j4remi wrote:From that article, here are a few bits that got my attention.
Memphis wants to workout BarrettGivony: There are few sure things in any draft. After I reported a couple of weeks ago from the combine that the Memphis Grizzlies informed interested parties that they intend to select Murray State's Ja Morant at No. 2, Memphis has been sending out some mixed messages. The Grizzlies' ownership group is still telling people around the league the team is locked in on Morant, but the front office has requested to have Barrett in for a private workout -- something he has declined but might revisit over the next three weeks, sources told ESPN.
The relevant bit about trading down and due diligenceAnd in recent weeks, the Knicks have been considering a number of alternative scenarios with the No. 3 pick that don't involve Barrett, according to multiple sources.
Editor's Picks
New York has explored the possibility of trading back in the lottery, sources told ESPN, perhaps to acquire pieces that better complement potential high-volume All-Star free agents (such as Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving). Trading the No. 3 pick for the Atlanta Hawks' two first-rounders (Nos. 8 and 10) is under consideration by the Knicks, one source said. This is a similar package to the one Dallas used to move up in last year's draft -- trading the No. 5 pick and a top-five protected pick (which ended up being No. 10) to select Luka Doncic at No. 3. A move like this likely wouldn't happen until the draft was actually underway, as both teams would want to know which players are actually available with the No. 8 pick before consummating a trade.
In addition, the Knicks are looking closely at other draft prospects who might be in play at No. 3 but could also very well fall later in the top 10, including Cam Reddish, Jarrett Culver, Coby White and Nassir Little.
Some countering the Dunc'd On Podcast narrative here, these guys are much more bullish on Barrett overallBarrett is ideally suited for that big wing role with his ability to bust out in transition and make reads out of pick-and-rolls, as he's a much better athlete than he gets credit for. According to P3 sports science data from last year, Barrett tested very well relative to NBA athletes in acceleration and posted elite deceleration metrics, on par with James Harden.
He's a freight train once he gets downhill. He brings elite body control, and he's as aggressive as they come seeking out contact in the paint. He's going to continue to improve his pull-up jumper as his career moves along due to his outstanding work ethic, as he has already made huge strides in that area over the past few years. Combine that with his court vision, scoring instincts, competitiveness and the fact that he still hasn't turned 19 years old, and you have everything you look for in a modern NBA prospect.
But they still like Morant more, although honestly I feel like they're gassing him here.Although slight and wiry, Morant is a more functional athlete, better decision-maker, superior facilitator, stronger ball handler, more capable shooter and more explosive finisher. He's easier to build around and loaded with more upside. While clearly better on the ball, let's not forget the fact that Morant actually shared the backcourt with OVC player of the year Jonathan Stark as a freshman and still put together an efficient season while helping the Racers to the NCAA tournament. The fact that Morant is likely a (poor) one-position defender at this stage and ball-dominant offensively sways in Barrett's favor in terms of modern fit, but I'd bet on a De'Aaron Fox/Trae Young hybrid guard with star potential as opposed to the versatility that comes along with a player like Barrett.
There's a LOT in there so I just grabbed a few parts to capture the general tone of things. This is one of those back and forth convo articles, but these dudes are mostly just co-signing each other anyway.
Fair analysis.
I agree that they are gassing up Morant.
Only questionable thing is quantifying Barrett's athleticism against Harden's.
It isn't Harden's athleticism that makes him who he is. It is his handle, footwork/craftiness, and his jumper.
Those are the areas that Barrett's game underwhelms at this point.
It really comes down to how much you are banking on his rate of improvement. They are bullish on it.
