Post by Rog on Sept 11, 2024 2:47:02 GMT
Let's do it a bit differently here. Let's take a look at the draft, rank it, talk about the players we write about and assign a tier in parenthesis. A reminder that a tier is the most likely best case scenario. Yes, that is a bit of an oxymoron but the idea here is that if everything goes right, this is the likely ending. A player can have things turn out better than I'd expect or worse, but this is a most likely, best case scenario. Anyway, let's get to it.
1. Wilt Chamberlain C 7'1'' 275 19 B+ D C B- B+ A
Tier: All-Time Great
There is one heck of a debate at the top. They are very similar players with some specific differences. For me, I'm taking Wilt at number 1. The biggest thing that is most obvious if you scout, they are both strong, skilled, and tremendous players but Wilt is not only among the strongest players in this class but also one of the most overall athetic. He is in the top 20% in terms of vertical, shuttle run, and weight reps. He also brings just a slight bit more skill in the post and slightly better shot blocker.
2. Shaquille O'Neal C 7'1'' 325 19 B+ D C B B A
Tier: All-Time Great
I'll be honest, I think Shaq is a slightly safer pick. He is a better fundamental, on ball defender. He won't turn it over quite as much. And he is as strong as a basketball playe can be. He shares a bunch of strengths with Wilt, but those weaknesses that he loses(athletics that aren't weight lifting) to Wilt in make the differnece. These two should both be elite players in this league and it will be fun and fascinating to watch them grow and develop. You can't go wrong, I just like the slight edge Wilt has scoring the ball and blocking shots while aknowledging that Shaq's (relative) lack of turnovers and not relying on risky plays that lead to fouls and using that athleticism that Wilt has to.
3. John Stockton PG 6'1'' 170 20 C B+ A- B C- A
Tier: All-Time Great
I think some will disagree with me but I have Stockton as the number 3 pick over Zo and Langour. He has never really been that good in this league and a lot of times that is just the case in leagues across time. This version of Stockton possesses some traits that a lot of folks look for. First of all, he is among the best shooters to ever enter the league. He also is set to lead the league in steals very quickly in his career. He can get his own shot with elite quickness. If you can get him the ability to hit shots at the rim you could have an elite scorer here, but that has always been the case in other versions of Stockton, hasn't it?
I think some will disagree with me but I have Stockton as the number 3 pick over Zo and Langour. He has never really been that good in this league and a lot of times that is just the case in leagues across time. This version of Stockton possesses some traits that a lot of folks look for. First of all, he is among the best shooters to ever enter the league. He also is set to lead the league in steals very quickly in his career. He can get his own shot with elite quickness. If you can get him the ability to hit shots at the rim you could have an elite scorer here, but that has always been the case in other versions of Stockton, hasn't it?
4. Alonzo Mourning C 6'10'' 240 20 B C D+ B C+ A
Tier: All-Time Great
Mourning was never going to compete with the Shaq and Wilt's of the word and while there are some clear disadvantages he faces against them he does have some key differences where he compares well, sometimes even favorably. He won't turn it over nearly as much as Wilt, is a bit more athletic than Shaq, and has a shot to develop an outside game that neither Shaq nor Wilt will ever do. He might also be a better shot blocker than both. The biggest thing beyond that that puts him at 4 rather than competing for 1 or 2 is his rebounding. He isn't a bad rebounder and in fact I think has a shot at being a pretty good rebounder, he does need help in a way that Shaq and Wilt do not. Plus while he does specific things as well as Shaq and Wilt, he is worse in key ways that you look for in bigs, like scoring at the rim, his strength, and of course his rounding.
Mourning was never going to compete with the Shaq and Wilt's of the word and while there are some clear disadvantages he faces against them he does have some key differences where he compares well, sometimes even favorably. He won't turn it over nearly as much as Wilt, is a bit more athletic than Shaq, and has a shot to develop an outside game that neither Shaq nor Wilt will ever do. He might also be a better shot blocker than both. The biggest thing beyond that that puts him at 4 rather than competing for 1 or 2 is his rebounding. He isn't a bad rebounder and in fact I think has a shot at being a pretty good rebounder, he does need help in a way that Shaq and Wilt do not. Plus while he does specific things as well as Shaq and Wilt, he is worse in key ways that you look for in bigs, like scoring at the rim, his strength, and of course his rounding.
5. Mahamadou Langour*** C 7'4'' 250 21 B- C+ B- B- B- A
Tier: All-Time Great
With all the emphasis on the top two guys, Langour has gone a under the radar in a big way that just isn't fair considering the type of player Langour is. He is a top pick in almost every other draft we have had and I have a feeling he will fall further than this. He has the size, skill, and potential to be a Wemby, Chet type player that does it all and is elite for it. I also think those two players act as a good (soft) floor and ceiling for Langour, that's how good I think he. I do say soft floor because he isn't as good as Chet is right now and he still needs to develop to that level and that is always a risk. But to me, there is zero reason that Langour won't be a truly top level player, maybe by the time he reaches the league. He can score at all three levels. He is a good athlete. He passes the ball at an elite level for a cetner. He is a good shot blocker and solid overall defender. He needs to get better on the baords but his size and skill put him at a good spot. I really do love this player and the only reason to look at him and not pick him early is you don't want to wait for hm to come over.
6. Sam Cassell PG 6'3'' 185 20 C+ B- B B- C- A
Tier: All-Time Great
There is a lot of conversation already about the decision to put Cassell this high and over Mutombo. Look, NBA wise? Mutombo is the better player and of course its not really close. Cassell was a terrific player and you have realize the defensive changes that have happened since Cassell was in the league and the stagnization of offense that happened during his career. Him putting up 20 and 8 in his prime isn't to be sneezed at. Here in NBN though, we use FBB and FBB loves their point guards and loves their point guards who can shoot. So hes ranked over Mutombo. Cassell is an elite mid range jump shooter, should be a good free throw shooter, won't be horribly turnover prone, is a good defender and should have a good bit of potential to grow as a player. He won't be the most exciting pick but its one I think in 2-3 seasons people will look back at and go "Damn, he really took off huh?"
There is a lot of conversation already about the decision to put Cassell this high and over Mutombo. Look, NBA wise? Mutombo is the better player and of course its not really close. Cassell was a terrific player and you have realize the defensive changes that have happened since Cassell was in the league and the stagnization of offense that happened during his career. Him putting up 20 and 8 in his prime isn't to be sneezed at. Here in NBN though, we use FBB and FBB loves their point guards and loves their point guards who can shoot. So hes ranked over Mutombo. Cassell is an elite mid range jump shooter, should be a good free throw shooter, won't be horribly turnover prone, is a good defender and should have a good bit of potential to grow as a player. He won't be the most exciting pick but its one I think in 2-3 seasons people will look back at and go "Damn, he really took off huh?"
7. Dikembe Mutombo C 7'2'' 245 20 C+ D+ D+ B+ B A
Tier: All-Time Great
Everyone needs an elite shot blocker and they become some of the most valuable commodities around. Mutombo will almost certainly never be a good scorer and yet hes gonna go really, really high. Why? Well he probably averages 4 blocks a game at some point in his career, can rebound as well as anyone in this class not named Wilt, and is 7'2, only 20 years old, and has a world of potential again to potentially become a better scorer than projected. Watch out for his turnovers and he can't stretch the floor so that does limit who you would want to be his running mate in the post, but hes very, very good and something that I could see someone convince themselves going as high as 5 just beind the Shaq, Wilt, Stockton, and Zo quad.
8. Renato Villalta* PF 6'8'' 225 20 B- B- C+ C+ C+ A
Tier: Superstar
Villata is another guy that I went to make and was surprised that he was someone that had to be made as good as he did. This is a Euroleague Hall of Famer and widely considered one of the best PFs in that league's history. Plus hes a winner. Here he comes in just behind the legends listed above but this is a really good prospect, especially if you need some offense in your post. He can score at all three levels, is a great passer, won't turn it over a bunch and is solid defensively and on the boards. Hes never going to be a great shot blocker and may struggle to get his own shot against more athletic bigs but developed right this can be an elite scorer from the PF spot that doesn't hurt you in anyway like a lot of scoring bigs in this league do.
9. Cedric Ceballos SF 6'7'' 220 20 B- C+ C- C+ C+ A
Tier: Superstar
At first glance some of you might think his ratings look a little whack to be going this high. And you'd be partially right. I am worried about his ability to hit threes and I'm worried about what kind of stocks hes gonna generate. But this is a guy who is great at the rim, draws fouls and is a great free throw shooter, is a fundamentally sound defensive player, is quick enough to get his shot against any small forward, won't turn it over, but the best part is the fact that he comes into the league with C+ rebounding, something that is invaluable and pushes him way up the list for me.
10. Latrell Sprewell. SF 6'5'' 190 22 B- B- C+ C+ C A
Tier: Superstar
With a fun note and B- B- scoring, Spree will likely be one of the more polarizing picks in the draft. His flaws are obvious: hes not a good rebounder, dig deeper and you'll find a rough defender and a turnover machine. That is a lot of flaws for a demure small forward whose only real strength is his scoring and a risk, reward defense that should end up getting a decent amount of stocks. That note though, really could push that scoring to an elite level if you use it right.
11. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf PG 6'1'' 162 19 C+ B- B- C+ D A
Tier: Superstar
Among the youngest players in this class Abdul-Rauf comes in as the third ranked point in this class and one who isn't as raw as his age would indicate. A big focus for a lot of people in the league is finding ways to limit turnovers and MAR will be among the best in this class in doing that. He has terrific handles, is lightning quick, and is a willing and capable passer. He also is a lights out free throw shooter and capable of getting to a spot and nailing jump shots. He needs to get a little better from three and is still a bit tentative at the rim with less than stellar athletics, but this is a great prospect who needs to be considered probably as early as 7-8.
Among the youngest players in this class Abdul-Rauf comes in as the third ranked point in this class and one who isn't as raw as his age would indicate. A big focus for a lot of people in the league is finding ways to limit turnovers and MAR will be among the best in this class in doing that. He has terrific handles, is lightning quick, and is a willing and capable passer. He also is a lights out free throw shooter and capable of getting to a spot and nailing jump shots. He needs to get a little better from three and is still a bit tentative at the rim with less than stellar athletics, but this is a great prospect who needs to be considered probably as early as 7-8.
12. Rudy LaRusso. PF 6'7'' 220 20 B- C C C+ B- A
Tier: Superstar
I am a big fan of Rudy LaRusso's game. First, he has versatility to play minutes in his early career that doesn't require him to start. He can play down to the 3 and defend pretty well. He can knock down shots from the perimeter as well as is a good inside scorer with good strength, quickness, and above average verticality for a big. THe likelihood is that he'll never be an elite shot blocking big but that you can still expect to get around 3 stocks out of him in his prime which is still a good number. Overall, great prospect that might not appeal to some people at first look but another guy that is good under the hood with some specific reasons that separate him from some other similar looking bigs.
13. Kendall Gill SG 6'5'' 195 20 B- C+ B- B- C A
Tier: Superstar
There was some talk about me putting Gill too low and I can see the point there. He is a terrific prospect. His biggest strength is going to be stocks and his ability to score at the rim. He also just won't hurt you early on as he learns the game, he is capable of playing with an offense and putting up some points while not turning it over and getting torched defensively. My biggest concern for him is his shooting. He is a good shooter but hasn't broken out yet and when a guy starts at C+ outside while playing SG I get a bit worried about their future scoring the ball. He should be fine, and this ranking at 13 isn't' an indication of him as a prospect but more so the strength of the class.
14. Caleb Holt. SF 6'7'' 225 23 B- B- B- B- C- B
Tier: All-Star
Eventually I'll start sounding like a broken record but Holt is yet another guy who in previous classes would have gone much, much higher than they are going to go in this class. This is a tremendously developed guy at 23 who can score at all three levels as well as anyone in the class. Defensively you can expect him to be among the small forward leaders in steals and is an athletic enough player to get some blocks as well. He does struggle keeping in front of his guy but that isn't a quickness issue and one that can be fixed with some coaching. His rebounding terrifies me and he is the type of player that I'd personally put on a do not draft list but the rest of his game is too enticing to truly burry him in the draft rankings.
Eventually I'll start sounding like a broken record but Holt is yet another guy who in previous classes would have gone much, much higher than they are going to go in this class. This is a tremendously developed guy at 23 who can score at all three levels as well as anyone in the class. Defensively you can expect him to be among the small forward leaders in steals and is an athletic enough player to get some blocks as well. He does struggle keeping in front of his guy but that isn't a quickness issue and one that can be fixed with some coaching. His rebounding terrifies me and he is the type of player that I'd personally put on a do not draft list but the rest of his game is too enticing to truly burry him in the draft rankings.
15. Derrick Coleman PF 6'10'' 230 21 B- C+ C C+ B- A
Tier: Superstar
I'd struggled heavily with where to place Coleman in my rankings. First and foremost there is a ton of skill here. He is a good rebounder, will be a near if not truly elite scorer. He blocks shots at a nice clip and is a solid passer. He doesn't possess weaknesses in strength or verticality and is quick enough to play with almost all bigs. But defensively if he isn't blocking shots he isn't going to contribute anything and he truly is going to be a turnover machine, at least early on. If those turnovers don't get controlled quickly he is going to be a tough play unless he develops into a 20+ per game guy and thats a risk he ever becomes that. I like LaRusso as a safer pick but Coleman could blow up and make me look stupid for putting him at 15.
16. Rick "McNasty" Mahorn C 6'10'' 240 20 C+ D+ D B- B- B
Tier: All-Star
17. Marco Bonamico SF 6'7'' 220 20 B- C+ C B- C A
Tier: All-Star
18. Darrell Griffith SG 6'4'' 190 23 B C+ C C+ C- A
Tier: All-Star
19. Tracy Murray SF 6'7'' 225 22 C B D+ B- C A
Tier: All-Star
20. Carlos Boozer PF 6'9'' 258 23 B- C C C B- B
Tier: All-Star
21. Darwin "Sparkplug" Cook PG 6'3'' 184 23 C C+ B- B C- A
Tier: All-Star
22. Yasutaka Okayama C 7'8'' 330 21 C D+ C B- B B
Tier: All-Star
23. Jordan Page SG 6'5'' 184 21 C+ C+ C+ C+ C- A
Tier: All-Star
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