NBA Lottery-Tonight's the night!

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

We couldn't possibly move ahead of Orlando without getting a top 3 pick.

[Monster]

We couldn't possibly move ahead of Orlando without getting a top 3 pick.

Ah yeah good point. Plus they have a new GM anyway they might not be such a target anyway.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do with the top pick. I would guess they'll keep it, but they'll have lots of very attractive offers. The Bulls will come crawling to them offering Jimmy Butler and lots of other stuff. The Pacers will offer Paul George and stuff.

The Lakers will definitely end up with Ball.

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do. Fultz is plenty big enough to play with various players assuming he is still the clear top guys a few weeks from now.

I actually think they would go Josh Jackson at 1 if they stay there. They need an upgrade on the wing and he's right there in contention for the top prospect in the draft.

What the Celtics really need is a dynamic big. They clearly like Jalen Brown and they have Crowder and Bradley.

There aren't any bigs in the draft that have dynamic for sure written on them. There are a couple with potential like Collins, but none that matchup to the guards and wings at the top of the draft. Jackson would slot right in as the two way 2 they need next to IT for the long-term with Brown next to him. Bradley and Crowder are role players. They won't be in the way of a Jackson long-term. Meanwhile if you draft Ball or Fultz you should probably just trade IT now before he leaves next summer because he's not re-signing with them if they draft his replacement. I think frankly they need to trade the pick, but if they don't it's gonna be hard to take a PG when you already have a top 5 PG who's only 27 on your team already.

[Monster]

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do with the top pick. I would guess they'll keep it, but they'll have lots of very attractive offers. The Bulls will come crawling to them offering Jimmy Butler and lots of other stuff. The Pacers will offer Paul George and stuff.

The Lakers will definitely end up with Ball.

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do. Fultz is plenty big enough to play with various players assuming he is still the clear top guys a few weeks from now.

I actually think they would go Josh Jackson at 1 if they stay there. They need an upgrade on the wing and he's right there in contention for the top prospect in the draft.

What the Celtics really need is a dynamic big. They clearly like Jalen Brown and they have Crowder and Bradley.

There aren't any bigs in the draft that have dynamic for sure written on them. There are a couple with potential like Collins, but none that matchup to the guards and wings at the top of the draft. Jackson would slot right in as the two way 2 they need next to IT for the long-term with Brown next to him. Bradley and Crowder are role players. They won't be in the way of a Jackson long-term. Meanwhile if you draft Ball or Fultz you should probably just trade IT now before he leaves next summer because he's not re-signing with them if they draft his replacement. I think frankly they need to trade the pick, but if they don't it's gonna be hard to take a PG when you already have a top 5 PG who's only 27 on your team already.

I didn't say there is a big guy for them to pick at #1 but that's what they could use. Collins seems like a guy that would be good next to Horford but obviously that's unlikely to happen.

Avery Bradley has moved past role player status to me. He is a legit 2-way SG now. Regardless if they keep the pick I think Boston just picks the best player and figures it out later which is pretty much what they have been doing this whole rebuild.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Glad I played in my weekly pickup game tonight instead of stay back to watch the annual disappointment. Predictable outcome, but some interesting story lines for other teams.

Boston - I have to believe they are on the phone with Chicago right now. Butler for #1 makes sooooo much sense for both teams, especially if they lose to the Cavs. They know they need one more piece and their window is now.

Lakers - Lonzo, Russell, Ingram....not much defense there. I think they could play some up and down exciting ball, but I'm not sure they can stop anyone. Also, the Magic-Lavar dynamic should be interesting. I'd love to see that whole thing go south! Unfortunately, I could see Indiana bailing out the Lakers now while they can still get something for Paul George. May be George for Russell + Ingram or something. Lonzo, Clarkson, and George suddenly seems a little better.

Sixers - If the Sixers take Josh Jackson, where does that leave Robert Covington? I'd love to see RobCo in a Wolves uniform somehow!

I'm not sure about the next few teams other than I have to believe Sacramento takes one of the PGs.

[AbeVigodaLive]

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do with the top pick. I would guess they'll keep it, but they'll have lots of very attractive offers. The Bulls will come crawling to them offering Jimmy Butler and lots of other stuff. The Pacers will offer Paul George and stuff.

The Lakers will definitely end up with Ball.

It will be interesting to see what the Celtics do. Fultz is plenty big enough to play with various players assuming he is still the clear top guys a few weeks from now.

I actually think they would go Josh Jackson at 1 if they stay there. They need an upgrade on the wing and he's right there in contention for the top prospect in the draft.

Maybe. But they have Jaylen Brown. The kid shows some legit promise on his own.
Sure, the stats are "meh"... but the guy is putting in big important and effective minutes in key playoff games... including a Game 7 victory.

That's not nothing. Many believe he can be a special player.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Glad I played in my weekly pickup game tonight instead of stay back to watch the annual disappointment. Predictable outcome, but some interesting story lines for other teams.

Boston - I have to believe they are on the phone with Chicago right now. Butler for #1 makes sooooo much sense for both teams, especially if they lose to the Cavs. They know they need one more piece and their window is now.

Lakers - Lonzo, Russell, Ingram....not much defense there. I think they could play some up and down exciting ball, but I'm not sure they can stop anyone. Also, the Magic-Lavar dynamic should be interesting. I'd love to see that whole thing go south! Unfortunately, I could see Indiana bailing out the Lakers now while they can still get something for Paul George. May be George for Russell + Ingram or something. Lonzo, Clarkson, and George suddenly seems a little better.

Sixers - If the Sixers take Josh Jackson, where does that leave Robert Covington? I'd love to see RobCo in a Wolves uniform somehow!

I'm not sure about the next few teams other than I have to believe Sacramento takes one of the PGs.

Good to see Q hoping the Lakers fail...

Boston. Has a team this good had this many assets... which ultimately leads to a lot of decisions. I don't think anybody at the top of the draft has Darko bust/regret potential ('04 draft), but Boston has a lot of options. It could come down to them regretting that their current best player is so damn popular... and overachieving.

What makes this even more challenging is that the draft is before free agency. Remember, the Celtics are definitely in the mix for Gordan Hayward and Blake Griffin (if they want him).

Lakers. The stars are aligned. Literally. Has there ever been a more perfect fit than the Ball Family in LA? I hope if falls apart... but I do think Lonzo is a very good player in today's style of NBA.

76ers. Josh Jackson seems like the BPA here. But, remember they have Simmons. I don't know if that's a good fit with Embiid. Saric. Simmons. Jackson. Covington. That's a lot of talent and length. But where's the shooting? I see a guy like Monk being a great fit. But he's not #3 talent. Do they continue to stockpile future picks to drop down? That's what Hinkie would do... the Colangelos are another ballgame.

Phoenix. What if Jackson drops... he's the obvious pick, right? What if he doesn't? Tatum? Maybe. Or there are some prized PGs available. But they have Bledsoe... or do they? If they're super high on let's say Fox... should they look to trade Bledsoe for more value elsewhere (picks + players)? His contract is relatively cheap ($14+M). His value is solid. But his ceiling moving forward is limited.

Sacramento. As noted, I see Fox as the guy here if available. I just heard about him being considered an absolute gem of a person. How important is that on the court? I don't know... but he has the physical tools. Needs a jumper. The only caveat here is Vivek and Divac. Nothing is off the table. They're idiots.

Orlando. New regime coming in. And that will have a lot to do with this pick and direction they want to take. Here's what we know: after years in the lottery, the Magic are STILL searching for THAT guy to build around. So if I was a betting man, I'd bet on them taking the guy with the highest upside here regardless of position. Do they think that's Dennis Smith or Jayson Tatum?

Timberwolves. Obviously, a lot depends on what happens above. I know that if Tatum drops, it would seem like he'd be the guy and we'd all be very fortunate. But is he the best fit? Fortunately, the days/years/decades of me demanding that they draft BPA no matter what are over. The Wolves are "all in" on their foundation -- KAT and Wiggins. So now we complement them. The team was horrific defensively. There are two prospects who are projected to thrive on that side of the ball. Jonathon Isaac and Og Anunoby. By what I've read, Anunoby could be a league-wide difference maker defensively but he's incredibly raw. Isaac has the best chance of being a solid to good two-way player. Neither guy would be the flashy pick. But I think both offer something this team needs with length and defensive chops.

That being said... could the Wolves move from this spot here or swap picks with the Knicks. If still there... Tatum seems like a good Melo replacement. The Wolves can get a bit of value along with their more desirable pick.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Abe, Agree with your takes.

More on the Lakers.....the Magic-Lonzo-Lavar dynamic is deliciously intriguing. I honestly know very little about Magic - his takes, his maturity, his off court IQ, etc. Is he more Danny Ainge or Phil Jackson? I really hope he's more Phil Jackson - living off his past success and too comfortable in his ways to do the hard work necessary these days to run a modern franchise. If that is the case, he'll truly believe he can mentor Lonzo - he'll see much of himself in him and believe he can mold him to be Magic 2.0. He'll cling to old dogmas about the "right way to play" and potentially undermine his head coach when things don't go well.

So IF Lonzo struggles and the losses start piling up, you-know-who will likely become a huge distraction. Oh, please let it happen, please let it happen!!!

[Monster]

Glad I played in my weekly pickup game tonight instead of stay back to watch the annual disappointment. Predictable outcome, but some interesting story lines for other teams.

Boston - I have to believe they are on the phone with Chicago right now. Butler for #1 makes sooooo much sense for both teams, especially if they lose to the Cavs. They know they need one more piece and their window is now.

Lakers - Lonzo, Russell, Ingram....not much defense there. I think they could play some up and down exciting ball, but I'm not sure they can stop anyone. Also, the Magic-Lavar dynamic should be interesting. I'd love to see that whole thing go south! Unfortunately, I could see Indiana bailing out the Lakers now while they can still get something for Paul George. May be George for Russell + Ingram or something. Lonzo, Clarkson, and George suddenly seems a little better.

Sixers - If the Sixers take Josh Jackson, where does that leave Robert Covington? I'd love to see RobCo in a Wolves uniform somehow!

I'm not sure about the next few teams other than I have to believe Sacramento takes one of the PGs.

Good to see Q hoping the Lakers fail...

Boston. Has a team this good had this many assets... which ultimately leads to a lot of decisions. I don't think anybody at the top of the draft has Darko bust/regret potential ('04 draft), but Boston has a lot of options. It could come down to them regretting that their current best player is so damn popular... and overachieving.

What makes this even more challenging is that the draft is before free agency. Remember, the Celtics are definitely in the mix for Gordan Hayward and Blake Griffin (if they want him).

Lakers. The stars are aligned. Literally. Has there ever been a more perfect fit than the Ball Family in LA? I hope if falls apart... but I do think Lonzo is a very good player in today's style of NBA.

76ers. Josh Jackson seems like the BPA here. But, remember they have Simmons. I don't know if that's a good fit with Embiid. Saric. Simmons. Jackson. Covington. That's a lot of talent and length. But where's the shooting? I see a guy like Monk being a great fit. But he's not #3 talent. Do they continue to stockpile future picks to drop down? That's what Hinkie would do... the Colangelos are another ballgame.

Phoenix. What if Jackson drops... he's the obvious pick, right? What if he doesn't? Tatum? Maybe. Or there are some prized PGs available. But they have Bledsoe... or do they? If they're super high on let's say Fox... should they look to trade Bledsoe for more value elsewhere (picks + players)? His contract is relatively cheap ($14+M). His value is solid. But his ceiling moving forward is limited.

Sacramento. As noted, I see Fox as the guy here if available. I just heard about him being considered an absolute gem of a person. How important is that on the court? I don't know... but he has the physical tools. Needs a jumper. The only caveat here is Vivek and Divac. Nothing is off the table. They're idiots.

Orlando. New regime coming in. And that will have a lot to do with this pick and direction they want to take. Here's what we know: after years in the lottery, the Magic are STILL searching for THAT guy to build around. So if I was a betting man, I'd bet on them taking the guy with the highest upside here regardless of position. Do they think that's Dennis Smith or Jayson Tatum?

Timberwolves. Obviously, a lot depends on what happens above. I know that if Tatum drops, it would seem like he'd be the guy and we'd all be very fortunate. But is he the best fit? Fortunately, the days/years/decades of me demanding that they draft BPA no matter what are over. The Wolves are "all in" on their foundation -- KAT and Wiggins. So now we complement them. The team was horrific defensively. There are two prospects who are projected to thrive on that side of the ball. Jonathon Isaac and Og Anunoby. By what I've read, Anunoby could be a league-wide difference maker defensively but he's incredibly raw. Isaac has the best chance of being a solid to good two-way player. Neither guy would be the flashy pick. But I think both offer something this team needs with length and defensive chops.

That being said... could the Wolves move from this spot here or swap picks with the Knicks. If still there... Tatum seems like a good Melo replacement. The Wolves can get a bit of value along with their more desirable pick.

The Kings have a new 2nd in command guy Scott Perry a long time front office guy that most recently was let go by.....the Magic.

Speaking of the Magic they fired their front office guy and other guys like Scott Perry and...haven't replaced them yet. So it's a month later and they haven't hired anyone and the draft is a little over a month away. Who knows what they are going to do and look at that roster there is no single player that really makes you say you have the position completely locked up except maybe Fournier as the SG? They could take anybody no matter who is making the decisions.

DX said that Philly really likes Monk and if they had 2 picks instead of one they would have been thrilled because that would have been their guy. Like you said now what do they do? He makes a lot of sense with the guys they have. Can they move down? Is another guy just too much better? Good problems to have I guess.

Tatum isn't the perfect fit but it seems most people think that the guy is a good kid that wants to do what is best for the team and is a hard worker. One podcast said he started out slow be cause of an injury but said as the season went on he started really figuring it out. A combo forward makes a ton of sense for the Wolves and Tatum despite his ISO game offensively wouldn't be the worst thing. He actually isn't all that much stronger than Isaac. I wouldn't hate using him as a carrot to trade down if there was a good offer and player you knew you could get.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Monster, If you look at the upper body of Tatum vs. the upper body of Isaac, one does not look like the other. I think Tatum's weight as reflected in DX is low, since it was from 2016. That dude has big broad shoulders, and even if his weight is still around 205 lbs., it's very clear to me that his frame can carry at least another 20 lbs. of muscle on it.