Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball
Hello Dallas Mavs forum! This is my first post. I'm glad I found this thread. Since the Cowboys were unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs, I've been looking at the NBA draft since that's what the Mavs are playing for this season. Oooooh, I was so mad when we won those 4 games in a row; especially after we had just saddled ATL with a win. Smh lol
Anyways, some things I've read/heard about the 2018 draft prospects. I agree with Underdog. To me, Ayton is the clear #1 prospect on this board. He's the one player who appears to measure out a legit 7' feet. Both Bagley & Bamba I have seen listed anywhere from 6-9 to 7 feet, which lets you know they're probably both a lot closer to 6-9. Imo, Bamba is a clear drop off from the top tier talent in this draft. Bamba is the start of tier 2 for me.
I've heard it discussed on a couple of boards that Porter Jr likely won't even declare for the 2018 draft. The reason given is it's said to be very important to him to win a national championship in college & to win one for his home state of Missouri. I'm not sure how much validity you can give those reports, but I think it's definitely fair to question whether he declares or not.
Also, regarding Porter Jr, herniated discs are no joke. I had a herniated disc myself that required surgery 10 years ago. I haven't run or jump since. Basically due to doctor's recommendations. True, I'm not a professional athlete & if I were, I would most likely sacrifice some of my long term quality of life considerations for millions of dollars. Still, the point remains. Yes, you can do constant physical therapy & keep your core strong, but it's a chore, and your back will always be weakened. I think it's a major red flag. Knowing what I know about herniated discs, I doubt I would take Michael Porter Jr with a 1st round pick. He'd have to come back to college & prove it to me.
I've also read glowing reviews of Mikal Bridges across a half-dozen sites or so. Pretty much everyone has him as their dark horse/sleeper of the draft. Oh, and I heard one site list Sexton as a potential top 5 pick. He's near 20 ppg at 19.3 and his %s aren't too shabby (44.2% FG 36.8% 3PT 79.8% FT)
I really hope the Mavs can find a way to lose as many games as possible, get lucky & win the draft lottery and take Ayton. That's what I'm praying for.
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Welcome to the board! Lots to unpack in your post...
1) Thanks for the info on Porter Jr, I hadn't heard the rumor that he might not declare. That would definitely change the top of the draft, no doubt... And was it a herniated disc? I'd heard that it might have just been a bulge, which means the disc hasn't actually ruptured and a full recovery is more likely. A herniation definitely changes my perspective on him.
2) Ayton is easily at the top of the heap, and I'd agree that Bamba is a cut below... I see Ayton, Bagley, Porter (if 100%) and Doncic as having franchise player potential, whereas I see Bamba as maxing out as an All-Star, at best. He just doesn't have the alpha mentality that the rest of them have.
3) Mikal Bridges is really starting to grow on me, and might even be in my second tier now. I could see him in a similar role as (even though he's a bit different than) Andre Igoudala in Golden State. He's a glue guy who can bring it on defense, help clean up the glass, and hit the open shot -- a guy who can play within himself and doesn't need the ball in his hands to impact the game. He'd be an excellent Wesley Matthews replacement and fit well with Dennis.
4) Not really sold on Sexton with DSJ here, but I'd love to see him enter the top-5 discussion -- especially if Porter doesn't declare. The more guards that push their way up, the better chances we have of getting a guy we need, even if we land outside the top-5.