Raps 2020 Picks (Prospect Watch, Update: Vecenie Mock Released)

[Psubs]

Isn't that what Ibaka is doing playing half the game? Raps use Boucher in that role when there's an injury and he does good enough.

So we're drafting a guy to play the same position as 3 other guys on our team?

I don't know but this draft in our range there are alot of similar guys like Diakite, Precious Achiuwa, Amar Sylla. I just see them as long term projects that don't really add anything new, nor do they show high upside. Diakite is already 23.

PG is a need. Lowry is not going to play forever, and FVV is not restricted so Toronto could lose him.

Toronto should target some of the upside PGs who can score and guard, and add speed to keep Toronto's pace high:

Kira Lewis Jr -19
Joel Ayayi -20
Tyrese Maxey - 19
Devon Dotson -20
Tyrell Terry -19

Out of all those guys only Terry projects as an iffy defender but he could be a great scorer similar to Trae Young. Given their age these guys do one year in the G-League and then they can play rotation minutes for Toronto, possibly as starters down the line.

I guess we can debate who is more likely to leave, FVV or Ibaka. I'm guessing Marc will stay.

Even if FVV leaves, have Lowry-Davis-Powell-Siakam-McCaw to bring the ball up. If Ibaka leaves, have Marc, Boucher, Siakam, OG. Hernandez and Konate are just as likely to step in as a 905 guard.

[rapsdotcom]

I like the guard depth of this draft so I’d be inclined to go with one at 28. Just seems like the most value to be had at that spot.

[Psubs]

I like the guard depth of this draft so I’d be inclined to go with one at 28. Just seems like the most value to be had at that spot.

I'm thinking that since it is deep in guards, can find good quality at #58 if someone falls. Like is projected 1st round pick Tyrese Maxey going to be any better than Malik Monk who is pretty much a backup combo-guard that doesn't do anything above average?

Cassius Winston
Tre Jones
Markus Howard
Myles Powell
Arturs Zagars

[BoyzNTheHood]

Isn't that what Ibaka is doing playing half the game? Raps use Boucher in that role when there's an injury and he does good enough.

So we're drafting a guy to play the same position as 3 other guys on our team?

Drafting or not drafting a prospect based on positional bias is often not smart. Positions in the context of basketball are largely imaginary because roles are fluid and vary from team to team. I remember the main knock on Kawhi was that he was in between a SF and a PF, whatever that means. I'm sure Pascal was seen as not quite a modern PF and not quite a C. I'm not saying Diakete is those guys - I just think it's silly if your main knock on the guy is positional fit.

That's all well and good until the kid can't get any playing time. Always taking the BPA is something a lot of casual draft experts like to throw around. If the guy at your pick is clearly much better than everyone else of course you take him over the others, but at 28 you're splitting hairs a lot of the time.

And no, that's not my only knock on Diakite. There are plenty of guys I'd take ahead of him.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Abdoulaye N'Doye is my new favourite prospect for us at 28. For those who don't know, he's a 22 year old French G/F. In my opinion he's a MASSIVE sleeper. The raw tools are incredible.:

From DX

measuring 6'6.5 in shoes with a tremendous 7'2 wingspan and a sturdy 198-pound frame. Playing primarily point guard at this point in his career, N'Doye is the longest and among the tallest point guards or combo guards we have measurements for in our massive database. It is no wonder N'Doye is such a menace defensively given his freakish wingspan-to-height ratio is right on par with that of Kawhi Leonard. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

Also from DX who was covering the U18 European Championship back in 2017

One of the lone European players to find their footing in the first game, oversized French point guard Abdoulaye N'Doye scored 8 points while coming up with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in only 21 minutes. Much improved from the last setting we evaluated him in at the U18 European Championship in Samsun, N'Doye's skill-set and feel for the game appear to be making major strides. He used both sides of the floor, showed the ability to change speeds patiently and read the help-side defense, and was constantly probing with his dribble looking to get others involved. The clear-cut best defender here among the European prospects, N'Doye showed the ability to lock down anywhere from the 1-3 positions, completely locking down heralded NBA prospect Arnoldas Kulboka (who stands 6'9) with suffocating ball-pressure thanks to his long arms, quick feet and chiseled frame. N'Doye measured exceptionally well at 6'5 1/2 without shoes, with a massive 7'2 wingspan that may even allow him to even defend some big men as his strong 198 pound frame fills out. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

The worst case scenario for this guy in my opinion is a lockdown defender who's able to guard 1-3 and maybe the 4 depending on who's at that spot and how much strength he can add. However, that just makes him a bigger Frank Ntilikina. He'll need to develop his game just like the rest of our best prospects have done and at that point I could see him becoming a Will Barton type which is a great draftee at the end of the first round.

Check out some scouting video below. It's not just a bunch of highlights, there are bad plays too...

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

Abdoulaye N'Doye is my new favourite prospect for us at 28. For those who don't know, he's a 22 year old French G/F. In my opinion he's a MASSIVE sleeper. The raw tools are incredible.:

From DX

measuring 6'6.5 in shoes with a tremendous 7'2 wingspan and a sturdy 198-pound frame. Playing primarily point guard at this point in his career, N'Doye is the longest and among the tallest point guards or combo guards we have measurements for in our massive database. It is no wonder N'Doye is such a menace defensively given his freakish wingspan-to-height ratio is right on par with that of Kawhi Leonard. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

Also from DX who was covering the U18 European Championship back in 2017

One of the lone European players to find their footing in the first game, oversized French point guard Abdoulaye N'Doye scored 8 points while coming up with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in only 21 minutes. Much improved from the last setting we evaluated him in at the U18 European Championship in Samsun, N'Doye's skill-set and feel for the game appear to be making major strides. He used both sides of the floor, showed the ability to change speeds patiently and read the help-side defense, and was constantly probing with his dribble looking to get others involved. The clear-cut best defender here among the European prospects, N'Doye showed the ability to lock down anywhere from the 1-3 positions, completely locking down heralded NBA prospect Arnoldas Kulboka (who stands 6'9) with suffocating ball-pressure thanks to his long arms, quick feet and chiseled frame. N'Doye measured exceptionally well at 6'5 1/2 without shoes, with a massive 7'2 wingspan that may even allow him to even defend some big men as his strong 198 pound frame fills out. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

The worst case scenario for this guy in my opinion is a lockdown defender who's able to guard 1-3 and maybe the 4 depending on who's at that spot and how much strength he can add. However, that just makes him a bigger Frank Ntilikina. He'll need to develop his game just like the rest of our best prospects have done and at that point I could see him becoming a Will Barton type which is a great draftee at the end of the first round.

Check out some scouting video below. It's not just a bunch of highlights, there are bad plays too...

Watch on YouTube

Take him at #58. He looks like Patrick McCaw.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Abdoulaye N'Doye is my new favourite prospect for us at 28. For those who don't know, he's a 22 year old French G/F. In my opinion he's a MASSIVE sleeper. The raw tools are incredible.:

From DX

measuring 6'6.5 in shoes with a tremendous 7'2 wingspan and a sturdy 198-pound frame. Playing primarily point guard at this point in his career, N'Doye is the longest and among the tallest point guards or combo guards we have measurements for in our massive database. It is no wonder N'Doye is such a menace defensively given his freakish wingspan-to-height ratio is right on par with that of Kawhi Leonard. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

Also from DX who was covering the U18 European Championship back in 2017

One of the lone European players to find their footing in the first game, oversized French point guard Abdoulaye N'Doye scored 8 points while coming up with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in only 21 minutes. Much improved from the last setting we evaluated him in at the U18 European Championship in Samsun, N'Doye's skill-set and feel for the game appear to be making major strides. He used both sides of the floor, showed the ability to change speeds patiently and read the help-side defense, and was constantly probing with his dribble looking to get others involved. The clear-cut best defender here among the European prospects, N'Doye showed the ability to lock down anywhere from the 1-3 positions, completely locking down heralded NBA prospect Arnoldas Kulboka (who stands 6'9) with suffocating ball-pressure thanks to his long arms, quick feet and chiseled frame. N'Doye measured exceptionally well at 6'5 1/2 without shoes, with a massive 7'2 wingspan that may even allow him to even defend some big men as his strong 198 pound frame fills out. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Abdoulaye-N-doye-84740/ ©DraftExpress

The worst case scenario for this guy in my opinion is a lockdown defender who's able to guard 1-3 and maybe the 4 depending on who's at that spot and how much strength he can add. However, that just makes him a bigger Frank Ntilikina. He'll need to develop his game just like the rest of our best prospects have done and at that point I could see him becoming a Will Barton type which is a great draftee at the end of the first round.

Check out some scouting video below. It's not just a bunch of highlights, there are bad plays too...

Watch on YouTube

Take him at #58. He looks like Patrick McCaw.

No chance he's available at 58. More of a Barton than McCaw.

[HeadtopChunes]

Dotson is really growing on me recently

[Syd-TK3]

If Kira Lewis is avaible at 28 you take him and run easily

[BoyzNTheHood]

If Kira Lewis is avaible at 28 you take him and run easily

I wish. He's a top-10 talent in this draft.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Aaron Nesmith is a guy to watch for us if their isn't more time for front offices to do more in depth scouting. Remember Stack is his coach and is still very connected within our organization. I find Nesmith to be a very weird prospect. I don't understand how a guy goes from a 33% long range shooter to 52% in one season. There's something to be said for hard work, but that jump is astronomical, especially with the defense focusing more on you.

[Psubs]

Aaron Nesmith is a guy to watch for us if their isn't more time for front offices to do more in depth scouting. Remember Stack is his coach and is still very connected within our organization. I find Nesmith to be a very weird prospect. I don't understand how a guy goes from a 33% long range shooter to 52% in one season. There's something to be said for hard work, but that jump is astronomical, especially with the defense focusing more on you.

Also it's only been 14 games in his sophomore season.

I guess he could be Korver 2.0.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Aaron Nesmith is a guy to watch for us if their isn't more time for front offices to do more in depth scouting. Remember Stack is his coach and is still very connected within our organization. I find Nesmith to be a very weird prospect. I don't understand how a guy goes from a 33% long range shooter to 52% in one season. There's something to be said for hard work, but that jump is astronomical, especially with the defense focusing more on you.

Also it's only been 14 games in his sophomore season.

I guess he could be Korver 2.0.

Yeah, the sample size is definitely much smaller but something just seems off to me. Then again, there are guys in pro sports like Jose Bautista who made a minor tweak in his swing and went from a utility player to a 50 home run hitter and MVP candidate.

[Psubs]

Aaron Nesmith is a guy to watch for us if their isn't more time for front offices to do more in depth scouting. Remember Stack is his coach and is still very connected within our organization. I find Nesmith to be a very weird prospect. I don't understand how a guy goes from a 33% long range shooter to 52% in one season. There's something to be said for hard work, but that jump is astronomical, especially with the defense focusing more on you.

Also it's only been 14 games in his sophomore season.

I guess he could be Korver 2.0.

Yeah, the sample size is definitely much smaller but something just seems off to me. Then again, there are guys in pro sports like Jose Bautista who made a minor tweak in his swing and went from a utility player to a 50 home run hitter and MVP candidate.

Maybe he just got stronger and more touches to get into grooves?

Seems like he just didn't shoot as well in his freshman year.

https://www.prepcircuit.com/stats/team_instance/2877688?subseason=412391&tab=team_instance_player_stats&tool=2545455

In 9 games in the pre circuit he shot 80% from 3. I get they probably don't defend well but still 80% in games is sweet.

Oh wait.

https://www.prepcircuit.com/roster_players/21914836?subseason=412391

Score keepers If you take out the 3 makes he's at least shot 13 for 20 in 2 games.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/darius-garland-1.html

He played with Darius Garland last season. Garland only played 5 games shooting 47.8% from 3 and got drafted high, but not doing that great. I think it would be safe to say that Nesmith would shoot at least 35% in the NBA because he's 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan.

[Syd-TK3]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/
The ringer started their big board
Always interesting to see their opinion considering how completely different they be sometimes

[Psubs]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/
The ringer started their big board
Always interesting to see their opinion considering how completely different they be sometimes

Killian Hays is like Manu/DLo but doesn't shoot 3's that well?

Patrick Williams at 6'8 seems like Patrick Patterson.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Robert Woodard II is an interesting option as like RHJ with a 3pt shot.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/robert-woodard-2.html

Surprised no Oturo.

[Mark_83]

Aaron Nesmith is a guy to watch for us if their isn't more time for front offices to do more in depth scouting. Remember Stack is his coach and is still very connected within our organization. I find Nesmith to be a very weird prospect. I don't understand how a guy goes from a 33% long range shooter to 52% in one season. There's something to be said for hard work, but that jump is astronomical, especially with the defense focusing more on you.

As much as I want Nesmith (and he and Vassell are probably atop my board, in addition to Terry), I don't see any way her makes it to pick 28 even with the injury. OG was injured in his draft year, put up worse numbers than Nesmith (especially shooting) and still went 23rd overall. If we want Nesmith we need to trade into the 15-23 range at least.

[HeadtopChunes]

He will probably get picked much higher, but Jaden Mcdaniels would be an interesting developmental project for us.

[God Squad]

Isn't that what Ibaka is doing playing half the game? Raps use Boucher in that role when there's an injury and he does good enough.

So we're drafting a guy to play the same position as 3 other guys on our team?

I don't know but this draft in our range there are alot of similar guys like Diakite, Precious Achiuwa, Amar Sylla. I just see them as long term projects that don't really add anything new, nor do they show high upside. Diakite is already 23.

PG is a need. Lowry is not going to play forever, and FVV is not restricted so Toronto could lose him.

Toronto should target some of the upside PGs who can score and guard, and add speed to keep Toronto's pace high:

Kira Lewis Jr -19
Joel Ayayi -20
Tyrese Maxey - 19
Devon Dotson -20
Tyrell Terry -19

Out of all those guys only Terry projects as an iffy defender but he could be a great scorer similar to Trae Young. Given their age these guys do one year in the G-League and then they can play rotation minutes for Toronto, possibly as starters down the line.

Out of the point guards listed, I like Kira and Terry (Both for upside). Maxey should be out of our range. But love his potential as a defender.

[God Squad]

I like the guard depth of this draft so I’d be inclined to go with one at 28. Just seems like the most value to be had at that spot.

I'm thinking that since it is deep in guards, can find good quality at #58 if someone falls. Like is projected 1st round pick Tyrese Maxey going to be any better than Malik Monk who is pretty much a backup combo-guard that doesn't do anything above average?

Cassius Winston
Tre Jones
Markus Howard
Myles Powell
Arturs Zagars

Fair point but I'd be willing to bed Maxey adds a ton on the defensive end. But definitely leaves a lot to be desired on the offensive side of things. Inconsistent jumper had a lot to do with it.