Looking ahead to the 2023 Draft

[Ozymandias]

Tyrese Proctor will return to Duke for his sophomore year. He would have warranted tons of discussion here but I guess not thsi year.

 

[Ozymandias]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1640402718232551426

Not a huge surprise. Recent mocks had him slipping to the 2nd round and next year’s draft class is so sparse that a good season will probably bump him back up to the lotto.

Yeah reports swirling that teams didn't like what they got from his background checks.

Oregon was so messed up to watch this season. I often thought whoever came up with 'lets get 3 5-star Centers' deserves to lose them all by next season, so this just leaves Nate Bittle as Dante's graduating. Ware has lots of natural talent very interested to see how he responds next year.

 

[Ozymandias]

@serbiangoat

Vasilije Erceg 6'10 Serbian big just commited to play for Dayton next season, have you seen him? looks like he can shoot the 3

 

[funkykingston]

Also you brought up NBAdraft . net .... they currently have TAYLOR HENDRICKS AS THE 4TH PICK in the 2023 draft! How bout that! They've also got Sweedish PF Bobi Klintman currently at Wake Forest who I mentioned as a sleeper here weeks back at 6th overall in 2024.

They also have the Kings selecting Riley Kugel in the first round in 2023!!!! Another player who I only started mentioning around here a month or so ago.. What crazy draft boards they have. Even though Kugel is a legit 6'5, he fits into the flamethrowing combo guard archetype that makes sense here that I mentioned with players like Kobe Bufkin and Brandin Podziemski, its an interesting scenario for sure.

They bumped Hendricks up 13 spots on their big board too. I think they're looking at a potential Patrick Williams like rise from him, but I don't see it. I love Hendricks and hoped he'd last to the Kings pick in the first (which he obviously won't now) but 4th overall seems too high given some of the other guys at the top of this draft, his level of competition, and how raw parts of his game still are. We'll see.

So I've been thinking about the whole Win-now vs Upside debate (plus Monte's draft history)

What I get really hung up on is, we had major holes to fill(do we still?).. Keegan Murray starts, Davion Mitchell is the backup PG, Haliburton was a BPA selection plus a no-brainer plus we had a big chunk of minutes to give him, n Haliburton eventually gets flipped to fill another major hole.

So IDK.. the idea that Monte drafts experienced players, it makes me a bit uneasy to assume that, I believe there's more layers to the onion. I'd argue if you made a case that Monte drafts for need, you'd find quite a bit of overlap.

Also when you draft 'for need' sometimes it's actually a bit of a cost-cutting/roster flexibility maneuver. Having a reliable backup PG on a restricted rookie deal is nice, having a reliable starting forward on a restricted deal like Keegan's is even better.

Keegan Murray vs Jaden Ivey was a big debate around here last summer.. It often boiled down to a potential vs need discussion.. Now looking back I'd say clearly Keegan falls more under the category of necessity, he's a key kog here... I'd also say trading the future pick for Huerter, that would fall more under necessity now that we have time to see the aftermath of the trade.. so many hawks fans still lament losing Huerter btw.

So Monte's solving major problems with these picks..n there's no debate to be had about that.. the question however is more about the roster that he's NOW tasked with upgrading... A roster which surely the obvious needs, the necessities, many of them are vouched for and taken care of.

Plus I'd offer, do Monte's 2nd rd picks really follow these win-now trends? Queta once again surfaces as a wildcard in a draft discussion. I'd certainly argue in the case of Jah'mius Ramsey, thats a swing for the fences type of pick, he was a one-and-done guy, taking him was a gamble on an athlete to be decently efficient and skilled and defensively stout, Woodard II had more experience, he wasnt anywhere near 'complete' either, big strong player who you'd hope his tools would sharpen quickly.

Queta's shown ample promise in the g-league and still gets no burn here. Turns 24 this summer. The Pistons traded decent assets for James Wiseman and Queta blasted him twice this season. Queta's played like 150 (garbage) minutes here in a few seasons, basically Bruno Caboclo with the Raptors status..But when I look at the Centers on the Free Agent to be list, It always makes me think we'd like to resign Queta. So while we cant say for sure, he's obviously a possible draft and develop feather in Monte's hat that we just havent credited him with yet. In the event we let Queta walk some other team will pounce on him IMMEDIATELY. Is Queta a solid player who we've just deemed not a good fit? whos to say.

I think my question is; How many minutes do we have for the "win-now" 1st rd pick and at what position? I think this line of questioning will lead us to some good draft discussion so I'm hoping I get an answer, lemme cut this rant off here.

Queta has been hurt by a couple things this year. One is just the number of bigs on the roster. When you already have Sabonis, Metu, Holmes, and Len, he was unlikely to get many opportunities. Another reason Richaun should have been dealt last offseason. Another is that Brown had an existing relationship with Metu, so I think he's got more than enough chances. But I agree, Queta should come cheap, can already be a decent 3rd C on the roster, and still has upside to be more.

Also agree that McNair hasn't done much with his SRPs so far. Given that we hope to not see the Kings in the lottery again any time soon, he and his team better improve at getting value in the late first and second. Morant and JJJ are foundational pieces for the Grizzlies who they got at #2 and #4 in the draft, but how many late 1st round, 2nd round guys do they have on their roster? Dillon Brooks, David Roddy, Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, Desmond Bane, Kennedy Chandler, Vince Williams (two way) and even some undrafted guys that contribute. Still too early to tell if they missed on Ziaire Williams in the lottery, but even if they did, they've got a LOT of really good homegrown depth and talent.

McNair needs to find his Jimmy Butler, Pascal Siakam, Khris Middleton, Desmond Bane, & Paul Milsap, Malcolm Brogdon type players

 

[bajaden]

Tyrese Proctor will return to Duke for his sophomore year. He would have warranted tons of discussion here but I guess not thsi year.

I think Proctor has a lot of talent, but by going back he may work his way into the Lottery. To be honest, I've been having trouble placing him this year. He just needs another year of development.

 

[bajaden]

Yeah reports swirling that teams didn't like what they got from his background checks.

Oregon was so messed up to watch this season. I often thought whoever came up with 'lets get 3 5-star Centers' deserves to lose them all by next season, so this just leaves Nate Bittle as Dante's graduating. Ware has lots of natural talent very interested to see how he responds next year.

Yeah, Ware started out the season just OK, and went downhill from that point on. His minutes went down as the season went on, and Dante's went up. Add in some off court problems and Ware's season was a disaster. If I were him, I'd think hard about going into the transfer portal and see if I couldn't find a more user friendly situation.

 

[bajaden]

Could Keyonte Johnson be all that we hoped for from Robert Woodard II?!


He sure seems like the type that could vie to make the rotation from day one. Could be a really interesting pick with that early 2nd.

40% from 3 though he doesnt shoot many (3.3 per game).

A player who always manages to shoot a very high % from the floor every season.

I love Johnson, and I'm so happy for him to have such a great come back year after all he's been through. Lest people forget, before collapsing on the court in 2020, he was being looked at as a first round pick, and possible lottery pick. The only difference between that player then, and now, is that he's three years older. I think he's worthy of being a 1st rd pick. Probably won't be because of his age, but I agree with you, if you looking for a player that can step in and play right now, it's Johnson.

If you can snag Johnson in the 2nd rd, then you have a steal, because he's 1st round talent!

 

[bajaden]

Yeah If Djurisic waits til next year that might be the play for him, he'll have a lot to gain if he puts it all together because his physical profile is tailor made for the NBA.

You probably remember the 6'8" German forward Paul Zipser who played for the bulls and was selected in the middle of the 2nd rd in 2016, Zipser was plenty explosive but for my money Djurisic is a far superior prospect, so to see Djurisic projected mid 40's in this years draft makes me think he should return. A player like Zipser was never going to make a real run at the 1st round, I wouldnt rule that out with Djurisic though I wonder if this is the draft to really jump 2 feet into.

Obviously we'll have more clarity on the 2024 draft as players who declare for 2023 start to take their names out of the hat, It does stand to reason there's a lot more to be gained for some players in next years draft though, which many people are saying isnt going to be very deep.


In the case of Vukcevic, I do wonder what would happen to him in the G-League playing big minutes... IDK I get the feeling it wouldnt be pretty..


Also you brought up NBAdraft . net .... they currently have TAYLOR HENDRICKS AS THE 4TH PICK in the 2023 draft! How bout that! They've also got Sweedish PF Bobi Klintman currently at Wake Forest who I mentioned as a sleeper here weeks back at 6th overall in 2024.

They also have the Kings selecting Riley Kugel in the first round in 2023!!!! Another player who I only started mentioning around here a month or so ago.. What crazy draft boards they have. Even though Kugel is a legit 6'5, he fits into the flamethrowing combo guard archetype that makes sense here that I mentioned with players like Kobe Bufkin and Brandin Podziemski, its an interesting scenario for sure.

Yep, I like Kugel along with about 6 or 7 other sort of under the radar players of similar ilk. This is a very strange draft with probably the biggest dispariaty between mock draft boards that I've ever seen. I've seen players in the bottom of the lottery on one board, and the same player at the top of the 2nd rd on another board. I think some mocks tend to fall in love with players that are athletically exciting, and have maybe one or two skills they excell at, and not so much players that quietly go about their jobs, but every once in a while explode to remind you that they're there.

Players like Julian Strawther, who I like a lot. Very consistent player who shows up for every game. They don't usually get top billing, but they make the difference between winning and losing. Just my humble opinion!

 

[bajaden]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1640402718232551426

Not a huge surprise. Recent mocks had him slipping to the 2nd round and next year’s draft class is so sparse that a good season will probably bump him back up to the lotto.

Good move by him! I didn't see this post before posting that he should enter the transfer portal. But I think a new start is what he needs!

 

[funkykingston]

Yep, I like Kugel along with about 6 or 7 other sort of under the radar players of similar ilk. This is a very strange draft with probably the biggest dispariaty between mock draft boards that I've ever seen. I've seen players in the bottom of the lottery on one board, and the same player at the top of the 2nd rd on another board. I think some mocks tend to fall in love with players that are athletically exciting, and have maybe one or two skills they excell at, and not so much players that quietly go about their jobs, but every once in a while explode to remind you that they're there.

Players like Julian Strawther, who I like a lot. Very consistent player who shows up for every game. They don't usually get top billing, but they make the difference between winning and losing. Just my humble opinion!

Very true. A "consensus" will emerge on most guys as the draft gets closer. Meaning some guys with actual info from front offices will share what they know about where execs see players and most draft sites and mocks will copy one another.

But right now Tankathon (which has seemed to be reasonably accurate the last few years) doesn't even have Kugel on their big board, but I think that's because they expect him to return for his sophomore season at Florida.

 

[serbiangoat]

@serbiangoat

Vasilije Erceg 6'10 Serbian big just commited to play for Dayton next season, have you seen him? looks like he can shoot the 3

No what I do during the NBA/ABA season is watch them and don't look at the news in regards to the KLS (Serbian League) he's playing in (pretty weakish league (former NBA big man Zeljko Rebraca is the club president for Erceg team) since anything of value just leaves for more money and the best 6 Serbian don't don't even compete in it) and I watch the KLS during the off season. In regards to a lot of the talented Serbian players in recent times heading over from the KLS a lot of them don't play in their freshmen year I noticed (recent Belic, Borovicanin and Tarlac) the only one who played right away at a high level was for Utah I think his name is something like Lazar Stefanovic a 3pt shooter.

Honestly aside from 1 player (Predrag Savovic briefly played for the Nuggets) who was like a 5th year senior when he got picked up to the NBA, going to the NCAA means (did in the past) in 99% of cases they're not Euroleague/NBA level the only elite player who played college ball from the region in recent times is Nik Vucevic .Cheers for bringing him up I will check him out.

 

[Ozymandias]

They bumped Hendricks up 13 spots on their big board too. I think they're looking at a potential Patrick Williams like rise from him, but I don't see it. I love Hendricks and hoped he'd last to the Kings pick in the first (which he obviously won't now) but 4th overall seems too high given some of the other guys at the top of this draft, his level of competition, and how raw parts of his game still are. We'll see.

Yeah so I'm all for Hendricks in the lotto, how high I'm unsure. I would say that almost certainly if he goes near the top5 it's because the team values his 3pt shot, which might be better than some of the other forwards or wings that people have been projecting in the top12 (aside from Brandon Miller obviously). The top4 of Wembanyama, Miller, Henderson and Amen Thompson seems quite strong.

Queta has been hurt by a couple things this year. One is just the number of bigs on the roster. When you already have Sabonis, Metu, Holmes, and Len, he was unlikely to get many opportunities. Another reason Richaun should have been dealt last offseason. Another is that Brown had an existing relationship with Metu, so I think he's got more than enough chances. But I agree, Queta should come cheap, can already be a decent 3rd C on the roster, and still has upside to be more.

Also agree that McNair hasn't done much with his SRPs so far. Given that we hope to not see the Kings in the lottery again any time soon, he and his team better improve at getting value in the late first and second. Morant and JJJ are foundational pieces for the Grizzlies who they got at #2 and #4 in the draft, but how many late 1st round, 2nd round guys do they have on their roster? Dillon Brooks, David Roddy, Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, Desmond Bane, Kennedy Chandler, Vince Williams (two way) and even some undrafted guys that contribute. Still too early to tell if they missed on Ziaire Williams in the lottery, but even if they did, they've got a LOT of really good homegrown depth and talent.

McNair needs to find his Jimmy Butler, Pascal Siakam, Khris Middleton, Desmond Bane, & Paul Milsap, Malcolm Brogdon type players

Metu's been solid far as I'm concerned. I used to tune into USC's games to see him though so I might be biased, he's much improved since then, a lot stronger.

Jaden Hardy did get away from us last year, I was wrong, we should've kept that pick and Hardy, though for Hardy's sake I'm glad he got a lot of reps on a team that can use him.

The thinning of the 2nd rd has already begun, the highwater mark of the 2nd rd depth has passed!

To find a 3pt shooter the quality of Khris Middleton will be nearly impossible, I guess you take Emoni Bates and hope for the best.

Dariq Whitehead always reminded me slightly of a young Jimmy Butler.

Dillon Mitchell might be sorta like Paul Millsap on defense.

Matthew Murrell like a poormans Desmond Bane.

Hendricks is a little like Siakam (and Trey Murphey) and Keyonte George i guess is the closest you'll find to Brogdon.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yeah, Ware started out the season just OK, and went downhill from that point on. His minutes went down as the season went on, and Dante's went up. Add in some off court problems and Ware's season was a disaster. If I were him, I'd think hard about going into the transfer portal and see if I couldn't find a more user friendly situation.

Dante was the best player on the team by a mile, so yeah just a total mess of a situation. Next year we'll get to see what he can do, if he's smart he'll hit the weights hard this offseason, he can surely convince people he's matured by adding a lot of strength n showing he's serious.

 

[Ozymandias]

I think Proctor has a lot of talent, but by going back he may work his way into the Lottery. To be honest, I've been having trouble placing him this year. He just needs another year of development.

The thing is he'd have actually fit here well, though he'd be destined for the G-League. We dont really need a pure PG so he sorta fits here next to Davion as a SG who can create shots. But yeah it's a moot point.

 

[Ozymandias]

Very true. A "consensus" will emerge on most guys as the draft gets closer. Meaning some guys with actual info from front offices will share what they know about where execs see players and most draft sites and mocks will copy one another.

But right now Tankathon (which has seemed to be reasonably accurate the last few years) doesn't even have Kugel on their big board, but I think that's because they expect him to return for his sophomore season at Florida.

that Tankathon board sure sits pretty for the Kings where it stands right now..

If we could get Leonard Miller in the 1st, then Kobe Bufkin early 2nd and Baylor Scheierman in the late 2nd that's crazy value far as i'm concerned.


Kugel is interesting, he was lights out down the stretch of conference play, so his game logs follow an unusual path, I think he'd be crazy not to test the draft waters this offseason, there's no risk and he's in a win-win situation, Florida fans will go nuts if he returns.


I'm gonna try to do an updated mock in the next few days

 

[Ozymandias]

2 sleepers that I mentioned at the beginning of the season have declared

Justin Powell 6'6" dead-eye 3pt shooter (43%) at Washington State who's also got some combo guard skills

6'8" Freshman 'Mongolian' Mike Sharavjamts, who averaged 5.6ppg and 2.6 assists per game, he declared for the draft and also his intention to enter the portal if he returns to college, his time at Dayton is over, stands to reason he's gonna look for somewhere that plays uptempo.

 

[Ozymandias]

saw a mock today where he fell to the Kings

so many nice plays in these highlights but the one at 3:26 makes me think he'd be good here on the kings, he's got some real shake with the handle at 6'8" h hits the in and out to a big crossover then a spin move into a fadaway. Howard's definitely got some shooting guard to his game even though he looks a bit tall for SG

 

[funkykingston]

Yeah so I'm all for Hendricks in the lotto, how high I'm unsure. I would say that almost certainly if he goes near the top5 it's because the team values his 3pt shot, which might be better than some of the other forwards or wings that people have been projecting in the top12 (aside from Brandon Miller obviously). The top4 of Wembanyama, Miller, Henderson and Amen Thompson seems quite strong.

Metu's been solid far as I'm concerned. I used to tune into USC's games to see him though so I might be biased, he's much improved since then, a lot stronger.

Jaden Hardy did get away from us last year, I was wrong, we should've kept that pick and Hardy, though for Hardy's sake I'm glad he got a lot of reps on a team that can use him.

The thinning of the 2nd rd has already begun, the highwater mark of the 2nd rd depth has passed!

To find a 3pt shooter the quality of Khris Middleton will be nearly impossible, I guess you take Emoni Bates and hope for the best.

Dariq Whitehead always reminded me slightly of a young Jimmy Butler.

Dillon Mitchell might be sorta like Paul Millsap on defense.

Matthew Murrell like a poormans Desmond Bane.

Hendricks is a little like Siakam (and Trey Murphey) and Keyonte George i guess is the closest you'll find to Brogdon.

Metu has definitely been solid and he's earned his spot at this point. But still think he benefited from his previously relationship with Brown. That said, the fact that the coaching staff got him to stop floating on the perimeter and focus on higher percentage shots and hustle plays is a testament to both them and Metu's willingness to do what the team needs.

And yeah, Hardy would have found himself on a two way deal this season (which likely would have lost us Keon Ellis) and potentially been a TD replacement next season. But definitely a better situation for him to be on a rebuilding Rockets team than a Kings team focused on the playoffs.

Those are pretty good comps, but I wasn't saying McNair needed to find those exact archetypes. Just that he needed some big hits on late 1st rounders or early 2nds to push this team forward, which all of the guys I mentioned were.

 

[Ozymandias]

Spoiler: Mock

End of March Update
1. Victor Wembanyama: C, 7'4", 215 Lb's, 7'8" Wingspan, Metropolitans 92.
2. Scoot Henderson: PG/SG, 6'3", 195 Lb's, G-League Ignite.
3. Brandon Miller: F, 6'9", 200 Lb's, Freshman, Alabama.
4. Amen Thompson: SG, 6'7", 190 Lb's, 6'11" Wingspan, Overtime Elite.
5. Ausar Thompson: SG, 6'7", 190 Lb's, 7' Wingspan, Overtime Elite.
6. Jarace Walker: PF, 6'8", 235 Lb's, 7'2" Wingspan, Freshman, Houston.
7. Taylor Hendricks; F, 6'9", 7'1" Wingspan, Freshman, UCF.
8. Gradey Dick: SG/SF, 6'8", 205 Lb's, Freshman, Kansas.
9. Anthony Black: SF/SG, 6'7" 185lb's, Freshman, Arkansas.
10. Cam Whitmore: SF, 6'7", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Villanova.
11. Keyonte George: SG, 6'4", 205 Lb's, Freshman, Baylor.
12. Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG/SG, 6'5", 6'9" wingspan, Freshman, Indiana.
13. Jordan Hawkins, SG, 6'4' SG, Sophomore, UConn.
14. Cason Wallace: PG/SG, 6'4", 185 Lb's, Freshman, Kentucky.
15. Nick Smith: SG 6'4", 185 Lb's, Freshman, Arkansas.
16. Kobe Bufkin: SG, 6'4", Sophomore, Michigan.
17. Leonard Miller: F, 6'10", 211 Lb's, 7'2" Wingspan, G-League Ignite.
18. Jett Howard: SF/SG, 6'8", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Michigan.
19. Dereck Lively II: C, 7'1", 215 Lb's, 7'6" Wingspan, Freshman, Duke.
20. G. G. Jackson: PF, 6'9", 210 Lb's, Freshman, South Carolina.
21. Bilal Coulibaly; SG/SF, 6'6", 7'3" wingspan, Metropolitans 92.
22. Kyle Filipkowski: C/PF, 6'11", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Duke.
23. Rayan Rupert; SG/SF , 6'6, 7'3" wingspan, NZ Breakers.
24. Sidy Cissoko: SF, 6'8" G-League Ignite.
25. Brice Sensabaugh: SF, 6'6, Freshman, Ohio St.
26. Max Lewis: SG, 6'7", 185lbs, Freshman, Pepperdine.
27. Dariq Whitehead: SG/SF, 6'7", 196 Lb's, 6'9" Wingspan, Freshman, Duke.
28. James Nnaji; C, 6'10, 240lbs, 7'7" wingspan, FC Barcelona.
29. Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, 6'10, Freshman, Wake Forest.
30. Kris Murray; SF, 6'8", 220lbs, 7' wingspan, Junior, Iowa.

31. Noah Clowney; PF, 6'10, 210lbs, 7'2" wingspan, Freshman, Alabama.
32. Brandin Podziemski, 6'5, SG, Sophomore, Santa Clara.
33. Keyontae Johnson, SF, 229lbs, 6'5", Senior, Kansas St.
34. Trayce Jackson-Davis PF/C, 6'9", Senior, Indiana.
35. Riley Kugel 6'5", SG, Freshman, Florida.
36. Trevon Brazile, PF, 6'10, Sophomore, Arkansas.
37. Dillon Mitchell, F, 6'9, Freshman, Texas.
38. Colby Jones, SG, 6'6", Sophomore, Xavier.
39. Terquavion Smith, CG, 6'4", Sophomore, NC State.
40. Amari Bailey SG, 6'5", Freshman, UCLA.
41. Julian Strawther, SG/SF, 6'7", 205lbs, Junior, Gonzaga.
42. Andre Jackson, SG/SF, 6'5, Junior, UConn.
43. Ricky Council IV, SG/SF, 6'6, Sophomore, Arkansas.
44. Baylor Scheierman, SF, 6'6", Senior, Creighton.
45. Mouhammed Gueye, PF, 6'11, 203lbs, 7'4 wingspan, Sophomore, WSU.
46. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, 7'1", 7'5 wingspan, Senior, Creighton.
47. Jalen Wilson, F, 6'8", Junior, Kansas.
48. Marcus Sasser, PG, 6'2, Senior, Houston.
49. DaRon Holmes, PF, 6'10, Sophomore, Dayton.
50. Kobe Brown, PF, 6'8", Senior, Mizzou.
51. Adem Bona C, 6'9", Freshman, UCLA.
52. Jordan Miller, SG/SF, 6'7", Senior, Miami.
53. Olivier Maxence-Prosper, SF, 6'8, Junior, Marquette.
54. Emoni Bates, SG, 6'9, Sophomore, Eastern Michigan.
55. Terrence Shannon, SG/SF, 6'6", Senior, Illinois.
56. Jaylen Clark, SF/SG, Junior, UCLA.
57. Coleman Hawkins, 6'10, PF, Junior, Illinois.
58. Zach Edey, 7'1, C, Senior, Purdue.
59. Jamie Jacquez, SF, 6'6", Senior, UCLA.
60. Tyler Kolek, PG, 6'3", Sophomore, Marquette.

did a 60 player bigboard I posted it in the other thread but I'll put it here too.

 

[bajaden]

Metu has definitely been solid and he's earned his spot at this point. But still think he benefited from his previously relationship with Brown. That said, the fact that the coaching staff got him to stop floating on the perimeter and focus on higher percentage shots and hustle plays is a testament to both them and Metu's willingness to do what the team needs.

And yeah, Hardy would have found himself on a two way deal this season (which likely would have lost us Keon Ellis) and potentially been a TD replacement next season. But definitely a better situation for him to be on a rebuilding Rockets team than a Kings team focused on the playoffs.

Those are pretty good comps, but I wasn't saying McNair needed to find those exact archetypes. Just that he needed some big hits on late 1st rounders or early 2nds to push this team forward, which all of the guys I mentioned were.

Metu has improved, there's no doubt of that, but at times he forgets why he's on the floor and does something stupid, mostly on defense, and occasionally on offense. What he does well is specific, and needed, but he's not good enough at all the other things to make up for his mistakes, and that's why he gets jerked from games. The other day he found himself fairly open from three, but early in the shot clock. He couldn't resist and chucked up a brick. He was almost immediately pulled out of the game, and he never saw the floor again, not only in that game, but in the next two games until garbage time in this last game.

Browns patience is running thin with Metu, and it wouldn't shock me to see him replaced next season with someone like Naz Reed, who would be an upgrade. I wish him nothing but the best, and I'm always pulling for him, but he has to realize what he's good at and what he's not good at. He has to stop loosing focus on defense at times. I think his future with the Kings is tenuous right now.

 

[bajaden]

Spoiler: Mock

End of March Update
1. Victor Wembanyama: C, 7'4", 215 Lb's, 7'8" Wingspan, Metropolitans 92.
2. Scoot Henderson: PG/SG, 6'3", 195 Lb's, G-League Ignite.
3. Brandon Miller: F, 6'9", 200 Lb's, Freshman, Alabama.
4. Amen Thompson: SG, 6'7", 190 Lb's, 6'11" Wingspan, Overtime Elite.
5. Ausar Thompson: SG, 6'7", 190 Lb's, 7' Wingspan, Overtime Elite.
6. Jarace Walker: PF, 6'8", 235 Lb's, 7'2" Wingspan, Freshman, Houston.
7. Taylor Hendricks; F, 6'9", 7'1" Wingspan, Freshman, UCF.
8. Gradey Dick: SG/SF, 6'8", 205 Lb's, Freshman, Kansas.
9. Anthony Black: SF/SG, 6'7" 185lb's, Freshman, Arkansas.
10. Cam Whitmore: SF, 6'7", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Villanova.
11. Keyonte George: SG, 6'4", 205 Lb's, Freshman, Baylor.
12. Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG/SG, 6'5", 6'9" wingspan, Freshman, Indiana.
13. Jordan Hawkins, SG, 6'4' SG, Sophomore, UConn.
14. Cason Wallace: PG/SG, 6'4", 185 Lb's, Freshman, Kentucky.
15. Nick Smith: SG 6'4", 185 Lb's, Freshman, Arkansas.
16. Kobe Bufkin: SG, 6'4", Sophomore, Michigan.
17. Leonard Miller: F, 6'10", 211 Lb's, 7'2" Wingspan, G-League Ignite.
18. Jett Howard: SF/SG, 6'8", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Michigan.
19. Dereck Lively II: C, 7'1", 215 Lb's, 7'6" Wingspan, Freshman, Duke.
20. G. G. Jackson: PF, 6'9", 210 Lb's, Freshman, South Carolina.
21. Bilal Coulibaly; SG/SF, 6'6", 7'3" wingspan, Metropolitans 92.
22. Kyle Filipkowski: C/PF, 6'11", 220 Lb's, Freshman, Duke.
23. Rayan Rupert; SG/SF , 6'6, 7'3" wingspan, NZ Breakers.
24. Sidy Cissoko: SF, 6'8" G-League Ignite.
25. Brice Sensabaugh: SF, 6'6, Freshman, Ohio St.
26. Max Lewis: SG, 6'7", 185lbs, Freshman, Pepperdine.
27. Dariq Whitehead: SG/SF, 6'7", 196 Lb's, 6'9" Wingspan, Freshman, Duke.
28. James Nnaji; C, 6'10, 240lbs, 7'7" wingspan, FC Barcelona.
29. Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, 6'10, Freshman, Wake Forest.
30. Kris Murray; SF, 6'8", 220lbs, 7' wingspan, Junior, Iowa.

31. Noah Clowney; PF, 6'10, 210lbs, 7'2" wingspan, Freshman, Alabama.
32. Brandin Podziemski, 6'5, SG, Sophomore, Santa Clara.
33. Keyontae Johnson, SF, 229lbs, 6'5", Senior, Kansas St.
34. Trayce Jackson-Davis PF/C, 6'9", Senior, Indiana.
35. Riley Kugel 6'5", SG, Freshman, Florida.
36. Trevon Brazile, PF, 6'10, Sophomore, Arkansas.
37. Dillon Mitchell, F, 6'9, Freshman, Texas.
38. Colby Jones, SG, 6'6", Sophomore, Xavier.
39. Terquavion Smith, CG, 6'4", Sophomore, NC State.
40. Amari Bailey SG, 6'5", Freshman, UCLA.
41. Julian Strawther, SG/SF, 6'7", 205lbs, Junior, Gonzaga.
42. Andre Jackson, SG/SF, 6'5, Junior, UConn.
43. Ricky Council IV, SG/SF, 6'6, Sophomore, Arkansas.
44. Baylor Scheierman, SF, 6'6", Senior, Creighton.
45. Mouhammed Gueye, PF, 6'11, 203lbs, 7'4 wingspan, Sophomore, WSU.
46. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, 7'1", 7'5 wingspan, Senior, Creighton.
47. Jalen Wilson, F, 6'8", Junior, Kansas.
48. Marcus Sasser, PG, 6'2, Senior, Houston.
49. DaRon Holmes, PF, 6'10, Sophomore, Dayton.
50. Kobe Brown, PF, 6'8", Senior, Mizzou.
51. Adem Bona C, 6'9", Freshman, UCLA.
52. Jordan Miller, SG/SF, 6'7", Senior, Miami.
53. Olivier Maxence-Prosper, SF, 6'8, Junior, Marquette.
54. Emoni Bates, SG, 6'9, Sophomore, Eastern Michigan.
55. Terrence Shannon, SG/SF, 6'6", Senior, Illinois.
56. Jaylen Clark, SF/SG, Junior, UCLA.
57. Coleman Hawkins, 6'10, PF, Junior, Illinois.
58. Zach Edey, 7'1, C, Senior, Purdue.
59. Jamie Jacquez, SF, 6'6", Senior, UCLA.
60. Tyler Kolek, PG, 6'3", Sophomore, Marquette.

did a 60 player bigboard I posted it in the other thread but I'll put it here too.

Sometimes I think it's best to post something like this with it's own thread so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. You put in too much work on something like this for it to get accidently overlooked.

 

[serbiangoat]

Adidas next Gen tourny just began in Belgrade if anyone is interested, the main prospect that I know of from the Serbian side of things it Ognjen (yes another one) Topic who is a 6'6 PG who already plays like a pro he wears #14 and is the best rated prospect from Serbia for those born in 2005 (rated higher than Stankovic). He played for the Crvena Zvezda senior team a bit and looked like he belonged but some administration error by the club got him suspended and sadly he's playing in the 2nd Serbian League which is a joke.

I'm sure there is other great/probably better prosects from the other clubs I'm not aware of I just started watching the first game. I will throw in some updates as I watch.

The other guy I really like is Filip jovic (not related to Nikola), 6'9 high energy good athlete solid skills needs work on jumper plays for Mega #34

 

[Ozymandias]

Sometimes I think it's best to post something like this with it's own thread so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. You put in too much work on something like this for it to get accidently overlooked.

just wanted to throw something together here at the end of March. Usually this is when opinions are highest on the college players, the field only thins from now too.


When I initially posted this mock there was too many 2nd rders who I didnt think had a real chance to shine next season so I put in Trevon Brazile, I put Jaylen Clark on the board both coming off of serious injuries. Decided to take a chance on a big strong wing like Maxence-Prosper n put him in the 2nd. Somehow Dillon Mitchell at 37 seems high but I'm cool with it. Some players It feels like I have pushed way too far down in the second but I didn't know where else to put them.

Jordan Hawkins and Jordan Miller(who turns 24 in January) March heroics are taking them up the board, and one will play for the championship, so they've still got work to do.

I'm still holding my ground on Coulibaly over Rupert

N obviously I threw some wildcards in there with Klintman in the 1st rd n Podziemski and Kugel very close to the 1st, Cissoko at 24 seems high as anyone has him.


But yeah we will get all sorts of reports, now mocks will move based on reports their hearing not so much from game-by-game action, I usually wait til the lottery happens then I add in teams and team needs into consideration. BUT I can tell ya the way that board sits the lottery after 5 would be heavily swayed by team needs, i'd guess Anthony Black will benefit from that. I'm really kinda unsettled on teiring the whole feild out too, at this point i'd surely be far too generous. Good players will certainly go undrafted, so I still figure we've got an opportunity with the late 2nd.

 

[Ozymandias]

Well Trevon Brazille announced he's returning to school next year so scratch him from my list! XD

Kinda stinks for us Kings fans as far as I'm concenred, I woulda really liked to have drafted him this year.

There's 2 forfeited picks in the 2nd rd this year anyways so only 58 selections will be made.

 

[Ozymandias]

Bryce Hopkins is returning to Providence for next year.


Colby Jones (Xavier) is in and reportedly has no plans on retaining his college eligibility.

 

[Ozymandias]

the final four is today!! March Madness is over. How about on the womens side Caitlin Clarke on Iowa dropping 41 points in spectacular fashion, she's so good!!

Honestly the draft watcher in me wants UConn to steamroll today, they just have so many players with a lot to gain, Sanogo isnt that tall so he's gotta play perfect n display crazy amounts of skill to avoid the fate of so many 6'8 C's. Karaban and Clingan both are looking to really slingshot their names up the 2024 draft boards and Hawkins is looking to solidify his spot in the lotto.

Andre Jackson Jr. is a player teams figure to have a wide range of opinions on. He's looking to solidify his spot in the top40 n come up in big games in areas he's had some consistency issues with far as scoring the ball are concerned, his defense passing, hustle, transition game are all plenty consistent just needs to develop into a more of a threat to score in halfcourt offense.

Miami's Jordan Miller will look to follow up a perfect shooting game and continue his rise up the 2nd rd. Isaiah Wong is a player who will surely be signed by an NBA team, if he's gonna get drafted is another matter, you'd figure if Miami wins the championship his chances are much higher.

Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier have plenty to gain too, these are players probably somewhere on the radar, Poplar is a 6'5" SG who shoots 40% from 3 Sophomore year, stands to reason he'll get a much bigger platform to score big next season. Omier is 6'7 250lbs and is a major plus defender also has some swiss army knife game. Nigel Pack despite being pedestrian sized (6') has a chance to get looks too as he's an outstanding 3pt shooter who gets extremely hot.

 

[Ozymandias]

holy smokes what a game!!!

SDSU advances, we get an east coast vs west coast final..

sheeesh that was crazy.. Jadeon Ledee comes up with 4 clutch points in that last minute... wow..


That was a really well played game by both sides, both teams making their 3's.

Johnell Davis on FAU is gonna be sick, feel bad for him hopefully he doesnt let a loss like this linger in his head/nightmares for too long. Alijah Martin played so well, super impressive showing in this tournament from him.

SDSU's style is to beat ya up and then march you down late, it sure played out that way in this one...

 

[Ozymandias]

LETS BE REAL THOUGH --- is that not a huge carry on the gamewinner? I say he full cradles the ball, he cradles it like this is lacrosse not basketball.. no?!

 

[Ozymandias]

There just isnt another team in this tourney who could look as dominant, with their lotto pick hopeful scoring 3points in a half, as UConn looks now.


Adama Sanogo has gotta win the player of the tournament award.. Only someone whos not really paying attention would undersell his contributions lately..


Its so important for Miami to win the minutes Clingan's on the floor n the opposite is happening, they need a major turnaround n it just doesnt seem like theres the space for them on offense to catch fire. we'll see.

 

[Ozymandias]

Whats interesting with Alex Karaban is watching him in games like this, where he doesnt have the full offense clicking, he finds a way to make an impact on the boards and on defense while still spacing the floor.. I've seen a lot of UConn this season too n its remarkable at how consistent he makes an impact everywhere, definitely doesn't look like a freshman out there.

he'll be typecast as a shooter but he's really more of a jack of all trades who can shoot it, imo.

Sometimes that sort of thing happens when a talented player is facing lesser competition but in the case of Karaban I think thats more 'in his DNA' n thats how he plays the game and it'll translate.