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2020 NBA Draft
- Thread starter blommen
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LackOfSkill
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I was just watching one of LaMelo's NBL games, and his team was playing against Cameron Oliver. Not sure if you remember him, but his statistical profile is pretty similar to Paul Reed's. Both have some similar strengths/weaknesses, though Reed is a smarter defender. Oliver's jumper and decision making pretty much failed him, two things that are at least question marks (though smaller) for Reed. I remember liking Oliver as a prospect, and have always been a little bit surprised he never ended up getting a shot in the league. I certainly have much higher expectations for Reed though.
blommen
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Y'all,
Isaac Okoro is going to be a lottery pick and deservedly so.
He has such great size and motor and defensively he's so smart for his relative experience level.
Offensively, what I really like about him so far is that he rarely seems to play himself into positions where he has to do something he's not comfortable with. It can come off as slightly passive at times because of how meassured his approach is, but the moment he finds himself in a clearly advantageous situation the dude fucking pounces on it. He generally won't be looking to break his man down off the dribble because that isn't his strong suit, so instead he'll pass the ball, move himself into a more advantageous position or match up and play to his strengths. He's a very willing passer, and even if he isn't a savant at that skill I think the fact that he prioritizes his own shot so relatively low allows him to constantly stay aware of open teammates. He's also progressing with his outside shot and while he's hardly a knock down shooter and isn't fully confident in it yet, you can tell that there's something to build off there.
He just projects this aura of a very smart basketball player, through and through. Even with his offensive limitations I think you can tell that there's a very calculated thought process behind everything he's doing.
Defensively it's the same thing. People outright disappear when he matches up with them. The same meassured approach sometimes means he won't pursue opportunities as aggressively as he could and maybe at times should, but considering where players his age normally are in figuring out that specific balancing act, it almost seems like a non-point.
Isaac Okoro is going to be a lottery pick and deservedly so.
He has such great size and motor and defensively he's so smart for his relative experience level.
Offensively, what I really like about him so far is that he rarely seems to play himself into positions where he has to do something he's not comfortable with. It can come off as slightly passive at times because of how meassured his approach is, but the moment he finds himself in a clearly advantageous situation the dude fucking pounces on it. He generally won't be looking to break his man down off the dribble because that isn't his strong suit, so instead he'll pass the ball, move himself into a more advantageous position or match up and play to his strengths. He's a very willing passer, and even if he isn't a savant at that skill I think the fact that he prioritizes his own shot so relatively low allows him to constantly stay aware of open teammates. He's also progressing with his outside shot and while he's hardly a knock down shooter and isn't fully confident in it yet, you can tell that there's something to build off there.
He just projects this aura of a very smart basketball player, through and through. Even with his offensive limitations I think you can tell that there's a very calculated thought process behind everything he's doing.
Defensively it's the same thing. People outright disappear when he matches up with them. The same meassured approach sometimes means he won't pursue opportunities as aggressively as he could and maybe at times should, but considering where players his age normally are in figuring out that specific balancing act, it almost seems like a non-point.
LackOfSkill
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I've watched all of the games Memphis has played thus far for Wiseman, but have come away pretty impressed with some of their less talked about freshman. Damion Baugh is a 6'4" guard with length + strength to be a tough defender. He's shown some solid passing ability so far as well, finding shooters on kick outs and in transition regularly. He's older for a freshman, but if he shoots it well the rest of the way I think he'll get more attention. I'd say he's somewhat in a similar mold as Tyrese Haliburton. I've not heard anyone discuss him yet anywhere, but think it's a name you'll hear more about.
DJ Jeffries is another guy that's had some impressive moments, but isn't talked about much. He's stuck between the wing/big spots as far as NBA size goes, but he just plays with a ton of energy. He's quick off his feet, which allows him impact the game on the glass on both ends. He can shoot it a little bit as well.
Those two guys have been far more impressive to me than some of the other freshman who get a little bit more attention - Boogie Ellis, Precious Achiuwa, Lester Quinones. They'll still be a team to watch when Wiseman goes out.
DJ Jeffries is another guy that's had some impressive moments, but isn't talked about much. He's stuck between the wing/big spots as far as NBA size goes, but he just plays with a ton of energy. He's quick off his feet, which allows him impact the game on the glass on both ends. He can shoot it a little bit as well.
Those two guys have been far more impressive to me than some of the other freshman who get a little bit more attention - Boogie Ellis, Precious Achiuwa, Lester Quinones. They'll still be a team to watch when Wiseman goes out.
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I am keeping an eye on him, as well as the Washington Huskies and USC's Onyeka Okongwu. There are a number of forwards who can play defense out of that grouping.
Impressive game from Hayes today, as he scored 24 points on 9/13 shooting to go with 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 clutch block on a potential game-tying layup. Another guy who would be a really nice fit next to Sexton or Garland in the backcourt.
LackOfSkill
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You appear to follow international basketball pretty closely. I recommend watching Israeli guard Yam Madar. And if you have seen him before I'd be curious your thoughts on him.
Haven't bought any subscriptions this year, so I'm limited to looking at box scores, watching highlights, and reading recaps. Don't know much about Madar, but he seems like a pure 1-position PG, which sort of rules him out as a potential target for the Cavs (at least IMO).
Sir'Dom Pointer
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Yam Madar will get murdered on the defensive end. He is way too skinny. I like his talent, but he has long ways to go if he ever gets there. Putting his physical profile aside, he needs to become a much better and more willing 3pt shooter. Dont see how he even declares.
Muffinalt
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Very interested in him too. If he can prove to be a floor spacer and a multi positional defender he'll be a hot commodity.
LackOfSkill
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Yea was just speaking in general, not for the Cavs. I noticed you follow international and was hoping you’d seen more. Keep those international posts coming! I know he’s set to face Maccabi soon, so that may be one to watch for.
In the time since I posted about him, ESPN had a small write up on him in their draft stock update article, so he’s catching others’ eyes too.
Not always on top of sleepers with the exception of Pokusevski this year, who's quite interesting. I do keep track of international guys who have a real chance to end up in my end-of-season top-20 or so. Lot of them this year.
Maledon got back on track today against Efes with 10 points, 7 dimes, and no turnovers in 16 minutes off the bench. Hopefully he can build on that. Check out his wheels on this play:
Last year I mentioned that Kaleb Wesson has some hidden upside (especially defensively) if he ever gets in better physical shape. Starting to see some of that this season. If he can be a decent rim protector, he checks a lot of boxes for a modern center.