I am drafting teammates. 2 from duke or 2 from Auburn. DUKE #3 Banchero/~#17 Williams or #4/5/6 Griffin and ~#17 Williams. AUBURN #2 Smith and ~#17 Kessler. Unless CHET falls into our lap at #1 or 2. Then I would still draft a 7 footer in Kessler or Williams. Let's get big.
@Nook : 1) your description of Ivey's fit next to green sounds an awful lot like the role envisioned for KPJ at this moment. Do you think they are similar prospects? Is Ivey just a better version of Porter? 2) better of 2 evils: Sengun protecting the cup at center or chasing wings at the 4? I have been proposing Eason with the idea that Al P is better suited at the 5 given his foot speed. With Garuba perhaps his backup?
Ivey or Jabari Smith as the high ceiling/floor guys from this draft. Ivey reminds me so much of Dwayne Wade. That first step is unbelievable and someone you can put next to Jalen Green.
Ivey is about two years younger, doesn’t have off the court issues so he is definitely a better prospect than KPJ. While I understand why people may think they are similar, Ivey plays more like Dwayne Wade. With KPJ, I am fine if they want to keep him and see how he develops, I wouldn’t let him stand in the way of drafting the best player. Porter could also play some 3 or a 6th man role. As for Sengun, my concern is his ability to alter shots at a high level.
Ivey is better version of Green imo. He is the 2 way explosive combo guard that we all hope Green can become.
Like Tari Eason a lot as well. But which of the prospects between Tari and Garuba are more highly rated, especially defensively? CF may be underestimating Garuba.
Lol CF is absolutely underestimating Usman Garuba. https://www.thestepien.com/2020/03/13/2021-eligible-international-class-rankings-2/
Given we are most likely to get the number 5 pick, who do we think it most likely to be available and who should we pick?
I have been so enamored with the top 4 I have not really looked at the other guys. The most talented wing is preferable.
I think it is almost guaranteed that: Holmgren/Smith/Ivey/Banchero are gone. There is a slight chance of Banchero or Ivey slipping to 5 (10-20%). After those 4 there is a drop off.... the best left would be.... Griffin/Sharpe/Davis/Murray There is a real chance that IF Sharpe comes out, he may move into the top 4 because of his upside. He has special tools and someone may decide he is just too talented to pass on. my "guess" is the Rockets would do everything possible to move into the top 4 rather than take Sharpe or Griffin. Assuming they cannot get into the top 4 then I think the choice would be Griffin or Sharpe. The problem is I am not sure Fertitta is willing to take another guard that is more of a shooting guard, AND that may take some time to develop. Griffin has a lot of upside and should be at least a good player, but he really isn't the type of player to do well with poor coaching like what exists in Houston. I think the Rockets will likely do everything possible to get Holmgren, Smith or Ivey. Ivey also can likely contribute faster than the others in this draft because he is a sophmore.
This is likely the case .... maybe Davis.... the problem with Murray and Paolo is that the Rockets lack of defense limits their moves.... they almost have to draft someone with defensive potential.
I don't see the Rockets limited to players with defensive potential. It would be ideal, but can only draft who is available. I think Murray will be fine defensively, and be a decent player on both sides of the floor. If Paolo is there, I could see Rockets trading down a spot for a better fit without giving up value.
The Rockets would take Banchero if he is at #5. As for Murray, I am not so sure... they may trade back at that point.
It's rare that top picks get traded. I remember LMA being traded for a bust. Basically it would have to be a team that doesn't want a big man but has a high pick so does it to get a player they do want later in the draft plus additional compensation. But what team wouldn't take a talented big man that would be in the lottery and have their pick? Maybe the pacers who have good big men already.
I don't think we trade or entertain that option. If 5 happens, we just bite the bullet and take the best prospect we believe is avaliable. Whether that's Griffin or Sharpe or whoever. Would be unfortunate tho. Really hoping for top 2 but top 4 at worst.
I have no clue about Ivey but he sounded already like a more hinged, sane, mature and better player than KPJ *not just in raw numbers.
No player has improved more over the course of this year than Jalen Duren the last 5 weeks… he is going to be a top 10 pick and possibly as high as top 5-6. He is strong and athletic and showed some ability to guard on the perimeter. I felt he was over rated coming into this season and has largely been “meh” but something clicked for him and he is now showing the type of mobility and athleticism that someone will take in the middle lottery level. The defense and rebounding and shot blocking will be there… now with the ability to slide and defend some wings, he moves up in this draft.
Ivey is the son of a WNBA player, he went back for his Sophomore season when he would have been a lottery pick last season. He has consistently improved since high school, which is a pretty good indication of hard work. The only time I have ever read or heard anything negative about him was an anonymous player on the USA World 19 and under team called him selfish. Since he has been a Purdue they have had to ask him to shoot more. So I don't think character or work ethic will be a problem. He also has strong intangibles and doesn't shy away from big shots or plays.
In my opinion, Chet is the best fit with Sengun, but if both are available I would take Jabari. Ivey would be my third choice. If we are picking fourth and those 3 are gone, I would seriously think about trading down.
