2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Hazer]

Something to keep in mind with Cam as a Hawk: the “developmental” prowess of Coach El-P. Hand him a player with the measurables and form of Cam and he’ll
mold him into an All-Star.

I love the optimism. But it's a little over the top sometimes. We know very little just yet about what Pierce is capable of achieving. Give it a couple of years. Let's see if he can live up to the assistant coach rep. I'm encouraged. He impresses me as someone who knows what he's doing for the most part. I'll be especially watching to see if we improve on defense in Season 2 of the Pierce era, because everyone claimed he is an outstanding defensive coach.

I don’t consider how CLP helped turn around a disastrous start for Trae, how he helped elevate Collins into MIP candidate, how he coached G-League Huerter into a starter, how he turned Bembry into a legit utility man, and what he’s done for Len to be “over-the-top” optimism. It’s results. Agreed though, will take a couple more years of pencil before we can transcribe his coaching prowess into permanent ink. El-P’s 2018-19 “results” do give reason for optimism however

[Hazer]

Double post...

[Spud2nique]

Something to keep in mind with Cam as a Hawk: the “developmental” prowess of Coach El-P. Hand him a player with the measurables and form of Cam and he’ll
mold him into an All-Star.

I love the optimism. But it's a little over the top sometimes. We know very little just yet about what Pierce is capable of achieving. Give it a couple of years. Let's see if he can live up to the assistant coach rep. I'm encouraged. He impresses me as someone who knows what he's doing for the most part. I'll be especially watching to see if we improve on defense in Season 2 of the Pierce era, because everyone claimed he is an outstanding defensive coach.

I don’t consider how CLP helped turn around a disastrous start for Trae, how he helped elevate Collins into MIP candidate, how he coached G-League Huerter into a starter, how he turned Bembry into a legit utility man, and what he’s done for Len to be “over-the-top” optimism. It’s results. Agreed though, will take a couple more years of pencil before we can transcribe his coaching prowess into permanent ink. El-P’s 2018-19 “results” do give reason for optimism however

If ur gonna post it twice heck I’ll like it twice!

[King Ken]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

26 pounds lighter
6'6 ish
Doesn't shoot the ball anywhere near as good as TP
Lacks the form and slow shooting release isn't going to do him justice.
Laterally him and TP are similar even if he is a much more disciplined defender.

I genuinely believe TP is much better right now than Culver, especially at SF and probably will always be

[Spud2nique]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

26 pounds lighter
6'6 ish
Doesn't shoot the ball anywhere near as good as TP
Lacks the form and slow shooting release isn't going to do him justice.
Laterally him and TP are similar even if he is a much more disciplined defender.

I genuinely believe TP is much better right now than Culver, especially at SF and probably will always be

Ooh...tough to agree with this. In the end, I’m looking at these ratings for me..

Culver 86-94
Prince 78 (now) ceiling 82

Culver is going to be a lot better than Prince imo.

[Spud2nique]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

26 pounds lighter
6'6 ish
Doesn't shoot the ball anywhere near as good as TP
Lacks the form and slow shooting release isn't going to do him justice.
Laterally him and TP are similar even if he is a much more disciplined defender.

I genuinely believe TP is much better right now than Culver, especially at SF and probably will always be

Ooh...tough to agree with this. In the end, I’m looking at these ratings for me..

Culver 86-94
Prince 78 (now) ceiling 82

Culver is going to be a lot better than Prince imo.

By the way these were my rating but for some reference I just checked 2k player rating and they gave Prince a 77. Seems fair.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Something to keep in mind with Cam as a Hawk: the “developmental” prowess of Coach El-P. Hand him a player with the measurables and form of Cam and he’ll
mold him into an All-Star.

I love the optimism. But it's a little over the top sometimes. We know very little just yet about what Pierce is capable of achieving. Give it a couple of years. Let's see if he can live up to the assistant coach rep. I'm encouraged. He impresses me as someone who knows what he's doing for the most part. I'll be especially watching to see if we improve on defense in Season 2 of the Pierce era, because everyone claimed he is an outstanding defensive coach.

I don’t consider how CLP helped turn around a disastrous start for Trae...................

I'm open to your insider information on this, but I'll need a little more than just your inference that if a player gets better, it's because of his head coach... and, too, let's say we accept that assertion... then, why we shouldn't infer that if a player had a tough start, then consistency would demand we also attribute that outcome to the head coach's lack of coaching.

Rather, my insiders tell me that it was not Pierce but Young's natural evolution because of his own efforts. Which could be just as wrong as what your insiders tell you. Other insiders tell me that it was mainly the product of one of the assistants' work with Young, but again, that also could be wrong.

Bottom line, who's to say?

Answer: If you're into unicorns and rainbows, that frames your inclination. If you're not, it doesn't. There is not enough information to make a good assessment.

And the same reasoning and conclusion holds true for every other player you mentioned.

[Jamaaliver]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

Maaaaan. I’m really torn. There is something about Culver, a certain IT factor, that makes it scary to pass on him.

Then you got Cam though..

Scouts jobs aren’t easy that’s for sure.

How great is it that we realistically could nab both?!?

[Hazer]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

Maaaaan. I’m really torn. There is something about Culver, a certain IT factor, that makes it scary to pass on him.

Then you got Cam though..

Scouts jobs aren’t easy that’s for sure.

How great is it that we realistically could nab both?!?

If Hawks don’t bounce into the top 3 (Zion/Ja/RJ), that’s my hope: Cam and Culver, Porter in 2nd round.

[Hazer]

I love the optimism. But it's a little over the top sometimes. We know very little just yet about what Pierce is capable of achieving. Give it a couple of years. Let's see if he can live up to the assistant coach rep. I'm encouraged. He impresses me as someone who knows what he's doing for the most part. I'll be especially watching to see if we improve on defense in Season 2 of the Pierce era, because everyone claimed he is an outstanding defensive coach.

I don’t consider how CLP helped turn around a disastrous start for Trae...................

I'm open to your insider information on this, but I'll need a little more than just your inference that if a player gets better, it's because of his head coach... and, too, let's say we accept that assertion... then, why we shouldn't infer that if a player had a tough start, then consistency would demand we also attribute that outcome to the head coach's lack of coaching.

Rather, my insiders tell me that it was not Pierce but Young's natural evolution because of his own efforts. Which could be just as wrong as what your insiders tell you. Other insiders tell me that it was mainly the product of one of the assistants' work with Young, but again, that also could be wrong.

Bottom line, who's to say?

Answer: If you're into unicorns and rainbows, that frames your inclination. If you're not, it doesn't. There is not enough information to make a good assessment.

And the same reasoning and conclusion holds true for every other player you mentioned.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I see. A young, well-liked “players coach” with a reputation for development had nothing to do with with his young players’ development. 20 year old freshman and sophomores just magically morphed into superior versions of themselves well ahead of schedule. Seems legit, like magic! Unicorn and rainbow magic

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I've granted that I like what I see.

But we're not talking about an experienced head coach here. We're talking about a rookie HC, who like practically EVERY other assistant who got a HC gig, had a "good reputation." Which, like the word "potential," "good reputation" and all the other spin just means you haven't done anything yet.

And yet, how many more rookie HCs eventually prove all that initial positive fluff to be, in fact, fluff... and lose their jobs eventually, never to be seen in the main seat again... ?

It's not wrong to say, "I need more information."

And it's not even clear why it would be important to try to discredit that position. Is it really that bad of an indictment of Pierce? Maybe if you're Lloyd Pierce's mom, it's hurtful to read that, but otherwise... ?

Btw... "20 year old freshman and sophomores just magically morphed into superior versions of themselves well ahead of schedule"... so, in your world I take it, it isn't all that common that young players at that age improve?

Okay. Appears I have so much to learn yet about that world.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

5. Atlanta Hawks

De'Andre Hunter | F | Virginia

There isn’t a center like John Collins succeeding in the playoffs. Offense-first guys who are smaller than their opponents have a tough time deterring shots in the paint and their own looks don’t come as open as they do in the regular season. Collins blocked a lot of shots in his sophomore season with the Hawks but still projects to need a big, defensive-minded 4-man next to him long-term.

Hunter is the best such option in this draft. He is 6-foot-7 and strong, blocked 2.4 percent of opponent shot attempts last season and moved well within Virginia’s pack-line defense over two seasons with the Cavaliers. Virginia may guard unconventionally compared with their college counterparts but blitzing so far out on pick-and-rolls that back-line rotations look like switches makes for great preparation for how prospects will defend in the NBA. Hunter is fairly slow compared with elite NBA defenders, but gets to the right spot consistently and creates turnovers.

The Hawks would be well-suited to switch more as they get closer to contention, taking advantage of Collins’ quickness and the size of wings like De’Andre Bembry and Kevin Huerter. If they do so, Hunter’s versatility would become a real weapon.

Taking Hunter wouldn’t be a departure from the thinking behind others recent decisions by the Hawks. They are clearly prioritizing shooting at every position and have two-way players who can space the floor in the draft the past two years. Hunter would be another in that mold, having shot 44 percent from 3 as a sophomore in addition to his size and defensive prowess.



9. Atlanta Hawks

Sekou Doumbouya | F | Limoges


By the time it’s all said and done, Doumbouya may end up being a top-five player in this class. The coaches at CSP Limoges have trusted the Guinean forward more as the season goes on and he makes the most of his minutes, flashing a different skill every few minutes on the court at just 18 years old.

This isn’t a Luka Doncic situation where the guy is making reads years ahead of his age, but Doumbouya is dominating in the ways you would hope to see from an 18-year-old. Projecting reasonable growth and comfort with his game over time, we could be looking at a legitimate NBA-caliber starter who is a mismatch on both ends of the floor.

Doumbouya is excellent in transition, able to finish and create. Against bigger, slower players, you’ll see Doumbouya straight up beat guys down the floor. But he also has a size and physicality in his game that helps him create transition turnovers by ripping the ball out of opponents’ hands.

The problem is these things come in flashes. It’s not Kawhi Leonard turning into a walking turnover when he’s engaged on defense. Doumbouya will do something special maybe once per game — he will need a great staff to help him acclimate to America and develop his game.

That’s where Atlanta comes in. He would be a nice addition to their group because of his size, defensive upside and reasonable shooting ability, and they have dedicated themselves to maximizing young players.

[Spud2nique]

Whose pumped for the NFL draft???? (Yes Jamaal I’m heading over to the NFL realgm board but was just wondering).

As a Lions fan:

1. Trade down from #8

2. White or Bush at LB to team with Jarrad Davis.

3. Ed Oliver (doubt he’s still on the board at 8)

In the end, we are the lions..

[Hazer]

Read on Twitter

5. Atlanta Hawks

De'Andre Hunter | F | Virginia

There isn’t a center like John Collins succeeding in the playoffs. Offense-first guys who are smaller than their opponents have a tough time deterring shots in the paint and their own looks don’t come as open as they do in the regular season. Collins blocked a lot of shots in his sophomore season with the Hawks but still projects to need a big, defensive-minded 4-man next to him long-term.

Hunter is the best such option in this draft. He is 6-foot-7 and strong, blocked 2.4 percent of opponent shot attempts last season and moved well within Virginia’s pack-line defense over two seasons with the Cavaliers. Virginia may guard unconventionally compared with their college counterparts but blitzing so far out on pick-and-rolls that back-line rotations look like switches makes for great preparation for how prospects will defend in the NBA. Hunter is fairly slow compared with elite NBA defenders, but gets to the right spot consistently and creates turnovers.

The Hawks would be well-suited to switch more as they get closer to contention, taking advantage of Collins’ quickness and the size of wings like De’Andre Bembry and Kevin Huerter. If they do so, Hunter’s versatility would become a real weapon.

Taking Hunter wouldn’t be a departure from the thinking behind others recent decisions by the Hawks. They are clearly prioritizing shooting at every position and have two-way players who can space the floor in the draft the past two years. Hunter would be another in that mold, having shot 44 percent from 3 as a sophomore in addition to his size and defensive prowess.



9. Atlanta Hawks

Sekou Doumbouya | F | Limoges


By the time it’s all said and done, Doumbouya may end up being a top-five player in this class. The coaches at CSP Limoges have trusted the Guinean forward more as the season goes on and he makes the most of his minutes, flashing a different skill every few minutes on the court at just 18 years old.

This isn’t a Luka Doncic situation where the guy is making reads years ahead of his age, but Doumbouya is dominating in the ways you would hope to see from an 18-year-old. Projecting reasonable growth and comfort with his game over time, we could be looking at a legitimate NBA-caliber starter who is a mismatch on both ends of the floor.

Doumbouya is excellent in transition, able to finish and create. Against bigger, slower players, you’ll see Doumbouya straight up beat guys down the floor. But he also has a size and physicality in his game that helps him create transition turnovers by ripping the ball out of opponents’ hands.

The problem is these things come in flashes. It’s not Kawhi Leonard turning into a walking turnover when he’s engaged on defense. Doumbouya will do something special maybe once per game — he will need a great staff to help him acclimate to America and develop his game.

That’s where Atlanta comes in. He would be a nice addition to their group because of his size, defensive upside and reasonable shooting ability, and they have dedicated themselves to maximizing young players.

Errrrr, John Collins is our PF. Hunter would primarily play SF. Has this writer even watched the Hawks? Alex Len on line 2...

[Hazer]

I've granted that I like what I see.

But we're not talking about an experienced head coach here. We're talking about a rookie HC, who like practically EVERY other assistant who got a HC gig, had a "good reputation." Which, like the word "potential," "good reputation" and all the other spin just means you haven't done anything yet.

And yet, how many more rookie HCs eventually prove all that initial positive fluff to be, in fact, fluff... and lose their jobs eventually, never to be seen in the main seat again... ?

It's not wrong to say, "I need more information."

And it's not even clear why it would be important to try to discredit that position. Is it really that bad of an indictment of Pierce? Maybe if you're Lloyd Pierce's mom, it's hurtful to read that, but otherwise... ?

Btw... "20 year old freshman and sophomores just magically morphed into superior versions of themselves well ahead of schedule"... so, in your world I take it, it isn't all that common that young players at that age improve?

Okay. Appears I have so much to learn yet about that world.

CLP was assistant coach in charge of player development for Cavs '07-'10. LBJ's Semis/ECFs/Finals teams. James has been quoted as saying Pierce was his "favorite coach" in the NBA. Coached Steph in GS in his early years, assistant coach, head of player development, see Steph Curry, he's currently a "thing." Grizzlies assistant coach in charge of player development 2011-13, Conley/Gasol/Gay. Assistant Coach in charge of player development, 2013-18, Philadelphia 76ers, see "The Process", also refernce 2019 EC Semifinalists (so far). 2018-19, Head Coach Atlanta Hawks, see advanced/accelerated development of Young/Huerter/Collins/Len/Bembry. This is very UNlike "practically EVERY other assistant who got a HC gig", no spin, no fluff. Young players, at that age, improve with great coaching. Without it, they develop bad habits and flounder and/or stagnate.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I've granted that I like what I see.

But we're not talking about an experienced head coach here. We're talking about a rookie HC, who like practically EVERY other assistant who got a HC gig, had a "good reputation." Which, like the word "potential," "good reputation" and all the other spin just means you haven't done anything yet.

And yet, how many more rookie HCs eventually prove all that initial positive fluff to be, in fact, fluff... and lose their jobs eventually, never to be seen in the main seat again... ?

It's not wrong to say, "I need more information."

And it's not even clear why it would be important to try to discredit that position. Is it really that bad of an indictment of Pierce? Maybe if you're Lloyd Pierce's mom, it's hurtful to read that, but otherwise... ?

Btw... "20 year old freshman and sophomores just magically morphed into superior versions of themselves well ahead of schedule"... so, in your world I take it, it isn't all that common that young players at that age improve?

Okay. Appears I have so much to learn yet about that world.

CLP was assistant coach in charge of player development for Cavs '07-'10. LBJ's Semis/ECFs/Finals teams. James has been quoted as saying Pierce was his "favorite coach" in the NBA.

I believe if you look again, the more precise wording was "one of my favorite coaches." And unless there was some follow-up I haven't seen, LBJ did not indicate how many favorite coaches he's had.

Coached Steph in GS in his early years, assistant coach, head of player development, see Steph Curry, he's currently a "thing."

I think this illustrates perfectly a previous point... you seem to be a little easily persuaded that just because a person is on a team's staff, and he has the words "player development" on his business card, that that makes him responsible in some way for a player's improvement.

In this case, as far as I can tell, Steph Curry has never attributed any of his progress to Lloyd Pierce, but correct me if I missed it.

Grizzlies assistant coach in charge of player development 2011-13, Conley/Gasol/Gay.

Same.

I can find six players who aren't just merely "associated" with Pierce, but who themselves have spoken about Pierce's positive impact... Wayne Ellington... Ish Smith... Isaiah Canaan... Robert Covington... Danny Green... and Jeremy Lin, after both were drawing paychecks from the Atlanta Hawks.

I'm sure there probably are others.

But whether there are or aren't, it's actually beside the point.

The point is, the evolution of this team will either support the assertion of Pierce as a great developer of talent, or it won't... the early returns are promising... the early returns are not anywhere close to conclusive... and no amount of pre-hire hype about the new guy can possibly tell us anything but that he has some people who like him.

[Hazer]

I've granted that I like what I see.

But we're not talking about an experienced head coach here. We're talking about a rookie HC, who like practically EVERY other assistant who got a HC gig, had a "good reputation." Which, like the word "potential," "good reputation" and all the other spin just means you haven't done anything yet.

And yet, how many more rookie HCs eventually prove all that initial positive fluff to be, in fact, fluff... and lose their jobs eventually, never to be seen in the main seat again... ?

It's not wrong to say, "I need more information."

And it's not even clear why it would be important to try to discredit that position. Is it really that bad of an indictment of Pierce? Maybe if you're Lloyd Pierce's mom, it's hurtful to read that, but otherwise... ?

Btw... "20 year old freshman and sophomores just magically morphed into superior versions of themselves well ahead of schedule"... so, in your world I take it, it isn't all that common that young players at that age improve?

Okay. Appears I have so much to learn yet about that world.

CLP was assistant coach in charge of player development for Cavs '07-'10. LBJ's Semis/ECFs/Finals teams. James has been quoted as saying Pierce was his "favorite coach" in the NBA.

I believe if you look again, the more precise wording was "one of my favorite coaches." And unless there was some follow-up I haven't seen, LBJ did not indicate how many favorite coaches he's had.

Coached Steph in GS in his early years, assistant coach, head of player development, see Steph Curry, he's currently a "thing."

I think this illustrates perfectly a previous point... you seem to be a little easily persuaded that just because a person is on a team's staff, and he has the words "player development" on his business card, that that makes him responsible in some way for a player's improvement.

In this case, as far as I can tell, Steph Curry has never attributed any of his progress to Lloyd Pierce, but correct me if I missed it.

Grizzlies assistant coach in charge of player development 2011-13, Conley/Gasol/Gay.

Same.

I can find six players who aren't just merely "associated" with Pierce, but who themselves have spoken about Pierce's positive impact... Wayne Ellington... Ish Smith... Isaiah Canaan... Robert Covington... Danny Green... and Jeremy Lin, after both were drawing paychecks from the Atlanta Hawks.

I'm sure there probably are others.

But whether there are or aren't, it's actually beside the point.

The point is, the evolution of this team will either support the assertion of Pierce as a great developer of talent, or it won't... the early returns are promising... the early returns are not anywhere close to conclusive... and no amount of pre-hire hype about the new guy can possibly tell us anything but that he has some people who like him.

Okay

Watch on YouTube

[Spud2nique]

CLP was assistant coach in charge of player development for Cavs '07-'10. LBJ's Semis/ECFs/Finals teams. James has been quoted as saying Pierce was his "favorite coach" in the NBA.

I believe if you look again, the more precise wording was "one of my favorite coaches." And unless there was some follow-up I haven't seen, LBJ did not indicate how many favorite coaches he's had.

Coached Steph in GS in his early years, assistant coach, head of player development, see Steph Curry, he's currently a "thing."

I think this illustrates perfectly a previous point... you seem to be a little easily persuaded that just because a person is on a team's staff, and he has the words "player development" on his business card, that that makes him responsible in some way for a player's improvement.

In this case, as far as I can tell, Steph Curry has never attributed any of his progress to Lloyd Pierce, but correct me if I missed it.

Grizzlies assistant coach in charge of player development 2011-13, Conley/Gasol/Gay.

Same.

I can find six players who aren't just merely "associated" with Pierce, but who themselves have spoken about Pierce's positive impact... Wayne Ellington... Ish Smith... Isaiah Canaan... Robert Covington... Danny Green... and Jeremy Lin, after both were drawing paychecks from the Atlanta Hawks.

I'm sure there probably are others.

But whether there are or aren't, it's actually beside the point.

The point is, the evolution of this team will either support the assertion of Pierce as a great developer of talent, or it won't... the early returns are promising... the early returns are not anywhere close to conclusive... and no amount of pre-hire hype about the new guy can possibly tell us anything but that he has some people who like him.

Okay

Watch on YouTube

Love that scene.

[Hazer]

I believe if you look again, the more precise wording was "one of my favorite coaches." And unless there was some follow-up I haven't seen, LBJ did not indicate how many favorite coaches he's had.



I think this illustrates perfectly a previous point... you seem to be a little easily persuaded that just because a person is on a team's staff, and he has the words "player development" on his business card, that that makes him responsible in some way for a player's improvement.

In this case, as far as I can tell, Steph Curry has never attributed any of his progress to Lloyd Pierce, but correct me if I missed it.



Same.

I can find six players who aren't just merely "associated" with Pierce, but who themselves have spoken about Pierce's positive impact... Wayne Ellington... Ish Smith... Isaiah Canaan... Robert Covington... Danny Green... and Jeremy Lin, after both were drawing paychecks from the Atlanta Hawks.

I'm sure there probably are others.

But whether there are or aren't, it's actually beside the point.

The point is, the evolution of this team will either support the assertion of Pierce as a great developer of talent, or it won't... the early returns are promising... the early returns are not anywhere close to conclusive... and no amount of pre-hire hype about the new guy can possibly tell us anything but that he has some people who like him.

Okay

Watch on YouTube

Love that scene.

The best. Actually only wanted to use the last 1 second “okay”, but this board’s code doesn’t allow partial YouTube clip posts, would only accept full clip. Now go get your effing shine box

[_s_t_u_r_t_]