2024 NBA Draft

[In2ition]

I still don’t see it. I think he’ll be a decent backup big in the right situation, but I’m not sure he fits a lot of modern schemes.

I think modern schemes should be robust enough to have counters to go to post scorers. Lively isn't anything other than a PnR diving dunker. He hasn't shown much more offensive skills besides that. So, he is still valuable in a modern offense. If an opposing team decides to go small and use a 5 out offensive scheme, they are conceeding post defense for the most part. This is where the other team can take advantage of a large post scorer against that undersized defense. I also think that skilled post scorers can put opposing defenders in foul trouble, which helps their team also, in a similar way that guards can attack post defenders from the perimeter.

[Drewsprocket]

IIRC, rookie Rondo thought he was better than MVP Nash and the Suns were at least a little concerned about him being a pain in the ass in the locker room.

Worth the headache to have Nash and Rondo on the same team. I also just have a thing for Kentucky guards, can't help it.

Nash would probably have come to enjoy taking several beats playing off ball and just shooting the rock.

[Split T]

I still don’t see it. I think he’ll be a decent backup big in the right situation, but I’m not sure he fits a lot of modern schemes.

I think modern schemes should be robust enough to have counters to go to post scorers. Lively isn't anything other than a PnR diving dunker. He hasn't shown much more offensive skills besides that. So, he is still valuable in a modern offense. If an opposing team decides to go small and use a 5 out offensive scheme, they are conceeding post defense for the most part. This is where the other team can take advantage of a large post scorer against that undersized defense. I also think that skilled post scorers can put opposing defenders in foul trouble, which helps their team also, in a similar way that guards can attack post defenders from the perimeter.

I have less concerns offensively…I think you can get value out of him like you mentioned…but I’m more concerned about the other end. Can he play anything but a drop?

As for Lively, I do think he’s mostly just a rim runner but he’s shown he can do some stuff in the short roll. Makes it harder to just blitz the ball handler.

[In2ition]

I still don’t see it. I think he’ll be a decent backup big in the right situation, but I’m not sure he fits a lot of modern schemes.

I think modern schemes should be robust enough to have counters to go to post scorers. Lively isn't anything other than a PnR diving dunker. He hasn't shown much more offensive skills besides that. So, he is still valuable in a modern offense. If an opposing team decides to go small and use a 5 out offensive scheme, they are conceeding post defense for the most part. This is where the other team can take advantage of a large post scorer against that undersized defense. I also think that skilled post scorers can put opposing defenders in foul trouble, which helps their team also, in a similar way that guards can attack post defenders from the perimeter.

I have less concerns offensively…I think you can get value out of him like you mentioned…but I’m more concerned about the other end. Can he play anything but a drop?

As for Lively, I do think he’s mostly just a rim runner but he’s shown he can do some stuff in the short roll. Makes it harder to just blitz the ball handler.

Edey has shown some ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter. He also has the length to make up for getting beat to the rim too. Sometimes, it's a matter of having a backline or even weakside defender be available at the rim. I also think that Edey has shown enough foundation for a good outside shot, which would make him a PickNPop threat, along with the short roll. It's helpful to have that size and be that much closer to block the shot before even jumping. I'm just afraid he's going to get picked earlier than 22, and won't be available for the Suns. He's the guy that I want the Suns to pick.

[Superbone]

I still don’t see it. I think he’ll be a decent backup big in the right situation, but I’m not sure he fits a lot of modern schemes.

I think modern schemes should be robust enough to have counters to go to post scorers. Lively isn't anything other than a PnR diving dunker. He hasn't shown much more offensive skills besides that. So, he is still valuable in a modern offense. If an opposing team decides to go small and use a 5 out offensive scheme, they are conceeding post defense for the most part. This is where the other team can take advantage of a large post scorer against that undersized defense. I also think that skilled post scorers can put opposing defenders in foul trouble, which helps their team also, in a similar way that guards can attack post defenders from the perimeter.

I have less concerns offensively…I think you can get value out of him like you mentioned…but I’m more concerned about the other end. Can he play anything but a drop?

As for Lively, I do think he’s mostly just a rim runner but he’s shown he can do some stuff in the short roll. Makes it harder to just blitz the ball handler.

Edey has shown some ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter. He also has the length to make up for getting beat to the rim too. Sometimes, it's a matter of having a backline or even weakside defender be available at the rim. I also think that Edey has shown enough foundation for a good outside shot, which would make him a PickNPop threat, along with the short roll. It's helpful to have that size and be that much closer to block the shot before even jumping. I'm just afraid he's going to get picked earlier than 22, and won't be available for the Suns. He's the guy that I want the Suns to pick.

That was college. This is the NBA. We don't know if any of that is true. It will be interesting to see. Most likely in a different uniform selected before our pick if we even keep it.

[Split T]

Ya we’ll see what happens…I heard some talk of the suns promising Tyler Kolek…not thrilled by that

[Split T]

To be clear it’s just rumors Kolek has a promise and this person just trying to connect dots…nothing sourced to us

[In2ition]

I still don’t see it. I think he’ll be a decent backup big in the right situation, but I’m not sure he fits a lot of modern schemes.

I think modern schemes should be robust enough to have counters to go to post scorers. Lively isn't anything other than a PnR diving dunker. He hasn't shown much more offensive skills besides that. So, he is still valuable in a modern offense. If an opposing team decides to go small and use a 5 out offensive scheme, they are conceeding post defense for the most part. This is where the other team can take advantage of a large post scorer against that undersized defense. I also think that skilled post scorers can put opposing defenders in foul trouble, which helps their team also, in a similar way that guards can attack post defenders from the perimeter.

I have less concerns offensively…I think you can get value out of him like you mentioned…but I’m more concerned about the other end. Can he play anything but a drop?

As for Lively, I do think he’s mostly just a rim runner but he’s shown he can do some stuff in the short roll. Makes it harder to just blitz the ball handler.

Edey has shown some ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter. He also has the length to make up for getting beat to the rim too. Sometimes, it's a matter of having a backline or even weakside defender be available at the rim. I also think that Edey has shown enough foundation for a good outside shot, which would make him a PickNPop threat, along with the short roll. It's helpful to have that size and be that much closer to block the shot before even jumping. I'm just afraid he's going to get picked earlier than 22, and won't be available for the Suns. He's the guy that I want the Suns to pick.

That was college. This is the NBA. We don't know if any of that is true. It will be interesting to see. Most likely in a different uniform selected before our pick if we even keep it.

That's valid. You are right, this is the NBA and it's different than college. One of the things that's different is that you can't camp in the paint, and neither can the opposing team. It will be a little bit of a transition. And, I think you're right about him getting selected before the Suns select. I would add on top of it, that it's more likely that the Suns would pass on Edey even if he was available. So, I give it like a 5% or less chance that he's a Sun at the end of the day.

[Split T]

I’m still leaning trade back and pick up future assets…my new target is Portland. 22 for some combination of 34/40 and future 2nds.

If you get 34/40 I’d take Harrison Ingram and Quentin Post. Jalen Bridges, Baylor Schierman, and Bronny James(for LeBron) would also be considerations. I’d also be fine taking Kolek at that point or some of the 1st round bigs if they drop for some reason.

[O_Gardino]

Raps are going to steal my guy, aren't they? IMO this guy is going to be a solid pro and people are sleeping on him.

Aren't late lottery and mid 1st round the same thing?

[Split T]

I’d say late lottery is 10-14 and mid 1st is like 15-20…but technically speaking 11-20 would all be mid 1st I guess

[O_Gardino]

Ya we’ll see what happens…I heard some talk of the suns promising Tyler Kolek…not thrilled by that

I like Kolek, although he's not my top guy. He's an excellent playmaker who plays with a creativity and passion. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with balance, coordination, and awareness. We could use that off the bench.

This late in the draft, there aren't going to be a lot of players who are athletic, smart, skilled, and true hoopers. Kolek is the last 3.

[Mori Chu]

LOL, Blazers already looking to replace DA.

[Split T]

Ya I got no problem with Kolek as a player. He’s perfectly capable of being a solid backup point guard. Maybe can even start a bit. I’m getting Tyus Jones career like vibes. He’d certainly fill a need for that pg off the bench.

I just think we have more pressing needs…but maybe the suns feel like they are better positioned to fill the other needs via trade and FA and feel comfortable using the pick on Kolek. I just hope that if we do draft Kolek, we have something lined up to add some size, athleticism, and defense to the front court.

[Split T]

LOL, Blazers already looking to replace DA.

Same mock(yahoo) that had us taking Kolek had Portland taking 2 bigs at 7 and 14(Clingan and Ware). They really must be looking at moving on. Seems a bit odd as Ayton finished the season pretty well for them.

[O_Gardino]

I agree about more pressing needs, and I'd add that PG is one position where a veteran really is a better choice for us. I'd rather shore up the front court in the draft. Kolek would be the 5th guard for us, and Holmes or Scheierman could start on game one.

[Split T]

Would you start Scheierman over Grayson?

[O_Gardino]

Yes, if he pans out.

[Kryptonic]

LOL, Blazers already looking to replace DA.

Question 1 to all interviewing candidates…. Have you ever missed a game due to icy road conditions?
Question 2…. Do you play NBA2k
Question 3…. If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be?

[Flagrant Fowl]

Raps are going to steal my guy, aren't they? IMO this guy is going to be a solid pro and people are sleeping on him.

Spoiler: show/hide

This is Grade A troll material for my Canadian hoops friends who hate Edey. What a beautiful day.