Who do you want us to take at #1?

[DiplomaticMagic]

early word among rival executives and league personnel at this week’s NBA Draft Combine suggests a strong possibility Orlando will favor Gonzaga 7-footer Chet Holmgren.

Finally some Chet Magic hype! Jake fischer was the one reoorting that Raptors were leaning Barnes over Suggs.

[Knightro]

I really do understand the appeal of Banchero's potential. Three level scoring + shot creation for others (regardless of position) is the most valued archetype in the sport.

The problem for me is that Banchero just wasn't *that* good of a scorer.

If you're a forward who is likely going to be a net negative defensively and not provide all that much value as a rebounder either, then you have to be a really good scorer to counterbalance it.

Banchero could maybe become a great scorer, but there seems to be enough limitations there to where he may end up settling in as a pretty good scorer which would limit his overall value significantly.

[tiderulz]

early word among rival executives and league personnel at this week’s NBA Draft Combine suggests a strong possibility Orlando will favor Gonzaga 7-footer Chet Holmgren.

Finally some Chet Magic hype! Jake fischer was the one reoorting that Raptors were leaning Barnes over Suggs.

really? a strong possibility we will favor him? he is one of the top-3 prospects, of course there is a possibility of that .

not meant to be mean to you DM.

[tiderulz]

I really do understand the appeal of Banchero's potential. Three level scoring + shot creation for others (regardless of position) is the most valued archetype in the sport.

The problem for me is that Banchero just wasn't *that* good of a scorer.

If you're a forward who is likely going to be a net negative defensively and not provide all that much value as a rebounder either, then you have to be a really good scorer to counterbalance it.

Banchero could maybe become a great scorer, but there seems to be enough limitations there to where he may end up settling in as a pretty good scorer which would limit his overall value significantly.

i guess you have to look to see what you envision him as being. not sure why you think he wont have value as a rebounder, seems he should be able to get both offensive and defensive rebounds. and is young enough and shows effort that he could be neutral defensively at worse. all depends on evaluating his mindset and drive. Redick was a bad defender in college and thru effort turned into a not-negative team defender. Curry was bad and improved as a defender. just have to figure out if he will have the drive to improve.

[VFX]

I really do understand the appeal of Banchero's potential. Three level scoring + shot creation for others (regardless of position) is the most valued archetype in the sport.

The problem for me is that Banchero just wasn't *that* good of a scorer.

If you're a forward who is likely going to be a net negative defensively and not provide all that much value as a rebounder either, then you have to be a really good scorer to counterbalance it.

Banchero could maybe become a great scorer, but there seems to be enough limitations there to where he may end up settling in as a pretty good scorer which would limit his overall value significantly.

My problem with Banchero ultimately comes down to effort. His rebounding and defense didn’t pass the eye test for me, and I’ve seen a lot of Banchero over the past year.

He has issues conserving energy and he does this to highlight his game on offense.https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/12/nba-draft-paolo-banchero-cramping-sweat-health-concerns

He physically matches Randle more than anyone else, but plays more like a bigger more modern wing.

That being said, he’s definitely deserving of being in consideration for the top pick. If I didn’t watch a single minute of Paolo I’d be vouching for him to be Orlando’s pick because of his skill set on paper.

[Creativetran]

A lot of the time he ends up barley getting off the ground and falls awkwardly which had led to his crazy low 2p%.

I don't recall the exact stats but among lotto picks in the past 5 years or so he had THE WORST 2% out of 50 players!!! That really REALLY scares the crap out of me esp considering he is a big.

[Optimus_Steel]

I really do understand the appeal of Banchero's potential. Three level scoring + shot creation for others (regardless of position) is the most valued archetype in the sport.

The problem for me is that Banchero just wasn't *that* good of a scorer.

If you're a forward who is likely going to be a net negative defensively and not provide all that much value as a rebounder either, then you have to be a really good scorer to counterbalance it.

Banchero could maybe become a great scorer, but there seems to be enough limitations there to where he may end up settling in as a pretty good scorer which would limit his overall value significantly.

My problem with Banchero ultimately comes down to effort. His rebounding and defense didn’t pass the eye test for me, and I’ve seen a lot of Banchero over the past year.

He has issues conserving energy and he does this to highlight his game on offense.https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/12/nba-draft-paolo-banchero-cramping-sweat-health-concerns

He physically matches Randle more than anyone else, but plays more like a bigger more modern wing.

That being said, he’s definitely deserving of being in consideration for the top pick. If I didn’t watch a single minute of Paolo I’d be vouching for him to be Orlando’s pick because of his skill set on paper.

I haven't seen alot of Banchero but I keep thinking of a Michael Beasley type, I'm I wrong?

[swarlesbarkley]

I really do understand the appeal of Banchero's potential. Three level scoring + shot creation for others (regardless of position) is the most valued archetype in the sport.

The problem for me is that Banchero just wasn't *that* good of a scorer.

If you're a forward who is likely going to be a net negative defensively and not provide all that much value as a rebounder either, then you have to be a really good scorer to counterbalance it.

Banchero could maybe become a great scorer, but there seems to be enough limitations there to where he may end up settling in as a pretty good scorer which would limit his overall value significantly.

My problem with Banchero ultimately comes down to effort. His rebounding and defense didn’t pass the eye test for me, and I’ve seen a lot of Banchero over the past year.

He has issues conserving energy and he does this to highlight his game on offense.https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/12/nba-draft-paolo-banchero-cramping-sweat-health-concerns

He physically matches Randle more than anyone else, but plays more like a bigger more modern wing.

That being said, he’s definitely deserving of being in consideration for the top pick. If I didn’t watch a single minute of Paolo I’d be vouching for him to be Orlando’s pick because of his skill set on paper.

I haven't seen alot of Banchero but I keep thinking of a Michael Beasley type, I'm I wrong?

Maybe strictly as a scorer - I don't remember Beasley being touted as a passer or playmaker at all while Paolo has great court vision and appears to be able to make all the passes you want out of a primary.

[Creativetran]

I love how cocky Chet is claiming he’ll be the best player in the NBA in 2 months. We need that alpha personality and I believe he will just get better. He is generational in my eyes.

Not saying it's a bad trait but Mario also said cocky things like that...

[j-ragg]

A lot of the time he ends up barley getting off the ground and falls awkwardly which had led to his crazy low 2p%.

I don't recall the exact stats but among lotto picks in the past 5 years or so he had THE WORST 2% out of 50 players!!! That really REALLY scares the crap out of me esp considering he is a big.

Since the 2000 draft, I think. I remember KOC saying something similar.

But who knows, the list could be 43.9 - Jabari and 8 players tied at 44.0. Still interesting.

[swarlesbarkley]

A lot of the time he ends up barley getting off the ground and falls awkwardly which had led to his crazy low 2p%.

I don't recall the exact stats but among lotto picks in the past 5 years or so he had THE WORST 2% out of 50 players!!! That really REALLY scares the crap out of me esp considering he is a big.

Since the 2000 draft, I think. I remember KOC saying something similar.

But who knows, the list could be 43.9 - Jabari and 8 players tied at 44.0. Still interesting.

That's the stat that has me concerned with Jabari. At 6'10", that percentage is unacceptable, even if there are a dozen players at 44%. I bet his percentage looks even worse compared to other players 6'8"+ (4s/5s).

A sharpshooter is a great piece to have on a team but not if that player has no other converting move. When the shot isn't falling in a loud environment with a swarming defense - can he do anything else?

[j-ragg]

I change my mind every hour on the hour. Tough to compare these guys but for Jabari, I see a lot of LaMarcus Aldridge (and no Tatum… at all). Not that it’s a bad thing.

[Skybox]

I'm open to the idea of Paolo but you can't just dismiss the difference in 3pt shooting in this era. Being able to hit step-back 3's is very important today as a playmaker so you can't overlook the long shooting difference between Banchero and Cade.

well, Tatum had questions about his 3 pt shot too and look at him now

so did Aaron Gordon...never mind

[basketballRob]

Jabari creates jump shots when the defense is smothering him. He had a low 2 pt percentage because he didn't react well to double teams. That's something that can be fixed.

[Xatticus]

Was Rashard Lewis worth a max deal? Hell no! But look how his presence elevated our team and thrusted us into contention.

Someone can say why spend the #1 pick on a 3&D PF. I agree that, in a vacuum, that type of player isn't worth such a valuable pick. But big picture, what would Jabari's presence do to our team? If it translate, his ability to shoot can be elite. His defense can be elite. Franz/Jabari combo gives me serious Turk/'Shard vibes, but with potential to be more lethal. If you believe in Markelle & Wendell, and I strongly do, then Jabari is the right pick. Luckily, Jabari can be effective today, in a simple role, but has good enough potential to warrant the pick and be excited.

Damn it, Stan! Do not get me started...

[basketballRob]

I change my mind every hour on the hour. Tough to compare these guys but for Jabari, I see a lot of LaMarcus Aldridge (and no Tatum… at all). Not that it’s a bad thing.

I think Jabari is a better shooter than Aldridge and Jabari can step out and guard point guards on the perimeter.

[Knightro]

A sharpshooter is a great piece to have on a team but not if that player has no other converting move. When the shot isn't falling in a loud environment with a swarming defense - can he do anything else?

Defend at a high level?

[swarlesbarkley]

A sharpshooter is a great piece to have on a team but not if that player has no other converting move. When the shot isn't falling in a loud environment with a swarming defense - can he do anything else?

Defend at a high level?

True true true.

My point is that when Paolo's shot isn't falling he can still generate offense multiple ways - passing, playmaking, and getting to the rim.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Schmitz is spot on. Chet has that dawg in him. You pair him with Franz and Jalen who are also both uber-competitors and you don't look back. Focus on the future.. and count on their work ethics to develop the necessary skills.

Also, stop looking at Chet like he's a 5.. he's not a 5 he's a wing. On D he'll gravitate towards protecting the bucket naturally but with finesse. He's already at his age a shot blocking savant and not from brute force but from impeccable timing.

He's best comp on offense is a taller KD. You take BPA with #1 and that's Holmgren.

If he can't move around like a wing then he is not a wing.

If you think this then you really didn't watch him play much. On offense he very much moves like a wing. He has the ball handling of a wing. He goes coast to coast often. He can shoot the 3 from anywhere and looks fluid and natural doing it. He changes directions with the ball like a guard. He's a wing offensively.. defensively he can guard wings with his length but ideally you want him protecting the basket from the weak side.

IKR anyone that doesn’t think he has the mobility and handle of a wing layer never watched him play. I’m also scouring the internet trying to find news of him having some type of bone disorder considering people seem to think he’ll shatter to pieces if he falls down or plays physical. Weird considering he banged against guy 30-50 lbs heavier than him and probably fell a couple times and broke nothing.

I understand the concern with his build but he’s also not a finished product physically. Do you ignore all the things he could be elite at because of what he weighs right now? Seems kind of stupid..

It’s Chet or Jabari for me. I’m not high on Banchero anymore.

[zaymon]

Just for funsies... here's a stat comparison between two players:

Paolo Banchero (per 40):
Points: 20.9 (53% from 2, 34% from 3)
Rebounds: 9.5
Assists: 3.9 (Turnovers: 2.9)
Steals: 1.3
Blocks: 1.1

Cade Cunningham @ OSU (per 40):
Points: 22.8 (46% from 2, 40% from 3)
Rebounds: 7
Assists: 3.9 (Turnovers: 4.6)
Steals: 1.8
Blocks: .9

If Cade was a consensus #1 last year, and most of us wanted him pre-lotto last year, why isn't Paolo an easy #1 this year? Paolo is 4-5 inches taller than Cade and is just as much of a playmaker as Cade - with fewer turnovers. Sure, Paolo doesn't shoot the 3 as good as Cade (though Cade only shot 31% his rookie year), but 34% is still respectable and he can get easier buckets in the paint when shots aren't falling because of his size.

Thats why i am on crusade right now, its unbelieveble !!! I love Holmgren but come on, Banchero is obvious number one pick for us. Everybody is crying for 10 years that only thing we need is to hit on oversized playmaker. When the luck is on our side and we have opportunity to draft a prospect whose stats are comparable or better than last years "phenom" or "young wonder" Tatum we just overhype 6'10 shooter who cant dribble, pass or finish at the rim. I dont understand it.

would you call up Houston? move back to 3 (i think most people see Jabari and Chet going #1 and #2) and another pick (next years or their later pick) and grab Banchero there?

If i were in the front office i would try to do two things. Hype Jabari Smith and Holmgren. Trade with Rockets while always wanting Banchero. Worst case draft Holmgren who i have second on my board.