2019 Draft Megathread

PedroKsBambino

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Well Bol Bol also has foot problems already. Sure it could be a one-time thing, but the history of 7'3" guys is working against him.
Agreed. He's a huge gamble; I just think if you are the Celtics you ask yourself whether the best use of one or two of the likely 3-4 picks is that kind of a gamble since you likely don't have a role for all those guys even figuring in FA departures.
 

Cellar-Door

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Is Thon Maker really on track to have a long career?
His defense grades out well, so yeah he probably gets a second contract, bigs who have a positive defensive impact and don't kill you on offense are in demand.
 

lovegtm

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Agreed. He's a huge gamble; I just think if you are the Celtics you ask yourself whether the best use of one or two of the likely 3-4 picks is that kind of a gamble since you likely don't have a role for all those guys even figuring in FA departures.
Unless he goes out in a trade, I think the Celtics are fine with TL as the project big, especially since his body is already filled out and he's a lot fewer question marks away from being a contributor.
 

PedroKsBambino

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I don't think it's either-or. There's no reason to think they view there as being a limit on number of projects they have on the roster, given their top-end talent and draft pick situation.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Every time I watch Maker I am somewhat impressed. Dude may miss assignments but he is all over the place on D
Maybe this is why he isn’t getting much playing time. When you have one player missing assignments it affects the entire defense not only on that particular possessions but ensuing possessions as your teammates can’t have confidence in you doing your job. This has always been the problem with young players earning minutes but especially now with defensive schemes requiring proper timing from all 5 players.
 

DannyDarwinism

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Outside of Zion and Barrett, it's been tough to sort out any sense of who should go where in the top half of this draft class. There's gonna be some tough choice for GMs with lottery picks looking at the toolsy, blue-chip guys who have really struggled as freshman, like Reddish and Little, versus the Ja Morant and Jarrett Culver types who have played themselves into consideration, or the guys who flashed before getting injured like Bol (who was tough enough to project before the foot injury), Kevin Porter, Darius Garland and Johntay Porter. I'd probably have Kevin Porter third, then maybe Ja, but could easily see taking a swing on Reddish and crossing my fingers that he blossoms outside of Duke.

Assuming the Celtics have a late lottery pick, if Little's struggles cause him to slip that much, I'd be all over that. Probably still prefer him over Culver at this point, but it's close and would change if they continue to trend the way they have been.

Don't know where Jaxson Hayes will end up projected, but he's shown enough to be really interesting, and Shaka Smart's system is pretty limiting for bigs. Wouldn't mind one of him, Bruno Fernando or Johntay Porter to push the Time Lord as a developmental big. Fernando's shown some touch this year, and he started with basketball late, so there's some room to believe he might be more than just a big, strong dude who can dunk and play low-post defense.

Grant Williams and Brandon Clarke are both old and undersized, but both are very good basketball players playing on winning teams. Clarke can be a good defender in the NBA. They're probably second rounders, but Tennessee and Gonzaga are fun to watch anyway, so it's easy enough to key an eye on them.
 

BigSoxFan

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Outside of Zion and Barrett, it's been tough to sort out any sense of who should go where in the top half of this draft class. There's gonna be some tough choice for GMs with lottery picks looking at the toolsy, blue-chip guys who have really struggled as freshman, like Reddish and Little, versus the Ja Morant and Jarrett Culver types who have played themselves into consideration, or the guys who flashed before getting injured like Bol (who was tough enough to project before the foot injury), Kevin Porter, Darius Garland and Johntay Porter. I'd probably have Kevin Porter third, then maybe Ja, but could easily see taking a swing on Reddish and crossing my fingers that he blossoms outside of Duke.

Assuming the Celtics have a late lottery pick, if Little's struggles cause him to slip that much, I'd be all over that. Probably still prefer him over Culver at this point, but it's close and would change if they continue to trend the way they have been.

Don't know where Jaxson Hayes will end up projected, but he's shown enough to be really interesting, and Shaka Smart's system is pretty limiting for bigs. Wouldn't mind one of him, Bruno Fernando or Johntay Porter to push the Time Lord as a developmental big. Fernando's shown some touch this year, and he started with basketball late, so there's some room to believe he might be more than just a big, strong dude who can dunk and play low-post defense.

Grant Williams and Brandon Clarke are both old and undersized, but both are very good basketball players playing on winning teams. Clarke can be a good defender in the NBA. They're probably second rounders, but Tennessee and Gonzaga are fun to watch anyway, so it's easy enough to key an eye on them.
Good summary. This class really doesn’t impress me much. Maybe some guys will pop in the coming months but right now it’s a 2 man class for me. Reddish has looked particularly awful but maybe he’s just had issues with sharing the spotlight with Zion and Barrett. Or maybe he’s another Winslow type. Someone in that Porter, Morant, Little, etc. group will be good but good luck identifying which one.
 

Big John

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Yes, after the first two, I have no sense of this draft class yet, particularly with the injuries to Bol and the two Porters. This could be one of those drafts in which some unknown turns out to be the best player.
 

DannyDarwinism

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Good summary. This class really doesn’t impress me much. Maybe some guys will pop in the coming months but right now it’s a 2 man class for me. Reddish has looked particularly awful but maybe he’s just had issues with sharing the spotlight with Zion and Barrett. Or maybe he’s another Winslow type. Someone in that Porter, Morant, Little, etc. group will be good but good luck identifying which one.
Don't know how I forgot about De'Andre Hunter when I was doing this, but he's definitely the type of guy Stevens and Ainge have targeted: good size, strength and athleticism, and switchable as hell- with some time in the weight room, he'll be able to defend any position except for a traditional center. Defense is where he'll makes his bones, but while he doesn't offer much creation, he can shoot and he never turns the ball over.

There were some Kawhi comps thrown around last year that you don't hear this year due mainly to the lack of progress in his handle, but I think he has a really safe floor and a reasonable chance to be a Covington-like elite role-player. With all the uncertainty in this draft class, that may be enough to get him drafted fairly high.

It's worth noting that Ainge was at Conte last night with Hunter in town. He's less of a project than some of the other wings who rebuilding teams might be looking for in that range- Nas Little, Keldon Johnson- so I think he merits a long look if the Celtics end up keeping a mid-round pick.

This is from last year, but covers a lot on him: https://www.thestepien.com/2018/02/22/deandre-hunter-arrived/
 

BigSoxFan

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Don't know how I forgot about De'Andre Hunter when I was doing this, but he's definitely the type of guy Stevens and Ainge have targeted: good size, strength and athleticism, and switchable as hell- with some time in the weight room, he'll be able to defend any position except for a traditional center. Defense is where he'll makes his bones, but while he doesn't offer much creation, he can shoot and he never turns the ball over.

There were some Kawhi comps thrown around last year that you don't hear this year due mainly to the lack of progress in his handle, but I think he has a really safe floor and a reasonable chance to be a Covington-like elite role-player. With all the uncertainty in this draft class, that may be enough to get him drafted fairly high.

It's worth noting that Ainge was at Conte last night with Hunter in town. He's less of a project than some of the other wings who rebuilding teams might be looking for in that range- Nas Little, Keldon Johnson- so I think he merits a long look if the Celtics end up keeping a mid-round pick.

This is from last year, but covers a lot on him: https://www.thestepien.com/2018/02/22/deandre-hunter-arrived/
Agree 100% on Hunter. I would absolutely scoop him up with one of the picks if given the chance. Like you said, he has a pretty safe floor based on what he's shown to-date and playing for Bennett has obviously really helped his defense. Given that he doesn't have the highest ceiling and he's already 21 years-old, I could see some of the mid-lotto teams passing on him. If the Celtics are sitting there with 2 picks in the 9-14 range, I think using 1 on Hunter and the other and a higher upside guy makes a lot of sense. I absolutely love his defense and think he would be an awesome guy to throw at the Kawhi's of the world.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Yes, after the first two, I have no sense of this draft class yet, particularly with the injuries to Bol and the two Porters. This could be one of those drafts in which some unknown turns out to be the best player.
Get used to the name Ja Morant, the crazy-athletic/sick-distributor PG who is in the process of taking an enormous leap in his sophomore year at Murray State. He's a cross between John Wall and De'Aaron Fox going somewhere in the Top 3-4 and the sky is the limit for this kid once he tightens up his handle some and gains consistency with his 3-point shot which he shouldn't have trouble doing as his mechanics are fine and he's an excellent FT shooter for a kid his age.

Unlike many PG's entering the league he is very unselfish as he could probably score 35 ppg but instead leads the country in Assists at 10.5 per game (only one other player in country over 7.6) and possesses one of the craziest Advanced lines you'll ever see......with an Asst Pct of 55.5!
 

BigSoxFan

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Get used to the name Ja Morant, the crazy-athletic/sick-distributor PG who is in the process of taking an enormous leap in his sophomore year at Murray State. He's a cross between John Wall and De'Aaron Fox going somewhere in the Top 3-4 and the sky is the limit for this kid once he tightens up his handle some and gains consistency with his 3-point shot which he shouldn't have trouble doing as his mechanics are fine and he's an excellent FT shooter for a kid his age.

Unlike many PG's entering the league he is very unselfish as he could probably score 35 ppg but instead leads the country in Assists at 10.5 per game (only one other player in country over 7.6) and possesses one of the craziest Advanced lines you'll ever see......with an Asst Pct of 55.5!
Agreed. I definitely take him over Reddish based on what I’ve seen. Orlando has to be drooling over him at this point.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Agreed. I definitely take him over Reddish based on what I’ve seen. Orlando has to be drooling over him at this point.
I was thinking more at the top with Phoenix or New York but teams set at the 1 could allow him to slide down to Orlando at 6 of 7 I suppose. The Suns would be interesting with the #1 pick with the 2 and 5 locked up in Booker and Ayton...….would they be daring enough to trade down a couple of slots for Morant while securing another top tier asset similar to Ainge's target of Tatum while adding another pick?
 

BigSoxFan

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I was thinking more at the top with Phoenix or New York but teams set at the 1 could allow him to slide down to Orlando at 6 of 7 I suppose. The Suns would be interesting with the #1 pick with the 2 and 5 locked up in Booker and Ayton...….would they be daring enough to trade down a couple of slots for Morant while securing another top tier asset similar to Ainge's target of Tatum while adding another pick?
Possible Orlando could move up during lotto as well. Think they currently have about 37% chance at top 4 pick. Phoenix and New York make a lot of sense. Draft order will play a big role here. If Cleveland gets the 3rd pick, then I could see a trade with a team like Orlando since they already have Sexton.
 

Big John

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Another guy gone for the season (wrist surgery) is Udoka Azubuike, the 7-footer from Kansas.
 

lovegtm

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I was thinking more at the top with Phoenix or New York but teams set at the 1 could allow him to slide down to Orlando at 6 of 7 I suppose. The Suns would be interesting with the #1 pick with the 2 and 5 locked up in Booker and Ayton...….would they be daring enough to trade down a couple of slots for Morant while securing another top tier asset similar to Ainge's target of Tatum while adding another pick?
Whatever the right move is, I feel confident that the Suns will fail to do it.
 

Big John

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Get used to the name Ja Morant, the crazy-athletic/sick-distributor PG who is in the process of taking an enormous leap in his sophomore year at Murray State.
Yes, the comparisons with Westbrook and Mitchell are obvious. I watched a little film but that's dangerous. Morant is so athletic that you get carried away with highlights, but the numbers say that he doesn't shoot the three that well. Of course, neither did Westbrook or Mitchell.

I may have to spring for ESPN+ so that I can watch a full game or two of Murray State playing another one of the good teams in the OVC.
 

Jimbodandy

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Yes, the comparisons with Westbrook and Mitchell are obvious. I watched a little film but that's dangerous. Morant is so athletic that you get carried away with highlights, but the numbers say that he doesn't shoot the three that well. Of course, neither did Westbrook or Mitchell.

I may have to spring for ESPN+ so that I can watch a full game or two of Murray State playing another one of the good teams in the OVC.
Neither do Westbrook or Mitchell.
 

DJnVa

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Scottie Pippen thinks Zion should shut it down and prepare for draft.

"I think he's locked up the biggest shoe deal, I think he's definitely going to be the No. 1 pick, I think he's done enough for college basketball that it's more about him personally," Pippen said on ESPN's "The Jump." "I would shut it down. I would stop playing because I feel he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career."
 

DannyDarwinism

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I’m completely in on Brandon Clarke. There’s no way he isn’t a a good defender in the NBA, and his potential is as one of the best perimeter stoppers in the NBA. I like him better on that end than DeAndre Hunter, though he’s definitely well behind Hunter’s offensive ceiling. Efficient, low usage garbage man with limited gravity on that end. Love his energy.

Also,Tre Jones is going to be in the early career Mike Conley tier of really good but overlooked PGs. Orlando, Chicago and Phoenix should be all over him.

And while I’m sure the uniform has something to do with it, Jaxson Hayes sure reminds me of Jarrett Allen.
 

benhogan

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DannyDarwinism

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Teams looking for a scoring combo could do worse than Coby White. He’s got some of that Harden/IT stop-and-go quickness that’s so useful in keeping defenders on their heels. He’s gotta raise that release point on his jumper though. Does Drocca have any alter egos left here? Wonder what he thinks of him.

Duke v UVA at 6pm should be fun. Zion and company try to break the pack line D. Tre Jones should help this time around. I’d love to see Hunter on Zion for a bit even if he spends most of his time chasing Barrett.
 

Deathofthebambino

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Get used to the name Ja Morant, the crazy-athletic/sick-distributor PG who is in the process of taking an enormous leap in his sophomore year at Murray State. He's a cross between John Wall and De'Aaron Fox going somewhere in the Top 3-4 and the sky is the limit for this kid once he tightens up his handle some and gains consistency with his 3-point shot which he shouldn't have trouble doing as his mechanics are fine and he's an excellent FT shooter for a kid his age.

Unlike many PG's entering the league he is very unselfish as he could probably score 35 ppg but instead leads the country in Assists at 10.5 per game (only one other player in country over 7.6) and possesses one of the craziest Advanced lines you'll ever see......with an Asst Pct of 55.5!
I posted about Morant in the Zion thread a while back. I said it there and I'll say it again, but if I have the #2 pick in the draft, he's the guy I'm taking. I like him more than Barrett or Reddish or anyone not named Zion, and one of the only reasons I'm taking Zion over him is because Zion will probably sell a franchise out of season tickets for the following season, something any team drafting #1 probably needs desperately. Morant is the real deal, and like you, I think his mechanics are good enough that he'll turn into an above average shooter in no time.
 

sezwho

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Agree with Scottie here.

1. Makes complete sense from Zion's financial perspective, shoe deal would kick in immediately
2. With his size and jumping ability, playing with some goofy college kids could easily lead into a career-altering injury
3. Would hurt the 'one and done' power programs like Duke/Kentucky. The shoe revenue streams would start being re-directed to the top tier kids.

I agree and like 1 and 3, but think Jae Crowder has a different opinion for #2.
 

Deathofthebambino

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Jesus. He's, what, 6'8? That's some Kahwi bullshit
6'7' and he weighs more than every single guy in the NBA except for Boban. He's a specimen the likes of which we've never seen before, IMO.

Edit: If you pause the video immediately after he makes the block, his head is clearly above the rim.
 

chilidawg

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Watched some of the UNC - Virginia and Kansas - TCU games, a few guys stood out who don't seem to be on the radar.
Cam Johnson, UNC's leading scorer shooting 52/47/82, 6'9, rangy, looks like a good perimeter defender. More a wing than a big. 5th year senior so I guess that's why he's not getting much love as a prospect, but he sure looks the part.

DevonDotson UK. Freshman point guard really looks good. great speed and body control, shooting 48/40/79. 3.5 assists/2.3 turnovers.

Ochai Agbaji UK. Freshman shooting guard, 6'5, great athleticism. Was supposed to redshirt but KU had so many injuries that he's playing now. Good looking stroke and good (small sample size) numbers.

Anybody else have thoughts on these guys?
 

nighthob

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I like Johnson, he has potential as a 3&D guy at the next level. The injury history’s a little troublesome, but I can see him carving out a Covingtonesque career.
 

benhogan

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Watched some of the UNC - Virginia and Kansas - TCU games, a few guys stood out who don't seem to be on the radar.
Cam Johnson, UNC's leading scorer shooting 52/47/82, 6'9, rangy, looks like a good perimeter defender. More a wing than a big. 5th year senior so I guess that's why he's not getting much love as a prospect, but he sure looks the part.

DevonDotson UK. Freshman point guard really looks good. great speed and body control, shooting 48/40/79. 3.5 assists/2.3 turnovers.

Ochai Agbaji UK. Freshman shooting guard, 6'5, great athleticism. Was supposed to redshirt but KU had so many injuries that he's playing now. Good looking stroke and good (small sample size) numbers.

Anybody else have thoughts on these guys?
nice pick up on Cam Johnson, probably can be nabbed with a 2nd rounder. When the Celts use their 1st round draft stock to haul on AD I hope they use their 2nd round picks to take undervalued upperclassmen (ie Hart, Monte Morris, Brogdon) like a Cam Johnson/Kyle Guy to fill out the bench
 
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nighthob

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The Celtics only have their own fiftysomething choice. I doubt that one of those high floor guys like Cam Johnson or Markus Howard reach them. Although, to be certain, I’d sacrifice a baby goat to Satan to have Howard in Boston.
 

Kliq

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Has that person literally never held a basketball? It doesn't take any superhuman abilities to push a basketball in slightly.
 

benhogan

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The Celtics only have their own fiftysomething choice. I doubt that one of those high floor guys like Cam Johnson or Markus Howard reach them. Although, to be certain, I’d sacrifice a baby goat to Satan to have Howard in Boston.
What's the going price for a 35-40 pick? $3.5MM for Bell (#37) in 2017. If you are convinced that #35-40 will be a useful bench piece for 3-4 years, not a bad price to pay.
 

Carmine Hose

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Pippen's Zion comments are interesting. This trend has already happened in college football with players skipping bowl games (and Nick Bosa not attempting a comeback later in the season). That sport's dangers are obviously higher than basketball.

I can't see Zion sitting out the NCAA tourney, but as soon as a a player who is in the conversation of going #1 overall goes down with an injury, you could see this start happening.