2024 NBA Draft Thread

[exstatic]

Thought experiment. Let's say Spurs get the 5th pick. Off the board already are Saar, Topic, Buzelis, and Holland. (Just guessing).

Who do you pick?

Risacher or Dillingham.

[The Truth #6]

I'm on board with Dillingham I think. Super productive off the bench on a loaded Kentucky team. Counting stats would be higher on a less talented team. Shooting has improved and is solid if not really good. Insane handle and wiggle. Great vision and passing this year. Huge improvement in one year. I think I would take Dillingham first then roll player who drops with the likely Toronto pick.

[spurraider21]

I'm on board with Dillingham I think. Super productive off the bench on a loaded Kentucky team. Counting stats would be higher on a less talented team. Shooting has improved and is solid if not really good. Insane handle and wiggle. Great vision and passing this year. Huge improvement in one year. I think I would take Dillingham first then roll player who drops with the likely Toronto pick.
If we have the raptors pick I’d figure out how to make it more likely to land both Dillingham and Risacher based on the teams picking between our two selections

[scott]

1741217878580289856

[duncan2150]

Thought experiment. Let's say Spurs get the 5th pick. Off the board already are Saar, Topic, Buzelis, and Holland. (Just guessing).

Who do you pick?

Ja'kobe Walter

[heyheymymy]

Draft Walter and trade for Derrick White back and run the

Walter White "let's cook" lineup

[rascal]

Risacher or Dillingham.

Dillingham looks small.

[The Truth #6]

Dillingham looks small.

This draft looks weak. We still have to pick someone. He could still be solid.

[Kurik]

If the Spurs get the #1 pick I hope that they trade it.

if Toronto conveys and the Spurs have 2 picks between #2 and #12 or so I’d be happy with 2 of the following:

Topic
Walter
Risacher
Williams
Sheppard
Dillingham
Castle (He’s been rusty after injury but assuming he improves)

I’m not a fan of Sarr, Holland, and Buzelis but that could change with time.

[BackHome]

For me it's:

Topic
Buzelis
Williams
Risacher
Sheppard
Tidjane
Castle

[Mr. Body]

Tapping in now that we're entering conference play and are getting more games for everyone. We'll start seeing lots of movement in mock before we see accelerated movement during draft season.

It's hard to get a grasp on any of this anymore. Players are drafted well before they're ready to contribute and then older draftees are able to chip in. A rookie might pan out and then regress as teams figure them out. As everyone says, this seems like a poor draft by reputation. Seems closer to 2020 when we were trying to convince ourselves that James Wiseman wasn't going to bust. Most of that lottery was a wasteland, but then 2023 hasn't exactly been off the charts other than Wembanyama -- but then again it's just been a partial season.

Hard to project anything at this point, but:

Isaiah Collier, Alexandre Sarr. Collier seems like a complete no-go at this point, a guy who got hyped on physical attributes who may be drafted way too high on reputation. As for Sarr, I'm wary of drafting a center this high who is not Victor Wembanyama. Right now I'm puzzled why he's projected so high.

Ron Holland, Ja'Kobe Walter. Haven't watched them, but uncertain. By now I think we're learning that going G-League may be a bad idea for young players. It simply doesn't teach them much. Walter has a reputation for being tunnel vision, but I want to watch him play.

Zach Risacher, Matas Buzelis. I'm uncertain about Risacher. Would like to see extended production. Would be great if he was more of a defender. Buzelis has sort of become an afterthought and G-League might have been a terrible choice, but he's intriguing

Nikola Topic. Stephon Castle, Dillingham, Sheppard I mean, Topic is the real attraction right now. With real weaknesses, but a couple superior skills (passing, rim pressure). I look forward to watching Castle. Also want to watch more Kentucky with their raft of undersized guards.

Guys like Bub Carrington. These are the types who could really rise. No one at Pittburgh (equivalent) is going to get much attention, so there's always potential value.

Last year, players like Walker and Hendricks might have been drafted too high. We'll see about the Thompsons, etc. We saw an Anthony Black torpedo up the draft while Nick Smith Jr. plummeted. I do think this one's more like 2020 where there''s a lot of disaster in the top 10-12 picks. Hope we can do alright.

[BackHome]

One thing is for sure I don't think any of these guys we are looking at should be starting and getting major minutes next year. They all need to spend time in G League, the team with the best coaches and trainers who can help players will play a big roll on who is a bust and who is a future star.

[Harry Callahan]

Would anyone on this site be even marginally comfortable with Brian Wright have any significant input on future draft picks? He obviously gets zero points for 2023. It seems like many of these guys don't show the appropriate level of effort and intensity. The 2022 draft is starting to look like a bunch of end of the bench guys for a competitive team. The 2021 draft was a complete disaster - a lack of due diligence by the front office to draft a guy who had some personal issues that should have disqualified ANY consideration as a first round draft pick. Vassell is a guy who can be a starter/contributor. Wright also had input on the 2018 and 2019 drafts (I think - definitely 2019). Lonnie Walker, Sammich, and Keldon Johnson - a journeyman, a total bust, and a decent bench rotation player.

I guess there was a reason why the Spurs sucked last year and this year. Not enough talent, effort, and heart. The Celtics are very possibly the best team in the NBA, but that was a disgusting, embarrassing display of basketball tonight by San Antonio. The Spurs squad was being laughed at by the opposition - the Celtics were running around like it was a practice session they way they cut up SA's defense. Yes, two of the Spurs top seven players were out, but geeez. That sleepwalking display was shameful - at least the guys on the floor could act like they actually want to play in the NBA - Wemby of course is not being referenced here. The rest of them should be roundly criticized.

At this rate, the Spurs might (MIGHT) win a couple of games the next couple of months. January looks like an a possible zero and whatever. They will probably lose to the Pistons, especially if the game is in Detroit. Just think, the Spurs and Pistons were the two best teams and basketball twenty years ago.

[Mr. Body]

Would anyone on this site be even marginally comfortable with Brian Wright have any significant input on future draft picks? He obviously gets zero points for 2023. It seems like many of these guys don't show the appropriate level of effort and intensity. The 2022 draft is starting to look like a bunch of end of the bench guys for a competitive team. The 2021 draft was a complete disaster - a lack of due diligence by the front office to draft a guy who had some personal issues that should have disqualified ANY consideration as a first round draft pick. Vassell is a guy who can be a starter/contributor. Wright also had input on the 2018 and 2019 drafts (I think - definitely 2019). Lonnie Walker, Sammich, and Keldon Johnson - a journeyman, a total bust, and a decent bench rotation player.

I guess there was a reason why the Spurs sucked last year and this year. Not enough talent, effort, and heart. The Celtics are very possibly the best team in the NBA, but that was a disgusting, embarrassing display of basketball tonight by San Antonio. The Spurs squad was being laughed at by the opposition - the Celtics were running around like it was a practice session they way they cut up SA's defense. Yes, two of the Spurs top seven players were out, but geeez. That sleepwalking display was shameful - at least the guys on the floor could act like they actually want to play in the NBA - Wemby of course is not being referenced here. The rest of them should be roundly criticized.

At this rate, the Spurs might (MIGHT) win a couple of games the next couple of months. January looks like an a possible zero and whatever. They will probably lose to the Pistons, especially if the game is in Detroit. Just think, the Spurs and Pistons were the two best teams and basketball twenty years ago.

Goddamn you guys just need to shoot yourselves in the head.

[Harry Callahan]

Goddamn you guys just need to shoot yourselves in the head.

Stating my opinion - kiss my a@@ M Body. Opinions are the purpose of forums right?

[CGD]

Who’s got this latest mock from Givony?
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39192283/2024-nba-draft-notebook-topic-returns-home-filipowski-leap

[spurraider21]

Did Mr Body really wait for the win against Portland to come back and start posting? :lol

[Bruno]

Who’s got this latest mock from Givony?
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39192283/2024-nba-draft-notebook-topic-returns-home-filipowski-leap

espn insider is only in the usa. With a proxy, it should work:
https://nl.hideproxy.me/go.php?u=swTRiSZJzwakg8yeFdj%2BylL%2FkVpmUTxqjy4TW nfOw0aSV9nFo5FeYjdqibXTEfpXRdx%2BGW9UNuOowqIz2LBXN joSX%2BsxVLYforjjiS%2BV3PeclM8vtb77Qnr5nddIx0koWKT H4zFEMlDLe6kRL%2B5UogPo2Q%3D%3D&b=5&f=norefer

It isn't a mock draft but some random thoughts. His mock is available there:
https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable/_/position/ovr

3 french players in the top 6. :)

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1742193869486170246
https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1742196942900277584

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1742200856110301452

Salaun is climbing the boards actually, one thing is sure about this guy he's a hard worker.

[CGD]

Wow, first I’ve seen Holland this low and Matas not in the top 9. Also the highest I’ve seen Dillingham, and above Collier to boot. And how is this Salaun guy, this year’s Bilal?

[buttsR4rebounding]

Wow, first I’ve seen Holland this low and Matas not in the top 9. Also the highest I’ve seen Dillingham, and above Collier to boot. And how is this Salaun guy, this year’s Bilal?




Tidjane Salaun will be this year’s Couliby.

[BackHome]

Yeah Matas is falling because of his 3 point shooting is not good which is funny because that what he was known for in High School. If he can correct that he will move up if not he will probably be a mid first pick.

I will give ButtsR.. for putting me on Salaun - I watched some games and and the thing I like is he plays with a little edge he is passionate and I like that and think we need more of those type of players. One thing on a lot of mocks you see him either as a SF or a PF. To me he is a pure PF and he looks like he has grown I would say he is a legit 6’10. The things I would like to see him work on is his rebounding the other thing he might be the youngest player in this draft so he definitely has room to improve.

Another kid I think will be moving up just on potential is Tyler Smith

[rjv]

significantly different draft board than from a few months back

[The Truth #6]

Did Mr Body really wait for the win against Portland to come back and start posting? :lol

And still with the trademark humility and easy going attitude that we've come to expect.

[Leetonidas]

Goddamn you guys just need to shoot yourselves in the head.

What an unhinged response. Seek help

[onechance87]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1742200856110301452

Salaun is climbing the boards actually, one thing is sure about this guy he's a hard worker.

if this guy can rebound and play d....go for it

[tapiefan]

Zaccharie Risacher is a fraud, believe me, he's just surfing on the hype for French mens. Spurs must not go all in to draft him.

[TD 21]

If Salaun's rise lasts, he'll automatically be in the mix as a double whammy (bi-racial and European), although he might be too long and athletic for their taste.

Still, the former means they'll foist all of their usual stereotypes/boxes checked upon him and prioritize that nonsense before whether he projects as a positive impact player.

[scott]

Interesting tidbits from the Givony post previously linked:



Topic goes from Mega MIS, one of the fastest-paced teams in the Adriatic League -- which afforded him unlimited freedom to push in the open court and probe outside of the confines of the offense -- to a Red Star team ranked last in pace, where he'll surely be asked to play a different style.
Topic's 18.5 pick-and-roll possessions used per game ranked No. 1 in the Adriatic League by a wide margin, and he's also top five in the league in isolation and transition possessions. He'll likely be asked to do more with less, playing behind and alongside Teodosic, a legend of European basketball who excels operating in pick and roll.
"Basketball is a game of decisions," Topic said. "It's a mental game. Using angles. The player that makes a faster decision, that person will win. The EuroLeague is a mind game. It's a game of reads."
Two areas where Red Star will likely help Topic's development are defensively and as a perimeter shooter. Playing 34 minutes per game in an outsized role offensively, Topic has had a fair share of lackadaisical moments defensively, especially off the ball, something that will not fly under the defensive-minded Sfairopoulos.
With better talent surrounding him on a team that shoots more 3s per possession than anyone in the EuroLeague, Topic (29% from 3) should get more opportunities to step into catch-and-shoot jumpers than he did at Mega MIS. He'll also be asked to make very different types of reads than in the Adriatic league, where teams aggressively trapped him in ball screens to try to get the ball out of his hands and force others to beat them. He'll likely see more drop and switching coverages in the EuroLeague, more similar to what he'll face in the NBA. He'll enjoy significantly less practice time, also with considerably more travel and games.
With 11 games on the January schedule between the EuroLeague and Adriatic League, Topic will need to hit the ground running for Red Star compared with his previous weekly slate at Mega.
It's not clear what Topic's pre-draft process will look like, as he will likely see his season extend into late May, with the possibility of playing in the Serbian league in June, which might make it challenging for him to conduct private workouts with teams. If Topic excels for Red Star, that likely won't matter that much ultimately, as he could build a strong case for consideration as a top-three pick or even possibly the No. 1 selection depending on how the rest of the class shapes up.

[onechance87]

matas is bad.....yall dont mention him in the top 10 pick again....like i said another
bertans....pass on him

[scott]

I like Clark out of Iowa. PG problems solved.

[TheGreatYacht]

Perfect draft for me would be Rob Dillingham and Ryan Dunn. Rob has star written all over him, clear as day. His defense is suspect but I think it’s something you’re going to have to live with as most elite PG’s don’t defend for shit either. Dunn on the other hand is someone that’s an All-Defense player day 1. He can’t shoot for shit just like the other bums on our team but at least he’s a gigantic positive defensively. Both complement Victor and would start right away over those fucking bums Branham and Champagnie.

Wemby
Sochan
Dunn
Vassell
Dillingham

Collins
Johnson
Jones

Two All defensive players in that starting lineup and two guys that COULD be above average defensively if they were to give a shit. Shooting may be a problem but it should be alright if Wemby can bring that 3p% up to at least a 32-34, and Jeremy keeps up the improvement he’s shown this season.

[timtonymanu]

Goddamn you guys just need to shoot yourselves in the head.

Seek therapy. It’s better than your takes on here.

[DAF86]

Zaccharie Risacher is a fraud, believe me, he's just surfing on the hype for French mens. Spurs must not go all in to draft him.

Do you see him play in the regular?

[DPG21920]

Cody, Topic, JaKobe prob my top 3 favorite guys overall so far

[BackHome]

Cody, Topic, JaKobe prob my top 3 favorite guys overall so far

Yeah, right now I think that would be my top 3 - Cody gives you a guy an athletic tall defender who has a lot of upside on offense a possible future starting SF on a playoff team - Topic gives you a floor General, and JaKobe probably has the highest floor as what he does can easily carry over to NBA and this is an offensive league.

I am not high on Dunn as he is a terrible offensive player - his 3 ball % is .190 and he hits the free throw rate at .614 - I hate saying that cause I love great Defenders, but it is what it is "The New NBA" and yeah I am tired of watching Branham and some other players.

[spurraider21]

im not saying you want a team full of brent formses but offensive skill and the ability to get off 3 point shots with a quick release is so much more valuable right now than individual defensive prowess. a competent coach would scheme defense a lot better to make sure players get help where needed. we already have an all-world anchor which makes that a lot easier, too.

[scott]

Bottom line is that if the only thing we do this offseason is add two top-10 picks, then we're going to be terrible against next season. If that happens:



Some folks on this board will be okay (or even happy with that). Some of those will be because they want another tank season, others because they like seeing Pop fail.
Some folks who have come on record and said the tanking should stop after this season will suddenly change their tunes and tell us CIAPop is a genius.
Some folks will continue to criticize this team for a lack of direction.


Despite how fun the content of this message board will be, for the reasons above I hope this is not what happens this offseason.

[CorrectCrusader]

Bottom line is that if the only thing we do this offseason is add two top-10 picks, then we're going to be terrible against next season. If that happens:



Some folks on this board will be okay (or even happy with that). Some of those will be because they want another tank season, others because they like seeing Pop fail.
Some folks who have come on record and said the tanking should stop after this season will suddenly change their tunes and tell us CIAPop is a genius.
Some folks will continue to criticize this team for a lack of direction.


Despite how fun the content of this message board will be, for the reasons above I hope this is not what happens this offseason.

We need to fill gaps with veterans who are at least solid. Can't be another bottom feeder next year, we need to at least be fighting for the play in come april.

[CorrectCrusader]

If we go based off this list, (https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/) then I think we should go after Markelle Fultz, Batum, and an Andre Drummond, these type players to fill out the roster. I think Batum would be a great presence for Victor, fellow frenchman and all.

[BackHome]

The only way that happens if Spurs make trade or pays for free agents and I just don't see that happening. I was hoping that we could have signed IQ. after this season as he is a free agent but it looks like the Raptors beat us so not seeing any good players I would want. I seriously think that we will be just as bad the following year because I don't see our pick making a big impact there first year with us.

[SpursBills]

Serious question for all the posters screaming at the front office for picking Haliburton over Vassell in 2020:

Do you go ahead and pick Reed Sheppard with a top 5 pick in this draft? The scouting report for Haliburton out of Iowa state was that he'd be good as a secondary creator, sort of like a lonzo ball. He had significant questions about his ability to generate baskets in isolation, exert any kind of rim pressure, and had limited athleticism. He had a thin frame so there were also questions about his ability to hold up on defense.

Now you've got a guy in Sheppard who's shooting ridiculous percentages from all three levels, has a high AST:TO, and projects as a secondary creator with good shooting at the next level. He also is putting up historic college numbers but has questions about his ability to generate baskets in isolation or exert any kind of rim pressure. He's short and has short arms so there are questions about his ability to hold up on defense even though he has outstanding steal and block percentages. He's also a year younger than Haliburton was at Iowa State when he came out. He's also a kentucky guard so he's probably way better than what he's shown.

I don't honestly think Sheppard is going to be a star or anything, but for posters who could clearly see what a mistake taking Vassell was in 2020, how is this different from a Haliburton situation in 2020?

[Chinook]

Honestly, if Shepard keeps this up, I don't see how the Spurs shouldn't take him with the Toronto pick. Like shit, take Collier AND Shepard. Most of the time, uber productive college players -- especially those who aren't super seniors and play in a major conference -- do turn out to be good pros. Dude don't look anything like a star, and he's not even a defensive ace. But he does seem like Jones with a jumpshot but not the same burst to the rim. The Spurs should absolutely prioritize finding that penetrating star, but Shepard can play both guard positions, or so seems to be the case right now. So you can draft that big athletic high-upside guy with your first pick, use future assets on getting another such player, and then use that Toronto pick on a bona fide role-player that checks a bunch of boxes.

Again, there's supposedly conference and tournament play left to go, and there's a chance Sheppard falls back to Earth. But yeah, if you think he's going to be somewhere between Reaves and White you take him, even at seven. The team simply can't afford to draft another raw player who can't do anything at the NBA level for multiple years. The team just can't afford to let such a player develop given Wemby and whomever is taken with the team's natural pick.

Then again, looking at Johnny Davis in terms of how a guy can seem like a high-floor prospect and be completely unworkable in the NBA. It's just more reason to be cautious until the team gets a chance to work him out.

[Kurik]

I’m all for one of Dillingham or Sheppard with the Toronto pick.

[onechance87]

I’m all for one of Dillingham or Sheppard with the Toronto pick.

yup...both upgrade over branham and tre jones....so im down with it

[Dejounte]

Bottom line is that if the only thing we do this offseason is add two top-10 picks, then we're going to be terrible against next season. If that happens:



Some folks on this board will be okay (or even happy with that). Some of those will be because they want another tank season, others because they like seeing Pop fail.
Some folks who have come on record and said the tanking should stop after this season will suddenly change their tunes and tell us CIAPop is a genius.
Some folks will continue to criticize this team for a lack of direction.


Despite how fun the content of this message board will be, for the reasons above I hope this is not what happens this offseason.

What I don’t get is how people think life is guaranteed to them in four years tbh

Four years to maybe see something great from the team they love. It makes more sense to hope that success comes sooner.

[Dejounte]

im not saying you want a team full of brent formses but offensive skill and the ability to get off 3 point shots with a quick release is so much more valuable right now than individual defensive prowess. a competent coach would scheme defense a lot better to make sure players get help where needed. we already have an all-world anchor which makes that a lot easier, too.

This team already struggles to take advantage of its current shooters, I don’t know why you believe adding more will help.

[spurraider21]

This team already struggles to take advantage of its current shooters, I don’t know why you believe adding more will help.
If we are getting this version of pop it frankly doesn’t matter if we had the b2b warriors roster and there’s no point in anybody talking about how to build the team

[TD 21]

I don't think Sheppard is the next Haliburton, but he looks to be in the mold of Holiday, White, Caruso, Exum, Podziemski, Mann, Smart, Wallace, Suggs, Melton, Brogdon and Quickley, as a 3 and D combo guard/secondary creator.

That's a valuable, high floor archetype and he projects as the best shooter of the bunch as well.

Unless he falls off a cliff, he should be high priority.

[TheGreatYacht]

I don't think Sheppard is the next Haliburton, but he looks to be in the mold of Holiday, White, Caruso, Exum, Podziemski, Mann, Smart, Wallace, Suggs, Melton, Brogdon and Quickley, as a 3 and D combo guard/secondary creator.

That's a valuable, high floor archetype and he projects as the best shooter of the bunch as well.

Unless he falls off a cliff, he should be high priority.
Derrick White is a perfect comparison for him, wow

[baseline bum]

If anyone wants Givony's Top 25 from ESPN Insider:
https://archive.is/TW3hn

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo
Jan 2, 2024, 08:00 AM ET

Another month, another change at the top of our NBA draft board.
Isaiah Collier was previously ranked No. 1, but the USC freshman guard struggled to score in December as the Trojans have lost five of their past six games.

As a result, the steady Alex Sarr is now No. 1 in ESPN's top 25 rankings. The 7-foot-1 big has continued to improve for Perth this season in the NBL after initially moving up draft boards following his two-game outing against the G League Ignite in September.

One prospect making a jump of nearly 20 spots to crack the top 15 is Purdue's Zach Edey, the reigning national player of the year. Edey returned to school for his senior season, and his game has found another gear against some of the top teams in college basketball.

Conference play is here, so these rankings -- complied by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony, with Jeremy Woo assisting in providing analysis -- will change as we inch closer to June's 2024 NBA draft.
Check back all season as we inform you of the risers and fallers of this unpredictable draft class.
Rankings and writeups last updated: Tuesday, Jan. 2.

1. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 2
Sarr continues to produce for Perth, winners of nine of their past 11 games, stringing together some of his best games of the season in December. He plays a compact, efficient role as a cutter, roller and offensive rebounder, with plenty of freedom to demonstrate his versatile skill set pushing off the defensive glass and facilitating as a passer, making perimeter shots in a variety of ways, and showing his excellent footwork and soft touch as a finisher. Sarr ranks among the NBL's best shot-blockers, but he is highly switchable on the perimeter with his quick feet, long arms and outstanding mobility. Adding strength and becoming a more physical rebounder will be important, but it's difficult to nitpick his play too much considering his productivity versus high-level competition in a situation in which he's not just being spoonfed playing time. Sarr's continued improvement this season, overall consistency and outstanding NBA fit playing a similar role to the likes of Evan Mobley and Chet Holmgren makes him a safe choice currently as the potential No. 1 pick. -- Jonathan Givony

2. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg
6-10 | Age: 18.7 | Previously ranked: 3
Risacher emerged this season as a more decisive and confident player, with the size and skill level to play a highly valuable NBA archetype. He's playing a major role on a good Bourg team that has given him a strong runway to develop his game. In a year with no clear No. 1 pick, Risacher's steady trajectory has enhanced his standing as a prospect. There's quite a bit for teams to work with, and the growth he has shown has put him in the conversation at the very top of the draft.
While unlikely to carry an offense with his scoring, Risacher's ability to facilitate, space the floor and attack space off the dribble gives him a good baseline level of versatility and leaves room to evolve. Defensively, he plays an active, intelligent style and can guard multiple positions. As a tall, switchable perimeter player who can mix and match with a wide range of lineups around him -- and one of the younger players in the draft -- Risacher offers a good mix of floor and upside. -- Jeremy Woo

3. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-8 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 10
Currently sidelined with a wrist injury, Williams is expected to return in the coming week, a source told ESPN, and will have a chance to further showcase himself after a solid start to his freshman year. The younger brother of Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams, Cody offers intrigue with his mix of size, length, passing instincts and defensive acumen, presenting intriguing upside for him to grow on both ends. His body hasn't filled out yet and he's still raw in some areas, without a polished scoring arsenal and consistent jump shot. While more of a playmaker than a go-to guy, when Williams plays assertively, you can see the blueprint for what he might become. There are still some important developmental unknowns -- he'll need some time, particularly if tasked with handling the ball -- but his point-forward mold is certainly interesting to ponder at the top of this draft class. -- Woo

4. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-5 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 4
Walter is having an excellent season for Baylor, scoring prolifically and efficiently while emerging as one of the best freshman shooters in college basketball. He can shoot running off screens, ducking behind handoffs, or drifting into corner 3s, giving him a ready-made NBA skill. Defensively, he plays with great energy and has the potential to develop into a multipositional stopper with his 6-foot-9 wingspan, even if he's far from that at the moment, giving up far too many blow-bys and suffering lapses off the ball.
While there's a comfort level and relatively high floor stemming from his shot-making, length and outstanding intangibles, Walter's upside is limited somewhat by his just-decent burst and explosiveness, a rudimentary handle, and average passing ability, as he doesn't currently project as a high-level shot creator. He didn't have great showings in any of Baylor's biggest nonconference games outside of a season-opening win against Auburn (28 points), so NBA scouts will be monitoring his play in the loaded Big 12 closely to get a better read on his skill level and feel for the game versus high-level competition to see whether he can make a run at being a top-three pick. -- Givony

5. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star
6-7 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 9
Topic has returned to Red Star Belgrade, the club where he began his career, putting him in position to show different elements of his game against a higher level of competition in the EuroLeague. After a historic start to his season with Mega MIS, Topic put himself in the top-five conversation with positional size, creativity and remarkable feel setting him apart, as well as a proclivity for scoring in the paint. NBA teams will closely monitor how his in-season transfer affects his role and production the rest of the season, as he's likely to receive more opportunities to play off the ball and demonstrate his utility. It's not out of the question Topic plays himself higher than this on draft night, considering the dearth of polished lead guards in this class and how advanced he is for his age. -- Woo

6. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-10 | Age: 18.3 | Previously ranked: 15
Salaun had an outstanding December, shooting 17-for-25 from 3 over six games, helping Cholet advance a round in the FIBA Champions League and win three consecutive games in the French league with Salaun entrenched in the starting lineup. The youngest player in LNB Pro A, Salaun is looking increasingly comfortable on both ends of the floor after a slow start. He's showing impressive confidence and shot-making prowess hitting stepback, pullup and deep spot-up 3s, converting 39% of his attempts on the season.
He's also making a significant impact defensively generating turnovers out of Cholet's pressing, switching, trap-heavy system with his outstanding combination of size, length, mobility and intensity, showing impressive agility helping and recovering all over the floor. He's still not a great ball handler, shot creator or passer, and NBA teams will be monitoring the growth of his floor game closely in the second half of the season. At 6-10 and 18 years old, with an enviable frame, physical tools and versatile two-way game, Salaun's sky-high upside could see him drafted as high as the top five if he continues to improve. -- Givony

7. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 16
Dillingham continues to show growth at Kentucky, settling into a role in a crowded backcourt in which he has been able to create and make a positive impact. While not gifted with great size, Dillingham changes speeds and creates off the dribble as well as anyone in this draft class, and he has shown maturity in his adjustment to college basketball coming from Overtime Elite's more wide-open league. Dillingham's passing and decision-making has been solid, and he's shooting well from deep thus far. There's a variance of opinion on all of Kentucky's prospects -- and Dillingham's lack of great tools and physicality presents concerns as a viable starter, particularly holding up on the defensive end -- but he has certainly helped his standing two months into the season, and there's some significant upside in the way he creates shots. -- Woo

8. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-5 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 1
Collier had a difficult December, struggling to score (11.8 PPG) with middling efficiency (50% true shooting), as USC dropped five of its past six games. Collier has been well scouted by opponents, as it's clear he wants to drive left and finish with his right hand at seemingly all costs, missing teammates consistently and not having a midrange game to fall back on. He has made just 21% of his 3-pointers in December after a promising start to the season as a shooter and has been inconsistent with his defensive intensity as well, even if he has trended upward in that area recently.
Collier's excellent size, strength, shot-creating prowess in transition and the flashes he shows as a live dribble-passer are intriguing enough to keep him in the top-10 conversation, but his struggles as a finisher, shooter and decision-maker will create some difficult conversations among NBA teams on draft night if he doesn't pick up his play, especially with USC currently 6-7 (0-2 in conference) and not in the NCAA tournament conversation. -- Givony

9. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
7-0 | Age: 20.1 | Previously ranked: 11
Filipowski is in the midst of an All-American season, showing significant improvement while making a major impact on both ends of the floor. Possessing the versatility to operate as a roller, post-up threat, one-on-one creator or spot-up shooter, he has an extremely high skill level and feel for the game for a 7-footer. After some early inconsistent play, Filipowski has increased his intensity level defensively as well, posting an impressive 2.6 blocks, 1.6 steals and 9.6 rebounds in December, most notably anchoring Duke's pick-and-roll defense in an important win over Baylor in front of a host of NBA executives at Madison Square Garden. The challenge will now be to translate that to ACC play, where Duke still has work to do on its résumé to be a high enough NCAA tournament seed to make a Final Four run. -- Givony

10. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 7
Buzelis' December return was a mixed bag: He played a role as Ignite won four of six games, notching a pair of 20-point games against Rip City, then struggled to make his presence felt in two games at the G League Winter Showcase. His long-term appeal is tied primarily to his size and skill level, but he'll need to play with greater all-around consistency and demonstrate more physicality. Still more of a long-term play at this point given his need to add strength, Buzelis will need to back up his ranking with a bit more production to solidify himself as a top-10 prospect. A longer adjustment period to the G League level was predictable here, but he has work to do to back up his lofty preseason standing. -- Woo

11. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-7 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 5
Holland's stock has slipped as scouts have started to figure out his tendencies, amid a disappointing Ignite season that has highlighted both his remarkable athleticism and questionable feel for making decisions. His raw counting stats are notable for a player his age at the G League level, but he has struggled with efficiency, turnovers and 3-point shooting. Holland doesn't look like a player who can handle heavy offensive usage anytime soon. While that projection is less optimistic than it was a few months ago, Holland still offers a strong upside on the defensive end, where he can be highly impactful with his energy and might eventually settle into a solid role. Expectations need to be reframed, but there's still time for Holland to smooth some things out and allow the game to slow down for him. -- Woo

12. Ryan Dunn | SF/PF | Virginia
6-8 | Age: 20.9 | Previously ranked: 12
Dunn profiles as one of the draft's bigger developmental bets. Where a team decides to select him hangs largely on risk tolerance. He's a stellar defender and plus athlete with great potential on that side of the floor, but his offense is a major work in progress, with his jump shot in a nascent stage of development. His role in Virginia's offense (where he works as more of a dive man and screener) is far different than what he'll do in the NBA, but it's also necessitated by Dunn's struggles to space the floor. If a team believes it can develop his shooting, he's a highly intriguing prospect -- but he may wind up somewhat polarizing due to the risk attached. Dunn is just 4-for-21 from 3 in 13 games, so it's likely these concerns follow him into the pre-draft process, where teams will be eager to evaluate his shooting in private workouts. -- Woo

13. Donovan Clingan | C | UConn
7-2 | Age: 19.8 | Previously ranked: 6
Coming off his best performance of the season in a win over Gonzaga, Clingan's choppy sophomore campaign was derailed yet again by another foot injury that will cause him to miss most of January. Already having missed a month of preseason with an injury to the same right foot, Clingan was also ruled a game-time decision earlier this month with a toe injury in his left foot. Considering the track record of foot injuries with 7-3 centers in Clingan's mold, this will be something NBA teams will be studying closely in the pre-draft process. Clingan's conditioning did not look up to par in the dozen games he did play this season, where he wasn't running or jumping as effectively as he did as a freshman, with his rebounding and dunk numbers down considerably. Getting back to full strength closer to the NCAA tournament will be imperative for UConn and Clingan. -- Givony

14. Zach Edey | C | Purdue
7-4 | Age: 21.6 | Previously ranked: 32
The runaway favorite to repeat as national player of the year, Edey has found another gear with his conditioning, mobility and productivity, looking noticeably more impactful on both ends of the floor. He has shown better versatility stepping outside the paint defensively, blocking shots prolifically while drawing fouls and dunking even more than usual, finding some real swagger to his game this season.
Edey has done it against many of the top teams in college basketball, with big performances against Arizona, Alabama, Marquette and Tennessee, even showing some new facets to his game as a passer when double-teams inevitably come. While there will surely be some skepticism around his age, lack of perimeter shooting and ability to hold his own as a pick-and-roll defender, Edey has some clear virtues NBA teams can tap into early in his career and is worthy of a fresh look, possibly as a lottery-level prospect in a class lacking sure-fire contributors. -- Givony

15. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 | Age: 22.8 | Previously ranked: 18
Amid a workhorse season at Kansas, McCullar continues to play the best basketball of his career, functioning in a demanding two-way role as a high-volume scorer and top wing defender. His NBA role will be highly scaled down, and there will likely still be some skepticism factoring in his age at his level and his surprising leap as a 40% 3-point shooter. But the potential to plug McCullar in immediately on the wing will have appeal in a thinner draft, where front offices might be more justified taking an older, productive prospect over a longer-view project. -- Woo

16. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 22
The biggest surprise of the NBA draft cycle thus far, Sheppard has played an essential role in Kentucky's transformation into one of the fastest-paced offenses in college basketball. He has emerged as arguably the best shooter in the class, shooting 28-for-50 from 3 (56%) through 12 games, while showing high-level pace and court vision whipping passes all over the floor with his terrific feel for the game.
This also manifests itself vividly on the defensive end, with Sheppard generating steals and blocks at an outstanding rate. Measured at just 6-2 with a 6-3 wingspan, Sheppard's physical tools are a major question mark, especially since he has struggled at times handling pressure and being swallowed up inside the paint as a primary ball handler versus the better teams Kentucky has faced. As good a defender as he is off the ball, he gets overpowered one-on-one by bigger players as well. For those reasons, SEC competition will reveal a lot about Sheppard, particularly in how his role evolves operating behind and alongside Kentucky's other star freshman guards. -- Givony

17. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | UConn
6-6 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 8
Another UConn underclassman who has battled injuries, Castle missed nearly a month because of a meniscus procedure from which he seemingly hasn't fully recovered. Recently reentering the starting lineup, his playing time has ticked up, but he has struggled to make much of an impact offensively. He looks reluctant and limited as a perimeter shooter (1-for-8 from 3), while appearing tentative attacking the rim and struggling to make good decisions with the ball. Defensively, Castle has added more value, being difficult to score on one one-on-one while making an impact flying around with his outstanding length to get in passing lanes and rotate to protect the rim. NBA teams will be patiently waiting to see whether Castle's breakout comes during Big East play, as it's likely he'll either be picked much higher or lower than where he's currently slated, if he does enter the draft at all. -- Givony

[baseline bum]

18. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 25
In a down year for Ignite, Smith has been on a positive trajectory, making a solid adjustment to the G League and showing off his comfort as a jump shooter, a skill that should translate well at his size. He still has a lot of work to do in all areas to hold up as a stretch big in the NBA, particularly with his physicality, rebounding and defense, and he's currently a bit of a forward tweener as a result. Still, the outline of the useful frontcourt role Smith might eventually play is clear, and he has put himself in solid first-round consideration. -- Woo

19. Trevon Brazile | PF/C | Arkansas
6-10 | Age: 20.9 | Previously ranked: 19
Brazile's December production didn't exactly support his first-round status, but his appeal comes more as a long-term development piece due to his ability to block shots and shoot from distance in the frontcourt. Though still a ways off in terms of feel, physical strength and productivity, the demand for competent, athletic floor-spacers should hold teams' interest into the spring. Considering his tools, shooting and athleticism, Brazile is the type of prospect who tends to become more attractive during the pre-draft process, setting him up for a potential rise over the next few months. -- Woo

20. Yves Missi | C | Baylor
6-11 | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 29
Missi has exceeded expectations thus far, especially considering he started playing organized basketball in 2018. He's one of the most physically gifted players in the class, boasting a 9-1 standing reach and showing exceptional mobility covering ground and getting off his feet quickly. He has a clear-cut role as an offensive rebounder and vertical spacer with excellent hands and finishing ability, with intriguing defensive versatility sliding his feet and protecting the rim. His passing ability, lack of shooting range and defensive lapses are things NBA teams will want to get a better handle on as the year moves on. Missi has been inconsistent in Baylor's biggest games, outside of his excellent showing versus Duke last week, but has significant long-term upside to grow into. -- Givony

21. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 21
While Klintman has never been a bannerman for consistency -- he has tallied 22, 4, 4, 8, 24, 0 and 5 points in his past seven games -- he has demonstrated strong flashes of the player he might become if he's able to harness his game regularly. Klintman looks like less of a theoretical prospect and more of a player than he did in college, having shown some interesting scoring flashes, but also some poor habits, particularly on defense. He could wind up being pretty versatile and impact the game with his athletic ability and shooting, but his history of mercurial production and impact makes this a tricky situation to evaluate right now. -- Woo

22. Kel'el Ware | C | Indiana
7-0 | Age: 19.6 | Previously ranked: 15
Ware has dominated lower-level competition while being inconsistent against similar-sized big men, giving him much to prove heading into Big Ten play. It's hard to find long-armed 7-1 centers with mobility and skill, especially facing the basket, where he shows promising ability to stretch the floor. Ware has made some strides with his passing and intensity level, but he still has some questions to answer about his lack of physicality and court awareness on both ends of the floor, as Donovan Clingan (UConn), Johni Broome (Auburn) and Hunter Dickinson (Kansas) got the best of him, as he shot just 4-for-22 inside the arc versus that trio of All-Conference bigs. NBA teams will want to fall in love with his upside in the pre-draft process, but how the 19-year-old interviews will be just as important as his play this season. -- Givony

23. Izan Almansa | PF/C | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 14
Almansa has been inconsistent with G League Ignite thus far, not having a very notable showing at December's G League Winter Showcase, but bouncing back with some of his best performances of the season since. The 18-year-old is still finding his way in Ignite's haphazard offense, not doing enough with his limited touches due to a lack of shooting range and elite explosiveness. His timing and feel for the game as a passer and pick-and-roll operator still shine through along with his instincts and defensive versatility, but he has much to gain from playing with a greater degree of aggressiveness and physicality the next three months. -- Givony

24. Dalton Knecht | SG/SF | Tennessee
6-6 | Age: 22.7 | Previously ranked: 29
Knecht struggled to regain top form in December after a late-November ankle injury slowed his momentum. He looked like one of the best scorers in college basketball the first month of the season, with a polished, decisive game that has a chance to translate to the NBA on the sooner end. If he can turn things back around in conference play, it should help solidify his status as a first-round-level player. Teams have questions about Knecht defensively, where opponents have tried to hunt him this season, and he's on the older side (he will be 23 on draft night). Still, his scoring ability will appeal to teams that need immediate help on the wing, and there aren't a ton of wing prospects in his mold who have set themselves apart this season. -- Woo

25. Oso Ighodaro | PF/C | Marquette
6-11 | Age: 21.4 | Previously ranked: 20
Ighodaro has a unique skill set that makes him an attractive role-playing option on both ends of the floor. He is skillful at pushing the ball off the defensive glass and operating as a playmaker in Marquette's offense out of dribble handoffs and short rolls, creating shots for himself and others with his excellent passing ability. He's a fluid, mobile and switchable defender who shows excellent instincts rotating off the ball with toughness and smarts. Not having much in the way of shooting range and just an average defensive rebounder, Ighodaro won't be a fit for every NBA team as he isn't blessed with elite long-term upside, but he should be able to develop into a solid contributor thanks to his outstanding feel for the game and defensive versatility. -- Givony

[Chinook]

Derrick White is a perfect comparison for him, wow

White is bigger, which gives him more switchability. Derrick's also more athletic. Sheppard looks to be a more dynamic shooter, while Derrick was a better driver. Sheppard is a connector while White was more of a PnR facilitator. While we should hope for similar impact, I do see them as very different. I don't view Sheppard as a lead guard at either end, whereas I think Derrick had legit potential to be above average ln that end but had been held back by temperament.

[spurraider21]

i cant quite put my finger on it, but sheppard kind of reminds me of a cross between austin reaves, steve blake, and luke ridnour

[SpursBills]

He’s basically smaller Lonzo to me. Good defender, elite college shooting, good distributor and connector but not a true advantage creator or lead guard. Lonzo is bigger and more switchable, reed shoots better but they’re basically the same flavor of player.

[scott]

If anyone wants Givony's Top 25 from ESPN Insider:
https://archive.is/TW3hn



I really hate that this is the year we'll (maybe) have two Top-10 picks. I'd be fine packaging them both up in the right deal.

[baseline bum]

I really hate that this is the year we'll (maybe) have two Top-10 picks. I'd be fine packaging them both up in the right deal.

Prob have two top 10 picks in 25 from our third tank pick plus Atlanta's too if it makes you feel any better :lol

[Chinook]

i cant quite put my finger on it, but sheppard kind of reminds me of a cross between austin reaves, steve blake, and luke ridnour

Don't forget Coby White, Derrick White, Reggie White and James White(!).

[spurraider21]

Don't forget Coby White, Derrick White, Reggie White and James White(!).
underrated post game. shades of Jahidi White tbh

[TD 21]

Derrick White is a perfect comparison for him, wow

Yeah, obviously the specifics of these players games are different, but I'm speaking to a general outline.

[CGD]

I really hate that this is the year we'll (maybe) have two Top-10 picks. I'd be fine packaging them both up in the right deal.

I think this Givony’s latest mock is probably as close to where we will land, give or take a jump back up into the 6-8 range by one or both of Holland and Matas. Basically what this is telling us is that this is the draft to take the 6’8” (or higher) wings and a PG late lotto. Topic will really have to shine to crack the top 5.

Btw, more I look at him, I really am likely Jalen Williams’ little brother.

[Russ]

21. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 20.8 | Previously ranked: 21
While Klintman has never been a bannerman for consistency -- he has tallied 22, 4, 4, 8, 24, 0 and 5 points in his past seven games -- he has demonstrated strong flashes of the player he might become if he's able to harness his game regularly. Klintman looks like less of a theoretical prospect and more of a player than he did in college, having shown some interesting scoring flashes, but also some poor habits, particularly on defense. He could wind up being pretty versatile and impact the game with his athletic ability and shooting, but his history of mercurial production and impact makes this a tricky situation to evaluate right now. -- Woo

I remember really liking Klintman last year before he withdrew from the draft.

He's big and he can shoot the lights out.

If he goes anywhere close to #21 he could be a bargain.

[Mr. Body]

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=ja-kobe-walter--bennedict-mathurin

Ja'Kobe Walter and Bennedict Mathurin have remarkably similar statistical production down the line, although it's still early. Mathurin was a sophomore, Walter a freshman, but are the same draft age.

[rankingtear]

I probably go with the skinny Jalen Williams. Topic is guard version of Sengun down to the long ass neck.

[ace3g]

Jonathan Givony
@DraftExpress
Tough news for Nikola Topic who suffered a knee injury in his second Euroleague game which will likely keep him out of action for around six weeks, a source told ESPN. Projected No. 5 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

[rjv]

Jonathan Givony
@DraftExpress
Tough news for Nikola Topic who suffered a knee injury in his second Euroleague game which will likely keep him out of action for around six weeks, a source told ESPN. Projected No. 5 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

definitely will impact his stock in the draft, for now.

[BackHome]

[QUOTE=spurraider21;11009248]i cant quite put my finger on it, but sheppard kind of reminds me of a cross between austin reaves, steve blake, and luke ridnour[/QUOT

I like the poor man’s Mark Price comparison

[spurraider21]

i cant quite put my finger on it, but sheppard kind of reminds me of a cross between austin reaves, steve blake, and luke ridnour

I like the poor man’s Mark Price comparison
the spurs could be able to get away with a combo guard type at PG if vassell continues to emphasize attacking the rim, and as wemby evolves into more of a go-to scorer (ie just dump the ball to him and let him score or draw a double). we saw some of that from him yesterday when he was just going right at brook lopez and scoring over and around him. in that case, a nominal PG who can handle the ball well enough to get the offense into its sets, be a sniper from 3 to capitalize on any defense that just goes under screens, and competes on defense would be sufficient

but if vassell is just going to hang around the perimeter and launch long contested shots as he's done for much of this season, think the need for more of a "pure" point guard emerges

[Mr. Body]

I really hate that this is the year we'll (maybe) have two Top-10 picks. I'd be fine packaging them both up in the right deal.

This year may be better than last year from 3-10, tbh. It just doesn't have any sure fire stars and imo drops pretty badly. I think there will be some good picks available that I'd take over Jarace Walker, for example.

[Mr. Body]

I dn't get the Sarr hype at this point yet. Is he much different from Kel'el Ware, who is slated to go more than ten spots later?

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=alexandre-sarr--kel-el-ware

[duncan2150]

I dn't get the Sarr hype at this point yet. Is he much different from Kel'el Ware, who is slated to go more than ten spots later?

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=alexandre-sarr--kel-el-ware

I like Ware, who is showing his real potential in Indiana but Sarr is way more mobile and that's a big difference for players with that size imo

About Risacher

https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/status/1743305289204478232

i have the same concern globally

[spurraider21]

Risacher's player profile looks a lot like Michael Porter Jr but without the back injury history. you also have to think he can defend better than MPJ

[duncan2150]

I see the comparison but that's a high role player, not really worth a top 5 Pick ? we'll see, looks like he has a good potential.

[CGD]

I like Ware, who is showing his real potential in Indiana but Sarr is way more mobile and that's a big difference for players with that size imo

About Risacher

https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/status/1743305289204478232

i have the same concern globally

Speaking of Wasserman, he just dropped his latest mock today, here: https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10103263-2024-nba-mock-draft-full-2-round-predictions-major-competition-for-no-1-pick.amp.html

[spurraider21]

I see the comparison but that's a high role player, not really worth a top 5 Pick ? we'll see, looks like he has a good potential.
"high role player" describes almost everybody in this draft. Sarr is atop most mocks and i dont really see a star there at all

Topic can be more than a role player but it sucks that we wont get to see him in the euroleague for a while. he's gonna be out for about 2 months, which means he'll only see about a month of euroleague play before their regular season ends, and no lock that Red Star will see any extra tourney games. that was the place to evaluate him

[mo7888]

Speaking of Wasserman, he just dropped his latest mock today, here: https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10103263-2024-nba-mock-draft-full-2-round-predictions-major-competition-for-no-1-pick.amp.html

Interesting, but in no way do i see us taking Topic and Dillingham

[duncan2150]

"high role player" describes almost everybody in this draft. Sarr is atop most mocks and i dont really see a star there at all

Topic can be more than a role player but it sucks that we wont get to see him in the euroleague for a while. he's gonna be out for about 2 months, which means he'll only see about a month of euroleague play before their regular season ends, and no lock that Red Star will see any extra tourney games. that was the place to evaluate him

yes i don't disagree there, you need to take the player who has the most potential, topic fills that mode and yes that sucks to don't see him more in euroleague.

Imo Holland has the potential to be more than a role player tough the outside shot is bad then i see a lot of players in that high role player mode ; walter and sarr are my favourites in that category.

[spurraider21]

yes i don't disagree there, you need to take the player who has the most potential, topic fills that mode and yes that sucks to don't see him more in euroleague.

Imo Holland has the potential to be more than a role player tough the outside shot is bad then i see a lot of players in that high role player mode ; walter and sarr are my favourites in that category.
Walter feels the easiest to project as a day 1 contributor. His shot is outstanding, and these arent stationary catch and shoot looks. he doesnt really have burst off the dribble, nor is he much of a passer, though he shows enough creativity to score when he's able to get close to the rim.

[scott]

"high role player" describes almost everybody in this draft. Sarr is atop most mocks and i dont really see a star there at all

Topic can be more than a role player but it sucks that we wont get to see him in the euroleague for a while. he's gonna be out for about 2 months, which means he'll only see about a month of euroleague play before their regular season ends, and no lock that Red Star will see any extra tourney games. that was the place to evaluate him

Where does Topic go in this draft if he doesn't play another Euroleague game, assuming he clears all medical checks? Wonder if this impacts things enough for him to fall into the 10-12 range, or even further down, enough for him to stay in Europe another year.

[Mr. Body]

Topic's injury stalls him in the top 3 or so, but I don't see him dropping beyong 6-7.

[spurraider21]

Where does Topic go in this draft if he doesn't play another Euroleague game, assuming he clears all medical checks? Wonder if this impacts things enough for him to fall into the 10-12 range, or even further down, enough for him to stay in Europe another year.
i think the top 5 stuff is probably dead tbh, but who knows. its just hard to gauge a player purely off adriatic league. jokic ended up working out just fine, and im sure people will point to that. sengun also didnt play in euroleague. so the track record is there, but im sure his ability to get into and finish in the paint would have been better evaluated against euroleague comp

[SpursBills]

Probably the guy with the biggest variance in this draft is Castle actually. Topic has huge questions about his defense, athleticism, and whether his rim pressure translates. Dilly and Sheppard are both small with a small frame so there will also be defensive concerns. Collier sucks. I've seen Castle mocked as low as 17 recently. But honestly if he shows that he can be a primary driver of efficient offense, he's probably the guy who fits as a 6'6" big guard with good athleticism and no defensive concerns. If he shows some modicum of shooting signal with a decent creation potential, he's probably going top 3 in this crappy draft.

[Dejounte]

Probably the guy with the biggest variance in this draft is Castle actually. Topic has huge questions about his defense, athleticism, and whether his rim pressure translates. Dilly and Sheppard are both small with a small frame so there will also be defensive concerns. Collier sucks. I've seen Castle mocked as low as 17 recently. But honestly if he shows that he can be a primary driver of efficient offense, he's probably the guy who fits as a 6'6" big guard with good athleticism and no defensive concerns. If he shows some modicum of shooting signal with a decent creation potential, he's probably going top 3 in this crappy draft.

Castle looks like the Anthony Black of this draft… nothing spectacular, just solid. Now this comment may offend some folks because Black sure had some fanboys on here…

[spurraider21]

Castle looks like the Anthony Black of this draft… nothing spectacular, just solid. Now this comment may offend some folks because Black sure had some fanboys on here…
i still like Black and like him more than Castle

[BackHome]

I liked Castle but if your trying to be a PG in the NBA you got to have at least a decent 3 ball with a good free throw percentage. He is not bad with the 3 he is terrible - Making only 1 three point shot is something I have never seen for a PG to go high or for that matter to go into first round. If he doesn’t start shooting more and showing improvement he will be falling to mid to late

[Mr. Body]

Probably the guy with the biggest variance in this draft is Castle actually. Topic has huge questions about his defense, athleticism, and whether his rim pressure translates. Dilly and Sheppard are both small with a small frame so there will also be defensive concerns. Collier sucks. I've seen Castle mocked as low as 17 recently. But honestly if he shows that he can be a primary driver of efficient offense, he's probably the guy who fits as a 6'6" big guard with good athleticism and no defensive concerns. If he shows some modicum of shooting signal with a decent creation potential, he's probably going top 3 in this crappy draft.

Castle was quick to be abandoned by mock drafters. He looked a toolsy playmaker tonight against Butler. Does a lot of things, has a good feel. I'm not sure he's a lead guard and we'll see if his shooting comes back around but his defense and toolkit are pretty attractive.

[Mr. Body]

I liked Castle but if your trying to be a PG in the NBA you got to have at least a decent 3 ball with a good free throw percentage. He is not bad with the 3 he is terrible - Making only 1 three point shot is something I have never seen for a PG to go high or for that matter to go into first round. If he doesn’t start shooting more and showing improvement he will be falling to mid to late

Guards who don't hit threes often go in the top 10.

[spurraider21]

i just dont know what castle is. he's not much off ball. hasn't proven he can be a creater/playmaker when on-ball to handle lead guard duties. cant shoot. he's physically imposing but not really explosive and blowing by guys. he can probably defend 3 positions. think you're looking at Evan Turner. which is fine i guess.

[exstatic]

I see the comparison but that's a high role player, not really worth a top 5 Pick ? we'll see, looks like he has a good potential.

MPJ was rated top 3-5 in his draft, disregarding his health issues. That’s the only reason he dropped.

[exstatic]

Guards who don't hit threes often go in the top 10.

Picks 4 and 5, just last year.

[Mr. Body]

Picks 4 and 5, just last year.

And 6.

[duncan2150]

MPJ was rated top 3-5 in his draft, disregarding his health issues. That’s the only reason he dropped.

Man, i know but he was talking about mpj with the nuggets not what he was before the draft

about castle, he just played his eight game, the injuries clearly slowed him down, still has a lot of games to go ... yesterday was probably his best game so far, imo he's a guard, could be a combo, the 3.3 assists per game are not that bad in that way.

[exstatic]

Man, i know but he was talking about mpj with the nuggets not what he was before the draft

about castle, he just played his eight game, the injuries clearly slowed him down, still has a lot of games to go ... yesterday was probably his best game so far, imo he's a guard, could be a combo, the 3.3 assists per game are not that bad in that way.

Right, but you said that type of player wasn’t worth a top 5 pick, which brought the focus back to the draft. I was simply pointing out that NBA super role player MPJ was probably valued that high if not for his injuries. Guys picked that high do become role players, which good teams need. Wiggins was a #1, and he’s now a role player. Same with Aaron Gordon, picked #4 overall.

I’m a big Castle fan, BTW, and hope he rights his ship.

[TD 21]

Current list of names Spurs will consider with their natural pick, if top 3: Topic, Risacher and if top 6: Buzelis, Williams, Walter, Salaun

If if conveys, with the Craptors pick: Buzelis, Williams, Walter, Salaun, Sheppard

Others who don't fall in current ranges: Proctor, Klintman, McCullar Jr.

[mo7888]

A guy I'm liking with a late 2nd/ufa is Tolu Smith. Kinda like Barlow but physically stronger... Jaylin Williams might be a better comp ... a banger type..

[Truckules]

Walter feels the easiest to project as a day 1 contributor. His shot is outstanding, and these arent stationary catch and shoot looks. he doesnt really have burst off the dribble, nor is he much of a passer, though he shows enough creativity to score when he's able to get close to the rim.

I actually think Walter might have some untapped potential. He's frequently playing alongside 2-3 senior guards so they don't put the ball in his hands very much. He's on the floor for his shooting and defense, but he's flashed some solid dribbling moves and passes. I don't think he'll ever be a PG in the NBA, but I think his role at Baylor is making him seem more limited than he really is.

[mo7888]

I actually think Walter might have some untapped potential. He's frequently playing alongside 2-3 senior guards so they don't put the ball in his hands very much. He's on the floor for his shooting and defense, but he's flashed some solid dribbling moves and passes. I don't think he'll ever be a PG in the NBA, but I think his role at Baylor is making him seem more limited than he really is.

Reminds me of Cutino Mobley just a bit..

[BatManu20]

Excellent. Those picks are looking juicier and juicier. We gotta land on those picks though. No more Sochan’s and Wesley’s. We need real difference-makers around Wemby, or at the very least guys who can shoot and defend.

1743739869564743706

[BatManu20]

Or Hawks could sell Trae Young to the Spurs for their picks back. That’d be fuckin’ dope too.

[Mr. Body]

Right now, Toronto, Atlanta and Chicago are 7-9 in the lottery right now. Of course those rankings will change, but show how either fortunate or prescient the FO was in dealing with these teams. Each is treadmilling in sub-mediocrity with no real way to get out.

Of course the risk will be them blowing things up. Atlanta can't mask their picks from us - we get them regardless. Chicago is on the verge of selling. Good for us the protections bottom out at 1-8. Toronto very likely conveys no matter what. Even if they blow it up this year, they'd have to keep the pick in the 1-6 range for three years running.

The Charlotte pick probably doesn't convey, but it was a throw-in pick anyway. Our top hope is for the Hawks to just crater (although unlikely). The Toronto and Chicago picks they may just thread the needle on.

[CGD]

Right now, Toronto, Atlanta and Chicago are 7-9 in the lottery right now. Of course those rankings will change, but show how either fortunate or prescient the FO was in dealing with these teams. Each is treadmilling in sub-mediocrity with no real way to get out.

Of course the risk will be them blowing things up. Atlanta can't mask their picks from us - we get them regardless. Chicago is on the verge of selling. Good for us the protections bottom out at 1-8. Toronto very likely conveys no matter what. Even if they blow it up this year, they'd have to keep the pick in the 1-6 range for three years running.

The Charlotte pick probably doesn't convey, but it was a throw-in pick anyway. Our top hope is for the Hawks to just crater (although unlikely). The Toronto and Chicago picks they may just thread the needle on.

Indeed— I think Spurs hunted those teams. They’re the classic middling, stuck in the mud franchises vying for the 10th seed. The historic FO shit birds (SAC, CHA, WAS) were too obvious.

[Splits]

No more Baylor players (this coming from a Baylor alum). Fuck Walter, he sucks. Bust written all over him. He doesn't create his own shot, he's decent defensively but he's completely overrated on the O-end. I'd rather draft Kentucky bench than Walter, dude is going to flame out

[Seventyniner]

If the Hawks can out-tank the Raptors over the rest of the season it will be very hard for the Raptors to crack the bottom 6 records. That would give the Raptors at most about a 1/3 chance of cracking the top 4, meaning the Spurs would have a 2/3 chance at getting the Raptors' pick.

That might be the overall best-case scenario: the Hawks and Raptors both tank but the Hawks do it better, with the Raptors failing to fall behind any of the 5 teams they are currently ahead of now (Pistons, Spurs, Wizards, Hornets, Blazers).

[CGD]

It’s pretty amazing to think that if the CHI pick conveys in 2026, the Spurs could have 2 quality lottery picks in each of the next 3 drafts. And then a chance at another in each of 2027 (hopefully not two!), 28, 29 when the next Tatum and Luka deals end. It’s like the opposite of what Dallas did in building around Luka where they went all in too soon in my view (KP trade). Ideally they add to that tally if/when they trade Keldon, which I feel may mark the end of their sell off of talent they’ve developed internally (DJ, White, Jakob, Keldon).

Wemby is really set up nicely to succeed.

[mo7888]

It’s pretty amazing to think that if the CHI pick conveys in 2026, the Spurs could have 2 quality lottery picks in each of the next 3 drafts. And then a chance at another in each of 2027 (hopefully not two!), 28, 29 when the next Tatum and Luka deals end. It’s like the opposite of what Dallas did in building around Luka where they went all in too soon in my view (KP trade). Ideally they add to that tally if/when they trade Keldon, which I feel may mark the end of their sell off of talent they’ve developed internally (DJ, White, Jakob, Keldon).

Wemby is really set up nicely to succeed.

Agreed for the most part. On KJ though, I think we might use him to get actual players that give sime balance instead of selling him for picks.

[Harry Callahan]

No more Baylor players (this coming from a Baylor alum). Fuck Walter, he sucks. Bust written all over him. He doesn't create his own shot, he's decent defensively but he's completely overrated on the O-end. I'd rather draft Kentucky bench than Walter, dude is going to flame out

Not a BU alum but still an interested party due to relatives - I saw literally no dribble drives in a highlight film of Walter - only catch and shoots and one dribble shift and shoot. He's a good shooter from the looks of it, but I'd like to see more offensive versatility.

I had high hopes for Sochan, but these one and done players are oftentimes such a cr@p shoot. Jeremy looks lost out there right now.

[onechance87]

collier with a good game scoring 26....Hopefully that gets him going....Hopefully some of these
prospects start showing something

[rascal]

This would be ideal if everything fell just right.

Spurs need to add a vet. Trade Vassell and draft picks(any picks but Atlanta's firsts and the 2024 picks) for Mikal Bridges. Then trade Sochan for Jordan Hawkins. Spurs need to add shooting.

Draft both Sarr(with SA first) and Castle with the Toronto pick(hopefully Castle falls in the Toronto pick range).

Wemby
Sarr
Castle
Hawkins
Mikal Bridges( need at least one winning veteran starter)

Move away from having to start Sochan, Collins, Tre Jones, Vassell(need to trade to land Bridges) and Johnson
Turn the team over in one year.

Better than hoping for the current players to develop/improve skills they don't have.

[RC_Drunkford]

trading Vassell and picks for Bridges is idiotic. Even trading Vassell for Bridges straight up wouldn't make sense

[Chinook]

Mikal isn't worth the squeeze. Teams are fsr better off trying to find a new version of him rather than paying his market value. The Spurs certainly shouldn't be paying Vassell and multiple unprotected picks for him.

[rascal]

trading Vassell and picks for Bridges is idiotic. Even trading Vassell for Bridges straight up wouldn't make sense

Mikal Bridges is way better. Vassell will never be as good

[spurraider21]

That’s a very depressing best case scenario :lol

[rascal]

That’s a very depressing best case scenario :lol

What is depressing is holding on to the current losing roster and hoping they develop skills they don't have.

[RC_Drunkford]

Mikal Bridges is way better. Vassell will never be as good

Mikal Bridges averages 2 points more per game than Vassell while playing 4 more minutes and having a real PG. Try again :lol

[rascal]

Mikal Bridges averages 2 points more per game than Vassell while playing 4 more minutes and having a real PG. Try again :lol

Spur fan again over rating their players.

[baseline bum]

This would be ideal if everything fell just right.

Spurs need to add a vet. Trade Vassell and draft picks(any picks but Atlanta's firsts and the 2024 picks) for Mikal Bridges. Then trade Sochan for Jordan Hawkins. Spurs need to add shooting.

Draft both Sarr(with SA first) and Castle with the Toronto pick(hopefully Castle falls in the Toronto pick range).

Wemby
Sarr
Castle
Hawkins
Mikal Bridges( need at least one winning veteran starter)

Move away from having to start Sochan, Collins, Tre Jones, Vassell(need to trade to land Bridges) and Johnson
Turn the team over in one year.

Better than hoping for the current players to develop/improve skills they don't have.

You're not getting Bridges for Vassell and some crap firsts, that's a pipe dream.

[rascal]

You're not getting Bridges for Vassell and some crap firsts, that's a pipe dream.

There are some in here who wouldn't even make that trade if it were available.

[baseline bum]

Mikal Bridges averages 2 points more per game than Vassell while playing 4 more minutes and having a real PG. Try again :lol

Vassell is an above average defender and for that reason not someone I'd want to move unless getting a defensive upgrade, but Bridges is elite, easily one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

[TD 21]

Mikal Bridges averages 2 points more per game than Vassell while playing 4 more minutes and having a real PG. Try again :lol

I'm not advocating for the trade in question (I wouldn't even pursue it), but not for a trivial reason like this.

Averages don't mean much. Rates, percentages, efficiency do.

[baseline bum]

There are some in here who wouldn't even make that trade if it were available.

Sarr's probably going #1 too anyways. I don't see the fit next to Victor at all and as of right now the draft I'd love to see is Risacher + Dillingham, especially with Risacher shooting 40% from the three in the French league. Would probably have to get really lucky on draft position from the Toronto pick to get Dillingham though.

[baseline bum]

Think if I got the #1 pick I'd offer it to Brooklyn for Bridges since Sarr would be a poor fit and Risacher isn't a good enough prospect to take at #1.

[spurraider21]

Think if I got the #1 pick I'd offer it to Brooklyn for Bridges since Sarr would be a poor fit and Risacher isn't a good enough prospect to take at #1.
I’d give keldon too tbh :lol

vassell + bridges at the wings and now you’re really cooking with gas if you can secure dillingham with the other pick (or topic if he falls bc of injury)

[baseline bum]

I’d give keldon too tbh :lol

vassell + bridges at the wings and now you’re really cooking with gas if you can secure dillingham with the other pick (or topic if he falls bc of injury)

I think Sarr would be enough to get Bridges other than some trash to balance salaries.

[Spursfanfromafar]

The Nets aren't going to give up on Bridges. They will build around him. He is their SGA-lite. Sean Marks is much too smart to give up on a two way player like that. They will try to use their other role players - Johnson, Finney-Smith, Cam Thomas, Dinwiddie, O'Neale etc to get their draft picks.

[CorrectCrusader]

The Nets aren't going to give up on Bridges. They will build around him. He is their SGA-lite. Sean Marks is much too smart to give up on a two way player like that. They will try to use their other role players - Johnson, Finney-Smith, Cam Thomas, Dinwiddie, O'Neale etc to get their draft picks.

Mikal is 27, he is who he is.

[mo7888]

I like Bridges alot, especially next to Vassell, but how many times has a team traded a #1 pick for a vet? The last I can remember is Kevin Love. I don't remember all the aspects of that trade, but KL then was worth more than Bridges now. I think the market would consider a for sure #1 pick an overpay for Bridges. That's a steep price. It might be worth it, but its steep..

[mo7888]

The Nets aren't going to give up on Bridges. They will build around him. He is their SGA-lite. Sean Marks is much too smart to give up on a two way player like that. They will try to use their other role players - Johnson, Finney-Smith, Cam Thomas, Dinwiddie, O'Neale etc to get their draft picks.

Doubt it... he's a nice complimentary piece, but he's not the best player on a championship contender..

[Kurik]

Branham is a waste of space in the NBA, I’d rather have Wesley take all his minutes or even Cissoko. Really not looking forward to more Branham experiments next year.

[rascal]

I think Sarr would be enough to get Bridges other than some trash to balance salaries.

He might be enough to get Bridges but Sarr will be good on the Spurs. Spurs still need another low post player and strong rebounder.

[Mr. Body]

Sarr as a top 3 pick is way too high for a center who plays low minutes and has questionable motor. Drafting a C that high is a bad idea. Better to take Kel'el Ware later in the lotto. Essentially the same player. Even if he's not as good, you're not paying through the nose.

[TD 21]

Sarr's probably going #1 too anyways. I don't see the fit next to Victor at all and as of right now the draft I'd love to see is Risacher + Dillingham, especially with Risacher shooting 40% from the three in the French league. Would probably have to get really lucky on draft position from the Toronto pick to get Dillingham though.

Anyone who thinks the Spurs will or should expend a theoretical top 1-2 pick on another C, when they have the best C prospect in 26 years, is tone deaf towards the modern NBA.

This is an offensive leaning league and you'll never be good enough offensively with two of them simultaneously in your core lineups nor is it possible to be good enough defensively to make up for what you'd sacrifice offensively no matter how skilled they are for their position.

[rascal]

Anyone who thinks the Spurs will or should expend a theoretical top 1-2 pick on another C, when they have the best C prospect in 26 years, is tone deaf towards the modern NBA.

This is an offensive leaning league and you'll never be good enough offensively with two of them simultaneously in your core lineups nor is it possible to be good enough defensively to make up for what you'd sacrifice offensively no matter how skilled they are for their position.

You roll back the clock by shutting down interior scoring and make other teams beat you chucking up 3 point shots. You need defenders on the perimeter too. Sarr would be great giving Wemby some flexibilty to be at c or play pf at times.

Sochan gives them nothing on the front line.

Spurs still are bad defensively with Wemby at center.

[rascal]

Sarr as a top 3 pick is way too high for a center who plays low minutes and has questionable motor. Drafting a C that high is a bad idea. Better to take Kel'el Ware later in the lotto. Essentially the same player. Even if he's not as good, you're not paying through the nose.

There is no clear cut number 1 pick in this year's draft.

[rascal]

Mikal is 27, he is who he is.

He's the veteran player the team needs.

[TD 21]

You roll back the clock by shutting down interior scoring and make other teams beat you chucking up 3 point shots. You need defenders on the perimeter too. Sarr would be great giving Wemby some flexibilty to be at c or play pf at times.

Sochan gives them nothing on the front line.

Spurs still are bad defensively with Wemby at center.

Just like it's worked so well for the Grizzlies, Cavaliers and Timberwolves, who have won a combined 0 playoff series with it. Yes, it's a relatively small sample size, injuries, youth and other weaknesses played a part, but the common denominator is none could score despite having All-NBA and All-Star caliber guards.

Even as agile and skilled as Wembanyama is, we saw those advantages mitigated when playing next to another C. That's what happens when you play two together, you get diminishing returns.


He's the veteran player the team needs.

Nah, Mitchell is.

[baseline bum]

You roll back the clock by shutting down interior scoring and make other teams beat you chucking up 3 point shots. You need defenders on the perimeter too. Sarr would be great giving Wemby some flexibilty to be at c or play pf at times.


You could do that with Cooper Flagg because he's well rounded offensively while also having extremely quick feet. Sarr's not that level of talent even defensively much less as a two way player. If the Spurs get the #1 pick they should trade it for a current star player who can elevate this to a playoff team next to Victor.

[baseline bum]

Mikal is 27, he is who he is.

Which is an S Tier defender and either a B+ Tier offensive player (based on this year) or possibly even A Tier (based on last year). Bridges would be filthy on this team and would allow the Spurs to use the Toronto pick on a PG to develop behind Tre while also being a playoff team.

[thiste]

You could do that with Cooper Flagg because he's well rounded offensively while also having extremely quick feet. Sarr's not that level of talent even defensively much less as a two way player. If the Spurs get the #1 pick they should trade it for a current star player who can elevate this to a playoff team next to Victor.

Who's trading their star player for this year's #1 pick tho?

[RC_Drunkford]

Vassell is an above average defender and for that reason not someone I'd want to move unless getting a defensive upgrade, but Bridges is elite, easily one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

Bridges defensive rating is only 2 points better than Devin's. Now is he a better player than Devin right now? Yes, but Bridges is 27 and in his prime, while Devin is 23. I think it's not far fetched that Devin might become as good as if not better than Bridges.

[baseline bum]

I like Bridges alot, especially next to Vassell, but how many times has a team traded a #1 pick for a vet? The last I can remember is Kevin Love. I don't remember all the aspects of that trade, but KL then was worth more than Bridges now. I think the market would consider a for sure #1 pick an overpay for Bridges. That's a steep price. It might be worth it, but its steep..

Do you think Sarr or anyone else in this draft is a typical #1 pick? I'll take the bird in the hand knowing how great Bridges is defensively and very solid offensively at a position the Spurs desperately need it on both ends of the floor. He's on a cheap contract and is 27 too, so it's not like a last ditch win now move so much as a win over the next 7 years kind of move.

[mo7888]

Bridges defensive rating is only 2 points better than Devin's. Now is he a better player than Devin right now? Yes, but Bridges is 27 and in his prime, while Devin is 23. I think it's not far fetched that Devin might become as good as if not better than Bridges.

I don't get the 'trade Devin +assets for Bridges', but I'd love to play them next to each other.

[mo7888]

Do you think Sarr or anyone else in this draft is a typical #1 pick? I'll take the bird in the hand knowing how great Bridges is defensively and very solid offensively at a position the Spurs desperately need it on both ends of the floor. He's on a cheap contract and is 27 too, so it's not like a last ditch win now move so much as a win over the next 7 years kind of move.

I'm not saying that Bridges isn't worth more to US than the #1 pick. I'm saying that the market probably will value the #1 pick more than it values Bridges and that opens up the possibility to get Bridges + an asset for that pick either straight up or by bringing in a 3rd team.

[baseline bum]

Bridges defensive rating is only 2 points better than Devin's. Now is he a better player than Devin right now? Yes, but Bridges is 27 and in his prime, while Devin is 23. I think it's not far fetched that Devin might become as good as if not better than Bridges.

Bridges' DFG is elite, below 45%. Vassell's is a little over 47%. Still very good for the team he has around him and ideally I'd rather get Bridges from trading a pick since a Wemby + Bridges + Vassell + Jones lineup could be pretty good defensively, and especially if Sochan's defensive skill ever starts to match his frame.

[rascal]

Bridges defensive rating is only 2 points better than Devin's. Now is he a better player than Devin right now? Yes, but Bridges is 27 and in his prime, while Devin is 23. I think it's not far fetched that Devin might become as good as if not better than Bridges.

Again, let's just keep all our current players and hope they develop into something they never will thinking. Too conservative people, need to make roster moves

[RC_Drunkford]

no doubt that Bridges would be a perfect fit on this team, I just wouldn't trade our 2nd best player for him. I don't see a way to get him, since the Nets can't tank cause they traded their picks to the Rockets

[RC_Drunkford]

Again, let's just keep all our current players and hope they develop into something they never will thinking. Too conservative people, need to make roster moves

nobody said that you dumbass. Let's trade our entire roster for Shaedon Sharpe cause he can jump high

[baseline bum]

no doubt that Bridges would be a perfect fit on this team, I just wouldn't trade our 2nd best player for him. I don't see a way to get him, since the Nets can't tank cause they traded their picks to the Rockets

I'd still shop the Spurs pick in case they want to buy in on the Sarr hype.

[baseline bum]

Who's trading their star player for this year's #1 pick tho?

I could see getting a second tier star for the #1 pick. Obviously you're not getting Luka Doncic or SGA for this year's #1.

[rascal]

I'd still shop the Spurs pick in case they want to buy in on the Sarr hype.

I think the Spurs can package an attractive enough offer to the Nets if they land the number 1 pick.

[scott]

I’d offer our ‘25 FRP (unprotected), ‘27 FRP (unprotected), the CHA pick and the CHI pick. If they’ll take Branham and Sochan that would be a bonus for us.

[TD 21]

Unless the Nets are sky high on Topic, I have a hard time believing they'd trade Bridges for anyone else in this draft. Sarr sounds similar to Claxton, only the latter is proven, won't break the bank nor demand touches because he doesn't have the pedigree/pressure of being a 1st overall pick.

They clearly think being in New York, having a core that fits most stars well (Bridges, Claxton, Johnson) and a readymade package for another (Thomas, big expiring contracts + draft capital from Harden/Durant/Irving trades), they could conceivably get back in championship contention sooner than later.

Rather than the Spurs blowing their load on a player who wouldn't solve the lead creator issue, they'd be better off selecting Risacher and doing so for Mitchell instead.

[baseline bum]

Unless the Nets are sky high on Topic, I have a hard time believing they'd trade Bridges for anyone else in this draft. Sarr sounds similar to Claxton, only the latter is proven, won't break the bank nor demand touches because he doesn't have the pedigree/pressure of being a 1st overall pick.

They clearly think being in New York, having a core that fits most stars well (Bridges, Claxton, Johnson) and a readymade package for another (Thomas, big expiring contracts + draft capital from Harden/Durant/Irving trades), they could conceivably get back in championship contention sooner than later.

Rather than the Spurs blowing their load on a player who wouldn't solve the lead creator issue, they'd be better off selecting Risacher and doing so for Mitchell instead.

Mitchell's starting to look like empty calories and I wouldn't break the bank for him. And I disagree, the Spurs' biggest problem is defensive ineptness with Branham, Sochan, Johnson, and Collins.

[baseline bum]

I’d offer our ‘25 FRP (unprotected), ‘27 FRP (unprotected), the CHA pick and the CHI pick. If they’ll take Branham and Sochan that would be a bonus for us.

No way they're doing that without the Atlanta 25 if they're not getting the Spurs 24.

[TD 21]

Mitchell's starting to look like empty calories and I wouldn't break the bank for him. And I disagree, the Spurs' biggest problem is defensive ineptness with Branham, Sochan, Johnson, and Collins.

I'm not a fan of his game (tunnel vision/selfish), but he's clearly an All-NBA caliber player, entering his prime and about as good a fit in terms of game and personality as could be expected.

They're better defensively than offensively and the gap is widening since Wembanyama started playing C.

[exstatic]

The Nets aren't going to give up on Bridges. They will build around him. He is their SGA-lite. Sean Marks is much too smart to give up on a two way player like that. They will try to use their other role players - Johnson, Finney-Smith, Cam Thomas, Dinwiddie, O'Neale etc to get their draft picks.

They may not want to trade him, but he’s not a player that you can build around. He’s not a #1 guy.

[Seventyniner]

imo the Nets just might prefer the #1 or #2 pick (plus other assets) to Mikal if the price is right. It all depends on the timeline they're trying to build on.

[onechance87]

matas with another terrible game against austin spurs....Hard pass on him....not lottery player

[mo7888]

matas with another terrible game against austin spurs....Hard pass on him....not lottery player

He's been a little up and down coming off his injury. He's going to be a high pick in this draft.

[CGD]

He's been a little up and down coming off his injury. He's going to be a high pick in this draft.

I think he’ll be there at 7-8 which is where we hope the raptors pick lands. Would be interesting to see if Spurs pass on him.

[mo7888]

I think he’ll be there at 7-8 which is where we hope the raptors pick lands. Would be interesting to see if Spurs pass on him.

Yup... it can go alot of ways depending on who we draft with our pick and if we trade for a player. I like him, but I need to see more ..

[Mr. Body]

Such a terrible idea to go Ignite for him. What a waste of a year. He can't shoot so I figure the Spurs will draft him.

[mo7888]

Such a terrible idea to go Ignite for him. What a waste of a year. He can't shoot so I figure the Spurs will draft him.

He shot 43% from 3 and 80% from the FT line in high school. He'll be fine from a ahooting perspective. As far as Ignite goes, it won't help him develop(they are trash in that department) , but it probably won't affect his stock..

[Ditty]

I rather have Topic or Williams if we get a top 3 pick than Bridges.

[onechance87]

I rather have Topic or Williams if we get a top 3 pick than Bridges.

williams is probably the safe choice to help this team asap

[BackHome]

Yeah, I saw that Tankathon new mock has us getting both I definitely could live with that.

[mo7888]

Yeah, I saw that Tankathon new mock has us getting both I definitely could live with that.

It also has us taking Reed Shephard if we fall to pick #4. I thought that was interesting and pretty high for him. His shot is almost picture perfect though. Still, he'd need to be a PG to be taken there....maybe he is.... his handles looked good at the end of the Florida game yesterday

[CGD]

Such a terrible idea to go Ignite for him. What a waste of a year. He can't shoot so I figure the Spurs will draft him.

I do think there will be a “market correct” on players going the Ignite path if the first wave highly drafted players like Kuminga and Green don’t get PAID at their next contract. It’s looking a little sketch so far.

[Mr. Body]

Especially if the TOR pick conveys, the Spurs should have a good several SF prospects to pick from - if they want to. Unfortunately none of them seem to be good defenders in that range. (I wouldn't include Dunn there.)

[Chinook]

Honestly feel like too many people are sleeping on Collier. The Spurs keep going for "intangibles" and for whatever reason that's not really working out for them. Collier's talent feels rare in comparison to the other PG's people talk about. Get him and Sheppard. Spend money/picks to bring in a big wing who can fight with Sochan for the starting PF job or play next to him if Jeremy improves. Best I can see on the market right now would be Kyle Anderson. Then get a real center to back Wemby up.

Collier, Jones, Wesley
Sheppard, Champangie
Vassell, Johnson, Cissoko
Anderson, Sochan
Wembanayma, Collins, (Real Center)

I'd prefer to trade for that PF rather than have this lineup, but I don't see any good candidates at the moment. That seems like a pretty flexible rotation that can play big or small in multiple ways. But I do think the defensive performance of the starters would be pretty good, and that's a solid bench. It's also nice that there are a number of tradeable contracts still on the team if a more immediate route toward help shows up later in the season. The team can also accommodate the multiple firsts the team will have in 2025. Obviously the trade isn't dependent on two players. There are other combinations that would be good. But it would be nice for the Spurs to go for legit talent, assuming there are no KPJ-level red flags. The feel of the team would be different if they had a Shadeon Sharpe guard on the roster right now. It's a bit of a blessing for them that the guy a lot of teams were probably projecting to headline the draft is getting rated closer to the Toronto pick nowadays.

[exstatic]

Honestly feel like too many people are sleeping on Collier. The Spurs keep going for "intangibles" and for whatever reason that's not really working out for them. Collier's talent feels rare in comparison to the other PG's people talk about. Get him and Sheppard. Spend money/picks to bring in a big wing who can fight with Sochan for the starting PF job or play next to him if Jeremy improves. Best I can see on the market right now would be Kyle Anderson. Then get a real center to back Wemby up.

Collier, Jones, Wesley
Sheppard, Champangie
Vassell, Johnson, Cissoko
Anderson, Sochan
Wembanayma, Collins, (Real Center)

I'd prefer to trade for that PF rather than have this lineup, but I don't see any good candidates at the moment. That seems like a pretty flexible rotation that can play big or small in multiple ways. But I do think the defensive performance of the starters would be pretty good, and that's a solid bench. It's also nice that there are a number of tradeable contracts still on the team if a more immediate route toward help shows up later in the season. The team can also accommodate the multiple firsts the team will have in 2025. Obviously the trade isn't dependent on two players. There are other combinations that would be good. But it would be nice for the Spurs to go for legit talent, assuming there are no KPJ-level red flags. The feel of the team would be different if they had a Shadeon Sharpe guard on the roster right now. It's a bit of a blessing for them that the guy a lot of teams were probably projecting to headline the draft is getting rated closer to the Toronto pick nowadays.

I’d be mildly interested if he were 6’6”, but he’s PG sized with terrible passing skills.

[Dejounte]

Of all the “rearrangements” the Spurs have had in the rotation so far, Devin has barely spent any time playing the small forward position:

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vassede01/lineups/2024

I don’t believe they have any plans moving him up to SF. It makes sense— he’s neither big enough or strong enough.

[R. DeMurre]

Just like it's worked so well for the Grizzlies, Cavaliers and Timberwolves, who have won a combined 0 playoff series with it. Yes, it's a relatively small sample size, injuries, youth and other weaknesses played a part, but the common denominator is none could score despite having All-NBA and All-Star caliber guards.

Even as agile and skilled as Wembanyama is, we saw those advantages mitigated when playing next to another C. That's what happens when you play two together, you get diminishing returns.



Nah, Mitchell is.





The historical championship success of teams with an undersized starting SG is probably worse than any other positional size scenario. The last time a team won a title with a Mitchell-sized SG was the Pistons in 1990-- 33 years ago-- and that was with Joe Dumars, who Jordan called the best defender in the league. The odds are very much against any Donovan Mitchell team ever winning an NBA title.

[Mr. Body]

Most everyone is saying Collier is more like 6'3" than 6'5". I don't think players can dodge measurements this year. He's just a wreck. The things he's supposedly good at, he's terrible at. Of course there's more game to be played and of course all these guys are works in progress - we have to project ahead but it's looking gnarly.

[TD 21]

The historical championship success of teams with an undersized starting SG is probably worse than any other positional size scenario. The last time a team won a title with a Mitchell-sized SG was the Pistons in 1990-- 33 years ago-- and that was with Joe Dumars, who Jordan called the best defender in the league. The odds are very much against any Donovan Mitchell team ever winning an NBA title.

Except I'd offer Johnson, Branham + significant draft capital and play Mitchell at PG.

His two biggest issues are that he's always been paired with another small guard and he's always had to be the best player (Gobert was higher impact for much of their time together, but obviously limited offensively), two things that will never lead to a championship.

Both wouldn't be an issue here, either immediately or in short order.

[Dejounte]

I wouldn’t mind Collier.

Collier has that ball on a yarn skill that most point guards have and need in order to command an offense. The ball needs to be tethered and secured wherever the player wants to go on the court if he wants to have any chance to run a set play.

in regards to efficiency, it’s the same story as Keyonte George last year. Efficiency shouldn’t be the tell all, be all stat… Collier has skills that are appealing, namely his ability to get all kinds of looks. I’m actually impressed that he has some semblance of a post game— a skill most stars have.

[Dejounte]

Yeah, his in-between game and his ability to create separation… that’s something special. Between him and Topic, the Spurs can’t go wrong.

[spurraider21]

1744729355308417488

[ginobilized]

Adem Bona has some Ibaka-lite vibes

[SouthernFryd]

You know what I hope for?

I hope PATFO decide to consult with WEMBY on possible draft picks.

I know...I know. But, they have't proved they are all that capable lately. I can't see any downside on talking with the Franchise about it. You want him to stay? Have him help build the team around him.

"Help" being the operative word. You'd have the option of taking his advise or not, if like...he wanted to draft all his school buddies. Don't see any downside in at least consulting with him about it. Which, I would normally take for granted they would. With PATFO? Who the hell knows...

[SouthernFryd]

There's only 1 ball. Don't need a shooter/scorer at every damn position.

Get an elite Defender. This draft has some great ones.

You get an elite defender down low...and our guards will never have to collapse on D again with Wemby and someone like DUNN :) down there. Will be able to actually guard the 3 point line for damn change.

And 1 elite defender will help the other 4 more than you can imagine. Rodman couldn't shoot worth shyt...he has 5 Championships. He made Jordan and Pippen better. You get someone similar...and watch guys like Vassell, Keldon and even Tre's number go up. Big D guys, like Rodman...were excellent Pickers/screeners/REBOUNDERS on offense too.

Remember rebounding? lol

"But, the 'modern' NBA requires everyone be able to shoot/score." Total BS. Scoring is important. But, guess what...D is STILL important too. You STILL need both. And this is an awesome opportunity to get both. Don't pass it up.

[spurraider21]

Adem Bona has some Ibaka-lite vibes
Bona literally cant shoot. not that he's a bad shooter. he just cant.

but that athleticism is pretty insane

the blow-by at the 17 second mark of the vid above is pretty eye opening

[Mr. Body]

We have two SRPs, ours and the fairly decent Lakers SRP. Although I think this draft faceplants really fast after the lottery, one of these non-shooting centers might be there in the high 30s. We really should have taken Trayce-Jackson Davis last year.

[spurraider21]

yeah almost like trading a high second in a deep draft for 2 shit future seconds was bad

[spurraider21]

what a weird player :lol

he has a total of SIX blocks in 3+ years lol

1744783504368451648

[Mr. Body]

what a weird player :lol

he has a total of SIX blocks in 3+ years lol

1744783504368451648

Nice find. This is the sort of player I'd like to take a swing at with the 2RPs. We can only take on so many extremely raw and unpracticed freshmen. Getting some younger guys who actually know what they're doing might be nice.

[exstatic]

what a weird player :lol

he has a total of SIX blocks in 3+ years lol

1744783504368451648

I wonder if there is another college player with a defensive rebounding percentage of 32 and an assst petcentage of 29.

[RC_Drunkford]

what a weird player :lol

he has a total of SIX blocks in 3+ years lol

1744783504368451648

:pop: "I can play a Center at Point Guard? Get him Brian!"

[The Truth #6]

With Collier, he has a bad A/T ratio, but I'm not sure if he has bad vision or more likely a loose handle, poor teammates, and an aggressive nature. I agree he shouldn't be discounted completely.

Tyrese Edwards at Kentucky. Another person to keep an eye on, especially if our Toronto pick slides and we still need a SF. Meaning, he's on a talented team and still has potential. I remember when Jaden McDaniel was considered a first pick then slid to like 22 and became a great defender and useful player.

Anyway. It's hard to make calculations sometimes with small sample sizes.

[heyheymymy]

Men's College Basketball tonight

Kentucky vs Missouri at 6pm CST ESPN

Get another good look at up to 4 possible future 24 NBA draft picks. Going to see what Dilly is building up with

[onechance87]

Men's College Basketball tonight

Kentucky vs Missouri at 6pm CST ESPN

Get another good look at up to 4 possible future 24 NBA draft picks. Going to see what Dilly is building up with

also duke against pittsburgh....Two potential first round pgs Proctor battles carlton carrington

[heyheymymy]

14 Baylor plays 18 BYU 8pm CST ESPN+

For Walter scouts

[BackHome]

14 Baylor plays 18 BYU 8pm CST ESPN+

For Walter scouts

On BYU side keep an eye out on Jaxson Robinson

[duncan2150]

I wouldn’t mind Collier.

Collier has that ball on a yarn skill that most point guards have and need in order to command an offense. The ball needs to be tethered and secured wherever the player wants to go on the court if he wants to have any chance to run a set play.

in regards to efficiency, it’s the same story as Keyonte George last year. Efficiency shouldn’t be the tell all, be all stat… Collier has skills that are appealing, namely his ability to get all kinds of looks. I’m actually impressed that he has some semblance of a post game— a skill most stars have.

i agree, my concern with collier is the size, the wingspan looks small and that will limit him a little bit in the big league.

[heyheymymy]

Dillingham is eye popping

Creating his own looks on offense, drawing fouls attacking the rim, savvy passing to hit teammates in their spots

But also 2 absolutely brilliant defensive plays, hawking the ball out and swiping away for steals

Unbelievable stuff wow

[Mr. Body]

Dillingham is dangerous downhill toward the basket, but seems to need to pound it to get going. He's also pretty small. I hope he's not another TyTy Washington, but his percentages are all better, especially his 3pt%. Kind of frustrating the two lottery projected Wildcats come off the bench.

[onechance87]

Dillingham is eye popping

Creating his own looks on offense, drawing fouls attacking the rim, savvy passing to hit teammates in their spots

But also 2 absolutely brilliant defensive plays, hawking the ball out and swiping away for steals

Unbelievable stuff wow

can he throw lob passes tho

[heyheymymy]

can he throw lob passes tho

Haha good call but yes he actually did fit a few of those in tonight and connected one iirc. They looked on point

[Mr. Body]

Wouldn't be surprised to take a look at Kyle Filipowski depending on where or if the Toronto pick lands.

[spurraider21]

dilly dilly

[KobesAchilles]

Draft Dilly and call it a day. Surround Wemby with shooters, someone who can slash to the rim (and actually finish) and can pass the ball. Point guard defensive is extremely overrated. It almost never stops a team from winning a title. Jrue might be the only point guard since Chauncey to win a title and be a good defender tbh.

[KobesAchilles]

Draft Dilly and call it a day. Surround Wemby with shooters, someone who can slash to the rim (and actually finish) and can pass the ball. Point guard defensive is extremely overrated. It almost never stops a team from winning a title. Jrue might be the only point guard since Chauncey to win a title and be a good defender tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Draft Dilly and call it a day. Surround Wemby with shooters, someone who can slash to the rim (and actually finish) and can pass the ball. Point guard defensive is extremely overrated. It almost never stops a team from winning a title. Jrue might be the only point guard since Chauncey to win a title and be a good defender tbh.

:lmao

[BatManu20]

Dilly continues to ball out.

1744909406137884898

[KobesAchilles]

:lmao
2003 Parker
2004 Billups. Great defender and the best point guard defender on a championship team since Ron Harper in 1998.
2005 Parker
2006 White Chocolate
2007 Parker
2008 baby Rondo before he was a good defender. Tony Allen was their go to defender
2009/10 old man Fisher
2011 I guess Kidd was still a decent defender that year. Not near his prime but a solid defender
2012/13 Chalmers
2014 Parker
2015 Curry
2016 Irving
2017/18 Curry
2019 Lowry
2020 I forgot who started for the Lakers. Shreader?
2021 Jrue. So we went a decade between Kidd and Jrue
2022 Curry
2023 Murray
You can laugh all you want but in 20 seasons of champions there has really only been 3 good to great PGs when it comes to defense.

[Mr. Body]

2003 Parker
2004 Billups. Great defender and the best point guard defender on a championship team since Ron Harper in 1998.
2005 Parker
2006 White Chocolate
2007 Parker
2008 baby Rondo before he was a good defender. Tony Allen was their go to defender
2009/10 old man Fisher
2011 I guess Kidd was still a decent defender that year. Not near his prime but a solid defender
2012/13 Chalmers
2014 Parker
2015 Curry
2016 Irving
2017/18 Curry
2019 Lowry
2020 I forgot who started for the Lakers. Shreader?
2021 Jrue. So we went a decade between Kidd and Jrue
2022 Curry
2023 Murray
You can laugh all you want but in 20 seasons of champions there has really only been 3 good to great PGs when it comes to defense.

Son, we get fucking RINSED by lead guards. And you're all here saying defense don't matter. :lmao

[KobesAchilles]

Son, we get fucking RINSED by lead guards. And you're all here saying defense don't matter. :lmao
No I said it was overrated. You not being able to read doesn’t change the fact that in the last 20 years there have only been 3 title teams that had good defenders at the PG position. I listed them for you too. Feel free to go over the list and dispute it if you want. But you can’t.

[DAF86]

Son, we get fucking RINSED by lead guards. And you're all here saying defense don't matter. :lmao

Lead guards don't necessarily need to be defended by your PG, tbh. PGs in general are the poorest defenders on a team just by default. You can get by with a poor defender at PG.

Right now, I'm pretty high on both Dillingham and Sheppard for different reasons. Dillingham looks like the only lead guard in this class with an all-star type ceiling. He could also turn out to be a huge bust, though. While Sheppard just seems like a can't miss role player. One of those Derrick White types that just glues your entire team together. I would be fine with either one, tbh.

I have a lot of questions about Topic's shooting and ability to create at the NBA level.

And Collier just fucking sucks. He can't shoot, he can't create, he doesn't defend. I don't know who was lobbying for him eariler, but I would stay the fuck away from him, tbh.

[TheGreatYacht]

Dillingham is so obviously the best PG in the draft, but you just know Brian Wrong is going to pick another 6'5 shooting guard like Ja'Kobe Walter or the most obvious bust in the Top 10 Matas Buzelis. You can bank on it.

'

[objective]

Locked on Hawks has a new 2 parted on the draft with a guy who covers it

Topic being perfect for the Spurs is featured in part 1

[RC_Drunkford]

I wouldn't be concerned about Topic's shooting tbh. He's Serbian and if you know anything about Serbian basketball or played against Serbs than you should know that you could grab any old man off the street and he'll most likely be a 3-point sniper. Shooting is in their DNA, there's no way he doesn't get to the point where he's efficient from 3.

[objective]

what a weird player :lol

he has a total of SIX blocks in 3+ years lol

1744783504368451648

This is all I've seen of this player, but based on how slow and below the rim he looks against these nothing schools ... I expect Brian Wrong to have him ranked in his lottery

[Mr. Body]

Yall are like defense don't matter then lose your mind when Branham dies on screens. :lmao pick a lane

[KobesAchilles]

Yall are like defense don't matter then lose your mind when Branham dies on screens. :lmao pick a lane
I did pick a lane. PG defense is overrated. Wings and Big Men are more important to team defense. You can hide you’re PG on defense. I showed you the past 20 years of championship teams and only 3 had good defensive PGs.

Your lane on the other hand is not being able to read and posting arguments that’s nobody said. Nobody said defense doesn’t matter. But defense IS more important in some positions than others. Magic played zero defense. Isaiah bad defender. BJ fucking Armstrong was a championship starting PG for a 3peat. Are you saying that he was a great defender? Kenny Smith won back to back titles as a starter. Great defender? Avery Johnson a great defender? Steph Curry? Kyrie Irving? Tony Parker? Jamal Murray? Is this the argument your making?

Mr. Body thinks BJ and Armstrong and Kenny Smith are great defenders :lmao

[Mr. Body]

Stephon Castle can stuff the stat sheet a bit. Rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, (turnovers). Not a scoring threat and isn't hitting from range. I'm not sure he's a point, which is what you want. I'd still have him outside the top 10 and he impacts the game, but I don't think he's a star. A complementary piece.

USC coming up after.

[baseline bum]

Yall are like defense don't matter then lose your mind when Branham dies on screens. :lmao pick a lane

Branham has no redeeming quality

[Mr. Body]

Castle is a poised player for a freshman. Hurley has a lot of trust in him down the stretch in a tight game away.

[SpursBills]

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2014&class_is_fr=Y&pos_is_g=Y&school_id=kentucky&games_type=A&c1stat=bpm&c1comp=gt&c1val=4&c2stat=usg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=15&c3stat=ast_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=10&c4comp=gt&order_by=ast_pct#stats::12https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2014&class_is_fr=Y&pos_is_g=Y&school_id=kentucky&games_type=A&c1stat=bpm&c1comp=gt&c1val=4&c2stat=usg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=15&c3stat=ast_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=10&c4comp=gt&order_by=ast_pct#stats::12

So far Dilly's season is the real deal. I'm a huge Topic fan but my biggest hangup about Topic is I'm still not sure of the strength of the Adriatic league. Luka dominated in ACB and Sengun dominated in Turkish BSL, both of which are really good European leagues. If Adriatic league is not nearly on par with those two leagues, then a lot of Topic's numbers and projections fall apart. That's not to say he'll be a bad player, there's just a lot more uncertainty with him than with the other prior teenage wunderkinds.

Regarding Dilly, the link above shows Kentucky guards in the last 10 years with AST% > 10, BPM > 4, and USG >10. I really wanted to compared college numbers for Dilly and Sheppard with similar sized guys like Maxey, Monk, Fox, TyTy, and Cason Wallace. All the other guys on the list are much bigger and don't apply. What I see is that Dilly is able to create more efficient offense with a higher AST% and lower TO% than Fox. Sheppard has even more absurd numbers but you can tell by his AST% that he isn't quite the driver of offense compared to Dilly. He also has one of the highest eFG% of any of the guards, mostly driven by his excellent 3 point rate and 3 point percentages.

Regarding his defense, he is about the same size with similar wingspan (around 6'3" in shoes, + wingspan) as guys like Fox, Monk, Trae Young, Maxey, etc. All those guys are currently sitting between -1 and 0 defensive EPM which, while not terrific, is certainly acceptable for a point guard. He also has a higher ST% and TRB% than pretty much everyone else on this list, suggesting that he may not be a complete defensive liability moving forward in spite of his frame. (You can also see just how formidable a defensive backcourt of SGA and Cason Wallace is by these numbers). I read somewhere that the guy is half Samoan and should expected to put on even more weight moving forward, which would help him hold up on the defensive end.

Essentially, halfway through the season Dilly compares favorably to his prior Kentucky guard predecessors. His ceiling is something like a slightly worse version of De'aaron fox if only because fox has speed that Dilly does not and managed to develop his 3 point shooting to an elite level. He compares pretty favorably to Maxey in every way statistically but Maxey has also developed way better than how he was projected. Regarding where he should go, fox went 5th in what was considered a relatively strong draft in 2017 with more warts in his profile (namely his shooting). If Dilly continues to show out, there's no reason he shouldn't be a top 5 pick in this weaker draft.

[onechance87]

Stephon Castle can stuff the stat sheet a bit. Rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, (turnovers). Not a scoring threat and isn't hitting from range. I'm not sure he's a point, which is what you want. I'd still have him outside the top 10 and he impacts the game, but I don't think he's a star. A complementary piece.

USC coming up after.

can rebound and is a pretty good defender....Would be a upgrade over branham and jones...thats for sure

[BackHome]

I don't know if there is a real Star in this draft but hopefully we can find a good starter and a good bench guys with two of our lottery picks. As far as Dily and Sheppard it was kind of weird as Sheppard had a good game against Florida, but a terrible game against Missouri and Dily had a terrible game against Florida and a good game against Missouri. One thing is that I like about Dily is he reminds me of a little Parker being able to dribble in and around the rim and just easily getting to his spots a true old school PG. The thing that stand out with Sheppard is man oh man he has a sweet shooting stroke you have to stay with him at the 3 point line when he is playing.

[baseline bum]

I wouldn't be concerned about Topic's shooting tbh. He's Serbian and if you know anything about Serbian basketball or played against Serbs than you should know that you could grab any old man off the street and he'll most likely be a 3-point sniper. Shooting is in their DNA, there's no way he doesn't get to the point where he's efficient from 3.

When I see Euro PG who can't shoot I get flashbacks to Rubio, who was considered much better at running an offense than Topic and who was also a defensive ace coming into the league.

[spurraider21]

I wouldn't be concerned about Topic's shooting tbh. He's Serbian and if you know anything about Serbian basketball or played against Serbs than you should know that you could grab any old man off the street and he'll most likely be a 3-point sniper. Shooting is in their DNA, there's no way he doesn't get to the point where he's efficient from 3.
“Don’t worry about his shooting because other people born in the same country have been good shooters” isn’t very compelling.

[baseline bum]

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2014&class_is_fr=Y&pos_is_g=Y&school_id=kentucky&games_type=A&c1stat=bpm&c1comp=gt&c1val=4&c2stat=usg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=15&c3stat=ast_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=10&c4comp=gt&order_by=ast_pct#stats::12https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2014&class_is_fr=Y&pos_is_g=Y&school_id=kentucky&games_type=A&c1stat=bpm&c1comp=gt&c1val=4&c2stat=usg_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=15&c3stat=ast_pct&c3comp=gt&c3val=10&c4comp=gt&order_by=ast_pct#stats::12

So far Dilly's season is the real deal. I'm a huge Topic fan but my biggest hangup about Topic is I'm still not sure of the strength of the Adriatic league. Luka dominated in ACB and Sengun dominated in Turkish BSL, both of which are really good European leagues. If Adriatic league is not nearly on par with those two leagues, then a lot of Topic's numbers and projections fall apart. That's not to say he'll be a bad player, there's just a lot more uncertainty with him than with the other prior teenage wunderkinds.

Regarding Dilly, the link above shows Kentucky guards in the last 10 years with AST% > 10, BPM > 4, and USG >10. I really wanted to compared college numbers for Dilly and Sheppard with similar sized guys like Maxey, Monk, Fox, TyTy, and Cason Wallace. All the other guys on the list are much bigger and don't apply. What I see is that Dilly is able to create more efficient offense with a higher AST% and lower TO% than Fox. Sheppard has even more absurd numbers but you can tell by his AST% that he isn't quite the driver of offense compared to Dilly. He also has one of the highest eFG% of any of the guards, mostly driven by his excellent 3 point rate and 3 point percentages.

Regarding his defense, he is about the same size with similar wingspan (around 6'3" in shoes, + wingspan) as guys like Fox, Monk, Trae Young, Maxey, etc. All those guys are currently sitting between -1 and 0 defensive EPM which, while not terrific, is certainly acceptable for a point guard. He also has a higher ST% and TRB% than pretty much everyone else on this list, suggesting that he may not be a complete defensive liability moving forward in spite of his frame. (You can also see just how formidable a defensive backcourt of SGA and Cason Wallace is by these numbers). I read somewhere that the guy is half Samoan and should expected to put on even more weight moving forward, which would help him hold up on the defensive end.

Essentially, halfway through the season Dilly compares favorably to his prior Kentucky guard predecessors. His ceiling is something like a slightly worse version of De'aaron fox if only because fox has speed that Dilly does not and managed to develop his 3 point shooting to an elite level. He compares pretty favorably to Maxey in every way statistically but Maxey has also developed way better than how he was projected. Regarding where he should go, fox went 5th in what was considered a relatively strong draft in 2017 with more warts in his profile (namely his shooting). If Dilly continues to show out, there's no reason he shouldn't be a top 5 pick in this weaker draft.

Kind of looks like Dillingham is playing his way to being a top 3 pick, maybe even #2 ahead of Risacher. I went from hoping the Spurs could get him with the Toronto pick to being scared he'll be off the board by the time the Spurs own pick comes up.

[Mr. Body]

Watching USC-Wash St. Both these teams are poor.

Collier isn't a top 10 pick in my mind, even in this draft. He's built and quick for his size, but that's almost a bad thing since he doesn't dominate despite those advantages. He either doesn't see passes or, if he does, can't complete the pass. There was a back-pick for Bronny James to be wide open going toward the hoop and Collier couldn't place it at all, forcing James to dribble out. Collier is a threat driving, due to his size, but has what plagued Wesley last year -- he doesn't have the vertical pop to get over anyone so has trouble with help defense. On defense he kind of drifts but will make ill-advised lunges for steals he doesn't get or he fouls.

I just don't see it. Some of those things can be fixed but there are far more interesting guards in this class. Some team will take him too high on reputation and regret it.

Bronny James isn't an NBA player in my eyes. You'd have to specifically point him out to me. Unremarkable in any way.

[DAF86]

Kind of looks like Dillingham is playing his way to being a top 3 pick, maybe even #2 ahead of Risacher. I went from hoping the Spurs could get him with the Toronto pick to being scared he'll be off the board by the time the Spurs own pick comes up.

Risacher with a top 3 pick and Dillingham with the 7th was my dream scenario. I guess now it could be: Dillingham with the top 3 pick and one of the many wing prospects with the 7th (8th, 9th, whatever).

[baseline bum]

Risacher with a top 3 pick and Dillingham with the 7th was my dream scenario. I guess now it could be: Dillingham with the top 3 pick and one of the many wing prospects with the 7th (8th, 9th, whatever).

As long as we're talking dreams mine would have been Sarr at 1, then trade him to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges, and then taking Dillingham with the Toronto pick. But no way in hell he's there at 7 now when he's the one hyped PG prospect from this draft who has really been producing while also playing pressure filled games at Kentucky.

[Mr. Body]

Why does Brooklyn want Sarr.

[Bruno]

Risacher's December Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2TaYHg8eQ

[RC_Drunkford]

“Don’t worry about his shooting because other people born in the same country have been good shooters” isn’t very compelling.

you obviously don't have a clue about what I'm talking about. Y'all probably the same guys who said "I don't know if Luka Doncic's game translates to the NBA" before he got drafted

[spurraider21]

you obviously don't have a clue about what I'm talking about. Y'all probably the same guys who said "I don't know if Luka Doncic's game translates to the NBA" before he got drafted
Was your belief that doncic would be great based on the amazing basket ball dna of the Slovenian people?

[mo7888]

As long as we're talking dreams mine would have been Sarr at 1, then trade him to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges, and then taking Dillingham with the Toronto pick. But no way in hell he's there at 7 now when he's the one hyped PG prospect from this draft who has really been producing while also playing pressure filled games at Kentucky.

I'm not so sure about that. I kinda think he's gonna come back to earth when we get to individual workouts. I even still see some mocks having Shephard over him at this point while he's on a good stretch. It's a weaker draft so he certainly could go top 3, but I still expect him to be 7-10 when it's all said and done.

[CGD]

Givony's latest update: https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/39281094/2024-nba-mock-draft-21-college-prospects-scouts-monitoring

[The Truth #6]

Anything interesting to share from that article for ESPN Outsiders such as myself?

[mo7888]

Anything interesting to share from that article for ESPN Outsiders such as myself?

Risacher and Shephard with our two firsts... (although im not sure why they had the TOR pick at #12 when they're currently at #7)... also interesting that he has Proctor available with both of our 2nd's and we're passing..

[scott]

With all due respect to slow, plodding, giant people… you know it’s a weak draft with Zach Edey is now being mocked as a late lotto pick.

[CGD]

Risacher's December Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2TaYHg8eQ

Has he kept up his high level shooting, or has it cooled down?
This guy seems like the pick if he's there for the Spurs.

[mo7888]

Has he kept up his high level shooting, or has it cooled down?
This guy seems like the pick if he's there for the Spurs.

He's #1 on my initial board..

[Mr. Body]

Risacher looks huge for his position, at least in those clips / that competition. Question whether the shooting is real. Otherwise, he doesn't seem productive otherwise (no rebounds or assists, doesn't really block shots, gets about a steal a game). He's labelled as a good defender, but is this true?

[CorrectCrusader]

Risacher's December Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2TaYHg8eQ


I want this kid so bad...

[CorrectCrusader]

Risacher looks huge for his position, at least in those clips / that competition. Question whether the shooting is real. Otherwise, he doesn't seem productive otherwise (no rebounds or assists, doesn't really block shots, gets about a steal a game). He's labelled as a good defender, but is this true?

Good defender, you have to remember the lack of spacing in the french leagues. Great shooter, and as you saw, very large and quick for his height. He's gonna be a monster.

[mo7888]

Risacher looks huge for his position, at least in those clips / that competition. Question whether the shooting is real. Otherwise, he doesn't seem productive otherwise (no rebounds or assists, doesn't really block shots, gets about a steal a game). He's labelled as a good defender, but is this true?

He's a good defender. I see him more as a 4 than a 3 though..

[CorrectCrusader]

He's a good defender. I see him more as a 4 than a 3 though..

He'd be a great 4 in the NBA. PFs are basically just larger SFs these days anyway. Kind of reminds me of Michael Porter Jr. with better instincts

[baseline bum]

Has he kept up his high level shooting, or has it cooled down?
This guy seems like the pick if he's there for the Spurs.

39% from the three for the year, 40% from the three in his last five games.

[baseline bum]

He's a good defender. I see him more as a 4 than a 3 though..

You don't think he's quick enough to guard the 3? He really seems like a 3 offensively.

[CorrectCrusader]

You don't think he's quick enough to guard the 3? He really seems like a 3 offensively.

Modern NBA offense SF and PF basically do the same things. See Boston for ex.

[Mr. Body]

I mean, we're all repeating the stock phrase that he's a good defender, but his metrics don't show this. Are we just repeating stuff we've heard or have people actually watched him?

[Mr. Body]

He'd be a great 4 in the NBA. PFs are basically just larger SFs these days anyway. Kind of reminds me of Michael Porter Jr. with better instincts

He doesn't really rebound the ball, 3.7 reb per 22.8 mpg, which is something you'd want your PF to do.

[CorrectCrusader]

I mean, we're all repeating the stock phrase that he's a good defender, but his metrics don't show this. Are we just repeating stuff we've heard or have people actually watched him?

I've watched 4 full games and liked what I saw

[CorrectCrusader]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXiZbuQuB6s

[CorrectCrusader]

He doesn't really rebound the ball, 3.7 reb per 22.8 mpg, which is something you'd want your PF to do.

Doesn't tell the whole story, Bourg doesn't use him as a rebounder, he's a quick transition player. I'm sure rebounding wouldn't be an issue if he were near the rim