Hal’s Draft Thread

[return2glory]

Oh man. I'm telling you, Roko is gonna be a star. 6'9" bruiser and look how quick/spry he is on this play, as he blows past Alperen Sengun off the dribble. Roko is like a blur on this play, so quick, like a guard. Very quick for a dude who's 6'9", 225 lbs. Definitely looks a step quicker than previous Roko vids I've seen. Clearly the dude has been working on his agility/conditioning/quickness. Makes a nice pass on this play too.

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Currently no. 12 on my big board.

Maybe we trade up to get him, but I am still advocating picking Maker at 45. Just saying...whoever takes Roko is getting a good one..

I like his game a lot. He is one of the guys I would want us to move back in the 1st round for but I don't see the Celtics doing that. Wish the did.

[winsomme2]

I'm starting to re-look at guys.

Raiquan Gray.

Guards the PnR well. Nice touch around the basket. Definitely can clear space and won't get pushed around.

I think he'd be able to play the Grant Williams minutes right away.

My biggest issue with Grant are his hands and this guy has great hands

[Hal14]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

[winsomme2]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

I really like him. I think he's someone who would contribute right away.

[Hal14]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

I really like him. I think he's someone who would contribute right away.

I like him a lot too. Very athletic, has good moves and shiftiness to create off the dribble, finishes well inside, very good passing forward, not ball dominant, good rebounder, 7'0" wingspan, he's a lob threat, can block shots.

The only concerns are the shooting and he'll be 23 when next season starts so less of a window for development than some of the prospects who are younger - but of course, being older might be a good thing for a Celtics team looking to win now.

If he didn't have the shooting struggles end of season he'd be a sure fire 1st round pick - although people really seem to be looking closely at the age thing - I think the only projected 1st rounders who are college seniors are Kispert and Davion Mitchell.

[playa-hater]

I'm starting to re-look at guys.

Raiquan Gray.

Guards the PnR well. Nice touch around the basket. Definitely can clear space and won't get pushed around.

I think he'd be able to play the Grant Williams minutes right away.

My biggest issue with Grant are his hands and this guy has great hands

There is a lot to like about Gray. But he is currently not in the best shape, which alone is dumbfounding considering the time in his life. But with that said, a in better shape Gray, would be even better. I also like the physical toughness potential he possesses. although an enforcer in today's game is not as viable as in the past with all the touch fouls going on, I would still like his presence.

But this one I will totally entrust Boston's brass in making their decision if/when they take a closer look. Drafting Gray will e a signal they saw something they liked so I would be all in.

[playa-hater]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

Herb Jones qualifies my desire as a tough switchable wing defender. But his jump shot regardless of good/bad shooting scares me. It is mechanically flawed. There are certainly shooting exception to not having pure shooting mechanics.

But just like with R Gray, I will trust that Boston's Brass really gave it a good look.

[playa-hater]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

I really like him. I think he's someone who would contribute right away.

I like him a lot too. Very athletic, has good moves and shiftiness to create off the dribble, finishes well inside, very good passing forward, not ball dominant, good rebounder, 7'0" wingspan, he's a lob threat, can block shots.

The only concerns are the shooting and he'll be 23 when next season starts so less of a window for development than some of the prospects who are younger - but of course, being older might be a good thing for a Celtics team looking to win now.

If he didn't have the shooting struggles end of season he'd be a sure fire 1st round pick - although people really seem to be looking closely at the age thing - I think the only projected 1st rounders who are college seniors are Kispert and Davion Mitchell.

Age doesn't bother me at all with draft picks. A senior may be more ready to step in many cases over a teen for example.

[winsomme2]

I really like him. I think he's someone who would contribute right away.

I like him a lot too. Very athletic, has good moves and shiftiness to create off the dribble, finishes well inside, very good passing forward, not ball dominant, good rebounder, 7'0" wingspan, he's a lob threat, can block shots.

The only concerns are the shooting and he'll be 23 when next season starts so less of a window for development than some of the prospects who are younger - but of course, being older might be a good thing for a Celtics team looking to win now.

If he didn't have the shooting struggles end of season he'd be a sure fire 1st round pick - although people really seem to be looking closely at the age thing - I think the only projected 1st rounders who are college seniors are Kispert and Davion Mitchell.

Age doesn't other me at all with draft picks. A senior may be more ready to step in many cases over a teen for example.

I think he is just coming into his own. He's got perfect combo of size and athleticism. He is a certain first round talent that would be a complete steal at 45.

I think someone ahead of us is going to grab him unfortunately

[playa-hater]

At some point I want to hear everyone's top 3 or 5 wish/hope list for 45..using only "possible" options. Of course "possible options" are all over the place right now

[winsomme2]

At some point I want to hear everyone's top 3 or 5 wish/hope list for 45..using only "possible" options. Of course "possible options" are all over the place right now

So difficult to do that right now because like you said who knows where so many guys are going to go.

Like Greg Brown. First Round? Early Second Round? Late Second Round?

[winsomme2]

Would love McKinley Wright as an undrafted FA signing.

[sully00]

NBADraft.net just posted an updated mock. Has Brown going 34. Has us taking David Duke. Their consensus mock has us taking Herbert Jones.
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2021
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/consensus/

I think Duke makes a lot of sense for Boston. He is a 6'5" combo guard in the good way that he is a pure point guard who has shooting guard size. Can get his own shot and can defend. This was a tough season for him as the Friars should have been a lot better than they were they just lost some crazy games that they were up late and just fell apart. I feel like he was as good or better player than Dunn at this point in their careers and if he came back next year he would be a All American Candidate. Older prospect but could help be able to contribute sooner.

[Celts17Pride]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

Herb Jones qualifies my desire as a tough switchable wing defender. But his jump shot regardless of good/bad shooting scares me. It is mechanically flawed. There are certainly shooting exception to not having pure shooting mechanics.

But just like with R Gray, I will trust that Boston's Brass really gave it a good look.

In my opinion Herb Jones would be a lock if Danny Ainge was still in Boston. Stevens is not going to draft a wing that can't shoot. Celtics already have Romeo Langford for that position.

[Hal14]

Interesting stat.

Herb Jones shot a miserable 0/19 from 3 over his last 10 games. However, before that - during his previous 23 games he shot 20/38 from 3 which is 52.6%

IDK, maybe word got out that this dude was lighting it up shooting over 50% from 3 so teams really tried to take the shot away from him and as a result he was missing shots but was still able to score going to the basket since teams were playing up on him.

Then again, his FT shooting was also down end of season. Those last 10 games he shot 20/35 (57.1%) from the line. The previous 23 games he shot 72/94 (76.6%).

It's got to be concerning that. has shooting took such a nose dive end of season but there's hope that if he can get back to how he was shooting in the 1st half of the season the C's could have themselves a steal.

Herb Jones qualifies my desire as a tough switchable wing defender. But his jump shot regardless of good/bad shooting scares me. It is mechanically flawed. There are certainly shooting exception to not having pure shooting mechanics.

But just like with R Gray, I will trust that Boston's Brass really gave it a good look.

In my opinion Herb Jones would be a lock if Danny Ainge was still in Boston. Stevens is not going to draft a wing that can't shoot. Celtics already have Romeo Langford for that position.

Herb's shooting is concerning but

a) he's so damn good at everything else (arguably the best, most versatile defender in the draft, awesome passer, not ball dominant, etc.) and

b) just over 35% from 3 and over 70% from FT line aren't that bad. John Collins is gonna get a max deal and he shot 35% from 3 this year for the hawks..Collins is 2 inches taller but Herb has 1 inch longer wingspan, both very athletic, Collins is a better rebounder and better post moves but Herb is better perimeter defender and much better passer, better ball handling. Not saying Herb is gonna be better than Collins (Collins at age 22 was putting up better points and rebounds numbers in the NBA than herb was putting up in college) but it's really not that far fetched that Herb can't be almost as good. Scoring and rebounding Collins is better but Herb is better at everything else and Herb is a good rebounder too

If you look at a guy like Siakam. At age 22 (Herb's age now) Siakam scored just 4 PPG as a rookie for the Raptors, shooting 14.3% from 3 and 68.8% from the line. Year before that his last year of college Siakam shot 20% from 3 and. 68.8% from the line. Why did Siakam work out in the long run? Because a) Toronto is good at developing young players b) Siakam has a good motor c) He's crazy athletic and long (6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan)... Well, Herb isn't quite as long (6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan) but he is very athletic, plays with a good motor, and hopefully with some of the coaching changes we've made we'll be really good at developing our young guys. Siakam's career high is only 36.9% from 3 which is very good but still not that much higher than Herb last year (35.1%) although Siakm has had a couple seasons well over 80% from the line so clearly he has put in some work to improve there, with good coaching

I do think that with his length, athleticism, defensive positioning, defensive discipline, defensive instincts, Herb could be a guy who gives Durant, Collins, Siakam and even Giannis some serious problems

[Hal14]

At some point I want to hear everyone's top 3 or 5 wish/hope list for 45..using only "possible" options. Of course "possible options" are all over the place right now

So difficult to do that right now because like you said who knows where so many guys are going to go.

Like Greg Brown. First Round? Early Second Round? Late Second Round?

Maybe we pick 5 recent mock drafts and for the player to qualify as a "possible option" he needs to still be on the board at pick 45 in at least 3 of the 5 mocks? Might be too much work haha

[djFan71]

Herb Jones qualifies my desire as a tough switchable wing defender. But his jump shot regardless of good/bad shooting scares me. It is mechanically flawed. There are certainly shooting exception to not having pure shooting mechanics.

But just like with R Gray, I will trust that Boston's Brass really gave it a good look.

In my opinion Herb Jones would be a lock if Danny Ainge was still in Boston. Stevens is not going to draft a wing that can't shoot. Celtics already have Romeo Langford for that position.

Herb's shooting is concerning but

a) he's so damn good at everything else (arguably the best, most versatile defender in the draft, awesome passer, not ball dominant, etc.) and

b) just over 35% from 3 and over 70% from FT line aren't that bad. John Collins is gonna get a max deal and he shot 35% from 3 this year for the hawks..Collins is 2 inches taller but Herb has 1 inch longer wingspan, both very athletic, Collins is a better rebounder and better post moves but Herb is better perimeter defender and much better passer, better ball handling. Not saying Herb is gonna be better than Collins (Collins at age 22 was putting up better points and rebounds numbers in the NBA than herb was putting up in college) but it's really not that far fetched that Herb can't be almost as good. Scoring and rebounding Collins is better but Herb is better at everything else and Herb is a good rebounder too

If you look at a guy like Siakam. At age 22 (Herb's age now) Siakam scored just 4 PPG as a rookie for the Raptors, shooting 14..3% from 3 and 68.8% from the line. Year before that his last year of college Siakam shot 20% from 3 and. 68.8% from the line. Why did Siakam work out in the long run? Because a) Toronto is good at developing young players b) Siakam has a good motor c) He's crazy athletic and long (6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan)... Well, Herb isn't quite as long (6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan) but he is very athletic, plays with a good motor, and hopefully with some of the coaching changes we've made we'll be really good at developing our young guys. Siakam's career high is only 36.9% from 3 which is very good but still not that much higher than Herb last year (35.1%) although Siakm has had a couple seasons well over 80% from the line so clearly he has put in some work to improve there, with good coaching

I do think that with his length, athleticism, defensive positioning, defensive discipline, defensive instincts, Herb could be a guy who gives Durant, Collins, Siakam and even Gannis some serious problems

Herb's definitely in my favorite possibly there at 45 group.
I'm a sucker for long, athletic defenders, "if he can just fix his shot" guys, though. I can show you the deeds to my Langford Island properties as proof.

[Hal14]

In my opinion Herb Jones would be a lock if Danny Ainge was still in Boston. Stevens is not going to draft a wing that can't shoot. Celtics already have Romeo Langford for that position.

Herb's shooting is concerning but

a) he's so damn good at everything else (arguably the best, most versatile defender in the draft, awesome passer, not ball dominant, etc.) and

b) just over 35% from 3 and over 70% from FT line aren't that bad. John Collins is gonna get a max deal and he shot 35% from 3 this year for the hawks..Collins is 2 inches taller but Herb has 1 inch longer wingspan, both very athletic, Collins is a better rebounder and better post moves but Herb is better perimeter defender and much better passer, better ball handling. Not saying Herb is gonna be better than Collins (Collins at age 22 was putting up better points and rebounds numbers in the NBA than herb was putting up in college) but it's really not that far fetched that Herb can't be almost as good. Scoring and rebounding Collins is better but Herb is better at everything else and Herb is a good rebounder too

If you look at a guy like Siakam. At age 22 (Herb's age now) Siakam scored just 4 PPG as a rookie for the Raptors, shooting 14..3% from 3 and 68.8% from the line. Year before that his last year of college Siakam shot 20% from 3 and. 68.8% from the line. Why did Siakam work out in the long run? Because a) Toronto is good at developing young players b) Siakam has a good motor c) He's crazy athletic and long (6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan)... Well, Herb isn't quite as long (6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan) but he is very athletic, plays with a good motor, and hopefully with some of the coaching changes we've made we'll be really good at developing our young guys. Siakam's career high is only 36.9% from 3 which is very good but still not that much higher than Herb last year (35.1%) although Siakm has had a couple seasons well over 80% from the line so clearly he has put in some work to improve there, with good coaching

I do think that with his length, athleticism, defensive positioning, defensive discipline, defensive instincts, Herb could be a guy who gives Durant, Collins, Siakam and even Gannis some serious problems

Herb's definitely in my favorite possibly there at 45 group.
I'm a sucker for long, athletic defenders, "if he can just fix his shot" guys, though. I can show you the deeds to my Langford Island properties as proof.

Herb is like a bigger Langford but with better passing, a better handle and better moves around the rim in order to score inside.

I also feel like Herb has more of a basketball IQ, better feel for the game and more of a passion/desire/determination for the game than Langford. Herb grew up as a coach's son, played for his dad in high school and you can kind of tell by watching him play and by his interview, they interview him at the combine at the 52:08 mark here. Seems like a quiet, humble kid who just loves the game of basketball:

Watch on YouTube

[djFan71]

Spoiler:

Herb's shooting is concerning but

a) he's so damn good at everything else (arguably the best, most versatile defender in the draft, awesome passer, not ball dominant, etc.) and

b) just over 35% from 3 and over 70% from FT line aren't that bad. John Collins is gonna get a max deal and he shot 35% from 3 this year for the hawks..Collins is 2 inches taller but Herb has 1 inch longer wingspan, both very athletic, Collins is a better rebounder and better post moves but Herb is better perimeter defender and much better passer, better ball handling. Not saying Herb is gonna be better than Collins (Collins at age 22 was putting up better points and rebounds numbers in the NBA than herb was putting up in college) but it's really not that far fetched that Herb can't be almost as good. Scoring and rebounding Collins is better but Herb is better at everything else and Herb is a good rebounder too

If you look at a guy like Siakam. At age 22 (Herb's age now) Siakam scored just 4 PPG as a rookie for the Raptors, shooting 14..3% from 3 and 68.8% from the line. Year before that his last year of college Siakam shot 20% from 3 and. 68.8% from the line. Why did Siakam work out in the long run? Because a) Toronto is good at developing young players b) Siakam has a good motor c) He's crazy athletic and long (6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan)... Well, Herb isn't quite as long (6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan) but he is very athletic, plays with a good motor, and hopefully with some of the coaching changes we've made we'll be really good at developing our young guys. Siakam's career high is only 36.9% from 3 which is very good but still not that much higher than Herb last year (35.1%) although Siakm has had a couple seasons well over 80% from the line so clearly he has put in some work to improve there, with good coaching

I do think that with his length, athleticism, defensive positioning, defensive discipline, defensive instincts, Herb could be a guy who gives Durant, Collins, Siakam and even Gannis some serious problems

Herb's definitely in my favorite possibly there at 45 group.
I'm a sucker for long, athletic defenders, "if he can just fix his shot" guys, though. I can show you the deeds to my Langford Island properties as proof.

Herb is like a bigger Langford but with better passing, a better handle and better moves around the rim in order to score inside.

I also feel like Herb has more of a basketball IQ, better feel for the game and more of a passion/desire/determination for the game than Langford. Herb grew up as a coach's son, played for his dad in high school and you can kind of tell by watching him play and by his interview, they interview him at the combine at the 52:08 mark here. Seems like a quiet, humble kid who just loves the game of basketball:

Watch on YouTube

I think you might be selling Romeo short. Brad has raved about his feel for the game before. I think they're just different positions. Romeo at 1-3, Herb at 3-4. 1 a stretch for Romeo, but they tried it like once, lol. Dude just needs to stay healthy and be at/near league avg at 3% and he'll be a really good player.

[Hal14]

I think we can officially cross Isiah Todd off the list of guys possibly available at 45:

"G League Ignite Draft Prospect Isaiah Todd is canceling workouts with teams owning late first-round picks — such as the Jazz — because he has focused on visits with teams with lottery picks, sources said.

Via shams" in an article the other day posted on The Athletic site