I actually don't think the age is a huge issue- but something to keep in mind.
I'm far from a draft expert- but from what I've seen he's probably the clear # 2 or 3.
However there are some things that give you pause.
I agree that Giddey is better overall than Black. Even as young as he is, Giddey is a really heady player who does so much well. He was playing pro at an early age. The one place Blacck gets him is as a defender. I'm not going to say Black has All-Defense abilities, but he's a very good perimeter defender who will likely only get better. I admit it was his passing that first caught my eye - and he does make really good passes, but they aren't god-tier or anything. I've since come to value his defense more. His playmaking will be good at the next level with more spacing. It's his defense. If we have any prayer of containing the types of guards who scorch us, the Kyries and SGA's, at least slow us down, he's the sort of defender we need.
I actually don't think the age is a huge issue- but something to keep in mind.
I'm far from a draft expert- but from what I've seen he's probably the clear # 2 or 3.
However there are some things that give you pause.
To me, this still sounds like Derrick, who is a good passer and an exceptional defender. What are some of Black's other qualities that set his potential apart from where Derrick is?
I agree. We're splitting hairs here. The point is Black is likely a very good player, but an archetype that can be had later in the draft, via trade, or in free agency. I have no problem using a second pick later in the lottery on him, but he shouldn't be our target with a very high pick. But if luck doesn't go our way and we end up picking at 7 (worst case scenario IMO), I'd be ok taking him if all higher upside prospects are gone.
Could be a Shabazz Muhammad strategy where Miller was held back a year to excel against young opponents. But graduating HS at 19 is suspect even if you’re a Nov birthday
Most guys in college ball are like in early 20's and they got guys playing that are 23 even 26 years old so being 20 not much of a concern if you can show you have talent. But if your 20 years old and can't shoot free throws or hit the 3 ball and your not a center or PF then you definitely suspect as far as being NBA ready.
He’s 6’7” and will be 19 when drafted. Derrick was 23. It makes a difference when you get them that much younger.
Last year's draft, Anthony Black is in the convo for the late lottery. This year's draft, he's there in the mid lottery. It's just that bad of a draft.
That's said, yeah, he's 19, he has great size with room to grow his game.
I think he'd go 8 last year ahead of Daniels.
With the caveat that I feel this way most years, but specifically from a Spurs perspective, I'm not thrilled with anyone outside of the top 3.
Henderson vs Miller is an interesting debate. It basically comes down to do you prefer the offensive "engine" that's an archetype that's difficult to win with at the highest level or the more malleable piece (reminds me of Granger), but someone who's probably more of a finisher?
If a Miller scenario, Johnson would immediately become expendable, possibly as the linchpin of a package to get another top 10 pick and select a creator.
So Miller + (Black, Amen, or NSJ) or KJ + Scoot
That's an interesting proposition. I think I'd go KJ + Scoot..
Another option would be using one of those future picks to land a second lottery pick. Say Anthony Black slips past 10. This is a possible scenario: Wemby, Miller, Scoot, Whitmore, Amen & Ausar Thompson, Jarace Walker, Keyonte George, Gradey , Cason Wallace and a few other guys might push him out (we've seen it with Haliburton, so it's definitely possible).
Say a team such as New Orleans is on the clock at 11/12 or whatever, and they have more than enough play making/defensive wings with a shot in need of work. Then I don't think it would be out of the question trade for said pick using that of Toronto we got for Poeltl, which may be lower but also as high as 7th for 3 years, and Toronto isn't a lock to improve. Maybe throw in a few 2nd rounders... even Charlotte's, if it comes to that.
In such a case we'd be speeding up the timeline by adding another youngster now, which shouldn't be too bad considering Langford & McDermott are likely on their way out, and I think there's enough playing time to go around, especially considering I could totally see Pop using Black & Sochan lineups with no PG (really interesting alternative IMO).
You may say no way they move a certain lottery pick for an uncertain future one, but Charlotte moved no. 13 for a future Milwaukee pick which looks much, much worse than Toronto's, so it's not out of the question. I'd really like to see something like that.
I'd lean that way too. Not that I'd necessarily view Johnson as a long term piece in that scenario either, it's just harder to get the "engine" and if he becomes the player he's projected to be, this would have a chance to be a Grizzlies-like accelerated re-build.
Maybe... then again, imagine a Black (6'7"), Vassell (6'5), Brandon Miller (6'9") & Sochan (6'8") lineup (with your center of choice and Branham/KJ as scoring options off the bench)... all young, long, switchable, capable of defending, with enough playmaking in Sochan and Black that you don't need a traditional PG, and enough shooting in Vassell and Miller plus off the bench and maybe your 5. And, of course, you'd still have plenty of chips to pick/trade for a star if/when one becomes available. That could be an exciting, modern brand of basketball.
The defense is really good like yesterday against Kansas. His passing is pretty decent, i like how he takes care off the ball.
The scoring will determine Black ceilling imo.
No dynamic creator/anyone to put pressure on the rim. I specifically hate the Sochan/Black fit offensively.
The whole "no true PG" notion sounds nice in theory, but only works if you have a big wing or big to provide elite play making.
I'm assuming Black and Sochan can grow into that role, especially since Pop is ALREADY trying that with Sochan alone. Plus you have Tre, Branham, and KJ off the bench.
Sochan and Black together wouldn't be a problem if surrounded by 3 apt shooters, which is where Miller, Vassell (and say, Collins) would come in. For the time being I don't see it being a problem, but if it doesn't work out, then you can always make your moves later on. Worth a shot IMO.
I'm warming to a guy like Jarace. The Spurs were like rag dolls against the Hawks bigs in the first half. They could use a banger. Him, Hendricks...
I like both of those guys alot. The two way potential is pretty impressive to me. I could see a Devin, Sochan, Jarace lineup being pretty good. It either eventually moves KJ to the bench or causes him to be traded for other assets though I'd think.
Agreed if not for the top 3 guys right now Jarace, Hendricks, and Black are my favorites
Anthony Black (Arkansas) vs Andre Jackson Jr. (UConn) meet in the Sweet 16.
I’ve been team Black for maybe 6-7 weeks, but I’ve been on the Hendricks train since before Christmas.
I'm here for it.
Could be one of the 2nd rounders.
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