Snapbacks and Handshakes: The 2017 Draft (Raps pick #23)

[Psubs]

We're probably taking a PF since Ibaka and Patterson are free agents. Masai did this same thing a few years ago when he drafted Delon Wright because we had no backup PG.

He did it this year too as we had no backup C so he took Poetl. Rabb, Leaf , Hartenstein are all PFs I can see us taking. Maybe Lyndon but I have a bad feeling about him. I'd rather go for flexibility tho and grab a swingman forward. We already have Siakam

No to Lydon. He was open and banked a 3 that he didn't mean to bank. That happened to be the only game I've watched of his and that's enough for me.

[HeadtopChunes]

We're probably taking a PF since Ibaka and Patterson are free agents. Masai did this same thing a few years ago when he drafted Delon Wright because we had no backup PG.

Siakam begs to differ! Dude started at PF to begin the season and he's gotten stronger. I was amazed to watch clips of a game at the end of the season and see how big he looked now.

Siakam was seriously impressive in the D league playoffs. If he can transfer that stuff to the main team we should be good on that end. He might be ready for backup minutes.

[S ID]

What do you guys think of these players?

DJ Wilson:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Isaiah Hartenstein:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[OAKLEY_2]

Wilson with the active hands.

[CoachJReturns]

We're probably taking a PF since Ibaka and Patterson are free agents. Masai did this same thing a few years ago when he drafted Delon Wright because we had no backup PG.

Siakam begs to differ! Dude started at PF to begin the season and he's gotten stronger. I was amazed to watch clips of a game at the end of the season and see how big he looked now.

Siakam was seriously impressive in the D league playoffs. If he can transfer that stuff to the main team we should be good on that end. He might be ready for backup minutes.

Siakam was impressive. It's D League though and he was a terrible rebounder and shooter with the big club. He hasn't done enough to make power forward a locked up position. Besides, BPA is the way to go. If they happen to fill a need that's great, but the Raptors aren't talented enough to say any position couldn't use more talent. We're stuck in a high end treadmill and need a major talent boost.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

I'm actually leaning towards Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, if the Raps stay at 23. .220 WS/48, 26 PER guy, Big Ten Player Of The Year. Beastly low post game. And he has can range on his jumpshot out to the 3. I think he's going to a great value pick for some team based on where he's currently being mocked.

[bboyskinnylegs]

What do you guys think of these players?

Hartenstein looks interesting to me. He seems to have good passing instincts, is a good rebounder and looks solid defensively, moves well, and is versatile offensively. Dad was a pro basketball player (and now coach) and mom was also an athlete. Plus he's just 19. If he can refine his jumper to the point where he can consistently hit the 3, he'll be deadly.

[PhilBlackson]

I'm actually leaning towards Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, if the Raps stay at 23. .220 WS/48, 26 PER guy, Big Ten Player Of The Year. Beastly low post game. And he has can range on his jumpshot out to the 3. I think he's going to a great value pick for some team based on where he's currently being mocked.

I used to like him but he's WAY too slow on defence.

[CoachJReturns]

I'm actually leaning towards Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, if the Raps stay at 23. .220 WS/48, 26 PER guy, Big Ten Player Of The Year. Beastly low post game. And he has can range on his jumpshot out to the 3. I think he's going to a great value pick for some team based on where he's currently being mocked.

I won't be mad if we take him. He can shoot, post up, rebound and pass better than just about anyone in our range. The issue is his defense. He will be completely unable to defend at the next level. He's slower than JV. So while he may hit a 3 ball, he'll also often give up the 3 and will be useless defending the pick and roll. He does everything else well though, so maybe he can still have success as a pro.

[HeadtopChunes]

I'm actually leaning towards Caleb Swanigan, PF/C, if the Raps stay at 23. .220 WS/48, 26 PER guy, Big Ten Player Of The Year. Beastly low post game. And he has can range on his jumpshot out to the 3. I think he's going to a great value pick for some team based on where he's currently being mocked.

I won't be mad if we take him. He can shoot, post up, rebound and pass better than just about anyone in our range. The issue is his defense. He will be completely unable to defend at the next level. He's slower than JV. So while he may hit a 3 ball, he'll also often give up the 3 and will be useless defending the pick and roll. He does everything else well though, so maybe he can still have success as a pro.

After yelling at JV all season not sure if I can handle someone who can't defend AND is slower.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

Swanigan does have a 7'3'' wingspan and a 9'0'' standing reach, so he may be able to contest shots. He'll need to lose some more weight to be able to defend the P'n'R though.

The thing I like about Swanigan is his ability to pass. 3.7 apg Per 40 is pretty neat for a guy who can score like that in the painted area. He might have the ability to draw doubles, and once he's able to, he can kick it out to open shooters. I think we could use that ability.

[CoachJReturns]

What do you guys think of these players?

DJ Wilson:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Isaiah Hartenstein:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Wilson has some hops! Nice measurements too and has some shooting range. His rebounding though is absolutely terrible, even in this era of perimeter players. 5 rebounds a game for a guy listed as a 6'10 power forward is Bargnani like. My question is can he play small forward full time, which is where he'd have a length advantage and could shoot over guys. He also wouldn't have to play with the other team's strongest players.
Interesting prospect though. I wouldn't complain if we drafted someone that athletic. Some of those dunks were pretty sick.

[BoyzNTheHood]

He looked fine against the combine wing players. Here's what DX says

"Ojeleye certainly showed that he has value as a one-on-one perimeter defender thanks to his strong base, deep stance, quick feet (excellent agility scores), and effort level. He had no problem sliding with perimeter players and will be able to switch everything at the next level while having the strength to bang on the interior, although his 8'6 standing reach really limits him around the rim. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/nba-combine-competitive-action-recap-day-two-5929/ DraftExpress"

Yeah, but who's a dominant wing at the combine? You draft a guy like Semi to stay with guys like LeBron, KD, etc. I'm not sure there is anyone who imitates those styles at the combine.

I don't think there are that many quality wings in this Draft especially at our range. I think only OG and Isaac can stay with LeBron and KD. Everyone else I severely doubt. Maybe Justin Jackson from Maryland but he's way too inconsistent to rely on. I think the appeal of Semi is as a replacement Caroll. His shooting is really attractive and his dunks are cool. But if we draft him it's not for defense.

Of course we're drafting him for his defense.

[iqbalpanchod]

I want OG bad, real bad. What does it take in your opinion?
I just think he's too good physically to fail. Would Cojo+Val suffice? I believe in Jakab and Bebe next year as well. They along with Siakim should be able to shoot the three next season. Dream scenario for me would be seeing us grab OG and Semi. I think they'd fit in as immediate rotation guys. We'd be competitive without Lowry and the youth have a bigger role.

Poeltl/Siakim
Ibaka/Bruno/OG
Semi/OG
Powell/Reddick (Carroll [S&T])
DeRozan/Wright

Let Lowry walk. Re-sign Tucker, Patterson, and ibaka to reasonable deals. Raise value and sell them for picks if the young guys can step up. I wouldn't mind trying to pull out another competitive year and if things go south sell high on DeRozan, Ibaka, and Tucker.

As for DeRozan at the 1.He's practically the point guard now and he's improving his playnaking in the off-season to go with his amazingly low turn over rate. If everyone from 1-5 can shoot the three then DeRozan operating out of the post on the opposing point guard be killer. Beating the rest with size, shooting, and physicality will get us far. Skills can be taught with a winning culture. Athleticism, genetics, length, it can't be.

In a weak East I'd say it goes well and playoffs be in sight. Not to mention answers against the new NBA.


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[HeadtopChunes]

I want OG bad, real bad. What does it take in your opinion?
I just think he's too good physically to fail. Would Cojo+Val suffice? I believe in Jakab and Bebe next year as well. They along with Siakim should be able to shoot the three next season. Dream scenario for me would be seeing us grab OG and Semi. I think they'd fit in as immediate rotation guys. We'd be competitive without Lowry and the youth have a bigger role.

Poeltl/Siakim
Ibaka/Bruno/OG
Semi/OG
Powell/Reddick (Carroll [S&T])
DeRozan/Wright

Let Lowry walk. Re-sign Tucker, Patterson, and ibaka to reasonable deals. Raise value and sell them for picks if the young guys can step up. I wouldn't mind trying to pull out another competitive year and if things go south sell high on DeRozan, Ibaka, and Tucker.

As for DeRozan at the 1.He's practically the point guard now and he's improving his playnaking in the off-season to go with his amazingly low turn over rate. If everyone from 1-5 can shoot the three then DeRozan operating out of the post on the opposing point guard be killer. Beating the rest with size, shooting, and physicality will get us far. Skills can be taught with a winning culture. Athleticism, genetics, length, it can't be.

In a weak East I'd say it goes well and playoffs be in sight. Not to mention answers against the new NBA.


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OG is a huge prospect and there's a small chance he drops to us on his own but I can see the Nuggets, Portland, Indiana, Bucks taking him before us. I don't know how much he's worth but he looks like a Masai type guy so I'd be surprised if he didn't try.

[HeadtopChunes]

Yeah, but who's a dominant wing at the combine? You draft a guy like Semi to stay with guys like LeBron, KD, etc. I'm not sure there is anyone who imitates those styles at the combine.

I don't think there are that many quality wings in this Draft especially at our range. I think only OG and Isaac can stay with LeBron and KD. Everyone else I severely doubt. Maybe Justin Jackson from Maryland but he's way too inconsistent to rely on. I think the appeal of Semi is as a replacement Caroll. His shooting is really attractive and his dunks are cool. But if we draft him it's not for defense.

Of course we're drafting him for his defense.

If we're looking for defense the guy who averaged 0.4 sts and 0.4 blocks is not our guy.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I don't think there are that many quality wings in this Draft especially at our range. I think only OG and Isaac can stay with LeBron and KD. Everyone else I severely doubt. Maybe Justin Jackson from Maryland but he's way too inconsistent to rely on. I think the appeal of Semi is as a replacement Caroll. His shooting is really attractive and his dunks are cool. But if we draft him it's not for defense.

Of course we're drafting him for his defense.

If we're looking for defense the guy who averaged 0.4 sts and 0.4 blocks is not our guy.

Then you don't pick him. If you're looking for shooting there are plenty of better options, and cool dunks will never be a reason to pick a guy.

[HeadtopChunes]

Of course we're drafting him for his defense.

If we're looking for defense the guy who averaged 0.4 sts and 0.4 blocks is not our guy.

Then you don't pick him. If you're looking for shooting there are plenty of better options, and cool dunks will never be a reason to pick a guy.

What I was getting it is Semi is one of the better shooting forwards in our range. If you want someone to defend he's not gonna be in the 23rd pick of this draft.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If we're looking for defense the guy who averaged 0.4 sts and 0.4 blocks is not our guy.

Then you don't pick him. If you're looking for shooting there are plenty of better options, and cool dunks will never be a reason to pick a guy.

What I was getting it is Semi is one of the better shooting forwards in our range. If you want someone to defend he's not gonna be in the 23rd pick of this draft.

Last season SMU had a DRTG of 98 with him on the court and and ORTG of 132, so per 100 possessions SMU outscored their opponents by 34 points when Semi was on the court. So I'd say he was a pretty good defender in college, but in the pros with pro athletes we'll have to wait and see. If he can guard 3's one on one he's a HUGE steal.

[HeadtopChunes]

Then you don't pick him. If you're looking for shooting there are plenty of better options, and cool dunks will never be a reason to pick a guy.

What I was getting it is Semi is one of the better shooting forwards in our range. If you want someone to defend he's not gonna be in the 23rd pick of this draft.

Last season SMU had a DRTG of 98 with him on the court and and ORTG of 132, so per 100 possessions SMU outscored their opponents by 34 points when Semi was on the court. So I'd say he was a pretty good defender in college, but in the pros with pro athletes we'll have to wait and see. If he can guard 3's one on one he's a HUGE steal.

From what I've seen he'd be okay agaisnt average 3s. Guys like Tobias Harris or Batum. I don't see him doing well agaisnt the PG13s or LeBrons of the league tho. He can switch onto whoever but the better PGs probably burn him. He's strong enough to contest a post up but not long enough to protect the rim. So he looks like an average defender. He has a great work ethic tho so maybe he can become a PJ Tucker type defender.