2018 NBA Draft - June 21

[Nathan S]

Nathan what is your board looking like now? Have you changed it?

Here's what I posted in genpop (EDIT: lol, I guess this thread is genpop too. But it attracts a more sophisticated clientele ) a few days ago:

T1

1) Doncic

T2

2) Jackson

T3

3) Wendell Carter
4) Smith
5) Young

T4

6) Porter
7) Bamba
8) Melton
9) Gilgeous-Alexander
10) Mikal Bridges
11) Okogie
12) Musa
13) Ayton

T5

14) Brown
15) Jevon Carter
16) Sexton
17) Bagley
18) Okobo
19) Ponds
20) Miles Bridges

Hasn't changed much, I think. Might move Mikal down a few spots, in retrospect. Line between T3 and T4 is blurry...I can see myself doing some rearranging from Carter at 3 down to Shai at 9, but don't feel super strongly about anything in particular. Still really cold on Ayton; I think he'll pout if he's not a central cog of the offense, but I don't see how you can build an efficient offense around him. Similarly cold on Bagley and Miles Bridges, who I really can't picture being standout offensive or defensive players at the NBA level. Could probably think of at least a few more names to add to T5 if I thought hard about it.

 

[Cavatt]

Here's what I posted in genpop a few days ago:



Hasn't changed much, I think. Might move Mikal down a few spots, in retrospect. Line between T3 and T4 is blurry...I can see myself doing some rearranging from Carter at 3 down to Shai at 9, but don't feel super strongly about anything in particular. Still really cold on Ayton; I think he'll pout if he's not a central cog of the offense, but I don't see how you can build an efficient offense around him. Similarly cold on Bagley and Miles Bridges, who I really can't picture being standout offensive or defensive players at the NBA level. Could probably think of at least a few more names to add to T5 if I thought hard about it.

I see Smith at #4. Do you think he has really high upside or do you think he is a high floor candidate. Putting him above Porter or Bamba is wild to me.

Personally I am sort of Happy we aren't going to get a chance on Bagley or Ayton. I have similar reservations.

 

[Nathan S]

I see Smith at #4. Do you think he has really high upside or do you think he is a high floor candidate. Putting him above Porter or Bamba is wild to me.

Personally I am sort of Happy we aren't going to get a chance on Bagley or Ayton. I have similar reservations.

I'm definitely an outlier in my evaluation of Smith, but I think more people are coming around to him. He's not your typical hyper-athletic jumping bean freshman who attacks wildly with the ball and doesn't know what to do with himself off the ball. He seems naturally coordinated and intelligent on the court, makes quick, smart decisions, and is always seeking out soft spots in the defense and trying to make positive plays. When you watch Texas Tech, you can really see his fingerprints on a lot of plays even if he doesn't end up making a shot or getting an assist. His combination of what I'd call "applied athleticism" and basketball IQ is a rare thing to see in such a young player.

 

[Smooth]

Just some thoughts/comps on guys mentioned--

Mikal: I keep coming back to a Trevor Ariza-ish player when I see Bridges... I certainly don't mean that in a negative way and if he's able to attain that type of role, a team will be happy... I just don't see that being worth the 8th pick, particularly with some more high ceiling players... I know people point to the shooting, but in watching him, he tends to bring the ball down a bit in catch-and-shoot situations, which is something that I'd say needs to be cleaned up... Overall, I just don't see a high level player...

Miles: After watching Rodney Hood for half a year, they both left me with the same feeling--wanting and expecting more.. With that said, I do think the NBA will be the best thing for Bridges as his athletic ability, shooting and physical profile, should suit him better when that's valued in today's game, especially in space... But again, I kept wanting Miles to take the next step and really impose his will on the game but he never truly did... Cleaning The Glass had a really interesting piece, exposing Miles' penchant to be a two-foot jumper, as opposed to one-foot, and how it limited his finishing around the rim... He's a really perimeter dependent player...

I ultimately view both as role players so to me, it's really just the type or fit of the player that determines which is the better pick...

Bagley: I view him as a super-utility big, and again, I don't mean that in a negative light... He'll be a really useful and versatile big because of his build, athletic ability (runs and moves like a wing) and versatile skillset... He'll play a lot of 5 for teams when they go small ball, particularly because he still possesses the size and can effectively play the P&R... His offensive game is still developing; at Duke a lot of his looks were on the inside from offensive rebounds or looks off penetration from Duke guards... He wasn't asked to create much of his offense, which doesn't mean he can't, and was very left hand dependent (but he's also really good with the left)... His stroke will need some work but he's a good finisher... Again, I see him as a very useful player but he'll have some limitations that might keep him from being an All-Star... But in today's game, he's the type of big man that teams will love...

Knox: meh... He really looked like a Melo/Jabari-type scorer that the game has seemed to pass by... He did his best work on the elbow or block, where he was able to post-up smaller guys or work the mid-range vs slower bigs... Aside from that, he didn't really flash to me... His rebounding and size will help him play bigger, perhaps more so than either Bridges... I know the age is the allure here, combined with potential offensive skillset, but there's still some developing to do...

 

[ajz20]

Just some thoughts/comps on guys mentioned--

Mikal: I keep coming back to a Trevor Ariza-ish player when I see Bridges... I certainly don't mean that in a negative way and if he's able to attain that type of role, a team will be happy... I just don't see that being worth the 8th pick, particularly with some more high ceiling players... I know people point to the shooting, but in watching him, he tends to bring the ball down a bit in catch-and-shoot situations, which is something that I'd say needs to be cleaned up... Overall, I just don't see a high level player...

Miles: After watching Rodney Hood for half a year, they both left me with the same feeling--wanting and expecting more.. With that said, I do think the NBA will be the best thing for Bridges as his athletic ability, shooting and physical profile, should suit him better when that's valued in today's game, especially in space... But again, I kept wanting Miles to take the next step and really impose his will on the game but he never truly did... Cleaning The Glass had a really interesting piece, exposing Miles' penchant to be a two-foot jumper, as opposed to one-foot, and how it limited his finishing around the rim... He's a really perimeter dependent player...

I ultimately view both as role players so to me, it's really just the type or fit of the player that determines which is the better pick...

Bagley: I view him as a super-utility big, and again, I don't mean that in a negative light... He'll be a really useful and versatile big because of his build, athletic ability (runs and moves like a wing) and versatile skillset... He'll play a lot of 5 for teams when they go small ball, particularly because he still possesses the size and can effectively play the P&R... His offensive game is still developing; at Duke a lot of his looks were on the inside from offensive rebounds or looks off penetration from Duke guards... He wasn't asked to create much of his offense, which doesn't mean he can't, and was very left hand dependent (but he's also really good with the left)... His stroke will need some work but he's a good finisher... Again, I see him as a very useful player but he'll have some limitations that might keep him from being an All-Star... But in today's game, he's the type of big man that teams will love...

Knox: meh... He really looked like a Melo/Jabari-type scorer that the game has seemed to pass by... He did his best work on the elbow or block, where he was able to post-up smaller guys or work the mid-range vs slower bigs... Aside from that, he didn't really flash to me... His rebounding and size will help him play bigger, perhaps more so than either Bridges... I know the age is the allure here, combined with potential offensive skillset, but there's still some developing to do...

Are you still working for Joe or did he shut down his site?

 

[Douglar]

I loveeeee his game. Wow.

Wonder if he could slip into the 2nd round.. but if he keeps playing like this he's surely going to vault up into round 1. Woulda been a guy I looked at if we didn't trade the Lakers our pick.

Second Round? Cavs might take Zhaire Smith at #8 if they think Lebron is staying.

 

[Smooth]

Are you still working for Joe or did he shut down his site?

Without going into it, that operation closed down a few years back, after he decided to get out of the sports business and get into other ventures... I took some time off and started draft analysis back up, under my own branding, this year...

 

[bigfoot5415]

My shot in the dark mock is:
1- Ayton (obvious)
2- Bagley (big man that compliments the Kings guards)
3- MPJ (Hawks panic with Donic and take a position of need with high upside)
4- Doncic (handles international players very well)
5- Bamba (they do not have a center on the roster)
6- Young (desperately need a PG)
7- Bridges (IMO is a great fit next to Lavine & Dunn), but I could see Knox being the guy
8- Unfortunately JJJ ..... for the Hawks.

I would absolutely love the top 5 players here, most notably Bamba or Bagley. I could see Dallas pulling a fast one with JJJ at 5, but I also cant understand why any of the teams before us wouldnt consider Bamba. One wildcard scenario is a top team taking Doncic and dangling him for trade bait.

Just some thoughts/comps on guys mentioned--

Mikal: I keep coming back to a Trevor Ariza-ish player when I see Bridges... I certainly don't mean that in a negative way and if he's able to attain that type of role, a team will be happy... I just don't see that being worth the 8th pick, particularly with some more high ceiling players... I know people point to the shooting, but in watching him, he tends to bring the ball down a bit in catch-and-shoot situations, which is something that I'd say needs to be cleaned up... Overall, I just don't see a high level player...

Miles: After watching Rodney Hood for half a year, they both left me with the same feeling--wanting and expecting more.. With that said, I do think the NBA will be the best thing for Bridges as his athletic ability, shooting and physical profile, should suit him better when that's valued in today's game, especially in space... But again, I kept wanting Miles to take the next step and really impose his will on the game but he never truly did... Cleaning The Glass had a really interesting piece, exposing Miles' penchant to be a two-foot jumper, as opposed to one-foot, and how it limited his finishing around the rim... He's a really perimeter dependent player...

I ultimately view both as role players so to me, it's really just the type or fit of the player that determines which is the better pick...

Bagley: I view him as a super-utility big, and again, I don't mean that in a negative light... He'll be a really useful and versatile big because of his build, athletic ability (runs and moves like a wing) and versatile skillset... He'll play a lot of 5 for teams when they go small ball, particularly because he still possesses the size and can effectively play the P&R... His offensive game is still developing; at Duke a lot of his looks were on the inside from offensive rebounds or looks off penetration from Duke guards... He wasn't asked to create much of his offense, which doesn't mean he can't, and was very left hand dependent (but he's also really good with the left)... His stroke will need some work but he's a good finisher... Again, I see him as a very useful player but he'll have some limitations that might keep him from being an All-Star... But in today's game, he's the type of big man that teams will love...

Knox: meh... He really looked like a Melo/Jabari-type scorer that the game has seemed to pass by... He did his best work on the elbow or block, where he was able to post-up smaller guys or work the mid-range vs slower bigs... Aside from that, he didn't really flash to me... His rebounding and size will help him play bigger, perhaps more so than either Bridges... I know the age is the allure here, combined with potential offensive skillset, but there's still some developing to do...

What are your thoughts on Wendall Carter or Mitchell Robinson?

 

[Smooth]

What are your thoughts on Wendall Carter or Mitchell Robinson?

Check page 204, I listed my top 3 options for the Cavs #8 pick and did a Carter breakdown there... I've been posting clips pretty consistently about Carter Jr. and other guys @preptopros on Twitter...

Robinson, I'll be honest: I haven't seen him play, so I'm not going to comment or go off of others scouting reports.. Wish I would have seen him, but I've really been focusing on college players this year, as my DVR has been quite full throughout the year doing this as a hobby on the side... I think right now you're looking at tools and trying to project; likely hard to tell what skills/instincts/mind he has without him having played much high level basketball...

 

[Cement]

Knox is shooting up the draft boards and now looks like he'll be picked in the top 10. Go figure.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Knox is shooting up the draft boards and now looks like he'll be picked in the top 10. Go figure.

Somebody else can have him. I had him as the #10 prospect but he really wasnt the best match for the Cavs.

 

[Walter White]

I'm starting to fall in love with Shai Gilgeous Alexander the more I do research. His jumper is a little spotty and will use some work to make it cleaner and quicker, but the way he moves on the basketball court reminds me of Rondo. Just the way he cuts, finishes, and dishes the ball. Which his court vision might not be as elite as Rondo's, but his passing is still very good. And his defense above everything looks excellent.

This might be blasphemous, but he reminds me of a Kawhi-like prospect. Still a bit raw offensively, but obvious good instincts and his jumper will only improve. And he could be elite defensively.

Him and Mikal are players that I think could be ready to play right away for a contender like us, obviously without the expectation they need to carry us offensively. But we are still in a position with LBJ where we can't rely on a rookie and we very likely trade the pick so I don't see it happening. But theoretically speaking, I love his potential. He is a player I think would also do very well on the Spurs and I'm sure they would help his jumper improve like they did with Kawhi, but they already have Murray at point so I don't know if that is a priority for them if they seem him as a long term starter.

 

[JFT]

Moooooo Baaaaammmmmba for me.

 

[Smooth]

Moooooo Baaaaammmmmba for me.

From reports, seems like there’s a growing consensus that the top-5 will likely be Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Porter and Jackson in some order...

So I can see Bamba falling but I don’t see him making it past the Magic (not with Hammond in control; even makes Jay Bilas blush when talking about wingspan) or Bulls before getting to the Cavs..

However, it does raise the possibility of the trade-up—particularly a more attainable trade-up... not sure the Bulls are gonna help the Cavs move up.. regardless, the Magic are an interesting pivot point as a lot of teams are going to be angling to get up in the top-8 as there is going to be some talent falling outside the top-5...

 

[Walter White]

I was thinking, what chance is it the Sixers and Celtics try to move up and acquire a top 5 pick or so? Both are loaded with assets and talent. Both also worry me the most in the East far more than any other East team already.

Sixers probably keep Fultz because his value isn't as high as it could be, at the same time, it still should be pretty high. I think they will ride out the season with him, but imagine the possibilities if they could flip him. Doncic on the Sixers is scary if you move Simmons to SF. That is an even more huge team with insane play making. Or Bagley or JJJ at PF. Or if Porter was healthy? Shoot, even the twin towers with Embiid and Bamba would be interesting lol.


I feel like Boston is also pretty set, but I wonder how high of a pick Jaylen Brown could get you. Most of their positions are taken care of unless they want a more traditional big. Like Bagley or JJJ could step in at PF. Or if they really love Bamba, he could take center and you keep Horford at the 4. But is it worth the risk of Brown who has proven to be a good talent. They might rather keep Brown unless they really love someone, but Celtics do like to make plays in the draft.