2020 Draft

[Illmatic12]

His skills and frame are concerning, but man his upside is tremendous as an Elite 3 & D player.

I am happy that at least one of Mannion, Cole Anthony, Haliburton, or Hayes will be there for us. All 4 are legit NBA starting PG's and I could be talked into any of them.
My sleeper backup pick if we pick closer to 10 would be Lewis though. Really good draft for us in the 4-8 range though.

Just had his second good game in a row .. even knocking down some long jumpers. Ok now this is getting interesting:

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I dunno. He's small, only 6-5. That's shooting guard size with a small forward's skill set - not all that useful unless he's a great shooter, which he isn't.

If he was 6-7, then he might project as a Kelly Oubre/Jaylen Brown type of SF who can switch 1-4, hit catch-and-shoot 3's with respectable efficiency, and attack closeouts; but at 6-5, he needs a much better offensive repertoire because he has to play SG.

You’re not wrong. Lewis is a crazy good defender though, will be able to defend any guard in the league and also makes a lot of plays on help defense.

He’s like a Matisse Thybulle with more potential .. not like we couldn’t use a player like that. He’s not in my first tier of prospects but if WAS were to trade down into the 2nd-3rd tier, picking up Lewis in the range he’s projected could end up being a surplus value.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If you get it Vanderbilt vs Auburn is on at 9 on ESPN SEC channel, not sure why I get it but it's 575 on VERIZON.

A good chance to see Nesmith ! Check it out if you can!

[Illmatic12]

If you get it Vanderbilt vs Auburn is on at 9 on ESPN SEC channel, not sure why I get it but it's 575 on VERIZON.

A good chance to see Nesmith ! Check it out if you can!

Aaron Nesmith ? seriously , dude?

Isaac 'MF' Okoro has 17 pts 4 reb in the first half (and hit a three pointer)!!

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If you get it Vanderbilt vs Auburn is on at 9 on ESPN SEC channel, not sure why I get it but it's 575 on VERIZON.

A good chance to see Nesmith ! Check it out if you can!

Aaron Nesmith ? seriously , dude?

Isaac 'MF' Okoro has 17 pts 4 reb in the first half (and hit a three pointer)!!

Yeah he didn't have a great game, Auburn wasn't going to let him beat them.

Okoro does look really good. Reminds me a bit of Oubre.

[Ruzious]

Anyone catch the Memphis game last night? I knew Precious Achiuwa was a very good athlete, but he was more explosive than I expected. Super-quick reactions for a powerful athlete. Physically, he reminded me of Siakam. But his skills need developing - we'd have to be patient with him and hope he develops a 3. Considering he's only shooting 56% from the line, his chances aren't good, but he's been making his jump shots lately - I think there's more hope than you'd ordinarily expect from someone like him. Physically, he was on another level than everyone else in the game - at both ends of the floor, and I think we need an athlete like that.

[pancakes3]

James Worthy said something on an interview earlier this week that i found to be baffling. someone asked him about how good Doncic was, and globalization. He went on to say something about how AAU is killing the game, and how players these days have lack "big picture" thinking about how driving into the lane isn't just a means to get points, but that it draws in the defense, opening up lanes for cutting and jumpers. Like, that's just wild to me. I get that AAU teams don't run sophisticated offenses where there are cuts/screens that set up other cuts/screens 3-4 moves in advance, but drive and kick seems downright intuitive.

Diagramming the motion offense, or something like that can be downright dizzying for sure but it's not like any NBA teams run that anyway. Nobody's even running the triangle anymore. it's all pnr/drive-and-kick.

i don't know how much of that is just Worthy being and old grump bc i have no idea how AAU teams play but it seems just beyond the pale.

bc you hear it from both sides. one side says that kids need to play games more instead of running drills, bc basketball is 5-on-5, and you catching tennis balls while dribbling around a folding chair isn't going to prepare you like playing live games (a point in favor of Otto Porter's scouting report iirc bc he played with his uncles and cousins instead of AAU). then the other side says that AAU runs too many games and doesn't focus on drills (ain't nobody spending 2 hrs a day, 6 days a week doing the mikan drill any more).

idk. just a rant, don't mind me.

[Illmatic12]

This supposed to be the amazing prospect teams are tanking for this year? Ehh

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[pcbothwel]

This supposed to be the amazing prospect teams are tanking for this year? Ehh

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This...
Edwards it such an overrated prospect its baffling.
Cole Anthony, Haliburton, Mannion, Maxey, Hayes, Okoro... all better players to me

[Ruzious]

Yup, Edwards is an inefficient gunner who plays defense only when he feels like it. Honestly, I'm not sure that doesn't fit Ball, as well. I think Wiseman's the odds on #1 #1 pick.

[I_Like_Dirt]

Yup, Edwards is an inefficient gunner who plays defense only when he feels like it. Honestly, I'm not sure that doesn't fit Ball, as well.

Ball is just an odd choice for the top of the draft. He does some things really well but in the modern NBA, picking a guard in the top 3 who's weaknesses include shooting and defense just seems odd to me.

[Ruzious]

If we trade down to around 20, I'd like to target Aaron Nesmith of Vandy. He's like a little bigger/stronger more athletic version of Garrison Mathews. A great 3 point shooter who's big enough to play some 3. Does have some defensive potential - actually regarded as an excellent defender. Not a passer - he's there to shoot 3's, only an ok rebounder. Did I mention he's a shooter? We don't need a 2 or a 3, but he can play either position, and a guy that shoots like that is golden. Looks more like 6'7 than the 6'6 he's listed at. I'll be honest - I'd rather have Nesmith than Anthony Edwards - who's only 6'5.

[pancakes3]

Yup, Edwards is an inefficient gunner who plays defense only when he feels like it. Honestly, I'm not sure that doesn't fit Ball, as well.

Ball is just an odd choice for the top of the draft. He does some things really well but in the modern NBA, picking a guard in the top 3 who's weaknesses include shooting and defense just seems odd to me.

but we're in the postmodern world where centers can shoot, by 2024, a guard who can't shoot isn't the handicap that it was in 2018.

Ben Simmons can have success, so can Ball.

this font is only 30% green.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If we trade down to around 20, I'd like to target Aaron Nesmith of Vandy. He's like a little bigger/stronger more athletic version of Garrison Mathews. A great 3 point shooter who's big enough to play some 3. Does have some defensive potential - actually regarded as an excellent defender. Not a passer - he's there to shoot 3's, only an ok rebounder. Did I mention he's a shooter? We don't need a 2 or a 3, but he can play either position, and a guy that shoots like that is golden. Looks more like 6'7 than the 6'6 he's listed at. I'll be honest - I'd rather have Nesmith than Anthony Edwards - who's only 6'5.

Yeah I like Nesmith too, I've mentioned him a couple times to no response so glad to see another that agrees. He just seems pretty solid, good size and length with NBA ready body. Good defender, but as you say he can really shoot it. Agree he's a 3. Seems a pretty smart player with a good motor too.

Gotta say I've also gotten on the Haliburton train! Love the way he plays, not quite the level of Ja Morant, but some similar passing skill, tenacity, vision. Plays the game the right way, nice size and length, gets after it defensively. Awkward looking shot but can hit the 3 enough to respect it. Looks to me a guy who could really fit well with what were building.

[Ruzious]

Anyone like Aaron Nesmith ? 6-6 Sophmore SF from Vanderbilt, is a very good defender and potential big time 3pt threat. Coach is Jerry Stackhouse.

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/aaron-nesmith.html

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

You called it. I agree.

[Ruzious]

If we trade down to around 20, I'd like to target Aaron Nesmith of Vandy. He's like a little bigger/stronger more athletic version of Garrison Mathews. A great 3 point shooter who's big enough to play some 3. Does have some defensive potential - actually regarded as an excellent defender. Not a passer - he's there to shoot 3's, only an ok rebounder. Did I mention he's a shooter? We don't need a 2 or a 3, but he can play either position, and a guy that shoots like that is golden. Looks more like 6'7 than the 6'6 he's listed at. I'll be honest - I'd rather have Nesmith than Anthony Edwards - who's only 6'5.

Yeah I like Nesmith too, I've mentioned him a couple times to no response so glad to see another that agrees. He just seems pretty solid, good size and length with NBA ready body. Good defender, but as you say he can really shoot it. Agree he's a 3. Seems a pretty smart player with a good motor too.

Gotta say I've also gotten on the Haliburton train! Love the way he plays, not quite the level of Ja Morant, but some similar passing skill, tenacity, vision. Plays the game the right way, nice size and length, gets after it defensively. Awkward looking shot but can hit the 3 enough to respect it. Looks to me a guy who could really fit well with what were building.

Halliburton might be the safest pick in the draft. I was going to say he reminds me of a taller Ish Smith, but his 3 point shot is dramatically improving. I don't think he has the kind of potential Morant has, but he's gonna be a super-solid pure PG in the NBA who can probably play some off the ball - if need be.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If we trade down to around 20, I'd like to target Aaron Nesmith of Vandy. He's like a little bigger/stronger more athletic version of Garrison Mathews. A great 3 point shooter who's big enough to play some 3. Does have some defensive potential - actually regarded as an excellent defender. Not a passer - he's there to shoot 3's, only an ok rebounder. Did I mention he's a shooter? We don't need a 2 or a 3, but he can play either position, and a guy that shoots like that is golden. Looks more like 6'7 than the 6'6 he's listed at. I'll be honest - I'd rather have Nesmith than Anthony Edwards - who's only 6'5.

Yeah I like Nesmith too, I've mentioned him a couple times to no response so glad to see another that agrees. He just seems pretty solid, good size and length with NBA ready body. Good defender, but as you say he can really shoot it. Agree he's a 3. Seems a pretty smart player with a good motor too.

Gotta say I've also gotten on the Haliburton train! Love the way he plays, not quite the level of Ja Morant, but some similar passing skill, tenacity, vision. Plays the game the right way, nice size and length, gets after it defensively. Awkward looking shot but can hit the 3 enough to respect it. Looks to me a guy who could really fit well with what were building.

Halliburton might be the safest pick in the draft. I was going to say he reminds me of a taller Ish Smith, but his 3 point shot is dramatically improving. I don't think he has the kind of potential Morant has, but he's gonna be a super-solid pure PG in the NBA who can probably play some off the ball - if need be.

He really could be a perfect fit for this team. He plays with enthusiasm, team 1st, "everybody eats" style. A great passer, excellent court vision, and is a versatile and active defender with length.

I just love watching guys who can pass the rock like this... Magic, Kidd, Kenny A., Nash, Livingston, Morant, Pistol Pete, etc. It's always been my favorite part of the game.



http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/tyrese-haliburton.html

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

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[SUPERBALLMAN]

Well, just saw this about Nesmith...


"A foot injury will sideline Nesmith for the rest of the season. He finishes the year with averages of 23pts, 4.9rbs while shooting a ridiculous 52% from 3."


Maybe this knocks him to 2nd round ??

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

James Worthy said something on an interview earlier this week that i found to be baffling. someone asked him about how good Doncic was, and globalization. He went on to say something about how AAU is killing the game, and how players these days have lack "big picture" thinking about how driving into the lane isn't just a means to get points, but that it draws in the defense, opening up lanes for cutting and jumpers. Like, that's just wild to me. I get that AAU teams don't run sophisticated offenses where there are cuts/screens that set up other cuts/screens 3-4 moves in advance, but drive and kick seems downright intuitive.

Diagramming the motion offense, or something like that can be downright dizzying for sure but it's not like any NBA teams run that anyway. Nobody's even running the triangle anymore. it's all pnr/drive-and-kick.

i don't know how much of that is just Worthy being and old grump bc i have no idea how AAU teams play but it seems just beyond the pale.

bc you hear it from both sides. one side says that kids need to play games more instead of running drills, bc basketball is 5-on-5, and you catching tennis balls while dribbling around a folding chair isn't going to prepare you like playing live games (a point in favor of Otto Porter's scouting report iirc bc he played with his uncles and cousins instead of AAU). then the other side says that AAU runs too many games and doesn't focus on drills (ain't nobody spending 2 hrs a day, 6 days a week doing the mikan drill any more).

idk. just a rant, don't mind me.

When I watch the Maryland Terrapins I see all-world athletes who are generally clueless and undisciplined. I think the NBA players now are playing in a watered down, low contact, chuck-and-duck league compared to yesteryear.

Yet, at the same time the individual skill sets of players is out of this world. You tube shows the drills. Competitive youth sports is full of good coaching. Players have the skills but I GET WHAT WORTHY IS SAYING. Some players just want to score. They don't understand getting teammates involved. They don't really want to set screens or move off the ball as much as they want to freelance and score.

[I_Like_Dirt]

but we're in the postmodern world where centers can shoot, by 2024, a guard who can't shoot isn't the handicap that it was in 2018.

Ben Simmons can have success, so can Ball.

this font is only 30% green.

Not being able to shoot can work but not being able to defend is basically a death knell for a guard who can't shoot. Lonzo has stuck around a bit because he can defend. Simmons isn't even really a guard, honestly, and he's a bit of an anomaly that next Ball up just isn't.

And to be clear, I'm not saying that Ball shouldn't be drafted, just that top 3 strikes me as significantly too high for him. He does some things really well and could easily have a long, productive career. Unless he finds a way to change that no shooting + no defense combo, though, he's in a really tough spot to be a major impact player. Star guards nowadays seem to all need to have at least two of ballhandling, shooting and defense. Ball has one of those. With these big guards, the dream is always Simmons with a jumpshot but most of the time you're getting Lonzo, MCW, Fultz - all of whom are variations of NBA players but all of whom were taken way too high.

[No-Man]

Edwards game reminds me of Jason Richardson, Michael Finley, some Beal, some Mitch Richmond

That kind of player