Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

The Draymond replica we've been looking for?

Isaac Okoro (Auburn, SF/PF, Freshman)



Consistently making winning plays at both ends, Isaac Okoro has risen with substance over flash. Valued for defense first, Okoro has been creating a convincing case to NBA scouts using his physical 6'6" frame, quick feet and focus to stay attached around the perimeter and wall up inside.

Though not an advanced scorer, he's shooting 60.3 percent inside the arc while starting to show signs of shooting potential with 10 threes over Auburn's last nine games. He's also given the Tigers secondary playmaking with his ability to attack closeouts and pass on the move.

His offensive efficiency and defensive toughness indicate he has a high floor, but Okoro also just turned 19 in January and still has both room and time to expand his game.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

[Jamaaliver]

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[King Ken]

Draft a PG. The end

[HMFFL]

I don’t see why the Capela trade means no Wiseman.

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Interesting regarding Golden State. I don't believe they need a guard since they do have a plan. Golden State will be just fine.

As far as the draft foes, as we saw last year at the lottery nothing is certain. Wiseman will impress at his workouts.

Sent from my SM-N975U using RealGM mobile app

[atlantabbq99]

Before I thought the GSW would prefer to draft a defensive SF over Wiseman, but now after getting Wiggins, it looks like Wiseman would be the clear #1 on the GSW draft board.

[raleigh]

Draft a PG. The end

With the exception of Edwards (who has the highest potential of the backcourt guys), I'd focus on these guys:

[Jamaaliver]

What NBA Scouts Are Saying About Obi Toppin

Quick-hit thoughts on the hottest international and NCAA prospects expected to declare in 2020

Obi Toppin (Dayton, PF, Sophomore)



Scout's take: "I'm a huge fan of Toppin's game. Confident player with the ability to play inside and out. Plays hard, never quits on plays."

B/R's take: Toppin's power and athleticism are highly convincing. His post play, shooting and passing development have raised his ceiling. Consistent volume stats and efficiency make him easy to buy. He seems to have the body, bounce and offensive game to become a similar producer as John Collins, even if his defense remains average.

Bleacher Report

The perception of Obi Toppin has changed from an intriguing long-term prospect in 2018-19 to one of the 2020 draft's surest bets.

Scouts see certainty tied to his 6'9" size, explosiveness, post skills, energy and efficient production (19.7 points per game, 62.8 field-goal percentage). And in a class that lacks obvious NBA talent, teams could put extra stock into that certainty.

As an athletic power forward or center, improved shooting and face-up scoring ability have elevated Toppin's theoretical ceiling. He's become a reliable go-to and pick-and-pop option, and the eye test, which shows consistent execution, suggests his offense will translate.

Bleacher Report

At 6'9", 220 pounds and turning 22 years old in March, Toppin also figures to be one of the more NBA-ready rookies, a selling point to a franchise that doesn't intend on rebuilding.

He also happens to have turned a significant corner skill-wise, ranking in the 86th percentile on post-ups and 92nd percentile on spot-ups while nearly hitting a three-pointer per game (19 in 21 games). Toppin doesn't have to be just a finisher and clean-up man—there is more upside to his offensive outlook.

Bleacher Report

[MartinsIzAfraud]

What NBA Scouts Are Saying About Obi Toppin

Quick-hit thoughts on the hottest international and NCAA prospects expected to declare in 2020

Obi Toppin (Dayton, PF, Sophomore)



Scout's take: "I'm a huge fan of Toppin's game. Confident player with the ability to play inside and out. Plays hard, never quits on plays."

B/R's take: Toppin's power and athleticism are highly convincing. His post play, shooting and passing development have raised his ceiling. Consistent volume stats and efficiency make him easy to buy. He seems to have the body, bounce and offensive game to become a similar producer as John Collins, even if his defense remains average.

Bleacher Report

The perception of Obi Toppin has changed from an intriguing long-term prospect in 2018-19 to one of the 2020 draft's surest bets.

Scouts see certainty tied to his 6'9" size, explosiveness, post skills, energy and efficient production (19.7 points per game, 62.8 field-goal percentage). And in a class that lacks obvious NBA talent, teams could put extra stock into that certainty.

As an athletic power forward or center, improved shooting and face-up scoring ability have elevated Toppin's theoretical ceiling. He's become a reliable go-to and pick-and-pop option, and the eye test, which shows consistent execution, suggests his offense will translate.

Bleacher Report

At 6'9", 220 pounds and turning 22 years old in March, Toppin also figures to be one of the more NBA-ready rookies, a selling point to a franchise that doesn't intend on rebuilding.

He also happens to have turned a significant corner skill-wise, ranking in the 86th percentile on post-ups and 92nd percentile on spot-ups while nearly hitting a three-pointer per game (19 in 21 games). Toppin doesn't have to be just a finisher and clean-up man—there is more upside to his offensive outlook.

Bleacher Report

Obi has been very fun to watch at Dayton this whole year. His body and game is extremely NBA ready and he definitely has room for growth. Dude is a GM's wet dream IMO.

[Bimbo_Coles]

Draft a PG. The end

With the exception of Edwards (who has the highest potential of the backcourt guys), I'd focus on these guys:

Hey Hawks fans. Warriors fan here. As some of you have called out, our recent roster re-construction means that Wiseman is really the top of our board. While we could use guard depth, I don’t see the Warriors spending a top 3 pick on an Edwards or Ball type. We need players who can stay on the court with Steph/Klay/Wiggins/Dray, and Wiseman is the only top 3 guy that fits the bill.

In the hypothetical scenario that the Warriors pick is 2/3, Wiseman is gone, and Edwards is on the board, do you think the Hawks would be interested in moving up? Either Hunter or Reddish could be attractive for the Warriors, and Edwards seems like he could be a great fit next to Trae. And there is the Atlanta connection.

Lots of hypotheticals at this point, but just feels like it could be a match.

[Ghost999]

:cry:

Draft a PG. The end

With the exception of Edwards (who has the highest potential of the backcourt guys), I'd focus on these guys:

Hey Hawks fans. Warriors fan here. As some of you have called out, our recent roster re-construction means that Wiseman is really the top of our board. While we could use guard depth, I don’t see the Warriors spending a top 3 pick on an Edwards or Ball type. We need players who can stay on the court with Steph/Klay/Wiggins/Dray, and Wiseman is the only top 3 guy that fits the bill.

In the hypothetical scenario that the Warriors pick is 2/3, Wiseman is gone, and Edwards is on the board, do you think the Hawks would be interested in moving up? Either Hunter or Reddish could be attractive for the Warriors, and Edwards seems like he could be a great fit next to Trae. And there is the Atlanta connection.

Lots of hypotheticals at this point, but just feels like it could be a match.

I'm pretty sure Hunter and Reddish are off limits since they are part of the "core". Would love to get Edward's though if we can win the draft lottery.

[jayu70]

:cry:

Draft a PG. The end

With the exception of Edwards (who has the highest potential of the backcourt guys), I'd focus on these guys:

Hey Hawks fans. Warriors fan here. As some of you have called out, our recent roster re-construction means that Wiseman is really the top of our board. While we could use guard depth, I don’t see the Warriors spending a top 3 pick on an Edwards or Ball type. We need players who can stay on the court with Steph/Klay/Wiggins/Dray, and Wiseman is the only top 3 guy that fits the bill.

In the hypothetical scenario that the Warriors pick is 2/3, Wiseman is gone, and Edwards is on the board, do you think the Hawks would be interested in moving up? Either Hunter or Reddish could be attractive for the Warriors, and Edwards seems like he could be a great fit next to Trae. And there is the Atlanta connection.

Lots of hypotheticals at this point, but just feels like it could be a match.

Hawks would prefer to add to the core we have via the draft. Hawks as a team need defense next to Trae. There is some hope amongst Hawks fans that Reddish eventually takes over at SG as long as his offense continues it's upward trajectory. His defense has been stellar as a rookie.
Hunter's defense is also critical on a team that is struggling on defense, 3nD wings are harder to come by. They are a premium.
Trae/Edwards backcourt in theory will be good offensively, defense though, not so much.
This has Hawks fans excited.

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[Bimbo_Coles]

:cry:

With the exception of Edwards (who has the highest potential of the backcourt guys), I'd focus on these guys:

Hey Hawks fans. Warriors fan here. As some of you have called out, our recent roster re-construction means that Wiseman is really the top of our board. While we could use guard depth, I don’t see the Warriors spending a top 3 pick on an Edwards or Ball type. We need players who can stay on the court with Steph/Klay/Wiggins/Dray, and Wiseman is the only top 3 guy that fits the bill.

In the hypothetical scenario that the Warriors pick is 2/3, Wiseman is gone, and Edwards is on the board, do you think the Hawks would be interested in moving up? Either Hunter or Reddish could be attractive for the Warriors, and Edwards seems like he could be a great fit next to Trae. And there is the Atlanta connection.

Lots of hypotheticals at this point, but just feels like it could be a match.

Hawks would prefer to add to the core we have via the draft. Hawks as a team need defense next to Trae. There is some hope amongst Hawks fans that Reddish eventually takes over at SG as long as his offense continues it's upward trajectory. His defense has been stellar as a rookie.
Hunter's defense is also critical on a team that is struggling on defense, 3nD wings are harder to come by. They are a premium.
Trae/Edwards backcourt in theory will be good offensively, defense though, not so much.
This has Hawks fans excited.

Read on Twitter

I can see why. Wings seem to be the most valuable commodity in the league these days. So much so that we're willing to pay Wiggins 30 mil a year.

Here's hoping that if the Dubs don't win the lottery, you guys do and leave Wiseman for us!

[jayu70]

:cry:

Hey Hawks fans. Warriors fan here. As some of you have called out, our recent roster re-construction means that Wiseman is really the top of our board. While we could use guard depth, I don’t see the Warriors spending a top 3 pick on an Edwards or Ball type. We need players who can stay on the court with Steph/Klay/Wiggins/Dray, and Wiseman is the only top 3 guy that fits the bill.

In the hypothetical scenario that the Warriors pick is 2/3, Wiseman is gone, and Edwards is on the board, do you think the Hawks would be interested in moving up? Either Hunter or Reddish could be attractive for the Warriors, and Edwards seems like he could be a great fit next to Trae. And there is the Atlanta connection.

Lots of hypotheticals at this point, but just feels like it could be a match.

Hawks would prefer to add to the core we have via the draft. Hawks as a team need defense next to Trae. There is some hope amongst Hawks fans that Reddish eventually takes over at SG as long as his offense continues it's upward trajectory. His defense has been stellar as a rookie.
Hunter's defense is also critical on a team that is struggling on defense, 3nD wings are harder to come by. They are a premium.
Trae/Edwards backcourt in theory will be good offensively, defense though, not so much.
This has Hawks fans excited.

Read on Twitter

I can see why. Wings seem to be the most valuable commodity in the league these days. So much so that we're willing to pay Wiggins 30 mil a year.

Here's hoping that if the Dubs don't win the lottery, you guys do and leave Wiseman for us!

The general consensus is since the Hawks have Capela and Dedmon, Wiseman is now off the board. I don't neccessarily agree. This is what i posted earlier in this thread:

We should take BPA whoever that is.
I'm not advocating we select Wiseman, but why not if TS views him as BPA?
Big men in general take longer to develop, we can afford to take a patient approach.
I see Dedmon as a 1 year deal for next season. So Wiseman can learn a thing or two.
What if the Capela/Collins duo doesn't mesh? We can always trade Capela after next season, if Wiseman is ready to take the reigns. (I'm just spitballing of course).
I'm just saying I wouldn't automatically discount Wiseman due to Capela and Dedmon.

I don't think there is fan consensus on who the Hawks should take.
I can see them trading down to acquire an additional future 1st.

[Jamaaliver]

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[CP War Hawks]

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No surprise for me seeing him breaking some bones. I'm 6-1 175 and feel small playing up against some of these hs kids at the park It's going to be rough for him until he improves that 6-5 175 frame.

I'm ready to key in on Antman. That 6-5 225 frame is NBA ready at just 18. The team can use an upgrade over Huerter and Bembry. Honestly I don't have much expectations for this draft. It could be the Hawks luck to land the no. 1 pick in a poor draft or they get frogged by NO again.

[raleigh]

The Hawks are more likely to be picking at the 5-7 spots than top3. I think we'll all be disappointed if we focus in on guys like Wiseman or Edwards.

[Jamaaliver]

The Hawks are more likely to be picking at the 5-7 spots than top3. I think we'll all be disappointed if we focus in on guys like Wiseman or Edwards.

Agrred. Agreed.

Unpolished, inefficient teenagers who've never accomplished anything above the HS level?

Pass.

I'd rather look at Obi Toppin, Okongwu, Halliburton or even Okoro before those other two.

[CP War Hawks]

This draft you will see the top 3 teams selecting more willing to trade down. I have no doubt the Hawks will be active come draft night regardless.

[King Ken]

BPA for me