2018 NBA DRAFT Ratings

Draft week is upon us. I want to get right into it. After watching the playoffs and seeing big men get played right off the floor (even Embiid was kind of a minus at times), I agree with the thinkpieces that say big men are being overvalued in drafts. Think about the top 5 players in the league. Lebron, KD, AD, Harden, Steph, Kawhi if he's healthy, Giannis next. The only one that could be considered a big man is AD, but he's a freak that can do everything well. The PGs in this draft, in my opinion are not good. None of them can run a team. Except Doncic. He should be a team's starting PG a la James Harden. He's excellent. The bigs in this draft are not that impressive to me. Ayton and Bagley don't play defense and Bamba doesn't play offense. Triple J though does do both...That leaves wings. There aren't a lot of high potential wings that are currently being ranked in the top 12, but maybe one will get picked later and emerge in the right environment. Wings should be the new center. Teams should be prioritizing wings that can shoot. I think my rankings partly show that. 

Now truth be told, I watched a good amount of college hoops this year, but there are still a lot of guys I can't really give an opinion on because I didn't see them enough. I have looked at what most people are saying is the top 13 and given them my rating. Not saying they will be the best 13 because they certainly won't, but they are the guys I feel I have a good grasp on. And here they are in order.

Luka Doncic – To me, Luka Doncic is the best player in the draft and I really don’t find it that close. To be as young as he is and have the skills he possesses is extraordinary. Of course his defense is a bit Euro-y, but this guy could really play PG for a team if they let him take the reins. There’s a lot of James Harden in his game and I think he can be a top-10 player in the NBA. I think he’s the only surefire all-star in this draft and for any team to pass on him is foolish. Rating 93

Jaren Jackson Jr. – In general, I am buying the trend that teams drafting haven’t caught up to the idea that centers are overvalued. Unless you can find an Anthony Davis. There’s none of those in this draft, but JJJ could be a slightly on sale version of Chris Bosh. He’s already a pretty good outside shooter and he blocked shots in college. None of the other 3 bigs of Ayton, Bagley, or Bamba can do both. That’s why I like Jackson. He can fit into any team without the team having to alter how it plays. He can switch on defense, which is also hugely important and he has length. I personally would take triple J at 2 ahead of these other guys. Rating 86

Michael Porter Jr – I would have to say the biggest range of outcomes belongs to Michael Porter Jr. He could be the next Jayson Tatum or he could be what Harry Giles is right now, which is prematurely injured and most likely not gonna make it. I wouldn’t put too much stock into those two games he played in Missouri, but I watched him in high school and really liked what I saw. Guy’s a total alpha. Now I know Bob dropped a #BobBomb last week and we found out the really huge news that he "wasn't well liked" in high school, but I'm not gonna hold that against him. In my opinion, this is the kind of guy teams should be drafting. Long wings that can guard multiple positions, shoot from outside, and a bonus if they can create their own shot and finish around the rim. MPJ checks all those boxes. The big men in this draft are getting a lot of hype, but I’d rather trade down a few spots and take a swing on Porter. Rating 86

Deandre Ayton – Deandre Ayton is a specimen, that’s for sure. Not a lot of 7 footers can move like he does. Had a pretty good season numbers-wise in college. You know who also put up similar numbers? Michael Beasley. This guy’s defense is a joke, showing virtually no IQ or effort on that end of the floor. He may end up putting up 20 and 10, but it’s going to be for a bad team and the numbers will only help your fantasy team. He doesn’t make his team better and I get a vibe from him like he thinks he made it already. I mean Puma? Really? I want a guy who’s gonna grind and get better. I think he seems content right now. I would NOT draft this guy number 1. Having said that, there aren’t many players in this draft that have All-Star potential. He certainly has that, but I just don’t see him being anything more than Demarcus Cousins. Rating 85

Mohamed Bamba – La la la la la la bamba is getting a lot of hype about being able to shoot from 3. I don’t know man. All these big men think they’re Chris Bosh, but I think Jaren Jackson is probably the only one who may be close. Bamba is a bit of a stick figure, but I think he will be a good rim protector. How could he not? All he has to do is hold his arms up. I think he will be a fine starting center, but I don’t see him ever hitting say 35% of 3s in a game format. Empty gym 3s are much different. Even I hit a few of those. Rating 82

Marvin Bagley III – The kid dominated college, but I thought he would be a different player. The fact that his wingspan is just 7 feet really sours me on him and explains why he wasn’t better on defense. I really don’t get the fascination with these bigs that can’t shoot from outside and can’t defend or switch. Now Bagley does have decent form and he may end up being just decent from spot up 3s, but he’s always going to be a below average defender. Him and Ayton to me are similar in that they may put up numbers, but won’t help their team overall. Having said that, I think Bagley is a much harder worker than Ayton and has potential to evolve, however he has longer to go than he thinks. Rating 81

Mikal Bridges -  = Otto Porter. 3 & D guy. Fits on any team. Would be better on a team closer to making the playoffs. Easy. Rating 81

Miles Bridges – A nice role player for any team. Freak athletes that can shoot 3s are valuable and you have to love his competitiveness. Hopefully he doesn't get burned. Rating 80

Trae Young – Maybe the best offensive player in the draft and most offensive hair because it looks like that was the hair he was born with and never got a haircut. Also the worst defensive player in the draft. The comp I haven’t heard yet that I think is most likely is Isaiah Thomas, the new one. Thomas had to be routinely hidden on defense and that matters in the playoffs. Same for this kid. Shooting though, is at a premium and he can launch off the dribble from distance. I like Trae Young as a guy that can maaaaaybe be a bottom-10 starting PG, but I really like him as a microwave off the bench that can jack up shots. I don’t think there’s a PG in this draft that will be a top-20 PG, but Young can at least stretch the floor and pass well. Rating 79

Kevin Knox – Knox looks likes a bobblehead with that giant noggin attached to his little body. I have mixed feelings on him. He thinks he’s a 3, but I definitely see him more as a 4. The shooting stroke looks good and I actually think he will be able to hit shots from 3 and play decent defense. His range will never be as deep as his forehead wrinkle though. This guy needs botox already! Could be a solid starter, but never sniffing an All-Star team like some people seem to be hyping. Rating 78

Wendell Carter Jr. - What’s up with all the juniors in this draft. They have some unoriginal vain papas. Mr. Wendell is getting some hype as the draft draws closer. I am a lot less impressed. Could be David West minus the toughness in a best-case scenario, but the toughness and grit is what made West a really good, not great, player. Carter seems like a little bit of a bitch. I see him as a serviceable big man, but nothing better than your 5^th guy and probably not worse than your 8^th. Also, he has one of those gross beards, which I just hate looking at. Shave man. Rating 78

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – I liked what I saw out of Shai for the most part at Kentucky. Has a smooth game and did a decent job running the offense. The jump shot looks as bad as MCW’s when he came out and I see a lot of MCW in Shai. People projecting that shot will be average are dreaming. This is an especially weak PG crop, but I have to say I think SGA will probably just be a backup ball handler who tops out at what Shaun Livingston is now. Rating 76

Collin Sexton  - Aside from a cool name, I don’t think he will have a big impact in the NBA. PGs that can’t shoot seldom do unless you pass like Rondo and he does not. I think he has drive so he can be a serviceable ball handler, but shouldn’t be starting for any good team. These guys are a dime a dozen. Rating 75

Game of Thrones Season 7 King/Queen Odds Picks

     As stated in the video, here are everyone's picks including my wild choice as well as the odds they will be King/Queen by season's end:

Lorenzo - Cersei Lannister -300, Wild aka Olenna Tyrell +25000

Bobby - Theon Greyjoy +5000, Sansa Stark +2000

Josh - Tyrion Lannister +1200, Davos Seaworth +6600

Soder - Arya Stark +2000, Varys +6600

Colin - Jamie Lannister +2200, Gendry +1400

Devin - Jon Snow +600, The Night King +2000

Haley - Euron Greyjoy +2000, Bran or Benjen Stark +2000

Wong - Daenerys Targaryan +300, Petyr Baelish +1200

Enjoy the season!

2017 NBA Draft Top 10 +1 Ratings

NBA Draft week is upon us! This draft is super loaded with a bunch of potential All-Stars. I think one guy definitely stands out from the bunch and that’s the guy the Celtics just gave to the 76ers. Danny seems to think there’s little to no difference between Markelle and the rest, but I strongly disagree. There’s a reasonable chance he won’t end up the best player in this draft with all the upside at the top, but he’s the surest bet to be an All-NBA player and someone a team can build around with confidence. If the 2018 Lakers pick ends up in the top 4, it could be worth it. There are 4 guys that could be really effing good in Porter Jr, Doncic, Ayton and Mohamed La La La La La La Bamba. That’s assuming trader Danny doesn’t just ship all these picks out for Jimmy Butler or Paul George. Which he should not do. Hes done enough damage for the time being.

Without further ado, here are the top 11 guys in the DX mock draft and my opinions on them. This doesn’t mean I think these are the best 11 guys, just the ones I have had time to watch in depth so far. Will be watching more tape before the draft on other dudes.

Markelle Fultz 6’5” 198 lbs. PG Washington Fr. – It’s a shame Fultz went to go play for Washington. He must’ve picked them because he thought the coach’s name was awesome, but that’s not a good reason and because of this I didn’t get a chance to watch a lot of his games this year. One thing I didn’t know until now is how many tools he has in his offense. Step backs, spin-moves, hezzies, you name it. And his footwork…that’s some damn fine footwork. A really advanced offense for someone this young is uncommon. There are lingering questions about his intensity, but it’s not something I’m too worried about. The Brandon Roy comps make sense, but with the 76ers, I think you are going to see a similar game to Kyrie’s. There’s no doubt Fultz is the best player in the draft and he should be an All-Star by year 3. Rating – 94

Lonzo Ball 6’6” 190 lbs. PG UCLA Fr. – What an interesting prospect. The best comp I’ve seen of him is Shaun Livingston with a J. Arguably the best passer to come out in the last 5-6 years (although Ben Simmons might have something to say about that this year.) Super flashy even when he doesn’t have to be, which is right in my wheelhouse. All of his passes hit shooters right in their pocket, an underrated skill. The main problem is he has no nuance in his offensive game. It’s either step back 3s from one side of the court or he’s driving. While I’m sure Daryl Morey wouldn’t have a problem with this, it really limits what he’s able to do. The low release and shooting from the left side of his head makes it difficult for him to shoot from the right side of the court and he’s not gonna be changing the mechanics at this point. Ball has a really wiry frame, which makes him easy to bump off on drives. He’s just not that aggressive and I wonder if he is actually going to be a gamer in the biggest moments. That tourney game against Kentucky continues to stick out for me as at least an orange flag. This draft is loaded, but I think his ability to make his team better stands out as the best skill in the draft and for that I believe he should be a top 3 pick. I see him becoming a top PG, probably in the 6-12 range in the league. Rating – 91

Jayson Tatum 6’8” 203 lbs. SF Duke Fr. – There’s been a lot of debate whether he or Jackson would end up the better player. For my money, I’m picking my boy Tay Tay with confidence. Definitely my favorite player in the draft, I think he’s going to be good right away. Has so many NBA ready moves and skills that should translate on day 1. You could describe his game as silky, but to me it’s more buttery. I really like the Danny Granger comp and also see some Paul George in his game. He can have that kind of impact. He’s not a knockdown 3-point shooter, but shot 85% from the free throw line and has good form, so I think he will get there. If he hits his ceiling, could be in the mix for 3^rd team All-NBA one day. Rating – 90

Jonathan Isaac 6’11” 205 lbs. PF Florida St. Fr. – Johnny boy is the modern 4. He’s super tall and can shoot from outside. One of those freaks who was a guard in high school and sprouted 6 inches super late. He reminds me of a poor man’s Anthony Davis with less feel for the game, but I love his energy. Isaac is just scratching his potential right now and I think you won’t see the player he is going to be until about year 3 in the league. I would take a chance on him in the top-5 over a few other consensus guys. The upside is huge and everybody in the league can use a guy like him. And he’s killing that high and tight haircut game. Rating – 90  

Josh Jackson 6’8” 203 lbs. SF Kansas Fr. – Reminds me of De’Aaron Fox in a lot of ways. A great bouncy athlete with a lot of passion, but can’t shoot. If Josh’s mom is reading this then I’m sorry Ms. Jackson, I am fo real. His mechanics aren’t as fucked as the Fox, but they ain’t pretty. That’s what makes Jackson one of the hardest players to project. If he gets drafted to the right team and works with the right shot doctor to get even an NBA-average 3 point shot, he can easily be the second best player on a contender. If he stays a below average shooter though, you are going to have to build a team of shooters around him in a league where shooting is at a premium. That will make him closer to a lower-tier third banana. Either way, he’s gonna be a good player. Has the right IQ and plays with fire. I’m not too worried about the off-the-court issues. Who hasn’t beaten the shit out of a car before. That’s the kind of passion I want on the court. He shouldn’t be the first pick, but there’s no reason he won’t be one of the best 7 players in this draft. Much like myself in any sport, the kid is bust-proof. Rating – 87

Malik Monk 6’3” 192 lbs. SG Kentucky Fr. – Monk’s shot it as pure I was until I hit the tender age of 21. Kid can light it up and is a gamer. Shooting is the most valuable skill in the NBA and he does it better than everyone in the draft. Any team could plug him into their rotation. I have worries though that this kid is a bit too Nintendo aka one-dimensional. His defense is laughable and he’s undersized for his position. Feels a bit Jamal Crawford-y to me, but he’s also still young playing in a system that didn’t showcase him. I think he should be a top-10 pick on his shooting and hops alone, but I’m not sure how much better his secondary skills will get. Rating – 84

De’Aaron Fox 6’4” 171 lbs. PG Kentucky Fr. – His highs are high and his lows are low. I love the kid’s passion for the game and think he has major heart. Someone that will improve his play in a big game. Fox is probably the fastest player in the draft and it’s fun to watch. My problem with ol Foxy is that I just don’t see his game translating as well to the modern NBA. He cannot shoot to save his life. He shoots the ball like a praying mantis and his misses are worse than a Josh Golden wiffle ball swing. NBA defenses are going to sag back on him and it’s going to nullify his ability to drive or space the floor. His body is also built like Snoop Dogg and it’s not getting much more size. I do like him as a player, but I don’t see a top 18 PG here. I think he’s probably going 7 spots too early tbh. I’m rooting for him though. Rating – 83

Frank Ntilikina 6’5” 170 lbs. PG Fraaance 18.9 years old – They call him French, but his hometown is Brussels where the waffles and chocolate are worth the trip alone (seriously go). Also has the same birthday as me so that’s HUGE points. Hopefully he has better friends than me and actually celebrate it with him. So how bright is Frankie Nicotine’s fewtch? I like his game and he is still quite a youth so he has time to develop. It’s always difficult to judge young guys in the Euro league, because I don’t watch those games and am not familiar with the competition, but from the tape, I like what I saw. His height will help him get minutes as someone who can guard either guard spot and help out as a secondary ball handler. I like him as a pick between 9-15, but I don’t see a top-20 PG here, I see a solid first or second guy off the bench though. Rating – 83

Dennis Smith 6’3” 195 lbs. PG NC St. Fr. – Might be the most athletic dude in the draft. The biggest problem is he’s more heartless than Kanye’s exes. Doesn’t do the little things to help his team win and does not look like a leader, which I want in a PG. NC State sucked balls this year. Some of that has to be put on him. It’s hard to tell how much though because his team sucked. So was he disengaged because he didn’t trust his teammates or his that his general disposition? Any team that drafts him is praying for the latter. I wouldn’t trust him to run my starting lineup unless I had a great group of guys in the locker room that could keep him in check. He could be Steve Francis if everything lines up right, but he could also be playing in Europe in 5-6 years. Rating – 81

Lauri Markkanen 7’0” 225 lbs. PF Arizona Fr. – Prototypical soft Euro, Lauri plays like a guy half a foot shorter, which is mostly a bad thing. I really like his stroke, but I don’t think it’s going viral. He can be pretty one-dimensional. It’s cool to have a 7 footer who can stretch the floor, but you also expect that 7 footer to be able to rebound and protect the rim maybe a little bit. He doesn’t do any of that. I think his future is as a bit of a more affluent Kelly Olynyk (who I just hate as a human). Can be a good 7^th guy off the bench, but in this draft I would be taking bigger swings in the top 10. Rating – 79

2016 NBA DRAFT Superlatives

Guys Yelling! It's the 2016 NBA DRAFT Superlatives!!!

I decided to mix it up this year, aka not watch as much tape because this year of college hoops sucked. So instead of giving you boring predictions on like 25 dudes, I decided to make this yearbook style and award some superlatives out to some of the top guys (and not top guys) in this draft. And much like a yearbook I am expecting all that look into said yearbook to sign it with some funny comment about how I should have won most handsome Senior year what you think of these guys and anybody else I didn't cover. Without further ado...

MOST LIKELY TO BUST - Jaylen Brown 6’7” 223 lbs. SF Cal Fr. – Kid looks like a mid first rounder to me. He can stay in the league for a few years just on his physical tools, but I don’t quite understand why you would take him anywhere in the top 5. He has a lazy, low IQ game that relies on athleticism. I think where he ends up will be huge for his development. If he lands with a team that knows how to bring out the best in him, he has a chance to be a solid 2 way player, but if not, he will just be an athletic guy with not much skill in the end of a rotation. I dug up what I could about his personality and if he has the drive, but after 2 minutes of nothing I gave up. If he can get to a coach that can max him out he could be Jae Crowder, but if I were picking…as my favorite Jalen would say “NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO DO IT!”

MOST IN NEED OF GREAT COACH - Marquese Chriss 6’9” 225 lbs. PF Washington Fr. – Chriss really pops when you watch him. Dude gets up. And he’s so young. I was kind of surprised he was getting hype as a possible third pick in the draft, but after watching the tape I totally see it. I compare him to Whiteside because I see the same inconsistent motor, bonehead plays, and some iffy body language, but I don’t think it will take Chriss flunking out of the league to find himself. Someone that can coach him up can make this kid a potential all star at some point in his career and I think it’s likely to happen. Make him a top 5 pick or else…

MOST LIKELY TO STRUGGLE WITH NBA ATHLETES - Jamal Murray 6’4” 200 lbs. PG Kentucky Fr.– A great offensive player, Murray has an advanced understanding of how to score. The problem is he’s not a great passer or athlete.  His defense isn’t very good and I have doubts on this guy. While I think he can be a spark plug off the bench, I don’t see him ever being an above average starter on a good team. He is going to profit off this draft not being very strong after the top few picks.

BEST TWO WAY PLAYER - Kris Dunn 6’4” 205 lbs. PG Providence Sr. – This is the best point guard in the draft, period (if Colin is reading this, settle down). All of his weaknesses are coachable and once he isn’t the focal point of defenses, his game will flourish. With a 6’9” wingspan, Dunn won Big East Defensive POY while carrying the bulk of the offense on a top NCAA team. When you listen to him in interviews, he prides himself on that side of the ball, which is huge seeing how defense is more effort than anything else. Also likes to make flashy plays over the simple ones and I’m real into that.

MOST WOKE - Ben Simmons 6’10” 240 lbs. SF LSU Fr. – Let me start by saying I have no concerns about his character or any of that other bullshit coming out against him. Ben Simmons should be the number 1 pick. His game reminds me of a hybrid of LeBron and Blake. Now before you start calling me crazy, or worse, Skip Bayless, I would like a chance to explain myself. On offense he is very similar to what LeBron was coming out. A gifted athlete (though not to the LeBron extreme because he is the greatest athlete ever produced by mankind or a secret lab somewhere) that doesn’t have a jump shot. Killer vision and the ability to play point for his team. He also reminds me of Blake in the fact that his arms are short and it limits his ability to play interior defense well. Simmons would be best playing next to a rim protector who could cover up his deficiencies. I think his offensive game will end up looking a lot like Blake’s does now, but with slightly more range where he can be a 33% 3 point shooter in 5 years. Philly won’t be an optimal fit for him since they lack outside shooting and have zero spacing, but rest assured, my dude Ben is the best player in the draft.

MOST LIKELY TO HELP TEAM WIN A CHIP - Brandon Ingram 6’9.5” 196 lbs. SF Duke Fr. – When you watch a guy this tall and wiry with that outside jumper you can’t help but think of KD. I think he can be a KD lite. Ingram won’t live and breathe basketball like Durant does (he’s got those sleepy T-Mac eyes), but this is a player that can fit into any team seamlessly. Now the obvious knock is that I can probably bench more than him, which really isn’t a good sign. He will always have a super slender frame, but if KD can play the 4 in today’s NBA, I think Ingram can get there in time. I think he can be the second best player on a championship team.

HIGHEST IQ/COOLEST NAME IN THE DRAFT OBV – Dragan Bender 7’0.5” 216 lbs. PF Bosnia son 18 years old -  You ever been to Bosnia?? This should be the number 3 pick in the draft. I think he will end up as the second or third best player in this class. Bender is younger than everyone, but has the highest IQ. Does the little things to help your team win. Definitely not as bouncy as some of the guys in this draft, but with a long reach and the smarts he has, he will be a plus defender. Bender is part of the new wave of 4 and D guys. Teams want as many of them as they can get and I have no doubt the Dragan will be an excellent one and nothing like his older bro Jonathan.

MOST LIKELY TO WIN 6^TH MAN - Buddy Hield 6’5” 212 lbs. SG Oklahoma Sr. – Buddy Buddy Buddy. Dropped 25 a game with some killer outside shooting. Definitely gave a lot of that back on the defensive end. I believe he will always be a below-average defender and that’s what ultimately hurts his chances of being a good starting PG. The other thing is he isn’t a good passer in a league that is moving towards more ball movement. Buddy is going to fall somewhere between Lou Williams and Kyrie Irving, but that’s a pretty big chasm between the two of them. So where in that gap does he fall? Scouts say he has the intangibles and work ethic, but I think he would be best as a scorer off the bench.

BIGGEST HEAD – Marshall Plumlee -  Another got damn Plumlee??? UGH!!!

MOST LIKELY TO BE COMPARED TO KEVIN LOVE – Henry Ellenson – I watched two minutes of tape on this guy and yes he is the poor man’s version of Kevin Love. Never gonna make an all star game, but can be a solid contributor. One might even call him a rich man’s the Big KO, but not nearly as ugly.

MY DUDE – Cheick Diallo 6’9” 220 lbs. PF Kansas Fr. – I saw this kid kill it in the high school all star games last year, but I guess he lived in Bill Self’s dog house this year because he didn’t get much PT (7.5 mpg). That will change in the NBA. You want the next Bismack Biyombo? Look no further. This guy is active on D and can be a rim protector, especially from the weakside (a la Serge). If this guy slides out of the top 15, he will be worth the gamble. Who’s gonna pick up the Cheick?

SWEETEST CHIN STRAP/MOST PUNNED NAME – FURKAN KORKMAZ – The possibilities are furkan endless.

GUY THAT PROVED MIXTAPES ARE JUST MIXTAPES – Thon Maker – Wtf happened to this kid? Bobby told me he was the real deal years ago and now he’s probably going in the second round. But he had that sick mixtape. So like, what is going on here. I’d still blow a second rounder on Perry Jones the 4^th.

Thus concludes my legendary Draft article. You're welcome.