2024 NBA Draft Thread

[mo7888]

You think he can be a lead PG in the Spurs system where Wemby is the only decent creator? Assuming Sheppard would have earned the starting spot over Tre at some point next season.

Not as presently constructed, I don't. I think either we get a 3 who is a creator or Sochan elevates his game in that area beyond what he's shown if Reed is going to be an effective lead guard.

[CorrectCrusader]

Idk if we're gonna be able to draft Topic with us continuing to win games

[onechance87]

Idk if we're gonna be able to draft Topic with us continuing to win games

any pg in dilly,topic,castle would be ok.Would be a upgrade over tre anyway you see it.

[Ariel]

Giving the nature of this draft, my way if thinking as a GM would be reducing the risks as much as I can and "choosing by elimination" by passing on players with big question marks and focusing on players who apparetnly present the profile and charaterisitcs that have the biggest chances to adapt to the NBA. That's for example why Miller was (rightfully so) picked over Scoot last year, as a long, versatile wing every NBA team is looking for today vs. an undersized PG who can't shoot.

And that's the reason I beliieve Risacher (versatile, long wing himself) and Sarr (mobile, rim protector) are mocked top 2 in many drafts and should go 1 and 2. Not necessarily because they're perceived as game changers or future stars but because their profile present the biggest chances to make them valuable, contributors, contrary to other prospects with no real cer itudes.

Not bullying Topic (...) but that's the problem I have with hmi for example... I don't see any glaring element in his profile or morphology that makes me confident enough his game would adapt as a solid contributor in the NBA. Maybe he will, but yet again, it's about reducing risks, and he would ABSOLUTELY have to become a good shooter or he'll be useless in the NBA, specially condidering his bad defense...

Same with Dillingham, an undersized PG who can't shoot. Looks like a poor man's Scoot to me... Nothing surefire with them too, but I feel more confident a Risacher or a Sarr could contribute in different ways in the NBA. Put differently, I see a niche for these guys in the big league, with at elast or two things (hopefully more) they could be solid for, while other guys may just look like potentially good BB players OVERALL but nothing you could really put emphasis on to confidently make your choice...

It's kinda guarantees and rationality vs. gambling and hope. Time will tell.

Wait, what??!!! Dillingham can't shoot?! he's an excellent high volume shooter, he's got a fast release and isn't afraid to take big shots, and his excellent ball handling skills and blazing speed allow him to get himself looks other equally good or better shooters can't (like Sheppard, for instance). He's much faster than Scoot and better at getting to the rim, honestly he's a much more dynamic offensive player and not similar at all, maybe you have him confused with someone else?

[baseline bum]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

[SpursBills]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

At this point I think that after the Killian Hayes fiasco a couple years ago KOC is just going to come up with so many mocks that he can just point to whichever one happens to hit so he doesn't get clowned.

[Ariel]

If Dink Pate is allowed to enter the 2024 draft he's automatically the most interesting prospect in this draft to me. The combination of youth, height, and passing ability has historically yielded excellent draft prospects. The fact that he played most of his ignite season at 17 years old and had a 1.5:1 AST:TO while not being a complete zero offensively is incredibly impressive to me. Not that worried about his shooting percentages considering how physically underdeveloped he is, and his 70+% FT indicates that he most likely has some shooting potential. I'd honestly take him with the Spurs pick right now wherever it lands if given the opportunity. If the raptors pick conveys, probably take one of the four combo guards (Sheppard, Carter, Castle, McCain) to round out my 3 guard lineup.

Have not watched him, but the basis for his request to be included in this year's draft seems extremely weak: he's claiming he signed a 2 year deal to play for Ignite and the program has been discontinued, but likely the league offers him a roster spot on some other G League team and that's the end of it, if they break the rules allowing him to enter the draft while not turning 19 until march 2025, the league is opening the floodgates for other prospects asking the same and I don't think they want that.

[SpursBills]

Have not watched him, but the basis for his request to be included in this year's draft seems extremely weak: he's claiming he signed a 2 year deal to play for Ignite and the program has been discontinued, but likely the league offers him a roster spot on some other G League team and that's the end of it, if they break the rules allowing him to enter the draft while not turning 19 until march 2025, the league is opening the floodgates for other prospects asking the same and I don't think they want that.

Good point, that makes more sense. Will be interesting to see how he looks next year, especially if the Spurs end up having 3 potential first round picks.

[alfahdlan]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

One prospect was described “ … hasa superstar upside if his jumper improves.” I wonder what will happen to sheppard if his jumper improves still. Steph Curry had 40.8 3P% as freshman.

[SpursBills]

One prospect was described “ … hasa superstar upside if his jumper improves.” I wonder what will happen to sheppard if his jumper improves still. Steph Curry had 40.8 3P% as freshman.

I like Sheppard more than most but this insinuation seems like a huge stretch. Steph also put up literally double the number of 3s as a freshman compared to Sheppard. Sheppard's percentages are fantastic, but projecting a 3 pointer in the pros is almost as much about volume as percentage (see: Anthony Edwards) and he is drawing virtually dead to becoming a Steph-level shooter.

Honestly, I am not convinced that Sheppard is a better shooter in the pros than even Jared McCain, whose combination of 3%, 3 pt volume, and FT% are eerily similar to sop re year Dame but still aren't in the same planet as Steph. I like Reed as a prospect better than McCain due to other traits, like his high feel, defensive playmaking, and higher chance of becoming a PG, but using just Reed's shooting percentages to project his shot in the pros seems like a big stretch.

[Chinook]

Have not watched him, but the basis for his request to be included in this year's draft seems extremely weak: he's claiming he signed a 2 year deal to play for Ignite and the program has been discontinued, but likely the league offers him a roster spot on some other G League team and that's the end of it, if they break the rules allowing him to enter the draft while not turning 19 until march 2025, the league is opening the floodgates for other prospects asking the same and I don't think they want that.

I also think the Spurs should avoid drafting prospects who are that underdeveloped. There's a difference between drafting a player who has things they need to work on to be their best selves and committing to years of development for the guy to be physically ready to play. They absolutely have time for a young PG to grow and to bring a guy with talent off the bench, but even that still assumes the team brings in supporting vets.

[Mr. Body]

Have not watched him, but the basis for his request to be included in this year's draft seems extremely weak: he's claiming he signed a 2 year deal to play for Ignite and the program has been discontinued, but likely the league offers him a roster spot on some other G League team and that's the end of it, if they break the rules allowing him to enter the draft while not turning 19 until march 2025, the league is opening the floodgates for other prospects asking the same and I don't think they want that.

Feels like they can't break the draft rule but have to honor the contract commitment. Either find a way to have him play G-League if he wants or just pay him the contract and let him go where he wants overseas. The dissolution of Ignite has nothing to do with the draft.

[Mr. Body]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

O'Connor shot Sheppard to #1 after everyone was creaming themselves over the white guy having a single great game against Mississippi State. He seems super jumpy with the moves.

Risacher, however, had another horrible game where he went 0-5 from three with four turnovers. Moving him to the bottom of the lottery seems a mercy.

[alfahdlan]

I like Sheppard more than most but this insinuation seems like a huge stretch. Steph also put up literally double the number of 3s as a freshman compared to Sheppard. Sheppard's percentages are fantastic, but projecting a 3 pointer in the pros is almost as much about volume as percentage (see: Anthony Edwards) and he is drawing virtually dead to becoming a Steph-level shooter.

Honestly, I am not convinced that Sheppard is a better shooter in the pros than even Jared McCain, whose combination of 3%, 3 pt volume, and FT% are eerily similar to sop re year Dame but still aren't in the same planet as Steph. I like Reed as a prospect better than McCain due to other traits, like his high feel, defensive playmaking, and higher chance of becoming a PG, but using just Reed's shooting percentages to project his shot in the pros seems like a big stretch.

My point is what we have right now are talents not finished product. All of them have potentials to improve. PATFO has now responsibility to choose among them who will grow together with the team and achieve greater heights.

[Vienna]

Do people realize the player you see at 19 isn't the same player you can see develop at 23?

true. but doesn't that also apply to Risacher? (at least since last Monday, when he turned 19)

[Vienna]

yes, his shot from outside didn't fall. he was 5-6 from inside though, while scoring some very nice buckets.
btw. he was named top performer of his team on the euroleague page.
this is the Euro Cup Finals, I guess we can talk about a reasonable high level of compe ion.
Risacher was the youngest player on the floor. (in fact, there was no other player younger than 21)

[Vienna]

Something I like about Topic is that he is the son of Milenko Topic, a high level Serbian player. While there are some counter example (like Bol Bol), most of the prospect coming from basketball families have a great work ethic and at ude.

I guess it would be a tie between Milenko Topic and Stephane Risacher. but none of them could compete with the legs of Vesna Citakovic. (I know you had your reason when you pointed at her son.....;-))

[JPB]

yes, his shot from outside didn't fall. he was 5-6 from inside though, while scoring some very nice buckets.
btw. he was named top performer of his team on the euroleague page.
this is the Euro Cup Finals, I guess we can talk about a reasonable high level of compe ion.
Risacher was the youngest player on the floor. (in fact, there was no other player younger than 21)

Yeah, but you can't beat the mighty Adriatic League, and Topic cruising his way between no names for the grandpa lay up... Was worth resting the rest of the season, specially after his two "brilliant" Euroleague outings

Not a conspirary theory freak, but you could almost say is 4 weeks turned 4 months injury was kinda fortunate. More Euroleague games like he had and his stock would have definitely plummeted... Just like Scoot's season was shut down last year before the end because he was starting playing bad and his flaws started to show. Maybe Risacher should have stopped playing after his great first start of the season...

That's another element I'd take into consideration, it's not supposed to be about "tricking" GMs, and I respect the courage and dedication of prospects who just want to play ball and compete, not hide. At least with College players and these prospects playing all season valuable pro compe ion, you have something to judge from. And a smart GM is able to judge potential through ups and downs.

[mo7888]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

Yea, it's nuts right now. I think it's just an indication that there's no consensus on a front runner or top 10 order yet. Hopefully individual workouts will give us some clarity.

[Mr. Body]

Outside bets:

Buzelis and Holland both climb back up, with Buzelis going #1

Spurs take Reed Sheppard

[JPB]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

Overreacting to the Tournament, as always. Now, ask GMs and they'll tell you the Tournament may confirm or infirm eventually their opinions but they mostly base it over year long scouting and the tournament doesn't factor in that much in their decision.

(Problems or not) Brandon Miller sucked in last year's Tournament.

Burt yeah that's crazy, I have seen some (respected) drafts with Topic from #1 to #15.

[BatManu20]

[Degoat]

Isaiah Collier is my sleeper target, if he impresses in interviews/workouts he’ll rise in this draft

[spurraider21]

Collier's shooting showed signs of life after he came back from his January injury. shot 37.5 from 3 in those last 11 games, and not on Cody Williams volume. with that said, his FT% was still sub 70%

those are some nice passes in the highlights but too often he looks like he has tunnel vision going toward the rim. and for a guy with his athletic profile, its concerning that he wasnt much of a defender

but for a guy who can handle, get to the rim, and has his size/frame... if they think he's coachable, could do worse in this draft

[Pauleta14]

Jesus, Kevin O'Connor just released a new big board and Castle is #1 and Clingan #3, not bull ting. And ouch they have Risacher dropping to #10.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Has the Spurs taking Clingan at #6 in his mock (Toronto got the #1 pick in whatever lottery simulation he did) with Risacher, Dillingham, and Sheppard still on the board.

I like the guy buy he changes his mind all the time with his projections, he had Spurs taking Sheppard a cple weeks ago

He's as lost as everybody