Hal’s Draft Thread

[playa-hater]

Liking what I'm seeing from this guy. First impression is, similar to Herb Jones except Watford looks bigger, stronger and 2 yrs younger:

Watch on YouTube

One of the dudes in the NBA draft forum on realgm has him in their top 25..

I was really impressed with what I saw from Watford in the highlight video and was thinking he'd be perfect for this Celtics team, a perfect stretch 4. But i was wondering why all the highlights were on offense and none on defense.

Then I watched his scouting report video by Adam Spinella and continued to be impressed by the first half of the video - then came the weaknesses section of the video and boom, there it was. This guy cannot play defense for sh&t, no wonder he isn't ranked higher. Ugh..

Watch on YouTube

Now, to check out Kessler Edwards..

Definitely a sleeper. I like the "crafty" and "swish army knife" descriptions. I still want a better shooter, but looks like he isn't far away.

[playa-hater]

Bummed we missed on Poku last year.

I am happy with Nesmith. wouldn't mind Poku, but he is still so weak defensively.. in a few years he may have been worth the wait.

[Bleeding Green]

Poku probably won't be a positive player until he's on his next contract anyway. Quite fun to watch on a bad team, though.

[playa-hater]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

[Salahmanders]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

I'm with you on both "small ball" (though I'd argue you can go "medium ball" and play 5 wings, since no one really presses you don't need a true point guard any more, either of the J's can bring the ball up) and on trading TT, but Time Lord is a capable perimeter defender (far more than guys like Zubac or Gobert) and provides rim protection that most capable perimeter defenders don't. You can switch him onto a Devin Booker and be fine (as "fine" as anyone else is on Booker). That said, I'd rather trade TT for a vet wing, than have to rely on a rookie to make an immediate rotational impact. I like a lot of guys in this draft, but don't see many of them, at least not the one's we'll have the chance to get, cracking a championship-competing playoff rotation next season.

[Hal14]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

Yeah, no big, slow centers like Zubac, Ibaka, Lopez. Also, no undersized PGs who get abused down low if they're switched onto any dude over 6'6"

Holiday is 6'3", Reggie Jackson is 6'3" and while Beverley is only 6'1" the dude is a bulldog, one of the best defenders in the league, plays much bigger.

[Theocy]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

Yeah, no big, slow centers like Zubac, Ibaka, Lopez. Also, no undersized PGs who get abused down low if they're switched onto any dude over 6'6"

Holiday is 6'3", Reggie Jackson is 6'3" and while Beverley is only 6'1" the dude is a bulldog, one of the best defenders in the league, plays much bigger.

That’s what smart brings for us. The fact that he gets exposed in offence is a system or roster issue.

Also beverley is so good but damn such a horrible character. Guy brings out a lot of hate and it’s all down to making dirty plays.

[Hal14]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

Yeah, no big, slow centers like Zubac, Ibaka, Lopez. Also, no undersized PGs who get abused down low if they're switched onto any dude over 6'6"

Holiday is 6'3", Reggie Jackson is 6'3" and while Beverley is only 6'1" the dude is a bulldog, one of the best defenders in the league, plays much bigger.

That’s what smart brings for us. The fact that he gets exposed in offence is a system or roster issue.

Also beverley is so good but damn such a horrible character. Guy brings out a lot of hate and it’s all down to making dirty plays.

Yeah but guys like Crowder, PJ Tucker and Beverley - they're the type of guys opponents hate but if they're on your team you love them. Not afraid to mix it up, get a little dirty, get under the opponent's skin, throw them off their game. Smart/Thompson kind of do that for us but both of them hurt us in some ways too..

[playa-hater]

Also just to remind everyone of my theme/theory about centers. Last night the Clips were without Zubac. Started and played mostly M Morris and PG with Beverly, Reggie Jackson and Tre Man - all switchable defenders. The Bucks played their best team defense with Giannis at center, Middleton, J Holiday, PJ Tucker and Pat CONNAUGHTON in beating Atlanta.

Again all switchable defenders. The success can not debated. No more defensive liabilities leads to better defense. Centers really are defensive liabilities at the highest levels of playoffs. I mean when the DPOY gets roasted what more needs to be said.

I want Boston to trade at least one center (TT) maybe 2 (RW) and draft the best wings possible.

I'm with you on both "small ball" (though I'd argue you can go "medium ball" and play 5 wings, since no one really presses you don't need a true point guard any more, either of the J's can bring the ball up) and on trading TT, but Time Lord is a capable perimeter defender (far more than guys like Zubac or Gobert) and provides rim protection that most capable perimeter defenders don't. You can switch him onto a Devin Booker and be fine (as "fine" as anyone else is on Booker). That said, I'd rather trade TT for a vet wing, than have to rely on a rookie to make an immediate rotational impact. I like a lot of guys in this draft, but don't see many of them, at least not the one's we'll have the chance to get, cracking a championship-competing playoff rotation next season.

Yeah I like the phrase medium ball better than small ball and that's more or less what Boston needs to do.

[Hal14]

I'm seeing some recent mock drafts where Robinson-Earl seems to be slipping. I think it's cause of all the hype that guys like Grimes, Hyland, Thor, Primo are getting at the combine, all of these trendy/sexy picks are moving up and some guys like Robinson-Earl seem to be moving down.

As a result, Robinson-Earl might still be there at 45. It seems like at this point he probably will be off the board, but also a decent chance he's still there. If he's still there at 45, he'd be a very solid pick IMO. He's Grant Williams except like 10x better at everything, and 3 inches taller. And is one of the most versatile/switchable defenders in the draft. Really fundamentally sound, a dude who could come in and be a good solid role player off the bench from day 1.

Good article on Robinson-Earl by Adam Spinella, who has him 26th on his big board currently so clearly it could be a great value pick if he falls to us at 45..

https://theboxand1.weebly.com/draft-profiles1/the-villanova-effect-jre-and-role-player-valuation

[Hal14]

Rumors swirling that Udoka is gonna bring on Damon Stoudemire as an assistant. Stoudemire has coached pacific for the past few years. Wonder if he will try to get the C's to draft Kessler Edwards since Edwards torched his squad this past season:

Watch on YouTube

[playa-hater]

Rumors swirling that Udoka is gonna bring on Damon Stoudemire as an assistant. Stoudemire has coached pacific for the past few years. Wonder if he will try to get the C's to draft Kessler Edwards since Edwards torched his squad this past season:

Watch on YouTube

I am all for good wings with a little size, so yes from me.

[playa-hater]

I'm seeing some recent mock drafts where Robinson-Earl seems to be slipping. I think it's cause of all the hype that guys like Grimes, Hyland, Thor, Primo are getting at the combine, all of these trendy/sexy picks are moving up and some guys like Robinson-Earl seem to be moving down.

As a result, Robinson-Earl might still be there at 45. It seems like at this point he probably will be off the board, but also a decent chance he's still there. If he's still there at 45, he'd be a very solid pick IMO. He's Grant Williams except like 10x better at everything, and 3 inches taller. And is one of the most versatile/switchable defenders in the draft. Really fundamentally sound, a dude who could come in and be a good solid role player off the bench from day 1.

Good article on Robinson-Earl by Adam Spinella, who has him 26th on his big board currently so clearly it could be a great value pick if he falls to us at 45..

https://theboxand1.weebly.com/draft-profiles1/the-villanova-effect-jre-and-role-player-valuation

has enough skill and athletics to play "medium ball" center.

[playa-hater]

Looking at the updated mocks, I am declaring this the most talented pool of 2nd rders ever. Just thinking of a few years back and Anthony Bennett was the top pick and how many players in RD 2 are far better than him.

Not having anything to draft until 45 is absolutely a fail of management. So many players will turn out to be true contributing role players and a few might be star levels.

[Hal14]

I'm seeing some recent mock drafts where Robinson-Earl seems to be slipping. I think it's cause of all the hype that guys like Grimes, Hyland, Thor, Primo are getting at the combine, all of these trendy/sexy picks are moving up and some guys like Robinson-Earl seem to be moving down.

As a result, Robinson-Earl might still be there at 45. It seems like at this point he probably will be off the board, but also a decent chance he's still there. If he's still there at 45, he'd be a very solid pick IMO. He's Grant Williams except like 10x better at everything, and 3 inches taller. And is one of the most versatile/switchable defenders in the draft. Really fundamentally sound, a dude who could come in and be a good solid role player off the bench from day 1.

Good article on Robinson-Earl by Adam Spinella, who has him 26th on his big board currently so clearly it could be a great value pick if he falls to us at 45..

https://theboxand1.weebly.com/draft-profiles1/the-villanova-effect-jre-and-role-player-valuation

has enough skill and athletics to play "medium ball" center.

Absolutely. Robinson-Earl projects as a solid stretch 4 / stretch 5 guy.

However, I don't think he participated in any of the scrimmages at the combine which makes me think perhaps some team gave him a 1st round promise..

And this mock has him going 36, so does seem unlikely he'll still be there:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-prospect-rankings-combine-lotto-pistons-rockets/

These guys have Greg Brown going 33rd.

This mock has Brown going 27th:

https://www.complex.com/sports/nba-mock-draft-2021-pistons-cavs-rockets/nets

Ok, I'm gonna just assume Brown will be gone before 45 at this point..

Guys I'm most intrigued by who have good chance of still being on the board:

Aldama
Todd
Wieskamp
Kessler Edwards
Moses Wright
Herb Jones
Vrenz
Watford
Gray

I believe the only 1 of these guys the Celtics have worked out is Wieskamp. Anyone know if we've worked out or interviewed any of the others?

[Hal14]

Looking at the updated mocks, I am declaring this the most talented pool of 2nd rders ever. Just thinking of a few years back and Anthony Bennett was the top pick and how many players in RD 2 are far better than him.

Not having anything to draft until 45 is absolutely a fail of management. So many players will turn out to be true contributing role players and a few might be star levels.

On the plus side - since it appears as though there's at least 80, maybe even 90 or more legit NBA players in this draft, Brad could try to find a diamond in the rough, by signing someone on as an undrafted free agent. Maybe he drafts someone at. 45 and then signs someone as undrafted free agent - and both of them are a big 3 / stretch 4 or a stretch 4 / stretch 5 type, and he has the 2 of them compete for a roster spot, the other one goes to the Red Claws. That way the competition will make both players really hungry and fight for it, it'll make them both better..

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Looking at the updated mocks, I am declaring this the most talented pool of 2nd rders ever. Just thinking of a few years back and Anthony Bennett was the top pick and how many players in RD 2 are far better than him.

Not having anything to draft until 45 is absolutely a fail of management. So many players will turn out to be true contributing role players and a few might be star levels.

On the plus side - since it appears as though there's at least 80, maybe even 90 or more legit NBA players in this draft, Brad could try to find a diamond in the rough, by signing someone on as an undrafted free agent. Maybe he drafts someone at. 45 and then signs someone as undrafted free agent - and both of them are a big 3 / stretch 4 or a stretch 4 / stretch 5 type, and he has the 2 of them compete for a roster spot, the other one goes to the Red Claws. That way the competition will make both players really hungry and fight for it, it'll make them both better..

80-90 NBA players? Damn, I can’t believe Brad traded out of the first round in what appears to be the deepest draft since 1996!! Wow

[playa-hater]

I'm seeing some recent mock drafts where Robinson-Earl seems to be slipping. I think it's cause of all the hype that guys like Grimes, Hyland, Thor, Primo are getting at the combine, all of these trendy/sexy picks are moving up and some guys like Robinson-Earl seem to be moving down.

As a result, Robinson-Earl might still be there at 45. It seems like at this point he probably will be off the board, but also a decent chance he's still there. If he's still there at 45, he'd be a very solid pick IMO. He's Grant Williams except like 10x better at everything, and 3 inches taller. And is one of the most versatile/switchable defenders in the draft. Really fundamentally sound, a dude who could come in and be a good solid role player off the bench from day 1.

Good article on Robinson-Earl by Adam Spinella, who has him 26th on his big board currently so clearly it could be a great value pick if he falls to us at 45..

https://theboxand1.weebly.com/draft-profiles1/the-villanova-effect-jre-and-role-player-valuation

has enough skill and athletics to play "medium ball" center.

Absolutely. Robinson-Earl projects as a solid stretch 4 / stretch 5 guy.

However, I don't think he participated in any of the scrimmages at the combine which makes me think perhaps some team gave him a 1st round promise..

And this mock has him going 36, so does seem unlikely he'll still be there:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-prospect-rankings-combine-lotto-pistons-rockets/

These guys have Greg Brown going 33rd.

This mock has Brown going 27th:

https://www.complex.com/sports/nba-mock-draft-2021-pistons-cavs-rockets/nets

Ok, I'm gonna just assume Brown will be gone before 45 at this point..

Guys I'm most intrigued by who have good chance of still being on the board:

Aldama
Todd
Wieskamp
Kessler Edwards
Moses Wright
Herb Jones
Vrenz
Watford
Gray

I believe the only 1 of these guys the Celtics have worked out is Wieskamp. Anyone know if we've worked out or interviewed any of the others?

Just looking at the rankings of Weiskamp, Vrenz and Jericho Sims at 61, 72 +73 is mind boggling amongst a few others rated after pick 60.

[playa-hater]

So many teams with multiple 2nd rders. The Pels have 4 of them, makes some moves Stevens. Unless you "like your guys"

[BostonCouchGM]

Last years draft class was deeper. This is definitely still a deep draft class though. Like last year, some of the guys taken in the first should have been taken in the second and there were lottery talents taken in the 2nd. That’s why it hurt so much when Ainge traded out of #30. I’m of the opinion no matter where you pick, if you know how to draft, you’ll improve your team, even if it means replacing the end of bench guys. So we should easily be able to replace them this draft