Current Roster
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Terry Rozier/Demetrius Jackson/Kadeem Allen
SG: Avery Bradley/Marcus Smart/Jabari Bird
SF: Jae Crowder/Jaylen Brown/Jayson Tatum/Semi Ojeleye
PF: -
C: Al Horford/Jordan Mickey/Tyler Zeller
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Gerald Green
F Jonas Jerebko
F Amir Johnson
G James Young
Restricted
C Kelly Olynyk
Who They Drafted
1-3 Jayson Tatum, SF/PF Duke
2-37 Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF SMU
2-53 Kadeem Allen, PG Arizona
2-56 Jabari Bird, SG California
After trading down from number 1, the Celtics drafted Jayson Tatum, who apparently they wanted at number 1 too (sure...). Tatum has a high upside and decent floor offensively, mostly because of his polished mid-range game. He has excellent footwork and touch on his mid-range shots, scoring in classic iso-style, by holding the ball, slowing it down and using many advanced moves to create space for his jumper. Tatum also likes to work in the post, bullying smaller opponents to get to his turnaround jumpshot. While able to get all the way to the rim when he has an opening, that isn't a huge part of his game, and when he gets there Tatum wasn't a great finisher anyways and will need to improve significantly in that area. While he shot the ball okay from three his one year at Duke (.342%) he is definitely more comfortable shooting from closer in and will need to show he can shoot from the further back NBA line. He can get a little myopic offensively and slow down an offensive flow, though when he applies himself he can be a good passer. Tatum's game is a throwback to the last decade of the NBA and not really a tremendous fit in the modern NBA, however his ability to go out and get a bucket has value, even if he will really need to take steps to become an efficient scorer. The biggest question for Tatum, and one that will be crucial for his time with the Celtics, is whether or not he can play power forward in more than just spot minutes in the NBA. While he has the height and reach of a combo big, he will need to get stronger and play with a higher intensity level. On the wing, Tatum could become an average defender, though he isn't particularly physically overwhelming. It will be important for Tatum to play the 4 for the Celtics not only because it will open up their log-jam on the wing a little more but also because he is far more likely to have success playing there. Tatum played at the 4 the majority of the time at Duke, where he almost always had the athletic advantage and still wasn't dominant, and as we've seen with Justise Winslow and Brandon Ingram, playing the 3 in the NBA is a lot tougher than the 4 in college.
Despite the fact that they already have 3/4s Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum on the roster, plus wanting to acquire Paul George and Gordon Heyward, not to mention Al Horford who is probably best at power forward, the Celtics found the value in the second round of Semi Ojeleye (who many thought would go in the first round) too much to pass up. Ojeleye has an extremely strong frame and explosive athletic ability, good enough that he should be able to guard bigs, wings, and guards, the kind of versatility and switching ability that is ideal of modern NBA defenses. One concern with his defense is that for all of his athletic ability, Ojeyele was not a productive defender, averaging just a half a block and steal per 40 minutes. Also his rebounding was very poor even for a small forward (11.8 rebound rate, which would rank 48th among NBA small forwards last season) and downright awful for a power forward. Considering the Celtics were one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the NBA last season, Ojeleye's inability to help isn't ideal. Offensively, Ojeleye's best weapon is his jumper, though he can make plays in transition and off the ball due to his athletic ability. Ojeleye should be a solid role player for the Celtics (though he probably won't play much) because he can guard multiple positions and shoot so well, however his lack of rebounding and impact defensive ability probably cap his upside to backup.
With their last two picks, the Celtics took two Seniors who are unlikely to ever play for them but will probably fill out their G-League roster. Already 24, Arizona guard Kadeem Allen is one of the best guard defenders in college last season, a hardnosed, highly competitive defender that loves to get up and pressure opponents. He also is a solid shooter and can make some plays off the dribble, however he lacks the playmaking ability to be a lead guard and doesn't have the size to play anything else. Allen could be a guard in the Patrick Beverley mold if everything works out just right.
Their other draft pick was Jabari Bird, a highly recruited wing that never lived up to expectations and is frankly a bizarre selection, though Bird is a good (not great) shooter, he doesn't really do much else.
What They Need Going Forward
The Celtics are fishing for the best available talent this summer, and that means Gordon Heyward, Blake Griffin, and Paul George. Though it hasn't been mentioned as often as an option, now that Chris Paul has left the Clippers and Blake Griffin may be on the way out, the Clippers will likely be willing to deal DeAndre Jordan, who would really fix a lot of the Celtics problems and could turn their defense into a monster, especially if paired with Heyward or George on the wing. If, however unlikely, they are unable to land anyone at all, then it makes the most sense for them to keep their power dry and try again at the trade deadline and next summer.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Showing posts with label paul george. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paul george. Show all posts
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Indiana Pacers Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Monte Ellis/Edmond Sumner
SG: Lance Stephenson/Joe Young
SF: Paul George/Glenn Robinson III/Georges Niang
PF: Thaddeus Young/TJ Leaf/Rakeem Christmas
C: Myles Turner/Al Jefferson/Ike Anigbogu/Kevin Seraphin
2017 NBA Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Jeff Teague
G CJ Miles
C Lavoy Allen
G Aaron Brooks
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-18 TJ Leaf, PF UCLA
2-47 Ike Anigbogu, C UCLA
2-52 Edmond Sumner, PG Xavier
It is difficult to evaluate how exactly the Pacers will look, due to the fact that Paul George and other pieces might be moved before the start of the season. The Pacers did take three risky prospects however, players that could hit and turn their future around, or miss and set them back even more. Their first rounder, TJ Leaf is a skilled offensive player that theoretically would be a nice fit in their frontcourt, though he'll need to work on several aspects of his game. Leaf made .466% of his threes last season, however it was only on 58 attempts and his free throw percentage was poor (.679%) for good shooter. I think it is safe to soon his is more of a 35%+ shooter than an elite one, however the rest of his offense plays, that should be enough. Though not particularly long, Leaf is bouncy and plays with aggression on offense, making him a good threat attacking the rim off a couple dribbles or in the screen-and-roll, though he isn't a great finisher yet. His biggest flash offensively is when he'll grab-and-go with a defensive rebound. He is also a solid passer, but none of his offensive skills really stand out one way or the other, he's just good at each and if one slips, particularly the shooting, it might be limiting to his game. Defensively, Leaf is a trainwreck and though he plays hard, he has a lot to learn and lacks special physical tools, which makes it questionable that he'll ever end up being even average defensively. On the glass, Leaf's activity makes him a good offensive rebounder but he is just about average a defensive rebounder. Theoretically, Leaf's shooting and passing would be a nice fit next to Myles Turner, who could also cover up some of his defensive liabilities. It would have been nice for the Pacers to draft a better defensive rebounder (such as John Collins) to play with Turner, who is poor in that area. This pick will make a lot more sense if the Pacers trade Thad Young, who is actually pretty similar to Leaf offensively, but a much better defender.
With their next pick, the Pacers drafted Leaf's college teammate, who most projected to go before him, but fell to concerns over a potential degenerative knee issue. If his health holds out, Anigbogu still has a ways to go before he'll be ready as a contributor, despite the fact that his physical abilities are NBA ready. Standing nearly 6-10 and a chiseled 252 pounds, Anigbogu has 7-6+ wingspan and 9-2+ standing reach, all great numbers for a big man. However, despite the fact that he moves well for his size and can really explode with a chance to load up, his vertical explosiveness leads something to be desired. Offensively, he is at his best grabbing rebounds and finishing lobs and drop-offs, but isn't going to score with any kind of range or create his own shot. Defensively, his ability to move and block shots give him a high upside. Normally, it would be weird for a team that has a future star at center to draft another big man that can't play alongside him, however in the second round when Anigbogu had fallen to them (and for injury, not on-court reasons) that is makes total sense. It was too good to pass up. At least if Anigbogu reaches his potential it will give the Pacers 48 quality minutes at center.
With their last second round pick, the Pacers took another injury risk in Edmond Sumner, who probably would have been an early second round pick if not for an serious knee injury that ended his Junior season. What makes the pick of Sumner especially risky is that almost all of his game is based of his athletic ability and any drop off in that regard could be devastating to his abilities. When healthy, Sumner was one of the best athletes in college basketball, making him a formidable threat attacking the basket and getting out in the open floor as a 6-6 combo guard. Sumner played point guard at Xavier, but isn't a natural playmaker or passer, projecting him as more of combo guard that can play a little point but is better off with another playmaker on the floor. The biggest question mark for Sumner is his shooting and finishing ability, as he struggled to score efficiently from everywhere on the floor and will need to get better across the board in order to make it in the NBA. If he can become stronger, Sumner could be a very good defensive player, capable of guarding multiple positions, again provided the athletic ability returns. In theory, Sumner makes sense with Monte Ellis, another combo guard, however Sumner would have to improve his shooting for that to work.
What They Need Going Forward
First things first, the Pacers need to get Paul George situation sorted out, which means taking the best offer available and moving on into a rebuild around Myles Turner and whatever pieces they get back. Not knowing what players they get, it is hard to project what extra moves they make. However, with George leaving it wouldn't make much sense for them to resign the 29 year-old Jeff Teague for any kind of long term deal, which means that they'll need a point guard, unless they get another one back in the trade, and even then they will. A Thad Young for Ricky Rubio swap would make a lot of sense for both teams and their years and money are about exactly even. Rubio is still fairly young and his passing ability and leadership skills would be ideal to mentor a young team.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
PG: Monte Ellis/Edmond Sumner
SG: Lance Stephenson/Joe Young
SF: Paul George/Glenn Robinson III/Georges Niang
PF: Thaddeus Young/TJ Leaf/Rakeem Christmas
C: Myles Turner/Al Jefferson/Ike Anigbogu/Kevin Seraphin
2017 NBA Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Jeff Teague
G CJ Miles
C Lavoy Allen
G Aaron Brooks
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-18 TJ Leaf, PF UCLA
2-47 Ike Anigbogu, C UCLA
2-52 Edmond Sumner, PG Xavier
It is difficult to evaluate how exactly the Pacers will look, due to the fact that Paul George and other pieces might be moved before the start of the season. The Pacers did take three risky prospects however, players that could hit and turn their future around, or miss and set them back even more. Their first rounder, TJ Leaf is a skilled offensive player that theoretically would be a nice fit in their frontcourt, though he'll need to work on several aspects of his game. Leaf made .466% of his threes last season, however it was only on 58 attempts and his free throw percentage was poor (.679%) for good shooter. I think it is safe to soon his is more of a 35%+ shooter than an elite one, however the rest of his offense plays, that should be enough. Though not particularly long, Leaf is bouncy and plays with aggression on offense, making him a good threat attacking the rim off a couple dribbles or in the screen-and-roll, though he isn't a great finisher yet. His biggest flash offensively is when he'll grab-and-go with a defensive rebound. He is also a solid passer, but none of his offensive skills really stand out one way or the other, he's just good at each and if one slips, particularly the shooting, it might be limiting to his game. Defensively, Leaf is a trainwreck and though he plays hard, he has a lot to learn and lacks special physical tools, which makes it questionable that he'll ever end up being even average defensively. On the glass, Leaf's activity makes him a good offensive rebounder but he is just about average a defensive rebounder. Theoretically, Leaf's shooting and passing would be a nice fit next to Myles Turner, who could also cover up some of his defensive liabilities. It would have been nice for the Pacers to draft a better defensive rebounder (such as John Collins) to play with Turner, who is poor in that area. This pick will make a lot more sense if the Pacers trade Thad Young, who is actually pretty similar to Leaf offensively, but a much better defender.
With their next pick, the Pacers drafted Leaf's college teammate, who most projected to go before him, but fell to concerns over a potential degenerative knee issue. If his health holds out, Anigbogu still has a ways to go before he'll be ready as a contributor, despite the fact that his physical abilities are NBA ready. Standing nearly 6-10 and a chiseled 252 pounds, Anigbogu has 7-6+ wingspan and 9-2+ standing reach, all great numbers for a big man. However, despite the fact that he moves well for his size and can really explode with a chance to load up, his vertical explosiveness leads something to be desired. Offensively, he is at his best grabbing rebounds and finishing lobs and drop-offs, but isn't going to score with any kind of range or create his own shot. Defensively, his ability to move and block shots give him a high upside. Normally, it would be weird for a team that has a future star at center to draft another big man that can't play alongside him, however in the second round when Anigbogu had fallen to them (and for injury, not on-court reasons) that is makes total sense. It was too good to pass up. At least if Anigbogu reaches his potential it will give the Pacers 48 quality minutes at center.
With their last second round pick, the Pacers took another injury risk in Edmond Sumner, who probably would have been an early second round pick if not for an serious knee injury that ended his Junior season. What makes the pick of Sumner especially risky is that almost all of his game is based of his athletic ability and any drop off in that regard could be devastating to his abilities. When healthy, Sumner was one of the best athletes in college basketball, making him a formidable threat attacking the basket and getting out in the open floor as a 6-6 combo guard. Sumner played point guard at Xavier, but isn't a natural playmaker or passer, projecting him as more of combo guard that can play a little point but is better off with another playmaker on the floor. The biggest question mark for Sumner is his shooting and finishing ability, as he struggled to score efficiently from everywhere on the floor and will need to get better across the board in order to make it in the NBA. If he can become stronger, Sumner could be a very good defensive player, capable of guarding multiple positions, again provided the athletic ability returns. In theory, Sumner makes sense with Monte Ellis, another combo guard, however Sumner would have to improve his shooting for that to work.
What They Need Going Forward
First things first, the Pacers need to get Paul George situation sorted out, which means taking the best offer available and moving on into a rebuild around Myles Turner and whatever pieces they get back. Not knowing what players they get, it is hard to project what extra moves they make. However, with George leaving it wouldn't make much sense for them to resign the 29 year-old Jeff Teague for any kind of long term deal, which means that they'll need a point guard, unless they get another one back in the trade, and even then they will. A Thad Young for Ricky Rubio swap would make a lot of sense for both teams and their years and money are about exactly even. Rubio is still fairly young and his passing ability and leadership skills would be ideal to mentor a young team.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Monday, June 26, 2017
Los Angeles Lakers Draft Review
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
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
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