2024 NBA Draft Thread – (June 26 & 27)

[playa-hater]

Top 10-20ish in this draft is so ass.. But the later picks after are starting to look OK.

GEMS GEMS GEMS!!!

So speaking of gems.. Nembhard for the Pacers is absolutely killing and was a second round pick.

He actually has a lot of qualities the same as d white in my opinion..

Gems are out there just got to scout it properly..

[Hal14]

One of the guys the Celtics had in for a recent workout is Anton Watson. There's actually a 52 minute highlight vid for him - all from this past season..here it is:

Watch on YouTube

Could be a nice find at 30. Andrew Nembhard was a 4 year player and played for Gonzaga for two years. Drafted at 31.

Not comparing players, necessarily, as they play different positions. And I'm watching game 4 against the Pacers. Dude is going off tonight. Would be happy to see the Celtics nab a quality college player with experience. Thing is, is he worth a first round pick and get the guaranteed rookie contract.

I believe Watson is projected to be a late 2nd round pick, or possibly go undrafted.

So we could probably snag him in 2nd round..or as UDFA..

[djFan71]

Get Sallis if you want a late first/ early second former Gonzagan.

[djFan71]

I'm liking Jalen Bridges. He did well at the combine shooting and length (6'6.75", 6'10" ws), but leap/speed were average/low.
6th in spot up shooting (72%). 15th off dribble break (70%), 18th on the move college (60%).

He probably falls between our picks at 30 & 54. Maybe he slides to 54? Good target in the trade back for multiple picks scenario. I have him in my Sallis, Nique Clifford, Bridges grouping if we don't go bigger. 3rd in that group, but he'd be someone I'd like to have in Maine and see what happens.


Ringer:

PTS: 12.2, 61.5 TS%
3P%: 41.2, 5.1 3PA/G
REB: 5.7, 12.4 REB%
AST: 1.4, 1 TOV/G

PLUSES
Dynamic shooter with clean mechanics who can run off screens or take 3s off the dribble.

Displays shot creation skills in some of his pull-up 3s, in-out dribbles on drives, and spin moves. Even if he never becomes a primary ball handler, he can at least thrive attacking closeouts and going coast-to-coast on the break.

High-IQ player without the ball. He relocates on the perimeter for 3s and looks for cutting opportunities at the rim. His intelligence applies to his passing as well, as he limits his mistakes.

Competitive defender with a long wingspan who can switch screens to defend multiple positions or fight through them and slide his feet to mirror opposing shot creators. He also disrupts passing lanes, especially when Baylor plays its zone defense, showcasing his ability to be an effective helper at the next level.

MINUSES
Inconsistent 3-point shooter until his senior year, though his near–80 percent clip from the line in his collegiate career bodes well for his potential.

He’s a low-usage player who hasn’t proved he can be a lead creator.

[keevsnick1]

I'm liking Jalen Bridges. He did well at the combine shooting and length (6'6.75", 6'10" ws), but leap/speed were average/low.
6th in spot up shooting (72%). 15th off dribble break (70%), 18th on the move college (60%).

He probably falls between our picks at 30 & 54. Maybe he slides to 54? Good target in the trade back for multiple picks scenario. I have him in my Sallis, Nique Clifford, Bridges grouping if we don't go bigger. 3rd in that group, but he'd be someone I'd like to have in Maine and see what happens.


Ringer:

PTS: 12.2, 61.5 TS%
3P%: 41.2, 5.1 3PA/G
REB: 5.7, 12.4 REB%
AST: 1.4, 1 TOV/G

PLUSES
Dynamic shooter with clean mechanics who can run off screens or take 3s off the dribble.

Displays shot creation skills in some of his pull-up 3s, in-out dribbles on drives, and spin moves. Even if he never becomes a primary ball handler, he can at least thrive attacking closeouts and going coast-to-coast on the break.

High-IQ player without the ball. He relocates on the perimeter for 3s and looks for cutting opportunities at the rim. His intelligence applies to his passing as well, as he limits his mistakes.

Competitive defender with a long wingspan who can switch screens to defend multiple positions or fight through them and slide his feet to mirror opposing shot creators. He also disrupts passing lanes, especially when Baylor plays its zone defense, showcasing his ability to be an effective helper at the next level.

MINUSES
Inconsistent 3-point shooter until his senior year, though his near–80 percent clip from the line in his collegiate career bodes well for his potential.

He’s a low-usage player who hasn’t proved he can be a lead creator.

This would be a classic sort of pick for a contender. An older guy who projects as a 3+D bench player. I'd be fine with this sort of pick.

[Memokerobi]

What do you guys think about Tristen Newton? Big PG who can play defense and create. 3pt isn't great but 83% career ft shooter so tells me it should get better in the pros. Part of a winning program with back to back national titles. I would like to have a guard on the roster who can step in if Jrue/White miss time while sitting behind and learning from them and hopefully eventually succeed Jrue. Seems like a late first, second rounder according to mocks due to his age and is pretty NBA ready.

Watch on YouTube

[Kalela]

JT Toppin's rebounding numbers are insane for a player his size. He grabbed 132 OFFENSIVE rebounds in 36 college games.

[Hal14]

JT Toppin's rebounding numbers are insane for a player his size. He grabbed 132 OFFENSIVE rebounds in 36 college games.

It was just announced today that he is withdrawing from the draft and transferring to Texas Tech..

Maybe we'll draft him in 2025.

[djFan71]

Oso Ighodaro had some all over measurements. I'm not sure where I stand on him, tbh. I like the size, decision-making, D, etc. Shooting seems very bad, but you can live with him next to Al or KP as he develops it (or doesn't...).

Combine
Good: height w/o shoes: 6'9.5", standing vert leap: 35": (3rd overall?!?), max vert: 39.5" (top 10)
Neutral/bad for his size: wingspan: 6'11", runs/agility - middle to bottom 1/3
Bad: Spot up shooting college corner left: 28% (2nd to last), off dribble college break: 36.7% (3rd to last), on the move college: 44% (bottom 1/3ish)

Classic "if he learns to shoot" guy. Everything else seems great/good.

Ringer:

PLUSES
Well-rounded defender best suited in a switching scheme next to a rim-protecting center. He has the quickness to play out on the perimeter, and the size to help at the rim. He brings mobility, intelligence, and grit to a defense.

Playmaking hub for Marquette who could be a connective piece in the NBA with his feel in two-man actions. He loves to fire bounce passes from the elbows to cutters, and he often threads the needle with pinpoint passes. There’s a flair to his game, too. And he produces highlights while limiting turnovers.

Strong screener who rolls hard to the basket. He’s a lob threat. And if the option isn’t there, he’s comfortable passing out of the short roll, a skill that could be most valuable if paired with a shot-making guard.

Feathery-soft touch on hook shots out of the post, contested layups in the paint, and when using runners, the last of which could be of great value at the next level.

Major transition threat. If he’s not running the floor hard, he’s ripping down rebounds and bringing the ball up himself.

MINUSES
Undersized as the lone big on the floor, unless it’s a small-ball lineup. He doesn’t rack up rebounds or offer elite rim protection.

He’s a non-shooter at this point. He doesn’t take jumpers, and he’s a subpar free throw shooter. But considering his success from floater range, there could be some untapped potential as a spot-up shooter.

[Bill Lumbergh]

I've been watching some Baylor Scheierman videos, and he looks like he could be a pretty useful player. Does a lot of things well. Not just a spot up shooter. There's some creation to his game. Can see the Joe Ingles comparisons. I wouldn't mind him being our pick. I suspect we'll trade out of the first round though. He could be available early second.

[Hal14]

Oso Ighodaro had some all over measurements. I'm not sure where I stand on him, tbh. I like the size, decision-making, D, etc. Shooting seems very bad, but you can live with him next to Al or KP as he develops it (or doesn't...).

Combine
Good: height w/o shoes: 6'9.5", standing vert leap: 35": (3rd overall?!?), max vert: 39.5" (top 10)
Neutral/bad for his size: wingspan: 6'11", runs/agility - middle to bottom 1/3
Bad: Spot up shooting college corner left: 28% (2nd to last), off dribble college break: 36.7% (3rd to last), on the move college: 44% (bottom 1/3ish)

Classic "if he learns to shoot" guy. Everything else seems great/good.

Ringer:

PLUSES
Well-rounded defender best suited in a switching scheme next to a rim-protecting center. He has the quickness to play out on the perimeter, and the size to help at the rim. He brings mobility, intelligence, and grit to a defense.

Playmaking hub for Marquette who could be a connective piece in the NBA with his feel in two-man actions. He loves to fire bounce passes from the elbows to cutters, and he often threads the needle with pinpoint passes. There’s a flair to his game, too. And he produces highlights while limiting turnovers.

Strong screener who rolls hard to the basket. He’s a lob threat. And if the option isn’t there, he’s comfortable passing out of the short roll, a skill that could be most valuable if paired with a shot-making guard.

Feathery-soft touch on hook shots out of the post, contested layups in the paint, and when using runners, the last of which could be of great value at the next level.

Major transition threat. If he’s not running the floor hard, he’s ripping down rebounds and bringing the ball up himself.

MINUSES
Undersized as the lone big on the floor, unless it’s a small-ball lineup. He doesn’t rack up rebounds or offer elite rim protection.

He’s a non-shooter at this point. He doesn’t take jumpers, and he’s a subpar free throw shooter. But considering his success from floater range, there could be some untapped potential as a spot-up shooter.

I think Ighodaro is intriguing as a potential 2nd round pick. I don't necessarily see him as a "if he can shoot it" kind of guy. I would say that about a guy who takes 3's but makes them inconsistently (or perhaps takes them but shoots them poorly).

But with Ighodaro, he played 4 years of college basketball and never even took 3's. So I'm not even expecting him to shoot in the NBA.

But I do think he brings enough good things to the table (as outlined in the scouting report you postyed) to possibly have a solid NBA career as a backup big man (with a slight chance of maybe being a starter).

I mean, if Kevon Looney could be a starter on a title team..if Dwight Powell could be a starter on a playoff team..I don't think it's that farfetched for Ighodaro.

I wouldn't hate it if we took him.

Looked pretty good in the combine scrimmages..

[djFan71]

I'm spamming this thread, lol, but here are my tiers, in current order. Bridges jumped Nique in the last hour.
* are ones I'm kinda just going with the prevailing winds on but need to dig in more to be sure of.


Trade up:
-------
Tristan Da Silva

30:
----
Hunter Sallis
Pacome Dadiet *
Daron Holmes
Kyshawn George *
Nikola Djurisic (Durišić) *
Jaylon Tyson


Trade Back (multiple 30s & 40s):
---------
Jalen Bridges
Ulrich Chomche *
Oso Ighodora
Nique Clifford
Kevin McCullar Jr *


54 / UDFA
-----
Enrique Freeman *
Jamir Watkins * (Hal is 90% of the wind on this one, but I like him as well)
KJ Simpson
Tristen Newton
Dillon Jones
Keshad Johnson
Coleman Hawkins
Adam Bona
PJ Hall
Trevon Brazile

[djFan71]

Spoiler:

Oso Ighodaro had some all over measurements. I'm not sure where I stand on him, tbh. I like the size, decision-making, D, etc. Shooting seems very bad, but you can live with him next to Al or KP as he develops it (or doesn't...).

Combine
Good: height w/o shoes: 6'9.5", standing vert leap: 35": (3rd overall?!?), max vert: 39.5" (top 10)
Neutral/bad for his size: wingspan: 6'11", runs/agility - middle to bottom 1/3
Bad: Spot up shooting college corner left: 28% (2nd to last), off dribble college break: 36.7% (3rd to last), on the move college: 44% (bottom 1/3ish)

Classic "if he learns to shoot" guy. Everything else seems great/good.

Ringer:

PLUSES
Well-rounded defender best suited in a switching scheme next to a rim-protecting center. He has the quickness to play out on the perimeter, and the size to help at the rim. He brings mobility, intelligence, and grit to a defense.

Playmaking hub for Marquette who could be a connective piece in the NBA with his feel in two-man actions. He loves to fire bounce passes from the elbows to cutters, and he often threads the needle with pinpoint passes. There’s a flair to his game, too. And he produces highlights while limiting turnovers.

Strong screener who rolls hard to the basket. He’s a lob threat. And if the option isn’t there, he’s comfortable passing out of the short roll, a skill that could be most valuable if paired with a shot-making guard.

Feathery-soft touch on hook shots out of the post, contested layups in the paint, and when using runners, the last of which could be of great value at the next level.

Major transition threat. If he’s not running the floor hard, he’s ripping down rebounds and bringing the ball up himself.

MINUSES
Undersized as the lone big on the floor, unless it’s a small-ball lineup. He doesn’t rack up rebounds or offer elite rim protection.

He’s a non-shooter at this point. He doesn’t take jumpers, and he’s a subpar free throw shooter. But considering his success from floater range, there could be some untapped potential as a spot-up shooter.

I think Ighodaro is intriguing as a potential 2nd round pick. I don't necessarily see him as a "if he can shoot it" kind of guy. I would say that about a guy who takes 3's but makes them inconsistently (or perhaps takes them but shoots them poorly).

But with Ighodaro, he played 4 years of college basketball and never even took 3's. So I'm not even expecting him to shoot in the NBA.

But I do think he brings enough good things to the table (as outlined in the scouting report you postyed) to possibly have a solid NBA career as a backup big man (with a slight chance of maybe being a starter).

I mean, if Kevon Looney could be a starter on a title team..if Dwight Powell could be a starter on a playoff team..I don't think it's that farfetched for Ighodaro.

I wouldn't hate it if we took him.

Looked pretty good in the combine scrimmages..

I guess it's more if he could shoot he'd be a no-brainer. I'd be hoping for him almost exclusively in double big lineups, so shooting would help a lot. Doesn't seem like he's tenacious enough on the boards that you'd want him as the single big except in rare scenarios / short stints. Obviously, GSW worked with Dray/Looney, but they're more exception than rule given Steph/Klay and Dray's playmaking.

[Gant]

Sam Presti with wise words.

Read on Twitter

[165bows]

Spoiler:

Oso Ighodaro had some all over measurements. I'm not sure where I stand on him, tbh. I like the size, decision-making, D, etc. Shooting seems very bad, but you can live with him next to Al or KP as he develops it (or doesn't...).

Combine
Good: height w/o shoes: 6'9.5", standing vert leap: 35": (3rd overall?!?), max vert: 39.5" (top 10)
Neutral/bad for his size: wingspan: 6'11", runs/agility - middle to bottom 1/3
Bad: Spot up shooting college corner left: 28% (2nd to last), off dribble college break: 36.7% (3rd to last), on the move college: 44% (bottom 1/3ish)

Classic "if he learns to shoot" guy. Everything else seems great/good.

Ringer:

PLUSES
Well-rounded defender best suited in a switching scheme next to a rim-protecting center. He has the quickness to play out on the perimeter, and the size to help at the rim. He brings mobility, intelligence, and grit to a defense.

Playmaking hub for Marquette who could be a connective piece in the NBA with his feel in two-man actions. He loves to fire bounce passes from the elbows to cutters, and he often threads the needle with pinpoint passes. There’s a flair to his game, too. And he produces highlights while limiting turnovers.

Strong screener who rolls hard to the basket. He’s a lob threat. And if the option isn’t there, he’s comfortable passing out of the short roll, a skill that could be most valuable if paired with a shot-making guard.

Feathery-soft touch on hook shots out of the post, contested layups in the paint, and when using runners, the last of which could be of great value at the next level.

Major transition threat. If he’s not running the floor hard, he’s ripping down rebounds and bringing the ball up himself.

MINUSES
Undersized as the lone big on the floor, unless it’s a small-ball lineup. He doesn’t rack up rebounds or offer elite rim protection.

He’s a non-shooter at this point. He doesn’t take jumpers, and he’s a subpar free throw shooter. But considering his success from floater range, there could be some untapped potential as a spot-up shooter.

I think Ighodaro is intriguing as a potential 2nd round pick. I don't necessarily see him as a "if he can shoot it" kind of guy. I would say that about a guy who takes 3's but makes them inconsistently (or perhaps takes them but shoots them poorly).

But with Ighodaro, he played 4 years of college basketball and never even took 3's. So I'm not even expecting him to shoot in the NBA.

But I do think he brings enough good things to the table (as outlined in the scouting report you postyed) to possibly have a solid NBA career as a backup big man (with a slight chance of maybe being a starter).

I mean, if Kevon Looney could be a starter on a title team..if Dwight Powell could be a starter on a playoff team..I don't think it's that farfetched for Ighodaro.

I wouldn't hate it if we took him.

Looked pretty good in the combine scrimmages..

I guess it's more if he could shoot he'd be a no-brainer. I'd be hoping for him almost exclusively in double big lineups, so shooting would help a lot. Doesn't seem like he's tenacious enough on the boards that you'd want him as the single big except in rare scenarios / short stints. Obviously, GSW worked with Dray/Looney, but they're more exception than rule given Steph/Klay and Dray's playmaking.

I had a whole thing at one point with him being a great pick (and he might), but I don't know that he is as strong and physical as Looney. Def a more skilled guy than Looney but not sure he isn't sort of soft physically so I sort of moved him down a very metaphorical list.

[Hal14]

Spoiler:

I think Ighodaro is intriguing as a potential 2nd round pick. I don't necessarily see him as a "if he can shoot it" kind of guy. I would say that about a guy who takes 3's but makes them inconsistently (or perhaps takes them but shoots them poorly).

But with Ighodaro, he played 4 years of college basketball and never even took 3's. So I'm not even expecting him to shoot in the NBA.

But I do think he brings enough good things to the table (as outlined in the scouting report you postyed) to possibly have a solid NBA career as a backup big man (with a slight chance of maybe being a starter).

I mean, if Kevon Looney could be a starter on a title team..if Dwight Powell could be a starter on a playoff team..I don't think it's that farfetched for Ighodaro.

I wouldn't hate it if we took him.

Looked pretty good in the combine scrimmages..

I guess it's more if he could shoot he'd be a no-brainer. I'd be hoping for him almost exclusively in double big lineups, so shooting would help a lot. Doesn't seem like he's tenacious enough on the boards that you'd want him as the single big except in rare scenarios / short stints. Obviously, GSW worked with Dray/Looney, but they're more exception than rule given Steph/Klay and Dray's playmaking.

I had a whole thing at one point with him being a great pick (and he might), but I don't know that he is as strong and physical as Looney. Def a more skilled guy than Looney but not sure he isn't sort of soft physically so I sort of moved him down a very metaphorical list.

Oh I wasn't making like a direct 1 to 1 comp with Oso and Looney. Was moreso just mentioning a couple of guys (looney, Dwight Powell) who have been solid centers on some good teams despite the fact that they didn't shoot 3's (and also didn't have elite size, elite athleticism or elite rim protection. They did the job by being smart players, high IQ, good fundamentals, know where to be on the floor, be a glue guy, do the little things well, etc.

Oso isn't as good a rebounder as Looney. But Oso is a much better passer. Like, Oso's passing is *really* freaking good. His soft touch near the basket (on floaters, leaners, baby hooks, etc.) is really good as well. He's also good at attacking off the dribble, handling the ball out on the perimeter. He can even bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense like a "Point Center".

So he's not the rebounder that Looney is, but he's better than Looney (and Powell) in a few areas.

[redslastlaugh]

Oso is signed to Klutch Sports. As Bill Simmons said, “the Celtics don’t eff with Klutch.”

I guess it's more if he could shoot he'd be a no-brainer. I'd be hoping for him almost exclusively in double big lineups, so shooting would help a lot. Doesn't seem like he's tenacious enough on the boards that you'd want him as the single big except in rare scenarios / short stints. Obviously, GSW worked with Dray/Looney, but they're more exception than rule given Steph/Klay and Dray's playmaking.

I had a whole thing at one point with him being a great pick (and he might), but I don't know that he is as strong and physical as Looney. Def a more skilled guy than Looney but not sure he isn't sort of soft physically so I sort of moved him down a very metaphorical list.

Oh I wasn't making like a direct 1 to 1 comp with Oso and Looney. Was moreso just mentioning a couple of guys (looney, Dwight Powell) who have been solid centers on some good teams despite the fact that they didn't shoot 3's (and also didn't have elite size, elite athleticism or elite rim protection. They did the job by being smart players, high IQ, good fundamentals, know where to be on the floor, be a glue guy, do the little things well, etc.

Oso isn't as good a rebounder as Looney. But Oso is a much better passer. Like, Oso's passing is *really* freaking good. His soft touch near the basket (on floaters, leaners, baby hooks, etc.) is really good as well. He's also good at attacking off the dribble, handling the ball out on the perimeter. He can even bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense like a "Point Center".

So he's not the rebounder that Looney is, but he's better than Looney (and Powell) in a few areas.

[Hal14]

I'm spamming this thread, lol, but here are my tiers, in current order. Bridges jumped Nique in the last hour.
* are ones I'm kinda just going with the prevailing winds on but need to dig in more to be sure of.


Trade up:
-------
Tristan Da Silva

30:
----
Hunter Sallis
Pacome Dadiet *
Daron Holmes
Kyshawn George *
Nikola Djurisic (Durišić) *
Jaylon Tyson


Trade Back (multiple 30s & 40s):
---------
Jalen Bridges
Ulrich Chomche *
Oso Ighodora
Nique Clifford
Kevin McCullar Jr *


54 / UDFA
-----
Enrique Freeman *
Jamir Watkins * (Hal is 90% of the wind on this one, but I like him as well)
KJ Simpson
Tristen Newton
Dillon Jones
Keshad Johnson
Coleman Hawkins
Adam Bona
PJ Hall
Trevon Brazile

Brazile withdrew from the draft and is gonna do another year of college ball, FYI..

[GregB]

Top 10-20ish in this draft is so ass.. But the later picks after are starting to look OK.

GEMS GEMS GEMS!!!

So speaking of gems.. Nembhard for the Pacers is absolutely killing and was a second round pick.

He actually has a lot of qualities the same as d white in my opinion..

Gems are out there just got to scout it properly..

That’s one thing I like about the front office. They can identify the guys that work hard and play with grit. Jordan Walsh seems like a guy with nice upside.

[djFan71]

Oso is signed to Klutch Sports. As Bill Simmons said, “the Celtics don’t eff with Klutch.”

Spoiler:

I had a whole thing at one point with him being a great pick (and he might), but I don't know that he is as strong and physical as Looney. Def a more skilled guy than Looney but not sure he isn't sort of soft physically so I sort of moved him down a very metaphorical list.

Oh I wasn't making like a direct 1 to 1 comp with Oso and Looney. Was moreso just mentioning a couple of guys (looney, Dwight Powell) who have been solid centers on some good teams despite the fact that they didn't shoot 3's (and also didn't have elite size, elite athleticism or elite rim protection. They did the job by being smart players, high IQ, good fundamentals, know where to be on the floor, be a glue guy, do the little things well, etc.

Oso isn't as good a rebounder as Looney. But Oso is a much better passer. Like, Oso's passing is *really* freaking good. His soft touch near the basket (on floaters, leaners, baby hooks, etc.) is really good as well. He's also good at attacking off the dribble, handling the ball out on the perimeter. He can even bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense like a "Point Center".

So he's not the rebounder that Looney is, but he's better than Looney (and Powell) in a few areas.

I wonder if this has changed any since Danny left?
I really liked Maxey in that draft but he went Klutch so it was a no go and I never even bothered lusting after him, lol.