2021 Draft thread. Woo! 15th pick here we come! Hoo. Ray.

[NatP4]

Off game for Giddey, still almost posted a triple double. He’s a legit top 4 prospect in this draft.

[doclinkin]

I swear, I must’ve been watching a different Oklahoma State team this year. I could not disagree more with all of the scouting reports and fan posts about him. Never once did I see a lead guard that had elite vision and the ability to create for his teammates and make everyone around him better.

I see Jayson Tatum.

I see a potential Paul Pierce. With a passing upgrade. (And you know, hopefully a more boring instagram feed). But sure, Jayson Tatum. Plus leadership and clutch mindset.

If you only watched Cade this year, okay, just understand he has been in the national vision since he jumped to Montverde and took over a team of hypertalents, not on the strength of his athleticism but on his leadership ability and game sense. On a team with multiple NBA players, he was the unquestioned alpha dog who ran the show. At Oklahoma he is playing with zero NBA talents, so he calls his own number more often than not, and in doing so picked up the reputation of clutch scorer and clutch defender. But who on that squad was he going to make better, make look like an NBA player. He worked on the part of his game that his team needed him for, and played that role well. Just know he has been in scouting crosshairs for longer than his Oklahoma season.

If you look at the start of this thread, he was the player I had in mind when looking ahead. Before OK he was elevating the games of players like Precious Achiuwa and Scottie Barnes and Moses Moody (and upcoming players Caleb Houstan and Dariq Whitehead, etc). His it factor is not about flashy dribbling and playing as a dominant break you down ball-handling PG, but in game understanding, timing, etc. As a highschool player he was notably poised and mature, taking over a role as a lead ballhandler when his coach put him in that role, because his teammates looked to him for leadership. He joined the team after his sophomore year as 6'6" small forward, but his Montverde coach put him in the Ben Simmons role as a giant PG due to his understanding of the game and poise. So he accepted his role, and his squad defeated all the Kumingas etc that were put in front of him. He has grown a couple inches since then, but still plays mostly as a face-up player.

The poise and mindset are the aspects that caught my attention, in highschool and even college. Check his interview with Mike Schmitz. He understands the game with a coaches mindset. And has since highschool. And he has a sense of the moment, when to take his shot, how to get his points off efficiently even when faced with faster bigger players.

That is the part that reminds me of Pierce. Granted Pierce as a freshman at Kansa had a thicker frame, a bit more bounce, if a couple inches shorter. What I see though in both players is an unrattled sense of the moment and an ability to go off even when the other team has an athletic mismatch. Paul Pierce was rarely the most athletic guy on the court in the NBA, but still, he hit his shots. He knew when to use his size to his advantage, he was shifty enough to get to his comfort spots, and he called his own number when the team needed a bail out bucket. The attitude was what helped elevate his teams. Leadership, the ability to take over -- without having to dribble as a lead ballhandler.

Cade has room to grow and strengthen, thicken up. HIs frame has only just begun to fill out. He will get stronger. But the point to me has been less that he is a quick-step point guard, but more that he has a sense of the game that is advanced for his age, and it finds results in his ability to force wins and make the right read. While his passing is nice for a wing player, it's not John Wall. Still, much can be said for adding a player who makes the smart play, hits his outside shots, and by his attitude and approach to the game makes his team better. While he is not my #1, he'd be a good fit for this team.

[Frichuela]

Well gents, given our late play and bar another major setback with injuries, it looks we are set for a 10-15th pick...so Wiz!!!

So who could we pick in that range? Giddey (if available), Butler, Mitchell and Springer (in that order) would be in my board. IMO- This draft is loaded with decent combo-guard prospects.

[nate33]

I swear, I must’ve been watching a different Oklahoma State team this year. I could not disagree more with all of the scouting reports and fan posts about him. Never once did I see a lead guard that had elite vision and the ability to create for his teammates and make everyone around him better.

I see Jayson Tatum.

Suggs is a more athletic Kyle Lowry. Mobley is on the spectrum of Myles Turner to Anthony Davis. Slightly closer towards Anthony Davis. Green is on a spectrum of Zac Lavine to Bradley Beal, significantly closer to Lavine.

I like all of those comparisons, though I'm concerned Mobley's rebounding will inch him a bit closer to the Turner end of the spectrum.

But if I had to choose between Tatum and Lowry, I'd take Tatum. The big wing prototype is just more versatile than the elite PG prototype unless the elite PG is an unreal shooter (like Curry or Lillard). You can win a championship with Tatum as your number 2 guy, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he improves enough that he can be a championship caliber #1 option. If Suggs wins a championship, it'll probably be as the 3rd best player on his team.

[Dark Faze]

Giddey looks like he'll be way too easy to guard. Those handles look very loose. I don't think he'd do much on an NBA floor right now. Too much of a project for me.

Probably no shot at Kuminga, but I'd take him at 5.

In the 6-9 range I'd take Mitchell. Going to be at worst a strong roleplayer at some point in his career. Question is ceiling and how long it takes for him to be able to help a team. But if you're not going to have a superstar do it all PG, then the next best thing is that Lowry/Van Vleet archetype that defends at a high level, doesn't have to dominate the ball, and can stretch the floor. Particularly in an era where we're seeing more playmaking wings.

I'm afraid that the FO would know he's BPA but due to us being guard heavy, decide to go for more of a need pick.

[nate33]

I'm afraid that the FO would know he's BPA but due to us being guard heavy, decide to go for more of a need pick.

Yup. They'll say they need defense on the wings so they'll draft Scottie Barnes. They'll then be confused when our coach doesn't play Barnes at all because he can't shoot. And if he doesn't play, he doesn't help the defense one bit.

[NatP4]

Giddey looks like he'll be way too easy to guard. Those handles look very loose. I don't think he'd do much on an NBA floor right now. Too much of a project for me.

Probably no shot at Kuminga, but I'd take him at 5.

In the 6-9 range I'd take Mitchell. Going to be at worst a strong roleplayer at some point in his career. Question is ceiling and how long it takes for him to be able to help a team. But if you're not going to have a superstar do it all PG, then the next best thing is that Lowry/Van Vleet archetype that defends at a high level, doesn't have to dominate the ball, and can stretch the floor. Particularly in an era where we're seeing more playmaking wings.

I'm afraid that the FO would know he's BPA but due to us being guard heavy, decide to go for more of a need pick.

Mitchell is literally 4 years older than Giddey. Can you imagine putting Giddey on that exact Baylor team 4 years down the road? Right now, he’s averaging a near triple double playing in one of the best professional leagues in the world as an 18 year old.

Mitchell is a good player, I like him. He’s a future role player and a mid to late 1st round talent. He was a 23 year old playing on a loaded team, been in college basketball for a full 4 years. He played next to one of the best guards in the country. Baylor was an elite offensive rebounding team that created tons of extra shots and wide open 3s.

Both of them will be good players though. Id take Mitchell over a number of the projected “lottery” prospects. We just have to remember that Mitchell was a terrible college player for a full 3 years, and only became a good player at 22.5 years old on a stacked team

[DCZards]

Giddey looks like he'll be way too easy to guard. Those handles look very loose. I don't think he'd do much on an NBA floor right now. Too much of a project for me.

Probably no shot at Kuminga, but I'd take him at 5.

In the 6-9 range I'd take Mitchell. Going to be at worst a strong roleplayer at some point in his career. Question is ceiling and how long it takes for him to be able to help a team. But if you're not going to have a superstar do it all PG, then the next best thing is that Lowry/Van Vleet archetype that defends at a high level, doesn't have to dominate the ball, and can stretch the floor. Particularly in an era where we're seeing more playmaking wings.

I'm afraid that the FO would know he's BPA but due to us being guard heavy, decide to go for more of a need pick.

I'm with you on Mitchell. He'd probably be my pick in the 6-9 range as well. Mitchell is an absolutely great defender (and a proven winner) with some genuine dog in him...and this Zards team needs more dog.

I'm a little concerned about Mitchell's shooting (he's a sub 70% FT shooter) and age (22). OTOH, because of his age/experience, along with his outstanding D, Mitchell is one of the more NBA-ready players in this year's draft...and that might be a significant factor for the Zards who are trying to win while Beal is still in his prime.

[NatP4]

Well gents, given our late play and bar another major setback with injuries, it looks we are set for a 10-15th pick...so Wiz!!!

So who could we pick in that range? Giddey (if available), Butler, Mitchell and Springer (in that order) would be in my board. IMO- This draft is loaded with decent combo-guard prospects.

Giddey or Wagner. Although, Tankathon says we could trade 7 for 18&21 from NY and take Giddey&Butler or Queta, which would be a home run.

I think sliding down a bit (if they aren’t going to land a top 4 pick) is probably a good thing. It lessens the pressure to swing for the fences with a “high upside” guy like Johnson/Barnes/Moody/Kuminga

Hachimura and Avdija were both “we’re right outside the top group but we still want a potential star so let’s roll the dice instead of taking the safe good college player or look to trade down) (Haliburton+Clarke)

You will already know it’s a massive mistake on draft night, when Giddey and Wagner are still on the board and the wizards select Jalen Johnson at 9th overall.

[Shoe]

Roko Prkacin gives me Troy Murphy, Brian Cardinal vibes. Yeah he's got a little pop in his game but I think it's special for the league he plays in, not special in an NBA sense. Straight line slasher. Improving shooter. Excellent motor. Still very young. I also saw a few cross court finds in the highlight so his passing skill is not bad either. I think he is a little underrated and probably could go in the first - 20s.

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[Ruzious]

Roko Prkacin gives me Troy Murphy, Brian Cardinal vibes. Yeah he's got a little pop in his game but I think it's special for the league he plays in, not special in an NBA sense. Straight line slasher. Improving shooter. Excellent motor. Still very young. I also saw a few cross court finds in the highlight so his passing skill is not bad either. I think he is a little underrated and probably could go in the first - 20s.

Read on Twitter

Looks good, though the defenses allowed him a lot of time to shoot, and he had a long windup. Still, the transition 3's looked better, and when he needed to get the shot off quicker, he was able to. Hard to tell about the rest of his game.

[Ruzious]

Well gents, given our late play and bar another major setback with injuries, it looks we are set for a 10-15th pick...so Wiz!!!

So who could we pick in that range? Giddey (if available), Butler, Mitchell and Springer (in that order) would be in my board. IMO- This draft is loaded with decent combo-guard prospects.

Giddey or Wagner. Although, Tankathon says we could trade 7 for 18&21 from NY and take Giddey&Butler or Queta, which would be a home run.

I think sliding down a bit (if they aren’t going to land a top 4 pick) is probably a good thing. It lessens the pressure to swing for the fences with a “high upside” guy like Johnson/Barnes/Moody/Kuminga

Hachimura and Avdija were both “we’re right outside the top group but we still want a potential star so let’s roll the dice instead of taking the safe good college player or look to trade down) (Haliburton+Clarke)

You will already know it’s a massive mistake on draft night, when Giddey and Wagner are still on the board and the wizards select Jalen Johnson at 9th overall.

Yeah, I can understand wanting Jalen Johnson, but if we get him, it's got to be in a trade down to at least 20, imo. If someone picks him higher, so be it. And yes, we will get #9 in the lotto. That bad last game for Wagner might allow him to slip to 9.

[NatP4]

Well gents, given our late play and bar another major setback with injuries, it looks we are set for a 10-15th pick...so Wiz!!!

So who could we pick in that range? Giddey (if available), Butler, Mitchell and Springer (in that order) would be in my board. IMO- This draft is loaded with decent combo-guard prospects.

Giddey or Wagner. Although, Tankathon says we could trade 7 for 18&21 from NY and take Giddey&Butler or Queta, which would be a home run.

I think sliding down a bit (if they aren’t going to land a top 4 pick) is probably a good thing. It lessens the pressure to swing for the fences with a “high upside” guy like Johnson/Barnes/Moody/Kuminga

Hachimura and Avdija were both “we’re right outside the top group but we still want a potential star so let’s roll the dice instead of taking the safe good college player or look to trade down) (Haliburton+Clarke)

You will already know it’s a massive mistake on draft night, when Giddey and Wagner are still on the board and the wizards select Jalen Johnson at 9th overall.

Yeah, I can understand wanting Jalen Johnson, but if we get him, it's got to be in a trade down to at least 20, imo. If someone picks him higher, so be it. And yes, we will get #9 in the lotto. That bad last game for Wagner might allow him to slip to 9.

To be completely honest, the wizards could solve a lot of their problems if they just picked Wagner around 9ish and traded Hachimura on draft night for a mid 1st. A number of really good lead guards will probably be there, Mitchell, Butler, Giddey, etc...obviously the Wiz need a young PG to replace Westbrook at some point.

How high of a pick could we get for Rui? No idea, but Wagner and Avdija are much better prospects if you ask me.

[Ruzious]

Giddey or Wagner. Although, Tankathon says we could trade 7 for 18&21 from NY and take Giddey&Butler or Queta, which would be a home run.

I think sliding down a bit (if they aren’t going to land a top 4 pick) is probably a good thing. It lessens the pressure to swing for the fences with a “high upside” guy like Johnson/Barnes/Moody/Kuminga

Hachimura and Avdija were both “we’re right outside the top group but we still want a potential star so let’s roll the dice instead of taking the safe good college player or look to trade down) (Haliburton+Clarke)

You will already know it’s a massive mistake on draft night, when Giddey and Wagner are still on the board and the wizards select Jalen Johnson at 9th overall.

Yeah, I can understand wanting Jalen Johnson, but if we get him, it's got to be in a trade down to at least 20, imo. If someone picks him higher, so be it. And yes, we will get #9 in the lotto. That bad last game for Wagner might allow him to slip to 9.

To be completely honest, the wizards could solve a lot of their problems if they just picked Wagner around 9ish and traded Hachimura on draft night for a mid 1st. A number of really good lead guards will probably be there, Mitchell, Butler, Giddey, etc...obviously the Wiz need a young PG to replace Westbrook at some point.

How high of a pick could we get for Rui? No idea, but Wagner and Avdija are much better prospects if you ask me.

And using nate's theory of playing up in position, tweener forwards are best at PF - and all of our forwards are tweeners, so if we pick Wagner, it makes sense to trade either Deni or Rui.

[Shoe]

Roko Prkacin gives me Troy Murphy, Brian Cardinal vibes. Yeah he's got a little pop in his game but I think it's special for the league he plays in, not special in an NBA sense. Straight line slasher. Improving shooter. Excellent motor. Still very young. I also saw a few cross court finds in the highlight so his passing skill is not bad either. I think he is a little underrated and probably could go in the first - 20s.

Read on Twitter

Looks good, though the defenses allowed him a lot of time to shoot, and he had a long windup. Still, the transition 3's looked better, and when he needed to get the shot off quicker, he was able to. Hard to tell about the rest of his game.

Im just pointing out he's definitely raising his stock. A 38/10 game after having a 29/15/8 game recently. He's also recorded 15/11/11 and 13/10/10 games. His passing and rebounding is good for 18 years old while his defense is lacking. Prkacin, Garuba, Giddey are the most likely Sheppard picks.

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[Shoe]

Read on Twitter

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[nate33]

Yeah, I can understand wanting Jalen Johnson, but if we get him, it's got to be in a trade down to at least 20, imo. If someone picks him higher, so be it. And yes, we will get #9 in the lotto. That bad last game for Wagner might allow him to slip to 9.

To be completely honest, the wizards could solve a lot of their problems if they just picked Wagner around 9ish and traded Hachimura on draft night for a mid 1st. A number of really good lead guards will probably be there, Mitchell, Butler, Giddey, etc...obviously the Wiz need a young PG to replace Westbrook at some point.

How high of a pick could we get for Rui? No idea, but Wagner and Avdija are much better prospects if you ask me.

And using nate's theory of playing up in position, tweener forwards are best at PF - and all of our forwards are tweeners, so if we pick Wagner, it makes sense to trade either Deni or Rui.

I agree in principle. But there's zero chance that management would trade either Avdija or Hachimura on draft day before first confirming that Wagner can play in this league. Any such trade would have to take place mid-season or next summer.

[9 and 20]

Germany - Wagner
Turkey - Sengun
Spain - Garuba
Australia - Giddey

I know nothing about draft prospects, but I'm pretty confident we will be choosing one of the above.

I'm torn between wanting to see Brooks' dream of an all-Ish Smith lineup vs Sheppard-feld's dream lineup of five Jan Vesely's.

[Ruzious]

To be completely honest, the wizards could solve a lot of their problems if they just picked Wagner around 9ish and traded Hachimura on draft night for a mid 1st. A number of really good lead guards will probably be there, Mitchell, Butler, Giddey, etc...obviously the Wiz need a young PG to replace Westbrook at some point.

How high of a pick could we get for Rui? No idea, but Wagner and Avdija are much better prospects if you ask me.

And using nate's theory of playing up in position, tweener forwards are best at PF - and all of our forwards are tweeners, so if we pick Wagner, it makes sense to trade either Deni or Rui.

I agree in principle. But there's zero chance that management would trade either Avdija or Hachimura on draft day before first confirming that Wagner can play in this league. Any such trade would have to take place mid-season or next summer.

That depends on who's the GM and what's offered. Avdija's played poorly this season, and it seems Rui has outsized trade value based on what some around the league seem to think he's worth.

[NatP4]

Giddey had a bad ankle roll, but still continued to play through it and finish with 9 points 11 assists 5 rebounds 2 steals and 1 block on 8 shots. Another win for the 36ers who are absolutely rolling.