If that is the case then the Rockets will take Ivey. Teams know that Chet is a fraud and OKC passing on him will confirm it. Love Ivey’s game, but would create a logjam at guard for us and bring back smallball. We’re basically screwed if OKC takes Paolo.
I mean all of those comparisons are a little egregious. Nance was 3x All NBA though so he’s not exactly a slouch.
This is my prediction. We are going to see these trades on draft night. Portland in - Pick #17/2023 Milwaukee pick/Eric Gordon/JaeSean Tate/2025 pick swap Portland out - #7 Charlotte in - Christian Wood/Garrison Matthews/2024 second round pick Charlotte out - #15 Rockets take Banchero, they take Duren at 7 and Beauchamp at 15 Banchero falls to rockets of top 3. Rockets trade up and take a center just like Stone did last year. Portland gets more picks to facilitate in deals for stars, for taking on Gordon's contract they also get a good piece in Tate and Gordon will be great next to Lillard. Charlotte is desperate for CWood, Jordan likes Matthews as a role player on cheap deal. At 15 Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng will be on the board. The Rockets will pick Beauchamp and everyone will be salty. Paolo starts off slow and gains momentum throughout the year, Jalen Duren looks way more raw than we thought and doesn't play much until silly season but there is optimism and Beauchamp is a solid role player right off the bat. These are not my personal views. This is my prediction. It is set in Stone.
Flashback to Paolos first "BIG" game/matchup as a collegian. I LOVE that Paolo gets up for important games too bad he cramped up was on his way to a monster performance vs the best defender in college basketball. Paolo is Tailor made for NBA playoff basketball - defensive narratives notwithstanding.
This is the video I watch to remind myself it's ALL GOOD if Paolo is the last of the big 3. It also confirms my belief that mock drafts and "insider" tweets are far from a sure thing. Good chance he is gone before 3. 10 days on the clock!
Its awesome to have guys that can impact the win column in a variety of ways. What counters does each player at the top of the draft offer when their signature style/move has been taken away? Clutch genes are a thing. It will be something to keep an eye on as these guys grow into professionals and big games become the norm. I agree the Top 3 guys each offer a path towards a parade in their own unique way. Mud slinging for one or the other is just too much energy wasted in circular arguments. Stone is kicking back puffing a stogie just waiting for his pick. His card will probably read "Whoever if left from the Big 3". Easy peasy.
Watching Dave spiral into a petty tweet warrior has been a breath of fresh air! We all get it - lost out to Mobley. Losing out to Chet or Jabari whoever he likes this week! His "but but but WHYYYY is he not getting brought in for workouts" gave me a hearty chuckle. Humans being human whats not to like!
Tilman is gonna love his cocky @ss once he comes in for private workout Attitude reminds me of Bryce Harper Did you see the combine clip where somebody asked Chet who's the best player in the NBA? His response was pure gold: 'Me in a couple of months' Same kinda big d!ck vibes Green was giving this time last year Still, if Ivey goes #2 ... I think Jalen and Stone would prefer Paulo
This was interesting regarding Paolo: It was also eye raising to hear an "executive" mention that learning how to handle and attack are traits that you dont usually develop at the NBA level vs shooting. Not out of the realm of possibility obviously, but still something to note from people who watch this game far more than casual forum contributors!
Orlando not considering Paolo because they already have their franchise playmaking big man that's developing into a superstar in.... ...checks notes.... Franz....Wagner...? Seriously though putting any weight on what Magic brass is doing at the top is like looking to Kings and Knicks for franchise building direction.
