Now that we know the draft order, who do we draft? (New thread)

I agree...I can't get excited about him. None of the guys at ten are very exciting though and we have to take someone there.
We should pick OG there. We can't B### and moan that our defense sucks and not invest in defensive players. Can teams begin to trade now that the season is over?
 
We should pick OG there. We can't B### and moan that our defense sucks and not invest in defensive players. Can teams begin to trade now that the season is over?
How about the team gets its stars first and then they can sprinkle in the defensive players that fit next to those starts. So we draft OG this year (whom I quite like and would be open to drafting) but What is you draft someone like Luka Doncic next year as your SF? Does OG all of a sudden become a bench player?

I don't think we can spend early picks on role players unless you already have you stars in place. Then you can pick someone like OG if he fits really well on what you already have.
 
How about the team gets its stars first and then they can sprinkle in the defensive players that fit next to those starts. So we draft OG this year (whom I quite like and would be open to drafting) but What is you draft someone like Luka Doncic next year as your SF? Does OG all of a sudden become a bench player?

I don't think we can spend early picks on role players unless you already have you stars in place. Then you can pick someone like OG if he fits really well on what you already have.
Elite defensive players which is what I think OG could be don't get moved often. That's why I say "invest" in them.
 
For me, this is my draft board at 5 and 10 picks:

5: Fox if available, Smith 2nd (we need a PG and that's our biggest weakness)

10: Mitchell (I think he will still be there at 10), if not him then Collins. I think Koufos might end up as trade bait if we get Collins, but I would be stoked with WCS, Collins, and Skal as our future rotation. Mitchell is legit, he's going to surprise people, maybe not right away but he's got all the tools needed to excel in today's game. Might be able to play SF at times with that crazy length.
 
Elite defensive players which is what I think OG could be don't get moved often. That's why I say "invest" in them.
And I don't disagree, I just disagree with the order in which its done!

You need to have your foundations down for the house before you can build the walls and the roof. Similarly, when building a team you need to get your franchise player or players (foundation) before you start adding talent that fits those players (walls and roof). OG is the player that you add once you have your foundation because you don't know if your franchise player will play the same position as OG.
 
@Carolija

I agree to an extent with your reasoning. I am not keen on Markannen because he seems to fill a specialist role, and seems more like a finishing touch.

I think OG's offensive potential is under rated and his defensive potential speaks for itself. I know what his offensive numbers look like in a very limited role as a freshman and 16 games as a soph. I am just going with my gut.

As for Doncic or a similar top prospect, we don't have a clue where we will be picking, or who will even declare. All we know for sure is 5,10 and 34 this draft.
 
For me, this is my draft board at 5 and 10 picks:

5: Fox if available, Smith 2nd (we need a PG and that's our biggest weakness)

10: Mitchell (I think he will still be there at 10), if not him then Collins. I think Koufos might end up as trade bait if we get Collins, but I would be stoked with WCS, Collins, and Skal as our future rotation. Mitchell is legit, he's going to surprise people, maybe not right away but he's got all the tools needed to excel in today's game. Might be able to play SF at times with that crazy length.
I'm kind of lying low until the draft, too many possibilities including potential trades and and surprises like Ball possibly falling out of the top 4. Anyways if we stay at 5 and 10, and if available staying realistic as to who might go where, at 5 I want Fox followed by Isaac, and at 10 I want Mitchell followed by Collins.
Mitchell at 10 especially makes sense if we take Isaac at 5. I'm beginning to think Mitchell is a player that a team or two will wish they had picked.
Isaac, however, might go 4 especially hearing that Phoenix has had him in twice, but as mentioned elsewhere that improves our chances of landing Fox.
 
For me, this is my draft board at 5 and 10 picks:

5: Fox if available, Smith 2nd (we need a PG and that's our biggest weakness)

10: Mitchell (I think he will still be there at 10), if not him then Collins. I think Koufos might end up as trade bait if we get Collins, but I would be stoked with WCS, Collins, and Skal as our future rotation. Mitchell is legit, he's going to surprise people, maybe not right away but he's got all the tools needed to excel in today's game. Might be able to play SF at times with that crazy length.
Mitchell is 6'3, theres no way he can play SF. Hes a small SG with length who is interesting if he develops his PG skills.
 
I see nbadraft.net finally updated their mock draft. They have Tatum at 3, Ball slipping to 4, and the Kings taking Fox at 5 then Zach Collins at 10. I don't know but I would think by now some educated thought is going into some of these draft boards??
I don't see us taking Motley a PF at 34 as they suggest especially after picking Collins at 10. They have OG and Semi going at 32 and 33 which would ruin my 2nd round seeing we still need a SF.
 
I'm kind of lying low until the draft, too many possibilities including potential trades and and surprises like Ball possibly falling out of the top 4. Anyways if we stay at 5 and 10, and if available staying realistic as to who might go where, at 5 I want Fox followed by Isaac, and at 10 I want Mitchell followed by Collins.
Mitchell at 10 especially makes sense if we take Isaac at 5. I'm beginning to think Mitchell is a player that a team or two will wish they had picked.
Isaac, however, might go 4 especially hearing that Phoenix has had him in twice, but as mentioned elsewhere that improves our chances of landing Fox.
I'm not convinced Ball will be anything special. He doesn't have great physical ability and that will hurt him in today's NBA, where a must from the PG position is to be able to drive and break down the defense. Ball can't do that, it's not his game at all.

I prefer Fox at 5 if he's there, even though I think Smith has more overall capability on offense. Fox has the intangibles that you can't teach, and that speaks volumes when it comes to elevating the play of your teammates. I agree with you on Mitchell, he could turn out to be a very solid player, although I would not be disappointed with Collins in the least.
 
Already seen enough from wcs and papa g huh? I still like both of their potential long term, especially Willie's. I'm out on Collins as a result.
I've watched Collins highlights a few times - and think he has better reactions/timing at blocking than anyone on the current Kings roster. For that matter, better blocking ability than anyone in the draft - so for all intents and purposes, the top blocker in this draft. He's not as athletic as Cauley-Stein, but there's a difference. Being more athletic may not always translate to better blocking. Collins has some post moves and a decent form shot too. My initial opinion of him has changed, and would be happy if the Kings drafted him at 10. Fox and Collins would be a good pair, injecting defense into the Kings team.
 
I'm not convinced Ball will be anything special. He doesn't have great physical ability and that will hurt him in today's NBA, where a must from the PG position is to be able to drive and break down the defense. Ball can't do that, it's not his game at all.

I prefer Fox at 5 if he's there, even though I think Smith has more overall capability on offense. Fox has the intangibles that you can't teach, and that speaks volumes when it comes to elevating the play of your teammates. I agree with you on Mitchell, he could turn out to be a very solid player, although I would not be disappointed with Collins in the least.
I'm not convinced either, but truthfully I don't know how good of pro Ball might become. I just threw Ball falling out of the top 4 as an example of something that would shake up the draft. If he drops out of the top four I recon that means Fox is almost certainly not a choice at 5. I too would much prefer Fox.
 
I agree...I can't get excited about him. None of the guys at ten are very exciting though and we have to take someone there.
There's a situation in which the #10 pick gets moved and it could play out like this.

In Chad Ford's (Fraud's) column he revealed his Tier System which is result of polling GMs and scouts. I put more stock in this than his opinions since he's getting anonymous feedback from decision makers. There are 10 players total in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is potential superstars (Fultz Ball). Tier 2 is potential all-stars:

De'Aaron Fox, PG, Fr., Kentucky
Jonathan Isaac, F, Fr., Florida State
Josh Jackson, G/F, Fr., Kansas
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Fr., Arizona
Malik Monk, G, Fr., Kentucky
Frank Ntilikina, PG, France
Dennis Smith, PG, Fr., North Carolina State
Jayson Tatum, F, Fr., Duke

This is the most players ever in Tier 2 in all years he has been doing this! This is a super strong draft by this standard. I am going to set aside for a moment whether I agree with this tiering (I don't), and presume for a moment these will be Top 10 players selected based on the general consensus. This is a broad presumption based on "expecting the unexpected" but let's just go with it for now....

I don't think Frank N is going before Monk or Smith. I don't see it. I have scouted this kid and his body of work is not that impressive. His handles are weak. His speed and quickness is suspect. He has nice shot and length but I don't see this guy playing major minutes for at least a season and a half. He needs a lot of seasoning. So you are telling me he is going to get picked over Monk or Smith, the latter player I don't even like?! I don't think so.

The next thing that needs to be mentioned is I think the Mavs are bluffing so hard and fake in regards to Lauri M. I think they are dying to land this kid as Dirk replacement. Dirk can mentor this kid, put him under his wing, teach him his tricks before he hangs up his sneakers. Lauri has the size, shooting stroke and balance of a young Dirk. He's soft but so too was Dirk when he came into the league.

So if you buy these premises partially or fully that (1) two tiers consisting of Top 10 players (2) Frank N is the least appealing guard (3) Mavs are salivating to draft Lauri, then it is highly conceivable the draft could play out something like this:

(1) Celts - Fultz
(2) Lakers - Jackson
(3) 76ers - Ball
(4) Suns - Isaac
(5) Kings - Fox
(6) Magic - Smith
(7) Wolves - Tatum
(8) Knicks - Monk
(9) Mavs - Lauri M
(10) Kings - ????

Doh!!!! We just drafted our franchise PG at #5 and now the one remaining player in Top 10 and Tier 2 is a guy I don't think we particularly want or need. In this scenario, we are in quandary. I assume Vlade has a viable plan in the event this plays out. We can reach for Zach Collins (ugh), OG Anunoby (too high), or Donovan Mitchell. In latter case, we get a player I like but our SF void remains unfilled. I think if the draft plays out like this we should offer the #10 to a team that loves Collins or Frank N. for a sweet haul. Perhaps we could offer the #10 to POR for #15 and #20 if we can get OG Anunoby at #15 then Semi Ojelye at #20 to back-up Skal? I haven't watched him much but Semi reminds me of Draymond. The bottom line is if whether we get our PG at #5 I don't think we are getting Lauri M at #10. The Mavs will see to that if not a team drafting before them. Lauri M would be the one player I think I would be comfortable taking at #10 if we land Fox as a space creating 4/5. If we land Isaac at #5 then I would be in favor of drafting Lauri or Donovan at #10. Drafting Fox and Donovan would be not ideal with our glaring need at SF. Unless we are signing Otto Porter to a max or bringing Allen Crabbe into our cap space, I don't think we should spend the #5 and #10 on a PG and a potential PG. It would be a misuse of assets.

There's one potential problem worth mentioning with trading 2:1, that is, #10 for #15 and #20 (or something like this) and players on rookie cost-controlled contracts. We'd be running out of open roster spots and have up to $60 million dollar to spend. I think we'd be down to 2-3 open roster spots with a lot of unspent dollars. This will have to be sorted out after the draft or perhaps draft day deal.
 
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I feel strongly that Ntilikina likely lands in NY at 7, unless they go with Smith (or even Monk but they need a PG to take over for Rose).

Ntilikina is still playing and will fly in for the draft and possibly fly back if their tournament goes the distance. He recently spoke about the Knicks possibility and playing with Kristaps. (speaks fluent English from tv and music)
He said he started studying the triangle before the draft process because he knew it brought Phil success and he wants to learn all he can. Student of the game. He was excited about a PNR game with KP. He is normaly soft spoken, except where his game is concerned. Said he relishes opportunities to defend good players and knows his height and wingspan (7') are built for it.

Thinks NY would be a good situation for him. And he seems a pretty good fit for the triangle out of the top PG's in the draft IMHO.
 
I feel strongly that Ntilikina likely lands in NY at 7, unless they go with Smith (or even Monk but they need a PG to take over for Rose).

Ntilikina is still playing and will fly in for the draft and possibly fly back if their tournament goes the distance. He recently spoke about the Knicks possibility and playing with Kristaps. (speaks fluent English from tv and music)
He said he started studying the triangle before the draft process because he knew it brought Phil success and he wants to learn all he can. Student of the game. He was excited about a PNR game with KP. He is normaly soft spoken, except where his game is concerned. Said he relishes opportunities to defend good players and knows his height and wingspan (7') are built for it.

Thinks NY would be a good situation for him. And he seems a pretty good fit for the triangle out of the top PG's in the draft IMHO.
I think NY will take him too, or the Mavs. Don't see him slipping past them
 
@kingdivac
I am not trying to pick, but I have seen similar comments as yours a lot and wanted to say something. For the record I leaned towards Cousins apologist, even when it got hard.

That said, what did fans REALLY expect Vlade to say? I mean, let's try one possible scenario of an honest answer:

Vlade: " Well I really think it is time we move on from Cousins, but Vivek won't let me."
Does that sound like something you want the POBO to say to the media?

It was an ugly situation on both sides, and no one comes out clean. But I see fans here, on reddit and other dark places looking at what Vlade said in regards to not trading Cousins and they seem oblivious to why he may have "went back on his word".

Again, not trying to pick, just trying to give perspective.
 
I don't think so.

If we draft Collins, KK would be the player most likely traded. KK would probably net us a 1st rounder.
Papa G and Willie are centers. This is where they are most effective. Is Collins going play backup behind Skal? Is Willie going to slide to PF behind Skal? Even if you get rid of Koufos, you'd have three guys whose best position is center. Collins looks like he can nail the perimeter jumper better than Willie and Papa G, but I still see him as a center. If Vlade drafts Collins at #10 AND gets rid of Koufos I still see a logjam and misuse of assets. At least with Lauri at #10, you have a guy with a special ability to space the floor and pull bigs away from the rim. I don't think he will be there for us at #10.

I am becoming more of mindset we have a good shot at Fox at #5, thereby excluding Donovan at #10. Our best bet barring a trade is OG Anunoby and hope for a full recovery, and success acquiring SF via trade or free agency (Crabbe, Porter).
 
Papa G and Willie are centers. This is where they are most effective. Is Collins going play backup behind Skal? Is Willie going to slide to PF behind Skal? Even if you get rid of Koufos, you'd have three guys whose best position is center. Collins looks like he can nail the perimeter jumper better than Willie and Papa G, but I still see him as a center. If Vlade drafts Collins at #10 AND gets rid of Koufos I still see a logjam and misuse of assets. At least with Lauri at #10, you have a guy with a special ability to space the floor and pull bigs away from the rim. I don't think he will be there for us at #10.
Both WCS and Collins can play Power Forward and Center.

The Kings are in rebuild mode, IMO no way they trade Papa G (who is part of the youth movement and on a cheap rookie deal) and keep KK (who is in the final year of his contract).

I believe if the Kings draft Collins, KK would have the most trade value and he would be the most logical player to trade in a crowded front court.
 
One week to go.....I am feeling good about Fox at #5.

First, Fox does not want to go to Phoenix. Second, GM McDonough contract expires at end of next season. The owner Sarver does NOT believe in handing out extensions, smartly so. He will negotiate only after the contract expires. McDonough needs his team to win (or at least be respectable to get new deal). I think this makes McDonough more inclined to hope for (near) All-Star campaign from Bledsoe than trade him away and draft Fox. Only if he gets no-brainer offer for Bledsoe that makes team better in near term and long term will he pull the trigger. No one is going to take Knight without getting the #4 so they are stuck with him. McDonough should absolutely draft Isaac and I think he will. Isaac defensive impact and floor game is more likely to pay immediate dividends that drafting Tatum and hoping he will become a go-to scoring threat as a rookie. I think Tatum due to his average athleticism has a future as a stretch 4. Guess what, they drafted Chriss as a stretch 4 type player.

(1) Celts - Fultz
(2) Lakers - Jackson (Ball)
(3) 76ers - Ball (Jackson)
(4) Suns - Isaac
(5) Kings - :):):)

Obviously it doesn't matter to us if Jackson and Ball go 3/2 or 2/3. as long as this happens. The other potential land mine is Magic taking Fox at #2. The concerns about Ball are legitimate. Going away from Ball would NOT be a shocker. But one thing to feel good about is to look at landscape of West with Durant, Draymond and Kawhi, and a guy like Hayward (if he sticks in Utah). You need a beast to battle these beasts. Jackson projects as guy who can go nose-to-nose with them. There is logic to running Jackson at point forward to create shots with Russell playing more off the ball to create shots. Jackson would not do this to the same degree as Ball, but he'd give you far more on other end. Fox to the 76ers over Ball seems unlikely to pair two below average shooters (Fox, Simmons) in the same backcourt. It would shrink the court and give Embiid less room to operate. So the bottom line as far as I can deduce, as long as Magic favors Jackson over Fox and Ball, independent of how he feels about Fox vs Ball, we will get our PG. In other words, Magic may like Fox better than Ball. He just has to like Jackson better than Fox.

In getting into the mind of Magic and what he will do next Thursday, I think it is important to return to the competitiveness trait. Magic was the ultimate competitor! He wants to build his Lakers with ultimate competitors. You start with talent then you look for guys who live and breathe hoops and hate to lose. I don't think Ball fits this mold. He's a laid back California kid who shies away from contact and diving to the floor. Say what you want about sore hamstring or whatever, but he rolled over versus Kentucky. Going away from Ball seems feasible in favor of the player with superior competitiveness. Fox and Jackson impressed as extreme competitors.

This is my FINAL Top 5. I will be releasing my FINAL Top 10 soon....so stay tuned ;)

(1) Celts - Fultz
(2) Lakers - Jackson
(3) 76ers - Ball
(4) Suns - Isaac
(5) Kings - Fox
 
Both WCS and Collins can play Power Forward and Center.

The Kings are in rebuild mode, IMO no way they trade Papa G (who is part of the youth movement and on a cheap rookie deal) and keep KK (who is in the final year of his contract).

I believe if the Kings draft Collins, KK would have the most trade value and he would be the most logical player to trade in a crowded front court.
I'll just say it: Drafting Collins at #10 would be absolutely tragic as far as tragic events occur in this context. :) It's not that he's a bad player. It's that picking him would be a terrible misuse of assets. I will take OG Anunoby any day over Collins and hope for full recovery and return to court early 2018. I said I would call for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith. If he drafts Collins at #10, I would say the same. You don't add to your glut of centers by adding one more. It's also questionable whether the Kings could get a #1 pick for Koufos. The trade market for centers is pretty weak.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
I'll just say it: Drafting Collins at #10 would be absolutely tragic as far as tragic events occur in this context. :) It's not that he's a bad player. It's that picking him would be a terrible misuse of assets. I will take OG Anunoby any day over Collins and hope for full recovery and return to court early 2018. I said I would call for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith. If he drafts Collins at #10, I would say the same. You don't add to your glut of centers by adding one more. It's also questionable whether the Kings could get a #1 pick for Koufos. The trade market for centers is pretty weak.
I have the same question about Anunoby as I do Isaac - is he a SF or is he really a PF? But Isaac has some perimeter skills on offense where Anunoby has a shaky outside shot and really nothing else but straight line drives. Throw in the injury and I'm less and less comfortable with him as the pick.
 
I'll just say it: Drafting Collins at #10 would be absolutely tragic as far as tragic events occur in this context. :) It's not that he's a bad player. It's that picking him would be a terrible misuse of assets. I will take OG Anunoby any day over Collins and hope for full recovery and return to court early 2018. I said I would call for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith. If he drafts Collins at #10, I would say the same. You don't add to your glut of centers by adding one more. It's also questionable whether the Kings could get a #1 pick for Koufos. The trade market for centers is pretty weak.
Personally, I think Vlade has a very good eye for talent. :)

Whoever Vlade picks at #5 and #10, I think he has earned the benefit of the doubt.

No need to call for anyone's firing, until after we see the results on the court (and the results may not be evident for 2 or 3 years). :)