Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

Post #221 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Nov 1, 2017 5:14 pm

Everyone is re-working their big boards prior to the start of the NBA season.

MaceCase · Post #222 » by **MaceCase** » Wed Nov 1, 2017 7:15 pm

I look at Porter as a taller Klay Thompson. Haven't really seen the ball handling or play making to comp him with Durant or Gallinari and doesn't have the bulk/funky skyscraper release of Dirk who projects more as a C in today's NBA anyway. Ayton is a miniature unicorn, get him some defensive awareness and fix that motor and he's set. Doncic looks like Ginobili in his 30s after his athleticism had waned but still had so much savvy and seductive agility to dominate.

Post #223 » by **ATL Boy** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 2:56 am

You might as well change the name of the thread Jamaal, with the way the season has started for the Hawks it's never too early to talk 2018 draft anymore.

MaceCase · Post #224 » by **MaceCase** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 6:00 am

Some exhibition highlights to salivate/over-analyze over:

Watch on YouTube

atlantabbq99 · Post #225 » by **atlantabbq99** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 8:08 am

MaceCase wrote:Some exhibition highlights to salivate/over-analyze over:

Watch on YouTube

This guy is not top 5, he is clear #1 overall pick all the way!

Hawks have never had the #1 pick in the history of the franchise. This is full tank mode now!

Post #226 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 1:11 pm

Season hasn't even started and Ayton's draft stock has already risen across the board:

DeAndre Ayton | Arizona | Center/Power Forward

Behind the scenes the Arizona staff has been raving about his progress, as have the NBA scouts. With Ayton, it’s never been about the talent. It’s about whether he would learn to play hard and the right way. It appears that is happening. Ayton is lifting weights for the first time in his life, and as ridiculous as his body already was, he’s filling out especially through his shoulders. For a post player, you couldn’t draw up a frame any better than Ayton’s. To go with the physical gifts and athleticism, Ayton is picking up things in practice and starting to show his prowess around the goal. His scoring attack is versatile and he has immense potential as a shooter. In Arizona’s Red-Blue game, Ayton scored 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. For a period of time, most were selling Ayton’s stock, now it’s time to buy.

24/7 SPORTS

Ayton is probably the most talented player in the draft. Bagley is right there, but is raw in comparison -- and not nearly as strong.

Spud2nique · Post #227 » by **Spud2nique** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 3:23 pm

Ayton looks like a poor man's Patrick EWING and a rich man's Yinka Dare!

I'm so excited about this draft. Comon NBA gods don't screw us in this last year of the lottery odds bs..top 5, top 3....just give us the first pick..

Post #228 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 3:26 pm

Spud2nique wrote:Ayton looks like a poor man's Patrick EWING and a rich man's Yinka Dare!

I'm so excited about this draft. Comon NBA gods don't screw us in this last year of the lottery odds bs..top 5, top 3....just give us the first pick..

Spud, I'm losing faith in MIles Bridges as top 5 pick.

I'm seeing comparisons to Jae Crowder, Justise Winslow and Thad Young!!

Talk me off a cliff, man. Tell me what you see in him that should keep him rated so highly.

Spud2nique · Post #229 » by **Spud2nique** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 4:54 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
Spud2nique wrote:Ayton looks like a poor man's Patrick EWING and a rich man's Yinka Dare!

I'm so excited about this draft. Comon NBA gods don't screw us in this last year of the lottery odds bs..top 5, top 3....just give us the first pick..

Spud, I'm losing faith in MIles Bridges as top 5 pick.

I'm seeing comparisons to Jae Crowder, Justise Winslow and Thad Young!!

Talk me off a cliff, man. Tell me what you see in him that should keep him rated so highly.

Well he isn't a top 5...not in my mind but I think he should be considered in the top 7 or 8. I like his size, his ability to defend people and the ability to hold his own on the boards and pretty good vision for a wing. He seems like a guy that Bud can sculpt nicely. I guess I can see some comparisons to those guys...he seems to be a more talented Crowder to me...I can see the Thad Young comparison a bit as well because he moves the ball when needed unselfishly but already a much much better passer than Thad...or where Thad was in 2007..or probably even now. Justise Winslow...I don't even know if he knows what he is yet lol.

Hoping we will be in the top 5 and not have to worry about drafting Bridges...but getting a well developed prospect from Tom Izzo isn't the worst thing in the world. I'd gladly take him next to Price and Collins.

Some players just know how to play and win...Bridges looks the part to me.

jayu70 · Post #230 » by **jayu70** » Thu Nov 2, 2017 8:30 pm

Spud2nique wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:
Spud2nique wrote:Ayton looks like a poor man's Patrick EWING and a rich man's Yinka Dare!

I'm so excited about this draft. Comon NBA gods don't screw us in this last year of the lottery odds bs..top 5, top 3....just give us the first pick..

Spud, I'm losing faith in MIles Bridges as top 5 pick.

I'm seeing comparisons to Jae Crowder, Justise Winslow and Thad Young!!

Talk me off a cliff, man. Tell me what you see in him that should keep him rated so highly.

Well he isn't a top 5...not in my mind but I think he should be considered in the top 7 or 8. I like his size, his ability to defend people and the ability to hold his own on the boards and pretty good vision for a wing. He seems like a guy that Bud can sculpt nicely. I guess I can see some comparisons to those guys...he seems to be a more talented Crowder to me...I can see the Thad Young comparison a bit as well because he moves the ball when needed unselfishly but already a much much better passer than Thad...or where Thad was in 2007..or probably even now. Justise Winslow...I don't even know if he knows what he is yet lol.

Hoping we will be in the top 5 and not have to worry about drafting Bridges...but getting a well developed prospect from Tom Izzo isn't the worst thing in the world. I'd gladly take him next to Price and Collins.

Some players just know how to play and win...Bridges looks the part to me.

If he's being compared to those guys that screams role player, No? Those guys need better players around them to be their best selves, we've had enough of those. Superstar or bust.

jayu70 · Post #231 » by **jayu70** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 12:19 am

Read on Twitter

Post #232 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 11:26 am

A good listen.

Read on Twitter

Post #233 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 11:32 am

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Post #234 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 5:50 pm

One of those 'teachable moments' I always hear about:

Read on Twitter

Post #235 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 5:51 pm

Regarding Bagley:

Read on Twitter

jayu70 · Post #236 » by **jayu70** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 8:43 pm

jayu70 · Post #237 » by **jayu70** » Fri Nov 3, 2017 8:44 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:One of those 'teachable moments' I always hear about:

You've seen it right here - Trading Adreiene Payne which we will hopefully cash in on this year from Minny. BudCox decided he wasn't worth the investment of teaching him and moved on quickly.

atlantabbq99 · Post #238 » by **atlantabbq99** » Sun Nov 5, 2017 9:02 am

Watch on YouTube

Bagley looks pretty decent. Good handles for 6'11, and not a skinny stick like Brandon Ingram.

Post #239 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Nov 5, 2017 3:11 pm

atlantabbq99 wrote:Bagley looks pretty decent. Good handles for 6'11, and not a skinny stick like Brandon Ingram.

Good pull. Seeing Bagley against college aged athletes puts to rest some concerns I had.

NOTE: I can't help but think part of the reason Travis/Bud have so adamantly played Collins at Center is because they are targeting a PF with the top pick.

Bagley, Porter or Bridges seem the most likely options, and Bagley has the highest ceiling among those players.

Bagley is the guy who could go toe to toe with Giannis or Porzingis.

I still think Porter in a GSW style offense is a higher rated prospect.

But I'm starting to understand the...'hype' surrounding this kid.

tbhawksfan1 · Post #240 » by **tbhawksfan1** » Sun Nov 5, 2017 9:33 pm

looks like a great year for the Hawks to have a strong draft

Are you happy with the draft?