I don't like boards but if we had to do a board for the Blazers pick, I'd go something like this: Cody Williams Reed Sheppard Nikola Topic Alex Sarr Ron Holland Donovan Clingan Stephon Castle Zaccharie Risacher/Matas Buzelis (toss a coin) Note 1: Cody Williams is still my favorite here simply because he's very efficient in attacking the rim (75% iirc) and is also efficient at catch and shoots (also 70+eFG%) and on the right baseline (71%) while being over 40% from the 3 point line. FT% is solid for a wing at 72%. That means efficiency at three levels - inside, mid-range, and three point territory. He can also make plays and has good vision and is already a pesky defender. Since he has some level of ball handling, that should bode well for him. It's just a matter of him developing that ball handling and various other skills (ex. defensive footwork, pull up jumper) that will unlock other aspects on the floor. A superstar can score from 7-10 spots reliably if we look at shot charts. Theoretically speaking, that Williams has around 3-4 spots nailed down is a good sign and he only needs to be able to develop 2-3 more to get at an All-Star/borderline All Star level so that's why I'm high on him. It's a matter of developing him. If he doesn't develop that far, he'll continue to be passive but with De'Andre Hunter/OG-like skills and capability. If he does develop, he might be Top 2-3 in a redraft. Note 2: Obviously, going after Sheppard with the current guard lineup is just a waste of a pick so unless the Blazers want to trade one or two PGs, it's highly unlikely to happen. Either way, Reed Sheppard has some highly efficient stats while demonstrating a strong feel for the game and excellent IQ. I'd expect Mike Bibby type offense, where he can knock down open jumpers and drive it in occasionally for a floater/lay up.....combined with John Stockton type court vision and steals.....and no, that's not really an exaggeration nor does it mean his actual decision making is on par with Stockton. But he is highly efficient and has tools to develop that more traditional PG mould. There is a strong record of success with a player like Reed Sheppard Note 3: Maybe similar situation with Reed can apply to Topic, where he doesn't fit but he has supreme all-around talent resembling SGA due to his ability to attack with quick bursts and finesse (i.e. angling his body while attacking) while being able to make plays. His 87% FT means his three point shooting should develop. NBA players who can shoot that well historically develop good 3pt%. That really means he could have Drazen potential and no, I'm not exaggerating here, either. I think Sheppard and him are very Spurs-like picks. Note 4: I think Sarr is a 'safe' pick with good talent and a physique to match but I don't know that I see the super player that so many claim. Note 5: I've sort of flip-flopped on Risacher. When he was firing on all cylinders, he did look legitimate but he's such a coin flip right now. Flip a coin here over him or Buzelis since they both have all-around talent and they have a feel for the game but something isn't clicking for them via three point shooting. Really wish Buzelis went to college instead since I do like his game but cannot tell how impactful it is in the G-League
I am just looking at need right now. That is players taller than 6'3. Can't teach size, so Sarr is up there but not sure he can be anything more than defense. not impressed with Clingan getting killed in the finals by what many project as a second rounder. Williams has been my early pick as he checks off a lot of needs. But Buzelis, Risacher, Holland and Knecht are all worthy of deep dives. Knecht is most NBA ready. Really will not be upset given how big a crap shoot this draft is. Will trust in management I'm sure. If we were to do the trade I would want Knecht and Williams or Buzelis. I'm sure Sarr and Risacher will be gone.
My dream core Scoot Henderson 2023 Shaedon Sharpe 2022 Scottie Barnes 2021 Cooper Flagg 2025 Alex Sarr 2024
Jackson has settled in as a C. The last 2 seasons he played nearly 90% of the time at C. And Memphis made the commitment to him as the starting C when they traded Adams twin towers are still pretty rare. Minny & Cleveland go with it but their C's are low-usage rim-protectors and shot-blockers. That's not Ayton
The more I see of Reed Sheppard the more I like. I think he's got virtually no bust potential. Dude will impact winning games even if he'll never be a star. It just sucks that he's a 6'3 guard. Also I have a feeling that if Tidjane Salaun is there at 14, and we haven't traded the pick, we're gonna pick him. Too much random noise about him from folks who talk to people in the organization. Not to mention he's totally a Schmitz/Cronin type pick. Low floor, high ceiling type.
BPA - outside the top-3 I would have no problem taking Reed. Easy choice. Simons will be dealt eventually IMO.
Maybe in a few years but Sarr weighs in a 217. Isn't that a little thin for center? Jackson weighs in at 242. Based on write-ups like this I think he is better suited for PF https://nbadraftroom.com/alexandre-sarr/
I admit I don't know a whole lot about any of these guys other than watching Cody Williams a few times. (Other than the write-ups and highlights) But I would prefer we grab one of these 6 forwards with our pick Sarr Risacher Buzelis Williams Knecht Holland
Right now? PF. Strength/Ayton as to why. Perhaps down the line a center. There's some versatility there that I'd love to get.
I know...but Memphis decided the twin towers was not effective enough to continue. I don't know what kind of player Sarr is going to be. But I've seen video of him and he looks like C would be his natural position in the NBA; kind of like Nic Claxton or Adebayo or Myles Turner. I don't think he'll do well trying to guard the new age NBA PF's like Lebron, or Durant or Tatum or Siakam or PG 13. And Ayton certainly couldn't defend those guys
I wouldn’t worry about him with Ayton. If you like Sarr, draft him and figure it out later—or move Ayton. Entering the league he’s going to play at the 4 and the 5 while he gets his bearings—and hopefully figures out rebounding—a soft spot for him rn—not to mention the jumper.
you may be right....I'm not that good at evaluating prospects from their video clips against non-NBA players. He just looks like C will be his natural position
