2024 NBA Draft Thread

[rascal]

Who, among Sarr, Risacher, Topic and adding Holland and Dillingham, is "the best player available"? Which one is obviously best?

Sarr

[mystargtr34]

Pistons: Need a floor spacing big wing the most. In order of likelihood i can see them taking Risacher, Cody Williams. Less likely but possible is Sarr but then you’d have a serious lack of shooting in the projected starting lineup of Duren, Ausar, Ivey, Cade. If they pick Sarr they could move on from Ivey and play Ausar at the 2 and a shooter like Fontecchio at the 3 with Sarr and Duren.

Wizards: Their only ++ assets are Kuzma, Avdija, Coulibaly which covers them at 2/3/4 theoretically speaking. So I think the 1 and 5 spots are their priority. Topić or Sarr are most likely for them. If they really like one of the wings like Risacher or Williams maybe they pick them but I think Sarr or Topić is the pick here.

Spurs: Need a PG and a big wing. Topić, Risacher are most likely here. Sarr is a possibility but then you have to move Sochan to the 3 and need shooting at the 1 next to Devin and Wemby. Cody Williams is a possibility if they really like him even as high as number 3 but I think it’s unlikely. Can’t see the Spurs taking anyone outside of these 4 guys in the top 3. Maybe Buzelis if they really like him. Same situation as Sarr would need shooting at the 1 next to Wemby, Devin, Jeremy.

Hornets: Can go multiple ways as they have some versatility with Miller and Bridges. They won’t take a 5, could see them taking a 1 like Shepard or Dillingham since LaMelo is a 6’7 guard who can theoretically guard the 2. I can see them taking a 2 like JaKobe Walter, or a big wing like Cody Williams, Buzelis, Ron Holland.

Portland: Going to assume they need a big wing. Although they suck everywhere. Let’s assume Scoot and Shaedon are their ‘future’ . I can see them taking anyone of Williams, Buzelis, Holland. Maybe JaKobe at the 2 if they have soured on Shaedon.

Memphis: Very similar to Portland they need a big wing. Williams, Buzelis, Holland are the picks here. One of these will be available assuming Sarr, Topić, Risacher go 1-2-3. Really can’t see Memphis taking a guard with Morant and Bane already there. I’d be shocked if they took Dillingham, Shepard or Walter. Maybe Salaun is a dark horse here.

Spurs: Would be gold if the Spurs could get this pick. Because I think Dillingham, Shepard will be available here. Both would be great fits at the 1. Shooting problem gets somewhat solved. If the Spurs take Topić with their first pick, then they could take a swing on a Salaun here or maybe Buzelis or Hollland if they slip through 4-6.

Based on current draft order my mock is:

1. Detroit: Risacher
2. Wizards: Sarr
3. Spurs: Topić
4. Hornets: Williams
5. Blazers: Buzelis
6: Memphis: Holland
7: Spurs: Walter/Dillingham/Shepard/Salaun

Sarr does seem like the best prospect but it’s close. Maybe Pistons pick him then Wizards take Topić and Spurs get Risacher.

[mo7888]

https://theathletic.com/5268787/2024...ankings-teams/

[The Truth #6]

Players that seem like Brian Wight types.

Cody Williams
Risacher
Sarr
Kyshawn George
Tiddy Salaune (sic)

Topic and Dilly don't strike me as Wright types based on my highly subjective, uhh, formula and analysis.

[mystargtr34]

My ideal draft would be Risacher/Williams or maybe Sarr with the first pick then with the #7 pick Dillingham or Sheppard or maybe even Topic if he drops.

Topic could be good but if you take him with the first pick then you don't have as many options with the 7 pick to take a wing who can shoot (Risacher, Williams will be off the board).

I am open to taking Sarr with the first pick and pairing him next to Wemby but you will badly need shooting at the 1 (Dillingham or Shepard) and maybe even at the 3 spot which means you have to move Sochan to the bench.

Wemby
Sarr
Sochan
Vassell
Dillingham/Sheppard

You may be able to get away with 2 non-shooters.

[Ariel]

My ideal draft would be Risacher/Williams or maybe Sarr with the first pick then with the #7 pick Dillingham or Sheppard or maybe even Topic if he drops.

Topic could be good but if you take him with the first pick then you don't have as many options with the 7 pick to take a wing who can shoot (Risacher, Williams will be off the board).

I am open to taking Sarr with the first pick and pairing him next to Wemby but you will badly need shooting at the 1 (Dillingham or Shepard) and maybe even at the 3 spot which means you have to move Sochan to the bench.

Wemby
Sarr
Sochan
Vassell
Dillingham/Sheppard

You may be able to get away with 2 non-shooters.

I also like Sarr, but I don't see all three of Wemby / Sarr / Sochan together, his most likely role initially would be backup C (non Wemby minutes) or replacing Sochan. All three of them on the court at the same time would make life very difficult for each other. Risacher would make a more natural fit.

[rascal]

I am open to taking Sarr with the first pick and pairing him next to Wemby but you will badly need shooting at the 1 (Dillingham or Shepard) and maybe even at the 3 spot which means you have to move Sochan to the bench.

Wemby
Sarr
Sochan
Vassell
Dillingham/Sheppard

You may be able to get away with 2 non-shooters.

This is at least a two year draft build. You aren't going to address all the Spurs needs in one draft. You look ahead to what the lottery looks like next year and it's projected top heavy in SFs so you address that next year.

You take Sarr if available and if not go pg.

[Ariel]

This is at least a two year draft build. You aren't going to address all the Spurs needs in one draft. You look ahead to what the lottery looks like next year and it's projected top heavy in SFs so you address that next year.

You take Sarr if available and if not go pg.

You can't predict what the '25 board will look like a year and a half in advance, you have to take what you think is best now and figure out the rest later, whether via draft, trade, or free agency.

[rascal]

I also like Sarr, but I don't see all three of Wemby / Sarr / Sochan together, his most likely role initially would be backup C (non Wemby minutes) or replacing Sochan. All three of them on the court at the same time would make life very difficult for each other. Risacher would make a more natural fit.

Move Sochan to the bench or trade Sochan for a player who can shoot. Why the idea that Sochan is untradeable and having to play all three at the same time.

[mo7888]

It may not be this draft, but Josh Hubbard is one to watch in the future. He's short, but explosive... Really impressive against LSU tonight..

[TD 21]

I don't get the absolutes some are speaking in when it comes to fit on these teams. They're the worst teams in the league. In many cases, the biggest needs is talent period and they can sort the rest out later.

If their best young building block isn't overly malleable, they probably won't pick a similar archetype that's regarded as a similar or worse prospect. After that, all bets are off.

Only the Spurs and Grizzlies should heavily factor in fit because the former has a projected MVP caliber prospect and the latter have an All-NBA player and goodish team when healthy.

[Mr. Body]

Nobody is talking absolute fit.

[baseline bum]

Move Sochan to the bench or trade Sochan for a player who can shoot. Why the idea that Sochan is untradeable and having to play all three at the same time.

Sochan's untradeable because he wouldn't get you in return.

[baseline bum]

Maybe those picking in the late draft or late teens once they factor is who they think will be left by the time they pick?

The only team in the projected bottom 7 right now who needs a PG as much as the Spurs is Washington, and they aren’t passing on Sarr, Tooic, Rasacher, Matas, Williams, or Walter in order to take Dillingham. He’ll absolutely be there at 7 or 8 if the Spurs are picking then.

Did Sacramento need a PG when they picked Haliburton? Most of the time teams will take the player they think is most talented. If you end up with two stars at the same position that's a good problem to have and you trade one for a star that's a better fit like they did for Sabonis.

[Mr. Body]

Sochan's untradeable because he wouldn't get you in return.

Lol, a lot of teams would love Sochan. Man is this site pathetic.

[baseline bum]

Lol, a lot of teams would love Sochan. Man is this site pathetic.

What do you think the Spurs would get for Sochan in trade?

[rascal]

Not much more than a role player bench player or young project who hasn't hit yet.

[freetiago]

Sochan+Johnson+salary filler+ 3-4 FRPs for Trae Young. Maybe they’re fooled by his decent games against them. Then just need wings+ some front court depth

[Ocotillo]

I concede I don't keep up with the incoming class and watch games or video on the prospects so my opinion on who is good or not is pretty worthless. I do enjoy the back and forth between you guys about this guy or that guy so I feel slightly more up to speed than I would be without the board.

Having said that and with Sarr being mentioned as having a good chance of being the top pick in the draft, I went back and looked into why Houston who selected Ralph Sampson in 1983 took Dream the following year.

Sampson came in at 7'4" and was solid with a double/double in points/rebounds and something like 2.5 blocks. Houston continued to suck and ended up with the top pick the next draft. (Remind you of our situation?)

Hakeem was drafted and it was determined his skill set was better served in the post and Sampson was moved to power forward. In the article I was reading, Sampson expressed a preference for playing multiple positions and was happy with the new role and both he and Olajuwon thrived. They formed what was considered the first twin towers.

That was a much different era of the NBA than we have today but the similarity between Houston then and the Spurs now are interesting. Would Sarr be able to come in and be the center and Wemby do as Sampson did and move to power forward and it work in todays NBA?

One footnote, the Rockets did improve when Olajuwon was added but struggled when point guard John Lucas had to serve a suspension for substance abuse. Which brings us back to the how the team really needs a point guard.

[rascal]

Sochan+Johnson+salary filler+ 3-4 FRPs for Trae Young. Maybe they’re fooled by his decent games against them. Then just need wings+ some front court depth

Sochan alone, what is the trade value? Adding FRPs changes the overall value and doubt the Spurs are trading those picks. Pop has made it clear to be patient and they are building through the draft.

[Dejounte]

I concede I don't keep up with the incoming class and watch games or video on the prospects so my opinion on who is good or not is pretty worthless. I do enjoy the back and forth between you guys about this guy or that guy so I feel slightly more up to speed than I would be without the board.

Having said that and with Sarr being mentioned as having a good chance of being the top pick in the draft, I went back and looked into why Houston who selected Ralph Sampson in 1983 took Dream the following year.

Sampson came in at 7'4" and was solid with a double/double in points/rebounds and something like 2.5 blocks. Houston continued to suck and ended up with the top pick the next draft. (Remind you of our situation?)

Hakeem was drafted and it was determined his skill set was better served in the post and Sampson was moved to power forward. In the article I was reading, Sampson expressed a preference for playing multiple positions and was happy with the new role and both he and Olajuwon thrived. They formed what was considered the first twin towers.

That was a much different era of the NBA than we have today but the similarity between Houston then and the Spurs now are interesting. Would Sarr be able to come in and be the center and Wemby do as Sampson did and move to power forward and it work in todays NBA?

One footnote, the Rockets did improve when Olajuwon was added but struggled when point guard John Lucas had to serve a suspension for substance abuse. Which brings us back to the how the team really needs a point guard.

Nope, and that’s what other posters don’t get. Wemby can’t defend the perimeter full time because of fatigue and lack of agility. We’ve seen this show already and he was being abused by smaller players who would blow by him. Conversely, Sarr can’t play PF for the same reason— neither of these guys are able to defend the perimeter full time. If there were more teams playing two bigs like the Twolves, then sure there would be no problem. But most teams play a tweener (SF/PF) at that position nowadays and thrive off being able to shoot 3’s and drive to the hoop with speed. Playing either player at PF is a fast ticket to injury or retirement.

[rascal]

Nope, and that’s what other posters don’t get. Wemby can’t defend the perimeter full time because of fatigue and lack of agility. We’ve seen this show already and he was being abused by smaller players who would blow by him. Conversely, Sarr can’t play PF for the same reason— neither of these guys are able to defend the perimeter full time. If there were more teams playing two bigs like the Twolves, then sure there would be no problem. But most teams play a tweener (SF/PF) at that position nowadays and thrive off being able to shoot 3’s and drive to the hoop with speed. Playing either player at PF is a fast ticket to injury or retirement.

Both could defend PFs. Why would Wemby be more fatigue than other players in his prime?

[Dejounte]

Both could defend PFs. Why would Wemby be more fatigue than other players in his prime?

No, they can’t. Defending PF’s mean they’re liable to being switched on SF’s too, you know that right? Sochan is constantly switched on smaller players. Like I said, there’s no need to fantasize about this when there’s actual proof that Wemby is not suited to being a PF.

Wemby is everyone’s superhero— I get it. But this is like all the Wemby worship pre-draft when everyone thought he’d do it all and be like Luka and bring up the ball every time. The guy is limited in some aspects, and that’s OK. That’s why you build around who he is, and not obtain a player who would push him out of a position where he’s optimized most.

[Dejounte]

Why have Wemby worry about trying to keep up with smaller players on the perimeter when he can continue feasting on blocking shots in the paint with his supernatural blocking skills (and break records while he’s at it)? It makes absolutely no sense.

[rascal]

Why have Wemby worry about trying to keep up with smaller players on the perimeter when he can continue feasting on blocking shots in the paint with his supernatural blocking skills (and break records while he’s at it)? It makes absolutely no sense.

Who said it has to be Wemby chasing smaller players. Sarr is fast and quick on his feet and would be excellent at PF.

Spurs have already made two low post defenders a successful team build.