2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Saberestar]

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[bwgood77]

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Those teams would probably rather have not been mentioned.

[Kerrsed]

Buzz: Minnesota Timberwolves not sold on any prospect, expected to try and trade down

According to a Western Conference executive, word around the league is Minnesota isn't leaning one way at No. 1, sounds "confused" and feels pressure after "messing up last year by trading for Jarrett Culver."

The belief is that Minnesota's priority is to trade, realistically down the board assuming an established star won't become available. If the Wolves stick at No. 1, multiple sources say they'd bet on LaMelo Ball having the edge over Anthony Edwards.

Rival scouts have mentioned fit issues with Ball in Minnesota, specifically his ability to play alongside other ball-dominant players and whether a team's defense featuring Ball, D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns has any chance in a seven-game series against Western Conference opponents.

But Ball also has a chunk of support as the draft's top overall prospect, and with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas still unsure about the makeup of his team (Russell and Towns have played one game together), fit might not factor into Minnesota's decision.

On the other hand, there are trade-down targets who do fit the roster on paper, including Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Vassell and Patrick Williams. Rosas could even make a case for Obi Toppin if he was willing to go all-in with offense.

Concern with Anthony Edwards for a top pick

Teams are worried about Edwards' drive and enthusiasm for winning, and according to a source, the Golden State Warriors aren't a likely landing spot due to these concerns.

Despite media projections and upside that everyone acknowledges, he has a shaky reputation within NBA circles. Dion Waiters has been used by skeptics as a comparison or low-end outcome for Edwards, an inefficient scorer at Georgia whose Bulldogs finished 13 of 14 teams in the SEC.

Scouts and executives have mentioned that his teams haven't won at any level, and that he even forgets plays and actions.

He could still get consideration at No. 1 from Minnesota, but most seem to think the Wolves will favor Ball, who should also generate more interest from teams looking to trade up, given his superior star power and potential to transform a struggling team's identity with his flashy playmaking and exciting pace.

Meanwhile, the more we ask around about Edwards, the more we hear concern about his professionalism and ability to impact winning, even if his scoring production carries over.

While a trade could throw off any predraft predictions, the likelihood of Edwards dropping to No. 3 seems to have increased. The Charlotte Hornets would then have a tough call, particularly if James Wiseman is still on the board.

Onyeka Okongwu over James Wiseman?

Wiseman started the season as a No. 1 overall candidate, while Okongwu was mostly off NBA rankings as a 6'9", non-shooting center. But Bleacher Report has talked with multiple scouts who've moved Okongwu over Wiseman.

We made the move in November. But what matters most are the teams picking No. 2-10.

At this stage, Wiseman's case is mostly built around measurements, considering he played just three games at Memphis and did most of his damage as a finisher and shot-blocker. But Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 2.7 blocks for the season, wowing with athletic plays, 94th-percentile post scoring, touch (15-of-35 half-court jumpers, 72.0 percent free-throws) and defensive activity/versatility.

As enticing as 7'1" size and 7'6" length sound, being big doesn't generate the same love and reaction as it once did.

We reported earlier there is a belief that Wiseman could fall in the No. 5-9 range.

2020 Trend: Extra stock into IQ, intangibles

One scout brought up the notion that his team will be putting more stock into basketball IQ and other valued intangibles compared to previous years.

Teams are having a tough time identifying the obvious NBA talent in this draft. Worried about misevaluating it, they could feel more confident in drafting a player who makes good decisions, competes and brings a positive presence to their locker room—even if they don't possess appetizing upside.

Based on where certain prospects stack up on most draft boards around the league, overvaluing intangibles seems to be a strategy shared by other organizations.

Okoro and Haliburton stand out as the posterboys for this conversation. Both are projected 10 picks and perimeter players who averaged fewer than 17.0 points per 40 minutes.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Great big board man!
As always, Your presentation and insights are top notch! I really look forward to seeing your mock as well.

The mock is going to be difficult this year because i am expecting a lot more movement this year than in years past. I dont think any team is absolutely in love with any of the players, so they will be willing to move up or down easier. Im guessing there will be easily at least 5 picks in the lotto moved to different teams.

I totally agree man!
This draft is going to be epically entertaining with all the drama, suspense and unpredictability that it's going to offer. Even though it'd of course be nothing more than random speculation, it might be fun to do a mock draft with theoretical trades, Just to see whose overall guesstimate would end up being the most accurate. We could of course define the reasons we believe those trades where made, And their respective values to the teams involved?

Could be fun, Yes? No?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Buzz: Minnesota Timberwolves not sold on any prospect, expected to try and trade down

According to a Western Conference executive, word around the league is Minnesota isn't leaning one way at No. 1, sounds "confused" and feels pressure after "messing up last year by trading for Jarrett Culver."

The belief is that Minnesota's priority is to trade, realistically down the board assuming an established star won't become available. If the Wolves stick at No. 1, multiple sources say they'd bet on LaMelo Ball having the edge over Anthony Edwards.

Rival scouts have mentioned fit issues with Ball in Minnesota, specifically his ability to play alongside other ball-dominant players and whether a team's defense featuring Ball, D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns has any chance in a seven-game series against Western Conference opponents.

But Ball also has a chunk of support as the draft's top overall prospect, and with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas still unsure about the makeup of his team (Russell and Towns have played one game together), fit might not factor into Minnesota's decision.

On the other hand, there are trade-down targets who do fit the roster on paper, including Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Vassell and Patrick Williams. Rosas could even make a case for Obi Toppin if he was willing to go all-in with offense.

Concern with Anthony Edwards for a top pick

Teams are worried about Edwards' drive and enthusiasm for winning, and according to a source, the Golden State Warriors aren't a likely landing spot due to these concerns.

Despite media projections and upside that everyone acknowledges, he has a shaky reputation within NBA circles. Dion Waiters has been used by skeptics as a comparison or low-end outcome for Edwards, an inefficient scorer at Georgia whose Bulldogs finished 13 of 14 teams in the SEC.

Scouts and executives have mentioned that his teams haven't won at any level, and that he even forgets plays and actions.

He could still get consideration at No. 1 from Minnesota, but most seem to think the Wolves will favor Ball, who should also generate more interest from teams looking to trade up, given his superior star power and potential to transform a struggling team's identity with his flashy playmaking and exciting pace.

Meanwhile, the more we ask around about Edwards, the more we hear concern about his professionalism and ability to impact winning, even if his scoring production carries over.

While a trade could throw off any predraft predictions, the likelihood of Edwards dropping to No. 3 seems to have increased. The Charlotte Hornets would then have a tough call, particularly if James Wiseman is still on the board.

Onyeka Okongwu over James Wiseman?

Wiseman started the season as a No. 1 overall candidate, while Okongwu was mostly off NBA rankings as a 6'9", non-shooting center. But Bleacher Report has talked with multiple scouts who've moved Okongwu over Wiseman.

We made the move in November. But what matters most are the teams picking No. 2-10.

At this stage, Wiseman's case is mostly built around measurements, considering he played just three games at Memphis and did most of his damage as a finisher and shot-blocker. But Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 2.7 blocks for the season, wowing with athletic plays, 94th-percentile post scoring, touch (15-of-35 half-court jumpers, 72.0 percent free-throws) and defensive activity/versatility.

As enticing as 7'1" size and 7'6" length sound, being big doesn't generate the same love and reaction as it once did.

We reported earlier there is a belief that Wiseman could fall in the No. 5-9 range.

2020 Trend: Extra stock into IQ, intangibles

One scout brought up the notion that his team will be putting more stock into basketball IQ and other valued intangibles compared to previous years.

Teams are having a tough time identifying the obvious NBA talent in this draft. Worried about misevaluating it, they could feel more confident in drafting a player who makes good decisions, competes and brings a positive presence to their locker room—even if they don't possess appetizing upside.

Based on where certain prospects stack up on most draft boards around the league, overvaluing intangibles seems to be a strategy shared by other organizations.

Okoro and Haliburton stand out as the posterboys for this conversation. Both are projected 10 picks and perimeter players who averaged fewer than 17.0 points per 40 minutes.

I would potentially anticipate a trade with Oubre/10 ( and James Johnson possibly being rerouted somewhere in the deal , perhaps to Golden State using their TPE? Or perhaps to Detroit for Kennard with the Wolves sending back the 17th pick ( Kennards' current percieved value) to Detroit in return.

I could envision something along these lines maybe being a strong possibility in this scenario IF Jones believes he could possibly extract more value in a separate deal after acquiring the 2nd pick? Or if he's just adamant about securing one of Ball/ Haliburton/ Toppin/ Hayes?

And I could see Minnesota having interest in something like this too, Especially if they believe that they could trade back and still get a good prospect, Whilst extracting additional value. I could see this being the motivating factor for many lottery teams to consider engaging in trades on draft night.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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Jalen Harris is yet another value depth consideration for us IF we look at low cost prospects in the 2nd round, With respect to cap interests.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Buzz: Minnesota Timberwolves not sold on any prospect, expected to try and trade down

According to a Western Conference executive, word around the league is Minnesota isn't leaning one way at No. 1, sounds "confused" and feels pressure after "messing up last year by trading for Jarrett Culver."

The belief is that Minnesota's priority is to trade, realistically down the board assuming an established star won't become available. If the Wolves stick at No. 1, multiple sources say they'd bet on LaMelo Ball having the edge over Anthony Edwards.

Rival scouts have mentioned fit issues with Ball in Minnesota, specifically his ability to play alongside other ball-dominant players and whether a team's defense featuring Ball, D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns has any chance in a seven-game series against Western Conference opponents.

But Ball also has a chunk of support as the draft's top overall prospect, and with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas still unsure about the makeup of his team (Russell and Towns have played one game together), fit might not factor into Minnesota's decision.

On the other hand, there are trade-down targets who do fit the roster on paper, including Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Vassell and Patrick Williams. Rosas could even make a case for Obi Toppin if he was willing to go all-in with offense.

Concern with Anthony Edwards for a top pick

Teams are worried about Edwards' drive and enthusiasm for winning, and according to a source, the Golden State Warriors aren't a likely landing spot due to these concerns.

Despite media projections and upside that everyone acknowledges, he has a shaky reputation within NBA circles. Dion Waiters has been used by skeptics as a comparison or low-end outcome for Edwards, an inefficient scorer at Georgia whose Bulldogs finished 13 of 14 teams in the SEC.

Scouts and executives have mentioned that his teams haven't won at any level, and that he even forgets plays and actions.

He could still get consideration at No. 1 from Minnesota, but most seem to think the Wolves will favor Ball, who should also generate more interest from teams looking to trade up, given his superior star power and potential to transform a struggling team's identity with his flashy playmaking and exciting pace.

Meanwhile, the more we ask around about Edwards, the more we hear concern about his professionalism and ability to impact winning, even if his scoring production carries over.

While a trade could throw off any predraft predictions, the likelihood of Edwards dropping to No. 3 seems to have increased. The Charlotte Hornets would then have a tough call, particularly if James Wiseman is still on the board.

Onyeka Okongwu over James Wiseman?

Wiseman started the season as a No. 1 overall candidate, while Okongwu was mostly off NBA rankings as a 6'9", non-shooting center. But Bleacher Report has talked with multiple scouts who've moved Okongwu over Wiseman.

We made the move in November. But what matters most are the teams picking No. 2-10.

At this stage, Wiseman's case is mostly built around measurements, considering he played just three games at Memphis and did most of his damage as a finisher and shot-blocker. But Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 2.7 blocks for the season, wowing with athletic plays, 94th-percentile post scoring, touch (15-of-35 half-court jumpers, 72.0 percent free-throws) and defensive activity/versatility.

As enticing as 7'1" size and 7'6" length sound, being big doesn't generate the same love and reaction as it once did.

We reported earlier there is a belief that Wiseman could fall in the No. 5-9 range.

2020 Trend: Extra stock into IQ, intangibles

One scout brought up the notion that his team will be putting more stock into basketball IQ and other valued intangibles compared to previous years.

Teams are having a tough time identifying the obvious NBA talent in this draft. Worried about misevaluating it, they could feel more confident in drafting a player who makes good decisions, competes and brings a positive presence to their locker room—even if they don't possess appetizing upside.

Based on where certain prospects stack up on most draft boards around the league, overvaluing intangibles seems to be a strategy shared by other organizations.

Okoro and Haliburton stand out as the posterboys for this conversation. Both are projected 10 picks and perimeter players who averaged fewer than 17.0 points per 40 minutes.

The Edwards part doesn't shock me. I never really understood why he was considered a top 5 guy. Like other than physically looking the part I'm not sure what else there is to be excited about him as a prospect.

It's definitely a **** year to have the 1 pick. None of these guys are anywhere close to the type of prospect you'd normally take 1 overall. It's very reminiscent of the Bennett draft. Wolves best shot at a trade is if some team is desperate for some excitement and wants to take the Ball wild ride. But man if he'd been in the Ayton draft he might not have went top 10.

Now I do think this draft class normalizes around the Suns pick. From like 10 on its about as good as an average draft. Decent depth of role player types.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Kerrsed]

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That might be smart of him. There are a handful of guys who have had weird forms that kinda work for them, then when they get to the NBA their team tries to change their form completely and it ends up in utter failure for the player. You have guys like Simmons and Melo's brother Lonzo and Markelle Fultz, the latter two who came into the league as okay shooters with funky mechanics. Their teams tried to "Fix" their shot be completely reworking their mechanics and it ended up making them even worse in the long run. Even the Suns tried to redo Josh Jackson shooting form/mechanics and in the end he ended up even worse but now with added stress and lowered confidence.

I think guys with non-traditional shooting mechanics see those examples and are scared. The league has a history of players with "weird" shooting forms. Look at Marion. Despite that weird hitch in his form, he improved his shooting and became a decent shooter, and he didnt have to change his form. Guys like Kevin Martin, Michael Redd, Derek Fisher all came into the league as subpar shooters with bad forms and improved without completely changing them. Matt Bonner and Eric Gordon both succeeded in the league with low release points (Im sure theres more that i cant think of right now). Bonner releases at his chin and Gordon does from his forehead.

Sometimes teams just need to work with the player on his shooting and try to evolve it a little bit for it to improve. Too many times they want to completely rework the shooting form and it ends up disastrous.

[WeekapaugGroove]

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That might be smart of him. There are a handful of guys who have had weird forms that kinda work for them, then when they get to the NBA their team tries to change their form completely and it ends up in utter failure for the player. You have guys like Simmons and Melo's brother Lonzo and Markelle Fultz, the latter two who came into the league as okay shooters with funky mechanics. Their teams tried to "Fix" their shot be completely reworking their mechanics and it ended up making them even worse in the long run. Even the Suns tried to redo Josh Jackson shooting form/mechanics and in the end he ended up even worse but now with added stress and lowered confidence.

I think guys with non-traditional shooting mechanics see those examples and are scared. The league has a history of players with "weird" shooting forms. Look at Marion. Despite that weird hitch in his form, he improved his shooting and became a decent shooter, and he didnt have to change his form. Guys like Kevin Martin, Michael Redd, Derek Fisher all came into the league as subpar shooters with bad forms and improved without completely changing them. Matt Bonner and Eric Gordon both succeeded in the league with low release points (Im sure theres more that i cant think of right now). Bonner releases at his chin and Gordon does from his forehead.

Sometimes teams just need to work with the player on his shooting and try to evolve it a little bit for it to improve. Too many times they want to completely rework the shooting form and it ends up disastrous.

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

Side note- he shoots like he does because he was chucking those long 3s as a little ass kid coming up and it was the only way he could get the ball to the hoop.

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[Kerrsed]

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

But you also have to watch game footage of him from Australia. He was on the worst team in the league (Worst as in before he even got there). He really had no help. A huge reason for the low percentages isnt because of his shooting form (That makes up a small percent of it), but more-so because he was being double and triple teamed constantly while also being looked at by his teammates as the bail-out option (Teammates passing the ball around and tossing it to him with little time left on the shot clock when they cant do anything).

The thing with Ball is the LEAST you are getting is a Simmons/Rubio type player. If his shooting never improves its still on par with those two, and he can still finish at the rim or in the paint, play solid defense thanks to his size, and have some amazing passes that would make Steve Nash say "HOLY S**T!".

If you can finish at the rim then you can draw defenders away from other players at the 3 point line. Thats something that both Ball and Simmons do very effectively. The threat is there and defenders have to respect them and collapse on them, freeing up an open man to whom both guys are great at reading and kicking the ball out for a wide open 3 pointer.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

But you also have to watch game footage of him from Australia. He was on the worst team in the league (Worst as in before he even got there). He really had no help. A huge reason for the low percentages isnt because of his shooting form (That makes up a small percent of it), but more-so because he was being double and triple teamed constantly while also being looked at by his teammates as the bail-out option (Teammates passing the ball around and tossing it to him with little time left on the shot clock when they cant do anything).

The thing with Ball is the LEAST you are getting is a Simmons/Rubio type player. If his shooting never improves its still on par with those two, and he can still finish at the rim or in the paint, play solid defense thanks to his size, and have some amazing passes that would make Steve Nash say "HOLY S**T!".

If you can finish at the rim then you can draw defenders away from other players at the 3 point line. Thats something that both Ball and Simmons do very effectively. The threat is there and defenders have to respect them and collapse on them, freeing up an open man to whom both guys are great at reading and kicking the ball out for a wide open 3 pointer.

You've been been crunching ABL tape? I have not but from what I heard signing him was a PR move for a crap team and they let him basically continue his wild AAU side show and shoot terrible shots all game. I've also heard his teammates hated him.

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[bwgood77]

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

But you also have to watch game footage of him from Australia. He was on the worst team in the league (Worst as in before he even got there). He really had no help. A huge reason for the low percentages isnt because of his shooting form (That makes up a small percent of it), but more-so because he was being double and triple teamed constantly while also being looked at by his teammates as the bail-out option (Teammates passing the ball around and tossing it to him with little time left on the shot clock when they cant do anything).

The thing with Ball is the LEAST you are getting is a Simmons/Rubio type player. If his shooting never improves its still on par with those two, and he can still finish at the rim or in the paint, play solid defense thanks to his size, and have some amazing passes that would make Steve Nash say "HOLY S**T!".

If you can finish at the rim then you can draw defenders away from other players at the 3 point line. Thats something that both Ball and Simmons do very effectively. The threat is there and defenders have to respect them and collapse on them, freeing up an open man to whom both guys are great at reading and kicking the ball out for a wide open 3 pointer.

I thought defense was one of the biggest problems for him. Simmons? Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

But you also have to watch game footage of him from Australia. He was on the worst team in the league (Worst as in before he even got there). He really had no help. A huge reason for the low percentages isnt because of his shooting form (That makes up a small percent of it), but more-so because he was being double and triple teamed constantly while also being looked at by his teammates as the bail-out option (Teammates passing the ball around and tossing it to him with little time left on the shot clock when they cant do anything).

The thing with Ball is the LEAST you are getting is a Simmons/Rubio type player. If his shooting never improves its still on par with those two, and he can still finish at the rim or in the paint, play solid defense thanks to his size, and have some amazing passes that would make Steve Nash say "HOLY S**T!".

If you can finish at the rim then you can draw defenders away from other players at the 3 point line. Thats something that both Ball and Simmons do very effectively. The threat is there and defenders have to respect them and collapse on them, freeing up an open man to whom both guys are great at reading and kicking the ball out for a wide open 3 pointer.

I thought defense was one of the biggest problems for him. Simmons? Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA.

Simmons is also a physical freak. It's a wild comp.

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[Kerrsed]

I don't really care how his form looks but he absolutely needs to find some way to hit better than the abysmal % than shot in Australia. Especially for a guy who likes to shoot as much as he does and plays a position that's it's never been more important to shoot well.

I get some of the appeal with ball with his size and feel for the game but man would he be a terrifying guy to take top 3 because his floor as a player is very very low. Like out of the league before his rookie contract low.

But you also have to watch game footage of him from Australia. He was on the worst team in the league (Worst as in before he even got there). He really had no help. A huge reason for the low percentages isnt because of his shooting form (That makes up a small percent of it), but more-so because he was being double and triple teamed constantly while also being looked at by his teammates as the bail-out option (Teammates passing the ball around and tossing it to him with little time left on the shot clock when they cant do anything).

The thing with Ball is the LEAST you are getting is a Simmons/Rubio type player. If his shooting never improves its still on par with those two, and he can still finish at the rim or in the paint, play solid defense thanks to his size, and have some amazing passes that would make Steve Nash say "HOLY S**T!".

If you can finish at the rim then you can draw defenders away from other players at the 3 point line. Thats something that both Ball and Simmons do very effectively. The threat is there and defenders have to respect them and collapse on them, freeing up an open man to whom both guys are great at reading and kicking the ball out for a wide open 3 pointer.

You've been been crunching ABL tape? I have not but from what I heard signing him was a PR move for a crap team and they let him basically continue his wild AAU side show and shoot terrible shots all game. I've also heard his teammates hated him.

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I have. I went into all this totally against Ball, but have spent the past 2 days reading whatever i could and watching as much tape as i could. From HS to AAU to ABL to even the Rico Hines Private Runs where he was playing against guys like Tre Young and Harden (Irving/LouWill and other NBA talents played during the NBA shutdown; Even saw our own Cam Payne getting in on the action).

As for his teammates, none of them complained when he was playing there and they benefitted from him. You had a couple of guys post career high scoring averages playing next to him. Where the hate comes in is from him leaving. There are conflicting reports as to what exactly happened. After he broke his foot and was told by doctors that he would pretty much be missing the rest of the seasons games (About a month),Ball decided his best option would be to come back to the US, rehab his foot, and prep for the draft. Supposedly he talked to his coach about this and coach wasnt happy and there was a bit of a blow-up. Teammates were upset that he left without telling them, i guess the coach didnt inform them that he spoke with him. I have yet to find a teammate trashing him or speaking bad about him except for how he left. But i did find Ball's former teammate and ex-Phoenix Sun Aaron Brooks speak about what it was like playing with Ball.

Ex-NBAer Aaron Brooks is admitting he was COMPLETELY wrong about his teammate LaMelo Ball ... saying his time with the phenom was nothing but positive.

TMZ Sports spoke with Brooks about playing with the youngest Ball bro on the Australian NBL's Illawarra Hawks ... and the ex-Houston Rockets star says he was against the idea at first.

"For me, when I found out that he was gonna be there, I was like, 'look, I don't wanna go through that,'" Brooks says.

"I come from the old school of being with Dikembe Mutombo, Rafer Alston, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming ... and now I'm playing with an 18-year-old Kardashian kid."

But, don't get it twisted -- Brooks says his preconceived notions immediately diminished when he actually met Melo ... who quickly won over all his teammates.

"At 18, when I say there's guys who got drafted in Houston and they was rookies and was 21 and had less accolades than him and they were bigger a**holes, for him to be the way he was surprising to me."

Brooks praises Melo's work ethic, saying whenever they needed to put in extra time, he was down without hesitation.

As for Melo's NBA future, Brooks says the young hooper still has a lot to learn ... but there's no doubt in his mind Ball will be great.

[Kerrsed]

I thought defense was one of the biggest problems for him. Simmons? Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA.

I think its all going to come down to the system he plays in. Ball is 6'7. Some reports say he has added an inch or two since his last measurements were taken. Thats SG/SF height. From what i saw from the ABL videos he was guarding PG's and SG's (Guys much smaller and much quicker than him). When he started guarding SF's he looked much better as he had the speed and athleticism advantage, but that will be hard in the NBA where guys weigh well over 25lbs more than him (With it being all muscle). He tends to "Overcommit". Double teaming when not necessary, constantly going for steals and blocks, leaving his man to try to grab a rebound. Instead of fighting through screens he started to just switch onto that man and let his teammate continue the chase for the ballhandler. Once again, an issue dealing with speedy smaller PG's acting as the main ballhandler. Its not about the effort, but more-so understanding the smart defensive plays, something that can be taught.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

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Apparently Melo is looking to rework his shooting form a bit!

[Kerrsed]

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Apparently Melo is looking to rework his shooting form a bit!

Yeah, i read he was getting help "Tweaking" his shot. The earlier report is more about him not wanting to or willing to completely change his shooting mechanics or form (Which is what teams tried doing with Lonzo/Simmons/Fultz and other teams deem as having bad mechanics).

But with all this Ball talk, i still dont think he will be a target for us.