2024 Draft Prospects

[GiggitySmalls]

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

I dont think so. I think its either buzelis or Williams one or both will be there. I can't see the hornets passing on both guys. It seems very unlikely. If we did take a pg I'd go topic if he was available when we pick. I guess Holland would be in the mix over Reed aswell. I wouldn't hate a Reed pick as he's certainly a kinda guy we could use. It's makes more sense as Melo insurance. How are his play making abilities. I know he's a defense guy and can shoot lights out. Does he have a future as a pg is what I'm asking. Because if he does I wouldn't hate the pick totally we could use Melo insurance.

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[GoBobs]

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

Always depends on how good the other options are, but generally speaking I would say no.

When I watch him he look small. He is listed at 6'3'' and 187 but I bet he is more like 6'0'' and 170.

Seems like he has the shooting and that is kind of his main skill. I am a bit bothered by him only averaging 12 pts per game though. He is more likely to score less than 10 then he is to score more than 20. That isn't what I want from my specialist shooter.

A guy that averages 12 to me is a role player. Somebody with his size limitations needs to prove they are more before I start thinking lotto range pick.

[JustBuzzin]

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

I dont think so. I think its either buzelis or Williams one or both will be there. I can't see the hornets passing on both guys. It seems very unlikely. If we did take a pg I'd go topic if he was available when we pick. I guess Holland would be in the mix over Reed aswell. I wouldn't hate a Reed pick as he's certainly a kinda guy we could use. It's makes more sense as Melo insurance. How are his play making abilities. I know he's a defense guy and can shoot lights out. Does he have a future as a pg is what I'm asking. Because if he does I wouldn't hate the pick totally we could use Melo insurance.

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I mean I just started watching him. His buzz seems to be growing checking other draft boards. I see a lot of people comparing him to John Stockton so I would guess he's a pretty good playmaker. His defense is obviously pretty good.

I agree though I think wing is most likely our selection unless we fall out of the top 5.

[luciano-davidwesley]

So "he looks" 6'0 on TV so he can't be 6'3 lol. Also who cares if he's a little on the light side for a freshman guard? It's not that hard to put on a little weight each summer in the gym. It has also not really affected clear his defensive impact. He's also a freshman playing on an elite program. Should he be averaging 20 per game?

I'm just going to address the elephant in the room. There's definitely been a lot of covert racial profiling of Sheppard as a prospect.

If he wasn't white (non-euro) he'd be getting top 5 buzz for sure.

[GoBobs]

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

I dont think so. I think its either buzelis or Williams one or both will be there. I can't see the hornets passing on both guys. It seems very unlikely. If we did take a pg I'd go topic if he was available when we pick. I guess Holland would be in the mix over Reed aswell. I wouldn't hate a Reed pick as he's certainly a kinda guy we could use. It's makes more sense as Melo insurance. How are his play making abilities. I know he's a defense guy and can shoot lights out. Does he have a future as a pg is what I'm asking. Because if he does I wouldn't hate the pick totally we could use Melo insurance.

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I mean I just started watching him. His buzz seems to be growing checking other draft boards. I see a lot of people comparing him to John Stockton so I would guess he's a pretty good playmaker. His defense is obviously pretty good.

I agree though I think wing is most likely our selection unless we fall out of the top 5.

Probably some better comparisons with the data we have right now are Seth Curry or Steve Kerr. Kerr is the all time leader in 3pt percentage which is great, but never averaged even 10 pts per game in the league. Seth Curry is 8th on the all time 3pt percentage list and has had a nice career, but not the outcome you are hoping for with a lotto pick.

[JDR720]

The difference is Kerr and Seth can't do anything besides shoot 3's. Reed has a much better all-around game.

He's more like Derrick White, Brogdon or maybe Mike Conley. All-around PG/SG, although he's a better shooter than those guys. Could see a Booker or Beal if his 1v1 scoring is good enough.

Nobody thought Booker would turn into a 25+ppg scorer, he was once just viewed as a shooter too.

[GiggitySmalls]

I dont think so. I think its either buzelis or Williams one or both will be there. I can't see the hornets passing on both guys. It seems very unlikely. If we did take a pg I'd go topic if he was available when we pick. I guess Holland would be in the mix over Reed aswell. I wouldn't hate a Reed pick as he's certainly a kinda guy we could use. It's makes more sense as Melo insurance. How are his play making abilities. I know he's a defense guy and can shoot lights out. Does he have a future as a pg is what I'm asking. Because if he does I wouldn't hate the pick totally we could use Melo insurance.

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I mean I just started watching him. His buzz seems to be growing checking other draft boards. I see a lot of people comparing him to John Stockton so I would guess he's a pretty good playmaker. His defense is obviously pretty good.

I agree though I think wing is most likely our selection unless we fall out of the top 5.

Probably some better comparisons with the data we have right now are Seth Curry or Steve Kerr. Kerr is the all time leader in 3pt percentage which is great, but never averaged even 10 pts per game in the league. Seth Curry is 8th on the all time 3pt percentage list and has had a nice career, but not the outcome you are hoping for with a lotto pick.

If we traded a future 2027 pick for him I'd do it but I wouldn't draft him with our 1st rd pick. If these new hires can't see we need to put a wing next to a wing then we got the wrong guys. I'd be really surprised if he was the pick.

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[GoBobs]

So "he looks" 6'0 on TV so he can't be 6'3 lol. Also who cares if he's a little on the light side for a freshman guard? It's not that hard to put on a little weight each summer in the gym. It has also not really affected clear his defensive impact. He's also a freshman playing on an elite program. Should he be averaging 20 per game?

I'm just going to address the elephant in the room. There's definitely been a lot of covert racial profiling of Sheppard as a prospect.

If he wasn't white (non-euro) he'd be getting top 5 buzz for sure.

Well, he is going to get a chance to get measured at the combine. My guess is he will not measure or measure out poorly, but maybe he will prove me wrong.

Fair point that there are some upperclassmen on his team and he is mabey playing the role he is asked to on his team. In the lotto you try to find stars. If someone has not shown they can excel in a role where they are the focal point of the offense, that is a question mark. May not be his fault, but still something to consider.

Also a fair point that he may be affected by racial profiling bias. It probably affects a lot of guys because it is just human nature to try to figure things out by what we can see.

I actually like the guy and wouldn't be mad if we picked him. I am just playing devils advocate here a bit with my thoughts and trying to figure out why he might not be good.

I try to ask myself the same questions about every prospect.

1. If you wife, mom, or some other casual fan was watching would the player stand out as one of the best players in the game. (Allison test) if it is of the 7/31 games he goes over 20 the answer is probably yes, if it is of the 24/31 games he goes under 20 probably no

2. If the player averaged the same stats in his first year in the league that he did his last year in college would he be considered a bust. 13 pts, 4.5 ast, 2.5 steals but on great efficiency, kind of an Austin Reeves type situation

3. Can the player shoot (everyone needs to be able to shoot these days) yes

4. Does the player know how to play basketball (bbiq, some level of dribbling passing skill, defensive awareness) yes

[SWedd523]

So "he looks" 6'0 on TV so he can't be 6'3 lol. Also who cares if he's a little on the light side for a freshman guard? It's not that hard to put on a little weight each summer in the gym. It has also not really affected clear his defensive impact. He's also a freshman playing on an elite program. Should he be averaging 20 per game?

I'm just going to address the elephant in the room. There's definitely been a lot of covert racial profiling of Sheppard as a prospect.

If he wasn't white (non-euro) he'd be getting top 5 buzz for sure.

I will tell you right now unequivocally, no covert anything:

I don't want to draft him because he's a short, small, and unathetic white dude.

I don't care what his college level st/ocks say. He's too small and not fast enough to be a good defender or get his shot off in the NBA and he's getting mismatched across the board from day 1 due to his physical limitations.

[SWedd523]

If you want a good defender, you can get Ryan Dunn or Stephen Castle.

If you want a good shooter/scorer go for a Jakobe Walter.



Also I didn't realize that Sheppard will be a 20yo freshman.

[SWedd523]

Risacher
Sarr
Buzelis
Williams
Topic
Holland
Walter

That's 8 dudes fairly comfortably ahead of Sheppard IMO.

[lmcguir15]

So "he looks" 6'0 on TV so he can't be 6'3 lol. Also who cares if he's a little on the light side for a freshman guard? It's not that hard to put on a little weight each summer in the gym. It has also not really affected clear his defensive impact. He's also a freshman playing on an elite program. Should he be averaging 20 per game?

I'm just going to address the elephant in the room. There's definitely been a lot of covert racial profiling of Sheppard as a prospect.

If he wasn't white (non-euro) he'd be getting top 5 buzz for sure.

I will tell you right now unequivocally, no covert anything:

I don't want to draft him because he's a short, small, and unathetic white dude.

I don't care what his college level st/ocks say. He's too small and not fast enough to be a good defender or get his shot off in the NBA and he's getting mismatched across the board from day 1 due to his physical limitations.

He's fine as a prospect, but what pick you use on him will color your perception. Late lotto is a good spot for him, top 5 is gonna get a GM fired.

[GoBobs]

The difference is Kerr and Seth can't do anything besides shoot 3's. Reed has a much better all-around game.

He's more like Derrick White, Brogdon or maybe Mike Conley. All-around PG/SG, although he's a better shooter than those guys. Could see a Booker or Beal if his 1v1 scoring is good enough.

Nobody thought Booker would turn into a 25+ppg scorer, he was once just viewed as a shooter too.

Derrick White was 6.45 in shoes and 189 lb at the combine. Brogdon was even bigger. Neither of them sniffed the lottery and neither is worth trading a top 5 pick for even in a bad draft.

Conley is an interesting comparison, but he had blow by speed that I am not sure that Reed Shepard has.

Booker was 6'6'' and made major strides after being drafted. Hard to tell which prospects are going to do that.

The thing with Reed Shepard is it seems like he has only the size to defend PG's. You hear commentators and talking heads saying he would be good as a SG if he could be paired with PG with size. That scares me.

If we draft him is he going to be the starting SG? Backup PG?

I have thought for a long time this idea that Melo is a PG and Brandon Miller is supposed to be the SG of the future was stupid. Melo should be a SG that can initiate the offense and Brandon Miller should be the SF. So I am fine with drafting a PG, but LaMelo might not be fine with that.

[luciano-davidwesley]

I dont think so. I think its either buzelis or Williams one or both will be there. I can't see the hornets passing on both guys. It seems very unlikely. If we did take a pg I'd go topic if he was available when we pick. I guess Holland would be in the mix over Reed aswell. I wouldn't hate a Reed pick as he's certainly a kinda guy we could use. It's makes more sense as Melo insurance. How are his play making abilities. I know he's a defense guy and can shoot lights out. Does he have a future as a pg is what I'm asking. Because if he does I wouldn't hate the pick totally we could use Melo insurance.

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I mean I just started watching him. His buzz seems to be growing checking other draft boards. I see a lot of people comparing him to John Stockton so I would guess he's a pretty good playmaker. His defense is obviously pretty good.

I agree though I think wing is most likely our selection unless we fall out of the top 5.

Probably some better comparisons with the data we have right now are Seth Curry or Steve Kerr. Kerr is the all time leader in 3pt percentage which is great, but never averaged even 10 pts per game in the league. Seth Curry is 8th on the all time 3pt percentage list and has had a nice career, but not the outcome you are hoping for with a lotto pick.

Absolute nonsense

[Bassman]

Draft best player, cause there is no massive star pick of consensus within this top 5. But I also do not see Sheppard being worthy of that choice within that group…UNLESS he blows up the competition during workouts. Would love to get our best guards/wings to scrimmage with these guys (if they still allow that).

[JDR720]

Derrick White was 6.45 in shoes and 189 lb at the combine. Brogdon was even bigger. Neither of them sniffed the lottery and neither is worth trading a top 5 pick for even in a bad draft.

Conley is an interesting comparison, but he had blow by speed that I am not sure that Reed Shepard has.

Booker was 6'6'' and made major strides after being drafted. Hard to tell which prospects are going to do that.

The thing with Reed Shepard is it seems like he has only the size to defend PG's. You hear commentators and talking heads saying he would be good as a SG if he could be paired with PG with size. That scares me.

If we draft him is he going to be the starting SG? Backup PG?

I have thought for a long time this idea that Melo is a PG and Brandon Miller is supposed to be the SG of the future was stupid. Melo should be a SG that can initiate the offense and Brandon Miller should be the SF. So I am fine with drafting a PG, but LaMelo might not be fine with that.

Why are we getting hung up on "in the lottery?". Should we draft more "high-upside" players who don't know how to play basketball? Those are popular in the lottery, we've drafted several.

Reed is listed at 6'3 187. So he's the same size as White, and he's one of the best defensive guards in the league and made the All-Star team. White and Brogdon are proof that "upside" doesn't mean much, it's about how you play on the court that matters.

Why can he only guard PG's? The average size of SG's in the NBA is a little over 6'5. It's not like he has to guard giants. Team defense and being smart goes a long way. What scares you sounds like versatility to me. Being able to guard multiple positions is important. And besides that, Melo can't guard PG's either. He needs to be hidden on the worst offensive player, so having a good "point of attack" defender that we've been looking for seems like a good thing to draft.


I don't think Melo cares, he's spent most of his career with Terry Rozier. And Melo is a reason to draft a PG, he's hurt half the season. We need to lessen his load/minutes to help him stay healthy.

[GoBobs]

Derrick White was 6.45 in shoes and 189 lb at the combine. Brogdon was even bigger. Neither of them sniffed the lottery and neither is worth trading a top 5 pick for even in a bad draft.

Conley is an interesting comparison, but he had blow by speed that I am not sure that Reed Shepard has.

Booker was 6'6'' and made major strides after being drafted. Hard to tell which prospects are going to do that.

The thing with Reed Shepard is it seems like he has only the size to defend PG's. You hear commentators and talking heads saying he would be good as a SG if he could be paired with PG with size. That scares me.

If we draft him is he going to be the starting SG? Backup PG?

I have thought for a long time this idea that Melo is a PG and Brandon Miller is supposed to be the SG of the future was stupid. Melo should be a SG that can initiate the offense and Brandon Miller should be the SF. So I am fine with drafting a PG, but LaMelo might not be fine with that.

Why are we getting hung up on "in the lottery?". Should we draft more "high-upside" players who don't know how to play basketball? Those are popular in the lottery, we've drafted several.

Reed is listed at 6'3 187. So he's the same size as White, and he's one of the best defensive guards in the league and made the All-Star team. White and Brogdon are proof that "upside" doesn't mean much, it's about how you play on the court that matters.

Why can he only guard PG's? The average size of SG's in the NBA is a little over 6'5. It's not like he has to guard giants. Team defense and being smart goes a long way. What scares you sounds like versatility to me. Being able to guard multiple positions is important. And besides that, Melo can't guard PG's either. He needs to be hidden on the worst offensive player, so having a good "point of attack" defender that we've been looking for seems like a good thing to draft.


I don't think Melo cares, he's spent most of his career with Terry Rozier. And Melo is a reason to draft a PG, he's hurt half the season. We need to lessen his load/minutes to help him stay healthy.

I was responding to a post asking if we should consider him with a top 5 pick. I said maybe depending on who is there, but in a normal year I don't see him like that.

I don't think he is the same size as Derrik White. Plenty of guys are listed at whatever and then when they get measured at the combine we find out what it really is. Maybe I am wrong, we will see. Derrik White was measured at the combine though. Reed hasn't.

Height, wingspan and weight have a lot to do with who you can guard. Terry Rozier measured at the nba combine was 6'2.25'' in shoes and 190 lbs with a 6'8'' wingspan. Rozier is also very athletic and can dunk effortlessly, yet he is to small to guard almost anyone in the nba if they take him in the post.

[Diop]

Derrick White was 6.45 in shoes and 189 lb at the combine. Brogdon was even bigger. Neither of them sniffed the lottery and neither is worth trading a top 5 pick for even in a bad draft.

Conley is an interesting comparison, but he had blow by speed that I am not sure that Reed Shepard has.

Booker was 6'6'' and made major strides after being drafted. Hard to tell which prospects are going to do that.

The thing with Reed Shepard is it seems like he has only the size to defend PG's. You hear commentators and talking heads saying he would be good as a SG if he could be paired with PG with size. That scares me.

If we draft him is he going to be the starting SG? Backup PG?

I have thought for a long time this idea that Melo is a PG and Brandon Miller is supposed to be the SG of the future was stupid. Melo should be a SG that can initiate the offense and Brandon Miller should be the SF. So I am fine with drafting a PG, but LaMelo might not be fine with that.

Why are we getting hung up on "in the lottery?". Should we draft more "high-upside" players who don't know how to play basketball? Those are popular in the lottery, we've drafted several.

Reed is listed at 6'3 187. So he's the same size as White, and he's one of the best defensive guards in the league and made the All-Star team. White and Brogdon are proof that "upside" doesn't mean much, it's about how you play on the court that matters.

Why can he only guard PG's? The average size of SG's in the NBA is a little over 6'5. It's not like he has to guard giants. Team defense and being smart goes a long way. What scares you sounds like versatility to me. Being able to guard multiple positions is important. And besides that, Melo can't guard PG's either. He needs to be hidden on the worst offensive player, so having a good "point of attack" defender that we've been looking for seems like a good thing to draft.


I don't think Melo cares, he's spent most of his career with Terry Rozier. And Melo is a reason to draft a PG, he's hurt half the season. We need to lessen his load/minutes to help him stay healthy.

I was responding to a post asking if we should consider him with a top 5 pick. I said maybe depending on who is there, but in a normal year I don't see him like that.

I don't think he is the same size as Derrik White. Plenty of guys are listed at whatever and then when they get measured at the combine we find out what it really is. Maybe I am wrong, we will see. Derrik White was measured at the combine though. Reed hasn't.

Height, wingspan and weight have a lot to do with who you can guard. Terry Rozier measured at the nba combine was 6'2.25'' in shoes and 190 lbs with a 6'8'' wingspan. Rozier is also very athletic and can dunk effortlessly, yet he is to small to guard almost anyone in the nba if they take him in the post.

yet Chris Paul defends the post a lot better, that's more of an effort, skill thing for Rozier

[GoBobs]

I mean I just started watching him. His buzz seems to be growing checking other draft boards. I see a lot of people comparing him to John Stockton so I would guess he's a pretty good playmaker. His defense is obviously pretty good.

I agree though I think wing is most likely our selection unless we fall out of the top 5.

Probably some better comparisons with the data we have right now are Seth Curry or Steve Kerr. Kerr is the all time leader in 3pt percentage which is great, but never averaged even 10 pts per game in the league. Seth Curry is 8th on the all time 3pt percentage list and has had a nice career, but not the outcome you are hoping for with a lotto pick.

Absolute nonsense

do you want to explain why you think this is the case or did you just come to diarrhea your feelings?

[SWedd523]

Derrick White was 6.45 in shoes and 189 lb at the combine. Brogdon was even bigger. Neither of them sniffed the lottery and neither is worth trading a top 5 pick for even in a bad draft.

Conley is an interesting comparison, but he had blow by speed that I am not sure that Reed Shepard has.

Booker was 6'6'' and made major strides after being drafted. Hard to tell which prospects are going to do that.

The thing with Reed Shepard is it seems like he has only the size to defend PG's. You hear commentators and talking heads saying he would be good as a SG if he could be paired with PG with size. That scares me.

If we draft him is he going to be the starting SG? Backup PG?

I have thought for a long time this idea that Melo is a PG and Brandon Miller is supposed to be the SG of the future was stupid. Melo should be a SG that can initiate the offense and Brandon Miller should be the SF. So I am fine with drafting a PG, but LaMelo might not be fine with that.

Why are we getting hung up on "in the lottery?". Should we draft more "high-upside" players who don't know how to play basketball? Those are popular in the lottery, we've drafted several.

Reed is listed at 6'3 187. So he's the same size as White, and he's one of the best defensive guards in the league and made the All-Star team. White and Brogdon are proof that "upside" doesn't mean much, it's about how you play on the court that matters.

Why can he only guard PG's? The average size of SG's in the NBA is a little over 6'5. It's not like he has to guard giants. Team defense and being smart goes a long way. What scares you sounds like versatility to me. Being able to guard multiple positions is important. And besides that, Melo can't guard PG's either. He needs to be hidden on the worst offensive player, so having a good "point of attack" defender that we've been looking for seems like a good thing to draft.


I don't think Melo cares, he's spent most of his career with Terry Rozier. And Melo is a reason to draft a PG, he's hurt half the season. We need to lessen his load/minutes to help him stay healthy.

Is Sheppard the only guy who knows how to play basketball? Is every other guy "high upside"? Strange argument.

And I'm pretty sure neither Brogdon nor White ever made an ASG

Seems like a lot of excuses need to be made for this guy. Which of the guys I listed previously do you have behind Sheppard? We're on a collision course to a top 5 pick and I'm struggling to see how he fits in that argument