Draft Thread Part 2

[ATLTimekeeper]

No, they have many, but dont you think the head of the global department should go? You're not making any sense. You're spinning in circles here. For the last time, I don't think this guy is their target and thus this news of their head of global scouting is scouting this guy like its some big news, is a smokescreen in a way to keep us unpredictable as every team wants to be come draft night.

If they have no interest because he's not their kind of player (your opinion), no, their head of global scouting doesn't need to go. This actually isn't big news at all, much like it wasn't big news when the Raptors were seen scouting Theo Maledon or Deni Avdija last year, or when these stories come up every year. They literally see guys and sometimes the local media finds out and it gets reported. Masai isn't telling the Israeli basketball media to take his picture watching Deni Avdija and post it on twitter, in the event that they somehow get a pick around the spot where Deni Avdija might go and get to bamboozle a team into thinking they must be taking him.

There's no circles here. There's no big news. Some scouts were literally spotted by the Australian broadcast, and identified as "Raptor scouts." They've stuck around for a while to watch a few games, not because they need to keep up the ruse that they're actually interested in him, but because they actually want to scout him in person for a few games. It's not even news among Raptor media. It's barely even discussed in our own nerdy draft thread.

[Psubs]

my main team is the pistons but i've lived in the GTA all my life so i still follow the raps pretty closely, even if i don't actively cheer for them.

with the flattened lotto odds i've mentally prepared myself for the possibility of the pistons falling to the 6th pick (from 2) and i should say there are still some intriguing players left in the 6/7 range. i'm waiting for the closer to the draft to do my full research but so far jalen johnson and scottie barnes are interesting, as well as the potential of keon johnson.

just putting in my two cents for those that have a "win the lotto or bust" mentality.

also, let's say the raps get the second pick. who do people want to get? mobley to fill the center need? green to give the team a true #1 scoring option? suggs to add to the intangibles that the raps really like?

Keon Johnson would be a great fit for the Pistons.

PG Hayes - CoJo
SG Keon - Lee
SF Bey - JJackson
PF Grant - Doumbouya
C Plumlee - Stewart

Tank 1 more year for Chet Holmgren or Paulo Banchero. Then might be on the upswing like a Charlotte or even an Atlanta.

[WuTang_CMB]

No, they have many, but dont you think the head of the global department should go? You're not making any sense. You're spinning in circles here. For the last time, I don't think this guy is their target and thus this news of their head of global scouting is scouting this guy like its some big news, is a smokescreen in a way to keep us unpredictable as every team wants to be come draft night.

If they have no interest because he's not their kind of player (your opinion), no, their head of global scouting doesn't need to go. This actually isn't big news at all, much like it wasn't big news when the Raptors were seen scouting Theo Maledon or Deni Avdija last year, or when these stories come up every year. They literally see guys and sometimes the local media finds out and it gets reported. Masai isn't telling the Israeli basketball media to take his picture watching Deni Avdija and post it on twitter, in the event that they somehow get a pick around the spot where Deni Avdija might go and get to bamboozle a team into thinking they must be taking him.

There's no circles here. There's no big news. Some scouts were literally spotted by the Australian broadcast, and identified as "Raptor scouts." They've stuck around for a while to watch a few games, not because they need to keep up the ruse that they're actually interested in him, but because they actually want to scout him in person for a few games. It's not even news among Raptor media. It's barely even discussed in our own nerdy draft thread.

Yes he does.

[Psubs]

my main team is the pistons but i've lived in the GTA all my life so i still follow the raps pretty closely, even if i don't actively cheer for them.

with the flattened lotto odds i've mentally prepared myself for the possibility of the pistons falling to the 6th pick (from 2) and i should say there are still some intriguing players left in the 6/7 range. i'm waiting for the closer to the draft to do my full research but so far jalen johnson and scottie barnes are interesting, as well as the potential of keon johnson.

just putting in my two cents for those that have a "win the lotto or bust" mentality.

also, let's say the raps get the second pick. who do people want to get? mobley to fill the center need? green to give the team a true #1 scoring option? suggs to add to the intangibles that the raps really like?

Mobley. He's so fluid and the perfect kind of big man for us. A OG/Siakam/Mobley big man lineup where they can flip who they are guarding depending on the matchup is drool worthy. If I'm being honest with fellow realgmers, if we win #1 pick and #2 is being offered for a swap + another asset, I'd consider it. Especially if we'd be looking at Orlando as a trade partner who can offer a second lottery pick

Always a fear looking at bigs with injuries like Demarcus Cousins or Anthony Davis.

Cade doesn't depend on athleticism so would likely stay away from major injuries to the legs. Perhaps the C is going the way of the Running Back in the NFL. You need them to be a threat but don't depend on them to win. They need to do other things like block and be a release valve as a receiver out of the backfield. In the NBA, the modern C now needs to guard the P&R decently, maybe hit the corner 3?

Cade would be like a QB that can throw the deep ball and be taken #1.

Finding someone like Birch and using the MLE might be a more optimal way to fill the C role.

[LBJKB24MJ23]

my main team is the pistons but i've lived in the GTA all my life so i still follow the raps pretty closely, even if i don't actively cheer for them.

with the flattened lotto odds i've mentally prepared myself for the possibility of the pistons falling to the 6th pick (from 2) and i should say there are still some intriguing players left in the 6/7 range. i'm waiting for the closer to the draft to do my full research but so far jalen johnson and scottie barnes are interesting, as well as the potential of keon johnson.

just putting in my two cents for those that have a "win the lotto or bust" mentality.

also, let's say the raps get the second pick. who do people want to get? mobley to fill the center need? green to give the team a true #1 scoring option? suggs to add to the intangibles that the raps really like?

Mobley. He's so fluid and the perfect kind of big man for us. A OG/Siakam/Mobley big man lineup where they can flip who they are guarding depending on the matchup is drool worthy. If I'm being honest with fellow realgmers, if we win #1 pick and #2 is being offered for a swap + another asset, I'd consider it. Especially if we'd be looking at Orlando as a trade partner who can offer a second lottery pick

yup, if the raptors win the lottery, i can see them moving out of the 1st pick for asset(s) + their pick. here's a quick rundown on the potential assets to gain if Raptors do win the lottery and one of the other lottery teams miss out and want to move in on the Cade

Houston, nothing i really want from them. they are talent depleted.
Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels/ Okogie/ Nas Reid
Detroit, Bey/Doumbouya/Hayes
Orlando, Bamba/Anthony/Hampton
Cleveland, obv Jarret Allen or even Sexton if they believe Cade is their #1 priority and Cleveland falls out of the top 5.

just some suggestions if the Raptors don't think Cade is the best player in this draft and all those teams think he is.

[JS_raptors]

Watch on YouTube

[Dalek]

I think we need to challenge the givens in this draft.

Assumption #1: The top five order is set. I personally don't believe that Kuminga is a lock to stay in the top five. He would be a project who may not produce much at all right away. If it is a team like Orlando with multiple picks and an already young team, maybe they opt for my personal favorite for them Franz Wagner. They just signed Mo Wagner and reuniting him with his brother is a great fit. They do have two top ten picks, so even if they use the other pick on Wagner, maybe a Scottie Barnes who adds playmaking that they need would fit well. It just really depends on if you buy a 25% three point shooter over a guy with a high level assist rate. Maybe even a guy like Giddey makes it to the top 5 because of people wanting to repeat the Lamelo success. Kuminga is an okay passer but no one will think he is a jumbo creator type.

Assumption #2: Keon Johnson is in a tier ahead of James Bouknight. To me both are incredible athletes with Keon Johnson missing all of the natural scoring skills of Bouknight. Also, Johnson doesn't have nearly the handle or shake that Bouknight has. To me Johnson is RJ Hampton and likely a bit smaller. I am really surprised that Johnson is ranked in the top ten. He is a nice athlete but he is a spaz. Rushes his plays at the rim, rushes closeouts wildly on D. He is also really a light weight so I don't think he will easily finish in the NBA right away. Bouknight is similarly light but he has way more tricks in his bag. Bouknight is light years ahead of Keon, if you ask me.

Assumption #3: All the wings will be drafted ahead of any big. Last year Onyeka Okongwu was picked 6 overall. Usman Garuba is a guy who is younger, more accomplished and really looks like the next potential Bam Adebayo with his passing and defense and rim running. Not to mention Alperin Sengun being a dominant scorer in Europe. I am saying it is possible that one of these guys makes it to the 6-8 range because quality bigs are valuable.

I'd prepare to look at Kuminga as a very real draft option for Toronto:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[ATLTimekeeper]

Yes he does.

For the record, only two teams have personally scouted Giddey. The Raptors and the Warriors. The Warriors sent an assistant coach. The Raptors sent multiple scouts including their head of scouting. Just to lead everyone astray.

[whitehops]

Mobley. He's so fluid and the perfect kind of big man for us. A OG/Siakam/Mobley big man lineup where they can flip who they are guarding depending on the matchup is drool worthy.

i agree and that would be tough for any offense to go against. GTJ also gives them good size if they wanted to switch anything.

the only thing is the raps would have the same predicament where they don't have a go-to #1 offensive player. so your defense might be elite but you're really putting a ceiling on your offense. and as intriguing as mobley's offensive skill set is you don't want to rely on your center creating most of your offense (unless they are jokic).

[Morse Code]

I think we need to challenge the givens in this draft.

Assumption #1: The top five order is set. I personally don't believe that Kuminga is a lock to stay in the top five. He would be a project who may not produce much at all right away. If it is a team like Orlando with multiple picks and an already young team, maybe they opt for my personal favorite for them Franz Wagner. They just signed Mo Wagner and reuniting him with his brother is a great fit. They do have two top ten picks, so even if they use the other pick on Wagner, maybe a Scottie Barnes who adds playmaking that they need would fit well. It just really depends on if you buy a 25% three point shooter over a guy with a high level assist rate. Maybe even a guy like Giddey makes it to the top 5 because of people wanting to repeat the Lamelo success. Kuminga is an okay passer but no one will think he is a jumbo creator type.

Assumption #2: Keon Johnson is in a tier ahead of James Bouknight. To me both are incredible athletes with Keon Johnson missing all of the natural scoring skills of Bouknight. Also, Johnson doesn't have nearly the handle or shake that Bouknight has. To me Johnson is RJ Hampton and likely a bit smaller. I am really surprised that Johnson is ranked in the top ten. He is a nice athlete but he is a spaz. Rushes his plays at the rim, rushes closeouts wildly on D. He is also really a light weight so I don't think he will easily finish in the NBA right away. Bouknight is similarly light but he has way more tricks in his bag. Bouknight is light years ahead of Keon, if you ask me.

Assumption #3: All the wings will be drafted ahead of any big. Last year Onyeka Okongwu was picked 6 overall. Usman Garuba is a guy who is younger, more accomplished and really looks like the next potential Bam Adebayo with his passing and defense and rim running. Not to mention Alperin Sengun being a dominant scorer in Europe. I am saying it is possible that one of these guys makes it to the 6-8 range because quality bigs are valuable.

I'd prepare to look at Kuminga as a very real draft option for Toronto:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Oh how I hope you’re right. I would be ecstatic if Kuminga became a Raptor. I also agree about Bouknight being ahead of Keon. Only thing is defensively and passing wise, James leaves a lot to be desired. He does have that ability to be one of the top scorers in the league though, and I’m sure with time and trust in his teammates he can develop his playmaking.

[WuTang_CMB]

Yes he does.

For the record, only two teams have personally scouted Giddey. The Raptors and the Warriors. The Warriors sent an assistant coach. The Raptors sent multiple scouts including their head of scouting. Just to lead everyone astray.

That you know of. You think everything is publicized? I'm sure there's more teams that have, with many more to come, especially those drafting mid-tier. Nevertheless, the Raps will do their home-work on every player, as they should, I don't think we will be selecting this guy 7th, as I've said.

[whitehops]

I think we need to challenge the givens in this draft.

Assumption #1: The top five order is set. I personally don't believe that Kuminga is a lock to stay in the top five. He would be a project who may not produce much at all right away. If it is a team like Orlando with multiple picks and an already young team, maybe they opt for my personal favorite for them Franz Wagner. They just signed Mo Wagner and reuniting him with his brother is a great fit. They do have two top ten picks, so even if they use the other pick on Wagner, maybe a Scottie Barnes who adds playmaking that they need would fit well. It just really depends on if you buy a 25% three point shooter over a guy with a high level assist rate. Maybe even a guy like Giddey makes it to the top 5 because of people wanting to repeat the Lamelo success. Kuminga is an okay passer but no one will think he is a jumbo creator type.

i agree. right now people are hoping he is like jaylen brown coming out of Cal where he's an uber athlete, pretty raw all around but develops a lot offensively. his physical tools are highly coveted and people are giving his development the benefit of the doubt since he's relatively new to ball but there still is a risk there. i wouldn't be shocked if he fell but he definitely won't fall past like 8th.

[Jadoogar]

Putting Sengun in tier 5, trust me, that will not age well.

What offense only center has been successful recently? Jokic? KAT? end of list?

[niQ]

Yes he does.

For the record, only two teams have personally scouted Giddey. The Raptors and the Warriors. The Warriors sent an assistant coach. The Raptors sent multiple scouts including their head of scouting. Just to lead everyone astray.

That you know of. You think everything is publicized? I'm sure there's more teams that have, with many more to come, especially those drafting mid-tier. Nevertheless, the Raps will do their home-work on every player, as they should, I don't think we will be selecting this guy 7th, as I've said.

Come on guys, you two have been at it for the past 6 pages or so. Smoke or interested, it's all speculation for now but you both agree Raps are doing their homework. Maybe leave it at that.

[Dalek]

I think we need to challenge the givens in this draft.

Assumption #1: The top five order is set. I personally don't believe that Kuminga is a lock to stay in the top five. He would be a project who may not produce much at all right away. If it is a team like Orlando with multiple picks and an already young team, maybe they opt for my personal favorite for them Franz Wagner. They just signed Mo Wagner and reuniting him with his brother is a great fit. They do have two top ten picks, so even if they use the other pick on Wagner, maybe a Scottie Barnes who adds playmaking that they need would fit well. It just really depends on if you buy a 25% three point shooter over a guy with a high level assist rate. Maybe even a guy like Giddey makes it to the top 5 because of people wanting to repeat the Lamelo success. Kuminga is an okay passer but no one will think he is a jumbo creator type.

Assumption #2: Keon Johnson is in a tier ahead of James Bouknight. To me both are incredible athletes with Keon Johnson missing all of the natural scoring skills of Bouknight. Also, Johnson doesn't have nearly the handle or shake that Bouknight has. To me Johnson is RJ Hampton and likely a bit smaller. I am really surprised that Johnson is ranked in the top ten. He is a nice athlete but he is a spaz. Rushes his plays at the rim, rushes closeouts wildly on D. He is also really a light weight so I don't think he will easily finish in the NBA right away. Bouknight is similarly light but he has way more tricks in his bag. Bouknight is light years ahead of Keon, if you ask me.

Assumption #3: All the wings will be drafted ahead of any big. Last year Onyeka Okongwu was picked 6 overall. Usman Garuba is a guy who is younger, more accomplished and really looks like the next potential Bam Adebayo with his passing and defense and rim running. Not to mention Alperin Sengun being a dominant scorer in Europe. I am saying it is possible that one of these guys makes it to the 6-8 range because quality bigs are valuable.

I'd prepare to look at Kuminga as a very real draft option for Toronto:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Oh how I hope you’re right. I would be ecstatic if Kuminga became a Raptor. I also agree about Bouknight being ahead of Keon. Only thing is defensively and passing wise, James leaves a lot to be desired. He does have that ability to be one of the top scorers in the league though, and I’m sure with time and trust in his teammates he can develop his playmaking.

It is true that the knock on Bouknight is that he is selfish, but UCONN was a truly terrible team when he was injured. I think with talent around him he would facilitate more. Just listen to him with Mike Schmidt during his ESPN chat. He understands the game at a high level and seems willing to get better.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

He also routinely faced double and even triple teams which led to his bad turnover percentage. I don't think he will get that treatment right away and he just seems too talented not to succeed. The guy drips star potential.

Kuminga is my guy to fall to Toronto. I can see us getting him in a bit of shocker because people are losing it over Giddey and other creator wings like Barnes. Kuminga showed some good and bad in G-League so they might talk themselves out of him.

[Dalek]

I think we need to challenge the givens in this draft.

Assumption #1: The top five order is set. I personally don't believe that Kuminga is a lock to stay in the top five. He would be a project who may not produce much at all right away. If it is a team like Orlando with multiple picks and an already young team, maybe they opt for my personal favorite for them Franz Wagner. They just signed Mo Wagner and reuniting him with his brother is a great fit. They do have two top ten picks, so even if they use the other pick on Wagner, maybe a Scottie Barnes who adds playmaking that they need would fit well. It just really depends on if you buy a 25% three point shooter over a guy with a high level assist rate. Maybe even a guy like Giddey makes it to the top 5 because of people wanting to repeat the Lamelo success. Kuminga is an okay passer but no one will think he is a jumbo creator type.

i agree. right now people are hoping he is like jaylen brown coming out of Cal where he's an uber athlete, pretty raw all around but develops a lot offensively. his physical tools are highly coveted and people are giving his development the benefit of the doubt since he's relatively new to ball but there still is a risk there. i wouldn't be shocked if he fell but he definitely won't fall past like 8th.

I agree, he won't drop too far, but as I have mentioned, LaMelo Ball's immediate success as a big playmaker is attractive for teams. People always want to copy other team's success stories so I can see Kuminga drop a bit because people want something different. Kuminga is a pretty classic wing prospect. I am not sure if a guy like Isaac Okoro who hasn't been too great will scare teams off of Kuminga.

[Jadoogar]

How's Evan Mobley? Recently we have seen centers picked in the top 5 not being worth it simply because wings and guards are more important.
Even the good ones like Ayton have been over shadowed by the star wings in the draft.
I'm not in favour of drafting centers in the top 5 unless they are really special. So i guess what i'm asking is Mobley special?

[ATLTimekeeper]

For the record, only two teams have personally scouted Giddey. The Raptors and the Warriors. The Warriors sent an assistant coach. The Raptors sent multiple scouts including their head of scouting. Just to lead everyone astray.

That you know of. You think everything is publicized? I'm sure there's more teams that have, with many more to come, especially those drafting mid-tier. Nevertheless, the Raps will do their home-work on every player, as they should, I don't think we will be selecting this guy 7th, as I've said.

Come on guys, you two have been at it for the past 6 pages or so. Smoke or interested, it's all speculation for now but you both agree Raps are doing their homework. Maybe leave it at that.

I'm making a point here that I think is valid. I'll refrain from being obnoxious (as best I can).

The NBA recently cleared scouts to travel overseas in April on the condition they're fully vaccinated. They were previously not allowed to leave the U.S.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/report-nba-clears-vaccinated-scouts-travel-overseas-2021-04-19/

There's only a few more weeks left to see anyone else, and the two week quarantine implemented in Australia will be a major inhibitor to other teams. I don't think the Raptors would waste their precious time just for due diligence.

[Stromile12]

We need a guy like bouknight, who can get buckets. He looks like a go to scorer.

[WuTang_CMB]

That you know of. You think everything is publicized? I'm sure there's more teams that have, with many more to come, especially those drafting mid-tier. Nevertheless, the Raps will do their home-work on every player, as they should, I don't think we will be selecting this guy 7th, as I've said.

Come on guys, you two have been at it for the past 6 pages or so. Smoke or interested, it's all speculation for now but you both agree Raps are doing their homework. Maybe leave it at that.

I'm making a point here that I think is valid. I'll refrain from being obnoxious (as best I can).

The NBA recently cleared scouts to travel overseas in April on the condition they're fully vaccinated. They were previously not allowed to leave the U.S.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/report-nba-clears-vaccinated-scouts-travel-overseas-2021-04-19/

There's only a few more weeks left to see anyone else, and the two week quarantine implemented in Australia will be a major inhibitor to other teams. I don't think the Raptors would waste their precious time just for due diligence.

That's their job. You do your home-work as best as you can in a draft, that's what the Raps are doing. Just because they went to go see this guy, doesn't mean he's high on their list. Covid circumstances or not, you gotta navigate through it all to see every player.