Game Thread: Official Draft Thread ESPN/ABC 7PM CT

[Salo23]

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Damn, would have taken that Pelicans deal and took either Raynaud, Sorber, Wolf, Newell, Beringer or Powell @23.

NO/MIL pick would land another good player in a loaded 26 draft too.

[ScrantonBulls]

I'm surprised people are so lukewarm on this pick. I can live with a miss on legit potential. Essengue has that. Matas had it. I didn't see it with Pat or Terry.

100%. This is the exact type of pick id want for the Bulls at this spot. Don't go for a GarPax safe Denzel-type pick. Go for somebody with potential.

I like it.

[Wxlves]

Okc has to be trading Sorber… you have Chet and hairstein on a fresh contract

[Jvaughn]

AKME if y'all don't trade Coby and grab KJ right now. Massive slide.

[Indomitable]

Why is everybody so high on KJ? I really know nothing about this class, but there's gotta be a reason he hasn't gone yet.

Illinois fans biases

[WindyCityBorn]

KJ is bench player.

Yeah I do not get the love.

The way people are talking about him you'd think he was a top 3 pick.

Hometown bias is strange. If he didn’t play for Illinois they wouldn’t care.

[Chi town]

If KJ is there at 16 maybe the Bulls can trade back into the draft (using the Portland pick and something...?)?

Trade them their pick back and Lonzo for KJ

[madvillian]

Essegue I was high on, then down, then high again then down.

What does he do thats great? He is long and can run, doesn't shoot well, not a great offensive weapon, his motor is great, his length is great, he should play very well with Giddey....can he guard 3s?

He's 18, switchable as all hell, is big enough to get his shot off at three levels and has been putting up serious numbers and highlights quite recently.

But we took a HR swing if we strike out who cares? It's not like you get a Siakam like upside at 13.

He doesn't move well laterally. He's not switchable as all hell. He has a bad shot so who cares if he can get it off.

He has a lot of flaws but shooting can be improved and a lot of guys have done it. He's not a great athlete laterally but the same was said of Matas as well. You can make up a lot of horizonal speed with being long and instinctive and he potentially has that same vibe as Matas there imo.

This kid has a 9'3" standing reach. I know I sound like Krause but he's impressive specimen physically.

[Muzbar]

Noa Essengue - 6'11", 7' wingspan.

Got some growing to do, but those are some solid measurements.

[Mk0]

If Essengue i'm disappointed but not tragically, KJ should be the guy they take

KJ is bench player.

Yeah I do not get the love.

I am super cynical when it comes to local players. This board LOVES their local guys and it is why the FO always has some local dude on the team. it is like Charlotte with the NC/Dukies. It sells tickets.

I was so skeptical about Ayo and it wasn't until he showed off his defense that I was like "oh okay.. thank god."

Funny enough I didn't worry about Matas, but I think with that frame you have to be happy to get him.

[madvillian]

Yeah I do not get the love.

The way people are talking about him you'd think he was a top 3 pick.

Hometown bias is strange. If he didn’t play for Illinois they wouldn’t care.

name not checking out.

[Dan Z]

2nd year in a row OKC is going to get a top 5 talent they don't deserve isn't it?

Yeah, but from a developmental standpoint I don't see how they have room for anyone else to step into a meaningful role anytime soon. Love Sorber as a pick though.

He can eventually replace Hartenstein.

[Chi town]

Okc has to be trading Sorber… you have Chet and hairstein on a fresh contract

Won’t be able to keep Hart

[madvillian]

Noa Essengue - 6'11", 7' wingspan.

Got some growing to do, but those are some solid measurements.

Just said the same thing in too many words. Yea, he's a unit. He has flaws that's why he fell, but he's also got massive upside the 1/7 he hits. It's worth the chance here.

[Red8911]

AKME if y'all don't trade Coby and grab KJ right now. Massive slide.

Nah trade ball

[Indomitable]

it's really nice of new orleans to remind us our awful gm situation could be even worse

Dumars with the win

[Dan Z]

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Damn, would have taken that Pelicans deal and took either Raynaud, Sorber, Wolf, Newell or Powell @23.

NO/MIL pick would land another good player in a loaded 26 draft too.

It's the kind of move that could've been huge for the Bulls, but I don't think AK values picks.

Hopefully Noa is a pleasant surprise.

[Chi town]

Noa Essengue - 6'11", 7' wingspan.

Got some growing to do, but those are some solid measurements.

Just said the same thing in too many words. Yea, he's a unit. He has flaws that's why he fell, but he's also got massive upside the 1/7 he hits. It's worth the chance here.

He has a winning impact floor due to size and motor and FT rate.

His ceiling is sky high

[Mk0]

I don't know anything about Essengue but the kid isn't 19 until Christmas. He is gonna keep growing.

[ScrantonBulls]

Embarrassing having Perk doing the draft analysis.