2019 NBA Draft Prep

[jayu70]

New mock from Bleacher report has Dallas keeping their own pick and us falling out of top-5 and ending up with Quentin Grimes, a solid two-way combo guard in the mold of Gary Harris.

Solid player who could pair well with Trae (and move Huerter to SF). If Trae is our Steph and Huerter our version of Klay...Grimes would essentially be our Harrison Barnes.)

(Note: I'd be crushed if Dallas ended up with both Luka and RJ Barrett in consecutive drafts.)

Spoiler:

7. Atlanta Hawks: Quentin Grimes, Kansas, Freshman SG



Quentin Grimes should have earned himself more looks and mentions inside NBA scouting departments following his debut.

He caught fire to hit six of 10 threes and score 21 points against Michigan State, appearing more reliable as a shooter than he's shown in the past.

Grimes already stood out physically with his 6'5", 210-pound frame. But he's showed maturity and growth offensively with his shot-making and ball-moving (four assists, one turnover).

Limitations as a creator hint at a lower ceiling than the projected top-five picks. Solid tools and athleticism, a promising jumper and passing IQ point to a higher floor and potential high-end, NBA role player.

Bleacher Report

How in the world do they see us falling out of the top 5?

They must be anticipating DAL blowing it up later in the season. I don't think they do that especially with Dirk coming back later.

Lastly, I'm starting to think CLE goes 1-82 this year. They are shamefully bad.

That would be the worse possible scenario. We in it to get a top 3 pick, we need a top 3 pick, I want a top 3 pick. .

I don't see Dallas ruining Dirk's last season by tanking. Give Luka the damn ball.

Time to trade Baze, Dedmon and Lin.

How are the Wiz soooo baaaad?

[kg01]

Yeah, we might rise just because we're actually trying while other crap-arse franchises are using the Washington Generals' playbook ... or the Washington Wizards' playbook (ohhhhh, shots fired).

I hope we end up with someone capable of getting their own shot. Desperate need. Desperate.

I'm also not sold on Bol Bol. To me, he's more of a sideshow than the Zion kid.

Bol Bol Looks so weird on the court. Not his physical appearance, but his awkward, lanky physique and unusual outside game for a guy his size. I don't wanna watch that for th enext decade.

Where Bamba looked like a young Mutombo (at times) as a freshman -- then got jacked in the pre-draft process -- Bol just looks weak and odd.


Cam Reddish is the scorer we need. He's got the size to play SF, the game to man SG and the length to guard PFs. (He actually guarded Marvin Bagley head up when they played against each other.)

His jumper is wet...but the word in HS was that he wasn't always focused. I'm hopeful he'll get a bit jealous of all the attention Zion/Barrett are getting at Duke and look forward to the chance to show what he's capable of next year.

Spoiler:

Cam Reddish | Duke

Schmitz: Reddish turned in an effective performance (22 points on 14 shots in just 24 minutes) that featured three smooth catch-and-shoot 3s and seven free throws drawn by aggressive straight-line drives to the rim. While he did settle for a couple of deep jumpers and a low-percentage fallaway against a switch, Reddish used his size, fluidity and handle to get into the paint, even finishing through contact with his off hand. His willingness to embrace contact was a welcome sign, as that hasn't always been his reputation in the past. Reddish also used his 7-foot wingspan to make plays defensively, finishing with four steals.

Reddish has as much defensive potential as any of Duke's big three, and he showed flashes of that. With Barrett and Williamson figuring to dominate the ball more often than not, it's unknown how much of Reddish's playmaking we'll get to see this season, but he was steady in his role during the blowout win.

ESPN Insider

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Agreed on Bol. I'll pass on jakin' up outside shots being my 7fter's primary offensive game. Meanwhile rebounding/defense is like an afterthought.

I was a Bamba-holic around draft time but I'm kinda glad we passed. I expected a more evolved game from him offensively but nah. Says all the right things but still seems like a limited player.

My only concern with Reddish are what you mentioned, questions about focus, etc. We're looking for an alpha. That's something you're born with, can't be taught. Barrett appears to have it. Zion may have it simply due to his overwhelming size/athleticism.

I'm sure someone else may emerge as the college season progresses. The Vandy guard could be one to keep an eye on. Not necessarily for us but as someone capable of rising into the top 3 to disrupt the Dook party.

[Jamaaliver]

My only concern with Reddish are what you mentioned, questions about focus, etc. We're looking for an alpha. That's something you're born with, can't be taught. Barrett appears to have it. Zion may have it simply due to his overwhelming size/athleticism.

My concerns with finding an alpha: I fear a kid coming in and completely mucking up what we have with Trae.

Young will be our primary ballhandler for the next decade.

Whoever we draft next summer should enhance complement that as a secondary ball handler, spot up shooter, defensive stalwart and occasional isolation scorer when the offense requires it.

That's pretty much Barrett, Reddish and Romeo Langford among non-PGs.


NOTE: If we still need an alpha, then we missed out bypassing Luka Doncic.

[kg01]

My only concern with Reddish are what you mentioned, questions about focus, etc. We're looking for an alpha. That's something you're born with, can't be taught. Barrett appears to have it. Zion may have it simply due to his overwhelming size/athleticism.

My concerns with finding an alpha: I fear a kid coming in and completely mucking up what we have with Trae.

Young will be our primary ballhandler for the next decade.

Whoever we draft next summer should enhance complement that as a secondary ball handler, spot up shooter, defensive stalwart and occasional isolation scorer when the offense requires it.

That's pretty much Barrett, Reddish and Romeo Langford among non-PGs.


NOTE: If we still need an alpha, then we missed out bypassing Luka Doncic.

I see Doncic and Young on the same level in terms of "alpha-ness" so IMHO ... we good.

Only difference is Young's size gives him another hurdle to get over. A hurdle which he'll exceed as he gets stronger so it's not a huge concern.

[atlantabbq99]

Agreed on Bol. I'll pass on jakin' up outside shots being my 7fter's primary offensive game. Meanwhile rebounding/defense is like an afterthought.

I was a Bamba-holic around draft time but I'm kinda glad we passed. I expected a more evolved game from him offensively but nah. Says all the right things but still seems like a limited player.

My only concern with Reddish are what you mentioned, questions about focus, etc. We're looking for an alpha. That's something you're born with, can't be taught. Barrett appears to have it. Zion may have it simply due to his overwhelming size/athleticism.

I'm sure someone else may emerge as the college season progresses. The Vandy guard could be one to keep an eye on. Not necessarily for us but as someone capable of rising into the top 3 to disrupt the Dook party.

I don't only think that Reddish is the best prospect in the draft, but he also makes the most sense for the Hawks at this stage. He is a 6'9 Durant. Put him at SF with Collins and Spell up front and Trae and Prince in the backcourt.

I wouldn't spend a top ten pick on Barrett, his shooting is god awful and his skill set, shooting and ability to get in the lane remind me too much of Collin Sexton last year, and that's not saying much.

[kg01]

Agreed on Bol. I'll pass on jakin' up outside shots being my 7fter's primary offensive game. Meanwhile rebounding/defense is like an afterthought.

I was a Bamba-holic around draft time but I'm kinda glad we passed. I expected a more evolved game from him offensively but nah. Says all the right things but still seems like a limited player.

My only concern with Reddish are what you mentioned, questions about focus, etc. We're looking for an alpha. That's something you're born with, can't be taught. Barrett appears to have it. Zion may have it simply due to his overwhelming size/athleticism.

I'm sure someone else may emerge as the college season progresses. The Vandy guard could be one to keep an eye on. Not necessarily for us but as someone capable of rising into the top 3 to disrupt the Dook party.

I don't only think that Reddish is the best prospect in the draft, but he also makes the most sense for the Hawks at this stage. He is a 6'9 Durant. Put him at SF with Collins and Spell up front and Trae and Prince in the backcourt.

I wouldn't spend a top ten pick on Barrett, his shooting is god awful and his skill set, shooting and ability to get in the lane remind me too much of Collin Sexton last year, and that's not saying much.

I'd be hesitant to call anyone a Durant-type. He was dropping 30+ easy at Texas as their #1 option. At this point, Reddish is as much Durant as Ingram was.

I just want to see more of both he and Barrett.

[Jamaaliver]

I'd be hesitant to call anyone a Durant-type. He was dropping 30+ easy at Texas as their #1 option. At this point, Reddish is as much Durant as Ingram was.

I just want to see more of both he and Barrett.

I am exceptionally concerned Reddish is closer to Ingram than, say, Joe Johnson or Paul George.

[kg01]

I'd be hesitant to call anyone a Durant-type. He was dropping 30+ easy at Texas as their #1 option. At this point, Reddish is as much Durant as Ingram was.

I just want to see more of both he and Barrett.

I am exceptionally concerned Reddish is closer to Ingram than, say, Joe Johnson or Paul George.

There are far more Ingram types than Durant types so the math is on your side.

ETA: I'm also exceptionally concerned at how much I've been agreeing with you lately.

[Jamaaliver]

There are far more Ingram types than Durant types so the math is on your side.

ETA: I'm also exceptionally concerned at how much I've been agreeing with you lately.

Indeed. TBH, I know my opinions are unpopular. But they're never as crazy as Jayu and 'what's-his-face' like to think.

Spoiler:

My most controversial stances in the last 5 years:

• Josh Smith is a blockhead who needs to be traded.
  
• Horford should be playing PF
  
• That 2015 60 win team was a fluke
  
• Teague should have been traded sooner and Dennis promoted to starter
  
• T Prince can and should be traded because of his advanced age and modest ceiling
  
• Something about Budenholzer and Travis not being on the same page

^These aren't all correct. But they're not nearly as crazy as others would have you believe.

[Jamaaliver]

^And that all our players (including J Collins) should be coming up through the G League.

That one riled a few feathers.

[kg01]

There are far more Ingram types than Durant types so the math is on your side.

ETA: I'm also exceptionally concerned at how much I've been agreeing with you lately.

Indeed. TBH, I know my opinions are unpopular. But they're never as crazy as Jayu and 'what's-his-face' like to think.

Spoiler:

My most controversial stances in the last 5 years:

• Josh Smith is a blockhead who needs to be traded.
  
• Horford should be playing PF
  
• That 2015 60 win team was a fluke
  
• Teague should have been traded sooner and Dennis promoted to starter
  
• T Prince can and should be traded because of his advanced age and modest ceiling
  
• Something about Budenholzer and Travis not being on the same page

^These aren't all correct. But they're not nearly as crazy as others would have you believe.

Now, now ... you've been off the wall a lot. Don't make me dig through the archives on you.

[Jamaaliver]

Now, now ... you've been off the wall a lot. Don't make me dig through the archives on you.

This is literally what I dream about!!!!

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

6. Atlanta Hawks

Quentin Grimes | Kansas | SG | 6-5

Grimes is a quintessential NBA ready-guard who can do a little of everything at a high level: Scoring, assisting and handling. He's an explosive finisher around the rim who finishes with force and has wiggle to get around players, but also has some finesse that's legitimately jarring. His handle and vision suggests he could be a quality playmaker no matter where [his team] decides to place him in the system. The Hawks make sense as a landing spot here, and he has the tools to be a nice piece alongside Trae Young.


7. Atlanta Hawks

Bol Bol | Oregon | C | 7-2

Pick via Mavericks.

Bol Bol may have the most volatile stock among all the one-and-done prospects entering the season. But even if the questions about his jumbo body and college production loom after his presumably brief time in Eugene, Oregon it's hard to imagine he slips out of the top 10. A 3-point shooting, rim-rocking big of his stature comes around only once in a blue moon. Atlanta should feel like it's getting away with theft if he falls to them at No. 7.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

A Ron Artest-clone -- minus the erratic behavior.

I would draft him with the Dallas pick specifically to guard the Ben Simmonses and Jayson Tatums and Giannises in the East. He could be a watered down Kawhi if he ever gets a semi-consistent jumper.

Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga

Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 225 pounds
Opening night: 33 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 13-for-18 shooting

Rui Hachimura’s 2017-18 stat line in just 20.7 minutes teased what he could do when unleashed: 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks. Tantalizing numbers in a limited span for the Gonzaga star who’s now a junior.

Well, Hachimura lived up to the hype with 33 points on opening night. All of it happened in the paint and at the charity stripe — not the three-point shot that’s nonexistent in his game at this time.

If Hachimura finds his shooting stroke across the 2018-19 season, he could rise into the top five. With his height and 7-foot-2 wingspan, it would add to his already intriguing potential as a pro prospect and worthy of a selection by the New York Knicks.

Read on Twitter

[jayu70]

There are far more Ingram types than Durant types so the math is on your side.

ETA: I'm also exceptionally concerned at how much I've been agreeing with you lately.

Indeed. TBH, I know my opinions are unpopular. But they're never as crazy as Jayu and 'what's-his-face' like to think.

Spoiler:

My most controversial stances in the last 5 years:

• Josh Smith is a blockhead who needs to be traded.
  
• Horford should be playing PF
  
• That 2015 60 win team was a fluke
  
• Teague should have been traded sooner and Dennis promoted to starter
  
• T Prince can and should be traded because of his advanced age and modest ceiling
  
• Something about Budenholzer and Travis not being on the same page

^These aren't all correct. But they're not nearly as crazy as others would have you believe.

Heeeeeeey.

[atlantabbq99]

I'd be hesitant to call anyone a Durant-type. He was dropping 30+ easy at Texas as their #1 option. At this point, Reddish is as much Durant as Ingram was.

I just want to see more of both he and Barrett.

I am exceptionally concerned Reddish is closer to Ingram than, say, Joe Johnson or Paul George.

There are far more Ingram types than Durant types so the math is on your side.

ETA: I'm also exceptionally concerned at how much I've been agreeing with you lately.

I like the Paul George comparison to Red especially when it comes to length, athleticism. But Red compares well to Durant because i just love Red's shooting form which is exactly the same to Durant, especially with his release point and quickness to get into form.

I never liked Ingram even as a high schooler or college player, you can check out my old post. I said that Simmons and Jaylen Brown were the only two legit prospect, everybody else look like bust. I didn't like Ingram's body type, and i really didn't like his shooting stroke, he puts the ball infront of his face before he shoots (and not at the top of his head), which is just really horrible.

[atlantabbq99]

I'm not a fan of Bamba or Bol, but between the two, I do like Bol alot more than Bamba. Bamba just looks so awkward the way he moves on the floor and runs. Bol looks alot better, has a better basketball rhythm, looks more fluid and smooth the way he moves on the basketball court and when he runs,

Watch on YouTube

[tbhawksfan1]

Now, now ... you've been off the wall a lot. Don't make me dig through the archives on you.

This is literally what I dream about!!!!

Not a good idea. Jamaal has homecourt when it comes to archiving

[tbhawksfan1]

New mock from Bleacher report has Dallas keeping their own pick and us falling out of top-5 and ending up with Quentin Grimes, a solid two-way combo guard in the mold of Gary Harris.

Solid player who could pair well with Trae (and move Huerter to SF). If Trae is our Steph and Huerter our version of Klay...Grimes would essentially be our Harrison Barnes.)

(Note: I'd be crushed if Dallas ended up with both Luka and RJ Barrett in consecutive drafts.)

Spoiler:

Bleacher Report

How in the world do they see us falling out of the top 5?

They must be anticipating DAL blowing it up later in the season. I don't think they do that especially with Dirk coming back later.

Lastly, I'm starting to think CLE goes 1-82 this year. They are shamefully bad.

That would be the worse possible scenario. We in it to get a top 3 pick, we need a top 3 pick, I want a top 3 pick. .

I don't see Dallas ruining Dirk's last season by tanking. Give Luka the damn ball.

Time to trade Baze, Dedmon and Lin.

How are the Wiz soooo baaaad?

Hawks better tank right. Kinda blew it last year. Hawks don't get a top 3....#1, I'm gonna pout and rant for years. Trade Ded, Baze, Lin asap. DFIU