Baja Den's way too early, worthless 2023 mock draft:
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Especially with the early 2nd rd pick he should be revisited I think.
What if we take Podziemski in the 1st, Phillips early 2nd and Zvonimir Ivisic with the late 2nd?
There appears to be a bit of a log jam with some of these wings around this early 2nd projection, guys like Phillips, Andre Jackson, Rupert, Jacquez, Max Lewis, O-Max, Cissoko, Jordan Walsh, Bobi Klintmann, JAlen Wilson and Strawther -- It's not easy to differentiate, though actually to me the guy on that list is clearly O-Max.
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I'm gonna say no chance, he's a guy who playoff teams will like and also bottom feeders will like so thats the late 20's and early 30's.. His projection in the mid-20's is already a buy-low price.
But that sure would be insane value and something I think the F/O would jump at... Thats the kind of thing if you know you can get Whitehead at 38 it might change what you'd be looking for in the 1st, but obviously the dominos dont fall in that order.
But that sure would be insane value and something I think the F/O would jump at... Thats the kind of thing if you know you can get Whitehead at 38 it might change what you'd be looking for in the 1st, but obviously the dominos dont fall in that order.
He measured 6'5.5" in socks, I'm pretty sure that has somethign to do with it, think some (me included) were hoping he was a legit 6'8.
The other thing I've heard is that he's just sort of lacking an outstanding skill. But also guys like Prosper and Ben Sheppard moving up the board directly impact him, and honestly there's probably some ripple effect from Coulibaly moving up, players like Jett Howard falling doesnt exactly bode well for Sissoko either.
another way you could look at it is lack of 3pt shooting, while Cissoko might be falling to the mid 2nd, a 6'5 3-and-D guard like Seth Lundy has made his way up from the 60's to maybe the mid 40's in the same range as Cissoko, due to his silky 3pt shot and long arms n toughness.
The other thing I've heard is that he's just sort of lacking an outstanding skill. But also guys like Prosper and Ben Sheppard moving up the board directly impact him, and honestly there's probably some ripple effect from Coulibaly moving up, players like Jett Howard falling doesnt exactly bode well for Sissoko either.
another way you could look at it is lack of 3pt shooting, while Cissoko might be falling to the mid 2nd, a 6'5 3-and-D guard like Seth Lundy has made his way up from the 60's to maybe the mid 40's in the same range as Cissoko, due to his silky 3pt shot and long arms n toughness.
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Yep so Dariq Whitehead is a hair taller and longer, plus he shot it so well why would u take Sidy over him. He's dead on the same height /wingspan measurements as Andre Jackson (except Cidy has 25lbs on him)
if Sidy was a bit taller lets say a legit 6'8 he can guard PF's down to SG's no problem, now he can still do that I'm quite sure, but certain matchups will have an easier time shooting over him.
Where Coulibaly was projected weeks/months ago was flat out wrong, which can be attributed to lack of awareness, so I wouldn't dwell on that.
I still think Sissoko fits here, it's just a matter of if the price is right, if he tumbles down the 2nd he'd be a major coup with that last pick IMO. If his skill continues to improve he'll be a nice pick for someone, thats really a big determining factor for taking him higher.
if Sidy was a bit taller lets say a legit 6'8 he can guard PF's down to SG's no problem, now he can still do that I'm quite sure, but certain matchups will have an easier time shooting over him.
Where Coulibaly was projected weeks/months ago was flat out wrong, which can be attributed to lack of awareness, so I wouldn't dwell on that.
I still think Sissoko fits here, it's just a matter of if the price is right, if he tumbles down the 2nd he'd be a major coup with that last pick IMO. If his skill continues to improve he'll be a nice pick for someone, thats really a big determining factor for taking him higher.
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I was not on board with Cissoko at 24. But at 38? Depending on who else is on the board, I'd be good with that. The Kings will likely have a roster crunch so he's the type of guy that's perfect for developing in the GLeague.
As much as I like Seth Lundy, it doesn't make as much sense to take a guy who is closer to being a finished product/role player and force him to the GLeague when he'd likely be better served helping an NBA club in a small role that (hopefully) expands to being a valuable backup.
As much as I like Seth Lundy, it doesn't make as much sense to take a guy who is closer to being a finished product/role player and force him to the GLeague when he'd likely be better served helping an NBA club in a small role that (hopefully) expands to being a valuable backup.
I want to revisit Bobi Klintman vs Kris Murray
--- check out the drive and dish like 8 seconds in, thats a nice play. I like the way Klintman's 3pt shot looks. the stepback j to the left at 0:46 that sure is picture perfect from a player that height... Bet Harrison Barnes and Lyles could teach him a few things. Hard to imagine Bobi wouldnt be getting tons of clean looks on the Kings with his release point being so high.
Many think Klintman is going to the Pacers and many think Kris Murray is going to the Kings ---- But, what if the Kings step in and steal Klintman 2 picks earlier?
The case for Kris is short and sweet. Polished, Keegans probably got him well prepared for the next step along with all the other help he's got. we'd expect him to maybe get 16-18 mins per game as a rookie, at least 12. He can shoot, he can do a little bit of everything we have space for him on the depth chart. He's pretty solid all around, when your talking a 2-year, 3-year, 4-year outlook he seems pretty safe, we have good tools here to trouble shoot him thru any problems, as long as they feel his 3pt shot is legit ofcourse.
For starters with Klintman I say the few extra inches of height and the few inches of wingspan he has on some of the other forwardy types you might compare him to, might fit well here in a Kings uniform, as Klintman is plenty moble and seems rather well balanced for that size on the perimeter. seems to especially do a good job getting a hand in jumpshooters faces defensively.
I'm still doing some research on Klintman's rebounding he did grab 10 boards a game(plus 5.1 asts per!) for Finland in a FIBA tourney last summer in 7 games. It'd seem he's solid on the oboards but I really want to try and see if he can actually outperform on the glass, as for the Kings that would be a really big deal.
Look at about 2 minutes into the first highlights in this post (the Wake Forest one not FIBA), when he starts getting orebs and tipping balls out --- we sure coulda used a 6'10 guy who could do that stuff in that game 7 3rd quarter where we couldnt grab a damn board to save our playoff lives. If Klintman can do that sorta stuff here and shoot it a bit, pass it a bit, defend it a bit, he'd be worth the 1st rd pick and a whole lot more, he's gonna keep getting better too will certainly be much stronger in his mid 20's than he is now at 20.
Klintman at 24, James Nnaji at 38 and sharpshooting 6'6 Justin Powell at 54! How bout that trifecta?! I think that sounds great.
PG - Fox, Mitchell, Monk, Powell
SG - Huerter, Monk, TD, Dozier/Ellis/Powell
SF - Murray, Barnes, Huerter, Klintman/Edwards
PF - Barnes, Murray, Klintman/Edwards, Lyles
C - Sabonis, Lyles, Queta, Holmes, Nnaji
--- check out the drive and dish like 8 seconds in, thats a nice play. I like the way Klintman's 3pt shot looks. the stepback j to the left at 0:46 that sure is picture perfect from a player that height... Bet Harrison Barnes and Lyles could teach him a few things. Hard to imagine Bobi wouldnt be getting tons of clean looks on the Kings with his release point being so high.
Many think Klintman is going to the Pacers and many think Kris Murray is going to the Kings ---- But, what if the Kings step in and steal Klintman 2 picks earlier?
The case for Kris is short and sweet. Polished, Keegans probably got him well prepared for the next step along with all the other help he's got. we'd expect him to maybe get 16-18 mins per game as a rookie, at least 12. He can shoot, he can do a little bit of everything we have space for him on the depth chart. He's pretty solid all around, when your talking a 2-year, 3-year, 4-year outlook he seems pretty safe, we have good tools here to trouble shoot him thru any problems, as long as they feel his 3pt shot is legit ofcourse.
For starters with Klintman I say the few extra inches of height and the few inches of wingspan he has on some of the other forwardy types you might compare him to, might fit well here in a Kings uniform, as Klintman is plenty moble and seems rather well balanced for that size on the perimeter. seems to especially do a good job getting a hand in jumpshooters faces defensively.
I'm still doing some research on Klintman's rebounding he did grab 10 boards a game(plus 5.1 asts per!) for Finland in a FIBA tourney last summer in 7 games. It'd seem he's solid on the oboards but I really want to try and see if he can actually outperform on the glass, as for the Kings that would be a really big deal.
Look at about 2 minutes into the first highlights in this post (the Wake Forest one not FIBA), when he starts getting orebs and tipping balls out --- we sure coulda used a 6'10 guy who could do that stuff in that game 7 3rd quarter where we couldnt grab a damn board to save our playoff lives. If Klintman can do that sorta stuff here and shoot it a bit, pass it a bit, defend it a bit, he'd be worth the 1st rd pick and a whole lot more, he's gonna keep getting better too will certainly be much stronger in his mid 20's than he is now at 20.
Klintman at 24, James Nnaji at 38 and sharpshooting 6'6 Justin Powell at 54! How bout that trifecta?! I think that sounds great.
PG - Fox, Mitchell, Monk, Powell
SG - Huerter, Monk, TD, Dozier/Ellis/Powell
SF - Murray, Barnes, Huerter, Klintman/Edwards
PF - Barnes, Murray, Klintman/Edwards, Lyles
C - Sabonis, Lyles, Queta, Holmes, Nnaji
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Oh the answer to that question is; When some of the Kings hot hands are cold, he can be called on to provide a spark. When we're missing wide open shots, he can make them.. He's another wave of offense..
I always think having Fox puts us in a position where if our bench can really nail 3's the opposition doesnt get a chance for a breather, so if thats true Podz is the type of flamethrower built for such a job. This is also one of the reasons why Lyles fits so well here.
Davion + Podz is plenty viable. He's not redundant with anyone we have here really, he's closest to Huerter but could play next to him seamlessly. Podz can actually play minutes at the 1,2 and 3 here far as I'm concerned, he fits sort of like a swiss army knife on the depth chart, not just here either, I think he looks plenty interchangable with Houstons backcourt peices as well, and they are in even more need of his 3pt shooting tbh.
I think you might prefer the Klintman scenario I posted above because it features pretty much the "poor mans" Podz alternative, Justin Powell at 54 (or in the UDFA pool), n even though he's 6'6 ESPN lists him at PG, so same sort of thing with the depth chart just much cheaper cost/expected return, Powell is also a 3pt marksman with some PG skills and a razor sharp step-back J.
I always think having Fox puts us in a position where if our bench can really nail 3's the opposition doesnt get a chance for a breather, so if thats true Podz is the type of flamethrower built for such a job. This is also one of the reasons why Lyles fits so well here.
Davion + Podz is plenty viable. He's not redundant with anyone we have here really, he's closest to Huerter but could play next to him seamlessly. Podz can actually play minutes at the 1,2 and 3 here far as I'm concerned, he fits sort of like a swiss army knife on the depth chart, not just here either, I think he looks plenty interchangable with Houstons backcourt peices as well, and they are in even more need of his 3pt shooting tbh.
I think you might prefer the Klintman scenario I posted above because it features pretty much the "poor mans" Podz alternative, Justin Powell at 54 (or in the UDFA pool), n even though he's 6'6 ESPN lists him at PG, so same sort of thing with the depth chart just much cheaper cost/expected return, Powell is also a 3pt marksman with some PG skills and a razor sharp step-back J.
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To be clear though Klintman in the first represents a high upside swing, to me the scenario I'd prefer even with his shakier shooting mechanics is 6'10 lefty Leonard Miller who got this sort of game thats built for transition and dragging bigger players out to the perimeter. I feel like he is a player who actually emerge as a viable rotation guy at the PF spot rather than some of these other names, even though he'll start next season still a teenager. the deeper we get into the 20s and beyond I get unsure about how ready some of these players are. I'm also confident Miller will really toughen up if we use him in that capacity to guard bulkier PF's when he's still 19, will probably pay big dividends in year 3 n 4. as of now I'm kinda hoping hes the pick, think he provides an interesting bigger look and can grab lots of boards n hustle, him and Lyles would have a chance to pull off some fancy stuff as they both have some nice skils and very contrasting styles for 6'10 guys.
What I dont think gets said enough about Leonard Miller is he's a lefty whos very very comfortable finishing with his right, even hits these floaters with his right. He's slippery with the ball for 6'10 so out in space being able to finish with both hands is really a nice compliment to some of the other things he does well like grab offensive boards, n I feel like we could get him in those spots that he wins on the Kings (off the bench).
Keegan and Barnes cover a lot of bases across the SF and PF positions but Miller is a guy who's distinctly different from both of them and a very legit 1st rd talent, 19 years old, rebounds 7'2 wingspan. He's tailor made for us far as I can see. He does have the ability to grab a dreb and take it coast to coast, he showed some flashes passing the ball too, some off the dribble which is unusual for a player built like that 1.6ast 1.5 to is a good ratio for a 19 year old playing 30mpg in the g-leauge ud be crazy to think otherwise.
Monk only played 22mpg in the regular season too, stands to reason that will uptick to like 26-28 going into his free agent summer. how will this affect the depth chart movign forward or open spots for potential picks when were talking swingmen even combo forwards. Miller represents a chance not to step on anyones toes thats already here, he's quite different from all the players we already have, he'll fill in as a hustle guy from day 1 and a versatile defender who can guard some 3's 4's and 5's.
What I dont think gets said enough about Leonard Miller is he's a lefty whos very very comfortable finishing with his right, even hits these floaters with his right. He's slippery with the ball for 6'10 so out in space being able to finish with both hands is really a nice compliment to some of the other things he does well like grab offensive boards, n I feel like we could get him in those spots that he wins on the Kings (off the bench).
Keegan and Barnes cover a lot of bases across the SF and PF positions but Miller is a guy who's distinctly different from both of them and a very legit 1st rd talent, 19 years old, rebounds 7'2 wingspan. He's tailor made for us far as I can see. He does have the ability to grab a dreb and take it coast to coast, he showed some flashes passing the ball too, some off the dribble which is unusual for a player built like that 1.6ast 1.5 to is a good ratio for a 19 year old playing 30mpg in the g-leauge ud be crazy to think otherwise.
Monk only played 22mpg in the regular season too, stands to reason that will uptick to like 26-28 going into his free agent summer. how will this affect the depth chart movign forward or open spots for potential picks when were talking swingmen even combo forwards. Miller represents a chance not to step on anyones toes thats already here, he's quite different from all the players we already have, he'll fill in as a hustle guy from day 1 and a versatile defender who can guard some 3's 4's and 5's.
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It has often been thought there's more of a top20 in this draft and then we'll be on the edge of our seats the first few picks of the 20's to see who falls.
But, I'm kind of hoping we see a scenario where its more like a top-12 and then chaos breaks loose, I think the Kings get some excellent choices either way but this one seems like maybe we get a player that seems out of reach rn.
But, I'm kind of hoping we see a scenario where its more like a top-12 and then chaos breaks loose, I think the Kings get some excellent choices either way but this one seems like maybe we get a player that seems out of reach rn.
It's hard to say because I'd also have to weigh in whatever players between 17 and 25 were still available too.
I'd probably pick Max Lewis because he has a higher ceiling with a slightly below average 3pt shot and a solid FT stroke. If he develops, his skills will better suit the NBA and the Kings will benefit from having an athletic wing that can slash and get to the line. He doesn't need to develop his shot from nothing so he has a solid shooting foundation to go along with the many other skills he flashes.
Podz is a "safer" pick but Stauskas was supposed to be a pretty safe pick as well. They have similar numbers other than Podz being the better rebounder by quite a bit. Jalen Williams just came from the same school and is obviously going to be a good NBA player. Podz was a good bit better than Williams offensively but he doesn't have his length or defensive abilities and Williams is a slightly better playmaker. Maybe Podz can sort of be like a SG version of Konchar?
I'd probably pick Max Lewis because he has a higher ceiling with a slightly below average 3pt shot and a solid FT stroke. If he develops, his skills will better suit the NBA and the Kings will benefit from having an athletic wing that can slash and get to the line. He doesn't need to develop his shot from nothing so he has a solid shooting foundation to go along with the many other skills he flashes.
Podz is a "safer" pick but Stauskas was supposed to be a pretty safe pick as well. They have similar numbers other than Podz being the better rebounder by quite a bit. Jalen Williams just came from the same school and is obviously going to be a good NBA player. Podz was a good bit better than Williams offensively but he doesn't have his length or defensive abilities and Williams is a slightly better playmaker. Maybe Podz can sort of be like a SG version of Konchar?
I watch a lot of WCC games. Podz is an excellent college player. But I wouldn’t touch him in the first round for the Kings. I knew Jalen Williams was going to be a 10-year NBA guy coming out of Santa Clara (I didn’t know he’d be so good as a rookie). I think Podz needs a very particular situation to succeed.
I think he just needs open looks from 3 to succeed, he'll knock those down.
Obviously Kobe Bufkin is a better choice but he's gonna be gone. Do you have other SG's you'd prefer in the first or are none of the options good enough for that selection? Cuz to me I'd rather gamble on Podz than Terquavion Smith, Colby Jones, Jamie Jacquez and probably Max Lewis as well.
Do you prefer taking Amari Bailey at 38?
Obviously Kobe Bufkin is a better choice but he's gonna be gone. Do you have other SG's you'd prefer in the first or are none of the options good enough for that selection? Cuz to me I'd rather gamble on Podz than Terquavion Smith, Colby Jones, Jamie Jacquez and probably Max Lewis as well.
Do you prefer taking Amari Bailey at 38?
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Programs matter and so do conferences. They not only scout based on preference but also recruit in the same way. He's basically saying he watches that program and conference and is looking at what looked like NBA talent to him coming from it. Especially when said program/conference isn't exactly know for filling the league with talent.
I'm a fan of Nnaji, but worth noting that in that workout video, not only does he not take a jumper, he doesn't take ANY shot that isn't a dunk.
Nnaji's defense is obviously ahead of his offense. But he could probably give some decent minutes early on for a team that plays drop coverage and runs an offensive scheme heavy on pick & rolls and half court sets with a big in the dunker's spot.
Whether the Kings are a good fit for him, I don't know. I really liked the idea of trading Holmes a s going after Hartenstein last off-season to have a backup center who could run a lot of the same action with Domas on the bench.
But maybe having a wholly different type of backup big makes more sense.
I don't know that he'd be at the top of my board at #24 unless the draft is a lot crazier than I'm expecting, but I don't think I'd hate it.
Nnaji's defense is obviously ahead of his offense. But he could probably give some decent minutes early on for a team that plays drop coverage and runs an offensive scheme heavy on pick & rolls and half court sets with a big in the dunker's spot.
Whether the Kings are a good fit for him, I don't know. I really liked the idea of trading Holmes a s going after Hartenstein last off-season to have a backup center who could run a lot of the same action with Domas on the bench.
But maybe having a wholly different type of backup big makes more sense.
I don't know that he'd be at the top of my board at #24 unless the draft is a lot crazier than I'm expecting, but I don't think I'd hate it.