Absurdly early 2018 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

Ranking NBA's Top 5 Rookie Shooting Guards Entering 2018-19



1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night, Luka Doncic will start his career working as the 2-guard alongside Dennis Smith Jr. It's an ideal fit for the rookie, who will be better suited as a secondary playmaker while he adjusts to the NBA's faster speed.

Either way, Doncic should be ready from day one. We've already seen him take it to NBA pros last summer at EuroBasket, when he helped Slovenia win gold by scoring 27 points against Kristaps Porzingis and Latvia and totaling 11 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists against Spain's Rubio, the Hernangomez brothers and Gasols.

Doncic solidified his case as an NBA-ready prospect with Real Madrid, having won MVP of both the Spanish ACB and Euroleague.

At 6'6", 218 pounds, he possesses positional size and strength to compete physically right away. Although, it's still a mix of special ball skills, vision, basketball IQ, shot-making and toughness that distinguishes Doncic and fuels his signature versatility.

For the Mavericks, he'll operate on the ball as a pick-and-roll specialist and off the ball as a spot-up shooter, complementary scorer and ball mover.

Doncic might not get close to matching Donovan Mitchell's rookie-scoring production; however, triple-doubles are coming. The Mavericks' new franchise player will give Deandre Ayton, 2018's No. 1 pick, a run for his money in the Rookie of the Year race.





5. Josh Okogie, Minnesota Timberwolves

Josh Okogie could earn a role sooner than expected given his particular strengths and Minnesota's lack of options to back up Jimmy Butler.

Despite averaging 18.3 points against ACC opponents, Okogie flew under the radar on a weak Georgia Tech team. It may be his defensive versatility and athleticism over his offense that helps him crack the rotation.

Quick, long and explosive—he had a top-10 shuttle-run time, tied for the highest max vertical and measured a 7'0" wingspan—Okogie has terrific defensive tools and the potential to guard ball-handlers and wings.

He won't shoot a high percentage, as his shot selection and jump-shot consistency need work. However, Okogie will still put pressure on defenses with his open-floor attacking and shot-making, both as a spot shooter (45.3 percent) and scorer (9-of-15 isolation, 19-of-38 guarded jump shots).

Expect plenty of rookie mistakes and flashes of talent at both ends. The positives will outweigh the negatives for Okogie in 2018-19, though, particularly in a spark-plug bench role.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

Can Collin Sexton Live Up to King-Size Expectations?

The former Alabama star is a popular darkhorse for Rookie of the Year honors, but to reach those heights, he’ll have to become, on the fly, the kind of playmaker the Cavaliers desperately need



The Cavaliers need Collin Sexton to make a splash as a rookie. The no. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft will have a huge role on offense next season. He’s a gifted scorer, but he’s also a 19-year-old point guard who struggled with efficiency and decision-making in both the NCAA and summer league. While Cleveland has too much talent around Sexton to collapse like it did the last time LeBron left, the Cavs won’t make the playoffs unless he matures overnight.

He was a shoot-first, -second, and -third player in one season at Alabama, averaging 19.2 points on 44.7 percent shooting, and only 3.6 assists a game. He carried the school to only its second NCAA tournament appearance in the past 12 seasons with an eye-popping usage rate of 32.9, which would have put him fourth in the NBA last season behind James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Joel Embiid.

Not much changed in his seven games in Las Vegas, where he averaged 19.6 points on 42.9 percent shooting, and 3.4 assists a game. Getting to the rim is his strength. At 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Sexton has average size for an NBA point guard, but he’s a feisty player with a quick first step who is always in attack mode.

Shooting will be the biggest key for Sexton when it comes to replicating the early success of Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell.

Most players face a steep learning curve to running point in the NBA, particularly when it comes to the balance of looking for your own shot and setting everyone else up. Just look at the struggles Fox and Smith had last season: The Kings and Mavs were significantly better when their star rookies weren’t on the floor, and they were two of the worst teams in the league. Teams that draft a point guard in the lottery are usually closer to the beginning of a rebuild than the end.

They are asking an awful lot of Sexton as a rookie, but that’s nothing compared to the burden he will have going forward. ■

The Ringer

[Jamaaliver]

25-under-25: Wendell Carter Jr. has no real weaknesses

The Step Back is rolling out its 25-under-25 list over this week.



Wendell Carter Jr. was not the sexy pick among a crowded crop of big men in the 2018 NBA Draft. The reasons Carter Jr. was the fifth big taken in June’s draft are draft-specific. He projected as solid, a player who does everything well, but maybe isn’t elite at one specific thing or didn’t project to be able to dominate the game in some way.

Carter Jr., at least on paper and based on a strong summer league performance, does not appear to have [any] weaknesses opponents can single out. Carter Jr. blocks shots with exceptionally good timing. On offense, he showed a promising 3-point stroke at summer league and he has ability to handle the ball some.

So far, he appears to be a player who is actually good at everything – with the caveat that he’s only done it in Summer League.

This skillset, this amorphous potential, makes Carter Jr. have a cleaner fit in the modern NBA, at least in theory.

The Stepback

[Jamaaliver]

Shout outs to Jay-U for digging this up.

These are the rookies from the 2018 draft class predicted to get a top-100 ranking as soon as next Fall.

Noteworthy omissions from the top-7 draft selections:

Bagley, Bamba and Young Trae

The Crossover's Top 100 NBA players: 2020 Watch List

Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

The rare athletic gifts that made Ayton an unsurprising No. 1 choice in June’s draft give him a chance to quickly establish himself among the league’s upper echelon of centers. He’s already one of the most powerful, explosive 7-footers anywhere, and while the NBA has skewed toward smaller, versatile lineup combinations, there will always be a place for size and skill. Double-doubles should be immediately within reach for Ayton so long as he competes nightly, and the Suns will put him in position to succeed and win his matchup with shooters around him.

If he’s able to succeed immediately without being force-fed touches and shows improvement in his face-up game, he’ll be on the right track. The biggest question is his defensive acumen, which was nitpicked in college and should at least be simplified playing as a center. He’s athletic enough to be a positive in pick-and-roll coverage and help-side rotations, but it won’t happen overnight. On pure talent and career trajectory, Ayton should be an easy Top 100 candidate, and it’s more than fair to set those expectations for him.



Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Provided Doncic makes a swift transition to the NBA game—and his career arc suggests he will—expect to see him somewhere on next year’s Top 100. He’ll be entrusted with a considerable playmaking share out of the gate as the Mavericks eye a quick turnaround, and he will have every opportunity to establish himself among the league’s most advanced young talents. His prowess using ball screens and ability to make teammates better have always set him apart, and while the athleticism and pace of play will pose an adjustment, he’s still just 19 years old and well ahead of the curve.

Doncic has star potential, and he's as safe a bet as anyone on this list to make a quick rookie leap. If he hits the ground running, Dallas could end up in the eight-seed conversation.


Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls

Carter Jr. should be considered a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate until further notice, and HE is a great bet to land somewhere among the NBA’s upper tier in the next few seasons. If the Bulls slide him into starters’ minutes immediately, he could make a real impact.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Although Jackson’s offensive game is still raw, he will play real minutes for the Grizzlies as a rookie and his 3-and-D ability at center is difficult to find. Many around the league think he could end up as the best player from the 2018 draft, but it might take him a little longer to get up to speed.

SI.com

[Jamaaliver]

Could this kid be another Lakers diamond in the rough?

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[ChokeFasncists]

Could this kid be another Lakers diamond in the rough?

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If that's the case Magic/Pelinka have done it again after Kuzma, truly impressive.

[Jamaaliver]

Ranking NBA's Top 5 Rookie Centers Entering 2018-19

2. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls

Even as the No. 7 pick, Carter already feels like a steal for the Chicago Bulls, who'll build around him and Lauri Markkanen up front. For 2018-19, the question is how quickly the coaching staff will be willing to unleash Carter while the veteran Robin Lopez remains under contract.

At 6'10", 251 pounds, Carter already possesses Al Horford size and strength, and based on summer league, he appears to have improved his body and quickness.

The excitement regarding his upside will ultimately stem from his advanced footwork playing back to the basket and shooting touch, which he displayed at Duke by drilling 19 of 46 threes, showing sound, convincing shooting form.

It may take a few years before he's demanding double-teams in the post and knocking down multiple threes per game, but the level of polish he's flashed in college and summer league suggests he'll immediately start threatening and executing.

Carter should even add value defensively with his length and timing as a shot-blocker and rim-protecting abilities behind Markkanen. And though questions have been raised over his switchability, they didn't seem alarming in July, when he appeared quicker moving laterally.

Carter should give them a consistent, reliable source of interior activity and offense. And in doses, we'll see his ability to create shots around the key and stretch the floor as a catch-and-shoot big man.

Carter should finish as a top-two rookie center for both his per-minute production and efficiency.

Bleacher Report

[Spud2nique]

:love:

Ranking NBA's Top 5 Rookie Centers Entering 2018-19

2. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls

Even as the No. 7 pick, Carter already feels like a steal for the Chicago Bulls, who'll build around him and Lauri Markkanen up front. For 2018-19, the question is how quickly the coaching staff will be willing to unleash Carter while the veteran Robin Lopez remains under contract.

At 6'10", 251 pounds, Carter already possesses Al Horford size and strength, and based on summer league, he appears to have improved his body and quickness.

The excitement regarding his upside will ultimately stem from his advanced footwork playing back to the basket and shooting touch, which he displayed at Duke by drilling 19 of 46 threes, showing sound, convincing shooting form.

It may take a few years before he's demanding double-teams in the post and knocking down multiple threes per game, but the level of polish he's flashed in college and summer league suggests he'll immediately start threatening and executing.

Carter should even add value defensively with his length and timing as a shot-blocker and rim-protecting abilities behind Markkanen. And though questions have been raised over his switchability, they didn't seem alarming in July, when he appeared quicker moving laterally.

Carter should give them a consistent, reliable source of interior activity and offense. And in doses, we'll see his ability to create shots around the key and stretch the floor as a catch-and-shoot big man.

Carter should finish as a top-two rookie center for both his per-minute production and efficiency.

Bleacher Report

Infatuation bordering on lust.... I’m worried.

[Jamaaliver]

A flawed young prospect with really high upside, I think this kid has some serious long-term value. He reminds me of Dennis Schroeder when he came into the league. With some proper coaching/player development -- I foresee this young man developing int a Terry Rozier caliber player.

Bud and his crew seem like a perfect fit for this kid.

Milwaukee Bucks: Trevon Duval is worthy of patience

Trevon Duval is the first ever one-and-done player from Duke to go undrafted. While that may raise some flags for fans and executives he is still more than capable of reaching his potential. However, if he is to get to that point both he and the Milwaukee Bucks will need to be patient.

Duval should be with the [Bucks' G-League franchise] in Oshkosh getting valuable playing time to work on his game. There is no question that the former top ranked point guard prospect physically looks the part. He stands 6’3″ and has an impressive 6’9″ wingspan. He can also overpower smaller guards, as he weighs in at 195lbs. Duval is also athletic enough to play above the rim, throwing down some powerful dunks from time to time.

Duval’s game has plenty of holes. His shooting leaves much to be desired but that does not mean he will not be able to score in the G League or even the NBA.

Defensively, the 20-year-old has all the tools, but has a tendency to take too many gambles leaving him out of position. Another weakness that tends to show up in his game are frequent turnovers. Duval has the intangibles and the physical profile to be a success, and if he takes the G League seriously, it would not be surprising to see him take a jump, maybe one day to being a contributor at the NBA level.

Bucks Fansided

[Jamaaliver]

Once they figure out what position he's best suited for, this kid could surprise quite a few folks as a high-flying, stat-sheet-stuffing monster.


I predicted in the Spring he was most likely to explode for a Donovan Mitchell-like sleeper pick. His dunks could get him early acclaim a la Vince Carter back in his Toronto days.

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

Generational talent -- if he can put it all together and stay out of trouble.

I hope he bams one in Embiid's face this year:

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[Jamaaliver]

My boy went toe-to-toe with The Greek Freak and lived to tell about it:

[Jamaaliver]

GMs favor Doncic for Rookie of the Year



The annual general manager survey from NBA.com was released on Wednesday at the Hawks were absent from the most categories including ranking in the Eastern Conference and individual predictions such as MVP and best players by position.

Hawks rookie PG Trae Young did not receive a vote on the question: Who will win the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year?

Luka Doncic, who the Hawks selected as No. 3 overall and traded to the Mavericks for Young at No. 5 overall, was the clear choice.

Young was not among the other rookies to receive votes.

Luka Doncic, Dallas – 43 percent

AJC.com

[Jamaaliver]

I do kinda hate that in a draft filled with multiple potential franchise big men...we didn't end up with a franchise big man.

2018-19 NBA Preview: Five Rookies Set to Make an Early Impact

Deandre Ayton
There are going to be ups and downs, and Ayton’s primary area of development this season will be on the mental side—dealing with the grind of the schedule, staying locked in on both sides of the floor and playing hard through his mistakes. Now able to defend his true position, Ayton’s impressive foot speed and agility can be better appreciated defending in space. Expect opposing teams to try their best to play him off the floor.


Luka Doncic
Doncic, who was the best player in Europe last season as an 18-year-old, will not look out of place as an NBA rookie. Any serious doubt that he’d be an immediate contributor for the Mavericks was misplaced, and he should be considered a clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors. Perhaps the most interesting wrinkle here is that the Mavericks seem committed to starting him as their nominal power forward, which, paired with Harrison Barnes, really just means Dallas is going to play small and fast.


Wendell Carter Jr.
Expect Carter, who doesn’t need to score a ton to influence a game, to be one of the more impactful rookies anywhere -- though the Bulls are likely to struggle. Carter’s all-around feel allows him to mesh with a variety of teammates -- his game fits well on a roster that may have too many scorers and not enough guys who fill in the gaps. Carter has worked his way into great shape and could easily star within his role this season. He’s a dark horse for Rookie of the Year votes whenever the Bulls take the training wheels off.


Miles Bridges

Grayson Allen

Sports Illustrated

[kg01]

I do kinda hate that in a draft filled with multiple potential franchise big men...we didn't end up with a franchise big man.

2018-19 NBA Preview: Five Rookies Set to Make an Early Impact

Deandre Ayton
There are going to be ups and downs, and Ayton’s primary area of development this season will be on the mental side—dealing with the grind of the schedule, staying locked in on both sides of the floor and playing hard through his mistakes. Now able to defend his true position, Ayton’s impressive foot speed and agility can be better appreciated defending in space. Expect opposing teams to try their best to play him off the floor.


Luka Doncic
Doncic, who was the best player in Europe last season as an 18-year-old, will not look out of place as an NBA rookie. Any serious doubt that he’d be an immediate contributor for the Mavericks was misplaced, and he should be considered a clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors. Perhaps the most interesting wrinkle here is that the Mavericks seem committed to starting him as their nominal power forward, which, paired with Harrison Barnes, really just means Dallas is going to play small and fast.


Wendell Carter Jr.
Expect Carter, who doesn’t need to score a ton to influence a game, to be one of the more impactful rookies anywhere -- though the Bulls are likely to struggle. Carter’s all-around feel allows him to mesh with a variety of teammates -- his game fits well on a roster that may have too many scorers and not enough guys who fill in the gaps. Carter has worked his way into great shape and could easily star within his role this season. He’s a dark horse for Rookie of the Year votes whenever the Bulls take the training wheels off.


Miles Bridges

Grayson Allen

Sports Illustrated

Get over it. It's a guard-driven league and none-a them dudes are gonna amount to anything unless they have a high-caliber guard leading them there.

[Jamaaliver]

Get over it. It's a guard-driven league and none-a them dudes are gonna amount to anything unless they have a high-caliber guard leading them there.

It appears you're in regular season form as well.

[kg01]

Get over it. It's a guard-driven league and none-a them dudes are gonna amount to anything unless they have a high-caliber guard leading them there.

It appears you're in regular season form as well.

Heey, I meant that as a compliment when I said it to you. Your tone seems ... not complimentary.

[macd-gm]

How is Ayton not the clear favorite for ROY. He has all the tools to dominate.

[Spud2nique]

My boy went toe-to-toe with The Greek Freak and lived to tell about it:

Lol...looks like he got his ass dunked on to me.