It's LOTTO DAY!!!

[larryjohn]

Did you see the Junkie banner to up?...lol
76ers fans raise Sam Hinkie 'The Process' banner at NBA draft lottery party

Of course I did -- it was me.



Not really -- I agree that is hilarious.

The main thing that gets me worked up is when Colangelo hints that he deserves some credit or that Hinkie would have stuck with the same 'collect assets' approach forever without cashing in at some point. Jerry/Bryan do NOT deserve any credit for where they Sixers are. (and I thought the Noel deal was pretty weak -- seems like they could have gotten more -- great deal for Cuban/Mavs)

 

[larryjohn]

Did you see the Hinkie banner to up?...lol
76ers fans raise Sam Hinkie 'The Process' banner at NBA draft lottery party

Also -- we all love Embiid. He is one of the few NBA players who could say something like the following and not be looked at as a jerk. I assume he was joking a little ... regardless, I really like the guy.

Joel Embiid says ‘Cleveland and LeBron will start going down’ when Sixers start winning

 

[larryjohn]

From Reddit. The Hornets CANNOT take Giles at #11. (although there is a big drop off at around #10 -- but at least one of the top 10 should drop)

Note the Monk pick at #3. And the Knicks get DennisSmith JR !!

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1. Boston Celtics - Markelle Fultz - PG, Washington

Oh to be a Celtics fan. #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, playing in the Eastern Conference Finals AND the #1 pick for 2017? My god. There's been trade speculation about this pick for a while now, but Boston would be wise to hold on to it. They have the Nets pick for 2018 as well, and along with a squad of solid young players, they have enough pieces to acquire a big name if they see fit. Markelle Fultz is just too big of a talent to pass on. One of the best point guard prospects we've seen in a while, and could end up being the face of the franchise.

2. LA Lakers - Lonzo Ball - PG, UCLA

The prophecy has been fulfilled - Lonzo Ball will be a Los Angeles Laker. You've probably heard a lot about Lonzo already, so I'll keep this short and sweet. He's a great shooter (even with the weird shot form), an even better playmaker, and he'll be the centerpiece of a talented young core in LA for years to come.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - Malik Monk - SG, Kentucky

The Sixers are in an awkward position. Their young core (Simmons, Embiid, Saric...) doesn't exactly include any elite three-point shooters, and the next best prospects on the board are De'Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson, who also struggle to shoot the three. So, the smart move here is to grab Malik Monk. He may not be the best player available, but he's still one of the best shooters in the country, an amazing athlete, and he fills a need. Besides, the Sixers have been taking the BPA for the last four years now, and they're still in the lottery....

4. Phoenix Suns - Josh Jackson - SF, Kansas

Suns fans may have been disappointed to see their team fall out of the top three, but in this guard-heavy draft, that may not be the worst thing for Phoenix. They're loaded with young backcourt talent featuring Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis, Eric Bledsoe (edit: I've been told he's actually 27. Still relatively young though), and even Brandon Knight. What they don't have, however, is a small forward. Enter Josh Jackson. He's long, a freak athlete, an exceptional defender, and a good scorer. His only weakness really is his three-point shooting, but playing with guys like Devin Booker, that won't be a problem. He'll be a great fit in Phoenix.

5. Sacramento Kings - De'Aaron Fox - PG, Kentucky

Kings get a steal here with the #5 pick. Like Jackson, Fox is also a freak athlete. He's incredibly fast, a good defender, great at getting to the basket, and a fantastic playmaker. Also like Jackson, his one main weakness is his three-point shooting, but he'll pair nicely with Buddy "the next Steph Curry" Hield in what could be a very exciting Sacramento Kings backcourt for years to come.

6. Orlando Magic - Jayson Tatum - SF, Duke

The Magic don't really have much going for them at this point, so the smartest option here is to take the best player available. Jayson Tatum is going to be a solid NBA player. He's not really great at one particular thing, but he's a very balanced player that does everything well. He doesn't have superstar potential, but could definitely be an all-star, and will likely be the first (or second, depending on how you feel about Aaron Gordon) piece in what should be a long rebuilding process for Orlando.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jonathan Isaac - PF, Florida State

One of the more intriguing prospects in this draft is Jonathan Isaac. He's 6'10 and has 7-foot-plus wingspan, but he's also very coordinated given his Antetokounmpo-esque length. He shoots the ball well, can score inside, and is a great rebounder. He has tremendous upside, so if he reaches his full potential (and puts on some weight), a Timberwolves lineup featuring him, KAT, Wiggins, and LaVine would be.... SPOOKY....

8. New York Knicks - Dennis Smith Jr. - PG, NC State

Knicks fans were upset (what's new) when they found out their team would be picking a little lower than they had hoped. But fear not, the player you need should still be on the board at 8. Dennis Smith Jr. is yet another incredible athlete, a great scorer and passer, and has the potential to be an elite point guard. The brief Derrick Rose renaissance was nice, but with him leaving this summer, look for the Knicks to take their point guard of the future with this pick.

9. Dallas Mavericks - Frank Ntilikina - PG, France

Here we see Dallas take a chance on the mysterious international point guard Frank Ntilikina. He's a fantastic perimeter defender with a pass-first mentality. He hasn't really played against elite competition, but he definitely passes the eye test. He's still 18, so Dallas might need to stash him in Europe for another year, but he has the potential to develop into a great player.

10. Sacramento Kings - Lauri Markkanen - PF, Arizona

Sacramento gets New Orleans' pick, so they're back again for their second top-ten pick. Kings fans may cringe seeing their team take yet another big man in the first round, but I think they'll make an exception for this one. A 7'0 power forward who can also shoot the three, Markkanen will be another NBA "unicorn", like Kristaps Porzingis. His size gives him the potential to excel at rebounding and scoring inside, and combined his ability to shoot from distance, he could be a star at the next level. Another steal for the Kings.

11. Charlotte Hornets - Harry Giles - PF, Duke

The Hornets have a solid backcourt with Kemba and Batum, but not much else. Lucky for them, there's a ton of frontcourt talent in the middle of the first round. They could play it safe and take someone like Zach Collins (which they'll probably end up doing), OR they could swing for the fences and take Harry Giles. Giles is probably the biggest "boom-or-bust" prospect in this draft, and most of that is dependent upon his health. He was a highly anticipated prospect heading into Duke, but had multiple major knee injuries in high school. This, coupled with an underwhelming freshman season, caused his stock to plummet, but if he stays healthy and plays to his potential, he could end up being one of the best players in this draft. The franchise has been pretty stagnant for the last 15 years, so why not take a chance on Giles?

12. Detroit Pistons - Terrance Ferguson - SG, USA

The Pistons were among the worst three-point shooting teams in the league this year, so taking the sharp-shooting Terrance Ferguson here seems like the right move. Ferguson decided to forego college and play a year in Australia, so he didn't get a ton of exposure in the United States. He's still a raw talent, but he's got the potential to be an elite 3-point shooter in the NBA.

13. Denver Nuggets - OG Anunoby - F, Indiana

OG has been shooting up draft boards lately, and for good reason. He's a physical specimen - strong, athletic, huge wingspan, and one of the best defenders in this draft class. He's still pretty raw, especially on offense, and he's coming off an ACL injury, but if he stays healthy and continues to develop, he may live up to all those Kawhi Leonard comparisons.

14. Miami Heat - TJ Leaf - PF, UCLA

And rounding out the lottery is UCLA's TJ Leaf. With Chris Bosh all but gone, Leaf would fill an immediate need for Miami. He's a great three-point shooter, and will probably develop into a very reliable stretch-four. He doesn't really have star potential, but he works hard has a high basketball IQ.

 

[Four4Four]

its a shame that guys like Josh Hart is not even being mention as a top 10 pick. He's more proven then most of these dudes in the top 5

 

[Groo]

Boston and LA. Seems somewhat familiar.

 

[ericd7633]

its a shame that guys like Josh Hart is not even being mention as a top 10 pick. He's more proven then most of these dudes in the top 5

He was a great college player. He'll probably be a 2nd rounder, and be a contributor to a playoff contending team, much like Malcolm Brogdon did for the Bucks this past season. The problem he possesses is that he's not really elite at one particular thing, and he doesn't have the ideal size to play the 3, or the overall athleticism to play the 2. I wouldn't mind the Sixers taking a flyer on him with one of their four 2nd round picks.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

its a shame that guys like Josh Hart is not even being mention as a top 10 pick. He's more proven then most of these dudes in the top 5

Good Call, love the way that kids game will translate to the next level

 

[larryjohn]

Has his team in the ECF, grabbed Isiah Thomas off the scrap heap, hired a fast rising star as HC, and possibly has the #1 overall in the next 2 drafts
I hate all things Boston, but Damn

Heard on a podcast yesterday -- there is more than I knew to the Stevens / Gordon Hayward relationship -- more than just player coach. Stevens was the first D1 coach to recruit Gordon -- before he was seen as a D1 player. Hayward's family has Purdue season tickets -- but he still chose Butler over Purdue because of Stevens belief in him.

I could see Hayward seriously looking at joining Celtics.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Heard on a podcast yesterday -- there is more than I knew to the Stevens / Gordon Hayward relationship -- more than just player coach. Stevens was the first D1 coach to recruit Gordon -- before he was seen as a D1 player. Hayward's family has Purdue season tickets -- but he still chose Butler over Purdue because of Stevens belief in him.

I could see Hayward seriously looking at joining Celtics.

If they added Fultz and Hayward in the offseason that would be HUGE


the Celtics have to make trades- they have solid guys like Rozier and Zeller- not world beaters- but solid guys--- plus their 2 overseas guys they drafted - both are supposed to be pretty good prospects--- they just dont have room on the roster for everyone.

 

[Black Adam]

If they added Fultz and Hayward in the offseason that would be HUGE


the Celtics have to make trades- they have solid guys like Rozier and Zeller- not world beaters- but solid guys--- plus their 2 overseas guys they drafted - both are supposed to be pretty good prospects--- they just dont have room on the roster for everyone.

suprisingly, i agree with this. in all honesty the last trade deadline was when they should've done a deal, but you can't change the past...

#iswhatitis

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

If they added Fultz and Hayward in the offseason that would be HUGE


the Celtics have to make trades- they have solid guys like Rozier and Zeller- not world beaters- but solid guys--- plus their 2 overseas guys they drafted - both are supposed to be pretty good prospects--- they just dont have room on the roster for everyone.

Trading Isiah isnt out of the question IMO........Obviously that will be the greatest return, and I dont know if you want to start Fultz' career by forcing him to play a position he isnt most comfortable with

 

[WiggyRuss]

Trading Isiah isnt out of the question IMO........Obviously that will be the greatest return, and I dont know if you want to start Fultz' career by forcing him to play a position he isnt most comfortable with

they just have some many solid guards already

Bradley, Smart, Isiah.....those are 3 quality starting guards---- they are also loaded at SF- Crowder/Brown

what they really need is an elite front court guy- but thats just not the strength of the draft.

What if they offered the #1 pick, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and the Nets #1 next year for Anthony Davis?

could the Pelicans turn that down?

then sign Hayward

PG- Thomas
SG- Bradley
SF- Hayward
PF- Horford
C- Davis

move Crowder to the bench.....you still have Rozier to backup Thomas....and the 2 foreign guys they drafted who have potential.

YIKES...that would be a team that the Cavs would have to take seriously.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

they just have some many solid guards already

Bradley, Smart, Isiah.....those are 3 quality starting guards---- they are also loaded at SF- Crowder/Brown

what they really need is an elite front court guy- but thats just not the strength of the draft.

What if they offered the #1 pick, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and the Nets #1 next year for Anthony Davis?

could the Pelicans turn that down?

It would be tempting for NO for sure, but they still need to sell tickets, and many of those these huge moves are as much business as anything else

The Celtics should do that in a heartbeat, thats a true title difference maker

 

[flyerhawk]

What if they offered the #1 pick, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and the Nets #1 next year for Anthony Davis?

could the Pelicans turn that down?

I think the Pelicans have to think long and hard about that deal. 2 high lottery picks plus a PG and a SF?

 

[WiggyRuss]

I think the Pelicans have to think long and hard about that deal. 2 high lottery picks plus a PG and a SF?

as a Celtics fan, would you do it from their point of view? The Celtics.

 

[WiggyRuss]

if New Orleans just decided to start over- and dealt Cousins and Davis---- they could really accelerate a rebuilding process.

Honestly - if i was the New Orleans GM- id have to think about it becuase i dont see those 2 working together and winning anything

im usually 100% against trading stars for pieces--- no matter the pieces- but in this instance- the haul they could get from Boston---- and i am sure they could get substantial assets for Cousins- would put them in a situation where they could have a great young core almost immediately.

If the Pelicans said- we will take Mozgov off your hands and give you Cousins for Ingram, and Randle....would the Lakers say no?

or maybe a trade to the Suns for their pick, Chriss, and Knight......

would you rather go into next year with Davis and Cousins OR:

Fultz, Jackson, Chriss, Brown, Smart, and next years Brooklyn pick......

would be tempting.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

as a Celtics fan, would you do it from their point of view? The Celtics.

Yes, superstars win in this league, and chances are that the Celtics are not drafting a player in either of these seasons, that approaches the level of greatness of the Brow.......Especially considering his position and unique skill set

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

If the Pelicans said- we will take Mozgov off your hands and give you Cousins for Ingram, and Randle....would the Lakers say no?
.

Yes, the Lakers would say no because that is a dumb ass trade.

 

[flyerhawk]

as a Celtics fan, would you do it from their point of view? The Celtics.

That's a tougher question. Giving up 2 lottery picks is a LOT. But Anthony Davis is one of the top 5 or 6 players in basketball. Fultz is unproven and who knows where the pick will wind up next year.

Smart and Brown are surplus to requirements.

Honestly it looks like a pretty good trade for both teams. The Celtics get Davis and they could challenge the Cavs next year and even the Warriors. And he's still pretty young.

I think the big obstacle would be the political backlash for the Pelicans FO. If Fultz doesn't produce almost immediately, which PGs rarely do, it could be the GM's head.

 

[Kold]

they just have some many solid guards already

Bradley, Smart, Isiah.....those are 3 quality starting guards---- they are also loaded at SF- Crowder/Brown

what they really need is an elite front court guy- but thats just not the strength of the draft.

What if they offered the #1 pick, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and the Nets #1 next year for Anthony Davis?

could the Pelicans turn that down?

then sign Hayward

PG- Thomas
SG- Bradley
SF- Hayward
PF- Horford
C- Davis

move Crowder to the bench.....you still have Rozier to backup Thomas....and the 2 foreign guys they drafted who have potential.

YIKES...that would be a team that the Cavs would have to take seriously.

That could be argued as a win-win, but it seems as if the Celtics want to "have their cake and eat it too", by keeping their young guys, while competing in the present. Also gotta factor in that if the Pels go through with that one, they'd most certainly lose Boogie in free agency.
Boston is in a tough spot. Their in the position to wait Lebron out, but it's tricky when you have young guys that you value, while at the same time possibly derailing your title chances by not going all out. Strangely enough, the thing that makes it a little bit easy for us is that we're not currently in the title race