2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[jivelikenice]

I agree; just said give where they are with age plus the needs for cheap players to fill out the roster (with some upside) in '16, it makes sense this summer.

[pcbothwel]

His numbers are outstanding, and so his size. I stopped on him, because he's a 5-year college player. But, in fact, though he'll be 23 by the time the season starts which certainly isn't young to be drafted this year, he's still young enough I guess.

And... he's Harvey Grant's son -- youngest of them.

Actually, Harvey has another son currently playing at DeMatha.

And his other brother Jerami is also a year younger..

[gtn130]

People are, like always blind by Dekker, who is a good player and a good athlete, but his late production is fools gold.
The guy has no handle to drive and his shot is extremely irregular, he is a good athlete and a team player, but his game reminds me of Jan Vesely or Victor Claver, while been smaller than those guys, he just doesn't have any skill.
I´d probably take a flier on him with a late 1st or early 2nd, because he plays hard and is a good athlete, but he has no business been named in the top25, not with all the guys out there.

Cameron Payne is leaning towards declaring, if Dunn is not there at 18, he is a guy I´d target for Washington.

What on earth? Is that just a race driven comment or what? Dekker and Vesely have just about nothing in common. Dekker is an actual small forward and has an entirely different skillset -- he can dribble and shoot. He's not elite at either of those things, but he's about a million times better than Vesely ever was at anything on the wing, which is why Vesely was playing center by the end of his career in DC.

People are just randomly guessing itt.

[gtn130]

If I'm the Wizards, I'd hope Justin Anderson declares, which seems somewhat unlikely at this point. He's an elite athlete who is great at two things: 3 and D. He'd be Trevor Ariza in terms of production, but with more upside if he ever learns how to dribble. He currently can only dribble with one hand, and he's pretty bad even at that, which is why the designed alley-oop was common with Anderson because it's the only way to take advantage of his massive athletic advantage on offense. He's also a great character guy and likely has a very high floor in terms of potential.

[pcbothwel]

As a UNC fan, i try not to let my fandom jade my perception their players pro potential. Thats why i didn't like McAdoo, but I do really like Brice Johnson. But one player who I have had feeling about for a while is JP Tokoto. Quite simply, he is an amazing athlete who simply glides up and down the floor. I always felt he could be andre iguodala/Jimmy Butler if everything feel into place, but his jumper was of real concern.
With that said, he announced he was entering the 2016 draft and his quotes have me sold that he is going to make it. Just read this and tell me that a player with elite size, length, athleticism, and intangibles wont make it with the mind set he shows:

“Going in, I know I’m not a first-round pick,” Tokoto told Yahoo Sports. “I know my jumper needs work, and I’m putting in that work now – and will keep doing it. My jumper is something that has me as a second-round pick right now, but I have a mindset of work to improve the form and range of my shot.”

“I know that my athleticism, my ability to finish in the open floor and especially my defense, getting deflections, making it hard on offensive players, those are things that [teams] will see right away from me,” Tokoto said.

“I feel like there can be a lot more to me as a player, more than just the defensive player who can occasionally dunk the ball,” Tokoto told Yahoo Sports. “I know I can be so much more, but I’m not sure that I’m pushed to be that much more [in college].

“I want to focus on my game, working with trainers and pro coaches over the summer and next year. I think that’ll give me the best chance to grow than staying in school and being that player that fit into the mold of my first three years [at Carolina].”

....WOW. Talk about a guy who knows what he is, but is willing to improve.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/unc-s-jp-t ... 0-nba.html


BTW, In case you didnt know:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-H7Cjl9sII

[No-Man]

Tokoto is worth a flier in the 2nd round.

[pcbothwel]

Agree, I should have clarified that i wasnt advocating taking him at 19.
My vote is to get Wood or Portis at 19. If neither is available, id trade back in either of the 2 scenarios:

19 to LAL for 28 and 34
Take 2 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

Then one of the following at 49:Robert Upshaw, Wayne Selden

19 to TWolves for Dieng and 32
Take 1 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

[payitforward]

It's early in my research but someone please explain difference between Tyus Jones & Tyler Ennis of Syracuse last year?

Recent history tells us if athleticism is questionmark for a PG prior to going pro, it's going to be a big issue in the league. See Ennis (who hasn't impressed so far), Trey Burke, Kendall Marshall, Nolan Smith, etc.

There's a reason why his stock will NEVER be higher among scouts. Because we all see the obvious physical limitations and it appears he's maxing out his ability right now.

Ennis has played slightly over 300 minutes in the NBA. He hasn't impressed much yet, you're certainly right. But he's played well in the D League.Above all, he's only 20 years old. Not a finished product at all; I don't see how his work so far tells us what kind of player he'll develop into.

For sure I don't see how his example tells us much about Tyus Jones. Jones is only 18 years ago. The idea that his productivity is maxed right now seems pretty speculative.

Anyway, we're talking about the # 20 pick, something like that. Always speculative.

[payitforward]

Two guys i didn't rank...

Trey Lyles .... reminds me a lot of Patrick Patterson, maybe an inch taller. I could see him developing range out to 3. Not a plus defender or rebounder. Just solid offensively.

Jerian Grant ... let's see... iffy shooter, check. so-so athleticism, check. poor finisher, check. weak and not very physical, check. Maybe he morphs into the next Mark Jackson as a big slow pure PG that carves out a nice NBA career. I'm not holding my breath. I think he needs to go the a perfect situation where the front office truly believes in his abilites as a floor general... but I think he's going to have a real tough time of it defending PGs.

Agree totally -- especially about Lyles.

[payitforward]

Agree, I should have clarified that i wasnt advocating taking him at 19.
My vote is to get Wood or Portis at 19. If neither is available, id trade back in either of the 2 scenarios:

19 to LAL for 28 and 34
Take 2 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

Then one of the following at 49:Robert Upshaw, Wayne Selden

19 to TWolves for Dieng and 32
Take 1 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

You think the Wolves will give us Dieng & #32 for our #19 ??? Wow! I think not.

I might well do the Lakers trade -- but again... are they really likely to do that?

I do like the idea of getting 3 rookies. Not something our fearless leader is likely to want, however.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It's early in my research but someone please explain difference between Tyus Jones & Tyler Ennis of Syracuse last year?

Recent history tells us if athleticism is questionmark for a PG prior to going pro, it's going to be a big issue in the league. See Ennis (who hasn't impressed so far), Trey Burke, Kendall Marshall, Nolan Smith, etc.

There's a reason why his stock will NEVER be higher among scouts. Because we all see the obvious physical limitations and it appears he's maxing out his ability right now.

Dat, I'm not feeling Tyus Jones either.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Two guys i didn't rank...

Trey Lyles .... reminds me a lot of Patrick Patterson, maybe an inch taller. I could see him developing range out to 3. Not a plus defender or rebounder. Just solid offensively.

Jerian Grant ... let's see... iffy shooter, check. so-so athleticism, check. poor finisher, check. weak and not very physical, check. Maybe he morphs into the next Mark Jackson as a big slow pure PG that carves out a nice NBA career. I'm not holding my breath. I think he needs to go the a perfect situation where the front office truly believes in his abilites as a floor general... but I think he's going to have a real tough time of it defending PGs.

Iffy shooter this season? I think Jerian Grant is a bit like Greveis Vasquez. I trust his decision making and his competitive nature. He's a guy who might not be a great shooter but he will take and make big shots.

I like Kris Dunn more than Grant. Dunn is lottery-worthy. His defense will be good. He's an NBA starter at PG. Has all the requisite physical tools, size and speed.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Two guys i didn't rank...

Trey Lyles .... reminds me a lot of Patrick Patterson, maybe an inch taller. I could see him developing range out to 3. Not a plus defender or rebounder. Just solid offensively.

Jerian Grant ... let's see... iffy shooter, check. so-so athleticism, check. poor finisher, check. weak and not very physical, check. Maybe he morphs into the next Mark Jackson as a big slow pure PG that carves out a nice NBA career. I'm not holding my breath. I think he needs to go the a perfect situation where the front office truly believes in his abilites as a floor general... but I think he's going to have a real tough time of it defending PGs.

I thought you were going to blast Grant for being old. I concur that he needs to prove to GM's that he's a 3 point threat. I think he can, but it's not a guarantee. I disagree on him being weak. He's got GREAT size for a PG and has no issue with lack o physicality, imo. I think his length advantage makes up for a lack of athleticism. I like his ability to set up his teammates, and he's so big and scores well enough so that he has the versatility to play the 2.

I pretty much agree on Lyles though to be fair, he played out of position all year at the 3, so it's hard to tell on him. But yeah, some mocks have him going top 10 - which I think is crazy.

I think Dat underrates both Grant's athleticism and strength. He's certainly much quicker than Mark Jackson was. Grant is also an above average passer and his assist #s back that up. [b]And I too see him as being able to play both some PG and SG.[b]

I especially like the fact that Grant was often at his best when the game was on the line.

I can also envision Grant playing PG or SG.

His passing ability would allow John Wall to concentrate on scoring when paired together.

I like the way Notre Dame beat Duke, North Carolina, and almost beat Kentucky. Grant impressed me. He understands how to play.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

As a UNC fan, i try not to let my fandom jade my perception their players pro potential. Thats why i didn't like McAdoo, but I do really like Brice Johnson. But one player who I have had feeling about for a while is JP Tokoto. Quite simply, he is an amazing athlete who simply glides up and down the floor. I always felt he could be andre iguodala/Jimmy Butler if everything feel into place, but his jumper was of real concern.
With that said, he announced he was entering the 2016 draft and his quotes have me sold that he is going to make it. Just read this and tell me that a player with elite size, length, athleticism, and intangibles wont make it with the mind set he shows:

“Going in, I know I’m not a first-round pick,” Tokoto told Yahoo Sports. “I know my jumper needs work, and I’m putting in that work now – and will keep doing it. My jumper is something that has me as a second-round pick right now, but I have a mindset of work to improve the form and range of my shot.”

“I know that my athleticism, my ability to finish in the open floor and especially my defense, getting deflections, making it hard on offensive players, those are things that [teams] will see right away from me,” Tokoto said.

“I feel like there can be a lot more to me as a player, more than just the defensive player who can occasionally dunk the ball,” Tokoto told Yahoo Sports. “I know I can be so much more, but I’m not sure that I’m pushed to be that much more [in college].

“I want to focus on my game, working with trainers and pro coaches over the summer and next year. I think that’ll give me the best chance to grow than staying in school and being that player that fit into the mold of my first three years [at Carolina].”

....WOW. Talk about a guy who knows what he is, but is willing to improve.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/unc-s-jp-t ... 0-nba.html


BTW, In case you didnt know:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-H7Cjl9sII

Tokoto is extremely impressive. Noticed him each time I saw Carolina play.

He'll be in the NBA a long time whenever he declares.

[pcbothwel]

Agree, I should have clarified that i wasnt advocating taking him at 19.
My vote is to get Wood or Portis at 19. If neither is available, id trade back in either of the 2 scenarios:

19 to LAL for 28 and 34
Take 2 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

Then one of the following at 49:Robert Upshaw, Wayne Selden

19 to TWolves for Dieng and 32
Take 1 of the following:
Jarell Martin, Chris McCullough, Kris Dunn, RJ Hunter, Cliff Alexander, Brandon Ashley, JP Tokoto

You think the Wolves will give us Dieng & #32 for our #19 ??? Wow! I think not.

I might well do the Lakers trade -- but again... are they really likely to do that?

I do like the idea of getting 3 rookies. Not something our fearless leader is likely to want, however.

We need to add rookies this year so we have cheap talent for our run in 2016 - 2018. Also, add Brice Johnson to the list...

RE Wolves: Probably Not, I just saw a similar trade on the trade board. But if they get Towns, i could easily see them moving Dieng. Dieng will be 26 next year and while his offense has improved, his defense hasn't come along as expected and his rebounding has decreased.

RE Lakers: If LA keeps their pick in the top 5, that would give them 3 picks and I dont think LA wants to add 3 rookies to Clarkson and Randle (who will essentially be a rookie).

[Ruzious]

Sounds like a reasonable plan for Tokoto. He realizes that jump shot is what stands between him and millons of dollars. So pass on the charade of being a student athlete and work on that jumper.

[stevemcqueen1]

I like Tyus Jones as a back up, not a starter. I think he'd work for us. He's a great ball handler with a real feel for the PG position and he excels at running PnRs. His play reminds me of Dennis Schroeder. He's not quite as long or quick as Schroeder but he's further along as a shooter than Schroeder was as a prospect. If we had a better coach, I'd say I think he could be a good fit for us. But as is, I don't trust Wittman to properly manage and develop a project at the back up PG position. I don't trust him to properly manage and develop any young player for that matter.

[Ruzious]

Even if we pick at #20, for Portis, Looney & Jones to be gone by our pick one or more players rated higher in DR's current mock draft would have to fall.

Booker is a candidate to fall -- I know a lot of you like him, but I don't quite see it (shoots well, and... ??). I don't want Dunn or Grant much either. Turner is another guy who might drop. His odd physical makeup scares me.

My biggest fear is that Ernie takes Montrezl Harrell. Has no chance at all.

Does anyone have a good take on some of the guys rated further down? I.e. George Lucas, who sounds... very odd but possibly phenomenal? Hollis-Jefferson? Cliff Alexander?

Lucas is playing in the 18 and under international games, and the reports are mixed. On the positive side, he's an extra ordinary physical specimen for a point guard - solidly built 6'6 with a near 7 foot wingspan with good athleticism. On the negative, he's very raw and very lacking in confidence. He's a WIP - work in process. Sounds a lot like Exum - the tall PG who went high last year - except Exum's a more confident kid.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I've kinda locked in on a Portis/Anderson draft. That's what I want to come away with. There are other players I like that I think are gifted and possibly higher upside that could be available, such as Dunn, or Lyles. But based on need, fit, and total package including mental makeup, those are the two I want.

For example, I would draft Portis at our pick, and deal our 2nd & next year's 1st to get Anderson.

I view Gortat, Humphries, Portis, Porter, Anderson, Beal, Wall as a worthwhile foundation. Add a major FA in 2016.

[Ruzious]

I've kinda locked in on a Portis/Anderson draft. That's what I want to come away with. There are other players I like that I think are gifted and possibly higher upside that could be available, such as Dunn, or Lyles. But based on need, fit, and total package including mental makeup, those are the two I want.

For example, I would draft Portis at our pick, and deal our 2nd & next year's 1st to get Anderson.

I view Gortat, Humphries, Portis, Porter, Anderson, Beal, Wall as a worthwhile foundation. Add a major FA in 2016.

A risky idea that I don't disagree with.