2019 NBA Draft Prep

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

'll say this much.

Many if not most of us have spent most of our lives assessing the draft inventory pool... and for many if not most of our lives, those players were mostly seniors... the prominence of younger players is a relatively new evolution.

I think we tend to fail to adjust our thinking sometimes, and not take into account that our yardsticks are measuring much less finished products than before.

So, brace yourselves for another whopper that maybe goes beyond anything supes has said...

Though I think Reddish floor is too low for me to justify drafting him in the top 10, I believe his ceiling is something just short of Kobe.

(*spud's jaw drops*)

What about those shooting numbers? If we as ATL fans know anything, it's that you can develop shooting. I don't consider Cam's 19 year-old shot to be anything but a baseline.

It's easy to say he can just fix his problems, but it's significant to me if a player possibly has a worse FG% than any good NBA player in history. That's more than just mechanics or bad luck. You have to question his effort/commitment and BBIQ. Especially for someone with his measurables.

Going back to what I said... I'm skeptical that one can go back and look at NBA history's best players' numbers as freshmen in college and arrive at that conclusion.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I know what his flaws are. But I love his talent, tools and system fit. I think he will be better for us than anyone in this class outside of Zion.

I've posted a lot on Reddish. I can repost it but it really doesn't do him justice if you didn't watch him.

I'll say this much.

Many if not most of us have spent most of our lives assessing the draft inventory pool... and for many if not most of our lives, those players were mostly seniors... the prominence of younger players is a relatively new evolution.

I think we tend to fail to adjust our thinking sometimes, and not take into account that our yardsticks are measuring much less finished products than before.

So, brace yourselves for another whopper that maybe goes beyond anything supes has said...

Though I think Reddish floor is too low for me to justify drafting him in the top 10, I believe his ceiling is something just short of Kobe.

(*spud's jaw drops*)

What about those shooting numbers? If we as ATL fans know anything, it's that you can develop shooting. I don't consider Cam's 19 year-old shot to be anything but a baseline.

Wow Kobe? Hmmm..skill wise and smoothness, absolutely, desire and will to win, I haven’t seen it a ton but not saying it’s not there. I always take heart and grit over anything.

I still have to see Cam and Culver in a head to head personal and with interviews and all. I don’t wanna take the wrong guy.

Somebody likened Cam to TMac and I can see that.

"Ceiling."

[High 5]

Going back to what I said... I'm skeptical that one can go back and look at NBA history's best players' numbers as freshmen in college and arrive at that conclusion.

Here's a list of every freshman who shot under 36% since 1992. Please find one you would use a first round pick on (other than MPJ's 3 games, though he's still a question mark himself). I can't search further back than that unfortunately.

[Spud2nique]

I'll say this much.

Many if not most of us have spent most of our lives assessing the draft inventory pool... and for many if not most of our lives, those players were mostly seniors... the prominence of younger players is a relatively new evolution.

I think we tend to fail to adjust our thinking sometimes, and not take into account that our yardsticks are measuring much less finished products than before.

So, brace yourselves for another whopper that maybe goes beyond anything supes has said...

Though I think Reddish floor is too low for me to justify drafting him in the top 10, I believe his ceiling is something just short of Kobe.

(*spud's jaw drops*)

What about those shooting numbers? If we as ATL fans know anything, it's that you can develop shooting. I don't consider Cam's 19 year-old shot to be anything but a baseline.

Wow Kobe? Hmmm..skill wise and smoothness, absolutely, desire and will to win, I haven’t seen it a ton but not saying it’s not there. I always take heart and grit over anything.

I still have to see Cam and Culver in a head to head personal and with interviews and all. I don’t wanna take the wrong guy.

Somebody likened Cam to TMac and I can see that.

"Ceiling."

Let’s define ceiling it’s a broad term.

Ceiling as far as the production on the court? The style of play? The same skill sets?

Cam’s smoothness and overall body movement is very Tmacish to me.

He won’t reach Kobe stats imo.

He has some Ray Allen in his stroke. God not nearly Ray was a beauty but still. Cam’s shot is just a thing of beauty though.

It’s hard for me to pass on that.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Cam's "horrid" season at Duke was a gift and a curse honestly. It's a curse because of how people now look at him and say, "Oh, he's a chucker, which means he is a bust. Next!", but the beauty in that is that most are not looking deeper down the rabbit hole, and seeing that Reddish was Duke's best shooter, and was forced to be a floor spacer. 62% of his shots were 3 pointers. For comparison, JJ Reddick use to average around 59% when he was at Duke, and he was a known 3 point specialist, and that's after dropping down to 51% his senior year. That's insane.

Zion was at 16% for obvious reasons. RJ was at 33%. Tre Jones, 32%. Respectively, they shot 34%, 31%, & 26% from 3. Coached K asked Cam to do 1 thing, and that's space the floor. So of course Reddish shooting %'s are going to look bad when you're forced to only shoot 3's. Duke was poorly built, and they lived off of sheer talent alone. As you can see, it only got them to the elite 8. Take RJ & Jones off the floor and add 2 decent shooters, with Cam and Zion, and you've got a better mix of talent and fit to allow Reddish to shine more as a point forward.

The beauty in all this is that Cam was known to be more than a 3 point specialist coming out of high school, and that's all coach K asked him to do. I would imagine if he went anywhere else in the country, he would have been featured more. Reddish had a SSS of games to try to showcase himself mid-season, and he showed more to his game as at least a scorer. Again, put him anywhere else with some decent shooters around him, he's a much better looking player.

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[Jamaaliver]

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[King Ken]

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I love to see these Culver attacks without a screen or rub v. quality comp

[Hazer]

Something to keep in mind with Cam as a Hawk: the “developmental” prowess of Coach El-P. Hand him a player with the measurables and form of Cam and he’ll
mold him into an All-Star.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Going back to what I said... I'm skeptical that one can go back and look at NBA history's best players' numbers as freshmen in college and arrive at that conclusion.

Here's a list of every freshman who shot under 36% since 1992. Please find one you would use a first round pick on (other than MPJ's 3 games, though he's still a question mark himself). I can't search further back than that unfortunately.

Your actual quote was... "every successful NBA player in the history of the game shot better than he did."

So I did the homework for you, or at least, for the mega-money (I refuse to call them by the name that ESPN self-servingly has promoted into the common sports fan vocabulary) conferences. (And, you're welcome... but I was curious anyway... and it actually was fun to see names like Donovan McNabb, Martellus Bennett, DeSean Jackson and Greg Hardy pop up... and old friend Lamar Patterson, too.)

What I found was that there are some guys who were selected high in the 1st round, and some guys who, though they were selected later, actually turned out to make a name for themselves in the NBA partly if not mainly due to their shooting.








That being the case, I'm persuaded that though it's an interesting stat, and it's a red flag, it's not on its own reasonable to default to the assessment of Reddish as destined to never become a successful NBA player.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Something to keep in mind with Cam as a Hawk: the “developmental” prowess of Coach El-P. Hand him a player with the measurables and form of Cam and he’ll
mold him into an All-Star.

I love the optimism. But it's a little over the top sometimes. We know very little just yet about what Pierce is capable of achieving. Give it a couple of years. Let's see if he can live up to the assistant coach rep. I'm encouraged. He impresses me as someone who knows what he's doing for the most part. I'll be especially watching to see if we improve on defense in Season 2 of the Pierce era, because everyone claimed he is an outstanding defensive coach.

[High 5]

Going back to what I said... I'm skeptical that one can go back and look at NBA history's best players' numbers as freshmen in college and arrive at that conclusion.

Here's a list of every freshman who shot under 36% since 1992. Please find one you would use a first round pick on (other than MPJ's 3 games, though he's still a question mark himself). I can't search further back than that unfortunately.

Your actual quote was... "every successful NBA player in the history of the game shot better than he did."

So I did the homework for you, or at least, for the mega-money (I refuse to call them by the name that ESPN self-servingly has promoted into the common sports fan vocabulary) conferences. (And, you're welcome... but I was curious anyway... and it actually was fun to see names like Donovan McNabb, Martellus Bennett, DeSean Jackson and Greg Hardy pop up... and old friend Lamar Patterson, too.)

What I found was that there are some guys who were selected high in the 1st round, and some guys who, though they were selected later, actually turned out to make a name for themselves in the NBA partly if not mainly due to their shooting.

That being the case, I'm persuaded that though it's an interesting stat, and it's a red flag, it's not on its own reasonable to default to the assessment of Reddish as destined to never become a successful NBA player.

Kudos for searching further down the list than I did and finding some actual NBA players. I'm not sure why you posted the images instead of just their names, but whatever floats your boat.

Garrett Temple: career 5.9 PPG scorer in NBA
Marcus Thornton: shot .436 and .472 in his two seasons; you were looking at the wrong one
Michael Porter Jr: I already mentioned him; he only played 3 games because of injury
Scott Padgett: career 4.2 PPG scorer in NBA
Luke Ridnour: good call. not worth a top pick, but a legit NBA starter
Justin Holiday: he only attempted 17 FGs that season and he's a career 8.1 PPG scorer in NBA
Jason Collins: he played 1 game and took 4 shots; career 3.6 PPG scorer in NBA
Caris LeVert: another good call. I think he's a decent NBA player
Jordan Hill: again you were looking at the wrong guy
Finney-Smith: career 5.9 PPG scorer in NBA
Ryan Arcidiacono: career 5.6 PPG scorer in NBA
Damon Jones: career 6.6 PPG scorer in NBA, but he did have a legit impact on a few good teams
Brevin Knight: career 7.3 PPG scorer in NBA; I'm surprised his name didn't jump out to me
Vin Baker: once more looking at the wrong guy

You found some NBA rotation players who shot that poorly, kudos again, but I still don't think it changes the sentiment much when the best player is probably Luke Ridnour. If we're drafting Reddish in the top 10 then we're looking at him to at least be a fringe All Star player. I suppose LeVert has the potential to be that based on how he was playing before his injury.

Also, I never said he's destined to fail because of his FG%. I just thought it was worth pointing out how rare it would be for someone to shoot that poorly in college and find the success some people are projecting him to have.

[King Ken]

Here's a list of every freshman who shot under 36% since 1992. Please find one you would use a first round pick on (other than MPJ's 3 games, though he's still a question mark himself). I can't search further back than that unfortunately.

Your actual quote was... "every successful NBA player in the history of the game shot better than he did."

So I did the homework for you, or at least, for the mega-money (I refuse to call them by the name that ESPN self-servingly has promoted into the common sports fan vocabulary) conferences. (And, you're welcome... but I was curious anyway... and it actually was fun to see names like Donovan McNabb, Martellus Bennett, DeSean Jackson and Greg Hardy pop up... and old friend Lamar Patterson, too.)

What I found was that there are some guys who were selected high in the 1st round, and some guys who, though they were selected later, actually turned out to make a name for themselves in the NBA partly if not mainly due to their shooting.

That being the case, I'm persuaded that though it's an interesting stat, and it's a red flag, it's not on its own reasonable to default to the assessment of Reddish as destined to never become a successful NBA player.

Kudos for searching further down the list than I did and finding some actual NBA players. I'm not sure why you posted the images instead of just their names, but whatever floats your boat.

Garrett Temple: career 5.9 PPG scorer in NBA
Marcus Thornton: shot .436 and .472 in his two seasons; you were looking at the wrong one
Michael Porter Jr: I already mentioned him; he only played 3 games because of injury
Scott Padgett: career 4.2 PPG scorer in NBA
Luke Ridnour: good call. not worth a top pick, but a legit NBA starter
Justin Holiday: he only attempted 17 FGs that season and he's a career 8.1 PPG scorer in NBA
Jason Collins: he played 1 game and took 4 shots; career 3.6 PPG scorer in NBA
Caris LeVert: another good call. I think he's a decent NBA player
Jordan Hill: again you were looking at the wrong guy
Finney-Smith: career 5.9 PPG scorer in NBA
Ryan Arcidiacono: career 5.6 PPG scorer in NBA
Damon Jones: career 6.6 PPG scorer in NBA, but he did have a legit impact on a few good teams
Brevin Knight: career 7.3 PPG scorer in NBA; I'm surprised his name didn't jump out to me
Vin Baker: once more looking at the wrong guy

You found some NBA rotation players who shot that poorly, kudos again, but I still don't think it changes the sentiment much when the best player is probably Luke Ridnour. If we're drafting Reddish in the top 10 then we're looking at him to at least be a fringe All Star player. I suppose LeVert has the potential to be that based on how he was playing before his injury.

Also, I never said he's destined to fail because of his FG%. I just thought it was worth pointing out how rare it would be for someone to shoot that poorly in college and find the success some people are projecting him to have.

You are going off of stats. None of us are in love with his stats. It's the tape.

[Jamaaliver]

I love to see these Culver attacks without a screen or rub v. quality comp

Are they not allowed to use screens in the NBA?

[King Ken]

I love to see these Culver attacks without a screen or rub v. quality comp

Are they not allowed to use screens in the NBA?

You need to create off of the dribble in the NBA. Culver creation is Jab steps, triple threats using jab steps and or course a vast majority is screens and rubs. Rarely can he beat players off of the dribble with his first step at all. This is problematic and something we saw from Denzel Valentine, Evan Turner and many other limited players who struggled to translate.

This would be less of an issue if he could shoot but like those other guys, he can't.

I have major issues seeing him as anything but a primary handler where he can request for screens and hubs as part of the system.


A big issue I have with the I need some steam to get to the basket and attack with force types ie the LeBrons and D. Rose in his prime of the worlds is in the NBA, they usually freakishly strong and built like Bron or Kemp or they freakishly strong and fast/quick like Rose. Dennis has some of that in him but he isn't strong enough most times but he has made some plays. Same for Teague in his prime. Players like Evan Turner who did it in college as well just couldn't in the NBA because they lacked the size. I worry that will be the case for Culver. I really think he needs to be a NBA where his strength is most effective

[Jamaaliver]

2019 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Dylan Windler

Name: Dylan Windler
School: Belmont
Position: Small Forward
Projected Draft Position: Early/Mid Second Round


Windler is one of the best shooters in the 2019 NBA Draft. He shot 42.9% from three-point range in his senior season at Belmont, while handling a high volume at 7.1 attempts per game. He has great range on his jumper and regularly hit shots from well beyond the three-point line during this past season.

Standing at 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, Windler has the size of a combo forward, despite spending significant minutes at guard at Belmont. His size gives him versatility on offense. Windler could logically play the shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions at the next level.

Windler was able to defend multiple positions in the Ohio Valley Conference, but he could definitely struggle against better competition. He was able to coast on his athleticism at times in the OVC, but Windler projects to be a below average athlete at the next level. He lacks defensive instincts and will have to become a much smarter defender to become effective on that end of the floor.

Portland FANSIDED

[Jamaaliver]

Culver creation is Jab steps, triple threats using jab steps and or course a vast majority is screens and rubs. Rarely can he beat players off of the dribble with his first step at all. This is problematic and something we saw from Denzel Valentine, Evan Turner and many other limited players who struggled to translate...

Players like Evan Turner who did it in college as well just couldn't in the NBA because they lacked the size. I worry that will be the case for Culver. I really think he needs to be a NBA where his strength is most effective

That Evan Turner comp isn't completely off-base (as a prospect), but I see more Caris Levert -- with better defense and no injuries.

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Another comp floating around the interwebs is Khris Middleton:

Spoiler:

A deep dive on Jarrett Culver from the Stepien:

At the end of the day, I fully believe Culver is worth the #2 pick in the draft. Culver’s rare combination of size, strength, lower body flexibility and offbeat rhythm could be just as successful as first step explosion or vertical explosion. He’s also shown flash plays of handling, shooting touch and improved mechanics, and the willingness to adjust and learn.He’ll need to improve his shooting and ball-handling, but after a giant improvement between high school and his freshman year of college, along with another step forward before his sophomore season, there’s reason to feel comfortable betting on Culver’s improvement and upward trajectory.

NBA Comparisons for the Top Players in the Sweet 16

Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech



Pro comparison: Khris Middleton

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

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

Bleacher Report

[King Ken]

Culver creation is Jab steps, triple threats using jab steps and or course a vast majority is screens and rubs. Rarely can he beat players off of the dribble with his first step at all. This is problematic and something we saw from Denzel Valentine, Evan Turner and many other limited players who struggled to translate...

Players like Evan Turner who did it in college as well just couldn't in the NBA because they lacked the size. I worry that will be the case for Culver. I really think he needs to be a NBA where his strength is most effective

That Evan Turner comp isn't completely off-base (as a prospect), but I see more Caris Levert -- with better defense and no injuries.

Spoiler:

A deep dive on Jarrett Culver from the Stepien:

At the end of the day, I fully believe Culver is worth the #2 pick in the draft. Culver’s rare combination of size, strength, lower body flexibility and offbeat rhythm could be just as successful as first step explosion or vertical explosion. He’s also shown flash plays of handling, shooting touch and improved mechanics, and the willingness to adjust and learn.He’ll need to improve his shooting and ball-handling, but after a giant improvement between high school and his freshman year of college, along with another step forward before his sophomore season, there’s reason to feel comfortable betting on Culver’s improvement and upward trajectory.

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For me, he is a clearly better player as a prospect than Caris was but Caris game translated better just due to 3 point shooting alone even if Culver is better. His bread and better is his ball handling responsibility intake. That's going to be difficult if a team doesn't see him as a PG.

Like Barrett, the team he lands will be critical. For the sake of his career, I hope it's New Orleans with Holiday.

[kg01]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

[Spud2nique]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

Maaaaan. I’m really torn. There is something about Culver, a certain IT factor, that makes it scary to pass on him.

Cross referencing sports here but Culver reminds me of a Jerry Rice type...comes in from an unknown small school (at least basketball wise) and is a humble kid who gets it.

Kg, I don’t wanna pass on this.


Then you got Cam though..

Scouts jobs aren’t easy that’s for sure.

[kg01]

I think Culver is everything we wanted/needed Prince to be. Shooting can be improved. That doesn't even bother me.

Maaaaan. I’m really torn. There is something about Culver, a certain IT factor, that makes it scary to pass on him.

Cross referencing sports here but Culver reminds me of a Jerry Rice type...comes in from an unknown small school (at least basketball wise) and is a humble kid who gets it.

Kg, I don’t wanna pass on this.

Then you got Cam though..

Scouts jobs aren’t easy that’s for sure.

Maybe we can trick the Culver and Cam camps into getting them in for a workout together. 2 man enter, 1 man leave (er, get drafted).

Seriously though, that would give some insight into Reddish's motor/competitiveness. That the main question I have on him. Is he just a go-with-the-flow guy or does he have 'it' in him? It's at least plausible that K coached 'it' out of him this season. He certainly did that to Tatum.