2018 NBA Draft pt 2 - NOW WITH A POLL

[drone3]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

He's a great defender, can shoot 3's, but yeh I don't think he's a #17 pick.

[Ill-yasova]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

Not my favorite guy, but he has very good 3 and D potential. Probably not the kind of guy who will get his own threes often, but a pretty good catch and shoot guy.

[JHSFIVE]

Khyri Thomas: Lindsey Hunter?

[Brewhoopfan]

Not that well, and even if they did, that is in no way a reason to not actively look for more guys like that.

I just don't believe the more pressing needs of the Bucks can be filled by the skills which Smith excels. Nor do I believe he is a player where you can say "who cares about fit, just make it work" because he just doesn't have the skills yet and I don't know if he ever will.

I don't see it with Zhaire, either. He's a PF/C in the body of an undersized SG. Sure, he makes dunking look easy, but he also makes shooting 3s look very difficult. He's going to have to completely remake his jumper to be effective in the NBA. Maybe he becomes a smaller Gilchrist, and I don't think there's room for that player in today's NBA.

Many of the same things were said about Kawhi Leonard coming out of college. No, I don't think Zhaire will be as good as Kawhi. I think it's insane to think of these "one and done" guys as finished products. There is still a lot of development expected and needed. That's where I think the interview process is critical. How badly does he want to get better? How much does he love the game? At least with Zhaire, you know he won't be held back by physical limitations. Of course, there is also plenty of bust potential there as well. I like Khyri better personally.

[Brewhoopfan]

I think it would be a waste of a pick.

To me the only "waste of a pick" at 17 comes in to play when you're talking about a guy that never even steps on for a meaningful minute of NBA basketball. If you think that's Smith I understand it but honestly the sentiment seems to be coming from, in large, a "he can't shoot so therefor he can't help this team" and that is such an overplayed, bullsh*t reasoning I've seen thrown around here too many times and have never heard a compelling argument to back it up.

This. If you can get a solid contributing role player outside of the lottery - that's a win. I'd be ecstatic if they somehow landed a star. Unfortunately, being a realistic Bucks fan means hoping to avoid a complete bust in round 1.

[Ron Swanson]

"Can't shoot, don't want" was probably the exact reasoning that Hammond/*cough*Jason Kidd*cough* passed on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

"Now, this Rashad Vaughn kid on the other hand. He can shoot...."

[Ron Swanson]

Also, Zhaire Smith can shoot, so....

[WimpyDeer]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

Not my favorite guy, but he has very good 3 and D potential. Probably not the kind of guy who will get his own threes often, but a pretty good catch and shoot guy.

So what's the argument for taking him over Huerter then?

[Rockmaninoff]

Man, Gary Clark is so **** good at basketball. I have to keep reminding myself to downgrade him because he's playing against younger players (he's 23). But he's so good.

That Cincinnati team was a lot of fun this year, and I really like Evans, too, and he's got a clearer NBA role as a big wing who can handle some, shoot off the dribble, and make reads. It's just that Gary Clark is a machine. I will never understand why he didn't get a combine invite.

It's that he accepted the invite to the Portsmouth tournament. I think teams are interested, but didn't have questions.

[emunney]

Also, Zhaire Smith can shoot, so....

Have just been tuning out people who say he can't. I understand concerns due to his low volume, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with his mechanics, and he makes what he takes from all ranges. His game is basically bones right now, but they're great bones. He's way closer to being a good player than anybody's talking about right now.

[M-C-G]

Okay, now that Zhaire might be back in our range, my meaningless preferences;
Zhaire Smith
Huerter
Trade Down
Okobo, Mitchell Robinson and one of Brunson, Jevon Carter, Spellman, Vanderbilt, Shamet, (I plan on trying to watch some more of the second round bigs like Morgan, Spellman, Metu today as I think there are some decent fits in play for us)

There are a host of other guys I would be okay with and haven't really vetted out my choice for the 2018 "Anybody but him" award, which might be rebranded the DJ Wilson Award going forward if he doesn't show something this season.

[Brewhoopfan]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

Not my favorite guy, but he has very good 3 and D potential. Probably not the kind of guy who will get his own threes often, but a pretty good catch and shoot guy.

So what's the argument for taking him over Huerter then?

Big East Defensive Player of the Year - Twice.

[M-C-G]

Khyri Thomas: Lindsey Hunter?

Sounds more like Pat Beverly to me.

[tydett]

if he doesn't show something this season.

Ah, I see you're still optimistic.

[M-C-G]

if he doesn't show something this season.

Ah, I see you're still optimistic.

I am, just a very, very slight amount. I can't openly acknowledge the complete and utter dysfunction of every part of this franchise, have a coaching staff that had schemes that guys that have been here for four years couldn't figure out, have a coach that was sited for playing mind games with the young guys, and not be willing to give pretty much anyone on this roster a fresh start.

I've said it before but I am willing to give everyone a fresh start or completely blow this roster up around Giannis. I'm a little worried that if we lock in this core we are the next Raptors, but just happen to have a top 5 player, so maybe we could be more, I just doubt it.

[Ill-yasova]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

Not my favorite guy, but he has very good 3 and D potential. Probably not the kind of guy who will get his own threes often, but a pretty good catch and shoot guy.

So what's the argument for taking him over Huerter then?

I don’t have one. I’m a Huerter guy.

[Badgerlander]

I don't understand the infatuation with Khyri Thomas at all.

Not my favorite guy, but he has very good 3 and D potential. Probably not the kind of guy who will get his own threes often, but a pretty good catch and shoot guy.

So what's the argument for taking him over Huerter then?

Measured 6’3.75 in shoes with a 6’10.5 wingspan and 199-pound frame at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Does not have great size for a shooting guard, but compensates with very good length, strength, and a terrific motor.
Played a key role for the Bluejays settling in as the second option of one of the NCAA’s most efficient offensive teams. Excelled in two key areas: as a set shooter in the half court and as a finisher in transition. Ability to hunt those high percentage opportunities and stick to his strengths propelled his efficiency to impressive heights. Finished the season ranked as the 8th most efficient scorer among power conference players using over 12 possessions per game.

PlayType Analysis

Always looking to run the floor. Got a massive 30% of his possesions in transition last season. Scored an unbeleivable 1.465 points per Transition possession [97th percentile]. Can play above the rim with a head of steam, finish strong with both hands, and knock down jumpers with nice consistency on the run.
Did almost all of his damage in the half court at the rim or from beyond the arc. Scored only 0.682 points per pull-up jump shot [32nd percentile] and isn’t very shifty with the ball to create for himself, but makes set shots at an exceptionally strong rate of 1.253 points per catch and shoot attempt [86th percentile] with reliable form. Was actually more efficient when lightly contested than when left wide open. May not get to the rim frequently in the half court, but attacks closeouts and drives effectively using his strong first step to go right to the rim where he scores an exceptionally opportunistic 1.250 points per finishing opportunity in the half court [73rd percentile].
Has some back-to-the-basket game and makes the extra pass on the perimeter. Picks and chooses his spots nicely with a good feel for his own weaknesses. Possesses clear-cut strengths offensively, but could evolve as a scorer if he can begin to exploit mismatches and improve as a shot creator.

Ranked 1st in the Big East in Transition scoring (5.6 ppg)
Ranked 4th in the Big East in Hand Off scoring (1 ppg)
Defensive Analysis

Competitive defender who moves his feet well and is physical guarding on the ball. Active with his hands. Wingspan and activity level make him a factor in the passing lanes off the ball. Closes out hard, allowed only 0.885 points per Spot Up possession [61st percentile]. Has some versatility on the defensive end as well. Chips in on the boards.

[SirChurros]

If we're keeping 17, I like Zhaire or Huerter. You could maybe convince me to reach a bit on Mitchell Robinson or Okogie, though.

[LuessiT]

Also, Zhaire Smith can shoot, so....

72% from the line, 45% from 3 (arguably on low volume), solid mechanics (slow release but other than that his jumper looks fine).

Then there is also this tweet:

Read on Twitter

Those Roberson comparisons just do him no good. Basicly he's a blank slate and you can teach him everything you want. If he's at our pick, I probably take him (assuming no other guy drops I like more).

[TroyD92]

A lot of guys I like in this draft. Think this draft is ripe with good players who will make an impact at various roles.