The local sports talker down here in Phoenix today was saying this could just be James Jones, I think he’s the Suns GM doing the James family and the Lakers a solid by showing interest. Jones and James have always been tight. Nobody down here thinks the Suns are interested, and could only get James if he signed a vet min deal or if they did a one for one salary match SNT for say Bradley Beal. All posturing.
Crawford is 6'6" but has a 7'0' wingspan and has averaged 2 steals a game for two years. Looks to me as if Portland still emphasizing defense and rebounding. He is 22.
that's likely true at this point it looks like this draft, however good or bad the class is, might be the most interesting draft to watch in years
More interesting than any prospect at workouts is to see if Chauncey is present at the PF. Edit: i caught him at 0:44 from last week's workout.
Love is almost 23. Thought at one time he might declare for the draft after his first yeat at North Carolina, but didn't happen and he doesn't seem to be improving much over the yeears. Not an efficient scorer or passer. Don't see how he would fit with Blazers.
Paul George see similarities in Sarr & Giannis? Would you give up 7, Simons and some to get #1? Sarr joined George’s podcast Monday, and the latter likened him to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, via Podcast P. “I like the Giannis comparison, I like the Giannis that is one of your favorite players, because I kind of see a similar play style with the ability to get it off the rim, push and transition, handle it, create,” George said. “I think he’s like him. Giannis is the prototype of a big man that you play through. So I love that comparison. I think he is a lot similar to how Giannis plays, in the play style of Giannis.” – via Clutch Points Alex Sarr, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Milwaukee Bucks
Completely unaware of Quinten Post, but looking him up, he's 7' barefoot with a 9'4" standing reach (just short of Ware's), 244 lbs. Put up 17/8 in 32 mpg on 51.4/43.1/82.1 shooting percentages. Unfortunately, his athletic numbers aren't great (24" vert, 3.40s 3/4 court sprint)--seems like he's your prototypical big, slow, plodding center. But he can shoot from distance and protect the rim...basically feels like a discount Donovan Clingan.
https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/isaiah-crawford-the-road-less-traveled Crawford isn't on most mocks, but hard to imagine a dude with this size who shot 42% on threes not being drafted at all? I'd take a second round flyer on him at worst. Dude looks and plays like OG Anunoby and even though he's much older as a prospect, I don't think that should hurt him especially in this draft. Lots of seniors being projected much higher....
I just watched a full game of Indiana against Iowa to see if I could get a better take on Ware. One big difference from when he was with Oregon: only took one three (made it off the backboard). He is a lot better at defense now. Quite the rim protector, blocking and altering a lot of shots. Don't know how he would defend a perimeter player cuz they never had him do that. Not what I would call a "tough" player but not afraid of contact and doesn't seem to get pushed around. Not afraid to set screens but not terribly effective at it. He has nice touch close to the basket but also a terrific dunker. Got doubled a lot and made a good pass out each time. Hands seem to be pretty good. He seemed to be always engaged. Never saw him slacking off or not getting down court, I guess I would have to watch a full game video of another guy in this slot to say for sure I would take him , but from what I saw he is definitely worth the 14th pick. Probably higher. Also he seemed to play through a couple minor injuries that he incurred during the game.
He's a switchable big. The negative I hear on him is bad screen setting. That's the only real criticism in addition to his effort at OR. I like him a lot and have heard he could have a Lively-like effect.
I am glad they brought both of these guys in on the same day. If Ware can show he can play the 4 spot, and back up Ayton, that would be a very solid draft. (along with a SF) Of course, that would mean Ware would have to still be there at 14. I don't see him slipping past 12.
