Official Draft Thread 2015-16

[Slartibartfast]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

Just take BPA. I like Murray also. He's solidifying himself as a top 5 pick.

yes I totally agree, we are still in BPA mode.....but I really want 3 or a 5...though Stevens is showing us tat a team of combo guards, stretch 4s and Crowder can get 'er done.

Define 'er

[ddb]

Skal and Ingram kind of meh tonight on the big stage. Murray though!!! I like this guy, we need another Combo guard right??

haha! Imagine that? With the 3rd pick in the 2016 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics select.........Jamal Murray, guard from the University of Kentucky.

I would die!

In all honesty, Ainge won't draft another guard in the lottery. There are too many wings and bigs in this draft. Simmons 4 life!

[brackdan70]

Just take BPA. I like Murray also. He's solidifying himself as a top 5 pick.

yes I totally agree, we are still in BPA mode.....but I really want 3 or a 5...though Stevens is showing us tat a team of combo guards, stretch 4s and Crowder can get 'er done.

Define 'er

6-5

next you will be asking me to define "tat"

[ddb]

23pts 16boards 4 assist 2 st's from Simmons last night. the train keeps a rollin #simmonstoboston

[DakoBarr]

Right now if we land at around pick #4 or #5 I want Jaylen Brown over anyone.
This guy is going to be an absolute NBA stud.
Has the killer instinct and athleticism and plays hard on both ends.
Put him next to Smart and Crowder and watch us contend.

I agree. I think he's the safest pick of the draft. Doesn't seem to have a glaring weakness with plenty of potential on both ends. I think I like him more than Ingram and maybe Skal. Simmons looks to be the prize, but the shooting is a little concerning to an otherwise perfect package. Brown isn't as obviously elite at any one thing like Simmons is, but he seems like he will thrive in a league that rewards well-rounded skillsets.

[24istheLAW]

I'm no shooting coach but I binge-watched video of Simmons playing a few months ago, and his shooting woes (assuming he hasn't changed in this regard) are really troubling imo. Watching him attempt jumpers, he shoots with his hands, and the way his body twists towards his guide hand when he takes a shot makes the release inconsistent. He isn't "pushing" the ball straight out of his jumper, he pushes it a little to the right as he jumps and compensates to the left with his guide hand. Its hard enough to correctly gauge the distance of a shot - Simmons doesn't have repeatable mechanics lining up his jumper to begin with.

One wonders if him being ambidextrous (which makes him a great ballhandler and finisher) contributed to him developing that habit but he looks to me like his shot is more in the "broke as hell" category than in the "work in progress" category.

[Edug27]

What if all he is IS Evan Turner?

BOS needs a dominant scorer - I don't see how Simmons fits that mold. The LeBron comp is way off, he is worse shooter, but he is also much less of a physical presence. LeBron was abusing people with his body from jumpstreet - same with Griffin.

Simmons does not initiate contact, fight for position, or generally agress anyone with his body - i just dont think that's something you teach, its instinctual.

Freak Athlete with unbelievable skill level, but not a shooter and doesn't apply himself on the defensive end - not talking about steals/blocks, but watch his effort level off ball, fighting through screens, getting and staying in a stance - again, not something I think you teach.

He's just alarmingly soft in his approach for a player of his physical attributes. Maybe the challenge just hasn't been great enough for him, but when he's played in the few big games in his life you'd expect to see some dawg come out and it hasn't.

My guess is that he'll put up great stats at LSU but won't be able will his team to big wins come NCAA time or during close regular season games - kinda like Wiggins. Unfortunately, Wiggins is a natural scorer, so his inconsistent agression is compensated more easily.

The mentality of BOS players could really help pressure Simmons to apply himself more frequently when instincts have him in cruise control, i just worry about the combination of skills and will relative to team needs.

So with all of that said, who is this dominant scorer you prefer Boston to draft over Simmons if given the chance?

Really don't see one right now among the lottery guys. I'm sure someone will emerge, but this doesn't look like the draft to get your future franchise player from.

I said previously, I'd be looking to leverage this pick into something else right now. If not, I'd take a long look at flipping it to a **** team that looks like a lotto lock next year for there unprotected 1st next year and swap rights in 2018.

Again, this draft was projected to be underwhelming and its fairly obvious why - there is no easily projectable superstar player in this draft and most look like their safest projectable ceiling is "starter" level.

I like Bender's potential as a "Skilled Big" in the mold of a Mirotic type, but not comfortable going off his current body of work to select him as a franchise changer.

My goal - figure out a way to leverage 2016 picks into as many cracks at the 2017 draft as possible, targeting Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles.

Definitely a tricky situation for Danny.

There's only so many times you can put your hopes into winning the lottery. You aren't going to trade for unprotected 2017 picks. Those chances are low. Boston isn't tanking or being that bad to warrant a shot at the overall pick. Will BK be this bad again next season? Chances we are legit players in the 2017 draft are extremely low.

Now of course, I'm hoping for BK's pick to fall in the top 5ish. First overall pick and it's Simmons, no questions asked - pack it up and go home. Can't teach that kind of size and skill. We can worry about the jump shooting later.

The next question becomes what can you possibly trade a top 5 pick during the draft this year? Who comes available? Cousins? Doubt it. Paul George? Doubt it. Noel? Sure but may not be worth it. Melo? Not sure we want that trade. Derozan? Is he better than whos available in the top 5?

I wish I were a GM and these were my work stresses

[No-Man]

The Beasley-Bacon tandem from Florida St is looking phenomenal.
Wade Baldwin is a stud as well.

[BfB]

I don't think there is any sure-fire solution. However, I do think you could offer PHI a draft day trade of a 2016 Top 5 pick and their own pick for their unprotected 2017 and a top 10 protected 2018.

I can't fathom Ben Simmons being able to score in volume at the NBA level. His size/speed as a 3 will be negated in a way that most aren't seeing as they drool over his early college stats.

Scorers in the NBA need to be able to shoot well wnough to set up their drives. Simmons shoots about as well as Gerald Wallace did coming into the league. IF, if, he magically starts showing that level of effort on and off the court I could see him reaching that level of shooting which would open up his offensive game...but he is sooooooooo far away as a shooter and he sucks as a post up player against equal size strength.

Bottom line, he really really needs to show a commitment to the "little things" not just bullying bastly outclased athletes on the college level - Jae crowder would completely shut down Simmons with little back end help....and every quality team has a defensive 3 now thanks to LeBron.

Simmons has a lot to prove...

[165bows]

The Beasley-Bacon tandem from Florida St is looking phenomenal.
Wade Baldwin is a stud as well.

Haven't seen Baldwin yet but I read up on him in the offseason. Definitely had the profile of a guy that could be a legit under the radar type as far as boards go. What's your thoughts on his strengths/weaknesses?

[Murta]

Fun fact: next game against Marquette will be the first Simmons' college game in which he won't be taller than any of his opponents. He's 6-10 and all three teams LSU player had 6-9 players max. Marquette has two 6-10 guys and Ellenson who is 6-11.

[No-Man]

The Beasley-Bacon tandem from Florida St is looking phenomenal.
Wade Baldwin is a stud as well.

Haven't seen Baldwin yet but I read up on him in the offseason. Definitely had the profile of a guy that could be a legit under the radar type as far as boards go. What's your thoughts on his strengths/weaknesses?

He is a guy that belongs to the good side of the spectrum of comboguards, around 6-3 and 200, but has length to make up for it and switch on bigger guards (6-10 wingspan) really good athlete as well, he has a really nice touch and stroke, not a ball hog and plays on both ends.
I dont think his handle is good enough to play full time PG, but he plays like a pro.

[Slartibartfast]

I'm no shooting coach but I binge-watched video of Simmons playing a few months ago, and his shooting woes (assuming he hasn't changed in this regard) are really troubling imo. Watching him attempt jumpers, he shoots with his hands, and the way his body twists towards his guide hand when he takes a shot makes the release inconsistent. He isn't "pushing" the ball straight out of his jumper, he pushes it a little to the right as he jumps and compensates to the left with his guide hand. Its hard enough to correctly gauge the distance of a shot - Simmons doesn't have repeatable mechanics lining up his jumper to begin with.

One wonders if him being ambidextrous (which makes him a great ballhandler and finisher) contributed to him developing that habit but he looks to me like his shot is more in the "broke as hell" category than in the "work in progress" category.

He's about the same size as Blake Griffin - might be the guy to model his game after.

[Slartibartfast]

I don't think there is any sure-fire solution. However, I do think you could offer PHI a draft day trade of a 2016 Top 5 pick and their own pick for their unprotected 2017 and a top 10 protected 2018.

I can't fathom Ben Simmons being able to score in volume at the NBA level. His size/speed as a 3 will be negated in a way that most aren't seeing as they drool over his early college stats.

Scorers in the NBA need to be able to shoot well wnough to set up their drives. Simmons shoots about as well as Gerald Wallace did coming into the league. IF, if, he magically starts showing that level of effort on and off the court I could see him reaching that level of shooting which would open up his offensive game...but he is sooooooooo far away as a shooter and he sucks as a post up player against equal size strength.

Bottom line, he really really needs to show a commitment to the "little things" not just bullying bastly outclased athletes on the college level - Jae crowder would completely shut down Simmons with little back end help....and every quality team has a defensive 3 now thanks to LeBron.

Simmons has a lot to prove...

Don't you think he's a 4 in today's NBA? Dude's averaging 14 boards and hasn't attempted a single 3.

[jmr07019]

240 pounds with a 7' wingspan, 9' standing reach and can't shoot. Simmons is most definitely a 4.

[24istheLAW]

I'm no shooting coach but I binge-watched video of Simmons playing a few months ago, and his shooting woes (assuming he hasn't changed in this regard) are really troubling imo. Watching him attempt jumpers, he shoots with his hands, and the way his body twists towards his guide hand when he takes a shot makes the release inconsistent. He isn't "pushing" the ball straight out of his jumper, he pushes it a little to the right as he jumps and compensates to the left with his guide hand. Its hard enough to correctly gauge the distance of a shot - Simmons doesn't have repeatable mechanics lining up his jumper to begin with.

One wonders if him being ambidextrous (which makes him a great ballhandler and finisher) contributed to him developing that habit but he looks to me like his shot is more in the "broke as hell" category than in the "work in progress" category.

He's about the same size as Blake Griffin - might be the guy to model his game after.

What about Jeff Green? Uncle Jeff has roughly the same height/wingspan/reach combo, and he's a nice sturdy 235 lbs as well. That doesn't make him a power forward as we've seen. Because his reach isn't enough to get boards in traffic, and he lacks the loose screw to be throwing his body around to make up for that. To change my mind he's got to do more than get boards over 6'8" centers from McNeese State.

I don't see a transformation into a face up power forward as an option personally. He's very well equipped to defend the 3 and he's not a banger so its less likely he can defend the 4. I think he's a wing player all the way. Which is fine but to unlock his potential there (or anywhere on the court) he needs to manage a semblance of a jumper.

[truth18]

From the Sixers forum:

I'm absolutely fatigued. But I'm not surprised. Once I Okafor's name called I knew what was coming. Noel wasn't going to be able to play with him and he was going to be Brook Lopez part 2. Three years of tanking and all we have to show for it is Noel, Covington, the European Luke Walton and the hope that we can flip Okafor later, to some GM that's sleeping.

Okafor for smart and Brooklyn pick.

I think about it. Okafor could be a really special player.

[BfB]

I don't think there is any sure-fire solution. However, I do think you could offer PHI a draft day trade of a 2016 Top 5 pick and their own pick for their unprotected 2017 and a top 10 protected 2018.

I can't fathom Ben Simmons being able to score in volume at the NBA level. His size/speed as a 3 will be negated in a way that most aren't seeing as they drool over his early college stats.

Scorers in the NBA need to be able to shoot well wnough to set up their drives. Simmons shoots about as well as Gerald Wallace did coming into the league. IF, if, he magically starts showing that level of effort on and off the court I could see him reaching that level of shooting which would open up his offensive game...but he is sooooooooo far away as a shooter and he sucks as a post up player against equal size strength.

Bottom line, he really really needs to show a commitment to the "little things" not just bullying bastly outclased athletes on the college level - Jae crowder would completely shut down Simmons with little back end help....and every quality team has a defensive 3 now thanks to LeBron.

Simmons has a lot to prove...

Don't you think he's a 4 in today's NBA? Dude's averaging 14 boards and hasn't attempted a single 3.

You gotta seperate what works in college from what works in the pros - Simmons just played 3 consecutive games against guys that he completely outclasses from a size and athleticism standpoint.

In the NBA he'll have great size as a 3, but average length and below average physicality. As a 4 he is a complete liability defensively and won't rebound at that position, i'd stake my life on it.

I see the talent, like everyone else here, but i've watched him live about 15 times and he isn't close to having that "overachiever" motor that all the best players i've ever seen have.

He is so physically dominant to this point in his career he's been able to coast in so many areasand still put up stats. His talent will let him be a good player at the next level, but to be great he's going to have to apply himself more than he ever has...I just dont trust guys like that.

He is NOT Blake Griffin - totally different on-court presence. Go watch Blake at the college level. He intimidated people with his physicality. Simmons gets pushed out of rebounding position and gets knocked off his lines with almost no resisitence - he does not like contact when his physical skills should make him seek it.

[SmartWentCrazy]

I think about it. Okafor could be a really special player.

I'd puff puff pass on that, at least until we find out the result of the pick. I've never seen a big man get swatted like Okafor. That taller Sullinger comparison floating around before the draft is spot on.

[No-Man]

I'm no shooting coach but I binge-watched video of Simmons playing a few months ago, and his shooting woes (assuming he hasn't changed in this regard) are really troubling imo. Watching him attempt jumpers, he shoots with his hands, and the way his body twists towards his guide hand when he takes a shot makes the release inconsistent. He isn't "pushing" the ball straight out of his jumper, he pushes it a little to the right as he jumps and compensates to the left with his guide hand. Its hard enough to correctly gauge the distance of a shot - Simmons doesn't have repeatable mechanics lining up his jumper to begin with.

One wonders if him being ambidextrous (which makes him a great ballhandler and finisher) contributed to him developing that habit but he looks to me like his shot is more in the "broke as hell" category than in the "work in progress" category.

He's about the same size as Blake Griffin - might be the guy to model his game after.

He has not even near the in-game athleticism Griffin has, plus Blake's touch and shot are terrific, he has always been a better one on one player, better body control and hops.