JD Davison, 2nd round pick

[ifmanis5]

Welcome.
View: https://youtu.be/2dGevSgSnO4

SEC All-Freshman JD Davison 2021-22 Alabama Season Highlights | 8.5 PPG 4.5 RPG 4.3 APG 46.3 FG%

Brad Stevens made his second draft pick as president of basketball operations on Thursday night, selecting point guard JD Davison with the No. 53 overall pick.The 19-year-old guard is a former five-star prospect who played one season at Alabama. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his sole collegiate season.
The 2022 NBA Draft marks the second straight season that Boston did not have a first round pick. The Celtics dealt what ended up being the No. 25 overall pick to the Spurs as part of the trade package that landed Derrick White at the trade deadline. San Antonio ended up selecting Notre Dame guard Blake Wesley at No. 25.
Davison is expected to play with the Celtics during Summer League and will be in competition with several other players for either a spot on the 15-man roster or a two-way contract.

 

[TripleOT]

The Celtics needed to shore up a really boring Garbage Time unit, and this guy should provide the kind of excitement last seen around here from JaVonte Green.

Davidson showing off his 44.5” vertical is more interesting than watching Kornet shoot a three

 

[jsinger121]

Another turnover machine. He will fit in right away with this bunch.

 

[Cellar-Door]

I bet he never gets out of Maine.

 

[nighthob]

That would be a pretty safe bet.

 

[ifmanis5]

View: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1540191153810804736

Brad Stevens says of our No. 53 overall pick, JD Davison, "He’s a guy that we’ve seen all year long. Very young. Very explosive. That’s pretty obvious."

 

[radsoxfan]

Another top high school recruit that slipped a bit after a mediocre freshman year. Brad learned that technique from someone....

Obviously a flier pick at this stage but he is an absurd athlete. Decent chance he is playing the wrong sport but maybe we'll get lucky.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Seems like the consensus across the board on him was "he should have stayed in school"
I guess they hope they can give him a couple years on the 2 way to see what happens

 

[radsoxfan]

Seems like the consensus across the board on him was "he should have stayed in school"
I guess they hope they can give him a couple years on the 2 way to see what happens

When people say "should have stayed in school", I'm not entirely sure what they mean. Seems like they mean a player needs to work on his game and play better...that can be done anywhere. Perhaps better in the NBA/G-league than at Alabama.

Scouts want players to stay in school so they can confirm improvement and make themselves feel better about drafting someone higher.

 

[Cellar-Door]

When people say "should have stayed in school", I'm not entirely sure what they mean. Seems like they mean a player needs to work on his game and play better...that can be done anywhere. Perhaps better in the NBA/G-league than at Alabama.

Scouts want players to stay in school so they can confirm improvement and make themselves feel better about drafting someone higher.

I think they meant he's so raw he should have stayed so he'd get drafted higher and make more money, while increasing the chance he sticks.
Yes you can develop anywhere, but when you're taking up money and roster spots you have to do it faster or you get dumped. Guess the flip side is you likely have better coaches even in the G-League

 

[radsoxfan]

I think they meant he's so raw he should have stayed so he'd get drafted higher and make more money, while increasing the chance he sticks.
Yes you can develop anywhere, but when you're taking up money and roster spots you have to do it faster or you get dumped. Guess the flip side is you likely have better coaches even in the G-League

I think there is some prevailing narrative that people staying in school somehow makes them develop better, reduced their chance of being a bust, etc.

In general, I don't really buy that. Davison obviously may bust out, but I doubt another year at Alabama changes that outcome one way or another.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

Can’t truly judge with two late picks but so far POBOBS has seemingly leaned more toward (theoretically) untapped upside/athleticism profiles where if skills develop the raw physical gifts can make the player more interesting. But again so far it’s just a 2nd round flyer strategy.

Begarin is more exciting to me but that may be the aura of international play (and better size). Can’t imagine the track record is great for NCAA players who mostly didn’t start. Shrug, this was never going to be an avenue for significant improvement to the roster anyway. Maybe the athleticism plays up and NBA spacing does something for his game.

 

[djbayko]

Probably won't make it. One thing that seems apparent from that highlight reel is that he LOOOOVES lobbing the ball and passing it inside to set up his big man.

 

[djbayko]

Just look at that MANE though.

 

[nighthob]

When he throws up a shot that misses everything can we call it a hairball?

 

[kazuneko]

You can't teach - and can't easily find- Davison's level of athleticism. The dream is that his talent blooms and he becomes a taller version of Terry Rozier, another impressive athlete that despite being a top 100 recruit out of high school (Terry ranked #75 in his high school class while Davison ranked #15) would have been lucky to have been drafted at all had he decided to leave after his freshman year. Terry, wisely, stayed in school and after a much better Sophomore year, lifted his stock to become a first round selection.
Clearly, Davison ranked this low in this draft because the chance of that happening is pretty damn slim. That said, the only difference from him being ranked in the top 15 of his class and dropping to 53 is his struggles as a teenager in 33 college games. Let's hope that isn't a good measure of his talent.

 

[lars10]

I think there is some prevailing narrative that people staying in school somehow makes them develop better, reduced their chance of being a bust, etc.

In general, I don't really buy that. Davison obviously may bust out, but I doubt another year at Alabama changes that outcome one way or another.

I think in the old days it made more sense for younger players to stay in school so they could play against other younger players that hadn't developed as much as NBA players or even G Leaguers... maybe not as true anymore with more college players leaving early.
I think the argument could also be made that he should have stayed somewhere where he'd practice and play/start in games. A lot of his time will be spent sitting on the bench in the pros.. or maybe even in the G League... there's a lot to be gained from playing all the time, especially in game experience.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

 

[128]

View: https://twitter.com/UA_Athletics/status/1540189468115845121

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Interesting Davison worked with Lethal Shooter last year. Hopefully, he can do for Davison what he did for GW.

View: https://twitter.com/lethalshooter__/status/1394728415480188931?lang=en

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Decent breakdown of Davison below. Some of his jump passes are not going to work in the NBA.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u75fT62IqC0&t=713s

 

[lexrageorge]

I think there is some prevailing narrative that people staying in school somehow makes them develop better, reduced their chance of being a bust, etc.

In general, I don't really buy that. Davison obviously may bust out, but I doubt another year at Alabama changes that outcome one way or another.

There was a period in the NBA (up until the late 1990's) where a player like Davison would definitely develop better staying in NCAA for a year than being stapled to the end of the bench and be ignored by the 2-person coaching staff. Between the G League and the expansion of coaching staffs, that dynamic has changed considerably, and there have been enough cases of late 2nd rounders turning into solid rotation players or more to make teams actually care about ensuring their deep bench get a chance to develop.

There probably have been players that may have drafted higher had they stayed in NCAA another year or two, but don't know if that would apply to Davison.

 

[Devizier]

Davison looks like he’s 15 or so. I guess there’s room for physical development.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

He has the makings of a summer league mosnter.

 

[EL Jeffe]

Davison was young for his class and played against a lower level of competition in high school; I think he definitely would have benefited from another year of development. Nate Oats talked about how it took Davison a bit of time to adjust and build up his confidence. A 2nd year jump could have done wonders for him, whether at Alabama or through the portal.

The G League will be sink or swim for him, but he's still raw and young. I imagine it will be another tough adjustment for him, but the physical profile gives him a fighting chance.

 

[nighthob]

You can't teach - and can't easily find- Davison's level of athleticism. The dream is that his talent blooms and he becomes a taller version of Terry Rozier, another impressive athlete that despite being a top 100 recruit out of high school (Terry ranked #75 in his high school class while Davison ranked #15) would have been lucky to have been drafted at all had he decided to leave after his freshman year. Terry, wisely, stayed in school and after a much better Sophomore year, lifted his stock to become a first round selection.
Clearly, Davison ranked this low in this draft because the chance of that happening is pretty damn slim. That said, the only difference from him being ranked in the top 15 of his class and dropping to 53 is his struggles as a teenager in 33 college games. Let's hope that isn't a good measure of his talent.

Unfortunately he actually isn’t taller than Terry Rozier. They’re the same height.

 

[serotonin]

Intriguing. Probably amounts to nothing in the NBA but you can see him developing. That's about all you can ask for from someone drafted where he was.

 

[Bernie Carbohydrate]

I predict he's gonna absolutely posterize Day’Ron Sharpe (or someone like that) one hot Vegas night in mid-July 2023, and this board is gonna melt the fuck down.

And then we'll never hear from him again.

 

[Ale Xander]

Turnover machine who can’t shoot

Hate The pick but not much to choose from at 53 admittedly

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Unfortunately he actually isn’t taller than Terry Rozier. They’re the same height.

In looking for his height, some souces I have seen list him at around 6'0", others have him at 6'3". Whether or not those 3 inches exist make a big difference.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Unfortunately he actually isn’t taller than Terry Rozier. They’re the same height.

yep same height, he actually has a smaller wingspan than Terry as well

 

[Cellar-Door]

In looking for his height, some souces I have seen list him at around 6'0", others have him at 6'3". Whether or not those 3 inches exist make a big difference.

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/
6'0.50" exact same as Rozier without shoes. Never trust the with shoes measurements.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/
6'0.50" exact same as Rozier without shoes. Never trust the with shoes measurements.

A surprising number of reporters are calling him 6'3".

Is it the hair?

 

[NickEsasky]

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/
6'0.50" exact same as Rozier without shoes. Never trust the with shoes measurements.

I've never understood this. Unless he's out there playing barefoot who cares if it's an in-shoe measurement? They all play in shoes.

 

[NomarsFool]

6 vs 6-3 seems like quite a difference

 

[Cellar-Door]

I've never understood this. Unless he's out there playing barefoot who cares if it's an in-shoe measurement? They all play in shoes.

because the only reason height matters is in comparison with other players, he doesn't have any extra actual size because he wore a shoe with a higher midsole for measurements. I mean, if a guy showed up to the combine in these would you say he's 6'6":

 

[benhogan]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oQlaZNX7NE

 

[benhogan]

Just look at that MANE though.

that MANE will play in MAINE

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

There was a period in the NBA (up until the late 1990's) where a player like Davison would definitely develop better staying in NCAA for a year than being stapled to the end of the bench and be ignored by the 2-person coaching staff. Between the G League and the expansion of coaching staffs, that dynamic has changed considerably, and there have been enough cases of late 2nd rounders turning into solid rotation players or more to make teams actually care about ensuring their deep bench get a chance to develop.

There probably have been players that may have drafted higher had they stayed in NCAA another year or two, but don't know if that would apply to Davison.

The issue is game minutes. Before the G-League, there was no avenue for guys who were at the end of the bench to get meaningful and regular minutes. Yes they could work on their skills but playing is much better than just drilling.

G-League helps with this a lot. And on the other side, since most of the top 100 (or so) college players in any given year are in the NBA, playing meaningful minutes in college means less impactful.

If he's working with a shooting coach even before he gets to college, it sounds like he wants to get better. That's the first and biggest step IMO.

 

[Just a bit outside]

6’.5” without shoes rounded down to 6 ft. 6’2.5” rounded up to 6’3” in the school program. Super athletic and if he develops will be able to use it to get by guys off the dribble which is something this team needs.

 

[NickEsasky]

because the only reason height matters is in comparison with other players, he doesn't have any extra actual size because he wore a shoe with a higher midsole for measurements. I mean, if a guy showed up to the combine in these would you say he's 6'6":

Well yeah if you cite some ridiculous example that would never occur in real life. These guys all play in similar styles of basketball shoes with very similar midsoles. If he got measured in a pair of Lebron's or Kyrie's as opposed to a pair of Adidas Trae's is it going to make a difference?

 

[Cellar-Door]

Well yeah if you cite some ridiculous example that would never occur in real life. These guys all play in similar styles of basketball shoes with very similar midsoles. If he got measured in a pair of Lebron's or Kyrie's as opposed to a pair of Adidas Trae's is it going to make a difference?

I mean apparently yes?
Barefoot gives you a common point of comparison. Why would you ever turn down the common comparison point to add in variables?
There is no reason to not use the most accurate measurements we have for comparing players, which is their combine no-shoe measurements.

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

I'm getting a Sebastian Telfair vibe from him. Can we call him Telfhair?

 

[osori]

Probably never touch the NBA floor with us, but somehow end up in the Heat as a main rotation guy.

 

[Auger34]

It’s always smart to bet on elite athleticism and high school pedigree that late in the draft if you can.

If he’s willing to put in the work then they could have another athletic guard who can create a bit.

Think it’s a really good pick at 54

 

[NickEsasky]

I mean apparently yes?
Barefoot gives you a common point of comparison. Why would you ever turn down the common comparison point to add in variables?
There is no reason to not use the most accurate measurements we have for comparing players, which is their combine no-shoe measurements.

Sure a common point of comparison is great. I don't have an issue with wanting some consistency. I guess I don't understand those who get all up in arms and shout "IN SHOES!!" when all these guys play in shoes. Not directed at you specifically, it just always seemed like a strange thing to get hung up on is all.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Sure a common point of comparison is great. I don't have an issue with wanting some consistency. I guess I don't understand those who get all up in arms and shout "IN SHOES!!" when all these guys play in shoes. Not directed at you specifically, it just always seemed like a strange thing to get hung up on is all.

Considering that it seems to add a full two inches to him, not the usual 1-1.5", it is probably best that we choose the barefoot measurements.

 

[NickEsasky]

Considering that it seems to add a full two inches to him, not the usual 1-1.5", it is probably best that we choose the barefoot measurements.

But it's adding that same 1-1.5" to everyone. Whatever I'll let it go.

 

[PedrosRedGlove]

But it's adding that same 1-1.5" to everyone. Whatever I'll let it go.

But it's still important to use the same measurement, or at least know which one you're using, for comparison's sake.

Before nighthob pointed it out, I thought Davison was indeed 6'3 and taller than Rozier. That's because I was going off Alabama's listed height, which many of the generic draft sites copied. If listed heights for draftees were consistent across sources it wouldn't matter, but unfortunately they aren't so it's important to know whether a height is w/ shoes or w/o.

 

[4 6 3 DP]

Anti Payton Pritchard, even if it's a lottery ticket. Happy to see the back of the bench be a development engine.