This topic contains 14 replies, has 9 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Kwame33 5 years, 1 month ago.

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  • #67545
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    Kwame33
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     Spent last week watching the thanksgiving tourneys and realized that I hadn’t got the chance to watch Luka Doncic as he is a foreign prospect and man did I walk away impressed. I think that at this point he is the best player, in terms of skill and preparedness, in this draft. I don’t think he’s the best long term prospect, just that he’s further along in his development due to his playing professionally for so long. From watching him I saw a player that has: a lethal jumper with a very quick release off the catch or dribble, a diverse set of moves and finshes with an ability to score at all levels, a willing and creative passer. Reminded me of a smaller and more dynamic Hedo Turkugulo. I think other prospects may have more long term potential but I see Doncic as a sure fire contributer in the league, whereas some of the other talents are still up in the air.. What’s everyone elses feelings on him in comparison to the other top prospects, right now and long term? Some player comparisons? 

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  • #1108693
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    jabbar_medvedenko
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    I think he’s definitely unique in a sense that you don’t see too many 6-8 guards (and definitely not 18 year olds dominating former NBA players) with that type of poise, maturity, flair, that combination of skill and size, combination of scoring and playmaking ability.

    That’s why it’s hard to come up with an apt comparison. Steve Nash had that same type of flair and leadership about him but he was 6-3, and even he didn’t explode until later in his career. Maybe he’s more of a D’Angelo Russell type of scorer who can also make plays for others. Whatever the case is, for me, you take this guy no. 1 and don’t ask too many questions. We’ve seen the way Porzingis, Giannis, Gobert, Embiid, Simmons, Jokic, Towns and other (semi)international prospects (w/a few exceptions, the jury still being out on them) have asserted themselves as the best young players in the Association. Don’t think Doncic won’t be the same.

     

    Porter would have had a chance against Luka maybe if he was healthy, and Ayton has an interesting game for me. Having seen Bagley/Bamba play, I don’t think they’re in the same tier, with all the undoubted potential that they possess.

     

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  • #1108694
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    Hitster
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    Doncic may not be the athletic freak that a Porter or Bagley have the potential to be or have the sheer size of an Ayton or Bamba. But he may well have the best basketball IQ of the consensus top 5 and whilst he is still only 18 years old, in reading the game he may be the most NBA ready.

    His lack of speed may always be an issue but he reads the game so well, I think he will learn not to get isolated on defence and know how to position himself best against opponents.

    He already has a good shooting range and is an above average passer for his position already. He may not be a full blown point forward but would be hugely effective as an alternate ball carrier, instigating fast breaks and helping a team to move the ball quickly around the floor.

    Whilst he may not be a franchise changer on his own, in the right setting he could be a top 2 player on a team for many years.

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  • #1108695
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    The Goat
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     I agree, I see a long term NBA contributor. He may not be a superstar    but he’ll be very good and a winner.. at worst, the type of contributor Kukoc was. I think he’s the safest pick. I have him at 2. I have Bagley at 1. Bamba at 3 due to his motor and defensive potential, something I don’t see in Ayton. I have Ayton and Porter at 4 and 5 in either order. Sexton and Jackson next best.

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  • #1108701
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    Anton123
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    I slightly worry about him defensively, he has great instincts off the ball as a rebounder and even occasisional help defender, but he for some reason gets murdered by anyone with a post game (I watched Nikita Kurbanov look like a dominant player against him) and isn’t great on the perimiter. He is basically deceptively weak, he looks big, but anyone with muscle seems to easily push him out of the way.

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  • #1108714
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    Arc12345
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    I am VERY VERY torn about who I would take if I were selecting 1 or 2. Bagley has looked good, and the skill is there. I do think he dominates partly just because of his size and strength which is crazy because he could still be in HS.

    I like Doncic. But man, he’s pretty slow. But in terms of being able to contribute and IQ, I absolutely agree he’s the best choice. When I’m picking that high though I’m looking for a superstar and I can’t say for sure he’ll be one.

    I know Porter Jr. isn’t playing and is injured, but if he goes below 2 that’s pretty absurd to me. His athleticism and potential are crazy. His game reminds me of a cross between KD and Tracy mcgrady. 

    Ayton and Bamba deserve a look. Sexton is moving up the boards as well and Trae Young has had some incredible performances.

     

     

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  • #1108721
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    OhCanada-
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     I hate how people assume because he will not likely improve dramatically athletically his longterm potential is limited. He is still a kid at18 his body is going to see alot of changes in the next 6 years. He may never be an above the rim player but as he continues to improve his strength he can get alot tougher and quicker. James Harden is a perfect example as someone who had the same doubt athletically, dramatically improved but has never been a highflyer. Despite that his first step is lightning and he is impossible to stop in the paint without fouling due to stength. Even if he doesnt step it up athletically at all theres many ways he can continue to improve. Dont be surprised if he goes first overall the league wants perimeter oriented skilled players and his combination of skill and size makes him intriguing.

     

     

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    • #1108729
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      Arc12345
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      Harden was an athletic stud. You better go back and watch some film in college and in high school.

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      • #1108745
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        OhCanada-
        Participant

        Aran Smith 2007- Weaknesses: His body type is deceiving as it appears to be soft and uncut … Listed at 6-4, he’s likely close to 6-5 but still on the short side for a 2-guard … Can improve the consistency of his outside shooting … His quickness and athleticism, while good wont stand out on the next level … First step and his explosiveness aren’t at an elite level … A decent defender who doesn’t gamble much, but his lack of great foot speed limits his ability as a lock down guy … A terrific leader who can improve by becoming more vocal …

        Borko Popic 2009- Weaknesses: Ended the season with two very poor performances in the NCAA Tournament, which has unfairly taken some luster off of a great season (he faced zone defenses on both occasions and it forced him to play out of his comfort zone)… Does not posses the great size that many have at his position … His leaping ability and quickness are only marginal, which forces him into tough and contested drives and makes it hard for him to get by people … Even though he has worked on his drives going right, he is still not nearly as comfortable and effective as he needs to be … Defenders have a much easier time cutting of his driving lanes when he does go right … His midrange game will need to become more polished, his ability to make shots off the dribble before the helpside D rotates will be key … He has become turnover prone at 3.4 per game, but this is mostly a result of being asked to do too much …

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  • #1108724
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    Hitster
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     With Doncic I was thinking if the draft was tomorrow and the cuurrent draft order of teams was as it is now, where would he go?

    I wouldn’t personally see Chicago or Atlanta taking him when other big guns are available. Dallas also would have a long look at any bigs but have gone Euro before so could well choose him. Kings at 4, don’t have pick in 2019 – is Doncic a franchise changer but they have SF need so are possible. Cavs via Nets at 5, if he was still there, I think he’d be snapped up.

     

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  • #1108737
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    2quick4u
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    Doncic is already the best player outside the NBA.

    His averages in Euroleague are: 19’7 Pts/6’1 Rb/4’2 Ast/1 St/.5 Bl/48’5% FG /90% FT/2 3PM  in only 27min/g  

    Luka is just a kid and is still developing, which is scarry..but still people underrate his phisicality; he might not be lebron or simmons but he ain’t no Scalabrine..NBA legends like Magic johnson or Bird did not need to be athletic to dominate the league.. not saying he’ll be as good as them, just saying that you don’t need "to be like Mike" to excel in the league, if not ask Curry…

    here a video that shows some of his athleticism:  http://www.youtube.com/watch

    To me, Bagley, Ayton, Porter or Mamba are very especial talents on their own, but none of them come close to the talent of Doncic..

    Bagley is pretty fluid at 6’11 and super athletic, but in modern NBA if you play PF and can’t create of the dribble, pass the ball and find teammates and shoot from deep you might get caught up..and Bagley right now is still raw and lacks those 3 attributes.

    Ayton at 7’1 is very talented, strong and athletic already but he lacks the attitude, the shot and the consistency so i really doubt some one picks him first.

    Porter had a big injury so again, no GM will risk the 1st pick on him, plus no one has seen him play against college competition…

    and Mamba has the physical tools and potential to be a game changer on defense, but he’s still very raw so again, i doubt some one take him first.

    So personally i believe that if Doncic keeps playing at this level he’ll be the Nº1 pick; GM’s know that this type of talent only happen once every 20 years, so they won’t let it pass…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #1108852
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    holefillers1
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    His game reminds me of Joe Johnson. I think his NBA career will start from the perimeter. Joe was able to do the same and then transition into “Iso” Joe. Luka’s passing ability will allow him more opportunities to make plays off dribble drive. How well he shoots the ball from three and how effective he becomes at creating his own shot will detirmine what type of NBA player he is.
    I dont believe Doncic will wash out of the league. He may need a couple of years to establish himself but as he gains strength and size, his ball handling and vision will be key assets in his development. I see some Gordon Hayward and Paul Pierce in his game. Not sure he will become the “New Truth”(if he does, I will obviously claim full credit) but I am always on the lookout for the next Joe Johnson.

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  • #1108894
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    Hitster
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     Joe Johnson is quite a good call as he is more of a point forward and swing man than say Gallinari is. I don’t personally see PP in his game but Hayward is also another decent shout.

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  • #1128856
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    Kwame33
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    Just here to pat myself on the back, 

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    • #1128879
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      Kwame33
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      Wrong post 

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