2019 NBA Draft Prep

[King Ken]

Con't

8. Jaxson Hayes - Hayes comparison is one of the unique bigs in this class. For me, he is a blend of Robin Lopez, Clint Capela and John Collins with shades of AD. Not a perfect blend or the best of but just has some parts of his game from those four.

His style of play on offense is all about movement, agility, his hands, his soft shooting touch and finishing. Think John Collins lite. He doesn't have John's feel for the game or for scoring and is such a negative with the ball that he is limited to finishing like Gobert/Capela for the most part. He does have a soft touch like Collins and shows signs he wouldn't be a 100% waste in the post-up. Lack of handles and passing is an issue for Hayes. His offensive rebounding reminds me of a freshman Robin Lopez. Once he grows into his body, he will need to really become a good boxout guy because he doesn't have a feel for rebounds at all. I think he has the potential but he is really going to have to do it.

His style of play on defense is a lot like Capela in that he is used to drop but his ability to defend is space is important when looking at his projection and his biggest advantage is his frame, coordination and fluidity is like AD. That means A LOT in terms of long term ability to defend in space and guard both 4 and 5s down the road. Once again, his rebounding is like Robin Lopez. He is raw mainly due to experience and size but he is very talented.

Talent Level/NBA readiness and rookie impact - Due to his talent, I expect him to at least see the floor but his body is not ready yet and he is still growing. His potential is tremendous as he has 3/D potential while being an elite potential finisher. Somewhat like Zach Collins and JJJ. Closer to Collins than JJJ due to readiness, talent wise, closer to JJJ. He should be a top 10 pick without question. I do see him getting mins at the 4 and 5. 20 mpg but he should get 30 mpg in year 2. He is a potential based guy. Don't expect much in year 1. Not ready for the NBA yet on both ends but don't count him out. Coaching and role can go along way for him.

9. DeAndre Hunter - The most polished prospect in this class is Mr. Hunter. His comparison is Otto Porter Jr. Both players were polished out of college. Both players have similar potential as prospects. Both are talented players with good height and wingspan for position.

His style of play on offense is about doing the little things to help the guys around him, movement off the ball, shooting, feel for the game, execution and taking advantage of mismatches when given the opportunity. His game is a tad different than Otto as a propsect. Otto has mid tier aggressiveness. Hunter is low tier. He is not aggressive but that doesn't mean he is not passionate. He is extremely passionate and it shows up possession by possession. Makes the right plays, cuts, moves, passes, dribbles, and makes his teammates better. His ability to shoot and space the floor spreads the floor for others and he is tough to defend. Does have Otto's explosiveness but is more athletic and a tad quicker.

His style of play on defense is a lot like Tony Allen in terms of it's conservative but tough and it's demanding as well. He defends in space and on the ball very well. He plays at an even tempo and can take it up a notch if needed. He really feels the game well on defense and forces the offense into tough plays. Just a smart kid who is always comminating and very athetlic. I feel he would be stronger in a system with other strong defenders but he is not a risk taker. Most of his steals will be legit. He will make you earn those buckets, every single one. A player who truly has 3/D ability and talent and like Tony Allen, he has ++ weight for his height which gives him flexiblity to both 2+3 but also 4 if needed. His veristiliaty will come in handy in the NBA.

Talent Level/NBA readiness and rookie impact - We saw Brodgon as ROY. I wouldn't be surprised if he is 1st team All Rookie. A legit 13-5-4 will be ideal for most teams getting top end perimeter defense. Has defensive anchor potential which also matters.


10. Darius Garland - I won't be the best person on Garland. Even after watching about 3 games of his in it's entirety, I need more time and tape, Other will be better for you with Garland. I like his talent, he has some Jeff Teague mixed with Mike Conley for me but I do not feel confident enough for him.

[King Ken]

If you want to know what I think would be a coup.

Its Jaxson Hayes with either Clarke, Hunter or Reddish.

[Night Traen]

No one seems to be high on Bol Bol right now, but he's one of my ultimate selections with one of the pics (if we get two). Dude has MAJOR potential, and is an absolute "star" quality character, which would make for two of the most recognizable and competent players in the NBA in a couple years.

I was extremely high on Trae and was very happy with the Mavs trade, unlike many, because you could just see the star quality and potential in Trae and he fits in Atlanta so much better.

[Spud2nique]

If you want to know what I think would be a coup.

Its Jaxson Hayes with either Clarke, Hunter or Reddish.

I like this. I’m still not sold on Hayes. I don’t like his body at all to be honest. It’s not even the strength thing because guys gain strength. I don’t like the body prototype.

You’re selling me on Clarke, I still see a lot of athleticism but not sure if the skill level is ultra high. I love players with high skill levels like Trae.

I’m pretty much sold on Hunter, but I’d really love to spend the Mavs pick on him not ours.

For our pick, it’s gotta be Cam if we talking top 4 pick or if he somehow slips to 5 if we stay put, otherwise next BPA.

[King Ken]

No one seems to be high on Bol Bol right now, but he's one of my ultimate selections with one of the pics (if we get two). Dude has MAJOR potential, and is an absolute "star" quality character, which would make for two of the most recognizable and competent players in the NBA in a couple years.

I was extremely high on Trae and was very happy with the Mavs trade, unlike many, because you could just see the star quality and potential in Trae and he fits in Atlanta so much better.

I am high on Bol Bol but fit is a critical issue for him. Then you got injury concerns, motor, personality, willingness to improve, passion, hunger. The talent, ability and skill part is pretty damn amazing. But the other part makes him a bigger risk than KP was.

[King Ken]

If you want to know what I think would be a coup.

Its Jaxson Hayes with either Clarke, Hunter or Reddish.

I like this. I’m still not sold on Hayes. I don’t like his body at all to be honest. It’s not even the strength thing because guys gain strength. I don’t like the body prototype.

You’re selling me on Clarke, I still see a lot of athleticism but not sure if the skill level is ultra high. I love players with high skill levels like Trae.

I’m pretty much sold on Hunter, but I’d really love to spend the Mavs pick on him not ours.

For our pick, it’s gotta be Cam if we talking top 4 pick or if he somehow slips to 5 if we stay put, otherwise next BPA.

Interesting? Broad shoulders, AD frame, you are easily looking at 245 which is ideal for a big in our system. What is it about his body that bothers you? From his prototype and how guys like him are, they tend to be perfect for our style of play.

His skill level is not ultra high and I don't see the potential for it to be. He is not Reddish. He is pretty much what he is. Its about the shooting development for him.

He is an elite BBIQ, movement wing with elite athleticism who mainly scores off movement, motor plays and finishing. A lot like DMC on the movement and feel and John with the finishing. He is not going to be that guy. Reddish is the only guy like that in this class. Maybe Little down the road but he is not a fit in other ways. Maybe even Sekou.

There is a lot to love about Hunter. That's a quality level Hooper to really helps you win games which is valuable. I am sold on three wings.

Not sold on wings with no burst or wings with low BBIQ and feel for the game.

[Spud2nique]

If you want to know what I think would be a coup.

Its Jaxson Hayes with either Clarke, Hunter or Reddish.

I like this. I’m still not sold on Hayes. I don’t like his body at all to be honest. It’s not even the strength thing because guys gain strength. I don’t like the body prototype.

You’re selling me on Clarke, I still see a lot of athleticism but not sure if the skill level is ultra high. I love players with high skill levels like Trae.

I’m pretty much sold on Hunter, but I’d really love to spend the Mavs pick on him not ours.

For our pick, it’s gotta be Cam if we talking top 4 pick or if he somehow slips to 5 if we stay put, otherwise next BPA.

Interesting? Broad shoulders, AD frame, you are easily looking at 245 which is ideal for a bigs in our system, what is it about his body that bothers you? From his prototype and how guys like him are, they then to be perfect for our style of play.

His skill level is not ultra high and I don't see the potential for it to be. He is not Reddish. He is pretty much what he is. Its about the shooting development for him.

He is an elite BBIQ, movement wing with elite athleticism who mainly scores off movement, motor plays and finishing. A lot like DMC on the movement and feel and John with the finishing. He is not going to be that guy. Reddish is the only guy like that in this class. Maybe Little down the road but he is not a fit in other ways. Maybe even Sekou.

There is a lot to love about Hunter. That's a quality level Hooper to really helps you win games which is valuable. I am sold on three wings.

Not sold on wings with no burst or wings with low BBIQ and feel for the game.

Mechanical and choppy moves by Hayes and an unfluid body. He seems to make demonstrative moves that can be guarded against. I do like the way he gets up to challenge for blocks though for sure, he seems to meet opposing players at the apex of their shot. Anthony Davis is all fluidity and the body flows into his moves. Kinda tough to describe but AD has the ultimate big man basketball body which I don’t seen in Hayes.

[EazyRoc]

Y’all still sleep on Romeo Langford though. If he goes to any team with a really good PG or a team that shares the ball..he will shine.

[King Ken]

I like this. I’m still not sold on Hayes. I don’t like his body at all to be honest. It’s not even the strength thing because guys gain strength. I don’t like the body prototype.

You’re selling me on Clarke, I still see a lot of athleticism but not sure if the skill level is ultra high. I love players with high skill levels like Trae.

I’m pretty much sold on Hunter, but I’d really love to spend the Mavs pick on him not ours.

For our pick, it’s gotta be Cam if we talking top 4 pick or if he somehow slips to 5 if we stay put, otherwise next BPA.

Interesting? Broad shoulders, AD frame, you are easily looking at 245 which is ideal for a bigs in our system, what is it about his body that bothers you? From his prototype and how guys like him are, they then to be perfect for our style of play.

His skill level is not ultra high and I don't see the potential for it to be. He is not Reddish. He is pretty much what he is. Its about the shooting development for him.

He is an elite BBIQ, movement wing with elite athleticism who mainly scores off movement, motor plays and finishing. A lot like DMC on the movement and feel and John with the finishing. He is not going to be that guy. Reddish is the only guy like that in this class. Maybe Little down the road but he is not a fit in other ways. Maybe even Sekou.

There is a lot to love about Hunter. That's a quality level Hooper to really helps you win games which is valuable. I am sold on three wings.

Not sold on wings with no burst or wings with low BBIQ and feel for the game.

Mechanical and choppy moves by Hayes and an unfluid body. He seems to make demonstrative moves that can be guarded against. I do like the way he gets up to challenge for blocks though for sure, he seems to meet opposing players at the apex of their shot. Anthony Davis is all fluidity and the body flows into his moves. Kinda tough to describe but AD has the ultimate big man basketball body which I don’t seen in Hayes.

I strongly think a part of that is just talent more than anything else. I agree on his moves. He doesn't ever look like he will have offensive skill in his career. He is not skilled and mechanical like Emeka Okafor and Horford. He is just choppy and mechanical. But I am talking defense anyway. His offensive skill is not why you would ever draft him.

He is very fluid in terms of running and movement. With the ball, no. But without it, yes. He was coming off the bench on JV is sophomore year. In all fairness, he sucked. He is really a smart kid who has tremendous genetics and that's perfect for what we need from him. He will never score more than 18 ppg in his career and that's perfectly fine. AD as a Sophomore had offers to Kent State at 6'3. Him at 6'11 is an elite talent. Not the same tier. He is not like JJJ who was solid but just didn't grow into his body. Hayes coach said he barely made the team.

[DirtybirdGA]

No one seems to be high on Bol Bol right now, but he's one of my ultimate selections with one of the pics (if we get two). Dude has MAJOR potential, and is an absolute "star" quality character, which would make for two of the most recognizable and competent players in the NBA in a couple years.

I was extremely high on Trae and was very happy with the Mavs trade, unlike many, because you could just see the star quality and potential in Trae and he fits in Atlanta so much better.

Dope name, fella.

[Spud2nique]

Y’all still sleep on Romeo Langford though. If he goes to any team with a really good PG or a team that shares the ball..he will shine.

Question is will he share the ball? No doubt the talent is there and as mentioned before his name has been out there since the kid was like 11. Definitely a Bagley types groomed to shine guy. I wouldn’t mind him if he buys into the scheme.

[King Ken]

Y’all still sleep on Romeo Langford though. If he goes to any team with a really good PG or a team that shares the ball..he will shine.

He is a lot like DeMar DeRozan, not anywhere near as explosive but a better overall athlete. Clearly he will be a top 10 prospect on a number of teams big board but my big board is heavily leaning to how I like the game played. He is #18 on my board. I did his comparison chart as well as DeMar DeRozan and him was a match.

18. Romeo Langford - DeMar DeRozan comparison is fair for Langford. Better overall athlete, not anywhere near as explosive or the same dunker. Might have better defensive potential. Lower floor than most others hurt him but his ceiling is as high as anyone in this class after 3.

[Night Traen]

Dope name, fella.

Slash describes "Nightrain" as "an anthem that we came up with on the spot".[5] The original idea for the song came when Slash and Izzy Stradlin wrote the main riff while they were sitting on the floor of the band's practice room. The next day, Slash was ill so Stradlin finished writing the music with Duff McKagan. However they did not write any lyrics. The song remained incomplete until one night when the band was walking down Palm Avenue sharing a bottle of Night Train. Someone yelled 'I'm on the night train!' and the whole band joined in, with Axl Rose improvising the lines in between: "Bottoms up!" "Fill my cup!" etc. "Nightrain" was born.

Night Train Express - 17.5% alc. by vol.

"The Night Train is all business when it pulls into the station. All aboard to nowhere - woo wooo! The night train runs only one route: sober to stupid with no roundtrip tickets available."

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.

[King Ken]

Honest question, should we look at Fletcher Magee in the 2nd round? I think we should. That Tyler Dorsey role we wanted Tyler to fill but he couldn't shoot in the NBA. I think Magee can.

[King Ken]

Hope ya'll watching Clarke. He has star potential.

[Spud2nique]

Hope ya'll watching Clarke. He has star potential.

No I was watching the Spurs/Mavs. Gonna flip tho!

[EazyRoc]

Y’all still sleep on Romeo Langford though. If he goes to any team with a really good PG or a team that shares the ball..he will shine.

He is a lot like DeMar DeRozan, not anywhere near as explosive but a better overall athlete. Clearly he will be a top 10 prospect on a number of teams big board but my big board is heavily leaning to how I like the game played. He is #18 on my board. I did his comparison chart as well as DeMar DeRozan and him was a match.

18. Romeo Langford - DeMar DeRozan comparison is fair for Langford. Better overall athlete, not anywhere near as explosive or the same dunker. Might have better defensive potential. Lower floor than most others hurt him but his ceiling is as high as anyone in this class after 3.

Much better than DeRozan at the same point though. Much better finisher although he isn’t the dunker/athlete DeRozan is. Waaaay better off the ball.

[King Ken]

Y’all still sleep on Romeo Langford though. If he goes to any team with a really good PG or a team that shares the ball..he will shine.

He is a lot like DeMar DeRozan, not anywhere near as explosive but a better overall athlete. Clearly he will be a top 10 prospect on a number of teams big board but my big board is heavily leaning to how I like the game played. He is #18 on my board. I did his comparison chart as well as DeMar DeRozan and him was a match.

18. Romeo Langford - DeMar DeRozan comparison is fair for Langford. Better overall athlete, not anywhere near as explosive or the same dunker. Might have better defensive potential. Lower floor than most others hurt him but his ceiling is as high as anyone in this class after 3.

Much better than DeRozan at the same point though. Much better finisher although he isn’t the dunker/athlete DeRozan is. Waaaay better off the ball.

I can't agree with the much better part. But I agree for the most part. Not quite as efficient as DD as well.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

What the enemy is saying:

An early draft primer and Mavericks Big Board

A long read on where the Mavs’ lottery odds stand and a look at some players

TIER THREE: MIX OF ELITE ROLE PLAYERS AND LOW FLOOR/HIGH CEILING GUYS

Jarrett Culver, G, Texas Tech

Culver likely won’t be the second player taken, but after making a leap in his second season with the Red Raiders, his versatile game makes him the next safest pick in my mind. His outside shooting has cooled off a bit in conference play, but Culver is a long 6’5/6’6 playmaker who can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and offers enough of a scoring repertoire to make him a dangerous two way player. Like Zhaire Smith, Culver arrived at Tech last season as a fairly unheralded recruit, but under head coach Chris Beard, Culver has added to his game as his college career has progressed, demonstrating a surprisingly good feel for the game, and his wide breadth of skills makes him a solid fit in a variety of schemes and play styles. This is the kind of player that succeeds at the next level, even if there are still questions about his outside shooting and ability to beat bigger, faster players off the dribble. I’m fairly optimistic about the former, and as someone who’s assumed a huge role in college, my hope is Culver will be able to improve his efficiency with more of secondary role in the NBA.

Deandre Hunter, F, Virginia

Hunter almost certainly won’t go this high, either, but again, this is where we’re at with a freshman class that has underperformed to such a degree. Hunter does not exactly look like a future superstar, as he’s older than you think and his dribbling/shot creating is a bit limited. He can be very mechanical and stiff when attacking closeouts or trying to face-up his man from the triple-threat position. In that way you see some worrisome Harrison Barnes-esque qualities. He’s also dinged in analytic circles by the same thing all Virginia players are: the “pack-line defense” used by Tony Bennett greatly reduces the opportunities to accumulate blocks and steals. Hunter would be on a list of lottery drafted players who averaged less than a block and steal per 40 that contains a couple of success stories, but a lot of really major busts.

Spoiler:

Despite all that, I’m putting Hunter here because I think he could be a really terrific fit in Dallas, especially next to Luka Doncic. Hunter hasn’t taken a huge volume of threes this season, but his percentages are excellent and his shooting mechanics look good enough that I’m pretty optimistic about how he’ll translate as a spot up shooter at the next level. He also has prototypical dimensions for a wing/combo forward, at 6’7/6’8 with a reported 7’2 wingspan. Right now he profiles best as a wing, where his on-ball defensive technique and discipline are special, and his length and muscular frame give opposing small forwards nightmares. In time, however, with some added weight, he could possibly move up and become a full-time stretch 4, where his dribbling/attacking skillset would play much better. If he’s able to hold up there, he’s an ideal running mate for Luka, as he can guard multiple positions and play a smart, efficient off-ball game at the other end.

Jontay Porter, C/F, Missouri

Continuing the theme that this draft is broken we have the second(!) guy who is out for the year, and it’s a player who’s best position is the same as one of Dallas’ best players. But, at a certain point Jontay’s really unique skillset and precocious feel for the game make it impossible to pass over him. Keep in mind, because he reclassified last season, Jontay is the same age as most college freshman in this class, with even more practice/game experience. I’m not sure how much burn you could give a Porzingis-Jontay pairing, but with his passing/shooting skillset there are a lot of lineup variations he Porter can fit into.

Jontay Porter won’t wow anyone athletically, but given his body fat percentage recorded at last year’s combine, I wonder if a professional quality strength and conditioning program couldn’t untap a little extra burst and explosion from him, which could really make him special. Big men his age almost never have his level of awareness or skill level, and while he won’t be a heavy minutes guy right away, it’s difficult to imagine how he won’t improve going forward, offering real upside as a center with wing-like skill. If Nikola Jokic can succeed with a YMCA body, Jontay can, too, and Jontay offers more shot-blocking can Jokic. Even if he’s mostly a backup for his rookie contract, there’s too much value there to pass up.