Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working

[WeekapaugGroove]

My basic question with kemba or any other non defender scoring PG is whats the teams ultimate upside when paired with Booker? Sure they would be better but whos the last team with zero guard D to make a deep playoff run?


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[bwgood77]

A lot of talk about Steve Nash and the SSOL Suns in this draft piece by Ben Rubin (who I think is one of their most interesting writers).

I am still reading so will comment more on it after finishing...

https://www.thestepien.com/2019/03/07/draft-notes-nashification-nba/

[Djedefre]

My basic question with kemba or any other non defender scoring PG is whats the teams ultimate upside when paired with Booker? Sure they would be better but whos the last team with zero guard D to make a deep playoff run?


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Cavs last year, most recent. Rockets weren’t that much better either, Paul is still decent but not what he used to be and Harden is... Like we all know what kind of a defender he is.

If you have good wing defenders and defensively sound and mobile C, you’re good. Capable defender at PG would be a good bonus, but certainly not a necessity. Blazers are not a FRE team because of CJ and Dame, but because of the supporting cast.

I mean i’d like Brogdon a lot, but can’t see it happening, and guys like Rubio, Rozier and such are like a second hand goods. So if you’re unable to obtain really elite 3&D PG, you go for one of the best scorers in the league instead of unfinished products like above mentioned.

[Kerrsed]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

[Frank Lee]

Morant's lines for the Saver/Jones tour.....

36 pts / 3 a / 7 rb
29pts / 8 a / 6 rb

and that Alexander-Walker continues to be a solid prospect.... with a 21 / 10 / 8 line in the ACC tourny. Keep an eye on him wednesday.

say watch you want... but certainly an option for this yr is to Draft a top PG and keep TJo. It makes sense. And doesnt involve the whims of another team.

Then sign Aminu

Sign Oubre

may be trade Jackson / Oko to get a back up C. Or whatever.

[lilfishi22]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

Ja can put on muscle mass, he can get stronger and he's certainly a lot longer than Young. I think those concerns are less warranted for Ja. Young is a small PG, he can get a bit stronger but he has a small frame that wouldn't/shouldn't take on more muscle and he's just overall a smaller and a lot less athletic than Ja. Not saying Ja will be better than Young (I was quite high on Young) but just from a physical standpoint, he's on a different level to Young. But then again, physical and athletic profile isn't where Young makes his money on the court.

[jcsunsfan]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

Ja is 6-3, he is athletic, and he doesn't look really skinny or weak. For that reason I don't think people pay that much attention to his listed weight. 170 surprises me actually. not sure if accurate.

[Wilber85]

Zion or Ja Morant if not trade the pick

I am calling RJ Barrett as the best from this draft now though! Too bad we have 500 wings

[lilfishi22]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

Ja is 6-3, he is athletic, and he doesn't look really skinny or weak. For that reason I don't think people pay that much attention to his listed weight. 170 surprises me actually. not sure if accurate.

Fox was like 170 at the combine too. He could've potentially go slimmer during the offseason before the combine since he was apparently listed at almost 190 during the college season (maybe at the start)

[bwgood77]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

I was much much higher on Trae because I knew he had the capability to be a great shooter AND his passing was elite. And he was doing it as a freshman in a major conference (the toughest one) facing multiple defenders on really good teams focusing solely on stopping him.

Ja is a sophomore with a questionable shot going against low level talent.

I feel one of the main reasons it might seem people are higher on Ja is because it's a far weaker draft and we continue to have a glaring hole at PG and have filled the C position. Ja wasn't even a first round bubble guy last year when he was a freshman in last year's class. Perhaps he should have been but even the current Ja would be very lucky to crack top 8-10 in last year's draft.

[WeekapaugGroove]

My basic question with kemba or any other non defender scoring PG is whats the teams ultimate upside when paired with Booker? Sure they would be better but whos the last team with zero guard D to make a deep playoff run?


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Cavs last year, most recent. Rockets weren’t that much better either, Paul is still decent but not what he used to be and Harden is... Like we all know what kind of a defender he is.

If you have good wing defenders and defensively sound and mobile C, you’re good. Capable defender at PG would be a good bonus, but certainly not a necessity. Blazers are not a FRE team because of CJ and Dame, but because of the supporting cast.

I mean i’d like Brogdon a lot, but can’t see it happening, and guys like Rubio, Rozier and such are like a second hand goods. So if you’re unable to obtain really elite 3&D PG, you go for one of the best scorers in the league instead of unfinished products like above mentioned.

Cavs started George Hill who while not what he used to be is still a very capable defender and smith makes a ton of mistakes but he's actually better than booker when engaged.. plus any LeBron team is an anomaly because he's just ridiculous.

Paul is still a good defender and harden while he has some real no effort moments grades out as just below average defensively and is pretty good in the post.

The fact booker isn't just kind of bad defensively but is litterally one of the worst 2 guard defenders in the league makes building around him a very tricky task.

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[Kerrsed]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

Ja is 6-3, he is athletic, and he doesn't look really skinny or weak. For that reason I don't think people pay that much attention to his listed weight. 170 surprises me actually. not sure if accurate.

.....And Young is 6"2. An inch shorter and 10 lbs heavier (in College).

And 170 is what is listed on almost all the draft sites.

[Kerrsed]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

I was much much higher on Trae because I knew he had the capability to be a great shooter AND his passing was elite. And he was doing it as a freshman in a major conference (the toughest one) facing multiple defenders on really good teams focusing solely on stopping him.

Ja is a sophomore with a questionable shot going against low level talent.

I feel one of the main reasons it might seem people are higher on Ja is because it's a far weaker draft and we continue to have a glaring hole at PG and have filled the C position. Ja wasn't even a first round bubble guy last year when he was a freshman in last year's class. Perhaps he should have been but even the current Ja would be very lucky to crack top 8-10 in last year's draft.

The only reason i have what little interest in Ja that i do is because he is the drafts best PG and we seem to have a major issue getting a decent PG. Well that and because Ja is Durants favorite player in the draft, lol.

[bwgood77]

I find it funny so many people are gun-ho about Ja, yet last draft when i was all about Young damn near everyone was concerned with his size (Mostly his weight), yet i havent heard anyone mention those concerns about Ja despite him weighing 10 lbs less than Young (170 lbs VS 180 lbs.).

I was much much higher on Trae because I knew he had the capability to be a great shooter AND his passing was elite. And he was doing it as a freshman in a major conference (the toughest one) facing multiple defenders on really good teams focusing solely on stopping him.

Ja is a sophomore with a questionable shot going against low level talent.

I feel one of the main reasons it might seem people are higher on Ja is because it's a far weaker draft and we continue to have a glaring hole at PG and have filled the C position. Ja wasn't even a first round bubble guy last year when he was a freshman in last year's class. Perhaps he should have been but even the current Ja would be very lucky to crack top 8-10 in last year's draft.

The only reason i have what little interest in Ja that i do is because he is the drafts best PG and we seem to have a major issue getting a decent PG. Well that and because Ja is Durants favorite player in the draft, lol.

I wish Darius Garland hadn't gotten injured. A number of scouts seem to think he's the better NBA PG prospect but it's hard to know with him out for most all the season.

I can't say I'm really high on anyone though...in part to not watching a lot but even looking at numbers and reading things, no one looks great outside of Zion.

[lilfishi22]

I was much much higher on Trae because I knew he had the capability to be a great shooter AND his passing was elite. And he was doing it as a freshman in a major conference (the toughest one) facing multiple defenders on really good teams focusing solely on stopping him.

Ja is a sophomore with a questionable shot going against low level talent.

I feel one of the main reasons it might seem people are higher on Ja is because it's a far weaker draft and we continue to have a glaring hole at PG and have filled the C position. Ja wasn't even a first round bubble guy last year when he was a freshman in last year's class. Perhaps he should have been but even the current Ja would be very lucky to crack top 8-10 in last year's draft.

The only reason i have what little interest in Ja that i do is because he is the drafts best PG and we seem to have a major issue getting a decent PG. Well that and because Ja is Durants favorite player in the draft, lol.

I wish Darius Garland hadn't gotten injured. A number of scouts seem to think he's the better NBA PG prospect but it's hard to know with him out for most all the season.

I can't say I'm really high on anyone though...in part to not watching a lot but even looking at numbers and reading things, no one looks great outside of Zion.

You seem unusually high on Clarke.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I don't get all of the unecessary hate for Ja Morant from all of you guys???

If we don't land Zion, He's obviously a great pick for our team. So what if he plays for Murray state. He's putting up ridiculous stats, while leading his mediocre team into tournament bids, He's got ridiculous athleticism and talent, He's the first division one player in like 20 years to put up 40 points/ 11 assists and five steals.

Also, his defense isn't that bad for a player who's only 18, and is having to expend all of his energy on the offensive end, carrying an entire team. He's leading the nation in assists, block shots.



https://www.thestepien.com/2018/06/29/2019-draft-primer-ja-morant-the-ultimate-sleeper/ .

Morant was one of three freshmen nationally to post a triple-double last season and became just the seventh freshman in the last 25 years to record 150 assists, 150 rebounds, and 10 blocks while shooting at least 42 percent from the field. The other six were Ben Simmons, John Wall, Derrick Rose, Lonzo Ball, D’Angelo Russell, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: three #1 picks, two #2 picks, and another lottery pick.

Morant managed these feats as one of the youngest players in college basketball; he doesn’t turn 19 until August. He is younger than many of the top point guards in the incoming freshman class, as Devon Dotson, Ashton Hagans, and Jahvon Quinerly are all older.

For his offense:

Morant was one of the most devastating closeout attackers in the NCAA last season; he led the country in points per possession on spot-up possessions that led to drives among players with at least 30 possessions of that play type.

Scoring at the rim:

According to Hoop-Math, Morant converted 62.1 percent of his shots at the rim last season. Despite his slight frame, he does a great job of attacking and finishing through contact, which helps him get to the line frequently (.479 free throw rate). Based on play-by-play data available from Will Schreefer, Morant had 17 and-1s last season, more than Trae Young (15), Collin Sexton (15), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12).

His assist ratio:

 The overall impact of his passing was very positive; his 2.54-to-1 assist to turnover ratio was elite for a player so young (1st among freshmen averaging at least 4 assists per game, 6th among all players with at least 200 assists).

It may not be the most necessary skill, but Morant has an excellent motor and general nose for the ball on both ends of the court. His 6.3 offensive rebound percentage was 4th among players averaging at least 4 assists per game last season and led those averaging at least 5. His ability to create extra plays helps him add value without the ball in his hands, which will be key as his jump shot progresses.

Also: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/02/25/he-has-come-pass-murray-states-ja-morant-is-college-basketballs-assist-king/.

No one in the history of the game, with an asterisk, has averaged 20-plus points and 10-plus assists across a season, though no one bothered to count NCAA assists until 1983-84, 

Defense:

mixed bag on defense. His underdeveloped frame is a bit of a hindrance and he’s still learning how to stay focused all the time. That said, his positional size and quick-twitch athleticism give him considerable upside as a defender. Those plus his advanced feel for the game and general spatial awareness give him a toolbox to work with as he continues to improve. Few 18-year-old college players have the understanding of defense that they really need to pop, so Morant gets some benefit of the doubt for development, but it’s important to note that he still needs to progress.

Beginning with the positives, Morant is a playmaker on defense with the athletic tools to blow up plays both as a shot-blocker and in the passing lanes. His 1.6 steal percentage was disappointingly low for a player with his instincts and athletic ability, so that is a point of improvement for him next season. That said, his penchant for blocking shots stands out as the first clip in the above montage will show you. He is the only freshman in the last 10 years besides Lonzo Ball to record at least 180 assists, fewer than 90 turnovers, and more than 10 blocks.

On the defensive glass:

One underrated aspect of Morant’s defense is his energy on the glass. This helps him add value as a possession-ender, and as the above clip shows you, he is actually fighting for rebounds rather than just cherry-picking balls after his teammates box out. Morant’s motor stands out in many areas, and defensive rebounding is one of the most prominent.

So he's doing all of this, while only being 18yrs old( turns 19 in July). So he has plenty of time to improve. But it would be a big mistake to sleep on his ridiculous athleticism, talent, work ethic and passing ability.

The draft is before free agency, and there's no guarantee that we can even get a decent point guard to come here anyways.


The smart move would be to secure a talent such as him for our point guard needs and then pick up collison or Joseph to mentor him until he's ready to start.

Here's his game against West Virginia, One of the best defensive teams in the NCAA.

https://youtu.be/cK_I74A0wfI .

Pay attention to his shooting stroke throughout the video, also his huge blocks at 4 minutes in. And his relentless motor. Also his passing is very impressive.

https://youtu.be/cK_I74A0wfI . Check out his defense at around 3:15 of the video.

He's an absolute gamer, and absolutely what we need for a passing guard to go with our core for the future.

[darealjuice]

I get questions about Ja, but who would you really take over him? He checks a lot of boxes at point guard. Great playmaker, great ball handler, gets to the paint and free throw line at will, and while his shot is questionable he's definitely not a non-shooter. He doesn't have the shooting that Trae had, but he's far more athletic than him and there's still reason to believe he can develop a shot considering he's a solid free throw shooter and shooting reasonably well from 3 on the season. I can understand RJ Barrett, but even then Ja is going to win people over if he shows up in the tournament like he did against Alabama and Auburn earlier this season. A year of Tyler Johnson hounding him every practice would be good for him too.

[NapoleonII]

Can someone make a Kevin Durant 'My Next Chapter' meme with our jersey?

Dude is a snake.

[bwgood77]

The only reason i have what little interest in Ja that i do is because he is the drafts best PG and we seem to have a major issue getting a decent PG. Well that and because Ja is Durants favorite player in the draft, lol.

I wish Darius Garland hadn't gotten injured. A number of scouts seem to think he's the better NBA PG prospect but it's hard to know with him out for most all the season.

I can't say I'm really high on anyone though...in part to not watching a lot but even looking at numbers and reading things, no one looks great outside of Zion.

You seem unusually high on Clarke.

Definitely higher than most. Not sure if I'm as high on him as the draft analysts who have him ranked 2nd, but it's understandable, given how high people are on Zion and the similar numbers across the board with better shot blocking. I just know we need a 4 and this draft is full of wings, and then Garland who there isn't much on, and Ja. I have little doubt our interior defensive and toughness would improve immensely with him.

I'd prefer to get him and Jrue or some other vet PG than just draft a guy like Ja. I think PG is the position you really need experience at if you want to be a good team.

[lilfishi22]

I wish Darius Garland hadn't gotten injured. A number of scouts seem to think he's the better NBA PG prospect but it's hard to know with him out for most all the season.

I can't say I'm really high on anyone though...in part to not watching a lot but even looking at numbers and reading things, no one looks great outside of Zion.

You seem unusually high on Clarke.

Definitely higher than most. Not sure if I'm as high on him as the draft analysts who have him ranked 2nd, but it's understandable, given how high people are on Zion and the similar numbers across the board with better shot blocking. I just know we need a 4 and this draft is full of wings, and then Garland who there isn't much on, and Ja. I have little doubt our interior defensive and toughness would improve immensely with him.

I'd prefer to get him and Jrue or some other vet PG than just draft a guy like Ja. I think PG is the position you really need experience at if you want to be a good team.

Didn't you say you had him at #2?

Yeah, not sure why so many are sleeping on him. I mean people talk about Zion's stats being historically impressive, and I know I posted this before, but look at their comparisons...Clarke isn't that far off. I might actually take him 2nd. No one else is really wowing me, but admittedly I haven't watched a ton.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=brandon-clarke--zion-williamson

I see him as more of a value guy if you take him outside the top 5 but to take him in the top 5 is a massive stretch imo. Even if that one guy at the Stepien is in love with him too.