2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Wilber85]

Porzingis and Ayton would have been such a great fit, so if this Pokusevski guy is anything alike, you take him.

Here's there comparison chart:
http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=aleksej-pokusevski--kristaps-porzingis

Now Pokuveski definitely needs to add more strength and also work on his scoring efficiency too. But he's still got Elite potential in multiple areas. And is a good shooter with advanced ball handling skills and is also a high level rim protector too.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

I am done with Soft Players like Bender, Len, Etc. We do not develop players. I would rather offer Mirotic money.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Porzingis and Ayton would have been such a great fit, so if this Pokusevski guy is anything alike, you take him.

Here's there comparison chart:
http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=aleksej-pokusevski--kristaps-porzingis

Now Pokuveski definitely needs to add more strength and also work on his scoring efficiency too. But he's still got Elite potential in multiple areas. And is a good shooter with advanced ball handling skills and is also a high level rim protector too.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

I am done with Soft Players like Bender, Len, Etc. We do not develop players. I would rather offer Mirotic money.

Oh I hear you! I don't want anymore soft players either. I'd prefer players that play with agression, tenacity, a high motor ( like Jevon Carter) and even a bit of a mean streak or a constant chip on their shoulder mentality. But in fairness, I believe that it's been reported that Pokusevski plays with solid aggression and consistency.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

***

Mentality Overview:
Aggressive on offense, but smart – does not force many bad looks. Aggressive playmaker on defense always looking to help, but is prone to giving up on plays he deems out of reach for him. Aggressive going after the ball. Aggressive overall, including going after rebounds.

Awareness / Team Defense:
Good team defender and very good defensive playmaker with good timing and anticipation, but would like to see him improve his awareness. Poku does a nice job with his positioning (playing the block off ball, elbow / nail in PnR, etc), stunting on drives, digging, tagging cutters / the roll off ball, etc, but is prone to ball-watching and being late / losing his man off ball. Has flashes of good team defense rotating both along the perimeter and on the interior, but I still believe there is room to improve here.

So ultimately, He just really needs to improve his strength ( grow into his body) and further develop his defensive awareness more.

But this is why he intrigues me next yo Ayton honestly...........

Watch on YouTube

And again, The premise is that he's still young, And has a lot of room for growth. But what your investing in with him is in his ELITE skills for a player his size at 7 ft+ with a 7'3 wingspan and a 9'1 standing reach. He's got advanced ball handling, Playmaking, Defensive playmaking, and solid shooting. All these things are not that dissimilar from Porzingis. And IF he could develop along those lines, wouldn't you be happy with a Porzingis at the 4 next to Ayton??

[DirtyDez]

If only we had a 2nd rd pick Ghost...

[jcsunsfan]

Here's there comparison chart:
http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=aleksej-pokusevski--kristaps-porzingis

Now Pokuveski definitely needs to add more strength and also work on his scoring efficiency too. But he's still got Elite potential in multiple areas. And is a good shooter with advanced ball handling skills and is also a high level rim protector too.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

I am done with Soft Players like Bender, Len, Etc. We do not develop players. I would rather offer Mirotic money.

Oh I hear you! I don't want anymore soft players either. I'd prefer players that play with agression, tenacity, a high motor ( like Jevon Carter) and even a bit of a mean streak or a constant chip on their shoulder mentality. But in fairness, I believe that it's been reported that Pokusevski plays with solid aggression and consistency.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

***

Mentality Overview:
Aggressive on offense, but smart – does not force many bad looks. Aggressive playmaker on defense always looking to help, but is prone to giving up on plays he deems out of reach for him. Aggressive going after the ball. Aggressive overall, including going after rebounds.

Awareness / Team Defense:
Good team defender and very good defensive playmaker with good timing and anticipation, but would like to see him improve his awareness. Poku does a nice job with his positioning (playing the block off ball, elbow / nail in PnR, etc), stunting on drives, digging, tagging cutters / the roll off ball, etc, but is prone to ball-watching and being late / losing his man off ball. Has flashes of good team defense rotating both along the perimeter and on the interior, but I still believe there is room to improve here.

So ultimately, He just really needs to improve his strength ( grow into his body) and further develop his defensive awareness more.

But this is why he intrigues me next yo Ayton honestly...........

Watch on YouTube

And again, The premise is that he's still young, And has a lot of room for growth. But what your investing in with him is in his ELITE skills for a player his size at 7 ft+ with a 7'3 wingspan and a 9'1 standing reach. He's got advanced ball handling, Playmaking, Defensive playmaking, and solid shooting. All these things are not that dissimilar from Porzingis. And IF he could develop along those lines, wouldn't you be happy with a Porzingis at the 4 next to Ayton??

This guy interests me too, but I wish I could see him play against better competition. His numbers are not good, really. Highlights show skills but they are just highlights. My concern is that once he faces NBA strength and speed he will pull back into his shell like a frightened turtle--like Bender did.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I am done with Soft Players like Bender, Len, Etc. We do not develop players. I would rather offer Mirotic money.

Oh I hear you! I don't want anymore soft players either. I'd prefer players that play with agression, tenacity, a high motor ( like Jevon Carter) and even a bit of a mean streak or a constant chip on their shoulder mentality. But in fairness, I believe that it's been reported that Pokusevski plays with solid aggression and consistency.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

***

Mentality Overview:
Aggressive on offense, but smart – does not force many bad looks. Aggressive playmaker on defense always looking to help, but is prone to giving up on plays he deems out of reach for him. Aggressive going after the ball. Aggressive overall, including going after rebounds.

Awareness / Team Defense:
Good team defender and very good defensive playmaker with good timing and anticipation, but would like to see him improve his awareness. Poku does a nice job with his positioning (playing the block off ball, elbow / nail in PnR, etc), stunting on drives, digging, tagging cutters / the roll off ball, etc, but is prone to ball-watching and being late / losing his man off ball. Has flashes of good team defense rotating both along the perimeter and on the interior, but I still believe there is room to improve here.

So ultimately, He just really needs to improve his strength ( grow into his body) and further develop his defensive awareness more.

But this is why he intrigues me next yo Ayton honestly...........

Watch on YouTube

And again, The premise is that he's still young, And has a lot of room for growth. But what your investing in with him is in his ELITE skills for a player his size at 7 ft+ with a 7'3 wingspan and a 9'1 standing reach. He's got advanced ball handling, Playmaking, Defensive playmaking, and solid shooting. All these things are not that dissimilar from Porzingis. And IF he could develop along those lines, wouldn't you be happy with a Porzingis at the 4 next to Ayton??

This guy interests me too, but I wish I could see him play against better competition. His numbers are not good, really. Highlights show skills but they are just highlights. My concern is that once he faces NBA strength and speed he will pull back into his shell like a frightened turtle--like Bender did.

Possibly, But that's wherein it becomes critically important for Jones and our scouting staff to really do their " Due diligence " And hopefully get a more in depth read on him. Especially as to his mentality. But if we just go off the scouting reports alone ( as that's just what's available) it does say that he's got an aggressive yet smart mentality and developing awareness. Again, My preference would be Toppin ( 1st) or one of Okungwu/Smith/ Reed ( 2nd). But I wouldn't be overtly dissatisfied with Pokusevski in a trade back scenario, IF our front office has a solid grasp on his percieved fit and potential outcome in our system. At the very least, we'd know that he can be a capable floor spacer, a very good playmaker and passer, and a high level team defender and rim protector too. All areas that we need help with.

[Ghost of Kleine]

If only we had a 2nd rd pick Ghost...

For sure Dez. Although, It really shouldn't be that hard to add one considering most people are labeling this draft as mediocre at face value. Again, I personally think that there are quite a few gems and solid contributors to be had in the 2nd round.

1- Grant Riller-
Fred Van Vleet 2.0
2- Jared Butler-
A Kevin Johnson offense / Jimmy Butler defense in a guard.
3- Cassius Winston-
Isiah Thomas/ Kyle Lowry 2.0
4- Scottie Lewis-
Poor man's Dwayne Wade/ Zach Lavine.
5- Ashton Hagans- Patrick Beverley/ Jacque Vaughn 2.0
6- Jordan Nwora-
Trevor Ariza/ Dorell Wright ( defense) / TJ Warren scoring.
7- Isiah Joe-
Anfernee Simons/ Alec Burks.
8 - Amyr Sylla-
Pascal Siakim 2.0
9 - Xavier Tillman-
Less athletic/ better shotblocking version of Richaun Holmes.
10- Daniel Oturu-
Jamal Magloire/ Greg Monroe.
11- Makur Maker-
A poor man's Kevin Garnett.
12- Killian Tillie-
A more athletic, faster Saric.
13- Cassius Stanley-
Latrell Sprewell.
14- Ayo Dosunma-
Poor man's Jrue Holiday.
15- Reggie Perry-
Bam Adebayo 2.0
16- Nik Richards-
Javale McGee.
17- Charles Bassey-
Clint Capela/ Elden Cambell.
18- Jay Scrubb-
JR Smith/ Malik Beasley.
19- Payton Pritchard -
TJ McConnell.
20- Paul Eboua-
A mix of Al Horford/ Josh Smith.

[bwgood77]

There is a Kevin Johnson on offense and Jimmy Butler on defense guy in the 2nd round? This must either be a great draft or if that's really the case, we should definitely take him with our first rounder.

[TheLogician]

How is that Serbian guy any better than Kaminsky? I don't see it.

[sunsbum]

There is a Kevin Johnson on offense and Jimmy Butler on defense guy in the 2nd round? This must either be a great draft or if that's really the case, we should definitely take him with our first rounder.

If you bring kevin Johnson into any player comparison you sure as hell better be ready to face the wrath of BW.

[Ghost of Kleine]

There is a Kevin Johnson on offense and Jimmy Butler on defense guy in the 2nd round? This must either be a great draft or if that's really the case, we should definitely take him with our first rounder.

Yeah, That declaration might have been a bit hyperbolic on my part. My bad man.

Whilst I will stand by my KJ comp on offense, You're obviously quite right in that he's not yet close to a lockdown defender such as Jimmy Butler! Although I fo ( for my part) find him to have similar overall strength in relentlessly getting to the basket, getting shots up and scoring as Jimmy Butler does during his drives.


However, Wherein I see the KJ similarities is in his strong fearless dribble penetration, and his solid perimeter shooting and poise. And wherein I find him comparable to Jimmy Butler (** Although his defense is more along the lines currently of Chauncey Billups/ Kris Dunn) as they both average around two steals per game, Is in his overall strength in getting to the rim and scoring. And again, his fearlessness and poise in clutch situations.


Now again, I of course understand the perception that I'm wildly embellishing his potential with these comparisons, And you're probably right man. ............For now. But we can of course revisit this discussion once Jared's had a couple of seasons under his belt to properly guage how far off base these comps may end up being. Until then.......


I have mad respect for you.

[Ghost of Kleine]

How is that Serbian guy any better than Kaminsky? I don't see it.

Well, A few ways that he's already better is in his team defense, rim protection, actual ability to handle the ball and be a rrliable playmaker both offensively and defensively. Kaminsky is unfotrunately fairly uncoordinated, offers almost no defense whatsoever, hasn't really shown to be a playmaker or high level ball handler and facilitator. And that's not to say he can't ever develop some of those skills eventually. But Pokusevski already has these skills and abilities. His scouting report from the Stepian covers this fairly well.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

And gives a good synopsis of what he could be expected to bring to the team. That's why I personally find him intriguing for a trade back scenario.

 

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=19

Just incredible. Haven't seen dunks like this since Amare.

[jcsunsfan]

Read on Twitter

?s=19

Just incredible. Haven't seen dunks like this since Amare.

Amare just dunked ferociously, he did not mess around with between the leg stuff in games. That does not impress me. In fact, it puts me off a bit.

I still think there is something to the Amare comparison as far as physicality and dunking though.

[TheLogician]

How is that Serbian guy any better than Kaminsky? I don't see it.

Well, A few ways that he's already better is in his team defense, rim protection, actual ability to handle the ball and be a rrliable playmaker both offensively and defensively. Kaminsky is unfotrunately fairly uncoordinated, offers almost no defense whatsoever, hasn't really shown to be a playmaker or high level ball handler and facilitator. And that's not to say he can't ever develop some of those skills eventually. But Pokusevski already has these skills and abilities. His scouting report from the Stepian covers this fairly well.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

And gives a good synopsis of what he could be expected to bring to the team. That's why I personally find him intriguing for a trade back scenario.

 

I don't trust B League Euro prospects after Bender. Seems like a guy who is going to need a lot of development, not a Jones kind of player.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Precious Achiuwa with 25/ 15/ 2 assists today Vs. Houston. He's an ELITE athlete. He's really similar to Jerami Grantwith his defense, and his ability to knock down the three. He'd be yet another solid defensive rebounding big ( 4) that we should strongly consider, IF outside of the lottery. He's big, strong and athletic. He's also been quietly averaging 15/10 for the season too. He of course really needs to work on his shooting, And improve upon it. But overall, He'd be a really solid 3 & D 4/5 to groom behind whatever power forward we may sign in free agency. And IF he can improve his overall shooting, Then we'd have an all star caliber athletic frontcourt big to add to our core.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431679/precious-achiuwa .

[AtheJ415]

Precious Achiuwa with 25/ 15/ 2 assists today Vs. Houston. He's an ELITE athlete. He's really similar to Jerami Grantwith his defense, and his ability to knock down the three. He'd be yet another solid defensive rebounding big ( 4) that we should strongly consider, IF outside of the lottery. He's big, strong and athletic. He's also been quietly averaging 15/10 for the season too. He of course really needs to work on his shooting, And improve upon it. But overall, He'd be a really solid 3 & D 4/5 to groom behind whatever power forward we may sign in free agency. And IF he can improve his overall shooting, Then we'd have an all star caliber athletic frontcourt big to add to our core.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431679/precious-achiuwa .

Not nearly as rosy as you about his potential on offense. He has a ton of games where he shoots like 3/17 from the field. He plays hard and that's great but so do a lot of guys (Isaiah Stewart, for instance).

This isn't a great draft. I am still on board with the same people I mentioned a couple weeks ago (Toppin, Killian Hayes, Haliburton). Can get behind Sadiq Bey or Josh Green. Mannion or McDaniels would make me vomit.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=19

Grant Riller has some springs!!!

[ATTL]

Watch on YouTube

Obi may be toppin my list by the time the draft gets here.

[ATTL]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2878780-2020-nba-mock-draft-updated-projections-for-most-coveted-prospects?share=other#slide0

Cant say I agree with this mock.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4066656/yoeli-childs

Any thoughts on Yoeli Childs as a mid to late 2nd round candidate for backup 3/4 and (Oubre insurance) He's putting up pretty impressive stats. Definitely has to improve his free throw percentage a whole lot. But he's still very solid, poised and athletic. He's likely going to be a late 2nd to possibly undrafted prospect. But I think he still looks solid, And has a bit of " Brandon Clarke to his game athletically. He'd be a low risk/ high reward prospect to take a flier on.

Watch on YouTube