Post by duc15 on Apr 27, 2021 15:48:17 GMT -5
I have asked a few gm's their thoughts on the draft process we have had in this league after 5 seasons. I wanted to know which players these gm's thought were the best and worst picks at their respectful spots along with some more general thoughts on the draft itself. Please enjoy.
1.Who do you believe is the Best overall #1 pick we have had up to now in the league?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
If I had to rank them, I'd go:
1. CP3 - clear #1 overall
2. Marc Gasol - did not anticipate this at all...in my mind he was more of a developmental guy than a right-away star but looking back on the profile now I can see how this happened
3. Clyde Drexler - when writing the profiles this is the guy in my mind who'd have been second after CP3 but he was built to have to work around some flaws and we're still seeing that...had hoped he'd be better defensively
4. Chris Webber - similar to the build for Drexler where he's built to be very good but he'll need a little bit of TC help and the upgrades to be applied correctly...ultimately I think he's better than McHale
5. Kevin McHale - until this past season his best attribute was volume of scoring which imo isn't a good attribute if you're not also a very efficient scorer...that improved, but I'd like to see if it improves long-term; I think Webber ultimately grows past him especially because of his lack of rebounding, only ok defense, and the turnovers
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
This is a great question, Paul had an impressive rookie year, Gasol has been dominant for two years and Drexler may have finally entered elite status. I think based on instant impact plus some strong potential that I would side with Gasol. The PG position is currently pretty soft but some heavy hitters will come into the league soon. Will be curious where they all stand 3-4 years from now to properly gauge how elite Paul is. For now you win with scoring bigs and Gasol is the man that fits that mold.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it's been CP3 because he's a head above the rest at his position. Clyde has been great and is a stud wing but there are a couple of SFs that are on the same level as him. Ian drafted a rookie MVP and made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
CP3 and it's not even close. He's the best PG in the league his rookie year and the MVP.
Pete - LA Lakers
The best #1 overall pick so far comes down to Clyde versus CP3. While Clyde is a phenomenal wing, the difference between Paul and the rest of the point guards in the league is massive right now. He's everything you'd want out of a point guard and, historically speaking, point guards win championships. He's most likely going to be the player with the most career winshares by the time he retires. All of the other #1 overall picks have some minor holes in their games, whether that's Gasol's rebounding, Clyde's turnovers, or McHale's both.
Duc - Miami Heat
I believe that Chris Paul is the obvious answer here. He was league MVP his rookie season and is a clear cut #1 player at his position, which seems to be lacking in our league. Due to this I believe that that CP3 is the obvious answer to who is the best #1 pick to this point in our league.
2. Who do you believe is the worst overall #1 pick we have had up to now in the league?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
McHale is the worst of the five number ones, but that isn't necessarily saying he is a bad player. So far we've avoided having any major busts at #1...I think scouting helps make sure that happens because without it I don't know that these are your five #1 selections
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
I don't think this is very fair, I don't believe any of the number 1 picks have been bad. But just to compare amongst each other I would say McHale because he has data. I could see Webber ultimately being the guy at this pick but his potential could sneak him past McHale. With that said none of the #s are bust by any stretch.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it's McHale unfortunately. His strength has improved but when you look at some of the other #1 overall bigs they are going to be better. Gasol and Webber also had A Potential.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Kevin McHale is the worst player taken 1.1, but I think Drexler is the worst pick given how well Ellis and Carr have played for the 76ers.
Pete - LA Lakers
Webber is worst right now because he's got some growing to do, but long term it's gotta be McHale. The big Minnesotan is a very good player, but he doesn't have any one skill that is truly outstanding. He's a very good scorer, an alright rebounder, and a decent defender, but he's not elite at anything. Add his turnovers to the mix and he leaves a lot to be desired, especially in comparison to some of the others. Webber is a long way off of McHale offensively but he's got the tools to be a dominant two-way big in a way that McHale never will be.
Duc - Miami Heat
It is a race now between McHale and C-Webb. Webber hasn’t had any upgrades yet so due to that I believe it is Kevin McHale. It isn’t so much that McHale is a terrible pick or player but more so him not being as good as the other #1 pick we have had in our league. With no real busts at #1 to this point i’m curious to see who will be the first true bust
3. Which player has been the Best Lottery Pick? Value can be taken into account
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I think CP3 is the best player in the league right now so he's in the conversation but value-wise I think two of the better players we've got in the league right now for their draft slot are Antoine Carr and David Lee. They were a 4 and 7, I believe. Looking in the 10-14 range, Larry Smith, Rick Mahorn, Mike O'Koren, Stip are all good value picks and I'd say Andray Blatche appears to be on the path to becoming one of the better "lotto" selections of 5.0 at his current trajectory
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
I think this comes down to three players, Ellis, Kiki and Horford. I know people will point to Green but let's see him on a top tier team first. With that said I'll go with Dale Ellis. Two titles one of the most efficient shooters in the league and probably the guy who should've gone 1.1 in his class.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it was Rodney McCray. Falling to 7 and being a stud is crazy. I think we've seen some others fall like JBC to 1.3 and Ellis to 1.3 but i still think getting a player like McCray that late is very rare. Another that comes to mind is Larry Smith. He's an amazing player that fell to 10. I don't think we will see a player of that caliber fall that far again.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Probably Sidney Green or Antoine Carr. Really a case could be made for a lot of the 3001 lottery class. In his rookie year, Byron Scott would have run away with this honor with value taken into account, but he appears to have fallen off a cliff.
Pete - LA Lakers
This is tricky to nail down because people have largely done a good job of drafting in the lotto, but there are a few that stand out. Rodney McCray was a steal at 1.7 and has turned into a do-it-all wing with SG eligibility. It's early, but most of the lotto picks for 3004 look really good. Picks 7 through 11 all look like all-stars or future all-stars with David Lee, Danny Granger, Deron Williams, Andray Blatche, and Ersan Ilyasova. Lots of really good values there.
Duc - Miami Heat
Antoine Carr would be my choice. He has been incredibly efficient and a key piece on some very good teams including a Championship team. Getting him at the place bankz did was a great value pick for him. Another name would be Rodney McCray and the place he was picked at 1.7. Another scorer who is able to provide defense and just a great all around player. You could see this in so many max offers in last offseason.
4. Which player has been the Worst lottery pick?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
By year, here are my thoughts without digging super deep:
3001 - Darrell Walker...who? doesn't help he's in the wasteland of CHO but still hasn't been as valuable as any other picks, especially the rest of the top 10
3002 - Andrew Toney...honestly hasn't been a bad player overall but there was a lot of depth to this draft and a lot of better options that went after him, well after him; Gminski was a close 2nd but again, not a bad player overall just a deep draft
3003 - Thad Young...those turnovers are brutal
3004 - Marvin Williams...this ended up being a really good draft class but he doesn't look very promising relative to his peers
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Thurl Bailey, he's been pure garbage and not worthy of the selection. Maybe a little harsh because the explosion of scouting didn't really happen in 3001.
Dirt - LA Clippers
Darrell Walker hands down. I know he wasn't upgraded but even upgraded i'm not sure if he was worth 1.6. I also think Marvin Williams was a terrible pick. There was way better prospects on the board and was shocked he was taken. I think the Bronze metal goes to Luther Wright. We will see what TCs do to him but i liked a couple other prospects at 1.5.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
So many options. Darrell Walker to the Hornets in 3001? Andrew Toney in 3002? Joakim Noah in 3003? Marvin Williams in 3004?
Pete - LA Lakers
As scouting has been more widespread, there are a lot fewer big misses in the lotto. However, there are a few notables. For all of the great players I mentioned in the 3004 draft, Marvin Williams stands out like a sore thumb. He's still young and probably has oodles of potential, but he would need a lot of luck to even get to the point of being in the same conversation as those other guys. A little later in the lotto in 3001, Thurl Bailey and Craig Ehlo have been big disappointments.
Duc - Miami Heat
Darrell Walker would be my call as the worst lottery pick. He is inefficient and turns it over a ton. Somehow he was able to turn all of that into a max. So now he has the distinction of being the worst lottery pick as well as one of the worst maxes in the league. Quite the combo.
5. Best 2nd rounder?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
Tie between Uros Slokar and Luther Head...what a draft for Pete last year
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Dirt did a nice job recapping the 2nd round selections up till this season's draft. He had Slokar as his number 1 player, but I disagree slightly and even though it's close I would go with Fazekas as the best 2nd rounder selected at this point. He had the potential to be a fantastic scorer and come into full bloom this season.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I know this could be head scratching but i think it's Kurt Nimphius. He didn't get any mentor upgrades or any upgrades at all and i think he's a great shot blocking big in the league. IF he can get his ass out of old river walk he can be a huge distributor for a playoff team.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Uros Slokar and it's not even close.
Pete - LA Lakers
Obviously SLOKAR. For real though, I got very lucky to find a couple really good 2nd rounders at the end of the 04 draft with Slokar and Head. Especially after seeing the builds of some of the guys who went high in this class, I think they were both true gems and I think they can be long-term pieces in my core. For the non-Laker edition, I think guys like Stewart Granger, James Ray, Wayne Robinson, and Nick Fazekas stand out as quality starters drafted in round 2.
Duc - Miami Heat
Uros Slokar seems like the obvious choice after his rookie season. He was efficient for his team, was a good rebounder and provided top notch defense in his ability to block shots. The Lakers also have another player that is of amazing value in Luther Head, another efficient scorer that is a great value as a late 2nd rounder. That Lakers scouting department is really earning their money.
6. Approach to drafting (Needs or BPA). When you draft how do you approach the pick? Do you always take BPA, when do your needs come into account?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
Always BPA except for the very rare instance when you're right on the verge of winning a title...maximize the assets you have and figure out team fit later
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Depends on where you may be in the build. When I was bare bones I took BPA with all three of my selections. It happened to work out to be two bigs and a wing. Last year with a loade roster I decided to take Bass over Lee. I knew Lee would be a great scorer but not the well rounded player Bass could be. Even though Granger was a roster need I took a big because he or Lee were BPA.
Dirt - LA Clippers
At this point i think BPA is probably what you should do. If your not a fan of BPA i would try and trade out. I've been really picky with my draft picks and i've made big mistakes. Now that I've had some experience with Eric's builds i'm starting to understand what translate to this league. When it comes to players i always look at the position - for example SF compared to SG and see how high i can get his inside scoring. I'm an Inside Scoring whore and will always make that top priority.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
BPA almost always. It helps that I've got holes on my team to fill so its not like I need to target just one position - I could use help everywhere. The league is pretty balanced right now in terms of talent so even if BPA was a redundant player for my team I could trade them for other assets. I just don't see the point in taking a worse player for the sake of filling a hole. There are too many other ways to find a starting caliber player in the league right now.
Pete - LA Lakers
I try to always approach with BPA in mind, although if there isn't much separation between a couple guys on my board, I'll go for the one at a position of need. However, in this past draft I very much took a needs-based approach in the 2nd round, scouting an entire position group to evaluate who I thought I could best groom into a long-term starter at point guard. I ended up with a couple rookies to develop so we'll see how that approach pays off in a couple seasons.
Duc - Miami Heat
I always like to draft BPA. The goal of this league is to acquire talent in order to be put into a spot that could lead to a lot of winning. By drafting on need you are more likely to reach and pass on players that can provide a lot more value to a roster and your overall ability to win. BPA is the most sound way, in my opinion, to draft.
7. Give some final on the 05 draft class? Who are your steals, who went to high, and who will be the best player?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I didn't think anything crazy happened during the draft but it appears Rider and Acie Earl may be major steals. I think Chris Webber will still ultimately be the best player. Vin Baker looks better than I expected. Wright and Johnson look solid as I anticipated and I thought they were both great values when they went. I'm interested to see how Penny develops. Allan Houston looks like probably the biggest bust of the class.
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Luther Wright went a bit high for my taste. He's not even a teenager to get that bump like Bynum got. I think Rider was a nice selection for a inside focused offense. Rich Manning can be a top tier scorer and Rodney Rogers is another solid wing for an inside focused offense. I think Nick Van Exel may have a chance to be the most impactful rookie but best overall I'm going to lean with Mashburn slightly over Webber.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think the best player with be Mashburn. He has the possibility of getting to A inside and should be an immediate stud unless TC just tears him apart. I'm shocked Penny went 1.2 even though i think he's a solid player. Webber will be really good of course but Wings are so rare at the moment and Mashburn is a stud. Biggest steal in my opinion is probably Terry Dehere or Scott Burrell. Dehere has top 10 type of attributes and can be mentored. Burrell is going to be very similar to O'Korean or Granger when his rookie contract runs out.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
I didn't see any of the scouts for the top players so it is hard for me to say. Based on grades alone I don't like the top of this class. Penny is tall and all, but those grades are meh for 1.2. Mashburn with SG eligibility and B starting inside looks like he could be a stud with his inside pumped up. Rodney Rogers could also turn out to be an offensive stud with his inside upgrades. A mini Ellis basically. I didn't like the Luther Wright pick because I got basically the same player in Amaya way later in the first round. I also didn't like the SGs going so early (Houston, Cheaney). The way the inside cap works you're way better off finding a SF at 6'8" or below that you can play at SG without the inside cap. Best player I'll go with Mashburn.
Pete - LA Lakers
i think C-Webb's combination of skills makes him the clear favorite for best player. I felt like George Lynch and Isaiah Rider both went higher than I expected. Lynch is probably only ever going to be a defensive/rebounding specialist, which is valuable, but not a skill set I would want in the top ten. Rider had some good offensive output in the preseason but is going to struggle with turnover issues throughout his career. I'm really surprised that Ervin Johnson lasted until 12. I know his age and potential are concerning but he has one of the best out-of-the-box builds in the class and could be a quality starter without any points added. I'm also surprised people laid off of Gheorghe Muresan as well, because his physical traits are off the charts and his starting build is not bad at all. I think he could be the biggest steal when all is said and done.
Duc - Miami Heat
Obviously for me this draft was a huge part of my plan and building over the last couple seasons. So far for me it looks like a huge success going forward. C-Webb was always my plan at #1 and after scouting it was more clear. I really wanted to leave the draft with Webber and Mashburn but thought Mashburn was #2 all along so when Penny went above it fell perfectly for me. I wasn’t a big fan of Penny and wasn’t really giving much consideration to him at #3. I think Mashburn will be the best player from this draft but Vin Baker is someone that looks to be very good.
8. Which draft class are you most excited about in the future (at any point)?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I'm most excited about the 96 draft class so I can make Kobe's profile and watch eric try to deconstruct it to find flaws
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
MJ/Barkley for obvious reasons. LeBron for again obvious reasons. And next years class with Rose and Westbrook just because I want to see how Eric builds those fine gents.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I'm obviously excited about 06(2008) draft class because i have 1.3. There are some solid prospects in the class and I can't wait to see how shity they look. K-Love, Westbrook, DRose and Beasley should be pretty good players and it will be interesting to see how the PGs are built. I hope i can land a solid player to add to my roster.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
I've drafted Oladipo in every sim league I've been in and I expect I'll do the same in 6.0. So I guess I'm excited about that class. I'm also looking forward to the 2016 class with Simmons and Domas. Simmons could be a PG with 75+ inside and the ultimate inside offense PG. Domas will be a player in TMBSL if his profile is accurate.
Pete - LA Lakers
03 and 84 are the most exciting for all of the star power, and I remember 96 being an incredibly deep class in 4.0. But personally, I love the old classes from the 50s and 60s. There are some all-time greats like Wilt, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, but then on top of it those classes have the best names. And I can't wait to be reunited with the point guard who brought me a title, one Mr. Pickles Kennedy.
Duc - Miami Heat
The draft I’m most looking forward to is either the 2003 draft or the 2006 draft. The 2003 draft is for obvious reasons with Lebron, Melo, Wade and everyone that has the potential to be truely great players. The 2006 draft is one that I am looking forward to for more selfish reasons. Brandon Roy is my favorite basketball player ever and I’m excited for him to join our league.
9. Finally, Thoughts on the wheel? Now that we are 5 years in and some of us are using it for the first time.
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I love the wheel. I've always loved the wheel. It's the most equitable way to distribute assets, it discourages tanking and gives everyone in the league the same incentive structure in that we're all only trying to compete. When half the league is racing to the top and half to the bottom, that's when you end up having stupid trades that drastically shift the balance of power and made the league annoying.
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Meh, I was speaking with others about how I had no interest waiting around for the wheel had Carr and Ellis left me this off-season. I don't know how these GMs are patient enough to stick around for that window. Still not a big fan of the wheel but its what we have so whatever
Dirt - LA Clippers
I don't like the wheel personally but i understand some of the upsides. I hate that tanking teams steal players and don't have to worry about winning games. I don't like the fact you can lose a top FA and your just stuck in the mud for a few years waiting on your wheel to turn. I'm a big fan of the Lottery so of course i miss the grind of tanking and waiting on the lotto. You really have to test your patience waiting 5 years to do 3 picks and I just don't have it. I will always prefer tanking and the lotto compared to the wheel.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Love it. Was very skeptical at first, but it has been awesome to have certainty on the value of picks. It has made trades more fair and has made trading a lot easier. No one has been able to create super teams through tanking, but I think is the best part.
Pete - LA Lakers
The wheel is great. The knowledge of what each pick is worth makes it much easier to set a price on a player or judge packages against each other, while we couldn't truly evaluate the value returned for a trade in the old system until sometimes 4 or 5 seasons later. I also appreciate that everyone is more active in FA besides just chasing the max players. The wheel makes it so a team can afford to take some gambles on mid-tier players without ruining their future draft prospects, and provides another route for lower- and mid-tier teams to generate value. It's everything I hoped it would be since getting on board with the wheel back in 4.0.
Duc - Miami Heat
I have always been a proponent of the Wheel so getting to be in a league that is using it I’m a big fan. Knowing exactly what pick you are moving takes a lot of guesswork out of the process. The value is much easier to see and know when moving and making deals. It is a lot better to make a trade and receive a couple high level picks, like my deal sending Gates off to Milwaukee. Rather than trading for a bunch of picks from a team that just received a great player and all of those picks being at the end of the draft. It makes building a team more fun and blowing things up better because you can plan more for your future.
1.Who do you believe is the Best overall #1 pick we have had up to now in the league?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
If I had to rank them, I'd go:
1. CP3 - clear #1 overall
2. Marc Gasol - did not anticipate this at all...in my mind he was more of a developmental guy than a right-away star but looking back on the profile now I can see how this happened
3. Clyde Drexler - when writing the profiles this is the guy in my mind who'd have been second after CP3 but he was built to have to work around some flaws and we're still seeing that...had hoped he'd be better defensively
4. Chris Webber - similar to the build for Drexler where he's built to be very good but he'll need a little bit of TC help and the upgrades to be applied correctly...ultimately I think he's better than McHale
5. Kevin McHale - until this past season his best attribute was volume of scoring which imo isn't a good attribute if you're not also a very efficient scorer...that improved, but I'd like to see if it improves long-term; I think Webber ultimately grows past him especially because of his lack of rebounding, only ok defense, and the turnovers
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
This is a great question, Paul had an impressive rookie year, Gasol has been dominant for two years and Drexler may have finally entered elite status. I think based on instant impact plus some strong potential that I would side with Gasol. The PG position is currently pretty soft but some heavy hitters will come into the league soon. Will be curious where they all stand 3-4 years from now to properly gauge how elite Paul is. For now you win with scoring bigs and Gasol is the man that fits that mold.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it's been CP3 because he's a head above the rest at his position. Clyde has been great and is a stud wing but there are a couple of SFs that are on the same level as him. Ian drafted a rookie MVP and made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
CP3 and it's not even close. He's the best PG in the league his rookie year and the MVP.
Pete - LA Lakers
The best #1 overall pick so far comes down to Clyde versus CP3. While Clyde is a phenomenal wing, the difference between Paul and the rest of the point guards in the league is massive right now. He's everything you'd want out of a point guard and, historically speaking, point guards win championships. He's most likely going to be the player with the most career winshares by the time he retires. All of the other #1 overall picks have some minor holes in their games, whether that's Gasol's rebounding, Clyde's turnovers, or McHale's both.
Duc - Miami Heat
I believe that Chris Paul is the obvious answer here. He was league MVP his rookie season and is a clear cut #1 player at his position, which seems to be lacking in our league. Due to this I believe that that CP3 is the obvious answer to who is the best #1 pick to this point in our league.
2. Who do you believe is the worst overall #1 pick we have had up to now in the league?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
McHale is the worst of the five number ones, but that isn't necessarily saying he is a bad player. So far we've avoided having any major busts at #1...I think scouting helps make sure that happens because without it I don't know that these are your five #1 selections
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
I don't think this is very fair, I don't believe any of the number 1 picks have been bad. But just to compare amongst each other I would say McHale because he has data. I could see Webber ultimately being the guy at this pick but his potential could sneak him past McHale. With that said none of the #s are bust by any stretch.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it's McHale unfortunately. His strength has improved but when you look at some of the other #1 overall bigs they are going to be better. Gasol and Webber also had A Potential.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Kevin McHale is the worst player taken 1.1, but I think Drexler is the worst pick given how well Ellis and Carr have played for the 76ers.
Pete - LA Lakers
Webber is worst right now because he's got some growing to do, but long term it's gotta be McHale. The big Minnesotan is a very good player, but he doesn't have any one skill that is truly outstanding. He's a very good scorer, an alright rebounder, and a decent defender, but he's not elite at anything. Add his turnovers to the mix and he leaves a lot to be desired, especially in comparison to some of the others. Webber is a long way off of McHale offensively but he's got the tools to be a dominant two-way big in a way that McHale never will be.
Duc - Miami Heat
It is a race now between McHale and C-Webb. Webber hasn’t had any upgrades yet so due to that I believe it is Kevin McHale. It isn’t so much that McHale is a terrible pick or player but more so him not being as good as the other #1 pick we have had in our league. With no real busts at #1 to this point i’m curious to see who will be the first true bust
3. Which player has been the Best Lottery Pick? Value can be taken into account
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I think CP3 is the best player in the league right now so he's in the conversation but value-wise I think two of the better players we've got in the league right now for their draft slot are Antoine Carr and David Lee. They were a 4 and 7, I believe. Looking in the 10-14 range, Larry Smith, Rick Mahorn, Mike O'Koren, Stip are all good value picks and I'd say Andray Blatche appears to be on the path to becoming one of the better "lotto" selections of 5.0 at his current trajectory
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
I think this comes down to three players, Ellis, Kiki and Horford. I know people will point to Green but let's see him on a top tier team first. With that said I'll go with Dale Ellis. Two titles one of the most efficient shooters in the league and probably the guy who should've gone 1.1 in his class.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think it was Rodney McCray. Falling to 7 and being a stud is crazy. I think we've seen some others fall like JBC to 1.3 and Ellis to 1.3 but i still think getting a player like McCray that late is very rare. Another that comes to mind is Larry Smith. He's an amazing player that fell to 10. I don't think we will see a player of that caliber fall that far again.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Probably Sidney Green or Antoine Carr. Really a case could be made for a lot of the 3001 lottery class. In his rookie year, Byron Scott would have run away with this honor with value taken into account, but he appears to have fallen off a cliff.
Pete - LA Lakers
This is tricky to nail down because people have largely done a good job of drafting in the lotto, but there are a few that stand out. Rodney McCray was a steal at 1.7 and has turned into a do-it-all wing with SG eligibility. It's early, but most of the lotto picks for 3004 look really good. Picks 7 through 11 all look like all-stars or future all-stars with David Lee, Danny Granger, Deron Williams, Andray Blatche, and Ersan Ilyasova. Lots of really good values there.
Duc - Miami Heat
Antoine Carr would be my choice. He has been incredibly efficient and a key piece on some very good teams including a Championship team. Getting him at the place bankz did was a great value pick for him. Another name would be Rodney McCray and the place he was picked at 1.7. Another scorer who is able to provide defense and just a great all around player. You could see this in so many max offers in last offseason.
4. Which player has been the Worst lottery pick?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
By year, here are my thoughts without digging super deep:
3001 - Darrell Walker...who? doesn't help he's in the wasteland of CHO but still hasn't been as valuable as any other picks, especially the rest of the top 10
3002 - Andrew Toney...honestly hasn't been a bad player overall but there was a lot of depth to this draft and a lot of better options that went after him, well after him; Gminski was a close 2nd but again, not a bad player overall just a deep draft
3003 - Thad Young...those turnovers are brutal
3004 - Marvin Williams...this ended up being a really good draft class but he doesn't look very promising relative to his peers
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Thurl Bailey, he's been pure garbage and not worthy of the selection. Maybe a little harsh because the explosion of scouting didn't really happen in 3001.
Dirt - LA Clippers
Darrell Walker hands down. I know he wasn't upgraded but even upgraded i'm not sure if he was worth 1.6. I also think Marvin Williams was a terrible pick. There was way better prospects on the board and was shocked he was taken. I think the Bronze metal goes to Luther Wright. We will see what TCs do to him but i liked a couple other prospects at 1.5.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
So many options. Darrell Walker to the Hornets in 3001? Andrew Toney in 3002? Joakim Noah in 3003? Marvin Williams in 3004?
Pete - LA Lakers
As scouting has been more widespread, there are a lot fewer big misses in the lotto. However, there are a few notables. For all of the great players I mentioned in the 3004 draft, Marvin Williams stands out like a sore thumb. He's still young and probably has oodles of potential, but he would need a lot of luck to even get to the point of being in the same conversation as those other guys. A little later in the lotto in 3001, Thurl Bailey and Craig Ehlo have been big disappointments.
Duc - Miami Heat
Darrell Walker would be my call as the worst lottery pick. He is inefficient and turns it over a ton. Somehow he was able to turn all of that into a max. So now he has the distinction of being the worst lottery pick as well as one of the worst maxes in the league. Quite the combo.
5. Best 2nd rounder?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
Tie between Uros Slokar and Luther Head...what a draft for Pete last year
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Dirt did a nice job recapping the 2nd round selections up till this season's draft. He had Slokar as his number 1 player, but I disagree slightly and even though it's close I would go with Fazekas as the best 2nd rounder selected at this point. He had the potential to be a fantastic scorer and come into full bloom this season.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I know this could be head scratching but i think it's Kurt Nimphius. He didn't get any mentor upgrades or any upgrades at all and i think he's a great shot blocking big in the league. IF he can get his ass out of old river walk he can be a huge distributor for a playoff team.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Uros Slokar and it's not even close.
Pete - LA Lakers
Obviously SLOKAR. For real though, I got very lucky to find a couple really good 2nd rounders at the end of the 04 draft with Slokar and Head. Especially after seeing the builds of some of the guys who went high in this class, I think they were both true gems and I think they can be long-term pieces in my core. For the non-Laker edition, I think guys like Stewart Granger, James Ray, Wayne Robinson, and Nick Fazekas stand out as quality starters drafted in round 2.
Duc - Miami Heat
Uros Slokar seems like the obvious choice after his rookie season. He was efficient for his team, was a good rebounder and provided top notch defense in his ability to block shots. The Lakers also have another player that is of amazing value in Luther Head, another efficient scorer that is a great value as a late 2nd rounder. That Lakers scouting department is really earning their money.
6. Approach to drafting (Needs or BPA). When you draft how do you approach the pick? Do you always take BPA, when do your needs come into account?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
Always BPA except for the very rare instance when you're right on the verge of winning a title...maximize the assets you have and figure out team fit later
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Depends on where you may be in the build. When I was bare bones I took BPA with all three of my selections. It happened to work out to be two bigs and a wing. Last year with a loade roster I decided to take Bass over Lee. I knew Lee would be a great scorer but not the well rounded player Bass could be. Even though Granger was a roster need I took a big because he or Lee were BPA.
Dirt - LA Clippers
At this point i think BPA is probably what you should do. If your not a fan of BPA i would try and trade out. I've been really picky with my draft picks and i've made big mistakes. Now that I've had some experience with Eric's builds i'm starting to understand what translate to this league. When it comes to players i always look at the position - for example SF compared to SG and see how high i can get his inside scoring. I'm an Inside Scoring whore and will always make that top priority.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
BPA almost always. It helps that I've got holes on my team to fill so its not like I need to target just one position - I could use help everywhere. The league is pretty balanced right now in terms of talent so even if BPA was a redundant player for my team I could trade them for other assets. I just don't see the point in taking a worse player for the sake of filling a hole. There are too many other ways to find a starting caliber player in the league right now.
Pete - LA Lakers
I try to always approach with BPA in mind, although if there isn't much separation between a couple guys on my board, I'll go for the one at a position of need. However, in this past draft I very much took a needs-based approach in the 2nd round, scouting an entire position group to evaluate who I thought I could best groom into a long-term starter at point guard. I ended up with a couple rookies to develop so we'll see how that approach pays off in a couple seasons.
Duc - Miami Heat
I always like to draft BPA. The goal of this league is to acquire talent in order to be put into a spot that could lead to a lot of winning. By drafting on need you are more likely to reach and pass on players that can provide a lot more value to a roster and your overall ability to win. BPA is the most sound way, in my opinion, to draft.
7. Give some final on the 05 draft class? Who are your steals, who went to high, and who will be the best player?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I didn't think anything crazy happened during the draft but it appears Rider and Acie Earl may be major steals. I think Chris Webber will still ultimately be the best player. Vin Baker looks better than I expected. Wright and Johnson look solid as I anticipated and I thought they were both great values when they went. I'm interested to see how Penny develops. Allan Houston looks like probably the biggest bust of the class.
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Luther Wright went a bit high for my taste. He's not even a teenager to get that bump like Bynum got. I think Rider was a nice selection for a inside focused offense. Rich Manning can be a top tier scorer and Rodney Rogers is another solid wing for an inside focused offense. I think Nick Van Exel may have a chance to be the most impactful rookie but best overall I'm going to lean with Mashburn slightly over Webber.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I think the best player with be Mashburn. He has the possibility of getting to A inside and should be an immediate stud unless TC just tears him apart. I'm shocked Penny went 1.2 even though i think he's a solid player. Webber will be really good of course but Wings are so rare at the moment and Mashburn is a stud. Biggest steal in my opinion is probably Terry Dehere or Scott Burrell. Dehere has top 10 type of attributes and can be mentored. Burrell is going to be very similar to O'Korean or Granger when his rookie contract runs out.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
I didn't see any of the scouts for the top players so it is hard for me to say. Based on grades alone I don't like the top of this class. Penny is tall and all, but those grades are meh for 1.2. Mashburn with SG eligibility and B starting inside looks like he could be a stud with his inside pumped up. Rodney Rogers could also turn out to be an offensive stud with his inside upgrades. A mini Ellis basically. I didn't like the Luther Wright pick because I got basically the same player in Amaya way later in the first round. I also didn't like the SGs going so early (Houston, Cheaney). The way the inside cap works you're way better off finding a SF at 6'8" or below that you can play at SG without the inside cap. Best player I'll go with Mashburn.
Pete - LA Lakers
i think C-Webb's combination of skills makes him the clear favorite for best player. I felt like George Lynch and Isaiah Rider both went higher than I expected. Lynch is probably only ever going to be a defensive/rebounding specialist, which is valuable, but not a skill set I would want in the top ten. Rider had some good offensive output in the preseason but is going to struggle with turnover issues throughout his career. I'm really surprised that Ervin Johnson lasted until 12. I know his age and potential are concerning but he has one of the best out-of-the-box builds in the class and could be a quality starter without any points added. I'm also surprised people laid off of Gheorghe Muresan as well, because his physical traits are off the charts and his starting build is not bad at all. I think he could be the biggest steal when all is said and done.
Duc - Miami Heat
Obviously for me this draft was a huge part of my plan and building over the last couple seasons. So far for me it looks like a huge success going forward. C-Webb was always my plan at #1 and after scouting it was more clear. I really wanted to leave the draft with Webber and Mashburn but thought Mashburn was #2 all along so when Penny went above it fell perfectly for me. I wasn’t a big fan of Penny and wasn’t really giving much consideration to him at #3. I think Mashburn will be the best player from this draft but Vin Baker is someone that looks to be very good.
8. Which draft class are you most excited about in the future (at any point)?
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I'm most excited about the 96 draft class so I can make Kobe's profile and watch eric try to deconstruct it to find flaws
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
MJ/Barkley for obvious reasons. LeBron for again obvious reasons. And next years class with Rose and Westbrook just because I want to see how Eric builds those fine gents.
Dirt - LA Clippers
I'm obviously excited about 06(2008) draft class because i have 1.3. There are some solid prospects in the class and I can't wait to see how shity they look. K-Love, Westbrook, DRose and Beasley should be pretty good players and it will be interesting to see how the PGs are built. I hope i can land a solid player to add to my roster.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
I've drafted Oladipo in every sim league I've been in and I expect I'll do the same in 6.0. So I guess I'm excited about that class. I'm also looking forward to the 2016 class with Simmons and Domas. Simmons could be a PG with 75+ inside and the ultimate inside offense PG. Domas will be a player in TMBSL if his profile is accurate.
Pete - LA Lakers
03 and 84 are the most exciting for all of the star power, and I remember 96 being an incredibly deep class in 4.0. But personally, I love the old classes from the 50s and 60s. There are some all-time greats like Wilt, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, but then on top of it those classes have the best names. And I can't wait to be reunited with the point guard who brought me a title, one Mr. Pickles Kennedy.
Duc - Miami Heat
The draft I’m most looking forward to is either the 2003 draft or the 2006 draft. The 2003 draft is for obvious reasons with Lebron, Melo, Wade and everyone that has the potential to be truely great players. The 2006 draft is one that I am looking forward to for more selfish reasons. Brandon Roy is my favorite basketball player ever and I’m excited for him to join our league.
9. Finally, Thoughts on the wheel? Now that we are 5 years in and some of us are using it for the first time.
JHB - Atlanta Hawks
I love the wheel. I've always loved the wheel. It's the most equitable way to distribute assets, it discourages tanking and gives everyone in the league the same incentive structure in that we're all only trying to compete. When half the league is racing to the top and half to the bottom, that's when you end up having stupid trades that drastically shift the balance of power and made the league annoying.
Bankz - Philadelphia 76ers
Meh, I was speaking with others about how I had no interest waiting around for the wheel had Carr and Ellis left me this off-season. I don't know how these GMs are patient enough to stick around for that window. Still not a big fan of the wheel but its what we have so whatever
Dirt - LA Clippers
I don't like the wheel personally but i understand some of the upsides. I hate that tanking teams steal players and don't have to worry about winning games. I don't like the fact you can lose a top FA and your just stuck in the mud for a few years waiting on your wheel to turn. I'm a big fan of the Lottery so of course i miss the grind of tanking and waiting on the lotto. You really have to test your patience waiting 5 years to do 3 picks and I just don't have it. I will always prefer tanking and the lotto compared to the wheel.
Heebs - Indiana Pacers
Love it. Was very skeptical at first, but it has been awesome to have certainty on the value of picks. It has made trades more fair and has made trading a lot easier. No one has been able to create super teams through tanking, but I think is the best part.
Pete - LA Lakers
The wheel is great. The knowledge of what each pick is worth makes it much easier to set a price on a player or judge packages against each other, while we couldn't truly evaluate the value returned for a trade in the old system until sometimes 4 or 5 seasons later. I also appreciate that everyone is more active in FA besides just chasing the max players. The wheel makes it so a team can afford to take some gambles on mid-tier players without ruining their future draft prospects, and provides another route for lower- and mid-tier teams to generate value. It's everything I hoped it would be since getting on board with the wheel back in 4.0.
Duc - Miami Heat
I have always been a proponent of the Wheel so getting to be in a league that is using it I’m a big fan. Knowing exactly what pick you are moving takes a lot of guesswork out of the process. The value is much easier to see and know when moving and making deals. It is a lot better to make a trade and receive a couple high level picks, like my deal sending Gates off to Milwaukee. Rather than trading for a bunch of picks from a team that just received a great player and all of those picks being at the end of the draft. It makes building a team more fun and blowing things up better because you can plan more for your future.
