2024 Draft Prospects

[JMAC3]

Outside of a few guards the shooting talent in this draft is really mediocre. Tyler Smith, Johnny Furphy, and Tidjane Salaun are the only guys with size with good shooting splits. Risacher's poor free throw percentage is a red flag imo, especially for a guy being heralded as a 3&D sure thing.

I am far more confident in Risacher shooting then Saluan. Have you seen his shooting form? Saluan throws both hands straight in the air when he shoots. We also have tiny sample sizes for Saluan compared to Risacher.

[Rich4114]

I know he gets buckets but why is Dillingham in the top 3? What am I missing here? Sure hope the new FO doesn't buy into his hype. My worst-case scenario.

If we somehow go guard im thinking it's because we fell back in the draft. No way we take any guard if we get a top 5 pick. Pretty sure wings and Sarr will most likely be our choices.

We're going to take best player available unless it's a pure point guard.

Given our PG depth issues and LaMelo's health, it would be foolish to pass up on BPA if they are a PG IMO

[Rich4114]

I think it's as simple as go BPA, but ideally we really need size more than anything. Our front court is so weak and undersized, we get punished in games too often up front. Mark is our only real size and he's a huge question mark at this point.

[JMAC3]

I think it's as simple as go BPA, but ideally we really need size more than anything. Our front court is so weak and undersized, we get punished in games too often up front. Mark is our only real size and he's a huge question mark at this point.

Depends on where we pick, but it is really a not an obvious best player available type of year. The talent pool isn't awful at top, but very flat.

[Rich4114]

I think it's as simple as go BPA, but ideally we really need size more than anything. Our front court is so weak and undersized, we get punished in games too often up front. Mark is our only real size and he's a huge question mark at this point.

Depends on where we pick, but it is really a not an obvious best player available type of year. The talent pool isn't awful at top, but very flat.

That's true. I really don't know a lot about these prospects yet. I'd rather just wait to see where we're picking before I fall in love with anyone. But I do like Buzelis from what I've seen so far. Plus his name has Buzz in it which would be on brand.

[JMAC3]

I think it's as simple as go BPA, but ideally we really need size more than anything. Our front court is so weak and undersized, we get punished in games too often up front. Mark is our only real size and he's a huge question mark at this point.

Depends on where we pick, but it is really a not an obvious best player available type of year. The talent pool isn't awful at top, but very flat.

That's true. I really don't know a lot about these prospects yet. I'd rather just wait to see where we're picking before I fall in love with anyone. But I do like Buzelis from what I've seen so far. Plus his name has Buzz in it which would be on brand.

He reminds me a bit of Deni Avdija. I know everyone is saying Franz but that feels like a top shelf comp to me.

[Rich4114]

Depends on where we pick, but it is really a not an obvious best player available type of year. The talent pool isn't awful at top, but very flat.

That's true. I really don't know a lot about these prospects yet. I'd rather just wait to see where we're picking before I fall in love with anyone. But I do like Buzelis from what I've seen so far. Plus his name has Buzz in it which would be on brand.

He reminds me a bit of Deni Avdija. I know everyone is saying Franz but that feels like a top shelf comp to me.

Current form Deni Avdija would be a good fit on this roster. Plays good defense, grabs rebounds, smart with the ball. Kind of like what we thought Batum would be but with effort.

[bravor]

Outside of a few guards the shooting talent in this draft is really mediocre. Tyler Smith, Johnny Furphy, and Tidjane Salaun are the only guys with size with good shooting splits. Risacher's poor free throw percentage is a red flag imo, especially for a guy being heralded as a 3&D sure thing.

I am far more confident in Risacher shooting then Saluan. Have you seen his shooting form? Saluan throws both hands straight in the air when he shoots. We also have tiny sample sizes for Saluan compared to Risacher.

Salaun's shooting is consistent, especially from deep, in our championship and in the european cup that his team (Cholet) participates in.

My own personal reserve are his kinda softness (esp. on the defensive end) and his lack of lateral mobility for his position (i doubt he can hold the 3 spot in the nba and he will be too weak imo for the nba). He's still young and he can probably bulk up but i fear his ceiling could be a poor man's Anderson. Could be wrong, i was not expecting Gobert to become a solid defender (well, iam not wrong when he has match up against solid centers).

Not sure if he can succesfully develop his offense (midrange, floater, back to the basket game, fade away), knowing i am beyond dubious that he can learn to create his own shot (he needs good passing and a team that has good spacing to shine). On the athletic side, he is quite fast for his size and his iq basket is good.
His family is a bit like Wembanyama's one. His sister is also a strong competitor, she plays in the Euroleague at the best level.

Risacher is on another level. I spoke about him here (somewhere) like 2/3 years ago since he was already a promising prospect early in young euro competitions.
His comparison should be Batum (an agressive version), without the versatility in defense and the level of playmaking, but with less disappearing acts. Knowing Batum worked pretty hard (under Monty Williams who was Blazers's assistant when Mc Millan was coaching in 2008/2010ish), esp. to develop his midrange and his back to the basket game, along with his defense (but he was already a good defender).

He was buried on the bench when he was playing in Asvel but since he joined (on loan) Bourg en Bresse, he could start developing again. Pretty solid season in championship and in the eurocup.
He had a minor injury during the FIBA window couple weeks ago (and he only barely play with our NT) but he is available to play this week end.

If Charlotte lands Risacher, i would strongly push to trade him with OKC (or Houston for Eason, but i'd rather gamble on a good okc's first for 2025 or even 2026).
We have some really good potential at the wing in couple of years (Yimga Moukouri and Soliman being the most obvious ones, but some others are coming).

[Snidely FC]

With LaMelo Ball and Miller, Ron Holland would be able to play more to his strengths as a high-energy attacking wing, as opposed to a higher-usage creator.

I think it is interesting to compare and contrast Cody Williams and Ron Holland. Both are reported to be 6'8. Williams looks 6'8 but is reed thin, and one wonders how much muscle he can add. Holland looks more like 6'6 but has the build to get stronger. If he's legit 6'8 that helps.

Williams looks like the game has already slowed down for him, seems to play in the flow of the game and do what the team needs, plays efficiently with a usage near 20, but can have a tendency to disappear.

Holland is 110 mph at all times, so when he isn't scoring he is still flying around on defense and rebounding, etc. Holland certainly is the star type, with look-at-me effort and a usage rate over 27.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=805s

But Givony called Holland ball dominant, and credited Holland's being sidelined for Matas Buzelis's recent improved play. It's Holland's inefficiency and selfish play that have dropped him in Mock drafts.

I tend to prefer the idea of a player like Cody Williams who fits a team scheme and makes those around him better. But if playing alongside LaMelo and Brando would allow the 18 year old Holland to play to his strengths, I could see him being the one true star to come out of this draft.

[JustBuzzin]

With LaMelo Ball and Miller, Ron Holland would be able to play more to his strengths as a high-energy attacking wing, as opposed to a higher-usage creator.

I think it is interesting to compare and contrast Cody Williams and Ron Holland. Both are reported to be 6'8. Williams looks 6'8 but is reed thin, and one wonders how much muscle he can add. Holland looks more like 6'6 but has the build to get stronger. If he's legit 6'8 that helps.

Williams looks like the game has already slowed down for him, seems to play in the flow of the game and do what the team needs, plays efficiently with a usage near 20, but can have a tendency to disappear.

Holland is 110 mph at all times, so when he isn't scoring he is still flying around on defense and rebounding, etc. Holland certainly is the star type, with look-at-me effort and a usage rate over 27.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;t=805s

But Givony called Holland ball dominant, and credited Holland's being sidelined for Matas Buzelis's recent improved play. It's Holland's inefficiency and selfish play that have dropped him in Mock drafts.

I tend to prefer the idea of a player like Cody Williams who fits a team scheme and makes those around him better. But if playing alongside LaMelo and Brando would allow the 18 year old Holland to play to his strengths, I could see him being the one true star to come out of this draft.

I prefer Williams over Holland. Just for the fit. We have enough scoring with Melo/Miller/Bridges. I don't think Holland would be the greatest fit. Williams on the other hand can be that secondary playmaker. Miller has the ability to do that, but I think Williams is more advanced as a point forward then Miller. I also love his size and build. He has the frame to add more muscle and get stronger. If we can develop him I think our future could be bright with Miller/Williams as our true wings who both are very versatile for their size.

[Chapelchilla]

If the Hornets picking 4th or 5th and the top foreign guys are gone, I am pretty sure they should take Reed Sheppard. I know he is not huge but the guy can just flat out play basketball.
It's not a case of being Terry #2. Sheppard can pass and create much better then Terry. He keeps his head up and sees the whole floor. Plus, he can get shoots off in the lane as he has that stutter, hang time, hesitation type of ability to sustain the play. Add in elite level shooting and hustle and I think he is going to be a long-term good NBA player.
Gives us great shooting, a hard-working winner type and insurance for Lamelo too. I think he is the "actually good at basketball" version of what people thought of as good in Scoot that so many people here wanted. He has a sturdy body and surprising athleticism too.
Buy a veteran big center to back up or replace Mark/Nick and resign Miles and we would have a very nice playoff team.

[JustBuzzin]

If the Hornets picking 4th or 5th and the top foreign guys are gone, I am pretty sure they should take Reed Sheppard. I know he is not huge but the guy can just flat out play basketball.
It's not a case of being Terry #2. Sheppard can pass and create much better then Terry. He keeps his head up and sees the whole floor. Plus, he can get shoots off in the lane as he has that stutter, hang time, hesitation type of ability to sustain the play. Add in elite level shooting and hustle and I think he is going to be a long-term good NBA player.
Gives us great shooting, a hard-working winner type and insurance for Lamelo too. I think he is the "actually good at basketball" version of what people thought of as good in Scoot that so many people here wanted. He has a sturdy body and surprising athleticism too.
Buy a veteran big center to back up or replace Mark/Nick and resign Miles and we would have a very nice playoff team.

Can he play defense?

Everybody just look at offense. We also needs some defensive talent on this roster. Scoring is nice, but someone has to play defense. Miller can't be guarding the best wings he already has trouble staying out of foul trouble.

[Chapelchilla]

If the Hornets picking 4th or 5th and the top foreign guys are gone, I am pretty sure they should take Reed Sheppard. I know he is not huge but the guy can just flat out play basketball.
It's not a case of being Terry #2. Sheppard can pass and create much better then Terry. He keeps his head up and sees the whole floor. Plus, he can get shoots off in the lane as he has that stutter, hang time, hesitation type of ability to sustain the play. Add in elite level shooting and hustle and I think he is going to be a long-term good NBA player.
Gives us great shooting, a hard-working winner type and insurance for Lamelo too. I think he is the "actually good at basketball" version of what people thought of as good in Scoot that so many people here wanted. He has a sturdy body and surprising athleticism too.
Buy a veteran big center to back up or replace Mark/Nick and resign Miles and we would have a very nice playoff team.

Can he play defense?

Everybody just look at offense. We also needs some defensive talent on this roster. Scoring is nice, but someone has to play defense. Miller can't be guarding the best wings he already has trouble staying out of foul trouble.

He can. He is about to break the Kentucky all time record for steals in a single season and is already second in blocks for a Kentucky guard in a single season. Both as a freshman. He has quick hands, moves his feet well and has good hops. He is legitimately in the Stockton mold, knowing where to be. If he can keep progressing the guy could be a star here.

[JustBuzzin]

If the Hornets picking 4th or 5th and the top foreign guys are gone, I am pretty sure they should take Reed Sheppard. I know he is not huge but the guy can just flat out play basketball.
It's not a case of being Terry #2. Sheppard can pass and create much better then Terry. He keeps his head up and sees the whole floor. Plus, he can get shoots off in the lane as he has that stutter, hang time, hesitation type of ability to sustain the play. Add in elite level shooting and hustle and I think he is going to be a long-term good NBA player.
Gives us great shooting, a hard-working winner type and insurance for Lamelo too. I think he is the "actually good at basketball" version of what people thought of as good in Scoot that so many people here wanted. He has a sturdy body and surprising athleticism too.
Buy a veteran big center to back up or replace Mark/Nick and resign Miles and we would have a very nice playoff team.

Can he play defense?

Everybody just look at offense. We also needs some defensive talent on this roster. Scoring is nice, but someone has to play defense. Miller can't be guarding the best wings he already has trouble staying out of foul trouble.

He can. He is about to break the Kentucky all time record for steals in a single season and is already second in blocks for a Kentucky guard in a single season. Both as a freshman. He has quick hands, moves his feet well and has good hops. He is legitimately in the Stockton mold, knowing where to be. If he can keep progressing the guy could be a star here.

That's good to hear. He will be on my radar to watch for sure. I usually start watching college games during March. A lot of these kids can improve their stock in the tournament.

So I'm assuming Melo moves to SG in this scenario?

[SWedd523]

nah he moves to the injury list

[JustBuzzin]

LMAO that was pretty hilarious.

[fatlever]

nah he moves to the injury list

Sent from my SM-G973U using RealGM mobile app

[Snidely FC]

btw I hope that at pick 39 the Hornets will take a look at Harrison Ingram

[JustBuzzin]

If the Hornets picking 4th or 5th and the top foreign guys are gone, I am pretty sure they should take Reed Sheppard. I know he is not huge but the guy can just flat out play basketball.
It's not a case of being Terry #2. Sheppard can pass and create much better then Terry. He keeps his head up and sees the whole floor. Plus, he can get shoots off in the lane as he has that stutter, hang time, hesitation type of ability to sustain the play. Add in elite level shooting and hustle and I think he is going to be a long-term good NBA player.
Gives us great shooting, a hard-working winner type and insurance for Lamelo too. I think he is the "actually good at basketball" version of what people thought of as good in Scoot that so many people here wanted. He has a sturdy body and surprising athleticism too.
Buy a veteran big center to back up or replace Mark/Nick and resign Miles and we would have a very nice playoff team.

Can he play defense?

Everybody just look at offense. We also needs some defensive talent on this roster. Scoring is nice, but someone has to play defense. Miller can't be guarding the best wings he already has trouble staying out of foul trouble.

He can. He is about to break the Kentucky all time record for steals in a single season and is already second in blocks for a Kentucky guard in a single season. Both as a freshman. He has quick hands, moves his feet well and has good hops. He is legitimately in the Stockton mold, knowing where to be. If he can keep progressing the guy could be a star here.

Watched him yesterday hr looks legit.

Might be the only guard I would consider taking in the top 5.

Just not sure if Melo would be fine moving to SG.

[JustBuzzin]

You guys think Reed is a legit option with a top 5 pick?