Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

Post #941 » by **HMFFL** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 2:13 am

Odds are, the Warriors stay put despite all the trade chatter, and we’re hearing there is more support for James Wiseman than Anthony Edwards in Golden State’s front office. Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton figure to remain in play, but it’s presumed they’re more trade-down targets.

– via Jonathan Wasserman @ Bleacher Report

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2914096-2020-nba-mock-draft-3-trades-that-would-turn-the-lottery-upside-down

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Post #942 » by **HMFFL** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 2:21 am

I think this Mock Draft's top 10 is accurate.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-lamelo-ball-jumps-up-to-no-1-selection-by-the-timberwolves-in-first-two-round-mock/amp/

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graymule · Post #943 » by **graymule** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 1:26 pm

HMFFL wrote:I think this Mock Draft's top 10 is accurate.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-lamelo-ball-jumps-up-to-no-1-selection-by-the-timberwolves-in-first-two-round-mock/amp/

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Yes! This one I like. They have the Hawks taking my choice at #6 and give a very good reason why!!!

8-)

Post #944 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:56 pm

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Post #945 » by **HMFFL** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:21 am

Many expect Onyeka Okongwu to go to the Wizards

If NBA mock drafts are any indication, the Wizards should have an opportunity to help that area in a big way as many draft evaluators see USC big man Oneyka Okongwu as the pick at No. 9. Okongwu, 19, averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks this past season for the Trojans.

https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/nba-mock-draft-roundup-2-150115579.html

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Post #946 » by **HMFFL** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:52 pm

Avdija is risky to me. I wish any team the best that drafts him. I just hope it's not us.

_____________________

All of the questions related to Avdija’s game are tied to a big one: Does he have star potential, or will he be the role player he was for Maccabi?

Opinions vary on the 6’8″, 210-pound Avdija’s shooting and whether it’s a plus or a minus on the scouting report. Buying versus selling the jumper could significantly move the needle when projecting his future. This past season, he shot 27.7 percent from three in EuroLeague and 37.5 percent in the I-BSL, in which he played more (26.6 minutes) and averaged 1.3 makes per game.

Thinking about taking Avdija in the top five means buying his FIBA performance and potential to develop into a player whom coaches can run offense through. A skeptic may point out that Avdija lacks wiggle and explosiveness. A believer may buy his ball-handling, IQ, passing skills and unselfishness

– via Jonathan Wasserman @ Bleacher Report

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2886912-is-2020-nba-drafts-top-euro-prospect-deni-avdija-a-safe-bet-or-a-future-star

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jayu70 · Post #947 » by **jayu70** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 6:38 pm

The Warriors may prefer to trade down, but they got a close look at two players who will be high on their draft board if they keep the No. 2 pick, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. During a recent trip to Atlanta and Miami, Golden State officials got to work out Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman, who were both described as “beasts.”

Wiseman showed off exceptional skills for a big man and his interview also impressed the delegation, which was made up of owner Joe Lacob, general manager Bob Myers, head coach Steve Kerr and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini. Edwards’ athleticism and “freakishness” stood out during his session.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2020/10/anthony-edwards-james-wiseman-work-out-for-warriors.html

Post #948 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 6:44 pm

Areally good writeup on kid unlikely to get drafted here...but should be a real gem in the 2nd round.

Video Breakdown: Malachi Flynn

Position: PG | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 185 | Team: San Diego State | Class: Junior

Watch on YouTube

Strengths
Pick-and-Roll Creation
Passing + Vision
Feel for the Game
Shooting Versatility
Free Throw Shooting
Ball Handling
Engaged + Willing Defender
Footwork

Concerns
Average Athleticism
Positional Size
Length
Defensive Switchability

Offensive Synopsis
The most prominent part of Flynn’s offense is his ability to run the pick-and-roll. He ranked in the 96th percentile as a pick-and-roll handler as a junior, in which he demonstrated reliability as both a scorer and a passer. Although he’s only 6’1, he does a really nice job attacking the lane and finishing. He attempted only 21% of his field-goal attempts at the rim, but converted 68.2% of them, which ranks 3rd among other guards in the 2020 class. He doesn’t have elite explosiveness, but Flynn is really crafty in the way he creates advantages. His burst and agility help him to split defenders and beat his man off the dribble, while his footwork and patience make manipulating drop defenders easy. I love watching him snake his way through the lane, often hitting shots that leave you in awe. He likely won’t pressure the rim with high volume at the next level, but the tools and ability to finish with either hand make it an option when necessary.
Spoiler:
One thing that consistently popped for me was his ability to change speeds in tight spaces. He is incredibly shifty and can create enough separation for a jumper or open a passing lane, and only needs the smallest of opportunities to take advantage. His combination of vision and headiness, smart decision making, and aversion to mistakes, helped him drive one of the best offenses in the country. He distributes all over the floor; he can hit teammates on the wings, in the corner, and is consistent with pocket and over the top passes to roll men. Because he’s not the tallest or longest guard, he’s made eye manipulation and fakes a huge part of his repertoire, and developed a terrific use of either hand. Flynn is someone I trust to run a second unit fairly early in his career because he understands when to, and when not to, push the pace as a ball handler.

Flynn also projects as a decent shooter at the next level. With fantastic touch on runners and floaters, and a free-throw percentage of 85.7% (120-for-140), I believe that his three-point percentage will end up, within reason, similar to his 2019-20 numbers. He connected on 37.3% (76-of-204) of his threes, 63% of which were assisted. When he’s locked in, he’s a tremendous pull-up shooter due to his footwork and ability to stop on a dime. He also ranked in the 83rd percentile as a catch-and-shooter, which is why I feel he can be a valuable off-ball presence. With only 34 recorded off-screen possessions, it’s hard to fully grasp his potential, but with limited volume he shot well, connecting on 40% of his attempts. Flynn reads screens well and has great feel, so he’s able to lose his man often with creativity. What many scouts like about Flynn’s shooting is that he has bonafide NBA range. There’s no look, no spot on the floor, that he doesn’t think he can’t hit; a mentality required to be successful at the next level. One of the few concerns I do have with his shooting comes down to positional size. At 6’1” and average length, a number of his looks are easy to contest. At the NBA level, he may run into some trouble getting off shots under duress.
Defensive Synopsis
...he’s one of the more underrated point-of-attack defenders in the class. He’s not overpowering physically, but the technique is there, and his willingness to fight through screens and compete is evident. Even when he’s beaten, Flynn never quits on a play, always providing effort until the whistle by recovering and contesting every shot he can. With good feet and quick hands, he was able to log 56 steals this season, never letting his opponents have anything easy. He’s a formidable perimeter defender, but when his man can get downhill, that causes some problems. The lack of positional size hurts him in the way he gets bumped off spot, so it will be imperative for him to employ his lateral quickness and maintain staying in front of his man.
Spoiler:
Off the ball, I appreciate Flynn’s willingness to stunt and dig when he can; it’s clear that providing value, no matter what it looks like, is the intent with each play. With his excellent IQ and awareness, he recognizes rotations and positioning quickly which is great to see, especially when he jumps into passing lanes. His aggression does cause negative plays occasionally, however.

Watch on YouTube

Outlook
The organization that brings Flynn in is getting a grinder with a relentless work ethic, as well as a guy with swagger and skill on the court. His shooting versatility and ability to play both on and off-ball make him a viable option for a team in need of a punch. Malachi brings a maturity that would coalesce well with any locker room and allow him to contribute in whatever way asked of him. If a team needs a reliable backup point guard with starter upside for the near future, Malachi Flynn could be their guy.

Babcock Hoops

Post #949 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Oct 24, 2020 6:47 pm

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graymule · Post #950 » by **graymule** » Sat Oct 24, 2020 6:58 pm

Tyrese with the #2 slot! (22 games) I like it...

Spud2nique · Post #951 » by **Spud2nique** » Sun Oct 25, 2020 5:12 am

graymule wrote:Tyrese with the #2 slot! (22 games) I like it...

Aye Gramps peep this. NY post has us nabbin ur boy and simply states that he’s a perfect fit along Trae.

Hey, along, to spell, to give him a blow :roll:

whatever I’m not mad. I’ll go on record as saying I’ve wanted Gwu throughout the process thus far. Hali fighting for that second.

https://nypost.com/2020/10/24/nba-mock-draft-5-0-no-1-pick-changes-knicks-grab-playmaker/

6. Atlanta Hawks | Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Iowa State

A 6-5 defender and a 41.9 percent 3-point shooter, he’s the perfect fit alongside Trae Young.

Spud2nique · Post #952 » by **Spud2nique** » Mon Oct 26, 2020 12:46 pm

3 guys if we trade down to 10-14.

Siddiq Bey
Patrick Williams
Devin Vassell

Bey is a Schlenk guy, all three are under the radar ballers and will be great values for their selection slots imo.

Post #953 » by **HMFFL** » Wed Oct 28, 2020 4:21 am

Anthony Edwards is a -200 favorite to be the first overall pick.

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Post #954 » by **HMFFL** » Wed Oct 28, 2020 9:20 pm

The Timberwolves are actively having trade conversations around pick No. 1, pick No. 17 and pick No. 33, according to executive vice president Sachin Gupta.

"Conversations are happening and will continue to happen," Gupta added. Gupta also indicated that the Wolves are ready to make a selection for pick No. 1 if they have to, but it's not surprising to see them do their due diligence in a draft in which the top handful of players are hard to separate depending on who you talk to. For what it's worth, most mocks have the Wolves selecting Anthony Edwards of Georgia with the No. 1 pick.

SOURCE: Dane Moore on Twitter

Oct 28, 2020, 2:27 PM ET

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Post #955 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Oct 29, 2020 2:21 am

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Spud2nique · Post #956 » by **Spud2nique** » Thu Oct 29, 2020 10:05 pm

I firmly believe that if we trade down we are locking into a particular prospect. I’m gonna say it’s Siddiq Bey. SCHLENK’S LOVES SIDDIQ! This kid knows how to play both ends and he’s a throwback and can help us all around. Again only in a trade down scenario.