Knicks · Mikal...Knox...Z. Smith...??? (page 1)
It was pointed out that We took Hill at #8 in the 2009 draft, which was a top ten pick within the last 10 years, so it must be mentioned here. He was somebody I didn't even think about in the days proceeding the draft, thinking that we would definitely go PG with MDA as our coach.
Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.
Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Chandler wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Definitely a process, and you have a lot of pushing by certain coaches or experts.
I've always felt that Fran Fraschilla's takes on players...have always felt he was objective.
Have watched some vids of the 3 players I listed, and some of the others.
Have said in the past that I'm very happy to take Mikal with our pick, but I think I could be talked out of taking him.
If Smith had measured a little bigger, I'd feel better about him, but I've seen him compete on D in the video's I've watched, and he might have that competitive spirit you allude to. Have NO idea if the Knicks have any interest in him, though.
Really as a fan im not too much into over thinking this as said there is "disinformation" and unnamed sources that seem to make it to Blogs that are less credible than beat writers.
usually there are few suprises and fun trades.
Fact is solid non star players on rookie contracts are very valuable to a winning franchise short on free agent funds. That leads to some nice prospects left in the second round.
WaltLongmire wrote:Chandler wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Definitely a process, and you have a lot of pushing by certain coaches or experts.I've always felt that Fran Fraschilla's takes on players...have always felt he was objective.
Have watched some vids of the 3 players I listed, and some of the others.
Have said in the past that I'm very happy to take Mikal with our pick, but I think I could be talked out of taking him.
If Smith had measured a little bigger, I'd feel better about him, but I've seen him compete on D in the video's I've watched, and he might have that competitive spirit you allude to. Have NO idea if the Knicks have any interest in him, though.
Smith's height really hurt him. His skills are a little behind for a three. The fact that he has to be a 2 makes him shaky. Not saying it cant be done, but it's a red flag. I wouldn't mind taking him in the mid-late first round of we traded back. I'm still circling around both Bridges if we stay at 9.
newyorker4ever wrote:No love for Miles on here? I was big on Mikal and still am but i'm really coming around on Miles and love that he can do more for a team then Mikal can. I also really like K.Thomas and L.Walker.
i’m feeling a lot of the same about miles.
nixluva wrote:I have some concerns about Knox. His intensity isn’t consistent but he clearly has a lot of talent and higher upside than Mikal. Mikal is a very safe pick. You know you’re getting a guy who is efficient and already plug n play at the NBA Level. Zhaire Smith is a guy I’m not interested in.
Yeah...his motor intensity/consistency is what you hear about a lot with him. You would be looking at upside with him...yup.
Depends on what Perry sees and how Knox interviews.
Still picking Smith as my dark-horse Donovan Mitchell player. There is a lot of fire in the guy, especially on the defensive end, where he reminds you of D. Wade as a shot blocker. I don't think he's on our radar, though, but I'm one of the guys who didn't look closely enough at Mitchell last year, and Smith has some of the same traits.
Still feel we take Mikal, though.
WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.
Not to piss on your parade, but are we conveniently forgetting Jordan Hill?
And the pain of Michael Sweetney still feels fresh.
Marv wrote:Same here.newyorker4ever wrote:No love for Miles on here? I was big on Mikal and still am but i'm really coming around on Miles and love that he can do more for a team then Mikal can. I also really like K.Thomas and L.Walker.i’m feeling a lot of the same about miles.
Panos wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Not to piss on your parade, but are we conveniently forgetting Jordan Hill?
And the pain of Michael Sweetney still feels fresh.
You, my friend, are right about Hill. Have a feeling that the pain of that draft caused my brain to block it.
Thankfully, I did not want him at all, and still can't understand why MDA, the point guard guru, couldn't find a suitable PG in the so called PG draft.
You had Holiday (we worked him out twice), Jennings, Lawson, Teague, and Collison as PGs on the board, and DeRozan was there, too.
Strange decision by Walsh...can't remember if MDA was in on this pick, thinking Hill was the next Amare, or something like that.
blkexec wrote:I would like to draft mikal.....trade Lee and get a pick to select jalen....mikals PG.
I was thinking the same thing, and if Jalen wasn't there, I would be ok with jevon carter to form a seriously defense first trio. If perry manages to flip Lee into something useful in the front court, he's done a great job, but its more likely Lee will be more attractive going into his final year.
Chandler wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Did anyone here think Sweetney was going to be good" and WTF was the Knicks obsession with undersized crappy PF's back then. I mean we literally were collecting them.
Jmpasq wrote:Chandler wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Did anyone here think Sweetney was going to be good" and WTF was the Knicks obsession with undersized crappy PF's back then. I mean we literally were collecting them.
Sweetney was an analytics darling. A good lesson in why you need to scout players and not rely solely on numbers.
rpknicks wrote:blkexec wrote:I would like to draft mikal.....trade Lee and get a pick to select jalen....mikals PG.I was thinking the same thing, and if Jalen wasn't there, I would be ok with jevon carter to form a seriously defense first trio. If perry manages to flip Lee into something useful in the front court, he's done a great job, but its more likely Lee will be more attractive going into his final year.
We need threes and fours. All things being equal give me Mikal, Miles, Hutchison, Jarred Vanderbilt in the second round. I left Knox off of the list because I don't care for his game.
Jmpasq wrote:Briggs loved Sweetney... so there's thatChandler wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:During the last 10 years we've had a top ten pick 3 times, and up to this point, I've had a strong feeling for the 3 guys we took, Gallinari(still willing to defend this pick, but not looking to do it now), KP, and Ntilikina, but if Scott Perry calls me for assistance, I'd have to disappoint him and tell him I have no special feeling for any player at this point.Mikal Bridges is the safest pick for me. Proven performer on one of best programs in college. The guy can hit the J, has a good rep as a defender (Can he defend at SG too? ), and played on a team which played as a team. Not too sure about his upside...he will be 22 in August, but with some added freedom, he might be able expand his game and do things they didn't have him doing at Nova.
Kevin Knox is intriguing to me. Played on a good program...is VERY young-pretty much at the same age Frank was when we took him- but much more mature and physically developed at the same age. Sounds like he improved his shooting over the year. Not the shooter Bridges is at this moment...34% from 3, but then again, Mikal shot 30% from 3 his first season in college. I'll be interested to hear about how he is looking at his team workouts, and how he works out for us-the Kentucky kids usually work hard preparing for the draft. Unlike Bridges, I also expect that he can play at the 4 as he matures, which is an added bonus.
Zhaire Smith is the wildcard for me...the potential Donovan Mitchell of the draft. Disappointed that he is not taller than he is, because some thought he could play the 3, but he's a superior athlete, has a good wingspan, is a good defender (fine off the ball shot blocker), and although his shot is not seen as a strength for him right now, he still shot 45% from 3, even though he only took one/game. Doesn't look like a PG on offense right now, but he can guard at the position. Might be a stretch at #9, but I think he fits the Mitchell profile, and is much younger (turns 19 in a few days).
I am not looking for a PG at this time...I'm of the belief that Frank will fill that position. Young might be intriguing because of the Curry comparisons, but I think he will be gone when we pick, and he is god awful on D, with a lack of athleticism as well as a 6'3" wingspan, and probably NO ability to defend a the 2. I would not go crazy, like some did with KP or Frank, if we got him, but I like others in the draft more than him.Not a big supporter for Sexton... don't see him as being an upgrade for us, though I expect some see him as another Donovan Mitchell type.
If Porter, Carter, or Bomba falls you'd have consider them, of course, especially Porter, but we seem to have a number of solid players to choose from, even if one of these guys doesn't drop.
About 3 weeks to go...will be another interesting draft.
I can be cynical about the draft, including the conspiracy theory that media sources are fed disinformation so that certain players rise and other fall, not too dissimilar to what people do in stock market or "normal" business. Helps explain why some teams are consistently at the bottom -- too dumb to separate wheat from chafe and buying or being influenced by someone else's "analysis"
For example, Mikal does seem safe but should we really be thinking about a SF who seems to have no handle or shot-creation ability at 9 (by way of comparison Demarr Derozan's slot IIRC); Or are we selling or slot short by going safe because we're more worried we'll flub it up big time (Sweetney)
Knox seems loooong but at times awkward. When they say he's a young is that just a sales tactic to overlook his flaws and hope they improve?
If I were on the selection committee I would definitely be trying to zone in on competitive, perhaps hyper-competitive players with a bit of insecurity about themselves -- enough so that they continue to focus on improving their game
Six months ago people were saying how any of the top 10 could have been top 3 in other drafts and now we're finding flaws in everyone's game or their fit in modern NBA
Did anyone here think Sweetney was going to be good" and WTF was the Knicks obsession with undersized crappy PF's back then. I mean we literally were collecting them.
Ira wrote:This is a very interesting thread - especially what's been said about Smith. He's not as nba ready as Mikal, but may end up being the better player.
If he was 6'4"/6'5" without shoes I might have done a "The Case For..." thread, but he is 6'2.5" w/o shoes. The DraftNet review below calls him a "swingman," but I doubt if he can play the 3 in the NBA.
I just see him as a more intriguing player than some do...the type of guy you want on your side in a big game.
Watched a number of videos where he really moved well without the ball, the type of stuff you see on GS.
He is also a tenacious defender, who could probably guard a PG, or maybe a 3 against a small lineup.
Not sure he played to his ability in terms of taking over in certain moments, but that might be more out of respect for veterans on his team than anything else.
Would like to see how his jumper is developing.
Have never been one who was excited about athletic ability, but he is the best athlete in the draft, from what I have heard. As I mentioned at one point above...I'm one who also missed seeing the potential Donovan Mitchell had, and I believe this guy is the same kind of player. His freshman stats were equal to or superior to Mitchell's by the way.
Don't think there is any chance we take him...but much of the draft is about speculation, anyway, and I think Smith will eventually be a winner in the NBA.
Strengths: Has an underrated feel for the game … High basketball IQ … Versatile swingman … Exceptional athleticism and bounce … 45-inch vertical … Has great leaping ability off of two feet … Quick feet … Possesses a combination of fluidity and explosiveness … Powerful build … Excellent length for his size (6’9’ wingspan) ... Plays with high energy … Developing jumper … Knows how to read the floor and makes smart passes … Passes up good looks for great ones … Has quick decision-making ability, especially in transition as he finds his teammates … Great cutter and finisher at the rim … Active as an off-ball screener … Looks for different ways to get his teammates open … Shows great awareness in traffic/in the paint … Doesn’t look to force tough shots over bigger defenders … Makes good use of up-fakes to creates shots for himself and his teammates … Gets after it on the defensive end on and off the ball … Displays great defensive instincts and effort … Good shot blocker for a wing player … Can guard multiple positions 1-4 at college level … Shows tenacity in fighting through screens … Great offensive rebounder … A constant threat for putbacks … Has knack for being the right position to make plays on both ends of the floor … His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, which makes him a threat to block shots from the weak side … Leaves shooters little to no airspace … His length (and hops) is a huge problem for the opposition when he’s contesting shots … Has great anticipation as a shot blocker … Has a knack for chase-down blocks are routine for him … Has a promising shooting form with touch ...