2020 Draft

[prime1time]

Which conclusion? Edwards not being generational or Cole being the best PG prospect in the last few years?
Again, I like Edwards and would GLADLY have him on this team, but he's just not the #1 prospect in my eyes (Though i do have him 2 ahead of Ball and Wiseman).

That said, I dont think we get a top 5 pick. We have defensive issues, but Brooks can really coach young guys and Bryant, Rui & Brown are all skilled and work hard. That'll win enough games to pick around 6-8 assuming we dont win the ping pong balls...

So the guy Im keeping an eye on... Tyrese Maxey.
I see Chauncey Billips upside with a high floor of George Hill (People often forget how good he was in his prime).
The perfect 3rd guard for this team with a very good chance of being better than that. Such a smart player well beyond his years. His AST: TOV ratio is Monte Morris like.
- I love his abiltiy to score from everywhere. Deep 3, FT line, and probably the best short range/floater scoring guard in college. Its Curry/Irving like.
- As an athlete, he has the things I like for in a player. Hand-eye coordination and quick/active feet.

I mean, just look at that quickness and touch against MSU the other day...

Watch on YouTube

Both, I"m still trying to find good youtube videos. So if you have any please share.

[prime1time]

Seeing how we have a lot of time until the draft, what's everyone's draft philosophy? For me, if a player is by far and away a potential generational talent I say draft him. So if you see a Shaq, LBJ, Magic, Kareem etc. draft them. Regardless of the roster.

If it's a draft like this one, I like to group players into tiers and then draft based on need. Right now because our roster is in flux, there is no position that I feel is set for the long term. So in this draft, I'd say go the best player available. Does anyone else here cosign with Payitforward that the best approach to the draft is to always trade down and stock pile picks? I'm always open to new ways of thinking so if anyone has views that differ from mine please share.

[Shoe]

Really Shoe? That's his first game - maybe he was a nervous 18 year old.

Well if he was nervous he didn't play like it. I'm not killing him for it, it's just something I noticed. Even if he isn't a great leaper he's still solidly in the tier 1 of the draft.

[Ruzious]

Really Shoe? That's his first game - maybe he was a nervous 18 year old.

Well if he was nervous he didn't play like it. I'm not killing him for it, it's just something I noticed. Even if he isn't a great leaper he's still solidly in the tier 1 of the draft.

He started the game off very slowly and then came around real well.

[Ruzious]

One player I'm thinking could fit into that category of next Brandon Clarke is Amar Sylla from Senegal - who played real well for Real Madrid under 18 and now plays professionally in Belgium. I see him in mocks going around 20. Just turned 18, and he's skinny now at 200 lbs - I guess the question is - does he have the frame to get bigger? 7'2 wingspan with a 34 inch Standing vertical - which is extremely impressive. Looks to have outstanding lateral quickness. Outstanding rebounder. Here's a link to several videos: http://www.mynbadraft.com/NBA-Draft-Profiles-2020/Amar-Sylla Seems to have a knack for cutting to the hoop and finding teammates cutting to the hoop. If he can add weight, might project as a smallball center.

[Dat2U]

I was no on Ayton after 5 minutes of seeing him college. Wiseman will be better than Ayton. He's built like an Adonis, just like Embiid but probably even more well put together. His length stands out. He looks like he has Greg Oden's frame. Has nice too around the rim too.

Cole Anthony is going to be really really good. He reminds me of what Jay Williams should have been at Duke before the injuries. I've said for months I love LaMelo too. Both have the skills to dissect defenses and create at a high level in half court sets.

Those are my top 3 so far. Not sure about Edwards just yet.

[Ruzious]

I was no on Ayton after 5 minutes of seeing him college. Wiseman will be better than Ayton. He's built like an Adonis, just like Embiid but probably even more well put together. His length stands out. He looks like he has Greg Oden's frame. Has nice too around the rim too.

Cole Anthony is going to be really really good. He reminds me of what Jay Williams should have been at Duke before the injuries. I've said for months I love LaMelo too. Both have the skills to dissect defenses and create at a high level in half court sets.

Those are my top 3 so far. Not sure about Edwards just yet.

I am not as high on Wiseman as you are. At this point at least, he's much softer offensively than Embiid and Oden, and I'm doubtful that he's as athletic as they are. Don't get me wrong - he's good defensively and has some intriguing offensive ability, but I don't think of him as a first pick in the draft type talent.

That's a good comp for Cole. LaMelo's a fun player to watch, but I'd avoid him because he's not going to win in the NBA. Neither is Trae Young. They don't guard anyone, and you can't have your best player not play defense.

[Jamaaliver]

Four NBA Draft prospects who could go No. 1 next summer

James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Wiseman was ruled ineligible by the NCAA's No Fun Police on Friday, but a Shelby County judge halted the ruling for the time being, later that day. When Wiseman is on the floor, however long that might be, he looks like possibly the best fit for the Warriors, as well as the best player in the country.

The 7-foot freshman was the top recruit in the country for a reason, and through two games, he is averaging 22.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4.0 blocks over 23.5 minutes per game for Memphis. With his size and explosiveness, Wiseman easily should be a lob threat and big-shot blocker right away at the next level. He has the skill and upside to work on post moves, and quickly add an outside game as well.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

No other big man is close to Wiseman when it comes to next year's draft. It's likely that a run of guards and small forwards will be called atop the lottery, but the Warriors can't worry about fit.

Even with such a star-studded roster when healthy, Golden State should add the best player available if it's selecting No. 1. At the worst, the pick becomes one of the most valuable assets in the game and could be an early contributor off the bench if he doesn't fit in the Warriors' starting five.

Anthony looks about as pro-ready as any prospect, too. The son of former 11-year pro Greg Anthony, Cole has put on a show to begin his college career at North Carolina. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Anthony scored 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his first college game, a 76-65 win over Notre Dame. Through two games, Anthony, the No. 2 recruit last year behind Wiseman, is averaging 27 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over 35.5 minutes per game.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

Edwards has played in only one game thus far, and looked like a star in Georgia's 91-72 win over Western Carolina. The sturdy 6-5, 225-pound shooting guard scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and also went 4 of 7 from 3-point range.

Edwards screams potential with his strength and explosiveness. He also could be an impressive slasher right away, and will use his athleticism to find ways to score. Edwards shot 7 of 16 from the field in his first game, and will have to prove he can be a consistent jump shooter in the NBA.

Comparisons to Donovan Mitchell will have lottery teams eyeing Edwards' every move.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks

LaMelo, the younger brother of former No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball, continues to be one of the more polarizing prospects in years. Questions about his maturity on and off the court quickly have gone away, as he has looked like one of the best players in Australia's NBL at just 18 years old.

Ball is a 6-7 point guard who sees the floor with next-level vision. He has touch around the rim, and should improve from beyond the arc with more strength and NBA coaches' help in tweaking his shooting form.

His ability to set up his teammates and control the game as a play-maker are extremely advanced, though. Ball is averaging 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game as a pro in Australia.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

NBC Sports

[pcbothwel]

I was no on Ayton after 5 minutes of seeing him college. Wiseman will be better than Ayton. He's built like an Adonis, just like Embiid but probably even more well put together. His length stands out. He looks like he has Greg Oden's frame. Has nice too around the rim too.

Cole Anthony is going to be really really good. He reminds me of what Jay Williams should have been at Duke before the injuries. I've said for months I love LaMelo too. Both have the skills to dissect defenses and create at a high level in half court sets.

Those are my top 3 so far. Not sure about Edwards just yet.

I am not as high on Wiseman as you are. At this point at least, he's much softer offensively than Embiid and Oden, and I'm doubtful that he's as athletic as they are. Don't get me wrong - he's good defensively and has some intriguing offensive ability, but I don't think of him as a first pick in the draft type talent.

That's a good comp for Cole. LaMelo's a fun player to watch, but I'd avoid him because he's not going to win in the NBA. Neither is Trae Young. They don't guard anyone, and you can't have your best player not play defense.

Exactly my problem with LaMelo... His shot looks a little cleaner than Lonzo's, but still a concern and his defense is NOWHERE as good (Mostly due to effort).
You combine that with the fact that he has never led a winning team at any level and his teenage years were spent in the "Ball drama" we've seen the last 3-4 years and I have ZERO interest in the top 3 picks.

[Dat2U]

I was no on Ayton after 5 minutes of seeing him college. Wiseman will be better than Ayton. He's built like an Adonis, just like Embiid but probably even more well put together. His length stands out. He looks like he has Greg Oden's frame. Has nice too around the rim too.

Cole Anthony is going to be really really good. He reminds me of what Jay Williams should have been at Duke before the injuries. I've said for months I love LaMelo too. Both have the skills to dissect defenses and create at a high level in half court sets.

Those are my top 3 so far. Not sure about Edwards just yet.

I am not as high on Wiseman as you are. At this point at least, he's much softer offensively than Embiid and Oden, and I'm doubtful that he's as athletic as they are. Don't get me wrong - he's good defensively and has some intriguing offensive ability, but I don't think of him as a first pick in the draft type talent.

That's a good comp for Cole. LaMelo's a fun player to watch, but I'd avoid him because he's not going to win in the NBA. Neither is Trae Young. They don't guard anyone, and you can't have your best player not play defense.

Exactly my problem with LaMelo... His shot looks a little cleaner than Lonzo's, but still a concern and his defense is NOWHERE as good (Mostly due to effort).
You combine that with the fact that he has never led a winning team at any level and his teenage years were spent in the "Ball drama" we've seen the last 3-4 years and I have ZERO interest in the top 3 picks.

I don't judge a kid for his immaturity at 15-16 (see John Wall or Caron Butler) or his family drama. I judge him for what he does on the court. LaMelo is playing against grown men and doing well. His game is far more mature without his dad being his coach. He is absolutely trending in the right direction. I think he's a little more skilled than his brother (and flashier). May be bigger as well.

[pcbothwel]

I am not as high on Wiseman as you are. At this point at least, he's much softer offensively than Embiid and Oden, and I'm doubtful that he's as athletic as they are. Don't get me wrong - he's good defensively and has some intriguing offensive ability, but I don't think of him as a first pick in the draft type talent.

That's a good comp for Cole. LaMelo's a fun player to watch, but I'd avoid him because he's not going to win in the NBA. Neither is Trae Young. They don't guard anyone, and you can't have your best player not play defense.

Exactly my problem with LaMelo... His shot looks a little cleaner than Lonzo's, but still a concern and his defense is NOWHERE as good (Mostly due to effort).
You combine that with the fact that he has never led a winning team at any level and his teenage years were spent in the "Ball drama" we've seen the last 3-4 years and I have ZERO interest in the top 3 picks.

I don't judge a kid for his immaturity at 15-16 (see John Wall or Caron Butler) or his family drama. I judge him for what he does on the court. LaMelo is playing against grown men and doing well. His game is far more mature without his dad being his coach. He is absolutely trending in the right direction. I think he's a little more skilled than his brother (and flashier). May be bigger as well.

Agreed... thats why he is a top 5 prospect, but his shooting and defense are real issues. Anyone who takes him over Cole will lose a job over it

[Dat2U]

I was no on Ayton after 5 minutes of seeing him college. Wiseman will be better than Ayton. He's built like an Adonis, just like Embiid but probably even more well put together. His length stands out. He looks like he has Greg Oden's frame. Has nice too around the rim too.

Cole Anthony is going to be really really good. He reminds me of what Jay Williams should have been at Duke before the injuries. I've said for months I love LaMelo too. Both have the skills to dissect defenses and create at a high level in half court sets.

Those are my top 3 so far. Not sure about Edwards just yet.

I am not as high on Wiseman as you are. At this point at least, he's much softer offensively than Embiid and Oden, and I'm doubtful that he's as athletic as they are. Don't get me wrong - he's good defensively and has some intriguing offensive ability, but I don't think of him as a first pick in the draft type talent.

That's a good comp for Cole. LaMelo's a fun player to watch, but I'd avoid him because he's not going to win in the NBA. Neither is Trae Young. They don't guard anyone, and you can't have your best player not play defense.

I guess I'm saying at this stage Wiseman is somewhere b/w Ayton and Embiid to me. Now that's a big gulf but he's a physical speciman in the Embiid, Oden, Bynum, Howard, Drummond mold. He looks to have elite shot blocking instincts and a decent amount of perimeter skill. Unless he's a complete slacker or gets hurt he will have an impact at the next level.

[prime1time]

Wiseman seems to be super raw. He might turn out to be a good center, but he might also turn out to be run of the mill athletic rim diving center that you can easily find in the 2nd round. Right now I'm Lamelo 1, Edwards 2 and Cole Anthony 3. LaMelo will be controversial but those 3 guys are in their own tier for me. We get any of those players and I start to feel pretty solid about where our organization is headed.

[tontoz]

Assuming we have options on the same tier i definitely want a guard. We have nothing behind Wall and Beal. A 3rd guard with promise could help us a lot.

[pinkman7382]

Wiseman seems to be super raw. He might turn out to be a good center, but he might also turn out to be run of the mill athletic rim diving center that you can easily find in the 2nd round. Right now I'm Lamelo 1, Edwards 2 and Cole Anthony 3. LaMelo will be controversial but those 3 guys are in their own tier for me. We get any of those players and I start to feel pretty solid about where our organization is headed.

pass on Wiseman. He's a center and he's not game changing like Embiid or AD. Draft the PG of the future or a wing

[dckingsfan]

Assuming we have options on the same tier i definitely want a guard. We have nothing behind Wall and Beal. A 3rd guard with promise could help us a lot.

Brown is chopped liver?

[tontoz]

Assuming we have options on the same tier i definitely want a guard. We have nothing behind Wall and Beal. A 3rd guard with promise could help us a lot.

Brown is chopped liver?

He is our starting 3 last i checked.

Foot speed is not a strength of his so i think we should just leave him at the 3. He does have pretty good size for a 3 ( 8'9 standing reach) and is a good rebounder. I think his lack of quickness would really get exposed as a guard.

[nate33]

Assuming we have options on the same tier i definitely want a guard. We have nothing behind Wall and Beal. A 3rd guard with promise could help us a lot.

I'd prefer a true small forward, somebody 6-8 or so who can switch 1 through 4 defensively and hit 3's. Ideally, he would be a future superstar in the Paul George mold, but even if we merely get the next Robert Covington, it would help a great deal. Troy Brown can be our 3rd guard.

I'd be happy with a future lineup of:
Guards: Beal, Wall, Brown
Forwards: Hachimura, Future Paul George, Bertans
Centers: Bryant, Wagner

It would be awesome if Wagner bulks up a bit more and becomes Gortat with a 3-point shot on offense and a Varejao type of pest on defense.

[Illmatic12]

Wiseman seems to be super raw. He might turn out to be a good center, but he might also turn out to be run of the mill athletic rim diving center that you can easily find in the 2nd round. Right now I'm Lamelo 1, Edwards 2 and Cole Anthony 3. LaMelo will be controversial but those 3 guys are in their own tier for me. We get any of those players and I start to feel pretty solid about where our organization is headed.

pass on Wiseman. He's a center and he's not game changing like Embiid or AD. Draft the PG of the future or a wing

Wiseman could definitely be gamechanging defensively. Idk if I would take him #1 overall, but if we fell somewhere in the top ~5 and ended up with Wiseman I wouldn't be upset.

[Illmatic12]

Assuming we have options on the same tier i definitely want a guard. We have nothing behind Wall and Beal. A 3rd guard with promise could help us a lot.

I'd prefer a true small forward, somebody 6-8 or so who can switch 1 through 4 defensively and hit 3's. Ideally, he would be a future superstar in the Paul George mold, but even if we merely get the next Robert Covington, it would help a great deal. Troy Brown can be our 3rd guard.

I'd be happy with a future lineup of:
Guards: Beal, Wall, Brown
Forwards: Hachimura, Future Paul George, Bertans
Centers: Bryant, Wagner

It would be awesome if Wagner bulks up a bit more and becomes Gortat with a 3-point shot on offense and a Varejao type of pest on defense.

I think every team in the league is looking for a Paul George type of player.. big , athletic wing players who can defend 1-4 and shoot are the #1 commodity in the current NBA . Guys like that rarely come around and any prospect who remotely resembles such a player will be highly coveted (hence Deandre Hunter being drafted #4)

Unfortunately that mold of player simply doesn't exist in this year's draft prospect crop.. you mostly have combo guards (Anthony, Edwards, Hampton, Ball, Maxey etc) and traditional bigs (Wiseman, Achiuwa, Stewart) .. the most promising two-way wing prospect imo is Florida product Scottie Lewis , who might be a bit undersized by those standards.

This is why I've long suggested the possibility of trading for Aaron Gordon , if the Wizards decide that they aren't a fan of this draft they could use their pick to get a deal done. Gordon is the athletic wing defender that every contending playoff team needs to have + still young enough to grow with our core. Another possible option would be kicking the tires on an OG Anunoby trade, although I wouldn't trade our lotto pick for just him.