With the 19th Pick, the Raptors select Ja'Kobe Walter!

[Harcore Fenton Mun]

The shooting was, uhhh....unimpressive. So far.

[YogurtProducer]

The narrative was that the draft was 4 deep.

The best three players from the draft weren't those 'consensus 4 stars'. It's clearly a strike against the accuracy of draft prognosticators.

If you can't follow his logic, I don't know what else to say.

Calling a draft "4 deep" doesnt mean the other 56 players are garbage, what kind of brain dead logic is this.

I can't follow his logic, or yours, because what you are saying is devoid of it, not because you have some big brain angle on this.

But I guess because the 2024 one had no consensus top 3, it must be the deepest draft of all time then right? The only logic either of you are bringing to this, is ass backwards.

And again, as I have said for what I think is the fourth time now, where are these magical analysts/scouts that said it was a "steep drop off" after those 4.

Literally everyone said it. You obviously didn't follow that draft. Are you going to ask for receipts if someone claims that Wemby was universally considered a 'generational talent'?

Done with this convo, as I think you must be trolling.

I mean it was clear he was clueless when he said there was only 8 good players in the entire draft after the top 3.

According to Scase in the 2021 draft the following players are not what he defines as "good":

Trey Murphy III
Jonathan Kuminga
Josh GIddey
Quentin Grimes
Santi Aldama
Corey Kispert
Aaron Wiggins
Moses Moody
Miles McBride

So yeah, very differing levels of "good" but all of those guys I posted are rotational level NBA players.

He is comparing the 2021 draft class that have played 3 seasons and is surprised hey dont have the same resume as players from the 2014 draft class with a decade under their belt

[DreamTeam09]

I like the bounce and pop he plays with. Definitely needs to adds strength

[OakleyDokely]

Summer League (2 game total)

45.6 MINS, 17 PTS, 7 REBS, 4 ASTS, 1 STL, 31 FG, 18 3PT, 83 FT, +12

[Yeezus_]

His offensive game is so smooth.

[ConSarnit]

That was bad but at least we have an idea of his size on court and his willingness to guard on ball. He looked like he has the ability to move well, just everything needs to be taught to him.

I just don't get these young players coming out early when their skill level is like this. He is a kid who could have used another year in college to get better. He could have got NIL money and put up even better numbers.

I just don't see a way he slips into the guard rotation given his development needs.

The NIL money would be nowhere near the ~$7M he's guaranteed right now. Assuming his options are picked up, which usually happens with first-round picks, he's looking at $16M over 4 years.

Even with another year of college how much higher might he get drafted? Getting into the lottery is "only" a difference of $5M over 4 years. Top 5 you're looking at $20M but when you consider the risk of injury that probably isn't worth it for many players.

I doubt the possibility of getting into the rotation is much of a factor when deciding to declare for the draft. If you're good enough to be selected in the 1st round you take the money and then "bet on yourself" that you can work your way onto the floor.

I guess cash is king, but he could have had an extra year and still been picked in a similar range, I think. A similar guy in Jordan Hawkins spent an extra year and really refined his game.

This seems like some type of fallacy. Hawkins refined his game because he was not good as a freshman and wouldn’t have gotten drafted. He didn’t really have choice but to go back because he was putting up 6/2/1 on 35% shooting.

Also, is there any evidence guys develop better if they stay in college? The NBA has better coaching, better training staff, allows players to practice and play more and players have the benefit of going up against higher quality opposition (whether in game or practice). What advantages do college programs have over NBA programs (who invest way more money) in terms of player development?

[Badonkadonk]

Been watching some more Ja'kobe vids since watching him in the two games over the weekend.

I think his secret skill is going to be his craftiness in getting to the line. Sold footwork and spatial awareness.

In the Denver game, he was 3/8 but managed to go 4/4 from the FT line, and ultimately scored an efficient 12 points on 8 shots despite the FG%. His ability to draw fouls was called out when he was drafted, but re-watching some of the interviews, I think this is what was underrated by teams who passed over him and why Bobby expressed surprise.

He's a hooper, and that kind of instinct is hard to teach. He's got some Demar in him offensively - Demar worked very hard to refine his footwork and handle, I think Ja'kobe has a similar opportunity (needs to improve both those areas). Seems to have the work ethic, hopefully he'll get there.

[ArthurVandelay]

Been watching some more Ja'kobe vids since watching him in the two games over the weekend.

I think his secret skill is going to be his craftiness in getting to the line. Sold footwork and spatial awareness.

In the Denver game, he was 3/8 but managed to go 4/4 from the FT line, and ultimately scored an efficient 12 points on 8 shots despite the FG%. His ability to draw fouls was called out when he was drafted, but re-watching some of the interviews, I think this is what was underrated by teams who passed over him and why Bobby expressed surprise.

He's a hooper, and that kind of instinct is hard to teach. He's got some Demar in him offensively - Demar worked very hard to refine his footwork and handle, I think Ja'kobe has a similar opportunity (needs to improve both those areas). Seems to have the work ethic, hopefully he'll get there.

I can see the DD comparison a bit.

Ja’Kobe has a compact, quick, and tight shooting stroke with range to 3 unlike DD though.

[C_Money]

The biggest thing he needs to do is improve his handles. Once he does that he should be a starting caliber SG.

[manjusaka]

Been watching some more Ja'kobe vids since watching him in the two games over the weekend.

I think his secret skill is going to be his craftiness in getting to the line. Sold footwork and spatial awareness.

In the Denver game, he was 3/8 but managed to go 4/4 from the FT line, and ultimately scored an efficient 12 points on 8 shots despite the FG%. His ability to draw fouls was called out when he was drafted, but re-watching some of the interviews, I think this is what was underrated by teams who passed over him and why Bobby expressed surprise.

He's a hooper, and that kind of instinct is hard to teach. He's got some Demar in him offensively - Demar worked very hard to refine his footwork and handle, I think Ja'kobe has a similar opportunity (needs to improve both those areas). Seems to have the work ethic, hopefully he'll get there.

I can see the DD comparison a bit.

Ja’Kobe has a compact, quick, and tight shooting stroke with range to 3 unlike DD though.

Don’t think he would become a player like DDR.

More likely becoming closer to this guy

Watch on YouTube

[ATLTimekeeper]

The biggest thing he needs to do is improve his handles. Once he does that he should be a starting caliber SG.

I don't think Masai has drafted anyone with good handles. The last one might have been Fournier? Delon might be next best. Then Flynn.

[cbosh4mvp]

He reminds me of T Ross more than he does Demar.

He is a T Ross Prototype actually. Just seems more engaged than T Ross ended up being.

[C_Money]

The biggest thing he needs to do is improve his handles. Once he does that he should be a starting caliber SG.

I don't think Masai has drafted anyone with good handles. The last one might have been Fournier? Delon might be next best. Then Flynn.

Yeah it seems like shot creation is not something he cares about. Which is why our previous roster looked like total ass in the halfcourt.

[Indeed]

The NIL money would be nowhere near the ~$7M he's guaranteed right now. Assuming his options are picked up, which usually happens with first-round picks, he's looking at $16M over 4 years.

Even with another year of college how much higher might he get drafted? Getting into the lottery is "only" a difference of $5M over 4 years. Top 5 you're looking at $20M but when you consider the risk of injury that probably isn't worth it for many players.

I doubt the possibility of getting into the rotation is much of a factor when deciding to declare for the draft. If you're good enough to be selected in the 1st round you take the money and then "bet on yourself" that you can work your way onto the floor.

I guess cash is king, but he could have had an extra year and still been picked in a similar range, I think. A similar guy in Jordan Hawkins spent an extra year and really refined his game.

This seems like some type of fallacy. Hawkins refined his game because he was not good as a freshman and wouldn’t have gotten drafted. He didn’t really have choice but to go back because he was putting up 6/2/1 on 35% shooting.

Also, is there any evidence guys develop better if they stay in college? The NBA has better coaching, better training staff, allows players to practice and play more and players have the benefit of going up against higher quality opposition (whether in game or practice). What advantages do college programs have over NBA programs (who invest way more money) in terms of player development?

I suppose they feature them more. Might give you the ball more and learn how to create, while NBA coaches may not give you that role in real game. However, most of them don't get draft better. And most teams are looking to draft freshman.

[WuTang_CMB]

https://www.tsn.ca/video/mahlalela-ja-kobe-walter-is-a-gamer%7E2959587

Watch on YouTube

[niQ]

Read on Twitter

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[Duffman100]

He reminds me of T Ross more than he does Demar.

He is a T Ross Prototype actually. Just seems more engaged than T Ross ended up being.

Ross was also known for not being the sharpest knife in the drawer. Hopefully he's smarter than Ross.

[bon]

He reminds me of T Ross more than he does Demar.

He is a T Ross Prototype actually. Just seems more engaged than T Ross ended up being.

Too many of you guys are overlooking Walter's FT rate. He shot more Free Throws as a freshman than Ross did in 2 seasons in college. His game still needs to be refined obviously but he has far better instincts and willingness for attacking the hoop than Ross ever did.

Watch on YouTube

Ross was afraid of contact and had no idea what to do when he got ran off the line.

[Badonkadonk]

He reminds me of T Ross more than he does Demar.

He is a T Ross Prototype actually. Just seems more engaged than T Ross ended up being.

Ross was also known for not being the sharpest knife in the drawer. Hopefully he's smarter than Ross.

Biggest difference between the two is their footwork and ability AND interest in driving IMO, with an innate ability to bait a foul.

Ross would typically go for it when he could finish at the rim. Demar developed a deep bag that leaned into his propensity to get to the line.

Of course, Ja'kobe fires up 3s and seems intent on establishing that skill at the NBA level as he did in HS and College, so that's closer to Ross. But the FT making is what will make Ja'kobe unique if he can unlock that against NBA defences.

[PoundTown]

He reminds me of T Ross more than he does Demar.

He is a T Ross Prototype actually. Just seems more engaged than T Ross ended up being.

Too many of you guys are overlooking Walter's FT rate. He shot more Free Throws as a freshman than Ross did in 2 seasons in college. His game still needs to be refined obviously but he has far better instincts and willingness for attacking the hoop than Ross ever did.

Watch on YouTube

Ross was afraid of contact and had no idea what to do when he got ran off the line.

True, this was the part of the game we all saw evolving in Terrence's game that never did. He was just a really athletic shooter. I think we all figured he'd be able to improve his handle a bit, which he did to some degree utilizing a cross over to create space for a jumper, but the extra space in the NBA didn't really lead to him trying to get to line/ hoop more. He didn't have the strength, and not a ton of length to take contact and didn't really like contact all that much. That wild dunk against Denver was a one off.