College basketball and 2017 draft - One more poll after last game

[Marcus]

Fultz appears not very interested in playing defense. He's pretty far behind other top PG prospects in the class when it comes to D, after this first few games.

James Harden 2.0?

Although it’s too early to draw conclusions, i picked up the impression that other side of the court is not so attractive to him. To say the least. First i thought i’m maybe overreacting, but then checked sports ref. and saw his drtg... Brrr...

To be fair I think there's a legit energy conservation thing happening there. Kelle can D up. Doesn't always get low enough but he can move his feet, has active hands, and is a playmaker on that end of the floor.

[Damkac]

Finally Suns choose to sucks in a right year

[Qwigglez]

Guys we are currently 2nd worst team in the league! I think the Mavs will start winning once Dirk and the rest of their team get healthy! We might end up getting a top 2 pick!

[TheFire]

Finally Suns choose to sucks in a right year

I can't express this enough. It would be nice if he can flip Knight and Tucker for another lottery pick!

[bwgood77]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

[Marcus]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

IMO I think Fultz gets the love he gets in some eyes because DX says he's number one and generally casuals go off of that instead of their own research on a prospect. I think Fultz is a top 5er but to me number one is Josh Jackson's to lose and I've stated this since before he chose to attend KU.

I think Kelle is a very good player, very smooth, good size, can be a primary ball-handler or play off ball. Probably a better fit for most teams in the running for a top pick due to being able to play on or off ball. I don't think he's a PG and he has a ways to go in terms of learning to play the position. I still hold fast to him needing a little more time before being impactful in the league. I don't think he's a guy you give the ball to day one and just get out of the way. I think he's going to be very good in time but to me there is no runaway number one. Like I said it's Josh's spot to lose but its a very real possibility that he could depending on who's drafting and who's riding the right wave at the right time come draft day.

as for your rankings:

Josh Jackson
Dennis Smith
Markelle Fultz
Jayson Tatum
Jonathan Isaac (if he can be consistent)
Harry Giles (tied with Fultz when healthy)
Lauri Markkanen
Ivan Rabb
Malik Monk

French Frank I know nothing about and OG I haven't seen enough of to form a real opinion.

Lonzo Ball btw if this jumper stays consistent could pass Fultz as well and probably/possibly Smith even though I still like DSJ as the first PG off the board.

[bwgood77]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

IMO I think Fultz gets the love he gets in some eyes because DX says he's number one and generally casuals go off of that instead of their own research on a prospect. I think Fultz is a top 5er but to me number one is Josh Jackson's to lose and I've stated this since before he chose to attend KU.

I think Kelle is a very good player, very smooth, good size, can be a primary ball-handler or play off ball. Probably a better fit for most teams in the running for a top pick due to being able to play on or off ball. I don't think he's a PG and he has a ways to go in terms of learning to play the position. I still hold fast to him needing a little more time before being impactful in the league. I don't think he's a guy you give the ball to day one and just get out of the way. I think he's going to be very good in time but to me there is no runaway number one. Like I said it's Josh's spot to lose but its a very real possibility that he could depending on who's drafting and who's riding the right wave at the right time come draft day.

as for your rankings:

Josh Jackson
Dennis Smith
Markelle Fultz
Jayson Tatum
Jonathan Isaac (if he can be consistent)
Harry Giles (tied with Fultz when healthy)
Lauri Markkanen
Ivan Rabb
Malik Monk

French Frank I know nothing about and OG I haven't seen enough of to form a real opinion.

Lonzo Ball btw if this jumper stays consistent could pass Fultz as well and probably/possibly Smith even though I still like DSJ as the first PG off the board.

Personally one of the reasons I'm not really high on Fultz is because he is a combo guard and I've personally seen enough of that from Suns guards over the last couple of years. Some that really want a pass first PG and seem not to like our combo type guards think Fultz is the man it seems so maybe I just haven't watched him enough.

[Marcus]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

IMO I think Fultz gets the love he gets in some eyes because DX says he's number one and generally casuals go off of that instead of their own research on a prospect. I think Fultz is a top 5er but to me number one is Josh Jackson's to lose and I've stated this since before he chose to attend KU.

I think Kelle is a very good player, very smooth, good size, can be a primary ball-handler or play off ball. Probably a better fit for most teams in the running for a top pick due to being able to play on or off ball. I don't think he's a PG and he has a ways to go in terms of learning to play the position. I still hold fast to him needing a little more time before being impactful in the league. I don't think he's a guy you give the ball to day one and just get out of the way. I think he's going to be very good in time but to me there is no runaway number one. Like I said it's Josh's spot to lose but its a very real possibility that he could depending on who's drafting and who's riding the right wave at the right time come draft day.

as for your rankings:

Josh Jackson
Dennis Smith
Markelle Fultz
Jayson Tatum
Jonathan Isaac (if he can be consistent)
Harry Giles (tied with Fultz when healthy)
Lauri Markkanen
Ivan Rabb
Malik Monk

French Frank I know nothing about and OG I haven't seen enough of to form a real opinion.

Lonzo Ball btw if this jumper stays consistent could pass Fultz as well and probably/possibly Smith even though I still like DSJ as the first PG off the board.

Personally one of the reasons I'm not really high on Fultz is because he is a combo guard and I've personally seen enough of that from Suns guards over the last couple of years. Some that really want a pass first PG and seem not to like our combo type guards think Fultz is the man it seems so maybe I just haven't watched him enough.

I agree with you on Fultz in terms of fit for Phoenix. He's not quite a PG, granted he has good vision and can make good passes but he's not a get the guys in the right space to create a shot for them type of player. He's more of a get myself in the right position to make a play for them to which you can move Devin over to PG for that if you wanted to.

I've said it before that Lonzo Ball would be the ideal PG for you guys if you can move Bledsoe and/or Knight. You'd have 2 good sized guards and Lonzo's game is built for shooters and bigs that catch and finish which I think you guys have enough of for it to be a good fit. As well as Warren cuts, Devin finds an open space, and as hard as Len and Chriss dive Lonzo would have a field day in that offense especially in the open floor. Also although small I think Ulis is a solid backup PG at this level.

[Djedefre]

As for PG’s, Smith and Fultz are shoulder to shoulder to me. Ball is trailing a bit, with Fox for whom i had so few good words before start of the season. He surprised me big time, for now, appearing as capable defender, much smarter with that speed, able to see on the floor and find his teammates.

Jackson and Kansas... Not ideal combo, but he is special, no doubt about it. Trouble with drafting him for example is, from my pov, that we desperately need a future good/great PG, that we could land only with our highest pick, and fenomenal SF prospect like Anunoby, that fits our team perfectly, could be grabbed in late lottery. It could be two birds with one stone story, again.

[Marcus]

As for PG’s, Smith and Fultz are shoulder to shoulder to me. Ball is trailing a bit, with Fox for whom i had so few good words before start of the season. He surprised me big time, for now, appearing as capable defender, much smarter with that speed, able to see on the floor and find his teammates.

Jackson and Kansas... Not ideal combo, but he is special, no doubt about it. Trouble with drafting him for example is, from my pov, that we desperately need a future good/great PG, that we could land only with our highest pick, and fenomenal SF prospect like Anunoby, that fits our team perfectly, could be grabbed in late lottery. It could be two birds with one stone story, again.

not sure how much head to heads sway your opinion but Dec 3rd Ball v Fox. just saying.

[ATTL]

I'm liking ball more and more. He's not in the lottery on DX. They seem to make up their mind on a player and take forever to change it or update their mock if a player is underperforming or better than expected.

[darealjuice]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Spoiler:

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

He's just been showing the full package the first few games, granted it's been against pretty mediocre teams without much/any NBA talent. Elite athleticism and great size/length, nice stroke from outside, strong ball handling, willing and creative passer, and he's just got a really smooth game. I haven't seen the defensive impact I'd like to see from him, but this far into the season he's looked like a DRose level prospect, expect with a better jump shot. Averaging 27 pts/6.7 assists/5.3 rebounds over 3 games shooting 67.5% from the field and 50% from 3 on decent volume is impressive no matter who you're playing against.

He's definitely in the combo guard tier though, which surprises me as much as you that people are so interested in him, especially considering all the hate on Bledsoe/Knight not being pure point guards and love of Ulis in pretty much every game thread.

As far as ranking those prospects, I don't know enough about them at this point to give an educated answer outside of what I've read on the internet and have seen so far. And you couldn't pay me to watch a U of Eh basketball game, so I probably will never know much about Lauri until draft season lol.

[bwgood77]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Spoiler:

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

He's just been showing the full package the first few games, granted it's been against pretty mediocre teams without much/any NBA talent. Elite athleticism and great size/length, nice stroke from outside, strong ball handling, willing and creative passer, and he's just got a really smooth game. I haven't seen the defensive impact I'd like to see from him, but this far into the season he's looked like a DRose level prospect, expect with a better jump shot. Averaging 27 pts/6.7 assists/5.3 rebounds over 3 games shooting 67.5% from the field and 50% from 3 on decent volume is impressive no matter who you're playing against.

He's definitely in the combo guard tier though, which surprises me as much as you that people are so interested in him, especially considering all the hate on Bledsoe/Knight not being pure point guards and love of Ulis in pretty much every game thread.

As far as ranking those prospects, I don't know enough about them at this point to give an educated answer outside of what I've read on the internet and have seen so far. And you couldn't pay me to watch a U of Eh basketball game, so I probably will never know much about Lauri until draft season lol.

Why the hate for AZ? Old footage of AZ's championship run where they knocked out Pierce's 30-1 team, who was the overall top seed while AZ was like a 5 seed?

[OGBAH]

Is it bad I'd take Ulis over this drafts point guards?
I won't be watching any of them till March Madness

[darealjuice]

Can someone explain to me why a few here are proclaiming Fultz to be a super game changer, as if he is far and away the best prospect, after a handful of college games?

Spoiler:

Also, how do each of you rank these prospects personally? (if you don't know the player just leave them out of your rankings)

2017 1ST ROUND MOCK
1.
Markelle Fultz PG
Washington, Freshman
2.
Dennis Smith PG
N.C. State, Freshman
3.
Jayson Tatum SF
Duke, Freshman
4.
Josh Jackson SF
Kansas, Freshman
5.
Harry Giles PF
Duke, Freshman
6.
Frank Ntilikina PG
Strasbourg, International
7.
Jonathan Isaac SF
Florida St, Freshman
8.
Lauri Markkanen PF
Arizona, Freshman
9.
OG Anunoby SF
Indiana, Sophomore
10.
Ivan Rabb PF
California, Sophomore
11.
Malik Monk PG/SG
Kentucky, Freshman

He's just been showing the full package the first few games, granted it's been against pretty mediocre teams without much/any NBA talent. Elite athleticism and great size/length, nice stroke from outside, strong ball handling, willing and creative passer, and he's just got a really smooth game. I haven't seen the defensive impact I'd like to see from him, but this far into the season he's looked like a DRose level prospect, expect with a better jump shot. Averaging 27 pts/6.7 assists/5.3 rebounds over 3 games shooting 67.5% from the field and 50% from 3 on decent volume is impressive no matter who you're playing against.

He's definitely in the combo guard tier though, which surprises me as much as you that people are so interested in him, especially considering all the hate on Bledsoe/Knight not being pure point guards and love of Ulis in pretty much every game thread.

As far as ranking those prospects, I don't know enough about them at this point to give an educated answer outside of what I've read on the internet and have seen so far. And you couldn't pay me to watch a U of Eh basketball game, so I probably will never know much about Lauri until draft season lol.

Why the hate for AZ? Old footage of AZ's championship run where they knocked out Pierce's 30-1 team, who was the overall top seed while AZ was like a 5 seed?

Family tradition is to hate U of A lol

[Jarlaxle0204]

As for PG’s, Smith and Fultz are shoulder to shoulder to me. Ball is trailing a bit, with Fox for whom i had so few good words before start of the season. He surprised me big time, for now, appearing as capable defender, much smarter with that speed, able to see on the floor and find his teammates.

Jackson and Kansas... Not ideal combo, but he is special, no doubt about it. Trouble with drafting him for example is, from my pov, that we desperately need a future good/great PG, that we could land only with our highest pick, and fenomenal SF prospect like Anunoby, that fits our team perfectly, could be grabbed in late lottery. It could be two birds with one stone story, again.

I have a similar thought to yours in that I'd like to make a trade (of either Bledsoe, Knight, Tucker, Chandler, etc) to get a late lotto pick but I'd go in the other direction. I'd draft someone like Jackson or Taytum with our pick and Ball or Fox with the late lotto if propect rankings remain the same. Effectively "finish" our rebuild with youth and talent all over the place.

[bwgood77]

Arizona playing Butler in a tight game...for AZ fans you can probably catch second half after Suns game.

Box score... http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400926926

[MrMiyagi]

Arizona playing Butler in a tight game...for AZ fans you can probably catch second half after Suns game.

Box score... http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400926926

Such a bummer game. There were some bull fouls called on Markkanen, but we were stagnant on offense for a lot of this game.

[DirtyDez]

Hard to beat good teams when your PG is a shrimp. And not an explosive/bulldog shrimp like Ulis... PJC is outmatched.

Sucks we couldn't get in on Ball/Fultz.

[ATTL]

Ball with 13 and 7 with 1 to and 3-5 from 3. I think he could be the best pick for us. Big point guard, no injury concerns, athletic, pass first. I like him a lot.

Josh Jackson with 14, 7,4,3.

Bam with 15 and 12, 8 offensive boards.

Fultz with 9,10,8. Poor shooting but good to see him pick up the slack elsewhere.