Poll: Who are you taking @ 1?

[tontoz]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

Opposing teams packed the paint against AJ specifically to prevent him from getting to the rim. They won't be able to do that in the pros. No illegal defense in college.

AJ wasnt catching alley oops all the time like Caleb because as you said he had the ball most of the time. You can't throw an alley oop to yourself.

[doclinkin]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

Opposing teams packed the paint against AJ specifically to prevent him from getting to the rim. They won't be able to do that in the pros. No illegal defense in college.

AJ wasnt catching alley oops all the time like Caleb because as you said he had the ball most of the time. You can't throw an alley oop to yourself.

Right. But the same reasons we say Boozer will struggle with size at the next level, apply to a player whose best talent is attacking the rim. He can rise up over a whole crowd of smaller players but I can see a few front lines that figure to give him issues. Then what. What’s his counter. Because looks to me like it’s jam and middy. And what else?

I wish he did have an alley oop package. He will have to be taught one to really use his bounce. But for that it helps to know when to cut off the ball. Attack back door. Develop chemistry with the guards.

[DCZards]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

So all AJ is capable of doing on the offensive end is dunk. His 3 plus assist per game playmaking is useless and his 3pt shot % is perpetually locked in at 30%. Not to mention that he has no chance of learning how to play off the ball or of becoming even an average defender.

We’ve really reached the silly season…haven’t we.

[tontoz]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

Opposing teams packed the paint against AJ specifically to prevent him from getting to the rim. They won't be able to do that in the pros. No illegal defense in college.

AJ wasnt catching alley oops all the time like Caleb because as you said he had the ball most of the time. You can't throw an alley oop to yourself.

Right. But the same reasons we say Boozer will struggle with size at the next level, apply to a player whose best talent is attacking the rim.

No they really don't. AJ will have a quickness advantage over pretty much all bigs in addition to a 42" vertical. He also has a wide array of finishes which Boozer doesn't have. Boozer's go to move is just bullying. That isn't AJ he will drive just enough to the side to make contact and get the guy moving back, then he decides what do to. He doesn't just drop his shoulder into the guy.

[doclinkin]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

So all AJ is capable of doing on the offensive end is dunk. His 3 plus assist per game playmaking is useless and his 3pt shot % is perpetually locked in at 30%. Not to mention that he has no chance of learning how to play off the ball or of becoming even an average defender.

We’ve really reached the silly season…haven’t we.

He has a chance to be excellent at many different things. He’s got talent and work ethic.

He doesn’t do those things yet. So I give the edge to DP. A better 2way player right now and better fit for roster balance.

Just because you like AJ better and can imagine he will improve doesn’t negate his current flaws. It just means you’re okay taking your time to develop him. You think his upside is higher. With a lot of ‘if’s’ attached.

I like guys we have in his role. Would prefer to develop them and add a guy at a position of need. Plus an asset. Instead of rebuild around a guy with holes in his game.

[DCZards]

Doc, you like Peterson and understandably so. He’s an awesome talent. You prefer him because you think he’s a better fit and you’ve got concerns about the holes in AJ’s game. I get that.

I’m just a little surprised by how overly negative you’ve been toward AJ…to the point of sounding petty.

[Dark Faze]

I'm deferring to the front office at this point.

There's going to be "rose tinted glasses" reasons to kill the Wiz if someone at 2 or 3 were clearly better picks:

1. We don't pick AJ who is clearly looking the best by allstar break: Whyyyyyy wouldn't you take the 6'9 playmaking scorer with a 42 inch vert?

2. We don't pick DP who is clearly looking the best by allstar break: Whyyyyyy wouldn't you take someone compared to Kobe, was the best shooting prospect in a league where shooting is premium, and always beat AJ in head to heads?

3. We don't pick Boozer who is clearly looking the best by allstar break: Whyyyyyy wouldn't you pick the analytical god with an 80% TS and better rookie stats than Cooper Flagg and a floor of Kevin Love?

[nate33]

I think Dybantsa in Year 2 will look quite a bit like Deni Avdija right now - albeit with worse defense and probably worse passing (though Deni is extremely turnover prone so we can't overrate his passing either). AJ has great footwork, a good handle and the size and physicality to create driving angles and draw fouls.

The question is, can he ultimately surpass Deni? That will require the game slowing down and AJ becoming a better playmaker, and also the development of a reliable 3-ball. It's surely possible, but there's no guarantee.

[doclinkin]

Doc, you like Peterson and understandably so. He’s an awesome talent. You prefer him because you think he’s a better fit and you’ve got concerns about the holes in AJ’s game. I get that.

I’m just a little surprised by how overly negative you’ve been toward AJ…to the point of sounding petty.

Byproduct of years of waiting for players to develop some basic skills. Tired of being on a developmental treadmill. Going back to Gilbert. Nick. McGee. Blatche. Oubre. John Wall. Bilal. Hell, Isaak Bonga. Thomas Bryant. Rui.

We are HOF in “if-only” allstars. Guys who would be great if they only played basketball better. Whose potential was always better than their accomplishment.

I respect the helloutta a guy like Champagnie who maximizes what limited talent he has. Am frankly tired of waiting for a guy to develop. Basic basketball skills like defense or an outside shot are a byproduct of giving a crap. Putting in the work. Caring about wins and losses more than highlights.

Frankly the only guy so far who has ever fully developed in that way was Deni. Fixed his flaws and grew up.

And now maybe Kyshawn. Who plays the same position and role as AJ. But who would likely lose time to him, despite actually playing team defense.

I’m tired of our defense being an afterthought. Worse, a clown show.

Here we finally have a chance to cheer for a player with a complete game. And fans are acting like he’s a used sneaker at a swap meet. Based on loudmouth opinionators like court jester Steven A Smith. Long distance psychiatrists. Not based on opinions of guys like Paul Pierce or CJ etc. who say he’s the Truth (jr).

I want to be proud of my team for their defense. Having a point of attack team captain who can also score is a dream. If he gets mentored by Trae before he takes over, even better.

AJD is a super talent. But he’s not the only option. And frankly his defense annoys me. I want to like him more. But defense is an effort and feel thing. Watching him with the spotlight on D gives me a pre-frustrated premonition of a few more years of excuses and struggles. He has a lot of catching up to do at that end and it doesn’t get easier. His coach made defense a focus the whole year and he only got marginally better. For a game or two.

I’m ready to be good. We have a chance to make a surprising leap. When you watch DP with a defensive microscope you see some startling plays. Like stealing AJs dunk attempts in high school. Not blocking them, jumping up avd taking the ball from him. I want that guy on defense. Not the giant one standing around buffering while other guys are boxing out and banging and giving effort. Imagine if JC had AJs athleticism. Would he just be standing around waiting while other players are getting s- done?

I’ll root for AJ if we take him. I’ll cheer his improvements. But if we had a chance to pick the more complete player plus get assets lower down? Give me that option. No question.

[dobrojim]

It’s because he dunks. Hes a better dunker. Fans like dunks. Dunks are fun. We want fun.

Flip side. NBA defenders are bigger stronger better at defending the rim. If AJ can’t dunk as much is he as good a player? What else does he got. So far: a middy pull up. Oh and a 30% catch and shoot game from 3. From the college three.

Opposing teams packed the paint against AJ specifically to prevent him from getting to the rim. They won't be able to do that in the pros. No illegal defense in college.

AJ wasnt catching alley oops all the time like Caleb because as you said he had the ball most of the time. You can't throw an alley oop to yourself.

LOL. Actually Wemby does that with passes to himself off the backboard. But he's 1 of 1.

[DCZards]

Doc, 99% of rookies come into the NBA with shortcomings and holes in their games—and the need for development. That will be true for DP...as well as AJ. I’d be fine with drafting either player…assuming that DP’s health is not an issue.

While Peterson might have the more complete game now, it remains to be seen who is better 3-4 years from now—AJ or DP.

AJ's combo of size and athleticism is special and unique...there's no question about that. We already know that he's excellent at getting to the rim, has a very good midrange game, and has shown the ability to be a playmaker.

With his work ethic and desire to be great, along with coaching and experience, I believe AJ can—and will—improve significantly in those areas in which he is weak. That just might be worth waiting on…even if it takes a couple of years. This is not the time to be impatient, imo.

[doclinkin]

No substitute for smarts either. Shrug. I am of a mind to prioritize that is all. Not impatience. Also reading the market I think there’s an inflation of value of AJ right now which means trading off him suggests we get a player of equal value plus extra talent.

[Severn Hoos]

I want to be proud of my team for their defense.

Well said, doc -I agree with all of it and it explains why I have this gut-level preference for Peterson over Dybantsa, though I would be happy with either and fully recognize that AJ would be the smarter pick.

But as a fan of the Cavaliers (non-Cleveland variety), I got to watch a glorious decade and a half of Bennett-ball. Sure, we got made fun of (UMBC notwithstanding) and had to endure the outrageous slings and arrows of the ESPN Dookies (led by Jay Bilious), but we won a whole lot of games. And no amount of whining from Auburn fans can take away the NCAA title we won in 2019.

And the thing that made it so much fun was that the fans truly learned to Embrace the Pace. Recognize good defense for what it is - not just half of the game, but something that can be done in a way that is both beautiful and suffocating to the other team. Sure, it's fun to win in a track meet. But it's so satisfying to watch the light and energy drain out of team that gets frustrated to the point of forgetting how to play basketball. Every shot clock violation was cheered more lustily than even the greatest breakaway windmill dunk - not only because it crushes the soul of the opponent, but because it is a true team accomplishment, not just an individual demonstration.

I know it will never translate fully to the NBA, but I also know that championship-level defense really does exist in the NBA. And no one is winning a title without it. If the Wiz get to the point where they have a true team approach, especially on defense, with fundamental basketball beating more athletically gifted opponents, then I'm back on board. The same decade of glory for UVA was truly a wandering in the wilderness for the Wiz, and I just couldn't bring myself to give them the passion that I used to have. AJ might help to bring back some of that for me, but I really think DP would seal the deal.

[nate33]

I want to be proud of my team for their defense.

Well said, doc -I agree with all of it and it explains why I have this gut-level preference for Peterson over Dybantsa, though I would be happy with either and fully recognize that AJ would be the smarter pick.

But as a fan of the Cavaliers (non-Cleveland variety), I got to watch a glorious decade and a half of Bennett-ball. Sure, we got made fun of (UMBC notwithstanding) and had to endure the outrageous slings and arrows of the ESPN Dookies (led by Jay Bilious), but we won a whole lot of games. And no amount of whining from Auburn fans can take away the NCAA title we won in 2019.

And the thing that made it so much fun was that the fans truly learned to Embrace the Pace. Recognize good defense for what it is - not just half of the game, but something that can be done in a way that is both beautiful and suffocating to the other team. Sure, it's fun to win in a track meet. But it's so satisfying to watch the light and energy drain out of team that gets frustrated to the point of forgetting how to play basketball. Every shot clock violation was cheered more lustily than even the greatest breakaway windmill dunk - not only because it crushes the soul of the opponent, but because it is a true team accomplishment, not just an individual demonstration.

I know it will never translate fully to the NBA, but I also know that championship-level defense really does exist in the NBA. And no one is winning a title without it. If the Wiz get to the point where they have a true team approach, especially on defense, with fundamental basketball beating more athletically gifted opponents, then I'm back on board. The same decade of glory for UVA was truly a wandering in the wilderness for the Wiz, and I just couldn't bring myself to give them the passion that I used to have. AJ might help to bring back some of that for me, but I really think DP would seal the deal.

It would be really nice to watch a defense-first 5-man unit of Peterson, Bilal, Kyshawn, AD and Sarr.

[doclinkin]

Doc, 99% of rookies come into the NBA with shortcomings and holes in their games—and the need for development. That will be true for DP...as well as AJ.

Last point then I’ll duck out of the gunfight. I think the rarest thing is a player outside of that 99%. Cooper Flagg is one. I think a healthy Darryn Peterson may be another. That’s what reports suggest.

If AJ is in the 99th percentile of physical advantages and DP is in that top 1% of BBIQ savants, okay I’ll buy that it’s a fair argument which is a better pick. Just saying I’m ready to finally pick a guy who fills the role of BBIQ all star. Two way star. Over the physical marvel.

I think the rarest thing to pick is a freshman who is plug and play game ready. At a star level. Both sides of the court. Because those are the guys who not only see the game quicker but make adjustments faster and understand the scouting reports better.

Thats a good fit with the rest of our team who seem to understand ball intuitively, play the right way, but need a captain to point the way at both ends.

A late game scorer who can will his way to a bucket. As well as shut down the opponent. When do you ever get a chance to pick that guy?

[doclinkin]

Trying to find a supercut of DPs defensive highlights when last seen fully healthy. So far no good edit. But that’s the thing that caught my eye before this year when he showed up stiff and hesitant. He was still good but not as superhuman as the slithery version of him.

Anyway he’s one of the only guards I’ve ever seen who can steal a jump shot. Not block it. Just snag it out of the air like a wildcat catching a bird. Bigs do that. Not guards on the perimeter.

Early in this video you see it. And see why it makes me giddy.

Watch on YouTube

I’ll try to find the video where he does that to AJ. Pins his dunk against the backboard and retains control.

[tontoz]

Peterson shot 48.7% on 2s. As far as i can tell that is the worst percentage on 2s of all the guards projected to go in the top 20.

[nate33]

Peterson shot 48.7% on 2s. As far as i can tell that is the worst percentage on 2s of all the guards projected to go in the top 20.

Peterson is unquestionably a tick below Boozer and Dybantsa in his college production. I'm sure nearly everyone would readily cede that if we are grading only on college numbers, it's real hard to put Peterson #1. The question is, to what degree do we overlook Peterson's limited college production and focus on his high school? I don't have an answer to that question, but it's not irrational to at least factor the high school production in some way.

[tontoz]

Peterson shot 48.7% on 2s. As far as i can tell that is the worst percentage on 2s of all the guards projected to go in the top 20.

Peterson is unquestionably a tick below Boozer and Dybantsa in his college production. I'm sure nearly everyone would readily cede that if we are grading only on college numbers, it's real hard to put Peterson #1. The question is, to what degree do we overlook Peterson's limited college production and focus on his high school? I don't have an answer to that question, but it's not irrational to at least factor the high school production in some way.

In this class i can't pick someone number 1 based on high school. Yessoufou was considered a top 10 prospect based on his high school production. Now he's going back to school. Ament was considered top 5 and i wouldn't take him top 20.

[AFM]

Having to look to HS tape is such a red flag IMO. Based on that this guy should have been a lottery pick:

Watch on YouTube