The 2018 NBA Draft

Montana Fan

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Twin Bridges, Mt.
Them that like DeVincinzo at 27 should like the current version of the Tankathon mock. A month ago they had us picking Brunson, now projected at 23 and a couple weeks ago adjusted to Trent Jr. now projected at 26. DeVincinzo has been in the 27 slot for a week or so.
 

nighthob

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I think the best value guy right now in the draft is Keita Bates-Diop. He’s absurdly long; athletic, vacuums up rebounds and shoots well from the outside. To me, he has Kawhi-like potential and I’m surprised he isn’t really a lottery pick at this point.
I like KBD, but I don’t think he has that sort of upside. I do think he has great potential as a modern big wing that can handle the constant switches while spacing the floor offensively. I can’t imagine him floating to 27, though. More’s the pity.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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The last time an NCAA Championship Game hero was a good fit and available for a title-contending Celtics team, we passed and took JR Giddens instead, so I won’t get my hopes up.
 

Big John

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The last time an NCAA Championship Game hero was a good fit and available for a title-contending Celtics team, we passed and took JR Giddens instead, so I won’t get my hopes up.
Had Ainge taken Chalmers, I would still be pissed that he passed on DeAndre Jordan and Goran Dragic.
 

Ale Xander

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To replace Larkin and get Rozier insurance, I'd go for Devonte Graham. Great range, good defender and rebounder for his size, experienced with a team playing 4 shooters at once. Good leader.

I'm assuming they get a big man via FA/exception.
 

benhogan

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To replace Larkin and get Rozier insurance, I'd go for Devonte Graham. Great range, good defender and rebounder for his size, experienced with a team playing 4 shooters at once. Good leader.

I'm assuming they get a big man via FA/exception.
Baynes, with his developing 3pt shot, would be a good option, right? Lets milk the last year or two out of Aron till we can draft or trade for a big.
 
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LondonSox

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I've been starting to dig deeper on the wings and likely players the sixers might have a shot at.
Also I will be looking later on in the draft too so will likely look at some people around your Celtics pick too.

I ... I might be souring a bit on mikal Bridges. I like him but the more I look the passing is not good, the handle is very basic and he is not as strong as I'd like (but likely fixable) worse he is not quick enough laterally for fast guards. He's a good to very good off ball defender but not great on.
He's a pure wing 3&D guy who needs a major breakthrough somewhere to be more. That's a valuable guy, but ... Eh.
He may struggle to adjust to the NBA 3 at first at least and off ball defense is different. I love his shot, I mean his height his wingspan his shot is so hard to get to. I really think he will be good but low ceiling

Meanwhile Miles Bridges oh that's like the opposite, he's strong enough to match bigs and fast enough to deal with guards. Real switchable defender and decent.
His handle needs work but he can run a pick and roll and he started pulling up more as the season went on.
He can take on a close out, he can shoot (it's not perfect but it works), he can pass and run a PNR and defend.
I would be delighted to get him at 10 possible but unlikely.

Zhaire Smith I'm looking at too, but my immediate take is that hoooo boy he is a home run pick. So easy to fall in love with the altheyicism and the defence and believe the althete will let him shoot. But for the sixers that's a mother of a gamble with question marks on the shot of Fultz and more on Simmons. But if I believed in the shot he could be in the running.
 

uk_sox_fan

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As a plus, he could join the pantheon of Boston athletes named after towns in the greater metropolis (Tim Wakefield, Carl Everett, Fred Lynn, etc.). :)
Let us not forget the great Mike Lowell. And, though he never played here, Bob Tewksbury.
The estimable Rick Carlisle gets no respect at all.
To say nothing of Matt Chatham and Mike Millbury.
How about Tony Franklin, Rick Middleton, Lester Hudson, Shavlick Randolph, Jack Portland, Terry Adams, Ray Scarborough, Lou Clinton, Garry and Josh Hancock and Wes, Billy and Mike Gardner?
 

DannyDarwinism

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How about Tony Franklin, Rick Middleton, Lester Hudson, Shavlick Randolph, Jack Portland, Terry Adams, Ray Scarborough, Lou Clinton, Garry and Josh Hancock and Wes, Billy and Mike Gardner?
Impressive, but no love for Erik Hanson? I suppose the Whalers (Bobby Hull) don’t count.

And in the spirit of this thread, I’d be happy if Shake Milton joins the club soon.

There’s a couple of guys projected to go in the teens or early 20s that I’d like to see in green- Jontay Porter, Bates-Dion, DiVincenzo, Kevin Huerter, Jacob Evans, Troy Brown, Josh Okogie. Maybe one of those guys slip.

Melvin Frazier’s generally projected as a second rounder, but he’s got good length and athleticism and he can definitely defend at the next level. He locked down Milton, who’s a really good offensive player. Might be worth gambling on his jump shot coming around.

I don’t have a good sense of any project bigs in this class, other than Bruno Fernando, if he declares. Meh on Brandon McCoy, he looks like a poor mans Okafor. Other than Doncic, I haven’t read up on internationals, maybe there’s some draft and stash project bigs there.
 
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Big John

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Other than Doncic, I haven’t read up on internationals, maybe there’s some draft and stash project bigs there.
Speaking of Doncic, I watched Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow and some of the championship game with Fenerbahce. Luka did not look particularly good. I realize that in Moscow he was a 19 year-old in a hostile gym, but he looked like a role player, not a star, and it was the same in the championship game. I thought he was the best player in this draft, but I have my doubts now.

If the Kings don't take him at #2 I think he's slipping out of the top 5. I can't see Orlando taking him after their bad experience with Hezonja, so it's the Bulls or Cavs at #7 or #8. And if he does go that low, will he even come over?
 

Royal Reader

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Speaking of Doncic, I watched Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow and some of the championship game with Fenerbahce. Luka did not look particularly good. I realize that in Moscow he was a 19 year-old in a hostile gym, but he looked like a role player, not a star, and it was the same in the championship game. I thought he was the best player in this draft, but I have my doubts now.

If the Kings don't take him at #2 I think he's slipping out of the top 5. I can't see Orlando taking him after their bad experience with Hezonja, so it's the Bulls or Cavs at #7 or #8. And if he does go that low, will he even come over?
The game wasn't in Moscow, was it? I thought the whole Final Four was played in Belgrade.
 

DannyDarwinism

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John Givony, who's pretty plugged in, recently reported that the Suns, Kings and Hawks are all leaning towards some combo of Ayton, Bagley, Bamba and Jaren Jackson. I'd think Memphis would be very happy with that as they've been long rumored to be in love with Doncic, so I don't think there's any way he'd slip past them at 4. If his camp think that's his likely spot, maybe he does stay another year.

Doncic, at 19, just became the youngest player ever to win the Euroleague Final Four MVP, ahead of Drazen Petrovic (21), Kukoc, Sabonis and Dino Radja (all 22). So, tough crowd, I guess.
 

uk_sox_fan

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Impressive, but no love for Erik Hanson? I suppose the Whalers (Bobby Hull) don’t count.

And in the spirit of this thread, I’d be happy if Shake Milton joins the club soon.

There’s a couple of guys projected to go in the teens or early 20s that I’d like to see in green- Jontay Porter, Bates-Dion, DiVincenzo, Kevin Huerter, Jacob Evans, Troy Brown, Josh Okogie. Maybe one of those guys slip.

Melvin Frazier’s generally projected as a second rounder, but he’s got good length and athleticism and he can definitely defend at the next level. He locked down Milton, who’s a really good offensive player. Might be worth gambling on his jump shot coming around.

I don’t have a good sense of any project bigs in this class, other than Bruno Fernando, if he declares. Meh on Brandon McCoy, he looks like a poor mans Okafor. Other than Doncic, I haven’t read up on internationals, maybe there’s some draft and stash project bigs there.
Damn, I'd picked out Erik Hanson but somehow forgot to include him in the post. Suppose it's a good thing the Pats never picked up Scott Norwood...
 

joe dokes

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How about Tony Franklin, Rick Middleton, Lester Hudson, Shavlick Randolph, Jack Portland, Terry Adams, Ray Scarborough, Lou Clinton, Garry and Josh Hancock and Wes, Billy and Mike Gardner?
Now Kelyn Rowe knows no one watches the Revs.
 

Big John

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The game wasn't in Moscow, was it? I thought the whole Final Four was played in Belgrade.
Yes, Belgrade. "Neutral" venue. My bad. But the pro-CSKA fans outnumbered the Spanish fans by a considerable margin as far as I could tell from the NBA TV telecast.
 

DJnVa

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Speaking of Doncic, I watched Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow and some of the championship game with Fenerbahce. Luka did not look particularly good. I realize that in Moscow he was a 19 year-old in a hostile gym, but he looked like a role player, not a star, and it was the same in the championship game. I thought he was the best player in this draft, but I have my doubts now.
He won the MVP of the Final 4. In title game, as 18 year old, he had 15 points (on 8 shots), 4 assists, and 3 boards. Per ESPN story, their opponent is the best defensive team in Europe.

He struggled at times with the size and athleticism of Fenerbahce, the best defensive team in the Euroleague, but also showed remarkable poise and confidence in a nervous and often sloppy game that was played almost strictly in the half court. Doncic's size, strength, ballhandling and knack for drawing fouls proved invaluable, and his team almost collapsed in the final minute after he was disqualified.
 

InstaFace

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And just because it still needs to be said, he's not an 18-year-old going up against 18-to-21-year-olds. He's going up against 21-to-35-year-olds, many of whom have NBA experience, some of them lengthy NBA careers.
 

Big John

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And just because it still needs to be said, he's not an 18-year-old going up against 18-to-21-year-olds. He's going up against 21-to-35-year-olds, many of whom have NBA experience, some of them lengthy NBA careers.
So is Jayson Tatum, and Doncic is no Tatum. Doncic was passive at times and didn't shoot that well. He did not break defenders down with the dribble or create his own shots, either one-on-one or off the pick and roll. In the second half against CSKA he spaced the floor while Liull and Jaycee Carroll took treys. I have seen games where he truly looked like a prodigy, as when he put up a triple double in 22 minutes in the Spanish league. He did not look like one against better competition.
 

slamminsammya

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So is Jayson Tatum, and Doncic is no Tatum. Doncic was passive at times and didn't shoot that well. He did not break defenders down with the dribble or create his own shots, either one-on-one or off the pick and roll. In the second half against CSKA he spaced the floor while Liull and Jaycee Carroll took treys. I have seen games where he truly looked like a prodigy, as when he put up a triple double in 22 minutes in the Spanish league. He did not look like one against better competition.
Im with you on the breakdown of that particular game but what's the argument in that first sentence? That Doncic isn't as good as a phenom future hall of famer? People always struggle more with inequalities than with equations.
 

the moops

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In my mind, Tatum is what a top three pick should look like if the GM gets it right.
Jayson Tatum's last game of his college career (against far inferior competition), he went for only 15 points with 5 turnovers. His team lost. Doncic went for 15 points, with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, with just 2 turnovers. His team won.

And it all means nothing in the big picture. One game, or one game and a half, or however much you saw, is far too small a smaple to figure anything out
 

HomeRunBaker

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He is not slipping out of the top two, nevermind the top 5.
The word is that 2 and 3 are taking "American bigs" so if Phx selects Ayton you're probably looking at whoever Memphis trades with at #4 being his earliest slot. I still think that is a little too high but not as egregious as him going 1-2 imo.
 

HomeRunBaker

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And just because it still needs to be said, he's not an 18-year-old going up against 18-to-21-year-olds. He's going up against 21-to-35-year-olds, many of whom have NBA experience, some of them lengthy NBA careers.
He's also pretty well developed for his age both physically and his skillset. Some of the challenges that Doncic will face don't figure to improve much with age. How high is his ceiling with limited physical growth ahead and how well can he defend at this level?

Tatum is a full year older than Doncic
Yet Tatum still has so much more room to grow physically. It is important to differentiate between early bloomers and late bloomers due to their physical readiness at a young age. These players are selected on what they will look like in 5 years not what they look like today. It's why guys like Giannis, Gobert and Capela turned out to be such steals for those GM's with the vision to project them properly.

Edit: I'm not anti-Doncic.....I'm simply anti-Doncic hype as a Top-3 pick in this draft. I have him at 6-7. Good player but not elite elite.
 
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bakahump

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Are we sure Doncic is really 19? Or is it still possible to fudge the Birth certificate? I am honestly asking. Eastern European and an "early bloomer" might raise some questions.
 

DannyDarwinism

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Are we sure Doncic is really 19? Or is it still possible to fudge the Birth certificate? I am honestly asking. Eastern European and an "early bloomer" might raise some questions.
His father was a professional basketball player, playing for the national team at the time Luka was born. Someone would remember if the birth date was off.
 

LondonSox

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So is Jayson Tatum, and Doncic is no Tatum. Doncic was passive at times and didn't shoot that well. He did not break defenders down with the dribble or create his own shots, either one-on-one or off the pick and roll. In the second half against CSKA he spaced the floor while Liull and Jaycee Carroll took treys. I have seen games where he truly looked like a prodigy, as when he put up a triple double in 22 minutes in the Spanish league. He did not look like one against better competition.
Dude you're scouting him off a single game.
He's an elite passer, and excellent shooter off the bounce and spot up. Is big, and while not elite althetic he's solid.

In my mind, Tatum is what a top three pick should look like if the GM gets it right.
Tatum had one of the better rookie seasons, especially shooting, like ever. That is entirely a ridiculous expectation

Are we sure Doncic is really 19? Or is it still possible to fudge the Birth certificate? I am honestly asking. Eastern European and an "early bloomer" might raise some questions.
Seriously? It's not the 3rd world. Wow.

He's going to be a great player, I think he will really struggle with turnovers early though, he tries to do too much sometimes.

Ayton and Bagley have waaaaay bigger question marks.
 

LondonSox

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HRB I know you love Bagley, where do you see him playing in the NBA? As in mainly 4 or 5?
I just don't see how he can shoot enough for a modern 4, nor offset that with rim protection etc.

Meanwhile, I don't think he can hang with 5s, maybe in time.

I don't really get where people think he will shine, can you share your thoughts when you have time?
 

Big John

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The word is that 2 and 3 are taking "American bigs" so if Phx selects Ayton you're probably looking at whoever Memphis trades with at #4 being his earliest slot. I still think that is a little too high but not as egregious as him going 1-2 imo.
Has Memphis given up on Conley? They sure gave him a big contract. I think Doncic needs the ball in his hands. You can question his athleticism, but not his court vision or passing. If you turn him into a catch and shoot wing, he won't be nearly as effective.
 

LondonSox

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Has Memphis given up on Conley? They sure gave him a big contract. I think Doncic needs the ball in his hands. You can question his athleticism, but not his court vision or passing. If you turn him into a catch and shoot wing, he won't be nearly as effective.
Well he's getting older and coming off a major injury. I don't think it's hard to play both for now and if Doncic is great and Conley healthy you can make a move.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Well he's getting older and coming off a major injury. I don't think it's hard to play both for now and if Doncic is great and Conley healthy you can make a move.
Memphis is also not really in position to be concerned so much with need over grabbing whomever they see as the best player. Doncic, right now, isn't very duplicative with Conley anyhow, whose skill as a PG can help create more space for Luka to make plays and use his current skills while adjusting to NBA speed/strength/skill.
 

HomeRunBaker

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HRB I know you love Bagley, where do you see him playing in the NBA? As in mainly 4 or 5?
I just don't see how he can shoot enough for a modern 4, nor offset that with rim protection etc.

Meanwhile, I don't think he can hang with 5s, maybe in time.

I don't really get where people think he will shine, can you share your thoughts when you have time?
The 4/5 with a physical big next to him similar to Horford/Baynes or Love/TT. I don't understand all the talk I hear about him not being able to shoot. This was the first time in his life he has had to do anything outside of dominating in the paint......and shot 44% 3's from Dec through end of season (19-43) while showing excellent mechanics for a big only beginning to expand this part of his game. Off the dribble in iso from the high post I project him to be pretty lethal while also being a knockdown pick n pop guy. In short, I've got him as a 20+ PPG on a good team while also providing spacing.

On the other end, he's not a rim protector but very mobile and we saw him switch effectively on 1's and 2's this winter in defending PNR's while contesting jumpers. Obv there are some holes on this end but less than Doncic imo.
 

Big John

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So if Ainge buys the Memphis pick and both Porter and Doncic are available, which one will he take?
 

HomeRunBaker

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So if Ainge buys the Memphis pick and both Porter and Doncic are available, which one will he take?
I don't see that ever happening. Wallace is looking to trade the pick to improve quickly with the return of Conley and before the end of Gasol's window. He isn't going to trade back to delay adding to his team while then having to wait for them to develop. If the pick is moved I'm certain it will be for immediate help.
 

luckiestman

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I don't see that ever happening. Wallace is looking to trade the pick to improve quickly with the return of Conley and before the end of Gasol's window. He isn't going to trade back to delay adding to his team while then having to wait for them to develop. If the pick is moved I'm certain it will be for immediate help.

That’s what I think too. I just don’t see what they get (in terms of a vet) that is decent value.

Any ideas?
 

BigSoxFan

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You do have to wonder what the price for #4 would be from Memphis. They would obviously start by asking for Tatum or Brown and would quickly get rejected.

Wonder how close Sac 2019, Memphis 2019-2021, and #27 gets us to #4. Probably not close enough since I'm sure they could probably get a later 2018 lotto pick and future first from someone.