2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD

[Rapsfan07]

To me in this draft for that Indy pick I think the safest prospect is Adem Bona. Just a great defender and board eater and has some passing skill.

Kind of reminds me of Jarace Walker or Okongwu. He also just seems like a high motor guy who doesn't try to overreach his role at UCLA.

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I don't see comparable shooting to any of those names.

Agreed.

I just think there are other more well-rounded or higher upside players available in the middle of the draft that would make it hard to justify taking Bona over them.

[Mark_83]

To me in this draft for that Indy pick I think the safest prospect is Adem Bona. Just a great defender and board eater and has some passing skill.

Kind of reminds me of Jarace Walker or Okongwu. He also just seems like a high motor guy who doesn't try to overreach his role at UCLA.

Read on Twitter

I don't see comparable shooting to any of those names.

Agreed.

I just think there are other more well-rounded or higher upside players available in the middle of the draft that would make it hard to justify taking Bona over them.

Might be worth it just to make the Dick-Bona combination happen.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Bona doesn't get me excited at all. He's overaggressive on defense and has a very high foul rate. He might be able to flirt with some end of the bench rotation minutes for a bit and then disappear. His game is too 90's.

[Bruin]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

[PhilBlackson]

I'd maybe give Bona a look with the DET pick NOT the IND one...and even then there's probably several names I'd look at first.

ie/ Dadiet, Brazile, Poplar or Ajinca.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I just thought of how I like Bogdan Bogdanovic as the template for Reed Sheppard comps. Bogdanovic is a killer at the top of his game, I think Sheppard has the ability to be similar but as a smaller peskier guard with better passing chops.

[Rapsfan07]

I just thought of how I like Bogdan Bogdanovic as the template for Reed Sheppard comps. Bogdanovic is a killer at the top of his game, I think Sheppard has the ability to be similar but as a smaller peskier guard with better passing chops.

Perhaps, yeah. That's not a terrible comp.

Bogs looks a little more...idk crafty and fluid that Sheppard but Sheppard's efficiency is through the roof and he looks really good on the defensive end as well.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I just thought of how I like Bogdan Bogdanovic as the template for Reed Sheppard comps. Bogdanovic is a killer at the top of his game, I think Sheppard has the ability to be similar but as a smaller peskier guard with better passing chops.

Perhaps, yeah. That's not a terrible comp.

Bogs looks a little more...idk crafty and fluid that Sheppard but Sheppard's efficiency is through the roof and he looks really good on the defensive end as well.

The Bibby comparisons that are widespread aren't awful but at the height of his game Bogie was more efficient than Bibby ever was and probably closer to what Sheppard can do which is like +3-4/+0.5. FVV provides similar value but Sheppard has a chance to do it without destroying the team framework. His numbers obviously aren't sustainable in the NBA but as of right now enough to make me believe that he can provide 1.5-1.8 stl/36 and shoot close to 40% from deep on solid volume.

Just looks like a very valuable player due to his efficiency and could in some ways be like FVV if FVV were to have ever embraced playing hot potato with the basketball instead of dominating it leading to a very high USG rating and then add Reed's superior ability to make a limited amount of shots from 2.

[Rapsfan07]

I just thought of how I like Bogdan Bogdanovic as the template for Reed Sheppard comps. Bogdanovic is a killer at the top of his game, I think Sheppard has the ability to be similar but as a smaller peskier guard with better passing chops.

Perhaps, yeah. That's not a terrible comp.

Bogs looks a little more...idk crafty and fluid that Sheppard but Sheppard's efficiency is through the roof and he looks really good on the defensive end as well.

The Bibby comparisons that are widespread aren't awful but at the height of his game Bogie was more efficient than Bibby ever was and probably closer to what Sheppard can do which is like +3-4/+0.5. FVV provides similar value but Sheppard has a chance to do it without destroying the team framework. His numbers obviously aren't sustainable in the NBA but as of right now enough to make me believe that he can provide 1.5-1.8 stl/36 and shoot close to 40% from deep on solid volume.

Just looks like a very valuable player due to his efficiency and could in some ways be like FVV if FVV were to have ever embraced playing hot potato with the basketball instead of dominating it leading to a very high USG rating and then add Reed's superior ability to make a limited amount of shots from 2.

I'd agree with your assessment.

I think the only thing with Sheppard for me is his high floor/low ceiling. If we're talking Top 6 (or really anywhere in the draft), one of the things I consider is star potential. First, does this player have the potential to be a star. Second - if they do, how much improvement is required to get them from where they are to where we would like them to be?

The calculus is a different the deeper in the draft you get. So for example, this thinking doesn't apply as heavy later down in draft where theoretically, a player down there has far more flaws and therefore the chances of them becoming a star are a lot slimmer. So if there's a 3+D wing specialist down there or a guy who I think has a very good chance at being an NBA contributor, I would prefer to take that than a player who is a boom or bust type prospect.

All of that to say, Sheppard strikes me as guy who has a very high chance (at least as far as we can tell at this stage) to be an NBA contributor. But at 6, I think you want a guy who has even just an outside shot at being a star. Now, unlike most drafts, this one is going to be even more of crapshoot than normal so it may be better to go with a guy who you feel good about contributing and worrying about the rest later.

For this reason, I do have him on my board. FVV made an all-star team and if Sheppard is like him but with better efficiency, he's absolutely worth the pick there.

[Kevin Willis]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

Yeah I would take Bruin's take on this one over anyone else. We should draft Berke instead. I kid, no to him too...

[Bruin]

Do not draft Bona. I love him but I’m not very confident in his potential.

He’s a freak athlete but he doesn’t seem to have a high IQ and weak offensive skillset. Basically just good as a hustle guy off the bench but not really what we need

Always in foul trouble as he gambles a lot

Yeah I would take Bruin's take on this one over anyone else. We should draft Berke instead. I kid, no to him too...

I really wanted Peyton Watson cause I saw his potential and was confident he’d be good for the Raptors. He’s turned into a fantastic pick for Denver. I felt good about Jaime having a good career, but had no clue he’d have such a major impact immediately. With Bona I don’t have the same confidence


Berke should stay another year and I think he’d become a last 1 rounder next year. He’s had a tough time adjusting to college basketball but he’s shown flashes. If he declares this year, he’s gonna end up in the 2nd round. I expect he’d do well in workout settings since it’s independent of college style

The biggest prizes on UCLA current roster are Ilane Fibleuil and Brandon Williams but neither is ready for 2024 and will likely be in 2025. Ilane probably a 1st rounder

[earth007]

Does anyone else also feel like Nikola Topic is next Luka? This dude has some amazing skills at the age of 18. I just don't know if he complements Scottie though. Eitherway, I don't think Masai would pass up on him, if he is the best player available.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Does anyone else also feel like Nikola Topic is next Luka? This dude has some amazing skills at the age of 18. I just don't know if he complements Scottie though. Eitherway, I don't think Masai would pass up on him, if he is the best player available.

I don't see any issue with a guy like Topic and Barnes in the same lineup. Just need Topic to get his 3 point shot going so that he can likewise become an outlet for Barnes.

Theoretically if we were to get Topic and Dick were to pan out at SG, I'd be adamant about having a very defensively competent wing and a top 8 NBA interior defender/rim protector at center with them on the floor, otherwise you're asking for trouble. It kind of limits how you can build your team but it's completely doable.

[grant101]

Does anyone else also feel like Nikola Topic is next Luka? This dude has some amazing skills at the age of 18. I just don't know if he complements Scottie though. Eitherway, I don't think Masai would pass up on him, if he is the best player available.

I think Topic and Cody Williams both have Luka elements to their games (touch, pace, playmaking), and show the outlines of being offensive engines. It's why I have them at the top of my board. That said, neither has shown the type of savant-level court manipulation that Luka has... at least not yet.

As for complimenting scottie, I think in their prime, they're both awesome fits given their ability to get to the basket (something scottie struggles with at times). You can never have too many skilled player imo

[WuTang_CMB]

I like Topic. I think he's had a solid season thus far and putting up good efficiency.

I think the Spurs are going to be all over him.

[earth007]

Does anyone else also feel like Nikola Topic is next Luka? This dude has some amazing skills at the age of 18. I just don't know if he complements Scottie though. Eitherway, I don't think Masai would pass up on him, if he is the best player available.

I think Topic and Cody Williams both have Luka elements to their games (touch, pace, playmaking), and show the outlines of being offensive engines. It's why I have them at the top of my board. That said, neither has shown the type of savant-level court manipulation that Luka has... at least not yet.

As for complimenting scottie, I think in their prime, they're both awesome fits given their ability to get to the basket (something scottie struggles with at times). You can never have too many skilled player imo

Topic is a savant imo. The way he manipulates the court and gets to the rim at will is just nuts at that age. I think he has like a 60 plus TS%. And that's without a proper 3 point shot. He is also big for a PG and apprently has a 7 foot wing span. If he learns to shoot from the outside, he is going to be very special. Considering his high ft%, it is very much possible he becomes a decent shooter from the outside. It would also be interesting to see Darko coaching a fellow Serbian player. lol.

[Mark_83]

I'm not sure what to think of Knecht. The size and shot-making ability are intriguing but I don't know how well his game will translate to the next level against longer, stronger, and quicker athletes.

I look at a guy like Weiskamp from his time in Iowa. He had comparable size to Knecht (6'6" 212lbs vs 6'6" 197lbs) but was longer (6'11" wingspan) and more athletic (42 inch max vert), and he's basically been G League fodder.

Watch on YouTube

Granted Knecht is a better ball handler than JW but I'd argue Wieskamp was a more pure shooter from three (career 46.7/41.2/77.1 vs 47.1/38/77.6), and he was only 21 when he was drafted vs Knecht who will almost be 23 in June.

Watch on YouTube

I do like Knecht's competitiveness and confidence which I think will help him in the same way it has other guys of that archetype like Grayson Allen, DiVencenzo, and Herro, but do I really want to bet on that?

[Psubs]

Does anyone else also feel like Nikola Topic is next Luka? This dude has some amazing skills at the age of 18. I just don't know if he complements Scottie though. Eitherway, I don't think Masai would pass up on him, if he is the best player available.

I think Topic and Cody Williams both have Luka elements to their games (touch, pace, playmaking), and show the outlines of being offensive engines. It's why I have them at the top of my board. That said, neither has shown the type of savant-level court manipulation that Luka has... at least not yet.

As for complimenting scottie, I think in their prime, they're both awesome fits given their ability to get to the basket (something scottie struggles with at times). You can never have too many skilled player imo

Topic is a savant imo. The way he manipulates the court and gets to the rim at will is just nuts at that age. I think he has like a 60 plus TS%. And that's without a proper 3 point shot. He is also big for a PG and apprently has a 7 foot wing span. If he learns to shoot from the outside, he is going to be very special. Considering his high ft%, it is very much possible he becomes a decent shooter from the outside. It would also be interesting to see Darko coaching a fellow Serbian player. lol.

I think he be like Cade, below the rim but can finish like Luka but smaller.

[Psubs]

Perhaps, yeah. That's not a terrible comp.

Bogs looks a little more...idk crafty and fluid that Sheppard but Sheppard's efficiency is through the roof and he looks really good on the defensive end as well.

The Bibby comparisons that are widespread aren't awful but at the height of his game Bogie was more efficient than Bibby ever was and probably closer to what Sheppard can do which is like +3-4/+0.5. FVV provides similar value but Sheppard has a chance to do it without destroying the team framework. His numbers obviously aren't sustainable in the NBA but as of right now enough to make me believe that he can provide 1.5-1.8 stl/36 and shoot close to 40% from deep on solid volume.

Just looks like a very valuable player due to his efficiency and could in some ways be like FVV if FVV were to have ever embraced playing hot potato with the basketball instead of dominating it leading to a very high USG rating and then add Reed's superior ability to make a limited amount of shots from 2.

I'd agree with your assessment.

I think the only thing with Sheppard for me is his high floor/low ceiling. If we're talking Top 6 (or really anywhere in the draft), one of the things I consider is star potential. First, does this player have the potential to be a star. Second - if they do, how much improvement is required to get them from where they are to where we would like them to be?

The calculus is a different the deeper in the draft you get. So for example, this thinking doesn't apply as heavy later down in draft where theoretically, a player down there has far more flaws and therefore the chances of them becoming a star are a lot slimmer. So if there's a 3+D wing specialist down there or a guy who I think has a very good chance at being an NBA contributor, I would prefer to take that than a player who is a boom or bust type prospect.

All of that to say, Sheppard strikes me as guy who has a very high chance (at least as far as we can tell at this stage) to be an NBA contributor. But at 6, I think you want a guy who has even just an outside shot at being a star. Now, unlike most drafts, this one is going to be even more of crapshoot than normal so it may be better to go with a guy who you feel good about contributing and worrying about the rest later.

For this reason, I do have him on my board. FVV made an all-star team and if Sheppard is like him but with better efficiency, he's absolutely worth the pick there.

At minimum he'TJ McConnell that can dunk and shoot 3's that's a borderline allstar already. He could be a bigger John Stockton with hops!

[Psubs]

I'm not sure what to think of Knecht. The size and shot-making ability are intriguing but I don't know how well his game will translate to the next level against longer, stronger, and quicker athletes.

I look at a guy like Weiskamp from his time in Iowa. He had comparable size to Knecht (6'6" 212lbs vs 6'6" 197lbs) but was longer (6'11" wingspan) and more athletic (42 inch max vert), and he's basically been G League fodder.

Watch on YouTube

Granted Knecht is a better ball handler than JW but I'd argue Wieskamp was a more pure shooter from three (career 46.7/41.2/77.1 vs 47.1/38/77.6), and he was only 21 when he was drafted vs Knecht who will almost be 23 in June.

Watch on YouTube

I do like Knecht's competitiveness and confidence which I think will help him in the same way it has other guys of that archetype like Grayson Allen, DiVencenzo, and Herro, but do I really want to bet on that?

Isn't Furphy a younger, taller Knecht with more potential? I'd draft Knecht at #31 or as high as the Clipper pick. Maybe he could be Grayson Allen 2.0?

#6 - Topic, Salaun
Indiana - Furphy, Ivisic
LAC - Ajinca
#31 - Edey, Hall