Road to a Championship start here, 2022 Draft.

[Whole Truth]

Assuming all my top picks are off board - Smith, Sharpe, Mathurin

My trade down targets would then be - Sochan, Agbaji, Davis, Williams, Duren. Hopefully in a potential combination of wing & big.

[Whole Truth]

Keep seeing NI's fan say no to Mathurin because NO's need defense.

Mathurin can & has the tools to be a versatile + defenser. He lacks focus & commitment being Arizona's #1 option on offense. NO's have Green & Brewer who got a team of non defender to buy in. Whereas NO's were at teh bottom of the league in shooting despite supposedly having a great shooting coach.

It's easier to coax a guy who is willing into commiting to something than it is to refine/teach a skillset. Mathurin said he wants to be the best player in the league, he's willing. Daniels was bricking shots & looks like he will be an unreliable streaky shooter like NAW.

Here's how it shakes out.

1, Mathurins elite shooting, capable defense lacking focus brought into focus by Green & Brewer.

or

2, Daniels defense & potential base for shooting brought into high consistency by the shootnig coach.


It's option 1, all day, everyday, IMO.

Consider this. Mathurin without a complete skillset was tasked with being Arizona's main offensive option. Ask BI what happens to a players defense if they don't have an incredibly high motor if they 're shouldering an offense. Where in NO's Mathurin would be playing more off ball where he was more efficient shooting in yr 1 with Zona. Energy saved & relocated, with Green & Brewer requiring defensive commitment for PT...

Intangibles are not just physical. Making the most of a situation is a talent, making the most of a limited skillset, is high IQ. Mathurin without a somplete skillset. Handles & passing led Arizona to a 35-5 record, where teams supposedly couldn't game plan defensively for a, as NO's fans put it, a one dimensional shooter, lol.

He doesn't put up 18 on average & Arizona doesn't win the majority of their games if he was as one dimensional as people think.

Pacers with Duarte, Hali & Brogdon shouldn't be "reaching for him but they are where I believe Kings had interest in trading down for him, know hopefully that NO's would just keep him with Portland being the other team trying to trade & win now.

I think if Hawks pull off a trade with Kings, Mathurin falls past Indy & if it comes down to him & Daniels, don't **** it up trying to draft a lesser version of ball with worse spacing because of intrigue.. Mathurin is an elite shooter, capable defender & perfect offensive fit even without the handles & playmaking where he has flashed potential.

[Whole Truth]

Smith. Sharpe & Mathurin off board.

#1 - Sochan who has elite defensive versatility, 1-4/5, with the same shooting issue as Damiels who's is 1-3/4 defender.
#2 - trade back Daniels to Knicks for 11 & their 23 pick, take Mark Williams to eventually replace Jonas.
#3 - trade out for Cam Johnson

Don't underestimate the you don't mess with the Sochan memes lol,

All fun aside - trading back for Mark Williams & a future 23 pick lightly prtoected from a bad team is a scenario I've been coming around on with Mathurin off board.

Jonas - #11 Mark Williams (future replacement)
Zion - Nance (backup 4,/small ball C)
BI - Murphy
Herb - Naji or (possible returin in trade)
CJ - Alvarado - Kira

- Hayes, Graham, Temple & potentially Kira on the block for cap purposes.

NO's will then be holding Lakers, Knicsks & their own pick for potential lottery in 23.

If Knicks like Daniels as much as I think.

NO's trade - (Some combination of Graham Temple, Hayes) for (expiring contract, #11, Knicks 23 unprotected). Where I'd consider making the return contract a semi bad contract to ensure the pick is unprotected..

[Whole Truth]

Ousman Dieng.

Watch on YouTube

My mistake, as a Raptor fan I should have recognized Bruno Caboclo. 2yrs from being 2yrs away.

Agbaji, long before Dieng. He has an Intriguing upside, I wouldn't risk it.

[Whole Truth]

I see a trade being rehashed on another NO's forum.

NO's trade - (Graham, Hayes, #41, #52) for (Green, Korkmaz, #23)

Here's the thing besides the expiring value that I've targeted. Pascal during the Raptors Championship rum started the year out as an unknown shooter. Green had alot IMO to do with his personal improvement as a shooter. By the end of that run Pascal made a huge jump in attempts & efficiency..

All the rumors surrounding OKC trading for 8 & NO's interest in Dieng.

NBA draft net has Dieng going at 12 & Koloko at 34 to OKC.

NO's trade - (Graham, #8) for (Dort, 12 Dieng, Micic, #34 Koloco)

I'd go Mark Williams at 12 in this scenario. If nothing else, force Charlotte's hand at 13.

[Whole Truth]

Connect the dots.

- Sacramento/Portland are connected to Collins in rumors.

- Spurs are being rumored to trading their star guard for Collins leaving them bare.

- At 4 Ivey could be a potential target, at 8 Daniels.

Spurs maximize getting a haul for Murray who I think will regress, had a career yr. Net Collins plus. Then turn around & trade Collins for Ivey in a packaged deal. Not surprising both win now trade partners are set at PG.

[Whole Truth]

I'm wandering if Raptors interest in trading for 7 could force OKC to deal with Kings for Sharpe ?

I'm not sure Sharpe is the Raptors target but believe he is ..

OkC trade to 4 in order to land Sharpe.. Ivey goes 5, IMO Murray goes 6 dropping Mathurin, teams like Knicks & Washington trade up for Daniels thinking Pelicans keep the pick.

[Duke4life831]

Not a fan of the pick. Daniels is an on ball PG who cant shoot. He is pretty much a worse version of Lonzo. They weren't happy with the Lonzo fit and that is with Lonzo being a solid shooter. Johnny Davis or a big would've been a much smarter pick.

Loved the Liddell pick. Getting him in the 2nd is a huge steal. I had him #9 in my final big board. Dude is going to be such a good rotation player. He does it all.

[NO-KG-AI]

Not a fan of the pick. Daniels is an on ball PG who cant shoot. He is pretty much a worse version of Lonzo. They weren't happy with the Lonzo fit and that is with Lonzo being a solid shooter. Johnny Davis or a big would've been a much smarter pick.

Loved the Liddell pick. Getting him in the 2nd is a huge steal. I had him #9 in my final big board. Dude is going to be such a good rotation player. He does it all.

Where do you rate Daniels as a prospect in this draft, regardless of fit?

I think Hayes might want a bigger extension than we want to give, so a big wouldn’t have been horrible, but none are a clean fit. I guess we kinda got lucky that Liddell dropped that far. Zion/Jonas/Nance/Hayes/Liddell is a lot of potential minutes to divvy up, and that’s not account for smaller lineups with Murphy or Jones at the 4.

[Duke4life831]

Not a fan of the pick. Daniels is an on ball PG who cant shoot. He is pretty much a worse version of Lonzo. They weren't happy with the Lonzo fit and that is with Lonzo being a solid shooter. Johnny Davis or a big would've been a much smarter pick.

Loved the Liddell pick. Getting him in the 2nd is a huge steal. I had him #9 in my final big board. Dude is going to be such a good rotation player. He does it all.

Where do you rate Daniels as a prospect in this draft, regardless of fit?

I think Hayes might want a bigger extension than we want to give, so a big wouldn’t have been horrible, but none are a clean fit. I guess we kinda got lucky that Liddell dropped that far. Zion/Jonas/Nance/Hayes/Liddell is a lot of potential minutes to divvy up, and that’s not account for smaller lineups with Murphy or Jones at the 4.

Probably would have him somewhere between 15-20. Just not the biggest fan of that architype of a player that high up to be completely honest. His lack of dynamic handle or shiftiness leads to a really lacking on ball dynamic ability that I think really shows up in the way he plays. I do agree his shooting mechanics are good, but he's not a natural shooter or a natural scorer.

Like dont get me wrong, he has great size for a ball handler and he is a smart player and a good defender. I personally cant get over the fit though and thats why Im not a fan of the pick. Just looking at the roster Im not seeing what his role is. He is best on the ball, but when I have a team that has BI/Zion/CJ, I really have no need for another ball handler. Im on the boat that I think CJ is one too many ball handlers, because I think for this team to maximize its potential its to completely hand the keys to the team to BI and Zion. Allow them to be the primary ball handlers. So ya, I wasnt the highest on Daniels and really just disliked the fit even prior to tonight. I believe a few pages back on this thread I have a post on here shooting down the Daniels fit.

To me the ideal scenario wouldve been to trade down a few spots and grabbed one of Abagji or AJ (two guys that I think fit the biggest need). But I also understand the offers couldve just not been there to do that. With that in mind I wouldve went with a big in Mark Williams or Duren. Or just went with Davis with the thought of its fine if he doesnt fit with the starting lineup, because he could easily just excel as a 6th man.

Im over the moon with the Liddell pick. Any negativity I had with the Daniels pick is out the window. I honestly dont care. The Liddell pick more than makes up for it in my mind. He's a guy that can play the 3 or the 4 and do whatever is asked of him. Focus on defense, cool the dude is a stud versatile defender. Need a little offensive punch, put him in a little PnR action, he can hurt a defense either popping or rolling. He's just a smart do it all kind of guy.

I get the front court is going to be crowded, but just like Herb last year. Liddell is going to be a guy that youre just going to have to find minutes for. He's going to win over Pels fans hearts very quickly.

[Duke4life831]

Ill put this here for Liddell.

Watch on YouTube

I know its not too hard to find highlights for him. But just thought I would show this one because over half the video is showing him on the defensive side of the ball. Its not just the blocks either, his awareness and rotations on the defensive end are a thing of beauty to watch.

Again his biggest weakness is his ability to attack with the ball. That's just not going to be asked of him on this team. I view him as an elite glue guy. Unbelievable value to get in the 2nd round. Still in awe that he was still there.

[NO-KG-AI]

Your stance makes a lot more sense given you see him that far down in terms of rankings. Me being okay with the pick is way more about just getting a top 10 talent (I have him 7th, so getting him 8th is good value). I think when you're a young team already getting to make the playoffs, you really won't get top 10 picks, and having them is such a luxury that you have to take the top talents.

Liddell looks long and strong enough to get some minutes at the 5 just looking at his physical profile, I'm happy as hell with the pick just looking through opinions and watching some film reels of him. The second round is such a crap shoot most of the time, and I won't get ahead of myself and say it's another Herb Jones pick (which I hated last year... lmao), but I would love it if he's that type.

It's gonna be tough making room for Victor Wembanyama in the front court next year.

Trey, Herb, Alvarado, Daniels, Liddell. I can see what they are targeting for sure.

[Duke4life831]

Your stance makes a lot more sense given you see him that far down in terms of rankings. Me being okay with the pick is way more about just getting a top 10 talent (I have him 7th, so getting him 8th is good value). I think when you're a young team already getting to make the playoffs, you really won't get top 10 picks, and having them is such a luxury that you have to take the top talents.

Liddell looks long and strong enough to get some minutes at the 5 just looking at his physical profile, I'm happy as hell with the pick just looking through opinions and watching some film reels of him. The second round is such a crap shoot most of the time, and I won't get ahead of myself and say it's another Herb Jones pick (which I hated last year... lmao), but I would love it if he's that type.

It's gonna be tough making room for Victor Wembanyama in the front court next year.

Trey, Herb, Alvarado, Daniels, Liddell. I can see what they are targeting for sure.

Ya and to be fair, its even a crap shoot for 2nd round guys that the vast majority find crazy they fell to the second round. I remember when Jordan Bell fell to the 2nd round and everyone was calling him the obvious steal of the draft (me included). Well he clearly slipped to the 2nd for a reason haha and pretty much out of the league 3 years into his career.

But ya I had Liddell top 10 because to me he checks off every box I want from a glue guy. Loved watching him in college and there is nothing about his game that I dont see translating. Really the only thing I dont see translating is his backing down his man and his little baby hook/push shot. I just dont think that will be asked of him though. I think his role will be to set screens and pick and pop/roll, or chill in the corner. I think he will excel there. Then on defense be asked to play hard physical smart defense and rebound. He does that very well.

Another thing I love about him on this roster is, defensively he is a great combo with Herb. Herb is that wiry long perimeter defender, if there is one way to maybe attack Herb it is to over power him. Having a big strong defender to throw out there now, what a great pick.

I think by mid December Liddell will clearly be part of the rotation. Im that high on him. Unless there was some kind of medical red flag which made him drop.

[Whole Truth]

Not a fan of the pick. Daniels is an on ball PG who cant shoot. He is pretty much a worse version of Lonzo. They weren't happy with the Lonzo fit and that is with Lonzo being a solid shooter. Johnny Davis or a big would've been a much smarter pick.

Loved the Liddell pick. Getting him in the 2nd is a huge steal. I had him #9 in my final big board. Dude is going to be such a good rotation player. He does it all.

This post is as though you can read my mind, lol.

I knew it was a possibility but was upset a team that had Duarte, Hali & Brogdon reached for Mathurin at 6, would have been a better fit for NO's IMO. Doesn't take a math magician to know one of the 3 was going to be there at 8. The bigger surprise was Portland taking & keeping Sharpe. Not sure how that move will sit with Dame drafting a project without the intent to trade. Maybe in the coming days..

I also saw Daniels as a poor man Lonzo Ball but was happy it was him & not Ousmane Dieng, once Mathurin was off the board. Teams are going to pack the paint & while he can bring defense to the table, good teams will target the several weak links in the rotation regardless, so if the offense sputters with a lack of spacing. It will be imparitive he gets his shot together because offesnive efficiency is important for this team. Reason the defense got better with the addition of CJ over Hart post deadline. It certainly wasn't because CJ is the better individual defender.

Read that again, the defense got better replacing Hart with CJ, when Hart is the better individual defender by a wide margin.

Had koloko & Liddell as trade up targets & thought he was going late first round, so definitely loved the pick at 41.

Not surprised Spurs took Sochan following the pick, one of the better drafting & developing teams. Great fit for both but all my picks went 6,7 & 9, lol

Overall left the draft satisfied & thankful to not be a Knick fan, lol. They traded #13 Duren to get off an expiring contract. It's almost as if they get pleasure in torchering their fan base.

[Whole Truth]

Not a fan of the pick. Daniels is an on ball PG who cant shoot. He is pretty much a worse version of Lonzo. They weren't happy with the Lonzo fit and that is with Lonzo being a solid shooter. Johnny Davis or a big would've been a much smarter pick.

Loved the Liddell pick. Getting him in the 2nd is a huge steal. I had him #9 in my final big board. Dude is going to be such a good rotation player. He does it all.

Where do you rate Daniels as a prospect in this draft, regardless of fit?

I think Hayes might want a bigger extension than we want to give, so a big wouldn’t have been horrible, but none are a clean fit. I guess we kinda got lucky that Liddell dropped that far. Zion/Jonas/Nance/Hayes/Liddell is a lot of potential minutes to divvy up, and that’s not account for smaller lineups with Murphy or Jones at the 4.

Congrats, I know you liked Daniels as a prospect.

[Whole Truth]

It's crazy how every word of your response to NO-KG-AI echo my thoughts & beliefs.

NO's had issues containing CP3 so a defensive upgrade was needed but I think people forget how terrible the spacing was in that series. Suns sagging, cheating off Herb & Hayes.. Mavs were weak in the middle but they basically shot their way past the Suns while their guard play with Luka had CP3 on skates & in foul trouble, where vs NO's he didn't have to concern himself with containing CJ.. Suns could put & Keep Bridges on CJ because they didn't concern themselves with Hayes & Herb. They kept Bridges on CJ the entire series with BI going off..

Ayton on Jonas
Bridges on CJ
Crowder on BI
Hayes left open in the half court when he wasn't effective in transition
Herb was respectable from range but had no gravity

Where if either Hayes or Herb were any kind of threat, there would have been no way they could stick with Bridges & or Crowder on their assignments without paying for it. If Dyson replaces CJ without significant improvement in his shot..., teams will just pack the paint with Herb as the lone floor spacer with all of Jonas, Zion & BI in the post to mid range.

I reiterate my last post, CJ's offensive efficiency over Harts defense is why the NO's defense was better post trade dealine. Not CJ's defensive ability.

I'm talking myself into liking 8, greatful it wasn't Dieng, thrilled at 41. Hope Daniels pans out better than expected.

[Whole Truth]

I posted here & on the trade board a trade scenario of Hayes/Graham 2nds to Philly for Green/23 Kessler or Liddell. Memphis jumped shark & traded Melton for Kessler with a need to cheaply replace Adams awell. I also wanted to package the 2nds to move up for Koloko. Think NO's are fortunate Liddell fell all the way to 41.

With Hayes proving he was best at PF. My attempt was to move his worth to C off an impending extension into a rim protecting C that could eventually take minutes from Jonas on rookie scale, possibly replace as Memphis are doing with Adams.. while potentially dumping Grahams salary taking a hurt expiring Green but Melton is the better return for Philly, unfortunately..

[Whole Truth]

Still can't get over Knicks traded Duren to get off Walkers expiring contract, lol

Can't help but think they will be going after Kyrie. The 2 extra firsts & open cap space..

Kind of hope they get through because I don't want Kyrie making his way to LA.

[Whole Truth]

I knew nothing of Matkovic up till the Pels drafted him but I'm intrigued by the little I've seen of his highlights.

He looks to have athleticism, handles, passing ability, rim protection & fluidity at his size.

Any chance he plays summer league ?

Love what NO's did in the back end of this draft. 3yr proven rookie at 41 that can contribute to the defensive end now, blanced with an upside swing on Matkovic, possible stash because of roster openings & development. IMO much better approach than taking Mark Willaims at 8.

Mathurin would have made this an A draft for me instead of B. I'm coasting on the Pacers who have Duarte, Hali & Brogdon RN.

[Whole Truth]

Best part of all this is NO's could still have 1-2 more lotto picks from LA. Where that 24/25 pick is draft gold.

Imagine Lakers in 24 skirting the lotto but jump top 4, NO's have the leverage of watching that luck factor play out before potentially defering.

This with a roster that's already packed with quality players & dditional picks plus all their own for another big move.

NO's play their cards right, stay pattient & calculated, they will dominate for a while. They also have to have the balls though to TO value, when necessary. This is a business first.. just be transparent & upfront with intentions.