Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

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This kid's draft stock is rising. But the lack of athleticism and porous defense are indeed red flags.

I really wish he'd stay in school for at least 2 more season. But this might be his only legit shot to be a 1st round NBA pick, He can't reasonably pass up that opportunity.

[Jamaaliver]

NBA Draft Tracker: Alabama PG Collin Sexton

Alabama point guard Collin Sexton should hear his name called somewhere in the Top 10 next June. Sexton might be able to crack the Top 5 if he continues to play at his current pace. He's averaging nearly 25 points a game while shooting right around 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from the 3-point line. Sexton can create his own shot and is a good finisher at the rim.

Having an elite point guard is a requirement for contending teams in today's NBA, so whether or not teams have a primary need at that spot, a dynamic player like Sexton will generate a lot of interest as we approach draft night next June.

Yahoo Sports


Should this kid be a prospect we consider? He has talent. He is just incredibly abrasive and off-putting.

[Jamaaliver]

Another good test for Ayton and company:

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[Spud2nique]

Another good test for Ayton and company:

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I just recorded this as well... I've seen Ayton a bunch of time but having him go against another top 10 pick will be fun. BANGING ALL NIGHT BABY!!!! I LIKE THIS KINDA PARTY-M. Singletary

[atlantabbq99]

In a head to head matchup against D Ayton and Arizona, B 'Real' McCoy put on a show. Ending the game with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a tight OT loss against Ayton.

It is, indeed, time to pay more attention to the kid.

Profile is below:

Spoiler:

Sports Illustrated

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Both guys look good. Ayton looks so smooth and looks like a 7foot SF at times and he showed off his ability to create for himself. McCoy is so physically gifted and looks like a true center, his ability to move without the ball and play that traditional center role was impressive.

Now that Porter is out of the picture, McCoy looks like a great replacement as a top five prospect.

Ayton
Carter
Bagley
McCoy
Luka

Why is Porter out of the picture? Even if he doesn’t play this year I’ll be shocked if he still doesn’t go top 5. Rumor is that he’s not done for the year though but we’ll see.

Wrist or ankle surgery i'm okay with, but knee or back surgery, no way for me. No point in making a risky pick, especially in a loaded draft like this one.

[Jamaaliver]

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Mikal rising up draft boards. Was initially a top 20 pick. Now he's a definite lottery selection who might slip into the top 10.

He dropped 28 points and 10 rebounds in Madison Square Garden against a ranked Gonzaga team. Dude is legit. And might be more than the 3 & D player he's been predicted to be.

Staying in school can be a good thing, kiddos. I hope more teens choose this route and improve their craft before entering the league.

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Miles Bridges has been solid all season thus far, too. If unspectacular. He dropped 21 points and 5 boards while shooting 5/11 on threes. He'd make a really good small ball PF for some team. Think skinny Charles Barkley. (Who was also notoriously short for the position.)

[Jamaaliver]

More praise for Mikal Bridges:

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This was Bridges’ game in all its glory, the length, the athleticism, the selflessness on full display under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

He’s a two-way superstar who plays frantic, lockdown defense and knocks down 51 percent of his threes. He’s also emerging into a likely NBA lottery pick.

Bridges is the best perimeter defender in college basketball. He has the quick feet to stick with guards, the timing and mentality to fight bigger, stronger frontcourt players and the length to smother anyone. The biggest improvement in Bridges' game has been his three-point shooting, currently knocking down 51 percent of the 5.7 threes he's attempting per game.

Bridges has a clearly defined role at the next level: a 3-and-D wing who’s self-aware enough to know his limitations. He will accept any defensive assignment and suffocate the opposition in the process. He won’t try to do too much with the ball, preferring to spot-up for jumpers or pick his spots as a cutter or slasher.

Not a franchise player. But a kid perhaps in the vein of Paul George. Two way player capable of producing big on either end of the court.

Or he could just be the next Shane Battier.

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[Jamaaliver]

So help me...

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If that LAL pick conveys to Boston this year.

[Spud2nique]

So help me...

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If that LAL pick conveys to Boston this year.

I watched the game and both guys showed flashes for sure. Ayton is a man amongst boys ala Lebron Oden and the rest of the old face club young phenoms. He's even got some touch as a big on those ft's and even that 3 he attempted. Would absolute love him as a Hawk. He's definitely a top 2 pick...possibly first. Robert Williams was impressive in spurts, specially on defense but overall I don't love his build and the way he moves on the court...a bunch of times he looked like he was tripping over his own two feet. (Bill Walton compared him to Kemp but Bill Walton also said Danny Ainge should be in the HOF, also later on Walton said something along the lines of Danny Ainge being the best GM in the game???? I'm sorry but it was mostly Billy King. Smh. Then Walton said Danny Ainge did great by drafting that guy "Ryan" from Duke...Then the play by play guy said..oh you mean Jayson Tatum?.... Walton is losing it but still makes me laugh..THROW IT DOWN BIG
MAN!!!)

[MaceCase]

Forgive him, Spudlous. Walton is not just old but he's on a lot of pain meds for his back, still a good listen though.

[Spud2nique]

Forgive him, Spudlous. Walton is not just old but he's on a lot of pain meds for his back, still a good listen though.

Lol no I find him very entertaining for sure. How can I not like the guy that peed next to my friend at the Warriors game and said.." I always have a good time at the oracle!"..

[CP War Hawks]

Mikal Bridges - if there's one guy with the mental and physical make up in this draft that can compare to Kawhi, it's him.

Trae Young - still too early to get a grasp of what kind of player he will become. I remember Teague was killing it the first half at Wake looking like a sure top 10 pick. He struggled badly on their final stretch and fell in the late teens.

Collin Sexton - he doesn't have the dawg in him, it's more like a demon seed. Great quality I like in my pg. I can't shake the comparison of him being a lesser to greater version of Beverley. Both use the mental game vs. their opponents. Physical tools may not be up to par vs. the top guys in the East, but he would be way more physical than Dennis.

[Jamaaliver]

Updated Mock Draft from Bleacher Report:

Duke Star-in-Training Marvin Bagley Leads the Pack

1. Chicago Bulls: Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)

[T]he projection is that Bagley will separate himself with improving skills that lead to expanding scoring versatility. Right now, he looks rawer than Ayton, yet he's still producing at a ridiculous rate, averaging 28.8 points and 14.7 rebounds per 40 minutes.

He's even started to flash shooting range, having made two three-pointers Tuesday night and seven total on the year.

Bagley's athleticism, positional versatility and unbelievable motor—along with the fact he won't be 19 years old until March—could tip the scales in his favor for Chicago.



2. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)

Already eye-catching for his chiseled, 7'1", 250-pound frame, 7'5 ½" wingspan and fluidity, DeAndre Ayton has looked even more captivating than expected. Averaging 19.6 points, Ayton has stunned with shooting and post play.

He's made five threes, showing pick-and-pop potential, as well as the ability to rise over anyone and fire from the elbows or shorter corners. And we're seeing more advanced back-to-the-basket footwork compared to his high school play.

Ayton's rim protection hasn't been as convincing. He let UNLV's Brandon McCoy, a non-skill player, go for 33 points on Saturday. His 1.7 blocks per 40 minutes are noticeably low for an anchor with his height, length and athleticism.

But Ayton clearly has the tools and room to improve defensively. In the meantime, his inside-out scoring mirrors Karl-Anthony Towns, only Towns wasn't nearly as productive at the same age.

Defensive inconsistency has started to pop up regarding Ayton. Could be an issue.

[Jamaaliver]

continued from above:

12. Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat): Bruce Brown (Miami, SG, Sophomore)

Instead of looking to take over games as a scorer, Bruce Brown Jr. has appeared to focus on becoming a more complete player.

Though still averaging under 12 points per game, Brown has raised his assist (5.0 per game) and three-point shooting numbers (40.9 percent), playing the role of do-it-all, two-way combo.

Athletic and 6'5", capable of creating out of pick-and-rolls, attacking and making open jumpers, Brown's versatility at both ends should be attractive for teams that need backcourt depth.



20. Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves): Anfernee Simons (IMG Academy, PG, 1999)

Anfernee Simons could be this year's wild card. The high school senior told ESPN's Jonathan Givony he may be interested in the 2018 draft.

Scout.com's No. 9 overall recruit, it's Simons' athleticism and scoring from the point guard position that hint at NBA potential. He creates his own shot, shoots off the dribble and carves up defenses with change of speed and direction.

Teams would have to exercise patience while Simons works on his body and floor game. But this late, the long-term upside could appear worth the risk that comes with drafting a player you don't get to see play in college, the G-League or overseas.



29. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets): Mitchell Robinson (USA, C, 1999)

Skipping college hurts Mitchell Robinson's chances of making a major push up draft boards. He'll still spark enough intrigue and curiosity from late first-round teams with his physical tools and athleticism, which point to raw talent and potential.

He measured 7'1", 233 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan over the summer. A powerful above-the-rim finisher, Robinson showcased his ability to pick up easy baskets during last year's McDonald's All-American game and Jordan Brand Classic, combining to score 29 points on 14-of-16 shooting.

They predict two projects with no collegiate experience with the later picks...bold. I can't see us adding Ayton AND Mitchell Robinson to a squad that already has John Collins.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

In a separate Mock Draft from ESPN:

Atlanta Hawks land significant haul in latest ESPN mock draft

Mock draft season continues... even in December.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN weighed in on what the Hawks could do with four selections within the top 35 picks.

The mock draft pegs Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. to Atlanta with the No. 4 pick. When healthy, Porter Jr. presents a very intriguing mix of two-way upside and size to project as a long-term stretch four at the NBA level.

Givony continued and projected SMU guard Shake Milton to the Hawks (via Minnesota) at No. 21 overall. He possesses a highly useful jump shot with real size (6’6) and defensive versatility. In short, that would be something of an ideal fit alongside a variety of starting guards.

Finally, the ESPN mock rounds things out by sending Syracuse swingman Tyus Battle to the Hawks at No. 29 (via Houston) Battle has been better than advertised in a small sample size at Syracuse this season and, as a defense-first prospect, would have less concerns in terms of “fit” than most first round selections.

Peach Tree Hoops

With the second of their three first-round picks, the Hawks might look to add some backcourt depth, specifically someone who can play behind or alongside incumbent starters Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore.

A player such as Milton, who has the size and length to defend all three backcourt spots and can operate on or off the ball with a consistent outside shot, would make sense.

[CP War Hawks]

I don't see how Schlenk cannot be tantalized by this dude. He'll give stretch bigs hell trying to get a clean shot off on the perimeter. He's the physical freak that can match up with the Embiids and Drummonds of the East.

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[kg01]

Bamba is an easy pass for me.

We don't plan on being perennial lotto participants so we should be looking for an alpha with this pick. That means a guy that can potentially (emphasis on potentially) dominate on both ends, primarily offensively. Bamba is years away from that and quite frankly doesn't even show the building blocks to develop a serious offensive game.

Honestly, there's not much evidence he's not simply a slightly better version of Biyombo.

[Spud2nique]

Bamba is an easy pass for me.

We don't plan on being perennial lotto participants so we should be looking for an alpha with this pick. That means a guy that can potentially (emphasis on potentially) dominate on both ends, primarily offensively. Bamba is years away from that and quite frankly doesn't even show the building blocks to develop a serious offensive game.

Honestly, there's not much evidence he's not simply a slightly better version of Biyombo.

Hasheem Thabeet #2....

[Jamaaliver]

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