2019 NBA Draft Prep

[King Ken]

I am higher on R.J. than WCJ. I would take him with the Mavs pick

[CP War Hawks]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

[King Ken]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

[CP War Hawks]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

I'd rather go after Bryant and keep the pick this offseason. If Bryant can't be acquired, plan B would be to trade for Carter, though the Bulls have been reported to value their young guys too highly.

[Jamaaliver]

Decision to stay at Maryland paying major dividends for Fernando and Terps



When a player decides to forego the NBA Draft to return to college for one more year to potentially improve their draft stock, it doesn’t always go as planned. But in the case of Maryland sophomore center Bruno Fernando, it couldn’t be working out any better.

Having averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field and 74% from the free throw line as a freshman, Fernando was no lock to be drafted. Through 28 games played this season, Fernando is averaging 14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free throw line. His stellar season for the Terps has led to him being named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation’s top center.

“He’s just dominant all the time,” Terps freshman forward Ricky Lindo Jr. said of Fernando. “There’s no one that can really stop him unless you like triple team him or something. He’s just a dominant force in the paint.”

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon has said many times this season that Fernando tries to get every rebound when he’s out there on the floor, and he’s not kidding. Maryland is currently second in the Big Ten with 39.8 rebounds per game and the Terps mostly have Fernando to thank for that.

Fernando’s calling card during his time in College Park has been dominating the paint, but he has also shown touch on his shot from mid-range and even deep. How he’ll be used in the NBA remains to be seen and will depend on where he lands, but the versatility, basketball IQ, and overall growth of his game that he’s showing and will put on display in this year’s pre-draft process will likely turn some heads.

Rivals.com

[personanongrata]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

Why would they trade him though? Reports are him and LM are untouchable.

[EazyRoc]

So while the offense has improved, marginally, the defense has cratered.

Read on Twitter

Is it time to draft some defenders?

YES!!

If we are committing to Trae and JC as our cornerstones, then you have to invest in players who can be impact defenders without being offensive liabilities. These type are players are largely underrated..

[Spud2nique]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

Jesus..is this where Stuart smalley jam jam (aka I don’t read my emails because they are prolly hate mail from spud) teams up with supes?

If that’s the case I’ll self ban myself now. You guys know where this going right?

Cendell Warter is the new Alice Horford who was the new Karl Malone...

Oh boy...

[King Ken]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

I'd rather go after Bryant and keep the pick this offseason. If Bryant can't be acquired, plan B would be to trade for Carter, though the Bulls have been reported to value their young guys too highly.

Do you believe Bryant could help us more than Len much less Dedmon?

[King Ken]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

Jesus..is this where Stuart smalley jam jam (aka I don’t read my emails because they are prolly hate mail from spud) teams up with supes?

If that’s the case I’ll self ban myself now. You guys know where this going right?

Cendell Warter is the new Alice Horford who was the new Karl Malone...

Oh boy...

Wendell is not in the same league with Al but he has quality. I am not sold on the fit with Collins and him but the talent is ample

[Spud2nique]

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

Jesus..is this where Stuart smalley jam jam (aka I don’t read my emails because they are prolly hate mail from spud) teams up with supes?

If that’s the case I’ll self ban myself now. You guys know where this going right?

Cendell Warter is the new Alice Horford who was the new Karl Malone...

Oh boy...

Wendell is not in the same league with Al but he has quality. I am not sold on the fit with Collins and him but the talent is ample

Not so sure. Was caught yawning on the bench (by me) yesterday showing lack of interest in the team and his teammates. Also, he prolly walks around in the hideous Swahili robe he was wearing during the draft in the lockerroom...I’m sorry that thing prolly stanks!

Glorified Ed Davis - kg

[CP War Hawks]

^^Bryant has had monster games this season on a team with no point guard. He's showing his potential against NBA comp at a very young age.

The guy measured with a 7-6 wingpsan and 9-4.5 reach. And he's shown the ability to knockdown a regular 3 with good ft consistency. He basically has the current skillset of Dedmon at age 21. You absolutely kick tires on this guy minimum.

[King Ken]

^^Bryant has had monster games this season on a team with no point guard. He's showing his potential against NBA comp at a very young age.

The guy measured with a 7-6 wingpsan and 9-4.5 reach. And he's shown the ability to knockdown a regular 3 with good ft consistency. He basically has the current skillset of Dedmon at age 21. You absolutely kick tires on this guy minimum.

He is a scrub to me but we all got a scrub we love. Yall remember me with Nic Stauskas

[kg01]

^^Bryant has had monster games this season on a team with no point guard. He's showing his potential against NBA comp at a very young age.

The guy measured with a 7-6 wingpsan and 9-4.5 reach. And he's shown the ability to knockdown a regular 3 with good ft consistency. He basically has the current skillset of Dedmon at age 21. You absolutely kick tires on this guy minimum.

He is a scrub to me but we all got a scrub we love. Yall remember me with Nic Stauskas

Haha, took like 5 years for you to give up on Stinkskas.

I like Bryant but feel WAS will astronomically outbid themselves to keep him.

[Spud2nique]

Bryant is nothing special imo...journeyman.

[atlantabbq99]

Decision to stay at Maryland paying major dividends for Fernando and Terps



When a player decides to forego the NBA Draft to return to college for one more year to potentially improve their draft stock, it doesn’t always go as planned. But in the case of Maryland sophomore center Bruno Fernando, it couldn’t be working out any better.

Having averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field and 74% from the free throw line as a freshman, Fernando was no lock to be drafted. Through 28 games played this season, Fernando is averaging 14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free throw line. His stellar season for the Terps has led to him being named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation’s top center.

“He’s just dominant all the time,” Terps freshman forward Ricky Lindo Jr. said of Fernando. “There’s no one that can really stop him unless you like triple team him or something. He’s just a dominant force in the paint.”

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon has said many times this season that Fernando tries to get every rebound when he’s out there on the floor, and he’s not kidding. Maryland is currently second in the Big Ten with 39.8 rebounds per game and the Terps mostly have Fernando to thank for that.

Fernando’s calling card during his time in College Park has been dominating the paint, but he has also shown touch on his shot from mid-range and even deep. How he’ll be used in the NBA remains to be seen and will depend on where he lands, but the versatility, basketball IQ, and overall growth of his game that he’s showing and will put on display in this year’s pre-draft process will likely turn some heads.

Rivals.com

I have Fernando as the 2nd best center in the draft behind Bol. He might be worth the 5th pick only because the biggest need for the Hawks right now is a defensive center to pair with Collins.

Fernando reminds me of a bigger Charles Oakley.

His strengths are:
-Great at setting picks
-Wide shoulders and very strong
-Good shooting mechanics which can be seen in his free throw shooting
-Has the mental and physical foundation to be an anchor on defense
-Above average basketball IQ in the sense that he is looking to play team ball and not just lower his head and bully his way in.

Weaknesses:
-Not a super athlete in quickness and vertical
-He gets blocks, but doesn't have a 40 inch vertical like Dwight or Amare
-Lack of lateral quickness could be a problem when he switches and guards the perimeter
-No guard skills like Jokic or Draymond
-Poor when running the fast break or doesn't always run the fast break
-Currently no 3pt shot

Fernando doesn't take many 3pt shots or 18 foot jump shots, but when he does, he has good form. He is an immovable object, but that also affects his quickness. He is no Jokic when it comes to passing but what i love about the guy is that before he does anything, he will look at the floor and teammates and see if he can make a pass before making a move to take his own shot, so he is making an effort in playing team ball and not me ball. He has a good jump shot although on the college level, he doesn't use it that much, but I can see him easily developing an Oakley/Horford jump shot once he gets into the NBA.

Call me crazy, but I can kind of see that he has 0.0001% chance of becoming Karl Malone, but realistically I think he has a 50% chance of becoming Jusuf Nurkic.

[King Ken]

^^Bryant has had monster games this season on a team with no point guard. He's showing his potential against NBA comp at a very young age.

The guy measured with a 7-6 wingpsan and 9-4.5 reach. And he's shown the ability to knockdown a regular 3 with good ft consistency. He basically has the current skillset of Dedmon at age 21. You absolutely kick tires on this guy minimum.

He is a scrub to me but we all got a scrub we love. Yall remember me with Nic Stauskas

Haha, took like 5 years for you to give up on Stinkskas.

I like Bryant but feel WAS will astronomically outbid themselves to keep him.

It was 3, I finally gave up on him a couple of years ago.

[Jamaaliver]

I don't dislike Wendell but I'm not willing to give up the Mavs pick without seeing which player is available. Why not go after Bryant from the Wiz. Only 21 and he could really thrive with our core.

There is no one outside of the top 7 I would rather more than Carter Jr honestly. He covers the center need for us

Why would they trade him though? Reports are him and LM are untouchable.

Speculation has been that if Chicago were to actually win the Zion sweepstakes, Wendell Carter, Jr. would be the odd man out in the front court.

And with Otto and Lavine holding down the wing spots, Chicago might be willing to move Wendell for a shot at one of the top point guards in the draft.

[King Ken]

You really love Carter Jr. JL. I just don't love him like that. I rather a wing honestly. If we can get Barrett, that's the ideal wing. Reddish is the perfect fit. Hunter and Culver are a great fits.

[King Ken]

Decision to stay at Maryland paying major dividends for Fernando and Terps



When a player decides to forego the NBA Draft to return to college for one more year to potentially improve their draft stock, it doesn’t always go as planned. But in the case of Maryland sophomore center Bruno Fernando, it couldn’t be working out any better.

Having averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field and 74% from the free throw line as a freshman, Fernando was no lock to be drafted. Through 28 games played this season, Fernando is averaging 14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free throw line. His stellar season for the Terps has led to him being named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation’s top center.

“He’s just dominant all the time,” Terps freshman forward Ricky Lindo Jr. said of Fernando. “There’s no one that can really stop him unless you like triple team him or something. He’s just a dominant force in the paint.”

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon has said many times this season that Fernando tries to get every rebound when he’s out there on the floor, and he’s not kidding. Maryland is currently second in the Big Ten with 39.8 rebounds per game and the Terps mostly have Fernando to thank for that.

Fernando’s calling card during his time in College Park has been dominating the paint, but he has also shown touch on his shot from mid-range and even deep. How he’ll be used in the NBA remains to be seen and will depend on where he lands, but the versatility, basketball IQ, and overall growth of his game that he’s showing and will put on display in this year’s pre-draft process will likely turn some heads.

Rivals.com

I have Fernando as the 2nd best center in the draft behind Bol. He might be worth the 5th pick only because the biggest need for the Hawks right now is a defensive center to pair with Collins.

Fernando reminds me of a bigger Charles Oakley.

His strengths are:
-Great at setting picks
-Wide shoulders and very strong
-Good shooting mechanics which can be seen in his free throw shooting
-Has the mental and physical foundation to be an anchor on defense
-Above average basketball IQ in the sense that he is looking to play team ball and not just lower his head and bully his way in.

Weaknesses:
-Not a super athlete in quickness and vertical
-He gets blocks, but doesn't have a 40 inch vertical like Dwight or Amare
-Lack of lateral quickness could be a problem when he switches and guards the perimeter
-No guard skills like Jokic or Draymond
-Poor when running the fast break or doesn't always run the fast break
-Currently no 3pt shot

Fernando doesn't take many 3pt shots or 18 foot jump shots, but when he does, he has good form. He is an immovable object, but that also affects his quickness. He is no Jokic when it comes to passing but what i love about the guy is that before he does anything, he will look at the floor and teammates and see if he can make a pass before making a move to take his own shot, so he is making an effort in playing team ball and not me ball. He has a good jump shot although on the college level, he doesn't use it that much, but I can see him easily developing an Oakley/Horford jump shot once he gets into the NBA.

Call me crazy, but I can kind of see that he has 0.0001% chance of becoming Karl Malone, but realistically I think he has a 50% chance of becoming Jusuf Nurkic.

That's a good player but is that a player you want to pair with Collins who struggles in space on D.