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

[Psubs]

No, we cannot trade him before the free agency starts, meaning after the draft. Plus, we do not have any control on the team. The new Sign and Trade do not work favour to the previous team like it used to, we basically don't get anything in our wish.

I never meant to trade him before FA began. Just trade FVV once FA starts and Powell before the trade deadline (but if before the season started would get back more).

I just worried that our guards without VanVleet are only capable of scoring, instead of setting up before they start any action. Furthermore, VanVleet and Powell are at another level as compare to our rookies, no way our rookies can be decent in a contending team, unless we are planning to developer, where we should trade Lowry to begin with.

I think without VanVleet, our spacing and set play will not be less effective. And if we are not re-signing Gasol, we have no one to play the point. May just ended up with someone taking a contested 3 point shot and call it a possession. So I doubt we will be looking to compete if our focus is just to develop players (who may not even turning into a star).

I'm thinking signing and trading FVV for Oladipo. Oladipo is a gamble but only have 1 year left to maintain flexibility and he is a decent passer. Not a good defender anymore due to the injury but could get back to average.

[Indeed]

I never meant to trade him before FA began. Just trade FVV once FA starts and Powell before the trade deadline (but if before the season started would get back more).

I just worried that our guards without VanVleet are only capable of scoring, instead of setting up before they start any action. Furthermore, VanVleet and Powell are at another level as compare to our rookies, no way our rookies can be decent in a contending team, unless we are planning to developer, where we should trade Lowry to begin with.

I think without VanVleet, our spacing and set play will not be less effective. And if we are not re-signing Gasol, we have no one to play the point. May just ended up with someone taking a contested 3 point shot and call it a possession. So I doubt we will be looking to compete if our focus is just to develop players (who may not even turning into a star).

I'm thinking signing and trading FVV for Oladipo. Oladipo is a gamble but only have 1 year left to maintain flexibility and he is a decent passer. Not a good defender anymore due to the injury but could get back to average.

My concern is, we have no one to play the Point. All of those are "scorers", and I think we need more than a scorer to win. I think we need someone who can setup and call for play, understand mis-match, ensure the spacing, etc. for the execution to work, otherwise, more like everyone go for the hero ball.

If you are not keeping VanVleet, I prefer someone who can "manage" the flow and ensure everyone is involved, not just a "passer". Lowry can be the one on the starting lineup, but Oladipo would be like Powell, who will not recognize the play to setup the bench. Touches for Siakam and OG would be a concern if you just think your team consists of scorer at each position.

[Psubs]

My concern is, we have no one to play the Point. All of those are "scorers", and I think we need more than a scorer to win. I think we need someone who can setup and call for play, understand mis-match, ensure the spacing, etc. for the execution to work, otherwise, more like everyone go for the hero ball.

If you are not keeping VanVleet, I prefer someone who can "manage" the flow and ensure everyone is involved, not just a "passer". Lowry can be the one on the starting lineup, but Oladipo would be like Powell, who will not recognize the play to setup the bench. Touches for Siakam and OG would be a concern if you just think your team consists of scorer at each position.

Pick up a PG in the draft at #29 or #59 or an UDFA. There are many in this draft.

Oladipo got up to 5.2 assists in 32 mins and an A/T over 2 a couple of years ago. With Siakam playing point forward could just match up with with another combo guard and be okay. The Celtics don't have a pure PG. Miami doesn't either running with Dragic.

[BallstriKer]

Oladipo said he wants to stay in Indiana, so I think that's a no go.

[Dalek]

I know I have been all about the upside play in the draft, but I still feel like as far as craft, Cassius Winston is the best PG in the class.

PDWeb posted one highlight link this morning and I thought it was the most Lowry-esque type of play. So, I included a couple more instances where Winston did Lowry type things.

Spoiler:

The fake pass to get the defender leaning the wrong way followed by a pitch ahead pass.

Read on Twitter

The attack with the hesi to get the step on the defender in attacking the hoop.

Read on Twitter

Pick and roll with looping pass over the defense for the easy alleyoop. Defense can't ignore Winston because of his shooting skill.

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Drive into the defender's chest, then stepback into a deep three. Lowry like separation.

Read on Twitter

Pick and roll drive with a slight hesi to make the defender commit a bit further to him then he delivers an over-the-shoulder strike to his roll man.

Read on Twitter

High pick and roll where three defenders drift to Winston who threads a perfect bounce pass to his roll man.

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Winston operating out of Horns making passes from weird and difficult angles.

Read on Twitter

Older one, but a crosscourt alley-oop which requires impeccable accuracy and timing to complete.

Read on Twitter

[DreamTeam09]

I know I have been all about the upside play in the draft, but I still feel like as far as craft, Cassius Winston is the best PG in the class.

PDWeb posted one highlight link this morning and I thought it was the most Lowry-esque type of play. So, I included a couple more instances where Winston did Lowry type things.

Spoiler:

The fake pass to get the defender leaning the wrong way followed by a pitch ahead pass.

Read on Twitter

The attack with the hesi to get the step on the defender in attacking the hoop.

Read on Twitter

Pick and roll with looping pass over the defense for the easy alleyoop. Defense can't ignore Winston because of his shooting skill.

Read on Twitter

Drive into the defender's chest, then stepback into a deep three. Lowry like separation.

Read on Twitter

Pick and roll drive with a slight hesi to make the defender commit a bit further to him then he delivers an over-the-shoulder strike to his roll man.

Read on Twitter

High pick and roll where three defenders drift to Winston who threads a perfect bounce pass to his roll man.

Read on Twitter

Winston operating out of Horns making passes from weird and difficult angles.

Read on Twitter

Older one, but a crosscourt alley-oop which requires impeccable accuracy and timing to complete.

Read on Twitter

can we please draft someone tall please and thank you

[Psubs]

I know I have been all about the upside play in the draft, but I still feel like as far as craft, Cassius Winston is the best PG in the class.

PDWeb posted one highlight link this morning and I thought it was the most Lowry-esque type of play. So, I included a couple more instances where Winston did Lowry type things.

He really shouldn't get past the Knicks at #27.

[casual_raps_fan]

I like these guys the most right now.
-Theo Maledon
-Isaiah Joe
-Tyrell Terry
-Devon Dotson

Will be interesting if they choose a shooting guard like i-Joe with Fred, Norm, Davis, Matt all playing the position. I could throw in McCaw as well...but clearly he is afraid to shoot.

I had the same thought as you. There's a few points that makes me think Isaiah Joe is an option.

- I think Isaiah Joe can play some 3. At first, I was thinking he was strictly a 2 but he has a massive wingspan of 6'10 and is strangely good at blocking shots too. Obviously we wouldn't want to throw him on beasts like Lebron or Kawhi but with a year of NBA level training, he should be able to bring sufficient defence at the back up 3 position (something like McCaw's defence).

- If he does maximize on his potential and becomes a starting level player, he fits neatly into our starting lineup beside Siakam, OG, Fred (and Giannis lol)

- His game would compliment all of our players not named Matt Thomas really well. Even Matt Thomas I could see them playing 2 and 3 together with Lowry playing 1.

- I think it's more likely that Norm will be gone by the 2021 off season

- I'm not sold on Terence Davis as a rotation piece yet. He's obviously very talented with a nice skill set but he was terrible on defence and his decision making was bad too. He was a rookie so we can expect him to improve but nothing is guaranteed. I don't really see their skillsets overlapping anyways.

- McCaw will be expiring 2021 off season

-drafting 3&D players with offensive upside is a safe choice in getting good value out of a late 1st round pick

[OGLife]

I know I have been all about the upside play in the draft, but I still feel like as far as craft, Cassius Winston is the best PG in the class.

PDWeb posted one highlight link this morning and I thought it was the most Lowry-esque type of play. So, I included a couple more instances where Winston did Lowry type things.

He really shouldn't get past the Knicks at #27.

He definitely plays like a senior. Student of the game.

[provecy15]

A guy we need to keep an eye on is Ty-shon Alexander. He looks like a Masai type draft pick. 6'4, with a 6'7 wingspan. Can suffocate guards on the ball and is EASILY one of the best on ball and team defenders in the draft. This guy could be FVV's backup pg in 2 years. No question if he develops the way he should. Shot 40% from 3pt land. I say Masai trades the 29th pick and moves back for Philadelphia's 34th and 36th pick.

34th- Ty-Shon Alexander
36th- Paul Reed.

Atheltic guys who defend and can shoot. Under the radar guys, mainly due to the conferences they are in, who have a chance to be rotation pieces very soon.

Ibaka/backup/Dewan
Siakim/Free agent/Paul Reed
OG/TD/Stan
Lowry/Norm/Matty Ice
Fred/McCaw/Ty-Shon

[Dalek]

A guy we need to keep an eye on is Ty-shon Alexander. He looks like a Masai type draft pick. 6'4, with a 6'7 wingspan. Can suffocate guards on the ball and is EASILY one of the best on ball and team defenders in the draft. This guy could be FVV's backup pg in 2 years. No question if he develops the way he should. Shot 40% from 3pt land. I say Masai trades the 29th pick and moves back for Philadelphia's 34th and 36th pick.

34th- Ty-Shon Alexander
36th- Paul Reed.

Atheltic guys who defend and can shoot. Under the radar guys, mainly due to the conferences they are in, who have a chance to be rotation pieces very soon.

Ibaka/backup/Dewan
Siakim/Free agent/Paul Reed
OG/TD/Stan
Lowry/Norm/Matty Ice
Fred/McCaw/Ty-Shon

I really like Ty-Shon Alexander because of everything you mentioned. I put him in the combo guard category of the draft and there are a number of players with a similar profile:

Guys who could fall to 29 who are auto-draft for Toronto-
RJ Hampton - good slasher, athlete, high-end development project
Tyrese Maxey - good slasher, scorer, athletic defender

Others who are in the 6'3" to 6'5" range
Immanuel Quickley - plus shooter and defender
Skylar Mays - average playmaker, scorer, defender
Grant Riller - plus scorer
Ty-Shon Alexander - plus shooter and defender
Isaiah Joe - plus shooter and defender (weight holds him back)
Jam'ius Ramsey - average shooter, defender (good size and youth may mean he could have higher potential)

I think one of those guys might be around at the end of the draft. Overall, I like those types of players, but at their positional size it is a disadvantage (too small as SGs, good PG size but there are legit questions whether they could run an offense).

Guys like Hampton and Maxey could end up like the next Donovan Mitchell or Oladipo but you have to demo you are a quick twitch mover, or a high riser athlete which define the blue chip prospects. I don't know if Alexander stands out from that group to push him into the higher tier, but he is close.

[Indeed]

A guy we need to keep an eye on is Ty-shon Alexander. He looks like a Masai type draft pick. 6'4, with a 6'7 wingspan. Can suffocate guards on the ball and is EASILY one of the best on ball and team defenders in the draft. This guy could be FVV's backup pg in 2 years. No question if he develops the way he should. Shot 40% from 3pt land. I say Masai trades the 29th pick and moves back for Philadelphia's 34th and 36th pick.

34th- Ty-Shon Alexander
36th- Paul Reed.

Atheltic guys who defend and can shoot. Under the radar guys, mainly due to the conferences they are in, who have a chance to be rotation pieces very soon.

Ibaka/backup/Dewan
Siakim/Free agent/Paul Reed
OG/TD/Stan
Lowry/Norm/Matty Ice
Fred/McCaw/Ty-Shon

I really like Ty-Shon Alexander because of everything you mentioned. I put him in the combo guard category of the draft and there are a number of players with a similar profile:

Guys who could fall to 29 who are auto-draft for Toronto-
RJ Hampton - good slasher, athlete, high-end development project
Tyrese Maxey - good slasher, scorer, athletic defender

Others who are in the 6'3" to 6'5" range
Immanuel Quickley - plus shooter and defender
Skylar Mays - average playmaker, scorer, defender
Grant Riller - plus scorer
Ty-Shon Alexander - plus shooter and defender
Isaiah Joe - plus shooter and defender (weight holds him back)
Jam'ius Ramsey - average shooter, defender (good size and youth may mean he could have higher potential)

I think one of those guys might be around at the end of the draft. Overall, I like those types of players, but at their positional size it is a disadvantage (too small as SGs, good PG size but there are legit questions whether they could run an offense).

Guys like Hampton and Maxey could end up like the next Donovan Mitchell or Oladipo but you have to demo you are a quick twitch mover, or a high riser athlete which define the blue chip prospects. I don't know if Alexander stands out from that group to push him into the higher tier, but he is close.

I feel the same on drafting Guards, where they would be decent option at the undraft pool. Might make an exception for 5-star or someone who has the upside. Meanwhile, I prefer a forward, as we can create mis-match easier, instead of going undersize.

[Dalek]

I feel the same on drafting Guards, where they would be decent option at the undraft pool. Might make an exception for 5-star or someone who has the upside. Meanwhile, I prefer a forward, as we can create mis-match easier, instead of going undersize.

Yes, I like the idea of forwards who are multi-skilled and not just defenders. I think you have to gamble on youth with true wing size since they have some potential to be a multi-positional threat.

I see some of the potential with McDaniels and Hall and maybe Scrubb but there aren't a lot in the draft that move the dial. My real hope is that Josh Green falls to Toronto. He is a perfect fit with his balanced scoring, play making and size which looks like he is 6'6" and near 7 foot wingspan. HIs defense is extremely underrated, but his anticipation skills really show. His shooting form is compact and looks like it will improve over a short time.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[Kevin Willis]

A guy we need to keep an eye on is Ty-shon Alexander. He looks like a Masai type draft pick. 6'4, with a 6'7 wingspan. Can suffocate guards on the ball and is EASILY one of the best on ball and team defenders in the draft. This guy could be FVV's backup pg in 2 years. No question if he develops the way he should. Shot 40% from 3pt land. I say Masai trades the 29th pick and moves back for Philadelphia's 34th and 36th pick.

34th- Ty-Shon Alexander
36th- Paul Reed.

Atheltic guys who defend and can shoot. Under the radar guys, mainly due to the conferences they are in, who have a chance to be rotation pieces very soon.

Ibaka/backup/Dewan
Siakim/Free agent/Paul Reed
OG/TD/Stan
Lowry/Norm/Matty Ice
Fred/McCaw/Ty-Shon

That's a good draft.

[Psubs]

Does it feel like anyone we draft at #29 is icing as I believe he can find an undrafted player that could be just as good?

[pr0gr4m]

I would like to trade up for either Terry or Nesmith. Confident both of these guys are contributors as soon as next year, I would see a huge jump in Terry's development from year 1 to year 2 considering his adjustment to college. This would match well with Giannis' incoming period.

Nesmith is an elite shooter, on top of that his background is great. His brother went to Harvard so I'm sure he has positive habits instilled in him. I would have easily seen Nesmith go top 3 or 5 if the season didn't get cancelled/he didn't break his foot. I would look to develop him as a rich man's Danny Green that can handle the ball and attack closeouts, drive n' kick, etc. He also played for Jerry Stackhouse who employs a similar offense as the 905. This connection would help him transition to 905 easier and comeback from rehab. Then we could bring him up as a back up SF before getting him the starting 2 role.

Wtih the 29th pick the easiest choice and the safest choice would be Paul Reed. He is wiry strong and can guard in space and he will have a 3P shot ready by the season start. His motor runs hot/cold but in a bench role playing 10-15 mins a game as a backup it shouldn't be a problem. I would project to have him as a cheap back up for the next 4 years behind Siakam/Giannis. In the playoffs I would play Giannis/Siakam 40 mins a game and the remaining 16 would go to Reed.

The 2nd rounder is a throw away but I would take a chance on Grant Riller or Cassius Winston here. I would give him a 3 year contract and see if he can be an extremely cheap role player. I would look for the remaining player to add as a undrafted pick up.

Riller would be great on the 905. If he can find a level of comfort there and score/shot create he could potentially transition to be a great 6th man.

[Dalek]

I would like to trade up for either Terry or Nesmith. Confident both of these guys are contributors as soon as next year, I would see a huge jump in Terry's development from year 1 to year 2 considering his adjustment to college. This would match well with Giannis' incoming period.

Nesmith is an elite shooter, on top of that his background is great. His brother went to Harvard so I'm sure he has positive habits instilled in him. I would have easily seen Nesmith go top 3 or 5 if the season didn't get cancelled/he didn't break his foot. I would look to develop him as a rich man's Danny Green that can handle the ball and attack closeouts, drive n' kick, etc. He also played for Jerry Stackhouse who employs a similar offense as the 905. This connection would help him transition to 905 easier and comeback from rehab. Then we could bring him up as a back up SF before getting him the starting 2 role.

Wtih the 29th pick the easiest choice and the safest choice would be Paul Reed. He is wiry strong and can guard in space and he will have a 3P shot ready by the season start. His motor runs hot/cold but in a bench role playing 10-15 mins a game as a backup it shouldn't be a problem. I would project to have him as a cheap back up for the next 4 years behind Siakam/Giannis. In the playoffs I would play Giannis/Siakam 40 mins a game and the remaining 16 would go to Reed.

The 2nd rounder is a throw away but I would take a chance on Grant Riller or Cassius Winston here. I would give him a 3 year contract and see if he can be an extremely cheap role player. I would look for the remaining player to add as a undrafted pick up.

Riller would be great on the 905. If he can find a level of comfort there and score/shot create he could potentially transition to be a great 6th man.

I don't know about Nesmith. He is not a good defender and he is just a pure shooter. I'd prefer Bane or Joe if you are wanting a pure shooter/bucketgetter. If you think Toronto will get Giannis you surround him with shooters especially if Siakam is also on the floor.

Paul Reed is very far away from a reliable shooter and the Toronto bench was so bad last year because of the lack of shooting and shot creation. Reed doesn't help boost the offense.

To me, getting Riller or Winston in the first round probably make more sense than Reed who is most often projected as a second rounder.

My gut says Giannis stays in Milwaukee, so you just build by getting the best prospects you can. At 29, I'd go for Josh Hall, Jayden Scrubb or Jalen Smith, or trade up for Patrick Williams or Josh Green or Poku.

[Psubs]

I don't know about Nesmith. He is not a good defender and he is just a pure shooter. I'd prefer Bane or Joe if you are wanting a pure shooter/bucketgetter. If you think Toronto will get Giannis you surround him with shooters especially if Siakam is also on the floor.

Paul Reed is very far away from a reliable shooter and the Toronto bench was so bad last year because of the lack of shooting and shot creation. Reed doesn't help boost the offense.

To me, getting Riller or Winston in the first round probably make more sense than Reed who is most often projected as a second rounder.

My gut says Giannis stays in Milwaukee, so you just build by getting the best prospects you can. At 29, I'd go for Josh Hall, Jayden Scrubb or Jalen Smith, or trade up for Patrick Williams or Josh Green or Poku.

I feel like RJ Hampton or Theo Maledon could go lottery or fall to #29.

[Indeed]

Does it feel like anyone we draft at #29 is icing as I believe he can find an undrafted player that could be just as good?

The undraft pool/late 2nd round are less hyped, particularly less emphasize on 3 point shooting. Some of them in Saben Lee, Mane, Marshall are ranked lower because of their 3 point shooting (and few more weaknesses).
I am not surprised if someone at late 2nd round and massively improve his 3 point shooting, he could be a steal in the draft.

[Psubs]

Does it feel like anyone we draft at #29 is icing as I believe he can find an undrafted player that could be just as good?

The undraft pool/late 2nd round are less hyped, particularly less emphasize on 3 point shooting. Some of them in Saben Lee, Mane, Marshall are ranked lower because of their 3 point shooting (and few more weaknesses).
I am not surprised if someone at late 2nd round and massively improve his 3 point shooting, he could be a steal in the draft.

I feel like Skylar Mays, Mason Jones are all over on mocks so they are candidates to go undrafted. Even Nate Hinton as an elite rebounder at the wing spot.

I think he's like a bigger Powell with rebounding and better passing. His motor looks elite with a Rodman like nose for rebounding. Quick and decisive moves and can finish with his left as well. If they are trending to go small with bigs, need guards to rebound.

Watch on YouTube

Trade Powell and Stanley to the Clippers for sign and traded Harrell.

PG Lowry - TD - FVV
SG FVV - Thomas/Watson
SF OG - McCaw/Hinton
PF Siakam - Harrell/Boucher
C Ibaka - FA - Dewan/Boucher

At the trade deadline, can bamboozle Harrell with McCaw and 2021 1st pick