NBA Draft Thread

[mufan2003]

Thought I would start a thread to discuss the upcoming events related to the draft (combine, workouts, etc). A few mock drafts:

Draft Express: http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2017/

Hoops Hype: http://hoopshype.com/2017/04/24/nba-mock-draft-2017/

NBADraft.net: http://www.nbadraft.net/2017mock_draft

Sporting News: http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/list/nba-mock-draft-2017-markelle-fultz-jayson-tatum-lonzo-ball-predictions-analysis/18etgens4b24i1nmrwofmtkcqa

CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2017-nba-mock-draft-knicks-find-their-point-guard-of-the-future-in-france/

[mufan2003]

"Shooting," Hammond said. "It's interesting — I think we've said this before — but I think you probably can go around to the other 29 teams in the NBA and you start saying, 'If we can add one thing, what would it be?' Most everyone needs shooting. The object of this game is still to put the ball in the basket. If you can put the ball in the basket, even with range, better yet."

"Three-point shooting is a factor; it's not going to go anywhere," Hammond said. "We have to continue to improve in that area like most of the teams in the league."

http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2017/05/07/bucks-evaluate-nba-d-league-options-combine/101386358/

[mufan2003]

Here is Matt Velazquez. I agree on Ferguson, Jackson, Kennard and Patton. As of today, I would take Justin Jackson at #17 if he is there. 6'8", athletic, long arms, good defender and shot a respectable 38% from 3. Ferguson and Kennard might be the best shooters at the #17 spot, but questions about their all-around game.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2017/05/08/8-players-who-might-fit-bucks-nba-draft/101422986/

[mufan2003]

NBA combine info:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2708758-nba-combine-2017-list-of-participants-schedule-and-players-to-watch

[CaribouJim]

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/big-board-top-20-nba-draft-prospects-markelle-fultz-jayson-tatum-josh-jackson-lonzo-ball-051117

[mufan2003]

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/nba-combine-competitive-action-recap-day-one-5928/

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/nba-combine-competitive-action-recap-day-two-5929/

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2017-nba-draft-combine-measurements-analysis-5927/

[CaribouJim]

Some more notes from the combine.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/05/12/2017-nba-draft-combine-stock-watch-derrick-white-frank-mason-harry-giles

[mufan2003]

NBC Sports on the combine:

http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2017/05/15/five-takeaways-from-2017-nba-draft-combine/

[mufan2003]

http://www.nbadraft.net/nba-draft-combine-five-stock-boosters

http://www.nbadraft.net/nba-draft-combine-five-more-winners

[mufan2003]

Official early entry NCAA withdrawal list:

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/official-2017-nba-draft-early-entry-ncaa-withdrawal-list-released-5956/

[CaribouJim]

S.I.'s new Top 50.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/06/2017-nba-big-board-lonzo-ball-markelle-fultz-deaaron-fox

[Goose85]

S.I.'s new Top 50.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/06/2017-nba-big-board-lonzo-ball-markelle-fultz-deaaron-fox

What do you think the chances are that the Lakers don't take Ball? I the Lakers taking someone other than Ball would be very entertaining.

[mufan2003]

S.I.'s new Top 50.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/06/2017-nba-big-board-lonzo-ball-markelle-fultz-deaaron-fox

Luke Kennard's stock is rising. I question his defense and athleticism, but seems to be impressing with his shooting and play-making ability at 6'6":

https://swarmandsting.com/2017/06/04/charlotte-hornets-seriously-consider-drafting-luke-kennard/

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2017/06/05/kennard-works-out-pacers-and-likes-georges-sneakers/366090001/

[Goose85]

Luke Kennard's stock is rising. I question his defense and athleticism, but seems to be impressing with his shooting and play-making ability at 6'6":

https://swarmandsting.com/2017/06/04/charlotte-hornets-seriously-consider-drafting-luke-kennard/

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2017/06/05/kennard-works-out-pacers-and-likes-georges-sneakers/366090001/

Interesting player. He can shoot, and in today's NBA you need to have multiple 3 point shooters to have success. That is one of the reasons I like T.J. Leaf too.

[mufan2003]

Interesting player. He can shoot, and in today's NBA you need to have multiple 3 point shooters to have success. That is one of the reasons I like T.J. Leaf too.

Yes. Justin Jackson, TJ Leaf and Luke Kennard look like good choices at #17 right now. While center does not look like a position of need, Monroe may only have 1 year left and Henson may not be in the long-term plans. Justin Patton, Ike Anigbogu or Jonathan Jeanne might be options if the first 3 are off the board.

[mufan2003]

Jarrett Allen worked out yesterday for the Bucks. Draft Express currently has him at #17 going to the Bucks. I did not watch much of Texas this past season (they obviously did not do well), so I don't have much of an opinion on him.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2017/06/14/amid-changes-bucks-continue-draft-prep-solo-workout/391449001/

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

What do you think the chances are that the Lakers don't take Ball? I the Lakers taking someone other than Ball would be very entertaining.

I wish they wouldn't, just so Lavar doesn't get his way.

[CaribouJim]

Updated mock draft from Si.I.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/13/nba-mock-draft-updated-rankings-lonzo-ball-lakers-markelle-fultz

[CaribouJim]

Another hot off the press draft projection from another S.I. writer and he has Kennard going to the Bucks.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/16/nba-mock-draft-best-fit-updated-deaaron-fox-lonzo-ball-lakers

[mufan2003]

Another hot off the press draft projection from another S.I. writer and he has Kennard going to the Bucks.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/16/nba-mock-draft-best-fit-updated-deaaron-fox-lonzo-ball-lakers

Wow. A lot of movement from what I have seen elsewhere. Lauri Markkanen #3, Donovan Mitchell #6, Justin Jackson #10 (my favorite). Obviously, every mock is just a projection. Working off SI, I would be happy with Luke Kennard, TJ Leaf or Justin Patton at #17. However, my top 2 is Justin Jackson and Luke Kennard. At this point, I would be surprised if either are available at #17.

I would not be surprised if this ownership group trades future draft picks for a marquee player. Not sure if that is good for the franchise, depends on the player. These owners want to win.

[mufan2003]

Updated mock draft from Si.I.

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/06/13/nba-mock-draft-updated-rankings-lonzo-ball-lakers-markelle-fultz

The mock draft links in the first post of this thread are automatically updated as well (Draft Express, HoopsHype and NBADraft.net).

[mufan2003]

http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/15/2017-mock-draft-second-edition

[Goose85]

http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/15/2017-mock-draft-second-edition

Based on who would be available to the Bucks using this mock draft, who would you like the Bucks to select?

I would consider taking Ferguson, Leaf, Anunoby.
I've seen other mocks where Giles injury has him dropping, and if that would happen I'd grab him.

[mufan2003]

Based on who would be available to the Bucks using this mock draft, who would you like the Bucks to select?

I would consider taking Ferguson, Leaf, Anunoby.
I've seen other mocks where Giles injury has him dropping, and if that would happen I'd grab him.

If any one of Justin Jackson, Luke Kennard or Donovan Mitchell drop to #17, take him. Otherwise, Bam Adebayo or TJ Leaf. I think Monroe has 1 year left in Milwaukee. Adebayo is 19. 6'10" and a 7'3" wingspan. I look at him, ceiling wise, as a taller Shawn Kemp or even a little bit like Serge Ibaka. Adebayo has great bounce off the floor, very strong already (250 lbs) and a great rebounder. Maker and Henson are long, but lack the physicality. Plus, at times, you could play Adebayo at the 5 and Maker at the 4 given his shooting. The highlight clip of him from the nba.com mock draft is impressive.

Terrance Ferguson played last season in Australia and apparently did not shoot very well. He also, supposedly, is not a strong ball-handler. I worry about him being another Rashad Vaughn. Giles' injury history worries me, especially when the Bucks are already dealing with Parker's multiple ACL injuries and that uncertainty. DJ Wilson from Michigan is a sleeper pick for me. 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan. A good, long defender that can shoot the 3. Seems to have a high basketball IQ and strong work ethic. Draft Express has him climbing up to #22.

[mufansince72]

Per the Vertical, Monroe to exercise his player option for 2017.

[mufan2003]

http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2017/06/21/2017-nba-draft-preview-who-are-the-value-picks-in-the-late-first-early-second-round/

[mufan2003]

Love this highlight package of Bam Adebayo. 6'10", 7'3" wingspan, 250 lbs, 38.5" max vertical (Top 10 tested at combine), 9'0" standing reach. Would give the Bucks something they don't have and a lot to work with being only 19.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6G7Yx5nXKkw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Goose85]

Love this highlight package of Bam Adebayo. 6'10", 7'3" wingspan, 250 lbs, 38.5" max vertical (Top 10 tested at combine), 9'0" standing reach. Would give the Bucks something they don't have and a lot to work with being only 19.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6G7Yx5nXKkw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'd be ok with this pick. He and Maker would have the potential to form a pretty nice duo.

[MU/Panther]

Bucks to draft DJ Wilson from Michigan.

[mufan2003]

Bucks to draft DJ Wilson from Michigan.

Love it! Did not want Jarrett Allen, could be another Larry Sanders. Saw Michigan play a lot, including against MU. With Jackson and Adebayo off the board, I really like this pick.

[mufan2003]

DJ Wilson fits the Bucks mold. Giannis (6'11"), Middleton (6'8"), Snell (6'7") all have long wingspans. Middleton and Snell are good 3-point shooters. DJ Wilson is 21, 6'10" and a 7'3" wingspan. He shot 37% from beyond the arc and has great lateral quickness, a very good defender. Wilson and Wagner owned Hayes and Happ in the Big 14 championship game. Nice first pick Jon Horst.

[mufansince72]

DJ Wilson fits the Bucks mold. Giannis (6'11"), Middleton (6'8"), Snell (6'7") all have long wingspans. Middleton and Snell are good 3-point shooters. DJ Wilson is 21, 6'10" and a 7'3" wingspan. He shot 37% from beyond the arc and has great lateral quickness, a very good defender. Wilson and Wagner owned Hayes and Happ in the Big 14 championship game. Nice first pick Jon Horst.

At first I thought it was a reach. However after a little thought it is probably a good pick. He should allow the Bucks to try and trade Henson, which will give them a little more wiggle room under the cap to avoid the luxury tax, especially if Hawes opts back in.

[IWB]

I think the Bucks really wanted Patten, but he was taken via the Chicago/Minnesota trade. Proof was in the amount of time it took Bucks to make their pick.

I hope Wilson is what we need, but I was listening on the radio and the draft profile sounded great, then added that "he doesn't play hard all the time and plays soft at times."

I hope that was not accurate.

[mufan2003]

I think the Bucks really wanted Patten, but he was taken via the Chicago/Minnesota trade. Proof was in the amount of time it took Bucks to make their pick.

I hope Wilson is what we need, but I was listening on the radio and the draft profile sounded great, then added that "he doesn't play hard all the time and plays soft at times."

I hope that was not accurate.

Billy McKinney (Director of Scouting) was at the 2016 Paradise Jam, in which Creighton won. Patton was fantastic playing with Watson. Bucks need more perimeter shooting, if u can add 6'10", 7'3" wingspan that can shoot the 3, and defend, it is a good pick.

[mufansince72]

I really like the Thornwell pick in the second round.

[mufan2003]

I really like the Thornwell pick in the second round.

Amen! Replace Jason Terry (39). A proven college player, you feel good cheering for him.

[mufansince72]

I sure he will be the cornerstone of the D League team this year. My hope is he can replace Rashad Vaughn who has shown little thus far.

[MUfan12]

I really like the Thornwell pick in the second round.

Pick was traded to the Clips. Bucks acquired Sterling Brown from SMU from Philly at 46. Can really shoot it.

[mufan2003]

I sure he will be the cornerstone of the D League team this year. My hope is he can replace Rashad Vaughn who has shown little thus far.

Funny thing, Vaughn would be a senior in college this upcoming season. He is 20. Remember Vander Blue's progression? Rookies basically have 4 years to prove themselves (unless traded). In game 82, Vaughn played well @ Boston. Might be an issue of conquering "stage fright". He was an All-American out of High School. When I was 20.....

[mufan2003]

Pick was traded to the Clips. Bucks acquired Sterling Brown from SMU from Philly at 46. Can really shoot it.

Luxury Tax concerns.

[mufan2003]

DJ Wilson:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YNi7fD1k6ao" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[IWB]

MILWAUKEE BUCKS TRADE DRAFT RIGHTS TO SINDARIUS THORNWELL
*
MILWAUKEE (June 23, 2017) – The Milwaukee Bucks have traded the draft rights to Sindarius Thornwell to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations, said General Manager Jon Horst. Thornwell was the 48th overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.

[CaribouJim]

MILWAUKEE BUCKS TRADE DRAFT RIGHTS TO SINDARIUS THORNWELL
*
MILWAUKEE (June 23, 2017) – The Milwaukee Bucks have traded the draft rights to Sindarius Thornwell to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations, said General Manager Jon Horst. Thornwell was the 48th overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.

The Bulls did the same with their 2nd round pick - I always watch the draft and I guess I don't remember that happening too often - maybe I'm too tired by that time of the night to remember.

[Kidd Karma]

The Bulls did the same with their 2nd round pick - I always watch the draft and I guess I don't remember that happening too often - maybe I'm too tired by that time of the night to remember.

Happened last year, Bucks sold Patrick McCaw to the Warriors. Team's are allowed to spend 3 million dollars a Fiscal Season in transactions with other teams. This was put in place because Cuban was dumping 3 million dollars in every trade. Given that the draft is probably the last major event of the Fiscal season, which starts July 1 and runs through June 30, rich teams, rather then pocket the cash, seek to improve the squad with the cash. GSW with all the championships, is rolling in dough. Money wise it makes sense, 3 million to replace an Andre Iguodala who's expected to command 15-20 annually.

[mufan2003]

http://www.nba.com/bucks/features/boeder-bucks-draft-grades-2017

[mufan2003]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/D.J.-Wilson-82837/