[highflyer0Participant]

All right, time for some hot takes. Curious what you guys think of these, as well as what your own hot takes are.

1. If it weren’t for medical concerns, Peterson over Dybantsa would be a no-brainer. He’s a better shooter, better defender, better fit for the modern NBA because of his combo-guard skills (despite low assist numbers at KS), quicker with the ball, and really in the mold of today’s superstar guards (SGA, Ant, etc.) With that said, if Peterson is fully cleared, I’d much rather be the Jazz in this draft than the Wizards. Washington might look silly in a few years…

2. Assuming his back injuries are behind him (no pun intended), Mikel Brown could end up the 2nd best player from this draft. I don’t think this past year was a true showcase of his abilities. He’s a terrific athlete with fantastic PG size. His shooting numbers will be much better in the NBA, I think. His handle is great, passing is underrated, and with his size and length he can be a solid defender. He’s also a smart and cerebral kid, which is a much, much bigger factor in determining who becomes a star than many people like to admit.

3. Ebuka Okorie should be a lottery pick, maybe even top 10. Watch film on him and then try to explain to me why he isn’t projected that high already. He’s not even that small, at over 6’1 with a nearly 6’8 wingspan. He’s a very good athlete with the kind of quickness and tight handle that translates really well to the next level. I see a more consistent, better ball-handling Dennis Schroeder, which would be a really solid player. Also a really smart guy. Don’t underestimate this!

4. I promise I don’t hate AJ Dybantsa as a prospect. I’d still take him top 5. BUT…if you’re okay with picking a guy who you think can be elite on offense but struggle on defense, Acuff is actually the SAFER pick (not necessarily better). That might sound really bizarre, but hear me out. I don’t see a world where Acuff isn’t an efficient scorer (maybe even elite) in the NBA. He’s got very good guard size, is a great shooter, has great handle, is a very good passer–basically he’s an offensive-minded PG built in a lab. His defense sucks. AJ’s defense has a nice chance of not sucking. That’s a big difference, sure. But AJ averaged .3 blocks per game. Yes, 0.3. He’s 6’9 with a 42 inch vertical and he averaged .3 blocks per game. Interesting…Now, here’s the other thing. His outside shot is a bit of a question mark. Will it be “good”? I think that’s fairly likely. Is it possible he never develops into an efficient 3-point shooter? Also possible. So, if you want an offensive star, you’re looking at a guy with question marks surrounding defense and shooting vs. a guy with bad defense. Also, I think you can overcome a poor PG defender more easily than a poor wing defender. Just saying…

5. Okay, not a hot take, but how the heck is Tarris Reed not projected in the first round? If I’m a contender, he seems like a plug and play backup center that can eventually be a serviceable starter. That’s incredibly valuable for good teams. He’s actually got nice size for a center with a 9’2” standing reach. Look at Hartenstein as an example of the kind of player I think Reed could develop into.

My top 10:
1. Darryn Peterson
2. Cameron Boozer
3. Caleb Wilson
4. Mikel Brown
5. AJ Dybantsa
6. Darius Acuff
7. Kingston Flemings (really tough between he and Acuff–could see him impacting winning more one day)
8. Hannes Steinbach (very underrated for some reason)
9. Keaton Wagler
10. Ebuka Okorie

[highflyer0Participant]

Top 10 with comparisons:

1. Darryn Peterson (SGA)
2. Cameron Boozer (more cerebral Julius Randle)
3. Caleb Wilson (Chris Bosh)
4. Mikel Brown (Jamal Murray)
5. AJ Dybantsa (pre-allstar break Brooklyn Michael Porter Jr)
6. Darius Acuff (Keyonte George)
7. Kingston Flemings (Jrue Holiday–in terms of impact on both ends, not so much build)
8. Hannes Steinbach (Sengun)
9. Keaton Wagler (Andrew Nembhard)
10. Ebuka Okorie (smaller De’Arron Fox)

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Tarris Reed will likely make the first round. I have him mocked before my Lakers at 25. I understand what your logic is and get your sentiment about some prospects, but AJ to me is a solid top pick. He isn’t finished product by all means, but if I recall where TMac was from his early days to who he became was pretty impressive. AJ to me is TMac with a higher motor. He’s also willing to learn as a coachable young prospect. He visually played better as the season went on. His overall size makes him a better safe long term bet. Funny, my comp for Cam Boozer is Sengun with more range and strength. Hannes is more like a taller Kevin Love type or even Steven Adams with Love’s range for me… all about rebounding… anyways, good list you put together. I’m excited about this class – pretty solid top 40.

[highflyer0Participant]

Appreciate the reply. Yeah, I’m being a tiny bit facetious about AJ. Honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he became a perennial All-NBA guy. But I think he’ll be somewhere between that and Andrew Wiggins (which is definitely still a solid number 1 pick). I do wonder how his handle will translate to the NBA. I think that will hold him back the first couple of years. In the spirit of hot takes, I remain committed to the prediction that Mikel Brown (barring injuries) will end up a more valuable player one day.

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