2018 NBA Draft

[SirChurros]

Duval, to me, just seems primed to be the next Westbrook (minus Westbrook's unmatchable fire) if he can knock down jumpers consistently.

Not the same athlete as Westbrook. Duval has elite quickness and shiftiness, his explosion isnt on the same level as Westbrook. Id put his leaping ability just a tier above Damian Lillard. Lillard has some nasty dunks in his career.

I know he's not the same athlete. I was referring to play style/aggression.

I see a lot of similarities between Duval and Westbrook. More so than some of the other comps I've seen.

[The-Power]

So Porter now to Missouri instead of Washington due to the coaching changes. Thoughts?

[Zukkoyaki]

He's going to stat-pad on a likely NIT team and possibly go #1 in the draft. As a Mizzou fan, it's a nice moral victory for the program.

[Disposable Hero]

So Porter now to Missouri instead of Washington due to the coaching changes. Thoughts?

the practice of hiring father's to get the son should be illegal. This will have as much impact on Missouri as Simmons had on LSU. Which is to say, like Simmons and LSU, they won't make the tournament most likely and the program won't benefit beyond next season. He seems like a kid who would have jumped to the NBA if given the chance and with his size and skillset would likely have gone #1 in this draft as well. Seems like many top kids (Simmons, Fultz, Porter, DSJ, Ferguson) are done playing the NCAA game and choose to go to comfy situations where they can play out the string and where they won't help the NCAA ratings by making tournaments. It is what it is. Porter is an insane talent right up there with the Simmons, AD, Durant types. I don't think there's a close second in 2018 class. It's a very impressive class despite that though.

[The-Power]

the practice of hiring father's to get the son should be illegal.

The problem with Porter is that, in the games I got to watch in their entirety, he's super lazy on defense. Now he commits to a low-tier program with not much else on the roster while being coached by his dad among others. Not exactly challenging yourself. If he shows enough offensively, and I would expect that, then he's going to be one of the top picks regardless of how much defense he actually plays. Especially since the potential is there. But I wouldn't feel all that comfortable to get a player who has to change his attitude consistently all of a sudden. Maybe he proves me wrong and plays hard every night but this move - and the commitment to Washington before for that matter - isn't exactly encouraging...

[Disposable Hero]

the practice of hiring father's to get the son should be illegal.

The problem with Porter is that, in the games I got to watch in their entirety, he's super lazy on defense. Now he commits to a low-tier program with not much else on the roster while being coached by his dad among others. Not exactly challenging yourself. If he shows enough offensively, and I would expect that, then he's going to be one of the top picks regardless of how much defense he actually plays. Especially since the potential is there. But I wouldn't feel all that comfortable to get a player who has to change his attitude consistently all of a sudden. Maybe he proves me wrong and plays hard every night but this move - and the commitment to Washington before for that matter - isn't exactly encouraging...

couldn't agree more! He stands around a lot and barely tries. I think it's boredom maybe. But his combination of size, skill and athleticism is as high as Simmons. He's elite in that regard. Because this draft class doesn't have that #1 generational type player is why I think he'd go #1. 2018 has more competition in that regard but each of the competition has flaws. It's just an early guess that he'd be #1. I see Ayton being very lazy too, Doncic is a mystery because people in Europe swear by the kid but he doesn't look athletic enough to though he's very skilled, and Bamba lacks an offensive skill set like the others. If I was to guess, I'd say Carter will be the one to rival him for #1 overall.

[old skool]

I can't knock Porter for going to Missouri. That is his home town and his dad had previously coached in the Missouri women's program before going to Washington. It is understandable that he decided not to go to Washington as Romar was his godfather and a close family friend. The results might mirror Simmons at LSU, but the motivations are completely different.

[Duke4life831]

I can't knock Porter for going to Missouri. That is his home town and his dad had previously coached in the Missouri women's program before going to Washington. It is understandable that he decided not to go to Washington as Romar was his godfather and a close family friend. The results might mirror Simmons at LSU, but the motivations are completely different.

Simmons went to LSU because his godfather was an assistant coach there. Porter is going to Missouri because his dad is an assistant coach there. I think theyre very similar situations and motivations.

[Disposable Hero]

Lots of talent on display at the McDonald's All American game. The bigs in this class are special! It looks to be a loaded lottery at least based on who was on the floor. Of course Doncic and other Europeans need to be factored in as well plus I'm sure more kids will make their presence known by next season. As a Duke fan I was very impressed with Carter who is taller than I thought he'd be. He is a beast. I wasn't that impressed with Trent Jr. but he was obviously pressing. Bamba is a freak and Porter won MVP with a very workmanlike performance. Sexton, Duval and Young flashed as well. Next season is going to be another freshmen dominated year in college basketball.

[GimmeDat]

Sexton has a lot of flair, really enjoyable to watch at these levels. his play in the McD's game reminds me of his u17 mix -

Watch on YouTube

[bulliedog8]

How accurate are these comparisons to play styles? Because based on these comparisons (I know this isnt saying that would be their ceiling or anything), youd think 2018 would be a ridiculous draft too.

Troy Brown Jr = Evan Turner
Collin Sexton = Eric Bledsoe
Bradon McCoy = Myles Turner
Kevin Knox = Rudy Gay
Mitchell Robinson = Whiteside
Michael Porter Jr = Paul George
Wendell Carter = Al Forford
Trevon Duval = Derrick Rose
Mohamed Bamba = Anthony Davis
Deandre Ayton = DeMarcus Cousins


And they didnt even have the best SG in it, Gary Trent Jr. Dude is such a beast. Had a down Mcdonalds game. He is so methodical though. I think he will be really good.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2698540-pro-player-comparisons-for-2017-mcdonalds-all-american-game

[No-Man]

How accurate are these comparisons to play styles? Because based on these comparisons (I know this isnt saying that would be their ceiling or anything), youd think 2018 would be a ridiculous draft too.

Troy Brown Jr = Evan Turner
Collin Sexton = Eric Bledsoe
Bradon McCoy = Myles Turner
Kevin Knox = Rudy Gay
Mitchell Robinson = Whiteside
Michael Porter Jr = Paul George
Wendell Carter = Al Forford
Trevon Duval = Derrick Rose
Mohamed Bamba = Anthony Davis
Deandre Ayton = DeMarcus Cousins


And they didnt even have the best SG in it, Gary Trent Jr. Dude is such a beast. Had a down Mcdonalds game. He is so methodical though. I think he will be really good.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2698540-pro-player-comparisons-for-2017-mcdonalds-all-american-game

Eeeehhhh not sure, Brown is a better athlete, still not super athletic, but, than Turner, better shooter too.
Sexton is a different player than Bledsoe, but I get why they make the comp, Sexton plays hard all game long but isnt as athletic/strong as Bledsoe and I think he is the lesser passer too.
Can't see the McCoy-Turner, McCoy is basically a jumpshooter, not athletic, Robinson weighs like 200lbs, Whiteside probably is close to what, 280?
Don't know which one is most ridiculous of the last 3, probably Bamba-Davis, if anything Bamba might be similar to Gobert if he breaks right.

The only one there that makes some sense is Carter-Horford and I think Carter is more like a more talented/lesser athlete Derrick Favors.

Trent future is pretty meh, he is sooo slow.

[bulliedog8]

Eeeehhhh not sure, Brown is a better athlete, still not super athletic, but, than Turner, better shooter too.
Sexton is a different player than Bledsoe, but I get why they make the comp, Sexton plays hard all game long but isnt as athletic/strong as Bledsoe and I think he is the lesser passer too.
Can't see the McCoy-Turner, McCoy is basically a jumpshooter, not athletic, Robinson weighs like 200lbs, Whiteside probably is close to what, 280?
Don't know which one is most ridiculous of the last 3, probably Bamba-Davis, if anything Bamba might be similar to Gobert if he breaks right.

The only one there that makes some sense is Carter-Horford and I think Carter is more like a more talented/lesser athlete Derrick Favors.

Trent future is pretty meh, he is sooo slow.

Im always just high and/or biased towards minnesota kids. Especially GTJ since ive hooped with/against him at lifetime a few years back. So I like to see Minn kids do well.

I think his feel for the game is great. Yes he is slow. But I could see him being a Dangelo Russell type (who I am still very high on though most arent).

But so for the 2018 draft, would you stay it is a stacked draft at the top, or not as good as 2017?

[No-Man]

Oh I think it has the potential to be better than 2017 esp in terms of star power, likely it would be about the same if guys declare early.

[Duke4life831]

Eeeehhhh not sure, Brown is a better athlete, still not super athletic, but, than Turner, better shooter too.
Sexton is a different player than Bledsoe, but I get why they make the comp, Sexton plays hard all game long but isnt as athletic/strong as Bledsoe and I think he is the lesser passer too.
Can't see the McCoy-Turner, McCoy is basically a jumpshooter, not athletic, Robinson weighs like 200lbs, Whiteside probably is close to what, 280?
Don't know which one is most ridiculous of the last 3, probably Bamba-Davis, if anything Bamba might be similar to Gobert if he breaks right.

The only one there that makes some sense is Carter-Horford and I think Carter is more like a more talented/lesser athlete Derrick Favors.

Trent future is pretty meh, he is sooo slow.

Im always just high and/or biased towards minnesota kids. Especially GTJ since ive hooped with/against him at lifetime a few years back. So I like to see Minn kids do well.

I think his feel for the game is great. Yes he is slow. But I could see him being a Dangelo Russell type (who I am still very high on though most arent).

But so for the 2018 draft, would you stay it is a stacked draft at the top, or not as good as 2017?

If Trent was 6'7 I think his pro potential would be a lot better. The thing with Russell is he is very long (Trent isnt) and has much better handles and vision/passing than Trent. Trent being 6'5 and not that athletic really hurts his NBA potential. Hes not as athletic as Gordon, but when I think of Trent in the NBA I think of Ben Gordon when he was with Detroit not Chicago. Thick strong undersized guard coming off the bench that can basically just score.

I dont think 2018 is nearly as deep as this draft coming up, but the top is just as impressive if not more impressive.

[PaKwAn]

after watching that game i was actually unimpressed with a lot of them... the guy that caught my attention was Bamba, that guy is a freak and can be a game changer.

[doordoor123]

I think 2018 will have a good draft because I think there will be good prospects from this year that won't commit to the draft. Like if Robert Williams can show more next year he can jump in the rankings.

[Marcus]

after watching that game i was actually unimpressed with a lot of them... the guy that caught my attention was Bamba, that guy is a freak and can be a game changer.

yeah the game was nowhere near as good as last years despite the last second finish. But I think that's more of a product of the type of game it is combined with the position of the top talents. Last year was guard and wing heavy which in an all-star game setting is a lot more entertaining than when you're big heavy. You can even look back to Okafor, Towns, Turner, Alexander in their McD's game. That wasn't a great game either even though we got some good talent out of it.

Bamba did look like a kid draft heads should keep an eye on near the top though.

I hope Sean Miller gets thigh bone deep in Ayton and makes that kid play to his capabilities next year.

[DirtyDez]

after watching that game i was actually unimpressed with a lot of them... the guy that caught my attention was Bamba, that guy is a freak and can be a game changer.

yeah the game was nowhere near as good as last years despite the last second finish. But I think that's more of a product of the type of game it is combined with the position of the top talents. Last year was guard and wing heavy which in an all-star game setting is a lot more entertaining than when you're big heavy. You can even look back to Okafor, Towns, Turner, Alexander in their McD's game. That wasn't a great game either even though we got some good talent out of it.

Bamba did look like a kid draft heads should keep an eye on near the top though.

I hope Sean Miller gets thigh bone deep in Ayton and makes that kid play to his capabilities next year.

He floats around the arc a little much for my liking and he doesn't seem 100% in love with the game although he seemed to get the better of Bamba in ESPN HS games. Wherever Bamba ends up I think he'll win over his teammates with his effort and charisma. Ayton already called out Trier for shooting too much vs Xavier LOL.

Ayton working hard to recruit Duval b/c he sees how unwatchable the offense is without a PG. If that doesn't happen I'll temper my expectations for him offensively. Dominate the boards and erase shots.

[Duke4life831]

after watching that game i was actually unimpressed with a lot of them... the guy that caught my attention was Bamba, that guy is a freak and can be a game changer.

yeah the game was nowhere near as good as last years despite the last second finish. But I think that's more of a product of the type of game it is combined with the position of the top talents. Last year was guard and wing heavy which in an all-star game setting is a lot more entertaining than when you're big heavy. You can even look back to Okafor, Towns, Turner, Alexander in their McD's game. That wasn't a great game either even though we got some good talent out of it.

Bamba did look like a kid draft heads should keep an eye on near the top though.

I hope Sean Miller gets thigh bone deep in Ayton and makes that kid play to his capabilities next year.

I think there is two reasons why the game wasnt as good. 1st you nailed it, last year was a guard dominated class and these type of games are made for guards not bigs which is where the elite talent is for this class. Thats why a guy like Sexton can look so good like he did (he is very good as well). Plus the best guard in the class (Duval) has been sick all week. 2nd this class just isnt as deep as last years. I think you got your elite studs in Ayton, Porter, Bamba, Carter and Duval, after those guys there is a drop off in talent. Last year even after the top tier guys you still had guys like Bridges, Frank Jackson, Bam, Ferguson and so on. I just dont think this class has that same 2nd tier of players like last years.