2019-2020 College/Draft thread (Part 2)

[Richard4444]

The 3 players I'm zeroing in on for the draft are:

Daniel Oturu (5-7 range)
Saddiq Bey (25-27 range)
Devon Dotson (35-37 range)

We'd be adding a 6'10" 240 20-year-old legit C (who may not even be done growing), who plays well inside, shoots it well in the mid-range and from deep (real nice stroke for a big man---it really stands out when you watch him play), rebounds real well and is one of the nation's top shot-blockers. Hits his FTs too... Putting up over 20/11/2.5 blocks per already -- think how much better all phases of his game will eventually become once he matures and adds some more seasoning. I love Mitch and look forward to having him here for a long time but the truth of the matter is this kid Oturu is an even more versatile and more well-rounded big man. he'd be a nice contrast to deploy with Mitch or on the 2nd team (or vice versa). Love to have them both. I think our draft should start here. Not even gonna worry about Wiseman -- he's not going to be there when we pick and the more video I see, I'm not completely convinced this kid Oturu won't wind up being the better player a few years down the line and the best big man in this draft. I'd be ecstatic with Oturu with our top pick.

At 25 or so, I'd love to add an upgrade over Knox. I just don't see it with him and I'm ready to move on. Just so many things he just doesn't do well (he shows low B-ball IQ, drives in straight lines, has no lateral side-to-side shift at all to him, and never passes when he puts his head down and takes it to the basket--it's going up no matter what. Potential to be a halfway decent outside shooter when he has his feet set but he's come crashing back down to Earth here in a big way after the good start shooting the ball in the beginning of the year. I'd be ok moving on and dealing Knox (possibly along with DSJr., maybe Brazdekis as a sweetner, etc., to see what I could get -- would love a future first round pick and I'd be happy, maybe 2 second rounders) and adding Saddiq Bey to take his place. Bey's everything that Knox isn't -- he's shifty, shows much better IQ, court awareness and shot selection, I think he's a much better defender than Knox, and he's one of the best shooters in this draft (shooting close to 45% from 3 the last time I looked, and this is on a high volume). I think we're better moving Barrett to the 3, backed up by Bey, which would then free up the SG spot for both Dotson and Trier to return next year and man that position. If I'm Rose, this would be my plan for the 2 and 3 spots next year.

Then at 35 or so, I really like the 6'2" Kansas PG Devon Dotson. He's got a little work to do to become a more consistent perimeter shooter but I love his speed, his defense, his aggressiveness/fearlessness taking it to the rim, his ability to finish with contact at the rim, and I think he's also a willing, quality passer. He's also leading the nation in steals, right around 2.5 per game. He'd be a 'take him and stash him in Westchester' guy for the year if our current PG trio all return next year (Payton, Frank and DSJr.). And if one or 2 of those guys get traded, Dotson can fill in right away next year.

I'd love to hear some honest feedback on these three players (how good you think they are/will become, how they'd fit, how they wouldn't, etc.), and who everyone would like with our 3 picks.

Do you really want to invest a 5-7 pick in Oturu who is current in 33th in Tankthon and 27 in Draft Room and not listed in SI. Besides he is a tradicional center (position with less proportional value nowadays) and we already have a center.

[WargamesX]

The 3 players I'm zeroing in on for the draft are:

Daniel Oturu (5-7 range)
Saddiq Bey (25-27 range)
Devon Dotson (35-37 range)

We'd be adding a 6'10" 240 20-year-old legit C (who may not even be done growing), who plays well inside, shoots it well in the mid-range and from deep (real nice stroke for a big man---it really stands out when you watch him play), rebounds real well and is one of the nation's top shot-blockers. Hits his FTs too... Putting up over 20/11/2.5 blocks per already -- think how much better all phases of his game will eventually become once he matures and adds some more seasoning. I love Mitch and look forward to having him here for a long time but the truth of the matter is this kid Oturu is an even more versatile and more well-rounded big man. he'd be a nice contrast to deploy with Mitch or on the 2nd team (or vice versa). Love to have them both. I think our draft should start here. Not even gonna worry about Wiseman -- he's not going to be there when we pick and the more video I see, I'm not completely convinced this kid Oturu won't wind up being the better player a few years down the line and the best big man in this draft. I'd be ecstatic with Oturu with our top pick.

At 25 or so, I'd love to add an upgrade over Knox. I just don't see it with him and I'm ready to move on. Just so many things he just doesn't do well (he shows low B-ball IQ, drives in straight lines, has no lateral side-to-side shift at all to him, and never passes when he puts his head down and takes it to the basket--it's going up no matter what. Potential to be a halfway decent outside shooter when he has his feet set but he's come crashing back down to Earth here in a big way after the good start shooting the ball in the beginning of the year. I'd be ok moving on and dealing Knox (possibly along with DSJr., maybe Brazdekis as a sweetner, etc., to see what I could get -- would love a future first round pick and I'd be happy, maybe 2 second rounders) and adding Saddiq Bey to take his place. Bey's everything that Knox isn't -- he's shifty, shows much better IQ, court awareness and shot selection, I think he's a much better defender than Knox, and he's one of the best shooters in this draft (shooting close to 45% from 3 the last time I looked, and this is on a high volume). I think we're better moving Barrett to the 3, backed up by Bey, which would then free up the SG spot for both Dotson and Trier to return next year and man that position. If I'm Rose, this would be my plan for the 2 and 3 spots next year.

Then at 35 or so, I really like the 6'2" Kansas PG Devon Dotson. He's got a little work to do to become a more consistent perimeter shooter but I love his speed, his defense, his aggressiveness/fearlessness taking it to the rim, his ability to finish with contact at the rim, and I think he's also a willing, quality passer. He's also leading the nation in steals, right around 2.5 per game. He'd be a 'take him and stash him in Westchester' guy for the year if our current PG trio all return next year (Payton, Frank and DSJr.). And if one or 2 of those guys get traded, Dotson can fill in right away next year.

I'd love to hear some honest feedback on these three players (how good you think they are/will become, how they'd fit, how they wouldn't, etc.), and who everyone would like with our 3 picks.

Do you really want to invest a 5-7 pick in Oturo who is current in 33th in Tankthon and 27 in Draft Room and not listed in SI. Besides he is a tradicional center (position with less proportional value nowadays) and we already have a center.

Oturo as a backup center with the Clipper’s pick might be a better idea.

[finestrg]

The 3 players I'm zeroing in on for the draft are:

Daniel Oturu (5-7 range)
Saddiq Bey (25-27 range)
Devon Dotson (35-37 range)

We'd be adding a 6'10" 240 20-year-old legit C (who may not even be done growing), who plays well inside, shoots it well in the mid-range and from deep (real nice stroke for a big man---it really stands out when you watch him play), rebounds real well and is one of the nation's top shot-blockers. Hits his FTs too... Putting up over 20/11/2.5 blocks per already -- think how much better all phases of his game will eventually become once he matures and adds some more seasoning. I love Mitch and look forward to having him here for a long time but the truth of the matter is this kid Oturu is an even more versatile and more well-rounded big man. he'd be a nice contrast to deploy with Mitch or on the 2nd team (or vice versa). Love to have them both. I think our draft should start here. Not even gonna worry about Wiseman -- he's not going to be there when we pick and the more video I see, I'm not completely convinced this kid Oturu won't wind up being the better player a few years down the line and the best big man in this draft. I'd be ecstatic with Oturu with our top pick.

At 25 or so, I'd love to add an upgrade over Knox. I just don't see it with him and I'm ready to move on. Just so many things he just doesn't do well (he shows low B-ball IQ, drives in straight lines, has no lateral side-to-side shift at all to him, and never passes when he puts his head down and takes it to the basket--it's going up no matter what. Potential to be a halfway decent outside shooter when he has his feet set but he's come crashing back down to Earth here in a big way after the good start shooting the ball in the beginning of the year. I'd be ok moving on and dealing Knox (possibly along with DSJr., maybe Brazdekis as a sweetner, etc., to see what I could get -- would love a future first round pick and I'd be happy, maybe 2 second rounders) and adding Saddiq Bey to take his place. Bey's everything that Knox isn't -- he's shifty, shows much better IQ, court awareness and shot selection, I think he's a much better defender than Knox, and he's one of the best shooters in this draft (shooting close to 45% from 3 the last time I looked, and this is on a high volume). I think we're better moving Barrett to the 3, backed up by Bey, which would then free up the SG spot for both Dotson and Trier to return next year and man that position. If I'm Rose, this would be my plan for the 2 and 3 spots next year.

Then at 35 or so, I really like the 6'2" Kansas PG Devon Dotson. He's got a little work to do to become a more consistent perimeter shooter but I love his speed, his defense, his aggressiveness/fearlessness taking it to the rim, his ability to finish with contact at the rim, and I think he's also a willing, quality passer. He's also leading the nation in steals, right around 2.5 per game. He'd be a 'take him and stash him in Westchester' guy for the year if our current PG trio all return next year (Payton, Frank and DSJr.). And if one or 2 of those guys get traded, Dotson can fill in right away next year.

I'd love to hear some honest feedback on these three players (how good you think they are/will become, how they'd fit, how they wouldn't, etc.), and who everyone would like with our 3 picks.

Do you really want to invest a 5-7 pick in Oturo who is current in 33th in Tankthon and 27 in Draft Room and not listed in SI. Besides he is a tradicional center (position with less proportional value nowadays) and we already have a center.

I dunno Rich, I see a lot of value here. First off, yeah I look at him as a legit center, yes, but also a guy that could man the 4 spot at times with Mitch at the 5, esp. when you consider his ability to stretch the floor with those budding shooting skills of his. I think the twin towers could work with them, Oturu and Mitch -- in that scenario, Otruru's the primary scoring big, and Mitch continues to do what he does (eat space, rebound, clog the lane, protect the rim, etc.).. I don't think it's ideal (I'd like to have each guy play on their own unit) but for spurts, I think it could work. Oturu and Randle out there together is probably the least desirable big man combination (I see Oturu as a scoring big man in the NBA, a guy that will need the ball, a guy you want to have the ball with opportunities to score), and that's what Randle is basically, but even then, esp. when you consider Oturu's ability to protect the rim, that could work as well in spurts.

Yeah, I've seen most of the mocks -- I think only nbadraft.net might be the only site that has him going top-10. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder with this kid for me. Out of all the top 10 guys I've looked at tape on, this kid feels like one of the bigger 'can't miss' guys for me right now. I like him better in that 5-7 range than any of the PGs projected to go that high. I understand we could use a PG for depth, to grab and let marinate for the following season, but these top PGs all have some flags imho --

Cole Anthony -- decent shooting from 3 (right around 35%) and some of the other stats look above average for a PG but the overall shooting % is at 38% (only 40% from 2). Shows me the shot selection may be poor and/or he has trouble finishing at the rim. If his 3-pt % was higher, he'd stand out more, but it doesn't -- it's average. Just don't know if he's the game-changing PG that would warrant taking him that high. i mean what if we get him and he's no better than what we have now with Payton, Frank and DSJr.? Plus, just looking at a guy projected to go much lower, Devon Dotson, I just wonder if he's comparable or even better value further down..

LaMelo Ball -- he's playing in Australia and shooting 25% from 3 and 37% overall. Plus, we'd have to deal with his old man..

Tyrese Hailburton -- Got hurt so we're not going to see him anymore...perhaps my fav. of the top 10 PGs -- he's got size, is effective shooting the ball, athletic -- I like the overall package. I'm just curious if his awkward shooting technique holds up over time -- i mean the first tailspin he goes though shooting the ball, considering the way he shoots it with that awkward form (and considering the pro 3 is another couple of feet out), could he rebound quickly, esp. considering how unforgiving the fickle Garden could be? Best case scenario is what for this guy exactly? Spencer Dinwiddie? Ok, Dinwiddie's got a big mouth towards us, but I do like him a lot as a player... If they zeroed in on this kid, I would really have to know if he has the belly for NY, and isn't one of these guys that comes to NY and can't hack it here.

I dunno -- some question marks with this top PGs, no?

Oturu meanwhile -- I honestly believe this kid, with his overall ability on both ends which will only continue to develop and grow, I could honestly see him as, depending on usage of course, a guy that could go 15/10/1.5 right out of the gate as a rookie with 30 mins, and eventually a 20/10+/2+ guy if/once he became an offensive focal point. Just too many things to like with him, very little red flags, if any.. Wargames -- I see much more than a career backup center here..

Say if we wound up with the 5 pick -- I might explore, if the consensus view on Oturu come draft night is that he's projected to go lower than 5-7, maybe trading down a few spots to take him after 10, and pick up another asset to use with pick 25 to move up slightly in order to secure Saddiq Bey. I also want Devon Dotson -- hoping he will be there in the 35-37 range. Right now, it looks like he might be.

[robillionaire]

The 3 players I'm zeroing in on for the draft are:

Daniel Oturu (5-7 range)
Saddiq Bey (25-27 range)
Devon Dotson (35-37 range)

We'd be adding a 6'10" 240 20-year-old legit C (who may not even be done growing), who plays well inside, shoots it well in the mid-range and from deep (real nice stroke for a big man---it really stands out when you watch him play), rebounds real well and is one of the nation's top shot-blockers. Hits his FTs too... Putting up over 20/11/2.5 blocks per already -- think how much better all phases of his game will eventually become once he matures and adds some more seasoning. I love Mitch and look forward to having him here for a long time but the truth of the matter is this kid Oturu is an even more versatile and more well-rounded big man. he'd be a nice contrast to deploy with Mitch or on the 2nd team (or vice versa). Love to have them both. I think our draft should start here. Not even gonna worry about Wiseman -- he's not going to be there when we pick and the more video I see, I'm not completely convinced this kid Oturu won't wind up being the better player a few years down the line and the best big man in this draft. I'd be ecstatic with Oturu with our top pick.

At 25 or so, I'd love to add an upgrade over Knox. I just don't see it with him and I'm ready to move on. Just so many things he just doesn't do well (he shows low B-ball IQ, drives in straight lines, has no lateral side-to-side shift at all to him, and never passes when he puts his head down and takes it to the basket--it's going up no matter what. Potential to be a halfway decent outside shooter when he has his feet set but he's come crashing back down to Earth here in a big way after the good start shooting the ball in the beginning of the year. I'd be ok moving on and dealing Knox (possibly along with DSJr., maybe Brazdekis as a sweetner, etc., to see what I could get -- would love a future first round pick and I'd be happy, maybe 2 second rounders) and adding Saddiq Bey to take his place. Bey's everything that Knox isn't -- he's shifty, shows much better IQ, court awareness and shot selection, I think he's a much better defender than Knox, and he's one of the best shooters in this draft (shooting close to 45% from 3 the last time I looked, and this is on a high volume). I think we're better moving Barrett to the 3, backed up by Bey, which would then free up the SG spot for both Dotson and Trier to return next year and man that position. If I'm Rose, this would be my plan for the 2 and 3 spots next year.

Then at 35 or so, I really like the 6'2" Kansas PG Devon Dotson. He's got a little work to do to become a more consistent perimeter shooter but I love his speed, his defense, his aggressiveness/fearlessness taking it to the rim, his ability to finish with contact at the rim, and I think he's also a willing, quality passer. He's also leading the nation in steals, right around 2.5 per game. He'd be a 'take him and stash him in Westchester' guy for the year if our current PG trio all return next year (Payton, Frank and DSJr.). And if one or 2 of those guys get traded, Dotson can fill in right away next year.

I'd love to hear some honest feedback on these three players (how good you think they are/will become, how they'd fit, how they wouldn't, etc.), and who everyone would like with our 3 picks.

Do you really want to invest a 5-7 pick in Oturo who is current in 33th in Tankthon and 27 in Draft Room and not listed in SI. Besides he is a tradicional center (position with less proportional value nowadays) and we already have a center.

I dunno Rich, I see a lot of value here. First off, yeah I look at him as a legit center, yes, but also a guy that could man the 4 spot at times with Mitch at the 5, esp. when you consider his ability to stretch the floor with those budding shooting skills of his. I think the twin towers could work with them, Oturu and Mitch -- in that scenario, Otruru's the primary scoring big, and Mitch continues to do what he does (eat space, rebound, clog the lane, protect the rim, etc.).. I don't think it's ideal (I'd like to have each guy play on their own unit) but for spurts, I think it could work. Oturu and Randle out there together is probably the least desirable big man combination (I see Oturu as a scoring big man in the NBA, a guy that will need the ball, a guy you want to have the ball with opportunities to score), and that's what Randle is basically, but even then, esp. when you consider Oturu's ability to protect the rim, that could work as well in spurts.

Yeah, I've seen most of the mocks -- I think only nbadraft.net might be the only site that has him going top-10. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder with this kid for me. Out of all the top 10 guys I've looked at tape on, this kid feels like one of the bigger 'can't miss' guys for me right now. I like him better in that 5-7 range than any of the PGs projected to go that high. I understand we could use a PG for depth, to grab and let marinate for the following season, but these top PGs all have some flags imho --

Cole Anthony -- decent shooting from 3 (right around 35%) and some of the other stats look above average for a PG but the overall shooting % is at 38% (only 40% from 2). Shows me the shot selection may be poor and/or he has trouble finishing at the rim. If his 3-pt % was higher, he'd stand out more, but it doesn't -- it's average. Just don't know if he's the game-changing PG that would warrant taking him that high. i mean what if we get him and he's no better than what we have now with Payton, Frank and DSJr.? Plus, just looking at a guy projected to go much lower, Devon Dotson, I just wonder if he's comparable or even better value further down..

LaMelo Ball -- he's playing in Australia and shooting 25% from 3 and 37% overall. Plus, we'd have to deal with his old man..

Tyrese Hailburton -- Got hurt so we're not going to see him anymore...perhaps my fav. of the top 10 PGs -- he's got size, is effective shooting the ball, athletic -- I like the overall package. I'm just curious if his awkward shooting technique holds up over time -- i mean the first tailspin he goes though shooting the ball, considering the way he shoots it with that awkward form (and considering the pro 3 is another couple of feet out), could he rebound quickly, esp. considering how unforgiving the fickle Garden could be? Best case scenario is what for this guy exactly? Spencer Dinwiddie? Ok, Dinwiddie's got a big mouth towards us, but I do like him a lot as a player... If they zeroed in on this kid, I would really have to know if he has the belly for NY, and isn't one of these guys that comes to NY and can't hack it here.

I dunno -- some question marks with this top PGs, no?

Oturu meanwhile -- I honestly believe this kid, with his overall ability on both ends which will only continue to develop and grow, I could honestly see him as, depending on usage of course, a guy that could go 15/10/1.5 right out of the gate as a rookie with 30 mins, and eventually a 20/10+/2+ guy if/once he became an offensive focal point. Just too many things to like with him, very little red flags, if any.. Wargames -- I see much more than a career backup center here..

Say if we wound up with the 5 pick -- I might explore, if the consensus view on Oturu come draft night is that he's projected to go lower than 5-7, maybe trading down a few spots to take him after 10, and pick up another asset to use with pick 25 to move up slightly in order to secure Saddiq Bey. I also want Devon Dotson -- hoping he will be there in the 35-37 range. Right now, it looks like he might be.

Nothing against Oturu and I do think we could use another center on the roster, but seems like it would be a huge reach, even nbadraft.net which doesn't always have the best track record has him at 19th on their big board, he seems more like a target with the clippers late 1st or maybe trading up a couple spots with 2nds than using the top 5-7 pick

[3toheadmelo]

DX now on that Udoka Azubuike wave. Looks like he might play himself into the first round now if he keeps up his dominant play.

The newly minted Big 12 player of the year, Azubuike has established himself as a contender for national player of the year honors as well -- the best and most important player on the top team in college basketball.

Azubuike's junior year was derailed by a torn hand ligament that allowed him to play only nine games. He entered the draft for the second straight year but once again withdrew after drawing less interest than hoped. Then he spent the offseason getting into the best shape of his career.

He has been incredibly productive as a rebounder and finisher, as usual, but the other reason he's knocking on the door of the first round of the draft is that he has made significant strides on the defensive end as the anchor of a Kansas defense that currently ranks No. 2 in the country, according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index.

Entering this season, Azubuike was strictly a drop defender in pick-and-roll situations who would typically get carved up any time he stepped outside of the paint due to his heavy feet and below average feel for the game. His improved conditioning and significantly higher intensity level, along with his experience, have allowed him to emerge as arguably the most impactful defensive big man in college basketball, a complete wrecking ball in the paint with his shredded 270-pound frame and outrageous 7-foot-8 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach.

This season he has hedged and even switched ball screens, keeping smaller players in front and making himself incredibly difficult to shoot over. His ridiculous length allows him to block shots from incredible vantage points, both on the perimeter and inside the paint, and with either hand (his 3.8 blocks per-40 minutes ranks No. 1 among ESPN Top 100 prospects). There are very few big men on the planet with Azubuike's dimensions, and the fact that he now covers ground adequately, contains drives and is virtually impossible to post up in the lane has added quite a bit of intrigue. In the NBA, he could have a huge physical advantage on a nightly basis with his unbelievable measurements.

Azubuike is a game-changer on offense as well, as he's extremely quick and powerful elevating off two feet and has shown significantly improved hands, timing and instincts as a finisher. Kansas' offense revolves heavily around getting him deep paint touches as a roller or post-up threat, as just throwing the ball in his vicinity has a high likelihood of resulting in a dunk. He's shooting 74% from the field due to his interior dominance, and also posting a career high in assists.

Some NBA teams have had questions about Azubuike's listed age (20) and fit in the modern game, as well as his 44% free throw shooting and inconsistent approach, which has led to some friction between him and Kansas' coaching staff. But his freakish physical tools, dominance at the college level and improvements on both ends of the floor suggest he'll have a role in the NBA. A dominant NCAA Tournament showing could move him firmly into the first round, possibly even the top 20 for a franchise that wants to buck the small-ball movement and force opposing teams to adjust to him on a nightly basis. -- Givony

[Richard4444]

Look out for this kid in 5 years. He's special.

Watch on YouTube

New overall Knicks strategy: Lets tank to have Darryn in 2025 draft!

[mpharris36]

this draft is really going to test scouting departments and decision makers. I believe there is talent in this draft but I don't believe there is a lot of separating characteristics in the top 10 or so. I can make a case for a lot of these guys and like a lot of these guys skill wise but they all have there flaws.

[finestrg]

Just curious, maybe I'm missing something or not seeing something with Oturu -- what about him screams, "this dude's not a top 10 pick"? His size (distinct opportunity he may grow another inch or two), length, ability to effectively operate in the post, ability to step outside and stretch the floor, his + rebounding and rim protection all look like big-time positives. I'd also like to believe he should only get better and better as he continues to grow and hone his craft. Just don't know where the obvious downside is with him..

I see an even better version of Al Horford here (who was the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 draft) -- i think Oturu's on par/comparable at the very least... Horford's a guy that's had a real nice productive career (5 time all-star). I think Oturu has a good chance to be better than Horford, just mho.

Could be something real special - some combination of Myles Turner/Andre Drummond (a chance to be better than either of these guys). He feels more "good pick" rather than "safe pick" to me..

[Juco24]

Just my opinion... but I think one of the issues the Knicks brass will face in the draft is if Frank can turn the corner or not. Almost everyone on this forum agrees that he's shown flashes of being a damn good PG. Almost everyone on this forum agrees that he's shown flashes of being out of the league entirely. Say we pick #4 or #5... do you go PG (Haliburton, Hayes, Anthony??) or do you go bap? Where you have Onyeka, Deni, Toppin. Interesting to say the least and arguments can be made on both sides. Not sure anyone would be mad though if we chose Deni, and gave Frank the opportunity alongside RJ. With that said... damn it I'd like for us to get Edwards.

[robillionaire]

Just my opinion... but I think one of the issues the Knicks brass will face in the draft is if Frank can turn the corner or not. Almost everyone on this forum agrees that he's shown flashes of being a damn good PG. Almost everyone on this forum agrees that he's shown flashes of being out of the league entirely. Say we pick #4 or #5... do you go PG (Haliburton, Hayes, Anthony??) or do you go bap? Where you have Onyeka, Deni, Toppin. Interesting to say the least and arguments can be made on both sides. Not sure anyone would be mad though if we chose Deni, and gave Frank the opportunity alongside RJ. With that said... damn it I'd like for us to get Edwards.

I'd still go with a PG. in your example of the options listed I'd go with Hayes. Nothing Frank has done in 3 years shows me that he will be a starting caliber PG. He still has a place on a roster though. I'm not even sure Frank can be a consistent backup PG but he has use as a defensive specialist. The shooting, penetration, playmaking ability that you need out of the PG position just isn't there. His best chance to be a starter at this point would be if he could bring up his 3pt% enough to be an off ball 3 and D guard, and he's still shooting a sub-par 31% so I'm not confident that's going to happen either.

If LaMelo or Hayes are on the board I'm taking them 1 or 2. If they're off the board I'd still like to take a look at Hampton or Haliburton although I'm not as much sold on either of the, but I'd also be okay taking a non-PG at that point if there's a solid player still on the board like Wiseman, Edwards, Okongwu.

If we fall in the lotto I'd prefer we try to trade up for LaMelo, we're desperate

[moocow007]

DX now on that Udoka Azubuike wave. Looks like he might play himself into the first round now if he keeps up his dominant play.

The newly minted Big 12 player of the year, Azubuike has established himself as a contender for national player of the year honors as well -- the best and most important player on the top team in college basketball.

Azubuike's junior year was derailed by a torn hand ligament that allowed him to play only nine games. He entered the draft for the second straight year but once again withdrew after drawing less interest than hoped. Then he spent the offseason getting into the best shape of his career.

He has been incredibly productive as a rebounder and finisher, as usual, but the other reason he's knocking on the door of the first round of the draft is that he has made significant strides on the defensive end as the anchor of a Kansas defense that currently ranks No. 2 in the country, according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index.

Entering this season, Azubuike was strictly a drop defender in pick-and-roll situations who would typically get carved up any time he stepped outside of the paint due to his heavy feet and below average feel for the game. His improved conditioning and significantly higher intensity level, along with his experience, have allowed him to emerge as arguably the most impactful defensive big man in college basketball, a complete wrecking ball in the paint with his shredded 270-pound frame and outrageous 7-foot-8 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach.

This season he has hedged and even switched ball screens, keeping smaller players in front and making himself incredibly difficult to shoot over. His ridiculous length allows him to block shots from incredible vantage points, both on the perimeter and inside the paint, and with either hand (his 3.8 blocks per-40 minutes ranks No. 1 among ESPN Top 100 prospects). There are very few big men on the planet with Azubuike's dimensions, and the fact that he now covers ground adequately, contains drives and is virtually impossible to post up in the lane has added quite a bit of intrigue. In the NBA, he could have a huge physical advantage on a nightly basis with his unbelievable measurements.

Azubuike is a game-changer on offense as well, as he's extremely quick and powerful elevating off two feet and has shown significantly improved hands, timing and instincts as a finisher. Kansas' offense revolves heavily around getting him deep paint touches as a roller or post-up threat, as just throwing the ball in his vicinity has a high likelihood of resulting in a dunk. He's shooting 74% from the field due to his interior dominance, and also posting a career high in assists.

Some NBA teams have had questions about Azubuike's listed age (20) and fit in the modern game, as well as his 44% free throw shooting and inconsistent approach, which has led to some friction between him and Kansas' coaching staff. But his freakish physical tools, dominance at the college level and improvements on both ends of the floor suggest he'll have a role in the NBA. A dominant NCAA Tournament showing could move him firmly into the first round, possibly even the top 20 for a franchise that wants to buck the small-ball movement and force opposing teams to adjust to him on a nightly basis. -- Givony

They may have a point. He does look like a 30 year old dude lol.

This is Azubuike as he supposedly just turned 15 years old...



This is him as a 19 year old...

[Zenzibar]

DX now on that Udoka Azubuike wave. Looks like he might play himself into the first round now if he keeps up his dominant play.

The newly minted Big 12 player of the year, Azubuike has established himself as a contender for national player of the year honors as well -- the best and most important player on the top team in college basketball.

Azubuike's junior year was derailed by a torn hand ligament that allowed him to play only nine games. He entered the draft for the second straight year but once again withdrew after drawing less interest than hoped. Then he spent the offseason getting into the best shape of his career.

He has been incredibly productive as a rebounder and finisher, as usual, but the other reason he's knocking on the door of the first round of the draft is that he has made significant strides on the defensive end as the anchor of a Kansas defense that currently ranks No. 2 in the country, according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index.

Entering this season, Azubuike was strictly a drop defender in pick-and-roll situations who would typically get carved up any time he stepped outside of the paint due to his heavy feet and below average feel for the game. His improved conditioning and significantly higher intensity level, along with his experience, have allowed him to emerge as arguably the most impactful defensive big man in college basketball, a complete wrecking ball in the paint with his shredded 270-pound frame and outrageous 7-foot-8 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach.

This season he has hedged and even switched ball screens, keeping smaller players in front and making himself incredibly difficult to shoot over. His ridiculous length allows him to block shots from incredible vantage points, both on the perimeter and inside the paint, and with either hand (his 3.8 blocks per-40 minutes ranks No. 1 among ESPN Top 100 prospects). There are very few big men on the planet with Azubuike's dimensions, and the fact that he now covers ground adequately, contains drives and is virtually impossible to post up in the lane has added quite a bit of intrigue. In the NBA, he could have a huge physical advantage on a nightly basis with his unbelievable measurements.

Azubuike is a game-changer on offense as well, as he's extremely quick and powerful elevating off two feet and has shown significantly improved hands, timing and instincts as a finisher. Kansas' offense revolves heavily around getting him deep paint touches as a roller or post-up threat, as just throwing the ball in his vicinity has a high likelihood of resulting in a dunk. He's shooting 74% from the field due to his interior dominance, and also posting a career high in assists.

Some NBA teams have had questions about Azubuike's listed age (20) and fit in the modern game, as well as his 44% free throw shooting and inconsistent approach, which has led to some friction between him and Kansas' coaching staff. But his freakish physical tools, dominance at the college level and improvements on both ends of the floor suggest he'll have a role in the NBA. A dominant NCAA Tournament showing could move him firmly into the first round, possibly even the top 20 for a franchise that wants to buck the small-ball movement and force opposing teams to adjust to him on a nightly basis. -- Givony

They may have a point. He does look like a 30 year old dude lol.

This is Azubuike as he supposedly just turned 15 years old...



This is him as a 19 year old...

Will this be him at 21?

[moocow007]

DX now on that Udoka Azubuike wave. Looks like he might play himself into the first round now if he keeps up his dominant play.

They may have a point. He does look like a 30 year old dude lol.

This is Azubuike as he supposedly just turned 15 years old...



This is him as a 19 year old...

Will this be him at 21?

[Fat]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. He just needs to stay healthy

[3toheadmelo]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. he just needs to stay healthy.

Maybe he might not make much sense for the Knicks but I can’t help it. I love old school dominant big men. Lol

[Fat]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. he just needs to stay healthy.

Maybe he might not make much sense for the Knicks but I can’t help it. I love old school dominant big men. Lol

Yeah the game is trending away from it. I think he would look good on a team that clearly lacks an inside presence and can find proper playing time for him like the hornets.

[god shammgod]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. He just needs to stay healthy

if the knicks fall, take killian

[3toheadmelo]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. he just needs to stay healthy.

Maybe he might not make much sense for the Knicks but I can’t help it. I love old school dominant big men. Lol

Yeah the game is trending away from it. I think he would look good on a team that clearly lacks an inside presence and can find proper playing time for him like the hornets.

**** the new NBA. Everybody just wanna shoot 3’s and flop their way to the free throw line. Bring back dominant big men, bring back the mid range, etc. Suck my wood analytics

This small ball phase is gonna be over soon and big men will be back

[3toheadmelo]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. He just needs to stay healthy

if the knicks fall, take killian

He not talking about Hayes lol

[god shammgod]

Azubuikie

44%FT Shooter & his offense comes from scoring around the rim?

For a team like the Knicks this doesn’t make sense.

Kilian tillie seems more intriguing. High iq, can play both PF/C, good passer has the skill to play inside or outside. (40 percent from downtown) And plays with more of a vet mentality. He just needs to stay healthy

if the knicks fall, take killian

He not talking about Hayes lol

i should read the whole post next time.