2019 NBA Draft Prep

[shakes0]

You can like Bol talent but you have to build around him not with him. That's where the Bol issue is massive.

Ken, you keep saying that. Please explain what you mean?


You don't think Bol could slide into Dedmon's role eventually?


I personally have no idea since he only played a few college games. I only got to see him one time very early in the season. I hear all the questions about his durability and his desire, but I'm curious as to why you don't think he could be a complimentary player on this team?

Its what we did with Trae Young.

We built our system on both ends of the court to benefit Trae in hope that building around him will give up the best chance to get the most of out him and it will benefit others as well who play with him.

For Bol, you have to play zone and do a lot of drop coverage that teams like Portland, Utah, Milwaukee and Philly does.

You have to play at a slow to low end tempo in terms of pace.

You have to protect him on both ends of the court.

On offense due to his lack of size, you want to use him like Brook Lopez is currently being use.

The issue with that is Bol can be ran off the floor. That's a major issue if you are a good team. For Bol to work, you need to build around him. He is not a build with piece.

That's not including work ethic, interviews, motivation, and the intangibles

the scouting report above says Bol has above average speed and agility for a big man. I take it you disagree.


Article says that Bol would be good a pick and pop. What about pick and roll? Would he be able to set a screen and dive to the hoop for the alley oop pass?

[Jamaaliver]

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Virginia Tech | Soph | SG | 6-5

Alexander-Walker validated preseason hype when, as a sophomore last season at Virginia Tech, he made a huge leap, averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, all markedly better than his first season on campus. He has everything you want in an NBA shooting guard: Length, mobility, 3-point shooting. He can even handle the ball, though last season his decision-making was sometimes hit or miss. He won't solve the Magic's point guard position, but he's a phenomenal perimeter player Orlando could build with.

CBS Sports

I liked him a lot, but his play noticeably fell off once the ACC season started. He started the year looking like the team's best player and by the end he was clearly behind both Blackshear and Robinson.

Yes. Seeing his struggles yet again this season definitely confirmed that Nickeil can't be a 1st option in the pros. He definitely looked shell shocked in ACC -- especially when VT's PG was out for an extended time.


NAW could be a solid 3rd scorer or off the bench combo guard. That may not be worth a top-10 pick...even in a 'weak' draft.

[Spud2nique]

As far as I've seen, Bol is only a center in the sense that he's really tall, and he's very much able to blocks shots like dad did. But whoever gets him is going to have to think extensively about how to use him most effectively because he doesn't fit traditional ways of using tall players.

How interesting that we really have the same thing when it comes to Zion.... he doesn't really fit the traditional ways you use a 6-7 player... and how much more interesting if the two ended up on the same team, eh?

I concur with a lot of what Supes said above. But I see a really high reward if someone gets it right with how they build around Super Bol.

This isn’t ur dad’s Bol damnit!

[Jamaaliver]

An abridged version --

5. Atlanta Hawks — Jarrett Culver

6-6 wing, sophomore, Texas Tech

Culver has developed into a high level shot creator who also plays well within a team construct. He’s a terrific ball-handler and playmaker, with the ability to get to his pull-up jumper with ease. He’s also improved dramatically as a jump shooter...and can knock down shots. He still needs to iron out a few kinks with that jumper, including a small hitch. Overall though, it’s easy to imagine him as the 2-guard, secondary ball-handler next to Trae Young, given his size at 6-foot-6 and creativity.

Defensively, he still has some room to grow, but he has good feel on that end from playing in Texas Tech’s defense-first scheme. Particularly, his hands are disruptive and he gets a lot of steals when offensive players bring the ball low or when he gets out into passing lanes. The fit here is too strong to pass up, but I will note that there continues to be some ambivalence to Culver among NBA executives, who question his athleticism and ability to become a true difference maker.

9. Atlanta Hawks (from DAL) — Sekou Doumbouya

6-9 forward, 18 years old, Limoges (France)

Out of the international class, the multi-dimensional 6-foot-9 18-year-old originally from Guinea certainly looks to hold the most long-term value. Doumbouya had a tough start to the season...Basically, he looked like a 17-year-old playing professional basketball for the first time. Doumbouya has been much better over the last month and a half. In his last eight games, Doumbouya has seen his points per minute increase, his 3-point shooting volume and efficiency has increased, and generally he just looks much more comfortable with the speed of the game.

Overall, I’m encouraged that Doumbouya has figured things out quickly, but still question how ready for the NBA he is simply due to his inexperience at high levels to this stage. There’s a real chance that he might need an extra year of seasoning, or else the team that picks him may be wasting one or two valuable seasons of his entry-level contract. ...the team that gets the best value out of Doumbouya may not necessarily be the team that selects him unless they can delay his process for coming over. But NBA teams generally are relatively high on Doumbouya and consider him a likely lottery pick. Atlanta, possessing two likely lottery picks and five picks overall, are well-positioned to take a shot on him figuring things out.

The Athletic

[Spud2nique]

An abridged version --

5. Atlanta Hawks — Jarrett Culver

6-6 wing, sophomore, Texas Tech

Culver has developed into a high level shot creator who also plays well within a team construct. He’s a terrific ball-handler and playmaker, with the ability to get to his pull-up jumper with ease. He’s also improved dramatically as a jump shooter...and can knock down shots. He still needs to iron out a few kinks with that jumper, including a small hitch. Overall though, it’s easy to imagine him as the 2-guard, secondary ball-handler next to Trae Young, given his size at 6-foot-6 and creativity.

Defensively, he still has some room to grow, but he has good feel on that end from playing in Texas Tech’s defense-first scheme. Particularly, his hands are disruptive and he gets a lot of steals when offensive players bring the ball low or when he gets out into passing lanes. The fit here is too strong to pass up, but I will note that there continues to be some ambivalence to Culver among NBA executives, who question his athleticism and ability to become a true difference maker.

9. Atlanta Hawks (from DAL) — Sekou Doumbouya

6-9 forward, 18 years old, Limoges (France)

Out of the international class, the multi-dimensional 6-foot-9 18-year-old originally from Guinea certainly looks to hold the most long-term value. Doumbouya had a tough start to the season...Basically, he looked like a 17-year-old playing professional basketball for the first time. Doumbouya has been much better over the last month and a half. In his last eight games, Doumbouya has seen his points per minute increase, his 3-point shooting volume and efficiency has increased, and generally he just looks much more comfortable with the speed of the game.

Overall, I’m encouraged that Doumbouya has figured things out quickly, but still question how ready for the NBA he is simply due to his inexperience at high levels to this stage. There’s a real chance that he might need an extra year of seasoning, or else the team that picks him may be wasting one or two valuable seasons of his entry-level contract. ...the team that gets the best value out of Doumbouya may not necessarily be the team that selects him unless they can delay his process for coming over. But NBA teams generally are relatively high on Doumbouya and consider him a likely lottery pick. Atlanta, possessing two likely lottery picks and five picks overall, are well-positioned to take a shot on him figuring things out.

The Athletic

Love Culver but not sold on Sekou. I can’t see it. It’s not that I don’t see it but there not much to see with him...it’s all about the P word (potential) and down the line...I dunno

[Jamaaliver]

Love Culver but not sold on Sekou. I can’t see it. It’s not that I don’t see it but there not much to see with him...it’s all about the P word (potential) and down the line...I dunno

that IS ALL VERY FAIR.

For all the criticism this draft has gotten for being weak after Zion, I see a solid, steady group of kids from 5-15 of similar talent.

If we're not sold on a guy at #9 (or 10), I'm okay with trading back a few spots and getting a guy we do like plus additional assets.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Spud2nique]

This is a guy I really like. I no longer believe he has true star potential, but he strikes me as the same style/caliber of player as Kevin Huerter. His 1st cousin is SGA of the Clippers, and he has comparable size/athleticism.

He strikes me as a cross between Huerter and Gilgeous-Alexander...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Virginia Tech | Soph | SG | 6-5

Alexander-Walker validated preseason hype when, as a sophomore last season at Virginia Tech, he made a huge leap, averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, all markedly better than his first season on campus. He has everything you want in an NBA shooting guard: Length, mobility, 3-point shooting. He can even handle the ball, though last season his decision-making was sometimes hit or miss. He won't solve the Magic's point guard position, but he's a phenomenal perimeter player Orlando could build with.

CBS Sports

I agree with NAW. He’s got a lot of basketball skills, is efficient with a high IQ and good size, that screams Schlenk pick. I wouldn’t be mad at all.

[kg01]

This is a guy I really like. I no longer believe he has true star potential, but he strikes me as the same style/caliber of player as Kevin Huerter. His 1st cousin is SGA of the Clippers, and he has comparable size/athleticism.

He strikes me as a cross between Huerter and Gilgeous-Alexander...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Virginia Tech | Soph | SG | 6-5

Alexander-Walker validated preseason hype when, as a sophomore last season at Virginia Tech, he made a huge leap, averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, all markedly better than his first season on campus. He has everything you want in an NBA shooting guard: Length, mobility, 3-point shooting. He can even handle the ball, though last season his decision-making was sometimes hit or miss. He won't solve the Magic's point guard position, but he's a phenomenal perimeter player Orlando could build with.

CBS Sports

I agree with NAW. He’s got a lot of basketball skills, is efficient with a high IQ and good size, that screams Schlenk pick. I wouldn’t be mad at all.

I've seen him play several times this year. Seems like a dime-a-dozen wing to me.

[Spud2nique]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

[kg01]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

The other UVA guy too. Name escapes me.

Hachimura (is it considered offensive if I called him Hoshitoshi?) is soooo Paul Millsap 2.0, btw.

[Jamaaliver]

And...I have officially removed Keldon Johnson from my personal big board.

NBA Draft Prospect Keldon Johnson Shows off $300K McLaren 720S Spider

Watch on YouTube

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

The other UVA guy too. Name escapes me.

Ty Jerome?!?



That kid is gonna be a fan favorite for some lucky team.

[Spud2nique]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

The other UVA guy too. Name escapes me.

Ty Jerome?!?



That kid is gonna be a fan favorite for some lucky team.

Agree KG that Hachi is a fundy style very much Sap type. Also throw Grant Will in as the obvious Sap type to all. I like the way Hachi pins his man down low like Paul and basically traps him in a very vulnerable defensive position.

Agree on Jerome being a fanny fav as well. I keep looking at his weird lefty pushshot and wondering if that will fly with the big boys. It’s very YBAish to me.

[kg01]

The other UVA guy too. Name escapes me.

Ty Jerome?!?



That kid is gonna be a fan favorite for some lucky team.

Agree KG that Hachi is a fundy style very much Sap type. Also throw Grant Will in as the obvious Sap type to all. I like the way Hachi pins his man down low like Paul and basically traps him in a very vulnerable defensive position.

Agree on Jerome being a fanny fav as well. I keep looking at his weird lefty pushshot and wondering if that will fly with the big boys. It’s very YBAish to me.

Yeah, I think @jamallo has a ring picked out for ol' Ty. Can @spud and I throw your bachelor party, @jam?

And I'm a big-time pass on Grant Williams. Like I wouldn't even give him a camp invite. Small(ish), bully-ball playing college 4's have a high fail-rate in the league. Them dudes wash out like the myriad Iverson clones from years ago.

[Spud2nique]

Ty Jerome?!?



That kid is gonna be a fan favorite for some lucky team.

Agree KG that Hachi is a fundy style very much Sap type. Also throw Grant Will in as the obvious Sap type to all. I like the way Hachi pins his man down low like Paul and basically traps him in a very vulnerable defensive position.

Agree on Jerome being a fanny fav as well. I keep looking at his weird lefty pushshot and wondering if that will fly with the big boys. It’s very YBAish to me.

Yeah, I think @jamallo has a ring picked out for ol' Ty. Can @spud and I throw your bachelor party, @jam?

And I'm a big-time pass on Grant Williams. Like I wouldn't even give him a camp invite. Small(ish), bully-ball playing college 4's have a high fail-rate in the league. Them dudes wash out like the myriad Iverson clones from years ago.

Hell im willing to go camping again for Jamaal’s bachelor party! I kid Jamaal. We know ur more of a hip non camp type of guy...oh hell I can’t even finish this thought with offending somebody so I’ll stop here.

I’m not convinced on the Sap washouts. Even they have or had a place in the league. Look at Carl Landry and that other fat Kentucky dude not AHF..

[Spud2nique]

Chuck Hayes

Sometimes a roster able to carry 12-15 men would need a fatty Hayes type. Although have those guys leaned out these days? Have the fatty types become slender deers like Jaxson Hayes. We went from Hayes to Hayes. (Belt size varies)

[King Ken]

Ken, you keep saying that. Please explain what you mean?


You don't think Bol could slide into Dedmon's role eventually?


I personally have no idea since he only played a few college games. I only got to see him one time very early in the season. I hear all the questions about his durability and his desire, but I'm curious as to why you don't think he could be a complimentary player on this team?

Its what we did with Trae Young.

We built our system on both ends of the court to benefit Trae in hope that building around him will give up the best chance to get the most of out him and it will benefit others as well who play with him.

For Bol, you have to play zone and do a lot of drop coverage that teams like Portland, Utah, Milwaukee and Philly does.

You have to play at a slow to low end tempo in terms of pace.

You have to protect him on both ends of the court.

On offense due to his lack of size, you want to use him like Brook Lopez is currently being use.

The issue with that is Bol can be ran off the floor. That's a major issue if you are a good team. For Bol to work, you need to build around him. He is not a build with piece.

That's not including work ethic, interviews, motivation, and the intangibles

the scouting report above says Bol has above average speed and agility for a big man. I take it you disagree.


Article says that Bol would be good a pick and pop. What about pick and roll? Would he be able to set a screen and dive to the hoop for the alley oop pass?

Its wrong. He got speed when he wants to run but it's like modern Dwight Howard. It's very inconsistent and usually bad.

He will be good at PnP.
PnR, he has some potential with flashing but screening and flares will never be him.

I think alley pops has some potential with him on backdoor screens but that's the case with most bigs. He has the Edy Tarvares thing going with oops while barely jumping

[King Ken]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

I love some of these guys. Not some others. Cam Reddish is clearly a Travis guy. He is as much a no brainer as Trae and Kevin.

[Spud2nique]

Schlenk type players imo:

Rui Hachimura
DeAndre Hunter
Jarrett Culver
Darius Garland
NAW
Keldon Johnson
PJ Washington
Grant Williams
Eric Paschall
Kyle Guy

I love some of these guys. Not some others. Cam Reddish is clearly a Travis guy. He is as much a no brainer as Trae and Kevin.

I totally agree that he’s a fit with us and I want him as well..perfect fit. But I’m not sure it’s the prototypical “Schlenk type”if you will.