2024 NBA Draft Thread, part 2 – (June 26 & 27)

[redslastlaugh]

Celtics first round grade from the Athletic

30. Boston Celtics
Baylor Scheierman | 6-6 wing | 23 years old | Creighton

Vecenie’s ranking: 22
Baylor Scheierman is an intriguing bet as a role player in the NBA with his shooting and comfort as a decision-maker. You get a real floor spacer who can run off movement and knock down shots. He can also attack closeouts and make quick reads. Scheierman is not going to be for everyone, but I bet that teams with schemes that involve a lot of motion and movement will love him. He processes the game very well at speed, even with his athletic deficiencies, and knows how to play within structure and scheme. He’ll make extra passes and will help on the glass, lead fast breaks and then in the half court will help your primary playmakers by being a shooter whom defenders must guard tightly. His defense is the big question.

Can he consistently chase and play in help? Can he defend on the ball? It’ll all be about maximizing his frame and body and getting the absolute most out of his quickness. I have a clear first-round grade on him, though, given the importance of shooting at size in today’s NBA.

Hollinger’s analysis:
The Celtics double down on the 3-point bonanza of a year ago by selecting a guy who took 13.3 3-point attempts per 100 possessions a year ago and made 38.1 percent of them. Scheierman is the oldest legit top-40 prospect in this draft, but he was also the best player on the court at the Hoop Summit (many top prospects didn’t play, however), and he fits Boston’s system like a glove.

[MaxwellSmart]

Who's going to Vegas for Summer League?

[keevsnick1]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

Could be they just liked Scheierman more than any big available there.

Its a bit easier to get a bug man who can contribute on the minimum than it is a 6'6 shooter, so we'll see if they bring back Kornet/Tillman or if not what they do in free agency. If the do lose Kornet and/or Tillman they will be able to offer prospective big-man free agents a good deal of playing time in a very good basketball situation. That's pretty appealing.

[Hal14]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

[Gant]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

The return of at least one of Kornet and Tillman is probable; there's a good chance both are back. But you never know, which means what's happened so far shows considerable confidence in Queta.

[cloverleaf]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

I see him sliding down to 3 more than up to 5, at least early on, but you could be right.

[Dogen]

It's not a 10 day. It's exhibit 10 which typically means a training camp contract. So he will play summer league for us and then compete for a roster spot (or 2-way) in training camp..

Got it, he's a pick for the summer league roster and possible part of the 17 person roster.

Another big wing to go along with Watson. Looks like more of an athlete but less overall skill and interior defense. Both guys can stretch the floor a bit with 3pt shooting. Will be interesting to see if they both end up as 2-Ways this year.

Loading up on wing D for the Knicks, Luka, etc.?

Makes sense. It's going to be a long shot for Enaruna to even make the roster as a 2-Way, never mind get any minutes at all, but then again he's basically the same proportions as Mikal Bridges, so maybe there is a role. There will be short stints when they are resting starters. Joe may not have such a tight rotation this year in the reg season.

Joe: "Tristan, go out there and give us 3 minutes of hounding #5. And if you're open on offense, shoot the ball."

[Dogen]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

I see him sliding down to 3 more than up to 5, at least early on, but you could be right.

I keep hearing how strong Watson is and more language indicating a "small big". But who knows, Brad gets guys who can switch and play multiple positions. Watson may be able to guard 3,4, 5 although maybe not the quicker 3's so much.

[Hal14]

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

I see him sliding down to 3 more than up to 5, at least early on, but you could be right.

I keep hearing how strong Watson is and more language indicating a "small big". But who knows, Brad gets guys who can switch and play multiple positions. Watson may be able to guard 3,4, 5 although maybe not the quicker 3's so much.

In college he could defend 1-5. Sometimes the *really* quick 1's or the *really* big/strong/powerful 5's could give him trouble but he was able to check pretty much anyone else.

Sort of like Tillman and Horford in that sense..or like Grant (when he was actually playing really good D, like in his rookie year and in the 21-22 season).

Although Tillman is a freak and seems to even be able to defend really quick 1's, lol.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Read on Twitter

[darrendaye]

Read on Twitter

[Parliament10]

1) They should move the Draft to the weekend, Friday & Saturday.
2) They should add a 3rd Round, for Drafting Two-Ways and what was previously the Un-drafted.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

I think for next year as part of the Process, the Boston version of it,
they will target the BAPG - Best Available Point Guard in the Draft, and then down the line, move
either PP or Holiday...

[ThePigeon]

I think for next year as part of the Process, the Boston version of it,
they will target the BAPG - Best Available Point Guard in the Draft, and then down the line, move
either PP or Holiday...

Moving Holiday will be a bad move. He was the missing piece for banner 18
PP we need to move, just for being targeted on D

[winsomme2]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

I like all the draft picks this year (preferred Furphy still like Scheierman tho) but definitely wish we had grabbed a legit big. I was really starting to like Quniten Post and the fact that GS grabbed is only confirming to me that the importance of legit bigs is back in big way.

Honestly, I think Brad was a little ahead of the curve on this which is funny because he really doesn't seem to like drafting legit bigs. I think he saw how difficult it was to match up against Jokic in last years playoff run and went into the offseason determined to not have that stand in between us and a Title this season. DEN is still our potential kryptonite IMO and getting Porzingis was clearly Brad's counter move to that fact.

From a competitive standpoint, I really do hope to see a DEN-BOS Final next year. I think it would be a classic Finals matchup. I'm kinda glad we dodged them this year just to get a Title for the Js, but now I want to see the best matchups possible to see who comes out on top.

That all being said, there clearly is an arms race for legit bigs all over the league. Especially for legit bigs who can man the paint and also knock down the threes. All you need to see is Zach Edey going #9. Having a massive body to play in the middle on defense and to pass from the high post on offense is definitely an important need in the current NBA gameplans.

Because of this, I think Kornet coming back will be a priority but will also raise his price. Other teams are definitely going to come sniffing around on him.

Did Kalkbrenner sign anywhere yet? ....nevermind he went back to school.. I was wondering why nobody was talking about him

[playa-hater]

Sooo when do we start a 2025 draft thread?

[165bows]

Sooo when do we start a 2025 draft thread?

Ha Brad is going to be itchy to trade that first round pick - Boston should have something like two picks from 25-30 something.

[165bows]

Brad has yet to draft a big. Must be confident in Queta? Tillman and Luke's return?

I think it's a combination of:

a) he's confident in the guys we have - KP, Al, Tillman, Kornet, Queta..yes, 2 are FA and 1 has a team option but perhaps Brad is confident in bringing those guys back - or being able to backfill their spots via trades/free agency

b) it does seem like in general, Brad is not a fan of drafting bigs. We haven't drafted a center since rob in 2018. And out of all the guys who have played rotational mins at center in the Brad Stevens POBO era, all of them have had at least 2 yrs experience and been at least 24 yrs old..seems like he prefers to have more developed, experienced players at that position

With that being said, Watson is 6'8.5" in shoes, 7'0" wingspan, 233 lbs and a pretty good rebounder. I think he's more of a 4 but could play small ball 5 as well. So some might say that Brad did draft a big yesterday..depending on how you define "big" of course..

He might play a little five but imo his real value is being able to guard down the line - that way if he hits they can add more size on the court without sacrificing ball movement or defensive versatility.

Excited to see if this kid can hit.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Sooo when do we start a 2025 draft thread?

France vs USA in the U17 world cup tips off in an hour and half and it's on the FIBA youtube channel so anyone can watch. Two potential #1 picks in Cameron Boozer (2026 draft) and Nathan Soliman (2028 draft). Get your scouting in early.

For people too lazy to look for the link:

Watch on YouTube

[165bows]

Got it, he's a pick for the summer league roster and possible part of the 17 person roster.

Another big wing to go along with Watson. Looks like more of an athlete but less overall skill and interior defense. Both guys can stretch the floor a bit with 3pt shooting. Will be interesting to see if they both end up as 2-Ways this year.

Loading up on wing D for the Knicks, Luka, etc.?

Makes sense. It's going to be a long shot for Enaruna to even make the roster as a 2-Way, never mind get any minutes at all, but then again he's basically the same proportions as Mikal Bridges, so maybe there is a role. There will be short stints when they are resting starters. Joe may not have such a tight rotation this year in the reg season.

Joe: "Tristan, go out there and give us 3 minutes of hounding #5. And if you're open on offense, shoot the ball."

I think he’s more an offense guy than a defense guy, does that square with what people are seeing? I like him though as a udfa, we talked about this guy about early in the thread.