Wizards 2019 Draft Thread - Part II

[nate33]

Might as well enjoy some highlights....

Watch on YouTube

Like most players, he looks best in his highlights.

He looks much better in this video. He looks totally uncoordinated in that first video posted by Illmatic12.

[TGW]

Ruzious might have a point about Doumbouya's shooting...it's much better than I thought.

Workouts like this make you wonder just WTH the Wizards were looking at during Jan Vesely's workout, since he couldn't shoot or dribble. It must have been Vesely dunking for 20 minutes.

Watch on YouTube

[Ruzious]

Ruzious might have a point about Doumbouya's shooting...it's much better than I thought.

Workouts like this make you wonder just wth the Wizards were looking at during Jan Vesely's workout, since he couldn't shoot or dribble. It must have been Vesely dunking for 20 minutes.

Watch on YouTube

And while I know those are just drills, I didn't know he had that kind of wiggle in his drives. The earlier scouting reports were that he's just a straight ahead type. He's got crossovers and fake crossovers, and there's all aggression - no hesitation. Though again - highlights and drills can be misleading. It's kind of fun to watch a big guy like that show those kind of skils.

Remember Andray Blatche in his early days with the Wiz - he could do all of those moves, but he was in slow motion compared to Sekou.

[Illmatic12]

Tommy Sheppard putting in work? Based on the timeline it appears that the Wizards promised a roster spot to Paul Eboua , he withdrew his name from the draft immediately following his Wizards workout.

How are the Wizards supposed to sign him if he withdrew from the draft?

Right.. It even says he a target for next year's draft.

Hmm.. I think you’re right , the intricacies of the rules force young players to enter the draft to get to the nba . I was thinking of teams making international signings and forgot about the age limit clause

[Illmatic12]

Ruzious might have a point about Doumbouya's shooting...it's much better than I thought.

Workouts like this make you wonder just wth the Wizards were looking at during Jan Vesely's workout, since he couldn't shoot or dribble. It must have been Vesely dunking for 20 minutes.

Watch on YouTube

And while I know those are just drills, I didn't know he had that kind of wiggle in his drives. The earlier scouting reports were that he's just a straight ahead type. He's got crossovers and fake crossovers, and there's all aggression - no hesitation. Though again - highlights and drills can be misleading. It's kind of fun to watch a big guy like that show those kind of skils.

Remember Andray Blatche in his early days with the Wiz - he could do all of those moves, but he was in slow motion compared to Sekou.

His jumpshot is his high upside skill, I think .

On Doumbouya’s tape he flashes some really intriguing shooting ability (off screens, off the dribble, spotting up etc) that could translate into a very high-ceiling wing

[nate33]

Ruzious might have a point about Doumbouya's shooting...it's much better than I thought.

Workouts like this make you wonder just wth the Wizards were looking at during Jan Vesely's workout, since he couldn't shoot or dribble. It must have been Vesely dunking for 20 minutes.

Watch on YouTube

And while I know those are just drills, I didn't know he had that kind of wiggle in his drives. The earlier scouting reports were that he's just a straight ahead type. He's got crossovers and fake crossovers, and there's all aggression - no hesitation. Though again - highlights and drills can be misleading. It's kind of fun to watch a big guy like that show those kind of skils.

Remember Andray Blatche in his early days with the Wiz - he could do all of those moves, but he was in slow motion compared to Sekou.

His jumpshot is his high upside skill, I think .

On Doumbouya’s tape he flashes some really intriguing shooting ability (off screens, off the dribble, spotting up etc) that could translate into a very high-ceiling wing

If nothing else, he at least looks like he has the ability to be a legit 3&D combo forward capable of switching the 2, 3 and 4 (and maybe even the 1 and 5, we shall see). That's good enough to be a starter in this league. He also has the handle to perhaps be something more. What that is will depend on his basketball IQ.

[pcbothwel]

And while I know those are just drills, I didn't know he had that kind of wiggle in his drives. The earlier scouting reports were that he's just a straight ahead type. He's got crossovers and fake crossovers, and there's all aggression - no hesitation. Though again - highlights and drills can be misleading. It's kind of fun to watch a big guy like that show those kind of skils.

Remember Andray Blatche in his early days with the Wiz - he could do all of those moves, but he was in slow motion compared to Sekou.

His jumpshot is his high upside skill, I think .

On Doumbouya’s tape he flashes some really intriguing shooting ability (off screens, off the dribble, spotting up etc) that could translate into a very high-ceiling wing

If nothing else, he at least looks like he has the ability to be a legit 3&D combo forward capable of switching the 2, 3 and 4 (and maybe even the 1 and 5, we shall see). That's good enough to be a starter in this league. He also has the handle to perhaps be something more. What that is will depend on his basketball IQ.

He's my pick at 9 assuming Garland is gone and Bol is considered too much of a risk. For how young he is, his skill level and skill set are simply too easily translated. Even if he never reaches his potential, he'll be a starting caliber 4 that can defend multiple positions. His floor is higher than people give him credit for.

[nate33]

His jumpshot is his high upside skill, I think .

On Doumbouya’s tape he flashes some really intriguing shooting ability (off screens, off the dribble, spotting up etc) that could translate into a very high-ceiling wing

If nothing else, he at least looks like he has the ability to be a legit 3&D combo forward capable of switching the 2, 3 and 4 (and maybe even the 1 and 5, we shall see). That's good enough to be a starter in this league. He also has the handle to perhaps be something more. What that is will depend on his basketball IQ.

He's my pick at 9 assuming Garland is gone and Bol is considered too much of a risk. For how young he is, his skill level and skill set are simply too easily translated. Even if he never reaches his potential, he'll be a starting caliber 4 that can defend multiple positions. His floor is higher than people give him credit for.

Yeah, if our pick comes down to Doumbouya or Clarke, I'm starting to lean toward Doumbouya. I'm still game for a trade down, but it has to be a pretty good one. I'll trade #9 for #14 and #22, but I wouldn't trade down 4 or more places for a mere 2nd round pick.

[80sballboy]

I know mock drafts are a joke when you don't have a GM, but now that we assume it's TS as the picker, here are the latest on including ESPN.com from June 10.

ESPN: Sekou
NBA Draft.net (June 2): B.Fernando
https://www.nbadraft.net/2019mock_draft
CBSSports (June 11): Sekou
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2019-nba-mock-draft-hawks-take-dukes-cam-reddish-at-no-8-with-first-of-six-selections-over-two-rounds/
SI.com (June 11): Sekou
https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/11/nba-mock-draft-zion-williamson-ja-morant-rj-barrett-pelicans-grizzlies-knicks-anthony-davis-trade-rumors
RotoWorld (June 10:) Sekou
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-preview/2019-nba-mock-draft-volume-three
Bleacher Report (May 28): Jaxson Hayes
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837977-2019-nba-mock-draft-who-sits-behind-zion-williamson-and-this-years-big-3#slide9
WalterFootball.com (June 11): Jaxson Hayes
https://walterfootball.com/nbadraft2019mock.php
NBC Sports Washington (Ben Standig June 10): Sekou
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/2019-nba-draft-big-board-80-gm-search-continues-wizards-also-face-mystery-ninth-pick
Yahoo Sports (June 6): Sekou
NBADraftroom (June 11): Hayes
DraftKings (June 10): Sekou

[Ruzious]

Tommy, if you're a lurker, know this... your name will be mud if you pick Reddish. All the hard work you've done to get where you are will have been for nothing. Don't make me get a voodoo doll of your likeness. We expect better than what a 10 year old kid reading the annual Street & Smith draft guide could do.

[Dat2U]

I know mock drafts are a joke when you don't have a GM, but now that we assume it's TS as the picker, here are the latest on including ESPN.com from June 10.

ESPN: Sekou
NBA Draft.net (June 2): B.Fernando
https://www.nbadraft.net/2019mock_draft
CBSSports (June 11): Sekou
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2019-nba-mock-draft-hawks-take-dukes-cam-reddish-at-no-8-with-first-of-six-selections-over-two-rounds/
SI.com (June 11): Sekou
https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/11/nba-mock-draft-zion-williamson-ja-morant-rj-barrett-pelicans-grizzlies-knicks-anthony-davis-trade-rumors
RotoWorld (June 10:) Sekou
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-preview/2019-nba-mock-draft-volume-three
Bleacher Report (May 28): Jaxson Hayes
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837977-2019-nba-mock-draft-who-sits-behind-zion-williamson-and-this-years-big-3#slide9
WalterFootball.com (June 11): Jaxson Hayes
https://walterfootball.com/nbadraft2019mock.php
NBC Sports Washington (Ben Standig June 10): Sekou
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/2019-nba-draft-big-board-80-gm-search-continues-wizards-also-face-mystery-ninth-pick
Yahoo Sports (June 6): Sekou
NBADraftroom (June 11): Hayes
DraftKings (June 10): Sekou

I'm ok with Sekou but drafting a rim runner is the absolute worst thing outside of picking Reddish, Little, Langford & Porter Jr.

Rim runners are plentiful, take time to develop and often are unplayable in the playoffs unless their an elite defender. This was why a guy like Thomas Bryant was available on waivers one year after getting drafted. Or Justin Patton is on the street despite being a mid-1st rounder just two years ago and never getting any real minutes due to injuries.

Jaxson Hayes will take time and doesn't rebound. He may be on a 2nd or 3rd team before he's useful and even then he's likely easily replaceable.

Here's an article that explains my argument pretty well.

https://medium.com/sportsraid/problem-with-jaxson-hayes-case-against-rim-runners-2019-nba-draft-basketball-strategy-nic-claxton-9412222e2bc1?sk=a3465d1b88ea056beed58cedaaf3d77b

[Dat2U]

Tommy, if you're a lurker, know this... your name will be mud if you pick Reddish. All the hard work you've done to get where you are will have been for nothing. Don't make me get a voodoo doll of your likeness. We expect better than what a 10 year old kid reading the annual Street & Smith draft guide could do.

Yeah it will be interesting to see what he does. We really have no idea.

If EG was still around I'd assume our pick would be getting traded with either Howard and/or Mahinmi for a "veteran" and Ariza/Green and either one of Parker or Portis set to return as we go all in for the 8th seed. Shepp tho? Who knows!?

[80sballboy]

I know mock drafts are a joke when you don't have a GM, but now that we assume it's TS as the picker, here are the latest on including ESPN.com from June 10.

ESPN: Sekou
NBA Draft.net (June 2): B.Fernando
https://www.nbadraft.net/2019mock_draft
CBSSports (June 11): Sekou
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2019-nba-mock-draft-hawks-take-dukes-cam-reddish-at-no-8-with-first-of-six-selections-over-two-rounds/
SI.com (June 11): Sekou
https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/11/nba-mock-draft-zion-williamson-ja-morant-rj-barrett-pelicans-grizzlies-knicks-anthony-davis-trade-rumors
RotoWorld (June 10:) Sekou
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-preview/2019-nba-mock-draft-volume-three
Bleacher Report (May 28): Jaxson Hayes
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837977-2019-nba-mock-draft-who-sits-behind-zion-williamson-and-this-years-big-3#slide9
WalterFootball.com (June 11): Jaxson Hayes
https://walterfootball.com/nbadraft2019mock.php
NBC Sports Washington (Ben Standig June 10): Sekou
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/2019-nba-draft-big-board-80-gm-search-continues-wizards-also-face-mystery-ninth-pick
Yahoo Sports (June 6): Sekou
NBADraftroom (June 11): Hayes
DraftKings (June 10): Sekou

I'm ok with Sekou but drafting a rim runner is the absolute worst thing outside of picking Reddish, Little, Langford & Porter Jr.

Rim runners are plentiful, take time to develop and often are unplayable in the playoffs unless their an elite defender. This was why a guy like Thomas Bryant was available on waivers one year after getting drafted. Or Justin Patton is on the street despite being a mid-1st rounder just two years ago and never getting any real minutes due to injuries.

Jaxson Hayes will take time and doesn't rebound. He may be on a 2nd or 3rd team before he's useful and even then he's likely easily replaceable.

Here's an article that explains my argument pretty well.

https://medium.com/sportsraid/problem-with-jaxson-hayes-case-against-rim-runners-2019-nba-draft-basketball-strategy-nic-claxton-9412222e2bc1?sk=a3465d1b88ea056beed58cedaaf3d77b

I'm ok with Sekou as well. I wouldn't go Hayes even if Bryant is not returning, but if he is, there's no reason. If he's not, I guess he can sit for a year behind Dwight, assuming he's not made of glass now. But this is about getting the best player available. Is Hayes the best available option at 9? I get the point that rim runners don't have a lot of value in today's game. But did DeAndre Jordan have value when he was in his prime? I think so though the game is so perimeter-oriented now. No clue what TS is going to do.

[payitforward]

Interesting piece on Brandon Clarke: https://medium.com/sportsraid/brandon-clarke-defense-alone-worth-top-five-pick-2019-nba-draft-gonzaga-basketball-e056f747e100

This guy has him at #2 on his board! I don't know if I'd put him that high, but once you get past Zion & Morant, he's the next best pick in my book. I take him over Barrett, Culver, Hunter, Garland, White, Reddish, Hayes, Doumbouya, etc. all day every day. His being available at #9 would be the only thing to make me pause before trading down.

[Shoe]

Sekou only has a 6'11 wingspan...that's somewhat disappointing.

Shorter arms means you can have a better handle and a quicker shot. I say that because Wall has a 6'9 wingspan while Kyrie and Curry only have 6'4 wingspans. Beal has a 6'8 wingspan and doesn't have amazing handles or a quick release. Paul George only has a 6'11 wingspan. I don't know if there's any real evidence to it, but it would kind of make sense.

I think it's going to be really easy for Suns, Bulls, Hawks to pass up Hunter and take a chance on Doumbouya. Hunter will be 22 in December, just a year and a couple months younger than Clarke.

[nate33]

Interesting piece on Brandon Clarke: https://medium.com/sportsraid/brandon-clarke-defense-alone-worth-top-five-pick-2019-nba-draft-gonzaga-basketball-e056f747e100

This guy has him at #2 on his board! I don't know if I'd put him that high, but once you get past Zion & Morant, he's the next best pick in my book. I take him over Barrett, Culver, Hunter, Garland, White, Reddish, Hayes, Doumbouya, etc. all day every day. His being available at #9 would be the only thing to make me pause before trading down.

C'mon PIF. We all know you wrote that article under a pseudonym.

[nate33]

Sekou only has a 6'11 wingspan...that's somewhat disappointing.

Shorter arms means you can have a better handle and a quicker shot. I say that because Wall has a 6'9 wingspan while Kyrie and Curry only have 6'4 wingspans. Beal has a 6'8 wingspan and doesn't have amazing handles or a quick release. Paul George only has a 6'11 wingspan. I don't know if there's any real evidence to it, but it would kind of make sense.

I think it's going to be really easy for Suns, Bulls, Hawks to pass up Hunter and take a chance on Doumbouya. Hunter will be 22 in December, just a year and a couple months younger than Clarke.

I think there's a general tendency for short-armed NBA players to be better shooters and to have more hand-eye coordination overall.

Of course, it may just be that the only short armed players who last in the league are the ones who happen to have exceptional hand-eye coordination.

In any event, I wouldn't characterize Sekou as being particularly short armed. He's not long-armed either, but a 6-9 with a 6-11 wingspan is a totally respectable height/wingspan ratio. He's no Draymond Green, but he'll do fine with that length.

[Ruzious]

Sekou only has a 6'11 wingspan...that's somewhat disappointing.

Shorter arms means you can have a better handle and a quicker shot. I say that because Wall has a 6'9 wingspan while Kyrie and Curry only have 6'4 wingspans. Beal has a 6'8 wingspan and doesn't have amazing handles or a quick release. Paul George only has a 6'11 wingspan. I don't know if there's any real evidence to it, but it would kind of make sense.

I think it's going to be really easy for Suns, Bulls, Hawks to pass up Hunter and take a chance on Doumbouya. Hunter will be 22 in December, just a year and a couple months younger than Clarke.

I think there's a general tendency for short-armed NBA players to be better shooters and to have more hand-eye coordination overall.

Of course, it may just be that the only short armed players who last in the league are the ones who happen to have exceptional hand-eye coordination.

In any event, I wouldn't characterize Sekou as being particularly short armed. He's not long-armed either, but a 6-9 with a 6-11 wingspan is a totally respectable height/wingspan ratio. He's no Draymond Green, but he'll do fine with that length.

Not ot mention Clarke's wingspan was 6'8.25. I can't imagine picking Clarke without a trade down. His measurements are almost sure to knock him down to the teens.

[Dat2U]

I know mock drafts are a joke when you don't have a GM, but now that we assume it's TS as the picker, here are the latest on including ESPN.com from June 10.

ESPN: Sekou
NBA Draft.net (June 2): B.Fernando
https://www.nbadraft.net/2019mock_draft
CBSSports (June 11): Sekou
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2019-nba-mock-draft-hawks-take-dukes-cam-reddish-at-no-8-with-first-of-six-selections-over-two-rounds/
SI.com (June 11): Sekou
https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/11/nba-mock-draft-zion-williamson-ja-morant-rj-barrett-pelicans-grizzlies-knicks-anthony-davis-trade-rumors
RotoWorld (June 10:) Sekou
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-preview/2019-nba-mock-draft-volume-three
Bleacher Report (May 28): Jaxson Hayes
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837977-2019-nba-mock-draft-who-sits-behind-zion-williamson-and-this-years-big-3#slide9
WalterFootball.com (June 11): Jaxson Hayes
https://walterfootball.com/nbadraft2019mock.php
NBC Sports Washington (Ben Standig June 10): Sekou
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/2019-nba-draft-big-board-80-gm-search-continues-wizards-also-face-mystery-ninth-pick
Yahoo Sports (June 6): Sekou
NBADraftroom (June 11): Hayes
DraftKings (June 10): Sekou

I'm ok with Sekou but drafting a rim runner is the absolute worst thing outside of picking Reddish, Little, Langford & Porter Jr.

Rim runners are plentiful, take time to develop and often are unplayable in the playoffs unless their an elite defender. This was why a guy like Thomas Bryant was available on waivers one year after getting drafted. Or Justin Patton is on the street despite being a mid-1st rounder just two years ago and never getting any real minutes due to injuries.

Jaxson Hayes will take time and doesn't rebound. He may be on a 2nd or 3rd team before he's useful and even then he's likely easily replaceable.

Here's an article that explains my argument pretty well.

https://medium.com/sportsraid/problem-with-jaxson-hayes-case-against-rim-runners-2019-nba-draft-basketball-strategy-nic-claxton-9412222e2bc1?sk=a3465d1b88ea056beed58cedaaf3d77b

I'm ok with Sekou as well. I wouldn't go Hayes even if Bryant is not returning, but if he is, there's no reason. If he's not, I guess he can sit for a year behind Dwight, assuming he's not made of glass now. But this is about getting the best player available. Is Hayes the best available option at 9? I get the point that rim runners don't have a lot of value in today's game. But did DeAndre Jordan have value when he was in his prime? I think so though the game is so perimeter-oriented now. No clue what TS is going to do.

In his prime, DeAndre was a very good defender although not elite and an excellent rebounder. However as his defense has declined so has his usefulness. Does Hayes project to be an elite defender? He's definitely not going to be an elite scorer or rebounder. What unique trait does he bring to the table that is hard to replace?

I consider Goga because he's well rounded, expanded his range out to 3 and is improving in terms of guarding in space. His development the past year has been phenomenal.

I consider Bol because he's a unicorn with the height, mobiliy, skill trio and inspite of the obvious risks.

I consider Kabengele in a trade down scenario because of the shooting skill off the bounce or off the catch is impressive for his athletic profile and his shot blocking instincts inspite of him being a black hole.

I want a C that brings something that can keep them on the floor in key moments. In playoff situations. At the end of games.

[payitforward]

Interesting piece on Brandon Clarke: https://medium.com/sportsraid/brandon-clarke-defense-alone-worth-top-five-pick-2019-nba-draft-gonzaga-basketball-e056f747e100

This guy has him at #2 on his board! I don't know if I'd put him that high, but once you get past Zion & Morant, he's the next best pick in my book. I take him over Barrett, Culver, Hunter, Garland, White, Reddish, Hayes, Doumbouya, etc. all day every day. His being available at #9 would be the only thing to make me pause before trading down.

C'mon PIF. We all know you wrote that article under a pseudonym.

I may spend too much time on this stuff, nate... but not that much!

Note that the stepien -- which I know you like (& which I learned about from you -- thanks!) -- has Clarke #5 overall. Ben Rubin, my favorite writer there, has him #2 in the draft.

Speaking of the stepien -- & your interest in Cam Johnson -- here's their analysis: https://www.thestepien.com/2019/06/04/case-cam-johnson/ -- you'll like it (in fact... you've probably already read it).