Official 2017 Draft Thread - Something Positive To Look Forward To

[QUIZ]

Some more guards:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1gH5VLU8AY[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng5pNV8t0Mc[/youtube]

Man this class is loaded with PG's.

[RexBoyWonder]

Why? Aren't we supposed to be excited about our draft pick? We almost never get one.

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/duke-blue-devils-marques-bolden-commitment-2017-number-one-ranking-051916

It is really early in the season, but it's never too early to get informed. In fact, there still may be changes (transfers etc) in the college lineups. Duke & Kentucky have most of the best players (though Dennis Smith is NC State, Ivan Rabb (Berkeley), and Josh Jackson is Kansas). Here is Duke's potential lineup (keep in mind these are very young players and some may not choose to be drafted in 2017 - Ivan Rabb, for example, chose to sty another year in Berkeley):

Frank Jackson, Fr, PG, 6-4, 195, 5/4/98 (top 20)
Grayson Allen, Jr, SG, 6-5, 205, 10/8/95 (top 20)
Luke Kennard, So, SG, 6-5, 190, 6/24/96
Jayson Tatum, Fr, SF, 6-9, 203, 3/3/98 (top 5)
Jack White, Fr, SF, 6-7, 225, 8/5/97 (may surprise)
Harry Giles, Fr, PF, 6-9, 230, 4/22/98 (top 3)
Javin DeLaurier, Fr, PF, 6-9, 205, 4/7/98
Marques Bolden, Fr, C, 6-10, 240, 4/17/98 (top 20 - but one of the best centers so will likely rise)
Chase Jeter, So, C, 6-10, 240, 9/19/97 (improving game)

If we finished about where we did this year and Grayson Allen was available, he would be a great pick. If we finish in the lottery, though, and get a chance to draft talent like Tatum, Giles, Smith, or Josh Jackson, it would be incredible.

I'm excited.

Pretty much this, even if we don't get a super high pick at least we get one. Grayson Allen will go somewhere in the 20's so even if we somehow got a top 4 seed again he'd still be attainable.

It's totally impossible to predict where a player will go a year in advance. Allen can easily go lottery or below 40, depending on certain developments.

That's why I'm really not buying anyone stocks right now, you have to see these top prospects in the college game to get a decent read of their games.

[RexBoyWonder]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oIyyn-WIGI[/youtube]

A better more athletic Myles Turner?

Will look nice next to White..

[UD4MVP]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oIyyn-WIGI[/youtube]

A better more athletic Myles Turner?

Will look nice next to White..

I know it's a longshot but two lottery picks would be amazing. One on Dennis Smith or Fultz and another for Giles

[UD4MVP]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oIyyn-WIGI[/youtube]

A better more athletic Myles Turner?

Will look nice next to White..

I know it's a longshot but two lottery picks would be amazing. One on Dennis Smith or Fultz and another for Giles

[DayofMourning]

I hesitate to call any of the top rated guards, "point guards". They all seem to be scoring guards from what I've watched. Fultz seems to be the best combo mix. Ball is definitely a point, but has a jumper that lacks confidence. The guy I like the most is Frank Jackson who earned the co-MVP alongside his brother from another, Josh Jackson, in last year's McDonald's. He has shown himself to be a nice shooter first and foremost, but he plays the game at such a great, measured pace. He has a nice feel for the game and makes good decisions rather than rely on his very nice athleticism (dunk contest winner at Mickey Ds ASG).

Here's a video of the Jacksons' highlights from the McDonald's:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkmshRemTk[/youtube]

They really competed this year, so it made the game fun to watch. You can catch the whole game on youtube as well. Adebayo stood out as well, and his ASG averages in the two or three he played in look good. Doesn't blow you away, but when the game is over, you see the statistical impact he had.

Also, I like to listen to the guys when they interview. Gives you an idea of how intelligent they might be. Both Josh and Frank do very well. I wasn't impressed by Fultz or Smith Jr. Not that they sounded foolish, but they didn't stand out.

[UD4MVP]

I hesitate to call any of the top rated guards, "point guards". They all seem to be scoring guards from what I've watched. Fultz seems to be the best combo mix. Ball is definitely a point, but has a jumper that lacks confidence. The guy I like the most is Frank Jackson who earned the co-MVP alongside his brother from another, Josh Jackson, in last year's McDonald's. He has shown himself to be a nice shooter first and foremost, but he plays the game at such a great, measured pace. He has a nice feel for the game and makes good decisions rather than rely on his very nice athleticism (dunk contest winner at Mickey Ds ASG).

Here's a video of the Jacksons' highlights from the McDonald's:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkmshRemTk[/youtube]

They really competed this year, so it made the game fun to watch. You can catch the whole game on youtube as well. Adebayo stood out as well, and his ASG averages in the two or three he played in look good. Doesn't blow you away, but when the game is over, you see the statistical impact he had.

Also, I like to listen to the guys when they interview. Gives you an idea of how intelligent they might be. Both Josh and Frank do very well. I wasn't impressed by Fultz or Smith Jr. Not that they sounded foolish, but they didn't stand out.

In a draft big board Josh Jackson would definitely be #1 for me, love his scrappyness and intensity and he has alpha potential on offense

[cyclix]

Josh Jackson has the potential of an elite, 2-way, playmaking wing player with elite skills and athleticism. If we had the #1 pick, he would be a no brainer. Giles plays more of a big mans game, and can shoot, but has had an ACL and MCL tear in both knees already before his 18th birthday... I'm not too fond with that.

I think Tatum is somewhat overrated. Not really athletic, has tunnel vision and loves to take long 2s. His game is too in-between. Will be skilled, but inefficient at the NBA level.

Dennis Smith is another interesting prospect... elite athleticism & handles, with good shooting. But he's had an ACL tear already.

Jon Isaac is interesting... a late bloomer, 6'11 with guard skills who just went through a rapid growth spurt recently. Truly, has a similar game to Kevin Durant, but his shot and form isn't nearly as consistent. Also, obviously needs to gain weight, but that will come. He looks like he has enough room to fill out his frame. Plays good defense, can move his feet in the perimeter and block shots.

DeAaron Fox would be considered a Heat type of player. Very tenacious on defense and is a pest, but also a good playmaking, true PG.

Lots of decent players with a few prospects with franchise player potential.

[RexBoyWonder]

I hesitate to call any of the top rated guards, "point guards". They all seem to be scoring guards from what I've watched. Fultz seems to be the best combo mix. Ball is definitely a point, but has a jumper that lacks confidence. The guy I like the most is Frank Jackson who earned the co-MVP alongside his brother from another, Josh Jackson, in last year's McDonald's. He has shown himself to be a nice shooter first and foremost, but he plays the game at such a great, measured pace. He has a nice feel for the game and makes good decisions rather than rely on his very nice athleticism (dunk contest winner at Mickey Ds ASG).

Here's a video of the Jacksons' highlights from the McDonald's:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkmshRemTk[/youtube]

They really competed this year, so it made the game fun to watch. You can catch the whole game on youtube as well. Adebayo stood out as well, and his ASG averages in the two or three he played in look good. Doesn't blow you away, but when the game is over, you see the statistical impact he had.

Also, I like to listen to the guys when they interview. Gives you an idea of how intelligent they might be. Both Josh and Frank do very well. I wasn't impressed by Fultz or Smith Jr. Not that they sounded foolish, but they didn't stand out.

In a draft big board Josh Jackson would definitely be #1 for me, love his scrappyness and intensity and he has alpha potential on offense

Josh Jackson reminds me a bit of prime Grant Hill, just very smart, well rounded and smooth.

He'd be perfect here, With Rich/TJ//Justise/Weber/Hassan - the missing piece is that #1 offensive option creator.

[UD4MVP]

I hesitate to call any of the top rated guards, "point guards". They all seem to be scoring guards from what I've watched. Fultz seems to be the best combo mix. Ball is definitely a point, but has a jumper that lacks confidence. The guy I like the most is Frank Jackson who earned the co-MVP alongside his brother from another, Josh Jackson, in last year's McDonald's. He has shown himself to be a nice shooter first and foremost, but he plays the game at such a great, measured pace. He has a nice feel for the game and makes good decisions rather than rely on his very nice athleticism (dunk contest winner at Mickey Ds ASG).

Here's a video of the Jacksons' highlights from the McDonald's:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkmshRemTk[/youtube]

They really competed this year, so it made the game fun to watch. You can catch the whole game on youtube as well. Adebayo stood out as well, and his ASG averages in the two or three he played in look good. Doesn't blow you away, but when the game is over, you see the statistical impact he had.

Also, I like to listen to the guys when they interview. Gives you an idea of how intelligent they might be. Both Josh and Frank do very well. I wasn't impressed by Fultz or Smith Jr. Not that they sounded foolish, but they didn't stand out.

In a draft big board Josh Jackson would definitely be #1 for me, love his scrappyness and intensity and he has alpha potential on offense

Josh Jackson reminds me a bit of prime Grant Hill, just very smart, well rounded and smooth.

He'd be perfect here, With Rich/TJ//Justise/Weber/Hassan - the missing piece is that #1 offensive option creator.

Jrich-Josh Jackson-Winslow -Hassan with TJ and Weber creating havoc on the bench

[SCHeat]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

[UD4MVP]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

I really talked myself into thinking Shabazz was gonna be nice lmao

[cyclix]

I'd put Josh Jackson at the 1 TJ at the 2 and Richardson at the 3: he's the best ball handler and distributor of the 3:

PG Josh Jackson
SG Tyler Johnson
SF Josh Richardson
PF Justise Winslow
C Hassan Whiteside

[RexBoyWonder]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

We're talking high lottery with elite physical tools 18 YO here, Bazz was a late first rounder tiny PG senior. Not same type of prospects.

[SCHeat]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

I really talked myself into thinking Shabazz was gonna be nice lmao

I did too haha

[SCHeat]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

We're talking high lottery with elite physical tools 18 YO here, Bazz was a late first rounder tiny PG senior. Not same type of prospects.

Not saying anything one way or the other. Just a commentary on how much of a crapshoot the whole process is. Beasley and Gerald Green were both young and had elite physical tools, yet we saw how they panned out. Draymond and Josh Richardson were both 4 year players picked in the second round. Hard to get it right in the NBA.

[RexBoyWonder]

Remember when Shabazz Napier was a thing?

We're talking high lottery with elite physical tools 18 YO here, Bazz was a late first rounder tiny PG senior. Not same type of prospects.

Not saying anything one way or the other. Just a commentary on how much of a crapshoot the whole process is. Beasley and Gerald Green were both young and had elite physical tools, yet we saw how they panned out. Draymond and Josh Richardson were both 4 year players picked in the second round. Hard to get it right in the NBA.

Right, but you can't let the difficulties prevent you from scouting hard and hope for the best.

Not all high lottery picks turn out great, but most of the great players were high lottery picks.

Example - In the last NBA finals - around 9 players from both starting 5's were top 10 draft picks.

Curry
Bogut
H.Barnes
Iguodala
Klay


Lebron
Kyrie
Love
TRistian Thompson


Nothing is guaranteed but You've got to play the odds.

[MettaWorldPanda]

What do you guys think about Ivan Rabb? Seen him compared to a Bosh type. Would look like he would make a nice fit at PF. NBADRAFT.net has him going 10th which i think is a realistic spot for us to be picking at.

[Cmon_Son-_-]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duxRUu2ykj4[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V63LRWlvHNE[/youtube]

[DayofMourning]

In a draft big board Josh Jackson would definitely be #1 for me, love his scrappyness and intensity and he has alpha potential on offense

I think JJ is a clear number one right now.

He is a very active defender who can control the game. He is a very willing passer, with a nice touch on his pass and good awareness of where his teammates are, or will be.

As a scorer, he has a lot of potential. He plays the game very well. He forces sometimes, as all very skilled athletes sometimes do, but his understanding of what he's able to do and when to do it is high level. He can do it all offensively.

I've also seem him get into guys' faces as well. He has that edge to his game.

As mentioned before, he is also well spoken and cerebral.

He's the total package. The best chance at being a super duper star since KD on the wing.