NBA Thread

[Home Jersey]

32 minutes ago, RaceToTheTop said:

Draft position alone guarantees nothing.  In terms of going 5th, I wouldn't say seeing it as likely working out as going bust is an endorsement.  #5 guys shouldn't be 50% bust.

The thought was that Utah gave him a guarantee that if he got to 5 that they insured him they would select him.  His advisers seemed to want to go with that assurance as opposed to risk him going two, three or four.

Like you said, draft position guarantees nothing so I don’t buy the assertion that #5 guys “shouldn’t” be 50% bust without some data to back up the claim. Way more guys “bust” than not in the NBA so calling it 50/50 if he pans out to be the star player he is projected to be, I’d say is a somewhat favorable view. Even if he does “bust” he may carve out a decent role / career in the league IMO. 

He’s not a perfect player at all but he’s got a lot of talent and potential to be a team’s “alpha” … IMO that is why Ainge chose to draft him despite reportedly being told they were not a preferred destination. You say “gave him a guarantee” - I wonder if Ace’s camp viewed that as a promise or a threat, lol. In any case based on his interviews it sounds like he’s handling it professionally (as he should) and will be able to focus on basketball in an environment that’s pretty conducive to his development in a star role.

Again, he was always a high risk/high reward prospect and Utah needs a young centerpiece to be the guy. Therefore I see no reason to believe there are “VERY” long odds of it working out in Utah specifically. Seems like it was the obvious choice? And potentially great value at #5

[RaceToTheTop]

1 hour ago, Home Jersey said:

Like you said, draft position guarantees nothing so I don’t buy the assertion that #5 guys “shouldn’t” be 50% bust without some data to back up the claim. Way more guys “bust” than not in the NBA so calling it 50/50 if he pans out to be the star player he is projected to be, I’d say is a somewhat favorable view. Even if he does “bust” he may carve out a decent role / career in the league IMO. 

He’s not a perfect player at all but he’s got a lot of talent and potential to be a team’s “alpha” … IMO that is why Ainge chose to draft him despite reportedly being told they were not a preferred destination. You say “gave him a guarantee” - I wonder if Ace’s camp viewed that as a promise or a threat, lol. In any case based on his interviews it sounds like he’s handling it professionally (as he should) and will be able to focus on basketball in an environment that’s pretty conducive to his development in a star role.

Again, he was always a high risk/high reward prospect and Utah needs a young centerpiece to be the guy. Therefore I see no reason to believe there are “VERY” long odds of it working out in Utah specifically. Seems like it was the obvious choice? And potentially great value at #5

I googled ‘NBA #5 selections’ and suggest you do the same.  Not many players I would call busts.  Depends on your definition.  There is a difference being between being not worthy of the fifth pick and being a ‘bust’.  Were Ricky Rubio and Jeff Green busts because they were picked fifth?  I say they were not busts.

[Stuhoo]

Yang Hansen > Ace Bailey as a high ceiling prospect.

And it's not as much because Hansen dominated some piddly Chinese league at a young age; it's because of his style of play and especially because of what he did at Portland's pre-draft workouts against draftable guys.

7'1" with handles, an NBA ready body, quickness, and savant-level court vision? Right here is your draft day mega-steal:

 

Start this video of Hansen at the World U-19 tournament at the 1:30 mark. You'll see what I mean:

 

 

[Demo]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45585873/2026-nba-mock-draft-four-players-no-1-pick-options-peterson-dybantsa-boozer-ament
 

ESPN’s 1st ‘26 mock. What a ridiculously good class. Notable names:

19. Braylon Mullins

30. Braden Smith

49. Mackenzie Mgbako

55. Flory Bidunga 

 

 

 

[OliviaPope40]

Brooks Barnhizer getting drafted didn't have that on my bingo board.

[Loaded Chicken Sandwich]

1 hour ago, OliviaPope40 said:

Brooks Barnhizer getting drafted didn't have that on my bingo board.

He fits in with OKC. Grabs, holds, hacks on defense. Perfect match. 

[RaceToTheTop]

20 hours ago, Demo said:

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45585873/2026-nba-mock-draft-four-players-no-1-pick-options-peterson-dybantsa-boozer-ament
 

ESPN’s 1st ‘26 mock. What a ridiculously good class. Notable names:

19. Braylon Mullins

30. Braden Smith

49. Mackenzie Mgbako

55. Flory Bidunga 

 

 

 

Liam McNeely didn’t go until the end of the first round.  I would be shocked if Mullins is top 20 after his freshman year.

[HoosierHoopster]

On 6/26/2025 at 11:43 AM, Demo said:

 

Got to post every NBA draft season because it will never not be hysterical.

Dear God talk about clueless lol

[Demo]

Myles to the Bucks for 4/107 with a year 4 player option and a full trade kicker. Congrats to Myles on cashing in, but in no universe should the Pacers have done that. Daniel Gafford, who’s not as good as Turner but a legit dude who’s younger signed for 3/54. Nic Claxton, baby. Make it happen, Pritch.

[Hovadipo]

Looooove Myles, but no shot we should've done ~27/year. Probably not even if Tyrese was healthy next season. I can't imagine the meltdown next year after paying him 20+ then watching him flounder about on offense without Tyrese setting up all of his looks that got him that deal.

[Demo]

4 minutes ago, Hovadipo said:

Looooove Myles, but no shot we should've done ~27/year. Probably not even if Tyrese was healthy next season. I can't imagine the meltdown next year after paying him 20+ then watching him flounder about on offense without Tyrese setting up all of his looks that got him that deal.

Surely to God they don’t get in on Ayton, right?

[Stuhoo]

Not exactly an NBA stat line, but because I'm an admitted hater, can someone tell me if a pro basketball player that is averaging: 

• 18.2 ppg on
  • 39% fg and
  • 29.5% 3 pt, with
• 5.9 turnovers per game

Would somehow be seen as a hyper-effective superstar?

[Hovadipo]

17 minutes ago, Demo said:

Surely to God they don’t get in on Ayton, right?

Only if they want to see me self-harm.

The only bright side of that hypo would be that if anyone could get Ayton to play to his potential it'd be Rick.

[Hovadipo]

1 minute ago, Stuhoo said:

Not exactly an NBA stat line, but because I'm an admitted hater, can someone tell me if a pro basketball player that is averaging: 

• 18.2 ppg on
  • 39% fg and
  • 29.5% 3 pt, with
• 5.9 turnovers per game

Would somehow be seen as a hyper-effective superstar?

This is evil.

[HoosierHoopster]

Turner's an effective player and a long-time Pacer that has been part of that culture, full-team buy-in that significantly helps the P's continue to win against 'favored' teams and roll through the playoffs. But yeah, no way the P's could or should pay him what Boston has agreed to. And waiving off Lillard, lol.

[Stuhoo]

1 hour ago, Hovadipo said:

This is evil.

Hey - I didn't mention the repeated lack of defense when that player is still in the back court complaining about perceived missed calls!

Losing badly and thereafter intentionally poking my favorite Chloe Moore-McNeill in the eyes on an out of bounds play? Stuhoo don't forget.

[Hovadipo]

I think they're going to let Benn off the leash next year and see how the chips fall. Best case, you've got a bona fide scorer ready to make the leap when Tyrese is working his way back in 26-27 and then it's all systems go in 27-28.

Worst case, no Tyrese + Benn chucking craters the offense and you land a lottery pick in a pretty friggin' good draft. Only issue with this is I think Nembhard and Pascal are too good to find the true bottom unless they pick up an injury along the way that the front office decides is going to be a season-ender. I also wonder if, for this scenario's purpose, they don't try to replace Myles and instead just plug that hole with nothing spectacular.

[Demo]

 

Starts next Thursday. I assume Kam Jones will hit the roster once the trade is announced. What a ridiculous rule that is.

[OliviaPope40]

49 minutes ago, Demo said:

 

Starts next Thursday. I assume Kam Jones will hit the roster once the trade is announced. What a ridiculous rule that is.

Tominaga really.

[Demo]

On 6/10/2023 at 7:51 AM, Demo said:

Side note: I really want Whitmore gone before the Pacers pick. His traits are projectable as hell and he could certainly be a Guy. Maybe he fits with Haliburton because he’ll  move without the ball. But when he’s not scoring he’s not helping you and I just kind of see 1 of those guys who plays 10 yrs with 7 teams because nobody wins with him. 

And the 1st of what I’m sure will be multiple  teams give up on the Cam Whitmore experience as Houston deals him to Washington for a couple of 2nds.