2020 Draft

[Ruzious]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

I agree point by point, Ruz. Above all that Nesmith, Smith & Tillman would be a truly exciting pull from this draft.

Is Nesmith going to be a 2 or a 3 in the league? Either way, he is putting up some gaudy numbers this year! As is Smith.

Tillman looks like a lock to be a productive player in the league. He'd be a great get in R2.

This is totally speculative, of course, but based on Pelton's pick-value chart one could trade the #7 pick for the #s 18 & 21 picks -- that's where Nesmith & Smith are on nbadraftroom's mock. Tillman's at #49. Again speculatively, if we had the #8 pick & Chicago's pick ends up being the #37 pick, that's enough value to come away with Nesmith, Smith & Tillman.

All this means, of course, is that it just may be possible to make something like this happen. It's not out of the question.

As to Isaiah Stewart -- certainly, his numbers are very good for Freshman. But, I don't like the lack of steals & assists -- mostly b/c to me they might indicate limits on bbiq (not saying that's definitively the case, or even hanging it on Stewart with any confidence). & he's not a really great rebounder so far. He's not my cup of tea.

Agreed,
I think there are some dynamic defensive players in this draft and I would look to trade down with Boston for their picks. As interesting as Haliburton, Mannion, Hampton, Hayes, and Cole Anthony are as Guard prospects… I think the 12-20 range in this draft is gonna have some great plug and play guys.
Mid: Paul Reed, Okoro, Green, Tre Jones, Bey
Late: Tillman, Oturu, Lewis, Nesmith
2nd: Sylla, Joe, Tille

Im not saying I wouldn’t stand pat and take the best PG Guard prospect, but I am saying adding guys like Tre Jones, Tillman and Tyler Bey to go along with Wagner and Bonga creates the cheapest and most (One of) pesky defensive 2nd unit in the league.

I like that idea of getting the defense of both Tyler Bey (btw Saddiq Bey is a somewhat similar type of prospect) and Tillman. I'm not a huge Okoro fan, but adding him - with Bey and Tillman would really do a lot to giving the team a defensive identity. Tre Jones will play in the NBA, but his lack of a shooting touch for a small/slight PG doesn't entice me.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Just to chime in...

I’m listening to a podcast called The Lottery, pretty enjoyable listen if you’re driving around, done by guy from Bleacher Report. Last mock is about a month old but he goes through and breaks down most of the prospects. I do player.fm but I assume it’s in all the major formats...

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Yeah I like Nesmith too, I brought him up a while back, then he had the season ending injury. But he looks a solid all around SF who can shoot the 3 at a very high level. Can imagine putting Wall on the court with Matthews, Beal, Nesmith, Bertans!

PIF you say Stewart isn’t much of a rebounder? Did you watch the clip I posted him pulling 19 boards vs Oregon??

And Ruz I think said he doesn’t have much upside, just reminds me of us passing on Elton Brand (one of his comps) for the guy with “upside” Kwame Brown LOL! But he plays hard, and we’re talking 2nd round with him....

Other 2nd rounders possibly that I like are Tillie (very much!), Tillman (thanks for bringing him to my attention!), and Isaiah Joe.

1st round I’ve pretty cooled on most of the pgs which I started early as our top priority, but ANTHONY has dropped for me (not a good decision maker), and Haliburton (great decision maker but lacks explosiveness), and Hampton (durability)... if we really want to go PG I’d probably go more combo G with Maxey.

I’ve really keyed in on players that will up our defensive intensity... Oturu, Okwango, Green, Okoro, Reed, as my personal favorites, all very good defensively with offensive upside.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

And the pgs... Mannion has really dropped for me too, struggling with his shot or getting to the rim, doesn’t have explosiveness or length, etc.

[payitforward]

...PIF you say Stewart isn’t much of a rebounder? Did you watch the clip I posted him pulling 19 boards vs Oregon?? ...

Probably something of an overstatement on my part, yeah. He's getting 11.8 boards per 40 minutes. That's not bad but not great -- however, he's a Freshman.

I retract the judgement!

[nate33]

And the pgs... Mannion has really dropped for me too, struggling with his shot or getting to the rim, doesn’t have explosiveness or length, etc.

Agreed. I liked him at first, but once he got into conference play, his numbers declined. He's fine when he lets the game come to him, but he doesn't possess the ability to exert his will on a game. He looks like a role player to me. More of a Shabazz Napier type than a Trey Young.

[dckingsfan]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

Can I add Deni Avdija? Just had a nice game against Fenerbahce Ulker and another against Khimki. A wing that can handle the ball, score and rebound.

And for whatever reason - he seems to be dropping?

I think he's a very good prospect - probably top 10 - but probably not a good fit for the Wiz. He seems to be much more effective with the ball than being a catch and shoot guy, and we already have ball-dominant players particularly with Wall coming back.

So, he is a catch and shoot guy (and a cutter) - actually, that is his strength. But he can also handle the ball and pass the ball. I think he would be solid next to Wall/Beal.

On the defensive end he "seems" to be able to guard 2-4 (but that isn't the NBA), only recently has he been able to box out strong 4s. But he doesn't have a super long wing span (I guess we have to actually wait for the draft measurements) but I think he is near 6'7 or 6'8.

So, he probably isn't the ideal 3&D guy because of his D. I think you are the one that said we should get an uber athletic wing.

BTW, his teammates are Quincy Acy, Omri Casspi (two of my favorite players) and Amar'e Stoudemire - not that it says anything.

I like Killian Hayes BTW, I think of him as a combo guard. Still would need a lot of work on his handles to be the primary PG. I think he will be able to defend guards effectively in the NBA. I would certainly be happy with him.

[Ruzious]

Can I add Deni Avdija? Just had a nice game against Fenerbahce Ulker and another against Khimki. A wing that can handle the ball, score and rebound.

And for whatever reason - he seems to be dropping?

I think he's a very good prospect - probably top 10 - but probably not a good fit for the Wiz. He seems to be much more effective with the ball than being a catch and shoot guy, and we already have ball-dominant players particularly with Wall coming back.

So, he is a catch and shoot guy (and a cutter) - actually, that is his strength. But he can also handle the ball and pass the ball. I think he would be solid next to Wall/Beal.

On the defensive end he "seems" to be able to guard 2-4 (but that isn't the NBA), only recently has he been able to box out strong 4s. But he doesn't have a super long wing span (I guess we have to actually wait for the draft measurements) but I think he is near 6'7 or 6'8.

So, he probably isn't the ideal 3&D guy because of his D. I think you are the one that said we should get an uber athletic wing.

BTW, his teammates are Quincy Acy, Omri Casspi (two of my favorite players) and Amar'e Stoudemire - not that it says anything.

I like Killian Hayes BTW, I think of him as a combo guard. Still would need a lot of work on his handles to be the primary PG. I think he will be able to defend guards effectively in the NBA. I would certainly be happy with him.

At least from what I've seen and read, Avdija is a TBJ style player - a player who's much more comfortable with the ball - than moving off the ball.

[dckingsfan]

I think he's a very good prospect - probably top 10 - but probably not a good fit for the Wiz. He seems to be much more effective with the ball than being a catch and shoot guy, and we already have ball-dominant players particularly with Wall coming back.

So, he is a catch and shoot guy (and a cutter) - actually, that is his strength. But he can also handle the ball and pass the ball. I think he would be solid next to Wall/Beal.

On the defensive end he "seems" to be able to guard 2-4 (but that isn't the NBA), only recently has he been able to box out strong 4s. But he doesn't have a super long wing span (I guess we have to actually wait for the draft measurements) but I think he is near 6'7 or 6'8.

So, he probably isn't the ideal 3&D guy because of his D. I think you are the one that said we should get an uber athletic wing.

BTW, his teammates are Quincy Acy, Omri Casspi (two of my favorite players) and Amar'e Stoudemire - not that it says anything.

I like Killian Hayes BTW, I think of him as a combo guard. Still would need a lot of work on his handles to be the primary PG. I think he will be able to defend guards effectively in the NBA. I would certainly be happy with him.

At least from what I've seen and read, Avdija is a TBJ style player - a player who's much more comfortable with the ball - than moving off the ball.

Ah, no. He is fine off the ball as well. He plays well out of the corner hitting corner 3s and cutting. That is more what he did last year (especially in Euroleague play). Try to catch one of his next games.

Hayes has the potential to be a more disruptive defender 1-3.

Question: All things being equal, do you want an SF or a G for this team as it is currently constructed with:

Wall, Smith, Napier
Beal, Matthews, Robinson
Bonga, Brown

And thinking Bonga becomes a PF in time. Okay, that is probably the wrong way to look at it - BPA is better.

[Ruzious]

So, he is a catch and shoot guy (and a cutter) - actually, that is his strength. But he can also handle the ball and pass the ball. I think he would be solid next to Wall/Beal.

On the defensive end he "seems" to be able to guard 2-4 (but that isn't the NBA), only recently has he been able to box out strong 4s. But he doesn't have a super long wing span (I guess we have to actually wait for the draft measurements) but I think he is near 6'7 or 6'8.

So, he probably isn't the ideal 3&D guy because of his D. I think you are the one that said we should get an uber athletic wing.

BTW, his teammates are Quincy Acy, Omri Casspi (two of my favorite players) and Amar'e Stoudemire - not that it says anything.

I like Killian Hayes BTW, I think of him as a combo guard. Still would need a lot of work on his handles to be the primary PG. I think he will be able to defend guards effectively in the NBA. I would certainly be happy with him.

At least from what I've seen and read, Avdija is a TBJ style player - a player who's much more comfortable with the ball - than moving off the ball.

Ah, no. He is fine off the ball as well. He plays well out of the corner hitting corner 3s and cutting. That is more what he did last year (especially in Euroleague play). Try to catch one of his next games.

Hayes has the potential to be a more disruptive defender 1-3.

Question: All things being equal, do you want an SF or a G for this team as it is currently constructed with:

Wall, Smith, Napier
Beal, Matthews, Robinson
Bonga, Brown

And thinking Bonga becomes a PF in time. Okay, that is probably the wrong way to look at it - BPA is better.

He's not Ben Simmons with a 3 point shot. But seriously, he does have some good handles and passes very well - a secondary creator basically. His 3 point shooting % is 29.6 in 21 games this season, so I'm a little skeptical - but yeah, he does have nice looking form and a quicker release than say... Sato. So, I'll defer to you - maybe. Once he adds some muscle and improves his shot, he could be a very nice player. It might take a while. I just don't see him being much different than TBJ - good and bad. I could be wrong.

Wiz need a 3 much more than a 2, but yeah - take the BPA. The game is changing with small lineups. I like Nesmith - a player who can play either the 2 or 3 (though he's 2 inches shorter than Avdija) and has shown he can be an outstanding 3 point shooter and had a rep going into this season as a real good defender. Too bad he got injured a few weeks ago.

[dckingsfan]

At least from what I've seen and read, Avdija is a TBJ style player - a player who's much more comfortable with the ball - than moving off the ball.

Ah, no. He is fine off the ball as well. He plays well out of the corner hitting corner 3s and cutting. That is more what he did last year (especially in Euroleague play). Try to catch one of his next games.

Hayes has the potential to be a more disruptive defender 1-3.

Question: All things being equal, do you want an SF or a G for this team as it is currently constructed with:

Wall, Smith, Napier
Beal, Matthews, Robinson
Bonga, Brown

And thinking Bonga becomes a PF in time. Okay, that is probably the wrong way to look at it - BPA is better.

He's not Ben Simmons with a 3 point shot. But seriously, he does have some good handles and passes very well - a secondary creator basically. His 3 point shooting % is 29.6 in 21 games this season, so I'm a little skeptical - but yeah, he does have nice looking form and a quicker release than say... Sato. So, I'll defer to you - maybe. Once he adds some muscle and improves his shot, he could be a very nice player. It might take a while. I just don't see him being much different than TBJ - good and bad. I could be wrong.

Wiz need a 3 much more than a 2, but yeah - take the BPA. The game is changing with small lineups. I like Nesmith - a player who can play either the 2 or 3 (though he's 2 inches shorter than Avdija) and has shown he can be an outstanding 3 point shooter and had a rep going into this season as a real good defender. Too bad he got injured a few weeks ago.

Don't watch college hoops so I can't compare the two. Maybe Nesmith will fall

And yes, Avdija is no Simmons. I think that the TBJ comparison isn't a bad one.

[pcbothwel]

And the pgs... Mannion has really dropped for me too, struggling with his shot or getting to the rim, doesn’t have explosiveness or length, etc.

Agreed. I liked him at first, but once he got into conference play, his numbers declined. He's fine when he lets the game come to him, but he doesn't possess the ability to exert his will on a game. He looks like a role player to me. More of a Shabazz Napier type than a Trey Young.

Same Boat. Both Mannion and Anthony have let me down. Mannion looks so smooth when he's playing, but his finishing ability is a real problem and his streaky shooting is concerning
I still think Cole Anthony is a lot better than he has shown and think UNC was a bad choice for him. I still take a chance on him outside the top 5.

Right now, I have Hayes and Haliburton as the only intriguing guys in the top 6...and MAYBE Hampton, but thats TBD.
- Edwards is a low IQ, AAU chuckster with low energy and questionable defense.
- Wiseman is a lesser-than-sum of parts player that doesnt look natural. He's a rim runner and reminds of Jaxson Hayes without the defensive instincts. Hard pass in the top 6.
- Ball is a poor mans Haliburton. Great instincts (Which leads to high assist and rebounding), but his shot a crap and his defense is terrible.

Haliburton, Hayes, and Toppin are all better players.
I think Boston is a good match. Our 1st (#7-9) for 17 + 27... Maybe include a Theis for Ish swap as well

[Ruzious]

And the pgs... Mannion has really dropped for me too, struggling with his shot or getting to the rim, doesn’t have explosiveness or length, etc.

Agreed. I liked him at first, but once he got into conference play, his numbers declined. He's fine when he lets the game come to him, but he doesn't possess the ability to exert his will on a game. He looks like a role player to me. More of a Shabazz Napier type than a Trey Young.

Same Boat. Both Mannion and Anthony have let me down. Mannion looks so smooth when he's playing, but his finishing ability is a real problem and his streaky shooting is concerning
I still think Cole Anthony is a lot better than he has shown and think UNC was a bad choice for him. I still take a chance on him outside the top 5.

Right now, I have Hayes and Haliburton as the only intriguing guys in the top 6...and MAYBE Hampton, but thats TBD.
- Edwards is a low IQ, AAU chuckster with low energy and questionable defense.
- Wiseman is a lesser-than-sum of parts player that doesnt look natural. He's a rim runner and reminds of Jaxson Hayes without the defensive instincts. Hard pass in the top 6.
- Ball is a poor mans Haliburton. Great instincts (Which leads to high assist and rebounding), but his shot a crap and his defense is terrible.

Haliburton, Hayes, and Toppin are all better players.
I think Boston is a good match. Our 1st (#7-9) for 17 + 27... Maybe include a Theis for Ish swap as well

I think Wiseman's a little better than most give him credit for. He's significantly stronger than Hayes and should be a much better rebounder. Hayes goes for too many blocks and then gives up easy put-backs. Wiseman's very light on his feet for such a big man. I'd be surprised if he's not the 1st pick in the draft.

I'm a little wary of trading that far down, but that might work out. I'd pass on Theis - he's ok, but we have enough ok type players.

[dckingsfan]

And absolutely no to Theo Maledon - he is a toreador on D.

[NatP4]

Cole Anthony is still my guy. Hoping he drops to us

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Cole Anthony is still my guy. Hoping he drops to us

When I first started looking at this draft, I identified PG as our top priority, and viewed PG as the strength of this draft. I thought great we are in a great situation, guaranteed to get a eventual replacement for Wall... Cole Anthony was my guy, and Haliburton, Hayes, Hampton, Mannion, etc... We can't miss!

Then I saw the show Elite Youth which soured me on Anthony, as well as his play this year. One by one the flaws in these players became more apparent.

Then I saw how Wall's rehab is looking. Then I reintroduced myself to his contract. Then I became a fan of Ish, as well now of Shabazz. And I see a guy like Grant toiling on the GoGo. And I start to think, maybe PG isn't really what we should be looking to in the draft. I mean theoretically, I don't see why we couldn't have a PG depth chart of Wall, Ish, Shabazz for the next 3 years, or the duration of Walls contract, before we have to address the PG position.

What is the most obvious need and top priority of this team is improving the defense. That has been the metamorphosis of my draft analysis of this team that has lead me to my current thought process of aiming for a top tier defender with offensive upside, which I'm now seeing as the actual strength of this draft.

Oturu, Okoro, Okongwu, Reed, Green... All first round possibilities I would be happy with. Stewart, Diakite, Tillman, Queta as 2nd round possibilities.I

Ultimately I'd like to go defensive with one of the two picks... I could be a fan of Maxey or Nesmith in the 1st and Stewart or Tillman in the 2nd for example. My preference is defense in the 1st, such as Oturu or Okoro in the 1st and Tillie or Isaiah Joe in the 2nd.

My ideal draft is Oturu and Tillie. But I'd love Okoro or Green in the 1st with Stewart or Tillman in the 2nd. A draft like that would have an immediate impact on the defensive mindset of this team IMO.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

But I can't emphasize how much I'm liking Daniel Oturu. It was back a bit on last page, I put highlight clips him vs Michigan and Purdue, and a video The Rise of Oturu talking about his family and his love for the game, please go back and watch those if you havent. This kid is infectious! His smile reminds me of Shack. I think he might be the hidden gem of this draft.

[NatP4]

i shall now do my homework on Oturu. Also, what is all of this talk about this "Grant"?? who are you guys referring to?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

i shall now do my homework on Oturu. Also, what is all of this talk about this "Grant"?? who are you guys referring to?

Jerian Grant, son of Harvey. He's on the GoGo, playing very well btw.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I'll repost for convenience.

DANIEL OTURU

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