Post by Phoenix Suns on Jul 7, 2018 16:15:05 GMT -6
26. Aaron Holiday -- Boston
B
There are now more Holiday brothers in the NBA than there are Holiday Inns in the US.
The UCLA point guard's main selling point is lights out shooting -- he shot 43% from 3pt range and 83% from the line while
averaging 20 points a game thanks to his soft touch and ability to navigate pick and rolls.
He's also a good passer who can defend. So where's the rub?
He's already 22, lacks burst and doesn't have a good first step and projects to struggle mightily against NBA-level athleticism, along
with poor measurables, measuring a measley 6'0.
Multiple websites project him as a backup PG. If he can't defend multiple positions or finish at the rim over
longer players, can he be a useful fantasy asset?
IT at 5'7 and Kemba at 6'1 have proven that with enough talent, speed, and shooting, it is possible -- but it requires a lot of time
and patience for them to develop. Holiday has all 3 of those assets in spades, and in the right PnR system he can thrive like Isaiah
in Boston -- just don't expect it to happen Year 1 or Year 2.
This may be the best case for using the new 4-year re-sign contract for 2nd rounders, and he'll need plenty of time to develop, but
I like this pick at 26, and he is a very good situation in Indiana with only 30+ year old Darren Collison ahead of him.
Could be the Pacers point guard of the future alongside Oladipo, Turner, Sabonis, and Bojan.
If Boston hits on this pick, the FPPG will be fantastic. The type of boom or bust pick I like to see late in the draft.
27. Omari Spellman -- Vancouver
B
When I see "does all the little things" and "makes hustle plays" and then look at his pic and he's black, I get excited! Those adjectives
are usually hilariously reserved to describe white players who lack the physical tools to start in the NBA.
Spellman is a competitive player whose main selling point is winning, and on top of being a great cutter, screener, and passer, he also
stroked it at 43% clip from downtown at Villanova.
He's a good blocker, although he bites on more pumps than the guy from Something About Mary.
The biggest knock on him is that he's already 21 years old, and is behind on developing both his body and his game, although
he has made some strides in the last year.
Good situation playing for the Atlanta
28. Khyri Thomas -- Toronto
A+
A few prognosticators had Thomas as a Top 20 prospect in this draft, so nabbing him at 28 is the perfect spot.
The 22 year old Shooting Guard is a tenacious defender who shoots 41% from 3 and 79% from the line, while
receiving an extremely exciting player comp in Victor Oladipo.
A quick first step means there's untapped potential off-the-dribble, giving Thomas the potential to become an
elite two-way player.
His minuses all seem very overcomable, too. High dribble, no feel for the PnR, telegraphing passes, etc. He has
all the tools to be successful in the NBA.
Toronto continues his history of making very strong draft picks, after selecting Dennis Smith Jr. in 2017 and
Jamal Murray in 2016.
Wooden planks may not be conducive to electricity, but they sure as hell are conducive to drafting NBA talent.
29. De'Anthony Melton -- Milwaukee
F
Oof. And Bucks was doing so well in this draft review.
His best comp is Marcus Smart -- a player who has never averaged more than 24 FPPG in Guru. This is the
Andre Roberson of fantasy picks -- a great defensive player with no offensive upside.
He's also 6'3 and not an elite athlete.
And he's stuck in Houston, a multi-year contender, where he may never see the light of day.
And he didn't play for USC last year due to the FBI probe.
And he shot 28% from 3.
I haven't been this disappointed in a 20 year old selection since the Sommelier at Le Bon Cochon recommended
a 1998 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir.
30. Anfernee Simons -- Vancouver
"Anfernee"
No.
F
31. Landry Shamet -- Vancouver
C-
A 44% three point shooter who can pass and play hard on defense, but lacks the athleticism to be anything special
at the NBA level.
His size, shooting, and playmaking should ensure he becomes a pretty good rotation player, though.
He's a nice fit on the 76ers if Fultz busts, but there's so many mouths to feed on that offense.
I just don't see a lot of upside in this pick, but he could potentially carve out a nice role spreading the floor.
32. Isaac Bonga -- Denver
B
I think Denver was smoking a bonga when he made this pick. This dude's behind more SF than the Sci-Fi Channel.
That said, he's one of the youngest players in the draft at 18 years old, and could figure to be an excellent long-term
stash.
He projects to be an elite playmaker off the dribble, possessing good handles and a high BBIQ in navigating the PnR
beyond his years.
His 92% FT displays the potential to be an excellent shooter, and his 7' wingspan combined with exciting lateral quickness
means he has a lot of potential upside down the road.
The downside is he is an extremely raw player. Turnovers, lack of aggression, bad passes, shooting mechanics, and a
skinny frame means he won't be wowing you in the NBA this decade... or possibly ever.
The type of pick I like this late, however. Solid flier.
This concludes my 2018 Guru Draft Review -- hope you enjoyed it!
Please don't hold these grades against me for the next 11 months, they're primarily for entertainment purposes. Thanks!