Given our pick ranges 1-8, what does your top 8 look like in order?
I don't like boards but if we had to do a board for the Blazers pick, I'd go something like this:
Cody Williams
Reed Sheppard
Nikola Topic
Alex Sarr
Ron Holland
Donovan Clingan
Stephon Castle
Zaccharie Risacher/Matas Buzelis (toss a coin)
Note 1: Cody Williams is still my favorite here simply because he's very efficient in attacking the rim (75% iirc) and is also efficient at catch and shoots (also 70+eFG%) and on the right baseline (71%) while being over 40% from the 3 point line. FT% is solid for a wing at 72%. That means efficiency at three levels - inside, mid-range, and three point territory. He can also make plays and has good vision and is already a pesky defender. Since he has some level of ball handling, that should bode well for him. It's just a matter of him developing that ball handling and various other skills (ex. defensive footwork, pull up jumper) that will unlock other aspects on the floor. A superstar can score from 7-10 spots reliably if we look at shot charts. Theoretically speaking, that Williams has around 3-4 spots nailed down is a good sign and he only needs to be able to develop 2-3 more to get at an All-Star/borderline All Star level so that's why I'm high on him. It's a matter of developing him. If he doesn't develop that far, he'll continue to be passive but with De'Andre Hunter/OG-like skills and capability. If he does develop, he might be Top 2-3 in a redraft.
Note 2: Obviously, going after Sheppard with the current guard lineup is just a waste of a pick so unless the Blazers want to trade one or two PGs, it's highly unlikely to happen. Either way, Reed Sheppard has some highly efficient stats while demonstrating a strong feel for the game and excellent IQ. I'd expect Mike Bibby type offense, where he can knock down open jumpers and drive it in occasionally for a floater/lay up.....combined with John Stockton type court vision and steals.....and no, that's not really an exaggeration nor does it mean his
actual decision making is on par with Stockton. But he is highly efficient and has tools to develop that more traditional PG mould. There is a strong record of success with a player like Reed Sheppard
Note 3: Maybe similar situation with Reed can apply to Topic, where he doesn't fit but he has supreme all-around talent resembling SGA due to his ability to attack with quick bursts and finesse (i.e. angling his body while attacking) while being able to make plays. His 87% FT means his three point shooting should develop. NBA players who can shoot that well historically develop good 3pt%. That really means he could have Drazen potential and no, I'm not exaggerating here, either. I think Sheppard and him are very Spurs-like picks.
Note 4: I think Sarr is a 'safe' pick with good talent and a physique to match but I don't know that I see the super player that so many claim.
Note 5: I've sort of flip-flopped on Risacher. When he was firing on all cylinders, he did look legitimate but he's such a coin flip right now. Flip a coin here over him or Buzelis since they both have all-around talent and they have a feel for the game but something isn't clicking for them via three point shooting. Really wish Buzelis went to college instead since I do like his game but cannot tell how impactful it is in the G-League
