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

[djFan71]

I don't hate this at all actually. Wasserman then has Celtics taking Desmond Bane at 30 which would be a great pick, although not sure he lasts that long.

I'd like it a whole lot more if it were Edwards instead of waters

I'm not even sure I agree, but either way the difference isn't going to stop me from getting Okongwu.

[JHTruth]

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I don't hate this at all actually. Wasserman then has Celtics taking Desmond Bane at 30 which would be a great pick, although not sure he lasts that long.

I'd like it a whole lot more if it were Edwards instead of waters

What is it with you guys and Waters? If Edwards sucks, then Waters is hot garbage..

[threrf23]

Is Deni Avidja the prospect he is getting credit for? When I read about him, he sounds a lot like Omri Casspi. Physically, I think he is slightly bigger than Casspi at the same age, and slightly smaller than Saric. Statistically, he looks a lot like Omri Casspi at the same age (and against the same competition), but seems to be a better passer and at least a slightly better rebounder. Saric was a better rebounder and scorer and FT shooter, but otherwise comparable as well.

[Gomes3PC]

The terrible FT shooting is a huge red flag to me for Deni.

Later in the draft, one name I think would be a great fit for us is Killian Tillie. We need frontcourt spacing and Tillie might be the best shooting big in this draft. He's got injury issues but if he hadn't he'd be a lotto pick IMO. He's mobile, smart team defender, passes well. Not to be lazy but very akin to Olynyk, though I think he has more edge to him.

[captain green]

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I don't hate this at all actually. Wasserman then has Celtics taking Desmond Bane at 30 which would be a great pick, although not sure he lasts that long.

I'd like it a whole lot more if it were Edwards instead of waters

What is it with you guys and Waters? If Edwards sucks, then Waters is hot garbage..

waters could potentially help in multiple ways Edwards is a one trick pony I have it opposite waters sucks and Edwards hot garbage

[Floody100]

Is Okongwu worth trading up for ?

[playa-hater]

Not the biggest fan of Okongwu.. would rather have at 14 (whomever between S Bey, Precious, Nesmith, Pat Williams) PLUS another good choice at 26 (too many to list)

I am someone who believes most players between pick 8 and 15 or so are on the same Tier anyhow.. Plus pick 26 is not far off that Tier as well.

I think people are so caught up in making comparisons of players.. Like Okongwu is the next Bam.. What if Boston did trade up 2 1sts for Okongwu and he ends up another R Williams?? and freakin R Williams can't even beat out Theis after 2 seasons?

[31to6]

I’ve been Okongwu’s biggest booster and think he’ll likely be gone before 7 or 8 (aka our most realistic trade up spots), but I don’t think he plays like Bam — more of a McDyess type, and I’ve always wanted one of those. I think he could play *against* Bam effectively though!

As for Robert Williams I love him and would happily take someone who can platoon with him — RW has yet to prove he can stay healthy and play a lot of minutes.

[playa-hater]

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Zeke Nnaji combine measurements/testing:

6’10” without shoes
7’2” wingspan
247.8 pounds
10.6” hands
33.5” no step vertical
38.0” max vertical
3.20 seconds 3/4 court sprint
10.95 lane agility
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[themoneyteam2]

What am I missing with Okungwu for him to be a top prospect?

He has absolutely zero jump shot and only scores in the paint. Great defender and very agile. Good rebounder. But is the lack of an offensive game not a concern for you all when watching him?

[djFan71]

If we don't do other deals, and nobody I want drops, I wouldn't mind 14 for 25 & OKC's best non-lotto pick next year (see spoiler). Probably would be in high teens to low 20s range.

I hate giving up the "lotto" pick, but it's 14 in a flat draft with a lot of talent in the 20s, and the guys mocked in the teens are all guards I don't really care about (and S Bey who I would take). With 25, 26, 30 you take 3 stabs at the T Bey, Reed, Green, McDaniels, Poku, Woodard, Stewart, Tillie, etc, group. Maybe one on Joe, Maledon, Ramsey, Hughes, or some guard that slides.

And pick up that extra pick next year. Plus a thread to watch it!

Spoiler:

OKC 2021 1st rounders:
Own and MIA if HOU 1-4; or two most favorable of OKC, MIA and HOU 5-30 and least favorable to HOU (via MIA to PHX to PHL to LAC to OKC; via OKC swap of OKC or MIA for HOU)

Very likely MIA & HOU aren't lotto, so worst case OKC is and you get better of MIA/HOU pick. If all 3 make it, you get the best pick, HOU gets the worst.

Ideally you'd get earlier 20s. But nobody else has extra 21 picks.

[31to6]

What am I missing with Okungwu for him to be a top prospect?

He has absolutely zero jump shot and only scores in the paint. Great defender and very agile. Good rebounder. But is the lack of an offensive game not a concern for you all when watching him?

Outstanding shot blocker and also very active jumping passing lanes.
Great in the pick and roll.
Excellent finisher, whether dunking or using a soft touch.
Great versatility on defense; can defend in space.
Chiseled 245lbs, with a 7’2” wingspan.
I can live without a jump shot, though I wouldn’t assume he’d never develop one. He’s got some nice moves to set up his jump hooks, but I don’t think we need a scorer at the 5.
Here’s a detailed look at him: https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/03/onyeka-okongwu-scouting-report/

To me, he’s seemed the missing piece to our rebuild, but I could easily be wrong and might be just as happy with e.g. a Bey/Maledon/Oturu draft. But in this draft, Okongwu looks like he belongs in the top 5 easily since he projects as at least a solid starter.

[themoneyteam2]

Agree. Is anyone concerned with Okongwu being only 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan?

Not sure I am but just curious. Love his defensive game so I think he’d be able to defend mobile bigs such as Bam. I just worry about his offense and lack of shooting the most. Everything else is great!

[Floody100]

Agree. Is anyone concerned with Okongwu being only 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan?

Not sure I am but just curious. Love his defensive game so I think he’d be able to defend mobile bigs such as Bam. I just worry about his offense and lack of shooting the most. Everything else is great!

He’s only 19 though so wouldn’t be surprised if he grows an inch or two.

[djFan71]

Agree. Is anyone concerned with Okongwu being only 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan?

Not sure I am but just curious. Love his defensive game so I think he’d be able to defend mobile bigs such as Bam. I just worry about his offense and lack of shooting the most. Everything else is great!

If you don't like those measurables, can I interest you in Paul Reed??? He's 6'9" with a 7'2" wingspan.

It is a mild concern at best, but really you just have a banger 3rd string big to handle anyone beyond that for the regular season. Anyone bigger but still mobile is a superstar - AD, KD, etc.

[threrf23]

Agree. Is anyone concerned with Okongwu being only 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan?

Not sure I am but just curious. Love his defensive game so I think he’d be able to defend mobile bigs such as Bam. I just worry about his offense and lack of shooting the most. Everything else is great!

If you don't like those measurables, can I interest you in Paul Reed??? He's 6'9" with a 7'2" wingspan.

It is a mild concern at best, but really you just have a banger 3rd string big to handle anyone beyond that for the regular season. Anyone bigger but still mobile is a superstar - AD, KD, etc.

At the combine, Al Horford was listed at 6'9.75 with a 7'0.75 wingspan. Joakim Noah & Draymond Green measured in at a 7'1.25 wingspan, Paul Millsap 7'1.5. nba.com lists a 7'2 wingspan for Okongwu. It's maybe not ideal, but I don't think it's reason for concern.

[djFan71]

I'm starting to wonder where the heck Paul Reed will go. People on the nba draft forum seem to love him like I do, and teams in early 20s talking about taking him before we could at 26. But a lot of mocks don't even have him first round. So????

I'd take him at 14 if I wasn't positive we'd get him at 26. The other options at 14 (S bey, guards) you can find similar guys at 26. Nobody else really like Reed left if he doesn't make it there. Maybe Nnaji, but I like Reed a lot better.

EDIT: This negates my whole trade down to 25 thing.

[Spin Move]

What am I missing with Okungwu for him to be a top prospect?

He has absolutely zero jump shot and only scores in the paint. Great defender and very agile. Good rebounder. But is the lack of an offensive game not a concern for you all when watching him?

Outstanding shot blocker and also very active jumping passing lanes.
Great in the pick and roll.
Excellent finisher, whether dunking or using a soft touch.
Great versatility on defense; can defend in space.
Chiseled 245lbs, with a 7’2” wingspan.
I can live without a jump shot, though I wouldn’t assume he’d never develop one. He’s got some nice moves to set up his jump hooks, but I don’t think we need a scorer at the 5.
Here’s a detailed look at him: https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/03/onyeka-okongwu-scouting-report/

To me, he’s seemed the missing piece to our rebuild, but I could easily be wrong and might be just as happy with e.g. a Bey/Maledon/Oturu draft. But in this draft, Okongwu looks like he belongs in the top 5 easily since he projects as at least a solid starter.

He is a freak athlete, he can gaurd centers and switch onto PG's that is really rare. He also has a nice stroke, shot 74% from the free throw line.
He has things you can't teach, his worst case scenario is a montrazell Harell with better defense. If he develps a better jumper he is the player Myles Turner was supposed to be. Right now its not there but everything else is. Bam is a bad comparison, he is not a great passer like Bam, he does not drive as well. He is a better defender.

I would much much much rather have wiseman, but if wiseman is unnatainable, he is a switchable center who just needs to add a 3 point shot, which Aaron Baynes did in like a season. If you work at it you can hit from the top of the key, which as a big man is really they only 3 pointer you need to make.

If we were offered 14 and 26 and Waters for I would jump on it in a heart beat, however I would much rather have a better offensive and bigger player in Wiseman, but he won't fall GS won't get the value they want for 2 and they will take him.

[Squigglepuffin]

Nate Hinton will end up being one of the top seven players in this draft.

I know it's controversial but I absolutely stand by it. Come back in four years time and laugh at me if I'm wrong, but unless he gets injured I don't think I will be.

From what I have seen he is currently ranked as a second round prospect. He shouldn't be. He's a top ten prospect, and in four years time, unless he gets injured I'm pretty confident it will be blatantly obvious.

To be clear: Nate Hinton will be better than Ball, Toppin, most likely Okoro (I'm assuming he doesn't become a good shooter), Deni, Vassell, Haliburton, Bey, and a bunch of others. I personally would choose him over Patrick Williams and Aaron Nesmith simply because with him I know what I'm getting and it's much less of a gamble. Top seven player from this draft in any case no question.

He will end up being the steal of the draft. He's basically going to be that guy who was picked in the late first or somewhere in the second who ends up becoming at the very least a borderline all-star.

He is his own player, has his own game, but the story of his career regarding the draft is just going to be similar to players like Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Pascal Siakam, etc... but even if he doesn't get to their level (and to be clear I'm saying he can end up a borderline all-star) he has at worst imo a floor of Marcus Smart - he's a top seven prospect in this draft and has no reason to last past the top 10 picks.

I expect everyone to laugh at me saying all of this because no one else in the basketball world seems to realize how good he is but I'm absolutely willing to go on record before the draft saying this. Wait until the end of his rookie contract to judge whether I'm right or wrong. I wouldn't be so insistent unless I was absolutely 200% convinced without a shadow of a doubt.

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[SmartWentCrazy]

What am I missing with Okungwu for him to be a top prospect?

He has absolutely zero jump shot and only scores in the paint. Great defender and very agile. Good rebounder. But is the lack of an offensive game not a concern for you all when watching him?

Lotta indicators on his jumper— 41.5% on two pt jumpers per hoop math, 72.6% at the rim showing he has touch. 72% FTs showing he has potential to stretch.

Its not there now, but should come in time. He’s pretty similar to Wendell Carter Jr, where he has some interesting tools. The hope is that OO could actualize them if in a good environment, something WCJ wasnt afforded.