Post by Fason on Aug 28, 2022 19:29:49 GMT -5
I'm broke and need funds for an amnesty so I decided to finally look at the classes we have left. I based the rankings on how I'd feel if it was my wheel year with a top 3 pick and the confidence that I'd get a chance to draft an elite player.
First thing to get out of the way is that we all know the recent classes are often more attractive due to there being teens with high potentials, but it felt ridiculous to say that the 2021 or the 2022 draft will be better than classes with numerous hall of famers and players in the top 75.
Apologies for no accompanying pictures. Everyone can thank imgur for being slow and not letting me resize.
Big Names
Magic Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, Calvin Natt, Bill Lambeer, Jim Paxton, Bill Cartwright
Truth to be told I don’t think this class is top 10 overall but felt I had to include because of Magic Johnson. Will be a big drop off after 1.1, Natt or Paxton could be the best wing from the class. Including Cartwright was a stretch to have enough names to list.
Top 3
Magic Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, Bill Lambeer
I’m assuming Magic will be great however the position caps could be an issue. Moncrief being a 20-25 PPG SG feels most likely. Lambeer’s fate probably hinges on his shot blocking.
9. 1964 - 1966
Big Names
1964: Dave Bing
1965: Gail Goodrich, Rick Barry, Billy Cunningham
1966: Willis Reed
I was planning to make this an honorable mention class since an old class, but it does have 4 guys on the top 75 list with Barry, Bing, Cunningham and Reed. Plenty of star power at the top.
Top 3
Rick Barry, Willis Reed, Dave Bing
Would be happy to come away with Barry or Reed with 1.1, Barry will be an elite scorer and Reed should be a beast as a rebounder/defender without being an offensive liability. Was a coin flip between Cunningham and Bing for the third spot, decided to go with Bing since he’s the best PG in the class.
8. 2018
Big Names
DeAndre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Porter Jr
First class on the llst where the stars should have higher potentials. Bridges could sneak into the top 3 with his defense. Young still has a chance to be useful since most GMs don't care much about an outside PG's rebounding and defense. SGA may get the dreaded Darius Garland type build where it all hinges on TC. Porter is the wildcard whether he gets C potential build for the injury issues or the mystery box teen build.
Top 3
Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr, DeAndre Ayton
Teenage Luka is a good 1.1, assuming eric doesn't still have an axe to grind. Ayton and Jackson should both have the shot blocking to be high end prospects. Jackson should be interesting with his three point shooting.
7. 2012
Big Names
Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, Khris Middleton, Draymond Green, Andre Drummond
Better class than I initially thought and has decent depth. I struggled with that third spot since I’m not confident on Beal. Middleton or even Barnes with their defense and rebounding could easily be better prospects than Beal. Drummond should be Bob Greacen-esque. Hopefully Draymond is given high steals and decent shot blocking so he can match his irl value.
Top 3
Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal
AD will be a two way threat although maybe a disappointing scorer. Lillard should be an efficient and likely elite scoring PG. Hoping Beal isn’t given a build completely reliant on potential like Devin Booker, but wouldn’t be mad if he looks like a better version of John Drew from this past draft.
6. 2009
Big Names
Blake Griffin, James Harden, Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday
Draft is pretty shallow but the names at the top make it desirable. Don’t have Holiday in the projected top 3 but wouldn’t be shocked if he has a top 3 career of due to his two way potential. See David Thompson this past draft for DeMar DeRozan’s likely build. Unlisted Thabeet is going to get Tacko Fall's exact build.
Top 3 Picks
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Blake Griffin
Curry would deserve a build similar to Kyrie but doubt he gets it after all the OP claims. Hopefully Harden is a PG so he isn’t a SG with handicapped scoring because of high passing. I imagine that Blake will be similar to Zion, we’ll see how that build ends up.
5. 1998
Big Names
Mike Bibby, Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter, Jason Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis
I can’t remember off the top of my head the last draft where wings went with the top 2 picks but I think there is a strong chance it happens this draft. I don’t have Jamison or Lewis in the top 3 but would if I knew they would be made as SFs. Bibby will the biggest name of PGs but think he won’t be much different than a generic 2nd round PG type. Eric doesn’t strike me as a white chocolate type of guy so I expect Williams to average +4 turnovers in college stats.
Top 3 Picks
Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki
I think Carter will look like Hassan Adams or other high volume shooting guards. Pierce probably starts with C potential, could see him being like Paul George though. Maybe Dirk ends up like Pau Gasol, hopefully with higher scoring volume though. Hard to feel too strong about a big that doesn’t block shots or rebound well.
4. 1996
Big Names
Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur Rahim, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Antoine Walker, Kobe Bryant, Peja Stojakovic, Steve Nash, Jermaine O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace
This is one of the few drafts where a traditional lotto pick could have some trade value. Initial thoughts are that AI and Marbury will start with weak handles so they probably won’t go until at least 1.4 unless Trofie decides to allow himself to be hurt one more time. Abdur-Rahim is the guy I’m unsure on, feels like that could go anyway. Nash with C potential will still be the best PG. Antoine Walker will be worthless. Potentially two real strong D/R bigs with Camby and Wallace.
Top 3 Picks
Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Jermaine O’Neal
Kobe with his ceiling feels like the early favorite for 1.1. Allen will be the boring top 5 pick and Jermaine O’Neal will be the swing for the fences teen but likely not 1.1.
3. 1970-1972
Big Names
1970: Bob Lanier, Dave Cowens, Pete Maravich, Tiny Archibald, Dan Issel
1971: Austin Carr, Sidney Wicks, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore
1972: Bob McAdoo, Paul Westphal, Julius Erving
This draft rivals 96 in terms of depth and picks should have value. Bigs like Cowens, Lanier and Gilmore were all great rebounders. I went with McAdoo in top 3 since he can score and I was having had a hard time picking between other 3. Hopefully Westpail is made as a PG however could see him as a 20-25 PPG SG.
Top 3
Julius Erving, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo
I think Dr J will be a Charles Barkley type but with higher scoring volume. Hoping Pistol Pete gets a better build than George Gervin. Any of the bigs I referenced earlier could be in that third spot and end up the most valuable player in the class.
2. 1960-1963
Big Names
1963: Nate Thurmond, Gus Johnson
1962: Dave DeBusschere, Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, Terry Dischinger
1961: Walt Bellamy
1960: Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Lenny Wilkens
Top heavy class that has two MVP caliber PGs and two all league type of bigs. Havlicek will be top 10 in steals, think playable version of 6.0 Jordan. Bellamy is one of top 2 bigs that will be a great pick for 1.4 or 1.5.
Top 3
Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Jerry Lucas
Curious what Oscar’s build will look like as I can’t think of any players we’ve had like him. West could easily end up a PG that has 12+ win shares every year. Jerry Lucas is the top big that should rebound well right away and perhaps gets SugarShaun to finally come back.
1. 1956-1959
Big Names
1956: Bill Russell
1957: Sam Jones
1958: Guy Rodgers, Elgin Baylor, Hal Greer
1959: Bailey Howell, Wilt Chamberlain
The 96 class and 70-72 classes clearly have more depth. But based on criteria for rankings I couldn't put any class above what this class offers for a top 3. Jones and Greer could both be all league SGs. Guy Rodgers although nothing special should be a decent PG prospect.
Top 3
Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain
Baylor is one of the best overall players that we have left. A less efficient version of Lebron or one with higher TOs would be an ideal build for Baylor. Hoping that Bill Russell will be a Dwight or Ike type of player and that Wilt will be a rich man's version of Boogie Cousins.
1977
Big Names
Marques Johnson, Norm Nixon, Bernard King, Walter Davis, Otis Birdsong, Jack Sikma
This class has the worst bigs of all the classes that we have left. King feels like an offense only Jayson Tatum type. Then Johnson may be a solid but master of none type of wing like Bingo Smith.
Top 3
Bernard King, Marques Johnson, Jack Sikma
1981
Big Names
Isiah Thomas, Mark Agguire, Tom Chambers, Larry Nance, Danny Ainge, Rolando Blackman, Buck Williams
Wouldn’t feel too great about picking top 3 in this class. There are so many other good PGs coming up that Thomas could be overshadowed. Buck Williams is the only listed big that rebounded well, Tom Chambers could have outside SG type rebounding. Agguire as a high volume wing is who I’d feel best about.
Top 3
Mark Agguire, Isiah Thomas, Buck Williams
1988
Big Names
Danny Manning, Rik Smits, Mitch Richmond, Dan Majerle, Rod Strickland, Anthony Mason
This may be the worst class we have left due to lack of stars and overall being bland AF. Manning with his injury history is going to get C potential. Richmond and Majerle could end up being just like SGs from the second round that get mentored. No bueno.
Top 3
Danny Manning, Mitch Richmond, Rik Smits
1989
Big Names
Glenn Rice, Sean Elliott, Tim Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Shawn Kemp, Vlade Divac, Clifford Robinson
Kemp was a style more than substance type of player, peep the stats. His best chance to be great may be to start as raw and with A potential. Rice will be the safest pick in the class as long as he’s made a SF. Hardaway feels busty.
Top 3
Shawn Kemp, Glenn Rice, Sean Elliott
1991
Big Names
Larry Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith, Terrell Brandon, Kenny Anderson, LaBradford Smith, LaBradford Smith, LaBradford Smith
Underwhelming group when looking at their stats. Johnson feels destined to disappoint as a PF that doesn’t play much, if any defense. Dikembe could be an Alonzo Mourning with stronger rebounding out of the gate. Smith was and will be boring.
Top 3
Dikembe Mutombo, Larry Johnson, Terrell Brandon
2016
Big Names
Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Pascal Siakim, Dejounta Murray, Fred VanVleet
Some good players but the lack of high end star power keeps this class off the list. Simmons could be interesting if he’s made to play a position other than PG.
Top 3
Jaylen Brown, Brandon Ingram, Jamal Murray
2021
Big Names
Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Josh Giddey, Franz Wagner, Herb Jones
Class will get the tbd bias bump so it could end up the best that we have left.
Top 3
Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley
2022
Big Names
Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey
See above with 2021, Chet with 40 strength is a sad but true lock.
Top 3
Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith, Jaden Ivey
First thing to get out of the way is that we all know the recent classes are often more attractive due to there being teens with high potentials, but it felt ridiculous to say that the 2021 or the 2022 draft will be better than classes with numerous hall of famers and players in the top 75.
Apologies for no accompanying pictures. Everyone can thank imgur for being slow and not letting me resize.
Top 10
10. 1979Big Names
Magic Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, Calvin Natt, Bill Lambeer, Jim Paxton, Bill Cartwright
Truth to be told I don’t think this class is top 10 overall but felt I had to include because of Magic Johnson. Will be a big drop off after 1.1, Natt or Paxton could be the best wing from the class. Including Cartwright was a stretch to have enough names to list.
Top 3
Magic Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, Bill Lambeer
I’m assuming Magic will be great however the position caps could be an issue. Moncrief being a 20-25 PPG SG feels most likely. Lambeer’s fate probably hinges on his shot blocking.
9. 1964 - 1966
Big Names
1964: Dave Bing
1965: Gail Goodrich, Rick Barry, Billy Cunningham
1966: Willis Reed
I was planning to make this an honorable mention class since an old class, but it does have 4 guys on the top 75 list with Barry, Bing, Cunningham and Reed. Plenty of star power at the top.
Top 3
Rick Barry, Willis Reed, Dave Bing
Would be happy to come away with Barry or Reed with 1.1, Barry will be an elite scorer and Reed should be a beast as a rebounder/defender without being an offensive liability. Was a coin flip between Cunningham and Bing for the third spot, decided to go with Bing since he’s the best PG in the class.
8. 2018
Big Names
DeAndre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Porter Jr
First class on the llst where the stars should have higher potentials. Bridges could sneak into the top 3 with his defense. Young still has a chance to be useful since most GMs don't care much about an outside PG's rebounding and defense. SGA may get the dreaded Darius Garland type build where it all hinges on TC. Porter is the wildcard whether he gets C potential build for the injury issues or the mystery box teen build.
Top 3
Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr, DeAndre Ayton
Teenage Luka is a good 1.1, assuming eric doesn't still have an axe to grind. Ayton and Jackson should both have the shot blocking to be high end prospects. Jackson should be interesting with his three point shooting.
7. 2012
Big Names
Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, Khris Middleton, Draymond Green, Andre Drummond
Better class than I initially thought and has decent depth. I struggled with that third spot since I’m not confident on Beal. Middleton or even Barnes with their defense and rebounding could easily be better prospects than Beal. Drummond should be Bob Greacen-esque. Hopefully Draymond is given high steals and decent shot blocking so he can match his irl value.
Top 3
Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal
AD will be a two way threat although maybe a disappointing scorer. Lillard should be an efficient and likely elite scoring PG. Hoping Beal isn’t given a build completely reliant on potential like Devin Booker, but wouldn’t be mad if he looks like a better version of John Drew from this past draft.
6. 2009
Big Names
Blake Griffin, James Harden, Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday
Draft is pretty shallow but the names at the top make it desirable. Don’t have Holiday in the projected top 3 but wouldn’t be shocked if he has a top 3 career of due to his two way potential. See David Thompson this past draft for DeMar DeRozan’s likely build. Unlisted Thabeet is going to get Tacko Fall's exact build.
Top 3 Picks
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Blake Griffin
Curry would deserve a build similar to Kyrie but doubt he gets it after all the OP claims. Hopefully Harden is a PG so he isn’t a SG with handicapped scoring because of high passing. I imagine that Blake will be similar to Zion, we’ll see how that build ends up.
5. 1998
Big Names
Mike Bibby, Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter, Jason Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis
I can’t remember off the top of my head the last draft where wings went with the top 2 picks but I think there is a strong chance it happens this draft. I don’t have Jamison or Lewis in the top 3 but would if I knew they would be made as SFs. Bibby will the biggest name of PGs but think he won’t be much different than a generic 2nd round PG type. Eric doesn’t strike me as a white chocolate type of guy so I expect Williams to average +4 turnovers in college stats.
Top 3 Picks
Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki
I think Carter will look like Hassan Adams or other high volume shooting guards. Pierce probably starts with C potential, could see him being like Paul George though. Maybe Dirk ends up like Pau Gasol, hopefully with higher scoring volume though. Hard to feel too strong about a big that doesn’t block shots or rebound well.
4. 1996
Big Names
Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur Rahim, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Antoine Walker, Kobe Bryant, Peja Stojakovic, Steve Nash, Jermaine O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace
This is one of the few drafts where a traditional lotto pick could have some trade value. Initial thoughts are that AI and Marbury will start with weak handles so they probably won’t go until at least 1.4 unless Trofie decides to allow himself to be hurt one more time. Abdur-Rahim is the guy I’m unsure on, feels like that could go anyway. Nash with C potential will still be the best PG. Antoine Walker will be worthless. Potentially two real strong D/R bigs with Camby and Wallace.
Top 3 Picks
Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Jermaine O’Neal
Kobe with his ceiling feels like the early favorite for 1.1. Allen will be the boring top 5 pick and Jermaine O’Neal will be the swing for the fences teen but likely not 1.1.
3. 1970-1972
Big Names
1970: Bob Lanier, Dave Cowens, Pete Maravich, Tiny Archibald, Dan Issel
1971: Austin Carr, Sidney Wicks, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore
1972: Bob McAdoo, Paul Westphal, Julius Erving
This draft rivals 96 in terms of depth and picks should have value. Bigs like Cowens, Lanier and Gilmore were all great rebounders. I went with McAdoo in top 3 since he can score and I was having had a hard time picking between other 3. Hopefully Westpail is made as a PG however could see him as a 20-25 PPG SG.
Top 3
Julius Erving, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo
I think Dr J will be a Charles Barkley type but with higher scoring volume. Hoping Pistol Pete gets a better build than George Gervin. Any of the bigs I referenced earlier could be in that third spot and end up the most valuable player in the class.
2. 1960-1963
Big Names
1963: Nate Thurmond, Gus Johnson
1962: Dave DeBusschere, Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, Terry Dischinger
1961: Walt Bellamy
1960: Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Lenny Wilkens
Top heavy class that has two MVP caliber PGs and two all league type of bigs. Havlicek will be top 10 in steals, think playable version of 6.0 Jordan. Bellamy is one of top 2 bigs that will be a great pick for 1.4 or 1.5.
Top 3
Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Jerry Lucas
Curious what Oscar’s build will look like as I can’t think of any players we’ve had like him. West could easily end up a PG that has 12+ win shares every year. Jerry Lucas is the top big that should rebound well right away and perhaps gets SugarShaun to finally come back.
1. 1956-1959
Big Names
1956: Bill Russell
1957: Sam Jones
1958: Guy Rodgers, Elgin Baylor, Hal Greer
1959: Bailey Howell, Wilt Chamberlain
The 96 class and 70-72 classes clearly have more depth. But based on criteria for rankings I couldn't put any class above what this class offers for a top 3. Jones and Greer could both be all league SGs. Guy Rodgers although nothing special should be a decent PG prospect.
Top 3
Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain
Baylor is one of the best overall players that we have left. A less efficient version of Lebron or one with higher TOs would be an ideal build for Baylor. Hoping that Bill Russell will be a Dwight or Ike type of player and that Wilt will be a rich man's version of Boogie Cousins.
The Rest
1977
Big Names
Marques Johnson, Norm Nixon, Bernard King, Walter Davis, Otis Birdsong, Jack Sikma
This class has the worst bigs of all the classes that we have left. King feels like an offense only Jayson Tatum type. Then Johnson may be a solid but master of none type of wing like Bingo Smith.
Top 3
Bernard King, Marques Johnson, Jack Sikma
1981
Big Names
Isiah Thomas, Mark Agguire, Tom Chambers, Larry Nance, Danny Ainge, Rolando Blackman, Buck Williams
Wouldn’t feel too great about picking top 3 in this class. There are so many other good PGs coming up that Thomas could be overshadowed. Buck Williams is the only listed big that rebounded well, Tom Chambers could have outside SG type rebounding. Agguire as a high volume wing is who I’d feel best about.
Top 3
Mark Agguire, Isiah Thomas, Buck Williams
1988
Big Names
Danny Manning, Rik Smits, Mitch Richmond, Dan Majerle, Rod Strickland, Anthony Mason
This may be the worst class we have left due to lack of stars and overall being bland AF. Manning with his injury history is going to get C potential. Richmond and Majerle could end up being just like SGs from the second round that get mentored. No bueno.
Top 3
Danny Manning, Mitch Richmond, Rik Smits
1989
Big Names
Glenn Rice, Sean Elliott, Tim Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Shawn Kemp, Vlade Divac, Clifford Robinson
Kemp was a style more than substance type of player, peep the stats. His best chance to be great may be to start as raw and with A potential. Rice will be the safest pick in the class as long as he’s made a SF. Hardaway feels busty.
Top 3
Shawn Kemp, Glenn Rice, Sean Elliott
1991
Big Names
Larry Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith, Terrell Brandon, Kenny Anderson, LaBradford Smith, LaBradford Smith, LaBradford Smith
Underwhelming group when looking at their stats. Johnson feels destined to disappoint as a PF that doesn’t play much, if any defense. Dikembe could be an Alonzo Mourning with stronger rebounding out of the gate. Smith was and will be boring.
Top 3
Dikembe Mutombo, Larry Johnson, Terrell Brandon
2016
Big Names
Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Pascal Siakim, Dejounta Murray, Fred VanVleet
Some good players but the lack of high end star power keeps this class off the list. Simmons could be interesting if he’s made to play a position other than PG.
Top 3
Jaylen Brown, Brandon Ingram, Jamal Murray
2021
Big Names
Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Josh Giddey, Franz Wagner, Herb Jones
Class will get the tbd bias bump so it could end up the best that we have left.
Top 3
Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley
2022
Big Names
Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey
See above with 2021, Chet with 40 strength is a sad but true lock.
Top 3
Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith, Jaden Ivey
