What's your goal going into this draft?

[B-Roy]

The idea should be to invest in two way wings/forwards and backup bigs, from here on out.

Ideally, this is Cody Williams and Zach Edey at #7 and #14.

If the Blazers see a point guard they really like (ex. Reed Sheppard), it should only be to replace a Simons or Scoot that is being traded away so that Portland can invest in wings/forwards.

Blazers are weak at the 3/4, need rebounding, need POA/perimeter defense, and need secondary/tertiary ball handlers. The prospect Portland is looking for should be able to space the floor out with shooting of some kind, in this case that they retain Scoot as a starting PG.

Naturally, this means a 'toolsy', glue guy wing/forward.

Again, this points to Cody Williams and Zach Edey at #7 and #14. If Williams is gone, Holland is a safer pick than Buzelis but probably cannot play well with Scoot due to not having a three point game and due to needing the ball quite a bit. If Edey is gone, Portland should take Tyler Smith.

Dream scenario is to walk out with Sheppard+Williams+Edey next to Sharpe, even if it includes trading half the roster.

Curious about your thoughts on Kelel Ware and/or Yves Missi?

 

[STOMP]

my goal is to buy all the hype and then some on whoever they draft and then complain all season when my expectations aren't met

STOMP

 

[MrDraftGuy]

Curious about your thoughts on Kelel Ware and/or Yves Missi?

Missi, he was early on the radar and I liked his game but he it's like he slowed down rather than improved over the course of the season. Not sure he's the Capella clone some were/are claiming him to be, in that sense.

Ware, I'll be honest that I haven't really watched that much this season and he didn't stand out that much during his stint with Oregon. But his stock has been climbing due to the combine so I've been trying to do research on him. He is intriguing and has more of a modern game. Just haven't come to a consensus just yet.

 

[STOMP]

Curious about your thoughts on Kelel Ware and/or Yves Missi?

Ware sure crushed the combine but there are legit questions about his motivation/motor from HS to washing out at Oregon.

STOMP

 

[SharpesTriumph]

my goal is to buy all the hype and then some on whoever they draft and then complain all season when my expectations aren't met

STOMP

Has this happened to many Blazers rookies for you?

I was very disappointed with Scoot. Camera/Rupert were way better than I thought. Most other years Blazers rookies I think generally have reasonable hype.

 

[cheesehoff]

Missi, he was early on the radar and I liked his game but he it's like he slowed down rather than improved over the course of the season. Not sure he's the Capella clone some were/are claiming him to be, in that sense.

Ware, I'll be honest that I haven't really watched that much this season and he didn't stand out that much during his stint with Oregon. But his stock has been climbing due to the combine so I've been trying to do research on him. He is intriguing and has more of a modern game. Just haven't come to a consensus just yet.

I think the only thing keeping Ware from being a lottery lock is his attitude/work ethic. He wasn't gonna get minutes at UO until those things improved, along with some maturity issues. That's why he went to Indiana. But physically, a pretty good comp is Claxton with more offensive upside.

 

[cheesehoff]

Missi, he was early on the radar and I liked his game but he it's like he slowed down rather than improved over the course of the season. Not sure he's the Capella clone some were/are claiming him to be, in that sense.

Ware, I'll be honest that I haven't really watched that much this season and he didn't stand out that much during his stint with Oregon. But his stock has been climbing due to the combine so I've been trying to do research on him. He is intriguing and has more of a modern game. Just haven't come to a consensus just yet.

Capella seems like a very good comp for Missi, or even RWIII. I think he's a couple years of growth and maturity from contributing consistently. He seems like a good developmental pick.

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

Blazers are weak at the 3/4, need rebounding, need POA/perimeter defense, and need secondary/tertiary ball handlers. The prospect Portland is looking for should be able to space the floor out with shooting of some kind, in this case that they retain Scoot as a starting PG.

Naturally, this means a 'toolsy', glue guy wing/forward.

Again, this points to Cody Williams and Zach Edey at #7 and #14. If Williams is gone, Holland is a safer pick than Buzelis but probably cannot play well with Scoot due to not having a three point game and due to needing the ball quite a bit. If Edey is gone, Portland should take Tyler Smith.

Dream scenario is to walk out with Sheppard+Williams+Edey next to Sharpe, even if it includes trading half the roster.

Generally agree with the approach.
I don't think Williams will help rebounding or as a POA defender... especially if we keep Grant around.

I think Holland and Buzelis are better prospects when it's all said and done.

 

[cheesehoff]

So, I think the #7 and 14 should be used on length guys. Buzelis, Williams, Risacher, Ware, Edey, Smith types with high ceilings at both ends of the court. I think building a contender means having as many guys as possible to throw at Wemby for the next 12-15 seasons.
With one of the seconds I really want to see a strong defensive, true PG. I would love either Newton or Shead, probably Shead the most. He's got that dawg in him that this team needs more of. His comp IMO is Marcus Sasser, who I think will have a long career as a backup PG. I think he would be good for Scoot to go at every practice. I like Newton's defense, leadership and length, plus he's a winner. I've always wanted a taller, defensive backup PG to match with our short, defensive challenged SG's.
My new second round crush is Ariel Hukporti. He runs the court like a gazelle, he will be able to score inside, he's got quick bounce which should translate to switchability and rebounding and he'll bring some toughness, too.
#7 Risacher, Buzelis, Williams (Holland or Castle would be plan B)
#14 Salaun, Smith, Ware, da Silva
#34 Shead, Holmes, Klintman
#40 Newton (if no Shead), Hukporti, Dunn, Bona, Dante

 

[Natebishop3]

So, I think the #7 and 14 should be used on length guys. Buzelis, Williams, Risacher, Ware, Edey, Smith types with high ceilings at both ends of the court. I think building a contender means having as many guys as possible to throw at Wemby for the next 12-15 seasons.
With one of the seconds I really want to see a strong defensive, true PG. I would love either Newton or Shead, probably Shead the most. He's got that dawg in him that this team needs more of. His comp IMO is Marcus Sasser, who I think will have a long career as a backup PG. I think he would be good for Scoot to go at every practice. I like Newton's defense, leadership and length, plus he's a winner. I've always wanted a taller, defensive backup PG to match with our short, defensive challenged SG's.
My new second round crush is Ariel Hukporti. He runs the court like a gazelle, he will be able to score inside, he's got quick bounce which should translate to switchability and rebounding and he'll bring some toughness, too.
#7 Risacher, Buzelis, Williams (Holland or Castle would be plan B)
#14 Salaun, Smith, Ware, da Silva
#34 Shead, Holmes, Klintman
#40 Newton (if no Shead), Hukporti, Dunn, Bona, Dante

I will be shocked if Wemby plays more than 10 years.

 

[Phatguysrule]

my goal is to buy all the hype and then some on whoever they draft and then complain all season when my expectations aren't met

STOMP

This is the way.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I am only here for the mayham. I like some of the guys on this roster, I am "emotionally" invested only in a couple, so I just want to be entertained.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Living through it

 

[Predator]

Not sure if those are in this draft.

Probably not, but I’m swinging for homeruns not for base hits

We can draft for role players when we have stars, until then, I’m hunting stars

 

[STOMP]

I think the only thing keeping Ware from being a lottery lock is his attitude/work ethic. He wasn't gonna get minutes at UO until those things improved, along with some maturity issues. That's why he went to Indiana. But physically, a pretty good comp is Claxton with more offensive upside.

Ware measured taller (1.75") longer (Wingspan & Standing Reach +2.5") with much bigger hands and was over 13 lbs heavier... he's just bigger then NC. Their jumping measurements were near identical but Ware posted better times in all the running/agility drills. As far as offense, Claxton plays the dunker spot pretty exclusively rarely taking shots outside the paint. Ware rim runs too but also shot the 3 ball at a 42.5% clip last year

As we've both stated, the concerns with KW are between the ears. My physical comparison is Tyson Chandler

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

Has this happened to many Blazers rookies for you?

Nope, I was joking around in the post you responded to. Generally I'm pretty patient when it comes to rookies. As far as last offseason, I stated that Scoot would likely struggle adjusting as his jumper form and shooting stats sucked but that he was very physically talented and seemed the sort who would work on things. I was not excited about their other selections but you'll find me thrilled in the Camera thread after they traded for him.

STOMP

 

[Natebishop3]

Probably not, but I’m swinging for homeruns not for base hits

We can draft for role players when we have stars, until then, I’m hunting stars

I think at this point, in this draft, we should be hunting for starter quality players that would start on playoff teams. Maybe fringe All Stars. Could there be superstars in this draft? Maybe. Total crapshoot.

 

[MrDraftGuy]

I think the only thing keeping Ware from being a lottery lock is his attitude/work ethic. He wasn't gonna get minutes at UO until those things improved, along with some maturity issues. That's why he went to Indiana. But physically, a pretty good comp is Claxton with more offensive upside.

Yeah, the thing with comps..."Claxton with offensive upside", that might make him a Sarr alternative but after just some simple diving, watching clips and analysis of him, the thing I do wonder....I know he's supposed to be a 'modern center' and played center. But what if he's a PF/C in the NBA?

Because there is some Jermaine O'Neal and Lamarcus Aldridge that just pops up out of him. I dare say he could be better than Sarr due to having more offensive tools. Of course, he's not as defensively versatile but it appears that he doesn't suffer the problems that I have with Sarr.

People who say Sarr looks like Mobley (who I still think can make a jump just like Markkanen and even JJJ did)....no, I think Ware looks more like Mobley than Sarr does.

We'll see. I'll have to digest it some more

 

[Predator]

I think at this point, in this draft, we should be hunting for starter quality players that would start on playoff teams. Maybe fringe All Stars. Could there be superstars in this draft? Maybe. Total crapshoot.

I’m not wasting a lotto pick looking for a starter quality role player. You can find those in most drafts outside the lotto. We can usually sign a few of those guys in free agency.

What we can’t get? Stars.

Doesn’t need to be a superstar. A guy who sneaks into a few all-star games would be fine.

Are Sabonis, Bam, J Randle superstars?

 

[STOMP]

Doesn’t need to be a superstar. A guy who sneaks into a few all-star games would be fine.

In this crappy draft, heres hoping for a guy who belongs in the rotation... eventually.

A few AS games would be fine? I'll refer you to my first post in this thread.

STOMP

 

[Everything Beagle]

I want solid guys who can Do A Thing. They don't have to be specialists per se, but if they have a real standout Thing they do well, I want that on my team. We have a couple of good Do Anything Projects, but having Guys who can Do A Thing would give them room to operate.

 

[Natebishop3]

I think this could be a good draft to add another first rounder. If teams the draft is so shitty, why not take another swing?

 

[Everything Beagle]

I think this could be a good draft to add another first rounder. If teams the draft is so shitty, why not take another swing?

I really want SA’s 8, especially if we don’t have to sacrifice the 14 for it

 

[Natebishop3]

I really want SA’s 8, especially if we don’t have to sacrifice the 14 for it

I think SA is one of the few teams that absolutely won’t trade a pick. Teams like Houston or Memphis or Detroit would be more likely to move the picks.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I really want SA’s 8, especially if we don’t have to sacrifice the 14 for it

That's the pick they're likely to use on Tidjane Salaun. The only way I see them moving it is to acquire Trae or Dejounte Murray from Atlanta.

 

[Predator]

In this crappy draft, heres hoping for a guy who belongs in the rotation... eventually.

A few AS games would be fine? I'll refer you to my first post in this thread.

STOMP

Don’t know what your first post is

and I didn’t say it was likely.

I said that’s what I’m looking to get out of this draft.

I’d rather swing big on star potential than draft something safe like Zach Edey.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Add more young talent. Get bigger. And get more defensive minded.

 

[Pinwheel1]

What I want out of this draft is a forward that can score. He has to be able to defend as well, but more importantly, he really needs to have some well-rounded offensive potential. Not necessarily by next year, but long term. I think that describes Rischer, Buzelis, and Williams at 7.

Saluan, or Knecht at 14 . Not sure Salaun has a mid-range game or I would take him at 7. But every highlight I have seen is a dunk or 3 ball.

Can Holland improve his shot?

 

[wizenheimer]

I think this could be a good draft to add another first rounder. If teams the draft is so shitty, why not take another swing?

Blazers will only be 7M below the tax line. They could make it 9M below by waiving Blanton, but he may be as good as anybody the Blazers add from the lottery. In any event, adding the rookie scale from the 7th & 14th picks puts the Blazers 1-3M over the tax line. If Blanton is gone that would make 14 players and 1M over the line. Also, the payroll number and roster count doesn't include Duop Reath

so adding a 3rd 1st round pick would make the tax situation worse. And all that doesn't include the 2nd round picks

obviously, trades can mitigate the tax and roster situations, but in that context the Blazers couldn't have landed on a worse draft to have two lottery picks as trade leverage...if that's what they are shooting for. IMO, the roster is a dysfunctional fucking mess. I'm unconvinced Cronin will fix it at the draft; he might make things worse. Of course, that would be good for the tank

 

[Ed O]

Best future players available. Getting a guy who can help us next year is barely relevant to me, and I'm not sure what the roster will (or should) look like in a couple of years.

Scoot and Sharpe are the only guys I'm excited about on our current roster, but getting a guard out of this draft (like Castle or Sheppard) would be entirely fine by me given they are still unproven and it's better to get a very good player we can trade later than going for need or size or whatever and then being stuck with an inferior player.