I don't know anything but I do know this before teams started to spread disinformation a week ago these were the things being reported. We were finding the best player or players possible for a package that included the pick and Ant and we were going to try to squeeze at least Nurk in there too with only Dame and Shae being guys we cared to keep who are under contract. Also the Hornets were definitely going to take Miller. I understand that things can change, plans can get derailed and I guess Scoot could have been so impressive and Miller could have been so underwhelming but these teams spend all day every day from the middle of February until right now planning this shit out. I don't think it changes a couple of days out, I think smoke screens and misinformation to try and squeeze as much value as possible is what gets out at this specific time of year. I could be wrong and we will soon find out but if I absolutely had to put money on it, I would bet that Charlotte takes Miller and we trade Scoot in a package that nets us an all star and it will probably be Zion.
I was waiting for this poll because it is the most likely outcome. I have been going back and forth on it for weeks. They both will be ready to contribute at about the same time. I would expect both to come off the bench at SF as rookies. (Unless Ant is traded and Amen would play PG) The question for me is who will improve the most by year two? Amen IMO has the higher ceiling and a lower floor. So despite the off-court issues, Miller is actually the safer bet. But which one is the "Gym Rat"? Amen is so explosive that if he works hard on his shot, he could be a star. My gut right now says "Can I get an Amen "
Honestly, I think -- despite all the swirl and smoke -- this is all pretty simple: it comes down to how we feel about Miller. I think all this CHA stuff is purely them trying to maximize value out of that 2nd pick. I think they want to end up with Miller but also want to capitalize on the trade discussions we're very obviously involved in. If we like Miller well enough, we have the easy (enough) position to call their bluff and take (or trade) whoever falls. If we're not sure about Miller, or don't think that will be enough for Dame OR simply don't want to rely on that, I also don't think its the end of the world to cave into that bluff to make sure we get 2 to trade. It's wild to say this, but I really think a 3 or 4 way trade pulling in all of these various rumors where we end up with Zion feels like one of the most likely outcomes...
I sure hope scoot goes number 2 because I do not want to draft him if possible. Some buddy put up his G league stats and it was less than impressive based on his shooting percentages. People say he was just marking time until he could enter the draft. Even if that is true he should be tearing it up in that league. Look at summer league where a player is absolutely looking like a super star and is just average or below average in the NBA. I am just not sold on this kid.
As I've said before, Miller just sounds SO similar to "can't miss" prospect Jabari Smith. Apparently the team that took him is SALIVATING about taking Amen. Let's break their hearts!
If the Blazers take the 3rd pick you have to take Miller IF you have any chance to convince Dame to stay as I said in the Miller thread a few minutes ago he is the most ready player to help this team this year with his tool kit coming in. The only real question is his maturity and IF the Blazers feel he is good on that then he must be the pick.
I watched a clip of Amen making an airborne layup from the freethrow line that was insane....from a small sample size I like Amen as a fit on this team. We've needed a stellar passer and taller guard for ages. I would assume they'll draft Miller though as he's the consensus best pick at 3.
If Miller is the option for us and we are not sold on Amen, then trade it away. That simple for me. I'm not as hyped on Miller as everyone else seems to be.
I think they both will be good. But to your point, just because the pick is "#3" doesn't mean the player will turn out to be a star. Every draft is different. So although trading the pick for an all-star or even a borderline all-star might not be any of our preference, I am not sure it would be horrible either.
The trouble with Amen Thompson is his shot technique. It is very difficult to change the shooting style of a player that has used it for years. By all accounts it is a very unusual shooting motion. Trying to change that is like trying to change a golf swing. Very difficult and can actually make matters worse. Need players with a smooth stroke in the NBA. Maybe a high upside athleticly but crushing the backboard and rim with your shot not desirable.
I've heard guys calling in raving about Scoot ,"oooh he can dunk so amazing" . I get guys like Scoot and Amen are physical specimens. And while being a quality passer is important, are there any All NBA Guards who can't shoot? Miller can shoot. That makes him better than almost all of these dudes other than Wemby.
