2019 NBA Draft Prep

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Bol wasn't good on defense even in just a short time period.

I don't get the seeming determination to bury Bol with shade.

I also don't get the self-delusion that one can defeat a developed argument just by repeating a conclusion over and over again.

But I do get why you'd feel it important to do something... can't just let that visual evidence (0:37 clip) go.

He is in my top 10 of my board on the same tier with Cam, White, Garland. I clearly like him but to say that he would good fit on a team where we got Trae and John just isn't the truth.

I was just talking about his defense.

Whether he is a fit on this roster is it's own other conversation.

But, fwiw and since you went there... when Kirschner said (in the story linked above) his source said “Roster building isn’t always about trying to perfectly pair up guys,” I'm not sure why that statement applies for some options and not for others. (I am, however, taking note that Kirschner doesn't think Bol is being considered.)

Btw... pertinent to another discussion under this thread... (did I mention how much I hate generic threads like this where topics just come and go like the wind and no one notices... ) he says they like Fernando. And Doumbouya. Glad to hear it.

Three of my guys.

[Geaux_Hawks]

People are missing the boat on his perimeter defense. Other people are right to point out that anything he lacks in lateral movement is made up in the fact that he doesn't have to play his man as closely as others would have to play him in order to be effective... not just his height but his wingspan just seriously erodes the perimeter player's angles to make passes or hit shots.

See 0:37 for one example.

But they also miss the boat because long before Bol ever arrived at Oregon, coach Dana Altman was instituting all sorts of zone defenses... as he did in previous stints at Creighton and at my alma mater, Marshall... but those people will talk as-if it's something Altman just came up with to try to cover for Bol... not true. And so this is yet another way in which his one month season seriously limits assessment, because *every* freshman that walks into the Oregon program has some learning pains before finally getting comfortable and just being able to play instead of think.

Kid lacks any kind of effort on defense, and to an extent, on offense when it comes to rebounding and doing the dirty work that's required of a big man. Doesn't seem too aware of what's going on around him either on defense. If he at least tried more, I could believe in his length covering for his lateral quickness, but he doesn't even try. NBA athletes will eat him up, and no amount of length will make up for that. Altman couldn't really hide him in that zone either. People say he is fluid with his offensive moves, but I see a guy who is quirky with flashes of being fluid every now and then. That's before we even get into his rail thin frame, and foot injury. I would imagine putting on some weight might stress that foot. I would take him in the first round just off of his length and ability to knock down the 3 ball, but i'm thinking more 15-20 range.

[Spud2nique]

I’m happiest with Cam and Culver but Hunter would be a delight as well. Not sold on Hayes. Confused about Bruno.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

8. Atlanta Hawks

Cameron Reddish | Duke | SG | 6-8

Reddish has a blue-chip background but a confounding résumé, having largely underwhelmed at Duke last season. Was it the situation alongside Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, two stars who commanded most touches? Or was it a red flag that Reddish simply could not put it all together? His inability to stand out does cause concern. But with a 6-foot-8 frame, a beautiful shot release and defensive capabilities that should translate immediately, Hawks GM Travis Schlenk should bite on the upside. Paired with Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, Schlenk has to be thrilled about the prospects of adding Reddish to an already promising young backcourt brimming with talent.



10. Atlanta Hawks

Jaxson Hayes | Texas | Fr | PF | 6-11

With John Collins in place, some could fear duplicative talents. But Hayes is likely better suited at center, which would allow Collins to play at power forward. The match here would be *chef's kiss* magnificent. Hayes is a preternatural shot-blocker with instincts well beyond his years. He's still very raw; his first start as a basketball player came as a senior in high school, in large part due to a growth spurt from 6-foot to 6-11 from high school freshman to college freshman. But the springy nature of his game and potential as a rim-running, shot-swatting specialist makes a ton of sense for the Hawks.

[kg01]

I’m happiest with Cam and Culver but Hunter would be a delight as well. Not sold on Hayes. Confused about Bruno.

Gimme Culver or Cam and Bitazde (mainly 'cause I know how to spell it).

I have no idea why folks are so high on Hayes. He looks like the same dime-a-dozen 6'10+, no-offense, pogo stick that gets over-drafted every year based off "Ooooh he catches lobs and that one time I saw him make a college 3 in practice and that other time I saw him string 2 dribbles together! 2 dribbles!!!!!"

There's probably 6 other Hayes in the GLeague right now. May as well take the Claxton kid out of *shudders* UGA in the 2nd round. Both are probably gonna spend the next year+ in the GL anyway.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Doesn't seem too aware of what's going on around him either on defense. If he at least tried more....

Please take a step back... this just doesn't seem to be permeating the conversation very well on Bol's defense, so I'll continue to bring it up...

How many ***freshmen*** spend the first ***half*** of their college basketball careers ***looking lost*** on the court.

And gimmicky zone defenses like that Altman plays? So much more so.

I watch him, and see a pretty athletic guy making a LOT of plays just on instinct alone, but sometimes clearly out of position, no muscle memory to fall back on from playing Altman's defenses for a season or more... having to constantly think, and not just play ball.

[Jamaaliver]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman. And that Bruno is rated behind Gafford and Kabengele.

2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 50 Players Post-Combine

8. Goga Bitadze (Georgia, C, 1999)

Euroleague Rising Star Goga Bitadze is now dominating in the Serbian league, averaging 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in five games since rejoining Mega Bemax.

He's also hit seven of 16 shots from three during this recent streak, raising his season three-point mark to 39.5 percent.

A more decisive post scorer and finisher, Bitadze has expanded his shooting range while also blocking 1.9 shots per game in 2018-19.

He's not overly explosive or quick defensively, but his offensive development and rim protection has become too compelling for a 19-year-old.


12. Jaxson Hayes (Texas, C, Freshman)

Hayes' game and future role are well-defined, and he put up the measurables teams will want to see (6'11½", 7'3½" wingspan) for a finisher and rim protector. He'll turn 19 years old Thursday and should be viewed as a low-risk option for the high likelihood he can continue collecting easy baskets and blocks.


19. Bol Bol (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Red flags may have been raised when Bol weighed just 208 pounds at the combine. It's a scary figure for a 7'2½" player who lasted only nine games before he fractured his foot. He's still a potential value pick if he slips outside the lottery given his unique skill level, shooting and 7'7" wingspan for shot-blocking. But there is obvious risk tied to his skinny limbs and perceived fragility.


23. Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State, C, Sophomore)

Measured at 6'10¼", 256 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan and 5.1 percent body fat, Kabengele confirmed what the eye test says: He has a spectacular physical profile for an NBA big. He's entered the first-round picture by improving as a shot-maker (24-of-65 3PT, 36.9 percent) and free-throw shooter (76.1 percent) while flashing enough glimpses of shot-creation from the post and defensive activity.


35. Bruno Fernando (Maryland, C, Sophomore)

The draw to Fernando always stemmed from his physical profile: 6'10¼", 237 pounds, 7'3¼" wingspan, 9'2" reach, 5.4 percent body fat. This year, he improved his passing and defensive IQ, but as a scorer, it looks like he'll only be useful early on as a finisher and post option in space.

Spoiler:

32. Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Sophomore)

Gafford's scouting report didn't change during his sophomore season. He'll still draw first-round looks for his rim-running, lob-catching and easy baskets. But he's fallen this year with a lower shot-blocking rate and not enough offensive development.


41. Jontay Porter (Missouri, C, Sophomore)

Porter showed up to the combine after tearing his ACL for the second time in a year. He's down roughly 26 pounds, and his body fat has fallen to 8.5 percent from 13.9 percent at the 2018 combine. Porter was in the top 20 on our board, even after the first knee surgery in October. He built an appealing case as a freshman with shooting, passing IQ and shot-blocking timing. It's too risky to give Porter a guaranteed contract, but now he's a potential value pick in the 40s.


38. Nicolas Claxton (Georgia, PF, Sophomore)

Claxton is a player to watch over the next week until the NCAA withdrawal deadline. His defensive potential was glowing at the combine. The 6'11¾" interchangeable big man covers ground quickly, from the rim to the arc. His defensive playmaking at Georgia (3.2 blocks, 1.3 steals per 40 minutes) carried over to scrimmages. But Claxton is still noticeably raw on offense, unable to execute skills with enough polish or fluidity. He'd benefit from another year at Georgia to improve his scoring and shooting. Otherwise, he could go early in the second round and spend next season developing in the G League.

Bleacher Report

[kg01]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman. And that Bruno is rated behind Gafford and Kabengele.

2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 50 Players Post-Combine

8. Goga Bitadze (Georgia, C, 1999)

Euroleague Rising Star Goga Bitadze is now dominating in the Serbian league, averaging 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in five games since rejoining Mega Bemax.

He's also hit seven of 16 shots from three during this recent streak, raising his season three-point mark to 39.5 percent.

A more decisive post scorer and finisher, Bitadze has expanded his shooting range while also blocking 1.9 shots per game in 2018-19.

He's not overly explosive or quick defensively, but his offensive development and rim protection has become too compelling for a 19-year-old.


12. Jaxson Hayes (Texas, C, Freshman)

Hayes' game and future role are well-defined, and he put up the measurables teams will want to see (6'11½", 7'3½" wingspan) for a finisher and rim protector. He'll turn 19 years old Thursday and should be viewed as a low-risk option for the high likelihood he can continue collecting easy baskets and blocks.


19. Bol Bol (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Red flags may have been raised when Bol weighed just 208 pounds at the combine. It's a scary figure for a 7'2½" player who lasted only nine games before he fractured his foot. He's still a potential value pick if he slips outside the lottery given his unique skill level, shooting and 7'7" wingspan for shot-blocking. But there is obvious risk tied to his skinny limbs and perceived fragility.


23. Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State, C, Sophomore)

Measured at 6'10¼", 256 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan and 5.1 percent body fat, Kabengele confirmed what the eye test says: He has a spectacular physical profile for an NBA big. He's entered the first-round picture by improving as a shot-maker (24-of-65 3PT, 36.9 percent) and free-throw shooter (76.1 percent) while flashing enough glimpses of shot-creation from the post and defensive activity.


35. Bruno Fernando (Maryland, C, Sophomore)

The draw to Fernando always stemmed from his physical profile: 6'10¼", 237 pounds, 7'3¼" wingspan, 9'2" reach, 5.4 percent body fat. This year, he improved his passing and defensive IQ, but as a scorer, it looks like he'll only be useful early on as a finisher and post option in space.

Spoiler:

32. Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Sophomore)

Gafford's scouting report didn't change during his sophomore season. He'll still draw first-round looks for his rim-running, lob-catching and easy baskets. But he's fallen this year with a lower shot-blocking rate and not enough offensive development.


41. Jontay Porter (Missouri, C, Sophomore)

Porter showed up to the combine after tearing his ACL for the second time in a year. He's down roughly 26 pounds, and his body fat has fallen to 8.5 percent from 13.9 percent at the 2018 combine. Porter was in the top 20 on our board, even after the first knee surgery in October. He built an appealing case as a freshman with shooting, passing IQ and shot-blocking timing. It's too risky to give Porter a guaranteed contract, but now he's a potential value pick in the 40s.


38. Nicolas Claxton (Georgia, PF, Sophomore)

Claxton is a player to watch over the next week until the NCAA withdrawal deadline. His defensive potential was glowing at the combine. The 6'11¾" interchangeable big man covers ground quickly, from the rim to the arc. His defensive playmaking at Georgia (3.2 blocks, 1.3 steals per 40 minutes) carried over to scrimmages. But Claxton is still noticeably raw on offense, unable to execute skills with enough polish or fluidity. He'd benefit from another year at Georgia to improve his scoring and shooting. Otherwise, he could go early in the second round and spend next season developing in the G League.

Bleacher Report

Well lookit that. Smells like my guy Bitazde is shooting up boards all over A'merica. Even Deacon @jamall is on board.

[Spud2nique]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman. And that Bruno is rated behind Gafford and Kabengele.

2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 50 Players Post-Combine

8. Goga Bitadze (Georgia, C, 1999)

Euroleague Rising Star Goga Bitadze is now dominating in the Serbian league, averaging 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in five games since rejoining Mega Bemax.

He's also hit seven of 16 shots from three during this recent streak, raising his season three-point mark to 39.5 percent.

A more decisive post scorer and finisher, Bitadze has expanded his shooting range while also blocking 1.9 shots per game in 2018-19.

He's not overly explosive or quick defensively, but his offensive development and rim protection has become too compelling for a 19-year-old.


12. Jaxson Hayes (Texas, C, Freshman)

Hayes' game and future role are well-defined, and he put up the measurables teams will want to see (6'11½", 7'3½" wingspan) for a finisher and rim protector. He'll turn 19 years old Thursday and should be viewed as a low-risk option for the high likelihood he can continue collecting easy baskets and blocks.


19. Bol Bol (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Red flags may have been raised when Bol weighed just 208 pounds at the combine. It's a scary figure for a 7'2½" player who lasted only nine games before he fractured his foot. He's still a potential value pick if he slips outside the lottery given his unique skill level, shooting and 7'7" wingspan for shot-blocking. But there is obvious risk tied to his skinny limbs and perceived fragility.


23. Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State, C, Sophomore)

Measured at 6'10¼", 256 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan and 5.1 percent body fat, Kabengele confirmed what the eye test says: He has a spectacular physical profile for an NBA big. He's entered the first-round picture by improving as a shot-maker (24-of-65 3PT, 36.9 percent) and free-throw shooter (76.1 percent) while flashing enough glimpses of shot-creation from the post and defensive activity.


35. Bruno Fernando (Maryland, C, Sophomore)

The draw to Fernando always stemmed from his physical profile: 6'10¼", 237 pounds, 7'3¼" wingspan, 9'2" reach, 5.4 percent body fat. This year, he improved his passing and defensive IQ, but as a scorer, it looks like he'll only be useful early on as a finisher and post option in space.

Spoiler:

32. Daniel Gafford (Arkansas, C, Sophomore)

Gafford's scouting report didn't change during his sophomore season. He'll still draw first-round looks for his rim-running, lob-catching and easy baskets. But he's fallen this year with a lower shot-blocking rate and not enough offensive development.


41. Jontay Porter (Missouri, C, Sophomore)

Porter showed up to the combine after tearing his ACL for the second time in a year. He's down roughly 26 pounds, and his body fat has fallen to 8.5 percent from 13.9 percent at the 2018 combine. Porter was in the top 20 on our board, even after the first knee surgery in October. He built an appealing case as a freshman with shooting, passing IQ and shot-blocking timing. It's too risky to give Porter a guaranteed contract, but now he's a potential value pick in the 40s.


38. Nicolas Claxton (Georgia, PF, Sophomore)

Claxton is a player to watch over the next week until the NCAA withdrawal deadline. His defensive potential was glowing at the combine. The 6'11¾" interchangeable big man covers ground quickly, from the rim to the arc. His defensive playmaking at Georgia (3.2 blocks, 1.3 steals per 40 minutes) carried over to scrimmages. But Claxton is still noticeably raw on offense, unable to execute skills with enough polish or fluidity. He'd benefit from another year at Georgia to improve his scoring and shooting. Otherwise, he could go early in the second round and spend next season developing in the G League.

Bleacher Report

Well lookit that. Smells like my guy Bitazde is shooting up boards all over A'merica. Even Deacon @jamall is on board.

I would put 90% of my eggs in the Kabengele basket. I’ve almost never been so sure of any other prospect in this draft.

This kid is the REAL DEAL. BOOKMARK SPUD SAYING KABENGELE IS A STUD!

Ps Good call on Jaxson Hayes. He might be good but my eyes hate his guts as a basketball player.

[EazyRoc]

For the record guys:

Hayes just finished his 2nd season of organized basketball. Of course he looks raw.

[kg01]

For the record guys:

Hayes just finished his 2nd season of organized basketball. Of course he looks raw.

That's a reason not to draft him. Once picked, he has basically 2-3 years to show he can contribute to winning. Restricted free agency comes fast.

IIUC, Giannis was in a similar boat. However, by the time his draft came around, folks with vision saw improvement not just raw game. That's a big difference.

[EazyRoc]

For the record guys:

Hayes just finished his 2nd season of organized basketball. Of course he looks raw.

That's a reason not to draft him. Once picked, he has basically 2-3 years to show he can contribute to winning. Restricted free agency comes fast.

IIUC, Giannis was in a similar boat. However, by the time his draft came around, folks with vision saw improvement not just raw game. That's a big difference.

That’s a good point. I like Hayes, but I’m not bullish on him. I wouldn’t mind developing him if we had him, but his rawness does make him a huge gamble. He’s also like raw clay that can be molded in the shape we want. I’m on the fence with this guy. Won’t be disappointed if we don’t draft him and not overly thrilled if we do.

[King Ken]

For the record guys:

Hayes just finished his 2nd season of organized basketball. Of course he looks raw.

5th year. He played 9th-12th but was 9th grade on the bench as a fr as well as 10th. JV for 11th and star varsity for 12th.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

I think its asinine and simplistic to list Bol as a C.

He's not going to be a C in the NBA. He'll spend some time in the lane, sure, but he's a really an XXL SF like has never been seen before...

Similar to how a XXL PG once came into the league with a lot of people cynical that a 6-9 guy could possibly survive at that position given how high his dribble necessarily was (easy pickins for the Mo Cheeks of the time), and how he would end up being such a defensive liability being unable to keep up.

I remain a skeptic that Schlenk isn't very interested. I just think he checks all the boxes, and is arguably the ultimate "positionless basketball" prospect, truly.

I become more skeptical when the one source that claims he's understanding that Bol isn't favored (ie, the beat reporter for The Athletic) is being led to believe that Hayes ***is*** someone they would consider. Hayes checks almost none of the boxes... and in fact, represents the exact kind of draft-for-position option that Schlenk has explicitly said he's not going to select.

I don't think the beat reporter is lying, mind you... not at all.

I just think he might be being purposefully misled.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman..................

I suppose I missed the memo... remind me please who Jonathan Wasserman is that I should consider his opinion important in comparison to the 25 other guys doing mock drafts for reasonably-credible internet outlets.

His idea that Bruno is going to slip down into the 2nd round is not especially compelling that his is, indeed, a noteworthy opinion... but he has a right to his opinion like anyone else.

Is he even paid? Most of those B/R writers are bloggers.

[Spud2nique]

I don’t believe in any bs mocks out there. I mean I take a look at them but I rank mofos myself based on fit for Hawks.

I am the Walrus. Shutty kg lol.

[kg01]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman..................

I suppose I missed the memo... remind me please who Jonathan Wasserman is that I should consider his opinion important in comparison to the 25 other guys doing mock drafts for reasonably-credible internet outlets.

Because he happens to agree with me, bro. Let's be honest, that's all you need.

[_s_t_u_r_t_]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman..................

I suppose I missed the memo... remind me please who Jonathan Wasserman is that I should consider his opinion important in comparison to the 25 other guys doing mock drafts for reasonably-credible internet outlets.

Because he happens to agree with me, bro. Let's be honest, that's all you need.

[Spud2nique]

Center prospects. It's noteworthy that Goga is now the top rated Center prospect by Jonathan Wasserman..................

I suppose I missed the memo... remind me please who Jonathan Wasserman is that I should consider his opinion important in comparison to the 25 other guys doing mock drafts for reasonably-credible internet outlets.

Because he happens to agree with me, bro. Let's be honest, that's all you need.

Collin Sexton.

Track record (hurled out the window)...

[kg01]

I suppose I missed the memo... remind me please who Jonathan Wasserman is that I should consider his opinion important in comparison to the 25 other guys doing mock drafts for reasonably-credible internet outlets.

Because he happens to agree with me, bro. Let's be honest, that's all you need.

Collin Sexton.

Track record (hurled out the window)...

You sonofa .... I can't believe you would .... *sigh* ....



(That was col' blooded, @spud. Real col'.)

ETA: Do I at least get personal-growth points for suggesting we draft a *shudders* UGA player?