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

[slothrop8]

There was a guy on reddit who does draft analytics for some teams and he said Smith's pick and roll stats are pretty suspect and that might be a red flag on his decision making ability. I'm pretty high on him, but he does have a few question marks.

They said the same abt Westbrook...Plus, DSJ played on a horribly coached team. I think the coach ws fired mid season he ws so bad.

The only red-flag DSJ has is injuries.

Doesn't DSJ have some major personality issues? Its why his stock fell so much. He doesn't give a **** about defense either. Plus history of knee problems on a guy who mainly relies on atheleticism.

The skills are definitely there. The question marks are inconsistent effort, lack of defensive intensity, shot selection, and perception of selfishness/questionable teammate. Those things may prove all to be overblown and/or curable at the next level - but those are repeatedly the knocks against him. I think maturity and exposure to a professional environment with better players around him may make some of those things go away - but there are certainly concerns about him.

[VanWest82]

Who ever we get they need to shoot the 3 - that's the direction we're going, doesn't matter the position.

Unless you're talking about an NBA level athlete who's also a knock down shooter, or a world class play maker who can also shoot (and both of those types would be top 10 selections) then I think you're better off going after the guy who can do everything else but is lacking a jump shot. Shooting is the one skill that's often teachable, whereas it's proven to be really difficult to coach someone into becoming a great rebounder, play maker, or defender when they weren't in college.

Like honestly I don't think casey gonna play tj leaf or lydon against the cavs for example they can shoot but too experience. Getting shooting from vets makes more sense

Everyone needs to shoot, not just the vets. If the kiddies can't, they don't play (barring injuries). Drafting like we have (i.e. good basketball players who lack a jumper) requires a year or two of 905 / gym development but even if all they fix is their catch and shoot three it's worth it. It's a smart way to approach the draft.

[LonZoBallin]

They said the same abt Westbrook...Plus, DSJ played on a horribly coached team. I think the coach ws fired mid season he ws so bad.

The only red-flag DSJ has is injuries.

Doesn't DSJ have some major personality issues? Its why his stock fell so much. He doesn't give a **** about defense either. Plus history of knee problems on a guy who mainly relies on atheleticism.

The skills are definitely there. The question marks are inconsistent effort, lack of defensive intensity, shot selection, and perception of selfishness/questionable teammate. Those things may prove all to be overblown and/or curable at the next level - but those are repeatedly the knocks against him. I think maturity and exposure to a professional environment with better players around him may make some of those things go away - but there are certainly concerns about him.

I think he's quite mature. How many 17 year olds would graduate HS early to go to college early to rehab. like I said, he's already done his soft year.

[PhilBlackson]

Idk why we're discussing DS Jr, there's zero chance we get him. No Masai isn't trading DeRozan. He's s going to recycle our garbage with Casey as he has already made clear except he thinks magically we're going to turn into the Rockets just by taking more attempts.

[Syd-TK3]

Updated version of the Ringers in dept mock draft https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Norm has officially arrived:

Lol yeah his measurements are pretty much exactly the same so it was the easiest comparison. He's got a better ceiling than norm though. Already a good 3 point shooter and 3 years younger

I'd love to get Mitchell but he's way out our range, his stock flew up like crazy.

[BoyzNTheHood]

What's the consensus on DJ Wilson around here? I'm watching these highlights and it's hard not to be intrigued.. he seems like if he matures physically speaking he could be a beast after some time in the gym..

I was surprised by his measurements - 6'10 in shoes, 7'3 wingspan. I always figured he was closer to 6'7 based on how fluidly he moves. Because of that size, fluidity, athleticism and touch from outside, I'd say he's really not that different of a prospect than Chriss, whom this board was enamoured with last year.

If he's playing the 3 there's tons of reasons to be enamoured. If he can't do that and has to go up against NBA big men he can go be soft elsewhere...

[HeadtopChunes]

What's the consensus on DJ Wilson around here? I'm watching these highlights and it's hard not to be intrigued.. he seems like if he matures physically speaking he could be a beast after some time in the gym..

I was surprised by his measurements - 6'10 in shoes, 7'3 wingspan. I always figured he was closer to 6'7 based on how fluidly he moves. Because of that size, fluidity, athleticism and touch from outside, I'd say he's really not that different of a prospect than Chriss, whom this board was enamoured with last year.

If he's playing the 3 there's tons of reasons to be enamoured. If he can't do that and has to go up against NBA big men he can go be soft elsewhere...

I agree if he can play the 3 than he's a great pick. As a 4 he's meh. He's shown some great fluidity and athelticism so it's not out of the question

[BoyzNTheHood]

I was surprised by his measurements - 6'10 in shoes, 7'3 wingspan. I always figured he was closer to 6'7 based on how fluidly he moves. Because of that size, fluidity, athleticism and touch from outside, I'd say he's really not that different of a prospect than Chriss, whom this board was enamoured with last year.

If he's playing the 3 there's tons of reasons to be enamoured. If he can't do that and has to go up against NBA big men he can go be soft elsewhere...

I agree if he can play the 3 than he's a great pick. As a 4 he's meh. He's shown some great fluidity and athelticism so it's not out of the question

Yeah, if he tightens that handle he's winning.

[Mark_83]

My ideal scenario is Bolden at 23, and trade for/buy a late first or early 2nd for Devin Robinson. I don't think he'll be a star but I see a good potential 3+ D akin to a Trevor Ariza in him and we desperately need talent at the 3.

[Clutch0z24]

Whats Peter Joks Potential? I know this team needs to be surrounded by 3pt specialists with DD being a ball handler....

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

He also won the college 3pt contest....

I know hes not mocked but i really like this guy....hope we get a 2nd to pick him up

[MavCarter]

Read on Twitter

[jimmy keys]

Idk why we're discussing DS Jr, there's zero chance we get him. No Masai isn't trading DeRozan. He's s going to recycle our garbage with Casey as he has already made clear except he thinks magically we're going to turn into the Rockets just by taking more attempts.

Yeah true, plus FRANK NTILIKINA is the more intriguing prospect anyways.

[Mark_83]

We need one more pick (late 1st or early second) to take this guy.

Watch on YouTube

[OAKLEY_2]

My ideal scenario is Bolden at 23, and trade for/buy a late first or early 2nd for Devin Robinson. I don't think he'll be a star but I see a good potential 3+ D akin to a Trevor Ariza in him and we desperately need talent at the 3.

We won't reach for Bolden and likely will not move up or add picks. We'll make our 23rd selection and it will be far closer to consensus ranking than Tolzman is willing to admit. For all of Ross's 3nD accolades and analytics he really did not pan out. Perfect example of a player with gifts who looks the part but isn't a hard worker. There is a good Pops interview where he says character is everything. Leaf and Semi tick those boxes as does Lydon. Terrence Ferguson if available would be my upside pick followed by Leaf and Semi. Rabb could be good as well.

[raptor jesus]

Whats Peter Joks Potential? I know this team needs to be surrounded by 3pt specialists with DD being a ball handler....

I know hes not mocked but i really like this guy....hope we get a 2nd to pick him up

I'm having a hard time understanding why he's not even mocked as a 2nd rounder on most sites.

Per 40: 26pts, 7rbs, 3.5ast, 7fta
Shooting: 38% from 3, 91% from the line, 58% TS

I see something in between Anthony Morrow and Khris Middleton. Not just a shooter, also possesses the ability to create for others as a pick and roll ball handler.

Lots of good passing here:

Watch on YouTube

[execoftheyear]

Semi Ojeleye or Jordan Bell

[NBA_anaylyst]

I'm very intrigued by dj Wilson, Who would you guys compare him to. I believe he is very attainable at the 23rd spot.
As well as Semi Ojeleye and Wes Iwundu who would you guys prefer and who would you compare them to.

[HeadtopChunes]

I'm very intrigued by dj Wilson, Who would you guys compare him to. I believe he is very attainable at the 23rd spot.
As well as Semi Ojeleye and Wes Iwundu who would you guys prefer and who would you compare them to.

Wilson I can't really think of anyone. He's pretty unique. I'd only take him if I was confident he could play the 3.

I like Ojeleye his best comp would probably be Jae Crowder. He's a great fit and a safe pick. I don't think there's much of a chance of him busting.

Wesley Iwundu is kinda like Kent Bazemore. I like Iwundus passing defense. His shooting is a major question tho.

[HeadtopChunes]

As of rn my board is
1. Bolden
2. Ojeleye
3. Giles
4. T Ferguson
5. DJ Wilson/ Iwundu/Thornwell

Iwundu vs Thornwell is a tough one for me.

Man the draft can't come soon enough.

[Syd-TK3]

Not even that big of a semi or leaf fan but I could understand the pick and be fine with them.

But would be very upset if we chose Rabb