also beginning to like Bouknight more and more. Love his ability to get to the rim and how aggressively and smart he plays without the ball. I do worry about Bouknight’s 3pt shooting though.

The guy I’m still high on is Moses Moody. He has the potential to be both an outstanding 3pt shooter and a great defender at the next level. As far as Moody’s weaknesses, such as putting the ball on the floor, I believe that’s something that can get better with experience and a focus on improved ballhandling.

Saddiq Bey was my “sleeper” last season. He went 19th and I think he’ll prove to be a better NBA player than a lot of the people drafted ahead of him. I like Moody for some of the same reasons that l liked Bey, most notably defense and 3pt shooting.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

This is an update on a previous post, mainly to incorporate Bones Hyland after watching the combine, he was a standout in the 5 on 5, made some really nice plays and looked stronger physically than I expected. Also gave a good interview on the side.

This isn't really a ranking, but more just a list of players I like for the Wizards... Generally speaking, looking for starter potential 3s who can shoot and open things up on the offensive end. Looking for guard depth. Looking for versatility, especially on the defensive end. Need to improve defensively on the perimeter and interior, guys who can switch and seal off penetration. Looking for players with court vision and IQ, high motor, hustle and intensity.

5 players I like that could potentially be there for Wizards at 15:

Mitchell
Moody
Wagner
Kispert
Garuba


Players I like in the 20-40 range (preferred trade down scenario candidates aka cast a wider net with 2-3 picks)

McBride
Duarte
Butler
Murphy
Springer
Hyland
Wieskamp
Cooper
Thor
Jackson
Bleijenbergh
Ayayi

And I like to take a flyer on a big man mid to late 2nd round (40-50)....

Maker
Queta
Bassey
Badji
Garza
Sims


Also just to note, updated Draft Room has Wizards taking Mitchell, with other candidates such as Wagner & Kispert among others still on the board.

My preference is trade down, but I am also increasingly confident we're going to be able to get a really good player at 15 if we do stay there.

[payitforward]

This afternoon's update (!) has Mitchell going to GS at #14. We pick Garuba....

[NatP4]

That is where I’m at with Cooper. He’s going to rack up points and assists, but unless he’s otherworldly on the offensive end, he’s going to have minimal impact due to his lack of upside defensively. I think the efficiency concerns are overblown due to his ability to draw a ton of fouls, but I also see more of an Ish Smith change of pace super backup PG. I don’t see anywhere near the upside of a guy like Giddey. A lot of the upside picks will be off the board by 15 I think.

Garuba would be my upside play if you’re looking at a group of Moody, Springer, Bouknight, etc

[80sballboy]

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[FAH1223]

I have a feeling Kispert drops to us. Don't know why.

[Dat2U]

That is where I’m at with Cooper. He’s going to rack up points and assists, but unless he’s otherworldly on the offensive end, he’s going to have minimal impact due to his lack of upside defensively. I think the efficiency concerns are overblown due to his ability to draw a ton of fouls, but I also see more of an Ish Smith change of pace super backup PG. I don’t see anywhere near the upside of a guy like Giddey. A lot of the upside picks will be off the board by 15 I think.

Garuba would be my upside play if you’re looking at a group of Moody, Springer, Bouknight, etc

I'd take Giddey over Cooper too but let's be realistic, Giddey is unlikely to be there. I think Ish is Sharife's low end... Sharife is clearly the most explosive off the bounce in the draft. He is the best creator in this draft. In this class, that's saying alot! Ish doesn't have the court vision Sharife has already displayed in college. Ish could get always get to the rim but could never quite figure out what to do there. Sharife is far more creative with his finishing and live dribble passing.

As far as Garuba. I like alot of what he brings in terms of his motor but if a guy is remedial offensive weapon I'm hard pressed to see value in drafting him in the mid first round and I certainly don't view him as upside play.

You can't play Garuba at PF and expect to have adequate spacing. You certainly could never play him with Gafford. I'd rather draft skill and seek out the energy/effort/grunt types on the cheap.

[Dat2U]

With Moody I get 6-7 Ben McLemore vibes. My Jarvis Hayes comparison still applies. Could be serviceable in the right situation but I'd pass.

[NatP4]

That is where I’m at with Cooper. He’s going to rack up points and assists, but unless he’s otherworldly on the offensive end, he’s going to have minimal impact due to his lack of upside defensively. I think the efficiency concerns are overblown due to his ability to draw a ton of fouls, but I also see more of an Ish Smith change of pace super backup PG. I don’t see anywhere near the upside of a guy like Giddey. A lot of the upside picks will be off the board by 15 I think.

Garuba would be my upside play if you’re looking at a group of Moody, Springer, Bouknight, etc

I'd take Giddey over Cooper too but let's be realistic, Giddey is unlikely to be there. I think Ish is Sharife's low end... Sharife is clearly the most explosive off the bounce in the draft. He is the best creator in this draft. In this class, that's saying alot! Ish doesn't have the court vision Sharife has already displayed in college. Ish could get always get to the rim but could never quite figure out what to do there. Sharife is far more creative with his finishing and live dribble passing.

As far as Garuba. I like alot of what he brings in terms of his motor but if a guy is remedial offensive weapon I'm hard pressed to see value in drafting him in the mid first round and I certainly don't view him as upside play.

You can't play Garuba at PF and expect to have adequate spacing. You certainly could never play him with Gafford. I'd rather draft skill and seek out the energy/effort/grunt types on the cheap.

I’m buying on Garuba’s ability to shoot the 3 well enough to be a true NBA PF. I think he has enough playmaking/vision and ability to put the ball on the floor to be more than just a stationary shooter as well.

There’s some Siakam/Green upside there. Not saying that’s his most likely outcome, but he is performing adequately as a 19 year old in a good pro league. I don’t see him as just an energy role player guy. I see elite role player with big time defensive upside. Adequate spot up 3 pt shooter with some versatility, and the ability to switch everything and protect the rim and rebound on defense.

[NatP4]

Garuba and Springer are very similar level prospects to me. I think both of them are safe bets to be solid NBA role players because they are smart and play hard. Both will eventually be plus defenders, both have had success at a young age. Development offensively could really unlock another level of upside for both of them.

Id be happy with either of them at 15. Both represent solid upside but also solid safety.

[Frichuela]

Garuba and Springer are very similar level prospects to me. I think both of them are safe bets to be solid NBA role players because they are smart and play hard. Both will eventually be plus defenders, both have had success at a young age. Development offensively could really unlock another level of upside for both of them.

Id be happy with either of them at 15. Both represent solid upside but also solid safety.

Agreed. Both are very young (born in 2002) and very solid defensively already.

I know we should always draft BPA but Springer also fits well with the current roster, and could be groomed to be Westbrook's replacement down the line.

In light of the discussion on the trade thread about Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, here is a comparison of the stats of Springer vs. Dejounte Murray's freshman year and Derrick White's senior year at college. I would say Springer compares fairly well with both, and let's not forget that Murray was 1 year older and White 4 years older!

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=jaden-springer--dejounte-murray--derrick-white

[NatP4]

This is how I would rank the first round:

1. Jalen Suggs
2, Evan Mobley
3. Cade Cunningham
4. Josh Giddey
5. Jalen Green
6. Franz Wagner
7. Jonathan Kuminga
8. Alperen Sengun
9. Scottie Barnes
10. Davion Mitchell
11. Usman Garuba
12. Jared Butler
13. Jaden Springer
14. Corey Kispert
15. Moses Moody
16. Jalen Johnson
17. Isaiah Jackson
18. James Bouknight
19. Chris Duarte
20. Keon Johnson
21. Sharife Cooper
22. Trey Murphy
23. Neemius Queta
24. Joel Ayayı
25. Day'ron Sharpe
26. Tre Mann
27. Filip Petrusev
28. Ayo Dosunmo
29. Kai Jones
30. Joe Wieskamp

and just to throw out some guys I like after that:

Isaiah Livers, Charles Bassey, Austin Reaves, Aaron Henry, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Nah'shon Hyland, Quentin Grimes, Jason Preston, Jay Huff, and McKinley Wright.

[payitforward]

I'm really starting to like Bouknight and think he might be a Devin Booker type of player. If his shot has improved as reported, he might be the steal of this draft.

Unfortunately, I think there is too much buzz around him for him to last until #15. It's why I'm really starting to be tempted by a Beal to New Orleans trade where we get back Ingram and the #10. If Bouknight is there at #10, it could really help reset our franchise.

I'm not as big a fan of Devin Booker as most people, but in any case I find it hard to see Bouknight as his type of player. Booker shot the 3 at .400 as a freshman. But he didn't rebound or handle the ball much. Bouknight does more of that stuff.

I guess, too, I'm not really convinced by Ingram either.

This is such a deep draft. My ideal is still to trade down with the Knicks plus buy another pick -- come away with 3 young players.

[payitforward]

Despite the way we closed the season, we are really not a very good team. For that reason, I think it should be clear that we really can't afford to come out of this deep draft without a player who is a long-term positive in growing the team.

For that reason, I'd be wary about drafting Sharife Cooper at #15. He's an explosive talent, obviously, but for sure he's a role of the dice. If it were possible to trade down, I could certainly see taking him lower in R1. & in any case, I hope to hell we buy a R2 pick.

As to trading down -- I note that the Knicks say that they are not opposed to trading R.J. Barrett if they are in a position to acquire a superstar. Now... that has nothing to do with this draft, but it tells me they are excellent candidates to trade up in the draft -- therefore for us to trade down with them might be possible.

[nate33]

With Moody I get 6-7 Ben McLemore vibes. My Jarvis Hayes comparison still applies. Could be serviceable in the right situation but I'd pass.

McLemore and Hayes were strictly catch-and-shoot guys who really didn't have the size to play SF. Either they played as undersized SF's and suffered defensively, or they played as non-ball-handling SG's who limited an offense because they couldn't dribble and create. Basically, they lacked a position and it limited them to being mere bench players.

I think a 6-7 (long-armed) version of McLemore isn't a bad thing at all. At a legit 6-7 with long arms and a solid defensive reputation, Moody is a full-sized SF. That makes him more of a Dorian Finney-Smith or Mikal Bridges rather than a Jarvis Hayes.

[Ruzious]

I'm really starting to like Bouknight and think he might be a Devin Booker type of player. If his shot has improved as reported, he might be the steal of this draft.

Unfortunately, I think there is too much buzz around him for him to last until #15. It's why I'm really starting to be tempted by a Beal to New Orleans trade where we get back Ingram and the #10. If Bouknight is there at #10, it could really help reset our franchise.

I'm not as big a fan of Devin Booker as most people, but in any case I find it hard to see Bouknight as his type of player. Booker shot the 3 at .400 as a freshman. But he didn't rebound or handle the ball much. Bouknight does more of that stuff.

I guess, too, I'm not really convinced by Ingram either.

This is such a deep draft. My ideal is still to trade down with the Knicks plus buy another pick -- come away with 3 young players.

Agreed on Pif's characterizations of both Booker and Bouknight. Howsoevuh, I love Ingram - he's a freak with his length combined with a tremendous shooting touch, so I make that trade of Beal for Ingram and the 10th pick in a heartbeat. Trade down and forward with the 10th pick. As Doc's pointed out, strategic future unprotected firsts can become diamonds.

[Kanyewest]

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl from Villanova could have good value if the Wizards were to find themselves picking later in the first or if he slips into the 2nd round. He's leaving Villanova as a sophomore, Jay Wright says that he's ready for the NBA- which is why he's leaving Villanova apprently. It seems like he's following the upward trajectory of past Nova guys like Josh Hart, Bridges, Bey etc. Obvious difference of course is that Robinson-Earl is a big.

Offensively, a good decision maker with the ball as he was a point guard at college. He's 6'9 but showed the ability to guard guys on the perimeter and bigs. He has decent postup game- usually takes advantage of smaller players and uses his footwork to get some nice baskets against good defensive bigs, also he's a good passer. He is an excellent cutter without the ball. Obvious weakness of course is his 3 point shooting but perhaps that improves with more reps- at Villanova he was mainly asked to operate around the basket.

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One could potentially call Robinson Earl the best player on the Villanova team that did give Baylor a run for its money even without their starting point guard.

[pcbothwel]

I'm really starting to like Bouknight and think he might be a Devin Booker type of player. If his shot has improved as reported, he might be the steal of this draft.

Unfortunately, I think there is too much buzz around him for him to last until #15. It's why I'm really starting to be tempted by a Beal to New Orleans trade where we get back Ingram and the #10. If Bouknight is there at #10, it could really help reset our franchise.

I'm not as big a fan of Devin Booker as most people, but in any case I find it hard to see Bouknight as his type of player. Booker shot the 3 at .400 as a freshman. But he didn't rebound or handle the ball much. Bouknight does more of that stuff.

I guess, too, I'm not really convinced by Ingram either.

This is such a deep draft. My ideal is still to trade down with the Knicks plus buy another pick -- come away with 3 young players.

Bouknight is going to be a stud. Watch the film and you can see why. The guy is Zach Lavine with a higher defensive ceiling.

Springer is a Derrick White/Marcus Smart blend. My never be the lead guard on a contender, but will be PERFECT 3rd guard on his rookie contract.

To me, its
1) Giddey/Garuba/Wagner at 15
2) Trade down with NYK or Rockets (Picking up 2 of Duarte, Springer, Butler, Mann, Dosunmu, Petrusev, McBride, etc.)
3) Bouknight, Moody, Kispert at 15

[nate33]

I'm really starting to like Bouknight and think he might be a Devin Booker type of player. If his shot has improved as reported, he might be the steal of this draft.

Unfortunately, I think there is too much buzz around him for him to last until #15. It's why I'm really starting to be tempted by a Beal to New Orleans trade where we get back Ingram and the #10. If Bouknight is there at #10, it could really help reset our franchise.

I'm not as big a fan of Devin Booker as most people, but in any case I find it hard to see Bouknight as his type of player. Booker shot the 3 at .400 as a freshman. But he didn't rebound or handle the ball much. Bouknight does more of that stuff.

I guess, too, I'm not really convinced by Ingram either.

This is such a deep draft. My ideal is still to trade down with the Knicks plus buy another pick -- come away with 3 young players.

Bouknight is going to be a stud. Watch the film and you can see why. The guy is Zach Lavine with a higher defensive ceiling.

Springer is a Derrick White/Marcus Smart blend. My never be the lead guard on a contender, but will be PERFECT 3rd guard on his rookie contract.

To me, its
1) Giddey/Garuba/Wagner at 15
2) Trade down with NYK or Rockets (Picking up 2 of Duarte, Springer, Butler, Mann, Dosunmu, Petrusev, McBride, etc.)
3) Bouknight, Moody, Kispert at 15

You think Bouknight is Lavine with a higher defensive ceiling, but you'd rather have Garuba or Wagner?