I can't take credit for this. Saw this on a NYK fan site and then looked him up. Player's name is Deonte Burton. Very unusual size at 6'5" (in shoes as NBA players are measured), 260 lb and a 7' wingspan.
Pluses:
1 very mentally and physically tough (a trait NYK has desperately lacked)
2 multi-skilled (shooting, handle, passing, defending)
3 uses lefty-ness in Zach Randolph kind of way (you know he's going left, but he gets there any way with varied release points and funky interior moves)
Minus:
1 height/weight
2 not a great athlete by any stretch but not bad either
He will likely be there at 58.
When you say it would be dumb to buy out or stretch Melo, there needs to be context to evaluate i.e.
Door # 1 - keep him
Door # 2 - trade him (need to know what the return is)
Door # 3 - buy him out
Door # 4 - need to understand this relative to other options i.e. what can the decrease per the stretch be spent on via FA
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Dennis Smith will have the Timberwolves, Knicks, Mavericks, Hornets, Pistons and Heat attend his Pro Day, sources told Basketball Insiders.
Philly has enough peripheral assets to get that done. Luwawu, Korkmaz, Anderson, Covington, okafor. Would make sense for both teams. Getting monk and Mitchell/Ntilikina/Kennard would be a solid grab for philly.
@MikeAScotto
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Dennis Smith will have the Timberwolves, Knicks, Mavericks, Hornets, Pistons and Heat attend his Pro Day, sources told Basketball Insiders.
makes you wonder if smith had some sort of injury whem he visited knicks
I dont even see a counterargument one could muster.
WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU EXTEND THE PAIN OF MELO'S BUYOUT OVER 5 SEASONS? Do you need the money now? For what? A title run? The fact that an option exists doesnt make it worth considering. How about the fact that Melo might opt out?
Berman wrote about this in the post today. A whole article about using the stretch on Melo. Clearly because he was required to submit an article and had nothing to write about. Berman IMO is also the dumbest guy covering the Knicks. There is never a conception of long term planning in his pieces. Everything is a suggestion about how we can get marginally better in the short term.
Jokic orchestrated the #1 regular season offense this past year. Jamal Murray has the makings of a 20+ ppg scorer. Harris is a high end 3 and D player. If the other hernangomez is as good as billed they have a tremendous stretch 4. They're missing another stud defender but if they swing right on a high risk/reward pick like Giles or OG they're onto something. That's not even including the really solid vets they have in Chandler, Barton, Gallo, plumlee and Faried. And whatever mudiay is.
1 GSW
2 Hou
3 Utah if GH stays
4 SAS
5 Portland
6 LAC
7 Minny
8 Den
I don't think what OKC did last year is sustainable. One guy doing everything.
PG: Rubio (for Lee), Baker, Randle
SG: Monk (8), Evan Turner (for 15, 26)
SF: Justin Jackson (15), Shabazz Muhammed (if cheap contract, low risk), Kooz
PF: KP, DJ Wilson (26), Burton (44)
C: Hernangomez, KOQ, Noah
PG: Rubio (for Lee), Baker, Randle
SG: Monk (8), Evan Turner (for 15, 26)
SF: Justin Jackson (15), Shabazz Muhammed (if cheap contract, low risk), Kooz
PF: KP, DJ Wilson (26), Burton (44)
C: Hernangomez, KOQ, Noah
That lineup would win about 30 games and then you are stuck with a bunch of bloated contracts.
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yeah I'm dying to know the plan as well, but so many moving pieces given notion of Melo, Lee and/or KOQ being traded, whomever we get at 8, and whether he is capable of being honest and responsible about the state of the union and not pursuing a low end playoff spot (and failing) and instead making a real commitment to a rebuild and looking like this:
PG: Rubio (for Lee), Baker, Randle
SG: Monk (8), Evan Turner (for 15, 26)
SF: Justin Jackson (15), Shabazz Muhammed (if cheap contract, low risk), Kooz
PF: KP, DJ Wilson (26), Burton (44)
C: Hernangomez, KOQ, Noah
That lineup would win about 30 games and then you are stuck with a bunch of bloated contracts.
Hopefully less games
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yeah I'm dying to know the plan as well, but so many moving pieces given notion of Melo, Lee and/or KOQ being traded, whomever we get at 8, and whether he is capable of being honest and responsible about the state of the union and not pursuing a low end playoff spot (and failing) and instead making a real commitment to a rebuild and looking like this:
PG: Rubio (for Lee), Baker, Randle
SG: Monk (8), Evan Turner (for 15, 26)
SF: Justin Jackson (15), Shabazz Muhammed (if cheap contract, low risk), Kooz
PF: KP, DJ Wilson (26), Burton (44)
C: Hernangomez, KOQ, Noah
That lineup would win about 30 games and then you are stuck with a bunch of bloated contracts.
He forgot Lance Thomas which would probably increase the win total to like 50 games.
Counterpoint: Vlade is a moron who was fleeced by Sam Hinkie. That 3 was their original pick...
Plus there is just a ton of money that NEEDS to be spent to get to cap floors.
I do wonder whether there is going to be a trend in the league where more GMs recognize that player X is talented but maybe isnt conducive to winning. E.g. do you want to pay real month to Shabbaz and have him clog your offense up? Do you want to trade for Drummond when he can be hack-a-Shaq'd to death? Love, when he can neither guard the perimeter or rim protect? Obviously these guys dont PREVENT you from winnings, but in a cap league how much can you pay for guys with fatal flaws in their game? Shabbaz isnt getting megabux, but even in the 10-15 range (look at the PER & WS48), seems like a bad investment.
OTOH, top 5 players help cover the warts of others, and there are not as many "no drawback" players as there are teams that would like them. That's why I think 3 years of Courtney Lee should get us a late #1. Courtney Lee isnt gonna mess up your offense/defense.
Young pieces: Baker, Monk, Jackson, KP, Wilson, Hernangomez.
Rubio serves to change the culture from selfishness to sharing of the basketball, helping all the kids grow as players.
Turner is useful, albeit with his disgusting contract. But I'd trade cap room (that won't attract meaningful players) for Jackson, Wilson.
_________________________________________________
PG: Rubio (for Lee), Baker, Randle
SG: Monk (8), Evan Turner (for 15, 26)
SF: Justin Jackson (15), Shabazz Muhammed (if cheap contract, low risk), Kooz
PF: KP, DJ Wilson (26), Burton (44)
C: Hernangomez, KOQ, Noah
"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."
Pelton's model estimates the number of wins above replacement player each player will average during his first five seasons in the NBA. The two components of the model takes translated college/international performance and adds in age.
Dennis Smith Jr. and Zach Collins round out the top-5 while Josh Jackson ranks sixth. De'Aaron Fox, who is expected to be a top-5 pick, ranks 10th.
The culture around this team is toxic. Usually I worry about talent first, and then culture, but this team has stunk for so long and we finally have a franchise cornerstone (who has already shown signs of frustration); it's important to nip this in the bud.
There's a plausible route to being an ECF contender or more within 3-4 years but it depends on a happy and flourishing KP.
"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."
Is BJ Armstrong actually his agent or is that a sarcastic quip? Is it bad that neither would shock me?
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just leave this here...
"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."
Is BJ Armstrong actually his agent or is that a sarcastic quip? Is it bad that neither would shock me?
He's legit his agent
1. Fultz
2. Ball
3. Jackson
4. Isaac
5. Fox
6. DSJ
7. Tatum
8. Monk
Gimme one....Holler if you hear me
I basically have the 4 I would most like
Fultz, Ball, Jackson, Isaac and then 4 guys I like (just a little less) but more than I like Frenchy, Markkanen etc. After Isaac I could be convinced any of the next 4 would be "best" for us. I just want one of those 8 guys.
"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."
translation: his agent knows that there's not going to be much of a market for Rose...and is hoping Phil is dumb enough to bring him back.
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just leave this here...
"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told Bleacher Report recently. "We've expressed that to them and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."
translation: his agent knows that there's not going to be much of a market for Rose...and is hoping Phil is dumb enough to bring him back.
Yeah. And when he ends up taking a very low $$ deal from a non-CLE/GSW playoff team, we'll hear about how he's made enough and all he wants to do is win.
I feel like Milwaukee would be a good spot for him. He can be a 6th man of the year -- he will absolutely torch 2nd units, and get a break defensively against subs. And since Giannis can play so many positions, they can mix him in with the starters with easy. Not sure the Bucks would be interested, but for the right price/understanding about role, Rose is a solid play.
a couple people said he didnt shoot well to start but his passes and ball handling were good, then his shot got better..
a lot of draftniks are saying they expect tatum to fall
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reportedly looking impressive in his Sixers workout.
a couple people said he didnt shoot well to start but his passes and ball handling were good, then his shot got better..
a lot of draftniks are saying they expect tatum to fall
I doubt there is a single scout who is worried about Monk's shot so I'm sure if he had had a choice he'd shoot poorly and show good secondary skills.
"Some free agents, I think the triangle is an issue," another Western Conference scout added. "But before you even get to the system, I think there are several other factors that are much more of a priority or influence in terms of desire to play there."
So do any free agents fit the bill?
This is where things get even more difficult.
ESPN's Ian Begley recently reported the Knicks are interested in PJ Tucker. He is 6'6" and 245 pounds and boasts a solid outside stroke (35.7 percent from deep last year).
"He's a tough, physical defender, can guard 3s and 4s and some 5s, hit corner three-pointers," one of the scouts said. "He's a 20- to 25-minute player and good role player who has value in guarding star players."
The issue?
He's 32. Also, as the scout adds: "I think the Knicks would have to overpay to get him."
Other possible bargain-bin adds? Not an easy list to put together. You have Omri Casspi and Ty Lawson if the Knicks want to throw some short-term deals at NBA-caliber players. Tim Hardaway Jr. is 25 and coming off his best-ever season, and he's a restricted free agent, but it's hard to envision him reuniting with the team that dumped him in 2015.
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reportedly looking impressive in his Sixers workout.
a couple people said he didnt shoot well to start but his passes and ball handling were good, then his shot got better..
it the workout? I'm genuinely curious...how does one demonstrate passing ability in a workout?
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In comment 13501081 DanMetroMan said:
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reportedly looking impressive in his Sixers workout.
a couple people said he didnt shoot well to start but his passes and ball handling were good, then his shot got better..
it the workout? I'm genuinely curious...how does one demonstrate passing ability in a workout?
The tweets say he made impressive passes "in traffic" so presumably there are others working with him.
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reportedly looking impressive in his Sixers workout.
a couple people said he didnt shoot well to start but his passes and ball handling were good, then his shot got better..
a lot of draftniks are saying they expect tatum to fall
If Tatum is there at 8, we need to rush the stage. But my fear is that Phil won't select Tatum even if he was there at 8.
is tatum really a fit though? he is more of a 3 then a 4 and wiggins right now is their 3...
i still wouldnt be shocjed if isaac is gone they go collins
first domino will be la if rumora are true they are taking jackson...
2nd if that happens does philly go mpnk or ball i would assume ball
if monk, dsj or tatum are sitting there i would be shocked if they went frank...
Minnesota? I dont know if I give up Wiggins for the #1. I understand the intrigue with Fultz but do you trade a 21 year old he is probably one of the 5 best athletes in the league that shoots 35% from 3 as a 21 year old who averages 24 PPG?
tafum is a great fit for the type of offense phil wants to run...id be shocked if phil passed...
i also think that is why knkcks like monk and frank, both can play off the ball and both can play lead guard
Wolves. I wouldn't trade him for #1 in this draft.
That would be a lot of speculation to heap on an 18 year old who showed to be a capable playmaker. PG coming into the league was a pure catch and shoot specialist. Tatum has flashed some point forward potential at Duke.
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Unless something unforeseen happens.
if monk, dsj or tatum are sitting there i would be shocked if they went frank...
I'd be shocked if we pass on Tatum. Less so the other guards. Maybe Phil likes Frank's size and two way game for his offense.
Though I'll say this -- Phil's coaching/presidenting career has been focused around one thing. Jordan and Pippen. Shaq and Kobe. Securing Melo at any cost, taking a chance on KP when Phil thought he would need to redshit for a few years, and then trading for Rose.
The unifying factor is star power. Monk and Smith are guys who can take over a game. Both could be stars. Frank not so much. I tend to think Phil swings for the fences. Also, what is the downside? Does hitting a single do anything for him? He doesnt strike me as a guy just looking to stay employed. He badly wants to actually succeed.
agreed i think they should trade 1 of lavine or wiggins
He leaves a lot to be desired right now but Im not betting against that talent and massive improvement over 2 years.
And he's got the athleticism to be an A+ defender. Notably he struggles a lot on that end now (KAT too). But I want to see his game when his body fills out and he has a few years with Thibs.
I just feel like the next 5 years of Wiggins is something you want to be signed up for.
Minny receives: #3, Covington and Justin Anderson
Chicago receives: Saric, Stauskas, Okafor, Dunn and the 2018 Lakers pick
Philly receives: Jimmy Butler, Lavine, #7 (which they take Monk with)
Philly's lineup:
Monk
Lavine
Butler
Simmons
Embiid/Holmes
Minny's lineup:
Ball/Fox
Wiggins
Anderson
Covington
KAT
Flip Rubio for Lee or something.
this is exactly how I feel. If the knicks feel differently, I guess you have to hope they're better at scouting than I am. Frenchy doesn't seem like a very good athlete so I wonder how much of those little things he does well will carry over when playing against more skilled players who are also better athletes than he is.
For me frank can play multiple positions and guard multiple positions..
he is noy pigeon holed to have to play point, he can play off the ball and be effective, he is a good shooter and his assists do not show his passing ability..
i think with his french team he was asked to defend and hit open shots, he was not asked to create as much because of his age, his handle is better than people think...
i thi k he can come in right away and be a 3 and d guy, and evolve into a point guard...
he is going to be the type of player you put on the best player to defend, offensively it is a mystery but he can shoot, the unknown is can he become a point guard or will he be a 2 guard that can cfeate
I haven't seen any real evidence Monk is any "worse" at passing than Frenchy or Mitchell and I'm willing to accept that he didn't feel comfortable playing off the ball. The best players in HS almost never play off the ball. Instead of filling holes lets aim to gain an advantage at spots we can.
i am not saying mitchell cant, i like mitchell to be honest, i just like frabk better...
i dont know i guess it is jist preference and i can see why frank scares people...
would i take him over monk, smith or tafum? no but if it is between frank and mitchell i am going frank
And his 67 career assists to 40 TOs in under 18 basketball doesn't excite me too much on his handle despite the small sample size.
Basically this is my feeling. I'm not going to bother getting worked up about the triangle etc. I see a scenario where the Knicks identity is built around spreading the floor with KP and Monk from 3, open up some space for Willy... I just think they should take a guy who could be a true difference maker. I think all things considered the floor is extremely high for Monk (is there anyone doubting he can be a 12-15 point bench scorer "worst" case?) and I think the ceiling is pretty high too... a big time scorer.
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who loves Frenchy, sell me on why he's even a better pick than Mitchell? I don't think the estimated 2 extra inches in wingspan is a huge deal. Mitchell is more of a sure thing, and the superior athlete. I don't even particularly want Mitchell at 8 but other than the fun of the unknown what makes Frenchy the superior pick between those 2?
For me frank can play multiple positions and guard multiple positions..
he is noy pigeon holed to have to play point, he can play off the ball and be effective, he is a good shooter and his assists do not show his passing ability..
i think with his french team he was asked to defend and hit open shots, he was not asked to create as much because of his age, his handle is better than people think...
i thi k he can come in right away and be a 3 and d guy, and evolve into a point guard...
he is going to be the type of player you put on the best player to defend, offensively it is a mystery but he can shoot, the unknown is can he
become a point guard or will he be a 2 guard that can cfeate
Adding to this with the caveat that I do think it's close. Frank is likely already a better defensive player and outside shooter. If you watch Frank's games he has great feel for the game and while he does gamble sometimes on disrupting the passing lanes, he's good at anticipating and using his length to steal the ball and set up fast breaks. He's also very good at using his body to fight through screens and recover from times when he whiffs on disrupting the passing lanes. He's also improved quite a bit from 3-pt land over the last few seasons which could be representative of his ceiling as a shooter being higher than people seem to think. It also tells me that given his age, intelligence, and work ethic, there's a higher likelihood of him reaching his full potential than the average prospect. I think he's a better athlete than people give him credit for which is a result of him not having a quick first step like a Fultz or Smith has. Other than that, the negatives are that he's only an okay ball handler and passer but those are easier to work on than shooting or defense.
I like Mitchell too and he's clearly the better athlete although he didn't get into the paint all that much which I don't know the reason as to why. He's also shorter than Frank which hurts his passing ability since he can't see over shooting guards if he's playing the 2. While I hate that we have to talk about it, in the triangle you need guards who can make quick decisions and hit guys cutting and anticipating where they'll be. His mid range game and ability and ability to create his own shot makes up for that given how well it fits the triangle. The gamble would be on Frank being younger and therefore being able to develop as a better offensive player outside of his outside shooting. Ill leave that up to Clarence Gaines though since it's very hard to tell what's there given how he's used today. You need two guys in the triangle who are at least decent at moving without the ball, hitting mid range shots, a threat to drive and score if that's what the defense gives you and quickly make reads on what the defense gives you. One needs to be a guard and that's why I think the Frank stuff is a smokescreen as he doesn't check all those boxes at least today and Monk or Mitchell will be the pick.
Is Courtney Lee a player that's in that category of a win now veteran? Could Knicks swing a deal for 12?
Steve Kyler:
Very possible. Stan has an affection for Courtney. They kept in touch after he was traded out of Orlando.
Original tweet was:
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Likely but you never know. Stan could get fired soon. That's a team that just wants to make the playoffs.
I'd look into Stanimal as a buy low. Not sure if he is available.
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I think would be by trading KP or Willy, which I would not do. Maybe consider a top 8 pick for Willy but I like him and I have a hard time seeing another team who would value him as such.
Likely but you never know. Stan could get fired soon. That's a team that just wants to make the playoffs.
I'd look into Stanimal as a buy low. Not sure if he is available.
Or Ellenson.
oh, I agree. but there are all sorts of deals out there that dont make 100% sense. Bargs.
He was a fun player to watch. He's who Willy reminded me of before he came over.
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not buying Lee for 12. I think 12 lands you a better player than Lee and I think worst case they could send Stanimal AND 12 for a good veteran. Lee doesn't move the needle for the Pistons and I say that as someone who fully agrees Lee is worth a #1, just one in the 22-30 range.
oh, I agree. but there are all sorts of deals out there that dont make 100% sense. Bargs.
That's the thing. Everyone was shocked that the Knicks got a first for THJR in the late teens. Lee's contract also makes him a little more valuable given what guys got last year and will get this year.
The Knicks have had a scout in Europe babysitting Frank Ntilikina. As of now, he's their man.
I keep going back and forth between DSJ and Monk, but I'm currently all in Monk. Which means he'll be gone or they pass on him.
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Frank IsolaVerified account @FisolaNYDN
The Knicks have had a scout in Europe babysitting Frank Ntilikina. As of now, he's their man.
Man, everything he writes is for max douche effect
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Trying to process "lobs to Greg Monroe" in my head but its not computing.
I'll check back in the morning.
dont forget he then ripped the knicks constantly for. ot signing monroe because it made him look bad...
oh dont forget the isiah is running the knicks behind the scenes...
first it was jackson, then mitcehell now its kennard
fultz worked out for lakers after he said he would only work out for celtics
They have brown. I think this is just Ainge doing Ainge things.
Um frank is an atrocious defender. There was a stretch where frank started for Charlotte when Zeller went down this past season and Charlotte got obliterated in the interior and on the glass. The two aren't comparable athletically.
10-16: 45%
16-23: 41%
3P: 35%
Frank:
10-16: 29%
16-23: 31%
3P: 33%
Rebounding :
KP: 13%
Frank: 10% (which is awful for a 4 let alone a 5)
The answer I think is that KP is a better athlete for his position than Frank is. KP is 7'3. KP is/was a fantastic shooting prospect -- very fast release and good release point, mechanics, ability to shoot off movement at his size etc. Attitude, success in the 2nd best league...
I could go on, but I think the comparison of KP and Frank N. is a little silly. It permits no gradations of what they're good at.
if he can tighten his handle and become a playmaker you got a chance at a superstar...
question is are you willing to take that risk
if he can tighten his handle and become a playmaker you got a chance at a superstar...
question is are you willing to take that risk
Cmon which superstar has that profile at pg? which pg in the NBA is a superstar based on his defense? Who is your projected best realistic case for Frenchy at pg ?
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his upside is with his defense, he is going to be a game changer on that end...
if he can tighten his handle and become a playmaker you got a chance at a superstar...
question is are you willing to take that risk
Cmon which superstar has that profile at pg? which pg in the NBA is a superstar based on his defense? Who is your projected best realistic case for Frenchy at pg ?
i said if his handle and playmamomg ability improves he will be a superstar, i didnt say if he was just 3 and d he would be a superstar...
he will be able to change games as a defender but he wont be a superstar if his handle and playmaking do not improve .
the people who dont like him dont think it will improve, the people that do think it can...
realistically i see him as an avery bradley type of player...
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In comment 13501637 nygiants16 said:
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his upside is with his defense, he is going to be a game changer on that end...
if he can tighten his handle and become a playmaker you got a chance at a superstar...
question is are you willing to take that risk
Cmon which superstar has that profile at pg? which pg in the NBA is a superstar based on his defense? Who is your projected best realistic case for Frenchy at pg ?
i said if his handle and playmamomg ability improves he will be a superstar, i didnt say if he was just 3 and d he would be a superstar...
he will be able to change games as a defender but he wont be a superstar if his handle and playmaking do not improve .
the people who dont like him dont think it will improve, the people that do think it can...
realistically i see him as an avery bradley type of player...
That's fair, but I think unless his mid-range game becomes a thing and he considerably improves his ballhandling, we're looking at a guy who will not be able to make his own offense. And that's also linked to his playmaking; if you're not a good ball-handler and if you don't present the threat of scoring on your own, it's difficult to be a lead guard, creating for others.
I'd like Frenchie at 12 or 13, not at 8 and not with the options likely to be available.
By contrast, I think you've got a better shot turning a guy with elite shooting and athleticism into a passable distributor and lead guard (in today's NBA)(Monk) or taming a hero-ball player and having him play within the team concept (DSJ) and improve his shooting from average to good.
This is exactly why I worry. Deangelo russel has some of the best handles in the league and it can't save him as far as shot creation goes. You're talking about a guy who dominated a major conference as a PG who is being limited to off ball duties entering year 3 in the league.
By contrast, I think you've got a better shot turning a guy with elite shooting and athleticism into a passable distributor and lead guard (in today's NBA)(Monk) or taming a hero-ball player and having him play within the team concept (DSJ) and improve his shooting from average to good.
Yup. If there were proven examples of guards who came in as below average ball handlers and transitioned to elite I'd be better. But I can't think of one. I can think of a plethora of mediocre shooters that have vastly improved in the NBA, on the other hand.
my guess? he hasnt had a chance to workout or meet with teams and trams higher are not going to take that risk...
why did giannis not get picked higher? why did kawhi not get pi ked higher?
kp sky rocketed once his workout took place and he started meeting with teams...
plus this a pretty deep draft, i dont take him over the top guys, i dont take him over monk or smith
except shumpert was a jump out of the gym prospect who couldnt shoot
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I pose this question Why is a 6'5 KP upside pg who only needs to tighten up his handle and improve as a playmaker falling to 8?
my guess? he hasnt had a chance to workout or meet with teams and trams higher are not going to take that risk...
why did giannis not get picked higher? why did kawhi not get pi ked higher?
kp sky rocketed once his workout took place and he started meeting with teams...
plus this a pretty deep draft, i dont take him over the top guys, i dont take him over monk or smith
Even those who like him think his upside is good starter. I haven't seen ANYONE (including Fraschilla who might be his biggest fan and has seen him numerous times in person) say his upside is anywhere near "superstar".
"Frank Ntilikina: Well, the broader view here is there's likely to be five point guards drafted in the first 10. It's going to be interesting. And most likely because of the fact that people don't know him like they know the four college kids, he's going to go fifth, Fraschilla said. And what I love about him -- and by the way, I think he's going to be able to show you -- I hate to say this because I'm not a fan of the triangle, I think in the modern NBA the spacing doesn't work as well as it did in the old days, but he's a triangle kind of player, simply because he's not really a 1, and he's not really a 2. He's a guard.
He can make decisions well. He shoots it well. He's athletic. He could be a good defender. And you're also looking at a kid who's still 18 years old. His long-term potential as an NBA player is very good. I watched him last summer at the Jordan Gym in New York City, and he made 27 out of 30 NBA 3s. I think people who didn't know him early on -- the obligatory line when you don't know somebody is, he's a really good athlete, but he's not a great shooter, and he's dispelling that this year in France, shooting over 40 percent from the international 3. He doesn't have the polish of a Fultz or Ball or the speed and athleticism or raw athleticism of Fox or Smith, but he has the look and feel of an NBA guard when he grows up.
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Than Bradley with frank.
except shumpert was a jump out of the gym prospect who couldnt shoot
Bradley couldn't shoot either.
I'm comparing frank to the NBA versions of both players. Shumps like a 40% 3 point shooter now, was tried at PG but didn't have the handles or awareness to play guard.
I'd argue frank might have more PnR savvy than either shump or Bradley but i don't think he's comparable at all as an athlete.
"Ntilikina offers evidence of a complete offensive game with little surety beyond the fact that hes a smart, developing kid. His basketball IQ is great for a 18-year-old, and he consistently made good decisions when he got the ball. Hes capable at attacking, and showed improvement in creating his and the teams offense as the year went on. His ability in the pick-and-roll is dangerous, both due to his range, his 65 size allowing him sight over the defense, and his ability to pick the ball up and get to the basket if the defense hesitates.
He doesn't have the quickest shot, and he'll need to adjust to NBA players who will play close up against a 170 pound player with less-than-great burst, but the foundation to be a great-efficiency shooter is there. There isnt enough in-game evidence to prove his three-point stroke is a dependable skill (he took 81 of them this year, making 41% of them), but his stroke is mechanical, consistent, and stretches a good few feet from the NBA three line. His role as the teams secondary distributor also served to utilize him as a spot-up shooter, and defenses were wary of him regardless of his range. When he got hot in the U18 Championships (more on that later), he went full inferno17-29 from three in the six game stretch. The biggest concern with his shot is his inconsistent free throw percentage typically a great barometer for a players shooting ability, you dont want to see a point guard hanging around in the mid-60s (65.9%).
His lead guard skills are still very much in development, from his court vision to his timing on passes when he's on the move. His passer willingness isn't a concern; he's in no way a ball-needy player and looks to make the right play or keep the offense moving. His read on what the defense would do to stop him as a scorer and as a distributor was sometimes excellent and other times, it got him sent back to the bench because he didn't have any leash to be hurting the offense. He rarely showed much creativity with the ball on the dribble, and his own creation ability might be limited until he rounds that out to keep the defense on their toes. But again that all comes down to getting the ball in his hands.
Trusting low-minute prospects is always difficult when considering Euro prospects who play in a veteran friendly environment. Where his shooting ability was greatly improved (and turned from a weakness into a strength) by forcing him to play off ball, the lack of extended time with the ball hides much. He could become one of the most well rounded point guards in the class, with his rapidly growing feel for the game and pass-first attitude. But in a class of points with enormous impact potentials and impact limiting weaknesses it's fair to point out Ntilikina's 15.2% assist rate, 18.6% turnover ratio, and 16.8% usage rate in league play. Selecting Ntilikina means banking on those point-guard and shot-creation instincts he flashes becoming what defines him as a player.
His ideal size (6'5) and length are great NBA tools, but while he won't be left behind on the break, he doesn't have the speed or the burst to match the stars at the most star-heavy position in the league. Nothing about his tools will be a serious limit to his game, but his potential isn't in a game-altering toolbox that Markelle Fultz, DeAaron Fox, Malik Monk, or Dennis Smith have.
Defensive Breakdown:
If not for DeAaron Fox, Ntilikina would easily be the most engaged guard defender in the lottery. Given his short playtime leash, its no surprise Ntilikina learned he needed to make an impact defensively, and he consistently gives great effort that many young guards dont make.
Just like DeAaron Fox, however, Ntilikina needs to add serious muscle before hell be ready to defend NBA guards. The transition from a league where he could really work and opponent with his length and quickness to a league where his athletic ability is equal at best on most nights might be really, really rough on Ntilikina over the first year or two of his career. But hes got the effort and the instincts to be a great defender as he develops.
Intangibles:
The real reason to be hyped about Ntilikina is the U18 European Championship. Its the best case we have for Ntilikinas NBA potential; given full control of the offense for the first time in such a professional setting, Ntilikina went to the hospital with the flu and then came back to lead France to the title, won the tournaments MVP award, and averaged 15.2 points and 4.5 assists on 31/62 from the field and 17/29 from three. In the final two games, he had 23 points and 9 assists followed up by 31 points on 11/16 shooting aaannnnd then he went right back to averaging 19-25 minutes per game with Strasbourg. Its not his fault that his French squad delegates him to a secondary ballhandler role with inconsistent minutes, but that means a lot is riding on one excellent weekend in the U18.
While its safe to say there will be more tape on the rest of the players around his draft range, Ntilikina isnt a secret. The Basketball Champions League puts whole games up on Youtube, so while he doesnt get a ton of minutes, theres stuff to go off. And even with inconsistent minutes and his secondary-ball handler role, you can see the impact he makes on both ends. The lack of serious minutes could hide a player who doesnt want to be the go-to ball handler or it could have just been holding back a budding youngster playing in a veteran-loving Euro system.
On another note, even if he is an Avery Bradley/ George Hill prospect (not a star but a good NBA player), it'll probably be a while before he establishes that level of play. If that is a fair statement, I'd love to draft a guy like Frank Mason...a guy who isn't likely to have a big learning curve and at the very least can be a Patty Mills type productivity wise. However, I truly think guys with his athleticism, skill set and mentality wind up far exceeding their draft slot (think Kyle Lowry).
i love this time of year...
There are very real worries with Frank, but he brings a very translatable skill set with a unique physical profile.
It's just weird to me to see the pro-KP crowd shit on Frank.
There are very real worries with Frank, but he brings a very translatable skill set with a unique physical profile.
It's just weird to me to see the pro-KP crowd shit on Frank.
It's only weird given the way you present the analogy. KP and FN both have unique physical profiles. They both can shoot and both have the length to be difference makers on D.
That's the extent of the comparison. Beyond that, KP's skillset has matched well with the direction the NBA is going in. The most important skills a big man can provide in today's NBA is rim protection and shooting. KP is or projects as elite in both categories.
Guards today need to be able to create their own shot. It is hard to find good shot creators who lack both ball-handling and quick-twitch athleticism. FN lacks both. He projects as a fine player if things break right but the question of whether his skillset translates is distinct from the question of whether it is unique.
There are very real worries with Frank, but he brings a very translatable skill set with a unique physical profile.
It's just weird to me to see the pro-KP crowd shit on Frank.
Mitchell has 6'10 wingspan and 35% from 3, D'Angelo Russell 6'10 wingspan 41% from 3 in college. It's not some absolutely ridiculous combination like a 7'3 kid who can shoot from deep. Wingspan is great and all but it's not the end all be all.
There are very real worries with Frank, but he brings a very translatable skill set with a unique physical profile.
It's just weird to me to see the pro-KP crowd shit on Frank.
Last draft actually. Wade Baldwin.
He doesn't have the quickest shot, and he'll need to adjust to NBA players who will play close up against a 170 pound player with less-than-great burst, but the foundation to be a great-efficiency shooter is there. There isnt enough in-game evidence to prove his three-point stroke is a dependable skill (he took 81 of them this year, making 41% of them), but his stroke is mechanical, consistent, and stretches a good few feet from the NBA three line. His role as the teams secondary distributor also served to utilize him as a spot-up shooter, and defenses were wary of him regardless of his range. When he got hot in the U18 Championships (more on that later), he went full inferno17-29 from three in the six game stretch. The biggest concern with his shot is his inconsistent free throw percentage typically a great barometer for a players shooting ability, you dont want to see a point guard hanging around in the mid-60s (65.9%).
I've seen people dismiss his 3s b/c of his FTs, but the fact is he didnt take a ton of either. FTs in particular -- just 29 FTA. The difference between 65% and 75% on 29 attempts is just just three makes.
Where did he suggest that KP would be going, back overseas?
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as KP, when's the last time we saw a point guard with a 7' wingspan who shot 40% from 3?
There are very real worries with Frank, but he brings a very translatable skill set with a unique physical profile.
It's just weird to me to see the pro-KP crowd shit on Frank.
Mitchell has 6'10 wingspan and 35% from 3, D'Angelo Russell 6'10 wingspan 41% from 3 in college. It's not some absolutely ridiculous combination like a 7'3 kid who can shoot from deep. Wingspan is great and all but it's not the end all be all.
Yeah and Russell went 2nd overall despite questions about his attitude.
Frank has the physical profile and desire to be a very good defender. That's what differentiates them.
I'll take the guy with the high floor and desire to get better.
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Fraschilla thinks KP is taking his talents elsewhere (not buying it) and advocates Isaac at 8 (REALLY doubt he's there) #Knicks
Where did he suggest that KP would be going, back overseas?
Signing with a winner when his contract is up.
Yeah and he's a really good player. He also has Frank by 5 years.
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Yeah and he's a really good player. He also has Frank by 5 years.
Brogdon also has 45 pounds on frank. Baldwin is much more similar in terms of build and strengths/weaknessss as a prospect
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1 He's a high usage and inefficient guy on offense.
2 He's as bad as it gets on D.
3 his elevated opinion of himself gets in the way of a decent work ethic
He's exactly the kind of player that the NYK have collected for a while now, a loser player. He'll always be a stat hound on losing teams.
Don't they own the heat pick next year?
Ball and Booker is pretty interesting.
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reporting lakers may be willing to trade 2 to the suns for 4 and a 2018 pick
Don't they own the heat pick next year?
Ball and Booker is pretty interesting.
Wouldnt assume Ball. They said they want to try Booker in a Harden role. Could be Jackson or Isaac.
I also doubt his ability to accept an "off the ball" role with Ball coming in and getting the monster attention he will.
I don't think I would
Lonzo off ball isnt nearly as valuable as on ball. I would not take him with the intention of playing him at the #2. There are better prospects than Lonzo Ball, Shooting Guard.
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the fact the Lakers wouldn't want Willy given the fact they have Zubac... IF the Lakers offered 2 for 8 and Willy would you do it?
I don't think I would
I would. We're not going to get another Willy easily, but I think center is a pretty easy position to fill in the current NBA. And truth be told I'd prefer a better athlete/defender at the 5.
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the fact the Lakers wouldn't want Willy given the fact they have Zubac... IF the Lakers offered 2 for 8 and Willy would you do it?
I don't think I would
Actually on 2nd thoughts if they signed a defensive presence like Dedmon to put next to KP full time I'd like to have Ball or Jackson.
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But I wouldn't rule out lonzo for that reason. Booker and Ball are both very capable of playing off ball. Bledsoe doesn't really work because he's not that great of a 3 point shooter. Ball can play the 2 just as well (probably a better fit for him defensively too).
Lonzo off ball isnt nearly as valuable as on ball. I would not take him with the intention of playing him at the #2. There are better prospects than Lonzo Ball, Shooting Guard.
But at the same time is that a reason to take a consensus tier 2 player over a tier 1? Saying hypothetically, don't know how the suns value this class. To me you go talent and figure out fit later. It's never a bad thing to have two guys with the ability to play make.
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In comment 13501880 DanMetroMan said:
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the fact the Lakers wouldn't want Willy given the fact they have Zubac... IF the Lakers offered 2 for 8 and Willy would you do it?
I don't think I would
Actually on 2nd thoughts if they signed a defensive presence like Dedmon to put next to KP full time I'd like to have Ball or Jackson.
I would. I like the idea of Ball with KP. A lot.
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In comment 13501875 giantsfan44ab said:
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But I wouldn't rule out lonzo for that reason. Booker and Ball are both very capable of playing off ball. Bledsoe doesn't really work because he's not that great of a 3 point shooter. Ball can play the 2 just as well (probably a better fit for him defensively too).
Lonzo off ball isnt nearly as valuable as on ball. I would not take him with the intention of playing him at the #2. There are better prospects than Lonzo Ball, Shooting Guard.
But at the same time is that a reason to take a consensus tier 2 player over a tier 1? Saying hypothetically, don't know how the suns value this class. To me you go talent and figure out fit later. It's never a bad thing to have two guys with the ability to play make.
Take Jackson. I think Ball would fuck up their Booker plans. I think he's not a very good shooter for a 2 guard, especially with his funky shot -- even the 3 might not work well in the NBA.
Say BPA all you want, but the Sixers took 3 centers and it fucked them.
Okafor's fit was always questioned.
But yeah I'm high on jackson as well. It just seems Ball fits the Suns push everything in transition and launch 3s motto better than Jackson.
Okafor's fit was always questioned.
But yeah I'm high on jackson as well. It just seems Ball fits the Suns push everything in transition and launch 3s motto better than Jackson.
Except he doesnt fit their Booker at the 1 plan. What you're saying is, basically, dont do that. And maybe they will agree if Ball is available to them.
But my point was dont assume they'd trade up and pick Ball, because he's contrary to their plan of putting the offense in Booker's hands.
Where's my barf bag?
Well, Rambis would love him. He can't guard for shit.
Yes in a heartbeat. Willys a nice prospect on a fantastic contract but that's a no brainer to me. KP is the only untouchable on the Knicks. 8 to 2 is a huge jump.
That's a true remote thrower. This is what scares me about giving Phil another offseason. If they take Kennard I need to take a break from the Knicks.
Undrafted last year (the Knicks didnt have a pick), Baker signed to the rookie minimum of $541,000 after making the team out of training camp.
However, it was a one-year deal, and Baker becomes a restricted free agent July 1 and may draw outside interests. The Knicks can match any offer, but would have to use cap space if its beyond another minimum pact.
After the draft, four teams called Bakers agent interested in signing him for summer league/training camp Oklahoma City, which almost drafted him and is located an hour from his hometown of Scott City, Kansas, the Nets, the Cavaliers and Bulls. Theres keen mutual interest in re-signing but money has to be a factor.
In fairness they just had Kennard in for a private workout and it's been noted he outplayed 2 other "first round locks" in other workouts (one apparently was Turd Ferguson).
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The Knicks aren't doing all this scouting of Monk, Smith and Frank so they can turn around and reach for Kennard at eight. Either they have a trade down in mind or think they have another first coming their way. Or Kennard is this year's Trey Lyles.
In fairness they just had Kennard in for a private workout and it's been noted he outplayed 2 other "first round locks" in other workouts (one apparently was Turd Ferguson).
Oh shit....haha
2 years night before draft chad ford said knicks do not like anyone and are looking to trade back to take lyles or kaminsky...
chad ford is a hack
i have a feeling there is a lot of movement thursday...
supposedly portland has not worked anyonr out since monday
The Knicks should use this summer to hit the reset button, forgoing win-now trades and signings in favor of forward-thinking moves to surround center Kristaps Porzingis with young talent. That means moving on from Derrick Rose and refraining from acquiring another veteran point guard, like Jrue Holiday or Ricky Rubio. Instead, they can nab their PG of the future in Smith, whose ability to manufacture offense off the dribble and top-tier athleticism have gone under-appreciated amid the tidal wave of hype generated by other prospects at his position, like Fultz, Fox and Ball.
Knicks pass on Tatum, Frenchy and Monk... who falls to 14
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Nope, not me. Odds are the player at 8 would be the best one in that deal.
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crabbe harkless 15 20 26 for lee, oquin. amd 8 would you do it?
Nope, not me. Odds are the player at 8 would be the best one in that deal.
yeah i am not sure either, i know if smith, tatum or mpnk is sittinf there i am not doing it...
if all 3 were gone i would probably think about it
Regardless, it sounds like he'll be gone.
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Word out of LA is Markelle Fultz "murdered" his Lakers workout yesterday. May be "the best one" they've seen. Sadly, likely all for naught.
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Jonathan GivonyVerified account @DraftExpress 5m5 minutes ago
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I'm told Fultz played competitively 2 on 2, even though that wasn't agreed to in advance. Apparently shot ball very well.Tested 40 inch vert
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Jonathan GivonyVerified account @DraftExpress 5m5 minutes ago
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Multiple sources have told me that Magic "is in love" with Fultz. May try to move up to #1, possibly with a Julius Randle + #2 pick offer.
Adrian WojnarowskiVerified account @WojVerticalNBA 13s14 seconds ago
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Sources: Philadelphia is waiting on medical information on Markelle Fultz, but deep into talks on acquiring Boston's No. 1 overall pick.
OTOH, Randle had a really good season. The assist #s were eye popping. Also, he's now JACKED. See link. It all depends on what you think of JR and whether you're ready to pay him next summer.
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1. Fultz
2. ??
3. Tatum
4. Suns
5. SacTown... Ball to Sacramento would be too funny for Lavar
I think Ainge is punting. Keep this team together, fine, but the window is post GSW for anyone who can wait.
How about Toby Harris and #12?
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should take Isaac. Isaac+Chriss doing some of the dirty work and Booker the Harden. Deal Bledsoe (who should bring back a decent return), Bender was horrendous but he still has a "shot" to be something.
How about Toby Harris and #12?
That's actually a pretty solid deal. That makes sense to me. The Suns are in a pretty prime position with Bledsoe being a good player with a solid contract that likely has value + Booker/Chriss to build on. Bender was REALLY bad but I'm willing to give a guy a second year before 100% calling him a bust. If you added in Harris and whomever you want at 12... that could be something pretty nice.
1. Fultz
2. ??
3. Tatum
4. Suns
5. SacTown... Ball to Sacramento would be too funny for Lavar
And remember that Jackson supposedly got a top-3 guarantee. So Jackson could go #2 and Ball could drop a bit.
Exciting times
you would assume ball would not get passed orlando
Also was told that Josh Jackson's workout in LA "did not go well at all." Brought high energy but struggled with his shooting and handle.
So what would the Lakers do then if no Jackson or Ball?
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Word out of LA is Markelle Fultz "murdered" his Lakers workout yesterday. May be "the best one" they've seen. Sadly, likely all for naught.
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Jonathan GivonyVerified account @DraftExpress 5m5 minutes ago
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I'm told Fultz played competitively 2 on 2, even though that wasn't agreed to in advance. Apparently shot ball very well.Tested 40 inch vert
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Jonathan GivonyVerified account @DraftExpress 5m5 minutes ago
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Multiple sources have told me that Magic "is in love" with Fultz. May try to move up to #1, possibly with a Julius Randle + #2 pick offer.
So it's basically the Sixers and Lakers in a bidding war to move up to #1 to Fultz. Celtics should get a king's ransom.
So the Sixers improve; the Celtics improve (now and for the future) and the Knicks...well, we've got Ron Baker.
I share your frustration, as do all of us I'm sure. Sucks to have to sit back and watch Boston and Philly build great young teams while we.....do whatever it is we're doing. And I fucking hate Minnesota - the only solace I take is that Minny's been picking in the top 10 my entire life and they still suck.
the celtics are set for the future? lets see who they draft first, ainge has not been the best drafter...
relax, breathe
No
the celtics are set for the future? lets see who they draft first, ainge has not been the best drafter...
relax, breathe
Sixers for one whole entire year before the Knicks.
When has ainge fucked up a top pick? His job is pretty clear cut this year.
i think especially with top picks os to see how they take to coaching also to see what kind of shape they are in
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sixers have been tanking for how long?
the celtics are set for the future? lets see who they draft first, ainge has not been the best drafter...
relax, breathe
Sixers for one whole entire year before the Knicks.
When has ainge fucked up a top pick? His job is pretty clear cut this year.
if its true that the deal may be bigger to involvr butler it would be the dumbest movr aingr can make, they are not beating cleveland or gs...
and what high pick has ainge had that he kept and the celtics developed? brown right now is an unknown, he always goes for the quick fix...
and sixers have been tanking only 1 year more than the knicks? seriously? knicks 1 amd only tank is kp, sixers have how many top picks?
sixers should be a playoff team by now with all the picks they have had
So Embiid (2014) is their first actual top pick they got from tanking. Then okafor then Simmons. So the Knicks actually started their slide the same year philly started tanking, only the Knicks didn't have their pick I believe that year. It just seems like philly has been longer since they didn't trade their firsts.
Ainge isn't some stellar drafter but I don't think he's a scrub either. He's probably a B- drafter and an A manager.
I think basketball men would say that there is no substitute for seeing players live, with their own eyes. See how a guy moves, how he cuts, little things about mechanics etc. See what he has been doing since March re shooting/body work. See how he take coaching, how competitive he is in practice, and how he takes an elbow in the back.
15 they tanked intentionally after melo goy hurt, they traded away smith and shump for nothing, they tanked