2019 NBA Draft Prep

atlantabbq99 · Post #321 » by **atlantabbq99** » Sun Dec 2, 2018 7:59 am

I'm not a big fan of Vick, but the number he is putting up this season have just been mind blowing.

atlantabbq99 · Post #322 » by **atlantabbq99** » Sun Dec 2, 2018 8:05 am

Geaux_Hawks wrote: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.

+100

I stated before the season started that Red was my #1 prospect going into 2018-2019. I still have him as #1. I've stated several times and very early on that he is a 6'9 Durant.

I wasn't high on Zion at the start of the season, but he has moved up on my board a little bit. If I'm the GM, i would still take Red at #1, but if Travis ends up taking Zion over Red, i wouldn't be upset either. Zion's transcendental hype would help the city of Atlanta, and their are Charles Barkley type of elements in Zion's game.

Post #323 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Dec 3, 2018 3:01 pm

From Bleacher Report -- A couple of guys to consider with the Dallas Pick.

NBA Draft Prospects Shooting Up Scouts' Boards

Luguentz Dort | Arizona State PG/SG | Freshman

Current draft projection: First round

Preseason B/R Ranking: Outside top 50

Key per-game stats: 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 43.7 percent FG, 34.5 percent 3PT

Luguentz Dort played in Canada last year; He's come out firing at Arizona State, drawing attention for his mix of athleticism and standout physical strength, as well as his unique production across the board.

Adding finesse to his game must become a priority (17-of-36 at the rim), but at 6'4", 215 pounds, he enjoys initiating contact and shows a willingness to play through it.

He finished with 33 points last week against Utah State, marking the second time in four games he had 10 made field goals. Dort puts pressure on defenses with his handle, his change of speed and his power. He's already totaled 44 points as a pick-and-roll scorer.

He's also off to a promising start from outside. He's converted at least two threes in four of six games, including five off the dribble. It's worth mentioning, however, he's shooting 65.4 percent from the line, so scouts will presumably be closely monitoring his jump-shot results and development.

Otherwise, his tools and foot speed point to defensive potential and the versatility to guard both guard spots, but he'll need to improve on his discipline and team concepts.

Dort lacks polish at both ends—he often plows into traffic, and he lost track of his man on multiple occasions against Utah State. But he's coupled his NBA body and explosion with early, successful flashes of shot-making, driving and passing.

The 19-year-old combo guard figures to emerge as a first-round name across the league.

Jarrett Culver | Texas Tech SG | Sophomore

Current draft projection: Top 20

Preseason B/R Ranking: No. 16

Key per-game stats: 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 54.1 percent FG, 50.0 percent 3PT

The departures of Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith helped set up Jarrett Culver, who's capitalizing as Texas Tech's new top option.

He made scouting watch lists last year by standing out with 6'5" size, length and a smooth shooting stroke. This year, he's expanded his offense and improved his strengths.

Culver has already generated 31 points as a pick-and-roll ball-handler after totaling 28 his entire freshman season. He's made six of nine shots out of isolation (7-of-31 last year) and is looking sharper creating his own shot and hitting pull-ups and step-back jumpers. And he's practically doubled his assist rate to 27.2 percent from 13.7 percent, showing more playmaking and vision off the dribble.

Culver continues to shoot the three with convincing comfort, making 10 of his first 20 attempts.

His defensive tools and his shooting create a promising foundation, but his blossoming offensive-skill package could propel him into 2019's lottery.

Last week's second-half takeover in a 70-52 win against Nebraska could be the first of many throughout the season.

Spoiler:

Spud2nique · Post #324 » by **Spud2nique** » Mon Dec 3, 2018 8:47 pm

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2808707-6-nba-teams-in-desperate-need-of-zion-williamson?share=other#slide6

Spud2nique · Post #325 » by **Spud2nique** » Mon Dec 3, 2018 8:47 pm

Spud2nique wrote:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2808707-6-nba-teams-in-desperate-need-of-zion-williamson?share=other#slide6

Prince Zion Collins yes please!

Post #326 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Dec 4, 2018 1:26 pm

A nice write-up from Cleveland.com with lots of links and video.

2019 NBA lottery mock draft 1.0

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-16): R.J. Barrett, guard/forward, Duke

Height, weight: 6-foot-7, 200 pounds

Stats per game: 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 42.0 field-goal percentage, 33.3 3-point percentage

Watch on YouTube

Whereas Williamson has the unbelievable athleticism and the unique frame, Barrett is more of the prototype of the player that can succeed in this NBA.

The left-handed wing player has the frame of the textbook 3-and-D player. But he has more than enough talent to be a top option.

So far, however, he has taken way more shots than his teammates. He's attempted 143 shots in seven games. No other Blue Devil has more than 90. Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer wrote that Barrett needs to be more of a team player than what he's been thus far.

But the Cavs are in desperate need of talent, especially at the wing. They failed to do that the first time LeBron James left after 2010. There's too much wing talent to neglect it this time around.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Atlanta Hawks (5-17): Cam Reddish, forward, Duke

Height, weight: 6-foot-8, 218 pounds

Stats per game: 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 40.7 field-goal percentage, 43.1 3-point percentage

Watch on YouTube

The last of the Duke trio to go in my first mock draft, Reddish has had to sacrifice the most from a stats perspective. He's taken and made fewer shots than either Barrett or Williamson.

But he's shown he is an outstanding 3-point shooter with playmaking ability. And he has a 7-foot wingspan, he has the tools to be a good defender.

That will fit in well with Atlanta and general manager Travis Schlenk, who used to work for Golden State. The Hawks drafted Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, who are known for their shooting, last summer. Reddish would fit right in and give the Hawks another perimeter playmaker.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Boston Celtics via Sacramento Kings (10-10): De'Andre Hunter, forward, Virginia

Height, weight: 6-foot-7, 225 pounds

Stats per game: 16.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 58.7 field-goal percentage, 44.4 3-point percentage

13. New Orleans Pelicans (11-11): Jarrett Culver, guard, Texas Tech

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 195 pounds

Stats per game: 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 54.1 field-goal percentage, 50.0 3-point percentage

Watch on YouTube

Culver is a very skilled shooter, as observed by Kevin Daniels of NortheastScoutingReport.com. But he's also shown an increased ability as a playmaker, as evidenced by his 4.3 assists per game.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (11-11): Rui Hachimura, forward, Gonzaga

Height, weight: 6-foot-8, 230 pounds

Stats per game: 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 60.0 field-goal percentage, 50.0 3-point percentage

Hachimura has elevated his game to another level as a junior at Gonzaga. And it continues the rapid growth he's had.

He scored just 2.6 points per game as a freshman, before going up to 11.6 last season. All the while, he has stayed efficient from the floor as his number of shot attempts have gone up. Rafael Uehara of RealGM.com looked at Hachimura as a prospect, noting his post game as one of his strengths.

Hachimura has one of the most unique stories in the draft, moving to America from Japan.

Jeremy Fuchs of Sports Illustrated described Hachimura's journey.

Post #327 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Dec 4, 2018 2:47 pm

The way too early 2019 Celtics draft guide (part 1)

Boston could have as many as four picks in the first round this year, here’s how they should navigate it.

Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga)

Hachimura isn’t much of a secret anymore. The Japanese native has gotten tons of NBA love recently as he’s showcased an ability to rebound well, grab and go, attack the rim, and defend across the perimeter which at 6’8, 234 lbs with good reach is going to attract a lot of NBA eyes. He’s still raw as a shooter, his technique defensively is raw and sometimes he allows his ball hawking ability to get in the way of playing solid weak side defense. He’ll be 21 by the time he gets drafted which makes him a bit old for a rookie, but as an international prospect who hasn’t been playing the game for that long it’s not as much of an indictment on him as it is for more domestic products. With all that being said, his progression this year will most likely dictate how high or low he is on the lottery spectrum.

Jontay Porter (Missouri)

You won’t hear this name very often since he tore his ACL before the season but prior to that Porter was on the bubble as a lottery guy. His IQ showcased well on both ends where he was able to be a force in the post defensively and gave some glimpses as a guy who could survive on the perimeter and offensively he showed an ability to shoot off the move and create for others out of the post. The issue with Porter is that he came into last year’s combine extremely out of shape and with questions about his overall athleticism looming into this year, an ACL injury does not put him on track to answer for his biggest criticism.

Sekou Doumbouya (Limoges)

Doumbouya is better in theory than reality at this moment but the 18-year old international prospect is just oozing with potential. At 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan Doumbouya has shown elite athleticism for his size and has already shown grab and go potential with some flashes as a face up scorer. Defensively, he has the lateral quickness and anticipation to in theory be a 1-5 defender who can protect the rim. However, Doumbouya has an inconsistent jumpshot though the mechanics are good, his ball-handling is still super loose, and he can rely too much on his athletic gifts defensively which leads to bad lapses of losing his man. He has the foundation to become a scary 6’8 Forward in the Pascal Siakam mold, but as of now he’s still very much a project and could make for a nice draft and stash option.

Boston -- SB Nation

Post #328 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Dec 4, 2018 4:20 pm

Read on Twitter

1. Phoenix Suns – Zion Williamson, 6-7, 285, F, Fr., Duke

We haven’t really seen anyone with this blend of size, strength and athleticism – except for maybe LeBron James. No, I’m not comparing Zion to LeBron – because of LeBron’s court vision and ability to consistently make those around him better. But Williamson is a freak athlete – no, the freak athlete – who has developed his skill level.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers – R.J. Barrett, 6-7, 205, SG-SF, Fr., Duke

Barrett is the prototypical multi-dimensional wing. He can handle the ball, get to the basket and absorb contact and finish. He’s also a more-than-capable defender, rebounds well for his position and is an improved perimeter shooter.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Cam Reddish, 6-8, 210, SG-SF, Fr., Duke

Let’s make it the trifecta for the boys from Durham, going 1-2-3 in the draft. Reddish is extremely long and versatile. He has the ability to handle the ball, distribute and also shoot it. The knock is consistency, but Reddish has all the tools, maybe even more than his Duke teammates.

5. New York Knicks – De’Andre Hunter, 6-8, 225, F, RS Soph., Virginia

Hunter is a multi-dimensional forward with a blend of skill and athleticism. He can shoot it from deep, can put it on the floor and also score around the basket. Hunter can also play multiple positions and will also be able to defend multiple spots as well.

Spoiler:

6. Brooklyn Nets – Nassir Little, 6-6, 210, SF, Fr., North Carolina

He’s struggling thus far, but he has the size and athleticism, and also boasts the ability to make enough shots, get to the rim and defend at a high level. It may take some time for Little to truly emerge in Chapel Hill, but the NBA guys love his potential.

7. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento) – Rui Hachimura, 6-8 1/2, 230, F, Jr., Gonzaga

When he came from Japan, he barely played as a freshman. Last season he became more of a factor and this season he’s become the ‘Zags go-to guy on a team with no shortage of talent. Hachimura is strong, athletic and NBA guys love his potential.
(Sacramento’s pick will go to Philadelphia if it’s No. 1; will go to Boston otherwise.)

9. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas) – Sekou Doumbouya, 6-9, 215, F, France

The versatile and athletic forward, who moved to France from Guinea when he was young, is playing in the first French division this year. He’s got the size and is both smooth and an explosive athlete. He’s still raw – he didn’t start playing basketball until he was 12. Doumbouya will turn 19 in December.
(This pick is top-five protected. If the selection isn’t in the top five, it goes to Atlanta as part of the draft day deal last June in which Atlanta and Dallas swapped picks, the Mavs moving from five to three to take Luka Doncic.)

10. Washington Wizards – Romeo Langford, 6-6, 200, SG, Fr., Indiana

NBA execs are torn on the wing who won Mr. Basketball and also scored a boatload of points in high school at New Albany High. He’s not considered an elite shooter, but he has the size and knows how to put the ball in the basket.

11. Miami Heat – Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 6-5 ½, 200, SG, Soph., Virginia Tech

The Canadian has been on the NBA’s radar for a while now due to his length, athleticism, ability to make shots from long range and also his ability to make his teammates better. Alexander-Walker has a well-rounded game that should get him into the lottery.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves – Daniel Gafford, 6-10, 230, C, Soph., Arkansas

Will be the focal point of Arkansas’ offense this season after being more of a supporting guy a year ago as a freshman. Gafford has a nice combination of length, skill and athleticism. He’s a big man who can run the court, control the glass and alter shots.

15. New Orleans Pelicans – Keldon Johnson, 6-6, 210, SF, Fr., Kentucky

A tough, hard-nosed, athletic wing who does most of his scoring driving to the basket and from the mid-range. He’s also a quality defender who should continue to improve his perimeter shot.

16. San Antonio Spurs – Jarrett Culver, 6-5, 190, SG, Soph., Texas Tech

The NBA loves versatility these days, and that’s what Culver will bring to the table. He can shoot it from deep, is able to handle and pass, is long and athletic and can also drive to the basket and finish.

22. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets) – Jontay Porter, 6-11, 235, PF/C, Soph., Missouri

Michael Porter’s younger brother nearly left for the NBA last offseason, and the skilled forward suffered a season-ending knee injury prior to the start of this season. However, his game isn’t predicated on athleticism. He’s a big skilled forward who can stretch the floor, rebound and also passes it extremely well for a big man.
(Denver pick is Top 12-protected. Otherwise, it goes to Brooklyn)

Post #329 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 1:35 pm

Read on Twitter

Med Hawk · Post #330 » by **Med Hawk** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 2:56 pm

You should write down the name Ignas Brazdeikis. Travis Schlenk is going to be all over that guy.

Post #331 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 3:02 pm

Med Hawk wrote:You should write down the name Ignas Brazdeikis. Travis Schlenk is going to be all over that guy.

I appreciate bold predictions. Noted.

IGNAS BRAZDEIKIS, Michigan

Key stats: 16.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 60.9 eFG%

In terms of total entertainment and competitive value among all freshman, I'd be hard-pressed to find any ahead of Brazdeikis on this list. He's been an unexpected revelation for Michigan, leading the Wolverines in scoring all while playing only 27.5 minutes per game. His ability score it at every level and his overall impact for a team that finished runner-up in the national championship race last season has been astounding.

CBS Sports

Born: January 8, 1999 (age 19 years), Kaunas, Lithuania
Height: 6′ 7″
Listed weight: 220 lbs
College: Michigan Wolverines men's basketball (2018–)
Position: Forward
Number: 13

Spoiler:

Med Hawk · Post #332 » by **Med Hawk** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 4:13 pm

Brazdeikis has the three level scoring ability/shooting ability that Travis Schlenk loves, and he has the defensive chops the Hawks need on the wing. He will not go as high some some of the more hyped players, but he will likely be a better player long term.

kg01 · Post #333 » by **kg01** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 4:19 pm

Med Hawk wrote:Brazdeikis has the three level scoring ability/shooting ability that Travis Schlenk loves, and he has the defensive chops the Hawks need on the wing. He will not go as high some some of the more hyped players, but he will likely be a better player long term.

I think it would be ignant to ignore Ignas.

I'm not proud of it but it had to be done. - Heh, that sounds like the motto for someone's life.

Post #334 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 4:22 pm

Med Hawk wrote:Brazdeikis has the three level scoring ability/shooting ability that Travis Schlenk loves, and he has the defensive chops the Hawks need on the wing. He will not go as high some some of the more hyped players, but he will likely be a better player long term.

How likely is he to even come out this draft?

I suspect he might pull a Mo Wagner and stay at Michigan another year at least...

Post #335 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 6:08 pm

2019 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Early Breakout Stars Rise in Latest Rankings

2. R.J. Barrett, G/F, Duke | Freshman

Height: 6'7" | Weight: 210 | Age: 18| Last Rank: 2

Barrett has come under some scrutiny early in the season after a series of high-scoring but often inefficient showings. He remains a high-quality prospect and likely top-three pick, but the somewhere along the way the off-season hype jumped the shark a little bit. Right now, it’s not that he’s taking too many shots—based on the talent around him, Duke needs him to shoulder the load—but that he could be much more selective and make a better effort to get teammates involved. There’s no real reason to think he can’t make an adjustment. Barrett is most effective with a head of steam going toward the basket, utilizing a variety of finishes and understanding the importance of drawing contact. His biggest area of improvement is his three-point shot, which is often streaky. His competitive makeup and room for growth as an all-around wing player bode well long-term.

3. Cameron Reddish, G/F, Duke | Freshman

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19| Last Rank: 3

There has always been a case for Reddish as Duke’s most talented player, and NBA scouts have been intrigued by his strengths, but true to reputation, he remains an inconsistent performer. This team situation sometimes caters to his tendencies, as he has been content to play off of Barrett and Williamson and shoot threes. As a product of his role, Reddish hasn’t shown as much of the playmaking skills that make him so intriguing. He possesses great upside nonetheless, and as Duke’s team evolves, it will be curious to see how his performances ebb and flow. All things considered, it’s a long season, and just because we haven’t seen him truly break out yet, that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. His size and skill set will make him an intriguing building block for somebody.

SI.com

Spoiler:

5. Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana | Freshman

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 215 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 8

Langford has more or less held up his end of the bargain to start his college career, putting together a fairly consistent string of performances and leading Indiana in scoring. His inconsistent three-point shooting is a blemish, but he’s skilled, smooth, plays with intelligence and has been pretty solid defensively. What his actual upside is sort of hinges on his jumper, but Langford’s shot-creation ability, size and feel create some level of floor. If he can carry the Hoosiers through conference play, it’ll help his case.

7. Keldon Johnson, G/F, Kentucky | Freshman

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 210 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 5

As expected, Johnson has been one of Kentucky’s most consistent performers during a somewhat uneven start to the season and leads the team in minutes played. It speaks to his impressive makeup and energy, and a well-rounded game. Johnson is a capable scorer at all three levels, though his three-point shooting stands to improve. His ability to shoulder an offense may be slightly capped by the fact his frame has already filled out, and that he relies more on strength than skill at times. He remains an attractive, high-floor prospect.

8. Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga | Junior

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 230 | Age: 20 | Last Rank: 9

Hachimura’s much-anticipated breakout is upon us, and spurring Gonzaga’s undefeated first month and putting him in the early National Player of the Year conversation. He has been efficient, consistent, and shown off an improving inside-out game that has helped him take advantage of his physical mismatch. Hachimura already has an NBA body, and profiles as a versatile four-man with promise to space the floor, rebound and create offense. Scouts love his tools, and he’s inarguably trending up at this early juncture.

13. De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia | Sophomore

Height: 6’7” | Weight: 225 | Age: 21 | Last Rank: 10

Hunter has delivered efficient offensive production and added punch to Virginia’s offense playing as a full-time starter, a promising development. Noting his strength, agility and defensive versatility, his growth into a consistent jump shooter is promising. At worst, it seems he’ll have a chance to be a quality role player. His lack of facility creating off the dribble makes it hard to envision great upside—he will need to play off others, and at present may lack a consistent, translatable way to generate offense at the next level. Still, Hunter does so many things well on both ends that he’ll likely warrant a pick in this range, given the market for versatile wings.

14. Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas | Sophomore

Height: 6'11" | Weight: 235 | Age: 20 | Last Rank: 11

Possessing a great mix of size, mobility and instincts, Gafford has been productive to start the season and has played up to billing. He fits neatly into the basic responsibilities asked of modern centers: he dunks and finishes around the basket, works hard on both sides of the glass, covers ground and blocks shots, and won’t need heavy post-up touches to be effective. Though his lack of a jump shot hurts, Gafford’s NBA tools and ability to play uptempo lend themselves to easy role projection.

27. Ignas Brazdeikis, F, Michigan | Freshman

Height: 6’7” | Weight: 215 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: NR

As has been widely noted, Brazdeikis turns 20 in January and is only technically a freshman, after doing a prep year in Canada. The good news is, it doesn’t really matter. Brazdeikis has been Michigan’s most consistent scorer and impressed with his ability to hunt shots off the ball. He can shoot it from outside or face up and attack the basket, and profiles as a useful offensive-minded role guy in the pros. His competitiveness and feel stand out, The big question with him is perimeter defense, as he will probably need to be parked on fours in the NBA. Regardless, if the Wolverines continue to play this well, Brazdeikis won’t have to stick around long.

Med Hawk · Post #336 » by **Med Hawk** » Wed Dec 5, 2018 6:29 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
Med Hawk wrote:Brazdeikis has the three level scoring ability/shooting ability that Travis Schlenk loves, and he has the defensive chops the Hawks need on the wing. He will not go as high some some of the more hyped players, but he will likely be a better player long term.

How likely is he to even come out this draft?

I suspect he might pull a Mo Wagner and stay at Michigan another year at least...

Maybe. He's definitely a guy to watch.

Post #337 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 6, 2018 1:00 pm

Read on Twitter

Post #338 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 6, 2018 1:07 pm

This kid is still #1 on my big board. Zion has a chance to be really good in the pros, but RJ Barrett is a sure fire stud in the league. Unlikely to ever be an MVP, but undoubtedly a future ALL star at SG/SF.

I stated previously he had some Tracy McGrady to his game. But I can also see some prime Iguodala in his future. The strength, the defense, the playmaking.

Read on Twitter

Spoiler:

Post #339 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 6, 2018 2:11 pm

Prospects to consider with the Mavs pick (via Sixers Fansided):

Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Guard | Sophomore | Virginia Tech

After an up-and-down freshman season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is off to a strong start for a dangerous Virginia Tech team. He’s the perfect complementary guard at the next level, drilling spot-up jumpers, attacking closeouts and possessing ample defensive upside.

Listed at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Alexander-Walker has great length for his position. He can handle either guard spot defensively and use his length to disrupt passing lanes. Through seven games, the sophomore is averaging 2.3 steals per contest.

Now a career 39.8 percent three-point shooter on healthy volume, Alexander-Walker boasts promising mechanics that should translate to the next level. Add in the occasional play-making foray, and he’s an excellent 3-and-D combo guard for the modern NBA.

Jalen McDaniels | Big | Sophomore | San Diego State

A unique prospect at 6-foot-10, Jalen McDaniels has considerable upside on both ends. He should find his niche as a small-ball four at the next level, using his quickness to face up and attack slower bigs.

While not an elite shooter, McDaniels does have range with fairly sound mechanics. He’s most comfortable from mid-range, but that can be expanded upon with time. He’s also effective off the ball, moving around the court, setting screens and either slipping to the rim or popping for three.

On the defensive end, McDaniels needs to bulk up and add strength. His mobility and length should allow him to defend two or three positions, though, which has obvious value in the modern NBA. McDaniels is firmly in the first-round discussion and rising.

Jontay Porter | Big | Sophomore | Missouri

After a strong freshman campaign, Jontay Porter will miss the entire season with a torn ACL and MCL. It’s an unfortunate turn for someone with lottery potential, but the brother of Michael Porter Jr. should still garner NBA interest down the line.

While not an elite athlete, Porter is supremely skilled for his size. He’s an apt three-point shooter, above-average passer and someone who fits the jack-of-all-trades mold at the five spot. The defensive concerns are valid, but Porter does the little things needed to make an offense tick.

Conditioning will almost be a swing skill of sorts for Porter, as it was a serious question mark before the knee injury. He needs to improve his ability to defend in space, and serious knee injuries don’t always promote lateral quickness. NBA teams will need to get a good sense of his medical situation.

Jarrett Culver | Wing | Sophomore | Texas Tech

After starring alongside Keenan Allen and freshman phenom Zhaire Smith last season, Jarrett Culver is breaking out in year two. He fits the NBA mold perfectly, from his long arms and active defense to his quick three-point trigger.

While his mechanics are unconventional, Culver is now a career 39.3 percent shooter from deep. He gets it off quickly, doesn’t need a huge window of space, and tends to project ample confidence out to NBA range.

In addition to his shooting, Culver can attack in straight-line drives and use his length to finish around the rim. Add in a strong defensive projection, and it’s reasonable to expect some lottery or mid-first round hype come June. Culver is what NBA teams are looking for on the wing.

Post #340 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 6, 2018 2:16 pm

^I'm falling hard for Jarrett Culver. If we miss out on the Duke trio, I'm at the point where I'd trade back a few spots and just take him in later the top-10. :love:

He reminds me a bit of Bradley Beal...but is a better facilitator.
(I've even heard comps to Brandon Roy.)

For those who aren’t familiar, Culver is a 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8 skinny guard with legit B- to A- level skills across the board (dribbling including basic change of direction moves, ability to win off the dribble, passing, rebounding, individual defense, team defense, creating events, off the catch jump shot, off the dribble jump shot, decision making, etc…)

Now I have no clue just how big Culver is right now. It’s only an educated guess, and I’m only 80-85 percent sure he’s taller this year than he was last. But if I’m right, there’s a legitimate chance we are misevaluating Culver, because there’s a legitimate chance he ends up the size of a big wing or a power player

Culver’s currently averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 3 turnovers per 40 with a roughly 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio while shooting 54 percent from 2, 46 percent from 3, having an incredibly large number of his opportunities being of the self created variety. Also it should be mentioned he had even better defensive numbers as a freshman when he wasn’t relied upon to be the offense (this is important). Any supposedly reputable draft site that doesn’t currently have Culver in its top 20 should be embarrassed for itself.

The Stepien

What direction should Hawks go with their lottery picks?