The 2015 NBA Draft Thread: Draft Day Is Here

[awwsome]

Embiid potential > anybody in this draft, would make 0 sense to trade him.

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Embiid's health scares the hell out of me but his potential is at least Towns'. No point what so ever in even thinking about trading him. ****, if it comes down to it, I draft Towns if Philly gets the #1 pick. IF it's between Okafor/Russell/Mudiay then I have a decision to make... but hell I would even probably go with Okafor and figure out which 2 you keep out of Embiid/Noel/Okafor or Towns

 

[NickFolarin]

 
Embiid's health scares the hell out of me but his potential is at least Towns'. No point what so ever in even thinking about trading him. ****, if it comes down to it, I draft Towns if Philly gets the #1 pick. IF it's between Okafor/Russell/Mudiay then I have a decision to make... but hell I would even probably go with Okafor and figure out which 2 you keep out of Embiid/Noel/Okafor or Towns

Nah, I would say Embiid potential is past Towns no doubt. Embiid has a soft touch inside, and game really resembles Hakeem the Dream's. 

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

 
Nah, I would say Embiid potential is past Towns no doubt. Embiid has a soft touch inside, and game really resembles Hakeem the Dream's. 

Health is what tempers his potential IMO

I'm still hesitant to put his name in the same sentence as Hakeem too

 

[pmatic]

Serving Justise to Justise: Should Winslow Go #1?

In spite of Justise Winslow having an insane tournament run where he has consistently been the best player on the floor while looking like a cyborg amongst boys, it has not been a common reaction to discuss him as the #1 pick. He has elevated himself from a mid-late lottery pick to #6 ESPN and #5 DX, but has yet to gain any traction as a possible top 2 pick. This is likely because he was only the #13 RSCI player, and the top two candidate for #1 have been performing as advertised all season. It feels overreactive to suddenly elevate Winslow above them based on a few strong tournament games. This is normally an acceptable line of thought to prevent draft assessments from going off the rails, but Justise is special and deserves special consideration.

First it must be addressed why he was only the #13 RSCI recruit. DraftExpress’s pre-season video lists his weaknesses as perimeter shooting, offensive creation, and limited upside. Perimeter shooting lingers as a question mark, as Winslow has only shot 96/149 (64.4%) on FT and 23/89 (25.8%) on non-rim 2PA. But this is mitigated by his 45/108 (41.7%) 3 point shooting. While it is not a given that he will be an adequate 3 point shooter in the NBA, his odds are strong enough such that this is not a glaring red flag.

Offensive creation is an area where Winslow has clearly exceeded expectations. His ball handling still needs polish, but this has not stopped him from creating his own shot at the rim in the half-court. He combines his great first step with surprisingly smooth footwork to be one of the most productive wings at creating his own shot at the rim in the half-court in the draft. Using hoop-math.com’s splits, he has 30 unassisted rim FG (not including putbacks). Looking at last year’s class, his per minute rate exceeds that of most NCAA prospects in the draft, including all of the top 6 picks. The players who graded exceptionally well such as Jordan Clarkson, TJ Warren, and Elfrid Payton all appear to be good draft values, so I believe this is a relevant split to examine. Winslow’s freshman rate is comfortably behind the three of them, but they were all upperclassmen and it would not be surprising to see Winslow get to the rim with extreme frequency if he were to return as a sophomore. He clearly has significant upside as a slasher, especially if he can continue to improve his handle at a brisk rate.

The limited upside criticism has always felt overplayed to me to see for a player as young, toolsy, and skilled as Winslow, but I will nevertheless entertain the logic. He does not have great height/length for a SF (measured 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan at the Hoop Summit) and he was advertised as a good but not elite athlete. With a limited offensive skill set, it is understandable why he may have been seen as a 1 way defensive player. That said it is safe to dismiss the limited upside criticism with the promise he has shown as a slasher as well as his athleticism being better than advertised. He grades well athletically by every statistical measure from rebounds, steals, and blocks to rim creation and rim finishing splits. His athleticism also stands out by watching him play, especially with his monster transition defense.

I suspect that another factor plaguing Winslow’s upside perception is that there simply isn’t a superstar small forward that we can comfortably compare him to other than Kawhi Leonard who is much longer and a special snowflake that is generally an ill advised comp to make. On the other end, Chad Ford has been pitching Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as a Winslow comparison which is an extremely pessimistic projection for two reasons.

1) MKG had good tools, but explosive athleticism was not one of them. Elite strength with average burst is a common mold for disappointing translation from NCAA to NBA.
2) MKG’s NCAA statistics imply some hope for capable NBA 3 point shooting, but he has only shot 3/18 beyond the arc in his first 3 seasons. If Winslow is a complete non-threat from 3 then yes he will be disappointing, but this is the rock bottom end of his range.

As a cherry on top, VJL’s EWP formula ranks Winslow (8.7) ahead of MKG (7.0) entering the final 4. Winslow should be a better NBA player than MKG the overwhelming majority of the time. There remains a lack of a suitable upside comparison as one does not exist, so instead of forcing one it is better to evaluate Winslow on his own merits:

-His overall NCAA statistics are excellent. As a freshman he is filling every predictive part of the stat sheet other than FT% and mid-range shooting.
-His second half splits are staggering as he battled minor injuries earlier in the season and also has clearly improved his game as the season has progressed.
-Most of his monster games have come against the meat of the ACC schedule and tough matchups in the NCAA tournament.
-His athleticism, strength, and quickness are all big +’s. Height and length are not great, but they are not weaknesses if he has grown a half an inch or more since the Hoop Summit.
-He offers an elite defensive IQ and versatility. This is supported by Duke having the #12 kenpom defense while featuring offensive minded players as his primary support in Quinn Cook, Jahlil Okafor, and Tyus Jones.
-His individual dominance has correlated with team success as Duke has been smashing its competition during his 2nd half hot streak.

In short, Winslow’s statistics put him within arm’s length of the #1 spot when taken at face value. Every possible reason to value his statistics differently suggests that stats underrate him when taken at face value– physical tools, defensive reputation, second half splits, splits vs. top competition, team success, and rim creation splits/skills all grade favorably for him. The only possible hole in his game is perimeter shooting, but he nevertheless has a sizable slice of equity to become an average or better NBA shooter. Winslow glows with awesomeness from every angle and his draft stock should be valued tremendously high. He is a prototypical high floor, high ceiling two way wing prospect who is deserves consideration for the #1 overall selection.

Justise does not necessarily belong ahead of Karl Towns, as high floor, high ceiling two way center prospects are good too, and it is genuinely close between the two. The more important point is that Winslow’s perception needs to be updated from a solid consolation prize in the 4-7 range to a legitimate stud who is one of the top top prizes in this year’s draft and a favorite to become an all-star at some point in his NBA career. He really is that good, and it is time to treat him as such.

http://deanondraft.com/2015/04/06/serving-justise-to-justise-should-winslow-go-1/

I really wish Justise was a bit taller and longer. It would ease my mind because I think he may have crept past WCS in my eyes.

SB Nation:

The 30 best NBA Draft prospects of 2015

The NCAA Tournament is over, so it's time for our first 2015 NBA Draft big board. Who's No. 1? Which players helped themselves the most in March and early April.

With March Madness and "One Shining Moment" behind us, it's finally NBA Draft season. The 2015 draft class has many potential all-star prospects in the lottery and is littered with quality talent throughout the rest of the first round.

It is particularly loaded with talented big men, forwards and wings, which are pressing needs for many teams. The NBA is currently loaded at point guard, so it's the perfect year for there to be few tantalizing players at that position.

Below is a list of my current top 30 prospects. Keep in mind that the draft evaluation process is only beginning. My big board is extremely fluid from top-to-bottom, so approximate range of players and analysis should be weighed more than the specific ordering.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns: 7'0, Center, Kentucky, 19 years old

The 7'0 big man has outstanding potential as a defensive player, with the athleticism to defend both centers and power forwards. Towns bites on pump fakes and fouled at too high a rate, but that is to be expected from a young, eager shot blocker. He should develop into a defender that can stay on the floor since he has superb timing on his block attempts.

Though Towns showcased high-end potential as a low post scorer and passer, his entire offensive repertoire wasn't put on full display as he can also stretch the floor with his shot. With a clean release, it won't be long before Towns is a scoring threat from all areas of the floor.

2. Justise Winslow: 6'6, Wing, Duke, 19 years old

Winslow is an excellent all-around player with few weaknesses. The 6'6 wing hustles on every play with timely help defense, dives to the floor and blocks from behind in transition. Winslow will be able to defend three positions, which gives him immense value in the switch-heavy NBA.

Winslow must improve as a shooter, but his mechanics need only minor corrections on the top of his release. He has flashed smooth footwork in tight spaces and is a terrific passer for his position, especially in the screen game. At the least, Winslow will develop to be a high-end glue guy and consummate teammate, but his upside far exceeds his floor if he corrects his jump shot.

3. Jahlil Okafor: 6'11, Center, Duke, 19 years old

Okafor is an elite low post scoring prospect. With pristine footwork and counters, he is guaranteed to have a long career in the NBA.

But he slips to the three spot on my board because of warts in his game that can't be ignored, such as his defense, free throw shooting and perimeter scoring, all of which make him tough to fit onto many rosters.

4. D'Angelo Russell: 6'5, Guard, Ohio State, 19 years old

Russell is the prototypical modern point guard due to his physical tools, positional versatility, ankle-breaking handles and knockdown jumper. He shined throughout the entire season, making one highlight play after another.

About the only thing holding him back is his lack of explosiveness and an elite first step with the dribble, but most players with his overall skill set turn out to be successful players.

5. Emmanuel Mudiay: 6'5, Guard, China, 19 years old

Mudiay's feel for the game is off the charts. He epitomizes what you look for in a playmaking point guard, with his height, advanced ball handling maneuvers and a sense of space that can't be taught. Mudiay still makes errors, but that is to be expected from most young floor generals. He also does a supreme job of using his ball handling to create space for himself, especially in the pick-and-roll by changing speeds to attack the rim.

However, Mudiay's upside as a scorer is limited unless he can improve on his poor jump shot mechanics. He's just 19 years old, but there are multiple issues with his form that need a major overhaul. If Mudiay does improve his jumper, he could become the best guard in this class since he is a superior finisher and defender over Russell.

6. Willie Cauley-Stein: 7'0, Center, Kentucky, 21 years old

Cauley-Stein could someday be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation on a yearly basis because of his elite athleticism and shot blocking capabilities. The 7-footer receives flack for his inability to score on the low block, but it's a meaningless conversation when he won't be used in that role as the fourth or fifth option on the floor. If anything, NBA spacing will make him a lethal threat in the pick-and-roll, where he has already shown he can excel with high-flying dunks. It's more important for Cauley-Stein to set better screens than it is for him to add low post moves.

7. Kristaps Porzingis: 7'0, Power Forward, Latvia, 19 years old

With a lanky build, it might appear that Porzingis is too thin for the NBA, but his wide shoulders are reminiscent of Joakim Noah as a teenager. Porzingis doesn't compare much to Noah as a player, but concerns about his body are overblown, provided he has the work ethic to hit the weights and add muscle.

Porzingis will get pushed around inside until he changes his body, so he is a long-term project. But teams will be willing to wait for him, since he's a sharpshooting big man that can drive closeouts and finish above the rim or from mid-range. Porzingis is the NBA's ideal stretch forward, and he also has potential as a rim protector due to his long wingspan and leaping ability.

8. Mario Hezonja: 6'8, Shooting Guard, Croatia, 20 years old

Hezonja is a knockdown three-point shooter who also drives to the basket like a bull. The Croatian has made a habit of dunking with fierceness, but he'll need to work on his off hand or savvy veterans will overplay him to his right. Hezonja's athleticism also pops up defensively, though he still needs to play with more discipline.

9. Stanley Johnson: 6'8, Small Forward, Arizona, 18 years old

Johnson has the potential to be a stud on the defensive end of the floor, since he can lock down multiple positions. Unfortunately he isn't always mentally engaged, which is why he gets bumped down a bit on the rankings. When things don't go his way offensively, he can lose focus on defenses and miss rotations.

This also shows up offensively, since he's not the best decision maker. Johnson does a terrific job of dribbling at difference paces when probing in the pick-and-roll with advanced moves and accurate passes, but he has a tendency to force plays that aren't there, especially floaters from mid-range. Johnson shot the ball well from three-point range, but he has a low release that takes away from an otherwise seamless form.

10. Frank Kaminsky: 7'0, Power Forward, Wisconsin, 22 years old

Frank the Tank's collegiate career ended with a crash landing loss to Duke, but the National Player of the Year still showed why he's a deserving lottery selection.

With a diverse set of ways to score, Kaminsky will certainly have a role in the NBA for a long time. He has outstanding footwork and a knockdown perimeter jumper that make him a threat from multiple areas on the floor. He's not a very good defender, but he plays hard to deny low post positioning and focuses on his team rotations.

11. Myles Turner: 6'11, Center, Texas, 19 years old

Turner was misused under Rick Barnes, but despite the faulty fit, he managed to showcase his talents with the Longhorns. Turner is a giant, at over 240 pounds with a long wingspan. This makes him unique in that his bread-and-butter offense comes from the perimeter. He was streaky from behind the arc, but his picturesque form and efficient clip from the free throw line suggests he'll develop into a great shooter.

Turner also does a good job of using his massive frame to protect the rim. He'll need to work on improving his lateral quickness in the pick-and-roll, but his high basketball IQ should help make the transition easier.

12. Jakob Poeltl: 7'0, Center, Utah, 19 years old

Poeltl will get paid for his potential as a lockdown defender and rim protector, but he also has soft touch and mobile feet on the offensive end. It wouldn't be surprising if the native of Austria someday was considered one of the steals of the 2015 draft, especially if he can develop a reliable mid-range jump shot.

13. Bobby Portis: 6'10, Power Forward, Arkansas, 20 years old

Portis brings quality skills in nearly every attribute you look for from a big man, including his post game, passing, shooting and defense. Overall, the 6'10 big man has very few notable weaknesses. Portis also plays enthusiastically by wearing his heart on his sleeve, with screams to pump up the crowd and his teammates.

He is a safe bet to be a solid role player in the NBA, though his ceiling is unclear.

14. Trey Lyles: 6'10, Forward, Kentucky, 19 years old

Lyles brings an intriguing mix of tools to the table, especially as a shooter off the dribble. He must prove that he can catch-and-shoot, but few players with his size and length can attack the rim or pull up as well as he does. Lyles could also be a mismatch nightmare from either forward position, since his pristine footwork and passing from the low post will easily translate to the next level.

15. Zhou Qi: 7'1, Center, China, 19 years old

Zhou has immense skill on offense, with nice touch and the athleticism to throw down alley-oops. Zhou likely won't declare for this year's draft, since Chinese players don't make the jump until they turn 22, but this is probably for the best, since his 19-year-old rail thin frame would prevent him from playing effective defense for the next couple of years. His 7'6 wingspan gives him excellent shot blocking potential.

16. Kelly Oubre: 6'7, Small Forward, Kansas, 19 years old

Oubre is as fluid as they come in transition, but he lacks skills in half-court situations despite having an unblockable three-point shot. He has flashed the ability to drive against closeouts, but he must improve as a ball handler and use his off hand. Oubre lacks creativity with the ball, but he's quite good at timing his cuts, so he has slashing potential. However, it appears that he goes through the motions, which shows in his lapses on defense, poor decision-making and hesitancy to pass the ball.

17. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: 6'7, Small Forward, Arizona, 20 years old

If Hollis-Jefferson had a reliable jump shot, he'd be a lottery pick. Unfortunately, he has the worst jumper of all wing prospects. Despite that, he brings plenty of other positive attributes that make him a tantalizing prospect, including top-notch athleticism, versatile defense and nifty passing. If he can develop even an average mid-range jumper, then he'll have a long career in the NBA as a lock down defensive-oriented role player.

18. Cameron Payne: 6'2, Point Guard, Murray State, 20 years old

Payne has elite shiftiness and is a creative off-the-dribble scorer, despite being undersized. The sophomore does an excellent job of playing at different speeds, especially in the pick-and-roll, where he was a lethal playmaker. Payne's shot selection improved this past season, but his efficiency could stand to rise in a clearly defined role.

19. Kris Dunn: 6'4, Point Guard, Providence, 20 years old

Dunn is alluring prospect, with great size and shifty ball handling skills that'll make your jaw drop to the floor. But he often soars out of control after trying to do too much. Though he's a playmaker that can create space with his dribble, he hasn't developed a reliable jumper. Dunn's promising physical tools also show up defensively, since he has excellent lateral quickness, but his lack of fundamentals hinder his production. Dunn has major warts as a prospect, but is a project that could exceed his expected mid-round value.

20. Tyus Jones: 6'1, Point Guard, Duke, 18 years old

Jones went off for 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, leading the Blue Devils to victory in the National Championship with pull up jumpers out of the pick-and-roll. But Jones isn't going to have success in the NBA as a go-to scorer; that success will primarily be due to his playmaking and instincts. He has a stellar first step that he uses to manufacture open looks for his teammates. Jones has his size working against him, but should be able to become a competent game-manager.

21. Jerian Grant: 6'5, Point Guard, Notre Dame, 22 years old

Grant will be a very good floor general at the next level because of his ability to play at different speeds, change directions quickly and make accurate passes off the dribble. Grant's fast first step bodes well for his ability to create in half-court situations, though he'll need to add upper body strength to battle inside, which was a problem in college.

22. Sam Dekker: 6'9, Forward, Wisconsin, 20 years old

Dekker is versatile and can play both forward positions in the NBA. He's an inconsistent three-point shooter, as proven by his performance in the title game, but when he gets hot, his dribble drive game opens and becomes even more dangerous.

Dekker is a jack of all trades, but a master of none, which could limit him to being just a role player. He possibly has higher upside depending on his usage in a particular system.

23. Jarell Martin: 6'9, Forward, LSU, 20 years old

Martin is built like a freight train with the mobility of a Corvette. Martin can both plow through defenders like a bowling bowl or flash around them with crossovers and spin moves. The big man shot just a hair over 30 percent from three in his two years at LSU, but has sound fundamentals that he should build on.

Despite his skills driving closeouts, Martin can get careless with the ball by putting his head down or by making head-scratching passes. He had an awful assist-turnover ratio and will need to play in control to win the trust of his coaching staff. And though he has versatile defensive potential, his lack of length may hinder his ability to defend most power forwards and rebound well at his position.

24. R.J. Hunter: 6'5, Shooting Guard, Georgia State, 21 years old

College prospects that shoot less than 30 percent from three usually don't get touted as shooting specialists, but Hunter is exactly that because of his ability to hit shots from all over the court off the catch, the dribble or screens. Once he isn't receiving the full attention of college defenses, Hunter could flourish as a shooting specialist.

25. Devin Booker: 6'6, Shooting Guard, Kentucky, 19 years old

Booker has textbook range from the perimeter, which led to a 41 percent three-point mark as a freshman. However, he had major struggles shooting off the dribble, largely due to his slow first step and lack of athleticism. It's possible that Booker will be nothing more than a specialist at the pro level, so his development as a ball handler and defender will be key in determining how much he plays.

26. Kevon Looney: 6'9, Forward, UCLA, 19 years old

With a long wingspan, Looney is a spectacular rebounder for his position and has the potential to be a versatile defender. He complements these skills with floor-spacing and solid court vision. But Looney could be a one-trick pony unless he dramatically improves on his dribble drive game and natural touch. Looney is an intriguing prospect, but his thin frame and lack of athleticism may hold him back from being anything more than a situational backup.

27. Montrezl Harrell: 6'7, Power Forward, Louisville, 21 years old

Few athletes play with as much intensity and passion as Harrell did in his three years at Louisville. The high-motor forward showcased elite explosiveness and is one of the best finishers at the rim in the draft. However, Harrell will be limited as an energy bench player unless he can add a jumper or become an elite rebounder.

28. Caris LeVert: 6'7, Guard, Michigan, 20 years old

LeVert has improved significantly over his three years at Michigan, with his positional versatility being his most appealing trait. The 20-year-old can play both guard positions and small forward, which could be of value for a team looking for an auxiliary talent. LeVert is a knockdown spot up shooter and he has a rapid first step, but he hasn't developed a mid-range jumper or the finishing ability to make scrambling defenders pay.

29. Demetrius Jackson: 6'1, Point Guard, Notre Dame, 20 years old

The ball slows most players down, but Jackson somehow gets faster when he has it. Despite playing at lighting speed, Jackson also remains polished and in control of his dribble His assist totals likely would've been much higher had he not played next to Jerian Grant, but Jackson isn't just a passer, since he's a gifted shooter from three and mid-range. Another year at Notre Dame could boost Jackson's draft position, since he'd be the team's full-time point guard.

30. Christian Wood: 6'11, Power Forward, UNLV, 19 years old

Whichever team drafts Wood will have a project on their hands, but he could be worth it. At 19 years old, Wood is raw, but he has excellent potential as a rebounder and as a shot blocker. He must add strength and become more engaged mentally, but the untapped potential is there. Wood is a streaky shooter, but if he finds consistency he could be a threat to drive closeouts.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/4/7/8354255/nba-draft-2015-rankings-karl-towns-justise-winslow

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

Damn, #1 for Winslow? Can't do it

If you're going to look at him at #2, I guess you're most likely projecting a K. Leonard type player? As much as I am down on Okafor because of his defense and lack of explosion off the floor I don't know if I can justify passing on him for Winslow or anyone else at #2

 

[johnnyredstorm]

winslow is gonna be really good but he's not going before the two big men.

 

[teamlakers909]

Whats stopping a VERY good, top 5 pick type - player in college from just not declaring for the draft and dropping out of school after 1 year and signing with the a team  after July 1st?

Like what if Towns and Okafor both drop out of school now...then sign a rookie type deal with whichever team gets the first pick to form a super rookie team.

Is this illegal?

Why is Mudiay in the draft? How come players from china can be signed outright like Earl Clark but Mudiay cant?

 

[pmatic]

They have to go through the draft process.

 

[teamlakers909]

They have to go through the draft process.

So thats the only way to get into the NBA?  What about those random NBDL players that get signed midseason - players who never got drafted or were never in the draft.

So a random guy off the street cant get signed mid season?  

 

[pmatic]

They have to go through the draft process.

So thats the only way to get into the NBA?  What about those random NBDL players that get signed midseason - players who never got drafted or were never in the draft.

Automatic eligibility
Players whose 19th birthday falls during or before the calendar year of the draft, are at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class, and who do not meet the criteria for "international" players are automatically eligible if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They have completed 4 years of their college eligibility.
• If they graduated from high school in the U.S., but did not enroll in a U.S. college or university, four years have passed since their high school class graduated.
• They have signed a contract with a professional basketball team outside of the NBA, anywhere in the world, and have played under that contract. You also must be released from your contract before you can leave college to go to the NBA

Those who have reached the minimum eligibility age of 19 and meet the criteria for "international" players are automatically eligible if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They are least 22 during the calendar year of the draft.
• They have signed a contract with a professional basketball team outside of the NBA within the United States, and have played under that contract

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

 
Whats stopping a VERY good, top 5 pick type - player in college from just not declaring for the draft and dropping out of school after 1 year and signing with the a team  after July 1st?

Like what if Towns and Okafor both drop out of school now...then sign a rookie type deal with whichever team gets the first pick to form a super rookie team.

Is this illegal?

Why is Mudiay in the draft? How come players from china can be signed outright like Earl Clark but Mudiay cant?

Mudiay will be one year removed from high school and is 19 years old, he is draft eligible

 

[frshstunna]

They have to go through the draft process.

So thats the only way to get into the NBA?  What about those random NBDL players that get signed midseason - players who never got drafted or were never in the draft.

So a random guy off the street cant get signed mid season?  

Players in the D League declared for the draft but didn't get drafted ...n a team can sign you or me off the street anytime as long as we are a year removed from high school graduation n 19 years old n over

 

[teamlakers909]

Players in the D League declared for the draft but didn't get drafted ...n a team can sign you or me off the street anytime as long as we are a year removed from high school graduation n 19 years old n over

If so, can Karl Anthony Towns (for example) drop out of school now since he is 1 year removed from graduating high school and 19 years old and walk into your favorite teams GMs office and sign for the league minimum without going through the draft?

I am almost positively say the answer is NO because at least someone would have tried it.

 

[CP1708]

Players in the D League declared for the draft but didn't get drafted ...n a team can sign you or me off the street anytime as long as we are a year removed from high school graduation n 19 years old n over

If so, can Karl Anthony Towns (for example) drop out of school now since he is 1 year removed from graduating high school and 19 years old and walk into your favorite teams GMs office and sign for the league minimum without going through the draft?

I am almost positively say the answer is NO because at least someone would have tried it.

No

Yes.

 

[frshstunna]

Players in the D League declared for the draft but didn't get drafted ...n a team can sign you or me off the street anytime as long as we are a year removed from high school graduation n 19 years old n over

If so, can Karl Anthony Towns (for example) drop out of school now since he is 1 year removed from graduating high school and 19 years old and walk into your favorite teams GMs office and sign for the league minimum without going through the draft?

I am almost positively say the answer is NO because at least someone would have tried it.

No

Yes.

Yea u right I got that mixed up, 19 is just being eligible to be in the NBA via the draft ...only way is to declare n not get drafted

 

[teamlakers909]

Yea u right I got that mixed up, 19 is just being eligible to be in the NBA via the draft ...only way is to declare n not get drafted

Ya so basically its draft or you're never playing in the NBA.

It would be a great system if they allowed anyone to join at anytime.  Would make it more interesting (because Im a Lakers fan and its a fact that everyone wants to play for us)

 

[Vincent Van Goat]

 
Ya so basically its draft or you're never playing in the NBA.

It would be a great system if they allowed anyone to join at anytime.  Would make it more interesting (because Im a Lakers fan and its a fact that everyone wants to play for us)

Don't think you quite grasp how draft eligibility works quite yet, if you don't get drafted you can still play in the NBA. It's quite a common occurrence 

 

[mr marcus]

Think he knew that...

 

[teamlakers909]

 
Don't think you quite grasp how draft eligibility works quite yet, if you don't get drafted you can still play in the NBA. It's quite a common occurrence 

I know.

What I was asking (but now has been answered) is that you dont even go through the draft.  Wait out the draft and then sign as a guy off the street after July 1st.

The answer is: YOU MUST DECLARE FOR DRAFT AND GO THROUGH THE DRAFT PROCESS OR ELSE YOU WILL NEVER PLAY IN THE NBA. PERIOD.

 

[frshstunna]

Yea u right I got that mixed up, 19 is just being eligible to be in the NBA via the draft ...only way is to declare n not get drafted

Ya so basically its draft or you're never playing in the NBA.



It would be a great system if they allowed anyone to join at anytime.  Would make it more interesting (because Im a Lakers fan and its a fact that everyone wants to play for us)

Lol naw mane it's just ENTERING the draft ...all it is saying you available to get picked up on a piece of paper...after that you can get in the league through any means necessary...

Like for example Townes could say he's entering te draft but not signing with any team that drafts him ...either nobody selects him (which won't happen) n he can sign with any team or he gets drafted n gotta wait till the team that picked him lets go of his rights or time expires

 

[teamlakers909]

Lol naw mane it's just ENTERING the draft ...all it is saying you available to get picked up on a piece of paper...after that you can get in the league through any means necessary...

Like for example Townes could say he's entering te draft but not signing with any team that drafts him ...either nobody selects him (which won't happen) n he can sign with any team or he gets drafted n gotta wait till the team that picked him lets go of his rights or time expires

My bad - what I meant was: the only way in is via at least entering the draft and then making yourself available to ALL the teams and then signing with the team of your choice (assuming nobody drafts you).  But my scenario involved a top 5, franchise chaning type of player doing this.  It would never work because a team would DEFINITELY draft him and force his hand to sign with them (like Rubio did - not that hes a franchise changing player or anything 

)

 

[frshstunna]

Lol naw mane it's just ENTERING the draft ...all it is saying you available to get picked up on a piece of paper...after that you can get in the league through any means necessary...


Like for example Townes could say he's entering te draft but not signing with any team that drafts him ...either nobody selects him (which won't happen) n he can sign with any team or he gets drafted n gotta wait till the team that picked him lets go of his rights or time expires

My bad - what I meant was: the only way in is via at least entering the draft and then making yourself available to ALL the teams and then signing with the team of your choice (assuming nobody drafts you).  But my scenario involved a top 5, franchise chaning type of player doing this.  It would never work because a team would DEFINITELY draft him and force his hand to sign with them (like Rubio did - not that hes a franchise changing player or anything  )

Yea I feel u ...but basically just declare for the draft , don't get picked n u free to sign with whoever u want ...if only it was that easy

 

[worldbeefreeg]

I'm just praying Russell doesn't end up in Philly because its a wrap if that happens.

 

[nick.]

send Mudiay to Philly