DirtyDez Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 1 hour ago, seminoles1 said: I mean, that's more on Zion than the Pelicans. He needs to not be fat and out of shape all the time. Was he out of shape during the pre-bubble season? It was disappointing he showed up fat for the bubble games that were specifically designed for the Pelsvto make the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 NBA combine participants list. Notable players not taking part include Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and Obi Toppin. Intrigued to see how LaMelo tests in the athletic drills and shoots in the shooting drills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 It's going to take him some time but I love Jaden McDaniels potential. if he ends up in the right situation I think we'll look back in a few years and ask how he made it out of the lottery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Another prospect that I'm starting to like at the end of the 1st round is Daniel Oturu out of Minnesota. He's not the most explosive or fluid athlete but he knows how to use his length around the rim, rebounds at a high level, finishes around the basket at a high level, and flashed a nice jumper this season. According to Synergy he ranked in the 78th percentile in post up situations, 86th percentile in spot up shooting situations, 87th percentile as a roll man, 78th percentile in put back situations, and in the 97th percentile in transition situations. I'd compare him to a better rebounding and defending version of Bobby Portis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YogiBiz Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 On 9/26/2020 at 4:45 PM, DirtyDez said: Was he out of shape during the pre-bubble season? It was disappointing he showed up fat for the bubble games that were specifically designed for the Pelsvto make the playoffs. He was like 10-20 lbs overweight in January when he came off injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 With Billy Donovan in the fold in Chicago I'd be willing to bet that they take Tyrese Haliburton #4 if they keep the pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Oneyka Okongwu | C | USC Measurable's: 6'9" 245 | 7'1" wingspan 2019 statistics: 16.2 ppg | 8.6 rpg | 1.1 apg | 1.2 spg | 2.7 bpg | 2.0 topg on .616 FG | .250 3FG | .720 FT Strengths: + Athleticism + Rim protection + Defensive versatility + Motor + Finishing ability + Pick-n-Roll ability + Post polish + Plus-level rebounder + Plus-defender potential Weaknesses: - Not a great shooter at this stage - Not a great ball handler at this stage - Not a great passer at this stage - Somewhat undersized for a 5 - Can't provide spacing at this stage - Can be overwhelmed by bigger defenders Comparisons: • Ceiling: Bam Adebayo • Realistic: Tristian Thompson • Floor: Bismack Biyombo Analysis: One of the safer prospects in the class, Onyeka has a high ceiling and as well as a relatively high floor. He is eerily similar to Bam Adebayo as a prospect when he came out of Kentucky a few years ago as an uber athletic, undersized 5, with plus-defender potential and the potential to be a very good offensive player in the future. As of now he's an excellent rim protector, rebounder, and finisher around the rim. One of the things that makes Onyeka such an impressive prospect is his athleticism, agility, and defensive versatility as a guy that can protect the paint at an elite level as well as switch onto smaller offensive players if needed. At worst whichever team drafts him will get a high energy, plus-defender at the 5 spot that can clean up the glass and be a defensive force. While if he reaches his potential and improves as a shooter, passer, and ball-handler, the sky is the limit for him. Bam Adebayo had a lot of questions about his skill level coming out of college as well and I think Onyeka is a little bit further along in his development offensively at the same stage. I believe in his potential and think he'll be one of the better modern day 5's in the league within the next few seasons. Team Fits: Minnesota, Golden State, Charlotte, Washington Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Anthony Edwards | SG | Georgia Measurable's: 6'5" 225 | 6'9" wingspan 2019 statistics: 19.1 ppg | 5.2 rpg | 2.8 apg | 1.3 spg | 2.7 topg on .402 FG | .294 3FG | .772 FT Strengths: + Size / length for a guard + Athleticism + Scoring instincts + Ability to create his own offense + Ability to score at all 3 levels + Shooting potential + Nice handle for a guard his size + Ability to finish with either hand around the rim + Agressiveness as a scorer Weaknesses: - Defensive versatility - Defensive effort - Shot selection - Passing ability - Basketball IQ - Consistency - Not a great shooter at this stage Comparisons: • Ceiling: Dwayne Wade • Realistic: Victor Oladipo • Floor: Dion Waiters Analysis: One of the most polarizing prospects in the class, Edwards has games where he looks like a future NBA superstar but then will follow it with a performance where he looks destined to be a bust. He has elite size, length, strength, and athleticism for the two guard spot and can get a bucket at will when he's feeling it. He has the ability to create his own offense off the bounce and has flashed potential as a guy that can score at all three levels. He wasn't great shooting the ball last season but his jumper doesn't look broken and he projects as at least an average 3 point shooter at the next level. Unfortunately for Edwards one of his biggest strengths can also be one of his biggest weaknesses as he's ultra agressive looking to score the ball which often times led to a ton of bad shots and inefficient stat lines. One of my biggest pet peeves watching Edwards is his lack of effort on the defensive end. He has the tools to be an above average defender but just doesn't give consistent effort on that end. He also hasn't flashed much as a passer and essentially had a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio at Georgia which is alarming for a guy that projects as a secondary playmaking in the NBA. Overall though Edwards talent is evident and if he can clean up his decision making, hit the 3 ball with more consistency, and play with consistent effort every night I think he definitely has the potential to be a 20+ ppg scorer in the league. Team fits: Minnesota, Atlanta, Detroit, San Antonio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Killian Hayes | PG | France Measurable's: 6'6" 190 | 6'9" wingspan 2019 statistics: 12.8 ppg | 2.3 rpg | 6.2 apg | 1.5 spg on .455 FG | .390 3FG | .909 FT Strengths: + Ability to operate in the pick-n-roll + Very advanced skill level for his age + Passing ability + Size for the PG spot + Took a huge leap as a shooter / scorer between 2018 and 2019 + Showed improved athleticism / explosiveness between 2018 and 2019 + Ball handling ability + Can score at all 3 levels + High basketball IQ Weaknesses: - Good but not great athlete - Small sample size shooting well from 3 - Has a tendency to force plays resulting in TO's - Projects as only an average defender - Extremely left hand dominant - Good but not great first step Comparisons: • Ceiling: Manu Ginobli • Likely: Goran Dragic • Floor: Brandon Knight Analysis: By far the best point guard prospect in the class, Hayes has an extremely high skill level for being such a young guard. He's excellent operating in the pick-n-roll, he's efficient scoring at all 3 levels, and is one of the better passers in the class. Hayes regularly makes moves that are reminist of a Manu Ginobili or James Harden as he is able to create space with his silky smooth handle and then knock down high level jumpers and floaters off the dribble. He looked really improved both in terms of his ability to shoot the 3 and as an athlete in 2019 but it was a fairly small sample size and only time will tell if he can be consistent. He's a good but not great athlete for NBA standards but should be able to make up for it with his size and skill level. He'll also need to get much better going right to be able to consistently score in the NBA and work on making the right reads and decisions with the ball in his hands. He also only projects as an average defender at the next level but shouldn't be a liability. Overall if Hayes can clean up his decision making, hit the 3 with consistency, and continue to improve as an athlete he projects as a high quality starting PG in the NBA. Team fits: Chicago, Detroit, New York, Phoenix 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Deni Avdija | F | Israel Measurable's: 6'9" 220 | 6'11" wingspan 2019 statistics: 7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 topg on .510 FG | .340 3FG | .530 FT Strengths: + Plus-level playmaking ability + Plus-level ball handling ability + Versatility on both ends + Basketball IQ + Competitiveness + Above average athlete + Scoring potential + Intangibles Weaknesses: - Inconsistent 3 point shooter - Not a great finisher around the rim - Not great scoring in the mid-range - Needs to get stronger - Average length by NBA standards Comparisons: • Ceiling: Gordon Hayward • Likely: Chandler Parsons • Floor: Dario Saric Analysis: You can make a strong case that Avdija is the most versatile player in the class with his high level basketball IQ, ability to handle the ball, and passing ability. It's rare that you see a prospect with such an advanced feel for the game and skill level at his size and age. He also has the competitive spirit and intangibles that you look for in a player and regularly makes winning plays on both ends in clutch situations. He projects as a point forward type player that will be able to serve as a secondary creator/playmaker for whichever team drafts him that is also versatile enough to defend multiple positions and projects as an above average defensive player. Avdija is not without his flaws though, while he has flashed as a shooter he has been inconsistent at all levels shooting from the perimeter. He also needs to get stronger so that he can finish better around the rim and work to develop his in between game so that he can fully utilize his ability to beat defenders off the dribble. With that being said he still projects as a guy that can be a 3rd/4th option for a good team while also serving as a high end facilitator. How he develops as a shooter and athlete will determine if he's just a high end complimentary piece or a borderline All-Star level player going forward. But I have faith that he'll develop into a 17 | 6 | 5 guy on good efficiency in the right situation. Team fits: Golden State, Chicago, Cleveland, New York 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 James Wiseman | C | Memphis Measurable's: 7'1" 240 | 7'6" wingspan 2019 statistics: 19.7 ppg | 10.7 rpg | 3.0 bpg on .769 FG | .704 FT Strengths: + Elite size and length + Elite athleticism + Finishing around the rim + Shot blocking potential + Scoring upside + Face up ability + Plus-level rebounder Weaknesses: - Defensive awareness - Tendency to play on the perimeter - Lacks playmaking ability - Hasn't shown he can consistently hit jumpers - Lacks overall offensive polish at this stage Comparisons: • Ceiling: Chris Bosh • Realistic: Hassan Whiteside • Floor: Willie Cauley-Stein Analysis: Wiseman entered the college basketball season as the consensus #1 overall draft prospect but that ended quickly as he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after playing only a few games for Memphis. Despite the small sample size, Wiseman was dominant when he played and showed the world why NBA teams are so high on him as a prospect. From a physical tools stand point he has elite size, length, and athleticism although he could definitely benefit from some added weight and strength. He projects as a plus-level rebounder and should also be a plus-level shot blocker in the league utilizing his 9'5" standing reach and pogo stick bounce to meet players at the rim and rebound in traffic. Wiseman flashed a decent offensive skill-set with his ability to finish lobs and easy looks around the rim with ease and also showed some potential as a face up scorer. His willingness to catch the ball away from the basket and face up also hurt him at times as his skill level doesn't quite warrant him playing away from the basket and he has a tendency to drift around on the perimeter at times. He also needs to get more polished with his post scoring ability and become better with his defensive awareness as he blocked shots but was also caught out of position a lot as well. Overall Wiseman has all of the physical talent in the world and has a chance to be a very good NBA player. His development will likely hinder on how his offensive skill-set develops over time and if he'll be willing to accept a role as a rim running/rim protecting big if it doesn't. Team fits: Golden State, Charlotte, Washington, Boston Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 Devin Vassell | GF | Florida State Measurable's: 6'7" 200 | 6'11" wingspan 2019 statistics: 12.7 ppg | 5.1 rpg | 1.6 apg | 1.0 bpg | 1.4 spg on .490 FG | .415 3FG | .738 FT Strengths: + Plus-level on ball defender + Plus-level team defender + Defensive versatility + Size / length for a wing + Defensive playmaking instincts + High motor + Projects as a borderline elite 3 point shooter + Understands his role and plays it to a tee Weaknesses: - Playmaking - Creating offense - Good but not great athlete - Could use added weight/strength to defend at the NBA level - Gambles too much at times defensively - Limited offensive potential Comparisons: • Ceiling: Khris Middleton • Realistic: Robert Covington • Floor: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Analysis: Vassell fits the 3&D archetypal to a tee as a guy that hit over 40% of his 3 point attempts at Florida State while also defending at an elite level. He projects as a plus level defender that can guard all 3 perimeter spots and potentially 4's in the future as he continues to add weight and strength. Overall he's as complete as a defender as you'll find in the draft, in addition to being an excellent on ball defender he's also a very good team defender that always makes the right rotations resulting in steals, deflections, and blocks. One of the most impressive things about Vassell's game is his motor, he always gives 110% on the defensive side of the ball which is rare for young players. While he has shot the ball at a high clip there are questions about his potential offensively at the next level as he's not a great ball handler or creator off the bounce. However he has flashed a decent floater and ability to finish around the rim at times and won't be a liability on the offensive end. Although he doesn't have the upside of a lot of other guys in the class, he's one of the safer prospects in the class as he has one of the highest floors. Even the rest of his offensive game never develops he'll still be a valuable piece in an NBA team's rotation because of his ability to take perimeter players out of games defensively, hit 3's at a high clip, and make smart plays on both ends of the floor. Team fits: New York, Washington, San Antonio, Sacramento Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 29, 2020 Author Share Posted September 29, 2020 Cole Anthony | CG | North Carolina Measurable's: 6'3" 190 | 6'5" wingspan 2019 statistics: 18.5 ppg | 5.7 rpg | 4.0 apg | 1.3 spg | 3.5 topg on .380 FG | .348 3FG | .750 FT Strengths: + Ability to consistently create his own offense + Shooting ability both off the dribble and in C&S situations + High level floater + Plus-level ball handler that gets to his spots with a variety of moves + Scorers mentality + Hits difficult jumpers with regularity + Good athlete + Projects as an above average defender Weaknesses: - Was below average finishing around the rim - Low shot IQ which leads to him regularly settling for low percentage jumpers - Didn't show much as a passer or playmaker creating looks for teammates - Struggled with turnovers - Struggled with efficiency as a direct result of his shot selection - Somewhat of a tweener, stuck between the 1 & 2 guard spots - Below average length Comparisons: • Ceiling: Jamal Murray • Realistic: Fred VanVleet • Floor: Jerryd Bayless Analysis: Anthony arrived in Chapel Hill as UNC's most hyped recruit since Harrison Barnes but was unable to live up to the hype, largely in part to him arriving to one of the least talented teams Roy Williams has ever coached. He was up and down throughout the season as he sometimes looked like a future top 5 pick while at other times he couldn't buy a bucket. Regardless though when he played well he showed why NBA scouts were so high on him when he was coming out of Oak Hills. Anthony is a good athlete with a plus-level handle that allows him to get to his spots at will and create space to regularly get his shot over despite being a smaller guard. He's an excellent shooter both off the dribble as well as in C&S situations with deep NBA three point range and a nice floater that allows him to score in the mid-range. With that being said he also struggled to finish around the rim consistently, partly due to UNC's terrible spacing but also due to his lack of length and size. He's also just an average passer and struggled with turnovers, which leads him to project more so as an undersized two scoring two guard than a true lead guard. Going forward Anthony's success will largely depend on his ability to finish around the rim, make better decisions with the ball, and to limit the bad shots that he takes. But overall he projects as a guy that should be able to score at the next level while also providing above average defense. Team Fits: New York, New Orleans, Dallas, Orlando Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 29, 2020 Author Share Posted September 29, 2020 I watched some recent James Wiseman workout videos and I may have to update my scouting report. He looks really good. Looks like taking 10 months to just work on his game with high end trainers to prepare for the draft was the right move. He's in phenomenal shape, he looks really fluid in his movements, and he looks even more explosive then he did at Memphis. The biggest question marks about Wiseman based on his brief time at Memphis were: can he improve his shooting? can he improve his ball handling/playmaking? and if he can't is he willing to play in a rim runner role? Based on what I've seen his handle and jumper look to be light years ahead of where they were a year ago. If he can be consistent with it he compares to a bigger, longer, more athletic version of Chris Bosh. He's like 7'1" with a 7'6" wingspan handling the ball like a guard and hitting 3's with consistency off the bounce. I'd consider him at #2 if I was the Warriors and would run to the podium to make him my pick at #3 if I'm the Hornets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYRaider Posted September 29, 2020 Author Share Posted September 29, 2020 (edited) Aleksej Pokusevski | F | Greece Measurable's: 7'1" 210 | 7'3" wingspan 2019 statistics: 9.9 ppg | 7.2 rpg | 2.8 apg | 1.6 bpg | 1.2 spg on .400 FG | .321 3FG | .783 FT Strengths: + Size / Length + Guard like movement skills + Plus-level ball handler for his position + Plus-level passer for his position + Good team defender + Good rim protector + Shooting potential + Unicorn upside + High level rebounder Weaknesses: - Extremely frail and weak - Struggles finishing around the rim due to lack of strength - Lacks polish as a post scorer - Hasn't been effective as a pick-n-roll screener - Not an explosive athlete - Very little experience playing against top competition Comparisons: • Ceiling: Kristapas Porzingis • Realistic: Toni Kukoc • Floor: Dragan Bender Analysis: Pokusevski is without a doubt the most intriguing prospect in the 2020 draft. In a class that lacks premier talent at the top, Pokusevski has arguably the highest upside in the class as a guy with true unicorn potential. But on the flip side he also has one of the lowest floors of any prospect in the class and will need to be in the right situation in order to reach his potential. What makes Pokusevski such an interesting prospect is that he has legitimate guard like movement, fluidity, and ball handling despite being over 7 feet tall. He's also a very advanced passer for his age and size with a pretty shooting stroke and legitimate NBA three point shooting range. There are very few 7 footers on planet earth that can initiate the pick-n-roll as a ball handler, come off of screens in catch and shoot situations, or push the ball in transition like Poku can. He has also flashed good defensive instincts, rebounds at a high level, and projects as an above average rim protector and shot blocker. With that being said he's also extremely frail and weak at this stage of his development and is likely 1-3 years away from being able to contribute in the NBA. Due to his lack of strength he has had trouble finishing around the rim despite playing against fairly weak competition and is an ineffective screen and roller. He also hasn't shown much of a post game at this stage which can also be directly contributed to his lack of strength and physicality. While some would pigeonhole Poku as a big man due to his size he truly does have guard like skills and a guard like playing style. He will need to go to an organization with good player development and one that can afford to be patient with him and trust in his development/upside. If he does end up in the right place though he has star potential and may very well be the best player from this draft when it's all said and done. The 2020 draft class compares pretty closely to the 2013 class in terms of the lack of talent at the top but the two teams that came away on top that year were the Bucks and Jazz, who took chances on raw European prospects with elite physical tools and potential. I think whichever team takes a chance on Poku can have a similar result if they're willing to trust the development process. Team Fits: San Antonio, Boston, Miami, Denver Edited September 29, 2020 by NYRaider Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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