Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

I think we need bigs more...I'd like you to focus your efforts there.

Thanks.

I aim to please:

Center No. 1: Onyeka Okongwu (USC, Freshman)

This early, the sample size and lack of competition would usually cause hesitation before making such a drastic change to a prospect's evaluation and ranking. But Okongwu has been too convincing.

At 6'9", 245 pounds, Okongwu has unleashed a combination of strength and quickness that's translating to high-percentage finishes and putbacks. His motor also creates opportunities at the rim.

Flashes of skill have given Okongwu an extra push up the rankings. He's delivered numerous pretty post moves, showing ambidexterity and a slippery spin move. Though he uses his jump shot sparingly, his three makes and 6-of-7 performance on free throws highlight encouraging touch.

After he blocked eight shots during USC's opener, it became obvious his defensive upside was also exciting. Okongwu's length, aggressiveness and foot speed have led to rejections near the rim and away from it. He's blocked shots guarding on the ball and off it while anchoring the paint in rim protection.

He hasn't faced anyone physically equipped to match up yet, and he can still be somewhat choppy. His one-on-one game might not look as smooth once USC starts facing stiffer competition. And for an NBA center who won't be interchangeable as a 4, he'd ideally be taller than 6'9".

But Okongwu clearly compensates for his lack of polish and limitations in other ways. So far among centers, he's demonstrated the most promising mix of tools, athleticism, budding skill and defensive impact.



Center No. 3: Isaiah Stewart (Washington, Freshman)

At 6'9", 250 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan and shredded arms, he is effective due to his presence around the basket as a low-post scorer, offensive rebounder and enforcer.

He's 12-of-15 on post-ups through just two games at Washington, per Synergy Sports. He's a high-percentage option on the block, using his power to gain position and plow through defenders. His skill set is basic but effective with short over-the-shoulder hooks. And he can utilize different footwork maneuvers like up-and-unders and pivots to create more separation.

Stewart should also develop into a force on the offensive glass given his strength, length and motor.

Defensively, Stewart clearly has the build to hold his ground in the paint, while his long arms have already blocked eight shots. He can be disruptive and resistant around the basket, though it's tougher to picture him as a switch defender against wings and guards.

His game and scouting profile are fairly well-defined at this point. That may change if a consistent jump shot surfaces during the season.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

^cont.

Power Forward No. 1: Jaden McDaniels (Washington, Freshman)

Few prospects pop under the NBA scouting lens like Jaden McDaniels, who wows with 6'9" size and a wing's skill set. He plays small forward for Washington, but his ideal position at the next level will be the 4 (if he can add strength), where his perimeter game and quickness can create more of an advantage.

McDaniels got off to fast start by acing his debut against Baylor, finishing with 18 points—on an array of flashy scoring moves—plus encouraging displays of defensive quickness and playmaking.

He can execute some special skills at his height, including the ability to create and shoot off the dribble. He's already flashed a nasty behind-the-back, change-of-direction move into a pull-up and runner. And he's hit a three-pointer in each of his first two games.

A grab-and-go threat, McDaniels will have the green light to push the ball off defensive rebounds. With seven assists, he's delivered some impressive passes by both playmaking and catching and reacting.

He's blocked two shots and collected three steals. His foot speed, closeout potential and switchability are evident.


Power Forward No. 3: Obi Toppin (Dayton, Sophomore)

After ranking in the top 10 percentiles last year off post-ups, transition, cuts, rolls, putbacks and general finishes around the basket, Dayton sophomore Obi Toppin started this season on breakout watch.

He delivered during his 2019-20 debut with 29 points and 12 rebounds, and he racked up six dunks in that game against Indiana State. His identity revolves around athleticism for a 6'9", 220-pound big. His quickness to the rim and ability to play high above it consistently translate to easy baskets off full-court runs, off-ball actions and offensive rebounds.

He's also flashed promising touch with his hook shots and left hand off back-to-the-basket moves. Late signs of a jump shot last year created more intrigue, as he made 11 of 21 threes and a respectable 71.3 percent of his free throws in 2018-19.


Small Forward No. 2: Isaac Okoro (Auburn, Freshman)

Isaac Okoro won't have a set NBA position. He'll play both forward spots, depending on lineups and matchups. But he could hold the most value locking down wings, a potential signature specialty.

The immediate draw for Auburn's freshman stems from his defensive potential and versatility, which is fueled by a 215-pound frame, strong legs, quick feet and toughness. He's already spent time guarding ball-handlers, forwards and bigs, showing the ability to hold his ground inside and defend the point of attack.

Okoro gives the impression he could compete physically in the NBA at 18 years old.

His offense is further behind. He isn't a major scoring threat out of isolation or ball-screen situations. He's a capable set shooter, just not a high-volume one.

Though he lacks explosiveness, he can convert at tough angles and after contact; he clearly possesses the unselfishness and vision to find shooters and cutters after making a catch inside the defense.

His game isn't flashy or reflective of a future All-Star. However, Okoro's two-way versatility will work well in today's NBA. His high likelihood of being effective defensively, intangibles and signs of developing skill should help him build a solid top-20 case for every type of team.

[Jamaaliver]

I think this is the guy I'm most looking for us to grab next summer.

(Though it seems unlikely. We traded away Luka last summer, we bypassed Sekou and Goga this summer, so perhaps Travis isn't the biggest fan of Euro players.)

Read on Twitter

Spoiler:

Scouts have focused their attention on watching Avdija against Israeli league competition, as he has shown great versatility, averaging 14.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per 40 minutes. He has been efficient, shooting 61% from 2-point range and 36% from 3, though his continued struggles at the free throw line (54%) leave questions about his evolution as a shooter long-term.

Avdija is not playing the same point-forward role we saw in his MVP performance with the Israeli national team at the U20 European Championship this past summer, but it hasn't been difficult to see flashes of his body control, court vision, creativity and touch. Opportunities to play pick-and-roll or go one-on-one have been rare, as he's mostly asked to operate within the offense -- something that is likely good for his long-term development but perhaps not his short-term appeal. He has demonstrated a level of athleticism blocking shots and playing above the rim that he simply didn't have a year ago, and it's difficult to not be impressed by his all-around skill level, versatility and feel at 6-foot-9, especially with his added level of intensity on defense.

Deni Avdija has it all: Pro basketball genes, the love of his Israeli countrymen and an NBA future.

At first, Avdija downplays the burden that comes with being the greatest prospect in the history of his country. "I don't feel pressure off the court," he says. What the label means most, he adds, is that "I have to keep working." (Maccabi players and staff speak to each other in English; Avdija is basically fluent.) He believes all of it, everything in his life, is an "honor" and a "blessing," and he's just "so lucky." Standard athlete-speak. But every now and then he lets his guard down, just a bit; every now and then he allows himself to deviate from the script...

"Seeing that place always makes me feel good," he says. He points out that it's where he won this past summer's FIBA U20 European Championship. That night—and all tournament—the 6'9" Avdija was relentless. Attacking the paint, effortlessly pulling up from 25 feet, flinging pinpoint passes across the court. "You could see the outlines of a player who could be special," one NBA scout said. He led Israel to a gold medal and was named tournament MVP. It was a special moment for him, as a basketball player and an Israeli citizen. But there's another reason the game meant so much to him: It represented everything he's trying to achieve.

He scored 23 points that night. Dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds too. After the game, a throng of chanting fans greeted him outside of the arena. Draped in blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag, the group surrounded Deni and hoisted him into the air. He thinks about this moment a lot. It represents everything he wants, everything he's capable of. "The greatest moment of my life," he says. Not only did the nerves not hold him back, but he also believes they helped sharpen his focus.

"That was the best I've ever played."

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

James Wiseman has shown enough as a finisher and rim protector with skill upside to warrant consideration at the top of the draft, especially given the scarcity of bigs. He's one of the safest prospects in this crop, and it's hard to imagine him going outside the top three.

If there's one college prospect who could take over the top spot while Wiseman and Memphis push for his reinstatement, it's Georgia's Anthony Edwards, whom I would rank ahead of Wiseman (but behind LaMelo Ball). Should Edwards show out at the Maui Jim Invitational later this month, he could start to generate buzz as the top player overall. But Wiseman's freakish tools, agility and shooting potential should keep him high in the draft, regardless of how long he's out.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

...what do you think about LaMelo Ball for this team. Long and athletic, but gives this team its desperately needed second playmaker behind Trae. Do you think Atlanta would consider him or does he bring too much “baggage” with him? — Andy L.

“So, my immediate reaction to Trae/LaMelo in the backcourt is probably no. In large part, that’s because there’s only one ball to go around. In the case of both Young and Ball, their best skill is their ability to break down defenders with a ball-screen and create plays via the pass out of it. Both of these guys are primary lead ballhandlers. By drafting Ball and placing him next to Young, you’d be taking the ball out of Melo’s hands more and asking to play a secondary playmaker role. That would, realistically, artificially deflate his value because you’d be having him do less of what he does best. Therefore, if you’re going to put someone in a secondary playmaking role next to Young as a primary playmaker, you’d probably want someone whose skills translate a bit more into an off-ball role so that you can get the most out of that guy. In large part, next to Young, I think the Hawks will want their secondary playmaker to be able to shoot it. That’ll open up more space for Young, and will help the offense flow a bit better. If there is one concern about Ball on offense, it’s the consistency of the jumper and the shot selection decision-making. And defensively, there is a real chance that a backcourt of Young and Ball would be an abject disaster.

“Ultimately, I think a big part of this is that I don’t evaluate Ball as being the best player available in this class. Some scouts around the league certainly are there. But I’m not quite there yet, at least. And yet, if the Hawks are one of those teams to think Ball is just that special, I think there is kind of an interesting argument for taking him and just rolling with it. Part of such a high-level evaluation of Ball would revolve around believing that his natural touch will allow him to become a good shooter in time. That would allow him to slide into more of a secondary creator role. There is a reasonable case for such an argument. Additionally, I’m a big fan of teams that just have a ton of really strong decision-makers. Getting a lot of players who make decisions split-seconds faster than their opposition is a real marginal advantage league-wide. In Ball and Young, the Hawks would basically have two basketball savants at their disposal creating offense all over the floor for their teammates.

“That argument is somewhat compelling to me, and if the Hawks ended up somewhere in the fifth-through-eighth range and Ball was still on the board, I’d get just trying to stack talent and seeing what happens. But if they end up higher than that, I think there are probably better options for them.”

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

NBA Draft Stock Watch: Five Freshman Playing Their Way Into the One-and-Done Picture

College basketball's freshman class appears to be a much stronger group than expected. At the start of the season, these five players are trending upward going into the 2020 NBA Draft

...one early trend that should offer a degree of relief is the fact that the current college freshman class has by and large performed well. At this point, it’s fair to expect that talented underclassmen on the cusp of the draft will test the waters, given that they’re permitted to sign with agents and still return to college with little to no consequence.

And with that in mind, here are five freshmen playing their way into the one-and-done picture.

Isaac Okoro, Auburn

Spoiler:

Watching Okoro play in high school, there was little question he possessed the physical traits to play in the NBA. He has always been an impactful defender on the perimeter, with a great build and substantial physical strength—he’s now listed at 6’6” and 225 pounds. For a player his size, Okoro is unusually light on his feet, capable of changing directions in pursuit, disrupting plays with his instincts, and simply occupying space from a visual perspective that takes away options for whoever he’s guarding. It’s no surprise that he’s immediately thrived within an athletic, high-pressure Auburn defense. His engine has been running at a high level each game.

Still, those were elements of his skill set that always made sense. It’s Okoro’s quality on the offensive end that’s accelerating his timeline to the pros. A series of impressive performances (albeit against inferior competition) have showcased a decent level of decision-making competence and maturity. Okoro has been opportunistic and effective attacking the basket, shooting 71.8% on two-point attempts and playing with a degree of confidence and self-awareness when it comes to shot selection. He’s strong and explosive getting downhill. Conversely, he’s not a great jump shooter, having made just 2-of-11 threes and 10-of-17 free throws through five games. Still, the simple fact he’s not a lost cause in that area helps supplement his other strengths.

As NBA teams continue on a constant search for impactful, versatile defenders, the stuff Okoro brings to the table vibes nicely. And as more highly-ranked freshman wings continue to struggle out of the gate, he stands to gain greatly this season, particularly if he can iron out some of the shooting concerns. He doesn’t figure to be at Auburn long, as things stand.

Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Spoiler:

Okongwu enjoyed a highly successful career at Chino Hills, where he started for four seasons, won three state titles and overlapped with the Ball brothers, building a reputation as an extremely productive rebounder and dominant force within five feet of the basket. Through his first four college games, even against inferior competition, it’s extremely obvious that his distinct strengths translate in college, and that they bode well for his chances at finding an NBA role sooner than later. Low-maintenance bigs who are willing to rim-run, rebound, finish and protect the basket are always in high demand, particularly so with the way the league is trending. There’s little question Okongwu should be able to do all those things at a high level.

Listed at 6’9”, Okongwu won’t be the most physically imposing or most skilled center available, but at some point his sheer productivity will speak for itself. He’s explosive off the floor, leaning on unusually quick second-and-third jumps in combination with great hands and long arms to win rebounds amid chaos. Okongwu will chase down balls outside his area, alter shots and catch lobs, and while he doesn’t boast great versatility in terms of role, he’s the rare big who makes that type of impact natively, without ever needing to be fed touches. It wouldn’t be a shock if he led the country in rebounding. There’s nothing supremely nuanced about his game—he just gets it done. Teams will have to weigh how much room for growth there is here, but even without an added long-term skill component or a consistent jumper, Okongwu already has the basic tools that point to a useful role, particularly if utilized in the right system. This feels like a no-brainer.

Jahmi’us Ramsey, Texas Tech

Spoiler:

With an NBA-type build at 6’4”, appealing toughness and a strong capacity to score, Ramsey was an obvious immediate-impact prospect coming into the season. Over the summer, he scored 44 points in an exhibition game in the Bahamas against Serbian talent factory Mega Leks, a fairly convincing bread crumb that he might be Texas Tech’s leading scorer. And, well, nothing he’s done against (clears throat) Eastern Illinois, Bethune Cookman and Houston Baptist suggests otherwise. But Ramsey’s skill set, build and intangibles create a degree of floor that seems likely to hold up over the course of the season, and he should be considered squarely on the one-and-done map at this point as a utilitarian two-guard who can fit neatly into a range of lineups. His strengths should translate somewhat cleanly at the next level.

Most impressive in the early going has been Ramsey’s capacity to catch and shoot, as he’s hit 7-of-13 threes with a clean, quick release. As long as he’s able to keep up a strong clip, it sets him up to effectively attack closeouts—he doesn’t have a particularly creative handle, but he’s comfortable going downhill on a line, knows where he’s effective and how to use his size on the interior. Ramsey is capable of some on-ball playmaking, but projects best in a secondary role long-term, and has the chops to contribute in that way off one or two dribbles. He plays an appealing, cool-headed style of offense, and to this point hasn’t had to hijack the offense at all in order to produce. Defensively, he’s big and long enough to match up with taller wing players, if not laterally quick enough to stick with all smaller, quicker guards. He’s racked up steals and rebounds by simple dint of playing hard. His overall level of poise so far points to the fact he may be ready ahead of schedule.

SI.com

[Jamaaliver]

Deni Avdija Scouting Report

Overall Outlook:

Avdija’s size can only improve, and he’s already demonstrated superior IQ levels, reaction times, and “feel” compared to many of the NBA’s long-term vets. If he’s able to see natural progression in his off-the-dribble scoring and can steady his jump shot percentages, Deni can quickly and easily evolve into a strong Secondary Creator type who provides supplemental all-around production. He may not be at the top of my list in the upcoming NBA draft, but he’s certainly worth strong consideration.



Offense

Pluses

• Absurd passing ability for his age. Enormous transition threat, catalyzed by his ability to make instant reads following the defensive rebound–here he can thread the needle long-distance, or utilize his entire body to fire missiles from the length of the court. Hits the skip pass with regularity. Passes out of the post comfortably. Habitually hits the roller in stride. Passing is backed with desirable overall velocity, featuring excellent accuracy to hit his shooters right in the pocket
• Plus-level handle, especially at his height of 6’7.5″(?). Comfortably involves the left hand. Has flashed some advanced dribble-moves in traffic, however seldom seen. Throws out low-sitting rapid-fire dribbles which often assist in step-back creation
• Projects to be an outstanding cutter in the right circumstances. Immediately recognizes defensive give and quickly slides into the lane to exploit. Throws in fakes off-ball. Overall potential here is upped by his quick acceleration rate
• Legitimate equity as both and off- and on-ball scorer. This is largely thanks to his size paired with solid fundamentals, coordination levels, and feel. May not excel in any one particular facet of scoring, but shows talent around the basket, in the pick-and-roll, and in spotting up alike (has exhibited the ability to pull up from NBA 3P-range off the dribble, while incorporating step-backs)

Minuses

• Can improve drastically as a finisher. Struggles to get lift in the lane (note a curious affinity for a right-footed leap); pinballs between his opponents as his strength levels don’t allow for any separation. Demonstrates craft and touch, but the non-existence of a left hand hurts his dynamism here
• In-between game is lacking. Evidence of a dribble pull-up is virtually nonexistent; floaters are rarely accessed. Does not face up following the entry pass
• Has shown understanding of how to seal off weak side help rotation, but has close to zero interest in screen-setting for teammates

Spoiler:

Defense

Pluses

• Size and lateral speed transect at a point that give upside for three-position defensive versatility. While revealing some signs of stiffness in a stance and with sudden East-West shifts, shows decent lateral speed for size
• Isn’t an above-the-rim rebounder, nor is he especially physical on the glass, but demonstrates generally good feel here. Size will also help rack up numbers when matched with smaller guards of a similar prototype
• Excellent reaction time: deflections, loose balls, incoming opposition

Minuses

• Too often seen using arms to reach/hold after the initial couple steps while moving laterally–this invites fouls and blow-bys. Would hope for a cleaner transition from a lateral slide to a turn-and-run
• Needs to do a much better job of monitoring weak side activity and with rotating in accordance
• Doesn’t have the bulk to bang with post players

The Stepien

[shakes0]

Got my first look at Ant Edwards last night and first impression is that he sucks. Was pretty much invisible and Obi Toppin was clearly the best player on the court. Edwards wasn't evne the best Georgia freshman on the court.

[Jamaaliver]

Got my first look at Ant Edwards last night and first impression is that he sucks. Was pretty much invisible and Obi Toppin was clearly the best player on the court. Edwards wasn't evne the best Georgia freshman on the court.

Sounds like you simply watched the wrong game:

Read on Twitter

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[atlantabbq99]

I thought the Hawks could make a play for #8 in the east this year with the improvements of Trae and Collins, but it looks like that is not going to happen this year.

I'm not upset about it either, I'm good with getting another lottery pick and with the new system the Hawks have a good chance at getting a top 3 pick.

Looks like Ant Man and Wise could be in the mix for the Hawks in June. Wise seems like the perfect big you can pair up with Trae and Collins, but with the emergence of Luka and Tatum, guard play is so important now, Edwards might be the way to go and try to guild an ATL version of the Splash Brothers.

[shakes0]

Got my first look at Ant Edwards last night and first impression is that he sucks. Was pretty much invisible and Obi Toppin was clearly the best player on the court. Edwards wasn't evne the best Georgia freshman on the court.

Sounds like you simply watched the wrong game:

Read on Twitter

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

for sure, or at least the wrong half. So far in Hawaii he's been pure garbage for 3 halves and amazeballs for 1 half. It will be interesting to see if he can find some consistency this season.

[CP War Hawks]

Wouldn't mind Tre Jones with the Nets pick or 2nd rounder. I like the defense behind Trae. Somebody list the defensive rankings for points and combos. I'd love to fill that role with one of the latter two picks.

This draft is shaping up to be a near identical one to 2019 as a two man draft. Wouldn't hesitate to pick Edwards over Wiseman for this team. FA has enough bigs to serve the team well and you need to use the cap space on one of them.

Trae - Teague?
Antman - Huerter
Hunter - Reddish
Collins - Parker?
Ibaka/Harrell? - Bruno

That's a very fun team to follow right there. Not holding my breath getting a top two pick, but there are still some nice 2 guards throughout this draft.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[EazyRoc]

I told y’all months ago that Lamelo passed the eye test. He has that “it” factor and should translate very well to the pros.

[Jamaaliver]

Would Travis have the guts to trade down again from the top-3 to gain more draft picks?

Read on Twitter