Illini in the Pros (Basketball)

#231      
Pelicans are not in Tank mode. They traded their 2026 pick to Atlanta. It does not help them to tank. Where is KW's best chance to succeed assuming 5 to 7th pick: Jazz, Kings, Grizzlies, Mavs, Hawks? I really hope he goes to the MAVS. I pray he doesn't go to Kings.

Kings were devastated by injury this year with Sabonis, Murray, and LaVine all missing over half the season. That said, they already have something close to $100 million dedicated to shooting guard next year. Don’t see Keagan being a good fit there.

He’d slot right in with Utah. Some nice pieces there to go around him in Markkanen, Jaren Jones and Keyonte George.

Memphis is an utter mess until they figure out what to do with Jah Morant.

Dallas would be a great fit with the budding superstar Flagg in the front court and nothing much at guard behind Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, who are 34 and 36 respectively.

I don’t like Atlanta’s supporting cast as much, but they could certainly use some backcourt help. I think they only have 2 or 3 guards under contract for next year.
 
#232      
Pelicans are not in Tank mode. They traded their 2026 pick to Atlanta. It does not help them to tank. Where is KW's best chance to succeed assuming 5 to 7th pick: Jazz, Kings, Grizzlies, Mavs, Hawks? I really hope he goes to the MAVS. I pray he doesn't go to Kings.
If he goes to the Hawks, I’ll finally have reason to go to an Atlanta game for the first time since they opened their area years ago.
 
#233      
If the Clippers get the Pacers pick (falls between 4-9) so basically 50/50 - I like that fit for Keaton a lot more than Sacramento, Utah, Brooklyn, Washington (Wiz would be the absolute worst IMO).

Atlanta seems like a great situation for him. Id go Atlanta, Dallas, and then LA in that order. Memphis could work well too if and when they move on from Ja.

If Pacers get the 4th pick. Him and Haliburton would be super freaking fun. And that team would be really, really good.
 
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#238      
Same, I was asleep at the wheel.

Had to fork over $190 on eBay for one
Jennifer Lawrence Oops GIF
 
#239      
If the Clippers get the Pacers pick (falls between 4-9) so basically 50/50 - I like that fit for Keaton a lot more than Sacramento, Utah, Brooklyn, Washington (Wiz would be the absolute worst IMO).

Atlanta seems like a great situation for him. Id go Atlanta, Dallas, and then LA in that order. Memphis could work well too if and when they move on from Ja.

If Pacers get the 4th pick. Him and Haliburton would be super freaking fun. And that team would be really, really good.

As the board’s resident Pacers fan, I’d of course love this, and it would almost make up for this complete throw-away of a season.
 
#240      
As the board’s resident Pacers fan, I’d of course love this, and it would almost make up for this complete throw-away of a season.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Handshake GIF


I'm a huge fan as well.

Sadly, when they made the Zubac trade, i've had to quitely give up on the Wagler dream. Really think theyd take Wilson at 4.

But I have a bit of hope. Would be two playmakers who hardly ever make mistakes and can shoot the h*** out of it. Plus would help with easing Ty back in.
 
#241      
If he goes to the Hawks, I’ll finally have reason to go to an Atlanta game for the first time since they opened their area years ago.
Mavs would be a great landing spot. Hawks, I think, are next best

I will be depressed if he goes to SAC
 
#242      
If he goes to the Hawks, I’ll finally have reason to go to an Atlanta game for the first time since they opened their area years ago.
You should go to a playoff game! They have been playing some good ball lately
 
#245      
Just barely scratching the surface of what his future could be.

Two gem prospects, both could wind up All-Stars, but I wouldn't trade Riley for Wagler.
I tend to agree. Wagler's super-power is really his poise and decision making. (along with being a legit 3-point sniper) The speed and athleticism concerns are legitimate, but he uses his body really effectively to wall off defenders. As he gets stronger, he will continue to improve his ability to finish at the rim and defend. At minimum he will carve out a role as a facilitator and floor spacer, but if everything comes together, he could be a star. I wouldn't ever bet against him...

Will's length and athletic profile can't be taught. The game seems to be slowing down for him, he is a threat at all 3 levels, and his off-the dribble bag is special. The sky is the limit.
 
#246      
I tend to agree. Wagler's super-power is really his poise and decision making. (along with being a legit 3-point sniper) The speed and athleticism concerns are legitimate, but he uses his body really effectively to wall off defenders. As he gets stronger, he will continue to improve his ability to finish at the rim and defend. At minimum he will carve out a role as a facilitator and floor spacer, but if everything comes together, he could be a star. I wouldn't ever bet against him...

Will's length and athletic profile can't be taught. The game seems to be slowing down for him, he is a threat at all 3 levels, and his off-the dribble bag is special. The sky is the limit.
I will probably also choose Riley but Wagler 's long range step back is really convenient.
 
#250      
Ayo finishes this season with nice rankings on some leaderboards (all from Basketball Reference):

3-Pt FG%: 6th
EFG%: 16th
FT%: 19th
TS%: 23rd
Proof that NBA scouting still has a lot of holes in it. It's hard to account for a kid who has his head screwed on straight and loves the work.

Our coaching staff is clearly equipping these guys with the tools for long-term success.
 
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