2024 Draft Thread - Part II

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I hope the Wizards take Castle. I just love the way he plays. I love the mindset he would bring to this team. I like his versatility, he would fit great in the backcourt with Poole, and you can pair him with Butler and it would work, or put him with Coulibaly and watch them go to work on D, or put him with Corey... It all works! He can play 1 through 3.' And he's day 1 our best perimeter defender.

But, I expect it to be Risacher.

The Washington Post:
Washington has selected three international players with lottery picks in the past five years — Coulibaly, Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura — and several foreign prospects are likely to draw serious consideration this time. Dawkins praised the Wizards’ international scouts for “crisscrossing the globe” to evaluate the major prospects “multiple times.”

Standing nearby in a sharp black suit, Coulibaly smiled and offered his services.

“I know Risacher. I can help them with the scouting report,” he said, referring to the 19-year-old forward who played professionally in France this season. Coulibaly is also from France. “He’s a good shot maker. He can shoot the ball from everywhere on the court. He’s really efficient. I like his game.”

[doclinkin]

If you look at the NCAA talent playing in that league, you won't find a high level Div 1 guy in the bunch. I think Kansas's squad could beat ABA teams. Kentucky could win the title.

Just because this is such a ridiculous and incorrect statement, I’ll also give you the Crvena Zvezda roster:

Nemanja Bjelica: 2nd round pick 35th overall, 8 seasons in the NBA
Joel Bolomboy: 2nd round pick 52nd overall
Freddie Gillespie: 2 seasons in the NBA
Adam Hanga: 2nd round pick, 59th overall
Ognen Kuzmic: 2nd round pick, 52nd overall
Luka Mitrovic: 2nd round pick, 60th overall
Shabazz Napier: 1st round pick, 24th overall
Nemanja Nedovic: 1st round pick, 30th overall
Marko Simonovic: 2nd round pick, 44th overall
Javonte Smart: 3 seasons in the NBA
Milos Teodosic: 2 seasons in the NBA
Trey Thompkins: 2nd round pick 37th overall

Never mind their NCAA stats.

Right Nedovic, 1st round pick, averaging 1.1 ppg for the Suns in his only year. You missed Bazz Napier's 6 years in the NBA. last seen playing for a Wiz squad that went 25-47 under Scotty Brooks. His best year in the league was that one, and he never got another NBA deal. That was 4 years ago...

So the best team you can point to is: 3 flameouts, 2 has-beens, and a mess of never-were's. Making my point for me. Especially when you rely on "never mind statistics, you should believe my strongly held opinion that I just decided on this year".

We simply do not have evidence that Topić can play against top talent. The dog's breakfast on the roster above is not anywhere close to even bottom dwelling NBA talent -- nor the best of the NCAA D1 players who make up the bulk of the draft every year. It's a bunch of guys. They are older, more seasoned players, but even ones who made the league are proven not to be able to hang with the big boys. Only 2 guys who ever had a 2nd NBA contract, both long out of the league.

Yes, Topić is smoking them, and clearly looks like he does not belong at that level, especially at that age. But he has not been tested yet. Fair to have question marks if his skill set will translate. He's a below-the-rim guy with a questionable shot, and he doesn't play defense. His physical advantage is that despite how tall he is, he has a low center of gravity and long arms. He will make passes he shouldn't because of that wraparound reach, and he is always balanced even in thick traffic. I'm curious how it translates, because I haven't seen a player like him before. But he has no offball skills, doesn't work on D, and his shot form is blockable.

I wish he were playing this well in a better league, in the NCAA even, so I could gauge it better.

[doclinkin]

I remember watching Blake Griffin 'defend' at Oklahoma. Literally did not move on many occasions or give a 2nd effort. Why? Coaches made it clear to him is availability was more important than challenging every shot. Some kids take it to the extreme but Edey's job was to stay on the floor no matter what. In the NBA, of course his offensive role will be streamlined and he'll be expected to challenge every shot. He seems smart enough to adjust based on what I've seen.

Also note I'm not suggesting Edey in the top 3 or 5. I'm just looking at the collective skillsets of these draftable Cs and trying to figure out why people like one of the least skilled bigs of the group (Clingan) so damn much! Give me Holmes at 26 before Clingan in the top 5 (or even 15).

Edey improved every year. Especially in the areas he fell short. HIs job on defense was to take up space in the lane and cut off angles. Fill the lane and deter penetration in the first place. He was not called for reaching, ever, we haven't seen a high usage % guy with such low foul totals. He played contained within himself because officials called things differently against him. He was fouled pretty much every possession on offense. When the big guy is throwing his weight around it's pretty easy for refs to notice and call it against him. When he had opportunity to face opponents with good size he was able to play with a little more spirit. Any time he was hacked and given a hard foul, he would come back with force. As he says he plays better when he is angry.

I think we have not yet seen what a motivated and unleashed Edey can do. HIs team fell apart when he was off the floor. He had to pay every minute. We have not seen a super-giant who has been able to play the heavy minutes Zack carried in college. Most guys taller than 7'1" end up playing 20-some minutes a game. And foul a lot. Edey carried the heaviest load of any player, without getting dinged up, for the entire game, every game. With an occasional break for a sip of water. To me the biggest vulnerability of the true giants is both their stamina and health. Rest and recovery and bench time.

If you have a guy who does not get tired and stays healthy there's no telling what the upper limit is. The capacity for work will determine how good they can get. In the weight room, in stamina and core strength, in lateral movement drills. Edey has room for improvement. But there is video of him skating backwards and moving fluidly in hockey drills. He stays balanced. He knows how to anticipate and cut off angles. If he is coming off the bench, able to use all 6 fouls, training in functional strength and agility, I think there is no telling what his upper limit might be. This is a player who the team had to wait for after every practice because of his obsessive routine putting up hook shots in an around the world arc from every position outside of 10 feet.

Giant. Smart. Durable. Competitive. Obsessive work ethic. Great stamina. Still improving even over the course of a season. HIs only drawback is his mobility. And supposed limited range. The Lopez brothers were notable stiffs entering the league, low post only, not mobile enough to make a big difference on defense. Now both added range, Brook is appreciated as one of the best low-post defenders in the game based on his reads and angles and shifts. Shooting a high % from the FT line with a rainbow arc and backspin. Most bigs shoot a flat shot that bounces out, Edey drops it in. He can't hit a standstill J? His combine shooting suggested otherwise.

If you look at his improvement since his freshman year, or footage at IMG, the growth is remarkable. And he is entering a league that is shifting back towards Big Man play. Indy plays drop coverage bigs. They just took out a team that relied all year on shuffling in and out 3 drop bigs. Minnesota advances with a drop coverage Big. The Mavs play with 2 bigs, trading for our low-post frontcourt guy midseason.

And somehow the most dominant frontcourt player in the past 30 years in the NCAA won't be able to play in this league. This to me is one of those things that people overthink way too much. Edey can play basketball. He will still be able to play at the next level, and will in all probability get even better every year, for as long as his body lets him. Hell, if I could trade back for the Spurs picks, I'd take Edey at 8 and be happy.

[NatP4]

Yes, Topić is smoking them, and clearly looks like he does not belong at that level, especially at that age. But he has not been tested yet. Fair to have question marks if his skill set will translate..

Of course, wish you would just stick to that, instead of intentionally misrepresenting/misquoting, posting false information, and making ridiculous overstatements like “Kentucky would win the ABA title” when they couldn’t even beat Oakland University and obviously would have no chance against the top ABA teams, or “there’s not a high level D1 player in the league” when there is literally a former NCAA player of the year/all American/2x Big Ten POTY, and tons of other high level NCAA players in the league.

[doclinkin]

Yes, Topić is smoking them, and clearly looks like he does not belong at that level, especially at that age. But he has not been tested yet. Fair to have question marks if his skill set will translate..

Of course, wish you would just stick to that, instead of intentionally misrepresenting/misquoting, posting false information, and making ridiculous overstatements

Tired. I posted the link for you to do the research. Bringing content and data to the page. True information. If you want to make it about me, cool, I can start to have fun with it. Currently you and I simply disagree. If you want to be disagreeable I have a place for you...

HERE.

Then we can enjoy making it personal without cluttering up this thread. And provide entertainment for everybody.

[doclinkin]

(edit)

My ideal draft I'm looking at something like this.

Wizards trade down with SA: pick 2 for picks 4 + 35 + 48.

Wizards package picks 48 + 51 to Hornets for pick 42.

At 4 Wizards take Stephon Castle

Watch on YouTube

At 26 Wizards take Cam Christie

Watch on YouTube

At 35 Wizards take Izan Amansa

Watch on YouTube

I like this draft. I'm sold on Cam Christie. That shot looks legit. I'd draft and stash Almansa. One of the youngest players in the draft, highly productive, as a Big he needs seasoning but will get better over time and as he adds strength, a jump shot.

[NatP4]

Yes, Topić is smoking them, and clearly looks like he does not belong at that level, especially at that age. But he has not been tested yet. Fair to have question marks if his skill set will translate..

Of course, wish you would just stick to that, instead of intentionally misrepresenting/misquoting, posting false information, and making ridiculous overstatements

Currently you and I simply disagree.

Yep, let’s leave it at that. I disagree that the 2023-2024 Kentucky team is better than a couple of Euroleague teams (Partizan/Crvena) that feature a combined 16 former NBA draft picks.

[doclinkin]

I think I have a new favorite player in this draft.

https://nbadraftroom.com/dillon-jones/

https://hoopshype.com/lists/dillon-jones-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-intel/


This is an extremely intelligent guy. He scores, rebounds, and defends well. He's efficient and focused. Dillon Jones can guard 2,3, and 4. From what I've seen on YouTube so far, he can initiate offense like a PG.

I'm totally impressed. A lot of players come to my mind. Underrated at draft time. Paul Millsap. Kenneth Faried. Carlos Boozer. Jimmy Butler, Josh Hart

doclinkin, talk me off hype mountain. Anyone else? Thoughts?
.

LOL of course CCJ would pick the thicc guy with skillz. I like Jones too, and wonder what he'd look like with big time NBA trainers. I'm curious about his defense at the next level if he does not slim up and get lateral. But yes, a triple double threat if he develops, smart passer, willing boardsman, crafty scorer, good handle for his size.

[closg00]

Zach put-on a show, Kyle Korver may be biased to take a shooter

Read on Twitter

[dobrojim]

Not that Tankathon couldn't be completely wrong, obviously they could, but
why isn't Christie getting any love at all on their site? He's literally not in their top 70
unless I just didn't see it.

(edit)

My ideal draft I'm looking at something like this.

Wizards trade down with SA: pick 2 for picks 4 + 35 + 48.

Wizards package picks 48 + 51 to Hornets for pick 42.

At 4 Wizards take Stephon Castle

Watch on YouTube

At 26 Wizards take Cam Christie

Watch on YouTube

At 35 Wizards take Izan Amansa

Watch on YouTube

I like this draft. I'm sold on Cam Christie. That shot looks legit. I'd draft and stash Almansa. One of the youngest players in the draft, highly productive, as a Big he needs seasoning but will get better over time and as he adds strength, a jump shot.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Not that Tankathon couldn't be completely wrong, obviously they could, but
why isn't Christie getting any love at all on their site? He's literally not in their top 70
unless I just didn't see it.

(edit)

My ideal draft I'm looking at something like this.

Wizards trade down with SA: pick 2 for picks 4 + 35 + 48.

Wizards package picks 48 + 51 to Hornets for pick 42.

At 4 Wizards take Stephon Castle

Watch on YouTube

At 26 Wizards take Cam Christie

Watch on YouTube

At 35 Wizards take Izan Amansa

Watch on YouTube

I like this draft. I'm sold on Cam Christie. That shot looks legit. I'd draft and stash Almansa. One of the youngest players in the draft, highly productive, as a Big he needs seasoning but will get better over time and as he adds strength, a jump shot.

Yeah, I think that may be because there’s speculation of him staying in school he entered the draft and entered the transfer portal. That’s one reason I want them to take him at 26, with a 1st round promise so he stays in the draft.

I REALLY like these 2 with our secondary picks.

[dobrojim]

that makes sense, TY

[closg00]

Is the narrative changing on the top pick?

Watch on YouTube

[payitforward]

(edit)

My ideal draft I'm looking at something like this.

Wizards trade down with SA: pick 2 for picks 4 + 35 + 48.

Wizards package picks 48 + 51 to Hornets for pick 42.

At 4 Wizards take Stephon Castle

Watch on YouTube

At 26 Wizards take Cam Christie

Watch on YouTube

At 35 Wizards take Izan Amansa

Watch on YouTube

I like this draft. I'm sold on Cam Christie. That shot looks legit. I'd draft and stash Almansa. One of the youngest players in the draft, highly productive, as a Big he needs seasoning but will get better over time and as he adds strength, a jump shot.

I agree entirely!

To me, Castle projects to become a very solid starter, maybe significantly upscale from that! Christie has gifts & skills & a high ceiling. Amansa is as you describe him.

But... where's #42. We also have #42. We must draft at #42 !!!
edit... a good shot KJ Simpson is on the board at 42.

Now that would be a pull! Castle, Christie, Amansa, & Simpson! Love it.

[TGW]

I'm not seeing it with Castle at all. His numbers were pedestrian at best, and he's not a super-athlete or possesses great physical gifts. My comp is Deshawn Stevenson.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

(edit)

My ideal draft I'm looking at something like this.

Wizards trade down with SA: pick 2 for picks 4 + 35 + 48.

Wizards package picks 48 + 51 to Hornets for pick 42.

At 4 Wizards take Stephon Castle

Watch on YouTube

At 26 Wizards take Cam Christie

Watch on YouTube

At 35 Wizards take Izan Amansa

Watch on YouTube

I like this draft. I'm sold on Cam Christie. That shot looks legit. I'd draft and stash Almansa. One of the youngest players in the draft, highly productive, as a Big he needs seasoning but will get better over time and as he adds strength, a jump shot.

I agree entirely!

To me, Castle projects to become a very solid starter, maybe significantly upscale from that! Christie has gifts & skills & a high ceiling. Amansa is as you describe him.

But... where's #42. We also have #42. We must draft at #42 !!!
edit... a good shot KJ Simpson is on the board at 42.

Now that would be a pull! Castle, Christie, Amansa, & Simpson! Love it.

Right, actually I had Adem Bona there, I’d like to add some physicality inside, IMO we were soft and got bullied down low last season, so he’s my target. But there are others I like, I’d say take BPA, anyone that falls from late 1st and still on the board, especially someone like Dadiet or Flowers I’d be happy.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I'm not seeing it with Castle at all. His numbers were pedestrian at best, and he's not a super-athlete or possesses great physical gifts. My comp is Deshawn Stevenson.

That’s fine because I expect them to take Risacher anyway.

[Rafael122]

FWIW, Risacher measured 6'9.5" with a 6'10.5" wingspan at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. I don't know if wingspan is all that important when it comes to wings, he's got an 8'10'' standing reach which is around the same as Bilal's but the wingspan is 4 inches shorter. Just something to monitor.

[DCZards]

FWIW, Risacher measured 6'9.5" with a 6'10.5" wingspan at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. I don't know if wingspan is all that important when it comes to wings, he's got an 8'10'' standing reach which is around the same as Bilal's but the wingspan is 4 inches shorter. Just something to monitor.

Wingspan can be very important for an NBA wing. It’s one of the reasons that Jaden McDaniels and his 7 foot wingspan is a force on defense for Minny.

[TGW]

FWIW, Risacher measured 6'9.5" with a 6'10.5" wingspan at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. I don't know if wingspan is all that important when it comes to wings, he's got an 8'10'' standing reach which is around the same as Bilal's but the wingspan is 4 inches shorter. Just something to monitor.

Wingspan can be very important for an NBA wing. It’s one of the reasons that Jaden McDaniels and his 7 foot wingspan is a force on defense for Minny.

Yep, it's the main reason why I'm not a fan of Risaccher. He doesn't have top-tier wingspan, although to be fair, neother does Deni and we love him.

And for the record, I totally believe he's the pick, unless the Hawks decide to take him, which leaves the Wizards with Sarr.

Don't know if this was posted, but Givony is predicing Risaccher to the Wizards, and he's a guy who talks to alot of scouts and GMs so I believe it.