2021 NBA Draft Scouting

Post #41 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 11:16 pm

Players to keep an eye on in the NCAA Tourney.

Top NBA Draft Prospects in NCAA Tournament

Scottie Barnes (Florida State, SF/PF, Freshman)
Spoiler:

NBA teams will accept Scottie Barnes' scoring limitations. They'll overlook them for his unique playmaking ability and elite defensive potential.

He won't be for every roster. But those looking for an ultimate role player in a Draymond Green mold will value his knack for impacting games without needing to put up points.

At 6'9", 227 pounds, he's a fantastic passer who can also operate off the dribble and create for teammates. And he'll still manage to earn himself baskets by attacking in transition and using his length around the rim.

The bigger draw to Barnes is the enormous defensive upside tied to his size, lateral foot speed, focus and IQ. He's guarded every position at Florida State, manning bigs inside and picking up guards full-court.

Shooting is an obvious weakness, but any made three is seen as a bonus.
Franz Wagner (Michigan, SF, Sophomore)
Spoiler:

Improved shooting, passing and defense have created versatility that Franz Wagner could now sell to lottery teams.

For a 6'9" forward, his skill set screams NBA fit, even if he doesn't project as a high-level scorer.

Scouts could picture Wagner playing the same do-it-all role in the pros as he does at Michigan, where he operates as a floor-spacer, pick-and-roll ball-handler and the team's most disruptive, switchable defender. The analytics back up the eye test, with Wagner ranked second in the country in defensive box plus-minus, per Sports Reference.

And the German will only turn 20 in August with multiple years of experience in college, overseas and FIBA tournaments.

Contributing to a deep Michigan run in the tournament should only help emphasize Wagner's impact.
Corey Kispert (Gonzaga, SF, Senior)
Spoiler:

For a 6'7", 220-pound forward, Corey Kispert's shooting is sharp, versatile and convincing enough for NBA lottery teams to justify targeting it in the draft.

Over 43 percent from three in consecutive years while shooting comfortably off spot-ups, pull-ups and screens, Kispert also has the size to get his shot off and guard his position at the next level.

But labeling him as a shooting specialist feels limiting, even though Kispert's jumper represents his moneymaker. A capable pick-and-roll ball-handler and the nation's No. 1 most efficient transition player (points per possession), per Synergy Sports, the senior forward should serve as a more well-rounded, complementary scorer.

With huge non-conference performances early in the season, Kispert shouldn't need to prove much to scouts during the NCAA tournament.

Bleacher Report

Post #42 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 5:03 pm

The top 4 in this draft look like future stars; I'm glad we're in the playoff race. But one last lottery selection for us would have been nice.

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atlantabbq99 · Post #43 » by **atlantabbq99** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 9:40 am

I don't understand the hype for the 2021 draft. Cunningham looks like a legit star, but everybody else looks average to below average. This looks like one of those drafts where only one guy in the first round makes an all star appearance in the next 10 years.

I'm a big fan of Cunningham. He is no Lebron, Magic, Shaq, or Duncan, but he is defiantly going to be a star, not MVP elite, probably on the same level as a prime Blake, John Wall, KAT, or Simmons. Cade's passing has looked average, but everything else has looked good to elite with no real flaws or weakness to his game. Cade could be a slightly better version of Jayson Tatum.

Everybody else in the draft just looks average to decent starter, with no real stars.

Post #44 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:29 am

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Post #45 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:36 am

I like this kid's chances of being an impact player at the next level.

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Post #46 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:38 am

The next great big man in the NBA? Kid will be a two way star at the next level:

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Spoiler:

Post #47 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 3:54 am

Jalen Green Is the Best Scorer in the NBA Draft

The 19-year-old Ignite Team star can put up points in bunches, but he’ll need to expand his game at the next level

Jalen Green is the most talented scorer in this year’s draft. The 19-year-old has been tearing up the G League as part of the Ignite Team, averaging 17.9 points per game on 46.1 percent shooting. He’s racking up points despite facing better defenders than any of his peers playing college basketball. It’s just hard to stop someone who combines video-game athleticism with a textbook jumper. Green will get buckets in the NBA. The question is how long it will take him to do anything else.
Spoiler:
Going from high school to the G League is a much bigger leap than high school to college. Green's game has translated quickly because it is based around speed and skill instead of power; players with his bounce and speed don’t come around often. Green’s athleticism alone would get him into the NBA. Combine that with his ability to launch 3s off the dribble, and he looks like a future star. Green may not be an elite shooter at this stage in his career, but defenses have to respect him anywhere on the floor. And he can sink some tough 3s when a hand is in his face.

The biggest concern is that Green doesn’t read the floor well. He’s never really had to before. Green has essentially spent his whole life being able to mash the turbo button at any point in the possession, allowing him to create a shot whenever he feels like it. That won’t work in the NBA. He will have to figure out the difference between a good shot and a great one, and when to pass up on a shot to create one for someone else. Green is not much of a playmaker, averaging 2.8 assists per game on 2.7 turnovers.

Green will have to develop his game on both ends of the floor. His frame will hold him back on defense. He’s just not strong enough to hang with most NBA shooting guards right now. It will take him years to put on enough weight and learn how to absorb and deal out contact. Green is 25 pounds lighter than Jalen Suggs, another 6-foot-4 combo guard expected to go in the top five. That kind of strength differential matters. Green will get bumped out of the way on drives as a defender, and will be at the mercy of the referees when defenders knock him off balance.
The NBA comparison that I’ve heard most from scouts is Zach LaVine, another electric guard who came into the league at 19 with the ability to shoot and finish and not much else.

The Ringer

Post #48 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 4:38 am

A player I'll be watching closely this NCAA post-season, this kid should be on our radar as a mid first round prospect. A polished, oversized PG -- he might make up for us missing out on Tyrese Haliburton last year.

Ayo Dosunmu

Tone-setting player who led his team in college and will bring winning qualities to the pros, though he needs to improve as a shooter.

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PLUSES

Wiggly ball handler who controls offensive tempo. Isn’t going to break ankles with his dribble; instead, predominantly uses strength and change of pace to create space.

Accurate passer on simple deliveries to shooters and rollers, though he shouldn’t be expected to make advanced reads.

Motors the ball up the floor in transition with hit-ahead passes or his own dribble to get into the paint for baskets or kickouts.

Will need to adjust to playing a lower-usage role in the NBA, but it should be a simple adjustment, as he’s shown the feel for moving the ball and cutting.
Improved in each of his three college seasons as a free throw shooter; this was his best season shooting from 3, though it came on about only three attempts per game.
Versatile on-ball defender. Had multiple games playing lockdown defense, despite also carrying a heavy offensive workload.
Good awareness as an off-ball defender.
Leads by example with hard work on and off the court. Also has a knack for coming through in clutch moments.

MINUSES

Shooting: has a low release point, shoots a low percentage on spot-up 3s, and has a small sample of success off the dribble.
Below-the-rim finisher who needs to improve his craftiness inside.
Attempts far too many high-risk passes; if he ends that habit, he’ll dramatically cut down on turnovers.
Right-hand dominant as a ball handler and finisher.

Spoiler:

CP War Hawks · Post #49 » by **CP War Hawks** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:48 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:A player I'll be watching closely this NCAA post-season, this kid should be on our radar as a mid first round prospect. A polished, oversized PG -- he might make up for us missing out on Tyrese Haliburton last year.

Ayo Dosunmu

Tone-setting player who led his team in college and will bring winning qualities to the pros, though he needs to improve as a shooter.

Watch on YouTube

PLUSES

Wiggly ball handler who controls offensive tempo. Isn’t going to break ankles with his dribble; instead, predominantly uses strength and change of pace to create space.

Accurate passer on simple deliveries to shooters and rollers, though he shouldn’t be expected to make advanced reads.

Motors the ball up the floor in transition with hit-ahead passes or his own dribble to get into the paint for baskets or kickouts.

Will need to adjust to playing a lower-usage role in the NBA, but it should be a simple adjustment, as he’s shown the feel for moving the ball and cutting.
Improved in each of his three college seasons as a free throw shooter; this was his best season shooting from 3, though it came on about only three attempts per game.
Versatile on-ball defender. Had multiple games playing lockdown defense, despite also carrying a heavy offensive workload.
Good awareness as an off-ball defender.
Leads by example with hard work on and off the court. Also has a knack for coming through in clutch moments.

MINUSES

Shooting: has a low release point, shoots a low percentage on spot-up 3s, and has a small sample of success off the dribble.
Below-the-rim finisher who needs to improve his craftiness inside.
Attempts far too many high-risk passes; if he ends that habit, he’ll dramatically cut down on turnovers.
Right-hand dominant as a ball handler and finisher.

Spoiler:
Best NBA prospects we'll see in the NCAA tournament

Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois

Junior

Draft range: 15-25

Point guard Dosunmu could end up being a huge sleeper in this draft class. He’s averaging 21 points per game and is one of the best passing point guards in college basketball, averaging 5.4 assists per game and dishing out nine or more assists three times since early February. Dosunmu posted a triple-double twice this season with his best game coming in a win against Wisconsin where he finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Illinois is more than capable of being in (downtown) Indianapolis in April, and the way he’s leading this team, he could shoot up draft boards.

“I thought last year we had a chance to do something special but this year we have a chance to be great,” Dosunmu told Yahoo Sports. “I knew with the coaching staff, the recruits coming and the players returning we have a chance to do something special.”

If the Hawks keep the pick it should be around 20th give or take a a couple spots. Ayo would be a decent pick but I wonder how much better he'd be than Delon Wright who is bouncing around the league rn. Wright had very similar numbers except he avg. 2.5 stls and 1 block per game which are elite level defensive numbers for a 6-5 guard.

I fully expect the Hawks to trade Collins for a top ten prospect. But for the current pick if they keep it, I have guys higher than Ayo like: Giddy, Kai Jones, Jared Butler, Cam Thomas, Nix.

Post #50 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Mar 23, 2021 4:10 am

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Post #51 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:59 am

CP War Hawks wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:A player I'll be watching closely this NCAA post-season, this kid should be on our radar as a mid first round prospect. A polished, oversized PG -- he might make up for us missing out on Tyrese Haliburton last year.

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If the Hawks keep the pick it should be around 20th give or take a a couple spots. Ayo would be a decent pick but I wonder how much better he'd be than Delon Wright who is bouncing around the league rn.

Noted. Do you have any thoughts on this kid?

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Post #52 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:08 am

Jalen Suggs and Gonzaga looking unbeatable this post-season.

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CP War Hawks · Post #53 » by **CP War Hawks** » Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:35 am

Jamaaliver wrote:
CP War Hawks wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:A player I'll be watching closely this NCAA post-season, this kid should be on our radar as a mid first round prospect. A polished, oversized PG -- he might make up for us missing out on Tyrese Haliburton last year.

Watch on YouTube

If the Hawks keep the pick it should be around 20th give or take a a couple spots. Ayo would be a decent pick but I wonder how much better he'd be than Delon Wright who is bouncing around the league rn.

Noted. Do you have any thoughts on this kid?

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I mean honestly I just saw him a week ago. He looks like he can play but he's old as dirt. The formula so far is to go for 19-21 y/o guys (pause) who were really productive. Butler is a guy I think fits the mold.

Post #54 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Mar 25, 2021 7:37 pm

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Post #55 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 11:47 pm

CP War Hawks wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:Noted. Do you have any thoughts on [Chris Duarte]?

I mean honestly I just saw him a week ago. He looks like he can play but he's old as dirt. The formula so far is to go for 19-21 y/o guys (pause) who were really productive. Butler is a guy I think fits the mold.

Noted. I'm reluctant to dismiss this kid at only age 23. Here's a nice write-up on him.

Seems like a solid backup PG prospect in the mold of old man (post-injury) Shaun Livingston.

2021 NBA Draft Prospects: March's Biggest Risers

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Chris Duarte (Oregon, SG, Senior)

Chris Duarte has strengthened his draft case every month this season.

By February, the narrative painted the former junior college Player of the Year as a potential first-round pick. We're now officially projecting a top-30 prospect after his 21 points, six assists and three steals during Oregon's Sweet 16 loss to USC.

The initial three-and-D label earlier in the season suddenly feels limiting. While Duarte will finish the year at 42.4 percent from three and with 1.9 steals per game, he flashed enough creation skill and advanced shot-making for scouts to detect scoring and playmaking potential.

Duarte shot 44-of-99 on dribble jumpers and 43.9 percent out of isolation, demonstrating patience and sharp footwork separating into pull-ups and step-backs. He's tough playing through contact downhill and finished 62.7 percent of his attempts around the basket.

Even if the on-ball scoring doesn't fully translate, he shot 50.0 percent on spot-up jumpers and 45.2 percent off screens. And at 6'6" with solid defensive instincts, he doesn't generate concern about his ability to guard.

Age is the most discussed drawback to Duarte, who'll turn 24 in June before the draft. But there are bound to be win-now teams in the 20s that see an immediate contributor and value pick on a rookie contract.

Bleacher Report

Post #56 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 4:03 am

Another guard prospect to consider in the teens.

2021 NBA Draft Prospects: March's Biggest Risers

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Tre Mann (Florida, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Tre Mann began to improve his standing among scouts earlier in the year. But March wound up being his most convincing month of the season as he averaged 21.2 points on 55.2 percent shooting through five games.

He's been persuasive with his ball-handling creativity and shooting off the dribble, including pull-ups (40.2 percent) and floaters (46.5 percent). He easily gets to his spots using change of speed and direction, and he has the size (6'5"), shiftiness and touch for on-ball scoring at the next level.

While shot-making represents Mann's signature strength and eventual money-maker, he's made some acrobatic finishes, timely transition passes and good reads passing off penetration over the past few weeks. And he's consistently been a plus rebounder at the position, averaging 5.6 boards for the season.

There is some hesitation about calling Mann a lead point guard at the next level as he's more decisive and advanced as a scorer than playmaker. But teammates shot 57.0 percent off his ball-screen passes (87th percentile pick-and-roll ball-handling passer), and he's developed into a complete enough player to overlook questions about his label or projected role.