2024/25 College basketball / NBA draft thread

[basketballwacko2]

I understand that the trade gives us flexibility. They speak of "optionality" but is that really a word? Anyway getting our pick back makes sense regardless of whether we have a big trade in mind or not. But I still hope we sign a developmental center and I like several in this draft.

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

[basketballwacko2]

@BobbyMarks42 Brooklyn now has 1/6 of the picks in the first round:

8
19
22
26
27

I expect they to try to move up to get Ace Bailey. He's been dropping because he's crying about where he wants to play.

[JMaster5K]

@BobbyMarks42 Brooklyn now has 1/6 of the picks in the first round:

8
19
22
26
27

I expect they to try to move up to get Ace Bailey. He's been dropping because he's crying about where he wants to play.

In my mock,.. I had BRK & WAS flipping picks 8 & 6?.... (with filler to make the exchange) for exactly that reason,... but I think Ace dropping might convince WAS to keep 6 & draft him?... WAS & BRK are 2 of only a few teams that essentially starting from scratch & could use a young, primary scoring threat to build around. Now,... if Ace can become 'that guy', is a bit more open debate,... but still.

[JMaster5K]

I understand that the trade gives us flexibility. They speak of "optionality" but is that really a word? Anyway getting our pick back makes sense regardless of whether we have a big trade in mind or not. But I still hope we sign a developmental center and I like several in this draft.

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

[Wizop]

@BobbyMarks42 Brooklyn now has 1/6 of the picks in the first round:

8
19
22
26
27

I expect they to try to move up to get Ace Bailey. He's been dropping because he's crying about where he wants to play.

and because Ace didn't measure up to his program height. if two Rutgers players are top 5 picks, why didn't Rutgers dominate the Big10?

sale to assume Brooklyn will be dealing tonight.

[Scoot McGroot]

I understand that the trade gives us flexibility. They speak of "optionality" but is that really a word? Anyway getting our pick back makes sense regardless of whether we have a big trade in mind or not. But I still hope we sign a developmental center and I like several in this draft.

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

Maybe? But Brooklyn also had some nice young guys there at the 4 in Watford, Wilson, and Clowney? And they’re rumored to LOVE Ace Bailey. Might be tough to squeeze Obi in there?

[Wizop]

I do not want to trade any of our rotation players tonight and I really don't want to make an Eastern Conference team better.

[JMaster5K]

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

Maybe? But Brooklyn also had some nice young guys there at the 4 in Watford, Wilson, and Clowney? And they’re rumored to LOVE Ace Bailey. Might be tough to squeeze Obi in there?

Yeah,... could just be me,... but I see Watford & Wilson as bench rotation pieces that have good parts to their games,... but overall aren't really starting level players? They played this last year because the Nets are that needy for a PF? Just my opinion.

I think Clowney's future is bright as a 4,... but don't think he is going to be really ready for regular minutes this season (25-26)? IMO OB's game (with a center like Claxton behind him), is a better fit, and he is just a better player than Watford & Wilson. He gives them a good vet, who helps build the culture, and is really effective in the system that Fernandez says he wants to play? Who is a real starting level player in their style & who 'fills the gap' until Clowney is ready,... and can help mentor him to get there?

It would also allow the Nets (if they keep him?) to play Cam Johnson back as SF, where he is much more effective?

I can see it argued either way,... but I do think there's real value there for both teams, and real opportunity for OB?

[basketballwacko2]

I understand that the trade gives us flexibility. They speak of "optionality" but is that really a word? Anyway getting our pick back makes sense regardless of whether we have a big trade in mind or not. But I still hope we sign a developmental center and I like several in this draft.

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

This is what I had in mind prior to Tyrese getting hurt. Now I don't know if we'd be better off to keep Toppin and trade Siakam. Look at what Boston is doing. Kind of a mini rebuild.

I'd do the Toppin for #36 if that could be done then try to get Turner resigned. I don't see any other team that can just sign him so it's us or Brooklyn, other wise it's a S&T.

[Scoot McGroot]

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

Maybe? But Brooklyn also had some nice young guys there at the 4 in Watford, Wilson, and Clowney? And they’re rumored to LOVE Ace Bailey. Might be tough to squeeze Obi in there?

Yeah,... could just be me,... but I see Watford & Wilson as bench rotation pieces that have good parts to their games,... but overall aren't really starting level players? They played this last year because the Nets are that needy for a PF? Just my opinion.

I think Clowney's future is bright as a 4,... but don't think he is going to be really ready for regular minutes this season (25-26)? IMO OB's game (with a center like Claxton behind him), is a better fit, and he is just a better player than Watford & Wilson. He gives them a good vet, who helps build the culture, and is really effective in the system that Fernandez says he wants to play? Who is a real starting level player in their style & who 'fills the gap' until Clowney is ready,... and can help mentor him to get there?

It would also allow the Nets (if they keep him?) to play Cam Johnson back as SF, where he is much more effective?

I can see it argued either way,... but I do think there's real value there for both teams, and real opportunity for OB?

I think they have enough there that they’d want us to pay value to take him on?

They took Terrance Mann, a pretty similarly talented (maybe a bit better) and similar salary, and required the #22 pick as payment to do so?

[JMaster5K]

Maybe? But Brooklyn also had some nice young guys there at the 4 in Watford, Wilson, and Clowney? And they’re rumored to LOVE Ace Bailey. Might be tough to squeeze Obi in there?

Yeah,... could just be me,... but I see Watford & Wilson as bench rotation pieces that have good parts to their games,... but overall aren't really starting level players? They played this last year because the Nets are that needy for a PF? Just my opinion.

I think Clowney's future is bright as a 4,... but don't think he is going to be really ready for regular minutes this season (25-26)? IMO OB's game (with a center like Claxton behind him), is a better fit, and he is just a better player than Watford & Wilson. He gives them a good vet, who helps build the culture, and is really effective in the system that Fernandez says he wants to play? Who is a real starting level player in their style & who 'fills the gap' until Clowney is ready,... and can help mentor him to get there?

It would also allow the Nets (if they keep him?) to play Cam Johnson back as SF, where he is much more effective?

I can see it argued either way,... but I do think there's real value there for both teams, and real opportunity for OB?

I think they have enough there that they’d want us to pay value to take him on?

They took Terrance Mann, a pretty similarly talented (maybe a bit better) and similar salary, and required the #22 pick as payment to do so?

Yeah,... I hear you,... I do think OB is the better player (the 36 minute, 100 possession, & advance stats are all in his favor, though not to a huge degree) & the fit is much better,... and he's cheaper next season,.. so the value proposition is better for BRK,... but still,... I do take your point,... if they think we 'have to' move him, instead of believing that we would like to move him,... does impact the way these things go,...

[Scoot McGroot]

Yeah,... could just be me,... but I see Watford & Wilson as bench rotation pieces that have good parts to their games,... but overall aren't really starting level players? They played this last year because the Nets are that needy for a PF? Just my opinion.

I think Clowney's future is bright as a 4,... but don't think he is going to be really ready for regular minutes this season (25-26)? IMO OB's game (with a center like Claxton behind him), is a better fit, and he is just a better player than Watford & Wilson. He gives them a good vet, who helps build the culture, and is really effective in the system that Fernandez says he wants to play? Who is a real starting level player in their style & who 'fills the gap' until Clowney is ready,... and can help mentor him to get there?

It would also allow the Nets (if they keep him?) to play Cam Johnson back as SF, where he is much more effective?

I can see it argued either way,... but I do think there's real value there for both teams, and real opportunity for OB?

I think they have enough there that they’d want us to pay value to take him on?

They took Terrance Mann, a pretty similarly talented (maybe a bit better) and similar salary, and required the #22 pick as payment to do so?

Yeah,... I hear you,... I do think OB is the better player (the 36 minute, 100 possession, & advance stats are all in his favor, though not to a huge degree) & the fit is much better,... and he's cheaper next season,.. so the value proposition is better for BRK,... but still,... I do take your point,... if they think we 'have to' move him, instead of believing that we would like to move him,... does impact the way these things go,...

So they might only ask for the 28th pick instead of the 22nd pick?

I don't either Mann or Obi would be their vision of a starter. Much like Obi proved he shouldn't be our starter. And at that point, you don't absorb 2-3 years of future salary on a long-term bench piece without getting payment, especially when you're maybe the only team that can eat that much salary this year?

[JMaster5K]

Brooklyn now has 5 #1's and a high 2nd in this draft. #36, I'd look to buy that pick I can't imagine they want 6 rookies.

Think the same,.... but I had us trading OB1 to BRK. (He was born in Brooklyn.) As they have a huge need for a real 4,... with Claxton as their 5,... preferably a 4 that can shoot. I could see OB starting there & even becoming a consistent 18-20 point scorer? They have a TPE that would allow them to absorb the salary & not have to send any out. They also don't have any cap/tax worries & OB's very reasonable contract runs out not next summer,... but the summer after when they should go looking for veterans.

Gives us that extra 14M in room to resign Myles & fill out the roster. I believe we could get 36 as part of that?.....

But again,... that is just me dreaming,... I could be completely off base?

This is what I had in mind prior to Tyrese getting hurt. Now I don't know if we'd be better off to keep Toppin and trade Siakam. Look at what Boston is doing. Kind of a mini rebuild.

I'd do the Toppin for #36 if that could be done then try to get Turner resigned. I don't see any other team that can just sign him so it's us or Brooklyn, other wise it's a S&T.

Yeah,... I don't think I'd want to follow Boston,... they are dealing because they have to. They were already above the 2nd apron & have to do something because of the loss of JT. I wouldn't want to trade Pascal, unless he wanted to leave. I do believe that with a summer & training camp,... the Drew - Pascal P&R could be almost as efficient & deadly as the Tyrese - Pascal P&R?....

[JMaster5K]

I think they have enough there that they’d want us to pay value to take him on?

They took Terrance Mann, a pretty similarly talented (maybe a bit better) and similar salary, and required the #22 pick as payment to do so?

Yeah,... I hear you,... I do think OB is the better player (the 36 minute, 100 possession, & advance stats are all in his favor, though not to a huge degree) & the fit is much better,... and he's cheaper next season,.. so the value proposition is better for BRK,... but still,... I do take your point,... if they think we 'have to' move him, instead of believing that we would like to move him,... does impact the way these things go,...

So they might only ask for the 28th pick instead of the 22nd pick?

I don't either Mann or Obi would be their vision of a starter. Much like Obi proved he shouldn't be our starter. And at that point, you don't absorb 2-3 years of future salary on a long-term bench piece without getting payment, especially when you're maybe the only team that can eat that much salary this year?

Yeah,... I do admit, the market is against us this year,... I do think Sam & Bryce's review of OB & Benn,... and their projections for what they expect from them this next season,... is pretty spot on. They were suggesting that you might be able to get a low first for OB,... much more likely a couple of seconds, based on his play, particularly in the playoffs, on both ends,... and the value in his contract. they also suggested that Benn is going to be a 20 ppg scorer next year, as the team will have more sets & time that would play into his strengths?

With all that's happened, & where this team looks like it's going,... I'm less & less for trading Benn? His on-ball defense has really, really improved,.... his off ball is still well,... 'interesting',.... but he is likely to have his best season yet?

[Scoot McGroot]

Yeah,... I hear you,... I do think OB is the better player (the 36 minute, 100 possession, & advance stats are all in his favor, though not to a huge degree) & the fit is much better,... and he's cheaper next season,.. so the value proposition is better for BRK,... but still,... I do take your point,... if they think we 'have to' move him, instead of believing that we would like to move him,... does impact the way these things go,...

So they might only ask for the 28th pick instead of the 22nd pick?

I don't either Mann or Obi would be their vision of a starter. Much like Obi proved he shouldn't be our starter. And at that point, you don't absorb 2-3 years of future salary on a long-term bench piece without getting payment, especially when you're maybe the only team that can eat that much salary this year?

Yeah,... I do admit, the market is against us this year,... I do think Sam & Bryce's review of OB & Benn,... and their projections for what they expect from them this next season,... is pretty spot on. They were suggesting that you might be able to get a low first for OB,... much more likely a couple of seconds, based on his play, particularly in the playoffs, on both ends,... and the value in his contract. they also suggested that Benn is going to be a 20 ppg scorer next year, as the team will have more sets & time that would play into his strengths?

I think you might/could get a late 1st for Obi, if you were taking back equal salary. If you're looking to take back no salary at all, I think a lot of that "late 1st value" disappears in that salary.

With all that's happened, & where this team looks like it's going,... I'm less & less for trading Benn? His on-ball defense has really, really improved,.... his off ball is still well,... 'interesting',.... but he is likely to have his best season yet?

Maybe? I just don't know that Mathurin at 20ppg is going to be a "winning impact" overall for this roster? It's very hard to tell. I'm interested in seeing, but not so confident that I'd pay a lot of tax to do so?

[JMaster5K]

So they might only ask for the 28th pick instead of the 22nd pick?

I don't either Mann or Obi would be their vision of a starter. Much like Obi proved he shouldn't be our starter. And at that point, you don't absorb 2-3 years of future salary on a long-term bench piece without getting payment, especially when you're maybe the only team that can eat that much salary this year?

Yeah,... I do admit, the market is against us this year,... I do think Sam & Bryce's review of OB & Benn,... and their projections for what they expect from them this next season,... is pretty spot on. They were suggesting that you might be able to get a low first for OB,... much more likely a couple of seconds, based on his play, particularly in the playoffs, on both ends,... and the value in his contract. they also suggested that Benn is going to be a 20 ppg scorer next year, as the team will have more sets & time that would play into his strengths?

I think you might/could get a late 1st for Obi, if you were taking back equal salary. If you're looking to take back no salary at all, I think a lot of that "late 1st value" disappears in that salary.

With all that's happened, & where this team looks like it's going,... I'm less & less for trading Benn? His on-ball defense has really, really improved,.... his off ball is still well,... 'interesting',.... but he is likely to have his best season yet?

Maybe? I just don't know that Mathurin at 20ppg is going to be a "winning impact" overall for this roster? It's very hard to tell. I'm interested in seeing, but not so confident that I'd pay a lot of tax to do so?

Oh,.. I hear ya! That's part of the fun part? Can it be winning ball?... with what we have,.. I think so?... but WILL it be winning ball,... is a completely different question,... In either case,... we should know if we want to extend him at some point during next season?...

[Scoot McGroot]

Yeah,... I do admit, the market is against us this year,... I do think Sam & Bryce's review of OB & Benn,... and their projections for what they expect from them this next season,... is pretty spot on. They were suggesting that you might be able to get a low first for OB,... much more likely a couple of seconds, based on his play, particularly in the playoffs, on both ends,... and the value in his contract. they also suggested that Benn is going to be a 20 ppg scorer next year, as the team will have more sets & time that would play into his strengths?

I think you might/could get a late 1st for Obi, if you were taking back equal salary. If you're looking to take back no salary at all, I think a lot of that "late 1st value" disappears in that salary.

With all that's happened, & where this team looks like it's going,... I'm less & less for trading Benn? His on-ball defense has really, really improved,.... his off ball is still well,... 'interesting',.... but he is likely to have his best season yet?

Maybe? I just don't know that Mathurin at 20ppg is going to be a "winning impact" overall for this roster? It's very hard to tell. I'm interested in seeing, but not so confident that I'd pay a lot of tax to do so?

Oh,.. I hear ya! That's part of the fun part? Can it be winning ball?... with what we have,.. I think so?... but WILL it be winning ball,... is a completely different question,... In either case,... we should know if we want to extend him at some point during next season?...

But we either have to extend him before opening night, or we can't extend him until he hits restricted free agency.

[JMaster5K]

Anyone with any favorite draftees before it gets started tonight?...

I'll be keeping an eye on Asa Newell,... if he drops low enough for his contract to be a little over a vet min,... I'd love to get him,... Then there is Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and of course Ryan Nembhard,...

but of course,... this is all fantasy as that would mess with the books,... and resigning Myles has got to be the priority,... (and rightly so.)

Good luck to all?......

[Wizop]

Anyone with any favorite draftees before it gets started tonight?...

I don't expect us to trade Mathurin for a pick tonight so tomorrow I wouldn't hate Vlad Goldin, Rocco Zikarsky, or Amari Williams.

[basketballwacko2]

Anyone with any favorite draftees before it gets started tonight?...

I'll be keeping an eye on Asa Newell,... if he drops low enough for his contract to be a little over a vet min,... I'd love to get him,... Then there is Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and of course Ryan Nembhard,...

but of course,... this is all fantasy as that would mess with the books,... and resigning Myles has got to be the priority,... (and rightly so.)

Good luck to all?......

I like Kalkbrenner, Konan, And Ryan Nembhard. All in the second round I have a feeling Brooklyn's going to sell at 36 pick probably could offer them future pics and 3 million dollars or something like that I don't really know how much cash it takes to buy a second round pick especially a high one.