Hal’s Draft Thread

[Patsfan1081]

I am kind of torn on Johnson.

Coach K couldnt make it work with him and Duke was better with him not on the court. No one respected his shot enough to open his game, he got injured.

I would not trade up for him, to many risks involved, much less trade a guy like MArcus to move up for him.

Huh? Johnson's BPM (Box Score Plus Minus) was +8.5, which is 3rd on the team at Duke.

People didn't respect his shot? Well if they didn't that's their fault, not Johnson - dude shot 44.4% from 3

He shot 1.5 threes per game. a total of 18 three pointers.

And Duke won like 6 or 7 games in a row after he left the team.

There are flags is all i am saying

He was efficient in high school, a good midrange guy. His shot would prob be the least of my worries. Like you said he has some off the court worries, I don’t want another Timelord.

[playa-hater]

starting early my list of likes for Boston at their 13-18 pick are in no order:

Keon Johnson. - despite not needing a SG, I think he has special upside if he were to fall.

Josh Giddey - what I would consider is a nice all around glue player.

Jalen Johnson -If he checks out, need + talent is there.

Kai Jones - a little more skilled Timelord talent and certainly need his position.

Ziaire Williams - actually think he is Tatum-lite.

Not sold on :

Franz Wagner - may change my mind, but doesn't overly impress me.

Usman Garuba - not the same player but he reminds me too much of Yabusele.

Corey Kispert - while I do love shooters, seems so blah at everything else.

still working on the other prospects. although that pick may be used in a trade, there is still some decent talent available around the mid teens.

[31to6]

Josh. Giddey.

He should be our pick

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

[reload141]

Josh. Giddey.

He should be our pick

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

Yeah i'm in Melbourne and catch the odd game of him here and there, I got a mate who follows him closer and I'll get a more in-depth comparison.

But being 18 and 6"8 and playing against grown men in a way more physical league (This is why I think LaMelo benefitted being here and I have said that before) is always such a big bonus.

He has a really high BBIQ and is a facilitator first and foremost, he penetrates and makes the right passes, he obviously needs to put on size but on a team that really lacks that someone that can make the right decisions and put our Star wings in the right place to hit shots he would help them so much.

While he doesn't have explosiveness or a quick first step and not a long wingspan, in Brad's system of switching and not being a midget (HOORAY) I think he will be fantastic at our possible pick and in our system he would really thrive.

LaMelo struggled in the NBL because of it's physicality and it's more fast paced than College, but as you can see the game is slower in the NBA and that's when having a real understanding of how the game is played and being that floor general that he is, I mean.... just look at how he has transitioned.

He does need to improve his shooting but like LaMelo, in Australia the defence is allowed to play harder and its tighter.... he will have to work hard to be a better shooter but from all the reports I've heard about his work ethic he wants it.

We lack this sort of player, and imagine the silver service lobs RWIII (if he stays healthy) would get.

I would be thrilled to have him as our starting PG of the future, and this is exactly how I would feel if we drafted him.



Edit: Rondo/Rubio with better shooting is my NBA comparison.

[BillessuR6]

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

Yeah i'm in Melbourne and catch the odd game of him here and there, I got a mate who follows him closer and I'll get a more in-depth comparison.

But being 18 and 6"8 and playing against grown men in a way more physical league (This is why I think LaMelo benefitted being here and I have said that before) is always such a big bonus.

He has a really high BBIQ and is a facilitator first and foremost, he penetrates and makes the right passes, he obviously needs to put on size but on a team that really lacks that someone that can make the right decisions and put our Star wings in the right place to hit shots he would help them so much.

While he doesn't have explosiveness or a quick first step and not a long wingspan, in Brad's system of switching and not being a midget (HOORAY) I think he will be fantastic at our possible pick and in our system he would really thrive.

LaMelo struggled in the NBL because of it's physicality and it's more fast paced than College, but as you can see the game is slower in the NBA and that's when having a real understanding of how the game is played and being that floor general that he is, I mean.... just look at how he has transitioned.

He does need to improve his shooting but like LaMelo, in Australia the defence is allowed to play harder and its tighter.... he will have to work hard to be a better shooter but from all the reports I've heard about his work ethic he wants it.

We lack this sort of player, and imagine the silver service lobs RWIII (if he stays healthy) would get.

I would be thrilled to have him as our starting PG of the future, and this is exactly how I would feel if we drafted him.



Edit: Rondo/Rubio with better shooting is my NBA comparison.

Thanks! Just one more question...With international prospects I always look at how they perform in the clutch. If they have that winning gene... Bogdanovic from the Hawks was a player that wanted to be the guy at the end of the game. Doncic obviously the same... What about Giddey?

I think this shows the mentality of a player and really raises the prospects ceiling...

[reload141]

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

Yeah i'm in Melbourne and catch the odd game of him here and there, I got a mate who follows him closer and I'll get a more in-depth comparison.

But being 18 and 6"8 and playing against grown men in a way more physical league (This is why I think LaMelo benefitted being here and I have said that before) is always such a big bonus.

He has a really high BBIQ and is a facilitator first and foremost, he penetrates and makes the right passes, he obviously needs to put on size but on a team that really lacks that someone that can make the right decisions and put our Star wings in the right place to hit shots he would help them so much.

While he doesn't have explosiveness or a quick first step and not a long wingspan, in Brad's system of switching and not being a midget (HOORAY) I think he will be fantastic at our possible pick and in our system he would really thrive.

LaMelo struggled in the NBL because of it's physicality and it's more fast paced than College, but as you can see the game is slower in the NBA and that's when having a real understanding of how the game is played and being that floor general that he is, I mean.... just look at how he has transitioned.

He does need to improve his shooting but like LaMelo, in Australia the defence is allowed to play harder and its tighter.... he will have to work hard to be a better shooter but from all the reports I've heard about his work ethic he wants it.

We lack this sort of player, and imagine the silver service lobs RWIII (if he stays healthy) would get.

I would be thrilled to have him as our starting PG of the future, and this is exactly how I would feel if we drafted him.



Edit: Rondo/Rubio with better shooting is my NBA comparison.

Thanks! Just one more question...With international prospects I always look at how they perform in the clutch. If they have that winning gene... Bogdanovic from the Hawks was a player that wanted to be the guy at the end of the game. Doncic obviously the same... What about Giddey?

I think this shows the mentality of a player and really raises the prospects ceiling...

I haven’t seen a whole lot of that but my mate (he’s not saying he’s the next Doncic by ANY means) but says he’s very similar. Real savvy player and cool calm collected in the clutch.

This is probably all you need to know, we have a mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine where you can’t leave your room in Australia for international arrivals.

And still, the Raps sent scouts here. They’ve got an excellent scouting team so they must be VERY interested.

https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-scouting-josh-giddey-for-2021-nba-draft

[aporel18]

Usman Garuba - not the same player but he reminds me too much of Yabusele.

Nah... Usman can guard 1-5, and that alone is getting him minutes in Euroleague and ACB this year. He's still raw, and needs to improve his shoot and his handle, but he has great court vision and agility. Nothing to do with Yabusele, who might replace him on Real Madrid, if you have to believe some rumors, but is a total different player.

He is a more skilled Leon Powe, but with healthy knees, or an offensively skilled Rodman, but with less bounce. The kid used to dominate boys 2 or 3 years older, because of his athleticism, but mainly because of his tenacity.

Usman is a fast learner, he'll be a solid starter in the NBA if he goes to the right team, and could be more than that.

And being an undersized big, there's a chance Ainge picks him if available

[Hal14]

Not sure is JJ would be a true 4 in the league but yeah, count me in as someone also intrigued by his skill set. Would be nice to see them trade up for the more unpolished player instead of trading back for quantity like they have recently.

Depends on what you mean by "true 4". If you mean a true 4 like a Barkley, Mchale, Karl Malone type, well then no - Jalen Johnson is not that.

If you mean a stretch 4, which is what the position has evolved to become in the modern NBA, then yes. Today's stretch 4 = typically in the 6'8-6'10" range, most teams play 4 out, 1 in. So a modern stretch 4 is usually more of a perimeter player/wing who can shoot the 3, put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, and has the quickness to defend the perimeter as well as play on the perimeter on offense - while at the same time has enough size to be a force inside as well, should be a solid rebounder, should be able to go down inside and defend bigger guys and ideally even provide some rim protection.

Guys like John Collins, Pascal Siakam and Anthony Davis are prototype stretch 4's. From what I've seen from Jalen Johnson, he fits that mold perfectly, plus he has the added dimension of really good passing.

[Hal14]

Watching some Giddey videos and I'm getting Giddey haha.

Really like this guy. Can't believe this dude is only 18 and he has that type of skill set at 6'8". Seems insanely poised with the ball, confident, mature for an 18 year old kid playing against professionals and also playing with a high motor, wow.

Giddey or Jalen Johnson would be awesome for this Celtics team.

[playa-hater]

Usman Garuba - not the same player but he reminds me too much of Yabusele.

Nah... Usman can guard 1-5, and that alone is getting him minutes in Euroleague and ACB this year. He's still raw, and needs to improve his shoot and his handle, but he has great court vision and agility. Nothing to do with Yabusele, who might replace him on Real Madrid, if you have to believe some rumors, but is a total different player.

He is a more skilled Leon Powe, but with healthy knees, or an offensively skilled Rodman, but with less bounce. The kid used to dominate boys 2 or 3 years older, because of his athleticism, but mainly because of his tenacity.

Usman is a fast learner, he'll be a solid starter in the NBA if he goes to the right team, and could be more than that.

And being an undersized big, there's a chance Ainge picks him if available

good points. and LOL on the bold.

[playa-hater]

Watching some Giddey videos and I'm getting Giddey haha.

Really like this guy. Can't believe this dude is only 18 and he has that type of skill set at 6'8". Seems insanely poised with the ball, confident, mature for an 18 year old kid playing against professionals, wow.

Giddey or Jalen Johnson would be awesome for this Celtics team.

Agreed and I hope Boston can "get" the opportunity to trade up if/when necessary.

[playa-hater]

Josh. Giddey.

He should be our pick

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

The fact that Lamelo is doing so much better in the NBA vs Australia leads me to believe that the level is very good and that Giddey, under the right team/circumstances may really turn out to be a damn good player.

[Hal14]

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

The fact that Lamelo is doing so much better in the NBA vs Australia leads me to believe that the level is very good and that Giddey, under the right team/circumstances may really turn out to be a damn good player.

Maybe Lamelo was on a bad team in Australia, compared to Giddey's team? Lamelo is on a charlotte team with a pretty good amount of talent around him..

Or Lamelo just improved/developed a lot from last season at age 18 to this season at age 19, which most players do.

But that means good news for whatever team takes Giddey that he is playing like this and he's only 18..

[aporel18]

Celtics need shooting with size


With Celtics first round pick (16) I'd like Kai Jones, Usman Garuba or Josh Giddey (though I think he'll end as a Top 10 pick).

With Celtics second round pick (46), Petrusev if he slips, or else one of the Isaiahs, Todd/Livers.


PF starter + depth to push Semi/Grant back in the rotation, or maybe off the roster.

guard/wing depth would require better picks, and might be set in Free Agency (keep Smart/Kemba, resign Fournier, sign IT for the vet min )

[31to6]

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

The fact that Lamelo is doing so much better in the NBA vs Australia leads me to believe that the level is very good and that Giddey, under the right team/circumstances may really turn out to be a damn good player.

Maybe Lamelo was on a bad team in Australia, compared to Giddey's team? Lamelo is on a charlotte team with a pretty good amount of talent around him..

Or Lamelo just improved/developed a lot from last season at age 18 to this season at age 19, which most players do.

But that means good news for whatever team takes Giddey that he is playing like this and he's only 18..

True -- Lamelo + Doncic probably means Giddey goes higher in this draft than he otherwise would. I'm interested, but he looks like an NBA vet would be licking their chops to go against him. Can he add muscle to that frame?

Like others, I like the idea of trying to move up this year for a specific target (quality 4 or 5, or PG with size).

[Hal14]

The fact that Lamelo is doing so much better in the NBA vs Australia leads me to believe that the level is very good and that Giddey, under the right team/circumstances may really turn out to be a damn good player.

Maybe Lamelo was on a bad team in Australia, compared to Giddey's team? Lamelo is on a charlotte team with a pretty good amount of talent around him..

Or Lamelo just improved/developed a lot from last season at age 18 to this season at age 19, which most players do.

But that means good news for whatever team takes Giddey that he is playing like this and he's only 18..

True -- Lamelo + Doncic probably means Giddey goes higher in this draft than he otherwise would. I'm interested, but he looks like an NBA vet would be licking their chops to go against him. Can he add muscle to that frame?

Like others, I like the idea of trying to move up this year for a specific target (quality 4 or 5, or PG with size).

What 18 year old other than LeBron and Zion has had a really strong/muscular frame? He's made a lot of plays in the videos I have seen finishing strong through contact vs bigger defenders.

[Hal14]

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

Yeah i'm in Melbourne and catch the odd game of him here and there, I got a mate who follows him closer and I'll get a more in-depth comparison.

But being 18 and 6"8 and playing against grown men in a way more physical league (This is why I think LaMelo benefitted being here and I have said that before) is always such a big bonus.

He has a really high BBIQ and is a facilitator first and foremost, he penetrates and makes the right passes, he obviously needs to put on size but on a team that really lacks that someone that can make the right decisions and put our Star wings in the right place to hit shots he would help them so much.

While he doesn't have explosiveness or a quick first step and not a long wingspan, in Brad's system of switching and not being a midget (HOORAY) I think he will be fantastic at our possible pick and in our system he would really thrive.

LaMelo struggled in the NBL because of it's physicality and it's more fast paced than College, but as you can see the game is slower in the NBA and that's when having a real understanding of how the game is played and being that floor general that he is, I mean.... just look at how he has transitioned.

He does need to improve his shooting but like LaMelo, in Australia the defence is allowed to play harder and its tighter.... he will have to work hard to be a better shooter but from all the reports I've heard about his work ethic he wants it.

We lack this sort of player, and imagine the silver service lobs RWIII (if he stays healthy) would get.

I would be thrilled to have him as our starting PG of the future, and this is exactly how I would feel if we drafted him.



Edit: Rondo/Rubio with better shooting is my NBA comparison.

And if Rubio/Rondo was 6'8"

[Celts17Pride]

One way or another the Celtics have to improve the 4/5 position or it will be another why bother season. Robert Williams III is the only quality big the Celtics have in my opinion. Either through the draft, trade or free agency the Celtics need to add two quality big man that can defend the pick and roll, defend bigs and rebound. Don't care if they average 6-8 points. Celtics have enough scoring.

[3D Chess]

Maybe Lamelo was on a bad team in Australia, compared to Giddey's team? Lamelo is on a charlotte team with a pretty good amount of talent around him..

Melo's team was complete trash basket, Giddey's is half decent.

Just another Aussie throwing my hat in the "Draft Giddey" ring.

[GoGreen]

You are in Australia, right? Can you give us a scouting report on him?

I watched clips, read about him but you have probably seen him play quite a lot...how do you rate his potential, what is his ceiling in the NBA?

Thanks!

I want to second this request. I see Adam Morrison, in terms of physique/athleticism, but I was so blatantly off in evaluating Doncic that I — like some teams? — would be tempted to overdraft Giddy so as not to “make the same mistake twice.”

Reload you told us Exum wasn’t really all that when I was hoping he was, so I trust your opinion on Aussie prospects. Any of our 20+ other Aussie members though please feel free to pipe in as well! Thanks.

Yeah i'm in Melbourne and catch the odd game of him here and there, I got a mate who follows him closer and I'll get a more in-depth comparison.

But being 18 and 6"8 and playing against grown men in a way more physical league (This is why I think LaMelo benefitted being here and I have said that before) is always such a big bonus.

He has a really high BBIQ and is a facilitator first and foremost, he penetrates and makes the right passes, he obviously needs to put on size but on a team that really lacks that someone that can make the right decisions and put our Star wings in the right place to hit shots he would help them so much.

While he doesn't have explosiveness or a quick first step and not a long wingspan, in Brad's system of switching and not being a midget (HOORAY) I think he will be fantastic at our possible pick and in our system he would really thrive.

LaMelo struggled in the NBL because of it's physicality and it's more fast paced than College, but as you can see the game is slower in the NBA and that's when having a real understanding of how the game is played and being that floor general that he is, I mean.... just look at how he has transitioned.

He does need to improve his shooting but like LaMelo, in Australia the defence is allowed to play harder and its tighter.... he will have to work hard to be a better shooter but from all the reports I've heard about his work ethic he wants it.

We lack this sort of player, and imagine the silver service lobs RWIII (if he stays healthy) would get.

I would be thrilled to have him as our starting PG of the future, and this is exactly how I would feel if we drafted him.



Edit: Rondo/Rubio with better shooting is my NBA comparison.

Oh I like this. I like this a lot.