Appropriately early 2020 NBA Draft Thread

First of all, thanks for floating content out there. With approximately 15 months til the draft, these are nice to pore through.

Now that we've dispensed with the niceties ... have you gone on record on who you'd like us to pick?

I still like Okongwu, not for any star power but for solid role-filling. Then I hope we follow it up with Hagans in round 2.

That's just one scenario. Whaddo you got, @jamallo?

Spud2nique · Post #548 » by **Spud2nique** » Tue Jun 9, 2020 3:37 pm

kg01 wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:

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First of all, thanks for floating content out there. With approximately 15 months til the draft, these are nice to pore through.

Now that we've dispensed with the niceties ... have you gone on record on who you'd like us to pick?

I still like Okongwu, not for any star power but for solid role-filling. Then I hope we follow it up with Hagans in round 2.

That's just one scenario. Whaddo you got, @jamallo?

This might be the first time we on the same guys. I’m never on the same page as Jambrad though.

Post #549 » by **HMFFL** » Tue Jun 9, 2020 10:36 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:

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I doubt he goes top 5.

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Post #550 » by **HMFFL** » Tue Jun 9, 2020 10:38 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:

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Spoiler:

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I think he has a long NBA career. One that will be productive and consistent but he won't reach star level. I hope he proves me wrong.

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Post #551 » by **HMFFL** » Tue Jun 9, 2020 10:40 pm

Travis Schlenk on Atlanta’s first round plan: ‘We’re not going to draft a guy based on positional need’

To that end, Schlenk offered a bit of insight on the team’s thought process and, while he did not speak of specific players (for clear reasons), he did state plainly that drafting for need would not be the team’s plan, at least in the first round.

“Certainly when we’re picking in the top eight, we’re not going to draft a guy based on positional need,” Schlenk said. “We’re going to try to take the guy we think is the best player for us and that is going to fit in with our team. I do think, when you get back into the second round, or late in the draft like we’ll have a pick in the 50’s, then there might be a situation where if you have two guys of similar ability, you might take the guy who fills a need then. Because now you’re thinking about roster depth and things of that nature. But, at the top of the draft, we’ll certainly focus on who we think’s got the chance to be the most impactful player.”

It comes as no surprise that Schlenk would take this public stance and, given that the Hawks do not have the type of glaring positional needs of some rebuilding franchises, it makes even more sense. Still, the uncertainty of the 2020 class — especially before the draft order is finalized — is noteworthy as a consideration, especially when considering some of the best players in the draft (LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, Onyeka Okongwu, etc.) land at positions like point guard and center that are not current “needs” in Atlanta.
“A lot of the guys at least projected to go in the top ten ended up not playing a lot this year,” said Schlenk. “So we didn’t have an opportunity to see them. A couple guys went to Australia and, because of injuries, stopped playing early. Obviously, a couple guys left college early this year as you’re aware of. So there is kind of an openendedness to scouting there.”

https://www.peachtreehoops.com/platform/amp/2020/6/9/21285181/atlanta-hawks-nba-draft-best-available-fit-need-travis-schlenk-comments-offseason

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Post #552 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Jun 10, 2020 12:52 pm

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CP War Hawks · Post #553 » by **CP War Hawks** » Wed Jun 10, 2020 9:09 pm

Sounds like Schlenk is looking for instant impact prospects. So guys like Toppin, Antman, or Ball are probably on the short list. Avdija could be in the mix depending on how far he has developed by draft day.

Post #554 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Jun 11, 2020 1:19 am

kg01 wrote:...have you gone on record on who you'd like us to pick?

I still like Okongwu, not for any star power but for solid role-filling. Then I hope we follow it up with Hagans in round 2.

That's just one scenario. Whaddo you got, @jamallo?

I like Okongwu as well. I believe he could be a lesser version of Bam Adebayo if utilized correctly. But an equally likely outcome is Tristan Thompson with a better faceup/post game. (Is that worth a lotto pick?)

Vassell, Ty Haliburton and Obi Toppin seem like the best fits for what we're building. Vassell possesses Reddish's defense with Huerter's deep shooting. Haliburton would be a great combo guard to play off the bench at the 1 & 2. Obi is the most polished, most well-rounded offensive player in this draft.

But they are all flawed players with modest ceilings.

Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams and Deni Avdija have a shot at being stars...but their poor shooting makes it unlikely they reach that level.

RJ Hampton and Aaron Nesmith should eventually become NBA starters and will likely outplay their draft slot.

Edwards, Lamelo and Wiseman have talent, but are so young, inexperienced and tragically flawed. (When is the last time Ball finished a season with the same team he started with?)

Spoiler:

In the 2nd round I like Desmond Bane, Paul Reed, Payton Pritchard, Grant Riller, Tyler Bey, Vernon Carey and Daniel Oturu

kg01 · Post #555 » by **kg01** » Thu Jun 11, 2020 6:56 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
kg01 wrote:...have you gone on record on who you'd like us to pick?

I still like Okongwu, not for any star power but for solid role-filling. Then I hope we follow it up with Hagans in round 2.

That's just one scenario. Whaddo you got, @jamallo?

I like Okongwu as well. I believe he could be a lesser version of Bam Adebayo if utilized correctly. But an equally likely outcome is Tristan Thompson with a better faceup/post game. (Is that worth a lotto pick?)

Vassell, Ty Haliburton and Obi Toppin seem like the best fits for what we're building. Vassell possesses Reddish's defense with Huerter's deep shooting. Haliburton would be a great combo guard to play off the bench at the 1 & 2. Obi is the most polished, most well-rounded offensive player in this draft.

But they are all flawed players with modest ceilings.

Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams and Deni Avdija have a shot at being stars...but their poor shooting makes it unlikely they reach that level.

RJ Hampton and Aaron Nesmith should eventually become NBA starters and will likely outplay their draft slot.

Edwards, Lamelo and Wiseman have talent, but are so young, inexperienced and tragically flawed. (When is the last time Ball finished a season with the same team he started with?)

Spoiler:
My Top Ten Prospects specific to our team:

Vassell - perfect 3&D wing player for Trae
Toppin - terrific scoring big with terrible defense
Haliburton - can shoot, dribble and pass as well as anyone in this draft
Okoro - Is he Kawhi, Justise or Justin Anderson?
Okongwu - great garbage man at a suddenly overcrowded position
Anthony Edwards - great potential, but will he fit what we're building?
Avdija - secondary playmaker and great competitor
Killian Hayes - unpolished but special
Wiseman - physical marvel, but lacks heart, discipline and polish
Patrick Williams - all the potential in the world; likely three years away from starting

In the 2nd round I like Desmond Bane, Paul Reed, Payton Pritchard, Grant Riller, Tyler Bey, Vernon Carey and Daniel Oturu

Thanks for sharing. Okongwu is a safe pick. Vassell is as well, imho. He's one of the few that comes right in with a sure position and role to contribute from day 1. Okoro would be good for us.

I'm not a Toppin fan (don't tell KingKen, he and I have locked horns over this). I think he's overrated.

I think Edwards would be flat out bad for us. He literally has to learn how to play basketball. We don't have time for that now.

Top player on my 'do not draft' list is Carey. Incapable and uninterested on defense. May as well sign Greg Monroe.

Post #556 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Jun 12, 2020 12:37 pm

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Spud2nique · Post #557 » by **Spud2nique** » Fri Jun 12, 2020 5:43 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:

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Good God these are lazy comparisons. Wow.

Post #558 » by **HMFFL** » Sat Jun 13, 2020 1:05 am

Jamaaliver wrote:

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When I clicked the link from Google yesterday I hoped for some good material to post but I stopped read after this one.......

5. Anthony Edwards | 6-5, 225 | SF
Comparison: Zach LaVine

I just don't sere the comparison.

CP War Hawks · Post #559 » by **CP War Hawks** » Sat Jun 13, 2020 2:03 am

I consider Beal to be Antmans' comp.

Post #560 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Jun 13, 2020 4:36 pm

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What would you like to see the Hawks do with the #6 pick?