2020 Pre-Draft Discussion

[UNCNYC]

As a fellow Providence Day alumn, would be cool to snag Dotson at 32 - especially if we go big at 3 with wiseman or OO. Have we had a Charlotte high schooler ever make the team? I think we had a kid from North Meck on the summer league squad or sumptin.

Yeah gree. Even if we choose Hayes with 3 I would still at least consider Dotson at 32 depending on who else were to fall. I think Dotson could be the best player in this draft.

He and Terry and Alexander are my sleepers for best players in this draft

[LofJ]

Hayes is the most well-rounded prospect at the top of the lottery. He can shoot, pass, create offense, and defend. He also has good size and a background in professional basketball through his Dad. He also has the name of a star player - starts with a K and it sounds badass.

[Pistol King]

Hayes definitely has the tools to be an elite PG. And he's been playing professionally since 16. It's hard to find many flaws in his game. Of all the top picks, I'd feel most comfortable starting Killian day 1.

Soft offensive playing style, no off hand, inconsistent 3pt shooting (29% the entire year), questionable at how he can contribute into winning (both Cholet and Ulm were a weak losing teams, with him),lack of burst and quickness. Of all the projected top 10 players, he's the one I feel people overhyping the most.

[BigSlam]

Such an interesting draft class.

For such a weak class there are so many potentially polarizing players.

Usually there might be 1 or 2 at most polarizing players, and that’s in stronger draft classes. This year there seems to be 6 or 7 polarizing players:

Ball
Edwards
Wiseman
OO
Avdija
Toppin
Hayes

Or is that just more because of where we we picking?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Soul Rebel]

It really does remind me of 2013's draft class.

There will be studs (McCollum, Giannis, Oladipo) and duds (Bennett, Len, Noel), and "meh" players (Zeller, Porter, Adams).

Just need the right talent evaluators making the call and a bit of luck in which system they go to.

[amcoolio]

Hayes definitely has the tools to be an elite PG. And he's been playing professionally since 16. It's hard to find many flaws in his game. Of all the top picks, I'd feel most comfortable starting Killian day 1.

Soft offensive playing style, no off hand, inconsistent 3pt shooting (29% the entire year), questionable at how he can contribute into winning (both Cholet and Ulm were a weak losing teams, with him),lack of burst and quickness. Of all the projected top 10 players, he's the one I feel people overhyping the most.

I do like Okongwu a bit more for the athleticism reason, but Hayes just turned 19. I think its unfair to blame their team losing on Killian.

His shot form is good enough that that should improve. And by all reports he is a gamer in the mold of Tyler Herro who works relentlessly at his craft, and I don't see that from Edwards or Ball.

[Braggins]

who's your target if the Hornets were to trade down?

So far Okongwu, Haliburton, or maybe Hayes or Deni.

Say the expected happens and Wolves take Edwards and Warriors take Wiseman. Could you pass on Ball who many have as the best talent in the draft(not me)?

So far I don't like Ball or Edwards. I still need to do more research and hear more arguments, though.

If you want Okongwu, how far down do you think you can trade?

Maybe 4-8 range.

That's a big range. My best guess is he goes at 4-5 or 6.

Maybe, I don't expect him to go later than 6th, but I don't feel very confident about many of my assumptions about this draft. Weak class + lack of scouting/information + weird overall circumstances could = surprising results.

[KGdaBom]

The more things progress, I think Edwards and Ball get taken before we go. I just can't see Wiseman being taken before those two guys in this NBA. I think it's possible teams trade up for those picks, but I think those guys get taken first.

That being said, I'm terrified of Ball and his jumpshot. Terrified. Yeah he's got crazy passes, but you need to be able to shoot 3s. Would love Edwards but I just don't think we get that chance.

I think we will have to choose between Wiseman, Obi, Deni, or Killian Hayes. And I can see us taking any one of them. I leave out Okongwu because I don't think we take him ahead of Wiseman. Same for Haliburton vs. Hayes.

With Mitch's comments that he was happy with his scouting, especially overseas and is ready for the draft, kinda tells me that he might be zeroed in from someone overseas. So Ball, Hayes, or Deni. I also think Bonnell's obsession with Deni might be a subtle sign that someone in the org loves him.

All I know is that in the second round, I want someone who is a knock down 3 pt shooter like Isaiah Joe. If recent drafts are any indication, 2nd round picks will matter just as much as 1sts.

Unfortunately Isiaih Joe returned to school. He and Ayo Dosunmu were neck and neck as to who I was going to take. You're in luck tho because I would consider taking Ty'shon Alexander with pick #32. I think Ty'shon has the complete game and is LOCK DOWN defensively. He is a combo guard but moreso SG.

Right now I have

PICK 3 - Killian Hayes

PICK 32 - Ty'shon Alexander

PICK 56 - LaMar Stevens

This is the way I would pick as of today if (noone major was to fall)

Isaiah Joe returned to school then returned to the draft unless that changed again.

[KGdaBom]

Hayes definitely has the tools to be an elite PG. And he's been playing professionally since 16. It's hard to find many flaws in his game. Of all the top picks, I'd feel most comfortable starting Killian day 1.

Soft offensive playing style, no off hand, inconsistent 3pt shooting (29% the entire year), questionable at how he can contribute into winning (both Cholet and Ulm were a weak losing teams, with him),lack of burst and quickness. Of all the projected top 10 players, he's the one I feel people overhyping the most.

I do like Okongwu a bit more for the athleticism reason, but Hayes just turned 19. I think its unfair to blame their team losing on Killian.

His shot form is good enough that that should improve. And by all reports he is a gamer in the mold of Tyler Herro who works relentlessly at his craft, and I don't see that from Edwards or Ball.

How did Edwards and Ball attain all of their skills if they didn't work relentlessly at their craft?

[UNCNYC]

The more things progress, I think Edwards and Ball get taken before we go. I just can't see Wiseman being taken before those two guys in this NBA. I think it's possible teams trade up for those picks, but I think those guys get taken first.

That being said, I'm terrified of Ball and his jumpshot. Terrified. Yeah he's got crazy passes, but you need to be able to shoot 3s. Would love Edwards but I just don't think we get that chance.

I think we will have to choose between Wiseman, Obi, Deni, or Killian Hayes. And I can see us taking any one of them. I leave out Okongwu because I don't think we take him ahead of Wiseman. Same for Haliburton vs. Hayes.

With Mitch's comments that he was happy with his scouting, especially overseas and is ready for the draft, kinda tells me that he might be zeroed in from someone overseas. So Ball, Hayes, or Deni. I also think Bonnell's obsession with Deni might be a subtle sign that someone in the org loves him.

All I know is that in the second round, I want someone who is a knock down 3 pt shooter like Isaiah Joe. If recent drafts are any indication, 2nd round picks will matter just as much as 1sts.

Unfortunately Isiaih Joe returned to school. He and Ayo Dosunmu were neck and neck as to who I was going to take. You're in luck tho because I would consider taking Ty'shon Alexander with pick #32. I think Ty'shon has the complete game and is LOCK DOWN defensively. He is a combo guard but moreso SG.

Right now I have

PICK 3 - Killian Hayes

PICK 32 - Ty'shon Alexander

PICK 56 - LaMar Stevens

This is the way I would pick as of today if (noone major was to fall)

Isaiah Joe returned to school then returned to the draft unless that changed again.

Wow thats awesome. Welp that changes who I am drafting with our 2nd pick lol.

3 - Killian Hayes

32 - Isaiah Joe

56 - Best available

[amcoolio]

Soft offensive playing style, no off hand, inconsistent 3pt shooting (29% the entire year), questionable at how he can contribute into winning (both Cholet and Ulm were a weak losing teams, with him),lack of burst and quickness. Of all the projected top 10 players, he's the one I feel people overhyping the most.

I do like Okongwu a bit more for the athleticism reason, but Hayes just turned 19. I think its unfair to blame their team losing on Killian.

His shot form is good enough that that should improve. And by all reports he is a gamer in the mold of Tyler Herro who works relentlessly at his craft, and I don't see that from Edwards or Ball.

How did Edwards and Ball attain all of their skills if they didn't work relentlessly at their craft?

Natural talent? I don't believe either of them to be "locked in" when it comes to improving their game...

I mean in the interviews I watched Ball said something like he doesn't have energy for defense when he puts effort in offense, which is not something I want to hear from my 3rd overall pick

[KGdaBom]

I do like Okongwu a bit more for the athleticism reason, but Hayes just turned 19. I think its unfair to blame their team losing on Killian.

His shot form is good enough that that should improve. And by all reports he is a gamer in the mold of Tyler Herro who works relentlessly at his craft, and I don't see that from Edwards or Ball.

How did Edwards and Ball attain all of their skills if they didn't work relentlessly at their craft?

Natural talent? I don't believe either of them to be "locked in" when it comes to improving their game...

I mean in the interviews I watched Ball said something like he doesn't have energy for defense when he puts effort in offense, which is not something I want to hear from my 3rd overall pick

Randy Moss is famous for saying " I Play when I want to play" He wanted to play 99.9% of the time. Nobody has that much natural talent. These guys have worked on their games like CRAZY. They can't develop that much skill if they haven't.

[UNCNYC]

Finding out Isaiah Joe has re-entered the draft is amazing, but it leaves me thinking.

Not sure if we should use the 3rd pick on someone like Hayes and use 32 on Joe...

Or should we trade 3rd pick and pick someone else and joe 32...

Or should we pick Hayes 3rd and try and see if someone falls to us at 32 and see if we are lucky that Joe will still be there at 56.

I have seen some mocks without Joe in them. If that is the case maybe he goes unnoticed.

3 - Killian Hayes

32- Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Smith, Leandro Balmoro, JaDen McDaniels, Tyler Bey

56 - Isaiah Joe

would be awesome

Also I could gamble on Joe being there at 56 because I kinda have insurance... Meaning I have other guards that I like that could be there incase Joe is not.

Guys like Ty'shon Alexander, CJ Elleby, Karim Mane, Elijah Huges, Jay Scrubb.

[UNCNYC]

Man people talk about Centers in this draft and don't mention this guy... I posted GAME FOOTAGE of him but this is him in practice. Man he doesn't miss and he has a smooth inside game. As of now I have

PICK 3 - Killian Hayes

PICK 32 - Isaiah Joe

PICK 56 - CJ Elleby, LaMar Stevens, Elijah Hughes, but if they aren't there I am pretty sure it's gonna be Rayshaun Hammonds

This dude is official. Best CENTER in this draft

Watch on YouTube

[Hornet Mania]

This dude is official. Best CENTER in this draft

Watch on YouTube

I appreciate all the videos you post of fringe prospects because it reminds me of how skilled a player has to be to even get a sniff at the G-League. So many players get called 'scrubs' because they would get owned over and over by the top talent like Harden or Lebron, but put those guys in a gym with a few trainers or against regular people and they'd all look amazing.

When I went to Hornets games at the old coliseum I'd get there early to watch all the warmups and I remember in 2000 being blown away by the fact that Todd Fuller, who I thought was absolute trash, just never missed. Even the worst pro athletes are crazy good at what they do.

[-Ian-]

Read on Twitter

• 22-Year-Old Cutoff for Lottery Picks
The question about whether to avoid older players in the lottery becomes relevant again this October. Obi Toppin, college basketball's National Player of the Year, already turned 22 and is expected to draw top-five interest.

On one hand, there is a perception that he's one of the safest options based on his physical profile and production. On the other, it's worth asking whether Toppin dominated college players because he was older and more physically developed. And then, does he still have the same window to improve? After all, he'll be starting his pro career later and closer to his ceiling.
• The Late Riser
• Low-Assist Wings
• Low-Block Bigs
• No Bankable Skill
The "master of none" prospects in the 2020 draft to worry about include potential lottery picks Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro, Precious Achiuwa, Patrick Williams and RJ Hampton.

[UNCNYC]

This dude is official. Best CENTER in this draft

Watch on YouTube

I appreciate all the videos you post of fringe prospects because it reminds me of how skilled a player has to be to even get a sniff at the G-League. So many players get called 'scrubs' because they would get owned over and over by the top talent like Harden or Lebron, but put those guys in a gym with a few trainers or against regular people and they'd all look amazing.

When I went to Hornets games at the old coliseum I'd get there early to watch all the warmups and I remember in 2000 being blown away by the fact that Todd Fuller, who I thought was absolute trash, just never missed. Even the worst pro athletes are crazy good at what they do.

Thanks for the support...

For me I rarely watch the training videos... I only watch them if a player convinces me too, or if that is the only footage I can get... I like Rayshauns in game footage a lot. I think at 56 he could be an option. This draft is sooo deep imo. I think there is gonna be good talent left even at 56

[Hornet Mania]

This dude is official. Best CENTER in this draft

Watch on YouTube

I appreciate all the videos you post of fringe prospects because it reminds me of how skilled a player has to be to even get a sniff at the G-League. So many players get called 'scrubs' because they would get owned over and over by the top talent like Harden or Lebron, but put those guys in a gym with a few trainers or against regular people and they'd all look amazing.

When I went to Hornets games at the old coliseum I'd get there early to watch all the warmups and I remember in 2000 being blown away by the fact that Todd Fuller, who I thought was absolute trash, just never missed. Even the worst pro athletes are crazy good at what they do.

Thanks for the support...

For me I rarely watch the training videos... I only watch them if a player convinces me too, or if that is the only footage I can get... I like Rayshauns in game footage a lot. I think at 56 he could be an option. This draft is sooo deep imo. I think there is gonna be good talent left even at 56

For sure, and just in case I was unclear I wasn't trying to say you didn't consider the games. It was more an idle thought about what I enjoyed about many of your videos, just getting a chance to see how good no-names really are. We as fans tend to write off guys as awful basketball players who are actually really excellent compared to anyone but the cream of the crop.

[UNCNYC]

This is my list of players to consider in the 2nd round. This draft is sooo deep. I didn't even inlcude Vernon Carey.

PG - Skylar Mays, Jarron Cumberland, Malachi Flynn, Yam Mador, Kira Lewis Jr., Myles Powell, Cassius Winston, Markus Howard
SG - Isaiah Joe, Ty'shon Alexander, Karim Mane, Nate Hinton, Immanuel Quickley, Mason Jones, Eli Pemberton
SF - CJ Elleby, Elijah Hughes, Jay Scrubb, Abdoulaye Ndoye
PF - LaMar Stevens, Paul Reed, Kristian Doolitle, Malik Fitts, Isaiah Mike, Naji Marshall, Mamadi Diakite
C - Rayshaun Hammonds, Daniel Oturu, Reggie Perry, Kaleb Wesson, Udoka Azubukie, D.J. Funderburk

Players I want most from the list are

PG - Skylar Mays, Jarron Cumberland
SG - Isaiah Joe, Ty'shon Alexander, Karim Mane
SF - CJ Elleby, Elijah Hughes, Jay Scrubb
PF - LaMar Stevens, Paul Reed, Kristian Doolitle
C - Rayshaun Hammonds

[UNCNYC]

I appreciate all the videos you post of fringe prospects because it reminds me of how skilled a player has to be to even get a sniff at the G-League. So many players get called 'scrubs' because they would get owned over and over by the top talent like Harden or Lebron, but put those guys in a gym with a few trainers or against regular people and they'd all look amazing.

When I went to Hornets games at the old coliseum I'd get there early to watch all the warmups and I remember in 2000 being blown away by the fact that Todd Fuller, who I thought was absolute trash, just never missed. Even the worst pro athletes are crazy good at what they do.

Thanks for the support...

For me I rarely watch the training videos... I only watch them if a player convinces me too, or if that is the only footage I can get... I like Rayshauns in game footage a lot. I think at 56 he could be an option. This draft is sooo deep imo. I think there is gonna be good talent left even at 56

For sure, and just in case I was unclear I wasn't trying to say you didn't consider the games. It was more an idle thought about what I enjoyed about many of your videos, just getting a chance to see how good no-names really are. We as fans write off guys as awful basketball players, but in reality even for the worst prospects they're really only 'poor' compared to the top 1% of pros in the world.

Thanks again man. The name HORNET-MANIA suits you. I can't think of a better fan or poster to have in our HORNET family.