2020 Pre-Draft Discussion

[bravor]

Just normal information, idon't pretend to have scout level by far. Just pointing out what i have seen in couple campaigns in which i have seen him.
I just can't wait to see this season ending (and i hope they will pick up the play offs option of course), as i belong to the people who think Batum's expiring - still need to pick up his option - can yield a decent pick. The irony would be to use a pick from batum's trade on a borderline star level young draftee...

[youngWizzy]

Hey guys, I just added a new feature to my site that let's you compare two prospects side by side here: https://nbadraftcomp.herokuapp.com/compare

Probably one of the cooler tools I've added.

I also added age as a method for comparing players for per40 and advanced stats which a lot of you requested! You can also choose to add manual measurements on the site as well as pick and choose which measurements you would like to compare physical measurements for players. Also similarity scores for comparisons are on the site as well!

If you don't mind checking it out that'd be amazing!!!!

[UNCNYC]

We have so many good scenerio's that we can have happen for us. I have been considering taking Jalen Smith a lot for our 1st pick. If not we will be lucky if he falls to us with our 2nd pick and are able to land Hayes with pick 1.

OPTION 1 -

PICK 1 - Killian Hayes

PICK 2 - Jalen Smith

PICK 3 - Elijah Hughes

-----
OPTION 2 - Trade back

PICK 1 - JaDen McDaniels

PICK 2 - Leandro Balmoro

PICK 3 - Ayo Dosunmu

-----
OPTION 3 - Trade back

PICK 1 - Jalen Smith

PICK 2 - Leandro Balmoro

PICK 3 - Isaiah Joe

-----
OPTION 4 - Trade back

PICK 1 - Leandro Balmoro

PICK 2 - Jalen Smtih

PICK 3 - Trendon Watford

[UNCNYC]

I have become a real fan of Vit Krejci as of late. I like his energy, passing skills, driving, and underdog fighting spirit. It's like he has the total package but in an underdog kinda way. I hope if he goes undrafted we invite him to camp because I am a fan

Watch on YouTube

[Snidely FC]

Biz and Billy are free agents. Does anyone expect either to be retained? Zeller has no future here, one more yr on contract. Basically our Center going forward is PJ Washington, who I love, but really is a 4.

What do we do about Center? There are some interesting, but flawed, young Centers on the free agent market this summer. Harry Giles, Jalil Okafor, Damian Jones. Serge Ibaka is also a UFA but not coming here. Do we really want any of these guys?

Conventional wisdom is don't spend a high draft pick on a Center because Center production is fungible.

But if James Wiseman is available when CHA picks you've got to seriously consider him, no? He is 19yo, 7'1 with a 7'6 wingspan. His size and athleticism, as well as his shooting form (stroke reminiscent of Chris Bosh) make him a unique prospect. That 7'6 wingspan is not fungible. He doesn't seem like the highest bball IQ player but he is only 19 and could be our Mitchell Robinson rim-protector rim-roller type in the middle solving the franchise Center position for a decade. 7'6 WINGSPAN

Many mock drafts have CHA selecting Onyeka Okongwu at 8, because of this dearth at Center. I am not going to be mad if he is the pick, but he is 6'9" the same size as Biz and this team is perennially undersized, especially at Center. What to do on nights where Embiid, etc come to town? He is also an "energy" guy - again, like Biz, and more of a defensive specialist - but teams overlooked Brendan Clarke as an "energy guy" last year, and Clarke is showing what a guy whose motor runs at a higher level can bring.

There are players at other positions I would love to add to this roster but not sure the team goes wrong with either of these bigs

Let's just say I am "concerned" that CHA will target a Center in the lottery. Not the sexy thing to do in today's NBA, but I can see why they would.

BTW I found these NBA Draft Breakdown videos I really like them because as in the old DraftXpress videos they give both strengths and weaknesses in one video, so you are reminded all these young guys are not without risks or flaws

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[cornchip]

Biz and Billy are free agents. Does anyone expect either to be retained? Zeller has no future here, one more yr on contract.

What do we do about Center? There are some interesting, but flawed, young Centers on the free agent market this summer. Harry Giles, Jalil Okafor, Damian Jones. Serge Ibaka is also a UFA but not coming here. Do we really want any of these guys?

Conventional wisdom is don't spend a high draft pick on a Center because Center production is fungible.

But if James Wiseman is available when CHA picks you've got to seriously consider him, no? He is 19yo, 7'1 with a 7'6 wingspan. His size and athleticism, as well as his shooting form (stroke reminiscent of Chris Bosh) make him a unique prospect. That 7'6 wingspan is not fungible. He doesn't seem like the highest bball IQ player but he is only 19 and could be our Mitchell Robinson rim-protector rim-roller type in the middle solving the franchise Center position for a decade. 7'6 WINGSPAN

Many mock drafts have CHA selecting Onyeka Okongwu at 8, because of this dearth at Center. I am not going to be mad if he is the pick, but he is 6'9" the same size as Biz and this team is perennially undersized, especially at Center. What to do on nights where Embiid, etc come to town? He is also an "energy" guy - again, like Biz, and more of a defensive specialist - but teams overlooked Brendan Clarke as an "energy guy" last year, and Clarke is showing what a guy whose motor runs at a higher level can bring.

There are players at other positions I would love to add to this roster but not sure the team goes wrong with either of these bigs

Let's just say I am "concerned" that CHA will target a Center in the lottery. Not the sexy thing to do in today's NBA, but I can see why they would.

BTW I found these NBA Draft Breakdown videos I really like them because as in the old DraftXpress videos they give both strengths and weaknesses in one video, so you are reminded all these young guys are not without risks or flaws

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Wiseman won't be there unless we shoot up in the lottery. If we are dead set on him, we would probably have to give up a future 1st.

[Diop]

on a side not, I would have no problem giving Biz the minimum to be the end of bench centre insurance guy.

[HornetJail]

on a side not, I would have no problem giving Biz the minimum to be the end of bench centre insurance guy.

he'll get more. i'd be fine with a short term 5M deal

[UNCNYC]

I see some are concerned with us drafting a CENTER. I think Jalen Smith is the best prospect in the draft for center. He can also play PF. He is a good shooter, floor runner, defender and we can trade back and get a future pick to get him rather than waste a pick and trade up. Some mocks have him in the top 20. I think he is the best center prospect.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[Snidely FC]

These are 5 guys I like in this draft each of whom in their own way I think compliment the young core we saw start to come together this season

Tyrese Haliburton - particularly juiced about his fit alongside Graham & the Martin twins; size creative playmaking defensive versatility and 3 pt schwackdom

Watch on YouTube

Saddiq Bey - big wing could see him stepping in and playing on day 1 because of his oustanding defense and 45% 3 pt shooting; that Nova pedigree

Watch on YouTube

Paul Reed - Since Shane Battier in 2001 only Mattise Thybulle, Nerlens Noel...and Paul Reed...averaged 3 blocks and 2 steals in an NCAA season; the 6'9 forward also averaged 15 pts & 10 reb

Watch on YouTube

Xavier Tillman - likewise Tillman has done something only Tim Duncan (twice) & Bo Outlaw have in an NCAA season: averaged 10 rebs 3 assists and 2.2 blocks per game; terrific passing big and defensive captain makes everyone around him better

Watch on YouTube

Corey Kispert - high IQ big frame SF can really stroke the ball, reminiscent of a young Kyle Korver, 6''7, 43% 3 pt shooter; could use a knockdown 3 pt shooter like him to spread the floor

Watch on YouTube

[UNCNYC]

These are 5 guys I like in this draft each of whom in their own way I think compliment the young core we saw start to come together this season

Tyrese Haliburton - particularly juiced about his fit alongside Graham & the Martin twins; size creative playmaking defensive versatility and 3 pt schwackdom

Watch on YouTube

Saddiq Bey - big wing could see him stepping in and playing on day 1 because of his oustanding defense and 45% 3 pt shooting; that Nova pedigree

Watch on YouTube

Paul Reed - Since Shane Battier in 2001 only Mattise Thybulle, Nerlens Noel...and Paul Reed...averaged 3 blocks and 2 steals in an NCAA season; the 6'9 forward also averaged 15 pts & 10 reb

Watch on YouTube

Xavier Tillman - likewise Tillman has done something only Tim Duncan (twice) & Bo Outlaw have in an NCAA season: averaged 10 rebs 3 assists and 2.2 blocks per game; terrific passing big and defensive captain makes everyone around him better

Watch on YouTube

Corey Kispert - high IQ big frame SF can really stroke the ball, reminiscent of a young Kyle Korver, 6''7, 43% 3 pt shooter; could use a knockdown 3 pt shooter like him to spread the floor

Watch on YouTube

Good choices. I wouldn't expect anything less from ya. Out of them my choice is Saddiq Bey as far as favorites goes.

[Hornet Mania]

I'm starting to wonder if Wiseman might just fall into our laps. What got me thinking about it was reading reports about the Warriors preferring Edwards (although to be fair there are conflicting reports they want a big) and the rumors that some lotto teams have Obi Toppin higher than Wiseman. As I looked down the pre-lotto standings I realized one of the bigs may be in for a slide. I'll sort them into 'likely', 'maybe', and 'unlikely' to take a C:

1. Warriors- Maybe (Personally I think they should take a big but if the Edwards rumors are true they would not)

2. Cavaliers- Borderline Maybe (Already have Drummond and Thompson, do they really pick Wiseman after the Drummond trade?)

3. T-Wolves- Unlikely (Unless they want to try Twin Towers in the 2020s NBA)

4. Hawks- Unlikely (Just traded for Capela who makes Wiseman redundant)

5. Pistons- Likely? (I would think they should take a C, but they just dumped Drummond who is similar)

6. Knicks- Unlikely (Already have Robinson, they need a PG. If they hire Thibs no way in hell he drafts a project C)

7. Bulls- Maybe (They might take Wiseman for value, but they already have Markannen and Carter Jr as future 4/5)


So out of the seven teams currently above us only three have a need for a big and one of those three is rumored to covet Edwards. If the Pistons and Cavs shy away from bigs due to the Drummond trade, Cavs because they have him and Pistons because they just divested themselves of a similar player, and the Bulls take a guard or wing that leaves one of the two consensus best bigs for Charlotte.

It's far from certain, but someone always slides. With the league going smaller with every year, this draft being particularly guard heavy and the increased uncertainty of Wiseman's short college career + Covid-19 limiting in-person workouts he may just be the unlucky one this year. If not him than Toppin could be the one taking the tumble.

[UNCNYC]

I'm starting to wonder if Wiseman might just fall into our laps. What got me thinking about it was reading reports about the Warriors preferring Edwards (although to be fair there are conflicting reports they want a big) and the rumors that some lotto teams have Obi Toppin higher than Wiseman. As I looked down the pre-lotto standings I realized one of the bigs may be in for a slide. I'll sort them into 'likely', 'maybe', and 'unlikely' to take a C:

1. Warriors- Maybe (Personally I think they should take a big but if the Edwards rumors are true they would not)

2. Cavaliers- Borderline Maybe (Already have Drummond and Thompson, do they really pick Wiseman after the Drummond trade?)

3. T-Wolves- Unlikely (Unless they want to try Twin Towers in the 2020s NBA)

4. Hawks- Unlikely (Just traded for Capela who makes Wiseman redundant)

5. Pistons- Likely? (I would think they should take a C, but they just dumped Drummond who is similar)

6. Knicks- Unlikely (Already have Robinson, they need a PG. If they hire Thibs no way in hell he drafts a project C)

7. Bulls- Maybe (They might take Wiseman for value, but they already have Markannen and Carter Jr as future 4/5)


So out of the seven teams currently above us only three have a need for a big and one of those three is rumored to covet Edwards. If the Pistons and Cavs shy away from bigs due to the Drummond trade, Cavs because they have him and Pistons because they just divested themselves of a similar player, and the Bulls take a guard or wing that leaves one of the two consensus best bigs for Charlotte.

It's far from certain, but someone always slides. With the league going smaller with every year, this draft being particularly guard heavy and the increased uncertainty of Wiseman's short college career + Covid-19 limiting in-person workouts he may just be the unlucky one this year. If not him than Toppin could be the one taking the tumble.

I wouldn't HATE the wiseman pick (only because it's a deep draft) meaning that imo we can pick up 2 other good players late but I think we would regret taking him over Jalen Smtih (not by much but I think we would). I think moreso because we could have traded back and still landed Smith and gotten a future first thrown in I am sure since smith has been projected as a 20 or beyond selection

[HornetJail]

I'm starting to wonder if Wiseman might just fall into our laps. What got me thinking about it was reading reports about the Warriors preferring Edwards (although to be fair there are conflicting reports they want a big) and the rumors that some lotto teams have Obi Toppin higher than Wiseman. As I looked down the pre-lotto standings I realized one of the bigs may be in for a slide. I'll sort them into 'likely', 'maybe', and 'unlikely' to take a C:

1. Warriors- Maybe (Personally I think they should take a big but if the Edwards rumors are true they would not)

2. Cavaliers- Borderline Maybe (Already have Drummond and Thompson, do they really pick Wiseman after the Drummond trade?)

3. T-Wolves- Unlikely (Unless they want to try Twin Towers in the 2020s NBA)

4. Hawks- Unlikely (Just traded for Capela who makes Wiseman redundant)

5. Pistons- Likely? (I would think they should take a C, but they just dumped Drummond who is similar)

6. Knicks- Unlikely (Already have Robinson, they need a PG. If they hire Thibs no way in hell he drafts a project C)

7. Bulls- Maybe (They might take Wiseman for value, but they already have Markannen and Carter Jr as future 4/5)


So out of the seven teams currently above us only three have a need for a big and one of those three is rumored to covet Edwards. If the Pistons and Cavs shy away from bigs due to the Drummond trade, Cavs because they have him and Pistons because they just divested themselves of a similar player, and the Bulls take a guard or wing that leaves one of the two consensus best bigs for Charlotte.

It's far from certain, but someone always slides. With the league going smaller with every year, this draft being particularly guard heavy and the increased uncertainty of Wiseman's short college career + Covid-19 limiting in-person workouts he may just be the unlucky one this year. If not him than Toppin could be the one taking the tumble.

I wouldn't let Drummond, Capela, Robinson, or WCS/Markannen turn me off of drafting Wiseman. I don't see a way he falls out of the top 3 unless multiple teams with All-Star centers manage to jump in the lottery.

[UNCNYC]

I wouldn't mind a draft of

PICK 1 - Killian Hayes

PICK 2 - Tyler Bey

PICK 3 - Reggie Perry

[LofJ]

I wouldn't mind a draft of

PICK 1 - Killian Hayes

PICK 2 - Tyler Bey

PICK 3 - Reggie Perry

That would be a fantastic draft, but I think Hayes and Bey will both get drafted before 8 and 32 respectively. If we move up in the draft and both Edwards and Wiseman are off the board I'd definitely be in favor of taking Hayes.

[UNCNYC]

I wouldn't mind a draft of

PICK 1 - Killian Hayes

PICK 2 - Tyler Bey

PICK 3 - Reggie Perry

That would be a fantastic draft, but I think Hayes and Bey will both get drafted before 8 and 32 respectively. If we move up in the draft and both Edwards and Wiseman are off the board I'd definitely be in favor of taking Hayes.

I am not too Edwards or Wiseman but out of the two I would choose Wiseman, given that there imo are a lot of other good guards left out there who I feel will be better than Edwards when it's all said and done. I agree that I doubt they will still be there but not too much of a reach of hope because I have seen some mocks with them being pretty much right there for the taking. Hopefully we get our wish in Hayes and Bey at least for now lol. Perry aint bad either especially for that late in the draft

[Rich4114]

This draft seems like a 2 man race between Wiseman and Edwards, maybe 3 man if you add Ball. We need talent, not position. This is the NBA, not the NFL. It's an easy choice for this franchise right now to go BPA, whoever that is and whatever position it is even if it's a PG. Get the talent and work the roster after. We will definitely need to revamp our C position and I'm sick of being undersized there too, but don't reach for position during this draft.

All that being said, it seems like Wiseman is a clear cut #1 pick. I think we need to go top 1-2 to be able to get him.

[No-Man]

Best player likely availabe are

8th Aleksej Pokusevski
32nd Grant Riller
56th Arturs Kurucs

[Diop]

Pokusevski Does remind me a little of a young dirk with his ball handling and shooting.

Like dirk, he will have to work a ton to be good in the nba