2024 Bench Prospects Thread

[BankTeller]

I’m creating this NBA Draft thread differentiating from the other draft thread, in that I think it’d be fun to have a thread just for majority 2nd rounders or guys we are drafting without the hope they will ever become a star. Part of having a great team is having a deep bench that can come in maintain a lead, maybe even change the complexion of a game when we are down and will us back into a game, on a regular basis.

Schmitz has really been nailing it in identifying these 2nd round talents who can contribute relatively early. The Hornets have been holding it together pretty well, but now the Hawks are entering lotto territory and could possibly end up with one of the 10 worst records. So we could possibly have two 2nds that are between 30-40.

I hope to keep updating this thread as I see somebody who could be a fit with this team. Keep in mind, second rounders aren’t usually overpaid. Finding a second round gem could mean having a valuable bench piece for between 3-7 years at a favorable rate.

Also, this isn’t for just second rounders. Guys in the mid 20s are welcome as well. Just no guys like Buzelis where they’ll start as bench guys but there are palpable expectations that he can become a third star.

 

[BankTeller]

Current pieces on the bench I like:
- Walker is obviously a keeper. Great hustle guy who defends and can really rebound. He’s a consistent 3pt shot away from being a contender-level contributor. He does all the dirty work that you love in a role player.

- Camara is a great defender already. Like Walker, Camara is a 3pt shot away from being a really good player. In Camara’s case, he’s a 3pt shot away from being a long term starter.

- Kris has looked better to me with more playing time. His 3pt shot doesn’t always fall, but he’s playing well within the offense and is defending well. I do think he can have an impact here, and that he could overtake Walker in the lineup if his shot starts falling.

 

[BankTeller]

Tristen Newton (super senior, 23.17 on draft night):
6’5
195lbs

This season:
17.1/7.6/6.1/0.2/1.6 (2.3to) on .475/.364/.824

Newton is a lead guard that is big enough to play both positions. He’s a good defender and playmaker, and he is historically a 80+% ft shooter through all five seasons and has averaged between 4-6fta the last three seasons. Spent three years at East Carolina, then transferred and played on the UConn championship team with Jordan Hawkins. He has intangibles. He should be available with one of our 2nds.

For us, he would be a fourth PG that has more potential and better shooting than Mays. Scoot is the wildcard, so disregard him, whatever he becomes is what he becomes. Ant at 6’4, Hawkins at 6’5, and Shae at 6’6 are a great trio of Newton who can take care of playmaking duties.

A lot of people are excited about the guys who could be at the top of the draft like Collier and Topic. There’s murmurs that guys like Dillingham and Carrington could fly up the boards too, and teams are going to be willing to bet on a DJ Wagner/Cadeau/Proctor over Newton.

 

[BankTeller]

Aday Mara (19.17 at the draft):
7’2
245lbs
7’7 wingspan
9’1.5 standing reach

Aday Mara is slipping down the boards. With UCLA likely not making the tournament, Mara is likely to stay in the early/mid 20’s or even slip close to the end of the 1st round. I was not interested in him earlier in the season, seeing him close to the top. He’s suddenly a lot more interesting if he’s in this range or slips even lower.

It’s hard not to be impressed with his talent. His ability to pass the ball is eye popping. He’s really tall, but I think he could effectively play 20mpg. He’s really tall like Clingan, but looks a lot more nimble, being only 245lbs. I’ll admit, with Mara, I would hope that he could become at least a really good starting C. But having more than one big body who can actually rebound and be a presence at the rim would just be great for this squad. Mara averages about 10rpg per 40mins.

DA, bringing in a vet C through trade like Wagner or Bitazde, Mara, and Reath as a 2 way is a really decent center room. No more small ball C out if necessity, only when it is advantageous.

 

[MrDraftGuy]

Yes, Walker and Camara look like they'll have a major future role in the team so I'm going to give props to Cronin and company for that. Keegan Murray doesn't look so hot (aren't you all thankful the Blazers have Shaedon Sharpe instead?) but if you believe in Keegan's potential, Kris should be similar enough and provide three point shooting depth. Otherwise...

I am really, really, really adamant about Zach Edey as a Robert Williams III replacement (if Portland can't get Clingan).

Basically, due to his hyper-effiency (highest PER in recorded college history, twice in a row), he's someone who can score against bench interior defenses and grab rebounds and block shots to limit opposing bench possessions.

Furthermore, there's also potential for Edey to be used as a way to compliment the main starting center. As we can see, the Wolves are applying this well with KAT.

At 7'4", he is also a possible counter for Wemby. Not that 'Kobe stoppers' ever really succeed but they can wear out the opposing team's star and make them fight for their points.



We can see him defend some guards and put pressure on them and he's honestly not as slow as people think on either end - being able to run back and forth on the court.

Very good hands. He plays like Yao, with the same fluidity, but with bigger hips and more strength.

Just think of him as Kanter off the bench but with shot blocking where his footwork will do wonders for his stats.

 

[BankTeller]

At 7'4", he is also a possible counter for Wemby. Not that 'Kobe stoppers' ever really succeed but they can wear out the opposing team's star and make them fight for their points.

I can guarantee you, Edey will never be a counter to Wemby lol. Sure, Edey is going to get out body him and stuff like that early. But there is no way we will be able to cover Wemby on the perimeter.

All of those things about Edey sound fine. I just see him as another Boban. I’d feel differently if Edey could shoot a reliable 3, but I would expect this version of Edey to see more than 15mpg in his prime.

I do see that a lot of people like him though. I’m just not sure why he would return if he was going to be drafted for sure. The difference in improvement wasn’t going to make him a 1st rounder, I think he’s capped out at being a pick in the 50’s at the earliest, with a good chance of being undrafted.

 

[BankTeller]

PJ Hall (22.25 at the draft):
6’10
235lbs
7’1.5 wingspan (according to NBA Draft Room)

This season:
20.5/7.8/2.6/1.0/2.3 on .550/.417/.763

What I’m seeing right now is “teams will be lucky to draft PJ Hall in the second round”. He does everything you want in a modern big off the bench. He isn’t unathletic and should be a decent defender off the bench. Prior to this season, he’s been around 78% from the line, and has been shooting the ball around 40% from 3 the last two season on decent volume (1.9 3pm per game this year).

Hall would change the spacing of this team completely. He’s played of college ball, and should be able to contribute right away.

 

[BIG Q]

I like Eddy as well. He is better than Boban now, but I agree he will not match up with Wemby or Chet. He is low post defense with rebounding. He just happens to be incredibly efficient. That is worth a second round flyer. He stayed in school because he's projected as a mid second pick who would be making squat on an unguaranteed contract. I am sure he cleaned up on NIL money this season.

 

[BankTeller]

I am really, really, really adamant about Zach Edey as a Robert Williams III replacement (if Portland can't get Clingan).

I think that the smartest thing (if you want to compete) is to find a second reliable big that’s had years in the league like Williams. Then we can draft an NBA ready big to spend some time as a third string big, then see if he can move ahead in the rotation to the first big off the bench.

I don’t like the idea of drafting Clingan or another big with either of our 1sts. I just don’t see any big outside of C that has superstar potential. I could maybe be convinced if Clingan has a good chance of turning into a guy like Mark Williams, but ehh.

 

[MrDraftGuy]

I think that the smartest thing (if you want to compete) is to find a second reliable big that’s had years in the league like Williams. Then we can draft an NBA ready big to spend some time as a third string big, then see if he can move ahead in the rotation to the first big off the bench.

I don’t like the idea of drafting Clingan or another big with either of our 1sts. I just don’t see any big outside of C that has superstar potential. I could maybe be convinced if Clingan has a good chance of turning into a guy like Mark Williams, but ehh.

I see your logic but spending money on free agent quality big men or acquiring them through trade is difficult. My framework and logic here is this:

A normal and traditional Division I center (ex. the kind that just pound at the rim and grab rebounds, has either athleticism or some footwork to compliment their imposing physique) that can average 12/8.4 per 28 minutes as Freshmen (Shaq's freshman minutes is my benchmark) on 55-60 FG% go on to do very well in the NBA. Freshmen who can achieve that are simply that talented and far ahead of their peers

This list includes Embiid, KAT, Shaq, Hakeem, Cousins, Oden, Duren, Kessler, Robert Williams III, Wendell Carter Jr., David Robinson, Ayton.

Statistically, Clingan fits here. So does Edey

As far as I can tell, there have been no failures using this metric unless you count less traditional centers like Mo Bamba and Bol Bol.....which, I don't. For similar reasons, it's also why I'd be a little afraid to bet on a Sarr (not saying Sarr won't do well but it may be easy to get lost in the "new era center" hype and forget that the traditional path still yields very good results).

In that sense, I see Clingan and Edey as low risk, medium-to-high reward selections that will benefit Ayton/Walker (and hopefully Flagg) in the front court.

 

[BankTeller]

I see your logic but spending money on free agent quality big men or acquiring them through trade is difficult.

I don’t think the name has to be flashy or sexy to be effective here. It feels like literally any big would greatly improve this team right now.

Let me extend on my logic by giving you a scenario and asking you a question:

So right now, Orlando is stacked at center. They have two really effective big men, both on the final year of their deals. When WCJ comes back, they’ll have to choose who to keep and re-sign, and a player like Brogdon would conveniently be really helpful for them. Lets say you could trade Brogdon for Fultz + Wagner + ‘25 DEN 1st, or for Fultz + Bitazde + ‘25 DEN 1st + ‘26 ORL lotto protected 1st (we attach another 2nd or two with Brogdon).

Either of Bitazde or Wagner would be major upgrades at backup C, and neither should be expensive to bring back for 3-4 years (whichever one Orlando decides not to keep). If we’ve locked DA/Bitazde (most likely), would you rather swing on forwards who at the top who could become huge difference makers, or still go with Clingan?

Personally, I think it’s more prudent to find a big man like this in the process of trading Brogdon or Grant, then just finding a big man in the draft who can play right away. You can draft wings like Castle, Cody Williams, Buzelis, etc at the top, and just find a way to also draft PJ Hall who will be a decent defender and rebounder right away and space the floor like crazy.

We can trade Williams to the biggest bidder whenever we want. Keep Reath around on a two way as an emergency center. DA/Bitazde/Hall/Reath is a really effective big man rotation without having to use a lotto pick on a guy who likely will never be a star. He could be Gobert where he is a multiple time DPOY, but I think he likely gets played off the floor when it matters in the playoffs, which I wouldn’t consider a star.

 

[Samuel]

Ryan Dunn is going to be in the other thread but he should be in this thread.

He's fantastic and would be a great Mixer next season learning how to play offense. Folks are saying he has DPOY upside and I'm not sure I'm credentialed enough to disagree.



But until he develops some offense I'm hardpressed to see star upside.

 

[BankTeller]

I’m still doing more research on Hall, but I definitely would be interested in this guy if he is available in the second round. I think his spacing could change everything for this team.

Ant + Shae + Walker + Camara + Hall. This is potentially a really good lineup on both ends. Bare minimum, Walker would need to become a more reliable shooter, and Camara plays in the dunker spot. Ideally though, both Walker and Camara become respectable shooters, and the possibilities for this lineup on offense are endless. Defensively, I like this lineup as well if Ant keeps showing us individual improvement on that end of the floor.

 

[BankTeller]

Ryan Dunn is going to be in the other thread but he should be in this thread.

He's fantastic and would be a great Mixer next season learning how to play offense. Folks are saying he has DPOY upside and I'm not sure I'm credentialed enough to disagree.



But until he develops some offense I'm hardpressed to see star upside.

Spending another lotto pick on a non shooter? There’s been too many complaints about the shooting, I’m not sure why we would add more fuel to that fire.

I like Camara, he already gets the respect of the refs more than most rookies I’ve seen. At this point, we need to draft forwards who Schmitz thinks can become stars. A lineup where more than one of Scoot, Toumani, Dunn, and maybe even Jabari on the court at the same time is going to make for some terrible spacing. We basically wouldn’t be able to trade Grant at all.

 

[MarinerDNA]

Dunn will likely end up late lottery. This is a weak draft and Dunn has an elite skill for teams looking for immediate impact.

For the 2nd round? Knecht or Bradshaw if he continues to fall. You look around the league and see these teams who snagged a center in the 2nd round. They appeared to be just "serviceable," but all were steals. Claxton, Gafford, Richards, Capela(25th), M. Robinson, Hartenstein, Reid(UD), Jokic, Zubac. I know I'm missing 3 or 4 more. Seems like every draft since 2016 has had a good center in the 2nd round. Bradshaw, Ighodaro or Missi could be the 2024 version. Some people think Ware, too (I don't).

Outside of drafting a big, Kobe Johnson or Kugel would be my first choices. Trey Alexander could also be available.

 

[BankTeller]

Dunn will likely end up late lottery. This is a weak draft and Dunn has an elite skill for teams looking for immediate impact.

For the 2nd round? Knecht or Bradshaw if he continues to fall. You look around the league and see these teams who snagged a center in the 2nd round. They appeared to be just "serviceable," but all were steals. Claxton, Gafford, Richards, Capela(25th), M. Robinson, Hartenstein, Reid(UD), Jokic, Zubac. I know I'm missing 3 or 4 more. Seems like every draft since 2016 has had a good center in the 2nd round. Bradshaw, Ighodaro or Missi could be the 2024 version. Some people think Ware, too (I don't).

Outside of drafting a big, Kobe Johnson or Kugel would be my first choices. Trey Alexander could also be available.

I’m not sure why Bradshaw wouldn’t go back to school if he isn’t a 1st rounder. But I agree, especially in a big man rich draft, there’s going to be more than a couple big man prospects to look at in the 2nd.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Aday Mara (19.17 at the draft):
7’2
245lbs
7’7 wingspan
9’1.5 standing reach

Astonishingly tiny standing reach for that height and wingspan.

For comparison: Camara’s reach is 8’11” at 6’7”

 

[Samuel]

Spending another lotto pick on a non shooter? There’s been too many complaints about the shooting, I’m not sure why we would add more fuel to that fire.

Dunn is in that top tier of wing defender, every team would want him. The team that selects him is probably good enough to add a luxury piece like him.

 

[Samuel]

I’m not sure why Bradshaw wouldn’t go back to school if he isn’t a 1st rounder. But I agree, especially in a big man rich draft, there’s going to be more than a couple big man prospects to look at in the 2nd.

I feel like if you’re over 7 feet it’s such a huge risk to gamble on your knees and feet like that by going back to school. Hopefully Bradshaw makes the choice that’s right for him.

 

[MarinerDNA]

I’m not sure why Bradshaw wouldn’t go back to school if he isn’t a 1st rounder. But I agree, especially in a big man rich draft, there’s going to be more than a couple big man prospects to look at in the 2nd.

He just put 17/11 with 3 blocks. The rust got knocked off too soon, lol. Unless he completely shits the bed, he'll be a late FRP at the very least.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Please be an Alex Sarr/Cody Williams 1st round.

 

[BankTeller]

I feel like if you’re over 7 feet it’s such a huge risk to gamble on your knees and feet like that by going back to school. Hopefully Bradshaw makes the choice that’s right for him.

He just put 17/11 with 3 blocks. The rust got knocked off too soon, lol. Unless he completely shits the bed, he'll be a late FRP at the very least.

Good points, both of you. Now I REALLY hope we look at the early 2nd for a big instead of at the top. This crop of bigs looks even deeper than the Duren, Williams, Kessler, Koloko (Orlando Robinson was undrafted this year too) class from a couple years ago.

 

[BankTeller]

Dunn is in that top tier of wing defender, every team would want him. The team that selects him is probably good enough to add a luxury piece like him.

The thing is, we are not one of those teams that are good enough to add a luxury piece like him. I acknowledge that he’s an immediate impact defender, but we just got one of those. Is any fan of Dunn going to acknowledge the fact that adding Dunn to this current spacing mess doesn’t help the situation?

Secure a 1st in the 20’s this year for Camara and then draft Dunn if you feel like he’s a real DPOY kind of guy.

 

[MarinerDNA]

I would love to have Orlando Robinson right now in place of Reath. You could see the potential in Summer League.

So if Bradshaw doesn't reach the #32-35 area, who do we like? Missi looks like your typical rim runner, but does he have enough Intangibles? Mara dropped significantly in a couple of mocks. He could be diet Sengun, but I'm not seeing it yet.

 

[MarinerDNA]

The thing is, we are not one of those teams that are good enough to add a luxury piece like him. I acknowledge that he’s an immediate impact defender, but we just got one of those. Is any fan of Dunn going to acknowledge the fact that adding Dunn to this current spacing mess doesn’t help the situation?

Secure a 1st in the 20’s this year for Camara and then draft Dunn if you feel like he’s a real DPOY kind of guy.

That's the reality of it. The thought of both Camara and Dunn shutting down the perimeter is tantalizing, but they're very similar on offense(Camara is actually better). I guess if Camara starts and Dunn backs him up, it could work. When we need stops on defense, put them both in for short stretches. But then you think of Scoot and it just doesn't work. We're all stocked up on guys who can't shoot. Spacing is too important in this league.

 

[BankTeller]

I would love to have Orlando Robinson right now in place of Reath. You could see the potential in Summer League.

So if Bradshaw doesn't reach the #32-35 area, who do we like? Missi looks like your typical rim runner, but does he have enough Intangibles? Mara dropped significantly in a couple of mocks. He could be diet Sengun, but I'm not seeing it yet.

As I see it right now…
Sarr will go #1-3, depending on where the teams fall after the lotto.

Clingan, Filipowski, Ware are going to be selected between #10-20.

Bona, Mara, Missi, and Hall look like guys who could go anywhere from early 20s-35.

The two wild card bigs will be Smith and Bradshaw. Smith’s shot is pure, and he is still developing on the defensive end. He could land in the 20’s or late teens, but could also be in the 30’s. I wasn’t even aware Bradshaw was back, I’ll have to watch him play.

Realistically, I’d be very happy with Bradshaw, Smith, or Hall with a mid 30’s pick. All three guys would drastically change the potential of this team if their shooting translates right away. Bradshaw has the potential to be more than just a role player, but Smith and Hall both look like the prototypical modern big. I would prefer one of these three in the 2nd rather than selecting any of the bigs available between 10-20. Mara would also be interesting if all three of those guys are gone. Use the two 1sts on wings.

 

[BankTeller]

That's the reality of it. The thought of both Camara and Dunn shutting down the perimeter is tantalizing, but they're very similar on offense(Camara is actually better). I guess if Camara starts and Dunn backs him up, it could work. When we need stops on defense, put them both in for short stretches. But then you think of Scoot and it just doesn't work. We're all stocked up on guys who can't shoot. Spacing is too important in this league.

I would be more willing to consider Dunn if Camara could be a 35% 3pt shooter by the end of the season. If Camara isn’t a competent shooter, I just don’t like the fit. It will be impossible to play both of these guys at once, meaning Dunn and Camara will be splitting 48 mins every night. Combine that with Scoot’s shooting and Walker’s inconsistent shooting, the spacing is just going to be really bad.

You can get as many stops as you want, it only matters if you can put the ball in the basket on the other end. Fans can’t ask for guys like Dunn who are a complete non factor on offense, then complain about Ant having to play hero ball.

 

[MarinerDNA]

As I see it right now…
Sarr will go #1-3, depending on where the teams fall after the lotto.

Clingan, Filipowski, Ware are going to be selected between #10-20.

Bona, Mara, Missi, and Hall look like guys who could go anywhere from early 20s-35.

The two wild card bigs will be Smith and Bradshaw. Smith’s shot is pure, and he is still developing on the defensive end. He could land in the 20’s or late teens, but could also be in the 30’s. I wasn’t even aware Bradshaw was back, I’ll have to watch him play.

Realistically, I’d be very happy with Bradshaw, Smith, or Hall with a mid 30’s pick. All three guys would drastically change the potential of this team if their shooting translates right away. Bradshaw has the potential to be more than just a role player, but Smith and Hall both look like the prototypical modern big. I would prefer one of these three in the 2nd rather than selecting any of the bigs available between 10-20. Mara would also be interesting if all three of those guys are gone. Use the two 1sts on wings.

I have to scout Hall some more. I don't have a write-up in my notes. Ighodaro really interests me. He's pretty raw offensively, but he looks like a very high IQ/feel player. I think we're going to get our big this year. It's looking pretty good.

Smith looks decent. I don't know if the motor is high enough to play starter minutes, but if he falls I'd take a flyer on him.

 

[BankTeller]

I have to scout Hall some more. I don't have a write-up in my notes. Ighodaro really interests me. He's pretty raw offensively, but he looks like a very high IQ/feel player. I think we're going to get our big this year. It's looking pretty good.

Smith looks decent. I don't know if the motor is high enough to play starter minutes, but if he falls I'd take a flyer on him.

Man I’m looking more into Bradshaw, and I actually love the idea of having him on this team, the more I think about it. I don’t doubt he will continue to play well, but playing in Kentucky’s system might actually keep him hovering around the mid 20’s even if he plays well, which works to our benefit. I’m going to have to scout him with consideration to the program he’s in, which I should’ve done with Banchero and Adebayo. Off of a few HS tapes I saw a couple months back, he looks like he has all the skills he needs to be a really good scorer in the league. Not Embiid/Jokic level, but maybe Brook Lopez in his Nets years.

It’s hard for me to judge him off of two games as he’s coming off from injury, but I’ll be prioritizing his defense, rebounding, and ability to make reads when I watch his college tape. Apparently, he’s pretty switchable? Those are the things that would get him on the floor the quickest in the NBA.

We’re going to have to see where his range is at the end of the season. Disregard Williams, I think a trio of DA, a vet big, and Bradshaw with Reath as an emergency big is a really strong center rotation. Bradshaw’s reputation hasn’t been someone you have to start right away, bring him along and make him earn his minutes in a deep rotation. By the time we have to make a decision on DA in a couple seasons, Bradshaw’s development might make it very easy.

 

[BankTeller]

So if Bradshaw doesn't reach the #32-35 area, who do we like? Missi looks like your typical rim runner, but does he have enough Intangibles? Mara dropped significantly in a couple of mocks. He could be diet Sengun, but I'm not seeing it yet.

Where do you think Bradshaw stacks up against Sarr as a prospect? To me, Bradshaw’s potential on offense is higher than Sarr’s. But do you think Bradshaw’s defensive production can match Sarr’s offensive production? If you think he can, he sounds like he has the makings of a star, and I might try to find a way to nab him anyway even if he isn’t in the #32-35 range. I think the suppression of Bradshaw’s true skillset in Kentucky’s system and the amount of NBA ready bigs in the draft could still put him in the #25 range. Ant was pick #24, I think you have to grab him at all costs if you think he has Brook Lopez potential, especially in such a weak draft.

Let’s say we don’t win the lotto, but end up with picks #4 and #10. We could still grab a forward prospect at #4, then trade down from #10 to grab Bradshaw wherever he lands, and also get a future protected 1st in ‘25 or beyond. We could swing high with another forward prospect like Dailyn Swain with a 2nd, or trade up with both 2nds to land him. Swain has lotto potential in ‘25 imo but could still come out this year. He’s going to have to spend at least two seasons in the GL, but looks like a real 3-D prospect in the mold of Trey Murphy, but will be a better defender.