DRAFT TALK Thread: Looking Like Lonzo

What purpose would it serve for a team with the #2 overall pick to promise that to any prospect? That's a practice for later in the draft when you don't know who will be on the board. Guy on Twitter I've never heard of, I'm calling BS on you, sir.

 

I'm not disagreeing at all. In my opinion his strength isn't a major, long-term concern. It's as concern for his first couple years though as he transitions to the NBA. He needs more strength to run consistently, jump consistently, body guys up consistently, etc. He'll fill out.

 

But I don't think thats the point necessarily.

If these concerns are true, itsn't because he's just simply out of shape. You are right, this can be fixed. BUT the bigger issue is the WHY. Yes, there are reports that he needed time to recover from a hamstring issue, but Ball was also seen playing games in a gym after the lottery was announced with friends.

WHY is he not in better shape with a month to prepare for team workouts, even if it is just for the Lakers. This to me is the bigger issue that needs to be raised, if I'm the Lakers FO/Coaching Staff.

Where is the willingness or eagerness to want to improve/take advantage of the moment, opportunity before you.

 

Yes, but Bynum wasn't a basketball junkie like Ball. I think he played because he was tall. Many other interests for him.

 

I'll revise my 1st round mock here given some of the recent news:

1. Boston: Fultz- Still the highest upside pick.
2. Lakers: Ball- Still the best fit although I do believe the Lakers love Jackson.
3. Sixers: Jo. Jackson- Good fit. He completes a very athletic team that has length at every spot. They can't shoot, but they'll be interesting as all hell on the run.
4. Suns: Tatum- Solid fit. Booker/Tatum makes for a hell of a scoring duo. Not a lot of passing, but a lot of buckets.
5. Kings: Fox- Kings love him. They need a guard. Fits the personality they foster up there of toughness.
6. Orlando: Markannen- Tough spot for Orlando. They overspent on Fournier, dedicated to Payton and Gordon, too early to draft a big. Might trade down, but Markannen gives them something unique. They could always slide Gordon to SF since Markannen can shoot and space the floor.
7. Wolves: Isaac- I'd be shocked if Minnesota didn't make this move. Defensive guy who has shooting potential. He could be a monster next to Towns for 10 years.
8. Knicks: Smith Jr.- I think Ntilikina fits a little better, but Smith Jr. is getting great buzz because of his athleticism. Not a great fit, but a good talent.
9. Mavs: Monk- Solid fit. The Mavs have pieced together their guard spot with lesser players, Monk can fill it up. I could see Ntilikina fitting in here too.
10. Kings: Anunoby- Said it before, but they need a wing now with Gay gone and Fox on board. Good fit, good prospect.
11. Hornets: Z. Collins- Most would call it a reach, but I like the kid. The Hornets' best big man is Cody Zeller... Good fit and good prospect.
12. Pistons: Mitchell- Caldewell-Pope insurance. Defensive minded, tough kid. Good scorer. Not my favorite, but fits the Detroit feel.
13. Nuggets: J. Collins- He's testing really well and is very athletic. not a perfect fit with Jokic, but could be a solid one. Nuggets already have wings.
14. Heat: Leaf- Great fit next to Whiteside. Will keep the floor spaced, hustle on the glass.
15. Blazers: Patton- Quietly growing into maybe my favorite big man prospect besides Z. Collins. Really raw, but shows great promise. Probably a PF, could be a C.
16. Bulls: Kennard- He's been flying up draft boards. He looks great in workouts. I'm not 100% sold, but how long will Wade be in Chicago? Get a shooter.
17. Bucks: Anigbogu- Monroe is on the way out, Henson is a non-starter. Anigbogu gives them a big defensive presence around the rim. Fits their athleticism too.
18. Pacers: J. Allen- Solid big man prospect. He's been underwhelming in workouts compared to others, but could be a good long-term fit with Turner who can shoot.
19. Hawks: Adebayo- Reach! But one that works. Adebayo actually has shown decent shooting form. Could be more of a PF than a C, maybe a Millsap replacement.
20. Blazers: Giles- I know they already took Patton and they have Nurkic, but Patton will take time. Giles can be a PF/C with range. Solid gamble.
21. Thunder: Ju. Jackson- They need a reliable wing. Justin falls a bit for me, but he's a great fit for that team.
22. Nets: Pasecniks- Hardest spot for me. The Nets need everything. Pasecniks gives them probably the highest upside of the big men left.
23. Raptors: Ferguson- Super athlete, shooting potential, defensive potential. Sort of a dingleberry. This is right up Toronto's wheelhouse though.
24. Jazz: DJ Wilson- Shooting up draft boards. He's working out well. Nice jumper, good athleticism for his size. Potential spacing PF or maybe even Hayward replacement. He's very versatile.
25. Magic: Hartenstein- I expect him to pull out of the draft soon, but this is a pure Orlando move. Could be good, could be nothing.
26. Blazers: Evans- Brought in immediately as a backup PG. I can't imagine the Blazers keep all three picks. Decent fit though if they had to.
27. Nets: F. Jackson- Rookie out of Duke. Solid ceiling. Making good noise right now. I see him sneaking into the end of the 1st as a project flier.
28. Lakers: Ojeleye- Bit of wishful thinking that he gets here instead of Wilson, Jackson, or Hartenstein, but this is my guy.
29. Spurs: Lydon- Perfect grab for them. He can take Lee's place. Good floor spacer which they need.
30. Jazz: White- Good Exum insurance.

 

That's why I always bring my bear mace when you and I are out in the woods.

I know NBA defenses are different and I think the adjustment is still there. He operates off the ball so much more than detractors realize. The simple passes he makes are simple passes that everyone should make and are available everywhere. He also makes the right skip passes which will be there as well. There'll be a learning curve, there always is, but he'll be fine. No he's not Ben Simmons with the vision, but he's still very, very good. When I say he makes the extra pass, that's not the only pass he makes. You don't lead the NCAA in assists just by making the easy passes.

 

I wonder what they were doing at UCLA...

 

For what it's worth: