@labelplant What's going on with Cheick Diallo? Is he ever going to play? Is Nigel Hayes a 3 or 4 in the NBA?
2016 NBA Draft and beyond (labelplant edition).. 4/4/16 UPDATE: 2017 Draft Big Board
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Wilt Chamberlain
This 2016 draft will not be that good. Ben Simmons is sure to have a solid impact but the rest of the top prospects are years away from being college stars, let alone top NBA players.
I've long heralded the 2015 class (not to pat myself on the back too much but I've read several posters/articles that called it weak before hand) but let's not get spoiled and expect most of these guys to make the type of instant impact that Okafor, Porzingis and Towns are bringing to the table.
I like the 2 international guys (Bender and Korkmaz) but while they are talent, they are also both far from as ready as Kris was
I've long heralded the 2015 class (not to pat myself on the back too much but I've read several posters/articles that called it weak before hand) but let's not get spoiled and expect most of these guys to make the type of instant impact that Okafor, Porzingis and Towns are bringing to the table.
I like the 2 international guys (Bender and Korkmaz) but while they are talent, they are also both far from as ready as Kris was
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Wilt Chamberlain
Diallo is back. He played already..
Looked really good, granted against Loyola(MD) but still. If LSU keeps losing and GMs get scared off by Simmons shooting disability, Cheikh might be a sleeper choice for the #1 pick
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Wilt Chamberlain
He has been terrific every time I've seen him. He can't shoot just like Simmons can't but he is much more aggressive and is projected as an A1 defender. May have a higher ceiling than Simmons. Of course there is also Skal but you never know. We are still 25 games or so away from March Madness so a lot of stuff can happen.Seriously?
I get the feeling that LSU will struggle and questions will be raised if Simmons style of play is condusive to winning... with Skal there will be questions if he has the attitude to be a star. If Diallo becomes Kansas best player and takes them to the final 4, the number 1 pick isn't out of the question
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Wilt Chamberlain
Poeltl with a legit NBA big type performance this morning.
I'm gonna update this thread with some prospect rankings as early as tomorrow, within the week for sure
This draft class is really not that great but I'm starting to get a little bit of a feel of who I like and don't like
I'm gonna update this thread with some prospect rankings as early as tomorrow, within the week for sure
This draft class is really not that great but I'm starting to get a little bit of a feel of who I like and don't like
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Wilt Chamberlain
It's too early to make a seperated thread but 10 games in, i have somewhat of a feel for who the top guys are...
My list as always is based on my opinion and not what I think the NBA would do. I don't have insider sources so you can go to Chad Ford or w/e for that.
I love scouting potential draft picks, however so here is my early top 15. Another quick note, because we are only about 10 games in, even just one really bad or really good performance can help any one of these drastically rise or fall:
1. Ben Simmons - no need for scouting report, he projects good to great in everything except possibly the most important thing. Which is shooting. Good news is that with practice at his age he has plenty of time to at least develop a steady midrange or post game. Still he is the clear #1 but last season I would've took him 5th at best.
2. Brandon Ingram - talent is there and his defensive potential is off the charts thanks to the combo of length and quickness. I would like him to be more aggressive but of course that's gonna be an issue until he gets stronger. Ceiling wise he is a real baby KD but I'm just not sure he has the mentality to ever come to full fruition.
3. Ivan Rabb - has been the most impressive player on Cal to me, easily. Very advanced feel of the game. If he develops a jumper, he will make a very nice pick n roll threat down the line.
4. Kris Dunn - maybe the best player in college ball right now, even though providence is doing fine w/o him. Should make an instant impact on the defensive end. Needs to get more consistent as a shooter tho. He isn't quick enough to drive past NBA guards if they are going under every time.
5. Dragan Bender - as high a ceiling as any player in this draft. He has Ben Simmons like court vision and is improving his shot. Way too weak to play D and rebound in the NBA right now but with Kristaps' success teams will gamble on him.
6. Jamal Murray - has a long way to go, still very streaky. Great strength tho and just has a scorers mentality. Reminds me a bit of Flip Murray who would often put up 20+ off the bench in the mid 2000s. If his shot ever becomes automatic, watch out. Not a great all around player tho , and maybe a bit of a tweeter on D.
7-15 coming up
My list as always is based on my opinion and not what I think the NBA would do. I don't have insider sources so you can go to Chad Ford or w/e for that.
I love scouting potential draft picks, however so here is my early top 15. Another quick note, because we are only about 10 games in, even just one really bad or really good performance can help any one of these drastically rise or fall:
1. Ben Simmons - no need for scouting report, he projects good to great in everything except possibly the most important thing. Which is shooting. Good news is that with practice at his age he has plenty of time to at least develop a steady midrange or post game. Still he is the clear #1 but last season I would've took him 5th at best.
2. Brandon Ingram - talent is there and his defensive potential is off the charts thanks to the combo of length and quickness. I would like him to be more aggressive but of course that's gonna be an issue until he gets stronger. Ceiling wise he is a real baby KD but I'm just not sure he has the mentality to ever come to full fruition.
3. Ivan Rabb - has been the most impressive player on Cal to me, easily. Very advanced feel of the game. If he develops a jumper, he will make a very nice pick n roll threat down the line.
4. Kris Dunn - maybe the best player in college ball right now, even though providence is doing fine w/o him. Should make an instant impact on the defensive end. Needs to get more consistent as a shooter tho. He isn't quick enough to drive past NBA guards if they are going under every time.
5. Dragan Bender - as high a ceiling as any player in this draft. He has Ben Simmons like court vision and is improving his shot. Way too weak to play D and rebound in the NBA right now but with Kristaps' success teams will gamble on him.
6. Jamal Murray - has a long way to go, still very streaky. Great strength tho and just has a scorers mentality. Reminds me a bit of Flip Murray who would often put up 20+ off the bench in the mid 2000s. If his shot ever becomes automatic, watch out. Not a great all around player tho , and maybe a bit of a tweeter on D.
7-15 coming up
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Wilt Chamberlain
7. Tyler Davis - quality big with great hands and ability to finish around the hoop. Has already shown a solid understanding of half court rotations. And moves pretty well at his stature. If he can change some of the fat into muscle he can be a nice addition inside.
8. Deyonta Davis - completely different body than Tyler but similar skill set. I would say he isn't quite as skilled as Tyler but makes up for it with effort, length and athletic ability. Should be a nice defensive presence down the line. Good rim protector but long and quick enough to switch out on perimeter guys if necessary. Similar to Tristan Thompson
9. Jakob Poeltl - Legit NBA big, he is NOT a stiff. Has a nice "old school" post game and is improving as a passer and defender. Krystowiak anf staff have done a great job. Reminds me a bit of Alexey Len.
10. Dedric Lawson - very young players, he is 6'8 long, aggressive, plays hard defensively (a lot of potential on the end) and also shows great court vision. His shot is a long ways away but he is the youngest player on this list outside of Bender.
11. Chinanu Onuaku - good rim runner/rim protector. A classic example of the modern run/jump big. Is having some issues with foul trouble but thanks to his improvement as well as Damion Lee and nice recruiting, Louisville looks like they may be better than last year, even after losing Rozier and Harrell. They def beating Kentucky this Saturday
12. Furkan Korkmaz - a personal favorite of mine. I've followed him since he was a 15 year old tearing up youth tournaments. He has NBA level athletic ability and bball IQ but we saw with Hezonja, and how far he is from getting steady minutes. Still in this draft, he may end up being a steal down the line.
13. Jaylen Brown - the natural ability is there but I gotta wonder when, if ever will he develop his Basketball IQ enough to actually trust him with the ball in his hands. I don't see him being very effective otherwise. Size and athletic ability is there to be a defensive stopper but he has A LOT to learn on that end for now. Can't wait to see him and Rabb against Virginia tomorrow
14. Thomas Bryant - he is a bit soft and seems like he may never develop as much as people would like him too. But he is legit 6'11 with a great wingspan and strong upper body plus he is really skilled out to the NBA 3 point line. So the ceiling is there but I can't see him playing more than a few minutes a game on an NBA team right now (Sixers don't count)
15. Denzel Valentine - obviously has dominated this year. However, I'd like to see him be more consistent as a 3 point shooter as he will prob be asked to be a 3 and D guy at the next level. He has gotten a lot better as a shooter but still shoots some really ugly bricks time to time
Soooo, No Skal, No Diamond Stone, No Malik Newman. All 3 extremely disappointing. They still got time to pick it up though
Like I said this is most out of love for scouting the draft. By June or even March this list will be a lot different
8. Deyonta Davis - completely different body than Tyler but similar skill set. I would say he isn't quite as skilled as Tyler but makes up for it with effort, length and athletic ability. Should be a nice defensive presence down the line. Good rim protector but long and quick enough to switch out on perimeter guys if necessary. Similar to Tristan Thompson
9. Jakob Poeltl - Legit NBA big, he is NOT a stiff. Has a nice "old school" post game and is improving as a passer and defender. Krystowiak anf staff have done a great job. Reminds me a bit of Alexey Len.
10. Dedric Lawson - very young players, he is 6'8 long, aggressive, plays hard defensively (a lot of potential on the end) and also shows great court vision. His shot is a long ways away but he is the youngest player on this list outside of Bender.
11. Chinanu Onuaku - good rim runner/rim protector. A classic example of the modern run/jump big. Is having some issues with foul trouble but thanks to his improvement as well as Damion Lee and nice recruiting, Louisville looks like they may be better than last year, even after losing Rozier and Harrell. They def beating Kentucky this Saturday
12. Furkan Korkmaz - a personal favorite of mine. I've followed him since he was a 15 year old tearing up youth tournaments. He has NBA level athletic ability and bball IQ but we saw with Hezonja, and how far he is from getting steady minutes. Still in this draft, he may end up being a steal down the line.
13. Jaylen Brown - the natural ability is there but I gotta wonder when, if ever will he develop his Basketball IQ enough to actually trust him with the ball in his hands. I don't see him being very effective otherwise. Size and athletic ability is there to be a defensive stopper but he has A LOT to learn on that end for now. Can't wait to see him and Rabb against Virginia tomorrow
14. Thomas Bryant - he is a bit soft and seems like he may never develop as much as people would like him too. But he is legit 6'11 with a great wingspan and strong upper body plus he is really skilled out to the NBA 3 point line. So the ceiling is there but I can't see him playing more than a few minutes a game on an NBA team right now (Sixers don't count)
15. Denzel Valentine - obviously has dominated this year. However, I'd like to see him be more consistent as a 3 point shooter as he will prob be asked to be a 3 and D guy at the next level. He has gotten a lot better as a shooter but still shoots some really ugly bricks time to time
Soooo, No Skal, No Diamond Stone, No Malik Newman. All 3 extremely disappointing. They still got time to pick it up though
Like I said this is most out of love for scouting the draft. By June or even March this list will be a lot different
No way is Skal dropping of the top 15
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Wilt Chamberlain
Well like I said this is my top 15 not what I expect teams to actually do.
With that said if he continues to average 4 point/3 rebounds in SEC play (those are his numbers against Major conference opponents) I can def see him dropping down to late 1st round.
Or even *gasp* coming back for one more season.
Cal said that Skal is starting to adjust tho, and I tend to trust him on that sort of thing. So if he stays out of foul trouble and manages to get at least SOME rebounds i do think he will be in the lottery by the end of the season.
The guy who I'm really torn on is Dialo. He clearly is still learning the game but any given game he has the talent to be Kansas best player. Yet Self continues to sit him.
I can't put him in the top 15 rn but the talent is certainly there
Newman lost
DeVanteSwing
Flop Champion
thanks for the update
wow the 2017 nba draft class looks great
wow the 2017 nba draft class looks great
To me I feel like Ingram is going to be the best player to come out of this draft overall barring injury
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Wilt Chamberlain
Him, Bryant and Tyler Davis are my personal faves for this draft
Diallo isn't even the best freshman big on his team right now honestly.
Where do you have Lonzo Ball at for the 17 prospects..he's been making a lot of news lately.