2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Cuban Pete]

I really like what Haliburton could look like on this team in a few years. Outlier length at the guard spot, and even if his shot is a little bit unorthodox, he hits at a great clip. And he's a good free-throw shooter, which puts my mind at ease about whether his form can be refined and smoothed out. I've seen his range all over the place, but if we drop into that 11-14 spot, maybe there's a chance.

He's had a great season before fracturing his wrist. That said, his freshman season was mostly bad and I'm wary of players who struggled as freshman.

[Cuban Pete]

Tony Parker loves another French point guard? What a shocker!

I haven't done my homework on this year's draft class. I'm sure there are sleepers out there, but I haven't found the next Terrence Davis-- yet. It's a very thin draft for wings.

Yeah, I'm not high on this draft at all. Reminds me of the Bennett/Dipo 2013 draft. A certain Giannis was drafted in that class though! Every draft counts.

This isn't a great year for top 5, but the mid first round is pretty loaded. It's gonna be all about scouting because that MEM pick could def be a starting caliber prospect. Tyrese Maxey is a big time player IMO and easily could be there low lottery.

I like Maledon a lot too.

Maxey is great on D and is super-quick, but he only has 6.2 3PA per 100 POS. His FT% is excellent, however. Is he a true PG with an 18.6 Assist%?

[5InOfLouisville]

Yeah, I'm not high on this draft at all. Reminds me of the Bennett/Dipo 2013 draft. A certain Giannis was drafted in that class though! Every draft counts.

This isn't a great year for top 5, but the mid first round is pretty loaded. It's gonna be all about scouting because that MEM pick could def be a starting caliber prospect. Tyrese Maxey is a big time player IMO and easily could be there low lottery.

I like Maledon a lot too.

Maxey is great on D and is super-quick, but he only has 6.2 3PA per 100 POS. His FT% is excellent, however. Is he a true PG with an 18.6 Assist%?

He isn't a true PG as much as he is a scoring/combo guard. However, to be fair, he isn't really tasked with playing the position. Hagans is the primary ballhandler/distributor, and Maxey has been told that his role is to be aggressive and score. He shows nice vision on occasion and has strong handles, but he always looks to score first, by design.

I think that if his focus was different, he could be a better distributor, but I think he is primarily wired to attack first. His stroke is pretty strong, but Calipari has him programmed to attack. He also seems to crave the big moments and has no fear. If there is a clutch 3 to be made, I trust him to knock it down, and he is long and atheltic and finishes at the rim exceptionally for someone 6'3.

I'm high on him as a prospect. I think he makes a great first guard off the bench and would provide instant offense and will be a menace to opposing guards.

Im also biased, but I think Im being accurate.

[100proof]

Carey v Huff, with Dickie V.


Duke player with efficient scoring, Virginia player with all the blocks.


If the Celtics have 4 picks, even if they get rid of some of them there should be enough left for a tall player to be selected.

Carey with an excellent game.

17, 12 and 3bpg on 55, 100 and 80 from 2/3/ft

[Curmudgeon]

With the Nets' second round pick that Ainge got from the Hornets, I'd look at Arturs Zagars from Latvia. He's a very poor man's Trae Young. Can't shoot like Young but may be better in the pick and roll. Fun player to watch.

[themoneyteam2]

Want nothing to do with Vernon Carey and/or Tre Jones

[Cuban Pete]

Did someone ask for a biased UK fan suffering from celtics basketball withdrawal to advocate for his own guys?

Nick Richards--Legit 7 foot big man with good footwork, a nice touch, athleticism and the makings of a strong defender. junior, but relatively new to the game of basketball. not in mocks right now, but will likely move to mid-to-late first.

Ty

He's really a senior. I classify a player's class by age rather than eligibility. He's go no upside. Turns 23 in the fall. A man playing among boys. That said, he's been an elite rebounder for his entire career. Can't pass.

If there's a big man available, my first choice would be Isaiah Stewart of Washington. He's a true freshman with lots of upside. He could be special. James Weisman dominated for 3 games before being declared ineligible at Memphis. He will likely be a top-3 pick.

[5InOfLouisville]

Did someone ask for a biased UK fan suffering from celtics basketball withdrawal to advocate for his own guys?

Nick Richards--Legit 7 foot big man with good footwork, a nice touch, athleticism and the makings of a strong defender. junior, but relatively new to the game of basketball. not in mocks right now, but will likely move to mid-to-late first.

Ty

He's really a senior. I classify a player's class by age rather than eligibility. He's go no upside. Turns 23 in the fall. A man playing among boys. That said, he's been an elite rebounder for his entire career. Can't pass.

If there's a big man available, my first choice would be Isaiah Stewart of Washington. He's a true freshman with lots of upside. He could be special. James Weisman dominated for 3 games before being declared ineligible at Memphis. He will likely be a top-3 pick.

Thats not unfair, but i would argue that he does have upside.

Remember, he didnt start playing basketball until his sophomore year of high school. He has always had great athleticism, but he just now is figuring out how to play the game.

And hes becoming a passer now that hes being consistently doubled in the post. In the last couple of games, even when his numbers havent been great, he has been the key to UKs offense by passing quickly out of the double and getting the d in rotation. Ton of hockey assists.

I like stewart and wiseman too, actually, but like you, think wiseman will be long gone by the time we pick

[100proof]

Because the team, for financial reasons, is most likely not going to have any of Wannamaker, Semi, Green and Kanter this offseason, I believe the draft picks will be used to fill those holes, luckily as our picks currently stand players that can fit the roles are available this offseason.


I have been getting more and more into the "draft a PG mindset" as they seem the BPAs for the Memphis pick.

And Theo Meledon videos have been getting me quite excited about him. I mean I still love RJ Hampton and Halliburton, but there is something about the Maledon kid.

Watch on YouTube

That court vision is not something that can be taught, you havae it our you dont. and his ability as a playmaker would only be a benefit on a team with scorers like this one. Also with the looming Hayward extension/trade/opt out having a young playmaker with excellent size waiting in the wings is a good thing. (6'5" with a 6'8.5" wingspan) Very SGA-esque playstyle.

Watch on YouTube

Would be very happy with his as the Memphis pick

Kemba/Maledon/Waters as the 3 pg lineup going forward is tremendous.

Brown/Smart/Romeo is a great 3 sg lineup as well, so the other picks are most likely going to look at sf/pf type players, who happen to be the BPAs at the next 2 picks.

at our own pick there is a number of players available that fit the mold of the team, and can fill the sf/pf role.
Aaron Nesmith - excellent shooter and a very good defender, good size at 6'6 with a 6'9 wingspan Sort of a Khris Middleton type of player. A 3andD guy.

Watch on YouTube

a player like him would benefit greatly from playing off playmakers like Maledon and Smart. he could get a number of 3 attempts per game of of the drive and kick game.

another option here is Tyler bey (who I think is also availble at the Bucks pick), not as good a scorer or shooter as Nesmith, but maybe the best wing defender in college who is big enough to also play PF. 6'7 with a 7 wingspan and crazy athleticism. A hard nosed player who can rebound at an excellent rate and get out on the break. A Shawn Marion type of player.

Watch on YouTube

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Hayward/Nesmith as SF rotation

Tatum/Bey/GWilliams as the PF rotation

Theis/Timelord/Poirier as the Center rotation.

Edwards, the second rounder and tax payer MLE is used for another sf or pf.

[BillessuR6]

Nesmith`s shot looks smooth. Would love to finally have a great 3 point shooter off the bench on this team.

Any idea why he only hot 33 % from 3 his rookie year? He is at crazy 52 % this year...

[100proof]

Nesmith`s shot looks smooth. Would love to finally have a great 3 point shooter off the bench on this team.

Any idea why he only hot 33 % from 3 his rookie year? He is at crazy 52 % this year...

I believe just growth as a player.

[Duke4life831]

Carey v Huff, with Dickie V.


Duke player with efficient scoring, Virginia player with all the blocks.


If the Celtics have 4 picks, even if they get rid of some of them there should be enough left for a tall player to be selected.

Carey with an excellent game.

17, 12 and 3bpg on 55, 100 and 80 from 2/3/ft

Im honestly curious, do you actually watch the games or just look at the box scores? I dont know how anyone could watch the UVA game or the State game from last night and say Carey had an excellent game. He's been getting flat out abused defensively, even Jay Bilas couldn't ignore it last night and went off on just how poor of a defender he is and how teams are just running PnR against him because he cant defend it.

[Duke4life831]

Want nothing to do with Vernon Carey and/or Tre Jones

I can see maybe Tre with a 2nd round pick with the hopes he ends up like his brother. Tyus is a damn good backup PG. But ya he wouldnt be a must get kind of guy. Vernon is being exposed more and more each game on why he wont be a good NBA player, he is arguably the worst defensive big for Duke in the OAD era. His defense out in space and on the PnR is something to behold. He isn't someone I would even look at.

[themoneyteam2]

Carey would be good 10 years ago. He's a worse version of Jahlil Okafor with less size, worse defense, and worse offensive skillset.

Luckily don't have to worry about Celtics drafting him since we know Ainge looks at guys who can play on both ends

[100proof]

Carey v Huff, with Dickie V.


Duke player with efficient scoring, Virginia player with all the blocks.


If the Celtics have 4 picks, even if they get rid of some of them there should be enough left for a tall player to be selected.

Carey with an excellent game.

17, 12 and 3bpg on 55, 100 and 80 from 2/3/ft

Im honestly curious, do you actually watch the games or just look at the box scores? I dont know how anyone could watch the UVA game or the State game from last night and say Carey had an excellent game. He's been getting flat out abused defensively, even Jay Bilas couldn't ignore it last night and went off on just how poor of a defender he is and how teams are just running PnR against him because he cant defend it.

I didnt watch last night.

Didnt see the entirety of the UVA game, but from what I saw he had an excellent performance in that game.
Everyone knows his defense needs alot of work, but again, we are looking, potentially, at a 15-25 pick.

I am definately intrigued, but I dont think team goes in the directio of a full bodied center having a minimum of Poirier, Theis, Timelord on roster next season (maybe Kanter)

[100proof]

Carey would be good 10 years ago. He's a worse version of Jahlil Okafor with less size, worse defense, and worse offensive skillset.

Luckily don't have to worry about Celtics drafting him since we know Ainge looks at guys who can play on both ends

I am confident Ainge wont draft anyone over 6foot9, but I dont think Carey is the bust some are claiming.

[Duke4life831]

Carey with an excellent game.

17, 12 and 3bpg on 55, 100 and 80 from 2/3/ft

Im honestly curious, do you actually watch the games or just look at the box scores? I dont know how anyone could watch the UVA game or the State game from last night and say Carey had an excellent game. He's been getting flat out abused defensively, even Jay Bilas couldn't ignore it last night and went off on just how poor of a defender he is and how teams are just running PnR against him because he cant defend it.

I didnt watch last night.

Didnt see the entirety of the UVA game, but from what I saw he had an excellent performance in that game.
Everyone knows his defense needs alot of work, but again, we are looking, potentially, at a 15-25 pick.

I am definately intrigued, but I dont think team goes in the directio of a full bodied center having a minimum of Poirier, Theis, Timelord on roster next season (maybe Kanter)

Im just curious on what you think makes him worth a pick in the 15-25 range. If we were 10-15 years ago I would be right there with you.

But in the era of pace and space he just doesn't fit at all. His foot speed and lateral agility are horrible. He doesn't pass and his finishing inside isn't elite and ya he has potential with his jumper, but so do most bigs now a days. Jalen Smith is the type of big you can get late in the 1st who is a guy that fits the NBA far more now a days even though he doesn't have the college stats or the same size.

Slow plodding bigs that dont have a high defensive ceiling and the vast majority of their offense come from post ups and cant facilitate. Just doesn't scream today's NBA.

[Bleeding Green]

Even guys like Kanter can't even get into some games in today's NBA. And I doubt Carey is anywhere near as skilled offensively as Kanter. There's just no space on the floor for guys like this unless they are absolute savants in the post, and even then they are very matchup dependent.

I can't even recall the last no-defense big that Ainge drafted. He basically has only drafted wings and guards the last five years unless an absolute freak like Rob Williams falls to them. And I don't see the game moving away from the perimeter anytime soon, in fact teams still play traditional bigs far too often so we're still years away from the pinnacle where teams are shooting 65 3s a game on average. If Houston wins the title this year, get ready for James Wiseman to fall to like Pick 15.

[Darth Celtic]

Even guys like Kanter can't even get into some games in today's NBA. And I doubt Carey is anywhere near as skilled offensively as Kanter. There's just no space on the floor for guys like this unless they are absolute savants in the post, and even then they are very matchup dependent.

I can't even recall the last no-defense big that Ainge drafted. He basically has only drafted wings and guards the last five years unless an absolute freak like Rob Williams falls to them. And I don't see the game moving away from the perimeter anytime soon, in fact teams still play traditional bigs far too often so we're still years away from the pinnacle where teams are shooting 65 3s a game on average. If Houston wins the title this year, get ready for James Wiseman to fall to like Pick 15.

I'd draft him at 15 regardless. Even the freak Timelord is, so many games i screamed at him to jump the screen and he didn't and buddy hield made like 30 3pters, and at the very end he jump the screen and blocked the shot winning the game for us.

It's almost harder to win with a traditional center unless you are playing another team with a traditional center.

[Duke4life831]

Even guys like Kanter can't even get into some games in today's NBA. And I doubt Carey is anywhere near as skilled offensively as Kanter. There's just no space on the floor for guys like this unless they are absolute savants in the post, and even then they are very matchup dependent.

I can't even recall the last no-defense big that Ainge drafted. He basically has only drafted wings and guards the last five years unless an absolute freak like Rob Williams falls to them. And I don't see the game moving away from the perimeter anytime soon, in fact teams still play traditional bigs far too often so we're still years away from the pinnacle where teams are shooting 65 3s a game on average. If Houston wins the title this year, get ready for James Wiseman to fall to like Pick 15.

This is much more your modern NBA center

Watch on YouTube

He is pretty much your ideal center for a team that is a perimeter heavy team.

77% of his shots come at the rim or from 3
38% from 3 on 2.5 attempts a game and 76% from the line
72% of his shots at the rim are assisted on or from putbacks
Extremely mobile and agile which allows him to guard the PnR and out in space

Give me the undersized athletic big over the plodding low post big that doesn't play defense any day of the week in today's NBA