Post by Rog on Oct 19, 2024 16:41:36 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. Penny Hardaway PG 6'7'' 195 19 B C+ C+ B- C A
Tier: All-Time Great
It's quite astonishing to consider that despite the critical role of a star point guard in FBB/NBN, not one has been selected first in the eight draft classes of this league. However, this year seems poised for change with the arrival of a nearly impeccable point guard prospect brimming with potential. Penny may not be the sharpest shooter, particularly from the three-point line, which requires refinement, but he excels at scoring from various positions on the court. His athletic prowess is undeniable; he's quick, explosive, and his height and strength make him an effective rebounder and defender. While he may initially average a few turnovers per game, the only real concern is his potential to develop further. Nonetheless, I believe Penny will quickly ascend to become one of the league's elite players.
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2. World B. Free PG 6'2'' 185 22 B B- B- C+ D+ A
Tier: All-Time Great
In the recently posted mock draft, some argue that Free's age and rebounding abilities should prevent him from being picked this high. However, I believe he deserves consideration for the top spot. He is the most polished high-end prospect in the draft while playing the league's most crucial position. He has the potential to score 20 points per game almost immediately. While not as athletic as Penny, he's still competent and has better control over his mental errors, partly due to being three years older. I appreciate Free's game immensely and feel that he lacks significant flaws that would preclude him from being selected very high. The rebounding isn't ideal, but it's not a critical issue for a point guard that does so many other things well.
3. Dino Meneghin** C 6'9'' 243 20 B- C C B- B- A
Tier: All-Time Great
Creating this class was immensely enjoyable, with four or five highly skilled bigs that needed to be differentiated in a game with certain limitations. My top pick? Dino Meneghin. After much deliberation between him and the other three or four, I chose Dino because, much like the point guards ranked above, he has no significant weaknesses and is quite refined. He also appears to have the greatest potential among them. I'm confident he will become an elite scorer; that seems almost guaranteed. His finesse in the paint, combined with his robust strength to overpower defenders, is impressive. Additionally, his reliable mid-range jump shot complements his decent quickness, allowing for some effective to the basket dribble moves. Keep an eye out for the development of his three-point shooting as well. He's one of the top rebounders in the draft and a solid defender with the potential for high-level shot-blocking, even if he hasn't fully reached that capability yet.
Creating this class was immensely enjoyable, with four or five highly skilled bigs that needed to be differentiated in a game with certain limitations. My top pick? Dino Meneghin. After much deliberation between him and the other three or four, I chose Dino because, much like the point guards ranked above, he has no significant weaknesses and is quite refined. He also appears to have the greatest potential among them. I'm confident he will become an elite scorer; that seems almost guaranteed. His finesse in the paint, combined with his robust strength to overpower defenders, is impressive. Additionally, his reliable mid-range jump shot complements his decent quickness, allowing for some effective to the basket dribble moves. Keep an eye out for the development of his three-point shooting as well. He's one of the top rebounders in the draft and a solid defender with the potential for high-level shot-blocking, even if he hasn't fully reached that capability yet.
4. Hank Gathers PF 6'7'' 210 19 B- D C- B B A
Tier: All-Time Great
A fan favorite in the sim league community, the endearing yet tragic figure of Hank Gathers earns the fourth spot on our big board. Gathers boasts the top two attributes among the bigs in this draft class. On defense, he's outstanding. While not an elite shot-blocker, he has the potential for four stocks, as he's likely to average a solid number of steals as well. He's exceptional at rebounding for a prospect and is expected to dominate the offensive glass. Although not extremely athletic, his strength is impressive, and he can score effectively using a mix of power and post moves. Gathers has the potential to become an elite big man; his only drawback is his poor free-throw shooting and the unlikely prospect of developing a three-point shot.
5. Rasheed Wallace PF 6'11'' 225 19 B C+ C- B- C+ A
Tier: Superstar
Rasheed Wallace is one of my favorite prospects in this class, and I heavily debated ranking him higher on this list. His scoring is currently his standout attribute. However, bigs built like Sheed often struggle to become elite scorers, and that may be the case here as well. He does have an advantage over others in his category because his perimeter game is already quite developed. Yet, he's at number 5 because he epitomizes the latter part of the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none." I don't see him as elite in any area. He's a competent passer, a solid and versatile defender who might average respectable stocks in the future but isn't there yet, and he's a reliable rebounder. His athleticism is good, and his strength is adequate, but he lacks a distinctive standout skill that would elevate my opinion of him.
6. Nikos Galis** SG 6'0'' 198 19 C+ B B C C- A
Tier: Superstar
I was surprised to see ripkobebryant's list exclude Galis while including Llull. To me, Galis is undoubtedly the superior prospect. Llull's balanced offense is commendable, but it doesn't compare to the potential of being an elite three-point shooter from the outset. Galis also seems to be a marginally better defender and a definitively better passer. While their games are quite similar, Galis' superior quickness, which isn't reflected in their visible ratings, should allow him to create and make more shots. With only a +5 to reach B A, I believe Galis could quickly become an excellent scorer. I expect him to be a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award when he comes over in two seasons.
I was surprised to see ripkobebryant's list exclude Galis while including Llull. To me, Galis is undoubtedly the superior prospect. Llull's balanced offense is commendable, but it doesn't compare to the potential of being an elite three-point shooter from the outset. Galis also seems to be a marginally better defender and a definitively better passer. While their games are quite similar, Galis' superior quickness, which isn't reflected in their visible ratings, should allow him to create and make more shots. With only a +5 to reach B A, I believe Galis could quickly become an excellent scorer. I expect him to be a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award when he comes over in two seasons.
7. Sam Bowie C 7'1'' 235 20 B- C C+ B C+ A
Tier: Superstar
In a different draft class, Sam Bowie might be considered as a top three pick. However, with a few balanced bigs ahead of him, he isn't a serious contender until a little bit later than that. Offensively, he's reliable yet not extraordinary. While he may not become an elite scorer, his points per game could vary from 14-18, depending on how he develops. Defensively, he truly excels as a formidable shot blocker and rim protector, areas crucial to any team. His C+ rebounding grade is somewhat deceptive; he's an exceptional defensive rebounder but less effective on the offensive boards. Bowie is brimming with potential, strength, and athleticism, making him a valuable asset for any team.
In a different draft class, Sam Bowie might be considered as a top three pick. However, with a few balanced bigs ahead of him, he isn't a serious contender until a little bit later than that. Offensively, he's reliable yet not extraordinary. While he may not become an elite scorer, his points per game could vary from 14-18, depending on how he develops. Defensively, he truly excels as a formidable shot blocker and rim protector, areas crucial to any team. His C+ rebounding grade is somewhat deceptive; he's an exceptional defensive rebounder but less effective on the offensive boards. Bowie is brimming with potential, strength, and athleticism, making him a valuable asset for any team.
8. Ralph Sampson C 7'4'' 230 22 B- C D+ B- B- A
Tier: Superstar
9. Jamal Mashburn SF 6'8'' 240 22 B C+ C C C+ A
Tier: Superstar
10. Andrew Gaze. SF 6'7'' 209 20 B- B C C+ C A
Tier: Superstar
11. Toni Kukoc SF 6'10'' 200 20 C+ B- B- C+ C A
Tier: All-Star
12. Sergio Llull SG 6'3'' 190 21 B- B- C+ C C- A
Tier: All-Star
13. Dennis Rodman PF 6'7'' 210 20 C C C B+ B+ A
Tier: All-Star
14. Bailey Howell. PF 6'7'' 210 20 B- C C- B- C+ A
Tier: All-Star
15. Bob Boozer PF 6'8'' 215 21 B- C+ C- C+ C+ A
Tier: All-Star
16. Raymond Lewis PG 6'2'' 175 19 C B- B+ C C- A
Tier: All-Star
17. Manute Bol C 7'7'' 200 22 C C D B C+ A
Tier: Starter
18. Giorgos Sigala SF 6'7'' 235 21 C+ C+ C+ B C A
Tier: All-Star
19. Andrew Toney SG 6'3'' 178 23 B- C+ C+ C+ D+ A
Tier: Starter
20. Mike Gminski C 6'11'' 250 21 C+ C D+ B- B- B
Tier: Starter
21. Antonio Davis PF 6'9'' 215 21 B- C- C- C+ C+ A
Tier: Starter
22. Kevin Grevey. SF 6'5'' 210 21 C B- C+ C C- A
Tier: Starter
23. Elliot "Socks" Perry PG 6'0'' 150 23 C C+ B C D+ B
Tier: Starter
24. Blair Rasmussen C 7'0'' 250 22 B- C D+ C+ C+ B
Tier: Role Player
25. Bill Robinzine PF 6'7'' 230 20 B- C D+ C C+ B
Tier: Role Player
26. Marvin Webster C 7'1'' 225 21 C+ C- C- B- C+ B
Tier: Role Player
27. Codi Miller-McIntyre PG 6'3'' 199 25 C C+ A- B- C C
Tier: Starter
28. Sam Vincent PG 6'2'' 185 22 C+ C+ B- C+ D+ B
Tier: Role Player
29. Tony Bennett PG 6'0'' 175 24 C C+ B- B- C- C
Tier: Role Player
24. Blair Rasmussen C 7'0'' 250 22 B- C D+ C+ C+ B
Tier: Role Player
25. Bill Robinzine PF 6'7'' 230 20 B- C D+ C C+ B
Tier: Role Player
26. Marvin Webster C 7'1'' 225 21 C+ C- C- B- C+ B
Tier: Role Player
27. Codi Miller-McIntyre PG 6'3'' 199 25 C C+ A- B- C C
Tier: Starter
28. Sam Vincent PG 6'2'' 185 22 C+ C+ B- C+ D+ B
Tier: Role Player
29. Tony Bennett PG 6'0'' 175 24 C C+ B- B- C- C
Tier: Role Player
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