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

[aporel18]

I see Celtics and Bolmaro in some of the mock drafts and I cringe... please Danny, avoid Bolmaro, I don't want a SG who can't shoot.

He's not that good, and he won't see many minutes if he stays in Barcelona.

Draft & Stash Poku if he's available at #30 (or Petrusev if he isn't). That's it.

That said, if the Celtics draft him I'll root for the kid to become the next Ginobili, but that's hardly happening.

[playa-hater]

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?

They are very different types of players, Smith is a much better shooter Precious has elite athletiscm for his size. If you want a shot blocker, Smith, if you want somone who can switch in a pick and roll Precious. Smith is more of a true big and Precious is more of a Andrie Kiralinko Shawn Mario Hybrid 3/4 who doesnt have a great shot yet (that is not a knoch)

The first line is Jalen Smith, the second line is Precious
MP PER TS% eFG% 3PAr FTr PProd ORB% DRB% TRB% AST% STL% BLK% TOV% USG% OWS DWS WS WS/40 OBPM DBPM BPM
970 29.3 .626 .590 .279 .474 444 11.5 25.6 18.6 6.0 1.3 8.2 12.2 22.8 3.6 2.4 6.0 .249 7.7 4.3 12.0
943 23.3 .534 .511 .108 .507 460 11.4 24.6 18.6 7.5 2.0 6.4 16.0 27.7 1.5 2.9 4.4 .187 2.5 3.4 5.8

They had virtually the same rebounding rates. Smith Blocked shots at a higher percentage Precious had more assists and stole the ball more.
Smith is about 6 months younger even though he played an additional season of college.

The consensus mocks have Precious going much higher. He is the better athlete, faster and a better Jumper. Smith is more skileld. I never trust a player to become a better shooter and that would be needed for Precious Danny often does though. I don't know if smith is athletic enough to switch on pick and rolls, Precious is. They are just different, I see the merit in both in college Smith was the better player, but Precious has a higher upside.

good breakdown ma brother, but despite the apple and orange, you can only draft one, so who you got?

[playa-hater]

I'm on the fence between the two thoughts. I don't mind taking the overly skinny prospect and hoping he fills out as he is skilled compared to the already grown men available. I also really like a guy like Nesmith who can come in and already be way better than Semi as he has one good skill. Shooting with size.

How about we get best of both worlds. Draft Nesmith at 14, and trade 26 30 and 47 for 17 [b]and take Poku?[/b]

as I have suggested as well.

[themoneyteam2]

There are no Bams in this draft and trying to find the next one is how you make mistakes. He’s closer to Harrell than he is to Bam.

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Sure but Precious is closest thing to him. I’m not saying he’s going to become Bam but he fits the mold of the modern day NBA big who can legitimately switch everything. Coming out of college you’d have no idea Bam would turn into what he has. He was a complete zero as a passer at Kentucky and now averages 5 assists so let’s not pretend he was some can’t miss prospect with a polished game.

He and Precious both are 6-10 freak athletes who were great defensively in college and both had struggling jump shots. The difference is Bam was strictly a big man in HS and at UK, whereas Precious was more of a wing. Obviously the key is to make Precious a big man and to not let him think he’s going to be a wing at the next level.

So yes actually Precious is closest to matching Bam’s skillset in this draft when you take the time to compare both as prospects coming out of college...

[Spin Move]

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

They are very different types of players, Smith is a much better shooter Precious has elite athletiscm for his size. If you want a shot blocker, Smith, if you want somone who can switch in a pick and roll Precious. Smith is more of a true big and Precious is more of a Andrie Kiralinko Shawn Mario Hybrid 3/4 who doesnt have a great shot yet (that is not a knoch)

The first line is Jalen Smith, the second line is Precious
MP PER TS% eFG% 3PAr FTr PProd ORB% DRB% TRB% AST% STL% BLK% TOV% USG% OWS DWS WS WS/40 OBPM DBPM BPM
970 29.3 .626 .590 .279 .474 444 11.5 25.6 18.6 6.0 1.3 8.2 12.2 22.8 3.6 2.4 6.0 .249 7.7 4.3 12.0
943 23.3 .534 .511 .108 .507 460 11.4 24.6 18.6 7.5 2.0 6.4 16.0 27.7 1.5 2.9 4.4 .187 2.5 3.4 5.8

They had virtually the same rebounding rates. Smith Blocked shots at a higher percentage Precious had more assists and stole the ball more.
Smith is about 6 months younger even though he played an additional season of college.

The consensus mocks have Precious going much higher. He is the better athlete, faster and a better Jumper. Smith is more skileld. I never trust a player to become a better shooter and that would be needed for Precious Danny often does though. I don't know if smith is athletic enough to switch on pick and rolls, Precious is. They are just different, I see the merit in both in college Smith was the better player, but Precious has a higher upside.

good breakdown ma brother, but despite the apple and orange, you can only draft one, so who you got?

Pretty much every draft evaluator out there has Precious higher then smith. I think for next season Smith would be better but Precious has a much higher upside. I guess Precious because I assume Givony and the rest know more then me and Smith's trouble defending on the perimeter could be fatal to his fit in our offense, I am very torn...in danny we trust. Precious could replace Thies in a year or two and given that Smith's floor is low with the lack of plus footspeed for his size that really pushes me away from him even though on paper he is the better player.

[Spin Move]

I'm on the fence between the two thoughts. I don't mind taking the overly skinny prospect and hoping he fills out as he is skilled compared to the already grown men available. I also really like a guy like Nesmith who can come in and already be way better than Semi as he has one good skill. Shooting with size.

How about we get best of both worlds. Draft Nesmith at 14, and trade 26 30 and 47 for 17 [b]and take Poku?[/b]

as I have suggested as well.

I will be very surprised if Nesmith is available at 14, too many teams need shooting.

[djFan71]

I see Celtics and Bolmaro in some of the mock drafts and I cringe... please Danny, avoid Bolmaro, I don't want a SG who can't shoot.

He's not that good, and he won't see many minutes if he stays in Barcelona.

Draft & Stash Poku if he's available at #30 (or Petrusev if he isn't). That's it.

That said, if the Celtics draft him I'll root for the kid to become the next Ginobili, but that's hardly happening.

I assume you watch Barcelona a lot? How is his playmaking/defense? Those are the reasons I've read to like him. The shot is definitely worrisome. In the 2nd round, gambling on him developing a shot with the playmaking and defense makes him worth a gamble, but I am hardly sold on it. Especially if the strengths aren't really that amazing.

[Curmudgeon]

So give me two real sleepers in this draft: first round talents that are being overlooked by the so called "experts."

I'll give you one kid who will be on the Celtics' radar: Sam Merrill, the sniper from Utah State. He's a 6-5 guard who was recruited by Stanford and several Ivies, but chose to stay home in Utah. He's 24 years old because he spent two years on his Mormon mission prior to graduation.

[SmartWentCrazy]

Bam was the 14th pick. Miami just actually believes in and develops their young players.

We have to remember Brad doesn't develop players outside the top 5-6. Unless they're almost a finished product like Grant Williams coming in, you can forget about them getting developmental minutes. That's why if you want them to play at all, they have to be pretty far along.

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Sure but Precious is closest thing to him. I’m not saying he’s going to become Bam but he fits the mold of the modern day NBA big who can legitimately switch everything. Coming out of college you’d have no idea Bam would turn into what he has. He was a complete zero as a passer at Kentucky and now averages 5 assists so let’s not pretend he was some can’t miss prospect with a polished game.

He and Precious both are 6-10 freak athletes who were great defensively in college and both had struggling jump shots. The difference is Bam was strictly a big man in HS and at UK, whereas Precious was more of a wing. Obviously the key is to make Precious a big man and to not let him think he’s going to be a wing at the next level.

So yes actually Precious is closest to matching Bam’s skillset in this draft when you take the time to compare both as prospects coming out of college...

Bam in college:

at rim: 76.2%
Two pt jumpers: 31.1%
FT%: 65.3%

Precious:

Rim: 64.1%
Two pt jumpers: 21.4%
FT%: 59.9%

At every step, Bam showed considerably more touch on offense. He had a considerably better A:TO, even though it sucked for both. Also, Bam frequently ran point in HS, something Precious never did. They just dont have the same building blocks.

Said differently, I don’t see it. Bam was a significantly more skilled offensive player who had outlier development. We shouldnt assume that Precious will follow that path because almost no one does. Its like trying to find the next Siakam.

[themoneyteam2]

Our best shot at getting the next Bam is developing Robert Williams. There isnt anyone in this draft that has Bam’s skill set.

Sure but Precious is closest thing to him. I’m not saying he’s going to become Bam but he fits the mold of the modern day NBA big who can legitimately switch everything. Coming out of college you’d have no idea Bam would turn into what he has. He was a complete zero as a passer at Kentucky and now averages 5 assists so let’s not pretend he was some can’t miss prospect with a polished game.

He and Precious both are 6-10 freak athletes who were great defensively in college and both had struggling jump shots. The difference is Bam was strictly a big man in HS and at UK, whereas Precious was more of a wing. Obviously the key is to make Precious a big man and to not let him think he’s going to be a wing at the next level.

So yes actually Precious is closest to matching Bam’s skillset in this draft when you take the time to compare both as prospects coming out of college...

Bam in college:

at rim: 76.2%
Two pt jumpers: 31.1%
FT%: 65.3%

Precious:

Rim: 64.1%
Two pt jumpers: 21.4%
FT%: 59.9%

At every step, Bam showed considerably more touch on offense. He had a considerably better A:TO, even though it sucked for both. Also, Bam frequently ran point in HS, something Precious never did. They just dont have the same building blocks.

Said differently, I don’t see it. Bam was a significantly more skilled offensive player who had outlier development. We shouldnt assume that Precious will follow that path because almost no one does. Its like trying to find the next Siakam.

Yeah I agree with you lol. Like I said Bam was always a forward whereas Precious plays like a wing, hence the better touch around the rim and his high FG% at Kentucky.

My comparison was defensively. I should have made that more clear sorry. I think he’s closest thing to Bam you’ll find in a big man in this draft due to his ability to legitimately guard 1-5.

Not at all saying he will be Bam but more so that I like the mold of Precious as a modern NBA big

[captain green]

So give me two real sleepers in this draft: first round talents that are being overlooked by the so called "experts."

I'll give you one kid who will be on the Celtics' radar: Sam Merrill, the sniper from Utah State. He's a 6-5 guard who was recruited by Stanford and several Ivies, but chose to stay home in Utah. He's 24 years old because he spent two years on his Mormon mission prior to graduation.

You don't draft 24year olds you sign them to practice squads or two ways

[GreenFor3]

So give me two real sleepers in this draft: first round talents that are being overlooked by the so called "experts."

I'll give you one kid who will be on the Celtics' radar: Sam Merrill, the sniper from Utah State. He's a 6-5 guard who was recruited by Stanford and several Ivies, but chose to stay home in Utah. He's 24 years old because he spent two years on his Mormon mission prior to graduation.

You don't draft 24year olds you sign them to practice squads or two ways

Old players are fine with the 47th pick. Good way to get some cheep depth as a team in the tax.

[Curmudgeon]

Older players. You mean like Malcolm Brogdon?

[Bleeding Green]

I like taking a shot on a sharpshooter late. You get a Forbes or Robinson once every 5000 years.

[captain green]

Older players. You mean like Malcolm Brogdon?

He was drafted in 2016 and is currently 27 oldest I found was mutumbo at 25 and then rodman.

[Squigglepuffin]

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

1. Paul Reed
2. Daniel Oturu
3. Xavier Tillman
4. Zeke Nnaji
5. Isaiah Stewart

How is Reggie Perry not being talked about more in mock drafts? The guy was the MVP of the U19 Fiba World Cup last year and is basically the same size and weight as Oturu - 6'10" 250lbs:

Watch on YouTube

;t=497s

[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

1. Paul Reed
2. Daniel Oturu
3. Xavier Tillman
4. Zeke Nnaji
5. Isaiah Stewart

How is Reggie Perry not being talked about more in mock drafts? The guy was the MVP of the U19 Fiba World Cup last year and is basically the same size and weight as Oturu - 6'10" 250lbs:

Watch on YouTube

;t=497s

my guess based on the scouting video is his defense is probably weaker than his peers?

[themoneyteam2]

I might get killed for this but I actually like Isaiah Stewart at 26 if they decide to take a big man. Really high motor, good rebounder and low post scorer, and looks like he’ll have a nice pick and pop game.

Former top 10 recruit as well which we know Ainge loves lol. Defensively is a bit of a question since he played in a zone in college but he projects as a Kanter level replacement imo.

Long but really good video breakdown:

Watch on YouTube

[captain green]

Isaiah is totally on my radar. Got a bit more research to do but so far I think my top ten or rather big board looking like in no order yet : precious, s.bey, Isaac,ball and Stewart,Hayes, Nesmith,avdji,wiseman,edwards

[aporel18]

I see Celtics and Bolmaro in some of the mock drafts and I cringe... please Danny, avoid Bolmaro, I don't want a SG who can't shoot.

He's not that good, and he won't see many minutes if he stays in Barcelona.

Draft & Stash Poku if he's available at #30 (or Petrusev if he isn't). That's it.

That said, if the Celtics draft him I'll root for the kid to become the next Ginobili, but that's hardly happening.

I assume you watch Barcelona a lot? How is his playmaking/defense? Those are the reasons I've read to like him. The shot is definitely worrisome. In the 2nd round, gambling on him developing a shot with the playmaking and defense makes him worth a gamble, but I am hardly sold on it. Especially if the strengths aren't really that amazing.

He's good at attacking the basket, is competent at defense, but he's not a standout playmaker or a shooter. He hasn't really cracked Barcelona's rotation, he played a bit more last season when they were plagued by injuries, but he has too many players before him at the 1 and 2 spots (Heurtel, Calathes, Abrines, Higgins, Kuric...). So if you stash him, he might not see the court as much as he needs to keep developing.

Nothing against the kid, but I can't see him as a good first round pick. At #47,might gamble on him, but I'd rather gamble on better shooters.