Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[kg01]

Well, Ayton has officially been implicated in the Miller investigation. I get the feeling the NCAA tournament isn't going to be that great this time around. All of these Lottery picks are going to be watching it on TV like the rest of us. No biggie, I still have Ayton #1.

Might as well cancel the Tourney. Coach about to be fired.

FBI wiretaps intercepted telephone conversations between Arizona coach Sean Miller and Christian Dawkins, a key figure in the FBI's investigation into college basketball corruption, in which Miller discussed paying $100,000 to ensure star freshman Deandre Ayton signed with the Wildcats, sources familiar with the government's evidence told ESPN.

Best thing about this AZ deal is, per twitter, they apparently still have to pay about 80% of his contract even if he's fired with cause.

How dumb is that AD?

[jayu70]

Read on Twitter

[MaceCase]

Read on Twitter

Ayton was dominant early dealing with controversy in front of a very hostile Oregon crowd but without Miller coaching and Trier's shot creation the Ducks manage to deny him much of any touches in the second half and OT.

[thr3ep01nte4]

http://euroleagueadventures.com/overcoming-doncic-fatigue-and-the-truth/
A good read here. Dad bod is being compared to Paul Pierce.

[Spud2nique]

http://euroleagueadventures.com/overcoming-doncic-fatigue-and-the-truth/
A good read here. Dad bod is being compared to Paul Pierce.

I disagree here...don’t diss all the dads out there..there’s a dad bod and there’s just straight up lazy Paulette Pierce fat bod. Big difference.

[thr3ep01nte4]

http://euroleagueadventures.com/overcoming-doncic-fatigue-and-the-truth/
A good read here. Dad bod is being compared to Paul Pierce.

I disagree here...don’t diss all the dads out there..there’s a dad bod and there’s just straight up lazy Paulette Pierce fat bod. Big difference.

Watch on YouTube

[Geaux_Hawks]

Why so much support for doncic over everyone not named Deandre Ayton?

[Jamaaliver]

^great QUESTION.

Doncic has a high floor and is more proven than any of the freshman likely to be drafted in the lottery. He brings a competitive fire and winning mentality that even guys like Ayton/Bamba seem to lack.

But there are serious questions regarding his transition to US style of play, his lack of athleticism, etc.

Ayton is #1 for me. But I do have M Porter Jr and Doncic both in a close heat for #2.

[kg01]

^great QUESTION.

Doncic has a high floor and is more proven than any of the freshman likely to be drafted in the lottery. He brings a competitive fire and winning mentality that even guys like Ayton/Bamba seem to lack.

But there are serious questions regarding his transition to US style of play, his lack of athleticism, etc.

Ayton is #1 for me. But I do have M Porter Jr and Doncic both in a close heat for #2.

You been cheatin' off my paper, @jammmmmlver?

@geaux_Hawks, it's not necessarily that there's so much Doncic support. The board just took a jaunt through Europe and came back home with a bad case of ... well, let's just say it's a good thing there's a plentiful supply of penicillin.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Gotta love that good ole penicillin.

Back to the topic. I would have thought Porter Jr. Would be the "Golden Child" at the very least behind Ayton. Even with the injury, Porter Jr has to much to offer as a KD lite prospect.

Dad bod jokes aside, Doncic doesn't move the needle for me to warrant a top 5 selection. Surely a top 10 talent, but we definitely don't need another Marvin over CP3 debacle.

[kg01]

I don't think Doncic should be overlooked as a prospect. I just think he's achieved mythical status such that fans have stars in their eyes.

His level of athleticism will be a hinderance(sp?) to him. It's something to consider and when folks just assume he'll adjust ... well, that's not really something that'll significantly change so ... now what?

I have Porter over him because I can forsee a guy with that skillset/size/athleticism combo having success, potentially at a high level, in the league.

I haven't seen an under-athletic, slow(ish) wing have much success in 2018 NBA.

[Spud2nique]

^great QUESTION.

Doncic has a high floor and is more proven than any of the freshman likely to be drafted in the lottery. He brings a competitive fire and winning mentality that even guys like Ayton/Bamba seem to lack.

But there are serious questions regarding his transition to US style of play, his lack of athleticism, etc.

Ayton is #1 for me. But I do have M Porter Jr and Doncic both in a close heat for #2.

You been cheatin' off my paper, @jammmmmlver?

@geaux_Hawks, it's not necessarily that there's so much Doncic support. The board just took a jaunt through Europe and came back home with a bad case of ... well, let's just say it's a good thing there's a plentiful supply of penicillin.

Are you and Michael Porter exclusive now?

[kg01]

^great QUESTION.

Doncic has a high floor and is more proven than any of the freshman likely to be drafted in the lottery. He brings a competitive fire and winning mentality that even guys like Ayton/Bamba seem to lack.

But there are serious questions regarding his transition to US style of play, his lack of athleticism, etc.

Ayton is #1 for me. But I do have M Porter Jr and Doncic both in a close heat for #2.

You been cheatin' off my paper, @jammmmmlver?

@geaux_Hawks, it's not necessarily that there's so much Doncic support. The board just took a jaunt through Europe and came back home with a bad case of ... well, let's just say it's a good thing there's a plentiful supply of penicillin.

Are you and Michael Porter exclusive now?

He's my steady. My dad-bod reeled him in.

Weren't you the one who wanted us to declare a pick? Yours is who again?

ETA: I already know who your guy will be next year ...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2761012-17-year-old-nba-superprospect-sekou-doumbouya-gets-his-first-taste-of-nba-life?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

[dlb731]

My two cents...

I think any of the top 6 players on the board (Ayton, Doncic, JJJ, Porter, Bamba, Bagley) would be a great selection. So if we ended up getting the #1 pick, why not trade down in the top 6 with a team who really wants someone, save a bit of $$$, and possibly bring in some extra assets to along with it. The hawks are rebuilding, so I am sure that getting almost a 2 for 1 deal would be a lot more help than just one.

[kg01]

My two cents...

I think any of the top 6 players on the board (Ayton, Doncic, JJJ, Porter, Bamba, Bagley) would be a great selection. So if we ended up getting the #1 pick, why not trade down in the top 6 with a team who really wants someone, save a bit of $$$, and possibly bring in some extra assets to along with it. The hawks are rebuilding, so I am sure that getting almost a 2 for 1 deal would be a lot more help than just one.

It's an interesting thought. I think, first of all, there's a canyon-wide gap between a potential franchise player and even a "great selection". If we determine we can get a potential franchise guy while trading down, great. However, the likelihood of that happening is slim.

BOS did it last year, but it took LAL making a colossally short-sighted decision in being stuck on Ball on top of another colossal mistake by PHI getting enamored by Fultz.

The potential is there considering we'll be pit against PHX, SAC and some other draft-bunglers this year.

[Spud2nique]

You been cheatin' off my paper, @jammmmmlver?

@geaux_Hawks, it's not necessarily that there's so much Doncic support. The board just took a jaunt through Europe and came back home with a bad case of ... well, let's just say it's a good thing there's a plentiful supply of penicillin.

Are you and Michael Porter exclusive now?

He's my steady. My dad-bod reeled him in.

Weren't you the one who wanted us to declare a pick? Yours is who again?

ETA: I already know who your guy will be next year ...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2761012-17-year-old-nba-superprospect-sekou-doumbouya-gets-his-first-taste-of-nba-life?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Mine is Doncic...I mean outside of Ayton..have them both at the top. But mine was Doncic till somebody came in here and tried to sell him hard...

I still love Doncic but Bob kinda ruined it for me lol

[ATL Boy]

If Porter Jr. Proves himself to be completely healthy over the course of the next few weeks I'll consider this a 3-player draft (instead of a 2-player draft) with Bamba as an incredibly intriguing prospect right outside of that.

The one guy in looking to avoid is Bagley. I still can't tell if he's just out-athleticising and overpowering these college kids he's going up against while on a superior team than everyone else. If he is then he's in for a rude awakening in the NBA.


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[Jamaaliver]

Why so much support for doncic over everyone not named Deandre Ayton?

Bleacher Report does a breakdown on Doncic's performance this season:

Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)

Scoring: A-

Key stats: 17.2 points per game in Euroleague

At 18 years old, Luka Doncic ranks second in scoring in Euroleague, a more competitive setting than college basketball. At 6'8", he handles the ball like a point guard, and he's used the handles to improve as a shot-creator, now showing stronger ability to separate into balanced jumpers with step-back footwork and abrupt pull-ups. He also excels around the lane with improvisation and soft touch on his runners.

Between Euroleague, Spanish ACB and Spanish Cup, Doncic is shooting 58.8 percent inside the arc, a tribute to his skill level, instincts and body control.

Shooting: B

Key stats: 1.6 three-pointers per game

With 70 three-pointers through 45 games, Doncic has a clean stroke out to the arc, which is deeper in Europe. He can connect both off the dribble and the catch. Given his age, it's not surprising to see Doncic go through cold streaks like the one he's currently on (7 of last 36). Despite the inconsistency, his mechanics, makes and confidence remain highly convincing.

Playmaking: B+

Key stats: 4.5 assists, 1.9 turnovers

Sharing playmaking duties with Facundo Campazzo, Doncic averages 4.5 assists playing on and off the ball. He shows pick-and-roll feel as a facilitator and excellent vision on his drives, plus the ability to make difficult, high-level passes with both hands. Doncic isn't labeled a point guard, but NBA teams will likely want him to frequently initiate their offense for his instincts as a setup man.

Defense: C+

Key stats: 2.4 steal percentage

Defense will be a question mark on Doncic's scouting report. He's not overly quick, and most wings and ball-handlers overseas aren't as explosive.

[Geaux_Hawks]

If Porter Jr. Proves himself to be completely healthy over the course of the next few weeks I'll consider this a 3-player draft (instead of a 2-player draft) with Bamba as an incredibly intriguing prospect right outside of that.

The one guy in looking to avoid is Bagley. I still can't tell if he's just out-athleticising and overpowering these college kids he's going up against while on a superior team than everyone else. If he is then he's in for a rude awakening in the NBA.


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Bagley scares me to. I want to like a guy that posts 30 and 20, but then the film shows a guy who isn't really popping off the screen with his skills. Just over-matching lesser guys.

I understand the injury concerns with Porter, but he's shown enough for me just with physical profile and abilities to warrant this a 3 man race. Btw is Doncic your other guy? If so, what makes him special. Asking for a friend..

[ATL Boy]

If Porter Jr. Proves himself to be completely healthy over the course of the next few weeks I'll consider this a 3-player draft (instead of a 2-player draft) with Bamba as an incredibly intriguing prospect right outside of that.

The one guy in looking to avoid is Bagley. I still can't tell if he's just out-athleticising and overpowering these college kids he's going up against while on a superior team than everyone else. If he is then he's in for a rude awakening in the NBA.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

Bagley scares me to. I want to like a guy that posts 30 and 20, but then the film shows a guy who isn't really popping off the screen with his skills. Just over-matching lesser guys.

I understand the injury concerns with Porter, but he's shown enough for me just with physical profile and abilities to warrant this a 3 man race. Btw is Doncic your other guy? If so, what makes him special. Asking for a friend..

I'm enamored with his technical skills and am impressed with the fact that he's putting up numbers as a key contributor in the second best basketball league on the planet, against seasoned veterans of the game. He also seems like he would be perfect in coach Bud's system.

Now, the lack of athleticism and speed has begun to worry me more than it did earlier in the season, and because of it I now have Ayton as my clear cut number 1, but if we put the right pieces around Doncic then I see him as a perennial all star.


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