Preacherpj wrote:Draft is over -- how do you guys think our young core compares to others around the league.... for the purposes of this I'm cutting a line at age 25.... everything under that I'm calling a young core player, everything over... I'm not counting. Also not looking at future draft assets on this list, just players currently on the rosters.
the contenders
Boston
Players
James Young, Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown
Sixers
Players
Stauskas, Ben Simmons, Saric, Poythress, Okafor, Fultz, Embiid, Justin Anderson, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Richaun Holmes, TJ Mcconnell
Milwaukee
Players
Giannis, Malcolm Brogdon, Thon Maker, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, Gary Payton II, DJ Wilson
Portland
Players
Nurkic, Swanigan, Zach Collins, Maurice Harkless, Vonleh, Allen Crabbe, CJ McCollum, Napier
Minnesota
Tyus Jones, Shabazz Muhammad, KAT, Wiggins, Justin Patton
Denver
Players
Jamal Murray, Mudiay, Trey Lyles, Tyler Lydon, Jokic, Juan Hernangomez, Gary Harris
Sactown
Players
Cauley-Stein, De'Aaron Fox, Harry Giles, Buddy Hield, Justin Jackson, Labissiere, Frank Mason III, Georgis Papagiannis, Malachi Richardson
PHX
Players
Bender, Booker, Chriss, JJackson, DJJR, Len, Peters, Warren, Ulis, Reed, Knight
My initial rankings
1. Sixers
Just so much raw talent. Hard for to rank anyone else here. Health could be an issue, but it seems like Simmons, Embiid and Fultz all have franchise altering potential; Saric has already proven to be a valuable NBA wing. They found good contributers at other spots like TJ McConnell
2. Minnesota
Not as many assets - but KAT is a top ~15ish player in the league, averaged 25/12... the best player on this list. Wiggins is a more than capable sidekick throwing in 23 PPG, again this isn't as deep of a core as others on this list, but its the best 1-2 punch.
3. Milwaukee
The presence of Giannis is enough to push them to this spot for me, its unfortunate that Parker hasn't always stayed healthy, but he's a really good scorer. Middleton is a well rounded player.
4. Portland
Going back to a 1-2 punch, I love McCollum and pairing him with Nurkic is a really strong foundation (Lillard is 26 btw). Not as deep of a group, but the top-two are very good.
5. Denver
Jokic is a stud and easily one of the best players on this list.
6. Phoenix
A little lower for me because I don't think we have a guy on the KAT, Giannis, McCollum, Jokic level RIGHT NOW. Booker could be that guy, but he's not on their tier IMO. We have as much depth in our young core as anyone, but we really don't know yet with guys like Bender/Chriss/Jackson.
7. Sacramento
They've pretty quietly built up an interesting group of young athletic dudes, I'd be pretty excited if I was a Kings fan in this post-Cousins era
8. Boston
Most of their core guys are over 25.
Boston adjustment:
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart (23 years old), Semi Ojeleye, Ante Zizic, Guerschon Yabusele, Daniel Theis, Abdel Nader
I want a recount!