2021 Draft

[bwgood77]

Cole Anthony and Coby White are players that got drafted the last couple of years so they are players teams were high on and are on rookie contracts so worth their contracts and teams hold their rights the next 7-8 years.

Would be more likely we get other PGs from those teams...like Fultz or something, but I imagine Orlando keeps him and Cole and gets rid of someone like Fultz or maybe more likely MCW.

Anyway, we won't have much for cap space.

I'd still love to get Jared Cooper in the draft but that's probably tough at this point. I have mentioned Gidden before, but haven't looked into the others much other than the Baylor guards and Giddey. Maybe there is a player as good as Haliburton in this draft. Doubtful though.

See, I don't think there's anyway they get rid of Fultz. They just paid him for one and two, he's the better player than Cole right now. They're rebuilding and that 1st that we would be offering for Cole would go a long way in getting value back for him. They'd already have the Bulls pick and with ours they can make some moves.

If the Magic can get Cade, it's seems like a forgone conclusion that 1 of their other PGs are gone. Fultz, coming off the injury and being paid a ton is gonna be harder to move.

If we're stuck at our pick, I agree with GoK with having Giddey and Cooper high on my list-or if we got very lucky getting Nix. I think I'd still take both Cole and Coby over all the choices, but with Coby it's VERY close and I'll probably have changed my mind on that one by the end of the season.

I think you mentioned $$$ BW, part of the reason that I'm making this move if I'm the Suns is cause if Payne continues his high level of play, he might price himself out of PHX. There's a ton of team with cap room who thought they'd have a shot at Giannis/Kawhi/Gobert. Now, that not's happening. I think our old buddy Oubre might've been looking at the top spot before he tore **** in hand. There's a lot of stupid money out there. If Payne blows up in the playoffs (which I think he will) there will be teams looking for that spark PG off the bench. He's hitting at a fantastic clip for his shots (TS: .575) almost as good as Book and MVPG. We might not be able to match what someone else offers him, if we're trying to sign both DA and Bridges to a new deal.

This way we get a young point for Chris Paul to mentor and get that cap relief.

I didn't mean to say they might get rid of Fultz, so I mistyped partially there, and is also why I said "but I imagine they keep him and Cole".

I still think it's likely they keep Cole because he could be a nice bench and 6th man type and is on a rookie contract. Who would you want to give up to get one of those 1st or 2nd year guys? We'd have to give up something pretty good to get a rookie contract guy (most valuable contracts in league). I don't know if Payne will price himself very high but I am not sure who would sign him based on other team needs and the PGs coming out in the draft. He's not starter level and most teams have more PG depth than us.

[Slim Charless]

Cole Anthony and Coby White are players that got drafted the last couple of years so they are players teams were high on and are on rookie contracts so worth their contracts and teams hold their rights the next 7-8 years.

Would be more likely we get other PGs from those teams...like Fultz or something, but I imagine Orlando keeps him and Cole and gets rid of someone like Fultz or maybe more likely MCW.

Anyway, we won't have much for cap space.

I'd still love to get Jared Cooper in the draft but that's probably tough at this point. I have mentioned Gidden before, but haven't looked into the others much other than the Baylor guards and Giddey. Maybe there is a player as good as Haliburton in this draft. Doubtful though.

See, I don't think there's anyway they get rid of Fultz. They just paid him for one and two, he's the better player than Cole right now. They're rebuilding and that 1st that we would be offering for Cole would go a long way in getting value back for him. They'd already have the Bulls pick and with ours they can make some moves.

If the Magic can get Cade, it's seems like a forgone conclusion that 1 of their other PGs are gone. Fultz, coming off the injury and being paid a ton is gonna be harder to move.

If we're stuck at our pick, I agree with GoK with having Giddey and Cooper high on my list-or if we got very lucky getting Nix. I think I'd still take both Cole and Coby over all the choices, but with Coby it's VERY close and I'll probably have changed my mind on that one by the end of the season.

I think you mentioned $$$ BW, part of the reason that I'm making this move if I'm the Suns is cause if Payne continues his high level of play, he might price himself out of PHX. There's a ton of team with cap room who thought they'd have a shot at Giannis/Kawhi/Gobert. Now, that not's happening. I think our old buddy Oubre might've been looking at the top spot before he tore **** in hand. There's a lot of stupid money out there. If Payne blows up in the playoffs (which I think he will) there will be teams looking for that spark PG off the bench. He's hitting at a fantastic clip for his shots (TS: .575) almost as good as Book and MVPG. We might not be able to match what someone else offers him, if we're trying to sign both DA and Bridges to a new deal.

This way we get a young point for Chris Paul to mentor and get that cap relief.

I didn't mean to say they might get rid of Fultz, so I mistyped partially there, and is also why I said "but I imagine they keep him and Cole".

I still think it's likely they keep Cole because he could be a nice bench and 6th man type and is on a rookie contract. Who would you want to give up to get one of those 1st or 2nd year guys? We'd have to give up something pretty good to get a rookie contract guy (most valuable contracts in league). I don't know if Payne will price himself very high but I am not sure who would sign him based on other team needs and the PGs coming out in the draft. He's not starter level and most teams have more PG depth than us.

Dallas has a need for another PG (or anyone who can help Luka score period) and they have a ton of money with no picks. NYK and Detroit also come to mind. All have alot of cap available and a need for solid PG play.

I agree that rookie deals are important. That's why we'd be offering another first for Orlando to draft someone if they trade us Cole. They'll have good depth with their guards already so they could our pick for a wing or combine it with Chicago's and get another primo player.

[bwgood77]

See, I don't think there's anyway they get rid of Fultz. They just paid him for one and two, he's the better player than Cole right now. They're rebuilding and that 1st that we would be offering for Cole would go a long way in getting value back for him. They'd already have the Bulls pick and with ours they can make some moves.

If the Magic can get Cade, it's seems like a forgone conclusion that 1 of their other PGs are gone. Fultz, coming off the injury and being paid a ton is gonna be harder to move.

If we're stuck at our pick, I agree with GoK with having Giddey and Cooper high on my list-or if we got very lucky getting Nix. I think I'd still take both Cole and Coby over all the choices, but with Coby it's VERY close and I'll probably have changed my mind on that one by the end of the season.

I think you mentioned $$$ BW, part of the reason that I'm making this move if I'm the Suns is cause if Payne continues his high level of play, he might price himself out of PHX. There's a ton of team with cap room who thought they'd have a shot at Giannis/Kawhi/Gobert. Now, that not's happening. I think our old buddy Oubre might've been looking at the top spot before he tore **** in hand. There's a lot of stupid money out there. If Payne blows up in the playoffs (which I think he will) there will be teams looking for that spark PG off the bench. He's hitting at a fantastic clip for his shots (TS: .575) almost as good as Book and MVPG. We might not be able to match what someone else offers him, if we're trying to sign both DA and Bridges to a new deal.

This way we get a young point for Chris Paul to mentor and get that cap relief.

I didn't mean to say they might get rid of Fultz, so I mistyped partially there, and is also why I said "but I imagine they keep him and Cole".

I still think it's likely they keep Cole because he could be a nice bench and 6th man type and is on a rookie contract. Who would you want to give up to get one of those 1st or 2nd year guys? We'd have to give up something pretty good to get a rookie contract guy (most valuable contracts in league). I don't know if Payne will price himself very high but I am not sure who would sign him based on other team needs and the PGs coming out in the draft. He's not starter level and most teams have more PG depth than us.

Dallas has a need for another PG (or anyone who can help Luka score period) and they have a ton of money with no picks. NYK and Detroit also come to mind. All have alot of cap available and a need for solid PG play.

I agree that rookie deals are important. That's why we'd be offering another first for Orlando to draft someone if they trade us Cole. They'll have good depth with their guards already so they could our pick for a wing or combine it with Chicago's and get another primo player.

Brunson is the backup PG and they are really high on him. He has over a 60% TS%, almost a 3/1 ast/to ratio. He was basically the MVP of that championship Nova team with Bridges, DiVincenzo, Paschall and Spellman.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Another consideration with respect to our backup center needs would be Ibou Dianko Badji. I found it very intriguing that he's basically got almost identical measurements to that of Rudy Gobert, And is an athletic specimen. He's basically 7'1 with a 7'8 wingspan ( Same as Goberts') And an absurd 9'10 standing reach!!!

Now I do realize that he'd be a real development project, But I do strongly believe that he can develop very similarly to that of Rudy Gobert defensively! He'd be an absolute steal for us as a backup project center with a 2nd round pick.

Check out the comparison to Gobert:
http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=ibou-dianko-badji--rudy-gobert

As you can see, There measurables and stats ( general) are quite comparable.

Watch on YouTube

Another really intriguing consideration for our backup 5 interests would be Cofi Cockburn. What I really found intriguing is that Cofi actually had very similar measurements to that of Shaquille O'neal himself coming out of college.

Cofi Cockburn: 7 ft. 301 lbs. With a 7'6 wingspan.

Shaquille O'neal: 7'1 300 lbs. With a 7'7 wingspan.

Now the premise of acquiring Cofi with a 2nd round pick, Is in that he's a massive, dominant, brute force in the paint that could punish, brutalize, wear down, and draw a ton of fouls on opposing teams players with his powerful and overwhelming style of play. In doing this, the opposing teams players would be softened up, beaten up, and worn out. Making them much less effective against our starters. Also there's the immense gravity that he would create, Allowing our perimeter shooters much more open shots. Check out his style of play!!

Watch on YouTube

Having a monster, brutish big in our frontcourt in the playoffs would be a huge benefit to us in that his style of dominant play would again draw a ton of fouls, wear down and demoralize opposing teams, and create a ton of gravity for our shooters and slashers. Finally, There's the benefit of being able to play him against the other big brutish centers in the NBA such as Steven Adams, Hassan Whiteside, Joel Embiid, Etc? As well as a big strong body for Ayton to go against in practice, HOPEFULLY toughening him up somewhat!!

[lilfishi22]

Great to see Ghost back with the obscure mid-late 2nd round talent haha

Really do appreciate the work as I'm not as focused on the draft as I used to be (when the draft mattered a lot more to us) so getting this info (with video!) is fantastic

[Ghost of Kleine]

Great to see Ghost back with the obscure mid-late 2nd round talent haha

Really do appreciate the work as I'm not as focused on the draft as I used to be (when the draft mattered a lot more to us) so getting this info (with video!) is fantastic

Yeah!..... lol. Now that we're finally officially back into the playoffs, I myself haven't had much interest in the draft as I previously did.

I know..........Mind blown huh?...lol
But seriously, To reiterate, With our current stringent cap considerations, I still view these potentially unguaranteed or minimal cost 2nd round contracts to carry premium value if we could hit on a prospect of positional need. Also with interest to maintaining bench depth at the lowest possible cost. They do have some great center prospects that could backup Ayton on the cheap!

[Bogyo]

Great to see Ghost back with the obscure mid-late 2nd round talent haha

Really do appreciate the work as I'm not as focused on the draft as I used to be (when the draft mattered a lot more to us) so getting this info (with video!) is fantastic

Yeah!..... lol. Now that we're finally officially back into the playoffs, I myself haven't had much interest in the draft as I previously did.

I know..........Mind blown huh?...lol
But seriously, To reiterate, With our current stringent cap considerations, I still view these potentially unguaranteed or minimal cost 2nd round contracts to carry premium value if we could hit on a prospect of positional need. Also with interest to maintaining bench depth at the lowest possible cost. They do have some great center prospects that could backup Ayton on the cheap!

Good to have you back GoK, appreciate your work.
With that said - if you really want to do some good scouting for the communitiy here for our late-late first round pick, I think you should take a look at guys who are: dirt-old, probably projected as undrafted, or late second round, do not fill a positional need, and shoot well. That's how JJ drafts "his guys"

On a more serious note: I'd love us to trade our pick (27th to 30th) into 2-3 second rounders. We need as many hits as we can to get that backup C, or get real lucky and find the CP understudy diamond in the rough. Pels have 4 2nd round picks, OKC has 3 (not to mention another 30 picks altogether in the next 6 years ), Detroit 3, Nets 3, NY/Pacers/Hornets 2.

[sasquatchBob]

This is actually the first time since I joined RealGM that I don't care about this thread on the Suns board. Feels good.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Great to see Ghost back with the obscure mid-late 2nd round talent haha

Really do appreciate the work as I'm not as focused on the draft as I used to be (when the draft mattered a lot more to us) so getting this info (with video!) is fantastic

Yeah!..... lol. Now that we're finally officially back into the playoffs, I myself haven't had much interest in the draft as I previously did.

I know..........Mind blown huh?...lol
But seriously, To reiterate, With our current stringent cap considerations, I still view these potentially unguaranteed or minimal cost 2nd round contracts to carry premium value if we could hit on a prospect of positional need. Also with interest to maintaining bench depth at the lowest possible cost. They do have some great center prospects that could backup Ayton on the cheap!

Good to have you back GoK, appreciate your work.
With that said - if you really want to do some good scouting for the communitiy here for our late-late first round pick, I think you should take a look at guys who are: dirt-old, probably projected as undrafted, or late second round, do not fill a positional need, and shoot well. That's how JJ drafts "his guys"

On a more serious note: I'd love us to trade our pick (27th to 30th) into 2-3 second rounders. We need as many hits as we can to get that backup C, or get real lucky and find the CP understudy diamond in the rough. Pels have 4 2nd round picks, OKC has 3 (not to mention another 30 picks altogether in the next 6 years ), Detroit 3, Nets 3, NY/Pacers/Hornets 2.

Thank you man,
And you definitely make a very good point with trading into the 2nd round towards low cost contractually secured depth! Having those contracts heading into Aytons' and Mikals' extensions will be paramount to our stringent budget. There's definitely a variety of undervalued " Diamond in the rough" sleeper prospects to be considered for our depth needs. And again, those minimal cost controlled contracts will carry maximum value to us with our payroll considerations being paramount.

Overall, I'm just relieved that we're finally securing our place back in the playoffs and back on the path to relevance once more. Now we can properly utilize the draft for supplementary depth purposes.

[SlovenianDragon]

Another consideration with respect to our backup center needs would be Ibou Dianko Badji. I found it very intriguing that he's basically got almost identical measurements to that of Rudy Gobert, And is an athletic specimen. He's basically 7'1 with a 7'8 wingspan ( Same as Goberts') And an absurd 9'10 standing reach!!!

Now I do realize that he'd be a real development project, But I do strongly believe that he can develop very similarly to that of Rudy Gobert defensively! He'd be an absolute steal for us as a backup project center with a 2nd round pick.

Check out the comparison to Gobert:
http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=ibou-dianko-badji--rudy-gobert

As you can see, There measurables and stats ( general) are quite comparable.

Watch on YouTube

Another really intriguing consideration for our backup 5 interests would be Cofi Cockburn. What I really found intriguing is that Cofi actually had very similar measurements to that of Shaquille O'neal himself coming out of college.

Cofi Cockburn: 7 ft. 301 lbs. With a 7'6 wingspan.

Shaquille O'neal: 7'1 300 lbs. With a 7'7 wingspan.

Now the premise of acquiring Cofi with a 2nd round pick, Is in that he's a massive, dominant, brute force in the paint that could punish, brutalize, wear down, and draw a ton of fouls on opposing teams players with his powerful and overwhelming style of play. In doing this, the opposing teams players would be softened up, beaten up, and worn out. Making them much less effective against our starters. Also there's the immense gravity that he would create, Allowing our perimeter shooters much more open shots. Check out his style of play!!

Watch on YouTube

Having a monster, brutish big in our frontcourt in the playoffs would be a huge benefit to us in that his style of dominant play would again draw a ton of fouls, wear down and demoralize opposing teams, and create a ton of gravity for our shooters and slashers. Finally, There's the benefit of being able to play him against the other big brutish centers in the NBA such as Steven Adams, Hassan Whiteside, Joel Embiid, Etc? As well as a big strong body for Ayton to go against in practice, HOPEFULLY toughening him up somewhat!!

Cockburn you say? I'm sold on the name alone.

[RedIndian]

If I'm looking at guards at our pick range, the ones who're likely available are:

Dosunmu
Cam Thomas
Sharife Cooper
Josh Christopher
Miles McBride
Chris Duarte
Tre Mann
Joel Ayayi
Daishen Nix

Of that lot, I can see Jones gravitating towards Dosunmu, Chris Duarte and Ayayi given their age, experience and high-character values.

It's difficult to predict who emerges as the best of that lot to be honest, so it may just make sense to go for the most mature and hard-working player.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Not to get too carried away by the possibility of a 2nd round prospect ( backup center). But in looking a bit more at Sandro Mamukelashvilli. His play/ mobility/ crafty scoring ( footwork)/ PASSING does remind me somewhat of Nikola Jokic.

Check out these clips and please tell me if you guys see any potential similarities as well???
( Emphasis on his passing, shooting, crafty scoring around the rim.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Luckily for us, There's no shortage of high potential versatile center options available in the 2nd round.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Any thoughts on this kid as a late 2nd round consideration?
Julian champagnie, He seems very impressive as a very versatile, uber efficient scoring wing. He seemingly also has a good foundation and strong basketball IQ. I wonder if he might have some potential to be a slightly lesser scoring version of Mikal Bridges? Which could be good value as a low cost 3rd string option.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wyexpect.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-sleepers-st-johns-julian-champagnie.

Watch on YouTube

Also Nashon Hyland has some really impressive shooting metrics and apparent limitless range and impressive shot mechanics/ fluidity ( shooting) for our guard considerations in the 2nd round.
Ben Pfeifer (@Ben_Pfeifer_) Tweeted:
Bones Hyland is an incredible shooting prospect. Range, versatility, volume touch, all there https://t.co/KZCKS2DrTO

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Watch on YouTube

He seems to me to be very similar to a young, slender Jamal Crawford.

[AtheJ415]

If I'm looking at guards at our pick range, the ones who're likely available are:

Dosunmu
Cam Thomas
Sharife Cooper
Josh Christopher
Miles McBride
Chris Duarte
Tre Mann
Joel Ayayi
Daishen Nix

Of that lot, I can see Jones gravitating towards Dosunmu, Chris Duarte and Ayayi given their age, experience and high-character values.

It's difficult to predict who emerges as the best of that lot to be honest, so it may just make sense to go for the most mature and hard-working player.

Duarte is the guy easily. He defends, he plays hard, he can shoot, he has length, he's versatile, he's heady, and he'd buy into a role immediately. We better not be passing on him if he's there. Dosunmu's decision-making is lacking imo. I'd go Duarte, then Ayayi. Christopher would be interesting. Hurley wasted a LOT of talent last year. I don't think anybody actually improved their stock on that entire team, so it could have been the environment that held him back.

[Ghost of Kleine]

If I'm looking at guards at our pick range, the ones who're likely available are:

Dosunmu
Cam Thomas
Sharife Cooper
Josh Christopher
Miles McBride
Chris Duarte
Tre Mann
Joel Ayayi
Daishen Nix

Of that lot, I can see Jones gravitating towards Dosunmu, Chris Duarte and Ayayi given their age, experience and high-character values.

It's difficult to predict who emerges as the best of that lot to be honest, so it may just make sense to go for the most mature and hard-working player.

Duarte is the guy easily. He defends, he plays hard, he can shoot, he has length, he's versatile, he's heady, and he'd buy into a role immediately. We better not be passing on him if he's there. Dosunmu's decision-making is lacking imo. I'd go Duarte, then Ayayi. Christopher would be interesting. Hurley wasted a LOT of talent last year. I don't think anybody actually improved their stock on that entire team, so it could have been the environment that held him back.

I could definitely be down with Duarte if he still happened to be on the board when we pick!

He definitely has that fire, And a bit of Klay Thompson to his game. He'd be a fine backup to Booker to help the continuity of our offense whenever Booker sits. However, IF he happens to already be off the board when we'll finally be picking, AND with Kispert very likely to be already off the board as well, We should at that point strongly consider:

1- Sam Hauser.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4065804/sam-hauser
50% FG/ 41% 3PT / 89% Free Throws.

Watch on YouTube

2- Joe Weiscamp.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4397033/joe-wieskamp
48% FG/ 42% 3PT/ 76% Free throws.

Watch on YouTube

Either could be had with a mid to late 2nd (acquired via trade or purchased). Allowing us to use our solitary first on a backup center or a backup guard. Depending upon how we view 2021 free agency options??

Sam Hauser reminds alot of Bojan Bogdanovic
(Utah Jazz). And Joe Weiscamp reminds of Kevin Huerter honestly.

Now for my part, Two frontcourt players that I'd prioritize given our recently exposed passive play/ disposition, are:

1- Sandro Mukashavili.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/sandro-mamukelashvili-1.html

Watch on YouTube

He's basically a rich man's version of Saric. Or a budget version of Jokic. He's got a great jumpshot, advanced ballhandling, good speed, mobility, incredible court vision and crafty smooth scoring for a 6'11 240lb big man! And he plays with tenacity that is lacking in our current frontcourt. He could really bolster our bench offense and playmaking!! He should be able to be had for an early to mid 2nd round pick

2- Rayquan Gray.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4277850/raiquan-gray

Watch on YouTube

At 6'8 260 lbs. With advanced ball handling, above average passing/ playmaking ability along with strength, speed and explosiveness, He is a load in the frontcourt and plays with constant tenacity and aggression. He reminds of Draymond Green with his incredible versatility as a powerful utility forward honestly. He should be able to be had with an early to mid 2nd round pick.

Now I know that we shouldn't be prioritizing draft picks anymore at this point. But given our current impending financial constraints, We should really consider actually utilizing these 2nd rounds contracts for low cost contractually controlled depth. Allowing us to allocate the bulk of our cap space ( as needed) towards resigning Paul, And extending Ayton and Bridges!

[Ghost of Kleine]

Apparently this kid has declared for 21' draft. He's 6'11 with a 7'6 wingspan, and incredible fluidity and talent, his talent level is quite honestly on par with that of Giannis based upon his length, absurd athleticism and mobility. He's also hitting over 40% from three. And has great shooting mechanics!

Could this kid be an ultimate upside swing for the fences type of pick that the suns should definitely be tracking?

EJ ONU-
https://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/sports/60654/onu-to-enter-nba-draft-keep-eligibility-open

Read on Twitter

?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31365294/two-naia-all-american-ej-onu-explore-transfer-market%3fplatform=amp

Watch on YouTube

Now he's currently supposed to be testing the draft waters in this upcoming draft. And he's not yet on everyone's radar I believe. We took a phenomenal athlete/ talent not long ago in Jalen Lecque based on upside. Perhaps we take a swing again in the 2nd round with this kid??? He could develop great alongside of Ayton, As he has enough mobility and fluidity to play the 4 or the 5. Perhaps we could seriously entice him with a 3-4 yr contract, Just as we did with Lecque! And also selling him on joining a legitimate playoff contender.

[m1chal]

Legitimate playoff contenders rarely give rookies enough playing time. Ask Jalen Smith.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Legitimate playoff contenders rarely give rookies enough playing time. Ask Jalen Smith.

Agreed!

But that's why we'd ( if we can get someone of his caliber in the 2nd round) we can offer him a similar multiyear ( development) contract like we did with Jalen Lecque! I mean they're both high end talents, with absurd athleticism and potential. But both of course would need development time, But then be ready to step in and contribute around the time Paul might be gone and perhaps other roster adjustments take place too. Overall it's a low risk/ high reward investment, That obviously wouldn't really affect our current trajectory either!

Also, This particular prospect is exactly the kind of high end talent with franchise potential that you should target for developmental investment. Especially at such a minimal cost/ risk.

[sunsbg]

With a 29th pick you probably try to turn it into 2 second round picks to increase the chance to get lucky.

There are interesting comparisons for a few 2nd rounders here - https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2021-2nd-round/

[bwgood77]

I like this line of thinking! Ayton on Lebron, And then perhaps a double of maybe Crowder and Bridges on Davis? Our rotations will certainly have to be on point and very crisp! But if we can sustain good defensive communication and strong weakside rotations, Then perhaps we could disrupt them enough to steal a game or two if lucky! ** Also with Johnson, Booker and Satic/ Kaminsky actually hitting their shots accordingly to draw Davis and Drummond out of the paint.

That being said, We definitely have exceeded our expectations by making the playoffs! But we'll also have to seriously look at adding more size, depth to our frontcourt to matchup with the teams with bigger front lines such as the Lakers, Jazz, Clippers, Etc. We'll need to prioritize more length speed and athleticism if available via free agency or via the draft to minimize contractual cost.

Maybe we can find a guy in the 2nd round of the draft that could guard AD or LeBron next year. Do we have our 2nd rounder? Any good candidates?

Unfortunately, I believe that Memphis holds the rights to our 2nd in the 2021 draft???

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24148729/brooklyn-nets-acquire-jared-dudley-2021-second-round-pick-phoenix-suns-darrell-arthur

So we'd have to trade in or purchase a pick. But there are actually quite a few very decent options throughout the 2nd round honestly. And even though they'd obviously struggle some to contain players like AD and/ or Lebron, They definitely be very cost effective ways for us to add tangible size, athleticism and length to our frontcourt for subsequent matchups specifically against teams such as the lakers with AD/ Drummond/ Gasol, Etc.

IF we can/ do trade in or buy in, These are quite honestly the best candidates that I've come across so far:

Spoiler:

1- Jay Huff
He's 7'1 around 240lbs with a 7'5 wingspan ( 1 inch below Davis' reported 7'6 wingspan). He's got a high basketball IQ, Plays very good defense for Virginia, AND hits the three at a very good percentage ( 38%). And has a FG% of around 58%, TS% 59% and a BPM of 12.2.

Watch on YouTube

** I love his versatility, aggressiveness, length, mobility and IQ. And that he can actually play both the 4 and the 5. He's currently still under the radar, And projected in the mid to late 2nd range. He'd be great next to either Ayton OR Saric due to his versatile complimentary skillset, defense and size.

2- Sandro Mukashavili
Sandro is 6'11 240 lbs with around a 7'1 wingspan. Now his value would be predicated not as much on his defensive ability. But to maintain our offense, playmaking versatility whenever Ayton sits, Or even alongside of Ayton, Wherein Ayton focuses solely on the defensive end! Really there's almost nothing on the offensive end that Sandro can't do! He's a great playmaker for a 6'11 big. He's got advanced ballhandling and really crafty scoring in the post, great speed and fluidity, hits big shots and is aggressive and does have solid athleticism and a high basketball IQ. He's basically a RICH man's version of Saric, Or a budget version of Jokic honestly!!! He's currently under the radar, And can be had with an early to mid range 2nd round pick. And would quite honestly be a big upgrade from Saric and/ or Kaminsky. Lastly, He'd be the perfect offensive compliment to Smith, As he could help orchestrate our frontcourt offense, Whilst Jalen can focus primarily on defense AND his spot up shooting as Sandro is a tremendous high level passer!

Watch on YouTube

**Sandro is also versatile enough to play both positions as well! I just love that he could initiate the offense himself on the break, And is a high level passer. He could basically really help Booker in those situations, wherein Paul rests, And Book plays the point! And I think with a little time and chemistry, Booker and Sandro could become a lethal combination in the pick and roll. If you can envision the possibilities!

3- Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta is 7 ft. 226 lbs with a 7'4 wingspan and is a very good defensive center. He actually compares somewhat favorably to AD ( crazy enough to consider) in terms of statistical production in a few areas, Which gives hope to his projected defensive potential.
He has a Fg% 55, TS% 59, EFG% 55, And a BPM of 12.2.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=neemias-queta--anthony-davis

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Queta is a terrific defensive player with great weakside rotational awareness and who plays smart defense by staying vertical and also does have a developing faceup game. The only real knock on Queta would be his lack of a 3 point shot as of yet in his toolbox. But he's still a great rim protector and weakside defender regardless. And his shooting mechanics are decent enough for there to be hope of developing a reliable 3 point shot in time.

** Honorable mention
1- Ibou Dianko Badji ( extreme upside prospect). Badji is an uber athletic 7'1 240 lb.big man with an absurd 7'8 wingspan and a 9'10 standing reach.
https://www.nbadraftjunkies.com/ibou-badji

He's basically a raw version ( due to lack of playing time in Barcelona) of Rudy Gobert. And he projects comparably to Gobert ( in time) defensively!!! He's currently projected to be a late 2nd to undrafted upside pick. He'd be an excellent draft and stash option for us honestly!

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2- Kofi Cockburn
Kofi is an absolutely dominating powerhouse brute in the post. He's got very similar measurables and girth to that of a young SHAQUILLE O'NEAL. He's 7'0 285 lbs with a 7'6 wingspan And has a very similar style of brutish overpowering play. Now my interest in Cockburn would be in that he's just so massive, heavy, long and powerful in the paint, That he'd exhaust, brutalize, demoralize and beat up opposing frontcourts! As well as the tremendous gravity in the paint that he creates would really benefit our shooters. He'd also be a perfect consideration to match up against the bigger, stronger, heavier centers such as Drummond, Gasol, Whiteside, Valuncias, Adam's, Embiid, Howard, Nurkic, etc that seems to consistently be giving our finesse frontcourt major issues. Additionally, he'd provide us the benefits in the playoffs of toughness, a dominant presence in the paint, drawing a ton of fouls, intimidating the penetration of the opposition, And again, wearing out the opposition with his sheer size and power game. * Someone did mention that Davis has trouble against the bigger, stronger centers in the league. Now with his apparent back issues and fragility overall, Perhaps we can exploit this somewhat?? using Kofis' sheer size and brutish power? Or at the very least, He could provide 5 very hard fouls AND wear either of Davis or James down considerably. Making them much less effective against us at times?
He's currently projected as a late to undrafted prospect. So he could be considered a tremendous value pick and provide us with a different look and much needed size in the playoffs?

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Those are just a few considerations available in the 2nd round for minimal cost.

I can't see us buying or trading into the 2nd round when we have so much depth, can't even get a 10th round pick on the floor, etc.

We use our first rounder, which will be a very cheap guaranteed deal with team option the last two years...in some ways it's a nice pick to have, and then maybe test a couple undrafted players in camp...maybe one of your guys fall.

I definitely can't watch a bunch of videos in one post. Focusing on one per post might get more people to watch and comment, but too many, especially 2nd round guys, won't likely pique any interest to watch 4-5 or more videos. 1 maybe. And you could spread them out over posts so they don't eat up so much of people's time.