2018 NBA Draft

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

To be fair about Memphis and their games against PHX and ATL the mins are misleading. Against PHX they had a 21pt lead in the 4th and when it went down to 12 or 13 Gasol went back in. That's not something you do when you are intentionally tanking to the maximum potential. And against ATL they were down by almost 30 when they took him out.

That's a fair point. Moreso, about the ATL game.

Versus PHX, they brought Tyreke Evans off the bench, even though he had been starting. When MEM had a 17 point lead at half time, they only played Gasol 11 minutes in the 2nd half. They gave Selden, Harrison & Martin each about 10 min more than they're season averages.

It's subtle stuff, but even in the PHX game, they were trying their best to lose that game. Only their backups got hot & PHX wasn't good enough to catch up without Booker in the lineup.

[Bryan_Wilson]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

That's a fair point. Moreso, about the ATL game.

Versus PHX, they brought Tyreke Evans off the bench, even though he had been starting. When MEM had a 17 point lead at half time, they only played Gasol 11 minutes in the 2nd half. They gave Selden, Harrison & Martin each about 10 min more than they're season averages.

It's subtle stuff, but even in the PHX game, they were trying their best to lose that game. Only their backups got hot & PHX wasn't good enough to catch up without Booker in the lineup.

He only played 11 mins though because they had a huge lead. They had built it to over 20 in the 4th. When that lead shrank to 13 with just under 3mins left they put him back in. That's like if we had a 20 point lead and the young guys were blowing it and then we put Barea back in to close the game out. I'm pretty sure people here would be very unhappy if we did that.

The Tyreke stuff idk about, but as for Gasol I don't think you put ur best player back on the floor to secure a win if you are doing everything you can to lose.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

He only played 11 mins though because they had a huge lead. They had built it to over 20 in the 4th. When that lead shrank to 13 with just under 3mins left they put him back in. That's like if we had a 20 point lead and the young guys were blowing it and then we put Barea back in to close the game out. I'm pretty sure people here would be very unhappy if we did that.

The Tyreke stuff idk about, but as for Gasol I don't think you put ur best player back on the floor to secure a win if you are doing everything you can to lose.

Yeah, that's a really good point also. I wish I had league pass, so I could go back and watch that game & see what the announcers were saying, see cut aways to Gasol on the bench. That's a big question in my mind, "What extent is MEM going to in order to appease Gasol?" and "How much appeasing does Gasol need?" Can't think he's all that excited about the tank, but maybe he understands.

[Bryan_Wilson]

I'd be interested to see RF's shot chart, any way we can find one? I did a quick search and got zilch. I only ask because I'd like to know if he's more of a corner guy who is merely decent outside of the corners or if he lights it up from all over.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

A couple days ago we were talking about 2nd round sleepers we might like with that POR pick.

I stumbled across this video on Youtube & it's pretty interesting. Robert Franks, Jr SG/SF from Washington St. Late bloomer type. Pure shooter, who has increased his averages dramatically each of his 3 years w/ the Cougars. He has size, seems to rebound well, and sounds like a total gym rat. Depending on where he falls come June, I could see him being a guy the Mavs look at with either of their 2nd round picks. Wash St isn't likely to make the NIT even, so he could be the kind of player to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, unless he has a big NBA combine.

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=626JmEOZkvI

That is a smooth stroke. Not a bad one to keep tabs on.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

A couple days ago we were talking about 2nd round sleepers we might like with that POR pick.

I stumbled across this video on Youtube & it's pretty interesting. Robert Franks, Jr SG/SF from Washington St. Late bloomer type. Pure shooter, who has increased his averages dramatically each of his 3 years w/ the Cougars. He has size, seems to rebound well, and sounds like a total gym rat. Depending on where he falls come June, I could see him being a guy the Mavs look at with either of their 2nd round picks. Wash St isn't likely to make the NIT even, so he could be the kind of player to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, unless he has a big NBA combine.

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=626JmEOZkvI

Wow, nice story... Dude is shooting 43% from beyond the arc, set the Cougars record for the most threes in a game, going 10/13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylINuPXS7d4

We could always use sharpshooter with size, plus he does appear to be a solid rebounder. How's his defense? Looks like he's completely off the radar right now, could grab him with that last pick or extend a camp invite if he goes undrafted.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Wow, nice story... Dude is shooting 43% from beyond the arc, set the Cougars record for the most threes in a game, going 10/13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylINuPXS7d4

We could always use sharpshooter with size, plus he does appear to be a solid rebounder. How's his defense? Looks like he's completely off the radar right now, could grab him with that last pick or extend a camp invite if he goes undrafted.

The line from the video about him being a deer & trying to grow into his body, I get the feeling he's still adjusting. However, I haven't watched anything but highlights of Franks, yet.

If I were looking for a comp, I'd say he profiles like a cross between a Nik Stauskas and a Channing Frye type. But, that's only what I'd be expecting to find. Hopefully, he's a bit more agile, although, if he is, he might not last til late 2nd round.

Edit: I'm particularly impressed with the season-to-season improvement, especially his FT% this year 88.4%. He's essentially taken on the leading scorer role for the Cougars, and all of his #s have improved under that pressure. Rougly double the minutes, and his scoring has nearly tripled, rebounding more than doubled, assists, steals, etc. all up, even TOs less than doubled. He responded to the pressure & %s up across the board, makes me think his FT% improvement is real. I would expect his shooting to translate at the next level.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

I'm particularly impressed with the season-to-season improvement, especially his FT% this year 88.4%. He's essentially taken on the leading scorer role for the Cougars, and all of his #s have improved under that pressure. Rougly double the minutes, and his scoring has nearly tripled, rebounding more than doubled, assists, steals, etc. all up, even TOs less than doubled. He responded to the pressure & %s up across the board, makes me think his FT% improvement is real. I would expect his shooting to translate at the next level.

Yeah, that jumped out at me too... Read an article on him where he completely overhauled his body before this season started -- cut the junk food, slimmed down, added muscle. Dude basically chose to become a gym rat. Here's a link: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/201...bert-franks-s/

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Yeah, that jumped out at me too... Read an article on him where he completely overhauled his body before this season started -- cut the junk food, slimmed down, added muscle. Dude basically chose to become a gym rat. Here's a link: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/201...bert-franks-s/

Good article. I like the kid's work ethic. Especially knowing he went from a kid who guys wouldn't let play pick up games with them to the #4 player in the state in high school.

Looking at his frame, he has a wide body. I don't see him being a particularly athletic perimeter defender, but with that lower body strength, I don't think it's any accident he's rebounding like he does.

I do notice a little hiccup in his shot. He likes to bring the ball down to his waist, as short of a timing/rhythm mechanism, I know because I use to like to do that. That's kinda bad. Gives NBA defenders that extra half second they need to close out. Can't believe Washington State hasn't worked with him on that, but that's also another thing that could cause him to slide in the 2nd round. It's something that's fixable with individual coaching & time too.

[madape]

Mavs should draft Mobamba

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by madape

Mavs should draft Mobamba

I'm only going to be happy with Bamba if Doncic, Ayton, Jackson Jr, and Trae Young are already off the board. I think I'd rather have Mikal Bridges over him too.

Bamba is a project. The talent is unquestioned, but he's at least 1 year & probably 2 years away from developing an NBA body, and that's if he works at it because there are questions about his work ethic.

Here's an article the Ringer did on him last month:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/1...2018-nba-draft

Check out these quotes from the article...

Bamba needs to strengthen his lean legs. The 6-foot-11, 225-pound center gets pushed around by stronger players when defending the post or boxing out.

He needs to hit the weight room. Big time.

Bamba also lacks the intensity and toughness you’d prefer in a defensive anchor. He rarely boxes out and relies primarily on his length to grab rebounds that come near him

Despite being a top 15 rebounder in college basketball, he's only tied for 27th in defensive rebounds. He doesn't do as good of a job digging in, boxing out & fighting for boards.

When other players are sprinting, you might find Bamba in cruise control.

Like other posters have said on this forum regarding Nerlens Noel. You can't make a guy want to try. Check out that link & look at his lazy efforts getting back on D. Troubling.

[MavzMan]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

I'm only going to be happy with Bamba if Doncic, Ayton, Jackson Jr, and Trae Young are already off the board. I think I'd rather have Mikal Bridges over him too.

Bamba is a project.

OK, you've got my curiosity. What is your reasoning for taking Trae Young ahead of Bamba when we already have DSJ? Do you consider Bamba to be that much of a project? If we were to draft TY, how does a TY and DSJ work?

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by MavzMan

OK, you've got my curiosity. What is your reasoning for taking Trae Young ahead of Bamba when we already have DSJ? Do you consider Bamba to be that much of a project? If we were to draft TY, how does a TY and DSJ work?

I think people make too much of the we already have X, so we can't have Y notion. If Portland thought that way, they never would of drafted CJ McCollum after they already had Damian Lillard. There's proof two 6-3 guards can work together.

It's not ideal, but it can work, and taking a player who works out is always better than taking a player who doesn't even if there's some redundancy.

Imo, Trae Young has one of the highest ceilings of anyone in this draft. I don't see comparisons to Steph as unattainable for him. If I'm going to miss on a guy, I'd rather miss on someone with that type of ceiling because championships are won by teams with top 10 players in the league, not the center for the 3rd string All NBA defensive team.

I also think comparisons to Gobert for Bamba aren't as realistic. Gobert had more of an NBA body from day 1. Bamba is going to need his rookie season just to get to where Gobert's body was his rookie year. And Gobert didn't do much his rookie year, he was still adding muscle & getting accustomed to the NBA.

How is Bamba going to do mentally & emotionally when he comes in as a top 5 draft pick & doesn't experience much success his first 2 years? He might have the maturity to keep grinding away & be just fine. His potential is still multi-year All Star, but there's also the potential that he cracks under that type of pressure. I don't think it's a good sign that in college he already is taking plays off & doesn't box out. I also think his shot needs a major overhaul & if he doesn't have an above average work ethic, then he's not going to develop an NBA jump shot.

[MavzMan]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

I think people make too much of the we already have X, so we can't have Y notion. If Portland thought that way, they never would of drafted CJ McCollum after they already had Damian Lillard. There's proof two 6-3 guards can work together.

It's not ideal, but it can work, and taking a player who works out is always better than taking a player who doesn't even if there's some redundancy.

I would argue that CJ+DL and DSJ+TY is more like X+X rather than X+Y. And the CJ+DL is not entirely working out either as POR is hanging onto the 6th seed, is definitely in the 3rd tier of WCF playoff teams and there was even talk about them trading off CJ to find a more complimentary piece. The biggest argument against drafting TY and going with DSJ+TY long term is just that small ball is exciting and will win you regular season games, but when defenses crank up in the playoffs and referees choke their whistle, the little guys get more abused. However, I'm playing devil's advocate here and I'm not really a big fan of Bamba either.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

I'm only going to be happy with Bamba if Doncic, Ayton, Jackson Jr, and Trae Young are already off the board. I think I'd rather have Mikal Bridges over him too.

Bamba is a project. The talent is unquestioned, but he's at least 1 year & probably 2 years away from developing an NBA body, and that's if he works at it because there are questions about his work ethic.

I'm not sure that's a knock when considering this team is not winning, much less competing for, a championship within the next 2-3 years. I do not argue the fact that he is a project, just the notion that is a knock against him. I absolutely take him over Trae Young and Mikal Bridges. The tougher call is between him and Jaren Jackson Jr.

But it is my hope that the Mavs FO isn't viewing these prospects for what they are today, but what they can be for this team in the future. And I think Mo Bamba can be a stud.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by madape

Mavs should draft Mobamba

Stretch Armstrong...

[Magnum_3_Ball]

I've mentioned this guy's name before, but haven't gotten in-depth on him, yet.

Chandler Hutchinson - 6-7, SF, Senior, Boise State

He's been mentioned as a sleeper for most of the year, but the 44 he dropped on San Diego St last month has raised his profile a bit. He's still projected mid 2nd round, according to nbadraft.net, but then again they have Keita Bates-Diop projected there too.

Check this SI article out: https://www.si.com/nba/2017/12/13/nb...damian-lillard

Cliffs - So, Hutchinson wasn't much to speak of his freshman & sophomore years. Then Boise State hires Damian Lillard's old assistant coach from Weber State, and he works with Hutchinson specifically. Look the difference in his junior & senior #s since Lillard's old coach has gotten there http://www.espn.com/mens-college-bas...dler-hutchison

Looking at highlights, holy cow this kid can slash to the basket. It's obvious that Beckner (Lillard's old coach) has had him working on his handles. He's a good college shooter, will need to continue to develop at the NBA level. Needs to develop range also. I think every highlight I saw of him taking a 3 he was right up against the college 3 pt line... Wasn't a good shooter as a freshman or sophomore.

He's athletic. Has hops! He also put up 32 vs UNLV this yr & did some work on UNLV's highly-touted freshman center Brandon McCoy, including one blow by dunk that was breathtaking. Very DSJ-esque (not in leaping ability but in terms of speed & quickness). This guy is shifty, very agile, can move his body in traffic like a snake to get around defenders... kinda like his whole body is a Euro-step.

I wish I had better scouting reports on his defense, but with his athleticism, I can't imagine it's a weakness & probably a strength. I don't know if I trust his height as a legit 6-7, maybe 6-7 in shoes or something like that. The quotes in the article are very promising. Apparently Lillard is very impressed with him & his coach thinks he's an NBA first rounder, which wouldn't mean much, but he worked with Lillard & still does every off-season.

Here's a few videos on him:

44 vs SDSU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=temjJ3jaNGk

32 vs UNLV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5wzu9agI00

12 min highlight package https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvsa9fAlkCk

Junior season highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvigz_fiSWo

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Bamba does seem strangely underrated. Not by me. I'd take him in a heartbeat.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Bamba does seem strangely underrated. Not by me. I'd take him in a heartbeat.

Count me in the Bamba camp. I'd take him over Young and Bridges, tough call between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Porter, pending health.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

So far my late round guys I like the most (probably one or more will move up into the 1st round come June) are:

Keita Bates-Diop, Troy Brown, Robert Franks, Chandler Hutchinson, Billy Preston (a real wild card), Isaac Bonga, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (important to note, even though he's a senior he's only 20 yrs old that is if you believe Ukrainian birth certificates lol).

I wanna take a closer look at some of these guys over the ASB. Down the road I have my eye on Kerwin Roach, Alize Johnson, Shake Milton, Bruce Brown, Rawle Alkins, and pretty much all of the guys from the area Kevin Hervey & Kenrich Williams.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Having watched both the TCU and Baylor games, in my eye test, Bamba is very talented with the ball in his hands and he has a wide range of offensive weapons that he knows how to use. He might be raw with some of the fundamentals, and I agree he might take some plays off if the offense isn't run through him. But when he has the ball in his hands, he rarely doesn't know what to do. I think his passing is sometimes lazy and needs to be worked on, but talent-wise, this guy is grade A.

I feel like people sometimes muddy up talent versus being raw. Bamba is still a bit raw, but the talent is definitely there. No question.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Having watched both the TCU and Baylor games, in my eye test, Bamba is very talented with the ball in his hands and he has a wide range of offensive weapons that he knows how to use. He might be raw with some of the fundamentals, and I agree he might take some plays off if the offense isn't run through him. But when he has the ball in his hands, he rarely doesn't know what to do. I think his passing is sometimes lazy and needs to be worked on, but talent-wise, this guy is grade A.

I feel like people sometimes muddy up talent versus being raw. Bamba is still a bit raw, but the talent is definitely there. No question.

That's a great take on Bamba. I live in Austin area and have seen him in person 3 times this year - raw talent yes! but he needs a lot of refinement.

[EricaLubarsky]

I see Bamba's best case as Gobert, worst case as Dalembert, and average as Tyson.

On one hand, I miss Tyson and having a 19-year old Tyson on the squad with Smith excites me. Tyson was a solid defensive star that got us our championship. On the other hand, this is the best lottery pick we've had in 14 years (since Devin) and if the options are there, you have to shoot for a superstar.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I see Bamba's best case as Gobert, worst case as Dalembert, and average as Tyson.

On one hand, I miss Tyson and having a 19-year old Tyson on the squad with Smith excites me. Tyson was a solid defensive star that got us our championship. On the other hand, this is the best lottery pick we've had in 14 years (since Devin) and if the options are there, you have to shoot for a superstar.

I think Bamba's best case is better than Gobert. He's already way ahead of where Gobert was offensively.

[mac222b]

Tough call for me too between Bamba and Jackson. Love Bamba but would be happy with either. Jackson profiles as a better shooter likely with 3 point NBA range, though his mechanics are funky. Bamba could eventually get there, may be many years, but he has a nice stroke (also has a weird slinging release that should be corrected) for a guy that big. Jackson may be a better perimeter defender now but I see Bamba closing the gap in that regard too.

[Underdog]

DeAndre Ayton
Michael Porter
Jaren Jackson
Marvin Bagley
Luka Doncic
Mo Bamba
Mikal Bridges

[Magnum_3_Ball]

I'm more confident in my rankings now.

Tier 1
Luka Doncic
DeAndre Ayton

Tier 2
Jaren Jackson Jr
Trae Young

Tier 3
Mo Bamba
Mikal Bridges

Tier 4
Marvin Bagley III
Wendell Carter Jr
Collin Sexton


Undraftable: Michael Porter Jr. Would not draft him with a 1st round pick. The performance of players post discectomy surgery is clear. Porter Jr should be avoided like the plague.

[Bryan_Wilson]

Mine has changed for now to-

Doncic
Ayton
Porter-if medical clears him

JJJ
Bagley

Bamba

Knox
Young
Mikal
Sexton

Carter
Miles

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Flipped over to ESPN during halftime of Mavs/Kings to see Lonnie Walker. I liked what I saw from Virgina's freshman De'Andre Hunter. 6-7 wing with handles, nice form on the J & an athletic body. Haven't heard anything about him in the 2018 draft class, so he might be more of a 2019 prospect. Still one to keep an eye on.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

Flipped over to ESPN during halftime of Mavs/Kings to see Lonnie Walker. I liked what I saw from Virgina's freshman De'Andre Hunter. 6-7 wing with handles, nice form on the J & an athletic body. Haven't heard anything about him in the 2018 draft class, so he might be more of a 2019 prospect. Still one to keep an eye on.

Tankathon has him going late in the first to the Spurs, might still be there in the second round... Definitely a guy I've had my eye on.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Tankathon has him going late in the first to the Spurs, might still be there in the second round... Definitely a guy I've had my eye on.

Oh really? Yeah, I only saw him maybe 3-4 possessions, but stood out almost immediately.

Edit: Sorry, I was confused. I wasn't talking about Lonnie Walker. I need to see more of him. The portion of Virginia/Miami that I saw Walker was on the bench. The guy I'm talking about is the Cavaliers fresh wing De'Andre Hunter. He was very impressive and the announcers said he defends 4 positions.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

Oh really? Yeah, I only saw him maybe 3-4 possessions, but stood out almost immediately.

Edit: Sorry, I was confused. I wasn't talking about Lonnie Walker. I need to see more of him. The portion of Virginia/Miami that I saw Walker was on the bench. The guy I'm talking about is the Cavaliers fresh wing De'Andre Hunter. He was very impressive and the announcers said he defends 4 positions.

Reading on my phone, somehow missed De'Andre Hunter's name in your post. I'll have to check him out.

[EricaLubarsky]

Lottery watch - Strength of remaining schedule

8) Bulls +3.0 (4th hardest schedule)
7) Grizzlies +1.5 (23rd hardest schedule)
4/5/6) Nets +1.0 (13th hardest schedule)
4/5/6) Magic +1.0 (23rd hardest schedule)
4/5/6) Kings +1.0 (11th hardest schedule)
1/2/3) Mavs === (24th hardest schedule)
1/2/3) Suns === (3rd hardest schedule)
1/2/3) Hawks === (18th hardest schedule)

24 games left

1-3 all tied. 1-6 all within a single game. 1-7 within 1.5 games.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Jaren Jackson Jr tonight: 27 pts 10/14 FGs 5/8 treys 2/2 FTs 6 rebs 3 asst 0 stl 3 blks 0 TOs and he only played 22 min b/c the Spartans won by 30.

27 pts w/ 5 treys & 3 blks. The kid is the only player in the draft with his specific skill set.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Magnum_3_Ball

Jaren Jackson Jr tonight: 27 pts 10/14 FGs 5/8 treys 2/2 FTs 6 rebs 3 asst 0 stl 3 blks 0 TOs and he only played 22 min b/c the Spartans won by 30.

27 pts w/ 5 treys & 3 blks. The kid is the only player in the draft with his specific skill set.

Loving this kid more & more, this is the reason I have him in my top-5.

[Underdog]

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Found some more notes on De'Andre Hunter, the 6-7 wing who stood out in last night's UVA/MIA game.

Hunter was ESPN's 72nd rated player in the 2016 high school class, which sounds low, but Bruno Fernando (Maryland) was 71st & he's projected to either be a late 1st/early 2nd this year or a top 10 pick in next year's NBA draft.

Hunter red-shirted last year, so he's a red-shirt freshman. Looking at a few more highlights of him, the kid can shoot & has a very nice mid range game. He has a short of "old man" feel to his game. He definitely has put time in the weight room because he doesn't even resemble the same scrawny kid you see in AAU highlights.

Also he's from Philly & was working out last summer with another Philly native Rasheed Wallace. I feel like he's a guy who won't (and probably shouldn't) declare for this year's draft, but I could see him being a Mikal Bridges type. Mikal was the 82nd rated player by ESPN in the 2014 high school class, red-shirted his first year at Villanova, and improved his game incrementally each year. Hunter fits that same profile.

[EricaLubarsky]

As much as I want to pair DSJ with someone magnificent, it does make me wonder if we just go with BPA

Imagine if the Clippers were willing to pick up a PF and drafted LaFrentz, Dirk, or Jamison instead of going for the center and nabbing Olowakandi? Sure, it's not just a matter of BPA-- hype played a role, but man. There are a lot of teams that drafted by position rather than BPA and missed some truly generational talent.

Not really a comment on Trae. I like the kid a lot and you have to accept that at least on paper the dude is a Steph Curry-type. Not sure how much will transition to the next level, but I like his jumper and his vision.

[Bryan_Wilson]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

As much as I want to pair DSJ with someone magnificent, it does make me wonder if we just go with BPA

Imagine if the Clippers were willing to pick up a PF and drafted LaFrentz, Dirk, or Jamison instead of going for the center and nabbing Olowakandi? Sure, it's not just a matter of BPA-- hype played a role, but man. There are a lot of teams that drafted by position rather than BPA and missed some truly generational talent.

Not really a comment on Trae. I like the kid a lot and you have to accept that at least on paper the dude is a Steph Curry-type. Not sure how much will transition to the next level, but I like his jumper and his vision.

Yeah I know you said it's not a comment on Trae but while still on Trae he does worry me more than say sexton. I do fear he is a chucker putting up numbers rather than actually being a great player. He's in a super bad slump right now also and Oklahoma is suffering all the more for his chucking right now. Not saying he's not a top 10 player in this draft but not long ago I thought he could go top 5. No way I'd take him over others right if we have someone rated similarly. For instance if you think Mikal is 9th best and Trae is 7th best I'd prolly go with Mikal even though he's 2 years older.

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

Yeah I know you said it's not a comment on Trae but while still on Trae he does worry me more than say sexton. I do fear he is a chucker putting up numbers rather than actually being a great player. He's in a super bad slump right now also and Oklahoma is suffering all the more for his chucking right now. Not saying he's not a top 10 player in this draft but not long ago I thought he could go top 5. No way I'd take him over others right if we have someone rated similarly. For instance if you think Mikal is 9th best and Trae is 7th best I'd prolly go with Mikal even though he's 2 years older.

I don't understand the fear, I guess. Especially itemized to one stretch of a shooting slump. Shooters go through slumps. Like, would you move him down or up your draftboard based on the length of a shooting slump he had as a high school senior? Do you even care if he had a shooting slump as a high school senior?

I know those are kinda silly questions, but I don't know his high school #s in terms of a slump or not. I assume he had some slumps & moved past them. Just like I assume he'll move past this slump too. Seems like an overreaction.

I do understand the fear because Trae Young might have one of the lowest floors of any players in this draft & if you're risk adverse, then you tend to want to stay away.

I like what Seth Greenberg said about Trae Young the best. "He's not Steph Curry, but he is Steph Curry-esque."