2019 NBA draft

[Bleeding Green]

Those stashed Euros from 2016 are relative stiffs and the ones in this draft don't even seem of the same quality. I would regard the 2016 draft as a bit of a failure, though turning two seconds into a first was a really good trade of course (or they could have just drafted Brogdon). And I guess being able to flip Zizic for Kyrie was nice. If they didn't have so many picks that year they perhaps wouldn't have been pigeonholed into drafting euro players, and maybe they could have taken Siakam. if the same happens this year and they are forced into taking mediocre euro players instead of someone like Hachimura or Jontay Porter or White or Herro or whoever, I'd say that's a failure to maximize your assets.

[big-shot-ROB]

Doumbouya might not be a bad candidate for stash, though I don't think his agent or him will want to continue to play in Europe.

I agree they need to either go for ready contributors or trade the picks because we can not add projects to the team right now if we want to contend, we need seasoned vets in the bench, especially if we loose Rozier and Morris.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Let's say there's no Davis trade and Boston ends up with pick 9, 14, 20 & 22. Who do you pick? The 3 Duke guys and Morant are very likely off the board by #9.

All I know is that with possibly 4 picks, Boston has the luxury to take a change on Bol Bol @ 14. Also, Talen Horton Tucker is an intriguing player to take later in the 1st round. Shorter Draymond Green type guy.

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

[big-shot-ROB]

Let's say there's no Davis trade and Boston ends up with pick 9, 14, 20 & 22. Who do you pick? The 3 Duke guys and Morant are very likely off the board by #9.

All I know is that with possibly 4 picks, Boston has the luxury to take a change on Bol Bol @ 14. Also, Talen Horton Tucker is an intriguing player to take later in the 1st round. Shorter Draymond Green type guy.

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's risky in this draft. There are no tier 2 players, and centering all your shots into a pick is risky. The draft might be weak in star talent, but has really great depth. I'd prefer to stay at 9 and 14 and trade the others away. Or use 20 and 22 to upgrade the 9th pick to have a shot at Garland, Culver and Hunter.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Let's say there's no Davis trade and Boston ends up with pick 9, 14, 20 & 22. Who do you pick? The 3 Duke guys and Morant are very likely off the board by #9.

All I know is that with possibly 4 picks, Boston has the luxury to take a change on Bol Bol @ 14. Also, Talen Horton Tucker is an intriguing player to take later in the 1st round. Shorter Draymond Green type guy.

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's risky in this draft. There are no tier 2 players, and centering all your shots into a pick is risky. The draft might be weak in star talent, but has really great depth. I'd prefer to stay at 9 and 14 and trade the others away. Or use 20 and 22 to upgrade the 9th pick to have a shot at Garland, Culver and Hunter.

It definitely is. I’m just exceedingly high on Ja Morant and convinced Kyrie is leaving and would like him as our PGOTF. Would love to run out Ja/Jaylen/Jayson at the 1-2-3 long-term.

[big-shot-ROB]

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's risky in this draft. There are no tier 2 players, and centering all your shots into a pick is risky. The draft might be weak in star talent, but has really great depth. I'd prefer to stay at 9 and 14 and trade the others away. Or use 20 and 22 to upgrade the 9th pick to have a shot at Garland, Culver and Hunter.

It definitely is. I’m just exceedingly high on Ja Morant and convinced Kyrie is leaving and would like him as our PGOTF. Would love to run out Ja/Jaylen/Jayson at the 1-2-3 long-term.

A triple JJJ perimetre would be a crazy nickname. Although, I'm probably the celtics fan who is the lowest on Morant, but I get the appeal. I just see too much Schroder. If we are drafting a future pointguard I'd prefer Garland or White, both who'd be cheaper because they could be picked lately.

Anyway, I've already expressed what I'd like to draft in the previous page. But I could talk myself into any picks (Morant, Barrett, Bol, all who I'm skeptical about) the way I did when I wanted Jackson and, thank god, Ainge went with Tatum.

[SmartWentCrazy]

That's risky in this draft. There are no tier 2 players, and centering all your shots into a pick is risky. The draft might be weak in star talent, but has really great depth. I'd prefer to stay at 9 and 14 and trade the others away. Or use 20 and 22 to upgrade the 9th pick to have a shot at Garland, Culver and Hunter.

It definitely is. I’m just exceedingly high on Ja Morant and convinced Kyrie is leaving and would like him as our PGOTF. Would love to run out Ja/Jaylen/Jayson at the 1-2-3 long-term.

A triple JJJ perimetre would be a crazy nickname. Although, I'm probably the celtics fan who is the lowest on Morant, but I get the appeal. I just see too much Schroder. If we are drafting a future pointguard I'd prefer Garland or White, both who'd be cheaper because they could be picked lately.

Anyway, I've already expressed what I'd like to draft in the previous page. But I could talk myself into any picks (Morant, Barrett, Bol, all who I'm skeptical about) the way I did when I wanted Jackson and, thank god, Ainge went with Tatum.

His ability to draw FTs is most appealing to me— a 52% FTr on 34% USG is ridiculous and absolutely translatable. Brad’s offense really brings out the best in PGs that can penitrate and typically amplifies their impact [see: Crawford, IT, Rozier] and Morant seems like he’d be next in line to excel. His passing vision is also excellent and he’d be our most talented natural PG in this regard since Rondo.

Simply put: I love his talent and his fit on this team and would move mountains to get the JaJayJay core.

[jmr07019]

I would like to come out of the draft with a center who has legit size and athleticism. Give Time Lord some competition. Ideally both guys can contribute next year. Mock drafts vary a lot so hard to say where exactly these guys are going. Would like to get one of Jaxson Hayes, Naz Reid, Bol Bol, Bruno Fernando but would settle for one of Bassey, Bitadze, Jontay Porter. We likely have 3 picks in the top 25 so we will absolutely have to opportunity to draft a center without trading up. Ideally we take BPA at the SAC pick and then one of the 4 centers I like with the LAC pick.

[thelarrybirdx]

Let's say there's no Davis trade and Boston ends up with pick 9, 14, 20 & 22. Who do you pick? The 3 Duke guys and Morant are very likely off the board by #9.

All I know is that with possibly 4 picks, Boston has the luxury to take a change on Bol Bol @ 14. Also, Talen Horton Tucker is an intriguing player to take later in the 1st round. Shorter Draymond Green type guy.

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's the exact opposite of how NBA drafts work. This isn't the NFL. The #3 pick is about 10x more valuable than those 4 other picks combined.

[robdog_5]

We need a backup PG to fill in for Rozier. We need a 3/D type wing and a stretch big.

[big-shot-ROB]

We need a backup PG to fill in for Rozier. We need a 3/D type wing and a stretch big.

Garland, Hunter/Langford/Little and Mfioundu Kabengele/Jontay.

[Homerclease]

We need a backup PG to fill in for Rozier. We need a 3/D type wing and a stretch big.

Garland, Hunter/Langford/Little and Mfioundu Kabengele/Jontay.

Garland/Little/Bol.

Guy can dream right?

Only way we get a shot at Garland is it Memphis comes in at pick 9. Think Bol will be there in the 12-14 range where the Kings pick will land and Little may well be there in the 16-18 range where the Clips pick will fall. Give me Naz Reid where the Celtics pick slots and we’re in business

[Roddy B for 3]

Would Boston trade #14 + #20 + #24 + future 2nd for #5 + #35?

Assuming Zion, Morant, Culver and Barrett are off the board.

[Justin33]

Would Boston trade #14 + #20 + #24 + future 2nd for #5 + #35?

Assuming Zion, Morant, Culver and Barrett are off the board.

In a cocaine heart beat

[SmartWentCrazy]

Let's say there's no Davis trade and Boston ends up with pick 9, 14, 20 & 22. Who do you pick? The 3 Duke guys and Morant are very likely off the board by #9.

All I know is that with possibly 4 picks, Boston has the luxury to take a change on Bol Bol @ 14. Also, Talen Horton Tucker is an intriguing player to take later in the 1st round. Shorter Draymond Green type guy.

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's the exact opposite of how NBA drafts work. This isn't the NFL. The #3 pick is about 10x more valuable than those 4 other picks combined.

In a normal draft, where talent decreases exponentially? Sure. But in this draft, where the marginal difference amongst talent from pick 2-20 isnt great? Nope.

This draft has a superstar, franchise changer in Zion then a whole bunch of role players. Some may have more potential than others, but this is not the draft you want to be picking in the 2-7 range. Said another way, the #3 pick this year =/= the #3 from 2018 or 2017.

[lon3lytoaster]

What’s the word on Hachimura at 14? Really interesting story there. He’s shooting close to 60% and over 50% from 3 (albeit on 1 attempt/game.)

Rebounding and block numbers don’t stand out but has some solid advanced stats defensively. Wondering what it would take for him to be a true 3/4 hybrid in the NBA.

[JonFromVA]

Assuming they get those picks and they dont trade any for AD/another player:

They’ll package the picks to move up as high as they can. Cleveland could be in position to draft Morant, something they likely wont want to do given their invested capital in Collin Sexton. Given where they are in their rebuild, they could use as many extra bites at the apple as possible. I’d try to offer 9+14+20+22 for 3.

That's the exact opposite of how NBA drafts work. This isn't the NFL. The #3 pick is about 10x more valuable than those 4 other picks combined.

In a normal draft, where talent decreases exponentially? Sure. But in this draft, where the marginal difference amongst talent from pick 2-20 isnt great? Nope.

This draft has a superstar, franchise changer in Zion then a whole bunch of role players. Some may have more potential than others, but this is not the draft you want to be picking in the 2-7 range. Said another way, the #3 pick this year =/= the #3 from 2018 or 2017.

If you are correct, then the smart move would be to trade out of the draft and get a sure thing or a future pick; but even in a supposed 1-man draft like 2012 there were still 4 other All-Stars in the draft for teams able to identify them or lucky enough to stumble upon them.

I'm not going to say you're wrong, because only time will tell, but seems most people consider this at least a 3 player draft. Being considered a tier below Zion (who's have one of the best seasons ever for a freshman) is not necessarily a knock.

Alas, losing DraftExpress to ESPN's paywall is a big blow to public pre-draft evaluations ...

[SmartWentCrazy]

That's the exact opposite of how NBA drafts work. This isn't the NFL. The #3 pick is about 10x more valuable than those 4 other picks combined.

In a normal draft, where talent decreases exponentially? Sure. But in this draft, where the marginal difference amongst talent from pick 2-20 isnt great? Nope.

This draft has a superstar, franchise changer in Zion then a whole bunch of role players. Some may have more potential than others, but this is not the draft you want to be picking in the 2-7 range. Said another way, the #3 pick this year =/= the #3 from 2018 or 2017.

If you are correct, then the smart move would be to trade out of the draft and get a sure thing or a future pick; but even in a supposed 1-man draft like 2012 there were still 4 other All-Stars in the draft for teams able to identify them or lucky enough to stumble upon them.

I'm not going to say you're wrong, because only time will tell, but seems most people consider this at least a 3 player draft. Being considered a tier below Zion (who's have one of the best seasons ever for a freshman) is not necessarily a knock.

Alas, losing DraftExpress to ESPN's paywall is a big blow to public pre-draft evaluations ...

Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer summed it up well:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/3/18/18270319/zion-williamson-tanking-nba-draft-lebron-james-anthony-davis

This will be a top-heavy draft class because of Zion. After him, it’s a mixed bag: Duke forward R.J. Barrett and Murray State guard Ja Morant have star potential but also come with worrisome flaws, like Barrett’s lack of feel for the game and Morant’s jumper. The draft is filled with good-not-great prospects like Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland, underwhelming elite high school recruits like Duke forward Cam Reddish, projected role players like Tennessee forward Grant Williams, and wild cards like Oregon center Bol Bol. Some players will blossom into stardom, as they always do—even the 2013 draft class, which was supposed to be historically bad, brought Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert into the NBA. Executives around the league agree that this draft plateaus around the fourth or fifth pick into the middle or late first round, but there is no consensus on the players that come after Williamson; one team’s fifth-ranked prospect might be 25th on another team’s board.

Williamson is on a draft board of one, though.

This years draft has a marginal difference in talent from picks 2 to ~20, IMO. RJ and Morant are atop that class, but they have very real and scary flaws. If RJ goes two and the Cavs have pick 3, I think they’d strongly consider trading for additional picks [including 2 lottery picks] than drafting another PG. This is the odd year that having more bites at the apple is more advantageous than one because the talent differentials really arent that great.

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

In a normal draft, where talent decreases exponentially? Sure. But in this draft, where the marginal difference amongst talent from pick 2-20 isnt great? Nope.

This draft has a superstar, franchise changer in Zion then a whole bunch of role players. Some may have more potential than others, but this is not the draft you want to be picking in the 2-7 range. Said another way, the #3 pick this year =/= the #3 from 2018 or 2017.

If you are correct, then the smart move would be to trade out of the draft and get a sure thing or a future pick; but even in a supposed 1-man draft like 2012 there were still 4 other All-Stars in the draft for teams able to identify them or lucky enough to stumble upon them.

I'm not going to say you're wrong, because only time will tell, but seems most people consider this at least a 3 player draft. Being considered a tier below Zion (who's have one of the best seasons ever for a freshman) is not necessarily a knock.

Alas, losing DraftExpress to ESPN's paywall is a big blow to public pre-draft evaluations ...

Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer summed it up well:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/3/18/18270319/zion-williamson-tanking-nba-draft-lebron-james-anthony-davis

This will be a top-heavy draft class because of Zion. After him, it’s a mixed bag: Duke forward R.J. Barrett and Murray State guard Ja Morant have star potential but also come with worrisome flaws, like Barrett’s lack of feel for the game and Morant’s jumper. The draft is filled with good-not-great prospects like Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland, underwhelming elite high school recruits like Duke forward Cam Reddish, projected role players like Tennessee forward Grant Williams, and wild cards like Oregon center Bol Bol. Some players will blossom into stardom, as they always do—even the 2013 draft class, which was supposed to be historically bad, brought Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert into the NBA. Executives around the league agree that this draft plateaus around the fourth or fifth pick into the middle or late first round, but there is no consensus on the players that come after Williamson; one team’s fifth-ranked prospect might be 25th on another team’s board.

Williamson is on a draft board of one, though.

This years draft has a marginal difference in talent from picks 2 to ~20, IMO. RJ and Morant are atop that class, but they have very real and scary flaws. If RJ goes two and the Cavs have pick 3, I think they’d strongly consider trading for additional picks [including 2 lottery picks] than drafting another PG. This is the odd year that having more bites at the apple is more advantageous than one because the talent differentials really arent that great.

How quickly things change. Before the season started, everyone was touting Barrett to be the star player. Heck, some mocks even had Reddish and Little in the top 3, with Zion being ranked as low as 5th.

Barrett has been disappointing, while Zion has lived up to every bit of hype he has received. Going to be an interesting draft. I want to see if Danny thinks there's anyone worth drafting late in the 1st round. That's when he does his best work, IMO.

[Duke4life831]

What’s the word on Hachimura at 14? Really interesting story there. He’s shooting close to 60% and over 50% from 3 (albeit on 1 attempt/game.)

Rebounding and block numbers don’t stand out but has some solid advanced stats defensively. Wondering what it would take for him to be a true 3/4 hybrid in the NBA.

Big body, but not a defender. He has some slow feet compared to the average NBA wing. I like his offensive skill set and I think within time he will bring his shot out to the 3pt line.