2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

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If after three months of college basketball it feels like this draft is just Zion Williamson and everyone else… that’s not entirely off-base.

5.Atlanta Hawks: Nassir Little, F, North Carolina

Height: 6’6” | Weight: 220 | Freshman

This is the juncture in the draft where assessing value starts to get tricky, as most of the guys on the board come with serious question marks and teams fit comes into play more heavily when it comes to determining who the best prospect available might be. Little’s strength, shooting potential and ability to score going downhill are all attractive traits, but there are some evaluators with real concerns about his overall feel for the game, although the fit at UNC has been subpar. Little needs to improve his off-dribble game and learn to impact games within the flow of the offense much more consistently. He might project best as more of a switchable combo forward than as a pure wing player. Little makes sense for the rebuilding Hawks, who could try and maximize his effectiveness next to two quality backcourt passers in Trae Young and Kevin Huerter.


7. Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 195 | Sophomore

Based on Memphis’ current trajectory and considering the possibility one or both of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are traded, their Top-8 protected first may not end up conveying to Boston this season. The Grizzlies could use help on the wing, Culver has been outstanding running the show for Texas Tech, and is generally seen as a prospect with a higher floor, if not a star ceiling. Though he’s not an elite athlete or pull-up shooter, Culver’s feel for decision-making and scoring ability have progressed, and he’s handled a great deal of responsibility this season for a winning team. With Jaren Jackson in the fold, Memphis doesn’t need to take a huge risk here, and will get a player who should be able to contribute useful minutes as a rookie.


10. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

Height: 6’11” | Weight: 220 | Freshman

Ja Morant will stand as the biggest riser of this draft cycle, and Hayes comes in behind him as another lottery-type prospect who emerged from semi-obscurity. He is inarguably raw, but has a chance to be the first center drafted based on his defensive impact, rim-running potential, and plus physical profile. This year’s group of first-round caliber big men is not particularly eye-popping, and when weighing upside and need, Hayes stands out among that pack. He’s a longer-term project, particularly on the offensive end but if you can afford to wait—and the Hawks certainly can—he might evolve into the sort of interior backbone a winning team can build around. Hayes would be a strong fit next to John Collins, and a fit with Atlanta’s preferred style.

[Jamaaliver]

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SI cites RJ's tunnel-vision, decision-making, efficiency issues as the reason for his slide out of the #2 spot.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I'm officially starting a new bandwagon. Feel free to join me.

Both of our 2019 1st round picks are now on the trading block.

The price for either is conditional on what team is inquiring, according to their current outlook and likelihood of 2020 success.

This draft is chock-full of good-not-great shooting guards and smaller small forwards. We have a couple of those already.

More importantly, I'm just not at all persuaded that there is a future 1st or 2nd team All-NBA player to be found.

It's unfortunate. But it is what it is. Punt, and live to fight another day, hopefully another day in June 2020. Meanwhile, keep developing what you've got.

[jayu70]

Yeaahhh....I'm not getting on that bandwagon.
Hawks are still rebuilding and need talent to groom and develop alongside Trae and John.

I'm sure we can find a center to develop.

What are you proposing we do with the picks?

[Jamaaliver]

Growing consensus on 2020 draft:

The 2020 draft looks particularly weak

You start to get a sense of the strength of a draft class well before the players in it graduate high school. For as long as the age limit is in existence, every draft will largely be defined by the quality of the incoming freshmen class.

This is an early projection, and ultimately just one man’s opinion, but the 2020 draft currently doesn’t appear to have the type of star power we’ve seen the last few years.

Don’t get me wrong: this group has some real talent. But for now, there is no one on the level of Deandre Ayton, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, Williamson, or some of the other standout one-and-dones who have entered the league in recent years... if you’re looking for a franchise cornerstone through the draft, getting a top pick in the 2019 draft seems like the best way to do it. Even at reduced odds, it’s wise to get the math in your favor before it’s too late.

SB Nation

[jayu70]

Yeaahhh....I'm not getting on that bandwagon.
Hawks are still rebuilding and need talent to groom and develop alongside Trae and John.

I'm sure we can find a center to develop.

What are you proposing we do with the picks?

[Spud2nique]

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If after three months of college basketball it feels like this draft is just Zion Williamson and everyone else… that’s not entirely off-base.

5.Atlanta Hawks: Nassir Little, F, North Carolina

Height: 6’6” | Weight: 220 | Freshman

This is the juncture in the draft where assessing value starts to get tricky, as most of the guys on the board come with serious question marks and teams fit comes into play more heavily when it comes to determining who the best prospect available might be. Little’s strength, shooting potential and ability to score going downhill are all attractive traits, but there are some evaluators with real concerns about his overall feel for the game, although the fit at UNC has been subpar. Little needs to improve his off-dribble game and learn to impact games within the flow of the offense much more consistently. He might project best as more of a switchable combo forward than as a pure wing player. Little makes sense for the rebuilding Hawks, who could try and maximize his effectiveness next to two quality backcourt passers in Trae Young and Kevin Huerter.


7. Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 195 | Sophomore

Based on Memphis’ current trajectory and considering the possibility one or both of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are traded, their Top-8 protected first may not end up conveying to Boston this season. The Grizzlies could use help on the wing, Culver has been outstanding running the show for Texas Tech, and is generally seen as a prospect with a higher floor, if not a star ceiling. Though he’s not an elite athlete or pull-up shooter, Culver’s feel for decision-making and scoring ability have progressed, and he’s handled a great deal of responsibility this season for a winning team. With Jaren Jackson in the fold, Memphis doesn’t need to take a huge risk here, and will get a player who should be able to contribute useful minutes as a rookie.


10. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

Height: 6’11” | Weight: 220 | Freshman

Ja Morant will stand as the biggest riser of this draft cycle, and Hayes comes in behind him as another lottery-type prospect who emerged from semi-obscurity. He is inarguably raw, but has a chance to be the first center drafted based on his defensive impact, rim-running potential, and plus physical profile. This year’s group of first-round caliber big men is not particularly eye-popping, and when weighing upside and need, Hayes stands out among that pack. He’s a longer-term project, particularly on the offensive end but if you can afford to wait—and the Hawks certainly can—he might evolve into the sort of interior backbone a winning team can build around. Hayes would be a strong fit next to John Collins, and a fit with Atlanta’s preferred style.

Absolute worst scenario for me. Little and Hayes aren’t the guys for us. One is inconsistent and the other has big hands and would clog our run n gun.

[Jamaaliver]

If after three months of college basketball it feels like this draft is just Zion Williamson and everyone else… that’s not entirely off-base.

5.Atlanta Hawks: Nassir Little, F, North Carolina


10. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

Absolute worst scenario for me. Little and Hayes aren’t the guys for us. One is inconsistent and the other has big hands and would clog our run n gun.

I also wouldn't be overly excited by that collection. I get what SI is going for...adding athletic defenders along side our offensive weapons.

But i think we need another creator and a two way player with what might be our last lottery picks for a while.

[jayu70]

Absolute worst scenario for me. Little and Hayes aren’t the guys for us. One is inconsistent and the other has big hands and would clog our run n gun.

I also wouldn't be overly excited by that collection. I get what SI is going for...adding athletic defenders along side our offensive weapons.

But i think we need another creator and a two way player with what might be our last lottery picks for a while.

Yes we do.

[Spud2nique]

I also wouldn't be overly excited by that collection. I get what SI is going for...adding athletic defenders along side our offensive weapons.

But i think we need another creator and a two way player with what might be our last lottery picks for a while.

Yes we do.

But we have Baze..

I know you missed him Bird. He even gave you a little chicken coop flying crazy on a group tip rebound last night.

[jayu70]

I also wouldn't be overly excited by that collection. I get what SI is going for...adding athletic defenders along side our offensive weapons.

But i think we need another creator and a two way player with what might be our last lottery picks for a while.

Yes we do.

But we have Baze..

I know you missed him Bird. He even gave you a little chicken coop flying crazy on a group tip rebound last night.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

(Pardon the observation.)

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Yeaahhh....I'm not getting on that bandwagon.
Hawks are still rebuilding and need talent to groom and develop alongside Trae and John.

I'm sure we can find a center to develop.

What are you proposing we do with the picks?

It's rare that this happens. We all seemingly agree, and then so does the GM based on his public comments, that what the team MUST acquire at some point in the very near future is a centerpiece player.

The GM has said on multiple occasions, as well, he's focused on getting that guy in the draft because free agency is not a conventionally sound method for a franchise like ATL to get him.

So, logically, if we accept that premise, where does that leave us?

Argue with me or not, but take a side...

Do you agree that there is no likely future 1st or 2nd team All-NBA player we can obtain in this draft? I say there's not one there to begin with, but even if you think there is one, do you see one we can obtain?

If yes, make that case.

If no, you have a couple of options. Pick. Or punt.

If you go ahead and pick, just realize that you're essentially adding to the mix more players to the roster that are helping to make it all the more certain that your 2020 pick will ALSO not be slotted in a place that helps you get that player.

By punting... ideally, trading what could be this year's #5 pick to a team that is a good candidate to lose a lot next year, and even better, making it conditional so that it isn't any worse that #5 in 2020... you at least preserve some better opportunity to accomplish what you're really needing to accomplish... and doing something similar to the degree that it can be done with the DAL pick is just as rational.

It's not what anyone wants to hear, I know. But sometimes in poker you just have to call a bad hand what it is, and see what comes up the next time the cards are dealt.

[kg01]

(Pardon the observation.)

Haha. Get 'im, strut.

You're a real sh*t-sturter.

[CP War Hawks]

Don't see how anyone can give up or down with this draft in January. The real evaluations start during: conf tournaments, March Madness, team workouts, and the combine.

This team needs upgrades over Bembry, Baze, and Prince. Also an improvement above Dedmon and Len. I'm fairly sure this draft provides a means for that.

[jayu70]

Yeaahhh....I'm not getting on that bandwagon.
Hawks are still rebuilding and need talent to groom and develop alongside Trae and John.

I'm sure we can find a center to develop.

What are you proposing we do with the picks?

It's rare that this happens. We all seemingly agree, and then so does the GM based on his public comments, that what the team MUST acquire at some point in the very near future is a centerpiece player.

The GM has said on multiple occasions, as well, he's focused on getting that guy in the draft because free agency is not a conventionally sound method for a franchise like ATL to get him.

So, logically, if we accept that premise, where does that leave us?

Argue with me or not, but take a side...

Do you agree that there is no likely future 1st or 2nd team All-NBA player we can obtain in this draft? I say there's not one there to begin with, but even if you think there is one, do you see one we can obtain?

If yes, make that case.

If no, you have a couple of options. Pick. Or punt.

If you go ahead and pick, just realize that you're essentially adding to the mix more players to the roster that are helping to make it all the more certain that your 2020 pick will ALSO not be slotted in a place that helps you get that player.

By punting... ideally, trading what could be this year's #5 pick to a team that is a good candidate to lose a lot next year, and even better, making it conditional so that it isn't any worse that #5 in 2020... you at least preserve some better opportunity to accomplish what you're really needing to accomplish... and doing something similar to the degree that it can be done with the DAL pick is just as rational.

It's not what anyone wants to hear, I know. But sometimes in poker you just have to call a bad hand what it is, and see what comes up the next time the cards are dealt.

The GM also said it's also important to have MULTIPLE shots picking in the draft since it's a crap shoot.
I don't follow cbball to make any determination on 1st/2nd team All NBA. Even if they aren't. The Hawks still need to acquire talent with upside.
It's even riskier putting the fate of your next draft on a team you hope will bad.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Don't see how anyone can give up or down with this draft in January. The real evaluations start during: conf tournaments, March Madness, team workouts, and the combine.

I'll grant that. Absolutely. Didn't mean to imply I'm suggesting any moves until after all of that happens. It's certainly true, and I've said so myself in recent posts, there's STILL a whole lot of basketball to be played.

This team needs upgrades over Bembry, Baze, and Prince. Also an improvement above Dedmon and Len. I'm fairly sure this draft provides a means for that.

Can we ferpetesake please give Prince even just a month back from his injury to get re-incorporated into this offense that began to gel somewhat while he was out??? (Pete's a nice guy, he deserves it, I promise.)

But having said that... you can improve and upgrade to your heart's content, and that's going to happen regardless... what the comment here ignores/avoids is that you're going to have to deal with this CORNERSTONE player issue.

All of that other roster improvement is much less onerous/difficult.

Right now, we're in the midst of a long tank, and the longer you go without adding that cornerstone guy, the more you extend this misery and futility.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Yeaahhh....I'm not getting on that bandwagon.
Hawks are still rebuilding and need talent to groom and develop alongside Trae and John.

I'm sure we can find a center to develop.

What are you proposing we do with the picks?

It's rare that this happens. We all seemingly agree, and then so does the GM based on his public comments, that what the team MUST acquire at some point in the very near future is a centerpiece player.

The GM has said on multiple occasions, as well, he's focused on getting that guy in the draft because free agency is not a conventionally sound method for a franchise like ATL to get him.

So, logically, if we accept that premise, where does that leave us?

Argue with me or not, but take a side...

Do you agree that there is no likely future 1st or 2nd team All-NBA player we can obtain in this draft? I say there's not one there to begin with, but even if you think there is one, do you see one we can obtain?

If yes, make that case.

If no, you have a couple of options. Pick. Or punt.

If you go ahead and pick, just realize that you're essentially adding to the mix more players to the roster that are helping to make it all the more certain that your 2020 pick will ALSO not be slotted in a place that helps you get that player.

By punting... ideally, trading what could be this year's #5 pick to a team that is a good candidate to lose a lot next year, and even better, making it conditional so that it isn't any worse that #5 in 2020... you at least preserve some better opportunity to accomplish what you're really needing to accomplish... and doing something similar to the degree that it can be done with the DAL pick is just as rational.

It's not what anyone wants to hear, I know. But sometimes in poker you just have to call a bad hand what it is, and see what comes up the next time the cards are dealt.

The GM also said it's also important to have MULTIPLE shots picking in the draft since it's a crap shoot.
I don't follow cbball to make any determination on 1st/2nd team All NBA. Even if they aren't. The Hawks still need to acquire talent with upside.
It's even riskier putting the fate of your next draft on a team you hope will bad.

Right. Where's the difference in opinion?

I'm saying trade the 2019 shots for 2020 shots when you, at least, MIGHT have some better shot than what it appears (yes, appears, at least at the end of January) you have right now.

[Jamaaliver]

(Pardon the observation.)

Stu,

I can't dig up the old tweets.

But, it's been observed for a while that 2017/2018 were deep drafts.

And that 2020 was considered the weakest in a few years based on the HS scouting for kids expected to be One-and-Dones.

[Jamaaliver]

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