[valentine]

Starting with the John Wall, Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins draft top players have come from lower spots. Paul George went #10 that year and is rated just as high as those 3. The next year Klay Thompson went #11, Kawhi Leonard #15 and Jimmy Butler #30. 2 of the top SG’s and a top 3 SF. The Anthony Davis draft saw Andre Drummond fall to #9 with all-star Draymond Green going #35 and a top player on a 3 seed Jae Crowder went #33. The thing all these players have in common is great coaching. Klay and Draymond rose to new heights in Steve Kerr’s first year. Leonard has Pop, Butler had Thibs, George has Vogel, Drummond grew under Stan Van and Crowder started under Carlisle and now has Stevens. Maybe Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are the most talented players in the draft but if talented players like Caris LeVert, Denzel Valentine, Rico Gathers, Georges Niang and Nigel Hayes to name a few get the right coach, they could be the guys determining the next NBA champions. My mock drafts account for coaching and I’m always willing to reach or over trade up if I can grab a talent that a great coach can mold.

[jalendean2]

 My favorite scenario is Niang going to Dallas late in round 2.  I like the thought of a slow footed highly skilled big man learning from Dirk and coach Carlisle. I’m not saying he’s going to be an all-star but he could become a legit starter on a title contender. 

[jalendean2]

 My favorite scenario is Niang going to Dallas late in round 2.  I like the thought of a slow footed highly skilled big man learning from Dirk and coach Carlisle. I’m not saying he’s going to be an all-star but he could become a legit starter on a title contender. 

[Author]

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