[valentine]

I’d like to list my first-round prospects, not in the order that I think they’ll be taken, but rather who I think will be the best players when we look back in 5 years from now when each of them has hit their prime. 

 

1: Ben Simmons

2: Brandon Ingram

3: Jamal Murray

4: Kris Dunn

5: Ivan Rabb (Steal Potential)

6: Domantas Sabonis

7: Jakob Poeltl

8: Buddy Hield (Bust Potential)

9: Brice Johnson (Steal Potential)

10: Furkan Korkmaz

11: Dragan Bender (Bust Potential)

12: Henry Ellinson

13: Jaylen Brown (Bust Potential)

14: Malik Beasly

15: Dejounte Murray

16: Denzel Valentine

17: Dwayne Bacon

18: Timothe Luwawu (Steal Potential)

19: Stephen Zimmerman

20: Diamond Stone (Steal Potential)

21: Caris Lavert

22: Gary Payton II

23: Ben Bentil

24: Wayne Selden

25: Jarrod Uthoff

26: Marquisse Chriss

27: Melo Trimble

28: Ante Zizic

29: Tyler Ulus

30: AJ Hammons

Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I’m not sure I’d have Brice that high up, I just see his best case as something along the lines of Kenneth Faried and Faried has been a fairly stock average starter so far.

I don’t see Dwayne Bacon as more than a cup of coffee player in the league.. old for his class, not fantastic at anything in particular, has that JR Smith lack of ball IQ. 

I think you might have forgot about Demetrius Jackson from Notre Dame as well. I think at least this guy is going to be a really solid back up guard at the next level, and potential to be a really solid lead guard for a team.

Only other guy I think I’d include is Skal- even though he has had an abyssmal season and I’m far from a fan of his, theres not doubt theres a lot of potential there, and should he declare for the draft I think even between draft night and opening night of the season, he will look like a completely different guy with the weight training the NBA offers. I think him sliding in the draft will also light a fire under him to come in and put his work in. Though I can understand why you would leave him off as he has been a collosal dissapointment relative to expectations for him.

 

 

 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I’m not sure I’d have Brice that high up, I just see his best case as something along the lines of Kenneth Faried and Faried has been a fairly stock average starter so far.

I don’t see Dwayne Bacon as more than a cup of coffee player in the league.. old for his class, not fantastic at anything in particular, has that JR Smith lack of ball IQ. 

I think you might have forgot about Demetrius Jackson from Notre Dame as well. I think at least this guy is going to be a really solid back up guard at the next level, and potential to be a really solid lead guard for a team.

Only other guy I think I’d include is Skal- even though he has had an abyssmal season and I’m far from a fan of his, theres not doubt theres a lot of potential there, and should he declare for the draft I think even between draft night and opening night of the season, he will look like a completely different guy with the weight training the NBA offers. I think him sliding in the draft will also light a fire under him to come in and put his work in. Though I can understand why you would leave him off as he has been a collosal dissapointment relative to expectations for him.

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I must admit I’ve got a soft spot for Dwayne Bacon. I know he’s a bit older than Jaylen Brown, but I see a lot of similarities in how they’re athletes first and foremost, and skilled basketball players second. I’ll back one of them to put it together (probably Brown since he’s a lot stronger), but Bacon gets me excited nonetheless.  

Brice Johnson is another guy that is higher on my board than most others. He is a Faried type as mentioned, but I’m hoping he could play as a Center in small-ball lineups because he’s a good rebounder and leaper, and will be dangerous as a rim-runner. His upside as a 4 is limited as he’ll be a space-clogger, which are out of vogue. If he develops a mid-range jumpshot or some finesse around the rim, then he could fulfil the "Steal Potential" label. 

And Skal was an omission for me. I really can’t see it with this guy….I’ve been longing to see the upside people speak of, but his inability to get a rebound and secure deep position inside concerns me more than anything. A guy like Brice Johnson will body him out of the way.  He is too easily shifted off-balance. The only way I can see him contributing is if he becomes a knock-down 3pt shooter, which is possible. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I must admit I’ve got a soft spot for Dwayne Bacon. I know he’s a bit older than Jaylen Brown, but I see a lot of similarities in how they’re athletes first and foremost, and skilled basketball players second. I’ll back one of them to put it together (probably Brown since he’s a lot stronger), but Bacon gets me excited nonetheless.  

Brice Johnson is another guy that is higher on my board than most others. He is a Faried type as mentioned, but I’m hoping he could play as a Center in small-ball lineups because he’s a good rebounder and leaper, and will be dangerous as a rim-runner. His upside as a 4 is limited as he’ll be a space-clogger, which are out of vogue. If he develops a mid-range jumpshot or some finesse around the rim, then he could fulfil the "Steal Potential" label. 

And Skal was an omission for me. I really can’t see it with this guy….I’ve been longing to see the upside people speak of, but his inability to get a rebound and secure deep position inside concerns me more than anything. A guy like Brice Johnson will body him out of the way.  He is too easily shifted off-balance. The only way I can see him contributing is if he becomes a knock-down 3pt shooter, which is possible. 

 

 

 

 

 

[r377Participant]

I was actually thinking Bacon is a worse version of Jaylen Brown.

Both guys try to do too much and not great bball IQ. I called out Bacon a couple of months ago, he will be playing overseas within 3-4 years……

[r377Participant]

I was actually thinking Bacon is a worse version of Jaylen Brown.

Both guys try to do too much and not great bball IQ. I called out Bacon a couple of months ago, he will be playing overseas within 3-4 years……

[Hype Machine]

Hes the kinda guy that will make you look really smart, or really dumb. To be honest I’ve hedged my bets a little bit with him, but I’ve seen similar talented, cocky, low IQ guys like JR Smith and Jamal Crawford turn into pretty decent pros so I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and put him that type of range. 

I think he’d be infinitely better on a team with some strong veterans. Put him on a rudderless ship, and he’ll probably end up in China. 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Hes the kinda guy that will make you look really smart, or really dumb. To be honest I’ve hedged my bets a little bit with him, but I’ve seen similar talented, cocky, low IQ guys like JR Smith and Jamal Crawford turn into pretty decent pros so I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and put him that type of range. 

I think he’d be infinitely better on a team with some strong veterans. Put him on a rudderless ship, and he’ll probably end up in China. 

 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Bacon has already said he is coming back to school next year. Might have been a first rounder this year but probably a good decision in the long run. He kind of faded after a strong start.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Bacon has already said he is coming back to school next year. Might have been a first rounder this year but probably a good decision in the long run. He kind of faded after a strong start.

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 Your not the only bloke to get excited by Bacon I can assure you!

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 Your not the only bloke to get excited by Bacon I can assure you!

[D7H7NParticipant]

Brice can already shoot midrange jumpers. He’s the fastest tarheel I’ve seen on the post since Jamison.

All he needs to do is put on weight (who doesn’t) and improve his perimeter defense. The latter because playing the 5, the other team is gonna call a screen to switch defenders so the center needs to be able to defend against that.

 

 

[D7H7NParticipant]

Brice can already shoot midrange jumpers. He’s the fastest tarheel I’ve seen on the post since Jamison.

All he needs to do is put on weight (who doesn’t) and improve his perimeter defense. The latter because playing the 5, the other team is gonna call a screen to switch defenders so the center needs to be able to defend against that.

 

 

[ncballer]

 Not sure why you got negged for that.  Pretty spot on from someone who has followed his career very closely at UNC.  I will add that he needs to work on dribbing towards the hoop after facing up as well.  He is a big threat from the mid range now, which is why I don’t understand the Faried comparison.  He may have a similar career in the NBA as Faried, but there aren’t similar players.

[ncballer]

 Not sure why you got negged for that.  Pretty spot on from someone who has followed his career very closely at UNC.  I will add that he needs to work on dribbing towards the hoop after facing up as well.  He is a big threat from the mid range now, which is why I don’t understand the Faried comparison.  He may have a similar career in the NBA as Faried, but there aren’t similar players.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

 +1 for having sabonis in your top 10..cant believe some r saying he’s a late 1st rounder..that guy is going to be 1 of the top 5 players from this draft..

 i wasnt to keen on brice johnson being a 1st rounder..but watching him lately he has grown on me.the guy just have a nose for the ball,runs the floor like a guard,has improved his jumper and finds ways to score..still dont think he’s lottery material maybe in the late teens to late 1st round is more like it..

 it wouldnt surprise me if trimble & valentine falls to the 2nd round.

 edmond sumner & dedric lawson  r 2 guys nobody seems to be talking about..but possibly could slip into the top 20 after workouts…

 

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

 +1 for having sabonis in your top 10..cant believe some r saying he’s a late 1st rounder..that guy is going to be 1 of the top 5 players from this draft..

 i wasnt to keen on brice johnson being a 1st rounder..but watching him lately he has grown on me.the guy just have a nose for the ball,runs the floor like a guard,has improved his jumper and finds ways to score..still dont think he’s lottery material maybe in the late teens to late 1st round is more like it..

 it wouldnt surprise me if trimble & valentine falls to the 2nd round.

 edmond sumner & dedric lawson  r 2 guys nobody seems to be talking about..but possibly could slip into the top 20 after workouts…

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Such good forum etiquite man. Despite being the Rude boy. 

I dont understand those that are down on Sabonis either. He has zero bust potential and eats rebounds like hes the cookie monster. He makes the right decision every time. Him and Ivan Rabb are my top 2 frontcourt players. In an increasingly perimeter oriented league, I want High IQ big men who play smart and can find a way to contribute with or without the ball. Both these guys do that.

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Such good forum etiquite man. Despite being the Rude boy. 

I dont understand those that are down on Sabonis either. He has zero bust potential and eats rebounds like hes the cookie monster. He makes the right decision every time. Him and Ivan Rabb are my top 2 frontcourt players. In an increasingly perimeter oriented league, I want High IQ big men who play smart and can find a way to contribute with or without the ball. Both these guys do that.

 

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

I like Sabonis and Rabb a lot as well, Id be happy drafting either one..

Ive wrote a thread on my opinions on Brice Johnson’s potential. I think he will have a learning curve to deal with as he enters the league, but he will become a very solid defender, He guards the pick n roll extremely well, that alone will keep him in NBA rotations for awhile.. He could develop very nicely with the right team.. 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

I like Sabonis and Rabb a lot as well, Id be happy drafting either one..

Ive wrote a thread on my opinions on Brice Johnson’s potential. I think he will have a learning curve to deal with as he enters the league, but he will become a very solid defender, He guards the pick n roll extremely well, that alone will keep him in NBA rotations for awhile.. He could develop very nicely with the right team.. 

 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Tyler Ulis will play in the NBA. Jared Uthoff and Wayne Seldon will not.  Bender, Ellison and D Murray are too low. Overall this is a terrible Big Board. You say this is based on who will be the best but you have caveots all over your board with sleeper potential, bust potential.  I would be more impressed if you put a list together of the eight or nine players that will still be in the league in three years.

[holefillers1Participant]

 Tyler Ulis will play in the NBA. Jared Uthoff and Wayne Seldon will not.  Bender, Ellison and D Murray are too low. Overall this is a terrible Big Board. You say this is based on who will be the best but you have caveots all over your board with sleeper potential, bust potential.  I would be more impressed if you put a list together of the eight or nine players that will still be in the league in three years.

[Hype Machine]

My big board has caveats because unlike yourself I dont speak with 100% certainty about the outcome of things that are out of my control. 

I invite users to view holefillers mock draft before giving him +1

Spoiler: He doesnt practice what he preaches and reallllly likes Grayson Allen

That hat should really read ‘hater’

 

 

 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Thats the preloaded mock from two months ago. I haven’t even touched it yet. And why put a list out if you are not willing to deal with criticisms…don’t bother posting your fantasy football roster either.

[Hype Machine]

American Football? Im not American….I couldnt name a single player outside of OJ Simpson and Tom Brady. Anyhow…

Lets hear your attempt at a similar list then if mine is so bad. In my experience people are afraid to call out busts or deviate too far from popular opinion so at least I’m giving a non mainstream alternative. 

If anything…Ive been too conservative. Look back at any previous draft and compare to a redraft and theyll look nothing alike.

Yet make any small changes to the status quo and people freak out with cult-like ferocity. Wont stop those same people saying things like ‘I knew all along xxx would be a bust’.

If predicting a projected late second rounder wont make it as an NBA player is your idea of going out on a limb with a bold prediction…perhaps you’re in this category?

If not…put your reputation on the line and give us something original like I’ve done…

 

 

 

 

 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Check my posts dude.  I hate on Jamal Murray, routinely bash anyone who says Hield is better than Dunn and I get slammed for it. I also think Dejounte Murray is a top five pick.  But im not going to wine about losing points.  

[Hype Machine]

Good to hear. I’ll be the first to give you credit if Dejounte Murray proves me wrong. 

[Hype Machine]

Good to hear. I’ll be the first to give you credit if Dejounte Murray proves me wrong. 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Check my posts dude.  I hate on Jamal Murray, routinely bash anyone who says Hield is better than Dunn and I get slammed for it. I also think Dejounte Murray is a top five pick.  But im not going to wine about losing points.  

[Hype Machine]

American Football? Im not American….I couldnt name a single player outside of OJ Simpson and Tom Brady. Anyhow…

Lets hear your attempt at a similar list then if mine is so bad. In my experience people are afraid to call out busts or deviate too far from popular opinion so at least I’m giving a non mainstream alternative. 

If anything…Ive been too conservative. Look back at any previous draft and compare to a redraft and theyll look nothing alike.

Yet make any small changes to the status quo and people freak out with cult-like ferocity. Wont stop those same people saying things like ‘I knew all along xxx would be a bust’.

If predicting a projected late second rounder wont make it as an NBA player is your idea of going out on a limb with a bold prediction…perhaps you’re in this category?

If not…put your reputation on the line and give us something original like I’ve done…

 

 

 

 

 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Thats the preloaded mock from two months ago. I haven’t even touched it yet. And why put a list out if you are not willing to deal with criticisms…don’t bother posting your fantasy football roster either.

[Hype Machine]

My big board has caveats because unlike yourself I dont speak with 100% certainty about the outcome of things that are out of my control. 

I invite users to view holefillers mock draft before giving him +1

Spoiler: He doesnt practice what he preaches and reallllly likes Grayson Allen

That hat should really read ‘hater’

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

If only Bender’s parents had emigrated to australia, if he wasn’t under contract with adidas…

Oh boy, would he be higher on that list…

 

[Hype Machine]

 I get the emmigration reference but the adidas one has me baffled….

[Hype Machine]

 I get the emmigration reference but the adidas one has me baffled….

[mamadouParticipant]

If only Bender’s parents had emigrated to australia, if he wasn’t under contract with adidas…

Oh boy, would he be higher on that list…

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 I don’t think Buddy Hield has bust potential. He might not be on the all-star team or even a playmaker, but the guy will make shots. He’s a 3 point specialist at the least. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I think Buddy will have a similar career and role as Cuttino Mobley. He compares well yet is alot stronger and in today’s NBA the qualities that made Mobley relevant are requested even more by NBA players. He should have a decent career as a good starter and potentially a fringe all-star player. With such a weak amount of true SG’s in the NBA today he could even become an all-star type talent.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I think Buddy will have a similar career and role as Cuttino Mobley. He compares well yet is alot stronger and in today’s NBA the qualities that made Mobley relevant are requested even more by NBA players. He should have a decent career as a good starter and potentially a fringe all-star player. With such a weak amount of true SG’s in the NBA today he could even become an all-star type talent.

[Hype Machine]

 Ive got him as bust potential because Ive heard people talking him up from the 1-3 range after his tourney run. Some bigtime Hield love out there right now…especially on ESPN who is trying to hype ratings.

Picking anyone as a bust is generally going to warrant criticism but I’d rather give it a shot now and be proven wrong later. I just think hes unlikely to be the #1 option on any team and if he does indeed become a third option or specialist off-the-ball gunner his draft position might not reflect this limited role…especially if hes top 3.

 

[Hype Machine]

 Ive got him as bust potential because Ive heard people talking him up from the 1-3 range after his tourney run. Some bigtime Hield love out there right now…especially on ESPN who is trying to hype ratings.

Picking anyone as a bust is generally going to warrant criticism but I’d rather give it a shot now and be proven wrong later. I just think hes unlikely to be the #1 option on any team and if he does indeed become a third option or specialist off-the-ball gunner his draft position might not reflect this limited role…especially if hes top 3.

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 I don’t think Buddy Hield has bust potential. He might not be on the all-star team or even a playmaker, but the guy will make shots. He’s a 3 point specialist at the least. 

[Hype Machine]

 The more I look at this Big Board, the more convinced I am that I’m the best talent scout on the site.

This was before a lot of players declared, eg Maker, but was a hell of a lot better than draft sites that had the benefit of 4 more months of preparing.

 

Its time to give Hype his due. This shows I’m more than just a troll. And its exactly why I’m going pro in 2017.

 

 

 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

 Hype I am so impressed, in one lowly detailed post you accurately defined the careers of all of these players and we know this because all of these players of totally already shown their full skill sets and grown to their potential. A quarter of their rookie season pretty much is their whole 10-15 year career right?

[Hype Machine]

Lol GTFOH with your sarcasm. 

These Kiwis think just because they eat Hot Dogs on a stick and sell them at town fairs they can drop knowledge about basketball?

You leave the basketball talk to the veterans, and I’ll leave the hotdogs on a stick to the Kiwi Carnies. 

 

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