Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

Man we are right here at the draft finally. Seems like a lot of talk about Luka, Trae, JJJ, Porter, Bamba. Not that much talk about Bagley who seems like probably the most likely guy we end up with. Do we think the Hawks would pass on Bagley if he's there?

I do think so.

1. Bagley's overlap with John Collins is pretty undeniable re: skill set.

2. Bagley doesn't defend, shoot or pass...hard to get past in the modern NBA.

3. Bagley also doesn't project to pair well with future top players from next year's draft because of those same shortcomings.

4. As such, I see him as a guy who will put up noteworthy production for years, but will have limited team success.

[macd-gm]

Man we are right here at the draft finally. Seems like a lot of talk about Luka, Trae, JJJ, Porter, Bamba. Not that much talk about Bagley who seems like probably the most likely guy we end up with. Do we think the Hawks would pass on Bagley if he's there?

I do think so.

1. Bagley's overlap with John Collins is pretty undeniable re: skill set.

2. Bagley doesn't defend, shoot or pass...hard to get past in the modern NBA.

3. Bagley also doesn't project to pair well with future top players from next year's draft because of those same shortcomings.

4. As such, I see him as a guy who will put up noteworthy production for years, but will have limited team success.

Man #4 is exactly what one of these 'anonymous' scouts is saying about Bags. This is a pretty good article. Doesn't address everyone though. It's a little depressing in that it's basically Ayton as a star, Luka as a decent 2nd best guy, and everyone else risky as hell.

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/06/19/nba-draft-2018-anonymous-scouts-trae-young-luka-doncic-michael-porter

Marvin Bagley, he put up big numbers, I think he will put up big numbers, but part of me wonders if that’ll be empty calories, losing-type stats, I see where he’s at, he’s either a four-man that can’t shoot or a five-man that can’t defend, I don’t really love that combination

[macd-gm]

I'm starting to think if Doncic is gone at 3 then you take Trae or Porter and just live with the results. I'm not really a Porter fan. I'm not seeing where he really wants to take the punishment to be a great offensive player. But at least there is a high ceiling on those two.

[Spud2nique]

I'm starting to think if Doncic is gone at 3 then you take Trae or Porter and just live with the results. I'm not really a Porter fan. I'm not seeing where he really wants to take the punishment to be a great offensive player. But at least there is a high ceiling on those two.

I wouldn’t pass on Bagley. But if we wanted to trade down I’d take Trae or Porter. Bagley is legit though. Years from now people will look back and say Bagley was the man.

[dms269]

Here's my synopsis of the entire interview...

TRAVIS SCHLENK on 92.9 The Game this morning:

Gneral -the Hawks have 3 players on their big board and there is no consensus amongst the staff, hopefully that happens over the next few days. Ideally looking for two-way players, Defense is great but you still have to be able to score the ball.  Had tons of calls right after lottery of teams probing trading up for our pick, it has since slowed and expect the calls to be even fewer of the next few days.

Luca - he went over to see him twice this year (he said he also saw him play previously, I guess when he was with GSW?). On his 2nd visit along with Pierce and Asst. Gm Peterson they met and had dinner with him and had a chance to speak at length with him. Loves his passion on the court and his humility off the court. Understands bball is a team game and he's all about making his teammates better.

Young - he gets the comparison to Curry because of the shooting but he's more impressed with his ability to pass the ball. His PnR ability with either hand is impressive and he reads it well and can make quick decisive reads from the PnR.

Bagley - loves his ability to score in a myriad of ways and his relentless motor 

Bamba - can dominate a game without touching the ball

JJJ - modern day big, defend and shoot the 3. Doctors think he's not done growing yet (since some bone thing is still open) may grow 2 more inches.

Interesting that all three top NBA guys went, but not Ressler. That's actually really re-assuring.

I've heard that quote Trav made regarding offense multiple times. Feels like a talking point. "You want two-way guys, but you can't win if you don't score 100."



My guess on the 3 players on the big board: Doncic, Trae and JJJ.

Jeff Peterson sitting down for dinner with him is promising.

Relevant Question: Can Lloyd Pierce's offense adequately feature a slow, oversized Euro guard with a doughy-physique and modest shooting?


Update:

Spoiler:

Code: Select all

Atlanta is said to be conflicted about Luka Doncic, and while they do have interest in Trae Young, they likely won’t select him unless they’re able to move down.

If they keep the pick, Jaren Jackson’s defensive versatility and potential as an inside-out scorer would be a terrific fit with incumbent John Collins, who prefers to rebound and bang on the inside. Some scouts think he could end up as the best player in the draft when it’s all said and done.

Read on Twitter

There seems to be some conflicting information though out of Hawks camp. They want two way players (leans heavily on JJJ), but then also focuses on the ability to score being important (obviously not JJJ).

I just can't wrap my head around drafting a player who, while great defensively, lacks the ability to put up buckets (he can shoot, not score). Great defense and average ability to score (12-13 ppg possibly).

[kg01]

I'm starting to think if Doncic is gone at 3 then you take Trae or Porter and just live with the results. I'm not really a Porter fan. I'm not seeing where he really wants to take the punishment to be a great offensive player. But at least there is a high ceiling on those two.

I wouldn’t pass on Bagley. But if we wanted to trade down I’d take Trae or Porter. Bagley is legit though. Years from now people will look back and say Bagley was the man.

Nah, just look at Julius Randle or Mike Beasley. Those are his likely paths.

ETA: Actually, even the eggsperts that love him are basically saying stte, "Of course he'll be a 20/10 guy but will he impact winning?"

First of all there were like 2 20/10 guys in the entire league the last 2 seasons so to suggest 'of course' he'll do it is laughable to me. Second, if he's approaching those nimbers but questionably impacting winning .... why do we want him again?

.... #EZPassLane?

[Jamaaliver]

It's a little depressing in that it's basically Ayton as a star, Luka as a decent 2nd best guy, and everyone else risky as hell.

Welcome back to the NBA lottery.


It was the same way last draft, and the one before that...and the one before that.



Coming out of this with actual NBA draft talent is the most important thing. I'd rather get an above avg two-way player like Jaylen Brown at #3 than completely strike out on Dragan Bender or Jahlil Okafor (or Lonzo Ball?).

[bwgood77]

Do you guys think you will pass on Doncic if he is there? I noticed Givony/Schmitz talk as if they think you will.

[dms269]

Do you guys think you will pass on Doncic if he is there? I noticed Givony/Schmitz talk as if they think you will.

I can't see it. If the Kings take Bagley at 2 I can't see us taking JJJ over Doncic.

I'd say Trae is a possibilituy, but not at 3. Maybe if Doncic goes at 2 then Trae would be a possibility.

[Jamaaliver]

Do you guys think you will pass on Doncic if he is there? I noticed Givony/Schmitz talk as if they think you will.

That's the million dollar question. The chatter floating around indicates there's a strong possibility we pass for a big man.

But, I don't think anyone can say either way with much certainty...not even in our front office.

[Spud2nique]

Do you guys think you will pass on Doncic if he is there? I noticed Givony/Schmitz talk as if they think you will.

I’m sorry but we’d have to be flat out stupid to take JJJ when Luka is still on the board. If we do that, I’ll disappear for a week and sulk and prolly call philips arena and demand to speak to Schlenk and ask him what he was thinking..

[Spud2nique]

I'm starting to think if Doncic is gone at 3 then you take Trae or Porter and just live with the results. I'm not really a Porter fan. I'm not seeing where he really wants to take the punishment to be a great offensive player. But at least there is a high ceiling on those two.

I wouldn’t pass on Bagley. But if we wanted to trade down I’d take Trae or Porter. Bagley is legit though. Years from now people will look back and say Bagley was the man.

Nah, just look at Julius Randle or Mike Beasley. Those are his likely paths.

ETA: Actually, even the eggsperts that love him are basically saying stte, "Of course he'll be a 20/10 guy but will he impact winning?"

First of all there were like 2 20/10 guys in the entire league the last 2 seasons so to suggest 'of course' he'll do it is laughable to me. Second, if he's approaching those nimbers but questionably impacting winning .... why do we want him again?

.... #EZPassLane?

No way! Bagley was born to play in the NBA. Forget college where he dominated stat wise but was in a funky coach K system. He gets to the league and he’s gonna demand doubles. This guy is no Julius Randle (who I like btw) and no way on earth he’s remotely close to Beasley...I knew that guy was a bust before he was even drafted.

Kg, I don’t think you’ve seen the way Bagley handles the ball in open space. He can dribble and actually be crafty with the ball.

[bwgood77]

Do you guys think you will pass on Doncic if he is there? I noticed Givony/Schmitz talk as if they think you will.

I’m sorry but we’d have to be flat out stupid to take JJJ when Luka is still on the board. If we do that, I’ll disappear for a week and sulk and prolly call philips arena and demand to speak to Schlenk and ask him what he was thinking..

I love JJJ, but not as much as Doncic. Those two and Ayton are my top 3.

[Jamaaliver]

Where Does Luka Go?

There isn’t a more polarizing NBA Draft prospect than Real Madrid’s Luke Dončić. You would be hard-pressed to find an NBA executive who didn’t think Dončić could be special in the NBA. But you might also be hard-pressed to find one willing to bet their job on it.

The problem is if Dončić isn’t special or struggles like some have concerns he might, not only would a team leave a potential franchise cornerstone on the board to in passing on uber-talented collegiate prospects, it might cost the lead executive their jobs.

While that seems somewhat short-sighted, think about the executives drafting in the top six. How many are not under pressure to turn their franchises around?

Atlanta’s Travis Schlenk at three seems pretty secure. Dallas’ Donnie Nelson at five seems pretty secure. Orlando’s Jeff Weltman and John Hammond at six seem fairly secure, but it gets dicey elsewhere in the top 10.

There is little doubt Dončić is going in the top 10; it would be pretty surprising if he got past Dallas at five.

Basketball Insiders

[jayu70]

Read on Twitter

[macd-gm]

I wouldn’t pass on Bagley. But if we wanted to trade down I’d take Trae or Porter. Bagley is legit though. Years from now people will look back and say Bagley was the man.

Nah, just look at Julius Randle or Mike Beasley. Those are his likely paths.

ETA: Actually, even the eggsperts that love him are basically saying stte, "Of course he'll be a 20/10 guy but will he impact winning?"

First of all there were like 2 20/10 guys in the entire league the last 2 seasons so to suggest 'of course' he'll do it is laughable to me. Second, if he's approaching those nimbers but questionably impacting winning .... why do we want him again?

.... #EZPassLane?

No way! Bagley was born to play in the NBA. Forget college where he dominated stat wise but was in a funky coach K system. He gets to the league and he’s gonna demand doubles. This guy is no Julius Randle (who I like btw) and no way on earth he’s remotely close to Beasley...I knew that guy was a bust before he was even drafted.

Kg, I don’t think you’ve seen the way Bagley handles the ball in open space. He can dribble and actually be crafty with the ball.

Sometimes i think that and sometimes i think that here's a guy who made most of his points on dunks against inferior athletes. What does he do well to score the ball the nba? Can he post up? hit a fade away? take his man off the dribble? The last one maybe but nba 4s are a lot quicker and a lot bigger.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

I kinda respect this. I don't fully understand it...but I respect it.

Poor fit with Gasol. Sketchy ownership situation. Underwhelming economic area.

If he doesn't get picked by Dallas...he could fall all the way to???????

New York???

[macd-gm]

Read on Twitter

I kinda respect this. I don't fully understand it...but I respect it.

Poor fit with Gasol. Sketchy ownership situation. Underwhelming economic area.

If he doesn't get picked by Dallas...he could fall all the way to???????

New York???

I don't know. Who the hell is Mo Bamba to think he should be able to dictate where he goes? Makes me really not want him now.

[dms269]

I'd prefer to go to Memphis over Dallas. Not quite as Hot. Better ribs. Don't have to play for Cuban.

[Ball4life32]

Steve Kyler wrote:NBA Draft Chatter

Trades At The Top Still Viable

The Atlanta Hawks have had the third overall pick on the market from almost the moment they landed it. The Hawks seem ready to use the pick but are said to still be exploring their options. The prevailing thought this week is it’s down to Bagley, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young for the Hawks, with more and more league sources believing the Hawks will draft Young at three. While the notion of grabbing Young at three may seem high, the Hawks have had eyes on Young from the start of the process, and not much seems to have changed. The Hawks have made it clear they would take on contract money in exchange for additional draft assets, so it seems likely the Hawks will be active, even if it’s not moving the third pick.