by big-shot-ROB on Mon May 21, 2018 7:19 pm
Right now I think I am quite qualified to create my own personal board. Also, this is not a best to worst player ranking, but taking in context which teams are picking.
1. Luka Doncic. Phoenix Suns.
They need a winning culture right now. They will probably go the Ayton path, but I think it's risky given Ayton's red flags: he has some questionable motor, he is an awful defender. Those things will get a boost if he plays in Phoenix. Phoenix is trash and their culture is trash. Doncic can change that in a heartbeat. Still, I really can't see Doncic wanting to play for them.
2. DeAndre Ayton. Sacramento Kings.
Kings is the perfect landing spot for Doncic. They have all the necessary players for him to succeed. Doncic usually needs: another ball handler (Fox), good shooters (Hield and Bogdanovic) and a roller bigman (WCS). But since I think he will be offboard, they should pick Ayton. They really don't have any true potential center, and despite the many red flags I see in Ayton and the fact that I think you always pick the skilled forward over the physical center, he has too much potential for a franchise which has nothing to pass on.
3. Marvin Bagley. Atlanta Hawks.
I am really high on him. I think he has a lot of areas to improve, but no way he is Jahlil Okafor. He has the highest motor and winning attitude I've seen in a long time. He has that IT factor. And after seeing what Jaylen Brown has become for us, from where he started, just pushed by his drive, I am not betting against Bagley. Is true there are counter examples, such as Stanley Johnson, but still.
He scares me a little bit with that short wingspan, but I feel he can improve everywhere. He needs to really work on that right hand and his ball handling, but every other area looks already good now.
4. Mikal Bridges. Memphis Grizzlies.
They are on a "win now" mode, and although if teams were not in context I'd put Bamba in this spot, don't see how they pick a develop prospect who can not even play along Gasol. Mikal is a beast, and he has improved his game every year. He has become a knock-down shooter when he could not even make free throws his freshman year. He has that defense Memphis loves. And he is a winner. I think he can become that Al Horford locker-room guy.
5. Mo Bamba. Dallas Mavericks.
This one is easy. They given up on Noel ever become anything. They need young prospects, and Bamba is top 3 when it comes to potential. He has a tremendous physical. And he's already put a lot of weight in his body, which has a eliminated the fear that he would be too skinny.
6. Trae Young. Orlando Magic.
They need a PG. And after some questionable picks of long position-less forwards that have not panned out as they would've liked, I can see them going in that direction. I get a Jimmer Fredette vibe from Young, but I like how he controls the flow of the game, and it seems as time goes on, the 3pt shot becomes more and more important.
7. Wendell Carter. Chicago Bulls.
He is a really smart player and a team player. His defense and rebounding are underrated. His vision and understanding of the game is top notch. And he shows signs of becoming a really good shooter. He pairs excellently with Markkanen. I think the Bulls should pick him.
8. Jaren Jackson Jr. Cleveland Cavaliers.
Opposite to others, I think he will be a good player, but the ceiling is quite low for him, and as I've always said, you pick safe players with low ceiling after the top-5/7, unless you are a winning team. I think he will be Marvin Williams with great defense. I like his lenght, his fluidity in defense and his shooting touch, but I can't see anything going for him offensivily than pick&pop situations. I am also concerned about his rebounding.
9. MPJ. New York Knicks.
He was crazy overhyped in AAU. The Kevin Durant comparisons were over the edge. I've never liked him, so my opinion might be a little biased. I don't think he is the athlete people calim him to be, and I don't like his handles. He was very few shiftiness in his game, and I think suffers the Harrison Barnes syndrome, where he is a good straight line driver, but that about it.
The back injury is concerning, and he looked really really rusty in those 2 games he played at the end of the season. He also has a "chucker" attitude, and will benefit from a great coach who forces him to adapt his game to a more efficient approach, similar to what Stevens did with Tatum when the season begun. I think Fizdale can do that.
10. Kevin Knox. Philadelphia 76ers.
I see them going that route with Bridges off the board. They need wings, and Knox can fill the age timeline of their players. Robert Covignton can be a great tutor for him. He is really raw, but I like his body coordination and shooting potential. He reminds me a little bit of Tobias Harris. They could pick another player, but I just don't see them falling for Sexton, Miles Bridges, Shai or Robert Williams.
11. Collin Sexton. Charlotte Hornets.
12. Robert Williams. Los Angeles Clippers.
13. Shai Alexander. "
14. Miles Bridges. Denver Nuggets.