2019 NBA Draft Prep

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Philosophically, this is an interesting draft and off-season because

(1) Schlenk's decisions on or before draft night will tell us if he is a believer that he already has a player on the roster who will be a multiple-year MVP contender... if he goes all-in to obtain Zion, or if he punts to 2020... or, if Trae and/or Baptist are considered that level of talent, then he stands pat and just drafts at the assigned slots... and

(2) if blessed with Zion falling in our collective lap somehow, I want to see Schlenk try to parlay #9/#10 and the early 2nd rounders into more #15-#30 draft picks, thus playing to his own strength, and filling the roster with even more talented youth and, thus, cheaper, more controllable contracts.

[kg01]

kg and spud, football is king for me... and for the nation... because it's the best blend of the three major revenue sports in terms of the outcome being dictated by both strategy and talent.

The NBA game and basketball in general, is so much more about talent than it is about strategy. And the NBA in particular is hampered with this concentration of talent problem, where there are too many teams in any given year that are not even barely suspected of being competitive... and while that's the same as baseball, unlike baseball... where there are not enough teams in any given year that are legitimate contenders for the holy grail.

So, my love for basketball is much more about just a personal love for playing the game, less about watching it.

But that said, right now is just a fascinating chapter in The Book of the Atlanta Hawks because it is so pivotal.

I can't wait for football, as we know it, to go away just to inject chaos into the lives of all the sports-snob football fans.

7-on-7 league, baybeee!!

[Spud2nique]

Philosophically, this is an interesting draft and off-season because

(1) Schlenk's decisions on or before draft night will tell us if he is a believer that he already has a player on the roster who will be a multiple-year MVP contender... if he goes all-in to obtain Zion, or if he punts to 2020... or, if Trae and/or Baptist are considered that level of talent, then he stands pat and just drafts at the assigned slots... and

(2) if blessed with Zion falling in our collective lap somehow, I want to see Schlenk try to parlay #9/#10 and the early 2nd rounders into more #15-#30 draft picks, thus playing to his own strength, and filling the roster with even more talented youth and, thus, cheaper, more controllable contracts.

Disagree here. In the NFL it feels advantages to trade down for multiple picks, in the nba it’s the opposite for the most part. You don’t want to trade down. That’s how I feel anyways. I don’t wanna punt anything to 2020, I wanna take several swings at this one as a matter of fact and build it this year instead of dragging it out. Let’s keep adding high quality talent!

[Spud2nique]

kg and spud, football is king for me... and for the nation... because it's the best blend of the three major revenue sports in terms of the outcome being dictated by both strategy and talent.

The NBA game and basketball in general, is so much more about talent than it is about strategy. And the NBA in particular is hampered with this concentration of talent problem, where there are too many teams in any given year that are not even barely suspected of being competitive... and while that's the same as baseball, unlike baseball... where there are not enough teams in any given year that are legitimate contenders for the holy grail.

So, my love for basketball is much more about just a personal love for playing the game, less about watching it.

But that said, right now is just a fascinating chapter in The Book of the Atlanta Hawks because it is so pivotal.

I can't wait for football, as we know it, to go away just to inject chaos into the lives of all the sports-snob football fans.

7-on-7 league, baybeee!!

if u take away America’s game, would we still have the Cowboys? Lol.


Ps Lions for example need to do with Sturt says..trade down for more picks..man we really need to fill some holes...

That’s what she.. nevermind

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Philosophically, this is an interesting draft and off-season because

(1) Schlenk's decisions on or before draft night will tell us if he is a believer that he already has a player on the roster who will be a multiple-year MVP contender... if he goes all-in to obtain Zion, or if he punts to 2020... or, if Trae and/or Baptist are considered that level of talent, then he stands pat and just drafts at the assigned slots... and

(2) if blessed with Zion falling in our collective lap somehow, I want to see Schlenk try to parlay #9/#10 and the early 2nd rounders into more #15-#30 draft picks, thus playing to his own strength, and filling the roster with even more talented youth and, thus, cheaper, more controllable contracts.

Disagree here. In the NFL it feels advantages to trade down for multiple picks, in the nba it’s the opposite for the most part. You don’t want to trade down. That’s how I feel anyways. I don’t wanna punt anything to 2020, I wanna take several swings at this one as a matter of fact and build it this year instead of dragging it out. Let’s keep adding high quality talent!

We might be more on the same page than you're thinking... but I'll let you be the judge of that...

There are tiers to any given draft, but based on what I've seen and read, this is an especially deep draft, but one that has almost no projectable elite-level (defined as likely multiple-year MVP contenders) talent at the top. Just one, and maybe a second depending on who you're talking to.

For most of us, I take it anyway, we're not convinced that Trae or Collins are elite-level talents. Of course we don't matter. We're about to see the one that matters weigh-in... the Colonel's actions will speak for his opinion on that. It is his #1 priority by virtue of his consistent comments over these last two years to draft that iconic guy.

So, once that is resolved either by drafting Zion or punting, you're left with how to fill the rest of the roster beyond the currently perceived core.

I personally prefer to see Schlenk add almost no veterans ideally, unless he's able to add a second tier guy like Middleton. Rather, as said above, I want to see the rest of the roster filled with youth from this draft to the fullest extent possible.

That's playing to Schlenk's strength, and it sets us up for being better able to retain our best talent for a longer span of time.

[Jamaaliver]

Which 2019 NBA Draft Prospects Are NBA-Ready Now

De'Andre Hunter (Virginia, SF/PF, Sophomore)



Draft projection: Top 10

While the [extent] of De'Andre Hunter's ceiling is in question, teams that scouted the national title game likely saw a forward they could plug right in next season.

Hunter, whose body—6'7", 225 lbs, 7'2" wingspan—nearly mirrors Kawhi Leonard's (6'7", 230 lbs, 7'3" wingspan), helped hold projected top-10 pick Jarrett Culver to 5-of-22 shooting. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year looks ready to compete physically at the NBA level, but he also possesses the IQ to make reads and adjustments.

He could be the rare rookie forward valued more for his defensive effectiveness/versatility. He'll still offer enough offensively to justify regular minutes after shooting 43.8 percent from three. And though not known for his one-on-one game or off-the-dribble ability, Hunter's skill level did jump this season, with the sophomore converting 21 of 40 post-ups (88th percentile) and 25 of 57 shots out of isolation (75th percentile).

Still, he'll work mostly off the ball next season, spot-up shooting, attacking closeouts with line drives and crashing the offensive glass.

Regardless of where he ends up, Hunter, a fit for any roster, should already look like a good bet to finish first-team All-Rookie, even if his stats aren't overly exciting.

Spoiler:

RJ Barrett (Duke, SG, Freshman)



Draft projection: Top three

One of the top-producing freshman over the past two decades, RJ Barrett should have enough moves, shots and instincts to score as a rookie.

For a pro 2-guard, he'll also have solid positional tools to continue executing against NBA defenses, with a profile—6'7", 202 lbs, 6'10" wingspan—that's almost identical to Caris LeVert's (6'7", 204 lbs, 6'10" wingspan).

Barrett's skill set may require fine-tuning in terms of shot-creation, but since high school, he's demonstrated a knack for finding a window or adjusting with improvisation to finish from unconventional angles. He also hit 73 three-pointers through 38 games, appearing confident and dangerous when set and able to step into rhythm jumpers.

Barrett could even add some value as a ball-screen facilitator, an underrated aspect of his game overshadowed by occasional tunnel vision that's driven a narrative painting him as selfish. Of the 38 shots taken on his pick-and-roll passes to roll men and cutters, 30 were converted into baskets.

For rookie efficiency, he'd benefit by landing with a team that could immediately surround him with established scorers. His field-goal mark could be notably higher if he goes to the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.


Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga, PF, Junior)



Draft projection: Top 20

Brandon Clarke won't need skill next season to produce—just the same active, springy legs to run and jump in transition, on cuts, missed shots and rolls to the basket. The 6'8" 22-year-old, whose 37.0 player efficiency rating would have been the highest in a decade if Zion Williamson didn't exist, will continue playing to his strengths as an off-ball finisher and energizer.

Clarke isn't a complete non-threat with the ball, however, showing touch around the key (39-of-64 on post-ups) and the ability to attack closeouts (9-of-13 on drives to basket out of spot-ups).

He's still bound to make more rookie noise with defensive playmaking and versatility. His analytics profile is tough to beat—Clarke finished No. 1 or 2 in the nation in defensive box plus-minus, defensive win shares and defensive rating. And he managed to rack up 3.1 blocks and 1.2 steals in only 28.1 minutes per game.

Numbers aside, Clarke's exceptional mobility and bounce, powered by intensity and fearlessness, can still translate to immediate defensive plays on the ball and switching.

Bleacher Report

[Spud2nique]

Philosophically, this is an interesting draft and off-season because

(1) Schlenk's decisions on or before draft night will tell us if he is a believer that he already has a player on the roster who will be a multiple-year MVP contender... if he goes all-in to obtain Zion, or if he punts to 2020... or, if Trae and/or Baptist are considered that level of talent, then he stands pat and just drafts at the assigned slots... and

(2) if blessed with Zion falling in our collective lap somehow, I want to see Schlenk try to parlay #9/#10 and the early 2nd rounders into more #15-#30 draft picks, thus playing to his own strength, and filling the roster with even more talented youth and, thus, cheaper, more controllable contracts.

Disagree here. In the NFL it feels advantages to trade down for multiple picks, in the nba it’s the opposite for the most part. You don’t want to trade down. That’s how I feel anyways. I don’t wanna punt anything to 2020, I wanna take several swings at this one as a matter of fact and build it this year instead of dragging it out. Let’s keep adding high quality talent!

We might be more on the same page than you're thinking... but I'll let you be the judge of that...

There are tiers to any given draft, but based on what I've seen and read, this is an especially deep draft, but one that has almost no projectable elite-level (defined as likely multiple-year MVP contenders) talent at the top. Just one, and maybe a second depending on who you're talking to.

For most of us, I take it anyway, we're not convinced that Trae or Collins are elite-level talents. Of course we don't matter. We're about to see the one that matters weigh-in... the Colonel's actions will speak for his opinion on that. It is his #1 priority by virtue of his consistent comments over these last two years to draft that iconic guy.

So, once that is resolved either by drafting Zion or punting, you're left with how to fill the rest of the roster beyond the currently perceived core.

I personally prefer to see Schlenk add almost no veterans ideally, unless he's able to add a second tier guy like Middleton. Rather, as said above, I want to see the rest of the roster filled with youth from this draft to the fullest extent possible.

That's playing to Schlenk's strength, and it sets us up for being better able to retain our best talent for a longer span of time.

I’m with you on not signing vets..well not expensive ones obviously but we have a bunch of young talent that act like vets anyways lol. Trae seems like a 10 year vet to me. Collins certainly doesn’t act like a young player either. Ya just keep adding young talent.

[Spud2nique]

Which 2019 NBA Draft Prospects Are NBA-Ready Now

De'Andre Hunter (Virginia, SF/PF, Sophomore)



Draft projection: Top 10

While the [extent] of De'Andre Hunter's ceiling is in question, teams that scouted the national title game likely saw a forward they could plug right in next season.

Hunter, whose body—6'7", 225 lbs, 7'2" wingspan—nearly mirrors Kawhi Leonard's (6'7", 230 lbs, 7'3" wingspan), helped hold projected top-10 pick Jarrett Culver to 5-of-22 shooting. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year looks ready to compete physically at the NBA level, but he also possesses the IQ to make reads and adjustments.

He could be the rare rookie forward valued more for his defensive effectiveness/versatility. He'll still offer enough offensively to justify regular minutes after shooting 43.8 percent from three. And though not known for his one-on-one game or off-the-dribble ability, Hunter's skill level did jump this season, with the sophomore converting 21 of 40 post-ups (88th percentile) and 25 of 57 shots out of isolation (75th percentile).

Still, he'll work mostly off the ball next season, spot-up shooting, attacking closeouts with line drives and crashing the offensive glass.

Regardless of where he ends up, Hunter, a fit for any roster, should already look like a good bet to finish first-team All-Rookie, even if his stats aren't overly exciting.

Spoiler:

RJ Barrett (Duke, SG, Freshman)



Draft projection: Top three

One of the top-producing freshman over the past two decades, RJ Barrett should have enough moves, shots and instincts to score as a rookie.

For a pro 2-guard, he'll also have solid positional tools to continue executing against NBA defenses, with a profile—6'7", 202 lbs, 6'10" wingspan—that's almost identical to Caris LeVert's (6'7", 204 lbs, 6'10" wingspan).

Barrett's skill set may require fine-tuning in terms of shot-creation, but since high school, he's demonstrated a knack for finding a window or adjusting with improvisation to finish from unconventional angles. He also hit 73 three-pointers through 38 games, appearing confident and dangerous when set and able to step into rhythm jumpers.

Barrett could even add some value as a ball-screen facilitator, an underrated aspect of his game overshadowed by occasional tunnel vision that's driven a narrative painting him as selfish. Of the 38 shots taken on his pick-and-roll passes to roll men and cutters, 30 were converted into baskets.

For rookie efficiency, he'd benefit by landing with a team that could immediately surround him with established scorers. His field-goal mark could be notably higher if he goes to the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.


Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga, PF, Junior)



Draft projection: Top 20

Brandon Clarke won't need skill next season to produce—just the same active, springy legs to run and jump in transition, on cuts, missed shots and rolls to the basket. The 6'8" 22-year-old, whose 37.0 player efficiency rating would have been the highest in a decade if Zion Williamson didn't exist, will continue playing to his strengths as an off-ball finisher and energizer.

Clarke isn't a complete non-threat with the ball, however, showing touch around the key (39-of-64 on post-ups) and the ability to attack closeouts (9-of-13 on drives to basket out of spot-ups).

He's still bound to make more rookie noise with defensive playmaking and versatility. His analytics profile is tough to beat—Clarke finished No. 1 or 2 in the nation in defensive box plus-minus, defensive win shares and defensive rating. And he managed to rack up 3.1 blocks and 1.2 steals in only 28.1 minutes per game.

Numbers aside, Clarke's exceptional mobility and bounce, powered by intensity and fearlessness, can still translate to immediate defensive plays on the ball and switching.

Bleacher Report

Is Robinson flopping there on RJ lol.

[Spud2nique]

Ok I got a new strategy:

Draft RJ Barrett with the 3rd overall pick.

Sign TJ McConnell to back up Trae.

Get Nash on the Hawks staff to sit next to LP for 82+ games next year.

Aka BRING IN DA FAM!!!!!! IQ the competition to death.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Disagree here. In the NFL it feels advantages to trade down for multiple picks, in the nba it’s the opposite for the most part. You don’t want to trade down. That’s how I feel anyways. I don’t wanna punt anything to 2020, I wanna take several swings at this one as a matter of fact and build it this year instead of dragging it out. Let’s keep adding high quality talent!

We might be more on the same page than you're thinking... but I'll let you be the judge of that...

There are tiers to any given draft, but based on what I've seen and read, this is an especially deep draft, but one that has almost no projectable elite-level (defined as likely multiple-year MVP contenders) talent at the top. Just one, and maybe a second depending on who you're talking to.

For most of us, I take it anyway, we're not convinced that Trae or Collins are elite-level talents. Of course we don't matter. We're about to see the one that matters weigh-in... the Colonel's actions will speak for his opinion on that. It is his #1 priority by virtue of his consistent comments over these last two years to draft that iconic guy.

So, once that is resolved either by drafting Zion or punting, you're left with how to fill the rest of the roster beyond the currently perceived core.

I personally prefer to see Schlenk add almost no veterans ideally, unless he's able to add a second tier guy like Middleton. Rather, as said above, I want to see the rest of the roster filled with youth from this draft to the fullest extent possible.

That's playing to Schlenk's strength, and it sets us up for being better able to retain our best talent for a longer span of time.

I’m with you on not signing vets..well not expensive ones obviously but we have a bunch of young talent that act like vets anyways lol. Trae seems like a 10 year vet to me. Collins certainly doesn’t act like a young player either. Ya just keep adding young talent.

I'm on record, rooting for a trade with BOS, who everyone says doesn't want all 4 of their potential 1st round picks.

It would help if they don't get MEM's pick (protected 1-8), so that if we have 9, maybe there's someone they love and want to get, and there could be a trade worked around that 9 for 14/20/22.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Ok I got a new strategy:

Draft RJ Barrett with the 3rd overall pick.

So, I take it, you project Trae as someone who will finish top 5 in the league MVP voting multiple years, then? Or Collins?

Sign TJ McConnell to back up Trae.

That's an option that I originally endorsed, too.

But now, I'd rather draft Jerome, and let Bembry be my 3rd PG.

Get Nash on the Hawks staff to sit next to LP for 82+ games next year.

Good luck with that:

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/03/29/warriors-appreciate-steve-nash-in-consulting-role/

[King Ken]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

[Spud2nique]

Ok I got a new strategy:

Draft RJ Barrett with the 3rd overall pick.

So, I take it, you project Trae as someone who will finish top 5 in the league MVP voting multiple years, then? Or Collins?

Sign TJ McConnell to back up Trae.

That's an option that I originally endorsed, too.

But now, I'd rather draft Jerome, and let Bembry be my 3rd PG.

Get Nash on the Hawks staff to sit next to LP for 82+ games next year.

Good luck with that:

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/03/29/warriors-appreciate-steve-nash-in-consulting-role/

Funny you mentioned the Mercury I have this in my hands right now.. let’s see..

Wait..why would u want to trade with the Celts?

1. Never wanna deal with them.
2. You can’t have 4-6 rookies on the roster this year...I mean I think!

[Spud2nique]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

If you bumpin good ole skool pac lemme grab shotty and lets ride Supes! We will call it..

Two of America’s most wanted (Zion and Cam)

Ain’t nuttin but an ATL paaaaaarrrttyy


Aaahhhhh $hit

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

I was pro-Reddish before. Not so much now. But maybe you can talk me back into the club... why are you that bullish? I thought he'd show up in the tournament, and when he didn't, I began to think of him as an underachiever... a lot of reason for optimism, but just that... in terms a lot of us can relate to, a sort of Marvin Williams. Tell me I'm wrong and why, and I'll hear you out, because I would like to be wrong.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Wait..why would u want to trade with the Celts?

1. Never wanna deal with them.
2. You can’t have 4-6 rookies on the roster this year...I mean I think!

I want 5 on the roster, and a sixth stashed in Europe.

1. Zion.

Then...

1. Fernando. (laugh if you must, but this kid reminds me of a Olajuwon, except 2 inches shorter and flashing 3 pt range)
2. Jerome. (a notch below Trae in scoring and dimes, which actually is more praise than it is criticism... but taller and a couple of notches above Trae in defense)
3. Thybulle. (projects to be all the best things about Thabo, and maybe more, straight out of school)
4. Okpala or Doumbouya (big projectable SF, possible eventual replacement for Prince... though I'm not one trying to get rid of Prince)

Then...

1. Semanic. (that's Luka Semanic, btw... and there's some serious Luka to this PF's game)

[High 5]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

Has anyone ever shot <36% in college and been a good pro? I bumped it up to 37.5% and skimmed through the first 500 names of this list. I could have missed someone (and I don't watch much CBB), but the only name that jumped out was Dee Brown. And he obviously wasn't NBA caliber. Bumping it up to <40% and skimming through the first few hundred names gives better results. C.J. McCollum and Allen Iverson shot slightly under 40%. The best player I saw who was relatively close to Reddish was Michael Finley at 37.9%. But that's still not 35.6%.

I understand being intrigued by what Reddish could be, but y'all are weirdly confident in his ability given what he's shown.

[Spud2nique]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

Has anyone ever shot <36% in college and been a good pro? I bumped it up to 37.5% and skimmed through the first 500 names of this list. I could have missed someone (and I don't watch much CBB), but the only name that jumped out was Dee Brown. And he obviously wasn't NBA caliber. Bumping it up to <40% and skimming through the first few hundred names gives better results. C.J. McCollum and Allen Iverson shot slightly under 40%. The best player I saw who was relatively close to Reddish was Michael Finley at 37.9%. But that's still not 35.6%.

I understand being intrigued by what Reddish could be, but y'all are weirdly confident in his ability given what he's shown.

Weirdly confident? Nah. Just watch the tape.

[Spud2nique]

Wait..why would u want to trade with the Celts?

1. Never wanna deal with them.
2. You can’t have 4-6 rookies on the roster this year...I mean I think!

I want 5 on the roster, and a sixth stashed in Europe.

1. Zion.

Then...

1. Fernando. (laugh if you must, but this kid reminds me of a Olajuwon, except 2 inches shorter and flashing 3 pt range)
2. Jerome. (a notch below Trae in scoring and dimes, which actually is more praise than it is criticism... but taller and a couple of notches above Trae in defense)
3. Thybulle. (projects to be all the best things about Thabo, and maybe more, straight out of school)
4. Okpala or Doumbouya (big projectable SF, possible eventual replacement for Prince... though I'm not one trying to get rid of Prince)

Then...

1. Semanic. (that's Luka Semanic, btw... and there's some serious Luka to this PF's game)

Fernando is Olajuwon now? Maaaaan, Supes get in here with the Alice Karl Malone thing...it’s closer..sadly.

[High 5]

April hot take: There is no one in this draft that I want more than Reddish other than Zion.

Has anyone ever shot <36% in college and been a good pro? I bumped it up to 37.5% and skimmed through the first 500 names of this list. I could have missed someone (and I don't watch much CBB), but the only name that jumped out was Dee Brown. And he obviously wasn't NBA caliber. Bumping it up to <40% and skimming through the first few hundred names gives better results. C.J. McCollum and Allen Iverson shot slightly under 40%. The best player I saw who was relatively close to Reddish was Michael Finley at 37.9%. But that's still not 35.6%.

I understand being intrigued by what Reddish could be, but y'all are weirdly confident in his ability given what he's shown.

Weirdly confident? Nah. Just watch the tape.

There's an endless list of names you can say that for.