Hal’s Draft Thread

[BostonCouchGM]

[tweet][/tweet]

Why draft a pg when you have Yom Madar waiting in the wings? Either find competent size or trade the pick.

Pritchard should start if someone is dumb enough to take Kemba off our hands and is much better than Madar but maybe Madar can adequately back him up. Either way, there’s nobody better than Pritchard dropping to us and we’re pretty well set at the position because of him anyway. Just getting upgrades for the scrubs on our bench will improve us dramatically

[playa-hater]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

[batabatuta]

Our team construction as a whole is trash. So forget about the best fit, get the BPA.

[playa-hater]

Our team construction as a whole is trash. So forget about the best fit, get the BPA.

as I said earlier in this thread. I think JJ may be the best of both

[GoGreen]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

I worry JJ will command the ball too much, like Tatum and Brown. Can he be the playmaker this team needs? If he develops his passing, that would be great. Kai seems like defense first, offense second kinda 4 which is exactly what we could use.

[playa-hater]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

I worry JJ will command the ball too much, like Tatum and Brown. Can he be the playmaker this team needs? If he develops his passing, that would be great. Kai seems like defense first, offense second kinda 4 which is exactly what we could use.

Maybe down the road, but a rookie demanding the ball from the Js would surprise me. He is a good passer, so who knows. but strongly built and a hopefully pretty good shooter.

[Hal14]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

I worry JJ will command the ball too much, like Tatum and Brown. Can he be the playmaker this team needs? If he develops his passing, that would be great. Kai seems like defense first, offense second kinda 4 which is exactly what we could use.

Fair point. Johnson is definitely more ball-dominant. Here's their usage % from last season:

Johnson 28.6%
Jones 18%

Obviously a really big difference so based on that, yes I can see where we would want the less ball-dominant guy especially with our lack of ball movement caused in large part by the fact that we have 3 players all with usage % over 25% (brown, Tatum, Walker)

On the flip side, Johnson makes up for it because his assist % is so damn high so at least he would help our ball movement in that aspect. Here's each player's assist %:

Johnson 20.5%
Jones 5.4%

[JediMasterRevan]

I am still of the belief that Tatum is an ideal modern day PF. I mean look at the numbers he has put up the last 2 seasons as a "guy playing out of position"

Thinking that, then that means we cuurently have

Point guards - Kemba, Pritchard
Power Forwards - Tatum, Parker, Grant W
Centers - Timelord, Thompson, Kornet

Wings-Brown, Fournier, Romeo, Nesmith

PG/Wing Combo - Smart

Looking at depth, PG is an area that needs addressed more than about anything. Especially if the team is shopping Kemba

Unless you feel that Yam can come over next year and be an impact player. (not sure on it personally)


Davion Mitchell is perfect for us if he is available still. And with his age it will be an easier transition for he. He can contribute right away. He can be a lead PG right away in the league.

[GoGreen]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

I worry JJ will command the ball too much, like Tatum and Brown. Can he be the playmaker this team needs? If he develops his passing, that would be great. Kai seems like defense first, offense second kinda 4 which is exactly what we could use.

Fair point. Johnson is definitely more ball-dominant. Here's their usage % from last season:

Johnson 28.6%
Jones 18%

Obviously a really big difference so based on that, yes I can see where we would want the less ball-dominant guy especially with our lack of ball movement caused in large part by the fact that we have 3 players all with usage % over 25% (brown, Tatum, Walker)

On the flip side, Johnson makesup for it because his assist % is so damn high so at least he would help our ball movement in that aspect. Here's each player's assist %:

Johnson 20.5%
Jones 5.4%

Yup, his point forward abilities are what really intrigues me about him. If he does fall to 16, I think it's a no brainer

[Hal14]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

Fair point about the importance of guys with defensive versatility and switchability. With that being said:

1) I wouldn't really give an edge to Johnson based on that. I'd call it a wash. Footage I've seen, you see Johnson do a good job defending the perimeter while at the same time he can more than hold his own bodying up bigs down low.

However, Jones appears to be equally as good in this regard. See this article:

https://leaguealertsofficial.com/2021/04/15/kai-jones-may-be-the-biggest-underdog-in-this-years-nba-draft/

An excerpt from the article:

"Defensively, Jones has a chance to guard 1-5. He takes advantage of his quick feet in the perimeter, where he has been able to switch on guards and remain a problem because they can’t get separation, he is just quick enough and too long for guards to blow by him like he is any other big. He also does well contesting shots in the perimeter, particularly in closeouts."

2) I know that I shot down Ziaire Williams when someone posted about him earlier in this thread and I said how "we don't need more wings" but I'm watching footage of him now and Ziaire looks very similar to Jalen Johnson. Both very good passers. Both long and athletic, both get high above the rim, both dangerous in transition either leading the break or finishing on it, both versatile defenders. Key differences I'm seeing:

Johnson = 1 inch taller and definitely stronger frame, better able to body up/switch onto bigs down low, can even be a small ball 5 at times

Shooting-wise, I know Johnson shot a higher % from 3 but that was with small sample size of games played and shot attempts - people say that Johnson is really not that good of a shooter. On the other hand, Williams shooting % from floor and from 3 aren't very good but on film he has such a smooth motion/mechanics, he looks smooth as butter when shooting off the catch and off the dribble so I think he's got potential to really improve there.

Bottom line, Williams looks very similar to Johnson except Johnson is a little bigger and overall maybe just a little better - and Williams doesn't have all these work ethic/character/desire red flags. And it seems pretty unlikely that Johnson will still be on the board at 16. So if Johnson and Jones are off the board, our best option might be going with Williams.

[playa-hater]

I am thinking my top choice between J Johnson and Kai Jones is now JJ. Reason being watching the Nets tonight, they barely even played a center. Everything was forcing a switch and taking advantage of mismatches. Only way to possible to defend that is with very good switchable defenders. With that JJ rates slightly better in that regard over Kai. Or in other words a good 3-4 over a good 4-5.

But it is still vert close.

Fair point about the importance of guys with defensive versatility and switchability. With that being said:

1) I wouldn't really give an edge to Johnson based on that. I'd call it a wash. Footage I've seen, you see Johnson do a good job defending the perimeter while at the same time he can more than hold his own bodying up bigs down low.

However, Jones appears to be equally as good in this regard. See this article:

https://leaguealertsofficial.com/2021/04/15/kai-jones-may-be-the-biggest-underdog-in-this-years-nba-draft/

An excerpt from the article:

"Defensively, Jones has a chance to guard 1-5. He takes advantage of his quick feet in the perimeter, where he has been able to switch on guards and remain a problem because they can’t get separation, he is just quick enough and too long for guards to blow by him like he is any other big. He also does well contesting shots in the perimeter, particularly in closeouts."

2) I know that I shot down Ziaire Williams when someone posted about him earlier in this thread and I said how "we don't need more wings" but I'm watching footage of him now and Ziaire looks very similar to Jalen Johnson. Both very good passers. Both long and athletic, both get high above the rim, both dangerous in transition either leading the break or finishing on it, both versatile defenders. Key differences I'm seeing:

Johnson = 1 inch taller and definitely stronger frame, better able to body up/switch onto bigs down low, can even be a small ball 5 at times

Shooting-wise, I know Johnson shot a higher % from 3 but that was with small sample size of games played and shot attempts - people say that Johnson is really not that good of a shooter. On the other hand, Williams shooting % from floor and from 3 aren't very good but on film he has such a smooth motion/mechanics, he looks smooth as butter when shooting off the catch and off the dribble so I think he's got potential to really improve there.

Bottom line, Williams looks very similar to Johnson except Johnson is a little bigger and overall maybe just a little better - and Williams doesn't have all these work ethic/character/desire red flags. And it seems pretty unlikely that Johnson will still be on the board at 16. So if Johnson and Jones are off the board, our best option might be going with Williams.

I really do enjoy the thorough research that you come up with. As I said before it is still early in a process with me studying the film. But my early thoughts were along the lines of JJ Has enough versatility in nad he might be able to switch on any of all 5 positions based on his height size and athletic ability, Very similar to Tatum in that regard. While Kai Jones is obviously a much more interior threat defensively with enough athleticism to cover the 4 and 3 positions. So maybe it's a little apples to oranges. And I really really do like them both. So instead of saying I like one or the other I'm just strictly hope in 1 of those 2 will be there as my top choice.

But who knows maybe by some miracle they are both available on that's when a choice has to be made

Meanwhile I was the one who Who declared my love of zire Williams as a prospect. I mention he was Tatum lite. He has really good offensive potential with some good defensive abilities just extremely thin at the moment. He is still in my top 5

[threrf23]

I really do enjoy the thorough research that you come up with. As I said before it is still early in a process with me studying the film. But my early thoughts were along the lines of JJ Has enough versatility in nad he might be able to switch on any of all 5 positions based on his height size and athletic ability, Very similar to Tatum in that regard. While Kai Jones is obviously a much more interior threat defensively with enough athleticism to cover the 4 and 3 positions. So maybe it's a little apples to oranges. And I really really do like them both. So instead of saying I like one or the other I'm just strictly hope in 1 of those 2 will be there as my top choice.

But who knows maybe by some miracle they are both available on that's when a choice has to be made

Meanwhile I was the one who Who declared my love of zire Williams as a prospect. I mention he was Tatum lite. He has really good off fensive potential with some good defense of a bellies just extremely thin at the moment. He is still in my top 5

Jalen Johnson to me sounds like and statistically looks like a less selfish Antoine Walker (which maybe makes him Lamar Odom). I'm curious if there is any real substance to the character concerns, or whether he opted out of last season to hide an injury...but otherwise I'm good with him (and I expect his stock to rise).

For Kai Jones to have so much length and athleticism and only average 8 rebounds per 40 over two season - that's a big red flag from a statistical standpoint. Rebounding doesn't require development, just effort, awareness, instincts, fundamentals, etc. A/TO and foul efficiency also suggests a raw-ish player who simply won't be nearly as versatile as his athleticism allows. Maybe some of that is Shaka Smart's system but IMO he's a guy you take a flier on once all the good prospects are off the board, not a guy you want to end up with.

Zaire Williams is statistically underwhelming - poor percentages, A/TO and foul efficiency not great, 6.5 rebounds per 40 isn't horrible but there aren't too many SFs who posted below 7 as a freshman and went on to become too much more than a journeyman. Also a little old for his class, and wings ranked where he was ranked out of HS (near the top but outside of the top 3) often are guys who have all the tools but never really put them together.

(nbadraftroom compares Williams to 'everything Josh Jackson was supposed to be,' but I suspect he is more a less talented Josh Jackson)

[winsomme2]

The guy that I see rocketing up draft boards soon is Trey Murphy. Dude is going to be a great pro IMO. Just hoping he doesn't go lottery level. Definitely under the radar at the moment. Not sure why.

[playa-hater]

The guy that I see rocketing up draft boards soon is Trey Murphy. Dude is going to be a great pro IMO. Just hoping he doesn't go lottery level. Definitely under the radar at the moment. Not sure why.

and curiosity has me running to the film sessions.

[playa-hater]

The guy that I see rocketing up draft boards soon is Trey Murphy. Dude is going to be a great pro IMO. Just hoping he doesn't go lottery level. Definitely under the radar at the moment. Not sure why.

and curiosity has me running to the film sessions.

After the first video. Great length and lateral movement. Upper body shoots correctly, but not much lift on his shot. Doesn't create at all. Good defensive versatility, though very skinny. Coming from Virginia, he is probably very fundamentally sound. They play a very slow and methodical offense which can dampen what a player can do. But like M Brogdon, may surprise.

Don't know if I would take him at 16 but definitely intrigued. Could be OG Anoby like player.

[playa-hater]

I really do enjoy the thorough research that you come up with. As I said before it is still early in a process with me studying the film. But my early thoughts were along the lines of JJ Has enough versatility in nad he might be able to switch on any of all 5 positions based on his height size and athletic ability, Very similar to Tatum in that regard. While Kai Jones is obviously a much more interior threat defensively with enough athleticism to cover the 4 and 3 positions. So maybe it's a little apples to oranges. And I really really do like them both. So instead of saying I like one or the other I'm just strictly hope in 1 of those 2 will be there as my top choice.

But who knows maybe by some miracle they are both available on that's when a choice has to be made

Meanwhile I was the one who Who declared my love of zire Williams as a prospect. I mention he was Tatum lite. He has really good off fensive potential with some good defense of a bellies just extremely thin at the moment. He is still in my top 5

Jalen Johnson to me sounds like and statistically looks like a less selfish Antoine Walker (which maybe makes him Lamar Odom). I'm curious if there is any real substance to the character concerns, or whether he opted out of last season to hide an injury...but otherwise I'm good with him (and I expect his stock to rise).

For Kai Jones to have so much length and athleticism and only average 8 rebounds per 40 over two season - that's a big red flag from a statistical standpoint. Rebounding doesn't require development, just effort, awareness, instincts, fundamentals, etc. A/TO and foul efficiency also suggests a raw-ish player who simply won't be nearly as versatile as his athleticism allows. Maybe some of that is Shaka Smart's system but IMO he's a guy you take a flier on once all the good prospects are off the board, not a guy you want to end up with.

Zaire Williams is statistically underwhelming - poor percentages, A/TO and foul efficiency not great, 6.5 rebounds per 40 isn't horrible but there aren't too many SFs who posted below 7 as a freshman and went on to become too much more than a journeyman. Also a little old for his class, and wings ranked where he was ranked out of HS (near the top but outside of the top 3) often are guys who have all the tools but never really put them together.

(nbadraftroom compares Williams to 'everything Josh Jackson was supposed to be,' but I suspect he is more a less talented Josh Jackson)

Josh Jackson had a Broken looking jumper, while Z Williams has a smoother looking jumper at least. JJ was also the 4th pick where as ZW is mid first probably. So a little different IMO.

[return2glory]

I see people mentioning Mitchell. He exploding in the tournament. He won’t be available at 16. He should be going in the top 10.

[winsomme2]

The guy that I see rocketing up draft boards soon is Trey Murphy. Dude is going to be a great pro IMO. Just hoping he doesn't go lottery level. Definitely under the radar at the moment. Not sure why.

and curiosity has me running to the film sessions.

After the first video. Great length and lateral movement. Upper body shoots correctly, but not much lift on his shot. Doesn't create at all. Good defensive versatility, though very skinny. Coming from Virginia, he is probably very fundamentally sound. They play a very slow and methodical offense which can dampen what a player can do. But like M Brogdon, may surprise.

Don't know if I would take him at 16 but definitely intrigued. Could be OG Anoby like player.

Mostly agree. But as I kept watching I noticed he actually has really good ball handling skills which makes me think he might be able to create shots for himself in the pros.

Right now he's definitely a 3 and D guy but I think he definitely has the potential for more. Like you mentioned Virginia is a slo mo team so it's hard to know for sure.

Still he's got a sweet stroke, is a lock at the FT line, and adds length. He 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan

[Celts17Pride]

I personally am dying for the Celtics to draft a long energetic athletic big man. Dying!!!

Unfortunately you can’t force these things. Celtics need to draft the best player available with the 16th pick if they keep it which probably means another wing.

Celtics should be extremely active in the trade market

[Hal14]

I personally am dying for the Celtics to draft a long energetic athletic big man. Dying!!!

Unfortunately you can’t force these things. Celtics need to draft the best player available with the 16th pick if they keep it which probably means another wing.

Celtics should be extremely active in the trade market

So, someone like Robert Williams?