Raps 2020 Picks (Prospect Watch, Update: Vecenie Mock Released)

[Psubs]

Is he going to be better than Terence Davis or Paul Watson? Maybe defensively. He doesn't have TD's explosiveness or ability (thanks to football) to take on contact and finish.

Just saying might be able to pickup someone similar at #59 or undrafted. Maybe 1 of Jay Scrubb, Karim Mane, Nate Hinton, or Skyler Mays are still there at #59. I can't definitively say that Tyshon is going to be better than those 4.

I think my eyes were opened recently when I read the interview with Patrick Engelbrecht, the Raptors' head of scouting that makes me think Toronto just looks at the impactful players that make sense with their program. From this quote you can see the attributes they are looking for:

“[Raptors president] Masai [Ujiri] and [general manager] Bobby [Webster] and [assistant GM] Dan Tolzman, they look at the draft a different way. We like to target players that we want, that we like and whether or not draft boards say this guy is here, there or anywhere, we try to focus on finding the guys in the draft that we like and then targeting them and trying to get them,” said Engelbrecht.

“…For us, it’s targeting people we think can help us and that we like from a playing standpoint, from a background standpoint, from a grit and toughness standpoint. We try to find players that we like and then we can try to acquire them. I think it’s real simple. A lot of times you get sort of caught up in pick numbers and that sort of thing and we try to stay away from that.”

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-holistic-approach-draft-equips-success-outside-lottery/

Basically, the Raps want people with good backgrounds that will work hard and carry themselves in a certain way. FVV is the poster-child of this since he was not a mock-draft guy, but you look at his toughness, college career progression and strong character, he fits the Raptors. I think guys like Ty-Shon, Dotson, Skylar Mays, maybe even Nate Hinton fit that player type as all seem to be talent high character types. Bigs like Jalen Smith, Zeke Nnaji and Udoka Azuibuike also stick out to me as works who have good backgrounds and high skill level and progression. I don't know if any of those guys will be there at 59. Playing the waiting game at 59 is a bad gamble. From Engelbrecht's comments Toronto is likely to just select they like at 29 - mock drafts be damned.

Players like Mane, Scrubb or Josh Hall and Jaden McDaniels all look like fun mock draft guys, but I am skeptical whether Toronto gambles on them with such little track record of even success at their current level. I just think to make it onto Toronto and maybe even in the NBA in general, you just have to be able to show something you are really good at almost right away. I think there is less patience playing the waiting game on prospects.

Sounds like Tillman.

[Dalek]

Is he going to be better than Terence Davis or Paul Watson? Maybe defensively. He doesn't have TD's explosiveness or ability (thanks to football) to take on contact and finish.

Just saying might be able to pickup someone similar at #59 or undrafted. Maybe 1 of Jay Scrubb, Karim Mane, Nate Hinton, or Skyler Mays are still there at #59. I can't definitively say that Tyshon is going to be better than those 4.

I think my eyes were opened recently when I read the interview with Patrick Engelbrecht, the Raptors' head of scouting that makes me think Toronto just looks at the impactful players that make sense with their program. From this quote you can see the attributes they are looking for:

“[Raptors president] Masai [Ujiri] and [general manager] Bobby [Webster] and [assistant GM] Dan Tolzman, they look at the draft a different way. We like to target players that we want, that we like and whether or not draft boards say this guy is here, there or anywhere, we try to focus on finding the guys in the draft that we like and then targeting them and trying to get them,” said Engelbrecht.

“…For us, it’s targeting people we think can help us and that we like from a playing standpoint, from a background standpoint, from a grit and toughness standpoint. We try to find players that we like and then we can try to acquire them. I think it’s real simple. A lot of times you get sort of caught up in pick numbers and that sort of thing and we try to stay away from that.”

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-holistic-approach-draft-equips-success-outside-lottery/

Basically, the Raps want people with good backgrounds that will work hard and carry themselves in a certain way. FVV is the poster-child of this since he was not a mock-draft guy, but you look at his toughness, college career progression and strong character, he fits the Raptors. I think guys like Ty-Shon, Dotson, Skylar Mays, maybe even Nate Hinton fit that player type as all seem to be talent high character types. Bigs like Jalen Smith, Zeke Nnaji and Udoka Azuibuike also stick out to me as works who have good backgrounds and high skill level and progression. I don't know if any of those guys will be there at 59. Playing the waiting game at 59 is a bad gamble. From Engelbrecht's comments Toronto is likely to just select they like at 29 - mock drafts be damned.

Players like Mane, Scrubb or Josh Hall and Jaden McDaniels all look like fun mock draft guys, but I am skeptical whether Toronto gambles on them with such little track record of even success at their current level. I just think to make it onto Toronto and maybe even in the NBA in general, you just have to be able to show something you are really good at almost right away. I think there is less patience playing the waiting game on prospects.

Sounds like Tillman.

Tillman for sure fits the mold of being tough minded player and having a strong character and fits the ball movement style of Toronto and in college proved to be a shut-down defender. I just look at the fact in his third year in college he didn't seem to improve. His shooting from outside and inside all went down with more minutes and possessions.

He is 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and 245 lbs. If he improves his athleticism I could see a Richaun Holmes type of outcome. If he loses a ton of weight, handles better and shoots it better he could reach Draymond Green levels. I never doubt Michigan State guys. They always stick around in the NBA, but I am not sure how much upside I see in Tillman. I am just seeing an undersized post-up C -- I don't know. Maybe Enes Kanter is his best outcome.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I think my eyes were opened recently when I read the interview with Patrick Engelbrecht, the Raptors' head of scouting that makes me think Toronto just looks at the impactful players that make sense with their program. From this quote you can see the attributes they are looking for:


https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-holistic-approach-draft-equips-success-outside-lottery/

Basically, the Raps want people with good backgrounds that will work hard and carry themselves in a certain way. FVV is the poster-child of this since he was not a mock-draft guy, but you look at his toughness, college career progression and strong character, he fits the Raptors. I think guys like Ty-Shon, Dotson, Skylar Mays, maybe even Nate Hinton fit that player type as all seem to be talent high character types. Bigs like Jalen Smith, Zeke Nnaji and Udoka Azuibuike also stick out to me as works who have good backgrounds and high skill level and progression. I don't know if any of those guys will be there at 59. Playing the waiting game at 59 is a bad gamble. From Engelbrecht's comments Toronto is likely to just select they like at 29 - mock drafts be damned.

Players like Mane, Scrubb or Josh Hall and Jaden McDaniels all look like fun mock draft guys, but I am skeptical whether Toronto gambles on them with such little track record of even success at their current level. I just think to make it onto Toronto and maybe even in the NBA in general, you just have to be able to show something you are really good at almost right away. I think there is less patience playing the waiting game on prospects.

Sounds like Tillman.

Tillman for sure fits the mold of being tough minded player and having a strong character and fits the ball movement style of Toronto and in college proved to be a shut-down defender. I just look at the fact in his third year in college he didn't seem to improve. His shooting from outside and inside all went down with more minutes and possessions.

He is 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and 245 lbs. If he improves his athleticism I could see a Richaun Holmes type of outcome. If he loses a ton of weight, handles better and shoots it better he could reach Draymond Green levels. I never doubt Michigan State guys. They always stick around in the NBA, but I am not sure how much upside I see in Tillman. I am just seeing an undersized post-up C -- I don't know. Maybe Enes Kanter is his best outcome.

Kanter and Tillman's style of play are nothing alike.

[Psubs]

Sounds like Tillman.

Tillman for sure fits the mold of being tough minded player and having a strong character and fits the ball movement style of Toronto and in college proved to be a shut-down defender. I just look at the fact in his third year in college he didn't seem to improve. His shooting from outside and inside all went down with more minutes and possessions.

He is 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and 245 lbs. If he improves his athleticism I could see a Richaun Holmes type of outcome. If he loses a ton of weight, handles better and shoots it better he could reach Draymond Green levels. I never doubt Michigan State guys. They always stick around in the NBA, but I am not sure how much upside I see in Tillman. I am just seeing an undersized post-up C -- I don't know. Maybe Enes Kanter is his best outcome.

Kanter and Tillman's style of play are nothing alike.

Watch on YouTube

[Syd-TK3]

Good option if he drops to #59. Though don't really need more guards.

Said before he was a guy I was looking at for 59 but he's starting to get noticed so will probably be gone in the 30/40s
If he could play point guard full time he'd be worthy of a 1st round pick imo

I think he will end up a PG in the NBA. He reminds me a lot of Jrue Holiday.

I read he played pg his 1st year but struggled and moved over to the 2 this year and really started to blossom as a scorer off ball guy. If he can somehow keep that part of his game while learning to playmake it's possible but more so with a team not that in need of a real primary ball handler.

[Dalek]

Sounds like Tillman.

Tillman for sure fits the mold of being tough minded player and having a strong character and fits the ball movement style of Toronto and in college proved to be a shut-down defender. I just look at the fact in his third year in college he didn't seem to improve. His shooting from outside and inside all went down with more minutes and possessions.

He is 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and 245 lbs. If he improves his athleticism I could see a Richaun Holmes type of outcome. If he loses a ton of weight, handles better and shoots it better he could reach Draymond Green levels. I never doubt Michigan State guys. They always stick around in the NBA, but I am not sure how much upside I see in Tillman. I am just seeing an undersized post-up C -- I don't know. Maybe Enes Kanter is his best outcome.

Kanter and Tillman's style of play are nothing alike.

Fair. I was just looking at weight and size profiles and Kanter is closest with the short wingspan and slower feet. One other one, though he seems more athletic is Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl is also 7 ft. That might be the best compatible profile for Tillman.

[Dalek]

Tillman for sure fits the mold of being tough minded player and having a strong character and fits the ball movement style of Toronto and in college proved to be a shut-down defender. I just look at the fact in his third year in college he didn't seem to improve. His shooting from outside and inside all went down with more minutes and possessions.

He is 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and 245 lbs. If he improves his athleticism I could see a Richaun Holmes type of outcome. If he loses a ton of weight, handles better and shoots it better he could reach Draymond Green levels. I never doubt Michigan State guys. They always stick around in the NBA, but I am not sure how much upside I see in Tillman. I am just seeing an undersized post-up C -- I don't know. Maybe Enes Kanter is his best outcome.

Kanter and Tillman's style of play are nothing alike.

Watch on YouTube

Taj Gibson is interesting but he has a 7'4" wingspan and is 235. Tillman is coming in heavier and doesn't have that level of shotblocking.

[Psubs]

Kanter and Tillman's style of play are nothing alike.

Watch on YouTube

Taj Gibson is interesting but he has a 7'4" wingspan and is 235. Tillman is coming in heavier and doesn't have that level of shotblocking.

Tillman has lost weight and I figure he'll eventually get leaner. Tillman averaged 2.1 blocks. I'd figure he'd be eventually get to around 1-1.3 blocks per game in the NBA, same as Gibson.

Maybe mini-Marc Gasol?

[Dalek]

Watch on YouTube

Taj Gibson is interesting but he has a 7'4" wingspan and is 235. Tillman is coming in heavier and doesn't have that level of shotblocking.

Tillman has lost weight and I figure he'll eventually get leaner. Tillman averaged 2.1 blocks. I'd figure he'd be eventually get to around 1-1.3 blocks per game in the NBA, same as Gibson.

Maybe mini-Marc Gasol?

Marc Gasol or even Al Horford comps are tough because both were great in a different era and now their fit in the current NBA is questionable. Horford and Gasol are stretch Cs now, and Tillman hasn't really shot it that well to prove he belongs.

Curious about what you think?
Prospect one: He is 6’9″ with 7’2″ wingspan; 225 lbs - 3.4% steal, 9.4% block, 11.2% ORB, 25.8% DRB rates.
Prospect two: He is 6’9″ with 7’1″ wingspan; 245 lbs - 2.4% steal, 7.4% block, 9.1% ORB, 23.6% DRB rates.

P1: Paul Reed
P2: Xavier Tillman

Reed is a better athlete who can switch defensively to different positions, play SF and PF easily. Tillman is not really good enough to play PF offensively in the NBA and is better as a C and that is what he will likely be defending.

If I had to choose, I would want Reed because he is a lot more likely to be a Taj Gibson or better. Tillman losing weight and gaining athleticism is a tall order. Both of these players have flaws and I think they both rate as second round picks. If I had to pick, I would put Reed ahead of Tillman because he just as good if not better defensively as it would translate to the NBA, plus he has shown a bit more offensive game to think he could improve while in the NBA.

If I am looking at 29, I am more focused on guards because they are the likely BPA plus fit for Toronto.

[BallstriKer]

Taj Gibson is interesting but he has a 7'4" wingspan and is 235. Tillman is coming in heavier and doesn't have that level of shotblocking.

Tillman has lost weight and I figure he'll eventually get leaner. Tillman averaged 2.1 blocks. I'd figure he'd be eventually get to around 1-1.3 blocks per game in the NBA, same as Gibson.

Maybe mini-Marc Gasol?

Marc Gasol or even Al Horford comps are tough because both were great in a different era and now their fit in the current NBA is questionable. Horford and Gasol are stretch Cs now, and Tillman hasn't really shot it that well to prove he belongs.

Curious about what you think?
Prospect one: He is 6’9″ with 7’2″ wingspan; 225 lbs - 3.4% steal, 9.4% block, 11.2% ORB, 25.8% DRB rates.
Prospect two: He is 6’9″ with 7’1″ wingspan; 245 lbs - 2.4% steal, 7.4% block, 9.1% ORB, 23.6% DRB rates.

P1: Paul Reed
P2: Xavier Tillman

Reed is a better athlete who can switch defensively to different positions, play SF and PF easily. Tillman is not really good enough to play PF offensively in the NBA and is better as a C and that is what he will likely be defending.

If I had to choose, I would want Reed because he is a lot more likely to be a Taj Gibson or better. Tillman losing weight and gaining athleticism is a tall order. Both of these players have flaws and I think they both rate as second round picks. If I had to pick, I would put Reed ahead of Tillman because he just as good if not better defensively as it would translate to the NBA, plus he has shown a bit more offensive game to think he could improve while in the NBA.

If I am looking at 29, I am more focused on guards because they are the likely BPA plus fit for Toronto.

The main difference is Tillman is more likely to be an immediate contributor. This is important, especially if we lose one of Ibaka/Gasol. I like Reed too, and I can understand why he's thought as having a higher ceiling. Depending on how this year's free agency goes, it might make more sense to go with one or the other.

I'd like them to pick a big at 29, we need to invest in that position for the future given Gasol and Ibaka's age. But it'd be interesting to see what they do, may be they just go BPA and pull off another heist. Imagine if someone like RJ Hampton becomes available somehow.

[Psubs]

Tillman has lost weight and I figure he'll eventually get leaner. Tillman averaged 2.1 blocks. I'd figure he'd be eventually get to around 1-1.3 blocks per game in the NBA, same as Gibson.

Maybe mini-Marc Gasol?

Marc Gasol or even Al Horford comps are tough because both were great in a different era and now their fit in the current NBA is questionable. Horford and Gasol are stretch Cs now, and Tillman hasn't really shot it that well to prove he belongs.

Curious about what you think?
Prospect one: He is 6’9″ with 7’2″ wingspan; 225 lbs - 3.4% steal, 9.4% block, 11.2% ORB, 25.8% DRB rates.
Prospect two: He is 6’9″ with 7’1″ wingspan; 245 lbs - 2.4% steal, 7.4% block, 9.1% ORB, 23.6% DRB rates.

P1: Paul Reed
P2: Xavier Tillman

Reed is a better athlete who can switch defensively to different positions, play SF and PF easily. Tillman is not really good enough to play PF offensively in the NBA and is better as a C and that is what he will likely be defending.

If I had to choose, I would want Reed because he is a lot more likely to be a Taj Gibson or better. Tillman losing weight and gaining athleticism is a tall order. Both of these players have flaws and I think they both rate as second round picks. If I had to pick, I would put Reed ahead of Tillman because he just as good if not better defensively as it would translate to the NBA, plus he has shown a bit more offensive game to think he could improve while in the NBA.

If I am looking at 29, I am more focused on guards because they are the likely BPA plus fit for Toronto.

The main difference is Tillman is more likely to be an immediate contributor. This is important, especially if we lose one of Ibaka/Gasol. I like Reed too, and I can understand why he's thought as having a higher ceiling. Depending on how this year's free agency goes, it might make more sense to go with one or the other.

I'd like them to pick a big at 29, we need to invest in that position for the future given Gasol and Ibaka's age. But it'd be interesting to see what they do, may be they just go BPA and pull off another heist. Imagine if someone like RJ Hampton becomes available somehow.

Dalek, Horford didn't shoot 3's until his prime in the NBA.

Ballstriker, I like Reed too because I see Siakam potential in him. The way he pokes balls away without fouling is like OG but he's lanky like Siakam. It depends if they are planning on Dewan being the bulky C or signing someone? I'd be happy with whichever they choose of those 2.

[BallstriKer]

Marc Gasol or even Al Horford comps are tough because both were great in a different era and now their fit in the current NBA is questionable. Horford and Gasol are stretch Cs now, and Tillman hasn't really shot it that well to prove he belongs.

Curious about what you think?
Prospect one: He is 6’9″ with 7’2″ wingspan; 225 lbs - 3.4% steal, 9.4% block, 11.2% ORB, 25.8% DRB rates.
Prospect two: He is 6’9″ with 7’1″ wingspan; 245 lbs - 2.4% steal, 7.4% block, 9.1% ORB, 23.6% DRB rates.

P1: Paul Reed
P2: Xavier Tillman

Reed is a better athlete who can switch defensively to different positions, play SF and PF easily. Tillman is not really good enough to play PF offensively in the NBA and is better as a C and that is what he will likely be defending.

If I had to choose, I would want Reed because he is a lot more likely to be a Taj Gibson or better. Tillman losing weight and gaining athleticism is a tall order. Both of these players have flaws and I think they both rate as second round picks. If I had to pick, I would put Reed ahead of Tillman because he just as good if not better defensively as it would translate to the NBA, plus he has shown a bit more offensive game to think he could improve while in the NBA.

If I am looking at 29, I am more focused on guards because they are the likely BPA plus fit for Toronto.

The main difference is Tillman is more likely to be an immediate contributor. This is important, especially if we lose one of Ibaka/Gasol. I like Reed too, and I can understand why he's thought as having a higher ceiling. Depending on how this year's free agency goes, it might make more sense to go with one or the other.

I'd like them to pick a big at 29, we need to invest in that position for the future given Gasol and Ibaka's age. But it'd be interesting to see what they do, may be they just go BPA and pull off another heist. Imagine if someone like RJ Hampton becomes available somehow.

Dalek, Horford didn't shoot 3's until his prime in the NBA.

Ballstriker, I like Reed too because I see Siakam potential in him. The way he pokes balls away without fouling is like OG but he's lanky like Siakam. It depends if they are planning on Dewan being the bulky C or signing someone? I'd be happy with whichever they choose of those 2.

I agree with you. My personal preference would be to invest in the position and develop prospects for the long-term, instead of signing someone that's most likely not going to be very good. With regards to Reed vs Tillman, I was advocating for Tillman but honestly I wouldn't be mad at all if they picked Reed.

Dewan flashed some potential, but I also find it quite interesting that he's one of the guys that gets the least playing time even when there's minutes to be had. So I'm not sure how confident they are in his long term fit. I like that he's comfortable putting the ball on the floor and shooting it though.

What would be really interesting is if Tillman/Reed are still on the board at 29 but they decide to go with someone else.

[Dalek]

Not sure if this guy has been mentioned here before, but he is one of my top picks at 59. People who love Onyeka Okongwu might be missing out on the other double-O.

Osasumwen Osaghae from FIU is an absolute monster at 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan and good vertical. He led the NCAA in blocks at 3.96 while also shooting 70% on freethrows and even making 33% on 3s (3-9 only). He is the typical late-bloomer who came to basketball at age 16 whose high school coach told him he would never make D1 basketball. Apparently he was 300 lbs in high school and he became motivated to lose the weight and prove his old coach wrong. Last year in his senior season he won C-USA DPOY.

He really reminds me of Bismack Biyombo as a shotblocker and a dunker. Where he exceeds Bismack is he is a good switch-big, able to get down on guards easily.

His coach from FIU raves about his skill and effort:

Ballard explains that — unlike most every other program in the nation — FIU switches on all ball screens, which means Osaghae defends everyone from super-quick guards to skyscraper-tall centers and everything in between. In addition, FIU plays man defense 99.9 percent of the time, so Osaghae’s blocks happen all over the court.

“No disrespect to anyone else, but, in my humble opinion, ‘O’ is the most impactful, versatile and best defensive player in the country,” Ballard said. “I don’t think there’s any defender who is asked to do as much as O.

“If people just follow the stats, they could assume that O is just hanging around the basket, blocking shots. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. He is involved in the press. He is guarding some of the best scorers in the league on the perimeter, contesting jump shots as well as protecting the paint.”

Highlight reel:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[Indeed]

The main difference is Tillman is more likely to be an immediate contributor. This is important, especially if we lose one of Ibaka/Gasol. I like Reed too, and I can understand why he's thought as having a higher ceiling. Depending on how this year's free agency goes, it might make more sense to go with one or the other.

I'd like them to pick a big at 29, we need to invest in that position for the future given Gasol and Ibaka's age. But it'd be interesting to see what they do, may be they just go BPA and pull off another heist. Imagine if someone like RJ Hampton becomes available somehow.

Dalek, Horford didn't shoot 3's until his prime in the NBA.

Ballstriker, I like Reed too because I see Siakam potential in him. The way he pokes balls away without fouling is like OG but he's lanky like Siakam. It depends if they are planning on Dewan being the bulky C or signing someone? I'd be happy with whichever they choose of those 2.

I agree with you. My personal preference would be to invest in the position and develop prospects for the long-term, instead of signing someone that's most likely not going to be very good. With regards to Reed vs Tillman, I was advocating for Tillman but honestly I wouldn't be mad at all if they picked Reed.

Dewan flashed some potential, but I also find it quite interesting that he's one of the guys that gets the least playing time even when there's minutes to be had. So I'm not sure how confident they are in his long term fit. I like that he's comfortable putting the ball on the floor and shooting it though.

What would be really interesting is if Tillman/Reed are still on the board at 29 but they decide to go with someone else.

Dewan was injured for some time, so his experience maybe limited, but it seems he can shoot from range.
My only concern with Dewan is his vertical, as there was a play he got blocked by the opposing big under the basket.

But I am not surprised we may get another forward or center at 29. As for the later pick, this year draft seems to be a bit flat, so there maybe more options at 59 for a wing. Usually only guards made it to the NBA in the later half of second round.

[BallstriKer]

Dalek, Horford didn't shoot 3's until his prime in the NBA.

Ballstriker, I like Reed too because I see Siakam potential in him. The way he pokes balls away without fouling is like OG but he's lanky like Siakam. It depends if they are planning on Dewan being the bulky C or signing someone? I'd be happy with whichever they choose of those 2.

I agree with you. My personal preference would be to invest in the position and develop prospects for the long-term, instead of signing someone that's most likely not going to be very good. With regards to Reed vs Tillman, I was advocating for Tillman but honestly I wouldn't be mad at all if they picked Reed.

Dewan flashed some potential, but I also find it quite interesting that he's one of the guys that gets the least playing time even when there's minutes to be had. So I'm not sure how confident they are in his long term fit. I like that he's comfortable putting the ball on the floor and shooting it though.

What would be really interesting is if Tillman/Reed are still on the board at 29 but they decide to go with someone else.

Dewan was injured for some time, so his experience maybe limited, but it seems he can shoot from range.
My only concern with Dewan is his vertical, as there was a play he got blocked by the opposing big under the basket.

But I am not surprised we may get another forward or center at 29. As for the later pick, this year draft seems to be a bit flat, so there maybe more options at 59 for a wing. Usually only guards made it to the NBA in the later half of second round.

I remember the injury. Regarding his vertical, IIRC he had the 2nd highest vertical among bigs during the combine. I see the play you're talking about though, but I think it's got more to do with strength than vertical.

[Psubs]

I agree with you. My personal preference would be to invest in the position and develop prospects for the long-term, instead of signing someone that's most likely not going to be very good. With regards to Reed vs Tillman, I was advocating for Tillman but honestly I wouldn't be mad at all if they picked Reed.

Dewan flashed some potential, but I also find it quite interesting that he's one of the guys that gets the least playing time even when there's minutes to be had. So I'm not sure how confident they are in his long term fit. I like that he's comfortable putting the ball on the floor and shooting it though.

What would be really interesting is if Tillman/Reed are still on the board at 29 but they decide to go with someone else.

Dewan was injured for some time, so his experience maybe limited, but it seems he can shoot from range.
My only concern with Dewan is his vertical, as there was a play he got blocked by the opposing big under the basket.

But I am not surprised we may get another forward or center at 29. As for the later pick, this year draft seems to be a bit flat, so there maybe more options at 59 for a wing. Usually only guards made it to the NBA in the later half of second round.

I remember the injury. Regarding his vertical, IIRC he had the 2nd highest vertical among bigs during the combine. I see the play you're talking about though, but I think it's got more to do with strength than vertical.

Watch on YouTube

If he can dunk from standstill, he's big enough. I think him and Boucher can do well.

Getting Tillman would be getting another Hernandez with better defense and passing. At least all can fit in the system somehow.

[Indeed]

Dewan was injured for some time, so his experience maybe limited, but it seems he can shoot from range.
My only concern with Dewan is his vertical, as there was a play he got blocked by the opposing big under the basket.

But I am not surprised we may get another forward or center at 29. As for the later pick, this year draft seems to be a bit flat, so there maybe more options at 59 for a wing. Usually only guards made it to the NBA in the later half of second round.

I remember the injury. Regarding his vertical, IIRC he had the 2nd highest vertical among bigs during the combine. I see the play you're talking about though, but I think it's got more to do with strength than vertical.

If he can dunk from standstill, he's big enough. I think him and Boucher can do well.

Getting Tillman would be getting another Hernandez with better defense and passing. At least all can fit in the system somehow.

You could be right with more strength to finish, and his improvement on shooting is great. Feel he is no worse than anyone we draft at 29.

As for Tillman or Reed, I would wait for the draft combine. If we are looking for a high upside, there could be some surprised. And really prefer someone with a bigger wingspan to play PF. 7'2" would be SF size, and OG would be bigger than that.

[yt_boi]

Not sure if this guy has been mentioned here before, but he is one of my top picks at 59. People who love Onyeka Okongwu might be missing out on the other double-O.

Osasumwen Osaghae from FIU is an absolute monster at 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan and good vertical. He led the NCAA in blocks at 3.96 while also shooting 70% on freethrows and even making 33% on 3s (3-9 only). He is the typical late-bloomer who came to basketball at age 16 whose high school coach told him he would never make D1 basketball. Apparently he was 300 lbs in high school and he became motivated to lose the weight and prove his old coach wrong. Last year in his senior season he won C-USA DPOY.

He really reminds me of Bismack Biyombo as a shotblocker and a dunker. Where he exceeds Bismack is he is a good switch-big, able to get down on guards easily.

His coach from FIU raves about his skill and effort:

Ballard explains that — unlike most every other program in the nation — FIU switches on all ball screens, which means Osaghae defends everyone from super-quick guards to skyscraper-tall centers and everything in between. In addition, FIU plays man defense 99.9 percent of the time, so Osaghae’s blocks happen all over the court.

“No disrespect to anyone else, but, in my humble opinion, ‘O’ is the most impactful, versatile and best defensive player in the country,” Ballard said. “I don’t think there’s any defender who is asked to do as much as O.

“If people just follow the stats, they could assume that O is just hanging around the basket, blocking shots. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. He is involved in the press. He is guarding some of the best scorers in the league on the perimeter, contesting jump shots as well as protecting the paint.”

Highlight reel:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Very interesting prospect. He's projected to go Undrafted. I'd take him at 59 or try to sign him if he goes Undrafted

[Psubs]

Not sure if this guy has been mentioned here before, but he is one of my top picks at 59. People who love Onyeka Okongwu might be missing out on the other double-O.

Osasumwen Osaghae from FIU is an absolute monster at 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan and good vertical. He led the NCAA in blocks at 3.96 while also shooting 70% on freethrows and even making 33% on 3s (3-9 only). He is the typical late-bloomer who came to basketball at age 16 whose high school coach told him he would never make D1 basketball. Apparently he was 300 lbs in high school and he became motivated to lose the weight and prove his old coach wrong. Last year in his senior season he won C-USA DPOY.

He really reminds me of Bismack Biyombo as a shotblocker and a dunker. Where he exceeds Bismack is he is a good switch-big, able to get down on guards easily.

His coach from FIU raves about his skill and effort:

Ballard explains that — unlike most every other program in the nation — FIU switches on all ball screens, which means Osaghae defends everyone from super-quick guards to skyscraper-tall centers and everything in between. In addition, FIU plays man defense 99.9 percent of the time, so Osaghae’s blocks happen all over the court.

“No disrespect to anyone else, but, in my humble opinion, ‘O’ is the most impactful, versatile and best defensive player in the country,” Ballard said. “I don’t think there’s any defender who is asked to do as much as O.

“If people just follow the stats, they could assume that O is just hanging around the basket, blocking shots. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. He is involved in the press. He is guarding some of the best scorers in the league on the perimeter, contesting jump shots as well as protecting the paint.”

Highlight reel:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Very interesting prospect. He's projected to go Undrafted. I'd take him at 59 or try to sign him if he goes Undrafted

Ya, kind of like Sagaba Konate going undrafted.

[HeadtopChunes]

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Josh Hall is interesting

6’9 wing out of high school, pretty similar to Mcdaniels