Ya but it was Wembanyama... thats the player people were referring to (including Nook). He's the next great prospect
Wembanyama was quoted by some as "the best prospect on earth", but he won't be available this upcoming draft unfortunately. Chet, Paolo and others should have star power in it this draft and potentially special talent as well. If you guys find another player with star potential please if you like, post about him/show film and present a case why you think so. It's good hearing other perspectives.
Right now I'm most interested in Jabari Smith. I'm working under the assumption that Sengun and Garuba demonstrate that they are the teams future at the 5. Given how close I have Chet, Dude, Paolo and Smith at the top, for me Smith's fit and high floor (and possibly highest ceiling in the draft) carry the day.
Looks like Paolo went off tonight. Chet's game has just started. ANyone watching? Spoiler http://buffstream.io/ncaab-streams/central-michigan-live-stream
https://www.si.com/nba/2021/11/23/nba-mock-draft-paolo-banchero-chet-holmgren-jabari-smith 1. Rockets: Paolo Banchero, PF, Duke Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 250 | Age: 19 | Freshman Banchero entered the season atop my early Big Board and has emerged as the early favorite to hear his name called first on draft night. At present, it doesn’t seem like his recent arrest for involvement in a DWI will directly affect that, noting that he was not the driver. It’s way too early to call this a foregone conclusion, but Banchero has made a strong case for himself on the court in the early going, showcasing his full range of talents in a marquee win over Kentucky in the Champions Classic that was attended by essentially every key decision-making figure in the league. He’s productive and exceptionally skilled for a player his size, with the capacity to handle, shoot and make plays for teammates while creating mismatches for opposing frontcourts. Profiling as a potential offensive fulcrum at the power forward spot, Banchero compares favorably from a skill perspective to players like Julius Randle and Blake Griffin at the same stage of their careers. He’s hyper-polished and is viewed by scouts as a safe bet to have a lengthy, productive NBA career. While not an elite leaper or natural rim protector, Banchero is a smart positional defender with enough size and strength to hold his own and eventually add a bit of value on that end. Offensively, he’s able to compensate for his lack of explosiveness in tight spaces with his physical heft, coordination and exceptional handle for his size. There’s plenty of untapped upside here too, assuming Banchero eventually becomes a more comfortable three-point shooter and begins to make more advanced reads as a passer. Some scouts suspect Banchero may fall somewhat short of a true No. 1 option on a title team, but he’s a winning player with plenty to offer. As for the Rockets, expect them to be picking near the top of the draft again. They took a major swing on Jalen Green last year. Adding a more consistent performer like Banchero to balance the floor from the frontcourt would be a coup. Spoiler 24. Rockets (from Heat): Kennedy Chandler, PG, Tennessee Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 170 | Age: 19 | Freshman Chandler has been touted as the top true point guard in his freshman class and has been generally effective to start the year, save for a dud game against Villanova on Saturday. He’s undersized and doesn’t have much room to add muscle to his small frame, meaning his long-term success will depend on his own savvy and ability to utilize his end-to-end speed. Chandler competes defensively but won’t be a plus at his size against bigger, stronger guards in the NBA. Basically, there’s a lot riding on his ability to be supremely efficient on offense and make teammates better. He’s off to a hot start shooting the ball and should be among the better pass-first guards in college hoops, but his upside is somewhat capped by his physical limitations, and he profiles more realistically as a second-unit floor leader in the long run. He’ll have a good platform to shake those concerns at Tennessee, which is giving him plenty of responsibility out of the gate.
Correct me if wrong but ... Aren't Wenbanyama and Emoni ( and the entire 23 class ) just pipe dreams because OKC has our first that year? That's why I always figured we loaded up with 4 picks in 21 And IMO should be looking to acquire 2 more lotto picks for the upcoming 22 draft (use the future Nets capitol to trade up ala Sengun trade) Hopefully those 2 classes can grow out of a top-10 pick before we lose it to OKC after 23 ... Setting us up to add a max superstar in FA 23 as Wall expires
I wouldn't mind picking up another Dukie later too Keels He has been amazing Their best player so far Looks like rich man's Marcus Smart as linebacker-built combo-guard with better jumper Seems to be playing his way into the top 10, but I'd love him on this Rockets team next to Green as our backcourt for the next decade Griffin Doubt even injury or Coach K's bench could push him to free fall out of top 10 if healthy by June for workouts Elite 2way wing could be next Paul George Either way, an all-Duke 22 draft class with Banchero and one of these 2 may very well complete the rebuild next to Green, Sengun and the 21 class
Im extremely high on Smith too. Has alot of the same tools as Banchero and his 3 point shoot is better. I still feel that the defensive intensity and true point guard style of running an offense gives Banchero the nod plus he's like 30lbs heavier and can play back to the basket or facing up equally well. I'd take either guy before I go in on Chet.
Chet is still the prize of this draft. He does everything Paolo can do, is a better athlete and absolutely elite defensively.
