2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Ghost of Kleine]

BPA at #10 if available, I want:

Halliburton
Hayes
Vassell
Bey
Hampton

In that order.

Good list man!
I'd love Vassell myself. Although the first 3 ( barring any unforeseen circumstances) are likely to be gone unfortunately. Which Bey do you prefer? Not really a fan of Hampton myself do to his low, inefficient numbers he put up in New Zealand, And apparent lack of any discernible elite skill. But you never know, perhaps he'll show out in private workouts or IF they have a combine after all! Currently he's ranked in the late teens- early 20s' so he may be a really good value option if we trade back perhaps?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Most every updated mock I've come across has Vassell repeatedly going to the Wizards at 9. I don't know about you guys, But that would really suck ( and sting) IF that happened! So would you guys consider trading Oubre to New York for their 8th pick to GUARANTEE that we'd be able to draft Vassell? And then at 10 ( IF Toppin is there, Draft him) But IF not , Would you then be willing to trade the 10th pick/Jerome to Brooklyn for Dinwiddie / Claxton/ 19th pick.

Claxton would fill our needs for a backup 4/5 with immense high end potential. Then at 19, You draft Killian Tillie ( replace Saric). In free agency, I'm renouncing BOTH Saric AND Baynes, Then sign Grant to 42/3 ( Oubre replacement). So now our lineup would look like:
- Booker/ Rubio/ Payne.
- Bridges/ Dinwiddie/ Carter.
- Grant/ Vassell/ Bridges.
- Cam/ Tillie/ Claxton.
- Ayton/Grant/ Tillie.
That's a tremendous balance of both offense, 3 pt shooting, and switchable lockdown defense.

[AtheJ415]

I've said it before, but Vassell is the safest dude in the draft and also one of the best athletes. If he's there, I think we'd have to take him. Hayes I also love, but feel less safe about, but I'd be thrilled with him due to IQ at his age. I think there's risk with others.

Nesmith I see mocked to us but I'd be pissed if we did that with Vassell there. Vassell is not the level of shooter that Nesmith is (nobody is in this draft), but he is a better scorer and the best wing defender in the draft.

I'd be pretty surprised if he took Nesmith over Vassell. One thing Jones has mentioned is on his list of important traits is willingness to move the ball. And while Vassell isn't the best here (2 ast per 36), Nesmith is .9 per 36.

Wow, I didn't realize Nesmith shot over 52% from 3 on over 8 attempts per game though. That's pretty crazy. 68.5% TS%. Anyway, Vassell is better at everything else and still a great 3 pt shooter.

Vassell used to be there on the Ringer mock draft, when we took Hayes at 10, but now he has Vassell going 6th.

Nesmith lit up Kentucky in a game I saw earlier this year. He's a legit shooter. And has plenty of size too. I wouldn't be upset if we took him if Vassell isn't there. Shooters with size are always valuable, and he's going to be a career 40% shooter in the NBA imo. But Vassell has real upside as a creator and his defense is outstanding. He carried an FSU team that, imo, had poorly designed offensive sets and a lack of offensive skill, despite the team's amazing overall defense.

[oddity]

Think Hampton has been slept on. He accepted a role off the bench in New Zealand and showed humility and professionalism. Plus he was getting better as the season developed. There are so many good defenders at this range that it's gonna be hard to go for a playmaking combo guard, but this kid has a chance to be something special offensively.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I always start looking for guys I hope get picked ahead of the suns because I don't think the suns would be interested and they would push other guys down.

Okoro, Maxey, and Anthony are the ones I've ID'd so far. I don't see Jones being particularly high on any of these three but they have a shot to be right around this range.

So those are the guys I hope go here my other groups:

Won't be there at 10: Ball (crazy but he's the only guy I'd say there 0 chance makes it to 10)

Highly unlikely to be at 10 but suns probably wouldn't want anyway: Edwards and Wiseman

Could be there at 10 and I like but I'm not sure the suns would actually like: Okongwu and Hayes

My guess as the number 1 guy the suns pray makes it to 10 but probably won't: Haliburton

Guys I think the suns would strongly consider at 10: Toppin and Vassell

Guy I have no idea if the suns would like but is probably gone at 10: Avdija

Other guys I could see on the suns radar: nesmith, Williams, Lewis, Smith, maybe even Riller because they don't seem to mind drafting guys ahead of where they go in mocks

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[oddity]

Personally, at 10 I really live Devin Vassell. He def doesn't have the natural shake to his game that discerns the great offensive players from the good, but he seems like a dependable decision maker w/ solid athleticism and a jump shot. Defensively this guy seems almost too good to pass up on, esp given the Suns desire to play hard Zebo Grizzlies era defense.
I have a lot of nagging questions abt our lineup next season. Cam may have worked as a stretch 4 in limited minutes, but I think we either sign a 4 or start Kelly/Mikal. That means Cam would be on the bench next to Vassell, which could lack offensive firepower.
If the Suns went with a guy like Saddiq Bey, who could be a hotter shooter, they could cover that problem, but Bey isn't the caliber of defender that Vassell is. It's a tough call this year.

[Walt_Uoob]

I always start looking for guys I hope get picked ahead of the suns because I don't think the suns would be interested and they would push other guys down.

Okoro, Maxey, and Anthony are the ones I've ID'd so far. I don't see Jones being particularly high on any of these three but they have a shot to be right around this range.

So those are the guys I hope go here my other groups:

Won't be there at 10: Ball (crazy but he's the only guy I'd say there 0 chance makes it to 10)

Highly unlikely to be at 10 but suns probably wouldn't want anyway: Edwards and Wiseman

Could be there at 10 and I like but I'm not sure the suns would actually like: Okongwu and Hayes

My guess as the number 1 guy the suns pray makes it to 10 but probably won't: Haliburton

Guys I think the suns would strongly consider at 10: Toppin and Vassell

Guy I have no idea if the suns would like but is probably gone at 10: Avdija

Other guys I could see on the suns radar: nesmith, Williams, Lewis, Smith, maybe even Riller because they don't seem to mind drafting guys ahead of where they go in mocks

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I like your list and it's a great point that we shouldn't be surprised by a reach for Riller rather than some fancy trade-down or something.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

I always start looking for guys I hope get picked ahead of the suns because I don't think the suns would be interested and they would push other guys down.

Okoro, Maxey, and Anthony are the ones I've ID'd so far. I don't see Jones being particularly high on any of these three but they have a shot to be right around this range.

So those are the guys I hope go here my other groups:

Won't be there at 10: Ball (crazy but he's the only guy I'd say there 0 chance makes it to 10)

Highly unlikely to be at 10 but suns probably wouldn't want anyway: Edwards and Wiseman

Could be there at 10 and I like but I'm not sure the suns would actually like: Okongwu and Hayes

My guess as the number 1 guy the suns pray makes it to 10 but probably won't: Haliburton

Guys I think the suns would strongly consider at 10: Toppin and Vassell

Guy I have no idea if the suns would like but is probably gone at 10: Avdija

Other guys I could see on the suns radar: nesmith, Williams, Lewis, Smith, maybe even Riller because they don't seem to mind drafting guys ahead of where they go in mocks

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I like your list and it's a great point that we shouldn't be surprised by a reach for Riller rather than some fancy trade-down or something.

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Very solid points, And I completely agree on Riller. He's got the potential to be the single biggest " under the radar steal " of the entire draft!

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Grant Riller has had a TS% above 60% on a USG% above 30% in each of his last two seasons.

NBA draft picks at guard to record that at least once since 2010: Jimmer, Dame (2x), C.J., Buddy, Ja

Read on Twitter

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Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) Tweeted:
Grant Riller is the most talented driver in this class.

He uses changes of pace, a manipulative handle, ambidextrous finishing and masterful body control to thrive as a finisher: https://t.co/Ua4RYfNjaN

Read on Twitter

?s=20

https://www.google.com/amp/s/arizonasports.com/story/2298456/empire-of-the-suns-nba-draft-big-board-pt-3-biggest-sleeper-at-wing-pg/amp/

Grant Riller, PG, Charleston, 23 years old

It’s really unfortunate for Riller that he likely won’t have the combine and team-hosted workouts to show out because he would destroy this entire guard class at them. I’m talking defcon-five style annihilation.

As you can tell by now, this class has a dire lack of efficiency and production at guard, let alone someone who meets that as a goal and exceeds it as well.

Riller had his true shooting percentage above 60% and usage percentage above 30% in each of his last two seasons. Here are the guards who got picked in the NBA Draft to do that since 2010: Jimmer Fredette, Damian Lillard (twice), C.J. McCollum, Buddy Hield and Ja Morant.

Pretty good company, no?

Riller’s handle has an excellent combination of being tight with exceptional burst. Most importantly, he’s got a strong frame and embraces contact so he can carry guys on his shoulder and finish through them.

Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) Tweeted:
Prospect Play of the Day: Grant Riller is one of the draft's most prolific, efficient ISO scorers. Does a great job of creating space with step backs in either direction. The Charleston guard averaged 21.8 PTS on 55% from 2 and 36.4% from 3 last season. Can really fill it up. https://t.co/lWLsasoPjZ

Read on Twitter

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Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) Tweeted:
Grant Riller this year:

- 21.9 points per game on 60.9% TS
- 97th percentile in PnR
- 96th percentile on spot-ups
- 88th percentile at the rim
- 85th percentile on catch-and-shoots
- 83rd percentile off the dribble

Read on Twitter

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Austin Robert (@Rowbear32) Tweeted:
@jackfrank_jjf 70.6% shooting at the rim on just 13.9% ASTd% and 47% FTr ([b]higher than Zion). Probably the best pure scorer in the class. [/b]

Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) Tweeted:
Love how Grant Riller elevates the height of dribble, baiting the defender into anticipating a pass, before going between the legs and feeding the big inside https://t.co/sfhbzSliFa

Read on Twitter

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He'd be an absolute steal for us in a trade back scenario with another pick. I currently have him projected to go somewhere in the 10-17 range. Potentially higher IF he's able to get in some private workouts to showcase his skills/ poise/ basketball IQ. He's just a really good kid, Really smart, humble, driven, and seems totally like a
Monty Williams type of prospect from start to finish.

Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) Tweeted:
Really enjoyed breaking down Grant Riller's film with him this afternoon. One of the most talented shot creators in the draft. Was the only player in the country to average 21-5-4 on at least 50% from 2 & 35% from 3. Could be the next mid-major guard to make a splash in the NBA. https://t.co/mPXdnSaMDl

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

This discussion is fun and all, but you're all talking about these players we're not going to draft. We're going to draft Jalen Smith. You can take that to the bank.

.... Unless we have the BALLS to draft Pokusevski, which is what we should do. I didn't realize this, but the league he's playing in is the same league Giannis played in the year before he was drafted. About the same age. Statistically, Poku last year bested Giannis's year in Olympiakos B across the board. We're talking points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG%, 3FG%. IMO, this kid shouldn't even be available where we pick. So while I'm betting we pass in order to draft the older and more physically-ready Smith, Poku's the guy I'd reach for.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Relocating from the offseason thread, since it belongs here:

Response to the quote below from the draft thread, which belongs here:

I have a lot of nagging questions abt our lineup next season. Cam may have worked as a stretch 4 in limited minutes, but I think we either sign a 4 or start Kelly/Mikal.

I think it would be a huge mistake to put Cam back on the bench. The way he opens up the floor for our high pick and roll action is just too valuable to our starting unit. Most anyone you put in Cam's place will make us a worse offensive team, and I don't think he was outmatched/outmuscled as a 4 in the bubble - played great D, actually. He's bigger and taller than Kelly and gives us more defensive versatility by not forcing us to put Mikal on the opposing 4.

Kelly's much better at creating his own shot, which would be more valuable off our bench, I think, since our starting lineup features our two best shot-creators in Booker and Rubio. Though I must note the good chemistry that's developed between Cam and Dario, which is a point for the contrary argument.

The biggest problem with most stretch-4s is that they can't play defense, switch or make plays. Cam does all that. He IS the stretch 4 we've been waiting for. Why mess with it?

I think you draft a 4. Oubre, Cam, Mikal and Dario will all get minutes at that slot so there will be less pressure on a rookie to come in and be a starter right away. He can work on his game and play when he's ready. But there are a lot of question marks surrounding true bigs on our roster, and if Saric ends up being our backup C (which may pan out well!), then we need another big body to play the 4.

Keep in mind, the Suns have the possibility of losing Kaminsky, Diallo, Baynes AND Saric in the offseason depending on how things shake out, I'd like to have at least one big man coming in and the draft is the easiest way to get an affordable one that can contribute.

That said, I agree with Oubre off the bench. I think if you're running a bench group of Payne, Carter, Oubre, Saric....that's a lot of energy, hustle, defensive intensity and scoring for the opposition to deal with. That looks like a bench that can build leads, not just maintain them.

First of all, I'd be shocked if we lost Dario. We have his RFA rights and it seems he's finally found a home. Sarver did an interview a week or so ago where he lauded Dario as a major reason for our improved play in the bubble, so I think we'll be willing to spend to retain him. Second, you can kiss Frank goodbye. Maybe Diallo stays, but I doubt it. Baynes is the guy who's up in the air.

As to your main point - drafting a 4 - I'm thinking less about position and more about attributes. Whether Dario is your 4 or 5, what he doesn't give you is length, rim protection, lane disruption, weak side help. So whether you call a guy a 4 or a 5, the real question is whether they possess those attributes.

Smith, Reed, Pokusevski and Achiuwa bring these things to the table. To a lesser extent, so do Toppin, Okongwu and Williams (if he grows). (Didn't realize this, but Achiuwa was 2nd in the NCAA in defensive rating AND defensive win shares - whoa! Might need to consider him more seriously... Almost certainly belongs ahead of Reed, whom I've long coveted).

If we find ourselves with a SRP, we should also seriously consider Xavier Tillman, who led the NCAA in Box Plus-Minus.... worth noting that Cam Johnson's BPM last year was higher than anyone in this year's draft, though he was a distant #3 in that category in 2018-19 to Zion and Clarke.

[Blonde]

The guy who I’ve focused in on, who I believe will be on the board at 10, is Kira Lewis. It’s a future play to be sure, but I see him as being a James Jones kind of player. Extremely high character, experienced team leader, good with ball in hands, versatile offensively. Vassell would be the other guy I could see being there at 10 that I would be very excited about. I’d put it at 50% chance he’s there though.

The greatest value Ricky Rubio can bring to this team is mentoring his replacement, and I hope we give him that opportunity (Leque is NOT that guy I promise you). I think the majority agrees that Haliburton would be Jones’ primary target but I just don’t see him slipping past the Hawks and the Knicks. Nor do I get super excited about Haliburton’s ultimate upside.

[Mr Puddles]

NBA.com's consensus mock draft has the Suns taking Hayes. The consensus mock draft is a compilation of mock drafts around the web:

https://www.nba.com/amp/league/article/2020/08/20/2020-consensus-mock-draft

Honestly, with Ball, Haliburton, and Hayes all projected to go high in the lottery - I could see one of them slipping. Detroit and New York are the only teams above us who seem to be in need of a PG.

[Ghost of Kleine]

This discussion is fun and all, but you're all talking about these players we're not going to draft. We're going to draft Jalen Smith. You can take that to the bank.

.... Unless we have the BALLS to draft Pokusevski, which is what we should do. I didn't realize this, but the league he's playing in is the same league Giannis played in the year before he was drafted. About the same age. Statistically, Poku last year bested Giannis's year in Olympiakos B across the board. We're talking points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG%, 3FG%. IMO, this kid shouldn't even be available where we pick. So while I'm betting we pass in order to draft the older and more physically-ready Smith, Poku's the guy I'd reach for.

You know man, That I'd be ecstatic of course with Jalen Smith! I just see so much potential Serge Ibaka / Larry Sanders potential with him. I wouldn't at all be upset with Pokusevski either, As I too can see his immense potential and versatility, Although I agree that we're not very likely to take him unfortunately due to him being a raw prospect. And not really percieved to be a contributor from the jump! I think that apart from Toppin somehow falling to us, My newest big board would be:

1- Jalen Smith.
2- Paul Reed.
3- Pokusevski*** I personally see him as a Kirilenko upside player. But initially he'd offer immense value as a really big, really long jack of all trades, Playmaking, defensive 3/4 with some 5 potential too ( IF he adds weight and strength).
4- Achiuwa.
5- Reggie Perry.

Honestly though! I don't see why IF well planned out, We couldn't have both of Riller and Smith or Reed or Poku? Even combined, their salaries would only equal to around 4.5 million tops! A " drop in the bucket " for such an impact/ production added. Having said that, I really hope that we look to either Smith or Riller at 10, And then find their opposing compliment with an additional first in this draft. After all, As I've said many times........

This draft is great for adding low cost/ high potential positional depth that can be productive and offer specific beneficial attributes at specific areas of need. Then we look to add an impact free agent in 2021 free agency, And a high level prospect with actual All star potential in the 2021 draft! That player can either be developed to be our 3rd star compliment, Or perhaps insurance against Booker potentially leaving for LA or New York in 2024.

[bigfoot]

Most every updated mock I've come across has Vassell repeatedly going to the Wizards at 9. I don't know about you guys, But that would really suck ( and sting) IF that happened! So would you guys consider trading Oubre to New York for their 8th pick to GUARANTEE that we'd be able to draft Vassell? And then at 10 ( IF Toppin is there, Draft him) But IF not , Would you then be willing to trade the 10th pick/Jerome to Brooklyn for Dinwiddie / Claxton/ 19th pick.

Claxton would fill our needs for a backup 4/5 with immense high end potential. Then at 19, You draft Killian Tillie ( replace Saric). In free agency, I'm renouncing BOTH Saric AND Baynes, Then sign Grant to 42/3 ( Oubre replacement). So now our lineup would look like:
- Booker/ Rubio/ Payne.
- Bridges/ Dinwiddie/ Carter.
- Grant/ Vassell/ Bridges.
- Cam/ Tillie/ Claxton.
- Ayton/Grant/ Tillie.
That's a tremendous balance of both offense, 3 pt shooting, and switchable lockdown defense.

No to trading Oubre for an 8th pick. This just doesn't make any sense giving up a starter/6th man-extraordinaire for a 1st round pick. We don't need to add more young players to the youngest team in the league.

No to Booker running the point.
No to Bridges starting at SG.

Yes to retaining Saric, Baynes, Carter, and Payne. Then add some bench depth using the MLE. Our rookie will likely be relegated to toting around bags and getting lunch for the rest of the team.

[WeekapaugGroove]

The guy who I’ve focused in on, who I believe will be on the board at 10, is Kira Lewis. It’s a future play to be sure, but I see him as being a James Jones kind of player. Extremely high character, experienced team leader, good with ball in hands, versatile offensively. Vassell would be the other guy I could see being there at 10 that I would be very excited about. I’d put it at 50% chance he’s there though.

The greatest value Ricky Rubio can bring to this team is mentoring his replacement, and I hope we give him that opportunity (Leque is NOT that guy I promise you). I think the majority agrees that Haliburton would be Jones’ primary target but I just don’t see him slipping past the Hawks and the Knicks. Nor do I get super excited about Haliburton’s ultimate upside.

I like Kira Lewis a lot. Speed with the ball in your hand is an underrated trait, it keeps the D on it's heels.

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[bwgood77]

I always start looking for guys I hope get picked ahead of the suns because I don't think the suns would be interested and they would push other guys down.

Okoro, Maxey, and Anthony are the ones I've ID'd so far. I don't see Jones being particularly high on any of these three but they have a shot to be right around this range.

So those are the guys I hope go here my other groups:

Won't be there at 10: Ball (crazy but he's the only guy I'd say there 0 chance makes it to 10)

Highly unlikely to be at 10 but suns probably wouldn't want anyway: Edwards and Wiseman

Could be there at 10 and I like but I'm not sure the suns would actually like: Okongwu and Hayes

My guess as the number 1 guy the suns pray makes it to 10 but probably won't: Haliburton

Guys I think the suns would strongly consider at 10: Toppin and Vassell

Guy I have no idea if the suns would like but is probably gone at 10: Avdija

Other guys I could see on the suns radar: nesmith, Williams, Lewis, Smith, maybe even Riller because they don't seem to mind drafting guys ahead of where they go in mocks

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I like your list and it's a great point that we shouldn't be surprised by a reach for Riller rather than some fancy trade-down or something.

Sent from my moto x4 using RealGM mobile app

Remember he likes those upper classmen with experience and guys projected to go between 20 and 40...so don't forget about Tyler Bey...I think he's like the highest ranked junior, despite not being that highly ranked, but fits the profile (this is kind of a joke, but nonetheless, he does fit the profile of last year's picks and I wouldn't be shocked).

[bwgood77]

This discussion is fun and all, but you're all talking about these players we're not going to draft. We're going to draft Jalen Smith. You can take that to the bank.

.... Unless we have the BALLS to draft Pokusevski, which is what we should do. I didn't realize this, but the league he's playing in is the same league Giannis played in the year before he was drafted. About the same age. Statistically, Poku last year bested Giannis's year in Olympiakos B across the board. We're talking points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG%, 3FG%. IMO, this kid shouldn't even be available where we pick. So while I'm betting we pass in order to draft the older and more physically-ready Smith, Poku's the guy I'd reach for.

Jalen Smith is very intriguing. Are you thinking to back up the 5 too? If they really like Saric and want to keep them, like Cam at the 4, and don't want to trade Oubre and plan on him starting at the 4 (most likely if they keep him), you really think Jalen is the pick? Or are you saying this under the assumption that we will move on from Oubre and/or Saric?

[bwgood77]

Most every updated mock I've come across has Vassell repeatedly going to the Wizards at 9. I don't know about you guys, But that would really suck ( and sting) IF that happened! So would you guys consider trading Oubre to New York for their 8th pick to GUARANTEE that we'd be able to draft Vassell? And then at 10 ( IF Toppin is there, Draft him) But IF not , Would you then be willing to trade the 10th pick/Jerome to Brooklyn for Dinwiddie / Claxton/ 19th pick.

Claxton would fill our needs for a backup 4/5 with immense high end potential. Then at 19, You draft Killian Tillie ( replace Saric). In free agency, I'm renouncing BOTH Saric AND Baynes, Then sign Grant to 42/3 ( Oubre replacement). So now our lineup would look like:
- Booker/ Rubio/ Payne.
- Bridges/ Dinwiddie/ Carter.
- Grant/ Vassell/ Bridges.
- Cam/ Tillie/ Claxton.
- Ayton/Grant/ Tillie.
That's a tremendous balance of both offense, 3 pt shooting, and switchable lockdown defense.

No to trading Oubre for an 8th pick. This just doesn't make any sense giving up a starter/6th man-extraordinaire for a 1st round pick. We don't need to add more young players to the youngest team in the league.

No to Booker running the point.
No to Bridges starting at SG.

Yes to retaining Saric, Baynes, Carter, and Payne. Then add some bench depth using the MLE. Our rookie will likely be relegated to toting around bags and getting lunch for the rest of the team.

I don't think there is any way a team would trade a lottery pick for one year of Oubre anyway.

[bwgood77]

NBA.com's consensus mock draft has the Suns taking Hayes. The consensus mock draft is a compilation of mock drafts around the web:

https://www.nba.com/amp/league/article/2020/08/20/2020-consensus-mock-draft

Honestly, with Ball, Haliburton, and Hayes all projected to go high in the lottery - I could see one of them slipping. Detroit and New York are the only teams above us who seem to be in need of a PG.

Knicks fans don't want Vassell which is interesting. I was just talking to them and they were saying "No, we don't want Mikal Bridges 2.0 at #8" and "those 3&D wing players are easy to find."

[Ghost of Kleine]

NBA.com's consensus mock draft has the Suns taking Hayes. The consensus mock draft is a compilation of mock drafts around the web:

https://www.nba.com/amp/league/article/2020/08/20/2020-consensus-mock-draft

Honestly, with Ball, Haliburton, and Hayes all projected to go high in the lottery - I could see one of them slipping. Detroit and New York are the only teams above us who seem to be in need of a PG.

Perhaps, But then again, Many Chicago fans have professed an interest in finding an actual playmaking facilitator with defensive capabilities to compliment Lavines' scoring. They stated that Colby White is simply more of a scoring guard than the facilitator that they need. They've mentioned Haliburton and to a lesser extent Hayes too! Although it's my opinion that Avdija would be the perfect playmaking" Point Forward " to compliment their lineup.

Also the Hawks have expressed interest in finding a playmaking, passing ( facilitating compliment to Trae for their backcourt. They feel that IF they can draft a guard with strong passing and defensive skills, Then Trae can be freed up more as a more potent scoring option.If we're being honest, There are actually at least 7 teams that could opt for a point guard prospect as their primary position of choice:

1- Minnesota
They could see Russell as better served at the 2 guard, Rather than as a playmaker. And could choose from either Melo, Or more likely they'd choose Haliburton for his defensive skillset (additionally). Outcome- Draft Ball.

2- Golden State
Ball would be really tempting for his incredible vision and playmaking ability. But so would Haliburton IF they view him as a better playmaking version of Shaun Livingston. It'd be really tempting to them, To be able to have a playmaking guard that could get all of their weapons firing on all cylinders. As soon as Ball goes, The consensus among the nba scouts is that Haliburton will be the 2nd guard taken off the board, As high IQ playmaking, guards with solid defense and efficient shooting would carry premium value, Especially in a draft such as this one. Outcome-Draft Edwards.

3- Charlotte
Yes, They have Rozier. But really, Both Rozier and Graham are more of scoring guards than they are facilitators. Having said that, I think they go big with Wiseman for their frontcourt needs and for the buzz/ hype it'll bring to their franchise. But they could still be unpredictable and go for One of Ball/ Haliburton/ or Hayes still. Outcome-Draft Wiseman.

4- Chicago
Chicago could really use a center or a wing ( 3). But they've recently mentioned profound interest in acquiring more of an actual playmaking guard *( with defensive potential) to play off of Lavine. They have Sato, But he's not a long term option, Also, he's more of a scorer, than a facilitator or defender. Same with Coby White. They've stated a preference for a guard that can initiate their offense optimally, As well as play off of Lavine. They either go with Haliburton or Avdija. But with porter makingb27 million in 2020, And also having a 28 million player option that he's likely to take, Outcome-Draft Haliburton.

5- Cleveland
Cleveland will go with a wing ( 3) here. The Cavs have both Love and Nance at the 4. They're not going to blow a top 5 pick for a 3rd string option. They're currently weak at. Outcome-Draft Avdija.

6- Atlanta
Atlanta really covets a backcourt partner for Trae that can make plays/ facilitate their offense/ play defense to help take some pressure off of Young, And free up his offense more. Haliburton was at the top of their list, But seeing he's already off the board, They'll strongly consider Hayes, But ultimately decide to draft - Outcome- Draft Okoro.

**They chose Okoro over Hayes for his Elite defensive potential and over Vassell for his passing/ playmaking. They're not as concerned offensively, As they already have many offensive weapons.

7- Detroit
Detroit needs a lead guard honestly. They already have Kennard at the 2, Dembouya at the 3, Griffin at the 4, And are very likely to bring back Wood too. Even though they have Rose and could use more depth throughout the roster, Rose is no spring chicken. And they definitely could use more depth in their backcourt. They'll take the best guard left on the board in Hayes. He's got one of the highest star potential, left on the board besides Toppin. They do consider Hayes, But with them already having Griffin at the 4, and with Wood being more of a 4 than a 5, They settle on.................Outcome-Draft Okungwu.

8- New York
It really sucks for them to not move up and secure a top pick. They really need as much star potential as they can get. They just can't seem to catch any luck! And they don't make good decisions it seems. Having said that, They're very tempted to take the hometown hero in Cole Anthony, They also strongly consider Toppin for his potential draw too. But after considering Randle still having 18 million for this season and next, as well as their glaring backcourt needs, They settle on............
OutcomeDraft Hayes.

9- Washington This one stings!
Washington really needs a defensive wing compliment to Beal and Hachimura. They definitely wanted Okoro, But with him already off the board, They ultimately opt for OutcomeVassell.

10- Phoenix
Phoenix is in a pretty good position currently. Only needing more depth currently. They did really covet both Haliburton and Vassell, Having Them 1 and 2 on their Big board. But they should still consider themselves very lucky to have this player actually fall into their laps unexpectedly. They now have a chance to resurrect the good old' days with Amare'. Outcome-Draft Toppin.

*** Now they can trade Oubre into space maybe for (Golden State TPE) anyone??? Or to Dallas for the 18th and 31st picks? ( Cap space)! Or maybe to Detroit for Kennard or for cap space and a future lottery protected first or 2021 2nd? But for now, Let's assume it's Dallas.

18- Draft Riller. ( PGOTF).
31- Draft Tyler Bey. ( Shawn Marion 2.0).
***Toppin ( Amare 2.0).
Lol....But honestly, if we could add a new version of Amare' and Stat' along with a fred van vleet/ CJ McCollum option ( Riller) to our already talented core, How could you not really???

That'd be 3 high impact players for our bench/ positional depth that combined would only likely cost at best
https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/rookie_scale
6-7 million tops. And once we choose to decline Kaminskys' team option and waive either Diallo or Okobo ( or both), Then these players will slot right into their salary spots. Then we resign Saric using the non-taxpayer MLE. Say maybe 18/2. Then use our 3.6 million Biannual exception for Nerlens Noel or Dwight Howard ( Backup 5)???
* Also T Bey can spend some spot minutes at the 5 in small ball situations. I think it's important with Toppin to add another solid defensive wing option. This will help cover for Toppins' current defensive inadequacies.
*** IF Tyler is off the board, then we go with Reed at 31. He's an elite switchable/ versatile defender with an improving offensive game, And he can also guard 2-5 and spend some spot minutes at the 5 even. Not to be greedy, But 3 is the magic number for this draft, To cover depth for all necessary roster positions. IF we elect to go this route, We'll absolutely be a really dangerous playoff team!!!