Woj: … The top of the draft, it feels like it’s taking shape. I think we’re confident of Cade Cunningham at number one. Detroit has not formally said that but every indication is the Pistons will take Cunningham. Right now, there’s a sense of Jalen Green to Houston, Evan Mobley to the Cavs and Jalen Suggs at 4 to Toronto. All along it had been 4 players but there’s some momentum at least that Scottie Barnes stays in state with Orlando at 5. That’s very much a possibility. … Feels like the top, you can start writing them if not in pen in pencil. MS: Definitely, especially with Cade at the top and you just hear more and more of Jalen Green at number two. That’s what Houston needs. This is a team looking for star potential and you can argue he has the most in the entire draft. Mobley fits right in with Cleveland. A versatile big who can defend, step out, doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. Suggs in Toronto, we saw what he did at Gonzaga. It opens up after Orlando. OKC is maybe the most interesting team just outside the top 5 if Barnes does indeed go to Orlando. What does the Thunder do? Do they package these assets to move up? Or you hear the names James Bouknight, Jonathan Kuminga a lot. Two of the more polarizing prospects in the draft. It seems like yesterday that NBA teams were in the G League bubble and talking about Kuminga, “Why isn’t he the number one pick?” Up and down year. Where he goes is one of the most interesting storylines.
Liability on DEFENSE. You know, the topic we were actually discussing? As for your conspiracy theories, that is a subject for another time.
Woj: … The top of the draft, it feels like it’s taking shape. I think we’re confident of Cade Cunningham at number one. Detroit has not formally said that but every indication is the Pistons will take Cunningham. Right now, there’s a sense of Jalen Green to Houston, Evan Mobley to the Cavs and Jalen Suggs at 4 to Toronto. All along it had been 4 players but there’s some momentum at least that Scottie Barnes stays in state with Orlando at 5. That’s very much a possibility. … Feels like the top, you can start writing them if not in pen in pencil. MS: Definitely, especially with Cade at the top and you just hear more and more of Jalen Green at number two. That’s what Houston needs. This is a team looking for star potential and you can argue he has the most in the entire draft. Mobley fits right in with Cleveland. A versatile big who can defend, step out, doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. Suggs in Toronto, we saw what he did at Gonzaga. It opens up after Orlando. OKC is maybe the most interesting team just outside the top 5 if Barnes does indeed go to Orlando. What does the Thunder do? Do they package these assets to move up? Or you hear the names James Bouknight, Jonathan Kuminga a lot. Two of the more polarizing prospects in the draft. It seems like yesterday that NBA teams were in the G League bubble and talking about Kuminga, “Why isn’t he the number one pick?” Up and down year. Where he goes is one of the most interesting storylines. Woj: Kuminga feels like a player is dropping. There was a sense during the year he and Green were back to back in the 4-5 slot. Green has moved up, Kuminga down. There was a real sense in the bubble that it was a great advantage for Green & Kuminga to be there, especially in a college season where it was hard for teams/GMs to scout college basketball because they weren’t in arenas. There you were in the bubble. Sam Presti was in the bubble for 2 weeks. He got to see Kuminga/Green up close. Really be around them. See them against NBA level competition, playing with older players, playing on a NBA court with NBA rules with a NBA 3pt line. If there was ever a year to be in that G League Ignite program, this was the year because how uneven the college season was. It felt like Kuminga/Green had stood up well to that yet we get closer to the draft, Green moves up & feels like Kuminga is sliding. MS: Yeah. To be honest, people are overthinking this one a little bit. Every year, the further you get from when the games were played, the more you nitpick players and think why you SHOULDN’T pick them. Just yesterday, Kuminga was this guaranteed top 5 pick, two-way versatile wing that every NBA team wants. Yeah there are question marks about his style of play, his decision making, his shooting ability but it’s hard to find 6’8 wings with that body, scoring ability, footwork, versatility. On the high end, you think a Jaylen Brown type guy. If he’s not that, maybe he’s a Harrison Barnes. I do think teams are nitpicking him a little bit. When I hear he’ll slide to 9, that’s crazy talk. Woj: He’s a guy, if he does slide, I think teams will be aggressive. Maybe that’s 9/Kings, 10/New Orleans. Both picks are very much in play. New Orleans will try to get Bledsoe’s contract off. We’ll see what they do with Steven Adams. No one is taking that Bledsoe deal off your hands. … MS: If I was a contending team or could take on salary and could get into the top 10, I would be doing back flips if I could get Davion Mitchell. Another guy going much lower than we had him over the last few weeks. It’s shocking to me. Watch the film. Did we not watch the NCAA tournament? Did we not watch the championship game? Did we not watch the Big 12 tournament? Again, we get so much further from the action, we say “Oh he shot 65% from the line in his college career, he must not be able to play.” If that 10th pick was available, I’d be running to get that done and get Davion Mitchell in my organization. Woj: With Mitchell, character is such a big part of it. That is part of the allure. He was in Phoenix at the Finals. He’s locked in on Jrue Holiday and how he’s defending Chris Paul. He brings a toughness. For Mitchell, it gets back to his work ethic, the kind of young man he is. Right now, some criticism is the analytics guys saw a poor career 3pt shooter make a jump this year. Is that gonna sustain itself? Scottie Barnes, you’ve called him as impressive as a draft prospect as you’ve been around. That’s a big part why you see Scottie at 5. MS: Scottie Barnes is the people’s champ. You won’t find one person, …they talk about this kid in such high regard. His competitiveness, empathy for others, his spirit. … He’s the new age Draymond Green. He’s a basketball genius and brings that intensity as well. Not sure he’ll get on you like Draymond but 6’9, 7’3 wingspan, plays 1-5, he’s one of the most interesting prospects. Woj: When you look at the top of the draft, early on there was a sense both Houston & Cleveland would tell you we’re open to what’s out there and listening to trade offers on these picks. History tells you those picks do not get traded. Last time someone traded out of 1, they regretted it. (Fultz/Tatum deal) I think as we get closer now, I get the sense Houston is locked in there. Cleveland locked in at 3. They want to be better next year. They want to improve. They want to win. I know there’s been talk around Sexton/Garland. I don’t think Cleveland is trading out to get younger. They want to be good next year. The one thing, it’s gonna be a wildcard not just in this draft but next few drafts is OKC. … If they really want someone, at some point you will say yes to them on moving down. If there’s a guy they’re dying for, they can get up. I don’t believe they have tried yet to move into the top 3. If you make that call, you might make it as we get into next week. If they decide we love Evan Mobley and we’ll call Cleveland and offer our 3 picks in this draft or future picks, whatever, the Thunder are a threat to do that because the inordinate amount of picks they have moving forward. They may yet to be heard from or may stay right where they are. Is James Bouknight from UConn, 6 to OKC or 7 to the Warriors. I think it’ll be interesting to watch the Thunder here. They have a lot of swings at the plate. It starts in this draft. MS: Bouknight and Kuminga are the two names interesting at that spot. If I were them, I’d try to move into the top 3. Jalen Green, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley are number one picks in pretty much every draft. I think this draft genuinely has three number one caliber players. That starts with Cade. I’m not sure we’ve talked enough about how good this kid is. … Absolute stud. Franchise changer. Last ten number one picks, I think he’s the best other than AD and Zion, in terms of buzz and what we thought of them going into the draft. Woj: Why is that? MS: People aren’t blown away because he doesn’t jump off the screen. He’s not this sexy prospect who will jump 45 inches and put you on a poster. He’s not Zion Williamson. He won’t sell out arenas. He won’t break the Internet. He’s not Jalen Green honestly. You put up one highlight of Green, the internet explodes. His game really pops. Cade reminds me of Luka. A lot of people said the same thing about Luka. I remember his pre-draft process. “Are you sure? He’s slow, he looks chunky.” It’s like “No, go back and watch the film.” I feel that way about Cade. People say Cade is slow. Can he get by anyone? Can he play PG? Can you put the ball in his hands? I’m watching Khris Middleton. That’s his floor. That’s like his worst case. Best case is Luka Doncic. I think a lot of it is he doesn’t have this huge personality, explosive element to his game. 6’8. Can make step back threes like Doncic. Can see over the top and make every pass. Brought a mediocre Oklahoma State team…let’s not forget they beat Baylor. A lot of that was because of him. Jonathan Givony & I, we were lucky we were able to see them since they were young. He’s been a stud at every stop. He deserves more credit for the transformational star I think he’ll be. Woj: One or two players teams seem polarized by? MS: A few. We talked about a couple of them. Kuminga. Bouknight. Jalen Johnson from Duke is someone teams are trying to figure out. One, how good is he? Abbreviated year at Duke. Bounced around in HS. We had him as high as 4 at one point. 6’9 with that body & versatility, you’ll hear things like Aaron Gordon. Then you’ll also see is he consistently competitive? Why was it one day 25/15/6 and the next 3/5/2 on a team that could have used him to produce more when he was there. He’s a guy you hear all over the board. Ziaire Williams another one. Alperen Sengun. Analytics models, top 5. He’s off the charts. You see glimpses of a baby Jokic sometimes. Then you say he’s a slow 6’10 center. There are names like that all over the board. One last one I’ll give you who is getting buzz in the top 10 is Josh Giddey. … You can see him get looks as high as 7 to the Warriors. …
D Doubt he was a liability His team did well from what I understand. Myth spread by Mobley tribe as you like to call yourselves. BTW, I'm glad you liked the video I posted yesterday. I scoured the internet to find footage of the big NBA centers being guarded by C Wood, Noel, Claxton. They rarely guard true big men. I worked hard editing the video.
Green was undeniably a STAR in HS - a scoring gawd. But his teams were not dominant. Again, his on ball defense is not my concern, depending on his commitment, Green could be very good to excellent here. It's off ball, recognizing and reacting to rotations, fighting thru screens, holding position or even being in the right position, etc. https://www.maxpreps.com/m/athlete/jalen-green/lNjY-LzEEeaAdqA2nzwY6g/basketball/stats.htm
Add Fran Fraschilla as a fan of Jalen Green https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-...atement-about-the-rockets-probable-no-2-pick/
Brian Shaw addressed that. Green came to him asking to study film on Bruce Bowen, Tony Allen and others. As I've mentioned, 15 games is not enough time to make adjustments and mastery of techniques. I noted Kobe first 15 games as sub par but the rest of his rookie season made greater strides and a plus from that point on. The tribe just wants to eliminate the competition from Mobley being selected #2 at all costs. Enough to make outlandish claims that a 19 year old kid will never be good enough to be a fair to better defensive player in the NBA. Forget about said 19 year old player being a gym rat, freak athlete, speedy, tremendous leaping ability, and willing to study the best the game has produced. Somehow the tribe has convinced others that Green wears concrete boots like Scola or Kyle Anderson. And a learning disability like Forest Gump.
Now you're just exaggerating to make your point. I've said MANY times that Thriller can be a very good on ball defender, he showed flashes with Ignite and HS.
Just a random interview with Green few years back. Some interesting things that I found from the interview: - He said he models his game after KD, Westbrook and Chris Paul. - He is a fan of MJ - His mother played basketball in highschool and college
ApacheWarrior, what would you do if you had the 27th and the 44th pick from the Nets instead of the 24th pick? The second round still looks pretty deep to me.
Yes it does. I'm a little disheartened that the Rockets haven't traded away Augustin, Avery Bradley, House yet for some second round picks. Might be that there is a verbal agreement and the teams are waiting for draft day to make it official; but I wish it could be done in advance of the draft as was the Thunder-Celtics trade of Kemba Walker and Horford. Nothing official means that the verbal deal might fall apart come draft day as easy as follow through. DJ Wilson was working out with Kevin Porter jr. Is he still part of the Rockets plans for depth? I always exclude him when guesstimating the Rockets roster this upcoming season. I put 13 active including re-signing Olynyk using his "Bird Rights" and the Rockets going over the Luxury Tax. Guess DJ Wilson would be one of our inactives getting us to 15 roster spots. Plus we can use our 2 Dual Contracts on PF/C's. I say use our Dual Contracts on PF/C's because I have use getting Jalen Green plus drafting a combo guard that defends 1-3 (possibly 4 position as well). Guards on roster could be: 1) Wall 2) Eric Gordon 3) KPjr 4) J Green 5) Khyri Thomas 6) draft pk If I had my way, Augustin and Bradley would be moved on to clear space. Dream but not very realistic is Wall and or Eric Gordon being moved as well. I've always targeted Scottie Lewis in the early second round, but the Rockets looked prime for taking T Mann with either the 23rd or 24th pick; but recent reports have the Rockets not as keen on Mann anymore. Might be a smoke screen or it might mean that the Rockets feel they can obtain an early second round pick and select that backup defensive guard. Scottie Lewis? Duarte? Miles McBride? McLaughlin? So in your scenario the Rockets trade with the Nets. Rockets trading the 24th pick to the Nets. That's a tricky situation to me because I ask myself who are the Nets targeting at 24th that they don't feel will be there at 27th? Bassey? You know that's my guy for the Rockets. Bassey would be perfect for the Nets as well. Years back the Dallas Cowboys took a center in the first round. Travis Frederick. People said they could have waited for the 3rd round of the draft and got him there. I laughed at the move since I am a Texans fan; but looking back.....that guy had been very impressive (prior to illness) and solidified that Cowboys offensive line to extremely good. It was a reach by Jerry Jones. @Deckard mentioned it the other day, off of one of my posts, "I would not cry if the Rockets drafted Bassey in the 1st round." I second that motion. Bassey offers the total package that would fit perfect with the Rockets scheme and style and is a tweener between hefty and thin that has shown an ability to shoot some 3's as well. You know me, I'm looking spacing first (capable of shooting 3's); second, hitting FT's (below 70% worries me....hate leaving points on the court); Third, Defense. Luka Garza gives me one and two but defense is very suspect. ________________________________ I would stick it to the Nets and draft Bassey #23 try to trade back from the 27th to additional second round picks; preferably yearly second round picks this season. The value at 27th is probably as good as early second round but Tilman would not have to pay first round obligations, such as dollar amount per season and length of contract. I would have my guy Jalen Green at #2 pk I would have my guy C Bassey at #23 pk I would have my guy Scottie Lewis or Duarte (early second rd) *moving back from #27 do I get another pick here? Or after #44? take a chance on Luka Garza at #44 (teach him defense.... techniques) Watching video of Luka Garza, he moves better than many big men. I feel he moves better than Brook Lopez laterally. Lopez just helped the Bucks win a championship. Garza offers better offense and some good 3-pt shooting (44% in college) for spacing. Brook Lopez was criticized often for not rebounding and blocking shots early in his career. Things can change and people can adapt. Interested in your take saleem. What's your final wish list?
I like Lewis as a second round choice. I'll take Bassey at 27 , give the Nets any other player they want and take either Lewis or a tantalizing Euro stash in Amar Sylla. I love his defensive instincts, speed and length. I do like Robinson-Earl too, I admit, and JT Thor as well. Bones is in there too. Lol. Miles will be fine with me as well. Duarte will go higher than 23. I like him a lot. Green is still my choice at number 2. If Bassey hadn't gotten injured, I would be sold on him with either the 23rd or the 24th pick. Garza's skill level is very good, he just seems too slow to me. I want one upside guy and one solid guy out of our latter picks. Let's hope we can grab a good player on a two way contract.
I agree. Yes I forgot about Hyland. Still early morning for me. Senses are not all there. I don't know enough about Sylla to speak on him. Many projects in the 2nd rd Some favor defense while others favor offense. You know how I feel about defense in the NBA. I've said it often.....nobody plays defense in the NBA.Some don't play defense less than others. Guys like Tony Allen and Sefalosha have been shown the door. And with guys like Steph, Harden, KD, Trae Young, Lillard, Kyrie, shooting 3's from half court.....can you really play defense? Mobley trying to guard Trae Young 38 feet from the basket is a joke. Mobley fans are fooling themselves. Mobley is going to see players he never saw in college. No zone defense to help him. All alone on an island.
Sylla has tremendous defensive quickness, length ( 7'2") wingspan. I'm amazed how quickly he gets in a defensive position on the perimeter. He doesn't have to rely on only shot blocking. He is skinny 205 lbs, but he is explosive and comes with a nasty streak. He is raw, getting better. One more year in Europe will do him a lot of good. A 6'10" 19 year with these natural qualities don't grow on trees. Houston should grab him on a two way contract if he goes undrafted. He has offensive potential too.
