How Great is the 2017 draft class?

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, that's where I'm at especially when you're talking about a super athlete like Smith that plays the game like he does. The risk is too great with a top 5 pick or thereabouts. Not that it would ever happen but if he were still there and you had a pick in the teens, it would be worth the gamble.

We have Len, Chriss and Bender that are all top 8 picks and we're not sure any of them will be a star. I'd like to see us take the safe route unless the high end is just so ridiculous that you have to take that leap. And that's not Smith.

If for some reason Smith fell into the teens and the Suns acquired another first round pick, then the gamble would be worth it.

 

[Russ Smith]

Smith Jr is showing no signs of any physical issues so far. His explosiveness is off the charts.

Maybe he's one of those kids that developed a few years too early like D-Rose.

he reminds me of Baron Davis except he's in much better shape, and I think he's a better shooter than Baron. And of course he had his ACL much later, they're much better at it now than they were when Baron had his.

You still have to be somewhat concerned since a large part of his game is athleticism, but he's awfully good. Before he got hurt I thought he was better than Lonzo because he's just so athletic, he's a freak athlete.

Rose was almost easy to see coming, he had this really bad habit of landing on one leg or landing awkwardly with his knees locked instead of bent, you could just see it was a matter of time before he got hurt. I don't see that with Smith.

Lonzo actually has a bad habit of landing on one leg that scares me some times.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm watching Oklahoma play Kansas in my spare time. It's my first time to see Josh Jackson in a college game. First impression, I do not like his shooting touch (hitch in his shot) but it is only one game. He has a quality NBA body but he looks more like a center than a G/F. He has excellent mobility and he can score inside.

Anyone watch him on a steady basis?

 

[Mainstreet]

Josh Jackson hits a nice floater in the lane but Oklahoma has a 10 point lead in the second half at the 12:22 mark.

 

[Mainstreet]

Kansas beats Oklahoma 73- 63.

Josh Jackson had 11 points and 12 rebounds. He was 1-5 from the FT line but 5-8 from the field mostly on close-in shots.

 

[Errntknght]

How did Jackson's defense look? D isn't getting talked about much, but I put a healthy premium on it drafting.

 

[3rdside]

If we draft Ball (or Fultz) then we should trade Bledsoe, try to get bundle of picks, maybe a late lotto pick and quality vet or something. I think Booker should stay at the 2, if we get a PG then Booker and that player are both potential all-stars that we need to give all the time together possible.

Yeah Booker kind of has to stay at the two having had a night to think about it.

But general thoughts on trading Bledsoe:

- For picks I'd be worried we'd go too young.
- For vets I'd wonder where we'd recruit - probably small forward I guess but I'd be worried about blocking Warren even though I'm not entirely sold on him, and nor am I entirely sold on Chriss or Bender however there would be no point recruiting a 4 either way. Maybe a 5 then if we lose Len.

There doesn't seem to be anything obvious, to me any way.

 

[Carolinacacti]

How did Jackson's defense look? D isn't getting talked about much, but I put a healthy premium on it drafting.

Top flight defensive player. For the life of me I can't understand his free throw %

 

[DWKB]

Kansas beats Oklahoma 73- 63.

Josh Jackson had 11 points and 12 rebounds. He was 1-5 from the FT line but 5-8 from the field mostly on close-in shots.

One of his sloppiest games. Senior night and he was way too tight and amped. I would not recommend judging him from this game. Defense in the second half was really good, but the turnovers and FT shooting, ugh.

 

[Russ Smith]

How did Jackson's defense look? D isn't getting talked about much, but I put a healthy premium on it drafting.

I think defense is what makes Jackson special, he's the closest thing to Iguodala you're going to see. Had 8 TO's last night so not great but he is a very good passer for his size, can defend multiple positions, has a chance to be a terrific pro.

 

[Mainstreet]

One of his sloppiest games. Senior night and he was way too tight and amped. I would not recommend judging him from this game. Defense in the second half was really good, but the turnovers and FT shooting, ugh.

I thought I would relax and enjoy the Oklahoma versus Kansas game last night and check out Josh Jackson at the same time. It's the only time I've watched Kansas this season so it's hard to judge anything based upon one game

Jackson is really impressive physically. The only question I have about him is his shooting. He can be an amazing NBA player but I am not sure of his position. I know he is listed as G/F but last night he looked like an agile center.

 

[DWKB]

I thought I would relax and enjoy the Oklahoma versus Kansas game last night and check out Josh Jackson at the same time. It's the only time I've watched Kansas this season so it's hard to judge anything based upon one game

Jackson is really impressive physically. The only question I have about him is his shooting. He can be an amazing NBA player but I am not sure of his position. I know he is listed as G/F but last night he looked like an agile center.

We are playing a 4 out 1 in offense and he is playing the "4" in that system. He'll be a "3" in the NBA.

His shooting has improved since the beginning of the season and could continue with NBA shooting coaches. He's really not working on altering his mechanics at KU more than working on different routines for hopefully more FT consistency. KU doesn't want to "break" his shot with the only year we have from him. He won't come in to an NBA team and be a huge scoring threat immediately, but his defense and passing will show up day one. He did hit one nice step back mid range shot last night that was NBA ready.

 

[Mainstreet]

We are playing a 4 out 1 in offense and he is playing the "4" in that system. He'll be a "3" in the NBA.

His shooting has improved since the beginning of the season and could continue with NBA shooting coaches. He's really not working on altering his mechanics at KU more than working on different routines for hopefully more FT consistency. KU doesn't want to "break" his shot with the only year we have from him. He won't come in to an NBA team and be a huge scoring threat immediately, but his defense and passing will show up day one. He did hit one nice step back mid range shot last night that was NBA ready.

He is certainly has the NBA body and the mobility to go with it. Some team will snatch him up early in the draft because of his versatility, height, ability to rebound and play defense. Hopefully his shot will come later.

 

[slinslin]

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What a dad, sons highschool team lost a game and he immediately bashes and blames the coach on radio.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm watching Florida State versus Duke. Tatum seems to have the most ready NBA body but I really like Isaac. IMO, Isaac may have the most upside.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

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What a dad, sons highschool team lost a game and he immediately bashes and blames the coach on radio.

The craziest part about that criticism of the coach?

"LiAngelo scored 26 points on 9 of 32 shots – including 5 of 18 from three.

LaMelo Ball was even worse, making just 8 of 33 shots and going an astounding 8 for 28 from 3-point land."

He blamed the coach after his two sons combined to MISS 33 three-pointers!!!!!!!

That said, I still want Lonzo Ball on the Suns.

 

[LoganGetOffASF]

The craziest part about that criticism of the coach?

"LiAngelo scored 26 points on 9 of 32 shots – including 5 of 18 from three.

LaMelo Ball was even worse, making just 8 of 33 shots and going an astounding 8 for 28 from 3-point land."

He blamed the coach after his two sons combined to MISS 33 three-pointers!!!!!!!

That said, I still want Lonzo Ball on the Suns.

Shhhhh

 

[Mainstreet]

Jayson Tatum may be one of the safest picks in the draft outside of the top two players.

 

[slinslin]

Jayson Tatum may be one of the safest picks in the draft outside of the top two players.

You are seeing the light.

 

[DWKB]

Jayson Tatum may be one of the safest picks in the draft outside of the top two players.

Didn't see the game, but....5-13, 1-5 from 3PT?

 

[JCSunsfan]

Jayson Tatum may be one of the safest picks in the draft outside of the top two players.

I agree with this. He is just a solid player. Kind of an all-around player, like Otto Porter coming into the draft.

Every one of these players causes me concern.

Fultz--its about winning
Ball--Prima donna dad, maybe a little injury thing
Smith--injuries
Fox--another ball dominant Kentucky point guard, really?
Isaac--man is that kid skinny and how much of that height is hair
Tatum--Jack of all trades, master of ? oh and Duke

One of these players will be on our roster next year (unless we trade the pick away).

 

[Mainstreet]

Didn't see the game, but....5-13, 1-5 from 3PT?

It was only one game but he seemed to have the whole package short of shooting a higher percentage. He seems to already have the NBA body and plays with maturity. Scouting some of the early picks, I was looking for someone who the Suns could plug and play after Fultz and Ball. He seems to be that type of player. I guess it depends on what the Suns are looking for in the draft.

 

[Mainstreet]

You are seeing the light.

I haven't seen Fultz play in a live college game but our taste in this draft are very close in Fultz and Tatum.

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree with this. He is just a solid player.

We agree. I'm not sure how explosive he is because Duke seems to be a very controlled team.

 

[hsandhu]

I agree with this. He is just a solid player. Kind of an all-around player, like Otto Porter coming into the draft.

Every one of these players causes me concern.

Fultz--its about winning
Ball--Prima donna dad, maybe a little injury thing
Smith--injuries
Fox--another ball dominant Kentucky point guard, really?
Isaac--man is that kid skinny and how much of that height is hair
Tatum--Jack of all trades, master of ? oh and Duke

One of these players will be on our roster next year (unless we trade the pick away).

If he's only an otto porter that would be disappointing considering the hype of this draft. I would think he could be at least pre injury danny granger, who was all star level player