2018 NBA Mock Drafts

[mini-shock]

I and others on this forum thought that Shaq was out best bet of leaving this off-season.

My thoughts on MM are still the same, if he aint better than Cle, his name might not be called.

[ShockCrazy]

I and others on this forum thought that Shaq was out best bet of leaving this off-season.

My thoughts on MM are still the same, if he aint better than Cle, his name might not be called.

He already is in one crucial area. Defense, in the current NBA Markis can guard 1-4, Cle struggled to guard quicker players. Also Markis basically had the same season as Cle's Junior year while being a very young sophomore.

[shockmonster]

You do know what league minimum is right?

I'm not sure what you meant here. I know that FVV and Ron got a league minimum of money (they were undrafted).

Here is my point said another way.

Briscoe (Kentucky) and P.J. Dozier (South Carolina) who were 5* recruits out of high school, just entered the NBA draft (this spring) 2 years early, weren't drafted the other day and at best will receive a chance to make an NBA team, and a league minimum. Even though they left college after their Sophomore years, at best, they are no better off than FVV and Ron, and at worst may not even make a roster (or league minimum). On the other hand, FVV and Ron used up their eligibility and made an NBA roster.

IMO, this is a warning to Landry and Markis to not worry too much about their future in the NBA. If they are not a sure 1st Round Draft Choice, they need to be patient and they will for sure get an opportunity to make it to the NBA as did Ron and FVV.

[mini-shock]

He already is in one crucial area. Defense, in the current NBA Markis can guard 1-4, Cle struggled to guard quicker players. Also Markis basically had the same season as Cle's Junior year while being a very young sophomore.

Possibly. I should be more honest. I love MM, but he seems to completely disappear and make stupid decisions in the clutch. I always love to watch our best finisher(MM), be timid and pass out after a one jab step. I still love him. On the otherhand, we were going toe to toe with UK, and Cle balled the eff out for us.

[Good News]

I would love to see it too. I am going to have to go with Gregg Marshall on this one. I don't know that he's an NBA player. I think his best bet would be a brief stint in the NBA. He won't get drafted, but I think he will play in the NBA for a short period.

As I've said on previous occasions, the primary - and maybe only - determinant of if, when, and how long Shaq plays in the NBA is... Shaq. And more specifically, whether he decides to put in the work to get into the shape that maximizes his quick ups and other NBA attributes.

I don't fault him for not wanting to go run stadium stairs with Fresh Van Vleet at 6am as a sophomore. But it's crunch time now, Bubba.

If he puts in the work, his ceiling is at least as good as DeJuan Blair. In quantitative terms, that's 7 seasons in the league and $9 million ($12-$15M grossed up for inflation, new TV deal, new CBA). Flying around on private jets, maybe get a ring.

If he doesn't, it's D-League or bounce around Europe/Asia for a while until his metabolism slows down.





Your move, big fella. Shocker Nation is pulling for you, and I want to see you in San Antone!

[Dan]

I'm not sure what you meant here. I know that FVV and Ron got a league minimum of money (they were undrafted).

Here is my point said another way.

Briscoe (Kentucky) and P.J. Dozier (South Carolina) who were 5* recruits out of high school, just entered the NBA draft (this spring) 2 years early, weren't drafted the other day and at best will receive a chance to make an NBA team, and a league minimum. Even though they left college after their Sophomore years, at best, they are no better off than FVV and Ron, and at worst may not even make a roster (or league minimum). On the other hand, FVV and Ron used up their eligibility and made an NBA roster.

IMO, this is a warning to Landry and Markis to not worry too much about their future in the NBA. If they are not a sure 1st Round Draft Choice, they need to be patient and they will for sure get an opportunity to make it to the NBA as did Ron and FVV.

You raise a good point about the dangers of recruiting 5 star players. They all think they're going to the league, it's just a question do they stay in college 1, 2 or 3 years. Specifically, they think schools like Kentucky and Duke are the fast pass to the NBA. Going early in the draft is a big gamble unless you're a sure fire lottery pick.

[mini-shock]

As I've said on previous occasions, the primary - and maybe only - determinant of if, when, and how long Shaq plays in the NBA is... Shaq. And more specifically, whether he decides to put in the work to get into the shape that maximizes his quick ups and other NBA attributes.

I don't fault him for not wanting to go run stadium stairs with Fresh Van Vleet at 6am as a sophomore. But it's crunch time now, Bubba.

If he puts in the work, his ceiling is at least as good as DeJuan Blair. In quantitative terms, that's 7 seasons in the league and $9 million ($12-$15M grossed up for inflation, new TV deal, new CBA). Flying around on private jets, maybe get a ring.

If he doesn't, it's D-League or bounce around Europe/Asia for a while until his metabolism slows down.





Your move, big fella. Shocker Nation is pulling for you, and I want to see you in San Antone!

A agree with most of this.

[mini-shock]

You raise a good point about the dangers of recruiting 5 star players. They all think they're going to the league, it's just a question do they stay in college 1, 2 or 3 years. Specifically, they think schools like Kentucky and Duke are the fast pass to the NBA. Going early in the draft is a big gamble unless you're a sure fire lottery pick.

Briscoe and PJ are worth more than staying in college though. They banked on being a on and done to the NBA, but overlooked other paid options. I don't fault them for leaving, I fault them for even going to college in the first place.

[CBB_Fan]

He already is in one crucial area. Defense, in the current NBA Markis can guard 1-4, Cle struggled to guard quicker players. Also Markis basically had the same season as Cle's Junior year while being a very young sophomore.

Markis's age is his biggest advantage over Cleanthony Early. Cleanthony was a 23 year old senior when he was drafted, Markis would be a 20 year old junior on draft night 2018. For comparison, look at Thursday's draft. Only 10 draftees would be younger than draft-day McDuffie, 39 would be younger than draft-day Early. There wasn't a single first-round recruit as old as draft-day Early. Heck, there were only eight older than McDuffie would be.

And given that McDuffie's sophomore numbers were better than junior Early's and his measureables are a little better I think he probably could play himself into a late first, early second spot next year.

[wufan]

Markis's age is his biggest advantage over Cleanthony Early. Cleanthony was a 23 year old senior when he was drafted, Markis would be a 20 year old junior on draft night 2018. For comparison, look at Thursday's draft. Only 10 draftees would be younger than draft-day McDuffie, 39 would be younger than draft-day Early. There wasn't a single first-round recruit as old as draft-day Early. Heck, there were only eight older than McDuffie would be.

And given that McDuffie's sophomore numbers were better than junior Early's and his measureables are a little better I think he probably could play himself into a late first, early second spot next year.

Totally agree. Markis has to work on his open court handles and finishing at/near the rim. He was not as explosive late last year as he was as a freshman. Makes me wonder if his injury was nagging him throughout the year. He also needs to gain a little more weight and improve his consistency from deep.

[ShockCrazy]

Markis's age is his biggest advantage over Cleanthony Early. Cleanthony was a 23 year old senior when he was drafted, Markis would be a 20 year old junior on draft night 2018. For comparison, look at Thursday's draft. Only 10 draftees would be younger than draft-day McDuffie, 39 would be younger than draft-day Early. There wasn't a single first-round recruit as old as draft-day Early. Heck, there were only eight older than McDuffie would be.

And given that McDuffie's sophomore numbers were better than junior Early's and his measureables are a little better I think he probably could play himself into a late first, early second spot next year.

Oh absolutely. His age is a HUGE factor. I just think many on this board downplay his skills and presence. I would say he was the most consistent player all year. Even when he couldn't get his shot to fall he was busting his butt on defense and the glass like the Evansville game I think it was where he had 3 points but around 14 boards.

[shockmonster]

Oh absolutely. His age is a HUGE factor. I just think many on this board downplay his skills and presence. I would say he was the most consistent player all year. Even when he couldn't get his shot to fall he was busting his butt on defense and the glass like the Evansville game I think it was where he had 3 points but around 14 boards.

Who down plays his skills? He is one of our best two players but he has playing weaknesses that will show up in the NBA, and you shouldn't down play his weaknesses. Last year, while he was one of our best 2 players, he wasn't good enough to carry our team on his back. Now, we don't want to depend on one player too much, but against Kentucky, when we needed a bucket at the end of the game, Gregg gave him the green light and he passed the ball to Landry. An NBA lottery pick should look to score in that situation.

[mini-shock]

. Last year, while he was one of our best 2 players, he wasn't good enough to carry our team on his back. Now, we don't want to depend on one player too much, but against Kentucky, when we needed a bucket at the end of the game, Gregg gave him the green light and he passed the ball to Landry. An NBA lottery pick should look to score in that situation.

Pretty much nailed my perspective right here. I see others on here suggesting he doesn't finish well. He certainly has some finishing moves, I consider it a strength. I could be wrong.

[wufan]

Pretty much nailed my perspective right here. I see others on here suggesting he doesn't finish well. He certainly has some finishing moves, I consider it a strength. I could be wrong.

He does finish well, but lacked explosiveness late in the year.

[Dan]

Markis could also afford to add more slashing to his game. His handles have been a little too loose to be effective slashing to the basket. Everybody has holes in their game, we are just more aware of his because we see him play every night.