Exclusive Official 2020 Draft Thread

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The Blazers have done that the last three years. drafted on potential, and this year none of those three really contributed anything. Give me a player who is ready to play and can contribute rather than someone who when there contract is up we still have no idea if they will ever reach said potential.
Okay name a rookie that will contribute immediately then. None of the guards will, being stuck behind Dame, CJ, and Trent. Name a forward that will outplay Ariza, Trent, Hood if he return to form, and even the improvement of Little. At center we are essentially locked in with Nurkic and Collins. And we still can sign a vet min C too. Our only need is a big combo forward. Patrick Williams could be that guy but he’s more of a project. Bey is a maybe if he can prove to handle the big athletic forwards. I can’t think of anyone else. And don’t forget we still have a MLE to sign those type of players. My dream would be of course to trade Ariza and our picks for a starting caliber forward. But that seem more unlikely than likely to me. And trading CJ is always on the table
 
The Blazers have done that the last three years. drafted on potential, and this year none of those three really contributed anything. Give me a player who is ready to play and can contribute rather than someone who when there contract is up we still have no idea if they will ever reach said potential.
I realize that he was drafted in the early second round but there is that Gary Trent Jr. guy that puts some holes in your argument. He contributed a lot this year. We definitely didn't draft him because he was a graduating senior that was a finished product.
 
Okay name a rookie that will contribute immediately then. None of the guards will, being stuck behind Dame, CJ, and Trent. Name a forward that will outplay Ariza, Trent, Hood if he return to form, and even the improvement of Little. At center we are essentially locked in with Nurkic and Collins. And we still can sign a vet min C too. Our only need is a big combo forward. Patrick Williams could be that guy but he’s more of a project. Bey is a maybe if he can prove to handle the big athletic forwards. I can’t think of anyone else. And don’t forget we still have a MLE to sign those type of players. My dream would be of course to trade Ariza and our picks for a starting caliber forward. But that seem more unlikely than likely to me. And trading CJ is always on the table
Trading CJ is always on the table for us, the fans who watch the game and see that Dame and CJ just don't fit together on the court. I don't know if trading CJ is ever on the table for Olshey since the last time I heard him talk about CJ being traded he said something to the effect of, there are very few if any guys in this league that are untouchable but I view Dame and CJ as two of those rare guys... or some shit like that. The idea of getting CJ to a better fit for his skill set and getting us a better fit for our team in return is a fabulous one, just not one that the guy in charge seems to be interested in.
 
I realize that he was drafted in the early second round but there is that Gary Trent Jr. guy that puts some holes in your argument. He contributed a lot this year. We definitely didn't draft him because he was a graduating senior that was a finished product.
I like GTJ, but lets be honest. He played 5 or so good offensive games in the bubble then was taken out of the offense the last few games before the playoffs and the Playoffs. Does he play tough defense yeah, but lets slow down on the expectations for him. Even with Trent, you have Zach, Ant and Nas all drafted on potential and none to this point have lived up to the potential. Do we really want to waste another year of Dames prime hoping on a 4th potential, or lets get someone who can contribute.
 
Agreed. It actually make sense to get a rookie who may not necessarily come in 100% polish but who still have a high upside. For that reason Precious Achiuwa is rising on my board. Defensively he’s a beast. He can protect the rim while also guarding 1-5 quite well. He’s a lot like Bam Adebayo on that end of the floor. Offensively is where he need to work on. His shooting form is inconsistent, he did have some shots that were beautiful. He need more repetition with consistent shooting form. He make up for it with his constant attack at the rim whether though put back, pick and roll, or attack from the high post. He flashes some passing skills so that’s also something he can build on. With that being said when I think about how much the rookies will actually play, like even Little play very little on a injury riddled blazers team last year. I would love to take a chance on Precious. He got all nba defensive potential while having an offense that could be similar to Jerami Grant if he add the shooting. If we do actually end up playing Precious during his rookie season his defense and energy will be a huge boost to this team
Yea he on my list at 16 and there Bey also there and Terry is moving on some boards especially when he was measure at 6'3".
 
The more I hear the various players in this draft discusses, the more I want to trade the pick!
 
Trade up for Vassell / Okoro is still my #1.

I'd be cool with Maxey. I don't love his upside but really like his ability to guard both guard spots and provide good team defense. Another guy that I think could help in the immediate if Ant isn't ready. Better compliment to Dame/CJ while also being a nice long-term fit alongside Ant. I think he's better scoring off advantages created by better offensive players. Lacks a bit of feel, but makes quick decisions and has an attack mindset. Can put pressure on the rim and finish.

A swing on Poku would be interesting. Still not sure what he is in the NBA, but he's uniquely skilled and instinctual for his size.

Also like the idea of trading down with Philly. Good value in the early 2nd and this draft is pretty flat in our range in the first. Could help secure a guy like Tillie in the 2nd.
 
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Trade up for Vassell / Okoro is still my #1.

I'd be cool with Maxey. I don't love his upside but really like his ability to guard both guard spots and provide good team defense. Another guy that I think could help in the immediate if Ant isn't ready. Better compliment to Dame/CJ while also being a nice long-term fit alongside Ant. I think he's better scoring off advantages created by better offensive players. Lacks a bit and feel, but makes quick decisions and has an attack mindset. Can put pressure on the rim and finish.

A swing on Poku would be interesting. Still not sure what he is in the NBA but his uniquely skilled and instinctual for his size.

Also like the idea of trading down with Philly. Good value in the early 2nd and draft is pretty flat in our range in the first. Could help secure a guy like Tillie in the 2nd.
First Line: :smiley-envy:

The rest of it::happy:
 
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My favorite players outside ESPN's top 25

Cassius Winston (30): See him as a Mo Williams type. Not a good athlete, but talented enough as a scorer-passer-ballhandler-shooter to make it work. Just a hooper that I think NBA coaches will trust. Love the intangibles. Do worry that his player type has gone out of style with teams going with bigger/more defense oriented guards if not the primary creator on the floor.

Tre Jones (34): Could see him becoming a starter in an optimal context. Think he can add value in transition offensively while being an acceptable spot up guy in the half court. Love his handle. Big hands, shifty, covers ground. Smart, tough. Some pnr scoring ability, but teams will likely go under on him until the jumper improves. If it does, it'll allow him to get to his pull up game where he's pretty developed--great playing slow to low & fast with sharp footwork, gets good rise on the jumper. Defense dipped but still had good showings vs top guards. Context played a big part imo. Bigger creation burden and Carey/Hurt protecting the rim affected his agressiveness.

Xavier Tillman (40): Smartest big in the draft. Wonderful screener and passer with some face up handling skill and underrated finishing touch. Defensively he makes up for less than ideal height, length and movement skills with his strength, intelligence and timing. Quick and strong hands. Has some stretch potential. Best working off dynamic ball handlers.

Elijah Hughes (43): Just a nice combination of scoring feel and physical tools. Developed scoring package. Has some questionable tendencies in his game on both ends, but if those get ironed out I think he can return top 20 value in this class.

Killian Tillie (53): Health is a real worry, but I think he's a pretty sure bet to be a useful 4/5 off the bench on good teams if he can stay on the floor. Great shooter, good passer, smart defender. Like his mobility defensively more than most. Like that he pairs his excellent shooting with some ball handling skill, kick out vision and mid range/floater touch. Just a smart, versatile player on both ends.

Tyshon Alexander (81): Versatile two-way off guard/wing. Has a nice role player package of skills. Decisive decision maker and shooter. Has some handling and passing ability. Solid athlete with great length. Pesky on ball defender, great chaser around screens. Another guy with quick and strong hands. Love his demeanor on the floor. Well coached. Could be a Courtney Lee / KCP type player.
 
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I HAVE A NEW FAVE PROSPECT FOR OUR SECOND ROUND PICK: Usman Garuba


EDIT: Now I see why he's not showing up in any mock drafts - it's not because he's projected to go undrafted, it's because he CAN'T be drafted, and will be a lottery pick next year. Never mind...
 
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Really interested to see what Minny does.

Don't like the Russell/Kat pairing but if they could somehow end up with Vassell (in a trade down) and Poku, I get a lot more excited about their future.
 
Really interested to see what Minny does.

Don't like the Russell/Kat pairing but if they could somehow end up with Vassell (in a trade down) and Poku, I get a lot more excited about their future.
Will you be as excited when KAT comes out publicly with his trade demands?
 
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Here's a question for Draft Gurus: where would you project the following if they were in the draft this year:
Anfernee Simons
Nas Little

I know it's hard to do, because you have to imagine how they would've looked in college. I honestly don't know with Little, but I have a feeling that Simons would be top ten (except that he would be an unusual upperclassman, which might drop him). If you like, compare him with prospects that are rated highly, like Killian Hayes, Halliburton or Cole Anthony.
 
I didn't think I could like Saddiq Bey more!
He's just boring to me.

Ceiling feels like a neutral impact guy on both ends on low usage offensively.

I do tend to underrate Villanova guys though.

Was higher on Brunson than most but lower on Hart and took awhile to come around on Bridges.
 
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Get a coach who will actually play his young guys. Not park them on the bench just because they don't have NBA experience.

Otherwise your draft picks are irrelevant for a few years.
 
Me and @hoopsjock are doing draft profiles videos. Should I create a new thread and put all the videos in the OP (edit every time we drop one)? Or should I just put them in here? Up to you guys.

Btw, heres the first one:

 
Me and @hoopsjock are doing draft profiles videos. Should I create a new thread and put all the videos in the OP (edit every time we drop one)? Or should I just put them in here? Up to you guys.

Btw, heres the first one:


I would just put them in here if I was you. I think they'll be higher visibility.
 
Just a bit of stats:
- Anthony Edwards: 0.402 FG%, 0.520 TS%

I tried to find a historical precedent for that level of shooting.
- No #1 draft pick in the past 50 years has had that low of a FG%. (Lowest: 0.443 FG% - LaRue Martin, 1972)

- Only 2 #1 draft picks in the past 50 years have have had that low of a TS%.
--- LaRue Martin, 1972 - 0.497 TS%
--- Doug Collins, 1973 - 0.516 TS%

- Only 3 top 10 draft picks in the past 20 years have had less than 0.402 FG%
(note: 166 US college players drafted in the top 10 in the past 20 years.)
--- Cam Reddish, 2019 #10 - 0.356 FG%
--- Keyon Dooling, 2000 #10 - 0.389 FG%
--- TJ Ford, 2003 #8 - 0.401 FG%

- Only 8 top 10 draft picks in the past 20 years have had less than 0.520 TS%
(note: 166 US college players drafted in the top 10 in the past 20 years.)
--- Cam Reddish, 2019 #10 - 0.499 TS%
--- Eddie Griffin, 2001 #7 - 0.501 TS%
--- Aaron Gordon, 2014 #4 - 0.503 TS%
--- Dajuan Wagner, 2002, #6 - 0.504 TS%
--- TJ Ford, 2003, 2003 #8 - 0.506 TS%
--- Jamal Crawford, 2000 #8 - 0.507 TS%
--- Andre Drummond, 2012 #9 - 0.509 TS%
--- Jaylen Brown, 2016 #3 - 0.518 TS%

Anthony Edwards may turn out to be a great player. The draft is a crapshoot. Sometimes you have to swing for the fences and take a high-risk on a high-potential player. But the majority of #1 picks in the past have had a pretty solid year in college with some good stats to back them up. You don't typically see the higher-risk picks until after the top 3. This year I don't see that clear #1 pick with solid stats. I certainly wouldn't want to be the GM with the #1 pick this year.

upload_2020-10-10_13-59-5.png
 
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Just a bit of stats:
- Anthony Edwards: 0.402 FG%, 0.520 TS%

I tried to find a historical precedent for that level of shooting.
- No #1 draft pick in the past 50 years has had that low of a FG%. (Lowest: 0.443 FG% - LaRue Martin, 1972)

- Only 2 #1 draft picks in the past 50 years have have had that low of a TS%.
--- LaRue Martin, 1972 - 0.497 TS%
--- Doug Collins, 1973 - 0.516 TS%

- Only 3 top 10 draft picks in the past 20 years have had less than 0.402 FG%
(note: 166 US college players drafted in the top 10 in the past 20 years.)
--- Cam Reddish, 2019 #10 - 0.356 FG%
--- Keyon Dooling, 2000 #10 - 0.389 FG%
--- TJ Ford, 2003 #8 - 0.401 FG%

- Only 8 top 10 draft picks in the past 20 years have had less than 0.520 TS%
(note: 166 US college players drafted in the top 10 in the past 20 years.)
--- Cam Reddish, 2019 #10 - 0.499 TS%
--- Eddie Griffin, 2001 #7 - 0.501 TS%
--- Aaron Gordon, 2014 #4 - 0.503 TS%
--- Dajuan Wagner, 2002, #6 - 0.504 TS%
--- TJ Ford, 2003, 2003 #8 - 0.506 TS%
--- Jamal Crawford, 2000 #8 - 0.507 TS%
--- Andre Drummond, 2012 #9 - 0.509 TS%
--- Jaylen Brown, 2016 #3 - 0.518 TS%

Anthony Edwards may turn out to be a great player. The draft is a crapshoot. Sometimes you have to swing for the fences and take a high-risk on a high-potential player. But the majority of #1 picks in the past have had a pretty solid year in college with some good stats to back them up. You don't typically see the higher-risk picks until after the top 3. This year I don't see that clear #1 pick with solid stats. I certainly wouldn't want to be the GM with the #1 pick this year.

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The context is different in each players situation. Each player is also different. I guarantee if he went to Kentucky it would've been something more like 45% from the field and 35% from 3. He was inefficient due to having to carry the offender against defenses that were completely loaded up to stop him.
 
Here's a question for Draft Gurus: where would you project the following if they were in the draft this year:
Anfernee Simons
Nas Little

I know it's hard to do, because you have to imagine how they would've looked in college. I honestly don't know with Little, but I have a feeling that Simons would be top ten (except that he would be an unusual upperclassman, which might drop him). If you like, compare him with prospects that are rated highly, like Killian Hayes, Halliburton or Cole Anthony.
I think Ant is the greatest athlete that Neil Olshey has ever seen so he would obviously go first (actually I think he would have looked very lost all of the time in college just like he does in the league and I think he'd be a very late first rounder). I think Nas would go really high like top 5 if he showed the kind of work ethic he did with us this season in a second season at UNC. If you are asking where they would go in this draft if they were coming out the same way they did the year they were drafted then I think Nas would again drop out of the top ten due to concerns about his work ethic and ability to shoot and Ant would be a late first rounder maybe even an early second because he hadn't proved anything and while this draft is weak on top end talent it is very deep with high risk/high ceiling prospects and guys projected to be solid contributors.
 

Nice job on these videos @BonesJones. I appreciate you putting them together and posting them here. Both of these guys are exciting prospects.

I'm curious to see where Toppin ends up landing. #3 NCAA box +/-, #6 NCAA FG%, and #7 NCAA PER. Even though he's 22 and played for a small school, those are tough credentials to pass up.

I'd love to have Bey available when the Blazers draft at #16. #4 NCAA in 3pt FG% at 6'8" 215 lbs. I think he's just what the Blazers need.
 

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