Event The "OFFICIAL" 2017 NBA draft thread - Feb. 2017 edition

Markkanen has moved to 11 aready?

There will be a lot of talented power forwards in the 11-20 range I think. Even in 25-30 with Cleveland pick we should be able to find decent talent. Tanking could probably get us Markkanen or Giles from that list. How good is Giles BTW?

 

76ers must be rubbing their hands at the possibility of drafting one of these highly rated point guards AND possibly another backcourt player with Lakers pick.

 

My comparisons for the lottery:

1. Markelle Fultz - C.J. McCollum
2. Lonzo Ball - Emmanuel Mudiay
3. Josh Jackson - Jimmy Butler
4. Malik Monk - Eric Bledsoe
5. Dennis Smith - Damian Lillard
6. Jayson Tatum - Nicolas Batum
7. Harry Giles - Blake Griffin
8. Jonathan Isaac - Kevin Durant
9. De'Aaron Fox - Dennis Schroder
10. Miles Bridges - Wilson Chandler
11. Lauri Markkanen - Nikola Mirotic
12. Frank Ntilikina - Ricky Rubio
13. OG Anunoby - Maurice Harkless
14. T.J. Leaf - Dario Saric

 

Giles is a beast, and would be top 3 if not for injuries. He's torn ACLs in both his knees I believe. Who knows if he can stay healthy.

 

Lol do you pay attention to college basketball then? This draft is loaded.

 

Come on Cleveland, tank it!!!

 

season half way point mock draft ideas

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-the-first-2017-nba-mock-draft/

 

I would also add, that it is pretty bad ass of boston to be a, on the higher side playoff team and still get a number 1 pick. doesn't seem like that's something that happens much.

 

I can't remember a season where there's so many guys that could go #1. Fultz, Jackson, Ball, Smith... and the guy who would be the favorite to be the #1 pick is Giles, but his injuries took him out of the discussion.

 

Guys I want to target

1-4: SG/SF Josh Jackson
4-7: Jayson Tatum
8-13: OG Anunoby
10-15: Harry Giles
13-18: Ivan Rabb
18-22: Tyler Lydon
20-25: Jonathan Jeanne
25-30: Josh Hart

With where we'll be picking, I think it'd be great to go after Lydon. If we can combine our picks to move up to draft Anunoby or take a risk on Giles, I'd do it.

 

I wantto one up you and think we should try to move up enough to get Josh Jackson. You turned me on to him afterall!!!

 

I'm really starting to like Lydon as well. Quick and fluid release from 3 with deep range, plays a smart game and I've liked his ability to bother shots at the rim without fouling. He will struggle on the defensive boards though. The zone he plays in makes it harder to project this, but from what I've seen he's not a physical player or a guy that will really rebound outside of his area.

Another thing I'll say is he doesn't look as bouncy as he did as a freshman. You see it in his block #'s, but just looking at him he seems to have put on weight, just not sure how much of it was good weight. Improving his body his first couple years in the league will be crucial towards his success.

 

For these athletic PFs, I think finding the right amount if muscle weight is key. We saw Davis become less effective because he put on too much muscle and lost too much athleticism. But as a PF, you need some muscle. It's just all about finding the perfect balance between strength and athleticism whole minimizing body fat.

The idea of Lydon excites me though. He could be a better defensive, more athletic version of Ryan Anderson.

 

Sadly, it won't be possible without giving up one of CJ or Dame. This draft is very deep though, and we can still grab a normal lottery level talent around 20.

Personally, I try and watch 2 or 3 players Strengths and Weaknesses videos over at draftexpress.com every day. Takes up about 20-30min, but I find it fun and by doing that for a month you can end up knowing each prospect. By the time March Madness rolls around, its cool to know most teams best players, and then see them play in full games.

 

A nice run-down of the lottery prospects in this draft from The Ringer, with either links to a previous article they've written or a lengthy write-up for each one.

The Ringer’s 2017 NBA Draft Lottery Big Board, Version 2.0

 

After red shirting his first year at Creighton, this kid is starting to get some lottery buzz...and for good reason.

I've watched a few games of his and if he can continues to add strength, he's got a chance to be a nice two-way center. Has some Towns in his game and a similar backstory too as a late bloomer who shot up after his freshman year in HS.

 

In another version of the way too early to prognosticate department, Chad Ford has us now picking T.J. Leaf and Donovan Mitchell with our two first round picks.
http://www.nba.com/blazers/forwardcenter/ford-two-first-round-picks-2017-draft-trail-blazers-select