2021 NBA Draft Safari

[Nathan S]

In the possession era, there's been just two 3/4 wing types with a per 100 assist rate above 7 (Kyle Anderson and Ben Simmons). It seems to take a really unique mix of usage and ast% for a wing to maintain a rate that high.....maybe Scottie will maintain that......but I think the focus on it pulling back isn't necessarily the point. Maybe it stays the same.

Putting that aside, he still doesn't exhibit the type of non scoring impact you'd want in someone who is going to be a complimentary player IMO. He can't shoot, he doesn't score efficiently and it doesn't look like he has self creation potential at the NBA level. He has tools and an interesting frame, I just don't find the type of off ball player he is likely to be to be particularly valuable if he can't shoot at all. What do you envision him doing at the NBA level on offense?

In general though, I am honestly fascinated to watch players whose profiles go against typical NBA convention, for their projected draft position and likely role at the NBA level. Will be curious to see how he ends up compared to past players with similar frames / impact output.

I guess I see two questions here:

1. How good a passer is he, really? As you point out, he on course for one of the all-time best passing seasons by a SF/PF freshman. If he continues that way, that's certainly interesting.

2. Is he a capable slasher? The physical tools and ballhandling are there...but does he have the touch as a finisher? Can he hit at least 60% from the line to capitalize on those opportunities? As I've pointed out with Cade, you have to be able to put pressure on the defense to fully unlock your passing potential.

Another question, of course, is whether he's a total non-shooter at the NBA level, or if he has some potential to punish teams for leaving him wide open on the 3-point line. I'm leaning toward him being a non-shooter at the moment, but sample sizes are certainly too small to make that call definitively.

 

[I'mWithDan]

Yeah......and I don't want to go too far down the rabbit hole here on Barnes but to me, this is what I am trying to underscore......if he is an off ball, non scoring type, he really lags similar toolsy guys who have defensive range.

Granted, his passing is a very unique skill......but he kind of just doesn't do many other things to a level you would expect for a lottery guy.

A lot of season.....but he just really lags in areas like GS/ADJ (impact less scoring), PPFGA and even hustle, for a guy of his size, length and athleticism. The above positive outcome player had similar shooting profile, similar defensive profile, not in the same league as a passer but still just produced a lot of possession based impact without scoring.

I always like to hear the arguments / opinions on players like this (Barnes)......because NBA teams are obviously watching him closely and he does have a lot of mock draft buzz. So hearing why his data maybe doesn't tell a complete picture is interesting to me. Maybe he is similar to Okoro......where you just watch him play and kind of scratch your head as to why his analytical profile isn't better.

 

[Nathan S]

FSU's a 1-point underdog today against an extremely skilled and active Clemson defense. Will be a nice test for Barnes and co, shame it's at the same time as the Cavs game.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

FSU's a 1-point underdog today against an extremely skilled and active Clemson defense. Will be a nice test for Barnes and co, shame it's at the same time as the Cavs game.

It's time for a second monitor Nathan

 

[Nathan S]

It's time for a second monitor Nathan

Are there any prospects worth watching in internationally? Garuba and Badji haven't developed at all since last year. Jokubaitis and Prkačin are kinda fun but realistically seem like late 20's picks at the very best. I can't remember the last time there was such a total lack of international talent.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

Are there any prospects worth watching in internationally? Garuba and Badji haven't developed at all since last year. Jokubaitis and Prkačin are kinda fun but realistically seem like late 20's picks at the very best. I can't remember the last time there was such a total lack of international talent.

Garuba started shooting some 3's.

I just don't think this international crop is worth much tbh.

 

[Nathan S]

Garuba started shooting some 3's.

I just don't think this international crop is worth much tbh.

Yeah, was hoping he'd follow up his career game against Berlin with another solid start today against Efes...but no such luck. Unless his 3-point shot really becomes a consistent weapon he seems destined for a career as a situational defensive specialist.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

Yeah, was hoping he'd follow up his career game against Berlin with another solid start today against Efes...but no such luck. Unless his 3-point shot really becomes a consistent weapon he seems destined for a career as a situational defensive specialist.

Exactly.

 

[I'mWithDan]

One guy who I see bubbling up, who has an increasingly unique profile, is Jalen Wilson.

I'm honestly not sure what to make of him.......he kind of does nothing other than score and rebound......but for a small forward prospect, he does those two things exceptionally well. He's also a high volume 3PT shooter.

Does anyone have an opinion on him? I honestly just noticed him as I pulled in data from guys above specific position based scoring thresholds. I've heard little about him but he has a really strong scoring wing profile, for someone who really is just never talked about. And his shooting stroke looks pretty effortless.

 

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[I'mWithDan]

Is Joel Ayayi going to be one of those guys who has his value suppressed by a truly elite player, is under drafted but also ends up being a really good NBA player?

With Suggs out, he looked so sharp as the lead guy.

 

[blommen]

I think it’s moreso a Testament to how unbelievably good Gonzaga is top to bottom and how friendly it is to guards that push the tempo and Play off their bigs

 

[Nathan S]

I know Missou probably shouldn't be ranked #12, but this is still a super impressive beatdown by Tennessee.

EDIT: The sheer number of crazy-athleticism plays they make is nuts. You could make a top-10 plays highlight reel from this game and it'd probably be better than a top-10 from all other NCAA games today.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

One of my favorite players in the draft. Another one the Cavs should be looking at