2020 NBA Draft prospects

[KGdaBom]

First time poster. I like different prospects for different things. The creativity of the offense with Ball would be fun to watch, Russell is also really good off the ball. He's better with the ball in his hands but as we saw with Jmac he can play off the ball as well. They could make the fit work. Ball has good touch on the floaters which leads me to believe he can actually shoot he just needs to be consistent in his footwork on his jump shot. The defense is definitely concerning but he has good instincts with playing the passing lanes and getting weak side blocks, actually moves his feet pretty well, however, he disengages a lot and that's problematic.
Edwards has potential elite athleticism. He has poor shot selection but with him being a 3rd or 4th option maybe he'll take smarter shots. wishful thinking on my part possibly. His shooting form isn't bad at all just has to take better shots. He's a good cutter and could add another dynamic to this offense with his ability to get to the rim and finish. Has all the athletic tools to be a good defender it's just a mindset and wanting to do it and give effort.
Wiseman would immediately help the Wolves rebounding issues, while also providing potentially elite rim-protecting skills. He's a good rim runner and with Kat's ability to shoot should give Wiseman plenty of space in the post. For as big as he is though he lacks finishing strength through contact. and he's slow-footed so zero ability to guard in space at the moment.
There's good and bad with each prospect, personally, my favorite as of now is Deni Avdija but as far as the "consensus" top 3 for the wolves I might lean slightly towards Edwards for now.

Nice to hear from you. Wiseman is NOT slow footed. Other than that good points.

[KGdaBom]

The more I think about things, the more I fear that passing on James Wiseman because we have Karl-Anthony Towns could be a lesser version of the Blazers passing on Michael Jordan because they had Clyde Drexler. They were still a perennial playoff team with two Finals appearances, but did they reach their fullest potential?

It could be just that.

[Worm Guts]

The more I think about things, the more I fear that passing on James Wiseman because we have Karl-Anthony Towns could be a lesser version of the Blazers passing on Michael Jordan because they had Clyde Drexler. They were still a perennial playoff team with two Finals appearances, but did they reach their fullest potential?

We shouldn’t pass on Wiseman just because of Towns, but Wiseman wasn’t the consensus top prospect before the Wolves had the pick.
I sort of want to be on the Wiseman bandwagon, but the experts like Givony and Schmidt seem to prefer Ball. Those guys can be wrong, but they have put more effort into scouting these guys than most of us have.

[konumykal]

First time poster. I like different prospects for different things. The creativity of the offense with Ball would be fun to watch, Russell is also really good off the ball. He's better with the ball in his hands but as we saw with Jmac he can play off the ball as well. They could make the fit work. Ball has good touch on the floaters which leads me to believe he can actually shoot he just needs to be consistent in his footwork on his jump shot. The defense is definitely concerning but he has good instincts with playing the passing lanes and getting weak side blocks, actually moves his feet pretty well, however, he disengages a lot and that's problematic.
Edwards has potential elite athleticism. He has poor shot selection but with him being a 3rd or 4th option maybe he'll take smarter shots. wishful thinking on my part possibly. His shooting form isn't bad at all just has to take better shots. He's a good cutter and could add another dynamic to this offense with his ability to get to the rim and finish. Has all the athletic tools to be a good defender it's just a mindset and wanting to do it and give effort.
Wiseman would immediately help the Wolves rebounding issues, while also providing potentially elite rim-protecting skills. He's a good rim runner and with Kat's ability to shoot should give Wiseman plenty of space in the post. For as big as he is though he lacks finishing strength through contact. and he's slow-footed so zero ability to guard in space at the moment.
There's good and bad with each prospect, personally, my favorite as of now is Deni Avdija but as far as the "consensus" top 3 for the wolves I might lean slightly towards Edwards for now.

Nice to hear from you. Wiseman is NOT slow footed. Other than that good points.

Thanks! much appreciated

[KGdaBom]

It's encouraging to me that he says he models his game after Bosh and Davis, and not more limited guys like say DeAndre Jordan.

Yes. But at the same time no. If you read scouting reports that talk about his AAU play, they say he was inefficient even at that level for multiple reasons, but in part because he saw himself as a guy with more perimeter skills than he actually had.

Why are people calling Wiseman a generational talent? He is ranked high because of incredible athletic ability. As far as I can tell, he hasn’t dominated anywhere on the actual basketball court. Doesn’t mean he shouldn’t go high in the draft, just that there is a lot of uncertainty.

If you look at the online draft boards (not mocks), does any analyst have him above 3? They could certainly be wrong. This is why I wish he had played, he could have cemented that #1 pick like Zion did (who even came back last year after injury) or could have shown his flaws. He choose not to.

On the hand, a 7’1” Bosh is enticing...

Well, he dominated the college game. Small sample, but he dominated.

Agreed. He was dominant.

[Klomp]

It's encouraging to me that he says he models his game after Bosh and Davis, and not more limited guys like say DeAndre Jordan.

Yes. But at the same time no. If you read scouting reports that talk about his AAU play, they say he was inefficient even at that level for multiple reasons, but in part because he saw himself as a guy with more perimeter skills than he actually had.

And he admits that he had to get better. And he's worked on his dribbling and shooting since taking time off.

[Norseman79]

The only question I have left regarding Wiseman is attitude/team stuff. I have seen nothing to suggest he is a problem. Physical traits are off the charts, skills developing, work ethic seems legit, floor is high.

[TheZachAttack]

If you read my post history I’m a 1-3-1 truther and I believe in optimizing your best player. I think Wiseman is enough of a talent to break from your system and plan. I’d go so far to say that if he played for a whole season he’d be thought of like a Zion. He’s just a huge problem on both ends of the floor. High floor and projectable high ceiling.

I think he’s basically Rudy Gobert floor and Anthony Davis ceiling.

[Norseman79]

I know we can continue to beat dead horses regarding Edwards, Ball, and Wiseman, but for a change up, I'd like to get a consensus view on Jaden McDaniels as a SF. He will probably be available at 17. I know he isn't perfect but it's the 17th pick, and he screams potential steal to me. Again, going back and watching game tape, I am thinking he is who I want with that pick. Wiseman and McDaniels. Will start digging on 33 pick now

[Baseline81]

How confident are any of us in Towns becoming a better defender?

If Towns remains as the center going forward, the only option is finding an athletic, defensive-minded PF who can also shoot from behind the arc. Wiseman allows the Wolves to change that approach.

He wouldn't be depended on to star from day one. Instead, he'd be asked to keep it simple. Offensively focus on rolling, rim running and put-backs; defensively work on clogging the lane, blocking and rebounding. He would expand his game from there.

A drawback to Wiseman is if the two didn't mesh, his value wouldn't be as high as Edwards or even Ball.

[jpatrick]

Wiseman played well, no doubt. But his best game was against South Carolina State (28pts/11rebs/3blks/1ast), a team that was 11-18, even though playing most of their games against lower levels. They played no one taller than 6’7”/6’8” during most of the game.

I watched the UIC games last night (17/9/3/0). Wiseman certainly played well. UIC was just overmatched by the size/athleticism of Memphis in general, they won by about 50, but Wiseman didn’t show much offensively besides ability to dunk. He was a defensive/rebounding presence and had one nice turnaround jumper. UIC was again not great even playing against teams in their own league (18-17).

The game people point to is Oregon, as Oregon was a good team. Wiseman finished 14/12 with 1 block and no assists in a loss. Good? Yes. Dominant? No. I cannot find the full game online so I’ve only seen highlights. Can’t really tell much from highlights. Looks like most of Wiseman’s points came off putbacks and finishing passes with dunks.

His resume would be the equivalent of Edwards deciding to sit the rest of the season after scoring 33 in the second half against Michigan State, except Michigan State is a good team. I really hope we can get the top three in for workouts. Ball and Wiseman just have too little on film to know what can really do.

[Klomp]

I know we can continue to beat dead horses regarding Edwards, Ball, and Wiseman, but for a change up, I'd like to get a consensus view on Jaden McDaniels as a SF. He will probably be available at 17. I know he isn't perfect but it's the 17th pick, and he screams potential steal to me. Again, going back and watching game tape, I am thinking he is who I want with that pick. Wiseman and McDaniels. Will start digging on 33 pick now

I'd personally go with Pokusevski before McDaniels, but he's in the running

[jpatrick]

Wasserman, the Bleacher Report draft analyst, had an article on Wiseman today.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2885662-addressing-the-biggest-questions-about-nba-draft-prospect-james-wiseman

One thing to note, only 3 of Wiseman’s FGs this year were not from a layup/dunk caused by a teammates pass or from a putback. He’s a rim running finisher, not a guy you expect to make an offensive play for your team. Note he also only had one assist.

The other thing Wasserman goes into is that although he’s a definite shot blocker, he may not be a plus on defense (similar to Whiteside) because of lack of defensive instincts/abilities in all other defensive areas.

Take it for what it’s worth. While Wasserman doesn’t seem to be a fan, he did note that some evaluators do think he’s a great talent while others think he’s very average.

[Norseman79]

I know we can continue to beat dead horses regarding Edwards, Ball, and Wiseman, but for a change up, I'd like to get a consensus view on Jaden McDaniels as a SF. He will probably be available at 17. I know he isn't perfect but it's the 17th pick, and he screams potential steal to me. Again, going back and watching game tape, I am thinking he is who I want with that pick. Wiseman and McDaniels. Will start digging on 33 pick now

I'd personally go with Pokusevski before McDaniels, but he's in the running

If I pick McDaniels my expectation is a year in Iowa unless he really wows me in camp. He just needs to get stronger. He has point forward written all over him, can run the court like a cheetah, and has a beautiful shot. It would almost be like picking him at 17 as he would be our first rounder next year. Similar to Pokusevski who would be in Europe instead of Iowa.

[Norseman79]

Wasserman, the Bleacher Report draft analyst, had an article on Wiseman today.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2885662-addressing-the-biggest-questions-about-nba-draft-prospect-james-wiseman

One thing to note, only 3 of Wiseman’s FGs this year were not from a layup/dunk caused by a teammates pass or from a putback. He’s a rim running finisher, not a guy you expect to make an offensive play for your team. Note he also only had one assist.

The other thing Wasserman goes into is that although he’s a definite shot blocker, he may not be a plus on defense (similar to Whiteside) because of lack of defensive instincts/abilities in all other defensive areas.

Take it for what it’s worth. While Wasserman doesn’t seem to be a fan, he did note that some evaluators do think he’s a great talent while others think he’s very average.

No matter what our opinions on Wiseman are, the Wolves have experts who are paid a lot of money to do this job. What "draft experts" say, good or bad, is essentially just informational chum for hoards of info obsessed fans. In all honesty, I would guess several people on this board could write up evaluations for players as well or better than some of the experts.

As for Wiseman, 7'1+ 250+ 7'6"wingspan works hard, seemingly good attitude, rebounds aggressively on both ends, an athletic freak who loves to run the floor. There is his floor. I will take it.

[Jedzz]

Wow!!! Wiseman at SF. So intriguing, but I don't think for the best. The Wolves experimented with KG at the SF and it didn't work so well. Moved him back to PF and that was the right call.

Yeah? And what exactly do you know about what's best?
is the game the same today as it was in KG's early years?
Is Rosas and the coaches now the same as the crew back then?
Is Wiseman actually KG in a suit?
Is Giannis just a giant figment of our imagination today?


The only mistake is to draft a player that doesn't fit your designed system if you aren't willing to adjust said system to that player. If your only planned opening is the PF spot you've now limited the chances of what looks like a versitle and unkown player at this time. KG was one of the first of his kind and at the time Minnesota didn't know what to do with him and I think that did hurt their team building early on. But the league has many examples of unique players by now and the different ways they can be utilized based on what they can do.

[KGdaBom]

I know we can continue to beat dead horses regarding Edwards, Ball, and Wiseman, but for a change up, I'd like to get a consensus view on Jaden McDaniels as a SF. He will probably be available at 17. I know he isn't perfect but it's the 17th pick, and he screams potential steal to me. Again, going back and watching game tape, I am thinking he is who I want with that pick. Wiseman and McDaniels. Will start digging on 33 pick now

I'd trade 17 for Moritz Wagner before drafting McDaniels.

[KGdaBom]

Wow!!! Wiseman at SF. So intriguing, but I don't think for the best. The Wolves experimented with KG at the SF and it didn't work so well. Moved him back to PF and that was the right call.

Yeah? And what exactly do you know about what's best?
is the game the same today as it was in KG's early years?
Is Rosas and the coaches now the same as the crew back then?
Is Wiseman actually KG in a suit?
Is Giannis just a giant figment of our imagination today?

Jedzz any time a person says anything you construe as the slightest negative reply you go off on that person. I don't think Wiseman would work out at SF. It's not a shocking opinion and in no way meant as a slight against your idea. I ever said your idea was intriguing. I just gave an opinion. I said it is what I think. Never stated it as fact. Am I allowed to give an opinion without being attacked by you?
It's not a fight and nobody should be trying to win. It's a discussion. In a discussion people should be allowed to have opinions.

I see you edited the post I replied to and added some discussion that wasn't attack. Good.

[Jedzz]

Wow!!! Wiseman at SF. So intriguing, but I don't think for the best. The Wolves experimented with KG at the SF and it didn't work so well. Moved him back to PF and that was the right call.

Yeah? And what exactly do you know about what's best?
is the game the same today as it was in KG's early years?
Is Rosas and the coaches now the same as the crew back then?
Is Wiseman actually KG in a suit?
Is Giannis just a giant figment of our imagination today?

Jedzz any time a person says anything you construe as the slightest negative reply you go off on that person. I don't think Wiseman would work out at SF. It's not a shocking opinion and in no way meant as a slight against your idea. I ever said your idea was intriguing. I just gave an opinion. I said it is what I think. Never stated it as fact. Am I allowed to give an opinion without being attacked by you?
It's not a fight and nobody should be trying to win. It's a discussion. In a discussion people should be allowed to have opinions.

Any time someone disagrees with your take we have to have a discussion about what exactly?

I just posted I believe you are wrong to claim that and where you might be going astray during your thinking. Live with that or descibe why you think I'm wrong. Why must my opinions turn into your personal attacks on me and not what I'm claiming?

[KGdaBom]

Yeah? And what exactly do you know about what's best?
is the game the same today as it was in KG's early years?
Is Rosas and the coaches now the same as the crew back then?
Is Wiseman actually KG in a suit?
Is Giannis just a giant figment of our imagination today?

Jedzz any time a person says anything you construe as the slightest negative reply you go off on that person. I don't think Wiseman would work out at SF. It's not a shocking opinion and in no way meant as a slight against your idea. I ever said your idea was intriguing. I just gave an opinion. I said it is what I think. Never stated it as fact. Am I allowed to give an opinion without being attacked by you?
It's not a fight and nobody should be trying to win. It's a discussion. In a discussion people should be allowed to have opinions.

Any time someone disagrees with your take we have to have a discussion about what exactly?

I just posted I believe you are wrong to claim that and where you might be going astray during your thinking. Live with that or descibe why you think I'm wrong.

You went off on an attack.
I don't think Wiseman works as a SF because of the way SFs are expected to play away from the basket. I don't think Wiseman should stay away from the basket just like KG was better utilized keeping him near the basket. If Wiseman is at C or PF and ventures out sometimes that takes advantage of his ability to do so. If you play him as an SF who once in a while ventures near the basket his strength near the basket is underutilized. If he is kept near the basket most of the time IMO he is not playing as an SF even if he is listed as one.