Looking ahead to the 2023 Draft
- Thread starter Tetsujin
- Start date
I actually really like Trayce Jackson-Davis of Indiana
Most mocks have him going early early second round before the Kings second pick but 7-10 picks after the Kings first pick.
In the Kings late first round early second round position I’m looking at upperclassmen and guys that can potentially fill a role right away unless they really see a one and done or G-league guy that’s can’t miss.
Athletic. Has a lot of length. Rim protector. Beast offensive rebounder. Switchable. Most importantly, a rebound and run player like Domas with playmaking ability on the break. No shooting ability but a rim runner. 4 year player who might contribute right away in areas of need.
Clowney is another one that intrigues me as a prospect.
Most mocks have him going early early second round before the Kings second pick but 7-10 picks after the Kings first pick.
In the Kings late first round early second round position I’m looking at upperclassmen and guys that can potentially fill a role right away unless they really see a one and done or G-league guy that’s can’t miss.
Athletic. Has a lot of length. Rim protector. Beast offensive rebounder. Switchable. Most importantly, a rebound and run player like Domas with playmaking ability on the break. No shooting ability but a rim runner. 4 year player who might contribute right away in areas of need.
Clowney is another one that intrigues me as a prospect.
IDK when I think of TJD this season I remember this play where Kobe Bufkin dunked all over him.
0:29
I just am always like "well what did you think of him last year?" with players like this, all of a sudden theres a clamoring for a player who wasnt exactly held in high regards in years past and will turn 24 next season.
Like its worth noting that the Kings Sold the 37th pick last season ---- It stands to reason the Kings could've had TJD there, and could've promised him that pick to make him stay in the draft.. So what changed?
He's even older than Keegan Murray btw, will turn 24 in February, so like if he's not an instant hit or close to it we're quickly gonna have a 25 year old on a 1st rd pick deal.. Its a hard pass for me
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I just am always like "well what did you think of him last year?" with players like this, all of a sudden theres a clamoring for a player who wasnt exactly held in high regards in years past and will turn 24 next season.
Like its worth noting that the Kings Sold the 37th pick last season ---- It stands to reason the Kings could've had TJD there, and could've promised him that pick to make him stay in the draft.. So what changed?
He's even older than Keegan Murray btw, will turn 24 in February, so like if he's not an instant hit or close to it we're quickly gonna have a 25 year old on a 1st rd pick deal.. Its a hard pass for me
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This is footage from 2021. TJD scores 43 points on 17/23 shooting.
So this player has been a well known commodity for a long time now, NBA All-Star dad, McDonalds All-American, bigtime recruit. Productive in college for years but the elephant in the room is he's been pulling out of draft after draft, so what made him not that appealing last year?
He's obviously pretty much maximized his frame too, put on a ton of good weight since his HS days where he was markedly skinnier.
So this player has been a well known commodity for a long time now, NBA All-Star dad, McDonalds All-American, bigtime recruit. Productive in college for years but the elephant in the room is he's been pulling out of draft after draft, so what made him not that appealing last year?
He's obviously pretty much maximized his frame too, put on a ton of good weight since his HS days where he was markedly skinnier.
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I want to do a deep dive on Centers 6'10 or shorter selected 20-30 in the last 10 drafts. Whats the precedent for such a selection on TJD (or James Nnaji)?
in 2021 6'8" Usman Garuba goes 23rd, 6'10 Day'Ron Sharpe goes 29th, the Jury is still out on these 2 obviously, though I'd err towards Sharpe being the better pro from what I've seen thus far, both have some ways to go to be bigger rotational pieces.
6'9 Mifondu Kabengele goes 27th in 2019. Certified Dud.
Robert Williams and Omari Spellman in 2018. Spellman certified Dud, Williams stud.
Caleb Swanigan(RIP), Harry Giles and Tony Bradley in 2017. Not much to say here.
in 2015 we have players who certainly were seen more of as forwards, but in todays NBA have been thriving at C in Bobby Portis and Kevon Looney(who only fell to this range due to injury)
with Mitch McGary and Clint Capela rounding out the grouping. One dud and one stud.
So surprisingly, IMO, 3 of them are starting quality in Capela, Looney and Robert Williams, and Portis has proven to be a most excellent backup.
How many of these players were effective as rookies? Portis was solid.... Most of these players played 7mpg or less.. A fate I certainly wouldnt hope for TJD... I've yet to see any of the TJD pick supporters explain how he actually works with Trey Lyles, I'd figure they'd step on each others toes, I'd assume unless you could play them together that'd limit each of their minutes, which doesnt really seem like ideal efficiency to me..
How did the experienced older rookies fare? Well its tough to say, most of these guys were underclassman, lots of them 2-and-done... Kabengele was a super duper senior, he played 5mpg as a rookie in the NBA, n is mostly a g-league guy these days..
hmm.. This doesnt paint a compelling picture that experience is really gonna help TJD all that much, what is that experience exactly? destroying 6'5" college centers? thats not experience that directly transfers to the NBA, see Marvin Bagley. seems like its just a matter of talent, either u got enough to swim against the undertow or u get washed out to sea...
Cant help but notice all the best C's from this grouping have a 7'4" wingspan..... what a coincidence
!
in 2021 6'8" Usman Garuba goes 23rd, 6'10 Day'Ron Sharpe goes 29th, the Jury is still out on these 2 obviously, though I'd err towards Sharpe being the better pro from what I've seen thus far, both have some ways to go to be bigger rotational pieces.
6'9 Mifondu Kabengele goes 27th in 2019. Certified Dud.
Robert Williams and Omari Spellman in 2018. Spellman certified Dud, Williams stud.
Caleb Swanigan(RIP), Harry Giles and Tony Bradley in 2017. Not much to say here.
in 2015 we have players who certainly were seen more of as forwards, but in todays NBA have been thriving at C in Bobby Portis and Kevon Looney(who only fell to this range due to injury)
with Mitch McGary and Clint Capela rounding out the grouping. One dud and one stud.
So surprisingly, IMO, 3 of them are starting quality in Capela, Looney and Robert Williams, and Portis has proven to be a most excellent backup.
How many of these players were effective as rookies? Portis was solid.... Most of these players played 7mpg or less.. A fate I certainly wouldnt hope for TJD... I've yet to see any of the TJD pick supporters explain how he actually works with Trey Lyles, I'd figure they'd step on each others toes, I'd assume unless you could play them together that'd limit each of their minutes, which doesnt really seem like ideal efficiency to me..
How did the experienced older rookies fare? Well its tough to say, most of these guys were underclassman, lots of them 2-and-done... Kabengele was a super duper senior, he played 5mpg as a rookie in the NBA, n is mostly a g-league guy these days..
hmm.. This doesnt paint a compelling picture that experience is really gonna help TJD all that much, what is that experience exactly? destroying 6'5" college centers? thats not experience that directly transfers to the NBA, see Marvin Bagley. seems like its just a matter of talent, either u got enough to swim against the undertow or u get washed out to sea...
Cant help but notice all the best C's from this grouping have a 7'4" wingspan..... what a coincidence
!
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The case for Kevin McCullar Jr at 54;
(what an insane pass by Grady Dick at 1:19 btw sheesh)
6'7 with a 6'9" wingspan, just turned 22 year old senior is a defense first wing player, he's 210lbs and sets solid screens and is a ballhawking rebounder. 7 boards per game this season.
Just a 30% 3pt guy. If that 3pt shot develops he'll stick in the league but he might be servicable with it being shaky and him being a low volume shooter n just playing a blue-collar role. He does move well off the ball and can slash.
IDK to me if im looking for players to plug in right away, he seems about a good of a candidate as any to be able to contribute here as anyone projected in the bottom of the 2nd rd.
Coach Brown was reportedly interested in Matisse Thybulle at the deadline, this player appears to have lots of similar strengths and weaknesses.
6'7 with a 6'9" wingspan, just turned 22 year old senior is a defense first wing player, he's 210lbs and sets solid screens and is a ballhawking rebounder. 7 boards per game this season.
Just a 30% 3pt guy. If that 3pt shot develops he'll stick in the league but he might be servicable with it being shaky and him being a low volume shooter n just playing a blue-collar role. He does move well off the ball and can slash.
IDK to me if im looking for players to plug in right away, he seems about a good of a candidate as any to be able to contribute here as anyone projected in the bottom of the 2nd rd.
Coach Brown was reportedly interested in Matisse Thybulle at the deadline, this player appears to have lots of similar strengths and weaknesses.
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I'm glad you're still around. I was a little worried you might have gone the way of VF21. I always look forward to your opinions on these draftees.
I always look forward to your opinions on these draftees.
This is a very deep draft and as I've said, from 20 to 40, the players are almost enterchangable talent wise. I think there are players that will be taken in the 50's that will end up being rotational in the NBA. There are a lot of experienced seniors that are good enough to play in the NBA in some role.
I like McCullar a lot, and your right! The only thing separating him from the 1st round is his jumpshot. His 3 pt shot in particular. He's one of the best perimeter defenders in college and I can see him as a lock down defender in the NBA. Taking him at 54 would be a very low risk and high reward pick.
I want to do a deep dive on Centers 6'10 or shorter selected 20-30 in the last 10 drafts. Whats the precedent for such a selection on TJD (or James Nnaji)?
in 2021 6'8" Usman Garuba goes 23rd, 6'10 Day'Ron Sharpe goes 29th, the Jury is still out on these 2 obviously, though I'd err towards Sharpe being the better pro from what I've seen thus far, both have some ways to go to be bigger rotational pieces.
6'9 Mifondu Kabengele goes 27th in 2019. Certified Dud.
Robert Williams and Omari Spellman in 2018. Spellman certified Dud, Williams stud.
Caleb Swanigan(RIP), Harry Giles and Tony Bradley in 2017. Not much to say here.
in 2015 we have players who certainly were seen more of as forwards, but in todays NBA have been thriving at C in Bobby Portis and Kevon Looney(who only fell to this range due to injury)
with Mitch McGary and Clint Capela rounding out the grouping. One dud and one stud.
So surprisingly, IMO, 3 of them are starting quality in Capela, Looney and Robert Williams, and Portis has proven to be a most excellent backup.
How many of these players were effective as rookies? Portis was solid.... Most of these players played 7mpg or less.. A fate I certainly wouldnt hope for TJD... I've yet to see any of the TJD pick supporters explain how he actually works with Trey Lyles, I'd figure they'd step on each others toes, I'd assume unless you could play them together that'd limit each of their minutes, which doesnt really seem like ideal efficiency to me..
How did the experienced older rookies fare? Well its tough to say, most of these guys were underclassman, lots of them 2-and-done... Kabengele was a super duper senior, he played 5mpg as a rookie in the NBA, n is mostly a g-league guy these days..
hmm.. This doesnt paint a compelling picture that experience is really gonna help TJD all that much, what is that experience exactly? destroying 6'5" college centers? thats not experience that directly transfers to the NBA, see Marvin Bagley. seems like its just a matter of talent, either u got enough to swim against the undertow or u get washed out to sea...
Cant help but notice all the best C's from this grouping have a 7'4" wingspan..... what a coincidence!
in 2021 6'8" Usman Garuba goes 23rd, 6'10 Day'Ron Sharpe goes 29th, the Jury is still out on these 2 obviously, though I'd err towards Sharpe being the better pro from what I've seen thus far, both have some ways to go to be bigger rotational pieces.
6'9 Mifondu Kabengele goes 27th in 2019. Certified Dud.
Robert Williams and Omari Spellman in 2018. Spellman certified Dud, Williams stud.
Caleb Swanigan(RIP), Harry Giles and Tony Bradley in 2017. Not much to say here.
in 2015 we have players who certainly were seen more of as forwards, but in todays NBA have been thriving at C in Bobby Portis and Kevon Looney(who only fell to this range due to injury)
with Mitch McGary and Clint Capela rounding out the grouping. One dud and one stud.
So surprisingly, IMO, 3 of them are starting quality in Capela, Looney and Robert Williams, and Portis has proven to be a most excellent backup.
How many of these players were effective as rookies? Portis was solid.... Most of these players played 7mpg or less.. A fate I certainly wouldnt hope for TJD... I've yet to see any of the TJD pick supporters explain how he actually works with Trey Lyles, I'd figure they'd step on each others toes, I'd assume unless you could play them together that'd limit each of their minutes, which doesnt really seem like ideal efficiency to me..
How did the experienced older rookies fare? Well its tough to say, most of these guys were underclassman, lots of them 2-and-done... Kabengele was a super duper senior, he played 5mpg as a rookie in the NBA, n is mostly a g-league guy these days..
hmm.. This doesnt paint a compelling picture that experience is really gonna help TJD all that much, what is that experience exactly? destroying 6'5" college centers? thats not experience that directly transfers to the NBA, see Marvin Bagley. seems like its just a matter of talent, either u got enough to swim against the undertow or u get washed out to sea...
Cant help but notice all the best C's from this grouping have a 7'4" wingspan..... what a coincidence
!
As Jerry Reynolds once stated: You don't rebound with the top of your head. While measurements are interesting, and have to be taken into consideration, their not the be all end all. I can't deny what I saw with my eyes this past season. The dude blocked just a tick under 3 blocks a game in a very tough conference going up against very good competition. Now whether he can develop a jumpshot or not is anyone's guess. In an interview when he was asked about not taking any shots away from the basket, he basically implied that he was doing what the team wanted him to do.
He's a much better athlete than Sabonis, and I guarantee you that he can easily jump higher than Sabonis. I watched him block some 7 footers this season, and he did it easily. I admit that I would be more pleased if the Kings could draft him in the 2nd rd. As I stated before, if I'm the GM and Max Lewis is there, I'm taking him. I think Lewis is one of the best players in this draft. Just my humble opinion. I've been wrong before.
You guys know that Trayce Jackson Davis is the son of Dale Davis right?
He'd also be another lefty here on our team.
He'd also be another lefty here on our team.
I mean its really not a matter of throwing shade at him, its a matter of fit. Part of the problem with Davis is we have a bunch of 6'10" C's already ----- Thats not TJD's fault, just how it is, its a matter of circumstance.
I also just believe that TDJ's ideal landing spot doesnt look like what we have here in Sacramento with an established star C and an established backup C in Lyles. I don't see how this would be conducive to his success. To me, I'd think there's gotta be a team who could use/rely on him more, here it'd seem like he's destined to Platoon, which isnt gonna warrant the 1rp.
We live in a world where Mitchell Robinson and Christian Koloko fall to the 2nd rd, so I think doing a really deep dive into the C's is worth it when were holding pick #24.
Charles Bassey, the 53rd pick in 2021, he's still half a year younger than TJD, the Spurs signed him to a 4 year 10mil contract this season, didn't need to use a draft pick ---- That to me illustrates where teams are at with younger backup/3rd string C's, they have no problem sitting and waiting, there's not some crazy scarcity going on, theres the opposite and they know it, its an overabundance/backlog.
It's a topic worth exploring when we're talking about the 24th pick, to select TJD 24 indicates some urgency that I dont believe is there, so I don't think were drafting him either. It seems highly unlikely we take a C actually but I just like the idea that maybe the right C would be a high reward pick and could help shore up some of the deficiencies that knocked us out of the first round.
I also honestly just wanted to go after the C position because there's limited options compared to the conversations we'll have about wings and forwards which we have so many options to choose from its a bit exhausting.
I also just believe that TDJ's ideal landing spot doesnt look like what we have here in Sacramento with an established star C and an established backup C in Lyles. I don't see how this would be conducive to his success. To me, I'd think there's gotta be a team who could use/rely on him more, here it'd seem like he's destined to Platoon, which isnt gonna warrant the 1rp.
We live in a world where Mitchell Robinson and Christian Koloko fall to the 2nd rd, so I think doing a really deep dive into the C's is worth it when were holding pick #24.
Charles Bassey, the 53rd pick in 2021, he's still half a year younger than TJD, the Spurs signed him to a 4 year 10mil contract this season, didn't need to use a draft pick ---- That to me illustrates where teams are at with younger backup/3rd string C's, they have no problem sitting and waiting, there's not some crazy scarcity going on, theres the opposite and they know it, its an overabundance/backlog.
It's a topic worth exploring when we're talking about the 24th pick, to select TJD 24 indicates some urgency that I dont believe is there, so I don't think were drafting him either. It seems highly unlikely we take a C actually but I just like the idea that maybe the right C would be a high reward pick and could help shore up some of the deficiencies that knocked us out of the first round.
I also honestly just wanted to go after the C position because there's limited options compared to the conversations we'll have about wings and forwards which we have so many options to choose from its a bit exhausting.
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I hope your wrong, I want the dream of Coulibaly in the 1st and Podziemski in the 2nd to stay alive!
Watching the Kings-Warriors series certainly reinforced my belief in Coulibaly here.. I just think especially what he can do just as a space-eater, a guy who covers tons of ground, I think it's a match.
Its why I wanted to go over the C position first, as it presents by far the fewest viable options, so we could then start to look thru bewildering array of F's and Wings that might be able to help contribute in some of the areas that we showed deficiencies in the playoffs.
Facing the warriors really demonstrates it, they stretch everyone out, they get defenders stuck in no-mans-land, Coulibaly has exactly the type of length, size and quickness to close out from no-mans-land and make spectacular recovery plays.
I first mentioned that I liked Coulibaly better than Rupert here last summer, its weird too, I didnt like France's rotations thought the wrong guys were being featured n the wrong matchups were being exploited, and looking back im even more sure that was the case --- young Bilal has closed the gap in the consensus vs Rupert signifigantly since then.
Look at the contact he finishes thru at 5:05! Plays like that are very encouraging far as I'm concerned, imagine when he has more meat on those bones! idk Rupert looks more like Bambi on Ice to me.
You'd have to think that some of these super young players, if they ace their workouts and interviews they'll be going higher. I do still believe that some player who we're not discussing right now because their projected in the teens will fall into our laps, n thats the pick rather than someone projected in the mid 20's.. Imagine we draft Rupert because Coulibaly pushed him down the board?
I think Nnaji's going higher than projected too, there's a future NBA'er named Flory Bidunga from the Congo, he's considered to be the best bigman in the HS class of 2024 and a potential top5 pick in 2025 -- obviously it seems a bit bizarre to compare Nnaji with the even younger Bidunga --- BUT if you compare their scouting reports, strengths/weaknesses (6'10, broad shoulders, built like a house, very long arms, exceptionally mobile, quick and explosive for that size and shows really intriguing flashes moving laterally) it paints an interesting picture... Sure appears to be a long list of similarities(Bidunga is the superior prospect as he might end up having a decent shot)... Makes me think that Nnaji's talent is closer to the lottery than fringe 1st rd...
maybe I'm a homer and am admitting my bias when I say this, but I actually really believe in the Kings ability to develop players like this. We have Harrison Barnes here, seems a bit strange to call Trey Lyles a good vet but it seems thats the case, we have the reigning coach of the year who I think is really exceptional at keeping players focused on improvement, we have one of the very best PG's in the NBA, our starting C averaged 7.3 assists per game! this is a very good situation to be caught up to speed quickly in.
Watching the Kings-Warriors series certainly reinforced my belief in Coulibaly here.. I just think especially what he can do just as a space-eater, a guy who covers tons of ground, I think it's a match.
Its why I wanted to go over the C position first, as it presents by far the fewest viable options, so we could then start to look thru bewildering array of F's and Wings that might be able to help contribute in some of the areas that we showed deficiencies in the playoffs.
Facing the warriors really demonstrates it, they stretch everyone out, they get defenders stuck in no-mans-land, Coulibaly has exactly the type of length, size and quickness to close out from no-mans-land and make spectacular recovery plays.
I first mentioned that I liked Coulibaly better than Rupert here last summer, its weird too, I didnt like France's rotations thought the wrong guys were being featured n the wrong matchups were being exploited, and looking back im even more sure that was the case --- young Bilal has closed the gap in the consensus vs Rupert signifigantly since then.
Look at the contact he finishes thru at 5:05! Plays like that are very encouraging far as I'm concerned, imagine when he has more meat on those bones! idk Rupert looks more like Bambi on Ice to me.
You'd have to think that some of these super young players, if they ace their workouts and interviews they'll be going higher. I do still believe that some player who we're not discussing right now because their projected in the teens will fall into our laps, n thats the pick rather than someone projected in the mid 20's.. Imagine we draft Rupert because Coulibaly pushed him down the board?
I think Nnaji's going higher than projected too, there's a future NBA'er named Flory Bidunga from the Congo, he's considered to be the best bigman in the HS class of 2024 and a potential top5 pick in 2025 -- obviously it seems a bit bizarre to compare Nnaji with the even younger Bidunga --- BUT if you compare their scouting reports, strengths/weaknesses (6'10, broad shoulders, built like a house, very long arms, exceptionally mobile, quick and explosive for that size and shows really intriguing flashes moving laterally) it paints an interesting picture... Sure appears to be a long list of similarities(Bidunga is the superior prospect as he might end up having a decent shot)... Makes me think that Nnaji's talent is closer to the lottery than fringe 1st rd...
maybe I'm a homer and am admitting my bias when I say this, but I actually really believe in the Kings ability to develop players like this. We have Harrison Barnes here, seems a bit strange to call Trey Lyles a good vet but it seems thats the case, we have the reigning coach of the year who I think is really exceptional at keeping players focused on improvement, we have one of the very best PG's in the NBA, our starting C averaged 7.3 assists per game! this is a very good situation to be caught up to speed quickly in.
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I definitely get where your coming from, and it would be nice to grab a center in this draft, but if we do, it's likely to be in the 2nd round. There's only one sure 1st rd center in this draft, and he's likely to be gone before we pick. After Livley, There are three centers that could go in the first round, or they could go in the 2nd rd. Point is, they're borderline 1st rd picks. Those centers are Noah Clowney, James Nnaji, and Trace Jackson-Davis. Of the three, the most skilled and experienced is Davis. The one with the biggest upside is Nnaji and Clowney is in the middle.
If I was going to take a flyer on the future, I'd draft Nnaji, who is not ready for any significant minutes in the NBA right now. Clowney could probably claw out some meaningful minutes. Davis would likely be competing for the backup center role. To me it's sort of pick your poison. Nnaji might surprise me and develop quicker than I thought. My perference though, would be to draft one of these guys in the 2nd rd. But having said that, if there's a better player there at guard or small forward, I'm taking the better player and hopefully I can address the center position in free agency.
One last thing! I've stated many times on this forum that I simply don't care about age as far as pertaining to the draft. When you draft an older player he's lilely more ready to step in and contribute right away. Whereas a 19 year old probably won't do much for the first couple of years. Now it depends on where your drafting of course. I'm mostly referring to drafting in the middle of the first and below. If you draft a 23 year old, you got him for the next 4 years, at which time he'll be 27, and in his prime, which at that point you can decide to extend him or trade him or just plane let him walk. If you sign him to a max, then you have him for 5 more years when he'll be 32 years old. Take a look around the league and see how many players stay with one team for more than 5 years. So it's not really an issue.
If I was going to take a flyer on the future, I'd draft Nnaji, who is not ready for any significant minutes in the NBA right now. Clowney could probably claw out some meaningful minutes. Davis would likely be competing for the backup center role. To me it's sort of pick your poison. Nnaji might surprise me and develop quicker than I thought. My perference though, would be to draft one of these guys in the 2nd rd. But having said that, if there's a better player there at guard or small forward, I'm taking the better player and hopefully I can address the center position in free agency.
One last thing! I've stated many times on this forum that I simply don't care about age as far as pertaining to the draft. When you draft an older player he's lilely more ready to step in and contribute right away. Whereas a 19 year old probably won't do much for the first couple of years. Now it depends on where your drafting of course. I'm mostly referring to drafting in the middle of the first and below. If you draft a 23 year old, you got him for the next 4 years, at which time he'll be 27, and in his prime, which at that point you can decide to extend him or trade him or just plane let him walk. If you sign him to a max, then you have him for 5 more years when he'll be 32 years old. Take a look around the league and see how many players stay with one team for more than 5 years. So it's not really an issue.
I hope your wrong, I want the dream of Coulibaly in the 1st and Podziemski in the 2nd to stay alive!
Watching the Kings-Warriors series certainly reinforced my belief in Coulibaly here.. I just think especially what he can do just as a space-eater, a guy who covers tons of ground, I think it's a match.
Its why I wanted to go over the C position first, as it presents by far the fewest viable options, so we could then start to look thru bewildering array of F's and Wings that might be able to help contribute in some of the areas that we showed deficiencies in the playoffs.
Facing the warriors really demonstrates it, they stretch everyone out, they get defenders stuck in no-mans-land, Coulibaly has exactly the type of length, size and quickness to close out from no-mans-land and make spectacular recovery plays.
I first mentioned that I liked Coulibaly better than Rupert here last summer, its weird too, I didnt like France's rotations thought the wrong guys were being featured n the wrong matchups were being exploited, and looking back im even more sure that was the case --- young Bilal has closed the gap in the consensus vs Rupert signifigantly since then.
Look at the contact he finishes thru at 5:05! Plays like that are very encouraging far as I'm concerned, imagine when he has more meat on those bones! idk Rupert looks more like Bambi on Ice to me.
You'd have to think that some of these super young players, if they ace their workouts and interviews they'll be going higher. I do still believe that some player who we're not discussing right now because their projected in the teens will fall into our laps, n thats the pick rather than someone projected in the mid 20's.. Imagine we draft Rupert because Coulibaly pushed him down the board?
I think Nnaji's going higher than projected too, there's a future NBA'er named Flory Bidunga from the Congo, he's considered to be the best bigman in the HS class of 2024 and a potential top5 pick in 2025 -- obviously it seems a bit bizarre to compare Nnaji with the even younger Bidunga --- BUT if you compare their scouting reports, strengths/weaknesses (6'10, broad shoulders, built like a house, very long arms, exceptionally mobile, quick and explosive for that size and shows really intriguing flashes moving laterally) it paints an interesting picture... Sure appears to be a long list of similarities(Bidunga is the superior prospect as he might end up having a decent shot)... Makes me think that Nnaji's talent is closer to the lottery than fringe 1st rd...
maybe I'm a homer and am admitting my bias when I say this, but I actually really believe in the Kings ability to develop players like this. We have Harrison Barnes here, seems a bit strange to call Trey Lyles a good vet but it seems thats the case, we have the reigning coach of the year who I think is really exceptional at keeping players focused on improvement, we have one of the very best PG's in the NBA, our starting C averaged 7.3 assists per game! this is a very good situation to be caught up to speed quickly in.
Watching the Kings-Warriors series certainly reinforced my belief in Coulibaly here.. I just think especially what he can do just as a space-eater, a guy who covers tons of ground, I think it's a match.
Its why I wanted to go over the C position first, as it presents by far the fewest viable options, so we could then start to look thru bewildering array of F's and Wings that might be able to help contribute in some of the areas that we showed deficiencies in the playoffs.
Facing the warriors really demonstrates it, they stretch everyone out, they get defenders stuck in no-mans-land, Coulibaly has exactly the type of length, size and quickness to close out from no-mans-land and make spectacular recovery plays.
I first mentioned that I liked Coulibaly better than Rupert here last summer, its weird too, I didnt like France's rotations thought the wrong guys were being featured n the wrong matchups were being exploited, and looking back im even more sure that was the case --- young Bilal has closed the gap in the consensus vs Rupert signifigantly since then.
Look at the contact he finishes thru at 5:05! Plays like that are very encouraging far as I'm concerned, imagine when he has more meat on those bones! idk Rupert looks more like Bambi on Ice to me.
You'd have to think that some of these super young players, if they ace their workouts and interviews they'll be going higher. I do still believe that some player who we're not discussing right now because their projected in the teens will fall into our laps, n thats the pick rather than someone projected in the mid 20's.. Imagine we draft Rupert because Coulibaly pushed him down the board?
I think Nnaji's going higher than projected too, there's a future NBA'er named Flory Bidunga from the Congo, he's considered to be the best bigman in the HS class of 2024 and a potential top5 pick in 2025 -- obviously it seems a bit bizarre to compare Nnaji with the even younger Bidunga --- BUT if you compare their scouting reports, strengths/weaknesses (6'10, broad shoulders, built like a house, very long arms, exceptionally mobile, quick and explosive for that size and shows really intriguing flashes moving laterally) it paints an interesting picture... Sure appears to be a long list of similarities(Bidunga is the superior prospect as he might end up having a decent shot)... Makes me think that Nnaji's talent is closer to the lottery than fringe 1st rd...
maybe I'm a homer and am admitting my bias when I say this, but I actually really believe in the Kings ability to develop players like this. We have Harrison Barnes here, seems a bit strange to call Trey Lyles a good vet but it seems thats the case, we have the reigning coach of the year who I think is really exceptional at keeping players focused on improvement, we have one of the very best PG's in the NBA, our starting C averaged 7.3 assists per game! this is a very good situation to be caught up to speed quickly in.
For those who haven't seen Nnaji play and wonder what he looks like, just think Jalen Duren. Duren is a little taller but body type, they could have come from the same mother. I think Nnaji might be a better athlete than Duren and that's saying a lot. While Nnaji is 6'10", he's also one of the younger players in the draft, so he still might grow a bit. But he's already a physical specimen.
That would be ideal. Love Cissoko, Max, Coulibaly or Leonard Miller with the 24th. They all have late riser potential to them being from outside the college ranks or smaller school in Max’s case. I have a feeling the workouts may put them out of reach. Hopefully at least one will be there. Cissoko is my guy tho. STRONG!! His two-way potential is HIGH and I think coach Brown could do a lot with him defensively 2-5. Dude supposedly not afraid to chirp a bit on the court also, we could use some of that. Looks like he watches Jimmy Butler, would like him to watch a ton of Draymond Green defensively.
Jalen Slawson got an invite! He turns 24 in october at the start of next season, could he be a guy we nab as an UDFA ? Strong and athletic 6'7 combo forward, plus defender, lotta bounce. Solid passer and he shot 39% from 3. Possible sleeper.
Ben Sheppard got an invite! Think this is the first time he's been mentioned in this thread, 6'6" combo guard shot 42% from 3(on 6 attempts per game), he's got role player written all over him. Classic late-bloomer, this is a kid ESPN didnt have ranked in HS, he apparently shot up 5" from 6'1" late in the process.
Omari Moore got an invite! I sure do like what I see from this player, hes fun to watch another 6'6" upperclassman swingman.
Chris Livingston got invited too. We'll see what happens with that.
Ben Sheppard got an invite! Think this is the first time he's been mentioned in this thread, 6'6" combo guard shot 42% from 3(on 6 attempts per game), he's got role player written all over him. Classic late-bloomer, this is a kid ESPN didnt have ranked in HS, he apparently shot up 5" from 6'1" late in the process.
Omari Moore got an invite! I sure do like what I see from this player, hes fun to watch another 6'6" upperclassman swingman.
Chris Livingston got invited too. We'll see what happens with that.
Ben Sheppard is nice! Has a great feel for the game, off ball movement is exceptional and the catch and shoot is pure. Sabonis would love playing with him. Good fundamentally, smart passer, I love watching him play the game. He could put some more muscle on his frame to guard 2/3 and complement a lot of different lineups. I’m not looking at guards much in this draft but I’d be very excited about him at 38.
A few others that have my attention at the combine are Bobi Klintman and Olivier Maxence-Prosper. Bobi has a smooth fluid shot for his size with some underrated passing. Good feet defensively too, I think two-way potential is there. Prosper pops off the screen to me. Has a lot of energy, some of it is a bit clumsy but I think Brown and staff could turn him into a Kevon Looney type.
A few others that have my attention at the combine are Bobi Klintman and Olivier Maxence-Prosper. Bobi has a smooth fluid shot for his size with some underrated passing. Good feet defensively too, I think two-way potential is there. Prosper pops off the screen to me. Has a lot of energy, some of it is a bit clumsy but I think Brown and staff could turn him into a Kevon Looney type.
I made several posts about Maxence-Prosper throughout the season here. Been keeping an eye on him since he was recruited and at Clemson, n he showed major improvement this season, which is a really good sign for a player with a frame solidly built for the NBA. Hope he can generate some hype right now he's projected pretty low. Would be exciting to see how he'd perform here / have him on the SL / G-League roster.
Klintman is a bit of a mystery man we'll see how he performs and measures, I'd almost say regardless of what happens from this point, whether he decides to return or stays declared, this has been a successful predraft for him as he's gotten a lot of attention as a sleeper. I agree though he does seem to have the 3'n'd archetype. Bobi's gotta be one of these players where the predraft workouts for teams are gonna be a big deal, im sure teams want to get a better feel for where he's currently at.
Klintman is a bit of a mystery man we'll see how he performs and measures, I'd almost say regardless of what happens from this point, whether he decides to return or stays declared, this has been a successful predraft for him as he's gotten a lot of attention as a sleeper. I agree though he does seem to have the 3'n'd archetype. Bobi's gotta be one of these players where the predraft workouts for teams are gonna be a big deal, im sure teams want to get a better feel for where he's currently at.
When I see a play like that first 7 seconds, thats a strong 6'10 forward with long arms who can do that and block shots.... sign me up! I'll take that on the Kings. That is a professional looking fake, drive and poster finish right there.
Look at how good he is on the fastbreak... The coast to coast dreb into Eurostep and-1 finish at 0:22, spectacular highlight, I'd like to think plays like that would fit well here.
when i see sequences for the steal and finish like at 3:11 for a 6'10 player, I'd say its pretty easy to see why the G-League signed him..
guess I'm to be considered very high vs the consensus on the international class this year
To me if your talking Trey Lyles at the 5, Miller looks like he'd fit well as one of the forwards
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Riley Kugel announced weeks ago he was returning to Florida btw. Not exactly the best news for the Kings as our 2024 1rp is almost surely going to the Hawks.
We do have 2 2nd rders in 2024, our own and the Mavs. Looking around at the x-fer portal news makes me hopeful there will be decent depth available for us in next years draft as well ---- I personally believe a lot of the hate next years draft gets is because of lack of heirarchy at the top. where we'll be selecting, in the mid and late 2nd rd, I'd bet there will be relatively solid talent/serviceable choices/projects.
Does the lack of a 2024 pick affect our choices here in 2023 at all?
We do have 2 2nd rders in 2024, our own and the Mavs. Looking around at the x-fer portal news makes me hopeful there will be decent depth available for us in next years draft as well ---- I personally believe a lot of the hate next years draft gets is because of lack of heirarchy at the top. where we'll be selecting, in the mid and late 2nd rd, I'd bet there will be relatively solid talent/serviceable choices/projects.
Does the lack of a 2024 pick affect our choices here in 2023 at all?