Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

The Ringer’s 2018 NBA Lottery Mock Draft, Version 2.0

Our resident draftniks are back with a look at the prospects that the current lotto-projected teams ought to keep their eyes on. Where might the phenom Trae Young get picked? Earlier than you might think.




1. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic

Small forward, Real Madrid/Slovenia (6-foot-8, 228 pounds, 18 years old)

Danny Chau: As the NCAA season enters conference play, we tend to zone out any player outside the convenient confines of college. But this isn’t a typical draft year, and Luka Doncic has only bolstered his bona fides. He is averaging 18 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and a steal in just over 26 minutes per game for Real Madrid in Euroleague play. He has a remarkable 55.7 effective field goal percentage in the 31 games he’s played across all leagues this season.

He’s still an 18-year-old. The more I watch him, the more I wonder if he’s Brandon Roy retrofitted to the modern game—his immaculate offensive instincts have erased concerns about his athleticism in my eyes. There is not a single team that couldn’t use another big, sharpshooting playmaker at a perimeter position. The Hawks are doing their damndest to secure the honor.

The Ringer

[Jamaaliver]

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1. Atlanta Hawks - Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid

Luka Doncic might be the best player in Europe right now. Not the best prospect — best player. The 18-year-old is an advanced stats monster, leading Euroleague in BPM, posting a sterling 65 percent true shooting percentage, and saving some of his best games for the biggest competition.

Doncic is not an elite athlete like many of this draft’s other top prospects, but he checks every other box. At 6’8, he plays as an oversized point guard, showing off excellent passing ability, a capable three-point stroke, and a great feel for the game. There has never been a more accomplished European teenager to enter the draft.

For as good as many of the NCAA freshmen look right now, Doncic deserves to be the clear favorite for the No. 1 pick.

[Spud2nique]

I'm happy here...

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2018-nba-mock-draft-trae-young-joins-lebron-james-after-cavs-pick-him-at-no-4/

That Mock Draft makes no sense.

It has CLE drafting at #4 with the Brooklyn pick.

But Brooklyn is slated for the 8th worst record in the league. Meaning...they literally can't select at #4 right now.

They'd either win the lottery and garner a top 3 selection or pick 8th or worse. Picking fourth (based on recent standings) is mathematically impossible.

Haha you're totally right...and it's a CBS one too..shame shame shame.

[Spud2nique]

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1. Atlanta Hawks - Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid

Luka Doncic might be the best player in Europe right now. Not the best prospect — best player. The 18-year-old is an advanced stats monster, leading Euroleague in BPM, posting a sterling 65 percent true shooting percentage, and saving some of his best games for the biggest competition.

Doncic is not an elite athlete like many of this draft’s other top prospects, but he checks every other box. At 6’8, he plays as an oversized point guard, showing off excellent passing ability, a capable three-point stroke, and a great feel for the game. There has never been a more accomplished European teenager to enter the draft.

For as good as many of the NCAA freshmen look right now, Doncic deserves to be the clear favorite for the No. 1 pick.

Bamba is climbing for me too...the intelligence of this kid is what is making me think he could be a game changer. I wouldn't mind getting another Deke type of prospect.

Imagine a 7 footer with smarts and add in Bud to develop ...YIKES!!!

[kg01]

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1. Atlanta Hawks - Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid

Luka Doncic might be the best player in Europe right now. Not the best prospect — best player. The 18-year-old is an advanced stats monster, leading Euroleague in BPM, posting a sterling 65 percent true shooting percentage, and saving some of his best games for the biggest competition.

Doncic is not an elite athlete like many of this draft’s other top prospects, but he checks every other box. At 6’8, he plays as an oversized point guard, showing off excellent passing ability, a capable three-point stroke, and a great feel for the game. There has never been a more accomplished European teenager to enter the draft.

For as good as many of the NCAA freshmen look right now, Doncic deserves to be the clear favorite for the No. 1 pick.

Bamba is climbing for me too...the intelligence of this kid is what is making me think he could be a game changer. I wouldn't mind getting another Deke type of prospect.

Imagine a 7 footer with smarts and add in Bud to develop ...YIKES!!!

Ooh, ooh, do we get to play in early 90's NBA too?!

Also, stop posting CBS mocks. Gary Parrish is an idiot. Has no real NBA connections. His is simply guess work. Not worth our time.

[Jamaaliver]

Imagine a 7 footer with smarts and add in Bud to develop ...YIKES!!!

Oh, I'm imagining it...

[thr3ep01nte4]

From an earlier piece by ESPN on Bamba's background, he seems to be smart, calculated and having clear goals of his career. But his limited offense may not be enough to get him taken no.1 overall.

[Spud2nique]

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Bamba is climbing for me too...the intelligence of this kid is what is making me think he could be a game changer. I wouldn't mind getting another Deke type of prospect.

Imagine a 7 footer with smarts and add in Bud to develop ...YIKES!!!

Ooh, ooh, do we get to play in early 90's NBA too?!

Also, stop posting CBS mocks. Gary Parrish is an idiot. Has no real NBA connections. His is simply guess work. Not worth our time.

Lol....oh ok I didn't know we didn't like Gary Parrish...I thought it was legit because it was...well CBS I guess it does seem this guy is on one.

No we don't get to play in the early 90's but I'll tell ya something. I was kind of scared offf by Bamba because I immediately thought of Hasheem Thabeet. But you can't really judge a player based on something that happened to another guy that compares to him physically. Bamba is intelligent. I'm not taking him in the top 3, but I might take Bamba over Michael Porter jr. personally around the 4th or 5th pick.

[kg01]

Bamba is climbing for me too...the intelligence of this kid is what is making me think he could be a game changer. I wouldn't mind getting another Deke type of prospect.

Imagine a 7 footer with smarts and add in Bud to develop ...YIKES!!!

Ooh, ooh, do we get to play in early 90's NBA too?!

Also, stop posting CBS mocks. Gary Parrish is an idiot. Has no real NBA connections. His is simply guess work. Not worth our time.

Lol....oh ok I didn't know we didn't like Gary Parrish...I thought it was legit because it was...well CBS I guess it does seem this guy is on one.

No we don't get to play in the early 90's but I'll tell ya something. I was kind of scared offf by Bamba because I immediately thought of Hasheem Thabeet. But you can't really judge a player based on something that happened to another guy that compares to him physically. Bamba is intelligent. I'm not taking him in the top 3, but I might take Bamba over Michael Porter jr. personally around the 4th or 5th pick.

Yeah, it's a shame too because CBS does a great job w.r.t. college basketball. They're the best in the bidness IMHO. But Parrish is a hack and sticks out like a sore thumb at CBS, again, IMHO.

Full disclosure, he did a scathingly one-sided piece (of shat) on GT's bball coach a few weeks ago but I assure you that doesn't cloud my opinion on him. He's been a hack for years.

Seems Bamba is showing well and, as you point out, seems to be exceeding expectations especially with regards to his BBIQ. As an aside, you should know that your boy Supes is super-high on Bamba. TIFWIW

[Spud2nique]

Ooh, ooh, do we get to play in early 90's NBA too?!

Also, stop posting CBS mocks. Gary Parrish is an idiot. Has no real NBA connections. His is simply guess work. Not worth our time.

Lol....oh ok I didn't know we didn't like Gary Parrish...I thought it was legit because it was...well CBS I guess it does seem this guy is on one.

No we don't get to play in the early 90's but I'll tell ya something. I was kind of scared offf by Bamba because I immediately thought of Hasheem Thabeet. But you can't really judge a player based on something that happened to another guy that compares to him physically. Bamba is intelligent. I'm not taking him in the top 3, but I might take Bamba over Michael Porter jr. personally around the 4th or 5th pick.

Yeah, it's a shame too because CBS does a great job w.r.t. college basketball. They're the best in the bidness IMHO. But Parrish is a hack and sticks out like a sore thumb at CBS, again, IMHO.

Full disclosure, he did a scathingly one-sided piece (of shat) on GT's bball coach a few weeks ago but I assure you that doesn't cloud my opinion on him. He's been a hack for years.

Seems Bamba is showing well and, as you point out, seems to be exceeding expectations especially with regards to his BBIQ. As an aside, you should know that your boy Supes is super-high on Bamba. TIFWIW

WHAT!!!! Supes likes Bamba!! I guess we are bound to like some of the same prospects...at some point...

I don't know though I would normally turn away from drafting Bamba, specially with the small ball thing..but there seems to be something special about the kid...he seems to really want to succeed. I was reading that he wanted out of Harlem and almost put himself into a boarding school atmosphere to succeed...

I just don't think you should draft..or NOT draft a particular pro aspect due to the past ...also we should draft the next____________.

Right now for me..

1. Doncic
2. Bagley
3. Ayton
4. Young
5. Bamba
6. Porter jr.

I'm kinda with Jamal on Young as well...I tried to ignore him as a prospect ...saying too small..going against weak opponents...volume stat guy...and while I don't love the amount of shots he takes,but the guy controls the pace of the game as a great floor general....

Man I'm really excited about this draft.

[kg01]

Lol....oh ok I didn't know we didn't like Gary Parrish...I thought it was legit because it was...well CBS I guess it does seem this guy is on one.

No we don't get to play in the early 90's but I'll tell ya something. I was kind of scared offf by Bamba because I immediately thought of Hasheem Thabeet. But you can't really judge a player based on something that happened to another guy that compares to him physically. Bamba is intelligent. I'm not taking him in the top 3, but I might take Bamba over Michael Porter jr. personally around the 4th or 5th pick.

Yeah, it's a shame too because CBS does a great job w.r.t. college basketball. They're the best in the bidness IMHO. But Parrish is a hack and sticks out like a sore thumb at CBS, again, IMHO.

Full disclosure, he did a scathingly one-sided piece (of shat) on GT's bball coach a few weeks ago but I assure you that doesn't cloud my opinion on him. He's been a hack for years.

Seems Bamba is showing well and, as you point out, seems to be exceeding expectations especially with regards to his BBIQ. As an aside, you should know that your boy Supes is super-high on Bamba. TIFWIW

WHAT!!!! Supes likes Bamba!! I guess we are bound to like some of the same prospects...at some point...

I don't know though I would normally turn away from drafting Bamba, specially with the small ball thing..but there seems to be something special about the kid...he seems to really want to succeed. I was reading that he wanted out of Harlem and almost put himself into a boarding school atmosphere to succeed...

I just don't think you should draft..or NOT draft a particular pro aspect due to the past ...also we should draft the next____________.

Right now for me..

1. Doncic
2. Bagley
3. Ayton
4. Young
5. Bamba
6. Porter jr.

I'm kinda with Jamal on Young as well...I tried to ignore him as a prospect ...saying too small..going against weak opponents...volume stat guy...and while I don't love the amount of shots he takes,but the guy controls the pace of the game as a great floor general....

Man I'm really excited about this draft.

Supes -er- KKen is Horford-high on Bamba right now. Check out the general draft board. Again, TIFWIW

My board is ...

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Porter
4. Bamba
5. Sexton
- I see a road map for success for these 5, Bagley is behind them because I find him to be like 85% athlete, 20% basketball player (what? he gives 105% out there).

6. Bagley
7. Bridges
8. Knox
9. Not sure but I don't want Young higher than 10
10. Young

Kidding, I'd put Young ahead of 9.

Guys I certainly do not want:

1. Jaren Jackson
2. Wendell Carter
3. Robert Williams

Also funny how far Miles Bridges has fallen in the last couple months.

[Derento]

Here's Luka Doncic's BPM versus fellow teenage EL lottery picks.

[tbhawksfan1]

I'm at
#1: Doncic / Ayton slight edge to Luka, but love the idia of a dominant C
#3: Bagley has star potential
#4: Young reminds me of Iverson or Isiah Thomas, guys that can consistently defy the odds and play at the highest level

We can only have one. I really hope that TS will max this draft with as many picks as possible

[Jamaaliver]

Here's Luka Doncic's BPM versus fellow teenage EL lottery picks.

I'm gonna need you to convert those numbers to American, mate.

No one here is comfortable using the metric system.

[Spud2nique]

Yeah, it's a shame too because CBS does a great job w.r.t. college basketball. They're the best in the bidness IMHO. But Parrish is a hack and sticks out like a sore thumb at CBS, again, IMHO.

Full disclosure, he did a scathingly one-sided piece (of shat) on GT's bball coach a few weeks ago but I assure you that doesn't cloud my opinion on him. He's been a hack for years.

Seems Bamba is showing well and, as you point out, seems to be exceeding expectations especially with regards to his BBIQ. As an aside, you should know that your boy Supes is super-high on Bamba. TIFWIW

WHAT!!!! Supes likes Bamba!! I guess we are bound to like some of the same prospects...at some point...

I don't know though I would normally turn away from drafting Bamba, specially with the small ball thing..but there seems to be something special about the kid...he seems to really want to succeed. I was reading that he wanted out of Harlem and almost put himself into a boarding school atmosphere to succeed...

I just don't think you should draft..or NOT draft a particular pro aspect due to the past ...also we should draft the next____________.

Right now for me..

1. Doncic
2. Bagley
3. Ayton
4. Young
5. Bamba
6. Porter jr.

I'm kinda with Jamal on Young as well...I tried to ignore him as a prospect ...saying too small..going against weak opponents...volume stat guy...and while I don't love the amount of shots he takes,but the guy controls the pace of the game as a great floor general....

Man I'm really excited about this draft.

Supes -er- KKen is Horford-high on Bamba right now. Check out the general draft board. Again, TIFWIW

My board is ...

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Porter
4. Bamba
5. Sexton
- I see a road map for success for these 5, Bagley is behind them because I find him to be like 85% athlete, 20% basketball player (what? he gives 105% out there).

6. Bagley
7. Bridges
8. Knox
9. Not sure but I don't want Young higher than 10
10. Young

Kidding, I'd put Young ahead of 9.

Guys I certainly do not want:

1. Jaren Jackson
2. Wendell Carter
3. Robert Williams

Also funny how far Miles Bridges has fallen in the last couple months.

Sexton ahead of Bagley???? Whoa! Now that's going out on a limb! I like it! I mean I like the fact that you went out on a limb...

Which Bridges at 7? Debate for either here...I'd pick Mikal first.

I notice you seem to like Porter jr. a lot...I do as well but that back thing...scared. But wow you have him at 3...that's some pine nuts right there!

[kg01]

WHAT!!!! Supes likes Bamba!! I guess we are bound to like some of the same prospects...at some point...

I don't know though I would normally turn away from drafting Bamba, specially with the small ball thing..but there seems to be something special about the kid...he seems to really want to succeed. I was reading that he wanted out of Harlem and almost put himself into a boarding school atmosphere to succeed...

I just don't think you should draft..or NOT draft a particular pro aspect due to the past ...also we should draft the next____________.

Right now for me..

1. Doncic
2. Bagley
3. Ayton
4. Young
5. Bamba
6. Porter jr.

I'm kinda with Jamal on Young as well...I tried to ignore him as a prospect ...saying too small..going against weak opponents...volume stat guy...and while I don't love the amount of shots he takes,but the guy controls the pace of the game as a great floor general....

Man I'm really excited about this draft.

Supes -er- KKen is Horford-high on Bamba right now. Check out the general draft board. Again, TIFWIW

My board is ...

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Porter
4. Bamba
5. Sexton
- I see a road map for success for these 5, Bagley is behind them because I find him to be like 85% athlete, 20% basketball player (what? he gives 105% out there).

6. Bagley
7. Bridges
8. Knox
9. Not sure but I don't want Young higher than 10
10. Young

Kidding, I'd put Young ahead of 9.

Guys I certainly do not want:

1. Jaren Jackson
2. Wendell Carter
3. Robert Williams

Also funny how far Miles Bridges has fallen in the last couple months.

Sexton ahead of Bagley???? Whoa! Now that's going out on a limb! I like it! I mean I like the fact that you went out on a limb...

Which Bridges at 7? Debate for either here...I'd pick Mikal first.

I notice you seem to like Porter jr. a lot...I do as well but that back thing...scared. But wow you have him at 3...that's some pine nuts right there!

Mikal.

Don't tell Mace but I agreed with his assessment of Bagley. He's all knees and elbows out there. Just out-athleting guys. Not much refinement to his game. Basically the PF/C version of Young. There are some legitimate questions of the degree to which their uber-production can/will translate. Both are out-performing similar players who've come along but the questions remain.

I think Sexton can be Har_en-like who, as Jamaaaaaaliver says, Budz can coach bad habits out of.

On Porter, it's mostly based on what folks think/thought he could be. 6'10" scoring machine on the wang. Basically the type of player we've needed since #21 was double-pump, reverse dunkin' on dees fools. The back is certainly a gamble but him at my 3 assumes we'll receive a clean bill of health.

If I'm Schlenk, I give him a hearty bro-hug in pre-draft interviews with a pretty mean back-slap. Any flinch and he's off our board. Ha!

[Jamaaliver]

Sexton ahead of Bagley????

I think Sexton can be Har_en-like who, as Jamaaaaaaliver says, Budz can coach bad habits out of.

Sexton certainly has some dog in him. And he plays both ends of the court.

Reminds me a bit of Russ Westbrook or John Wall. He'll have the production, but can he carry a team?

NOTE: That jump shot will need fixing.

Add'l NOTE: Trae Young and Collin Sexton will face off at the end of this month. I have never been so excited to see two college freshmen matchup.

Updated scouting report:

Collin Sexton, G, Alabama | Freshman

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 190 | Age: 19

Sexton is an aggressive, shoot-first guard whose handle and burst allow him to consistently penetrate defenses and draw fouls. He’s shown some improvement as a three-point shooter and has the ability to be a good defender when locked in. Sexton isn’t a pure point and can improve as a decision maker with the ball, but he has a good chance to become an effective change-of-pace scorer at minimum. He can occasionally struggle to finish around bigs in the paint, but his blend of shot-creation and toughness is rare. If he continues to draw fouls at a high rate in the NBA, the outlook should be sunny. SI.com

[Spud2nique]

Supes -er- KKen is Horford-high on Bamba right now. Check out the general draft board. Again, TIFWIW

My board is ...

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Porter
4. Bamba
5. Sexton
- I see a road map for success for these 5, Bagley is behind them because I find him to be like 85% athlete, 20% basketball player (what? he gives 105% out there).

6. Bagley
7. Bridges
8. Knox
9. Not sure but I don't want Young higher than 10
10. Young

Kidding, I'd put Young ahead of 9.

Guys I certainly do not want:

1. Jaren Jackson
2. Wendell Carter
3. Robert Williams

Also funny how far Miles Bridges has fallen in the last couple months.

Sexton ahead of Bagley???? Whoa! Now that's going out on a limb! I like it! I mean I like the fact that you went out on a limb...

Which Bridges at 7? Debate for either here...I'd pick Mikal first.

I notice you seem to like Porter jr. a lot...I do as well but that back thing...scared. But wow you have him at 3...that's some pine nuts right there!

Mikal.

Don't tell Mace but I agreed with his assessment of Bagley. He's all knees and elbows out there. Just out-athleting guys. Not much refinement to his game. Basically the PF/C version of Young. There are some legitimate questions of the degree to which their uber-production can/will translate. Both are out-performing similar players who've come along but the questions remain.

I think Sexton can be Har_en-like who, as Jamaaaaaaliver says, Budz can coach bad habits out of.

On Porter, it's mostly based on what folks think/thought he could be. 6'10" scoring machine on the wang. Basically the type of player we've needed since #21 was double-pump, reverse dunkin' on dees fools. The back is certainly a gamble but him at my 3 assumes we'll receive a clean bill of health.

If I'm Schlenk, I give him a hearty bro-hug in pre-draft interviews with a pretty mean back-slap. Any flinch and he's off our board. Ha!

I really want a hug from Schlenk..said nobody ever...jk Travis it's happy hour here in Cali ...actually it's not but..

Mace did have a point about athleticism being a big part of Bagley's game...but if he's arguing all knees and elbows out there then I'm pointing to the #5 pick of the 1995 draft..(mic drop)..ya I don't care to say his name..or his dummy Celt teammate who wants his own Celtic night all to himself. But the fact remains that they are similar in many ways...I know I know...there have been many many guys labeled the next big ticket..stomile swift as an example that didn't pan out. I just don't want to be the team that missed out on a superstar. I totally understand not judging a book by its cover but Bagley strikes me as a guy that will adjust his game to whatever is necessary to be a superstar in the NBA...I think it will come very quickly for him as well. Something about him..he's got the IT (not that lil shiii) factor for me.


Not sure about sexy Sexton either. He is bulldozing kids aside right now but I would like my point guards #1 asset to be passing and shooting the longball...this guy seems to use his body strength too much to get his. I'd personally prefer a Young over Sexton here myself.


So we disagree on Bagley and Sexton.

[Spud2nique]

Sexton ahead of Bagley????

I think Sexton can be Har_en-like who, as Jamaaaaaaliver says, Budz can coach bad habits out of.

Sexton certainly has some dog in him. And he plays both ends of the court.

Reminds me a bit of Russ Westbrook or John Wall. He'll have the production, but can he carry a team?

NOTE: That jump shot will need fixing.

Add'l NOTE: Trae Young and Collin Sexton will face off at the end of this month. I have never been so excited to see two college freshmen matchup.

Updated scouting report:

Collin Sexton, G, Alabama | Freshman

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 190 | Age: 19

Sexton is an aggressive, shoot-first guard whose handle and burst allow him to consistently penetrate defenses and draw fouls. He’s shown some improvement as a three-point shooter and has the ability to be a good defender when locked in. Sexton isn’t a pure point and can improve as a decision maker with the ball, but he has a good chance to become an effective change-of-pace scorer at minimum. He can occasionally struggle to finish around bigs in the paint, but his blend of shot-creation and toughness is rare. If he continues to draw fouls at a high rate in the NBA, the outlook should be sunny. SI.com

Wow...that's gonna be fun. I'm predicting Young to school Sexton both in stats and getting the win. Game planning has a lot to do with it obviously but this should be a hoot!