RealGM 2016 Fan Forum Mock Draft - PHX #13

[bwgood77]

I forgot about Zhou Qi. If he was there I might vote for him. Would anyone else?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I forgot about Zhou Qi. If he was there I might vote for him. Would anyone else?

You know, I hadn't really taken an honest good look at him, given where he was projected. But a ton of teams missed on a couple lanky foreign prospects three drafts ago (has it been that long?). He is awful skilled, light on his feet, and long af. Seems to have a certain toughness to him as well. And unlike Bender (and Len), he's willing to leave his feet to make a play.

If we took him at 13, I'd think him the next big thing. So many intriguing prospects late in the draft. Kinda makes you want to stock up on boom-or-bust types rather than take a sure mediocrity in the lottery.

A +1 for you, sir. Excellent suggestion. How come he hasn't cracked the early-twenties in ANY mock? Is it because we haven't had a decent Chinese prospect since Yao Ming?

[saintEscaton]

Because Yi Jianlian lied about his age and now everybody is paranoid

[bwgood77]

I forgot about Zhou Qi. If he was there I might vote for him. Would anyone else?

You know, I hadn't really taken an honest good look at him, given where he was projected. But a ton of teams missed on a couple lanky foreign prospects three drafts ago (has it been that long?). He is awful skilled, light on his feet, and long af. Seems to have a certain toughness to him as well. And unlike Bender (and Len), he's willing to leave his feet to make a play.

If we took him at 13, I'd think him the next big thing. So many intriguing prospects late in the draft. Kinda makes you want to stock up on boom-or-bust types rather than take a sure mediocrity in the lottery.

A +1 for you, sir. Excellent suggestion. How come he hasn't cracked the early-twenties in ANY mock? Is it because we haven't had a decent Chinese prospect since Yao Ming?

Well he might be a poor man's Bender, though I haven't studied him closer, but I think I might rather have him than Ellenson. Plus imagine the influx of chinese fans onto our forum. Or are they even allowed to go to U.Ss sites?

I was probably going to go with Luwawu but I might have to go with Zhou Qi since we missed Bender in this scenario. Did you read the AZCentral article about him?

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/05/21/chinas-7-2-zhou-qi-works-out-phoenix-suns/84717378/

Arizona State’s Eric Jacobsen is a 6-foot-10 man accustomed to having his outstretched arm affect an opponent’s perimeter shot with his hand near the release.

Not so on Saturday when he defended 7-foot-2 Zhou Qi during a Suns draft workout at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

“Usually, my hand is up by the ball but I was getting up to his face and the ball was way up there,” Jacobsen said, looking toward the practice court ceiling.

Zhou Qi (pronounced “Joe Chee”) can touch the rim from his tiptoes. In draft-combine history, Qi’s 7-7 ¾ wingspan was second only to Utah center Rudy Gobert’s 7-8 ½.

Pair that size with being startlingly skilled and the Suns seem fortunate to be one of four teams that Qi has given a pre-draft workout before he returns to China to prepare for the Olympics with his national team.

RELATED: Suns look at draft prospects on the bubble

“He’s not a hidden guy who hasn’t played and just shows up over here,” Suns assistant general manager Pat Connelly said. “He’s put up a pretty good resume for his age. It’s good to get him in there.”

Qi, 20, jumped onto NBA teams' radars in 2011 with a 43-point, 19-rebound game against South Korea at the Asia Under-16 Championships. He signed with Zinjiang in 2014 and averaged 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and a Chinese Basketball Association-best 3.2 blocks this season.

Qi is intriguingly agile and mobile for a 7-2 man but only weighed 218 pounds at his May 12 draft combine weigh-in, even after adding 10 pounds in the previous five months. He had been doing some individual training in Phoenix before working out for Boston, which has three first-round and five second-round picks, and Memphis, which has two first-round picks and one second-rounder. He has one more unknown workout set in the West.

Zhou Qi at the Suns' training facility.
Zhou Qi at the Suns' training facility. (Photo: Paul Coro/azcentral sports)
The Suns draft at Nos. 4, 13, 28 and 34. Qi could be an ideal draft-and-stash candidate to continue physical and basketball development overseas but it is still to be determined if he wants to come to the NBA immediately.

“I’m ready,” Qi declared at that draft combine through a translator.

Qi speaks “basketball English” but was unavailable to be interviewed at his Saturday workout.

“This is a very precious opportunity for me, an experience for me,” Qi said at the draft combine through his translator. “I learned a lot about the draft process with the agility testing, and also the shooting testing and training. Everything is systematic and scientific, so I like the process.”

Qi showed his soft shooting touch at the combine when he made 14 of 25 spot-up 3-pointers from five points on the arc. He had a standing vertical leap of 31 ½ inches, which is impressive for a 7-2 man with underdeveloped strength.

“He got me a couple times on those turnarounds,” Jacobsen said. “He’s a lot longer than I thought he’d be. Usually guys his size and young like he is aren’t athletic as him.”

With Xinjiang, he teamed with former and current NBA players Andray Blatche, Andrew Goudelock and Bryce Cotton this season. He is skilled with either hand and protects the rim from the weak side, although CBA stats are skewed when considering Michael Beasley averaged 32 points and 13 rebounds there this season.

“They do a lot of training in China,” Connelly said. “He’s benefited from the many, many hours spent in the gym working on his skill set.”

The Suns pitted him against Jacobsen, a 240-pounder who is turning 22 soon.

RELATED: Suns visitors test new draft early entry rule

“See how he bangs against a guy like Eric, who is really strong,” Connelly said. “How he dealt with the contact. How he kind of moved around with a guy pushing his back. You can see that stuff on tape but it’s always good to see a guy come in and get an appreciation for how a guy takes the contact, which will be important for him going forward. He did well.”

There has not been a significant draft prospect from China since Yi Jianlian, another skilled 7-footer who was drafted sixth overall at age 19 by Milwaukee in 2007. He lasted five years in the NBA, averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.

The tremendous marketing reach in China is undeniable. The NBA says that 300 million people play basketball in China. Having the “Big Devil King,” as CBA fans call the stoic 7-footer, would allow his NBA team to tap more into that market for corporate partnerships, just as Houston did with Yao Ming.

“It will be neat to see how he continues with his career and the attention he brings with huge country behind him,” Connelly said.

[bwgood77]

I forgot about Zhou Qi. If he was there I might vote for him. Would anyone else?

You know, I hadn't really taken an honest good look at him, given where he was projected. But a ton of teams missed on a couple lanky foreign prospects three drafts ago (has it been that long?). He is awful skilled, light on his feet, and long af. Seems to have a certain toughness to him as well. And unlike Bender (and Len), he's willing to leave his feet to make a play.

If we took him at 13, I'd think him the next big thing. So many intriguing prospects late in the draft. Kinda makes you want to stock up on boom-or-bust types rather than take a sure mediocrity in the lottery.

A +1 for you, sir. Excellent suggestion. How come he hasn't cracked the early-twenties in ANY mock? Is it because we haven't had a decent Chinese prospect since Yao Ming?

And here is another PF that might not be there at 28.

NBA Draft Prospect of the Week: Juan Hernangomez
by: Mike Schmitz
January 18, 2016
Halfway through the ACB regular season, it's safe to say that 20-year old Juan Hernangomez (also called Juancho Hernangomez) has been the revelation of the Spanish league thus far. The 6'9 face-up power forward is putting up historic numbers with Estudiantes for a player his age. His 11.3 points ranks as the highest per game scoring average for a player under 21 since Rudy Fernandez's 13.7 ten years ago. Additionally, his 20.6 PER ranks is second best in the last decade as well (behind Nikola Mirotic), eclipsing some big names (Ricky Rubio, Tiago Splitter, Serge Ibaka, Kristaps Porzingis, Ersan Ilyasova, and his older brother Guillermo/Willy [drafted by the Knicks last June]) in the process so far.

The intrigue around Hernangomez begins with his productivity playing at the highest level of European basketball, but continues with his strong physical attributes. Standing 6'9, he has ample height for a NBA power forward, and combines that with a good frame that should continue to fill out, a long wingspan (appearing to be somewhere in the 7-foot territory), and solid athletic ability. He is a fluid athlete who plays above the rim with ease, is very light on his feet, and runs the floor with impressive speed.

Offensively, Hernangomez gets his production in a variety of different ways, be it as a spot-up shooter, as a cutter/pick and roll finisher, crashing the offensive glass, or running the floor in transition. His offensive versatility hints at being able to play both forward spots down the road, which is a highly coveted skill in the NBA at this point in time.

He's improved his perimeter shooting this season, upping his 3P% from 25% in the ACB last year to 34% thus far in 2015/2016. While he hasn't always been the most consistent shooter historically, he shows fairly fluid, consistent mechanics with a high release point, and nice balance in his lower body, which has helped him see increasingly better results.

Hernangomez also shows a nice first step and is capable of attacking closeouts driving in either direction. He's an aggressive player who regularly makes decisive cuts or drives to the paint and will finish strong at the basket once there, often through contact, which, along with his ability to run the floor, helps explain his excellent 2P% (58%) and the impressive way he's been able to get to the free throw line this season (7 attempts per-40 minutes, 78% conversion rate).

Hernangomez's athleticism, length, toughness and intensity are all reflected in the way he competes on the glass, as he's one of just a handful of players under the age of 21 to average over 10 rebounds per-40 minutes in the ACB in the past 25+ years. He plays with a real edge to him, regularly going out of his area on both ends of the floor. His motor and ability to do the “little things” will likely help keep him on the floor even when his shot isn't falling.

The hyperactive energy level Hernangomez displays at times does come with somewhat of a cost though. He tends to try to do a little too much at times offensively, posting just 32 career assists in nearly 1200 minutes (one every 37 minutes), even if he's clearly not a selfish player and will occasionally surprise you with some really creative passes, his decision making skills could use some work.

As competitive, engaged and fiery as Hernangomez is, the place where his youth shows up most vividly right now is defensively. He regularly gets taken advantage of by the significantly older and more physically mature players he encounters every single game playing in the very physical ACB, as he doesn't have standout height nor strength for a power forward at this stage. He struggles to step out on the perimeter as well, as he doesn't always get in a low defensive stance, and has some issues staying in front of quicker opponents who tend to drive right by him.

While his energy level is excellent, and he likely has the tools to develop into a very solid defender as he gains experience, he tends to gamble a little too much right now, biting on fakes, trying to reach for steals, and generally playing with a reckless abandon.

Becoming a more consistent shooter will be a major key for Hernangomez's ability to carve out a role in the NBA. Right now he is a career 40/118 (33.8%) 3-point shooter, which is promising, but will need to continue to improve. His tendency to shoot the ball from the side of his face, with a bit of side spin, makes for some bad left/right misses, and he is pretty much exclusively a spot-up shooter at the moment, almost never attempting any off the dribble jumpers. Part of that is due to his ball-handling ability, which is also somewhat unrefined.

After playing 10 minutes per game last season, Hernangomez is up to 25 minutes per contest this year, which is fairly impressive considering he just turned 20 a little over three months ago. While the fact that his team is in last place in the league certainly contributes to that (and his head coach being fired today may change his role somewhat), there is very little doubt that he is one of the most productive players in the league at his position.

A free agent this summer, Hernangomez could very well decide to come straight to the NBA depending on how high he's picked this upcoming June. It's becoming increasingly difficult for NBA teams to find players with the type of size, motor and skill-set he shows at the 4/3 position, and his style of play makes it fairly easy to slot him into a role in the NBA. Expect to start hearing his name a lot more now in other places.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Juan-Hernangomez-5350/

But there is a chance one slides to 28 so I don't know if it would be worth it at 13 for either guy.

[Walt_Uoob]

I went Korkmaz for now as he seems to have a high ceiling and serious long-term potential. And importantly, he can be stashed overseas for another year. With Murray and the other eleven guards on our team it would be a strange pick, but I'm just not sold on guys like Ellenson and Sabonis. Plus if we do our draft-and-stash with #13, we can then be free to take two of the long-shot big men like Maker, Qi, Stone, Zizic, etc at 28 and 34 (or trade up into the mid-20s for our favorite of those options if needed).

[MrMiyagi]

I refuse to believe there is a scenario in which the Sacramento Kings make a smart pick at 8 by selecting Denzel Valentine. Thus, Denzel Valentine is still on the board, and is my pick at 13.

[saintEscaton]

I would definitely consider Juancho at #13 as well but I guess I agree with Fischella' unconventional big board

[bwgood77]

I refuse to believe there is a scenario in which the Sacramento Kings make a smart pick at 8 by selecting Denzel Valentine. Thus, Denzel Valentine is still on the board, and is my pick at 13.

He actually tied with Brown on the Pelicans board, but Laimbeer went with Brown because he was ranked higher most places. However RIGHT after it ended people flooded in after reading another Pelicans site and said if those people had seen that poll, Dunn would have been the obvious choice.

[MrMiyagi]

I refuse to believe there is a scenario in which the Sacramento Kings make a smart pick at 8 by selecting Denzel Valentine. Thus, Denzel Valentine is still on the board, and is my pick at 13.

He actually tied with Brown on the Pelicans board, but Laimbeer went with Brown because he was ranked higher most places. However RIGHT after it ended people flooded in after reading another Pelicans site and said if those people had seen that poll, Dunn would have been the obvious choice.

Yeah, this is a very imperfect process. Like 5 people voted on some of the picks..... Not really representative of some fan bases.

[bwgood77]

I refuse to believe there is a scenario in which the Sacramento Kings make a smart pick at 8 by selecting Denzel Valentine. Thus, Denzel Valentine is still on the board, and is my pick at 13.

He actually tied with Brown on the Pelicans board, but Laimbeer went with Brown because he was ranked higher most places. However RIGHT after it ended people flooded in after reading another Pelicans site and said if those people had seen that poll, Dunn would have been the obvious choice.

Yeah, this is a very imperfect process. Like 5 people voted on some of the picks..... Not really representative of some fan bases.

Well a handful of forums are just dead, SA and NO being two of them, because they have other forums. Plus there is only a 24 hour window. But it might be more representative that some are off....you know there will be some lotto picks that are not what the fanbase would want.

[Kerrsed]

UGH! Not a real good selection left!

I guess if i HAD to choose out of that list......it would be for Luwawu. Versatile and Defensive minded.

But the more i think about it.....if those were the players left.....i might just go ahead and get a jump on the rest of the league and go with Zhou Qi.

If his name makes the list, im changing my vote.

[saintEscaton]

He actually tied with Brown on the Pelicans board, but Laimbeer went with Brown because he was ranked higher most places. However RIGHT after it ended people flooded in after reading another Pelicans site and said if those people had seen that poll, Dunn would have been the obvious choice.

Yeah, this is a very imperfect process. Like 5 people voted on some of the picks..... Not really representative of some fan bases.

Well a handful of forums are just dead, SA and NO being two of them, because they have other forums. Plus there is only a 24 hour window. But it might be more representative that some are off....you know there will be some lotto picks that are not what the fanbase would want.

Dunn literally makes no sense for Denver. DID their fanbase already give up on Mudiay?

[Kerrsed]

Ok, i switched mine to "Other". If thats the group left, im all about the Big Devil King (coolest nickname in the league by far!).

[bwgood77]

Yeah, this is a very imperfect process. Like 5 people voted on some of the picks..... Not really representative of some fan bases.

Well a handful of forums are just dead, SA and NO being two of them, because they have other forums. Plus there is only a 24 hour window. But it might be more representative that some are off....you know there will be some lotto picks that are not what the fanbase would want.

Dunn literally makes no sense for Denver. DID their fanbase already give up on Mudiay?

Well then it makes sense that those two went in a row, because Chriss makes sense for Denver. Maybe the Pelican fans came over and said they would have taken Dunn so they just took Dunn knowing they would just swap players....I don't know...didn't look...maybe they thought BPA...trade him.

[bwgood77]

UGH! Not a real good selection left!

I guess if i HAD to choose out of that list......it would be for Luwawu. Versatile and Defensive minded.

But the more i think about it.....if those were the players left.....i might just go ahead and get a jump on the rest of the league and go with Zhou Qi.

If his name makes the list, im changing my vote.

Well if you put other and then say who your vote is for in the thread, I believe Laimbeer will count that vote for that player. I assume that Devil nickname you were referring to in your last post was about him?

[Cactus Jack]

Really like Furkan Korkmaz. Would love..love him at 13. Marco Belinelli clone. But with Murray at 4. He wouldn't be a consideration. So, I Would likely take a flyer on Luwawu.

[DRK]

Damion Jones please.

[Skillmatic]

It depends on who we take at 4. But ich really hope Luwawu is still there at 13 and we will take him. For me, he is a great talent and something that we need. Trade Tuckers ass away and play with Luwawu and TJ at the 3

[bwgood77]

It depends on who we take at 4. But ich really hope Luwawu is still there at 13 and we will take him. For me, he is a great talent and something that we need. Trade Tuckers ass away and play with Luwawu and TJ at the 3

Yeah, if we get Bender at 4, I'd love a draft with Bender and him now that I read about his across the board stats, versatile defensive potential, etc.