Right now, if both Bolden and Mason were available with our picks, Id take those two guys. But I've got specific reasons for those two picks. One reason being hoping we move out Anderson and can get a cheap replacement for him between Wiltjer and Bolden. I'm going to save my comments on Mason for another thread. I'm very high on Mason and his ability to step right into the primary rotation. But I do like Josh Hart a lot and I feel confident that he could step in and play effectively for us. I view Hart very similar to Bev. And that's why I favor Mason over him. Mason brings something different to the table. By the way, I feel so strongly about Bolden and Mason that I seriously doubt either player is there when we pick unless we move up. I think both guys could wind up in the first and if either one of them fell to our pick I'd be severely, severely disappointed if we didn't nab them.
Mason has a lot to like with his shooting, passing and athleticism. But the biggest turnoff for me is his troubles finishing in the paint. His FG% at the rim is pretty low. Feel like that's an important quality for successful guards in the league.Then of course his height will limit him a little on defense, and he's one of the older players in the draft. I'd be happy with picking him up, but I feel like id take at least 4 or 5 guys before him.
Was going to start my own thread for this but probably better here: Can anyone post a list of (projected 40ish) bigs? Looking at mocks, I see a ton of guards and forwards. But I don't see many big guys around there. Only just now starting to look into draft prospects so I just wanted to know if anyone could give me a head start on good, attainable bigs.
Oliver Lessort Bolden Swanigan Kuzma Yurtseven Bell Motley Wilson Bryant Bradley Kaba Peters Pasecniks Could all potentially be available around our picks, there might be one or two more bigs who slip to us but I highly doubt it (Jeanne, Lydon, Adebayo). Out of all of those names that could realistically slip to us, Oliver, Kuzma, Swanigan, Lessort are my favorites, Bballholic is really high on Bolden too.
The Ringer and Kevin O'Connor just put out a slick looking Mock Draft. If you're like me, and you don't know too much about the college game, and you like reading (useless) player comps this is pretty interesting. http://nbadraft.theringer.com/ I'm pretty intrigued with Jordan Bell. A big whose strengths on paper are rebounding and perimeter defense sound perfect for todays game. Apparently his combine agility numbers are really good too, which ties into his projected ability to guard the perimeter.
Need a cheaper Ryan Anderson replacement and Kuzma has shown ability to play make and defend on the perimeter, above average rebounder. Will be a way better stretch 4 option than Anderson
Jordan Bell has good defensive potential, solid rebounder, really good finisher in the paint as well. His biggest problems going into the NBA is that he doesn't have the size to guard centers at all at just 6'8, only 225 pounds with a mediocre 6'11 wingspan, nor does he have any type jumper that would allow him play PF in most of todays NBA systems either. In order for him to be successful in the league he'd have to either develop a jumper or play next to a 3pt shooting center (which are of course rare). So his flaws would be a game breaker in most systems (including ours without having a stretch 5), but if he can develop a shot, or if he gets to play next to a Towns/Embiid/M.Gasol type player then he could flourish.
Josh Hart is a sneaky Morey type move. Guy projected 1st rd last year whose stock has fallen only because he is a senior. Check out Jonah Bolden. #1 ranked international plyer. 6'10 with all court game and 41% from 3 on the season in Europe (as a starter which is quite impressive for a young non-European prospect - he is aussie). I predict his stock to rise to 1st rd during workouts (sadly).
A good draft-and-stash candidate with a late second rounder would be Michael Fusek. He's not ready. And may never be ready. Or he could become another Boban. 7'4" giant with a 9'8" standing reach. Is thin. Needs to add weight. But should do it slowly as his body matures. He's not an unathletic lumbering stiff. Actually reminds me of Mike Muscala with his moves and skill set. Has a nice jump shot. He's worth a late second just to own his rights and see what he becomes.
Another long shot 3&D candidate is Peter Jok from Iowa. He's a 6'6" bean pole. But he may be the best shooter in the draft. Great shooting mechanics. Remind me of Anthony Marrow except longer. If he goes undrafted he'd be worth a look in training camp, especially with these new dual contacts. He actually has a little playmaking ability in the pick and roll. His weakness is his defense. He's not fleet of foot. So he might just be an end of the bench shooting specialist at the NBA level. Worth a look.
Hope we can find a diamond, and I really hope we can move up. Orlando currently has 6, 25, 33 and 35. Portland has 15, 20, 26. Opportunities? Regardless, I like what Daryl has worked out for us even without a first rounder this year. While the 28th would be nice, I think we are armed to move up to a similar pick, without the stipulations contractually of drafting a first rounder. All that assuming our guy doesn't fall directly in our laps.
Ojeleye was one of my first sleeper picks. I'm sold on him. Can't believe he'd be there at 44 though.
I like what I see in that highlight. I don't see Draymond but I see strength, athleticism, and a shot with very little movement.
