2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

Who do we think is the best fit of the Big 3 draftees next summer to play alongside Trae (and Collins) moving forward?


A) RJ Barrett and his elite slashing ability?

B) Little Nassir and the complete, two-way package he offers?

C) Cam Reddish as point-forward with smooth scoring ability?



I always lean towards two way ability. But from a pure skills perspective, Cam Reddish's passing and shooting would make us almost unstoppable offensively.

Barrett is indeed the most consistent and talented of the bunch, though.

[kg01]

For me it's Little ... Barrett .. Reddish but I want to see more from each before settling on who I think we should pick.

If Little can create his own offense then it's him and it's not even close. But that's a big 'if'. If he can't, then he's not much different than Printz.

[atlantabbq99]

^Tyus does show some scoring chops. But his inefficient shooting , limited playmaking and poor defense couldn't even get him into the first round conversation last year.

Code: Select all

Battle shot only 45.2 percent from 2-point range and was 32.2 percent from beyond the arc (he took 6.5 3-point attempts per game). That lack of efficiency was probably his biggest hindrance in standing out for scouts and general managers not just during the season but in recent weeks at workouts.

CBS Sports

He'll need to have a huge Junior season to jump into the lottery -- even in a weaker draft.

"The feedback he was getting was that he would be drafted, but not in the position where he wanted to be,'' Battle's father, Gary, said late Wednesday night just minutes after Battle submitted his paperwork to the NBA's office.

"It wasn't likely that he was going to be drafted in the first round,'' Gary Battle said. "We were hearing maybe first half of the second half, but there's nothing definite. He wanted to be drafted, but he wanted to be able to play.''

Syracuse.com

I like Battle's handles, size, athleticism, he kinds of reminds me of Penny or Eddie Jones. I'm ok with his erratic shooting, because his shooting reminds me of Gordon Hayward or CJ McCollum. Both Gordon and CJ were erratic shooters throughout their college careers but were always consistent elite free throw shooters through their years in college. Then when you watch Battle's game film, he has a good shooting stroke and nice release. Battle's nice shooting stroke and free throw shooting i think will be a good baseline when he transitions to the Pro game.

I don't know what you are talking about Battle's defense, he is considered Syracuse's best perimeter defender. Battle and Frank Howard are considered one of the ACC's best defensive perimeter duos.

[Jamaaliver]

I like Battle's handles, size, athleticism, he kinds of reminds me of Penny or Eddie Jones. I'm ok with his erratic shooting, because his shooting reminds me of Gordon Hayward or CJ McCollum. Both Gordon and CJ were erratic shooters throughout their college careers but were always consistent elite free throw shooters through their years in college. Then when you watch Battle's game film, he has a good shooting stroke and nice release. Battle's nice shooting stroke and free throw shooting i think will be a good baseline when he transitions to the Pro game.

I don't know what you are talking about Battle's defense, he is considered Syracuse's best perimeter defender. Battle and Frank Howard are considered one of the ACC's best defensive perimeter duos.

The thing is, Tyus wasn't rated highly enough to be a 1st rounder two months ago.

Nothing has changed since then. He might develop and have a career year for Syracuse this season. But as of today, he's considered the same flawed prospect that couldn't get drafted in the 2018 1st round.



Regarding defense -- I suppose I've judged him too harshly. But it's hard to grade a guy's true defensive ability in that 2-3 zone that Boeheim notoriously runs.

But there's a reason he wasn't considered a first round talent

It’s incredibly hard to evaluate the defensive play of players that play in the 2-3 zone that Jim Boeheim runs at Syracuse, especially guards. But Battle and Howard were able to use their length and athleticism to cover an immense amount of territory at the top of the zone defense and lead to Orange to the 5th best defensive efficiency in the NCAA.

Peachtree Hoops

Tyus Battle poses defensive upside with good lateral quickness and a solid frame. He must add strength in order to reach his defensive upside.

Mavs Draft Scouting

[Spud2nique]

I wanna blow Zion-everyone and their moms...

I like RJ...Little ...Cam...Zion as well. For some reason though, I feel a numbers inflated no winning result with Zion but I hope I’m wrong cuz he’s a freak in a good way.

[atlantabbq99]

I like Battle's handles, size, athleticism, he kinds of reminds me of Penny or Eddie Jones. I'm ok with his erratic shooting, because his shooting reminds me of Gordon Hayward or CJ McCollum. Both Gordon and CJ were erratic shooters throughout their college careers but were always consistent elite free throw shooters through their years in college. Then when you watch Battle's game film, he has a good shooting stroke and nice release. Battle's nice shooting stroke and free throw shooting i think will be a good baseline when he transitions to the Pro game.

I don't know what you are talking about Battle's defense, he is considered Syracuse's best perimeter defender. Battle and Frank Howard are considered one of the ACC's best defensive perimeter duos.

The thing is, Tyus wasn't rated highly enough to be a 1st rounder two months ago.

Nothing has changed since then. He might develop and have a career year for Syracuse this season. But as of today, he's considered the same flawed prospect that couldn't get drafted in the 2018 1st round.



Regarding defense -- I suppose I've judged him too harshly. But it's hard to grade a guy's true defensive ability in that 2-3 zone that Boeheim notoriously runs.

But there's a reason he wasn't considered a first round talent

It’s incredibly hard to evaluate the defensive play of players that play in the 2-3 zone that Jim Boeheim runs at Syracuse, especially guards. But Battle and Howard were able to use their length and athleticism to cover an immense amount of territory at the top of the zone defense and lead to Orange to the 5th best defensive efficiency in the NCAA.

Peachtree Hoops

Tyus Battle poses defensive upside with good lateral quickness and a solid frame. He must add strength in order to reach his defensive upside.

Mavs Draft Scouting

I've said this for years now, i don't care about ranking (or other people's ranking), all i care about identifying talent. If you want to go by other people's ranking, thats fine but i would rather think for myself. What is important is that you can identify Jimmy Butler, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Draymond Green, Tim Hardaway, etc, and draft them head of guys who the majority think are better because they are over-hyped by bloggers.

Travis did the same thing this year with Kevin Huerter. Huerter was ranked as a 2nd round talent but Travis identified him and took him in the mid first round rather then selecting some over hyped prospects. That is why Travis never made a trade to move up on draft night because Huerter was his target all along.

[Jamaaliver]

The G League route for HS kids is already looking unfeasible.

Does this indecisiveness affect his draft stock at all? Comparable to Mitchell Robinson's fall from sure fire first round talent.

Spoiler:

And so....it begins:

Read on Twitter

He'll be eligible for the GL draft in October.
He'll be eligible for the 2019 NBA draft.
He can't be called up to the NBA parent club of whichever GL team drafts him. No affiliation.

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[Jamaaliver]

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[jayu70]

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What the heck does 'Train as a Professional' even mean.

[jayu70]

The G League route for HS kids is already looking unfeasible.

Does this indecisiveness affect his draft stock at all? Comparable to Mitchell Robinson's fall from sure fire first round talent.

Spoiler:

And so....it begins:

Read on Twitter

He'll be eligible for the GL draft in October.
He'll be eligible for the 2019 NBA draft.
He can't be called up to the NBA parent club of whichever GL team drafts him. No affiliation.

Read on Twitter

I know College isn't for everyone, but some kids just keep getting bad advise ftom adults. Sad really.
They thought they could circumvent the GL system by waiting for a team of their choice to have a spot available and just join in so they can get a quick callup from the NBA team. Smh.

[Jamaaliver]

I know College isn't for everyone, but some kids just keep getting bad advise ftom adults. Sad really.

indeed...

What the heck does 'Train as a Professional' even mean.

It means he can get cash loans and advances from his agent without penalty. He can seek out endorsement deals on is behalf publicly as well.

Hope things work out for him long term...I also hope he has a backup plan. The scouting on the kid has not been kind.

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[Jamaaliver]

NBA Prospect Darius Bazley Declines to Play for G League to Prep for 2019 Draft

“Talking about it over with my group, we felt confidently that the G League wasn’t going to be needed and now I can use this time to work on my craft,” Bazley told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"...there’s no upside in the G League. If you play well, it’s expected. If you don’t play well, you’re not NBA-ready. That’s what they’ll say. For me, working out and preparing is the best route."



Bazley said the structure of the G League draft helped push him away from the league. Easily the favorite to go No. 1 overall, Bazley would have likely landed with the Utah Jazz's G League affiliate. Other organizations place a greater emphasis on player development at the G League level.

“This shows the impact of the rules now that have taken away the flexibility for a five-star prospect to enter the league,” an NBA executive told Charania. “Each team in the G League is not the same in terms of resources and development.”

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

A prospect to consider with the Mavericks 2019 Draft Pick

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Their NBA comparison for Romeo is Khris Middleton, who played at Texas A&M and has become a very good player for the Milwaukee Bucks.

As expected, the strengths section of Romeo’s scouting report is filled with positive notes about Romeo’s scoring and shooting ability. Here are a few other notable strengths mentioned:

• Good feel for the game and shot selection. Plays within the flow of the game without forcing his will
  
• Reads his defender well, knows how to draw fouls while staying under control.
  
• Unselfish. Good passing ability and gets teammates involved
  
• Competes on both ends. Good length, versatility, and foot speed as a defender …

And here are some of the weaknesses mentioned — in addition to obvious ones like needing to get stronger:

• Needs to improve his ball handling when going fast or pressured in the back court
  
• Loses the ball often trying to split double teams or making moves when breaking the press
  
• Settles for deep contested shots at times
  
• While it isn’t a bad thing that he has Kawhi Leonard type emotions throughout the game, he can improve his aggression and intensity level

[Spud2nique]

The G League route for HS kids is already looking unfeasible.

Does this indecisiveness affect his draft stock at all? Comparable to Mitchell Robinson's fall from sure fire first round talent.

Spoiler:

And so....it begins:

Read on Twitter

He'll be eligible for the GL draft in October.
He'll be eligible for the 2019 NBA draft.
He can't be called up to the NBA parent club of whichever GL team drafts him. No affiliation.

Read on Twitter

I know College isn't for everyone, but some kids just keep getting bad advise ftom adults. Sad really.
They thought they could circumvent the GL system by waiting for a team of their choice to have a spot available and just join in so they can get a quick callup from the NBA team. Smh.

I had a friend who used to say..college isn’t for everyone. He didn’t end up going because he couldn’t. People who have issues getting in are the ones who usually say something like that imo.

[Spud2nique]

A prospect to consider with the Mavericks 2019 Draft Pick

Read on Twitter

Their NBA comparison for Romeo is Khris Middleton, who played at Texas A&M and has become a very good player for the Milwaukee Bucks.

As expected, the strengths section of Romeo’s scouting report is filled with positive notes about Romeo’s scoring and shooting ability. Here are a few other notable strengths mentioned:

• Good feel for the game and shot selection. Plays within the flow of the game without forcing his will
  
• Reads his defender well, knows how to draw fouls while staying under control.
  
• Unselfish. Good passing ability and gets teammates involved
  
• Competes on both ends. Good length, versatility, and foot speed as a defender …

And here are some of the weaknesses mentioned — in addition to obvious ones like needing to get stronger:

• Needs to improve his ball handling when going fast or pressured in the back court
  
• Loses the ball often trying to split double teams or making moves when breaking the press
  
• Settles for deep contested shots at times
  
• While it isn’t a bad thing that he has Kawhi Leonard type emotions throughout the game, he can improve his aggression and intensity level

This kid has been on my Hawks radar for over a year now. He’s pretty smooth. RJ Zion Little Cam lets go!

[Jamaaliver]

Jamaal likes.


Taurean better not get too comfortable this year.

Atlanta Hawks snatch Nassir Little, Quentin Grimes in ESPN mock draft

Let’s have some fun.


Jonathan Givony of ESPN released an updated 2019 mock draft on Tuesday morning and, with full context that it is far too early to be taking this kind of thing seriously, the Atlanta Hawks come away with an impressive haul.

With the No. 2 pick (note: the draft order was projected using ESPN’s RPM), the Hawks snatched North Carolina swingman Nassir Little. The 18-year-old stands at 6’7 and 215 pounds with a multi-dimensional skill set and, while he isn’t attracting the mainstream attention of the Duke standouts mentioned above, Little has a legitimate chance to crash the party as the No. 1 overall pick in this class.

He profiles as a two-way wing with real upside on both ends of the floor and it feels almost silly that he was not a consensus top-10 high school prospect just one year ago. Regardless, Little fits the mold of what NBA teams are looking for given his size and profile and he would slot in nicely with the Hawks.



The Hawks did end up with the No. 7 pick, courtesy of the Dallas Mavericks. That led to the selection of Kansas shooting guard Quentin Grimes. This, of course, tests the “you can never have too many wings” theory, as the Hawks would already have Taurean Prince, Kevin Huerter, Kent Bazemore and Little before taking Grimes. Still, it makes sense to take the best player available in virtually every circumstance and Grimes might be that.

Like Little, he has a two-way projection, though Grimes leans more into the scoring realm, at least at this juncture. It will be interesting to see how he fares at Kansas, particularly as head coach Bill Self doesn’t have the best background in showcasing potential one-and-done players on the wing.

Peachtree Hoops

[Jamaaliver]

My favorite prospects outside of the top-5.

And decent draft targets with the Mavs/Cavs pick(s).

2019 NBA Draft Big Board, Prospects 11-20

No. 12 | De’Andre Hunter | F | Virginia

Class: So. | HT: 6’7” | WT: 222

Hunter would have been selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft if he had chosen to see the process to its the conclusion. Instead, the versatile wing defender decided to return to Virginia for another year. Hunter’s ability to guard multiple positions will drive his draft stock, but he can cement his spot as a lottery pick with improvements on the offensive end. The 20-year-old wing left room for growth by shooting just below 40 percent from beyond the arc as a freshmen.



No. 14 | Rui Hachimura | F | Gonzaga

Class: Jr. | HT: 6’8” | WT: 225

Hachimura has all the physical tools to be a lottery pick, but he must prove he is more than just an athlete in his third season in Spokane. He raised his free throw percentage to 79.5 percent as a sophomore, but his three-point percentage fell to 19.2. Hachimura has a chance to make some serious noise on a Gonzaga squad that is loaded with talent.



No. 18 | Louis King | F | Oregon

Class: Fr. | HT: 6’7” | WT: 204

King will join Bol in the Ducks’ frontcourt for the upcoming season. Unlike his teammate, King possesses an impressive scoring arsenal. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to fully showcase his skillset earlier this year due to a knee injury. Once healthy, the versatile freshmen should flourish in coach Dana Altman’s offense. King can move up the list by squashing the doubts surrounding his decision making.



No. 19 | Bruno Fernando | C | Maryland

Class: So. | HT: 6’10” | WT: 245

Fernando’s size and upside on defense make him a can’t miss prospect this year. As a freshmen defender, Fernando looked comfortable in multiple situations. He projects as big man that can defend in space, and alter shots in the paint. Fernando has yet to develop any traditional post moves on the offensive end, which is a red flag. If he can improve his shooting, he will draw the attention of teams selecting in the lottery next year.

Ridiculous Upside

[Jamaaliver]

No. 23: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a very good freshman season. He averaged 10.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in roughly 25 minutes per game for the Hokies.

Alexander-Walker, a 6-5 guard from Toronto, should be a much bigger factor this season.

NBA scouts like his shooting ability. He made 58 out of 148 attempts from 3-point range (39.2 percent) as a freshman.

The Boston Celtics will use the No. 23 pick to take Alexander-Walker, according to Givony.



No. 30: Ty Jerome, Virginia

Don't be surprised by this prediction.

Ty Jerome had a stellar performance at Chris Paul's CP3 camp this summer.

Jerome, Virginia's 6-5 point guard, averaged 10.6 points last year. He also had 3.9 assists per game against just 1.6 turnovers. Jerome can play the point, but he can also shoot the ball. He made 38 percent of his 3-pointers last season.

Jerome will be the last player picked in the first round of the 2019 draft, according to Givony who predicts the Golden State Warriors will take the Virginia guard.

Syracuse.com


Nickeil reminds me a bit of a Jamal Crawford-esque combo guard off the bench.

His defense is abhorrent. But he can light up a scoreboard and is an adequate play-maker for others.

IDK much about Ty Jerome. Maybe could be our own version of TJ McConnell?

[Jamaaliver]

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No. 1: R.J. Barrett, Duke

Duke freshman R.J. Barrett is considered the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Givony has the Philadelphia 76ers taking Barrett with the No. 1 pick (with a pick acquired from the Sacramento Kings).

Barrett, a 6-foot-7 forward, is from Mississauga, Ontario, which is right outside Toronto. Barrett attended Montverde Academy in Florida, leading the school to an undefeated record and a national championship last year.

He is part of Duke's heralded recruiting class, which includes a few more potential lottery picks, according to Givony.

[Jamaaliver]

No. 2: Nassir Little, North Carolina

Some North Carolina fans are wondering if Nassir Little is going to start this year for the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, Givony has the powerful 6-7 forward penciled in as the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, going to the Atlanta Hawks.

Little was ranked No. 6 in the 2018 recruiting class by ESPN.com.

Little hails from Orange Park, Fla., and played at Orlando Christian Prep.

No. 5: Cameron Reddish, Duke

How amazing would it be for a school to have three of the first five players taken in the NBA draft?

That's what Givony is predicting as he has Cameron Reddish going to the New York Knicks with the fifth pick in the draft.

Reddish, a 6-8 wing, can shoot the ball well enough to project as a shooting guard. But he also has the size to be a small forward.