Current Roster
PG: Ricky Rubio/Dante Exum/Raul Neto/Nigel Williams-Goss
SG: Alec Burks/Donovan Mitchell
SF: Rodney Hood/Joe Johnson
PF: Derrick Favors/Joel Bolomboy
C: Rudy Gobert/Tony Bradley
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Gordon Heyward
G George Hill
C Jeff Withey
G Shelvin Mack
Restricted
G Joe Ingles
Who They Drafted
1-12 Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG Louisville2
1-25 Tony Bradley, C North Carolina
2-55 Nigel Williams-Goss, PG Gonzaga
The Jazz traded up, using their own pick and Trey Lyles to get Louisville's Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is a super-athletic combo guard that makes up for a lack of size with tremendous length. Early in his career, Mitchell was slasher, a shot-creator who aggressively tried to get to the rim, a skill he still has. Where he improved as a Sophomore, and what got him on NBA radars as a lottery pick, is an improved jumpshot. That jumper, which is still developing, is crucial to his game and will make or break his status in the NBA, as it will open up his dribble-drive game and bring more offensive balance to his team. Defensively, Mitchell is best guarding on the ball and can really be excellent in that area, however he'll need to get better off the ball, staying locked in. The Jazz will use Mitchell in both guard spots off the bench, a sub that can score and defend and most close games in the future at either spot, depending on the matchup.
With their remaining first round pick, the Jazz drafted Tony Bradley, a throwback-style center that plays below the rim and eats up rebounds, particularly offensively (Bradley posted an absured 18.7% offensive rebound rate, which would be the best number in the NBA by over a percentage point and a half) but there are questions about what else he can do. Despite being a poor athlete, Bradley has size and length to finish inside, though he may struggle against bigger NBA centers. Other than that, he doesn't have a ton of moves or range and doesn't move well on the perimeter and though he can block some shot due to his length, doesn't project to be a great rim protector. Just 19, Bradley has a lot of developing to do and if he can improve his body or get more skilled, then he could be a valuable backup, mostly due to the fact that he can offensive rebound so well.
Late in the second round the Jazz took an experienced point guard who was one of the most efficient players in college basketball last season. Nigel Williams-Goss, a high level recuit who transfered from Gonzaga, is similar to Utah's second rounder last season, Marcus Paige, in that he is a well-rounded point guard that doesn't have one real standout asset. He could probably do a good job in spot duty but lacks any real upside. He'll probably share time in the G-League with Paige until needed.
What They Need Going Forward
The Jazz need to do whatever they can to bring back Gordon Heyward, it has to be their number one priority, as it will bring the Jazz from surefire playoff team to fringes of making it. If they get Heyward back, the Jazz are pretty much set. If they lose Heyward they will then have to pivot to making sure they don't lose Joe Ingles and then go from their, deciding whether they want to do a soft rebuild or try to keep contending, perhaps moving their assets for a low level star or clearing the room for a Danilo Gallinari-level player.
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Friday, June 30, 2017
Portland Trailblazers Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Damian Lillard/Shabazz Napier
SG: CJ McCollom/Allen Crabbe
SF: Moe Harkless/Evan Turner/Pat Connaughton
PF: Al-Farouq Aminu/Jake Layman
C: Jusef Nurkic/Zach Collins/Ed Davis/Meyers Leonard/Noah Vonleh/Caleb Swanigan/Festus Ezeli
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
None
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-10 Zach Collins, C Gonzaga
1-26 Caleb Swanigan, C Purdue
Despite already having five players on their roster who can really only play center effectively in the modern NBA, the Trailblazers drafted two more players that are probably limited to playing center only. The first player they drafted, Zach Collins, the Blazers traded up to get (moving 15 and 20 to get 10), a good prospect that makes sense as a backup/insurance policy for Jusef Nurkic, the player that turned the Blazers season around last season. Collins has a lot of potential, he is a good athlete that moves well, blocks shots, rebounds, and can shoot a little from the outside. Though he has all this potential, Collins still needs some refinement as well, he is foul prone and doesn't alway play up to his potential. Also, though he has shown three-point range, Collins shouldn't be considered a knock-down shooter yet. Again, drafting a straight backup (due to roster construction) after trading up, with a top ten pick is questionable but at least defensible when you consider how important Nurkic was to them, however when you already have so many centers on the roster and don't have any money to improve their areas of your team that need improvement.
To make matters more confusing, the Blazers drafted another player who, unless he makes changes to his body and becomes more athletic, will be a five in the modern NBA as well. Caleb Swanigan was one of the best players in college basketball last season, averaging over 18 points and 12 rebounds a game while also making 44% of 85 three-pointers last season. Swanigan isn't that good of a shooter, but it should still be a weapon for him, as is his ability to get deep position and score in the post, though length and athleticism may give him a little bit of trouble and he can be quite turnover prone. There are reasons to be optimistic about his offense, as he can draw big men out of the paint with his jumpshot and abuse smaller defenders in the post. Swanigan is also a monster rebounder, a natural that knows how to throw his big body around on both the offensive and defensive glass. Where the issue comes in, and why it is unlikely Swanigan is anything but a center is his lack of athletic ability and poor footspeed, which will limit his ability to defend on the move and also severely limits his rim protection (Swanigan blocked only 36 shots in his 2014 college minutes). As a backup center in the mold of a (healthy) Jared Sullinger, Swanigan could be a longterm NBA rotation player, but on the Blazers I don't know when he plays or how effective he will be.
What They Need Going Forward
The Blazers need to get rid of their bad contracts and logjam at center, though it will cost them to do so, so much so that they'll might easily just roll into the season with their current roster. If they do find money to spend or get good deals, they could use another backup point guard and a wing that can shoot the ball.
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PG: Damian Lillard/Shabazz Napier
SG: CJ McCollom/Allen Crabbe
SF: Moe Harkless/Evan Turner/Pat Connaughton
PF: Al-Farouq Aminu/Jake Layman
C: Jusef Nurkic/Zach Collins/Ed Davis/Meyers Leonard/Noah Vonleh/Caleb Swanigan/Festus Ezeli
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
None
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-10 Zach Collins, C Gonzaga
1-26 Caleb Swanigan, C Purdue
Despite already having five players on their roster who can really only play center effectively in the modern NBA, the Trailblazers drafted two more players that are probably limited to playing center only. The first player they drafted, Zach Collins, the Blazers traded up to get (moving 15 and 20 to get 10), a good prospect that makes sense as a backup/insurance policy for Jusef Nurkic, the player that turned the Blazers season around last season. Collins has a lot of potential, he is a good athlete that moves well, blocks shots, rebounds, and can shoot a little from the outside. Though he has all this potential, Collins still needs some refinement as well, he is foul prone and doesn't alway play up to his potential. Also, though he has shown three-point range, Collins shouldn't be considered a knock-down shooter yet. Again, drafting a straight backup (due to roster construction) after trading up, with a top ten pick is questionable but at least defensible when you consider how important Nurkic was to them, however when you already have so many centers on the roster and don't have any money to improve their areas of your team that need improvement.
To make matters more confusing, the Blazers drafted another player who, unless he makes changes to his body and becomes more athletic, will be a five in the modern NBA as well. Caleb Swanigan was one of the best players in college basketball last season, averaging over 18 points and 12 rebounds a game while also making 44% of 85 three-pointers last season. Swanigan isn't that good of a shooter, but it should still be a weapon for him, as is his ability to get deep position and score in the post, though length and athleticism may give him a little bit of trouble and he can be quite turnover prone. There are reasons to be optimistic about his offense, as he can draw big men out of the paint with his jumpshot and abuse smaller defenders in the post. Swanigan is also a monster rebounder, a natural that knows how to throw his big body around on both the offensive and defensive glass. Where the issue comes in, and why it is unlikely Swanigan is anything but a center is his lack of athletic ability and poor footspeed, which will limit his ability to defend on the move and also severely limits his rim protection (Swanigan blocked only 36 shots in his 2014 college minutes). As a backup center in the mold of a (healthy) Jared Sullinger, Swanigan could be a longterm NBA rotation player, but on the Blazers I don't know when he plays or how effective he will be.
What They Need Going Forward
The Blazers need to get rid of their bad contracts and logjam at center, though it will cost them to do so, so much so that they'll might easily just roll into the season with their current roster. If they do find money to spend or get good deals, they could use another backup point guard and a wing that can shoot the ball.
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Oklahoma City Thunder Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Russell Westbrook/Semaj Christon
SG: Victor Oladipo/Alex Abrines/Terrence Ferguson
SF: Doug McDermott/Kyle Singler/Josh Huestis
PF: Jerami Grant/Domantas Sabonis
C: Steven Adams/Enes Kanter
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
C Taj Gibson
C Nick Collison
G Norris Cole
Restricted
F Andre Roberson
Who They Drafted
1-21 Terrence Ferguson, SG Adelaide
The Thunder used their first round pick on Terrence Ferguson, an American player who skipped college to play overseas for one season. Ferguson is exactly the kind of player the Thunder needed last year and didn't have, as their roster was loaded with players that could either defend or shoot, but not both. Though he is young and will need time to develop, Ferguson could become one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA because he already has a nice shooting stroke (though it needs a little polishing) and has the athleticism and most importantly the mindset to be a very good defender of perimeter players. He's also a fast, explosive leaper that should be tremendous in transition with Russell Westbrook. His off the dribble game is what is keeping him from being more than a role player but if he can improve his handle and shot creation ability, his upside would be higher.
What They Need Going Forward
Unless they trade, the Thunder don't have much money to make many moves, however they'll have to do whatever they can to get a real backup point guard that can at least keep the ship afloat while Westbrook is on the bench. And no, Norris Cole is not that player. There are also questions about their power forward spot, where they either have unproven players or more combo-y guys. A proven, above-average PF, even if it is just bringing back Taj Gibson, would go a long way to improving their team.
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PG: Russell Westbrook/Semaj Christon
SG: Victor Oladipo/Alex Abrines/Terrence Ferguson
SF: Doug McDermott/Kyle Singler/Josh Huestis
PF: Jerami Grant/Domantas Sabonis
C: Steven Adams/Enes Kanter
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
C Taj Gibson
C Nick Collison
G Norris Cole
Restricted
F Andre Roberson
Who They Drafted
1-21 Terrence Ferguson, SG Adelaide
The Thunder used their first round pick on Terrence Ferguson, an American player who skipped college to play overseas for one season. Ferguson is exactly the kind of player the Thunder needed last year and didn't have, as their roster was loaded with players that could either defend or shoot, but not both. Though he is young and will need time to develop, Ferguson could become one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA because he already has a nice shooting stroke (though it needs a little polishing) and has the athleticism and most importantly the mindset to be a very good defender of perimeter players. He's also a fast, explosive leaper that should be tremendous in transition with Russell Westbrook. His off the dribble game is what is keeping him from being more than a role player but if he can improve his handle and shot creation ability, his upside would be higher.
What They Need Going Forward
Unless they trade, the Thunder don't have much money to make many moves, however they'll have to do whatever they can to get a real backup point guard that can at least keep the ship afloat while Westbrook is on the bench. And no, Norris Cole is not that player. There are also questions about their power forward spot, where they either have unproven players or more combo-y guys. A proven, above-average PF, even if it is just bringing back Taj Gibson, would go a long way to improving their team.
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Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Ricky Rubio/Tyus Jones
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Gorgui Dieng/Nemanja Bjelica
C: Karl Towns/Cole Aldrich
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Omri Casspi
C Adreian Payne
G Brandon Rush
Restricted
F Shabazz Muhammad
Who They Drafted
1-16 Justin Patton, C Creighton
After trading the number 7 pick in a package to get Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves took Justin Patton, a high upside center that doesn't fit too well on their roster. The issue is that Patton, even if he reaches his potential, is a straight center which means he'd either have to play behind Karl Towns for 10-15 a night, or play beside him which would make Towns much less valuable. Patton, though not a super athlete, moves well and has a lot of nice tools, good hands and feet, as well as tremendous speed running the floor. When given the ball in a good spot he is a close to automatic finisher and has flashed a bit of range on his jumper. Defensively, he moves pretty well for a big guy and has great length, which he's used to block shots at a decent rate, though he's not elite in this area. As a rebounder, Patton leaves a lot to be desired, grabbing 13.8% of available rebounds, a bad number for a center. If he reaches his upside, Patton could be average on both ends of the court which doesn't seem like much but is a solid NBA player.
What They Need Going Forward
Shooting, shooting, shooting. With Butler now on the team the Wolves need to find better shooters at point guard and power forward. Ricky Rubio, as good of a player as he is, doesn't fit their current team needs and will likely be flipped for a better fit (Thad Young makes sense) or dumped for cap space so they can pursue Kyle Lowry, George Hill, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, Patrick Patterson, or others.
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PG: Ricky Rubio/Tyus Jones
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Gorgui Dieng/Nemanja Bjelica
C: Karl Towns/Cole Aldrich
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Omri Casspi
C Adreian Payne
G Brandon Rush
Restricted
F Shabazz Muhammad
Who They Drafted
1-16 Justin Patton, C Creighton
After trading the number 7 pick in a package to get Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves took Justin Patton, a high upside center that doesn't fit too well on their roster. The issue is that Patton, even if he reaches his potential, is a straight center which means he'd either have to play behind Karl Towns for 10-15 a night, or play beside him which would make Towns much less valuable. Patton, though not a super athlete, moves well and has a lot of nice tools, good hands and feet, as well as tremendous speed running the floor. When given the ball in a good spot he is a close to automatic finisher and has flashed a bit of range on his jumper. Defensively, he moves pretty well for a big guy and has great length, which he's used to block shots at a decent rate, though he's not elite in this area. As a rebounder, Patton leaves a lot to be desired, grabbing 13.8% of available rebounds, a bad number for a center. If he reaches his upside, Patton could be average on both ends of the court which doesn't seem like much but is a solid NBA player.
What They Need Going Forward
Shooting, shooting, shooting. With Butler now on the team the Wolves need to find better shooters at point guard and power forward. Ricky Rubio, as good of a player as he is, doesn't fit their current team needs and will likely be flipped for a better fit (Thad Young makes sense) or dumped for cap space so they can pursue Kyle Lowry, George Hill, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, Patrick Patterson, or others.
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Denver Nuggets Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Jamal Murray/Emmanuel Mudiay/Jameer Nelson/Monte Morris
SG: Gary Harris/Malik Beasley/Mike Miller
SF: Wilson Chandler/Will Barton
PF: Juancho Hernangomez/Kenneth Faried/Darrell Arthur/Trey Lyles/Tyler Lydon
C: Nikola Jokic
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Danillo Gallinari
C Roy Hibbert
Restricted
C Mason Plumlee
Who They Drafted
1-24 Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse
2-49 Vlatko Cancar, SF Mege Bemax
2-51 Monte Morris, PG Iowa State
After trading down and aquiring Jazz power forward Trey Lyles, the Nuggest selected... well, a player very similar to Trey Lyles. Tyler Lydon is sweet-shooting forward with deep range on his jumper. A career .398% three point shooter (246 attempts), Lydon projects as a stretch power forward at the next level that can make opponents pay for leaving him but also make a couple plays off the dribble if closed-out against too aggressively. The rest of his game is more worrisome, though a good shot-blocker Lydon is an uncertain defender to to his lack of man-to-man experience, playing in Syracuse's 2-3 zone exclusively in college. Though a solid athlete, Lydon isn't super strong and will probably struggle versus any level of force in the NBA. If he can play passable defense, his ability to shoot and block shots will be value, though it will take a lot of improvement to his body and skills. Even then, with stretchy power forwards Jaun Hernangomez and Tyler Lydon already ahead of him on the roster, not to mention Darrell Arthur and Kenneth Faried, it's hard to imagine Lydon is going get any playing time soon.
Later in the second round, the Nuggets took an international prospect, Vlatko Cancar, a wing that can shoot the ball some and should grow into a weapon in that respect. While not much of a playmaker by any means, Cancar is capable off the dribble, at least when given a path to the rim. Defensively, Cancar lacks great physical tools but is smart and gives good effort. Overall, Cancar has potential to be a solid shoot off the bench but it is harder to see how he becomes more than that, though the Nuggets will certainly give him time to try over in Europe.
Two picks later, the Nuggets drafted one of the best players in college basketball, Monte Morris. Despite handling the ball as the lead guard in a fast, wide-open system at Iowa State, Morris had an historically great assist-to-turnover ratio, a testament to his intelligence, ball-handling, and passing ability. Morris isn't a great athlete and will probably never be a good defender or finisher, however he is such a solid passer and ball-handler as well as a knockdown shooter, I bet he'll end up making it in the league despite the poor record of lower second round picks making it in the NBA.
What They Need Going Forward
Though they have been rumored to be trying to trade for Paul George and Kevin Love, what the Nuggets really need to be doing is using their cap space to sign an impact player or two that won't also compromise their prodigious young talent. Paul Millsap is the obvious choice here and a fit that makes so much sense and will likely be the first call they make when free agency starts.
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PG: Jamal Murray/Emmanuel Mudiay/Jameer Nelson/Monte Morris
SG: Gary Harris/Malik Beasley/Mike Miller
SF: Wilson Chandler/Will Barton
PF: Juancho Hernangomez/Kenneth Faried/Darrell Arthur/Trey Lyles/Tyler Lydon
C: Nikola Jokic
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
F Danillo Gallinari
C Roy Hibbert
Restricted
C Mason Plumlee
Who They Drafted
1-24 Tyler Lydon, PF Syracuse
2-49 Vlatko Cancar, SF Mege Bemax
2-51 Monte Morris, PG Iowa State
After trading down and aquiring Jazz power forward Trey Lyles, the Nuggest selected... well, a player very similar to Trey Lyles. Tyler Lydon is sweet-shooting forward with deep range on his jumper. A career .398% three point shooter (246 attempts), Lydon projects as a stretch power forward at the next level that can make opponents pay for leaving him but also make a couple plays off the dribble if closed-out against too aggressively. The rest of his game is more worrisome, though a good shot-blocker Lydon is an uncertain defender to to his lack of man-to-man experience, playing in Syracuse's 2-3 zone exclusively in college. Though a solid athlete, Lydon isn't super strong and will probably struggle versus any level of force in the NBA. If he can play passable defense, his ability to shoot and block shots will be value, though it will take a lot of improvement to his body and skills. Even then, with stretchy power forwards Jaun Hernangomez and Tyler Lydon already ahead of him on the roster, not to mention Darrell Arthur and Kenneth Faried, it's hard to imagine Lydon is going get any playing time soon.
Later in the second round, the Nuggets took an international prospect, Vlatko Cancar, a wing that can shoot the ball some and should grow into a weapon in that respect. While not much of a playmaker by any means, Cancar is capable off the dribble, at least when given a path to the rim. Defensively, Cancar lacks great physical tools but is smart and gives good effort. Overall, Cancar has potential to be a solid shoot off the bench but it is harder to see how he becomes more than that, though the Nuggets will certainly give him time to try over in Europe.
Two picks later, the Nuggets drafted one of the best players in college basketball, Monte Morris. Despite handling the ball as the lead guard in a fast, wide-open system at Iowa State, Morris had an historically great assist-to-turnover ratio, a testament to his intelligence, ball-handling, and passing ability. Morris isn't a great athlete and will probably never be a good defender or finisher, however he is such a solid passer and ball-handler as well as a knockdown shooter, I bet he'll end up making it in the league despite the poor record of lower second round picks making it in the NBA.
What They Need Going Forward
Though they have been rumored to be trying to trade for Paul George and Kevin Love, what the Nuggets really need to be doing is using their cap space to sign an impact player or two that won't also compromise their prodigious young talent. Paul Millsap is the obvious choice here and a fit that makes so much sense and will likely be the first call they make when free agency starts.
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Toronto Raptors Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Cory Joseph/Delon Wright/Fred VanVleet
SG: DeMar DeRozan/Norman Powell
SF: DeMarre Carroll/OG Anunoby*
PF: Pascal Siakam/Bruno Caboclo
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Lucas Nogueira
*When healthy
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Kyle Lowry
C Serge Ibaka
F Patrick Patterson
F PJ Tucker
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-23 OG Anunoby, SF/PF Indiana
The Raptors got a player many had projected as a lottery pick but who fell because of a knee injury and concerns about his offensive abilities. Anunoby is an elite defensive prospect, with long arms, strength, and (before the injury at least) tremendous all-around athletic ability. Anunoby could potentially guard all five positions, including point guards (see his defensive performace against Jamal Murray) and centers, once he bulks up a little more, he's already weighs in the 230s and could another 10-20 pounds easily. Where the question marks begin are his offense. Anunoby is an explosive finisher at the rim but needs an open lane or a shot created by someone else to get there. As a shooter, Anunoby made .365% of his career 74 college threes, but only shoot .311% in his last season and is a bad free throw shooter as well (career .522%) so there are serious worries that he'll never be a shooter or offensive threat in general. However, if Anunoby can become even a 34% three point shooter at a minimum, he'll be one of the best 3-and-D players in the league, though that is where his upside likely ends. Even if he can't shoot, Anunoby could still carve out a Luc Richard Mbah a Moute-like career due to his high level defense. For years the Raptors have been looking for a guy to defend the LeBron James' (or even the Joe Johnson's and Paul Pierce's) of the world, but have been unable to find that guy. Anunoby really could be that guy, unfortunately his arrival is coinciding with perhaps the closing of the Raptors window.
What They Need Going Forward
The Raptors need to figure out if they're going to continue to go for it or are going to start a soft rebuild. If the former, then bringing back Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka are priorities, if the latter then they'd probably want to move on and look to trade Jonas Valanciunas and maybe even DeMar DeRozan. They'll also probably be looking for depth signings on the wing and at guard, where a Kyle Lowry departure would really mess with their team structure.
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PG: Cory Joseph/Delon Wright/Fred VanVleet
SG: DeMar DeRozan/Norman Powell
SF: DeMarre Carroll/OG Anunoby*
PF: Pascal Siakam/Bruno Caboclo
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Lucas Nogueira
*When healthy
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Kyle Lowry
C Serge Ibaka
F Patrick Patterson
F PJ Tucker
Restricted
None
Who They Drafted
1-23 OG Anunoby, SF/PF Indiana
The Raptors got a player many had projected as a lottery pick but who fell because of a knee injury and concerns about his offensive abilities. Anunoby is an elite defensive prospect, with long arms, strength, and (before the injury at least) tremendous all-around athletic ability. Anunoby could potentially guard all five positions, including point guards (see his defensive performace against Jamal Murray) and centers, once he bulks up a little more, he's already weighs in the 230s and could another 10-20 pounds easily. Where the question marks begin are his offense. Anunoby is an explosive finisher at the rim but needs an open lane or a shot created by someone else to get there. As a shooter, Anunoby made .365% of his career 74 college threes, but only shoot .311% in his last season and is a bad free throw shooter as well (career .522%) so there are serious worries that he'll never be a shooter or offensive threat in general. However, if Anunoby can become even a 34% three point shooter at a minimum, he'll be one of the best 3-and-D players in the league, though that is where his upside likely ends. Even if he can't shoot, Anunoby could still carve out a Luc Richard Mbah a Moute-like career due to his high level defense. For years the Raptors have been looking for a guy to defend the LeBron James' (or even the Joe Johnson's and Paul Pierce's) of the world, but have been unable to find that guy. Anunoby really could be that guy, unfortunately his arrival is coinciding with perhaps the closing of the Raptors window.
What They Need Going Forward
The Raptors need to figure out if they're going to continue to go for it or are going to start a soft rebuild. If the former, then bringing back Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka are priorities, if the latter then they'd probably want to move on and look to trade Jonas Valanciunas and maybe even DeMar DeRozan. They'll also probably be looking for depth signings on the wing and at guard, where a Kyle Lowry departure would really mess with their team structure.
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Philadelphia 76ers Draft Review
Current Roster
PG: Markelle Fultz/TJ McConnell/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Nik Stauskas/Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot/Furkan Korkmaz
SF: Robert Covington/James Anderson/Gerald Henderson
PF: Ben Simmons/Dario Saric/Jonah Bolden
C: Joel Embiid/Richaun Holmes/Jahlil Okafor
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Sergio Rodriguez
C Tiago Splitter
Restricted
F Alex Poythress
Who They Drafted
1-1 Markelle Fultz, PG Washington
1-25 Anzejs Pasecniks, C Gran Canaria
2-36 Jonah Bolden, SF/PF Beograd
2-50 Mathias Lessort, C Nanterre
The 76ers traded their own first round pick, plus another future pick, for the number one overall pick in order to draft Markelle Fults, the best prospect in the draft. Fultz. along with Ben Simmons, gives the Sixers two high level shot creators that can run pick-and-roll, iso, and score in transition. And that doesn't even mention the highest upside player on their roster, Joel Embiid, who could average 20-10 and win DPOY. In Fultz, the Sixers have an ideal partner from Embiid and Simmons, a guard that is just as comfortable on the ball, creating shots for himself and teammates, as he is off the ball. Fultz has tremendous physical tools, but has yet to translate that into defensive acumen; it will be important for head coach Brett Brown to work with Fultz to improve his energy level and commitment on defense.
With their final three picks, the Sixers opted for long term flexibility by drafting three International prospects, only one of which seems like they'd possibly be on the roster next season. Philadelphia also did an excellent job getting talented players, all of whom could make the NBA one day, while retaining future flexibility. The first player they drafted was 7-2 Latvian big man Anzejs Pasecniks, who has been unfairly (for both of them) compared to Kristaps Porzingis. Despite his size, Pasecniks is a fluid athlete that can move on the perimeter defensively and make coordinated moves to and at the basket, where he is athletic enough to finish above the rim. Pasecniks has shown some outside touch as a shooter but it isn't a weapon yet. Where he needs the most work is getting stronger, which will aid his ability as a defender at the rim, rebounder, and post player. It may be a couple years before his is ready to play in the NBA, but athletic big men Pasecniks' size don't grow on trees.
Their second international pick was Jonah Bolden, who was born in Australia to American and Egyptian parents before going to college at UCLA, which didn't work out, so he went to Europe before entering this year's draft. Bolden is an athletic big man with a nice perimeter game. Bolden shot .405% on 168 three-pointers, from the deeper but not quite NBA, three-point line. In addition to his shot, Bolden has demonstrated an ability to create shots for himself at 6-10, so much so that he could easily play small forward, power forward, and even small-ball center, his value would be much higher if he could play the latter two spots. He's also an athlete that can finish well above the rim on lobs and in transition. The main hurdle to Bolden playing power forward or center is how much he is will to do the big man things, like rebounding, setting screen, and playing defense. He's got the physical ability, and with his quickness could be an excellent defensive player, but Bolden seems much more comfortable and willing to be a finesse, perimeter player and not to mix it up inside or play with much energy or force defensively. He's also got to demonstrate willingness to play within a team concept and not hijack the offense for his own benefit. If is all clicks, Bolden could be a shot creating 4/5 that can shoot from the outside, attack off the dribble, and defend multiple positions. However, as previously laid out there are some definite hurdles to overcome.
The Sixers last pick could easily have gone in the late first round for a team looking to stash. French big man Mathias Lessort is a strong, atheltic big man that makes his hay rebounding, playing defense, and finishing plays at the basket. He's not a natural scorer or shot creator and will likely be finishing plays only in the NBA, not starting them. Where he will be valuable in the NBA is as a center who can switch, defend pick-and-roll, protect the rim, and rebound. Basically a modern NBA center.
What They Need Going Forward
The Sixers have a lot of money to spend but will likely save most of it long term to use on extensions for their current players. They have four locked in starters and solid bench depth all around, but the one area they are lacking a starting shooting guard, preferably one that can defend and make threes. Potential options include JJ Redick, CJ Miles, Tony Snell, or even Tony Allen would all work, though some would fit better than others.
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PG: Markelle Fultz/TJ McConnell/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Nik Stauskas/Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot/Furkan Korkmaz
SF: Robert Covington/James Anderson/Gerald Henderson
PF: Ben Simmons/Dario Saric/Jonah Bolden
C: Joel Embiid/Richaun Holmes/Jahlil Okafor
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Sergio Rodriguez
C Tiago Splitter
Restricted
F Alex Poythress
Who They Drafted
1-1 Markelle Fultz, PG Washington
1-25 Anzejs Pasecniks, C Gran Canaria
2-36 Jonah Bolden, SF/PF Beograd
2-50 Mathias Lessort, C Nanterre
The 76ers traded their own first round pick, plus another future pick, for the number one overall pick in order to draft Markelle Fults, the best prospect in the draft. Fultz. along with Ben Simmons, gives the Sixers two high level shot creators that can run pick-and-roll, iso, and score in transition. And that doesn't even mention the highest upside player on their roster, Joel Embiid, who could average 20-10 and win DPOY. In Fultz, the Sixers have an ideal partner from Embiid and Simmons, a guard that is just as comfortable on the ball, creating shots for himself and teammates, as he is off the ball. Fultz has tremendous physical tools, but has yet to translate that into defensive acumen; it will be important for head coach Brett Brown to work with Fultz to improve his energy level and commitment on defense.
With their final three picks, the Sixers opted for long term flexibility by drafting three International prospects, only one of which seems like they'd possibly be on the roster next season. Philadelphia also did an excellent job getting talented players, all of whom could make the NBA one day, while retaining future flexibility. The first player they drafted was 7-2 Latvian big man Anzejs Pasecniks, who has been unfairly (for both of them) compared to Kristaps Porzingis. Despite his size, Pasecniks is a fluid athlete that can move on the perimeter defensively and make coordinated moves to and at the basket, where he is athletic enough to finish above the rim. Pasecniks has shown some outside touch as a shooter but it isn't a weapon yet. Where he needs the most work is getting stronger, which will aid his ability as a defender at the rim, rebounder, and post player. It may be a couple years before his is ready to play in the NBA, but athletic big men Pasecniks' size don't grow on trees.
Their second international pick was Jonah Bolden, who was born in Australia to American and Egyptian parents before going to college at UCLA, which didn't work out, so he went to Europe before entering this year's draft. Bolden is an athletic big man with a nice perimeter game. Bolden shot .405% on 168 three-pointers, from the deeper but not quite NBA, three-point line. In addition to his shot, Bolden has demonstrated an ability to create shots for himself at 6-10, so much so that he could easily play small forward, power forward, and even small-ball center, his value would be much higher if he could play the latter two spots. He's also an athlete that can finish well above the rim on lobs and in transition. The main hurdle to Bolden playing power forward or center is how much he is will to do the big man things, like rebounding, setting screen, and playing defense. He's got the physical ability, and with his quickness could be an excellent defensive player, but Bolden seems much more comfortable and willing to be a finesse, perimeter player and not to mix it up inside or play with much energy or force defensively. He's also got to demonstrate willingness to play within a team concept and not hijack the offense for his own benefit. If is all clicks, Bolden could be a shot creating 4/5 that can shoot from the outside, attack off the dribble, and defend multiple positions. However, as previously laid out there are some definite hurdles to overcome.
The Sixers last pick could easily have gone in the late first round for a team looking to stash. French big man Mathias Lessort is a strong, atheltic big man that makes his hay rebounding, playing defense, and finishing plays at the basket. He's not a natural scorer or shot creator and will likely be finishing plays only in the NBA, not starting them. Where he will be valuable in the NBA is as a center who can switch, defend pick-and-roll, protect the rim, and rebound. Basically a modern NBA center.
What They Need Going Forward
The Sixers have a lot of money to spend but will likely save most of it long term to use on extensions for their current players. They have four locked in starters and solid bench depth all around, but the one area they are lacking a starting shooting guard, preferably one that can defend and make threes. Potential options include JJ Redick, CJ Miles, Tony Snell, or even Tony Allen would all work, though some would fit better than others.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
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