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2019 NBA Draft Prep

Moderators: HMFFL, Jamaaliver, dms269

What direction should Hawks go with their lottery picks?

Sekou Doumbouya
19
18%
Coby White
4
4%
Jaxson Hayes
9
9%
Nassir Little
5
5%
Cam Reddish
35
34%
Bol Bol
14
14%
Brandon Clarke
10
10%
Trade the picks
7
7%
 
Total votes: 103

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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#301 » by Jamaaliver » Wed Nov 28, 2018 4:00 pm

A scoring wing to watch. He had an underwhelming freshman season, but looks much improved early on as a sophomore.

Think Jamal Crawford with better defense...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | PG/SG | Virginia Tech

Up from No. 26 to No. 17

The 20-year-old combo guard is gaining considerable steam among NBA scouts after an outstanding showing at the Charleston Classic, which included a 25-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist outing in a win over Purdue. Through five games (all wins), Alexander-Walker is averaging 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals on 60.9 percent shooting from 2 and 40 percent from 3. So far, he looks much more like the multifaceted big guard we envisioned when we first evaluated him at Adidas Nations in 2015, rather than the fairly one-dimensional spot-up shooter we saw last year.

In 33 games as a freshman, Alexander-Walker used only 35 pick-and-roll possessions, generating a measly 0.657 points per play while connecting on only four pull-up jumpers all season. Although it's still early, Alexander-Walker's greatly increased on-ball duties have done wonders for his draft stock. He has already used 30 pick-and-roll possessions (35.7 percent of his offense) and is 8-of-14 on pull-ups, looking much more dynamic on the move. Most importantly, he has shown the vision and ambidextrous live-dribble passing that should allow him to play on the ball some in the NBA.

He's rarely sped up and has the physical profile NBA teams are looking for in a big guard at 6-foot-6, 200 pounds with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. He's an instinctual, competitive defender who should be able to check positions 1-3 as his impressive frame continues to fill out. Alexander-Walker is a high-floor prospect who at the very least can knock down spot 3s, think the game at a high level and defend his position. But it's his growing ability to play on the ball that could catapult him into the lottery conversation in what's considered a weak point guard draft. He should be able to carry his momentum into conference play, as the Hokies won't truly be tested again until they travel to Virginia on Jan. 15. -- Schmitz
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#302 » by hawkmanreturns » Wed Nov 28, 2018 4:35 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:ESPN projects us drafting Zion and Kevin Porter Jr in top-10.

Then grabbing Naz Reid in the 2nd round.

I'm...underwhelmed by these selections.

Underwhelmed? That would be an awesome draft. You may be selling Porter short since he's a relative unknown, but the kid has NBA level offensive skills.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#303 » by kg01 » Wed Nov 28, 2018 4:43 pm

hawkmanreturns wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:ESPN projects us drafting Zion and Kevin Porter Jr in top-10.

Then grabbing Naz Reid in the 2nd round.

I'm...underwhelmed by these selections.

Underwhelmed? That would be an awesome draft. You may be selling Porter short since he's a relative unknown, but the kid has NBA level offensive skills.


I'd be ok with it, assuming we keep all the picks. I'm half-expecting us to trade at least one of them. Remember, it's unlikely that we'll be tanking (purposely, or however you wanna phrase it) again after this year so it's possible we'll be looking to add a young-vet via trade.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#304 » by Jamaaliver » Wed Nov 28, 2018 7:38 pm

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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#305 » by Jamaaliver » Wed Nov 28, 2018 7:58 pm

NBA mock draft 2019: Zion Williamson establishes himself as No. 1 to the Cavs

A lot has changed in our mock draft since the start of the college season

2. Atlanta Hawks - Cameron Reddish, G, Duke

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Reddish is the least heralded of Duke’s trio of superstar freshmen, but he might be the most natural fit in today’s NBA. At 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan, Reddish has a guard’s game. He has a natural jump shot with deep range, starting the year by hitting 44 percent of his threes and 94 percent of his free throws. His length makes him a factor in the passing lanes and an ideal candidate for the switch-heavy defenses of the modern era.

There are concerns. Reddish has not flashed much craft as a finisher on drives, hitting only 40 percent of his two-point shots so far. He’s been underwhelming as a creator, though it’s possible he just hasn’t gotten the opportunities playing next to Williamson and R.J. Barrett. Scouts have also questioned whether he shows up to play every night, which became a talking point after an uninspiring game against Gonzaga in Duke’s only loss. Reddish is so naturally talented that sometimes his game leaves you wanting more. For now, bet on his talent and worry about maximizing it later.

Cameron Reddish is Duke’s do-everything, anti-hype recruit NBA teams will love



12. Atlanta Hawks - Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky

Johnson is a hard-charging 6’6 wing who can get to the foul line, finish in the paint, and put up points in a hurry. He hasn’t shot the ball great from three-point range yet (26 percent) and is a tad undersized for a modern wing, but he’s a high energy player who avoids mistakes and can fit into most lineups. His production could ultimately decide how far Kentucky goes this year.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#306 » by Spud2nique » Wed Nov 28, 2018 10:03 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
NBA mock draft 2019: Zion Williamson establishes himself as No. 1 to the Cavs

A lot has changed in our mock draft since the start of the college season

2. Atlanta Hawks - Cameron Reddish, G, Duke

Image

Reddish is the least heralded of Duke’s trio of superstar freshmen, but he might be the most natural fit in today’s NBA. At 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan, Reddish has a guard’s game. He has a natural jump shot with deep range, starting the year by hitting 44 percent of his threes and 94 percent of his free throws. His length makes him a factor in the passing lanes and an ideal candidate for the switch-heavy defenses of the modern era.

There are concerns. Reddish has not flashed much craft as a finisher on drives, hitting only 40 percent of his two-point shots so far. He’s been underwhelming as a creator, though it’s possible he just hasn’t gotten the opportunities playing next to Williamson and R.J. Barrett. Scouts have also questioned whether he shows up to play every night, which became a talking point after an uninspiring game against Gonzaga in Duke’s only loss. Reddish is so naturally talented that sometimes his game leaves you wanting more. For now, bet on his talent and worry about maximizing it later.

Cameron Reddish is Duke’s do-everything, anti-hype recruit NBA teams will love



12. Atlanta Hawks - Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky

Johnson is a hard-charging 6’6 wing who can get to the foul line, finish in the paint, and put up points in a hurry. He hasn’t shot the ball great from three-point range yet (26 percent) and is a tad undersized for a modern wing, but he’s a high energy player who avoids mistakes and can fit into most lineups. His production could ultimately decide how far Kentucky goes this year.
SB Nation -- NBA Draft



Oooooohhhhhh...I’ll take this right here. I mean getting Zion seems to be the prize but this is a good fit. Reddish from Duke not to be confused with 2004 Redick from Duke still going strong.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#307 » by Jamaaliver » Thu Nov 29, 2018 1:57 pm

hawkmanreturns wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:ESPN projects us drafting Zion and Kevin Porter Jr in top-10.

Then grabbing Naz Reid in the 2nd round.

I'm...underwhelmed by these selections.


Underwhelmed? That would be an awesome draft. You may be selling Porter short since he's a relative unknown, but the kid has NBA level offensive skills.



That's what I keep hearing. However, I'm still not totally sold on Zion.

He is unstoppable in transition. And he's clearly a man among boys in the NCAA.

But I have doubts regarding his offense AND defense in the half court versus pros.
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K Porter...I'm just not sure i see as natural a fit with our squad.

He's more talented than Huerter, but Huerter's shooting, secondary playmaking and solid team defense make him the perfect complement to Trae on the wing. Cam's skillset is also a perfect complement.

KPJ seems like he'll come with natural scoring chops. But I'm not sure we need an isolation wing player who can do little else.
Hachimura and D Hunter seem like more natural fits because of their defense at positions of need.

Porter, JR seems like he'll be a Zach Lavine caliber scorer. Dude can light up a box score and get buckets at will -- while his team remains in the cellar as one of the worst in the league.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#308 » by Jamaaliver » Thu Nov 29, 2018 2:07 pm

Based on his size, athleticism and skill set, could D Hunter be a Pascal Siakam caliber role player in the league playing PF?

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Spoiler:
Or is this comp more acurate?

2018-19 College Basketball Stars' NBA Player Comparisons

De'Andre Hunter, Virginia

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The Comparison: Jayson Tatum

Don't let last year's mediocre per-game numbers (9.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG) fool you. De'Andre Hunter is a baller who played fewer than 20 minutes per game on a snail-paced team. On a per-100 possessions basis, he averaged 21.4 field-goal attempts, 30.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks—all of which are about on par with what Jayson Tatum did during his lone season at Duke.

And both the points and rebounds are way up thus far in his sophomore season.

Both Hunter and Tatum are tenacious defenders, although it doesn't often show up in the form of steals or blocks. But there aren't many 6'7"/6'8" wing-forwards who are better at sliding their feet, staying in front of their man and making opponents work for every bucket.


Tatum is a more explosive driver, but Hunter is no slouch in that department. He can get to the bucket when he wants to, and there's more than enough range on his jumper to keep his defender honest at all times.

Hunter probably isn't ever going to be the foundation of a franchise, but he can play one hell of a second fiddle. Expect him to be the first non-freshman off the board in June, and try not to be surprised when he ends up as one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#309 » by Spud2nique » Thu Nov 29, 2018 3:31 pm

Zion reminds me of a Hershel Walker type. Possibly a Bo Jackson.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#310 » by Spud2nique » Thu Nov 29, 2018 3:43 pm

kg01 wrote:I hate this for the youngster ...

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He was one that supposedly was good enough to possibly crash into the top 3. Heal up, dude. I'm sure you'll be fine if you keep working.

On Rui, I totally agree with the Millsap comp. I kinda see him having some more wang potential so I'm curious to see if he adds some game off the bounce. Would be a welcome pick at that DAL spot. Certainly more than Bol who, IMHO, is an all-sizzle type of pick.



I’ve been scouting Garland for a few years now and he’s a perfect point guard for us to back up Trae. Watched a lot of his dad Winston with the scrubs in the late 80’s.

Wouldn’t it be funny if we drafted Bol and Garland, who were both with the Warriors for a few seasons.

Garland remind me of Terry Rozier a bit. These kids that had their dad’s in the NBA come in with better fundamentals for the most part.

I’m sold on Garland more than Manute’s son though. We shall see.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#311 » by atlantabbq99 » Fri Nov 30, 2018 1:00 am

Here are some second round prospects that the Hawks could be interested in, in 2019

Marial Shayok: Not super athletic but is a dynamic scorer, reminds me of Mike Miller.


Chris Clemons: High energy, high scoring, high vertical 5'9 little man. Will be the next Nate Robinson.


Nick Mayo: Plays like a Euro big, with 3pt range. He reminds me of Ersan Ilyasova. 2nd round prospect that might sneak into the 1st round


Carsen Edwards: Do it all Alpha dog PG. He is a mix of Mark Price and Jay Williams. 2nd round prospect who might make his way into the first round by season's end.


Cameron Johnson: Very stiff SG/SF, but is a great 3pt shooter. Poor poor man's Korver.


Kimani Lawrence: Very smooth fluid SG. He reminds me of Bazemore


Justin Wright-Foreman: Solid 6'2 combo guard. He could be a Jason Terry bench player type.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#312 » by Jamaaliver » Fri Nov 30, 2018 12:47 pm

Apparently Bol Bol is a notoriously bad defender at times?

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Spoiler:
13. BOL BOL, Oregon

For my money, the son of the late Manute Bol is going to be the most difficult player to project in this draft. He is a unicorn in the sense that he is a super-skilled, 7-foot-2 center (with a 7-foot-8 wingspan) that was, quite literally, the best three-point shooter in the EYBL during his final year on the circuit. Seeing him block a shot, go coast-to-coast and knockdown a pull-up 15-footer is just not something we see people his size do. He’s also an elite shot-blocker when he is engaged, the kind of athlete that is going to be able to chase smaller defenders off of the 3-point line.

He is what I like to call a layup line scout. You don’t have to do any more than watch him during warmups to see what his potential is and what his potential can be.

The problem is that there are some very real concerns about whether or not Bol actually likes playing basketball, and if he has the toughness — or, given his slight frame and incredibly high hips, the strength — to ever be something more than an interesting physical specimen and complimentary piece.

He also has a habit of being a statue defensively. For a player that, when engaged, is one of the best shotblockers I’ve ever seen in the high school ranks, he is a horrid defender.

Bol is going to make a lot of money playing basketball. If he ever reaches his ceiling, he will be an incredible weapon. The question that teams drafting him are going to have to ask is whether or not the risk of Bol ending up being a total bust is worth the reward of the lottery ticket being a winner.

For me, the risk would be worth it at the back-end of the lottery, and if I am an NBA GM, I let someone else take that shot.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#313 » by Jamaaliver » Fri Nov 30, 2018 1:03 pm

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I had to laugh the other day when I saw an NBA mock draft advertising that Zion Williamson is the new No. 1 pick and that his Duke teammate R.J. Barrett is "falling."

Falling?

"No, not at all," an NBA director of scouting told me. "He won't go later than 3 or 4. That is not falling."

Said a second NBA executive: "Zion is 1, R.J. 2, but it is still close."

"Everyone I've talked to says Zion is the No. 1 pick," one NBA scout said. "Zion is the better talent. R.J. reminds me a lot of Tatum. He's got a lot of Tatum in his game. He has even more fortitude attacking the basket. He's a little bit more fearless attacking the lane. And Tatum has really blossomed in that area. RJ's going to be a helluva player. And I think RJ's work ethic history is just a little bit longer. He's the conservative pick. RJ's got perimeter game, he'll attack the basket, he has a reputation for being a passer which I think is a little bit overblown.


Spoiler:
"My concern is over the course of 82 games, that's a lot of weight to lug around at that size. If you play 82 games trying to carry that much baggage, it could be a concern going forward. Unless he drops some weight and can learn to keep it off, like [Caleb] Swanigan was. He's not as big as Swanigan was, but I'm using that as an example. That guy lost that weight and learned to keep it off and that body works for him," a scouting director told FloHoops then.

"If that body works for Zion, fine. But he can't be like the normal player who is going to gain weight as he gets older. That's where the concern is. Most guys if they're 280 now, when they're 26 what's he going to be? Most guys if they're 215 now, they're going to be 240 when they're 26."
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#314 » by Spud2nique » Fri Nov 30, 2018 1:59 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
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I had to laugh the other day when I saw an NBA mock draft advertising that Zion Williamson is the new No. 1 pick and that his Duke teammate R.J. Barrett is "falling."

Falling?

"No, not at all," an NBA director of scouting told me. "He won't go later than 3 or 4. That is not falling."

Said a second NBA executive: "Zion is 1, R.J. 2, but it is still close."

"Everyone I've talked to says Zion is the No. 1 pick," one NBA scout said. "Zion is the better talent. R.J. reminds me a lot of Tatum. He's got a lot of Tatum in his game. He has even more fortitude attacking the basket. He's a little bit more fearless attacking the lane. And Tatum has really blossomed in that area. RJ's going to be a helluva player. And I think RJ's work ethic history is just a little bit longer. He's the conservative pick. RJ's got perimeter game, he'll attack the basket, he has a reputation for being a passer which I think is a little bit overblown.


Spoiler:
"My concern is over the course of 82 games, that's a lot of weight to lug around at that size. If you play 82 games trying to carry that much baggage, it could be a concern going forward. Unless he drops some weight and can learn to keep it off, like [Caleb] Swanigan was. He's not as big as Swanigan was, but I'm using that as an example. That guy lost that weight and learned to keep it off and that body works for him," a scouting director told FloHoops then.

"If that body works for Zion, fine. But he can't be like the normal player who is going to gain weight as he gets older. That's where the concern is. Most guys if they're 280 now, when they're 26 what's he going to be? Most guys if they're 215 now, they're going to be 240 when they're 26."


Spellman can do it lol
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#315 » by Jamaaliver » Fri Nov 30, 2018 2:04 pm

A really nice deep dive:

2019 Mock NBA Draft: Who are the 30 best prospects in college basketball?

This will be different than other mocks, mind you. We’re taking a look at where, in a vacuum, a player should be picked.

With that in mind, one of the objectives of this mock will be to take a deeper dive into a handful of the most intriguing prospects in the mock each and every week.


2. CAM REDDISH, Duke

3. R.J. BARRETT, Duke


This may be a bit of a controversial take, as Barrett has been the go-to guy for Duke through the first three weeks of the season while Reddish has been forced into a complimentary role. It’s something of an odd dynamic. Reddish has spent the majority of his basketball playing life as a lead ballhandler, and now he is being asked to play as the floor-spacing jump-shooter on a team with three other stud freshmen that can operate as lead ballhandlers.

What sets Reddish above Barrett for me is that I think Reddish fits seamlessly into the NBA while Barrett projects more as a guy that might have a tough time finding a position. Reddish, at 6-foot-9, is bigger with better physical tools. He’s a much better shooter and scorer in isolation — as the saying goes, he’s got some sh** to his game — and, as I mentioned, he’s played as a primary ball-handler. I can picture exactly what role he’ll play at the next level.

With Barrett, I’m not so sure. He’s not the shooter that Reddish is. He’s “only” 6-foot-7. The intrigue with him is the idea that he can play as a secondary point guard, if not a primary point guard, but he hasn’t shown any consistency with his ability to make reads and correct passes. Barrett is nearly a full year younger than Reddish, and he’s been dominant at every level of basketball to date. I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but I’d rather have the guy I know can shoot, all things considered.
NBC Sports


Spoiler:
14. NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER, Virginia Tech

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a sleeper in NBA draft circles since his senior season in high school ended. He’s an ambidextrous, 6-foot-5 combo-guard that shoots it at nearly 40 percent from three. The cousin of current Clippers point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil has all the tools to be a really effective complimentary piece in an NBA backcourt.

The physical tools are there to guard wings. He’s up to 205 pounds, according to Virginia Tech’s official site, and reportedly has a wingspan of 6-foot-9. He can play off the ball, as evidenced by the fact that, you know, he plays off the ball for the Hokies and is a career 39.3 percent 3-point shooter on more than 175 attempts.

The difference this season, and the reason that he is starting to intrigue NBA teams, is that he’s fulfilling his potential as a lead guard. Last season, less than 10 percent of his offense came in pick-and-rolls, and he averaged all of 0.657 points-per-possession in those actions.

This year, 36.4 percent of his offense has come in ball-screens — a number that jumps to over 44 percent when you factor in passes, according to Synergy — and he checks in at the 96th percentile with 1.278 PPP. He’s averaging 4.2 assists this year, up from 1.5 a season ago.



We’ll need to monitor this as Virginia Tech starts to play better competition, but the early returns are very promising for Alexander-Walker longterm.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#316 » by tbhawksfan1 » Fri Nov 30, 2018 7:23 pm

Cam is perfect with Trae / Heurt and what the Hawks are putting together. I'd like the DAL pick to bring in a C. I am highly intrigued by Bol, But I'm starting to wonder if a more defensive proficient C might be better. Bassy is interesting. D, some O and some passing?

Len is the only young C. We need to add better sooner or later. You guys got any C's to propose?
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#317 » by Jamaaliver » Fri Nov 30, 2018 7:37 pm

tbhawksfan1 wrote:Len is the only young C.

We need to add better sooner or later. You guys got any C's to propose?



A defensive big man to keep in mind with that ever fading Mavericks pick: Arkansas Sophomore Daniel Gafford. He was projected as a potential 1st round selection last summer. He chose to go back to college and is looking all the better for it. At 6'11' and 230+ pounds, he's a rebounding/shot blocking machine who plays an awful lot like Clint Capela...but might end up closer to Bam Adebayo.

Rim-runner extraordinaire

At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Gafford has solid but unspectacular measurements for the center position. However, his leaping ability and explosiveness make up for it. Last season, Arkansas measured his maximum vertical reach and found that only Rudy Gobert, who is 7-2 with a 7-9 wingspan, had higher marks among NBA players.

What that creates is a pick-and-roll weapon unlike nearly any other in college basketball. Last season, all Arkansas guards had to do was throw the ball up toward the basket and Gafford would likely go find it.


Defensive potential

Gafford was more of a positive than negative defensively as a freshman, but there are still a few holes to discuss. But let’s start with the positives.

As a rim protector, Gafford was exceedingly useful. The blocked shots are the action plays, as the 6-11 center swatted away 3.8 per 40 minutes. His block rate of 11.5 percent led the SEC, and midway through the conference season teams started to adjust the way they attacked the Razorbacks around the rim.

His timing is superb when matching a player’s leap with his own, and his ability to rotate over from the weak side is terrific.

One area where there is a small amount of concern is as a defender in space. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that he gives a ton of effort when placed on an island against smaller players. But with his high hips, skinny legs and long strides, smaller guards who can get leverage driving to the basket can blow by him and get penetration. I’d say that right now, he’s probably not quite where he needs to be yet out in space. However, it’s worth noting he knows how to compensate for these issues by using his length and those same long strides to recover and affect shots from behind.

Overall, Gafford should retain his position in the first round. His athleticism and ability to rim run profiles well for the modern NBA.
The Athletic

Spoiler:


Daniel Gafford | Arkansas | Soph | C | 6-11

Gafford lives above the rim and could've probably been a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. But the 6-11 center instead opted to return to Arkansas -- where he got 20 points and 12 rebounds in the season-opener against Texas. He projects as a high-level rim-protector in the NBA who will make a living dunking everything.
CBS Sports

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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#318 » by atlantabbq99 » Sat Dec 1, 2018 12:13 am

Jamaaliver wrote:
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I had to laugh the other day when I saw an NBA mock draft advertising that Zion Williamson is the new No. 1 pick and that his Duke teammate R.J. Barrett is "falling."

Falling?

"No, not at all," an NBA director of scouting told me. "He won't go later than 3 or 4. That is not falling."

Said a second NBA executive: "Zion is 1, R.J. 2, but it is still close."

"Everyone I've talked to says Zion is the No. 1 pick," one NBA scout said. "Zion is the better talent. R.J. reminds me a lot of Tatum. He's got a lot of Tatum in his game. He has even more fortitude attacking the basket. He's a little bit more fearless attacking the lane. And Tatum has really blossomed in that area. RJ's going to be a helluva player. And I think RJ's work ethic history is just a little bit longer. He's the conservative pick. RJ's got perimeter game, he'll attack the basket, he has a reputation for being a passer which I think is a little bit overblown.


Spoiler:
"My concern is over the course of 82 games, that's a lot of weight to lug around at that size. If you play 82 games trying to carry that much baggage, it could be a concern going forward. Unless he drops some weight and can learn to keep it off, like [Caleb] Swanigan was. He's not as big as Swanigan was, but I'm using that as an example. That guy lost that weight and learned to keep it off and that body works for him," a scouting director told FloHoops then.

"If that body works for Zion, fine. But he can't be like the normal player who is going to gain weight as he gets older. That's where the concern is. Most guys if they're 280 now, when they're 26 what's he going to be? Most guys if they're 215 now, they're going to be 240 when they're 26."



Tatum can hit 90% from the free throw line in college. Barrett is currently hitting 59% from the free throw line with other poor to sub par shooting numbers in other areas.

Barrett is more similar to Justise Winslow, except that Barrett just jacks up more shots per game than Winslow (Winslow averaged 8 shots per game, while Barrett averages 22 shots per game).
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Geaux_Hawks
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#319 » by Geaux_Hawks » Sat Dec 1, 2018 10:28 am

Jamaaliver wrote:
tbhawksfan1 wrote:Len is the only young C.

We need to add better sooner or later. You guys got any C's to propose?



A defensive big man to keep in mind with that ever fading Mavericks pick: Arkansas Sophomore Daniel Gafford. He was projected as a potential 1st round selection last summer. He chose to go back to college and is looking all the better for it. At 6'11' and 230+ pounds, he's a rebounding/shot blocking machine who plays an awful lot like Clint Capela...but might end up closer to Bam Adebayo.

Rim-runner extraordinaire

At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Gafford has solid but unspectacular measurements for the center position. However, his leaping ability and explosiveness make up for it. Last season, Arkansas measured his maximum vertical reach and found that only Rudy Gobert, who is 7-2 with a 7-9 wingspan, had higher marks among NBA players.

What that creates is a pick-and-roll weapon unlike nearly any other in college basketball. Last season, all Arkansas guards had to do was throw the ball up toward the basket and Gafford would likely go find it.


Defensive potential

Gafford was more of a positive than negative defensively as a freshman, but there are still a few holes to discuss. But let’s start with the positives.

As a rim protector, Gafford was exceedingly useful. The blocked shots are the action plays, as the 6-11 center swatted away 3.8 per 40 minutes. His block rate of 11.5 percent led the SEC, and midway through the conference season teams started to adjust the way they attacked the Razorbacks around the rim.

His timing is superb when matching a player’s leap with his own, and his ability to rotate over from the weak side is terrific.

One area where there is a small amount of concern is as a defender in space. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that he gives a ton of effort when placed on an island against smaller players. But with his high hips, skinny legs and long strides, smaller guards who can get leverage driving to the basket can blow by him and get penetration. I’d say that right now, he’s probably not quite where he needs to be yet out in space. However, it’s worth noting he knows how to compensate for these issues by using his length and those same long strides to recover and affect shots from behind.

Overall, Gafford should retain his position in the first round. His athleticism and ability to rim run profiles well for the modern NBA.
The Athletic

Spoiler:


Daniel Gafford | Arkansas | Soph | C | 6-11

Gafford lives above the rim and could've probably been a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. But the 6-11 center instead opted to return to Arkansas -- where he got 20 points and 12 rebounds in the season-opener against Texas. He projects as a high-level rim-protector in the NBA who will make a living dunking everything.
CBS Sports



I've kinda soured on Bol after watching him closer. Gaffird has been my go to guy with that Dallas pick now. This write-up explains it all.
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Re: 2019 NBA Draft Prep 

Post#320 » by Geaux_Hawks » Sat Dec 1, 2018 10:44 am

Looking at the Duke frosh, I like Reddish the most. Zion is pure entertainment, and would be more marketable while still being a good player. Barrett....well Idk. I'm disappointed.

Cam though isn't able to really show his worth and will need a good eye to evaluate him and see he's actually better than what's being showcased.

He's got such a natural, pretty stroke, and has the ability to finish well around the rim. May be the lesser athlete, but he's got enough bounce to suffice. There's a lot more to like about Cam that some are concerned about, but this may be the year where picking 3rd may end up more of a gift than a curse.

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