2018 NBA Draft - June 21

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

Good stuff. Some of those are just really strange considering what we know of them now. Russ at 40% and Mitchell at 49% is just bizarre given the combination of strength and athleticism that they both have. I'm also tempted to throw out every single one of Kyrie's stats just because the sample size was so damn small. Just by glancing at them as a whole though, tough to tell if there's really any big takeaway. I knew Trey Burke was going to really struggle finishing in the NBA, but it's not like his numbers are noticeably bad compared to the others. If anything, it just makes Young and Sexton look pretty bad compared to the rest.

I don't think they are strange.

Russ is still a 55% finisher around the basket this season. 25% on runners.. so he isn't exactly setting the world on fire.

Mitchell is a 38% finisher around the basket this season. 26% on runners. Mitchell is still very bad around the rim. His saving grace is spot up game, his pull up game, isolation game and penetration game in iso situations, especially going to the right.

Lillard is a 54% finisher around the basket. 36% on runners.

I think these stats by themselves are tricky, but if you delve a bit deeper in to the details you can understand it a bit better. Obviously a low FG% around the basket is more alarming if the guy is small and lacks leaping ability like Young... but in this case a high FG% percentage on runners is a good indicative that he may develop a reliable runner to battle the potential struggle at the rim.


I agree with what you are saying that there isn't much to take when you are looking at the rim stats like that... but generally players fare way better when they are above 60% an fare worse when they are below 50-55%. Then you have to look at the context. watch the tapes in how they got these percentages down.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

You havent watched him play. Carlisle is notorious for short hooking young guys and DSJ made it through that with his confidence in tact and alot of his fundamentals shored up (which is what Carlisle was trying to get him to do). He does need to learn how to land/fall or he will go the Steve Francis route of burning out those knees quick, but if he does learn to land/fall, he could just as easily take the DWade leap in his development next season without a crowded backcourt of Barrea, Ferrell, Harris and Wes taking the ball out of his hands

I watched him some... not a lot, and I recognise his talent and drive. What i'm saying is that he has yet to put it on the floor as far as impact goes whether it's the coaches fault or not. I'm also saying that his calling is his athleticism and his aggressive play style, and that his poor technique and relentless aggression may lead to inevitable injuries down the road.

Porter is a bit different because he might not need to be aggressive to have an impact, but still, his injury might still very much hurt him on the boards and when attacking the rim and as far as his overall ceiling. I think he projects to be a 4 and so rebounding and filling his frame should be some what of a priority... I know back problems mess with that.

 

[Derek]

Wendell Carter is a guy that's really growing on me. Solid shot blocker, good skills around the basket with both hands, and has some range.

 

[Nathan S]

Wendell Carter is a guy that's really growing on me. Solid shot blocker, good skills around the basket with both hands, and has some range.

Don't understand why he's not getting more hype. Seems to have a really ideal skillset for a modern NBA center.

 

[Derek]

Don't understand why he's not getting more hype. Seems to have a really ideal skillset for a modern NBA center.

I've heard questions about his athleticism, and while he may not be a crazy athlete that's above the rim all the time, for his size, he looks fluid and quick.

I really wonder what separates him from KAT as a prospect. I know KAT has already proven he can produce in the NBA, but coming out of college, what's the big difference?

Similar size, neither are explosive athletes, per-40 numbers are really similar. He's not with JJJ and Bamba for me, but I wonder why he's just now creeping into the top 10 of most mocks.

I think when teams really start watching he'll be a guy that's talked about as a potential top 5 selection.

 

[Adam]

Don't understand why he's not getting more hype. Seems to have a really ideal skillset for a modern NBA center.

I think the concern is he will always be undersized and struggle to guard on switches, bit Horford is basically his blueprint and Al is effective on both ends

 

[dark2332]

As long as we are top 7, I'd be happy. My order:

1) DeAndre Ayton -- He's just a physical specimen of which we haven't seen. I don't know if I'd want to be the team to draft him, though, given some personality concerns. However, just on gifts alone, he has to be the #1 pick. He has to be.

2) Michael Porter Jr. -- He's the forgotten man as a result of the injury, which means he's certainly not going top 2. In my mind, this is a blessing. I want him, and he can likely be had in that 4-6 range. His ability to move at his size (6'10), already having a pure shooting stroke and solid handle, he's a 25 point scorer at the next level in his prime with the tools to play defense if he so chooses. He'd be a perfect 3/4 complement to James as either have the size to play the 4 in position-less basketball.

3) Luka Doncic -- He's polished, he's ready, and he has a wonderful floor game. The ability to play the 1 through 3 offensively at 6'8 fits in well with today's NBA. He's an adept shooter and play-maker, but I worry about his lateral quickness defensively in the league. He is a heady player who is a solid team defender, but he won't be able to guard 1's and maybe 2's at the next level. That makes him a "3" in today's NBA defensively.

4) Jaren Jackson Jr. -- He's a personal favorite who has somewhat flown under the radar this season due to his role at Michigan State offensively. He's a true two-way big man with the ability to hit the three, post-up, alter shots, and run the floor. He's a perfect 4/5 in today's NBA with his 6'11 frame and 7'4 wingspan. He just needs to put on a little more mass. This is another guy we should covet and we hope falls to us.

5) Marvin Bagley -- His athleticism at his size is undeniable, and he even has the ability to put it on the floor and drive to the hoop. His offensive production is there. Not many can do the things he can do athletically at his size. He's just raw, is still struggling defensively (under Coach K of all people), and that concerns me.

6) Mo Bamba -- Dikembe Mutombo with a jump shot? Hold the motherfuckin' phone. I love Mo Bama, I love what he can do. He's still developing offensively, but he's a DPOY candidate down the line if he continues to add mass and play big minutes.

7) Trae Young -- He has some Steph Curry in his game. His range is endless. He's struggled some lately, but his ability to take and make shots is extremely valuable at the next level. I worry about him as a defender at 6'2 with a slight frame--as well as his questionable decision making.

(HUGE DROP-OFF)

 

[Nathan S]

I've heard questions about his athleticism, and while he may not be a crazy athlete that's above the rim all the time, for his size, he looks fluid and quick.

Yeah...he won't touch the top of the backboard, but he's plenty capable of finishing above the rim, and perhaps even more importantly he moves his feet really well for a big guy.

I think the concern is he will always be undersized and struggle to guard on switches, bit Horford is basically his blueprint and Al is effective on both ends

He's not ridiculously big like Bamba/Ayton, but I think he's pretty close to average for a NBA center these days. An inch short, perhaps, at 6'10", but his 7'3" wingspan and 9'0" standing reach are solid. And of course, he's got a good thick frame for a young guy.

 

[czvo]

Watching Trae Young get dominated at the rim last night was very concerning. There's just no creativity around the rim. Even guys like Steph and KI demonstrated that creativity early on in college (and in Kyrie's case, since about his sophomore year in high school).

That said, he is a really gifted passer, and I was getting a bit of a Steve Nash vibe watching him. Now, it's important to remember Steve Nash was a solid point guard up until he went to Phoenix, and then he became an MVP candidate. I'm not saying Nash was a system point guard, but he did join the perfect system and supporting cast for his skills. Of course, he was still a total liability on the defensive end, and he wasn't going to overcome that because of his physical limitations. If this were LeBron's first stint, yeah, sign me up for this kid. But given that LeBron is 33, he's just not the player this team can afford to draft.

 

[Mavaliersfan]

Watching Trae Young get dominated at the rim last night was very concerning. There's just no creativity around the rim. Even guys like Steph and KI demonstrated that creativity early on in college (and in Kyrie's case, since about his sophomore year in high school).

That said, he is a really gifted passer, and I was getting a bit of a Steve Nash vibe watching him. Now, it's important to remember Steve Nash was a solid point guard up until he went to Phoenix, and then he became an MVP candidate. I'm not saying Nash was a system point guard, but he did join the perfect system and supporting cast for his skills. Of course, he was still a total liability on the defensive end, and he wasn't going to overcome that because of his physical limitations. If this were LeBron's first stint, yeah, sign me up for this kid. But given that LeBron is 33, he's just not the player this team can afford to draft.

Ppl seem to forget this guy is playing with scrubs. Defenses are scheming for him and him alone - taking the ball out of his hands and taking away his shot. If you surround him with finishers then you might be on to something. The nash system failed because they could never find a rim protector and tried to succeed outscoring opponents. That would be our conundrum as well.

 

[Nathan S]

Missou player launches a wild pass into the stands and slumps down with his hands on his knees. All the other Missou players walk back to the other end of the court except Jontay, who jogs over, talks to him, and gives him a pat on the back.

 

[chrisrich91]

@RchfldCavRaised is there any tape of this All American game where MPJ wowed you so much?

I ask because I love the kid's tools and think he could be great, but I remember being really unimpressed and concerned with his performance in (what I thought was) the All American game you've been referencing.

And to be honest I haven't seen the Ben Simmons handle or floor game at all from MPJ. I wouldn't compare the two players outside of their athleticism for their size.

Again, not denying these traits exist, I just haven't seen them for myself. If it's all there that makes me even more excited for him.

Any footage on the internet you can point me to?

 

[randymoss1881]

Lol at people thinking Porter will be a scoring machine. He’s stiff with weak handle even before the injury


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[Randolphkeys]

As long as we are top 7, I'd be happy. My order:

1) DeAndre Ayton -- He's just a physical specimen of which we haven't seen. I don't know if I'd want to be the team to draft him, though, given some personality concerns. However, just on gifts alone, he has to be the #1 pick. He has to be.

2) Michael Porter Jr. -- He's the forgotten man as a result of the injury, which means he's certainly not going top 2. In my mind, this is a blessing. I want him, and he can likely be had in that 4-6 range. His ability to move at his size (6'10), already having a pure shooting stroke and solid handle, he's a 25 point scorer at the next level in his prime with the tools to play defense if he so chooses. He'd be a perfect 3/4 complement to James as either have the size to play the 4 in position-less basketball.

3) Luka Doncic -- He's polished, he's ready, and he has a wonderful floor game. The ability to play the 1 through 3 offensively at 6'8 fits in well with today's NBA. He's an adept shooter and play-maker, but I worry about his lateral quickness defensively in the league. He is a heady player who is a solid team defender, but he won't be able to guard 1's and maybe 2's at the next level. That makes him a "3" in today's NBA defensively.

4) Jaren Jackson Jr. -- He's a personal favorite who has somewhat flown under the radar this season due to his role at Michigan State offensively. He's a true two-way big man with the ability to hit the three, post-up, alter shots, and run the floor. He's a perfect 4/5 in today's NBA with his 6'11 frame and 7'4 wingspan. He just needs to put on a little more mass. This is another guy we should covet and we hope falls to us.

5) Marvin Bagley -- His athleticism at his size is undeniable, and he even has the ability to put it on the floor and drive to the hoop. His offensive production is there. Not many can do the things he can do athletically at his size. He's just raw, is still struggling defensively (under Coach K of all people), and that concerns me.

6) Mo Bamba -- Dikembe Mutombo with a jump shot? Hold the motherfuckin' phone. I love Mo Bama, I love what he can do. He's still developing offensively, but he's a DPOY candidate down the line if he continues to add mass and play big minutes.

7) Trae Young -- He has some Steph Curry in his game. His range is endless. He's struggled some lately, but his ability to take and make shots is extremely valuable at the next level. I worry about him as a defender at 6'2 with a slight frame--as well as his questionable decision making.

(HUGE DROP-OFF)

Thanks for your takes on college players I've just started to follow. I waited until this past week to really dig in on college hoops outside of catching Mo Bamba, DeAndre Ayton, and Marvin Bagley a few times. I need to spend more quality time with all the freshman, especially Michigan State's squad.

One guy I've appreciated the past two years is Bridges from Villanova. I see people freaking out that the tank will sink the Brooklyn pick. If that does happen, I'm hoping teams pass on Mikal Bridges with his conservative ceiling as a 21 year old. Hell of a wing in today's NBA, even if he never makes an All Star team. Guards multiple positions, good not great on offense. I'll take it.

 

[Triplethreat]

As good as Ayton is, he is absolutely one of the worst/softest screeners I've ever seen. He doesn't like to put his body on guys EVER when he sets a pick on or off the ball.

Just something I noticed that would need fixed ASAP.