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

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I don't agree with the mock draft but I don't think it's crazy either. The direction of the league is heavily going towards guys who can do stuff with the ball (playmakers/scorers) and this draft has a lot of guards. To add on top of that, the draft is pretty weak and flat which raises the chance that a ton of guards going in the first round.

Agree. I also can see Nesmith dropping because of his injury and the possibility his crazy shooting was a fluke and not sustainable.

He's going to be the steal of the draft. If Nesmith is on the board at #28 you take him without even thinking about it.

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[HeadtopChunes]

Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane

TCU’s Desmond Bane has really helped himself so far. Not only is he a great kid in terms of the background intel that teams have gathered, but also he’s gone into meetings with a clear-minded, level-headed view of what role he can play, and what he can bring to a team. The name Joe Harris has come up in comparison a few times, given Bane’s ability to knock down shots consistently, and the ability to knock them down off of movement. He hit 43.3 percent of his nearly 600 3-point attempts in college, with many of those either coming off of screens or on pull-ups.

Xavier Tillman

• Michigan State forward/center Xavier Tillman has really impressed. The background is that he has a genuine love of the game that informs everything he does on the court. He watches tape constantly, and it shows in his anticipation and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. In interviews, he’s impressed with his recall of certain sequences, his understanding of the role he’d be likely to play, and the way that he can explain and break down certain concepts. His maturity and professionalism has also stood out for teams. He’s also extremely intelligent, as his Academic All-American status from this past season — while raising two kids, no less — shows.

In general, Tillman is seen as being one of the most “on the fence” players in the draft in regard to whether he’s going to stay in the draft or come out. No decision has been made. He’s also one of the players where I would say overall consensus differs most from where I have him ranked. I comfortably have him at No. 21 right now, and he’ll certainly get a first-round grade from me. But teams see him more as a second-rounder right now because of a perceived lack of upside. This is the kind of immediate role player that I’m comfortable betting on.

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Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane

TCU’s Desmond Bane has really helped himself so far. Not only is he a great kid in terms of the background intel that teams have gathered, but also he’s gone into meetings with a clear-minded, level-headed view of what role he can play, and what he can bring to a team. The name Joe Harris has come up in comparison a few times, given Bane’s ability to knock down shots consistently, and the ability to knock them down off of movement. He hit 43.3 percent of his nearly 600 3-point attempts in college, with many of those either coming off of screens or on pull-ups.

Xavier Tillman

• Michigan State forward/center Xavier Tillman has really impressed. The background is that he has a genuine love of the game that informs everything he does on the court. He watches tape constantly, and it shows in his anticipation and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. In interviews, he’s impressed with his recall of certain sequences, his understanding of the role he’d be likely to play, and the way that he can explain and break down certain concepts. His maturity and professionalism has also stood out for teams. He’s also extremely intelligent, as his Academic All-American status from this past season — while raising two kids, no less — shows.

In general, Tillman is seen as being one of the most “on the fence” players in the draft in regard to whether he’s going to stay in the draft or come out. No decision has been made. He’s also one of the players where I would say overall consensus differs most from where I have him ranked. I comfortably have him at No. 21 right now, and he’ll certainly get a first-round grade from me. But teams see him more as a second-rounder right now because of a perceived lack of upside. This is the kind of immediate role player that I’m comfortable betting on.

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

[Young Moosehead]

Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane

TCU’s Desmond Bane has really helped himself so far. Not only is he a great kid in terms of the background intel that teams have gathered, but also he’s gone into meetings with a clear-minded, level-headed view of what role he can play, and what he can bring to a team. The name Joe Harris has come up in comparison a few times, given Bane’s ability to knock down shots consistently, and the ability to knock them down off of movement. He hit 43.3 percent of his nearly 600 3-point attempts in college, with many of those either coming off of screens or on pull-ups.

Xavier Tillman

• Michigan State forward/center Xavier Tillman has really impressed. The background is that he has a genuine love of the game that informs everything he does on the court. He watches tape constantly, and it shows in his anticipation and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. In interviews, he’s impressed with his recall of certain sequences, his understanding of the role he’d be likely to play, and the way that he can explain and break down certain concepts. His maturity and professionalism has also stood out for teams. He’s also extremely intelligent, as his Academic All-American status from this past season — while raising two kids, no less — shows.

In general, Tillman is seen as being one of the most “on the fence” players in the draft in regard to whether he’s going to stay in the draft or come out. No decision has been made. He’s also one of the players where I would say overall consensus differs most from where I have him ranked. I comfortably have him at No. 21 right now, and he’ll certainly get a first-round grade from me. But teams see him more as a second-rounder right now because of a perceived lack of upside. This is the kind of immediate role player that I’m comfortable betting on.

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

Toss a little cash in there too? Some cash strapped small market owners might be interested in making a few million.

[Psubs]

Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane


Xavier Tillman

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

Toss a little cash in there too? Some cash strapped small market owners might be interested in making a few million.

While their at it, if they have cap space toss in Stanley Johnson and enough money to pay his salary and they can waive him.

Sacramento at #35 fits the bill. Assuming the Raptors draft one at #28 and the other is still there at #35, pull the trigger.

PG Fox - CoJo - #54
SG Hield - Bogdanovic - Thomas
SF Bogdanovic - Barnes
PF Bagley - Parker - #12
C Holmes - Bjelica - #42 - #58

PG Lowry - FVV - TD
SG FVV - Powell - TD
SF OG - Powell - Watson/Bane
PF Siakam - OG - Boucher
C Gasol/Ibaka - Tillman/Dewan/Ellenson/Konate

[Indeed]

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

Toss a little cash in there too? Some cash strapped small market owners might be interested in making a few million.

While their at it, if they have cap space toss in Stanley Johnson and enough money to pay his salary and they can waive him.

Sacramento at #35 fits the bill. Assuming the Raptors draft one at #28 and the other is still there at #35, pull the trigger.

PG Fox - CoJo - #54
SG Hield - Bogdanovic - Thomas
SF Bogdanovic - Barnes
PF Bagley - Parker - #12
C Holmes - Bjelica - #42 - #58

PG Lowry - FVV - TD
SG FVV - Powell - TD
SF OG - Powell - Watson/Bane
PF Siakam - OG - Boucher
C Gasol/Ibaka - Tillman/Dewan/Ellenson/Konate

Bane with a 6'4 wingspan can only play PG, there is no way he can guard SG/SF.

[GM89]

Bane with a 6'4 wingspan can only play PG, there is no way he can guard SG/SF.

We currently have Lowery and VanVleet in our starting lineup and so far it's been working ok.

Bane's wingspan is not ideal but the he is 6'6 and 215 pounds. Also, if we do draft him he will be playing off the bench where his measurements won't matter as much.

[Psubs]

Bane with a 6'4 wingspan can only play PG, there is no way he can guard SG/SF.

We currently have Lowery and VanVleet in our starting lineup and so far it's been working ok.

Bane's wingspan is not ideal but the he is 6'6 and 215 pounds. Also, if we do draft him he will be playing off the bench where his measurements won't matter as much.

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

[GM89]

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

I think it will come down to his defensive iq and how badly he wants to win. VanVleet has a 6'2'' wingspan and this season has been averaging almost 2 steals a game and was ranked pretty high in terms of deflections.

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[JShuttlesworth]

Team's with multiple 3+ Draft Picks: http://www.tankathon.com/power_rankings

Minnesota (3, 16, 33)
Golden State (1, 48, 54)
New York (6, 27, 38)
Charlotte (8, 32, 56)
Boston (17, 26, 30, 46)
Sacramento (12, 35, 43, 53)
New Orleans (13, 39, 42, 60)
Philly (22, 34, 36, 49, 59)

I'm not sure which of those teams (if any) we'd be able to buy a draft pick from.

Call me crazy, but with the unpredictability of this draft, I think both Philly and Boston are in a position to have themselves a great draft night. A bunch of the players that have been mentioned in this thread will end up on one of those two teams.

Interestingly enough, you look at Boston's roster and it's pretty much full for next season, where are they going to put these bodies?
https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/BOS.html

[Kevin Willis]

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

I think it will come down to his defensive iq and how badly he wants to win. VanVleet has a 6'2'' wingspan and this season has been averaging almost 2 steals a game and was ranked pretty high in terms of deflections.

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Good point. It also suggest that FVV is a bit of a basketball savant and an outlier. Most good guard/ wing defenders have wingspans of 6'7 or more.

[Psubs]

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

I think it will come down to his defensive iq and how badly he wants to win. VanVleet has a 6'2'' wingspan and this season has been averaging almost 2 steals a game and was ranked pretty high in terms of deflections.

Read on Twitter

FVV has quick strong hands. He doesn't jump the passing lanes gambling and caught out of position. Most of his steals are in traffic like in a P&R or DHO. Raptor defensive philosophy is to not gamble but run out and jump by (not at and risk fouls) 3-pt shooters and everyone scramble to cover.

[Psubs]

Team's with multiple 3+ Draft Picks: http://www.tankathon.com/power_rankings

Minnesota (3, 16, 33)
Golden State (1, 48, 54)
New York (6, 27, 38)
Charlotte (8, 32, 56)
Boston (17, 26, 30, 46)
Sacramento (12, 35, 43, 53)
New Orleans (13, 39, 42, 60)
Philly (22, 34, 36, 49, 59)

I'm not sure which of those teams (if any) we'd be able to buy a draft pick from.

Call me crazy, but with the unpredictability of this draft, I think both Philly and Boston are in a position to have themselves a great draft night. A bunch of the players that have been mentioned in this thread will end up on one of those two teams.

Interestingly enough, you look at Boston's roster and it's pretty much full for next season, where are they going to put these bodies?
https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/BOS.html

Ainge has not been able to consolidate assets nor hit on those late 1st / 2nd round picks. He should take Pokusevski at #26 and him not being even as good as Dragan Bender.

Boston
#17 - Daniel Oturu
#26 - Aleksej Pousevski
#30 - Tyler Bey
#46 - Payton Pritchard

[Indeed]

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

I think it will come down to his defensive iq and how badly he wants to win. VanVleet has a 6'2'' wingspan and this season has been averaging almost 2 steals a game and was ranked pretty high in terms of deflections.

Read on Twitter

FVV has quick strong hands. He doesn't jump the passing lanes gambling and caught out of position. Most of his steals are in traffic like in a P&R or DHO. Raptor defensive philosophy is to not gamble but run out and jump by (not at and risk fouls) 3-pt shooters and everyone scramble to cover.

Indeed, VanVleet has big and quick hands. But I wouldn't put Bane at SF against a position that relies on size and athleticism. Powell is borderline SF off the bench. Bane may able to play the role of Lowry, but I am worried he will be very situational. I wish to draft someone with overall than a specialist for our 1st round pick.

[Dalek]

I don't know where my post from yesterday went, but I thought I would again pledge my allegiance to Zeke Nnaji for pick 28. I trust guys who can play performance piano to be good basketball players. You need focus, patience and reps to be great, and Zeke has that drive.

To me, he fits what the Raptors are all about, high motor, multi-position defender, varied offensive skills. Right now you can throw him in to be a 6-11 energizer guy to wreak havoc on the court.

Spoiler:

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Then you slowly expand this 19yo game to stretch it out. He is already good enough to do some pick and pop from the elbows, but you just give him reps now to take out to perimeter. He is already with a high level trainer in Vegas building his game.

Spoiler:

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For 48, I am settled on a few players, but the stand out is Trevelin Queen from New Mexico State. He is just an easy fit as a guy who can score from outside, has a floater, can play off the ball as a cutter and even make plays of the dribble in straight-line drives. I really catch the Will Barton style of play from Queen. He is 23, so he should be in play as a two-way deal late in the second.

Spoiler:

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[Mark_83]

Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane

TCU’s Desmond Bane has really helped himself so far. Not only is he a great kid in terms of the background intel that teams have gathered, but also he’s gone into meetings with a clear-minded, level-headed view of what role he can play, and what he can bring to a team. The name Joe Harris has come up in comparison a few times, given Bane’s ability to knock down shots consistently, and the ability to knock them down off of movement. He hit 43.3 percent of his nearly 600 3-point attempts in college, with many of those either coming off of screens or on pull-ups.

Xavier Tillman

• Michigan State forward/center Xavier Tillman has really impressed. The background is that he has a genuine love of the game that informs everything he does on the court. He watches tape constantly, and it shows in his anticipation and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. In interviews, he’s impressed with his recall of certain sequences, his understanding of the role he’d be likely to play, and the way that he can explain and break down certain concepts. His maturity and professionalism has also stood out for teams. He’s also extremely intelligent, as his Academic All-American status from this past season — while raising two kids, no less — shows.

In general, Tillman is seen as being one of the most “on the fence” players in the draft in regard to whether he’s going to stay in the draft or come out. No decision has been made. He’s also one of the players where I would say overall consensus differs most from where I have him ranked. I comfortably have him at No. 21 right now, and he’ll certainly get a first-round grade from me. But teams see him more as a second-rounder right now because of a perceived lack of upside. This is the kind of immediate role player that I’m comfortable betting on.

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

Getting Bane and Tillman from this draft would be amazing.

[Mark_83]

Exactly. Bane is really strong, as per combine bench pressing last summer.

If Bane had a 6'7-6'8 wingspan he'd be a top 10 pick. It just means he'll get a few less steals, blocks and deflections. He's still a good rebounder. I'm fine with Bane at backup SF since he won't be posted up that easily.

I think it will come down to his defensive iq and how badly he wants to win. VanVleet has a 6'2'' wingspan and this season has been averaging almost 2 steals a game and was ranked pretty high in terms of deflections.

Read on Twitter

100%. VanVleet was one of the reasons I came around to Tillman and Bane. You don't need elite physical tools to be an effective defender in our system, you need to have a high IQ and effort.

[nabbs]

Vecenie on some guys on our range NBA stock

Desmond Bane


Xavier Tillman

Let's just get both of them. Matt Thomas is sniper but not sure if he's versatile enough to contribute on our team. He might do well on a treadmill playoff team.

Do you think anyone would trade a late 1st pick for Matt Thomas and #58?

Getting Bane and Tillman from this draft would be amazing.

Bane and Tillman would literally set us up to have insane depth for a run in 2021-2022.

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#58 Poor man's Sam Perkins? He isn't a high flyer but guy can play; especially the possibility to shoot well from 3. As he works out in the off-seasons could get fitter like Xavier Tillman did.

[BoyzNTheHood]

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#58 Poor man's Sam Perkins? He isn't a high flyer but guy can play; especially the possibility to shoot well from 3. As he works out in the off-seasons could get fitter like Xavier Tillman did.

I've looked at Childs a lot. He reminds me of Jared Sullinger.