Official Draft Thread 2015-16

[lon3lytoaster]

I like Luwawu...he could move up boards pretty fast IMO.

Where are you seeing tape on Luwawu? I don't know anything about him.

Luwawu has Denver written all over it.Luwawu has same agent as Jokic,played for the same team, they have a history of drafting players from Adriatic league, have good connections there.Amazing size and athleticism for a wing, already a good defender standing 6-7 with 6-11 wingspan(you can find somewhere its even bigger like 7-2, i've seen him live and those are some long arms). He’s a good spot up shooter, a versatile potential 3-and-D player.Improved on offense this season(39% for 3) but still could make strides there and improve on both sides, his TO are high due to high usage, probably wont have as much in lesser role.I expect him to come to USA and workout for teams before draft.Not sure about combine.

Bender kinda makes sense for you guys.Not sure how much you guys like him or know about him and his situation.He has contract but has NBA-outs in pretty much every year of that contract.I still think he might stay one more year overseas, you probably wouldn't mind because you would probably stay competitive, and get him on rookie scale next year.Suns might shy away from him and draft someone more ready to contribute right now because they are desperate to get back to relevancy, and not eager to wait on lottery rookie.But him and Towns frontcourt would be deadly, they would complement each other nicely.Most think of him as some Porzingis-like prospect but beside both being tall,white shooters there is not much similarities in their game.He is though, like Porzingis boom or bust prospect.Bender upside is Draymond Green lite, he is not projecting as go-to 1st option on offense whom you just give the ball let him get you buckets, or volume scorer, but more as jack-of-all-trades forward, a playmaking 4 which all teams kinda search for, so he models his game to Toni Kukoc.He could eventually (when his frame fills out) play C vs backup units giving incredible amount of versatility to your lineups.

I like Luwawu. Getting him 12-16 with the Mavs pick would be a really nice get for us. I'd consolidate other picks to get him, too. Great prototype 2-3. He has a lot of tools and I think Stevens and the Celtics can maximize that.

Big no on Bender though. I'm not touching that guy.

[165bows]

Domantas Sabonis with the Mavs pick is looking better and better. Just so efficient and he does so many little things well offensively. I think he might stick around one more year though and try to showcase he can hit the 3 when Wiltjer leaves. If he doesn't, I'd be all over him after the lotto.

Agreed I was down on him because of his lack of length and shooting, but he is just so smart, and moves so well, plays superhard also.
He might stick around the 4 years, I mean the guy doesnt need the money at all.

He seems very Tyler Zeller-ish to me. Does he project as a better player or no?

[MrTwister]

Where are you seeing tape on Luwawu? I don't know anything about him.

Luwawu has Denver written all over it.Luwawu has same agent as Jokic,played for the same team, they have a history of drafting players from Adriatic league, have good connections there.Amazing size and athleticism for a wing, already a good defender standing 6-7 with 6-11 wingspan(you can find somewhere its even bigger like 7-2, i've seen him live and those are some long arms). He’s a good spot up shooter, a versatile potential 3-and-D player.Improved on offense this season(39% for 3) but still could make strides there and improve on both sides, his TO are high due to high usage, probably wont have as much in lesser role.I expect him to come to USA and workout for teams before draft.Not sure about combine.

Bender kinda makes sense for you guys.Not sure how much you guys like him or know about him and his situation.He has contract but has NBA-outs in pretty much every year of that contract.I still think he might stay one more year overseas, you probably wouldn't mind because you would probably stay competitive, and get him on rookie scale next year.Suns might shy away from him and draft someone more ready to contribute right now because they are desperate to get back to relevancy, and not eager to wait on lottery rookie.But him and Towns frontcourt would be deadly, they would complement each other nicely.Most think of him as some Porzingis-like prospect but beside both being tall,white shooters there is not much similarities in their game.He is though, like Porzingis boom or bust prospect.Bender upside is Draymond Green lite, he is not projecting as go-to 1st option on offense whom you just give the ball let him get you buckets, or volume scorer, but more as jack-of-all-trades forward, a playmaking 4 which all teams kinda search for, so he models his game to Toni Kukoc.He could eventually (when his frame fills out) play C vs backup units giving incredible amount of versatility to your lineups.

I like Luwawu. Getting him 12-16 with the Mavs pick would be a really nice get for us. I'd consolidate other picks to get him, too. Great prototype 2-3. He has a lot of tools and I think Stevens and the Celtics can maximize that.

Big no on Bender though. I'm not touching that guy.

Luwawu is really hard to dislike.He is a good kid and hard worker from what i heard, humble, focused on his game, no off court issues or some mental breakdowns, everyone on his team likes him, coach praised him several times for his attitude and winning mindset.Its kinda u22 team in Europe(not a common thing) so everybody are same generation and getting along nicely is not something surprising.Denver could also snag him with Rockets pick(currently 15th) if they squeeze into playoffs.Combination of HOU and POR pick could allow them to trade up if they want deeper into mid-late lottery, if they really like him.

About Bender, i get it.Its gonna be very risky pick whoever makes it.

[lon3lytoaster]

Luwawu has Denver written all over it.Luwawu has same agent as Jokic,played for the same team, they have a history of drafting players from Adriatic league, have good connections there.Amazing size and athleticism for a wing, already a good defender standing 6-7 with 6-11 wingspan(you can find somewhere its even bigger like 7-2, i've seen him live and those are some long arms). He’s a good spot up shooter, a versatile potential 3-and-D player.Improved on offense this season(39% for 3) but still could make strides there and improve on both sides, his TO are high due to high usage, probably wont have as much in lesser role.I expect him to come to USA and workout for teams before draft.Not sure about combine.

Bender kinda makes sense for you guys.Not sure how much you guys like him or know about him and his situation.He has contract but has NBA-outs in pretty much every year of that contract.I still think he might stay one more year overseas, you probably wouldn't mind because you would probably stay competitive, and get him on rookie scale next year.Suns might shy away from him and draft someone more ready to contribute right now because they are desperate to get back to relevancy, and not eager to wait on lottery rookie.But him and Towns frontcourt would be deadly, they would complement each other nicely.Most think of him as some Porzingis-like prospect but beside both being tall,white shooters there is not much similarities in their game.He is though, like Porzingis boom or bust prospect.Bender upside is Draymond Green lite, he is not projecting as go-to 1st option on offense whom you just give the ball let him get you buckets, or volume scorer, but more as jack-of-all-trades forward, a playmaking 4 which all teams kinda search for, so he models his game to Toni Kukoc.He could eventually (when his frame fills out) play C vs backup units giving incredible amount of versatility to your lineups.

I like Luwawu. Getting him 12-16 with the Mavs pick would be a really nice get for us. I'd consolidate other picks to get him, too. Great prototype 2-3. He has a lot of tools and I think Stevens and the Celtics can maximize that.

Big no on Bender though. I'm not touching that guy.

Luwawu is really hard to dislike.He is a good kid and hard worker from what i heard, humble, focused on his game, no off court issues or some mental breakdowns, everyone on his team likes him, coach praised him several times for his attitude and winning mindset.Its kinda u22 team in Europe(not a common thing) so everybody are same generation and getting along nicely is not something surprising.Denver could also snag him with Rockets pick(currently 15th) if they squeeze into playoffs.Combination of HOU and POR pick could allow them to trade up if they want deeper into mid-late lottery, if they really like him.

About Bender, i get it.Its gonna be very risky pick whoever makes it.

Agree on Luwawu. Best case scenario Dallas winds up 12th worst and we pick him there. Worst case is some other team snagging him a pick or two before 16 which is Dallas' most likely position. The Celtics also have the assets (those early 2nds especially) to move up and get him if they like him. Definitely think he's the international sleeper this draft.

On Bender, I don't really get it. He's rail thin, gets pushed around defensively, shot is probably under par, especially from deep, isn't really athletic and doesn't exactly have an array of post and counter moves that I've been impressed by. I admit to not bring the highest on Porzingis either but I'd be shocked if a team catches lightning in a bottle two years in a row.

[Ben-N1ce]

**** if Skal keeps playing up to his talent I'd consider taking him with the Brooklyn pick if it ends up in the 5-7 range. He was a preseason top 3 pick.

Skal is growing on me with his recent play, but I can totally see Ainge passing him and drafting yet another guard like Dunn.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ainge drafted Hield. He wants scoring.

[PierceFan4ever]

Don't really pay much attention to college basketball but I was hoping maybe we can get Skal with that Dallas pick but it's looking like his stock is rising again which sucks, would love to have him on the C's because I think he has a lot of upside.

[MrTwister]

I like Luwawu. Getting him 12-16 with the Mavs pick would be a really nice get for us. I'd consolidate other picks to get him, too. Great prototype 2-3. He has a lot of tools and I think Stevens and the Celtics can maximize that.

Big no on Bender though. I'm not touching that guy.

Luwawu is really hard to dislike.He is a good kid and hard worker from what i heard, humble, focused on his game, no off court issues or some mental breakdowns, everyone on his team likes him, coach praised him several times for his attitude and winning mindset.Its kinda u22 team in Europe(not a common thing) so everybody are same generation and getting along nicely is not something surprising.Denver could also snag him with Rockets pick(currently 15th) if they squeeze into playoffs.Combination of HOU and POR pick could allow them to trade up if they want deeper into mid-late lottery, if they really like him.

About Bender, i get it.Its gonna be very risky pick whoever makes it.

Agree on Luwawu. Best case scenario Dallas winds up 12th worst and we pick him there. Worst case is some other team snagging him a pick or two before 16 which is Dallas' most likely position. The Celtics also have the assets (those early 2nds especially) to move up and get him if they like him. Definitely think he's the international sleeper this draft.

On Bender, I don't really get it. He's rail thin, gets pushed around defensively, shot is probably under par, especially from deep, isn't really athletic and doesn't exactly have an array of post and counter moves that I've been impressed by. I admit to not bring the highest on Porzingis either but I'd be shocked if a team catches lightning in a bottle two years in a row.

Based on current standings, cant really see anyone taking him in late lottery, teams like MIL or ORL are already stacked on wings and dont need another SG/SF.Utah will probably look for PG or C prospect while i cant see PHX or DET drafting yet another swingman.Plus for some scouts Korkmaz is more sexier name than Luwawu.This draft is not very good outside of top 2, there are a lot of players with elite role player potential players and very deep on international prospects, some of them could be amazing for Stevens.

[greenroom31]

**** if Skal keeps playing up to his talent I'd consider taking him with the Brooklyn pick if it ends up in the 5-7 range. He was a preseason top 3 pick.

Skal is growing on me with his recent play, but I can totally see Ainge passing him and drafting yet another guard like Dunn.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ainge drafted Hield. He wants scoring.

I'd be fine with that too. The guy is overlooked a bit because of his age in my opinion. He's got decent size for a SG and his shot is pure in a league where SGs and shooters have never been more valuable.

[165bows]

@deanondraft: Troy Williams and Dedric Lawson are off the radar guys I like. Murray I'm softening my stance on even though I don't see huge upside.

Troy Williams was guy I mentioned early on this year.

[Jingles]

Don't really pay much attention to college basketball but I was hoping maybe we can get Skal with that Dallas pick but it's looking like his stock is rising again which sucks, would love to have him on the C's because I think he has a lot of upside.

I'm rooting for as many players to greatly improve their stock as possible - it improves the value of the Brooklyn pick.

[Banks2Pierce]

I'm rooting for as many players to greatly improve their stock as possible - it improves the value of the Brooklyn pick.

DAL and our pick as well. Stock going up means they're more likely to stay in the draft. Continue to be wowed by Valentine's stats. Sketchy defending or not, those are monstrous.

[No-Man]

I dont see Luwawu getting past Denver or Toronto, he is going in the top10 100%

[brackdan70]

I dont see Luwawu getting past Denver or Toronto, he is going in the top10 100%

have to agree with you there. At beginning of the season I was thinking he could be there in late teens. doesn't see likely after having a really solid season in a good league.

would it be crazy for the Cs to grab him with the Brooklyn pick?

[No-Man]

I dont see Luwawu getting past Denver or Toronto, he is going in the top10 100%

have to agree with you there. At beginning of the season I was thinking he could be there in late teens. doesn't see likely after having a really solid season in a good league.

would it be crazy for the Cs to grab him with the Brooklyn pick?

depends, not if the pick ends up 5-7

[Murta]

My preseason prediction that Luwawu would be a top 8-12 pick caliber is coming to place.

Here's another guy who's ranked ridiculously low by Draftexpress (#47 in 2017, eligible for this draft): Nik Slavica.

He will be in 14-20 range in 2017. Slavica dominated Korkmaz in u19 last June in semis, he looked comparable to Taytum, Josh Jackson and Giles in the final. Those games were definitely high end games of his and he doesn't perform like that regularly, but that ranking is just asinine, especially looking at his Draftexpress pros and cons: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nik-Slavica-69222/

NBADraftProspects likes him as well, his tweets often remind me I forgot to watch my local team :
[tweet]https://twitter.com/draftprosnba/status/702541613223034880[/tweet]

He's the guy Cs should talk with about draft-and-stash option with PHI pick. The fact that his production is relatively low this season (DE has ABA stats, these are Europe Cup link) doesn't concern me at all with 1st pick in 2nd round.

[peachbucket]

Watched Jaylen Brown play yesterday and I don't think he is in the equation for top 6. He has great tools but is light years away. Real bummer, I was super high on him coming out of high school...thought he could be similar to Paul Pierce. Really hoping Bender is the real deal cause I'm struggling to find anything to get excited about outside the top 2.

[rroby]

Are there any big men after Simmons worth having if we get the 3. My pick right now is Buddy Hield. Need to put the ball in the hole.

[Curmudgeon]

Barring injury, I expect Bender to become the best player out of this draft. But it won't happen for 2-3 years. He's still 18 and won't have a manageable buyout until 2017. "Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet."

[Murta]

Jonathan Wasserman @NBADraftWass
I do get why some have Ingram over Simmons. Just think when assessing risk/reward, Simmons offers same star upside, only a higher floor.

Mike Schmitz @Mike_Schmitz
As it stands now, I still feel very confident in saying that Brandon Ingram is the top prospect in this draft.

[Gant]

From the last draft: How I wanted Robert Upshaw in the second round.

Today:

D-League terminates Robert Upshaw's playing services for violating Anti-Drug program
He will no longer play in D-League
Robert Upshaw’s NBA D-League playing services have been terminated, effective immediately, for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program. Upshaw spent the training camp with the Lakers after went undrafted.

http://www.sportando.com/en/usa/d-league/193812/d-league-terminates-robert-upshaw-s-playing-services-for-violating-anti-drug-program.html

Robert, you won the perfect-physical-frame lottery, and you're blowing it.


Further thought: I always want the Celtics to get the long, mobile big guys.
I wanted: Saer Sene, Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside, and Robert Upshaw.

Lesson: I can only be trusted half the time.