Maybe, Presti's body language was all business. Perhaps he was expecting a home run from Jabari , on the other hand it's possible he wanted to give the impression that Jabari was his man.
I don't think Orlando is going to take Chet, as much as he would improve their front court defense. A trio of Wendell Carter Jr, Jabari Smith and Franz Wagner up front should give you above average defense in two years at the very least. This is not including a potential return of Jonathan Isaac either. Offensively, they desperately need Smith's 3 point shooting because their trio of guards (Anthony/Fultz/Suggs) are obscenely bad from distance. If anything, Wagner/Jabari gives them floor spacers on the perimeter so that those guards can drive and finish in the lane.
Washington is allegedly trying to get into the top 5. Are they looking to acquire Ivey or Sharpe/ Mathurin? I have heard that they like Dyson Daniels too. I think the Rockets might be able to acquire the 10th pick for JC, the 17th and the 26th pick. I like Duran and Mark Williams, but I also want a wing from this draft. I know Josh needs minutes, but I like him a lot. Paolo at 3, Beauchamp at 17, and Jaylin Williams at 26 seems tempting to me too. @D-rock
The guy I wanna get (in addition to Jabari or Paolo ) is jalen duren . I’m scared of Chet , but if he falls to 3 , unless you get a great deal .. you prolly have to take him. My only other plan would be trade down and get duren and pick up Sochan/Eason I’m worried Chet is too slow . Jabari is also kinda slow , but his shooting potential tantalizes me so much . duren is younger than almost everyone in this draft and has freak athleticism/ body for his age . he would replace the vertical spacing you lose with wood . Dream scenario is to get Paolo / Jabari and then trade up for duren . bring him off the bench . Have him go vs sengun and Paolo in practice . Idk how high 17 and 26 get you . Prolly not high enough . When’s the last time a guy with his raw athleticism/age went out of the top 10 ? people think the big man is dying . But he is a player that has a chance to go against embiid , giannis , bam , Jokic , mobley , and the next generation of bigs and win . his game vs Chet was impressive to me , he held his own even though his team was worse and he’s younger . He’s the guy outside of the top 3 who has the best chance of being the best player in the draft in long term . guy has a mature mindset .
duren was absolutely terrible vs Chet. I have no clue why that game would have impressed you. that was one of his worst games all year
Duren is a dime a dozen player nowadays. Range is limited, can't hit free throws, rebounding numbers in college were underwhelming, etc. I really hope a team between 4 and 16 reaches for him though because that means a better prospect could fall to us at 17.
Rockets may be forced to go that direction. My preference is to trade up from #17 and or #26 however.
It's the I'm scared of Chet narrative, where they see negatives when they should see positives or the injury prophesies. When Duren is projected to replace Wood's spacing that's when I throw my hands up in the air. Chet actually shot 39% 3P and was a defensive beast. He is essentially a 7 foot Christian Wood on offense and a DPOY candidate on defense.
because he is quicker stronger and can get to where he wants vs Chet . Chet made a tough shot over him , which is great and all , but duren has superior athletic potential. (And this is vs everyone in the draft ) It reminded me of Dwight vs yao a little bit . Yao did good vs Dwight when they played head up , but Dwight had a better career and was better vs other matchups . Duren was posting up Chet , or (imo) using some other suboptimal strategy . But even when he messed up his motor was high and he fought for second chances . I think in 2-3 years it will be duren/Paolo/Jabari for the best player
I'm in the same boat about Duren. I'm actually higher on Williams, though I'd be surprised if we take a center with our second FRP. I could, however, see us targeting someone like Kessler or Koloko at 26.
what in the world are you talking about. How did that quicker stronger and get where he wants work out for him when Chet blocked him on multiple occasions. Did you even watch the game or you have have saw some random clip on IG when duren made 1 of his 3 shots but failed to see he struggled and missed 8 while not even being able to play half the game. you're sitting here literally trying to prop up pretty much his worst game of the year and presenting it as some positive Duren is nothing special at all. He won't be in the realm of those guys.
Yao absolutely dominated Dwight everytime they matched up. Great comparison and inducement. For taking Chet.
I want to use the 17th and the 26th and perhaps KJ Martin to move up in the draft. I want to retain Josh for now.
