2017-2018 Draft Prospects watch.

[Raindog]

Just ran tankathon ten times. It had us taking Ayton 4 times, Trae Young 5 times, and Jaren Jackson once.

I think I like that.

We are just three games from worst record... so onward and downward!

 

[pokerface]

We are just three games from worst record... so onward and downward!

I couldn't get away with saying that.

 

[BC867]

I couldn't get away with saying that.

'Cause it's not the start of the season, don'tcha think?

And 'cause the schedule from here on out is playing a large role.

Ballplayers know as much as anyone else what is going on. Now it not a question of wanting to lose.

Our overall best team effort from here on out sucks. Even after we get over the current key injuries.

I just hope that we can break camp next season with optimism. And, really, I have no doubt that you'll be happy to see that, too.

So eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow, we die. But next season, my friend . . .

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I couldn't get away with saying that.

Haha me neither. It’s funny because all of the tank talk the last month or so has come from everyone BUT you and me.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I couldn't get away with saying that.

Wins, losses, all good. Just compete and improve.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Haha me neither. It’s funny because all of the tank talk the last month or so has come from everyone BUT you and me.

I have noticed the silence from you two.

 

[Mainstreet]

Just ran tankathon ten times. It had us taking Ayton 4 times, Trae Young 5 times, and Jaren Jackson once.

I think I like that.

Now we need to find a way to send you to the lottery as the Suns representative.

 

[pokerface]

I have noticed the silence from you two.

Tank you

 

[Ronin]

Mike Schmitz
@Mike_Schmitz

33 PTS and 5 AST on 14 shots for Shake Milton in a win over Wichita State. 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, a smooth handle, soft touch from 3 and a strong feel. Has become a more dynamic pull-up shooter. Can play PnR. Hoops junkie having a great year. Double-digit PTS in all 19 games

 

[Hoop Head]

Bright Side of the Suns posted an updated Big Board draft article. They have Doncic, Ayton, Bagley, Young, Porter, and Bamba as their top 6, listed in that order. One of the other things they noted was that McD was at the ASU vs Oregon game to watch Troy Brown who is the PG for the Ducks.

Here is a link to that article, which was posted yesterday...
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...c-and-mikal-bridges-would-provide-phoenix-nba

Here's their excerpt on that McD watching the ASU vs Oregon game...

Word is that Suns general manager Ryan McDonough was at the Oregon-Arizona State game to catch Troy Brown in action. Brown again fits that mold of a versatile 3-and-D threat who can also be a secondary ball handler. That role would fill a lot of holes on Phoenix’s roster. If they end up keeping the Miami pick, Brown actually makes a ton of sense. If you want to go the Golden State model and have an endless supply of wings that can cover for your scoring guards, then it’s a solid plan of attack for Phoenix’s front office. As McDonough has mentioned plenty, he has studied the Golden State and OKC rises to legitimacy.

NBADraft.net has Brown going at #19 to the Suns, with the Miami pick but they haven't updated their mock draft since January 4th.

https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...c-and-mikal-bridges-would-provide-phoenix-nba

 

[JCSunsfan]

Mike Schmitz
@Mike_Schmitz

33 PTS and 5 AST on 14 shots for Shake Milton in a win over Wichita State. 6-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, a smooth handle, soft touch from 3 and a strong feel. Has become a more dynamic pull-up shooter. Can play PnR. Hoops junkie having a great year. Double-digit PTS in all 19 games

How did Shamet look in that game? Nvm. Looked it up. Shamet has 20 and 10 (assists). He went 5 of 10 from three. Good game for him. Good big pg. distributes well, very efficient shooter from 3.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bright Side of the Suns posted an updated Big Board draft article. They have Doncic, Ayton, Bagley, Young, Porter, and Bamba as their top 6, listed in that order. One of the other things they noted was that McD was at the ASU vs Oregon game to watch Troy Brown who is the PG for the Ducks.

Here is a link to that article, which was posted yesterday...
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...c-and-mikal-bridges-would-provide-phoenix-nba

Here's their excerpt on that McD watching the ASU vs Oregon game...




NBADraft.net has Brown going at #19 to the Suns, with the Miami pick but they haven't updated their mock draft since January 4th.

https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...c-and-mikal-bridges-would-provide-phoenix-nba

Except for the ball handling skills Brown sounds a lot like Reed... a 3 and D player.

Have to like the wingspan and athleticism.

 

[hcsilla]

Sure. It was really long, and I wasn't taking notes, but a few things of interest:

1. They went deep on analyzing the Suns players as prospects (this podcast and "Ode to Oden", by the same group, are excellent sources for those who want almost too much analysis on draft prospects).

2. They talked about Booker's strengths as a 3-level scorer and how his ultimate upside is tied to how he continues to progress as a facilitator and his skill in the pick-and-roll. They were very high on him, but also ripped his defense a lot. Olson thinks he can be the best 2-guard in the league one day.

3. None of the other prospects are sure things. They think Jackson would go about 10th in a redraft (this was before the Pacers game but after the Thunder game).

They ranked the Suns' prospect upsides the same: Booker 1, Bender 2, Jackson 3, and Chriss 4. They also said 2-4 could change easily.

4. Both were relatively low on TJ Warren, considering him more of an ideal 6th man. To go above and beyond that, they think he either needs to become an elite rebounder, a much better defender, or develop a three-point shot.

5. They think Ulis can become a good backup point guard.

6. Overall, they were pretty low on where the Suns are now and are waiting to see how the somewhat disappointing kids develop. It was agreed that a top 5 pick in this draft likely becomes the second most important player on the team.

7. Both think Doncic is the best option for the Suns in the draft (the site has him #1 across the board) and really like the fits with Ayton, Bamba and Young. Neither felt Bagley was a great fit, and Olson was skeptical about Porter while the host is high enough on Porter to think he would be a good fit. This site is also really, really high on Jaren Jackson, putting him up with the elite group of bigs. They were even making a case for him as a potential #2 overall pick in the last podcast.

Thanks for the summary.

I think that their evaluation is spot on (except that Jackson would go about 10th in a redraft).

I especially agree with them regarding Warren who is (massively) overrated on this board. The reasons?

1. He is the only consistent scorer after Booker.
2. A hard-worker.
3. His arsenal is limited but he knows very well how to use it, therefore he scores simple and smart way.

Having said that I'm not sure that his value is significantly higher than neutral (which means an expiring contract plus maybe a small asset) despite his OK-contract.

His scoring efficiency is below league average, he is a minus-defender and except some occasional offensive rebounding he doesn't contribute in any other areas of the game than scoring.
I hardly can see a team (young, rebuilding one or a play-off) which trades for him and Warren would be a good fit in their starting line-up. Trading a lottery pick (even a low one) seems even more unlikely, IMO.

I hope to be proven wrong.

 

[3rdside]

Thanks for the summary.

I think that their evaluation is spot on (except that Jackson would go about 10th in a redraft).

I especially agree with them regarding Warren who is (massively) overrated on this board. The reasons?

1. He is the only consistent scorer after Booker.
2. A hard-worker.
3. His arsenal is limited but he knows very well how to use it, therefore he scores simple and smart way.

Having said that I'm not sure that his value is significantly higher than neutral (which means an expiring contract plus maybe a small asset) despite his OK-contract.

His scoring efficiency is below league average, he is a minus-defender and except some occasional offensive rebounding he doesn't contribute in any other areas of the game than scoring.
I hardly can see a team (young, rebuilding one or a play-off) which trades for him and Warren would be a good fit in their starting line-up. Trading a lottery pick (even a low one) seems even more unlikely, IMO.

I hope to be proven wrong.

His contract value is outstanding in view of his production and that makes him a huge asset all things considered - It’s fantasy basketball in real life and warren’s just about a lock for a starting five selection; you don’t trade that kind of thing in a hurry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hcsilla]

His contract value is outstanding

No, it is not.

in view of his production

What is his production other than scoring at below league average efficiency?

 

[SirStefan32]

I disagree when it comes to Warren. Maybe I am a homer when it comes to this one player, but to me TJ is an amazing player. I do agree that he needs to add SOMETHING to his game. He has to either become a better defender, start getting more rebounds, and he needs to improve his three-point shot.

 

[Ronin]

Mike Schmitz
@Mike_Schmitz

Some solid moments for 6-10 Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs in LEB Gold last week with Barcelona II. It's been tough for him to find consistency this season but he reminded us of his talent against Lleida. Still only 19.

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[Phrazbit]

What is his production other than scoring at below league average efficiency?

I'd agree that Warren, ideally, is a 6th man, however, by what metric are you claiming he is below the league average in scoring efficiency? Pretty much every metric rates him as an efficient scorer, only RPM has him a shade below the league average... and that stat is not a measure of individual efficiency.

 

[hcsilla]

I'd agree that Warren, ideally, is a 6th man, however, by what metric are you claiming he is below the league average in scoring efficiency?

TS%

 

[Cheesebeef]

I disagree when it comes to Warren. Maybe I am a homer when it comes to this one player, but to me TJ is an amazing player. I do agree that he needs to add SOMETHING to his game. He has to either become a better defender, start getting more rebounds, and he needs to improve his three-point shot.

I feel like An amazing player needs to do be able to do at least two of the above three, if not all of them... and my fear is that he’s had A LOT of time to do any of these and have never improved much in those areas.

That’s not a slam... I just think Warren kinda is what he is at this point... a really good scorer who would function best on a contender as a killer 6th man.

Maybe with a new staff he could develop a little more. Would love to see that happen, but it’s not like he’s one of the youngsters. He was a four year college player and has been in the league for a little while now.

 

[SirStefan32]

I feel like An amazing player needs to do be able to do at least two of the above three, if not all of them... and my fear is that he’s had A LOT of time to do any of these and have never improved much in those areas.

That’s not a slam... I just think Warren kinda is what he is at this point... a really good scorer who would function best on a contender as a killer 6th man.

Maybe with a new staff he could develop a little more. Would love to see that happen, but it’s not like he’s one of the youngsters. He was a four year college player and has been in the league for a little while now.

Yeah, I tend to agree. He needs to develop another skill.

 

[Chaplin]

I feel like An amazing player needs to do be able to do at least two of the above three, if not all of them... and my fear is that he’s had A LOT of time to do any of these and have never improved much in those areas.

That’s not a slam... I just think Warren kinda is what he is at this point... a really good scorer who would function best on a contender as a killer 6th man.

Maybe with a new staff he could develop a little more. Would love to see that happen, but it’s not like he’s one of the youngsters. He was a four year college player and has been in the league for a little while now.

Agreed. He's a taller Jamal Crawford. Not bad, and a must-have for the bench, but not an all-star cornerstone of a championship team.

 

[BC867]

I disagree when it comes to Warren. Maybe I am a homer when it comes to this one player, but to me TJ is an amazing player. I do agree that he needs to add SOMETHING to his game. He has to either become a better defender, start getting more rebounds, and he needs to improve his three-point shot.

I wouldn't put a priority on a Small Forward becoming a better rebounder. But, as your 'either' clarifies, he needs to improve on his outside shooting and defense.

Right now, Warren being around a 20-ppg scorer and taking the scoring load off DBook is paramount. I wouldn't remove him from our starting lineup until we have one or two others who could fulfill that role.

Placating Booker by giving him a voice in player personnel moves is nothing compared to the Front Office engineering support for him on the court.

Agreed. He's a taller Jamal Crawford. Not bad, and a must-have for the bench, but not an all-star cornerstone of a championship team.

Two wings as NBA all-stars would continue our imbalance. I would hope for an outstanding player at Point Guard or a power position to complement Booker.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Agreed. He's a taller Jamal Crawford. Not bad, and a must-have for the bench, but not an all-star cornerstone of a championship team.

Crawford was the type of player who came to mind when thinking about how effective Warren could be off the bench. An instant O off the bench.

 

[Phrazbit]

TS%

League average eFG is .520, he is at .539... Warren has plenty of holes in his game, but scoring efficiency isn't among them.