Darius Bazley - 2019 NBA Draft Prospect

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Why do crazy players sign New Balance shoe deals?

[ZeusWillJudge]

Why do crazy players sign New Balance shoe deals?

He's not crazy. He's a very talented kid, just tryna get paid. If he's not the real deal, then he was crafty enough to get New Balance to give him a million bucks. I think he got some bad advice - or else he just wouldn't listen to good advice. If he had gone to college for a year, and actually done something, he would probably be looking at a much bigger payday on a guaranteed rookie deal.

College players can declare, and then opt to go back to school if it doesn't look like they will get drafted as high as they want. But this kid is sort of stuck if he doesn't get taken in the first round. He's not going to want to go play in the G-League for peanuts. (He already turned down that opportunity.) Maybe he'd take a 2-way contract, but it doesn't look like his style. I think he might go play in Europe for a couple of years.

That's why I'm skeptical of him, even though I think he really is an exceptional talent. All the "what-ifs" I think of point in the wrong direction. Unless he's good enough to crack an NBA rotation his rookie year, he looks like a problem child.

[Dejounte]

The lay-up move at 0:05 is something very, very few forwards especially his size can do in the NBA. This dude is going to be a star. People question his character because of his recent actions, but he seems like a good, smart kid from what I've seen on his social media...compared to someone like Murray.

[ZeusWillJudge]

The lay-up move at 0:05 is something very, very few forwards especially his size can do in the NBA. This dude is going to be a star. People question his character because of his recent actions, but he seems like a good, smart kid from what I've seen on his social media...compared to someone like Murray.

I think you're probably right. And it's probably a mistake to pass on this level of talent, just because they can always be traded for value. If he's still there, he'd likely be a smart play. If some other team up above thinks the same thing, that's okay - he'll push someone else down that the Spurs might want.

[kobyz]

Totally worth the risk at #29 but I'm also starting to consider the idea of taking him at #19, even though he has big bust potential, but we might be in situation we better swing for the fences trying to find a star, as he could be the next Paul George...

[Chinook]

Totally worth the risk at #29 but I'm also starting to consider the idea of taking him at #19, even though he has big bust potential, but we might be in situation we better swing for the fences trying to find a star, as he could be the next Paul George...

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go anywhere after 10. If he gives private workouts and shows well, some team will consider the upside worth passing up on a lot of proven guys to snag him. If that happens, it just means one more good player will fall a bit closer to 19.

[Dejounte]

I dont buy the "big bust" potential. His physical transformation since last year is nothing to scoff at. This dude is a worker. And he's had the right guidance. Compare his body fat to Ben Simmons, and it makes Ben Simmons look lazy (who is looking fat these days, there's a photo of him with his shirt off). That absolutely takes dedication.

[Dejounte]

I also dont think the Spurs would care what mocks say about players. If a player is consistently low on other teams' big board, that doesn't factor into their decision making at all. I think if they really see something special about a player that is rated low whether due to unusual cir stances like Darius, they will get him with whatever pick necessary

[kobyz]

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go anywhere after 10. If he gives private workouts and shows well, some team will consider the upside worth passing up on a lot of proven guys to snag him. If that happens, it just means one more good player will fall a bit closer to 19.

I'm trying to decide who I prefer with #19 if they both there, him or okpala, big long wing type, one more sure thing, one more potential...

[Gordy58]

I wouldn’t mind him with the 19th pick at all, he’s one of the few forwards in this draft that have good handles and not just straight line drives, his performance at the combine told me a lot about him, he’s athletic(37 inch vert I believe), he can slide his feet well on defense, can shoot it a little bit. I think under our system he’d easily become a useful rotation player at the very least. It’s also encouraging to see that spurs have scouted him and he’s friends with Dejounte

[Dejounte]

I wouldn’t mind him with the 19th pick at all, he’s one of the few forwards in this draft that have good handles and not just straight line drives, his performance at the combine told me a lot about him, he’s athletic(37 inch vert I believe), he can slide his feet well on defense, can shoot it a little bit. I think under our system he’d easily become a useful rotation player at the very least. It’s also encouraging to see that spurs have scouted him and he’s friends with Dejounte

Exactly. Prospects that only know straight line drives are a huge red flag. Part of the reason why I feel the way I do about Rui. Rui is no better than Ben Moore already. People just like the new thing. Theres nothing special about that kid.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

At 29...maybe. His interview is key.

[Truth4sale$]

Spurs need a big wing player, and they need to swing for the fences. If the guy went to college, even for a year, he is likely a 1st rounder-Period. I DONT think he necessarily got bad advice, he took control of his life they way he wanted. School is not for everyone, he learned the buisness world wild training a boys body for a mans game. I say take him at #29, let him work hard and dominate in the Glegue. In, 2020, He is the starting small forward. Possibly the last great Popovich prospect that sets up the franchise for 10-15 years.

[RC_Drunkford]

He's a steal as a 2nd rounder. Wouldn't be mad if we draft him with 29

[r0drig0lac]

Lamar Odom?

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/s...495653888?s=19

Spurs worked him out. Also worked out for the Magic, and Pistons who each have a pick before our 19th.

[phxspurfan]

Prototypical Today's NBA length. Young, can bulk up in a year or two. Seems like he's got athleticism. Looks like a lot of upside. Wouldn't be surprised if he goes high first round.

[BSfromTX]

I would take him at 19.

[timvp]

Bazley seems to be trending higher. ESPN has him 28 on their Big Board now.

If the Spurs love him to the point they're willing to take him at 19, I wouldn't be upset. That would mean he interviewed well and had a very good workout. He's obviously a boom or bust prospect but he'd be a great fit if he pans out to even 80% of his potential.

[Dejounte]

Bazley seems to be trending higher. ESPN has him 28 on their Big Board now.

If the Spurs love him to the point they're willing to take him at 19, I wouldn't be upset. That would mean he interviewed well and had a very good workout. He's obviously a boom or bust prospect but he'd be a great fit if he pans out to even 80% of his potential.

I wish he would shut it down after the Spurs workout but i dont think they ever give promises out. That would be giving their hand.

[exstatic]

I wish he would shut it down after the Spurs workout but i dont think they ever give promises out. That would be giving their hand.

Oh, sure they do. LJC got one. I think Nic Batum got one, too. His agent has a number of clients and is friendly with the Spurs. They played "hide the medical records" before the draft. He just got snagged by Portland before our pick.

[Dejounte]

Oh, sure they do. LJC got one. I think Nic Batum got one, too. His agent has a number of clients and is friendly with the Spurs. They played "hide the medical records" before the draft. He just got snagged by Portland before our pick.

Well just two instances. Maybe they learned from their mistakes.

[DPG21920]

The lay-up move at 0:05 is something very, very few forwards especially his size can do in the NBA. This dude is going to be a star. People question his character because of his recent actions, but he seems like a good, smart kid from what I've seen on his social media...compared to someone like Murray.

If I hear you bring up Murray’s social media one more time...I swear I will e-slap you.

[Dejounte]

If I hear you bring up Murray’s social media one more time...I swear I will e-slap you.

Murray's instagram.

[Russ]

Bazley seems to be trending higher. ESPN has him 28 on their Big Board now.

If the Spurs love him to the point they're willing to take him at 19, I wouldn't be upset. That would mean he interviewed well and had a very good workout. He's obviously a boom or bust prospect but he'd be a great fit if he pans out to even 80% of his potential.

Bazley is all over the map in the mocks.

NBADraft.net (updated 6/2) has him going at 51, meaning they think the Spurs could get him at 49. I doubt that, but it's out there.

I'm high on Bazley and would hope the Spurs give him strong consideration at 29 (maybe not so much at 19).