Event 2018 NBA Draft

[Reep]

So plus Simons and Trent minus Bazz and Patty C...where does that put us

The symmetry caught my eye too. Younger and cheaper? I wouldn't be shocked to see Trent take over Patty's role next year. Probably WBIII will take over Napier's until Penny is ready.

 

[blazerkor]

So plus Simons and Trent minus Bazz and Patty C...where does that put us

I think Trent is better than PatCon but Simons has a lot to learn before he pilots a team. Summer League should be fun Simons, Trent, Zach.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

So plus Simons and Trent minus Bazz and Patty C...where does that put us

ready for free agency?

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I think Trent is better than PatCon but Simons has a lot to learn before he pilots a team. Summer League should be fun Simons, Trent, Zach.

Biggie.

 

[James lamphear]

Now let see if olshey use that big tpe in July to collect another player.

 

[TBpup]

So plus Simons and Trent minus Bazz and Patty C...where does that put us

Still in NBA purgatory.

 

[Propagandist]

But he has all the other abilities Wes lacked pretty much...Wes was our version of Raja Bell only Wes had worse handles...we've got defenders now...we need scoring big time to beat GS

Blasphemy!

 

[riverman]

Blasphemy!

nah...I loved Wes as a dog...he hustled, got 50 50 balls ..was a glue guy on defense but I watched him brick so many open court layups and dribble chest high that after his injury...he hasn't been very good...I watched a lot of Dallas games to see him play and it was sad

 

[BonesJones]

Simons and Khryi are nothing alike?

Ok, well they both play 1/2.

Trent plays 2/3.

Khyri is by far the superior defender to all of them, however the first thing Donovan Mitchell says about Penny is that “all I talk to him about is defense”, and Penny knows that’s how he will stay in the league. Will he become Khryi, probably not. However, haven’t seen a lot of Penny’s tape.

Khryi also attacks the basket, creates for others... both things Trent doesn’t do.

They are both around the same size, attack and can shoot the 3 - once again, something Gary Trent Jr. doesn’t do, often at least.

Trent average athleticism?
40” vert (Tied Top 5) , 33.5” standing. (Top 3)
2.99 Shuttle Run (Top 5)
3.12 3/4 spring (T-Top 9)

All of those are above average, so I’m not sure what you mean, or else he would be ranking around 25-30 in those categories.

In regards to Trent not playing bigger than he is, I have to really question that... Started out the season hit from 3, tanked, started driving like a bull in a china shop solely relying on his size and being bigger, got pulled and started taking 3s and one dribble pull-ups closer towards to the top of the key, as to avoid the charges and turnovers because he sucks at creating for himself and dribbles about as well as Aminu.

Also, you should check out Trent Jr’s rebounding, for not playing ‘bigger’ than he is, it’s pretty decent.

Basketball athleticism is a thing though. Some players athleticism translates better. Don't see it with Trent. He doesn't have a fast first step, and he isn't quick laterally, nor is he fundamental. Just because Anfernee is talked to in regards with defense doesn't make him good. Khyri is a 2x Big East DPOY. Anfernee is C.J.-esqe. Your argument has substance, so I respect it, I just see it a different way.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Basketball athleticism is a thing though. Some players athleticism translates better. Don't see it with Trent. He doesn't have a fast first step, and he isn't quick laterally, nor is he fundamental. Just because Anfernee is talked to in regards with defense doesn't make him good. Khyri is a 2x Big East DPOY. Anfernee is C.J.-esqe. Your argument has substance, so I respect it, I just see it a different way.

Yeah but I think the age difference is a factor as well. Khyri is 22 years old. A lot can happen in 3 more years.

 

[riverman]

Speed, 3pt shooting, quick hands and good handles are the new game...Curry has quick hands on defense...and he's no physical specimen...teams are all looking for that Steph Curry quick release lights out shooter....the draft is just a fishing pond for a shot at the next Curry

 

[riverman]

Simons Baldwin Trent Biggie and Collins will be fun to watch in summer league

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Simons Baldwin Trent Biggie and Collins will be fun to watch in summer league

PapaG, maybe?

 

[Wizard Mentor]

The elephant in the room isn't that we drafted 2 players that will get marginal playing time.

It's ET. He's unlikely to get moved, and he will still get PT. From my understanding, we play
much worse when he's on the floor.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

On a side note, Hawks getting Trae makes me think Schroder is looking to get out.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Still in NBA purgatory.

And still one of the youngest teams in the league with a solid performance last year.

 

[LayneStaley]

I really think that Porter pick will change the landscape of the West in the near future. I really like some of the young pieces on Denver. (Suns and Mavs too)

 

[Chris Craig]

Ok Neil, you have 2 week's

 

[LayneStaley]

What’s disheartening about NO is that every poster on here and every basketball announcer/insider/couch all know that PDX needs a 3&D wing yet we don’t target one? I have a hard time believing we couldn’t have maneuvered around the first round a bit? The TPE/24/and one of the richest men in the world can’t get you in front of the bulls(2 spots) or when you saw Porter falling you can’t put the old ballsack on the table and take KF for a year for the chance of winning the b-ball lotto with Porter. Neil just seems real sackless imo.

 

[riverman]

What’s disheartening about NO is that every poster on here and every basketball announcer/insider/couch all know that PDX needs a 3&D wing yet we don’t target one? I have a hard time believing we couldn’t have maneuvered around the first round a bit? The TPE/24/and one of the richest men in the world can’t get you in front of the bulls(2 spots) or when you saw Porter falling you can’t put the old ballsack on the table and take KF for a year for the chance of winning the b-ball lotto with Porter. Neil just seems real sackless imo.

Neil just said in his interview we are trying to find a veteran wing who's playoff ready....he's said it several times now...it wasn't going to be a rookie

 

[THE HCP]

 

[hoopsjock]

Lets see:

My top 3 rated players (Doncic, Bamba, and Mikal Bridges) go 3, 6, and 10 which is not as high as each should've been taken.

Mikal Bridges (my perfect fit for the Blazers) is traded for the 16th pick teasing me into thinking that he could've possibly been available to the highest bidder. Ironically enough he was traded for another draft crush of mine, Zhaire Smith.

Michael Porter JR falls to the 14th pick which was thought of as possibly available for taking on salary.

I was so happy watching guys like Troy Brown, DiVencenzo, Huerter, Okogie, Grayson Allen, and Aaron Holiday go in the picks before us.

I was a little disappointed when the Bulls took Hutchison but we probably wouldn't have taken him anyway.

Even though I was sure we were going to take Simons after bringing him back for a 2nd workout, I was extremely hopeful that with two of my other draft crushes left in Khyri Thomas and Elie Okobo, plus Dzanan Musa, that we'd pick one of them. I didn't mind Simons if we picked up a 2nd rounder to get him but it looks like the Lakers might have taken him at 25 anyway.

When Khyri Thomas fell to the 76ers at 38 I had a momentary bit of hope knowing that the 76ers weren't likely to keep all of their 4 2nd round picks. I was really disappointed not only that we traded for Trent Jr but that we had to give up two 2nd rounders to get him. Last year the Warriors bought the 38th pick (Jordan Bell) for $3.5 million.

They have flaws but it was interesting how far down Melton, Milton, and Bates-Diop fell.

Suns got both Mikal Bridges and Elie Okobo, sigh.

Not incredibly high on him but Robert Williams falling to Boston at 27 was ridiculous.

What a weird draft.

 

[Sarni]

We couldn’t have outbid Suns for Bridges though, they offered a haul to get him. That Miami pick is extremely valuable, it’s likely going to be a top 10 if not top 5 pick in 2021. It’s a top asset.

 

[Sarni]

I will write a draft assessment in a couple of hours.

 

[BonesJones]

What’s disheartening about NO is that every poster on here and every basketball announcer/insider/couch all know that PDX needs a 3&D wing yet we don’t target one? I have a hard time believing we couldn’t have maneuvered around the first round a bit? The TPE/24/and one of the richest men in the world can’t get you in front of the bulls(2 spots) or when you saw Porter falling you can’t put the old ballsack on the table and take KF for a year for the chance of winning the b-ball lotto with Porter. Neil just seems real sackless imo.

I love that people assume certain deals were available when they have no way of knowing.

 

[Sarni]

My big draft assessment coming:

Biggest Winners:

Dallas - somehow despite having 'only' 5th pick they ended up with probably the biggest and most NBA ready talent in the draft. Doncic is a winner and he will fit in perfectly alongside Smith. They were apparently considering Bamba heavily but now they can focus on getting their big through free agency - and they will probably max out Capela and have a significant chance of getting him. If not, they are probably going to come after Cousins.

Orlando - they were apparently locked in on selecting Young but Atlanta saved them from their stupidity so they ended up with an elite defensive talent in Bamba. They could become a true force on defense with him and Isaac, he apparently also addressed his shot and shot very well in pre-draft drills with the new mechanics.

Detroit - they didn't have a single first round pick yet ended up with two first round talents in Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown. Both are excellent lockdown defenders, Thomas can also shoot the ball and has some degree of playmaking ability and Brown is also a fairly good playmaker. There are doubts regarding Brown's shot but it's not really broken, just ineffective. Great draft for them.

Boston - they were trying to move up to get Bamba or Jackson Jr to address the lack of big prospect and had a player who was perceived as an elite big prospect fall to them at 27th. Williams has some serious issues, especially on the offensive end, but he might be able to contribute on defense from the start.

Philadelphia - amazing deal for them to swap Bridges for Smith and get an top grade asset in Miami 2021 unprotected pick. Smith is 3 years younger and IMO a better long term prospect, he's the sort of defender you can immediately plug into the line up and he should be able to contribute in the NBA. That Miami pick is probably one of the best assets in the league right now.

Biggest Losers:

Atlanta - I get what they are trying to do with Young/Huerter backcourt but they aren't going to emulate Curry & Thompson. They had a A-grade prospect selected at 3 and traded him away, they are going to regret it as I truly don't believe Young is going to grow into an elite player in this league.

Michael Porter Jr - he has created so much hype around himself and then fell to Denver at 14 which is a pretty clear indication that he's probably never going to be healthy enough to play 70+ games in a season and contribute. Maybe I'm wrong here but the fact that Clippers passed on him after they initially wanted to trade both their picks and Tobias Harris to move up to get him is a clear sign that his medicals must have been crap.

Of course it's all going to look completely different in a year. Last year you wouldn't have immediately said that Utah would be the biggest winners of the draft and it turned out they were.

Us:

I like the Anfernee Simons pick even though fans are hating on it. I think if Blazers got Trent Jr and Simons in reverse order people wouldn't moan as much about it because Trent was supposed to be a top 20 talent a few weeks ago. Trent will probably get minutes next season already, he's a great shooter, he's very athletic and I love him as a pick - he might even be able to play small forward for us in modern NBA. Simons is probably 2 years away from contributing but I like taking a punt on a player that may grow into something truly good.

 

[Sarni]

I love that people assume certain deals were avaipable when they have no way of knowing.

Exactly. Perhaps Denver were no longer willing to trade that pick when they found out Porter would be available. They are the sort of team that can take a risk because they already have good young team in place and don't need a contributor right now and can take a punt.

 

[hoopsjock]

We couldn’t have outbid Suns for Bridges though, they offered a haul to get him. That Miami pick is extremely valuable, it’s likely going to be a top 10 if not top 5 pick in 2021. It’s a top asset.

I wasn't saying we could've necessarily outbid them but I have 3 thoughts.

1) Just the thought of Mikal being traded after how excited he and his mom were was crazy. He seemed perfect for Philly too. I can't believe they made him available.

2) The Heat pick is 3 years away. Sure it's not looking good for them long term but it's impossible to project at this point.

3) While we couldn't provide as good of a pick most likely (even though we could've gave an unprotected pick too), we had the ability to take Bayless back for nothing in return salary wise leaving them enough money to offer LeBron or other free agents a max deal. Philly was clearly trying to save money tonight.

 

[hoopsjock]

My big draft assessment coming:

Biggest Winners:

Dallas - somehow despite having 'only' 5th pick they ended up with probably the biggest and most NBA ready talent in the draft. Doncic is a winner and he will fit in perfectly alongside Smith. They were apparently considering Bamba heavily but now they can focus on getting their big through free agency - and they will probably max out Capela and have a significant chance of getting him. If not, they are probably going to come after Cousins.

Orlando - they were apparently locked in on selecting Young but Atlanta saved them from their stupidity so they ended up with an elite defensive talent in Bamba. They could become a true force on defense with him and Isaac, he apparently also addressed his shot and shot very well in pre-draft drills with the new mechanics.

Detroit - they didn't have a single first round pick yet ended up with two first round talents in Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown. Both are excellent lockdown defenders, Thomas can also shoot the ball and has some degree of playmaking ability and Brown is also a fairly good playmaker. There are doubts regarding Brown's shot but it's not really broken, just ineffective. Great draft for them.

Boston - they were trying to move up to get Bamba or Jackson Jr to address the lack of big prospect and had a player who was perceived as an elite big prospect fall to them at 27th. Williams has some serious issues, especially on the offensive end, but he might be able to contribute on defense from the start.

Philadelphia - amazing deal for them to swap Bridges for Smith and get an top grade asset in Miami 2021 unprotected pick. Smith is 3 years younger and IMO a better long term prospect, he's the sort of defender you can immediately plug into the line up and he should be able to contribute in the NBA. That Miami pick is probably one of the best assets in the league right now.

Biggest Losers:

Atlanta - I get what they are trying to do with Young/Huerter backcourt but they aren't going to emulate Curry & Thompson. They had a A-grade prospect selected at 3 and traded him away, they are going to regret it as I truly don't believe Young is going to grow into an elite player in this league.

Michael Porter Jr - he has created so much hype around himself and then fell to Denver at 14 which is a pretty clear indication that he's probably never going to be healthy enough to play 70+ games in a season and contribute. Maybe I'm wrong here but the fact that Clippers passed on him after they initially wanted to trade both their picks and Tobias Harris to move up to get him is a clear sign that his medicals must have been crap.

Of course it's all going to look completely different in a year. Last year you wouldn't have immediately said that Utah would be the biggest winners of the draft and it turned out they were.

Us:

I like the Anfernee Simons pick even though fans are hating on it. I think if Blazers got Trent Jr and Simons in reverse order people wouldn't moan as much about it because Trent was supposed to be a top 20 talent a few weeks ago. Trent will probably get minutes next season already, he's a great shooter, he's very athletic and I love him as a pick - he might even be able to play small forward for us in modern NBA. Simons is probably 2 years away from contributing but I like taking a punt on a player that may grow into something truly good.

Wait, we're losers but you like both picks? Tough crowd.

 

[hoopsjock]

My big draft assessment coming:

Biggest Winners:

Dallas - somehow despite having 'only' 5th pick they ended up with probably the biggest and most NBA ready talent in the draft. Doncic is a winner and he will fit in perfectly alongside Smith. They were apparently considering Bamba heavily but now they can focus on getting their big through free agency - and they will probably max out Capela and have a significant chance of getting him. If not, they are probably going to come after Cousins.

Orlando - they were apparently locked in on selecting Young but Atlanta saved them from their stupidity so they ended up with an elite defensive talent in Bamba. They could become a true force on defense with him and Isaac, he apparently also addressed his shot and shot very well in pre-draft drills with the new mechanics.

Detroit - they didn't have a single first round pick yet ended up with two first round talents in Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown. Both are excellent lockdown defenders, Thomas can also shoot the ball and has some degree of playmaking ability and Brown is also a fairly good playmaker. There are doubts regarding Brown's shot but it's not really broken, just ineffective. Great draft for them.

Boston - they were trying to move up to get Bamba or Jackson Jr to address the lack of big prospect and had a player who was perceived as an elite big prospect fall to them at 27th. Williams has some serious issues, especially on the offensive end, but he might be able to contribute on defense from the start.

Philadelphia - amazing deal for them to swap Bridges for Smith and get an top grade asset in Miami 2021 unprotected pick. Smith is 3 years younger and IMO a better long term prospect, he's the sort of defender you can immediately plug into the line up and he should be able to contribute in the NBA. That Miami pick is probably one of the best assets in the league right now.

Biggest Losers:

Atlanta - I get what they are trying to do with Young/Huerter backcourt but they aren't going to emulate Curry & Thompson. They had a A-grade prospect selected at 3 and traded him away, they are going to regret it as I truly don't believe Young is going to grow into an elite player in this league.

Michael Porter Jr - he has created so much hype around himself and then fell to Denver at 14 which is a pretty clear indication that he's probably never going to be healthy enough to play 70+ games in a season and contribute. Maybe I'm wrong here but the fact that Clippers passed on him after they initially wanted to trade both their picks and Tobias Harris to move up to get him is a clear sign that his medicals must have been crap.

Of course it's all going to look completely different in a year. Last year you wouldn't have immediately said that Utah would be the biggest winners of the draft and it turned out they were.

Us:

I like the Anfernee Simons pick even though fans are hating on it. I think if Blazers got Trent Jr and Simons in reverse order people wouldn't moan as much about it because Trent was supposed to be a top 20 talent a few weeks ago. Trent will probably get minutes next season already, he's a great shooter, he's very athletic and I love him as a pick - he might even be able to play small forward for us in modern NBA. Simons is probably 2 years away from contributing but I like taking a punt on a player that may grow into something truly good.

I immediately said Utah won the draft when Denver stupidly traded back from 13 to 24 for some inexplicable reason.

Knowing Hayward and Hill could leave, Mitchell was a perfect fit in Utah.