2019 Draft Prospects...

[slinslin]

Ayton’s got a nice stroke from 15-18 ft. I could see him developing a nice 3 pt shot. If he does that would create space inside for another lane clogger.


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Gafford is not a viable top 7 pick which we are almost guaranteed to have.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I have to stop watching Duke play which is something I've never had to say before because I've usually avoided them like I do our board troll.

I really believe that a decade from now you'll hear the experts say "you have to see this kid, he's the next Zion" and the likely response will be "there will never be another Zion".

I can't fathom why anyone wouldn't think this guy is likely to be the best player in the game for a decade. It's just amazing all the things he can do at a superstar level. Please, come to Phoenix and PLEASE stay healthy.

 

[GatorAZ]

I have to stop watching Duke play which is something I've never had to say before because I've usually avoided them like I do our board troll.

I really believe that a decade from now you'll hear the experts say "you have to see this kid, he's the next Zion" and the likely response will be "there will never be another Zion".

I can't fathom why anyone wouldn't think this guy is likely to be the best player in the game for a decade. It's just amazing all the things he can do at a superstar level. Please, come to Phoenix and PLEASE stay healthy.

Well that’s easy. Giannis is 24 and was more of a late bloomer so I don’t think he tails off physically. With the exception of Lebron, guys who are physical monsters so young deal with injuries or hit a wall earlier than others.

Giannis is similar to Westbrook in that they weren’t considered pantheon athletes in their teenage years. Westbrook and Derrick Rose are the two most athletic PG’s in history. Maybe I’m wrong but if you made that prediction when both guys were the same age in college it would’ve sounded ludicrous. @Russ Smith

 

[AzStevenCal]

Well that’s easy. Giannis is 24 and was more of a late bloomer so I don’t think he tails off physically. With the exception of Lebron, guys who are physical monsters so young deal with injuries or hit a wall earlier than others.

Giannis is similar to Westbrook in that they weren’t considered pantheon athletes in their teenage years. Westbrook and Derrick Rose are the two most athletic PG’s in history. Maybe I’m wrong but if you made that prediction when both guys were the same age in college it would’ve sounded ludicrous. @Russ Smith

I just don't think it's fair to make that kind of statement for Zion. He's not like any of the physical monsters that have come along with the possible exception of Shaq. And unlike all the others, this guy has a complete game. And I thought it was obvious that Rose while at Memphis was one of the most athletically gifted PG's the game had ever seen.

I grew up a college basketball fan because, at the time, Phoenix didn't have an NBA team. I've watched a lot of games through the years. I don't claim to be a scout but I have never been as impressed by a college player as I am by Zion. Everyone raves about Zion's athleticism but if the NBA decided to outlaw blocks and dunks, Zion would still be a superstar IMO.

 

[GatorAZ]

I just don't think it's fair to make that kind of statement for Zion. He's not like any of the physical monsters that have come along with the possible exception of Shaq. And unlike all the others, this guy has a complete game. And I thought it was obvious that Rose while at Memphis was one of the most athletically gifted PG's the game had ever seen.

I grew up a college basketball fan because, at the time, Phoenix didn't have an NBA team. I've watched a lot of games through the years. I don't claim to be a scout but I have never been as impressed by a college player as I am by Zion. Everyone raves about Zion's athleticism but if the NBA decided to outlaw blocks and dunks, Zion would still be a superstar IMO.

I was pointing out that Rose was and Westbrook wasn’t a physical freak at the same age but both turned out to be. Should’ve worded it better. Those guys who peak athletically at an early age make me nervous.

The only prospect you can say was even close to be the guaranteed “best player” in the league was Lebron and Zion still isn’t on that level

 

[Russ Smith]

Well that’s easy. Giannis is 24 and was more of a late bloomer so I don’t think he tails off physically. With the exception of Lebron, guys who are physical monsters so young deal with injuries or hit a wall earlier than others.

Giannis is similar to Westbrook in that they weren’t considered pantheon athletes in their teenage years. Westbrook and Derrick Rose are the two most athletic PG’s in history. Maybe I’m wrong but if you made that prediction when both guys were the same age in college it would’ve sounded ludicrous. @Russ Smith

Remember they played in college, Westbrook put up good numbers but Rose was by far the better player, Westbrook's misses that game led to a ton of fastbreaks for Memphis. That said, I was one who when Rose was in HS said he was a knee injury waiting to happen, he had a really bad habit of landing straight legged. That's not how he originally got hurt of course but he has tweaked that knee at least twice by landing straight legged since.

My issue with Westbrooks longevity is as I said this summer, he looks "unnaturally" big to me, he looked freaking huge this summer in the pickup games at UCLA that were on youtube. Generally speaking carrying more weight then you're genetically supposed to carry hurts your longevity. It hasn't seemed to catch up to LeBron yet but maybe he's an outlier, I think we may be starting to see it some with Westbrook there is clearly something up with him this year, he's not as athletic IMO

 

[AzStevenCal]

I was pointing out that Rose was and Westbrook wasn’t a physical freak at the same age but both turned out to be. Should’ve worded it better. Those guys who peak athletically at an early age make me nervous.

The only prospect you can say was even close to be the guaranteed “best player” in the league was Lebron and Zion still isn’t on that level

Yeah, I wasn't sure what you were saying with Rose and Westbrook. I watched a lot of Rose in college so I knew what kind of player and athlete he was. But despite being a closet UCLA fan since the first time I saw Lew Alcindor play on Wide World of Sports in the mid-60's, I couldn't talk myself into watching more than a few minutes of Howland basketball. As a result, I have very little knowledge about Westbrook's college days.

I don't want to compare Zion or anyone for that matter to Lebron. But the last time I saw a college player that excited me like Zion does was the first time I saw Charles Barkley as a soft and pudgy freshman at Auburn. Anyway, if Lebron was 22, I wouldn't be expecting Williamson to dominate the best player conversation. But Lebron is nearing the end of his career so I like Zion's chances to distinguish himself even in comparison to players such as AD and Giannis.

 

[GatorAZ]

Remember they played in college, Westbrook put up good numbers but Rose was by far the better player, Westbrook's misses that game led to a ton of fastbreaks for Memphis. That said, I was one who when Rose was in HS said he was a knee injury waiting to happen, he had a really bad habit of landing straight legged. That's not how he originally got hurt of course but he has tweaked that knee at least twice by landing straight legged since.

My issue with Westbrooks longevity is as I said this summer, he looks "unnaturally" big to me, he looked freaking huge this summer in the pickup games at UCLA that were on youtube. Generally speaking carrying more weight then you're genetically supposed to carry hurts your longevity. It hasn't seemed to catch up to LeBron yet but maybe he's an outlier, I think we may be starting to see it some with Westbrook there is clearly something up with him this year, he's not as athletic IMO

Rose was insane back in the day. I remember thinking Jerryd Bayless was a freak in HS (same year) but Rose was on a different level. Good call on the landing. Doing this stuff so early and you’re going to break down.

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[Matt L]

Here are players I feel could really help PHX:
Zion - Obvious
Morant - Obvious
Gafford - Defensive big who can rebound
Bassey - Another defensive rounding big with more shooting range than Gafford
Fernando - Beast down low and shot blocker to boot

If PHX lands past #2 and doesn't trade the pick for a PG then I hope they go for one of the 3 bigs above who provide the post defense that should help Ayton. PG & PF are the obvious needs for next year.

I'm biased but I like Rui from Gonzaga to play PF

 

[1Sun]

Murray State just eked out a come from behind win against a 7-15 Tennessee Tech squad. Morant with 5 assists and 9 turnovers.

 

[Russ Smith]

Speaking of PG's what do people think of UW's Jaylen Nowell? he's a big kid and not exactly your prototype PG but right now he's the best guard in the conference. I guess the big question on him is defense because they play so much zone but he's really good. Early in the year I thought Dort was the best guard and player in the Pac 12, right now teams have a book on him and hes' fallen off, Nowell is playing great for UW.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Your right not your prototype PG but he can play. Reminds me of Jimmy Butler.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Speaking of PG's what do people think of UW's Jaylen Nowell? he's a big kid and not exactly your prototype PG but right now he's the best guard in the conference. I guess the big question on him is defense because they play so much zone but he's really good. Early in the year I thought Dort was the best guard and player in the Pac 12, right now teams have a book on him and hes' fallen off, Nowell is playing great for UW.

I was surprised he didn't go pro last season. I like a lot about him but I don't know if he can play point in the NBA. But the way he improved his 3 during his freshman season and then the huge spike he's had this year speaks well of him and his future.

 

[Russ Smith]

Your right not your prototype PG but he can play. Reminds me of Jimmy Butler.

That's a great comparison big physically put together kid but he's also very smooth. And as Steve said his outside shot has improved immensely.

I don't know what his natural NBA position is but I think he'll play in the NBA for years. I also like Daejohn Davis at Stanford but he needs to stay in school I don't think he's big enough to play anything but the 1 and he's not there yet. I think Nowell is ready right now.

It just kills me that so many scouts had Jaylen Hands rated ahead of both those kids, he looks the part long and athletic but nowhere near the shot or the handle or the game.

 

[SunnyBaller]

Anyone watch much of Boston college and Ky Bowman, he's looking like a possible sleeper in this draft, maybe sun's 2nd round pick

 

[Chaplin]

Here's a question I was wondering about? How much value does our pick hold if it is Top 3 protected?

 

[taz02]

probably pretty decent once all the hype begins for the draft prospects.

You'd have to think TJ and #4 would bring a good return. The problem is finding a team to trade with and a player who is interested in coming here.

 

[Phrazbit]

Here's a question I was wondering about? How much value does our pick hold if it is Top 3 protected?

Probably about 30% of it's value if it was unprotected.

 

[Chaplin]

Couple other point guards appear to be rising on boards: Coby White and Darius Garland.

Coby White is intriguing, good numbers on a power team. He's a 6'5" combo guard who has transitioned into UNC's full-time Point. 15ppg 4.2apg 3.2rpg

Garland tore his miniscus, but many are saying that he would be the best PG of the 3 (Garland, White and Morant) when healthy.

 

[Covert Rain]

Couple other point guards appear to be rising on boards: Coby White and Darius Garland.

Coby White is intriguing, good numbers on a power team. He's a 6'5" combo guard who has transitioned into UNC's full-time Point. 15ppg 4.2apg 3.2rpg

Garland tore his miniscus, but many are saying that he would be the best PG of the 3 (Garland, White and Morant) when healthy.

I watched Garland play a few games. Not the cleanest form I have seen but I love how he uses contact and spacing to get his shot or get to the rim.

 

[1Sun]

Couple other point guards appear to be rising on boards: Coby White and Darius Garland.

Coby White is intriguing, good numbers on a power team. He's a 6'5" combo guard who has transitioned into UNC's full-time Point. 15ppg 4.2apg 3.2rpg

Garland tore his miniscus, but many are saying that he would be the best PG of the 3 (Garland, White and Morant) when healthy.

Talent-wise, Garland is by far the best point guard in this draft. He is also a huge medical risk and even without that is still at least 2 years away from being able to contribute at the NBA level.

 

[GatorAZ]

Talent-wise, Garland is by far the best point guard in this draft. He is also a huge medical risk and even without that is still at least 2 years away from being able to contribute at the NBA level.

Talent wise maybe but he didn’t show much before getting injured besides feasting on cupcakes. It’s a shame he got hurt. Vandy really could’ve used him.

 

[1Sun]

Talent wise maybe but he didn’t show much before getting injured besides feasting on cupcakes. It’s a shame he got hurt. Vandy really could’ve used him.

Lately, Morant has had a hard time even trying to feast on cupcakes...

 

[SunnyBaller]

Talent-wise, Garland is by far the best point guard in this draft. He is also a huge medical risk and even without that is still at least 2 years away from being able to contribute at the NBA level.

Has he had other injuries? I don't know much about him in high school but a torn miniscus isn't that serious of an injury or a concern going forward

 

[1Sun]

Has he had other injuries? I don't know much about him in high school but a torn miniscus isn't that serious of an injury or a concern going forward

I thought I remember hearing he had knee issues in high school when this injury occurred.