Glad to have the draft to look forward to. But in the meantime the Valkryies are hella fun to watch. (And so were the signs at my local No Kings Demonstration).
"[Charania] The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant's preferred trade destinations out of Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term."
No Minny, Spurs instead. I don't see why the Suns would want Wiggs, third team?
Edit: "[The Athletic] The Rockets and Suns have been in contact about a Kevin Durant trade for over a year, with different frameworks discussed in that time. Recently, Jabari Smith Jr.’s name has come up pertaining to the Suns’ interest, team and league sources tell Kelly Iko."
If HOU gets KD, I want them to give up as much as possible in the deal (for obvious reasons), and I want the package to include Dillon Brooks (because if they’re going to have real success, he deserves to miss out on it).
He has only one season left on his deal though, so as Loon notes, KD would be a rental if he doesn't want to stay. That probably reduces how much a team is willing to pay to get him, so it's to the Suns' advantage to send him someplace he wants to go. Plus other stars will take note when they consider signing as FAs with the Suns in the future.
I haven't dug into the choices yet, but I'm always astonished by how much work you put into this. The intro article alone must have take a very long time to research and write.
Thanks! That intro article is in fact the SHORT version… I split off this whole other piece where I use APRIBOT to re-draft every Warriors draft back to 2009.
Rockets really have to try and go all in with KD. I get they have some intriguing young prospects but none of the 3 contributed these playoffs but still hold value as trade pieces.
"[Charania] Just In: Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. After playing a key rotation and leadership role in the Rockets' playoff run, the new deal keeps a top center out of free agency."
Sad, but expected
Edit: "[Gozlan] Steven Adams is among a short list of upcoming free agents who can extend by June 30. Other centers who can extend by then include Al Horford and Clint Capela. Adams’ $13 million annual salary in his extension is below the full non-taxpayer mid-level and could set the market for backup bigs"
#CRYER I like Cryer's confidence and his shooting. He has a quick release (Moses Moody take notes!) and doesn't need much space to get his shot off. His passing didn't look like much but if he has a high BBIQ, he might improve there. Yeah, he probably can't play much with Steph because of his size but I agree with belilaugh about that: If he can come off the bench when Steph rests and give us some scoring, juice the offense, that's good enough for a second rounder. Bonus points if he can develop into a better distributor than he is now.
Highlights videos rarely show defense other than a few blocked shots, so especially with Grill and Cryer, we don't have much to go on. Both are small, especially Cryer. We don't have wingspan numbers either. My guess is we shouldn't expect a lot at the defensive end. But hey, it's the second round, every player will be flawed (at least at present) in some way.
I don't see Grill as an NBA player, and at 25 he's not likely to get a lot better. He might not get drafted. Maybe a G League deal or he could play overseas.
Broome probably has a low ceiling but he can finish (at least in college) better than Looney does in the NBA. His rebounding numbers are pretty decent, and he can block shots. He might be the best available at the time, and if we don't re-sign Loon, I guess he could fill that role. But I'm not excited.
I’m going to be honest, I don’t like any of these dudes.
On the other hand, I have fallen in love with Bogoljub Marković who’s an 6’11 PF who averaged 14 pt/7 rbd/3 ast on 64 TS% while shooting 37% from deep on 29 mpg. Hes got a handle, moves quite fluidly for his size, and his shot looks quite pretty. The scouting reports I read indicate that he’s a solid defender with good instincts but who can get overpowered and struggles with screens.
Which brings me to his big weakness is his weight at a meager 190 pounds. With that being said, he’s young and his general build looks like he could easily gain weight/strength when given a proper NBA regimen. I just think this dude has serious potential.
He played in the G League invitational 9 months ago and scored 18 pts and 5 rebounds.
Interesting prospect… he’s mocked to go in the top of the second round… might or might not fall to #41. Given the weakness of the US college second round prospects, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if GSW tried overseas
Now that Kalkbrenner is a semi-concensus late first-rounder, I'm fully prepared to get my hopes up for Markovic, only for him to go in the early-to-mid 30's. The Spurs have #38 . . . (I also think Yang is going higher than our slot, although I think I'd want someone different anyway, because he really hasn't dominated in China. Also maybe not a Maxime Reynaud fan, but I don't know much about him yet).
If Markovic is gone, I'd look at Yanic Konan Niederhauser as a hyper-specialist in rim protection (although he's flawed, too, almost redundant to say with 2nd-rounders, though), or just say 'screw it' and go with Zikarsky as a Really Big Dude(TM).
Of course, those are just the big man options, there's still Sion James, etc.
I’m worried that Bogo’s performance in the Nike Hoop Summit (16 pt/10 rbd) and the fact that he’s coming out of a club known for developing talented young bigs (Jokic/Zubac/Bitazde) is gonna have him be selected too early for the Warriors.
For those who want to see him play a full game against high level prospects. He goes against Boozer, next years N2 projected pick and imho outplays him. He really picks up his aggressiveness when Team World loses the lead in the second half.
Yes, another member of the Bogoljub Club! The guy looks a (little) bit Chet-like to me, although the supposed lack of good foot speed and agility is concerning. Definitely one of my top picks, considering where we draft.
All that matters to me is: don’t draft anybody who can’t shoot and dribble. Shot creation would be nice too, but it’s the 2nd round. Shoot 3s > dribble > everything else.
#Cryer. Dubs need a guy who can hit off the dribble and C&S and isn't hesitant to take the shot with tight D, also can get FTs. I was impressed with his composure against Duke, and his kind of aggressive mindset is a need on our squad.
Cryer commits to physical defense, but he'd probably be hunted in most situations anyway. He's still lolOLD for a prospect (it's the 2nd rounder, though), but he's been a bit more consistent over the seasons in his shooting than Grill (both FT and 3pt). He'd have one role: scorer, and he'd probably be good at it.
Broome, you pretty much said it all. More rebounding would be good, and he plays tough defense inside against similar players. He won't make a difference against the Goberts of the world, though, so if we were doing that, I'd rather go for a total lottery ticket like Zikarsky (since this is a 2nd-round pick).
This isn't my favorite group of players, and Broome could be useful in saving wear-and-tear on Dray (or more if we lose Loon), but I think that Cryer (barely) is both BPA and fills a need better than Broome would fill his. All three of these players could probably be replaced by vet min players, although Cryer's shooting is less replaceable, I think.
Grizz kicking off the offseason already? Seeing reports they trade Bane to Orlando for KCP, Cole Anthony and 4 unprotected picks!
Glad to have the draft to look forward to. But in the meantime the Valkryies are hella fun to watch. (And so were the signs at my local No Kings Demonstration).
Thanks for all the effort on this Eric. You da pug!
"[Charania] The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant's preferred trade destinations out of Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term."
No Minny, Spurs instead. I don't see why the Suns would want Wiggs, third team?
Edit: "[The Athletic] The Rockets and Suns have been in contact about a Kevin Durant trade for over a year, with different frameworks discussed in that time. Recently, Jabari Smith Jr.’s name has come up pertaining to the Suns’ interest, team and league sources tell Kelly Iko."
If HOU gets KD, I want them to give up as much as possible in the deal (for obvious reasons), and I want the package to include Dillon Brooks (because if they’re going to have real success, he deserves to miss out on it).
But that doesn't mean that they'll trade him to those teams. They are looking for the best deal.
He has only one season left on his deal though, so as Loon notes, KD would be a rental if he doesn't want to stay. That probably reduces how much a team is willing to pay to get him, so it's to the Suns' advantage to send him someplace he wants to go. Plus other stars will take note when they consider signing as FAs with the Suns in the future.
They'd get less for a rental, though
I'm reading the comments, and I'm glad to see people are choosing Duckie over Blaine.
Whoa. I don’t quite get the connection to the Warriors draft, but I’m always here for a Pretty in Pink reference!
(Oh wait … Cryer = Duckie. But who’s Blaine?)
Blaine was a stretch, I just had to make the Cryer/Duckie connection :)
Post for Duby: I was at the (peaceful) 'No Kings' rally in Boise, and saw a 'Punk Rock Saves Lives' T-shirt.
Cracked me up.
People showed out for democracy today! It was so good to see! 🇺🇸
I haven't dug into the choices yet, but I'm always astonished by how much work you put into this. The intro article alone must have take a very long time to research and write.
You spoil us. Thanks!
Thanks! That intro article is in fact the SHORT version… I split off this whole other piece where I use APRIBOT to re-draft every Warriors draft back to 2009.
Rockets really have to try and go all in with KD. I get they have some intriguing young prospects but none of the 3 contributed these playoffs but still hold value as trade pieces.
I am with ARASH and MARKOVIC on this one. QUICK digression...SGA is AWESOME...
Well, upon reviewing these guys a bit, I'm going to respectfully say: no kings.
"[Charania] Just In: Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. After playing a key rotation and leadership role in the Rockets' playoff run, the new deal keeps a top center out of free agency."
Sad, but expected
Edit: "[Gozlan] Steven Adams is among a short list of upcoming free agents who can extend by June 30. Other centers who can extend by then include Al Horford and Clint Capela. Adams’ $13 million annual salary in his extension is below the full non-taxpayer mid-level and could set the market for backup bigs"
Lopez probably just ensured himself a bigger deal.
Seems like a great deal for HOU
#CRYER I like Cryer's confidence and his shooting. He has a quick release (Moses Moody take notes!) and doesn't need much space to get his shot off. His passing didn't look like much but if he has a high BBIQ, he might improve there. Yeah, he probably can't play much with Steph because of his size but I agree with belilaugh about that: If he can come off the bench when Steph rests and give us some scoring, juice the offense, that's good enough for a second rounder. Bonus points if he can develop into a better distributor than he is now.
Highlights videos rarely show defense other than a few blocked shots, so especially with Grill and Cryer, we don't have much to go on. Both are small, especially Cryer. We don't have wingspan numbers either. My guess is we shouldn't expect a lot at the defensive end. But hey, it's the second round, every player will be flawed (at least at present) in some way.
I don't see Grill as an NBA player, and at 25 he's not likely to get a lot better. He might not get drafted. Maybe a G League deal or he could play overseas.
Broome probably has a low ceiling but he can finish (at least in college) better than Looney does in the NBA. His rebounding numbers are pretty decent, and he can block shots. He might be the best available at the time, and if we don't re-sign Loon, I guess he could fill that role. But I'm not excited.
I’m going to be honest, I don’t like any of these dudes.
On the other hand, I have fallen in love with Bogoljub Marković who’s an 6’11 PF who averaged 14 pt/7 rbd/3 ast on 64 TS% while shooting 37% from deep on 29 mpg. Hes got a handle, moves quite fluidly for his size, and his shot looks quite pretty. The scouting reports I read indicate that he’s a solid defender with good instincts but who can get overpowered and struggles with screens.
Which brings me to his big weakness is his weight at a meager 190 pounds. With that being said, he’s young and his general build looks like he could easily gain weight/strength when given a proper NBA regimen. I just think this dude has serious potential.
He played in the G League invitational 9 months ago and scored 18 pts and 5 rebounds.
https://youtu.be/ExBPccHjo-s?si=Ypr-xAwQC95AzL6Z
Interesting prospect… he’s mocked to go in the top of the second round… might or might not fall to #41. Given the weakness of the US college second round prospects, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if GSW tried overseas
BR 2025-05-28 #41
ESPN Givony 5-30 #38
TheAthletic 2025-06-10 #42
Yahoo O'Connor 5-30 #33
Now that Kalkbrenner is a semi-concensus late first-rounder, I'm fully prepared to get my hopes up for Markovic, only for him to go in the early-to-mid 30's. The Spurs have #38 . . . (I also think Yang is going higher than our slot, although I think I'd want someone different anyway, because he really hasn't dominated in China. Also maybe not a Maxime Reynaud fan, but I don't know much about him yet).
If Markovic is gone, I'd look at Yanic Konan Niederhauser as a hyper-specialist in rim protection (although he's flawed, too, almost redundant to say with 2nd-rounders, though), or just say 'screw it' and go with Zikarsky as a Really Big Dude(TM).
Of course, those are just the big man options, there's still Sion James, etc.
I’m worried that Bogo’s performance in the Nike Hoop Summit (16 pt/10 rbd) and the fact that he’s coming out of a club known for developing talented young bigs (Jokic/Zubac/Bitazde) is gonna have him be selected too early for the Warriors.
For those who want to see him play a full game against high level prospects. He goes against Boozer, next years N2 projected pick and imho outplays him. He really picks up his aggressiveness when Team World loses the lead in the second half.
https://youtu.be/gbSzDkd2cBM?si=Yq8tDuiBBWlyvHUz
Yes, another member of the Bogoljub Club! The guy looks a (little) bit Chet-like to me, although the supposed lack of good foot speed and agility is concerning. Definitely one of my top picks, considering where we draft.
All that matters to me is: don’t draft anybody who can’t shoot and dribble. Shot creation would be nice too, but it’s the 2nd round. Shoot 3s > dribble > everything else.
Or, this pseudocode algorithm:
Can he shoot 3s?
If NO then fuck off
If YES is he taller than 6’10 THEN draft
#Cryer. Dubs need a guy who can hit off the dribble and C&S and isn't hesitant to take the shot with tight D, also can get FTs. I was impressed with his composure against Duke, and his kind of aggressive mindset is a need on our squad.
#Cryer
Grill seems like a tweener guard poor-man's version of Dalton Knecht. Which is not bad for the 2nd round. One weird thing, he was kicked off the team at ISU in 2023. Can't find too many details on it, other than a generic ESPN article and a Reddit thread. https://old.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/11fjlmd/iowa_states_caleb_grill_is_dismissed_from_the/
Cryer commits to physical defense, but he'd probably be hunted in most situations anyway. He's still lolOLD for a prospect (it's the 2nd rounder, though), but he's been a bit more consistent over the seasons in his shooting than Grill (both FT and 3pt). He'd have one role: scorer, and he'd probably be good at it.
Broome, you pretty much said it all. More rebounding would be good, and he plays tough defense inside against similar players. He won't make a difference against the Goberts of the world, though, so if we were doing that, I'd rather go for a total lottery ticket like Zikarsky (since this is a 2nd-round pick).
This isn't my favorite group of players, and Broome could be useful in saving wear-and-tear on Dray (or more if we lose Loon), but I think that Cryer (barely) is both BPA and fills a need better than Broome would fill his. All three of these players could probably be replaced by vet min players, although Cryer's shooting is less replaceable, I think.