2020 NBA Draft

[RIVERCITYCHIEF]

I have some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell ya.

I said in the original post. He is not and never will be Shaq but he could work himself in the the first round and a lottery pick. He also could get a lot stronger and more aggressive in the paint. All I did mention is what Kof said which I dont think you realized he said. So if you wanna sell somebody that ^Arizona Oceanfront property" go sell it and call Kofi a liar not me for saying what he said and taking him at his word. Ralph Sampson had a 36 in vertical fyi and that means diddly too other than it's about 40 years later and training methods are improving. I only said what he said and I think he could be a lottery pick eventually and dunk more balls in the paint. Like the one he missed at the end if the MSU game before he made the 2 FTs. He certainly could have and is capable of doing that. Eventually I think he will dunk balls like that with experience.

 

[Kingsnake22]

One thing is for sure, Kofi isn’t a lottery pick and if he’s smart he will stay one more year at least. We didn’t lose this game because of Ayo, our offense is transition baskets and always has been. We can’t score in half court offense, this team desperately needs shooters to open it up for Kofi or Giorgi. I’m sorry but Alan has to start when Ayo does come back.

 

[Illinilegends1]

He's

One thing is for sure, Kofi isn’t a lottery pick and if he’s smart he will stay one more year at least. We didn’t lose this game because of Ayo, our offense is transition baskets and always has been. We can’t score in half court offense, this team desperately needs shooters to open it up for Kofi or Giorgi. I’m sorry but Alan has to start when Ayo does come back.

He's absolutely a lottery pick. He's got God- given size and strength. He's got a very high motor. And he cares. Brad does NOTHING to get him easy buckets. No lobs. No set plays to get him switched on a smaller player. Everything Kofi gets, he earns by taking his guy one on one, scoring on 3 defenders or getting offensive rebounds due to pure athleticism, strength, and effort.

He has NBA Executives salavating.



He

 

[Jive Turkey]

He's


He's absolutely a lottery pick. He's got God- given size and strength. He's got a very high motor. And he cares. Brad does NOTHING to get him easy buckets. No lobs. No set plays to get him switched on a smaller player. Everything Kofi gets, he earns by taking his guy one on one, scoring on 3 defenders or getting offensive rebounds due to pure athleticism, strength, and effort.

He has NBA Executives salavating.



He

He’s not a lottery pick at this point. No way. But Chris Washburn was a lottery pick once so who knows.

 

[Hopingfor500]

He’s not a lottery pick at this point. No way. But Chris Washburn was a lottery pick once so who knows.

He's not a lottery pick. End of story. He's not a first round pick(this year). He's COULD be a second round pick if there's a team with no glaring needs and no bench space available that's willing to take a flyer and try and develop him in the G-League for a few years.


Much like Udoka Azibuike(a probable 2nd rounder), Kofi's best bet is to be a three or four year guy. He is so raw. He's an amazing physical specimen, but right now that's all he is. If you're going to survive playing his style at the next level, a lot has to change.... most notably finishing. We don't see him going up until traffic and dunking on someone. He doesn't go up strong. The ball gets stripped because he brings it down. Then, when he regathers, he leaves a three foot bunny short on the rim. He doesn't need to hit from 20, but if he can add a short baseline jumper and an elbow jumper....his world will open up.

Doke would be Kofi's best comp. If he gets the that level.....he's a sure fire NBA draft choice with a legit chance to stick on a roster. As of today.....not a snowballs chance.

 

[illinibballfan]

Not sure about 4 years being his best option. Strike while the iron is hot.

Unfortunately, his iron isn't as hot the last few games and the NBA is looking for a different type of player. Heck, Andre Drummond is Kofi that can score and one of the better defenders in the league while leading the league in boards and he just got traded for two bench warmers and some second round picks.

Kofi should probably watch a lot of Jokic, Adebayo and Sabonis because that seems to be how big men with his size are being developed in the NBA.

He's not a lottery pick. End of story. He's not a first round pick(this year). He's COULD be a second round pick if there's a team with no glaring needs and no bench space available that's willing to take a flyer and try and develop him in the G-League for a few years.


Much like Udoka Azibuike(a probable 2nd rounder), Kofi's best bet is to be a three or four year guy. He is so raw. He's an amazing physical specimen, but right now that's all he is. If you're going to survive playing his style at the next level, a lot has to change.... most notably finishing. We don't see him going up until traffic and dunking on someone. He doesn't go up strong. The ball gets stripped because he brings it down. Then, when he regathers, he leaves a three foot bunny short on the rim. He doesn't need to hit from 20, but if he can add a short baseline jumper and an elbow jumper....his world will open up.

Doke would be Kofi's best comp. If he gets the that level.....he's a sure fire NBA draft choice with a legit chance to stick on a roster. As of today.....not a snowballs chance.

 

[Illinilegends1]

He's not a lottery pick. End of story. He's not a first round pick(this year). He's COULD be a second round pick if there's a team with no glaring needs and no bench space available that's willing to take a flyer and try and develop him in the G-League for a few years.


Much like Udoka Azibuike(a probable 2nd rounder), Kofi's best bet is to be a three or four year guy. He is so raw. He's an amazing physical specimen, but right now that's all he is. If you're going to survive playing his style at the next level, a lot has to change.... most notably finishing. We don't see him going up until traffic and dunking on someone. He doesn't go up strong. The ball gets stripped because he brings it down. Then, when he regathers, he leaves a three foot bunny short on the rim. He doesn't need to hit from 20, but if he can add a short baseline jumper and an elbow jumper....his world will open up.

Doke would be Kofi's best comp. If he gets the that level.....he's a sure fire NBA draft choice with a legit chance to stick on a roster. As of today.....not a snowballs chance.

Kofi come back for his Sophomore year, have a dominating season and be a lottery pick. You guys arent understanding how physically dominating he is. I was laughed at the EXACT same way when i told everyone Leonard was a lottery pick. Kofi has way more upside that Meyers.

I watch a ton of NBA basketball. Kofi is 100% a lottery type player in the league

 

[Hopingfor500]

Kofi come back for his Sophomore year, have a dominating season and be a lottery pick. You guys arent understanding how physically dominating he is. I was laughed at the EXACT same way when i told everyone Leonard was a lottery pick. Kofi has way more upside that Meyers.

I watch a ton of NBA basketball. Kofi is 100% a lottery type player in the league

I'd like to respectfully (of course) disagree. Meyers, though he was a bit of an emotional mess, brought a lot more skill to the table than Kofi as a Freshman. He was comfortable facing up, backing down, he handled the ball well, he had range on his jumper and he could beat the defense down the floor. These are all things that translate to what the NBA is looking for at the 5.

Kofi is a physical specimen. Absolutely no doubt about that.

What do you see as a skill that he brings to the table that, as another poster said, translates to what an NBA team is looking for at the position?

He's not even top five in the league in rebounding.

A year from now, what makes him a top 14 pick in a truly global draft?

 

[abqbball47]

No way

Kofi come back for his Sophomore year, have a dominating season and be a lottery pick. You guys arent understanding how physically dominating he is. I was laughed at the EXACT same way when i told everyone Leonard was a lottery pick. Kofi has way more upside that Meyers.

I watch a ton of NBA basketball. Kofi is 100% a lottery type player in the league

Is Kofi a lottery pick! Myers Leonard had a jump shot. Kofi has to show he can hit from 10-18ft jump shots. The game has changed so much in the NBA. They don't play zones and who can he guard in the NBA? All the big men can shoot like guards now. Can and will he be a NBA player Absolutely. 10pts and 10 boards per game in the NBA will make him a very Rich man. Has a lot of work to do. I believe. Not after this year, needs to come back......

 

[SescIllini]

He's


He's absolutely a lottery pick. He's got God- given size and strength. He's got a very high motor. And he cares. Brad does NOTHING to get him easy buckets. No lobs. No set plays to get him switched on a smaller player. Everything Kofi gets, he earns by taking his guy one on one, scoring on 3 defenders or getting offensive rebounds due to pure athleticism, strength, and effort.

He has NBA Executives salavating.



He

Kofi is a great specimen and raw talent but he needs further developement in year 2 at minimum. Not in any mock drafts this year. Shaq stayed for 3 and Duncan for 4 but Kofi only needs 1 year?

 

[Jive Turkey]

Kofi come back for his Sophomore year, have a dominating season and be a lottery pick. You guys arent understanding how physically dominating he is. I was laughed at the EXACT same way when i told everyone Leonard was a lottery pick. Kofi has way more upside that Meyers.

I watch a ton of NBA basketball. Kofi is 100% a lottery type player in the league

Not this year. Unless there is a Ryan Pace type GM in the NBA.

 

[Deleted member 8896]

Tryingvt

He's


He's absolutely a lottery pick. He's got God- given size and strength. He's got a very high motor. And he cares. Brad does NOTHING to get him easy buckets. No lobs. No set plays to get him switched on a smaller player. Everything Kofi gets, he earns by taking his guy one on one, scoring on 3 defenders or getting offensive rebounds due to pure athleticism, strength, and effort.

He has NBA Executives salavating.

Trying to decide if you said this in jest or not. Assuming you were serious you are way way off base. He doesn’t have NBA skills yet & needs to develop quickness of thought & a higher basketball IQ. Maybe someday, but not anytime soon.

 

[RedRocksIllini]

Not this year. Unless there is a Ryan Pace type GM in the NBA.

I guess the good news is that at any given time, there are about 8 or 10 of those in the NBA.

 

[frycicle]

Kofi is a great specimen and raw talent but he needs further developement in year 2 at minimum. Not in any mock drafts this year. Shaq stayed for 3 and Duncan for 4 but Kofi only needs 1 year?

NBA is different now than Shaq or Duncan, you want to leave earlier if you show potential to get access to the best coaching and training in the world. Shaq could have easily been #1 pick as a sophomore also, it just wasn't the culture at the time.

That said, Kofi needs 1-2 more years to be a lotto pick. To do that, he has to become a dominant rim protector, a great switch big man, or shoot 35%+ from 3 at a regular clip. Otherwise he just is not that useful in todays NBA.

 

[RIVERCITYCHIEF]

NBA is different now than Shaq or Duncan, you want to leave earlier if you show potential to get access to the best coaching and training in the world. Shaq could have easily been #1 pick as a sophomore also, it just wasn't the culture at the time.

That said, Kofi needs 1-2 more years to be a lotto pick. To do that, he has to become a dominant rim protector, a great switch big man, or shoot 35%+ from 3 at a regular clip. Otherwise he just is not that useful in todays NBA.

I feel that stuff about todays NBA centers needing to be able to shoot threes is just not true if they are dominant. Shaq and Kareem only hit 2 three pointers in their careers combined and if they were in the draft today they would without a doubt be taken number one over all. Kofi is not them and needs to stay in school at least one more year and likely longer. Also I think our staff is likely better than any G league staff. I'm not sure what coaches make in the G league compared to ours I doubt very seriously given a choice a G league coach would turn down a pay check like ours h er t or vice versa.
If a big man can be good at a couple things like you mention you can carve out a role.

 

[soupy17]

Sam Vecenie of the Athletic released his latest Mock draft on the 13th (paywall) https://theathletic.com/1603325/202...raft-version-3-0-post-trade-deadline-edition/

Has Ayo at 34, up from ~60s on his last edition.

Kofi not on the board. In the comment section, he notes that he 100% thinks that Kofi should stay in school this year, and that the chatter from CBB analysts that don't cover the draft could be "putting some bad ideas in his head".

 

[TheFameProtector]

Kofi come back for his Sophomore year, have a dominating season and be a lottery pick. You guys arent understanding how physically dominating he is. I was laughed at the EXACT same way when i told everyone Leonard was a lottery pick. Kofi has way more upside that Meyers.

I watch a ton of NBA basketball. Kofi is 100% a lottery type player in the league

As the great Rick Carlisle said earlier this season (link):

"The post-up just isn't a good play anymore. It just isn't a good play. It's not a good play for a 7-3 guy. It's a low-value situation"

Doesn't matter how physically dominating Kofi is, unless he's got a Joel Embiid-type combination of physical AND skill dominance in the post. Kofi is brawnier than Leonard, but Leonard had more upside with his body (taller, longer, bouncier) and was a good shooter.

I've said it once and will say it again: the only way Kofi is a lottery pick is if he can be a consistent, high-volume-ish threat from the perimeter AND is capable of at least holding his own on a switch. Anything less than that and teams would rather spend their pick on wings and guards with more diverse, in-demand skill sets.

 

[frycicle]

I feel that stuff about todays NBA centers needing to be able to shoot threes is just not true if they are dominant. Shaq and Kareem only hit 2 three pointers in their careers combined and if they were in the draft today they would without a doubt be taken number one over all. Kofi is not them and needs to stay in school at least one more year and likely longer. Also I think our staff is likely better than any G league staff. I'm not sure what coaches make in the G league compared to ours I doubt very seriously given a choice a G league coach would turn down a pay check like ours h er t or vice versa.
If a big man can be good at a couple things like you mention you can carve out a role.

Name a dominant big man today with no outside or faceup game. I can think of 1.

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Name a dominant big man today with no outside or faceup game. I can think of 1.

How many dominant big man are in the NBA? And it really depends on how you define big man. Kofi is a center. I think it is highly unlikely he ever develops a game like Anthony Davis, Kevin Love or other players like that. Right now ESPN has 16 players listed at center that average double figures in scoring, and 9 that average 15 or more per game. Of those 16, only 6 average 1 or more made 3 pointers per game and none average 2. Of those 6, only 1 shoots 35% or better from 3. As for rebounding, only 10 players ESPN lists as centers average double figures in rebounding. Tristan Thompson is one of those who averages a double double (12.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg). Is he a dominant big man? Guess it depends how you define it, but he's averaging 0.3 3-pt attempts a game and less than 1 block per game.

Last year Jaxson Hayes was drafted with the #8 pick. Completely different body type than Kofi but definitely a center. He had no outside game (didn't even attempt a 3) and really not much of a face up game that I saw in college, but was a much better finisher than Kofi (shot 73%). However, overall he didn't score (10 ppg to 13.6) or rebound as well as Kofi (5 rpg to 9 rpg). Now he did average a block per game more than Kofi is averaging,

Again, I think Kofi should stay another year, and I'm not saying he'd be a lottery pick if he went. But this narrative that he has to be able to shoot from 3 to get drafted high and have a successful NBA career just doesn't seem correct to me.

 

[RIVERCITYCHIEF]

Name a dominant big man today with no outside or faceup game. I can think of 1.

There is no big man in the game like those guys i will give you that. They rules have made the NBA less physical, less team work, and about one on one jumpers. . That said those types or guys would still go #1.. Do you really feel that they wouldnt be the #1 pick over Melo or Wiseman? Give me a break. The NBA is not worth watching as much as it used to be since it has gotten so soft. If you were naming an all time team or drafting one. Who would you seleet? Id have only one player that made the NBA since 2000. My first pick all time would be MJ or Kareem since he was so unique. PG- MAgic, 2- MJ 3- LeBron 5 either the Mailman or Duncan and 5 Kareem
It is not the game so much that has changed as the rules. It has gotten soft and is more about jumpers. I enjoy college much more since guys like Shaq caused NBA rule changes. It is not as tough or physical anymore. . Shaq was a major cause for that because you couldnt double anyone until they got the ball. There are no big men close to those to today. I guess you are saying that Kareem, Hakeem. or Shaq would not be the first overall pick and couldnt play today. The big men today suck compared to those guys and others. They could face up well enough. Kareem was the most dominant college player ever (player of the year every year)and his NBA numbers are the best to ever play, He had the most unstoppable shot in the history of basketball ( Hakeen cant stop it and no one today could either) and that is all he would need today or ever.Even though he could face up and hit jumpers. Most good coaches would not want a 7 footer chucking up threes if they have better options. If Kofi could learn a fbe really good at defense and rebounding and just an ok go to to shot he would be just fine. Maybe try a hook shot not enough big men do. To suggest that a dominasnt big like these guys that are amongthe best ever to play any position wouldnt be the first pick in todays game is just crazy imo.

We can disagree young man.

 

[Bailey]

Name a dominant big man today with no outside or faceup game. I can think of 1.

Guess this needs to be repeated every 5 pages, but there are PLENTY of rim running bigs with broke jumpers in the league earning plenty of minutes and making plenty of money. Protect the rim, clean the glass, run the floor...and there's a job for you. Clint Capela would be the current day archetype.

If anybody tells you all bigs can shoot/there's no place in the league for bigs that can't face up, that person is merely indicating to you they don't actually watch NBA basketball.

disclaimer: this is not me endorsing Kofi as a lotto pick. I don't think that's the case and have my doubts that it will ever be.

 

[sadinoel]

Kofi's only been playing for 3 years and here we are talking about him being a lottery pick? LOL

Just watch him play. He doesn't know wtf he's doing out there (relatively speaking, basketball-wise).
This is not a knock on him. NOBODY can play basketball for just 3 years and pick up on the nuances of the game, let alone develop the fundamentals.
He has neither. He shoots good free throws. That's it. It's only because of his size/strength that he's been able to have success to an extent so far.

I'm not sure he will ever (edit: deserve to ) be a lottery pick, but maybe he could get into the first round in a year or two if he continues to work his butt off.
Meyers Leonard was a far superior player at this stage. It's not even close. It's laughable to even suggest otherwise. I remember watching a video of ML in high school JUMPING OVER a kid on a fast break. ML was kinda freakish.

edit: not to sound too harsh on Kofi. I'm a huge fan of his and love his effort and unique physical gifts. But he's got to learn the game still and only time will do that. He's got potential.

 

[RichBradIllini]

Kofi's only been playing for 3 years and here we are talking about him being a lottery pick? LOL

Just watch him play. He doesn't know wtf he's doing out there (relatively speaking, basketball-wise).
This is not a knock on him. NOBODY can play basketball for just 3 years and pick up on the nuances of the game, let alone develop the fundamentals.
He has neither. He shoots good free throws. That's it. It's only because of his size/strength that he's been able to have success to an extent so far.

I'm not sure he will ever (edit: deserve to ) be a lottery pick, but maybe he could get into the first round in a year or two if he continues to work his butt off.
Meyers Leonard was a far superior player at this stage. It's not even close. It's laughable to even suggest otherwise. I remember watching a video of ML in high school JUMPING OVER a kid on a fast break. ML was kinda freakish.

edit: not to sound too harsh on Kofi. I'm a huge fan of his and love his effort and unique physical gifts. But he's got to learn the game still and only time will do that. He's got potential.

Kofi has limited experience but he's been playing organized ball since his freshman year in HS so he's in his 5th year. I've read 3 and 4 years so I had to look for myself. Your point remains, though.

Article

 

[frycicle]

Guess this needs to be repeated every 5 pages, but there are PLENTY of rim running bigs with broke jumpers in the league earning plenty of minutes and making plenty of money. Protect the rim, clean the glass, run the floor...and there's a job for you. Clint Capela would be the current day archetype.

If anybody tells you all bigs can shoot/there's no place in the league for bigs that can't face up, that person is merely indicating to you they don't actually watch NBA basketball.

disclaimer: this is not me endorsing Kofi as a lotto pick. I don't think that's the case and have my doubts that it will ever be.

I said dominant big man. Clint Capela is not dominant. Anthony Davis, KAT, Jokic, Embiid, all have faceup and outside games. Clint Capela was traded away because he hurt the Rockets offense because he can't shoot. His offensive box plus minus is -1.0. Andre Drummond was traded for peanuts because he can't shoot.

This means without shooting, dominant rim protection or switchablity, which Kofi has none of right now, he is not a lotto pick let alone a 1st rounder.

The NBA has changed guys, this isn't year 2000.

 

[RIVERCITYCHIEF]

I said dominant big man. Clint Capela is not dominant. Anthony Davis, KAT, Jokic, Embiid, all have faceup and outside games. Clint Capela was traded away because he hurt the Rockets offense because he can't shoot. His offensive box plus minus is -1.0. Andre Drummond was traded for peanuts because he can't shoot.

This means without shooting, dominant rim protection or switchablity, which Kofi has none of right now, he is not a lotto pick let alone a 1st rounder.

The NBA has changed guys, this isn't year 2000.

So your saying that Kareem or Shaq or someone like them were to come out today they would not be dominant or the #1 pick over all. They would likely be the best darn player in the league and certainly the first pick over all. Who you taking Melo or Wiseman or even those you mentioned over him? 2000 or not that is just insane. The game has not changed that much where the best center sand arguably player to ever play the game or someone like him wouldnt be the best in the game today. That is just silly. I'll take my 4 guys from before 2000 LeBron and beat the pants off any team today. I am dont beating this horse. You clearly dont realize how damn good and dominant Kareem or someone like him will be in any era. Give me a break! I wish we had him. Anthony Davis or Embid would get destroyed by that man i assure you. Hakeem was a freak athlete and couldnt stop him when he was in his mid 30s for god sake They could face up back then but didnt take so many dumb shots. . Centers dont shoot that many threes and if they do it is foolish. No one is that good at it. as mention no one averages even 2 a game and only one shoots over 35%! I wonder what Pat Riley, Magic, or Sir Charles would tell you. I'd love to hear that conversation! We are so lucky to have Kofi or any skilled big guy even if they very raw. Nothing left to say other than you dont realize how great he was to score almost 40,000 points while playing all his college years.
I guess none of those guys from pre 2000 could play today just because of when they were born that is just crazy. I want someone to come along like that and play for our Illini.