Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Spud2nique]

I’ve got:

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Young
4. Porter
5. Bamba
6. Bagley
7. Mikal Bridges
8. JJJ

Nice to see folks agreeing that Young is worth a top 3. But what about Luka? I thought he was head and shoulders your pick?

And yes...your boy Young would be nice too. You can’t teach his feel for the game...as well as the leadership and range on his shot. We would be lucky to have him. Mac, honestly I’m dreaming big..if we get Ayton he’s our Shaq..Doncic our next Drazen and Young our next Nash. Can’t I dream a bit Mac?

[MaceCase]

The NBA should root for us to get Ayton. The ATL needs a guy like and the nba would profit. Just give us a chance to have a star.

Ironically, all of this makes me more willing to pass on him.

I've heard scouts mention the motor/defensive issues all season. Now, I hear concerns regarding ego. That he's starting to believe his own hype a bit.

No major red flags, but enough to make me move on to my fave forwards: Doncic and M Porter Jr.

Ayton is the biggest talent, but I don't see a guy capable of withstanding the spotlight as franchise savior.

Doncic, MPJ, Wendell and Mikal seem like the kind of kids we can/should depend on moving forward.

I never had a chance to see Wilt Chamberlain play in a live game..but when I see Ayton dunk, for some strange reason his back and upper arms are reminiscent of the great Wilt. Not to mention the raw power and strength. To be honest, I kind of always wanted us to have a big man worthy of hype like an Hakeem, Shaq or Ewing type. It might be a fun ride. Having said that, I love Doncic as well. Just hoping we have some luck to get a crack at one of these guys.

Jeez, Spudlous. You're probably like me and caught the 10 or so games Bill Walton has covered Ayton. Walton's compared him to all of those guys including KAJ/Alcindor (depending on how coherent he is)..... well except Shaq, Walton never liked Shaq.

[Spud2nique]

Ironically, all of this makes me more willing to pass on him.

I've heard scouts mention the motor/defensive issues all season. Now, I hear concerns regarding ego. That he's starting to believe his own hype a bit.

No major red flags, but enough to make me move on to my fave forwards: Doncic and M Porter Jr.

Ayton is the biggest talent, but I don't see a guy capable of withstanding the spotlight as franchise savior.

Doncic, MPJ, Wendell and Mikal seem like the kind of kids we can/should depend on moving forward.

I never had a chance to see Wilt Chamberlain play in a live game..but when I see Ayton dunk, for some strange reason his back and upper arms are reminiscent of the great Wilt. Not to mention the raw power and strength. To be honest, I kind of always wanted us to have a big man worthy of hype like an Hakeem, Shaq or Ewing type. It might be a fun ride. Having said that, I love Doncic as well. Just hoping we have some luck to get a crack at one of these guys.

Jeez, Spudlous. You're probably like me and caught the 10 or so games Bill Walton has covered Ayton. Walton's compared him to all of those guys including KAJ/Alcindor (depending on how coherent he is)..... well except Shaq, Walton never liked Shaq.

I do love me some Walton that’s for sure. He’s talks about the most random ever... perhaps that’s why...

Maybe it’s the fact that he wear #13 and the muscular build (hope he’s not around to let it go to his head..) but something is Wiltish..

Can you just imagine if we passed up on him somehow in the draft?...

[ATL Boy]

Three combo guards? Seriously, CBS?

Read on Twitter

5. Atlanta Hawks

Luka Doncic | INTL | SG

The Serbian wing is killing it for Real Madrid, dominating against grown men in the Spanish League at the age of 18. Who knows what he'd look like in the American college game, but my guess is he'd be a top-five player in the player of the year race. Doncic is a versatile and confident wing; his confidence might be the one thing that sets him apart over every player in this draft. What if he's a taller Manu Ginobili? That's a pretty high ceiling.

Pause. Pause. Pause. I just want to take a moment to say that Luka Doncic is Slovenian, not Serbian. I know, this distinction doesn't sound like a big deal, but where I'm from the difference is pretty huge.

[Jamaaliver]

Pause. Pause. Pause. I just want to take a moment to say that Luka Doncic is Slovenian, not Serbian. I know, this distinction doesn't sound like a big deal, but where I'm from the difference is pretty huge.

Noted.

[atlantabbq99]

I’ve got:

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Young
4. Porter
5. Bamba
6. Bagley
7. Mikal Bridges
8. JJJ

Nice to see folks agreeing that Young is worth a top 3. But what about Luka? I thought he was head and shoulders your pick?

I'm not a fan of Young, but i'm becoming more content in taking him #4 if the Hawks fall out of the top 3. I think Young is the biggest gamble of all the prospects. He could be the next Curry/Lillard, or bust. Carter is the safest pick outside of the top 3, he will never be a top 10 player in his career, but should have a +10yr career as a starter.

If the Hawks end up #4, maybe take Young and trade Dennis for a low lottery pick.

[Jamaaliver]

I think Young is the biggest gamble of all the prospects.

Carter is the safest pick outside of the top 3, he will never be a top 10 player in his career, but should have a +10yr career as a starter.

If the Hawks end up #4, maybe take Young and trade Dennis for a low lottery pick.

100% agree.

Carter is actually my favorite prospect to complement Trae's game. Where is Young is flawed but prone to occasional brilliance.

Wendell is steady, consistent and solid across the board.

Trae could lean on WC during rough shooting stretches; WC's stats would undoubtedly be inflated by playing alongside a playmaker of T Young's caliber.

[kg01]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route (and when Carter becomes the next Taj Gibson *yawn*).

[Jamaaliver]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route...

How DARE you?!?

I'll have you know Trey Burke is on the verge of GREATNESS!!!!!



But, seriously...the thing about Trae, he could easily be screwed by going to the wrong franchise or being under a coach with a rigid approach to the game.

T Young in Orlando sounds like a disaster. Thought that seems to be the case with all their young talent.

[kg01]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route...

How DARE you?!?

I'll have you know Trey Burke is on the verge of GREATNESS!!!!!



But, seriously...the thing about Trae, he could easily be screwed by going to the wrong franchise or being under a coach with a rigid approach to the game.

T Young in Orlando sounds like a disaster. Thought that seems to be the case with all their young talent.

Heh, I knew that Burke comment would get your attention.

TY and ORL are on a collision course, sir.

[Jamaaliver]

Heh, I knew that Burke comment would get your attention.

TY and ORL are on a collision course, sir.

I KNOW!!!

Orlando is (over)due to turn the corner as a franchise and climb back to respectability.

But seeing how the new management bungled the Hezonja contract situation last fall doesn't give me much faith in their new front office.

Oladipo, Tobias, Fournier, Elfrid on a real franchise would be consistent playoff contributors by now.

But in Orlando...

Just another wasted draft selection. I hope Young fares better.

[kg01]

Heh, I knew that Burke comment would get your attention.

TY and ORL are on a collision course, sir.

I KNOW!!!

Orlando is (over)due to turn the corner as a franchise and climb back to respectability.

But seeing how the new management bungled the Hezonja contract situation last fall doesn't give me much faith in their new front office.

Oladipo, Tobias, Fournier, Elfrid on a real franchise would be consistent playoff contributors by now.

But in Orlando...

Just another wasted draft selection. I hope Young fares better.

Meh, screw them dudes. They've had their chance(s). It's our turn.

I'm done rooting for other teams to get it together.

[jayu70]

Heh, I knew that Burke comment would get your attention.

TY and ORL are on a collision course, sir.

I KNOW!!!

Orlando is (over)due to turn the corner as a franchise and climb back to respectability.

But seeing how the new management bungled the Hezonja contract situation last fall doesn't give me much faith in their new front office.

Oladipo, Tobias, Fournier, Elfrid on a real franchise would be consistent playoff contributors by now.

But in Orlando...

Just another wasted draft selection. I hope Young fares better.

Meh, screw them dudes. They've had their chance(s). It's our turn.

I'm done rooting for other teams to get it together.

I'll never root for another team to get it together when the Hawks are still toiling.
No Ayton to Phoenix, no help for Krystaps etc.
It's our turn.

[Jamaaliver]

That just seems kinda petty.

I root for good, competitive basketball at every level.

Watching bad basketball, or rooting for good players to fail just feels wrong.

Exceptions: Duke, Josh Smith, both Morris Twins, Josh Smith again, teams owned by racists/misogynists....and Josh Smith.

[Jamaaliver]

5. Atlanta Hawks – Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas:

Bamba continues to face questions about his motor and effort, though his size and skill is undeniable. If he drops into Atlanta’s lap with the fifth pick they could pair Bamba with John Collins to form a formidable duo in the paint. Their abilities complement each other on both ends of the floor, so they will not be getting in each other’s way.

The Sports Daily

Another mock draft with us falling out of the top 3.

I am...conflicted on this selection and the above mentioned pairing.

[Spud2nique]

I KNOW!!!

Orlando is (over)due to turn the corner as a franchise and climb back to respectability.

But seeing how the new management bungled the Hezonja contract situation last fall doesn't give me much faith in their new front office.

Oladipo, Tobias, Fournier, Elfrid on a real franchise would be consistent playoff contributors by now.

But in Orlando...

Just another wasted draft selection. I hope Young fares better.

Meh, screw them dudes. They've had their chance(s). It's our turn.

I'm done rooting for other teams to get it together.

I'll never root for another team to get it together when the Hawks are still toiling.
No Ayton to Phoenix, no help for Krystaps etc.
It's our turn.

People with multiple fav teams are just confused busters.

[kg01]

That just seems kinda petty.

I root for good, competitive basketball at every level.

Watching bad basketball, or rooting for good players to fail just feels wrong.

Exceptions: Duke, Josh Smith, both Morris Twins, Josh Smith again, teams owned by racists/misogynists....and Josh Smith.

Uh, you can call it whut you want. I ain't rootin' for success for a team that's wasted countless top picks. And if you don't root for teams run by racists/misogynists ... well, you may as well stop following sports altogether.

[Spud2nique]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route (and when Carter becomes the next Taj Gibson *yawn*).

Young won’t bust. Hey Mac get in here and let’s double kg on why Young won’t bust.

1. Too intelligent
2. Too crafty
3. Too much “IT” (not that troll in LA) factor

[kg01]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route (and when Carter becomes the next Taj Gibson *yawn*).

Young won’t bust. Hey Mac get in here and let’s double kg on why Young won’t bust.

1. Too intelligent
2. Too crafty
3. Too much “IT” (not that troll in LA) factor

Well, I mean, all that's true of him now ... how's he been lately. #MicDrop

[Spud2nique]

Is there any way to update the poll to include Young? Perhaps a new thread now that there are more "consensus" top guys now?

I just think there should be a record of how many of you are wrong when Young goes the Trey Burke route (and when Carter becomes the next Taj Gibson *yawn*).

Young won’t bust. Hey Mac get in here and let’s double kg on why Young won’t bust.

1. Too intelligent
2. Too crafty
3. Too much “IT” (not that troll in LA) factor

Well, I mean, all that's true of him now ... how's he been lately. #MicDrop

STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!


The guy has been through a lot. He gets a lot of attention and double and triple teams with Lon not being Bud to put him in the best situation possible.


I don’t understand why you want to trash Young when he did nothing to you. On the other hand, I’m pretty certain that Michael Porter would take your mom out for a nice seafood dinner and never call her again!