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2019 NBA Draft

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Next draft is supposed to be loaded with guards (including combo guards who would fit well with Sexton), so I'd be thrilled to grab two interesting bigs in this draft. Hayes, Bitadze, Bol, Claxton, Williams, Washington, Clarke...you can imagine a lot of wild combinations.

I'd personally prefer to grab one of the two big guys and a wing. Seems like we could do that with 8 & 10.

I'd be concerned about getting two young big men enough minutes, especially given that we've already got a big of a logjam there.
 
I'd personally prefer to grab one of the two big guys and a wing. Seems like we could do that with 8 & 10.

I'd be concerned about getting two young big men enough minutes, especially given that we've already got a big of a logjam there.

That's fair; I'm just frustrated with our current lack of rim protection. Tempted to rip it up and start over, trade Nance and Zizic, have a 3-man frontcourt rotation of Love/Bitadze/Hayes or something crazy like that. But more sane thing to do would be to draft a big and a wing.
 
I don’t know what film some of you guys are seeing of Reddish. He is one of the worst ball handlers I’ve ever seen.
 
Cavs fans, you should be rooting against Grant Williams in these combine scrimmages. A good showing combined with his measurements will certainly take him out of play at 26 if he isn't already.

Was interesting to listen to Jonathan Givony some this week. Heard him mention at one point say that scouts were telling them they had Grant too high on their mocks (believe he was in the 21-24 range).

I'd lose my mind if he somehow slipped to 26.
 
Cavs fans, you should be rooting against Grant Williams in these combine scrimmages. A good showing combined with his measurements will certainly take him out of play at 26 if he isn't already.

Was interesting to listen to Jonathan Givony some this week. Heard him mention at one point say that scouts were telling them they had Grant too high on their mocks (believe he was in the 21-24 range).

I'd lose my mind if he somehow slipped to 26.

Yeah, confused what the knock against him is now that he ended up measuring a 8'8.5" standing reach. Thought he might be around 8'6" like Clarke, which would make me pause a little. All things considered, he has a great body for a modern 4. I guess some people think PFs can't exist outside of the stretch-4 archetype, even though that's obviously not true?

Claxton's the other guy I'd love at 26...I'm similarly worried that he'll stand out too much in scrimmages and take off into the teens/early 20's.
 
Williams would just go back to TN if that's the case
 
Yeah, confused what the knock against him is now that he ended up measuring a 8'8.5" standing reach. Thought he might be around 8'6" like Clarke, which would make me pause a little. All things considered, he has a great body for a modern 4. I guess some people think PFs can't exist outside of the stretch-4 archetype, even though that's obviously not true?

Claxton's the other guy I'd love at 26...I'm similarly worried that he'll stand out too much in scrimmages and take off into the teens/early 20's.

I like Claxton a lot also. Feel like his value is surpressed still right now because teams expect him to go back. I’m certainly not a Zizic fan, and Tristan + Nance don’t have the athleticism anymore to make up for their lack of size for a center imo. Wouldn’t mind a center there. Gafford is an okay prospect to me also... think he was just in an awkward role last year.

As far as the measurements go, I find it pretty hilarious how people react to them. There is just so much bias in the reactions. Clarke had maybe the worst measurements relative to expectations I’ve seen in the last few years, yet a lot of people who like him just ignore it lol.

And yea, I agree that Grant measured our far better than I expected. Makes me more comfortable about his fit in the NBA if the shot doesn’t develop. Possibly a top 10 guy for me, and I know you’re probably higher than that on him yourself ha.
 

Snipped your post because I'm at the character limit :chuckle:

Posted a big board recently in S34; feel mostly the same now (would move Clarke down a couple spots because I'm a sane person and I adjust my expectations when I get more information).

Near-final version of my big board. I've included my own brief scouting reports for all prospects in my top few tiers, and may add more later for prospects who're highly-regarded elsewhere but didn't quite make the cut. I've tried to limit this to players who're unlikely to return to school, but probably didn't do a perfect job with that. Pickett and Haliburton would land somewhere in my 3rd/4th tier if they end up staying in, and several guys (Nembhard, Pritchard, Wesson, Queta...) would enter my 5th tier.

1. Zion Williamson

Offense - Devastating scorer attacking the basket thanks to his strength, athleticism, and surprising quickness with the ball. Really good handle for a player his size, which should continue to improve with experience. Not a great passer at this stage, but has shown some flashes. Capable outside shooter, albeit with rigid and unorthodox mechanics that make it hard to project significant improvement in that department.

Defense - Fantastic defender with beyond-ideal strength and athleticism. Plays way above his listed height and covers ground effortlessly. High motor, gambles too much at times but doesn't rely on gambles for most of his impact plays. Generally good fundamentals for his age. Quick feet and active hands allow him to stay in front of quicker perimeter players, and elite lower body strength allows him to hold off bigs, though savvier NBA bigs will exploit the fact that he has to leave the ground to contest.

2.2. Ja Morant

Offense - A total outlier in terms of usage, creating a ridiculous fraction of Murray State's offense both as a scorer and as a passer. Prolific attacking the basket; combination of craft and explosiveness makes him hard to contain in the paint. Developing off-the-dribble 3 is not yet a reliable weapon, but has potential. Creative and willing passer but careless at times and not really a polished floor general, may struggle to adjust to the big jump in level of competition from mid-major to NBA.

Defense - Physical tools and willingness to embrace contact make him a pretty good defender when motivated, but he rarely showed a high effort level on this end. A classic ball-watcher, doesn't naturally think in terms of team defense, not mentally engaged in off-ball situations, not willing to fight through screens, mainly catching his breath and looking for an opportunity to pick someone's pocket and get out on a fast break. The raw potential is there, but he has a lot to learn even by rookie standards.

2.3. RJ Barrett

Offense - Surprisingly polished game for an 18-year-old. There are questions about his scoring upside due to a lack of high-end athleticism and a streaky jumpshot, but there's no doubt that he's a threat to score from anywhere on the court, and that's impressive. Exceptional passer for his age and size; did a good job limiting turnovers considering his enormous usage. Tends too much towards chucking at times, but has the skills to be a point forward if coaches push him in that direction.

Defense - Just barely adequate at the college level; he'll have to make big strides on this end to hang in the NBA. Shockingly few steals for a wing, and many of them he only got thanks to the pressure generated by his more active teammates. Will add some value as a rebounder, and has enough size that it shouldn't generally be hard to hide him on defense.

3.4. Grant Williams

Offense - One of the best 1-on-1 frontcourt scorers in the NCAA due to his strength and quickness with the ball paired with his accurate midrange jumper. Very crafty, gets defenders off balance and draws fouls. Great passer for a PF, willing to call out plays and lead the offense. Does the dirty work of setting screens and crashing the offensive glass. On the downside, somewhat uncomfortable creating/shooting from behind the arc, and lacks elite length to get his shot off over bigger defenders.

Defense - Very good fundamentals; no wasted movement, moves his feet while maintaining a strong base to put pressure on opposing bigs, often forcing them into off-balance short midrange shots. Communicates well, good reflexes and instincts going for opportunistic steals and blocks. His size limits his upside as a 1-on-1 defender against more skilled bigs. Good effort on the perimeter, but lacks elite lateral quickness, and his physical style results in too many fouls.

3.5. Goga Bitadze

Offense - One of the most well-rounded offensive center prospects in recent memory, he's equally at home spotting up for 3 and using his athleticism and physicality to score around the rim. Sub-elite ballhandling and basketball IQ make him a good rather than great offensive prospect, more likely an efficient 3rd/4th option than a high-volume 1st/2nd option.

Defense - Arguably the best shot blocker in Europe, he should make an immediate impact with his rim protecting ability in the NBA. High effort level, quick feet, and leaping ability are a double edged sword at the moment as for every highlight block he commits an unnecessary foul, but he has one of the highest defensive ceilings in the draft if he can improve his fundamentals.

3.6. Bol Bol

Offense - Maybe the best pure shooter in the whole draft and arguably the highest gravity shooter in the draft thanks to his height, he should be a valuable roleplayer at the least if he can stay healthy. His offensive potential inside the arc is much more questionable, as he lacks the physicality to get to the rim reliably and struggles to protect his dribble from smaller defenders.

Defense - Big-time shot blocking threat thanks to his size and IQ, but doesn't always play with an edge, and his high center of gravity makes it hard for him to hold position against stronger bigs. Below-average footspeed could get exposed at the next level, and may make him more of a situational guy than a regular 30+ minutes per game starter.

3.7. Jarrett Culver

Offense - Had the profile of a blossoming superstar wing around midseason, but serious late season struggles cast doubt on how much potential he really has. Dribble/pass/shoot skills are there, but more raw than you'd like to see in a 20-year-old lottery prospect. Probably better off as a secondary rather than primary creator at the next level, but needs to improve his jumpshot to really shine in an off-ball role.

Defense - One of the better defensive wing prospects in the draft; good motor even when he was expending a lot of energy on the other end of the court. Projects to be fairly versatile with the toughness to handle big wings and the quickness to stay in front of most guards. Active rebounder, capable shot blocker in 1-on-1 situations and occasionally as a help defender. Good instincts playing passing lanes and pressuring ballhandlers without over gambling.

3.8. Talen Horton-Tucker

Offense - A full year young for his class beginning the season at just 17 years old, he wasted no time asserting himself offensively, always looking to make something happen when he touched the ball. Bowling-ball frame combined with willingness to pull up for deep 3's makes him difficult to guard, though he's not yet skilled enough to consistently cash in on the openings he creates. Also an above-average passer for his position who probably has some point forward potential.

Defense - Intriguing frame at 6'4" with an enormous 7'1"+ wingspan, and it's not crazy to think he could grow a little considering his age. Solid rebound/steal/block numbers for a wing, though too often he was a loose canon that disrupted his team's defensive scheme. Needs to get in better shape to really max out the defensive versatility his frame promises. Needs a coach who can rein him in a little, improve his fundamentals, and channel his naturally high motor more productively.

3.9. Nicolas Claxton

Offense - Surprisingly perimeter-oriented game for a 6'11" guy. Comfortable handling the ball, and played point forward for significant stretches. A willing shooter, even off the dribble and out beyond NBA range, but not very accurate. Somewhat more dangerous attacking the rim, but again not the model of efficiency at least by PF standards. Capable of playing aggressively, but currently limited by his underdeveloped frame. Enormous on/off splits reflect his ability to make winning plays.

Defense - Really stands out of the perimeter, where he moves like a huge wing. Dangerous shot blocker thanks to his size and athleticism. Has the potential to be an extremely useful multi-positional defender if his frame fills out, but currently gets bullied by larger frontcourt players. Good motor, but doesn't always have great body language; needs to mature some mentally to take the next step. Hard to separate his struggles from the overall dysfunction of his team.

4.10. Coby White

Offense - Highly skilled perimeter player who played a key role for a very good UNC team even at 18 years old. Potentially elite outside shooter with deep range and plenty of off-the-dribble ability. High-IQ player and a good passer who should develop into a true combo guard with at least an outside shot at becoming a full-time PG, but looked overwhelmed at times when asked to run the offense. Just an OK finisher in the paint due to subpar physical tools, which limit his upside a bit.

Defense - A reasonably good team defender, but may have trouble matching up at the next level as he's not overly quick or particularly tough. Short wingspan limts his ability to contain ballhandlers, and shies away from contact with bigger players. Would ideally be paired with a bigger, pass-first PG who can take on the more dangerous backcourt assignment.

4.11. Brandon Clarke

Offense - Extremely dangerous scorer with great touch within around 15 feet. Plays much bigger than his size thanks to elite athleticism. Voracious offensive rebounder. Capable but not exceptional passer; doesn't operate much from the perimeter at all. Nearly nonexistent outside shot is a serious weakness. One of the oldest 1st-round prospects, unlikely to seriously expand his game.

Defense - Again, plays much bigger than should be possible for a guy listed 6'8" 215 thanks to his relentless motor and athleticism. May even have the potential to play some small-ball center, as he's a more than capable shot blocker. Decent ability to step out and guard the perimeter, though clearly much more at home in the paint.

4.12. Jaxson Hayes

Offense - Fantastic finisher around the rim, but very limited offensive game otherwise. Just 9 assists and 0 3-point attempts on the season. At just 220 pounds and lacking a functional handle, his offensive production at the next level may be limited to capitalizing on defensive breakdowns and occasional putbacks.

Defense - Great shot blocker, high ceiling overall thanks to his combination of length and athleticism that could theoretically make him one of the most versatile defenders in the league. Fundamentals have a long way to go, as illustrated by the fact that Texas was actually slightly better defensively with him on the bench, but at just 18 years old, time is on his side and he could get there.

4.13. Ty Jerome

Offense - A savvy floor general who led Virginia all the way to the championship. Wants the ball and makes good decisions even in big moments against tough competition. Accurate shooter with deep range, albeit not a particularly quick release. Crafty finisher with a good midrange game, but lacks the elite handle and athleticism to shine in this area, drives to pass more than he drives to shoot. One of the older prospects, turning 22 this summer.

Defense - Not overly quick, but competes hard, and plays with good physicality. Really active hands; Virginia's defensive system was fairly conservative but he got tons of steals anyway thanks to his motor and reflexes. Stands 6'5", but below-average wingspan reduces his ability to switch onto bigger guards/wings. Will take a good coach to capitalize on his strengths and manage his weaknesses on this end.

4.14. Darius Garland

Offense - An ultra-talented scorer, he showed off his arsenal in a handful of games before succumbing to a knee injury, draining plenty of threes and using his handle and quickness to befuddle minor-conference foes. However, he struggled as a passer, most notably by posting an alarming 1 assist and 6 turnovers against the only major-conference opponent he faced. He'll need to prove himself as a floor general to reach his very lofty offensive ceiling.

Defense - Considered a scrappy but unspectacular defender coming out of high school, his lack of an NCAA track record here is again reason for pause. He didn't show much on that end in the few college games he played, and with his knee injury on top of already subpar physical tools it's fair to question whether he'll be able to stay in front of NBA point guards. At the very least, he'll need to add some muscle to his frame to give himself a fighting chance.

4.15. Shamorie Ponds

Offense - Polished score-first PG, made up for a lack of size and athleticism with a great handle and a quick-trigger 3. Rarely turned the ball over, but didn't create as much as you'd hope for his teammates either, struggling to effectively lead as St John's let a 12-0 start devolve into a fairly forgettable season.
May be better off in a 6th-man role at the next level rather than trying to be "the guy".

Defense - Great reflexes make him play much bigger than a player with his physical tools should. Very active, among the NCAA leaders in steals. Undoubtedly will be a liability in some matchups against bigger, more athletic PGs, but has the potential to be a positive-impact guy on this end especially if he can add a little more muscle to his frame.

4.16. DeAndre Hunter

Offense - High-IQ roleplayer at the college level, though with less ballhandling and finesse than you'd hope for in an older wing prospect. Will find a way to make himself useful with his accurate jumper and his toughness on the glass, but underdeveloped handle and just-ok first step makes it hard for him to create against a set defense. His midrange jumper was a handy fallback option for Virginia at the college level, but NBA defenses will be happy to give him that shot.

Defense - Perhaps the very best 1-on-1 defender at the college level, he should be immediately useful in a defensive stopper role in the NBA. Really good at using his length to contest without fouling, and rarely gets beat off the dribble thanks to his quick feet. Very fundamentally sound in that he'll always maintain his position and never get baited into swiping for a steal. Though he certainly errs of the side of being too conservative at times, his approach pays off more often than not in the long run.

4.17. Chuma Okeke

Offense - The prototypical glue guy, he's a very good 3-point shooter and loves to crash the offensive glass. High-IQ player, unselfish, makes good, quick decisions with the ball. Uses his length and athleticism well attacking the rim, but rarely gets there off his own dribble due to his underdeveloped handle and general passivity. Recovering from a torn ACL.

Defense - One of the few guys who may genuinely have the potential to guard 1-5. Really fantastic combination of length, strength, and smarts. Knows how to box out and rebound and will actively do so even against big centers; equally happy to hound ballhandlers out behind the 3-point line. Also a useful off-ball defender, though he adds most of his value passing lanes rather than protecting the rim like a typical big.

4.18. PJ Washington

Offense - Versatile all-around scorer, capable of creating his own offense in the paint, and a solid 3-point shooter who should immediately be able to space the floor at the NBA level. Doesn't always stay focused, and is sometimes too predictable when he looks to score; needs to be more aware of his teammates when the defense sends help.

Defense - Good toughness and athleticism, ideal frame to guard 4's and big wings, can really shine when he's fully locked in. However, he's also capable of coasting for long stretches and having virtually no impact. Somewhat behind the curve in terms of defensive fundamentals for a guy who'll turn 21 this summer. Needs a coach who can get him to really "buy in" on that end.

4.19. Romeo Langford

Offense - Even as a freshman he was one of the very best slashing wings in college basketball. Always looking to attack, great combination of quickness, handle, length, and athleticism to get to the rim, and a high-percentage finisher when he gets there. Decent midrange game to fall back on, but his shooting form and accuracy become increasingly suspect with range. Not a black hole, but not a great team player either. Didn't often use his ability to break down the defense to create open shots for his teammates.

Defense - Capable of playing big as evidenced by his solid rebound rate and nearly 1 block per game, but this was overshadowed by his seriously inconsistent effort level and poor fundamentals. Indiana was a top-10 defense with him on the bench, but barely average with him on the court. Not clear if these struggles are a result of low IQ or poor team chemistry, but the safe bet is that he'll be best off paired with a bigger, defensive-minded wing who can be a mentor on the court and cover up some of his mistakes.

4.20. Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Offense - One of the most complete and polished offensive players in the draft. Very good outside shooter, a good enough ballhandler to get into the teeth of the defense, and has enough vision to run the offense in a pinch. Struggles in high-profile games down the stretch dampened his outlook a little, casting doubt on his willingness and ability to find another gear in big moments. Combined with the fact that he turns 21 this summer and just-OK athleticism, seems to suggest that he'll be more roleplayer than star in the NBA.

Defense - A very good 1-on-1 defender; not an elite athlete but quick enough laterally to handle most guards. Got plenty of steals and a significant number of blocks for an SG thanks to his quick hands and overall activity level. Not really a defensive stopper, and slender frame limits his versatility, but there's plenty of reason to believe he'll be a net positive.

5.21. Thybulle
5.22. Little
5.23. Jontay Porter
5.24. Gafford
5.25. Reddish
5.26. Herro
5.27. Dotson
5.28. Norvell
5.29. Fernando
5.30. Robinson
5.31. Konate
5.32. Tillie
5.33. Hachimura
5.34. Servidis
5.35. Massinburg
5.36. Doumbouya
5.37. Roby
5.38. Morgan
5.39. Lawson
5.40. Brazdeikis
5.41. Peters
5.42. Keldon Johnson
5.43. Zoosman
5.44. Kevin Porter
5.45. Samanic
5.46. Pritchard
5.47. Edwards
5.48. Cameron Johnson
5.49. Happ
5.50. Reaves
5.51. Weatherspoon
5.52. Kabengele
5.53. Bassey
5.54. Nowell
5.55. Dort
5.56. Poole
5.57. Harper
5.58. Murphy
5.59. Wieskamp
5.60. Palmer
5.61. Clemons
5.62. Jackson
5.63. Davis

EDIT: fixed typo, added Nowell at 5.54, added Queta to mini-list of interesting guys I think will return to school but may end up staying in.
 
Snipped your post because I'm at the character limit :chuckle:

Posted a big board recently in S34; feel mostly the same now (would move Clarke down a couple spots because I'm a sane person and I adjust my expectations when I get more information).

You obviously put a shitload of work into that. Well-done, and thanks for posting it.
 
You obviously put a shitload of work into that. Well-done, and thanks for posting it.

Thanks, I know I'm out of whack with the consensus on some guys, but I tried to leave no stone unturned and be as objective as possible writing about guys.

EDIT: Also worth noting I'm certainly valuing ceiling over median outcome in my ranking.
 
Snipped your post because I'm at the character limit :chuckle:

Posted a big board recently in S34; feel mostly the same now (would move Clarke down a couple spots because I'm a sane person and I adjust my expectations when I get more information).

Why would you move Clarke down? He just had quite possibly the best athletic testing combine ever.

I know his measurements weren’t the proto length but good lord. He’s a PF that is more athletic than most NBA guards.
 
Why would you move Clarke down? He just had quite possibly the best athletic testing combine ever.

I know his measurements weren’t the proto length but good lord. He’s a PF that is more athletic than most NBA guards.

His athleticism test results were right in line with my expectations, so that didn't really affect his stock in my eyes.
 

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