Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[jayu70]

You're right about Har_en in the playoffs. However, his effectiveness wanes in the playoffs partly due to him being so mentally lazy. Does the bare minimum to get open in reg. season which becomes easy to defend in the playoffs. If he actually tried, rather than resting on his laurels, he'd reach that next level.

I've said for a little while now that Sexton could be a Har_en type. An elite talent, potentially on both ends. Budz could coach out his bad habits.

I've soured a bit on the "consensus" top 3 of Ayton, Doncic and Bagley. Widened my proverbial net to include Sexton despite my concerns over his 'tude.

Think I've asked before...what about the 'tude.

What is his 'tude? (Not sure if that's what you're asking.)

He's a really brash kid to the point of being a 'technical foul for taunting' risk all the time. Kid did stuff like scream at himself during HS games to get psyched up. Like and1 mixtape/AAU hype man stuff. Looked really weird to me but I guess it works for him.

His trash -talk is what kicked off everything which led to the Bama bench being ejected in that game where they had to play 3-on-5.

I think he could be an excellent pickup provided his aggression can be harnessed.

Got it.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Spud2nique]

My favs regardless of our position in the draft as of now is Doncic and Mikal Bridges...those 2 won't miss .

[Spud2nique]

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[Spud2nique]

MO Bambatombo!!!

[Jamaaliver]

Totally depressing thought of the day:

Celtics are in line to win their division, garner a #1 seed and net a top 5 pick yet again this season.

For the second year in a row.

Because their GM is very good at his job.

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[Jamaaliver]

I am officially buying what Trae Young is selling.

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And he isn't Steph Curry...he's a millennial Steve Nash.

[Spud2nique]

I am officially buying what Marvin Bagley is selling.

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[kg01]

#NeitherNecessarilyTranslatableToTheNextLevel

[Jamaaliver]

I am officially buying what Marvin Bagley is selling.

So help me Spud...

But seriously. Bagley is uber productive in big games, but there is so much overlap in skill set (and weaknesses) between he and Collins. I just wonder if those two could play together long term.

[Spud2nique]

I am officially buying what Marvin Bagley is selling.

So help me Spud...

But seriously. Bagley is uber productive in big games, but there is so much overlap in skill set (and weaknesses) between he and Collins. I just wonder if those two could play together long term.

Most definitely agree there...twin pf/pf of the future? But you are right it's not even a position less NBA issue it's a similar skill set issue...I wouldn't pass on him with the 3rd pick though..possibly even 2nd. As we are constructed currently, Doncic seems the best for fit and style for sure. Again though for me, any of the top 3 is gonna be a great start, or continuation.

[Jamaaliver]

there is some risk with this kid, but the upside is so great.

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[thr3ep01nte4]

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1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Bamba
4. Bagley

[Jamaaliver]

I'd say at this point, Ayton is almost a consensus #1 pick based on his production and potential.

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1. Atlanta Hawks | DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona | Fr.

Height: 7'0" | Weight: 260 pounds | Age: 19 | Last: 1

The quality and variety of talent atop this class creates a difficult decision for whichever team ends up picking first. Ayton’s freakish physical ability, dominant interior play and soft shooting touch give him the highest long-term ceiling in the draft. He’s been outstanding for Arizona and largely unstoppable on the glass and in the paint. His defensive positioning has started to improve, and he has the length and mobility to handle himself on that side of the floor as he gains experience. The total package here will be difficult to pass up for any team.



2. Boston Celtics* | Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid | 18 years old

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 18 | Last: 2

Doncic continues to do his thing for Real Madrid, with superb playmaking skills and basketball smarts that serve as the foundation for his well-rounded game. He leads the entire EuroLeague in PER with a 30% usage rate, and has bolstered his team in a number of ways. He’s the most individually accomplished European teen ever and a great fit for where the pass-shoot-dribble NBA is headed. Doncic’s average athletic ability may preclude him from dominating in any one area, but he’s given teams little reason to doubt the impact he can make at the NBA level. If this Lakers pick conveys to the Celtics, Doncic could slot right into Boston’s rotation as another oversized ballhandler.


7. Chicago Bulls | Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma | Fr.

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 180 | Age: 19 | Last: 21

After entering the season with less fanfare than some of his lottery peers, Young continues to win skeptics over with dazzling offensive play. He’s been the best player in college hoops so far, using deadeye shooting and deep range to open up space for the drive-and-kick element of his game. On some level, that should translate in the NBA, and should everything click for Young he could become a highly valuable floor leader. Defensively and athletically there are some questions here, but how much Young’s offensive threat has helped elevate the rest of his team can’t be undersold. The Bulls will be in position to take the best prospect available, and Young’s upside would be appealing.

[Jamaaliver]

(continued)
I'm reluctant to buy into either of the below selections at this point for us. If we're stuck picking this late, I'd be okay with us gambling on some high-ceiling, young guys over future role players.

Exception: Khyri Thomas is an Avery Bradley clone and would fit in nicely as a 2-way combo guard for the next decade.

24.Atlanta Hawks | Shake Milton, G, SMU | Jr.

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 205 | Age: 21 | Last: 22

Milton checks several key boxes with his blend of length, shooting and playmaking ability. While his aggressiveness can waver at times, he leads a solid SMU team in scoring and assists and should be able to provide support on or off the ball in the NBA. Though Milton’s shooting percentages have dropped incrementally, his offensive workload has increased for a third straight year and he remains a consistent perimeter threat. He has all the ability to become a useful two-way rotation player with some upside.


28. Atlanta Hawks | Tyus Battle, SG, Syracuse | So.

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 205 | Age: 20 | Last: 29

Battle’s size, length and scoring ability have him in the conversation for a late first-round selection, but he’s struggled to score efficiently in recent weeks and has run hot and cold from outside. To be fair, he’s shouldering a massive workload for a so-so team and has played every single minute in seven straight contests (including two overtime games). His mid-range game is well-developed and his frame helps him draw contact nicely, but his secondary skills need fleshing out. His consistency will be key, but Battle could make it the seventh straight draft in which Syracuse turns out a first rounder.

[Jamaaliver]

This site has Luka remaining at #1:

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1. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, Slovenia G/F (6-7, 18 years old)

Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley are worthy challengers, but Doncic’s case is too compelling right now.

The Slovenian prodigy’s arrival would dramatically enhance Atlanta’s offensive outlook. Doncic would streamline the Hawks’ inconsistencies by creating scoring opportunities for himself and others. His passing precision is unmatched by his teenage peers, and he could spend time both on and off the ball early in his NBA career.

In addition to having the size and skills executives want from a star prospect, Doncic has the competitive fire coaches want from a leader. Doncic is active and energetic in every phase of the game, and you can tell he hates to lose. His multifaceted aggressiveness was on full display Thursday against Istanbul, when he tallied 20 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Doncic followed that up with 24 points, five assists and eight rebounds Sunday against Estudiantes.

24. Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Grayson Allen, Duke G (6-5, Sr.)

Allen’s bounce-back campaign continued in full force in December. He played through some up-and-down shooting by staying aggressive, facilitating for teammates and playing alert defense. Allen tossed six assists in three of his last four games.

...he’s become a more reliable leader and less of a distraction; it makes him a steadier investment for a late-first round suitor like Atlanta.


28. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets): Isaac Bonga, Germany F (6-8, 18 years old)

Don’t be surprised if the Hawks look to draft-and-stash their third first-round pick. Bonga is a tempting risk-reward prospect due to his size and playmaking prowess.

Germany’s top youngster has a long way to go when it comes to shooting consistency and all-around fundamentals. But it’s easy to see how he affects several areas of the game and could blossom into a multi-dimensional NBA contributor. Bonga is hard to contain on the offensive glass, makes disruptive plays with his defensive length, and creates slashing opportunities with his long strides. Although his shot isn’t polished, he’s had four different games with at least two triples this season.[/b]

[Jamaaliver]

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WEEKLY THOUGHTS

— With the excellent play of Luka Doncic overseas and dominance of Trae Young, Arizona freshman big man Deandre Ayton has gone a bit under the radar of late. Ayton might have the highest two-way upside of any prospect in this draft class based on his size, length and scoring ability. He dominated previously undefeated Arizona State this weekend to the tune of 23 points, 19 boards, three assists, three blocks and a steal to get the win.

Ayton was very efficient, knocking down 9 of 14 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. He does need to take care of the ball a bit better (six turnovers), but that will come in time. After three early non-conference losses, Ayton and Arizona fell off the radar. He’s still a sleeper to go number one in 2018.

[Jamaaliver]

Young's 27 points help No. 7 Oklahoma rout Oklahoma St.

Trae Young nearly pulled off his most improbable feat yet. He fell one rebound short of a triple-double to help No. 7 Oklahoma defeat Oklahoma State 109-89 on Wednesday night.

Young, a 6-foot-2 guard who leads the nation in points and assists, finished with 27 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. He would have become just the fourth Oklahoma player to notch a triple-double and the first to do it with double-digit rebounds.

Even with an off shooting night -- he made 7 of 17 shots from the field -- the combination of tools Young brought was too much for Oklahoma State to handle.

It was the first time Oklahoma scored at least 100 points against Oklahoma State since 1990. The Sooners, who entered the night leading the nation in scoring, shot 54 percent from the field to improve on their 94.7-point average.

Oklahoma State entered the night allowing just 67.2 points per game but surrendered a season-high point total.

ESPN

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[Jamaaliver]

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[macd-gm]

I gotta see more Trae Young. I'm not getting the knocks on him. Scores like crazy, lots of assists. Criticized for 'too many heat checks'' in a game he scored 39? That doesn't even make sense. Give me a guy who can take over a game with the ball in his hands.

My fear on Ayton is that he is just feasting on smaller, slower college players.