Current Roster
PG: Dennis Schroder/Malcolm Delaney
SG: Kent Bazemore/Marco Belinelli/Tyler Dorsey
SF: Taurean Prince/DeAndre Bembry/Mike Dunleavy
PF: John Collins/Ryan Kelly
C: Miles Plumlee/Alpha Kaba
2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Jose Calderon
F Paul Millsap (player option)
F Kris Humphries
F Ersan Ilyasova
C Mike Muscala
G Thabo Sefolosha
Restricted
G Tim Hardaway Jr.
Who They Drafted
1-19 John Collins, PF/C Wake Forest
2-41 Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon
2-60 Alpha Kaba, C Mega Bemax
Collins is an extremely active big man with tremendous quickness and bounce, attributes he used to his advantage when it came to rebounding the ball and scoring around the basket. Collins has shown more range to his game at times, but it would be unfair to expect much floor spacing from him starting out. For Atlanta, which bases a lot of its offense on spacing the floor, this is an interesting fit and you might seem him playing more like a center on offense, setting screen and hanging out around the dunker spot, while Mike Muscala (if he resigns) will plays as the four, spacing the floor, while guarding the other teams center. Defensively, Collins needs a lot of work but the Hawks should be encouraged by the fact that it isn't a matter of effort, Collins has always played hard, he just needs to learn how to play defense. Even with a sorter wingspan and not really knowing what they heck he was doing defensively, Collins still managed to block 2.4 shots per 40 minutes. Whether or not Collins can become more of a energy backup big (think Kenneth Faried) will depend a lot on how his defense and shooting progress. Still, getting a Kenneth Faried level of player with the 19th pick isn't too shabby.
Dorsey is similar to Hawks restricted free agent in that he loves to get up shots and can heat up quickly. The Hawks may see Dorsey as a Hardaway insurance policy, at least giving them another shooter that can fill in spot minutes and space the floor when need be. Unlike Hardaway, however, Dorsey doesn't have much in the way of size or athletic ability and isn't dynamic off the dribble, meaning he is limited likely to guarding point guards, but without the ability to play that position on offense. The Hawks make use of a lot of ball movement in their offense, but not so much that they can really play without a point guard, nor do they have non-point guard primary creator that could allow Dorsey on the floor. Again, he can really shoot it and is worth the chance the Hawks took on him (though there were players drafted after him that I think were better) but it will take improvement in other areas for that shooting to make its way onto the floor.
Kaba was a hot prospect a couple years ago, when teams were desperately searching for the "next Giannis." None of that really materialized, though Kaba is freakishly long (7-5+ wingspan) and was productive in the Adriatic league at just 20 years old, averaging 17.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per 40 minutes. He is fairly mobile but not a vertically explosive athlete, giving him more potential as ground-bound, smooth moving defender than a dominating rim protector, despite his length. Offensively, he doesn't have a standout skill, he finds space in the pick-and-roll well but isn't a great finisher and doesn't have consistent range offensively. This is an obvious draft-and-stash situation for the Hawks and with the final pick in the draft, it is hard to ask for more than a young, long, productive big man as a potential lottery ticket.
What They Need Going Forward
If Paul Millsap moves on, as the signs seem to be pointing, the Hawks should prioritize bringing back Mike Muscala and Tim Hardaway Jr. on reasonable deals. Aside from those two, it is hard to see the case for the Hawks bringing back any of their other free agents if they are intent on rebuilding. Even if they resign Muscala, the Hawks will need big man depth. The Hawks have a lot of young wings, but could look to sign a cheap veteran as a mentor, but should avoid overspending at any position. Are they content with Malcolm Delaney? If not a veteran point guard could be brought in. The Hawks are in an interesting position, if they truly are rebuilding that it shouldn't be hard to bottom out, but are they willing to stomach that in a fickle market? Time will tell.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Showing posts with label tyler dorsey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tyler dorsey. Show all posts
Friday, June 23, 2017
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
2017 NBA Draft: 5 Second Round Sleepers
Monte Morris, PG Iowa State (6-2½, 170) Age: 22
As a senior, Monte Morris posted an assist percentage over 30 (32%), a turnover percentage under 10 (7.5%), and a usage rate over 20 (22.8), benchmarks that only three players in NBA history playing more than a thousand minutes have reached, add in Morris' career three-point percentage of 38% and you get down to one player (Tracy McGrady). Obviously, that doesn't mean Monte Morris is going to be some NBA historical anomaly but it does show that he can handle and pass the ball a ton while turning the ball over very little. Morris is also a good three-point shooter and, despite his slight frame is a decent finisher (.659%) and two-point shooter (career .517%). With a 6-4 wingspan and good quickness but mediocre vertical explosiveness (33½ max vert), there are questions about how Morris will defend and finish at the NBA level and that is the reason he isn't a first round pick despite those special offensive numbers. However, as a backup point guard that can be relied upon to run a consistently productive second unit offense, Morris should have a lot of takers in the second round. Best Fit: Chicago Bulls, pick 38
Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State (6-6¾, 193) Age: 22
A classic wing that can comfortable switch between the guard and forward positions, Wesley Iwundu has a lot going for him that modern NBA teams are looking for. The place to start with Iwundu is his physical tools: standing a shade under 6-7 and sporting a 7-1 wingspan, he has the size and elite length that give him numerous advantages on both ends of the court. Offensively, Iwundu has enough quickness and ball-handling to get to the rim quite frequently, something he did last season, shooting 43% of his shots at the rim, however he needs to improve as a finisher (.625%). While not a lead playmaker by any stretch, Iwundu has developed into a good and willing passer (.229 AST %). Pretty much a non-shooter before his Senior year, Iwundu made big strides in that area, making ,376% of his threes. This will be a key area for Iwundu to continue to improve at the NBA level, as with many prospects he may live and die by his jumper. Defensively, Iwundu needs to play tougher against bigger players but is still hard to deal with on that end do to his length and quickness. While Iwundu doesn't stand out in any one area, his ability to be average at many skills while having the size and length to comfortably play on the wing means he is a valuable commodity.
Best Fit: New Orleans Pelicans, pick 40
Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon (6-4½, 183) Age: 21
As much as we are fascinated with other aspects of basketball, the single more important skill a player can have is to be able to create and make a basket. Tyler Dorsey can do that. Dorsey, much like the much more highly rated Malik Monk, excels at getting his won shot from a variety of places on the floor, though he prefers scoring from beyond the three-point line, taking over half of his shots from there last season (.514) and making them at a high rate (.423%). Though he is excellent as a catch and shoot player, Dorsey also does a good job creating space to get his shot up through step-backs and quick dribble moves. For three-point focused player, Dorsey was fair from two-point range (.513%) though his lack of great physical tools will likely mean he struggles at the rim, if he can get there. Dorsey's shot making (which has shown the ability to do on the big stage) will need to be backed up by some other skills, be it ball-handling or defense, that allows his to stay on the floor. His size says he defends point guards, but that is not a position he can play on offense, therefore he might fit best alongside another playmaker that doesn't play point guard, allowing him to guard point guards but play off the ball on offense.
Best Fit: Philadelphia 76ers, pick 46
Sterling Brown, SG/SF SMU (6-5, 225) Age: 22
Switching has become the new in-vogue NBA defense (and for good reason, it works) but the supply of players that are actually able to switch onto bigger or smaller players hasn't quite met the demand yet. Enter Sterling Brown (brother of former NBAer Shannon Brown) who the size, strength, and length to guard a number of positions defensively. With a 6-9½ wingspan, very good feet, lateral quickness, and a toughness to go up against bigger players both defending in the post and on the glass. Brown appears to be a player who can guard 1-4 on switches and even play some small ball power forward himself. Offensively, Brown's best skill is his jumper, which he has converted at a .451% rate over 284 career attempts. He is also a solid ball-mover and not a selfish player with a good IQ on the court. The rest of his offensive game, particularly off the dribble, isn't very advanced, but that isn't what you draft him for, you draft him as a versatile 3-and-D wing that can guard and play multiple positions. Think PJ Tucker but a better shooter.
Best Fit: Phoenix Suns, pick 32
Cameron Oliver, PF/C Nevada (6-8¼, 239) Age: 20
The first thing about Cameron Oliver that stands out is his physical frame, which looks exactly as a NBA power forward should, with the strength and length (7-1+ wingspan) to hold his own against the biggest NBA bodies. Oliver is also a explosive leaper, measuring a 39½ inch max vertical leap, a tremendous number for a player his size. Offensively, Oliver has flashed quite a bit of ability as a shooter, making .384% of 172 attempts from deep last season. His physical gifts also makes him a serious threat around the rim on lobs and putbacks. Defensively and on the glass, again his tools give Oliver a lot of potential and he was productive at Nevada (10.9 rebounds, 3.3 blocks per 40). So why isn't Oliver considered a lock first rounder? Well he is still a raw player that needs seasoning as far as his on court IQ is concerned to maximize his potential and his overall game just needs more polish. Due to this, Oliver is more of a project than many teams want to deal with to deal with, however based on the skills he has flashed and the physical upside, a smart team will be patient and season him in the G-League and reap the rewards.
Best Fit: Sacramento Kings, pick 34
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
As a senior, Monte Morris posted an assist percentage over 30 (32%), a turnover percentage under 10 (7.5%), and a usage rate over 20 (22.8), benchmarks that only three players in NBA history playing more than a thousand minutes have reached, add in Morris' career three-point percentage of 38% and you get down to one player (Tracy McGrady). Obviously, that doesn't mean Monte Morris is going to be some NBA historical anomaly but it does show that he can handle and pass the ball a ton while turning the ball over very little. Morris is also a good three-point shooter and, despite his slight frame is a decent finisher (.659%) and two-point shooter (career .517%). With a 6-4 wingspan and good quickness but mediocre vertical explosiveness (33½ max vert), there are questions about how Morris will defend and finish at the NBA level and that is the reason he isn't a first round pick despite those special offensive numbers. However, as a backup point guard that can be relied upon to run a consistently productive second unit offense, Morris should have a lot of takers in the second round. Best Fit: Chicago Bulls, pick 38
Wesley Iwundu, SG/SF Kansas State (6-6¾, 193) Age: 22
A classic wing that can comfortable switch between the guard and forward positions, Wesley Iwundu has a lot going for him that modern NBA teams are looking for. The place to start with Iwundu is his physical tools: standing a shade under 6-7 and sporting a 7-1 wingspan, he has the size and elite length that give him numerous advantages on both ends of the court. Offensively, Iwundu has enough quickness and ball-handling to get to the rim quite frequently, something he did last season, shooting 43% of his shots at the rim, however he needs to improve as a finisher (.625%). While not a lead playmaker by any stretch, Iwundu has developed into a good and willing passer (.229 AST %). Pretty much a non-shooter before his Senior year, Iwundu made big strides in that area, making ,376% of his threes. This will be a key area for Iwundu to continue to improve at the NBA level, as with many prospects he may live and die by his jumper. Defensively, Iwundu needs to play tougher against bigger players but is still hard to deal with on that end do to his length and quickness. While Iwundu doesn't stand out in any one area, his ability to be average at many skills while having the size and length to comfortably play on the wing means he is a valuable commodity.
Best Fit: New Orleans Pelicans, pick 40
Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon (6-4½, 183) Age: 21
As much as we are fascinated with other aspects of basketball, the single more important skill a player can have is to be able to create and make a basket. Tyler Dorsey can do that. Dorsey, much like the much more highly rated Malik Monk, excels at getting his won shot from a variety of places on the floor, though he prefers scoring from beyond the three-point line, taking over half of his shots from there last season (.514) and making them at a high rate (.423%). Though he is excellent as a catch and shoot player, Dorsey also does a good job creating space to get his shot up through step-backs and quick dribble moves. For three-point focused player, Dorsey was fair from two-point range (.513%) though his lack of great physical tools will likely mean he struggles at the rim, if he can get there. Dorsey's shot making (which has shown the ability to do on the big stage) will need to be backed up by some other skills, be it ball-handling or defense, that allows his to stay on the floor. His size says he defends point guards, but that is not a position he can play on offense, therefore he might fit best alongside another playmaker that doesn't play point guard, allowing him to guard point guards but play off the ball on offense.
Best Fit: Philadelphia 76ers, pick 46
Sterling Brown, SG/SF SMU (6-5, 225) Age: 22
Switching has become the new in-vogue NBA defense (and for good reason, it works) but the supply of players that are actually able to switch onto bigger or smaller players hasn't quite met the demand yet. Enter Sterling Brown (brother of former NBAer Shannon Brown) who the size, strength, and length to guard a number of positions defensively. With a 6-9½ wingspan, very good feet, lateral quickness, and a toughness to go up against bigger players both defending in the post and on the glass. Brown appears to be a player who can guard 1-4 on switches and even play some small ball power forward himself. Offensively, Brown's best skill is his jumper, which he has converted at a .451% rate over 284 career attempts. He is also a solid ball-mover and not a selfish player with a good IQ on the court. The rest of his offensive game, particularly off the dribble, isn't very advanced, but that isn't what you draft him for, you draft him as a versatile 3-and-D wing that can guard and play multiple positions. Think PJ Tucker but a better shooter.
Best Fit: Phoenix Suns, pick 32
Cameron Oliver, PF/C Nevada (6-8¼, 239) Age: 20
The first thing about Cameron Oliver that stands out is his physical frame, which looks exactly as a NBA power forward should, with the strength and length (7-1+ wingspan) to hold his own against the biggest NBA bodies. Oliver is also a explosive leaper, measuring a 39½ inch max vertical leap, a tremendous number for a player his size. Offensively, Oliver has flashed quite a bit of ability as a shooter, making .384% of 172 attempts from deep last season. His physical gifts also makes him a serious threat around the rim on lobs and putbacks. Defensively and on the glass, again his tools give Oliver a lot of potential and he was productive at Nevada (10.9 rebounds, 3.3 blocks per 40). So why isn't Oliver considered a lock first rounder? Well he is still a raw player that needs seasoning as far as his on court IQ is concerned to maximize his potential and his overall game just needs more polish. Due to this, Oliver is more of a project than many teams want to deal with to deal with, however based on the skills he has flashed and the physical upside, a smart team will be patient and season him in the G-League and reap the rewards.
Best Fit: Sacramento Kings, pick 34
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)