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Jamaaliver wrote:If Michael Porter Jr is somehow drafted by the Hawks in the top 5, I can't tell if using a later selection to draft his less heralded little brother is feasible or not.
Scouting Report:Spoiler:
Bleacher ReportIdeal Landing Spots for 2018 NBA Draft’s Top Prospects
1. Deandre Ayton: Atlanta Hawks
Draft projection: Top two
Eligible teams based on current standings: Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks
The Orlando Magic are overloaded with bigs. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings haven't had great success developing prospects or adding free agents to improve their roster.
The Atlanta Hawks make sense for Deandre Ayton, a strong No. 1 overall candidate who'd slide right into the starting center position, presumably alongside the explosive John Collins. Ayton would receive all the touches he can ask for in Atlanta, where he'd play heavy minutes right away, likely as a top option.
Atlanta currently generates the fewest points from the post in the NBA, and Ayton grades as one of the top post scorers in the country (1.061 PPP, 89th percentile), per Synergy Sports. The Hawks, who rank No. 8 in three-point percentage, would even have shooters to surround their rookie big man.
Outside of their own projected top-three pick, Atlanta also has two other first-round selections (via the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets) to build with. Despite their record and lack of star power, the Hawks would be a promising, fitting franchise for Ayton to grow in.
2018 NBA Mock Draft: Marvin Bagley could save the Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Luka Doncic
G, Real Madrid
Bill Simmons recently told a story about sitting with Rockets GM Daryl Morey at a game earlier this season. They were discussing the 2018 draft and its seemingly endless supply of star-level players. According to Simmons, the Rockets’ draft models -- developed by Morey’s own staff -- basically broke when they ran Doncic’s.
A player like him should not be able to exist. He is quintessentially a modern Moreyball archetype. Doncic is positionless in the best way, capable of winning matchups at three positions through elite shooting, passing and driving. In this one player, we might have the best handle, pull-up jumper and passing vision in the whole draft class.
Doncic playing in lineups full of shooters at every position would be a delight. Bet on coach Mike Budenholzer to make it happen.
29. Jontay Porter
F/C, Missouri
Porrter is the type of versatile big who could provide the skill set coach Mike Budenholzer prizes with the size the Hawks desperately need on the interior.
Unfortunately, Porter is in the middle of a massive slump. His scoring has disappeared over the last two weeks, and his 3-point shooting is down to 31 percent after missing 15 of his last 19. This is troubling because Porter is the kind of player who has advantages in nearly every matchup, combining speed, size and skill in a unique way.
I mentioned last week that he was able to make an impact against Texas A&M despite not scoring at all on Jan. 20. However, in a loss to Mississippi State over the weekend, Porter logged six points and four rebounds to go with four turnovers and not a single other stat. He’s hit a wall.
Yet the Hawks love toolsy players who can shoot, and have no long-term center on the roster right now. Porter is a good fit at the end of the second round.
Jamaaliver wrote:Fansided 2018 Mock Draft2018 NBA Mock Draft: Marvin Bagley could save the Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Luka Doncic
G, Real Madrid
Bill Simmons recently told a story about sitting with Rockets GM Daryl Morey at a game earlier this season. They were discussing the 2018 draft and its seemingly endless supply of star-level players. According to Simmons, the Rockets’ draft models -- developed by Morey’s own staff -- basically broke when they ran Doncic’s.
A player like him should not be able to exist. He is quintessentially a modern Moreyball archetype. Doncic is positionless in the best way, capable of winning matchups at three positions through elite shooting, passing and driving. In this one player, we might have the best handle, pull-up jumper and passing vision in the whole draft class.
Doncic playing in lineups full of shooters at every position would be a delight. Bet on coach Mike Budenholzer to make it happen.29. Jontay Porter
F/C, Missouri
Porrter is the type of versatile big who could provide the skill set coach Mike Budenholzer prizes with the size the Hawks desperately need on the interior.
Unfortunately, Porter is in the middle of a massive slump. His scoring has disappeared over the last two weeks, and his 3-point shooting is down to 31 percent after missing 15 of his last 19. This is troubling because Porter is the kind of player who has advantages in nearly every matchup, combining speed, size and skill in a unique way.
I mentioned last week that he was able to make an impact against Texas A&M despite not scoring at all on Jan. 20. However, in a loss to Mississippi State over the weekend, Porter logged six points and four rebounds to go with four turnovers and not a single other stat. He’s hit a wall.
Yet the Hawks love toolsy players who can shoot, and have no long-term center on the roster right now. Porter is a good fit at the end of the second round.
NBA Scouts Love Duke's Other Top-10 Prospect
Marvin Bagley III soaks up the attention at Duke. But he hasn't distracted scouts from Wendell Carter Jr., who's quietly earning fans across the NBA.
"He's the sleeper we all know about," one NBA executive told Bleacher Report. Multiple scouts admitted to moving Carter into the top 10 on their draft boards this season.
He leads the team in box plus-minus while ranking fifth in field-goal attempts.
Nobody in the country is matching Carter's particular production and efficiency, per Sports-Reference.com. He's the only one averaging at least 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while shooting 60 percent from the floor—numbers he's accumulating in just 26.2 minutes per game.
The most frequently raised question from scouts revolves around Carter's defensive position: Does he guard NBA centers or quicker 4s?
It's not likely an alarming enough concern; Carter happens to block shots at a solid rate in college (3.1 per 40 minutes), and he isn't a complete stiff around the perimeter, though a small-ball 4 at the next level wouldn't be an ideal assignment.
Jamaaliver wrote:NBA Scouts Love Duke's Other Top-10 Prospect
Marvin Bagley III soaks up the attention at Duke. But he hasn't distracted scouts from Wendell Carter Jr., who's quietly earning fans across the NBA.
"He's the sleeper we all know about," one NBA executive told Bleacher Report. Multiple scouts admitted to moving Carter into the top 10 on their draft boards this season.
He leads the team in box plus-minus while ranking fifth in field-goal attempts.
Nobody in the country is matching Carter's particular production and efficiency, per Sports-Reference.com. He's the only one averaging at least 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while shooting 60 percent from the floor—numbers he's accumulating in just 26.2 minutes per game.
The most frequently raised question from scouts revolves around Carter's defensive position: Does he guard NBA centers or quicker 4s?
It's not likely an alarming enough concern; Carter happens to block shots at a solid rate in college (3.1 per 40 minutes), and he isn't a complete stiff around the perimeter, though a small-ball 4 at the next level wouldn't be an ideal assignment.
Dude is legit. He isn't a franchise player, but he is a difference maker. Very reminiscent of AL Horford.
I might be ready to move him ahead of Marvin Bagley.
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.
Jamaaliver wrote:NBA Scouts Love Duke's Other Top-10 Prospect
Marvin Bagley III soaks up the attention at Duke. But he hasn't distracted scouts from Wendell Carter Jr., who's quietly earning fans across the NBA.
"He's the sleeper we all know about," one NBA executive told Bleacher Report. Multiple scouts admitted to moving Carter into the top 10 on their draft boards this season.
He leads the team in box plus-minus while ranking fifth in field-goal attempts.
Nobody in the country is matching Carter's particular production and efficiency, per Sports-Reference.com. He's the only one averaging at least 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while shooting 60 percent from the floor—numbers he's accumulating in just 26.2 minutes per game.
The most frequently raised question from scouts revolves around Carter's defensive position: Does he guard NBA centers or quicker 4s?
It's not likely an alarming enough concern; Carter happens to block shots at a solid rate in college (3.1 per 40 minutes), and he isn't a complete stiff around the perimeter, though a small-ball 4 at the next level wouldn't be an ideal assignment.
Dude is legit. He isn't a franchise player, but he is a difference maker. Very reminiscent of AL Horford.
I might be ready to move him ahead of Marvin Bagley.
. 
jayu70 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:NBA Scouts Love Duke's Other Top-10 Prospect
Marvin Bagley III soaks up the attention at Duke. But he hasn't distracted scouts from Wendell Carter Jr., who's quietly earning fans across the NBA.
"He's the sleeper we all know about," one NBA executive told Bleacher Report. Multiple scouts admitted to moving Carter into the top 10 on their draft boards this season.
He leads the team in box plus-minus while ranking fifth in field-goal attempts.
Nobody in the country is matching Carter's particular production and efficiency, per Sports-Reference.com. He's the only one averaging at least 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while shooting 60 percent from the floor—numbers he's accumulating in just 26.2 minutes per game.
The most frequently raised question from scouts revolves around Carter's defensive position: Does he guard NBA centers or quicker 4s?
It's not likely an alarming enough concern; Carter happens to block shots at a solid rate in college (3.1 per 40 minutes), and he isn't a complete stiff around the perimeter, though a small-ball 4 at the next level wouldn't be an ideal assignment.
Dude is legit. He isn't a franchise player, but he is a difference maker. Very reminiscent of AL Horford.
I might be ready to move him ahead of Marvin Bagley.
But aren't we looking for a franchise player/changer. I'd be very dissapointed if we ended up with another 'Al Horford' and not a 'Kevin Durant'.
Who is the Franchise Player in this draft?
Do we take the chance on a 'potential franchise player' or a safer pick?
This season can't end sooner enough. I'm already looking forward to Summer League
atlantabbq99 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:
Dude is legit. He isn't a franchise player, but he is a difference maker. Very reminiscent of AL Horford.
I might be ready to move him ahead of Marvin Bagley.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.
I posted that I had Carter as the 2nd best prospect since October 2017. I still have him in my top five. I'll stick with my previous comment, Wendell could be a poor man's DeMarcus Cousins, who has the bulk to bully guys in the post and good enough touch to shoot 35% from NBA three
atlantabbq99 wrote:jayu70 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:
Dude is legit. He isn't a franchise player, but he is a difference maker. Very reminiscent of AL Horford.
I might be ready to move him ahead of Marvin Bagley.
But aren't we looking for a franchise player/changer. I'd be very dissapointed if we ended up with another 'Al Horford' and not a 'Kevin Durant'.
Who is the Franchise Player in this draft?
Do we take the chance on a 'potential franchise player' or a safer pick?
This season can't end sooner enough. I'm already looking forward to Summer League
Hawks can't be picky or crying if they end up with the 5th pick
jayu70 wrote:atlantabbq99 wrote:jayu70 wrote:But aren't we looking for a franchise player/changer. I'd be very dissapointed if we ended up with another 'Al Horford' and not a 'Kevin Durant'.
Who is the Franchise Player in this draft?
Do we take the chance on a 'potential franchise player' or a safer pick?
This season can't end sooner enough. I'm already looking forward to Summer League
Hawks can't be picky or crying if they end up with the 5th pick
5? I'm assuming we get picks 1-3.
