2020 NBA Draft Thread, Part 2 -- (8PM, Wed, Nov. 18, ESPN)

[SmartWentCrazy]

Yep he’s been one of my favorites forever now. He’s the closest thing you’ll find to a bit like Bam in this draft who can switch everything defensively and just rim run on offense.

He was also more of a wing in HS but Penny had him playing center which is where he’ll thrive in the NBA

There are no Bams in this draft and trying to find the next one is how you make mistakes. He’s closer to Harrell than he is to Bam.

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

[JHTruth]

Do you think he'll be gone before we pick at 26?

LOL you think this guy would actually play under Brad Stevens?

Why not? The kid has skills that many players his size and age don't. Are his flaws unfixable to the point that he won't see time on the Celtics? I don't think so. If Semi can see playing time with the Celtics, I don't see how a much more talented player in Poku cannot.

Semi has a defined role. Play solid D. Hit corner threes. IF you draft Poku he's going to be wasted in that role. He'll never play.

[JHTruth]

There are no Bams in this draft and trying to find the next one is how you make mistakes. He’s closer to Harrell than he is to Bam.

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Agree 150%. But again you have Brad who would rather play Enes freaking Kanter..

[SmartWentCrazy]

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Agree 150%. But again you have Brad who would rather play Enes freaking Kanter..

Coaches are going to play whomever they think gives them the best chance to win. Its on Ainge to make sure that Stevens gives Williams PT next year and he needs to trade Kanter in order to ensure it happens.

[flintsky21]

If the team is like 9-man deep, then yes go ahead and draft a guy like Poku at 14 and have him develop at his own pace until you find out whether he's the next Giannis in 4 or 5 years. But this team doesn't have that luxury and needs someone at 14 who can possibly contribute immediately. That 14th pick has good chance to fight for the 6th and 7th man spot in the current rotation. This team's got a really good championship window for the next couple of years. You've got to go for players that can help now, whether it be NBA-ready rooks or seasoned vets.

And yeah, for every Giannis, there are 40 Caboclos.

[TheMartian]

LOL you think this guy would actually play under Brad Stevens?

Why not? The kid has skills that many players his size and age don't. Are his flaws unfixable to the point that he won't see time on the Celtics? I don't think so. If Semi can see playing time with the Celtics, I don't see how a much more talented player in Poku cannot.

Semi has a defined role. Play solid D. Hit corner threes. IF you draft Poku he's going to be wasted in that role. He'll never play.

Just to be clear I am not implying that Poku will be an immediate contributor. Like I said, once the flaws in his game are fixed, he'd be a more valuable and more playable than Semi. I just agree with SWC that Poku might be the unicorn in this draft that is a high risk, high reward pick. Still not sold on him as the right pick at 14 though. Maybe wait for the draft combine before we pass judgment.

[TheMartian]

If the team is like 9-man deep, then yes go ahead and draft a guy like Poku at 14 and have him develop at his own pace until you find out whether he's the next Giannis in 4 or 5 years. But this team doesn't have that luxury and needs someone at 14 who can possibly contribute immediately. That 14th pick has good chance to fight for the 6th and 7th man spot in the current rotation. This team's got a really good championship window for the next couple of years. You've got to go for players that can help now, whether it be NBA-ready rooks or seasoned vets.

And yeah, for every Giannis, there are 40 Caboclos.

Agreed, and that's the difference between playing it safe and picking a Kelly O over Giannis in 2013. The Celtics were in year 1 of the rebuild in 2013 and had the luxury to gamble on a prospect like Giannis. However, the Celtics are contenders NOW, and need pieces that can contribute right away, which they can possibly get with the number 14 pick. If Poku is there at 26 or 30, sure, take a flier on him. Take the player at 14 that has the best chance of contributing to the team in the upcoming season.

[JHTruth]

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Agree 150%. But again you have Brad who would rather play Enes freaking Kanter..

Coaches are going to play whomever they think gives them the best chance to win. Its on Ainge to make sure that Stevens gives Williams PT next year and he needs to trade Kanter in order to ensure it happens.

Yep like Riley did with Spo. He's like oh you don't want to start Bam? Well poof there goes your starting C!!!

[SmartWentCrazy]

If the team is like 9-man deep, then yes go ahead and draft a guy like Poku at 14 and have him develop at his own pace until you find out whether he's the next Giannis in 4 or 5 years. But this team doesn't have that luxury and needs someone at 14 who can possibly contribute immediately. That 14th pick has good chance to fight for the 6th and 7th man spot in the current rotation. This team's got a really good championship window for the next couple of years. You've got to go for players that can help now, whether it be NBA-ready rooks or seasoned vets.

And yeah, for every Giannis, there are 40 Caboclos.

We were in the ECFs and can have our pick at cheap depth going forward. We shouldnt be wasting a lottery pick for a 9th man.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Again, I’m taking names and I dont want to see a lot of you blast Ainge for Giannis again.

[Bleeding Green]

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Agree 150%. But again you have Brad who would rather play Enes freaking Kanter..

Robert Williams played more than Kanter when he was healthy. As a 22 year old raw big. I dunno where people come up with these **** takes.

Add my name to not wanting the next Dragan Bender.

[djFan71]

Theres no guarantee at all; however, we have the 14th pick in a crap draft thats very similar to 2013. This is our last shot at taking a home run swing. Passing on a potential unicorn to get a guy who can contribute right away is ludicrous to me.

Have you heard anything about his stash-ability? I wouldn't let that deter picking him if he's insistent on coming (like we did with Giannis), but it sure would be nice to not start the clock yet. Let him weigh 210 lbs before we bring him over.

I actually think that DAL THJ/Wright/18/31 trade would be perfect. We already have enough picks to warrant the Poku shot, but that would get us more (and tons of financial flexibility). Take Poku at 14, Bey at 18, Reed at 26. Deal the others for low end vets and/or future 2nds with excess salary. But even if you have to keep them grab McDaniels as another long shot or Tre Jones at 30. Stash Bolmaro with 31. 47 ones of the bigs like Azubuike, or any # of other guys.

Spoiler:

EDIT: The trade is perfect in the "we're not already decided we're not keeping Hayward world". I'm still on team keep Gordon most of the time until I get too far down my draft/trade rabbit holes and want to draft and trade for 137 people at once.

[31to6]

Again, I’m taking names and I dont want to see a lot of you blast Ainge for Giannis again.

**** man I’m not sure if I’m on your list yet but you’ve talked me into at least wondering if Poku can get off the ground/if baby Giannis could. Giannis’ physical development is on the farrrr side of the bell curve and not something I expect to see again or often. But how would you assess Poku’s demonstrated athleticism compared to Giannis’ in 2013?

Thank you sir.

[31to6]

Now this is a big man that I hope lands with the Celtics. He could be our big man for the future.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Traveling through time to makes himself eligible for the 2020 draft?;)

Big RW fan here but I still want us to draft at least one big

[djFan71]

Now this is a big man that I hope lands with the Celtics. He could be our big man for the future.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Traveling through time to makes himself eligible for the 2020 draft?;)

Big RW fan here but I still want us to draft at least one big

I love RWIII potential, but I'm not sure he's worth 2 picks in 2 separate drafts.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Again, I’m taking names and I dont want to see a lot of you blast Ainge for Giannis again.

**** man I’m not sure if I’m on your list yet but you’ve talked me into at least wondering if Poku can get off the ground/if baby Giannis could. Giannis’ physical development is on the farrrr side of the bell curve and not something I expect to see again or often. But how would you assess Poku’s demonstrated athleticism compared to Giannis’ in 2013?

Thank you sir.

He’s better than Giannis at 18. Giannis averaged 9.5/5.0/1.4 with 1.0 blocks in the same league when it probably had a bit worse talent. Poku averaged 10.8/7.9/3.1 with 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks.

He would play right now for us. It’d be bit minutes, similar to how we treated Grant or Time Lord early on, but he’d play.

He’s definitely a worse athlete than Giannis. Hes around Porzingis tier, IMO— maybe a tad worse but I’d expect it to improve as his body strengthens. But he’s fluid and coordinated right now.

He has special passing ability for a 7 footer. He has elite BBIQ for an 18 year old. His shot looks good and there sre positive indicators of it developing to the 36% range [32% right now, 78% FTs and aesthetically is form is solid]. I’m willing to take the risk and see if he could develop into at 15-8-5 guy from the 4. Its a worthwhile gamble. The easiest thing to fix is your body and I’d guess NBA trainers help him significantly in this regard.

[Darth Celtic]

I'm on the fence between the two thoughts. I don't mind taking the overly skinny prospect and hoping he fills out as he is skilled compared to the already grown men available. I also really like a guy like Nesmith who can come in and already be way better than Semi as he has one good skill. Shooting with size.

How about we get best of both worlds. Draft Nesmith at 14, and trade 26 30 and 47 for 17 and take Poku?

[31to6]

Again, I’m taking names and I dont want to see a lot of you blast Ainge for Giannis again.

**** man I’m not sure if I’m on your list yet but you’ve talked me into at least wondering if Poku can get off the ground/if baby Giannis could. Giannis’ physical development is on the farrrr side of the bell curve and not something I expect to see again or often. But how would you assess Poku’s demonstrated athleticism compared to Giannis’ in 2013?

Thank you sir.

He’s better than Giannis at 18. Giannis averaged 9.5/5.0/1.4 with 1.0 blocks in the same league when it probably had a bit worse talent. Poku averaged 10.8/7.9/3.1 with 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks.

He would play right now for us. It’d be bit minutes, similar to how we treated Grant or Time Lord early on, but he’d play.

He’s definitely a worse athlete than Giannis. Hes around Porzingis tier, IMO— maybe a tad worse but I’d expect it to improve as his body strengthens. But he’s fluid and coordinated right now.

He has special passing ability for a 7 footer. He has elite BBIQ for an 18 year old. His shot looks good and there sre positive indicators of it developing to the 36% range [32% right now, 78% FTs and aesthetically is form is solid]. I’m willing to take the risk and see if he could develop into at 15-8-5 guy from the 4. Its a worthwhile gamble. The easiest thing to fix is your body and I’d guess NBA trainers help him significantly in this regard.

I agree he’s fluid and coordinated and that those are important (if often overlooked) components of athleticism. I’ll need to rewatch his film (and Giannis’) looking at speed, hops, burst — I see a lot of skill from Poku, but not yet those things, though they would of course be expected to improve IF he could add more muscle.

[djFan71]

I'm on the fence between the two thoughts. I don't mind taking the overly skinny prospect and hoping he fills out as he is skilled compared to the already grown men available. I also really like a guy like Nesmith who can come in and already be way better than Semi as he has one good skill. Shooting with size.

How about we get best of both worlds. Draft Nesmith at 14, and trade 26 30 and 47 for 17 and take Poku?

It sucks cuz several of the teams you'd want to target in that range for trade ups already have a lot of picks - and usually a high 2nd.

POR/ORL: 15 & 16 might be too high to get with those picks.
MIN has 1, 17, 33.
DAL has 18, 31.
BKN has 19, 55 - might be doable.
MIA has 20. And hates Ainge.
PHI has 21, 34, 36, 49, 58... cripes.
DEN has 22. Starting to get pretty low.

Maybe BKN or DEN work. But Poku may be gone by then. I could see DAL/MIN grabbing him if he's still on the board even.
I think we either get our heads around him at 14, or he's not happening.
Or you do the DAL/Hayward trade and have tons of shots at lots of guys.

[JHTruth]

**** man I’m not sure if I’m on your list yet but you’ve talked me into at least wondering if Poku can get off the ground/if baby Giannis could. Giannis’ physical development is on the farrrr side of the bell curve and not something I expect to see again or often. But how would you assess Poku’s demonstrated athleticism compared to Giannis’ in 2013?

Thank you sir.

He’s better than Giannis at 18. Giannis averaged 9.5/5.0/1.4 with 1.0 blocks in the same league when it probably had a bit worse talent. Poku averaged 10.8/7.9/3.1 with 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks.

He would play right now for us. It’d be bit minutes, similar to how we treated Grant or Time Lord early on, but he’d play.

He’s definitely a worse athlete than Giannis. Hes around Porzingis tier, IMO— maybe a tad worse but I’d expect it to improve as his body strengthens. But he’s fluid and coordinated right now.

He has special passing ability for a 7 footer. He has elite BBIQ for an 18 year old. His shot looks good and there sre positive indicators of it developing to the 36% range [32% right now, 78% FTs and aesthetically is form is solid]. I’m willing to take the risk and see if he could develop into at 15-8-5 guy from the 4. Its a worthwhile gamble. The easiest thing to fix is your body and I’d guess NBA trainers help him significantly in this regard.

I agree he’s fluid and coordinated and that those are important (if often overlooked) components of athleticism. I’ll need to rewatch his film (and Giannis’) looking at speed, hops, burst — I see a lot of skill from Poku, but not yet those things, though they would of course be expected to improve IF he could add more muscle.

Health is also a HUGE consideration with a guy like Poku. He's self-reporting he's over 7 feet now, closer to 7'2". With that frail frame there is simply no way he holds up in the league. Porzingis is nearly washed at 25 and he weighed 20 pounds heaver than Poku when drafted.

Someone with Poku's height and rail-thin frame is a walking injury waiting to happen. That will probably drive down his stock more than anything. Especially since he missed three months with a knee injury ...