Hopefully our Clingan workout was to try to convince Atlanta to stay put and take Sarr so nobody jumps to #1 to take Sheppard.
I think they take him #1. Washington is a big question mark; Clingan is definitely an option for them at #2. I think there’s a very strong chance both Clingan and Sarr are off the board by #3. The rockets would be looking at Sheppard, Risacher, and Castle. San Antonio would be sitting at a great spot with their pick of two of those three. I think the #4 pick is that perfect spot in this draft.
Reason to trade down. We still have bunches of young players we need to develop. We can't add more project. Feel better to trade down to add high-floor/low-ceiling player than using 3rd pick for one. Like Sacramento using 4th pick on Murray instead of Ivey, who people think has higher upside. Reason to stay put. If Atlanta really want Clingan and no one want to trade up. We could end up with Sarr or Risacher. But are they that good? Sarr is athletic. You just hope he can improve his defense and shooting. Risacher is pretty average defender. If stay put and draft for need and fit, then pretty much is Sheppard or Dillingham. Or you want to gamble on Topic.
By Thursday this week, there will be only five full days til the draft! Don't mind me I just get hyped for NFL and NBA drafts.
Trade down and get Cody. You're telling me he's another Tari Eason? 6'11 18 yr old that's comped Lamar Odom and is down hill money with the ball. That's the easiest no-brainer in the world.
Watching more of Sarr and to me his low end comp is bigger Robert Williams with a better offensive bag. Even if the shot doesn’t come around this guy is going to be a really good switchy defensive big who can protect the rim. He’s also a legit talent in transition; gets out and runs extremely well for his size. If the shot comes around he could be a bigger, better, rim-protecting, more switchy Al Horford on his prime. That’s a really really good player.
The Houston Rockets are open to moving the No. 3 overall pick for a player who can help the franchise win now and elevate to a playoff team and sustainable success as a playoff team going forward. Should the Rockets keep this pick, Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard could become the potential point guard of the future behind veteran Fred VanVleet while providing NBA-ready shooting immediately. It’s worth noting Houston has a $44.89 million team option on VanVleet for the 2025-26 season. Spoiler
Full Games for Clingan and Castle in the NCAA Tournament You can see them playing well under pressure and both their skill sets here to scout. UConn vs Stetson: 2024 NCAA Men's first round UConn vs. Alabama - 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four