2019 NBA Draft Prep

[shakes0]

I hate to be that guy. Zion is a good college player. I just don't see him as a generational talent in the NBA. If NO would take AD for Zion you do it all day. You know what AD is.

If the suns offer Ayton and their pick for Zion you do it all day too.

I think Zion is a great player, but a tad overhyped. More Chuck Barkley, less LaBrawna James. I’d take Ayton plus Phx pick (if top 3) for him all day long. That’s essentially Ayton and RJ. AD would be tempting, but may bolt.

I'd do that trade but I'd hesitate (a little). Ayton's (lacking) motor gives me some pause. Perhaps it's the Phoenix flu aka Worker Bee Disease. That disease all their prospects seem to get. Everyone except Booker aka Queen B. Apparently everyone in PHX exists just to feed him.

Deep.

Also, my guy Isola weighed in on Culver and Hunter as prospects ...

Said he saw UVa and TxTech struggling to score late. Both these guys are supposed lotto picks so he was looking for either to step up but neither could.

"You're both the lottery guys ... do something!" Said Hunter was "invisible" offensively. Basically a good defender but can't score.

At least Culver kinda did hit some shots. Hunter is clearly a system guy on offense. Should be a mid-to-late first.

One thing to consider, we shouldn't have Trae in a position of having to go 1-on-1 to score. His lack of size and raw athleticism is highlighted in that scenario. That means, with this pick, we need someone capable of 'getting his' offensively. That's why, even though I don't like Barrett overall, he could be a good pick for us.

It's also why it could be a good decision to trade this pick for a guy capable of doing that. Something like a Beal or *shudders* Booker (who I actually don't like at all so it'd require us de- and reprogramming him).

I love Isola, best guy on NBA radio and it's not even close. But, I'm not taking anything he says seriously when it comes to evaluating a prospect he literally has seen play one time in his life. That said, as a person who has actually seen both guys play dozens of times I was disappointed that neither guy showed up when it mattered.

[kg01]

I think Zion is a great player, but a tad overhyped. More Chuck Barkley, less LaBrawna James. I’d take Ayton plus Phx pick (if top 3) for him all day long. That’s essentially Ayton and RJ. AD would be tempting, but may bolt.

I'd do that trade but I'd hesitate (a little). Ayton's (lacking) motor gives me some pause. Perhaps it's the Phoenix flu aka Worker Bee Disease. That disease all their prospects seem to get. Everyone except Booker aka Queen B. Apparently everyone in PHX exists just to feed him.

Deep.

Also, my guy Isola weighed in on Culver and Hunter as prospects ...

Said he saw UVa and TxTech struggling to score late. Both these guys are supposed lotto picks so he was looking for either to step up but neither could.

"You're both the lottery guys ... do something!" Said Hunter was "invisible" offensively. Basically a good defender but can't score.

At least Culver kinda did hit some shots. Hunter is clearly a system guy on offense. Should be a mid-to-late first.

One thing to consider, we shouldn't have Trae in a position of having to go 1-on-1 to score. His lack of size and raw athleticism is highlighted in that scenario. That means, with this pick, we need someone capable of 'getting his' offensively. That's why, even though I don't like Barrett overall, he could be a good pick for us.

It's also why it could be a good decision to trade this pick for a guy capable of doing that. Something like a Beal or *shudders* Booker (who I actually don't like at all so it'd require us de- and reprogramming him).

I love Isola, best guy on NBA radio and it's not even close. But, I'm not taking anything he says seriously when it comes to evaluating a prospect he literally has seen play one time in his life. That said, as a person who has actually seen both guys play dozens of times I was disappointed that neither guy showed up when it mattered.

See one of the reasons I like him is he has a lot of years in the 'game' and has a good nose for these sorts of things. On these two, I have felt the same. Hunter is a defensive roleplayer. Culver has much higher potential but needs development. That's pretty much what I got from his assessment(sic).

Then again, perhaps I just liked that he basically agreed with what I already thought.

You seem to have come to the same conclusion as him, btw, although I acknowledge it's not like he's "scouted" them.

[shakes0]

I'd do that trade but I'd hesitate (a little). Ayton's (lacking) motor gives me some pause. Perhaps it's the Phoenix flu aka Worker Bee Disease. That disease all their prospects seem to get. Everyone except Booker aka Queen B. Apparently everyone in PHX exists just to feed him.

Deep.

Also, my guy Isola weighed in on Culver and Hunter as prospects ...

Said he saw UVa and TxTech struggling to score late. Both these guys are supposed lotto picks so he was looking for either to step up but neither could.

"You're both the lottery guys ... do something!" Said Hunter was "invisible" offensively. Basically a good defender but can't score.

At least Culver kinda did hit some shots. Hunter is clearly a system guy on offense. Should be a mid-to-late first.

One thing to consider, we shouldn't have Trae in a position of having to go 1-on-1 to score. His lack of size and raw athleticism is highlighted in that scenario. That means, with this pick, we need someone capable of 'getting his' offensively. That's why, even though I don't like Barrett overall, he could be a good pick for us.

It's also why it could be a good decision to trade this pick for a guy capable of doing that. Something like a Beal or *shudders* Booker (who I actually don't like at all so it'd require us de- and reprogramming him).

I love Isola, best guy on NBA radio and it's not even close. But, I'm not taking anything he says seriously when it comes to evaluating a prospect he literally has seen play one time in his life. That said, as a person who has actually seen both guys play dozens of times I was disappointed that neither guy showed up when it mattered.

See one of the reasons I like him is he has a lot of years in the 'game' and has a good nose for these sorts of things. On these two, I have felt the same. Hunter is a defensive roleplayer. Culver has much higher potential but needs development. That's pretty much what I got from his assessment(sic).

Then again, perhaps I just liked that he basically agreed with what I already thought.

You seem to have come to the same conclusion as him, btw, although I acknowledge it's not like he's "scouted" them.

yea, I got the same conclusion and love Isola. Just always roll my eyes when someone will only watch a player 1-2x all year and then give a scouting report. I do love Isola, listen to his show every morning on my drive in to work.

[Jamaaliver]

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Culver and Hunter represent the most enticing individual matchup of Monday's national title game. And with a combined 33.5 points per game this season between the two, the unique talents on opposite ends of the court will have a giant say in who wins it all -- and who walks home empty.


Culver's game is classic. He's a playmaker, with a strong handle and great vision, and he combines that with the elite defense that Beard expects from all of his players. His analytics are strong, particularly on the defensive end, where he led the nation in defensive win shares, according to sports-reference.

More than anything, he's adaptable. His role dramatically changed from last season -- when Keenan Evans and Smith carried Tech -- to this one.

"His work ethic is unmatched," said teammate and roommate Malik Ondigo, who came to Texas Tech with Culver in the same recruiting class. "He works harder in the gym than anyone I've been around... completely changed his jump shot. He already has the jump shot, he can play without the ball, he can cut, he's athletic, he's long, he defends, he can rebound at a high rate. Him turning into a playmaker has really expanded his game."


The archetype of a 3-and-D prospect in the dictionary shows De'Andre Hunter smiling with a basketball in hand (probably). We know the 6-7 wing can defend and shoot -- he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and has been lights out from distance -- but he can also create shots for himself and for others in addition to rebounding. The appeal of him as an NBA player is his ability to switch screens, to be an elite defender, and to stretch the floor.

"His work ethic is crazy," Virginia junior Braxton Key said. "De'Andre, this summer, he was putting up extra shots, working on catch-and-shoot 3s, on the move, on his dribble, just working on his game every single day. He does it all."

[King Ken]

Diakate is becoming my favorite prospect for UVA

[King Ken]

The hard stunt out of the triple threat to get Hunter off balance and hard attack reminded me of me from college right there by Culver. Once again Diakate is just looking good. He kinda reminds you a bit of Larry Sanders on D.

[King Ken]

Hunter falling for triple threat moves. He better improve on it in the NBA

R.J. was cooking his ass the same way but worse because R.J. is explosive

[Indyhawks26]

Culver not threat outside shooter does alot of other things well.Hunter disappointing.Jerome playing good game.

[King Ken]

I don't know why they took Culver out right there. Owens is not as discipline of a defender.

[Night Traen]

Aside from 1 decent game by Ja, no one has done ANYTHING to establish themselves in this. Bol Bol is clearly a better choice than any of these scrubs (other than Z).

[King Ken]

Culver not threat outside shooter does alot of other things well.Hunter disappointing.Jerome playing good game.

His decision making has been ace this game. Culver clearly is struggling once he dribbles. He is best creating within. Dude is a tall PG. Some will think Bozeman from UCLA, Kyle Anderson or SGA. But idk, I see more PG play like SGA. He reminds you of the PG of the 80s where they were smart and big but wasn't expected to do a lot of scoring or big time playmaking. Where

[King Ken]

I know exactly who Culver plays like. Frank Nkilikina

[Indyhawks26]

Agree King Ken.Culver is the Qb on offense.Not the shoot guard Hawks need.Hunter no thanks.Hard to find a bonafide 5th pick in draft if Hawks get it.I hope Bol Bol plays in the NBA predraft camps.Somebody has to separate themselves.

[King Ken]

Agree King Ken.Culver is the Qb on offense.Not the shoot guard Hawks need.Hunter no thanks.Hard to find a bonafide 5th pick in draft if Hawks get it.I hope Bol Bol plays in the NBA predraft camps.Somebody has to separate themselves.

Bol sadly doesn't fit what we do. He will be probably get top 5 looks to other teams

[Night Traen]

Agree King Ken.Culver is the Qb on offense.Not the shoot guard Hawks need.Hunter no thanks.Hard to find a bonafide 5th pick in draft if Hawks get it.I hope Bol Bol plays in the NBA predraft camps.Somebody has to separate themselves.

Bol sadly doesn't fit what we do.

I spoke to Trav yesterday. He doesn't agree with you.

[King Ken]

Agree King Ken.Culver is the Qb on offense.Not the shoot guard Hawks need.Hunter no thanks.Hard to find a bonafide 5th pick in draft if Hawks get it.I hope Bol Bol plays in the NBA predraft camps.Somebody has to separate themselves.

Bol sadly doesn't fit what we do.

I spoke to Trav yesterday. He doesn't agree with you.

Honestly, did you speak with Travis?

[Night Traen]

Bol sadly doesn't fit what we do.

I spoke to Trav yesterday. He doesn't agree with you.

Honestly, did you speak with Travis?

Yes, I spoke with a guy named Travis and he said to watch out for King Ken on RealGM. Who are you, REALLY, KK?

[King Ken]

I liked Culver in the last two possessions. Get Jerome in the post and go to work. Get Key who doesn't like to move his feet and attack him, not the basket but him and get him off keillor and then attack. Stop trying to attack Hunter. It's not working. He needs to become a playmaker when Hunter is guarding him.

[Jamaaliver]

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[King Ken]

Hunter is showing you why I called him Otto Porter Jr like and why he is a top 10 prospect in this class as a SF. To me, the most NBA ready wing in this draft with Barrett.