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2018 NBA Draft - June 21

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Grayson Allen isn't a player you root for on another team... bit he is a guy you want on your team in the playoffs. He has the athleticism and shooting to be a very good three and D player, with just the right amount of pest thrown in.

I'm hopeful the Cavs can but into the second round this year. The luxury cap doesn't effect buying a pick then paying the minimum. Shake Milton would be one of the players who can develop at the end of the bench.

Didn't the Cavs use their money to grease the wheels on the Hill deal when the Kings tried to blow it up by including Papagianis (or however the hell you spell his name)
 
Didn't the Cavs use their money to grease the wheels on the Hill deal when the Kings tried to blow it up by including Papagianis (or however the hell you spell his name)

Correct, they can't buy a pick this year. Teams are only allotted a certain amount of cash they can use per league year (ends July 1) in trades - $5.1 million this season. They used about half in the salary dump of Richard Jefferson & Kay Felder to ATL, and the remainder in the Kings deal. Didn't have to do with the Papagiannis stuff though.
 
Correct, they can't buy a pick this year. Teams are only allotted a certain amount of cash they can use per league year (ends July 1) in trades - $5.1 million this season. They used about half in the salary dump of Richard Jefferson & Kay Felder to ATL, and the remainder in the Kings deal. Didn't have to do with the Papagiannis stuff though.

I thought the Kings tried to shoehorn that dude in there without telling anyone, and the Jazz were about to walk? Or am I getting two different deals mixed up.
 
I thought the Kings tried to shoehorn that dude in there without telling anyone, and the Jazz were about to walk? Or am I getting two different deals mixed up.

They did at the last second, yes. The trade was all about financial savings for the Kings though. They took on Joe Johnson's contract from UTA, and took the downgrade in talent from Hill to Shumpert. UTA sent them cash as well I believe. I'm just saying the cash portion of the trade was likely already a part of the deal, not as a result of Papagiannis suddenly being added to the deal. That was probably just the Kings being the Kings is all lol.
 
They did at the last second, yes. The trade was all about financial savings for the Kings though. They took on Joe Johnson's contract from UTA, and took the downgrade in talent from Hill to Shumpert. UTA sent them cash as well I believe. I'm just saying the cash portion of the trade was likely already a part of the deal, not as a result of Papagiannis suddenly being added to the deal. That was probably just the Kings being the Kings is all lol.

Did they extend Papagiannis unnecessarily? They should have made him an RFA correct?
 
Did they extend Papagiannis unnecessarily? They should have made him an RFA correct?

They never extended him. He wasn't even two seasons into his rookie scale deal when they decided to waive him (after nobody would take him at the deadline). They already had picked up his 3rd year option prior to that though, because that deadline is in October. They wouldn't have had to make him an RFA until after 2019-20, and so they never needed to extend him. If you're asking if they picked up that 2018-19 team option unnecessarily, then yes. But with the deadline being as early as it is, there was no question they'd pick it up for PR's sake, the possibility that he improves, and the possibility that they could find someone interested at the deadline.
 
Tell you fellas WHAT: I am not excited about Porter Jr. AT all. I think he would be a serious mistake.
 
Big board with a twist.

*Please read the disclaimer before proceeding--the only prospects ranked are players that I've spent the entire season evaluating, and watched enough film to feel comfortable commenting on. Being a one-man team has its benefits and also its downsides. In this case, it's not being able to effectively cover every player on the draft radar. For instance, Michael Porter Jr. is not ranked because of the limited college film I had on him. I was not able to cover international prospects well, thus only Luka Doncic in these rankings. I'm not afraid to say I don't know what I don't know. But, the following is what I do.

After watching endless amounts of collegiate basketball, here's where we're at. The notes are in, the prospects have been evaluated and this is the result. The eye test and advanced stats have been taken into consideration when deciding where players rank.

The rankings are labeled differently than others. In line with positionless basketball, the players positions are more so buckets they fit into rather than exact positions. That way, they more accurately reflect today's game. These abbreviations are the following:

LG = lead guard, acting as primary ball-handler

CG = combo guard, a two-guard stuck in an one-guards body

G = guard, shifting between both guard positions--playing variety of roles in backcourt

W = wing, player primarily operating on wings

B = big, big man that shifts between both frontcourt spots

C = center, a true center

This is Prep To Pro's Top 35 + 5. The top 35 prospects with a bonus five prospects who stood out on tape and might find a way onto a roster--either in the late second round or as undrafted free agents. The top 35 have been ranked 1-35 but also divided into tiers (as explained below).

Enjoy!

Tier 1
(Prospects that offer teams the opportunity to build around.)

1). Deandre Ayton (C, Arizona)

- A multi-dimensional offensive threat, shows an advanced skillset and feel offensively. Profiling as a true center with athletic skills that are in line with the emerging trend of young, talented bigs. Player a team can build around offensively. The concerns about motor and effort were not noticeable.

View: https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/938648134015700992


2). Luka Doncic (G, Slovenia)

- His accomplishments, experience and playing style are those of a mature, seasoned NBA veteran—not a 19-year old. Aligns as a point forward possessing vision, mental aptitude and an overall offensive skillset that is not often seen but coveted for perimeter players.

3). Trae Young (LG, Oklahoma)

- A destination player; player other players will want to play with. Is the best pure passer in this draft. Has excellent range on his three-pointer and profiles as lead guard who can affect the game in a variety of ways offensively (11.6 3PA, 9.7 FTA, 9.8 assists per 40)—for himself or for others.

Tier 2
(High-level starters, borderline All-Stars.)

4). Mo Bamba (C, Texas)

- The best defensive big man and shot-blocker in this draft (13.1% BLK%), thanks to elite physical measurements and a defensive mind. A work in progress on offense but shows flashes to become a modern-day center with touch and range.

5). Wendell Carter Jr. (B, Duke)

- A very well rounded, highly skilled center who should shine away from Duke. His low-block polish and touch will profile as an immediate strength but is proficient in several other categories (rebound, blocks, mental acuity). Only player in NCAA this year with 70+ blocks and 70+ assists.

Tier 3
(Very good starting players, but not quite All-Stars.)

6). Marvin Bagley III (B, Duke)

- A modern-day made big man: has center length but guard agility. Active, transition oriented big who will be active on the glass (4 offensive rebounds per game) and around the rim. Developing perimeter game, along with right hand, would make him a well-rounded threat. Will need to improve defensively to stay on floor but possesses physical skills that make him attractive to NBA teams.

View: https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/948424116788490241


7). Collin Sexton (LG, Alabama)

- An attacking, athletic guard who makes a living in transition and in the paint. His shot is a work in progress, but better off the dribble, as are his lead guard skills. A willing passer, is more of seeing it than anticipating it type passer. A relentless worker, has high marks in media for character.

8). Donte DiVincenzo (CG, Villanova)

- Energetic, bouncy, aggressive, emerging multi-dimensional guard that brings tremendous value at the guard spot. Not a volume scorer but a scorer who can score in volumes. Proficient from any level of the floor (60.8% TS%) but reliant on perimeter shot falling (5.3 3PA, 9.8 FGA per game). A spark plug and asset if used correctly.

Tier 4
(Valuable role players, whether starting or coming off the bench as top eight in rotation.)

9). Jaren Jackson Jr. (B, Michigan State)

- Post players with budding perimeter skills are becoming highly valued which is where Jackson Jr. fits in. The big version of ‘3&D’—has length and athleticism to cover ground quickly and is a shot deterrent defensively. Core strength and foul issues (5.6 fouls per 40) could hold him back, initially.

10). Mikal Bridges (W, Villanova)

- Long, versatile two-way player that will be highly coveted by coaches because of efficiency on both ends. Long arms lead to high steal, block rate for wing but also drew toughest opposing player on defense every night. Good set-shooter but will need to develop ball-handling to be counted on for further offense. One of two players in NCAA that averaged 2+ 3PM, 1+ blocks and 1.5+ steals per game.

11). Grayson Allen (W, Duke)

- An underrated, underappreciated player that provides value offensively being an elite shooter. Shows good awareness operating pick-and-roll looking for teammates but also adept at creating his own shot. A competitive, intense player who provides value as accessory wing piece with shot creation capabilities.

12). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G, Kentucky)

- Long name, long arms (6'11.5" wingspan), Gilgeous-Alexander joins growing number of oversized (length + height), athletic, versatile guards that are a Swiss-Army knife in the backcourt. A developing offensive player, shows defensive instincts that should play immediately.

13). Miles Bridges (W, Michigan State)

- A perimeter reliant player (42% of field attempts were from three), will have a larger role in NBA where his skillset better translates in space. Offers elite shooting but struggled to take lead scorer role at Michigan State. Offers positional versatility with well-built frame and strong rebounding numbers; can play in small ball lineups.

View: https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/969795419046899712


14). Kevin Knox (W, Kentucky)

- Old-school, block and elbow scorer, who thrives in isolation situations where he is able to expose mismatched defenders. Size of a four but quickness of a wing, Knox will be better suited as a stretch four where his defense and rebounding are suitable. Third youngest in this draft (turns 19 in August), should develop further than at Kentucky with a mismatched team.

15). Zhaire Smith (W, Texas Tech)

- ‘Wow’ level athletic ability, profiles as plus defender, rebounder and can earn minutes immediately with ability to fill up the stat sheet. Often played as a big at Texas Tech, profiles as wing with ability to slide up in downsized lineups. Rare one-and-done player that was late bloomer out of high school. Other college guards with a 60+ TS%, 6+ DBPM and 22+ PER season: Victor Oladipo and Delon Wright.

Tier 5
(Bench players that will need added development to reach full potential.)

16). Robert Williams (C, Texas A&M)

- Hot and cold player can be a high-level shot blocker and strong rebounder with finishing skills, but also could be bounced around several teams before he finds his footing. Size, athletic tools and flashes of skill deserve top-tier mention but those came and went at collegiate level. Risk involved as strong development system is needed to bring out productivity.

View: https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/967507921381847040


17). Shake Milton (G, SMU)

- Extremely long (7'0.75" wingspan), smooth guard who can play anywhere on perimeter with length and defensive ability. One of best shooters (career 42.7% 3PT%) and most productive players in the draft. Extremely consistent while at SMU (career minutes per game leader in AAC); junior year was cut short with hand injury.

18). Aaron Holiday (LG, UCLA)

- Spirited, undersized (but 6'7.5" wingspan) lead guard effectively ran the UCLA offense. One of nine NCAA players to average 19+ points and 5+ assists per game. Clean, efficient (42.9% 3PT%) shooting stroke with range is his best trait. Trusted guard with NBA bloodlines should be able to run a second unit right away.

19). Lonnie Walker IV (W, Miami FL)

- Athletic guard who plays best going forward, getting into paint and using skillset to finish around, and above, the rim. Has clean shot mechanics but needs to improve efficiency to be consistent threat. Struggled to contribute in other areas (only 2.9 FTA per 40) but tools are there.

20). Rawle Alkins (W, Arizona)

- Physical, stout wing with ball-handling and vision to operate as additional facilitator in stretches. Shows willingness and length to be a capable defender at next level.

21). Troy Brown Jr. (W, Oregon)

-- Former five-star point guard, was often upsized with perimeter talent at Oregon. Showed ball-handling to be expect but had up-and-down year. Team taking him will need to develop raw talent that is available, not dissimilar to some other talented, athletic high level one-and-done recruits (Jaylen Brown) in recent years.

22). Jalen Brunson (LG, Villanova)

- Fundamentally sound, refined and one of the more unique prospects with wide range of skills offensively. Very comfortable, and efficient (26.1 PER, 63.5% TS%), as a three-point shooter but also extremely effective on the low-post even though Brunson is 6’1”. Type of well-rounded, tough minded guard coaches will like to trust. Not quick, but shifty and adept at finding space on the floor.

View: https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/960742100819173376


23). Chimezie Metu (B, USC)

- Athletic, mobile big man who moves well and showcases timing as weak side shot-blocker. Displays touch and explosive finishing within the paint area, with developing jump shot. Won’t control the boards but useful tool in a big man rotation.

24). Ray Spalding (B, Louisville)

- Active big man that manifests itself in box score with offensive rebounds, steals and blocks; one of nine players in last nine years to average 3+ offensive rebounds, 1.5+ steals and 1.5+ blocks per game. Has length and mobility to be effective pick-and-roll defender.

25). Khyri Thomas (W, Creighton)

- Profiles as 3&D wing (career 40.6% 3PT%, 11.8 DBPM) with deadly accurate spot-up shooting and long arms to defend growing number of long, perimeter wing scorers. High-waisted, with moderate lateral speed but competes on defense. Good rebounder still working on dribble drive game.

26). Mo Wagner (C, Michigan)

- Old school, Princeton offense center with range to extend defense (39% 3PT% last two years) and ability to facilitate from elbow. Good athlete, and competitive, but fundamental troubles exist with low-post defense and will need to be coached up before being counted on defensively.

Tier 6
(Borderline players who can play spot minutes with chance to develop into rotational players.)

27). Jevon Carter (LG, West Virginia)

- Tough, hard-nosed, defensive first point guard that excelled in Bob Huggins full-court pressure defense. Consistently tops in the NCAA in steals (112 last year), also played well in pick-and-roll opportunities.

28). Chris Chiozza (LG, Florida)

- Quicker than fast lead guard darts around in transition, where he’s able to deliver crisp passes to awaiting shooters. Managed Florida team well, always poised and under control. Active in the passing lanes with quick hands and willing defender despite small build.

https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/967979000399384576



29). Malik Newman (CG, Kansas)

- Extremely talented, athletic scoring guard, had trouble living up to lofty expectations as five-star recruit out of high school. Started to find his way late in sophomore season (six, 20+ point games in last eight), flashed explosive scoring ability with good first step. Volume scorer with streaky shot.

30). Theo Pinson (W, North Carolina)

- Do-it-all wing who positively affected game in multiple ways as one of better multi-dimensional players in college basketball. Doesn’t possess elite trait, but could be counted on as competitive defender, plus rebounder and able facilitator. Will need to improve shooting efficiency to stick. Did something a wing player has only ever done twice before average: 10+ points, 5.5+ rebounds, 4+ assists and 1+ steal in less than 30 minutes per game.

31). Landry Shamet (G, Wichita State)

-- Tall, lanky, backup combo guard with size to defend either backcourt position and perimeter shooting to be a consistent threat (career 64% TS%). Didn’t consistently display lead guard skills, would be best paired with another facilitator.

32). Gary Trent Jr. (W, Duke)

- Shooters will always find a home (40% 3P%, 87% FT%). Up-and-down year at Duke, wasn’t able to fully blossom as five-star recruit coming in. Will need to develop more than shot to stick in NBA.

33). Omari Spellman (B, Villanova)

- Slimmed down for his redshirt freshman year (turns 21 in July) at Villanova. Spellman is a pick-and-pop big with the physicality and girth to play down low. Small for a center, might have trouble defender pick-and-roll and in transition.

34). Hamidou Diallo (G, Kentucky)

Athletic, explosive wing excels in space, transition and on straight line drives. Not particularly advanced ball-handling and sub-par shooting caused consistency slumps on offense throughout the year, while defense slipped as well. Lots of talent, but lots of developing too.

35). Trevon Duval (LG, Duke)

- High level athlete with quick first step and high motor. Was mismatched at Duke with surrounding cast that highlighted inability to consistently or efficiently convert from outside the paint. Pesky defender and a blur in transition, will need work to develop half-court deficiencies to be reliable player.

Plus 5
Kassius Robertson (CG, Missouri)

- One of the better shooting, role playing guards in college basketball this year. Older prospect (24), transferred from lower-level Canisus but put up similar numbers despite step up in competition. Might find his way onto a team with his shooting (43% 3PT%) and willingness to do the little things.

Anas Mahmoud (B, Louisville)

- Noticeable big man, that formed one of best interior defensive tandems in college basketball. Smooth moving with size and athletic ability, was one of best shot-blockers last year (seventh in NCAA, 104 total). Problems at free-throw line (46% FT%) but didn’t show itself in limited offensive opportunities in the paint.

Angel Delgado (C, Seton Hall)

- One of best rebounding (sixth in NCAA, 370), low-post scoring big men in nation last year. Carried Seton Hall team, was Mr. Reliable. Could be counted on with good touch and polish on low-block.

https://twitter.com/preptopros/status/994765187214397440

Devonte' Graham (LG, Kansas)

- Carries on the tradition as steady, reliable and versatile lead guard that comes through Bill Self’s program. Like others before him, Graham is efficient in the pick-and-roll, crafty (2/1 AST:TO ratio) and shot well from deep. Can find his way on a team with point guard skills.

Ajdin Penava (B, Marshall)

- One of the more intriguing, small conference players in the country. Slight build but moderately athletic, Penava was nation’s leading shot-blocker, efficient from three (34% 3PT%) and posted strong rebounding numbers. Unique skillset and age, just turned 21, could lend to finding his way on a roster.
 
I just feel like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be one of the best players in this draft at this point and we may be able to get him at 8. Is there something i am not seeing about this kid that i am not seeing at all? NBA teams love their 7ft unicorns and this draft is loaded with them but a 6"6 pg that that has skill, a flawed but not unfix-able shot, can defend, and some of the the dribble ability that you look for. I just like looking for freaks in this draft and while i felt that all the bigs locked us into Sexton/young in the worst case scenario this kid has changed my opinion.
 
I just feel like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be one of the best players in this draft at this point and we may be able to get him at 8. Is there something i am not seeing about this kid that i am not seeing at all? NBA teams love their 7ft unicorns and this draft is loaded with them but a 6"6 pg that that has skill, a flawed but not unfix-able shot, can defend, and some of the the dribble ability that you look for. I just like looking for freaks in this draft and while i felt that all the bigs locked us into Sexton/young in the worst case scenario this kid has changed my opinion.

The knock will be that he is a point guard who played with a lot of talent in a system that always inflated the numbers of the higher usage rate player. I'm with you, though. Theres a lot to like about this guy, especially after his body fills out. I have him in my personal top ten, who knows if the Cavaliers feel the same way.
 
I just feel like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be one of the best players in this draft at this point and we may be able to get him at 8. Is there something i am not seeing about this kid that i am not seeing at all? NBA teams love their 7ft unicorns and this draft is loaded with them but a 6"6 pg that that has skill, a flawed but not unfix-able shot, can defend, and some of the the dribble ability that you look for. I just like looking for freaks in this draft and while i felt that all the bigs locked us into Sexton/young in the worst case scenario this kid has changed my opinion.

Well, there's the fact that he literally can't shoot, but other than that, he looks pretty good.
 
I hope we end up with MPJ, that's all I want tonight.
 

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