We don't necessarily need to get into the top 15, but I think the front office should seriously explore moving up in the draft if they are considering running it back this season. My top targets would be: 1. Ebuka Okorie 2. Christian Anderson 3. Bennett Stirtz
If we can get into the middle of the first round and snag Okorie I'd do it. Best shot at a Sengun-like "steal of the draft". Only thing to think about though is that I don't think we can get him significant minutes without trading one of FVV or Reed. Hard to have three undersized guards in your rotation.
I am very high on Okorie, I have him like 7th on my big board. He is gaining alot of hype recently. He might be 6'1 but he has a pretty long wingspan.
Okorie is inefficient at the rim and his passing is underwhelming. Given that his main skill is attacking the paint, those are really rough problems to have.
Okorie is elite at getting to the rim, and outside of Amen, we don't really have anyone who can consistently put that kind of pressure on the defense. Even Amen can get walled off at times. People say Okorie's passing is underwhelming, but context matters. He was carrying a huge offensive load and didn't exactly have teammates who consistently knocked down shots. A lot of the time he made the correct read, got the ball where it needed to go, and the possession still ended with a miss. That doesn't always show up in the box score. No rookie is a flawless prospect. Every player in this class has weaknesses. When I look at his ability to collapse defenses, get downhill, draw fouls, and create paint touches, I'm willing to bet on those strengths. I'm buying his stock. Players who can consistently get into the paint are one of the most valuable archetypes in the NBA, and that's a skill Okorie already has at a very high level. The flaws are things that can improve. The rim pressure is what makes him special.
What does getting to the paint at an elite level really mean when he struggles to score efficiently against college defenders? When he’s not a particularly good passer? How is that going to translate to the NBA?
It's all about cost imo... Outside of a few generational talents (gawd i have grown to hate that term - lol) draft picks are such a gamble... Most often I believe draft assets are better spent on proven commodities (since few live up to their draft value) but I appreciate making the occasional mid-level swing - esp when coupled with a rookie scale contract... but again, its all about the level of investment...
Do you know how many college players aren't efficient finishers at the rim? It's a lot more common than people make it out to be, especially for freshmen who carry a huge offensive load. Getting to the rim consistently is often a more valuable indicator than raw finishing percentage. I also think the passing concerns with Okorie are a bit overstated. He was playing on a Stanford team that relied heavily on him for shot creation and scoring. He averaged 3.6 assists while carrying one of the highest offensive workloads in the country, and several scouts have actually highlighted his decision-making and low turnover rate as strengths. The way I see it, the situation reminds me a little of those Houston teams when Harden was surrounded by limited offensive talent. Harden would make the right read, kick it out, and watch teammates brick open shots. The assist totals never fully reflected the quality of the passes. Sometimes the box score doesn't tell the whole story. As for the 17-30 range, if we were to move up. Who do you like?
Drafting is a lot of gambling, but development is the biggest factor in whether a player succeeds or fails. Every draft, there are usually only about 2-6 players who become legitimate stars. Some years don't even produce a true No. 1 option or franchise cornerstone. Then there are the hidden gems, players taken later who land in the right situation, develop properly, and end up outperforming guys drafted ahead of them.
It doesnt matter. This team isnt going to do anything. Theyre going to run it back with FVV at the helm while our young guys stand around waiting for their turn in the event FVV doesnt just force feed Durant. I'd start looking towards next year as thats when moves will actually be made. Next year is likely a formality. 48-54 wins, cheeky playoff appearance, get bounced by literally any of the Lakers/Nuggets/Wolves/Thunder/Spurs. If the Warriors re-tool then add them to the list.
I'm optimistic that we can turn things around, but I still don't fully trust Stone's decision-making, and I don't believe Fred should be viewed as a cornerstone piece of this team moving forward. We need to build around our young core and focus on players who fit the long-term timeline.
The Knicks are looking to move one of their picks, and I wouldn't be surprised if OKC moves one—or both—of theirs to trade up. With cap concerns and limited roster spots, consolidating picks makes a lot of sense.
