2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Hazer]

It doesn't take alot to upset a team and 3 losses can evaporate quickly. Wouldn't that be something Hawks go most of season top 5 worse teams and get caught at the end losing out on the 6th pick due to a late winning streak and an extra 1st rounder. Reminds me of the Falcons who barely beat the Bucs and lost 7 or so positions in the draft due to the win.

5th is highly preferable, but there’s still that little matter of “ping pong balls”

[personanongrata]

Maybe the basketball gods will bless us for not tanking.

[Jamaaliver]

Vecenie: The NBA Draft standouts during the NCAA Tournament so far

De'Andre Hunter, Virginia

Hunter’s second game against Oklahoma was nothing to write home about, but I think it’s worth discussing how his presence completely transforms Virginia. It’s my contention that Virginia would not have lost to UMBC last year had Hunter been on the floor. Why? Because of the defensive versatility he provides. He’s capable of guarding 1 through 5 in the college game, and he allows Virginia to guard ball screens in a variety of ways.

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Few defenders exist like him in college basketball. Hell, even NBA rosters aren’t exactly loaded with 6-8 guys with 7-2 wingspans who are equally adept at guarding both guards and forwards. It also doesn’t hurt that Hunter also provides an issue on offense for opposing defenses. He’s the guy who can consistently create his own shot for Virginia.

I think people are overthinking things with Hunter, which is why I have him fourth overall on my board. There just aren’t many players like him in the NBA. He might not be a superstar at that next level, but few are — and even fewer of those types exist in the 2019 Draft. Give me the guy with a lot of positional value in addition to value on both ends of the floor, and I’m coming away happy on draft night.

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

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[Spud2nique]

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This guy says Culver might never be an all star...I’m not saying he will be an all star but can’t really put a ceiling on him yet imo. This guy passes the eye test for me big time. Still want Cam first but man I’m not seeing what some others are seeing on this kid. The tiny hitch in his shot is the only thing for me.

[observer1995]

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This guy says Culver might never be an all star...I’m not saying he will be an all star but can’t really put a ceiling on him yet imo. This guy passes the eye test for me big time. Still want Cam first but man I’m not seeing what some others are seeing on this kid. The tiny hitch in his shot is the only thing for me.

I've said it a lot and will again here (and probably a lot more) but I'd take him with a couple caveats in which one we'll probably not find out about. One is if you feel like this on the shot (and what I saw on twitter) where its not completely broken and just needs some tweaking for better efficiency. Two is his height. Is he in between 6'6"-6'7"? Or just 6'6" flat or not even that.

I like him as a SF, or maybe I'm just smitten with Bembry's utility-ness. I think Culver's a utility SG/SF now that could have more later. We'll never find out for real about the shot deal, but if the Hawks think they can correct it and he can shoot 35-38% from 3, on 3 attempts a game, man, I'd take him.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

Wow.

I do not think this kid is ready, yet.

I hope he isn't getting terrible advice from someone.

[Jamaaliver]

Man, these are brutal. But are they accurate?

Thoughts?

NBA Comparisons for the Top Players in the Sweet 16

RJ Barrett, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Rudy Gay

On paper, RJ Barrett looks like an ideal wing for the modern NBA. He has the size (6'7", 202 lbs) and scoring ability to be effective, and he possesses the physical tools to be a good defender.

But like Gay or Andrew Wiggins, questions about his shot selection persist. Will his ultimate destiny be to serve as a player who puts up big stats on a bad team? He relies a lot on mid-range jumpers and forces plenty of shots early in possessions—two habits he must break to reach his potential in the NBA.

He does have the talent to get there.

Bleacher Report

Spoiler:

Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Stanley Johnson

Coming into the 2015 draft after his freshman season at Arizona, Stanley Johnson had every desired attribute for a future two-way star on the wing. But it just hasn't happened for him yet. He still hasn't learned to finish at the rim and doesn't shoot well enough to make up for that deficiency.

Cam Reddish's college career and physical profile (6'8", 218 lbs) suggest he could either become the player Johnson was supposed to be (something closer to Paul George) or be similarly disappointing when he reaches the professional level. He'll certainly be one of the most polarizing players taken in the lottery.

Bleacher Report

Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech



Pro comparison: Khris Middleton

Jarrett Culver isn't flashy, but he's a solid, do-it-all wing who can create his own shot, facilitate for teammates and defend his position. He's the kind of contributor who can slot in right away and be an effective role player on any team, and some squads may feel he's the second-best player on the board after Zion Williamson.

Culver is not quite the outside shooter Khris Middleton has become for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he has the same kind of smooth and versatile all-around game that would help a variety of teams. His floor is lofty, and he's almost certain to carve out a solid career for himself in the league.

[Spud2nique]

NBA Comparisons for the Top Players in the Sweet 16

RJ Barrett, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Rudy Gay

On paper, RJ Barrett looks like an ideal wing for the modern NBA. He has the size (6'7", 202 lbs) and scoring ability to be effective, and he possesses the physical tools to be a good defender.

But like Gay or Andrew Wiggins, questions about his shot selection persist. Will his ultimate destiny be to serve as a player who puts up big stats on a bad team? He relies a lot on mid-range jumpers and forces plenty of shots early in possessions—two habits he must break to reach his potential in the NBA.

He does have the talent to get there.

Spoiler:

Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Stanley Johnson

Coming into the 2015 draft after his freshman season at Arizona, Stanley Johnson had every desired attribute for a future two-way star on the wing. But it just hasn't happened for him yet. He still hasn't learned to finish at the rim and doesn't shoot well enough to make up for that deficiency.

Cam Reddish's college career and physical profile (6'8", 218 lbs) suggest he could either become the player Johnson was supposed to be (something closer to Paul George) or be similarly disappointing when he reaches the professional level. He'll certainly be one of the most polarizing players taken in the lottery.

Bleacher Report

Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech



Pro comparison: Khris Middleton

Jarrett Culver isn't flashy, but he's a solid, do-it-all wing who can create his own shot, facilitate for teammates and defend his position. He's the kind of contributor who can slot in right away and be an effective role player on any team, and some squads may feel he's the second-best player on the board after Zion Williamson.

Culver is not quite the outside shooter Khris Middleton has become for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he has the same kind of smooth and versatile all-around game that would help a variety of teams. His floor is lofty, and he's almost certain to carve out a solid career for himself in the league.

These comparisons are making me really sad.

[King Ken]

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This guy says Culver might never be an all star...I’m not saying he will be an all star but can’t really put a ceiling on him yet imo. This guy passes the eye test for me big time. Still want Cam first but man I’m not seeing what some others are seeing on this kid. The tiny hitch in his shot is the only thing for me.

I've said it a lot and will again here (and probably a lot more) but I'd take him with a couple caveats in which one we'll probably not find out about. One is if you feel like this on the shot (and what I saw on twitter) where its not completely broken and just needs some tweaking for better efficiency. Two is his height. Is he in between 6'6"-6'7"? Or just 6'6" flat or not even that.

I like him as a SF, or maybe I'm just smitten with Bembry's utility-ness. I think Culver's a utility SG/SF now that could have more later. We'll never find out for real about the shot deal, but if the Hawks think they can correct it and he can shoot 35-38% from 3, on 3 attempts a game, man, I'd take him.

Culver clearly doesn't pass my eye test but like I said on the Culver forum, it's not impossible. Look how much Middleton improved but I won't bet on him. Especially with a top 10 pick. You are asking for disappointment.

[King Ken]

Man, these are brutal. But are they accurate?

Thoughts?

NBA Comparisons for the Top Players in the Sweet 16

RJ Barrett, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Rudy Gay

On paper, RJ Barrett looks like an ideal wing for the modern NBA. He has the size (6'7", 202 lbs) and scoring ability to be effective, and he possesses the physical tools to be a good defender.

But like Gay or Andrew Wiggins, questions about his shot selection persist. Will his ultimate destiny be to serve as a player who puts up big stats on a bad team? He relies a lot on mid-range jumpers and forces plenty of shots early in possessions—two habits he must break to reach his potential in the NBA.

He does have the talent to get there.

Bleacher Report

Spoiler:

Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Duke



Pro comparison: Stanley Johnson

Coming into the 2015 draft after his freshman season at Arizona, Stanley Johnson had every desired attribute for a future two-way star on the wing. But it just hasn't happened for him yet. He still hasn't learned to finish at the rim and doesn't shoot well enough to make up for that deficiency.

Cam Reddish's college career and physical profile (6'8", 218 lbs) suggest he could either become the player Johnson was supposed to be (something closer to Paul George) or be similarly disappointing when he reaches the professional level. He'll certainly be one of the most polarizing players taken in the lottery.

Bleacher Report

Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech



Pro comparison: Khris Middleton

Jarrett Culver isn't flashy, but he's a solid, do-it-all wing who can create his own shot, facilitate for teammates and defend his position. He's the kind of contributor who can slot in right away and be an effective role player on any team, and some squads may feel he's the second-best player on the board after Zion Williamson.

Culver is not quite the outside shooter Khris Middleton has become for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he has the same kind of smooth and versatile all-around game that would help a variety of teams. His floor is lofty, and he's almost certain to carve out a solid career for himself in the league.

Not at all accurate.

Cam can really shoot. Teams actually have access to practices and workouts. Everyone says the samething, Cam can **** shoot it. This is internet guys who just are going by the little they have. Coaches are very impressed with Reddish. My guess is, it's a major risk and rightfully so but he should pay off to a degree, maybe not top 10 pick but still. For the Hawks, different story with how our personnel is with Trae. He is a no brainer for us.

R.J. is putting up elite scoring and passing for a freshman off guard as well as a plus rebounder. Of course this is awful hot take to compare him to Rudy Gay who even by his Soph year wasn't anywhere near as good as Barrett. Once again, an internet fool being a fool.

Culver has a shot at reaching Middleton status but will need A LOT of work to get there. Not a sure bet in my eyes. He will need a lot and it won't come fast. I am talking 20 extra pounds, shot reconstruction, adding range, still maintaining his difficult shot status with the added range. That said, if he gets there, he could be better but I doubt it. I don't see him being able to add so much weight. He is only 211-215 right now and looks solid.

[King Ken]

Whoever said Bembry with Culver is accurate. Not that they are similar players but their usability is very high if you value that type of thing which LP does but Bud didn't

[observer1995]

Barrett isn't Rudy Gay, but I don't think he's going to live up to lofty comps like Tracy McGrady. I do think he's going to be fine however but fine might mean it takes 2-3 years and then he comes out on the other end and is Harden like without as good shooting or DeMar DeRozan.

I have worries about Cam Reddish but Stanley Johnson is a garbage comp. Those worries as a tl;dr are unless I'm wrong and those exist, it might be going against history to bank on him panning out. Not going to listen to tankathon stats (as it goes beyond most "average" college production based on what I see) but instead pose a couple questions: Has anybody shot below 40% in a one and done season and worked out in the NBA big time? Then has anybody finished at a 50ish% rate and worked out well?

Sure, sure, stats don't mean a thing, blah blah, but I'd like to see at least SOME in game production. Maybe if I'm given names in this case, I'll shut up on this and just wait and see how the team feels.

Jarrett Culver=Khris Middleton isn't bad. There are actually others that argue he has room to bulk up more.

[hawkmanreturns]

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Wow.

I do not think this kid is ready, yet.

I hope he isn't getting terrible advice from someone.

Naz is a VERY mobile and skilled big man. The consistency hasn't been there at LSU but when Naz is on his game, he looks like a surefire Lottery pick on offense. Now defense and rim protection is a different story.

[King Ken]

Barrett isn't Rudy Gay, but I don't think he's going to live up to lofty comps like Tracy McGrady. I do think he's going to be fine however but fine might mean it takes 2-3 years and then he comes out on the other end and is Harden like without as good shooting or DeMar DeRozan.

I have worries about Cam Reddish but Stanley Johnson is a garbage comp. Those worries as a tl;dr are unless I'm wrong and those exist, it might be going against history to bank on him panning out. Not going to listen to tankathon stats (as it goes beyond most "average" college production based on what I see) but instead pose a couple questions: Has anybody shot below 40% in a one and done season and worked out in the NBA big time? Then has anybody finished at a 50ish% rate and worked out well?

Sure, sure, stats don't mean a thing, blah blah, but I'd like to see at least SOME in game production. Maybe if I'm given names in this case, I'll shut up on this and just wait and see how the team feels.

Jarrett Culver=Khris Middleton isn't bad. There are actually others that argue he has room to bulk up more.

He is already miles better than DD as a prospect. DD and his prospect comparison is in this class. It's Langford. People are going to have a lot of egg on their face in the NBA with Barrett.

It's a garbage comp for one reason ONLY. Cam can shoot 3s. Stan can't shoot at all. Cam is an extremely fluid athlete, Stan is a great athlete but more power based. Cam is a better overall defender, Stan is a better and was a Day 1 Man to Man defender. To answer your question, no one has been success who shot under 40% FG. That said, Cam has a good excuse which is, he is schemed to move off of the 3pt line. He draws too many offensive fouls which does hurt his creation ability. He doesn't have space to operate at Duke due to personnel which is true. He isn't M. Richardson. Cam can shoot. Cam might be one of the worst inside of the arc guys to go into the top 10 since Paul George who many felt was overdrafted at the time.

It's not a terrible one, but is 99% percentile one and it's not all that likely. What's likely is he is Evan Turner Jr with a few difference which might mean his impact is versatility off the bench.

[Jamaaliver]

Vecenie: The NBA Draft standouts during the NCAA Tournament so far

Mfiondu Kabengele, Florida State

vs. Vermont: 21 points, 10 rebounds, one block, one steal, 6-13 FG, 0-1 3P, 9-13 FT

vs. Murray State: 22 points, seven rebounds, one steal, three blocks, 10-12 FG, 2-2 3P

The most baffling rotational decision in all of college basketball continues to be Florida State’s usage of Kabengele. He’s very clearly one of their two best players...and yet he doesn’t start. [H]e’s burst onto the scene and dominated regardless of role. Kabengele has been the breakout star of the tournament, posting back-to-back 20-plus point outings for the Seminoles while averaging 8.5 rebounds.

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In a lot of ways, Kabengele is a fascinating modern center prospect. He can step away from the rim in pick-and-pops and knock down 3s. His motor never stops running on the offensive glass, giving him a chance to create second-chance points for his team. He’s also mobile in the open floor, and fluid enough to knock around pure turnaround jumpers.

Defensively, that motor also really helps him make an impact. He can guard at a reasonable level away from the basket, and he’s a physical presence inside.

There is some concern from NBA teams about how his body will hold up long term over the grind of an NBA season. Still, the production speaks for itself. After speaking with NBA executives about his chances, I would feel confident projecting that Kabengele would be selected in the second round of the draft if he decided to declare.

The Athletic

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

(moved)

[gurpilo]

Reddish or Hunter in that order with our pick

Bol or Hayes with Mavs pick

Trade Prince or Baze for a first and take Ckarke

2nd round targets Kabengele, Thybulle, Gafford and a backup PG.

Have not changed my list since the beginning.

[personanongrata]

Reddish or Hunter in that order with our pick

Bol or Hayes with Mavs pick

Trade Prince or Baze for a first and take Ckarke

2nd round targets Kabengele, Thybulle, Gafford and a backup PG.

Have not changed my list since the beginning.

Trade Baze for a 1st? You must be joking.

[King Ken]

For me:
#1 Zion
#2 Trade Morant
#3, Look at all options. If you feel confident, take Barrett.
#4 Reddish
#5 Reddish or Clarke
#6 Reddish or Clarke or Hayes
#6 Reddish or Clarke or Hayes
#7 Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter
#8 Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter
#9 Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno
#10 Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno
#11 Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little
#12 Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little
#13 Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little

Not sure on Reddish range. I have him as a top 5 pick but he's not a lock.