2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[FAH1223]

So, do we have a 2nd rounder this year or not? Mock drafts show our pick going to Boston

Humphries trade...

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Kris Dunn, PG Providence. Kid is a stat stuffer, has good metrics in all the 'smarts' stats I look at to assess BBIQ. Playing well in a medium-tough schedule though has only played one ranked team in Kentucky (loss, played poorly). Worth keeping an eye on.

Thanks, doc.

Bump this kid above Jerian Grant and Delon Wright if his shoulder is evaluated as a non-issue.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... the-top-30

Providence's Kris Dunn has had a fascinating career path to this point.

A consensus five-star recruit, Dunn was the top point guard in the high school class of 2012. However, shoulder injuries in each of his first two seasons only allowed him to appear in 29 games. Shoulder surgery in December of 2013 forced Dunn out of action for the entirety of the 2014 season, and left his father questioning the way the Friars handled the injury.

Fast-forward to this season, and Dunn has an argument as not only the best player in the Big East Conference, but also the best point guard in the country. He's currently averaging 15.5 points and 7.4 assists per game, the latter of which is good for fourth in the country. His peripheral numbers are even better, as he's scoring at an efficient 56 true-shooting percent and actually leads the NCAA in assist rate at 49.9 percent. That assist rate would be the third-best percentage in the past 10 seasons, and the best for a major conference player since the 2004-05 season when Travis Diener notched a 53.3 rate. Oh, plus he's 20th nationally in steal rate.

It's not just pure statistical accumulation that makes Dunn an NBA prospect though. His physical profile is extemely intriguing at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, meaning he has pretty prototypical size for the point guard position in the NBA. His lightning-quick first step and excellent ball-handling ability allows him to get penetration basically at will on the college level, and that should be able to translate to the NBA level. Once he's in the lane, he has a pretty good pull-up game that includes a nice litttle floater as well as the ability to knock down a midrange shot from 10 feet, plus has the ability to explode to the rim and dunk or finish with either hand. When putting that into conjunction with his clearly superb vision, there's enough there to make Dunn a first-round pick. Then throw in the fact that he's going to be a first-team All-Big East defensive team member that uses his length to cause opposing guards all kinds of problems? Dunn could rise all the way to the l

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... unn-1.html

Both Micheal Carter-Williams and Elfrid Payton come to mind on the list of comparisons. If he declares and slips to the Wizards' pick level he's virtually a no-brainer pick. He projects to be special on defense, from what I infer from his stats.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2353 ... ter/page/3

He even put up a 27-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double against DePaul on January 29.

At 6'3", 205 pounds with a strong, athletic frame, Dunn looks the part of an NBA point guard. Despite being turnover-prone, he's a sharp passer and facilitator in both the pick-and-roll and drive-and-kick games. Dunn can also take over stretches as a scorer, with the ability to separate in the second level or finish around key.

This is a grown man. He's got a strong build and definitely has the right physical build and athleticism to not only compete but perhaps excel in the NBA. Dude DEFINITELY looks the part. Great find, doclinkin.

He's only below the radar because of his time off for injury.

[doclinkin]

Kris Dunn, PG Providence. Kid is a stat stuffer, has good metrics in all the 'smarts' stats I look at to assess BBIQ. Playing well in a medium-tough schedule though has only played one ranked team in Kentucky (loss, played poorly). Worth keeping an eye on.

Thanks, doc.

Bump this kid above Jerian Grant and Delon Wright if his shoulder is evaluated as a non-issue.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... the-top-30

Providence's Kris Dunn has had a fascinating career path to this point.

A consensus five-star recruit, Dunn was the top point guard in the high school class of 2012. However, shoulder injuries in each of his first two seasons only allowed him to appear in 29 games. Shoulder surgery in December of 2013 forced Dunn out of action for the entirety of the 2014 season, and left his father questioning the way the Friars handled the injury.

Fast-forward to this season, and Dunn has an argument as not only the best player in the Big East Conference, but also the best point guard in the country. He's currently averaging 15.5 points and 7.4 assists per game, the latter of which is good for fourth in the country. His peripheral numbers are even better, as he's scoring at an efficient 56 true-shooting percent and actually leads the NCAA in assist rate at 49.9 percent. That assist rate would be the third-best percentage in the past 10 seasons, and the best for a major conference player since the 2004-05 season when Travis Diener notched a 53.3 rate. Oh, plus he's 20th nationally in steal rate.

It's not just pure statistical accumulation that makes Dunn an NBA prospect though. His physical profile is extemely intriguing at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, meaning he has pretty prototypical size for the point guard position in the NBA. His lightning-quick first step and excellent ball-handling ability allows him to get penetration basically at will on the college level, and that should be able to translate to the NBA level. Once he's in the lane, he has a pretty good pull-up game that includes a nice litttle floater as well as the ability to knock down a midrange shot from 10 feet, plus has the ability to explode to the rim and dunk or finish with either hand. When putting that into conjunction with his clearly superb vision, there's enough there to make Dunn a first-round pick. Then throw in the fact that he's going to be a first-team All-Big East defensive team member that uses his length to cause opposing guards all kinds of problems? Dunn could rise all the way to the l

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... unn-1.html

Both Micheal Carter-Williams and Elfrid Payton come to mind on the list of comparisons. If he declares and slips to the Wizards' pick level he's virtually a no-brainer pick. He projects to be special on defense, from what I infer from his stats.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2353 ... ter/page/3

He even put up a 27-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double against DePaul on January 29.

At 6'3", 205 pounds with a strong, athletic frame, Dunn looks the part of an NBA point guard. Despite being turnover-prone, he's a sharp passer and facilitator in both the pick-and-roll and drive-and-kick games. Dunn can also take over stretches as a scorer, with the ability to separate in the second level or finish around key.

This is a grown man. He's got a strong build and definitely has the right physical build and athleticism to not only compete but perhaps excel in the NBA. Dude DEFINITELY looks the part. Great find, doclinkin.

He's only below the radar because of his time off for injury.

I just like a player who stays in school for a year or two, whatever the reason, since it gives me something to look at as far as track record goes. Does he develop, flatline, or regress? And can he bring it consistently against solid competition. Late picks are my bread and butter. Give me a solid D-League team we can stock and all the 2nd round or late 1st picks you can send and lets see if we can catch a good one, build a deep bench. I want more bites at the apple even if you cant really stock the roster or keep them you get first look at a player to see if he is worth the effort, and if you can convince them to season overseas for a couple years then you can bring them back with solid foundational pro work on top of their NCAA experience being The Man of whatever college they attended.

[Ruzious]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

[pcbothwel]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

I agree, but I wonder if that is a good match. My biggest concern is that this may be the last good chance to get a big man who can contribute for our title run in 2016-2019. Jordan Mickey has a lot of Taj Gibson in him, Brice Johnson looks like a steal anywhere after 15, Cliff Alexander may slip, Bobby Portis may also get the "Limited Ceiling" tag and he could fall.
You also cant ignore high ceiling guys like Christian Wood either. Dakari Johnson will probably play 12+ years in the league and be a highly valuable backup C that may start some in his peak years (We'll need a C to take over for Gortat, even if it's just a year or two)

[Severn Hoos]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

Good news: Wouldn't have to change up the system to adapt to the backup PG.

Bad news: Couldn't really play in the backcourt at the same time as Wall, so limits potential minutes.


I do think there are some interesting possibilities out there, especially if/as the Wiz settle in somewhere around 19-22 for their pick.

I started the season with Bobby Portis, and he's still my favorite realistic target, although how realistic changes by the day and may be slipping away. His rebounding has been strong in conference play (the one thing I really questioned seeing him in person, but that game has turned out to be his season low - 5). He shoots a very good percentage on 3s, but is taking less than 1 per game. Still, I've seen plenty of college players who shot minimal threes (or shot them very poorly) become adept 3-point shooters in the NBA. I think Portis will be like that, especially as he gains strength in coming years, because his shot is so smooth. I see a lot of Rashard Lewis in him, so depending on your view of Shard (prime Shard vs. Wizards Shart) might determine how highly you view Portis.

Kamisnki might well be available, and I wouldn't complain about that. Saw a recent comparison to Brad Miller, and I do think that would be an upgrade, to say nothing of great value for a late 1st. Not my first choice in the slot, but not a bad one either.

Seriously bummed about my man Justin Anderson's injury. On the other hand (get it?), the Wahoo in me is hoping that the injury might convince him to stick around for another year, figuring he doesn't want that to be his last moment playing at the JPJ. Still, if he declares, and if he's on the board when the Wizards pick, I'll be rooting for him because he's a very good player, a very positive emotional force, and it would be fun to root for a guy that I genuinely like.

Jerian Grant would be a nice pickup. He's a guy that I do think could play alongside Wall, and would love to see the Wiz play a double-PG or even 3-guard lineup the way the Suns do. Not holding my breath for the creativity of the coaching staff to see it, but it's fun to imagine.

After that, it's a matter of watching for the fallers. Would Cauley-Stein drop to 20? No one thought Sullinger would last that long - how great would it be to find him at #22? There will probably be someone similarly unexpected who's still around this year. Montrezl Harrell? No one plays with more passion or ferocity than he does. And of course there's a bunch of Freshmen, especially from KU and UK, who might be there. I'm wary of Freshmen who don't come in and establish themselves very strongly - those are typically the types who should go back to school for another year. But there might be a diamond in the rough there.

Bottom line is, we will have an opportunity to add a solid piece without compromising the KD plan. I sure hoe we don't trade it away for Kevin Martin...

[Ruzious]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

I agree, but I wonder if that is a good match. My biggest concern is that this may be the last good chance to get a big man who can contribute for our title run in 2016-2019. Jordan Mickey has a lot of Taj Gibson in him, Brice Johnson looks like a steal anywhere after 15, Cliff Alexander may slip, Bobby Portis may also get the "Limited Ceiling" tag and he could fall.
You also cant ignore high ceiling guys like Christian Wood either. Dakari Johnson will probably play 12+ years in the league and be a highly valuable backup C that may start some in his peak years (We'll need a C to take over for Gortat, even if it's just a year or two)

It's awfully hard to find a good 2-way big with a good BBIQ. The importance of the ability to hit from outside has skyrocketed - see Atlanta. That's going to hurt a lot of these guys - and makes a guy like Portis go higher than he otherwise might. Alexander's not likely to slide, because he's a physical beast with length, and he's actually produced very well per 40 minutes. Wood could slide, because he takes so many bad shots. He's still got better potential than Brice Johnson, imo. Dakari doesn't have the talent to be more than a journeyman, imo. I saw Mickey for the first time last weekend and was impressed, but he'll slide to the 2nd round because of his height and lack of jumpshot - but he'll play in the NBA - he definitely plays bigger than his height. That Gibson comp might turn out right.

[payitforward]

Looks like we'll pick somewhere between #17-21. DR projects Alexander, Wood, Dekker & Portis 17-20; it'd be hard to pass up Alexander or Portis were the draft being held today.

OTOH, DR projects Dunn at #35 and Brice Johnson #38. That's likely to change, but If I were able to trade our R1 pick to get both of them, I'd be pretty tempted.

[Ruzious]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

Good news: Wouldn't have to change up the system to adapt to the backup PG.

Bad news: Couldn't really play in the backcourt at the same time as Wall, so limits potential minutes.


I do think there are some interesting possibilities out there, especially if/as the Wiz settle in somewhere around 19-22 for their pick.

I started the season with Bobby Portis, and he's still my favorite realistic target, although how realistic changes by the day and may be slipping away. His rebounding has been strong in conference play (the one thing I really questioned seeing him in person, but that game has turned out to be his season low - 5). He shoots a very good percentage on 3s, but is taking less than 1 per game. Still, I've seen plenty of college players who shot minimal threes (or shot them very poorly) become adept 3-point shooters in the NBA. I think Portis will be like that, especially as he gains strength in coming years, because his shot is so smooth. I see a lot of Rashard Lewis in him, so depending on your view of Shard (prime Shard vs. Wizards Shart) might determine how highly you view Portis.

Kamisnki might well be available, and I wouldn't complain about that. Saw a recent comparison to Brad Miller, and I do think that would be an upgrade, to say nothing of great value for a late 1st. Not my first choice in the slot, but not a bad one either.

Seriously bummed about my man Justin Anderson's injury. On the other hand (get it?), the Wahoo in me is hoping that the injury might convince him to stick around for another year, figuring he doesn't want that to be his last moment playing at the JPJ. Still, if he declares, and if he's on the board when the Wizards pick, I'll be rooting for him because he's a very good player, a very positive emotional force, and it would be fun to root for a guy that I genuinely like.

Jerian Grant would be a nice pickup. He's a guy that I do think could play alongside Wall, and would love to see the Wiz play a double-PG or even 3-guard lineup the way the Suns do. Not holding my breath for the creativity of the coaching staff to see it, but it's fun to imagine.

After that, it's a matter of watching for the fallers. Would Cauley-Stein drop to 20? No one thought Sullinger would last that long - how great would it be to find him at #22? There will probably be someone similarly unexpected who's still around this year. Montrezl Harrell? No one plays with more passion or ferocity than he does. And of course there's a bunch of Freshmen, especially from KU and UK, who might be there. I'm wary of Freshmen who don't come in and establish themselves very strongly - those are typically the types who should go back to school for another year. But there might be a diamond in the rough there.

Bottom line is, we will have an opportunity to add a solid piece without compromising the KD plan. I sure hoe we don't trade it away for Kevin Martin...

I think Cauley-Stein goes top 10 - and is a bit over-rated. Kaminsky should be gone top 15 - he's 7' and real good at basketball. Harrell might slide, but it'll probably be because he should slide - great athlete, great length, great effort, strong as hell, but where are the skills? See Trevor Booker.

Love Anderson - just don't know if he'd be a great fit here. Love Grant and think he would be a good fit here. If Grant and Portis are both there, I flip a coin - or try to work a miracle to get both of them. Of the 2, I think Grant is more likely to be there.

[Severn Hoos]

I think Cauley-Stein goes top 10 - and is a bit over-rated. Kaminsky should be gone top 15 - he's 7' and real good at basketball. Harrell might slide, but it'll probably be because he should slide - great athlete, great length, great effort, strong as hell, but where are the skills? See Trevor Booker.

Love Anderson - just don't know if he'd be a great fit here. Love Grant and think he would be a good fit here. If Grant and Portis are both there, I flip a coin - or try to work a miracle to get both of them. Of the 2, I think Grant is more likely to be there.

You're probably right on WCS, his last game against LSU will probably stick in someone's mind and get him picked in the Lottery. Not sure about Kaminsky, if only because the Wiz draft position is moving almost as quickly as some prospects' draft stock. If we end up in the teens, I think it is likely he's there. And I agree, he is good at basketball. Sometimes we lose the forest for the trees when talking about freakish athleticism and ridiculous upside. But can he play? Frank can play.

For the immediate need, I think I like Grant more. Right now, we need to find someone who can come in behind Wall and not have a huge dropoff. Someone who can also get 10 or more minutes sharing the backcourt would be a great bonus. I think Grant gives you that. But - if we are thinking about '16 and beyond, then frontcourt help is obviously a bigger need. So I'm still rooting for Portis but do like Grant a lot.

Anderson would indeed be a luxury on this team, but what a fun luxury he would be. Still, I'm hoping he's in the 2016 draft, not the 2015 draft!

[Ruzious]

I think it was gamitx who previously mentioned Christian Wood - Khem Birch's former teammate at UNLV. He's taller than Birch but just as skinny - reminiscent of a young Chris Bosh (thinking with the glass half full). Lately, he's been really upping his game - not taking as many bad shots, getting to the line a lot more, and playing more like... Chris Bosh. A lot will depend on how he measures - and if he can add some muscle. At this point, he may be a guy available for the Wiz, or he could go a lot higher. He's a "high upside" player.

[Ruzious]

Question: If you have a choice of Jerian Grant, Christian Wood, or Bobby Portis - which do you take?

[Rafael122]

Question: If you have a choice of Jerian Grant, Christian Wood, or Bobby Portis - which do you take?

I think I'm giving the edge w/Portis. Portis already has a big man's body, 6'11'' 235...he'll probably add another 5-10 pounds. I've seen some highlights of him this past season but not a full game and it seems like he has a nice jump shot, and can play both inside and out. Problem I have is that...is he going to be Blatche lite and fall in love with the jumper?

Grant - any time I read about a point guard and "combo" guard tells me he has no natural position so where do you play him?

Wood - looks like he has potential but 6'11'' 220? Come on...

FWIW, Ford has us taking Montrezl Harrell with the 20th pick in his latest mock draft. That would be a real solid pick.

[Ruzious]

If you liked Booker when he was on the Wiz, you almost have to like Harrell - because he's the same guy except even a little more athletic and stronger and longer. But I wasn't a Booker guy. I don't see enough skill with Harrell, and I don't see him able to consistently battle the bigger 4's of the NBA. Notice, he's not much of a shot-blocker even at the college level.

Raf, I was surprised to see Cliff Alexander listed at 21 on draftexpress. There's a kid with the beef and the length to even play some center. And he's having a real solid frosh year. Definitely not a stretch 4 at this point though. But he doesn't have red flags that Thomas Robinson had - he's made well over 50% of his FG attempts.

[FAH1223]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/status/568517831874121729[/tweet]

[No-Man]

Ruzious, I am interested in your take, my Board as of now, 30 guys

Jahlil Okafor
Emmanuel Mudiay
D'Angelo Russell
Justise Winslow
Karl Towns Jr.
Kristaps Porzingis
Mario Hezonja
Stanley Johnson
Kelly Oubre
Tyus Jones
Jakob Poeltl
Myles Turner
Devin Booker
Frank Kaminsky
Willie Cauley-Stein
Jordan Mickey
Bobby Portis
Kris Dunn
Damian Jones
Trey Lyles
Kevon Looney
Cliff Alexander
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Delon Wright
Jerian Grant
Caris LeVert
Rysheed Jordan
Terry Rozier
Montrezl Harrell
Justin Anderson

This ones are next in line, Dakari Johnson, Nigel Williams-Goss, Jake Layman, Jarell Martin, Isaiah Taylor, Guillermo Hernangómez, Brandon Ashley, Christian Wood, George Lucas, Timothe Luwawu, Ron Baker, RJ Hunter, Moussa Diagne, Sam Dekker, Robert Upshaw, Norman Powell, Terran Petteway, Tyrone Wallace, Aaron Harrison, Malik Pope, Jonathan Holmes...

[AFM]

This kid Mudiay look like a fukkin beast mang. John Wall clone mixed with Westbrook. Like if you watch his games without your glasses on you would think you watching Wall run the PnR

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Dunn's a bit like a poor man's John Wall. He's got the same issues - turnovers and a so-so jump shot.

Good news: Wouldn't have to change up the system to adapt to the backup PG.

Bad news: Couldn't really play in the backcourt at the same time as Wall, so limits potential minutes.


I do think there are some interesting possibilities out there, especially if/as the Wiz settle in somewhere around 19-22 for their pick.

I started the season with Bobby Portis, and he's still my favorite realistic target, although how realistic changes by the day and may be slipping away. His rebounding has been strong in conference play (the one thing I really questioned seeing him in person, but that game has turned out to be his season low - 5). He shoots a very good percentage on 3s, but is taking less than 1 per game. Still, I've seen plenty of college players who shot minimal threes (or shot them very poorly) become adept 3-point shooters in the NBA. I think Portis will be like that, especially as he gains strength in coming years, because his shot is so smooth. I see a lot of Rashard Lewis in him, so depending on your view of Shard (prime Shard vs. Wizards Shart) might determine how highly you view Portis.

Kamisnki might well be available, and I wouldn't complain about that. Saw a recent comparison to Brad Miller, and I do think that would be an upgrade, to say nothing of great value for a late 1st. Not my first choice in the slot, but not a bad one either.

Seriously bummed about my man Justin Anderson's injury. On the other hand (get it?), the Wahoo in me is hoping that the injury might convince him to stick around for another year, figuring he doesn't want that to be his last moment playing at the JPJ. Still, if he declares, and if he's on the board when the Wizards pick, I'll be rooting for him because he's a very good player, a very positive emotional force, and it would be fun to root for a guy that I genuinely like.

Jerian Grant would be a nice pickup. He's a guy that I do think could play alongside Wall, and would love to see the Wiz play a double-PG or even 3-guard lineup the way the Suns do. Not holding my breath for the creativity of the coaching staff to see it, but it's fun to imagine.

After that, it's a matter of watching for the fallers. Would Cauley-Stein drop to 20? No one thought Sullinger would last that long - how great would it be to find him at #22? There will probably be someone similarly unexpected who's still around this year. Montrezl Harrell? No one plays with more passion or ferocity than he does. And of course there's a bunch of Freshmen, especially from KU and UK, who might be there. I'm wary of Freshmen who don't come in and establish themselves very strongly - those are typically the types who should go back to school for another year. But there might be a diamond in the rough there.

Bottom line is, we will have an opportunity to add a solid piece without compromising the KD plan. I sure hoe we don't trade it away for Kevin Martin...

Kaminski is my top choice, but I do also like Anderson a lot! He can be that wing defender we lost with Ariza, and replace Webster/Butler long-term. I'm liking a Porter/Anderson rotation at the 3.

[gambitx777]

Kaminsky all day every day! Jordan Mickey, Christian Wood, and Rakeem Christmas would all be fine IMO.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Terps I think are going to beat Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Kaminsky is good but I don't know about great.