Yeah, I am hoping for Coward at 11 and Fleming at #16. Although I would not be pissed with Demin and Coward as I view them as having two different types of skill sets. I just want to make sure we get one wing who we know can shoot.
I think at #11 its what type of guy do you want? No doubt I think Coward/Bryant can be good but their ceiling is limited due to their lack of ability to create for themselves and others. Kasparas and Egor can do that which is why I have them with higher ceilings. The nice thing about Egor is when he gains strength, you can have him playing 1-4. That versatility can create mismatches. Kasparas v. Egor or Coward v. Bryant
I suppose that is true with Scoot. But it seemed that Clingan was that type of situation last year same as this year where some had him going in a range potentially above us but it was still heavily reported we wanted him at 7. Similar with Sharpe.
I agree with you about the importance of being able to create your shot. Egor should be able to eventually do that based on his handles. But not the part about Egor guarding 1-4 if he adds weight.
Yes, he does have a Martell Webster vibe, just better. The measurements are similar, but at least Coward has 3+ years of college to evaluate his overall shooting skills. Webster had a career 38% from three. I will take that. But where I think Coward excels is his pull-up mid-range jumper. Overall, he shot 56% from the field. Plus, I think he can be a better defender.
I look at Demin's upside as a taller Luka who can play defense and his floor as Josh Giddey. I see Coward's ceiling as Kawhi and his likely outcome to be Desmond Bane. If the Blazers stay at 11, I'd be thrilled with Knueppel, Demin, Coward or Essengue. Would be happy with Bryant or Murray-Boyles if they happened to get a second pick later in the teens.
I don't see any evidence that Demin can have a positive impact playing D. Most of the game film I watched of him - he looks completely lost. He gets turned around and frequently has his back to the guy with the ball. I like Coward, but those are some mighty lofty comparables for him. I think Bane is his absolute best case. Most likely outcome is Martell Webster. What makes you think he's 'better' than Martell? Coward has a good game and likely to be a decent NBA player... but from the film I watched of him -> he certainly lacks the standout aggression or 'pop' to make him anything other than a decent role player.
I guess that's why they're opinions. TBF, I didn't see the Kawhi comparison until I heard it from some draftniks. Upside/ceiling I usually define as best case scenario, so I think you're conflating thing here, or maybe misunderstanding the term, or we just have different definitions.
Who at 11 do you think has the standout aggression or pop that you mentioned? The only one I can think of is Jase, and he has other question marks. Why I think Coward can be better than Webster (who wasn't that bad) is his ability to stop and pop on his mid-range. He also looks to have a solid post-up game, and looks to be a solid defender. Of course, this is all a guess, but then so is the evaluation on everyone we have discussed.
If the rumors are true that they’ve targeted Jabari Smith - Cronin is 100% looking at guards with this pick. Demin or Jase
It won't be Jase because he goes against everything they look for in a prospect. It's going to be Demin and if he's gone, Kasparas.
At pick 11 -> Assuming the following 8 are off the board: Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Edgecombe, Johnson, Kon, Fears, Maluach then the rest of my big-board looks like this: 9) Noa Essengue 10) Carter Bryant 11) Jakucionis 12) CMB 13) Richardson 14) Coward 15) Clifford 16) Thiero 17) Powell 18) Hugo 19) Sober 20) Yang I would LOVE if Portland could get Noa at 11. Richardson/Clifford at 16 and then get an early 2nd to pick up Thiero/Powell/Yang.
If JSJ is a target, who goes out to Houston? I really like the idea of Ant going to Orlando for 16 & Isaac. I think the bench needs upgrading and since we never have any luck signing free agents, we need to acquire more picks. Strengthening the bench with a mid to late first would be helpful. I also want to see the backup PG upgraded, someone other than Banton please. I believe Walter Clayton with a late first would be great and could even push Scoot for time. As much as I hope Ant and Ayton get moved, I also don't want Banton, Murray, Walker, etc as the second unit.
Well I do like Carter Bryant. Not the type of player who is going to create their own shot like we all want, but at least we can be pretty confident we are getting another 3 and D player. Jaku would be a decent gamble.
