Just want to point out that Milwaukee drafted a young Giannis, stuck with him while only averaging 6.8/4.4/1.9 on shooting numbers of 41.4/34.7/68.3 as a rookie coming out of a terrible draft. Did the Bucks get lucky or just did more homework than other teams? I do not know the answer to my own question. I do know Portland better do their homework better than the other teams. It is the one thing they can control.
I think this draft is such a crapshoot that I'd rather take four shots at landing rotational guys than moving up a few spots from the GS pick for a prospect that might not even be marginally better than what we could have standing pat. Heck, the guy we might target at 8 might still be on the board at 13/14. And this scouting department's done pretty well with the diamonds in the rough -- Bari, Camara, Rupert -- give me two lottery picks and four in the top 40 rather than two in the top 10 and a third in the 40s.
Some of the WNBA draftees scorning classic look, wearing outfits that rival what we see at Golden Globes and Grammies. Caitlin Clark started things off in classic white blazer paired with very mini skirt and sparkly midriff baring top.
My plan A if we don’t land the 1st overall: He’s a RFA this summer and wants the Max. This all depends on his physical — package the pick for Şengün!
Rockets GM: "Can we put you in a Jalen Green instead? We noticed how interested you were in Tyler Herro last summer and wanted to make Jalen happen for you."
I don't think anyone could've predicted Giannis being what he is today. Personally, I had him as the guy Portland should've gone after but my floor for him was to be a Tayshaun Prince and mid would be Shawn Marion type player while his max potential would be Scottie Pippen without the playmaking. Realistically thought he'd be closer to Shawn Marion. Instead, he is better than all those players. And so, what I've learned from being a "Giannis fan from the get go" and trying to find similar players to him over the years (two way wings/forwards) is that 6'8" wing/forwards with 7'2" wingspans tend to be highly successful. Naturally, they ought to have first round pick talent and the more skills and athleticism they have, the better. Big hands help tremendously, as well. At the least, you get Rui Hachimura, De'Andre Hunter, Kyle Anderson, OG Anunoby, Nic Batum possibly (unconfirmed wingspan). A potential rising star version of that is Tari Eason, who drew interest from Portland in 2022. And the ones that do have good athleticism and all-around skillsets? Giannis, Pippen, Ingram, Siakam, Kawhi, Scottie Barnes, Kevin Durant. All Stars. Technically, Jerami Grant was a second round talent but he matches these traits, as well, and these traits probably played a role in him becoming what he is today. Don't believe me? You can go and look yourself and sort by SF+PF and look at the actual wing/forwards (not the PFs or PF/Cs....also, use shoe height rather than real height): https://craftednba.com/player-traits/length This year? It should be Cody Williams, who is rumored to have a 7'2" wingspan (we'll have to confirm it at the combine). His athleticism is fluid and deceptive, he has a reputation as having point-forward skills, his 3pt% is good, he can handle the ball well for his position, and he can play defense. Weakness is lack of aggression and low rebounding rate. If all this is correct, I'd expect him to follow a Tari Eason/De'Andre Hunter trajectory and maybe blossom into something greater if he figures it out. So, if you want to talk about homework, I think looking at what makes this archetype highly successful would probably benefit Portland. And I think it'll be foolish if Portland simply ignores him just because he is a freshman wing (and they tend to be more quiet) whose statistics got ruined due to him being hurt and playing in an offense that limited his role. Because if not, I'm willing to bet Sam Presti will trade upwards and pick him.
Williams is my number 2, behind Sarr. But it is close. I am also high on Buzelis. He is young like Williams and will need refining. I am scared of Risacher. He could be the best player or the bust. Very risky pick to me in top five. But he will be there.
That's a great analysis, but one thing is missing: What percentage of guys with those traits end up as non-impact players? I'm not sure about their wingspan measurements, but guys like Aminu and Darius Miles seem like they could fit that bill and be in the disappointment camp.
Same bro. Sarr, Cody and Matas are my top 3 right now. I also would like Salaun or Knecht with the second pick.
