My Lottery Mock Draft is dropping on Thursday and to no one’s surprise, Cade Cunningham is the No. 1 pick on 13 of the 14 lottery team big boards (you’ll have to wait till Thursday to see who doesn’t have him No. 1).
Discuss: Give us your best argument on why Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga should go No. 1 on a particular team ahead of Cade Cunningham.
As a cavs fan I am selfishly rooting for them to somehow end up with Jalen Green and dealing Sexton somewhere. Purely out of aesthetic I think a Green Garland backcourt would just be incredibly fun to watch. Obviously there would be defensive issues but I just want something fun lol.
So, listening to your redrafts during the first part of COVID - loved them - I thought one of the themes of where teams missed on players was that the underestimated defense. Both the ability of good defensive players to impact the game and the way a lack of defense could disrupt or hurt careers despite offensive skills. Kuminga has the highest potential on defense of any of the wings. A guy that can guard 1-4 at a high level is incredibly valuable in today's NBA. Defense first means I take Kuminga first.
Kuminga has the defensive potential in theory because of his size/athleticism. But if you were actually just looking at which young prospect looks like a lock down defender based on the numbers ... it's Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner.
Honestly I would love to see Cade and LaMelo in the Hornets backcourt but if the Hornets somehow get the 1st pick I think it would be really hard for them not to pick Mobley. The Hornets should trade back to 2nd if that happens tho.
He is the worst fit in Charlotte based off of team needs, though I agree that they could play together. Mobley would be an awesome fit there. Perfect actually.
He can play with anyone. Not a bad fit on any team, just that the Hornets have a glaring need up front and have both LaMelo and Hayward at his best position.
Yes Mobley would be awesome.. Jalen Green would be nice too. Chad not to get to strictly Hornets but what would it take for the Hornets to move up to #2 for Mobley if the Hornets stay at 11 in the lottery?
Gonna be a lot in this draft where teams see a clear cut-off after the Top 5 and most teams have pick two ranked as a Tier 1 prospect ... those players are rarely traded. I think it would have to be a team with immediate playoff aspirations (Golden State/New Orleans/Sacramento) and would likely need to be an All-Star in return. Not sure the Hornets really have the pieces for that. Hayward + 11 + Rozier??? Not sure they have the juice to get there.
I could see Mobley going number one as a future star in the post to build around and establish a defensive identity with the ability to switch and also guard the paint.
Kuminga is the only other player with the potential to be best in the draft, but his floor is scary. But if he excelled in individual workouts and at the combine, a team could take the gamble higher than projected.
That said, Cade has almost locked up the first spot with his all around skill and versatility.
I could see Mobley going first if somehow Minny jumps to 1. Maybe Towns stumps for his best friend (DLo) and says no point players allowed. They pick Mobley as the perfect five out 4 for that team. Can defend the basket but still clear out for Edwards and Russell. They need wings, but that starting five would be huge and fun!
That's interesting. I think we've made too much about Cade being the clear No. 1 guy. He's the consensus for sure, but there are plenty of teams that have Cade + Mobley very close. Need screams Cunningham in Minnesota, but you're right Mobley + Towns would be great.
As a cavs fan I am selfishly rooting for them to somehow end up with Jalen Green and dealing Sexton somewhere. Purely out of aesthetic I think a Green Garland backcourt would just be incredibly fun to watch. Obviously there would be defensive issues but I just want something fun lol.
Super fun. Green would be a great get for them ... I have him third on their wish list behind Cunningham and Mobley
So, listening to your redrafts during the first part of COVID - loved them - I thought one of the themes of where teams missed on players was that the underestimated defense. Both the ability of good defensive players to impact the game and the way a lack of defense could disrupt or hurt careers despite offensive skills. Kuminga has the highest potential on defense of any of the wings. A guy that can guard 1-4 at a high level is incredibly valuable in today's NBA. Defense first means I take Kuminga first.
Kuminga has the defensive potential in theory because of his size/athleticism. But if you were actually just looking at which young prospect looks like a lock down defender based on the numbers ... it's Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner.
Honestly I would love to see Cade and LaMelo in the Hornets backcourt but if the Hornets somehow get the 1st pick I think it would be really hard for them not to pick Mobley. The Hornets should trade back to 2nd if that happens tho.
He is the worst fit in Charlotte based off of team needs, though I agree that they could play together. Mobley would be an awesome fit there. Perfect actually.
Is there anyone Cade can't play with? He can basically play four positions, is a facilitator, and already has the demeanor of a ten year pro.
He can play with anyone. Not a bad fit on any team, just that the Hornets have a glaring need up front and have both LaMelo and Hayward at his best position.
Yes Mobley would be awesome.. Jalen Green would be nice too. Chad not to get to strictly Hornets but what would it take for the Hornets to move up to #2 for Mobley if the Hornets stay at 11 in the lottery?
Gonna be a lot in this draft where teams see a clear cut-off after the Top 5 and most teams have pick two ranked as a Tier 1 prospect ... those players are rarely traded. I think it would have to be a team with immediate playoff aspirations (Golden State/New Orleans/Sacramento) and would likely need to be an All-Star in return. Not sure the Hornets really have the pieces for that. Hayward + 11 + Rozier??? Not sure they have the juice to get there.
Wow that would pretty much deplete the Hornets offense. Thanks for the feedback!
I could see Mobley going number one as a future star in the post to build around and establish a defensive identity with the ability to switch and also guard the paint.
Kuminga is the only other player with the potential to be best in the draft, but his floor is scary. But if he excelled in individual workouts and at the combine, a team could take the gamble higher than projected.
That said, Cade has almost locked up the first spot with his all around skill and versatility.
I could see Mobley going first if somehow Minny jumps to 1. Maybe Towns stumps for his best friend (DLo) and says no point players allowed. They pick Mobley as the perfect five out 4 for that team. Can defend the basket but still clear out for Edwards and Russell. They need wings, but that starting five would be huge and fun!
That's interesting. I think we've made too much about Cade being the clear No. 1 guy. He's the consensus for sure, but there are plenty of teams that have Cade + Mobley very close. Need screams Cunningham in Minnesota, but you're right Mobley + Towns would be great.