[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 His draft stock has wavered all year and I think it’s going to continue to do so leading up to the draft. During the season, I always thought he’d be a guy who’s stock would increase after the season, but I don’t see that happening now.  I watched one of his interviews and he said he’s working out with guards, working on his NBA 3 point range, and trying to become a modern day stretch four.  I think this is the worst decision that he and his agent could have made.  After watching his stock drop all season, it didn’t start to pick back up until he started to dominate on the boards and inside the paint.  Bam has all the physical tools to be a Tristan Thompson type player in the NBA, but I think he’s setting himself up for failure if he tries to become a stretch four.  Like Thompson, Bam is an undersized center, but because Thompson is great at what he does (offensive rebounding, defending pick and rolls, energy guy), he’s had a very successful career and made a lot of money. I’m sure Bam has more perimeter skills that did not get a chance to showcase at UK, but I think Calipari was making the right decision as Bam looked less and less confident the further away he got from the rim.  Bam has a decent looking midrange shot, but I think it’s a must that he models himself as a Tristan Thompson type player if he wants to have a long NBA career.

 What do you guys think? Would you want him on your team? Do you think he can be a stretch four? Am I missing something about his perimeter skill level? Where do you rank him against other bigs in the draft?   

[FuqdatassParticipant]

 He has very good physical tools, has got some skills, and he seems like a hard worker. His rebounding and shot blocking numbers were underwhelming at Kentucky, so he needs to ensure that he improves in those areas. I have him going to the Bucks at 17th overall. IMO it is the best fit for him and I tend to do my mocks based more on fit, although for certain teams (Knicks for example) I do BPA. I also have certain teams picking BPA in the second round.

I am glad that he is working on his ball-handling and shooting in these predraft workouts. Every player should strive to work on all areas of the game and work on things outside of his comfort zone. Additionally, just because his latest workouts emphasize developing his perimeter skills, does not mean that he is disregarding to improve his rebounding and defense. Do not jump to conclusions so quickly, you silly goober.

He should get drafted before Ike Anigbogu (he could not even play a major/consistent role for UCLA) and Harry Giles (less athletic, weaker, less productive, this a no brainer IMO) for sure. In my mock (it isn’t here yet), I also have him going before Isaiah Hartenstein, John Collins (I am thinking of moving Collins in front of him but I am not 100% sure yet), Justin Patton, Johnathan Motley, Ivan Rabb, Jordan Bell, and many others. In fact, the only bigs I have going before him are: Zach Collins, Jonathan Isaac, Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markkanen, and TJ Leaf.

Just my 2 cents.

[IlladelphParticipant]

I think that it’s smart that Bam work on his shot and his handle.  He never really put it on the floor at UK.  He was great offensively rebounding, has great athleticism for a big, is very fast, and since he is young his upside could be high.  He underwhelmed on the defensive boards, and shooting beyond 5 feet.  He needs to improve in all of the areas mentioned above, and given his youth, a lot of teams are going to look at him as an upside/potential pick.

Ultimately though, it doesn’t matter if he wants to be a stretch 4, 3 and D, post type of player, etc.  How he develops in the league, and how many minutes he gets at whatever position, will depend on the system he gets drafted into.  The only true "position" player anymore is the point guard position.  The other 4 players can be totally "positionless".  In the modern NBA, players get more minutes if they can do more.  The days of parking a big man in the post have been over for several years now.  Can anyone even tell the difference between a SF, a PF, and a SG anymore?  I think Bam is smart to work on his handle, and his shot, because these are areas that he will need to be good at in order to get on the court.

As far as drafting him, I see him going in the 14-30 range.  Just depends on his workouts.

 

 

[festar35Participant]

He is everything Indiana need in a PF to partner with Myles Turner.
I don’t know what he is like as a free throw shooter but if he can be a 70% guy from the stripe then Indiana have potentially their big man duo for next 10 years. Wouldn’t hate him finding a little face up game and a solid back to basket move, but if he rebounds, defends and hits his free throws he would be ideal.

[ChammesParticipant]

 Kentucky is a weird place beacause all their players are limited to do a couple things. Devin Booker was just a spot up shooter but in the league he took more primary ball handling duties and was a sneaky athlete that you didnt see. KAT was mostly an interior presence at UK that didnt really step out all that much and was a shot blocker. Thats why im not worried about UK guys, i think Bam has potential and im not worried about Monk or fox because cal always seems to have his guys ready for the nba.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

It doesn’t hurt that he is working on his shot and handle, the problem only arises if he becomes too focused on being that kind of player that he forgets what his true role is. I immediately thought of Thomas Robinson reading OP’s post. Look how becoming too ingrained in to thinking you are a wing when you really aint can do.

[DolanCareParticipant]

 I agree that Bam is a 5 in the league. But there’s no harm in him improving his ball skills. His stock will go up if he shows potential as a midrange jump shooter. His stock will stay the same if he doesn’t. 

 

 

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