Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

Post #381 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 3:54 pm

Walker stands around 6’5″ with an excellent wingspan, making him a prototypical wing. Thanks to quick feet and length, he may be able to guard 1-3. He was a 40 percent 3-point shooter in Nike’s AAU EYBL competition.

Then Walker tore his meniscus, putting the season in doubt. Though he mounted a comeback, he hasn’t looked like the same player so far. On the season, in just 21 minutes a night, Walker is averaging 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, while hitting 25 percent of his 3s.

Walker could always end up a first round pick. However, talk of a possible lottery talent will probably be at ease for the time being.With his build, speed and length, if he starts to get more confident offensively, look out for Miami in March and Walker as a future NBA talent.

I'd still take him with a top 15 pick.

jayu70 · Post #382 » by **jayu70** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:23 pm

kg01 wrote:I want to go ahead and go on record that I don't like Bagley. I'm gonna continue to watch him play but ... I'm not sure why but I just don't like the player that much.

You know why...he's a Dookie...you are a yellow jacket ....come one Cul....say it, say it :nod:

jayu70 · Post #383 » by **jayu70** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:24 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:^Sexton looks like he could be special moving forward...but I don't know that his off-putting personality is one worth building around.

What's the deal with him on this?

Post #384 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:31 pm

Read on Twitter

Noteworthy that we had reps at the Minnesota game last night. Undoubtedly scouting the opposing Miami Hurricanes. They have two SGs who are each NBA prospects that could go in the teens:

Bruce Brown and Lonnie Walker

We're scouting wing players, y'all!!!!

Scouting reports:

Spoiler:

Bruce Brown and Luka Doncic would be amazing together.

kg01 · Post #385 » by **kg01** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:37 pm

jayu70 wrote:
kg01 wrote:I want to go ahead and go on record that I don't like Bagley. I'm gonna continue to watch him play but ... I'm not sure why but I just don't like the player that much.

You know why...he's a Dookie...you are a yellow jacket ....come one Cul....say it, say it

.. I admit nothing.
(But seriously, I don't like the player.)

kg01 · Post #386 » by **kg01** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:38 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:

Read on Twitter

Noteworthy that we had reps at the Minnesota game last night. Undoubtedly scouting the oppisong Miami Hurricanes. They have two guards who are each prospects that could go in the teens:

Bruce Brown and Lonnie Walker

We're scouting wing players, y'all!!!!

I think we're just doing our homework, not necessarily scoutin' wangs. Hey, we've been agreeing too much lately, had to nitpick you to make up for it. :wink:

Post #387 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:54 pm

Read on Twitter

Known as a prolific shooter, Young has fit the bill through five games. His style has invoked memories of a scrawny Stephen Curry shooting heat-seeking missiles at the rim during his days at Davidson. Young turned a lot of people into believers during his three game performance at the PK80 Invitational last week. Young averaged 34.6 points per game and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 39.2 percent on 3-pointers and 94.2 percent from the free throw line.

The deep 3-pointers will naturally lead to Curry comparisons, but Young looks more like a mix of Curry and Steve Nash.

However, if Young is going to continue to succeed at Oklahoma and take that next step to the NBA, there is one area of his game that he must continue to work on: Finishing at the rim.

Young’s size and average athleticism come into play here.

Sign me up for this kid.

atlantabbq99 · Post #388 » by **atlantabbq99** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 6:13 am

Watch on YouTube

I'm starting to get excited about Yante Maten. He looks like a Budz player. He reminds me of a poor man's Paul Millsap or Mike Scott without the drug issues. I wouldn't mind using a low first or high second round pick on him.

Some of you have already mentioned Mikal Bridges. I'm watching more games of the guy and ya, he looks really good. Hawks would be lucky if he fell to them in the middle or late first round.

Here are some other guys that look really good and I think would be great Budz players.
Obi Enechionyia
Rui Hachimura
Kevin Hervey
Jalen Hudson
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk
Lagerald Vick
Grayson Allen
Vincent Edwards
Nick King
Shizz Alston Jr.

Post #389 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 12:31 pm

atlantabbq99 wrote:Here are some other guys that look really good and I think would be great Budz players.

Rui Hachimura

Grayson Allen

Rui is gonna be good. The fact he is just learning English in the last 12 months strikes me as a short term hurdle to consider.

But he has good size and mobility.

Grayson Allen is a punk, but he's got a good chance at a long NBA career as a JJ Redick type shooter off the bench -- if he can manage not to completely alienate his teammates.
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I still think Bridges is a guy to keep an eye on. His versatility between the 3/4 position plus his inside scoring seem like they could translate well.

His ideal pairing, IMO, is in Chicago beside Lauri Markannen.

Read on Twitter

Post #390 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 1:22 pm

Read on Twitter

PBT podcasters make a point that I hadn't considered regarding M Porter, Jr: The kid might be inclined (empowered?) to control where he goes by only engaging/sharing medical info with teams he's specifically interested in playing for.

I can't imagine he'd refuse us the chance, but I could see SAC or other poorly run teams not getting full cooperation from him in the draft review process.

They compare this situation to Porzingis in 2015, who refused declined to meet with certain NBA GMs to deter them from drafting him.

Spud2nique · Post #391 » by **Spud2nique** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 2:54 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
atlantabbq99 wrote:Here are some other guys that look really good and I think would be great Budz players.

Rui Hachimura

Grayson Allen

Rui is gonna be good. The fact he is just learning English in the last 12 months strikes me as a short term hurdle to consider.

But he has good size and mobility.

Grayson Allen is a punk, but he's got a good chance at a long NBA career as a JJ Redick type shooter off the bench -- if he can manage not to completely alienate his teammates.
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I still think Bridges is a guy to keep an eye on. His versatility between the 3/4 position plus his inside scoring seem like they could translate well.

His ideal pairing, IMO, is in Chicago beside Lauri Markannen.

Read on Twitter

Grayson Allen is what basketball is NOT all about. I hope we don't take him with either of the Minny or Rox pick in the late first or even the 2nd round.

Ps A part of me wants him to stick his foot out and cheaply trip the wrong guy in the league...a Ron Artest or Stephen Jax type...maybe a Ben Wallace....then we would see a clean KO in about 2 seconds.

Post #392 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 3:48 pm

Spud2nique wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:Grayson Allen is a punk, but he's got a good chance at a long NBA career as a JJ Redick type shooter off the bench -- if he can manage not to completely alienate his teammates.

Grayson Allen is what basketball is NOT all about. I hope we don't take him with either of the Minny or Rox pick in the late first or even the 2nd round.

Ps A part of me wants him to stick his foot out and cheaply trip the wrong guy in the league...a Ron Artest or Stephen Jax type...maybe a Ben Wallace....then we would see a clean KO in about 2 seconds.

The two greatest teachers in this world are failure...and a good ol' fashioned butt-whooping.

But the kid had some anger/emotional issues to work through. He was held accountable, publicly, and seems to have worked through them.

It's what college is for. It's where young kids become adults.

I'll keep those issues in mind as we move forward in the scouting process, but won't let that be the defining moment(s) of his entire life/career.

(Kids fight on basketball courts all the time. It's because Grayson's weak moments occurred on a national stage that he's gained a poor reputation. He behaved like a child, but adults have made it into a larger issue with constant replays and national attention.)

With that said, he never seemed to trip/bully a big name or physically imposing players. That is very telling to me.

nybluemeadow · Post #393 » by **nybluemeadow** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 3:58 pm

I would look at Grayson Allen as a mid to low second round pick. I would never consider him as a first round pick. If he didn't have a bad attitude and a Johnny Manziel personality, he would be a respectable mid first run pick.

Post #394 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 4:02 pm

^Noted.

And I'm not really a huge fan of the kid.

I could see him falling to #30, GS drafting him and Allen immediately becoming one of the best snipers off the bench as a polished collegiate with tons of big game experience.

Post #395 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 8:54 pm

Read on Twitter

It didn’t take long for us to make a switch at the top of the 2018 NBA Draft.

There are a handful of strong candidates for the No. 1 spot, and they’ll be jockeying for position all season long. Right now, the most convincing prospect is Duke’s fabulous freshman big Marvin Bagley III. He’s playing like a monster in some big games, and he has the look of a stellar NBA big man.

1. Chicago Bulls: Marvin Bagley III, Duke PF (6-11, Fr.)

It will be an exceptionally tough choice for the Bulls if they land the No. 1 spot. They would love to plug in a versatile ballhandler like Doncic who can score and create plays. But they also need help in the frontcourt, and Bagley’s explosiveness would bring a huge boost.

Bagley’s two-way upside may tip the scales in his favor. He has loads of tangible potential as a scorer and multi-positional defender, and Doncic can’t really claim the latter. The Duke freshman must refine his ball skills and defensive fundamentals, but he’s made some phenomenal plays that point toward eventual stardom.

His athletic impact and defensive range at the PK80 tournament and ACC-Big Ten challenge were staggering. After dropping 82 points and 45 rebounds during Duke’s three-game run in Portland, he notched 23 and 10 at Indiana.

2. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, Slovenia G/F (6-7, 18 years old)

The Hawks are another club that needs reconstruction in both the frontcourt and backcourt. Doncic’s do-it-all skills will be too much to pass up at No. 2. The Slovenian teenager already has the finesse and the craftiness of an NBA guard, and he’s thriving against Europe’s top competition (Spain’s ACB League).

If Atlanta acquires Doncic, coach Mike Budenholzer will have tons of schematic flexibility. Doncic can execute any of his sets as the primary initiator or as an off-ball weapon. He’d be a terrific piece for the Hawks to rebuild around because he makes everyone around him more dangerous. Doncic and John Collins could form one of the East’s best young duos.

Post #396 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 1:44 am

Read on Twitter

In an interview with the international hoops magazine Super EuroLeague, Doncic revealed that he’s not ready to say that this season will be his last in Europe.

“No, I can’t say that. Let’s see how this season will go. No one ever knows what the future holds.”

atlantabbq99 · Post #397 » by **atlantabbq99** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 5:30 am

Timberwolves lost today. Lets hope they finish 7th or 8th by the end of the years

Post #398 » by **ATL Boy** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 7:11 am

Jamaaliver wrote:

Read on Twitter

In an interview with the international hoops magazine Super EuroLeague, Doncic revealed that he’s not ready to say that this season will be his last in Europe.

“No, I can’t say that. Let’s see how this season will go. No one ever knows what the future holds.”

Would this give us pause in taking him?

Let's say we have the third pick with Bagley and Ayton already off the board and Doncic having already announced that he'll spend another year in Europe. Do we take Luka anyway or do we pass and take another prospect/trade out of that spot.

It takes a while to learn our system so I'm sure that Coach Bud would like for him to be here as soon as possible, but at the same time I don't see how we pass up on him in that scenario.

We're not one piece away so I'm sure we'd tank for another top 5 pick and then have a super rookie class for the 2019-2020 season featuring Doncic and another (hopefully) elite prospect. The problem there is that by then Dennis would be in the middle of his prime with his contract winding down and Prince will be entering his prime with our main building blocks (Collins, Doncic, 2019 pick) all aged 21 or younger.

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jayu70 · Post #399 » by **jayu70** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 2:05 pm

ATL Boy wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:

Read on Twitter

In an interview with the international hoops magazine Super EuroLeague, Doncic revealed that he’s not ready to say that this season will be his last in Europe.

“No, I can’t say that. Let’s see how this season will go. No one ever knows what the future holds.”

Would this give us pause in taking him?

Let's say we have the third pick with Bagley and Ayton already off the board and Doncic having already announced that he'll spend another year in Europe. Do we take Luka anyway or do we pass and take another prospect/trade out of that spot.

It takes a while to learn our system so I'm sure that Coach Bud would like for him to be here as soon as possible, but at the same time I don't see how we pass up on him in that scenario.

We're not one piece away so I'm sure we'd tank for another top 5 pick and then have a super rookie class for the 2019-2020 season featuring Doncic and another (hopefully) elite prospect. The problem there is that by then Dennis would be in the middle of his prime with his contract winding down and Prince will be entering his prime with our main building blocks (Collins, Doncic, 2019 pick) all aged 21 or younger.

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If he plans on staying over he won't enter the draft so we can't draft him.
If he stays over he'll likely sign a contract over there and they'll want him to sign a contract with a buyout, then things get really complicated with buyout and such.
I don't think any NBA club uses such a high lottery pick on a guy they won't have immediately - has that ever happened?

Post #400 » by **ATL Boy** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 2:29 pm

jayu70 wrote:
ATL Boy wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:

Read on Twitter

In an interview with the international hoops magazine Super EuroLeague, Doncic revealed that he’s not ready to say that this season will be his last in Europe.

“No, I can’t say that. Let’s see how this season will go. No one ever knows what the future holds.”

Would this give us pause in taking him?

Let's say we have the third pick with Bagley and Ayton already off the board and Doncic having already announced that he'll spend another year in Europe. Do we take Luka anyway or do we pass and take another prospect/trade out of that spot.

It takes a while to learn our system so I'm sure that Coach Bud would like for him to be here as soon as possible, but at the same time I don't see how we pass up on him in that scenario.

We're not one piece away so I'm sure we'd tank for another top 5 pick and then have a super rookie class for the 2019-2020 season featuring Doncic and another (hopefully) elite prospect. The problem there is that by then Dennis would be in the middle of his prime with his contract winding down and Prince will be entering his prime with our main building blocks (Collins, Doncic, 2019 pick) all aged 21 or younger.

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If he plans on staying over he won't enter the draft so we can't draft him.
If he stays over he'll likely sign a contract over there and they'll want him to sign a contract with a buyout, then things get really complicated with buyout and such.
I don't think any NBA club uses such a high lottery pick on a guy they won't have immediately - has that ever happened?

We can draft his rights for when he decides to come to the NBA. The 76ers used a first on Dario Saric who didn't come over for two years. Same thing with the Wolves using the 4th pick on Rubio who decided to stay in Barcelona rather than come over immediately.

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Are you happy with the draft?