2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

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5. Atlanta Hawks: Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech, SG, Sophomore)



With six more wins than the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks have separated themselves from the NBA's bottom. They've done it with a promising core that features John Collins, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, and Jarrett Culver would fit it nicely as a fourth piece.

He's taken his scoring and playmaking to new levels, averaging 17.8 points and 3.7 assists per game, and ranking in the 81st percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and 83rd percentile out of isolation.

Culver's shooting will be worth monitoring, with his three-point mark dipping to 32.5 percent during an ongoing slump.

The Hawks could look at Indiana's Romeo Langford, but his shooting has been worse (24.1 3PT%), and Culver has the defensive edge.



11. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavs): Bol Bol (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Assuming the Atlanta Hawks land a guard or wing at No. 5, they could roll the dice on the injured Bol Bol with their second lottery pick.

The potential upside is worth the risk at No. 11 as long as doctors reveal his foot has fully recovered. Bol was making a strong top-10 case before he went down in mid-December, averaging 21.0 points on 13-of-25 shooting from three.

With the outside touch and range to stretch the floor, plus a 7'8" wingspan for shot blocking, he'd fit next to the bouncier, more explosive Collins. The Hawks coaching staff would just have to work with Bol on strengthening his body and defensive IQ/motor.

[Jamaaliver]

Others I like in this draft:

12. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sekou Doumbouya (France, SF/PF, 2000)

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Sekou Doumbouya, who's expected back from a thumb injury soon, will be an option for late-lottery teams that are unimpressed by the remaining NCAA prospects.

He still features physical tools (6'9", 230 lbs) and athleticism over skill at 18 years old, and his value lies in finishing and defensive versatility. But he has hit 10 threes and 73.7 percent of his free throws through 20 games, and has flashed potential with face-up moves and improvised baskets off the dribble.

He scored 12 points in three consecutive games before he went down, so scouts will monitor his return closely.

13. Los Angeles Lakers: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech, SG, Sophomore)

Since the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to pursue veteran stars, they'll need contributing role players on cheaper deals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker could meet that description with his on- and off-ball versatility and 42.4 percent three-point shooting.

He ranks in the 90th percentile out of spot-up situations and the 81st percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. And he's more than doubled his assist rate to 23.5 percent from 10.6 percent.

Alexander-Walker lacks explosiveness and strength, which hints at a lower ceiling compared to the guards taken earlier. But at 6'5" with a convincing shooting stroke and secondary playmaking ability, plus averages of 17.5 points and 3.8 assists per game, he could draw late-lottery looks.

Spoiler:

17. Brooklyn Nets: KZ Okpala (Stanford, SF/PF, Sophomore)

A giant freshman-to-sophomore jump puts Okpala in play here and potentially for teams later in the lottery. He's coming off a career-high 30 points against California on Sunday and has raised his averages to 18.1 points on 49.4 percent shooting and an improved 41.9 percent from three. Considering his size (6'9", 215 lbs), the Nets will be drawn to his positional tools, faceup scoring, developing jump shot, budding passing and potential defensive versatility.



18. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Jontay Porter (Missouri, C, Sophomore)

Though he's out for the season (torn ACL), Porter showcased enough shooting, passing and shot blocking last year. The Celtics won't look to fill any specific needs with their second first-round pick (if they're still making it). Porter, 19 years old, would likely spend time in the G League to strengthen his body and conditioning, and his offensive confidence and skill.



19. Utah Jazz: Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga, PF/C, Junior)

The Jazz could look at Clarke for his athleticism and energy, which is translating to a 70.0 two-point percentage plus 4.4 blocks per 40 minutes. He's limited offensively, but signs point to an easy-basket specialist and defensive ace.

26. Boston Celtics: Grant Williams (Tennessee, PF, Junior)

The leading scorer for the nation's No. 1 team, Williams ranks in the 86th percentile or better on post-ups, cuts, isolation, offensive rebounds and pick-and-rolls. His strong body, improved scoring and passing skills and defensive IQ should help compensate for having no bounce or positional height (6'7").



27. Brooklyn Nets (via Nuggets): Goga Bitadze (Georgia, C, 1999)

Bitadze's breakout should lead to first-round looks for his size (6'11", 246 lbs), production (15.4 points, 2.4 blocks per game) and expanding offensive skill (15-of-39 three-pointers). A lack of defensive switchability is a drawback, though his finishing, rim protection and shooting potential should be enough.

[Jamaaliver]

NBA Draft scouting report: Duke's RJ Barrett is more than just an inefficient, ball-dominant scorer

If RJ Barrett can't play off the ball, what is his best fit in the NBA?

Barrett came into the season as the No. 1 player in last year's high school class, and was expected to be the No. 1 prospect in the 2019 draft crop as well, but his weaknesses have led to questions about how quickly Barrett can adapt to the highest level of the game. To this point, Williamson has usurped Barrett as the draft's top prospect through two-thirds of the regular season.

But Barrett's offensive production, polished all-around game and physical profile that fits in the modern NBA -- and where the league is headed -- all make Barrett a lock to go in the top-5.

Yes, Barrett is leading Duke in scoring. Yes, he's still probably going to be a top-5 pick. But an amalgamation of inefficient scoring, lack of sustained success getting buckets in open shooting situations, and ball-dominant tendencies have all led to questions about how his skill set will translate at the next level. Is he a star-in-waiting, or a projectable second-fiddle scorer? In what system does he fit best?

According to data from Synergy, Barrett rates in the bottom 32nd percentile nationally in off-screen offense. In pick-and roll-opportunities, defenses are learning that to defend Barrett, working over the top of screens is not a necessity. Barrett doesn't yet have the consistent outside shot to make teams pay for cheating on screens, thus allowing the screener's defender to apply pressure.

Barrett also rates in the bottom-half nationally in spot-up opportunities, which is where he generates most of his offense. This is an area where he will need improve at the next level to fulfill his potential, and for a projected top-5 pick, ideally, you'd expect more.

He's shooting only 31.4 percent from the 3-point line on the season, which again, is acceptable. But in catch-and-shoot opportunities in the half court, he struggles to consistently knock down shots.

Barrett has the ball in his hands often. His usage rate of 33.1 ranks 16th in college basketball, and third among all freshmen. But when he doesn't have possession, he does a nice job slithering to open spots to get free. It's part feel, part instincts and high IQ.


The last word

Teams still respect Barrett because of his scoring, play-making and ball-handling, but unlocking his potential to becoming an NBA All-Star -- or even just a really good NBA wing -- is still a work-in-progress. The physical profile, the basketball IQ, and the ability to get looks without the ball in his hands are all there, and his polish offensively is on full display at Duke. But the difference between potential star and perennial All-NBA wing might be the gap between what he has at his disposal now, and what he can eventually add to his game on offense in months and years to come.

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[kg01]

I'm finding myself more and more intrigued by the Okpala, Sembouya and Hachumira guys. Researching the Hayes (TX) and Gafford (R-kansas) picks as well.

The wangs in this draft feel underwhelming to me. Liking the potential of the bigs more.

[Ball4life32]

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5. Atlanta Hawks: Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech, SG, Sophomore)



With six more wins than the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks have separated themselves from the NBA's bottom. They've done it with a promising core that features John Collins, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, and Jarrett Culver would fit it nicely as a fourth piece.

He's taken his scoring and playmaking to new levels, averaging 17.8 points and 3.7 assists per game, and ranking in the 81st percentile as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and 83rd percentile out of isolation.

Culver's shooting will be worth monitoring, with his three-point mark dipping to 32.5 percent during an ongoing slump.

The Hawks could look at Indiana's Romeo Langford, but his shooting has been worse (24.1 3PT%), and Culver has the defensive edge.



11. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavs): Bol Bol (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Assuming the Atlanta Hawks land a guard or wing at No. 5, they could roll the dice on the injured Bol Bol with their second lottery pick.

The potential upside is worth the risk at No. 11 as long as doctors reveal his foot has fully recovered. Bol was making a strong top-10 case before he went down in mid-December, averaging 21.0 points on 13-of-25 shooting from three.

With the outside touch and range to stretch the floor, plus a 7'8" wingspan for shot blocking, he'd fit next to the bouncier, more explosive Collins. The Hawks coaching staff would just have to work with Bol on strengthening his body and defensive IQ/motor.

I don’t like bleacher report but I like this mock. Especially considering Culver is closer to 6’7/6’8 then his listed 6’5 and could play point forward.

[Jamaaliver]

I'm finding myself more and more intrigued by the Okpala, Sembouya and Hachumira guys.

I'm wondering just how big a difference there is between Cam Reddish and KZ Okpala.

Their games are are comparable, but KZ has the edge in production, polish, fire and efficiency.

Cam has a higher projected ceiling...but it's really hard to see it with the way he's been utilized at Duke.

(Seriously, when are one-and-dones gonna stop running off to Duke and Kansas where they struggle to get the same opportunity of guys like Trae at Oklahoma, S3xton at Alabama, Langford at Indiana)

[kg01]

I'm finding myself more and more intrigued by the Okpala, Sembouya and Hachumira guys.

I'm wondering just how big a difference there is between Cam Reddish and KZ Okpala.

Their games are are comparable, but KZ has the edge in production, polish, fire and efficiency.

Cam has a higher projected ceiling...but it's really hard to see it with the way he's been utilized at Duke.

(Seriously, when are one-and-dones gonna stop running off to Duke and Kansas where they struggle to get the same opportunity of guys like Trae at Oklahoma, S3xton at Alabama, Langford at Indiana)

Probably not much discernible difference between them other than one actually seems to play hard.

And to answer your question, they'll stop when NBA players stop b*tching out and teaming up on the NBA level.

[Jamaaliver]

I hadn't considered it, but Culver does compare to Jalen Rose pretty accurately.

Draft Notes: Being Realistic About Jarrett Culver

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Besides Ja Morant and perhaps Jaxson Hayes, Jarrett Culver is the biggest riser in this year’s draft as an almost sure thing top 20 pick were he to declare, almost regardless of what goes on the rest of the season.

A lot of this is because Jarrett Culver not only knows how to play (fairly rare), plays with intuition (also fairly rare) and is reasonably skilled in most of the areas of the game that are important (shooting-passing-dribbling-defense), but also because Culver has noticeably gone through a growth spurt since he entered college, now standing anywhere between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-8.

If Culver is growing, of course he could continue to grow. At 6-foot-10, a player with these kinds of skills would be a force to be reckoned with, since NBA defenses aren’t equipped to deal with skilled centers and power forwards who can dribble, pass and shoot. However, if Culver stops growing at 6-foot-6, 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8, the players to which he compares in terms of athleticism and skill generally aren’t as good...

That list is comprised of players like Steve Smith, Joe Johnson, Jimmy Jackson, Richard Hamilton, Walter Davis, Brent Barry, Jalen Rose, Tomas Satoransky, Alexey Shved, Tyreke Evans, late career Shaun Livingston, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Carter-Williams, Caris LeVert, Marko Jaric, Brandon Ingram, Danny Green, Evan Turner and Kyle Anderson.

Who are the players that Culver seems the most similar to? Probably Chandler Parsons (stats not included), Jimmy Jackson, Jalen Rose, Joe Johnson, Steve Smith, Reece Gaines, Mardy Collins, with a little Francisco Garcia, Khris Middleton (also not included) and Evan Turner thrown in for good measure.



Best case scenario: he is still growing, ends up 6-foot-10, strong, and able to defend as a power forward and small ball center. Also able to run offense in Love/Dray role. Shooting over the top of just about anyone.

Top 90th percentile outcome or better: Ends up being a Khris Middleton level difficult shot-maker but with potentially more useful, more versatile on ball defense.

Top 75th percentile outcome: Peak Chandler Parsons or Peak Steve Smith.

50th percentile outcome: Worse shooting Jimmy Jackson or Jalen Rose. Evan Turner.

The Stepien

[Hazer]

I'm finding myself more and more intrigued by the Okpala, Sembouya and Hachumira guys.

Same here. KZ is 6'8, smart, unselfish, good drive/kick/passer, good off ball, and shooting 45% from 3. Hazey likey. Don't know a whole lot about Sekou other than that's a bada$$ name and he's a 6'9 220lb 18 year old with lenth. Damn. Rui has size, maturity, smoothness, good shooting touch (60% from the floor), and showed out against The Duke Boys with 20pts/7reb/5asst/3blk on 50% shooting.

[gurpilo]

Best prospects at SF are Barrett, Reddish and Little. I think we have a chance to land Reddish and he would be a fantastic fit.

At C my preference is Bol, I think he fits too well with today's NBA and with Collins

[Radioblacktive1]

I honestly would love Hachimura

[CP War Hawks]

I honestly would love Hachimura

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I wasn't too high on him last year, but he's grown on me. He'll have trouble guarding quicker sf, but they won't be able to handle him on the other end.

Culver still scares me. His foot speed and explosiveness are not on par for my liking. Think Nets Joe Johnson but without the ball handling talent and range on the jumpshot.

[Radioblacktive1]

If the Dallas pick puts us in a position to get him then I say we take the chance. I don’t know if we should use our own FRP on somebody who most boards have as an early teens pick, but even then I wouldn’t be mad. He looks ready to be groomed into something special.

[EazyRoc]

Culver looks slow, but so did Luka. He’s a good PnR ball handler so that definitely makes up for a lack of foot speed. Watching him get his shot blocked twice by Dukes big turned me off.

[EazyRoc]

Langford is a player though. That’s still my guy. The jumper will come along. Eddie Jones 2.0

[Radioblacktive1]

accidental post

[EazyRoc]

I honestly would love Hachimura

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I wasn't too high on him last year, but he's grown on me. He'll have trouble guarding quicker sf, but they won't be able to handle him on the other end.

Culver still scares me. His foot speed and explosiveness are not on par for my liking. Think Nets Joe Johnson but without the ball handling talent and range on the jumpshot.

Hachimura reminds me of David West

[King Ken]

From the draft board:

Honestly I think all Cam has to do is hit the 36-38% from 3 like you said, not turn it over every time he puts the ball on the court (only turned it over once yesterday while attacking the basket a few times). If he does that, avoids the single digit scoring games and keeps up his defense, the dude could easily go #2. #2 in this draft is just waiting for someone to grab it. His last 3 games he is averaging 17.7 points on 38% shooting from 3 on almost 10 attempts a game. If he keeps that up, he is probably going #2.

he's one of the most overrated prospects in memory. Zero feel for the game. A terrible defender with low IQ. And his calling card, shooting, isn't all that great. He looks the part but looks can be deceiving. Any G.M. drafting him top 10 should be fired.

Sadly I leaning toward this conclusion. Near identical qualities to unc marvin Williams. The same lost hope and issues hawk fans had for Marv is the same I see for cam.

I think he has a lot of similarities to Marvin.

Marvin was more talented.
Marvin had better length with a 7'3 wingspan.
Marvin offered better defensive versatility at where he could defend 3 and 4.
Marvin has a solid post up game and really had a good one in college.
Marvin had a better role playing profile.

Cam is a better shooter.
Cam has much better range.
Cam has much better instincts in terms of shooting aggressiveness.
Cam is a very fluid athlete and a superior one to Marvin who lacked fluidity to an extreme degree which made defending the perimeter difficult for him.
Cam has tremendous hands on defense. Even if it's not steals, the deflections.

Both aren't good slashers at all and lack slashing potential.
Both are very good open court athletes due to their speed and abilities at the rim without having to really have ball handling responsibility.
Both have solid court vision but don't use it often.
Both lack a natural feel for the game.
Both are okay with playing a role which is nice to have.
Both have off ball potential on both ends.
The thing with Marvin was, he was such a good off ball defender even on the perimeter when he starting really getting into his own in his 3rd year. His back injury his 4th year killed him but it was bound to happen as he was such an non-fluid player. Very uncoordinated as well.

As a prospect, I liked Marvin better and I didn't like Marvin that much. Marvin before that back injury really flashed well. 14.8/5.7/1 stl while 46/82 with a 5.7 WS is pretty solid. Marvin sadly went to a terrible situation in the wrong era. Atlanta was a terrible fit for him. The ball and players barely moved and just didn't suit him. On top of that, guys who were better like Deron/CP3 was drafted ahead of him and Atlanta needed a superstar so it just made him play with unwarranted pressure.

With Cam, his bust potential is higher. Has no post game, no mid range game, terrible when putting the ball on the floor and hasn't master moving off the ball and he's learning.

But his perimeter defensive potential is miles better than Marvin and he is a much much much better shooter and has a lot of range on his shot.

So while Marvin was a more polished, more talented, better physical, more versatile profile player, he had a worse ceiling at SF than Cam. Cam game is pretty pronounced. He going to have to develop his off the ball game but nothing shows that he won't. He moves off the ball well when he does and he has a natural ability to get in spots on the perimeter. He is a tremendous volume 3 point shooter and he does have 44-48% potential from 3. Add the fact that Cam has tremendous on ball and off ball defensive potential. It's easy to see him as a super 3/D Robert Covington type. Cam potential isn't a superstar or anything. But it's a rare 3/D prospect. A 3/D prospect who has the potential that he can shoot with the volume of J.J. Reddick but defend like Paul George. That's an extremely rare player. Obviously, the right system, PG, fit, and coaching is critical for him as he is kinda raw at this role but the role potential is why scouts are high on him. Teams might be less hype once they watch the tapes.

He really is bad in the paint and on the perimeter.
He can't put the ball on the deck.
He has to work on his off of the ball movement on offense.

But his BBIQ is pretty high and he plays hard. The tools and ability is there even if the skills clearly aren't at this stage. So while I see him as somewhat similar to Marvin in the fact that both were flawed and still highly drafted and potential is the most common word used, I see why some are high on Cam including me.

That said, Marvin was a better prospect. It wasn't even that close. Marvin was a very good prospect. He just wasn't a great one like Deron or CP3 was and obviously, center at that time of the NBA was in a tough spot so Bogut was a no brainer back then even if he wouldn't be now.

[King Ken]

I honestly would love Hachimura

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I wasn't too high on him last year, but he's grown on me. He'll have trouble guarding quicker sf, but they won't be able to handle him on the other end.

Culver still scares me. His foot speed and explosiveness are not on par for my liking. Think Nets Joe Johnson but without the ball handling talent and range on the jumpshot.

Hachimura reminds me of David West

I called him a Kenyon Martin clone. Some don't agree but when he was at Cincinnati, he had these moments.

[King Ken]

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