2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Mr. Body]

Kentucky is a pretty bad defensive team. Dillingham has more than contributed, but beyond his size, it's his positioning and getting lost on screens. More than this, it's clueless handling of simple switches. Tonight was a keen example. Gonzaga ran a basic pick and roll, Ivisic took the guard who was moving toward the wing. Instead of sticking with Ivisic's big guy who was rolling down, he rushed across back to his man, now doubling him. Instant dunk under the basket with the pass. I've seen him give up inbounds dunks doing the same thing.

Now, I've thought those crappy reads were from ty coaching, but he hasn't played since. I haven't been paying attention but it seems like he's been yanked.

His background is with Donda Academy and then Overtime Elite, so I can see atrocious coaching devoid of fundamentals is part of his background. Given how he's often calling switches as players move around (not always the right calls, but still), I have to feel like the basic concepts of basketball can't be beyond him, but it's striking that he hasn't played since.

[Dejounte]

Now, other than that Curry guy, how many have, even in this gogo scoring era( call it 2015 to now) led their teams to les? The trend is to big wing playmakers, your LeBrons, Durants, Gianniss, and Kawhis. They win the les. Little guys exist, but they are complementary players by and large.

Disclaimer: I like Dillingham, and was on him early. I think he could be a solid #2 with his varied skill set.

You draft a SF who could one day be in the same universe as those four but the truth is, these forwards in the upcoming draft have no great quality about them that would give anyone that type of confidence.

Each HOFer possessed elite athleticism or was lights out in college
LeBron - obviously a generational athlete
Durant - dominated college
Kawhi - freak physical profile, ball handling like a guard
Giannis - freak physical profile, ball handling like a guard

Meanwhile, this sad bunch of forwards:
Matas - ball handling like a guard (played point before Ignite) but the drive might not be there
Risacher - straight line driver, catch and shoot player, occasional step backs but nothing writing home about
Cody - meets some criteria but moves slow. If you’re going to be slow, be strong. He’s not strong
Holland - too Keldonesque

Garbage all around

[exstatic]

You draft a SF who could one day be in the same universe as those four but the truth is, these forwards in the upcoming draft have no great quality about them that would give anyone that type of confidence.

Each HOFer possessed elite athleticism or was lights out in college
LeBron - obviously a generational athlete
Durant - dominated college
Kawhi - freak physical profile, ball handling like a guard
Giannis - freak physical profile, ball handling like a guard

Meanwhile, this sad bunch of forwards:
Matas - ball handling like a guard (played point before Ignite) but the drive might not be there
Risacher - straight line driver, catch and shoot player, occasional step backs but nothing writing home about
Cody - meets some criteria but moves slow. If you’re going to be slow, be strong. He’s not strong
Holland - too Keldonesque

Garbage all around

Neither of them showed that at any high level coming into the league. You draft on potential, not on what a player is now. Risacher is 18, and you have him pigeonholed as a straight line driver and catch and shoot guy, forever. He’s far better at 18 than either Giannis or Kawhi.

[Dejounte]

Neither of them showed that at any high level coming into the league. You draft on potential, not on what a player is now. Risacher is 18, and you have him pigeonholed as a straight line driver and catch and shoot guy, forever. He’s far better at 18 than either Giannis or Kawhi.

Believe it or not, players have semblance of who they were at 18 when they’re in the NBA. Just because you’re 18 doesn’t mean you’re going to evolve into a player whose skills and tendencies are drastically different. Giannis was touted for having ball handling as an 18 year old. I’m not comparing how good each individual were at the same level, but what kind of player they were. Yeah, I do have him pidgeon holed as a straight line driver and catch and shoot guy, that’s NOT me saying he wont be a better player in the NBA.

[exstatic]

Believe it or not, players have semblance of who they were at 18 when they’re in the NBA. Just because you’re 18 doesn’t mean you’re going to evolve into a player whose skills and tendencies are drastically different. Giannis was touted for having ball handling as an 18 year old. I’m not comparing how good each individual were at the same level, but what kind of player they were. Yeah, I do have him pidgeon holed as a straight line driver and catch and shoot guy, that’s NOT me saying he wont be a better player in the NBA.

Well,we’re probably not going to agree on Risacher’s potential, but you should prepare yourself for the Spurs to draft him if he’s on the board when they pick. Young Peter Holt was spotted in France at a Risacher game, and owners don’t leave their business to fly across the ocean to see a prospect on a lark.

[CGD]

Believe it or not, players have semblance of who they were at 18 when they’re in the NBA. Just because you’re 18 doesn’t mean you’re going to evolve into a player whose skills and tendencies are drastically different. Giannis was touted for having ball handling as an 18 year old. I’m not comparing how good each individual were at the same level, but what kind of player they were. Yeah, I do have him pidgeon holed as a straight line driver and catch and shoot guy, that’s NOT me saying he wont be a better player in the NBA.

THANK YOU for ending that ridiculous caps crap, lol! Just noticed

[Dejounte]

Well,we’re probably not going to agree on Risacher’s potential, but you should prepare yourself for the Spurs to draft him if he’s on the board when they pick. Young Peter Holt was spotted in France at a Risacher game, and owners don’t leave their business to fly across the ocean to see a prospect on a lark.

I was aware Holt was out there— I don’t necessarily think he was out there solely for Risacher. He may be out there to scout on what additional elements of the French culture he could incorporate into Spurs Entertainment too. I’ve been down this road before, with the Spurs drafting someone I wasn’t fully on board with (Vassell). Those criticisms of Vassell I had pre-draft are apparent today, so my criticism was valid. I won’t be upset, just disappointment with hopes for the best as I obviously want the Spurs to succeed. I don’t believe all my ideas about the Spurs are the best ones that the Spurs should align with, like how a lot of bozos here are with their ideas. Just my thoughts and opinions alone.

[onechance87]

anybody know when topic suppose to return

[mo7888]

anybody know when topic suppose to return

Should be towards the end of this month...

[exstatic]

anybody know when topic suppose to return

On January 5th it was stated that he would be out 4-6weeks. 26 days in January plus 10 in February is 36, or a bit over 5 weeks already.

[scott]

I wouldn't read too much into Holt being out to watch Risacher. No, owners don't fly across the world to watch a prospect on a lark... but rich dudes vacation in places in France, and may have wanted to catch a basketball game. I don't know for certain, but I also don't think Peter Holt Jr. is active in scouting on behalf of the team. Maybe he is though... no clue, but there aren't any indications that he's heavily involved in basketball ops in that way.

Back to my Filipowski take... a large part of it is based off taking the players most likely to be NBA contributors. This draft is so weak, it drives me away from positions of need and just to "who do I think most likely to help the team at this position in the draft", and in the 8-12 range, I think that is Filipowski.

[Dejounte]

I wouldn't read too much into Holt being out to watch Risacher. No, owners don't fly across the world to watch a prospect on a lark... but rich dudes vacation in places in France, and may have wanted to catch a basketball game. I don't know for certain, but I also don't think Peter Holt Jr. is active in scouting on behalf of the team. Maybe he is though... no clue, but there aren't any indications that he's heavily involved in basketball ops in that way.

Back to my Filipowski take... a large part of it is based off taking the players most likely to be NBA contributors. This draft is so weak, it drives me away from positions of need and just to "who do I think most likely to help the team at this position in the draft", and in the 8-12 range, I think that is Filipowski.

All these years with prospects that take years to develop has led us to believe that no rookie can come out of the gate running and it’s sad. There are definitely rookies who do and I hope the Spurs can get one.

[onechance87]

I wouldn't read too much into Holt being out to watch Risacher. No, owners don't fly across the world to watch a prospect on a lark... but rich dudes vacation in places in France, and may have wanted to catch a basketball game. I don't know for certain, but I also don't think Peter Holt Jr. is active in scouting on behalf of the team. Maybe he is though... no clue, but there aren't any indications that he's heavily involved in basketball ops in that way.

Back to my Filipowski take... a large part of it is based off taking the players most likely to be NBA contributors. This draft is so weak, it drives me away from positions of need and just to "who do I think most likely to help the team at this position in the draft", and in the 8-12 range, I think that is Filipowski.

This draft is weak.But their is always stars and good young role players in every draft.If we cant get a star then we better
get damn good role players.Not impressed with the picks the last few years.So the scouts and management better not this up.

[exstatic]

All these years with prospects that take years to develop has led us to believe that no rookie can come out of the gate running and it’s sad. There are definitely rookies who do and I hope the Spurs can get one.

The ones that do are usually older and more physically developed and experienced. They are also usually at or near their ceilings.

[Mr. Body]

Masai and RC were at the Colorado game to watch the Buffaloes get destroyed by Arizona and Cody Williams stink. He looks promising, though, like he might become a lottery pick in a year or two.

[onechance87]

Masai and RC were at the Colorado game to watch the Buffaloes get destroyed by Arizona and Cody Williams stink. He looks promising, though, like he might become a lottery pick in a year or two.

damnit...Hopefully he snaps out of it....We may have to take a serious look at knecht who just makes happen on offense.
May be better then holland

[BackHome]

Masai and RC were at the Colorado game to watch the Buffaloes get destroyed by Arizona and Cody Williams stink. He looks promising, though, like he might become a lottery pick in a year or two.

Yeah, him and also Castle had really bad games - We are coming close to March Madness where we going to see players step up or players who can’t handle the bright lights. Even know players are starting to feel the pressure knowing there dreams and a of a lot of money are on the line

[duncan2150]

Yeah, him and also Castle had really bad games - We are coming close to March Madness where we going to see players step up or players who can’t handle the bright lights. Even know players are starting to feel the pressure knowing there dreams and a of a lot of money are on the line

At what games do you referred for castle backhome ? he is just coming from three good games in the last four, with 17,20 and 21 points while hitting the three.

[Bruno]

anybody know when topic suppose to return

His coach said a week ago that it would take longer than expected because they were really cautious.

Teams in Europe are now entering a break until the end of the month to let national teams play some games. Topic's team next game is on March 1st. If the end of his rehab is going well, I guess he would be back for that game.

[Bruno]

Holt wasn't in France to see Risacher. He had two business to France in October and January. Drafting Wembanyama has surely open some business possibilities to Spurs in France. The precise goal of these trips has of course been keep secret. My wild guess is that Holt might be looking to add Qatar (owner of Paris soccer team) as a Spurs minority owner and have a lot of fresh money to build the new arena.

Spurs will play two games next season in France (home and away against Pacers), Holt looked at the two possible venues for these games (Bercy and U arena) during that trip.

I highly doubt Holt is somehow involved in the scouting process. The main reason why he was at that Risacher game was likely to see how Spurs European scouts were working.

[Mr. Body]

damnit...Hopefully he snaps out of it....We may have to take a serious look at knecht who just makes happen on offense.
May be better then holland

I don't think it's a matter of snapping out of it, really, for Williams. One, Arizona was just dominant. But then Williams is a freshman who impacts the game on kick-outs and sometimes attacks the basket. He's not a dynamic, vital player for Colorado. Just watching them, you'd see a talented kid who might eventually generate high draft interest. What pops for him is a nice percentage from distance, although he doesn't shoot from range that often, and a really high conversion rate around the rim. He did it again last night - he gets these tough shots to go, which is a real talent. My worry there is that he's getting tough shots instead of easy shots. A guy with his rangy size shouldn't be forced into these shots, which will get harder in the pros. Strength will help, but a problem is he doesn't have a lot of burst.

[Mr. Body]

At this point, my strategy has changed slightly. I'm paying more attention to our early 2RP. I'm also more interested in older players who can contribute sooner. The cavalcade of Bambis who can barely walk needs adjustment.

Pick 1-5. Zaccharie Risacher. Our biggest need may be a starting small forward. Champagnie isn't starting caliber and we're giving up so much with him out there. I'm not fond of paying high rookie scale for a role-player, but if Risacher can be a movement shooter who plays good defense, that's an improvement. If he's not available, I'm not quite sure what to do with the pick.

Pick 6-10. If we drop and/or we get Toronto's pick. I am expecting bench players here. Maybe starters down the line, but that's too much to expect right now. This team is in so dire need of talent, taking both picks may be wise, but I wouldn't be upset to trade out the second one. Teams may not be keen to trade all the way up, but may want a player in this range. For any pick in this range, I'm looking to fill in needed gaps, which are defense, scoring, rebounding. My board includes Kyle Filipowski (good-passing big), Reed Sheppard (undersize glue guy), Rob Dillingham (bench scorer), Dalton Knecht (old badass), Matas Buzelis or Cody Williams (long-term projects).

Pick 33. Here is where I target an older player who can fill in faster than a Bambi. With roster spots filled with bumbling players from Wesley to Cissoko, I want one of those seasoned players the NBA draft has turned away from but seem to impact teams everywhere instead of ours. Right now it's Tyler Kolek, a rugged sunova from Marquette. I don't like any of the PGs early in the draft and don't feel like drafting a project this late makes sense. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see a Melvin Ajinca or Ulrich Chomche picked instead.

So... I dunno if much has changed. I hvae a very few players I like in the lottery. I don't have huge expectations for them, but am good to add new blood. I have moved to liking Knecht and Kolek and those types of players.

[JPB]

Holt wasn't in France to see Risacher. He had two business to France in October and January. Drafting Wembanyama has surely open some business possibilities to Spurs in France. The precise goal of these trips has of course been keep secret. My wild guess is that Holt might be looking to add Qatar (owner of Paris soccer team) as a Spurs minority owner and have a lot of fresh money to build the new arena.

Spurs will play two games next season in France (home and away against Pacers), Holt looked at the two possible venues for these games (Bercy and U arena) during that trip.

I highly doubt Holt is somehow involved in the scouting process. The main reason why he was at that Risacher game was likely to see how Spurs European scouts were working.

I believe you're extrapolating or fantasizing a tad too fast, Bruno with Holt going in France to talk with Qatar of "business in France" in general... I mean, you don't need to go to France to negociate with Qatar who have interests throughout the planet... Sure they own Paris-Saint-Germain soccer team but Qatar princes or cheicks do'nt leave there, right? That's a of a short cut and speculation you're doing here.. Borderline conspiracy theory short cuts

Qatar own PSG --> Holt is going in France -> Maybe Holt is negociating with Qatar...

I believe that's just to see the areanas spurs coud play in next year, that's its job as the team majority owner, not RC or Pop to do that and make sure his team play in good conditions. And I also don't believe he would go in a Risacher game to see how "scouts are working in Europe", he knows that and all the scouts work the same anyway nowadays... He just took the occasion to watch the kid.

[Dejounte]

I believe you're extrapolating or fantasizing a tad too fast, Bruno with Holt going in France to talk with Qatar of "business in France" in general... I mean, you don't need to go to France to negociate with Qatar who have interests throughout the planet... Sure they own Paris-Saint-Germain soccer team but Qatar princes or cheicks do'nt leave there, right? That's a of a short cut and speculation you're doing here.. Borderline conspiracy theory short cuts

Qatar own PSG --> Holt is going in France -> Maybe Holt is negociating with Qatar...

I believe that's just to see the areanas spurs coud play in next year, that's its job as the team majority owner, not RC or Pop to do that and make sure his team play in good conditions. And I also don't believe he would go in a Risacher game to see how "scouts are working in Europe", he knows that and all the scouts work the same anyway nowadays... He just took the occasion to watch the kid.

This from the guy who extrapolated that there’s less interest in the Spurs from their fanbase because there was only four pages in the Spurstalk game thread. ing classic!

[rascal]

At this point, my strategy has changed slightly. I'm paying more attention to our early 2RP. I'm also more interested in older players who can contribute sooner. The cavalcade of Bambis who can barely walk needs adjustment.

Pick 1-5. Zaccharie Risacher. Our biggest need may be a starting small forward. Champagnie isn't starting caliber and we're giving up so much with him out there. I'm not fond of paying high rookie scale for a role-player, but if Risacher can be a movement shooter who plays good defense, that's an improvement. If he's not available, I'm not quite sure what to do with the pick.

Pick 6-10. If we drop and/or we get Toronto's pick. I am expecting bench players here. Maybe starters down the line, but that's too much to expect right now. This team is in so dire need of talent, taking both picks may be wise, but I wouldn't be upset to trade out the second one. Teams may not be keen to trade all the way up, but may want a player in this range. For any pick in this range, I'm looking to fill in needed gaps, which are defense, scoring, rebounding. My board includes Kyle Filipowski (good-passing big), Reed Sheppard (undersize glue guy), Rob Dillingham (bench scorer), Dalton Knecht (old badass), Matas Buzelis or Cody Williams (long-term projects).

Pick 33. Here is where I target an older player who can fill in faster than a Bambi. With roster spots filled with bumbling players from Wesley to Cissoko, I want one of those seasoned players the NBA draft has turned away from but seem to impact teams everywhere instead of ours. Right now it's Tyler Kolek, a rugged sunova from Marquette. I don't like any of the PGs early in the draft and don't feel like drafting a project this late makes sense. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see a Melvin Ajinca or Ulrich Chomche picked instead.

So... I dunno if much has changed. I hvae a very few players I like in the lottery. I don't have huge expectations for them, but am good to add new blood. I have moved to liking Knecht and Kolek and those types of players.

You like non athletic white players.