2021 NBA Draft Safari

[Smooth]

I know size and defense, especially in the backcourt, has been a talking point ever since we acquired Sexton, and even more so after Garland, but from an outside perspective, this draft class looks pretty well stocked with guards to complement these two with size..

 

[RchfldCavRaised]

Even though Salt Lake is KILLING the Ignite right now, I love the way Kuminga is still being aggressive without the ball falling for him (I think he's 3-11 right now)

Green hasnt had a impact on this game but as I'm typing this, he just got a defensive stop and a contested layup on a pass from Jarrett Jack.

There is ALOT you can learn from these young prospects when their team is getting their shorts blown off.

For instance: I didnt like the way Ben Simmons would sulk and drop his head when LSU ran into trouble during his freshman year. They had a chance to play for the seed in the tourney if they could make noise in the SEC tourney and Simmons seemingly gave up and was giving me bad body language in a couple late games with his team seeking a tourney seed.

Kuminga and Green both are digging in and playing like they are capable of turning this game around, and I love that for both of their (Green just got fouled on a step back 3 as I'm typing this) development.

I think both of these guys are franchise level prospects

 

[RchfldCavRaised]

As I'm typing, Green is starting to take this game over

9 straight from him brings the deficit to 9 and Ignite has a spring in their step now

 

[Nathan S]

As I'm typing, Green is starting to take this game over

9 straight from him brings the deficit to 9 and Ignite has a spring in their step now

I think he's in the dictionary under "explosive scorer"

 

[MD13]

As I'm typing, Green is starting to take this game over

9 straight from him brings the deficit to 9 and Ignite has a spring in their step now

That crossover stepback 3 was all kinds of nasty. If he adds a pullup and stepback 3 into his arsenal, forget about trying to guard this guy in the league. He's going to be a perennial 25 ppg scorer in that case.

 

[RchfldCavRaised]

That crossover stepback 3 was all kinds of nasty. If he adds a pullup and stepback 3 into his arsenal, forget about trying to guard this guy in the league. He's going to be a perennial 25 ppg scorer in that case.

This was a carbon copy of the move Tatum just pulled off on Josh Hart a few days ago

 

[MD13]

This was a carbon copy of the move Tatum just pulled off on Josh Hart a few days ago

He's got that rare explosiveness where even good NBA defenders will need to give him space or else he'll just blow by them. If he hits those 3s, it's over.

On another note, I get pissed off watching Nix play. This whole ignite experience is basically a job interview. He's obviously skilled, but he's over 10 lbs overweight and it really shows in his lack of explosiveness.

 

[RchfldCavRaised]

On another note, I get pissed off watching Nix play. This whole ignite experience is basically a job interview. He's obviously skilled, but he's over 10 lbs overweight and it really shows in his lack of explosiveness.

Agreed

He really should have either gone to school where he could have be held accountable for getting into shape or hired a coach/nutritionalist and made a commitment to making sure he was in the best shape for his own draft benefit.

He's giving me 6'5/6'6 Khalid El Amin out there

I cant gauge his athleticism because he's obviously out of shape. As a fat pg, he scares me because he's running flat footed like Kendall Marshall used to

I like Isaiah Todd though. Coming here was good for him.

 

["MVP"]

Next Thursday, Ignite vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers. KPJ vs. Jalen Green. Could be as must-see TV as a G-League game has ever been.

Assuming KPJ is still there, of course.

 

[MD13]

Agreed

He really should have either gone to school where he could have be held accountable for getting into shape or hired a coach/nutritionalist and made a commitment to making sure he was in the best shape for his own draft benefit.

He's giving me 6'5/6'6 Khalid El Amin out there

I cant gauge his athleticism because he's obviously out of shape. As a fat pg, he scares me because he's running flat footed like Kendall Marshall used to

I like Isaiah Todd though. Coming here was good for him.

He's got absolutely no pick and roll or dribble drive game, and I'm not sure how much of it is limitations in his athleticism or the extra weight he's carrying. He obviously has a high IQ and has shown good skill in passing guys open, but right now he's a below average shooter and can't get to/finish inside consistently. Is that worth a late first, gambling you can get him in shape and the rest of his game shines? Maybe...

 

["MVP"]

That was actually really fun. The G-League Ignite was such a great move by the NBA.

Watching Kuminga, Jalen Green, and Isaiah Todd play with former NBA players & go against guys like Josh Green and Yogi Ferrell just makes it so much easier to see how their games will translate. I really like all three a lot. Excited for this trend to continue and grow.

 

[Muffinalt]

I definitely didn't see it coming. I remember looking at the RSCI rankings and being like "what's this non-shooting wing doing in the top-5 of a loaded class??" Now I understand...that playmaking ability, at 6'9", and with those wheels. You don't see it very often. He's gonna be very fun to watch in the NBA.

Allen - Nance - Barnes - Okoro - Sexton would be fun. Well we'd basically abandon the 3 ball by default but I'd just love to see that lineup on defensive.

 

[foucault87]

Allen - Nance - Barnes - Okoro - Sexton would be fun. Well we'd basically abandon the 3 ball by default but I'd just love to see that lineup on defensive.

You got some snipers there with sexton (or garland at point) and nance. And allen is 100% in his last 2!

 

[Randolphkeys]

I really love his game. Good call @Nathan S

When people talk about Point Forwards Barnes is the prototype. Reminds me so much of really young Draymond breaking through for Izzo. I remember his sophomore year like it was yesterday. He was stuck behind Raymar Morgan for his senior year from Canton McKinley, adn there was another upperclass wing that started all the games for Izzo so Draymond was the 6th man and as soon as he checked into games, he took over as point guard for little Lucas, he became the floor general in the mid-post offense and took on whoever was the toughest defensive matchup.

HE propelled them to the final four and B10 title that year playing the exact role Barnes is playing for Hamilton but coming off the bench like Hamilton used Pat Williams last year. He was a fat 6'4 power forward, Barnes is ideal size and in shape, but the similarities to their approach to the game and their ability to impact winning is the exact same. Get guys involved on offense, quarterback the defense while shutting the opposing teams best player down (Draymond made life hell for Gordan Hayward in that semifinal game before fouling out)

Mark my words... 5 years from now, we're going to be wondering how Scottie Barnes did not go after Mobley, Kuminga and Green as #4. He's going to be the guy who turns a solid roster/collection of talent into a 2 or 3 time champion if he gets to the right situation

Florida State is sneaking into my rotation for college hoops. They are recruiting well and developing players really well. I'd welcome Scotty Barnes happily on this team. Not sure if I take him over Jalen Suggs, but he's a player.

And I've mentioned this in another thread, but draft heads are sleeping on Marcus Zegarowski, and I think it's a mistake. He's still only 21. The game against Xavier this weekend should be epic.

EDIT - Shit, He's 22. Well, he is still a Delly-esque college point guard and damn entertaining.

 

[RchfldCavRaised]

Florida State is sneaking into my rotation for college hoops. They are recruiting well and developing players really well. I'd welcome Scotty Barnes happily on this team. Not sure if I take him over Jalen Suggs, but he's a player.

And I've mentioned this in another thread, but draft heads are sleeping on Marcus Zegarowski, and I think it's a mistake. He's still only 21.

I watch them every year. It's how I saw Patrick Williams early and called him sneaking up the lottery boards before he did it seemingly the last week or so before the draft. They always play a swarming defense that usually gets the best of Duke and it's what I use to gauge how good my UNC guards are and if I can count on a long tourney run.

About Scottie: Barnes is the reason they dismantled Virginia about a week ago. I dont remember the final score but FSU was up by 20 before I could blink and they did alot of damage with Barnes initiating their offense against Virginia's famous "packline" sagging man defense (which dares teams to shoot over the top). He was commanding doubles by backing his man down and just passing over the top of the double once the extra defender committed to him.

He's smart and patient and it's awesome watching the other 4 guys shut up and let him lead when he calls them into a huddle on the floor. Not often you see a true frosh forward command that from upperclassmen.

About Zegarowski: I just went and looked up your Zegarowski and I have to admit, I haven't seen him play at all. Didn't even know he was Big East Preseason Player of the Year. I trust you to find these diamond in the rough 2nd rd/UDFA's so now I'll have to watch a few Creighton games to see what this kid is about.
His brother Max is not happy about him not getting these postseason nominations on twitter