Hate City's Draft recap - round 1, by two rookie writers.
Jul 10, 2018 12:13:52 GMT 2
Portland TrailBlazers, Miami Heat, and 2 more like this
Post by Denver Nuggets on Jul 10, 2018 12:13:52 GMT 2
Ok guys, DEN and PHI had some nba chat, here is Hatecity's round 1 draft recap, just so you can take a second opinion on your
Oh, and just for you to know who to hate, DEN commented odd number selections and PHI even ones (now go google which are which).Enjoy:
1 - Deandre Ayton - 19 (Sacramento Kings) A-
Sacramento wanted his generational player badly. So badly, that he chose to overpay Brooklyn, who happily accepted an allstar on a good discount, a top 80 big and the high upside Skal, who on the other hand is in danger on getting buried in Sacramento’s full front court rotation. Ayton is a great fit in Phoenix as the undisputable starting C, his body is made by basketball gods and the last time we saw a C that polished offensively is probably when KAT came to the league, since both have great low post moves and very good range. However, Ayton underperforms badly on D, especially for a player with his size, sets really bad screens and opts for midrange jumpers instead of attacking aggressively inside. If he can improve on those things he will be a (fantasy) monster for years to come. That is the reason for my A- , along with the fact that I don’t believe that he is the best big of this class. Time will tell, I guess.
2 - Luka Doncic - 19 (Miami Heat) A+
With the second pick, Miami added a European superstar prospect. As Doncic shaked Europe before coming to NBA, receiving many awards including the EuroLeague MVP, the only question is: “Can he translate his play to the NBA level? (Help him Nowitzki!) ”. He is about to get lots of minutes in the Dallas backcourt with DSJ, meaning he will have fantasy-impact. Possibly, he was the best selection at the 2nd spot according to where he landed and his overall talent. Although he is considered an average athlete, he is a natural leader with an excellent basketball IQ. He will carry the hype till the start of the season because we can’t see him playing in the summer league.
3 – Trae Young - 19 (Sacramento Kings) A
Well, our friend Bourito got his generational C while having one more pick in the top 3. What better way to execute than picking the best PG of this class in Trae Young? Trae’s numbers were mind-blowing in college, although he began to fall later in the season. Despite that, he’s without doubt this year’s best passer and has unlimited range. Sure, the shots haven’t been falling yet in Summer league, but all other aspects are there, which could make him a Steph-Curry like player. Schroeder still being in town and Trae’s weak physical and defensive skills are the only reason an A+ isn’t awarded here.
4 - Jaren Jackson Jr. -18 (Houston Rockets) A+
JJJ is perhaps the next big thing. He can defend he rim, finish around the basket, hit mid-rangers, hit 3s. With his huge upside, intelligence and excellent mobility, Jackson is the complete big man that can be a real household name in following years. With a mentor like Marc Gasol, it is not unlikely for JJJ to create a fantasy impact in near future (He should do it he was acquired by giving Harden). And the most important thing about this pick is he complements with Houston’s plan!
5 – Marvin Bagley – 19 (LA Clippers traded to Philadelphia 76ers) B
Let’s discuss the trade first: you are the Clippers, a team full of guards, with an ok amount of money to spend on FA, draft one of the best available bigs in Bagley, who projects to start for his team and what do you do? You trade him to Phily for Brogdon, a good PG/SG who has already peaked and Hield, the next Steph Curry according to Divac (and probably the Clippers manager himself) who is ‘’meh’’ and projects to fight for minutes again this year with Bogdanovic. On the other hand, yeah Bagley looks great and Phily could walk out of this trade as a big winner, but I’m worried about the crowded Sacramento frontcourt and…well, about Sacramento! They just can’t develop talent, guys! Remember the last great and hyped PF the Kings drafted, that was projected to kick ass with his athleticism and overall skills? You don’t, and that’s rightfully so. He’s called Thomas Robinson, no 5 pick of the 2012 draft, now ‘’kicking ass’’ in Russia and god, do I see some similarities here already…
6 - Mo Bamba - 20 (Boston Celtics) A
Rumors are that Boston drafted Rudy Gobert with the ability to shoot from deep. Maybe rumors are true, but the real Question is can we see him play significant minutes this year in the jammed Orlando frontcourt? (Please buyout Mozgov!). Good pick from that spot regarding Boston’s own youngsters have time to improve and maybe we can see Boston dominate the league in the following years.
7- Wendell Carter Jr. - 19 (Utah Jazz) A
Now, here is a pick I really love. I love the fit, as he will for sure be getting a lot of minutes on a young Bulls team and I love the player himself (#nohomo). Carter is 6'10," 251 pounds with a 7' 4.5'' wingspan and a 9'1 standing reach. Not bad for a 19year old huh? What is even better, he does it all on court, has a really high basketball IQ and his style of play is often compared to Al Horford, cause of his lack of elite athleticism. That should be the only concern for him regarding his transition to the NBA. Elite bigs may eat him alive in the beginning, but if he learns to use his body correctly he will thrive as a rim protecting and floor spacing big.
8- Michael Porter Jr - 20 (Houston Rockets) A-
If there is a little chance you can draft the future KD, you go for it. Injury reports? Missed 2018 Season? These are serious concerns but they didn’t stop Houston from drafting the bona fide number one pick before he injured his back and hip. We all may sleep in front of Houston’s door if he turns to be a real franchise talent. A high risk - high award move at the eighth spot. Another addition to Houston’s plan!
9 – Collin Sexton – 19 (Golden State Warriors) B+
Warriors got himself the ‘’Young Bull’’, as Sexton is a super dynamic guard who likes to use his speed and athleticism to blow by defenders. Kudos to the manager for drafting him before the King’s departure, as Cleveland will be going in a totally different direction now and he will be one of the main pieces of the rebuild. Imagine a rookie PG with Bron staying home and one or more stars coming over to fight for another championship. Kid would sweat his ass off in the G-league. What is heavily missing in Sexton’s game are organizational skills, as he is a score first PG who doesn’t pass the rock and has a very, very low A/TO ratio so far. Oh yeah, and outside shooting. He’s not there yet, but the upside is. Lower grade because I am not sure that the Warriors drafted the best available player here, still a great pick though.
10- Mikal Bridges -21 (Minnesota Timberwolves) A-
Minnesota chose the most NBA-Ready prospect with the tenth pick, a guy with a proven champion gene by winning two NCAA titles. He was not drafted to the perfect spot, but assuming Suns’ have the mentality of freeing their rookies after the break, he will probably have his chances. The signing of Ariza? Although it means less playing time, it is also a perfect opportunity to learn from one of the league’s best 3 & D players. Good pick but will Sarper regret passing on Kevin Knox?
11 – Miles Bridges - 20 (Atlanta Hawks) C+
An ‘’ok’’ pick here for Atlanta, who chose a good two-way player out of Michigan State who can play various positions on various lineups and effectively guard positions 2-4. That is the main reason why he will be an asset in the NBA. Plus, the Charlotte rebuild in the horizon will definitely open up opportunities in near future. On the other hand, Bridges is not good enough (yet) as a ball-handler and shot creator to play on the wings and not tall enough for the PF spot. (Catch-up) 3 &D is what he will do though. Age goes up, grades start falling, sorry man. Plus, you passed on an 18 year old freak forward here ( ↓ ), read some hoop-ball articles man (you’re welcome Dio!)
12 - Kevin Knox -18 (Phoenix Suns) A
I still cannot forget the reactions after Knicks drafted Porzingis. Knox can be the man they need at the forward spot with his size, shot and athleticism. Still 18 years old and he can turn out to be the steal of Hatecity draft. Oh, don’t forget his showings in Las-Vegas.
13 – Zhaire Smith - 19 (Sacramento) B
This guy again! Well ok, he got his C, he got his PG, and now obviously went for a very good and versatile SG/SF, with high basketball IQ and lockdown defense skills. My only worry is his Phily landing spot and the fact that they already have like 10 other players (exaggerating a bit) who do the same work on the wings. But hey, they traded Mikal Bridges and moved down for him, right? That must mean that they are higher that ‘’JR Smith – high’’ on him. And if he improves his shooting, maybe next year he is their starting SG? Reddick could be already gone by then. Probably no immediate production, but fits bourito’s plans well.
14 - Shai- Gilgeous Alexander -19 (Indiana Pacers) A
While you can think Clippers’ choice of SGA is weird, since they have a lot of guards, this move tells us a lot about this guy’s value. This oversized guard may be one of the core pieces of the semi-rebuilding Clips’ squad. Rumors are he is one of the most hardworking and most coachable players of this loaded draft class. Congrats Pacers, it seems like a solid choice from that spot.
15 – Kevin Huerter – 19 (Chicago Bulls) A
+
Spending your 15th pick on a Hawks SG was the wisest thing to do here, as Bazemore is on the trade block since 2016 and might finally be gone this year and the only real competition should be Tyler Dorsey (I can’t even believe I wrote that sentence. Damn!). Huerter is projected to get his chances from early on, has good size and is an elite 3 point shooter already. Someone in our league even called him ‘’Young Korver’’, let’s see how that pans out. Not bad bro, not bad.
16 – Lonnie Walker – 19 (Philadelphia 76ers traded to Houston) B-
If the Spurs are gonna blow up that thing, and chances say they will, congrats Houston! Got yourself a nice piece here, who will surely get some playing time. Lonnie has a good basketball - body, long arms and good physicals which help him attack the basket well. He is a little lost off the ball, on defense as well as offense, but has the physicals and is projected to be a nice 3 & D guy, lust like 50 other players in this year’s (3 & D) draft. Oh, and just remembered, Houston OFFICIALLY announced that he was actually thinking of picking him with the 8th pick and I was like ‘’Bro what the hell is wrong with you?’’ and he was like ‘’I have a plan’’ and I was like ‘’he’s not even a C , man’’…
17 - Robert Williams- 20 (Los Angeles Lakers) A
His draft selection from 27 surprised a lot of Nba people but Lakers was aware of what can he bring to the table. Backing up Horford and learning from him and Brad Stevens is making it impossible to pass on this pick at 17. His work ethic and health are said to be the main reason of his slip to that spot in real life, but in Hatecity, no one is interested in his work ethic, only the fantasy relevance he has.
18 - Donte Divincenzo -21 (Indiana Pacers) B+
He was the hero of the NCAA final game. With his versatility to play both guard spots, his shooting may be valuable for a Milwakuee squad. If Snell leaves, he can be an immediate contributor. Pacers did well to strengthen his case for the title.
19 – Aaron Holiday – 23 (New Orleans Pelicans) B-
Aaron joins his big brother! Yeyyyyy! (Still better than the Ball brothers, hear that Lavar?). Seriously now, decent pick here for the Pelicans, as Holiday has already impressed at Summer league. Question is, can he play effectively in the NBA? His 6-1 size and 180 pounds are a concern, his wingspan is ok though and will make his job a bit easier on defense, where he is expected to find the most difficulties going forward.
20- Jerome Robinson -21 (Portland Trail Blazers) B-
One of the most surprising picks of the real draft. “James” Robinson can shoot it and has talent , lack of playing time and opportunity made him slip to this spot. Perhaps the Glass guys of the clips’ will come off the board injured and we can see the potential of our Beloved friends’ pick. Maybe he will turn out to be next Klay, who knows ?