Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[kg01]

Not sure what ya'll are seeing in Grayson Allen. On top of being mentally unstable, he lacks the physical tools. JJ Reddick was a far superior player to him in college and it took him several years and an attitude change to become a fringe rotation guy.

What are y'all expecting Allen to be? He's a guy who should've come out as a So. while he still had folks fooled.

@jamallllliver, the only issue I had with Holiday is he looks a bit small. This one is a kg-special (aka they played GT so I actually saw him play). You could see the talent for sure. He's basically Jrue 2.0 but in a much smaller body which makes the difference.

JJ Redick is a fringe rotation player?!?! Wow!

Grayson seems like a decent role playing three point shooter off the bench.

Holiday's size seems the biggest knock on him. I've heard Darren Collison comparisons. I could also see som[e] Isaiah Thomas type of production off the bench. (The Sacramento/Phoenix/LA version, not the Celtics MVP version.)

No he doesn't because he can't defend.

I actually do see Holiday as more of a 6th man/spark plug.

@atlbbq, I agree success can be found in the 2nd round but I vehemently question whether or not a guy like Allen would be willing to put in the dirty work that the guys you mentioned clearly went through. Even Reddick went back to the drawing board and put the work in to make himself a fringe rotation guy (yep, I said 'fringe' @jamallll). Reddick was an entitled a** at Duke but he was always mentally strong. Allen appears to be the opposite of that. That's the difference IMHO between Allen and the 2nd round success stories you listed.

[Jamaaliver]

Not sure what ya'll are seeing in Grayson Allen. What are y'all expecting Allen to be?

Grayson seems like a decent role playing three point shooter off the bench.

No he doesn't because he can't defend.

Meh. I think that defensive deficiency is why he'd be a bench player.

There's no reason he can't be a Marco Bellinelli-type sniper off the bench for a playoff team.

[King Ken]

I love Bamba and Bagley III for us. I like Ayton and Doncic. Not as high on JJJ. Porter Jr is a wildcard.

I would love to move up to land Sexton, Young or Shai GA. Anyone on the roster but Dedmon or Prince is available to move up. Even Prince is available if the price is right.

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[King Ken]

ETA: How about another pointed question. Name someone not currently being considered for a top3 pick who could end up Donovan Mitchell'ing them all? My vote is Sexton.

A name that's only recently come onto my radar, but checks all the boxes for this type of unexpected emergence:

Aaron Holiday.

Upperclassman, from a Power-5 conference, consistent production, steps up in big moments, translatable skillset. (He shot over 40% from three every season in college.)

Spoiler:

Aaron Holiday, UCLA


Position: Guard

Height/weight: 6-1, 185 pounds

Class: Junior

NBA scout’s comment: “Folks are sleeping on how good the brother of Jrue and Justin is. Unlimited potential.”

The Undefeated

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Aaron Holiday (UCLA, PG, Junior)

Holiday struggled against Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament, but he had come in scorching hot, averaging 28.2 points over his previous five games. Scouts have become more open lately to the idea of considering Holiday in the first round for his potential to develop into a scoring specialist off the bench.

Bleacher Report
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Spoiler:

Admittedly, he hasn't had the best coaching:

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I like Aaron Holiday as a 3rd string PG with backup potential

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[King Ken]

From USATODAY -- Bring me a championship core.

I love Khyri; Bagley as franchise savior leaves me conflicted...

2018 NBA mock draft: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic headline loaded class

3. Atlanta Hawks - Marvin Bagley III

Duke | F | Fr. | 6-11, 234: Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski has called Bagley the most unique player he’s ever coached and said he thinks the lefty big man is cut from the same cloth as some of the NBA superstars he’s directed as Team USA’s coach. It’s because Bagley’s skillset and athleticism, at 6-11, make him comparable to Chris Bosh. Bagley, whose jumping ability is nearly as impressive as his scoring, averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds and was Duke’s best player all season as a national player of the year finalist.


21. Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota) - Khyri Thomas

Creighton | G | Jr. | 6-3, 200: Thomas plays with a veteran’s savvy and is adept at creating offense in isolation. He probably best projects as an off-ball guard at the next level, but his three-point stroke is NBA ready. He attacks with a steady balance though he’s not going to blow past you with his athleticism. Thomas has good size and could likely guard both backcourt spots with his 6’9’’ wingspan.


30. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston) - Grayson Allen

Duke | G | Sr. | 6-5, 205: Allen’s college journey has been well chronicled — from player of the year finalist as a sophomore to court-tripping troublemaker as a junior, to veteran captain as a senior. Whatever you think of Grayson Allen, at the end of the day, the kid can ball. He’s 6-5 and far from a true point guard (although he did average 4.5 assists this season) but can shoot with the best of them. His improved shot selection this year, while good for Duke, has probably hidden some of his athletic features that would make him higher on this list. Allen would fit well on a well-coached team, with an ability to hit the long ball and get to the rim. His defense will need to be improved.

I believe in Bagley ceiling more than any other prospect in this class. He's a positive blend of Chris Bosh and Dennis Rodman with more athletic ability. His team defense is his best defensive trait even if his man and team defense needs much improvement. He is instant offense on any level. His Basketball acumen is very good for a freshman. I think he can fight for an all star spot in year 1. He's that good.

I think he will surprise teams by his 3rd year. I can see him having 30/20 games with versatile offensive skills as he becomes more polished. I really really like him on our squad.

I am not as high on Ayton as many scouts are. I see the ability, size and skill. But his off the ball ability and paint protection with weak rim protector extremely bothers me. He can be a MVP but can he lead a team to a ring.



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[Jamaaliver]

Yet another JJJ to Hawks mock draft.

But Devonte here could be a very good thing.

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3. Atlanta Hawks Hawks | Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State | Fr.

Height: 6'11" | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Last: 7

Key Stats: 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks

The Hawks aren’t tied down to much of anything on their roster beyond John Collins, and are in search of a foundational player. Jackson Jr.’s ability to space the floor and protect the rim makes for an ideal fit, and would give them a great interior duo. He’s really helped himself over the course of the season, flashing a greater offensive skill level than expected and making a tangible defensive impact, able to guard in space and provide weak-side help. His 5.7 blocks per-40 minutes are a wild statistic. Jackson needs to mature physically and mentally and is probably a few years away from being able to anchor a winning team, but Atlanta has time to let him grow. He’s probably not leapfrogging Ayton or Doncic, but the No. 3 spot is within reach.

23.Atlanta Hawks Hawks* | Anfernee Simons, G, IMG Academy | HS Sr.

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 180 | Age: 18 | Last: 20

Key Stats: 15.3 PPG, 41.4% 3FG (2017 UnderArmour Association)

Teams will have additional opportunities to evaluate Simons in April as he’s set to appear in the Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic before presumably testing the draft waters. He’s got a lot of intriguing traits, with high-level explosiveness, great foot speed and developing three-point range. Simons may not be a true point guard, but should be able to handle some level of ball-handling duties in time. He’s full of potential as a scorer, but untested and a long-term project. The Hawks can afford to let it play out.

30. Atlanta Hawks Hawks* | Devonte’ Graham, PG, Kansas | Sr.

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 185 | Age: 23 | Last: N/A

Key Stats: ​17.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 41.2% 3FG

The Hawks will pick three times in the first round and can really replenish their talent with a good draft. Graham is viewed as a safe bet to be a useful ball-handler, though not a star. His production was consistent at Kansas, although he shot just 39.2% on two-point shots and struggles to finish at the rim sometimes. As Atlanta rebuilds (and with Dennis Schröder’s future unclear), adding a steadying presence to the backcourt makes sense.

[Jamaaliver]

The pre-eminent draft guide.

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[King Ken]

Drafting A player based on how they would fit Collins would be the biggest mistake next to drafting a player based on how they fit Dennis. You need to draft the best player and package anyone else to get another lottery pick to get a PG like Sexton or Young

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[King Ken]

My biggest fear with Ayton is his personality remains me of Wiggins and Marvin Williams.

For Doncic, he thinks too highly of himself, for his playing style, I want someone more of a great teammate who wants to win for the team. His personality reminds me of Hezonja. All needs to go right for him.

Bamba had the best personality in this draft. He will work on his game and he fits in with a strong system or culture.

JJJ, I need to see more. Idk.

Sexton is a alpha dog. He wants it bad. He will be an elite worker. How good he is in the NBA depends on system, personnel and coaching but he will work and bust his ass in the process. His personality reminds me of Patrick Beverly.

Young reminds me Michael Carter Williams. That's not a bad thing, MCW does what it takes to get what he can get out of his game but they aren't exspanding their role if it's not needed and they like the idea of dominating the ball.

Carter Jr. Has a similar personality to Grant Hill. Not the same player but that suburban Black, just like being a part of something special and will work for everything that have.

Grayson Allen personality reminds me of Bobby Hurley. Loves the game, loves life, just enjoys himself and the sport. Winning is more important to them than the game itself. I like players like this personality wise. Work best of winning teams or teams who want to build a winning culture.

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[Jamaaliver]

Drafting A player based on how they would fit Collins would be the biggest mistake next to drafting a player based on how they fit Dennis. You need to draft the best player and package anyone else to get another lottery pick to get a PG like Sexton or Young.

<sigh>

I 100% agree.

[Bob8]

My biggest fear with Ayton is his personality remains me of Wiggins and Marvin Williams.

For Doncic, he thinks too highly of himself, for his playing style, I want someone more of a great teammate who wants to win for the team. His personality reminds me of Hezonja. All needs to go right for him.

Bamba had the best personality in this draft. He will work on his game and he fits in with a strong system or culture.

JJJ, I need to see more. Idk.

Sexton is a alpha dog. He wants it bad. He will be an elite worker. How good he is in the NBA depends on system, personnel and coaching but he will work and bust his ass in the process. His personality reminds me of Patrick Beverly.

Young reminds me Michael Carter Williams. That's not a bad thing, MCW does what it takes to get what he can get out of his game but they aren't exspanding their role if it's not needed and they like the idea of dominating the ball.

Carter Jr. Has a similar personality to Grant Hill. Not the same player but that suburban Black, just like being a part of something special and will work for everything that have.

Grayson Allen personality reminds me of Bobby Hurley. Loves the game, loves life, just enjoys himself and the sport. Winning is more important to them than the game itself. I like players like this personality wise. Work best of winning teams or teams who want to build a winning culture.

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Believe me, you can’t play in Real with attitude like that. You’re benched in a second even if you’re 30 years old legend. And he wouldn’t win Eurobasket with Dragic with attitude like that. Slovenia was 30:1 to win it. Talent wise they were 10th team. They have won it like a team. You can’t be more wrong there. Doncic will do anything for a win.
Hezonja was bench warmer in Barcelona. Players from Europe are in big majority great teammates, because they’re raised like that.

[Jamaaliver]

Top prospects to watch, prospect matchups of the opening round of the NCAA tournament

C Wendell Carter, Fr., Duke

Two GMs have told me how much they like Carter. “He has a lot of Al Horford to him,” one noted. “The way he moves, he has soft hands and a soft touch.” While fellow superstar freshman Marvin Bagley III has garnered most of the headlines this year, the 6-foot-10, 259-pound Carter has been a glass-eating nightmare for opponents. Able to finish with both hands in the paint, run the floor and step outside to 18 feet, Carter could conceivably catapult himself into the top five with a strong performance in the tournament. One executive told Yahoo Sports that even at the beginning of the year, he was more impressed with Carter than Bagley. “He can do a lot of things,” the executive said. “I like him.”



F Michael Porter Jr., Fr., Missouri

He’s played less than 30 minutes this season because of a back injury, but Porter Jr. remains one of the most talented players in the tournament. “He’s a freak,” said a former college coach who recruited Porter. “Michael can do it all. Whatever you need, he can do it.” Fair enough. Porter has to show a more fluid game, however, than he did in the Tigers’ SEC tournament loss to Georgia, when he missed 12-of-17 shots and lacked his trademark explosiveness.

Yahoo Sports

[Spud2nique]

I disagree with Ayton’s personality being like Marvin’s. Marvin was dead inside. Ayton has a bit more fire...

[HMFFL]

2018 NBA Mock Draft: Deandre Ayton vs. Marvin Bagley vs. Luka Doncic for No. 1 pick

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2018-nba-mock-draft-marvin-bagley-deandre-ayton-luka-doncic-memphis-grizzlies-phoenix-suns/

[King Ken]

I disagree with Ayton’s personality being like Marvin’s. Marvin was dead inside. Ayton has a bit more fire...

Marvin was cool and collective. Liked to have a good time in general. Basketball wasn't a passion but more of something he was good at. I see Ayton like that. I see more Marvin than Wiggins. Wiggins got bad vices. Marvin didn't have a bad vice. He just valued his life outside of Basketball.

[jayu70]

I disagree with Ayton’s personality being like Marvin’s. Marvin was dead inside. Ayton has a bit more fire...

Marvin was cool and collective. Liked to have a good time in general. Basketball wasn't a passion but more of something he was good at. I see Ayton like that. I see more Marvin than Wiggins. Wiggins got bad vices. Marvin didn't have a bad vice. He just valued his life outside of Basketball.

What does 'bad vice' mean.

[King Ken]

I disagree with Ayton’s personality being like Marvin’s. Marvin was dead inside. Ayton has a bit more fire...

Marvin was cool and collective. Liked to have a good time in general. Basketball wasn't a passion but more of something he was good at. I see Ayton like that. I see more Marvin than Wiggins. Wiggins got bad vices. Marvin didn't have a bad vice. He just valued his life outside of Basketball.

What does 'bad vice' mean.

Video game addict. He plays it like a mad man. So does Towns but Towns is much better.

[jayu70]

Marvin was cool and collective. Liked to have a good time in general. Basketball wasn't a passion but more of something he was good at. I see Ayton like that. I see more Marvin than Wiggins. Wiggins got bad vices. Marvin didn't have a bad vice. He just valued his life outside of Basketball.

What does 'bad vice' mean.

Video game addict. He plays it like a mad man. So does Towns but Towns is much better.

Video games? Really. Ok buh.

[Jamaaliver]

Poor, C Hutch.

His stock tapered a bit as the season ended. But that makes it only more likely he ends up on a good team where he can be a solid role player for years.

I'd support grabbing the kid with the MInny pick if available.

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[Spud2nique]

Poor, C Hutch.

His stock tapered a bit as the season ended. But that makes it only more likely he ends up on a good team where he can be a solid role player for years.

I'd support grabbing the kid with the MInny pick if available.

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See what happens when you develop in school for 4 years? You actually put up good numbers! Who woulda thunk it!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna head out. Angry mob on the way...