Future Draft Classes (Prospects) II

[GimmeDat]

Take it for what you will, but one of the biggest journalists for the NBL that always has the inside scoop, and usually *hints* at things that are happening behind the scenes - said he thinks it's easier for the NBL to land Next Stars in this climate, said he'd love to see Cunningham or Kuminga here. Could be nothing, could be something.

[No-Man]

Cade is staying put, so def nothing on that front, Kuminga likely to join G-League

[clyde21]

Take it for what you will, but one of the biggest journalists for the NBL that always has the inside scoop, and usually *hints* at things that are happening behind the scenes - said he thinks it's easier for the NBL to land Next Stars in this climate, said he'd love to see Cunningham or Kuminga here. Could be nothing, could be something.

most likely nothing, Kuminga is going G league for sure I think

[clyde21]

if the G league keeps giving these top guys 500K that removes the NBL as an option IMO

[BlazersBroncos]

if the G league keeps giving these top guys 500K that removes the NBL as an option IMO

I would assume the NBL's appeal is short term and due to NZ being basically COVID free.

[GimmeDat]

Yeah that was my impression of those guys pathways as well, but I'm skeptical about pro and collegiate sports going into next season the way the virus is being handled over there. We'll see.

[nolang1]

Peyton Watson committed to UCLA. I’m not sure where he’s ranked right now but he should be top 10 in the 2021 high school class this time next year and maybe even rise enough to get a big offer from the G league.

[Almond2Oak]

Peyton Watson committed to UCLA. I’m not sure where he’s ranked right now but he should be top 10 in the 2021 high school class this time next year and maybe even rise enough to get a big offer from the G league.

He #17 overall but after Baldwin, Chet, Paola, Foster, etc... dip out he’s deft gonna be in T10. Hes KD scrawny but has massive growth. With that said he so won t end up at UCLA

[Duke4life831]

Someone want to sell Paola for me? I want to get hyped for him because he is heading to Duke and I know some here are pretty high on him, Im just not seeing it. Not good size for the 5, isnt an explosive athlete, doesnt have great perimeter skills. He seems like he missed his ideal time to play by a decade. He seems like a perfect 4 back in the day when Carlos Boozer was making all star teams.

Dont get me wrong, I think he's going to be fun to watch in college, I just dont see the NBA star potential with him.

[clyde21]

21 class doesn't seem strong right now, especially after Kuminga re-class, maybe Bates can change that if he reclasses

i still like Griffin the best in this class right now, not sure how he's ranked 8th or 9th. i'm very meh on Chet and Baldwin.

[Sea2003]

Chet seems like a Poku clone to me

[Marcus]

Someone want to sell Paola for me? I want to get hyped for him because he is heading to Duke and I know some here are pretty high on him, Im just not seeing it. Not good size for the 5, isnt an explosive athlete, doesnt have great perimeter skills. He seems like he missed his ideal time to play by a decade. He seems like a perfect 4 back in the day when Carlos Boozer was making all star teams.

Dont get me wrong, I think he's going to be fun to watch in college, I just dont see the NBA star potential with him.

i'm seeing complete opposite from that. Good form on his jumper, good passer, willing to bang, athletic enough. I see more than enough skill there. But time will tell

[nolang1]

Peyton Watson committed to UCLA. I’m not sure where he’s ranked right now but he should be top 10 in the 2021 high school class this time next year and maybe even rise enough to get a big offer from the G league.

He #17 overall but after Baldwin, Chet, Paola, Foster, etc... dip out he’s deft gonna be in T10. Hes KD scrawny but has massive growth. With that said he so won t end up at UCLA

Apparently he's up to 6'9" now. If that's the case he could definitely end up a high lottery pick.

Read on Twitter

[GimmeDat]

Been following this kid Tafara Gapare (co 2022) over the last year - I think he's really special.

Could've gotten plenty of big offers but he's only playing NZ HS basketball basically, pretty unknown.. his family was really impressed by the pitch from George Washington and he's committed there.

6'9, 7'0 wingspan, can seriously pass and handle, high level NBA athlete, and when his motor's going he really dominates on both ends. Has that big wing perimeter skill-set but also handles his own in the paint. Shooting has also made significant strides lately imo, form's not perfect but he went from iffy spot up guy to someone who can shoot not just off the catch but off pull-ups as well.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[BostonCouchGM]

Been following this kid Tafara Gapare (co 2022) over the last year - I think he's really special.

Could've gotten plenty of big offers but he's only playing NZ HS basketball basically, pretty unknown.. his family was really impressed by the pitch from George Washington and he's committed there.

6'9, 7'0 wingspan, can seriously pass and handle, high level NBA athlete, and when his motor's going he really dominates on both ends. Has that big wing perimeter skill-set but also handles his own in the paint. Shooting has also made significant strides lately imo, form's not perfect but he went from iffy spot up guy to someone who can shoot not just off the catch but off pull-ups as well.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

holy smokes. He looks like a more fluid JJJ. If the motor and work ethic are there he'll be going high. Nice find!

[tundraknight]

How much stronger do you guys think the 2022 NBA Draft will be compared to the 2021 Draft?

I know it probably depends on wether or not Adam Silver and company will be able to bring back the 18 years old rule.

Because having the current best prospect in the world in that draft would obviously have a huge impact and have a “True #1” unlike the upcoming 2021 Draft, where the 1st pick is uncertain.

There’s still other intriguing players like SG Jaden Hardy, who I’ve seen James Harden comparisons. He’s supposedly an elite scorer with ideal size for position and big time shot making ability.

Also Damion Collins Kentucky bound, is already getting Anthony Davis comparisons.

Then there’s several intriguing centers like Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Duran, Yannick Nzosa, and Chet Holmgren.

Oh and Adrian Griffin Jr. Is a tough, big wing with a rock solid frame, tons of talent and great basketball bloodlines. Current NBA comparison is Jimmy Butler.

[Duke4life831]

I don't agree that this year's class doesn't have a true #1. Not every draft is going to have an AD/Zion kind of prospect. I think right now Cade is on that Simmons/KAT level of prospect. Maybe not a generational talent, but definitely not someone a team would hate getting #1.

[clyde21]

at this point I don't even know what a 'true #1 pick' is...like Duke said you're not gonna get a Zion or AD every draft (in fact you'll get 1 like every 5 years or so)...i'd say Cade/Green/Mobley are on par with anyone else that has been drafted #1 other than those obvious generational guys

and im not convinced i'd take anyone from the 22 class over everyone in this class, either.

convince me otherwise. Bates has the best shot but I'm not 100% he's that much better than the aforementioned guys.

[clyde21]

LeBron -- 2003

Oden/Durant -- 2007

Davis -- 2012

Zion -- 2019

that's 5 guys in the last 17 years that were considered generational and above everyone else...you can make an argument Luka was too if you talk to a lot of people but even he wasn't as consensus as these other guys coming out.

otherwise you're hoping for someone in the Simmons/KAT tier, and I think we might have 3 guys in that tier in this class alone, we'll see.

[No-Man]

You are missing Luka who was definitely at that level pre-draft for anyone with eyes