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

[CoachJReturns]

Don't at all get the love for Jeanne. Looks like poor mans Ajinca.

To be fair, we're picking in the 20s. Most drafts are 5-10 deep and after that it's anyone's guess. This year it's 10-11 deep of highly regarded guys and then it drops off considerably. We're one of the teams scraping the bottom of the barrel essentially. It was probably a little better before the age limit kicked in and you could find a Monte Ellis late in a draft, but that's long past. With that being the case I think all you can ask for is that a prospect have 1 NBA level skill. Just one.
In Jeanne's case, GMs would be hoping that's his shot blocking, while his jumpshot also not looking broken makes him a little more intriguing. Though given how thin he is, it might be better to say his best case scenario defensively is closer to John Henson rather than Gobert. I suppose someone might make the argument that Manute Bol was a tooth pick as well, but I wouldn't compare anyone to arguably the greatest shot blocker of all time. And also one of the best people off the court in sports history(Had to give Manute some love.)

[Tortiglioni]

Don't at all get the love for Jeanne. Looks like poor mans Ajinca.

To be fair, we're picking in the 20s. Most drafts are 5-10 deep and after that it's anyone's guess. This year it's 10-11 deep of highly regarded guys and then it drops off considerably. We're one of the teams scraping the bottom of the barrel essentially. It was probably a little better before the age limit kicked in and you could find a Monte Ellis late in a draft, but that's long past. With that being the case I think all you can ask for is that a prospect have 1 NBA level skill. Just one.
In Jeanne's case, GMs would be hoping that's his shot blocking, while his jumpshot also not looking broken makes him a little more intriguing. Though given how thin he is, it might be better to say his best case scenario defensively is closer to John Henson rather than Gobert. I suppose someone might make the argument that Manute Bol was a tooth pick as well, but I wouldn't compare anyone to arguably the greatest shot blocker of all time. And also one of the best people off the court in sports history(Had to give Manute some love.)

I don't understand the obsession with generalizing the value of a particular draft position. Draft classes differ drastically from year to year, and this is probably one of the deepest drafts of the last decade. Sure, there is a noticeable drop after 10-11 in this draft, but 12-40 (or so) is still stacked with rotation players. The talent at #23 is this draft is borderline lottery talent in most drafts.

[PhilBlackson]

I'm fine with drafting Bolden, but my first instincts about him are a bit wary. Feels like he's the type that would have a lot of success in Euroleagues, but struggle more (not bust though) in the NBA.

In terms of Semi's defense, if we draft him, I guess we should be hoping for an MKG type of defender where the stocks aren't truly representative of his defensive value.

Where are you coming up with this MKG comparison?! lol

I'm seeing Semi's name being lumped into comparisons over and over to players known as defenders and Semi isn't know for that at all lol no he's not like PJ Tucker (other than resemblance in being short for his position and built like a brickhouse) nor is he like MKG. Both PJ and MKG were known almost exclusively for being great defenders...Semi is not.

Semi is a versatile tweener, even Julius Randle may not be the best comparison but far more on par with what his style of play is like but he's actually shorter and not as long hence why he's a bubble 1st rd to 2nd rd pick and why Tolzman lumped him into that 2nd rd group of players with Brooks.

[GRidge]

*SLEEPER ALERT*

Atlanta Timekeeper provided me with the tip on Bolden. After watching this video I'm convinced Bolden is mocked way too low and that after workouts and interviews he will become a late first round pick. He does some Otto Porter stuff in this video and the Adriatic league is a good league that's put out a ton of quality lately. Guys with his length and athleticism and 3 point shooting ability and rebounding ability and net protection are highly coveted as role players and paid a lot on the open market.

Watch on YouTube

Seems like he's had a moment of clarity and that he's coachable.

Watch on YouTube

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

This guy is my pick, lets go!!!!!!

He seems to have all the tools to be a really good NBA player. Sign me up

[ATLTimekeeper]

Don't at all get the love for Jeanne. Looks like poor mans Ajinca.

To be fair, we're picking in the 20s. Most drafts are 5-10 deep and after that it's anyone's guess. This year it's 10-11 deep of highly regarded guys and then it drops off considerably. We're one of the teams scraping the bottom of the barrel essentially. It was probably a little better before the age limit kicked in and you could find a Monte Ellis late in a draft, but that's long past. With that being the case I think all you can ask for is that a prospect have 1 NBA level skill. Just one.
In Jeanne's case, GMs would be hoping that's his shot blocking, while his jumpshot also not looking broken makes him a little more intriguing. Though given how thin he is, it might be better to say his best case scenario defensively is closer to John Henson rather than Gobert. I suppose someone might make the argument that Manute Bol was a tooth pick as well, but I wouldn't compare anyone to arguably the greatest shot blocker of all time. And also one of the best people off the court in sports history(Had to give Manute some love.)

I don't understand the obsession with generalizing the value of a particular draft position. Draft classes differ drastically from year to year, and this is probably one of the deepest drafts of the last decade. Sure, there is a noticeable drop after 10-11 in this draft, but 12-40 (or so) is still stacked with rotation players. The talent at #23 is this draft is borderline lottery talent in most drafts.

I think that's just hyperbole. People's perceptions of strength rarely match up with the reality down the line. Weak drafts tend to have just as much "depth" as highly anticipated drafts. I think the last draft to truly cash in on its hype was the Derrick Rose draft.

[Mikistan]

To be fair, we're picking in the 20s. Most drafts are 5-10 deep and after that it's anyone's guess. This year it's 10-11 deep of highly regarded guys and then it drops off considerably. We're one of the teams scraping the bottom of the barrel essentially. It was probably a little better before the age limit kicked in and you could find a Monte Ellis late in a draft, but that's long past. With that being the case I think all you can ask for is that a prospect have 1 NBA level skill. Just one.
In Jeanne's case, GMs would be hoping that's his shot blocking, while his jumpshot also not looking broken makes him a little more intriguing. Though given how thin he is, it might be better to say his best case scenario defensively is closer to John Henson rather than Gobert. I suppose someone might make the argument that Manute Bol was a tooth pick as well, but I wouldn't compare anyone to arguably the greatest shot blocker of all time. And also one of the best people off the court in sports history(Had to give Manute some love.)

I don't understand the obsession with generalizing the value of a particular draft position. Draft classes differ drastically from year to year, and this is probably one of the deepest drafts of the last decade. Sure, there is a noticeable drop after 10-11 in this draft, but 12-40 (or so) is still stacked with rotation players. The talent at #23 is this draft is borderline lottery talent in most drafts.

I think that's just hyperbole. People's perceptions of strength rarely match up with the reality down the line. Weak drafts tend to have just as much "depth" as highly anticipated drafts. I think the last draft to truly cash in on its hype was the Derrick Rose draft.

Draft spot often doesnt even tell the whole story - opportunity and situation of the pick to the team drafting is just as important.

Later draft spots mean the teams are better - which in theory will allow draft picks to get less playing time and opportunity - no wonder those players look less impactful, because they are literally given less opportunity to impact the game/team!

[PhilBlackson]

I don't understand the obsession with generalizing the value of a particular draft position. Draft classes differ drastically from year to year, and this is probably one of the deepest drafts of the last decade. Sure, there is a noticeable drop after 10-11 in this draft, but 12-40 (or so) is still stacked with rotation players. The talent at #23 is this draft is borderline lottery talent in most drafts.

I think that's just hyperbole. People's perceptions of strength rarely match up with the reality down the line. Weak drafts tend to have just as much "depth" as highly anticipated drafts. I think the last draft to truly cash in on its hype was the Derrick Rose draft.

Draft spot often doesnt even tell the whole story - opportunity and situation of the pick to the team drafting is just as important.

Later draft spots mean the teams are better - which in theory will allow draft picks to get less playing time and opportunity - no wonder those players look less impactful, because they are literally given less opportunity to impact the game/team!

Agreed.

With prety much everyone's thoughts here. For example, flame away but there isn't a single name in the 9-15 range I would take Poeltl over. In fact I could VERY easily see Yak being a player available around our pick like Rabb is this year. I arguably think Rabb was/is the better player but yet there he is and that should give people some perspective on this draft.

You can't generalize when trying to determine the proper valuation of an asset. This #23 pick is far more on par with many other drafts' 10+ range which of course isn't likely you get a superstar but you do likely have an opportunity to find a real gem. Just thinking of some of the names likely available in our range...

Bam Adebayo
Ivan Rabb
Harry Giles
Frank Jackson
Jawun Evans
Jonah Bolden
Terrence Ferguson
Ike Anigbogu
Isaiah Hartenstein
Jarrett Allen

HM: possibly OG Anunoby...that entire list could EASILY have gone in the 8-15 range in most other drafts. If we don't go with garbage like Leaf, Lydon etc we have plenty of opportunity to add a nice prospect that I can see having a similar or better impact than Powell has had.

[HeadtopChunes]

I'm fine with drafting Bolden, but my first instincts about him are a bit wary. Feels like he's the type that would have a lot of success in Euroleagues, but struggle more (not bust though) in the NBA.

In terms of Semi's defense, if we draft him, I guess we should be hoping for an MKG type of defender where the stocks aren't truly representative of his defensive value.

Where are you coming up with this MKG comparison?! lol

I'm seeing Semi's name being lumped into comparisons over and over to players known as defenders and Semi isn't know for that at all lol no he's not like PJ Tucker (other than resemblance in being short for his position and built like a brickhouse) nor is he like MKG. Both PJ and MKG were known almost exclusively for being great defenders...Semi is not.

Semi is a versatile tweener, even Julius Randle may not be the best comparison but far more on par with what his style of play is like but he's actually shorter and not as long hence why he's a bubble 1st rd to 2nd rd pick and why Tolzman lumped him into that 2nd rd group of players with Brooks.

Yeah Semi is not a good defender at this stage. But there's potential there. He plays defense with good fundamentals and doesn't foul. Next step would be becoming more active on defense playing passing lanes, taking charges, weakside blocks etc. I'd be surprised if he ever becomes a top tier defender but I think he can be above average with the right training.

His offense is the appealing part, good at midrange , 3pt, ISOs. Very efficient at pick and pop. Atheltic enough to be a transition and lob threat. Good offensive rebounder too. Would be a nice fit on offense. Needs to get better with his passing and finishing. He's 3rd on my board but I think he's a safe pick.

[Psubs]

I'm fine with drafting Bolden, but my first instincts about him are a bit wary. Feels like he's the type that would have a lot of success in Euroleagues, but struggle more (not bust though) in the NBA.

In terms of Semi's defense, if we draft him, I guess we should be hoping for an MKG type of defender where the stocks aren't truly representative of his defensive value.

Where are you coming up with this MKG comparison?! lol

I'm seeing Semi's name being lumped into comparisons over and over to players known as defenders and Semi isn't know for that at all lol no he's not like PJ Tucker (other than resemblance in being short for his position and built like a brickhouse) nor is he like MKG. Both PJ and MKG were known almost exclusively for being great defenders...Semi is not.

Semi is a versatile tweener, even Julius Randle may not be the best comparison but far more on par with what his style of play is like but he's actually shorter and not as long hence why he's a bubble 1st rd to 2nd rd pick and why Tolzman lumped him into that 2nd rd group of players with Brooks.

Yeah Semi is not a good defender at this stage. But there's potential there. He plays defense with good fundamentals and doesn't foul. Next step would be becoming more active on defense playing passing lanes, taking charges, weakside blocks etc. I'd be surprised if he ever becomes a top tier defender but I think he can be above average with the right training.

His offense is the appealing part, good at midrange , 3pt, ISOs. Very efficient at pick and pop. Atheltic enough to be a transition and lob threat. Good offensive rebounder too. Would be a nice fit on offense. Needs to get better with his passing and finishing. He's 3rd on my board but I think he's a safe pick.

What makes him not a good defender now? He's not a great defender now, but I would say that he's average. I think his defense could develop in a style like PJ Tucker (who would be the perfect mentor).

[S ID]

Derrick White will be a steal

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[PhilBlackson]

Where are you coming up with this MKG comparison?! lol

I'm seeing Semi's name being lumped into comparisons over and over to players known as defenders and Semi isn't know for that at all lol no he's not like PJ Tucker (other than resemblance in being short for his position and built like a brickhouse) nor is he like MKG. Both PJ and MKG were known almost exclusively for being great defenders...Semi is not.

Semi is a versatile tweener, even Julius Randle may not be the best comparison but far more on par with what his style of play is like but he's actually shorter and not as long hence why he's a bubble 1st rd to 2nd rd pick and why Tolzman lumped him into that 2nd rd group of players with Brooks.

Yeah Semi is not a good defender at this stage. But there's potential there. He plays defense with good fundamentals and doesn't foul. Next step would be becoming more active on defense playing passing lanes, taking charges, weakside blocks etc. I'd be surprised if he ever becomes a top tier defender but I think he can be above average with the right training.

His offense is the appealing part, good at midrange , 3pt, ISOs. Very efficient at pick and pop. Atheltic enough to be a transition and lob threat. Good offensive rebounder too. Would be a nice fit on offense. Needs to get better with his passing and finishing. He's 3rd on my board but I think he's a safe pick.

What makes him not a good defender now? He's not a great defender now, but I would say that he's average. I think his defense could develop in a style like PJ Tucker (who would be the perfect mentor).

There's no denying PJ would be a great mentor but that could be said for nearly any player lol the fact that Semi is an average player is what's relevant. As a player Semi is an average defender (period). Likening him to great defenders makes no sense. His strong points aren't there's. Again while not a perfect comparison either, he is far more like a smaller Randle than he is MKG or Tucker.

You can't really say per say that he can be developed into a PJ Tucker...guys like PJ have always been good defenders that's what got them a roster spot in the league so I think it's wishful and not really a realistic goal. Maybe I'm nitpicking the grammar here but I think it makes a lot of sense to say it would be great to have PJ mentor him to improve his defence as a player of similar build, I think it makes zero sense to compare him as a player to PJ Tucker is what I'm getting at. Currently there is no comparison between the two other than physical attributes.

Semi being 6'5 is pretty damn discouraging for me though.

[HeadtopChunes]

Orlando magic gave us a 2018 2nd rounder for Weltman nice.

[Lukeem]

Don't at all get the love for Jeanne. Looks like poor mans Ajinca.

To be fair, we're picking in the 20s. Most drafts are 5-10 deep and after that it's anyone's guess. This year it's 10-11 deep of highly regarded guys and then it drops off considerably. We're one of the teams scraping the bottom of the barrel essentially. It was probably a little better before the age limit kicked in and you could find a Monte Ellis late in a draft, but that's long past. With that being the case I think all you can ask for is that a prospect have 1 NBA level skill. Just one.
In Jeanne's case, GMs would be hoping that's his shot blocking, while his jumpshot also not looking broken makes him a little more intriguing. Though given how thin he is, it might be better to say his best case scenario defensively is closer to John Henson rather than Gobert. I suppose someone might make the argument that Manute Bol was a tooth pick as well, but I wouldn't compare anyone to arguably the greatest shot blocker of all time. And also one of the best people off the court in sports history(Had to give Manute some love.)

I don't understand the obsession with generalizing the value of a particular draft position. Draft classes differ drastically from year to year, and this is probably one of the deepest drafts of the last decade. Sure, there is a noticeable drop after 10-11 in this draft, but 12-40 (or so) is still stacked with rotation players. The talent at #23 is this draft is borderline lottery talent in most drafts.

youre absolutely right but it seems like someone (not saying you) says that the current draft is really deep every year. i do think this draft is on the deeper side but so hard to guage when all of the players are going against the players that make up the rest of the draft depth.... if the competition is weaker they look stronger than they are...

[CoachJReturns]

No Diallo. I'll just take Pasecniks and be done with it.

[Drop Shot]

Derrick White will be a steal

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Seems like he could be this year's Brogdon

[Mikistan]

Derrick White will be a steal

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Seems like he could be this year's Brogdon

His stats arent bad, and his steal/block numbers are better than Semi so i'll give him that already

"
Functioning as Colorado's primary shot creator, White regularly enjoyed a significant size advantage over his defender last season. With over a third of his possessions coming in pick and roll or isolation situations, White was regularly asked to make plays off the dribble, but also scored the ball prolifically in spot up situations, and as the focal point of the Buffalo's off screen sets. Scoring 1.078 points per possession, scoring at an above average rate in virtually every conceivable situation, White was the seventh most efficient scorer in high major basketball last season, according to Synergy Sports Technology, among players using over 16 possessions per game. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Derrick-White-95407/ ©DraftExpress"

[HeadtopChunes]

Derrick White will be a steal

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Seems like he could be this year's Brogdon

His stats arent bad, and his steal/block numbers are better than Semi so i'll give him that already

"
Functioning as Colorado's primary shot creator, White regularly enjoyed a significant size advantage over his defender last season. With over a third of his possessions coming in pick and roll or isolation situations, White was regularly asked to make plays off the dribble, but also scored the ball prolifically in spot up situations, and as the focal point of the Buffalo's off screen sets. Scoring 1.078 points per possession, scoring at an above average rate in virtually every conceivable situation, White was the seventh most efficient scorer in high major basketball last season, according to Synergy Sports Technology, among players using over 16 possessions per game. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Derrick-White-95407/ DraftExpress"

Looks like a good 2. Would be a nice contributer off the bench. Doesn't fit our team.

[OAKLEY_2]

I think that's just hyperbole. People's perceptions of strength rarely match up with the reality down the line. Weak drafts tend to have just as much "depth" as highly anticipated drafts. I think the last draft to truly cash in on its hype was the Derrick Rose draft.

Draft spot often doesnt even tell the whole story - opportunity and situation of the pick to the team drafting is just as important.

Later draft spots mean the teams are better - which in theory will allow draft picks to get less playing time and opportunity - no wonder those players look less impactful, because they are literally given less opportunity to impact the game/team!

Agreed.

With prety much everyone's thoughts here. For example, flame away but there isn't a single name in the 9-15 range I would take Poeltl over. In fact I could VERY easily see Yak being a player available around our pick like Rabb is this year. I arguably think Rabb was/is the better player but yet there he is and that should give people some perspective on this draft.

You can't generalize when trying to determine the proper valuation of an asset. This #23 pick is far more on par with many other drafts' 10+ range which of course isn't likely you get a superstar but you do likely have an opportunity to find a real gem. Just thinking of some of the names likely available in our range...

Bam Adebayo
Ivan Rabb
Harry Giles
Frank Jackson
Jawun Evans
Jonah Bolden
Terrence Ferguson
Ike Anigbogu
Isaiah Hartenstein
Jarrett Allen

HM: possibly OG Anunoby...that entire list could EASILY have gone in the 8-15 range in most other drafts. If we don't go with garbage like Leaf, Lydon etc we have plenty of opportunity to add a nice prospect that I can see having a similar or better impact than Powell has had.

Garbage like Leaf...? G-T-F-O. Already.

[OAKLEY_2]

No Diallo. I'll just take Pasecniks and be done with it.

Considering this pick should be defending a title in Mississauga, there are some half decent prospects to go to 905 school.

1. Semi
2. Leaf
3. Ferguson
4. Bam
5. Bolden
6. Evans
7. Frank Mason JR
8. Sindarius

All these players would be intriguing as hell at the Hershey Centre. None will be making the rotation in 2017-2018. None. Maybe Bam could make it displacing Bebe.

[Mikistan]

Draft spot often doesnt even tell the whole story - opportunity and situation of the pick to the team drafting is just as important.

Later draft spots mean the teams are better - which in theory will allow draft picks to get less playing time and opportunity - no wonder those players look less impactful, because they are literally given less opportunity to impact the game/team!

Agreed.

With prety much everyone's thoughts here. For example, flame away but there isn't a single name in the 9-15 range I would take Poeltl over. In fact I could VERY easily see Yak being a player available around our pick like Rabb is this year. I arguably think Rabb was/is the better player but yet there he is and that should give people some perspective on this draft.

You can't generalize when trying to determine the proper valuation of an asset. This #23 pick is far more on par with many other drafts' 10+ range which of course isn't likely you get a superstar but you do likely have an opportunity to find a real gem. Just thinking of some of the names likely available in our range...

Bam Adebayo
Ivan Rabb
Harry Giles
Frank Jackson
Jawun Evans
Jonah Bolden
Terrence Ferguson
Ike Anigbogu
Isaiah Hartenstein
Jarrett Allen

HM: possibly OG Anunoby...that entire list could EASILY have gone in the 8-15 range in most other drafts. If we don't go with garbage like Leaf, Lydon etc we have plenty of opportunity to add a nice prospect that I can see having a similar or better impact than Powell has had.

Garbage like Leaf...? G-T-F-O. Already.

I don't really see the Leaf love either - at least from a numbers standpoint

he didnt BEAST rebounding in 30 mins per game (serviceable tho), he only shot 11 shots per game, with only 1.7 threes per game - his free throw percentage is poorer than you want for someone you are drafting to be a shooter off your stars.

0.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game don't shout impact at the NBA level either.

his measurements are okay, 6 foot 9 with 6'11 wingspan i guess, but the no-standing vert scares me as a potential rim protector

I admit i need to watch more tape from him too