27th And 28th Picks

I think at least two of these guys (Alford being one and Meeks the other) are likely guys they're looking at for the defenders...

But yeah I agree. I think Bam is a good player to nab if you can, but if there's a shooter there like Ojeleye, I expect them to go with the shooter. Not just for Russell, but Lonzo too will need shooters. I'm glad to see our young bigs working on their jumpers too.

 

That's a good group right there. Blossomgame's name has been around that early 2nd round spot for a long time as an athletic forward. Dorsey has been impressive whenever I've watched him. Oliver is as athletic as they come. Rabb has been sliding in a lot of mocks for some reason, he'd be an interesting pick. Rathman-Hayes and Sterling Brown are more likely Defenders guys.

 

I spent some time looking more into Jordan Bell. There's a lot of pros and a lot of cons...

Pros:
- local kid with a good reputation out of Long Beach.
- active and hard working, won't take plays off.
- prides himself defensively.
- athletic as can be in space.
- has a lot of heart, wants to win.

Cons:
- too small to hold his own. He famously was walked under the rim twice in the NCAA tournament with the game on the line.
- can't shoot.
- inconsistent motor.
- has the game of a C in the body of a SF/PF, not a good combination.

I think the reality is if he doesn't develop a jumper, he's going to be an energy guy for a few years in the mold of Turiaf or Josh Powell. I'm not positive he can be more than that and it's possible he never pans out at all. I wouldn't take him at #28 but if he plays as hard in the NBA as he did in college he should at least last a few years.

 

Next I'm going to start looking into Ivan Rabb. I'm not sure why he's been sliding lately. He's been up in the teens on most mocks for most of the year. He's now in the high 20s for draftnet and DraftExpress has him at 28 going to us.

 

Jordan Bell is a better shooter than Bryce Alford


kidding........

 

I agree that I don't think he gets drafted. Someone will give him a camp invite though and he'll likely play in the Summer League.

 

2 take aways from the Alford interview.

1. he talks as if Ball to the Lakers is a done deal.
2. if he's getting drafted as a shooter, shouldn't he make a few? 2 out of like 10 ain't gonna cut it with no one guarding you.