Halloween Draft 2017

[RationalGaze]

Trying to predict who gets all these picks woooooo
This is a loaded draft. So much so that I see 1st 30 picks being lottery picks.
With that said let's have fun deciding which team drafts said player soooo early

(1) Brooklyn Nets
Boston goes SG, PF, or DeMarcus Cousins. Sacramento goes Josh Jackson SF

(2) Philadelphia 76ers
SF Jonathan Issac since Ben is running point

(3) Los Angeles Lakers
PF, PG, or C. Depends on Randle's and Russell's development. I'm guessing PF Edrice

(4) Sacramento Kings
Since there are like 10 point guards that could go in the first round I'll just go with De'Aaron Fox

(5) New Orleans Pelicans
Markelle Fultz PG

(6) Phoenix Suns
I'm guessing SF or C here. Jayson Tatum SF

(7) Milwaukee Bucks
Do they go point or center? Season will determine that so I'll say C Marques Bolden

(8) Houston Rockets
I say SG Terrance Ferguson or Harden goes back to SG and Rockets draft a PG

(9) Washington Wizards
PF since Markieff is there or SG since Beal has injury questions PF Ivan Rabb

(10) New York Knicks
Dennis Smith Jr. PG

(11) Charlotte Hornets
Malik Monk SG

(12) Denver Nuggets
OG Anunoby SF

(13) Dallas Mavericks
Frank Ntilikina PG

(14) Orlando Magic
Frank Jackson PG

(15) Atlanta Hawks
Either SG or PF here. 2 in 1? Lauri Markkanen PF whose got agility and shooting prowess

(16) Detroit Pistons
SG or PF still might not be solved. Harry Giles PF is a possibility unless his health gets cleared

(17) Oklahoma City Thunder
SF Wenyen Gabriel

(18) Miami Heat
Sacha Killeya-jones PF

(19) Denver Nuggets
C Jarrett Allen

(20) Chicago Bulls
Andrew Jones PG

(21) Utah Jazz
Lonzo Ball PG

(22) Portland Trailblazers
Miles Bridges SF

(23) Indiana Pacers
Omari Spellman PF

(24) Minnesota Timberwolves
Not too many Power Forwards left so let's see if DX is right and select PF Isaiah Hartenstein

(25) Brooklyn Nets
SF Rodions Kurucs Don't know a lot about this dude, but he's yours. A healthy Caris LeVert makes this pick easier.

(26) Toronto Raptors
SF V.J. King

(27) Toronto Raptors
PF Jonathan Jeanne

(28) San Antonio Spurs
C Omer Yurtseven

(29) Cleveland Cavaliers
C Thomas Bryant

(30) Utah Jazz
SG Josh Langford

[RationalGaze]

Happy Thanksgiving
I'll be going by tankathon standings so If I'm wrong blame them
I'm aware teams can pick different players, but as we saw last draft it was a crapshoot. Picks 2,4,5,7,9,15,16,17,22, and 25th could vary.

(1) Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban said they needed their David Robinson in a past interview or conversation, but he's not in this draft. PG Lonzo Ball is.

(2) Phoenix Suns
Not sure who these guys go with. SF or C seems likely and I'm still high on Ulis. College season still has a ways to go and Suns pick Marques Bolden or Edrice Adebayo. Going with Edrice since there's perfectly nothing wrong with a 6'10" 260lb. Center.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers
Long as PG/SG Markelle Fultz isn't ball dominant I can see him fitting in with Ben Simmons if Philly isn't building around Simmons. If they are then Tatum.

(4) Boston Celtics
Hypnotize the Sacramento Kings and Kings get the 4th pick and keep their top 10 pick. Cousins makes too much sense for Celtics. Kings go SF Josh Jackson. Guessing Rudy gets traded for a later round pick. We'll see I suppose.

(5) Minnesota Timberwolves
The botch job is in and Thibodeau can't get out of his own way and acknowledge Tyus is better at point than Dunn. Tyus, Dunn, Shabazz, Bjelcia, and Cole. It's that simple. This is not the playoffs. This is the playoff lottery. Wolves go De'Aaron Fox PG. My poor poor Wolves ;_; ;_; ;_; You could pay me 35 million to tank and get a high draft pick, Glen.

(6) Miami Heat
;_;
Edrice and Hassan would look good together and so would Miami and PG Dennis Smith Jr.

(7) Washington Wizards
You all don't have a bench so draft a player and you'll have one bench player. If Beal has questionable health he becomes the most expensive bench player, but I think it'll be Marcin as you all draft C Marques Bolden.

(8) New Orleans Pelicans
This is a more interesting pick as Pelicans can go PG, SF, or SG if Hield doesn't turn out to be good. I'll go with PG Frank Ntilikina

(9) Sacramento Kings
This is a point guard draft first and a PF or SF draft second. Kings surprise everyone and go SG Malik Monk since Jackson is a playmaker.

(10) Detroit Pistons
The playoffs are south of here. This is the playoff lottery ;_;. If by some chance you all are up here and all that jazz then I'll go with PF Lauri Markkanen.

(11) Orlando Magic
I suspected you all to be here and I'll say you all take PG Frank Jackson. Vucevic gets traded, Serge leaves for Free Agency and you all run Frank, Evan, Mario, Aaron, and Bismack.

(12) Denver Nuggets
So much for seeing each other in the playoffs. Nice to see you all in the playoff lottery. Apparently Jokic can't play PF, but PF Ivan Rabb can.

(13) Milwaukee Bucks
The buck stops here, but where does it go? Playoffs of course! I'm not high on Jarrett Allen just yet so I got SG Terrance Ferguson until an update of Middleton surfaces.

(14) Utah Jazz
You all won't be in the Lottery, but here you are currently and Imma guessin' you'll be takin SG/SF/PF OG Anunoby.

(15) Indiana Pacers
SF Jayson Tatum. It's not that I'm not high on this guy, but well w/e. Teague, Paul, Tatum, Thaddeus, and Myles.

(16) New York Knicks
PG Isaiah Briscoe. Why? Because he's a hell of a defender who can shoot now and you all would like that very much. Also, a tough point guard.

(17) Portland Trailblazers
I really don't know who you all would go here. Wenyen, Miles, and Rodions are here. C? Center Thomas Bryant.

(18) Philadelphia 76ers
Haha Lakers don't have a pick. You all can take the 5th pick if you like ;_; Bridges isn't too good right now, but he'll be better come March and his elite athleticism would be too enticing to pass up.

(19) Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant has returned with a Championship! Congrats Thunder! Ah...never mind. It's SF Jonathan Isaac!

(20) Toronto Raptors
PF is needed and you all get T.J. Leaf. He can shoot. If you all are looking for defense then draft Sacha, but he's not getting much playing time right now, because of Senior Willis.

(21) Brooklyn Nets
People lied and said you all didn't have picks. Good players are to be had and you aren't as bad as people said you were. It's not like I had Boston getting the 1st overall pick or anything. I like Wenyen as a SF the next level.

(22) Chicago Bulls
PF Sacha Killya-Jones. I'm high on him, but it's all dependent on playing time. He's got offense and defense.

(23) Charlotte Hornets
C Omer Yurtseven. Or Luke Kennard.

(24) Denver Nuggets
You all Drafted 2 shooting guards last year and PF Isaiah Hartenstein will be the 2nd power forward you draft this year.

(25) Houston Rockets
Trade their pick to Sacramento and Rudy Gay ends up with Rockets. Kings draft Harry Giles. Simply don't know about his health.

(26) Atlanta Hawks
SG Luke Kennard. All it takes is a second year to develop and be what you can be. Can see Luke going higher.

(27) San Antonio Spurs
SG Antonio Blakeney Haven't forgotten about him. Just needs to be consistent.

(28) Cleveland Cavaliers
SF Rodions Kurucs I really don't know much about this guy.

(29) Utah Jazz
Jonathan Jeanne and maybe he ends up surprisingly nice.

(30) Toronto Raptors
C Jarrett Allen and that'll be a guy who eats minutes from my fantasy player Jonas, because Dwane Casey.

[RationalGaze]

Posting Lottery Picks
Going by Tank
Welcome to March Madness

Boston Celtics - Markelle Fultz or whichever team offers the best for this pick

Los Angeles Lakers - Lonzo Ball or surprise pick and take Malik Monk

Phoenix Suns - Dennis Smith Jr. while trading Bledsoe to a team

Orlando Magic - Josh Jackson

Philadelphia 76ers - Miles Bridges

Sacramento Kings - De'Aaron Fox

New York Knicks - Malik Monk or Eric Bledsoe and Phoenix Suns draft Jonathan Isaac

Sacramento Kings - Jayson Tatum

Dallas Mavericks - Phoenix drafts Jonathan then Mavs draft Malik Monk and have an attractive player for free agents to sign with.

Minnesota Timberwolves - Ivan Rabb

Portland Trailblazers - Lauri Markkanen

Charlotte Hornets - John Collins

Milwaukee Bucks - Edrice Adebayo

Miami Heat - Isaiah Hartenstein

[RationalGaze]

I did a screwball draft and these are the results http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/draft_simulator/view/302530/
Maybe Miami drafts Lauri
Malik goes 4th with Avery and Marcus 1 year left on their contract

Current Standings
Boston- Markelle
Lakers - Lonzo
Suns - Jackson
Magic - Dennis
76ers - Tatum
Kings -De'Aaron
Knicks -Frank
Kings -Miles
Mavericks -Malik
Wolves -Isaiah
Trailblazers- Ivan Rabb
Hornets -Isaac
Heat -Lauri
Bulls -John Collins

I'll try to look into trades given this draft has a lot of talent, but I can see everyone keeping their pick given the talent.

[RationalGaze]

1-30 since we're so close to the draft

Boston/Indiana - Markelle Fultz
Phoenix Suns - Lonzo Ball
L.A. Lakers - De'Aaron Fox
76ers - Josh Jackson
Orlando - Jayson Tatum
Timberwolves - Dennis Smith Jr.
Knicks - Malik Monk
Sac Town - Jonathan Isaac
Dallas Mavericks - Markkanen
Sac Town - Frank Ntilikina
Charolette - Edrice Adebayo
Detroit/Minnesota - Rubio Ivan Rabb
Denver - OG Anunoby
Chicago Bulls - Jarrett Allen
Portland Trail Blazers - Caleb Swanigan
Miami Heat - Isaiah Hartenstein
Milwaukee Bucks - Terrance Ferguson
Indiana Pacers - Donovan Mitchell
Portland Trail Blazers - Justin Jackson
Atlanta - John Collins
Thunder - Harry Giles
Brooklyn Nets - T.J. Leaf
Portland - Semi Ojeleye
Jazz - Tyler Lydon
Raptors - Rodions Kurcus
Orlando Magic - Zach Collins
Brooklyn Nets - Justin Patton
L.A. Lakers - Jawun Evans
San Antontio Spurs - Luke Kennard
Utah Jazz - Dwayne Bacon

[RationalGaze]

Time to draft some players.

Boston - Josh Jackson
Phoenix - Markelle Fultz
Lakers - Lonzo Ball
76ers - Jayson Tatum
Magic - Dennis Smith Jr.
Wolves - De'Aaron Fox
Knicks - Malik Monk
Sacramento - Frank Ntilikina
Mavericks - Jonathan Isaac
Sacramento - OG Anunoby
Hornets - Edrice Adebayo
Pistons - Isaiah Hartenstein
Wolves - Ivan Rabb Denver gets Rubio
Heat - Lauri Markkanen
Blazers - Caleb Swanigan
Bulls - Donovan Mitchell
Bucks - Jarrett Allen
Pacers - Terrance Ferguson
Hawks - John Collins
Blazers - Justin Jackson
Thunder - Hamidou Diallo
Nets - Jonathan Jeanne
Raptors - Harry Giles
Jazz - Luke Kennard
Magic - Rodions Kurucs
Blazers - T.J. Leaf
Nets - Frank Jackson
Lakers - Tyler Lydon
Spurs - Justin Patton
Jazz - Derrick White

[skywalker33]

Time to draft some players.
Wolves - Ivan Rabb for Ricky Rubio

Denver isn't trading for Rubio, would've been done before the trade deadline if it were to have happened. Would also block/diminish Jamal Murrays development. We already have a PG who can't shoot in Mudiay and I doubt Rubio has lottery trade value anyway. Murray will more than likely move into the starting PG position, a better fit next to Jokic than Rubio.

[RationalGaze]

Time to draft some players.
Wolves - Ivan Rabb for Ricky Rubio

Denver isn't trading for Rubio, would've been done before the trade deadline if it were to have happened. Would also block/diminish Jamal Murrays development. We already have a PG who can't shoot in Mudiay and I doubt Rubio has lottery trade value anyway. Murray will more than likely move into the starting PG position, a better fit next to Jokic than Rubio.

That's interesting as I haven't been following Murray much since he entered the league, but have been aware of Mudiay not progressing. I'm also aware the Nuggets aren't exactly wanting another rookie as they have plenty of depth and youth. Figured a veteran like Rubio next to Murray and Gary with Rubio's shooting improvement would have been idea as it's another play maker to go alongside Jokic. Wolves are trading Rubio as they are no way taking Markkanen over the likes of Malik, Dennis, De'Aaron, and even Isaac. Murray can continue to develop at both spots.

[skywalker33]

Time to draft some players.
Wolves - Ivan Rabb for Ricky Rubio

Denver isn't trading for Rubio, would've been done before the trade deadline if it were to have happened. Would also block/diminish Jamal Murrays development. We already have a PG who can't shoot in Mudiay and I doubt Rubio has lottery trade value anyway. Murray will more than likely move into the starting PG position, a better fit next to Jokic than Rubio.

That's interesting as I haven't been following Murray much since he entered the league, but have been aware of Mudiay not progressing. I'm also aware the Nuggets aren't exactly wanting another rookie as they have plenty of depth and youth. Figured a veteran like Rubio next to Murray and Gary with Rubio's shooting improvement would have been idea as it's another play maker to go alongside Jokic. Wolves are trading Rubio as they are no way taking Markkanen over the likes of Malik, Dennis, De'Aaron, and even Isaac. Murray can continue to develop at both spots.

Jokic is a point-center, he needs shooters around him and Rubio is definitely not a good shooter

[RationalGaze]

Denver isn't trading for Rubio, would've been done before the trade deadline if it were to have happened. Would also block/diminish Jamal Murrays development. We already have a PG who can't shoot in Mudiay and I doubt Rubio has lottery trade value anyway. Murray will more than likely move into the starting PG position, a better fit next to Jokic than Rubio.

That's interesting as I haven't been following Murray much since he entered the league, but have been aware of Mudiay not progressing. I'm also aware the Nuggets aren't exactly wanting another rookie as they have plenty of depth and youth. Figured a veteran like Rubio next to Murray and Gary with Rubio's shooting improvement would have been idea as it's another play maker to go alongside Jokic. Wolves are trading Rubio as they are no way taking Markkanen over the likes of Malik, Dennis, De'Aaron, and even Isaac. Murray can continue to develop at both spots.

Jokic is a point-center, he needs shooters around him and Rubio is definitely not a good shooter

Rubio's an improving shooter and actually gives a damn when the team is going good, but don't expect his effort to be there when the season is over before the playoffs. He's also a much better point than Jamal and Mudiay, but Denver might want more shooting than a floor general.

[RationalGaze]

Time for a new mock. Congratulations to Lakers, 76ers, and Sacramento.

1. Markelle Fultz unless trade.
2. Lavar Ball.
3. Josh Jackson.

4. Phoenix
Good Pick - Jayson Tatum
Bad Pick - Another point guard

5. Sacramento
Good Pick - De'Aaron Fox
Bad Pick - Frank Ntilikina

6. Orlando Magic
Good Pick - Dennis Smith Jr.
Bad Pick - Jonathan Isaac

7. Wolves
Good Pick - Isaiah Hartenstein
Bad Pick - Lauri Markkanen

8. Knicks
Good Pick - Malik Monk
Bad Pick - Zach Collins

9. Mavericks
Good Pick - Ivan Rabb
Bad Pick - Lauri Markkanen

10. Sacramento
Good Pick - Jonathan Isaac
Bad Pick - OG Anunoby considering his injuries and bad shooting

11. Charlotte Really don't know who Charlotte is picking
Good Pick - Edrice Adebayo
Bad Pick - Terrance Ferguson

12. Pistons Really don't know who Detroit is picking
Good Pick - Hamidou Diallo
Bad Pick - Any Center

13. Denver Nuggets
Good Pick - Frank Ntilikina
Bad Pick - OG Anunoby

14. Miami Heat
Good Pick - Lauri Markkanen
Bad Pick - Justin Jackson

15. Portland Trailblazers
Good Pick - Justin Jackson
Bad Pick - Not sure there's a bad pick at this point as the talent starts to even out

[RationalGaze]

Updating a full 1st round mock.

1. Markelle Fultz (PG) Celtics
2. Lavar "not a psychic" Ball (PG) Lakers
3. Josh Jackson (SF) 76ers
4. Jayson Tatum (SF) Suns
5. De'Aaron Fox (PG) Kings
6. Dennis Smith Jr. (PG) Magic
7. Jonathan Issac (SF/PF) Wolves
8. Frank Ntilikina (PG) Knicks
9. Lauri Markkanen (PF) Mavericks
10. Justin Jackson (SF) Kings
11. Zach Collins (C) Hornets
12. Malik Monk (SG) Pistons
13. Isaiah Hartenstein (PF) Nuggets
14. Donovan Mitchell (SG) Heat
15. Ivan Rabb (PF) Blazers
16. Jarrett Allen (C) Bulls
17. Edrice Adebayo (C) Bucks
18. Caleb Swanigan (PF) Pacers
19. Luke Kennard (SG) Hawks
20. Tyler Lydon (SF/PF) Blazers
21. Rodions Kurucs (SF) Thunder
22. Jonathan Jeanne (C) Nets
23. John Collins (PF) Raptors
24. Frank Jackson (PG) Jazz
25. Hamidou Diallo (SG) Magic
26. Anzejs Pasecniks (C) Blazers
27. Terrance Ferguson (SG) Nets
28. Harry Giles (PF) Lakers
29. Derrick White (G) Spurs
30. Justin Patton (C) Jazz

[skywalker33]

Hartenstein isn't a lottery pick, Nuggets would select Mitchell, Allen, Rabb, heck even Giles over him at 13. You're one of the only mocks I've seen with him going higher than 20

[RationalGaze]

Hartenstein isn't a lottery pick, Nuggets would select Mitchell, Allen, Rabb, heck even Giles over him at 13. You're one of the only mocks I've seen with him going higher than 20

After Pick 12 there isn't really a standout player far as lottery talent goes, but as far as PF talent goes there's a lot to like in Hartenstein. Many drafts have OG ahead of Hartenstein, but they haven't watched OG in his second season and are basing his potential off his 1st. Watching OG shows he doesn't really understand the game and plenty of mocks have you all taking him. If your GM had a choice I'm going to assume he's going to go with the healthy guy that fills a clear need with arguably the best PF talent in the draft.
Giles isn't getting drafted early until he passes a medical so we'll see about him.
Other mocks may correctly predict who you all are taking, but mine have you all taking Hartenstein. Donovan makes no sense with your SG depth and you all already tried player 2 centers together. If your team doesn't like the talent then that's fine, but it can't dismiss it either and let a team later on draft it. Picks 13-30 have more in common with each other than picks 1-12.
Does you team have an ideal player this upcoming draft?

[RationalGaze]

1) Markelle Fultz
2) Lonzo Ball
3) Josh Jackson
4) De'Aaron Fox
5) Dennis Smith Jr.
6) Jayson Tatum
7) Jonathan Issac
8) Frank Ntilikina
9) Lauri Markkanen
10) Justin Jackson
11) Zach Collins
12) Malik Monk
13) Edrice Adebayo
14) Donovan Mitchell

Trades might involve Spurs/Dallas
Suns/Nuggets
Bulls/Boston
I guess Malik Monk goes 9th to Spurs
Suns Pick up a Center so I'm going with Edrice
Bulls select De'Aaron Fox
In the event any of this happens