Current Roster
PG: Lonzo Ball
SG: Josh Hart/Jordan Clarkson
SF: Brandon Ingram/Luol Deng/Corey Brewer
PF: Julius Randle/Larry Nance Jr./Kyle Kuzma
C: Brook Lopez/Ivica Zubac/Tarik Black/Thomas Bryant
2017 Free Agents
Restricted
G Nick Young
G Tyler Ennis
F Thomas Robinson
F Metta World Peace
Unrestricted
G David Nbawa
Who They Drafted
1-2 Lonzo Ball, PG UCLA
1-27 Kyle Kuzma, PF Utah
1-30 Josh Hart, SG Villanova
2-42 Thomas Bryant
The Lakers had a big draft, taking three first round picks and one second rounder. Their first pick was the lock of all locks even though they tried to pretend otherwise, taking Lonzo Ball to be their point guard of the future. After trading D'Angelo Russell, the Lakers are handing the keys completely to Ball, he'll be the guy with the ball in his hands leading the offense, at least until Paul George and LeBron get there... Ball's tremendous passing ability and unselfish nature will do wonders for the rest of the Lakers players, both young and old and set a course for how the Lakers will play. They'll try to fast break as much as possible, giving Ball every opportunity to utilize all of his lethal transition abilities. Ball is equally effective off the ball in transition, which will work well with Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle, who can rip and run. When in half court, Ball isn't a dynamic pick-and-roll player or penetrater so the Lakers will want to utilize a lot of ball and player movement in order to create good looks. Their presumed starting lineup of Ball, Hart, Ingram, Randle, and Brook Lopez are all ball movers and can do things off the ball, so it will be up to Luke Walton to develop an offense that lets them move and pass. Defensively, Ball isn't there yet and may long term be better off guarding bigger players than point guards, simply because he is bigger and stronger as opposed to quick laterally.
Kyle Kuzma, their second first rounder, fits into their new offensive direction as well. With the size and reach of a power forward, Kuzma is able to handle the ball in transition and is a good passer for his position, though not a dynamic creator or preternatural passer. For Kuzma to really work in the NBA, his jumper will need to continue to improve. He looks like he could be a good shooter, based on form, but the results haven't really been there yet, shooting 30% on 169 career college three-pointers. If the jumper works, his role on offense is there, if it doesn't work then he will be a limited offensive player who provides little of defense due to a lack of physicality, athleticism and production. The upside is decent considering his passing and ball-handling would really work well if he can shoot, but the downside is probably not an NBA player.
The last of the Lakers three draft picks, Josh Hart, was one of the most accomplished players in the nation, winning a National Title and landing on the first team All-America. Again, like Kuzma, Hart works with the offense the Lakers are looking to create because he is able to handle the ball and pass, as well as shoot the ball with some consistency, though perhaps he is not as high level of a shooter as has been portrayed. Still, he should be at least average if not better from range. Where Hart stands out over Kuzma is his defense. Again, while perhaps not the lockdown guy his rep may suggest, no one tries harder defensively than Hart, and what he lacks in physical tools (which are good, not spectacular) he makes up with effort and toughness, traits that will allow him to defend bigger players on switches, which again fits really nicely next to Lonzo Ball.
In the second round, the Lakers drafted more of a project in big man Thomas Bryant. Bryant has a truly elite centers frame, standing a shade under 6-11 at 248, with a massive 7-6 wingspan and 9-4+ standing reach, both numbers that are in the upper echelon for their position. Offensively, despite his size, Bryant's most translatable skill is his jumper, which isn't all the way there yet but should develop into a weapon. He lacks any go-to offensive moves and has struggled at times to finish due to his lack of vertical explosiveness. His size suggests a post player, though that hasn't materialized quite yet with any level of natural fluidity. Bryant has done well on the offensive glass not just because of his size but because he really gives effort. On the defensive glass, he has not been nearly as effective and his overall rebounding % is poor. Likewise, Bryant's size is a deterrent at the rim, even if he can't jump, but his lateral quickness is so bad that any kind of pick-and-roll is ruinous. All together, Bryant has some things to like but needs to improve in several areas to really work as an NBA player. Fortunately, the Lakers have no need for him in the short term so he'll be able to work in the G-League and get minutes there.
What They Need Going Forward
Everything the Lakers do is with the summer of 2018 in mind, as the try to bring both LeBron James and Paul George together, therefore they will likely avoid any long term contracts and likely try to move what veterans they have, such as Luol Deng. Even younger players that might be overpaid (Jordan Clarkson) or are about to come off their rookie deals (Julius Randle) could be moved as they clear room for stars. In the short term, the Lakers will likely try to bring back Tyler Ennis to back up Ball but will likely leave the rest of their roster to minimum, short term signs.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Showing posts with label draft review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label draft review. Show all posts
Monday, June 26, 2017
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Orlando Magic Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Elfrid Payton/DJ Augustin/CJ Watson
SG: Evan Fournier/Terrence Ross/Marcus Georges-Hunt
SF: Jonathan Isaac/Wesley Iwundu/Mario Hezonja
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Vucevic/Bismack Biyombo/Stephen Zimmerman
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Jeff Green
G Jodie Meeks
Restricted
F Damjam Rudez
Who They Drafted
1-6 Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF Florida State
2-33 Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State
In Jonathan Isaac the Magic get potentially the best defensive player in the draft, a modern NBA defender that can guard easily on the wing as well as protect the rim like a big man. For the Magic, he will likely bounce between the forward spots with Aaron Gordon, playing more like a power forward on defense (due to his superior shot blocking skills) while manning the 3 offensively (due to his more consistent outside stroke and ball skills). Both Isaac and Gordon should be eminently switchable, giving Frank Vogel a lot of options for how to set up his defense, while offensively he will start out spacing the floor and attacking closeouts but could grow into a more versatile scorer in the future. Between Isaac, Gordon, Bismack Biyombo (if he bounces back) and Elfrid Payton, the Magic could start four big, long, versatile defenders and have an excellent defense. Isaac has the length and reach of a center and down the line it is not crazy to see him playing that position, especially as his body fills out. Effort and toughness are not questions for Isaac, so once he is stronger he should be able to handle the position. Offense for the Magic will be more of an issue, but that is okay, the Magic are rebuilding and this coming season should be about developing the players they have and instilling a culture of hard-work and defense. In the next couple of years, they can find a more dynamic scoring backcourt, just in time for Gordon and Isaac to be entering their prime years as players.
The Magic also took another long, versatile wing, this time in the form of Wesley Iwundu, who stands nearly 6-7 with an absurd 7-1 wingspan. Iwundu is a classic wing that can do a little bit of everything offensively, though he needs polish in all areas. At Kansas State, Iwundu played some point guard and has shown some ability as a passer and ball-handler, though is probably only ever a second or third option as a distributor, you can never have too many of those guys. As a shooter, he improved in his last season but it is an area that will require to become a consistent weapon. As with his offense, Iwundu's tools defensively are off the charts but he needs to work on becoming locked in at all times. For the Magic, who drafted him early in the second round, Iwundu will likely get only spot minutes starting out, but the Magic only have one natural small forward on the roster (Isaac) and even he might be better off playing power forward or center down the line, so Iwundu will get his chances to play this season. It would be and interesting experiment to play Iwundu and Evan Fournier in the backcourt, as both are able to play the point some, it is worth to see if two combo guards could be better than what the Magic are currently getting from Elfrid Payton.
What The Need Going Forward
The primary goal for the Magic this should be threefold:
1. Develop and evaluate their young players
Gordon and Isaac seem like keepers, but this is basically a make-or-break year for Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja, who have both been massive disappointments as top ten picks. Payton in particular needs to show something or his time in Orlando may be coming quickly to an end. Once the Magic know, one way or another on Payton and Hezonja that can move forward with the knowledge of what they will need in the future, be it point guard or scoring wing. Bismack Biyombo isn't a young NBA player anymore (or perhaps, never was...) but the Magic need to figure out if he can become the defender he had been previously (his defensive RPM dropped from 17th in the NBA in 2015-16 to 43rd among centers last season).
2. Acquire assets
The Magic are rebuilding and far from contention and so whatever they can sell off outside of Gordon and Isaac to bring back assets should be out the door, which leads to their last goal...
3. Clean up the mess
Former GM Rob Hennigan, his rear firmly entrenched on the hot seat, tried to accelerate Orlando's timeline last summer (a timeline which he himself slowed by poor decisions) and traded for Serge Ibaka, spent big on Biyombo, then brought in DJ Augustin and Jeff Green, not to mention the extension he previously gave to Nikola Vucevic. Green and Ibaka are already gone and Augustin should follow them as soon as possible, same story for Biyombo is he doesn't bounce back to his previous level defensively. Of course, the contracts they gave are so bad they may not be able to get rid of them easily, but they at least need to try. The same can be said for Vucevic, who is an inefficient scorer, terrible defender, and apparently a malcontent who refuses to come off the bench, he is doing more harm than good in Orlando at this point.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
PG: Elfrid Payton/DJ Augustin/CJ Watson
SG: Evan Fournier/Terrence Ross/Marcus Georges-Hunt
SF: Jonathan Isaac/Wesley Iwundu/Mario Hezonja
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Vucevic/Bismack Biyombo/Stephen Zimmerman
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Jeff Green
G Jodie Meeks
Restricted
F Damjam Rudez
Who They Drafted
1-6 Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF Florida State
2-33 Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State
In Jonathan Isaac the Magic get potentially the best defensive player in the draft, a modern NBA defender that can guard easily on the wing as well as protect the rim like a big man. For the Magic, he will likely bounce between the forward spots with Aaron Gordon, playing more like a power forward on defense (due to his superior shot blocking skills) while manning the 3 offensively (due to his more consistent outside stroke and ball skills). Both Isaac and Gordon should be eminently switchable, giving Frank Vogel a lot of options for how to set up his defense, while offensively he will start out spacing the floor and attacking closeouts but could grow into a more versatile scorer in the future. Between Isaac, Gordon, Bismack Biyombo (if he bounces back) and Elfrid Payton, the Magic could start four big, long, versatile defenders and have an excellent defense. Isaac has the length and reach of a center and down the line it is not crazy to see him playing that position, especially as his body fills out. Effort and toughness are not questions for Isaac, so once he is stronger he should be able to handle the position. Offense for the Magic will be more of an issue, but that is okay, the Magic are rebuilding and this coming season should be about developing the players they have and instilling a culture of hard-work and defense. In the next couple of years, they can find a more dynamic scoring backcourt, just in time for Gordon and Isaac to be entering their prime years as players.
The Magic also took another long, versatile wing, this time in the form of Wesley Iwundu, who stands nearly 6-7 with an absurd 7-1 wingspan. Iwundu is a classic wing that can do a little bit of everything offensively, though he needs polish in all areas. At Kansas State, Iwundu played some point guard and has shown some ability as a passer and ball-handler, though is probably only ever a second or third option as a distributor, you can never have too many of those guys. As a shooter, he improved in his last season but it is an area that will require to become a consistent weapon. As with his offense, Iwundu's tools defensively are off the charts but he needs to work on becoming locked in at all times. For the Magic, who drafted him early in the second round, Iwundu will likely get only spot minutes starting out, but the Magic only have one natural small forward on the roster (Isaac) and even he might be better off playing power forward or center down the line, so Iwundu will get his chances to play this season. It would be and interesting experiment to play Iwundu and Evan Fournier in the backcourt, as both are able to play the point some, it is worth to see if two combo guards could be better than what the Magic are currently getting from Elfrid Payton.
What The Need Going Forward
The primary goal for the Magic this should be threefold:
1. Develop and evaluate their young players
Gordon and Isaac seem like keepers, but this is basically a make-or-break year for Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja, who have both been massive disappointments as top ten picks. Payton in particular needs to show something or his time in Orlando may be coming quickly to an end. Once the Magic know, one way or another on Payton and Hezonja that can move forward with the knowledge of what they will need in the future, be it point guard or scoring wing. Bismack Biyombo isn't a young NBA player anymore (or perhaps, never was...) but the Magic need to figure out if he can become the defender he had been previously (his defensive RPM dropped from 17th in the NBA in 2015-16 to 43rd among centers last season).
2. Acquire assets
The Magic are rebuilding and far from contention and so whatever they can sell off outside of Gordon and Isaac to bring back assets should be out the door, which leads to their last goal...
3. Clean up the mess
Former GM Rob Hennigan, his rear firmly entrenched on the hot seat, tried to accelerate Orlando's timeline last summer (a timeline which he himself slowed by poor decisions) and traded for Serge Ibaka, spent big on Biyombo, then brought in DJ Augustin and Jeff Green, not to mention the extension he previously gave to Nikola Vucevic. Green and Ibaka are already gone and Augustin should follow them as soon as possible, same story for Biyombo is he doesn't bounce back to his previous level defensively. Of course, the contracts they gave are so bad they may not be able to get rid of them easily, but they at least need to try. The same can be said for Vucevic, who is an inefficient scorer, terrible defender, and apparently a malcontent who refuses to come off the bench, he is doing more harm than good in Orlando at this point.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Miami Heat Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Goran Dragic/Tyler Johnson
SG: Josh Richardson/Wayne Ellington
SF: Justise Winslow/Rodney McGruder
PF: Josh McRoberts/Okaro White
C: Hassan Whiteside/Bam Adebayo
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Luke Babbit
F Udonis Haslam
F James Johnson
F Willie Reed
G Dion Waiters
Who They Drafted
1-14 Bam Adebayo, C Kentucky
The Heat went off the board a little bit for their only selection of the night, a "reach" though probably not to them, which is what actually matters, not what pundits think. That said Adebayo is an interesting selection for the Heat because a lot of what he does duplicates Hassan Whiteside, though he does have some other strengths that Whiteside doesn't and could make him a better modern NBA fit down the line. Adebayo's 243 pound frame and 9-foot standing reach mean he should be able to play center in the NBA, which is good because that is where his offensive skillset fits best, as a roll man and lob threat like Whitside (though without his desire to post up, thank goodness). While he has flashed a jumper in workouts, it is fair to be skeptical since he a) did it rarely in college and b) when he did do it, he was horrible at it, shooting 31% away from the rim and 65% from the line. Defensively, Adebayo isn't particularly impressive as a shot blocker, though he will run into them do to his length and athletic ability, nor is he at all a good rebounder, which is especially disappointing, grabbing only 14.3% of available rebounds at Kentucky (for reference, that would be tied for fortieth among centers in the NBA last season, Whiteside was third). One advantage Adebayo does have defensively over Whiteside is his ability to comfortably switch, which is a skill that makes him project to be a valuable NBA defender who can defend on the perimeter, unlike Whiteside who prefers to hang back and look for shots to block. The Heat would occasionally take Whiteside out of the fourth quarter of games last season and Adebayo could be the guy that gets those minutes down the line. Where the Heat will have to work with him, and this is something they do very well, is to get him to play hard more consistently, Adebayo has all the physical gifts in the world but his lack of effort at times is what caused his overall lack of production and the reason many weren't as high on him.
What They Need Going Forward
The Heat have two higher level players, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, and then five grit-and-grind-y, high effort guard/forwards that have some skills but are flawed in one way or another. All five of these players are good to great defensive players and they make up the backbone of Miami's defense. Basically, this roster is prime for an injection of a star or two, preferably at the forward spots. Power forward, in particular is a weak spot for the Heat, as Josh McRoberts and Okaro White are the only true 4s on the roster; neither should be starters or even perhaps even rotation players. The big fish they need to go after are Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap, and Gordon Heyward. I like the fit of Griffin especially, as he has a lot of familiarity playing with a Whiteside-esque player in DeAndre Jordan and would really add another dimension to their offense. Millsap would help them in similar ways, and while Heyward is more of a wing, he could work in combination with Justise Winslow and would instantly the Heat's best player. If they aren't playing in the top of the market, there are any number of power forwards they could look at to fill the hole at that position.
Follow Me on Twitter @double_tech
PG: Goran Dragic/Tyler Johnson
SG: Josh Richardson/Wayne Ellington
SF: Justise Winslow/Rodney McGruder
PF: Josh McRoberts/Okaro White
C: Hassan Whiteside/Bam Adebayo
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Luke Babbit
F Udonis Haslam
F James Johnson
F Willie Reed
G Dion Waiters
Who They Drafted
1-14 Bam Adebayo, C Kentucky
The Heat went off the board a little bit for their only selection of the night, a "reach" though probably not to them, which is what actually matters, not what pundits think. That said Adebayo is an interesting selection for the Heat because a lot of what he does duplicates Hassan Whiteside, though he does have some other strengths that Whiteside doesn't and could make him a better modern NBA fit down the line. Adebayo's 243 pound frame and 9-foot standing reach mean he should be able to play center in the NBA, which is good because that is where his offensive skillset fits best, as a roll man and lob threat like Whitside (though without his desire to post up, thank goodness). While he has flashed a jumper in workouts, it is fair to be skeptical since he a) did it rarely in college and b) when he did do it, he was horrible at it, shooting 31% away from the rim and 65% from the line. Defensively, Adebayo isn't particularly impressive as a shot blocker, though he will run into them do to his length and athletic ability, nor is he at all a good rebounder, which is especially disappointing, grabbing only 14.3% of available rebounds at Kentucky (for reference, that would be tied for fortieth among centers in the NBA last season, Whiteside was third). One advantage Adebayo does have defensively over Whiteside is his ability to comfortably switch, which is a skill that makes him project to be a valuable NBA defender who can defend on the perimeter, unlike Whiteside who prefers to hang back and look for shots to block. The Heat would occasionally take Whiteside out of the fourth quarter of games last season and Adebayo could be the guy that gets those minutes down the line. Where the Heat will have to work with him, and this is something they do very well, is to get him to play hard more consistently, Adebayo has all the physical gifts in the world but his lack of effort at times is what caused his overall lack of production and the reason many weren't as high on him.
What They Need Going Forward
The Heat have two higher level players, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, and then five grit-and-grind-y, high effort guard/forwards that have some skills but are flawed in one way or another. All five of these players are good to great defensive players and they make up the backbone of Miami's defense. Basically, this roster is prime for an injection of a star or two, preferably at the forward spots. Power forward, in particular is a weak spot for the Heat, as Josh McRoberts and Okaro White are the only true 4s on the roster; neither should be starters or even perhaps even rotation players. The big fish they need to go after are Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap, and Gordon Heyward. I like the fit of Griffin especially, as he has a lot of familiarity playing with a Whiteside-esque player in DeAndre Jordan and would really add another dimension to their offense. Millsap would help them in similar ways, and while Heyward is more of a wing, he could work in combination with Justise Winslow and would instantly the Heat's best player. If they aren't playing in the top of the market, there are any number of power forwards they could look at to fill the hole at that position.
Follow Me on Twitter @double_tech
Charlotte Hornets Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Kemba Walker/Briante Weber
SG: Nicolas Batum/Malik Monk/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Dwayne Bacon/Treveon Graham
PF: Marvin Williams/Frank Kaminsky
C: Dwight Howard/Cody Zeller
2017 Free Agents
Restricted
G Brian Roberts
G Ramon Sessions (team option)
Unrestricted
F Christian Wood
Who They Drafted
1-11 Malik Monk, SG Kentucky
2-40 Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State
Portland trading up for Zach Collins pushed one of the top 10 tier of guys down a spot to where the Hornets were picking at 11 and they smartly reaped the benefits. With a pretty set starting five, the Hornets were in dire need of depth, particularly in the backcourt, and Malik Monk dropping to them is an ideal fit for the kind of skills they need. Outside of their starters, Nic Batum and Kemba Walker, the Hornets don't have any other perimeter players that are much of a threat to score, which is where Monk comes in. His main skill (some might argue his only skill) is the jumpshot, which he creates space for by utilizing a few quick dribbles and a step-back, even without space Monk is able to make shots. From the Hornets standpoint, that is what they will ask him to do off the bench early in his career; Monk is fairly mercurial, sometimes he can't miss, other times not so much, which will be ideally suited to coming off the bench, where he can help win games with a scoring outburst, but not be relied on too heavily to carry the team offensively. What will be more important for the team, from Monk's standpoint, is whether or not teams will respect Monk enough to guard him consistently, obviously he is a dangerous shooter should and provide valuable spacing for the rest of the team when he is on the floor. However, if he streaky nature gets the better of him and he is shooting in the mid to low 30% from three, teams might start helping off him more, and if he isn't making shots or spacing the floor, he really doesn't help you much. Though his poor defensive profile (6-3 with a 6-3+ wingspan) will be mitigated a some by coming off the bench, he does provide a bit of a conundrum for coach Steve Clifford's defense, though Clifford has shown an ability to constructed good defenses around questionable defenders. A Monk/Batum pair could work with the later playing as the primary distributor, as could potentially could Monk and Briante Weber, mainly because Weber is such a good, tenacious defender that he could guard backup shooting guards well. Still, long term the Hornets will be hoping that Monk can become more of well rounded player than he currently is, whether that be by becoming a better defender or ball-handler/distributor.
After some moving around some in the second round, the Hornets selected Dwayne Bacon from Florida State. Bacon will likely be a depth player only on this team, but there is a chance he can develop into something more, particularly if his future lies at power forward. Bacon is a strong player with a good body that, if he continues to add weight could work as a small-ball four off the bench, at least in certain match-ups. As a power forward, all of a sudden Bacon's shooting and driving ability all of a sudden works a lot more that it would on the wing. Defensively, he has the movement skills to switch and defend perimeter 4s, but don't expect much on the glass or protecting the rim, as Bacon averaged a pathetic 8.1 rebound percentage and blocked an even more pathetic 5 total shots in 1987 career minutes (that's one block every 397 minutes, an embarrassing number for a player with his physical profile.)
What They Need Going Forward
The Hornets have a pretty full roster, but they still have questions at backup point guard where Weber does some things really well, but is fairly unproven. Ramon Sessions should probably not be brought back and Charlotte could look for a bigger point guard to take a flyer on, such as Michael Carter-Williams or Langston Galloway. Christian Wood is an option to return and spend time in the G-League, but the Hornets should look at a reliable veteran power forward, someone like Ersan Ilyasova or Amir Johnson, just in case Marvin Williams doesn't bounce back.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
PG: Kemba Walker/Briante Weber
SG: Nicolas Batum/Malik Monk/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Dwayne Bacon/Treveon Graham
PF: Marvin Williams/Frank Kaminsky
C: Dwight Howard/Cody Zeller
2017 Free Agents
Restricted
G Brian Roberts
G Ramon Sessions (team option)
Unrestricted
F Christian Wood
Who They Drafted
1-11 Malik Monk, SG Kentucky
2-40 Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State
Portland trading up for Zach Collins pushed one of the top 10 tier of guys down a spot to where the Hornets were picking at 11 and they smartly reaped the benefits. With a pretty set starting five, the Hornets were in dire need of depth, particularly in the backcourt, and Malik Monk dropping to them is an ideal fit for the kind of skills they need. Outside of their starters, Nic Batum and Kemba Walker, the Hornets don't have any other perimeter players that are much of a threat to score, which is where Monk comes in. His main skill (some might argue his only skill) is the jumpshot, which he creates space for by utilizing a few quick dribbles and a step-back, even without space Monk is able to make shots. From the Hornets standpoint, that is what they will ask him to do off the bench early in his career; Monk is fairly mercurial, sometimes he can't miss, other times not so much, which will be ideally suited to coming off the bench, where he can help win games with a scoring outburst, but not be relied on too heavily to carry the team offensively. What will be more important for the team, from Monk's standpoint, is whether or not teams will respect Monk enough to guard him consistently, obviously he is a dangerous shooter should and provide valuable spacing for the rest of the team when he is on the floor. However, if he streaky nature gets the better of him and he is shooting in the mid to low 30% from three, teams might start helping off him more, and if he isn't making shots or spacing the floor, he really doesn't help you much. Though his poor defensive profile (6-3 with a 6-3+ wingspan) will be mitigated a some by coming off the bench, he does provide a bit of a conundrum for coach Steve Clifford's defense, though Clifford has shown an ability to constructed good defenses around questionable defenders. A Monk/Batum pair could work with the later playing as the primary distributor, as could potentially could Monk and Briante Weber, mainly because Weber is such a good, tenacious defender that he could guard backup shooting guards well. Still, long term the Hornets will be hoping that Monk can become more of well rounded player than he currently is, whether that be by becoming a better defender or ball-handler/distributor.
After some moving around some in the second round, the Hornets selected Dwayne Bacon from Florida State. Bacon will likely be a depth player only on this team, but there is a chance he can develop into something more, particularly if his future lies at power forward. Bacon is a strong player with a good body that, if he continues to add weight could work as a small-ball four off the bench, at least in certain match-ups. As a power forward, all of a sudden Bacon's shooting and driving ability all of a sudden works a lot more that it would on the wing. Defensively, he has the movement skills to switch and defend perimeter 4s, but don't expect much on the glass or protecting the rim, as Bacon averaged a pathetic 8.1 rebound percentage and blocked an even more pathetic 5 total shots in 1987 career minutes (that's one block every 397 minutes, an embarrassing number for a player with his physical profile.)
What They Need Going Forward
The Hornets have a pretty full roster, but they still have questions at backup point guard where Weber does some things really well, but is fairly unproven. Ramon Sessions should probably not be brought back and Charlotte could look for a bigger point guard to take a flyer on, such as Michael Carter-Williams or Langston Galloway. Christian Wood is an option to return and spend time in the G-League, but the Hornets should look at a reliable veteran power forward, someone like Ersan Ilyasova or Amir Johnson, just in case Marvin Williams doesn't bounce back.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Saturday, June 27, 2015
2015 Draft Review: Minnesota Timbewolves
PG: Ricky Rubio/Tyus Jones/Lorenzo Brown
SG: Kevin Martin/Zach LaVine
SF: Andrew Wiggins/Shabazz Muhammad/Chase Budinger
PF: Gorgui Dieng/Adreian Payne/Anthony Bennett
C: Karl Towns/Nikola Pekovic
2015 Free Agents
PF Kevin Garnett
G Gary Neal
G Jorge Gutierrez (RFA)
C Arinze Onuaku (RFA)
C Justin Hamilton (RFA)
F Robbie Hummel (RFA)
What They Did On Draft Night
Drafted Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns 1st overall
The obvious pick and the correct one. Towns and Andrew Wiggins give Minnesota a pair of the most promising two-way players in the NBA both under the age of 21. The next step for Minnesota is filling out the roster around them and Ricky Rubio. Zach LaVine has shown that he can make 3s and score in transition, so his long-term fit at shooting guard seems solid. At power forward Adreian Payne needs to get the range he showed in college back or else he'll top out as an energy/defense big man off of the bench and Minnesota will need to find a more suitable power forward to play next to Towns. They seem to have given up on Anthony Bennett, but there is still a lot of talent there if a team can get him in shape and taking (and hopefully making) smart shots. Minnesota's top priority should be finding shooters to space the floor and another ball-handler/creator on the perimeter. With their next pick, Minnesota did just that.
Drafted Duke point guard Tyus Jones 24th overall
The Timberwolves used their two second round picks (31 and 36) to trade with Cleveland into the first round and select Jones. In the upper two-thirds of the first round, a player like Jones who is a below-average NBA athlete, is a risk but at this point that is mitigated because the expectation of Jones is to just be a very good backup to Ricky Rubio, which is what he is best suited to do. With LaVine clearly better suited playing off the ball, Minnesota had a need for a back-up point guard and because of their post-up heavy offense, a guard that can shoot and knows how to feed the post would be ideal. Jones fits that description very well, in his lone season at Duke Jones shot 38% on threes and 89% from the line, suggesting he can be an above-average shooter in the NBA. At Duke, Jones played with the best post player in the country, Jahlil Okafor, and was very good getting him the ball in the correct spots. Jones is also a polished ball-handler who always seems to make the correct decisions in the pick-and-roll; a Jones/Towns pick-and-pop could be a devastating attack to sustain offense when Rubio is on the bench. Therefore it is easy to see how Jones fits in Minnesota on the offensive end, and though defense is Jones' biggest weakness that should be mitigated some as Wiggins, LaVine, Payne, and Towns develop into the above-average or better defenders they have the potential to. This isn't a high upside pick because Jones is physically limited, but he fits what Minnesota wants to do and should be a quality backup for them. Jones, a Minnesota native, also provides the Wolves with some free local good will.
What to do next?
Assuming that Minnesota brings back Kevin Garnett as a player/mentor, they should be relatively quite in the free agent market because they have a lot of young players that need to get playing time and not a ton of pressure to win now. When Towns and Wiggins are ready to carry this team to the next level and they have one or two more lottery picks in the fold, perhaps next year, most likely 2017, that's when Minnesota should be filling holes with veterans and spending free agent money. This summer, their focus should be finding trade partners for Pekovic, Martin, and Bennett, looking for future assets or a more established back-up veteran or two in order to keep the team from becoming Garnett and the Muppet babies.
A bonus trade sure to never happen
Kevin Martin to Memphis for Courtney Lee
OR
Nikola Pekovic to Milwaukee for O.J. Mayo
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Monday, July 1, 2013
Draft Review: Miami Heat
James Ennis, SF Long Beach State (50)
The Heat only had one pick, but they made the most of it by taking a prospect perfect for their system. James Ennis doesn't have big upside, but he can do three things well: spot up, finish, and defend, which fits very well in Miami. If the Heat decide to she'd salary in the form of Mike Miller, Ennis could step in as a replacement.
Projected Rotation
PG: Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole
SG: Dwyane Wade/Ray Allen
SF: LeBron James/Mike Miller
PF: Shane Battier/Rashard Lewis
C: Chris Bosh/Udonis Haslem
Draft Review: Oklahoma City Thunder
Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh (12)
It's important to remember that the Thunder weren't likely to get anyone who can help them short term, so while I don't love Steven Adams as a prospect, I understand the idea of taking a project when can contribute down the line. Adams has a long way to go offensively and even catching the ball, but he also has the potential to be an Omer Asik-type defensive player with long arms, strength, and physical play. If he can become that, this pick pays off regardless of his offense.
Andre Roberson, PF Colorado (26)
I love this pick, though somewhat of a reach value-wise, Andre Roberson is the kind of player I would want on my team. He is a long, athletic, super-high motor forward who rebounds like crazy. He isn't quite the freak in that respect that Kenneth Faried is, though Roberson is a better defensive player who can guard on the perimeter, block shots, and disrupt passing lanes. Put him on the floor and just let him wreck havoc defensively and not worry about his offense.
Second Round
Alex Abrines, SG Spain (32)
This seemed like a pretty obvious way for Oklahoma City to go with one of their picks, take the most talented overseas player on the board, stash him overseas for a while reap the reward down the line if he turns into anything. This saves a roster spot and money, but still invests in the future. Alex Abrines is an athletic shooter who projects as a Rudy Fernadez-type.
Grant Jerrett, PF Arizona (40)
This is another pick I like for the Thunder, a no risk high reward selection. Grant Jerrett is a very good shooter at 6-10, 232 with a ton of upside. He was a top recruit in high school who didn't get much playing time at Arizona, and when he did was asked to just spot up. If he continues to develop as a shooter and improves the post game he showed in high school, Jerrett could be a very solid player for the Thunder and the kind of big they lack.
Projected Rotation
PG: Russell Westbrook/Reggie Jackson
SG: Thabo Sefolosha/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Kevin Durant/DeAndre Liggins
PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison
C: Kendrick Perkins/Hasheem Thabeet
Draft Review: San Antonio Spurs
Livio Jean-Charles, PF France (28)
This is such a typical Spurs pick, investing in a young, talented player who might take a little while to return on the investment, but could be more productive than any of the other players drafted around him. Livio Jean-Charles lit up the Hoop Summit and showed a skill-set that projects as a perfect role player forward. Jean-Charles is long, athletic, and a good rebounder who can also step out and hit a jumper. He needs to get stronger and more polished, but is also only 19 years old.
Second Round
Deshaun Thomas, SF Ohio State (58)
My head says that Deshaun Thomas isn't an NBA player, but my gut says that if anyone can turn him into one it is the Spurs. Thomas can certainly score, and do it from all over the floor, but his defense is just atrocious. It's not just that Thomas is undersized and not a great athlete, he just doesn't try at all on that end of the floor. The Spurs are great at hiding weaknesses but Thomas' defense may be too much.
Projected Rotation
PG: Tony Parker/Cory Joseph
SG: Danny Green/Gary Neal (RFA)
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Tim Duncan/Matt Bonner
C: Tiago Splitter/Boris Diaw
Draft Review: Denver Nuggets
Erick Green, G Virginia Tech (46)
The Nuggets traded out of the first round, presumably to save money, and ended up with a talented prospect in the second round none the less. Erick Green is a poor-man's C.J. McCollom, a quick scoring combo guard who can score from all over the floor. I actually like his potential to play point guard full time over McCollom because he is much less turnover prone. With all the changes in Denver, in the front office, coaching, and on the roster, there are a lot of unknowns in Denver, so Green's role could depend on what happens.
Joffrey Lauvergne, PF France (55)
Another prospect to be stashed overseas, Joffrey Lauvergne is athletic and mobile for a player his size, though he needs to add a lot of strength. Lauvergne also has a pretty high skill level with the potential to be a stretch-4 down the line. He needs to get tougher as a rebounder and defender and will turn 22 this year, but there's a chance he turns into something eventually.
Projected Rotation
PG: Ty Lawson/Andre Miller
SG: Evan Fournier/Wilson Chandler
SF: Danilo Gallinari/Jordan Hamilton
PF: Kenneth Faried/Anthony Randolph
C: JaVale McGee/Timofey Mozgov
Draft Review: Memphis Grizzlies
Jamaal Franklin, SG San Diego State (41)
The Grizzlies didn't have a first round pick, but got one anyway in Jamaal Franklin, how fell way to far for someone who is as talented as he is. Franklin can do everything on the floor, except for shooting, and he is an elite athlete with a terrific motor. He projects as a great perimeter defender who can slash to the rim, rebound, and make plays in transition. If the Grizzlies move on from Tony Allen, I could see Franklin stepping in from day 1 and starting at shooting guard.
Janis Timma, SF Latvia (60)
This is clearly a draft-and-stash pick for Memphis, and though Janis Timma will likely never play in the NBA, he has some upside due to his athleticism. He is a decent ball-handler who can get to the rim, but really needs to work on his shooting. Timma is 21 and will probably play in Europe for the rest of his career, but if he breaks out, the Grizzlies have his rights.
Projected Rotation
PG: Mike Conley Jr/Tony Wroten Jr
SG: Jamaal Franklin/Jarryd Bayless
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Quincy Pondexter
PF: Zach Randolph/Ed Davis
C: Marc Gasol/Kosta Koufos
Draft Review: Los Angeles Clippers
Reggie Bullock, G/F North Carolina (25)
This is one of my favorite picks in the first round, it's a perfect marriage of need and talent for the Clippers. Bullock is an ideal role player and exactly what the doctor ordered for this team. He is a really good shooter, one of the best in the draft, and projects as a very good defender at both small forward and shooting guard, two positions that Clippers currently lack depth at. He also has a high basketball IQ and a good motor. Bullock might not have a huge upside, but he does two things at a high level, which is more than enough to stick in the NBA.
Projected Rotation
PG: Chris Paul/ Eric Bledsoe
SG: Willie Green/Jamal Crawford
SF: Caron Butler/Reggie Bullock
PF: Blake Griffin/???
C: DeAndre Jordan/???
Draft Review: New York Knicks
Tim Hardaway Jr, SG Michigan (24)
I'm not sure what to think of this pick, in one sense I like that the Knicks addressing their guard position, and hopefully moving on from J.R. Smith, but I'm not sure I love the choice of player. Tim Hardaway Jr. is just an underwhelming prospect as a far as am concerned, an average athlete, shooter, and ball-handler. I think Reggie Bullock, Jamaal Franklin, Allen Crabbe, and Glen Rice all would have been better choices.
Projected Rotation
PG: Raymond Felton/Pablo Prigioni (RFA)
SG: Tim Hardaway Jr/???
SF: Iman Shumpert/Anthony
PF: Carmelo Anthony/Amar'e Stoudmire
C: Tyson Chandler/Andrea Bargnani
Draft Review: Indiana Pacers
Solomon Hill, SF Arizona (23)
Yet again, the Pacers draft a college Senior. Though luckily this time they took one who was actual
productive in college, unlike Miles Plumlee. Solomon Hill can do a lot of things, but I'm not sure anything at an NBA level. I more question the position they drafted rather than the player, small forward is log-jammed in Indiana and Hill isn't versatile enough to play power forward or shooting guard. I think a backup point guard like Isaiah Canaan or forward like Tony Mitchell would have made much more sense.
Projected rotation
PG: George Hill/C.J. Watson
SG: Paul George/Lance Stephenson
SF: Danny Granger/Gerald Green
PF: David West (UFA)/Tyler Hansbrough
C: Roy Hibbert/Ian Mahinmi
Draft Review: Brooklyn Nets
Mason Plumlee, C Duke (22)
The Nets needed a backup big man who'll run the floor and rebound, so they did very well getting Plumlee at this point in the draft, who will do both of those things. Plumlee is a big and an explosive vertical athlete who is very good on the boards and finishing around the rim. He isn't a polished offensive player and may struggle to defend on the perimeter, but as a backup big man, the Nets could do a lot worse.
Traded For Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry
The Nets go all in on this next season or two, trading a bunch of spare parts, and more importantly three future first round picks. In the short term, the Nets should be a much improved team, especially if Jason Kidd can get the guards to play any defense. I'm the long term however, there could be some rough years after the roster ages out and the Nets, who owe most of their first round picks for the next 5 years, don't have any way to supplement with young talent.
Projected Rotation
PG: Deron Williams/Tyshawn Taylor
SG: Joe Johnson/Jason Terry
SF: Paul Pierce/Johnson
PF: Kevin Garnett/Reggie Evans
C: Brook Lopez/Mason Plumlee
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Draft Review: Golden State Warriors
Nemanja Nedovic, G Serbia (30)
The Warriors were without a pick in this draft, but they bought their way back into the first round and landed a very interesting prospect. Nemanja Nedovic is a very quick and explosively athletic combo guard who can really get to the rim. He is sort of stuck between positions and isn't a very good shooter, but his ability to attack the rim relentlessly will have value, especially in with a Golden State team that plays uptempo, ball-moving basketball. Nedovic can finish in transition and break down defenses.
Projected Rotation
PG: Stephen Curry/Jarrett Jack
SG: Klay Thompson/Nemanja Nedovic
SF: Harrison Barnes/Draymond Green
PF: David Lee/Carl Landry
C: Andrew Bogut/Festus Ezeli
Draft Review: Los Angeles Lakers
Ryan Kelly, PF/C Duke (48)
Sometimes, despite how many flaws a prospect has, the team that drafts them is such a perfect fit that you can help but thing they will succeed. Ryan Kelly is not athletic, he doesn't rebound well, and will struggle defensively but is such a great fit in Mike D'Antoni's offense that I would be surprised if he didn't get playing time for L.A. Kelly is a very good shooter and passer and will fill that role as a floor-stretching big very well in this system.
Projected Rotation
PG: Steve Nash/Steve Blake
SG: Kobe Bryant (when healthy)/Jodie Meeks
SF: Metta World Peace/???
PF: Paul Gasol/Antawn Jamison
C: Jordan Hill/Ryan Kelly
Draft Review: Houston Rockets
Isaiah Canaan, PG Murray State (34)
The Rockets, as usual, get a steal in the second round that other teams foolishly passed up on. Isaiah Canaan should have been a first round pick and should push for plenty of playing time in Houston, especially if the Rockets deal Jeremy Lin. Canaan is super-quick, a knockdown shooter and a terror in transition, the perfect backup scoring guard for an uptempo team like Houston who shoots a lot of threes. I love Canaan as a player and his fit in Houston.
Projected Rotation
PG: Jeremy Lin/Patrick Beverley/Isaiah Canaan
SG: James Harden/Beverley
SF: Chandler Parsons/Carlos Delfino
PF: Terrence Jones/Thomas Robinson
C: Omer Asik/Greg Smith/Donatas Motiejunas
Draft Review: Atlanta Hawks
Lucas Nogueria, C Brazil (16)
The Hawks are expecting to be big spenders this summer, so they took two first round prospects that are not only talented and but also provide financial flexibility. Nogueria is a project and might not come to the NBA this season, but he has big-time potential, especially as a defensive player. He needs to get stronger and work on his offensive game, but as far as physical tools and demeanor, the sky is the limit, but it will take time.
Dennis Schroeder, PG Germany (17)
Like Nogueria, Dennis Schroeder has high upside, but he is a little farther along and if he wants to, could come over and play in the NBA next season. Schroeder gets compared to Rajon Rondo due to his size, length, and playing style, however Rondo is longer and more explosive athletically. Schroeder on the other hand is a better shooter. Regardless, he will be a nice fit as a backup guard with some big time upside down the line.
Second Round
Mike Muscala, C Bucknell (44)
Tough he is not a great athlete, Mike Muscala is a knockdown shooter and has the size and length to play the center position in the NBA. Atlanta's role players in the frontcourt have been more of strong, tough, brute types, so Muscala's skill level will be a nice compliment to them, as well as giving the Hawks some much need floor spacing. Muscala is far from a star, but he will be a valuable role player as long as his defense doesn't hurt teams to much.
Raul Neto, PG Brazil (47)
GM Danny Ferry comes from San Antonio so it's no surprise to see him targeting players from overseas and trying to find value there. Raul Neto is a quick, smart point guard who know how to run a team. He needs to work on his defense and shooting, but Neto could be a solid backup in a couple years.
Projected Rotation
PG: Jeff Teague (RFA)/Dennis Schroeder
SG: John Jenkins/Lou Williams
SF: Kyle Korver (UFA)/???
PF: Al Horford/Mike Scott
C: Zaza Pachulia/Mike Muscala
Draft Review: Boston Celtics
Kelly Olynyk, PF Gonzaga (13)
The Celtics moved up to take Kelly Olynyk, who is probably the most skilled big man in the draft. He has unusually good ball handling skills and is a good enough shooter to be a stretch 4 down the line. Olynyk is also a good post scorer and crafty finisher, however he isn't a great athlete nor is he very long, so he may struggle to finish sometimes. Also, this may cause Olynyk to struggle defensively and on the glass as well. Basically he is a taller, thinner Jared Sullinger, so I don't understand this pick.
Second Round
Colton Iverson, C Colorado State (53)
This is a very good pick for the Celtics at this point in the draft and I think Colton Iverson sticks on the roster. He isn't particularly skilled or athletic, but Iverson is long, strong, and tough. Even if his role is simply a practice guy, Iverson will toughen up Boston's young bigs with his physicality and energy and can pull spot duty as a Ivan Johnson-type.
Traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce
The Celtics finally pulled the blowup cord and traded franchise stalwarts Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, along with Jason Terry to the Nets for Keith Bogans, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Kris Joseph, and Gerald Wallace as well as first round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018. This is may be hard on Celtics fans, and the team certainly may be terrible for a couple years, but it was the right thing to do. The Nets aging roster will be good for a couple years, but by 2016 and 2018, these picks could be very valuable. None of the players added are part of the future, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Rondo be traded soon as well.
Projected Rotation
PG: Rajon Rondo/Avery Bradley
SG: Courtney Lee/Jordan Crawford/MarShon Brooks
SF: Jeff Green/Gerald Wallace
PF: Brandon Bass/Jared Sullinger
C: Fab Melo/Kelly Olynyk
Draft Review: Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF Greece (15)
The Bucks have a lot of question marks on their roster, including basically their entire backcourt entering free agency, so it was interesting to see them take project like Antetokounmpo who could be years away from NBA minutes. I understand the idea, this is a weak draft and Antetokounmpo has star potential, despite the risk, but the Bucks aren't exactly rebuilding yet, and yet they also aren't sniffing contention, just stuck in the middle again.
Second Round
Nate Wolters, PG South Dakota State (38)
As much as I question the Antetokounmpo pick, I love this pick. Nate Wolters is a perfect back-up point guard who is crafty and talented offensively. He has great size and can really shoot the ball and score and pass. He won't ever be a star, or perhaps even a starter, but Wolters should have a solid NbA career.
Projected Lottery
PG: Brandon Jennings (RFA)/Nate Wolters
SG: J.J. Redick (UFA)/???
SF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute/???
PF: Ersan Ilyasova/John Henson
C: Larry Sanders/Ekpe Udoh
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