Hoops Rumors Originals

Jarrett Allen Discusses Nets’ Season, Playoffs, Russell, More

June 24th, 2019 at 10:00am CST by JD Shaw

Nets center Jarrett Allen is coming off an impressive season with the team, one that saw him significantly improve on both ends of the floor, emphatically block the shots of superstars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and help lead the franchise to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Allen, who was drafted by Brooklyn with the No. 22 pick back in 2017, averaged 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 26.2 minutes in 80 total games this year. He credits the Nets’ strong camaraderie and willingness to sacrifice as two major reasons for the late-season surge that helped the club claim the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Based on most preseason projections and predictions in October, the Nets easily outperformed expectations.

“What was so special about this season was the team. Not just the team itself, but the people we had on it,” Allen told Hoops Rumors. “I mean, other than D’Angelo [Russell], we didn’t have any All-Star players. We all had to find our place and our role on the team, and everybody did it acceptingly.”

Allen discussed the Nets’ roller-coaster season, how the team made a sudden playoff surge, his offseason priorities, Russell’s upcoming restricted free agency, and much more in a wide-ranging conversation with Hoops Rumors.

What’s it like to play for fans of a true basketball city, a loyal, energetic and supportive fanbase like Brooklyn? They stuck with you guys through the good and bad all season long.

“It feels good. They’re always there to support you. Last year when we didn’t have the best season, everybody we saw at the arena or even out on the streets were just telling us, ‘You’ll get them next year, you’ll get them next year.’ They kept having that support all throughout and we ended up making the playoffs [this year] and gave back on that promise.”

So how did this team turn it around? You guys had eight straight losses in November and immediately followed it up with seven straight wins. What started the turnaround into a successful second half of the season?

“Well I think the turnaround started when [head coach] Kenny [Atkinson] and the vets all sat us down and told us basically that the season’s not over. We had a team meeting, a players-only meeting, just to go over that if we don’t start winning then the season’s going to be over. You know, the vets told us that it was still possible to turn it around. I think all of us just rallied behind what they were saying. We all just kept our heads up and put in the work that we needed to.”

So I’m willing to bet money that one of those guys who stepped up in the meeting was Jared Dudley. Am I correct?

“Yep, he was the one.”

How important was Jared for the team? A lot of fans look at the on-court product and base their final opinion on that, but what they don’t see is what happens behind the scenes and in the locker room.

“He’s just so important. He helped coach on the floor, basically like a player-coach. In the locker room he always brought us positive energy. He’s just a good guy to be around. But then just him showing the fight and telling us how basketball needs to be played, because he has a lot of experience, how basketball needs to be played to become a better team. It was easy to trust the vets, and we did it.”

How was playing in the postseason for you? I’d imagine a lot different from playing in the regular season, yeah?

“Oh, it’s a lot different. The amount of preparation that goes into every game, and then just being out on the court for the first time during the postseason, you can just feel the atmosphere was different between the players. It was just a new experience for me, just different.”

Do you think there’s a rivalry today between the Knicks and Nets, or at the very least could there be a rivalry going into next season?

“I think there’s a little bit of a rivalry. We’re an across-town team and everybody wants to be the best team in the city [of New York]. But, you know, it’s hard to be a rivalry because Brooklyn’s a new team. We don’t have a lot of history behind the Brooklyn name, so it’s hard to make a rivalry when we haven’t really showed anything.”

So, looking into free agency, obviously D’Angelo Russell is set to become a restricted free agent. Have you spoken with him about it, or do you plan on speaking with him about it?

“No, not really. I know he’s out doing his own thing right now. He has to figure out his own path right now, and I know him and his group are going to make the best decision for themselves.”

And obviously you want him back, considering how important of a piece he was to your puzzle this season?

“We would take him back in a heartbeat. He’s a leader. He led the team throughout everything that happened last year, with Spencer [Dinwiddie] and Caris [LeVert] going down to injury. He’s helped me tremendously grow as a player, so I would have him back in heartbeat.”

What do you know about Taurean Prince? Obviously the agreed-upon trade with Atlanta won’t become official until the first week of July — have you gotten the chance to meet or speak with him yet?

“No, I haven’t gotten the chance yet. I know him from his Baylor days. But I think he’ll fit right into the type of system Brooklyn’s making: grit, and just knowing our role and accepting it.”

Do you plan on having a recruiting role for your team this offseason, or do you prefer to sit back and just let the dominoes fall?

“I’m letting those dominoes fall — I’ll deal with it when it happens.”

What’s your ceiling as a player? In other words, where do you see yourself and your game in the next three to five years?

“Honestly — I have no idea. I know a lot of people say I have a high ceiling and the potential to be something great, and all I know is that I’m going out and giving my best effort every night.”

Do you have any primary goals for improving during the offseason? A lot of people have pushed for you to add more weight for next season, as you know.

“I would say that basically the whole world knows I need to put on some weight. You know, just dealing with big guys like that, it showed in the playoffs that I kind of struggled with the strength aspect. That’s obviously going to come with age, it’s just coming with working out, so I’m not too worried about it. Something I want to work on skill-wise is decision-making with the ball, and expanding my range to the three.”

Have you spoken with Kenny Atkinson about either of those two things?

“Oh yeah, he’s in the gym quite a bit. You know, walking around just checking on us. He said the exact same thing.”

In your mind, what truly allowed this team to prove so many people wrong this season?

“We knew we could do it. Like you said, at the beginning of the season there was a lot of doubt, people thinking we wouldn’t be in the playoffs. But coming into training camp, coming into practices we all practiced with the thought of the playoffs in our heads. So I think that was the one thing — speaking about the playoffs and playing for it.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Weekly Mailbag: 6/16/19 – 6/23/19

June 23rd, 2019 at 12:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com.

Do you think the super max-rule is turning out to be a bad rule? Players are getting so overpaid, but not deserving it like what’s happening now to John Wall and Chris Paul? — Greg Dizon

Formally known as the Designated Veteran Extension, the super-max is a good rule for the players, who will likely fight to keep it in the next collective bargaining agreement. It rewards loyalty and achievement, enabling players who have 7-9 years of experience with their original team to qualify for a contract at 35% of the cap, a privilege normally reserved for players with 10 or more years of service. Certain criteria such as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year or all-NBA appearances must also be met.

However, having a player eligible for a super-max can put a team in a bind, which is happening to the Hornets this summer with Kemba Walker, who is now eligible to earn about $221.3MM over five years instead of the standard max-level deal of $189.7MM. That’s a huge investment in one player, and as Wall showed in Washington, it can devastate a team if something goes wrong. Paul wasn’t eligible for a super-max because the Clippers traded him, but he still got a nice deal in Houston.

Can Golden State and Boston afford max-level players if Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and Al Horford leave? How do you think Ricky Rubio fits on the Lakers? — Bloody knuckle show, via Twitter

The Warriors won’t have cap room unless they lose both Durant and Klay Thompson, and it wouldn’t be nearly enough to offer a max deal. With Aron Baynes off the books now that he has been traded to Phoenix, the Celtics can create up to $34MM in space. That’s enough to compete for the top free agents, but they would need to renounce Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris to get there. Point guard seems to be the primary focus for the Lakers heading into free agency. Rubio might be cheaper than some other options, but he’s not a shooter, which is the mistake L.A. made last summer. They need to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with players who can space the floor.

Which contender is the best fit for Carmelo Anthony and why? — Leonard Carollo

It may be time to accept that there is no best fit for Anthony anymore. The Rockets seemed like a good spot for him last year because of the chance to play with two excellent passers in Paul, one of his best friends, and James Harden. However, he lasted just 10 games. Anthony was also disappointing in his season with the Thunder and put up good numbers on bad teams for much of his time with the Knicks. The Lakers may sign him because of his relationship with LeBron, but Anthony is probably past the point where he can help anyone.

Community Shootaround: 2020 All-Rookie Team

June 22nd, 2019 at 10:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

NBA general managers nailed the top of the draft last year, taking the entire All-Rookie first team off the board in five picks. Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young were all highly regarded, but it’s rare that the first five selections are instantly the best five players.

This year’s draft is considered weaker, which makes it harder to predict. That only adds to the fun of speculating about who will wind up on the 2020 All-Rookie team.

There’s a lot left to happen this offseason, but there are a few things we know about this year’s draft class that we didn’t know a few days ago.

For example, we know the Anthony Davis era is over in New Orleans and the Zion Williamson era is about to begin. Unlike many top picks, Williamson will be surrounded by a strong supporting cast thanks to the generous return the Pelicans extracted from the Lakers. He won’t have to be dominant right away, but the spotlight will be on him and his natural talent should shine through. He’s the early favorite for Rookie of the Year.

Ja Morant should get the keys to the Memphis offense right from the start now that Mike Conley is on his way to Utah. It will take a while to reach Conley’s level, but Morant’s athleticism and highlight-reel dunks should make the Grizzlies a must-see team on League Pass.

R.J. Barrett may be considered a consolation prize in New York after the No. 1 pick slipped away, but his love for the city and his sweet shooting touch should win over Knicks fans. It’s easy to envision him topping all first-year players in scoring.

De’Andre Hunter is joining a Hawks organization that is amassing the brightest collection of young talent in the league. He and Cam Reddish could help Atlanta become the team of the future.

Darius Garland seems to duplicate a lot of the talents of Collin Sexton, the Cavaliers’ top pick last year, but the team is excited about the shooting threat he brings. Cleveland may not be ready to win, but Garland and Sexton will be a treat to watch in the open court.

Those are the top five picks, but are they all destined for the All-Rookie team? Are there better players taken later in the lottery or even later in the draft? We want to get your input on next season’s top rookies. Please leave your responses in the space below.

Hoops Rumors Originals: 6/15/19 – 6/22/19

June 22nd, 2019 at 12:49pm CST by clarkcrum

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team creates original content to complement our news feed. Here are our segments and features from the past seven days:

Arthur Hill and Chris Crouse made picks back-and-forth in this year’s 2019 NBA Mock Draft, correctly identifying the top 7 selections from the actual draft.
Our Five Key Offseason Questions series focused on the following teams this week:
We finished up our 2019 NBA Offseason Salary Cap Digest series with the NBA’s 2019 conference champions, the Golden State Warriors and NBA-champion Toronto Raptors.
Chris Crouse also hosted a live chat during the 2019 NBA Draft. Check out the transcript, here.
Our lone Community Shootaround discussion post this week addressed the draft, asking our readers to give us their initial assessments of the winners and losers from this year’s event.

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

Community Shootaround: NBA Draft Winners, Losers

June 21st, 2019 at 8:26am CST by Luke Adams

The concept of “winners” and “losers” in an NBA draft isn’t necessarily a flawed one, but naming those winners and losers within 24 hours of the draft’s completion is probably misguided. Three years ago, for example, how many fans or even draft experts would have called the Raptors a winner of the 2016 NBA draft for nabbing little-known forward Pascal Siakam with the 27th overall pick?

Still, the “winner” and “loser” tags are simple short-hand for assessing which teams’ drafts we like, at first glance, and which ones we don’t. With that in mind, we want to hear your thoughts on which teams you believe have a good night on Thursday and which ones you believe could have done better.

The Cavaliers are among the teams that received plenty of praise for their work on Thursday — they came out of the first round with three promising young rookies, having selected Darius Garland at No. 5, Dylan Windler at No. 26, and Kevin Porter Jr. at No. 30. Garland was long viewed as the probable fourth overall pick, and Porter was considered a candidate for the end of the lottery, so Cleveland got seemingly great value in the first round.

[RELATED: 2019 NBA Draft Results]

The Pelicans are among the other teams whose work was lauded, though it’s hard not to get high marks when you come away with Zion Williamson. Besides the No. 1 overall pick, New Orleans also came away with Jaxson Hayes at No. 8, Nickeil Alexander-Walker at No. 17, and Marcos Louzada Silva at No. 35. They also managed to shed Solomon Hill‘s contract in their trade with the Hawks.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Suns‘ moves generated some confusion. They had to give up the No. 32 pick to move T.J. Warren, whose three-year, $35MM contract didn’t look like an albatross. Then they traded down from No. 6 to acquire Dario Saric and used their newly-acquired No. 11 pick to select Cameron Johnson, a player most experts didn’t expect to go in the top 20.

What do you think? Which teams’ drafts did you like most, and which ones were you a little less bullish on? Head to the comment section below to weigh in!

Hoops Rumors’ 2019 NBA Draft Live Chat

June 20th, 2019 at 7:54pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The 2019 NBA Draft is here! In addition to our standard coverage of the NBA, we’ll be hosting a live chat to discuss all the player movement and selections from around the league.

Believe a team is drafting a prospect too high? Concerned that your favorite player has been overlooked? Feeling good about a trade (looking at you Pelicans fans) or upset with your team for making a move?

We’ve got you covered on everything going on around the NBA! We’re starting at 6:30 pm CT through the first round!

Join Hoops Rumors’ live 2019 NBA Draft chat

Five Key Offseason Questions: Denver Nuggets

June 20th, 2019 at 3:37pm CST by Luke Adams

After missing the postseason by a single game in 2018, the Nuggets left no doubt about their spot in the playoffs in 2019, winning 54 games and claiming the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Although Denver ultimately fell to Portland in the Western Semifinals, it was a hugely successful year for the organization, which won its first playoff series since 2009 as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray established themselves as one of the NBA’s most promising young duos.

Here are five key questions facing the franchise this summer:

1. What will the Nuggets do with Paul Millsap?

Eleven players from last season’s Nuggets roster remain under contract for 2019/20, include nine of the team’s top 10 players in terms of minutes per game. The only player in that top 10 whose situation remains murky is Millsap.

After being limited to 38 games in his first season in Denver due to a wrist injury, Millsap served as the team’s starting power forward in 2018/19, averaging 27.1 minutes per contest in 70 games. While Millsap’s numbers (12.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG) were relatively modest, he helped solidify the Nuggets’ defense and provided crucial veteran leadership on a young team.

I don’t have any doubt that the Nuggets would like to bring Millsap back. The only problem? The final year of his contract features a $30.35MM team option. That’s a steep price to pay for a 34-year-old who is no longer in the prime years of his career.

The Nuggets could probably afford to pick up Millsap’s option and maybe even still use the full mid-level exception in free agency, though they’d be right up against the tax line in that scenario.

Declining Millsap’s option and bringing him back at a lower salary would be an option, but once Denver turns down that option, he’ll be free to test the open market — there’s no guarantee he’d want to negotiate a more modest deal with the Nuggets after they’ve denied him what could be his final major payday.

While many big-money team and player option decisions are obvious, Millsap’s is one of the few that could legitimately go either way.

2. What free agent options would the Nuggets have if they turn down (or pick up) Millsap’s option?

Without Millsap’s salary on their books, the Nuggets could open up about $17MM in cap room. That’s a sizable chunk, but it’s not nearly enough to pursue a star free agent.

A player like Tobias Harris, for instance, could be an intriguing fit in Denver, but there’s no chance the team will have a realistic shot at him with an offer that starts at $17MM — he’s likely to sign for nearly double that amount.

That doesn’t mean that the Nuggets wouldn’t have options with $17MM in cap room, but their potential targets would be a little less exciting than someone like Harris. If the team pursued a power forward, veterans such as Thaddeus Young, Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis, and Trevor Ariza would be more realistic options.

It may ultimately make more sense for the Nuggets to either pick up Millsap’s option or agree to bring him back on a new deal, clearing the way for the team to stay over the cap and keep its $9.25MM mid-level exception and $3.62MM bi-annual exception. Using both exceptions in full would probably put Denver over the tax line, barring cost-cutting moves, but the club should be able to use most or all of its MLE on a solid contributor and still sneak below the tax.

Free agents like Morris and Ariza might still be targets with that exception, though I expect them to receive more substantial offers. With Millsap back in the mix, Denver wouldn’t necessarily have to target a power forward, opening up more possible avenues for the mid-level. As a point of comparison, Kyle Anderson and Julius Randle were the two free agents last year who signed for the full MLE, so the Nuggets could reasonably expect to acquire a reliable rotation player using that money.

3. What can the Nuggets expect out of Michael Porter Jr.?

The final pick of the 2018 NBA draft lottery, Porter is the only first-rounder from last year’s draft that has yet to make his professional debut.

While a back injury sidelined Porter for his rookie season, he has been medically cleared and is expected to participate in Summer League with the Nuggets, right around the time the club is finalizing many of the trades and/or free agent signings it will make this summer.

Having an idea of what to expect from Porter would give the Nuggets a clearer picture of how they should look to upgrade their roster. If they think MPJ is capable of staying healthy and stepping into the rotation in 2019/20, it might dissuade the team from looking to add another forward this summer.

Or, if the Nuggets feel that their rotation is getting crowded and want to try to consolidate some of their pieces, having a healthy Porter available to dangle in trade talks as part of a larger package could pave the way for Denver to acquire another impact player.

Before the franchise makes a decision on Porter’s future though, it has to see what it has in him — and it has to confirm that his health is back to 100%.

4. Is this the end of the road for Trey Lyles in Denver?

After emerging as a solid backup stretch four in 2017/18, Lyles regressed last season. His shooting percentage dipped from 49.1% to 41.8% (including 38.1% to 25.5% on three-pointers), and he wasn’t counted on to play as significant a role as he had the year before. In the playoffs, he fell out of the rotation entirely.

The Nuggets paid a significant price to acquire Lyles in 2017, surrendering the draft pick that became Donovan Mitchell, and a bounce-back performance is a possibility. But he’ll be a restricted free agent this season and it’s not clear if he’s in the club’s future plans, particularly if Millsap returns and Porter and Juan Hernangomez will have regular rotation roles.

The Nuggets can retain the right of first refusal on Lyles by tendering him a qualifying offer worth approximately $4.5MM. But if the team puts that one-year offer on the table, it will have to be comfortable with the possibility of Lyles accepting it, since I’m skeptical any team will be ready to swoop in with a big offer sheet.

Assuming the Nuggets plan on bringing back Millsap at his option now, there’s a chance they’ll simply pass on Lyles’ qualifying offer, preferring to use their remaining spending power below the tax threshold elsewhere.

5. Will the Nuggets extend Jamal Murray?

Murray, the Nuggets’ top perimeter player, will be extension-eligible for the first time this offseason. There should be mutual interest in a new, long-term deal, but Denver will have to seriously weigh whether it makes more sense to get something done with Murray right away or wait until he reaches restricted free agency in 2020.

The Nuggets’ decision may come down to what their plans are for the summer of 2020. Currently, the team only has upwards of about $67MM in team salary committed to its 2020/21 books. A lucrative new extension for Murray would take that number over $90MM and would reduce the likelihood of Denver using cap room next summer.

On the other hand, keeping Murray’s $13MM cap hold on the books would create a path to a chunk of cap space for the club. The Nuggets could use that cap space in free agency in 2020, then use Murray’s Bird rights to go over the cap to sign him to his new contract at that point.

If the Nuggets expect to have to go up to the max for Murray, waiting makes sense — in that scenario, the salary on his next contract would be the same whether they get a deal sooner or later. But if the young guard is willing to sign for a slightly more team-friendly rate in extension negotiations this offseason, Denver should probably take advantage of that opportunity. If he takes another step forward in 2019/20, Murray’s price will only go up.

Hernangomez and Malik Beasley will also be eligible for rookie scale extensions this offseason, though I’d be a little surprised if either player inks one.

Check out the Denver Nuggets’ offseason salary cap outlook right here.

Salary information from Basketball Insiders was used in the creation of this post. Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2019 NBA Offseason Salary Cap Digest: Toronto Raptors

June 20th, 2019 at 2:19pm CST by Luke Adams

After years of postseason disappointment, everything went right for the Raptors in 2018/19. Kawhi Leonard stayed healthy and proved he still belongs in the conversation about the best player in the NBA. Pascal Siakam emerged as the league’s Most Improved Player. Marc Gasol arrived in a deadline deal to help tighten up the club’s defense and improve its ball movement on offense. And after impressive series wins over Philadelphia and Milwaukee, Toronto knocked off the two-time defending champion Warriors to win the first title in team history.

Here’s where things currently stand for the Raptors financially, as we continue our Offseason Salary Cap Digest series for 2019:

Guaranteed Salary

Kyle Lowry ($34,996,296)
Serge Ibaka ($23,271,604)
Norman Powell ($10,116,576)
Fred VanVleet ($9,346,153)
Pascal Siakam ($2,351,839)
OG Anunoby ($2,281,800)
Justin Hamilton ($1,000,000) — Waived via stretch provision.
Chris Boucher ($125,000) — Partial guarantee. Non-guaranteed portion noted below. ¹
Jordan Loyd (two-way)
Total: $83,489,268

Player Options

Marc Gasol ($25,595,700)
Kawhi Leonard ($21,329,752)
Total: $46,925,452

Team Options

None

Non-Guaranteed Salary

Malcolm Miller ($1,588,231) ²
Chris Boucher ($1,463,231) ¹
Total: $3,051,462

Restricted Free Agents

Nando De Colo ($1,828,750 qualifying offer / $1,901,900 cap hold): Early Bird rights ³
Patrick McCaw ($1,876,700 qualifying offer / $1,876,700 cap hold): Non-Bird rights
Total: $3,778,600

Unrestricted Free Agents / Other Cap Holds

Danny Green ($15,000,000): Bird rights
Lucas Nogueira ($8,841,915): Bird rights ³
Jeremy Lin ($1,618,486): Non-Bird rights
Jodie Meeks ($1,618,486): Non-Bird rights
Eric Moreland ($1,618,486): Non-Bird rights
Jason Thompson ($1,618,486): Non-Bird rights ³
Total: $30,315,859

Projected Salary Cap: $109,000,000
Projected Tax Line: $132,000,000

Offseason Cap Outlook

Realistic cap room projection: $0
If Gasol opts in or Leonard re-signs with the Raptors, the team will be over the cap. If both happen, another year in luxury tax territory is probably on tap for the franchise. Should both players depart, the Raps could technically create up to about $20MM in cap room, but it would mean waiving Miller and Boucher and renouncing all their other free agents too.

Cap Exceptions Available

Trade exception: $2,947,320 (expires 7/18/19)
Trade exception: $1,569,360 (expires 2/6/20)
Trade exception: $1,512,601 (expires 2/7/20)
Trade exception: $2,536,898 (expires 2/7/20)
Mid-level exception: $9,246,000 ⁴
Bi-annual exception: $3,619,000 ⁴

Footnotes

Boucher’s salary becomes fully guaranteed on the first day of the season.
Miller’s salary becomes fully guaranteed after July 24.
The cap holds for De Colo, Nogueira, and Thompson remain on the Raptors’ books because they haven’t been renounced after going unsigned in previous years. They can’t be used in a sign-and-trade deal.
These are projected values. If the Raptors are at risk of going into tax territory, they may forfeit the bi-annual exception and have to use the taxpayer mid-level exception ($5,711,000) rather than the full mid-level exception. In the event they use cap room, they’d lose these exceptions, plus their trade exceptions, and would instead would gain access to the $4,760,000 room exception.

Note: Minimum-salary and rookie-scale cap holds are estimates based on salary cap projections and could increase or decrease depending on where the cap lands.

Salary information from Basketball Insiders, ESPN, and RealGM was used in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Hoops Rumors’ 2019 NBA Mock Draft

June 20th, 2019 at 9:47am CST by Hoops Rumors

With the 2019 NBA draft just mere hours away, we’re finally set to reveal Hoops Rumors’ own mock draft. Arthur Hill and Chris Crouse of Hoops Rumors have tackled the 2019 first round, alternating picks and providing their thoughts and rationale for each selection.

Our mock draft isn’t necessarily a reflection of what we think will happen on Thursday night, but rather what Arthur and Chris feel each team should do with the 30 first-round picks. Our draft also doesn’t include trades, so a busy day on the trade market could significantly alter our projected order.

After checking out our picks, be sure to head to the comments section to weigh in with your own thoughts, opinions, and predictions.

Let’s dive in…

1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, F (Duke)

Arthur Hill: It didn’t take long for the Duke freshman to prove he was the best player in college basketball. Unlike most No. 1 overall picks, Williamson comes into a solid situation with New Orleans’ upgraded roster, so he won’t need to be dominant right away. His talents will be fully unleashed in the NBA and he will be a strong favorite for Rookie of the Year.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, G (Murray State)

Chris Crouse: Memphis traded away Mike Conley in order to make room for their new point guard of the future. Morant will likely be the selection here and he has big shoes to fill from day one.

3. New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett, F (Duke)

AH: It’s been a disappointing offseason already for the Knicks, who lost out on Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, a healthy Kevin Durant, and probably Kyrie Irving too. They need to resist any temptation to gamble with the No. 3 pick and simply make the safe choice in Barrett. He’s a high-volume scorer who proved in college that he can be a play-maker as well. He will be a nice piece for what now looks like it could be a long rebuilding process.

4. New Orleans Pelicans: Darius Garland, G (Vanderbilt)

CC: Regardless of whether or not the Pelicans keep this selection, Garland should be the pick. He’s the fourth-best player in this draft and would arguably be in contention for a top-three selection had he played the entire season. There’s risk with this pick, but the upside is too great to allow him to fall in the draft.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jarrett Culver, G (Texas Tech)

AH: At 6’7″ and a strong defender, Culver is an ideal complement to Collin Sexton in the Cavaliers’ backcourt. Culver was a versatile player in college, running the Texas Tech offense as well as being the team’s leading scorer. He also has a high basketball IQ and should be able to adjust to whatever role he asked to play.

6. Phoenix Suns, De’Andre Hunter, F (Virginia)

CC: The Suns may move on from Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren this offseason, which would leave their forward situation in flux. Hunter could come and add to a promising nucleus that includes Mikal Bridges, Devin Booker, and last year’s No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.

7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, G (UNC)

AH: The draft breaks ideally for Chicago, which lands its point guard of the future without having to trade up. Despite being 6’5″, White has an explosive first step that enables him to beat defenders off the dribble. The Bulls get a potential star at point guard for the first time since Derrick Rose started breaking down.

8. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish, F (Duke)

CC: Atlanta is likely Reddish’s floor in this draft. While he struggled to live up to his potential at Duke, the talent is clearly there and the fluid wing would be a nice fit next to the Hawks’ young backcourt of Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. It wouldn’t shock me if Reddish ends up being a top-three player from this draft.

9. Washington Wizards: Nassir Little, F (UNC)

AH: This draft doesn’t have the depth of past years, so teams will start gambling in the middle of the lottery. Little seems worth taking a chance on, offering elite athleticism with a 7’1″ wingspan. Washington is low on forwards and Little could become a good long-term answer.

10. Atlanta Hawks: Kevin Porter Jr., G (USC)

CC: Rumblings that Porter would be taken higher than expected have surfaced and with his skill set, it’s easy to understand why. His offensive game is among the best in the class; his physical tools give him a chance to be a problem for opposing play-makers on a nightly basis in the NBA.

Can he put it all together? That’s the risk with Porter. Injuries and a suspension limited his collegiate career to just 21 games and there are concerns about how he’s going to play in the NBA when he doesn’t have the ball. The Hawks are in a position to take the high-risk, high-reward prospect, adding his talent to an up-and-coming team.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sekou Doumbouya, F (Guinea)

AH: Scouts rave about his physical abilities, especially on defense, but Doumbouya, who didn’t start playing until age 12, will take some time to develop into an NBA player. The Timberwolves are in position to be patient, with a talented front line already in place and a more relaxed timetable to become contenders than they had a year ago.

12. Charlotte Hornets: Jaxson Hayes, C (Texas)

CC: Charlotte needs to infuse young talent into all areas of the team and while Hayes is a project, he’s the top center prospect in the draft. His length and agility give him the tools that evaluators look for in a five. The Hornets may be rebuilding next season if Kemba Walker leaves in free agency, so the team can afford to take a prospect who will need some time to expand his game.

13. Miami Heat: Tyler Herro, G (Kentucky)

AH: The Heat need shooters after trading Wayne Ellington during the season and making Dion Waiters available this summer. That’s the specialty for this Kentucky freshman, who has been impressive enough during workouts to be considered as a lottery pick.

14. Boston Celtics: PJ Washington, F (Kentucky)

CC: The Celtics are likely to move at least one of their first-round picks, so another team could easily be picking in this spot. Should Boston stay put here, Washington gets the nod due to his long-term upside and projected ability to guard multiple positions in the NBA.

15. Detroit Pistons: Romeo Langford, G/F (Indiana)

AH: Langford was hampered during his freshman season at Indiana by a torn ligament in his shooting hand, but he was highly regarded coming out of high school and has the potential to expand his offensive game in the NBA. Scouts see him as an effective three-and-D player with the size and athleticism to develop into something more.

16. Orlando Magic: Rui Hachimura, F (Gonzaga)

CC: The Magic’s biggest long-term need is in the backcourt and while Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a consideration here, Hachimura’s game is too good for the team to pass up. Selecting the Gonzaga combo forward adds to an area of strength. And if the Magic decide to deal Aaron Gordon, the Hachimura/Jonathan Isaac duo is a great long-term pairing.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Goga Bitadze, C (Georgia)

AH: Atlanta probably won’t keep all three first-rounders, but if it does, Bitadze would be a wise investment for a team that could use a center. Still only 19, Bitadze displayed a promising offensive game in the EuroLeague, including the ability to stretch the court.

18. Indiana Pacers: Brandon Clarke, F (Gonzaga)

CC: Clarke is one of the most polished prospect in the draft and he should be able to join the rotation in Indiana right away. I’d be surprised to see him fall this far, but if he does, the Pacers should rush to the podium.

19. San Antonio Spurs: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG (Virginia Tech)

AH: San Antonio adds to its collection of young backcourt talent with a sharpshooter from Virginia Tech. Alexander-Walker is versatile enough to handle either guard position, and his basketball IQ will help him fit in on a team coached by Gregg Popovich.

20. Boston Celtics: Bol Bol, C (Oregon)

CC: The 7’2″ center appeared to be a definitive lottery selection before breaking his foot in college. He could still go that high, but the risk will make teams think twice. The Celtics, one of several teams with multiple first-round picks, can afford to gamble that he’ll return to form.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Keldon Johnson, F (Kentucky)

AH: Oklahoma City wouldn’t mind trading the pick, but the freshman swingman out of Kentucky would be a good addition if they keep it. Johnson provides another three-point threat to a team that needs help in that area. He can also get to the rim and shows promise as an NBA defender.

22. Boston Celtics: KZ Okpala, F (Stanford)

CC: The Stanford product may not be able to contribute right away, as he’ll need to put in work on both sides of the ball. However, the physical tools are there. With a nearly 7’2″ wingspan and an improved three-point shot, Okpala can one day become the ideal 3-and-D player who guards multiple positions.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Ty Jerome, G (Virginia)

AH: With Ja Morant ready to take over at point guard, Jerome could be an effective backup. He’s a tough competitor and displayed incredible efficiency while leading Virginia to a national title. He’s also a knock-down shooter who would give the Grizzlies another 3-point weapon.

24. Philadelphia 76ers: Cameron Johnson, F (UNC)

CC: Philadelphia wants a contributor with the No. 24 overall pick and the franchise will be thrilled in the North Carolina product is still on the board when it picks. Johnson should be able to join the rotation on day one, given his smooth jump shot and understanding of the game.

25. Portland Trail Blazers: Mfiondu Kabengele, C (Florida State)

AH: Center is suddenly a position of need in Portland with Enes Kanter a free agent and Jusuf Nurkic expected to miss at least half the season with a broken leg. Kabengele has a 7’3″ wingspan and is a relentless rebounder and shot blocker.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Bazley, F (Princeton HS (OH))

CC: If the Cavs keep this pick, I’d expect them to be in the mix for Bazley. There isn’t much data available on him, as he sat out the season for a $1MM internship, but his fluidity at 6’9″ makes him a worthy of a shot here.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Nicolas Claxton, C (Georgia)

AH: Claxton still needs to develop physically to compete with NBA big men, but he showed an impressive array of skills in his sophomore season at Georgia. He can handle the ball on the perimeter, is versatile on defense, and has developed some low-post moves.

28. Golden State Warriors: Eric Paschall, F (Villanova)

CC: Golden State is going to come back next season with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and plenty of needs around them. Paschall comes out of the box ready to shoot and his tough defensive game makes for an intriguing fit next to Green or Kevon Looney, assuming the free-agent-to-be returns.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Luka Samanic, F (Croatia)

AH: With San Antonio owning two first-round picks, the Croatian combo forward is a potential draft-and-stash, even though he prefers to come to the NBA right away. Only 19 years old, Samanic has shown a varied offensive game already, but may benefit from more time overseas.

30. Detroit Pistons: Bruno Fernando, C (Maryland)

CC: Although center is not the Pistons’ biggest need, Fernando should be able to come in and take control of the backup spot in Detroit right away. He showcased shooting touch during workouts, but he didn’t quite do the same in live game action at Maryland. Still, Detroit could do worse in this spot than a player who could eventually replace Andre Drummond.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2019 NBA Offseason Salary Cap Digest: Golden State Warriors

June 19th, 2019 at 12:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The Warriors earned a spot in the NBA Finals for a fifth straight year in 2019, but health issues slowed them down against the Raptors and now appear likely to compromise their ability to contend for a title next season. With potential free-agents-to-be Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson recovering from a ruptured Achilles and torn ACL, respectively, Golden State may be preparing to commit huge money to two players who will barely see the court in 2019/20.

Here’s where things currently stand for the Warriors financially, as we continue our Offseason Salary Cap Digest series for 2019: