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Around the League => Around the NBA => Topic started by: Hawkeye199 on December 05, 2017, 10:18:10 AM

Title: If anyone has espn insiders
Post by: Hawkeye199 on December 05, 2017, 10:18:10 AM
Could you post in the comments this article talking about best picks for each team.

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/21590899/2018-nba-mock-draft-picks-chicago-bulls-cleveland-cavaliers-philadelphia-76ers
Title: Re: If anyone has espy insiders
Post by: DefenseWinsChamps on December 05, 2017, 10:24:47 AM
Instead of using record to determine draft order like normal sites do, ESPN used BPI, which apparently gives a Bulls-Suns-Kings-Hawks-Cavs top 5 draft order.

Things like this make me wonder what the angle is. Every site I've seen, including I think ESPN in the past, uses record, not some random made up stat.

Conspiracy me thinks this is ESPN inflating the Cavs pick so it can be traded at some point.
Title: Re: If anyone has espy insiders
Post by: celticsclay on December 05, 2017, 03:05:20 PM
Instead of using record to determine draft order like normal sites do, ESPN used BPI, which apparently gives a Bulls-Suns-Kings-Hawks-Cavs top 5 draft order.

Things like this make me wonder what the angle is. Every site I've seen, including I think ESPN in the past, uses record, not some random made up stat.

Conspiracy me thinks this is ESPN inflating the Cavs pick so it can be traded at some point.

I think it is a pretty fair thing to wonder about. Nets currently tied for the 9th worst record. Considering they have been playing at this level missing several key players that will return at some point and have no incentive to shut down players like some others teams do, it is quite odd that they would be projected for 5th. 
Title: Re: If anyone has espn insiders
Post by: mef730 on December 05, 2017, 03:41:25 PM
Could you post in the comments this article talking about best picks for each team.

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/21590899/2018-nba-mock-draft-picks-chicago-bulls-cleveland-cavaliers-philadelphia-76ers


NBA mock draft: Best picks for Bulls, Cavs, 76ers and more

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7:35 AM ET
Jonathan Givony
ESPN
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How has our 2018 mock draft changed after six weeks of NBA action and illuminating matchups for some of the top prospects?

Here's our new look at the full first and second rounds, including a shake-up in the top five.

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ESPN's BPI was used to project draft order.

1. Chicago Bulls


Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 18.7
PG



Although Doncic is starting to feel some heat from a pair of collegiate big men making strong cases for No. 1 overall pick consideration, he's still in the midst of a historic season for an 18-year-old international, averaging 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists per 40 minutes with a 62 percent true shooting percentage.

He would be able to help the hapless Bulls immediately at both the guard and the wing spots while likely manning the point full time. He looks like a good fit alongside the team's existing young pieces.

Starting salary: $8,095,680

2. Phoenix Suns


Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
PF/C



The Suns haven't gotten the type of results they hoped to see from their two top-10 big men drafted in 2016. They might start thinking about stockpiling more frontcourt talent, considering the options available to them here.

Bagley is putting up historic numbers for an 18-year-old thus far while carrying No. 1 Duke to an undefeated record. His toughness, scoring instincts, budding skill set and upside make him a strong contender for the No. 1 pick.

Starting salary: $7,243,440

3. Sacramento Kings


Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C



The Kings are still figuring out just how good their young frontcourt prospects are and might not be in a situation to pass on a "best talent available" type due to positional considerations.

Ayton has adjusted quickly to college basketball. He is putting up huge numbers so far for an underachieving Arizona team. There are some concerns about his work ethic and defensive instincts, but there is no doubt about how talented he is overall.

Starting salary: $6,504,600

4. Atlanta Hawks


Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF



The Hawks have rotated among starting the likes of Luke Babbitt, Ersan Ilyasova and Mike Muscala at power forward, which indicates that an upgrade could certainly be imminent.

Michael Porter's ability to create offense and make shots from the perimeter will be attractive for a team that often struggles to score. His fit alongside promising youngsters John Collins and Taurean Prince is intriguing as well.

Starting salary: $5,864,640

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)


Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C



The Cavs don't have a real center on their roster and are in desperate need of young talent, which could lead them to swing for the fences on a prospect such as Bamba.

He projects as an elite-level rim-protector with strong instincts as a rebounder. His offensive game is raw but shows promise.

Starting salary: $5,310,720

Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.

6. Dallas Mavericks


Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
PF/C



With Nerlens Noel unlikely to be in Dallas' long-term plans and Dirk Nowitzki turning 40 in June, the Mavs will definitely be looking for a frontcourt player to build around.

The Texas A&M sophomore is one of the best athletes in this draft, and he shows significant upside as a rim-protector, rebounder and finisher, while even flashing glimpses as a passer and shooter.

Starting salary: $4,823,520

7. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)


Jaren Jackson
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C



The Sixers don't appear to have any glaring needs at the moment, which could lead them to shop this pick for more established talent.

Every team could use another long, athletic, rim-protecting, pick-and-roll-switching, 3-point-shooting big man such as Jackson, though, and his long-term upside is probably too high for him to fall much further than this.

Starting salary: $4,403,280

Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston. BPI projects that Philly has a 71.5 percent chance of getting this pick, with a 6.4 percent chance that it ends up No. 1.

8. Memphis Grizzlies


Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF



The Grizzlies will be disappointed to find themselves among the 10 worst teams in the NBA, but they certainly have some needs to address with a high draft pick. One of them is the combo forward position, which has been a rotating cast of characters in Memphis for some time now.

Bridges brings the type of athleticism, toughness and physicality the team could fall in love with.

Starting salary: $4,033,800

9. Orlando Magic


Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG



The Magic have invested four years in incumbent starter Elfrid Payton, but his inability to shoot 3-pointers or free throws means it still isn't clear that he is a long-term answer at the position.

Enter Sexton, the clear-cut best point guard prospect in the draft, who has been terrorizing NCAA defenses all season. (Doncic can play either backcourt position). His toughness, aggressiveness and competitiveness could fit in well on this roster.

Starting salary: $3,708,120

10. LA Clippers


Kevin Knox
Kentucky
Freshman
SF/PF



On a roster completely devoid of young talent, the Clippers won't be in a situation to think too much about positional needs.

Knox has established himself as one of the best combo forward prospects in the draft, with his multi-positional defensive versatility, ability to stretch the floor and athleticism in the open court.

Starting salary: $3,522,480

11. New York Knicks


Dzanan Musa
Cedevita
Age: 18.5
SF



The Knicks have a glaring hole at small forward, which could possibly be filled by a big scoring wing such as Musa, who has been putting up points at a historic rate, relative to his age, this season in the Adriatic League.

Although his defense is a question mark, his ability to create his own shot, find the open man and make jumpers from all over the floor gives him a clear-cut niche as a bucket-getter at the NBA level.

Starting salary: $3,346,560

12. Charlotte Hornets


Mikal Bridges
Villanova
Junior
SF



The Hornets are still searching for long-term answers on the wing, where they've rotated a number of players in and out of the starting lineup all season, partially due to injuries.

Bridges is an easy player to slot on almost any NBA roster, thanks to his multi-positional defensive versatility, 3-point shooting and role-player potential.

Starting salary: $3,179,280

13. Phoenix Suns (via Heat)


Trevon Duval
Duke
Freshman
PG



After trading Eric Bledsoe to the Bucks, the Suns have a clear-cut hole at point guard, which they'll be looking to fill this summer.

Duval came into the season projected as the second-best point guard prospect in the draft, and he has yet to relinquish that standing. He has the size and length to defend either guard spot. He's also a dangerous weapon in the open floor and a willing passer who has been making the NCAA's most efficient offense flow, despite a clear-cut lack of spacing.

Starting salary: $3,020,280

Phoenix will receive Miami's pick if it is outside the top seven. BPI projects that Phoenix has a 92.4 percent chance of landing this pick.

14. Indiana Pacers


Lonnie Walker IV
Miami
Freshman
SG



The Pacers are exceeding expectations this season but still have some holes in their roster that they might look to fill long-term by drafting wisely.

One of them is on the wing, where Walker could draw some interest with his combination of length, perimeter shooting and budding versatility on both ends of the floor. Walker has gotten off to a slow start coming off a knee injury and will need to play better to maintain this lofty projection.

Starting salary: $2,869,320

15. New Orleans Pelicans


Bruce Brown
Miami
Sophomore
SG


The Pelicans have one of the NBA's strongest frontcourts and could look to bolster their backcourt, where they've been far too reliant on Jrue Holiday and E'Twaun Moore.

Brown isn't ultra-talented, but he has won over NBA folks with his toughness, aggressiveness, two-way versatility and improving perimeter shooting. He started the season slowly, though he has been better as of late.

Starting salary: $2,725,680

16. Utah Jazz


Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Freshman
C



The Jazz's frontcourt depth has been tested with the injury to Rudy Gobert, and Derrick Favors' unrestricted free-agency status could cause the Jazz to explore adding another big man in the draft this summer.

Carter has been overshadowed by Bagley to an extent, and he hasn't been able to show the same pick-and-roll finishing and perimeter shooting combo that intrigued NBA scouts going into the season. Nevertheless, he ticks a number of boxes that talent evaluators look for at his position, and he has plenty of upside to grow into.

Starting salary: $2,589,480

17. Denver Nuggets


Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG



The Nuggets are still trying to figure out what their point guard rotation looks like long-term and could very well look to upgrade that position this summer.

Trae Young burst into the NBA draft conversation by posting some of the best numbers in college basketball, regardless of the fact that he's only 19. His ability to navigate pick-and-rolls and make shots off the dribble is intriguing in a class so devoid of backcourt talent -- if he can sustain his impressive productivity.

Starting salary: $2,460,000

18. Portland Trail Blazers



Troy Brown
Oregon
Freshman
SG



The Blazers don't have much depth on the wing and could be looking to upgrade at that spot this summer.

Brown is one of the most versatile players in the freshman class, with his ability to defend multiple positions, rebound and make plays for others, even if Oregon has been somewhat disappointing so far.

Starting salary: $2,337,000

19. Milwaukee Bucks



Anfernee Simons
IMG Academy (HS)
Age: 18.4
SG



The Bucks have solid depth and could potentially afford to swing for the fences and select one of the most raw prospects in the class (but also one with significant upside).

Simons is weighing skipping college altogether and would benefit from the lack of backcourt depth from which this draft suffers. He's a tremendous athlete who shows potential as a shot-creator and off-the-dribble jump-shooter, but he could likely benefit from gaining experience at the NCAA level due to his frail physique.

Starting salary: $2,231,760

Phoenix will receive Milwaukee's pick if it lands in Nos. 11-16. BPI projects that Phoenix has a 31.3 percent chance of landing this pick.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder)



Hamidou Diallo
Kentucky
Sophomore
SG



The Timberwolves have little to no depth on the wing, causing them to play stars Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler nearly 74 combined minutes per game.

They could look to pick a young, athletic wing such as Diallo and groom him into a defensive stopper who can hopefully make shots consistently, an area in which he has been streaky historically.

Starting salary: $2,142,360

Minnesota will receive Oklahoma City's pick if it is outside the lottery.

21. Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves)



Shake Milton
SMU
Junior
PG/SG



With the second of their three first-round picks, the Hawks might look to add some backcourt depth, specifically someone who can play behind or alongside incumbent starters Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore.

A player such as Milton, who has the size and length to defend all three backcourt spots and can operate on or off the ball with a consistent outside shot, would make sense.

Starting salary: $2,056,680

Atlanta will receive Minnesota's pick if it is outside the lottery.

22. Detroit Pistons



Justin Jackson
Maryland
Sophomore
SF/PF



The Pistons, like every NBA team, could look to add depth to their combo-forward rotation, specifically someone who can operate off the ball, make jump shots and defend multiple positions.

Jackson has gotten off to a slow start this season, but with his length and versatility, he checks a number of the boxes NBA talent evaluators look for.

Starting salary: $1,974,480

23. Philadelphia 76ers



Grayson Allen
Duke
Senior
SG



The Sixers probably won't be looking to add too many more young players to their stacked rotation, but they could always use more perimeter shooting prowess.

Allen is a big-time shot-maker who should be ready to contribute fairly soon as one of the lone NCAA seniors projected to be picked in the first round.

Starting salary: $1,895,520

24. Washington Wizards



Mitchell Robinson
College: None
Freshman
C



With Marcin Gortat approaching 34 and the end of his contract next season, the Wizards might start to think about adding a young project big man they can develop down the road.

Robinson is one of the most physically talented prospects in the draft, with impressive length, athleticism and shot-blocking instincts, but he is a long way away from contributing. The fact that he elected not to play college basketball this season won't help matters, but at some point in the draft, he's worth rolling the dice on.

Starting salary: $1,819,800

25. Cleveland Cavaliers



De'Anthony Melton
USC
Sophomore
PG/SG



Starting the likes of Jose Calderon, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose and Iman Shumpert at various points this season, the Cavs' backcourt is in need of an infusion of youth.

Melton looked to be on the verge of a breakout season for USC before the FBI investigation shut him down indefinitely. His defensive versatility, toughness and intangibles make him a prospect worth investing in, regardless of whatever is next for the Cavs.

Starting salary: $1,746,840

26. San Antonio Spurs



Nick Richards
Kentucky
Freshman
C



With the Spurs' incumbent big man starters both in their mid 30s and no clear-cut successor in the waiting, it might make sense for San Antonio's front office to consider drafting a project center to develop long-term.

Richards is fairly new to basketball, but he has enviable physical tools and shows enough potential as a rebounder, shot-blocker and finisher.

Starting salary: $1,689,000

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors)



Chimezie Metu
USC
Junior
PF/C



The Nets' frontcourt is still a work in progress, with a host of characters getting minutes that might not be in their long-term plans.

Metu looks the part physically, covers ground seamlessly, shows touch both facing and with his back to the basket, and might have some untapped potential on the perimeter on both ends of the floor.

Starting salary: $1,640,400

Brooklyn will receive Toronto's pick if it is outside the lottery.

28. Boston Celtics



Khyri Thomas
Creighton
Junior
SG



The Celtics love long-armed, multipositional defenders who can make shots from the perimeter.

Thomas has come on strong this season, continuing his impressive upward trajectory.

Starting salary: $1,630,320

29. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets)



Tyus Battle
Syracuse
Sophomore
SG/SF



The Hawks are still figuring out their wing rotation long-term and could look to bolster that spot with additional depth.

Battle looks the part physically and has shown potential as a scorer from different parts of the floor thus far in his college career.

Starting salary: $1,618,320

Atlanta will receive Houston's pick if it is outside the top three.

30. Golden State Warriors



Brandon McCoy
UNLV
Freshman
C



The Warriors might look to take advantage of the depth of this draft class in the frontcourt and add another rotation player at the center position.

McCoy is putting up monster scoring and rebounding numbers as a freshman at UNLV while demonstrating some newfound shooting potential.

Starting salary: $1,606,680

Round 2

31. Knicks (via Bulls)

Aaron Holiday | Junior | UCLA | PG

32. Suns

Rodions Kurucs | ACB/Euroleague | Barcelona | SF/PF

33. Kings

Jalen Hudson | Junior | Florida | SG

34. Hawks

Goga Bitadze | Adriatic | Mega Bemax | C

35. 76ers (via Nets)

Austin Wiley | Sophomore | Auburn | C

36. Mavericks

Arnoldas Kulboka | Italy /Champions League | Capo D'Orlando | SF

37. Magic (via Lakers)

PJ Washington | Freshman | Kentucky | PF

38. Grizzlies

Devonte' Graham | Senior | Kansas | PG

39. Nets (via Magic)

Bonzie Colson | Senior | Notre Dame | PF

40. 76ers (via Clippers)

Andrew Jones | Sophomore | Texas | PG/SG

41. Knicks

Alize Johnson | Senior | Missouri State | PF

42. Suns (via Hornets)

Chandler Hutchison | Senior | Boise State | SG

43. Rockets (via Heat)

Jacob Evans | Junior | Cincinnati | SF

44. Nets (via Pacers)

V.J. King | Sophomore | Louisville | SF

45. Bulls (via Pelicans)

Allonzo Trier | Junior | Arizona | SG

46. Jazz

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk | Senior | Kansas | SG

47. Lakers (via Nuggets)

Ray Spalding Junior Louisville 6'10" PF

48. Nuggets (via Blazers)

Ethan Happ | Junior | Wisconsin | PF/C

49. Suns (via Bucks)

Vincent Edwards | Senior | Purdue | SF

50. Thunder

Moritz Wagner | Junior | Michigan | C

51. Wolves

Aleksa Radanov | Adriatic | FMP | SG

52. Pistons

Kostja Mushidi | Adriatic | Mega Bemax | SG

53. 76ers

Rawle Alkins | Sophomore | Arizona | SG

54. Wizards

Malik Pope | Senior | San Diego State | SF

55. Hornets (via Cavs)

Isaac Haas | Senior | Purdue | C

56. Spurs

Mike
Title: Re: If anyone has espn insiders
Post by: mef730 on December 05, 2017, 03:42:25 PM
Doncic at #1? There's still hope for Bagley. Not much, but yes, I'm saying there's a chance...

Mike
Title: Re: If anyone has espn insiders
Post by: CELTICSofBOSTON on December 05, 2017, 03:53:16 PM
Right now, mine looks like this:

Tier One:
1. Deandre Ayton
2. Luka Doncic

Tier Two:
3. Marvin Bagley
4. Michael Porter Jr.

Tier Three:
5. Jaren Jackson Jr.
6. Mohammed Bamba
7. Collin Sexton