2020 NBA Draft Thread, Part 2 -- (8PM, Wed, Nov. 18, ESPN)

[threrf23]

Lonzo Ball did shoot better than 40% from 3 at UCLA, on 6 attempts per 40. Despite any issues with his form or release, he was a good shooter for a collegiate freshman. FT% (67%) was similar to Ty Haliburton's as a freshman (69%) and wouldn't have ruled him out as becoming a great three point shooter.

Given the convo, I just wanted to add that one thing Ball & Kawhi shared in common as collegiate players, was rebounding. They were both very good rebounders relative to their size/build/position/age. Kawhi in particular was elite, Ball averaged about 7 per 40, comparable to Jason Kidd at Cal.

While shooting, and other skills can require years of repetition to improve and perfect, rebounding is much simpler, and tends to be an early measure of motor/instincts/fundamentals/effort/etc if we are talking draft prospects. A legit NBA prospect playing alongside a bunch of no-NBA college players, should effortlessly rebound well, and the best rebounders tend to have bright futures. This is why a player's production on the boards in college can actually provide some insight into their true potential in other areas (such as shooting).

You could prob say something vaguely similar about FT% - a player who has the potential to develop into a good three point shooter in the NBA should probably be expected to effortlessly achieve a minimal FT%.

[captain green]

From, as ConstableGeneva says, the oft-quoted Hawks insider:

BOS - Is a team looking to move up but not too high. This is where #8 NY could come into play if the right guy drops. He was told that Haliburton or Okongwu has piqued their interest.

Looks like The Comedian and Captain Green were right about Haliburton.

Okongwu! That’s what I’m talking about!

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

[GoGreen]

This is the last shot we've got at a solid player in the lottery. If it means Danny has to over pay, fine. As long as they really like the guy, I'm for it.

[yeleven11]

From, as ConstableGeneva says, the oft-quoted Hawks insider:



Looks like The Comedian and Captain Green were right about Haliburton.

Okongwu! That’s what I’m talking about!

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

Celtics fans want Ainge to trade up to take Hayes or Okongwu so he will stay put at 14 and take RJ Hampton. We'll get the classic "it takes two teams to make a deal" line during the post-draft press conference.

[captain green]

Okongwu! That’s what I’m talking about!

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

Celtics fans want Ainge to trade up to take Hayes or Okongwu so he will stay put at 14 and take RJ Hampton. We'll get the classic "it takes two teams to make a deal" line during the post-draft press conference.

If we come out with Kong or Isaac ok but I still want s.bey and precious LoL

[SuperDeluxe]

So, the Celtics met virtually with Nate Hinton. He's very Smart-like with his energy and hustle plays. He's pretty interesting. I had never heard of him before today.

Watch on YouTube

I'm only now seeing this video. You can never have too many Marcus Smarts on your team. I want his kid to be a Celtic now.

[BostonCouchGM]

Becoming a good shooter takes years at the very least months of repetiton to keep the new shooting motion intstinctual in game situations. He is not right now a good shooter, maybe in 2 years, not right now.

Kawhi did it in the Summer before his rookie season and has been consistently the same 3 pt shooter since. He was a 29% shooter in college. You can't teach size, length, athleticism, drive and work ethic. If Hampton has those things he could change. Lonzo also completely transformed his shot from year 2 to 3 with great results.

Lonzo Ball shot 56.6% from the line this year He shot 40% from the field, yes he 3 point numbers are respectable now but he is not a good shooter, pretending otherwise is silly. Can someone become an average shooter, even a good one with enough work yes, but 90% don't and he (RJ) is not an incredbile athlete he is a very good one. He is not a true point and is average size for a 2. Yes he is fast but that alone is not enough.

lol wut? He's one of the fastest guys for his height we've ever seen. He has Fox and Wall type speed. And he effortless does windmill and through the leg dunks. He's an amazing athlete. He's a better athlete than Kawhi or Ball which I've proved were able to improve their shooting over months instead of years like you claimed. If RJ isn't an incredible athlete, who is?

As for his shooting, he has promise. And like I said, since he has the athleticism...if he has the work ethic, he's had 7 months off to work on his shot. That's enough time to make a huge difference.

here's the guy who apparently isn't an incredible athlete. Head at the rim but he's merely a good athlete

https://www.facebook.com/TheNBL/posts/2580637508654789?comment_id=2580884761963397

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks for the post. I really like what I saw with Hinton.

[playa-hater]

Meanwhile there are some Gems that can be had in RD2 of every draft.

There are 5 players I am having a hard time choosing between in RD 2.. so please help.

All I have are videos and reports to go by. All look promising. I think I know who I want as top choice, but so damn close.

I would love Boston to go after a potentially solid role playing guard/wing that seems may available at 30 -47th pick..

Of course there are other positions/players in RD 2 as well. But between these 5, who is your top choice?

Elijah Hughes 6'6 SG. Good shooting overall, with some decent creativity.

Watch on YouTube

Isaiah Joe - 6'5 SG - is he a prolific shooter or a high volume shooter?? plays decent defense as well.

Watch on YouTube

Immanuel Quickley - 6'3 Combo Guard. defends very well and has a solid knock down jumper. Long arms.. can play 2 positions

Watch on YouTube

;t=443s

Nate Hinton 6'5 SG possible the toughest Offense/defense/rebounding combination of the group.

Watch on YouTube

;t=3s

Cassius Stanley 6'6 SG - maybe the best finisher and up and down player. Was he held back a bit at Duke (like Tatum) good shooter and defender as well.

Watch on YouTube

Give me Hinton and Quickley, thanks!

I didn't want to say it before some comments, but he is a pitbull on defense. and would look like he could contribute all the little things that Smart does.. all while having a pretty good looking jumper.

[Spin Move]

Kawhi did it in the Summer before his rookie season and has been consistently the same 3 pt shooter since. He was a 29% shooter in college. You can't teach size, length, athleticism, drive and work ethic. If Hampton has those things he could change. Lonzo also completely transformed his shot from year 2 to 3 with great results.

Lonzo Ball shot 56.6% from the line this year He shot 40% from the field, yes he 3 point numbers are respectable now but he is not a good shooter, pretending otherwise is silly. Can someone become an average shooter, even a good one with enough work yes, but 90% don't and he (RJ) is not an incredbile athlete he is a very good one. He is not a true point and is average size for a 2. Yes he is fast but that alone is not enough.

lol wut? He's one of the fastest guys for his height we've ever seen. He has Fox and Wall type speed. And he effortless does windmill and through the leg dunks. He's an amazing athlete. He's a better athlete than Kawhi or Ball which I've proved were able to improve their shooting over months instead of years like you claimed. If RJ isn't an incredible athlete, who is?

As for his shooting, he has promise. And like I said, since he has the athleticism...if he has the work ethic, he's had 7 months off to work on his shot. That's enough time to make a huge difference.

here's the guy who apparently isn't an incredible athlete. Head at the rim but he's merely a good athlete

https://www.facebook.com/TheNBL/posts/2580637508654789?comment_id=2580884761963397

Fastest guys we have seen at his height? what? where are you getting this from? Most of the sites say he is a very good athlete I don't see anywhere saying he is super special. His last measurment that has been published was 6'3 without shoes, maybe he measures 6'4 but he ain't 6'7 or anything he is decent 2 guard size, he doesnt have the passing IQ of a true pg. Lots of guys can pull of fancy dunks, literally most SG prospects can, the dunk contest has had more Harlod Minors then Michael Jordans. His games show bad shooting and yes he has potential but he is much better served going to a team that will let him get court time and play through his mistakes, he won't get the chacge here. I watched some highlight vidoes and he is fast no doubt but not like omg fast, there are tons of fast guys in the class,. Have you watched his defense clips, really horrible, against subpar competition, guy cant figure out how to get past a screen. I don't like him for us. He is a good athlete, but that has nothing to do with becoming a better shooter, that is all work ethic, and from watching how lazy he is on defense I would not bet on him having a super strong work ethic.

[Spin Move]

Someone who I do like that might drop a bit and can't shoot yet is Den Avidja here is a really nice film breakdown

Watch on YouTube

He is 6'9 (and possibly still growing acording to the video) an very good passer for a forward nice handle and straightline driver and good shooting form. He talks about how his shooting has been effected a bit by his growing. He seems like a perfect fit next to tatum as a guy who can play 3 and 4 and be both a great facilitator and scorer. Watching the film he was much more explosive then I expected, he has good straight line speed and is an excellent cutter. If he dropped to 8 or 9 he seems like a really nice potential #3guy for Tatum and brown who brings some size especially if he really is not done growing and can eventually gaurd the 5.


https://www.thestepien.com/2020/01/28/deni-avdija-scouting-report-2/
He is supposedly a very hard worker, hence my belif he can improve his shot
"However, two things do point in his favor – he has nice form and I have been told he is an insanely hard worker, oftentimes staying well after practices (and games) to work on his shot. On his form: upper body looks good on film, with elbow not leaking out and usually a smooth with no hitch or unneeded movements. However, on the release, he is prone to two bad things happening (which, in my opinion, at least partially lead to the poor percentages) : (1) release isn’t up and down, as his body crunches a little (see pictures below), making the release more out instead of up and out and (2) he is prone to turning his lower body / flaring his feet on the release. Given the upper body shooting motion, touch, and his streakiness from the outside now, I think it’s fair to project Deni hitting in the mid 30s from 3 in time, if he is able to fix the lower body a bit. One last point on his shooting numbers, he’s shooting 36% (18/50) on 3s outside of the final 5 seconds of the shot clock and 37% (16/43) on C&S on 3s outside of final 5 seconds of shot clock à through 1/26/20. "

"Mentality Overview: Competitive and a really hard worker – from what I have been told, he is an incredibly hard worker – gets to practice before and stays late getting shots up, and also gets extra shots up after games if he has a bad shooting night. He holds himself to an incredibly high standard (and his dad apparently pushes him to get better and put in the work), which is good, but he apparently can get too down on himself if he has a bad game – needs to keep a more even demeanor. Does a nice job playing his role on both ends regardless of what it is – is comfortable playing a more lead role, but can also play a background role. On defense, he competes and does a nice job defending a variety of players (though he can be beaten off the bounce by quicker players and bullied in post by stronger ones)."

[ConstableGeneva]

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[Half-Full]

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BYU... Gee, do we know anyone on the Celtics with a BYU connection?

[playa-hater]

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6'8 225 big man?? it looks like he can shoot, but doesn't look fast at all. Looks like he wouldn't be good inside or outside on defense..

[playa-hater]

Boston has "shown" interest in 20+late first second rd prospects, yet the only 2 lottery level prospects so far is Obi and RJ. I like that there are doing their homework on late picks, but damn, still no clue what they want in the lottery/teens.

[Spin Move]

Read on Twitter

6'8 225 big man?? it looks like he can shoot, but doesn't look fast at all. Looks like he wouldn't be good inside or outside on defense..

He didn't block shots in college, not a good sign, maybe ainge views him as a grant williams 3/4 type. He can score, is a very good shooter, but yea, I don't see how he fits defensivly in the NBA unless his measurments come out better, then again maybe he can by a Paul Milsap type, good rebounder good scorer, not a great defender.

[JHTruth]

From, as ConstableGeneva says, the oft-quoted Hawks insider:



Looks like The Comedian and Captain Green were right about Haliburton.

Okongwu! That’s what I’m talking about!

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

I say you overpay if it doesn't cost you any of your core. This is the last time we'll be in any position to draft in the top 10 for a very very long time. Have to make it count..

[playa-hater]

Okongwu! That’s what I’m talking about!

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

I say you overpay if it doesn't cost you any of your core. This is the last time we'll be in any position to draft in the top 10 for a very very long time. Have to make it count..

And I believe players at 11-15 are on the same Tier as players between 6-10. In most cases. I still would rather Boston package 26+30 or 26+47 to get back into the teens.

I am still all over a Nesmith+Precious type of combo in RD1

[JHTruth]

we need to get a partner but they seem to be locked on to 3 names haliburton, Isaac and Kong. Also hearing frustrations on finding that trade partner due to other teams being locked in and unsure if there guy is going to be there. So not final yet and unfortunately news is rj might be the guy if can't facilitate the trade. Ainge might have to over pay from what I'm deducted.

I say you overpay if it doesn't cost you any of your core. This is the last time we'll be in any position to draft in the top 10 for a very very long time. Have to make it count..

And I believe players at 11-15 are on the same Tier as players between 6-10. In most cases. I still would rather Boston package 26+30 or 26+47 to get back into the teens.

I am still all over a Nesmith+Precious type of combo in RD1

Meh I think Hayes/Haliburton/OO are significantly better than Hampton/Maxey/Cole Anthony/Precious type players. Move up if you can...

[Spin Move]

I say you overpay if it doesn't cost you any of your core. This is the last time we'll be in any position to draft in the top 10 for a very very long time. Have to make it count..

And I believe players at 11-15 are on the same Tier as players between 6-10. In most cases. I still would rather Boston package 26+30 or 26+47 to get back into the teens.

I am still all over a Nesmith+Precious type of combo in RD1

Meh I think Hayes/Haliburton/OO are significantly better than Hampton/Maxey/Cole Anthony/Precious type players. Move up if you can...

I agree Haliburton and Hayes are pretty sure fire starters, Cole and Maxey and Hampton al have major bust potential. Okungwo won't be there very long he has a really sought after skill set. Precious is the poor man's version of him. If we can package to move up we should.