Stillwater wrote:Revenged25 wrote:I think that the target for this draft is going to be defense. all 4 picks the past 2 years have been offensive minded players with the intention of trying to improve their defense. I think this year the targets will be defense first and if we need to improve their offense so be it, with the one exception being Deni who I think is just such a unique blend of skills that he has low key star potential though at minimum going to be a Batum type player who is still very good to have. I personally like Deni > Okoro = Vassell at #5 then look to get a mid-late 1st for a guy like Jaden McDaniels who has the tools to be a good defender able to switch from 2-4 but would need some work, maybe even a year or 2 in the G-League to help him develop and get maximum minutes instead of scraps playing behind whoever is at SF and Love.
You might be right about Avdija being a higher value target because of IQ aka playmaking ability if in fact they believe he can be that without an outside shot or explosive finishing ability at they next level. I dont think they would value him that high for only that reason so there would have to be something else they are intrigued by like maybe his shot making ability is something they think they can develop...so his playmaking would open up idk.
I just think outside of Big 0's elite 2 way floor with his easy to develop negatives like just getting stronger overall and stretching his mid range shot some or Wisemans raw but unteachable size and frame there has to be some real interest in a prospect like Achiuwa in a trade down or even at 5 potentially over some of these more polished options. He is legit the only real athletic 3-4 prospect in this draft and its our biggest issue.
I do think better floor options outside of the on ball guards that will be there are limited to Vassell high floor and decent upside as well as maybe some other sleeper like Ramseyan elite shooter who could develop into a starting 2 guard or Okoros high floor defensively but really troublesome outside shot for a 2-3 offensive prospect.
Not many options there that can defend the 4 or 5 full time where Achiwu can and should be able to handle most guards with his athleticism so the only issue is developing his offensive chops and improving his shot and his high motor will be impactful from day 1.
I think your concerns about Avdija's shot are a little overblown. If you look at his numbers from the FIBA games they were pretty good. I don't think he's one of those guys that can come off the bench and just start knocking down 3's consistently like some role players. He needs to be in the game, feeling the flow, probably knocking down some midrange shots etc to get locked in. Also I like Okongwu's floor and ceiling, but I still think he's more of a shot blocking capable TT than anything else and that's not something I'd spend a 5th pick on if I had to choose, though I wouldn't be upset with it if that is the pick. I do like the idea of trading back as well, lots of different options available in later picks but I don't think there would be the value for it.
