2024 Draft Thread - Part II

[nate33]

We need to put Risacher in context. He's a basketball phenom who's been playing professional since the 2021-2022 season. He has 3 seasons of professional basketball under his belt. Last year was underwhelming and he got moved to a different team. That team looked at his set of skills and said, we need you to play this role. Risacher says yes, and plays that role exceptionally well.

Because he plays for a professional team who's main goal is trying to win games and not develop Risacher, we get a very limited view of Risacher's game. At 18/19 Risacher is already Cam Johnson/Otto Porter. So we look at hm and say, "that's all he can be." Ignoring the fact that he's way superior to these guys at the same age. Cam Johnson and Otto Porter couldn't do at 18/19 what they were doing in their prime. Risacher can already do that and is now focusing on other aspects of his game.

This might shock some people, but Risacher's game will continue to improve. And he's not working on what Cam Johnson or Otto Porter were working on. In his prime he will be a different and superior player to both of these guys. With that being said, my concern for Risacher is his inability to put on weight, 195 is very skinny. Even if he adds weight I don't think he'll ever get to the place where he's 225/230 at least. Other players will be able to move him and this will significantly impact his ability to get to his spots/get to the hole.

For my money it's either Sarr or Risacher.

This is fair. It's possible that Risacher is capable of doing more but hasn't been given the opportunity because he is playing a specific role on a professional team. If the Wizards determined in workouts that Risacher has true shot creation skills, or at least the type of "wiggle" to his game to serve as a foundation to those shot creation skills, then maybe I am undervaluing him.

But I'm not convinced that's the case. I don't see much reason to believe Risacher has an entirely new dimension to his game that would project him to have star-caliber shot creation talent.

[machu46]

The draft is on 2 different nights this year, which feels silly to me.

I'll be in Mexico City both evenings. I'm sure the draft will be televised there....

Idk if you’ve ever been, but you will probably be able to find round 1 at least without too much research. One of my absolute favorite cities in the world. One of the few places I’d gladly leave DC for (at least for a few years).


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[Rafael122]

We need to put Risacher in context. He's a basketball phenom who's been playing professional since the 2021-2022 season. He has 3 seasons of professional basketball under his belt. Last year was underwhelming and he got moved to a different team. That team looked at his set of skills and said, we need you to play this role. Risacher says yes, and plays that role exceptionally well.

Because he plays for a professional team who's main goal is trying to win games and not develop Risacher, we get a very limited view of Risacher's game. At 18/19 Risacher is already Cam Johnson/Otto Porter. So we look at hm and say, "that's all he can be." Ignoring the fact that he's way superior to these guys at the same age. Cam Johnson and Otto Porter couldn't do at 18/19 what they were doing in their prime. Risacher can already do that and is now focusing on other aspects of his game.

This might shock some people, but Risacher's game will continue to improve. And he's not working on what Cam Johnson or Otto Porter were working on. In his prime he will be a different and superior player to both of these guys. With that being said, my concern for Risacher is his inability to put on weight, 195 is very skinny. Even if he adds weight I don't think he'll ever get to the place where he's 225/230 at least. Other players will be able to move him and this will significantly impact his ability to get to his spots/get to the hole.

For my money it's either Sarr or Risacher.

This is fair. It's possible that Risacher is capable of doing more but hasn't been given the opportunity because he is playing a specific role on a professional team. If the Wizards determined in workouts that Risacher has true shot creation skills, or at least the type of "wiggle" to his game to serve as a foundation to those shot creation skills, then maybe I am undervaluing him.

But I'm not convinced that's the case. I don't see much reason to believe Risacher has an entirely new dimension to his game that would project him to have star-caliber shot creation talent.

This is where Dawkins and the scouting department comes in. If Risacher is there at 2, they have to determine is there another level he can unlock. Honestly, it sounds like we won't be given the choice since it appears most mocks are leaning him going number one overall.

[DCZards]

If Risacher is already a good shooter and defender, I’d probably take the chance that the 19 year old can improve other aspects of his game.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Let's keep adding more guys at the exact same position. Risacher and Coulibaly play the same position. So does Kuzma. So does Deni.

Every one of them is a PF/SF.

If he's drafted, where and when does Zac play?

[nate33]

Let's keep adding more guys at the exact same position. Risacher and Coulibaly play the same position. So does Kuzma. So does Deni.

Every one of them is a PF/SF.

If he's drafted, where and when does Zac play?

The way I look at it, they are all forward-sized, but Risacher brings SG skills on offense, Deni brings PG skills on offense and Coulibaly will eventually give us a center's rim-protection ability on defense (while also being at least serviceable as a 3-point spacer and perhaps bring much more offense than that).

I don't really see much conflict at all. All 3 guys can play at the same time with virtually any two other players. You could play yet another forward with them (Kuzma, Ace Bailey, Cooper Flagg), or play them with a PG and/or a C and it will work out fine.

[machu46]

Read on Twitter

[closg00]

Read on Twitter

There is of-course more going-on behind the scenes, Klutch perhaps has a preferred landing spot for Rob.

[dckingsfan]

SA would be might want happy with Dillingham at 8 for sure.

[tontoz]

SA would be happy with Dillingham at 14 for sure.

The Spurs have 4 and 8. Portland has 7 and 14.

[closg00]

Let's keep adding more guys at the exact same position. Risacher and Coulibaly play the same position. So does Kuzma. So does Deni.

Every one of them is a PF/SF.

If he's drafted, where and when does Zac play?

The way I look at it, they are all forward-sized, but Risacher brings SG skills on offense, Deni brings PG skills on offense and Coulibaly will eventually give us a center's rim-protection ability on defense (while also being at least serviceable as a 3-point spacer and perhaps bring much more offense than that).

I don't really see much conflict at all. All 3 guys can play at the same time with virtually any two other players. You could play yet another forward with them (Kuzma, Ace Bailey, Cooper Flagg), or play them with a PG and/or a C and it will work out fine.

Would Zach even be in discussions at 2 if Bilal had his shooting skills, Kuzma would definitely have to be dealt if we’re going to add another forward, not liking this scenario where we kinda have to take Zach if Sarr is gone.

[DCZards]

Given the increased “positionless” play we’re seeing in the NBA I’m not at all concerned about adding another forward if he’s the BPA. Sounds to me like that BPA might be Risacher.

[tontoz]

I don't buy Risacher as the BPA at all. His lack of athleticism is going to be a problem. His sprint time of 3.38 was only .04 ahead of Edey and his 31" max vert is embarassing. Combine that with his lack of strength and shot creation i am not interested.

[Benjammin]

Kuzma should not be a consideration regarding who should be picked. Sooner or later, he will be dealt.

[dckingsfan]

SA would be happy with Dillingham at 14 for sure.

The Spurs have 4 and 8. Portland has 7 and 14.

Oops. Yeah, to me 8 is too high for Dillingham but alongside Wemby, hmmm. They could take Castle at 4. That would be an interesting backcourt.

But yeah, guessing what the Spurs are going to do... good luck.

[Dat2U]

Folks we’re talking about adding one 26 year old so-called vet (Allen) who will be replacing a 28 yo vet (Kuzma). And moving up to 20th in the draft…where a McCain, Collier or Carrington might be available.

Sorry, I disagree with both the hand-wringing about winning too many games because of Allen’s presence (what 5-6 more wins maybe?) and the narrative that the trade would be consistent with the Wizards of old.

You want draft picks/assets AND young talent when you’re rebuilding. It’s not either/or. Allen is a young, proven talent who, like many bigs, will probably still be a productive player into his 30s.

This is exactly the 'shortcut' move Ernie or Shepp would make. And the fact is yes, I could work out short term and significantly prop up the win total just like the Jamison move back in the day but it's not a long term path for success.

I couldn't think of nothing worse this next season than to win 34 games, drop in lottery and lose next year's 1st because we decent starting C to shore up the defense.

[payitforward]

The draft is on 2 different nights this year, which feels silly to me.

I'll be in Mexico City both evenings. I'm sure the draft will be televised there....

Idk if you’ve ever been, but you will probably be able to find round 1 at least without too much research. One of my absolute favorite cities in the world. One of the few places I’d gladly leave DC for (at least for a few years).

I've been to Mexico several times but never to Mexico City.

We're going for a wedding in Valle de Bravo, a beautiful town in the mountains a couple of hours west of MC. We'll be there a few days & then to Mexico City for a week. Definitely looking forward to it.

[payitforward]

Folks we’re talking about adding one 26 year old so-called vet (Allen) who will be replacing a 28 yo vet (Kuzma). And moving up to 20th in the draft…where a McCain, Collier or Carrington might be available.

Sorry, I disagree with both the hand-wringing about winning too many games because of Allen’s presence (what 5-6 more wins maybe?) and the narrative that the trade would be consistent with the Wizards of old.

You want draft picks/assets AND young talent when you’re rebuilding. It’s not either/or. Allen is a young, proven talent who, like many bigs, will probably still be a productive player into his 30s.

This is exactly the 'shortcut' move Ernie or Shepp would make. And the fact is yes, I could work out short term and significantly prop up the win total just like the Jamison move back in the day but it's not a long term path for success.

I couldn't think of nothing worse this next season than to win 34 games, drop in lottery and lose next year's 1st because we decent starting C to shore up the defense.

That's a pretty good point you make, Dat....

Then again, like Kuz, Allen too would be tradable. In all, a deal like this seems a long shot. Still, as proposed -- Allen & 20 for Kuz & 26 -- I wouldn't hesitate. It's a significant over pay by Cleveland.

[nate33]

Folks we’re talking about adding one 26 year old so-called vet (Allen) who will be replacing a 28 yo vet (Kuzma). And moving up to 20th in the draft…where a McCain, Collier or Carrington might be available.

Sorry, I disagree with both the hand-wringing about winning too many games because of Allen’s presence (what 5-6 more wins maybe?) and the narrative that the trade would be consistent with the Wizards of old.

You want draft picks/assets AND young talent when you’re rebuilding. It’s not either/or. Allen is a young, proven talent who, like many bigs, will probably still be a productive player into his 30s.

This is exactly the 'shortcut' move Ernie or Shepp would make. And the fact is yes, I could work out short term and significantly prop up the win total just like the Jamison move back in the day but it's not a long term path for success.

I couldn't think of nothing worse this next season than to win 34 games, drop in lottery and lose next year's 1st because we decent starting C to shore up the defense.

That's a pretty good point you make, Dat....

Then again, like Kuz, Allen too would be tradable. In all, a deal like this seems a long shot. Still, as proposed -- Allen & 20 for Kuz & 26 -- I wouldn't hesitate. It's a significant over pay by Cleveland.

Yeah, make that trade, but immediately flip Allen for picks.

[gambitx777]

SA would be happy with Dillingham at 14 for sure.

The Spurs have 4 and 8. Portland has 7 and 14.

Oops. Yeah, to me 8 is too high for Dillingham but alongside Wemby, hmmm. They could take Castle at 4. That would be an interesting backcourt.

But yeah, guessing what the Spurs are going to do... good luck.

I think dillingham might end up as the 4th-7th best player in the draft so if you think he fits **** it take him at 4 if you like him .

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