2023 Draft Discussion Part 4

[BoyzNTheHood]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

[ArthurVandelay]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

[Kevin Willis]

There are so many players in this draft that have the potential to be quality role players with starter level upside.

This is such a good year to have multiple picks in the 15 to 25 range.

Make it happen Masai!

Every year people say this as secondary prospects get hyped or overhyped. In some years there are 20 guys like Dick, Wallace, Black, Podz, Bufkin, Leonard Miller, Cissoko, Coulibaly. Often only a handful find success in the pros. As much as I like Wallace, Dick, Cissoko, and Podz I think the line of positive starting players in that group is 1.5 as defined by a career BPM > 1.0.

I wouldn't mind trading the pick entirely, but Bobby and Masai have talked about the need for their scouts to feel involved in the team and if you are trading all your picks then they may check out in future years as their work is useless.

edit:
Normally guys who struggled as much as Nick Smith, GG Jackson, JHS did end up falling into the mid 20s to 2nd round range despite their high RSCI rankings coming into the season. The fact they are still being hyped as 1st round, let alone lottery guys shows you there haven't been guys to take their place.

I think you have to exclude international players from NCAA players. A lot of these players just don't play much in a grown man's league.

[OakleyDokely]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

A 6'5 guard grabbing 9 rebs a game is kinda insane. And he had 2.3 stocks. He's at least very active out there.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

Being active and being good at defense are not one in the same. He’s an active kid and he tries hard, but he’s just not athletic and struggles to keep guys in front of him.

[OakleyDokely]

Pod doesn't need to be a great defender to have value though, he just can't be a complete liability. Herro isn't a great defender but he does enough at that end to still be a plus player because his offense more than makes up for it.

[dozo]

Another pro for Podz is that he didnt start playing ball unti the 8th grade. So another late bloomer in the works? Made a good decision transfering to SC. Impressive numbers

He's also left hand. ( e.g. Manu wouldn't be the same rim finisher/defender if he was right handed.) Attacking downhill and POA/perimeter defense are the only questions I have about his ceiling.

https://www.livingwithlefty.com/do-left-handed-basketball-players-have-an-advantage/

the National Institute of Health (NIH) reveals that left-handed basketball players have an edge over righties. 3,647 professional basketball players were examined. From the period 1946 to 2009, these players took part in at least five games. Of all professional basketball players, left-handed ones comprised only 5.1% even though they represent a slightly higher percentage in the general population.

The results of the study showed that the averages for left-handed players, in terms of blocks, points, rebounds, and other aspects, were better than those of the right-handed players. On top of that, it also revealed that lefties had longer careers than their right-handed counterparts

[ArthurVandelay]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

Being active and being good at defense are not one and the same. He’s an active kid and he tries hard, but he’s just not athletic and struggles to keep guys in front of him.

I was responding to the claims that “Podz defense definitely sucks.” I don’t think the statement is fair. If you disagree, cool.

Also Masai was high on Giddey in 2021 if reports are accurate and questions about Giddey’s defense in the NBA were a pre-draft concern.

[Dalek]

Looking at the numbers, Leonard Miller got pretty hot during March where he averaged 22/13/2 on 64/58/91 shooting splits. Also averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals. The threes were on a small number, but still interesting.

His overall shotchart shows some promise but you can see he lives at the rim:

[Psubs]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

A 6'5 guard grabbing 9 rebs a game is kinda insane. And he had 2.3 stocks. He's at least very active out there.

That's like Justin Champagnie and Josh Hart!

[BoyzNTheHood]

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

A 6'5 guard grabbing 9 rebs a game is kinda insane. And he had 2.3 stocks. He's at least very active out there.

That's like Justin Champagnie and Josh Hart!

Champagne was cut too soon. There are players on our roster that should’ve been gone first

[ArthurVandelay]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

A 6'5 guard grabbing 9 rebs a game is kinda insane. And he had 2.3 stocks. He's at least very active out there.

He rebounded better than most centres.

Given the number of 3s and long rebounds, that is a good skill to have at the guard spot.

[HumbleRen]

A 6'5 guard grabbing 9 rebs a game is kinda insane. And he had 2.3 stocks. He's at least very active out there.

That's like Justin Champagnie and Josh Hart!

Champagne was cut too soon. There are players on our roster that should’ve been gone first

He wanted out sadly.

[Yallbecrazy]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

He's pretty strong too and has good weight @ 200lbs. Thicker guys with some quickness seem to be better point of attack defenders than skinny guys who can leap a lot as offensive players can't create space as well with their bodies/ lose their rhythm and timing more when they initiate contact.

[ArthurVandelay]

Podz defense definitely sucks so I don’t think Masai will take him, but guys who are as crafty as him at this young of an age should be able to find success. He’s going to outplay guys he shouldn’t outplay.

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

He's pretty strong too and has good weight @ 200lbs. Thicker guys with some quickness seem to be better point of attack defenders than skinny guys who can leap a lot as offensive players can't create space as well with their bodies/ lose their rhythm and timing more when they initiate contact.

Then you have these guys like Terq and Lewis who are great athletes but play horrible defense. So the whole “athleticism” criteria is useless if the guy either lacks the smarts or desire to play D. Athletic pylons don’t get stops.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I don’t think “Podz defense definitely sucks” is fair. His DBPM is 2.7 which isn’t great but it’s definitely decent to good. His DRtg per 100 is 99.5. His DWS/40 is 0.069 which is respectable. He had 1.8 steals per game so good anticipation and hands. He is a tenacious rebounder for a guard at 8.8 per game and a ridiculous 21.6 DREB%. He also has decent size at 6’5.

For me it’s the 21.6% on the defensive glass that makes me think he’ll be able to hold his own at next level. He grinds and busts his ass….that is more than half the battle to play solid D.

Being active and being good at defense are not one and the same. He’s an active kid and he tries hard, but he’s just not athletic and struggles to keep guys in front of him.

I was responding to the claims that “Podz defense definitely sucks.” I don’t think the statement is fair. If you disagree, cool.

Also Masai was high on Giddey in 2021 if reports are accurate and questions about Giddey’s defense in the NBA were a pre-draft concern.

Watch the tape. It’s there for anyone to see. His defense sucks.

Reports about Masai being high on Giddey mean absolutely nothing if he didn’t select him. The Raptors don’t leak, so those reports would seem to be fluff.

[BoyzNTheHood]

This kid tanked his stock by choosing South Carolina. The fit couldn’t have been worse. He might explode in the NBA.

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[HumbleRen]

This kid tanked his stock by choosing South Carolina. The fit couldn’t have been worse. He might explode in the NBA.

Read on Twitter

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He's got raw talent, I'm just iffy on his maturity.

[BoyzNTheHood]

His maturity will be questioned for sure. I like what I see for the most part. He seems eccentric, almost like Scottie but in a different manner. I can see why he was frustrated at South Carolina, but at the end of the day it was his choice.

One thing I think of when viewing GG Jackson is the Open Gym scene where Masai is about to select OG and he says “we need talent man”. That would apply to GG at 13 as well. But it could blow up in our faces as well.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Being active and being good at defense are not one and the same. He’s an active kid and he tries hard, but he’s just not athletic and struggles to keep guys in front of him.

I was responding to the claims that “Podz defense definitely sucks.” I don’t think the statement is fair. If you disagree, cool.

Also Masai was high on Giddey in 2021 if reports are accurate and questions about Giddey’s defense in the NBA were a pre-draft concern.

Watch the tape. It’s there for anyone to see. His defense sucks.

Reports about Masai being high on Giddey mean absolutely nothing if he didn’t select him. The Raptors don’t leak, so those reports would seem to be fluff.

They were one of two teams to see him in Australia as per Aussie broadcasters. It wasn't a leak. They preferred Scottie, but maybe if they hadn't have moved up they would have taken Giddey. Defense might be an issue, but really it's about the differential. Being attacked off the dribble is easily compensated for, being clueless on rotations, poor effort is harder to mitigate. Most scoring guards check two out of three boxes.