2020 NBA Draft prospects

[Klomp]

Really interesting video

Watch on YouTube

[KGdaBom]

I don't understand why he can't play PF for us. At 6'9" 235 he'd be perfect physically. If you are worried about his 3 pt shot, we don't need him to do that. As far as I'm concerned if he were to just rim protect and rebound both ends I'd be thrilled. Yet he still has a decent offensive game.

His strength is our teams major weakness.

For me he's a no-brainer pick.....which is why we won't take him. We are way too smart for that even in a super weak draft.

Because to me he's a post-oriented big in what has become a perimeter-oriented position for Minnesota. I'm talking on both ends of the court. He's just better in the paint area. Moving him around on the perimeter would arguably take away his biggest strengths.

He's great guarding the interior and he's great guarding the perimeter. Nothing wrong with versatility.

[Jedzz]

Really interesting video

Watch on YouTube

It is interesting. It's a good thing and it's horrible all at the same time.

[Klomp]

The last pre-lottery ESPN/DX mock draft has Minnesota taking LaMelo with the third pick.

A backcourt of Ball and D’Angelo Russell might be one of the worst defensive pairings in the league, but to speed up their rebuild, the Timberwolves need to continue to stockpile star power. No one in this draft class has more of that than Ball. His size makes him easy to pair with another guard, and teammates will love his tremendous passing creativity and the way he empowers others. Ball does not turn 19 until the end of August, leaving considerable room for him to improve his perimeter shooting and defense.

https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2020/08/18/2020-nba-draft-mock-lamelo-ball-minnesota-timberwolves-draftexpress-espn-news-rumors-report/

[KGdaBom]

The last pre-lottery ESPN/DX mock draft has Minnesota taking LaMelo with the third pick.

A backcourt of Ball and D’Angelo Russell might be one of the worst defensive pairings in the league, but to speed up their rebuild, the Timberwolves need to continue to stockpile star power. No one in this draft class has more of that than Ball. His size makes him easy to pair with another guard, and teammates will love his tremendous passing creativity and the way he empowers others. Ball does not turn 19 until the end of August, leaving considerable room for him to improve his perimeter shooting and defense.

https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2020/08/18/2020-nba-draft-mock-lamelo-ball-minnesota-timberwolves-draftexpress-espn-news-rumors-report/

However, he's a horrible shooter right now. Not bad. Horrible!

[TheProdigy]

The last pre-lottery ESPN/DX mock draft has Minnesota taking LaMelo with the third pick.

A backcourt of Ball and D’Angelo Russell might be one of the worst defensive pairings in the league, but to speed up their rebuild, the Timberwolves need to continue to stockpile star power. No one in this draft class has more of that than Ball. His size makes him easy to pair with another guard, and teammates will love his tremendous passing creativity and the way he empowers others. Ball does not turn 19 until the end of August, leaving considerable room for him to improve his perimeter shooting and defense.

https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2020/08/18/2020-nba-draft-mock-lamelo-ball-minnesota-timberwolves-draftexpress-espn-news-rumors-report/

Yes please draft him - he's popular on instagram. Because we're a small market team, and... star power!

[KGdaBom]

The last pre-lottery ESPN/DX mock draft has Minnesota taking LaMelo with the third pick.

A backcourt of Ball and D’Angelo Russell might be one of the worst defensive pairings in the league, but to speed up their rebuild, the Timberwolves need to continue to stockpile star power. No one in this draft class has more of that than Ball. His size makes him easy to pair with another guard, and teammates will love his tremendous passing creativity and the way he empowers others. Ball does not turn 19 until the end of August, leaving considerable room for him to improve his perimeter shooting and defense.

https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2020/08/18/2020-nba-draft-mock-lamelo-ball-minnesota-timberwolves-draftexpress-espn-news-rumors-report/

Yes please draft him - he's popular on instagram. Because we're a small market team, and... star power!

When it comes to PGs and not shooting well, Ball will make everyone pine for the days of Ricky Rubio.

[shangrila]

Reply to my own question. Zo is a bit bigger and stronger. So he worked at Center despite being a little short. I think PF is the position that OK will have to play.

I know you're going to hate this, but what if Okongwu ends up being a Taj Gibson level player?

I don't see the Taj comp but even so he'd most likely still be better than anybody else in this poor draft.

They're very similar statistically coming out, but even then it's more of a role comparison.

It's nice to imagine that Onyeka will improve his shooting or passing but it's not a guarantee and so I floated the idea that he's just a solid starter (i.e. a Taj Gibson type) rather than some elite piece on a championship level team with the board's biggest OO fan, KG.

It wasn't meant as an insult to Onyeka. You're probably right that this kind of outcome might put him at the top of this class. Nor would I be upset if we took him (he and Deni are at the top of my board). But at the same time I think it's important to be realistic. Onyeka would help us but I get the vibe that people think he's going to transform the team or something.

So yeah, I was just curious what KG thought of that comp.

[theGreatRC]

Really interesting video

Watch on YouTube

It is interesting. It's a good thing and it's horrible all at the same time.

It's how parents and cities create hype around their kids, they upload videos on youtube, post short instagram clips and just get the name out there of kids who have potential to at least play college, but nobody would have known their name if it wasn't for social media. This usually happens when the kid either has a flashy game or has a good story behind them.

Lamelo Ball is a great example, actually. His bro Lonzo had one of the best basketball mixtapes on the internet and the fact he had two other brothers playing with him on an undefeated team created a crazy following of their progress through the school year. The games were uploaded to the internet and have millions of views.

Casual fans didn't even know that the Ball brothers were also playing with future NBA prospect Onyeka Onkongwu and there was another college player on the team who's name I can't remember. They had FIVE future division 1(and 2) players on the team, but the Ball brothers had the most hype around them. It'd be funny if Onkongwu ends up being the best out of all of them.

I never really saw Lamelo as an NBA prospect; he was lazy, took bad shots, average height, horrible defender, but he had vision and handles. Then he grew to 6'7 out of nowhere and started playing with more energy in the pro league, but to be a potential #1 pick is insane to me and I think it's due to the hype created by his brand and the cult-like following he has on social media to make him seem way better than he is.

If he draft him, obviously i'm going to root he does well, just like with Jarret Culver(who I still don't like), but that's only because i'm putting faith in Rosas and the scouts to really nail the pick this time.

[KGdaBom]

I know you're going to hate this, but what if Okongwu ends up being a Taj Gibson level player?

I don't see the Taj comp but even so he'd most likely still be better than anybody else in this poor draft.

They're very similar statistically coming out, but even then it's more of a role comparison.

It's nice to imagine that Onyeka will improve his shooting or passing but it's not a guarantee and so I floated the idea that he's just a solid starter (i.e. a Taj Gibson type) rather than some elite piece on a championship level team with the board's biggest OO fan, KG.

It wasn't meant as an insult to Onyeka. You're probably right that this kind of outcome might put him at the top of this class. Nor would I be upset if we took him (he and Deni are at the top of my board). But at the same time I think it's important to be realistic. Onyeka would help us but I get the vibe that people think he's going to transform the team or something.

So yeah, I was just curious what KG thought of that comp.

And my answer is that Taj 2.0 is his worst possible outcome. I'm a big Taj guy, but I think OO7 (hope he gets that #) is bigger, faster, stronger, quicker and more agile.

[KGdaBom]

For Klomp
As far as I know the Stepien is a good basketball source and they have this quick bit on him.

ONYEKA OKONGWU USC
AGE:19.6 HEIGHT:6'9" WINGSPAN:7'1" WEIGHT:245 LBS
O ROLE: Play Finisher/Rim Runner
D ROLE: Space + Rim Protector

Notice D role Space and Rim Defender
They like him guarding in space.

[Klomp]

For Klomp
As far as I know the Stepien is a good basketball source and they have this quick bit on him.

ONYEKA OKONGWU USC
AGE:19.6 HEIGHT:6'9" WINGSPAN:7'1" WEIGHT:245 LBS
O ROLE: Play Finisher/Rim Runner
D ROLE: Space + Rim Protector

Notice D role Space and Rim Defender
They like him guarding in space.

Guarding Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic in space is a lot different than guarding LeBron James or Kevin Durant in space. That's the thing that holds me up. Maybe I'm wrong? I don't know. I don't see these guys up close.

[KGdaBom]

For Klomp
As far as I know the Stepien is a good basketball source and they have this quick bit on him.

ONYEKA OKONGWU USC
AGE:19.6 HEIGHT:6'9" WINGSPAN:7'1" WEIGHT:245 LBS
O ROLE: Play Finisher/Rim Runner
D ROLE: Space + Rim Protector

Notice D role Space and Rim Defender
They like him guarding in space.

Guarding Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic in space is a lot different than guarding LeBron James or Kevin Durant in space. That's the thing that holds me up. Maybe I'm wrong? I don't know. I don't see these guys up close.

Guarding Embiid or Jokic in space is amazing. LeBron and Durant more amazing.

[Jedzz]

I never really saw Lamelo as an NBA prospect; he was lazy, took bad shots, average height, horrible defender, but he had vision and handles. Then he grew to 6'7 out of nowhere and started playing with more energy in the pro league, but to be a potential #1 pick is insane to me and I think it's due to the hype created by his brand and the cult-like following he has on social media to make him seem way better than he is.

If he draft him, obviously i'm going to root he does well, just like with Jarret Culver(who I still don't like), but that's only because i'm putting faith in Rosas and the scouts to really nail the pick this time.

Yeah. I don't think it leapfrogs the team no matter how good he is or not. It is interesting to think that nobody might know his name at all without all the marketing. Dlo is locked in at Max ext., then already have JMac if they want. Then already have Beasley if they want. I've been against another guard the whole time because of this. They need a true shooting threat from SF or PF, hopefully with some hope of future defense at least. I suppose I'm looking at him as a guard, but maybe his height is already enough to be a SF and maybe Ball isn't done growing yet. One of Culver or Okogie would have to be traded I think to open up playing time for him at minimum, or else they go with a point role backing up Dlo. Give him a year or two until that shot hopefully comes around. Maybe he ads a little heft still growing over that time as well.

Speaking of growing, I think that's one possible reason his shot has been off lately. We've all heard of sprouting players struggling with shot during a quick growth spurt before. That is if he's actually anywhere near the claimed height of 5"6.6". If that's in shoes alreaddy I don't think I draft that. I'm not against height issues but the team already has decent options with otherwise shooting issues in that range. Clearly he was a better shooter when he was shorter than what the int. stats list. Not that it means much, but doesn't he have a 92 pt highschool game? I just haven't heard of something like that often. Sounds like at minimum he could be your tanking chucker all day and night while he retunes his shot live on your court with practice minutes. Just don't know if this is the team that needs that right now. Layman is dirt cheap compared to a high FRP, if they think he might compete against him for a role. Aside from Layman being an easily crumbled cookie.

[Nick K]

I know you're going to hate this, but what if Okongwu ends up being a Taj Gibson level player?

I don't see the Taj comp but even so he'd most likely still be better than anybody else in this poor draft.

They're very similar statistically coming out, but even then it's more of a role comparison.

It's nice to imagine that Onyeka will improve his shooting or passing but it's not a guarantee and so I floated the idea that he's just a solid starter (i.e. a Taj Gibson type) rather than some elite piece on a championship level team with the board's biggest OO fan, KG.

It wasn't meant as an insult to Onyeka. You're probably right that this kind of outcome might put him at the top of this class. Nor would I be upset if we took him (he and Deni are at the top of my board). But at the same time I think it's important to be realistic. Onyeka would help us but I get the vibe that people think he's going to transform the team or something.

So yeah, I was just curious what KG thought of that comp.

I hear you. I liked Taj too. I just see us lacking rim protection, rebounding and toughness inside so a player like O.O. might be able to transform us in a good way. Look at how Rodman fit as the perfect piece for Detroit and Chicago. I'm not saying OO is Rodman but he brings what we need.

I might be wrong but in the film I've seen on OO he can defend the perimeter too.

For years I've complained about not having effective scoring guards and now we have plenty. We need a presence inside OO can be that guy.

[Klomp]

I never really saw Lamelo as an NBA prospect; he was lazy, took bad shots, average height, horrible defender, but he had vision and handles. Then he grew to 6'7 out of nowhere and started playing with more energy in the pro league, but to be a potential #1 pick is insane to me and I think it's due to the hype created by his brand and the cult-like following he has on social media to make him seem way better than he is.

If he draft him, obviously i'm going to root he does well, just like with Jarret Culver(who I still don't like), but that's only because i'm putting faith in Rosas and the scouts to really nail the pick this time.

Yeah. I don't think it leapfrogs the team no matter how good he is or not. It is interesting to think that nobody might know his name at all without all the marketing. Dlo is locked in at Max ext., then already have JMac if they want. Then already have Beasley if they want. I've been against another guard the whole time because of this. They need a true shooting threat from SF or PF, hopefully with some hope of future defense at least. I suppose I'm looking at him as a guard, but maybe his height is already enough to be a SF and maybe Ball isn't done growing yet. One of Culver or Okogie would have to be traded I think to open up playing time for him at minimum, or else they go with a point role backing up Dlo. Give him a year or two until that shot hopefully comes around. Maybe he ads a little heft still growing over that time as well.

Speaking of growing, I think that's one possible reason his shot has been off lately. We've all heard of sprouting players struggling with shot during a quick growth spurt before. That is if he's actually anywhere near the claimed height of 5"6.6". If that's in shoes alreaddy I don't think I draft that. I'm not against height issues but the team already has decent options with otherwise shooting issues in that range. Clearly he was a better shooter when he was shorter than what the int. stats list. Not that it means much, but doesn't he have a 92 pt highschool game? I just haven't heard of something like that often. Sounds like at minimum he could be your tanking chucker all day and night while he retunes his shot live on your court with practice minutes. Just don't know if this is the team that needs that right now. Layman is dirt cheap compared to a high FRP, if they think he might compete against him for a role. Aside from Layman being an easily crumbled cookie.

I think that's one reason I'm more intrigued than most. It just opens up more lineup possibilities. They could easily run him out there with two of Russell, Beasley and McLaughlin. Yeah yeah defense I know, but it's a possibility.

Also intrigued by the fact so much of his game is based on instincts. People like to use it as a knock on him that he has no BBIQ, but think about how much better he can continue to get as he learns the game more. Lots of room for growth.

[Klomp]

For years I've complained about not having effective scoring guards and now we have plenty. We need a presence inside OO can be that guy.

We have two scoring guards....that's not plenty.

[karch34]

Anyone interested in Josh Green on the wing? I know we're looking more for PG/SG and SF/PF combinations over SG/SF, but honestly I just want to hit on these draft picks no matter what.

Watch on YouTube

I like Green at 17 a lot. I think him and OO could shore up D and not kill the offense. Plus if majority of shots are Towns, Dlo, and Beasley it's not a bad compliment. Issue of course would be bench shooting.

[Jedzz]

For years I've complained about not having effective scoring guards and now we have plenty. We need a presence inside OO can be that guy.

We have two scoring guards....that's not plenty.

They hve three scoring guards if they sign Jmac. They might have four if they don't throw away Nowell. Maybe Okogie or Culver uses this 10 months off to become a much better shooter and that might mean five. Bunch of could bes obviioucly.

[Jedzz]

I think that's one reason I'm more intrigued than most. It just opens up more lineup possibilities. They could easily run him out there with two of Russell, Beasley and McLaughlin. Yeah yeah defense I know, but it's a possibility.

Also intrigued by the fact so much of his game is based on instincts. People like to use it as a knock on him that he has no BBIQ, but think about how much better he can continue to get as he learns the game more. Lots of room for growth.

I'm Ok with the all in on offense part if he's realy got the height/length to play SF/taller wing next to Beasley and Dlo. Okogie has that superior reach and allows him to from a shorter height. But I think if he's smaller than claims and the choice is just to run three guards at once that can shoot and focus on offense than I would do that all day with Dlo, Jmac,Beasley for cheaper.

I'm not going to claim I know enough about Ball either way. But I am a little confused about the varying descriptions of him by others and then what you see in clips. I'm not even sure how it's possible to have good instincts but low BBIQ unless they just started playing ball yesterday.