Post by delap on Jan 24, 2022 7:57:02 GMT -5
PreSeason
Based entirely on the PS, not Sim 1. That means you'll see Clemon Johnson, even though Ank is a skank and is hiding his light under a bushel for the real deal. I think Bird is elite elite and then there is a pretty big gap to the rest. However, I do see a handful of PGs that catch my eye, which hasn't been the case for most of 6.0 rookie classes. Only one appears on the ladder today, but with some uppies I see 3/4 guys that could be strong contenders for a position.
1. Larry Bird - Indiana Pacers
1.1 looks real solid. What he doesn't bring on defense (which isn't terrible, just not good) he absolutely brings on the offensive end where he doesn't turn it over and is very efficient. His rebounding is great for a SF, but not quite elite. 3rd in the class in P/TSA and I would expect that the 2 ahead of him are the outliers, so over the season I'd expect him to remain in the Top 3 in that category. He's gonna have some depth chart movement, so his line may wobble and zag, but he's the real deal.
2. Clemon Johnson - New York Knicks
I trust Ank that the scouts validated the pick, so he is sliding in at #2 for now. His output really left me wanting a little bit more, but there was no clear-cut better player (though the next 5-6 guys all were considered for this position). He scores, his rebounding is OK, his defense is OK, and he doesn't turn it over. His FT% is already solid so there are multiple ways he can improve with upgrades, so we'll wait (until 3021, I guess) and see.
3a. Freeman Williams - New York Knicks
3b. Reggie Theus - Vancouver Grizzlies
Volume scorers from the 2-guard spot (which makes them strong contenders to be a 1-time All-Star in the future!), Freeman and Reginald get buckets... but not a lot else? They are average in efficiency and rebounding, neither is a wonderful defender either. Free gets the slight nod right now because of his lower TO rate. Post-Uppies either of them could easily ascend to the #2 spot on the ladder, though.
5. Jack Givens - Carolina Cougars
Our first Small-Sample Ladder All-Star is home in the Carolinas, where you'll find him playing backup wing and shooting at an incredibly efficient 1.17 P/TSA (good for #2 in the class). His rebounding is on par with the Bird-man himself and his defense is even stronger. That said, his volume isn't superb... but upgrades could make Jacky Boy a real solid player (because it's unlikely that TC will).
6. Michael Cooper - Seattle SuperSonics
He doesn't shoot, despite being very efficient, but it doesn't matter... Coop is here to play defense and be a good teammate. He looks to be a lock-down wing defender and his shot blocking is likely built well-above cap. He doesn't turn it over and can play at either wing spot as a starter or bench-role and make a big impact. Not sure he has the upside to really be a Top 3 Ladder darling, but I do love him already.
7. Phil Ford - Chicago Bulls
I'm gonna need Mike to give this man some uppies. He's a steady-Eddie PG that could likely become a high-quality starter with the right upgrades and a touch of TC luck. He is already low-TO and looks like he could get to be an above-average defender and scorer, too. His rebounding is trash, but it's trash for almost all PGs, really.
8a. Geoff Crompton - Anaheim Amigos
8b. Mychal Thompson - Vancouver Grizzlies
SUUUUPPPPER small sample on Crompton, so his next ladder position could swing from Top 5 all the way to off the HM list. He's a pure D/R guy and is the 2nd best rebounder in the class. He as well or better than any other big in the class (maybe Corzine?) and is cautious enough with the ball. Thompson is the top board-man in the class, scores a little bit (but not a lot) and is hyper-careful with the ball in his hands. He's not a defender though, at least not in the visible counting stats... so we'll see how that rolls going forward. One other note on Thompson... he fouled out 8 times in 37 PS games... that rate seems incredibly high. It's something to watch.
10. Ron Carter - Atlanta Hawks
The cohort leader in P/TSA (1.177) as well as the owner a super-low TO rate (.8/36), Carter gives the Hotlanta franchise something to build on. Give him a +30 inside and you might have the volume for a solid player akin to Freeman/Theus.
Honorable Mentions:
Points:
Michael Ray Richardson - Los Angeles Clippers
Glenn Hagan - Toronto Raptors
Butch Lee - Charlotte Hornets
Mo Cheeks - Vancouver Grizzlies
Wings:
Wayne Radford - Toronto Raptors
Marvin Johnson - Pittsburgh Pipers
Marty Byrnes - Portland Trail Blazers
Keith Herron - Dallas Mavericks
Winford Boynes - Indiana Pacers
Raymond Townsend - Orlando Magic
Purvis Short - Utah Jazz
Bigs:
Bob Miller - San Antonio Spurs
Steve Neff - Texas Chaparrals
Pat Cummings - Pittsburgh Pipers
Dave Corzine - Vancouver Grizzlies
Jerome Whitehead - Charlotte Hornets
Ricky Gallon - Utah Jazz
