2024 NBA Draft Thread

Post #21 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 2:37 pm

Atlanta Hawks
Kyle Filipowski | Big | Duke | Sophomore
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Wing | Illinois | Senior

Post #22 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 2:38 pm

Post #23 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 2:42 pm

Draft Prospects catching our eye so far

Ja’Kobe Walter, wing, Baylor: Walter looks like he has an easy translation to the NBA as an off-ball wing with deep shooting range and impressive point-of-attack defensive ability. At 6’5 with a strong frame and long arms, Walter is hitting 38 percent of his threes and 88 percent of his free throws so far. He’s money on spot-ups and can also run off screens to stretch the defense away from the ball. Defensively, he’s been able to cut off driving lanes and contest shooters without fouling, which helps him project as a plus on that end. Just don’t ask him to create with the ball in his hands: he has limited shake driving to the basket, and his 6.4 percent assist rate is extremely low for a potential top-10 pick on the perimeter. His upside may be limited by his lack of on-ball skill, but his defense and shooting make him a safe bet to be a contributor.

Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky: Dillingham entered Kentucky out of Overtime Elite with a reputation for poor shot selection and sloppy decision-making. Neither looks true through his first nine games with the Wildcats. Dillingham has been an electric shooter from three so far — 51.4 percent on 37 attempts so far — showcasing deep range with rare confidence and comfort on pull-ups. The fact that he looks like a true point guard is even more surprising: Dillingham is whipping passes all over the floor while avoiding turnovers to give him 8.5 assists to 3.1 turnovers per 40 minutes to start the season. He’s so tiny that he’s basically a zero on defense, but his shiftiness, shooting, and careful facilitation is worth betting on, and a little reminiscent of Darius Garland.

Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky: Sheppard has been another surprise freshman star for Kentucky, going from one of their lower-rated recruits (No. 79 in his class, per 247) to the team’s best overall player almost immediately. Sheppard will have a questionable NBA translation because he’s a small guard — reportedly 6’2 with a 6’3 wingspan — who doesn’t create much with the ball in his hands. Still, he’s incredible as a shooter and defensive player, with absurdly quick hands and advanced technique at the point of attack. How many players can he really guard in the NBA given his lack of size? Instead of asking what Sheppard can’t do, his play has been so impressive thus far that it’s worth investing in what he does well.

SB Nation

Post #24 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 2:46 pm

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Post #25 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 3:45 pm

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Post #26 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:02 pm

A true 3&D threat at SG, he might be the Klay klone we've been seeking all these years.

Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor
Height/Weight: 6-5, 195 pounds
Stats: 14.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 42% FG

Walter is a big reason why Baylor is 9-0 on the season and ranked No. 6 in the country. He is as strong as any shooter in the 2023 class, sporting a 38% clip from 3-point range. The five-star recruit has already had four games this year with four made triples.

Walter's strengths go beyond just shotmaking, which makes him a perfect fit for Scott Drew because he's a capable defender who uses his length to be disruptive, possessing a high motor. Walter never stops moving on both ends of the floor, and the impact he has had for an unbeaten Bears team, combined with his three games of 23-plus points this season, is why we've got him at No. 3 on this list. He is a freshman who can explode on any given night on the offensive end for his team.

Fox Sports

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Post #27 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:04 pm

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Post #28 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:15 pm

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Post #29 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:27 pm

This kid was recently mocked to us in Round 2 of the draft:

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Post #30 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:28 pm

Spoiler:

Post #31 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 8:04 pm

A name to remember if we keep this pick:

Dalton Knecht | SG | Tennessee

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Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6'6", 204 lbs

Scouts were buzzing about Dalton Knecht's 37 points against North Carolina. They've already started to brainstorm about a pro comparison for the 6'6", 40.5 percent three-point shooter who's also showcased some extra wiggle attacking the basket and explosion in the open floor.

There may be some questions about how much of his scoring will translate to the next level. But in a draft where there aren't as many enticing high-upside teenagers available, Knecht could start to look like a persuasive shotmaker and tough role player in the late first round.

Bleacher Report

Post #32 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:33 pm

As frustrating as it would be to fall back into the lottery, it might actually be a benefit long term:

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Post #33 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 7:16 pm

If we were to fall into the lottery, this is a guy worth considering. Biggest issue, he has a ton of overlap with Jalen Johnson.
Is that something to consider when building from scratch?

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Post #34 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 7:17 pm

jayu70 · Post #35 » by **jayu70** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:46 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:If we were to fall into the lottery, this is a guy worth considering. Biggest issue, he has a ton of overlap with Jalen Johnson.
Is that something to consider when building from scratch?

Get the talent!

Post #36 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:05 am

jayu70 wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:If we were to fall into the lottery, this is a guy worth considering. Biggest issue, he has a ton of overlap with Jalen Johnson.
Is that something to consider when building from scratch?

Get the talent!

1. I agree with you.

2. Is that still the case if the Best Player Available is yet another Point Guard?

jayu70 · Post #37 » by **jayu70** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:08 am

Jamaaliver wrote:
jayu70 wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:If we were to fall into the lottery, this is a guy worth considering. Biggest issue, he has a ton of overlap with Jalen Johnson.
Is that something to consider when building from scratch?

Get the talent!

1. I agree with you.

2. Is that still the case if the Best Player Available is yet another Point Guard?

I think in an earlier thread I said go big...

Post #38 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:20 am

What are you guys thoughts on Terrence Shannon II?

Post #39 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:33 am

CP War Hawks · Post #40 » by **CP War Hawks** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 5:51 pm

jayu70 wrote:
Jamaaliver wrote:
jayu70 wrote:
Get the talent!

1. I agree with you.

2. Is that still the case if the Best Player Available is yet another Point Guard?

I think in an earlier thread I said go big...

Combo of bpa and positional need. Coby Williams is 6-8 wing and younger brother of Jalen Williams. a pseudo basketball analogy would be sans injury: Lonzo is to Jalen what Melo is to Coby...

The older brothers are more sound overall players, but the younger ones have more pure talent.