2024 Draft Prospects

[GoBobs]

Clingan's 2.3 blocks per game would put him on par with Rudy Gobert (2.1) if his game translates.

Yeah, but his free throw percentage is a problem. Lets compare his numbers to Edey and I will use per 40 min here because Clingan plays 20 min per game where Edey plays 30 and otherwise it wouldn't be a fair comparison to Clingan

Clingan 23 pts, 13 reb, 4.2 blk 3.6 fouls (actual averages 12 pts, 7 reb, 2.3 blks in like 20 min)

Edey 31 pts 15 reb 2.8 blk 2.5 fouls (actual averages 24 pts, 12 reb, 2.2 blk in 31 min)

Walker Kessler 18 pts, 12 reb, 7 blk, 4 fouls (actual averages 11pts, 8 reb, 4.6 blk in 25 min)

Walker Kessler in the nba is 8 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.6 blk in 23 minutes

Nick Richards in the nba is 10 pts, 8 reb, 1.2 blks in 26 minutes and he is a better player than Walker Kessler because Kessler is a 50% free throw shooter and Richards shoots 71% from the line.

Clingan has the same problem, you just can't get away with a free throw percentage in the 50's unless you are Shaq.

[JustBuzzin]

I gotta be honest looking at all these prospects I'm not seeing any potential stars. I have been watching Cody/Castle closely and these guys are role players for their teams. I guess they getting hype because of their potential.

I still wouldn't rule out us trading the pick for a potential established player. Kind of sucks this draft is lacking star talent.

[Jstock12]

I gotta be honest looking at all these prospects I'm not seeing any potential stars. I have been watching Cody/Castle closely and these guys are role players for their teams. I guess they getting hype because of their potential.

I still wouldn't rule out us trading the pick for a potential established player. Kind of sucks this draft is lacking star talent.

Just Buzzin' for Buzelis

[bravor]

Clingan's 2.3 blocks per game would put him on par with Rudy Gobert (2.1) if his game translates.

Yeah, but his free throw percentage is a problem. Lets compare his numbers to Edey and I will use per 40 min here because Clingan plays 20 min per game where Edey plays 30 and otherwise it wouldn't be a fair comparison to Clingan

Clingan 23 pts, 13 reb, 4.2 blk 3.6 fouls (actual averages 12 pts, 7 reb, 2.3 blks in like 20 min)

Edey 31 pts 15 reb 2.8 blk 2.5 fouls (actual averages 24 pts, 12 reb, 2.2 blk in 31 min)

Walker Kessler 18 pts, 12 reb, 7 blk, 4 fouls (actual averages 11pts, 8 reb, 4.6 blk in 25 min)

Walker Kessler in the nba is 8 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.6 blk in 23 minutes

Nick Richards in the nba is 10 pts, 8 reb, 1.2 blks in 26 minutes and he is a better player than Walker Kessler because Kessler is a 50% free throw shooter and Richards shoots 71% from the line.

Clingan has the same problem, you just can't get away with a free throw percentage in the 50's unless you are Shaq.

M. Robinson, Allen (who has had some bad ft shooting games), Kessler are all valuable.

I would not mind Clingan for my part if i was deciding. He's a way less risky pick than most lottery picks in this draft. Not just as an insurance for Williams, but also to keep some intimidation when the rotation comes in. And if things go well, you have a tradable asset.

I'd rather target a pf/c profile though if i am Charlotte (a 'banger' type). But you dont have this in next draft from what i have seen (which is not a lot though, but i have read enough).

[Bassman]

These types of drafts are how guys like Sarr and other euro’s vault to the top. They have skills and higher ceiling potential than good college players with a decent floor but little measurable upside. I’ll be watching the big dance carefully to see who might emerge, but most mocks have the top 3 as Sarr, Risacher and Topic, with Buzelis/Holland rounding out the top 5. I don’t like players who can’t shoot well, so Topic and Buzelis are not on my “desire” list. Some mocks are shifting by putting Dillingham and Reed Shepard into the top 5, so who knows what options we will have by draft day?

I could see us trading back some spots for a big like Clingan or Filipowski. Mark’s back issue might be healed, or it could become one of those chronic items that returns with one tweak on any given night. Same with Melo.

What if we got the #1 pick? Is it so valuable in this draft we would use it, or would we deal it to Portland for the 5 and 13? Would we package it with a player to get a quality vet? (that would be my preference)

[GiggitySmalls]

I gotta be honest looking at all these prospects I'm not seeing any potential stars. I have been watching Cody/Castle closely and these guys are role players for their teams. I guess they getting hype because of their potential.

I still wouldn't rule out us trading the pick for a potential established player. Kind of sucks this draft is lacking star talent.

Very underwhelming recent games by both. I'm at the point now where I'd be very disappointed if we drafted either of those guys.

Sent from my SM-F936U using RealGM mobile app

[GiggitySmalls]

Give me Reed Sheppard over Williams or castle at this point.

Sent from my SM-F936U using RealGM mobile app

[JustBuzzin]

I gotta be honest looking at all these prospects I'm not seeing any potential stars. I have been watching Cody/Castle closely and these guys are role players for their teams. I guess they getting hype because of their potential.

I still wouldn't rule out us trading the pick for a potential established player. Kind of sucks this draft is lacking star talent.

Very underwhelming recent games by both. I'm at the point now where I'd be very disappointed if we drafted either of those guys.

Sent from my SM-F936U using RealGM mobile app

I mean I don't have a problem with us drafting them. I'm just not expecting either to be a star. I think they could become very good role players eventually.

I just think we need to explore all our options. If we can pick up an established player for that pick I would consider it.

[Bassman]

I think there will be a LOT of changes in opinions by the “experts” right up to the draft.

Kyle Boone’s updated mock as of 3/14 has Risarcher number 1 (my current fav also), but he’s moved Dillingham to #2…and said he would pick him number 1 right now if it was his decision. Also has Shepard 4th, Walter 5th (Sarr 3rd).

Boone says he sees a lot of Kyrie Irving in Dillingham’s game ! Holy Big Reach Batman! Heck, he could be right…but that’s how hard this draft is to project.

[MasterIchiro]

Clingan's 2.3 blocks per game would put him on par with Rudy Gobert (2.1) if his game translates.

Yeah, but his free throw percentage is a problem. Lets compare his numbers to Edey and I will use per 40 min here because Clingan plays 20 min per game where Edey plays 30 and otherwise it wouldn't be a fair comparison to Clingan

Clingan 23 pts, 13 reb, 4.2 blk 3.6 fouls (actual averages 12 pts, 7 reb, 2.3 blks in like 20 min)

Edey 31 pts 15 reb 2.8 blk 2.5 fouls (actual averages 24 pts, 12 reb, 2.2 blk in 31 min)

Walker Kessler 18 pts, 12 reb, 7 blk, 4 fouls (actual averages 11pts, 8 reb, 4.6 blk in 25 min)

Walker Kessler in the nba is 8 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.6 blk in 23 minutes

Nick Richards in the nba is 10 pts, 8 reb, 1.2 blks in 26 minutes and he is a better player than Walker Kessler because Kessler is a 50% free throw shooter and Richards shoots 71% from the line.

Clingan has the same problem, you just can't get away with a free throw percentage in the 50's unless you are Shaq.

I figured he'd draw comparisons to Kessler and while their skills overlap, Clingan is far more agile. His footwork is more like a gargantuan power forward beneath the basket. His second jump is also great. His touch around the basket is on a completely different tier.

Nick Richards gets his blocks when he's following the play and reading the offense. What you don't note is all the potential easy blocks he botches because his instincts and reads are sloppy. He's so clumsy it's unreal. He can take the whole defense out of a play or prolong a possession. Clingan gobbles up everything in sight. He's a rock.

Your ranking is totally out of whack. Also Nick is a cry baby. He pouts and quits constantly. He displays a loser attitude out there.

I have it

Clingan

Kessler






Nick

[MasterIchiro]

Clingan also has much better hands. If he were force fed touches like Cliff does for Nick, Donovan would not be bobbling the ball and botching easy buckets, regularly.

Nick is addition by subtraction. I think he's a major factor in the team losing compared to the 7 other players in Clifford's unreasonable 8 man rotation.

[MasterIchiro]

We have to bear in mind that Clifford's style showcases the center and has him making players like Mason Plumlee the center of the action. I take Nick Richards' stats with a salt shaker.

[Snidely FC]

HoopsHype spoke with several NBA executives and scouts for their insight on the prospects for the third edition of their aggregate mock draft.
On Cody Williams:

“I have Cody Williams towards the top of my board,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He shows two-way potential, and he’s shot the ball well this year. He’s got the pedigree with his brother, Jalen, who’s already in the NBA, so he knows what it takes. I think he’s fairly easy to project. He just needs to get stronger, which he should through maturation. He seems to have a pretty promising future.”

“Williams is the most solid player of all the guys,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s got length, he’s big, he can shoot, and he can pass. Out of all these guys, I’m taking him first.”

“His body type is a little scary to me,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He doesn’t have the physicality or frame his brother has yet. However, he can put on weight and make shots. He’s got a high IQ for the game. He can pass, drive on closeouts, he can rebound, and he does other things well out there. Defensively, he can help and recover. He can block shots, too.”

On Reed Sheppard:

“Sheppard is a fun player to watch,” a longtime NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s very crafty in everything he does. He’s a knockdown shooter. He moves the ball, and it doesn’t stick with him. He’s a quick thinker on the court. He makes winning plays. I’d be a little worried that even though he gets a lot of steals, he gambles a little bit too much at times. He’s not afraid of the spotlight playing at Kentucky, where he has a lot of pressure on him as a homegrown kid from the state.

“I think I’ll have Reed in my Top 5,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I think where the NBA is going, where you have to make decisions so fast, he can read the game at such a high level. Reed is a culture builder. That’s something that a team that’s young and trying to get to another tier like Charlotte or Washington, who aren’t good culture pieces, Reed can come in and change the way your program looks and operates by how hard guys play, how hard guys get in the gym and work. Those things matter.”

On Ron Holland:

“Holland is a high-motor guy you want in a foxhole next to you,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s a tough customer. He’s limited to being a straight line driver who will have to clean up his decision-making and reduce his turnovers. Like a lot of guys who come into the league, he’s going to have to work on his shooting to increase his range and accuracy. He’s a competitor.”

On Stephon Castle:

“I love Castle, and I think he’s going to be a good player,” another NBA executive told HoopsHype. “His shooting is an issue. He’s strong and can switch defensively. He’s probably one of the better defenders in this draft class. I think he can make an impact directly on that end. He’s a good kid and works hard. He’s a freak athlete. There’s stuff there that you can put into an NBA game, especially if he has shooters around him, so it’s not clunky.”

[amcoolio]

I know its cliche, but i think if Sheppard were black, he'd be the consensus #1 pick in the draft

I'm fine really with Risacher, Williams, Sheppard, or Sarr. Probably in that order

[JustBuzzin]

I know its cliche, but i think if Sheppard were black, he'd be the consensus #1 pick in the draft

I'm fine really with Risacher, Williams, Sheppard, or Sarr. Probably in that order

Why do people play the race card smh

If Reed was the real deal he would simply go #1. It has nothing to do with race. RJ Davis from UNC has better stats and he's not even a projected 1st Rd pick.

Cooper Flagg is white and he's projected to be the #1 pick in 2025.

Please put the race card to bed.

[GoBobs]

Watch on YouTube

[Bassman]

I think the notion that all white players have no athleticism is slowly fading. For NBA scouts, all player draft analysis are evaluated on so many levels, including their athletic ability as it is needed at league level. All prospects have varying grades on speed, quickness, leaping, twitch, footwork, hand eye coordination, etc. While I do agree the game has migrated to a speed/fast react/tempo offense, not sure Sheppard is capable of translating to NBA level ball as a starter. Still undersized, short wingspan, not a pure PG.

[Snidely FC]

Jonathan Wasserman at Bleacher Report has the Hornets taking Ron Holland at 4:

The Charlotte Hornets may be drawn to Holland’s downhill explosiveness and defensive quickness next to LaMelo Ball’s creativity and Brandon Miller’s shotmaking.

Despite seeing his stock dip since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, Holland still averaged 19.5 points in the G League at 18 years old. And he made some encouraging adjustments throughout the season, particularly with his ability to play at different speeds, rather than fast.

At worst, Holland should be able to inject his team with transition offense, rim pressure and easy baskets. But given his age and the flashes, there is still plenty of untapped self-creation, passing and shotmaking to bet on.

[Chapelchilla]

Jonathan Wasserman at Bleacher Report has the Hornets taking Ron Holland at 4:

The Charlotte Hornets may be drawn to Holland’s downhill explosiveness and defensive quickness next to LaMelo Ball’s creativity and Brandon Miller’s shotmaking.

Despite seeing his stock dip since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, Holland still averaged 19.5 points in the G League at 18 years old. And he made some encouraging adjustments throughout the season, particularly with his ability to play at different speeds, rather than fast.

At worst, Holland should be able to inject his team with transition offense, rim pressure and easy baskets. But given his age and the flashes, there is still plenty of untapped self-creation, passing and shotmaking to bet on.

I have been watching the Ignite and some other G league games this season and wouldn't put much trust in those guys. Some individuals may be good but that league is just so bad. The Ignite are straight up terrible as a team. I would prefer a good college player (like Miller) to an iffy G-leaguer (like Scoot). It's easy to have a highlight reel of "big" plays when basically no one cares on either team.

[Bassman]

Jonathan Wasserman at Bleacher Report has the Hornets taking Ron Holland at 4:

The Charlotte Hornets may be drawn to Holland’s downhill explosiveness and defensive quickness next to LaMelo Ball’s creativity and Brandon Miller’s shotmaking.

Despite seeing his stock dip since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, Holland still averaged 19.5 points in the G League at 18 years old. And he made some encouraging adjustments throughout the season, particularly with his ability to play at different speeds, rather than fast.

At worst, Holland should be able to inject his team with transition offense, rim pressure and easy baskets. But given his age and the flashes, there is still plenty of untapped self-creation, passing and shotmaking to bet on.

Holland would be a reach for this team. Another wing who can’t shoot 3’s, lowish overall shooting %, doesn’t really fit a defined role other than defensive stopper (yes a good thing but how does he mesh in offense?). I fear another falling knife (once predicted as a likely top pick). I know a lot will happen between now and draft day, but not liking this projected pick.