NBA Draft Live Reaction to the Lottery Picks

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – NBA Draft Live Reaction to the Lottery Picks

Episode Information:

• Title: NBA Draft Live Reaction to the Lottery Picks
• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
• Featured Reporters: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Spears, Christian Clark, Erik Green, Derek Parker, Brian Geisinger, Carter Bryant, Josh Robbins

---

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Andrew Schlecht welcoming listeners to The Athletic NBA Daily's live stream for the NBA Draft. The excitement is palpable as the lottery picks are about to unfold, with the Dallas Mavericks holding the coveted first pick. [02:07]

Andrew Schlecht:
"The NBA Draft is about to happen, everyone, and it's going to be amazing." [02:07]

2. Dallas Mavericks Select Cooper Flag

The Mavericks use their number one pick to draft Cooper Flag, sparking an in-depth discussion about his fit and potential impact on the team.

Co-host Analysis: Zena Keita expresses her enthusiasm for the pick, highlighting Flag's defensive prowess.

Zena Keita:
"Cooper Flag is the best passer in the draft. His size and game feel match perfectly with what Dallas can do with their lob threats." [11:24]

Andrew Schlecht concurs, emphasizing Flag's defensive capabilities and potential as a cornerstone for the Mavericks' future.

Andrew Schlecht:
"Defensively, no issues. He's going to bring it every single night." [10:44]

3. Hornets Draft Colin Murray Boyles

The Charlotte Hornets make a significant move by selecting Colin Murray Boyles, a highly defensive forward with passing skills reminiscent of Scottie Pippen.

Notable Insights: Derek Parker discusses Boyles' role as a connective tissue player, enhancing the Hornets' defensive and offensive schemes.

Derek Parker:
"He can be a nice screen setter for Lamelo Ball, helping to guard ghost screen actions and contribute significantly on both ends of the floor." [48:16]

Zena Keita praises the fit, noting Boyles' versatility and defensive intelligence.

Zena Keita:
"Colin Murray Boyles fits perfectly defensively and can develop into a much better scorer, aligning with the Raptors' vision." [94:50]

4. Utah Jazz Select Ace Bailey

The Utah Jazz opt for Ace Bailey, a versatile guard who brings shooting and strong defensive attributes to the team.

Discussion Points: Zena Keita questions the fit, expressing concerns about Bailey's initial discomfort being drafted to Utah instead of Washington.

Zena Keita:
"Ace did not look happy about being drafted to Utah. It's a tough situation for a highly touted player like him." [53:32]

Andrew Schlecht:
"They need a wing badly, and Ace can provide that immediately while also offering high upside." [43:03]

5. San Antonio Spurs Draft Carter Bryant

The Spurs bolster their defensive lineup by drafting Carter Bryant, an elite defender with potential to develop into a strong three-and-D player.

Key Points: Carter Bryant's defensive skills and shooting ability are highlighted as major assets for the Spurs.

Zena Keita:
"Carter Bryant is an insane defender who can guard multiple positions and adds significant shooting to the Spurs' roster." [108:29]

6. Philadelphia 76ers Draft VJ Speers

The 76ers select VJ Speers, a dynamic guard known for his shooting and defensive capabilities, integrating him into their system alongside veterans like CJ McCollum.

Insights: Speers' ability to shoot efficiently and defend versatile positions makes him a valuable addition to Philadelphia.

Zena Keita:
"VJ Speers can instantly become the Sixers' second-best shooter, complementing their existing roster and enhancing floor spacing." [53:18]

7. Portland Trail Blazers Trade Cedric Coward

In a notable trade, the Portland Trail Blazers acquire Cedric Coward from the Memphis Grizzlies, adding a versatile wing to their lineup.

Analysis: Cedric Coward is praised for his defensive versatility and potential to develop into a starter, though questions remain about his offensive consistency.

Andrew Schlecht:
"Cedric Coward projects as a starter with his defensive versatility and can contribute offensively if his shooting improves." [86:12]

8. New Orleans Pelicans Select Jeremiah Fears

The Pelicans draft Jeremiah Fears, a promising guard known for his shot creation and scoring ability, adding depth to their backcourt.

Discussion: Fears' role as a primary shot creator complements the Pelicans' roster, although concerns about his layup consistency are noted.

Zena Keita:
"Jeremiah Fears is the best shot creator available and will provide significant offensive value to the Pelicans." [60:04]

9. Oklahoma City Thunder Draft Thomas Sorber

The Thunder select Thomas Sorber, a 6'10" center known for his rebounding and passing skills, aiming to enhance their frontcourt depth.

Insights: Sorber is seen as a versatile defender with high basketball IQ, potentially becoming a starter and contributing both offensively and defensively.

Zena Keita:
"Thomas Sorber can be a starting level center with his rebounding, passing, and defensive versatility. He’s a high character player ideal for Oklahoma City." [112:00]

10. Brooklyn Nets Select Jaeger Demon

The Nets make a surprising pick by selecting Jaeger Demon, a guard with high upside but questions about his shooting consistency.

Discussion Points: Concerns are raised about Demon's fit and offensive efficiency, though his athleticism and defensive potential are acknowledged.

Zena Keita:
"Jaeger Demon is a bit concerning offensively, but his athleticism and defensive potential could provide valuable depth for the Nets." [66:21]

11. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the draft progresses, the hosts reflect on the strategic moves made by various teams, emphasizing the blend of immediate impact and long-term potential in their selections.

Andrew Schlecht:
"This draft is all about selling hope with teams picking the best available talent to build for the future." [04:21]

Zena Keita:
"Whether it's bolstering defense, enhancing shooting, or adding versatile playmakers, these picks set the stage for an exciting NBA season ahead." [Final Thoughts]

The episode concludes with anticipation for how these draft picks will integrate into their respective teams and shape the upcoming NBA season.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Schlecht:
  "Cooper Flag is the best passer in the draft. His size and game feel match perfectly with what Dallas can do with their lob threats." [11:24]

• Zena Keita:
  "Carter Bryant is an insane defender who can guard multiple positions and adds significant shooting to the Spurs' roster." [108:29]

• Derek Parker:
  "He can be a nice screen setter for Lamelo Ball, helping to guard ghost screen actions and contribute significantly on both ends of the floor." [48:16]

• Zena Keita:
  "Jeremiah Fears is the best shot creator available and will provide significant offensive value to the Pelicans." [60:04]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides a comprehensive and engaging live reaction to the NBA Draft lottery picks. Through insightful analysis and expert commentary, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these new draftees are expected to impact their teams both immediately and in the long run. The hosts effectively balance optimism with realistic assessments, making the episode valuable for both draft enthusiasts and casual fans.

Transcript

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[Andrew Schlecht]

Good evening everyone and welcome to the Athletic NBA Daily's NBA Draft Live stream. The NBA Draft is about to happen everybody and it's going to be amazing. We're so glad that you're with us with me. Esper Henny is going to be my co host along for this ride to kind of help guide us through. Who the who are these guys? I don't know how many of you guys are draft sickos like we are, but this is it's, it's going to be incredible night. I really like this draft class. I think there's and I cannot wait to see what everybody's going to do. We have the Mavs on the clock as we speak. And I think we all know what they're going to do.

[S]

Yeah, I wonder, you know, they have so many options.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So many choices. They, they could pick anyone.

[S]

They could pick anyone. They have the option. The world is their oyster. You know, I was actually thinking about this like 30 minutes ago because they were doing the whole Cooper Flag feature and they, they were at his hometown. I don't know if you saw any of that, but like ESPN was at his hometown. They were doing. And I was just. I'm still kind of in awe that the Mavericks have the number one pick, you know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

1.8 chance that they had the pick.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Unbelievable.

[S]

They did the whole Luca Doncha trade that still. You know, I'll just be sitting by myself and still shocked that that happened. It all just feels so coincidental. And I've been taught not to believe in coincidence.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I know, but man.

[S]

Yeah, it's crazy. Look, by the way, to your point of the, the whole, like, loving this draft, I've been forced to love this draft. You know, the Toronto Raptors have forced me to fall in love with this draft because I am locked in. I've had to watch like 20 to 30 guys. Yes. The range is so wide for the number nine pick. And even before they, we knew they were going to get the number nine pick, it was just like, okay, maybe they'll get the fourth pick or the fifth pick and six pick. And you're kind of looking at those guys too. So. Yeah, I've been forced to love this draft. But you're right, there is a lot of talent here for sure.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean the draft is, is nothing but selling hope. And so.

[S]

Yes.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So you, you, you've gotta, you've gotta buy into it. So I, I'm currently live from the Jones assembly in downtown Oklahoma City for a down to dunk Thunder watch party. And so the, the people at the Jones are gracious enough to give me their upstairs to do this live stream in. So this is not my house. I don't own like a ton of records and have like this cavernous place just so you know where, where I'm coming from. So anyways, the championship celebration continues here at the Jones assembly for Thunder fans. And we're gonna find out who they pick at potentially 15 and 24. I would guess they're gonna do something. Yeah. Which is pretty exciting. And there's. There's some talk about trade up. Oh, before we get started, where are you at as far as. Are we, are we gonna go by the Twitterverse?

[S]

Oh, you know, we Were just having.

[Andrew Schlecht]

This conversation or are we gonna go by the television.

[S]

As people who cover the NBA? It is on us, in my opinion, to follow whoever gets us the information faster.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay.

[S]

But I. I believe in the purist approach. If I wasn't covering this draft right now, I would love the purist approach. I think it would be beautiful. I think it would be blissful. You know, it really would be. To be surprised at every pick. That would be awesome. Do you feel any sort of way about this?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I mean, I. I kind of feel like the reporters have ruined the draft in a lot of ways.

[S]

Yep.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, they didn't have to do this. You didn't have to go and do this. But I feel like they've done it. They've ruined the draft, and now, like, you can't just watch and see what unfolds. Somebody has to know before. I kind of like watching and seeing it unfold, but I also feel weird about the people watching. Knowing. Knowing before we know what's gonna happen.

[S]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So I think it's okay.

[S]

Also, someone always knows before we know facts, you know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. But not everyone who's watching. I mean, there's. There's people that know. We know that Cooper Flag is going to go number one. But I just. Yeah, I'm. I'll just say this. I'm okay with. With. With following on Twitter and giving ourselves a longer Runway to talk about these players.

[S]

I will. I will tell you guys right now, I think we are pretty clearly, like, there is no guess or hypotheticals about who's going to go number one and number two. We've talked about it for a month, and, like, I'm trying to think of when was the last draft where that was the case, you know, like the Aunt Edwards, James Wiseman draft. Maybe, but people thought Lamelo could get in there.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, people thought Lamelo could go, too. Is that true that we. We haven't known number two for a while? I mean, I think we knew Brandon. I mean, I guess the Brandon Miller one wasn't. Was a. Was a wild card. Alex Sardin. We probably. I think we knew was going number two, but weren't sure.

[S]

Well, we didn't know who was going number one also. Yeah, probably.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But, yeah, Paulo Chat. We didn't know Paulo was going number one until the day of.

[S]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Jalen Green, like, Like, your points made. Yeah, I mean, that's true.

[S]

It's been a while.

[Andrew Schlecht]

There's no drama at the top of. Of this draft.

[S]

All right, what do you guys think? Adam Silver is going to say in this. That picture of Shay on the bus is so cool, by the way.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Can you believe that?

[S]

That was incredible.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Shout out to Jimmy Doo. He works for the Thunder photographer. And it's, man. Yeah, that, like, if you live in Oklahoma City and you have, like, if you've seen that picture, like, it should give you chills because it is literally. And we talked about this, the history, right? It's. It's the. It's the two. It's like the best and the worst things that have ever happened to this state, like, in one photograph. It is unbelievable.

[S]

Yeah, that is really cool. That is really cool. And, yeah, it was. It was also cool to see Shay have the Canada flag wrapped around him the whole day. I mean, obviously, from my perspective, that was very cool.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Yeah, man, it's. I'm. I'm glad that OKC got to appreciate that. I'm also glad that I got a chance to experience Oklahoma.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, me too.

[S]

It happened, you know.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, me too, man.

[S]

You kind of could feel, like, the excitement of. Of it all and to kind of know now that, like, the places that I've. I kind of know and have been, I'm like, oh, yeah, we were there. You know, when I was watching the Freight, I'm like, yeah, we were there. Oh, that's. That's Brick town and whatever. But, yeah, it was. It was cool.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It was cool. Oh, that rocks. So the Mavs are officially on the clock.

[S]

Wonderful.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What are they gonna do? Who knows? I. I do think the Cooper flag fit with this current iteration of the Mavs, which honestly doesn't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things. But it will be interesting to see what else they do with their roster to get it to a place where it makes a little bit more sense. Like we talked about on the show that dropped this morning, it's. Man, listen, they've got to get some guards in.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And so, yeah, Christian Clark is going to join us here after they make the pick and kind of help break some of that stuff down with us and break down this Mavericks. Historic Mavericks pick. I mean, if you're. If you're a Mavs fan, your hope was destroyed earlier this season, and now it's all back today.

[S]

I can't even imagine the whirlwind that they went through over the last three months to go from losing your franchise star, the guy you thought you were going to win an NBA championship, went to the Finals just now to. To, like, the fire, Nico Chance and the craziness that happened with that to now having the number one pick. And you know, in a lot of ways it feels like your franchise is saved from the damnation of trading, you know, Luca Dodge to the fit point. I. I think some of the intangible stuff that Cooper does in terms of defensively, like the length and activity is insane. They were, they were showing some of the measurables and the comparisons to his measurables and it's like Jason Tatum, Kawhi, Scottie Pippen and these are all like long dudes, you know. Yeah, he might not ever get there in terms of the offensive potential, but I think from. From a defensive side, it's like, how are you going to score on a Cooper Flag? Anthony Davis, Derek Lively front court is my exciting.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, that's super sick like that. Defensively, no issues.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What's going on there? I think it's gonna. They'll be stuck in the mud offensively a lot, especially until Kyrie gets back. But you weren't supposed to be that good anyways, in my opinion. And so like, I think that this is at least a direction to pick. But yeah, they, they just need to, to find some, some backcourt help for sure. But what do you think Cooper Flag's offensive ceiling is? Because I think that we all know like he's the super switchy forward that is brilliant as a defender and he's also just has. I mean, he's got that dog in him. I think that he's a guy that. That is going to bring it every single night.

[S]

Yeah, he's gonna get a lot of like, easy points in transition, a lot of easy looks in the dunker spot. I think what's underrated here, and maybe this is a hot take, but you could argue that Cooper Flag is the best passer in the draft. I think there's a legitimate argument to that. And there are some really talented passers in here. Like we were talking to Derek Parker and he thinks Igor Demon is the best passer in this draft. Some people say conspiracy. Yakosonas from Illinois is the best passer in this draft. Dylan Harper from Rutgers, who's going to go second overall tonight, that's another guy that people think is the best passer in this draft. But I think Cooper's size and his overall feel for the game just matches really well with what Dallas can do with their lob threats and what they so like. His passing more than anything, I think is the immediate skill that he can bring. And I believe in the jumper. We see if he can ever Be a guy who can like create off of the bounce and like create his own shot consistently. He did a little bit of that in Duke, obviously he did it in Montverd. I just, I guess you kind of just want to see how that looks on an NBA court. But he's going to be able to get a lot of production just out of doing everything else at such a high level. You know what I mean?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

That's why, that's why like the Scottie Pippen comps are kind of cool, because it's, it kind of makes sense, as crazy as it sounds. Is like a floor for what Scotty Pippin, for what Cooper Flag can be. Can he reach the highs, though? That's the question.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think he can. I think he's one of those. I think he's going to develop really well.

[S]

Ahi Ads just said. How are you tweeting about Dune and doing this at the same time? Yeah. Denis Villanuev, by the way, Dune director just got announced to direct J. James Bond and I'm very excited for that.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So.

[S]

Yeah, that's more exciting to me than this number one.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Tweeting about Dune. Wow.

[S]

Absolutely.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Dune.

[S]

Yes. Great movie. If you haven't watched it, by the way.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I haven't. I have not watched it. What?

[S]

Okay. You gotta.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What?

[S]

Dude, the first Dune is, is good. The second Dune is a masterpiece. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay.

[S]

Incredible.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But okay.

[S]

Yeah. Anyways, how do you feel about Cooper Flag and the Mavericks?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I think, I think they just clearly had an. Some incredible luck to get this guy. I think that it's going to help buoy their franchise in a big way. I, I would be just all in on him and Derek Lively as, as the front court of the future.

[S]

So you would just tear it up and start over with.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I mean, if it were me. Yes. Give, give me other draft picks. Give me chances to bring in guys because I think that's, that's a great start to a long term building. I think you can even keep Kyrie. Yeah, but. And I know that you can't trade Anthony Davis. I know you can't. You shouldn't do that. You just gave up Luca for him. Shouldn't do that. But I absolutely would do that because I don't, I don't. I think this, this map team is good, but I don't know how competitive they're going to be. But if you have Lively and Cooper Flag in like three or four years and you've, and you've got other draft picks that have kind of come in, I Think that you've got a chance to be competitive for a long time. So Coop officially is a Dallas Maverick.

[S]

Very tame. Dry. Very tame. Suits you.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's what I was about to say. I was gonna ask you about his fit.

[S]

This is like, you know, stock broker on Wall street type of fit.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah, it is.

[S]

Cooper Flag. Yeah. Kind of looks like. Yeah, like, he looks like he's from an episode of Mad Men, you know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Classic coat and tie. That's. That's what we got here.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

For Cooper. Look how happy these people in Dallas are.

[S]

Yeah, that's awesome.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I do. I do feel for that fan base. Just because they're. I mean, they were in the finals just a year ago. It's pretty cool. Pretty cool to see. To see that happen.

[S]

So weird, man. It's still so weird to me.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, my God.

[S]

Oh, my God. It's still so weird. Chat. Can you guys please just confirm to us that we're not dreaming here, because it just doesn't make sense.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah, please. This feels. It feels like a dream seeing. Have you been to the draft before, by the way?

[S]

No, no. But I'm hoping one day I can go to just see how bizarre it is, because I feel like it's a very bizarre thing to cover live.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It is. It. Yes, it is. It is very cool. You've got to at least go do it once. It's super fun, and especially if you're covering it for a specific team. You know, I don't know that many people know this, but, like, after us, let's say a Mavericks reporter is there. Cooper Flag is now going to go to about 50 different stations.

[S]

Oh, my God, I can't even imagine.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And it's like, first he'll go talk to the people at espn, and then he'll be on a different broadcast, and then you'll go in the back and there is, like, a station where he gets to, like, take his first picture for his first playing card. Not playing card. I sound like I'm 50 years old. He gets to get his old playing card. That's not even the right word. Word. It's not even the right word to use. I'm so old. He gets.

[S]

I know what you mean, though. You know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes, I know. I'm sure people. I'm sure everyone knows what I mean. But they're also like, oh, my gosh, you sound like you're 75 years old. But anyways, like, they. And then they go do radio, and then they go on to, like, the very end, and then they'll talk to local reporters. Yeah, and so sorry, Mike. Mike, overhaul in the chat. What's wrong with 50? Nothing's wrong with 50. I just. I'm. Okay. I sounded like I was 80, let's say that. Okay. Sound like I was 80 years old. Nothing wrong with 80 either. But. Yeah, I shouldn't have said it like that. But the, the pro, it's. It's a long process for these guys. It's a really cool night.

[S]

But like, there's exhausting.

[Andrew Schlecht]

There's so much media. There's so much stuff they have to do after this. And they. So this is in Barclays center, and they basically use the inside the arena for the draft stuff. And then in Barclays they have a. A practice gym.

[S]

Right.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And the whole practice gym is like marked off for all these little stations that are within there. It was funny. I was doing down to dunk with Alex Spears a couple years ago when I was at the draft and they were tearing down the stations while I was doing the pod. And these guys did not care how loud they were at all. They were just throwing stuff and it was so loud toward the end of it. But yeah, it's. I mean, it's an incredible experience. I mean, it's cool. They get to sit at these tables with their families. They usually have like these like silver or gold colored basketballs that have their names on.

[S]

I saw that. I saw that for tonight too. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So it's a huge. It's a really cool production. The stage is very cool. All the screens that are behind it are incredible. The NBA. There's a lot that I think, and even myself that people complain about, like the way the NBA does a lot of things, I think, like the draft itself, not, not necessarily the broadcast, but the draft itself is done very well. It's very cool. Yeah. And if you ever had the chance to go, I recommend that you. That you go because it is. It is really cool.

[S]

By the way, Cooper Flag is wearing number 32 for the Mavericks. It's official. Lock it in. 32.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He's officially a big.

[S]

Yeah, that feels like a bigs number. It is, it is. You know, last time it was worn. Wait, can you guess who was the last Maverick to wear number 32?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, my gosh, I have no idea. I'm not great with the number stuff.

[S]

Okay. If I were gonna.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Give me hints. Yeah, give me something. Yeah, give me hints.

[S]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure. And this is a terrible hint because I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure he was a top 10 pick in the lottery. And he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Drafted by the Phoenix suns.

[S]

Yes.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Number 30. How long ago are we talking?

[S]

It's been a while. He doesn't. He no longer plays in the NBA.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[S]

He got choked out by Sergi Baca when this player was on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, my gosh. Why don't I. Why?

[S]

Actually, I don't know how I know so much information about this player. Can anybody in the chat guess?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, come on, people in the chat.

[S]

Okay, hold on. Let me give you another couple clues here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Christian Clark is going to help me out. Christian is here after the Mavericks select Cooper Flag to be their number one pick. Christian, what an insane time it's been to cover the Dallas Mavericks. I can't. I cannot believe, like we talked about, like, what the fans have been through. Just think what Christian Clark has been through, everybody. The guy arrives on the beat and it's like, hey, remember the chaos that you experienced in, in New Orleans. Let's up that by like 10 billion. Okay, Christian, welcome to the show. Glad you're with us. Tell us a little bit about, like, what. What is this moment like for. For Mavs fans, For the Mavs organization.

[Eric Green]

No, I appreciate you guys. It is. It has been. It's been a pretty interesting ride here. I mean, I got. It got here in December. I was like, all right, great. You know, Luka Doncic, couple years. That's going to be great. I think I watched him play like eight times, gets hurt on Christmas and traded and I mean, just a whole lot of not fun stuff. You know, fans getting ejected, like, you know, secret Police vibe.

[S]

Oh, my God.

[Eric Green]

You know, Luca return game, just torching them. I think. I think this was needed. You know, I. I mean, look, I don't think this is gonna completely fix things, but this definitely helps soften the blow a little bit. You know, Cooper Flag, I think more of like a Nico Harrison style player. You know, we know that he. How much he values defense. So look, I, I think there's still going to be like that fan anger for sure, but it. But it definitely helps a little bit.

[S]

Do you. How do you envision Cooper Kind of fitting. We were talking about this earlier, but sort of the, the log jam in the front court a little bit. Obviously that does not apply to Cooper. I imagine he's going to get opportunity right out the gate. But how do. How do you see him fitting in with kind of everybody else on the roster with Anthony Davis, Derek Lively, Gafford, etc?

[Eric Green]

Yeah, I mean, as soon as, as soon as they got the number one pick, you know, I wrote that now I was like, man, they just got a ton of front court players now, and could they use a PJ Washington, a Daniel Gafford to go out and get a lead guard? I mean, Kyrie Irving's not going to be back on the floor until 2026. I mean, they just, this past week, you know, they, they signed Gafford to an extension. They're saying right now, hey, we plan to keep Gafford. We don't plan on trading them, even though he is trade eligible. PJ Washington's got one year in his deal. But I mean, the way it looks right now is it looks like they're just going to keep all these dudes, you know, use that, that taxpayer mid level for 5.7 million and, and go out and get kind of the, the stopgap guy and potentially just roll with that. I mean, I would say the most likely scenario is they just kind of, they kind of roll with all these front card players, which there, there are a ton of them. I mean, it's like, is PJ Washington going to be coming off the bench? Like, that's a question I have right now. And like, how, how important was he?

[S]

Yeah, Naji Marshall was great for them last year too. And it's like, how does he fit into this? Also, speaking of that, of that taxpayer mid level exception, who do you think they're targeting? Because I know it's going to be a point guard, but what kind of names are you expecting here from, from the Maverick side?

[Eric Green]

Yeah, I mean, Malcolm Brogdon is one of the, the names I've heard for weeks from a few people. D' Angelo Russell is a name that has popped up in the past few days. I think Mark Stein said, like, you know, Mavericks are going to be one of the teams right there to potentially hit dlo. That's interesting. I mean, there's multiple people who've worked in the Nets front office, in the Mavericks front office now. There's just a lot of ties there. So I mean, potentially D lo it looks like, you know, I'm not like the biggest dealer guy in the world, but it's also like, look, he's on the taxpayer mid level.

[S]

So hard to be a big deal. Okay.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, buy me the big dealo guys would love to, would love to talk to those guys. Maybe it's the guy that's sneezing in the background.

[Eric Green]

Yeah, that was his, that was his protest. He's like, actually deal is properly rated.

[Andrew Schlecht]

The. The spurs just selected Dylan Harper. Not. Not a surprise at all to see. To see that happen. Christian, we'll give you one more question before we. We let you go. What are. What do you think the expectations are for Cooper flag this season? What does that look like?

[Eric Green]

I mean, I, I personally think, like, Cooper can come in and be a guy who is just a really good NBA player right away, which is crazy considering he doesn't turn 19 until December.

[Cedric Coward]

That's wild.

[Eric Green]

I just think. I just think like, they've. They've got all these aging stars and like, Cooper, like, they. They need that youth and that energy and like, Cooper's so willing to do, you know, the dirty work. Like, he can.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He.

[Eric Green]

He does have a lot of offensive polish, but like, he loves playing defense. He's great moving without the ball, you know, a great weak side shop locker. Like, I think he could really add value in. In those ways. And I mean, look, I'm. I'm really excited to see him play. And I mean, I'm expecting him to. To do big things right away.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Go read Christian Clark at the Athletic. Christian, thank you so much for joining us.

[Eric Green]

All right, fellas. Appreciate y' all.

[Andrew Schlecht]

All right. See you, buddy. All right, so Dylan Harper is a San Antonio spur. I think it's the right pick. I think he's the second best player in this draft as far as we know. And I think that the spurs have a really interesting future ahead of them. I think that this. Yeah, I mean, I. If I'm them, I. I slow this down a little bit because I. I do think that the future of this team lies in their two youngest players. Yeah. And so we'll. It'll be interesting to see how this all unfolds because, like, obviously you trade for Dear and Fox, that changes your trajectory a little bit. But, like, how quickly Dylan Harper is ready to, you know, be on a winner will be an interesting thing to see.

[S]

You let your players dictate the pace, right?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes.

[S]

I think one thing we learned from okc, and I'm sure you'll agree with this, is like SGA dictated the pace because he very quickly, over the span of like 2, 3 seasons, became an MVP type of player. Right.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Too good to tank. That was. That was our thing. We made a shirt that said too good to tank with an actual tank on the back.

[S]

Nice. Yes, I will.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That.

[S]

That's actually. I would like that. Anyways, you guys make great shirts as a side note. Just phenomenal stuff.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Thank you.

[S]

Yeah, I. I think that is another thing for the spurs, like, obviously, we know how good Wemby can be if we ends up becoming an MVP type of candidate next season. He accelerates your timeline a little bit. Trading for de' Aaron Fox accelerates your timeline a little bit.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yep.

[S]

I do think your players dictate the pace, and that's why they went out and traded for Fox. I like the approach of drafting Dylan Harper again. I just think you need ball handlers in the NBA. You need guys who can do a bunch of different things. And Dylan Harper being so big, like, he's six six, so you don't necessarily have to pigeonhole him as like a one or a two. He can kind of play wing for you. So I. I think this is a fine decision, to be honest with you.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Yep. Pick is in for the Philadelphia 76ers.

[S]

At 3, so I guess nothing. Oh, do you want me to spoil it for you?

[Andrew Schlecht]

No. Is it vj?

[S]

It is. Yeah, it is. Vijay.

[Andrew Schlecht]

DJ Edgecomb. Okay, so we're a little chalk at this point.

[S]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

In the draft, which is fine. I think Vijay, this is what I would have done. I've liked him for a very long time.

[S]

He's my favorite player in the draft by far.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, he's super. He's super fun. He's athletic. He. I. I think he's ready to contribute in some ways. I think in others, he's. It's going to take some time. Offensively, I don't quite know what it looks like for him right out the gate, but I just believe in the tools. This guy has to figure it out eventually. Which makes it an interesting landing spot for him in Philly because there's pressure to perform right away. Defensively, he'll do it, but offensively, I don't know what to do with the fact that he can't make a layup. Help me with that. I don't know.

[S]

That is a weird. That is a weird phenomena. I. I hope that. Because what we saw with him in. In the Bahamas, like with the Bahama National, National Team, he was hitting layups. He was acrobatic. I think the open floor allowed for him to get downhill more often. I. I honestly think there's a world in which, like, vj, you know, you said that pressure to compete immediately. I actually think it's the opposite because. Yeah, because they have maxi, they have McCain. Like, it's not like they're gonna slot him in for 30 minutes a night immediately. It's like, you're gonna come in, you have to play great defense. Especially when Nick Nurse is your head coach. You gotta lock in on the defensive end. That's how you're gonna get your minutes. Knock down corner threes, knock down, catch and shoot opportunities be a beast for us in transition. And I think those are things that he can immediately do.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

And he can slowly bring along the rest of his game.

[Derek Parker]

Yeah.

[S]

Yeah. I. I kind of love this spot for him. I. I get why Charlotte would want to do this, because he would work extremely well with Lamelo Ball. But from a. Like, slowly bringing him along and incorporating him offensively, I do enjoy VJ and Philly, to be honest with you.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Fit check for vj.

[S]

Oh, hold on. Let me see what you got.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Right now they're showing these. These Bahamas graphics. Yes, I'm. I'm enjoying very much.

[S]

Oh, nice. I would love to go to the Bahamas.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's a beautiful place. Yeah, me too. I'd love to be from the Bahamas and then play in the NBA. What a ridiculous life that is. You should only. Honestly, you shouldn't. You should only be able to do one of those things.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Either be from the Bahamas or play in the NBA. Doing both. Unfair. Completely unfair.

[S]

Oh, man.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Fit check. Okay.

[S]

I got. I. I saw him wear, like, all black. Everything, right? That's.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's all black. He's got the chain in front.

[S]

Oh, I do enjoy. Is that a turtleneck?

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think it. Is it. No, no, it's not. He's just buttoned all the way up.

[S]

Okay, okay, okay. Because I was gonna say, I enjoy the turtleneck suit. Look, some guys pull it off.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Think BJ could pull it off? Vj. VJ is cool. He's. There's something about him that's cool.

[S]

Yeah, well, he. He plays with a lot of swag. That's the other thing. Like, he plays with a ton of swag. And I. I like that about him. Also, the funny thing is, like, apparently, according to. I think it was actually Sam who mentioned the sambasini in his latest mock that VJ was sort of nervous in his Philly workout.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes.

[S]

It still worked out. Still worked out in his favor. And they still ended up taking. Also, a individual workout is weird.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Players go through it a lot. But one on 01 on.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, is. It's tough it. And some of it is like they're gonna really just push you to see what. What you've got. And so. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Apparently they like. They like the. The person. And that's the thing that a lot of times gets lost in some of, like, these scouts and YouTube stuff is that, like, you don't get to know, like, who, like, who are they as a person? That is so much of this.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Because basketball can only be so, so much of what you do. And I think that that's something like the team that I cover, the Thunder have been keyed in very good. Long time. Yeah. Is that they, they look at who they are and it sounds cheesy to say that, like, we choose, like, people over players, but like that, that's a real thing that's happened in Oklahoma City. Like, there's, there's not a lot of funny business going on within the roster, and they look for guys that fit. And Vijay is a guy that I think will help the Sixers in, in that way too. Brian Geisinger is going to join us. Who covers the, the Hornets after this next pick. Thoughts, predictions? Like, what way?

[S]

A little bit interesting now. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You think they go? I think, yeah. I don't think there is a chalk pick from here, is there? Like, what would the chalk pick be? Ace Bailey.

[S]

The chalk pick would be Ace Bailey.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But even then, like, it still feels weird.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I don't know. Okay, let's, let's do this. Let's say that the, the Hornets are like, man, I can't. We can't, we can't decide. They call you and they're like, hey, S. We're on the clock. We can't, we can't decide. You got to make the pick. Who's it gonna be?

[S]

Honestly? Come on, Malwatch.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Seriously.

[S]

I don't, I, I.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Get a big talk to me.

[S]

Yeah, get a big. I, I, I know Mark Williams is obviously a big. That they, you know, they traded the guy, so. They did trade him much.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They did trade him.

[S]

I think Malawatch is kind of cool. He works well with Lamelo. I'm not sure if, honestly, you could sell me on any of the guards right now in the con caniple, you know, Ace Bailey, wing types, whatever. Sure. But if you really want to make things interesting, I would say, come on, Malwatch, because, wow, he's just, he's a big. And he has tons of potential. He's still very raw, but I think he works with Lamelo. He, he finished everything at the rim, and if there's one guy who's going to be able to get it to him at the rim consistently, it's Lamelo ball.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

So I, I think that's kind of like a match made in heaven offensively, but. Yeah, come on, Maloac.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that's that surprised me. That really. That really shocked me.

[Eric Green]

Yeah.

[S]

Well, listen, at this point, honestly, at from 4 to basically until the end of the lottery, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever you feel. Whatever.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes.

[S]

There's probably like five or six guys here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

That you like more than the rest. Yeah, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder here, dude. Like just whoever you like.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Like.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Have you ever. You've done the exercise of going back and looking at drafts and you're like, this guy went fourth and this guy went tenth.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Like, oh, all the time.

[S]

It doesn't matter. Just draft the guy you like, you know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Draft the guy you like. I'm going. I would go knipple if I'm them. That's what I would do.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Just drop con can apple. He's. He's a gonna be a good NBA player. Like, he can really shoot the rock. He can be a connective tissue type of guy that they. I mean, they really need that kind of player in Charlotte because they have just a lot of guys that can just go cook. But do they have a guy that can help just get like the engine started with Lamelo. Like, they don't really have that. And so just having an. A pretty big wing that's pretty stout, that can really pass it. I just think that that opens up some fun opportunities. I also like Trey Johnson there just as a. Like, hey, it feels very on brand for them to take a guy like Trey Johnson who can just.

[S]

I mean, he's a crazy shooter. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I. I like. I like either one of those guys. For them, I'm not the biggest malawatch guy.

[S]

He kind of.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He kind of terrifies me.

[S]

He rightfully should terrify people because those types of guys, you literally don't know unless you know.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, at 4, I am petrified to do something like that. I would go. I would go cannibal. I would.

[S]

Is a very safe choice.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Trey Johnson, you know, they need to go. They should be a little bit safer in my. In my opinion, with.

[S]

Oh, you were right.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Or they take Khan.

[S]

They took con.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. I like this.

[S]

There you go. So sell it to me. Give me the. Give me the pitch here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I. I think that they. They need guys that can come in and. And help Lamello and help Brandon Miller play the style that they want to play. I think that they can play really fast with those three as like your. As like your three engines of the offense. And Khan is going to do nothing but help those guys accentuate what they do like, he's going to space the floor for them. He's going to help get them open. I think he'll screen for them. I think there's a lot of good things that he's going to bring to the table. And you know, Charlotte is. Is thought of as this team that's like, are they, they ever going to win enough basketball games to do anything? I think that he could be the start of what helps them actually get over the hump. Because I don't think Lamelo's. Lamello's not as bad as people think he is. Brandon Miller is a really good player that just needs to stay healthy. Con Canipple. I think I, I like this for them. This is, this is a great place for him to go. And he gets to. He'll get to spread his wings there too.

[S]

Yeah, he'll have opportunity.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. There's no, no one's boxing this guy in. I think that he can become the fully realized version of himself.

[S]

Two Duke guys in the top five, by the way. Two Duke guys in the top five.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow. Two white Duke guys in the top five.

[S]

Two. Why? Shout out jj.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Shout out to JJ Redick.

[S]

Oh, my God.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. I mean, this is, it's. It's a cool, it's a cool story for, for Kanipple to, to be drafted within the top five. And, you know, he's been a draft riser for sure. Fit check on Knipple.

[S]

It looks like he knew he was going there. He's got the colorway, you know.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, he does.

[S]

He does have the colorway going for Charlotte. He even has the little teal pocket square. I swear.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Seriously, is he. The teal pocket square? Yeah.

[S]

He knew he was going there. He knew. Well, I mean, like, you can't be surprised it's a fourth pick, but. Yeah, I like it. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[S]

I've heard like, Clay is the comp, but I feel like he can do a little bit more with the ball.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That is. That is psycho behavior talk right there, dude. I think he's like Klay Thompson, but better.

[S]

Listen, you said we're selling hope.

[Andrew Schlecht]

We are selling hope. That is like. That is the ultimate hope.

[S]

Hornets fans, LaMelo plus KH is Steph plus Clay aggregate.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's right. This is. This is Klay Thompson that can dribble. Okay. Wow. I love that. That's great. That is psychotic. That's amazing. He's. He's like one of the greatest shooters of all time. Plus, more awesomeness is con. That's amazing. I love. I, I love that pick for them. I. I think that that makes a ton of sense. Yeah, you can't, at this point for the Hornets, you can't afford another, like, bust pick here.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Like, if they took, like, Noah Essengay, I'd be like, you know what? I love the enthusiasm, but I am terrified right now. I'm terrified if I'm a Charlotte.

[S]

Honestly. I'm. Honestly kind of. I. I know there's a lot of SN G fans, especially.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. And I'm. And I'm not even saying that I think he's going to be a boss, but he's one of those, like, very low floor, very high ceiling kind of guys.

[S]

Yeah, that's. Yeah, that's.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's who he is. This is. This is very safe and also, I think, has a ton of high upside. Look at all the Knipple brothers.

[S]

Oh, my God, this is incredible. That generation of Knipples.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Look at those guys. They're all going to be in the NBA.

[S]

Yeah, they are.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, God, that's gonna rock. Wait, is it just the camera angle or is the one brother 8ft tall? It must be the camera angle.

[S]

It has to be.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Or.

[S]

Or he's, like, closer. You know, it's one of those deceptive things. There's no way.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. To the people in the chat. Yeah. My. The lights. I don't know. I think it's the camera. The lights aren't flickering, but it does look like a horror movie behind me.

[S]

It does.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's happening with these. Good call. Good call on that. Man, oh, man. Keith Parrish and Dave DeFore watching the draft together. I just got sent a picture from Keith, and they're watching. They're watching us on the. On their phone. Shout out to you guys. Two of the best. Two of the best.

[S]

Shout out to those guys, man. Oh, my goodness.

[Andrew Schlecht]

My. One of my friends just tweeted. Just sent me a text that said that Woad should have just hopped in and tweeted. Sources say the Hornets have latched on to the K nipple.

[S]

Oh, my God. I miss woes.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I know. Yeah, he. He had. He. He was. He was really, you know, finding his voice in the. In the draft the last few years.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think Brian Geisinger is going to join us soon to talk about this Hornets team and. And the pick. So we'll see if he still hops in, but if not. Utah Jazz are on the clock here at five. Very disappointing for the Jazz. Yeah. To fall to five.

[S]

But you know what? They have a chance to draft a guy who should be apparently top three in this draft. You know, they could take Ace Bailey if they really believe in him.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What I mean, is that what you would do?

[S]

I have no idea. I, like, truthfully, I could because the Jazz have so many guards.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

You know, Keonte, George, Isaiah, Collier. They obviously have Clarkson and Sexton, which I imagine they try to either trade or resign because at this point, I don't know, you know, but they. They have that. Plus they have their front court set. They drafted Cody Williams to find a wing. They truthfully very bad season for Cody Williams, unfortunately.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's right.

[Jake Fischer]

Maybe.

[S]

Maybe their wing guy is Ace.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, give me Trey Johnson here. Okay. You name like, you like. They got a lot of guards. They don't have one guard I believe in.

[S]

Right. You were. You were four for four so far. So if you get Trey.

[Andrew Schlecht]

If they get Trey, I. I'd argue they don't have any guards. Okay, that's fair. I. I see your. They have a lot of guards and I raise.

[S]

But they don't have a guard. Yeah. Yeah, that's fair. That's entirely fair. The pick is in. So we'll see what.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Here we go. Here we go. We're about to find out who's gonna be on the Utah Jazz on the worst team in the West. Who's it gonna be?

[S]

Oh, wow. I was right.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They took Ace.

[S]

They took Ace.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, boy.

[S]

He does not look happy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That.

[S]

He does not look happy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

My. My stream must be way behind yours. Mine is like the. Mine is like the very anti Twitter stream here because I'm watching on a TV here at the wonderful establishment, the Jones assembly, and is way far behind, but. Yeah.

[S]

Wow.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Ace, terrifying pick. Horrifying pick for. For the Utah Jazz.

[S]

So you don't like it? I just think they need a wing, you know?

[Andrew Schlecht]

They need a wing. I know I'm not an Ace guy. Are you an Ace guy? Did you say you're an Ace guy?

[S]

I think Ace needs to be in the right situation. I will say I think there's a world in which Will Hardy, who is an awesome coach who gets out of his players, will make Ace into a really good player.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Is Ace willing to do that, though, is the question.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. So it's a great question. Fit. Check on Ace.

[S]

Yeah, crazy fit. I love it. I really, really love it. Bold, you know, the Bedazzled, if you will.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yep.

[S]

Did you see the boots?

[Andrew Schlecht]

I have not seen the boots. I'm trying.

[S]

Okay, so. So wait for him to stand up.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. I do like the jacket. I Think the jacket's obviously a custom job. It's very cool. He's got the red for Rutgers. He's got the chain on, and he is dapping up so many people.

[S]

Yeah, he is.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What is going on there? Okay, yeah, I, I, I think if we're talking about the Runway that he needs, this is a fine place for him to be. This is a fine. Oh, we got Brian Geisinger. Let's talk about Hornets for a second, then we'll dive back into Utah. Brian, what's up, man?

[Derek Parker]

Hello. How's it going, guys?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Good. Have you latched on to the K nipple, Brian?

[Derek Parker]

I have. I am, I'm there. And what do you think, man?

[Andrew Schlecht]

What do you think about the pick?

[Derek Parker]

Well, first off, there were several puns that I was going to use, but I'll just stuff that. We'll press those back into the deep recesses of my brain. No, I, I like this pick for Charlotte. This is something that I had sort of wrapped my head around on kind of a while ago. I had sort of thought, you know, if Edgecombe slipped the, somehow slipped the four, Charlotte would take him. If not, it's, it's gonna be Khan. This is, I had him, you know, fourth on my board. I covered Khan up close at Duke this season and love his competitiveness. Great teammate, like, has all those amazing and great intangibles, but also the, the shooting, the strength, the passing, and a guy who also showed it that he could scale his game into a variety of different fashion, you know, either when Cooper flag went down or, or going back to his pre, pre Duke days too. If you look at him @ Nike EYBL, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, a guy that actually has some, he's not a very sudden or quick player, but certainly someone with his strength and footwork that can create, you know, off the bounce a little bit too.

[S]

Do you, how do you see the fit with. Because I think offensively it already pops with Lamelo, Khan and Brandon and just the way that they can work off of each other. But I think one of those situations is, like, how does it look defensively, you know, for a team that struggles on the defensive end?

[Derek Parker]

Yeah, defensively it's a little, it's going to be a little tough to, to play those three guys together and really expect a ton of success, especially since there's not really like a backline rim protector to, to sort of like, clean up, you know, messes. I mean, Mark Williams has the size, but is, is sort of like more ahead of the curve offensively than he is defensively at this point I think. I mean it puts a lot of stress on Brandon Miller probably. And he's not, he's a decent defender, but probably not, you know, the guy that you want to be. Your A1 guy.

[S]

I mean I'm sure was knipple your guy to. Okay, gotcha.

[Derek Parker]

Yeah, he was. I mean like if, if Edgecombe had fallen to, to. To four, I. I had VJ3 on my third on my board ahead of Khan behind Cooper and, and Dylan. But. But yeah, like I, I probably had those guys in a slightly like con, like in a slightly lower tier but like had con the top of the next tier along with guys like you know, Trey Johnson, Ace Bailey, like that crew. So yeah, I like it. Then defensively, you know, they're still gonna have to rely on you know, guys like, you know, someone like Josh Green to be a guy that sort of like is just an innings eater for them in the regular season as like the, you know, you know he's sort of miscast or overcast as a primary, you know, top primer defender. But I will say one last thing about Khan's defense. Yes, I think laterally he can struggle with guys crossing him over, attacking his top feet, that kind of stuff. But he is 220 pounds. So like the ways you can attack him are. Yeah like in space. But you're not going to be able to just sort of like go at him like you would, you know, Tyler Hero or something like that with just like straight, you know, get him, get a switch and try to like back him up in the post because he's strong, he's got good size and he's you know, super competitive. So he's a little less vulnerable in that regard.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, this thoughts on him as a guy. I kind of see him as a guy that's going to be a connective tissue player for these bigger stars in, in Charlotte. What do you, how do you see that?

[Derek Parker]

Yeah, I think his. With the combination of shooting and passing, you know, high field player, there are a lot of different ways you can use him. I think you can get him into actions with Brandon Miller where both those guys are, you know, you're running off down screens, flare screens on each side of the floor. Charlotte and Duke actually ran very similar five out offenses in terms of how they space the floor. Like they put their five, you know, come on Malawatch or for Charlotte it was Mark Williams, they would space their five to the wing. And so it's a similar spacing template between those, between those Two between the Hornets and between Duke. So I think you can get him involved coming off of screens and sort of like mirroring Brandon Miller. I think there's a chance that like he can really be a nice screen setter for Lamello Ball too in a guy that you can use to in you know, guard to guard ghost screen actions, but also a guy that he might be able to, you know, screen, you know, get a switch and sort of like go to work against a smaller defender, you know, in like the, the mid post area. That's something that the Hornets did early on with Lamello Ball and Gordon Hayward. Yeah, I'm sort of, I'm a little, you know, optimistic that canipple is going to be able to give because of his strength and his passing and sort of like the shooting touch from multiple levels of the floor. Like he might be able to help you from like in terms of some of these like when you get to sort of like matchup ball as like a screener and the guy who can go after a switch too. So I think there's a lot of stuff you can get into but just having that kind of shooter and off ball mover loosens everything up and I think there's sort of more he can do with the ball and as a screen or two to help those dudes.

[S]

Brian, I just want to ask you one more thing. The Hornets don't have another first round pick here, but they do have two seconds in 33 and 34 I believe is the, the picks. Do you expect them to maybe try and get into the first round using those picks or you know, what else do you think they're going to do?

[Derek Parker]

I think it's possible. I mean my guess is that they're going to be working the phone lines and, and potentially looking for a way to slide back in here. But I do feel like every year in the draft like things do kind of get flat in like the 25 to for sure to 40 range. So like you know, into that sort of like back, you know, 10, 20 of the draft maybe then you try to find ways to package stuff and you know, move up to get one of those. You know, Brooklyn's at 26, 20, you know, if Cedric Coward or Walter Clayton Jr. You know, someone that you really like falls into that range, maybe you try to swing. But ultimately I think there's a chance they're gonna be able to get some interesting players for, you know, discount second round pick contracts, you know, certainly at 33 and we'll see sort of if they End up using both those picks and sort of like rostering both of those players. But I think there's a chance to get, like, a similar caliber prospect at 33 compared to, you know, 27 or 28 or something like that. So, yeah, they have a lot of work to do the rest of the night and certainly tomorrow night, provided they're. They're still going into the second round with both of those picks. But, like, if they're gonna package stuff to move up, I think they're going to be very, very careful about it. This is a team that is being very cautious with its assets and sort of, like, has a. An eye on the future and sort of a longer Runway to work with. And so I think they're going to be, again, just very, like, judicious about how they go about using these picks.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Go, go follow Brian at B G E I s underscore Bird and go listen to him on the buzzbeat podcast. Brian, thanks so much for coming on.

[Derek Parker]

Yeah, thanks for having me on, guys.

[S]

Appreciate you, man. Trey Johnson to the Washington Wizards.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I like that.

[S]

Break my heart, will you? You know, I just.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Why you say that? Why you say that?

[S]

I really wanted. I thought he was gonna fall. There was like, a 5% chance. I was hoping he would fall to 9. He was my guy. Guy. Yeah, I love him and bj. Those were the guys that I love the most in this draft. But, yeah, is what it is. You know, from a raptor's perspective, I didn't really expect him to be there, but today I got like, a 5% chance of hope that he might fall. I love this for the Wizards, though.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He's great. Especially with Jordan Poole out of there. You bring in another guy that's just gonna. Just gonna bring it. I like it. I like it a lot. I think. I think that he profiles as a guy that is just going to shoot the heck out of the ball. Offensively, he's going to be able to do a lot. Defensively, there's a lot of questions, but I like Trey Johnson. He's a bucket.

[S]

Yeah, he is a bucket. I. I think of, like, okay, him, Bob Carrington, Bilal, Sar. They still have a couple of picks or they might have one pick left in this draft in the first round. Yeah, they have the 18th pick left, and I imagine they try to address the center spot or maybe like a backup next to Sar or a guy that they can next to Sar with Sorber or Asa Newell or someone along the lines of that. Sure. But I love Trey. I. I honestly think he has, like, all star potential.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, definitely.

[S]

He's like, you could make an argument he's the best shooter in the class. I think it's between him and Khan.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, definitely.

[S]

Stupid dude. Can we talk about the Ace a little bit here for a second while we're. We're kind of thinking of things? Ace did not look very happy that he was going to Utah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I thought he was going here.

[S]

He thought he was going to Washington. I think all people thought that he was going to Washington. I don't know. How do you feel about, like, when that type of stuff happens, you know, for a guy that's as like, highly touted as him, it's like tough luck or whatever.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah. Without a doubt. You know, this is. You don't get to choose where you go as much as you want to force your way, you know, mo most teams, I think when a player doesn't want to go there will be like, okay, fine, like, we don't want somebody who's not going to want to be here.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But when there's a team that's got the guts to do it. Danny Ainge, it doesn't surprise me. Danny Ainge is like, you know what? We don't care. You're. You're gonna play here anyways. Yeah, I think it's. I think it's. I think it puts you in a weird spot. Without a doubt. But they can give him what many other teams couldn't give him. But, you know, the Wizards could have given the same thing is minutes. Like, what this guy needs is minutes. He needs to play NBA games, he needs to play against NBA level defense, and he's gonna get it in both spots. I actually like the coaching better in Utah. And so I do think, like, it could potentially be just a much better landing spot for him and that capacity. I think these. It's funny how much he wanted to be in D.C. to me.

[S]

Yeah, I know that that's probably like the first player that has tried to force their way to the Wizards.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah. For sure. Josh Robbins is supposed to join us here shortly. Cool. To discuss this pick with. Of Trey Johnson. Fit check on Trey Johnson. He's going with the shorts. Did you see that?

[S]

Yes, I did. Did you see the. The socks plus shorts combination and the Doc Martens? It's a very Gen Z look to be.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What do you think? Yeah, it. It is Gen Z or it's like 1998 maybe. I don't know. Yeah, I know it's a little bit of both.

[S]

Fashion is cyclical. You know what I mean?

[Andrew Schlecht]

It really is. It's kind of mind blowing. Thoughts on his dad wearing sunglasses inside.

[S]

I love it. I love it. That means he's had a couple drinks for sure. He doesn't. He doesn't want the.

[Andrew Schlecht]

The.

[S]

Yeah, that's definitely what it is. I. Yeah. Look, the shorts are crazy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, the shorts are crazy, but it.

[S]

Takes a level of swag to pull that off. You know what I mean?

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's how you know this guy's gonna be an all star. Because he wore shorts.

[S]

Yep.

[Andrew Schlecht]

To the draft.

[S]

Yeah. When we look at this, when he makes his first all star team and say, look at what he wore, you.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Know, hey, listen, nobody else wore shorts. He, you know, Cooper Flag could have worn shorts. Decided not to.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's his own fault. I think we. We got the Pelicans on the clock. You got thoughts on what they should do from here?

[S]

I think they are going to either. So I saw a report earlier today that Troy Weaver has ties to Derek Queen. And Troy. Troy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Troy is back at it again. Come on, Troy.

[S]

And Troy also just traded for Sadiq Bay, who. He has ties.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, he did. Yeah.

[S]

So it does seem like maybe Derek Queen is the guy here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[S]

I don't know though. I. I'm not sure I can see them going. Jeremiah Fears. They also just traded for Jordan Poole, so I have no idea anymore.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I don't think that you trade for pool and take fears or may. Or maybe you do because you're Troy Weaver. I don't know. But man, I don't know. I don't know what's happening here. Yeah, the camera on Ace Bailey with him looking. And maybe that's just his disposition, but. Oh.

[S]

Actually, so we. We. Do you want me to spoil it for you?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes.

[S]

Jeremiah Fears.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Seriously.

[S]

Jeremiah Fierce. According to Goodman Hoops, who covers the draft, so.

[Derek Parker]

Wow.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow, that is really interesting. That is really interesting. I. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Apply for Apple Card today and start earning up to 3% daily cash back on everyday purchases. And that daily cash can even grow automatically when you open a high yield savings account through Apple Card. What are you waiting for? For visit Apple Co cardcalculator today to see how much daily cash you can earn. Subject to credit approval, savings available to Apple Card owners. Subject to eligibility savings and Apple Card by Goldman Sachs Bank USA member FDIC terms and [e-mail].

[Jake Fischer]

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[S]

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[Jake Fischer]

How to formulate that success.

[S]

That synergy between AI and a business coming together. It's like coaches game plan as well as the player. AI is creating a perfect plan and it's the business like, hey, we have this imperfect solution. Let's meld them together and see what happens.

[Jake Fischer]

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[Josh Robbins]

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[Andrew Schlecht]

I don't know what this Pelicans team is at this point in time. I don't know what they are. I don't know.

[S]

I don't think they know what they are, man. I really don't think they know what they are either. But at the same point, like, are you at a point where you can't take the best player available? Fears is probably the best player available here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, he's the. He is the best shot creator available, is what I would say.

[S]

Yep.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I don't know. He's the best player available. He's certainly the best shot creator available. Yeah, he's a little small. He's super duper young.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He has a. He's got a ton of potential as like a lead guy. If, if I'm the Pelicans, though, I, I would rather have the leadership of CJ McCollum next to this guy for a year. Yeah. Just. That's just me to kind of help him figure out who he is. I don't think that pool is necessarily the right kind of guy to kind of usher in another player whenever he's still trying to kind of get his career back on tracks. You know what I mean? Yeah. So I think that the, the way they've constructed everything is very strange. I don't like it.

[S]

And I'm a big Trey Murphy and Herb Jones guy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, yeah.

[S]

The rest of the NBA is too.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. I was gonna say you're. You're a person that breathes air and likes basketball, you know, so. Yeah. You're not wrong. Of course. You like those guys. Yeah. They've got. They've got two awesome building blocks and then it's a question of what else, you know, and Fears. Maybe he's kind of your third building block there as Iron Williamson is always kind of lurking in the background of like, what. Like what is he. What is he going to be? What's he going to do? I think getting a guard like Fears is probably a good move.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

For him. Yeah. But he's likely going to be coming off the bench and trying to figure it out from there, which is not necessarily a terrible thing. I just hope he gets a lot of minutes for them is all.

[Jake Fischer]

He's.

[S]

He's going to get a lot of opportunity. I mean, him and Jordan Poole are going to get up shots. I. I'm really curious to see what they do with Zion, what they do with Trey Murphy. If there is a. A team that goes out there and. And makes the pick.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I.

[S]

Here is my prediction and I'm probably gonna start to head out here as the. As the Nets are on the clock. But here is my prediction here.

[Derek Parker]

If.

[S]

Come on. Malawatch is still on the board.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, he's back. The model watch man.

[S]

He is. If Malawatch is still there at 9, I believe the Raptors will take. Come on. Malwatch.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay.

[S]

Not work them out. They did not do a workout.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Really?

[S]

Yes. He did not come to Canada for a workout.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I thought at least.

[S]

At least what I know. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I thought that they've been on Malawatch for a while.

[S]

Yes, they have been. Yes. But that's because they've. They also. So over. Shamshay was a guy in the bal. Basketball Africa League that they drafted.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Come on. Was also a guy that they looked at while he was in the basketball Africa League. So they've obviously been scouting. Come on. For a really long time, but I'm not sure if command thought he would be here at 9. So we'll see if he is. Brooklyn is still on the board. Maybe Brooklyn decides that Malawatch is their guy. But I will. I will. We'll figure it out here if. Yeah. Do you know if Josh Robbins is going to be coming on for the wizard side?

[Andrew Schlecht]

I have not heard from Josh, but I do know that Derek Parker is going to be joining us.

[S]

Cool.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Here shortly to kind of fill. Fill in for a little bit and talk some draft. But yeah, I. I'm. I'm very curious to see what this palace.

[S]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

There he is. Derek Parker.

[S]

What up, guy?

[Jake Fischer]

How we doing?

[S]

I'm good. I will be back after The Raptors make their okay.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Hey, good luck. Good luck. We'll see you on the other side.

[S]

We're on Malawatch island, baby.

[Andrew Schlecht]

We're on Malawatch Watch. Derek. Biggest surprise of the draft so far for you.

[Jake Fischer]

Oh, man. Maybe the Charlotte Hornets making a correct pick for the first time in a while.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yes.

[Jake Fischer]

Phenomenal there. Love that. Obviously it, like, again, I told you a few days ago, one of my favorite players in this draft. It always hurts to see one of your favorite players drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, but I think it's a great fit. I think he's going to do phenomenally there pick that and Trey Johnson to the Wizards, too. Trey's gonna. Trey's gonna light up in Washington.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, he's gonna light it up. I think it's a great opportunity for him. I was. We were just talking about how. I think it's great that they. That they kind of moved out Jordan Poole, and I think that C.J. mcCollum is going to be a great kind of mentor for him for a year to kind of figure things out if CJ Ends up staying. I love that for them. I think I really like what the Wizards are building at this point.

[Jake Fischer]

I don't know if you could have gone from a better, like, mentor whiplash from Jordan Pool to C.J. mcCollum.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Whiplash is the perfect way to put it because it is like they. They just pulled one over on, and now it's like the. Like Jeremiah Fears now gets to be with Jordan Poole. I don't know. I don't love it. I don't love that at all.

[Jake Fischer]

I was really shocked the Pelicans went with guards still, considering. I know, like you said, they just added Pool, like very.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I know.

[Jake Fischer]

Very random.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It is very odd thoughts on what Brooklyn should do from here.

[Jake Fischer]

I mean, really interesting players on the board. I think they've got their pick of what position they want to go with. Whether it's guard, wing, front court. I think I would go with. Yeah, probably.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yakachonas is a great idea for them because when you're this blank of a slate, you were. You were saying in a very nice way that they don't really have any good young players and they could use anybody to fill any position that's a young guy at this point. And so, yeah, it's a blank slate. They can feel really comfortable taking best player available and knowing that it not. Not there's not really any true overlap that's going to happen with this team. So.

[Jake Fischer]

And the good thing about Yakachonas too. Is that like, he may be a lead guard. I would project him to be that. But yeah, to your point, like, they don't have a lot of positions. He could also just be a wing. Like a really good connective wing that shoots it a little bit better than people think. So, yeah, he'd be a great guy to kick off the rebuild with because he's not necessarily like gridlocked into a certain spot. Like just a high feel, positionally versatile guy that I would like. But.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, my gosh. Do you know who the pick is?

[Jake Fischer]

I don't.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They're taking Jaeger. Whoa.

[Jake Fischer]

Oh, my gosh.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Give me. Give me your Jaeger reaction.

[Jake Fischer]

It's somewhat similar, I will say. Like, he could be a lead guard. Some people project him to be that. I don't know that I necessarily do. But he's still 6 9. You know, he's got some of the wing stuff like we talked about. The shot doesn't go in, but it looks like it should go in.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yep.

[Jake Fischer]

So maybe he does end up a forward. That's just kind of high feel. I. I like that they swung for the fences. I'm really glad they didn't go like straight role player. Like, I. I respect the. The gall at least.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow. They got common Malawatch here for. For the Raptors. And I think that S is going to be so sad if they don't take him really well.

[Jake Fischer]

I think it's gotta either be Malawatcher a senge. I can't see any other options just given that front office's history.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that. Yes. Those guys are very on brand. Very on brand for the Raptors. Man. I'm a little floored by this pick. I think this is. Is this the most like, off the board pick so far?

[Jake Fischer]

I think so. There were reports, and I guess in hindsight we should have known because there were reports that oh Demon has someone that loves him in the top eight. They kept saying top eight. So I guess I should have known that was the cutoff was Brooklyn.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But someone that loves him at 8. I don't.

[Jake Fischer]

I don't know that I ever believed it. I was like, I mean, we'll see.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, we have Josh Robbins here. There's my good friend Josh Robbins. What's up, buddy?

[Carter Bryant]

Here I am. I just hope to the good Lord that you're not gonna ask me trivia questions.

[Andrew Schlecht]

No trivia today. No trivia today. We were just talking about how we really like the fact that. That Trey Johnson is going to have. He's going to have a lot of opportunity in Washington. And you know, we like the, the mentorship of a guy like C.J. mcCollum. If they do indeed keep him, what are your thoughts on that?

[Carter Bryant]

Well, first, if they keep who. First of all, there's no draft rights trade in the works for Trey Johnson. CJ McCollum. I don't think that there's any plans to flip him okay. Anytime soon. But yes, he would be a great bet to have around. And right now Chris Milton's also on the roster, so that, that would be at least two very good bets who've played on the wing. And also Kelly Olenek is coming in. He's considered a good bet, so they're in good shape there. I'm not listing Marcus Smart because chances are that he will be traded before, before the start of the season, but that's yet to be determined. If he remains, it'd be good to have him around too.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Just overall thoughts on, on the pick.

[Carter Bryant]

He instantly becomes at least their second best shooter.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Carter Bryant]

With the only person possibly better, Corey Kisper.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Carter Bryant]

But in terms of their long term timeline, Trey Johnson is their best shooter.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So.

[Carter Bryant]

He compliments a lot of the other guys on the roster because it's not a good three point shooting team. And he instantly should upgrade that at least once he gets used to the NBA line.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I think he's gonna be super fun. Derek, you have any questions for Josh about. About this pick?

[Jake Fischer]

Would you anticipate them to. To roll him out at the table guard? I think he's got a little bit of like upside as a point guard. I know they're high on bub, obviously. Would you expect that to be, I guess, the, the backcourt moving forward?

[Carter Bryant]

No, I think that he would play on the way. I think that he would play on the wing and who knows, maybe they would experiment with him at the one at times. Where do they have to lose but.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Just a ton of games, right, Josh?

[Carter Bryant]

Correct.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So.

[Carter Bryant]

Why not experiment? But I know I envision him right now as a win, but we haven't spoken to the general manager yet, so we don't know what their plan is.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. I got one more question for you, Josh, before we go. Just thoughts on what they could do at 18. What else do the Wizards need? What do you anticipate them doing later on in this draft?

[Carter Bryant]

Well, they're going to go for the best long term prospect. They're not really all that wrapped up in terms of fit.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Carter Bryant]

As long as long as it's an intangible spit that has to fit for them. So they will get. They will select the person who they think is the best, best long term prospect.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Go read Josh Robbins. Oh, yeah, go ahead.

[Carter Bryant]

I don't need to cop out there.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But do you have. Do you have any favorite prospects later yourself.

[Carter Bryant]

At 18?

[Andrew Schlecht]

No. Okay.

[Carter Bryant]

I don't. I know that a lot of Washingtonians would want me to mention Sorbert, who I don't think would be on the board at that time.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Yeah.

[Carter Bryant]

Or they would want Derek Queen, University of Maryland.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Sure.

[Carter Bryant]

I don't think Derek Queen has the two way game that they would like.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Carter Bryant]

So I'm not. I don't think that that's in the office. But watch them prove me wrong.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay, I guess we'll find out soon. Go read Josh Robbins at the Athletic. Josh, thanks so much for coming on.

[Carter Bryant]

Hey, bless you. I don't know where you are, Andrew, but it looks like a really nice venue.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's a great space. I'm at the Jones assembly in downtown Oklahoma City. We're hosting a Down to Dunk party here on the other side of this wall. And so when I'm done with the live stream, I'll go join all the down to Dunkers over there.

[Carter Bryant]

But I love down to Dunk, my favorite basketball podcast.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[Carter Bryant]

Tell all my peeps I miss them.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I'll tell them. Alex, Alex Spears is here. I'll tell him that you said hi.

[Carter Bryant]

Please do.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That's right. See you later. That's right. See you, buddy. Okay, we got the Raptors on the clock here. We mentioned Malawatch as a guy that seems pretty obvious he was somebody that was. Has been linked to the Raptors for a very long time. Yep. And so he hasn't. S. Was just telling us that he hasn't actually worked out for the Raptors yet.

[Jake Fischer]

Really?

[Andrew Schlecht]

I guess I say yet. He's a guy who hasn't worked out. It won't work out for them pre draft. But just you said, you said who. Who else did you say? Essengay would be like the only other one that you think that is on the board that makes sense for them.

[Jake Fischer]

Yeah, I think, I mean that front office just loves length and like just huge bodies. Guys that they can kind of project to get better throughout the course of their career. So I, I would think those are the two. Yeah, those are the two, like probably toolsiest prospects in the lottery range right now. So I would bet it's one of those.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that. That to me makes a lot of sense. That to me makes a lot of sense.

[Jake Fischer]

And and there's a chance they really just like a single more now. I don't know that they were anticipating Malawash to be there. Maybe that's why there was no workout. That would certainly make sense. I mean they've got kind of like a. A roster that's between rebuilding and win now. Like they've got a lot of win now pieces, but they've also got some young guys. So I think Malawatch would make a lot of sense as a five that you could just plug in next year. Even if he's not like a great basketball player, he's 7 foot 2. So like he's gonna do something out there. So I think that would certainly make sense.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What a terrifying sentence that you just said. I don't know that he's necessarily a great basketball player like that. That those are the kinds of things that terrify me. It's just like they've got all the tools. I mean the guy. It wasn't that long ago that somebody was telling Common Moloch in his. In his hometown that like, hey, you're tall. You should.

[Jake Fischer]

You know what you should do? Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You've heard of this sport called basketball. And he would have to walk 40 minutes to get to the closest basketball hoop. Not the easiest path to get to the NBA. And it would be really kind of cool to see him, to see him in with the Raptors here.

[Jake Fischer]

In terms of stories, there's like, he's probably the best story in the class. Just all the things you just said, like very good basketball, but like, what a cool guy to root for.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah, no question. I, I do think that he, that he is one. One of like the best stories and, and he's one of the guys that you just hope has a ton of success in the NBA because I think it forges a path to the NBA for a lot of people that have. Don't have a ton of hope in this world. And so I do think like that would be. That'd be really cool. He's obviously still gonna go probably in the lottery if he's not selected by the Raptors, but.

[Jake Fischer]

Oh, I think I just saw.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Who did you see? Who. Who is it? You gotta. You gotta.

[Jake Fischer]

Colin Murray Boyles.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, that's also a Raptors he player. Oh, Common is falling. I do I.

[Jake Fischer]

Let me confirm. Let me make sure. I think. No, yeah, I think it's Colin Murray Boyles.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That one. Disappointing for us Thunder people because I do like CMB for, for okc, but man, that is a Raptors he pick. I Don't love adding somebody that doesn't shoot it for the Raptors. That kind of scares me a bit. Yeah. Because he's. How many forwards do they need that can like handle pass and not shoot?

[Jake Fischer]

I mean, they've got them all. They're acquiring them like the, the Stones in the Avengers. They've got the gauntlet of all forwards that, that have no three ball whatsoever. I told you on, on your draft pot on down a dunk.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Jake Fischer]

There's going to be teams that like have him fifth on their board because of some metric that they have in house and there's going to be teams that have him 30th. Apparently he ranks very highly on the Raptors, it looks like.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow. I, I mean I love him as a player in just a vacuum, but again, the Raptor selecting him, it. They're gonna have to figure out what to do with their roster at some point because like, this is not, this is not it. I don't love him with Scotty.

[Jake Fischer]

Even Messiah is like the, the guy that he keeps like swapping girlfriends, but they're all just like clones of each other and you just keep bringing them home and your friends are like, what are you doing? It's like, this is the same girl every time.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's the same girl, man. Fit. Fit. Check on, on Kyle Murray Boyles thoughts on his fit.

[Jake Fischer]

Good stuff. I think my favorite so far has been Carter Bryant. I don't know if you've seen the deep there, but.

[Andrew Schlecht]

No, I haven't.

[Jake Fischer]

It's very solid.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Carter Bryant yet. Yeah, it's classic. I think CMB's hair looks good. I like the chain. I like the chain look. We've seen that a couple times here. Classic fit looks great.

[Jake Fischer]

What's s going through right now? I don't remember where he stood on cmb.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think he likes him for sure, but I, I think that he, I mean he wanted Moloch. I think that's, that's the direction that he, that he wanted to go in. But I, I this. Honestly, I feel confused about the direction of the Raptors and where they're going from here because they just have one. They have too many of these like 6 foot 9 forwards and I don't know how I, I just would worry a little bit about the development overall for cmb and if he's going to be able to get enough minutes for them and have enough of a Runway to get there, they're gonna have to thin out the roster a little bit, in my opinion because this is, this is the kind of guy I feel like should soak up a lot of minutes for an NBA team, especially one that's not very good. And the path is, is not as wide open as you'd want it to be.

[Jake Fischer]

Right. He's, he's definitely gonna play a significant role in year one. I would bet this is not like a long term developmental pick. Not that he can't get a lot better throughout his career, but yeah, I would be shocked if they don't roll him out in like a pretty major capacity in Year one. And honestly, we should have seen this coming with the Mogbo pick last year. I think it was the first pick of the second round. Like, yeah, kind of similar, like short forward but doesn't shoot the ball. Does absolutely everything else at a high level. Like, yeah, they just have a type, man. The Raptors just have a type.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They do have a type. He's, he's a six, eight forward. Crazy defensive skills, good passer on the offensive end, really good rebounder as well. It's going to be interesting to see how he scores the ball on this team. What, what, what else interests you about his game?

[Jake Fischer]

Overall, I think the passing is the biggest thing. Like he's a guy who when the ball is in his hands, he genuinely can make pretty much every read, which you just don't see out of these like big wing, like forward type players. Like he's got the hub stuff that you can do out of like dribble handoffs. Obviously he's got like a wide body, he's got broad shoulders. One of the strongest players in this class. But then he also has like face up passing where he can like legitimately make high level processed reads that like even some guards can't even do some of the time. So just a highly functional player. Again, outside of the shooting, he does everything well. I told you. I don't know that I see him shooting the ball at a high rate ever. Which that's why maybe the Raptors think they can turn him into a shooter. That's about all it takes to like sell yourself on CMB is like, can we make him shoot the ball? If you think you can then like take him ninth.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Sure.

[Jake Fischer]

But I don't know that I ever see him shooting the ball at a high clip.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, it's, it's a tricky fit, there's no question. And again, like, if I'm the Raptors, I feel, I feel a little bit silly with some of the trades that they've made over the past like year plus, because You've ended up with this roster that is full of these, this size forward that I just don't know. Like you have your. They traded for Brandon Ingram, they have RJ Barrett, they have Scotty Barnes. Obviously that's gonna play at this position. And now you have cmb and I just don't know how that works. I mean they basically we're talking about like real shooters. I mean, I guess Emmanuel Quickley is a good shooter, Grady Dick is a good shooter. It might end that, that might be the end of my list of guys that shoot the rock for this squad. So it's, it's, it's a little bit strange to see them making the selection and then like, yeah, you're going to want to figure out like, I mean you're putting Brandon Ingram in a really bad spot. Like hey, no spacing for Brandon Ingram, who's a guy who just likes to cook one on one offensively. I don't know. I don't know that I agree with this path for them. I like a lot of these players in a vacuum. But you have your non shooting center and Jacob Hurdle. I just don't get it. I just don't quite get like the vision here for the Toronto Raptors, a team that is still in quasi developmental mode but still making wind now moves. I don't get it.

[Jake Fischer]

And had you told me that they had drafted CMB like before the draft, I would have assumed a few guys had went ahead of him that are still on the board right now, like 100. I would have thought a single was gone. Malawatch was gone. Even they're showing it now. Asa Newell, I would have expected probably before CNC at this point. So. Sure, just a wild pick like you said. They've got four guys that play the same position that are all like pretty solid. Not necessarily guys you want to like kick out of town. So.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, no, I mean all very good NBA players that are all having gonna have long, productive, lucrative NBA careers. So the pick is in for the Phoenix Suns via the Houston Rockets at 10. Who would you go with? If you're, if you're Phoenix here, I'm.

[Jake Fischer]

Gonna keep shouting them out until someone takes him. Yakachonas to me is just the best player available left. Okay, I understand a swing on Malawatch here. Yeah, that, that makes sense.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They have, they need a big, they need a big badly and if one.

[Jake Fischer]

Of the worst interior front courts in the league, like bar none. So yeah, and he's a guy who could play pretty immediately like while they do have Kind of a blank slate roster moving forward. They probably blow it up like he's at least a guy who could play. Play next to Bradley Beal, people like that. So that makes sense.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I don't mind, I don't mind that idea. But yeah, this is, it's going to be fascinating. I think this is one of many moves the Phoenix Suns are going to have to make this summer to kind of remake what their roster looks like.

[Jake Fischer]

Here's some news.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Jake Fischer]

Charlotte Hornets are trading Mark Williams to the Phoenix suns for number 29 tonight and a 29 first round pick. So that I guess shores up Phoenix's.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay, well there's they. They answer the front court question there. They're just trading for all the Charlotte centers. They just like they traded for Nick Richards not that long ago. That's bizarre. That's very bizarre.

[Jake Fischer]

The Charlotte Hornets are the Phoenix Suns feeder team.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Their feeder team for the bigs. It's like, hey, we're just waiting for, for this the Hornets to just develop these guys so we can bring them in to play with Devin Booker. Poor Devin Booker. Okay, that's interesting. Okay, now that we know they have a big. You're going Yakuchonas.

[Jake Fischer]

I think I would have to.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah. I think that, that, that makes some sense. They need some size on the wing.

[Jake Fischer]

Or maybe you, maybe you also go Derek Queen and you've got. You just fill out the front court immediately.

[S]

Yeah, that's.

[Jake Fischer]

That's your like long term. Four and five probably.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Very interesting. They took Malawatch. Anyways. What is happening? Like whoa.

[S]

What?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wait, could they. Could we. The fact that the news dropped 30 seconds 30 second time out please. Because the fact that they just traded for Mark Williams and then draft Common Moloch, who's the guy that's gonna need minutes.

[Jake Fischer]

My brain hurts.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What?

[Jake Fischer]

I can't tell if they're working at like light speed right now or if they're cooking with sunscreen. I have no idea what's going on.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think cooking with sunscreen, I think in Phoenix you need. There's always a lot of sunscreen around. Just crying a lot. Like this is a. And I, and I. You never want to say you know what's going on in these guys heads. But the journey that he's been through and to be now selected in the NBA is so cool and like we can take out like the weird things that are happening with Phoenix right now. But the fact that this guy was in a horrific like poverty situation and is now a multi millionaire playing basketball in The NBA is. Is a true. Like, this is like a. It's like a Disney movie. Again, like, in a lot of ways should be a Disney movie in that, like, you. You rewind to this guy. Just a few years ago, he had nothing and not even a true opportunity to even play basketball. And now he's here on the stage at Barclays Center. It is. It is truly a very cool story. And like, the tears you see on his face is. It's. It's very cool. It's a very human moment that I think that a lot of people should look to for some motivation because, like, this guy has done some really cool things to this point in his life and is now an NBA player for the Phoenix Suns. So shout out to Common Malawatch for. For this. It's very, very cool.

[Jake Fischer]

Yeah. 100. And to add to that, I mean, we've talked about how he's maybe not the best basketball player right now. There's a reason for that. Like, he got a late start and he has made significant progress, too, in just, like, the short time that he's had with the ball in his hand. So, I mean, he was. He anchored a final four team in college basketball. Like, it's not like he's just this, like, ultimate project. Like, he is a good basketball player. He deserves to be a top 10 pick. And I think he'll be able to add quite a bit in year one and then obviously for the future, too.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. And. And to Phoenix's credit, if I'm gonna look on the bright side of this, they're not going to put him in a position where he needs to play 30 minutes a game.

[Jake Fischer]

Right.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And they're going to let him kind of come along, you know, a little bit slower and figure it out. You just wonder what it looks like. It's not like Mark Williams is some old center, though. Like, he's a guy like, to invest in and to. To bring in as your starting center if you like him. But now Mark Williams is now probably just as confused as we are in some ways that, like, oh, great, a team, like, really wants me. Well, do they? Because they just drafted a guy who could be their starting center of the future. So it is a tricky situation there in Phoenix and. Or it already had been. But you know what? Let's add one more wrinkle in there for him to figure it out.

[Jake Fischer]

Yeah, I mean, we talked like, literally three minutes ago about how Malawatch would be a good pick for the Sun. So I guess, like, it happening in succession didn't make Sense. But if you told me a week ago like would you not draft Malawatch because you have Mark Williams, I probably wouldn't have taken that into account too much either. So.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Right.

[Jake Fischer]

I don't know. I mean there's levels. I'm sure there will be more information released on it that maybe makes it make a little bit more sense. But in the least Suns fans can can be excited that they got a good young prospect finally.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, just pretty, pretty bizarre there. The, the Portland Trailblazers at 11 they have a lot of interesting guys left on the board if they want to swing for the fences. They could go Noah Essingay who's a 69 kind of mystery box. They could go with Derek Queen who's still on the board who is just like a offensive mastermind of a center from Maryland. They could go with Yakachonas. Your guy six, six kind of do it all wing prospect that can shoot it and pass and dribble and but needs some really good coaching I would say would be a nice.

[Jake Fischer]

Okay her shams.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Who do we got? Yeah, tell me.

[Jake Fischer]

Cedric coward at number 11.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, they're trading it. Oh, the Portland Trailblazers are trading Cedric Coward at 11 to the Memphis Grizzlies also makes sense.

[Jake Fischer]

Yeah, Howard is a guy I've had pegged for the Grizzlies for a while now. I didn't know if he would be there. Obviously it makes sense now that they, they trade up and get their guy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay, tell me about Cedric Coward.

[Jake Fischer]

Yeah, 6, 6 Wing came back with a 7:2 wingspan in the the pre draft results which kind of caused his stock to bloom. He's unique in that he is kind of a prospecty like developmental wing but he comes with shooting built in which as we've seen Memphis has valued over the last few years and then he's got defensive versatility in terms of he'll be able to play multiple positions. I think he does need to get quite a bit better at defense but that should happen. I mean we only saw him six games this year for Washington State separate a season ending labor injury. But I mean good prospect like the, the pre draft hype was warranted. Obviously he's drafted just outside the top 10 so he was a player I liked for both of those teams. I'm somewhat shocked that Portland did go back.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I am too. I love that pick. I, I think that he's one of those guys. He's obviously risen through the draft process but I love that for Memphis. They're, they're a team that Kind of needs to restock after they've made the trade the. To trade away Desmond Bain. And so getting a guy like Cedric Coward in, I think that he projects as a guy that could be a starter in the NBA. So I like that from Memphis quite a bit. Did. Have we gotten details on what they're trading?

[Jake Fischer]

I have not seen any yet. I would imagine go back to that. That spot and then maybe just add a little bit of window assets.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, you would think that it's just additional draft compensation to get there and possibly some of the draft compensation they just received in the Desmond Bain trade. But I like that a lot. I would have liked Cedric Howard to the Blazers. I. I actually don't know that there's a bad spot for him and so. But I do think Memphis needs more wings. Certainly, you know, we saw them in need of that in the first round against the Thunder and so I like it. Is there a comp for him that you like?

[Jake Fischer]

I'm not a big comp guy. I'm bad. I was. I was a very like, fresh NBA fan a few years ago, so I don't have the. The context.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay.

[Jake Fischer]

I mean, people say J Dub. I. I don't have a comp, but I will say I don't like the J Dub comp. As I told you. Like, I think he's not near as good of a creator and on ball player, but like, he does offer the same like size, hopeful defensive versatility.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I think I. I think it's a great spot for him.

[Jake Fischer]

I will say. Yeah, go ahead, Kawhi Leonard. But yeah, someone posted like a side by side of his shooting form and Kawhi Leonard's shooting form today on Twitter and it is uncanny how similar it is. So that's something.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Kenny Moore in. In the chat says that he's Moses Moody, so. Oh, S. How you feeling? Raptors pick Columnari Boyles.

[S]

I'm already selling myself on short roll calling Murray Boils. Dho. Keep Colin Murray Boils.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[S]

I'm locked in.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Eric Green. Okay, let's. Let's talk about Colin Murray Boils a little bit. We've got two Raptors guys here. Eric. Eric. Thoughts? Feelings? I don't think you can hear us. Hey, can you hear us? I don't think Eric can hear us.

[Cedric Coward]

I can hear you slightly. Let me see if this improves things if I walk outside of the Raptors practice facility.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Okay. S. Give us. Give us the quick scout on. On your guy CMB and how he fits with the Raptors.

[Cedric Coward]

Sorry, this Isn't gonna work. It's just gonna. Oh, now I see you at least. Let's go.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Can you hear us now? Yes. Yeah.

[Cedric Coward]

This is good. This is good. We've done it. We've done it.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay. Perfect. Thoughts on the Raptors selecting a guy that is very Raptorsy?

[Cedric Coward]

I'm sure f had some opinions.

[S]

Yep.

[Cedric Coward]

Look, I don't know how it's gonna work offensively. They saw Dan Tolsman. Uh, the assistant GM said on Monday that, you know, you don't pick a rookie for now, especially a bigger. You know, Murray Boyles is as much a four as a five. But you don't pick those guys for right now and you wait and you develop them. Then you see what happens. And if you're, if you're planning to have a rookie fill a lot of rotation minutes, then you might not be very good. And the Raptors are hoping to make a step next year. He is a very Raptors y guy, as you say, you know, one of the best defenders in the class, maybe the best defender certainly is intelligence defensively as off the charts. He'll be able to guard a few positions. The question will be how it works on offense and if you could figure that out, you know a bit more than I do.

[S]

Yeah, I, I look very Raptors a guy that is obvious. But I, I love the defensive fit for a team that is trying to hang its hat on the defensive end. Especially towards the end of last season where they turned into a top 10 ish defense with Scotty Barnes and Yaka Purdle and just a defensive intensity that they had at the point of attack. I think Murray Boyles fits into what they want to do defensively perfectly. The offensive side of the ball. I think it will actually surprise folks. I think the ability to make plays, to be a passer, to work in the high post area, the feel for the game overall, that fits with what the Raptors want from that position. And it's, it's pretty clear that to me they're betting on him developing offensively as a scorer, as a guy who can drive and eventually shoot. That's obviously something that everybody talks about, but we'll see.

[Cedric Coward]

They've done that before. They, they did it with Pascal Siakam, they did it with OG Anunoby. Not, not necessarily, you know, exactly the same as Marie Boyles, but those were non shooters essentially. Especially Siakam coming to the Raptors. The Raptors believe they can, you know, that's one. A skill that they could really help guys improve in house, it's worked sometimes, it hasn't worked other times, but they're going to be happy to know that the baseline is a, you know, a very high level processor of the game and defender. I think that stuff is increasingly important to them as they build the team.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Are they going to thin this roster out? Eric, do you think there's a need to trade some of these forwards to make way for cmb?

[Cedric Coward]

They're very close to the tax, so they might, they might have to find a way for some savings. There are ways to do that that isn't, you know, taking away from the core. You know, RJ Barrett's name has been in trade rumors all, you know, for a lot of the summer. And I wouldn't be surprised if he goes. But that doesn't necessarily answer all your questions. I don't think they're going to be super concerned about, you know, funneling playing time to Murray Boyles. If he earns it out of camp, great. If he doesn't, they're happy to let him develop. With Raptors 905, that's not the type of thing they would be too stressed about at this point. But you know, they are awfully, you know, if we're talking about the positional sector spectrum, they are very meaty in the middle. And then they, you know, don't have a ton at guard or with true centers. It's Jakob Pontel and then, you know, a project in Ulrichavji.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They should, they should make shirts for opening night that says meaty in the middle, you know, for the Raptors. I like that idea.

[Cedric Coward]

I mean, it would agree with my, my body type, but we don't, we don't need to get too far into.

[Andrew Schlecht]

That as you have. You have anything else for Eric? I'd love for you guys to be able to chat for just like maybe one or two more questions. You're. You're muted somehow.

[S]

S I, I said I was about to say I'm gonna see Eric tomorrow. Likely.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

Unless you. Are you locked into the second round like I am Eric, or I wouldn't.

[Cedric Coward]

Say I'm locked in. I might have to rely on your knowledge, but I do plan on being there.

[S]

Yeah, I wish, I wish I could say I was wildly knowledgeable about the second round of the draft. That's probably more of a Derek Parker question, but. Yeah, no, I, I agree with the whole trade aspect of things and what you mentioned, I guess. Do you, do you see this maybe being a bet or against Jonathan Mobo? Because they're, they're similar ish players.

[Cedric Coward]

We're getting deep now. You guys have been live. Yeah, you guys have been live streaming. I can see for 34 minutes. So if you're asking if they're betting against the 31st pick of the 2024.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Draft, looks the mobile line here.

[S]

I think I'm a big mobile.

[Cedric Coward]

Yeah, that is the line.

[S]

I'm just asking questions.

[Cedric Coward]

No, I mean that, that late season triple double. The only rookie to record a triple double, Jonathan Mobo, I believe. Or at least he was when, when he, when he recorded that near the end of the season. I don't know if it's a bet against him. I think the Raptors are showing what they value and they know that not every guy is going to develop in a perfect world. And if they can, you know, let's. If they can pile guys like that and have one or two really hit, then they'll figure out what to do. And you know, for all of Jonathan Mobo, like, it's not like I think he hit a, you know, his free table log as expected, which was slowly, I'm sure we'll go into camp and they'll be talking about Colin Murray Boyles having to take those open threes and it will come along slowly. But if you get one of those sort of, you know, guys who can defend 3, 4 and 5 and you know, playmate and really see the floor and then suddenly one of them can shoot a three and hit it league average number of times now you are cooking with gas. So I, I wouldn't read too much into the Jonathan mobile of it all, Ash.

[S]

Okay, thank you. I just. As a, as a die hard Mobo believer, you know, I'm just, I'm worried about my stock on Mobile island, you know, but.

[Cedric Coward]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, it's amazing. Yeah, amazing. Eric, thanks so much for coming on. Go read Eric at the Athletic. We appreciate your time, man.

[Cedric Coward]

Have fun, guys.

[Eric Green]

Thanks.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Derek Parker, you're still here with us. If you would like, you're welcome to go, you're welcome to hang out. We'd love to have you, but if you've got other things to do, it's up to you.

[Jake Fischer]

I do need to bounce. We're taking on water right now with all these trades and.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Jake Fischer]

And so I'm gonna go help out Nick Crane. If you'll have me, I can maybe hop back on here in a little bit. When are y' all hopping off here?

[Andrew Schlecht]

We're gonna be done at the lottery, so maybe we can have you on again to kind of dissect some stuff with us later on.

[Jake Fischer]

Okay, sounds good.

[S]

Bye, guys.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Derek. See you, buddy.

[S]

Okay, so I have to catch everybody up on the stream because there's been some stuff that's gone down here.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So there's been some stuff. Catch us up here.

[S]

Yeah. So the. The Portland Trailblazers are trading Cedric Cowardly.

[Andrew Schlecht]

We did discuss that. We did discuss that.

[S]

And you guys talked about the trade. 16th pick, 2028. Okay.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

The Atlanta Hawks are trading the 13th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. Get this. For the number 23 pick and an unprotected first round pick from Milwaukee next year. Most favorable between the Pelicans and the Bucks. That is a crazy pick to pay.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I don't know what to think about that. And they're taking Derek Queen.

[S]

Yeah. And they're taking their queen.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And they're taking Derek Queen. They must be big queen believers there.

[S]

The Bulls are also taking Noah Sangay. That's the other.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, I. I don't like that for Chicago at all. That scares me a little bit. Like they're taking on another forward project. What else is new in Chicago?

[S]

Yeah, I thought they would take Queen because they, they desperately need a center. So I'm surprised that they didn't take Queen.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You know, I know. I'm a little surprised, too. I think that it allows you to. To. To take the. The first exit ramp on Vuch and bring in their queen. But they're taking no essing. Tell us a little bit about no essingay for those who don't know anything about him.

[S]

Dude. I honestly, I think he's as much of a mystery box for everybody else as he is for me. It's been pretty toug watch some of his games.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

At Ratio Farm, Derek Parker actually did a pretty good breakdown of a senge. And that's where I got a lot of my information from. He is a very talented transition player. Long arms makes him a good athlete defensively.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Six foot nine.

[S]

Yes.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He's super duper young. He's only like, he's all. I think he might be one of the youngest guys.

[S]

He is one of the youngest. Yes, absolutely. He's one of the youngest.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He and Cooper the same age, I think.

[Derek Parker]

Right.

[S]

So he's super young. You hope that you can kind of like mold him to. To be who he can be, by the way. Oh, my God. I need to talk to you about the Nets pick because that's crazy to me that they took. That's nuts. I think that's insane. I would not have had look again, I'm not going to go out and say that I am the greatest draft man in the world, but yeah, I am shocked that Jaegor Demon went in the top 10. I know, I know. He had a pretty interesting season in byu the first basically five, six games. You're looking at him and saying maybe he could be a top five pick. But I thought he struggled against the physicality. I'm curious to see what Derek Parker thought of that. I bet he was pretty high on Jaeger Demon, by the way.

[Andrew Schlecht]

He likes Demon, but he was surprised by that too. I think he wanted. He thought. I mean, Yakatonis and Demon aren't like too dissimilar and that they're kind of these like guard wing prospects, like, and they can. You don't know exactly where their careers are going to go and like what position they'll play. Yakotonas at least can shoot it, in my opinion. Demon. Yeah, he's like Josh Giddy if Josh Giddy doesn't score. Yeah, it's kind of like the, the.

[S]

Way 27 from three.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. It's not ideal. It's not ideal. Yeah.

[S]

I don't know. I'm not necessarily in love with that pick for Brooklyn, but they do have a lot of kicks in at the can here. You know what I mean? They have a lot of opportunities.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They do. There's a lot going on. Yeah, a lot, a lot of movement here, here in the, in the late lottery, which is pretty fun. Zach Vobernick in the chat. Great question. So they get Queen, Fears and pool and they traded away their first round pick next year. What is going on in New Orleans? It's a great question.

[S]

So I just want to get the clarity on that. They, they really traded their first round pick next year. I don't understand that. Like, are they. Because in the west, you, you, you, you know, we obviously are locked in in the West. Are the Pelicans close to the plan?

[Andrew Schlecht]

No, no, not at all.

[S]

My God. I, I don't, I don't, I don't understand that whatsoever. Are. Is this a bet against Milwaukee?

[Andrew Schlecht]

I think perhaps it's a bet against Milwaukee. They've gone all offense here in the draft.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

With Queen and Fears. These are like two, like they're probably like the two highest upside picks as far as like guys that can get their own buckets at these spots.

[S]

Let me see what else they have pick wise.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So I don't mind, I don't necessarily mind that, but man.

[S]

Yeah, no, that's the only pick they have in 20, 26. So it's not like it's a backup that I don't understand. They must love Derek Queen.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They must love Derek Queen, which I. I'm not the biggest air Queen guy, you know, if you don't know much about Derek Queen. He's a 610 center, played for Maryland. He is a true bucket getter, a really good rebounder, a pretty good passer as well. He will get the counting stats on defense, but in my opinion, the guy's got no breaks whatsoever. He's gonna play drop pretty much exclusively. He scares me in any other type of defense, and he's not even that great a drop, in my opinion. So I. I don't. I don't necessarily love that. This is a hilarious detail from a friend of the show, Jake Fisher. He said that Vasilier Micich is heading back to Charlotte in the Mark Williams trade. So wonderful. The. The Suns and Hornets have passed back and forth, which I think is a signal that, like, you know what? Might rather be back in Europe. Okay. Than being passed back and forth by Phoenix and Charlotte. Don't love that. Don't love that one bit.

[S]

I am so profoundly confused by what the Pelicans are doing now. San Versini also just tweeted out, I think it's time for the NBA to take over the New Orleans Pelicans franchise.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They just hired a new gm. They just did. They just fired a guy and hired a guy. And you know what? This is.

[S]

Oh, my God.

[Andrew Schlecht]

This is what we need. This is what we need.

[S]

Oh, I hate that this happened. I hate it. The San Antonio spurs are selecting Carter Bryant.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

I think that is perfect for them, and I hate that it's perfect for them.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. I kind of. If. If I'm like the Bulls and maybe this will look stupid at some point, but if, like, I'm. If I'm the Bulls, like, hey, why don't you select a. A wing that I think will actually be good? How about that?

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Scares Snk may be really good, but that he. He's a. He's a very low floor prospect.

[S]

Wild upside pick. Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Wild upside. Very low floor. I think Carter Bryant, I mean, he came off the bench. He's a little bit of an older freshman. He's not that far out from being 20 years old. The production wasn't crazy at Arizona, but, like, the tools are there to be like, it's three and D guy. Vicini compared him to a guy like Marvin Williams. You know, he's a 6, 8 forward that can kind of do a little bit of everything defensively, offensively, kind of limited at this point.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

But if the, if the shooting works, then this is just a very helpful, productive forward that a lot of teams would want. So. Yeah, I like, I like the Carter Bryant move for them.

[S]

Yeah, I'm jealous of the Carter Bryant move, honestly. Yes, I, I think he is. He's an insane defender. Like, he, he does so many good things. And by the way, OKC is now officially on the clock. So I'm very excited to see where you think the. What you think the Thunder will do here at 15. A lot of options Still a lot.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Of options here for. For okc. We'll stay on through the OKC pick and then we'll end the stream after the Thunder pick at 15. 1. I want to thank everybody for joining us. This is.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Very fun. Love hanging out with us. Love hanging out with you guys. Shout out to everybody who's with us. Yeah, I mean, I think as far as the Thunder go, I mean, Thomas Sorber is a guy that's been linked to okc. Nick Clifford is an interesting guy.

[S]

You know how much I like Sorber.

[Andrew Schlecht]

For you guys as a wing. Yep. We talked about Sorber, you and I. Baron J. I think is interesting, too. Another super young player that plays the center position. Will Riley out of Illinois, an interesting, like, like pretty tall wing that. That is. That I think is a guy that could play for OKC. Danny Wolf, another big man. Liam McNeely, who I think is probably a little early for McNeely, but he's another guy that I think, thinking, you know, I think he didn't shoot the ball well at Connecticut, but I think the guy could shoot the rock. Yeah. Yeah. I think that there's a lot of interesting options here and we also know that we probably won't know the pick until we actually get to Adam Silver.

[S]

You guys are the exact same as us. Yeah, the exact same as us.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Are you sad about the model watch thing?

[S]

No, no, I'm not. I, I like. I don't think think that Malawatch would have been my pick. We were just doing this on the Raptors Republic stream, but we kind of listed like our top three guys in the moment.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

None of us, none of us mentioned Malawatch. Yeah, our, our list was Derrick Queen, Colin Murray Boyles, Carter Bryant.

[Andrew Schlecht]

God, look at the Carter Bryant fit.

[S]

It's a great fit. It is a great.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Oh, my gosh. I like the fit. That's the fit of the night right there. It's.

[S]

Yeah, the V Neck.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Is. Is it a V neck or is he just not wearing a shirt?

[S]

He's not wearing a shirt, but it. It looks like a V neck. It's like be cut. I like it.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that's. That's. I mean, that's again, like the shorts that we saw earlier on our. On our guy, Trey Johnson. I think that the. This is a really good sign for the spurs, that this. This is a fit that will take you to the promised land.

[S]

Andrew, I'm not kidding when I say this is the. This is the pick that I'm most jealous about because I just think he's so perfectly aligned. Want to do him and. Him and Dylan Harper. Like, I think that's perfect. Ex. Like, perfect. Perfect. Perfect for what the spurs want to do. Carter, Brian's elite defender, especially at the point of attack. He can play three. He can guard threes and fours. I'm very excited to see how his shooting translates because I think he is a pretty good shooter that will, like, spread the floor. The spurs needed shooting. He makes so much sense for them. I hate it, and I don't even say it as a way. I hate it because the Spurs. I hate it because I wanted the Raptors to take Carter Bryant, but. Yeah, it is what it is. It is what it is. Wow, that is an incredible fit for Carter Bryant, actually. Yeah, now that I'm looking at it.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[S]

He isn't wearing a shirt.

[Andrew Schlecht]

You're right.

[S]

He's not wearing a shirt.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's a great sign. Yeah, it's a great sign for his career. Who should OKC take?

[S]

Sorber is my guy. I'm. I'm leaning in. Thomas Sorber is the guy that OKC should take. He got injured, and so I'm always worried about Biggs with foot injuries. You guys have had your fair share of bigs with. With injuries.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's worked out okay. It's worked out okay.

[S]

It's worked out okay. You guys actually have had your fair share of rookies with injuries, you know.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, yeah, without a doubt. Yeah. This is. This is their specialty, is finding guys that. That are hurt. I don't. I don't mind Sorber. I told you yesterday, it's a little boring. It's a little boring to bring in, like, your. What would be your. Yeah, fourth center on the roster. But there. There is utility in a guy like Thomas Sorber for the future of the Thunder. I would just like to see them take a big wing. And if we're talking about big wings that are left, I would love for Them to take Yakachonas that, that. I mean he is probably the most fun outcome here and that he is like a high upside big guard that just has more guile than just about anybody left in this draft. I really like him. I, I like the idea of a Will Riley. I don't mind that. I love the. Again, a lot of guile and Danny Wolf as a big man that can shoot it and kind of do everything. I'm really intrigued to see what Sam Presti does here because I, I have no clue what direction they're going to go here. It would feel chalk to go with Thomas Sorber at this point. I think it would kind of. It would kind of just show you that like yeah, maybe they do need that replacement eventually for Isaiah Hartenstein. You don't have to find it now. I'll tell you that. Like that's not something you have to find now. And also this could. Jay Will be that replacement in general. Like the guy Jay Will is not old. Like he's still young and a guy that's getting better and better and a guy that I think deserves to have more minutes. And by the time that, you know, they, they may have to part ways of Hartenstein, maybe Jay will is ready to take the backup center and also Chet Holmgren is going to get bigger and stronger over the next couple years and will be able to, you know, take on different kinds of assignments. So I think that what's on the roster now, it's certainly possible that they don't really need that replacement down the road. So yeah, I could, I could. You could talk yourself into just about anything here. I mean the Thunder just won the NBA championship and they get to pick at 15, which is not a normal thing to do. And 24 and 24. And so it really allows you a lot of room to kind of play around and to take literally, they need to take who they think is the best player available. They don't need to take a particular position. They need to take the best player available. And I think that's what they will do. I think that they will take. I don't think they shy away from high upside. I don't think they shy away from doing something that they really believe in. Well, so here we go. You are so far ahead of me. How are you? Whatever this stream is here, you know, shout out to the Jones assembly. But it's, it is like I'm over a minute behind you.

[S]

I have to, I have to credit Jeff Goodman. Goodman hoops, who has been churning out these Picks faster than anything.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Goodman get it?

[S]

Goodman has gotten every pick tonight faster than any anybody.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Wow.

[S]

It's actually incredible.

[Cedric Coward]

Wow.

[S]

Do you want me to spoil it for you? Do you want me to. Well, people are already spoiling it.

[Andrew Schlecht]

It's gonna, it's. It's gonna be the, the boring pick, isn't it? It's not boring, but it's like a, a pick that, that has utility I think for the Thunder and Thomas Sorber. Yeah, I mean Thomas Sorber for those that don't know 610 center out of Georgetown can do honestly do a little bit of everything. And when we talk about that, I think offensively, defensively, this is a guy that can do a lot for, for any team. And so I think that he's gonna, he can score a decent amount. What do you think of him as a guy that's. Is he just around the basket? Is this guy that can ever shoot it? What are your thoughts on that?

[S]

He has an interesting mid range game. Like he can, he can shoot the mid range shot a little bit which is a decent indicator that eventually he might be able to stretch the floor just like as an off the catch guy. I. So you know how Hartenstein is used as a passing hub as a guy who can like at the above the break, make plays for you find cutters, etc. Yeah, I think, I think Sorber can do that. Exactly. And he's a very, very versatile defender. The hands and the activity from Sorber is what will pop out day one for okc because of, I mean like he is long. He's very, very long. He's like 6, 9, 6 10, but he has a 7 foot 5.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I believe it checks out the way.

[S]

That he is able to. I, I comped him to. So he has a little bit of slow feet. That's the only issue here, has slow feet which is going to be. I. The defensive versatility might not be there from day one, but like I liken him to Roy Hibbert with more offensive juice. Yeah, like I think it's like imagine Roy Hibbert and Isaiah Hartenstein fused together. That's who I would probably say that's.

[Andrew Schlecht]

A, that's a starting level center is what that is.

[S]

I think he can be his starting level center, to be honest with you.

[Eric Green]

You.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that's a good, that's a good player. And it, and it does, and it doesn't necessarily signal that Hartenstein is not long for the Thunder, but it just gives that. What it does is it gives them options to kind of move through this next era and not be afraid of losing Hartenstein down the road and be able to develop this guy. He'll probably play some with the blue just to get some burn, but he doesn't seem like a guy that's gonna need a lot of burn with the blue. He seems like a guy who, you know, plays the game at, at a really good level as far as, like, he's just has, seems to have great basketball iq. And so for Thomas Sorber, what a moment for him to. To be able to go to this organization and to play for a team that just won the NBA championship and to potentially be a part of a championship level team for the next several years of his career. So shout out to Sorber, what a, what an incredible moment for him and his family.

[S]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Also shout out to the fit that is just sparkling.

[S]

Oh, bedazzled.

[Andrew Schlecht]

How do we feel about. How do we feel about the fit? I am loving it. He's got the big TS chain.

[S]

Nice.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I'm. I'm. You know what? This is good. This is a good sign for. Okay, I like this.

[S]

I like this. I, I think Sorber is a really good big. Like, I, I think he's awesome. He was another guy that I think the Raptors probably should have considered at nine, but I, I just love like everything he brings to the game as a defender. Even though he does have that, the slow feet, like the way that he uses his hands is sick. Also probably a very high character guy. If he's going to okc.

[Andrew Schlecht]

If he's going to okc, you better believe this is a guy that's got high character because especially when you're the Thunder and you have your, your pick of the litter here at 15, like you're gonna pick a guy that not as only good at basketball, but has high character. So I like the pick. I think that it is a really interesting one for okc, who just kind of continues to add to their stockpile here and is finding ways to continue to maneuver their roster as they're about to get really expensive. And so I do think that this makes sense in that capacity. Hey, thank you so much for tuning in on this live stream. We've gone for almost two hours. We've had a ton of people pop in. It's been a huge blessing to us to be able to do this. So thank you guys for, for joining us here on the NBA draft live stream here on the athletic NBA Dailies YouTube stream. This will go up on the podcast feed as well. So we'll have more NBA draft content for you guys throughout the rest of the week. We'll have a recap of the second round tomorrow, so looking forward to that. And we will talk to you guys again sometime tomorrow.

[S]

Hi, this is Frances from Fixable, a podcast from ted.

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