Just now really getting into this draft class. Haven't seen any one guy enough to really form an opinion, but one thing has stood out so far. Evan Mobley's discipline, timing and execution defending ball screens and protecting the rim is remarkable, even ignoring that he's only 19 years old. Do worry about his body type though. Skinny with high hips. Also doesn't defensive rebound that well statistically. Skilled enough shooter, passer and ballhandler to play the 4, but think he's best around the rim and involved in pnr actions defensively. Solid lateral athlete, but think his build limits in change of direction / help and recover situations on the perimeter. Makes him a little more context dependent than your typical elite prospect.
Realistic pick for us is Corey Kispert. Straight baller. Athletic as fuck. Not just good college guy not athletic enough to make it in the league
Suggs can’t be that good. He came from that cute little Gone-Zaga school with all those nerdy white guys who are wanna-be’s. BUST That little Skeletor looking guy at Gone-Zaga can’t coach for shit
I'm not really excited about drafting a ball dominant guard, even if he is really good defensively and has some size. This guy is good so yeah he would help the team get better but he's not the right fit for Dame.
What about Jalen Johnson? Phenomenal upside and a guy who probably could help immediately but major character concerns. Dropping in the early mocks. Wild card of this draft right now.
Count UCLA coach Mick Cronin as another Duarte backer calling him a ready made NBA SG, a "tremendous player" and the best defensive guard in college ball. https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/video/mick-cronin-on-scouting-oregon-chris-duarte/ STOMP
He made a beautiful steal last night. Leaped up and curled his hand around it and brought it down. There are times I wish he would try to take the game over a little bit more. Saw him him pass up one good shot last night to make a pass that got stolen.
My Duck fan is absolutely showing, but I LOVE Duarte in this class -- especially given that he's probably not a lotto pick unless he tests off the charts. He's smooth, he's got plenty good enough handle, he creates for others, he's long, he can shoot it from all over, he's a gritty defender, he's smart, has made a lot of plays in clutch time. Aside from not being a rocked up 6'9 or being able to jump out of the gym, I don't know what's not to like about him. If we move CJ or Trent I'd LOVE for him to be their replacement.
Apparently I'm not the only one... https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-big-board-chris-duarte-davion-mitchell https://sports.yahoo.com/chris-duarte-given-first-round-225839330.html
Watched a few of his games over the last couple weeks and yeah I think he's got a great chance to be a plus rotation guy. Really smooth shotmaker off the bounce. Has the side step 3 down. Knows how the relocate off the ball. Active and smart team defender. Wasnt sure what I was going to see passing wise as that looked pretty shaky statistically and although he's not a guy who's going to handle in ball screens for you, he reads the game pretty well. Has some weird mishandles at times and doesn't always locate or put the right touch on his passes, but I mostly like the decisions he makes on the floor. Yeah he's old and the physical tools aren't overwhelming, but he makes good use of the length he does have and has a nice level of ranginess and flexibility to him. Definitely a fan.
Liked him from Day 1. In fact, when we were stinking up the joint with a string of losses, IIRC, there were some CC references in there.
I think Garza's going to find a niche with someone. Might not get drafted, but I think he'll stick. His ability at his size to shoot with deep range and release quickly will Trump his defensive liabilities. There are enough defensive-challenged bigs in the NBA that don't shoot it as well as he does, so I expect him to find a roster spot somewhere.
