2019 NBA Draft Prep

[kg01]

Jaxson might have a bit more range than we gave him credit for:

Don't fall for it, @jamallo. I don't know you but I know you're better than that.

#OpenGymAllStarrrrr

Meh. I feel you.

My bigger annoyance is that Jaxson's flashing solid signs of a mid range jump shot...in a league that completely devalues the mid-range jump shot.

Some math nerds have decided that hitting 12 foot jumpers is no longer valuable. Only dunks and 3-pointers are worth putting up.

(Despite Kawhi living on mid-range shots against Budenholzer's inflexible defense in the ECF)

NOTE: I've become enamored with Mfiondu Kabengele. If we can't flip #10 and Taurean for Wendell Carter Jr. (my first love), then I'm all for trading into the early 20s for the nephew of Mutombo.

To add to what you said, don't look now but the Warriors (who's 3pt shooting everyone is tryna emulate) are killing folks from the midrange. Freaking jedi mind trick.

And I don't like Kabengele because of his defense (or lack thereof). I want us to lean to length and defense with this draft.

[Jamaaliver]

To add to what you said, don't look now but the Warriors (who's 3pt shooting everyone is tryna emulate) are killing folks from the midrange. Freaking jedi mind trick.

YES!!!

Spurs have remained relevant leaning on mid-range also.

If everyone's defense is selling out to defend the rim and the perimeter, that leaves plenty of room in the 12-18 foot range to feast all day.

It drives me crazy that thew whole league followed suit on volume of 3-pt shooting when most teams can't consistently hit enough to justify it.

[King Ken]

Of the people I've talked to, we are leaning in the direction of versatility and talent as well as the great PDS model

Who are the 5 which fit this critera?

Reddish
Culver
Little (Hawks really believe in him)
Hunter
Goga

They are a lot of guys like in the 20's as well.

I got a lot of new information as well.



Hawks are talking trade with Cleveland/NY.

NY wants to move back to #5 for Culver. Cleveland wants #3. If Culver is at #5, Cleveland wants to do the same deal we did last year for Doncic/Young. Issue is of course, they owe us their pick in 2020. They want it back. Willing to give the 2nd rounders owe and eat some salary for it. Framework is based on Bazemore/Plumlee for J.R. Smith and John Henson and two future 2nds which would have went to Atlanta if they didn't convert the pick. From what I am hearing. J.R. Smith could be shopped for a 1st and an bad expiring regardless so it could be 4 teams. Atlanta has been very active in trying to move up for more 1st rounders. Haven't showed much interest in moving back. Also haven't showed much interest in trading Prince at this time from others around the league.

DeAndre Hunter is getting **** on right now in this stage. He will need to have a great pro day because teams are eating his ass alive. Been hearing he could fall to 10-12 range.

In the same boat, Culver is getting super praise right now. No chance he falls passed Cleveland at #5.

Reddish stock seem to hit a rock right now. Teams aren't too happy with his pro day and that he stopped it early for injuries. The question about his passion has been stated by numerous teams, he needs to get his **** together. His range is 7-12 right now. His potential is through the roof and a lot of teams are high on what he could be if he had the passion they believe. This is not my take, I think he's tremendous and I got several Duke staffers saying he does have the passion and love for the game but it just doesn't come in the biggest of spots. This was said in HS about him as well.

Little on the other hand stock is locked into the top 10 right now. It's hard to see the Hawks passing on him and they got a hard on for him. He translates well and his potential is sky high but his floor is really low and I have my doubts but everyone I've talked to said, even the Bulls are high on him. His hand size is legit and the saying on him isn't Leonard, it's Scottie Pippen. Teams think he will be an all star in time. His interviews were off the charts. Teams are in love in his intelligence and he was really able to explain what he did at UNC really well. He just passes all of the tests. Mental ones that is. Definitely not the production ones.

Hawks haven't really showed any signs of willingness to move back or up from 8/10. They are confident they will get what they want at #8 and #10.

Rui, Goga, and Sekou are big movers. They are lottery locks right now. Teams are all in for them.

Langford seems to be a target of the Pistons.

Bol seems like he could go in the lottery as well as the 2nd round. His stock is not good right now.

Teams are falling in love with Tyler Herro.

Teams are also falling in love with Klutch clients, Darius Bazley and Talen Horton-Tucker. They been in love with THT but they are more open with it of late.

Darius Garland stock seems to be from #4-7. The Lakers seem to be zoning in him. They also like Hunter as well.

White seems to be a lock for #6.

No one knows what the Bulls will do at #7. People say #4 is a wildcard but it's not. It's likely Garland. It's #7. I've asked what is the Bulls looking for and everyone says, Zo Ball or trade back. I am hearing Lakers have zero interest in trading Zo outside of a Beal or AD trade and no teams are dying to move up in this lottery. Seems like the Bulls will just BPA this one. I've been hearing they are high on Sekou. They have called us about #10 and taking salary which the Hawks weren't interested in at that time.

Hawks have been one of the most active teams with the Bulls during this period. I think the Hawks will get a couple more 1sts. That's what they seem to be aiming for.

I got a lot of new details from yesterday and calls this morning:

Pelicans: AD in the meeting a couple of days ago indicated he wanted a trade to the Lakers. While he wouldn't resign with the Knicks, he would consider it. I was also told that Griffin and Gentry both like the Lakers package if it's the kitchen sink. I was told the only player off the table for the Lakers is Josh Hart. The deal will revolve around Ball (centerpiece), Kuz, BI who Griffin loves, and Hunter who the Pelicans are coveting with #4.

Their free agent target is Brook Lopez and then Dedmon. They want a center who can shoot next to Zion. They want to switch everything 1-4 and play more fast. They love the idea of Ball/Jrue/Hunter/Zion and want BI and Kuz for depth. They believe they can make the playoffs next year.

Bulls: They want one of the PG's. That's not new but it's unlikely seeing that LAL is zoning in on Garland. They are a team in a bad place. Garland is their top target on their board that possible.

Lakers: They want AD then Beal. They strongly feel they can get AD. They want Kyrie in FA but if they miss on him and Kemba. They want Lowry.

Knicks: Knicks want AD as well. They want Durant with Leonard. They also want Kyrie or Kemba. From what I am hearing, it's going to be Durant and Kemba.

Nets: Kyrie #1 team is Brooklyn and they want Kyrie. They also want to trade Allen Crabbe BAD but don't want to move out of the mid 1st. Something has to give. Jimmy Butler also wants to go to Brooklyn if the Lakers don't show the interest that Bron has showed to Jimmy.

Cavs: They are selling the J.R. Smith contract like a beast asset and it is not to most teams but teams still want it.

Raptors: If they lose Leonard, they will try to sell Ibaka, Gasol if he opts in and Lowry. Build around Siakam, O.G. and Green. They are trying to get a lot of assets for the 2020 draft if Leonard leaves.

Jazz: They really really want Mike Conley. It seems like a forgone conclusion as well.

Grizzles: They wanted a mid 1st for Conley and cap space and will likely get it. They really want Thad Young.

Warriors: It seems like it's not just people I know close to Leonard anymore. It seems like the Warriors top target is Leonard this off-season as much as keeping Durant and Klay.

[Jamaaliver]

The biggest weakness facing each top NBA Draft prospect

De’Andre Hunter, Virginia

Star potential. Hunter should be able to fill the 3-and-D archetype, which is valuable, particularly since Hunter's thick frame allows him to guard bigger players as well. But beyond that? Hunter isn't an especially creative or skilled offensive player outside of that, and his athleticism is merely good as opposed to great or elite — even in college, his length bailed him out at times when he didn't have the speed or lift to make a play — so there's some cap on his ceiling. Hunter has excellent defensive potential, and his ability to hit open shots is coveted. But expecting him to develop much beyond a complementary piece might be asking too much, and that's a bit of a bitter pill to swallow when drafting in the top five.



Coby White, North Carolina

Decision-making. White was a more natural scoring guard who was pressed into service as North Carolina’s point guard, and he’s likely to stick at the point in the NBA, at least in part because he didn’t measure with great length at the NBA Draft Combine. White can swing a game when his shot is falling because he can get his own shot any time he wants. But that can occasionally be a problem as White can pile up poor shots with mediocre shot selection, and his vision and ability to run a team with his passing is still a work in progress.


Jaxson Hayes, Texas

Overall rawness. Some teams seem to like that Hayes is a bit of a blank canvas; he's a freak athlete who measured 6-11.5 in shoes, 218 pounds with a 7-3.5 wingspan and has big, soft hands. And his ascension has been rapid; he barely played off the bench as a high school junior, then emerged before his senior year on the grassroots scene and had a few games as a freshman where he influenced contests with his quickness and leaping ability. Now he's a one-and-done projected to go in the top 10 picks. Optimistic teams see a modern-day center who can roll hard and fast to the basket after setting a screen and finish way above the rim while impacting games defensively. But he has a lot of basketball to pick up before he gets to that point, and whoever takes him will need to plan for a prolonged development period.


Sekou Doumbouya, France

Lack of polish. It's easy to look at Doumbouya and see what *could* be. He's an athletic 6-foot-9 with a 6-11 wingspan, and at 210 pounds, has the kind of frame that could project to either forward spot. But Doumbouya is a streaky shooter and doesn't have the little things down. That doesn't mean he won't reach his lofty ceiling, but they're also the kinds of things that could keep him from getting there. At his best, Doumbouya's defensive potential could jump off the page, his offensive game could come together and he could become a star. But to do so he'll have to get the little things right, and right now, those little things — the way he reads and reacts to the game, how he handles switches and makes decisions on the fly; that needs to improve.

24/7 Sports

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

Forget grabbing a big man in the top-10; I'm in favor of trading back into top-20 for guys of this caliber:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[Spud2nique]

Forget grabbing a big man in the top-10; I'm in favor of trading back into top-20 for guys of this caliber:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

There you go Jamal. Finally on board.

My boy Kabengele.

Grab Cam/Culver/Clarke then Deke’s neph.

[Spud2nique]

Jaxson might have a bit more range than we gave him credit for:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

That ain’t shootin Sally!

[Spud2nique]

Who are the 5 which fit this critera?

Reddish
Culver
Little (Hawks really believe in him)
Hunter
Goga

They are a lot of guys like in the 20's as well.

I got a lot of new information as well.



Hawks are talking trade with Cleveland/NY.

NY wants to move back to #5 for Culver. Cleveland wants #3. If Culver is at #5, Cleveland wants to do the same deal we did last year for Doncic/Young. Issue is of course, they owe us their pick in 2020. They want it back. Willing to give the 2nd rounders owe and eat some salary for it. Framework is based on Bazemore/Plumlee for J.R. Smith and John Henson and two future 2nds which would have went to Atlanta if they didn't convert the pick. From what I am hearing. J.R. Smith could be shopped for a 1st and an bad expiring regardless so it could be 4 teams. Atlanta has been very active in trying to move up for more 1st rounders. Haven't showed much interest in moving back. Also haven't showed much interest in trading Prince at this time from others around the league.

DeAndre Hunter is getting **** on right now in this stage. He will need to have a great pro day because teams are eating his ass alive. Been hearing he could fall to 10-12 range.

In the same boat, Culver is getting super praise right now. No chance he falls passed Cleveland at #5.

Reddish stock seem to hit a rock right now. Teams aren't too happy with his pro day and that he stopped it early for injuries. The question about his passion has been stated by numerous teams, he needs to get his **** together. His range is 7-12 right now. His potential is through the roof and a lot of teams are high on what he could be if he had the passion they believe. This is not my take, I think he's tremendous and I got several Duke staffers saying he does have the passion and love for the game but it just doesn't come in the biggest of spots. This was said in HS about him as well.

Little on the other hand stock is locked into the top 10 right now. It's hard to see the Hawks passing on him and they got a hard on for him. He translates well and his potential is sky high but his floor is really low and I have my doubts but everyone I've talked to said, even the Bulls are high on him. His hand size is legit and the saying on him isn't Leonard, it's Scottie Pippen. Teams think he will be an all star in time. His interviews were off the charts. Teams are in love in his intelligence and he was really able to explain what he did at UNC really well. He just passes all of the tests. Mental ones that is. Definitely not the production ones.

Hawks haven't really showed any signs of willingness to move back or up from 8/10. They are confident they will get what they want at #8 and #10.

Rui, Goga, and Sekou are big movers. They are lottery locks right now. Teams are all in for them.

Langford seems to be a target of the Pistons.

Bol seems like he could go in the lottery as well as the 2nd round. His stock is not good right now.

Teams are falling in love with Tyler Herro.

Teams are also falling in love with Klutch clients, Darius Bazley and Talen Horton-Tucker. They been in love with THT but they are more open with it of late.

Darius Garland stock seems to be from #4-7. The Lakers seem to be zoning in him. They also like Hunter as well.

White seems to be a lock for #6.

No one knows what the Bulls will do at #7. People say #4 is a wildcard but it's not. It's likely Garland. It's #7. I've asked what is the Bulls looking for and everyone says, Zo Ball or trade back. I am hearing Lakers have zero interest in trading Zo outside of a Beal or AD trade and no teams are dying to move up in this lottery. Seems like the Bulls will just BPA this one. I've been hearing they are high on Sekou. They have called us about #10 and taking salary which the Hawks weren't interested in at that time.

Hawks have been one of the most active teams with the Bulls during this period. I think the Hawks will get a couple more 1sts. That's what they seem to be aiming for.

I got a lot of new details from yesterday and calls this morning:

Pelicans: AD in the meeting a couple of days ago indicated he wanted a trade to the Lakers. While he wouldn't resign with the Knicks, he would consider it. I was also told that Griffin and Gentry both like the Lakers package if it's the kitchen sink. I was told the only player off the table for the Lakers is Josh Hart. The deal will revolve around Ball (centerpiece), Kuz, BI who Griffin loves, and Hunter who the Pelicans are coveting with #4.

Their free agent target is Brook Lopez and then Dedmon. They want a center who can shoot next to Zion. They want to switch everything 1-4 and play more fast. They love the idea of Ball/Jrue/Hunter/Zion and want BI and Kuz for depth. They believe they can make the playoffs next year.

Bulls: They want one of the PG's. That's not new but it's unlikely seeing that LAL is zoning in on Garland. They are a team in a bad place. Garland is their top target on their board that possible.

Lakers: They want AD then Beal. They strongly feel they can get AD. They want Kyrie in FA but if they miss on him and Kemba. They want Lowry.

Knicks: Knicks want AD as well. They want Durant with Leonard. They also want Kyrie or Kemba. From what I am hearing, it's going to be Durant and Kemba.

Nets: Kyrie #1 team is Brooklyn and they want Kyrie. They also want to trade Allen Crabbe BAD but don't want to move out of the mid 1st. Something has to give. Jimmy Butler also wants to go to Brooklyn if the Lakers don't show the interest that Bron has showed to Jimmy.

Cavs: They are selling the J.R. Smith contract like a beast asset and it is not to most teams but teams still want it.

Raptors: If they lose Leonard, they will try to sell Ibaka, Gasol if he opts in and Lowry. Build around Siakam, O.G. and Green. They are trying to get a lot of assets for the 2020 draft if Leonard leaves.

Jazz: They really really want Mike Conley. It seems like a forgone conclusion as well.

Grizzles: They wanted a mid 1st for Conley and cap space and will likely get it. They really want Thad Young.

Warriors: It seems like it's not just people I know close to Leonard anymore. It seems like the Warriors top target is Leonard this off-season as much as keeping Durant and Klay.

Scrubs ain’t getting Kawhi. Kawhi is a man and not a cupcake. Win or lose he’s not joining the Warriors Supes don’t get it twisted bro.

[Spud2nique]

Use one of our second round picks on Dikembe’s nephew. This kid has a lot of versatility and strength. Big guy whose nimble and can shoot and block your shot.

Watch on YouTube

Kabengele fan club and advocate since:

January. I’ll ever tattoo this guy’s name on my a$$ if we get my guy here. Ok maybe a fake tat.

Jamal, the boy is mine..

Watch on YouTube

[kg01]

Use one of our second round picks on Dikembe’s nephew. This kid has a lot of versatility and strength. Big guy whose nimble and can shoot and block your shot.

Kabengele fan club and advocate since:

January. I’ll ever tattoo this guy’s name on my a$$ if we get my guy here. Ok maybe a fake tat.

Jamal, the boy is mine..

Yeah @jamallo, spud2 has been on this dude for a long time. I think you gotta bend the knee to @spud2 on this one.

You can have Claxton. I'll give you a milk carton since you'll be needing it to find him in a couple years if he lands in the wrong place. Volatile prospect.

[kg01]

To add to what you said, don't look now but the Warriors (who's 3pt shooting everyone is tryna emulate) are killing folks from the midrange. Freaking jedi mind trick.

YES!!!

Spurs have remained relevant leaning on mid-range also.

If everyone's defense is selling out to defend the rim and the perimeter, that leaves plenty of room in the 12-18 foot range to feast all day.

It drives me crazy that thew whole league followed suit on volume of 3-pt shooting when most teams can't consistently hit enough to justify it.

Yeah, it's a hole in Trae's game right now too. At least he has a g.o.a.t-float but he needs to develop his midrange a bit more. I hope we don't neglect that area. #PleaseKevinDon'tHeurt'em could be a killah from the midrange too.

[Spud2nique]

Use one of our second round picks on Dikembe’s nephew. This kid has a lot of versatility and strength. Big guy whose nimble and can shoot and block your shot.

Kabengele fan club and advocate since:

January. I’ll ever tattoo this guy’s name on my a$$ if we get my guy here. Ok maybe a fake tat.

Jamal, the boy is mine..

Yeah @jamallo, spud2 has been on this dude for a long time. I think you gotta bend the knee to @spud2 on this one.

You can have Claxton. I'll give you a milk carton since you'll be needing it to find him in a couple years if he lands in the wrong place. Volatile prospect.

THANK U!!! Jamaal is like

[King Ken]

Scrubs ain’t getting Kawhi. Kawhi is a man and not a cupcake. Win or lose he’s not joining the Warriors Supes don’t get it twisted bro.

I been hearing traction for him to the Warriors from his people. Seems to be a lot of ppl in GS FO who feels the same. With Iggy and Shaun looking at retirement as they made really good investments, they could have the money to get him since Klay caphold is reasonable.

[Spud2nique]

Scrubs ain’t getting Kawhi. Kawhi is a man and not a cupcake. Win or lose he’s not joining the Warriors Supes don’t get it twisted bro.

I been hearing traction for him to the Warriors from his people. Seems to be a lot of ppl in GS FO who feels the same. With Iggy and Shaun looking at retirement as they made really good investments, they could have the money to get him since Klay caphold is reasonable.

Do I doubt you heard it, specially from scrub fans rumors circulating, no I don’t. Do I call complete and utter bs as far as this having any legs to it, yes I do.

Kawhi is the walrus. He is the alpha. Kevin Durant couldn’t reach the finals by himself and obviously knew he would never get their without other superstars around him. Kawhi doesn’t even have an all star (Kyle Lowry maaaybe) around him and he reached the finals. The absolute last thing he wants to do now is join forces with the Warriors. You can bookmark this, highlight it, whatever. Kawhi is either a Raptor or one of the teams in LA (Clipps most likely because the Lakers are the old Clippers now and their front office sucks).

[King Ken]

Scrubs ain’t getting Kawhi. Kawhi is a man and not a cupcake. Win or lose he’s not joining the Warriors Supes don’t get it twisted bro.

I been hearing traction for him to the Warriors from his people. Seems to be a lot of ppl in GS FO who feels the same. With Iggy and Shaun looking at retirement as they made really good investments, they could have the money to get him since Klay caphold is reasonable.

Do I doubt you heard it, specially from scrub fans rumors circulating, no I don’t. Do I call complete and utter bs as far as this having any legs to it, yes I do.

Kawhi is the walrus. He is the alpha. Kevin Durant couldn’t reach the finals by himself and obviously knew he would never get their without other superstars around him. Kawhi doesn’t even have an all star (Kyle Lowry maaaybe) around him and he reached the finals. The absolute last thing he wants to do now is join forces with the Warriors. You can bookmark this, highlight it, whatever. Kawhi is either a Raptor or one of the teams in LA (Clipps most likely because the Lakers are the old Clippers now and their front office sucks).

He wants Golden State. That's what he wants. These are his people too.

[BladeKor]

This years nba draft just doesn't gets me excited. I really dont care who we draft or trade picks away. Such a lame draft anyways.

[Spud2nique]

I been hearing traction for him to the Warriors from his people. Seems to be a lot of ppl in GS FO who feels the same. With Iggy and Shaun looking at retirement as they made really good investments, they could have the money to get him since Klay caphold is reasonable.

Do I doubt you heard it, specially from scrub fans rumors circulating, no I don’t. Do I call complete and utter bs as far as this having any legs to it, yes I do.

Kawhi is the walrus. He is the alpha. Kevin Durant couldn’t reach the finals by himself and obviously knew he would never get their without other superstars around him. Kawhi doesn’t even have an all star (Kyle Lowry maaaybe) around him and he reached the finals. The absolute last thing he wants to do now is join forces with the Warriors. You can bookmark this, highlight it, whatever. Kawhi is either a Raptor or one of the teams in LA (Clipps most likely because the Lakers are the old Clippers now and their front office sucks).

He wants Golden State. That's what he wants. These are his people too.

Ok we shall see on June 30th at 3:00 pst!

[Spud2nique]

Spud’s 2019 mock draft:

No BS just cold hard facts. Warning: Not your main stream mock!


1. Pelicans- Zion Williamson
2. Grizzlies- Ja Morant
3. Knicks- RJ Barrett
4. Lakers- Cam Reddish
5. Cavs- Jarrett Culver
6. Suns-Darius Garland
7. Bulls- Coby White
8. Hawks- Sekou Doumbouya
9. Wizards-Rui Hachimura
10. Hawks-Brandon Clarke
11. Wolves-DeAndre Hunter
12. Hornets- Mfiondu Kabengele
13. Heat- Keldon Johnson
14. Celtics- PJ Washington
15. Pistons- Romeo Langford
16. Magic- Nassir Little
17. Nets- Goga Bitadze
18. Pacers-Tyler Herro
19. Spurs-Nickeil Alexander-Walker
20. Celtics-Grant Williams
21. Thunder- Jaxson Hayes
22. Celtics- Bol Bol
23. Jazz- Kevin Porter jr.
24. Sixers-Cameron Johnson
25. Blazers-Talen Horton-Tucker
26. Cavs-KZ Okpala
27. Nets-Ty Jerome
28. Warriors-Bruno Fernando
29. Spurs-Matisse Thybulle
30. Bucks-Luka Samanic

[King Ken]

Good looking Spud!

Speaking of which, i need to update the list and rank of players and update the mock.

For top 15, here is the prospects i am hearing are of interest

Pels Zion, R.J and Ja. Zion near lock.

Grizz Ja and Zion Ja near lock

Knicks Ja Culver R.J. Cam Hunter. Culver 55 over 45 R.J. but R.J. is a near lock to be 3rd overall

Lakers Hunter Garland. 60 to 40 Garland. AD trade means Hunter near lock for Pels

Cavs Culver Hunter White Cam Culver near lock

Suns White Clarke Rui Sekou. White near lock

Bulls Garland Cam Sekou THT Hunter. Garland near lock but if gone, toss up

Hawks Cam Hunter Little Hayes Goga Sekou Culver. Wing near lock

Wizards Hunter Cam Little Hayes Goga Bol THT KPJ White Garland Toss up

Hawks whoever is left from 8 is a near lock

Wolves Rui is a near lock

Hornets Bol Sekou Goga Little Langford Okpala THT KPJ Rui. Rui would be a near lock if available but toss up

Heat They going with the most upsides

Celtics They going with the most upsides

The end