Ain’t a guess; the shoe fits like a glove.
He’s swung three of the biggest trades in NBA history off the top of my head. Why shouldn’t he revel in it? (Rhetorical)
2023 NBA Draft Megathread
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He’s swung three of the biggest trades in NBA history off the top of my head. Why shouldn’t he revel in it? (Rhetorical)
Smart just isn’t a small guard. He can comfortably guard (or at least switch onto) 4s.
Irving has the same height and standing reach as Deron Williams. The whole in shoes or not discrepancy is wreaking havoc on comparisons (no one has gotten dinged harder for that than Donovan Mitchell, who went from a sufficiently sized SG at 6’ 3” with a 6’ 10” wingspan and strong as hell, to some dinky 6’ 1” guard seemingly overnight).
I know times change, but I remember when Deron Williams was considered a big PG.
View: https://twitter.com/_mjkruger/status/1638077943686766594
Proctor also a better prospect than Bailey.
If the Jazz stay in their current picks, I think there's a solid chance that they'll take either Hendricks or GG with one of the picks. Then with the other pick, they'd take their favorite guard, whether that's Black, Wallace or George. At the same time, it might be a worthwhile thought exercise to ask if Gradey Dick has the ball skills to play as a big initiator. If Anthony Black isn't a point guard in the traditional sense, maybe Dick should be given a shot at it too. Otherwise, maybe someone like Hawkins or Sensabaugh just blows people away in workouts.
Hopefully, Atlanta's pick comes in later than our picks, as they're also a serious threat to draft Hendricks or GG. New Orleans could be in that market too.
Hopefully, Atlanta's pick comes in later than our picks, as they're also a serious threat to draft Hendricks or GG. New Orleans could be in that market too.
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Dick, who has measurables similar to Lamelo Ball and Josh Giddey, can play as an initiator. The question is, how much can he do in that role? Can he be the Josh Giddey of this draft?
Edit: Some of you are snickering, but the Jazz are currently playing THT as a point guard. THT was a chunky SG/SF in college. Josh Giddey is listed as a SG. Keyonte George arguably isn't a natural point guard. Anthony Black isn't a traditional point guard. Cason Wallace may have some limitations as a lead guard. It wouldn't surprise me if the Jazz drafted Gradey Dick with the expectation that they're going to put the ball in his hands on a lot of possessions. As a thought exercise, it's worth asking if Dick is an in-hand guy. It's at least a discussion.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAz-OyI9d2g
Edit: Some of you are snickering, but the Jazz are currently playing THT as a point guard. THT was a chunky SG/SF in college. Josh Giddey is listed as a SG. Keyonte George arguably isn't a natural point guard. Anthony Black isn't a traditional point guard. Cason Wallace may have some limitations as a lead guard. It wouldn't surprise me if the Jazz drafted Gradey Dick with the expectation that they're going to put the ball in his hands on a lot of possessions. As a thought exercise, it's worth asking if Dick is an in-hand guy. It's at least a discussion.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAz-OyI9d2g
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Handlogten's Heros
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That is the move I would like... if the wolves pick lands late lotto its less of a need and I may just hope something awesome slides to 28... but if there was a chance to trade into the 10-17 range I'd jump on it if it is reasonable.
I think you can come to the conclusion he doesn't have NBA abilities if you define him by something that no one else does (mid range scoring) and also think he's lackluster/average in things that everyone else thinks he's strong at (athleticism, defense, and slashing). This is also backed up by the numbers.
Bailey is strong inside the paint, as a physical defender, rebounding, and stocks. If it comes out that he's 1 inch shorter than I thought, it will matter more to me that he's good at the things size is supposed to make you good at.
Again, you are super hung up on stuff I'm not even saying.
Again, NBA level. His athleticism/defense/slashing are not stand out at the NBA level. He's a good college player. These are not directly translatable things 100% of the time. At the end of the day he's too small and too reliant on the mid-range for a combo guard. If he can go back and prove he has better on ball creation abilities, specifically out of the PNR, and can increase the ratio of his shot profile to favor 3pt and the paint instead of mid-range/paint then has a shot at being a solid rotation player.
Handlogten's Heros
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Not saying they are comparable at all... but the dribble moves he was shooting and weirdo floater one-footers reminded me of Lamelo Ball. Interesting player... curious if he leaves.
So is he in your top 5?
Handlogten's Heros
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Like the current version that is a commentator on ESPN and throws wild stripper parties on Instalive? or we talking prime Pierce?
He can score a bit like a young Paul Pierce, but he doesn't play defense or pass the ball much. The offensive talent is apparent though.
I’m quoting exact things that you are saying. I believe those things make him stand out as a prospect. You can agree to disagree, but some things are just factual. The mid range thing is factual. The athleticism, defense, and slashing are subjective….but I haven’t seen a single person question those besides yourself. His defensive and finishing numbers are great compared to the rest of the field. Very few prospects are going to walk into the NBA with a host of NBA ready skills. I think Bailey is ready to contribute right away with his defense and offense in transition. We’ll see how the shooting comes along and that will be very important going forward. But first and foremost, he will be reliant on his defense and ability to finish around the basket. He isn’t going to be a 25 usage player at the next level. He will probably be closer to 15. I’m not concerned about his mid range game because I don’t envision him using that much if at all in the NBA. That’s not what his role will be.
zags422
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I like a lot of Amari Bailey's game and athleticism but I think he needs another year at least at college and he'd better hope he grows another couple inches b/c ucla team photo no way he is taller than 6'3" looking at him next to Jacques who i also question if he is even 6'7"
You are quoting things without context of what was actually meant. You keep bringing up what he did well in college when that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about projecting.
And you seem to be completely unaware of modern shot distribution.
HeatCheck
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Unfortunately there won't be an idiot GM such as Vlade Divac who will be sitting at #2. There are several bad teams incl Orlando, Spurs, Houston, Wizards that are in desperate need of a lead guard. Fairly good chance a few of them land in the top 4.
Whoever ends up with the #2 pick will determine Scoot's fate. They will likely draft him or trade down 1-2 spots if they prefer someone such as Miller or a Thompson Twin. Jazz need to find a way to end up in the top 4 after the lottery balls if they want to sniff him. They could potentially move up with the picks in their warchest but their current draft slots are obviously outside the top 10 which is going to make it really difficult. Moving up to the #7 range for someone like Whitmore might be the best they can do. I'm still hoping for a Thompson twin but it's not looking good at the moment.
It goes without saying, at least for me, all these recent wins after the All Star Break just seem a bit hollow considering most of the players on this squad won't be here long term.
Since you guys are talking about Amari Bailey count me as another who would take a pass on him. He's a skinny score first combo guard and has always played that way even in high school. I watched Jared McCain (incoming crafty guard who will be at Duke next season) steal his lunch money in person. Bailey couldn't defend him at all. Maybe I'm just jaded by first impressions from a few years ago but would be underwhelmed if DA were to actually draft him. If they take a project guard hopefully it's one who can create more for his teammates. I'd have more interest in Procter than Bailey.
So you're saying he will be a mid range scorer in the NBA? That's what his role will be? If you see him through that lens it's understandable why you think he's not a good prospect.
I do not see that at all. I see him much more of a connector type on offense. He will not be a mid range scorer, he will be a defense first guy who has like 15% usage. Compared to other prospects his defense and athleticism stands out. If there's one part of his game that won't be a part of his pro game, it's very obviously his mid range IMO.
You seem to be completely unaware of the the word "mostly" and the fact that Bailey's attempts at the rim are way higher compared to other guards than his mid range is compared to other guards. Even compared to NBA the proportion of his attempts at the rim are +20% above league average (for all players not just guards). His mid range proportion is slightly lower than the NBA league average. These are hard facts. Did you know this is the modern shot distribution? I'm guessing you did not because you think a third of your shots from mid range means you're a mid range scorer, when in reality that is the amount the NBA players are shooting. If Amari Bailey is a mid range scorer, than the NBA as a whole is a mid range scoring league.
Coach Ellis
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I think the potential for Coach Hardy to mold him into that player is actually pretty good. I’d be very interested in him with the Jazz 2nd pick - wherever that lands.