2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Spud2nique]

Just wanna throw some good juju in the air. I did the Lottery Simulator and #1 and #7 twice in a row.

Just did one. Dallas got the #1 overall pick and we got #8. This is scary stuff.

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[King Ken]

Sexton could be a Kemba Walker level scorer.

Possibly but he is not a Kemba on any level PG. He is a SG like C.J. McCollum

Don’t insult CJ man. I guess you didn’t compare him but rather stated a fact that he is a SG, but can we like pick Dion Waiters or something?

It’s enough that kg and I always battle CJ and Beal but I dunno man, CJ is a higher tier to me. I dunno, I wish he does great but I don’t see Sexton staying consistent. That’s just me.

Sexton is already showing sign of having a higher ceiling than C.J.

[Indyhawks26]

I see the new mock draft by Jonathan G from ESPN as Hawks taking Hunter and Culver. 3D players are hard to find more so than big men says in the article if I remember correctly. Not sure would be wise and pass on Bol Bol. The limited play I saw he can effect a game just by being on the court through intimidation. Outside shooting and block shots ,rebounding would seem to be more ideal than another wing player which Hawks have in Huerter. How much better would Culver be than huerter? Can Hunter play shooting guard or just a forward?

[Spud2nique]

Possibly but he is not a Kemba on any level PG. He is a SG like C.J. McCollum

Don’t insult CJ man. I guess you didn’t compare him but rather stated a fact that he is a SG, but can we like pick Dion Waiters or something?

It’s enough that kg and I always battle CJ and Beal but I dunno man, CJ is a higher tier to me. I dunno, I wish he does great but I don’t see Sexton staying consistent. That’s just me.

Sexton is already showing sign of having a higher ceiling than C.J.

We shall see. All the best to him.

[King Ken]

I see the new mock draft by Jonathan G from ESPN as Hawks taking Hunter and Culver. 3D players are hard to find more so than big men says in the article if I remember correctly. Not sure would be wise and pass on Bol Bol. The limited play I saw he can effect a game just by being on the court through intimidation. Outside shooting and block shots ,rebounding would seem to be more ideal than another wing player which Hawks have in Huerter. How much better would Culver be than huerter? Can Hunter play shooting guard or just a forward?

Culver is not 3/D he is more like Bembry in terms of Army swiss knife and its unless Travis who is a pass, shoot, and dribble guy will take someone with Culver who shot 25% in the Big 12. Also Hureter is a great fit and a better player.

Hunter is 3/4 like Otto. He is plug and play and that's great.

[observer1995]

I see the new mock draft by Jonathan G from ESPN as Hawks taking Hunter and Culver. 3D players are hard to find more so than big men says in the article if I remember correctly. Not sure would be wise and pass on Bol Bol. The limited play I saw he can effect a game just by being on the court through intimidation. Outside shooting and block shots ,rebounding would seem to be more ideal than another wing player which Hawks have in Huerter. How much better would Culver be than huerter? Can Hunter play shooting guard or just a forward?

I do not view Culver as a good fit at SG. If the height rumors are true and he checks in at 6'6"-6'7" (or even bigger which would be hard to believe for me), he's a SF all the way to me. If the height rumors are not true, I pass on him.

And Bol's medicals scare the hell out of me. Even if they are fine, he's got a way to go before he would be a good fit with Collins.

[Jamaaliver]

I see the new mock draft by Jonathan G from ESPN as Hawks taking Hunter and Culver. 3D players are hard to find more so than big men says in the article if I remember correctly. Not sure would be wise and pass on Bol Bol. The limited play I saw he can effect a game just by being on the court through intimidation. Outside shooting and block shots ,rebounding would seem to be more ideal than another wing player which Hawks have in Huerter. How much better would Culver be than huerter? Can Hunter play shooting guard or just a forward?

I think Hunter is purely a forward. He could possibly play small ball-4 next to a defensive 7 footer. But I can't see him playing SG at all offensively as he isn;t a strong ball handler/creator.

Culver could be an adequate SF next to Huerter, but it might not be the ideal fit.

I do suspect (hope?) that Travis is still pursuing top draft prospects regardless of fit. I'd hate to miss out on a top SF/SG prospect cause he didn't fit naturally next to an unproven 2nd year player...


NOTE: Culver could be an ideal backup combo guard to play next to Huerter or Trae. Like Iguodala.

[King Ken]

I see the new mock draft by Jonathan G from ESPN as Hawks taking Hunter and Culver. 3D players are hard to find more so than big men says in the article if I remember correctly. Not sure would be wise and pass on Bol Bol. The limited play I saw he can effect a game just by being on the court through intimidation. Outside shooting and block shots ,rebounding would seem to be more ideal than another wing player which Hawks have in Huerter. How much better would Culver be than huerter? Can Hunter play shooting guard or just a forward?

I think Hunter is purely a forward. He could possibly play small ball-4 next to a defensive 7 footer. But I can't see him playing SG at all offensively as he isn;t a strong ball handler/creator.

Culver could be an adequate SF next to Huerter, but it might not be the ideal fit.

I do suspect (hope?) that Travis is still pursuing top draft prospects regardless of fit. I'd hate to miss out on a top SF/SG prospect cause he didn't fit naturally next to an unproven 2nd year player...


NOTE: Culver could be an ideal backup combo guard to play next to Huerter or Trae. Like Iguodala.

If this is who I think you are talking in Barrett than I get it but he really doesn't fit.

[Jamaaliver]

I do suspect (hope?) that Travis is still pursuing top draft prospects regardless of fit. I'd hate to miss out on a top SF/SG prospect cause he didn't fit naturally next to an unproven 2nd year player...


NOTE: Culver could be an ideal backup combo guard to play next to Huerter or Trae. Like Iguodala.

If this is who I think you are talking in Barrett than I get it but he really doesn't fit.

I was referring to Culver specifically, but anyone, really.

If Lloyd loves Romeo Langford and he can be a 20 ppg scorer someday, it'd be short-sighted to pass on him for a less talented wing player just because we like Huerter and the 9 ppg he produces. Same goes for Nickeil or Keldon or Tyler Herro.

I see us still being in asset-acquisition mode. We ain't drafting PGs in the lottery, but all other options are on the table.

[Jamaaliver]

New Big Board from Bleacher Report lists Culver as #2 Prospect in this draft:

2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 75 Players in This Year's Class

2. Jarrett Culver | Texas Tech | SG | Sophomore



The arrow keeps pointing up for Jarrett Culver, who's playing his best ball entering the NCAA tournament.

He just went for 31 points against Iowa State and 26 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists against West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament. Culver has evolved into a lead scorer from a role player, suddenly tough to keep from getting to, and finishing around, the rim despite his lack of explosion and strength.

He's also scoring in volume without finding his rhythm as a shooter, as his three-point mark has dipped to 32.3 percent. Culver does have a slow release, but through two seasons he's made enough jump shots with promising arch to feel confident in his potential to keep improving.

A more threatening playmaker (3.7 assists) and sound defender, the sophomore 2-guard has become one of the draft's most complete two-way players.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

New Mock Draft from Sir Charles in Charge:

2019 NBA Mock Draft: Zion Williamson, Ja Morant lead the way as March Madness begins



5. Atlanta Hawks – Cam Reddish, F, Duke

The Atlanta Hawks are an interesting team to follow in the weeks leading up to the 2019 NBA Draft, and currently have two top 10 picks. Don’t be surprised if Atlanta tried to pair them together to move up for a player like RJ Barrett if he falls to 2 or 3, but at this spot the pick is Cam Reddish.

Snagging him at No. 5 would almost be a steal at this point in the draft, considering that in some mocks he’s projected to go in the top 3. Reddish has somewhat played the third fiddle during his time at Duke, but has certainly flashed his potential at times.

Reddish has averaged 14 points and four rebounds on only 35 percent shooting from the field, but it should be noted that he probably would be posting bigger numbers without having to play next to Zion and Barrett.



7. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas) – Jaxson Hayes, F/C, Texas

After stealing Cam Reddish with the 5th overall pick, the Hawks could turnaround and take a chance on a big like Jaxson Hayes with the 7th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Hayes would be a good addition to John Collins down low and would help solidify this team’s frontcourt depth.

Hayes averaged 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks per game on 73 percent shooting from the field in a little over 20 minutes per contest. Hayes is very much still a work in progress, but has flashed his ability to be a really good player at the next level.

Plus, the Hawks have the luxury to really bet on potential here at 7. The odds of one of their top 10 picks hitting would be good.

[EazyRoc]

Thing that scares me about Culver is he is such a below the rim type of athlete that I just don’t think he will be as effective. He doesn’t look as skilled as Luka or naturally talented like Trae either. It’s like he just wills his way to greatness with nothing backing him but momentum.

[personanongrata]

Workouts are going to be key. Picks 4 through 15 are basically all in the eye of the beholder.

[Jamaaliver]

Everyone seems to be dropping Mocks this week ahead of the Big Dance. Bleacher Report has us missing out on Culver and passing on Cam Reddish with both picks...RUBBISH

2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Predictions Entering March Madness

5. Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter | Virginia | SF/PF | Sophomore



De'Andre Hunter has positioned himself as a top-10 prospect given the demand for versatile wings and his perceived low-risk projection that's tied to strong physical tools, shooting and defense.

He'll earn looks as high as No. 4, and he isn't likely to be available for teams picking later in the lottery.

The Atlanta Hawks would be a sensible match at No. 5, although they could also be drawn to Duke's Cam Reddish, who's more than a year younger than Hunter. The sophomore and ACC Defensive Player of the Year appears to be more reliable than Reddish, however.

The rebuilding Hawks could favor Hunter's stability and efficiency after seeing him shoot and defend well for two consecutive seasons.

7. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes | Texas | C | Freshman



A knee injury will end Jaxson Hayes' season, but he'll remain in play for lottery teams if it isn't a serious setback.

The Dallas Mavericks will keep this pick if it falls within the top five. If it conveys to the Hawks and they draft a guard, wing or forward with their own pick, Hayes seems like an obvious target to add next to John Collins, a superior scorer who could use some help defending the paint.

Hayes blocked 3.8 shots per 40 minutes this year while shooting 72.8 percent from the floor. He'll have a defined role from day one that calls for rim running, finishing, second-chance points and anchoring Atlanta's defense.

[Jamaaliver]

2019 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Who Will Stand Out in the NCAA Tournament?



5.Atlanta Hawks Hawks: Cam Reddish | SF | Duke

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 | Freshman

Atlanta is set with Trae Young and Kevin Huerter in their backcourt going forward, and with two Top-10 selections should end up in position to take a risk on Reddish. While he’s been wholly underwhelming for Duke this season and his issues finishing at the rim are particularly concerning, going to the Hawks would put him in a low-pressure situation where team and player can focus on specializing his skill set, rather than trying to turn him into something he’s not. If Reddish can just harness his ability more consistently, he has the tools to become a versatile 3-and-D forward. This would be an ideal situation for him.

7.Atlanta Hawks Hawks (via Mavericks): De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

Height: 6’7” | Weight: 225 | Sophomore

If Dallas’s pick ends up in the top five, they’ll get to keep it, and that scenario is in play. Otherwise, it goes to Atlanta. With last year’s draft as a precedent, the Hawks could again consider trying to flip one of their firsts into a lower selection and a future first, maximizing their asset value. If they keep it, they could couch the risk of someone like Reddish at No. 5 with the safety of Hunter, who should provide defensive versatility and floor spacing from a forward spot. Like with Reddish, having Trae Young in place to handle primary shot-creation makes a guy like Hunter all the more valuable.

SI.com

[Jamaaliver]

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5. Atlanta Hawks – Jarrett Culver (G/F, Texas Tech)

Add the Hawks to the list of teams that could certainly use Hunter’s services, as Atlanta currently boasts a young core that is shaky (to be kind) on the defensive end. Still, Culver is a (slightly) better overall prospect that happens to be younger and more talented on the offensive end. He could make himself some money with a breakout showing in March but, at this point, NBA scouts know that Culver has two-way appeal and he’s established himself in a wide second tier of prospects.


7. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas) – De’Andre Hunter (F, Virginia)

As noted above, Hunter might be in play at No. 5 for the Hawks but it would be easier for Atlanta if he was still available here. In Culver, the Hawks would get a more intriguing offensive talent that also has crossover appeal. In Hunter, Travis Schlenk and company would acquire a player that would immediately become the team’s best defensive prospect and, for good measure, he fits the team’s ethos in being able to stretch the floor with solid shooting. The Hawks would be testing the “you can never have too many wings and forwards” corollary in adding two more but, if they felt maxed out in that area, a trade involving Taurean Prince would quickly solve that.

[Jamaaliver]

^The consensus I'm getting is that if we pick anywhere between 4-7, we're going to end up with one of the Hunter/Culver/Reddish trio.

I love that. I will say that should we end up lucky enough to get #1 and pick Zion, DeAndre Hunter seems like the best fitting wing between He, Collins and Trae.

[King Ken]

I do like the idea of two wings. I am not sold on drafting a big till the 2nd round. There is no Bamba, Carter Jr., Ayton, or JJJ in this class. My preference is Clarke, Hunter or Reddish

[Jamaaliver]

I do like the idea of two wings. I am not sold on drafting a big till the 2nd round. There is no Bamba, Carter Jr., Ayton, or JJJ in this class. My preference is Clarke, Hunter or Reddish

If Chi zeroes in on Darius Garland and offered Wendell Carter Jr to us for #7 or #8 straight up -- would you do it?

Would that change your approach with our earlier pick?

[Hazer]

I do like the idea of two wings. I am not sold on drafting a big till the 2nd round. There is no Bamba, Carter Jr., Ayton, or JJJ in this class. My preference is Clarke, Hunter or Reddish

Len is a good “backup” C, and we have Kaba waiting in the wings(pan) as another backup, so I’d prefer to acquire a star C via FAcy/trade, being the position that takes longest to develop. Then swing for the fences on a trade for JJJ, Bamba, Carter Jr, or similar young C. That being said I do like Fernando, Hayes, and especially Porter but they won’t be available where we’re picking.