I need to see Ayton against actual competition, and not the Chico states of the world, but man... he looks really good. If he emerges as a legit number one pick, it only helps the Cavs.
Zona should be set to go deep in the tournament. Which will be a lot of big stage exposure for Ayton. I'm personally more interested in the body of work leading up to the tournament. But I think there is some value in watching the dominant guys and how they look on the tournament stage. (Like when Kyrie dropped 35 or whatever against Derrick Williams and Zona...even though Duke lost that sealed the selection for me. He was unstoppable. I had a good idea from his HS days and 12 other games he was going to be a stud...but that game in that moment coming off that injury was just like a giant "pick me" sign as far as I was concerned)
For me, Ayton's biggest concern is kind of silly, but important at the same time. I have long term attitude/ "playing in Cleveland" concerns. If he's coming in to be groomed by LBJ...sign me up yesterday. If he's the follow-up act to LBJ leaving again...that really scares me. if Bron leaves, We're going to need to have patience and a good rebuilding plan. If we get Ayton and he's a top 5 player by the end of his rookie deal.. I fear the same exact mistakes as the LBJ 1.0 era, except Ayton will have zero qualms about leaving us in the dust to go play for Miami/LA/NY/GS and definitely won't be feeling a responsibility to come back 4 years later.
Now I also fully agree...if he's a guy that is going to be a top 5 player...and you have a chance to draft him....you have to do it. 10 times out of 10. 100 times out of 100 even. Let the chips fall where they may and have faith in whoever Koby Altman's current lead assistant is because they'll be calling the shots in 3-4 years(too soon?) But he does look dominant. He looks like a young Shaq, young Dwight, young Admiral out there on the court. Physically imposing but with good feel for the game,no real weaknesses. Just a little raw.
My other problem is my personal obsession with Michael Porter's combination of size, athleticism, and jumpshot paired with a smooth ability to put the ball in the hoop(I get Durant vibes skill-wise. I'll be watching Missouri closely)
and I didn't even mention Doncic who is just a super young, scoring/assist/efficiency machine in a much better league than the NCAA. White James Harden? Slovenian Steven Nash? Except he's 6'7 and pretty athletic...
It's crazy that depending on season outcomes, lottery, scouting, etc...the team that drops to pick #4 might have to SETTLE for a prospect like Marvin Bagley who has all the tools to be your classic inside and out, defensive do-it-all power forward(maybe C in todays NBA). Like a Bosh/Garnett...(not just because he's a lefty either).
Obviously these are crazy, wild, best case scenario comparisons. If we get a top 4 pick I'd just have to be happy with ANY of these guys. Hell...if we get #5 or 6 and get stuck with Bamba or Bridges that's not exactly a bad consolation prize. Bamba is going to be a damn good player with a high floor and Bridges definitely has #1 potential but has to show it for sustained periods.