I can see it if he was in a similar situation. Kon has played a role on a very talented Duke team, but he did lead the EYBL (Nike AAU) in scoring, and was a higher rated recruit in a deeper class. Don't want to take anything away from Andrej though. Great night.
He's a role player that fits the Blazers, though. We really could use a consistent shooter, and he's that, and he plays with a high enough IQ to minimize his deficiencies. He'd be a solid rebounder, he can pass, and I think he's a willing defender. Poor man's Deni but a lot more dangerous deep shooter. I think Essengue and Demin both are players to consider. Passers like Demin don't come around often, and definitely not at his size with his handle and defensive ability; if his 3-point shot's at least passable, I think the other parts of his game make the Blazers better than his individual acquisition would indicate. And Essengue is 6-10, very young, can handle, defend, shoot ... he showed what he can do playing against the Blazers in the preseason. An even taller, longer Batum/Camara with a chance to develop shot creation ... very tempting prospect.
Yeah. If the Blazers wound up with the 10th pick and essentially got Joe Ingles/JJ Reddick/Kyle Korver/Joe Harris/Luke Kennard-type of player, maybe not quite on that level as a 3-pt shooter but in that range but with better all-around game than those guys, I'm going to be happy because I think he fits and I think he makes the Blazers a better team. Not saying I don't want Flagg or Bailey or one of those guys, but if you aren't getting one of them, there are guys around 8-12 that I think are going to be solid pros. The Blazers have several guys right now that can break down defense and create or call for double-teams. We've all seen the Blazers chase teams with knock-down shooters. It'd be nice to have one. We have some good shooters, some streaky shooters, but not one guy on this team where if you are the opposition and your defense is scrambling and you see him alone and the pass going to him you are like "Oh, crap."
And, again, I think there are three players in this draft that could do that, could fill that niche for the Blazers.
Jase Richardson's quickness and coordination navigating tight spaces is so special. Combines it with uncanny footwork, body contortion and touch at the rim. Needs to develop as a passer for sure, but he's going to be so freaking good. Becoming more and more convinced he's the sleeper #2 guy this class.
after watching will riley single handedly take over a game against michigan state when jakucionis went out with foul trouble i became a big fan. the kid has no fear and moves so fluidly. i rank him higher than most i suppose, but he seems to have the instincts and the it factor, along with no fear. would take him over a lot of higher ranked prospects along with noa essengue as a draft on potenial/big swing pick end of the lottery/just outside if we had a pick there.
NBA Draftroom has him rated about the same as Jase Richardson, although Tankathon doesn't like his defense..
Yeah I don't think he'll go number two. I just think he could end up being the second best player from this class. In a Maxey sort of way.
Big fan of Labaron Philon. Just a do it all 2-way guard that should help good teams if the shooting continues to progress.
