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

[Kevin Willis]

Just off the first two shots you can tell Klay’s shooting mechanics are 100 times better. His shot prep and release are so much smoother. Klay has one of the best right-left or left-right steps into shots of all time. He’s way more coordinated than this kid.

I wouldn't go that far as CJ's shooting mechanics are very smooth. They might look a bit funky to you because CJ's a lefty but his shooting form is perfect. His dad Bill Elleby, who taught him to shoot, is one of the all time best 3 point shooters in Pac-12 history.

Watch on YouTube

Why so much discussion for a kid that shot 34% from three and had a TS% of .519 in the PAC-12 this year?

Klay Thompson finished three years of college at 39% from three, and TS% .574. Plus, Klay's dad was Mychal Thompson, a two time champion and first-overall pick.

Just because Klay Thompson mentors him, it doesn't mean the guy is draft worthy. He himself is only testing the draft to see if anyone takes a chance at him:

“I’m just looking for that team to take a chance on me and believe in my abilities and see some potential in me,” Elleby said. “That’s the main thing is seeing who has interest and seeing if I can slip into that draft.”

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-basketball/wsu-cougars-cj-elleby-will-test-nba-draft-waters/

Dalek any good international prospects around our range?

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

Just off the first two shots you can tell Klay’s shooting mechanics are 100 times better. His shot prep and release are so much smoother. Klay has one of the best right-left or left-right steps into shots of all time. He’s way more coordinated than this kid.

I wouldn't go that far as CJ's shooting mechanics are very smooth. They might look a bit funky to you because CJ's a lefty but his shooting form is perfect. His dad Bill Elleby, who taught him to shoot, is one of the all time best 3 point shooters in Pac-12 history.

Watch on YouTube

Why so much discussion for a kid that shot 34% from three and had a TS% of .519 in the PAC-12 this year?

Klay Thompson finished three years of college at 39% from three, and TS% .574. Plus, Klay's dad was Mychal Thompson, a two time champion and first-overall pick.

Just because Klay Thompson mentors him, it doesn't mean the guy is draft worthy. He himself is only testing the draft to see if anyone takes a chance at him:

“I’m just looking for that team to take a chance on me and believe in my abilities and see some potential in me,” Elleby said. “That’s the main thing is seeing who has interest and seeing if I can slip into that draft.”

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-basketball/wsu-cougars-cj-elleby-will-test-nba-draft-waters/

I know who Klay's father is as I grew up watching him play in the NBA. All NBA prospects are looking for a team to take a chance on them- and? I already read that article and commented on it as I Got Next in the Seattle Times' forum.

CJ tested the draft waters last season as well and got feedback from GMs/scouts that his defense needed work so he worked on that aspect of his game. CJ led the Pac-12 in total steals and steals per game this past season.

Ex NBA coach/player Earl Watson has recently said that CJ is a first round pick in this 2020 draft and is his pre draft pick for the steal of this draft. Klay Thompson has spoken in very positive terms concernng CJ's skill level and draft readiness saying that he sees a lot of himself in CJ.

Watch on YouTube

[Dalek]

I wouldn't go that far as CJ's shooting mechanics are very smooth. They might look a bit funky to you because CJ's a lefty but his shooting form is perfect. His dad Bill Elleby, who taught him to shoot, is one of the all time best 3 point shooters in Pac-12 history.

Watch on YouTube

Why so much discussion for a kid that shot 34% from three and had a TS% of .519 in the PAC-12 this year?

Klay Thompson finished three years of college at 39% from three, and TS% .574. Plus, Klay's dad was Mychal Thompson, a two time champion and first-overall pick.

Just because Klay Thompson mentors him, it doesn't mean the guy is draft worthy. He himself is only testing the draft to see if anyone takes a chance at him:

“I’m just looking for that team to take a chance on me and believe in my abilities and see some potential in me,” Elleby said. “That’s the main thing is seeing who has interest and seeing if I can slip into that draft.”

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-basketball/wsu-cougars-cj-elleby-will-test-nba-draft-waters/

I know who Klay's father is as I grew up watching him play in the NBA. All NBA prospects are looking for a team to take a chance on them- and? I already read that article and commented on it as I Got Next in the Seattle Times' forum.

CJ tested the draft waters last season as well and got feedback from GMs/scouts that his defense needed work so he worked on that aspect of his game. CJ led the Pac-12 in total steals and steals per game this past season.

Ex NBA coach/player Earl Watson has recently said that CJ is a first round pick in this 2020 draft and is his pre draft pick for the steal of this draft. Klay Thompson has spoken in very positive terms concernng CJ's skill level and draft readiness saying that he sees a lot of himself in CJ.

Watch on YouTube

I guess Earl Watson is someone credible that likes his prospects, but I haven't seen a lot of reputable draft sites even mentioning him as a fringe prospect. It is just a pretty big stretch to draft a kid who is supposed to be a shooter with iffy defense when his numbers don't really show a lot.

I mean shooter with iffy defense is going to have to do a lot to play over the Iceman - Matt Thomas.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

Why so much discussion for a kid that shot 34% from three and had a TS% of .519 in the PAC-12 this year?

Klay Thompson finished three years of college at 39% from three, and TS% .574. Plus, Klay's dad was Mychal Thompson, a two time champion and first-overall pick.

Just because Klay Thompson mentors him, it doesn't mean the guy is draft worthy. He himself is only testing the draft to see if anyone takes a chance at him:


https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-basketball/wsu-cougars-cj-elleby-will-test-nba-draft-waters/

I know who Klay's father is as I grew up watching him play in the NBA. All NBA prospects are looking for a team to take a chance on them- and? I already read that article and commented on it as I Got Next in the Seattle Times' forum.

CJ tested the draft waters last season as well and got feedback from GMs/scouts that his defense needed work so he worked on that aspect of his game. CJ led the Pac-12 in total steals and steals per game this past season.

Ex NBA coach/player Earl Watson has recently said that CJ is a first round pick in this 2020 draft and is his pre draft pick for the steal of this draft. Klay Thompson has spoken in very positive terms concernng CJ's skill level and draft readiness saying that he sees a lot of himself in CJ.

Watch on YouTube

I guess Earl Watson is someone credible that likes his prospects, but I haven't seen a lot of reputable draft sites even mentioning him as a fringe prospect. It is just a pretty big stretch to draft a kid who is supposed to be a shooter with iffy defense when his numbers don't really show a lot.

I mean shooter with iffy defense is going to have to do a lot to play over the Iceman - Matt Thomas.

NBADraft.net currently has CJ at #37 overall and had him as a late 1st rounder before that. CJ's defense isn't iffy. That is just one area that NBA personnel told him to improve on last year and he did this season. CJ led the Pac-12 in total steals (56)/steals per game (1.8) as I mentioned above and was second in the Pac-12 in points per game (19 ppg) while leading his team in rebounds per game (7.8) as a SF/SG.

So CJ's numbers do show a lot you just have to look at them with open eyes. He's not just a shooter but an all around offensive player that can score at all three levels and create for others plus he plays hard at both ends of the court. He is a two way player.

Whoever the Raptors draft at #28 most likely isn't going to crack their rotation as a rookie. CJ is only 19 years old and is only going to get better as he matures being that he is a gym rat that eats, sleeps and breathes basketball. Earl Watson & Klay Thompson are 2 indivduals that know NBA talent and what it takes to be a NBA player- both say that CJ is NBA ready...word is bond.

Watch on YouTube

[Mark_83]

Why so much discussion for a kid that shot 34% from three and had a TS% of .519 in the PAC-12 this year?

Klay Thompson finished three years of college at 39% from three, and TS% .574. Plus, Klay's dad was Mychal Thompson, a two time champion and first-overall pick.

Just because Klay Thompson mentors him, it doesn't mean the guy is draft worthy. He himself is only testing the draft to see if anyone takes a chance at him:


https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-basketball/wsu-cougars-cj-elleby-will-test-nba-draft-waters/

I know who Klay's father is as I grew up watching him play in the NBA. All NBA prospects are looking for a team to take a chance on them- and? I already read that article and commented on it as I Got Next in the Seattle Times' forum.

CJ tested the draft waters last season as well and got feedback from GMs/scouts that his defense needed work so he worked on that aspect of his game. CJ led the Pac-12 in total steals and steals per game this past season.

Ex NBA coach/player Earl Watson has recently said that CJ is a first round pick in this 2020 draft and is his pre draft pick for the steal of this draft. Klay Thompson has spoken in very positive terms concernng CJ's skill level and draft readiness saying that he sees a lot of himself in CJ.

Watch on YouTube

I guess Earl Watson is someone credible that likes his prospects, but I haven't seen a lot of reputable draft sites even mentioning him as a fringe prospect. It is just a pretty big stretch to draft a kid who is supposed to be a shooter with iffy defense when his numbers don't really show a lot.

I mean iffy shooter with iffy defense is going to have to do a lot to play over the Iceman - Matt Thomas.

FTFY

The highest I've seen him in mocks is the 37th on nbadraftnet.

[Mark_83]

It's nice to know we can now dm CJ's agent whenever we need to.

[Psubs]

It's nice to know we can now dm CJ's agent whenever we need to.

Tell him , that he needs to work on his first step. I don't see him able to blow by anyone, so it will be even harder in the NBA. I stand by my comparison to a healthy Landry Fields.


I'd consider Cassius Winston if he drops to #58.

[casual_raps_fan]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

[nabbs]

No workouts is going to be tough and the ability not to interview may really screw some teams. I trust that our background research is good enough to take a guy.


The raps May abandon their typical draft strategy a bit this year given that they just don’t have all the info on prospects they’d generally have.

I still think they’ll go advanced stats friendly and high defensive upside with enough tools offensively that they’ll bet on their system. Jalen Smith and Paul Reed to me are the guys

[Kevin Willis]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

Watch on YouTube

[casual_raps_fan]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

Watch on YouTube

Based on who may be available in our draft range, he is my top pick.

Immediately he can play a McCaw role but with way better ball handling and playmaking. (high floor)

If he meets his potential, he is a dynamic playmaker with versatile defence. His offensive role and position would fit perfectly next to Fred, OG, Siakam. (high ceiling)

[Psubs]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

Watch on YouTube

Based on who may be available in our draft range, he is my top pick.

Immediately he can play a McCaw role but with way better ball handling and playmaking. (high floor)

If he meets his potential, he is a dynamic playmaker with versatile defence. His offensive role and position would fit perfectly next to Fred, OG, Siakam. (high ceiling)

He reminds me of Rudy Fernandez with the sweet passing and athleticism, with longer arms. With Powell and TD and the talent looking fairly even in this draft, I think they should get a big.

Watch on YouTube

No workouts is going to be tough and the ability not to interview may really screw some teams. I trust that our background research is good enough to take a guy.

The raps May abandon their typical draft strategy a bit this year given that they just don’t have all the info on prospects they’d generally have.

I still think they’ll go advanced stats friendly and high defensive upside with enough tools offensively that they’ll bet on their system. Jalen Smith and Paul Reed to me are the guys

I agree. If those 2 are taken, maybe they'll try a project like Pokusevski or Sylla at #28?

[ATLTimekeeper]

No workouts is going to be tough and the ability not to interview may really screw some teams. I trust that our background research is good enough to take a guy.


The raps May abandon their typical draft strategy a bit this year given that they just don’t have all the info on prospects they’d generally have.

I still think they’ll go advanced stats friendly and high defensive upside with enough tools offensively that they’ll bet on their system. Jalen Smith and Paul Reed to me are the guys

They'll be able to interview.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

CJ Elleby is a much better player/prospect than Leandro Bolmaro on both ends of the court...wow. CJ led the Pac-12 in steals this past season- that's what you are missing. You just aren't looking deep enough is the correct answer. Just like the game announcer (Earl Watson) says in this linked video below that CJ Elleby is the best or 2nd best guard in the Pac 12 and makes other players around him better.

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

CJ Elleby is a much better player/prospect than Leandro Bolmaro on both ends of the court...wow. CJ led the Pac-12 in steals this past season- that's what you are missing. You just aren't looking deep enough is the correct answer. Just like the game announcer (Earl Watson) says in this linked video below that CJ Elleby is the best or 2nd best guard in the Pac 12 and makes other players around him better.

Sounds like he would be drafted #14-16 to Portland, Orlando or Minnesota and there's is no way that Dallas could pass him up at #21 nor NY at #25. I guess he could be Michael Redd 2.0.

[Kevin Willis]

I'm surprised there's so much discussion over CJ Elleby. He has a role as an off the ball shooter but his numbers clearly show that he needs to refine his game. He has potential to be a two way player but still hasn't shown any promise either side of the floor. What am I missing here? Am I just not looking in deep enough?

At the same position, I would much rather prefer Leandro Bolmaro for the Raptors. He'd fit what the Raptors look for in players much more than Elleby. Plays both sides of the floor hard and has versatility. Most importantly he is creative with the ball which Nurse loves.

CJ Elleby is a much better player/prospect than Leandro Bolmaro on both ends of the court...wow. CJ led the Pac-12 in steals this past season- that's what you are missing. You just aren't looking deep enough is the correct answer. Just like the game announcer (Earl Watson) says in this linked video below that CJ Elleby is the best or 2nd best guard in the Pac 12 and makes other players around him better.

1. Aaron Nesmith

2. Bolmaro
3. Elleby

That's the order if we want a big 3+D SG. All are around 20. All are good defenders. Of the three in terms of outside shooting - 1) Nesmith 2) Elleby ... 3) Bolmaro. In terms of defenders 1a) Nesmith 1b) Bolmaro ...2) Elleby (Elleby is a little stiff and doesn't move as well as the other two. Bolmaro is like a cat, potential All-NBA defender.) Size is about the same. Nesmith has video game stats but he has a foot injury so he might drop because teams want immediate contributors. Bolmaro is that sneaky good Ginobilli (lazy comparison), Fernandez multi-skilled player with vision and ball-handling. Elleby is a volume shooter with skill good rebounding and assist numbers.

Drafts are all over the place this year. Elleby is not even on some drafts but the other two always are. I think what hurts Elleby is his efficiency. He is not Klay. Nesmith is more like Klay. All of the are good with weaknesses. It's more preference. None are otherly athletic though.

[mademan]

Bolmaro>Elleby for me to. Just has more upside

[Psubs]

What about Thon's cousin, Makur Maker?

Watch on YouTube

Imagine getting the Fabulous Maker Boys? Then the Alphabet Boys!

[HeadtopChunes]

Paul Eboua could be a good second round gamble

Watch on YouTube

[rapsdotcom]

Can we stop responding to the Elleby propaganda posts?