2020 Draft

[Shoe]

I see a lot of nice NBA careers in this draft. I don't know if they'll become all stars but I would be fine with Okongwu, Okoro, Mannion, Green, Nnaji

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Some good games on today starting with Auburn LSU at noon ESPN.

Michigan vs Michigan St noon NBC , Kentucky - Tennessee @ 1:00 CBS. VA - Louisville @ 4 ESPN.

NC vs Duke 6:00 ESPN, and Arizona loaded with prospects go against UCLA at 10:00 on ESPN2.

Those are probably ones I'll focus on, but there are a ton of games, Gonzaga at 10 ESPN, etc ...

Good day to do some amateur scouting !

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Big fan of Josh Green as a late lottery selection. He’s going to be a good NBA defender and will eventually knock down threes at a high rate.

Don’t see anything more than role player upside there , so I wouldn’t take him top 10.. but he would fit the Wizards roster well, tough hard-playing kid and has a nose for the ball.


Have zero interest in Mannion or Nnaji for the Wiz but maybe they’ll change my opinion by seasons end.

I'm becoming very intrigued with Green. Very athletic, high motor, tough defender, gets after 50/50 balls... Has skill, can score and pass well. He's surprisingly low on the mocks, I suspect he'll rise during the year and he'll probably impress at the combine.

I'd be very interested in trying to acquire a later 1st rounder to get him, maybe in a trade down, or a trade up of 2nd rounder?


Maybe a pick swap with Celtics? Depending how the picks shake out, as of now it would be 8 & 37 for 17, 25, 29?

[payitforward]

I see a lot of nice NBA careers in this draft. I don't know if they'll become all stars but I would be fine with Okongwu, Okoro, Mannion, Green, Nnaji

Absolutely -- but, how are we going to get all those guys?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Not sure if he's been talked about already?

Daniel Oturu ??

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

NBADRAFT.NET mock has him going to the Wizards.
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

Guess I'll have to watch BTN 4:00 Minnesota vs Penn State ...


(Edit)
Update : Minnesota loses to No. 22-ranked Nittany Lions 83-77 ... Oturu put up 32 & 16 in losing effort.

http://www.startribune.com/daniel-oturu-scores-career-high-32-points-but-gophers-fall-83-77-at-penn-state/567698032/

[The Consiglieri]

One thing I would love to study is the truly horrible drafts of the past decade plus or so to unearth any potential trends in what is most efficacious when you've got a top 10-15 pick in a bad draft. The sentiment seems to be that we'll be picking high in yet another largely disappointing draft (maybe even worst in the decade scale according to some) and what I'm desperate for is to either land the hidden gem (maybe not a Giannis miracle, but something closer to Gobert, a player far better in ceiling and overall than many expected), or to land the solid reasonable hit (what we did with Porter, what the Blazers did with McCollum etc).

This is definitely going to be one of those drafts with a giant pile of pot holes and I'd love to know what trends reveal, if anything does, approaches that are more likely to fail versus succeed.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

After watching a bunch of games...

Okoro did not have a very good game. Had some moments, hit a big 3 and had a monster dunk, played good D, made some plays. Hurt his wrist at some point maybe that had an effect.

Green like Okoro was pretty ineffective on the offensive end, he made some plays and was very good defensively. His length and physicality stands out. Mannion was not very good, very unimpressive as AZ lost.

Tillie looked great, considering he was recovering from ankle injury he moves really well for a big man, plays hard, excellent passer, can score inside and shoot the 3 with range. He's projected everywhere mid 2nd round probably because of injuries.

Oturu really looked good, defends, rebounds (16), blocks shots (3), and has offensive potential, moves well for a big man.

Maxey looked good for Kentucky, just a smooth player, kind of glides through the lane, good balance and coordination, nice stroke on his shot.

Oturu has moved way up on my board... Okoro has dropped, Green has moved up a bit up to Okoro. They are comparable defensively and Green looks to have more offensive upside.

Based on where we 're projected to pick right now I got... 1. Oturu 2. Green 3. Okoro as my favorites... as of now, I think. I do also like Reed, Okongwu, and Maxey.


But this kid Oturu is really growing on me...


Oturu, who's listed at 225 pounds, is the son of Nigerian immigrants who grew up in the Twin Cities area and became one of the country's top recruits out of Cretin-Derham Hall High School. He has a deep appreciation of NBA history, always up for engaging with teammates in a present-past debate about which player was better.

“That’s a dream of his. Nobody’s going to hold him back,” Pitino said.

Oturu has a decent mid-range shot, with the athleticism to move around the court that will be critical in the pros. Developing more post moves and continuing to get stronger will be important next steps. He's improved his conditioning to the point where he's playing an average of 33 minutes per game, about a nine-minute increase from his freshman year.

“Whatever stat line I finish with, I feel like I didn’t have that good of a game. Coach ‘P’ also feels like I didn’t have that good of a game. So he’s always pushing me to play the best I can play,” Oturu said, adding: “I feel like I can shoot the ball a little bit better this year. I’m not like lacking confidence in that area. I’m trying to be more physical down low. I feel like overall this year versus my freshman year I’m playing a lot harder in the games, so that's been a big boost.”

Oturu will undoubtedly go a long way toward whatever success the Gophers are able to attain.

“Whether we’re down or we’re up," point guard Marcus Carr said, "he’s constantly giving us energy.”


Gotta watch this...

Watch on YouTube

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Right now I'm liking my draft.... Oturu in 1st and Tillie in 2nd.

I like how those 2 could fit into our roster, I can see a primary rotation...

Oturu, Bryant, Mo
Bertans, Tillie
Hachimura, Bonga
Beal, TBJ
Wall, Ish, Shabazz

That's 12... rest of roster competition from pool of AP, Williams, Admiral, Matthews, Robinson, Grant, GP2.

[gambitx777]

I actually like oturu he's probably the second best center in the draft. I wouldn't mind taking him and reading Bryant and admiral to Boston for one of their picks. Plenty of guard depth late in the draft. And we are set on wing players right now. All be it most of ours are not very tall.

Right now I'm liking my draft.... Oturu in 1st and Tillie in 2nd.

I like how those 2 could fit into our roster, I can see a primary rotation...

Oturu, Bryant, Mo
Bertans, Tillie
Hachimura, Bonga
Beal, TBJ
Wall, Ish, Shabazz

That's 12... rest of roster competition from pool of AP, Williams, Admiral, Matthews, Robinson, Grant, GP2.

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using RealGM mobile app

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

My very cursory look at the upcoming draft:

Tyler Bey and Obi Toppin are both a little older, will be 22 draft time.

PG - Tyrese Halliburton
SG - Devin Vassell
SF/PF - Paul Reed
PF - Oyeka Okongwu *Homer vote to Jalen Smith
C James Wiseman *Daniel Oturu is also a good choice

RIGHT NOW, I'd say Okongwu looks like an absolute stud defender and that's who the Wizards should be targeting.

Devin Vassell seems like the type of player who will excel defensively at the next level.

I'll be happy with Sticks from the Terps, because I THINK he's going to be able to play SF.

[gambitx777]

Oturu is a pretty good defender. And I think there are good defenders available in the back of the draft that I would look at.

My very cursory look at the upcoming draft:

Tyler Bey and Obi Toppin are both a little older, at will be 22 draft time.

PG - Tyrese Halliburton
SG - Devin Vassell
SF/PF - Paul Reed
PF - Oyeka Okongwu *Homer vote to Jalen Smith
C James Wiseman *Daniel Oturu is also a good choice

RIGHT NOW, I'd say Okongwu looks like an absolute stud defender and that's who the Wizards should be targeting.

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using RealGM mobile app

[SUPERBALLMAN]

My very cursory look at the upcoming draft:

Tyler Bey and Obi Toppin are both a little older, at will be 22 draft time.

PG - Tyrese Halliburton
SG - Devin Vassell
SF/PF - Paul Reed
PF - Oyeka Okongwu *Homer vote to Jalen Smith
C James Wiseman *Daniel Oturu is also a good choice

RIGHT NOW, I'd say Okongwu looks like an absolute stud defender and that's who the Wizards should be targeting.

Devin Vassell seems like the type of player who will excel defensively at the next level.

I'll be happy with Sticks from the Terps, because I THINK he's going to be able to play SF.

I like it... I don't see Vassell being a legit target. I was really high on Haliburton, but I've cooled on him a bit with his awkward shot causing me some doubts, and his durability, it's a shame his injury. But I do still like him alot, he's just such a smart player.

I'm really liking Oturu now, but if we don't go that route or Okongwu, and go guard in the 1st round... in the 2nd round if you want interior D a player that might be available is Isaiah Stewart... ( I LOVE his comps !!)

From Draft Room
C - HT: 6-9 - WT: 247 - WING: 7-4 - FROM: Washington- Fr.
Stewart is destined for a long NBA career but he might not be an All Star level player. He should be able to contribute early thanks to his NBA ready frame and hard work on the boards.

Comp = Derrick Favors with extra sauce

Overview
Powerful, bouncy, explosive, tough; a few words to describe Isaiah Stewart, who has been rising up the rankings as he's grown physically and developed his game.

Strengths
Has a monster frame with great strength and powerful leaping ability
A defensive menace who controls the paint with his shot blocking, space-clearing and rebounding ability
An above the rim player who excels at scoring in close to the basket
Isn't afraid to do the dirty work
Dangerous on the offensive glass

Weaknesses
Isn't yet a polished offensive player and doesn't have great range on his jumper

Comparisons
Derrick Favors with extra flavor
a modern day Zach Randolph
a longer Elton Brand

Watch on YouTube

[truwizfan4evr]

we need to stop winning so many games. Isaiah Stewart would be an awesome fit for our team.

[Ruzious]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

[payitforward]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

I agree point by point, Ruz. Above all that Nesmith, Smith & Tillman would be a truly exciting pull from this draft.

Is Nesmith going to be a 2 or a 3 in the league? Either way, he is putting up some gaudy numbers this year! As is Smith.

Tillman looks like a lock to be a productive player in the league. He'd be a great get in R2.

This is totally speculative, of course, but based on Pelton's pick-value chart one could trade the #7 pick for the #s 18 & 21 picks -- that's where Nesmith & Smith are on nbadraftroom's mock. Tillman's at #49. Again speculatively, if we had the #8 pick & Chicago's pick ends up being the #37 pick, that's enough value to come away with Nesmith, Smith & Tillman.

All this means, of course, is that it just may be possible to make something like this happen. It's not out of the question.

As to Isaiah Stewart -- certainly, his numbers are very good for Freshman. But, I don't like the lack of steals & assists -- mostly b/c to me they might indicate limits on bbiq (not saying that's definitively the case, or even hanging it on Stewart with any confidence). & he's not a really great rebounder so far. He's not my cup of tea.

[payitforward]

Could we absorb 3 rookies? Roster room? Salary structure?

Well, we have 9 guaranteed contract for just under $100m. Obviously, we will at least try to re-sign Bertans (I speculate that there's already a deal worked out w/ his agent). I'm sure we'll pick up Bonga's option & add Mathews too. IMO, we'd be nuts not to re-sign Napier. & we just might want another year's look at Pasecniks.

That's 14 guys. Even with Bertans at $15m (which I don't think he'll quite get), Mathews at @$1m, & Napier at $3m (which I don't think he'll quite get either) we'd be at @ $122m. Financially we could add those 3 rookies & still be under the luxury tax line.

But, we'd be at 17 players, which won't work! So... to fit 3 rookies, we would, presumably, not extend Pasecniks & either trade someone or let Napier go. *

All totally speculative -- obviously! But, it indicates that Ruz's dream draft is within the realm of possibility.

* Best would be if we extended Pasecniks & then traded him for a future R2 pick. & also traded Jerome Robinson for a future pick. Neither of these is outside the realm of possibility.

[dckingsfan]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

Can I add Deni Avdija? Just had a nice game against Fenerbahce Ulker and another against Khimki. A wing that can handle the ball, score and rebound.

And for whatever reason - he seems to be dropping?

[Ruzious]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

Can I add Deni Avdija? Just had a nice game against Fenerbahce Ulker and another against Khimki. A wing that can handle the ball, score and rebound.

And for whatever reason - he seems to be dropping?

I think he's a very good prospect - probably top 10 - but probably not a good fit for the Wiz. He seems to be much more effective with the ball than being a catch and shoot guy, and we already have ball-dominant players particularly with Wall coming back.

[pcbothwel]

Stewart's a good solid player. Does he have a high ceiling? Probably not.

The players I particularly like right now are Killian Hayes, Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Sticks Smith, and Xavier Tillman. I think Tillman is the most underrated player in the draft. Tyler Bey and Paul Reed are also nice prospects. Sticks would be a nice fit - and the local tie probably helps. His last 6 games have been tremendous. My preference would be taking Hayes in the 1st round and Tillman in the 2nd, and I think that's doable. If we can trade down in the 1st and get both Nesmith and Smith - along with Tillman, I'd be excited.

I agree point by point, Ruz. Above all that Nesmith, Smith & Tillman would be a truly exciting pull from this draft.

Is Nesmith going to be a 2 or a 3 in the league? Either way, he is putting up some gaudy numbers this year! As is Smith.

Tillman looks like a lock to be a productive player in the league. He'd be a great get in R2.

This is totally speculative, of course, but based on Pelton's pick-value chart one could trade the #7 pick for the #s 18 & 21 picks -- that's where Nesmith & Smith are on nbadraftroom's mock. Tillman's at #49. Again speculatively, if we had the #8 pick & Chicago's pick ends up being the #37 pick, that's enough value to come away with Nesmith, Smith & Tillman.

All this means, of course, is that it just may be possible to make something like this happen. It's not out of the question.

As to Isaiah Stewart -- certainly, his numbers are very good for Freshman. But, I don't like the lack of steals & assists -- mostly b/c to me they might indicate limits on bbiq (not saying that's definitively the case, or even hanging it on Stewart with any confidence). & he's not a really great rebounder so far. He's not my cup of tea.

Agreed,
I think there are some dynamic defensive players in this draft and I would look to trade down with Boston for their picks. As interesting as Haliburton, Mannion, Hampton, Hayes, and Cole Anthony are as Guard prospects… I think the 12-20 range in this draft is gonna have some great plug and play guys.
Mid: Paul Reed, Okoro, Green, Tre Jones, Bey
Late: Tillman, Oturu, Lewis, Nesmith
2nd: Sylla, Joe, Tille

Im not saying I wouldn’t stand pat and take the best PG Guard prospect, but I am saying adding guys like Tre Jones, Tillman and Tyler Bey to go along with Wagner and Bonga creates the cheapest and most (One of) pesky defensive 2nd unit in the league.

[payitforward]

Key fact -- & I wonder whether people really get it:

There is only one occasion on which you get anything free; that is the draft. If a team does not come out of the draft year after year with two solid assets each year, they lose long-term. Period.

Note that the assets don't have to be guys chosen with your picks. You can trade for other picks or trade picks for players.

But -- & this is important -- when you trade picks for players, you are almost always trading to get older. That is, you are trading your future for your present. Trading value later for value now.

Because the future soon becomes the present, the result over time is that you have less value "now." I.e. in the next "now." Do that repeatedly, the way Ernie did, & you simply starve yourself. For that reason, it is always a better principle to trade players for picks than to trade picks for players.

Of course, you can make a bad trade either way, but it is inevitable that the latter trades -- picks for players -- are bad more often than the other kind.

Conclusion? The more players you draft each year, the better off you are. That includes this year, so yeah let's get Nesmith, Smith & Tillman.