2018 NBA Draft Talk

[Ranma]

Whoever mentioned Dznan Musa, I've seen him play and is a guy I wouldn't mind buying an early second for. Not in the lotto. Still very raw.

If you want a raw international prospect, it's Rodons Kurucs.

We've talked about Musa before but the more I read about him, the more question marks I uncover based on observations by unnamed NBA execs. I've mentioned his slight build and lack of defense as well as his lack of emotional discipline on the court, but some execs have serious questions about how his body is put together and whether he'll ever have the stamina to play NBA games regularly over full seasons.

I'm actually more intrigued by Lithuanian forward Arnoldas Kulboka, who I don't really have much info about, but apparently the kid is a lights-out shooter with natural ability. He's also slight of build and apparently has a quirky personality. He's actually older than Musa by 2 years as a 20-year-old.

[Ranma]

I don't love him enough to draft him in the lottery. Maybe in the 20s. I cannot remember how you feel on that issue.

I don't think he can beat NBA players off of the dribble. While he has hops, I'm not seeing enough quickness, and agility to beat NBA defenders one on one. I see a lot of long pull ups and the occasional beautiful dunk in open space.

In a way, he is like a Diet Eric Gordon to me, even sharing the same low release point. The difference I see is Simons has a better handle but Gordon has the 1st step quickness and explosiveness. Again, I sympathize more with the Gordon "problem" than the Simons "problem". I know someone will say, he doesn't attack the rim like EJ so their games are way different. Again, it's because I don't think he can attack the rim like EJ. If he could, I think he would. EJ also committed to the defensive end early, showing that he could use his length to be effective against 2s.

I do like Walker better here for a number of reasons...mostly because he is a better athlete as they seem to be equal as shooters and Walker has demonstrated that even with a meh handle, he can get to the rim.

I actually agree with your assessment on Anfernee Simons. Yeah, I noticed his low release point and it did remind me of Eric Gordon, but that's about the only thing that does. You're right that he doesn't have the body control, aggressiveness, and physical build to take it to the hoop, but my preference for him is based mostly on projection.

He's not anywhere close to being physically ready for the NBA game, but his sweet shooting stroke, ball-handling, relative length, and athleticism are already great characteristsics to build upon. He obviously needs to mature physically with regards to bulk and height, but that is where the projection is mostly concerned with. Other factors to be considered would be his character, commitment, drive, and intelligence.

In terms of ranking him on the big board with regards to the draft, he's in the similar range I have for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chandler Hutchison, and Jontay Porter as mid-to-late first-round picks. I consider both Lonnie Walker IV and Zhaire Smith to be legitimate late-lottery candidates at the moment.

I've mentioned previously that I anticipated Simons to move up the draft board with workouts to possibly even being a lottery pick, but he's not really participating in pre-draft combines or camps. It remains to be seen whether he'll participate in individual team workouts, but since he hasn't done anything to move the needle much more on his draft stock, I don't anticipate him reaching lottery-pick status, although I see him more likely to be taken in the teens than in the 20s right now.

As I've mentioned before, you have to look at Simons as a long-term project to assess a favorable value on him. I've identified Simons, Smith and Walker as similar prospects who possess athleticism and ball skills of value as either wing or SG prospects who could really pay off if they grow more inches to their respective heights. While I consider Simons to be my favorite prospect, I see both Smith and Walker to be higher on the draft board because they are more physically ready to play in the NBA.

Of the three, Walker is the most like EJ and maybe has some Bradley Beal in him as well. I project Simons to be more of a Ray Allen type of player while Smith reminds me of former Clipper Derek Anderson but with even less developed handles and shot. To me, Walker is a SG through and through. Simons looks to be a combo guard. And Smith is an undersized SF or work-in-progress SG.

While Walker comes out as the tallest and most polished prospect of the 3 with the longest wingspan and the biggest hands, I don't see him having as much projection left in him as I do in either Simons or Smith. Previously, I've actually underrated Simons as an athlete, but you're right in that he does seem to be lacking in elite quickness, but I'm not as worried about him developing his ball skills as he seems to have natural ability as a ball-handler and shooter; physical maturity is my primary concern for him. Smith, on the other hand, seems to have functional ball-handling skills and an improving perimeter shot. He could use more height than either of the other two, but he's shown great basketball IQ and instincts in actively trying to make things happen.

[Forte IV]

I do like Simons. He's just a major project in my opinion. Won't be really ready to fully contribute until year 3

[nickhx2]

reaching is what makes for a bad draft. especially if it's a project that you could trade down for if you really wanted. there are some valuable guys we don't have to reach for at 12/13 who can help us now and develop into solid contributors.

the last thing i wanna do is go backwards and start making bad picks again.

[esqtvd]

I do like Simons. He's just a major project in my opinion. Won't be really ready to fully contribute until year 3

and then you have to start paying them real money

[Quake Griffin]

If this organization isn't picking BPA and is concerned with #helpnow, we are in bigger trouble than I could have actually ever imagined.

[esqtvd]

If this organization isn't picking BPA and is concerned with #helpnow, we are in bigger trouble than I could have actually ever imagined.

Best Player Available is subjective. Best when? Now? A year from now? In 3 years??

How big a project? How high the ceiling? At 12 and 13, you're hoping for more than a longshot. The NFL draft has the Best Available Athlete strategy, but in football, you only have to teach a kid a few skills to make him a productive player. Basketball requires much more rounded skills--except of course in the case of a DeAndre Jordan.

Most mocks have Simons in the 20s, which is probably right for a high-schooler without obvious and overwhelming athletic gifts of a Moses Malone, Kevin Garnett, or LBJ. At 6-3, you're betting on his skills and IQ developing, and from what I read, he's projecting as an undersized 2-guard. I was hoping for something less risky or at least more athletic.

That's not to say I don't trust the man who traded for Kobe Bryant, if he gives the go-ahead, but...

https://thesixersense.com/2018/05/25/philadelphia-76ers-2018-nba-draft-profile-anfernee-simons/

Weaknesses
The glaring weakness for Anfernee Simons is his physical maturity entering the highest level of basketball in the world. Although Simons is not a true point guard, he may be slightly too small to play the shooting guard spot in the NBA. He will likely take time to grow into the game and be capable of handling an 82-game season.

Simons’ defense is average, which is something he should work on in order to receive minutes as a rookie. Teams will be wary of drafting a pure shooter if their all-around game is lacking at such a young age.

While he is a prolific scorer, sometimes it seems like Simons is more focused on creating a shot for himself over finding the best look for his team. He will need to work on his shot-creation and passing to be an all-around guard in the NBA.

[mkwest]

Read on Twitter

[Forte IV]

Yeah clearly LiAngelo and his camp made that up. When does a projected undrafted guy EVER get a PRIVATE workout. If anything it would be with multiple guys as always.

[j-ragg]

What do you think is the highest pick you guys would trade 12 + 13 up for? 3-5? Or maybe just wherever MPJ falls. I think there's late lotto value, could still get two studs, but I'd be ecstatic if Orlando could trade 6 for them. Probably unrealistic though.

[connseanery]

According to a generic trade value chart 12, 13 together are worth the 3rd pick but practically teams don't deal those high picks for multiple s often. Obviously it also depends on what type of prospects are available.

Historically it makes more sense to just take the 2 picks for chances of getting a good player. Imagine last year if the Pistons had 12, 13 and didn't have to choose between Kennard and Mitchell.

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[Quake Griffin]

According to a generic trade value chart 12, 13 together are worth the 3rd pick but practically teams don't deal those high picks for multiple s often. Obviously it also depends on what type of prospects are available.

Historically it makes more sense to just take the 2 picks for chances of getting a good player. Imagine last year if the Pistons had 12, 13 and didn't have to choose between Kennard and Mitchell.

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Post that chart.

I've seen the NFL's. I'd like to see how the NBA's looks in comparison.

[connseanery]

According to a generic trade value chart 12, 13 together are worth the 3rd pick but practically teams don't deal those high picks for multiple s often. Obviously it also depends on what type of prospects are available.

Historically it makes more sense to just take the 2 picks for chances of getting a good player. Imagine last year if the Pistons had 12, 13 and didn't have to choose between Kennard and Mitchell.

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Post that chart.

I've seen the NFL's. I'd like to see how the NBA's looks in comparison.

http://nbasense.com/draft-pick-trade-value/2/kevin-pelton-2

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/19658707/how-much-more-valuable-no-1-pick-trading-2017-nba-draft

[Quake Griffin]

Did I miss something about Mikal Bridges at the combine? Did he not participate?

[connseanery]

Did I miss something about Mikal Bridges at the combine? Did he not participate?

I'm not sure if he did interviews but he definitely didn't get measured, do agility drills, or play 5on5.

[mkwest]

HoopsHype's Workout Schedule

[QRich3]

HoopsHype's Workout Schedule

Love that we're doing homework on guys that are gonna be out of our range or go undrafted, whether they hit on the picks or have the bad luck that they bust, can't fault them for the way they've approached the draft.

[esqtvd]

HoopsHype's Workout Schedule

Love that we're doing homework on guys that are gonna be out of our range or go undrafted, whether they hit on the picks or have the bad luck that they bust, can't fault them for the way they've approached the draft.

Roster wide open. Clippers have a title-winning coach, the richest owner in sports, and if you get an invite, Jerry West signed off on you.

Clippers are a destination.

[QRich3]

HoopsHype's Workout Schedule

Love that we're doing homework on guys that are gonna be out of our range or go undrafted, whether they hit on the picks or have the bad luck that they bust, can't fault them for the way they've approached the draft.

Roster wide open. Clippers have a title-winning coach, the richest owner in sports, and if you get an invite, Jerry West signed off on you.

Clippers are a destination.

Yeah, I meant that it's good that they want to spend time and resources working out guys like Spellman or Battle, even though they're either not gonna be in a position to draft them or have to battle (pun fully intended) out with other teams to sign them undrafted, than those guys wanting to work out for us.

[esqtvd]

Love that we're doing homework on guys that are gonna be out of our range or go undrafted, whether they hit on the picks or have the bad luck that they bust, can't fault them for the way they've approached the draft.

Roster wide open. Clippers have a title-winning coach, the richest owner in sports, and if you get an invite, Jerry West signed off on you.

Clippers are a destination.

Yeah, I meant that it's good that they want to spend time and resources working out guys like Spellman or Battle, even though they're either not gonna be in a position to draft them or have to battle (pun fully intended) out with other teams to sign them undrafted, than those guys wanting to work out for us.

And sorry Q, I screwed up--I first and foremost meant to back up your point 100%, that undrafteds should look to the Clippers first. The Clippers showed interest, gave me a workout and/or an interview, and they have room on the roster. Title-winning coach, rich owner, get to live in LA.

Maybe back starting at the bottom, but we're a destination.