2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Blonde]

I like Riller a lot as a guy who could provide what we sorely needed last season - a dynamic bench scoring threat. But I wouldn’t feel good about drafting another player who I believe could never be a long term starter on this team. But he could make me eat my words given his diverse scoring package. He’s the 6th ranked PG on my board at the moment and just ahead of Maxey.

Hayes
Ball
Lewis
Haliburton
Cole
Riller
Maxey

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I like Riller a lot as a guy who could provide what we sorely needed last season - a dynamic bench scoring threat. But I wouldn’t feel good about drafting another player who I believe could never be a long term starter on this team. But he could make me eat my words given his diverse scoring package. He’s the 6th ranked PG on my board at the moment and just ahead of Maxey.

Hayes
Ball
Lewis
Haliburton
Cole
Riller
Maxey

No way could I put Lewis ahead of Haliburton given how they performed head-to-head.

[Blonde]

I like Riller a lot as a guy who could provide what we sorely needed last season - a dynamic bench scoring threat. But I wouldn’t feel good about drafting another player who I believe could never be a long term starter on this team. But he could make me eat my words given his diverse scoring package. He’s the 6th ranked PG on my board at the moment and just ahead of Maxey.

Hayes
Ball
Lewis
Haliburton
Cole
Riller
Maxey

No way could I put Lewis ahead of Haliburton given how they performed head-to-head.

Fair enough. I have them rated very close but I see Lewis’s game as translating better and with more upside (specifically his ability to get to the rim at will and finish in the paint). Haliburton struggles more off the dribble and isn’t nearly the athlete Lewis is. I do love his playmaking but I’m not sure he’ll be put into a context at the next level where he can utilize it the same way.

Haliburton has a safer floor for sure. I just can’t ignore that he’s missing the speed, off the dribble game, handle, and floater game that most elite point guards have these days. Would love to discuss these two more as I dive deeper into film.

[darmani]

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[darmani]

I like Riller a lot as a guy who could provide what we sorely needed last season - a dynamic bench scoring threat. But I wouldn’t feel good about drafting another player who I believe could never be a long term starter on this team. But he could make me eat my words given his diverse scoring package. He’s the 6th ranked PG on my board at the moment and just ahead of Maxey.

Hayes
Ball
Lewis
Haliburton
Cole
Riller
Maxey

No way could I put Lewis ahead of Haliburton given how they performed head-to-head.

Fair enough. I have them rated very close but I see Lewis’s game as translating better and with more upside (specifically his ability to get to the rim at will and finish in the paint). Haliburton struggles more off the dribble and isn’t nearly the athlete Lewis is. I do love his playmaking but I’m not sure he’ll be put into a context at the next level where he can utilize it the same way.

Haliburton has a safer floor for sure. I just can’t ignore that he’s missing the speed, off the dribble game, handle, and floater game that most elite point guards have these days. Would love to discuss these two more as I dive deeper into film.

I think Haliburton is getting massively overrated. He comes with with some major red flags that for some reason are completely ignored by most draft "experts". He has a very weird and slow shooting release. Haliburton shot only 28% on pull up threes and it will only get worse against NBA athletes. His lack of strength is a real problem right now, on defense (was there ever a player who was a good defender in the NBA at 170 lbs?) and offense (he shies away from contact, can't finish against size and doesn't draw fouls).

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He wouldn't be a bad pick at #10 in this awful draft, but far from a sure thing.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

No way could I put Lewis ahead of Haliburton given how they performed head-to-head.

Fair enough. I have them rated very close but I see Lewis’s game as translating better and with more upside (specifically his ability to get to the rim at will and finish in the paint). Haliburton struggles more off the dribble and isn’t nearly the athlete Lewis is. I do love his playmaking but I’m not sure he’ll be put into a context at the next level where he can utilize it the same way.

Haliburton has a safer floor for sure. I just can’t ignore that he’s missing the speed, off the dribble game, handle, and floater game that most elite point guards have these days. Would love to discuss these two more as I dive deeper into film.

I think Haliburton is getting massively overrated. He comes with with some major red flags that for some reason are completely ignored by most draft "experts". He has a very weird and slow shooting release. Haliburton shot only 28% on pull up threes and it will only get worse against NBA athletes. His lack of strength is a real problem right now, on defense (was there ever a player who was a good defender in the NBA at 170 lbs?) and offense (he shies away from contact, can't finish against size and doesn't draw fouls).

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He wouldn't be a bad pick at #10 in this awful draft, but far from a sure thing.

I agree he's not a sure thing. Very light, easy to knock off balance. Gotta worry if he gets put on his *** when he gets to the league.

Of course, Kira's 10 lbs lighter. Obviously not as thin as Haliburton, but that's the thing: both players will have to get stronger to be effective in this league, which takes time. Personally, I don't think either player has star potential. I just think Haliburton brings more to the table than Kira. If I was the one making the decision, I wouldn't take either player, but I'm at least open to picking Haliburton. Picking Kira just makes no sense to me at all.

[bwgood77]

I haven't mentioned it since I seriously doubt he will be there, but if Avidja was there at 10, I'd almost certainly take him.

I can't comment with too much knowledge about a lot of these guys people are talking about, because I haven't studied them much and don't think there are too many big difference makers in the draft. But again, if you can find a high IQ guy who can do 2 out of 3 of shoot, assist (playmake) and defend, or 3/3 in those areas, I'd take him.

I do wonder if Toppin will slide and how much his defense might improve. I imagine he is a hard worker and if Ayton can improve the way he has, Toppin, or anyone could, but of course, not everyone does. But damn would he help our offense be potent.

Avidja, if he translates well, would be great though, at the 4, stretching the floor, making good reads and passes, etc. Sounds like he is a smart defender who communicates, but does lack the lateral movement, ability to defend on the perimeter really well, and protect the rim. But he is the type of guy that would probably be overall a good team and help defender and know where to be, at least based on this scouting report.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/28/deni-avdija-scouting-report-2/

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I haven't mentioned it since I seriously doubt he will be there, but if Avidja was there at 10, I'd almost certainly take him.

I can't comment with too much knowledge about a lot of these guys people are talking about, because I haven't studied them much and don't think there are too many big difference makers in the draft. But again, if you can find a high IQ guy who can do 2 out of 3 of shoot, assist (playmake) and defend, or 3/3 in those areas, I'd take him.

I do wonder if Toppin will slide and how much his defense might improve. I imagine he is a hard worker and if Ayton can improve the way he has, Toppin, or anyone could, but of course, not everyone does. But damn would he help our offense be potent.

Avidja, if he translates well, would be great though, at the 4, stretching the floor, making good reads and passes, etc. Sounds like he is a smart defender who communicates, but does lack the lateral movement, ability to defend on the perimeter really well, and protect the rim. But he is the type of guy that would probably be overall a good team and help defender and know where to be, at least based on this scouting report.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/28/deni-avdija-scouting-report-2/

I've yet to look close enough to know how I feel about Avdija in relation to Achiuwa and Toppin. Right now they're all in a pile with Paul Reed for players I would consider taking #10. Avdija's FT% threw me off when finally I noticed it, but Achiuwa's is about as bad, and he's grown on me quite a bit so... yeah, these are my guys at #10 unless Vassell (or Wiseman?!) slips, in which case I can't be the only sane person in the world so some team should want to trade up to #10 to grab him (Wiseman couldn't possibly slip so far because I'm sure Ainge would find a farm to sell for the pick that nets him Wiseman).

[Ghost of Kleine]

I haven't mentioned it since I seriously doubt he will be there, but if Avidja was there at 10, I'd almost certainly take him.

I can't comment with too much knowledge about a lot of these guys people are talking about, because I haven't studied them much and don't think there are too many big difference makers in the draft. But again, if you can find a high IQ guy who can do 2 out of 3 of shoot, assist (playmake) and defend, or 3/3 in those areas, I'd take him.

I do wonder if Toppin will slide and how much his defense might improve. I imagine he is a hard worker and if Ayton can improve the way he has, Toppin, or anyone could, but of course, not everyone does. But damn would he help our offense be potent.

Avidja, if he translates well, would be great though, at the 4, stretching the floor, making good reads and passes, etc. Sounds like he is a smart defender who communicates, but does lack the lateral movement, ability to defend on the perimeter really well, and protect the rim. But he is the type of guy that would probably be overall a good team and help defender and know where to be, at least based on this scouting report.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/28/deni-avdija-scouting-report-2/

I've yet to look close enough to know how I feel about Avdija in relation to Achiuwa and Toppin. Right now they're all in a pile with Paul Reed for players I would consider taking #10. Avdija's FT% threw me off when finally I noticed it, but Achiuwa's is about as bad, and he's grown on me quite a bit so... yeah, these are my guys at #10 unless Vassell (or Wiseman?!) slips, in which case I can't be the only sane person in the world so some team should want to trade up to #10 to grab him (Wiseman couldn't possibly slip so far because I'm sure Ainge would find a farm to sell for the pick that nets him Wiseman).

I don't see any way imaginable that Wiseman falls to 10, However, IF he does, Then I absolutely agree that we need to grab him and flip him to Boston for Marcus Smart/ 17/ 26. Or to Dallas for Delon Wright ( or **Seth Curry)/ 18/31. Or perhaps to Even to Sacramento for Bjelica/ Joseph/12th pick?

Or the ultimate ( 3 team trade) scenario in which we flip Wiseman to Boston, Boston then sends Marcus Smart and the 17th pick to Orlando, And Orlando sends Aaron Gordon and the 15th pick to Phoenix.
** Phoenix also gets the 30th pick from Boston as well in the deal. So we'd keep Oubre, Get Gordon, Move Bridges to the 2 guard. Or perhaps we could flip the 15th/ 30th picks to Detroit for Luke Kennard ? If Detroit won't surrender Kennard, Then do Ty Jerome/ 30th pick future conditional 2nd for Svi Mikhaliuk or Jordan McCrae?

Lastly, Another trade that I'd totally do is wherein we flip Wiseman to Toronto for Norman Powell/ OG Anunoby ( Oubre insurance) / 28th pick.

I'd be super content with any of these scenarios honestly!

[Frank Lee]

For a team that needs bigs, you'd trade this one away ???? You got the fever bad dude. Wiseman at 10 would be worth keeping

[Ghost of Kleine]

For a team that needs bigs, you'd trade this one away ???? You got the fever bad dude. Wiseman at 10 would be worth keeping

I hear ya man. But the thing with Wiseman is that he's a center, And doesn't have the versatility or skillset to play any other position. His incredible potential is based upon his size and athleticism mostly, So to put him next to Ayton would be redundant and clog the paint. A good comparison for him would be Hassan Whiteside honestly. And I just don't see an ideal fit beside of Ayton with him not having much if any floor spacing ability. Now I agree that we absolutely do need bigs though, But we do really need both a backup point guard AND a 3 and D 4. These trades have us getting either a quality veteran backup point guard in Delon Wright, or a quality athletic 4 in Aaron Gordon whilst still keeping Oubre. and with the picks coming back, We can still take A quality 3 and D Big ( backup 4) and a quality backup Center option ( in case we lose or don't resign Baynes). And most importantly, We can use the savings from the later pick to sign a veteran 3 and D starting 4.

But as for addressing bigs in the draft:


Boston trade-
*** Nets us Marcus Smart AND
17- Jalen Smith or Paul Reed.
26- Daniel Oturu or Vernon Carey.

OR in a 3 team trade with.......................
Phoenix/Orlando/ Boston-
*** Nets us Aaron Gordon AND the 15th/ 30th picks.
15- Jalen Smith or Reggie Perry.
30- Daniel Oturu or Vernon Carey or Xavier Tillman. Or we can package Jerome/ 30/ future 2nd for Svi Mikhailiuk or Jordan Mcrae.


Dallas Trade-
*** Nets us Delon Wright AND
We'd still get back the 18 and 31.
18- Jalen Smith or Paul Reed. ( 3 and D power forward).
31- Daniel Oturu or Vernon Carey. ( backup center).

Toronto-
Norman Powell/ OG Anunoby/ 28th pick.
28- Pokusevski/ Paul Reed/ Reggie Perry/ Killian Tillie are all still available. Or for a center, any of Daniel Oturu/ Vernon Carey/ Xavier Tillman/ Nik Richard's are all available for backup center. So we could address multiple roster issues with high quality productive veterans and also still draft a backup 4/5. And still have enough money left for a starting caliber 4 in free agency.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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?s=09

Very interesting considerations! I'm all for Riller though from this list, Ideally we'd get the combo of Riller AND Jalen Smith or Devin Vassell and Tyrell Terry? Regardless, Very good discussion.

[bwgood77]

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?s=09

Very interesting considerations! I'm all for Riller though from this list, Ideally we'd get the combo of Riller AND Jalen Smith or Devin Vassell and Tyrell Terry? Regardless, Very good discussion.

Go Spencer! I would love to hear his take on potential trades, particularly the one I mentioned in the offseason thread and adding one of those players.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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?s=09

Very interesting considerations! I'm all for Riller though from this list, Ideally we'd get the combo of Riller AND Jalen Smith or Devin Vassell and Tyrell Terry? Regardless, Very good discussion.

Go Spencer! I would love to hear his take on potential trades, particularly the one I mentioned in the offseason thread and adding one of those players.

Agreed!

And I definitely think that there'll be a lot of teams trading back, And I'm thinking that we'll be one of those teams being aggressive on draft night. And I may be wrong, But I for my part just believe that the suns front office, Are pushing for Oubre to play in Orlando in order to hopefully further elevate his trade value prior to this upcoming draft. I also think that they've already identified one or two very intriguing higher lottery prospects that they may look to utilize Oubre for per trade. But Yes, I'm really looking forward to Spencer's perspective on potential trades and value projections as the draft gets closer!

[Ghost of Kleine]

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?s=09

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

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?s=09

Very interesting considerations! I'm all for Riller though from this list, Ideally we'd get the combo of Riller AND Jalen Smith or Devin Vassell and Tyrell Terry? Regardless, Very good discussion.

Go Spencer! I would love to hear his take on potential trades, particularly the one I mentioned in the offseason thread and adding one of those players.

I think I agreed with literally everything this man said (Vassell, Terry, Edwards, Riller...), right up until the end there, where he briefly touched on Deni, Kira and Pokusevski. Said if we had the third pick, he likes Deni and Hayes for us. The only 4 he mentioned within range of that #10 was Pokusevski. He correctly assesses our #1 goal to be finding the PF of the future, but they didn't get into the 4's I've been focused on.

Spencer's probably right that this FO would be too shy to take Pokusevski, and while I share their uncertainty, I like him a whole lot more than I liked Bender in 2016. At least Poku has stats!

[Ghost of Kleine]

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?s=09

Very interesting considerations! I'm all for Riller though from this list, Ideally we'd get the combo of Riller AND Jalen Smith or Devin Vassell and Tyrell Terry? Regardless, Very good discussion.

Go Spencer! I would love to hear his take on potential trades, particularly the one I mentioned in the offseason thread and adding one of those players.

I think I agreed with literally everything this man said (Vassell, Terry, Edwards, Riller...), right up until the end there, where he briefly touched on Deni, Kira and Pokusevski. Said if we had the third pick, he likes Deni and Hayes for us. The only 4 he mentioned within range of that #10 was Pokusevski. He correctly assesses our #1 goal to be finding the PF of the future, but they didn't get into the 4's I've been focused on.

Spencer's probably right that this FO would be too shy to take Pokusevski, and while I share their uncertainty, I like him a whole lot more than I liked Bender in 2016. At least Poku has stats!

I agree with most of the things that he said, With the exceptions of Jalen Smith only being cast as a 5. If you watch his game tape extensively, You'll find that his movement though at times somewhat stiff is greatly improved, And he's really actually fluid enough to guard today's 4s' quite effectively. But most importantly he has the best overall offensive skillset of all of the bigs available aside from maybe Poku coming in 2nd ,But whose unfortunately a much bigger risk scenario honestly. I for my part think he'd be an ideal 3 and D 4 next to Ayton. And yes, He can also spend some spot minutes at the 5 as well.

And maybe the idea that Riller couldn't become a good facilitator ( passer) and that he's not likely to be a good defender. As for Rillers' passing:

Watch on YouTube

And his defensive ability:

Watch on YouTube

So given his elite burst, strong athleticism and strong frame, I think he can at the very least become a passable to possibly a plus defender IF he gets locked in.

And the last thing that I disagree with somewhat is that Terry will be a bench level microwave scoring guard at best. To me, His basketball IQ, crafty scoring and passing ability and most of all his ELITE shooting abilities will give him the potential to maybe reach a comparable level as a Trae Young or even an ultimate ceiling of a Steph Curry in terms of of elite perimetershooting in time. And honestly, the direction that the league has been heading in terms of calling fouls on the slightest of contact could only play to his benefit as well, As he's shooting close to 90% on his free throws. Which would be invaluable to our team in late game situations obviously too.

Also, I know that you're not particularly high on Kira Lewis, But for my part, I view his elite speed and ability to consistently breakdown the defense and get to the rim as a potential tremendous benefit to a team such as ours, In that he would create tremendous gravity upon his penetration, Likely leading to continuous open looks for our shooters on the perimeter. Plus given his speed, The amount of fouls that he'd draw on the opposing defenses would be yet another benefit to our team.

So with either Riller or Lewis, The opposing defense will have to collapse in the paint, leaving our shooters wide open! And with Terry, the defense can't afford to collapse in the paint or double Ayton and leave Terry wide open! Much less any of Cam, Booker or Bridges possibly! To me, That's wherein their skillsets become invaluable to us.

As for Deni or Hayes in a top 3 scenario, I'd of course prefer Ball, Wouldn't touch Edwards, and would be very happy with either Hayes as our primary backup guard OR IF Avdija, Then use him in a frontcourt playmaking role at the 3 honestly. I see him with potential to become similar to a Gordon Hayward. Then you of course use the additional cap space acquired by the trade to secure a bigger name 4 such as Gallinari or Ibaka or Jerami Grant. Personally, I'd go with Grant to be interchangeable with Avdija at the 3/4 ( depending upon the situation).

And look to try and trade back into the draft for a backup guard option. At this point, I'd rate the best options as Malachi Flynn ( 1), Jared Butler ( 2), and then Payton Pritchard ( 3). I'm very intrigued to see which teams will be choosing to trade back. If I had to guess, I'd figure between 4-6 teams will be trading throughout the first round. Us being one of them. And with the descending and restrictive cap being a primary motivator. And the balance of value/ potential being somewhat similar throughout.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Go Spencer! I would love to hear his take on potential trades, particularly the one I mentioned in the offseason thread and adding one of those players.

I think I agreed with literally everything this man said (Vassell, Terry, Edwards, Riller...), right up until the end there, where he briefly touched on Deni, Kira and Pokusevski. Said if we had the third pick, he likes Deni and Hayes for us. The only 4 he mentioned within range of that #10 was Pokusevski. He correctly assesses our #1 goal to be finding the PF of the future, but they didn't get into the 4's I've been focused on.

Spencer's probably right that this FO would be too shy to take Pokusevski, and while I share their uncertainty, I like him a whole lot more than I liked Bender in 2016. At least Poku has stats!

I agree with most of the things that he said, With the exceptions of Jalen Smith only being cast as a 5. If you watch his game tape extensively, You'll find that his movement though at times somewhat stiff is greatly improved, And he's really actually fluid enough to guard today's 4s' quite effectively. But most importantly he has the best overall offensive skillset of all of the bigs available aside from maybe Poku coming in 2nd ,But whose unfortunately a much bigger risk scenario honestly. I for my part think he'd be an ideal 3 and D 4 next to Ayton. And yes, He can also spend some spot minutes at the 5 as well.

And maybe the idea that Riller couldn't become a good facilitator ( passer) and that he's not likely to be a good defender. As for Rillers' passing:

Watch on YouTube

And his defensive ability:

Watch on YouTube

So given his elite burst, strong athleticism and strong frame, I think he can at the very least become a passable to possibly a plus defender IF he gets locked in.

And the last thing that I disagree with somewhat is that Terry will be a bench level microwave scoring guard at best. To me, His basketball IQ, crafty scoring and passing ability and most of all his ELITE shooting abilities will give him the potential to maybe reach a comparable level as a Trae Young or even an ultimate ceiling of a Steph Curry in terms of of elite perimetershooting in time. And honestly, the direction that the league has been heading in terms of calling fouls on the slightest of contact could only play to his benefit as well, As he's shooting close to 90% on his free throws. Which would be invaluable to our team in late game situations obviously too.

Also, I know that you're not particularly high on Kira Lewis, But for my part, I view his elite speed and ability to consistently breakdown the defense and get to the rim as a potential tremendous benefit to a team such as ours, In that he would create tremendous gravity upon his penetration, Likely leading to continuous open looks for our shooters on the perimeter. Plus given his speed, The amount of fouls that he'd draw on the opposing defenses would be yet another benefit to our team.

So with either Riller or Lewis, The opposing defense will have to collapse in the paint, leaving our shooters wide open! And with Terry, the defense can't afford to collapse in the paint or double Ayton and leave Terry wide open! Much less any of Cam, Booker or Bridges possibly! To me, That's wherein their skillsets become invaluable to us.

As for Deni or Hayes in a top 3 scenario, I'd of course prefer Ball, Wouldn't touch Edwards, and would be very happy with either Hayes as our primary backup guard OR IF Avdija, Then use him in a frontcourt playmaking role at the 3 honestly. I see him with potential to become similar to a Gordon Hayward. Then you of course use the additional cap space acquired by the trade to secure a bigger name 4 such as Gallinari or Ibaka or Jerami Grant. Personally, I'd go with Grant to be interchangeable with Avdija at the 3/4 ( depending upon the situation).

And look to try and trade back into the draft for a backup guard option. At this point, I'd rate the best options as Malachi Flynn ( 1), Jared Butler ( 2), and then Payton Pritchard ( 3). I'm very intrigued to see which teams will be choosing to trade back. If I had to guess, I'd figure between 4-6 teams will be trading throughout the first round. Us being one of them. And with the descending and restrictive cap being a primary motivator. And the balance of value/ potential being somewhat similar throughout.

I like Ty better than those last three PG's you mention. I'd like to give the kid under contract a chance. I think you're dreaming a bit with Terry - not saying you're wrong, but I think your degree of confidence is misguided.

As for Jalen, that's one point on which Spencer and I most fervently agree. At your recommendation, though, I'll go do a deeper dive on him, because I do believe in that shot.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

For a team that needs bigs, you'd trade this one away ???? You got the fever bad dude. Wiseman at 10 would be worth keeping

I mean, you're right. If we didn't have Ayton he'd have to be our selection. Athletically, he's the real deal. He'd be #1 on my board, I think.

... Think we could get away with Ayton at the 4?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

I think I agreed with literally everything this man said (Vassell, Terry, Edwards, Riller...), right up until the end there, where he briefly touched on Deni, Kira and Pokusevski. Said if we had the third pick, he likes Deni and Hayes for us. The only 4 he mentioned within range of that #10 was Pokusevski. He correctly assesses our #1 goal to be finding the PF of the future, but they didn't get into the 4's I've been focused on.

Spencer's probably right that this FO would be too shy to take Pokusevski, and while I share their uncertainty, I like him a whole lot more than I liked Bender in 2016. At least Poku has stats!

I agree with most of the things that he said, With the exceptions of Jalen Smith only being cast as a 5. If you watch his game tape extensively, You'll find that his movement though at times somewhat stiff is greatly improved, And he's really actually fluid enough to guard today's 4s' quite effectively. But most importantly he has the best overall offensive skillset of all of the bigs available aside from maybe Poku coming in 2nd ,But whose unfortunately a much bigger risk scenario honestly. I for my part think he'd be an ideal 3 and D 4 next to Ayton. And yes, He can also spend some spot minutes at the 5 as well.

And maybe the idea that Riller couldn't become a good facilitator ( passer) and that he's not likely to be a good defender. As for Rillers' passing:

Watch on YouTube

And his defensive ability:

Watch on YouTube

So given his elite burst, strong athleticism and strong frame, I think he can at the very least become a passable to possibly a plus defender IF he gets locked in.

And the last thing that I disagree with somewhat is that Terry will be a bench level microwave scoring guard at best. To me, His basketball IQ, crafty scoring and passing ability and most of all his ELITE shooting abilities will give him the potential to maybe reach a comparable level as a Trae Young or even an ultimate ceiling of a Steph Curry in terms of of elite perimetershooting in time. And honestly, the direction that the league has been heading in terms of calling fouls on the slightest of contact could only play to his benefit as well, As he's shooting close to 90% on his free throws. Which would be invaluable to our team in late game situations obviously too.

Also, I know that you're not particularly high on Kira Lewis, But for my part, I view his elite speed and ability to consistently breakdown the defense and get to the rim as a potential tremendous benefit to a team such as ours, In that he would create tremendous gravity upon his penetration, Likely leading to continuous open looks for our shooters on the perimeter. Plus given his speed, The amount of fouls that he'd draw on the opposing defenses would be yet another benefit to our team.

So with either Riller or Lewis, The opposing defense will have to collapse in the paint, leaving our shooters wide open! And with Terry, the defense can't afford to collapse in the paint or double Ayton and leave Terry wide open! Much less any of Cam, Booker or Bridges possibly! To me, That's wherein their skillsets become invaluable to us.

As for Deni or Hayes in a top 3 scenario, I'd of course prefer Ball, Wouldn't touch Edwards, and would be very happy with either Hayes as our primary backup guard OR IF Avdija, Then use him in a frontcourt playmaking role at the 3 honestly. I see him with potential to become similar to a Gordon Hayward. Then you of course use the additional cap space acquired by the trade to secure a bigger name 4 such as Gallinari or Ibaka or Jerami Grant. Personally, I'd go with Grant to be interchangeable with Avdija at the 3/4 ( depending upon the situation).

And look to try and trade back into the draft for a backup guard option. At this point, I'd rate the best options as Malachi Flynn ( 1), Jared Butler ( 2), and then Payton Pritchard ( 3). I'm very intrigued to see which teams will be choosing to trade back. If I had to guess, I'd figure between 4-6 teams will be trading throughout the first round. Us being one of them. And with the descending and restrictive cap being a primary motivator. And the balance of value/ potential being somewhat similar throughout.

I like Ty better than those last three PG's you mention. I'd like to give the kid under contract a chance. I think you're dreaming a bit with Terry - not saying you're wrong, but I think your degree of confidence is misguided.

As for Jalen, that's one point on which Spencer and I most fervently agree. At your recommendation, though, I'll go do a deeper dive on him, because I do believe in that shot.

Tyshon Alexander would definitely be another really solid option with a late 2nd. Nice find by the way! Although he does of course need to continue to improve upon his shot selection, rebounding, defensive lapses and overall passing/court vision. But he's definitely got potential and could be a potential steal with a mid- late 2nd , IF he's fully committed to improvment.

As for Terry, I'll agree that those are pretty lofty comps! And he's definitely going to have to go to a good developmental situation to have a chance to reach those goals. But again, His shooting is absolutely ELITE. And he's a very clever and crafty scorer around the rim. And IF his shooting and quick release translates, he'll still be ab elite perimeter shooter with above average passing ability and a really high basketball IQ. As for his slight frame and lack of strength, I strongly believe that in the NBA, And once on a professional diet and strength training program, He'll add the necessary strength to become very effective. I mean just compare his elite shooting and crafty dribble penetration and slick passing skillset to that of Trae Young!

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Or even to that of Steph Curry's off the screen/ dribble hand off and spot up shooting similarities too.

Watch on YouTube

Finally, As for Jalen, I respect that we have differing perspectives on his positional abilities, But I'm still standing by my original position that he's fully capable as a 4/5. And that he has enough fluidity and improving mobility that he'll be a very solid 3 and D power forward/ center. Very similar to Serge Ibaka honestly and of course depending upon situation and circumstantial needs of the team.