Thank Nation! Pre-Lottery: Denver 9th, NY pick 7th (PART 4)

[Treadmill_Team]

Ivan Rabb going back to school. That was one of the guys I would have liked to pick. Draft gets even weaker

[rapsdotcom]

Davis or Skal would both be project types that would likely spend at least some time with the 905. Both I think are great prospects but neither really fixes our pf problem next year. So if we went that direction we'd still need an upgrade for next season if we keep the core in tact for another attempt at an EFC run.

If we went with a guard in our range like Jackson or Murray if he falls, I could see them finding minutes much sooner.

[CoachJReturns]

I should probably expand my choices beyond Davis and Luwawu. I probably wouldn't mind Jackson if Masai could possibly make a trade of Delon and maybe our late first for Trey Lyles. Would give us a skilled PF prospect to balance out the lineup a bit.

[sweetcity]

BPA is what we need to do. I think at 9 thats probably going to be Skal, Jackson, or Luwawu. Seeing where the game is going id draft Jackson... and thrn wheel delon wright for a PF...

[Risk101]

7.5ppg 5.5rpg and 1.8bpg in under 18 minutes of playing time. His per 40 min avg is 16ppg 11rpg and 3.9bpg.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY0aLiNgJuA[/youtube]

[TheGoodDoctor]

Can you imagine Powell and Luwawu just suffocating teams on defence?!

Not to mention Wright with Bismack protecting the paint...

#SCARYSIGHT #NOTLIKEDEMARSGAME

[AbC?]

Easier said than done but would be great to draft someone with high skill and versatility. Guys like Giannis, Draymond, Batum, Livingston, Igoudala... the league is legit moving away from rigid positions, has been for a while. You need guys who can defend multiple positions, pass the ball, stretch the floor. The reason why everyone loves Powell is because he has shown that versatility already. Can stretch the floor, has good court vision and can guard 1/2 and some 3s. I actually like Delon's potential for the same reasons, minus the shooting, reminds me of Livingston a bit.

That's kind of why all these traditional bigs like Davis, Rabb and Skal aren't really that exciting to me. Luwawu is definitely the guy that kind of stands out but something feels off about him. Right now he's my choice though. I like Hernangomez with our pick, I think he climbs up pre-draft though.

[dagger]

Rabb is staying at Cal for another year.

[alpngso]

I am not sure if this is possible but i feel like we should trade #9 down to #14-19 range + 2017 future 1st.

[bigmandinky]

I see people sayin this draft doesn't have good PFs but IMO, Chriss and Skal have as much upside as anybody else outside of Ingram or Simmons in this class. Both would be very interesting options for us moving forward.

[CoachJReturns]

I am not sure if this is possible but i feel like we should trade #9 down to #14-19 range + 2017 future 1st.

Masai won't trade down for more picks. He has 4 first rounders in the next two drafts already. If anything he might try to consolidate and trade up.

[raptor jesus]

Robert Carter from Maryland entered the draft today. I watched several Maryland games, mostly to check in on Stone and Trimble. Carter was far and away the best Maryland player in every game I watched. Reminds me of a poor man's Millsap.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If we're going on upside I take Skal over Davis every day of the week.

Quite frankly I don't actually see the buzz about him at all. Don't get me wrong, he seems decent like he could turn out solid but at least imo I don't see anything that looks like he can become a star in the league. Skal's offensive game reminds me a lot of KAT in college with Towns being slightly better at backing down his man. But his shooting mechanics and the way he moves for PF are exceptional. I still have Luwawu slightly ahead on board because I actually think Bruno will end up being a PF himself and share the same length & ability and TL will be a helluva fit next to Powell & Wright but Skal isn't that far off for next in line, if at all.

I really think Cal's treatment has unfairly skewed his potential to people, just as I remember UConn not using Drummond enough. I remember numerous games hearing things like "Skal is making an impact in his limited time" or that he's really coming on yet Cal never bothered extending his minutes and seemed to have an extremely short leash. He wanted (as he did Towns & Davis) to back their men down in the post and it wasn't Davis' game hence why he was thought to be just defensive anchor, Towns did alright (he only averaged about 10ppg, not exactly earth shattering) but no one ever really got a chance to showcase what they can do because Cal wouldn't adapt to their stretch game. I 100% think he's done the same with Skal and while Skal gives shotblocking he wasn't on the rebounding so he got yanked. Also seemed he continued to be punished for seemingly nothing when he had entered multiple games and would put up some decent rebounding numbers and about 12+ppg in limited time. I think he does have a lot more than what we've seen and we should take him.

You're hitting the nail on the head. Skal was jerked in and out of the lineup by Cal all season long. He's not inconsistent at anything besides convincing Cal he doesn't deserved to be treated like a yoyo.

Skal already has a pet, go-to move with his jump hook. That shot is unstoppable and if he keeps working on it, and gets a counter move, watch out. He's the clear choice with Rabb going back to school. Obviously, guys like Davis and Luwawu would be decent selections, but it's fairly obvious who we should pick based on projections at this point.

[OAKLEY_2]

Easier said than done but would be great to draft someone with high skill and versatility. Guys like Giannis, Draymond, Batum, Livingston, Igoudala... the league is legit moving away from rigid positions, has been for a while. You need guys who can defend multiple positions, pass the ball, stretch the floor. The reason why everyone loves Powell is because he has shown that versatility already. Can stretch the floor, has good court vision and can guard 1/2 and some 3s. I actually like Delon's potential for the same reasons, minus the shooting, reminds me of Livingston a bit.

That's kind of why all these traditional bigs like Davis, Rabb and Skal aren't really that exciting to me. Luwawu is definitely the guy that kind of stands out but something feels off about him. Right now he's my choice though. I like Hernangomez with our pick, I think he climbs up pre-draft though.

Luwawu is raw but the fact that he went from the French division B/A team to the Serbian league team and vastly improved across the board bodes well for upside. He may turn out to be Selalosha II, a mostly defensive player, but he attacks the basket with good speed and slashing ability. Luwawu is part project no question. Somebody to consider with the second pick is fellow Mega Leks teamate Ivica Zubac. Total beast who at 19 they could stash.

[OAKLEY_2]

sp. Sefolosha.

[deeps6x]

If we're going on upside I take Skal over Davis every day of the week.

Quite frankly I don't actually see the buzz about him at all. Don't get me wrong, he seems decent like he could turn out solid but at least imo I don't see anything that looks like he can become a star in the league. Skal's offensive game reminds me a lot of KAT in college with Towns being slightly better at backing down his man. But his shooting mechanics and the way he moves for PF are exceptional. I still have Luwawu slightly ahead on board because I actually think Bruno will end up being a PF himself and share the same length & ability and TL will be a helluva fit next to Powell & Wright but Skal isn't that far off for next in line, if at all.

I really think Cal's treatment has unfairly skewed his potential to people, just as I remember UConn not using Drummond enough. I remember numerous games hearing things like "Skal is making an impact in his limited time" or that he's really coming on yet Cal never bothered extending his minutes and seemed to have an extremely short leash. He wanted (as he did Towns & Davis) to back their men down in the post and it wasn't Davis' game hence why he was thought to be just defensive anchor, Towns did alright (he only averaged about 10ppg, not exactly earth shattering) but no one ever really got a chance to showcase what they can do because Cal wouldn't adapt to their stretch game. I 100% think he's done the same with Skal and while Skal gives shotblocking he wasn't on the rebounding so he got yanked. Also seemed he continued to be punished for seemingly nothing when he had entered multiple games and would put up some decent rebounding numbers and about 12+ppg in limited time. I think he does have a lot more than what we've seen and we should take him.

You're hitting the nail on the head. Skal was jerked in and out of the lineup by Cal all season long. He's not inconsistent at anything besides convincing Cal he doesn't deserved to be treated like a yoyo.

Skal already has a pet, go-to move with his jump hook. That shot is unstoppable and if he keeps working on it, and gets a counter move, watch out. He's the clear choice with Rabb going back to school. Obviously, guys like Davis and Luwawu would be decent selections, but it's fairly obvious who we should pick based on projections at this point.

Seriously? Did you watch the games or only the highlight youtube videos? Skal had a 10 game stretch where he totaled 35 points and 35 fouls. Now is that getting jerked out of the game or jerking himself out of the games by being a horrible foul magnet?

Watch the youtube highlights from his one good game. Ooh ahhh, look at him nailing those 5 wide open jumpers from the free throw line. OMG we gottsta get this guy! Now look closer. Skal is standing there waiting while Ulis works his little ass off drawing everyone away and then threads a perfect pass to Skal for that wide open jumper. Over and over and over and over again. But nope, it's gotta be Skal doing all the work - cuz look at him make those shots! Oohh Ahhh.

Now, back to reality. No way in hell does Skal make the same stupid decision that Rabb just did, so he will enter and get drafted in the first round. But he really should have gone back and learned the game a little better. He could still become an all-star in the future. He certainly has the type of body that can be turned into that eventually. But I sure as hell don't currently see much BBIQ in him. And all that said, he is still twice the player that Thon is currently - who could also become a star one day. Who knows. It is all a crap shoot outside of maybe the top 6 picks this year. But Skal at #9? Oh hell no. Pick a guy that doesn't have bust potential written all over him. That guy was Rabb. Now, frack, I guess it is Luwawu or Davis.

[deeps6x]

Easier said than done but would be great to draft someone with high skill and versatility. Guys like Giannis, Draymond, Batum, Livingston, Igoudala... the league is legit moving away from rigid positions, has been for a while. You need guys who can defend multiple positions, pass the ball, stretch the floor. The reason why everyone loves Powell is because he has shown that versatility already. Can stretch the floor, has good court vision and can guard 1/2 and some 3s. I actually like Delon's potential for the same reasons, minus the shooting, reminds me of Livingston a bit.

That's kind of why all these traditional bigs like Davis, Rabb and Skal aren't really that exciting to me. Luwawu is definitely the guy that kind of stands out but something feels off about him. Right now he's my choice though. I like Hernangomez with our pick, I think he climbs up pre-draft though.

Luwawu is raw but the fact that he went from the French division B/A team to the Serbian league team and vastly improved across the board bodes well for upside. He may turn out to be Selalosha II, a mostly defensive player, but he attacks the basket with good speed and slashing ability. Luwawu is part project no question. Somebody to consider with the second pick is fellow Mega Leks teamate Ivica Zubac. Total beast who at 19 they could stash.

I'd rather have part project than all project. Give me Luwawu or Davis. The D is strong with these two already, and hopefully the O keeps developing.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If we're going on upside I take Skal over Davis every day of the week.

Quite frankly I don't actually see the buzz about him at all. Don't get me wrong, he seems decent like he could turn out solid but at least imo I don't see anything that looks like he can become a star in the league. Skal's offensive game reminds me a lot of KAT in college with Towns being slightly better at backing down his man. But his shooting mechanics and the way he moves for PF are exceptional. I still have Luwawu slightly ahead on board because I actually think Bruno will end up being a PF himself and share the same length & ability and TL will be a helluva fit next to Powell & Wright but Skal isn't that far off for next in line, if at all.

I really think Cal's treatment has unfairly skewed his potential to people, just as I remember UConn not using Drummond enough. I remember numerous games hearing things like "Skal is making an impact in his limited time" or that he's really coming on yet Cal never bothered extending his minutes and seemed to have an extremely short leash. He wanted (as he did Towns & Davis) to back their men down in the post and it wasn't Davis' game hence why he was thought to be just defensive anchor, Towns did alright (he only averaged about 10ppg, not exactly earth shattering) but no one ever really got a chance to showcase what they can do because Cal wouldn't adapt to their stretch game. I 100% think he's done the same with Skal and while Skal gives shotblocking he wasn't on the rebounding so he got yanked. Also seemed he continued to be punished for seemingly nothing when he had entered multiple games and would put up some decent rebounding numbers and about 12+ppg in limited time. I think he does have a lot more than what we've seen and we should take him.

You're hitting the nail on the head. Skal was jerked in and out of the lineup by Cal all season long. He's not inconsistent at anything besides convincing Cal he doesn't deserved to be treated like a yoyo.

Skal already has a pet, go-to move with his jump hook. That shot is unstoppable and if he keeps working on it, and gets a counter move, watch out. He's the clear choice with Rabb going back to school. Obviously, guys like Davis and Luwawu would be decent selections, but it's fairly obvious who we should pick based on projections at this point.

Seriously? Did you watch the games or only the highlight youtube videos? Skal had a 10 game stretch where he totaled 35 points and 35 fouls. Now is that getting jerked out of the game or jerking himself out of the games by being a horrible foul magnet?

Watch the youtube highlights from his one good game. Ooh ahhh, look at him nailing those 5 wide open jumpers from the free throw line. OMG we gottsta get this guy! Now look closer. Skal is standing there waiting while Ulis works his little ass off drawing everyone away and then threads a perfect pass to Skal for that wide open jumper. Over and over and over and over again. But nope, it's gotta be Skal doing all the work - cuz look at him make those shots! Oohh Ahhh.

Now, back to reality. No way in hell does Skal make the same stupid decision that Rabb just did, so he will enter and get drafted in the first round. But he really should have gone back and learned the game a little better. He could still become an all-star in the future. He certainly has the type of body that can be turned into that eventually. But I sure as hell don't currently see much BBIQ in him. And all that said, he is still twice the player that Thon is currently - who could also become a star one day. Who knows. It is all a crap shoot outside of maybe the top 6 picks this year. But Skal at #9? Oh hell no. Pick a guy that doesn't have bust potential written all over him. That guy was Rabb. Now, frack, I guess it is Luwawu or Davis.

Are you actually this condescending in everyday life or do you just act like it on a message board?

Anyways, no ones talking about highlight videos like you assume, it's based on his performance. So let me come down to your level to speak to you... Oh, a big man who blocks shots had foul trouble, really? Tell me more about this never before seen phenomenon oh great draft expert! If you took the time to watch games you'd realize that foul trouble is based upon you AS WELL AS YOUR TEAMMATES. What is the big supposed to do if his teammate doesn't allow him to set up for the screen? What is the help defender supposed to do if his teammate gets beat off the dribble? Both of those scenarios result in the big getting in foul trouble based on his teammates errors. Obviously, he'll need to work on those scenarios because they happen in the NBA as well, but that's why you're drafting a kid with potential and not a finished product. He still needs to be taught a lot. Think of how much Amir fouled before he became as good as he is.

But what about those open jumpers? Oh my goodness, a big man had to have his shot created by his POINT GUARD?!? HOW DARE HE?!? In case you haven't noticed, that's how basketball is played around the world. Not too many bigs bring the ball up the floor and create their own shot. The only thing Skal needs to do is find the open spot for those jumpers, which he has been doing.

The bottom line is, Skal is a project but he has a strong base to build off of. He has quite a nice hook shot that he can get off against anyone in the world, he has quite a nice jump shot that will be extended to NBA 3 point range in time (in all likelihood), he's a great shot blocker, and he'll be able to add his needed extra strength in NBA weight rooms while being a full-time basketball player. I want that potential player on my team.

P.s. I wouldn't be mad picking Davis or Luwawu, but I just prefer Skal to both.

[rapsdotcom]

I don't doubt Skal's talent and upside at all, and I agree that he isn't solely to blame for his struggles this year as there is always a combination of factors. What does worry me are the questions about his mentality/ball iq/etc as these are much more difficult to project at the next level.
Whoever we choose though, we can't expect a big impact immediately so I have no problem swinging for the fences

[CunningLinguist]

You're hitting the nail on the head. Skal was jerked in and out of the lineup by Cal all season long. He's not inconsistent at anything besides convincing Cal he doesn't deserved to be treated like a yoyo.

Skal already has a pet, go-to move with his jump hook. That shot is unstoppable and if he keeps working on it, and gets a counter move, watch out. He's the clear choice with Rabb going back to school. Obviously, guys like Davis and Luwawu would be decent selections, but it's fairly obvious who we should pick based on projections at this point.

Seriously? Did you watch the games or only the highlight youtube videos? Skal had a 10 game stretch where he totaled 35 points and 35 fouls. Now is that getting jerked out of the game or jerking himself out of the games by being a horrible foul magnet?

Watch the youtube highlights from his one good game. Ooh ahhh, look at him nailing those 5 wide open jumpers from the free throw line. OMG we gottsta get this guy! Now look closer. Skal is standing there waiting while Ulis works his little ass off drawing everyone away and then threads a perfect pass to Skal for that wide open jumper. Over and over and over and over again. But nope, it's gotta be Skal doing all the work - cuz look at him make those shots! Oohh Ahhh.

Now, back to reality. No way in hell does Skal make the same stupid decision that Rabb just did, so he will enter and get drafted in the first round. But he really should have gone back and learned the game a little better. He could still become an all-star in the future. He certainly has the type of body that can be turned into that eventually. But I sure as hell don't currently see much BBIQ in him. And all that said, he is still twice the player that Thon is currently - who could also become a star one day. Who knows. It is all a crap shoot outside of maybe the top 6 picks this year. But Skal at #9? Oh hell no. Pick a guy that doesn't have bust potential written all over him. That guy was Rabb. Now, frack, I guess it is Luwawu or Davis.

Are you actually this condescending in everyday life or do you just act like it on a message board?

Anyways, no ones talking about highlight videos like you assume, it's based on his performance. So let me come down to your level to speak to you... Oh, a big man who blocks shots had foul trouble, really? Tell me more about this never before seen phenomenon oh great draft expert! If you took the time to watch games you'd realize that foul trouble is based upon you AS WELL AS YOUR TEAMMATES. What is the big supposed to do if his teammate doesn't allow him to set up for the screen? What is the help defender supposed to do if his teammate gets beat off the dribble? Both of those scenarios result in the big getting in foul trouble based on his teammates errors. Obviously, he'll need to work on those scenarios because they happen in the NBA as well, but that's why you're drafting a kid with potential and not a finished product. He still needs to be taught a lot. Think of how much Amir fouled before he became as good as he is.

But what about those open jumpers? Oh my goodness, a big man had to have his shot created by his POINT GUARD?!? HOW DARE HE?!? In case you haven't noticed, that's how basketball is played around the world. Not too many bigs bring the ball up the floor and create their own shot. The only thing Skal needs to do is find the open spot for those jumpers, which he has been doing.

The bottom line is, Skal is a project but he has a strong base to build off of. He has quite a nice hook shot that he can get off against anyone in the world, he has quite a nice jump shot that will be extended to NBA 3 point range in time (in all likelihood), he's a great shot blocker, and he'll be able to add his needed extra strength in NBA weight rooms while being a full-time basketball player. I want that potential player on my team.

P.s. I wouldn't be mad picking Davis or Luwawu, but I just prefer Skal to both.

Further to your point, I don't know why people make a big deal about foul trouble in a young player. This is a common issue that can be overcome with experience. Look at Amir Johnson. He came into the league directly from high school and had foul trouble for years before eventually becoming a solid defender.