2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[Ruzious]

Tyus Jones is another player who people just focus on his perceived lack of athleticism, but he's a heck of a player. And at 18 - having to switch to playing off the ball half the time - in deference to Quinn Cook - after being strictly a PG in HS - you can tell he's got "it" - he's a player - not just a point guard. I think he can't miss in the NBA - and yes - he'd be fine playing with Wall.

Lyles is overrated, imo. I've seen him in mocks going top 7 or 8 - which I think is ridiculous. He's decent, but there isn't one thing that he can hang his hat on as being exceptional at. He's long, but he's just a mid-range jump shooter, imo. Portis and Looney would be hard to pass up, because Portis can definitely be a stretch 4 - in addition to having good size and length - and Looney has a developing jumper to go with good athleticism and rebounding ability. But I'd still take Tyus Jones over both because I think he's a better player.

[thricethefun]

Tyus Jones is another player who people just focus on his perceived lack of athleticism, but he's a heck of a player. And at 18 - having to switch to playing off the ball half the time - in deference to Quinn Cook - after being strictly a PG in HS - you can tell he's got "it" - he's a player - not just a point guard. I think he can't miss in the NBA - and yes - he'd be fine playing with Wall.

Lyles is overrated, imo. I've seen him in mocks going top 7 or 8 - which I think is ridiculous. He's decent, but there isn't one thing that he can hang his hat on as being exceptional at. He's long, but he's just a mid-range jump shooter, imo. Portis and Looney would be hard to pass up, because Portis can definitely be a stretch 4 - in addition to having good size and length - and Looney has a developing jumper to go with good athleticism and rebounding ability. But I'd still take Tyus Jones over both because I think he's a better player.

I wouldn't be upset picking Jones. He could immediately step in and be an upgrade at backup point guard. I hope Ernie doesn't just draft a big for the sake of drafting a big if he's not the BPA. A guy like Booker would be a decent pick as well as he could serve as insurance for Beal.

[The Consiglieri]

for now Harrell, Portis, Wood, and Jones are my favorite targets. I'd probably place Jones last simply because I don't believe he'll be anything other than a backup PG. I think he'd be good at that, but not a long term starter. I really like Harrell for upside combined with utility right now, I'm interested in Portis, and Wood is a pure upside shot, which I'm fine with. These picks are to me, for Gobert rolls of the dice, and/or the occasional guy like Jones that can definitively fill a role and do it well (but I rarely like to do the latter).

I'd probably trade down for Jones, or simply pull the trigger on Harrell, Wood, Portis probably in that order, i think the Jones trade down would only happen if all of the 3 guys not named Jones were gone when we picked.

[Rafael122]

He's still going to be taken high but Okafor needs to lose weight and work on his D. Kaminsky abused him several times last night and if he's getting schooled buy dudes like that, I can't imagine seeing him being a defensive presence in the pros.

Tyus Jones should declare, his stock will never be higher.

Winslow reminds me of a young Gerald Wallace, can't really shoot but real good defensively.

[Dark Faze]

Winslow shoots like 40 % from three on a good sample size

[Ruzious]

He's still going to be taken high but Okafor needs to lose weight and work on his D. Kaminsky abused him several times last night and if he's getting schooled buy dudes like that, I can't imagine seeing him being a defensive presence in the pros.

Tyus Jones should declare, his stock will never be higher.

And what's there left to prove? He just earned NCAA Champ MVP as a freshman... Who does that? His BBIQ is off the charts. I suspect NBA GMs already new that.

[Ruzious]

Winslow shoots like 40 % from three on a good sample size

He played very well throughout the tournament. He's a helluva player as long as his team is running - but he doesn't appear comfortable playing in half court sets. Gotta keep in mind how young he is, so his halfcourt game should improve over time.

[Dark Faze]

I gotta give credit to Kaminsky...I still think he's a five, but his post defense is really good...knows how to draw charges and offers good contests.

[Rafael122]

Also add that Okafor can't hit free throws. There just seems to be more red flags on him. Towns is what...an 80% free throw shooter?

[Ruzious]

I like Towns a little better, and Okafor definitely has flaws, but I think Okafor willl be the best low post offensive center in the NBA - by the end of his rookie year.

[Dat2U]

A quick ranking of the lottery picks based on what I've seen thus far.

1. F/C Karl Anthony Towns
*very big, very mobile, pretty skilled. Elite shot blocker & defender. Very good rebounder.
2. C Jahlil Okafor
*A true low post big. Excellent footwork & skill from 14 ft & in. Effort defensively is questionable.
3. G D'Angelo Russell
*James Harden-lite. A ultra-skilled offensive prospect with an unbelievable feel for the game.
4. G Emmanuel Mudiay
*athletic slashing PG in the Wall mold - not an uber athlete like Wall but no slouch either.
5. F/C Frank Kaminsky
*ultra skilled 4/5 with guard like skills. Will force passes ocassionally. Future mis-match nightmare in right system.
6. F Kevon Looney
athletic & skinny big with inspector gadget arms. Solid rebounder. Can actually hit some 3s but shot is not reliable yet.
7. C Myles Turner
*mobile & very productive 7-0 footer. Plays stiff & runs awkward which gives some pause long term regarding health.
8. F Justise Winslow
*athletic wing who plays on the edge of control. Elite defender, solid slasher. Suspect but improving jumper.
9. F Kristaps Porzingis
*potential face up big with very good athleticism & solid perimeter skills. Weak. Not posting up anyone anytime soon.
10. F Stanley Johnson
*a bull when he drives downhill, but has no lift at the rim. Developing shooter. Long enough to play small-ball PF.
11. C Willie Cauley-Stein
will step in & be an excellent P&R defender. Will immediately impact games defensely. A complete zero offensively.
12. G R.J. Hunter
*second best scorer in draft after Russell. Can create his own shot & score in a multiplicity of ways.
13. F Bobby Portis
*a good version of Andray Blatche. Very versatile & can stretch the floor. Not a great athlete.
14. G/F Mario Hezonja
*athletic wing with big time tools. Inconsistent motor. Poor defender. A more athletic Stauskas?

[fishercob]

What about Tyus Jones as a 3rd guard? Seems like a good enough shooter to play with Wall. Hell Randy's been playing Sessions with Wall (even though he wouldn't play Dre with him).

Edit: Just saw Ruz's post at the top of the page. That guy is smart.

[nate33]

A quick ranking of the lottery picks based on what I've seen thus far.
6. F Kevon Looney
athletic & skinny big with inspector gadget arms. Solid rebounder. Can actually hit some 3s but shot is not reliable yet.
?

DX has Looney going 20th. If you like him that much, he might be the guy to target when we pick. With Wall, Beal, Porter and Gortat around for the long haul, the one "core player" we need is an athletic PF with some 3-point range. If Looney pans out, he would be perfect.

[Severn Hoos]

I get that the Raptors have already clinched the Atlantic Division, so can place no worse than 4th in the Conference. But, the Wiz are only one game behind, and have been playing better than the Raps of late.

So, if the Wiz finish ahead of the Raps (but behind the bulls), we'll be the 5th seed while TOR is the 4th seed, but:

* Do the Wiz get home court advantage in Round 1?

* Who gets the higher draft pick?

* If it's a tie, is there a coin flip for the higher draft pick? And if so, that usually means a flip-flop of the order of the picks in the 2nd round, correct?

This is moderately important because it looks like the Wiz will finish with a better record than OKC. That means that if they finish behind the Raptors, they'd end up with the 19th pick. But, if they pass the Raptors in the standings (but not seeding), we'd be looking at the 20th pick. And it would mean that the 2nd rounder would be the 50th, which would convey to the Celtics, as it is Top 49 protected.

I know it's silly to worry about 19 vs. 20 in the 1st round, and even sillier to worry about a 2nd rounder that will probably be sold anyway. But I'm kind of thinking I hope the Wiz don't pass the Raps, would make Draft Day a bit more interesting.

[LyricalRico]

So, if the Wiz finish ahead of the Raps (but behind the bulls), we'll be the 5th seed while TOR is the 4th seed, but:

* Do the Wiz get home court advantage in Round 1?

* Who gets the higher draft pick?

* If it's a tie, is there a coin flip for the higher draft pick? And if so, that usually means a flip-flop of the order of the picks in the 2nd round, correct?

We were actually discussing this in another thread. I'm pretty sure homecourt in the playoffs is based on record, not seeding. Not sure about draft picks, though.

[gambitx777]

Christian Wood is a nice player to look at for our spot. he is long, 6-11, great D skills, and he has range. Aaron White would be an interesting big as well, he can shoot at least. I don't see Frank going in the top 10, He should be, but he won't, do to his age and that whole "up side" bull **** a lot of people go on bout.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

A quick ranking of the lottery picks based on what I've seen thus far.

1. F/C Karl Anthony Towns
*very big, very mobile, pretty skilled. Elite shot blocker & defender. Very good rebounder.
2. C Jahlil Okafor
*A true low post big. Excellent footwork & skill from 14 ft & in. Effort defensively is questionable.
3. G D'Angelo Russell
*James Harden-lite. A ultra-skilled offensive prospect with an unbelievable feel for the game.
4. G Emmanuel Mudiay
*athletic slashing PG in the Wall mold - not an uber athlete like Wall but no slouch either.
5. F/C Frank Kaminsky
*ultra skilled 4/5 with guard like skills. Will force passes ocassionally. Future mis-match nightmare in right system.
6. F Kevon Looney
athletic & skinny big with inspector gadget arms. Solid rebounder. Can actually hit some 3s but shot is not reliable yet.
7. C Myles Turner
*mobile & very productive 7-0 footer. Plays stiff & runs awkward which gives some pause long term regarding health.
8. F Justise Winslow
*athletic wing who plays on the edge of control. Elite defender, solid slasher. Suspect but improving jumper.
9. F Kristaps Porzingis
*potential face up big with very good athleticism & solid perimeter skills. Weak. Not posting up anyone anytime soon.
10. F Stanley Johnson
*a bull when he drives downhill, but has no lift at the rim. Developing shooter. Long enough to play small-ball PF.
11. C Willie Cauley-Stein
will step in & be an excellent P&R defender. Will immediately impact games defensely. A complete zero offensively.
12. G R.J. Hunter
*second best scorer in draft after Russell. Can create his own shot & score in a multiplicity of ways.
13. F Bobby Portis
*a good version of Andray Blatche. Very versatile & can stretch the floor. Not a great athlete.
14. G/F Mario Hezonja
*athletic wing with big time tools. Inconsistent motor. Poor defender. A more athletic Stauskas?

Wizards need to try and trade up for big Frank. That guy would freaking fit in PERFECTLY for this team.

I'm thinking Looney is the real deal, and would actually say the same for him. Trade up if you can. Grab him if he's there.

[DCZards]

A quick ranking of the lottery picks based on what I've seen thus far.

1. F/C Karl Anthony Towns
*very big, very mobile, pretty skilled. Elite shot blocker & defender. Very good rebounder.
2. C Jahlil Okafor
*A true low post big. Excellent footwork & skill from 14 ft & in. Effort defensively is questionable.
3. G D'Angelo Russell
*James Harden-lite. A ultra-skilled offensive prospect with an unbelievable feel for the game.
4. G Emmanuel Mudiay
*athletic slashing PG in the Wall mold - not an uber athlete like Wall but no slouch either.
5. F/C Frank Kaminsky
*ultra skilled 4/5 with guard like skills. Will force passes ocassionally. Future mis-match nightmare in right system.
6. F Kevon Looney
athletic & skinny big with inspector gadget arms. Solid rebounder. Can actually hit some 3s but shot is not reliable yet.
7. C Myles Turner
*mobile & very productive 7-0 footer. Plays stiff & runs awkward which gives some pause long term regarding health.
8. F Justise Winslow
*athletic wing who plays on the edge of control. Elite defender, solid slasher. Suspect but improving jumper.
9. F Kristaps Porzingis
*potential face up big with very good athleticism & solid perimeter skills. Weak. Not posting up anyone anytime soon.
10. F Stanley Johnson
*a bull when he drives downhill, but has no lift at the rim. Developing shooter. Long enough to play small-ball PF.
11. C Willie Cauley-Stein
will step in & be an excellent P&R defender. Will immediately impact games defensely. A complete zero offensively.
12. G R.J. Hunter
*second best scorer in draft after Russell. Can create his own shot & score in a multiplicity of ways.
13. F Bobby Portis
*a good version of Andray Blatche. Very versatile & can stretch the floor. Not a great athlete.
14. G/F Mario Hezonja
*athletic wing with big time tools. Inconsistent motor. Poor defender. A more athletic Stauskas?

Wizards need to try and trade up for big Frank. That guy would freaking fit in PERFECTLY for this team.

I'm thinking Looney is the real deal, and would actually say the same for him. Trade up if you can. Grab him if he's there.

I don't know, ccj. Given that the Wall-led Wizards are at their best in an uptempo game wouldn't the Zards be better off with a PF or C who can run the court as opposed to a plodder like Kaminsky.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I am sure Frank isn't going to be the same kind of stud in the NBA that he has been in college. However, I don't think he's a plodder. He took guys off the dribble from both the baseline and the FT line. I like his passing a bunch and the fact that he's got near NBA 3-point range. I'm more worried about his lack of body strength and questionable stamina a whole lot more than his foot speed.

DCZ, the guy is super smart and very competitive. I like him even more than I liked Olynyk last season.

DCZ, you know who I would really like the Wizards to draft? Jerian Grant

http://www.nbadraft.net/2015mock_draft (I'm liking this mock as of 4/6/15)

Grant can run and is the second guard this team lacks.

Another PG who I like (besides Grant, Kris Dunn, and Delon Wright) is Olivier Hanlan. Hanlan is going to be a real good NBA player, and I'm pretty sure he's very underrated. He's a 1st round-worthy player, who I consider a pretty good bet to play well right away if the right team drafts him. Hanlan might go undrafted if he measures smaller than listed, but dude can ball.

[Ruzious]

Aside from Justin Anderson, whom some of you have mentioned liking, a few other guys DR rates near the top of R2 intrigue me -- including Cliff Alexander (maybe his game won't translate?) and Aleksandar Vezenkov.

Cliff Alexander announced he's going pro. If we want an enforcer Charles Oakley type, he's the guy.