Official 2017 Draft Thread - Something Positive To Look Forward To

[DayofMourning]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.

He's gotten plenty of love on the boards in general, just not this one as much yet.

Semi-OT-Would anybody be interested in picking a prospect in this draft and keeping up with him during the course of the year? For example, I really like Frank Jackson. So I could choose him as my prospect for the year and give updates in this thread about his play as the year progresses. I'd give an honest effort in keeping up with him and posting frequent updates so everyone is current.

I'll do it for Frank Jackson whether any body else wants to join in or not, but I think it'd be fun if others could pick a player and put forth some quality content for the rest of us to benefit from.

I'm not sure how popular an idea this will be, but if a player is already picked, then it'd be best if another poster didn't try and select the same guy. This wouldn't inhibit anybody from posting new info on the players, it'd just be a way to ensure a player is getting his due.

If you're interested, just stake your player claim in this thread and keep the rest of us informed.

[PizzaLord305]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.

He's gotten plenty of love on the boards in general, just not this one as much yet.

Semi-OT-Would anybody be interested in picking a prospect in this draft and keeping up with him during the course of the year? For example, I really like Frank Jackson. So I could choose him as my prospect for the year and give updates in this thread about his play as the year progresses. I'd give an honest effort in keeping up with him and posting frequent updates so everyone is current.

I'll do it for Frank Jackson whether any body else wants to join in or not, but I think it'd be fun if others could pick a player and put forth some quality content for the rest of us to benefit from.

I'm not sure how popular an idea this will be, but if a player is already picked, then it'd be best if another poster didn't try and select the same guy. This wouldn't inhibit anybody from posting new info on the players, it'd just be a way to ensure a player is getting his due.

If you're interested, just stake your player claim in this thread and keep the rest of us informed.

I'll take his teammate jayson tatum or daaron fox from kentucky cause both of those teams will be on watch espn often lol which i use to watch that college stuff since i dont have cable tv.

[PizzaLord305]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duxRUu2ykj4[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V63LRWlvHNE[/youtube]

i watched two of his teams highschool games on youtube when i was bored once and they play an insane pace and take shots that would make golden state blush. his younger brother is gonna be sick

[SCHeat]

In a draft big board Josh Jackson would definitely be #1 for me, love his scrappyness and intensity and he has alpha potential on offense

I think JJ is a clear number one right now.

He is a very active defender who can control the game. He is a very willing passer, with a nice touch on his pass and good awareness of where his teammates are, or will be.

As a scorer, he has a lot of potential. He plays the game very well. He forces sometimes, as all very skilled athletes sometimes do, but his understanding of what he's able to do and when to do it is high level. He can do it all offensively.

I've also seem him get into guys' faces as well. He has that edge to his game.

As mentioned before, he is also well spoken and cerebral.

He's the total package. The best chance at being a super duper star since KD on the wing.

I see him as more of a Paul George. But I agree, JJ would be the top prize

[Cmon_Son-_-]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.

He's gotten plenty of love on the boards in general, just not this one as much yet.

Semi-OT-Would anybody be interested in picking a prospect in this draft and keeping up with him during the course of the year? For example, I really like Frank Jackson. So I could choose him as my prospect for the year and give updates in this thread about his play as the year progresses. I'd give an honest effort in keeping up with him and posting frequent updates so everyone is current.

I'll do it for Frank Jackson whether any body else wants to join in or not, but I think it'd be fun if others could pick a player and put forth some quality content for the rest of us to benefit from.

I'm not sure how popular an idea this will be, but if a player is already picked, then it'd be best if another poster didn't try and select the same guy. This wouldn't inhibit anybody from posting new info on the players, it'd just be a way to ensure a player is getting his due.

If you're interested, just stake your player claim in this thread and keep the rest of us informed.

I'm down. I'll take Lonzo Ball then

[DayofMourning]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.

He's gotten plenty of love on the boards in general, just not this one as much yet.

Semi-OT-Would anybody be interested in picking a prospect in this draft and keeping up with him during the course of the year? For example, I really like Frank Jackson. So I could choose him as my prospect for the year and give updates in this thread about his play as the year progresses. I'd give an honest effort in keeping up with him and posting frequent updates so everyone is current.

I'll do it for Frank Jackson whether any body else wants to join in or not, but I think it'd be fun if others could pick a player and put forth some quality content for the rest of us to benefit from.

I'm not sure how popular an idea this will be, but if a player is already picked, then it'd be best if another poster didn't try and select the same guy. This wouldn't inhibit anybody from posting new info on the players, it'd just be a way to ensure a player is getting his due.

If you're interested, just stake your player claim in this thread and keep the rest of us informed.

I'm down. I'll take Lonzo Ball then

I think that's a great choice CS:)

PizzaLord, if nobody else wants to play, I'd say covering both would be a cool idea.

[DayofMourning]

I see him as more of a Paul George. But I agree, JJ would be the top prize

I was thinking McGrady myself. I only mentioned KD as a comparison in regards to overall impact as a wing player, not in skillset, or similarity in their games.

[RJM]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duxRUu2ykj4[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V63LRWlvHNE[/youtube]

Cool. He can jump high. This shows me nothing.

[Cmon_Son-_-]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duxRUu2ykj4[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V63LRWlvHNE[/youtube]

Cool. He can jump high. This shows me nothing.

I could've posted full games but I know no one's going to sit down a watch them. Pretty much everyones highlight tape is going to feature dunking can't do anything about it. The post was just so you can know his name and do your own research.

[gom]

How good is the 2017 draft? Suppose we finish *outside* of the top 10 but miss the playoffs. The latest mock draft at DraftExpress:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

Show:

11: De'Aaron Fox (an excellent defensive guard who should develop well, but can play D from day 1)
12: Jonathan Isaac (the SF from Naples who looks so good)
13: Ivan Rabb (the PF from Berkeley who looks like a very good rebounder, 7-2 wingspan, 9-0 standing reach)
14: Lonzo Ball (as seen above - an excellent pg prospect)

-----

Even though we have Justise, I'd pick Isaac of these 4 and then sort out which excellent forward plays where. I think his rank is understated at 12, but there is so much talent above him, I can see how some feel he's not as good as the others. I think he has a lower floor than Ivan Rabb (for example), but with good coaching I see Isaac as a possible star. Of these 4 the most questionable is probably Ball, who also I feel has a high ceiling.

My overall point, though, is that this is the same range where this year players like Domantas Sabonis and Valentine were being drafted. It's not just the top tier of 2017 that's better. It's a deep draft.

So even if we don't tank and merely miss the playoffs, the cupboard isn't bare.

* Note: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany's best young player) at 17 in the DX rankings. Just ridiculous. This guy is a great rebounder and his shot is getting much better. Dunks like crazy too. Big PF with good tools. I think he's 17 or 18 years old.

Also, there is no way this guy is going 20th:

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Malik-Monk-7243/

A great looking player! High IQ and good tools. Pretty good shot too in the 50 plus game.

[UD4MVP]

How good is the 2017 draft? Suppose we finish *outside* of the top 10 but miss the playoffs. The latest mock draft at DraftExpress:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

Show:

11: De'Aaron Fox (an excellent defensive guard who should develop well, but can play D from day 1)
12: Jonathan Isaac (the SF from Naples who looks so good)
13: Ivan Rabb (the PF from Berkeley who looks like a very good rebounder, 7-2 wingspan, 9-0 standing reach)
14: Lonzo Ball (as seen above - an excellent pg prospect)

-----

Even though we have Justise, I'd pick Isaac of these 4 and then sort out which excellent forward plays where. I think his rank is understated at 12, but there is so much talent above him, I can see how some feel he's not as good as the others. I think he has a lower floor than Ivan Rabb (for example), but with good coaching I see Isaac as a possible star. Of these 4 the most questionable is probably Ball, who also I feel has a high ceiling.

My overall point, though, is that this is the same range where this year players like Domantas Sabonis and Valentine were being drafted. It's not just the top tier of 2017 that's better. It's a deep draft.

So even if we don't tank and merely miss the playoffs, the cupboard isn't bare.

* Note: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany's best young player) at 17 in the DX rankings. Just ridiculous. This guy is a great rebounder and his shot is getting much better. Dunks like crazy too. Big PF with good tools. I think he's 17 or 18 years old.

Tank for a top 3 pick, hope Dragic gets a late lottery pick and we're timberwolves east in a year with Pat Riley and no state taxes

[gom]

No one's talking about Lonzo Ball, he's a 6'6 PG and pretty much is a do everything player where his only flaw is that he's a 30% 3 point shooter but that could raise with him changing his mechanics. Imo his ceiling is a less athletic Penny Hardaway(Still a good athlete). He averaged 24P, 12A 11R in high school watch out for him at UCLA next year.

He's gotten plenty of love on the boards in general, just not this one as much yet.

Semi-OT-Would anybody be interested in picking a prospect in this draft and keeping up with him during the course of the year? For example, I really like Frank Jackson. So I could choose him as my prospect for the year and give updates in this thread about his play as the year progresses. I'd give an honest effort in keeping up with him and posting frequent updates so everyone is current.

I'll do it for Frank Jackson whether any body else wants to join in or not, but I think it'd be fun if others could pick a player and put forth some quality content for the rest of us to benefit from.

I'm not sure how popular an idea this will be, but if a player is already picked, then it'd be best if another poster didn't try and select the same guy. This wouldn't inhibit anybody from posting new info on the players, it'd just be a way to ensure a player is getting his due.

If you're interested, just stake your player claim in this thread and keep the rest of us informed.

I'm down. I'll take Lonzo Ball then

I'll take Isaac. I love that guy.

[gom]

How good is the 2017 draft? Suppose we finish *outside* of the top 10 but miss the playoffs. The latest mock draft at DraftExpress:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

Show:

11: De'Aaron Fox (an excellent defensive guard who should develop well, but can play D from day 1)
12: Jonathan Isaac (the SF from Naples who looks so good)
13: Ivan Rabb (the PF from Berkeley who looks like a very good rebounder, 7-2 wingspan, 9-0 standing reach)
14: Lonzo Ball (as seen above - an excellent pg prospect)

-----

Even though we have Justise, I'd pick Isaac of these 4 and then sort out which excellent forward plays where. I think his rank is understated at 12, but there is so much talent above him, I can see how some feel he's not as good as the others. I think he has a lower floor than Ivan Rabb (for example), but with good coaching I see Isaac as a possible star. Of these 4 the most questionable is probably Ball, who also I feel has a high ceiling.

My overall point, though, is that this is the same range where this year players like Domantas Sabonis and Valentine were being drafted. It's not just the top tier of 2017 that's better. It's a deep draft.

So even if we don't tank and merely miss the playoffs, the cupboard isn't bare.

* Note: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany's best young player) at 17 in the DX rankings. Just ridiculous. This guy is a great rebounder and his shot is getting much better. Dunks like crazy too. Big PF with good tools. I think he's 17 or 18 years old.

Tank for a top 3 pick, hope Dragic gets a late lottery pick and we're timberwolves east in a year with Pat Riley and no state taxes

The point I was making is that we don't have to tank for a top 3 pick. We're just really lucky to have a pick in a good draft. We'll get someone special anyhow.

[gom]

What do you guys think about Ivan Rabb? Seen him compared to a Bosh type. Would look like he would make a nice fit at PF. NBADRAFT.net has him going 10th which i think is a realistic spot for us to be picking at.

I watched a few of the Cal games. He's a great rebounder and very good around the rim. That being said, he's not Chris Bosh at all, but he has one thing Chris has - a good defensive IQ.

He'll likely never be such a good shooter though.

I do like Ivan Rabb, but depending who is available there may be other PF prospects that are more interesting.

[UD4MVP]

How good is the 2017 draft? Suppose we finish *outside* of the top 10 but miss the playoffs. The latest mock draft at DraftExpress:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

Show:

11: De'Aaron Fox (an excellent defensive guard who should develop well, but can play D from day 1)
12: Jonathan Isaac (the SF from Naples who looks so good)
13: Ivan Rabb (the PF from Berkeley who looks like a very good rebounder, 7-2 wingspan, 9-0 standing reach)
14: Lonzo Ball (as seen above - an excellent pg prospect)

-----

Even though we have Justise, I'd pick Isaac of these 4 and then sort out which excellent forward plays where. I think his rank is understated at 12, but there is so much talent above him, I can see how some feel he's not as good as the others. I think he has a lower floor than Ivan Rabb (for example), but with good coaching I see Isaac as a possible star. Of these 4 the most questionable is probably Ball, who also I feel has a high ceiling.

My overall point, though, is that this is the same range where this year players like Domantas Sabonis and Valentine were being drafted. It's not just the top tier of 2017 that's better. It's a deep draft.

So even if we don't tank and merely miss the playoffs, the cupboard isn't bare.

* Note: Isaiah Hartenstein (Germany's best young player) at 17 in the DX rankings. Just ridiculous. This guy is a great rebounder and his shot is getting much better. Dunks like crazy too. Big PF with good tools. I think he's 17 or 18 years old.

Tank for a top 3 pick, hope Dragic gets a late lottery pick and we're timberwolves east in a year with Pat Riley and no state taxes

The point I was making is that we don't have to tank for a top 3 pick. We're just really lucky to have a pick in a good draft. We'll get someone special anyhow.

But Josh Jackson though!

[gom]

Tank for a top 3 pick, hope Dragic gets a late lottery pick and we're timberwolves east in a year with Pat Riley and no state taxes

The point I was making is that we don't have to tank for a top 3 pick. We're just really lucky to have a pick in a good draft. We'll get someone special anyhow.

But Josh Jackson though!

I know, right? I'd love to have him on the team. There are about a dozen players in this draft, though, that can be solid starters or more, so if our tank fails because we win too much, we still have a chance to get better. What I want are two picks... somehow.

[Hallstar]

The point I was making is that we don't have to tank for a top 3 pick. We're just really lucky to have a pick in a good draft. We'll get someone special anyhow.

But Josh Jackson though!

I know, right? I'd love to have him on the team. There are about a dozen players in this draft, though, that can be solid starters or more, so if our tank fails because we win too much, we still have a chance to get better. What I want are two picks... somehow.

If all you get is solid starters after multiple years sucking, heads need to roll

[QUIZ]

If we don't suck we can still get Gray Gray.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u08ZkNvOTS8[/youtube]

[DayofMourning]

The point I was making is that we don't have to tank for a top 3 pick. We're just really lucky to have a pick in a good draft. We'll get someone special anyhow.

But Josh Jackson though!

I know, right? I'd love to have him on the team. There are about a dozen players in this draft, though, that can be solid starters or more, so if our tank fails because we win too much, we still have a chance to get better. What I want are two picks... somehow.

We have two very tradable assets, Goran and Hassan. I don't know how close to the lottery we can get with Goran, but I bet we could load up with Hassan. I'm not advocating trading Hassan, but he would net us something very nice in a package I'm sure. If all hope seems lost at midseason, I expect wed at least listen to offers.

Would an offer from Boston for a package centered around the Brooklyn picks interest any of you?

[gom]

But Josh Jackson though!

I know, right? I'd love to have him on the team. There are about a dozen players in this draft, though, that can be solid starters or more, so if our tank fails because we win too much, we still have a chance to get better. What I want are two picks... somehow.

We have two very tradable assets, Goran and Hassan. I don't know how close to the lottery we can get with Goran, but I bet we could load up with Hassan. I'm not advocating trading Hassan, but he would net us something very nice in a package I'm sure. If all hope seems lost at midseason, I expect wed at least listen to offers.

Would an offer from Boston for a package centered around the Brooklyn picks interest any of you?

It depends. I'd do this:

Whiteside & McRoberts

for

So Boston's 2017 pick and rights to swap with Brooklyn
Brooklyn's 2018 pick
Boston's 2019 pick and rights to swap with Brooklyn
Jaylen Brown 4M
Amir Johnson 12M (expiring)
Kelly Olynyk 3M (expiring)
Jonas Jerebko 5M (expiring)
Guerschon Yabusele 1.5M

It almost guarantees Boston a couple seasons of domination, but we're in the sheeter anyhow.
----

Meanwhile, we'd have:

PG: Dragic, Weber
SG: Richardson, Tyler Johnson, Ellington, Rod McGruder
SF: Winslow, Jaylen Brown, Luke Babbitt
PF: Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Derrick Williams, Guerschon Yabusele, Haslem, James Johnson
C: Olynyk, Reed

We'd have to waive two players: Ellington & Babbitt would be my choices.

our 2017 pick (a lottery pick)
boston's 2017 pick with rights to swap with brooklyn (a lottery pick)

future 2018 pick from brooklyn
our 2018 pick (1-8) or 2019 pick
boston's 2019 pick with rights to swap