De'Aaron Fox:

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I definitely see the Suns trading Bledsoe on Draft night. He's been injury prone the past 2 years. Fox and Booker would be a scary good back court
That is the fear for the Kings. If I was a GM of the Suns, that is the direction I would pick. However, this is Phoenix that we are talking about. A franchise that has been just as mismanaged as Sacramento recently and they have flown under the radar because #Kangz!

Fox would be an ideal pick for the Kings as he ticks a lot of boxes for this team. His shot will take time but he still has that ability to "bend" the defense which will create open looks for the rest of the players. That speed will give teams nightmares and if that shot comes alone then things could get really interesting.
 

Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
That is the fear for the Kings. If I was a GM of the Suns, that is the direction I would pick. However, this is Phoenix that we are talking about. A franchise that has been just as mismanaged as Sacramento recently and they have flown under the radar because #Kangz!

Fox would be an ideal pick for the Kings as he ticks a lot of boxes for this team. His shot will take time but he still has that ability to "bend" the defense which will create open looks for the rest of the players. That speed will give teams nightmares and if that shot comes alone then things could get really interesting.
Thankfully you aren't. Although the Suns GM has shown no issue with cramming way too many guards onto his roster in the past (Dragic/Bledsoe/IT/Green), Josh Jackson is pretty much tailor made for that team.
 
If I'm the Sixers I'm really intrigued by making it look like Fox is my guy to get Sac to package #5 + #10 for #3. At #5 you can take Monk without reaching and at #10 you can take someone like Mitchell who really fits there.

Mitchell-Monk-Covington-Simmons-Embiid with Saric of the bench is a really fun lineup. Embiid is the franchise cornerstone, Monk just bombs from three, Simmons orchestrates and Mitchell and Covington defend and hustle.

The Kings however could call the bluff and threaten to stay pat in any trade talks for further leverage. If I'm the Kings I'm trying to get the 2019 first rounder back if I'm packaging 5+10. But Philly probably doesnt go that far. Maybe add a protection? Who knows. If not I at least try to get one of Philly 3 and D guys. I still have a crush for Luwawu so he would be my target.
 
If I'm the Sixers I'm really intrigued by making it look like Fox is my guy to get Sac to package #5 + #10 for #3. At #5 you can take Monk without reaching and at #10 you can take someone like Mitchell who really fits there.

Mitchell-Monk-Covington-Simmons-Embiid with Saric of the bench is a really fun lineup. Embiid is the franchise cornerstone, Monk just bombs from three, Simmons orchestrates and Mitchell and Covington defend and hustle.

The Kings however could call the bluff and threaten to stay pat in any trade talks for further leverage. If I'm the Kings I'm trying to get the 2019 first rounder back if I'm packaging 5+10. But Philly probably doesnt go that far. Maybe add a protection? Who knows. If not I at least try to get one of Philly 3 and D guys. I still have a crush for Luwawu so he would be my target.
They can "bluff" all they want but 76ers have said unequivocally their intention is to play Simmons at the PG. Additionally they need shooters around Simmons and this is not Fox's reputation. Regardless if they draft Fox, I don't see that as devastating blow. A disappointment, yes, but it means we land Jackson or Isaac, with better opportunity to address our other pressing need (PG) at #10. I think the more real threat than their lame bluff is 76ers swapping picks with team like NYK or DAL with acquiring team snatching Fox with 76ers hope to snare Monk later in the lottery. Even if this happens we still get our SF. :)
 
Just something to keep in mind. The Suns seem to be very enamored with their little PG from Kentucky.

https://arizonasports.com/story/1064655/suns-tyler-ulis-rookie-season-second-round/
Which doesn't mean they won't draft a PG this year but I don't believe they are hell bent on drafting one.

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Agreed.

I think Phoenix is set at point guard with Eric Bledsoe and Tyler Ulis.

I think they see Ulis as a potential IT clone, to try and replicate "the one that got away". I think Phoenix really likes Ulis and will not impede his development with another PG.

I think philly will take Jackson at 3. Phoenix takes Tatum or Issac at 4. The Kings will get Fox at 5. :)
 
That is the fear for the Kings. If I was a GM of the Suns, that is the direction I would pick. However, this is Phoenix that we are talking about. A franchise that has been just as mismanaged as Sacramento recently and they have flown under the radar because #Kangz!

Fox would be an ideal pick for the Kings as he ticks a lot of boxes for this team. His shot will take time but he still has that ability to "bend" the defense which will create open looks for the rest of the players. That speed will give teams nightmares and if that shot comes alone then things could get really interesting.

I agree with you but the Suns have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to their PG's. They have Ulis, Knight and Bledsoe. Unless the Suns have a trade partner on draft night for Bledsoe, theyre going to have a very cramped and overloaded position of PG's. And if that's the case, then i would assume Bledsoe's value plummets knowing that the Suns would be DESPERATE to get rid of Bledsoe.
 
I agree with you but the Suns have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to their PG's. They have Ulis, Knight and Bledsoe. Unless the Suns have a trade partner on draft night for Bledsoe, theyre going to have a very cramped and overloaded position of PG's. And if that's the case, then i would assume Bledsoe's value plummets knowing that the Suns would be DESPERATE to get rid of Bledsoe.
It's not quite that simple. Bledsoe will still have value but I am sure that any potential trade talks might already be happening if they are heading in that direction.

I am still quietly confident that Fox will be there at 5. I think one of Jackson, Tatum or Isaac gets picked up by the Suns unless they trade the pick.

Sixers and Suns would be prime targets if other teams want to move into top 5.

I still think Kings will take Fox. It would be interesting to see who the Kings would pick in the unlikely scenario where both Fox and Jackson are there at 5.
 
It would be interesting to see who the Kings would pick in the unlikely scenario where both Fox and Jackson are there at 5.
I agree. What a tough call that would be! As much as I've been on the draft De'Aaron Fox train, I like Josh Jackson nearly as much. I've never really considered Jackson a possibility @ #5. But in the unlikely event that both are available when the Kings are on the clock, they'll be between a rock and a hard place. I think I'd try to pull a fast one and put both their names on my draft card and pray they'd let me have both!

Admittedly, the Kansas thing frightens me a bit due to history, but Jackson is so darn talented that I don't think he'll end up a disappointment. While I still lean towards Fox since he's a PG, I would be happy with either player.
 
I agree. What a tough call that would be! As much as I've been on the draft De'Aaron Fox train, I like Josh Jackson nearly as much. I've never really considered Jackson a possibility @ #5. But in the unlikely event that both are available when the Kings are on the clock, they'll be between a rock and a hard place. I think I'd try to pull a fast one and put both their names on my draft card and pray they'd let me have both!

Admittedly, the Kansas thing frightens me a bit due to history, but Jackson is so darn talented that I don't think he'll end up a disappointment. While I still lean towards Fox since he's a PG, I would be happy with either player.
its a problem, but having too many good choices is a good problem.
 
Hmmm! Not sure what to make of this development about Fix not working out for Phoenix!

I always saw Phoenix as the biggest threat to pick Fox. So Fox had a workout with the Lakers and this comes out straight after? Does it mean that he has a promise from Lakers or does he think that Phoenix will be looking elsewhere so he is not interested in making up the "workout numbers"?

I suspect that Fox has no interest in Phoenix hence why he doesn't want to work out there. It doesn't mean that Phoenix won't pick him if they really want him.
 
Read a tweet bt a John Gambadoro saying Fox won't work out for PHX. Not a guarantee they wouldn't still select him. John Gambadoro is apparently a radio personality in Ariz. He also commented on Jackson which I will post in his thread.
I was about to post this.. I'm not the hugest Fox fan but that's points in my book.
 
I imagine Fox knows there are three PG's already on the roster as one of many possible reasons to refuse a workout for PHX. There are others I could come up with as plausible. The coaching situation for one. An owner known for penny pinching is another. GM entering final year on contract with no extension as of yet.

I imagine the three PG's already on the roster might be enough. Fox has stated fit means a lot to him.
 
Read a tweet by a John Gambadoro saying Fox won't work out for PHX. Not a guarantee they wouldn't still select him. John Gambadoro is apparently a radio personality in Ariz. He also commented on Jackson which I will post in his thread.
If it's a way of him angling to get to the kings if he falls, I'm fine with it. But technically didn't he not work out for us either? Don't a lot of top prospects not workout for teams below what they think they'll be drafted at thinking it's a sign of weakness. I'm guessing he works out for top 3 and visits the others below. But if in a few days it's announced he's going to officially work out for the kings...:):D;)
 

funkykingston

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If it's a way of him angling to get to the kings if he falls, I'm fine with it. But technically didn't he not work out for us either? Don't a lot of top prospects not workout for teams below what they think they'll be drafted at thinking it's a sign of weakness. I'm guessing he works out for top 3 and visits the others below. But if in a few days it's announced he's going to officially work out for the kings...:):D;)
He already had a workout with the Kings.
 
I imagine Fox knows there are three PG's already on the roster as one of many possible reasons to refuse a workout for PHX. There are others I could come up with as plausible. The coaching situation for one. An owner known for penny pinching is another. GM entering final year on contract with no extension as of yet.

I imagine the three PG's already on the roster might be enough. Fox has stated fit means a lot to him.
I think you hit the nail on the head. One of the reasons FOX is high on Sacramento is because he and his agent know that he'll be the starting PG from day 1. The kid wants to play right away and not compete for time against several vets that are more experienced than him. I'm sure all the top players in the draft feel that way.
 
I think you hit the nail on the head. One of the reasons FOX is high on Sacramento is because he and his agent know that he'll be the starting PG from day 1. The kid wants to play right away and not compete for time against several vets that are more experienced than him. I'm sure all the top players in the draft feel that way.
But what happens if after the draft Kings sign Jrue Holiday and Otto Porter to max contracts? Is his outlook different? What if Kings draft another NBA ready PG along with Fox? Does he request a trade? I think there might be more to it tha just competition but that no doubt plays a good part in the decision.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
Fox is my guy. Short of Ball, Fultz or Jackson falling to #3 he's at the top of my draft board.

But giving it more thought I don't think a trade up to get him makes sense. After all, Fox isn't a slam dunk pick. His 3P% is very concerning (and historically bad among recent lottery PGs) and he'd be one of the slightest players in the NBA at 170 lbs.

He's not without risk and (like Smith Jr) he's a one position defender where Ball, Fultz, Ntilikina (and possibly Mitchell and Sumner) provide some defensive versatility.
 
Fox is my guy. Short of Ball, Fultz or Jackson falling to #3 he's at the top of my draft board.

But giving it more thought I don't think a trade up to get him makes sense. After all, Fox isn't a slam dunk pick. His 3P% is very concerning (and historically bad among recent lottery PGs) and he'd be one of the slightest players in the NBA at 170 lbs.

He's not without risk and (like Smith Jr) he's a one position defender where Ball, Fultz, Ntilikina (and possibly Mitchell and Sumner) provide some defensive versatility.
I really don't think a trade up is necessary. I think the top 3 is set with some variation of Fultz, Ball, and Jackson. Isaac or Tatum (more Isaac) make way more sense for the Suns than Fox, and if Fox really isn't working out for them, and they're bringing Isaac back for a second visit, it's starting to fee like Fox should be there at 5.
 
I think you hit the nail on the head. One of the reasons FOX is high on Sacramento is because he and his agent know that he'll be the starting PG from day 1. The kid wants to play right away and not compete for time against several vets that are more experienced than him. I'm sure all the top players in the draft feel that way.
I also get the impression that Fox enjoys being a leader on a team. As constructed, there's not only a positional spot for Fox, but a huge gap for someone to step in and be the face of the franchise and the leader. In Phoenix, Booker has already staked a face of the franchise claim. Fox could conceivably step into the starting spot, and the media spotlight as the face of the team from Day 1 in Sac. That's an appealing setup for an Alpha personality. When you combine that with the roster fit, and players he's familiar with from Kentucky, it's actually very smart of him to be angling himself towards Sacramento.
 
But what happens if after the draft Kings sign Jrue Holiday and Otto Porter to max contracts? Is his outlook different? What if Kings draft another NBA ready PG along with Fox? Does he request a trade? I think there might be more to it tha just competition but that no doubt plays a good part in the decision.
Of course circumstances could change after the fact. It's about evaluating the situation as it currently stands. And going into the draft, the Kings don't have a logjam of young or established players at the PG position. Someone like Fox would have a great shot to be the #1 guy from day 1 and likely only have to share to time with 1 vet. In PHX, he'd have to share time with Bledsoe, Ulis and Knight assuming they aren't willing or able to move any of them. Completely different situations.
 
This stat shows how awesome Fox is and will be when we draft him at #5 (putting positive vibes into the Universe :)) .

link

Screen Shot 2017-06-13 at 12.27.04 PM.png

It confirms the eye test that Fox passes with flying colors when I first started to watch him. Fox is crafty, fast and quick utilizing the inside-outside dribble, length and lefty style to get where he wants. To summarize what table shows, it is unassisted FGA at rim by PG drafted since 2012 and FG%. What it shows is how great Fox is at breaking down D and getting to the rim relative to peers. Though he did not shoot ball well at Kentucky opponents still couldn't keep him from keeping to the rim. By contrast, look how weak Lonzo Ball is! He doesn't beat his man to the rim for easy lay up more than once per 40 minutes? Weak! And passive. Please do not forward this table to Magic. ;)

I have said this before. Lonzo doesn't have blow by ability or juke move to keep his dribble through pressure. This does not bode well to create offense for less talented one-on-one teammates. The offense in half court is likely to stall with Ball at the helm. Put him in the full court with superior teammates and multiple passing lanes and he excels. Confine to half court vs comparable talents and the offense will likely sputter. If he is nailing his long jumper then he may do okay. But I don't trust that jumper. Fox also started mastering the floater in the lane during the NCAA tournament, another dynamic weapon he will use in the pros. This is another shot Ball lacks. He doesn't even try this shot! Smith Jr. is better than Ball at getting to the rim and inferior to Ball. His conversion rate is NOT great for someone who is suppose to be such a transcendent athlete. Note to Funky Kingston: Check out Wade Baldwin conversion. This may help explain his struggles in the pro.
 
This stat shows how awesome Fox is and will be when we draft him at #5 (putting positive vibes into the Universe :)) .

link

View attachment 6741

It confirms the eye test that Fox passes with flying colors when I first started to watch him. Fox is crafty, fast and quick utilizing the inside-outside dribble, length and lefty style to get where he wants. To summarize what table shows, it is unassisted FGA at rim by PG drafted since 2012 and FG%. What it shows is how great Fox is at breaking down D and getting to the rim relative to peers. Though he did not shoot ball well at Kentucky opponents still couldn't keep him from keeping to the rim. By contrast, look how weak Lonzo Ball is! He doesn't beat his man to the rim for easy lay up more than once per 40 minutes? Weak! And passive. Please do not forward this table to Magic. ;)

I have said this before. Lonzo doesn't have blow by ability or juke move to keep his dribble through pressure. This does not bode well to create offense for less talented one-on-one teammates. The offense in half court is likely to stall with Ball at the helm. Put him in the full court with superior teammates and multiple passing lanes and he excels. Confine to half court vs comparable talents and the offense will likely sputter. If he is nailing his long jumper then he may do okay. But I don't trust that jumper. Fox also started mastering the floater in the lane during the NCAA tournament, another dynamic weapon he will use in the pros. This is another shot Ball lacks. He doesn't even try this shot! Smith Jr. is better than Ball at getting to the rim and inferior to Ball. His conversion rate is NOT great for someone who is suppose to be such a transcendent athlete. Note to Funky Kingston: Check out Wade Baldwin conversion. This may help explain his struggles in the pro.
Yeah that is insane. Just imagine what happens once his jumper improves due to added strength and you have to guard him tightly!
Also, shout out to Jawun Evans. Cant believe he might be available at #34.
 
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