2021 NBA Draft Thread

[Braggins]

I don't expect four Zion level prospects out of this class, but it seems extremely likely that its significantly better than this years draft and the talent seems to be most concentrated at our positions of need.

[James Gatz]

Cade is the best prospect since Luka. Dude is insane.

[Hornet Mania]

It really does seem like next year is the draft where we need that #3 pick. I'm not as confident that we will be bad enough to 'earn' high odds though, I fully expect JB and the young guys to outperform expectations once again and finish between 9th-11th place.

Assuming the team shows the same fight it had this year 30-35 wins are my expectation, and don't get me wrong, I think going after every win is an admirable thing. Tanking is no way to build a culture and the new odds have already proven it's fruitless to just stack losses anyway (multiple teams from the middle of the pack moved up both years while the Knicks and Cavs got boned). Hopefully the lotto gods will bless this franchise like they did this year.

[SWedd523]

Cade is the best prospect since Luka. Dude is insane.

He really does seem like a ready made superstar

Interested to see if the hype continues for the next year

[wilson115]

Since it seems the FO really likes us drafting at our usual 8-12, gonna do an UNCNYC and hype up a player that's been on my radar a while. Anton Watson of Gonzaga's been a winner at every level and consistently produces against top competition. The shoulder injury's a questionmark, but if he comes back fine I think he's just what the roster needs with Melo and GH moving forward.

https://www.slipperstillfits.com/2020/11/1/21539666/2020-21-player-preview-anton-watson

Also consider Vernon's old teammate Scottie Barnes a good fit as a versatile wing, especially since he knows his way around good playmakers having led a team next to Cade Cunningham.

[316Hornets]

2021 looks pretty weak, I wouldn't mind if we traded out. 2022 is gonna be the big one.

[bravor]

Since it seems the FO really likes us drafting at our usual 8-12, gonna do an UNCNYC and hype up a player that's been on my radar a while. Anton Watson of Gonzaga's been a winner at every level and consistently produces against top competition. The shoulder injury's a questionmark, but if he comes back fine I think he's just what the roster needs with Melo and GH moving forward.

https://www.slipperstillfits.com/2020/11/1/21539666/2020-21-player-preview-anton-watson

Also consider Vernon's old teammate Scottie Barnes a good fit as a versatile wing, especially since he knows his way around good playmakers having led a team next to Cade Cunningham.

Not sure about Watson, but anyway the whole Gonzaga team will be interesting to watch. From Suggs to Ballo passing by Watson, Ayayi, and even Timme (who could develop like a "Baynes/Przybilla" center, even though i like him more for Europe). Even their lithuanian could be a good surprise.
Ballo could be a really nice piece for the future, even if he is more old school. I hope he will have the impact i expect him to have.

[wilson115]

Since it seems the FO really likes us drafting at our usual 8-12, gonna do an UNCNYC and hype up a player that's been on my radar a while. Anton Watson of Gonzaga's been a winner at every level and consistently produces against top competition. The shoulder injury's a questionmark, but if he comes back fine I think he's just what the roster needs with Melo and GH moving forward.

https://www.slipperstillfits.com/2020/11/1/21539666/2020-21-player-preview-anton-watson

Also consider Vernon's old teammate Scottie Barnes a good fit as a versatile wing, especially since he knows his way around good playmakers having led a team next to Cade Cunningham.

Not sure about Watson, but anyway the whole Gonzaga team will be interesting to watch. From Suggs to Ballo passing by Watson, Ayayi, and even Timme (who could develop like a "Baynes/Przybilla" center, even though i like him more for Europe). Even their lithuanian could be a good surprise.
Ballo could be a really nice piece for the future, even if he is more old school. I hope he will have the impact i expect him to have.

Gonzaga's a good group of players as always including several potential fits for the Hornets roster. Suggs and Ayayi especially considering what trades and expiring contracts could do to our backcourt.

[UNCNYC]

These are some guys I like for next year. Most are names I posted last year.

PG -
Arturs Zagars, Remi Martin

SG -
James Bouknight, Ayo Dosunmu, Jared Butler, Both Gache, Tre Mann, Isaac Likekele, Macio Teague, John Petty, Justin Turner
Paul Scruggs, Ochai Agbaji, A.J. Lawson

SF -
Isaiah Livers, Aaron Wiggins, Toumani Camara, Emmitt Mathews Jr., Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla, Trendon Watford, Chris Smith

C - Neemias Queta

[UNCNYC]

This guy I like ALOT. His name is Isaac Likekele. He has such a poise to his game. He can play both positions. I am a fan

Watch on YouTube

;t=205s

[James Gatz]

2021 looks pretty weak, I wouldn't mind if we traded out. 2022 is gonna be the big one.

lol

[Jstock12]

These are some guys I like for next year. Most are names I posted last year.

PG -
Arturs Zagars, Remi Martin

SG -
James Bouknight, Ayo Dosunmu, Jared Butler, Both Gache, Tre Mann, Isaac Likekele, Macio Teague, John Petty, Justin Turner
Paul Scruggs, Ochai Agbaji, A.J. Lawson

SF -
Isaiah Livers, Aaron Wiggins, Toumani Camara, Emmitt Mathews Jr., Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla, Trendon Watford, Chris Smith

C - Neemias Queta

Here's another guy who might rise to the first round by July

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[UNCNYC]

These are some guys I like for next year. Most are names I posted last year.

PG -
Arturs Zagars, Remi Martin

SG -
James Bouknight, Ayo Dosunmu, Jared Butler, Both Gache, Tre Mann, Isaac Likekele, Macio Teague, John Petty, Justin Turner
Paul Scruggs, Ochai Agbaji, A.J. Lawson

SF -
Isaiah Livers, Aaron Wiggins, Toumani Camara, Emmitt Mathews Jr., Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla, Trendon Watford, Chris Smith

C - Neemias Queta

Here's another guy who might rise to the first round by July

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Good stong big guard who can get others involved

[Jstock12]

These are some guys I like for next year. Most are names I posted last year.

PG -
Arturs Zagars, Remi Martin

SG -
James Bouknight, Ayo Dosunmu, Jared Butler, Both Gache, Tre Mann, Isaac Likekele, Macio Teague, John Petty, Justin Turner
Paul Scruggs, Ochai Agbaji, A.J. Lawson

SF -
Isaiah Livers, Aaron Wiggins, Toumani Camara, Emmitt Mathews Jr., Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla, Trendon Watford, Chris Smith

C - Neemias Queta

Here's another guy who might rise to the first round by July

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Good stong big guard who can get others involved

Also dropped 31 points on LaMelo a couple years back

[UNCNYC]

Here's another guy who might rise to the first round by July

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Good stong big guard who can get others involved

Also dropped 31 points on LaMelo a couple years back

That means I wont be drafting him lol.

[JMAC3]

I know it is super early to really get super invested in these prospects and honestly highschool highlights/mixtapes are about the worst way you can evaluate a draft class. You have to see them vs other talented players to be able to really identify weaknesses and strengths. But here are my early views on the class....

Cade Cunningham- seems like a really polished player, solid shooting stroke, handle is solid, athleticism is showcased mostly on between legs dunks, but has a high level of craft. Has really good size for a two guard at 6-7, but not sure I have really seen much that makes me think his future is at point guard. First glances I could see how he could be a Brandon Roy type prospect which is really high praise- not sure he has the playmaking chops of a Luka that I have seen tossed around.

Jalen Green- Dumb athletic. Looks like he will try to dunk on you every play if you let him and has really good size and wingspan for his position. Profiles as an athletic shooting guard, but again it is hard to really get a feel for his other skills like shooting and passing watching him play vs guys who are scared to death to guard him.

Evan Mobley- Really tall and really long. Seems to be coordinated for a player his size, but he is really skinny and I would need to see him vs players that can push him around a little bit instead of him just playing over the top of guys 4inches shorter than him. I can see the upside with him, but I can also quickly see how this guy becomes the next Ivan Rabb.

One thing that concerns me with this class is it looks really weak from an international prospect standpoint lacking the Killian Hayes/Deni Avdija type guys were touted as potential top 5 picks guys a year ago. Not seeing anyone like that in this class and overall I think it hurts the depth of the class.

Also, to my point above UNCNYC, please dont try to make a case that one of these foreign prospects is worthy of consideration... These guys are all late firsts/second prospects at this point.

[UNCNYC]

I know it is super early to really get super invested in these prospects and honestly highschool highlights/mixtapes are about the worst way you can evaluate a draft class. You have to see them vs other talented players to be able to really identify weaknesses and strengths. But here are my early views on the class....

Cade Cunningham- seems like a really polished player, solid shooting stroke, handle is solid, athleticism is showcased mostly on between legs dunks, but has a high level of craft. Has really good size for a two guard at 6-7, but not sure I have really seen much that makes me think his future is at point guard. First glances I could see how he could be a Brandon Roy type prospect which is really high praise- not sure he has the playmaking chops of a Luka that I have seenhe forg tossed around.

Jalen Green- Dumb athletic. Looks like he will try to dunk on you every play if you let him and has really good size and wingspan for his position. Profiles as an athletic shooting guard, but again it is hard to really get a feel for his other skills like shooting and passing watching him play vs guys who are scared to death to guard him.

Evan Mobley- Really tall and really long. Seems to be coordinated for a player his size, but he is really skinny and I would need to see him vs players that can push him around a little bit instead of him just playing over the top of guys 4inches shorter than him. I can see the upside with him, but I can also quickly see how this guy becomes the next Ivan Rabb.

One thing that concerns me with this class is it looks really weak from an international prospect standpoint lacking the Killian Hayes/Deni Avdija type guys were touted as potential top 5 picks guys a year ago. Not seeing anyone like that in this class and overall I think it hurts the depth of the class.

Also, to my point above UNCNYC, please dont try to make a case that one of these foreign prospects is worthy of consideration... These guys are all late firsts/second prospects at this point.

Lmao, Yes I agree I was super shocked the foreign players were not represented in this draft. I do have some to look out for that I like tho

PG -
1 - Arturs Zagars,

SF -
Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla,

Especially Zagars and Tubelis

[bravor]

I know it is super early to really get super invested in these prospects and honestly highschool highlights/mixtapes are about the worst way you can evaluate a draft class. You have to see them vs other talented players to be able to really identify weaknesses and strengths. But here are my early views on the class....

Cade Cunningham- seems like a really polished player, solid shooting stroke, handle is solid, athleticism is showcased mostly on between legs dunks, but has a high level of craft. Has really good size for a two guard at 6-7, but not sure I have really seen much that makes me think his future is at point guard. First glances I could see how he could be a Brandon Roy type prospect which is really high praise- not sure he has the playmaking chops of a Luka that I have seen tossed around.

Jalen Green- Dumb athletic. Looks like he will try to dunk on you every play if you let him and has really good size and wingspan for his position. Profiles as an athletic shooting guard, but again it is hard to really get a feel for his other skills like shooting and passing watching him play vs guys who are scared to death to guard him.

Evan Mobley- Really tall and really long. Seems to be coordinated for a player his size, but he is really skinny and I would need to see him vs players that can push him around a little bit instead of him just playing over the top of guys 4inches shorter than him. I can see the upside with him, but I can also quickly see how this guy becomes the next Ivan Rabb.

One thing that concerns me with this class is it looks really weak from an international prospect standpoint lacking the Killian Hayes/Deni Avdija type guys were touted as potential top 5 picks guys a year ago. Not seeing anyone like that in this class and overall I think it hurts the depth of the class.

Also, to my point above UNCNYC, please dont try to make a case that one of these foreign prospects is worthy of consideration... These guys are all late firsts/second prospects at this point.

Garuba is probably a lock for the lottery. Basically he is a 'european' version of Millsap (more defensive though), even though he is still developing his outside shot.
I imagine Petrusev will be in this draft too. Diop can talk about one of the AIS prospect that should be in this draft i think (forgot the name and too lazy to check, talking about a combo guard).
Prkacin might be in this draft but anyway he is more a european type of player (and a future great one). And that's on top of my head. For France, Ayayi should be in this draft, we will see if he takes the next step with Gonzaga (along with Cazalon, Digbeu and couple more but they are borderline draftable).

We don't talk a lot about international talent because there was no international basket since March basically. All summer tournaments have been canceled for obvious reasons. And it's still the best way to evaluate talent.

ps : On a side note yes Wembanyama is not rushing it and 2023 should be his year (he's just 16 and only started his first professionnal games in Europe and in our french league this week). He is well educated and surrounded, in a respectful team in France who is doing what they can to 'protect' his development (he started to work on his body and he already added 'a lot' of weight since last year).
But yeah, he is unbelievable for a guy of his size. Basically he could become our 'Yao' (and unlike Yao, we can surround him with a lot of talent).

[UNCNYC]

I know it is super early to really get super invested in these prospects and honestly highschool highlights/mixtapes are about the worst way you can evaluate a draft class. You have to see them vs other talented players to be able to really identify weaknesses and strengths. But here are my early views on the class....

Cade Cunningham- seems like a really polished player, solid shooting stroke, handle is solid, athleticism is showcased mostly on between legs dunks, but has a high level of craft. Has really good size for a two guard at 6-7, but not sure I have really seen much that makes me think his future is at point guard. First glances I could see how he could be a Brandon Roy type prospect which is really high praise- not sure he has the playmaking chops of a Luka that I have seenhe forg tossed around.

Jalen Green- Dumb athletic. Looks like he will try to dunk on you every play if you let him and has really good size and wingspan for his position. Profiles as an athletic shooting guard, but again it is hard to really get a feel for his other skills like shooting and passing watching him play vs guys who are scared to death to guard him.

Evan Mobley- Really tall and really long. Seems to be coordinated for a player his size, but he is really skinny and I would need to see him vs players that can push him around a little bit instead of him just playing over the top of guys 4inches shorter than him. I can see the upside with him, but I can also quickly see how this guy becomes the next Ivan Rabb.

One thing that concerns me with this class is it looks really weak from an international prospect standpoint lacking the Killian Hayes/Deni Avdija type guys were touted as potential top 5 picks guys a year ago. Not seeing anyone like that in this class and overall I think it hurts the depth of the class.

Also, to my point above UNCNYC, please dont try to make a case that one of these foreign prospects is worthy of consideration... These guys are all late firsts/second prospects at this point.

Lmao, Yes I agree I was super shocked the foreign players were not represented in this draft. I do have some to look out for that I like tho

PG -
1 - Arturs Zagars,

SF -
Malcolm Cazalon

PF -
Azuolas Tubelis, Amar Sylla,

Especially Zagars and Tubelis

Thanks Bravor. You always come in with the outside lol. Thanks man you are awesome.

[UNCNYC]

I know it is super early to really get super invested in these prospects and honestly highschool highlights/mixtapes are about the worst way you can evaluate a draft class. You have to see them vs other talented players to be able to really identify weaknesses and strengths. But here are my early views on the class....

Cade Cunningham- seems like a really polished player, solid shooting stroke, handle is solid, athleticism is showcased mostly on between legs dunks, but has a high level of craft. Has really good size for a two guard at 6-7, but not sure I have really seen much that makes me think his future is at point guard. First glances I could see how he could be a Brandon Roy type prospect which is really high praise- not sure he has the playmaking chops of a Luka that I have seen tossed around.

Jalen Green- Dumb athletic. Looks like he will try to dunk on you every play if you let him and has really good size and wingspan for his position. Profiles as an athletic shooting guard, but again it is hard to really get a feel for his other skills like shooting and passing watching him play vs guys who are scared to death to guard him.

Evan Mobley- Really tall and really long. Seems to be coordinated for a player his size, but he is really skinny and I would need to see him vs players that can push him around a little bit instead of him just playing over the top of guys 4inches shorter than him. I can see the upside with him, but I can also quickly see how this guy becomes the next Ivan Rabb.

One thing that concerns me with this class is it looks really weak from an international prospect standpoint lacking the Killian Hayes/Deni Avdija type guys were touted as potential top 5 picks guys a year ago. Not seeing anyone like that in this class and overall I think it hurts the depth of the class.

Also, to my point above UNCNYC, please dont try to make a case that one of these foreign prospects is worthy of consideration... These guys are all late firsts/second prospects at this point.

Garuba is probably a lock for the lottery. Basically he is a 'european' version of Millsap (more defensive though), even though he is still developing his outside shot.
I imagine Petrusev will be in this draft too. Diop can talk about one of the AIS prospect that should be in this draft i think (forgot the name and too lazy to check, talking about a combo guard).
Prkacin might be in this draft but anyway he is more a european type of player (and a future great one). And that's on top of my head. For France, Ayayi should be in this draft, we will see if he takes the next step with Gonzaga (along with Cazalon, Digbeu and couple more but they are borderline draftable).

We don't talk a lot about international talent because there was no international basket since March basically. All summer tournaments have been canceled for obvious reasons. And it's still the best way to evaluate talent.

ps : On a side note yes Wembanyama is not rushing it and 2023 should be his year (he's just 16 and only started his first professionnal games in Europe and in our french league this week). He is well educated and surrounded, in a respectful team in France who is doing what they can to 'protect' his development (he started to work on his body and he already added 'a lot' of weight since last year).
But yeah, he is unbelievable for a guy of his size. Basically he could become our 'Yao' (and unlike Yao, we can surround him with a lot of talent).

Thanks Bravor. You always come in with the outside lol. Thanks man you are awesome.