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You know what you right. I don’t like anybody outside of 5(I like sharp from what I see)
2024 NBA Draft Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by addict4sneakers,
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Keels hates school work so it’s not gonna surprise me if he stays in. No one knows at this point.
Dyson Daniels defensive upside intrigues the hell out of me. Quick reaction, good hands and instincts. Growth spurt helped him
Dyson Daniels defensive upside intrigues the hell out of me. Quick reaction, good hands and instincts. Growth spurt helped him
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That J tho
We had to watch MKG shoot. His form is straight just a slow release. I’d be fine with him next to Melo
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In Bill Simmons pod with Jalen Green I heard him mention Chet being able to make an Al Horford-esque impact for a team. Where he does all the things you'd want from a winning player but stats might just not be gaudy. I could see that.
Jabari Smith getting to play with actually competent guards would be nice too.
Jabari Smith getting to play with actually competent guards would be nice too.
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Top 20 pick.
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The four players who could break up the 2022 NBA draft's Big Three
For several months, any discussion of the top prospects in the 2022 NBA draft has primarily focused on three names -- Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, Auburn's Jabari Smith and Duke's Paolo Banchero. The three one-and-done standouts have been the first three players on draft lists since the early stages of the 2021-22 college basketball season, and remain at the center of the conversation now that the complete 2022 draft order has been set.
But for NBA evaluators, the next four weeks ahead of the draft on June 23rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will be an eternity, and the long-term viability of every lottery candidate will be among the major questions. When the results of the 2022 draft are assessed many years from now, will the top three picks prove to be the top three players selected? History would suggest that's unlikely.
With that in mind, ESPN's NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz evaluated four players who are plausible candidates to break up the presumed Big Three hegemony long-term, listing the reasons each could break through and the potential teams that could have each of the four on their radar:
Jaden Ivey | Purdue | Top 100 rank: No. 4
Why Ivey might be better than the Big Three
Although the top four players currently projected to be drafted are all big men, the NBA game still revolves around playmaking guards in Ivey's mold. Ivey projects as one of the most electrifying open-floor players in the NBA early in his career, something that will only be amplified once fully unleashed from the confines of a conservative Purdue offense, which played at the 237th-fastest pace in college basketball.
While you can't fault Purdue's coaching staff for utilizing Ivey the way it did -- the Boilermakers had the second-most efficient offense in college basketball -- it's hard not to feel like there's significant room for growth left in Ivey's game. Once Ivey is encouraged to push the ball up the court off every miss, attack scrambling defenses with the benefit of NBA spacing, and use his thermonuclear first step and explosive finishing ability whenever he sees the opportunity, he can thrive.
There's a reason Russell Westbrook's name is thrown around for Ivey as much as it is. The two have clear similarities in body type, ability to shred defenses by accelerating powerfully from a standstill and getting virtually anywhere they want on the floor, as well as their occasional apathy on defense and propensity for turning the ball over.
NBA teams drafting in the top five will want to closely study Ivey's trajectory of the past few years, as there's a strong case to be made that he's only scratching the surface of the player he can become. Ivey wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and didn't become a regular starter as a freshman until conference play. He wasn't really on many NBA teams' radars before exploding for 26 points in an NCAA tournament game against North Texas in March 2021, followed by a breakout showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer when he helped Team USA win a gold medal alongside Holmgren, Johnny Davis and others.
Although Ivey emerged as an All-American this season, in many ways he's still more prospect than player. Besides the incredible jets and powerful change of gears he shows in the open floor, Ivey has made increasingly notable strides as a shooter, both off the dribble and with his feet set, even from well beyond the arc, and passer, especially on the move. Playing with a more consistent level of aggressiveness on both ends of the floor will go a long way for Ivey to maximize his potential, as will gaining experience and learning the nuances of the pick-and-roll game, driving and finishing with his weaker left hand, and making better decisions with the ball.
The point guard position is the most difficult to learn of any in basketball, and it's important to remember that Ivey is young for a sophomore, the same age or younger than freshmen including Holmgren and TyTy Washington Jr. Ivey has all the tools to be one of the best players in this draft, and the fact that he is the son of former NFL and WNBA players is something NBA teams are acutely aware of considering the number of second-generation pros who have vastly exceeded expectations.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Ivey?
Ideally Ivey would find a similar situation to the one Westbrook entered into with the Thunder as the No. 4 overall pick in 2008 -- a team willing to empower him with unlimited opportunity and the freedom to lead the NBA in turnovers while also gaining confidence and experience to emerge as one of the biggest downhill forces the league has seen -- unlocking an All-Star in the process.
Detroit (No. 5) looks like the best fit in the top five, as franchise centerpiece Cade Cunningham would benefit from not being asked to create his own shot on every possession. With a slasher like Ivey alongside him, Cunningham could utilize his excellent shot-making prowess and ability to attack closeouts more consistently.
Outside of the Pistons, it's hard to find another team that would be willing to hand Ivey the keys to the franchise and offer the type of reps and leeway you'd hope to see. The Wizards (No. 10) and Knicks (No. 11) are both desperately in need of an offensive force in this mold, but might not have the assets to move up or the patience needed to let him play through early growing pains. -- Givony
Keegan Murray | Iowa | Top 100 rank: No. 5
Why Murray might be better than the Big Three
Murray is the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft and the only college player since 1990 to average at least 23 points on over 60% from 2 and 39% from 3. He also plays one of the most coveted positions in the NBA, with the ability to toggle between a jumbo small forward, modern 4, and small-ball 5, which he did regularly at Iowa thanks to his tremendous instincts (1.9 blocks in 31.5 minutes) and ability to cover ground effortlessly at 6-foot-9.
When comparing him to Banchero, Murray is an easier fit alongside other ball-dominant players as he's capable of going for 30-plus without needing many dribbles, as well as playing an off-ball role successfully just like he did early in his Iowa career. While I wouldn't slot Murray ahead of Jabari Smith, you could make the argument that he's nearly as versatile of a shooter while impacting the game in a few more areas given his ability to put pressure on the rim, rebound and make plays off the ball defensively.
The fact that Murray can space the floor off the catch (40% from 3) and generate offense as a transition lane-filler, off-ball cutter and offensive rebounder bodes well for his early NBA success. Murray has also shown the ability to improve -- he's a late bloomer who had just one D-I offer out of high school (Western Illinois) before refining his skills in prep school, then boosting his scoring average from 7.2 points per game as a freshman at Iowa to 23.5 as a sophomore.
Murray reminds me in some ways of a forward version of Tyrese Haliburton. Some will question his NBA upside because he doesn't have the type of game that pops in a mixtape, but he has incredible touch, stellar all-around instincts and the type of basketball nervous system that lends itself to success. Murray isn't your typical 21-year-old prospect whom some executives might view as having a high floor, but his ability to consistently improve and stay even-keel in times of turmoil or success gives him a higher upside than his age and simple game might suggest on the surface.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Murray?
Murray makes a lot of sense for several teams drafting in that 4-to-7 range as he'd fit a need and have an immediate opportunity to add value on the perimeter. With the Kings (No. 4), Murray would be big and rangy enough to start at the 4 alongside De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Harrison Barnes and Domantas Sabonis, with even more offensive volume coming his way if Barnes becomes a free agent after this season. Because of his off-ball impact and ability to score without much volume, Murray can fit virtually anywhere.
He'd also have quite a bit of opportunity with the Indiana Pacers (No. 6) as T.J. Warren is a free agent and the Pacers lack a true combo forward with his type of size, length and scoring instincts. Teaming up with a cerebral playmaker like Haliburton wouldn't hurt his case either, and Murray -- an Iowa native -- is no stranger to the Midwest. Murray could also be a day one contributor for the Trail Blazers (No. 7) as an excellent fit alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons given his versatility, shooting touch and mature game. -- Schmitz
Dyson Daniels | G League Ignite | Top 100 rank: No. 6
Why Daniels might be better than the Big Three
Daniels' growth throughout the season has been spectacular to see. It's difficult to put a cap on how high his upside might ultimately be, which is why every team picking in the top five will need to give him a long look to ensure it isn't passing on a potential All-Star.
Daniels' introduction to the G League, on the other hand, wasn't pretty. He shot 10-of-28 from the field with 6 assists and 11 turnovers in his first three preseason games, looking passive on ball screens, getting stripped in the backcourt repeatedly and simply looking overwhelmed by the speed, length and physicality of the American guards he encountered. Surrounded by a plethora of former or current high-level point guards in G League Ignite head coach Jason Hart, program manager and former All-NBA player Rod Strickland, NBA veteran and Ignite teammate Pooh Jeter and potential No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft Scoot Henderson, Daniels was pushed daily in practice and film sessions and was allowed to play through mistakes in games, eventually breaking through and having several spectacular performances as the season moved on that confirmed his status as a lottery pick.
All the while, Daniels continued to sprout up, adding an inch and a half and 10 pounds of bulk as the season moved on, going from a 6-5, 162-pound guard at the NBA Academy Games in 2019 to standing nearly 6-8 and 195 pounds with a 6-10½ wingspan. With broad shoulders, a well-proportioned frame and ever-improving speed and explosiveness, Daniels' measurements aren't too different from those of Khris Middleton at the same age. Middleton is now listed at a robust 222 pounds and has no issues sliding to the power forward position in the NBA despite having guard skills.
Daniels' defense will get him on the court early in his NBA career and will likely become his calling card. He brings a rare combination of discipline, awareness and intensity on and off the ball that you rarely see from 19-year-olds, consistently fighting over screens, denying off the ball and mirroring smaller players with quick hip turns and excellent feet. Even though his frame is still evolving -- not a surprise considering he played most of the G League season as an 18-year-old, he regularly put the clamps on players much older and more physical than him, while often getting in passing lanes for steals or rotating from the weak side for blocks.
Daniels' evolution offensively will end up determining how high he should have been drafted when it's all said and done. He struggled to make shots early in the season as he transitioned to the longer NBA 3-point line, but made significant strides as the year moved on, converting 42% of his 3-pointers over the last two months of the G League season. The touch he shows on his jumper, as well as on his buttery floater -- his go-to move right now -- bodes well for his prospects in this department, as does the way coaches and teammates rave about the work ethic and focus he shows off the court.
While his jumper progresses, particularly in terms of the speed of his release, Daniels' passing will make it hard for coaches to keep him off the floor. He grew up playing point guard and that's evident in the way he passes the ball off a live dribble and pushes ahead in transition unselfishly. He's not a high-level shot creator at this stage but has a lot of the same tricks similar players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton did at the same stage with the way they manipulate defenses with savvy and pace, seeing over the top of defenses thanks to their excellent size.
While Daniels' numbers don't jump off the page and there are some things to question regarding his at-times-robotic style of play and lack of shiftiness with the ball, this type of multipositional wing who can slide between point guard and power forward seamlessly, and is brimming with versatility and basketball instincts, is very difficult to come by in today's NBA.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Daniels?
Daniels looks like a great fit in Sacramento (No. 4), which has a clear need for a high-level guard/wing who can defend multiple positions while keeping the offense humming with secondary playmaking and unselfishness. The Kings traded away Haliburton, a player with whom you often hear Daniels compared, but the fact that Daniels is 10 pounds stronger and nearly 3 inches taller would also allow him to see time alongside the likes of Davion Mitchell and De'Aaron Fox as well, especially as his jumper improves.
Portland looks like another intriguing landing spot at No. 7. Daniels would be an excellent fill-in-the-blanks, all-around wing to play off Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons as the Trail Blazers figure out what their long-term future looks like as it pertains to Dame Time, giving Daniels time to acclimate until he's ready to step into a bigger offensive role. A backcourt of Simons and Daniels could complement each other extremely well, allowing Simons to defend the easier of the guard matchups while being allowed to focus heavily on what he does best -- score. -- Givony
Shaedon Sharpe | Kentucky | Top 100 rank: No. 7
Why Sharpe might be better than the Big Three
No player currently projected in the draft's top three is as smooth with the ball in his hands as Sharpe. In a league that covets perimeter shot-creators more than ever, the 18-year-old Sharpe offers an element that Holmgren and Smith don't -- the ability to make pull-up 3s with range, create space out of isolations, and get all the way to the rim for explosive finishes. Smith does two out of the three but hasn't quite shown the ability to break down his man for consistent paint touches and rim attacks. We're still learning more about Holmgren as a primary creator. Banchero is a tremendous ball handler and creator at 6-10, 255 pounds, but Sharpe -- while playing a much different position -- is an even better shooter from beyond the arc with the ability to get his shot out of a variety of different moves.
Although not quite as powerful at 198 pounds, Sharpe has the skill set to eventually function like Anthony Edwards does for Minnesota as a three-level, pick-and-roll scorer who can also make enough reads to moonlight as the primary ball handler for stretches. Sharpe's passing potential is one of the things that stood out to me most during a Kentucky practice this season. With that said, there are real questions about whether or not Sharpe has the motor and aggression to consistently hunt the type of shots that Edwards -- never short on confidence -- does, as Sharpe is often compared to Andrew Wiggins in terms of his consistency and approach. But in terms of the potential as a pick-and-roll scorer with passing upside, Sharpe is in a class of his own.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Sharpe?
The Pistons (No. 5) are the first team that come to mind as there's a need for another dynamic shot-creator alongside Cade Cunningham. Cunningham could use a backcourt mate with more juice off the bounce, as the former No. 1 overall pick does most of his damage thanks to his size, feel, pace and skill. The Pistons also aren't bad enough for the 18-year-old Sharpe to develop too many bad habits during his rookie year, as he'd be held accountable to try defensively and play the right way. Several of the teams drafting in the top eight already have multiple ball handlers, which would limit Sharpe's opportunities to earn those on-ball reps and explore his potential in that Edwards role. While Jaden Ivey might be the best fit alongside Cunningham, Sharpe is a close second. -- Schmitz
For several months, any discussion of the top prospects in the 2022 NBA draft has primarily focused on three names -- Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, Auburn's Jabari Smith and Duke's Paolo Banchero. The three one-and-done standouts have been the first three players on draft lists since the early stages of the 2021-22 college basketball season, and remain at the center of the conversation now that the complete 2022 draft order has been set.
But for NBA evaluators, the next four weeks ahead of the draft on June 23rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will be an eternity, and the long-term viability of every lottery candidate will be among the major questions. When the results of the 2022 draft are assessed many years from now, will the top three picks prove to be the top three players selected? History would suggest that's unlikely.
With that in mind, ESPN's NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz evaluated four players who are plausible candidates to break up the presumed Big Three hegemony long-term, listing the reasons each could break through and the potential teams that could have each of the four on their radar:
Jaden Ivey | Purdue | Top 100 rank: No. 4
Why Ivey might be better than the Big Three
Although the top four players currently projected to be drafted are all big men, the NBA game still revolves around playmaking guards in Ivey's mold. Ivey projects as one of the most electrifying open-floor players in the NBA early in his career, something that will only be amplified once fully unleashed from the confines of a conservative Purdue offense, which played at the 237th-fastest pace in college basketball.
While you can't fault Purdue's coaching staff for utilizing Ivey the way it did -- the Boilermakers had the second-most efficient offense in college basketball -- it's hard not to feel like there's significant room for growth left in Ivey's game. Once Ivey is encouraged to push the ball up the court off every miss, attack scrambling defenses with the benefit of NBA spacing, and use his thermonuclear first step and explosive finishing ability whenever he sees the opportunity, he can thrive.
There's a reason Russell Westbrook's name is thrown around for Ivey as much as it is. The two have clear similarities in body type, ability to shred defenses by accelerating powerfully from a standstill and getting virtually anywhere they want on the floor, as well as their occasional apathy on defense and propensity for turning the ball over.
NBA teams drafting in the top five will want to closely study Ivey's trajectory of the past few years, as there's a strong case to be made that he's only scratching the surface of the player he can become. Ivey wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and didn't become a regular starter as a freshman until conference play. He wasn't really on many NBA teams' radars before exploding for 26 points in an NCAA tournament game against North Texas in March 2021, followed by a breakout showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer when he helped Team USA win a gold medal alongside Holmgren, Johnny Davis and others.
Although Ivey emerged as an All-American this season, in many ways he's still more prospect than player. Besides the incredible jets and powerful change of gears he shows in the open floor, Ivey has made increasingly notable strides as a shooter, both off the dribble and with his feet set, even from well beyond the arc, and passer, especially on the move. Playing with a more consistent level of aggressiveness on both ends of the floor will go a long way for Ivey to maximize his potential, as will gaining experience and learning the nuances of the pick-and-roll game, driving and finishing with his weaker left hand, and making better decisions with the ball.
The point guard position is the most difficult to learn of any in basketball, and it's important to remember that Ivey is young for a sophomore, the same age or younger than freshmen including Holmgren and TyTy Washington Jr. Ivey has all the tools to be one of the best players in this draft, and the fact that he is the son of former NFL and WNBA players is something NBA teams are acutely aware of considering the number of second-generation pros who have vastly exceeded expectations.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Ivey?
Ideally Ivey would find a similar situation to the one Westbrook entered into with the Thunder as the No. 4 overall pick in 2008 -- a team willing to empower him with unlimited opportunity and the freedom to lead the NBA in turnovers while also gaining confidence and experience to emerge as one of the biggest downhill forces the league has seen -- unlocking an All-Star in the process.
Detroit (No. 5) looks like the best fit in the top five, as franchise centerpiece Cade Cunningham would benefit from not being asked to create his own shot on every possession. With a slasher like Ivey alongside him, Cunningham could utilize his excellent shot-making prowess and ability to attack closeouts more consistently.
Outside of the Pistons, it's hard to find another team that would be willing to hand Ivey the keys to the franchise and offer the type of reps and leeway you'd hope to see. The Wizards (No. 10) and Knicks (No. 11) are both desperately in need of an offensive force in this mold, but might not have the assets to move up or the patience needed to let him play through early growing pains. -- Givony
Keegan Murray | Iowa | Top 100 rank: No. 5
Why Murray might be better than the Big Three
Murray is the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft and the only college player since 1990 to average at least 23 points on over 60% from 2 and 39% from 3. He also plays one of the most coveted positions in the NBA, with the ability to toggle between a jumbo small forward, modern 4, and small-ball 5, which he did regularly at Iowa thanks to his tremendous instincts (1.9 blocks in 31.5 minutes) and ability to cover ground effortlessly at 6-foot-9.
When comparing him to Banchero, Murray is an easier fit alongside other ball-dominant players as he's capable of going for 30-plus without needing many dribbles, as well as playing an off-ball role successfully just like he did early in his Iowa career. While I wouldn't slot Murray ahead of Jabari Smith, you could make the argument that he's nearly as versatile of a shooter while impacting the game in a few more areas given his ability to put pressure on the rim, rebound and make plays off the ball defensively.
The fact that Murray can space the floor off the catch (40% from 3) and generate offense as a transition lane-filler, off-ball cutter and offensive rebounder bodes well for his early NBA success. Murray has also shown the ability to improve -- he's a late bloomer who had just one D-I offer out of high school (Western Illinois) before refining his skills in prep school, then boosting his scoring average from 7.2 points per game as a freshman at Iowa to 23.5 as a sophomore.
Murray reminds me in some ways of a forward version of Tyrese Haliburton. Some will question his NBA upside because he doesn't have the type of game that pops in a mixtape, but he has incredible touch, stellar all-around instincts and the type of basketball nervous system that lends itself to success. Murray isn't your typical 21-year-old prospect whom some executives might view as having a high floor, but his ability to consistently improve and stay even-keel in times of turmoil or success gives him a higher upside than his age and simple game might suggest on the surface.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Murray?
Murray makes a lot of sense for several teams drafting in that 4-to-7 range as he'd fit a need and have an immediate opportunity to add value on the perimeter. With the Kings (No. 4), Murray would be big and rangy enough to start at the 4 alongside De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Harrison Barnes and Domantas Sabonis, with even more offensive volume coming his way if Barnes becomes a free agent after this season. Because of his off-ball impact and ability to score without much volume, Murray can fit virtually anywhere.
He'd also have quite a bit of opportunity with the Indiana Pacers (No. 6) as T.J. Warren is a free agent and the Pacers lack a true combo forward with his type of size, length and scoring instincts. Teaming up with a cerebral playmaker like Haliburton wouldn't hurt his case either, and Murray -- an Iowa native -- is no stranger to the Midwest. Murray could also be a day one contributor for the Trail Blazers (No. 7) as an excellent fit alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons given his versatility, shooting touch and mature game. -- Schmitz
Dyson Daniels | G League Ignite | Top 100 rank: No. 6
Why Daniels might be better than the Big Three
Daniels' growth throughout the season has been spectacular to see. It's difficult to put a cap on how high his upside might ultimately be, which is why every team picking in the top five will need to give him a long look to ensure it isn't passing on a potential All-Star.
Daniels' introduction to the G League, on the other hand, wasn't pretty. He shot 10-of-28 from the field with 6 assists and 11 turnovers in his first three preseason games, looking passive on ball screens, getting stripped in the backcourt repeatedly and simply looking overwhelmed by the speed, length and physicality of the American guards he encountered. Surrounded by a plethora of former or current high-level point guards in G League Ignite head coach Jason Hart, program manager and former All-NBA player Rod Strickland, NBA veteran and Ignite teammate Pooh Jeter and potential No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft Scoot Henderson, Daniels was pushed daily in practice and film sessions and was allowed to play through mistakes in games, eventually breaking through and having several spectacular performances as the season moved on that confirmed his status as a lottery pick.
All the while, Daniels continued to sprout up, adding an inch and a half and 10 pounds of bulk as the season moved on, going from a 6-5, 162-pound guard at the NBA Academy Games in 2019 to standing nearly 6-8 and 195 pounds with a 6-10½ wingspan. With broad shoulders, a well-proportioned frame and ever-improving speed and explosiveness, Daniels' measurements aren't too different from those of Khris Middleton at the same age. Middleton is now listed at a robust 222 pounds and has no issues sliding to the power forward position in the NBA despite having guard skills.
Daniels' defense will get him on the court early in his NBA career and will likely become his calling card. He brings a rare combination of discipline, awareness and intensity on and off the ball that you rarely see from 19-year-olds, consistently fighting over screens, denying off the ball and mirroring smaller players with quick hip turns and excellent feet. Even though his frame is still evolving -- not a surprise considering he played most of the G League season as an 18-year-old, he regularly put the clamps on players much older and more physical than him, while often getting in passing lanes for steals or rotating from the weak side for blocks.
Daniels' evolution offensively will end up determining how high he should have been drafted when it's all said and done. He struggled to make shots early in the season as he transitioned to the longer NBA 3-point line, but made significant strides as the year moved on, converting 42% of his 3-pointers over the last two months of the G League season. The touch he shows on his jumper, as well as on his buttery floater -- his go-to move right now -- bodes well for his prospects in this department, as does the way coaches and teammates rave about the work ethic and focus he shows off the court.
While his jumper progresses, particularly in terms of the speed of his release, Daniels' passing will make it hard for coaches to keep him off the floor. He grew up playing point guard and that's evident in the way he passes the ball off a live dribble and pushes ahead in transition unselfishly. He's not a high-level shot creator at this stage but has a lot of the same tricks similar players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton did at the same stage with the way they manipulate defenses with savvy and pace, seeing over the top of defenses thanks to their excellent size.
While Daniels' numbers don't jump off the page and there are some things to question regarding his at-times-robotic style of play and lack of shiftiness with the ball, this type of multipositional wing who can slide between point guard and power forward seamlessly, and is brimming with versatility and basketball instincts, is very difficult to come by in today's NBA.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Daniels?
Daniels looks like a great fit in Sacramento (No. 4), which has a clear need for a high-level guard/wing who can defend multiple positions while keeping the offense humming with secondary playmaking and unselfishness. The Kings traded away Haliburton, a player with whom you often hear Daniels compared, but the fact that Daniels is 10 pounds stronger and nearly 3 inches taller would also allow him to see time alongside the likes of Davion Mitchell and De'Aaron Fox as well, especially as his jumper improves.
Portland looks like another intriguing landing spot at No. 7. Daniels would be an excellent fill-in-the-blanks, all-around wing to play off Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons as the Trail Blazers figure out what their long-term future looks like as it pertains to Dame Time, giving Daniels time to acclimate until he's ready to step into a bigger offensive role. A backcourt of Simons and Daniels could complement each other extremely well, allowing Simons to defend the easier of the guard matchups while being allowed to focus heavily on what he does best -- score. -- Givony
Shaedon Sharpe | Kentucky | Top 100 rank: No. 7
Why Sharpe might be better than the Big Three
No player currently projected in the draft's top three is as smooth with the ball in his hands as Sharpe. In a league that covets perimeter shot-creators more than ever, the 18-year-old Sharpe offers an element that Holmgren and Smith don't -- the ability to make pull-up 3s with range, create space out of isolations, and get all the way to the rim for explosive finishes. Smith does two out of the three but hasn't quite shown the ability to break down his man for consistent paint touches and rim attacks. We're still learning more about Holmgren as a primary creator. Banchero is a tremendous ball handler and creator at 6-10, 255 pounds, but Sharpe -- while playing a much different position -- is an even better shooter from beyond the arc with the ability to get his shot out of a variety of different moves.
Although not quite as powerful at 198 pounds, Sharpe has the skill set to eventually function like Anthony Edwards does for Minnesota as a three-level, pick-and-roll scorer who can also make enough reads to moonlight as the primary ball handler for stretches. Sharpe's passing potential is one of the things that stood out to me most during a Kentucky practice this season. With that said, there are real questions about whether or not Sharpe has the motor and aggression to consistently hunt the type of shots that Edwards -- never short on confidence -- does, as Sharpe is often compared to Andrew Wiggins in terms of his consistency and approach. But in terms of the potential as a pick-and-roll scorer with passing upside, Sharpe is in a class of his own.
Who's the best early first-round fit for Sharpe?
The Pistons (No. 5) are the first team that come to mind as there's a need for another dynamic shot-creator alongside Cade Cunningham. Cunningham could use a backcourt mate with more juice off the bounce, as the former No. 1 overall pick does most of his damage thanks to his size, feel, pace and skill. The Pistons also aren't bad enough for the 18-year-old Sharpe to develop too many bad habits during his rookie year, as he'd be held accountable to try defensively and play the right way. Several of the teams drafting in the top eight already have multiple ball handlers, which would limit Sharpe's opportunities to earn those on-ball reps and explore his potential in that Edwards role. While Jaden Ivey might be the best fit alongside Cunningham, Sharpe is a close second. -- Schmitz
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This.
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Hopefully Jabari can cross halfcourt before Cole Anthony jacks up a jumper.
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
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Damn they gunna have to get Givony back on TV.
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Damn, that's a come up.
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I faintly remember him writing for SB Nation when he was in college, about like 10 years ago.
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Couldn't risk trotting Givony out on tv.
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edit
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- Jan 17, 2009
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- 32,000
- 26,316
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2006
Schmitz was higher than the industry on a few guys Donavan Mitchell, SGA
Basically the opposite of Kevin O'Conner and Killian Hayes lol
Basically the opposite of Kevin O'Conner and Killian Hayes lol
- 2,903
- 2,899
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
Interested to see where Kenneth Lofton Jr goes in the draft.
- 70,284
- 111,607
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2011
Damn. Schmitz living the dream
Good for him
Good for him
- 33,971
- 25,508
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
Major come up
He was always one of the few guys that seemed to know what he was talking about though.
He was always one of the few guys that seemed to know what he was talking about though.
- 86,134
- 112,847
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2010
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- 13,512
- 26,381
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2016
I still think Hardy is a lottery talent.
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- 13,512
- 26,381
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2016
