What would you guess is McD's Big Board?

[sunskerr]

Maybe it's Doncic - I think McD has seen this season the value in having multiple guys who can be on ball and off ball at PG (Rockets) and also big point guards (Giannis, Simmons, LeBron)
Then Ayton might be number 2 - bigs like Towns and Davis (and Cousins before the injury) are so talented they still find a way in the modern NBA
3rd would be Trae Young - The Steph Curry Hail Mary?

I probably just posted my own top 3. I like Doncic and teams/players like GS, Houston and Simmons too much right now to possibly see our GM rating him lower than Ayton.

[jcsunsfan]

Ayton
Doncic
Young
Bagley


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[AtheJ415]

My guess:

Doncic
Ayton
Young
Porter
Bamba
Bagley
Bridges

[DirtyDez]

Ayton
Doncic
Young
Bagley


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

Before Kokoskov I would’ve said there’s no way McD would pass on a franchise center. This is an unprecedented situation though where McD will have the intel on Doncic that is 100% authentic. You’ll hear coach K or Calipari talk up their guys every year and you’ll never hear a criticism of them. Igor not only has a relationship with the player but he’s been in the NBA for 18 years. He knows what works and what doesn’t. He was in Detroit when they drafted Darko, Cleveland when they had Kyrie and Utah when they drafted Mitchell. He’s seen it all with young players having success or busting.

[LukasBMW]

I think Ayton is #1

But I also think McDonough knows that we may very well drop to 2/3/4 and will happily take Doncic if that happens.

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Thread bump

Doncic and Ayton still appear to be the top 2 on McD's list but do you think Igor being a part of the coaching staff will have any sway on who McD takes if we get the #1 pick?

I think he'll have sway, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion necessarily that it's Doncic. For the longest time I didn't think there was any chance at all that McD would take Doncic #1 and thought they were a decent chance he might not take him #2.

But over the last couple months I figured he's had him at at least 2.

Doncic being so competitive and a winner with so much intensity is just so impressive. He reminds me in some ways of LeBron in a series just making sure that even if they have a bad game or two, they come back strong and he makes sure they win.

I have always loved players that look to get others involved and love that he does this but at the same time, isn't shy about taking that last shot if needed. Having him and Booker in the backcourt would be crazy.

Now I imagine Igor would love the chance and he's called him a star, but I still think he will watch, interview and test all these guys and have an open mind. He may think Ayton is a star and feel that he is the guy.

I imagine Igor would want to take Doncic 1 and I think McD probably had it as a toss up or was maybe only slightly leaning either way and has been keeping an open mind.

I'm more interested in what Igor's opinion and McD's board is past #2. Or if he has Doncic 1 is Ayton for sure 2?

If I had to guess, I'd say

Doncic
Ayton

I think the next part will depend on the combine and the individual workouts but I think the next tier in order before all that is probably

Jackson
Young
Porter
Bamba

But so much of my own opinion is mixed in there it is tough. Porter is a tough one I originally had him and Bagley in a third tier below Jackson/Young/Bamba

But Porter, if back in shape and shows some good ballhandling and defensive skills, who knows? I think he's probably too risky, but when you think of a Durant light potential at small ball 4 it's intriguing.

I think Bamba is probably more in play now because of Igor having coached Gobert, and I bet they REALLY like Bamba when they meet him...he's just a likable kid.

Jackson is kind of tough too. If they do think he is passive whatsoever they could pass, but he so crazy good at defense and shot so well that it's tough to ignore that when those are our needs. I really wish he would have been in a different situation in college.

Anyway, I hope our top 4 are Doncic, Ayton, Young and Jackson in that order. But I wouldn't be that upset if any two (that are right next to each other) were switched places.

I think Doncic makes a lot more sense than before now that we have a coach who has a strong track record of player development especially when it comes to guards (Doncic is a wing but plays like a guard) and is also very familiar and has coached Doncic. You're right in that once Igor has had a chance to sitdown and actually evaluate the top draft prospects he might come to the conclusion that Ayton is the guy but I think there will be some favouritism on his end. In the end, his job is also on the line if he isn't able to develop and maximise the talent of our young guys so it might make sense to pull for a guy that he's already familiar with and know how to maximise his production.

I agree about Doncic's competitiveness. I've never watched a game of his where I thought he was losing confidence or wasn't ready to take a big shot when it's there. We've seen plenty of ultra-athletic mental midgets come and go in the NBA and while I'm not saying Ayton is that, I know Doncic isn't that.

I'm with you regarding the top 4 order. Doncic, Ayton, Young and Jackson.

I think McD's top 4 is still Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Young

What makes you think Bagley is McD's #3? Just curious. I don't necessarily doubt it is but what makes you think he would add another guy to the team who can't defend, is a questionable shooter and isn't a PG?

[kennydorglas]

Doncic

TripleJ
Bagley
Trae

[saintEscaton]

Doncic


Ayton






Bamba/Young/Porter/Bagley/Jackson Jr

[LukasBMW]

To clarify:

Ayton is the prize.

But odds are highest we drop and possibly drop to #4.

If we land at 4, super sneaky McDonough wants to ensure we don't get the 4th best player but rather get someone who COULD turn out to be the best player. That's Doncic.

If the balls don't land our way and we get stuck at 3/4, I bet we try to work the angles to make sure Doncic drops.

[bwgood77]

Doncic

TripleJ
Bagley
Trae

Why don't you think he has Ayton in his top 4?

[theSUNalsoRISES]

It all indicates that Doncic is the pick. Sitting down with Dragic to clear the air, Sarver flying over to see him play and the coach hiring make it pretty evident we are putting ourselves in a position to look favourable to Doncic and his team. He’s the guy we want but he also has some power in the process similar to Porzingas avoiding the 76ers.( no workout no meeting). Ayton is the clear number two. We seem to want versatile young players based on the past few years which would put JJJ and Bagley as the guys at 3 &4 on our draft board. Those guys if they pan out ( which I have concerns about) would make our roster interesting.

[Damkac]

I don't know what McD thinks but if I'm him I would pick Doncic 1st. Not only because of Koko but also because Luka is the safest choice. McD can't waste another another high pick and Doncic is the most proven player. Can't see how he wouldn't be at least a solid starter.

[Dr Manute]

Doncic or bust

[lilfishi22]

Spoiler:

I think he'll have sway, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion necessarily that it's Doncic. For the longest time I didn't think there was any chance at all that McD would take Doncic #1 and thought they were a decent chance he might not take him #2.

But over the last couple months I figured he's had him at at least 2.

Doncic being so competitive and a winner with so much intensity is just so impressive. He reminds me in some ways of LeBron in a series just making sure that even if they have a bad game or two, they come back strong and he makes sure they win.

I have always loved players that look to get others involved and love that he does this but at the same time, isn't shy about taking that last shot if needed. Having him and Booker in the backcourt would be crazy.

Now I imagine Igor would love the chance and he's called him a star, but I still think he will watch, interview and test all these guys and have an open mind. He may think Ayton is a star and feel that he is the guy.

I imagine Igor would want to take Doncic 1 and I think McD probably had it as a toss up or was maybe only slightly leaning either way and has been keeping an open mind.

I'm more interested in what Igor's opinion and McD's board is past #2. Or if he has Doncic 1 is Ayton for sure 2?

If I had to guess, I'd say

Doncic
Ayton

I think the next part will depend on the combine and the individual workouts but I think the next tier in order before all that is probably

Jackson
Young
Porter
Bamba

But so much of my own opinion is mixed in there it is tough. Porter is a tough one I originally had him and Bagley in a third tier below Jackson/Young/Bamba

But Porter, if back in shape and shows some good ballhandling and defensive skills, who knows? I think he's probably too risky, but when you think of a Durant light potential at small ball 4 it's intriguing.

I think Bamba is probably more in play now because of Igor having coached Gobert, and I bet they REALLY like Bamba when they meet him...he's just a likable kid.

Jackson is kind of tough too. If they do think he is passive whatsoever they could pass, but he so crazy good at defense and shot so well that it's tough to ignore that when those are our needs. I really wish he would have been in a different situation in college.

Anyway, I hope our top 4 are Doncic, Ayton, Young and Jackson in that order. But I wouldn't be that upset if any two (that are right next to each other) were switched places.

I think Doncic makes a lot more sense than before now that we have a coach who has a strong track record of player development especially when it comes to guards (Doncic is a wing but plays like a guard) and is also very familiar and has coached Doncic. You're right in that once Igor has had a chance to sitdown and actually evaluate the top draft prospects he might come to the conclusion that Ayton is the guy but I think there will be some favouritism on his end. In the end, his job is also on the line if he isn't able to develop and maximise the talent of our young guys so it might make sense to pull for a guy that he's already familiar with and know how to maximise his production.

I agree about Doncic's competitiveness. I've never watched a game of his where I thought he was losing confidence or wasn't ready to take a big shot when it's there. We've seen plenty of ultra-athletic mental midgets come and go in the NBA and while I'm not saying Ayton is that, I know Doncic isn't that.

I'm with you regarding the top 4 order. Doncic, Ayton, Young and Jackson.

I think McD's top 4 is still Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Young

What makes you think Bagley is McD's #3? Just curious. I don't necessarily doubt it is but what makes you think he would add another guy to the team who can't defend, is a questionable shooter and isn't a PG?

It's pretty simple but I also think after Ayton/Doncic, it gets murky. Bagley is a big (position of need) who has some abilities that would make him extremely dangerous on the offensive end. He's a home run if you're looking to fill a position with potential 20/10 on good percentages and it's easy to justify if he can come in and drop great numbers right away which I think he'll be able to do. Young also has his weaknesses and we do have a need at the PG position but I think there's still some questions whether he'll be effective offensively, so I think he's pretty 50/50 along with Bagley. ie neither guys bring much defensively but I'm more confident that Bagley will be able to get his on higher efficiency than Young.

Bamba is a wild card, I still don't have him very high on my board but I think his dimensions at the combine could make things very interesting for McD at the #4 spot. I don't think JJJ is high on McD's big board because he's a project and I don't think he's looking to add to the timeline. Porter is another question mark, I really like what he brings but I don't get the feeling he's high on McD's board.

[Fo-Real]

Doncic or bust

Thats what I thi.......oh, you said or. kidding

[jcsunsfan]

To clarify:

Ayton is the prize.

But odds are highest we drop and possibly drop to #4.

If we land at 4, super sneaky McDonough wants to ensure we don't get the 4th best player but rather get someone who COULD turn out to be the best player. That's Doncic.

If the balls don't land our way and we get stuck at 3/4, I bet we try to work the angles to make sure Doncic drops.

"I won't work out for any NBA teams."
"I don't like Memphis, Atlanta, or Orlando"
That kind of working the angles?

[AtheJ415]

To clarify:

Ayton is the prize.

But odds are highest we drop and possibly drop to #4.

If we land at 4, super sneaky McDonough wants to ensure we don't get the 4th best player but rather get someone who COULD turn out to be the best player. That's Doncic.

If the balls don't land our way and we get stuck at 3/4, I bet we try to work the angles to make sure Doncic drops.

"I won't work out for any NBA teams."
"I don't like Memphis, Atlanta, or Orlando"
That kind of working the angles?

Or insist that the GM and president fly out to see your workout and then cancel the workout after they are already in the air and on the way.

[kennydorglas]

Doncic

TripleJ
Bagley
Trae

Why don't you think he has Ayton in his top 4?

I have a feeling that he'll upset a lot of people in interviews.
McD loves to draft 18yo raw kids and he's holding Trae as his sleeper card just in case we drop to 4th.

[nevetsov]

1) Ayton - who we could possibly get at #1 or #2

Knight, Ulis
Booker, Daniels
Jackson, Warren
Bender, Chriss
Ayton, Williams

2) Doncic

Knight, Doncic
Booker, Doncic
Jackson, Warren
Chriss, Randolph?
Bender, Williams

3) Bamba

Knight, Ulis
Booker, Daniels
Jackson, Warren
Bender, Chriss
Bamba, Williams

4) Young

Knight, Young
Booker, Daniels
Jackson, Warren
Chriss, Randolph?
Bender, Williams

I think we'll explore a trade of TJ for a bonafide starting PF, and then I'd like to see us make a run at a shooting wing like Hezonja to replace him off the bench.

[lilfishi22]

Doncic

TripleJ
Bagley
Trae

Why don't you think he has Ayton in his top 4?

I have a feeling that he'll upset a lot of people in interviews.
McD loves to draft 18yo raw kids and he's holding Trae as his sleeper card just in case we drop to 4th.

I think it might be true in the past but I think he really needs a home run, not a raw project.