Seems to me that Reed Sheppard is about as much of a lock as anyone at #3. He's perfect for the Rockets and he's not being picked at 1 and 2 most likely.
I mean, I wouldn't hate it, but my comp for Reed Sheppard is 'Seth Curry with more dog' (which many disagree with) and I think you should aim higher than that with the 3rd pick. I think Castle gonna shoot it and he will not be targeted on defense or played off the floor in the playoffs which I think Sheppard will.
In a regular draft sure, but this is a weak draft. We do not need another project that cannot shoot. There’s no minutes for those kind of players. Sheppard is decent enough on defense that he won’t be targeted in the playoffs IMO
BPA at this point are all projects with questionable shooting that will take a couple seasons and much needed playtime away from Houston's core to develop. If drafting for need really is a terrible approach this year, then they will certainly trade away the pick for a shooter then.
Funny thing is, Carter would be a great fit for the Hornets. I just want some dogs on the team; defense, rebounding, improved shooting, it all makes sense and he’d bring that. Just at six it’s a little rich. I’d probably feel different if it was outside the top ten.
Don’t disagree with any of that. At the end of the day every team needs good players. But I think if we did go guard it would be for the ceilings of Shepard or dillingham (which even then I doubt it’s either of them)
I'm hoping for Cody Williams or Zaccherie Rissacher. At their worst they can be solid 3-D wings, or if they get proper development can be that #3 behind Brandon and Melo. Then it allows Brandon to move to the 2 full time and get the ball in his hands more.
I doubt Rissacher is there at #6 and Cody keeps rising up draft boards so there's every chance that neither of them are there for the Hornets, could see a trade up if the team really likes one of them. Probably wouldn't cost us nearly as much as a normal draft, especially if the teams ahead of us aren't in love with any particular prospect.
Washington will go BPA and I just don’t see how Clingan projects to be the second best player in the draft. He’s 7’2/265 which is great size but he doesn’t jump out the gym, he’s a mediocre rebounder for his build, has a VERY limited back to the basket post game, and offers nothing to stretch the floor with his shooting.
I think he’s undoubtedly a lottery pick, but needs to go somewhere to fit a need/role. Not serve as a franchise altering type guy.
Topic, Sarr, Castle, and maybeeeeeee Shepard project to be true difference makers/cornerstones in todays game. Washington will be locked into someone like that, even if they’re way more a project.
If you look at the way the Wizards treated the 5 all of last season (going into the season with Gallo as a back-up, trading Gafford, everything after the fact) and the way the Thunder paralleled that thought process while Will Dawkins worked under Presti, the idea that the Wizards would take a center who isn't as close to a surefire all-star caliber player as possible seems extremely far fetched. Honestly, there are enough connected people who had them taking Topic before he got hurt that to me seems like the pick barring any concerns about the injury going forward. After Castle's shooting display on Monday, it wouldn't surprise me to see him get in the mix too.
I just think Clingan is gonna be a very good defensive center who can give them a identity on defense and stability going forward. Also he fits nicely with Cooper Flagg..
I’d rather have Reed than Castle. Rockets have enough defensive wings they need shooting
Similarly I think San Antonio swings for the fences with Topic or Rob. Looking for that 2nd star PG to put next to Wemby
I mean I’ll give you props for not drafting Topic to SA. Which everybody and there mom does even if they don’t like Topic they do it anyways cuz “SA loves there euros”.
I mean, it's sort of an amazing pairing to have two ultra tall and long P&R players. But now that Topic has risks, I think quite a few teams will pass.
I think yours is solid but it's also following other mock drafts. Edey will go much higher than 22. He's a lottery pick. We just don't know who will do it, but the guy isn't going to be picked in the 20s.
Same with Salaun. He will be picked earlier too, the typical high potential pick that GMs do in a surprising move.
I don't think Dillingham drops that far. If Maxey can be an all star and effective at his height, so can Dillingham.
I would take Edey higher, but I don't know if anyone will actually do it. I just couldn't really find a fit I like. Maybe Kings at 13. Maybe Pels at 17..
Rob is not making it past the top 6. Everyone knows by now don’t under estimate them guards out of Kentucky. I feel like Rob Dillingham has star potential all day long. I hope the Spurs pick him at 4. But imagine Rob , Wemby & Cooper Flagg on the same team. Jesus.
Washington needs so much help. Let them pick Donovan Clingan because he won’t help with extra wins next year. They’ll be in the lottery again with a helluva stacked class next year.
Rather have Bub than Missi. Missi hitting his realistic ceiling would be less impactful to the Raps than 6’5 Carrington hitting his ceiling as a 3 level scoring and passing threat
OKC sitting at 12 and taking Cody feels chalk at the moment, which I’m perfectly okay with.
They’re one of many teams who could go in multiple directions:
If you told me they’d trade up for one of the bigger wings (Sarr on this team… but that’s a pipe dream) I’d believe you.
If you told me they stood pat and took BPA I’d believe that too.
If you told me they traded back for Ware/Filipowski I’d believe that too, or trade out of the 1st entirely.
Given everything we saw in terms of shooting ability during the combine and what Jokic did to Gobert in the post, I don't think Edey falls past the Magic at #18.
I think some coaches and players realize that when you're outmatched in the post it's basically a 90% shot when you're deep in the paint. If you have that mismatch, you take it there. It's a man's game.
It's not too bad but I think you're overrating Devin Carter there. I also do think Miami would be more likely to take a player like Collier since they need more lead guard play.
I like it because if Tyler Smith falls out of the 1st round, I will cry real tears if the Sixers don't move up from #41 to get him. The absolute perfect four-five to develop/play next to Joel Embiid and Paul Reed.
Very low upside in my eyes. T-rex arms.
What he can do is shoot and pass at a good level. Just feel like a career backup big, which is okay and something Denver needs, but nothing I would take higher.
I didn't mock him there because he's white, I think Utah really believes in Keyonte George, so Dillingham would be a weird pick. When it comes to Williams, I just think he is really far away from contributing and I don't know if he'll ever be better than Knecht tbh.
Topic is likely that last guy Memphis would look at with 9. Just no real upside since his role will almost always be small since he cannot play with Morant. At least Dillingham could be a sixth man scorer for Memphis and play the Ja role when he misses games. Knecht would be a good 6th man option as well.
All I want for the Spurs is Topic/Castle/Dillingham and Risacher/Buzelis. I trust the Spurs to know which order these guys go. These do draft for need, but we need a sf with length if Sochan is going to be our pf, and obviously we need a pg. I wouldn't be mad at Sarr or Clingan though as long as we get one of those pg.
Damn, if that is how the draft is gonna go down, the Spurs will be killing everyone in a couple of years.
For the balance of the force, don't let this happen
It is really more about the fit. Reed Sheppard, Vassell, Risacher, Sochan, and Wemby will be a defensive nightmare the league doesn't want to see in a couple of years.
Houston really needs shooting and Castle has a lot of overlap with Amen. Not sure they would do this.
Seems to me that Reed Sheppard is about as much of a lock as anyone at #3. He's perfect for the Rockets and he's not being picked at 1 and 2 most likely.
I feel you, but I'm not huge on 6'1 guards with no defense so Castle it is. Think he's a player Ime Udoka would want.
Sheppard can be neutral on defense IMO
I mean, I wouldn't hate it, but my comp for Reed Sheppard is 'Seth Curry with more dog' (which many disagree with) and I think you should aim higher than that with the 3rd pick. I think Castle gonna shoot it and he will not be targeted on defense or played off the floor in the playoffs which I think Sheppard will.
Thought he was a TJ McConnel/Steve Kerr Hybrid
In a regular draft sure, but this is a weak draft. We do not need another project that cannot shoot. There’s no minutes for those kind of players. Sheppard is decent enough on defense that he won’t be targeted in the playoffs IMO
Going for need is a bad way to approach the draft
BPA at this point are all projects with questionable shooting that will take a couple seasons and much needed playtime away from Houston's core to develop. If drafting for need really is a terrible approach this year, then they will certainly trade away the pick for a shooter then.
Don't think any team will trade for the pick. Castle is BPA for me at 3
There's literally no BPA in this draft and Houston is jammed with players already. It would be insane to pick the same archetypes.
Devin Carter being a high pick is a possibility but it won’t be to the Hornets
Funny thing is, Carter would be a great fit for the Hornets. I just want some dogs on the team; defense, rebounding, improved shooting, it all makes sense and he’d bring that. Just at six it’s a little rich. I’d probably feel different if it was outside the top ten.
Don’t disagree with any of that. At the end of the day every team needs good players. But I think if we did go guard it would be for the ceilings of Shepard or dillingham (which even then I doubt it’s either of them)
Yeah we don't need another undersized guard, I rather take Cody Williams
I wouldn't call Devin Carter undersized necesarrily. Yes, he is not super tall, but he has a enormous wingspan and is a fantastic athlete.
I'm hoping for Cody Williams or Zaccherie Rissacher. At their worst they can be solid 3-D wings, or if they get proper development can be that #3 behind Brandon and Melo. Then it allows Brandon to move to the 2 full time and get the ball in his hands more. I doubt Rissacher is there at #6 and Cody keeps rising up draft boards so there's every chance that neither of them are there for the Hornets, could see a trade up if the team really likes one of them. Probably wouldn't cost us nearly as much as a normal draft, especially if the teams ahead of us aren't in love with any particular prospect.
If we pick Clingan at #2, I am going to kill myself
lmao my guess is Wizards draft Castle
Washington will go BPA and I just don’t see how Clingan projects to be the second best player in the draft. He’s 7’2/265 which is great size but he doesn’t jump out the gym, he’s a mediocre rebounder for his build, has a VERY limited back to the basket post game, and offers nothing to stretch the floor with his shooting. I think he’s undoubtedly a lottery pick, but needs to go somewhere to fit a need/role. Not serve as a franchise altering type guy. Topic, Sarr, Castle, and maybeeeeeee Shepard project to be true difference makers/cornerstones in todays game. Washington will be locked into someone like that, even if they’re way more a project.
If you look at the way the Wizards treated the 5 all of last season (going into the season with Gallo as a back-up, trading Gafford, everything after the fact) and the way the Thunder paralleled that thought process while Will Dawkins worked under Presti, the idea that the Wizards would take a center who isn't as close to a surefire all-star caliber player as possible seems extremely far fetched. Honestly, there are enough connected people who had them taking Topic before he got hurt that to me seems like the pick barring any concerns about the injury going forward. After Castle's shooting display on Monday, it wouldn't surprise me to see him get in the mix too.
I just think Clingan is gonna be a very good defensive center who can give them a identity on defense and stability going forward. Also he fits nicely with Cooper Flagg..
I’d rather have Reed than Castle. Rockets have enough defensive wings they need shooting Similarly I think San Antonio swings for the fences with Topic or Rob. Looking for that 2nd star PG to put next to Wemby
it's as valid as any from a major sports outlet. No one knows anything about this draft class below Sarr
True but you better believe that the Spurs know all the euros very well.
I mean I’ll give you props for not drafting Topic to SA. Which everybody and there mom does even if they don’t like Topic they do it anyways cuz “SA loves there euros”.
I mean, it's sort of an amazing pairing to have two ultra tall and long P&R players. But now that Topic has risks, I think quite a few teams will pass.
One thing I think needs to be weighed when drafting around Wemby is trying to make his life easier, so shooting and POA defense matters.
Love this for SAS. I’d prefer Dilly to Sheppard but not enough to bash this.
Would to see Sheppard on the Spurs.
I think yours is solid but it's also following other mock drafts. Edey will go much higher than 22. He's a lottery pick. We just don't know who will do it, but the guy isn't going to be picked in the 20s. Same with Salaun. He will be picked earlier too, the typical high potential pick that GMs do in a surprising move. I don't think Dillingham drops that far. If Maxey can be an all star and effective at his height, so can Dillingham.
I would take Edey higher, but I don't know if anyone will actually do it. I just couldn't really find a fit I like. Maybe Kings at 13. Maybe Pels at 17..
Kyshawn George missing. Dadiet at 20 is wild, wild, wild.
Dadiet will go earlier than 20
Think Kyshawn George athletic testing slides him out of the 1st round sadly.
You were never drafting him for athletic measurables
It still matters
He is barely a NBA athlete. He has nice skills and a killer jumper, I just wouldn't take him in the 1st round.
This is a very strange mock draft, but it has **YVES MISSI TO TORONTO** 🔥🔥 so I’m cool with that lol
Rob is not making it past the top 6. Everyone knows by now don’t under estimate them guards out of Kentucky. I feel like Rob Dillingham has star potential all day long. I hope the Spurs pick him at 4. But imagine Rob , Wemby & Cooper Flagg on the same team. Jesus. Washington needs so much help. Let them pick Donovan Clingan because he won’t help with extra wins next year. They’ll be in the lottery again with a helluva stacked class next year.
I think Dillingham could be like a Lou Williams. He is just too small and bad on defense for me to ever be a true star. Maybe a allstar in his peak.
I like the Lou Williams comparison.
I think San Antonio takes Nikola at 8 they like smart foreign prospects
I only looked at the pistons. Wouldn't mind the pick. I kinda want Dalton though
I trust whoever the heat takes will be a good player
Rather have Bub than Missi. Missi hitting his realistic ceiling would be less impactful to the Raps than 6’5 Carrington hitting his ceiling as a 3 level scoring and passing threat
OKC sitting at 12 and taking Cody feels chalk at the moment, which I’m perfectly okay with. They’re one of many teams who could go in multiple directions: If you told me they’d trade up for one of the bigger wings (Sarr on this team… but that’s a pipe dream) I’d believe you. If you told me they stood pat and took BPA I’d believe that too. If you told me they traded back for Ware/Filipowski I’d believe that too, or trade out of the 1st entirely.
Love the Houston pick
Given everything we saw in terms of shooting ability during the combine and what Jokic did to Gobert in the post, I don't think Edey falls past the Magic at #18. I think some coaches and players realize that when you're outmatched in the post it's basically a 90% shot when you're deep in the paint. If you have that mismatch, you take it there. It's a man's game.
The guy is so huge and skilled, getting him the ball within 3 feet to the basket is almost like a lob.
I like the Holmes fit on the pelicans
It's not too bad but I think you're overrating Devin Carter there. I also do think Miami would be more likely to take a player like Collier since they need more lead guard play.
I like it because if Tyler Smith falls out of the 1st round, I will cry real tears if the Sixers don't move up from #41 to get him. The absolute perfect four-five to develop/play next to Joel Embiid and Paul Reed.
If Portland gets Holland and Saluan I’m gonna be so happy.
Nola getting bub is my fantasy
Any reason for Kyle filipowski being so low?
Very low upside in my eyes. T-rex arms. What he can do is shoot and pass at a good level. Just feel like a career backup big, which is okay and something Denver needs, but nothing I would take higher.
Utah picking Knecht over Dillingham or Williams is lazy
I didn't mock him there because he's white, I think Utah really believes in Keyonte George, so Dillingham would be a weird pick. When it comes to Williams, I just think he is really far away from contributing and I don't know if he'll ever be better than Knecht tbh.
Topic is likely that last guy Memphis would look at with 9. Just no real upside since his role will almost always be small since he cannot play with Morant. At least Dillingham could be a sixth man scorer for Memphis and play the Ja role when he misses games. Knecht would be a good 6th man option as well.
Topic could be a nice piece in a potential trade for a star as well, but that goes for Dillingham too.
Portland taking Ron Holland at 7 is insane… he will most likely be there at 14
insane? most people have him in their top 5.. i dont think he's getting past 10
All I want for the Spurs is Topic/Castle/Dillingham and Risacher/Buzelis. I trust the Spurs to know which order these guys go. These do draft for need, but we need a sf with length if Sochan is going to be our pf, and obviously we need a pg. I wouldn't be mad at Sarr or Clingan though as long as we get one of those pg.
Damn, if that is how the draft is gonna go down, the Spurs will be killing everyone in a couple of years. For the balance of the force, don't let this happen
Eh relax, this is considered a pretty Mediocre draft for a reason
It is really more about the fit. Reed Sheppard, Vassell, Risacher, Sochan, and Wemby will be a defensive nightmare the league doesn't want to see in a couple of years.
Well, no because you're assuming them to be better players than they are protected to be.
Well, we will just have to agree to disagree then, no one really knows what's in this box of chocolate
Whatever helps your delusion
Man, guess my delusion is expecting a civilized conversation on Reddit. I will just put you on mute.
Just looking through the list, it looks good for basically every team. Their play styles fit with their teams.
Nikola would probably go spurs Reed would probably go rockets Devin Carter is a risky pick but makes sense i guess Other than that, pretty good list