2018 NBA Draft - Page 42 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 02:12 PM

@NBADraftWass: Scrimmage rosters

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 02:29 PM

@ESefko: Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle conferring at the NBA combine.

@IsaacLHarris: Mavs brass also still headed to Euroleague Final Four this weekend

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 02:51 PM

@DraftExpress: Great first half from Donte DiVincenzo. Plays such a physical brand of basketball. Making the right plays passing ahead. Hit one deeeep NBA 3. Really playing confidently. I was skeptical about him playing here after his Final Four, but he's no question helping himself here.

Melonhead · 05-17-2018, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

@DraftExpress: Great first half from Donte DiVincenzo. Plays such a physical brand of basketball. Making the right plays passing ahead. Hit one deeeep NBA 3. Really playing confidently. I was skeptical about him playing here after his Final Four, but he's no question helping himself here.

Probably not going to be there at 33?

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Probably not going to be there at 33?

Maybe not after the combine, but who knows? Tankathon had him at #32.

tap2390 · 05-17-2018, 05:32 PM

Here are the full combine measurements...

http://stats.nba.com/draft/combine-a..._FAT_PCT&dir=1

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 06:07 PM

@ESefko: Here's a snippet from UT's Mohamed Bamba on what he thinks of Dennis Smith Jr.: "He's really good. And I believe I’m the type of big he wants to play with, who screens and rolls and can finish high above the rim."

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-17-2018, 06:25 PM

Come on, Bamba so wants to be here. Make it so!

EricaLubarsky · 05-17-2018, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

@ESefko: Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle conferring at the NBA combine.

@IsaacLHarris: Mavs brass also still headed to Euroleague Final Four this weekend

Suddenly very excited

Melonhead · 05-17-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

@ESefko: Here's a snippet from UT's Mohamed Bamba on what he thinks of Dennis Smith Jr.: "He's really good. And I believe I’m the type of big he wants to play with, who screens and rolls and can finish high above the rim."

Get that man

SMC0007 · 05-17-2018, 07:33 PM

Bamba is clever.. I will definitely give him that. He has a damn good idea of where he may go, and him speaking highly of DSJ is a nice move. If he ends up here I'll hope for a step up from Miles Turner with better defense. I'd sink if he was Noel 2.0

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-17-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Bamba is clever.. I will definitely give him that. He has a damn good idea of where he may go, and him speaking highly of DSJ is a nice move. If he ends up here I'll hope for a step up from Miles Turner with better defense. I'd sink if he was Noel 2.0

Well he also talked up playing with Lauri on the Bulls. The guy can interview with the best of them and will likely have a TV career later in life if he wants.

tap2390 · 05-17-2018, 08:12 PM

Porter Jr. has already had a meeting with the Mavericks (and a host of other teams) per his interview today. He also called himself the best player in the draft:

"I played against all these guys, they're all great players, but I'm the best player in this draft”

Love the confidence.

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

Porter Jr. has already had a meeting with the Mavericks (and a host of other teams) per his interview today. He also called himself the best player in the draft:

"I played against all these guys, they're all great players, but I'm the best player in this draft”

Love the confidence.

That's the alpha dog mentality that has him at the top of the list for me... If healthy, he's a guy who can drop 25 points in a game effortlessly.

BPo001 · 05-17-2018, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

That's the alpha dog mentality that has him at the top of the list for me... If healthy, he's a guy who can drop 25 points in a game effortlessly.

Which is exactly what this team needs. I'm in for Porter or assuming he is healthy, but I think ATL or Memphis would take him before us.

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Which is exactly what this team needs. I'm in for Porter or assuming he is healthy, but I think ATL or Memphis would take him before us.

Bagley can do the same thing, is probably the safer pick -- I could see either team taking him over Porter... And JJJ fills a huge need for ATL/MEM as well... But if both teams pass over Bagley or JJJ, then one of them should be there for us at #5.

FreshJive · 05-17-2018, 09:46 PM

The Ringer article on Bamba makes him look like a really good gamble. His work ethic combined with the weight he has already gained since coming out of high school is encouraging. I’ll be interested to see his speed and agility drill numbers. I’m still leaning more toward MPJ if his back is healthy.

At 33 Azibuke looks like a monster from his measurables, and I know Grayson Allen is a douche but his athleticism looks legit.

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshJive

I know Grayson Allen is a douche but his athleticism looks legit.

Yeah, I'm not a Grayson Allen fan AT ALL, but he did kill the combine today.

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 10:06 PM

@NBADraftWass: Mainstream view seems to be Bagley as the next-best option in a vacuum after Doncic/Ayton, but I'm hearing a growing sense that Bamba or Jackson could easily go #3.

FreshJive · 05-17-2018, 10:23 PM

So if Bagley falls behind Bamba and Jackson you have to take him at 5, right?

Underdog · 05-17-2018, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshJive

So if Bagley falls behind Bamba and Jackson you have to take him at 5, right?

Depends on Porter's health... I'm not as high on Bagley as most, still have concerns about his defense and FT shooting.

My top-3 have remained consistent for a couple months now, here's my current order for the Mavs (but I'd be happy with any of these guys):

Ayton
Porter
Jackson
Bamba
Bagley
Doncic

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-17-2018, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

@NBADraftWass: Mainstream view seems to be Bagley as the next-best option in a vacuum after Doncic/Ayton, but I'm hearing a growing sense that Bamba or Jackson could easily go #3.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-17-2018, 11:14 PM

Ayton
Bagley
Bamba
JJJ
Doncic
MPJ

tap2390 · 05-17-2018, 11:14 PM

If the Grizz take a center we should make a play for Gasol.

SMC0007 · 05-17-2018, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Depends on Porter's health... I'm not as high on Bagley as most, still have concerns about his defense and FT shooting.

My top-3 have remained consistent for a couple months now, here's my current order for the Mavs (but I'd be happy with any of these guys):

Ayton
Porter
Jackson
Bamba
Bagley
Doncic

I take your list and place Doncic 2nd and slide everyone down

j0Shi · 05-18-2018, 04:47 AM

Lol @ Porter for a big ego without having proven anything. Exactly the type of player that will cause trouble if things don't go as planned. Getting a nice Noel "I'm worth the max" vibe here. No thanks. Still not a top 5 pick by any stretch. I'd be super happy if he impresses some other team and is no longer available for the Mavs.

Not too happy that Bamba's stock seems to be rising though.

Underdog · 05-18-2018, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j0Shi

Lol @ Porter for a big ego without having proven anything. Exactly the type of player that will cause trouble if things don't go as planned. Getting a nice Noel "I'm worth the max" vibe here. No thanks. Still not a top 5 pick by any stretch. I'd be super happy if he impresses some other team and is no longer available for the Mavs.

Nah, MPJ has never been a "me first" type -- he's a leader, very down to earth and humble... The kid just missed an entire year of basketball, so he has to remind everyone who he is. This is the combine, if you're not talking yourself up then you're doing it wrong.

Besides, I fully expect him to be a guy who is obviously worth max after his rookie contract expires... Noel never proved to be a max player.

sefant77 · 05-18-2018, 08:08 AM

I didnt watch a lot of Porter etc because i never thought he would be an option for us.

I read some questionmarks about his overall game beside scoring. Able to be an all around player (aka a worse Durant) or is he "just" a scorer.

I also still dont think that Bagley is going to drop until #5. The Hawks loves him and he is a one of the better fits for Memphis. For that to happen the Hawks have to take Bamba and the Grizzlies have to like Porter more than Bagley...

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-18-2018, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sefant77

I also still dont think that Bagley is going to drop until #5. The Hawks loves him and he is a one of the better fits for Memphis. For that to happen the Hawks have to take Bamba and the Grizzlies have to like Porter more than Bagley...

That may be the case now, but there is a ton of time before the draft for that to change. Not like Bamba or Porter going before us is something that couldn't feasibly happen. It's a lot more likely than Smith falling to us last draft IMO.

tap2390 · 05-18-2018, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j0Shi

Lol @ Porter for a big ego without having proven anything. Exactly the type of player that will cause trouble if things don't go as planned. Getting a nice Noel "I'm worth the max" vibe here. No thanks. Still not a top 5 pick by any stretch. I'd be super happy if he impresses some other team and is no longer available for the Mavs.

Not too happy that Bamba's stock seems to be rising though.

Lol what’s he supposed to say? “Yeah I’m pretty average. My peers surpassed me while I was on the bench dealing with the injury.”

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-18-2018, 08:53 AM

Yeah, Porter has a big hill to climb to get his reputation as a top prospect back in line. He seems like a good kid, no doubt. The fact that he basically measured 6'11 in shoes is worth noting.

Still think it would pretty dumb to pass up on a big man in arguably the best big man draft class in history. You just can't go wrong with Ayton/Bamba/Bagley/JJJ.

hayth.james.g · 05-18-2018, 09:07 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYboUTzWys

Shot at 6:20 from MPJ is another example of his natural smooth shot.

I am torn on MPJ. When people compare him to KD, I think they are greatly overestimating his athleticism. KD is incredibly athletic. He doesn't rely on it, but when he needs to he can do some incredible things. Also, KD is longer. So for me the comparison doesn't really work.

That said, I think if healthy he definitely deserves consideration with JJJ and Bamba. Assuming he is healthy and we feel good about that moving forward, my ranking between the three of them would be:

1. MPJ
2. JJJ
3. Bamba

Truthfully, the difference between the three of them is incredibly small as far as potential goes. I'll stick with my previous comment that I believe culture, development, and team fit is going to be difference maker for MANY of these top 6 guys. Just look at Monk. He does ALL the same things well as he did in college, but he was taken by a team trying to make him a PG. He is NOT that. He is killer scorer and needs to be allowed to shoot 30 shots a game, build confidence, and learn through mistakes.

BPo001 · 05-18-2018, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sefant77

I didnt watch a lot of Porter etc because he only played 40 min this year.

FIFY

sefant77 · 05-18-2018, 09:45 AM

I meant old HS games etc

EricaLubarsky · 05-18-2018, 09:59 AM

Porter could be the biggest risk/biggest reward in the draft

People had him unanimous #1 pick before the injury. He was one of the most remarkable high school prospects since LeBron

Then the injury-- an injury that can diminish overall performance and cause significant health issues later on. There's no guarantee he's the same player now and/or if his back will be re-injured or if the injury to his back will cause other issues.

There's also the issue of going from high school to college. Some guys dominate high school and simply don't in college. I know he was injured, but when he came back, he was absolutely terrible. That's not to say that it proved he was terrible, but there is ZERO evidence that he is capable of dominating at the college (2A) level.

Then again, he was projected as the next Durant/George.

tap2390 · 05-18-2018, 10:08 AM

Would love to see us pick up Josh Okogie from Georgia Tech in the second round if he’s still available. Guy reminds me a lot of Donovan Mitchell. May go as high as late lottery after testing off the charts though.

dirt_dobber · 05-18-2018, 10:41 AM

Wonder where Texas Tech small forward will land...
TT player small forward Zhaire Smith at NBA combine score/grade
...........................................positio n rank#
Max Vertical..............41.5".......1st
Standing Vertical........33".........1st
Lane Agility............11.02 sec....2nd
3/4 court sprint.......3.05 sec.....1st
NBA shuttle drill......3.15 sec.....2nd
.

saclare · 05-18-2018, 10:45 AM

I'm going to stop listing the obvious caveat for Porter, that being his health. I'm assuming for this sake that he is healthy and is checked off by the Mavs medical team.

It all boils down to what this team needs most. To me, it's super close in terms of a 1a/1b type scenario. Those two needs are a scoring threat and a big that can provide defense/boards. I think the direction of the NBA has me leaning taking MPJ to shore up scoring deficiencies. It would be mighty hard to stop both he and DSJ, in addition to the shooters on this team.

Then again, having JJJ or Bamba take over in the middle would be great, too. We need to look at the landscape of the NBA in 3-4 years and ask if this draft pick will be worth a big contract.

I can see MPJ/JJJ/Bamba all fitting into that scenario, which will make it an even harder decision. We can only hope Donnie and Co. make the right one. Best of luck to them should Bagley slide down, too...

saclare · 05-18-2018, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

Wonder where Texas Tech small forward will land...
TT player small forward Zhaire Smith at NBA combine score/grade
...........................................positio n rank#
Max Vertical..............41.5".......1st
Standing Vertical........33".........1st
Lane Agility............11.02 sec....2nd
3/4 court sprint.......3.05 sec.....1st
NBA shuttle drill......3.15 sec.....2nd
.

Zhaire is more a SG, but he's definitely showing his athleticism. Clippers hold some good ammo for about where he'd go, too. This whole lotto can produce some really good picks.

hayth.james.g · 05-18-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Porter could be the biggest risk/biggest reward in the draft

People had him unanimous #1 pick before the injury. He was one of the most remarkable high school prospects since LeBron

Then the injury-- an injury that can diminish overall performance and cause significant health issues later on. There's no guarantee he's the same player now and/or if his back will be re-injured or if the injury to his back will cause other issues.

There's also the issue of going from high school to college. Some guys dominate high school and simply don't in college. I know he was injured, but when he came back, he was absolutely terrible. That's not to say that it proved he was terrible, but there is ZERO evidence that he is capable of dominating at the college (2A) level.

Then again, he was projected as the next Durant/George.

Go back to the comments Pre injury. He was NOT the unanimous number 1 pick. He had major hype going for him very early on (3 years ago). I would agree that he was in the conversation for number 1 pick and a consensus top 5.