And Then There Was One: Thank Nation 2. Raps pick 23rd

[HeadtopChunes]

OG Anunonoby
Semi Ojeleye (might be more PF than SF)
Justin Jackson
Terrence Ferguson
Wesley Iwundu
Devin Robinson
Jonah Bolden (probably more of a PF)
Rodions Kurucs (more of a stash guy wouldn't play immediately)
Tylor Lyndon
Jaron Blossomgame
Dwayne Bacon.

I think that's everyone. Not a particularly impressive group Anunoby is the only one that gets me excited and he may go way before we pick. Bolden could be interesting but he's more of a PF than anything.

Anunoby is probably the best fit of the bunch, but he'll be gone before our pick in all likelihood, unless injuries totally scare off teams from picking him. I guess that's possible. He's good, but hasn't done anything to suggest he'll be head and shoulders above the other guys, so some may prefer a safer pick. I wouldn't mind Ferguson or Robinson either. I suppose an argument could be made for Kurucs as well for draft and stash reasons and he's more of a skilled player than most of these guys though less of an athlete.

To me it's OG or Justin Jackson (Maryland). OG for obvious reasons outside of the knee issues. And then Jackson because he's not only Canadian, but he's just as toolsy as OG.

If Justin is able to develop properly he can be scary. I keep going back to Kawhi with him. Not saying he'll be as good, but eerily similar in terms of tools/personality. No one expected Kawhi to be as good as he is (not even the Spurs), and if you said he'd be an all-star one day, much less and MVP candidate you'd be in for one hell of an argument.

Is he declaring this year? We can probably get him with a 2nd too. He has huge hands and a long reach. but from what I've read he's not much of a perimeter defender right now. He looks more like a PF to me too. He's not very experienced either so maybe we can develop him.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Anunoby is probably the best fit of the bunch, but he'll be gone before our pick in all likelihood, unless injuries totally scare off teams from picking him. I guess that's possible. He's good, but hasn't done anything to suggest he'll be head and shoulders above the other guys, so some may prefer a safer pick. I wouldn't mind Ferguson or Robinson either. I suppose an argument could be made for Kurucs as well for draft and stash reasons and he's more of a skilled player than most of these guys though less of an athlete.

To me it's OG or Justin Jackson (Maryland). OG for obvious reasons outside of the knee issues. And then Jackson because he's not only Canadian, but he's just as toolsy as OG.

If Justin is able to develop properly he can be scary. I keep going back to Kawhi with him. Not saying he'll be as good, but eerily similar in terms of tools/personality. No one expected Kawhi to be as good as he is (not even the Spurs), and if you said he'd be an all-star one day, much less and MVP candidate you'd be in for one hell of an argument.

Is he declaring this year? We can probably get him with a 2nd too. He has huge hands and a long reach. but from what I've read he's not much of a perimeter defender right now. He looks more like a PF to me too. He's not very experienced either so maybe we can develop him.

Not sure if he has declared or if he will but I'd give him a promise at 23. I could fail miserably but I like what I'd have to work with. I think with time he could guard 2-5 in the NBA, worst case 3-5.

Of course, I'm in the boat that this team is firmly on the treadmill and will not get off until LeBron leaves the East, gets hurt or retires. Therefore, I'm willing to spend time as a bottom feeder building our team organically. MLSE may not be. They seem to be fine selling false hope, and Torontonians are too loyal to fight back. We always show up and the rich guys take advantage of it.

Either way, when drafting you can't draft wishy washy guys in my opinion. You need guys with elite tools that can be developed into elite skills. We're a much better team than Milwaukee, but they gave us tons of issues because of their tools alone. The only guy who could defend Giannis was Ibaka (a guy traded for with ELITE tools that were developed). The rest of our guys are nice but have maxed out their abilities, and for them max is not enough. We got a bunch of role players trying to defeat stars. In the NBA David rarely ever wins, unless his name is Stern. Goliath kicks his butt 10/10 times. So if I'm drafting I'm going for Goliath or going home!

#GoGoliathOrGoHome

[HeadtopChunes]

To me it's OG or Justin Jackson (Maryland). OG for obvious reasons outside of the knee issues. And then Jackson because he's not only Canadian, but he's just as toolsy as OG.

If Justin is able to develop properly he can be scary. I keep going back to Kawhi with him. Not saying he'll be as good, but eerily similar in terms of tools/personality. No one expected Kawhi to be as good as he is (not even the Spurs), and if you said he'd be an all-star one day, much less and MVP candidate you'd be in for one hell of an argument.

Is he declaring this year? We can probably get him with a 2nd too. He has huge hands and a long reach. but from what I've read he's not much of a perimeter defender right now. He looks more like a PF to me too. He's not very experienced either so maybe we can develop him.

Not sure if he has declared or if he will but I'd give him a promise at 23. I could fail miserably but I like what I'd have to work with. I think with time he could guard 2-5 in the NBA, worst case 3-5.

Of course, I'm in the boat that this team is firmly on the treadmill and will not get off until LeBron leaves the East, gets hurt or retires. Therefore, I'm willing to spend time as a bottom feeder building our team organically. MLSE may not be. They seem to be fine selling false hope, and Torontonians are too loyal to fight back. We always show up and the rich guys take advantage of it.

Either way, when drafting you can't draft wishy washy guys in my opinion. You need guys with elite tools that can be developed into elite skills. We're a much better team than Milwaukee, but they gave us tons of issues because of their tools alone. The only guy who could defend Giannis was Ibaka (a guy traded for with ELITE tools that were developed). The rest of our guys are nice but have maxed out their abilities, and for them max is not enough. We got a bunch of role players trying to defeat stars. In the NBA David rarely ever wins, unless his name is Stern. Goliath kicks his butt 10/10 times. So if I'm drafting I'm going for Goliath or going home!

#GoGoliathOrGoHome

Lol you really went on a tear there. But yeah I like the Ibaka comparison. I think Ibaka is probably Justin Jacksons celing judging from what we know. Of course I could be completely wrong.

[PhilBlackson]

Justin Jackson reminds me of James Johnson meets Serge Ibaka, at least in college but he seems....

A bit underwhelming, as he was throughout highschool which is concerning. Personally not that high on him and because he doesn't seem assertive especially with any level of consistency. I didn't like that about Ross so it sours me on Jackson. Buy a 2nd rd pick to grab him, I'm all for it but not with our 1st, no thanks.

[macNcheese3]

Justin Jackson reminds me of James Johnson meets Serge Ibaka, at least in college but he seems....

A bit underwhelming, as he was throughout highschool which is concerning. Personally not that high on him and because he doesn't seem assertive especially with any level of consistency. I didn't like that about Ross so it sours me on Jackson. Buy a 2nd rd pick to grab him, I'm all for it but not with our 1st, no thanks.

He is long and has decent athleticism nothing to write home about- he can defend multiple positions in College yes- will it translate?

At times he seems lost around the basket, questionable as to how much size he can add to his frame.

[CoachJReturns]

Given how ordinary the small forwards available look to me, I'm leaning to my original choice of Ivan Rabb if he's still on the board. I'd go so far as to make a minor deal to move up a couple spots for him. He won't be the potential perimeter defender Siakam is, but he rebounds, blocks shots, scores in the post and passes better than he does. His perimeter shot has made progress as well.
I always liked the idea of a Poeltl and Rabb frontcourt in terms of having two guys with a good feel for the game. Maybe it's all the ball stopping over the years that makes it so appealing.

[PhilBlackson]

Given how ordinary the small forwards available look to me, I'm leaning to my original choice of Ivan Rabb if he's still on the board. I'd go so far as to make a minor deal to move up a couple spots for him. He won't be the potential perimeter defender Siakam is, but he rebounds, blocks shots, scores in the post and passes better than he does. His perimeter shot has made progress as well.
I always liked the idea of a Poeltl and Rabb frontcourt in terms of having two guys with a good feel for the game. Maybe it's all the ball stopping over the years that makes it so appealing.

I used to like Rabb but the league has changed so much to become about speed and PERIMETER shooting/defending.

Rabb lacks BOTH, also a bit ironic you use the word ordinary because if there was ever a player that looked it, it's Rabb.

I get liking him a bit because yes with his touch around the basket and solid enough post defence he can be an alright player but I would have hoped that we've learned from JV what a waste it is picking traditional bigs in today's game. I already know your rebuttal to that will be that Rabb is showing some shooting touch where he may be eventually able to step out and nail a long 2pt - 3pt shot but I fail to see any reason why we wouldn't just go with one of Hartenstein, Bolden or Kuzma who are longer and heavier than Rabb yet already shoot the 3 ball MUCH better, are much quicker and better BALLHANDLERS and passers.

Rabb imo looks like he will have a trajectory similar to Ed Davis, maaaaybe slightly better and personally I'm done with the "solid" picks. It's time to take another chance on upside and not let our pick of THE rawest player of all time (Bruno) scare us from trying again just because he was absolutely clueless. If we are going to draft a SF or PF lets at least try to find a player that has the physical potential to be good in today's game which is why if OG is off the board I advocate picking one of Hartenstein, Bolden or Kuzma. All of these guys will have the speed and perimeter shooting to build on and every one of them are at least as long and strong as Rabb, if not more. If we are able to develop the most clueless and rawest of all picks like Bruno into a rotation player it gives me great hope for what we could do with any of those names who are light years ahead of what he was coming into the league....imo Rabb just doesn't have "it".

[S ID]

Definitely could a be a sleeper

Watch on YouTube

As for Rabb, he has the frame of a 4 but the offence of a 5 with average athleticism and not much defensive upside. I don't see him being anything but a bench big who can rebound for you.

[CoachJReturns]

I think 90 percent of posters here are completely out to lunch. There seems to be this genuine belief that we're getting more than just an NBA player with the 23rd pick. For every Jimmy Butler there are hundreds of guys who become forgotten players and many who don't last more than a few years in the league.
If we look at picks in the 20+ range over the years we come across many names we don't even recognize.
There is likely no super high upside/future star available guys. That's why I'm focusing on guys who have established that they have something to offer.
I don't expect stardom from anyone I have suggested including Rabb and I expect no better from anyone else's picks. Frankly, we will likely see the team continue the course which means filling the bench with rookies and other cheap contracts. Unless Masai is blown away by someone he will make another safe pick. He's set himself up in such a way that he is going into the luxury and his only real option is to save money by continuing to find rotation players for cheap.
I'm not personally opposed to grabbing a guy with a high ceiling, but I think the reality is there may not be such a player on the board still.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Justin Jackson reminds me of James Johnson meets Serge Ibaka, at least in college but he seems....

A bit underwhelming, as he was throughout highschool which is concerning. Personally not that high on him and because he doesn't seem assertive especially with any level of consistency. I didn't like that about Ross so it sours me on Jackson. Buy a 2nd rd pick to grab him, I'm all for it but not with our 1st, no thanks.

He is long and has decent athleticism nothing to write home about- he can defend multiple positions in College yes- will it translate?

At times he seems lost around the basket, questionable as to how much size he can add to his frame.

He seems more like a Boris Diaw type to me, which would be an incredible get at 23. Worst case is Chicago James Johnson, best case is Kawhi Leonard. I know, those 3 aren't really similar but Jackson's versatile game leaves him open for different styles of play and therefore a range of comparisons.

[CoachJReturns]

Given how ordinary the small forwards available look to me, I'm leaning to my original choice of Ivan Rabb if he's still on the board. I'd go so far as to make a minor deal to move up a couple spots for him. He won't be the potential perimeter defender Siakam is, but he rebounds, blocks shots, scores in the post and passes better than he does. His perimeter shot has made progress as well.
I always liked the idea of a Poeltl and Rabb frontcourt in terms of having two guys with a good feel for the game. Maybe it's all the ball stopping over the years that makes it so appealing.

I used to like Rabb but the league has changed so much to become about speed and PERIMETER shooting/defending.

Rabb lacks BOTH, also a bit ironic you use the word ordinary because if there was ever a player that looked it, it's Rabb.

I get liking him a bit because yes with his touch around the basket and solid enough post defence he can be an alright player but I would have hoped that we've learned from JV what a waste it is picking traditional bigs in today's game. I already know your rebuttal to that will be that Rabb is showing some shooting touch where he may be eventually able to step out and nail a long 2pt - 3pt shot but I fail to see any reason why we wouldn't just go with one of Hartenstein, Bolden or Kuzma who are longer and heavier than Rabb yet already shoot the 3 ball MUCH better, are much quicker and better BALLHANDLERS and passers.

Rabb imo looks like he will have a trajectory similar to Ed Davis, maaaaybe slightly better and personally I'm done with the "solid" picks. It's time to take another chance on upside and not let our pick of THE rawest player of all time (Bruno) scare us from trying again just because he was absolutely clueless. If we are going to draft a SF or PF lets at least try to find a player that has the physical potential to be good in today's game which is why if OG is off the board I advocate picking one of Hartenstein, Bolden or Kuzma. All of these guys will have the speed and perimeter shooting to build on and every one of them are at least as long and strong as Rabb, if not more. If we are able to develop the most clueless and rawest of all picks like Bruno into a rotation player it gives me great hope for what we could do with any of those names who are light years ahead of what he was coming into the league....imo Rabb just doesn't have "it".

Hartenstein is a reasonable choice, though that 29% 3 point percentage for a guy who's biggest appeal is being a stretch 4 isn't all that impressive. Of course he's 19, so that will improve and could improve drastically. Bolden is athletic, I'll give you that, but I think a guy who played 6 minutes a game as a freshman, no matter how athletic, may turn off Masai as there is not a lot to judge him by in actual game situations against good competition, compared to most 1 and done freshman who play bigger roles.
I think Anigbogu would be a Masai guy, but I don't expect him to still be available. If he is I'd take him in a heartbeat. Youngest player in the draft(I think) and probably the best shot blocker/rim protector. Could be a Bizmack replacement which is nice value with a late pick. From a defense and rebounding perspective he's got very high upside.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Has Justin Jackson (Maryland) declared for the draft? I could definitely see Masai drafting him. Dude reminds me of Wilson Chandler.

EDIT: Looks he has declared for the draft, but did not hire an agent:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/terrapins-insider/wp/2017/04/25/maryland-freshman-justin-jackson-declares-for-nba-draft-but-wont-hire-an-agent/?utm_term=.6b4d95e16c28

He's officially on Masai watch imo.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Bruhs, another player on Masai watch, credit goes to the draft board:

Jake Wiley, Senior, Eastern Washington

Watch on YouTube

[HeadtopChunes]

Bruhs, another player on Masai watch, credit goes to the draft board:

Jake Wiley, Senior, Eastern Washington

Watch on YouTube

We could probably grab him as an undrafted FA

[Kevin Willis]

Bruhs, another player on Masai watch, credit goes to the draft board:

Jake Wiley, Senior, Eastern Washington

Watch on YouTube

What makes you think Masai knows about him.

[OAKLEY_2]

Bruhs, another player on Masai watch, credit goes to the draft board:

Jake Wiley, Senior, Eastern Washington

Watch on YouTube

What makes you think Masai knows about him.

"There are many reasons South Carolina was an afterthought heading in the 2017 NCAA tournament, but there is one main one — one broad one — that stands above the rest: The Gamecocks, by major conference standards, were frankly a bad offensive team. They scored 1.00 points per possession during SEC play, a mark that ranked 11th in a weak conference, and a mark that, at the time, was in no way deceiving. South Carolina was on the decline, too. It had scored a season-low 53 points in an SEC tournament loss to Alabama.

Then, out of nowhere, something changed, and two weeks later South Carolina is in the Final Four. That something is actually many things. But more than anything else, it is Sindarius Thornwell.

Thornwell is both the reason South Carolina has wildly exceeded expectations in the NCAA tournament and the reason there were any expectations at all. He is an inside-out defensive force and the leader of the nation’s second best defense, the reason the Gamecocks are even in the tournament. He is also the one-man wrecking crew who has driven South Carolina’s offensive resurgence in the tournament with over 100 total points in four games so far. He is a contact-seeker and a shot-maker, an attacker and a late-clock bucket-getter, and the best player left in the Final Four.

In fact, Thornwell has been so outstanding on both ends of the floor that it’s not only fair to compare him to past tournament stars, it’s necessary. Thornwell has gradually put together one of the great one-man NCAA tournament runs of the past two decades.

The standard of excellence in recent years for team-on-back rampages through round after round is Kemba Walker, who took a flawed UConn team all the way to a trophy celebration in Houston in 2011. Walker’s run has been referenced ever since, every time a player catches fire in March. Others have emulated the former Huskies star, but none have surpassed him. There’s a chance, however, that that could soon change."

[Kevin Willis]

Bruhs, another player on Masai watch, credit goes to the draft board:

Jake Wiley, Senior, Eastern Washington

Watch on YouTube

I like this guy. He has a wife and a child. Something to play for and he's athletic AND fluid. Very bouncy. Very efficient. Tremendous D - I mean a defensive monster. 7 foot wingspan.

Jacob Wiley
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
College: Eastern Washington
Classification: Senior
Birthdate: 9/4/1994
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
​
Pros:
Active finisher around the basket
Adequate low post scorer
Excels at scoring on the move
Very good free throw shooter
Solid rebounder
Good shot blocker
Gifted athlete
Great motor

Cons:
Must extend his shooting range
Can be turnover prone
Can be foul prone
May potentially be a tweener
Relative unknown commodity

[Ell Curry]

I think 90 percent of posters here are completely out to lunch. There seems to be this genuine belief that we're getting more than just an NBA player with the 23rd pick. For every Jimmy Butler there are hundreds of guys who become forgotten players and many who don't last more than a few years in the league.
If we look at picks in the 20+ range over the years we come across many names we don't even recognize.
There is likely no super high upside/future star available guys. That's why I'm focusing on guys who have established that they have something to offer.
I don't expect stardom from anyone I have suggested including Rabb and I expect no better from anyone else's picks. Frankly, we will likely see the team continue the course which means filling the bench with rookies and other cheap contracts. Unless Masai is blown away by someone he will make another safe pick. He's set himself up in such a way that he is going into the luxury and his only real option is to save money by continuing to find rotation players for cheap.
I'm not personally opposed to grabbing a guy with a high ceiling, but I think the reality is there may not be such a player on the board still.

So do you think Rabb is a 5, or is he going to become a good 3pt shooter? Because otherwise he plays an obsolete position and he has little to offer.

[CoachJReturns]

I think 90 percent of posters here are completely out to lunch. There seems to be this genuine belief that we're getting more than just an NBA player with the 23rd pick. For every Jimmy Butler there are hundreds of guys who become forgotten players and many who don't last more than a few years in the league.
If we look at picks in the 20+ range over the years we come across many names we don't even recognize.
There is likely no super high upside/future star available guys. That's why I'm focusing on guys who have established that they have something to offer.
I don't expect stardom from anyone I have suggested including Rabb and I expect no better from anyone else's picks. Frankly, we will likely see the team continue the course which means filling the bench with rookies and other cheap contracts. Unless Masai is blown away by someone he will make another safe pick. He's set himself up in such a way that he is going into the luxury and his only real option is to save money by continuing to find rotation players for cheap.
I'm not personally opposed to grabbing a guy with a high ceiling, but I think the reality is there may not be such a player on the board still.

So do you think Rabb is a 5, or is he going to become a good 3pt shooter? Because otherwise he plays an obsolete position and he has little to offer.

He's a 4 with excellent rebounding, decent passing, a post up game and he can run the floor. He already has something to offer.
As for his shot, I expect it to take a few years but he went from not shooting 3s at all to shooting some and making them at a good clip.

He's not perfect and anyone expecting a player without holes in their game I'm this range will be disappointed, but he'll be an NBA player. I actually like the idea of a front court rotation of Poeltl, Rabb and Siakam in the future.

As an aside I think part of the reason Rabb isn't ranked higher is he came into college with such high expectations. He was supposed to be another Bosh or Aldridge. Well he wasn't as productive as either and Bosh was already a good 3 point shooter in his only college season.
The consensus about Rabb always seems to be that he's an NBA player with low bust potential, but there are legitimate concerns about his upside.

I should also mention that he's a high character guy, which doesn't matter much to me, but seems important to the front office and coaching staff.

[HeadtopChunes]

So after that sorry display of shooting who are the best wing shooters in the draft? Ojeleye looks okay and Ferguson looks good.