YogurtProducer wrote:RoteSchroder wrote:YogurtProducer wrote:We really didn't. We continued to prioritize measurements (Siakam, OG, CMb, barnes, etc.) and drafted a ton more of guys in that mold.
Those are riskier picks. Some dont work out.
Measurements combined with on-court production/stats. We no longer drafted players who were ultra raw, even in the 2nd round (until Chomche all the way at 57)
Malachi, Powell, Delon don't exactly pass the long, tall, athletic mold (Powell was undersized at SG, Delon lacked elite athleticism). The use of IBM Watson is also another major indication that advanced stats and on-court production played a heavy role. Zero chance Watson ever identifies Bruno as someone to draft.
Powell and Delon 100% were both long well built guards. Powell had a massive wingspan.
Doesn't disprove my point.
- Strong on-court production/advanced stats from every drafted player after Bruno
- incorporation of IBM Watson, which wasn't previously used with Bruno
- Malachi Flynn..clearly doesn't fit the long/tall/athletic strategy
All show a difference in the thought process.
Powell was also ~6'3 and considered undersized:
https://sports.yahoo.com/norman-powell-scouting-report-accolades-083707502.htmlHe’s undersized for his position
https://nbadraftroom.com/norman-powell-nba-draft-scouting-report/Not the most explosive or athletic wing. Doesn’t have ideal SG height.
https://www.nba.com/lakers/150601_powellprofile"I get mixed results (from teams); definitely gonna call me a little bit undersized."
There were also concerns about Delon Wright's athleticism by some:
https://sports.yahoo.com/delon-wright-scouting-report-140359787.htmlNot the most physically gifted player
https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/738882his lack of elite athleticism leaves a question as to how well his game will carry over against larger, smarter opponents.
https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2015/07/15/the-idiosyncratic-delon-wright/Fan comments:
He's also not the greatest athlete either. I feel like that restricts his upside to great backup, spot starter types. I don't see a way he busts with his feel for the game and passing. For a 20th pick, I can live with that, although i wanted an upside guy. (not really the long athletic high upside type like Bruno)
He's changes direction and speeds very well, but his athleticism is definitely underwhelming for a pg.
Crafty scorer, good court vision, high IQ, and average athleticism.
Wright wasn't considered a "Masai type"
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/6/26/8849339/nba-draft-2015-toronto-raptors-lets-meet-delon-wrightWe've been sold on players who ooze athleticism or have unlimited ceiling many times before, but this draft was a change in strategy for Masai Ujiri. In Delon Wright, he's gone for the older, NBA-ready, steady point guard with the high motor. I'm a fan.
Gradey Dick..also definitely not considered a "Masai type"