2019 NBA Draft Prep

[EazyRoc]

2019 NBA Mock Draft:

7. Atlanta Hawks

De'Andre Hunter | F | Virginia

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Hunter is slow, methodical, tactical. He doesn’t jump out as an athletic specimen or a precognitive playmaker who reads things seconds before they happen. He reacts, responds and attacks. He takes what’s given and makes the most of it.

This is what the Hawks have focused on and will continue to covet. Their general manager, Travis Schlenk, hails from Golden State, where high-IQ players and team players came together to form a surprise dynasty. The Warriors can shoot the lights out and lock down on defense, but more than anything they buy in and read each other when they need to.

Hunter would help bring that ethos to Atlanta at a position of need.




10. Atlanta Hawks

Brandon Clarke | F/C | Gonzaga

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With a defensive-minded assistant coach at the helm and someone like Clarke in the middle, the Hawks’ long-term outlook on that end of the floor would improve dramatically with just this one pick. Clarke’s value is in the adaptability he provides with his unique combination of quickness, length and IQ.

Clarke blocked his share of jumpers this year and maintains the quick reaction time and foot speed necessary to corral ball-handlers headed toward the rim. Gonzaga had few prototypical defenders but still finished fourth in the country in defensive efficiency, in large part thanks to Clarke.

The Stepback

Hunter showed up big time in the most important game of his career. He’s not going to be a great scorer due to lack of confidence in his handle and lack of creativity. He does have that dog in him though. That will to win. Combine that with an NBA body, reliable perimeter shooting, and a developing post game and I think he’s the best out of the wings not named RJ.

[King Ken]

This is my thing and it kind of nullifies any potential he has. He gives off a “just happy to be here” vibe..

He does have the just happy to be here vibe which is the same exact vibe Kevin has. There is a difference between that and I feel like i already made it. The two couldn't be further apart.

If his personality is an issue to you, you need to trade Kevin Huerter for a bag of chips. He has the same exact personality. D. Wade even has that personality

Kevin Huerter doesn’t come with undeserved hype and played better before joining the draft. Kevin also wasn’t a lottery pick so expectations were lower.

You have to address his tendency to disappear. You can’t just blame Zion, RJ, and Duke. He had these concerns before he even played a game for Duke. He could have all the talent in the world, but if he doesn’t show up mentally every night..what good is it ?

Reddish hype isn't underserved. What the hell are you talking about? How? He was a great HS player. He ain't getting love right now for his season he just had at Duke. Where is this unwarranted hype from?

You sound foolish af right now. Are you saying you wouldn't take Kevin in the lottery right now? Are you saying Kevin isn't good so he don't have the expectations? Stop it! Nonsense, I'll take Kevin again and I would take him in the top 5 this year just like I would take Cam. Why? Because they **** fit what we do and got a lot of potential to be two way NBA players in our system.

I've addressed it in previous posts. You want me to repost them, I will just for you.

I'll up every post too

[Spud2nique]

NBADraft.net

Good god that’s pretty. I don’t agree with any Melo comparisons in any way shape or form. Im also somewhat concerned and have been about his jogging between the lines and doggin it. Ultimately he’s the best fit but I don’t want a guy that thinks he’s made it. I want a hungry kid that loves basketball like Trae.

This is BS. Cam doesn't think hes made it. He lives in the gym. Coach K, Coach Smith and Coach Jon will attest to that.

He had a damn injury and played through it, his numbers which at the time had him as an elite projected 3pt shooter and steals dropped and his impact did as well.

The kid runs the floor, run the floor with intelligence unlike Bazemore and has an solid understanding of what coach wants. I watched every game and I know people in the program who attest that all of these kids, especially the starters put in work and really want it.

Just cause he can fade within games and his impact can wane doesn't mean he doesn't love the game or want it. He is the same personality like Kevin and we have nothing negative to say about Kevin.

I don't like these lies on the kid

No lies? Body language stinks sometimes and that’s the truth. He does act in a privilege state at times. He better snap outta that $hit real quick.

[King Ken]

Good god that’s pretty. I don’t agree with any Melo comparisons in any way shape or form. Im also somewhat concerned and have been about his jogging between the lines and doggin it. Ultimately he’s the best fit but I don’t want a guy that thinks he’s made it. I want a hungry kid that loves basketball like Trae.

This is BS. Cam doesn't think hes made it. He lives in the gym. Coach K, Coach Smith and Coach Jon will attest to that.

He had a damn injury and played through it, his numbers which at the time had him as an elite projected 3pt shooter and steals dropped and his impact did as well.

The kid runs the floor, run the floor with intelligence unlike Bazemore and has an solid understanding of what coach wants. I watched every game and I know people in the program who attest that all of these kids, especially the starters put in work and really want it.

Just cause he can fade within games and his impact can wane doesn't mean he doesn't love the game or want it. He is the same personality like Kevin and we have nothing negative to say about Kevin.

I don't like these lies on the kid

No lies? Body language stinks sometimes and that’s the truth. He does act in a privilege state at times. He better snap outta that $hit real quick.

I watched every Duke game and numerous of them twice. I don't see it. I see a guy who isn't involved offensively at times but we see that often in Basketball when that happens, especially with players who still have to learn how to move without the ball. These are deadly assumptions. I don't like them one bit.

[King Ken]

that’s allergies broh. Wasn’t trying to hurt I only make you smile I hope. I think in this draft Hunter at about 5-10 makes sense. Out of everyone in that top ten he is probably a top 2 or 3 in terms of fit for us. Now, we have to determine how much we’d prefer him over Prince. With Prince though, I don’t even know what we have, aggressive but controlled three point shooting and good D Prince or inconsistent offense clogging Prince. He seems like the ideal wing we’ve wanted. Having said that, I wish he showed more dog in him. If he had more dog with that body, game over. Imagine a Trae heart and will inside a Hunter body. That’s a top 3 pick maybe.

I am not sure about that.
I think Zion is obviously #1.
Reddish #2
Clarke #3
Hayes #4
Fernando, #5
Then Hunter/Goga B. at #6t best fits.

The issue with Hunter is the issue I always had with Hunter in our system. Slow hands, won't cause a lot of turnovers which is no issue in a system like Cleveland or Memphis but could be a major one with our tempo. Heavy for a wing which is good for switching which we do but can be problematic in a high pace system which will ask him to guard top defensive assignments and need defensive numbers. Not sure if we are a good fit in that area. The biggest issue I question his is range. He has a decent shot if open but honestly, his three point shooting isn't much. He lacks volume and struggles at it if he is asked to score at a higher volume. I think which the Final Four hurt Culver's standing with fans, I feel like Hunter maybe got too much of a boost. His offense won't be that great in the NBA. We are looking at a potential 15 ppg career scoring with a projected .356 3pt shooter which is solid but I question if he can shoot it at a high volume just from what I seen from his college shooting. Another issue is, I don't think his range is great. He doesn't often any range versatility that I look for in an extreme spacing system like we have.

That said, Hunter is a tremendous prospect overall for me. I think he is a low bust player for ANY team and one that offers a value that you see in Otto Porter Jr. That's has tremendous value for a lot of NBA teams, including ours but when it's time to paid him, it will be the max. I have an issue with that considering what our system and how I still don't think his defense best fit is our personnel where he will be more limited in minutes just due to our personnel and the way we play. Easily the most NBA ready SF in the draft but he is literally 2 years older than Reddish, 3 years older than Sekou, 2.5 years older than Zion and R.J. For someone who already has ceiling issues, you know you are getting a player who most of these players could be better than Hunter when they are at the same age as him. That is another area for me that I have issues with.

I have to say, if you look at Feb 14 of 2019. You look at this class differently.
Look at Cam Reddish, he had a .390 projected 3pt. That's beyond elite. Consider this, .368 was Kevin's projected 3pt estimate. Think about that for a minute.
https://web.archive.org/web/20190214164840/http://www.tankathon.com/big_board

Look, I get it, the tournaments matter but for freshman, I always say they generally lose impact as teams know what their weaknesses are. I always look at two snapshots for them. 3/4 of the season and the end. This is how Trae Young was the most dynamic PG to ever play college and then at the end looked like a scrub. Now if you watched the end, Trae Young is ass. But if you watched for first 3/4 of season, Trae was a no brainer. Look at our Trae. No brainer, duh! We have to understand freshman need time in the NCAA's.

https://web.archive.org/web/20190214192729/http://www.tankathon.com/players/cam-reddish
http://www.tankathon.com/players/cam-reddish

It's normal with most prospects:

https://web.archive.org/web/20190214203053/http://www.tankathon.com/players/romeo-langford
http://www.tankathon.com/players/romeo-langford

https://web.archive.org/web/20190214172835/http://www.tankathon.com/players/r-j-barrett
http://www.tankathon.com/players/r-j-barrett

https://web.archive.org/web/20190214201508/http://www.tankathon.com/players/zion-williamson
http://www.tankathon.com/players/zion-williamson

While it's normal to see steady play from Soph to upperclassmen throughout the year regardless of tournament play or not. This why drafting freshman, you gotta scout everything. The final result is not indicative of how good of a NBA prospect one is.

https://web.archive.org/web/20180620055834/http://www.tankathon.com:80/big_board

https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164909/http://www.tankathon.com/players/trae-young
https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020228/http://www.tankathon.com:80/players/trae-young - Jan 25th
https://web.archive.org/web/20180108003202/http://www.tankathon.com:80/players/trae-young - Jan 8th
https://web.archive.org/web/20171221165224/http://www.tankathon.com:80/players/trae-young

Cam is a special prospect for our style of play.

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https://web.archive.org/web/20190214192729/http://www.tankathon.com/players/cam-reddish

I'll say this again. Feb 14th and before, he was a legit no brainer top 3-4 prospect. His injury killed his impact to a sereve degree. His projected NBA 3 is listed as excellent till that point of the season. Note, this is .02 higher than Klay's
http://www.tankathon.com/players/klay-thompson

.06 higher than Paul George who played in a much weaker conference with a horrendous SOS

http://www.tankathon.com/players/paul-george

.22 higher than Kevin H was just based on this time period.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/kevin-huerter

I want you to understand the what Cam is. He is a flawed prospect. One of the reasons why a lot of people have him all over the board and you seen PG comparisons but you see Rodney Hood, Rudy Gay, Barnes, Wiggins, etc.

He is not any of those players. He is Cam Reddish.

He has obvious strengths and weaknesses. For our personnel and style of play, he is perfect.

For others, he maybe too much of a bust risk.

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@EazyRoc

To answer your question, it's easy: the system doesn't fit his current skill-set. It forced him to be a spot up shooter. He can shoot but he needs spacing. That's what it was. That said, the question you probably really want to know is why is he not a superstar college player. Because he still raw in many respects. He is still learning.

[Spud2nique]

This is BS. Cam doesn't think hes made it. He lives in the gym. Coach K, Coach Smith and Coach Jon will attest to that.

He had a damn injury and played through it, his numbers which at the time had him as an elite projected 3pt shooter and steals dropped and his impact did as well.

The kid runs the floor, run the floor with intelligence unlike Bazemore and has an solid understanding of what coach wants. I watched every game and I know people in the program who attest that all of these kids, especially the starters put in work and really want it.

Just cause he can fade within games and his impact can wane doesn't mean he doesn't love the game or want it. He is the same personality like Kevin and we have nothing negative to say about Kevin.

I don't like these lies on the kid

No lies? Body language stinks sometimes and that’s the truth. He does act in a privilege state at times. He better snap outta that $hit real quick.

I watched every Duke game and numerous of them twice. I don't see it. I see a guy who isn't involved offensively at times but we see that often in Basketball when that happens, especially with players who still have to learn how to move without the ball. These are deadly assumptions. I don't like them one bit.

Your having a battle against urself here Supes. I’m already down as wanting Cam. Just saying he needs to show better body language out there. Others have seen this as well it’s not me making up lies or anything.

[EazyRoc]

@Ken
You’re still not addressing the criticisms regarding his mentality/aggression/whatever before he even played a game at Duke. We aren’t the only ones who are seeing this.

[King Ken]

No lies? Body language stinks sometimes and that’s the truth. He does act in a privilege state at times. He better snap outta that $hit real quick.

I watched every Duke game and numerous of them twice. I don't see it. I see a guy who isn't involved offensively at times but we see that often in Basketball when that happens, especially with players who still have to learn how to move without the ball. These are deadly assumptions. I don't like them one bit.

Your having a battle against urself here Supes. I’m already down as wanting Cam. Just saying he needs to show better body language out there. Others have seen this as well it’s not me making up lies or anything.

The kid is far from perfect or even close but you know how I am, I don't like when people attack character especially if it's not true. This time of the year, message boards are always good for it.

I been knowing you since 2010 if not sooner. I know you don't lie about your thoughts, I will agree with that even if I am not exactly sure what you mean in this case. This is where F2F chats is much better because you can explain exactly what you mean.

[King Ken]

@Ken
You’re still not addressing the criticisms regarding his mentality/aggression/whatever before he even played a game at Duke. We aren’t the only ones who are seeing this.

He plays small and his aggression can wane if not involved in the offense offensively. That's not easily correctable. We do all see that. I been saying it's his weakness but his personality is not an issue.

[EazyRoc]

He does have the just happy to be here vibe which is the same exact vibe Kevin has. There is a difference between that and I feel like i already made it. The two couldn't be further apart.

If his personality is an issue to you, you need to trade Kevin Huerter for a bag of chips. He has the same exact personality. D. Wade even has that personality

Kevin Huerter doesn’t come with undeserved hype and played better before joining the draft. Kevin also wasn’t a lottery pick so expectations were lower.

You have to address his tendency to disappear. You can’t just blame Zion, RJ, and Duke. He had these concerns before he even played a game for Duke. He could have all the talent in the world, but if he doesn’t show up mentally every night..what good is it ?

Reddish hype isn't underserved. What the hell are you talking about? How? He was a great HS player. He ain't getting love right now for his season he just had at Duke. Where is this unwarranted hype from?

You sound foolish af right now. Are you saying you wouldn't take Kevin in the lottery right now? Are you saying Kevin isn't good so he don't have the expectations? Stop it! Nonsense, I'll take Kevin again and I would take him in the top 5 this year just like I would take Cam. Why? Because they **** fit what we do and got a lot of potential to be two way NBA players in our system.

I've addressed it in previous posts. You want me to repost them, I will just for you.

I'll up every post too

Im not saying any of the things you think I’m saying.

What I’m saying is.. up until recently Cam was getting a lot of unwarranted hype based off HS performance. Same thing I’ve been saying all season.

I’m also saying that Kevin Huerter was not hyped up or even talked about much even in the pre draft process. I hadn’t even heard of him until KB21 pointed him out as a possible draft possibility a month or so before the draft last year.

I’m also saying that Kevin at least showed he could fit our team and what we are trying to build. You have to do a lot more projecting with Reddish because 1. The way Duke is built and played ball is dramatically different than what we do and 2. He was a very streaky perimeter shooter and didn’t have the production K Hurt had in college (Yes I know Hurt was a Soph.).

[EazyRoc]

@Ken
You’re still not addressing the criticisms regarding his mentality/aggression/whatever before he even played a game at Duke. We aren’t the only ones who are seeing this.

He plays small and his aggression can wane if not involved in the offense offensively. That's not easily correctable. We do all see that. I been saying it's his weakness but his personality is not an issue.

Semantics. This is what we are really talking about when we question his mentality. So there’s really no argument here.

[EazyRoc]

Oh and Hunter is still better

[King Ken]

Kevin Huerter doesn’t come with undeserved hype and played better before joining the draft. Kevin also wasn’t a lottery pick so expectations were lower.

You have to address his tendency to disappear. You can’t just blame Zion, RJ, and Duke. He had these concerns before he even played a game for Duke. He could have all the talent in the world, but if he doesn’t show up mentally every night..what good is it ?

Reddish hype isn't underserved. What the hell are you talking about? How? He was a great HS player. He ain't getting love right now for his season he just had at Duke. Where is this unwarranted hype from?

You sound foolish af right now. Are you saying you wouldn't take Kevin in the lottery right now? Are you saying Kevin isn't good so he don't have the expectations? Stop it! Nonsense, I'll take Kevin again and I would take him in the top 5 this year just like I would take Cam. Why? Because they **** fit what we do and got a lot of potential to be two way NBA players in our system.

I've addressed it in previous posts. You want me to repost them, I will just for you.

I'll up every post too

Im not saying any of the things you think I’m saying.

What I’m saying is.. up until recently Cam was getting a lot of unwarranted hype based off HS performance. Same thing I’ve been saying all season.

I’m also saying that Kevin Huerter was not hyped up or even talked about much even in the pre draft process. I hadn’t even heard of him until KB21 pointed him out as a possible draft possibility a month or so before the draft last year.

I’m also saying that Kevin at least showed he could fit our team and what we are trying to build. You have to do a lot more projecting with Reddish because 1. The way Duke is built and played ball is dramatically different than what we do and 2. He was a very streaky perimeter shooter and didn’t have the production K Hurt had in college (Yes I know Hurt was a Soph.).

When it come to Cam Reddish, Duke didn't play to him at all.
He didn't rebound on both ends because they wanted him to get back on defense and on offense, they had him in the corner for the most part. In EYBL, he averaged 7.8 a game and in HS he averaged 7 a game. It just was a bad fit. He still worked hard and did what was asked of him but they played through R.J. and Zion. Tre's game took a step back as well.

He shot with more volume and he shot a lot of different types of threes than Kevin did at Maryland. I posted many videos proving it.

In both mid and end of the season projections, Cam is a much better projected NBA 3 point shooter than Kevin with more volume to boot.

I've said it once and I'll say it again, Cam is going to be better than what some may think. The question with Cam is potential but he is going to be good early on. He has potential but just how much?

Athletically, he's a lot like Joe Johnson, better laterally but a lot like Joe.

Skill wise, his bag is deep but he's raw.

He doesn't have the explosiveness but doesn't use his body like that, how will he score in the NBA with his lack of explosiveness outside of from 3.

You got a lot of questions with Cam. I say that often but I don't have anywhere near that many with the Hawks. I think he is a perfect fit here like Kevin was.

[King Ken]

@Ken
You’re still not addressing the criticisms regarding his mentality/aggression/whatever before he even played a game at Duke. We aren’t the only ones who are seeing this.

He plays small and his aggression can wane if not involved in the offense offensively. That's not easily correctable. We do all see that. I been saying it's his weakness but his personality is not an issue.

Semantics. This is what we are really talking about when we question his mentality. So there’s really no argument here.

You think his personality is an issue, I know it's not just from talking to people close to the program. We clearly differ in that area and that's a major gap.

[Jamaaliver]

Spurs are scouting Croatian forward Luka Samanic

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According to European sports site Sportando, R.C. Buford has been in Europe scouting Croatian forward and 2019 NBA Draft prospect Luka Samanic, who currently plays for Petrol Ljubljana of the Slovenian League and ABA League.

Spoiler:

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Samanic is a 19-year-old, 6’11”, 215-pound forward who is averaging 8.2 points and 5 rebounds on 44% from the field, 37% shooting from three this season. In the game Buford attended, Samanic put up 17 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks in a 79-77 win over Sencur.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

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Scouting reports list his strengths as above average ball-handling, a steady jump shot and play-making, solid athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions. Weaknesses include inconsistency, a lack of commitment on defense at times, and a lack of strength to defend at the NBA level (all unsurprising for a 19-year-old).

Despite being considered one of the top European prospects in this year’s draft, projections are currently wide-ranging, placing him anywhere from the mid first round to the mid second. The Spurs own the 19th, 29th (via the Raptors), and 49th picks. Based on the scouting reports, the Spurs’ history with drafting young European prospects, and the fact that he does not quite appear to be NBA-ready, it seems he would likely be a draft-and-stash prospect should the Spurs select him.

Spurs -- SB Nation

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

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Good.

Because 5 isn't enough. I want 6.

1. Zion
2. Bruno
3. Okpala
4. Thubulle
5. Jerome
6. Luka (... the Samanic one)

Oh, and does anyone really think that all 9 of those "under contract" are seriously going to be competing for an opening night roster spot? Some won't even be on the roster for training camp.

[jayu70]

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[jayu70]

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[jayu70]

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[shakes0]

Situational Analysis: Cameron Reddish



Reddish possesses every single physical attribute one would want in an NBA forward. It's almost as if he was created on NBA2K with all the restrictions turned off.

At 6-8, 220 pounds with a 7-1 wingspan and a surprising combination of strength and agility, Reddish doesn't have to do much more than put on a uniform and lace up a pair of sneakers in order to draw comparisons to Paul George or a young Carmelo Anthony.

Reddish is a natural scorer. He can get his points from any level on the floor – at the rim, at the line, off the dribble, spotting up. He's best described as a streaky outside shooter, but he has shown the ability to knock down NBA-line 3-pointers. He has soft hands, nice touch, and nimble feet.

His physical attributes also theoretically translate on the defensive end, where Reddish optimists see a versatile wing quick enough to slide his feet in front of guards and strong enough to hang with bruising roll men.



[But] for every game where Reddish looked unstoppable, there were three more where Reddish was essentially invisible. For all of his physical gifts, intensity is not yet among them. Far too often, Reddish seems content to jog between 3-point lines, work up a sweat, and let his height/wingspan keep him rated highly on various mock drafts.

Reddish needs to find a situation that lights a fire under his butt. Everything else is there for him to achieve NBA success.

NBADraft.net

Good god that’s pretty. I don’t agree with any Melo comparisons in any way shape or form. Im also somewhat concerned and have been about his jogging between the lines and doggin it. Ultimately he’s the best fit but I don’t want a guy that thinks he’s made it. I want a hungry kid that loves basketball like Trae.

Agree Spud. The Carmello comparisons are a insulting. When Carmello was Cam's age he was leading Syracuse to their one and only national championship. Cam at the same age spent the whole season showing up 1/5 games.