Minnesota Sports Forum

WildWolf2813 wrote:Bob Myers says that, but I hope he didn't draft Wiseman because he thought he was better than LaMelo Ball. He was trying to add talent that he could actually utilize sooner than later. Kuminga and Moody didn't play much, but at least there's a pathway to them being useful later on. Filling needs matters more than he lets on. Myers had the ultimate luxury of having Thompson, Curry and Green.

Also, defense matters. Any recommendation of becoming a team who merely tries to outscore guys is a bad idea. Get guys who can function defensively. It's why we even got as far as being a play-in team.

As I noted, even the best organizations don't hit on every pick. Moreover, it's way too soon to say that they missed the mark on Wiseman or Kuminga. As for drafting to fill need, Wiseman was considered as much of an upside talent as LeMello Ball and there was no reason to believe they could utilize Wiseman sooner than Ball, especially given that Wiseman hadn't played basketball in a year. Even if Meyers thought Wiseman could be used earlier than Ball, Meyers' statement about choosing the best talent doesn't conflict with prioritizing need when choosing between two prospects with roughly equal high-upside talent. Edwards, Ball and Wiseman were all considered to be on the same tier as the top three prospects in the 2020 draft.

The fact that Myers had the luxury of having Thompson, Curry and Green proves the point. The Warriors drafted all three based on talent and that's why they have 4 championships in the last 8 seasons. If you keep drafting on talent and you're good enough to hit the mark most of the time, they you'll end up with the luxury of a good team.

Yes, defense matters. Golden State's defense was a big reason they ended up as NBA champions this year. Actually, it was key to their prior championships as well.

I flip to a different prospect every other day, now I am salivating over a Blake Wesley and Edwards backcourt. That may be the best explosive first step duo in the NBA!

Thanks for carrying the torch on this one guys. Now that the finals are over, I'm allowing myself to start thinking about this.

I haven't dug very deeply into most of these guys, but I've watched at least a video or two on most of the guys who have gotten votes so far. I haven't voted yet, but I'm definitely leaning Jovic at this point.

He's not necessarily what we need right now (a Robert Williams type might be real nice!), and the stats don't blow anybody away, but man, the skill level for a dude that length seems really obvious watching those clips.

For those of you not voting Jovic, what are the most compelling arguments against him? And for those who have already voted for him, what are the most compelling arguments in his favor? This may be a good way to have a focused, constructive conversation.

SameOldNudityDrew wrote:Thanks for carrying the torch on this one guys. Now that the finals are over, I'm allowing myself to start thinking about this.

I haven't dug very deeply into most of these guys, but I've watched at least a video or two on most of the guys who have gotten votes so far. I haven't voted yet, but I'm definitely leaning Jovic at this point.

He's not necessarily what we need right now (a Robert Williams type might be real nice!), and the stats don't blow anybody away, but man, the skill level for a dude that length seems really obvious watching those clips.

For those of you not voting Jovic, what are the most compelling arguments against him? And for those who have already voted for him, what are the most compelling arguments in his favor? This may be a good way to have a focused, constructive conversation.

Welcome to the discussion, Drew. I didn't vote for Jovic. I like his combination of length and ball skills, but I have two concerns that caused me to pass on him: First, I wasn't particularly impressed by the video I saw. I thought his movements were a bit slow and stiff. He didn't look explosive or fluid. He actually looked a bit mechanical to me. I don't think he'll do well with the speed of the NBA game. Second, there's a consensus among analysts that he won't be a good defender in the NBA. I'd much prefer Jalen Williams or Dalen Terry - two guys with length similar to Jovic, better ball skills in my view and more athleticism. Williams looks like a much better scorer than Jovic and Terry looks like a much better defender. I think Williams will be a better defender than Jovic as well.

I have Dalen Terry, Jalen Williams, Wendell Moore and EJ Liddell rated ahead of Jovic. But who knows, Jovic could turn out to be a star. :)

SameOldNudityDrew wrote:For those of you not voting Jovic, what are the most compelling arguments against him? And for those who have already voted for him, what are the most compelling arguments in his favor? This may be a good way to have a focused, constructive conversation.

I'm re-posting this from the other thread concerning Nikola Jovic because I believe it shares my view of him and answers your question on why I didn't vote for him. I also just like a number of guys more than him so he gets pushed down my list.

Camden wrote:I haven't fallen in love with Nikola Jovic, the prospect, like others have. I think he is generally adequate at most aspects of the game, but I can't pinpoint any one thing he does at a level above his peers besides perhaps passing the basketball. His size and youth enhances the intrigue with him, but I don't see a star player there and it's difficult to project what role he'd actually thrive in once you consider his physical limitations defensively-- not agile enough to defend wings, not strong or tough enough to handle the interior. I think he's best-suited to follow the path of Nemanja Bjelica, which is a solid player, no doubt, but not one I'd be willing to select at 19 in this draft.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-draftdaq-nba-draft-podcast/id1479101969?i=1000566985788

A good interview of Jalen Williams. You can see his high basketball IQ watching him play. This interview just confirms that he's a really smart dude. More importantly, he clearly has it all together. A great kid. I'll take this opportunity to announce that Jalen Williams has now replaced Dalen Terry as my new #1 man crush in this year's draft. Seriously, while I like Terry's defensive, Williams has a far better all-around offensive game than Terry. He has a nice mid-range, a good 3-point shot and he can finish at the rim. He's actually a slightly better passer than Terry and you can see watching Williams that he's ambidextrous - flinging pin-point passes equally well with both hands. He's a very crafty ball-handler who looks like he's not an explosive athlete, but his combine numbers indicate that he's highly athletic.

One interesting bit of information from this interview is that Williams had a huge growth spurt after getting to college. He said that when he arrived as a freshman, he couldn't even palm a basketball and now he said he can catch the ball with one hand. He said everything few - his wingspan, hands and even his feet. It's the Scottie Pippen effect - a guy who had to develop skills as a small player most of his life playing basketball but then becomes much bigger. He mentioned that he's still adjusting to his body. He said he became far more athletic with his growth spurt and hasn't harnessed his new-found athleticism yet.

I don't think he'll be available at #19. He might not make it past the Knicks at 11.

https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/2022-NBA-Draft-Potential-late-first-round-selections-that-could-become-All-Stars-188813619/#188813619_1

I know I am more excited about Kennedy Chandler than most here, but I am not the only one who sees all-star potential in him. CBS Sports wrote an article in which they profiled guys likely to be available outside the top ten in the draft who have the most all-star potential. Kennedy Chandler was listed first. I linked the article above, but here's the blurb about Chandler:

Parrish's Take: "Do I wish Chandler were 4 inches taller? Sure. But, despite his 6-foot frame, I'm still a believer in his speed, ability to get where he wants to go and shot-making from the perimeter. And it's not like small point guards don't flourish in the NBA. Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul is only 6-0. NBA All-Star Fred VanVleet is 6-1. Jalen Brunson, who is about to sign a massive deal as a free agent, is 6-1."

247Sports' Take: Chandler's signing with Tennessee meant a lot to the program. Not only is he the third-highest prospect to every ink with the Vols -- and highest in over a decade -- as the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 point guard in the class of 2021, but he addressed an immediate need at point guard for Tennessee. It is fair to say he is one of the best on-ball guards to pass through Knoxville in the program's history, as he was named to both the SEC All-Freshman Team and All-SEC second team. Despite his diminutive stature, he is an explosive athlete that has no problem pulling off highlight-reel dunks. He can also hit shots consistently from outside the arc. Chandler is a complete package that needs only to adjust to the professional level to make a real impact.

PS: I have taken a real deep dive into Chandler, watching probably 20 plus videos and I love the kid's attitude, work ethic and drive to succeed. His dad coached him early on and reminds me a bit of KAT's dad. He's a workout warrior, spends time weightlifiting and I have no doubt he'll continue to transform his body to NBA level. I also like that he's become good friends with Ja Morant and Trae Young and says he is constantly picking their brains. He's also been a friend of Darius Garland for years. All elite small guards. He idolizes Chris Paul, continually watches game tape on him and has even compared himself to CP3. I like his loft goals and drive.

lipoli390 wrote:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-draftdaq-nba-draft-podcast/id1479101969?i=1000566985788

A good interview of Jalen Williams. You can see his high basketball IQ watching him play. This interview just confirms that he's a really smart dude. More importantly, he clearly has it all together. A great kid. I'll take this opportunity to announce that Jalen Williams has now replaced Dalen Terry as my new #1 man crush in this year's draft. Seriously, while I like Terry's defensive, Williams has a far better all-around offensive game than Terry. He has a nice mid-range, a good 3-point shot and he can finish at the rim. He's actually a slightly better passer than Terry and you can see watching Williams that he's ambidextrous - flinging pin-point passes equally well with both hands. He's a very crafty ball-handler who looks like he's not an explosive athlete, but his combine numbers indicate that he's highly athletic.

One interesting bit of information from this interview is that Williams had a huge growth spurt after getting to college. He said that when he arrived as a freshman, he couldn't even palm a basketball and now he said he can catch the ball with one hand. He said everything few - his wingspan, hands and even his feet. It's the Scottie Pippen effect - a guy who had to develop skills as a small player most of his life playing basketball but then becomes much bigger. He mentioned that he's still adjusting to his body. He said he became far more athletic with his growth spurt and hasn't harnessed his new-found athleticism yet.

I don't think he'll be available at #19. He might not make it past the Knicks at 11.

I'll have to check out that podcast. The last video I watched was much more impressive than the first imesI watched. I actually wondered if maybe I watch video Frye wrong player or something. Maybe it was video of his whole college career or something like that. His growth spurt would help explain his meh stats especially his sophomore season where he couldn't make 3's.

Will all these guys rising idk if anyone will be left when we pick at #19!!! :) I'm just joking but this is why I asked the question about who would you be giddy about if they feel to the Wolves at #19.

KG4Ever wrote:https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/2022-NBA-Draft-Potential-late-first-round-selections-that-could-become-All-Stars-188813619/#188813619_1

I know I am more excited about Kennedy Chandler than most here, but I am not the only one who sees all-star potential in him. CBS Sports wrote an article in which they profiled guys likely to be available outside the top ten in the draft who have the most all-star potential. Kennedy Chandler was listed first. I linked the article above, but here's the blurb about Chandler:

Parrish's Take: "Do I wish Chandler were 4 inches taller? Sure. But, despite his 6-foot frame, I'm still a believer in his speed, ability to get where he wants to go and shot-making from the perimeter. And it's not like small point guards don't flourish in the NBA. Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul is only 6-0. NBA All-Star Fred VanVleet is 6-1. Jalen Brunson, who is about to sign a massive deal as a free agent, is 6-1."

247Sports' Take: Chandler's signing with Tennessee meant a lot to the program. Not only is he the third-highest prospect to every ink with the Vols -- and highest in over a decade -- as the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 point guard in the class of 2021, but he addressed an immediate need at point guard for Tennessee. It is fair to say he is one of the best on-ball guards to pass through Knoxville in the program's history, as he was named to both the SEC All-Freshman Team and All-SEC second team. Despite his diminutive stature, he is an explosive athlete that has no problem pulling off highlight-reel dunks. He can also hit shots consistently from outside the arc. Chandler is a complete package that needs only to adjust to the professional level to make a real impact.

PS: I have taken a real deep dive into Chandler, watching probably 20 plus videos and I love the kid's attitude, work ethic and drive to succeed. His dad coached him early on and reminds me a bit of KAT's dad. He's a workout warrior, spends time weightlifiting and I have no doubt he'll continue to transform his body to NBA level. I also like that he's become good friends with Ja Morant and Trae Young and says he is constantly picking their brains. He's also been a friend of Darius Garland for years. All elite small guards. He idolizes Chris Paul, continually watches game tape on him and has even compared himself to CP3. I like his loft goals and drive.

When I was watching him there were definitely some plays where there was certainly some shades of Chris Paul.

I think the Wolves would be making a mistake if they drafted Kennedy Chandler. Perhaps he's had his moments that suggest shades of Chris Paul or Ja Morant. But if you're thinking about drafting a small PG, you had better see some eye-popping college stats before you decide to draft him. Chris Paul and Ja Morant had eye-popping college stats; Kennedy Chandler doesn't.

Chris Paul averaged more points, more assists, more rebounds, more steals and higher shooting percentages across the board than Chandler. More importantly, Paul averaged 5.8 free throw attempts at 83.4% compared to Chandler's 2.9 attempts at 60.6%. That's a compelling and telling stat differential. Getting to the line is a critical stat for a small PG because it tells you whether the player can effectively penetrate the way a small PG has to if he's going to be effective.

Ja Morant's stats were even more eye-popping as he averaged 24.5 points, 10 assists, 5.7 Rebounds rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. He averaged a whopping 8.2 free-throw attempts at over 80%. A small PG than can't dominate with eye-popping numbers in at least one or two key areas is too high a risk in my view to merit a first-round selection.

None of this means that Chandler won't become a really good NBA PG. But it's a cautionary note that suggests there are probably better choice in the first round, and at 19 specifically, than Kennedy Chandler.