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personanongrata wrote:We need an alpha two way small forward, and secondary ball handler.
The Step BackDe’Andre Hunter is not flashy but he’s a valuable NBA Draft prospect
De’Andre Hunter’s skill set doesn’t scream for you to draft him, but he’s good at the things a modern NBA team needs from a role-playing forward
As a freshman, Hunter had shown a great foundation as a two-way wing player, providing quality defense, hitting 38.2 percent from 3, and showing the beginnings of a fluid off-the-dribble game. As a sophomore, Hunter has been pretty similar to the player that we saw last season. Sure, there have been marginal improvements — from 18.4 to 20.5 points per 40 minutes, from 2.2 to 3.3 assists per 40, and a five percentage point increase in 3-point shooting, up to 42.3 percent on 26 attempts so far — but Hunter’s game remains very similar to what we saw last season. While Jarrett Culver of Texas Tech has seized the mantle of this draft class’s top non-freshman with a meteoric rise, Hunter is hanging in the middle of the first round on most big boards — where he also was last season.
Hunter’s biggest disappointment this season has been his regression as a ball-handler, putting what feels like a cap on his offensive value. The thought was that Hunter might be able to elevate this skill into some on-ball responsibility, creating offense out of the pick-and-roll or jumping into some isolation possessions. However, that hasn’t happened this year. He struggles to go strong to the rim against contact at times as well, against defenders he really shouldn’t have a problem with.
There also hasn’t been the defensive development that was hoped for. Hunter is still a very good defender, and one of the linchpins of the always excellent Virginia defense thanks to his ability to defend across all three frontcourt positions. But this year, we’ve seen some tendencies and traits that might limit him in the NBA. For one, Hunter struggles going around screens, with awkward footwork and difficulty getting his hips around the screener and disengaging.
There was also the idea of him playing as a weakside rim protector in the NBA, thanks to his wingspan, quick leaping ability, and the discipline contesting shots he showed last year. This has been too inconsistent though, because Hunter often falls into the trap of failing to make rotations across the paint to contest, fearing the easy dump-off pass to their man on the opposite side of the paint.
With that said, Hunter does still have a pretty strong foundational skill set for projecting to the NBA level, particularly on defense. While his technique issues coming around screens are concerning, his overall fundamentals on defense are exceptional.
Hunter isn’t a top-end versatile defender in the way that Zion Williamson and Jarrett Culver are, and while his offensive skill set is more complimentary, it doesn’t have the potential for upside that similar compliment prospects like Keldon Johnson have. However, Hunter has the skill set to play a role that every team needs — a complimentary wing on offense that can set screens, shoot spot-ups, and attack the basket, and then shift up a position and defend playmaking fours and switch on-ball actions defensively.
Spurs Fansided2019 NBA Draft Prospects: Nassir Little
What are the odds that the North Carolina swingman falls to the end of the lottery?
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman compiled his last mock draft of 2018, in which he had Little slotted as being the 13th pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Despite being in the same recruiting class as the likes of Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett, it was Little who garnered the preseason accolades, being named the MVP and Co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic respectively. Such a feat placed Little in rarified air, joining LeBron James as the only other to win MVP honors in both events.
Little, once considered a near-lock as a top-three pick coming into the season, has seen his draft stock drop off precipitously during his time playing in the Dean Dome.
The 6’6″ forward is currently averaging 10.8 points on 51.5 percent shooting and 4.2 rebounds in just 19.4 minutes of play over his first 12 collegiate games. On the surface, these numbers pale in comparison to that of players such as Williamson and Barrett. Further, Little has connected on just five three-pointers all year on 21.7 percent shooting from downtown.
Seeing the raw numbers will undoubtedly create a healthy level of skepticism about Little’s transition to the next level. However, Little is joining a senior-laden Tar Heel roster, which has forced the freshman to adopt a bench role and that adjustment has resulted in a productivity drop-off as he transitions to the college game.
Little’s slow start and the system he’s playing in should not be an indictment on his ability to produce at the next level.
One of the greatest traits that Little possesses is one that cannot be taught: athleticism. When asked about the subject, UNC head coach Roy Williams said that Little is easily the most athletic player he’s ever had the opportunity to coach. With incredible explosion and leaping abilities, Little can glide through the lane and finish thunderous put back dunks.
Many teams and scouts will be enamored with Little’s combination of size and speed, with the potential to develop into a two-way/3-and-D player if he’s able to find a more consistent three-point shot. His strong 6’6″, 220-pound frame coupled with his steady body control allows Little to absorb contact on drives and he has shown glimpses of instinctual positioning on the offensive glass for easy buckets.
2. R.J. Barrett, G/F, Duke | Freshman
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 200 | Age: 18 | Last Rank: 2
It’s been an up and down individual season for Barrett, who many had earmarked as the No. 1 pick coming into the season. His efficiency struggles and shot selection have been magnified playing next to Williamson, but credit Barrett for playing through what has been a slightly unfair amount of scrutiny and turning in consistent effort game to game. Barrett is most effective with a head of steam going toward the basket, utilizing a variety of finishes and understanding the importance of drawing contact. Granted, he is going to have to be willing to adjust his playstyle somewhat to maximize his talent, but what the criticism has missed is how many minutes he has logged, the tendencies of the players around him and how frequently Duke has needed him to take the offensive lead as a function of that. There is something to be said for his struggles creating good looks and his inconsistent jumper, but Barrett’s expectations out of high school were a little lofty due in part to a lack of convincing talent in this draft class. He can be much more selective and make a better effort to get teammates involved going forward, but his competitive makeup and overall room for growth remain promising.
Jamaaliver wrote:String Bean is calling it a career as a collegiate.Spoiler:
jayu70 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:String Bean is calling it a career as a collegiate.Spoiler:
Big men and foot issues = draft fall.
jayu70 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:String Bean is calling it a career as a collegiate.Spoiler:
Big men and foot issues = draft fall.
Nathan2331 wrote:Bol Bol makes perfect sense with the Mavs pick. While I'm not sure if he'll ever reach his potential, we wouldn't be relying on him to. I have doubts Bol will ever become a good defender outside of blocking some shots, but his offensive game in my mind is legit if he can cut out the turnovers.
Unlike most other fans, also don't think we need to move Prince either. He needs to improve a lot defensively if he's to reach his full potential, but I think he can get to a place where everyone is happy with him. He just needs to realize Trae will get him the ball if he plays his part within the offense.
I say all that to say, I think we'll be fine drafting whoever come June so long as they are not an out and out PG or PF. Zion's for can legitimately be questioned, but I'd draft him and figure it out later.
personanongrata wrote:Nathan2331 wrote:Bol Bol makes perfect sense with the Mavs pick. While I'm not sure if he'll ever reach his potential, we wouldn't be relying on him to. I have doubts Bol will ever become a good defender outside of blocking some shots, but his offensive game in my mind is legit if he can cut out the turnovers.
Unlike most other fans, also don't think we need to move Prince either. He needs to improve a lot defensively if he's to reach his full potential, but I think he can get to a place where everyone is happy with him. He just needs to realize Trae will get him the ball if he plays his part within the offense.
I say all that to say, I think we'll be fine drafting whoever come June so long as they are not an out and out PG or PF. Zion's for can legitimately be questioned, but I'd draft him and figure it out later.
What about durability? He's already out with a foot injury. Freakishly tall athletes have notoriously vulnerable feet.
Nathan2331 wrote:personanongrata wrote:Nathan2331 wrote:Bol Bol makes perfect sense with the Mavs pick. While I'm not sure if he'll ever reach his potential, we wouldn't be relying on him to. I have doubts Bol will ever become a good defender outside of blocking some shots, but his offensive game in my mind is legit if he can cut out the turnovers.
Unlike most other fans, also don't think we need to move Prince either. He needs to improve a lot defensively if he's to reach his full potential, but I think he can get to a place where everyone is happy with him. He just needs to realize Trae will get him the ball if he plays his part within the offense.
I say all that to say, I think we'll be fine drafting whoever come June so long as they are not an out and out PG or PF. Zion's for can legitimately be questioned, but I'd draft him and figure it out later.
What about durability? He's already out with a foot injury. Freakishly tall athletes have notoriously vulnerable feet.
It may always be an issue, but without any specific knowledge of his situation I'd still take the gamble. We don't need a starter from this draft, and we have money to go after a big name in free agency if we see fit. If Huerter continues to progress and Prince adapts his play, all we need is to sign a center. Bazemore with a year left on his deal could also be packaged for an upgrade or we could keep him around as a 6th man.
The StepbackThe Step Back 2019 NBA Draft Big Board
Tier 1
1. Zion Williamson | PF | Duke
Williamson is an athletic freak with a rare combination of ball-handling skill and size. He’s a little short to play the four, but he should be a comfortable driving scorer at the NBA level. For more on Williamson, click here.
It’s still just Zion at the top, as he’s established an awesome statistical battery not just compared to his peers, but compared to all prospects of the last decade. He’s nearly two-points ahead of Anthony Davis as the all-time Box Plus-Minus leader. He’s one of two players since 2010 to post over a 15 percent assist rate, a 7.0 percent block rate, a 28 percent usage rate, and a true shooting percentage over 67 percent. His net rating is in the same tier of Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns. He shoots 75.5 percent at the rim, per The Stepien shot chart data, while actively avoiding scoring with his right hand. He’s not perfect; few prospects are. But there really isn’t a question of who is the best prospect in this draft right now.
SI.comNBA Draft Big Board 3.0: Zion Williamson Remains on Top
Zion Williamson continues to set himself apart as the draft’s top prospect, but after that, the picture is much more muddled.
1. Zion Williamson, F, Duke | Freshman
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 285 | Age: 18 | Last Rank: 1
Perhaps the only thing most people around the league can widely agree on with respect to this draft class is that Williamson, our preseason No. 1 prospect, remains on track to hear his name called first. Duke heads into its ACC schedule as the top team in the country, and his all-around play has been at the center of their success. Williamson’s otherworldly athleticism, remarkable scoring efficiency and ability to impact the game as a rebounder and shot-blocker truly make him unique. His ability to grab the ball and create good transition looks via dribble or pass consistently is rare. Playing downhill with his size, finishing and passing skills, he’s almost impossible to defend at the college level. While he is not an outstanding jump shooter, Williamson can simply barrel into the paint, and will draw tons of fouls with the way the NBA game is being called. He has the heft and verticality to defend bigger players, while playing on the perimeter the other way. We simply have not seen a prospect built like him who plays quite like him, and the possibilities are tantalizing.
kg01 wrote:Nathan2331 wrote:personanongrata wrote:
What about durability? He's already out with a foot injury. Freakishly tall athletes have notoriously vulnerable feet.
It may always be an issue, but without any specific knowledge of his situation I'd still take the gamble. We don't need a starter from this draft, and we have money to go after a big name in free agency if we see fit. If Huerter continues to progress and Prince adapts his play, all we need is to sign a center. Bazemore with a year left on his deal could also be packaged for an upgrade or we could keep him around as a 6th man.
It's the navicular bone which is what Embiid had. It can be chronic and career threatening. If a team takes him, it'll be late 1st as a flyer. That's the only spot I'd be ok with taking him and, even then, I still don't like him as a player much.
With the DAL pick, I'd prefer our "gamble" to be on a guy like Porter (USC) or Culver (TxTech - love that kid).
And we don't do high-level free agency so don't bank on that in the near future. I think that can change considering how our current build goes.
Spud2nique wrote:kg01 wrote:Nathan2331 wrote:
It may always be an issue, but without any specific knowledge of his situation I'd still take the gamble. We don't need a starter from this draft, and we have money to go after a big name in free agency if we see fit. If Huerter continues to progress and Prince adapts his play, all we need is to sign a center. Bazemore with a year left on his deal could also be packaged for an upgrade or we could keep him around as a 6th man.
It's the navicular bone which is what Embiid had. It can be chronic and career threatening. If a team takes him, it'll be late 1st as a flyer. That's the only spot I'd be ok with taking him and, even then, I still don't like him as a player much.
With the DAL pick, I'd prefer our "gamble" to be on a guy like Porter (USC) or Culver (TxTech - love that kid).
And we don't do high-level free agency so don't bank on that in the near future. I think that can change considering how our current build goes.
Your getting better. I tried to stop you from liking Sexton but couldn’t. Culver is legit, he’s climbing on my boards. I’m releasing some YouTube videos on him and dissecting his game.
