2020 NBA Draft Thread, Part 2 -- (8PM, Wed, Nov. 18, ESPN)

[leper-con]

Why is the NBA draft on November 18th.
Who was the dummy who thoughts this date up.

Atrocious decision.

[Mickey8]

Yes , he plays like back court player,in the NBA I can see him primarily as a PF, who can use those PG skills to his advantage , but he really needs to get stronger to hold his position on the defensive end.

[djFan71]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

I know nothing about this guy, but at his weight if he's really got "pg like ball handle", could he be considered more of a wing than a big?

I still like the Euro-KD ceiling comp. Stupid skinny, crazy skills, great shot. You're a PNW guy, iirc, so I'm sure you remember Carlesimo using KD at SG his rookie year. I'm not sure I'd do that, but he definitely starts as a wing. Then as he gains weight, move him up the chart to swing / big. Eventually he's your 5, but not for quite a while.

Poku nowhere near as accomplished as KD at this point, but that's the dream scenario.

[ddb]

at #14 I'm starting to fall in love with Precious. I see some Jerami Grant in him. I see some Harrell in him. I really feel like his skill-set and energy would fit in really nicely in Boston

[31to6]

at #14 I'm starting to fall in love with Precious. I see some Jerami Grant in him. I see some Harrell in him. I really feel like his skill-set and energy would fit in really nicely in Boston

He’s the guy we’ve stopped talking about lately but might well take.

[celticfan42487]

I was thinking this way, until I was told Tatum is 22 and Brown is 23.

It may be in the franchise's best interest to try and develop players right now and put this team in the best position it can be when Tatum is in his prime so we can try to stop him demanding to be traded to the Lakers so he can live out his Kobe fantasy.

They are developing players right now. My argument is against developing 3 more. Rookies take time to make impact especially when you are picking outside the top 10. Around here we throw guys aside after a few months. If we trade up and take a guy that will eventually be a starting level player and add vets/specialist to the bench with the other available roster slots you are simultaneously helping us contend now while building for the future. Drafting 3 rookies you run the risk of repeating what happened last year with them not playing at all.

Yes but you also run the risk of drafting a Herro or Rondo or Tony Allen or Delonte West or Al Jefferson ect ect ect

Players with a starting lineup set like the Celtics aren't going to develop any faster or slower with players next to them developing. It isn't like us drafting one rookie will get him 20 mpg in his first season and drating 2 will get him only 10. There are not minutes in our rotation for anything but exceptional steal of the draft type players at the moment to get more than 5-8 mpg.

The fact is for strong drafts you feel good about a top 5 pick but about 20% of those are busts too.

In a weak draft like this one you can't feel good about any prospect and if you do then you've just talked yourself into a lie because not even NBA teams are allowed to have normal workouts with these guys to get more information that the tape might have missed.

A normal year the draft is a crapshoot, this is a crap talent with 0 information year. Someone will be good, but there's way too much risk with EVERYONE to shoot for gold.

Also we don't need to win next year, but again we need to win next year in Tatum's age 22 year. But during Tatum's 24/25/26 age season before he demands a trade to LA with unrestricted free agency in his future. Flatly the clock hasn't started on win now seasons for us because we don't have the talent to do so yet and our star is tied to us by Restricted Free Agency.

If you want to win this year, pray we can sign some vet free agents. Don't try to find them in the draft because those role players also generally take a couple of years to get up to that level too.

[100proof]

Dragan Bender **** blew. I called it out then too. He couldnt pass, shoot, rebound or move fluidly. People overhyped him cuz Porzingis exceeded all expectations.

Poku is not Bender. He can play. His frame **** blows, but he’s a project and will grow. Just watch pre-draft clips of each and its quite clear that the only thing the two have in common is that theyre white and not from the USA.

And frail. Bender had the range.

If you dont like the Bender comparison then, lets go with Bargnani.

No, Bender did not have range nor did he ever have range nor was there anything in his profile that indicated he should get range.

He was being compared to hedu turkolu and kucoc. A simple google search on his scouting report shows more than 1 site claiming he had a good shot and should easily be able to extend out to and beyond the 3pt line. He was being highly considered as a prototypical stretch 4.

And is honestly all moot, not sure why you are so intent on trying to disprove the comparison. Comparisons are all speculative either way, and poku is not going to set the league on fire most likely ever.

Far to frail and played against trash.

[100proof]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

He is too slow for a wing and far to frail for any position. Smart is 9 inches shorter and weight 40 pounds more.

If a team uses a top 25 pick on him its a waste of a pick.

[Celts17Pride]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

He is too slow for a wing and far to frail for any position. Smart is 9 inches shorter and weight 40 pounds more.

If a team uses a top 25 pick on him its a waste of a pick.

2 years away from being 3 years away

[Squigglepuffin]

Based on the latest mock draft in nbadraft.net, they have us picking:

#14 Jalen Smith
#26 Jahmi'us Ramsey
#30 Daniel Oturu
#47 Grant Riller

So that's 2 bigs and 2 guards.

I was intrigued by the Riller pick at 47, especially since he hasn't been mentioned in this draft thread yet, so I decided to check out some of his scouting vids. Honestly, I liked what I saw. 3-level scorer, one of the best scoring guards in this draft. Good size at 6'3" 190 lbs. Breaks the zone pretty easily as he can dribble through traffic and constantly attacks the rim. Downside is age, and effort on the defensive end.

I'd be happy if we could get at least 3 of these players out of our 4 draft picks in this draft to replace Green, Semi, Poirier, Edwards, Wanamaker:

Kira Lewis Jr.
Jalen Smith
Saddiq Bey
Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Bey
Paul Reed
RJ Hampton
Aaron Nesmith
Tyrell Terry
Grant Riller
Desmond Bane

I don't think this is the draft where DA needs to consolidate his picks to move up, so I'm hoping DA could nail some of these picks and help shore up our bench.

I would be happy with Jalen Smith and Jahmius Ramsey. Very Happy.

A young Turner-esc player and a scorer off the bench.

Same!

[playa-hater]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

He is too slow for a wing and far to frail for any position. Smart is 9 inches shorter and weight 40 pounds more.

If a team uses a top 25 pick on him its a waste of a pick.

I agree with the bold. what position can he defend. But don't agree with a waste of pick. If a team can build/bulk him up ala Giannis, he may be a star player in 2 years.

Problem is I want Boston to go for it with a more ready to contribute player and Poku aint it. at 26 maybe, and 30 definitely, at 14 please NO!

[Parliament10]

Why is the NBA draft on November 18th.
Who was the dummy who thoughts this date up.

Atrocious decision.

It sure is far out there.
It's like a month later than necessary.

[playa-hater]

OK Ladies and GENTS!!

rank these late firsts/2nd rd centers for Boston please. in NO ORDER

1 - Zeke Nnaji PF – Arizona – Ht – 6-11 – Wt – 230 – Wing – 7-1 – Fr – Nnaji has great mobility and a good scoring touch. He’s got a quick first step and is able to blow by defenders with the dribble and outmaneuver for rebounds. Shoots the ball well.

2 - Isaiah Stewart PF – Washington –
Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 247 – Wing – 7-4 – Fr – Stewart is destined for a long NBA career but he might not be an All Star level player. He should be able to contribute early thanks to his NBA ready frame and hard work on the boards.

3 - Paul Reed PF – DePual – Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 210 – Wing – NA – Jr – Has intriguing length and agility and has developed into a dangerous pick and pop threat. Can defend at the rim and is one of the best overall defenders in the class

4 - Daniel Oturu C – Minnesota – Ht – 6-10 – Wt – 240 – Wing – NA – So – Oturu had a breakout sophomore season, scoring the rock at a high clip and continuing to rebound and block shots at an elite level.

5 - Xavier Tillman PF – Michigan State – Ht – 6-8 – Wt – 245 – Wing – NA – Sr –
A glue-guy, hard-nosed player and standout defender with a high basketball

[playa-hater]

center rankings part 2 in case we don't draft previously listed centers.

1 - Reggie Perry PF – Miss. State – Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 239 – Wing – NA – So – An aggressive power forward who plays with an edge. Broad-shouldered and strong with good body control. Has a much improved offensive game.

2 - Vernon Carey Jr. C – UNC – Ht – 6-10 – Wt – 260 – Wing – 7-0 – Fr – A bruising center who can overpower opponents in the lane and also has great quickness and agility. Has a nice skill level for a young big but doesn’t have ideal length or vertical explosion.

3 - Killian Tillie PF – Gonzaga (France) – Ht – 6-10 – Wt – 230 – Wing – NA – Sr – A versatile forward who can stretch the floor and has good mobility for his size.

4 - Udoka Azubuike C – Kansas – HT: 7-0 – WT: 275 – WING: 7-7 – Sr – Bruising center with NBA strength who is very young with a lot of raw talent. If this was 1992 he’d be a first round pick but his game doesn’t fit well in today’s NBA.

[BostonCouchGM]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

He is too slow for a wing and far to frail for any position. Smart is 9 inches shorter and weight 40 pounds more.

If a team uses a top 25 pick on him its a waste of a pick.

I agree with the bold. what position can he defend. But don't agree with a waste of pick. If a team can build/bulk him up ala Giannis, he may be a star player in 2 years.

Problem is I want Boston to go for it with a more ready to contribute player and Poku aint it. at 26 maybe, and 30 definitely, at 14 please NO!

I actually think Danny would welcome the chance to draft and stash tbh. But no chance this kid lasts until our later picks imo. So if he took him at #14 he gets stashed, and there are still two picks left in the first, plus a second, in a confusing draft, to add a much needed wing, big and PG. Listen, this kid is world's ahead of where Dirk was at this age. He doesn't turn 19 y/o until December. He's an elite ball handler and passer for his size and has elite BBIQ. Not good. Not great...elite. No doubt he needs to work on his body by putting on some serious muscle. And he can take that time to improve his 3 pt shot. But if he's given that time and works hard, there's a chance he becomes our Unicorn. He's on Jokic and Doncic's level as a passer, no kidding. And you aren't going to find many 7 footers with a better handle. It's pretty remarkable. The problem is on defense where he'd be a foul magnet if you sent him out there right now. But I could see him putting on muscle like Porzingis has and becoming special. Eventually being able to initiate the offense and run PnR like Jokic but better on defense, which wouldn't be hard. This is just like with Giannis. You have to give him a couple of years but it could be worth it. I seriously doubt Danny takes him. Nothing in his draft history suggests he likes 3-4 year projects which is why he passed on Jokic, Giannis, Gobert, Siakam, Mitchell Robinson, and Bol. But maybe he's learned his lesson after failing so many times?

[themoneyteam2]

at #14 I'm starting to fall in love with Precious. I see some Jerami Grant in him. I see some Harrell in him. I really feel like his skill-set and energy would fit in really nicely in Boston

Yep he’s been one of my favorites forever now. He’s the closest thing you’ll find to a bit like Bam in this draft who can switch everything defensively and just rim run on offense.

He was also more of a wing in HS but Penny had him playing center which is where he’ll thrive in the NBA

[djFan71]

OK Ladies and GENTS!!

rank these late firsts/2nd rd centers for Boston please. in NO ORDER

1 - Zeke Nnaji PF – Arizona – Ht – 6-11 – Wt – 230 – Wing – 7-1 – Fr – Nnaji has great mobility and a good scoring touch. He’s got a quick first step and is able to blow by defenders with the dribble and outmaneuver for rebounds. Shoots the ball well.

2 - Isaiah Stewart PF – Washington –
Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 247 – Wing – 7-4 – Fr – Stewart is destined for a long NBA career but he might not be an All Star level player. He should be able to contribute early thanks to his NBA ready frame and hard work on the boards.

3 - Paul Reed PF – DePual – Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 210 – Wing – NA – Jr – Has intriguing length and agility and has developed into a dangerous pick and pop threat. Can defend at the rim and is one of the best overall defenders in the class

4 - Daniel Oturu C – Minnesota – Ht – 6-10 – Wt – 240 – Wing – NA – So – Oturu had a breakout sophomore season, scoring the rock at a high clip and continuing to rebound and block shots at an elite level.

5 - Xavier Tillman PF – Michigan State – Ht – 6-8 – Wt – 245 – Wing – NA – Sr –
A glue-guy, hard-nosed player and standout defender with a high basketball

Give me Reed or give me death! Love his defensive potential. And he might even throw it in the basket sometimes. I like a lot of those guys, though, but Reed seems a perfect fit defensively. If he gets that funky *** shot to go in from 3, he’s perfect. Azubuike is my 47 if he’s still there.

Tillman and Perry have me interested as well.

[playa-hater]

at #14 I'm starting to fall in love with Precious. I see some Jerami Grant in him. I see some Harrell in him. I really feel like his skill-set and energy would fit in really nicely in Boston

Yep he’s been one of my favorites forever now. He’s the closest thing you’ll find to a bit like Bam in this draft who can switch everything defensively and just rim run on offense.

He was also more of a wing in HS but Penny had him playing center which is where he’ll thrive in the NBA

OK, let me put yu on the spot.. Precious or Jalen Smith? who you like better for Boston's needs short and long term?

[playa-hater]

OK Ladies and GENTS!!

rank these late firsts/2nd rd centers for Boston please. in NO ORDER

1 - Zeke Nnaji PF – Arizona – Ht – 6-11 – Wt – 230 – Wing – 7-1 – Fr – Nnaji has great mobility and a good scoring touch. He’s got a quick first step and is able to blow by defenders with the dribble and outmaneuver for rebounds. Shoots the ball well.

2 - Isaiah Stewart PF – Washington –
Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 247 – Wing – 7-4 – Fr – Stewart is destined for a long NBA career but he might not be an All Star level player. He should be able to contribute early thanks to his NBA ready frame and hard work on the boards.

3 - Paul Reed PF – DePual – Ht – 6-9 – Wt – 210 – Wing – NA – Jr – Has intriguing length and agility and has developed into a dangerous pick and pop threat. Can defend at the rim and is one of the best overall defenders in the class

4 - Daniel Oturu C – Minnesota – Ht – 6-10 – Wt – 240 – Wing – NA – So – Oturu had a breakout sophomore season, scoring the rock at a high clip and continuing to rebound and block shots at an elite level.

5 - Xavier Tillman PF – Michigan State – Ht – 6-8 – Wt – 245 – Wing – NA – Sr –
A glue-guy, hard-nosed player and standout defender with a high basketball

Give me Reed or give me death! Love his defensive potential. And he might even throw it in the basket sometimes. I like a lot of those guys, though, but Reed seems a perfect fit defensively. If he gets that funky *** shot to go in from 3, he’s perfect. Azubuike is my 47 if he’s still there.

Tillman and Perry have me interested as well.

I am definitely liking Reed for reasons described. My one concern is rebounding/defending against the bigger bodies such as Embiid. But then again, there aren't that many BIG boys anymore. and every prospect has an imperfection. So maybe you are right Reed should top this list.

and yet, I still want more opinions!! damn-mitt, sometimes I can't make up my mind!!

[SmartWentCrazy]

Pokusevski have a really pg like ball handle , he has pg mind set, I dont know how that would work in the NBA, he can't be compared to Jokic who does ball handling a lot as a center, Pokusevski is a much more natural with the ball in his hands , he can dribble like a guard, he shoots like a guard , he can go around the screens and shoot etc. His lack of strength for me is the biggest concern , he was very weak in head to head against his peers at FIBA U18 championship last year .

I know nothing about this guy, but at his weight if he's really got "pg like ball handle", could he be considered more of a wing than a big?

He is a wing; thats why the Bender comps make no sense. He’s a guy who would primarily play the 4 if we took him. Would be similar in role [not necessarily performance] to what we ask of Hayward.