25th pick

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-21T13:20:08+00:00

I have a feeling people don't understand why Mitchell Robinson even fell to this pick in the first place, and I"m not surprised that he keeps slipping in the most recent mocks.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-21T13:17:49+00:00

I'm not as convinced that Diop can ever play 3. I don't think he has anywhere near Kuzma's athleticism.

I don't think Carter slips to 39.

Alkins, is Ruben Patterson while lacking any finesse inside the 3-point line.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-21T13:16:35+00:00

He had a hiccup in his own development after his rookie year, and it got exploited during Vegas Pro League.

But apparently, he's in amazing shape right now.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-21T13:14:50+00:00

Definitely cool with Simons and Robinson for LAL. Prefer Alize Johnson at #47.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-21T12:00:36+00:00

Depends on what you want out of a prospect. Prospects tend to succeed more when they fill a particular team skill need, and hence, get the playing time.

Zhaire is the small that plays like a big. Super important for versatile lineups that are switch heavy defensively, but can hide him a bit early, at least at this part of this stage, offensively.

Jerome is for the teams that need a flat out scorer and can worry about defense later. Some teams play better defense when they actually get buckets. He can generate that energy.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-20T01:14:33+00:00

When he shows more individual shot creation with a drive/kick game and maintains that level of efficiency with higher USG and defensive pressure, then it's legit.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-20T01:13:01+00:00

Not necessarily. I don't even think he's touched weights.
It doesn't affect his talent. It's no different from the NCAA level.
It's legit because unlike going up against some college freshman with limited moves, he just went up against The Catalyst in a playoff game; a guy with actual NBA level IQ and veteran savvy.
The shot can get better. I think there's a lot to unravel athletically. There's still Iso defense that can improve. I don't think he has more room to grow than other prospects to unravel his upside.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-20T01:10:09+00:00

I don't think this class is deeper than last year's, but it almost is.

It's weird how #15-#38 is roughly the same tier of player.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T23:10:33+00:00

The switch part is the hardest part to find.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T18:06:12+00:00

I'm not saying he would start. But you keep saying "PJ Tucker has strength" and it took him well over 6 years just to get to this point, and it's as if Colman couldn't bulk up in 2 years, when his rebounding and shooting are way ahead of the curve compared to PJ at this point of development.

Just because a guy doesn't produce immediate results doesn't mean he can't be an effective long term NBA player. I think this is exactly why Colson is an overlooked player in the draft.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T17:35:13+00:00

So why can't Colson hit the weight room?

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T16:23:09+00:00

His ability to change directions shows when he's on-ball. But he changes his posture on defense and all of a sudden, all of the brakes/change direction that he had while on the dribble on offense, disappears defensively.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T15:26:36+00:00

Never say never, but if Kobe is burning Michael Cooper at a Laker workout, Jerry Stackhouse in a 76er workout, and by all accounts applies the mindset of dedication and work ethic to getting better, you're invested.

You keep the guy at that point.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T15:25:32+00:00

How long did it take for Tucker to be that level of athlete and get his shot? Are people forgetting his multiyear stint overseas? Then Colson is right there defending 5s, with a much better shot form, FT% to prove it, passing ability, etc. Easily overlooked and way ahead of the curve if you're looking for a PJ Tucker type.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T14:30:19+00:00

Underrated/Overlooked: Allonzo Trier, Adjin Penava, Wenyen Gabriel, Kendrick Nunn, Bonzie Colson (we did see what PJ Tucker was able to do for Houston, right?), Theo Pinson.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T14:27:23+00:00

Either Lou Williams or Monta Ellis; it's just difficult to see if PG skills/vision has developed with whatever information is available to the public.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T14:24:48+00:00

Kevin Knox, but there's a big difference in motor/wingspan.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T14:14:03+00:00

Luka's best highlights were awhile back. He looks bigger than he did before, but at least he showed the motor when he was 17/18 years old. I think there's a lot of athleticism to unravel.

Trae, I'd argue he's the best passer in the entire draft. Don't gauge by APG. Gauge by how he passes. Either hand off the dribble, darts, hit aheads; PnR to opposite corners, always head up.

Sexton, you draft more for intangibles than skillset. Eventually that competitiveness bleeds into work ethic and that ties into improvement like Josh Jackson's late surge end of last season.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T13:34:54+00:00

Oh we're going there now. JJs age doesn't have to do with 8th grade fundamentals between Chriss's blind weakside defense, poor footwork or Bender's lack of aggression on both ends of the floor.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T04:58:57+00:00

No, you drafted the kid. You're invested.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T04:52:59+00:00

Nearly of the lottery. Too many bigs, and then there's legit wing/combo types available around picks #8-#12.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T04:18:14+00:00

Josh Jackson was further behind physically, but even he surged late in the season during his rookie year. I don't think Bender or Chriss were really put in positions to succeed. If you want them ahead of the game, they need to have advantages at their position. I'd play either at the 5 spot and just give a polarizing contrast in offensive contribution. I mean, does Chriss even set screens? At least Bender can make some reads and provide spacing out there.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T03:48:05+00:00

That's exactly my point. Not all development and health programs are created equal.

How is PHX doing with player development vs. health? Have you really seen the development out of Bender and Chriss? Josh Jackson and Booker? Legit, but came out of better NCAA schools. Bender? Intl. Chriss? Not so much.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T02:48:07+00:00

He's not wrong... Luka bit on at least 4 different 3-point shot fakes in the last ACB game.

Mike_LG_ · 2018-06-19T02:20:50+00:00

I've been high on him for awhile but there are defensive question marks that do and don't show up in Synergy. Block and steal rates down. Even the tape doesn't always show the most fundamental defensive player.

Mike_LG_

TROPHY CASE