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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 22, 2019 4:54:30 GMT -5
N’Faly Dante, 7 foot, PF/C, Oregon
’m ready to survey the landscape to see which prospects look good.
One guy who has already peaked my interest is 7’ big man N’Faly Dante. Think of Andrew Bynum’s body, but with a much better motor. And from what I can tell currently, it looks like he has some court vision (comfortably finds shooters across the court). He hasn’t played a game yet as of 12/15 (he reclassified to graduate high school early, and he has to wait to be eligible, which should be really soon).
Reports are he’s a dual threat. Offensively, he’s got really good hands to grab rebounds, lobs and post entry passes with ease. Elevates quickly off the floor. Long arms allows him to high point the ball and get shots up quickly near the rim. Appears to have confidence shooting the ball, even extending beyond the arc.
Plays aggressively, with a good dose of instincts. I’d say he’s not a raw kid, but a guy who is advanced enough to feel good about his chance to develop into a real player.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 2, 2019 16:16:03 GMT -5
Way too early, and I haven’t even watched him play a single collegiate game yet, but I have an interest in 6’10” Washington Huskie big man, Isaiah Stewart. Think Amar’e Stoudemire, and you’ll have a close idea of his game. Strong, rugged and explosive body, with a bruiser mentality, yet nimble and skilled, even equipped with a shooting stroke that looks good beyond the arc. I’ve read a scouting report say he also a good defensive player and rebounder. If this checks out, he’d be a perfect guy for us.
If we get the Memphis pick (top 6 protected), say #7, Isaiah Stewart could possibly be available.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 3, 2019 21:05:17 GMT -5
Joining Isaiah Stewart at Washington is fellow freshmen, and younger brother of San Diego State’s Jalen McDaniels, Jaden McDaniels, a versatile 6’9” wing.
Built like his brother, and similar to Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic, Jaden is a tad more fluid and explosive. I’d say he’s reminiscent of a taller Penny Hardaway (though not at the same caliber).
Though he’s got a slender frame, he’s not afraid of contact. Jaden is a threat from all three levels, and from my perspective, he’s got a natural shooting stroke that he’s mastered.
I’d say he’s got some All-Star potential, but more likely a solid player like Kris Middleton.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 8, 2019 18:37:13 GMT -5
James Wisemen ruled ineligible this season, due to some illegal finagling by Penny Hardaway.
Shouldn’t hurt Wisemen’s stock too much. If anything it might help hide Wisemen’s true prospect status — he might not be as good as he’s being touted to be. I wasn’t impressed with his performances at the McD’s and Jordan games.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 8, 2019 19:15:10 GMT -5
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 20, 2019 13:02:36 GMT -5
Ashton Hagans is a guy to keep an eye on. 6’3” PG for Kentucky who has adequate athleticism and burst of speed to hang in the NBA. His game is starting to round out too as a soph.
Another PG I’m looking at is Cassius Winston. Plays an old man game (below the rim, relies on smarts rather than speed/quickness), but I can see him being our younger Brad Wanamaker — which doesn’t sound oike a great endorsement, but it is important to have a steady hand backup PG who can navigate the offense.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 20, 2019 19:31:04 GMT -5
A junior wing player (6’6-6’7”) from Louisville, Jordan Nwora is a versatile player who can fascilitate the offense as a Point Forward. He’s a good 3pt shooter, handles the ball well enough (I would say on par with, maybe slightly better than Romeo Langford), drives hard to the basket, and plays aggressively (yet smart).
I’d think he’s a player who fits in with our style.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 22, 2019 15:14:10 GMT -5
I remember his dad playing tackle for my Dolphins years ago. Vernon Carey Jr. is built like an OLinemen, but his choice is to play basketball. Listed at 6’10” 250 lbs, this big guy boasts solid feet and coordination. A lefty who can play the power game (post up), take his man off the dribble, and even spot up for threes, Carey is a versatile big. Reminds me of a modern day Rodney Rogers (who was such a key guy for us in the early 2000s.
Not a flashy guy, but produces for Coach K when his number is called. I like that — play hard and let your production talk for you.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 22, 2019 16:08:25 GMT -5
Nico Manion is a 6’4” PG for Arizona. Think a young Kirk Hinrich and you’ll have an approximate idea of how Manion plays. He’s a solid backcourt player, with good size, enough athleticism, solid ball handling, driving skills, perimeter game and decent court vision. He’s a tough one who doesn’t shy away from competition.
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Post by freshnthehouse on Nov 22, 2019 19:15:29 GMT -5
Nico Manion is a 6’4” PG for Arizona. Think a young Kirk Hinrich and you’ll have an approximate idea of how Manion plays. He’s a solid backcourt player, with good size, enough athleticism, solid ball handling, driving skills, perimeter game and decent court vision. He’s a tough one who doesn’t shy away from competition. Man, Kirk Hinrich would've been perfect for today's nba. Dude was a monster on D and could shoot, His lack of elite PG skills would be minimized in todays pace n' space, spread the ball style. If he was born a decade later he woulda made a ton of money in today's game. |
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 22, 2019 19:30:44 GMT -5
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl just might be the guy I want us to draft because 1) he’s a 6’9” young Al Horford (meaning a do it all with no glaring weakness type of big man), 2) a good motor that allows him to come up with 50/50 plays, and 3) seems to be a coaches dream. m.youtube.com/watch?v=cBS7F01V-Ps |
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 26, 2019 16:57:07 GMT -5
Obadiah “Obi” Toppins. Nimble, explosive, highly versatile 6’9” 220 lbs PF for the Dayton Flyers. He’s leading the Flyers to a great start this college season. Can knock down 3s, attack the basket on closeouts, and convert baskets on post ups at a very efficient clip.
Only knock is he’s a 21 year old sophmore (at the same age, Tatum is already in his 3rd year in the NBA).
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Nov 26, 2019 18:38:45 GMT -5
So far, Anthony Edwards is proving he’s worthy of the #1 pick. He’s a no nonsense bulldog type of guy. No showboating after an incredible play (I have yet to see him flex his arms or yell after a great play). Showing good form on his shots, good touch from every, pull up 3s, pull up midrange, drives hard to the basket, converts or draws fouls, hits his free throws.
But more importantly, he’s singlehandedly keeping his Georgia Bulldogs competitive. By himself, he pulled them out of a huge deficit against Michigan State and nearly won it (had 37 pts, and I believe Danny was in attendance for this tournament in Maui).
I’m impressed. I made a mistake with Dennis Smith Jr. but I don’t think I am with Anthony Edwards — I think he has a chance to succeed at the next level. His game is similar to Oladipo’s.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 7, 2019 18:34:11 GMT -5
Been keeping up with Washington’s highlights, and I’ve lessened my appeal for both Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels.
McDaniels, while tall and lanky, and skilled with a soft shooting stroke, doesn’t play with a level of intensity I like to see from guys who I’d want playing for Brad. What I mean by that is I don’t see the toughness to take it to the teeth of a defense — McDaniels often pulls up well short of where he should to get a higher percentage shot. Maybe soft is the word to use.
Isaiah Stewart is a brute who doesn’t play vertically. On the one hand, players like Montrezl Harrell (and Stewart) can still be an integral part of a team — but for the Celtics, I think Brad is shifting to more athletic and mobile bigs who can switch and close out on the perimeter.
* update 12/18
Isaiah Stewart might not be showing us his true game. Because of his brute physique, he often is on the blocks and is tasked to score in the paint. But Stewart is (more) comfortable playing like a wing. For a big man, he likes to pull up for jumpers, he likes to cut, and I’ve seen him shoot deep 2s and 3s comfortably. What I’m saying is there might be untapped potential that some NBA team will discover.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 7, 2019 22:13:42 GMT -5
Currently, I’m liking the stuff I’m seeing from Deni Avdija, the 6’9” Point Forward from Tel Aviv Israel. Only 18, but has an advanced feel for the game, especially passing and making the tight play. Really good at securing the rebound and then attacking the break.
More Dario Saric than Luka Doncic.
Plays with intensity. Has an aggressive nature on both ends. Help defender as well as good effort on individual defense.
Has a decent shooting stroke, which should improve with more reps.
If I look long term, I can see Avdija fitting in with Tatum (SF) and Jaylen (SG) as the starting PF with his team oriented, pass first mentality, and his versatility as a scorer.
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