Hal’s Draft Thread

[winsomme2]

I have no inside knowledge but I am going to predict the Celtics get back in the first round late and select PG Sharife Cooper. I think the Celtics have had Cooper in for a couple of workouts and really like the player. Just a guess.

I think the Celtics will be looking to do the same thing of acquiring a pick like when they acquired Rondo in the draft.

or I could be 100% wrong.

Cooper has been a binky of mine.

The main benefit for me is having a player who can create separation in the half court. We are a terribly slow team.

I really like PP but his weakness is speed and Smart is super slow too.

We are also an undersized team and Cooper would add to that weakness but his speed and passing ability could transform our offense.

The defense would be a problem tho...

[winsomme2]

Getting the feeling Austin Reaves is gonna rocket up draft boards.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him get close to the first round.

[Half-Full]

Getting the feeling Austin Reaves is gonna rocket up draft boards.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him get close to the first round.

Every riser pushes someone else down the board. I'm confident that there will be someone decent to snag at 45, but will the Celtics management team share my opinion? They may have already decided to trade the pick. Anyway, of the players that may be available when it comes time to pick, I think I've settled on Vrenz as my number one choice. Reaves is right up there, and still intrigued by Rai'quan Gray. Several centers will likely still be on the board. Not a position of need, but EJ Onu looks good to me. Played for powerhouse (not) Shawnee State, but 7'8" wingspan, decent three point shooting, and plus plus rim protector. The following is taken from NBADraftNet:

"Onu is an athletic, stretch-five big man who is a ferocious rim protector. He attained 529 blocks in his four-year career at Shawnee State, which would rank third all-time in NCAA Division 1 history … Incredible length with a 7’8 wingspan while standing at 6’11 … 40% three-point shooter as a senior on 130 attempts … Athletic enough to defend capably on the perimeter and also play elite defense in the post as a formidable shot-blocker … Moves well laterally on both ends of the floor on rim-runs and inside-out defending … Decent ball-handler for his size who can create offense for others as well as find offense moving off of the screens he sets … Has the size, length, and vertical to dominate on the glass … Smooth free-throw stroke and decent percentage of 72% for his career … Looks natural shooting from all over the floor, not just at the free-throw line … Perfect style fit for today’s NBA … Will earn minutes and time to develop simply due to his defensive impact that could make up for offensive struggles that may arise with an uptick in competition … Bulky frame at 221 pounds who will not be pushed around by physical centers at the next level … Onu is not just a physical specimen who blocks shots because of his massive wingspan. Footwork, instincts, and timing are even more important than simply size, and Onu has a firm grasp of these skills already, and he will only get better … Extremely high upside and potential who should fly up draft boards after a 7’8 wingspan measurement and exposure to top scouts at the G-League Elite Camp … Despite being 22 on July 31, he possesses some untapped potential …"

Note: His weight is now listed at 240lbs.

From an article on theanalyst.com (The Draft Files: Why EJ Onu Could Be the NAIA’s Sleeping Giant)

"Onu isn’t simply a stationary tree planting himself in the paint, but rather a dynamic rim-protecting force that instills his will on the opposition. He is quick off the ground, has an elite second jump, covers up for teammates’ mistakes, maintains verticality and closes space quickly both as a helper and on closeouts. Shot-blockers like this don’t come around every day.

“EJ gave us the ability to cut the court in half and enabled our perimeter defenders to take more risks,” Thomas said. “His dominance as a rim-protector tests opposing personnel’s basketball IQ and ability to relocate off-ball to find a sliver of space. He challenges opposing coaching staffs to the fool’s errand of adjusting to the unadjustable. EJ’s paint presence catalyzes his teammates’ defensive energy and wears down the opposition, which has to put in a lot of effort to create what is ultimately a low percentage look with EJ looming.”

While anchoring the paint defensively is certainly the calling card of many centers, the modern NBA calls for a more versatile skill set in its big men. NBA players and coaches excel at identifying and taking advantage of mismatches – especially against flawed, one-dimensional big men in high-leverage moments. There are two primary skills (one on each side of the court) that, if lacking, render players unplayable in crunch time or in the playoffs:

Perimeter Shooting
Defensive Mobility

Onu has both of these skills in spades.

[djFan71]

OK here's where I think I stand for guys I'd take at 45.

Role Players: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards
Longshots*: Brown, Todd, Thor, Christopher, Sims.
Hal guy: Juhann

* Longshots in both that they'll be there at 45 and that they're projects that could pay off big or bust.

[djFan71]

Spoiler:

Getting the feeling Austin Reaves is gonna rocket up draft boards.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him get close to the first round.

Every riser pushes someone else down the board. I'm confident that there will be someone decent to snag at 45, but will the Celtics management team share my opinion? They may have already decided to trade the pick. Anyway, of the players that may be available when it comes time to pick, I think I've settled on Vrenz as my number one choice. Reaves is right up there, and still intrigued by Rai'quan Gray. Several centers will likely still be on the board. Not a position of need, but EJ Onu looks good to me. Played for powerhouse (not) Shawnee State, but 7'8" wingspan, decent three point shooting, and plus plus rim protector. The following is taken from NBADraftNet:

"Onu is an athletic, stretch-five big man who is a ferocious rim protector. He attained 529 blocks in his four-year career at Shawnee State, which would rank third all-time in NCAA Division 1 history … Incredible length with a 7’8 wingspan while standing at 6’11 … 40% three-point shooter as a senior on 130 attempts … Athletic enough to defend capably on the perimeter and also play elite defense in the post as a formidable shot-blocker … Moves well laterally on both ends of the floor on rim-runs and inside-out defending … Decent ball-handler for his size who can create offense for others as well as find offense moving off of the screens he sets … Has the size, length, and vertical to dominate on the glass … Smooth free-throw stroke and decent percentage of 72% for his career … Looks natural shooting from all over the floor, not just at the free-throw line … Perfect style fit for today’s NBA … Will earn minutes and time to develop simply due to his defensive impact that could make up for offensive struggles that may arise with an uptick in competition … Bulky frame at 221 pounds who will not be pushed around by physical centers at the next level … Onu is not just a physical specimen who blocks shots because of his massive wingspan. Footwork, instincts, and timing are even more important than simply size, and Onu has a firm grasp of these skills already, and he will only get better … Extremely high upside and potential who should fly up draft boards after a 7’8 wingspan measurement and exposure to top scouts at the G-League Elite Camp … Despite being 22 on July 31, he possesses some untapped potential …"

Note: His weight is now listed at 240lbs.

From an article on theanalyst.com (The Draft Files: Why EJ Onu Could Be the NAIA’s Sleeping Giant)

"Onu isn’t simply a stationary tree planting himself in the paint, but rather a dynamic rim-protecting force that instills his will on the opposition. He is quick off the ground, has an elite second jump, covers up for teammates’ mistakes, maintains verticality and closes space quickly both as a helper and on closeouts. Shot-blockers like this don’t come around every day.

“EJ gave us the ability to cut the court in half and enabled our perimeter defenders to take more risks,” Thomas said. “His dominance as a rim-protector tests opposing personnel’s basketball IQ and ability to relocate off-ball to find a sliver of space. He challenges opposing coaching staffs to the fool’s errand of adjusting to the unadjustable. EJ’s paint presence catalyzes his teammates’ defensive energy and wears down the opposition, which has to put in a lot of effort to create what is ultimately a low percentage look with EJ looming.”

While anchoring the paint defensively is certainly the calling card of many centers, the modern NBA calls for a more versatile skill set in its big men. NBA players and coaches excel at identifying and taking advantage of mismatches – especially against flawed, one-dimensional big men in high-leverage moments. There are two primary skills (one on each side of the court) that, if lacking, render players unplayable in crunch time or in the playoffs:

Perimeter Shooting
Defensive Mobility

Onu has both of these skills in spades.

Put Onu and Tacko it a locked gym and whoever comes out gets the 2-way.

[BostonCouchGM]

I have no clue who will still be on the board. This draft, after the lottery, is all over the place. There are guys going in the 2nd round in mock drafts that I have as lottery talents or at least first rounders. If we somehow ended up with Begarin, Todd, Onu, Sims, Grimes, Garza or Reaves, I'd be very happy. I can't see any of them being there though. I'm not seeing many other 2nd round names I'd be excited about. Just a bunch of guys like the scrubs we've had to deal with on our bench for years. It's not THAT deep a draft. Maybe trade the pick if nobody worth it is still there? Or take a draft and stash if there's a great athlete with length that won't be ready for 4-5 years?

[djFan71]

I have no clue who will still be on the board. This draft, after the lottery, is all over the place. There are guys going in the 2nd round in mock drafts that I have as lottery talents or at least first rounders. If we somehow ended up with Begarin, Todd, Onu, Sims, Grimes, Garza or Reaves, I'd be very happy. I can't see any of them being there though. I'm not seeing many other 2nd round names I'd be excited about. Just a bunch of guys like the scrubs we've had to deal with on our bench for years. It's not THAT deep a draft. Maybe trade the pick if nobody worth it is still there? Or take a draft and stash if there's a great athlete with length that won't be ready for 4-5 years?

Are you off these guys now: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones? Or just don't think they'll be there?
I feel like they were on your list a while back, but might be wrong. Seem like plug and play types if they shoot well.

[BostonCouchGM]

I have no clue who will still be on the board. This draft, after the lottery, is all over the place. There are guys going in the 2nd round in mock drafts that I have as lottery talents or at least first rounders. If we somehow ended up with Begarin, Todd, Onu, Sims, Grimes, Garza or Reaves, I'd be very happy. I can't see any of them being there though. I'm not seeing many other 2nd round names I'd be excited about. Just a bunch of guys like the scrubs we've had to deal with on our bench for years. It's not THAT deep a draft. Maybe trade the pick if nobody worth it is still there? Or take a draft and stash if there's a great athlete with length that won't be ready for 4-5 years?

Are you off these guys now: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones? Or just don't think they'll be there?
I feel like they were on your list a while back, but might be wrong. Seem like plug and play types if they shoot well.

yeah, I do like them but I think they'll be gone by a handful of spots which will hurt because they're exactly what we need which is a 4 with plus size/athleticism/length. At pick #45 I just want an upgrade over Semi, Grant, Fall, Waters and Edwards. It doesn't seem like too much to ask for and there should be someone still on the board who can't help but be upgrades over them. It'd be so much better to get someone with elite physical traits. I'm so tired of undersized, lunch pail, "want to" guys lol. It's too bad we don't have anyone not in our plans, that has any value whatsoever, to package and move up with.

Who are your top 5 guys you think might still be there?

[djFan71]

I have no clue who will still be on the board. This draft, after the lottery, is all over the place. There are guys going in the 2nd round in mock drafts that I have as lottery talents or at least first rounders. If we somehow ended up with Begarin, Todd, Onu, Sims, Grimes, Garza or Reaves, I'd be very happy. I can't see any of them being there though. I'm not seeing many other 2nd round names I'd be excited about. Just a bunch of guys like the scrubs we've had to deal with on our bench for years. It's not THAT deep a draft. Maybe trade the pick if nobody worth it is still there? Or take a draft and stash if there's a great athlete with length that won't be ready for 4-5 years?

Are you off these guys now: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones? Or just don't think they'll be there?
I feel like they were on your list a while back, but might be wrong. Seem like plug and play types if they shoot well.

yeah, I do like them but I think they'll be gone by a handful of spots which will hurt because they're exactly what we need which is a 4 with plus size/athleticism/length. At pick #45 I just want an upgrade over Semi, Grant, Fall, Waters and Edwards. It doesn't seem like too much to ask for and there should be someone still on the board who can't help but be upgrades over them. It'd be so much better to get someone with elite physical traits. I'm so tired of undersized, lunch pail, "want to" guys lol. It's too bad we don't have anyone not in our plans, that has any value whatsoever, to package and move up with.

Who are your top 5 guys you think might still be there?

Agree on all that. I threw mine out a few posts above - similar to yours:

Role Players: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards
Longshots*: Brown, Todd, Thor, Christopher, Sims.
Hal guy: Juhann Begarin

All the mocks are all over the place on 2nd rounders, so I don't think I have any clue who might be there.
I didn't put Grimes in cuz didn't think he'd be around, but who knows?

I swear every year, I love a guy like 2 picks higher than we have, lol. PJ Washington, Haliburton. Now I'm doing it with guys that'll go at like 38... so you're probably right they'll be gone.

[Hal14]

I have no inside knowledge but I am going to predict the Celtics get back in the first round late and select PG Sharife Cooper. I think the Celtics have had Cooper in for a couple of workouts and really like the player. Just a guess.

I think the Celtics will be looking to do the same thing of acquiring a pick like when they acquired Rondo in the draft.

or I could be 100% wrong.

Cooper has been a binky of mine.

The main benefit for me is having a player who can create separation in the half court. We are a terribly slow team.

I really like PP but his weakness is speed and Smart is super slow too.

We are also an undersized team and Cooper would add to that weakness but his speed and passing ability could transform our offense.

The defense would be a problem tho...

You should check out some footage on YouTube of Yam Madar. 6'3" PG who's very quick, excellent passer, excellent defender. We drafted him 2nd round last yr..

[Hal14]

Getting the feeling Austin Reaves is gonna rocket up draft boards.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him get close to the first round.

He's projected to go in the 32-42 range, based on most mocks I've seen..

[Hal14]

OK here's where I think I stand for guys I'd take at 45.

Role Players: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards
Longshots*: Brown, Todd, Thor, Christopher, Sims.
Hal guy: Juhann

* Longshots in both that they'll be there at 45 and that they're projects that could pay off big or bust.

We're pretty much on the same page.

Role players: Moses Wright, Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards, Wieskamp, AJ Lawson
High upside guys but raw: Greg Brown, BJ Boston, Isaiah Todd, Vrenz
Hal guys: Juhann Begarin, Santi Aldama
Possibly grab 1 or 2 of them as UDFA: Hauser, Hurt, Watford, Yves Pons, Gray, Onu , Livers

Being realistic, based on mocks I am seeing, Thor, Christopher and Grimes will pretty much definitely be off the board.

Pretty interesting mock here: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2021-complete-two-round-projections-for-all-60-picks-starting-with-cade-cunningham-at-no-1/

They've got Wieskamp going 30th, Thor 34, Edwards 35, Boston 36, Herb Jones 37, Matt Hurt 38, Robinson-Earl 40, Christopher 41, Greg Brown 42.

This is yet another mock - I've seen a few now that have us taking Daishen Nix. I really would prefer to not take a PG (I don't see any evidence that a PG like Nix, Preston or Reeves is really going to be that much better than the 2 PGs we just drafted last yr, Pritchard and Madar. We've got 2 young PGs we're developing and we've got 2 young centers we're developing (Moses, Rob) plus we have 2 other centers (thompson, Horford).

I really would rather grab either a 4 or a big 3 with this pick. Begarin is more of a 2 but he's a 2 with good size (6'6", 7'0" wingspan) and since he's only 18 I think he's a guy you can stash for 2 yrs so for him I'm not as worried about whether he's a position we need - plus I feel like he has a high ceiling as a guy who could potentially turn into a star player so worth rolling the dice on him..

Really hoping we grab either Begarin or Aldama but quite a few others I'd be happy with too. It's a deep draft.

[djFan71]

OK here's where I think I stand for guys I'd take at 45.

Role Players: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards
Longshots*: Brown, Todd, Thor, Christopher, Sims.
Hal guy: Juhann

* Longshots in both that they'll be there at 45 and that they're projects that could pay off big or bust.

We're pretty much on the same page.

Role players: Robinson-Earl, Herb Jones, K Edwards, Wieskamp, AJ Lawson (Hauser, Hurt and Watford I wouldn't hate it but would rather try and maybe just grab 1 of them as UDFA)
Good skill, crazy athleticism but really young and raw: Greg Brown, BJ Boston, Isaiah Todd
Hal guys: Juhann Begarin, Santi Aldama, Moses Wright

Being realistic, based on mocks I am seeing, Thor, Christopher and Grimes will pretty much definitely be off the board.

Pretty interesting mock here: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2021-complete-two-round-projections-for-all-60-picks-starting-with-cade-cunningham-at-no-1/

They've got Wieskamp going 30th, Thor 34, Edwards 35, Boston 36, Herb Jones 37, Matt Hurt 38, Robinson-Earl 40, Christopher 41, Greg Brown 42.

This is yet another mock - I've seen a few now that have us taking Daishen Nix. I really would prefer to not take a PG (I don't see any evidence that a PG like Nix, Preston or Reeves is really going to be that much better than the 2 PGs we just drafted last yr, Pritchard and Madar. We've got 2 young PGs we're developing and we've got 2 young centers we're developing (Moses, Rob) plus we have 2 other centers (thompson, Horford).

I really would rather grab either a 4 or a big 3 with this pick. Begarin is more of a 2 but he's a 2 with good size (6'6", 7'0" wingspan) and since he's only 18 I think he's a guy you can stash for 2 yrs so for him I'm not as worried about whether he's a position we need - plus I feel like he has a high ceiling as a guy who could potentially turn into a star player so worth rolling the dice on him..

Oh man, you're just trying to hurt me with the bold, lol.
I also like that you kept my Hal guys category.

I wouldn't mind Nix or another PG, though, esp if all the 4s I like are gone. PG/PF are the need positions, imo, and I like tall PGs. You can stash/2-way them. If Yam/PP both hit their ceilings, no worries. If they don't you have another option or trade flexibility, etc. Plus, Smart may or may not be back after this year.

[captain green]

Going to predict we draft Garza but my choice is Todd. As long as it's not a pg I'll be open minded

[djFan71]

Also, I realized today that I have band practice tomorrow at the exact time the draft starts.
Someone else will have to pick up the slack on useless posts and excessive whining about players going off the board before our pick.

I have faith in you all.

[Celts17Pride]

Also, I realized today that I have band practice tomorrow at the exact time the draft starts.
Someone else will have to pick up the slack on useless posts and excessive whining about players going off the board before our pick.

I have faith in you all.

I got you covered. Enjoy practice.

[playa-hater]

Normally I like to make a list of my top 5 players I want. Just can't. I have no idea who may be available. Seems like some good 1st rd prospects will be near 45 that I have never mentioned as others shoot up the draft board.

I think the real action starts at 7 with GS. quite a few names possibly going to them.

I also think the Biggest question concerning Boston is, have they targeted someone that they will try to move up for. or will they stay pat.

Less than 22 hours to go!!!

[return2glory]

Draft night is less than 24 hours away. Working half a day tomorrow just for draft night. Wish we can move into the 1st round.

[return2glory]

If we stay at # 45, hoping a few of these players are still available in no particular order:

Joe Wieskamp, Kessler Edwards, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Jericho Sims, Austin Reaves, Vrenz Bleijenbergh, Santi Aldama,
Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Juhann Begarin, Aaron Henry.

[Half-Full]

Going to predict we draft Garza but my choice is Todd. As long as it's not a pg I'll be open minded

That would be a surprise (Garza). He may be a defensive liability, but there is also a lot to like about him.