2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread

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Which 2 rookies are you most high on / impressed with?

Zach Edey
66
25%
Reed Shephard
26
10%
Zaccharie Risacher
36
14%
Alexandre Sarr
8
3%
Stephon Castle
21
8%
Matas Buzelis
12
5%
Ron Holland
5
2%
Bub Carrington
12
5%
Donovan Clingan
23
9%
Other (Dillingham, Knecht, Eells, Salaün, Williams, Ware, McCain, etc.)
57
21%
 
Total votes: 266

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Re: Donovan Clingan gonna become the 2nd best center on planet earth 

Post#341 » by One_and_Done » Fri Nov 15, 2024 9:22 pm

Dangun wrote:
One_and_Done wrote:
Dangun wrote:Obviously, nobody taking Joker spot at the top.. there’s only Embiid and Wemby in the way atm, but Embiid gonna be fading away with even more injuries so that really just leaves Wemby gatekeeping that 2nd spot.. give Clingan 30 min a game from here on out and develop this dude offense because his passing game is on point. The dude is an absolute monster on defense and only playing part time cause of yuck ayton eww.. smh at Spurs, they could’ve teamed up an unbeatable modern day twin towers

Maybe they should have drafted 4 Clingans, and started them all next to Wemby. Sorry, basketball doesn't work that way. Clingan would be nothing but a back up for the Spurs, because they need to start Wemby at the 5. On defense Wemby is a 5. Regardless of offense, so drafting Clingan was a non-starter.

Sorry you’re clueless.. Wemby could start at the point and nada would change where he plays defense

When you start Clingan, you have to have him guard the paint. If Clingan is guarding thr paint, it drags Wemby out to the perimeter more, which is bad. There's also 2 slower 7 footers on the floor trying to cover faster and smaller players. Very bad idea, as the Spurs learned when they tried it last year.
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Re: Donovan Clingan gonna become the 2nd best center on planet earth 

Post#342 » by monopoman » Sat Nov 16, 2024 1:42 am

One_and_Done wrote:
Dangun wrote:
One_and_Done wrote:Maybe they should have drafted 4 Clingans, and started them all next to Wemby. Sorry, basketball doesn't work that way. Clingan would be nothing but a back up for the Spurs, because they need to start Wemby at the 5. On defense Wemby is a 5. Regardless of offense, so drafting Clingan was a non-starter.

Sorry you’re clueless.. Wemby could start at the point and nada would change where he plays defense

When you start Clingan, you have to have him guard the paint. If Clingan is guarding thr paint, it drags Wemby out to the perimeter more, which is bad. There's also 2 slower 7 footers on the floor trying to cover faster and smaller players. Very bad idea, as the Spurs learned when they tried it last year.


We actually have seen teams try to do the twin towers thing and it almost always leads to failure. A great example was Jokic and Nurkic both being on the Nuggets, they kept the better player but they tried using them together and it ended in disaster. That was even in a case where Jokic can play more of a big man PG which should allow Nurkic to utilize his talents better.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#343 » by stormi » Sat Nov 16, 2024 1:48 am

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Nah, he's nasty

Fourth straight 20 point game. Has 24&4 with three minutes left in the third.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#344 » by doogie_hauser » Sat Nov 16, 2024 2:19 am

stormi wrote:
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Nah, he's nasty

Fourth straight 20 point game. Has 24&4 with three minutes left in the third.


Nurse has seen the light and decided to start him.

He should keep doing so, even when Makes returns. Fast tracking his development should be one of Philly's top priorities for the reason, esp as their championship aspirations look washed for this season.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#345 » by akhan786 » Sat Nov 16, 2024 2:47 am

Kind of crazy that “They should build around McCain” was a thought that went through my head with how old PG/Embiid look. 29 points 10/17 5/10 from 3. If he didn’t foul out, he was def going to get another 30 ball. Sixers fell apart without him.

This was my favorite play from him tonight on Suggs.

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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#346 » by doogie_hauser » Sat Nov 16, 2024 2:57 am

akhan786 wrote:Kind of crazy that “They should build around McCain” was a thought that went through my head with how old PG/Embiid look. 29 points 10/17 5/10 from 3. If he didn’t foul out, he was def going to get another 30 ball.

This was my favorite play from him tonight on Suggs.

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?s=46


The smart move from Philly here is to totally do a Spurs 96-97 tank job, send JoJo and Maxey out for season ending surgery and just ride it out with PG, McCain and the rest of the scrubs and hope to luck in with lotto magic (not necessarily pick 1)

They can build a foundation to compete now and in the post Embiid era.

Unfortunately Nick Nurse has never been one to actively tank (ask Raptors fans)

I don’t think Nurse is all that great as coach anyway
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#347 » by JustBuzzin » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:01 am

Castle is the best player in this draft. He's gonna be scary Jimmy Butler Jr.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#348 » by wemby » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:08 am

JustBuzzin wrote:Castle is the best player in this draft. He's gonna be scary Jimmy Butler Jr.

He's not a good shooter yet, but his shot looks a lot better than the Thompsons or Ron Holland and he's made a bunch of VERY deep 3s.... take away end of quarter heaves and he's in the low 30s already. If he does figure it out, he's for sure one of the best players out of this class if not THE best.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#349 » by One_and_Done » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:20 am

JustBuzzin wrote:Castle is the best player in this draft. He's gonna be scary Jimmy Butler Jr.

For some reason this is the first time I considered that comparison, bit it's a surprisingly good one.

The difference is Castle seems to play the point pretty well.
Warspite wrote:Billups was a horrible scorer who could only score with an open corner 3 or a FT.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#350 » by Black Mage » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:48 am

akhan786 wrote:Kind of crazy that “They should build around McCain” was a thought that went through my head with how old PG/Embiid look. 29 points 10/17 5/10 from 3. If he didn’t foul out, he was def going to get another 30 ball. Sixers fell apart without him.

This was my favorite play from him tonight on Suggs.

Read on Twitter
?s=46


Really enjoyed watching the McCain vs Suggs chess match. Loved Suggs taking it personal and just being a menace all night. Honestly, I'm still shocked seeing McCain getting Okoro'd by the Cavs and still getting his and now doing it a second game in a row with Suggs.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#351 » by Black Mage » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:53 am

doogie_hauser wrote:
akhan786 wrote:Kind of crazy that “They should build around McCain” was a thought that went through my head with how old PG/Embiid look. 29 points 10/17 5/10 from 3. If he didn’t foul out, he was def going to get another 30 ball.

This was my favorite play from him tonight on Suggs.

Read on Twitter
?s=46


The smart move from Philly here is to totally do a Spurs 96-97 tank job, send JoJo and Maxey out for season ending surgery and just ride it out with PG, McCain and the rest of the scrubs and hope to luck in with lotto magic (not necessarily pick 1)

They can build a foundation to compete now and in the post Embiid era.

Unfortunately Nick Nurse has never been one to actively tank (ask Raptors fans)

I don’t think Nurse is all that great as coach anyway


It's been a discussion on the SIxers boards. This draft is deep (early in college season) with SF/PF prospects that would all fit great into the roster. It would be hard b/c they'd have to be sure to get top 1 or 2 to ensure they keep their pick.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#352 » by NoDopeOnSundays » Sat Nov 16, 2024 4:16 am

Last pick in the draft

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We already converted him to a standard contract from a two way.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#353 » by wemby » Sat Nov 16, 2024 4:45 am

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:Last pick in the draft

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We already converted him to a standard contract from a two way.

Looks really good... may end up better than the no. 2 pick :lol:
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Re: Donovan Clingan gonna become the 2nd best center on planet earth 

Post#354 » by Dangun » Sat Nov 16, 2024 7:23 am

One_and_Done wrote:
Dangun wrote:
One_and_Done wrote:Maybe they should have drafted 4 Clingans, and started them all next to Wemby. Sorry, basketball doesn't work that way. Clingan would be nothing but a back up for the Spurs, because they need to start Wemby at the 5. On defense Wemby is a 5. Regardless of offense, so drafting Clingan was a non-starter.

Sorry you’re clueless.. Wemby could start at the point and nada would change where he plays defense

When you start Clingan, you have to have him guard the paint. If Clingan is guarding thr paint, it drags Wemby out to the perimeter more, which is bad. There's also 2 slower 7 footers on the floor trying to cover faster and smaller players. Very bad idea, as the Spurs learned when they tried it last year.

How is it very bad idea when it haven't been tried yet with the caliber of defenders like Wemby & Clingan? Thats why that other guy gave beyond horrible example with Jokic & Nurkic and you thinking the modern day twin towers gonna be sluggish like Duncan & Robinson smh.. and wtf how is it bad Wemby being everywhere on defense when thats one of his biggest strengths with Clingan gatekeeping the paint, and these guys aint slugs, especially Wemby's ability to constant motion for his size.. Spurs defense would be 2nd to none.. gotta say again, sorry you're clueless
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Re: Donovan Clingan gonna become the 2nd best center on planet earth 

Post#355 » by One_and_Done » Sat Nov 16, 2024 8:05 am

Dangun wrote:
One_and_Done wrote:
Dangun wrote:Sorry you’re clueless.. Wemby could start at the point and nada would change where he plays defense

When you start Clingan, you have to have him guard the paint. If Clingan is guarding thr paint, it drags Wemby out to the perimeter more, which is bad. There's also 2 slower 7 footers on the floor trying to cover faster and smaller players. Very bad idea, as the Spurs learned when they tried it last year.

How is it very bad idea when it haven't been tried yet with the caliber of defenders like Wemby & Clingan? Thats why that other guy gave beyond horrible example with Jokic & Nurkic and you thinking the modern day twin towers gonna be sluggish like Duncan & Robinson smh.. and wtf how is it bad Wemby being everywhere on defense when thats one of his biggest strengths with Clingan gatekeeping the paint, and these guys aint slugs, especially Wemby's ability to constant motion for his size.. Spurs defense would be 2nd to none.. gotta say again, sorry you're clueless

Lots of teams have tried it. The example of Jokic and Nurkic was provided earlier, but there are many others. It was a decent strategy in 1999, but the league has changed completely since then. Teams that go with two 5 men inevitably pay for it in the modern NBA. Even teams that have tried it in recent years with some success ensure at least one of the 2 can shoot 3s at least a bit and/or is quick footed to guard perimeter guys.

Like, the Cavs are having success early this year with it (after years of problems), but Mobley at least takes open 3s and has been hitting at an acceptable clip. He's also much more mobile than Clingan. Both Mobley and Allen are also being limited to 30mpg so the team can go small alot, and all of their other starters and their best 2 guys off the bench are shooting absolutely lights out from 3 on volume (485, 450, 449, 407 & 364). Whether this will work for the Cavs all season (and come the playoffs) is unclear. It sure didn't in previous years.

The Lakers did it in a limited way in 2020, but that was the year AD could hit 3pt shots for some reason. They also did it for limited minutes and had to abandon it at certain points (e.g. in the Houston series they had to go to AD at the 5 because they'd be run off the court otherwise).

But that's the best case scenarios. Mostly these two 5 units are a disaster. The Spurs tried it last year, and it wasn't working. The team improved vastly once they moved Wemby to the 5 (and started a real point guard).

So the question becomes 'does it make sense to expend a top 4 pick on a 5 when your best case is that it'll be something you can do for about 25-30mpg tops, and will have to abandon completely against certain teams?' Given how Castle has looked thus far, I have a hard time seeing how they could have any regrets.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#356 » by UcanUwill » Sat Nov 16, 2024 3:06 pm

Bornstellar wrote:Castle's numbers as a starter since Sochan went out: 12.4pts/4.0asts/2.4rb/1.2stl in 28mpg (5 games)


He looked great last night, very very impressed. This draft has some very good guards, too most intriguing, to me at least, aren't evne playing, that would be Sheppard and Devin Carter, who is injured.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#357 » by Jamaaliver » Sat Nov 16, 2024 4:51 pm

I ain't saying he's the next Steph Curry...but McCain definitely looks Curry-esqe on this sequence.

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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#358 » by The Master » Sat Nov 16, 2024 6:34 pm

I have to agree, I see Castle as the best player of this draft 3-4 years from now: handles, size, footwork, athleticism, two-way potential and his jumper definitely isn't broken, very impressed by him since he's been starting for the Spurs considering I thought of him as a long-term project.

McCain is a stud tho - he may be this draft's 'skilled but limited athletically player' who actually adjusted to the NBA level surprisingly well.
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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#359 » by basketballRob » Sat Nov 16, 2024 6:52 pm

The Master wrote:I have to agree, I see Castle as the best player of this draft 3-4 years from now: handles, size, footwork, athleticism, two-way potential and his jumper definitely isn't broken, very impressed by him since he's been starting for the Spurs considering I thought of him as a long-term project.

McCain is a stud tho - he may be this draft's 'skilled but limited athletically player' who actually adjusted to the NBA level surprisingly well.
McCain is really strong. It's like he's a 6'2" Desmond Bane.

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Re: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread 

Post#360 » by ItsDanger » Sat Nov 16, 2024 7:11 pm

Several rookies are already showing they can contribute at a high level early in the season. Yet, the draft pundits were criticizing the talent depth of this group for a long time. Consider how these "analysts" are somehow given respect. They haven't earned it.
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