Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Spud2nique]

Forgive me, but I haven't had a chance to watch the 'Doncic Tapes'. How would he compare to Toni Kukoc?

Here's my take from what I've seen. Kukoc was a few inches taller than Doncic, played sf/pf while Doncic plays sg/sf and pg as well. To me, there aren't too many similarities to their game that I can think of for the most part. I see Doncic as more of a Drazen/Sarunas type. Sarunas was probably of the the best euros at putting his head down and aggressively taking it to the hole, Doncic does that with an ability to find people when he drives, Sarunas didn't have the passing abilities that Doncic has, but Suranas drove harder to the hole. Doncic has a great outside shot as well.


It's gonna be interesting. With the way the league is headed toward small ball, would we rather have a do it Doncic or try to bring back the big man game as Jamaal has suggested and go with Bagley or Ayton. From now till then, there will be a lot of changes as expected.

[Spud2nique]

Oh btw that's Saranus Marciulionis lol

[jayu70]

Forgive me, but I haven't had a chance to watch the 'Doncic Tapes'. How would he compare to Toni Kukoc?

Here's my take from what I've seen. Kukoc was a few inches taller than Doncic, played sf/pf while Doncic plays sg/sf and pg as well. To me, there aren't too many similarities to their game that I can think of for the most part. I see Doncic as more of a Drazen/Sarunas type. Sarunas was probably of the the best euros at putting his head down and aggressively taking it to the hole, Doncic does that with an ability to find people when he drives, Sarunas didn't have the passing abilities that Doncic has, but Suranas drove harder to the hole. Doncic has a great outside shot as well.


It's gonna be interesting. With the way the league is headed toward small ball, would we rather have a do it Doncic or try to bring back the big man game as Jamaal has suggested and go with Bagley or Ayton. From now till then, there will be a lot of changes as expected.

I think you are forgetting Kukoc's ability to run point and find guys as well even as a SF/PF and could core from pretty much anywhere.

[Spud2nique]

Forgive me, but I haven't had a chance to watch the 'Doncic Tapes'. How would he compare to Toni Kukoc?

Here's my take from what I've seen. Kukoc was a few inches taller than Doncic, played sf/pf while Doncic plays sg/sf and pg as well. To me, there aren't too many similarities to their game that I can think of for the most part. I see Doncic as more of a Drazen/Sarunas type. Sarunas was probably of the the best euros at putting his head down and aggressively taking it to the hole, Doncic does that with an ability to find people when he drives, Sarunas didn't have the passing abilities that Doncic has, but Suranas drove harder to the hole. Doncic has a great outside shot as well.


It's gonna be interesting. With the way the league is headed toward small ball, would we rather have a do it Doncic or try to bring back the big man game as Jamaal has suggested and go with Bagley or Ayton. From now till then, there will be a lot of changes as expected.

I think you are forgetting Kukoc's ability to run point and find guys as well even as a SF/PF and could core from pretty much anywhere.

Oh I'm aware of the waiter....

Ps Lions are gonna spill ur Falcons next week!

[Jamaaliver]

An Entirely Premature 2018 NBA Lottery Mock Draft

1. Chicago Bulls: Luka Doncic

2. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley III
Power forward, Duke, freshman (6-foot-11, 220 pounds, 18 years old)

Danny Chau: After he reclassified and landed with Duke in August, ESPN’s Jeff Goodman told SportsCenter that Bagley is “the most talented guy to come out of high school since Anthony Davis.” He’s a new-age big man who can play both ends of the floor outside-inside, rather than the inverse.

Bagley will have to answer some questions during his time in Durham. Can his explosiveness and tenacity overshadow his less-than-stellar length and high center of gravity? Can he consistently score from the perimeter, or are his outside skills just a collage of conveniently edited highlights? Bagley will have a high burden of proof, but he is cut from a perfect template for the modern big. NBA teams are counting down the days until he gets his first minutes of NCAA action.


3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets): DeAndre Ayton

4. Phoenix Suns: Michael Porter Jr.

5. Sacramento Kings: Mohamed Bamba

6. New York Knicks: Justin Jackson

7. Indiana Pacers: Collin Sexton

8. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers): Robert Williams



10. Dallas Mavericks: Miles Bridges
11. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Ringer



I know absolutely nothing about the Bagley kid...but I haven't liked the scouting I've seen thus far. He has a high ceiling, undeniably. But he also bears some serious bust potential.

I rate him #4 behind Ayton, Luka and Porter, Jr.

[Jamaaliver]

With the way the league is headed toward small ball, would we rather have a do it [all] Doncic or try to bring back the big man game?

Fortunately, I think these are all good options. It comes down to the personnel surrounding each of these kids, player development to fill the holes in their games, and the offensive systems featuring their talents.

Even Bamba, in the right situation, can be a frequent all-star and all defensive team caliber player.

We just gotta stay in the top 5 of that draft.

[Spud2nique]

Miles Bridges is the 6th best player in this draft. These so called eggspurts aren't watching basketball.

I actually like Bagley a lot. I'd be happy with any of the top 5 guys for the most part. Whatever happens though one thing is for sure, we CANNOT Miss as a franchise again. GET YOUR BEST SCOUTS AND DISSECT THESE PLAYERS EVERY MOVE. IF THEY TAKE A CRAP I WANNA KNOW ABOUT IT...ok maybe not that close but no more Marvin's and Shelden's and Children (Childress) anymore. This has to be our Chris Paul (4th pick), Russell Westbrook (4th pick), James Harden (3rd pick) type of draft.


ATLANTA NEEDS A SUPERSTAR.

The league knows that the two destinations that they need to accommodate now become Atlanta and Chicago. Even though the league will probably want the Bulls to land a top player, they should really want us to land one as well. They've never seen what kind of a spike ratings would take if we had a legit star. I'm just saying, since Nique, comon now that's too long.

[Spud2nique]

With the way the league is headed toward small ball, would we rather have a do it [all] Doncic or try to bring back the big man game?

Fortunately, I think these are all good options. It comes down to the personnel surrounding each of these kids, player development to fill the holes in their games, and the offensive systems featuring their talents.

Even Bamba, in the right situation, can be a frequent all-star and all defensive team caliber player.

We just gotta stay in the top 5 of that draft.

That's all I've ever wanted...a top 5 pick, in a draft that could potentially feature 5 all star type of players, at least players with this potential. I would have been totally afraid of player development in the Woody or Drew or pretty much any other era..oh geez Bob Weiss..ugh..but with Bud...I salivate at any top 5 guy under Bud's eye.

[Jamaaliver]

2018 NBA Mock Draft: Luka Doncic Stealing Thunder from Stacked College Class

1. Chicago Bulls: Luka Doncic
(Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)

Doncic is going to enter the draft as its most proven prospect, and there won't be much Michael Porter Jr. or Marvin Bagley III can do to change that. He's consistently produced against pros, including current NBA stars like Kristaps Porzingis, the Gasols and Hernangomezes.

On paper, there are prospects with higher ceilings, but empty production at Missouri won't be enough for Michael Porter Jr. the way it was for Markelle Fultz at Washington. And Marvin Bagley III won't sell the 2018 lottery winner with just flashes of upside here and there, the way Karl-Anthony Towns did at Kentucky.

Bagley and Porter must be extra impressive to leapfrog Doncic, who has built a No. 1 overall case with unprecedented production, playmaking versatility, shooting and a Lonzo Ball-like feel for the game.

2. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley III
(Duke, PF, Freshman)

Marvin Bagley III isn't as polished as Luka Doncic or Michael Porter Jr., but 6'11" size, superior athleticism and two-way versatility create the highest ceiling in the draft.

Porter will average more points. Bagley will show potential in more areas.

He could be an elite offensive rebounder and defender, with the bounce to block shots and the quickness to switch onto wings or guards.

He's even shown the ability to handle the ball in the open floor, and when given space, he'll face up and take his man off the dribble. A threat from the low block and elbows, Bagley just has to look capable enough as a shooter, the only unsettling weakness in his game.


3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets): Michael Porter Jr.
(Missouri, F, Freshman)

Michael Porter Jr. jumps out early as the best player available and even a possible favorite to some in the No. 1 overall conversation.

He'll offer a balanced mix of certainty and upside, with 6'10" size, enough athleticism and perimeter skills the other top NCAA prospects can't match. He's a threat to lead all freshmen in scoring at Missouri. And given his tools, polish and overall maturity, scouts should feel confident in Porter's success and production carrying over to the pros.

4. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton
(Arizona, C, Freshman)

Ayton should give Arizona an immediate presence around the basket with his finishing, rebounding and rim protection. It's the developing jumper and post game that could earn him top-three looks in the draft. He's gained notable confidence in his jumper over the past two seasons.

5. Sacramento Kings: Mohamed Bamba

Bleacher Report


Early on, Bagley and Doncic appear to be the consensus top-2 in this draft.

I don't think this stays the case moving forward.

[Spud2nique]

2018 NBA Mock Draft: Luka Doncic Stealing Thunder from Stacked College Class

1. Chicago Bulls: Luka Doncic
(Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)

Doncic is going to enter the draft as its most proven prospect, and there won't be much Michael Porter Jr. or Marvin Bagley III can do to change that. He's consistently produced against pros, including current NBA stars like Kristaps Porzingis, the Gasols and Hernangomezes.

On paper, there are prospects with higher ceilings, but empty production at Missouri won't be enough for Michael Porter Jr. the way it was for Markelle Fultz at Washington. And Marvin Bagley III won't sell the 2018 lottery winner with just flashes of upside here and there, the way Karl-Anthony Towns did at Kentucky.

Bagley and Porter must be extra impressive to leapfrog Doncic, who has built a No. 1 overall case with unprecedented production, playmaking versatility, shooting and a Lonzo Ball-like feel for the game.

2. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley III
(Duke, PF, Freshman)

Marvin Bagley III isn't as polished as Luka Doncic or Michael Porter Jr., but 6'11" size, superior athleticism and two-way versatility create the highest ceiling in the draft.

Porter will average more points. Bagley will show potential in more areas.

He could be an elite offensive rebounder and defender, with the bounce to block shots and the quickness to switch onto wings or guards.

He's even shown the ability to handle the ball in the open floor, and when given space, he'll face up and take his man off the dribble. A threat from the low block and elbows, Bagley just has to look capable enough as a shooter, the only unsettling weakness in his game.


3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets): Michael Porter Jr.
(Missouri, F, Freshman)

Michael Porter Jr. jumps out early as the best player available and even a possible favorite to some in the No. 1 overall conversation.

He'll offer a balanced mix of certainty and upside, with 6'10" size, enough athleticism and perimeter skills the other top NCAA prospects can't match. He's a threat to lead all freshmen in scoring at Missouri. And given his tools, polish and overall maturity, scouts should feel confident in Porter's success and production carrying over to the pros.

4. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton
(Arizona, C, Freshman)

Ayton should give Arizona an immediate presence around the basket with his finishing, rebounding and rim protection. It's the developing jumper and post game that could earn him top-three looks in the draft. He's gained notable confidence in his jumper over the past two seasons.

5. Sacramento Kings: Mohamed Bamba

Bleacher Report


Early on, Bagley and Doncic appear to be the consensus top-2 in this draft.

I don't think this stays the case moving forward.

I'm gonna disagree...I think the movement will be between picks 3-5... picks 1 and 2 will be Bagley and Doncic..(not necessarily respectively but maybe).

[Jamaaliver]

Early on, Bagley and Doncic appear to be the consensus top-2 in this draft.

I don't think this stays the case moving forward.

I'm gonna disagree...I think the movement will be between picks 3-5... picks 1 and 2 will be Bagley and Doncic..(not necessarily respectively but maybe).

Noted.

A few others I like:

8. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, F, Sophomore)

Miles Bridges looked like one of the country's top prospects last year and could approach nearly 20 points per game in 2018 after averaging 16.9 as a freshman.

Powerful, explosive and energetic, Bridges will draw interest from lottery teams as long as he validates last year's shooting success and shows some improvement to his ball skills.

The tools and production will be there. And he suddenly fits the mold of a modern-day 4 with his strength, quickness and developing jumper.


9. Wendell Carter (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)

Wendell Carter's game isn't too flashy or versatile, but at 6'10", 263 pounds with 7'3" length, his body, hands and footwork scream "NBA big man."

He'll stand out at Duke by finishing through contact, rebounding, blocking shots and scoring around the block. But he'll also show enough shooting touch to convince scouts the jumper will eventually become an everyday weapon.

He's drawn Al Horford comparisons for his tools, average athleticism and refined, simplistic offensive game. Carter should establish himself as one of the perceived safer picks, though his upside is debatable.


13. Bruce Brown (Miami, SG, Sophomore)

Sporadic offensive eruptions last year hint at a potential breakout sophomore season for Bruce Brown.

He has solid 6'5" size and athleticism for an NBA 2-guard, along with enough playmaking skills to be considered a combo and dangerous scoring ability in the mid-range and lane.

Quick and competitive, Brown shows flashes on defense as well, but he must improve his three-ball to generate interest in next June's lottery.

Bleacher Report - Sept Mock Draft

[Spud2nique]

Early on, Bagley and Doncic appear to be the consensus top-2 in this draft.

I don't think this stays the case moving forward.

I'm gonna disagree...I think the movement will be between picks 3-5... picks 1 and 2 will be Bagley and Doncic..(not necessarily respectively but maybe).

Noted.

A few others I like:

8. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, F, Sophomore)

Miles Bridges looked like one of the country's top prospects last year and could approach nearly 20 points per game in 2018 after averaging 16.9 as a freshman.

Powerful, explosive and energetic, Bridges will draw interest from lottery teams as long as he validates last year's shooting success and shows some improvement to his ball skills.

The tools and production will be there. And he suddenly fits the mold of a modern-day 4 with his strength, quickness and developing jumper.


9. Wendell Carter (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)

Wendell Carter's game isn't too flashy or versatile, but at 6'10", 263 pounds with 7'3" length, his body, hands and footwork scream "NBA big man."

He'll stand out at Duke by finishing through contact, rebounding, blocking shots and scoring around the block. But he'll also show enough shooting touch to convince scouts the jumper will eventually become an everyday weapon.

He's drawn Al Horford comparisons for his tools, average athleticism and refined, simplistic offensive game. Carter should establish himself as one of the perceived safer picks, though his upside is debatable.


13. Bruce Brown (Miami, SG, Sophomore)

Sporadic offensive eruptions last year hint at a potential breakout sophomore season for Bruce Brown.

He has solid 6'5" size and athleticism for an NBA 2-guard, along with enough playmaking skills to be considered a combo and dangerous scoring ability in the mid-range and lane.

Quick and competitive, Brown shows flashes on defense as well, but he must improve his three-ball to generate interest in next June's lottery.

Bleacher Report - Sept Mock Draft

I like those 3 a lot as well...I don't know why I've been reading Bruce Brown as Bruce Bowen...expecting a defensive prospect lol

[jayu70]

It seems as if Doncic has set the bar based on his Euro league performance.
It'll be a more exciting season watching the US college prospects.
Guess I'll have to watch this year.

[Spud2nique]

It seems as if Doncic has set the bar based on his Euro league performance.
It'll be a more exciting season watching the US college prospects.
Guess I'll have to watch this year.

Doncic is real.

[D21]

It seems as if Doncic has set the bar based on his Euro league performance.
It'll be a more exciting season watching the US college prospects.
Guess I'll have to watch this year.

It's not only Euroleague with Real Madrid, but more this Euro Championship where he plays against (and with) some NBA players so even if it's not the same rules, you are more able to evaluate the young guy, and in some games, he took the biggest shots in crucial moments... bball in his blood for sure

[Jamaaliver]

ESPN projects Michael Porter Jr. to Atlanta in pre-training camp NBA mock draft

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index doesn’t think very highly of the 2017-2018 Atlanta Hawks and that is evidenced by a projection that yields the second-worst record in the NBA.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN used those BPI projections project the Hawks adding Missouri freshman Michael Porter Jr. with the No. 2 overall pick.

Porter Jr. has long been a favorite of Hawks fans dreaming of what could be in the future and this should please many folks.

Porter Jr. hasn’t played a college game yet but the 6’10 forward brings a big-time blend of skills to the table. There have been comparisons to Kevin Durant and, while they are (frankly) silly, Porter Jr. is a tremendous prospect that is certainly worthy of top-five hype at this very early stage.

Peachtree Hoops



Porter's size, scoring instincts and shot-creation skill will make him a coveted prospect next June. He's a playmaker on both ends of the floor who is just starting to figure out how to put his talent to full use. NBA scouts will want to see him lead Missouri to the NCAA tournament while playing efficient basketball on both ends of the floor. ESPN Insider




I'd be okay with this. He and Taurean would pair well. Not sure Porter fits with Dennis or Collins, though.

[Jamaaliver]

Travis's comments from a one-on-one interview with MC regarding the 2018 draft class:

Mike Cunningham: Part of that draft luck is having the right picks in the right year. Without mentioning specific prospects, what is your early impression of the 2018 draft at the top?

Travis: Obviously, there has been a couple guys reclassify here late that really gave the class a boost. We are excited about it. We’ve got a staff that is already planning out their schedule of all the games they are going to be at. We are going to have four or five guys out there going around to all of the practices around the country.
With the three first-round draft picks, for our front office that’s a big thing for us.

AJC Fall 2017


He's clearly referencing Bagley (among others?).

If they're already planning trips watch practices and see games, you'd think he's expecting a shot at a top 10 pick, right?

[macd-gm]

Travis's comments from a one-on-one interview with MC regarding the 2018 draft class:

Mike Cunningham: Part of that draft luck is having the right picks in the right year. Without mentioning specific prospects, what is your early impression of the 2018 draft at the top?

Travis: Obviously, there has been a couple guys reclassify here late that really gave the class a boost. We are excited about it. We’ve got a staff that is already planning out their schedule of all the games they are going to be at. We are going to have four or five guys out there going around to all of the practices around the country.
With the three first-round draft picks, for our front office that’s a big thing for us.

AJC Fall 2017


He's clearly referencing Bagley (among others?).

If they're already planning trips watch practices and see games, you'd think he's expecting a shot at a top 10 pick, right?

Bingo! So they are already putting energy and resources to scouting the top of the draft, and mentioning it in the media. You don't think they'll be miffed if we are a 38 win 8th seed?

[Jamaaliver]

You don't think they'll be miffed if we are a 38 win 8th seed?

Flashbacks to the end of the 2014 season are bounding through my head.

Ferry seemed content to let the team finish in the lottery, while Bud and company worked their butts off to garner the 8th seed with a losing record.

Man, I hope we don't see that again this year.

[jayu70]

You don't think they'll be miffed if we are a 38 win 8th seed?

Flashbacks to the end of the 2014 season are bounding through my head.

Ferry seemed content to let the team finish in the lottery, while Bud and company worked their butts off to garner the 8th seed with a losing record.

Man, I hope we don't see that again this year.

That may be true about Bud, but as a first time coach his job is to do well and for the most part players play and put out their best effort once they step on the court. Most players have some pride regarding playing the game - they don't know how else to play. I'm sure it's satisfying for them when they play well and exceed expectations.