Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

This kid...might be the one we've been waiting for:

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The consensus at the [Vegas] Showcase was that USC big man Onyeka Okongwu has played himself into real lottery consideration...scouts really buy into his mix of toughness, rebounding, rim-running, athleticism, and defense. They’ve also gotten great reports on his character and background.

Evaluators look at the impact Montrezl Harrell has made across the city for the Clippers, and believe that Okongwu possesses a similar brand of production and motor that should translate well offensively to the next level. And on defense, while Okongwu is a bit undersized, they love his ability to contest and block shots. They’d like to see him pass a bit more, but he’s currently averaging 17.7 points, nine rebounds and 3.2 blocks in 28 minutes per game. His 35.1 PER is currently second among all draft-eligible prospects behind Vernon Carey at Duke.

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

A guy who could really aid our defense and address the hole at backup PG:

Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State, PG, Sophomore)

Key stats: 17.3 PTS, 7.7 AST, 5.7 REB, 2.5 STL, 54.1 FG%, 42.4 3P%

With 79 assists, 26 turnovers and 25 steals through 10 games, Tyrese Haliburton continues to showcase the playmaking IQ and defensive anticipation that stood out at last summer's U19 World Cup.

The improved scoring should push him into the lottery mix. Averaging 17.3 points with a 65.3 true shooting percentage, Haliburton is making open threes while finding ways to compensate for his limited burst inside the arc.

At worst, [teams] will feel they're getting a terrific passer and ultra-efficient guard who can add value defensively.

What are the odds that we'll find success at backup pg with a rookie though?

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He'll only be a rookie for one season. But at his size with his playmaking and shooting, he could be a useful combo guard off the bench in the mold of Malcolm Brogdon.

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That's useful on the floor and in potential trade packages.

[King Ken]

This kid...might be the one we've been waiting for:

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My favorite prospect for the Hawks in this class.

[Jamaaliver]

Report: James Wiseman Signs With Agency, Officially Ending College Career

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James Wiseman has officially turned the page to the next stage of his basketball career.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Wiseman, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, has signed with Excel Sports for his professional representation, ending his college career. In doing so, he will start preparing for the 2020 draft.

Wiseman played three games for the Tigers, averaging nearly 20 points per game on 77% shooting from the field.

In joining Excel Sports, he joins an agency that represents a number of the league's top players, including Nikola Jokia, Kemba Walker, Kevin Love and Brandon Ingram.

SI.com

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

I don't like this mock at all.

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[Shooter Says]

I don't like this mock at all.

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Yeah no way I see us passing on Wiseman unless the mock drafter wants him going to his favorite team after the Hawks pick.

[jayu70]

I don't like this mock at all.

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Yeah no way I see us passing on Wiseman unless the mock drafter wants him going to his favorite team after the Hawks pick.

Yeah. This makes no sense. You just take Wiseman.

[Shooter Says]

I don't like this mock at all.

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Yeah no way I see us passing on Wiseman unless the mock drafter wants him going to his favorite team after the Hawks pick.

Yeah. This makes no sense. You just take Wiseman.

Agreed. There are 2 game changing non PG players in this draft - Edwards and Wiseman. We need to come away with one of them.

[Jamaaliver]

Iowa State MBB Analytics Report - Week Seven (12/23/19)

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Tyrese Haliburton’s scoring outbursts continued–as he finished with team hight 22 points, on a wildly efficient 8-12 from the field and 6-10 from behind the arc. The talented guard also dished out six assists, pulled in four rebounds, and he finished with three steals.

The Sophomore guard used the momentum of his most efficient game of the season, into boosting his name near the top of every major efficiency stat there is. After being unranked in all four categories, Haliburton jumped into the top 100 of offensive rating, effective field goal percentage, steal percentage, and true shooting percentage -– while also improving in offensive box plus minus, and assist rate. If player of the year awards were based on efficiency stats, Tyrese certainly has put his name in the ring as one of the best players in the country.

Cyclones Fansided

Tyrese Haliburton | Iowa State | Soph | PG | 6-5, 172

The Pelicans Hawks have an elite passer already in Lonzo Ball Trae Young, and could get another here in Iowa State product Tyrese Haliburton, one of the most sure-handed guards in this class. Haliburton has ranked in the top-15 in assist/turnover ratio his first two collegiate seasons, and is one of the best 3-point shooters inside the lottery. A perfect long-term fit alongside Zion Williamson John Collins who can set up teammates and knock down open shots.

CBS Sports

Another pass, dribble and shoot player to add to our collection.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

One player evaluators did note as having helped himself so far this season is Jaden McDaniels at Washington.

The 6-foot-10 forward has been terrific in all of the ways evaluators hoped to see through the first two months of his freshman season. He’s averaging 15.2 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Plus, unlike some of the more productive big men in the draft — including his teammate Isaiah Stewart — McDaniels plays a perimeter-oriented game that should translate well to the next level as long as he keeps adding to his frame and getting stronger. He’s hitting 37.5 percent from 3 and making free throws at a high clip. Despite a slight frame, scouts have been impressed with his ability to absorb contact and not get shoved away from the spots he wants to get to on the floor when he drives.

The biggest place scouts have been impressed with McDaniels, though, is on defense. Playing within Washington’s 2-3 zone, McDaniels’ ability to use his length and quickness in help defense in order to get deflections and cut off driving lanes has been really impressive.

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

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[shakes0]

I've seen Ant Edwards play 3-4 times this year and he's been hot garbage every single time.

[kg01]

I've seen Ant Edwards play 3-4 times this year and he's been hot garbage every single time.

If I say it, folks will call me a hater. The reality is neither he nor Wiseman are guarantees. Neither is gonna walk in and move the needle. They'll need multiple years of seasoning ... and then they might be as good as what we already have now.

Trade the pick, guys. Surely there's real help to be had.

[Jamaaliver]

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