College/Draft #6 - NCAA Finals + Draft Leadup W/ Knicks In The Top Seed!!!

[Worst_to_First]

My two week pre-lottery big board

1.Zion
2.RJ
3.Hunter
4.Garland
5.Trade

No more love for Cam Reddish?

[TheGreenArrow]

My two week pre-lottery big board

1.Zion
2.RJ
3.Hunter
4.Garland
5.Trade

No more love for Cam Reddish?

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

[Greenie]

My two week pre-lottery big board

1.Zion
2.RJ
3.Hunter
4.Garland
5.Trade

No more love for Cam Reddish?

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

[TheGreenArrow]

No more love for Cam Reddish?

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

I agree but those players would most likely contribute in some form rite away.

[KnicksGadfly]

No more love for Cam Reddish?

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

I have Hunter as a fit. Then again, Mikal was supposed to be ready last year and he struggled a bit.

[HarthorneWingo]

If we end up at 4 or 5, then we should take a look at this kid from France, Sekou Doumbouya.

Watch on YouTube

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2833188-1-surprise-2019-draft-prospect-every-nba-lottery-team-could-target?share=email#slide1

[bleedblue3303]

ok so point guards who can shoot can t win championships except ....
defensive dynamos with super long arms


But that's the only exception correct ? We aren't going to mention the things JA can do that Rondo cant.

Best case scenario. JA is the next Westbrook. I dont think Westbrook takes you to the finals anymore. You have to shoot to win. I personally would much prefer a shooting PG than an athletic one. but just my opinion.

The first quote makes zero sense. CP3 fits the description of the successful group but was constantly eliminated in the first round. We are grasping at straws waiting for the draft.

Actually Chris Paul does not fit that description. he has one of the best mid range jump shot ever. But not from behind the arc. You need to be dangerous from 3 to win today. and win at the highest level. Look not trying to argue. But Rondo type PG most likely does not lead a team to the finals in todays NBA. You are entitled to your opinion and I am to mine.

[bleedblue3303]

ok so point guards who can shoot can t win championships except ....
defensive dynamos with super long arms


But that's the only exception correct ? We aren't going to mention the things JA can do that Rondo cant.

Best case scenario. JA is the next Westbrook. I dont think Westbrook takes you to the finals anymore. You have to shoot to win. I personally would much prefer a shooting PG than an athletic one. but just my opinion.

If he's the next Westbtrook I would be ecstatic. Several non sharpshooting shooting PGs have made it to the finals, as part of a talented squad. Idont understand why this pick necessarily has to be the one that takes us there over a key part of a great team.

It doesn't. I agree a great cog in the wheel of a great team would be amazing. My original point was I would perfer Garland over Ja as I feel you need to hit the 3 ball with some consistency to be a truly successful pg in the modern NBA.

[Dantares]

zion
trade
trade
garland
clarke/culver

We need a big man that can run pick and pop with kyrie and durant. Somebody mentioned it earlier but we could trade for Wendell carter, jaren Jackson jr or john collins if the hawks, grizz or bulls get the #1 pick. We absolutely need a pick and pop big. just look how bad the Celtics are killing the bucks with that kyrie-horford pick and pop.

I like sabonis but people here will cringe if I mention his name. Even though he puts up better stats per 36 minutes than prime Pau gasol and has a near identical skillset

[thebuzzardman]

If we end up at 4 or 5, then we should take a look at this kid from France, Sekou Doumbouya.

Watch on YouTube

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2833188-1-surprise-2019-draft-prospect-every-nba-lottery-team-could-target?share=email#slide1

Me too. He'd be polarizing as hell and might bust. It would be delightful sampling all the angst.
Your friend, Satan.

[thebuzzardman]

Pretty sure this has been done to death, but here goes:

Assume that Kyrie and KD become Knicks. That trading for AD just isn't happening. And that the Knicks don't get Zion.
Let's assume they are drafting #2 - only because they have a choice of ANYONE but Zion. And no other roster moves before the pick. It's fine to speculate they'll deal a player or two after(but not for AD)

Best pick - based on talent and fit.

Ready, begin.

[Greenie]

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

I agree but those players would most likely contribute in some form rite away.

Not the level he needs. We’re gonna trade them for his help. He’s not waiting.

[Greenie]

I beleive kd is coming so Cam&Bol wont fit kds timeline otherwise they would be 2&3 respectively.

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

I have Hunter as a fit. Then again, Mikal was supposed to be ready last year and he struggled a bit.

Exactly.

Rookies have to adjust.

[thebuzzardman]

None of these players fit his timeline.

Not even Zion.

I agree but those players would most likely contribute in some form rite away.

Not the level he needs. We’re gonna trade them for his help. He’s not waiting.

I'm ok with that, to an extent. Not that my opinion matters to what the Knicks might do, but if they sacrifice a couple of young guys to get a vet that's a bit young, but fits the timeline of KD\Kyrie, with a chance at being usefully resigned with bird rights AFTER they are gone, I'd be ok with it. Basically, I don't really care if KD\Kyrie bring a chip if the Knicks continue to hold most of their young players and picks so they'll have a good team AFTER KD. Of course, they'd never be able to keep all of them over the 4 years, plus there are some players they wouldn't WAN'T to keep, so dealing a couple up front or along the way is ok, as long as it's not too many and they keep the good ones.

[awy]

kd's timeline is building his great narrative. it's not selling every piece to win in the next 2 years. that's lebron not kd.

stop thinking 30 year old kd is 36 year old lebron. if he wants to just WIN AT ALL COST he'll be a warrior.

[awy]

zion
trade
trade
garland
clarke/culver

We need a big man that can run pick and pop with kyrie and durant. Somebody mentioned it earlier but we could trade for Wendell carter, jaren Jackson jr or john collins if the hawks, grizz or bulls get the #1 pick. We absolutely need a pick and pop big. just look how bad the Celtics are killing the bucks with that kyrie-horford pick and pop.

I like sabonis but people here will cringe if I mention his name. Even though he puts up better stats per 36 minutes than prime Pau gasol and has a near identical skillset

well we have kornet who is pretty good in the pick and pop/spacing role. he has pretty nice range out to 30 feet. a little difficult to fit him into a playoff defense tho.

i agree it's a very valuable and underappreciated type of player.

shooting bigs the draft...outside of bol bol, there's Tillie, Reid, Jontay Porter.

Warriors have this guy Alen Smailagic in the Gleague and he could also be interesting.

[3toheadmelo]

That’s why I don’t buy the argument that you pass on Wiseman because we have Mitch on our team.

I can see those two mobile bigs playing together. Wiseman also seems like the type who can be consistent in the midrange and perhaps could extend even out to the 3pt area.

Also heard that his wingspan is now 7’7. Yowza!

New mock just came out today by DX. Guess who they have drafting Wiseman next year?

Spoiler:

1. NYK James Wiseman Memphis 7-1 C 18.0
2. CLE Anthony Edwards Georgia 6-3 SG 17.7
3. PHX Cole Anthony 6-3 PG/SG 18.9
4. CHI Theo Maledon Villeurbanne 6-5 PG 17.8
5. ATL Deni Avdija Maccabi Tel Aviv 6-9 SG/SF 18.2
6. WAS Nico Mannion Arizona 6-3 PG 18.1
7. DAL Jaden McDaniels 6-10 SF/PF 18.5
8. MEM Scottie Lewis Florida 6-5 SG/SF 19.1
9. NOP Precious Achiuwa 6-9 PF 19.5
10. MIN Isaiah Stewart Washington 6-9 C 17.9
11. LAL Tyrese Maxey Kentucky 6-3 SG 18.4
12. CHA Matthew Hurt Duke 6-9 PF 19.0
13. MIA Josh Green Arizona 6-5 SG 18.4
14. SAC Trendon Watford 6-9 SF/PF 18.4
15. DET Tre Jones Duke 6-3 PG 19.2
16. BKN Bryan Antoine Villanova 6-5 SG 18.9
17. ORL Wendell Moore Duke 6-6 SF 17.5
18. IND Patrick Williams Florida State 6-8 SF/PF 17.6
19. LAC Kahlil Whitney Kentucky 6-7 SF/PF 18.2
20. SAS Josiah James Tennessee 6-6 SG 18.6
21. BOS Killian Hayes Cholet 6-5 PG/SG 17.7
22. PHI (via OKC) Vernon Carey Duke 6-10 C 18.1
23. UTA Ayo Dosunmu Illinois 6-4 PG/SG 19.2
24. LAC (via PHI) Jordan Poole* Michigan 6-5 PG/SG 19.8
25. HOU Malcolm Cazalon Bourg 6-6 SG 17.6
26. POR A.J. Lawson* South Carolina 6-6 SG 18.7
27. DEN Henri Drell* Bamberg 6-9 SF/PF 18.9
28. GSW Ashton Hagans Kentucky 6-3 PG 19.7
29. TOR Devon Dotson* Kansas 6-2 PG 19.7
30. PHX (via MIL) Aaron Nesmith Vanderbilt 6-6 SF 19.5
31. PHI (via NYK) Jalen Smith Maryland 6-10 PF 19.0
32. CHA (via CLE) LaMelo Ball 6-6 PG/SG 17.6
33. PHX Matthieu Gauzin Le Mans 6-3 PG 18.1
34. CHI Paul Eboua* Roseto 6-8 PF 19.1
35. ATL A.J. Reeves Providence 6-5 SG 19.8
36. NOP (via WAS) Marcos Lousada Silva* Franca 6-6 SF 19.8
37. PHI (via DAL) Arturs Zagars* Joventut 6-3 PG 19.0
38. CHI (via MEM) Obadiah Toppin* Dayton 6-9 PF 21.1
39. NOP Xavier Johnson Pittsburgh 6-3 PG 19.5
40. MIN Jordan Nwora* Louisville 6-8 PF 20.6
41. LAL Tyrese Haliburton Iowa St 6-5 PG 19.1
42. NYK (via CHA) Kira Lewis Alabama 6-3 PG 18.0
43. SAC (via MIA) Isaiah Joe Arkansas 6-5 SG 19.8
44. SAC Ochai Agbaji Kansas 6-5 SF 19.0
45. SAC (via DET) Derrick Alston Boise St 6-8 SF/PF 21.5
46. CHA (via BKN) Joshua Obiesie* Wuerzburg 6-6 PG/SG 18.9
47. ORL Jarron Cumberland* Cincinnati 6-5 SG 21.5
48. IND Cassius Winston Michigan St 6-1 PG 21.1
49. LAC Paul Reed DePaul 6-9 PF 19.8
50. SAS Karlton Dimanche Cholet 6-5 PG/SG 19.1
51. BOS Dalibor Ilic* Igokea 6-9 SF/PF 19.1
52. OKC Paul Scruggs Xavier 6-4 PG/SG 21.1
53. CLE (via UTA) Neemias Queta* Utah St 6-10 C 19.7
54. PHI Tyler Bey Colorado 6-7 PF 20.1
55. DAL (via HOU) Markus Howard Marquette 6-0 PG 20.1
56. BKN (via POR) Kenny Wooten* Oregon 6-9 C 21.0
57. BKN (via DEN) Grant Riller* Charleston 6-3 PG/SG 22.1
58. SAC (via GSW) Rayshaun Hammonds Georgia 6-9 PF 21.4
59. TOR Gytis Masiulis* Neptunas 6-9 PF 21.0
60. NOP (via MIL) Georgios Kalaitzakis Panathinaikos 6-6 SG 20.2
*Player is 2019 draft eligible but may withdraw

Here's what DX had to say about Wiseman

Spoiler:

Rank: No. 1 (previously No. 3)

Long considered the most physically gifted prospect in the 2019 high school class, Wiseman has finally turned the corner with his energy and effort, looking every bit like the No. 1 overall pick in 2020. For years, the often-subdued Wiseman left much to be desired in terms of consistency and overall impact, tantalizing with his incredible fluidity, ideal basketball frame and budding skills, yet struggling to find an elite skill or two to hang his hat on. But Wiseman has looked like a different player over these past few weeks, competing during McDonald's All-American practices, putting a lid on the rim at Nike Hoop Summit with six blocks in 22 minutes and winning co-MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic in Las Vegas with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in 24 minutes, featuring a variety of eye-popping plays on both ends.

"Really just getting my conditioning up and making sure I have a consistent motor on a daily basis," Wiseman told ESPN of his improvement. "Studying a lot of film on great bigs in this era. Really going out there and just playing hard because usually in the summertime I always used to be patient. I used to not be involved as well, not running the floor that much even though I had the ability to. So really just doing that on a consistent basis."


NBA draft stock watch: Intel from Portsmouth Invitational
Although the NBA certainly isn't clamoring for more centers, Wiseman checks most every box that teams are looking for in a franchise big man, starting with his ability to protect the rim. While not a prolific shot-blocker at the FIBA or Nike EYBL level, Wiseman brings a 7-foot-5 wingspan, 9-3 standing reach, agility and steadily improving instincts that should allow him to anchor a defense at the next level. His measurables rival Joel Embiid's at the same age.

"Timing is everything [with shot-blocking]," Wiseman said. "I've been studying a lot of David Robinson highlights. A lot of Hakeem Olajuwon highlights. So really just studying my timing and really just being there, being alert, improving myself awareness and just be active on both ends of the floor."

While he needs to improve his fundamentals and discipline defending ball screens, Wiseman is also more than comfortable stepping out and sliding with point guards on switches. He stonewalled Jaden McDaniels during the Nike Hoop Summit scrimmage and moves with impressive grace for a player his size. His aggressiveness on the defensive glass is underwhelming at times, but he's really rounding out into a defensive weapon (à la Jaren Jackson Jr.).

Offensively, Wiseman has proved he can add value as a rim runner, lob catcher and even an occasional bust-out ball handler, as he's extremely agile and slithery with unique ball skills. In the half court, though, he's still finding himself, often shying away from contact and opting for finesse over physicality. He's not the most instinctual passer at this stage and lives off a lot of step-back, long 2-pointers in search of earning the unicorn tag. But the fact that he even has the footwork to get to those shots is encouraging, along with his touch to step out and make an occasional 3, a right-shoulder jump hook or a goofy-foot finish.

Although Georgia's Anthony Edwards still poses a major threat at the No. 1 spot given his shot creation at a more coveted position, NBA scouts were wowed by Wiseman's tools and upside, and teams will spend no shortage of time in Memphis next season evaluating the 18-year-old hometown kid on his chase toward becoming the No. 1 pick in 2020. -- Schmitz

Anthony Edwards

Spoiler:

Rank: No. 2 (previously No. 2)

Edwards was up-and-down at times in his two all-star events -- McDonald's and Jordan Brand -- but vividly showed his talent, and he has a real opportunity to be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Edwards came into McDonald's practices noticeably out of shape but had already trimmed down by the time Jordan Brand rolled around, as he has the type of frame that can get heavy in time if he's not careful about his diet and work habits.

Edwards is a prototype for a modern NBA guard prospect with his ideal combination of size, length, body control, explosiveness, shot-making ability and defensive versatility. His ability to play at different speeds in pick-and-roll, his strength to get his own shot rising up off the dribble, and the scoring instincts he displays finishing through contact are exactly what teams are looking for.

With that said, Edwards is still a bit of an unknown commodity, as he reclassified into the 2020 draft late, played off the radar in high school and AAU, and turned down numerous opportunities with USA Basketball. His effort level comes and goes, he can be very streaky with his jump shot, and his decision-making is still at an early stage. NBA teams say Edwards has some convincing to do to show he can be trusted to be such a high draft pick, but that's exactly why the age minimum was implemented, and he's in a perfect situation at Georgia to show he's worthy of a million-dollar investment. -- Givony

Cole Anthony

Spoiler:

MVP of McDonald's and Jordan Brand -- and the leading scorer for the U.S. in a win at the Nike Hoop Summit -- Anthony displayed alpha-dog status in this class, as he dropped 64 points in 74 minutes on 43 shots between the three games. Yet NBA teams continue to express a degree of skepticism regarding how that might translate to higher levels of competition due to his streaky jumper, his reluctance to make others better and his head-down, at-times-ugly style of play.

Nevertheless, it's difficult not to be impressed by Anthony's scoring instincts and ability to manufacture offense out of nothing, as his ability to play at different speeds, make difficult shots off the bounce and seek out contact are coveted qualities in today's NBA. He's willing to put his body on the line defensively, stepping in for charges, and he has a little more ability to find teammates off the bounce in drive-and-dish situations than he gets credit for.

At the college level we'll get a better sense for how good of an athlete, shooter, defender and facilitator Anthony is, as well as his skills as a teammate and overall winner -- things on which you hear mixed feedback. Still, it's difficult to argue with his standing among his peers in this class considering how dominant he has been in every setting, and others will need to show they have more value as NBA prospects before we can forecast Anthony going any lower than this. -- Givony

This dude named Precious Achiuwa has been raising his stock massively as of recent. He's super impressive. Might go top 5.

Spoiler:

Rank: No. 9 (previously unranked)

Coming off a 22-point performance (on 20 attempts) in the McDonald's game, Achiuwa strung together an outstanding week of practice in Portland, culminating in a strong 15-point, 11-rebound outing at the Nike Hoop Summit game. After an up-and-down high school senior season with Montverde, Achiuwa seemed to benefit from the added spacing of these settings with more opportunities to showcase his on-ball skill set. Achiuwa displayed impressive upside with his physical profile (6-9, 7-2 wingspan), explosive athleticism, budding shot-making ability and flashes of defensive prowess.

Achiuwa is a hungry scorer who is aggressive attacking the rim in the open floor, pulling up off the dribble, shooting with his feet set and taking difficult shots from inside the arc. His ability to change speeds powerfully, finish above the rim and throw in jumpers is intriguing for a player his size, even if his tunnel-vision decision-making and shot selection still often leave a lot to be desired. Achiuwa also is a playmaker defensively who wows you at times with his versatility switching onto guards and protecting the rim. His feel for the game and overall consistency are still a major work in progress, though, and going to the right school will be paramount for him. Ultimately, his combination of tools and talent are just too tantalizing to not project as a lottery talent now. -- Givony

That mock is such a wonderful sight to behold.

Wiseman is a student of the game and really has the drive and motivation to be great.

Draft just got stronger. #1 ranked guard of 2020 reclassified. He would be a dope combo guard to play next to DSJ.

Read on Twitter

[NYKHardKnock]

No cap


F: Kevin Durant 7’0”
F: Bol Bol 7’3”
C: Mitchell Robinson 7’1”

Would be absolutely dynamic

[Knicksfan1992]

No cap


F: Kevin Durant 7’0”
F: Bol Bol 7’3”
C: Mitchell Robinson 7’1”

Would be absolutely dynamic

ugh... Durant should not be treated as a small forward if he signs here. That's how you end up like the Lebron Lakers. We need to start planning immediately for his post-prime years where he'll be most useful as a rim protecting 5 against small units and a stretch 4 to start games off.

[malik959]

Pretty sure this has been done to death, but here goes:

Assume that Kyrie and KD become Knicks. That trading for AD just isn't happening. And that the Knicks don't get Zion.
Let's assume they are drafting #2 - only because they have a choice of ANYONE but Zion. And no other roster moves before the pick. It's fine to speculate they'll deal a player or two after(but not for AD)

Best pick - based on talent and fit.


Ready, begin.

Definitely going RJ. Too much upside to pass up and he fills a need. We can even trade with ATL for their 3 picks and change, then grab Hunter and Cam if he falls.

Kyrie/DSJ
Cam/Frank
Hunter/Knox
KD/Mario
Jordan/Mitch