[OhCanada-Participant]

Who’s the better prospect?

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Kon is a shooting hype machine and rightfully so. He’s great at what he does, gets to his spots. He has similarities of Desmond Bane if he maximizes his potential. His handle isn’t terrible and he’s automatic from the free throw. He’s got a good feel for the game and generally is never out of place. His defense can improve – although it has a little there still needs work.

Cedric Coward is a do it all guy with great measurements… He has similarities to that of Kawhi Leonard in his game and could be something similar if he maximizes his potential. His ability to play on both ends of the floor at a high level make him a great candidate to go high in the draft. Outside of maybe a small few of us, the more popular pick is Kon for now – that can change though.

Give me Coward, and honestly, I’ve never been a Kon top 10 guy but then I have him just outside it. Coward does everything well. To me it’s kind of not even close despite what the consensus would say, I’m going against the grain on this one…

[HitsterParticipant]

Coward was on the radar as a likely pick but does a lights out combine and 6 games with WSU push him well into the lottery?

If he had declared last year surely he would have been a top 10 lock in a much weaker draft?

I’m not the biggest Kon fan and don’t have him as high on my mocks as others and certainly not the second Duke player picked in this year’s draft after Cooper Flagg.

I don’t think the two year age difference is a big thing and I’ve moved Coward into my first round mock as I had him too low but I’d take Kon ahead of him as NBA is so much about scoring and shooting now.especially in the regular season. But might Cedric be more a play off guy I throw that thought out there?

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

with those measurements, Coward would have been a top 10 pick last year. I’m pretty sure he would have skyrocketed draft boards… maybe top 5.

[OhCanada-Participant]

I think both players will be household names for the next decade. But I like Coward here.

Kon Knueppel checks all the box to be the leagues next sidekick, 2nd or 3rd option similar to Klay Thompson or Desmond Bane. He also showed a very deceptive abillity to create, he uses his bulk and weight to position himself and kind of has that Luka Doncic slow dribble hesitation game. Hes been penciled in as this drafts safest pick however he hasn’t tested athletically and he measured at 6’5 with a 6’6 wingspan so there is some reason for doubt there.

Coward’s potential is just through the roof. If you look at all the players he’s being compared too. Khris Middleton has a 6’10 wingspan. Harrison Barnes 6’10 wingspan. 7’2 is just ridiculous for a 6’6 wing with his shot making abillity. He also just seems to be a sponge and just scratching the surface of his potential. His 38.5 max verticle is new to him and a product of recent training , he said he was surprised with those results. He also said he is learning how to play more athletic because his game (very similar to Kawhi) is based on simple fundimental plays. And he plays a smart brand of basketball. Posts up smaller defenders, shooots open jumpshots, attacks closeouts, and has a nice mid range. I think theres no way Coward is a bust.

[HitsterParticipant]

If Coward is clear of his injuries and has found this athletic explosiveness I just hope he can stay sound. His wingspan alone with what looks like a good basketball IQ makes him a potentially elite defender and a great intangibles guy.

Kon might not be drafted for his defensive abilities but he is one of the best pure shooters in this draft and in the modern NBA he is an ideal option when the play is spread. I don’t see him going to a team which cannot make use of him and he can create his own shot but will thrive on a team with a really good playmaker.

I’m waiting to see if the major draft boards start moving Coward up as Kon is a locked on lottery pick and likely top 10 in my mind.

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