2019 NBA Draft

[saclare]

Amazing to me Gafford is falling so far. As an Arkansas fan, I thought he made a really unselfish, if not foolish decision to return last season. He was projected anywhere from 12-20 and now seeing mocks in the late 30s?

I'll just say, if he's there, we should pounce. Perhaps even trade up. He'd allow flexibility to lose one of Maxi/Powell. The downside is he absolutely does not shoot. He showed some improvement on his touch with his mid-range and free throws, but never even attempted a 3 at Arkansas. He will be limited to a PnR big man much like Powell early on, but with much better defense. Gafford is really long in addition to his height. He will continue to grow into his body and needs to add weight to his frame, but can easily take it on without sacrificing his elite athleticism. Already a really tough shot blocker, he has even more room for improvement with technique.

I think at this spot in the draft, you start thinking intangibles, too. An excellent young man with no issues on or off the court, great family, and will bust his ass. I'd frankly be ecstatic to watch him play basketball for one of my favorite teams for at least the next 3-4 years.

[tap2390]

Originally Posted by saclare

Amazing to me Gafford is falling so far. As an Arkansas fan, I thought he made a really unselfish, if not foolish decision to return last season. He was projected anywhere from 12-20 and now seeing mocks in the late 30s?

I'll just say, if he's there, we should pounce. Perhaps even trade up. He'd allow flexibility to lose one of Maxi/Powell. The downside is he absolutely does not shoot. He showed some improvement on his touch with his mid-range and free throws, but never even attempted a 3 at Arkansas. He will be limited to a PnR big man much like Powell early on, but with much better defense. Gafford is really long in addition to his height. He will continue to grow into his body and needs to add weight to his frame, but can easily take it on without sacrificing his elite athleticism. Already a really tough shot blocker, he has even more room for improvement with technique.

I think at this spot in the draft, you start thinking intangibles, too. An excellent young man with no issues on or off the court, great family, and will bust his ass. I'd frankly be ecstatic to watch him play basketball for one of my favorite teams for at least the next 3-4 years.

I think he ends up going top-20. He's just too mobile and versatile a defender to not. If he drops any further I agree that we should absolutely make an attempt to trade up. Cap-strapped Cleveland might like a move down from 26 to 37 if it includes cash.

[tap2390]

Five Underrated Players to Watch

1) Tyler Herro - kid may not have the ideal frame, but he can absolutely shoot lights out... his ability to shoot off screens seals the deal for me

2) Keldon Johnson - smooth small forward reminiscent of Jayson Tatum... more advanced skillset than Reddish and Little

3) Daniel Gafford - said it above, but his defensive versatility and rim-running is exactly what you need from a center

4) Brandon Clarke - undersized, but his motor, timing, and tenacity are all elite.. like Gafford fits the role of the modern 5 very well

5) Matisse Thybulle - elite perimeter defender with higher offensive upside than Andre Roberson

[tap2390]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Five Underrated Players to Watch

1) Tyler Herro - kid may not have the ideal frame, but he can absolutely shoot lights out... his ability to shoot off screens seals the deal for me

2) Keldon Johnson - smooth small forward reminiscent of Jayson Tatum... more advanced skillset than Reddish and Little

3) Daniel Gafford - said it above, but his defensive versatility and rim-running is exactly what you need from a center

4) Brandon Clarke - undersized, but his motor, timing, and tenacity are all elite.. like Gafford fits the role of the modern 5 very well

5) Matisse Thybulle - elite perimeter defender with higher offensive upside than Andre Roberson

post-SL update on my underrated list


1) Herro - averaged 20 points in SL and is already considered untouchable (along with Bam) for the Heat

2) Johnson - dropped 29 on the Grizz in SL play (Grizz play in the championship tonight)

3) Gafford - averaged 14 & 8 to go along with 3 blocks a game on 68% shooting.... Mavs could have had him (sigh)

4) Clarke - averaging 15 & 9 on 57% shooting... made game winner to send Grizz to the championship... won SL mvp

5) Thybulle - showcasing all around game with 12 points, 4 boards, 2 dimes, 2 steals, and over 1 block a game


I was also extremely high on Carsen Edwards (20 ppg) and Roby (over 1 steal, dime, and block a game)... still wish we had taken Gafford, but I'm excited for Roby