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

[S ID]

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[Dalek]

I feel like Josh Hall would be the guy Toronto would shock the world with by selecting him at 29. I know he is barely ranked in the second round in most mock drafts, but despite the lack of quality talent he has faced, he looks like a real NBA prospect.

At 6'9" with a 7 ft wingspan with great mobility and a scorers mentality, he is exactly the type of guy you take a swing on. He is like a better version of Bruno coming to the Raptors. His body and movement kind of reminds me of Brandon Ingram. Hall is a very long strider which will be fun with a transition team like Toronto.

Spoiler:

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I wonder if his stock goes up after the combine, but I have been reading about his workouts with Tyshon Alexander and Naji Marshall, and I think he is the type of guy Toronto develops into a star player. His dad mentioned in an article that Toronto had been interested in him but I am not sure if it could be as high as 29. To me, he would be a good gamble. He looks like one those position-less archetypes who you could play SF, PF or as a small ball C in time.

Funny you bring him up. I was looking into him when someone mentioned his name in this thread. I found the article you're referencing and yes the Raptors did make a call to him and his family, potentially more than one.

Quincy says there have been a lot of calls. A number of teams, such as the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, are definitely intrigued.

Josh has been doing his part. He’s transformed his body in the last three months from a teen’s body to a man’s body.

“Josh has gone from 195 pounds to 215 in the last three months,” Quincy said. “He wants to get to about 225, but not past 225. Adding too much weight could throw his shot off.”

https://www.salisburypost.com/2020/09/27/josh-hall-the-nba-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men/

The part that intrigued me was his weight gain. He was fairly skinny when he was playing in highschool but he definitely put on some nice muscle with his workouts over the past few months.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFQPR7-D0Ex/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That was posted just 2 weeks ago. I'm very intrigued by him.

His dad, Quincy Hall is a 7 footer who played for East Carolina, so I am curious if Josh Hall is done growing. He is one of those guy who had a late growth spurt going from 6''4" to 6'9" in three years. He just has tremendous size for a wing and like you said he has put on some good muscle. He is no longer as skinny as Brandon Ingram coming into the league.

Hall comes in learning from OG and Siakam, kind of like when Paul George came in under Danny Granger. From what I have read, he loves to play passing lanes and get steals. Paul George came in as a defender and developed quickly. I could see a similar route with Hall given how good Toronto is at developing guys.

I know a first is high, but I think with a first you have more control over them for second contracts, they become RFAs which you can sign to extensions. For a guy like Hall who will need time, more control may be better long term as he develops. He turns 20 in October so I'd imagine by 22 Toronto could have a significant player.

[Dalek]

I saw that Quincy Hall RT'ed a video of Naji Marshall who works out with Hall, and from the workout videos it looks like Marshall remade his shot. If he can make a consistent three with all of the other at the defense and playmaking he brings at 6'7" he is going to move way up the draft boards.

Spoiler:

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Some additional footage of Hall going ham in his workout video.

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[Dalek]

The only big I somewhat like is Nnaji. The guards/wings are more impressive around our pick and beyond imo.

I swear that the best big in this draft may end up even going undrafted. I think Nick Richards has the size, rim protection and some mid range shooting to be an impact big. He's built like Jarrett Allen and no one talks about him.

[Syd-TK3]

This is definitely a guard heavy draft with a bunch of wings.
The bigs are very few.

[Syd-TK3]

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Really starting to like him more and more
None of his weaknesses are even huge red flags and are pretty fixable. That type of shot making ability doesn't come easy

[Kevin Willis]

I feel like Josh Hall would be the guy Toronto would shock the world with by selecting him at 29. I know he is barely ranked in the second round in most mock drafts, but despite the lack of quality talent he has faced, he looks like a real NBA prospect.

At 6'9" with a 7 ft wingspan with great mobility and a scorers mentality, he is exactly the type of guy you take a swing on. He is like a better version of Bruno coming to the Raptors. His body and movement kind of reminds me of Brandon Ingram. Hall is a very long strider which will be fun with a transition team like Toronto.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

I wonder if his stock goes up after the combine, but I have been reading about his workouts with Tyshon Alexander and Naji Marshall, and I think he is the type of guy Toronto develops into a star player. His dad mentioned in an article that Toronto had been interested in him but I am not sure if it could be as high as 29. To me, he would be a good gamble. He looks like one those position-less archetypes who you could play SF, PF or as a small ball C in time.

What's his BBIQ like? Bruno had the IQ of a fart. He does seem a little slow in the video, although he has long strides. He's also not that explosive. Shouldn't he just go to the NCAA for a season.

[Psubs]

I feel like Josh Hall would be the guy Toronto would shock the world with by selecting him at 29. I know he is barely ranked in the second round in most mock drafts, but despite the lack of quality talent he has faced, he looks like a real NBA prospect.

At 6'9" with a 7 ft wingspan with great mobility and a scorers mentality, he is exactly the type of guy you take a swing on. He is like a better version of Bruno coming to the Raptors. His body and movement kind of reminds me of Brandon Ingram. Hall is a very long strider which will be fun with a transition team like Toronto.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

I wonder if his stock goes up after the combine, but I have been reading about his workouts with Tyshon Alexander and Naji Marshall, and I think he is the type of guy Toronto develops into a star player. His dad mentioned in an article that Toronto had been interested in him but I am not sure if it could be as high as 29. To me, he would be a good gamble. He looks like one those position-less archetypes who you could play SF, PF or as a small ball C in time.

What's his BBIQ like? Bruno had the IQ of a fart. He does seem a little slow in the video, although he has long strides. He's also not that explosive. Shouldn't he just go to the NCAA for a season.

He should go to the GLeague.

Markus Howard just seems like he could be Isaiah Thomas and put up 6th man of the year numbers.

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[LoveMyRaps]

Not sure if this player has been discussed here but Mason Faulkner out of Western Carolina is an intriguing prospect. Led the nation in triple doubles and has a pretty solid all-around game.

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He'll more than likely go undrafted so hopefully we can pick him up.

[Psubs]

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Really starting to like him more and more
None of his weaknesses are even huge red flags and are pretty fixable. That type of shot making ability doesn't come easy

Jamal Crawford!!!

[Indeed]

The only big I somewhat like is Nnaji. The guards/wings are more impressive around our pick and beyond imo.

I swear that the best big in this draft may end up even going undrafted. I think Nick Richards has the size, rim protection and some mid range shooting to be an impact big. He's built like Jarrett Allen and no one talks about him.

Nick Richards has good physical tools, and no far from Nnaji. Just need to see if he has the basketball IQ to the next level.

[Indeed]

Scout Mike Babcock gives us his insights on 3 players that have been talked about in this thread.

Naji Marshall

To put it simply, Marshall was terrific all the way around both days I was in Phoenix. He showed a much improved outside shot, which I was hoping to see. He displayed his unparalleled toughness and competitiveness, which were the main reasons I liked him in the first place. During the pickup games, which included a handful of current NBA players, I thought Marshall was the best player on the floor. His size, versatility, and scrappiness as a wing player should translate to the NBA seamlessly, and with a much improved outside shot, he’s moving up in my book. After spending a couple of days getting to know him, he answered many of my concerns about his personality, coachability, and reliability — all things that have been questioned in various background reports. There’s no denying that Marshall is tough and chippy, but I think his hard shell has led to him being a bit misunderstood. I think he has a great personality and has substance — I liked being around him. Also, considering that he and Beckner have clicked so quickly gives me a ton of confidence. I would have no hesitation in suggesting him to NBA teams that think his skill set would fit what they’re trying to do.

Ty-Shon Alexander

Another player in Phoenix that I was supposed to watch at the Big East Tournament in March was Ty-Shon Alexander from Creighton. I had seen Alexander several times in person, and I actually saw him score 27 points versus number one ranked Gonzaga at the CHI Center in Omaha, Nebraska during the 2018-19 season. During that game, I was mainly focused on Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke, but I walked away extremely impressed with Alexander. This season he averaged 16.9 points, 5.0 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from the three-point range, and 86% from the free-throw line. Coach Greg McDermott routinely assigned Alexander the role of defending their opposing team’s top perimeter player, a role that he embraced and thrived in. We recently had Raquel Rodriguez interview him via our Q&A Sessions series, so I already knew he was a great kid. Still, he and I had a chance to get acquainted, and I must say, I think he is an all-time great kid and the type of person that any team should want to be a part of their organization. Alexander was good during that first workout, but I didn’t see anything I wasn’t expecting to see. In the pickup games, however, he showed me just how good he is on the defensive end. He was matched up against NBA players all day and he stood out! At 6’4” with a thick, strong build, Alexander played his butt off, moving his feet, being physical, and contesting shots. I really started to visualize him as a player that would be able to hang his hat on the defensive end while also being a reliable shooter and scorer. He and I talked about him continuing to develop his point guard skills. I believe that if he’s able to develop into a player that can legitimately play two positions in the NBA, he could carve out a really nice NBA career.

Josh Hall

Nearly a year ago, my colleague and former co-worker, Matt McKay, called me to let me know that he was going to an individual workout to see prep school star Josh Hall of Moravian prep in North Carolina. McKay is an experienced former NBA scout and is now the owner and founder of the scouting company Pro Insight. I really trust McKay’s eye for talent, so when he called raving about Hall after watching him work out, I was extremely intrigued. He explained that Hall had tremendous length at 6’9'', with long arms, big hands, athleticism, and a well-rounded, budding skillset. Since then, I have been in touch with Hall's father, Quincy, and watched some film on him. Nevertheless, I can’t say that I knew him that well. I was set to see him at the Iverson Classic — which was canceled, of course. My trip to Phoenix was my first time seeing him in person, and let me tell you, Matt McKay was absolutely right! Hall has a ton of upside! He is a really nice kid as well. He is somewhat raw but does a little bit of everything, including shooting the ball from outside. During the pickup games, he had several impressive slashing moves and dunks and knocked down a couple of three-pointers. I could easily see a team taking him in the second round to invest time and money to develop him. He has tools you just can’t teach, and I personally think he’s worth the risk because if he continues to improve his body and his skill set, we could be looking at a serious player in the coming years. I’ll admit, there is some risk because he is unproven and still needs work, but he just might be a diamond in the rough.

https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/nba-pre-draft-workouts-phoenix-arizona

I have these at 59 or undrafted, I guess that may not work.
I am not against drafting any of them at 29 (plus Mane), as the players at our range (29) isn't any better.

[DreamTeam09]

Yeah Josh hall is the player we have to draft.

He has the body and game that most wing stars have. I've been saying to draft a 6'9 wing scorer and there he is. Let's develop the player with the physical tools that most wing stars have. The fact that he gained weight bodes well for him too, shows that he knows what he had to do and did it right away. I'm on the bandwagon

Really hope we get him. I like a few other guys too like Stanley from duke and jaden mcdaniels, and jalen smith.

[Dalek]

Yeah Josh hall is the player we have to draft.

He has the body and game that most wing stars have. I've been saying to draft a 6'9 wing scorer and there he is. Let's develop the player with the physical tools that most wing stars have. The fact that he gained weight bodes well for him too, shows that he knows what he had to do and did it right away. I'm on the bandwagon

Really hope we get him. I like a few other guys too like Stanley from duke and jaden mcdaniels, and jalen smith.

I am pretty set on swinging for the fences with Hall. Maybe he is in the same tier as McDaniels but I like Hall more because he just seems like a humble kid with a good father behind him. Jalen Smith is an obvious fit for TO but I think he will go too high.

[DG88]

Yeah Josh hall is the player we have to draft.

He has the body and game that most wing stars have. I've been saying to draft a 6'9 wing scorer and there he is. Let's develop the player with the physical tools that most wing stars have. The fact that he gained weight bodes well for him too, shows that he knows what he had to do and did it right away. I'm on the bandwagon

Really hope we get him. I like a few other guys too like Stanley from duke and jaden mcdaniels, and jalen smith.

I've been all over the map with all the prospects that will be available with both our picks. But I'm really starting to cement my position non Josh Hall. He fits that big wing scorer you need in today's game. Yes he's raw but you're not looking for immediate impact today it's a few years from now. He's got a good head on his shoulders and appears to be a hard worker based on how much he's developed his body during the pandemic. His father and grandfather were basketball players so he's been taught how to play the right way. The only area of his game that I'm not that sure about is his defense. He's got the physical tools sure but does he use them is the only question I have. There's not much scouting material on the internet to give me enough certainty on that.

[Kevin Willis]

Scout Mike Babcock gives us his insights on 3 players that have been talked about in this thread.

Naji Marshall

To put it simply, Marshall was terrific all the way around both days I was in Phoenix. He showed a much improved outside shot, which I was hoping to see. He displayed his unparalleled toughness and competitiveness, which were the main reasons I liked him in the first place. During the pickup games, which included a handful of current NBA players, I thought Marshall was the best player on the floor. His size, versatility, and scrappiness as a wing player should translate to the NBA seamlessly, and with a much improved outside shot, he’s moving up in my book. After spending a couple of days getting to know him, he answered many of my concerns about his personality, coachability, and reliability — all things that have been questioned in various background reports. There’s no denying that Marshall is tough and chippy, but I think his hard shell has led to him being a bit misunderstood. I think he has a great personality and has substance — I liked being around him. Also, considering that he and Beckner have clicked so quickly gives me a ton of confidence. I would have no hesitation in suggesting him to NBA teams that think his skill set would fit what they’re trying to do.

Ty-Shon Alexander

Another player in Phoenix that I was supposed to watch at the Big East Tournament in March was Ty-Shon Alexander from Creighton. I had seen Alexander several times in person, and I actually saw him score 27 points versus number one ranked Gonzaga at the CHI Center in Omaha, Nebraska during the 2018-19 season. During that game, I was mainly focused on Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke, but I walked away extremely impressed with Alexander. This season he averaged 16.9 points, 5.0 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from the three-point range, and 86% from the free-throw line. Coach Greg McDermott routinely assigned Alexander the role of defending their opposing team’s top perimeter player, a role that he embraced and thrived in. We recently had Raquel Rodriguez interview him via our Q&A Sessions series, so I already knew he was a great kid. Still, he and I had a chance to get acquainted, and I must say, I think he is an all-time great kid and the type of person that any team should want to be a part of their organization. Alexander was good during that first workout, but I didn’t see anything I wasn’t expecting to see. In the pickup games, however, he showed me just how good he is on the defensive end. He was matched up against NBA players all day and he stood out! At 6’4” with a thick, strong build, Alexander played his butt off, moving his feet, being physical, and contesting shots. I really started to visualize him as a player that would be able to hang his hat on the defensive end while also being a reliable shooter and scorer. He and I talked about him continuing to develop his point guard skills. I believe that if he’s able to develop into a player that can legitimately play two positions in the NBA, he could carve out a really nice NBA career.

Josh Hall

Nearly a year ago, my colleague and former co-worker, Matt McKay, called me to let me know that he was going to an individual workout to see prep school star Josh Hall of Moravian prep in North Carolina. McKay is an experienced former NBA scout and is now the owner and founder of the scouting company Pro Insight. I really trust McKay’s eye for talent, so when he called raving about Hall after watching him work out, I was extremely intrigued. He explained that Hall had tremendous length at 6’9'', with long arms, big hands, athleticism, and a well-rounded, budding skillset. Since then, I have been in touch with Hall's father, Quincy, and watched some film on him. Nevertheless, I can’t say that I knew him that well. I was set to see him at the Iverson Classic — which was canceled, of course. My trip to Phoenix was my first time seeing him in person, and let me tell you, Matt McKay was absolutely right! Hall has a ton of upside! He is a really nice kid as well. He is somewhat raw but does a little bit of everything, including shooting the ball from outside. During the pickup games, he had several impressive slashing moves and dunks and knocked down a couple of three-pointers. I could easily see a team taking him in the second round to invest time and money to develop him. He has tools you just can’t teach, and I personally think he’s worth the risk because if he continues to improve his body and his skill set, we could be looking at a serious player in the coming years. I’ll admit, there is some risk because he is unproven and still needs work, but he just might be a diamond in the rough.

https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/nba-pre-draft-workouts-phoenix-arizona

Jay Scrubb

The following morning, Derek and I made our way out to a church near Stone Mountain. There we watched Jay do a workout led by skills coach Rob Allen, who happened to be a former teammate at Temple with former Babcock Hoops’ staff member Wilbur Allen, who is now on the coaching staff at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. Rob conducted a terrific workout, and Jay was really able to show his stuff. That was the first time Derek had seen Jay in person and he instantly commented on his legitimate size. He said, “Matt, he’s every bit of 6’6”, if not taller.” I agreed. His agent, Corey, chimed in to point out that his wingspan was also 6’10”. Jay went on to show his ability to get shots off from all over the floor with ease and glide through the air to execute incredible high-flying dunks. He also showed the capability to put the ball on the deck extremely well for a player his size. I am always careful not to put too much stock into individual workouts, as I think it can oftentimes be misleading. Regardless of that approach, Derek and I walked away from that workout that day very impressed. It was also great to spend some time with Jay in person as well. He’s just a really nice kid, easy to talk to, and has a refreshing and upbeat presence to him.

https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/pre-draft-workouts-jay-scrubb

DG88 you made me a fan of Babcock. Nice pieces to read.

[Psubs]

Yeah Josh hall is the player we have to draft.

He has the body and game that most wing stars have. I've been saying to draft a 6'9 wing scorer and there he is. Let's develop the player with the physical tools that most wing stars have. The fact that he gained weight bodes well for him too, shows that he knows what he had to do and did it right away. I'm on the bandwagon

Really hope we get him. I like a few other guys too like Stanley from duke and jaden mcdaniels, and jalen smith.

I've been all over the map with all the prospects that will be available with both our picks. But I'm really starting to cement my position non Josh Hall. He fits that big wing scorer you need in today's game. Yes he's raw but you're not looking for immediate impact today it's a few years from now. He's got a good head on his shoulders and appears to be a hard worker based on how much he's developed his body during the pandemic. His father and grandfather were basketball players so he's been taught how to play the right way. The only area of his game that I'm not that sure about is his defense. He's got the physical tools sure but does he use them is the only question I have. There's not much scouting material on the internet to give me enough certainty on that.

https://www.draftsite.com/nba/mock-draft/2021/

#45 in 2021 mock.

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40% from 3, but only 4 rebounds per game. He looks like a rich man's Chris Smith (UCLA). Potentially a harder-working Rudy Gay?

Actually, I think his potential is a bigger Brandon Ingram!!! I see now reason why he can't be better than Edwards, Ball or any other player in the draft, so he's worth the gamble at #29. Let's hope he doesn't do that well at the combine or else someone else in the 20's will take him around where McDaniels goes.

I'd be cool with highschoolers Hall or Mane at #29. Would be sweet if got Hall at #29 and Mane drops at #59.

[Psubs]

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-big-board-virtual-combine-top-players/

This big board one of the more different ones I've seen (at least Manion is a 2nd rounder). It has Hall at #74 and Mane at #79.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/prospect-rankings/

He has better size than Kenyon Martin Jr (PF in a SF body). They have Mane at #61 and Hall at #76.

[notagenius]

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-big-board-virtual-combine-top-players/

This big board one of the more different ones I've seen (at least Manion is a 2nd rounder). It has Hall at #74 and Mane at #79.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/prospect-rankings/

He has better size than Kenyon Martin Jr (PF in a SF body). They have Mane at #61 and Hall at #76.

I'm sold on Mane.

I was trying not to get too attached to him due to the competition but from my youtube expertise ( ) you can't deny the physical profile (6'6 with 7 foot wingspan, great first step and can jump out of the gym) and the skills (very tight handle, nice shooting form and looks to be a really good finisher at the rim).

[Psubs]

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-big-board-virtual-combine-top-players/

This big board one of the more different ones I've seen (at least Manion is a 2nd rounder). It has Hall at #74 and Mane at #79.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/prospect-rankings/

He has better size than Kenyon Martin Jr (PF in a SF body). They have Mane at #61 and Hall at #76.

I'm sold on Mane.

I was trying not to get too attached to him due to the competition but from my youtube expertise ( ) you can't deny the physical profile (6'6 with 7 foot wingspan, great first step and can jump out of the gym) and the skills (very tight handle, nice shooting form and looks to be a really good finisher at the rim).

Is he a legit 6'6? They'll be measuring without shoes from now on, right? So hoping for 6'5 without shoes? If take Mane should try and trade FVV or Powell and not let them walk for nothing.

Trade #59 and 2023 2nd pick to move up to the middle of the 2nd and take Josh Hall.