Recent content by MrDraftGuy

It's only been a few games. Give it half a season. International ball is much shorter, features far less games, & allows for certain rules (ex. no defensive 3 second that allows people to camp and rest, handchecking also slows things down). By that, will their bodies and mentality be able to...

- Being unable to rebound and counter Ayton means the Lakers could employ a zone defense and force Portland to shoot threes while gobbling up crucial defensive rebounds. On an average night, it doesn't work since Portland would make 33% of their threes. But on a night like this, Portland...

Some thoughts: - Portland has done very well against two playoff caliber teams. - Splitter's offense tremendously benefits bigger guards/wings/forwards like Jrue, Deni, and Grant. Kris Murray, too. Due to the tempo, they can play bully ball against opponents and due to their size and...

Judging by the guys who will be playing the bulk of the minutes - Toumani, Deni, Sharpe, Jrue, Clingan, Grant, I think it's clear the defensive identity wasn't a fluke for those who still harbored doubts. If everyone commits to defense and Sharpe shows the passable defensive effort he currently...

Provided they are healthy & recovered, 30ppg players should be relevant into their mid-late 30s. Kareem, Karl Malone, Jordan, Lebron, Durant, Wade, Harden, Steph are examples. No guarantees of All-Star level play but they can reach something like current Fred Van Vleet or prime Dennis...

Well, "Draft Experts", including very respectable ones like Givony (Mike's former partner), often get it wrong. Look at their big boards and they always miss out b/c, imo, they're evaluating talent in a vacuum, especially as it relates to a weaker league. Therefore, they may over emphasize...

Not a good selection imo. You could've acquired him later. In fact, that Pelicans deal where you get the #23 and an unprotected 2026 pick would've sufficed here. Otherwise, my assessment is Hansen's wingspan is slightly too short for my liking and his shoulders/hips are too small. His...

I'll still stick with my hope that the pick isn't traded for a mid tier "win now" player, Portland can get one of Essengue/Jaku/Demin (in that order) at #11 and trade for Fleming. Also, for while, I wasn't sure how to pinpoint VJ Edgecombe and now, I want to say he reminds me of Derek Anderson...

I'll be surprised if Essengue slips out of the Top 10. His transition scoring is quite elite and very similar to Amen Thompson (though, he's not as freakishly athletic). Versatile player and defender, as well. I want to say he could be what a modern day James Worthy looks like. Versatile...

Blazers main focus is finding one more guy to match up with the "under 24 year old" core. In 4-5 years, they'll all break out and be in their primes together. Otherwise, 22 year olds are expected to dominate and outscore younger competition. However, if they're 22 and still not showing...

There's plenty of room for optimism. For reference, let's take a look at various previous drafts, starting from 17 years ago: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_draft Go ahead and click every year. You'll find there is practically always an All-Star AND a borderline All-Star found from...

He reminds me of Ike Diogu but more mobile. Good for garbage buckets and under the modern game, cutting to the rim. JJ Hickson was listed above as a comp and that might be another apt comparison. Not seeing anything else beyond that. There are complaints about motor, tweener size, lack of...

Though it would've been nice that Portland got Flagg so that a 15 year dynasty was secured, I'm of the opinion the team already has "Kobe-Odom". It even has "Bynum" and "Ariza". As such, I simply think the key for Portland is to find a Ron Artest. Someone along the Kukoc/Cliff/Kersey tier...

Potentially add Yaxel Lendeborg to that list, too, as he is supposed to have a 7'3" wingspan. Some of the complaints of Flemming, Yaxel also doesn't have. For example, he can handle the ball, he can pass, and he showed up against tougher competition. Older player, though, and hasn't declared...

I think the #10 with a large contract could net a 'flawed' star like Lauri or Domantas. Going after Tobias Harris, for example, is why the Pistons are hanging in there with the Knicks. Although, my preference is to acquire more picks in this draft and continue pushing for a specific archetype...