Post by frosty on Jun 20, 2019 0:34:48 GMT
A Look Back: 2032 Draft Review
Alright guys I have a day off and I’d like some cash for this offseason so I’m writing up another one of these. Grab a malt liquor or coffee, kick back, and we’ll take a look at a draft that I shit the bed in. Here we go.
1. Brooklyn Nets - Ed Macauley
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 15.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 BPG
We start this off with a bit of a controversial player here in Ed Macauley. Macauley has bounced around the league putting up pretty stats but isn’t in my eyes seen as a guy that contributes to winning basketball. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think he tanks your team but I question whether a guy that makes his living shooting and passing from the PF position is really all that valuable. I had Ed Mac on my team a few years ago after I signed him to an 8.5 million a year deal, which I think is spot on value for him.
Grade: B
2. Chicago Bulls - Forest Sale
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Career Stats: 16.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 BPG, .798 FT %, .355 3 PT %
At 2 the Bulls selected 6’4 PF Forest Sale. Sale never panned out and has bounced around the league as a role player, never becoming more than an MLE level guy. That being said I personally think Sale is one of the better MLE talents thats usually available in the FA pool every year. He doesn’t get you stocks but if you have some starters that take care of that end of the floor for you, Sale is a great backup big man that comes in and scorers points efficiently. Sales best used in a 15-20 minute a game role. Not a terrible player/pick but you definitely want more than an MLE guy at the 2 pick.
Grade: C+
3. New York Knicks - 2036 - Everett Case
Career Achievements:
2036 - All-League Third Team
2038 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 18.6 PPG, 9.5 APG, 5.4 RPG, .46 FG % .875 FT %, .425 3PT %
At 3 the New York Knickerbockers selected a little point guard out of Wisconsin by the name of Everett Case. Case manned the PG spot for the Knicks for around 8 seasons before finally being traded. Case has universally been heralded as the most underrated and underpaid player in the league. Case does nothing to hurt your team and has always done that on an under 10 million dollar contract. Case is a good PG who I’d use as a sort of Mendoza line for PGs. If your PG is worse than Case he’s probably not good enough to give big money to. Regardless of how the rest of Cases career goes this was a good pick for the Knicks back in 2032.
Grade: B+
4. Philadelphia 76ers - Anfernee Simons
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2034 - All-Star Game Participant
2035 - All-League First Team
2036 - All-League Second Team
2037 - All-Star Game Participant
2037 - All-League Third Team
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-League Third Team
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game MVP
2041 - All-League Third Team
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-League First Team
Career Stats: 26.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, .485 FG%, .893 FT%, .461 3PT%
At 4 we have the first major steal and first sure-fire HoFer coming off the board. Simons was a guy I coveted at the draft but got taken a pick before mine. Simons has absolutely killed the league since he developed. He bounced around the league as a highly sought after piece initially but settled in with the Nuggets and later Celtics establishing himself as one of the top SGs in the league and potentially the best SG the leagues seen since the Toles/Marshall era. You really can’t speak highly enough of Simons. He’ll be in the HoF one day and getting him here is an amazing pick
Grade: A+
5. Toronto Raptors - Jack George
Career Achievements:
Literally None
Career Stats: 5.1 PPG, 2.8 APG, 52.5 Frosty tears per game
Here comes my 2nd pick ever in the league. George was highly touted by Rog and by my own admission I didn’t really do my due diligence with this pick. I remember consulting with Bay about this pick. I was hoping Simons would fall to me and after he didn’t a lost a bit of interest here. I considered Dino Meneghin, but had Lovelette so thought I’d go elsewhere. Bay liked Fuzzy Vandivier but liked George as well. I blame both Rog and Bay for hyping this motherfucker up. Regardless George sucks and I won’t dwell on this mess of a pick. Onwards.
Grade: F+ for me, F- for Rog and Bay
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Slim Wintermute
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-League Second Team
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-Defensive Second Team
Career Stats: 16.4 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG, .44 FG%
Jelly picked up a guy with one of the weirdest names I’ve seen here at the 6 slot. Now before I looked up Slim I would have guessed he’s had a mostly average career for a big man. Upon further inspection though thats just not the case. Slim’s carving out quite the little niche here in this league. The guys got multiple ASG selections and an All League and Defensive team selections. Slim doesn’t hurt you anywhere on the court while being the occasionally elite rebounder/shotblocker. He’ll get a HoF writeup and if he racks up a couple more awards and elite seasons he may just have a case.
Grade: B+
7. Miami Heat - Killian Hayes
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 13.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, .404 3PT %
Next up are the Miami Heat picking up 2 guard Killian Hayes. Hayes started his career getting little minutes as a prospect before turning into a consistent double digit scorer in his 4th year. Killian will never win any awards or end up on any leaderboards but as a bench scorer he’s one of the best. You’d hope for a better return on the 7th pick especially considering who was left on the board but getting a good to great shooter who can play multiple positions effectively isn’t a bad deal at all.
Grade: C+
8. Brooklyn Nets - Kresemir Cosic
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2035 - All-Star Game Participant
2035 - All-League Second Team
2036 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-League Third Team
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-League Second Team
Career Stats: 19.3 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG, .446 FG%, .831 FT%, .398 3PT %
The next big steal off the board here is Kresemir Cosic. Cosic has long been one of the more well rounded bigs the leagues seen the last 10 years. Currently ranked as the 13th best player by the league Cosic is a top 5ish big in the league right now. Cosic came in to the league as an elite scorer but less than stellar rebounder/shotblocker but he’s absolutely fixed those flaws. Turning into a 13 rebound/3 block machine. Cosic is a likely HoFer. Grabbing a guy like this at 8 is amazing.
Grade: A+
9. Sacramento Kings - Nassir Little
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 6.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, .449 FG %, .796 FT%, .421 3PT %
With the 9th pick we have a guy that in my eyes is an underrated role player. Stats are very deceiving here. At first glance you may think this man is a bust but I wouldn’t agree. Nassir is another guy that does nothing wrong, hurting you in no way when he’s out there. He’s made his career being a stopgap starter/bench piece on better teams. I’ve had him and started him when needed and he absolutely improves your team. Good rebounder, good shooter, doesn’t turn it over, usually low salary. Obviously there would have been better picks here but Little’s always been a guy I was a fan of.
Grade: C
10. Boston Celtics - Dino Meneghin
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Rookie Second Team
2034 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2034 - Rookie Game MVP
2036 - All-Star Game Participant
2036 - All-League Third Team
2037 - All-Star Game Participant
2037 - All-League Second Team
2038 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2040 - All-League First Team
2040 - All-Defensive Team
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-League First Team
Career Stats: 16.8 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 3.6 BPG, .444 FG%, .768 FT%
If I had to make a big man in a lab I think the player I’d make would come out looking like Dino. Dino in any given year could lead the league in blocks and rebounds. He doesn’t shoot a lot but is efficient when he does. Doesn’t turn the ball over, hits his free throws. Basically leaves 0 points out on the floor. Dino somehow didn’t get any votes in the top 27 players in the league article, so he’s basically the most underrated player in the league at this point. There’s no way guys like Bill Russell and Clyde Lovelette are better than Dino. Dino in any given year is the best big in the league and an all league, DPOTY candidate. Future HoFer. How he fell to 10 in this draft I have no idea.
Grade: A+
11. Houston Rockets - Don Otten
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 7.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG, .409 FG%
Another career role player here. Otten came in with alright ratings and an alright draft note and what a shock, he turned into an “alright” player. Ottens shown he’s capable of being an average 3rd or 4th big when given minutes but he’s never grown past that. I won’t waste much time here but this isn’t an ideal draft pick in the lottery. Still the Rockets got quite a few years of cheap role playing out of him so that’s something.
Grade: D
12. LA Clippers - Bobby McDermott
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 22.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, .482 FG%, .926 FT%, .457 3PT%
For this selection I’m basically going to ignore the fact that PJ made this pick and look at it objectively. McDermott is a huge steal at 12 and has been a top 4 or 5 SG since he came into the league. Multiple all star selections and massive percentages and steals numbers have made him worthy of a HoF writeup. He’s been a huge part of the Clippers championship success and grabbing a guy like this at 12 is basically the dream scenario. It’s too bad he ended up on PJs team.
Grade: A
13. Orlando Magic - George Kaftan
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 6.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, .440 FG%, .695 FT% .319 3PT %
Kaftan was likely taken in the lotto due to his draft notes that initially looked like they’d pair well with Ray Lumpp. Ultimately it didn’t matter because Kaftan didn’t pan out. The reality is Kaftan likely isn’t playable. Doesn’t do anything well, not a great shooter or defender. Leaves points on the floor through free throws and 3 pointers. This was a boom or bust pick and it definitely busted.
Grade: F
14. Atlanta Hawks - Pop Gates
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 8.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, .390 FG%, .729 FT%,
Pop Gates had some decent hype pre draft. High on the predraft ratings leaderboard most of the GM’s saw through his misleading ratings and passed on him. He finally went off the board here and everyone that passed on him was right. Gates is below average in the rebounding/defense department and isn’t exactly an offensive workhorse so basically another unplayable guy drafted here.
Grade: F
Notables Outside of Lottery
15. Washington Bullets - Fuzzy Vandivier
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2041 - 3-Point Shootout Champion
Career Stats: 17.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .472 FG%, .877 FT%, .455 3PT %
Fuzzy’s resume isn’t too impressive but he absolutely is a beast. One of the best shooters at his position in the league Fuzzy embodies the 3 and D player in the NBN. He’s not an “elite” SF and doesn’t have any rings but theres no doubt in my mind that you can win one with Fuzzy as your SF. Fuzzy’s taken another leap the last 2 years and has averaged nearly 25 PPG on good efficiency. Steal at the 15 pick.
Grade: A
16. Miami Heat - Salah Mejri
Career Achievements:
2037 - All-Defensive Second Team
Career Stats: 7.7 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.1 BPG, .630 FT%
Salah is one of the most underpaid players in the league and someone I’ve coveted for a long time. Salah is the prototypical NBN big man, elite rebounder and shotblocker while not leaving many points on the court with an okay FT percentage and low turnovers/shot attempts. Cavs probably won’t be moving him any time soon and its easy to see why. I’m interested in seeing how people vote on his HoF writeup.
Grade: A+
19. Milwaukee Bucks - Luka Samanic
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2033 - All-Rookie Second Team
2034 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Career Stats: 13.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 TOPG
A controversial player but a steal none the less. Samanic is the Chia of PFs in that he’s got great numbers all around but has a glaring TO problem. Personally I think a guy like this works best as a supersub but he does have some really impressive all around seasons so maybe you can build a team around his weakness. We haven’t been able to test that as he’s been on a GM-less Kings team most of his career. I’m interested in seeing how he plays under a real GM but regardless getting a viable guy at 19 is a great deal.
Grade: B+
31. PHX Suns - Belus Smawley
Career Achievements:
2037 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2037 - All-Rookie Second Team
2038 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2039 - 3-Point Shootout Champion
Career Stats: 20.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, .480 FG%, .903 FT%, .472 3PT%
Belus fell all the way to the 2nd round and went to the G-League for a long time before coming back and becoming a stud in the league. Belus became a monster shooter that fits in well on any team. He’s been overpaid and so he’s bounced around the league before getting inexplicably benched by the tanking Sonics but in reality Belus is one of their best players and a potentially lethal 3rd/4th best player on a team. One of the best 2nd round picks I’ve seen in the league and potentially of all time.
Grade: A
Alright guys I have a day off and I’d like some cash for this offseason so I’m writing up another one of these. Grab a malt liquor or coffee, kick back, and we’ll take a look at a draft that I shit the bed in. Here we go.
1. Brooklyn Nets - Ed Macauley
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 15.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 BPG
We start this off with a bit of a controversial player here in Ed Macauley. Macauley has bounced around the league putting up pretty stats but isn’t in my eyes seen as a guy that contributes to winning basketball. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think he tanks your team but I question whether a guy that makes his living shooting and passing from the PF position is really all that valuable. I had Ed Mac on my team a few years ago after I signed him to an 8.5 million a year deal, which I think is spot on value for him.
Grade: B
2. Chicago Bulls - Forest Sale
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Career Stats: 16.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 BPG, .798 FT %, .355 3 PT %
At 2 the Bulls selected 6’4 PF Forest Sale. Sale never panned out and has bounced around the league as a role player, never becoming more than an MLE level guy. That being said I personally think Sale is one of the better MLE talents thats usually available in the FA pool every year. He doesn’t get you stocks but if you have some starters that take care of that end of the floor for you, Sale is a great backup big man that comes in and scorers points efficiently. Sales best used in a 15-20 minute a game role. Not a terrible player/pick but you definitely want more than an MLE guy at the 2 pick.
Grade: C+
3. New York Knicks - 2036 - Everett Case
Career Achievements:
2036 - All-League Third Team
2038 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 18.6 PPG, 9.5 APG, 5.4 RPG, .46 FG % .875 FT %, .425 3PT %
At 3 the New York Knickerbockers selected a little point guard out of Wisconsin by the name of Everett Case. Case manned the PG spot for the Knicks for around 8 seasons before finally being traded. Case has universally been heralded as the most underrated and underpaid player in the league. Case does nothing to hurt your team and has always done that on an under 10 million dollar contract. Case is a good PG who I’d use as a sort of Mendoza line for PGs. If your PG is worse than Case he’s probably not good enough to give big money to. Regardless of how the rest of Cases career goes this was a good pick for the Knicks back in 2032.
Grade: B+
4. Philadelphia 76ers - Anfernee Simons
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2034 - All-Star Game Participant
2035 - All-League First Team
2036 - All-League Second Team
2037 - All-Star Game Participant
2037 - All-League Third Team
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-League Third Team
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game MVP
2041 - All-League Third Team
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-League First Team
Career Stats: 26.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, .485 FG%, .893 FT%, .461 3PT%
At 4 we have the first major steal and first sure-fire HoFer coming off the board. Simons was a guy I coveted at the draft but got taken a pick before mine. Simons has absolutely killed the league since he developed. He bounced around the league as a highly sought after piece initially but settled in with the Nuggets and later Celtics establishing himself as one of the top SGs in the league and potentially the best SG the leagues seen since the Toles/Marshall era. You really can’t speak highly enough of Simons. He’ll be in the HoF one day and getting him here is an amazing pick
Grade: A+
5. Toronto Raptors - Jack George
Career Achievements:
Literally None
Career Stats: 5.1 PPG, 2.8 APG, 52.5 Frosty tears per game
Here comes my 2nd pick ever in the league. George was highly touted by Rog and by my own admission I didn’t really do my due diligence with this pick. I remember consulting with Bay about this pick. I was hoping Simons would fall to me and after he didn’t a lost a bit of interest here. I considered Dino Meneghin, but had Lovelette so thought I’d go elsewhere. Bay liked Fuzzy Vandivier but liked George as well. I blame both Rog and Bay for hyping this motherfucker up. Regardless George sucks and I won’t dwell on this mess of a pick. Onwards.
Grade: F+ for me, F- for Rog and Bay
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Slim Wintermute
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-League Second Team
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-Defensive Second Team
Career Stats: 16.4 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG, .44 FG%
Jelly picked up a guy with one of the weirdest names I’ve seen here at the 6 slot. Now before I looked up Slim I would have guessed he’s had a mostly average career for a big man. Upon further inspection though thats just not the case. Slim’s carving out quite the little niche here in this league. The guys got multiple ASG selections and an All League and Defensive team selections. Slim doesn’t hurt you anywhere on the court while being the occasionally elite rebounder/shotblocker. He’ll get a HoF writeup and if he racks up a couple more awards and elite seasons he may just have a case.
Grade: B+
7. Miami Heat - Killian Hayes
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 13.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, .404 3PT %
Next up are the Miami Heat picking up 2 guard Killian Hayes. Hayes started his career getting little minutes as a prospect before turning into a consistent double digit scorer in his 4th year. Killian will never win any awards or end up on any leaderboards but as a bench scorer he’s one of the best. You’d hope for a better return on the 7th pick especially considering who was left on the board but getting a good to great shooter who can play multiple positions effectively isn’t a bad deal at all.
Grade: C+
8. Brooklyn Nets - Kresemir Cosic
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2035 - All-Star Game Participant
2035 - All-League Second Team
2036 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-League Third Team
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-League Second Team
Career Stats: 19.3 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG, .446 FG%, .831 FT%, .398 3PT %
The next big steal off the board here is Kresemir Cosic. Cosic has long been one of the more well rounded bigs the leagues seen the last 10 years. Currently ranked as the 13th best player by the league Cosic is a top 5ish big in the league right now. Cosic came in to the league as an elite scorer but less than stellar rebounder/shotblocker but he’s absolutely fixed those flaws. Turning into a 13 rebound/3 block machine. Cosic is a likely HoFer. Grabbing a guy like this at 8 is amazing.
Grade: A+
9. Sacramento Kings - Nassir Little
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 6.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, .449 FG %, .796 FT%, .421 3PT %
With the 9th pick we have a guy that in my eyes is an underrated role player. Stats are very deceiving here. At first glance you may think this man is a bust but I wouldn’t agree. Nassir is another guy that does nothing wrong, hurting you in no way when he’s out there. He’s made his career being a stopgap starter/bench piece on better teams. I’ve had him and started him when needed and he absolutely improves your team. Good rebounder, good shooter, doesn’t turn it over, usually low salary. Obviously there would have been better picks here but Little’s always been a guy I was a fan of.
Grade: C
10. Boston Celtics - Dino Meneghin
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Rookie Second Team
2034 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2034 - Rookie Game MVP
2036 - All-Star Game Participant
2036 - All-League Third Team
2037 - All-Star Game Participant
2037 - All-League Second Team
2038 - All-Star Game Participant
2039 - All-Star Game Participant
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2040 - All-League First Team
2040 - All-Defensive Team
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-League First Team
Career Stats: 16.8 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 3.6 BPG, .444 FG%, .768 FT%
If I had to make a big man in a lab I think the player I’d make would come out looking like Dino. Dino in any given year could lead the league in blocks and rebounds. He doesn’t shoot a lot but is efficient when he does. Doesn’t turn the ball over, hits his free throws. Basically leaves 0 points out on the floor. Dino somehow didn’t get any votes in the top 27 players in the league article, so he’s basically the most underrated player in the league at this point. There’s no way guys like Bill Russell and Clyde Lovelette are better than Dino. Dino in any given year is the best big in the league and an all league, DPOTY candidate. Future HoFer. How he fell to 10 in this draft I have no idea.
Grade: A+
11. Houston Rockets - Don Otten
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 7.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG, .409 FG%
Another career role player here. Otten came in with alright ratings and an alright draft note and what a shock, he turned into an “alright” player. Ottens shown he’s capable of being an average 3rd or 4th big when given minutes but he’s never grown past that. I won’t waste much time here but this isn’t an ideal draft pick in the lottery. Still the Rockets got quite a few years of cheap role playing out of him so that’s something.
Grade: D
12. LA Clippers - Bobby McDermott
Career Achievements:
2032 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2032 - All-Rookie Second Team
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2040 - All-Star Game Participant
2041 - All-Star Game Participant
2042 - All-Star Game Participant
Career Stats: 22.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, .482 FG%, .926 FT%, .457 3PT%
For this selection I’m basically going to ignore the fact that PJ made this pick and look at it objectively. McDermott is a huge steal at 12 and has been a top 4 or 5 SG since he came into the league. Multiple all star selections and massive percentages and steals numbers have made him worthy of a HoF writeup. He’s been a huge part of the Clippers championship success and grabbing a guy like this at 12 is basically the dream scenario. It’s too bad he ended up on PJs team.
Grade: A
13. Orlando Magic - George Kaftan
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 6.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, .440 FG%, .695 FT% .319 3PT %
Kaftan was likely taken in the lotto due to his draft notes that initially looked like they’d pair well with Ray Lumpp. Ultimately it didn’t matter because Kaftan didn’t pan out. The reality is Kaftan likely isn’t playable. Doesn’t do anything well, not a great shooter or defender. Leaves points on the floor through free throws and 3 pointers. This was a boom or bust pick and it definitely busted.
Grade: F
14. Atlanta Hawks - Pop Gates
Career Achievements:
None
Career Stats: 8.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, .390 FG%, .729 FT%,
Pop Gates had some decent hype pre draft. High on the predraft ratings leaderboard most of the GM’s saw through his misleading ratings and passed on him. He finally went off the board here and everyone that passed on him was right. Gates is below average in the rebounding/defense department and isn’t exactly an offensive workhorse so basically another unplayable guy drafted here.
Grade: F
Notables Outside of Lottery
15. Washington Bullets - Fuzzy Vandivier
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2041 - 3-Point Shootout Champion
Career Stats: 17.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, .472 FG%, .877 FT%, .455 3PT %
Fuzzy’s resume isn’t too impressive but he absolutely is a beast. One of the best shooters at his position in the league Fuzzy embodies the 3 and D player in the NBN. He’s not an “elite” SF and doesn’t have any rings but theres no doubt in my mind that you can win one with Fuzzy as your SF. Fuzzy’s taken another leap the last 2 years and has averaged nearly 25 PPG on good efficiency. Steal at the 15 pick.
Grade: A
16. Miami Heat - Salah Mejri
Career Achievements:
2037 - All-Defensive Second Team
Career Stats: 7.7 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.1 BPG, .630 FT%
Salah is one of the most underpaid players in the league and someone I’ve coveted for a long time. Salah is the prototypical NBN big man, elite rebounder and shotblocker while not leaving many points on the court with an okay FT percentage and low turnovers/shot attempts. Cavs probably won’t be moving him any time soon and its easy to see why. I’m interested in seeing how people vote on his HoF writeup.
Grade: A+
19. Milwaukee Bucks - Luka Samanic
Career Achievements:
2033 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2033 - All-Rookie Second Team
2034 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Career Stats: 13.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 TOPG
A controversial player but a steal none the less. Samanic is the Chia of PFs in that he’s got great numbers all around but has a glaring TO problem. Personally I think a guy like this works best as a supersub but he does have some really impressive all around seasons so maybe you can build a team around his weakness. We haven’t been able to test that as he’s been on a GM-less Kings team most of his career. I’m interested in seeing how he plays under a real GM but regardless getting a viable guy at 19 is a great deal.
Grade: B+
31. PHX Suns - Belus Smawley
Career Achievements:
2037 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2037 - All-Rookie Second Team
2038 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2039 - 3-Point Shootout Champion
Career Stats: 20.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, .480 FG%, .903 FT%, .472 3PT%
Belus fell all the way to the 2nd round and went to the G-League for a long time before coming back and becoming a stud in the league. Belus became a monster shooter that fits in well on any team. He’s been overpaid and so he’s bounced around the league before getting inexplicably benched by the tanking Sonics but in reality Belus is one of their best players and a potentially lethal 3rd/4th best player on a team. One of the best 2nd round picks I’ve seen in the league and potentially of all time.
Grade: A