1. I really hope the Atlanta Hawks get the opportunity to draft Luka Doncic.
Look I will admit that I know very little from personal viewing, like nearly every other American I have seen almost zero ACB league basketball. Despite that I know I want him on my team, you don't win the MVP award in the 2nd best league in the world at age 19 unless you have some incredibly special abilities. I think as the draft process has dragged on there developed this pushback against Doncic which I don't really understand. I think that a player who is as talented as he is and can pass as well as he can will become a very effective NBA player.
2. What the heck are the Kings going to do?
I mean its really anyones guess. There have been rumors that they could draft anyone from Marvin Bagley III to Michael Porter Jr. That being said the Kings have been on of the least predictable and weirdest franchises over the past few years so I feel that almost anything is on the table tonight.
3. How many trades are there going to be in the 1st round?
My serious answer is 4. Lots of teams want to move up, quit a few want to move down so don't be surprised if we see a few more trades than normal.
Ok now here are my positional rankings followed by my overall rankings.
Guards:
1.Luka Doncic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There concern over his 3-point shooting but he was excellent from the free-throw line (82.2%) which is the most accurate predictors of future 3-point success.
3. Trae Young. I disagree with those who say his upside is Steph Curry, to me I see him at best as a better Kemba Walker. The worst case scenario is maybe Shane Larkin, who his a fine player but would be considered a bust if taken with a top ten pick.
4. Colin Sexton. I am somewhat concerned about his defensive ability, he had a lower block and steal percentage in college than many of the players he gets compared to (Eric Bledsoe, John Wall, De'aaron Fox). In fact he was lower in both categories than Trae Young who is often maligned for his defensive ability.
Forwards/Wings:
1. Kevin Knox. Several players who have gone on to be very effective two-way players like Klay Thompson and Paul George fell later in the lottery. I think Kevin Knox has that potential.
2. Michael Porter Jr. I love MPJ he went to my alma mater and I am a big fan of his fluid, high scoring game but his injury problems really scares me. I also don't see why he is frequently ranked higher than Knox who seems like a very similar player minus the injury concerns.
3. Mikal Bridges. If he was just a bit younger (19 or 20) and just as talented he would be at the top of this list but his age caps his potential.
4. Miles Bridges. He has an NBA frame and can shoot threes well but I think he is an good but not exceptional talent.
Bigs:
1. Jaren Jackson Jr. I think Jackson is the big man of the future. He can protect the rim or move out and guard the perimeter. On offense he score from all over the floor.
2. Deandre Ayton. Great offensive player although I think the concerns over his defense are real. Also, I think the NBA is moving away from players like him.
3.Mo Bamba. He has an absolutely gigantic wingspan (7'10") and can maybe shoot 3s(??).
4. Wendell Carter Jr. Smart passer, good scorer, and has potential to be a good defender as well.
5. Marvin Bagley III. I don't know what position he will guard at the next level and I don't think his college 3-point shooting will translate to the NBA (he was a bad free-throw shooter in college).
Overall:
1. Luka Doncic
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
3. Deandre Ayton
4. Mo Bamba
5. Kevin Knox
6. Wendell Carter Jr.
7. Marvin Bagley III
8. Mikal Bridges
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
10. Michael Porter Jr.
11. Trae Young
12. Miles Bridges
13. Colin Sexton