2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Ruzious]

Here's the place to yack about all things related to the 2018 NBA draft - the 2018 NBA Draft Thread thread.

I'll start with 2 of the players I've taken an interest in that I think will move up to the bottom of the first round. My prime underrated player right now is Melvin Frazier of Tulane - more for his defensive potential than offense. Absurd length for a guard. He has some offensive ability but needs to play with more consistency. And Jontay Porter (Mike's little bro) - he's still raw, but he's got a lot of potential in all phases of the game and isn't done growing. I think both of them work their way up to late 1st round. Watch San Antonio get one of them, Houston the other.

Who will the Wiz pick? I'll guess Moritz Wagner in the first round - over Brandon McCoy. Nothing special - but a good solid offensive center with shooting range. McCoy will likely be a better player, but Wiz are intrigued with having a center with 3 point range. Second round - Jevon Carter - rough and tough PG who plays D and defends - sortalike a young Jarret Jack.

[FAH1223]

Best PF or C available.

[closg00]

I am used to disappointment before draft day, so I'm not going to get my hopes up. If we still have our pick, we have to take best PF/C available.

[80sballboy]

My guess is we trade up a few spots for a pick with a 2nd or we trade the pick. NBADraft.net has us taking the shotblocker from USC.
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chimezie-metu

SI has Shake Milton from SMU
https://www.si.com/nba/2018/02/12/nba-mock-draft-2018-trae-young-deandre-ayton-colin-sexton

CBS Sports though dated (Jan. 26) has Diallo from Ky
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2018-how-high-could-trae-young-be-drafted-no-1s-a-real-possibility/

BR has center Jontay Porter from Missouri
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2758050-2018-nba-mock-draft-full-first-round-predictions-post-trade-deadline

Sporting News has Mitchell Robinson, a 19-year old center without a school
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2018-picks-order-cavs-bulls-knicks-trae-young-marvin-bagley-iii-luka-doncic-deandre-ayton/2khdk5d15lgt16sdln66qti01

ESPN still has guard Khyri Thomas from Creigton
http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/22506994/2018-nba-mock-draft-trae-young-luka-doncic-top-prospects

[youngWizzy]

Keita Bates-Diop and Khyri Thomas stand out to me.

Keita Bates-Diop:
Kid shoots near 80% from the free throw line.
Very long. His wingspan is reported to be around 7-4 as of 2016 and maybe even bigger now.
117.3 ORTG and 92.5 DRTG
0.59 TS%
improving 3 point shot (36.5%) on about 5 a game.

Watch on YouTube

https://www.theringer.com/2018/1/19/16907846/keita-bates-diop-ohio-state-buckeyes-breakout-star

However, I would think hes strictly a 4 in the modern NBA as he is only 6-7 190 lbs and doesn't seem to have the elite quickness to guard the 3's and would be too short to guard 5's.

Khyri Thomas
Not extremely undersized as a shooting guard (6'3) but makes up for it with his 6-11 wingspan.
Improved 3 point shot (shooting 40% from three) on 4.7 per game
Uses his wingspan wisely and to his advantage
Also shooting 82.1% from the free throw line (Though on low volume 2.4 attempts per game)
ORTG 122.2 DRTG 101.9
0.646 TS%
0.622 EFG%

Watch on YouTube

https://www.bulletsforever.com/2018/2/20/17019060/2018-nba-draft-prospect-profile-khyri-thomas

Can't create off the dribble but more of a catch and shoot player. He would be an upgrade atleast defensively and be a nice piece behind Beal.

[dangermouse]

Seems like a big-centric draft, I'm glad we kept the pick. Hopefully we can address our most glaring need at C with someone who can be groomed to replace Gortat and eventually Mahinmi.

[Ruzious]

Here's a player from Marshall I never heard of before today - but has terrific stats all across the board - Ajdin Penava. He's come out of nowhere. Apparently has great court vision.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ajdin-Penava-79284/career/

[nate33]

We are past the trade deadline so this is likely to be our most active thread for a while. I'll sticky it.

[Dark Faze]

If Robinson is off the board I'd like to trade with Atlanta to get 30 and 32.

I'd take Isaac Bonga and Goga Bitadze

[Ruzious]

My guess is we trade up a few spots for a pick with a 2nd or we trade the pick. NBADraft.net has us taking the shotblocker from USC.
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chimezie-metu

SI has Shake Milton from SMU
https://www.si.com/nba/2018/02/12/nba-mock-draft-2018-trae-young-deandre-ayton-colin-sexton

CBS Sports though dated (Jan. 26) has Diallo from Ky
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2018-how-high-could-trae-young-be-drafted-no-1s-a-real-possibility/

BR has center Jontay Porter from Missouri
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2758050-2018-nba-mock-draft-full-first-round-predictions-post-trade-deadline

Sporting News has Mitchell Robinson, a 19-year old center without a school
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2018-picks-order-cavs-bulls-knicks-trae-young-marvin-bagley-iii-luka-doncic-deandre-ayton/2khdk5d15lgt16sdln66qti01

ESPN still has guard Khyri Thomas from Creigton
http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/22506994/2018-nba-mock-draft-trae-young-luka-doncic-top-prospects

Mitchell Robinson is a wild card in the draft - since he's not going to college. He definitely passes the eye test and has big-time shot-blocking ability. But with a year off from competition - gotta figure whoever drafts him will have to be patient.

Daniel Gafford is a center that would be a nice fit for Washington - but probably won't slide past 20. On draft night, I'm guessing he'll be one player we're hoping teams ahead of us don't pick... please don't pick Gafford, please don't pick him. One player I think is rated too highly right now on most mocks is Kevin Knox - the sweet shooting 6'9 forward on KY. He hasn't played up to expectations, and I think it's possible he slides a lot longer than people think - several KY players fit that description. At this point, he's just a shooter. Physically, he looks like Paul George.

[Ruzious]

We are past the trade deadline so this is likely to be our most active thread for a while. I'll sticky it.

Any thoughts on Bates-Diop - my recollection is you're an Ohio State fan?

[nate33]

We are past the trade deadline so this is likely to be our most active thread for a while. I'll sticky it.

Any thoughts on Bates-Diop - my recollection is you're an Ohio State fan?

Sorry. No thoughts. I stopped watching college basketball ever since cutting the cable cord. The only sport I watch at this point is the NBA.

[daSwami]

I'm hoping we EG takes a flyer on an athletic big with upside. Although I know practically nothing about Mitchell, Wiley, or McCoy - they seem to fit the bill size-wise. Maybe even Robert Williams - no idea. I'm just going by what I see on nba draft dot net.

[queridiculo]

The Wizards desperately need a big, but honestly they just need to go for the best player available.

I don't trust many of the bigs available in Washington's range.

Mitchell? Wouldn't touch him. There's something seriously off about a guy like him ending up in Western Kentucky and washing out there. High center of gravity, questionable desire and work ethic, does he even care about the game?

No thanks, I'd rather take a flyer on a guy like Khyri Thomas. Giving Satoransky a running mate of the bench that can defend, shoot the three and take it to the rack could really help our bench production.

This draft is deep with 1 and 2 guards and I'd take any combo guard or shooting guard with an upside over a big that's ultimately going to be no more than a long term project.

I really like Robert Williams and Wendell Carter Jr., but unless things really go sideways to close out the year neither of them is going to fall into our lap.

Save the 2nd rounder for a project at PF/C if need be, but our first rounder has to be the best player available irrespective of position.

[youngWizzy]

Here's a player from Marshall I never heard of before today - but has terrific stats all across the board - Ajdin Penava. He's come out of nowhere. Apparently has great court vision.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ajdin-Penava-79284/career/

NCAA D1 Leader in blocks but plays in a not so tough conference.

Another guy who is interesting to look at is Anas Mahmoud (8th in NCAA D1 in blocks and plays for Louisville). He has a 7-6 wingspan. Terrible free throw shooter (46%) tho but has some nice aspects to his game. 9.6 DBPM. Don't see him on many mocks, would be an interesting fit.

[Ruzious]

I'm hoping we EG takes a flyer on an athletic big with upside. Although I know practically nothing about Mitchell, Wiley, or McCoy - they seem to fit the bill size-wise. Maybe even Robert Williams - no idea. I'm just going by what I see on nba draft dot net.

McCoy's the best producer of the group. Not a great athlete. 10 years ago, he'd be a lotto pick, but the game has gone away from classic lumbering big centers like him.

I've targeted Jontay Porter for the Wiz first round pick. He'd be a HS senior this season, but he opted in to college. I believe he'll be the youngest player in the draft if he comes out. He's still growing - guessing he'll end up 7' 245ish. Real smart for a kid his age. Not an explosive athlete - otherwise, he'd be a lotto pick. Already has a 3 point shot and passes well. Solid rebounder and shot-blocker. Looks like super-hyped older bro Michael might play with him for a couple games.

[Dark Faze]

I'm hoping we EG takes a flyer on an athletic big with upside. Although I know practically nothing about Mitchell, Wiley, or McCoy - they seem to fit the bill size-wise. Maybe even Robert Williams - no idea. I'm just going by what I see on nba draft dot net.

McCoy's the best producer of the group. Not a great athlete. 10 years ago, he'd be a lotto pick, but the game has gone away from classic lumbering big centers like him.

I've targeted Jontay Porter for the Wiz first round pick. He'd be a HS senior this season, but he opted in to college. I believe he'll be the youngest player in the draft if he comes out. He's still growing - guessing he'll end up 7' 245ish. Real smart for a kid his age. Not an explosive athlete - otherwise, he'd be a lotto pick. Already has a 3 point shot and passes well. Solid rebounder and shot-blocker. Looks like super-hyped older bro Michael might play with him for a couple games.

Like Porter's offensive potential. Body needs a lot of work. Need to see more film of him defensively, but intrigued.

[Ruzious]

I'm hoping we EG takes a flyer on an athletic big with upside. Although I know practically nothing about Mitchell, Wiley, or McCoy - they seem to fit the bill size-wise. Maybe even Robert Williams - no idea. I'm just going by what I see on nba draft dot net.

McCoy's the best producer of the group. Not a great athlete. 10 years ago, he'd be a lotto pick, but the game has gone away from classic lumbering big centers like him.

I've targeted Jontay Porter for the Wiz first round pick. He'd be a HS senior this season, but he opted in to college. I believe he'll be the youngest player in the draft if he comes out. He's still growing - guessing he'll end up 7' 245ish. Real smart for a kid his age. Not an explosive athlete - otherwise, he'd be a lotto pick. Already has a 3 point shot and passes well. Solid rebounder and shot-blocker. Looks like super-hyped older bro Michael might play with him for a couple games.

Like Porter's offensive potential. Body needs a lot of work. Need to see more film of him defensively, but intrigued.

He's definitely not a finished product - and him being so young makes it hard to make a good evaluation of him.

[Dark Faze]

McCoy's the best producer of the group. Not a great athlete. 10 years ago, he'd be a lotto pick, but the game has gone away from classic lumbering big centers like him.

I've targeted Jontay Porter for the Wiz first round pick. He'd be a HS senior this season, but he opted in to college. I believe he'll be the youngest player in the draft if he comes out. He's still growing - guessing he'll end up 7' 245ish. Real smart for a kid his age. Not an explosive athlete - otherwise, he'd be a lotto pick. Already has a 3 point shot and passes well. Solid rebounder and shot-blocker. Looks like super-hyped older bro Michael might play with him for a couple games.

Like Porter's offensive potential. Body needs a lot of work. Need to see more film of him defensively, but intrigued.

He's definitely not a finished product - and him being so young makes it hard to make a good evaluation of him.

Still, I think there's a lot to like. This article touches on some of his defensive potential which seems promising:

https://hoopshabit.com/2018/01/29/2018-nba-draft-its-time-to-jump-on-the-jontay-porter-bandwagon/

If I'm not out on the town tomorrow evening I'll catch his game against Duke.

[payitforward]

Here's a player from Marshall I never heard of before today - but has terrific stats all across the board - Ajdin Penava. He's come out of nowhere. Apparently has great court vision.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ajdin-Penava-79284/career/

Reincarnation of Ilyasova?

Somebody better draft him -- those numbers are just amazing.