2019 NBA Draft Prep

[LunchBox21]

Culver and Clarke would be a sick draft. Parlaying those two picks with a trade back from #2 is the ideal (non-Zion) draft scenario imo.

[personanongrata]

Part of me thinks RJ and Cam might be overrated. I hope Schlenk is purely objective in his evaluations, and does not allow typical consensus opinions to corrupt his views.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

In your wildest dreams... okay, not "wildest," but let's just say "most liberal," how's that...

Who (if anyone) do you imagine from this draft can potentially ascend to finishing top 5 in MVP voting twice or more?... which is the standard I'm using for declaring Player X to be an "elite" or "cornerstone" or "top tier" player.

I've got four, in my most liberal dreams...

1. Zion
2. Cam
3. Bol
4. Bruno

... listed in their most typical order in mock drafts.

(In my most conservative ones, there is none.)

Interested in your thoughts, folks.

[Spud2nique]

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.

I dig this a ton Supes. I’m ridin with you on this with some slight twists of my own.

At 3&4 I’d look at all options like you stated but would ultimately take Cam over RJ.

Also would sprinkle Culver in the top 5 as you have him missing.

Clarke is growing in me but I still wanna see more of his skill level to consider him even with the Mavs pick around 6-8.

Good $hit though well put.

[Spud2nique]

In your wildest dreams... okay, not "wildest," but let's just say "most liberal," how's that...

Who (if anyone) do you imagine from this draft can potentially ascend to finishing top 5 in MVP voting twice or more?... which is the standard I'm using for declaring Player X to be an "elite" or "cornerstone" or "top tier" player.

I've got four, in my most liberal dreams...

1. Zion
2. Cam
3. Bol
4. Bruno

... listed in their most typical order in mock drafts.

(In my most conservative ones, there is none.)

Interested in your thoughts, folks.

I’d say:

Zion (a lock to finish with the criteria you mentioned probably 8 or some times if things go well).

Cam I think he needs to work on his urgency but otherwise his raw talents would make him appear possibly 3 or more times...don’t wanna out a ceiling but minimum 3 times in the top 5, maybe twice. (Top 5 in the entire league is tough)

Culver If he’s Paul Georgish, twice.. possibly more.

RJ Barrett : in the eight situation, 4 or more appearances top 5 voting. (If we didn’t have Trae, he’d be up there for me, at least higher than I have him now).

That’s it...maybe Bol..once or twice if he avoids injury and develops more.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

(... hehe... is there an echo in here?... )

[Spud2nique]

(... hehe... is there an echo in here?... )

You talkin to me?


I said..

No but if your referring to KK and I...last year we agreed on Bagley and this year on a few things but before that not much. We actively fought about Horford being Karl Malone but I wasn’t alone in that battle.

I guess we just happen to see prospects similarly this year more than years past for sure.

I will say you people are extremely high on Bruno.

Why is that? I mean Haze, KK, you, and others. I’d currently draft him no higher than 15. Just my list.

[Spud2nique]

I’m interested in watching a personal one on one team workout between Bruno and Kabengele.

Can the best salesperson in here sell me why I should spend my Mavs pick to take Bruno when I can get better value late first with Kabs?

Don’t enter in all at once Bruno fans. Single file line.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

In your wildest dreams... okay, not "wildest," but let's just say "most liberal," how's that...

Who (if anyone) do you imagine from this draft can potentially ascend to finishing top 5 in MVP voting twice or more?... which is the standard I'm using for declaring Player X to be an "elite" or "cornerstone" or "top tier" player.

I've got four, in my most liberal dreams...

1. Zion
2. Cam
3. Bol
4. Bruno

... listed in their most typical order in mock drafts.

(In my most conservative ones, there is none.)

Interested in your thoughts, folks.

I’d say:

Zion (a lock to finish with the criteria you mentioned probably 8 or some times if things go well).

Cam I think he needs to work on his urgency but otherwise his raw talents would make him appear possibly 3 or more times...don’t wanna out a ceiling but minimum 3 times in the top 5, maybe twice. (Top 5 in the entire league is tough)

Culver If he’s Paul Georgish, twice.. possibly more.

RJ Barrett : in the eight situation, 4 or more appearances top 5 voting. (If we didn’t have Trae, he’d be up there for me, at least higher than I have him now).

That’s it...maybe Bol..once or twice if he avoids injury and develops more.

Hmmm.... sounds pretty liberal compared to meeeeeeee.

Just for context, a total of 21 players since 1999 have seen top 5 in MVP voting two or more times.

Three or more times? There are 7 among all players not yet retired: Harden, James, Westbrook, Durant, Paul, Nowitzki, Howard. Otherwise there's 6 now retired: Bryant, Garnett, Nash, Duncan, Shaq and Iverson.

[Spud2nique]

In your wildest dreams... okay, not "wildest," but let's just say "most liberal," how's that...

Who (if anyone) do you imagine from this draft can potentially ascend to finishing top 5 in MVP voting twice or more?... which is the standard I'm using for declaring Player X to be an "elite" or "cornerstone" or "top tier" player.

I've got four, in my most liberal dreams...

1. Zion
2. Cam
3. Bol
4. Bruno

... listed in their most typical order in mock drafts.

(In my most conservative ones, there is none.)

Interested in your thoughts, folks.

I’d say:

Zion (a lock to finish with the criteria you mentioned probably 8 or some times if things go well).

Cam I think he needs to work on his urgency but otherwise his raw talents would make him appear possibly 3 or more times...don’t wanna out a ceiling but minimum 3 times in the top 5, maybe twice. (Top 5 in the entire league is tough)

Culver If he’s Paul Georgish, twice.. possibly more.

RJ Barrett : in the eight situation, 4 or more appearances top 5 voting. (If we didn’t have Trae, he’d be up there for me, at least higher than I have him now).

That’s it...maybe Bol..once or twice if he avoids injury and develops more.

Hmmm.... sounds pretty liberal compared to meeeeeeee.

Just for context, a total of 21 players since 1999 have seen top 5 in MVP voting two or more times.

Three or more times? There are 7 among all players not yet retired: Harden, James, Westbrook, Durant, Paul, Nowitzki, Howard. Otherwise there's 6 now retired: Bryant, Garnett, Nash, Duncan, Shaq and Iverson.

Ok then just Zion.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I’m interested in watching a personal one on one team workout between Bruno and Kabengele.

Can the best salesperson in here sell me why I should spend my Mavs pick to take Bruno when I can get better value late first with Kabs?

Don’t enter in all at once Bruno fans. Single file line.

Schlenk called to say he especially likes players who have some ability to handle the ball and have shown some demonstrated ability to manufacture some times.

I'll chime in... not sure what Kabs wingspan is, but it's hard to beat 7'4".

[Spud2nique]

I’m interested in watching a personal one on one team workout between Bruno and Kabengele.

Can the best salesperson in here sell me why I should spend my Mavs pick to take Bruno when I can get better value late first with Kabs?

Don’t enter in all at once Bruno fans. Single file line.

Schlenk called to say he especially likes players who have some ability to handle the ball and have shown some demonstrated ability to manufacture some times.

I'll chime in... not sure what Kabs wingspan is, but it's hard to beat 7'4".

Had no idea he worked out for us and the Nets last year. Wow, apparently the colonel likey.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/terrapins-insider/wp/2018/05/17/at-nba-combine-marylands-bruno-fernando-tries-to-measure-up-and-keep-it-simple/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.be19b54d415c

Fernando will not be able to work out for too many teams ahead of the May 30 deadline. He interviewed with the Thunder, Nuggets, Wizards, Bucks, Pelicans and Hornets the past two days, and has meetings with the Lakers and Pistons scheduled for Friday morning. He also worked out for the Hawks and Nets ahead of the combine.

[observer1995]

You're not getting anything good for Bazemore without attaching something. Best to ride him out...hopefully with a team that's trying to win and him reduced to bench cheerleader, but at worst a guy that's a pure 10-15 minute guy for his "energy" and not for a major role.

[King Ken]

You're not getting anything good for Bazemore without attaching something. Best to ride him out...hopefully with a team that's trying to win and him reduced to bench cheerleader, but at worst a guy that's a pure 10-15 minute guy for his "energy" and not for a major role.

Bazemore has a lot more value as a teammate/leadership so even a wash trade isn't that good for him. We need to just let his contract ride out.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I’m interested in watching a personal one on one team workout between Bruno and Kabengele.

Can the best salesperson in here sell me why I should spend my Mavs pick to take Bruno when I can get better value late first with Kabs?

Don’t enter in all at once Bruno fans. Single file line.

Schlenk called to say he especially likes players who have some ability to handle the ball and have shown some demonstrated ability to manufacture some times.

I'll chime in... not sure what Kabs wingspan is, but it's hard to beat 7'4".

Oops ...make that... some DIMES

And... thanks for the link... very nice. I had no idea, either.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Using KK's (black) template... sturt in bold red...

For me:
#1 Consider highest bidder trade options first, but possibly Zion | Zion

#2 Trade Morant to highest bidder | Trade Morant

#3 Consider highest bidder trade options, but possibly Reddish | Look at all options. If you feel confident, take Barrett.

#4 Same as #3 | Reddish

#5 Same as #3 | Reddish or Clarke

#6 Consider BOTH #1 PICKS for 2020 to any teams the staff projects to finish in bottom 3 in 2020***, but if not, Reddish or Bol or Bruno | Reddish or Clarke or Hayes

#7 Same as #6 | Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter

#8 Consider BOTH #1 PICKS for 2020 to any teams the staff projects to finish in bottom 5 in 2020, but if not, Reddish or Bol or Bruno | Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter

#9 Same as #8 | Reddish or Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno

#10 Consider BOTH #1 PICKS for 2020 plus our own 2020 1st to any teams the staff projects to finish in bottom 3 in 2020, but if not, Reddish or Bol or Bruno | Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno

#11 Same as #10 | Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little

#12 Consider BOTH #1 PICKS for 2020 plus our own 2020 1st to any teams the staff projects to finish in bottom 5 in 2020, but if not, Reddish or Bol or Bruno | Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little

#13 Same as #12 | Clarke or Hayes or Hunter or Bruno or Culver/Little

***Remember... Schlenk said earlier that they projected on draft night that DAL was bound for a 5-10 finish this season... there's reason for some faith in their assessment.

[King Ken]

Watching the Mickey D's classic Notes:

Watching MDAAG and Cole Anthony and Anthony Edwards and I can see them being top 5 picks easy in 2020. Anthony might be the 4th best PG in this draft. Edwards just got that all around game. Gonna have to improve his shooting but his feel for the game, motor, driving ability, strength, and athletic ability is world class.

I like Stewart, he just looks and moves like a pro like Cam Reddish did last year. Wiseman got the talent, length and height but his skills and body needs a lot of work. He has broad shounders but small base. I think the D. Robinson comparisons are pretty good at this age. He has great hands. Watford has some pro qualities, I look forward to watching him. I see a lot I like from Scottie Lewis but he is going to need his body to fill out. Whitney got an easy game, I can see him playing great in the NCAAs. Needs some more skill development but he can be a NBA player sooner than later.

Achuiwa was my superstar from the dunk contest and I can see why he's not a top 10 HS player. He is still raw. That said, he is a very fluid athlete with very big hands, long arms and a projectable frame at 6'9. If he just plays to 85% of his potential, he is a top 5 pick. Has a frame that can reach 215-218. He got "some" Dr. J qualities. Skill development will do him well but I think he could be the #1 overall pick in 2020. He got so much potential. I like McDaniels a lot. He looks smooth for his height. Like his older brother, I worry about their frame and how much weight they can add.

For me, Cole is legit. He can be a top 5 pick right now. Stewart right now might be the 2nd best PF in the draft. The rest, they need college. For me last year, I felt Barrett was ready for the NBA as was Reddish. The rest need college but Zion was my #1 pick if he worked on his body and got his jumper to a respectable level.

Back to Stewart, he doesn't have great athlete ability but he has Millsap athletic ability. He has better height, skill, talent, and a body than Millsap had even at his peak at LA Tech. I think Stewart might not have the pro potential of some of the top guys but he's translates easy and highly projectable like Wendell Carter Jr. was last year. Washington should be a great fit for him.

My rankings for this class (2020 NBA Draft):

1. Achuiwa
2t. Edwards
2t. Cole Anthony
4. Wiseman
5. Watford
6. McDaniels
7. Whitney
8. Stewart

Other guys look good but don't see standout right now. I'll wait till they get to college. None of the others just pop out at the screen to me.

[King Ken]

For the 2nd round: I like these guys for us:

28. Gafford - More of a 2nd round floor. He does play the PnR well, move well and space and flash potential in space on defense. He is more inconsistent but his potential to be a two way player who can defend in space on defense and play in space on offense makes his NBA ceiling higher than most in this range. Teams will be higher on him after workouts. His ability to play in space on both ends will appeal to a lot of teams looking for a big who can protect others, especially on D in the switching parts of the game.

29. Matisse Thybulle - Lower mid floor/Semi High ceiling. Has starting role player potential.

30. Cameron Johnson - Big mover, lower mid floor/semi high ceiling. More NBA ready than Final Four hero Justin Jackson. He is a clearly better NBA prospect to me.

31. Nic Claxton - 2020 prospect (top 10 for me) but he is raw on offense with potential to be solid and has elite defensive potential long term. His ability to cover ground, deflection and impact the game on the defensive end is top notch. His potential will get him drafted in the 1st round regardless when he comes out. No one is like him. Rare talent for a 5.

33. Admiral Schofield - low floor/semi high ceiling - I see a lot of P.J. Tucker long term is Scho in flashes. I need to see more of Scho, Tennessee just hasn't been a team I've watched a lot of. This is could change the time the draft is here.

35. P.J. Washington - I have watched some early UK games and P.J. showed flashes. He is physically most like David West but his inconsistency and BBIQ says otherwise. I think he will need a great playmaker to help him at the next level or the NBA can be a short blip for Washington. low floor/semi high ceiling. He has moved up my list. I didn't think he was going to be a potential starter for the longest time.

36. Ty Jerome - Not quite the shooter Shamet was but a better PG and a much better defender. But he doesn't have the positional versatility that Shamet had. Jerome really is a PG. Potential to be a low end starter in the NBA which is pretty good for a 2nd round grade. high floor/semi low ceiling.

37. Tre Jones - Semi Mid floor/Low ceiling. Great defense mixed with excellent game management skill but like Melton, do you pass on him because his shooting just doesn't translate?

41. Dylan Windler - Big Dylan Windler fan. Love his potential to be a decent role player. Maybe even starter potential but he does have a low floor. His defense is bad and his athleticism isn't much. But his ability to shoot and rebound will translate. Clearly a G-Leaguer till he improves his D. More of an undersized 4 at this point and that's not going to work in the NBA. He is a great investment for teams who really value having shooters and they have a defensive minded team. A low end PDS guy. (Pass, dribble, shoot).

43. Shamorie Ponds - IT0 is a realistic comparison for Ponds. Not the movement player or slasher that IT0 was out of Washington but better at PG play, shooter, and PnR Basketball. If you are looking for a PnR player who can score and create at a high level, provide next to nothing on defense. Ponds is your man. Ponds is a high end steals guy so it isn't a complete farce on D. High Floor/low ceiling

44. Jalen Lecque - I haven't watched him play but his highlights look real good. Not sure how he translates. G-League instantly.

47. Miye Oni - Low floor - high mid potential - I think he could be the Josh Richardson of this class in the right situation. Not sold he will come out as a 2nd rounder. His potential is his calling card.

48. Markus Howard - More of a high European prospect. He is an elite scorer and shooter but not much else and his defense can be labeled as a better Jimmer. Mid floor/low ceiling. His shooting, ability to create his own shot and BBIQ will appeal to teams looking for a 2/way. His 2/way appeal helps his NBA profile.

55. Charles Matthews - Injuries could lower his status but he is a clear NBA player to me. Mid high floor/low ceiling.

56. Jordan Poole - Sam Veceine is sold on him. I just haven't watched Michigan much and when I did, they played bad and lost or they just played bad this year. Like Maryland last year, when I get a chance to watch their games, I will probably bump these guys up.

58. Konate - His potential is much higher than his floor. He has talent and ability but the G-League should be an option for him. low floor/semi-mid ceiling.

60. Isaiah Roby - 3/D potential ceiling. 6'8, has the size, can get blocks and steals. His shooting needs work. Doesn't quite have the athletic ability. Clearly a 2/way guy. Some will say he has RoCo potential but he really going to have to improve his shooting. Guys like Ennis and Covington shot it better but than again, they played for small schools, not in the Big 12. For positions where they have taller better bigger players, we should take it more seriously as well seen with guys like Taurean Prince.

As Preferred Free Agents:

62. Aric Holman - projectable player. Obviously has to put on more size. 3/D PF. A clear low floor semi mid ceiling who is a 2/way option. Could move up into the 2nd round with ease.

63. Caleb Martin - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player.

66. Fletcher Magee - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player. I like his 2/way potential.

68t. Cody Martin - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player. Great passer for position and you hope he can develop into a secondary playmaker who is a 3/D player long term. Has long term

71. Robert Franks - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player.

72. Bennie Boatwright - 2020 prospect but low floor/semi-mid ceiling.

[Spud2nique]

For the 2nd round: I like these guys for us:

28. Gafford - More of a 2nd round floor. He does play the PnR well, move well and space and flash potential in space on defense. He is more inconsistent but his potential to be a two way player who can defend in space on defense and play in space on offense makes his NBA ceiling higher than most in this range. Teams will be higher on him after workouts. His ability to play in space on both ends will appeal to a lot of teams looking for a big who can protect others, especially on D in the switching parts of the game.

29. Matisse Thybulle - Lower mid floor/Semi High ceiling. Has starting role player potential.

30. Cameron Johnson - Big mover, lower mid floor/semi high ceiling. More NBA ready than Final Four hero Justin Jackson. He is a clearly better NBA prospect to me.

31. Nic Claxton - 2020 prospect (top 10 for me) but he is raw on offense with potential to be solid and has elite defensive potential long term. His ability to cover ground, deflection and impact the game on the defensive end is top notch. His potential will get him drafted in the 1st round regardless when he comes out. No one is like him. Rare talent for a 5.

33. Admiral Schofield - low floor/semi high ceiling - I see a lot of P.J. Tucker long term is Scho in flashes. I need to see more of Scho, Tennessee just hasn't been a team I've watched a lot of. This is could change the time the draft is here.

35. P.J. Washington - I have watched some early UK games and P.J. showed flashes. He is physically most like David West but his inconsistency and BBIQ says otherwise. I think he will need a great playmaker to help him at the next level or the NBA can be a short blip for Washington. low floor/semi high ceiling. He has moved up my list. I didn't think he was going to be a potential starter for the longest time.

36. Ty Jerome - Not quite the shooter Shamet was but a better PG and a much better defender. But he doesn't have the positional versatility that Shamet had. Jerome really is a PG. Potential to be a low end starter in the NBA which is pretty good for a 2nd round grade. high floor/semi low ceiling.

37. Tre Jones - Semi Mid floor/Low ceiling. Great defense mixed with excellent game management skill but like Melton, do you pass on him because his shooting just doesn't translate?

41. Dylan Windler - Big Dylan Windler fan. Love his potential to be a decent role player. Maybe even starter potential but he does have a low floor. His defense is bad and his athleticism isn't much. But his ability to shoot and rebound will translate. Clearly a G-Leaguer till he improves his D. More of an undersized 4 at this point and that's not going to work in the NBA. He is a great investment for teams who really value having shooters and they have a defensive minded team. A low end PDS guy. (Pass, dribble, shoot).

43. Shamorie Ponds - IT0 is a realistic comparison for Ponds. Not the movement player or slasher that IT0 was out of Washington but better at PG play, shooter, and PnR Basketball. If you are looking for a PnR player who can score and create at a high level, provide next to nothing on defense. Ponds is your man. Ponds is a high end steals guy so it isn't a complete farce on D. High Floor/low ceiling

44. Jalen Lecque - I haven't watched him play but his highlights look real good. Not sure how he translates. G-League instantly.

47. Miye Oni - Low floor - high mid potential - I think he could be the Josh Richardson of this class in the right situation. Not sold he will come out as a 2nd rounder. His potential is his calling card.

48. Markus Howard - More of a high European prospect. He is an elite scorer and shooter but not much else and his defense can be labeled as a better Jimmer. Mid floor/low ceiling. His shooting, ability to create his own shot and BBIQ will appeal to teams looking for a 2/way. His 2/way appeal helps his NBA profile.

55. Charles Matthews - Injuries could lower his status but he is a clear NBA player to me. Mid high floor/low ceiling.

56. Jordan Poole - Sam Veceine is sold on him. I just haven't watched Michigan much and when I did, they played bad and lost or they just played bad this year. Like Maryland last year, when I get a chance to watch their games, I will probably bump these guys up.

58. Konate - His potential is much higher than his floor. He has talent and ability but the G-League should be an option for him. low floor/semi-mid ceiling.

60. Isaiah Roby - 3/D potential ceiling. 6'8, has the size, can get blocks and steals. His shooting needs work. Doesn't quite have the athletic ability. Clearly a 2/way guy. Some will say he has RoCo potential but he really going to have to improve his shooting. Guys like Ennis and Covington shot it better but than again, they played for small schools, not in the Big 12. For positions where they have taller better bigger players, we should take it more seriously as well seen with guys like Taurean Prince.

As Preferred Free Agents:

62. Aric Holman - projectable player. Obviously has to put on more size. 3/D PF. A clear low floor semi mid ceiling who is a 2/way option. Could move up into the 2nd round with ease.

63. Caleb Martin - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player.

66. Fletcher Magee - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player. I like his 2/way potential.

68t. Cody Martin - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player. Great passer for position and you hope he can develop into a secondary playmaker who is a 3/D player long term. Has long term

71. Robert Franks - semi mid floor with a low ceiling who has potential to develop into a rotation player.

72. Bennie Boatwright - 2020 prospect but low floor/semi-mid ceiling.

29, 33, and 35 for me. I’d also add:

Eric Paschall

Luka Semanic

Aubrey Dawkins- Torn on this guy because he’s 24 soon but at 6’6 215, you can’t help but love the size and heart.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter