Vicarious ass Nigga
NBA Offseason 2016 - FreeAgency money dried up...Waiters gets $2.6 after OKC pulled $6+ offer...
But no max monies.
I'm not saying max but is he has good year he can close. The league is guard heavy but how many are good?
Rockets need one.
Minnesota
Knicks
Nets
Philly
Pelicans
Orlando
Yeah, players do that seems every year. Not sure why though. What's the strategy? What's the benefit?
Dude already knows hes 1 or 2. He is fav for 1. He has his weaknesses that he MAY be able to work on later but cant afford any press about how Ingram was more impressive etc. Plus there is really nothing to prove. He cant raise his draft position so why bother. Non story here fam
Agreed.
Replace the Rockets with the Mavericks and you have a deal. Rockets don't need another ball dominant guard. Forgot about Philly. Those other teams are possibilities. Bottom dwellers. But they aren't going to invest too much in Rose.
At the same time, he can still play. We'll see in this contract year. May show out and open up more options.
T
team rose
Kilpatrick played well towards last season. He's more of a combo guard but he's a option.
He's a straight scorer. We need a facilitator. If not Holiday, I'll go after Rondo
Yall got t-shirts Nigga?
Roady ass Nigga...
U mad iverson don't fuck wit y'all no more?
And ben Simmons said fuck y'all niggas don't draft me
Sixers meet with Ben Simmons in Cleveland
The 76ers had their first face-to-face meeting with the player they’re likely to take first overall.
A league source confirmed an ESPN report that the Sixers president of basketball operation Bryan Colangelo and Brett Brown had dinner with the former Louisiana State power forward Ben Simmons and his agent, Rich Paul, Thursday night in Cleveland. They met before Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Sixers visit did not include putting Simmons through a basketball workout. However, ESPN reported that Sixers were the only team as of Thursday that was granted direct access to Simmons during the pre-draft process.
Colangelo and Brown walked away impressed that Simmons added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame.
Colangelo had said on Monday that the franchise was planning a trip to Cleveland to meet with Simmons.
The team has the first, 24th and 26th picks in this Thursday’s NBA draft.
Simmons is a 6-foot-10, 260-pound ball handler who would be in position to initiate the Sixers offense. Extremely versatile, the Australian can play small forward, power forward, and center in certain small-ball situations. His skill-set would put him in a unique situation as a Sixers distributor.
The 76ers had their first face-to-face meeting with the player they’re likely to take first overall.
A league source confirmed an ESPN report that the Sixers president of basketball operation Bryan Colangelo and Brett Brown had dinner with the former Louisiana State power forward Ben Simmons and his agent, Rich Paul, Thursday night in Cleveland. They met before Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Sixers visit did not include putting Simmons through a basketball workout. However, ESPN reported that Sixers were the only team as of Thursday that was granted direct access to Simmons during the pre-draft process.
Colangelo and Brown walked away impressed that Simmons added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame.
Colangelo had said on Monday that the franchise was planning a trip to Cleveland to meet with Simmons.
The team has the first, 24th and 26th picks in this Thursday’s NBA draft.
Simmons is a 6-foot-10, 260-pound ball handler who would be in position to initiate the Sixers offense. Extremely versatile, the Australian can play small forward, power forward, and center in certain small-ball situations. His skill-set would put him in a unique situation as a Sixers distributor.
Report: Knicks having 'internal discussions' about trading for Derrick Rose
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/r...l-discussions-about-trading-for-derrick-rose/
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/r...l-discussions-about-trading-for-derrick-rose/
2016 NBA Draft workouts: Diamond Stone, Brice Johnson, Stephen Zimmerman auditioning for Boston Celtics
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics will work out a dozen prospects Saturday, including a handful of potential first-round picks.
Ivica Zubac (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Diamond Stone (Maryland) are both projected in the first round of DraftExpress' latest mock draft, while Brice Johnson (North Carolina) and Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) are projected in the top half of the second round. The full list of players in Saturday's Celtics workout follows below, courtesy of the team:
Group 1
Yogi Ferrell – Indiana
Brice Johnson – North Carolina
Gary Payton II – Oregon State
Diamond Stone – Maryland
Stephen Zimmerman – UNLV
Ivica Zubac – Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group 2
Tavon Allen – Drexel
Anthony "Cat" Barber – NC State
Trashon Burrell – Memphis
Josh Hagins – Arkansas-Little Rock
AJ Hammons – Purdue
Cam Ridley – Texas
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics will work out a dozen prospects Saturday, including a handful of potential first-round picks.
Ivica Zubac (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Diamond Stone (Maryland) are both projected in the first round of DraftExpress' latest mock draft, while Brice Johnson (North Carolina) and Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) are projected in the top half of the second round. The full list of players in Saturday's Celtics workout follows below, courtesy of the team:
Group 1
Yogi Ferrell – Indiana
Brice Johnson – North Carolina
Gary Payton II – Oregon State
Diamond Stone – Maryland
Stephen Zimmerman – UNLV
Ivica Zubac – Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group 2
Tavon Allen – Drexel
Anthony "Cat" Barber – NC State
Trashon Burrell – Memphis
Josh Hagins – Arkansas-Little Rock
AJ Hammons – Purdue
Cam Ridley – Texas
PBT’s first-round NBA mock draft
There’s no secret for the first two picks of the 2016 NBA Draft — Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are locks.
After that it is up in the air — expect a lot of trades and a lot of surprises. There are guys deep into this draft who can make an impact in the NBA with a little time and proper development. Who goes where? NBC/PBT’sNBA Draft expert — andRotoworld writer — Ed Isaacson took a crack at the first round.
First Round
1. Philadelphia: Ben Simmons, PF, LSU – As we get closer to the draft, it’s looking more and more like Simmons will be the Sixers’ pick, and I agree with this. His problems with perimeter shooting are well-known, and his demeanor down the stretch last season didn’t win him any fans, but he is a unique talent with his ability to see the floor, handle the ball, and pass for his size. Defensively, it may cause some issues if he has to defend on the wing, but having two potential rim protectors in Nerlens Noel and, hopefully, Joel Embiid, could help there. Simmons has backed away from the idea that he doesn’t want to go to Philadelphia, but expect a lot more rumors to surface in the next week, as he isn’t going to work out for them.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke – The only real challenge I saw to Simmons at the top, it looks like Ingram will fall to a good spot for him in Los Angeles. Ingram will give them something they sorely need, an athletic shooter on the wing, who can also get to the rim. He still needs to work on developing his body, and while having long arms, he’s not a very good defender, unless in position to block a shot, but there is a lot of potential here for Ingram to be the Lakers’ go-to guy for the future.
3. Boston: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia – Bender stays at number three for Boston, though I still think they will hope they will get the kind of trade offer which would allow them to unload this pick. If they choose to keep the pick, Bender could be a good project for Brad Stevens and staff. Bender has great size, and good skill for his age, but he just hasn’t had the court time he has really needed yet to make a big jump. Getting into the Celtics’ system should help him acclimate to the NBA game, while developing both his game and physical abilities.
4. Phoenix: Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington – Like Boston, Phoenix also has multiple first-round picks, and may consider a deal here for the right player, but if not, getting a power forward who can stretch the floor could be a priority. Chriss is still somewhat raw skill-wise, and he doesn’t quite understand the game yet, but he is a high-level athlete who can run the floor, block shots, and knock down jumpers. He could turn into a good starter down the road.
5. Minnesota: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence – While another shooter to put around Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins could also help, taking Dunn can create some other scenarios. A strong defender and excellent in transition, Dunn could create scoring chances on both ends of the floor, plus he has the passing ability which will make those around him better, as long as Dunn can cut down on his mistakes. Also, if Dunn does develop well, it suddenly can make Ricky Rubio an attractive trade chip when the Wolves are ready to take the next step.
6. New Orleans: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma – Eric Gordon is a free agent, and Jrue Holiday has a year left on his deal, so looking to either backcourt spot is the way to go. In Hield, the Pelicans can add a very good long-range shooter who can help open up the floor some more for Anthony Davis. Jamal Murrayis also an option here, though Hield’s competitiveness on the floor should make a good impression on his teammates.
7. Denver: Jaylen Brown, SF, California – Denver added their point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay, in this spot last season, but with the health of Danilo Gallinari always a question, looking to add one of the few top-tier wing prospects could be a smart move. I’m not sold on Brown, as he didn’t really stand out as a freshman, and his lack of perimeter shooting ability hurts, but he has an NBA body and is a good athlete, both which he uses well to get to the basket. Like Boston and Phoenix, Denver also has three first-round pick and may also explore a trade here for a player who can help them now.
8. Sacramento: Jamal Murray, PG/SG, Kentucky –Dave Joerger will hopefully get things moving in the right direction in Sacramento, and they can really use some help in the backcourt. I don’t see much of a chance that Rajon Rondo is re-signed, and off-court issues with Darren Collison are a question mark, so a point guard could make sense. I’m not in the camp that Murray should, or could, play the point at the NBA level, but he does have some ability to create. What he can do is knock down threes extremely well, another thing that the Kings could use.
9. Toronto: Skal Labissiere, PF/C, Kentucky –Bismack Biyombo is going to test free agency after his surprising year, and the Raptors could use a rim protector behindJonas Valanciunas. Labissiere is more of a project at this point, but he can knock down mid-range jumpers and block shots, so he could be a good project for the Toronto development coaches.
10. Milwaukee: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah – Poeltl sticks at the number ten spot again. Greg Monroe hasn’t really seemed to gel withJason Kidd’s offense and defense, but Poeltl has the potential to step in and help on both ends. He has above-average potential as a rim protector, and though not the most athletic player, he is skilled on the offensive end, comfortable in the pick-and-roll, and can make an impact on the offensive boards.
11. Orlando: Deyonta Davis, PF/C, Michigan State – The Magic are another team with an exciting young core, but there are still some holes to fill, and shoring up the defense around the basket is one major area. Nikola Vucevic still has a few years left on his contract, but he doesn’t bring a major defensive presence, especially as a rim protector. Davis is young, has good size, is an improving scorer around the rim, and is a strong defensive presence, including the ability to block shots.
12. Utah: Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt – The Jazz enjoyed a breakout season fromRodney Hood last year, and with a solid group of young players, aren’t too far from getting back to the playoffs. The point guard position has been a concern, and even though Dante Exum will be back, he hasn’t exactly shown that he is the answer, especially coming off missing a season. Baldwin is a high-level athlete, good perimeter shooter, and can be a problem in transition, though he does have some issues with control and decision-making. With long arms and sped, he has the tools to be a good defender, though seems to have mental lapses. Still, even backing up Exum, he will provide some excitement.
13. Phoenix: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey – This is Phoenix’s second pick, and after taking Chriss at number four, they can look to add some shooting with Korkmaz. Korkmaz has good size for the shooting guard spot, and he’s shown a good shooting touch, and a bit of versatility to his offense. Still just 18 years old, Phoenix can let him stay over in Turkey for a bit to gain more high-level experience, especially since Devin Booker is coming off a solid rookie year.
14. Chicago: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State – Chicago is going through a transition phase, as the Gasol/Noah era is coming to an end, and Derrick Rose has never been the same after his injury issues. Fred Hoiberglikes smart players who can shoot and create shots for others, and Valentine does both of these things very well. He may not be the most athletic player in the draft, but he knows how to play, knows what his coaches need from him, and is an underrated defender.
15. Denver: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette – This is Denver’s second pick in the first round, and while a versatile forward may not be at the top of their list, it’s hard to pass on Ellenson if he is available here. A strong scorer around the lane, Ellenson has also shown improvement in his ability to stretch the floor, to go along with strong rebounding on both ends of the floor. He may have some issues on the defensive side, but Coach Malone should be able to help him improve.
16. Boston: Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga – This is Boston’s second pick of the first round, and after taking a long-term project in Bender at number three, they can add a frontcourt player who could contribute right away. Sabonis is a physical power forward who can be a force around the basket and on the boards, something that Boston will need to take another step forward in the Eastern Conference.
17. Memphis: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame – Mike Conley has been with the Grizzlies since the start of his career, but he’s a free agent now, and could command more than Memphis wants to pay going forward. With that possibility, they should take a long look at Jackson, who impressed on both ends of the floor during his three seasons with the Irish. Even if Conley is convinced to come back, Jackson will immediately provide better depth at the position than Memphis has had.
18. Detroit: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse – The Pistons have a strong nucleus of young players, led by Andre Drummond,Reggie Jackson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,Stanley Johnson, and Tobias Harris. Caldwell-Pope, especially, has made strong improvement, though will be a free agent soon, and, if he continues to improve, could command a great deal of money. You can never have enough shooting, and even with Caldwell-Pope sticking around, Richardson has that knack for scoring, even if inconsistent right now, and if he learns how to play defense, his freakish length could help Detroit on the perimeter.
19. Denver: Timothe Luwawu, SF, France – This will be Denver’s third pick in the first round, and assuming they haven’t swung a deal to give up any of them, they can look to add some long-term depth on the wing, especially with Gallinari being a constant injury risk. Luwawu has good size for an NBA wing, with long arms, and a constantly improving offensive game. Playing at a fast pace in Europe, he could eventually become a good transition mate for Mudiay and company, though he still has to polish up some of the rough edges in his game, especially handling the ball and creating shots off the dribble.
20. Indiana: Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor – Though Prince didn’t meet a lot of the high expectations for his senior season, he is a long, athletic wing who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Prince can knock down threes and get out in transition, and he has the experience where he can find a role fairly quick in Indiana.
21. Atlanta: DeAndre’ Bembry, SF, St. Joseph’s – The Hawks are facing a few question marks this off-season with Al Horford and Kent Bazemore both free agents. Bembry could eventually slide into Bazemore’s spot, and has some similarities to his game. Bembry is a hard-nosed defender on the wing, and can be a versatile scorer inside the arc. He needs to work on his long-range shooting, but that could come with some more experience.
22. Charlotte: Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt – Charlotte is another team facing a lot of questions with free agency this season, but in any case, they still could use some help in the paint on the defensive end. Jones was inconsistent during his time at Vanderbilt, but he is a strong defender around the basket and a good shot-blocker. His offensive game needs work, but he can be a force on the offensive boards, and if he can avoid foul trouble, on the defensive end as well.
23. Boston: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia – This would be Boston’s third pick in the first round, barring any deals they make. Zizic has good size, works hard, and is just 19 years old. He’s not ready to come to the NBA now, so Boston can leave him over in Europe to gain more experience, especially with his offensive skills, and hopefully moving up to better competition.
24. Philadelphia: Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington – Yes, Murray may give Sixers’ fans flashbacks to Tony Wroten, and there are a good deal of similarities, both good and bad. Murray has good size for the point guard position, sees the floor well, and is a high-level athlete. He isn’t much of a shooter, and his decision-making could be mind-boggling. Murray may not make a big impact at the NBA level, but if brought along slowly, he could turn into a solid NBA point guard.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas – Diallo never really got on track after an NCAA investigation caused him to miss a part of the early season. Long, athletic, and with a motor that doesn’t quit, Diallo may be short on skill, but he makes things happen with his energy on the floor. While not exactly what the Clippers need, they get a great value this late in the first round.
26. Philadelphia: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State – With their third pick in the first round, Philadelphia could look to shore up one of their real needs, perimeter shooting. Beasley showed a consistent stroke and NBA-range as a freshman at Florida State, and is even a bit more versatile on offense than just a shooter.
27. Toronto: Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia – 7’1 and a solid 265 pounds, Zubac is a semi-skilled offensive player, with the potential to be a real low-post or pick-and-roll scoring threat. Though he has great size, he isn’t much of a rim protector, post defender, or rebounder, but with some development, he could be passable. This is more of a long-range selection for Toronto to work towards securing their frontcourt for the future.
28. Phoenix: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain – This is Phoenix’s third pick in the first round, and I would expect them to take a player they can leave overseas for a bit longer. Hernangomez is a skilled power forward, with the ability to step away from the rim a bit, and he has played a good amount of minutes overseas already. He could be ready to come over in a year or two at the rate he is developing.
29. San Antonio: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina – With Tim Duncan’s future still up in the air, Johnson can at least add some athleticism to the frontcourt. While not the most skilled offensive player, he has improved a lot over the past few years, and his ability to run the floor and rebound could make him a very good value this low in the first round.
30. Golden State: Diamond Stone, C, Maryland – As the league’s dominant franchise right now, the Warriors can look to the future a bit when drafting in this last spot. They got Kevon Looney here last year, and now with a good chance that Festus Ezeli will be somewhere else next year, a young big could be what they need. Stone has a big body and can be efficient around the rim. While not really ready for the NBA level, some time down in Santa Cruz could have him ready to contribute in his second season.
There’s no secret for the first two picks of the 2016 NBA Draft — Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are locks.
After that it is up in the air — expect a lot of trades and a lot of surprises. There are guys deep into this draft who can make an impact in the NBA with a little time and proper development. Who goes where? NBC/PBT’sNBA Draft expert — andRotoworld writer — Ed Isaacson took a crack at the first round.
First Round
1. Philadelphia: Ben Simmons, PF, LSU – As we get closer to the draft, it’s looking more and more like Simmons will be the Sixers’ pick, and I agree with this. His problems with perimeter shooting are well-known, and his demeanor down the stretch last season didn’t win him any fans, but he is a unique talent with his ability to see the floor, handle the ball, and pass for his size. Defensively, it may cause some issues if he has to defend on the wing, but having two potential rim protectors in Nerlens Noel and, hopefully, Joel Embiid, could help there. Simmons has backed away from the idea that he doesn’t want to go to Philadelphia, but expect a lot more rumors to surface in the next week, as he isn’t going to work out for them.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke – The only real challenge I saw to Simmons at the top, it looks like Ingram will fall to a good spot for him in Los Angeles. Ingram will give them something they sorely need, an athletic shooter on the wing, who can also get to the rim. He still needs to work on developing his body, and while having long arms, he’s not a very good defender, unless in position to block a shot, but there is a lot of potential here for Ingram to be the Lakers’ go-to guy for the future.
3. Boston: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia – Bender stays at number three for Boston, though I still think they will hope they will get the kind of trade offer which would allow them to unload this pick. If they choose to keep the pick, Bender could be a good project for Brad Stevens and staff. Bender has great size, and good skill for his age, but he just hasn’t had the court time he has really needed yet to make a big jump. Getting into the Celtics’ system should help him acclimate to the NBA game, while developing both his game and physical abilities.
4. Phoenix: Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington – Like Boston, Phoenix also has multiple first-round picks, and may consider a deal here for the right player, but if not, getting a power forward who can stretch the floor could be a priority. Chriss is still somewhat raw skill-wise, and he doesn’t quite understand the game yet, but he is a high-level athlete who can run the floor, block shots, and knock down jumpers. He could turn into a good starter down the road.
5. Minnesota: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence – While another shooter to put around Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins could also help, taking Dunn can create some other scenarios. A strong defender and excellent in transition, Dunn could create scoring chances on both ends of the floor, plus he has the passing ability which will make those around him better, as long as Dunn can cut down on his mistakes. Also, if Dunn does develop well, it suddenly can make Ricky Rubio an attractive trade chip when the Wolves are ready to take the next step.
6. New Orleans: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma – Eric Gordon is a free agent, and Jrue Holiday has a year left on his deal, so looking to either backcourt spot is the way to go. In Hield, the Pelicans can add a very good long-range shooter who can help open up the floor some more for Anthony Davis. Jamal Murrayis also an option here, though Hield’s competitiveness on the floor should make a good impression on his teammates.
7. Denver: Jaylen Brown, SF, California – Denver added their point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay, in this spot last season, but with the health of Danilo Gallinari always a question, looking to add one of the few top-tier wing prospects could be a smart move. I’m not sold on Brown, as he didn’t really stand out as a freshman, and his lack of perimeter shooting ability hurts, but he has an NBA body and is a good athlete, both which he uses well to get to the basket. Like Boston and Phoenix, Denver also has three first-round pick and may also explore a trade here for a player who can help them now.
8. Sacramento: Jamal Murray, PG/SG, Kentucky –Dave Joerger will hopefully get things moving in the right direction in Sacramento, and they can really use some help in the backcourt. I don’t see much of a chance that Rajon Rondo is re-signed, and off-court issues with Darren Collison are a question mark, so a point guard could make sense. I’m not in the camp that Murray should, or could, play the point at the NBA level, but he does have some ability to create. What he can do is knock down threes extremely well, another thing that the Kings could use.
9. Toronto: Skal Labissiere, PF/C, Kentucky –Bismack Biyombo is going to test free agency after his surprising year, and the Raptors could use a rim protector behindJonas Valanciunas. Labissiere is more of a project at this point, but he can knock down mid-range jumpers and block shots, so he could be a good project for the Toronto development coaches.
10. Milwaukee: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah – Poeltl sticks at the number ten spot again. Greg Monroe hasn’t really seemed to gel withJason Kidd’s offense and defense, but Poeltl has the potential to step in and help on both ends. He has above-average potential as a rim protector, and though not the most athletic player, he is skilled on the offensive end, comfortable in the pick-and-roll, and can make an impact on the offensive boards.
11. Orlando: Deyonta Davis, PF/C, Michigan State – The Magic are another team with an exciting young core, but there are still some holes to fill, and shoring up the defense around the basket is one major area. Nikola Vucevic still has a few years left on his contract, but he doesn’t bring a major defensive presence, especially as a rim protector. Davis is young, has good size, is an improving scorer around the rim, and is a strong defensive presence, including the ability to block shots.
12. Utah: Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt – The Jazz enjoyed a breakout season fromRodney Hood last year, and with a solid group of young players, aren’t too far from getting back to the playoffs. The point guard position has been a concern, and even though Dante Exum will be back, he hasn’t exactly shown that he is the answer, especially coming off missing a season. Baldwin is a high-level athlete, good perimeter shooter, and can be a problem in transition, though he does have some issues with control and decision-making. With long arms and sped, he has the tools to be a good defender, though seems to have mental lapses. Still, even backing up Exum, he will provide some excitement.
13. Phoenix: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey – This is Phoenix’s second pick, and after taking Chriss at number four, they can look to add some shooting with Korkmaz. Korkmaz has good size for the shooting guard spot, and he’s shown a good shooting touch, and a bit of versatility to his offense. Still just 18 years old, Phoenix can let him stay over in Turkey for a bit to gain more high-level experience, especially since Devin Booker is coming off a solid rookie year.
14. Chicago: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State – Chicago is going through a transition phase, as the Gasol/Noah era is coming to an end, and Derrick Rose has never been the same after his injury issues. Fred Hoiberglikes smart players who can shoot and create shots for others, and Valentine does both of these things very well. He may not be the most athletic player in the draft, but he knows how to play, knows what his coaches need from him, and is an underrated defender.
15. Denver: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette – This is Denver’s second pick in the first round, and while a versatile forward may not be at the top of their list, it’s hard to pass on Ellenson if he is available here. A strong scorer around the lane, Ellenson has also shown improvement in his ability to stretch the floor, to go along with strong rebounding on both ends of the floor. He may have some issues on the defensive side, but Coach Malone should be able to help him improve.
16. Boston: Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga – This is Boston’s second pick of the first round, and after taking a long-term project in Bender at number three, they can add a frontcourt player who could contribute right away. Sabonis is a physical power forward who can be a force around the basket and on the boards, something that Boston will need to take another step forward in the Eastern Conference.
17. Memphis: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame – Mike Conley has been with the Grizzlies since the start of his career, but he’s a free agent now, and could command more than Memphis wants to pay going forward. With that possibility, they should take a long look at Jackson, who impressed on both ends of the floor during his three seasons with the Irish. Even if Conley is convinced to come back, Jackson will immediately provide better depth at the position than Memphis has had.
18. Detroit: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse – The Pistons have a strong nucleus of young players, led by Andre Drummond,Reggie Jackson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope,Stanley Johnson, and Tobias Harris. Caldwell-Pope, especially, has made strong improvement, though will be a free agent soon, and, if he continues to improve, could command a great deal of money. You can never have enough shooting, and even with Caldwell-Pope sticking around, Richardson has that knack for scoring, even if inconsistent right now, and if he learns how to play defense, his freakish length could help Detroit on the perimeter.
19. Denver: Timothe Luwawu, SF, France – This will be Denver’s third pick in the first round, and assuming they haven’t swung a deal to give up any of them, they can look to add some long-term depth on the wing, especially with Gallinari being a constant injury risk. Luwawu has good size for an NBA wing, with long arms, and a constantly improving offensive game. Playing at a fast pace in Europe, he could eventually become a good transition mate for Mudiay and company, though he still has to polish up some of the rough edges in his game, especially handling the ball and creating shots off the dribble.
20. Indiana: Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor – Though Prince didn’t meet a lot of the high expectations for his senior season, he is a long, athletic wing who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Prince can knock down threes and get out in transition, and he has the experience where he can find a role fairly quick in Indiana.
21. Atlanta: DeAndre’ Bembry, SF, St. Joseph’s – The Hawks are facing a few question marks this off-season with Al Horford and Kent Bazemore both free agents. Bembry could eventually slide into Bazemore’s spot, and has some similarities to his game. Bembry is a hard-nosed defender on the wing, and can be a versatile scorer inside the arc. He needs to work on his long-range shooting, but that could come with some more experience.
22. Charlotte: Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt – Charlotte is another team facing a lot of questions with free agency this season, but in any case, they still could use some help in the paint on the defensive end. Jones was inconsistent during his time at Vanderbilt, but he is a strong defender around the basket and a good shot-blocker. His offensive game needs work, but he can be a force on the offensive boards, and if he can avoid foul trouble, on the defensive end as well.
23. Boston: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia – This would be Boston’s third pick in the first round, barring any deals they make. Zizic has good size, works hard, and is just 19 years old. He’s not ready to come to the NBA now, so Boston can leave him over in Europe to gain more experience, especially with his offensive skills, and hopefully moving up to better competition.
24. Philadelphia: Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington – Yes, Murray may give Sixers’ fans flashbacks to Tony Wroten, and there are a good deal of similarities, both good and bad. Murray has good size for the point guard position, sees the floor well, and is a high-level athlete. He isn’t much of a shooter, and his decision-making could be mind-boggling. Murray may not make a big impact at the NBA level, but if brought along slowly, he could turn into a solid NBA point guard.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas – Diallo never really got on track after an NCAA investigation caused him to miss a part of the early season. Long, athletic, and with a motor that doesn’t quit, Diallo may be short on skill, but he makes things happen with his energy on the floor. While not exactly what the Clippers need, they get a great value this late in the first round.
26. Philadelphia: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State – With their third pick in the first round, Philadelphia could look to shore up one of their real needs, perimeter shooting. Beasley showed a consistent stroke and NBA-range as a freshman at Florida State, and is even a bit more versatile on offense than just a shooter.
27. Toronto: Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia – 7’1 and a solid 265 pounds, Zubac is a semi-skilled offensive player, with the potential to be a real low-post or pick-and-roll scoring threat. Though he has great size, he isn’t much of a rim protector, post defender, or rebounder, but with some development, he could be passable. This is more of a long-range selection for Toronto to work towards securing their frontcourt for the future.
28. Phoenix: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain – This is Phoenix’s third pick in the first round, and I would expect them to take a player they can leave overseas for a bit longer. Hernangomez is a skilled power forward, with the ability to step away from the rim a bit, and he has played a good amount of minutes overseas already. He could be ready to come over in a year or two at the rate he is developing.
29. San Antonio: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina – With Tim Duncan’s future still up in the air, Johnson can at least add some athleticism to the frontcourt. While not the most skilled offensive player, he has improved a lot over the past few years, and his ability to run the floor and rebound could make him a very good value this low in the first round.
30. Golden State: Diamond Stone, C, Maryland – As the league’s dominant franchise right now, the Warriors can look to the future a bit when drafting in this last spot. They got Kevon Looney here last year, and now with a good chance that Festus Ezeli will be somewhere else next year, a young big could be what they need. Stone has a big body and can be efficient around the rim. While not really ready for the NBA level, some time down in Santa Cruz could have him ready to contribute in his second season.
Atlanta Hawks Team Salary
Player Option / Team Option / Qualifying Offer / Non-Guaranteed / Early Termination /Not With Team
Click the red player name for detailed contract notes
2016-17 Team-By-Team Salary Summary
Quick: Cap space spent.
Projected 2016-17 Cap Space: $0-$39.4 million
Exceptions
2016/17 Roster Count: Eight guaranteed, two non-guaranteed, one team option
Draft Picks: 21st, 44th (from Washington Wizards), 54th
Free Agents
Options: Mike Muscala ($1,015,696 — team)
Qualifying Offers: None
Depth Chart:
PG: Jeff Teague, Dennis Schröder
SG: Kyle Korver, Tim Hardaway Jr., Lamar Patterson
SF: Thabo Sefolosha
PF: Paul Millsap, Mike Scott, Mike Muscala
C: Tiago Splitter, Walter Tavares
Note: Teams often adjust their depth chart throughout the season, sometimes game by game.
2017/18 Rookie-Scale Options: None
Rookie Scale Extension Eligible: Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Player Option / Team Option / Qualifying Offer / Non-Guaranteed / Early Termination /Not With Team
Click the red player name for detailed contract notes
2016-17 Team-By-Team Salary Summary
Quick: Cap space spent.
Projected 2016-17 Cap Space: $0-$39.4 million
Exceptions
- Trade Exception (Justin Holiday, expiring 2/18/17) — $947,276
- Mid-Level Exception: $5,628,000
- Bi-Annual Exception: $2,203,000
- Room Exception*: $2,898,000
2016/17 Roster Count: Eight guaranteed, two non-guaranteed, one team option
Draft Picks: 21st, 44th (from Washington Wizards), 54th
Free Agents
- Bird: Al Horford, Kirk Hinrich
- Early Bird: Kent Bazemore
- Non-Bird: Kris Humphries
Options: Mike Muscala ($1,015,696 — team)
Qualifying Offers: None
Depth Chart:
PG: Jeff Teague, Dennis Schröder
SG: Kyle Korver, Tim Hardaway Jr., Lamar Patterson
SF: Thabo Sefolosha
PF: Paul Millsap, Mike Scott, Mike Muscala
C: Tiago Splitter, Walter Tavares
Note: Teams often adjust their depth chart throughout the season, sometimes game by game.
2017/18 Rookie-Scale Options: None
Rookie Scale Extension Eligible: Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr.
I feel like Nick Young should go instead but no one coming to the Lakers really excites me about a better season happening anytime soon.
Yeah that's why I don't mind at all if he goes.
That shit he did is poison Hall still needs his ass kicked for that.
Get Simmons shit don't they have the first pick.
They probably do take him, unless they like the kid from Duke more.
I heard something about Ulis and a hip issue as well.
Yeah I heard that too. His also frail as hell but I still think he can be a serviceable backup point in the league
the lakers need to jump on buddy hield....he'd be a great fit for them...but of course they wont
