Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[macd-gm]

So are Bridges and Donic the top prospects in terms of wing scorers?

[Jamaaliver]

So are Bridges and Donic the top prospects in terms of wing scorers?

Doncic: yes

Bridges: less so

He has offensive talent, particularly in transition. He even has a few nimble moves around the basket. But his value comes more as a two way player than as a true wing scorer. He played PF last year and in HS. This is his first FT spot as a wing, And he looks good.


Lonnie Walker (SG Miami), Gary Trent Jr. (SG Duke), Troy Brown (SF Oregon), Kevin Knox (SF Kentucky), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG VT) and Dzanan Musa (SF Bosnia and Herzegovina) are considered better offensive wing players.

But none of those guys can defend/rebound/block shots as well as Miles Bridges. It's been difficult to find a good comparison for him. Jae Crowder with better handles, maybe? More athletic Ron Artest? Young Paul Millsap if forced to play SF?

Michael Porter also projects to play out on the wings quite a bit and is likely the top scorer/shooter in this draft. (He can play SF or PF.)


NOTE: These are a good place to read some brief scouting reports on guys you may not be familiar with.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Porter should thrive thanks to his athleticism, his developed one-on-one offensive repertoire, and his interchangeability on the defensive end. Questions about his “true position” miss a larger point: His offensive self-sufficiency and defensive flexibility make him an easy centerpiece for lineup-building. In sum, Porter is absolutely worth tanking for given his level of polish and his strong stylistic fit in today’s game. Good luck, Mark Cuban, Gar Forman, Vlade Divac and Travis Schlenk.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Tuesday’s biggest winner may have been Jaren Jackson Jr., whose performance was a nice shot in the arm for his early draft hype. He popped up all over the floor, draining several threes, nabbing some big rebounds and altering plenty of shots. He finished with 19 points, seven boards and three blocks in Michigan State’s loss, and continues to establish himself as a prospect on the level of his more heralded teammate Miles Bridges.

...it looks like Kevin Knox might emerge as the go-to guy for the Wildcats. Knox made a splash with three consecutive three-pointers in the first half (one of them off the dribble) and showed some touch with his right-handed floater and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.

While it looks like Knox may indeed have a chance to play more on the perimeter as a small forward, his finesse-oriented game paired with his physical tools are a bit of a strange combo. It would be nice to see him attack all the way to the rim more often, but it was also great to see his production level match his considerable talent. If Knox stays aggressive, good things will happen.

Miles Bridges finished with 19 points and five rebounds, and also made five three-pointers. The jumper is an encouraging sign, although he has a bit of a slower release and mostly hits deep shots only when stationary.

...it’s encouraging that Bridges doesn’t need to score the ball to have an effect on the game. He can really elevate, goes up to get rebounds and often comes out of nowhere to block shots, and his athleticism translates on the defensive end.

Trevon Duval answered his critics on Tuesday with an eye-opening performance as a distributor to go with his usual good work as an on-ball defender. He’s been dinged by scouts for playing out of control and being turnover-prone, but Duval took care of the basketball (10 assists, three giveaways), got Duke into its offense and led by example.

Duval was strong guarding at the point of attack, coming up with six steals in spite of Duke playing a 2–3 zone the entire game. He shoots poorly from outside and managed an ugly 7 of 20 clip from the field.

Grayson Allen’s shot-making ability was on grand display against a Michigan State team wholly unable to mark him on the outside. Seven threes led to 37 points and a 23-point second half.

[H]e can get his shot off accurately with minimal space and make it consistently with range while on the move, thusly, defenders are forced to play Allen tightly. That constant threat buys him time to drop a shoulder and take a first step to attack the basket.

[macd-gm]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

[kg01]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

Hey, thanks for weighing in. We all value your opinion and scouting abilities. And, if you believe that, I've got some spectacular beachfront property in Kansas for sale. I'll give you a good price

Seriously though, I think I'm in the Ayton, BadonkaDoncic or Porter wagon. I wanna see more of this Jaren Jackson, Jr. dude though. Somebody always comes out of nowhere to blow past the guys everybody salivated over a year prior to the draft. Jackson, Jr. may be that guy in 2018.

[Spud2nique]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

Hey, thanks for weighing in. We all value your opinion and scouting abilities. And, if you believe that, I've got some spectacular beachfront property in Kansas for sale. I'll give you a good price

Seriously though, I think I'm in the Ayton, BadonkaDoncic or Porter wagon. I wanna see more of this Jaren Jackson, Jr. dude though. Somebody always comes out of nowhere to blow past the guys everybody salivated over a year prior to the draft. Jackson, Jr. may be that guy in 2018.

I'm on that Doncic train..wooooo wooooo...all abooooaaarrdd...but I'm also starting to love the David Robinson esque whatever that Ayton got going on...it's gonna be one of the funnest and most anticipated drafts for me..

1991 was awesome with Augmon at #9

2005 ..ughhh

2007...eh

2018 The draft that turned it all around for the Hawks and would lead them to 5 championships over the next 12 years...

[Spud2nique]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

Glad to see you are back from the Celts board...


I kid I kid

Mac'd for president of squark (new Hawks website)..

[Jamaaliver]

Taurean's former teammate had a big game last night:

Read on Twitter

Scouting report on Battle:

Spoiler:

Tyus Battle (Syracuse, SG, Sophomore)

Syracuse's top 2016 recruit, Tyus Battle played 30.7 minutes per game as a freshman, looking more comfortable as the season went on. And then he averaged 18.5 points over his final six games.

It seemingly started to click for Battle, who possesses NBA size (6'6"), enough athleticism and a promising shooting stroke. He shot a respectable 36.6 percent from deep, making a three in 26 of 34 games. And though not the craftiest shot-creator, he threatened defenses by driving and slashing through lanes.

Bleacher Report

He sounds like a player in the vein of Allen Crabbe. A potential sidekick we could acquire with the Houston Pick.

He and Alize Johnson seem like worthy targets with those later picks.

[kg01]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

Glad to see you are back from the Celts board...

I kid I kid

Mac'd for president of squark (new Hawks website)..

*gasp* macd betrayed us for the sellts?

Say it ain't so, spud2. Say it ain't so ... well, I'm not that shocked. I mean it is macd so ... (ha)

[macd-gm]

Ok. I'm on the Doncic or Porter wagons after reading several sentences about all the top guys. I know everyone was waiting on my decision so there it is.

Glad to see you are back from the Celts board...

I kid I kid

Mac'd for president of squark (new Hawks website)..

*gasp* macd betrayed us for the sellts?

Say it ain't so, spud2. Say it ain't so ... well, I'm not that shocked. I mean it is macd so ... (ha)

Nah, spud's just trying to save face. Just like his favorite player and pride of the eastern conference.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Jaren Jackson Jr. Will Make the 2018 Draft Even Stronger at the Top

The NBA draft discussion's elite tier could have a new member.

Already well-regarded by NBA scouts, Jackson continued to strengthen his case against Duke with 19 points and seven rebounds, though it was the three blocks and three triples that fueled all the excitement over his performance. An eye-test stud at 6'11" with 7'4" length and quick feet, Jackson, whose physical tools point to monster defensive upside, impressed with touch and range.
Jackson just turned 18 years old in September and now already has a huge game on the resume against the nation's No. 1 team.

Grayson Allen Is Ready to Bounce Back into the First-Round Discussion

Allen carried Duke with takeover scoring and timely shooting—the type NBA coaches could covet in an off-guard.

As exciting as his explosiveness is, it's his shot-making that will give him a chance in the NBA.

He was unstoppable the entire game, knocking down jumpers off quick-trigger transition chances, spot-ups, screens and pull-ups. Allen drilled 7 of 11 threes en route to a career-high 37 points, including eight in the final three minutes.

Miles Bridges Looked the Same, for Better and Worse

If it wasn't for accurate spot-up three-point shooting, MSU's Miles Bridges wouldn't have had much to show scouts offensively. And it's still crucial that he continues to convert from behind the arc. But Duke's zone exposed Bridges' struggles off the dribble, a weakness we saw last year.

Bridges doesn't have an advanced handle, and he lacks a strong feel for the game.

Spectacular athleticism plus promising shooting, will secure him a spot in the first round.

[kg01]

Watch on YouTube

Eh, I take back what I said about this Jackson, Jr. guy. Just looks like an uber-athletic, under-skilled guy. We've seen those come and go many times over. Stromile Swift, Vonleh, etc. Actually, JJJr would kill to be as good as Swift was and we all saw how he panned out.

Let the poorly-run, perpetual lotto teams fawn over him and his bag o' athleticism.

#SnapJudgments

[Jamaaliver]

Eh, I take back what I said about this Jackson, Jr. guy. Just looks like an uber-athletic, under-skilled guy. We've seen those come and go many times over. Stromile Swift, Vonleh, etc. Actually, JJJr would kill to be as good as Swift was and we all saw how he panned out.

Let the poorly-run, perpetual lotto teams fawn over him and his bag o' athleticism.

#SnapJudgments

Yeah, I definitely get the sentiment. I've paid little attention to him thus far as he reminds me a bit of Collins.

The best case scenario sounds like Myles Turner.

Plus, he's really young. So he might be quite a while from being a finished product.

[atlantabbq99]

Watch on YouTube

Eh, I take back what I said about this Jackson, Jr. guy. Just looks like an uber-athletic, under-skilled guy. We've seen those come and go many times over. Stromile Swift, Vonleh, etc. Actually, JJJr would kill to be as good as Swift was and we all saw how he panned out.

Let the poorly-run, perpetual lotto teams fawn over him and his bag o' athleticism.

#SnapJudgments

I agree, the guy doesn't excite me.

Ayton
Wendell
Bagley
Porter
Luka

For now, those are my top five guys worth paying attention too right now.

[Jamaaliver]

This is a solid breakdown of some of the other prospects available in this draft.

Their selections for us with the Minny/HOU picks are intriguing and actually make some solid sense.

Read on Twitter

22. Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota) – Mitchell Robinson (C, High School)

The Hawks can afford to swing for the fences a bit given their stockpile of assets and Robinson is certainly a gamble. He won’t be playing college basketball this season, but Robinson’s tools are lottery-quality if he can put them together. That is a massive “if” at this point in time but, unfortunately, we won’t know much more until (at least) the draft workout process begins in earnest.


29. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston) – Dzanan Musa (F, Bosnia)

Given that the Hawks appear likely to have three first-round picks, a draft-and-stash candidate makes sense here. Musa can really shoot and, well, Hawks GM Travis Schlenk comes from a spot where you would assume he values that particular characteristic at a high level.

[atlantabbq99]

Read on Twitter

1. Luka Doncic SG, Real Madrid

The 19-year-old Slovenian has been dominant in 2017. By the time the draft comes around, Doncic will be the most accomplished teenager in NBA Draft history.

2. Marvin Bagley PF, Duke

Bagley might be the best two-way power forward we’ve seen in a few years. His ability to handle, finish and protect the rim should make him a very coveted big man in today’s NBA.

3. Michael Porter, Jr. SF, Missouri

Porter Jr.’s title as the undisputed best prospect in the class has been put to the test in the offseason. However, the smooth 6-foot-10 wing has one of the most developed offensive games in this class.

4. DeAndre Ayton C, Arizona

Ayton’s unbelievable length and quickness should make him a prototypical NBA center. If his shooting and motor continue to pick up, he might have Joel Embiid-type impact at the college level.

Other's to keep an eye on:

10. Wendell Carter C, Duke

If Bagley is Duke’s flash, Carter will be the one making the team go behind him. A developing jumper and solid screen-setting means he could potentially be a bigger Al Horford-type.

14. Bruce Brown SG, Miami


15. Dzanan Musa SF, Cedevita

Musa isn’t as well-known of a name as Luka Doncic, but he is nipping at his heels as a prospect. He’s a wing that has displayed a knack for offense and the intricacies it requires to score efficiently. The 6-foot-9 Bosnian was named the Most Improved Player at 2017 Adidas Eurocamp in June.

This one's for you, Adnan.

Joel Embiid right now is averaging 23/11. I'm totally ok if anybody makes any Ayton and Embiid comparisons.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

There is not a more talented player in this draft from a physical standpoint. Ayton is 7 feet tall with a near 7-6 wingspan, moves fluidly for his size with high-level explosiveness and possesses the skill level to go out on the perimeter. He’s the matchup nightmare 5 that every team in the league is looking for — a true rim-protecting 5 who can also step away and space the floor. The key for Ayton: playing with energy and aggressiveness. Because his physical skills developed so early, Ayton has rarely been pushed and he’s developed some bad habits in terms of motor...but he’s a very real candidate for the No. 1 overall pick.

The Hawks are simply in the market for the best talent, and Ayton is just that.




Porter Jr. is as polished and fluid a stretch-4 as you’ll find for a freshman. [H]e moves like a wing...where this bears itself out best is as a scorer, as Porter can make shots at all three levels at an efficient clip. His explosiveness and energy on the glass are underrated as well. The key for Porter is going to be showing consistent defensive aptitude as well as continuing to move past the “soft” label.

It’s hard to find a better fit for the modern era skill-set than Porter, though. He’ll allow teams to stay big on the floor, a sizable market inefficiency that every team is looking to exploit.




Bridges is the epitome of a 3-and-D prospect. With a 7-1 wingspan and tremendous quickness, he’s already an excellent multi-positional defender. Offensively, Bridges is also an outrageously efficient shooter, hitting 54.9 percent of his field-goal attempts, 39.3 percent of his 3s and 91.1 percent of his foul shots last season. The problems come when he’s asked to do anything else on offense. If he can improve as a ball-handler and creator, he could go in the lottery. The Hawks — who get this spot from Minnesota — have gotten great mileage out of teaching wings their scheme under coach Mike Budenholzer.

[jayu70]

Look who it is
https://youtu.be/SjQh3RQgyfw

Spoiler:

Edy

[Spud2nique]

Look who it is
https://youtu.be/SjQh3RQgyfw

Spoiler:

Edy

Smooth Edy! Haha nice!