Exclusive Official 2020 Draft Thread (2 Viewers)

[Rastapopoulos]

If I had to bet on the Olshey pick, I would say that Achiuwa has a good chance. I think Olshey tends to pick people with high possible ceilings with his higher picks and people with high floors (and more college experience) with his low/second round picks. Achiuwa could be a huge bust, but everyone will be thinking of Bam and Siakam when they contemplate passing on him.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I think some of us are forgetting that we played guys like Hezonja, Gabriel, and Hoard actual minutes in the playoffs this year due to injuries and foul trouble. We effectively had 6 guys who could actually play on this roster for nearly all of the bubble games.

This team needs some serious infusion of talent, especially athletic, and CHEAP talent. A lot of it will come from Hood/Ariza/Collins returning from their absence, yes, but getting a legit 8th or 9th man who can play immediately should not be out of the realm of possibilities. When Tyler Herro and Grant Williams and Michael Porter Jr. etc etc are all contributing right NOW in the playoffs as rookies, and Gary Trent was our fourth best player in the bubble, you'd think some of us would value the draft more.

I agree, but the extent to which the draft is a crapshoot even for good frontoffices should not be understated. Some players just thrive more in the NBA and some don't, and predicting that is fucking difficult. And that's not even taking into account injuries, like what scuppered Oden and, later, Roy. I have a feeling we'd all be raving about Jonathan Isaac if the poor kid wasn't cursed. Meanwhile the number of people on this board who would be embarrassed if their drooling over Mo Bamba before his draft were dredged up is not insignificant.

 

[James lamphear]

Who ever we draft more likely won't get much of a run next year if we are healthy. To many players are in front of them if we are healthy.

 

[damianlillard]

Suppose you had to construct a whole starting five out of players supposedly available around our pick or below (yes, I know, it wouldn't be likely to be very good, at least for a while), what would yours be? Mine:
Frontcourt:
Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Bey
Saddiq Bey

Backcourt:
Tyrell Terry
Theo Maledon

(If you like you can build a bench from projected second-rounders/undrafteds. Mine would be
Leandro Bolmaro
Paul Reed
Grant Riller)

That’s not bad actually. Mine would be
PG Terrell Terry
SG Josh Green
SF Saddiq Bey
PF Jalen Smith
C Precious Achiuwa
Bench
Payton Pritchard
Jordan Nwora
Omer Yurtseven

 

[illmatic99]

If I had to bet on the Olshey pick, I would say that Achiuwa has a good chance. I think Olshey tends to pick people with high possible ceilings with his higher picks and people with high floors (and more college experience) with his low/second round picks. Achiuwa could be a huge bust, but everyone will be thinking of Bam and Siakam when they contemplate passing on him.

rj hampton.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

rj hampton.

If Achiuwa is gone, agreed.

 

[illmatic99]

My #1 prospect in our range.



dude even referenced how much he takes away from Dame and CJ at the 2 min mark

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Who ever we draft more likely won't get much of a run next year if we are healthy. To many players are in front of them if we are healthy.

Don't worry - we're never healthy.

 

[illmatic99]

Reading up a ton on this draft, and going back to reading reports from last year when I hadn't paid as much attention.

But Nassir Little would be a lottery pick in this draft I think. Still have a ton of hope for him.

 

[Hoopguru]

Reading up a ton on this draft, and going back to reading reports from last year when I hadn't paid as much attention.

But Nassir Little would be a lottery pick in this draft I think. Still have a ton of hope for him.

Hope he gets a chance! He's a twiner at 6'5" that needs to improve his 3. Great motor but undersized for a 4. I guess he could be similar to PJ Tucker or Draymond?

 

[Cheese22]

Suppose you had to construct a whole starting five out of players supposedly available around our pick or below (yes, I know, it wouldn't be likely to be very good, at least for a while), what would yours be? Mine:
Frontcourt:
Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Bey
Saddiq Bey

Backcourt:
Tyrell Terry
Theo Maledon

(If you like you can build a bench from projected second-rounders/undrafteds. Mine would be
Leandro Bolmaro
Paul Reed
Grant Riller)

A starting 5 with traditional positions and a bench:
PG Tre Jones
SG Tyrese Maxey
SF SaddiqBey
PF Precious Achiuwa
C Xavier Tillman
Bench:
PG Cassius Winston
SG Isaiah Joe
SF Jordan Nwora
PF Aleksej Pokusevski
C Filip Petrusev

 

[42N8Bounce]

Suppose you had to construct a whole starting five out of players supposedly available around our pick or below (yes, I know, it wouldn't be likely to be very good, at least for a while), what would yours be?

I'll go a little unconventional here -
[c] Zeke Nnaji
[pf] Vernon Carey
[sf] Saddiq Bey
[pg] Nico Mannion
[sg] Isaiah Joe

I think there are a lot of solid bigs this year. I'm hoping one of Vernon Carey or Jalen Smith are still on the board when the Blazers pick in the first round.

Looking at potential second rounders, I think Zeke Nnaji and Reggie Perry are both under valued. I'd love to see them still available for the Blazers in the second round.

The draft is a fun time of the year. It's so difficult to predict the potential of these guys. Every year there are late first round and second round surprises. I'm guessing that Onyeka Okongwu will end up the surprise of this draft.

 

[Labinot41]

My #1 prospect in our range.



dude even referenced how much he takes away from Dame and CJ at the 2 min mark

We would have to trade up to get him like in 2017, i like him

 

[blazerkor]

We would have to trade up to get him like in 2017, i like him

I think everyone likes him and that's why I've been seeing him climbing up every mock draft board. I think if he tests out as at all athletic, with his length and knock down long range shooting this guy will be inside the top ten picks. That being said, this is a weird draft... the talent after the first few picks really isn't tiered like it has been in the past picks 4-20 have been moving all over the place across all of the big time mock drafts so who knows? We'll know more after these virtual combines but usually most of the prospects after the top 5 or so play against each other during the combine... that's not happening and usually March Madness tells us a lot about top prospects... that didn't happen. This was already looking like a very hard draft to gauge and now it's monumentally harder. I could see San Antonio, Denver and Toronto coming out of this with the best three players... I mean not really but maybe the third, fourth and fifth best. The good news is this is a draft with a lot of guys that will likely contribute in the league but not one where there are a lot of obvious stars. I don't think we should trade up, just let the best guy fall to us or package the pick in a trade that makes us better right now.

 

[JDC]

I think everyone likes him and that's why I've been seeing him climbing up every mock draft board. I think if he tests out as at all athletic, with his length and knock down long range shooting this guy will be inside the top ten picks. That being said, this is a weird draft... the talent after the first few picks really isn't tiered like it has been in the past picks 4-20 have been moving all over the place across all of the big time mock drafts so who knows? We'll know more after these virtual combines but usually most of the prospects after the top 5 or so play against each other during the combine... that's not happening and usually March Madness tells us a lot about top prospects... that didn't happen. This was already looking like a very hard draft to gauge and now it's monumentally harder. I could see San Antonio, Denver and Toronto coming out of this with the best three players... I mean not really but maybe the third, fourth and fifth best. The good news is this is a draft with a lot of guys that will likely contribute in the league but not one where there are a lot of obvious stars. I don't think we should trade up, just let the best guy fall to us or package the pick in a trade that makes us better right now.

He's got his fair share of skeptics.

Personally, if he's not an elite shooter I think he struggles to return top 20 value in this class. And while the footwork and versatility is there as a movement shooter (and hard to argue with %'s even w/small so. yr sample), he doesn't have the quickest or most fluid stroke (a slight hitch shows up at times, particularly off the dribble) which makes me wonder how he'll adjust to the smaller+shorter shooting windows in the NBA.

Doesn't project as a ballhandler or passer. Next to no left hand. Not much game off the bounce overall. Defensively, he has enough size/length and athleticism to make some plays, but doesn't seem to process things very quickly. Not a great lateral or change of direction athlete either.

Had a nice first impression of him during his freshman year, but the more I watched the more obvious and concerning his weaknesses became.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

The real question is when it comes to all these wing players in our range, are any of them better than Nassir Little? That’s the standard we should hold, because Little does have a lot of raw ability, talent, and athleticism.

Unless some unforeseen red flag hits a top 5 pick and causes him to drop (kinda like MPJ), we should trade the pick.

 

[damianlillard]

The real question is when it comes to all these wing players in our range, are any of them better than Nassir Little? That’s the standard we should hold, because Little does have a lot of raw ability, talent, and athleticism.

Unless some unforeseen red flag hits a top 5 pick and causes him to drop (kinda like MPJ), we should trade the pick.

Exactly! Little in this draft would be a top 10 prospect. Yes he does have a lot of raw ability, talent, and athleticism, but he showed over the course of the season that he worked on 3 point shooting. Toward the end of the season his form was much improved. His defense is pretty good simply due to his strong athletic body. The key to him being in the rotation next year is having a good 3 point shot. I wouldn’t be surprised if Little take a leap similar to Trent this year. His work ethic and hustle are incredible, same as Trent. Sorry guys I love little a lot, like a lot haha

 

[lawai'a]

Pretty great read on the draft and developement process of duncan robinson now starting for the miami heat. how he went from high school unrecruited to the NBA. it also shows the significant advantage a team has to develop players by owning their own g-league affiliate. players that might slip through the cracks.
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/9/17/21439778/duncan-robinson-miami-heat-boston-celtics-playoffs

 

[Rastapopoulos]

The real question is when it comes to all these wing players in our range, are any of them better than Nassir Little? That’s the standard we should hold, because Little does have a lot of raw ability, talent, and athleticism.

Unless some unforeseen red flag hits a top 5 pick and causes him to drop (kinda like MPJ), we should trade the pick.

The thing is, what could you get for a #16 pick that's more valuable than the best player available? Of course, we don't know NOW who that player is, but if this is like EVERY DRAFT EVER, there will be a good-to-great player available then. And you get him on a bargain contract!

 

[Buffalo Custard]

The thing is, what could you get for a #16 pick that's more valuable than the best player available? Of course, we don't know NOW who that player is, but if this is like EVERY DRAFT EVER, there will be a good-to-great player available then. And you get him on a bargain contract!

I agree with the sentiment, but I can't say I trust Olshey to pick the BPA as opposed to another "project".

 

[GhostOfPGA]

The thing is, what could you get for a #16 pick that's more valuable than the best player available? Of course, we don't know NOW who that player is, but if this is like EVERY DRAFT EVER, there will be a good-to-great player available then. And you get him on a bargain contract!

I’m fine with BPA as long as it means ready to play not could be good

 

[JDC]

Elijah Hughes Scouting Report (6-7 Full Games watched)

O-Role: Versatile 19-22% usage scorer, talented enough to be used in multiple play-types
D-Role: ⅔ Defender that likely doesn’t add + value on or off the ball. Enough tools and IQ to not be a stark negative. Strength to switch on 4’s
Upside Comp: Tim Hardaway Jr. w/ better strength and defensive playmaking

Strengths
+ Versatile Scorer / Developed Scoring Feel: Pull-up and stepback footwork going L or R, able to create and make tough shots, can post-up smaller players, doesn’t attack the rim often, but can finish when he gets there (good 1 and 2 legged jumper). Talented enough to potentially see pnr reps in the NBA. Decent vision w/pull-up game and finishing tools. Plays with a nice bounce and shake to his game. Uses it effectively to create space. Takes and makes deep NBA range 3’s, some even off the dribble.
+ Size: 6’6” with a strong 215lbs frame. No official wingspan measurement but eye test has me thinking +2” or +3”. Especially strong through his lower body. Big butt. Moves fluidly and powerfully.
+ Off-ball play: Knows who to relocate, shows feel and footwork getting open, reads screens well
+ Shot blocking: Uniquely good shotblocker for a wing. Part of that is playing in the Syracuse zone as he’s tasked to sink down when he’s guarding the weakside, but instincts / timing / leaping ability when crashing down are still impressive. Also showed the ability to cover ground and block jumpers on closeouts when the ball is swung back to the strong side.

Weaknesses
- Lacks an Elite Skill: Jack of all trades type of player. Could potentially fall into the grey area of not being good enough on or off the ball to be valuable offensively. Skills likely don’t scale well into a lower usage role on good teams. Not a standout passer, defender or a deadeye off ball shooter.
- Shot selection / Offensive Mentality: Too often settles for tough shots. Has the tendency to catch and hold. Doesn’t attack the rim enough when he has the tools to do so. Think this is largely due to not being completely comfortable dribbling downhill. Mishandles are somewhat prevalent in those situations.
- Inconsistent Defensive Motor: Energy level and awareness can be uneven. Doesn’t always rotate within the 2-3 zone with urgency. Hard to evaluate man to man potential. Not many situations to evaluate lateral quickness, tracking off the ball. Defensive principles are obviously wildly different.

 

[tester551]

Elijah Hughes Scouting Report (6-7 Full Games watched)

O-Role: Versatile 19-22% usage scorer, talented enough to be used in multiple play-types
D-Role: ⅔ Defender that likely doesn’t add + value on or off the ball. Enough tools and IQ to not be a stark negative. Strength to switch on 4’s
Upside Comp: Tim Hardaway Jr. w/ better strength and defensive playmaking

Strengths
+ Versatile Scorer / Developed Scoring Feel: Pull-up and stepback footwork going L or R, able to take and make tough shots, can post-up smaller players, doesn’t attack the rim often, but can finish when he gets there (good 1 and 2 legged jumper). Talented enough to potentially see pnr reps in the NBA. Decent vision w/pull-up game and finishing tools. Plays with a nice bounce and shake to his game. Uses it effectively to create space. Takes and makes deep NBA range 3’s, some even off the dribble.
+ Size: 6’6” with a strong 215lbs frame. No official wingspan measurement but eye test has me thinking +2” or +3”. Especially strong through his lower body. Big butt. Moves fluidly and powerfully.
+ Off-ball play: Knows who to relocate, shows feel and footwork getting open, reads screens well
+ Shot blocking: Uniquely good shotblocker for a wing. Part of that is playing in the Syracuse zone as he’s tasked to sink down when he’s guarding the weakside, but instincts / timing / leaping ability when crashing down are still impressive. Also showed the ability to cover ground and block jumpers on closeouts when the ball is swung back to the strong side.

Weaknesses
- Lacks an Elite Skill: Jack of all trades type of player. Could potentially fall into the grey area of not being good enough on or off the ball to be valuable offensively. Skills likely don’t scale well into a lower usage role on good teams. Not a standout passer, defender or a deadeye off ball shooter.
- Shot selection / Offensive Mentality: Too often settles for tough shots. Has the tendency to catch and hold. Doesn’t attack the rim enough when he has the tools to do so. Think this is largely due to not being completely comfortable dribbling downhill. Mishandles are somewhat prevalent in those situations.
- Inconsistent Defensive Motor: Energy level and awareness can be uneven. Doesn’t always rotate within the 2-3 zone with urgency. Hard to evaluate man to man potential. Not many situations to evaluate lateral quickness, tracking off the ball. Defensive principles are obviously wildly different.

You have put together a bunch of these scouting reports & it appears that you know your stuff....

What does your 'big board's look like? Is Vassell still a top prospect for you? What about Haliburton?

 

[JDC]

You have put together a bunch of these scouting reports & it appears that you know your stuff....

What does your 'big board's look like? Is Vassell still a top prospect for you? What about Haliburton?

Don't have a big board. I'll probably tier guys at some point though.

Vassell is solidly in the 7-10 range if I had to guess.

Haliburton is a tier lower. I don't think he's an on-ball player in the half court. Just don't trust the handle and overall dynamism with the ball. Also think he's an off the ball player defensively. And at his size I start to struggle projecting him as a starter. Very context dependent. Could eventually become a high level rotation guy on a really good team, but with where he's projected to go, I worry that he won't find the fit for his skills until his 2nd contract.

 

[e_blazer]

So, who is this year's Tyler Herro? I want him.

 

[damianlillard]

So, who is this year's Tyler Herro? I want him.

The closest thing is Nesmith. But Trent is pretty close to Herro. Just as good of a shooter, but not as good as a scorer though. However Trent play better defense making him an ideal fit next to Dame and CJ. Herro is something special

 

[blazerkor]

The closest thing is Nesmith. But Trent is pretty close to Herro. Just as good of a shooter, but not as good as a scorer though. However Trent play better defense making him an ideal fit next to Dame and CJ. Herro is something special

Wait, Gary is an ideal fit next to Dame or CJ but not next to Dame and CJ. That would still leave us with two ball dominant guards who can't guard wing players and aren't that great at guarding guys their own size. I love the idea of a Gary/Dame back court but SG is where Gary should play not SF.

Edit: If we are going for another perimeter player I would like one that isn't redundant to anyone else we have on the roster so I'd go for Saddiq Bey.

 

[Buffalo Custard]

Wait, Gary is an ideal fit next to Dame or CJ but not next to Dame and CJ. That would still leave us with two ball dominant guards who can't guard wing players and aren't that great at guarding guys their own size. I love the idea of a Gary/Dame back court but SG is where Gary should play not SF.

Edit: If we are going for another perimeter player I would like one that isn't redundant to anyone else we have on the roster so I'd go for Saddiq Bey.

My concern about Nesmith is that his reputation is based on small sample size. There is also the concern about foot injuries turning into long term problems. I disagree that his skills are redundant - given the severity of Hood's injury and the fact he is an expiring deal.

That said, I would take Bey in a heartbeat if he falls to 16. Same with Vassell. I'm not holding my breath for either.

 

[damianlillard]

Wait, Gary is an ideal fit next to Dame or CJ but not next to Dame and CJ. That would still leave us with two ball dominant guards who can't guard wing players and aren't that great at guarding guys their own size. I love the idea of a Gary/Dame back court but SG is where Gary should play not SF.

Edit: If we are going for another perimeter player I would like one that isn't redundant to anyone else we have on the roster so I'd go for Saddiq Bey.

Sorry I should’ve clarify myself. Yes Trent is an ideal fit next to Dame or CJ when he’s playing point guard. You’re right about Trent need to play the majority of his minutes at SG. I also would love to have Bey. Rather have him more than Nesmith. Bey strike me as a player that can do everything that we need at SF. 3 point shooting. Check. Defense. Check. Size. Check. And he come in already polished and not a project much like our 1st rounders have been lately.

 

[pougie]

Sorry I should’ve clarify myself. Yes Trent is an ideal fit next to Dame or CJ when he’s playing point guard. You’re right about Trent need to play the majority of his minutes at SG. I also would love to have Bey. Rather have him more than Nesmith. Bey strike me as a player that can do everything that we need at SF. 3 point shooting. Check. Defense. Check. Size. Check. And he come in already polished and not a project much like our 1st rounders have been lately.

I like Bey a lot and think he’d be the BPA if he fell to #16. From what I’ve seen though, he looks slow, I’m not sure he could be a full time SF. But he seems like a better shooting/less athletic version of covington. If his strength can make up for his lack of athleticism though, I’d love him to be our 3 or stretch 4. I’ve been wanting someone like Covington on the Blazers for about two years, so if we got Bey and he could grow into that kind of player I’d be ecstatic.