NBA 2017 Draft Prospects Thread

[KqWIN]

I still think we look at potential the wrong way. Athleticism isn't the only thing that can make a player great. Butler, Green, Thomas, Millsap, Lowry, Gasol, Jokic ect were not highly regarded athletes coming into the draft. There are just as many, if not more, of those guys that became stars than ones who were athletic freaks.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Missed the first scrimmage but saw Kuzma light it up and Jackson play well in the second one. I'm a big fan of both of them.

Kuzma surprised me with how smooth he looked out there. He tested out REALLY well in all the athletic testing too. Couldn't have asked for a better showing from him in day one. He also looked to be the leader of the team when he was on the floor. I really liked the way he carried himself and how he played.

Jackson looked really good too. Looked more comfortable playing in the NBA style game with more floor space to operate in. He measured better than I expected too. He's a great kid who seems like he'd be willing to do anything that was asked of him. I wouldn't mind picking him up.

Diallo... man, I wish he would've played in the 5 on 5 because his measurements are off the charts. His vert is comparable to Andrew Wiggins and he has elite height and length. I hope the Jazz find a way to meet with him. I'd be willing to give him a guarantee at 24 if he's willing to stay in the draft. That kind of athleticism combined with his length and size is super intriguing.

I'm glad to hear that the Jazz met with Oliver. I've had my eye on him as a second round target. There's a lot to like with his athletic abilities. The film I've seen of him suggest he's pretty raw offensively. I'm bummed I didn't get to see him in the 5 on 5 since it sounds like he showed pretty well.



Other notes/observations:
Jeanne is sooooooooo small. No way I'm drafting him. Far too weak to play at the NBA level and his frame isn't one that we should expect to be capable of putting on more weight.

Someone else that looked good in the 5 on 5 was Derrick White. He also measured out really well. Good size and athletic ability and always seemed to be involved in what's happening on the floor. Seems like he's a natural fit on an NBA team as a backup guard.

Iwundu measured out extremely well with 6'7" height and 7'1" wingspan. He's a really interesting guy to look at in the second round or even at #30. I really like his defensive potential and play-making abilities. Has also shown a consistent curve of improvement. Didn't see him play in the 5 on 5 but I'm hoping to catch his game tomorrow to see how he looks.

DJ Wilson measured out well. I've moved him up to #30 on my big board. Has a really smooth game and would be an interesting 4 man at the NBA level.

I was disappointed to see Juwan Evans measure so short, but he has a 6'5" wingspan, so that will help him. I still think he's someone the Jazz could consider at 24. Electric scorer in college and great play-maker. Size is the only concern I have with him.

Blossomgame also looked good in the 5 on 5. He plays hard and can play both ends of the floor. Also another potential target for the Jazz in the second round.

Wagner is someone that I think the Jazz should seriously consider. Good size and has a great motor. Very fluid for his size. Would be an interesting big man off the bench, especially if he can improve his outside shooting.

Ojeleye was disappointing in the measurements and in the 5 on 5. Looked undersized after being measured undersized. Struggled to create and score in the 5 on 5.

Jordan Bell didn't measure well. Not sure what to make of him. He finds ways to impact the game, especially defensively, despite his lack of size. Would be interesting to see him workout against bigger players.

Mitchell measured out extremely well. He's comparable to Oladipo. That's changed my tune on him a bit. I have him back in the 20's of the first round on my big board since one of big concerns with him was his size. He's short, but super long. I still don't like how inefficient he is though.


Anyways, fun and interesting first day of the combine. This is definitely the draft to have a lot of picks in. Lots of good players. I actually would love to see the Jazz trade their late 2nd rounder and something else to get back into the early 2nd round as there's going to be plenty of first round talent left at that stage of the draft.

[KDBG]

Kuzma and Jackson were easily the two best players in this second scrimmage. If the Jazz wanted to give Frank a promise they needed to do it yesterday. He's gonna rise.

I was just about to say this. He's a local kid who grew up loving the Jazz. So he would stay here for his whole career basically.

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

[Daddy 801]

Again, I haven't watched a thing. But I am happy to see so many people talking about so many names. Some of these players will rise and some will fall. There HAS to be a few players later in this draft who end up being good.

[KDBG]

This draft has no surefire picks to me, but very deep with talent. Deepest in years. It's almost better in a weird way to be picking later where you don't feel forced to pick BPA if you were picking in the top 10. You go get the guy you want. I hope we have another Rudy situation this year where we find a diamond. If we can just find one diamond to fit with Rudy, and hopefully Hayward for at least the next 5 years, that would be tremendous.

[sipclip]

The depth of this draft is unreal if most of these players stay in. Frank Jackson is definitely at the top of my big board right now with the 24th pick. Physically he is exactly what you want from a pg and I think he and Exum would fit really well together.

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[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Kuzma and Jackson were easily the two best players in this second scrimmage. If the Jazz wanted to give Frank a promise they needed to do it yesterday. He's gonna rise.

I was just about to say this. He's a local kid who grew up loving the Jazz. So he would stay here for his whole career basically.

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I don't think the Jazz will need to move up to get him. If he stays in the draft, I think he's looking at getting picked somewhere between 24 and 32. Jazz own two picks in that range, so you stay there and hope for the best. If not, you'll get two great prospects anyways.

[KDBG]

Kuzma and Jackson were easily the two best players in this second scrimmage. If the Jazz wanted to give Frank a promise they needed to do it yesterday. He's gonna rise.

I was just about to say this. He's a local kid who grew up loving the Jazz. So he would stay here for his whole career basically.

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I don't think the Jazz will need to move up to get him. If he stays in the draft, I think he's looking at getting picked somewhere between 24 and 32. Jazz own two picks in that range, so you stay there and hope for the best. If not, you'll get two great prospects anyways.

Some are saying he may go mid-first round now. Of course this will fluctuate until late June. It's just the combination of skills he gives you at a position of need, and he's a rare player that you know for sure he'd want to live in his home state for his favorite team.

I get your point though, because the draft is so deep.

[Daddy 801]

I would rather DL keep the picks and take multiple guys. The odds of him finding a diamond are increased the more guys he brings in.

[KDBG]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2580780-homelessness-heartache-and-hoops-caleb-swanigans-rough-road-to-purdue

Another local guy is Caleb Swanigan. He grew up in a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. This article of shows you the **** he went through, and where he is now. Yes, even wholesome Salt Lake City has some dark ass places.

[stitches]

I'm reconsidering my stance about trading both picks for a single player. Maybe if one of the top 10 falls, yes... but there is just too much talent in the 20s IMO.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

I was just about to say this. He's a local kid who grew up loving the Jazz. So he would stay here for his whole career basically.

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I don't think the Jazz will need to move up to get him. If he stays in the draft, I think he's looking at getting picked somewhere between 24 and 32. Jazz own two picks in that range, so you stay there and hope for the best. If not, you'll get two great prospects anyways.

Some are saying he may go mid-first round now. Of course this will fluctuate until late June. It's just the combination of skills he gives you at a position of need, and he's a rare player that you know for sure he'd want to live in his home state for his favorite team.

I get your point though, because the draft is so deep.

Ya, I just don't know who that's projected to go in the mid-first round he'd knock out. There's just so many good players in this draft, there'd have to be a team that really fell in love with him to take him in the middle of the first. To me, I see Brooklyn at 22nd spot as being the biggest threat of picking him before the Jazz. The Thunder at 21 might also give him a serious look but I don't see that either.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2580780-homelessness-heartache-and-hoops-caleb-swanigans-rough-road-to-purdue

Another local guy is Caleb Swanigan. He grew up in a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. This article of shows you the **** he went through, and where he is now. Yes, even wholesome Salt Lake City has some dark ass places.

Interesting. I had no idea he grew up here in SLC. He has an amazing story. I actually really like his game, I just worry about how it translates to the NBA and he's not as tall as I would have hoped.

[KqWIN]

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I didn''t see it that way, Duke did play him at PG. The reason he didn't shine is because that team was centered around Tatum and Kennard. Frank is a pure scorer and his PG skills are a little iffy to me. 1 or 2 doesn't really matter, but when he's in the game he needs to be out there to score. He did fine setting the table for those other guys, but that wasn't the right role for his talent. I prefer him in a role where he can be an explosive scorer.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I didn''t see it that way, Duke did play him at PG. The reason he didn't shine is because that team was centered around Tatum and Kennard. Frank is a pure scorer and his PG skills are a little iffy to me. 1 or 2 doesn't really matter, but when he's in the game he needs to be out there to score. He did fine setting the table for those other guys, but that wasn't the right role for his talent. I prefer him in a role where he can be an explosive scorer.

Ya, I think I agree with this. He's more of a scorer than a true point guard. He's best when he's attacking the rim or spotting up from the outside. I think he'd be a good combo guard at the NBA level and would be a great backup PG who can add some scoring to your second unit. I honestly see him being a similar player to Austin Rivers (hopefully, a better version of Austin) who can get you some buckets and play tough, pesky defense.

[KDBG]

I'm still a believer in Exum, but Jackson may have just as much potential as him, and more likely to reach it. He's athletic, can shoot, and has size for a point guard. We may actually have to use both picks to move up for him. The only reason he slid during the season was because Duke was playing him out of position at the 2. He looks like a 1 to me.

I didn''t see it that way, Duke did play him at PG. The reason he didn't shine is because that team was centered around Tatum and Kennard. Frank is a pure scorer and his PG skills are a little iffy to me. 1 or 2 doesn't really matter, but when he's in the game he needs to be out there to score. He did fine setting the table for those other guys, but that wasn't the right role for his talent. I prefer him in a role where he can be an explosive scorer.

I hear you. But scoring PGs are the norm in today's game anyway. Not a lot of old school "pure" points left in the NBA.

Also, I read somewhere that Jackson mentioned he didn't get to showcase his PG skills a lot at Duke, and he hopes NBA scouts see that he can be a PG for sure. I'll try to find the quote. But from I seen, it's just what we need is a guy that can score from anywhere, and be a threat in the pick and roll. He just needs to be a capable and willing passer. He doesn't need to be Teo and Rubio, especially with our wings handling the ball a lot too.

I dunno, I may getting ahead of myself, but has star "potential" imo. If he stayed at BYU, he'd be a top 10 pick right now. Plus we can't underestimate his intangibles, work ethic, and character. When guys have all of those, they usually improve on their game a lot.

[KDBG]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2580780-homelessness-heartache-and-hoops-caleb-swanigans-rough-road-to-purdue

Another local guy is Caleb Swanigan. He grew up in a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. This article of shows you the **** he went through, and where he is now. Yes, even wholesome Salt Lake City has some dark ass places.

Interesting. I had no idea he grew up here in SLC. He has an amazing story. I actually really like his game, I just worry about how it translates to the NBA and he's not as tall as I would have hoped.

He can shoot the 3 which is nice. But I'd only take a flier on him if it was in the 2nd round because of your concerns. And he probably will be a huge liability on defense.

[KqWIN]

Ya, I think I agree with this. He's more of a scorer than a true point guard. He's best when he's attacking the rim or spotting up from the outside. I think he'd be a good combo guard at the NBA level and would be a great backup PG who can add some scoring to your second unit. I honestly see him being a similar player to Austin Rivers (hopefully, a better version of Austin) who can get you some buckets and play tough, pesky defense.

I see the Rivers thing too. I think Frank is probably a better shooter and finisher at the basket at this stage. They weight about the same, but visually you can just see that Frank has a stronger upper body and is more capable of taking contact. Rivers is still very wild around the basket.

[KqWIN]

I hear you. But scoring PGs are the norm in today's game anyway. Not a lot of old school "pure" points left in the NBA.

Also, I read somewhere that Jackson mentioned he didn't get to showcase his PG skills a lot at Duke, and he hopes NBA scouts see that he can be a PG for sure. I'll try to find the quote. But from I seen, it's just what we need is a guy that can score from anywhere, and be a threat in the pick and roll. He just needs to be a capable and willing passer. He doesn't need to be Teo and Rubio, especially with our wings handling the ball a lot too.

I dunno, I may getting ahead of myself, but has star "potential" imo. If he stayed at BYU, he'd be a top 10 pick right now. Plus we can't underestimate his intangibles, work ethic, and character. When guys have all of those, they usually improve on their game a lot.

I see. I bet he said that because he knows that's one of the question marks about his game. Guys who can't shoot always tell the media they weren't allowed to shoot. He's definitely a scorer and not a "run the team" type of player. Positions don't mean anything these days.

If he did play at BYU you might be right about him being a top 10 pick. It wouldn't surprise me if he was top 10 in the nation for scoring with the way they play. It wouldn't have made him a better player, but his talent would have been showcased. When I was watching him play at Duke I was just begging for him let loose, but he rarely did.

[KqWIN]

Frank is IN!!! No doubt he got a promise from someone.

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