2020 Draft prospects

[blkbigdog35]

Some prospects the Hawks could look at.

Anthony Edwards, Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old 

Under head coach Tom Crean, the Georgia freshman has been a standout prospect. He is averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during his first collegiate season. But a lot of his output has been helped by his high usage rate. He is shooting just 28.1 percent on jump shots in a set offense, per Synergy, and is shooting just 24.6 percent off the dribble. He is also taking too many shots from deep midrange, shooting 25.8 percent on these looks. Fortunately, Edwards has been an above-average defender and is averaging 1.4 steals per game. The young star can stay in his hometown for this pick, too.

James Wiseman, USA 

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Big, 7-foot-1, 19 years old 

The biggest reason why Wiseman is this high on draft boards is that he was the No. 1 overall player on RSCI, which combines all of the top high school rankings in the country. The other biggest factor is his massive size, notably his 7-foot-6 wingspan. While it will be hard to see what else he is able to add to his game while he is away from the NCAA following an incredibly brief stint with the Memphis Tigers, he can be an appealing development project. Much like Edwards in New York, the bright lights of Chicago would be an awesome way for Wiseman to start his professional career.

[blkbigdog35]

Obi Toppin, Dayton

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be a team likely defined by Zion Williamson for years to come. Much like Williamson, Toppin is a high-flyer who currently leads the NCAA in dunks with 3.2 per game. But he won’t clog the paint from the dunker spot as he is averaging 2.6 three-point shot attempts per game. When determining potential fits for the Pelicans, it is worth considering their ability in transition offense because of their schemes. As such, it is important to note Toppin is 27-for-38 (71.1 percent) on these opportunities.

Vernon Carey, Duke 

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Big, 6-foot-10, 18 years old

The Kings could continue their tradition of drafting big men from Duke by adding Carey to the mix. He would join Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles as former Blue Devils in the frontcourt for Sacramento. Carey has been an elite college basketball player, averaging 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He leads all freshmen in defensive rebound percentage (28.0 percent), ranks Top 5 among freshmen in total dunks (24) and Top 10 in block percentage (7.8 percent) as well. If he eventually adds a more constant three-pointer to his arsenal, he could be a starter in the NBA very soon.

[blkbigdog35]

Now this guy I would like the Hawks to get with the other 1st round pick!

 

Cassius Stanley, Duke

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Wing, 6-foot-6, 20 years old

There is a world of potential that is surrounding Stanley, who has been a multidimensional talent at Duke. His record-setting vertical leaping ability will draw attention though there is a lot more to like about the freshman as well. He is shooting 43.3 percent from three-point range and is averaging 1.67 points per possession when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranks in the 99th percentile among all NCAA players. The Blue Devils have a Top 5 offense and a Top 5 defense and with the trust of Coach K, he has an important stamp of approval. If he were playing in his hometown, too, he can become an immediate fan favorite.

[blkbigdog35]

Wiseman is my leading candidate!
 

 

 

 

 

[blkbigdog35]

It’s been pretty interesting as I have looked at multiple sites who have mock drafts and two common names have been linked to the Hawks which are Antman and Wiseman.  Now since we have added Capela and Dedmon I doubt Wiseman would be the pick.  However these are the five young men I’m consistently seeing in the top 5 where the Hawks are likely to pick.
Anthony Edwards G, LaMelo Ball G, James Wiseman C, Obi Toppin PF, and Jaden McDaniel PF.

 

[blkbigdog35]

Looking at these prospects though I’m not really extremely excited about this draft class!

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

[blkbigdog35]

Antman however would be the pick I think would be of great value for our team though.  
 

NBA Comparison: Dwyane Wade/Donovan Mitchell(Damm good comparison )

Strengths: 6’4 combo guard with elite level athleticism … Shows a good feel for the game and competitiveness … Good size and length for position with a 6’9 wingspan and 8’4 standing reach … Strong build. At 18,  already has an NBA body … Uses his strength well and should be able to add additional strength … Finishes well with contact and can bully smaller guards … High-level athleticism, good body control, and hang time … Has a quick first step … Gets to the rim and throws down dunks in traffic … Gets going down hill with a dribble drive and finishes well with either hand … Natural scoring ability … Shoots well from three and can shoot from NBA range … Needs just a little bit of space to get his shot off … Adept ballhandler and drives with either hand … Keeps his head up and has good court vision … Reads double teams well … Passes out of drives … Good rebounder for his position … Good tools and athleticism defensively …  Blocks shots well for a guard … Makes the game look easy … Good competitor and doesn’t lack for confidence.  

Weaknesses: Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot just 58.3% FT% over the Under Armour Association in 2018 … Solid playmaker but has room to improve if he’s going to play both guard positions in the NBA … Can work on limiting turnovers … Can improve midrange scoring, tends to utilize deep threes or getting all the way to the rim … Doesn’t really pick his spots as a midrange shooter or show much of a floater … For someone who can get to the rim and challenge the help defender, he settles for a lot of deep, contested shots … Can learn to incorporate more movement when playing off the ball … Should study players like Steph Curry on how to use constant movement and coming off of screens to set up shots.  I have seen him settle for too many deep threes and he’s been turnover prone.  However this kid can improve and be special!!

[Beef]

If we keep winning over 35% of our games, and I suspect this will be the case as we’re starting to gel and are making player moves, we’re going to be much more likely to end up in the 5-14 pick range than the 1-4.

As a result, I would begin expanding the potential prospect list.

[jayu70]

3 hours ago, blkbigdog35 said:

It’s been pretty interesting as I have looked at multiple sites who have mock drafts and two common names have been linked to the Hawks which are Antman and Wiseman.  Now since we have added Capela and Dedmon I doubt Wiseman would be the pick.  However these are the five young men I’m consistently seeing in the top 5 where the Hawks are likely to pick.
Anthony Edwards G, LaMelo Ball G, James Wiseman C, Obi Toppin PF, and Jaden McDaniel PF.

 

I'm not advocating we select Wiseman, but why not if TS views him as BPA?

Big men in general take longer to develop, we can afford to take a patient approach.

I see Dedmon as a 1 year deal for next season. So Wiseman can learn a thing or two.

What if the Capela/Collins duo doesn't mesh? We can always trade Capela after next season, if Wiseman is ready to take the reigns. (I'm just spitballing of course).

I'm just saying I wouldn't automatically discount Wiseman due to Capela and Dedmon.

[blkbigdog35]

2 hours ago, jayu70 said:

I'm not advocating we select Wiseman, but why not if TS views him as BPA?

Big men in general take longer to develop, we can afford to take a patient approach.

I see Dedmon as a 1 year deal for next season. So Wiseman can learn a thing or two.

What if the Capela/Collins duo doesn't mesh? We can always trade Capela after next season, if Wiseman is ready to take the reigns. (I'm just spitballing of course).

I'm just saying I wouldn't automatically discount Wiseman due to Capela and Dedmon.

Totally get your point and I was just assuming of course we wouldn’t go Wiseman.  Also if we start winning more games we may change draft position.  There are some other interesting prospects that I will have to look into because I’m not too high on a lot guys! Here is a list of the top 100.

 

https://www.nbadraft.net/ranking/bigboard/

[Beef]

2 hours ago, blkbigdog35 said:

Totally get your point and I was just assuming of course we wouldn’t go Wiseman.  Also if we start winning more games we may change draft position.  There are some other interesting prospects that I will have to look into because I’m not too high on a lot guys! Here is a list of the top 100.

 

https://www.nbadraft.net/ranking/bigboard/

This next lot of draft prospects sucks.  I mean it's one of the worst I've ever seen, aside from the top 3 guys and a handful of others.

C Wiseman is a perfect fit and a future superstar.  He does everything you could want in a true Center on the boards AND eventually has the potential offensive game of a Kevin Durant. But at the rate we're going with wins now, we'll have little to no chance at the #1 pick to get him.

PG/SG LaMelo would be a great fit here, but I really would hate to deal with his dad and the potential drama his dad starts up if/when LaMelo doesn't get enough playtime.  BUT, having a bonafide PG/SG who can handle, shoot, and dish, plus really long for guarding 1's and 2's... that would be a great fit for us.  Problem again, though, is I doubt we end up with a top-4 pick at the rate we're starting to win, so it's likely moot.

SG Edwards is over-rated.  I mean he'll be really good eventually, but he's not Dwayne Wade, like some keep trying to compare him to.  If he were to end up a Hawk, it's 3-4 years before we get anything consistent from him.  And the kid plays virtually no defense, which is the last thing we need.  Plus again, it's likely moot.  That said, I'd probably still draft him because he is eventually going to be a monster on the offensive side of the ball.

PG/SG Haliburton and Hayes are not bad options offensively, but defensively they are terrible.  They are lesser versions of LaMelo Ball, but without the defense.

PF/C Okongwu is another Bruno Fernando.  We don't need the redundancy.  We just need to keep giving Bruno minutes and let him grow, which he is noticeably doing.

PG Cole Anthony and Nico Mannion will eventually be decent PG's, but have forever to go to get there, and are huge liabilities on defense.  Blah.

PG/SG RJ Hampton and Tyrese Maxey are undersized at the 2 and horrible at defense.  Unfortunately, now we're probably getting into the territory where we'll likely be picking since we're starting to win games consistently.  If these are our choices around picks 7-10, I'd pray we trade back with someone who wants to move up, or simply avoid these guys.

SF Avdija, McDaniels, and Okoro - do we really need another SF after Hunter and Reddish?  No, that would be silly.  Plus these guys are terrible.

SG Josh Green - kinda hard to be a shooting guard when you can't really shoot.  Decent defender, but it's not enough.

SG Cassius Stanley - decent shooter and decent defender.  I wouldn't be terribly upset if this was our pick as long as it's outside the top-12, but I still think there's much better options.

PF Obi Toppin, Paul Reed, Isaiah Stewart, and Precious Achiuwu are all virtually the same guy.  Average scorers and average defenders.  Paul Reed is probably the standout of the bunch.  BUT, do we need a mediocre low ceiling backup behind Collins?  Not really.  We have 4 guys who can essentially play the 4 or 5 at any given moment.  None of these guys can really switch and guard 5's if they had to, except maybe Reed.  But why pick any of these guys if Vernon Carey or Jalen Smith is still likely sitting at this pick level?

PG Theo Maledon, Tre Jones, and Cassius Winston - just no.  All terrible and zero need for later round mediocre PG's.

 

And now for my favorite players outside of the top-3:

1. SG/SF Tyler Bey - This kid is so legit it's just baffling he's not a top-5 pick.  Long, crazy athletic, can guard 1/2/3/4, absolutely the best overall small defender in college basketball, plus he can shoot and shoot consistently.  Reminds me of Matisse Thybulle, except a better shooter.

2. PF Jalen Smith - He's John Collins 2.0, but probably a better defender when it's all said and done.  He might already be a slightly better perimeter shooter than JC too.  Even though the 4 is getting crowded, I don't see anything wrong with having a younger version of a JC clone coming off the bench or filling the 4 when JC is playing the 5.  How this kid isn't ranked a top-5 pick is astounding.  This kid screams the next John Collins.

3. C Vernon Carey Jr. - how Carey is ranked a mid-first pick, I don't know.  He's an Andre Dummond type player, IMO.  Massive body who can bang around and beat guys up in the paint.  If we were pick 7-14, and Carey is available, I'd pick him in a heartbeat.  He's going to be a beastly Center for the next decade.

4. SG Jahmi'us Ramsey - a perfect 3-and-D guy at the 2.  Tremendous 3pt shooter with solid defense.  Probably best pure shooter in the draft.  Slightly undersized but really athletic.  Would be a great backup behind Huerter and late minutes coming off the bench.

 

Edited February 6, 2020 by Beef

[blkbigdog35]

@Beefnice post man.  I mentioned also that I’m not to crazy about this class but those four guys you mentioned later in your post are interesting prospects.  Of the four you listed Vernon Carey is a guy I like a lot.  

[red2play]

Lamelo Ball.  Barely 18 6'8" has handles and passing and shooting.  The Atlanta hawks with two legit playmakers can and will make the playoffs and I believe that they will eventually win a ring IF we get Lamelo.  Just my 2 cents.  Would allow TY to play aggressive defense knowing that Lamelo is here.

[FalconsIn2012]

If we are being honest, what position are we going to spend a top five pick up on? Trae Young, Cam Reddish, Hunter, Collins & now Capella. Those are five young starters.   
 

I’m not sure Anthony Edwards offers much that Cam doesn’t.  He Is more explosive and can ultimately be the more dynamic player. But as of now he relies too heavily on a very average outside shot. He needs a coach who teaches him to get to the rim and get fouls.  If we did end up with Antman, I suspect Hunter or Huerter is the odd man out and moved.  Just too much young talent on the wing

[FalconsIn2012]

16 minutes ago, red2play said:

Lamelo Ball.  Barely 18 6'8" has handles and passing and shooting.  The Atlanta hawks with two legit playmakers can and will make the playoffs and I believe that they will eventually win a ring IF we get Lamelo.  Just my 2 cents.  Would allow TY to play aggressive defense knowing that Lamelo is here.

Lamelo is a complete trainwreck defensively.  A backcourt of Trae & Ball would be an absolute nightmare on defense.  Cam is a better version of Ball and won’t take the ball out of Young’s hands

[red2play]

11 hours ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Lamelo is a complete trainwreck defensively.  A backcourt of Trae & Ball would be an absolute nightmare on defense.  Cam is a better version of Ball and won’t take the ball out of Young’s hands

I disagree and one reason that Trae's so bad on defense is that he can't afford to pick up fouls.  With another ball handler on the court, it will cut his monstrous minutes down, allow him to play defense and push him too.  Even if what your saying is true, its called coaching and holding the players accountable.  So the coach would improve both players defense.  Lastly, they might start the game but the minutes should be staggered.

[Beef]

12 hours ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Lamelo is a complete trainwreck defensively.  A backcourt of Trae & Ball would be an absolute nightmare on defense.  Cam is a better version of Ball and won’t take the ball out of Young’s hands

Not sure how you came to this take on Ball.

He’s a consistent 8 rebounds and 2 steals a game right now, while also dishing 8 assists.

His perimeter shooting is where he struggles. He’s a way stronger defender than Trae, and most other PG’s too.  If he can improve his shooting, he’s going to be a perfect combo 1/2.  He’s only 18 and will grow tremendously with a couple years in the league.

I’d take him spelling Trae and Huerter in a heartbeat. I hate the concept of Cam and Huerter having to be the point for 10 mins every game.  Get them on the wings concentrating on those duties and leave them there.

[FalconsIn2012]

16 minutes ago, Beef said:

Not sure how you came to this take on Ball.

He’s a consistent 8 rebounds and 2 steals a game right now, while also dishing 8 assists.

His perimeter shooting is where he struggles. He’s a way stronger defender than Trae, and most other PG’s too.  If he can improve his shooting, he’s going to be a perfect combo 1/2.  He’s only 18 and will grow tremendously with a couple years in the league.

I’d take him spelling Trae and Huerter in a heartbeat. I hate the concept of Cam and Huerter having to be the point for 10 mins every game.  Get them on the wings concentrating on those duties and leave them there.

“Right now, LaMelo Ball is a trainwreck defensively. There are reasons to be optimistic for his future defensive projection, but it will likely be a long time before LaMelo Ball will be even a neutral defender if he ever gets there.

There is a real chance his engine issues never correct themselves and his defense fails him. Given the extent of his offensive goodness and the few positives he has on the defensive end, Ball’s traffic cone defense doesn’t sink his status as a prospect.

Conclusion

LaMelo Ball is not a new commodity. While he has faded out of the spotlight compared to the past years, Ball’s basketball ability has always been present. When we look at his 13-year-old freshman tape, the burgeoning star in LaMelo was evident. The off-dribble shooting was in its infancy:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/therookiewire.usatoday.com/2019/08/02/nba-draft-2020-class-lamelo-ball-prospect-nbl-illawarra-hawks-australia/amp/

[red2play]

4 minutes ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

“Right now, LaMelo Ball is a trainwreck defensively. There are reasons to be optimistic for his future defensive projection, but it will likely be a long time before LaMelo Ball will be even a neutral defender if he ever gets there.

There is a real chance his engine issues never correct themselves and his defense fails him. Given the extent of his offensive goodness and the few positives he has on the defensive end, Ball’s traffic cone defense doesn’t sink his status as a prospect.

Conclusion

LaMelo Ball is not a new commodity. While he has faded out of the spotlight compared to the past years, Ball’s basketball ability has always been present. When we look at his 13-year-old freshman tape, the burgeoning star in LaMelo was evident. The off-dribble shooting was in its infancy:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/therookiewire.usatoday.com/2019/08/02/nba-draft-2020-class-lamelo-ball-prospect-nbl-illawarra-hawks-australia/amp/

Again, when your the ONLY true ballhandler/playmaker you can't take risks.  Its actually the same for Lebron and its what the lakers are missing and will fall to the clippers for.  With Lamelo, Trae can take lots more risks and play better defense and foul when necessary.  With Lamelo, Trae can go to the bench and not get pulled back in like against the Wolves and play the final 5 min.  Further, Lamelo IS BARELY 18 as he skipped the 11th grade and he's already 6'8".  He can defend against the 1,2,3,4 positions.  Its a no-brainer.  BTW, he plays FAR better defense than Trae, at the moment.  Trae's true potential will show when we get another playmaker.

[FalconsIn2012]

10 minutes ago, red2play said:

Again, when your the ONLY true ballhandler/playmaker you can't take risks.  Its actually the same for Lebron and its what the lakers are missing and will fall to the clippers for.  With Lamelo, Trae can take lots more risks and play better defense and foul when necessary.  With Lamelo, Trae can go to the bench and not get pulled back in like against the Wolves and play the final 5 min.  Further, Lamelo IS BARELY 18 as he skipped the 11th grade and he's already 6'8".  He can defend against the 1,2,3,4 positions.  Its a no-brainer.  BTW, he plays FAR better defense than Trae, at the moment.  Trae's true potential will show when we get another playmaker.

Trae lacks the size to be anything other than a C- defender...and Lamelo’s size make him unique on offense but it’s also his limitation on defense.  
 

Those two in the backcourt is a bad pairing IMO.  Is Lamelo taking Cam’s spot in the lineup?  Do you like him more as a prospect?
 

And why take the ball out of Trae’s hands.  Dude probably leads the NBA in assists the past 6 weeks.

[Beef]

47 minutes ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

“Right now, LaMelo Ball is a trainwreck defensively. There are reasons to be optimistic for his future defensive projection, but it will likely be a long time before LaMelo Ball will be even a neutral defender if he ever gets there.

There is a real chance his engine issues never correct themselves and his defense fails him. Given the extent of his offensive goodness and the few positives he has on the defensive end, Ball’s traffic cone defense doesn’t sink his status as a prospect.

Conclusion

LaMelo Ball is not a new commodity. While he has faded out of the spotlight compared to the past years, Ball’s basketball ability has always been present. When we look at his 13-year-old freshman tape, the burgeoning star in LaMelo was evident. The off-dribble shooting was in its infancy:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/therookiewire.usatoday.com/2019/08/02/nba-draft-2020-class-lamelo-ball-prospect-nbl-illawarra-hawks-australia/amp/

I don’t know. Sounds like you’re taking one guys analysis and assuming it’s correct.

I don’t know how a PG can average 8 rebounds a game and be considered a defensive trainwreck.

In the international league he’s playing in, he’s a .090 DWS and has a PER of 23.26.  Those are allstar levels.

[Beef]

36 minutes ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Trae lacks the size to be anything other than a C- defender...and Lamelo’s size make him unique on offense but it’s also his limitation on defense.  
 

Those two in the backcourt is a bad pairing IMO.  Is Lamelo taking Cam’s spot in the lineup?  Do you like him more as a prospect?
 

And why take the ball out of Trae’s hands.  Dude probably leads the NBA in assists the past 6 weeks.

There's 96 minutes between the 1 and 2, and if Trae and Huerter each average ~30 minutes, that leaves ~36 minutes for others to fill those roles (96-60=36).  It would be nice to have a 1/2 combo guard who can facilitate, shoot, and defend either position with proficiency taking a large chunk of those other 36 or so minutes.  Especially if Huerter is having a bad night, or of course if anyone is injured.  Which seems to happen a lot, and then we have a big dropoff with whomever fills the void.

Cam and Hunter are splitting 48 mins at the 3, and then a handful of minutes at the 2, while sometimes forcing Cam to run the point as well.

I really hate that, and I think that's been contributing to Cam's inconsistent shooting.

 

This is all moot anyways.  We're not going to pick LaMelo Ball unless we had the #3 pick and he was still there, which we very likely won't as we're clearly playing ourselves deeper in the lottery as we win more games.

[FalconsIn2012]

12 minutes ago, Beef said:

There's 96 minutes between the 1 and 2, and if Trae and Huerter each average ~30 minutes, that leaves ~36 minutes for others to fill those roles (96-60=36).  It would be nice to have a 1/2 combo guard who can facilitate, shoot, and defend either position with proficiency taking a large chunk of those other 36 or so minutes.  Especially if Huerter is having a bad night, or of course if anyone is injured.  Which seems to happen a lot, and then we have a big dropoff with whomever fills the void.

Cam and Hunter are splitting 48 mins at the 3, and then a handful of minutes at the 2, while sometimes forcing Cam to run the point as well.

I really hate that, and I think that's been contributing to Cam's inconsistent shooting.

 

This is all moot anyways.  We're not going to pick LaMelo Ball unless we had the #3 pick and he was still there, which we very likely won't as we're clearly playing ourselves deeper in the lottery as we win more games.

It’s not just one guy.  This is his current coach:

“While the 69 points were the lowest scored by Illawarra on the season, it was the defense that drew the ire of head coach Matt Flinn. In a message he has repeated multiple times this season, Flinn criticized not only the team’s defensive effort but LaMelo Ball’s specifically.

“It was really disappointing again, the slow start and giving up 27 in the first quarter. I really believed we turned a corner against Perth. But again you see the drive we were missing, we just didn’t execute at the defensive end.

“[Ball] is a talented kid, he can get to the hole and he creates for other people. But again, we play at both ends of the floor, and at times, not just Melo, but we had multiple breakdowns defensively.”

[Beef]

1 minute ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

It’s not just one guy.  This is his current coach:

“While the 69 points were the lowest scored by Illawarra on the season, it was the defense that drew the ire of head coach Matt Flinn. In a message he has repeated multiple times this season, Flinn criticized not only the team’s defensive effort but LaMelo Ball’s specifically.

“It was really disappointing again, the slow start and giving up 27 in the first quarter. I really believed we turned a corner against Perth. But again you see the drive we were missing, we just didn’t execute at the defensive end.

“[Ball] is a talented kid, he can get to the hole and he creates for other people. But again, we play at both ends of the floor, and at times, not just Melo, but we had multiple breakdowns defensively.”

*Shrug* Again, I don't know how you have a near .1 DWS and over 23 PER and average 8 rebounds and 2 steals a game and be considered a defensive trainwreck.

And, half the draft ranking sites out there have you as the #1 or #2 pick while you're only averaging 19 ppg in the international league.

Maybe he's not an elite defender, but he's certainly not a "trainwreck" or even a liability.  He's just 18 years old and not close to reaching his potential yet.

But again, it's all moot where we're concerned.  I doubt he'd be the target for us if we had any choice.

[jayu70]

2 hours ago, red2play said:

Again, when your the ONLY true ballhandler/playmaker you can't take risks.  

This has nothing to do with how bad Trae has been defensively.