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

[Kerrsed]

Im starting to be intrigued by Frank Ntilikina, which is very rare, as i usually almost always tend to shy away from Euro prospects.

He needs to work on being more vocal on the court and more aggressive (He's somewhat French), but from what ive seen and read about the kid, he has some amazing skills on both ends of the floor and is supposed to be one of the best Euro prospects to come over in years.

Im almost at a loss to figure out what we really need when it comes to the draft or FA. I mean Booker is locking in at SG, Warren has shown some promise, but since his mysterious head injury he hasnt really been the same, Bender/Chriss are fighting for that PF spot, but its also fee-sable that one of them could slide over to SF if need be. Len is a bust, an absolute bust, here he is in the last year of his contract, supposed to be playing the best ball of his career trying to get that major payday, and yet he is failing on every level. But the good part about that is the emergence of Big Sauce. I have been waiting and waiting for the Suns to unleash him, and ever since they did, he has been having great games night after night. Williams is what we hoped Len would give us, so why give Len a big payday when Williams is doing exactly what he should be doing.

Now with the PG spot we have a question mark. Bledsoe has been playing great, but his knees are on borrowed time. Do i trust them enough to offer him another contract? No way. Do i expect him to stay injury free until his current contract expires? Not a chance. Then we have Ulis, who has shown some promise as a playmaking PG. He's small and crafty, but i still question his skills. Since we have been giving him minutes he has shined, but other teams arnt prepared for him, and dont really have much of a scouting report to go on about how to play against him. Once they learn, will he still be effective? Its like the LINsanity situation, but without the super gaudy numbers Lin was putting up. Once teams learned how to defend him and play against him, he pretty much fell off a cliff again.

So what i see is we maybe need a PG, maybe need a SF, and maybe need a C, but all 3 of those positions are still kinda questionmarks.

[Kerrsed]

Re-guarding Ball (Bleh), i just dont see it. His dad is a whack-job, but congrats on him he got all his kids into UCLA based off of working a deal that said that Lonzo would sign with them, but only if the offered Zo's other 2 brothers scholarships as well (which they ended up doing). Thats crazy, but so is saying he is better than Curry, on Jordans level, will only play with the Lakers (later backtracks), will be the 1st NCAA athlete to go pro while also having his own brand, and also doesnt need an agent, as family has his back.

The dad is a piece of work, and i can tell you right now that he will be a major headache. It wouldnt surprise me that if we did take Ball and didnt start him on day one that the dad would be throwing a fit and asking for a trade.

Moving on from his pops, lets talk about his game. Both in HS and College, the teams completely changed their systems to accommodate Ball. Many questions linger about how effective would he be if not in a breakneck tempo system like what he has played in since HS. Can he handle half court? During the playoffs when the speed of the game is slowed way way down, how will he preform? Nobody knows.

His defense is primairly based off his size, and not necessarily on his skill. The average height for a D1 PG is 6 foot, so having a 6'6 player (Ball) defending a much much smaller guy, makes him look amazing. Yet when you watch the games, i just dont see the real effort there, just sticking arms out and using his length. Now i could be wrong as i have only watched a handful of UCLA games (and some other highlights), but thats what i see.

His shot is pretty bad. It works for him currently, but such a low release is just asking defenders to swat it away mid-air. True, his "Face Fling" technique is fast, but its just coming from so low.

Court vision and passing is amazing. It better be when your 6'6 and have no issues seeing over the defenders.

Im just not a fan, and think he will have a tough time in league, and the team drafting him will have a tough time dealing with his family.

[ATTL]

Ntilikina is making a move, had 3 of his best games in a row and now starting.

He's the McDonough type.

He'll be the youngest player in the draft, and we've drafted the youngest player 2 straight years.

[bwgood77]

Re-guarding Ball (Bleh), i just dont see it. His dad is a whack-job, but congrats on him he got all his kids into UCLA based off of working a deal that said that Lonzo would sign with them, but only if the offered Zo's other 2 brothers scholarships as well (which they ended up doing). Thats crazy, but so is saying he is better than Curry, on Jordans level, will only play with the Lakers (later backtracks), will be the 1st NCAA athlete to go pro while also having his own brand, and also doesnt need an agent, as family has his back.

The dad is a piece of work, and i can tell you right now that he will be a major headache. It wouldnt surprise me that if we did take Ball and didnt start him on day one that the dad would be throwing a fit and asking for a trade.

Moving on from his pops, lets talk about his game. Both in HS and College, the teams completely changed their systems to accommodate Ball. Many questions linger about how effective would he be if not in a breakneck tempo system like what he has played in since HS. Can he handle half court? During the playoffs when the speed of the game is slowed way way down, how will he preform? Nobody knows.

His defense is primairly based off his size, and not necessarily on his skill. The average height for a D1 PG is 6 foot, so having a 6'6 player (Ball) defending a much much smaller guy, makes him look amazing. Yet when you watch the games, i just dont see the real effort there, just sticking arms out and using his length. Now i could be wrong as i have only watched a handful of UCLA games (and some other highlights), but thats what i see.

His shot is pretty bad. It works for him currently, but such a low release is just asking defenders to swat it away mid-air. True, his "Face Fling" technique is fast, but its just coming from so low.

Court vision and passing is amazing. It better be when your 6'6 and have no issues seeing over the defenders.

Im just not a fan, and think he will have a tough time in league, and the team drafting him will have a tough time dealing with his family.

I don't know what to think of Ball. If scouts and DX have him ranked second, I expect they know more than us. I am unsure of him, but he led UCLA from like the 122nd best offense to #1 in a season, and have them ranked in the top 2 or 3. He gets the most out of others. Sure, maybe running the pick n roll isn't his thing. He seems to be high iq...can he not do it or is it not needed for him now leading the #1 offense in the country? He is probably a guy to adapt to what is needed. While I feel more comfortable with Fultz, Jackson and possibly Ntilinka, and maybe Isaac, I have a feeling Ball will find a way to be successful.

[Christine-In-AZ]

double

[Christine-In-AZ]

Whenever I watch Ball play the word that keeps coming up for me is "nonchalant"...I don't like it.

When it comes to his strange shooting form? I can envision a middle or high school coach of his trying to get him to change, followed by that coach getting a tongue lashing from Daddy soon afterwards.

[MrMiyagi]

Whenever I watch Ball play the word that keeps coming up for me is "nonchalant"...I don't like it.

When it comes to his strange shooting form? I can envision a middle or high school coach of his trying to get him to change, followed by that coach getting a tongue lashing from Daddy soon afterwards.

What comes to mind when you watch Fultz play?

[Christine-In-AZ]

Whenever I watch Ball play the word that keeps coming up for me is "nonchalant"...I don't like it.

When it comes to his strange shooting form? I can envision a middle or high school coach of his trying to get him to change, followed by that coach getting a tongue lashing from Daddy soon afterwards.

What comes to mind when you watch Fultz play?

DWade

[Kerrsed]

LaVar Ball, the father of UCLA star Lonzo Ball, once again grabbed attention when a Tucson radio station reported that LaVar said Lonzo would only play for the Lakers. LaVar backtracked on those comments, but he hasn’t stopped talking about his ultra-talented son, who he twice claimed is currently better than 2-time MVP Steph Curry.

On Monday, LaVar called into ESPN LA’s Morning Show with Keyshawn, Jorge and LZ to talk about Lonzo and the process leading up to the summer’s NBA draft. LaVar disputed the notion that Lonzo even needs an agent and said that the family has already worked to build a marketing and distribution power around Lonzo, comparing it to Jordan Brand with Nike.

He said that Lonzo will be the first player in the draft with his own brand:

“They’re kicking in the door, but they’re shocked at what I’m telling them. I said, ‘I’m not looking for no endorsement deal. I’m looking for a marketing and distribution deal.’ Branding. The only person doing that is (Michael) Jordan with Nike. That’s what we’re for. If Lonzo doesn’t sign with Adidas, Nike or Under Armour, guess what — I’ll sign the Big Baller Brand.

“We already got our own brand. Triple B’s. Lonzo is going to be the first one drafted with his own brand. That don’t happen.”

The Big Baller Brand is already an active apparel company, and LaVar often sports a “Triple B” logo when watching his sons — Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo — play basketball. While openly discussing this marketing plan for Lonzo, LaVar emphasized on the show that he was not looking to become an agent.

He also shot down concerns that his outspoken nature about his son would scare away teams.

He said:

“Here’s the thing right here. I know what my son’s about. He knows what I’m about. Now, all these people saying, ‘Oh, LaVar needs to shut up and let his son just play.’ No. You shut up and let my son just play. I’m going to say whatever I want to say, and I’ve been like this all my life. Everybody expects this right now, Keyshawn, for me to back up. They can go and do what they do. I’m not backing up. I’ve been in my son’s life all this time. He would be thinking differently if I didn’t say anything.”

[Stix]

Big Baller Brand

He is seriously robbing his son of millions of dollars by starting his own brand. Especially when he busts, the brand will be worth a big fat ZERO

Shaq had his own brand too, so did Stephon Marbury... those were wildly successful weren't they? At least at Kmart.

[ATTL]

Honestly, fultz floated through the games I watched live. He has great highlights and stats, and is the best prospect in this draft.

[Kerrsed]

Honestly, fultz floated through the games I watched live. He has great highlights and stats, and is the best prospect in this draft.

Its crazy that when i have watched Fultz play, he makes everything look so effortless, in a Kobe kind of way. Some of the shots he hits and plays he makes around the rim, they just look like they are easy to him, and it doesnt even faze him. Ive seen him hit some big shots and act like its nothing. Now im not saying he is just like Kobe or even in his league (Only real time in the NBA will tell), but his skills are very Kobe-esque and effortless.

[jcsunsfan]

Ntilikina is making a move, had 3 of his best games in a row and now starting.

He's the McDonough type.

He'll be the youngest player in the draft, and we've drafted the youngest player 2 straight years.

He is so stinking far away. He not only has to be a good pg, he has to develop into a leader. Young age, new country, new culture. I just do see the fit.

[Marcus]

I understand Lonzo being an acquired taste or a preference kind of thing. But how anybody can question his on court ability is baffling to me.

[jcsunsfan]

Re-guarding Ball (Bleh), i just dont see it. His dad is a whack-job, but congrats on him he got all his kids into UCLA based off of working a deal that said that Lonzo would sign with them, but only if the offered Zo's other 2 brothers scholarships as well (which they ended up doing). Thats crazy, but so is saying he is better than Curry, on Jordans level, will only play with the Lakers (later backtracks), will be the 1st NCAA athlete to go pro while also having his own brand, and also doesnt need an agent, as family has his back.

The dad is a piece of work, and i can tell you right now that he will be a major headache. It wouldnt surprise me that if we did take Ball and didnt start him on day one that the dad would be throwing a fit and asking for a trade.

Moving on from his pops, lets talk about his game. Both in HS and College, the teams completely changed their systems to accommodate Ball. Many questions linger about how effective would he be if not in a breakneck tempo system like what he has played in since HS. Can he handle half court? During the playoffs when the speed of the game is slowed way way down, how will he preform? Nobody knows.

His defense is primairly based off his size, and not necessarily on his skill. The average height for a D1 PG is 6 foot, so having a 6'6 player (Ball) defending a much much smaller guy, makes him look amazing. Yet when you watch the games, i just dont see the real effort there, just sticking arms out and using his length. Now i could be wrong as i have only watched a handful of UCLA games (and some other highlights), but thats what i see.

His shot is pretty bad. It works for him currently, but such a low release is just asking defenders to swat it away mid-air. True, his "Face Fling" technique is fast, but its just coming from so low.

Court vision and passing is amazing. It better be when your 6'6 and have no issues seeing over the defenders.

Im just not a fan, and think he will have a tough time in league, and the team drafting him will have a tough time dealing with his family.

I don't know what to think of Ball. If scouts and DX have him ranked second, I expect they know more than us. I am unsure of him, but he led UCLA from like the 122nd best offense to #1 in a season, and have them ranked in the top 2 or 3. He gets the most out of others. Sure, maybe running the pick n roll isn't his thing. He seems to be high iq...can he not do it or is it not needed for him now leading the #1 offense in the country? He is probably a guy to adapt to what is needed. While I feel more comfortable with Fultz, Jackson and possibly Ntilinka, and maybe Isaac, I have a feeling Ball will find a way to be successful.

I think people overthink Ball. The results are hard to argue. The coach is the same. While TJ Leaf is good, he is not that good. Ball is the straw that stirs the drink. He just knows how to play. He is in the right place at the right time. He makes the right pass. He does it effortlessly. He plays D. He is seems to be able to do whatever is necessary to win. He is the oil in the engine. I firmly believe he will have the most immediate impact of any player in this draft.

I know his father is a problem. But there are NBA rules that limit him. Ball and Fultz are the superstars in this draft but I think Ball will be the better pro. He doesn't care much about scoring, he cares about winning. He is the opposite of Brandon Knight. Look how much of an impact Tyler Ulis has had. Now imagine a 6-5 Ulis who can shoot the three. That's what Ball is.

A Ball/Booker back court would be amazing to watch. Do you really think Fultz/Booker would work as well? Would Fultz play the unselfish bball that Lonzo does? Fultz is going to be a great player, but he should go to a team with less weapons than the Suns.

[Qwigglez]

Big Baller Brand

He is seriously robbing his son of millions of dollars by starting his own brand. Especially when he busts, the brand will be worth a big fat ZERO

Shaq had his own brand too, so did Stephon Marbury... those were wildly successful weren't they? At least at Kmart.

They still have their brands if I remember correctly. Marbury and his shoes are a hit in China I thought. Shaq sells his shoes cheap because he wants to promote them to the less privileged kids.

[SC923]

Re-guarding Ball (Bleh), i just dont see it. His dad is a whack-job, but congrats on him he got all his kids into UCLA based off of working a deal that said that Lonzo would sign with them, but only if the offered Zo's other 2 brothers scholarships as well (which they ended up doing). Thats crazy, but so is saying he is better than Curry, on Jordans level, will only play with the Lakers (later backtracks), will be the 1st NCAA athlete to go pro while also having his own brand, and also doesnt need an agent, as family has his back.

The dad is a piece of work, and i can tell you right now that he will be a major headache. It wouldnt surprise me that if we did take Ball and didnt start him on day one that the dad would be throwing a fit and asking for a trade.

Moving on from his pops, lets talk about his game. Both in HS and College, the teams completely changed their systems to accommodate Ball. Many questions linger about how effective would he be if not in a breakneck tempo system like what he has played in since HS. Can he handle half court? During the playoffs when the speed of the game is slowed way way down, how will he preform? Nobody knows.

His defense is primairly based off his size, and not necessarily on his skill. The average height for a D1 PG is 6 foot, so having a 6'6 player (Ball) defending a much much smaller guy, makes him look amazing. Yet when you watch the games, i just dont see the real effort there, just sticking arms out and using his length. Now i could be wrong as i have only watched a handful of UCLA games (and some other highlights), but thats what i see.

His shot is pretty bad. It works for him currently, but such a low release is just asking defenders to swat it away mid-air. True, his "Face Fling" technique is fast, but its just coming from so low.

Court vision and passing is amazing. It better be when your 6'6 and have no issues seeing over the defenders.

Im just not a fan, and think he will have a tough time in league, and the team drafting him will have a tough time dealing with his family.

I don't know what to think of Ball. If scouts and DX have him ranked second, I expect they know more than us. I am unsure of him, but he led UCLA from like the 122nd best offense to #1 in a season, and have them ranked in the top 2 or 3. He gets the most out of others. Sure, maybe running the pick n roll isn't his thing. He seems to be high iq...can he not do it or is it not needed for him now leading the #1 offense in the country? He is probably a guy to adapt to what is needed. While I feel more comfortable with Fultz, Jackson and possibly Ntilinka, and maybe Isaac, I have a feeling Ball will find a way to be successful.

I think people overthink Ball. The results are hard to argue. The coach is the same. While TJ Leaf is good, he is not that good. Ball is the straw that stirs the drink. He just knows how to play. He is in the right place at the right time. He makes the right pass. He does it effortlessly. He plays D. He is seems to be able to do whatever is necessary to win. He is the oil in the engine. I firmly believe he will have the most immediate impact of any player in this draft.

I know his father is a problem. But there are NBA rules that limit him. Ball and Fultz are the superstars in this draft but I think Ball will be the better pro. He doesn't care much about scoring, he cares about winning. He is the opposite of Brandon Knight. Look how much of an impact Tyler Ulis has had. Now imagine a 6-5 Ulis who can shoot the three. That's what Ball is.

My concerns is lack of ability to create in the halfcourt, and really can only excel in transition. On the other hand, I think he'll generate so many easy looks for all of: Chriss, Booker, Warren, Bender and Williams. I think we need to find a PG that fits our young core sooner rather than later because not sure if Ulis is the starter of the future but Jackson really impresses me more than Ball as an overall player.

[sunsbum]

If kerrsed hates ball then I definitely want him to be a sun. I mean, he was 100% anti Booker. :Lol:

[ATTL]

Kerrsed was very anti Kendal Marshal too

[MrMiyagi]

So what i see is we maybe need a PG, maybe need a SF, and maybe need a C, but all 3 of those positions are still kinda questionmarks.

IMO, there are two players who kind of solve both of those: Josh Jackson and Lonzo Ball. I know you're pretty sour on Ball, and I'm not sure he can defend 3s next level, but I do believe a Bledsoe-Booker-Ball perimeter would be damn hard to stop. (I think I know you're not going to agree, so don't feel the need to justify why you think I'm wrong on this).

I'm loving Jackson more and more as I keep watching him. He's not the playmaker Ball has been in college, but he can make plays. I think that Bledsoe's going to be alright as he's slowed his game down. That doesn't mean he doesn't have re-injury risk, but I think he's got a few good years left. By the time his body betrays him, I think Booker and Jackson will be competent enough to get their own shots as well as get shots for others, giving us some time to find a replacement. Plus he'll defend next level. Shooting is the main concern, but I think he'll get his shot consistent as it's the only thing I think he really needs to work on.