2020 NBA Draft Prospects: Thread II

[Klomp]

I don't know that we'll ultimately take him with having a similar player in McLaughlin, but I love this kid's potential. A lot of people turn away from 4-year guys, but keep in mind he reclassified. He didn't turn 18 until the day before the last regular season game of his freshman year at Marquette (he's just 6 months older than Precious Achiuwa, a true freshman this season). Was an immediate contributor as a freshman and just kept growing.

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His finishing is really bad. Something like 45% around the rim IIRC.

I get the positives but all he realistically brings is the ability to make tough shots. He's not a PG, he's not a defensive presence at all, he's a volume scorer so there's no guarantee his shot making translates in a lesser role.

He was fun to watch but I don't think he's an NBA player.

When he penetrates into the paint, he prefers to pass out rather than shoot because he isn't a great finisher inside the arc with a paltry 39.6% two point field goal percentage. third lowest among prospects in our top 100. While this poor mark does not fully remove him from draft consideration, since 2000 only Josh Selby and Andrew Harrison have been drafted while converting less than 40% of their two point attempts in the same season.

That was the DX report on Fred VanVleet. Just saying.....

I'm not saying to draft him at No. 1 or even at No. 17, but I just think teams will regret passing on him and he needs to be under consideration if there at No. 33. Those kinds of shooting chops aren't easily replicable.

[Neeva]

I think I prefer taking chances he goes undrafted and sign him then.
At 33 I want the wolves to take a chance on Cassius Stanley( jumps higher than Zion) or hope Bolmaro or Tyrell Terry fall there like some mocks predict.

[gandlogo]

I'm really coming around to Avdija. He's so talented in virtually every way and he can play both SF and PF which are our two positions of greatest need. He has the handle and vision to be a great shot creator and at least a secondary ball handler. He has enough size that nobody is going to shoot over him when he's on defense. He's a good shot blocker and decent rebounder. He's aggressive and can slash to the rim and dunk. His shooting from the field and line needs to be better, but he has all the same reasons to expect his shooting from the field to improve that Edwards does. Why can't he make FTs?????????

He’s 19 with a good stroke. No reason he’s not going to be 70-75% soon. Brandon Clarke was 56% from the line when he was 19. They both seem to have similar drives to succeed.

That right there is called knowing your audience and tailoring your argument to it! Are you a politician?

Close. Lawyer turned sales guy.

[Battletrigger]

Someone explain Edwards game IQ to me. I think he might be totally lost if ever playing off ball.

Second possesion of this clip: 19 seconds in. Second pass already as they walk up midcourt and his teammate is surveying the court. Edwards just stands there next to him demanding the ball. He teamate doesn't immediately give it to him, keeps surveying, but Edwards just stands there longer until he does. Edwrds finally gets his way and the ball then passes across court to far corner. That dude sends it right back across court. Edwards jacks a brick from 3. This could be the story of the next three years.

Big reason why I think I prefer Ball. He seems like he understands playing off the ball, at least to a higher level than Edwards. With Towns and Russell already here, that's important.

I am all in on Ball if wolves keep the pick. Ball just seems like the smarter player on and off the court.

Please no, I had enough with Rubio, I don't want that type of player again.

[KGdaBom]

Big reason why I think I prefer Ball. He seems like he understands playing off the ball, at least to a higher level than Edwards. With Towns and Russell already here, that's important.

I am all in on Ball if wolves keep the pick. Ball just seems like the smarter player on and off the court.

Please no, I had enough with Rubio, I don't want that type of player again.

If Ball would be Rubio 2.0 I would have no problems drafting him at all. I don't think he will ever be as good a shooter as Rubio or play as good Defense.

[Battletrigger]

I am all in on Ball if wolves keep the pick. Ball just seems like the smarter player on and off the court.

Please no, I had enough with Rubio, I don't want that type of player again.

If Ball would be Rubio 2.0 I would have no problems drafting him at all. I don't think he will ever be as good a shooter as Rubio or play as good Defense.

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

[KGdaBom]

Please no, I had enough with Rubio, I don't want that type of player again.

If Ball would be Rubio 2.0 I would have no problems drafting him at all. I don't think he will ever be as good a shooter as Rubio or play as good Defense.

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

True, but trading Rubio was a MISTAKE. However, Ball is as you say a poor man's Rubio and drafting him at #1 IMO would be the worst possible outcome to this years draft.

[Klomp]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

[Worm Guts]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

In terms of shooting, Ball is a much more willing shooter than Rubio. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. I think it’s more likely he’ll improve his shot, but if doesn’t, then he’s just someone who takes a lot of bad shots.

[KGdaBom]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

That's true. I believe he did improve quite a bit since we traded him. The big difference between Rubio and Ball as far as shooting goes is Rubio always had decent shooting form giving him a chance to improve. Ball has a completely broken shot that he probably learned when he was two years old. Not much chance of ever being a decent shooter.

9 Posts to go.

[KGdaBom]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

In terms of shooting, Ball is a much more willing shooter than Rubio. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. I think it’s more likely he’ll improve his shot, but if doesn’t, then he’s just someone who takes a lot of bad shots.

I believe it's a bad thing. He will waste our possessions with bad shots. His form is broken. He won't improve very much.

8 Posts to go.

[Little Digger]

The top of this draft is so weak, as a warrior fan I don’t really care who you guys pick in front of us...but Ball seems like a horrible fit for the Wolves..

[Battletrigger]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

I know that was Thibs the one that traded Rubio, but if you want that kind of player, you go after Rubio again, not a guy with a broken shot and much worse defense.

And yes, players usually improve but not always all their skills or the ones you need.

[urinesane]

I agree with the defense. It's a nonsense to draft a poor Rubio three years after trading him.

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

I know that was Thibs the one that traded Rubio, but if you want that kind of player, you go after Rubio again, not a guy with a broken shot and much worse defense.

And yes, players usually improve but not always all their skills or the ones you need.

YES, PLEASE BRING RUBIO BACK.

100% serious.

[Klomp]

LaMelo shot 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) on catch-and-shoots through 12 games. He wasn't as accurate as his brother, but when he was able to set his feet and generate rhythm, the results were promising.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889220-is-lamelo-ball-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-lonzo-at-19

[Jedzz]

A couple of notes...

First of all, Gersson Rosas didn't trade him. Different front offices value things differently.

Second, regarding development as a shooter, that's something Rubio never really did here. 34% as a rookie was his career high 3-point shooting in a Wolves uniform. When drafting someone (especially at 19), you're hoping for development. That never came for Rubio, but it doesn't mean someone else can't develop.

I know that was Thibs the one that traded Rubio, but if you want that kind of player, you go after Rubio again, not a guy with a broken shot and much worse defense.

And yes, players usually improve but not always all their skills or the ones you need.

YES, PLEASE BRING RUBIO BACK.

100% serious.

MLE for Rubio

Rubio started as a rookie at 34% from 3, but would never shoot that well again as a Timberwolves player in any season. Got down to .255 at his lowest. Which was absolutely horrible but it was only 22 games(2014-15). 36% this year has been his best, nine seasons into his career. 2% improvement on rookie season. Would have been great for us had he been 36% all those years.

The funniest part about people claiming all these prospects can improve and develop is that they all seem to be targeting the literal worst shooters all at or even below 30%. They can hope for some improvement. But is it more like improving a half to one percent, maybe 2%? Should they really be expecting these players to improve 6 to 9 %? We have been talking about players shooting threes at 25 to 29% and many of them on a range of 3.5 to 6 attempts per game already. This is likely who they are. Let's draft them #1 or top 10 or 17 and hope they can can at least get to 30-31%. Sounds like a great plan.

[Baseline81]

LaMelo shot 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) on catch-and-shoots through 12 games. He wasn't as accurate as his brother, but when he was able to set his feet and generate rhythm, the results were promising.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889220-is-lamelo-ball-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-lonzo-at-19

If Ball is selected, isn't he meant to be lead guard because of his passing? It would seem the catch-and-shoot statistic would be more important for Russell.

[Klomp]

LaMelo shot 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) on catch-and-shoots through 12 games. He wasn't as accurate as his brother, but when he was able to set his feet and generate rhythm, the results were promising.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889220-is-lamelo-ball-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-lonzo-at-19

If Ball is selected, isn't he meant to be lead guard because of his passing? It would seem the catch-and-shoot statistic would be more important for Russell.

It's important for both, as I believe they'll share duties and each spend time both on and off the ball.

[jpatrick]

LaMelo shot 11-of-29 (37.9 percent) on catch-and-shoots through 12 games. He wasn't as accurate as his brother, but when he was able to set his feet and generate rhythm, the results were promising.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889220-is-lamelo-ball-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-lonzo-at-19

If Ball is selected, isn't he meant to be lead guard because of his passing? It would seem the catch-and-shoot statistic would be more important for Russell.

Yeah, Ball would be the primary initiator as he is far better at creating opportunities and getting to the basket than Russell, although Russell has improved.

However, in the modern NBA you need ball movement and the days of a PG having the ball 90% of the time are gone. Ball actually has some pretty solid off the ball instincts.

I highly questioned Ball’s fit here. However, the fact he finished in the top 10 in assists, rebounds, and steals, and top 20 in scoring against grown men as an 18 year old in a solid professional league, after two years of not playing real organized ball (Big Baller league and some insanely low level in Lithuania), it’s really impressive.

[Klomp]

I love how Boston is built, with so many wings around 6'7"-6'8". And it's not like Brown, Tatum or Hayward were necessarily drafted for their defense. But they offer great versatility in a switching defense and on offense can all attack. Something I wouldn't mind Minnesota emulating.