Bobby Jackson was speaking highly of this kid on the Locked on Kings podcast. He was at the first workout. B-Jax said he didn't think he would last to 2nd round so we may have to acquire another 1st rounder to get him. He looks about the same height and weight as Isaiah. (He's listed at 5"11 but that may be a stretch). I don't think he has the same speed as Isaiah but combination of strength quickness and low center of gravity allows him to get to places on the floor.Kings are bringing him in for a second workout. He's probably on the short list for #34. I like the idea of drafting him.
Bobby Jackson was speaking highly of this kid on the Locked on Kings podcast. He was at the first workout. B-Jax said he didn't think he would last to 2nd round so we may have to acquire another 1st rounder to get him. He looks about the same height and weight as Isaiah. (He's listed at 5"11 but that may be a stretch). I don't think he has the same speed as Isaiah but combination of strength quickness and low center of gravity allows him to get to places on the floor.
He scored 21 PPG on 62.2% TS with a 26% usage and 2.2 assist to TO. That's outstanding. (Of course he did it as a senior).
He's not my first choice at #34 but if other players are already gone (Juwan Evans, Semi Ojeleye & Caleb Swanigan) I wouldn't mind the Kings drafting him at all.
I like Frank Mason a lot.
He's a bulldog on both ends of the floor.
I think there's a very good chance he's there at #34.
He reminds me of Yogi Ferrell or Pierre Jackson. Or even Isaiah Thomas had the Kings not grabbed him at #60. The kind of player that gets overlooked, goes undrafted and then impresses overseas or in the D-League only to get called up to the NBA and impress.
He's not my first choice at #34 but if other players are already gone (Juwan Evans, Semi Ojeleye & Caleb Swanigan) I wouldn't mind the Kings drafting him at all.
Kings are bringing him in for a second workout. He's probably on the short list for #34. I like the idea of drafting him.
IMO he'd be a major reach at #34. They'd be better off taking the BPA Wing or Big and re-signing Ty Lawson.
I also have my doubts he's got more upside than Elie Okobo..
reach at 34? There's no such thing. You're just praying you somehow get an actual rotational player from the 34th pick, much less a guy you expect to be a starter.
I think Mason will carve himself off a really nice Steve Blake/Earl Watson type of career off the bench. Smart, can shoot, has decent playmaking ability, is going to keep the wheels turning in his 15-20 minutes. I don't think there's much more upside for him than a good back-up PG type of player, but if you could promise me he'd be Watson or Blake, I'd sign up for that 100%. (Obviously, not comparing the players, just the type of careers; weak starter/great back-up type of PG)
I disagree with the notion that Mason has low upside because he's 23 and undersized. Ben Mclemore and the countless number of prospects who flame out every season are proof of that. You either have talent and can at a minimum carve out a niche in the NBA or its on to the next one. I really want to acquire a late 1st or early 2nd and take Bell and Mason in the later part of the draft.I disagree and think your aim is too low. Especially in this draft, you're hoping for a 1st round talent at 34, low hanging fruit, and 23 year old 5'11" Frank Mason is not that. he's got low upside.
Better a flawed diamond than a pebble without - Chinese Proverb
I disagree with the notion that Mason has low upside because he's 23 and undersized. Ben Mclemore and the countless number of prospects who flame out every season are proof of that. You either have talent and can at a minimum carve out a niche in the NBA or its on to the next one. I really want to acquire a late 1st or early 2nd and take Bell and Mason in the later part of the draft.
I disagree with the notion that Mason has low upside because he's 23 and undersized. Ben Mclemore and the countless number of prospects who flame out every season are proof of that. You either have talent and can at a minimum carve out a niche in the NBA or its on to the next one. I really want to acquire a late 1st or early 2nd and take Bell and Mason in the later part of the draft.
Yep, I'd rather have Frank Mason than Frank Ntlinkina, the latter whom I think is slipping in #12 to #15 range with project label sticking. Mason is ready now. Players in mold of Mason are a pain to guard because combination of low center of gravity and strength allows them to create space. The question with this kid is does (1) does he have speed to turn the corner and (2) can he hang defensively? I assume if the Kings have him in for second workout and make play for him on draft day they think these questions can be answered favorably.
I watched pretty much all of the French teams U18 games last summer and his performance in the championship was hands down one of the best single games I saw from any of the prospects in this draft. .
Is there a YouTube link to this game?
thanks!
Frank Jackson is a way better prospect IMO, It's not even close. I've also kinda think Mason is a bit redundant with Langston Galloway or Ty Lawson. To be clear though I think the Kings should be hunting for the best PROJECT available at #34, to me (and I've heard this from the Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey) older players are actually higher risk, I'm a big believer in player development, thats a paramount factor for any small-market team that wants to put itself on the map, Mason's not that, his selling point is that he's ready for minutes early.
Don't think Mason will be able to finish anywhere around the rim vs true NBA rim protectors, he's not the second coming of Isaiah Thomas... I also think his 3pt% is a formation of a prolonged hot streak and not exactly a true indicator of whats to come, he's for sure a good shooter, is he a knockdown shooter? that remains to be seen.. He's fearless and trustworthy and plays the game with an indomitable will, has many redeeming qualities. Could he be the next Ish Smith? perhaps, I don't like his chances though, he seems like a career backup at best, as mentioned earlier in this thread a lot like Yogi Farrell. I'm not gonna carry on in this thread futher about it, I'd much prefer to talk up other players then spend time talking down about Mason, who's certainly good enough to get drafted, a great spot for him would be the Wizards, he's better than Trey Burke.
Frank Ntilikina is echelons above Mason, I could be wrong of course, thats my stance though and when he finishes his rookie contract he'll still be younger than Mason is right now.
In my book Ntilikina would be an A+ pull for the Kings at 10.
I watched pretty much all of the French teams U18 games last summer and his performance in the championship was hands down one of the best single games I saw from any of the prospects in this draft. He was on fire and I'd be shocked if he fell past 9. I actually have a hunch he wont fall past the Knicks, he seems like a Phil Jackson type of guard and fills a huge need. His defensive potential is vastly superior to Masons as he's built like a swingman and with added strength thats sure to come will seamlessly switch onto SG's and even some SF's on the perimeter.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that we draft Mason at 10. At least I'm not. I look at Mason as a possible backup PG, but not a starter. I do think he has a little more upside than you do, but that's neither here nor there. The question at 34 is whether he's the best player available or not. Can't answer that until draft day and were looking at the 34th pick.
Not sure why some think that Mason can't finish around the basket. I never saw a huge problem there, and I think most players have an easier time finishing in the NBA because of the 3 second defensive rule. Much harder to pack the middle in the NBA with the rule and the spacing.
I've been watching the Jazz, who pretty much have the best rim protection on the planet.. Rudy Gobert could block his forays into the paint with his elbows.. Also It's really quite understated just how much of a setback drafting Trey Burke in the lottery was for that team, I've been weary of undersized PG's ever since.
Full disclaimer tho, I'm much more apt to give the benefit of the doubt to taller/longer/younger players..
In all fairness, the taller/longer/younger PG they drafted in the following lotto also has sucked. (Exum)