2018 NBA Draft Thread

[RiotPunch]

Who do you guys like between Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker? I'm kind of torn. Gotta watch more film, but I'm extremely intrigued by both.

I think Zhaire has more translatable skills while being an athlete in a class of his own and seemingly having a better feel for the game. Walker's shot looks more promising, but think Zhaire has him beat everywhere else. But, it is a shooter's league in the same breath and Walker could be a good 3&D type with upside.

[Kcclay]

I think Robert Williams from Texas A&M would be a good pick. Solid rebounder with a ton of athleticism.

[VooDoo7]

Who do you guys like between Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker? I'm kind of torn. Gotta watch more film, but I'm extremely intrigued by both.

I think Zhaire has more translatable skills while being an athlete in a class of his own and seemingly having a better feel for the game. Walker's shot looks more promising, but think Zhaire has him beat everywhere else. But, it is a shooter's league in the same breath and Walker could be a good 3&D type with upside.

Agree with everything said. Smith seems so have very good BBIQ. Much more of a playmaker. But Lonnie has a better shot right now, and I don't know what #'s show, but I've seen some pretty amazing finishes around the rim. I've seen him compared to D. Mitchell, which would be something.

[Douggystyle29]

I really like where we are sitting in the draft. I would be happy with Bob Williams, Zhaire Smith, and a couple other prospects in our range. A few players in our range, have really good athleticism and could break out and be stars IMO. I hope we buy a second rounder too as I feel there is a lot of potential there this year also.

[LuessiT]

Who do you guys like between Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker? I'm kind of torn. Gotta watch more film, but I'm extremely intrigued by both.

I think Zhaire has more translatable skills while being an athlete in a class of his own and seemingly having a better feel for the game. Walker's shot looks more promising, but think Zhaire has him beat everywhere else. But, it is a shooter's league in the same breath and Walker could be a good 3&D type with upside.

Well first off it's hard to judge Zhaire Smith on the ball as he's mostly been relegated to an off-ball role.
Zhaire has an inch on Walker but both have plus length and should be fine defending the 2 guard position. Both players have solid core strength, though Zhaire is probably a bit further along and combined with the size advantage should be able to defend 3's better than Walker. Zhaire might be able to defend 4's even, though that's stretching it a bit. Zhaire is the better rebounder and can be a menace on the offensive board. Especially his rebounding in traffic is super impressive. Walker has better side to side agility and should do a better job defending the point of attack which could give him some upside if he's capable of defending PGs. Zhaire has some good timing on blocks and was protecting the rim in college though I'm not sure how that will translate at 6'5. Maybe you can play him some stretches at the 4 in super small lineups.
Zhaire seems to be the superior overall athlete, though Walker seems to have the better side to side agility and has displayed more shake. Both have some upside as passers though Walker has definately an edge and Zhaire has a tendency to kill his dribble before passing. Walker does a much better job at passing on the move and has some upside as a ball handler. Both are very unselfish. Ballhandling-whise, Walker has Zhaire beat, though both aren't displaying any advanced ball handling skills. Walker's upside comes from being a secondary ball handler as he's quite capable of shooting off the dribble so he needs an edge in this department to be at his best.
Shooting-whise, Zhaire hasn't showed much. He's shot a pitiful 1.5 3PA per 40 and hit 45% but that isn't saying much. He gets good elevation but his release is slow and the footwork isn't great. Needs to work on his jumper. 72% FT% isn't terrible but not where you'd want it to be. Should struggle as a shooter at first. Walker on the other hand is quite comfortable at shooting the 3 at a high volume. His shooting off the catch is actually slacking behind his shooting off the dribble. He's got decent footwork especially off the dribble, gets good lift and rotation and his motion is reasonably quick. He's displayed NBA-range. Walker can also shoot the midrange-pullup, something that he'll desperately need if he wants to be a secondary ball-handler.
While both are top athletes, Walker struggles a bit more at the rim. He's got some finesse as a finisher and impressive hangtime but not always the greatest touch. He also doesn't go to the line as often as you'd hope. Zhaire's 2Pt% is a bit inflated by putback-dunks, but he's much better at drawing contact and is often finishing through contact.

Overall I think Zhaire has some skills that might not translate or won't be as impactful (rim protection, offensive putbacks) and some weaknesses that will hinder him at first (lack off ballhandling, 3P-shooting). Walker should be more NBA-ready but will have to improve his ball handling/playmaking to reach his potential.

[LuessiT]

Who do you guys like between Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker? I'm kind of torn. Gotta watch more film, but I'm extremely intrigued by both.

I think Zhaire has more translatable skills while being an athlete in a class of his own and seemingly having a better feel for the game. Walker's shot looks more promising, but think Zhaire has him beat everywhere else. But, it is a shooter's league in the same breath and Walker could be a good 3&D type with upside.

Agree with everything said. Smith seems so have very good BBIQ. Much more of a playmaker. But Lonnie has a better shot right now, and I don't know what #'s show, but I've seen some pretty amazing finishes around the rim. I've seen him compared to D. Mitchell, which would be something.

That comment is very surprising. It's the other way round by a fair margin imo.

[Baddy Chuck]

Outside of Nova/Bridges I didn't follow much college ball this year. Who is the RHJ of this draft. Let's get him.

[VooDoo7]

I think Zhaire has more translatable skills while being an athlete in a class of his own and seemingly having a better feel for the game. Walker's shot looks more promising, but think Zhaire has him beat everywhere else. But, it is a shooter's league in the same breath and Walker could be a good 3&D type with upside.

Agree with everything said. Smith seems so have very good BBIQ. Much more of a playmaker. But Lonnie has a better shot right now, and I don't know what #'s show, but I've seen some pretty amazing finishes around the rim. I've seen him compared to D. Mitchell, which would be something.

That comment is very surprising. It's the other way round by a fair margin imo.

Disagree.

[BucksFanSD]

I guess I just don't see it with Lonnie Walker. His shooting percentages were only okay at Miami. I like Zhaire Smith however and once his body matures I see him as a good two way player who plays within his limits. His outside shot is unproven but is developing and has promise. Smith is also really young just like another guy I like in Jontay Porter.

[LuessiT]

I guess I just don't see it with Lonnie Walker. His shooting percentages were only okay at Miami. I like Zhaire Smith however and once his body matures I see him as a good two way player who plays within his limits. His outside shot is unproven but is developing and has promise. Smith is also really young just like another guy I like in Jontay Porter.

I wouldn't rely too much on shooting percentages. Tatum was struggling with the college 3 and is hitting the NBA 3 over 40%. Walker's mechanics especially off the dribble are very sound. His catch and shoot motion needs more work than off the dribble. His shot select can be suspect at times and also negatively affects his shooting percentage but I have no doubt that he's going to be a solid and diverse shooter.
I'm more worried about his defensive profile and ball skill developement.

[drone3]

Outside of Nova/Bridges I didn't follow much college ball this year. Who is the RHJ of this draft. Let's get him.

Khyri Thomas is a defensive stud more in line with a mix of Tony Allen and Avery Bradley. He would be a solid pick up.

[Frank Nova]

I think this is a great draft to try and move back a little bit and snag a 1st next year. I like a lot of the players we can likely get in the low 20s. Khyri Thomas, Zhaire Smith, Gary Trent Jr, Jontay Porter, Dzanan Musa, Jalen Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, Tony Carr... there's a pretty long list of talented players all grouped in together and we can get 1 and collect an asset and I think we have to unless we absolutely love someone at 17 or we intend on moving up. I'd be optimistic with any one of them and there's probably a few more names you can throw in there. Tell Horst MOVE BACK and maximize value.

[RiotPunch]

I think this is a great draft to try and move back a little bit and snag a 1st next year. I like a lot of the players we can likely get in the low 20s. Khyri Thomas, Zhaire Smith, Gary Trent Jr, Jontay Porter, Dzanan Musa, Jalen Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, Tony Carr... there's a pretty long list of talented players all grouped in together and we can get 1 and collect an asset and I think we have to unless we absolutely love someone at 17 or we intend on moving up. I'd be optimistic with any one of them and there's probably a few more names you can throw in there. Tell Horst MOVE BACK and maximize value.

Not sure if anyone would be willing to deal a 1st next year, but in regards to our protection on the PHX pick and the Stepien rule, having two firsts next year would go a long way in potential trade negotiations.

I'm at:

1. Doncic
2. JJJ
3. Ayton
4. Bamba
------------------
5. Bagley
6. Carter
7. Mikal Bridges
------------------
8. Young
9. M. Porter
10. SGA
------------------
11. Miles Bridges
12. Sexton
13. Williams

I would not think twice about selecting any of the above if they were to fall to us, but if they all happen to be gone and someone covets a certain player... I'd be real comfortable moving back too.

Chandler Hutchison
Jontay Porter
Khyri Thomas
Jacob Evans
De'Anthony Melton
Shake Milton
Zhaire Smith
Lonnie Walker
Aaron Holiday
Landry Shamet
Dzanan Musa
Brandon McCoy
Mitchell Robinson

Lots of really good players / lots of really intriguing projects. Hard to project any potential stars outside of the top ten--I think you go high floor / high ceiling like Thomas, Hutch, Melton.

[Badgerlander]

I think this is a great draft to try and move back a little bit and snag a 1st next year. I like a lot of the players we can likely get in the low 20s. Khyri Thomas, Zhaire Smith, Gary Trent Jr, Jontay Porter, Dzanan Musa, Jalen Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, Tony Carr... there's a pretty long list of talented players all grouped in together and we can get 1 and collect an asset and I think we have to unless we absolutely love someone at 17 or we intend on moving up. I'd be optimistic with any one of them and there's probably a few more names you can throw in there. Tell Horst MOVE BACK and maximize value.

After the combine a lot of the better players will rise up the boards and the borderline lottery guys will withdraw. I’ve seen mocks already with Z Smith at 10. I think that there will be a quality player still there at our pick but I’d be more apt to move up than down

[Baddy Chuck]

Outside of Nova/Bridges I didn't follow much college ball this year. Who is the RHJ of this draft. Let's get him.

Khyri Thomas is a defensive stud more in line with a mix of Tony Allen and Avery Bradley. He would be a solid pick up.

Does he shimmy at the free throw line?

[Fotis St]

Who do you guys like between Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker? I'm kind of torn. Gotta watch more film, but I'm extremely intrigued by both.

Not impressed by Zhaire Smith.
He reminds me of Thanasis.
Athleticism, attacking the rim, no handles, catch n shoot only.
Thanasis was even stonger.

Lonnie Walker is intriguing. I liked him, not loved him but he has some skills that can translate in the NBA. His strong point is his handles ... if he can drive by NBA guards (not sure) he has potential. He is not Donovan Mitchell ... I remember to compare Donovan with Lillard ... the way he splitts the high pick n roll and his speed, it was jaw dropping... Lonnie doesn't have that from what I saw. Not sure about his D. His 3p% is average.

So to sum up Zhaire ... No
Lonnie Walker... on the watch list. Need to see more. I would schedule a workout for him. Test him against Delly or Bledsoe. The value in him is if he can play point ... having Khris,Snell,Brown at the SG position he wont have playing time here.

Khyri Thomas and Devonte Graham on my short list. Lonnie can be written on my 2nd tier.

[emunney]

Outside of Nova/Bridges I didn't follow much college ball this year. Who is the RHJ of this draft. Let's get him.

It's Vanderbilt if he stays in, if you're talking about a dog multi-position defender who can't shoot but does everything else well and with an edge.

[Kcclay]

If you are talking about Holllis-Jefferson I would say that closely resembles Smith. High Energy athlete without a jump-shot. I think Smith will be a good defender at the next level. He has a reported 45 inch vert.

[Frank Nova]

I think this is a great draft to try and move back a little bit and snag a 1st next year. I like a lot of the players we can likely get in the low 20s. Khyri Thomas, Zhaire Smith, Gary Trent Jr, Jontay Porter, Dzanan Musa, Jalen Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, Tony Carr... there's a pretty long list of talented players all grouped in together and we can get 1 and collect an asset and I think we have to unless we absolutely love someone at 17 or we intend on moving up. I'd be optimistic with any one of them and there's probably a few more names you can throw in there. Tell Horst MOVE BACK and maximize value.

After the combine a lot of the better players will rise up the boards and the borderline lottery guys will withdraw. I’ve seen mocks already with Z Smith at 10. I think that there will be a quality player still there at our pick but I’d be more apt to move up than down

I think 10 is awfully generous for Zhaire but I totally understand what you're saying and agree for the most part. This class really does seem insanely deep with talented guys, of all classes too not just one and dones or seniors. There's a few wildcards but I'm pretty sure mid 1st prospects already know that's what they are and they are just looking for 1st round guarantees. I'm guessing there isn't a ton of movement as far as who stays and goes back.

Look what happened for Diallo, he was a 1st round pick last year based on potential alone and he'll be lucky to get drafted now after going back, underperforming and getting a year older. I think you'll start seeing less and less of that because of the uncertainties that come with it.

[ReasonablySober]

New DX mock:

1 - PHX - Ayton
2 - MEM - Doncic
3 - DAL - Bagley III
4 - ATL - Jackson Jr.
5 - ORL - Bamba
6 - CHI - Carter Jr.
7 - SAC - Porter Jr.
8 - CLE - Young
9 - NYK - Sexton
10 - PHI - Mik Bridges
11 - CHA - Mil Bridges
12 - LAC - Gilgeous-Alexander
13 - LAC - Walker IV
14 - DEN - Williams
15 - WAS - Knox
16 - PHX - Z. Smith
17 - MIL - Holiday

UCLA
Age: 21.6
PG
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 187

With Eric Bledsoe approaching the final year of his contract, the Bucks could very well look at finding a point guard who complements their existing pieces and whom they can hopefully build around for the long term.

Holiday had an outstanding junior season, and he would bring a number of attractive traits with his microwave scoring ability, long wingspan and toughness. The fact that he can space the floor and play off the ball is important considering the building blocks the Bucks already have in place.

18 - SAS - Bates-Diop
19 - ATL - T. Brown
20 - MIN - Musa
21 - UTA - Simons
22 - CHI - Evans
23 - IND - K. Thomas
24 - POR - Hutchinson
25 - LAL - M. Robinson
26 - PHI - B. Brown
27 - BOS - Melton
28 - GS - Brunson
29 - BRK - Wagner
30 - ATL - Allen

Second round
31. Suns

Elie Okobo | PG | Age: 20.5 | Pau-Orthez

32. Grizzlies

Tyus Battle | SG/SF | Age: 20.6 | Syracuse

33. Hawks

Jontay Porter | C | Age: 18.4 | Missouri

34. Mavericks

Donte DiVincenzo | PG | Age: 21.2 | Villanova

35. Magic

Shake Milton | PG/SG | Age: 21.6 | SMU

36. Kings

Melvin Frazier | SF | Age: 21.6 | Tulane

37. Knicks (from Bulls)

Gary Trent Jr. | SG | Age: 19.3 | Duke

38. 76ers (from Nets)

Jerome Robinson | PG | Age: 21.2 | Boston College

39. 76ers (from Knicks)

Chimezie Metu | PF/C | Age: 21.1 | USC

40. Nets (from Lakers)

Hamidou Diallo | SG | Age: 19.7 | Kentucky

41. Magic (from Hornets)

Jevon Carter | PG | Age: 22.6 | West Virginia

42. Pistons

Landry Shamet | PG | Age: 21.0 | Wichita St.

43. Nuggets (from Clippers)

Devonte' Graham | PG | Age: 23.2 | Kansas

44. Wizards

Malik Newman | PG/SG | Age: 21.2 | Kansas

45. Nets (from Bucks)

Rodions Kurucs | SF/PF | Age: 20.2 | Barcelona 2

46. Rockets (from Heat)

Justin Jackson | SF/PF | Age: 21.2 | Maryland

47. Lakers (from Nuggets)

Isaac Bonga | SF | Age: 18.5 | Frankfurt

48. Wolves

Devon Hall | SG | Age: 22.8 | Virginia

49. Spurs

Tony Carr | PG | Age: 20.5 | Penn St

50. Pacers

Trevon Duval | PG | Age: 19.7 | Duke

51. Pelicans

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk | SG | Age: 20.9 | Kansas

52. Jazz

Kevin Hervey | SF | Age: 21.8 | Texas Arlington

53. Thunder

Rawle Alkins | SG | Age: 20.5 | Arizona

54. Mavericks (from Blazers)

Brandon McCoy | C | Age: 19.9 | UNLV

55. Hornets (from Cavaliers)

Jalen Hudson | SG | Age: 21.9 | Florida

56. 76ers

Kostas Antetokounmpo | SF | Age: 20.4 | Dayton

57. Thunder (from Celtics)

Issuf Sanon | PG/SG | Age: 18.5 | Olimpija Ljubljana

58. Nuggets (from Warriors)

Kenrich Williams | PF | Age: 23.4 | TCU

59. Suns (from Raptors)

Karim Jallow | SF | Age: 21.0 | Bayern Muenchen

60. 76ers (from Rockets)

Amine Noua | PF | Age: 21.1 | Villeurbanne