RealGM Analysis
The days leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft have been crazy with D’Angelo Russell moving to Brooklyn, the Celtics trading the No. 1 pick to the Sixers, and stars like Jimmy Butler, Paul George, DeAndre Jordan and Kristaps Porzingis all on and off the block as trade rumors swirl.
That shouldn’t take away from the fact that Thursday night’s draft could be historic. We could see as many as 18 freshmen taken in the first round and as few as two or three upperclassmen. We saw three seniors taken among the first 14 picks last June. When I covered my first draft in 2007, only eight freshmen were taken in the first round.
John Collins, who declared after two seasons at Wake Forest, acknowledged that the league pays a lot of attention to a player’s potential -- favoring youngsters.
“Coming out of college, it has a lot to do with potential,” Collins said how teams view prospects. “Production helps though and I think that’s part of the reason why I’ve been rated so high, because I was productive. I think my potential is pretty high too, so my production just adds more to the pot.”
Collins flirted with a double-double in his sophomore season, posting 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds. Only Ivan Rabb and Caleb Swanigan bested those numbers, but both are projected to go at the end of the first round/beginning of the second. Potential is key.
Without further ado, here’s my annual overview of the first official meeting between the media and the 2017 rookie class.
Jayson Tatum Just Sounds Like A Celtic
Tatum, who worked out twice for the Celtics, has a good chance to be the No. 3 pick behind Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Two sources told me on Tuesday that Boston was leaning more and more towards Tatum if they don’t move the pick in another deal.
There has been uncertainty surrounding Josh Jackson and his agent, B.J. Armstrong, who may be trying to keep his client from Boston. Jackson told the media on Wednesday that scheduling was the reason why he didn’t work out for the Celtics, but it may not matter after all.
Duke’s Tatum already looks and sounds like a Celtic.
“From my point of view, I feel like you should have that approach to whatever team that picks you,” Tatum said when asked about prospects trying to avoid the Celtics due to concerns of having to earn playing time. “Nothing is guaranteed. I feel like no matter who you play for, you have to earn your spot. It shouldn’t matter who picks you, you have to earn it in practice.”
The Celtics loved what they saw in Tatum despite him working out at less than 100% on Monday. He immediately went to lie down after completing his audition for Danny Ainge and the remainder of the front office.
Tatum also provided thoughtful answers without giving too much, a trademark Celtic principle. The one significant nugget he allowed was that Brad Stevens discussed Boston’s potential logjam at the wing during a conversation.
“Coach Stevens said that guys at my size and position that are able to hit shots and can defend 1-4, it’s hard not to play those guys,” Tatum said. “That’s how he looks at using me if they were to draft me.”
De’Aaron Fox Isn’t Shying Away From His Strengths
Athletes don’t like being pigeonholed, but Fox welcomes all the attention his speed brings. He will immediately become one of the fastest players in the NBA. ESPN’s Sports Science measured him on a drive to the basket (1.29 seconds) during a segment that aired this past weekend. He bested Kyrie Irving (1.50).
“There’s never too much attention to it,” Fox said. “People can say what they want, but I know the player I am and I’m going to use my speed. If that’s what everybody thinks is my best asset, I’m fine with it.”
As confident as he is in the open court, Fox admitted that he wasn’t aware that he possessed unique ability until he came under the tutelage of John Calipari at Kentucky.
“I didn’t even know I was that fast until Coach Cal kept telling me to run,” he said before referencing another one-and-done Wildcat speedster. “Just seeing the way [John Wall] uses his speed; he’s so much more in control now than when he first got in the league, that’s a valuable asset. Like I said, it’s hard to stop and he showed that in the playoffs.”
Donovan Mitchell, Absent “Travel Issues”
Armed with several questions for Mitchell about his unique history as a top baseball prospect before an elbow injury, the Louisville product was, of course, a late scratch.
When asked, a league spokesman attributed his absence to “travel issues,” but Jake Fischer of SI reported that a late workout with the Knicks was the reason why.
Jonathan Isaac Focused On Adding Strength Over Weight
Isaac, who is listed at 205 pounds but appears slighter, is well aware that people will nitpick his developing frame. The comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo make sense given the length, build and wingspan, so perhaps whatever team drafts Isaac will immediately load him up on smoothies.
“I’m not looking to gain weight the wrong way, I want to get stronger before I gain weight,” Isaac declared. “That has kind of been my focus – get stronger and the weight will come with time.”
Isaac grew six inches from his freshman to senior year in high school and has enjoyed a steeper rise as a coveted prospect than some of his counterparts.
“The journey has been amazing,” he said. “It’s been fun and fast, it’s been so fast. Looking back now, two years ago I was at IMG [Academy, Florida] and having a great time working hard, then Florida State. It’s been great. I’ve been around a lot of great people that have helped me along the way.”
It helps that Isaac seems to have a good head on his shoulders, acknowledging that he has a long way to go. He may not make a huge impact next season, but general managers considering him will have the Greek Freak in the back of their minds.
“My progression is going to be different from a lot of players. I have a lot of untapped potential and a lot of space to grow,” Isaac said. “I know I’m going to be a good defensive player, I know I’m going to make open shots, I’m going to be a player-maker, somebody that can score in transition and do different things even if I don’t get the touches, or the ball in the beginning.”
John Collins Has Toe In Old And New NBA Style
The game of basketball will fossilize you quickly if you can’t step out and hit a perimeter jumper, which puts Collins in an inimitable position. He has a strong interior presence and is supremely athletic, but attempted just one three in his two seasons at Wake Forest.
“I think I’ve already proved to most teams that I have the ability to score in the post and in and around the basket,” Collins said. “Showing them my game, expanding it is big for me and I think I’ve done that through this process. I’ll continue to do that as I progress throughout my career. I want to be as multipurpose and versatile as possible.”
Collins spent only two years in college, but learned valuable lessons under Danny Manning, who has been able to coach Collins not just on the floor but also about what lies ahead as a high draft pick.
“He’s a power forward. He did it at Kansas. He won a national championship and was the first overall pick,” Collins said of his former coach. “I actually invited him to my table tomorrow, so he will be there. It’s been big to have him there for me through the process. He’s done a lot for me, so I really appreciate it.”
Still, Collins knows he has a lot of work ahead of him.
“Every team wants to see bigger guys have that shooting stroke with the way the game is going,” he said. “I definitely see myself being able to knock down threes. I think I did a solid job of showing my range [during his workout with Portland].”
Malik Monk, the Realist
We pick apart the bodies of young athletes across all levels and sports, which is largely an unfair process. Anyone that has aged from their teens, through their twenties and into their thirties – the progression of an NBA player that enjoys a long career – knows the body changes multiple times and ways.
Monk, like many of the fellow one-and-dones, has to get stronger to play well at the next level.
“I have to get more physical,” he said with a smile. “I’m going to be playing against grown men and I’m 19 years old. They are a lot stronger.”
Monk had quite a few good one-liners during his time with the media, including when asked the stock question about how he’s taking in the events of draft week.
“I don’t even feel anything right now,” he said.
Previous editions of Sights & Sounds from NBA Draft Media Availability
