Jesus_H_Macy wrote:Does anyone remember around draft time last year a poster had found (either themselves or from some online source) a set of metrics that seemed to be what Jones was using to make his draft decisions? I can’t remember the details but IIRC Bridges, Johnson, Jerome, and Smith were all towards the top of that metrics set. Ring any bells for anyone? I’m curious how the players who are expected to be available around 29 rank on there.
Well recently, Juice found an interesting correlation ( on Tankathon perhaps) between the players that Jones selected and their BPMs' as well as an elite skillset attribute. All had high IQs' elite shooting ( offensive potential) and would be switchable.
Could it have been something along these lines
perhaps?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brightsideofthesun.com/platform/amp/2020/8/22/21396633/james-jones-still-looking-for-mature-high-bball-iq-prospects-at-no-10-in-the-2020-nba-draftHow will James evaluate players and what is he looking for when adding to the depth-chart?
“Our system is a dynamic system,” James talks about positive changes on the court. “If you watch the minor improvements that we made in the Bubble. Our focus on rebounding, offensive rebounding, moving the ball, sharing the ball, being a low turnover team.
All those things require a guys that can think on their feet. Guys that have great ball skills. Not necessarily great ball handing skills, but knowing how to move their body and how to move the ball and how to share the game. It takes a level of basketball IQ and maturity.”
James also added, “We’ve just decided that every day we’re going to continue to watch the guys that fit our style of play and play for coach Monty.”
“Always looking for experience,” Jones said. “We’re always looking for capacity. I don’t go based on age. My experience that the older players are the more seasoned veteran players tend to posses a greater capacity from day one to contribute to your team.
Also this though:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/arizonasports.com/story/2454766/suns-gm-james-jones-stuck-to-his-plan-by-drafting-jalen-smith/amp/%3fshow=commentsJones also seems to be sticking to a coherent plan. He values experienced, highly-competitive players who can shoot the lights out. He refuses to go all-in on unproven rookies, most of whom are all swag and raw skill, coming to the league with very little polish or basketball education.
So basically he looks for:
- High IQ.
- highly competitive.
- expierenced ( older college prospects with actual playing time under their belts).
- off ball movement/ relocation.
- versatility ( multipositional 3 and D).
- elite shooting OR at least one elite skillset (rebounding or shotblocking or SHOOTING) etc. Basically potential as a specialist.
Looking at the immediate prospects realistically in our range at 29. The prospects which best fit those requisites are:
- Ayo Dosunma. ( 9.5 BPM)
High IQ, Very consistent production across the board, and great size = multipositional versatility ( switchability).
- Tre Mann. ( 7.0 BPM)
Elite shooting/ limitless range,
Potentially elite ballhandling ability. High IQ. Great size at 6'5.
- Miles McBride.( 9.5 BPM)
Potentially elite two way player. Elite strength at guard position. High IQ.
- Trey Murphy. ( 8.4 BPM)
Great size at 6'9 ( multipositional versatility), Elite shooting metrics, potentially elite perimeter defender. High IQ ( Psychology major). He's actually the perfect Jones candidate. But likely won't be available when we pick.
- Neemias Queta. ( 12.2 BPM)
Elite shotblocker, Elite rebounder, Really solid passer, high IQ. Overall elite defender.
- Jaden Springer. ( 6.9 BPM)
Good size at 6'4, Elite strength, elite lockdown defender potential ( Marcus Smart), High IQ.
- Bones Hyland. ( 8.2 BPM)
Elite shooting/ limitless range, solid on ball defense.
- Joel Ayayi. ( 9.6 BPM)
Good size at 6'5, elite field goal efficiency, consistent across the board.
So taking this information into consideration, My ranking for these prospects would likely be:
1- Trey Murphy 3rd. ( Will be gone before29)!
2- Neemias Queta.
3- Jaden Springer. ( Will be gone before29)!
4- Ayo Dosunma.
5- Miles McBride.
6- Tre Mann.
7- Joel Ayayi.
8- Nashon Hyland.