As the season winds down and the top of the draft slowly develops it has become my opinion that the 8th spot will be the cut off the Cs need to avoid.
The top 4 is all but set. What ever order they go in Okafor, Towns, Mudiay and Russell will be the top 4 picks in the draft. Its debatable who goes where, despite hype for a competition at the #1 spot I doubt Okafor goes anything put 1st. After that the next three are basically tier two and will shake out based on different teams needs/scouting.
I see the next four as Prozingis, Herzonja, Johnson and WCS. The Cs really need to land one of these four. I view then next tier/group of prospects after these four as flawed and a clear step down. These four are very different prospects but I think each will bring a skill set that will fit the Cs both stylistically and the current roster.
How they fit,
Prozingis, granted he is a PF but he brings height and length to the front court. His ability to play the perimeter seems like a great fit for what DA and BS are trying to do. If drafted I think he will mark the end for either Sully or KO. It might take a season for Prozingis to adjust but I could ultimately see one of our current PFs and Zeller joining Prozingis in a 3 big rotation.
Herzonja, he has a redundant skill set to J Young but is a better prospect. He has already show alot playing in the ACB. I can see him as a #2 scoring option on this team capable of using his size and range to score from the perimeter at the SF position. His presence my ultimently hurt Young and lead to him being moved. Especially with the SG position likely taken for a while from AB and minutes for SMart.
Johnson, really like his fit as the starting SF. He should bring to this team a similar skill set to Crowder (not the outside shooter yet). He is much bigger then Crowder and will bring similar physical play and the ability to play small ball PF. He is actually the same size as Bass so it really isnt small ball with him at the PF. His size will still allow Young to play the 3. Johnson could effectively start at the SF and play as the 4th big allowing Young solid minutes at the SF.
WCS, after a year to adjust I could see WCS changing the Cs defense. His mobility, length and athleticism will make him a DPOY candidate. Putting him on the court with Smart and AB will create a great core of defensive success. His presence may mean the end of Zeller but I wouldn't be completely shocked to see them function in a Noah/Gibson type relationship where Tyler becomes the first big off the bench.