What is your draft big board? Any updates?

[JMac1]

After reading about Young being doubled 43 percent of the time past half court, I don’t know what my board looks like.

We only need a top four right?

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

[eitanr]

Why should Ayton be consensus #1 in todays NBA when he’s a center with few quite obvious deficiencies? Show me a big man that is capable of leading a team to the playoffs. Even a player as offensively advanced as KAT is not capable of doing so. Embiid is very good too, but the real difference maker for Philly is actually Simmons. The same was with Cousins in Sactown and even Davis in majority of his NO career. Ayton is a good prospect, but NO WAY he is on Anthony’s/Karl’s level.

If you had Simmons in this draft I'd agree with you. I also like Luka, but he's not near those guys. Having said that I think that's the 1/2.

I'll get crucified for this, but I'd actually consider moving Booker for Memphis' 2nd pick (if PHX/MEM went 1 and 2) and snag both Ayton (same sound as my first name) and Luka. I'd need more than just the number 2 pick, but considering Memphis is still playing for now and Booker can be a great fit alongside Gasol and Conley Jr. They may consider.

You'd want a future unprotected pick from Memphis (though Boston's future pick squashes that hope), not sure if they have anything else to offer.

[ATTL]

My answers could change depending on how Payton meshes with the team the rest of the way. If he averages 16/8/4 on solid shooting and has chemistry then I'd likely avoid a guard since i feel the top prospects are close together.

2/11/18
Ayton- fills a need, dominant at times and getting 20/10. Not Hakeem, not d-rob, i see some Ewing in him, offensively and he would gobble up the rebounds for us with our forwards aversion to rebounding.

Young- love his game, amazing shooter amd passer. Good handle, would take the pressure off booker. Again, if Payton plays well the rest of the way I'd go big with our top pick.

Doncic- best euro prospect ever. Great shooter, passer, all around game. I have more doubts about his transition to point guard and defense than most others but I see the talent.

Bagley- I'm buying his hype. As a rookie he'll be better than faried. I see young amare(that rebounds) in him. If bender shows the ability to play center we'll need someone to average 12 RPG, Bagley could do that.

Bamba- if we fell this far I'd get someone I know can clean up defensive mistakes and be an anchor to our defense potentially being our gobert.

JJJ- i can tell hes more talented than chriss but I worry about the fouls he seems to pick up at a similar pace. Great shot blocker, meh rebounder, i can see the Myles turner resemblance.

Porter- need to see more, he's here for now.

3/13/18
1. ayton
2. Doncic
3. Bagley
4. JJJ
5. Trae
6. Porter
7. Bamba
8. Carter
9. Sexton

For our mid firsts
1. Shai
2. Porter
3. Gafford
4. Musa
5. Robinson

1. Ayton
2. Doncic
3. Bamba
4. JJJ
5. Bagley
6. Trae

Mid first
1. Williams
2. Robinson
3. Shai

First option is trade up with next year's first or use to trade for kemba

[bwgood77]

i know this wont be a popular opinion here and thats fine but the only 2 of the top 7 or 8 i don't want to see the Suns draft are Young and Bagley, i have preferences among the others but wont be too disappointed in any of them with maybe Bamba being the lowest of the rest

I agree with Bagley and Young is pretty scary, but his upside of what he can do is great considering he can stretch the floor, make everyone else better and get to the line....while knocking down free throws at a great rate. Just great efficiency.

Bagley though really scares me because he's lost on D, a tweener, can't block shots, can't knock down free throws which likely means he won't translate into a good 3 pt shooter (only shot them from one area when WIDE open). And he doesn't have great measurables. So even though he has a great motor, I don't think he has a lot of upside.

After the top 2 though for me it's tough, because everyone has red flags, though most of the other guys have things that should definitely translate well to the NBA and other areas where I expect improvement.

I still probably have Trae and JJJ right there pretty close. But would probably go a number of other guys over Bagley as well.

[WeekapaugGroove]

If they hire Bud I have hard time seeing them draft Bagley. He just doesn't fit how bud likes to play.

I'd actually feel better about young with bud because I think hed figure out how to use him properly.

JJJ really seems like a nice fit in buds system.

Maybe carter is a guy to keep an eye on with the horford similarity.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

If they hire Bud I have hard time seeing them draft Bagley. He just doesn't fit how bud likes to play.

I'd actually feel better about young with bud because I think hed figure out how to use him properly.

JJJ really seems like a nice fit in buds system.

Maybe carter is a guy to keep an eye on with the horford similarity.

Does Budenholzer, Fizdale or someone else have the best plan for what to do with a #1-4 pick + Jackson/Booker/[Bender/Chriss/TJ] + cap $$$ core? Hopefully we are able to answer that question correctly.

The one thing a coach can have a disproportionate impact upon is who you are able to acquire in free agency, and who you decide to keep from your current group.

[DRK]

Havent got myself a Big Board, but I have a few (probably unpopular thoughts)

- I think Trae Young is more hype than hoop, and I dont buy the hype.
- Luka Doncic is a clear cut number 1 pick for me
- Miles Bridges should be taken Top 7

[NaturalBuns]

Havent got myself a Big Board, but I have a few (probably unpopular thoughts)

- I think Trae Young is more hype than hoop, and I dont buy the hype.
- Luka Doncic is a clear cut number 1 pick for me
- Miles Bridges should be taken Top 7

I agree with young I feel like every year this happens some guy in college shoots lights out looks unguardable then can't do it vs NBA talent.

Ben mclemore
Buddy Heild etc etc
Next draft will have someone hyped like that too.

Ayton is my clear one

[thamadkant]

If they hire Bud I have hard time seeing them draft Bagley. He just doesn't fit how bud likes to play.

I'd actually feel better about young with bud because I think hed figure out how to use him properly.

JJJ really seems like a nice fit in buds system.

Maybe carter is a guy to keep an eye on with the horford similarity.

I'm certain Bagley is a weaker but more athletic Randle... thus I believe Bagley would be similar to Randle NOW.... so a decent scorer off hustle, effort and energy but doesnt do much else... unless he becomes a good 3pt shooter or a good defender like Draymond Green atleast (energetic defender and versatile) then I dont think he is worth a top 4 pick

[thamadkant]

SGA isn't quick and not a great shooter I don't know any good PGs like that.

What makes you say he can't shoot when he shoots 81.5% from the line and 41.8% from 3? Low volume but it's not like he has a low FT% like Bagley, Josh Jackson, etc.

I mean Sexton shoots 33.6% from 3 and 77.8% from the line...and is 6'2 so will have a harder time getting shot off.

I wouldn't trade up for him though.

SGA is Elfrid Payton V2.0 IMO

A motivated Payton anyways... Payton as a rookie had promise and when playing with focus and energy is a threat to get triple doubles.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

As of today, I'm at:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Young
4. Jackson, Jr.
(5. Bagley)

IMO, in most years, any of these guys would be a likely top 2 pick. So I'll be happy adding any of these players.

What ultimately turned me on JJ v. Bagley was the FT%. They each have elite skills, but JJ's shooting seems much more likely to translate. The thought of a 7' Shawn Marion is deeply tantalizing to me personally, but Shawn was the game's best defender for several years (though the fact was unrecognized by many). And while I do think Bagley will improve defensively, there is also little reason to think JJ won't improve on the other end. So I've come around to the consensus.

If we select Ayton with our top pick, I would look into dealing the #16, and focus on adding a guard at #31. If we select Doncic or Young, I would look into dealing the #31 and focus on adding a center at #16.

[Waylay13]

As of today, I'm at:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Young
4. Jackson, Jr.
(5. Bagley)

IMO, in most years, any of these guys would be a likely top 2 pick. So I'll be happy adding any of these players.

What ultimately turned me on JJ v. Bagley was the FT%. They each have elite skills, but JJ's shooting seems much more likely to translate. The thought of a 7' Shawn Marion is deeply tantalizing to me personally, but Shawn was the game's best defender for several years (though the fact was unrecognized by many). And while I do think Bagley will improve defensively, there is also little reason to think JJ won't improve on the other end. So I've come around to the consensus.

If we select Ayton with our top pick, I would look into dealing the #16, and focus on adding a guard at #31. If we select Doncic or Young, I would look into dealing the #31 and focus on adding a center at #16.

Marion was first and foremost an outstanding rebounder with an amazing second leap. One thing that just about every scout says about JJ is that he isnt a good rebounder.

[WeekapaugGroove]

As of today, I'm at:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Young
4. Jackson, Jr.
(5. Bagley)

IMO, in most years, any of these guys would be a likely top 2 pick. So I'll be happy adding any of these players.

What ultimately turned me on JJ v. Bagley was the FT%. They each have elite skills, but JJ's shooting seems much more likely to translate. The thought of a 7' Shawn Marion is deeply tantalizing to me personally, but Shawn was the game's best defender for several years (though the fact was unrecognized by many). And while I do think Bagley will improve defensively, there is also little reason to think JJ won't improve on the other end. So I've come around to the consensus.

If we select Ayton with our top pick, I would look into dealing the #16, and focus on adding a guard at #31. If we select Doncic or Young, I would look into dealing the #31 and focus on adding a center at #16.

I take JJJ over Bagley because if they want immediate returns I'm at least confident that JJJ helps improve their D from the minute he puts on Suns uniform. Something they desperately need.

It's so hard to predict what will happen at 16. I agree that if they take a big early then it's more likely they trade 16 mostly because they will need it in whatever package they put together for a vet PG and getting a vet PG is a quick way for a rapid improvement this year. But if either of SGA or Sexton happen to slide to 16 they would be very tempting picks at that spot. It's more likely that a big they might want will be there at 16 but it's still pretty up in the air who if any of Williams, Robinson, or Porter might be there.

[bwgood77]

As of today, I'm at:

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. Young
4. Jackson, Jr.
(5. Bagley)

IMO, in most years, any of these guys would be a likely top 2 pick. So I'll be happy adding any of these players.

What ultimately turned me on JJ v. Bagley was the FT%. They each have elite skills, but JJ's shooting seems much more likely to translate. The thought of a 7' Shawn Marion is deeply tantalizing to me personally, but Shawn was the game's best defender for several years (though the fact was unrecognized by many). And while I do think Bagley will improve defensively, there is also little reason to think JJ won't improve on the other end. So I've come around to the consensus.

If we select Ayton with our top pick, I would look into dealing the #16, and focus on adding a guard at #31. If we select Doncic or Young, I would look into dealing the #31 and focus on adding a center at #16.

I don't know if the consensus is JJ over Bagley, not overall and not on our board according to polls. But some places like Stepien and Tankathon project him higher.

[Blonde]

I have been pretty consistent in having a top 5 of Doncic, Ayton, Porter, Young, Bagley. Carter Jr. has jumped to 6th and Jackson Jr. 7th. I've been consistently low on Bamba he'll probably settle out of my top 12. I still see Sexton as a guy who shouldn't go outside the lottery.

There are a handful of guys who I have moved up quite a bit over the last month into the mid first: Robert Williams, Keita Bates-Diop, De'Anthony Melton, and Deandre Hunter. I see them all as great complimentary pieces to whoever we draft with our top pick. Williams is a low risk roll man who should I would ideally pair with Doncic. Hunter, Bates-Diop, and Melton all profile as elite defenders at multiple positions so I'd be cool with any of them.

Guys who I am not as high on as others but stil see as a good pick in the 20-30 range: Zhaire Smith, Shai Alexander, and Jontay Porter. With Smith I just want to see more before I'm sold on him, not ready to buy the hype yet. For Shai I just don't see him as dynamic enough as a shooter and not strong enough to be able to handle switches. There are a lot of guards I'd take over him. And for Jontay I don't see his shooting and playmaking making up for his unathleticism, poor speed, and lack of finishing. He might be the best big on the board when we pick though.

[Damkac]

1. Doncic
2. Ayton
3. JJJ
4. Young

[Saberestar]

Why should Ayton be consensus #1 in todays NBA when he’s a center with few quite obvious deficiencies? Show me a big man that is capable of leading a team to the playoffs. Even a player as offensively advanced as KAT is not capable of doing so. Embiid is very good too, but the real difference maker for Philly is actually Simmons. The same was with Cousins in Sactown and even Davis in majority of his NO career. Ayton is a good prospect, but NO WAY he is on Anthony’s/Karl’s level.

If you had Simmons in this draft I'd agree with you. I also like Luka, but he's not near those guys. Having said that I think that's the 1/2.

I'll get crucified for this, but I'd actually consider moving Booker for Memphis' 2nd pick (if PHX/MEM went 1 and 2) and snag both Ayton (same sound as my first name) and Luka. I'd need more than just the number 2 pick, but considering Memphis is still playing for now and Booker can be a great fit alongside Gasol and Conley Jr. They may consider.

You'd want a future unprotected pick from Memphis (though Boston's future pick squashes that hope), not sure if they have anything else to offer.

[eitanr]

Why should Ayton be consensus #1 in todays NBA when he’s a center with few quite obvious deficiencies? Show me a big man that is capable of leading a team to the playoffs. Even a player as offensively advanced as KAT is not capable of doing so. Embiid is very good too, but the real difference maker for Philly is actually Simmons. The same was with Cousins in Sactown and even Davis in majority of his NO career. Ayton is a good prospect, but NO WAY he is on Anthony’s/Karl’s level.

If you had Simmons in this draft I'd agree with you. I also like Luka, but he's not near those guys. Having said that I think that's the 1/2.

I'll get crucified for this, but I'd actually consider moving Booker for Memphis' 2nd pick (if PHX/MEM went 1 and 2) and snag both Ayton (same sound as my first name) and Luka. I'd need more than just the number 2 pick, but considering Memphis is still playing for now and Booker can be a great fit alongside Gasol and Conley Jr. They may consider.

You'd want a future unprotected pick from Memphis (though Boston's future pick squashes that hope), not sure if they have anything else to offer.

Let's play the alternative. If Phoenix drafts 1 they land Ayton. You then roll with PG?/Booker/Warren/Jackson/Ayton

First off, who is the PG? Do you offer QO to Payton? Who do you pursue in FA? Let's say you net a solid PG, what's the new ceiling of the team.

Has Hinkie taught you nothing? Are you not entertained?

[lilfishi22]

1. Doncic
2. Porter Jr
3. Ayton
4. Bagley
5.Young
6. JJJr
7. Bamba

1. Doncic - Same. Could change but unlikely to with a few more Euroleague regular season games left and playoffs beginning in the 2nd half of next month.
2. Ayton - Tourney upset is not a good result but I saw it like a quick KO in boxing or MMA, it could happen any time and because it happened so quickly, the fighter didn't have an opportunity to show what they really have up their sleeves. Based on his overall body of work, I think even with the weaknesses, he's done enough to warrant a top 1 or 2 spot in this draft imo.
3. Bagley - opposite of Ayton, he wasn't as highly touted as Ayton coming in but now that he's still in the tourney, he's able to show the world a bit more of what he's about. I still think his ceiling is #3 though.
4. JJJr - moved him back into the rest of the pack. Even though he's still in the tourney, he hasn't really been that impressive. Still very high potential player but also screams project.
5. Porter Jr - Bombed out with 3 college games to show, he's looked riskier than ever. He still has a decent body of work from HS and scouts have pretty much determined the kind of player he's likely to be but it may have been better for him if he had just sat out.
6. Young - I still really like Young. I just like him a lot more just outside of the top 5 (although interchangeable with Porter JR imo)
7. Bamba - Another guy who bombed (Bamba'd???) out after only 1 game. Freak measurements but he hasn't impressed me all that much this season and he's also as much of a project as JJJr imo.

1. Doncic - still at the top of my board. Ayton was inching a lot closer after having done more research and getting more takes on him but with Doncic's performance in the Euroleague playoffs, he has a chance to really pull away.
2. Ayton - I lost a bit of confidence in him after the bombing out so early in the March Madness but I have a renewed enthusiasm for him now.
3. Young - This third spot is tough. I have a hard time putting JJJr over Young because JJJr just seems to have more elite role player potential than Young who imo has star potential. Young is going to get torched defensively and will make our back court look even more porous but offensively, he could be transformational and in the top 3 of a loaded draft, you want transformational potential.
4. JJJr - I don't buy the KG comparisons even though they have similar physical profile but even a homeless man's KG is a pretty solid player. My issue with him is I just can't get over the elite role player potential I see in him. In the top 3, I want potential star potential and I just don't really see that. Not at all discounting his impact on the game which has been written about a fair bit but he's just not as shiny as Young
5. Porter - still love this guy's potential but I don't think coming back has really helped his draft stock unfortunately. I think his shooting, physical fluidity and overall scoring potential is still there but imo, he's just a touch more risky now compared to the prospects ahead of him.
6. Bagley - Again, having done more research, I don't think the articles written about him since March Madness have ended have really helped his case as a top 5 or top 4 prospect. His weaknesses have been continually reiterated and I'm starting to see 6'11 Kenneth Faried which is still a dangerous offensive player but I not in the top 5.
7. Mikal Bridges - watching more film on him in conjunction with what scouts have already noted, he really seems to have one of the highest floors in the lottery. The guy to me is a surefire starter in the league. Not sure about star potential but he's going to be a solid starter for a long time. At #8, getting a close to a surefire starter in the draft is a near steal
8. Carter - I see a solid starting 5 in him. He's a bit undersized height wise but he takes up a ton of space in the paint and with good on court awareness, rebounding and passing, I think he fits today's NBA.
9. Miles Bridges - Love his defensive versatility being able to guard the 2 to the 4 and that's what tweeners nowadays need to be able to do. He's never going to be a star offensively but I think he's got really good role player offense potential, basically just being able to hit 3's and finish near the basket. Might be a stretch pick at #9 but I'm comfortable with that.
10. Bamba - I expect him to move up a bit higher once we get to the combines because they always favor athletic profiles and skills aren't really showcased but I don't think most people are unaware of his freakish physical gifts so to me, he's probably staying at #10.

I'll do another one of these once the draft positions are set after the lottery in mid-May

Update: edited after rethinking Porter's ranking on here. Moved him back up to 5

[TheLogician]

I'm wary of guys whose defense is way ahead of their offense. Usually those guys never become big scorers (DeAndre Jordan and Rudy Gobert come to mind). I think Bamba fits this profile to a T, and JJJ to a slightly lesser extent.