[SnowtaParticipant]

I really like Stanley Johnson and Russell, but I just don’t see how Towns falls out of the top 3. I feel like people have been sleeping on Towns because he’s on such a talented team and isn’t necessarily a focal point of the offense, but a 7 footer with that kind of athleticism and skill I don’t see falling out of the top 3. Assuming Okafor goes one, personally I’d take Towns two unless I was the 76ers. I think the Wolves, Lakers, and Knicks would be making a mistake passing on him. Having a defensive presence like him is so crucial in today’s NBA. Am I the only one that’s surprised that Towns has fallen to 5 in this mock?

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I really like the Stanley Johnson type of player,. You always need one in your team… but there’s little probability they’ll become stars… and you’re supposed to pick star-caliber players in the top 5. For each Jimmy Butler there’s 50 Wesley Johnsons.

So as you mentioned, there’s no way Towns falls out of the top 3. I can see one european or late lotto player going in the top 5 if there’s a good tourney run.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I really like the Stanley Johnson type of player,. You always need one in your team… but there’s little probability they’ll become stars… and you’re supposed to pick star-caliber players in the top 5. For each Jimmy Butler there’s 50 Wesley Johnsons.

So as you mentioned, there’s no way Towns falls out of the top 3. I can see one european or late lotto player going in the top 5 if there’s a good tourney run.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

okafor has out performed everyone in college ball..but i think the debate as to who’ll be the 1st pick will come down to the team choosing…

okafor’s nba ready game…or town’s long term potential and versatility as a 2 way player? and phil jackson has been known to favor big guards so the 6’5 pg mudiaye could also be in the mix..

for the team selecting okafor you might also have to add a defensive minded big to play along side of him..watching him play this year there were plenty of times when he looks lost on the defensive end..

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

okafor has out performed everyone in college ball..but i think the debate as to who’ll be the 1st pick will come down to the team choosing…

okafor’s nba ready game…or town’s long term potential and versatility as a 2 way player? and phil jackson has been known to favor big guards so the 6’5 pg mudiaye could also be in the mix..

for the team selecting okafor you might also have to add a defensive minded big to play along side of him..watching him play this year there were plenty of times when he looks lost on the defensive end..

[goldie92689Participant]

 I think thats a bit strong…you can argue Rak Christmas has been the best post player in the ACC, not comparing the two as nba prospects, but in the here and now and don’t think Christmas has been outperformed by Okafor

basketball.realgm.com/ncaa/conferences/Atlantic-Coast-Conference/1/stats

 

 

 

[goldie92689Participant]

 I think thats a bit strong…you can argue Rak Christmas has been the best post player in the ACC, not comparing the two as nba prospects, but in the here and now and don’t think Christmas has been outperformed by Okafor

basketball.realgm.com/ncaa/conferences/Atlantic-Coast-Conference/1/stats

 

 

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Knicks likely take Okafor for triangle reasons, Sixers likely take Okafor to pair him with shotblockers Embiid/Noel (unless they grab a guard), and I think the Lakers gran Towns because Randle next to Okafor is no rim protection. 

I’m not sure what the Wolves do. 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Knicks likely take Okafor for triangle reasons, Sixers likely take Okafor to pair him with shotblockers Embiid/Noel (unless they grab a guard), and I think the Lakers gran Towns because Randle next to Okafor is no rim protection. 

I’m not sure what the Wolves do. 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I hadn’t considered this. You’re absolutely right. The triangle needs at least one reliable low post scorer. 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I hadn’t considered this. You’re absolutely right. The triangle needs at least one reliable low post scorer. 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Uhm, no it doesn’t… not if you have two all time greats playing on the wing (see the Bulls with Jordan and Pippen). What is important is that you have smart players that are willing and able to pass, which makes Okafor a good fit for the triangle.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Uhm, no it doesn’t… not if you have two all time greats playing on the wing (see the Bulls with Jordan and Pippen). What is important is that you have smart players that are willing and able to pass, which makes Okafor a good fit for the triangle.

[HitsterParticipant]

 I don’t neccessarily see him going in the top 3 but I cannot see him falling out of the top 5.

It all depends who picks where, Phil and the Knicks would like Okafor but could take a guard to really help run the triangle.

I don’t see T-Wolves taking Mudiay and could say the same about Philly given both have PG’s in place. T-Wolves have perhaps a better opening at PF than Philly.

But until we know who gets the top 3 picks we can only speculate.

 

  

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 I don’t neccessarily see him going in the top 3 but I cannot see him falling out of the top 5.

It all depends who picks where, Phil and the Knicks would like Okafor but could take a guard to really help run the triangle.

I don’t see T-Wolves taking Mudiay and could say the same about Philly given both have PG’s in place. T-Wolves have perhaps a better opening at PF than Philly.

But until we know who gets the top 3 picks we can only speculate.

 

  

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It just goes to show you how stacked this years draft could be if people think Towns isn’t a top 3 pick. Personally, I think Okafor is the consensus #1 at this point, and it’s not very close. So I think if Minny or NY gets the #1 they will take Okafor, and Towns will be the left over consolation prize. So I don’t see how he falls out of the top two unless the 76’s, Jazz, or Pistons somehow end up with the top picks. Good big men are just too rare to find these day, espesially ones that play like Towns. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It just goes to show you how stacked this years draft could be if people think Towns isn’t a top 3 pick. Personally, I think Okafor is the consensus #1 at this point, and it’s not very close. So I think if Minny or NY gets the #1 they will take Okafor, and Towns will be the left over consolation prize. So I don’t see how he falls out of the top two unless the 76’s, Jazz, or Pistons somehow end up with the top picks. Good big men are just too rare to find these day, espesially ones that play like Towns. 

[r377Participant]

I have had Towns in my top 3 for the whole year….

[r377Participant]

I have had Towns in my top 3 for the whole year….

[r377Participant]

I have had Towns in my top 3 since we could edit our own mocks….

[r377Participant]

I have had Towns in my top 3 since we could edit our own mocks….

[tfo1983Participant]

 I see Towns going #3 (and on my big board). However, it really depends on the lottery. Here’s why:

#1 Okafor (NY): Do I really need to explain?

#2: Mudiay (Philly): This kid is unbelievable talent. I would have loved seeing him at SMU, but I think playing in the CBA was a very creative and smart move. Why not get paid for a year ($1.2 mil at that) and play aganist professionals in one of the fastest growing leagues in the world? Not only is he playing in it, he’s dominating in it:

17.7 pts, 6 rebs, 6 ast, just under 50% FG, 1.6 steals (However, 3.1 TO and 58% FT, yikes!

He clearly needs to improve his shot, but his athleticism, size, strength, defensive ability and playmaking make him a huge prospect. He’s still growing (his dad is 6’10"!) and reminds me a lot of Penny. 

HOWEVER, he was recently which could change everything…..Back up pick: I see Karl Towns here.

#3: Karl Towns (Minnesota): The perfect stretch 4 with lots of potential, versatility and skill. It’s almost like getting Love back!

#4: Stanley Johnson (Lakers)

#5: D’Angelo Russell (Jazz or Magic)

***Johnson and Russell could easily switch spots***

It’s a loaded Top 5 with a significant drop from there. If Philly is not a top 2 pick, I would see Mudiay or Towns going #2 depending on the team there. Won’t Minnesota pick Towns or Johnson over Mudiay since they resigned Rubio?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tfo1983Participant]

 I see Towns going #3 (and on my big board). However, it really depends on the lottery. Here’s why:

#1 Okafor (NY): Do I really need to explain?

#2: Mudiay (Philly): This kid is unbelievable talent. I would have loved seeing him at SMU, but I think playing in the CBA was a very creative and smart move. Why not get paid for a year ($1.2 mil at that) and play aganist professionals in one of the fastest growing leagues in the world? Not only is he playing in it, he’s dominating in it:

17.7 pts, 6 rebs, 6 ast, just under 50% FG, 1.6 steals (However, 3.1 TO and 58% FT, yikes!

He clearly needs to improve his shot, but his athleticism, size, strength, defensive ability and playmaking make him a huge prospect. He’s still growing (his dad is 6’10"!) and reminds me a lot of Penny. 

HOWEVER, he was recently which could change everything…..Back up pick: I see Karl Towns here.

#3: Karl Towns (Minnesota): The perfect stretch 4 with lots of potential, versatility and skill. It’s almost like getting Love back!

#4: Stanley Johnson (Lakers)

#5: D’Angelo Russell (Jazz or Magic)

***Johnson and Russell could easily switch spots***

It’s a loaded Top 5 with a significant drop from there. If Philly is not a top 2 pick, I would see Mudiay or Towns going #2 depending on the team there. Won’t Minnesota pick Towns or Johnson over Mudiay since they resigned Rubio?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sitlbitoParticipant]

“one of the fastest growing leagues in the world”. Well…no. The CBA has good players who just play run and gun,it’s still far away from a competitive league. However being able to do what Mudiay did there is remarkable.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

“one of the fastest growing leagues in the world”. Well…no. The CBA has good players who just play run and gun,it’s still far away from a competitive league. However being able to do what Mudiay did there is remarkable.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

He honestly shouldn’t drop past #2. I still think he’s in the running for #1, even if Okafor still seems like the favorite, which he is.

I mean, if Sixers have the #2 pick, and Hinkie doesn’t want a 3rd big and adds Russell then i’ll let it slide. Russ is a serious talent and fits a serious need.

But if any other team is picking #2, theres no excuse for him to drop. Mudiay is not better than Towns. If fit is not a issue, Towns should go over  DRuss.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

He honestly shouldn’t drop past #2. I still think he’s in the running for #1, even if Okafor still seems like the favorite, which he is.

I mean, if Sixers have the #2 pick, and Hinkie doesn’t want a 3rd big and adds Russell then i’ll let it slide. Russ is a serious talent and fits a serious need.

But if any other team is picking #2, theres no excuse for him to drop. Mudiay is not better than Towns. If fit is not a issue, Towns should go over  DRuss.

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