2019 NBA Draft Prep

[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.

Note: Kabengele is a first rounder now imo

[Jamaaliver]

A bunch of new mock drafts released before the Sweet Sixteen kicks off:

2019 NBA mock draft 1.0: Who's getting picked after Zion Williamson?

5. Atlanta: F/G Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

Culver is a long and strong, high-IQ, two-way wing who appears to be a plug-and-play player. With Trae Young initiating the bulk of the offense, and Kevin Huerter looking like a nice secondary tertiary creator, adding another secondary/tertiary creator could be a nice match. On the defensive side, Culver is the strong perimeter defender the Hawks are currently lacking.


7. Atlanta (via Dallas): F/C Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga

After taking Culver, Atlanta might be looking for another defensive stalwart. Clarke is that player and more. On top of being one of the top defenders in college basketball, with a plethora of skills that translate going forward, Clarke is also a high-level rebounder and a great passer. He needs to improve his jumper, but he is a high-level finisher (98th percentile around the basket) and his touch around the paint (93rd percentile on runners) and improving free-throw percentage bode well for his jumper long term.

Yahoo Sports

Spoiler:

17. Brooklyn: F Nassir Little, North Carolina

Little has the tools you want for a modern-day three/four, but needs more refinement. He came into the season as a high lottery prospect, but has been plagued by inconsistent play on both ends of the court. Coach Kenny Atkinson and his staff can develop youth and maximize talent, so GM Sean Marks might be willing to take a risk here.

18. Boston: F Sekou Doumbouya, France

Sekou, who just turned 18 in December, might be a draft-and-stash player. He needs to iron out the rough edges in his game, but he has potential as a combo-forward defender with shooting ability. With Boston going all in now, it might not make sense to take a project, but he also might be worth it a few years down the road.

19. San Antonio: F Grant Williams, Tennessee

Williams’ style and IQ match up with the Spurs perfectly. He plays both ends of the court, can pass, shows touch in the paint and shooting potential. But most important, he is a hard worker, a team-first guy, and has a very high basketball IQ. Although he might be a bit undersized, his strength (especially in the lower body) and high release point help alleviate those concerns.


29. San Antonio (via Toronto): F Dylan Windler, Belmont

Windler is a knockdown shooter, great rebounder (and plays a bit stronger than his size at 6-8, 200), good passer, and has a nice IQ. He’s not a great isolation defender, but is solid positionally and schematically, which is just as, if not more, important. The Spurs are last in 3-point attempts per game and sixth to last in makes, and adding Windler could bump those numbers up a bit.

[Jamaaliver]

For some reason, these guys project Dallas to jump into the top-4 and for us to fall back to #7...

NBA Mock Draft: Jarrett Culver jumps into the top 5; Cam Reddish falls

4. Dallas Mavericks: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

The Dallas Mavericks would be lucky to jump into the top 5, and should that happen they should jump at the chance at drafting Jarrett Culver, the interesting guard prospect out of Texas Tech. Culver is the player that can do a bit of it all. He has shown the ability to light up the scoreboard on any given night, but is also a better passer than he gets credit for. He has good size, at 6-foot-5 and is a capable defender that will be able to guard multiple positions at the next level.

Couple Culver with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis would create a very interesting young Big 3 in Dallas, and would bring quite the intrigue headed into next season.




7. Atlanta Hawks: Jaxson Hayes, Texas

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the better young teams in the NBA this season, led by the excellent play of rookie Trae Young and sophomore John Collins. Adding another talented big like Jaxon Hayes could be an interesting option.

While he’s still very much a work in progress, he has an interesting skillset that could work in today’s game. Plus, it doesn’t make sense to reach at this point in the draft. Hayes is almost unanimously a top 10 talent in this draft, and would make an interesting combo with Collins.

Don’t be surprised if Atlanta elected to go wing or guard at this point in the draft as well, but Hayes works too.

Sir Charles in Charge

[Jamaaliver]

From the StepBack:

2019 NBA Mock Draft: March Madness is NBA Draft crazy season




5. R.J. Barrett | G/F | Duke

If we’re looking over the grander narrative of Barrett’s season at Duke, the game-winning putback over Central Florida certainly makes up for his awful fourth quarter against Gonzaga in December. Barrett has rightly earned a reputation this year as a gunner who fails to read the game and make plays for teammates consistently. Duke was far less competitive in March when Zion Williamson was out with a knee sprain, another tick mark in the con column for Barrett. The season hasn’t gone Barrett’s way.

However, that the biggest play of his season would be a rebound is fitting. His best secondary skill is grabbing loose boards — he’s strong and active on the glass — and going coast to coast to make plays in space. Far more worrisome is his halfcourt decision-making,

One more thing to note from Duke’s near-second round loss is Barrett’s shooting. As Spencer Pearlman (an NBA Draft Twitter must-follow) noted online, Barrett is starting to eliminate the hitch on his jumper. It looked much smoother on Sunday afternoon and if he’s ever going to improve from the 31.3 percent guy he was as a freshman, that will be a big key.

Barrett only shot 66.2 percent from the line this, which is not a great indicator of his future shooting ability, either. It’s tough to imagine Barrett ever becoming an elite 3-point shooter in the NBA, but Sunday was a big step.





7. Cam Reddish | F | Duke

You have to watch extremely closely to catch the flashes that make Reddish so fascinating. The fact that they are so few and far between is part of what makes him confounding, but the fact they exist at all means he has to be in the top 10 in this draft. We sort of hope he lands someplace like Atlanta to properly fill a role and develop.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Whether it’s a transition dribble move and finish or a step-back shot like the one above, Reddish has footwork and coordination rare in many NBA players. That’s about all he has going for him. His length and athleticism don’t create a consistent impact on the game by any means nor can he create shots for others at all. He’s not a great finisher. Simply put, his role at Duke and injuries made his freshman year a disappointment.

There’s a world in which Reddish is in consideration for the No. 2 pick. Were he to commit to one of the schools that were finalists during recruitment — like Alabama or Auburn — Reddish would have still played against Power 5 competition but had more opportunities on offense. Reddish has been at his best this season when he gets the ball in space, but he’s rarely the one to get the ball in those situations.

However, few NBA teams can offer that. Reddish needs to learn how to fill a role and still impact winning. Landing in Atlanta is his best shot.

[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.

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.

Note: Kabengele is a first rounder now imo

Yes, since he is 2019 now for me. Centers like them move up ASAP after workouts.

[King Ken]

From the StepBack:

2019 NBA Mock Draft: March Madness is NBA Draft crazy season




5. R.J. Barrett | G/F | Duke

If we’re looking over the grander narrative of Barrett’s season at Duke, the game-winning putback over Central Florida certainly makes up for his awful fourth quarter against Gonzaga in December. Barrett has rightly earned a reputation this year as a gunner who fails to read the game and make plays for teammates consistently. Duke was far less competitive in March when Zion Williamson was out with a knee sprain, another tick mark in the con column for Barrett. The season hasn’t gone Barrett’s way.

However, that the biggest play of his season would be a rebound is fitting. His best secondary skill is grabbing loose boards — he’s strong and active on the glass — and going coast to coast to make plays in space. Far more worrisome is his halfcourt decision-making,

One more thing to note from Duke’s near-second round loss is Barrett’s shooting. As Spencer Pearlman (an NBA Draft Twitter must-follow) noted online, Barrett is starting to eliminate the hitch on his jumper. It looked much smoother on Sunday afternoon and if he’s ever going to improve from the 31.3 percent guy he was as a freshman, that will be a big key.

Barrett only shot 66.2 percent from the line this, which is not a great indicator of his future shooting ability, either. It’s tough to imagine Barrett ever becoming an elite 3-point shooter in the NBA, but Sunday was a big step.





7. Cam Reddish | F | Duke

You have to watch extremely closely to catch the flashes that make Reddish so fascinating. The fact that they are so few and far between is part of what makes him confounding, but the fact they exist at all means he has to be in the top 10 in this draft. We sort of hope he lands someplace like Atlanta to properly fill a role and develop.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Whether it’s a transition dribble move and finish or a step-back shot like the one above, Reddish has footwork and coordination rare in many NBA players. That’s about all he has going for him. His length and athleticism don’t create a consistent impact on the game by any means nor can he create shots for others at all. He’s not a great finisher. Simply put, his role at Duke and injuries made his freshman year a disappointment.

There’s a world in which Reddish is in consideration for the No. 2 pick. Were he to commit to one of the schools that were finalists during recruitment — like Alabama or Auburn — Reddish would have still played against Power 5 competition but had more opportunities on offense. Reddish has been at his best this season when he gets the ball in space, but he’s rarely the one to get the ball in those situations.

However, few NBA teams can offer that. Reddish needs to learn how to fill a role and still impact winning. Landing in Atlanta is his best shot.

Teams above us in this mock made some awful decisions if this is our draft in June

[King Ken]

For some reason, these guys project Dallas to jump into the top-4 and for us to fall back to #7...

NBA Mock Draft: Jarrett Culver jumps into the top 5; Cam Reddish falls

4. Dallas Mavericks: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

The Dallas Mavericks would be lucky to jump into the top 5, and should that happen they should jump at the chance at drafting Jarrett Culver, the interesting guard prospect out of Texas Tech. Culver is the player that can do a bit of it all. He has shown the ability to light up the scoreboard on any given night, but is also a better passer than he gets credit for. He has good size, at 6-foot-5 and is a capable defender that will be able to guard multiple positions at the next level.

Couple Culver with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis would create a very interesting young Big 3 in Dallas, and would bring quite the intrigue headed into next season.




7. Atlanta Hawks: Jaxson Hayes, Texas

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the better young teams in the NBA this season, led by the excellent play of rookie Trae Young and sophomore John Collins. Adding another talented big like Jaxon Hayes could be an interesting option.

While he’s still very much a work in progress, he has an interesting skillset that could work in today’s game. Plus, it doesn’t make sense to reach at this point in the draft. Hayes is almost unanimously a top 10 talent in this draft, and would make an interesting combo with Collins.

Don’t be surprised if Atlanta elected to go wing or guard at this point in the draft as well, but Hayes works too.

Sir Charles in Charge

Pretty goofy, stick to the projections till the lottery ends.

[King Ken]

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.

Paschall is on the big board but I am not sold on our potential interest. Dawkins is a junior. I don't think he is getting drafted anyway. So I had him as a 2020.

[Jamaaliver]

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.

Paschall is on the big board but I am not sold on our potential interest. Dawkins is a junior. I don't think he is getting drafted anyway. So I had him as a 2020.

I have to wonder if Eric Paschall is actually the Draymond Green clone that Travis thought Omari would be...

[Jamaaliver]

Brandon Clarke Is a Positional Enigma—and Gonzaga’s Best Hope for a Title

The bouncy junior is a center in a small forward’s body. But that isn’t an indictment, it’s high praise. He’s had a historic season, and maximizing his talents will be the key to both a Bulldogs championship run and figuring out his place in the NBA

Watch on YouTube

Gonzaga has never had a big man like Brandon Clarke before. The mid-major school has gone from David to literal Goliath in recent years by churning out NBA-bound big men, including three lottery picks (Kelly Olynyk, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach Collins). None had Clarke’s freakish athleticism, which allows the 6-foot-8, 215-pound junior to play far bigger than his size. Clarke is an elite defensive player coming off a breakout offensive performance (36 points on 15-of-18 shooting) in a second-round win over Baylor.

Clarke is having a historically great season. The records at Sports-Reference.com go back to the 1992-93 season, and no player in that time has matched his all-around production: 17.0 points on 69.9 percent shooting, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s a hyper-efficient offensive machine who protects the rim better than most future NBA centers.

Clarke has a rare combination of athleticism, motor, and basketball IQ. He doesn’t need to tower over everyone else on the floor: He makes up the difference by jumping really high and really fast. He has incredible timing when contesting shots, rarely fouling even though he spends so much time hanging in the air. Clarke plays hard but never out of control, and he’s almost always in the right position. Like all great defenders, he anticipates rather than reacts to the offense. He roams all over the court, and he is as comfortable defending the 3-point line as the rim. His ability to switch screens and stay in front of guards on the perimeter gives a new element to the Zags defense, which has traditionally been built around funneling penetration into less-mobile interior defenders.

His offensive success is built on the same foundation. Clarke plays to his strengths. He’s still not a great shooter. He just doesn’t take shots that he can’t make.

In this position-less era of the NBA, Clarke might be the closest thing there is to a tweener. He can play spot minutes as a small-ball 5 at the next level, but it’s hard to see him being able to match up with guys like Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns over the course of an entire game. The problem for Clarke is that he doesn’t have the shooting ability to play on the perimeter on offense, which has become almost a requirement for every position but center. The only path for him to start early in his NBA career will be if he plays next to a stretch big man who can shoot 3s and defend 5s.

Clarke is a different twist on undersize bigs like Sabonis and Julius Randle, elite scorers who don’t have the length to protect the rim or the shooting ability to space the floor. He should be able to do so many different things well that he will be worth fitting into a starting lineup on the next level. There are not many players in the NBA with as much defensive upside as Clarke: He has the potential to be an elite perimeter stopper who can switch screens across four positions and wreak havoc as a weak-side shot-blocker. Clarke could have the defensive impact of guys like Andre Roberson or Draymond Green while being a far more explosive offensive player.

There is an opportunity cost to playing a non-shooter like Clarke. It’s hard to find room to play more than one player like that at a time in the NBA.

The Ringer

[King Ken]

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.

Paschall is on the big board but I am not sold on our potential interest. Dawkins is a junior. I don't think he is getting drafted anyway. So I had him as a 2020.

I have to wonder if Eric Paschall is actually the Draymond Green clone that Travis thought Omari would be...

Don't have the length or skill level Dray had. His length gives him issues at the collegiate level much less pros. But he will be a NBA player.

Omari just got fat again, before that he was looking like a damn steal. Omari might not be Dray but he got skills for days and sneaky athleticism when he wasn't fat. I feel like when he lost the weight, he just never had the stamina that he had before the injury. Him and Bazemore had the worst after effects on their injuries this year.

[gurpilo]

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.

I would add Charles Bassey there

[King Ken]

Brandon Clarke Is a Positional Enigma—and Gonzaga’s Best Hope for a Title

The bouncy junior is a center in a small forward’s body. But that isn’t an indictment, it’s high praise. He’s had a historic season, and maximizing his talents will be the key to both a Bulldogs championship run and figuring out his place in the NBA

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Gonzaga has never had a big man like Brandon Clarke before. The mid-major school has gone from David to literal Goliath in recent years by churning out NBA-bound big men, including three lottery picks (Kelly Olynyk, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach Collins). None had Clarke’s freakish athleticism, which allows the 6-foot-8, 215-pound junior to play far bigger than his size. Clarke is an elite defensive player coming off a breakout offensive performance (36 points on 15-of-18 shooting) in a second-round win over Baylor.

Clarke is having a historically great season. The records at Sports-Reference.com go back to the 1992-93 season, and no player in that time has matched his all-around production: 17.0 points on 69.9 percent shooting, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s a hyper-efficient offensive machine who protects the rim better than most future NBA centers.

Clarke has a rare combination of athleticism, motor, and basketball IQ. He doesn’t need to tower over everyone else on the floor: He makes up the difference by jumping really high and really fast. He has incredible timing when contesting shots, rarely fouling even though he spends so much time hanging in the air. Clarke plays hard but never out of control, and he’s almost always in the right position. Like all great defenders, he anticipates rather than reacts to the offense. He roams all over the court, and he is as comfortable defending the 3-point line as the rim. His ability to switch screens and stay in front of guards on the perimeter gives a new element to the Zags defense, which has traditionally been built around funneling penetration into less-mobile interior defenders.

His offensive success is built on the same foundation. Clarke plays to his strengths. He’s still not a great shooter. He just doesn’t take shots that he can’t make.

In this position-less era of the NBA, Clarke might be the closest thing there is to a tweener. He can play spot minutes as a small-ball 5 at the next level, but it’s hard to see him being able to match up with guys like Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns over the course of an entire game. The problem for Clarke is that he doesn’t have the shooting ability to play on the perimeter on offense, which has become almost a requirement for every position but center. The only path for him to start early in his NBA career will be if he plays next to a stretch big man who can shoot 3s and defend 5s.

Clarke is a different twist on undersize bigs like Sabonis and Julius Randle, elite scorers who don’t have the length to protect the rim or the shooting ability to space the floor. He should be able to do so many different things well that he will be worth fitting into a starting lineup on the next level. There are not many players in the NBA with as much defensive upside as Clarke: He has the potential to be an elite perimeter stopper who can switch screens across four positions and wreak havoc as a weak-side shot-blocker. Clarke could have the defensive impact of guys like Andre Roberson or Draymond Green while being a far more explosive offensive player.

There is an opportunity cost to playing a non-shooter like Clarke. It’s hard to find room to play more than one player like that at a time in the NBA.

The Ringer

Rare athlete
Generational defender
Can get defensive numbers
And plays offense like DeMarre Carroll who I famously said, I rather him over Millsap if we had to choose one over the other and we can find someone to play PF in our system next to Al, hard to find someone to replace DMC.

Add the difference in athethicism as a prospect and you are talking two way All Star with superstar impact. He's my #5 prospect for a reason and once he workout with teams and shows his shooting chops, he will be earmarked as a top prospect.

[King Ken]

I would add Charles Bassey there

I have Bassey in the top 15 of all prospects. I am still high on him. I will continue to say, do you want to pass on a more athletic prospect verison of Nurkic as a prospect? I think executives will come to their senses when the time comes.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Master of the 3-foot shot.

There was a place in yesterday's game for Wes Unseld and Dave Cowens.... is there a place in today's game for Clarke?

I'm impressed with his college production, and how could you not be... but I'm not persuaded that it translates to the NBA game at an All-Star level. I smell another Taj Gibson, me.

[Jamaaliver]

Brandon Clarke Is a Positional Enigma—and Gonzaga’s Best Hope for a Title

The Ringer


Rare athlete
Generational defender

Add the difference in athleticism as a prospect and you are talking two way All Star with superstar impact.

Noted.

[gurpilo]

I would add Charles Bassey there

I have Bassey in the top 15 of all prospects. I am still high on him. I will continue to say, do you want to pass on a more athletic prospect verison of Nurkic as a prospect? I think executives will come to their senses when the time comes.

I think he is slipping to 2nd round and is a must draft for us if he slips. Is him or Gafford.

[King Ken]

Brandon Clarke Is a Positional Enigma—and Gonzaga’s Best Hope for a Title

The Ringer


Rare athlete
Generational defender

Add the difference in athethicism as a prospect and you are talking two way All Star with superstar impact.

Noted.

I think it is very possible. That athleticism is similar to Shawn Marion. It will only be better in the NBA. Marion had an open floor game with some sound shooting for his era. Clarke obviously has to develop that but I seen DMC in his game and how he plays it. Clarke is going to make a GM look very good. I don't think there is a player GMs want to see more in workouts than Clarke.

[King Ken]

I would add Charles Bassey there

I have Bassey in the top 15 of all prospects. I am still high on him. I will continue to say, do you want to pass on a more athletic prospect verison of Nurkic as a prospect? I think executives will come to their senses when the time comes.

I think he is slipping to 2nd round and is a must draft for us if he slips. Is him or Gafford.

Its possible but systems matter. Gafford is a better fit for us.

[Jamaaliver]

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