2016-2017 College Basketball / '17 NBA Draft Thread Volume 2

[EBrandEra]

If our PG-SG-SF trio next year is Monk-TLC-Covington, Simmons is going to be exhausted. Those are three non-handlers. LeBron pretty much always had another ball handler at the PG spot capable of alleviating his workload for possessions at a time.

I like Monk but even I agree with this.

Although I suspect Bayless would start at the 1 in that situation. They seem to really like him.

Yeah, Bayless will be getting a lot of run next year, if healthy. Also McConnell should also be in the mix to run the offense as a backup PG as well.

[Sixerscan]

If our PG-SG-SF trio next year is Monk-TLC-Covington, Simmons is going to be exhausted. Those are three non-handlers. LeBron pretty much always had another ball handler at the PG spot capable of alleviating his workload for possessions at a time.

I like Monk but even I agree with this.

Although I suspect Bayless would start at the 1 in that situation. They seem to really like him.

Yeah, Bayless will be getting a lot of run next year, if healthy. Also McConnell should also be in the mix to run the offense as a backup PG as well.

I'm assuming that any player that we take besides the top 3 will be coming off the bench to start their career. Maybe even Jackson too. Bayless would probably start over the PGs and I assume they will bring in a vet wing to start alongside over Tatum, Isaac etc.

[Mik317]

Bayless/Jackson/Cov/Simmons/Embiid w/ 6th Man Saric is my dream

Fultz instead of Bayless is some world destroying ****.

but I'm fine with any of the dudes in the top 5-6 really which is rare since normally I'd have one guy I am scared to draft

[smittybanton]

Jayson Tatum is rising up draft boards and Chad Ford of ESPN.com believes he could be a dark horse for the No.1 overall pick. Ford notes that Tatum is widely regarded by scouts as being the most NBA-ready right now.

There is no clear #1, and the worst teams besides the Sixers have a plethora of guards. We're getting who we want, even if we have to trade up to get him. Doesn't matter, Ball or Fultz, maybe even both!!!!!

Always have to be wary of Chad Ford's Duke and Kentucky player lovefest during NBA Draft season.

I haven't seen a ton of Tatum but he doesn't strike me as a terribly athletic player and he doesn't excel as a defender (a trait a lot of other Duke graduates share). And at 6''8", he probably profiles more as a SF and he currently is not a great 3pt shooter.

At No. 4, I'd rather take Malik Monk (who is a legit scorer and shooter and SG we need), Dennis Smith Jr., or Isaac (who has a lot higher ceiling than Tatum).

I've touted Tatum for awhile. He is a good defender and a surprisingly good ballhandler who could possibly log minutes at the two, mainly the three, and possibly the four. A wing that can play all three positions and is a year younger than, say, Josh Jackson is valuable indeed. Independent of Ford and Duke, Tatum is a legit candidate for the top spot, especially when considering the needs of Boston, Phoenix, Minnesota, and Orlando.

As for the Sixers, I'd definitely take him, since we have $45M in cap space and will probably score Tim Hardaway III, maybe even Jrue Holiday. The draft doesn't represent our only opportunities. If Tatum is a better small forward than Covington, then you don't have to pay Bob. Or you play them together.

Dennis Smith Jr is a better fit for the starting lineup. But his injury concerns on this team make me queasy. Isaac to me has a much lower ceiling that Tatum because he can't handle the rock. A better Channing Frye, with the possibility of being "only" Tim Thomas.

I have DSJ and Isaac, and therefore Tatum, well above Malik Monk. If the choice were between Tatum and Monk, I'd choose Tatum and re-sign Isaiah Canaan. {harsh, i know}

[eagereyez]

The debate will probably end up being who we take if we draft 4th and all three of Ball, Fultz, and Jackson are gone. We'll have to decide between Monk, DSJ, Fox, and Tatum. Do we go with the high upside pick, or draft for fit? Do we pass on the perimeter players (which we desperately need) for yet another forward (who might become the better overall player)?

[Mik317]

The debate will probably end up being who we take if we draft 4th and all three of Ball, Fultz, and Jackson are gone. We'll have to decide between Monk, DSJ, Fox, and Tatum. Do we go with the high upside pick, or draft for fit? Do we pass on the perimeter players (which we desperately need) for yet another forward (who might become the better overall player)?

It will be an interesting choice. I suspect many a heated discussion lol.

It really depends on what you suspect happens longterm. Covington will get paaaid, so do you do that with the idea that he comes off the bench longterm? Its the same issue we had with Noel in a sense. If Tatum can't play the 2 (I don't think he can...not longterm), then is this the best place for his development? Like was said above probably any draft pick will come off the pine next year but still..ideally we should look to draft a guy who will start for us someday. As for DSJ and Fox, you gotta question their fits w/ Simmons. The plan is to have Simmons run the show; Fox cannot play off ball and DSJ's best strengths come with the ball in his hands too. Monk is the easiest fit but again we will still need a secondary ballhandler and you cannot have him and Bayless in the same backcourt, so then you'd need a ballhandling 2 with good defense and shooting...and welp they don't grow on trees.

That also being said, these dudes are stupid young and have time to develop. Fox can learn how to shoot and did play off ball some; Smith is coming off an ACL injury so who knows what happens the further he moves away from it. Tatum has some snealky handling capabilities and fits our positionless basketball credo if that translates. Monk could learn how to handle the rock a bit. A lot of their flaws are things that can be worked on (not all of them but still)...

it will be an interesting choice.

unless we win the lottery and also get the lakers pick. Then we just win

(until Bryan trades both for some **** vet)

[LloydFree]

The debate will probably end up being who we take if we draft 4th and all three of Ball, Fultz, and Jackson are gone. We'll have to decide between Monk, DSJ, Fox, and Tatum. Do we go with the high upside pick, or draft for fit? Do we pass on the perimeter players (which we desperately need) for yet another forward (who might become the better overall player)?

It will be an interesting choice. I suspect many a heated discussion lol.

It really depends on what you suspect happens longterm. Covington will get paaaid, so do you do that with the idea that he comes off the bench longterm? Its the same issue we had with Noel in a sense. If Tatum can't play the 2 (I don't think he can...not longterm), then is this the best place for his development? Like was said above probably any draft pick will come off the pine next year but still..ideally we should look to draft a guy who will start for us someday. As for DSJ and Fox, you gotta question their fits w/ Simmons. The plan is to have Simmons run the show; Fox cannot play off ball and DSJ's best strengths come with the ball in his hands too. Monk is the easiest fit but again we will still need a secondary ballhandler and you cannot have him and Bayless in the same backcourt, so then you'd need a ballhandling 2 with good defense and shooting...and welp they don't grow on trees.

That also being said, these dudes are stupid young and have time to develop. Fox can learn how to shoot and did play off ball some; Smith is coming off an ACL injury so who knows what happens the further he moves away from it. Tatum has some snealky handling capabilities and fits our positionless basketball credo if that translates. Monk could learn how to handle the rock a bit. A lot of their flaws are things that can be worked on (not all of them but still)...

it will be an interesting choice.

unless we win the lottery and also get the lakers pick. Then we just win

(until Bryan trades both for some **** vet)

I think Simmons' presence would effect Tatum more than Covington's presence would effect him. To maximize Tatum's talent fully, he'd likely need to play Point Forward. Covington wouldn't effect him much on Offense and Covington checks guards all of the time anyway. Simmons and Tatum would be more complicated.

[eagereyez]

If Roco can play the 2 full-time then that opens up some possibilities. It means that Saric could play the 4 with Simmons at the 3. We could take Tatum and move Simmons to the 4, Saric to the bench or trade. Tatum has good size, athleticism, and is a good FT shooter. I think odds are he becomes the best player out of the 4. I just wonder if Roco can survive at the 2 and worry that PG will end up becoming a big problem down the road. Ideally we get the LA pick and can grab both Ball/Fultz and Tatum.

[Negrodamus]

The debate will probably end up being who we take if we draft 4th and all three of Ball, Fultz, and Jackson are gone. We'll have to decide between Monk, DSJ, Fox, and Tatum. Do we go with the high upside pick, or draft for fit? Do we pass on the perimeter players (which we desperately need) for yet another forward (who might become the better overall player)?

It will be an interesting choice. I suspect many a heated discussion lol.

It really depends on what you suspect happens longterm. Covington will get paaaid, so do you do that with the idea that he comes off the bench longterm? Its the same issue we had with Noel in a sense. If Tatum can't play the 2 (I don't think he can...not longterm), then is this the best place for his development? Like was said above probably any draft pick will come off the pine next year but still..ideally we should look to draft a guy who will start for us someday. As for DSJ and Fox, you gotta question their fits w/ Simmons. The plan is to have Simmons run the show; Fox cannot play off ball and DSJ's best strengths come with the ball in his hands too. Monk is the easiest fit but again we will still need a secondary ballhandler and you cannot have him and Bayless in the same backcourt, so then you'd need a ballhandling 2 with good defense and shooting...and welp they don't grow on trees.

That also being said, these dudes are stupid young and have time to develop. Fox can learn how to shoot and did play off ball some; Smith is coming off an ACL injury so who knows what happens the further he moves away from it. Tatum has some snealky handling capabilities and fits our positionless basketball credo if that translates. Monk could learn how to handle the rock a bit. A lot of their flaws are things that can be worked on (not all of them but still)...

it will be an interesting choice.

unless we win the lottery and also get the lakers pick. Then we just win

(until Bryan trades both for some **** vet)

I'd take Tatum and have Covington guard the 2 guard.

If we have 1 and 4, I'm assuming we trade one of the picks (probably #4). Colangelo was mighty interested in Paul George. Not saying it's the right move, but I could see him doing it.

[SparksFly87]

Jayson Tatum is a less athletic Paul George.

Fultz is by far the best need in terms of scoring and secondary ballhanding.


Jackson checks all the boxs as a secondary ballhandler, elite athlete and Elite defender. If he learns to shot he will be dangerous.

Colangelo wants a team of athletic defenders and shooters around simmons.


Monk is a athletic shooter.
Jackson athletic defender.
Fultz athletic scorer, defender and shooter.

[Unbreakable99]

Who do you think would be the most likely selections from the following post lotto drawing?

1. LA
2. Minnesota
3. Philly
4. Boston

1. LA
3. Boston
3. Phoenix
4. Philly

1. Orlando
2. Boston
3. Phoenix
4. Philly
5. Philly

1. Boston
2. Minnesota
3. Phoenix
4. Philly
5. Philly

1. Boston
2. NY
3. LA
4. Phoenix
5. Philly

[Negrodamus]

Remember that thing I was concerned about with Ball? DX compiled my fears into a 5:40 video.

Watch on YouTube

He's also dreadfully bad on PnR.

So he can't create and he can't run the PnR well. Two cornerstones of the modern NBA. At least he can play defense well... oh wait

Watch on YouTube

Please, Lakers, if you get the pick, take him. He'd be a nice player for us in the mid to late first round. He's a role player.

[ivysixer2000]

If our PG-SG-SF trio next year is Monk-TLC-Covington, Simmons is going to be exhausted. Those are three non-handlers. LeBron pretty much always had another ball handler at the PG spot capable of alleviating his workload for possessions at a time.

Yeah I would rather have someone who can also handle the ball. Kentucky looked like lost lil kids when Fox was out the game, almost had to make Monk get the ball.

Need someone that can play both on and off the ball.

[Sixersftw]

Remember that thing I was concerned about with Ball? DX compiled my fears into a 5:40 video.

....

Please, Lakers, if you get the pick, take him. He'd be a nice player for us in the mid to late first round. He's a role player.

I'm not that low on him but I agree that he is clearly the grenade in the top 5 or so.

[Mik317]

Who do you think would be the most likely selections from the following post lotto drawing?

1. LA - Ball
2. Minnesota - Jackson
3. Philly - Fultz
4. Boston - Tatum

1. LA - Ball
3. Boston - Fultz (he will be traded)
3. Phoenix - Jackson
4. Philly - Monk

1. Orlando - Fultz
2. Boston - Jackson
3. Phoenix - Ball
4. Philly - Monk
5. Philly - Tatum or Issac

1. Boston - Fultz (again for a trade)
2. Minnesota - Jackson
3. Phoenix - Ball
4. Philly - Monk
5. Philly - Tatum or Issac

1. Boston - Fultz (ditto)
2. NY - Ball
3. LA - Jackson (oh lawd)
4. Phoenix -Tatum
5. Philly - Monk

This is what I think they;d do not necessarily what I'd do. Boston probably will move any guard prospect for Butler/George...might do the same with the wing prospects. The Lakers are weird in that they will take a guard and try to have him play with Russell, only to find out it doesn't work as well...which is why I think Jackson is perfect for them but no way Magic passes up on Ball or Fultz. Ball in LA is money...even if he busts... the media will eat that **** up. Phoenix just needs bodies really so they can take anyone and it'll make sense...probably can get something for Bledsoe so my guess is that the guards are more their focus. Monk is really a cop out on my part because I don't think Bryan will add another logjam; he doesn't want those bad "optics", Monk is more less code for <insert guard here> tho. Workouts will be key.

[GabeCerebro]

Bayless/Jackson/Cov/Simmons/Embiid w/ 6th Man Saric is my dream

Fultz instead of Bayless is some world destroying ****.

but I'm fine with any of the dudes in the top 5-6 really which is rare since normally I'd have one guy I am scared to draft

I highly doubt that Bayless is our starter next year. I think we either trade up for Fultz, or sign one of Teague/Jrue/Lowry.

[Unbreakable99]

Who do you think would be the most likely selections from the following post lotto drawing?

1. LA - Ball
2. Minnesota - Jackson
3. Philly - Fultz
4. Boston - Tatum

1. LA - Ball
3. Boston - Fultz (he will be traded)
3. Phoenix - Jackson
4. Philly - Monk

1. Orlando - Fultz
2. Boston - Jackson
3. Phoenix - Ball
4. Philly - Monk
5. Philly - Tatum or Issac

1. Boston - Fultz (again for a trade)
2. Minnesota - Jackson
3. Phoenix - Ball
4. Philly - Monk
5. Philly - Tatum or Issac

1. Boston - Fultz (ditto)
2. NY - Ball
3. LA - Jackson (oh lawd)
4. Phoenix -Tatum
5. Philly - Monk

This is what I think they;d do not necessarily what I'd do. Boston probably will move any guard prospect for Butler/George...might do the same with the wing prospects. The Lakers are weird in that they will take a guard and try to have him play with Russell, only to find out it doesn't work as well...which is why I think Jackson is perfect for them but no way Magic passes up on Ball or Fultz. Ball in LA is money...even if he busts... the media will eat that **** up. Phoenix just needs bodies really so they can take anyone and it'll make sense...probably can get something for Bledsoe so my guess is that the guards are more their focus. Monk is really a cop out on my part because I don't think Bryan will add another logjam; he doesn't want those bad "optics", Monk is more less code for <insert guard here> tho. Workouts will be key.

I get those selections. Good guesses.

[SparksFly87]

Fultz or bust

[Kobblehead]

Fultz athletic scorer, defender and shooter.

Which was very sparingly showcased. There's no doubt he has the ability to defend, but his defensive energy expenditure was outright pathetic.

[shawn_hemp]

Jayson Tatum is rising up draft boards and Chad Ford of ESPN.com believes he could be a dark horse for the No.1 overall pick. Ford notes that Tatum is widely regarded by scouts as being the most NBA-ready right now.

There is no clear #1, and the worst teams besides the Sixers have a plethora of guards. We're getting who we want, even if we have to trade up to get him. Doesn't matter, Ball or Fultz, maybe even both!!!!!

Always have to be wary of Chad Ford's Duke and Kentucky player lovefest during NBA Draft season.

I haven't seen a ton of Tatum but he doesn't strike me as a terribly athletic player and he doesn't excel as a defender (a trait a lot of other Duke graduates share).And at 6''8", he probably profiles more as a SF and he currently is not a great 3pt shooter.

At No. 4, I'd rather take Malik Monk (who is a legit scorer and shooter and SG we need), Dennis Smith Jr., or Isaac (who has a lot higher ceiling than Tatum).

Sorry to nitpick but I found this bit curious

Outside of Justise Winslow, who has come out of Duke recently with even above average defensive skills?

Oh wait, you meant that there haven't been many good defenders out of Duke

I'm an idiot

I would take Monk over Tatum though