Moderators: dms269, HMFFL, Jamaaliver
Jamaaliver wrote:It's early, and I'm still drunk off the excitement of that first victory on opening night against Dallas.
But I can't help but think how even more effective our 5-out offensive strategy could be with a guy like Michael Porter, Jr at the PF spot. He's more athletic than Ersan/Muscala, and a much better shooter than Collins/Dedmon.
MPJ would feast on opposing bigs playing off to close out as Dennis Schroeder drives into the paint.
The 6' 10" sweet shooting forward is very much my top pick in the draft...Spoiler:
Alize Johnson (Missouri State, PF)
From junior college to All-Missouri Valley Conference first team to MVP of Adidas Nations, Johnson won't stop rising.
He's fascinating because of not only his journey but also his unique versatility. Johnson started high school as a 5'9" point guard. He's now a 6'9" combo forward who just averaged a double-double with 14.8 points and 10.6 rebounds.
A smooth athlete with wing-like mobility, he shows a strong motor and nose around the basket. But he can also handle the ball and initiate the offense (1.9 assists per game), as well as spot up off the ball, having sunk 40 threes at a 38.8 percent clip.
[Scouts] will want to see him play with more physicality in the post at both ends, as a scorer and defender. He tends to forget he's actually a big man and will settle for tough jumpers.
Mikal Bridges (Villanova, SF, Junior)
Bridges is on the must-watch list for athleticism and effectiveness in key areas, specifically shooting and defense. They create a three-and-D floor and appealing foundation to build on.
He's already established himself as a compelling defensive prospect with quickness and tools that fuel versatility and playmaking (1.7 steals per game). But Bridges shot 39.3 percent from three last year and 91.1 percent from the free-throw line, leading to a terrific 67.6 true shooting percentage.
In between, Bridges works opportunistically, capitalizing (69.4 2P%) on the quality shots that find him as a slasher and cutter within the offense. Everything about his strengths, style and efficiency points to NBA role-player potential.
ATL Boy wrote:Losses like this sting but then I just think about a potential PF-C combo of John Collins and Deandre Ayton next year and...
Bleacher ReportDeAndre Ayton is one heck of a physical specimen. He's 7'1" with what appears to be 250 pounds of 110 percent muscle. And while a Goliath with those attributes could make many millions by becoming a prolific dunker and little else, Ayton is a more-than-capable three-point shooter. When he gets into a groove, it's going to look like someone activated a cheat code.
Few young players in the country will be capable of hanging with Ayton...
macd-gm wrote:Aren't we just playing Collins at center to hide his defensive deficiencies?
MaceCase wrote:
That worked out so well for Harrison Barnes.
jayu70 wrote:MaceCase wrote:
That worked out so well for Harrison Barnes.
I'm sure it is said with the best of intentions but when they can realise a life long dream immediately and being a top pick, doesn't happen.
atlantabbq99 wrote:I'm starting to be a big fan of DeAndre Ayton. He looks like he is in the same mold as KG, Anthony Davis, and Hakeem. After watching him, I'm kind of all in for the tank now...
Jamaaliver wrote:atlantabbq99 wrote:I'm starting to be a big fan of DeAndre Ayton. He looks like he is in the same mold as KG, Anthony Davis, and Hakeem. After watching him, I'm kind of all in for the tank now...
What are your thoughts on how he would pair with Collins?
Is it a natural fit?
Would Collins need to adjust his game for the greater good?
Is Ayton such a talent, nothing else even matters?
NOTE: I've heard comparisons to David Robinson and Karl Anthony Towns, also. It's all really good company to be in.
MaceCase wrote:Ayton has Robinson's frame and athleticism but I don't see him as being close to the defensive presence which isn't so much a knock on Ayton but a celebration of how good Robinson was. I don't see a full Towns comp either as he had more range to the effect of I think holding his high school's made 3 point record but Ayton certainly has a nice shooting stroke already to build on. I think Ayton and Collins mix well as they are both fluid athletes with a high level of skill, just imagine a young Mcdyess and Robinson together.
atlantabbq99 wrote:^ I would also add Wendell Carter to the list. He is #2 on my early board. He looks like a Budz' player. And pair perfectly with Collins. He is an above average athletic center with a jump shot. He kind of reminds me of DeMarcus Cousins in high school.
atlantabbq99 wrote:On the offensive end though, Ayton looks amazing. He looks just like KG in high school, with his quickness, control, balance, athleticism and awareness. It's not really fair of me to say this, and compare him to an all time great like Hakeems, but watching Ayton on the offensive end and his smoothness, just reminds me of Hakeems' smoothness.
