2nd Round/ Undrafted Gems.

Sooo with the recent lottery, Im sure folks are still bummed that we didn't win, but seriously guys we WILL get a pretty good player at 40. Enough with Pelicans Report pessimistic boring topics, we have two top ten players in the world on our team, and how this draft is shaping up, we will have a bright new player to be estatic with. Now this draft is loaded, and when i say loaded, i mean possibly some lottery talent like OG Anuoby can possibly fall even to the 40th slot. This draft class is expected to have the most freshmen drafted ever, which mean two things:

The Pelicans will have a buffet of talent to draft from with the 40th pick, and also some amazing ****** talented college star will go undrafted, and right on time this will make the Pellies new G-league squad and summer league team watchable and as the young kids say "lit".

Here are some prospects you guys should keep an stern eye for, and keep in mind that this is my power rankings based on potential for whos there, and fit.

1# Semi Ojeleye- SF 6'7- SMU Freaking BEAST. Dude nickname is the terminator, and he is an absolute winner. Crazy work ethic, athleticism, respected 3pt shot, pretty good IQ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p_MXyYJu0I

2# Jonah Bolden- SF/PF 6'10- Serbia/UCLA Easily the most underrated talented player in this draft class IMO. MM from BBS Pelicans blog made me aware of this kid, and my oh my i was impressed. High IQ, defensive rebounder and blocker, crazy athelete and speed for his size, and really good shooter. Dude looks like a poor man KAT. Seriously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywvvz3GaK1E

3# Monte Morris- PG 6'3- Iowa State I honestly dont get why this dude is ranked higher. The biggest knock i see on him is that he is a senior, but dude can flat out play PG and is quick as hell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ZkkzWNEvQ

4# Nigel Williams Goss- PG 6'5 -Gonzaga The safest second round pick of the draft. High IQ, winner, leader, and can score his ****** off and "put the team on his back doeeeee" I think he will be the next Darren Collinson or Jermemy Lin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJLpTKB7d8

5# Peter Jok- SG 6-5- Iowa This kid, if he stays in the draft, will unlikely go undrafted but will an great role player, or starter for years to come in the NBA. One of the best shooters in the draft, as some folks call him a poors man Klay Thompson with not the defense. IMO if he develops, his floor is Anthony Morrow, ceiling is Kevin Martin SAC style. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS_eU1V06f8

The next players are players who can possibly slide and will be homeruns.

1# Juwan Evans- PG -OK State Bruh, this dude is called the poor man CP3, dont believe me? Just watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaEOiaQdVa4

2# OG Anuoby- SF- Indy Would have been number 1, but coming off a injury, soooo yea. Dude has improved massively every year so its possible we can get a legit good starter at SF with him. Great athlete and high IQ on defense. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR0T9VsX45Y

3# Hamidu Diallo- SG 6'6 -Highschool somewhere in Queens

Dude is this drafts Thon Maker if he stays, but honestly if he falls to us, yes we will have two Diallo, yes it will scare the hell out of me and get me excited, and yes he will be another pet project.

But this kid has massive potential, i recommend his doc on youtube, but the kid is the most athleitc in this years draft and is considered the best SG in high school for 2017 class. Crazy potential that you cant pass on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmhMQlM4m3I

Alright guys, who yall picks? This draft is crazy deep, so dont be down yall, the Pels will get some good talent and summer league is gonna be a blast.

Thanks for adding the videos bc I honestly have no clue who most of these guys are lol

Would love to get Nigel Williams Goss

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Originally Posted by bahmamamba

Thanks for adding the videos bc I honestly have no clue who most of these guys are lol

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No problem! Bro we will have a shot at some good talent. I'm really happy with our position in this draft. Also guys if you see any tweets for players we Interview please post in this thread.

We shall all be estatic, also our G League team is coming right on time :)

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Originally Posted by eballa1

Would love to get Nigel Williams Goss

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Yup, NWG is gonna be in the NBA for a long time. Demps and company are looking for winners with good IQ. If we walk away with NWG and Jonah Bolden or Semi Ojeleye, I would be estatic. Alot of good players will go Undrafted. I pray to God we scoop up Peter Jok for summer league

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

No problem! Bro we will have a shot at some good talent. I'm really happy with our position in this draft. Also guys if you see any tweets for players we Interview please post in this thread.

We shall all be estatic, also our G League team is coming right on time :)

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I'm really liking semi or og I just don't know if semi is going to be there cause that dude looks like he should be a first rounder

Rawle Atkins, Sindarious Thornwell, and Jordan Bell are more good prospects.

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Originally Posted by bahmamamba

I'm really liking semi or og I just don't know if semi is going to be there cause that dude looks like he should be a first rounder

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The eye test tells you that, but Semi did not have a good combine, and scouts are worried that since he played PF mostly in college, that he would struggle guarding 3s in the NBA. I don't think he will, I'm praying we get him. I think he is worth the gamble and can possibly be better than OG Anuoby in the NBA

Dude, you think OG Anunoby is going to fall to pick #40? Okay then.

On a similar but unrelated note, I've got some oceanfront property in Nebraska I'd like to sell you.

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Originally Posted by Tomdda

Dude, you think OG Anunoby is going to fall to pick #40? Okay then.

On a similar but unrelated note, I've got some oceanfront property in Nebraska I'd like to sell you.

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Yea I agree, most sites have him as a late lottery or early 20's pick, but for some reason nbadraft.net has him in the second round, which seems unlikely. Guess ya never know what could happen, but I wouldn't count on it.

A good list there for sure, though. Wesley Iwundu should also be on the radar there, and also Devin Robinson. Frank Jackson also seems like he could be a good prospect if he drops to #40, and Jaron Blossomgame could be a good back-up plan if all these more potential options get picked already.

Not a big fan of Wesley Iwundu.

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Originally Posted by Tomdda

Dude, you think OG Anunoby is going to fall to pick #40? Okay then.

On a similar but unrelated note, I've got some oceanfront property in Nebraska I'd like to sell you.

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I honestly don't think he or Juwan Evans will. But keep in mind for whatever reasons some players take massive leaps and massive falls. Last year Notor Dame Demetrius Jackson was considered a lottery pick, and fail all the way to 52 or something. While Tho Maker, and 2nd round mystery went 10 lmao.

Strange things has happened.

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Not a big fan of Wesley Iwundu.

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I think I prefer Iwundu over all players you listed. I understand the concern about the hitch in his shot, but the guy can defend against 1 3 (may be some small ball 4 if he bulks up), he has high BBIQ, can play within the flow and run some PNR. He was also one of the best shooter in the combine showing that his work in the past summer to remold his shooting motion has done a lot and give him upside to keep improving.
He has the complete package for what the Pels should look for and play in the position of need.

https://twitter.com/austingwalton/st...245824/photo/1

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Originally Posted by Blattman

I think I prefer Iwundu over all players you listed. I understand the concern about the hitch in his shot, but the guy can defend against 1 3 (may be some small ball 4 if he bulks up), he has high BBIQ, can play within the flow and run some PNR. He was also one of the best shooter in the combine showing that his work in the past summer to remold his shooting motion has done a lot and give him upside to keep improving.
He has the complete package for what the Pels should look for and play in the position of need.

https://twitter.com/austingwalton/st...245824/photo/1

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I understand what your saying, but I'm not buying into the hype yet. I'll do more research on him. MM loves him, and when I see him play I wasnt too blown away, but there is limited footage of him. Which kinda seems like a bad thing. I'm not really a big stats guy, however I'm not foolish to believe stats dont matter. Just wanna see impact whenever I see a player.

James Blackmon Jr, I see impact

Semi Ojeleye - I see impact

NWG- I see impact

Don't see that with Iwundu but I'm sure his stats don't lie.

Og Anunoby is a guy I was hoping we could draft with our own 1st earlier in the year before the trades and his injury. I don't think he will fall, but if he does fall to the 2nd you go get him early like you did with Diallo.

I expect Dell may strike again if someone will fall from the first round

he may offer Pels 2018 second rounder for a team with multiple picks

curious who he loves


P.S. I love DMC trade, but it would be nice to have this Philly 2nd rounder...

I like Monte Morris and Peter Jok. My other choice is to trade for Demetrius Jackson. Boston is loaded with points and he should be very available.

With us being cap strapped I could see us buying our way into the 1st round, or buying a 2nd rounder. We need cheap talent on this roster, and rather than go the NBADL route, we should get ahead of things and actually draft somebody.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

With us being cap strapped I could see us buying our way into the 1st round, or buying a 2nd rounder. We need cheap talent on this roster, and rather than go the NBADL route, we should get ahead of things and actually draft somebody.

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Do you guys think Dell trade the pick 40? The guys we are scouting and Interviewed so far are mostly players with Undrafted grades.

Man I hope I'm wrong.

If he can get a vet for that 2nd round pick I think he'd prefer to move it. He'd have to match salaries and find someone willing to take marginal players or dead money (Qpon). But he could also attach it to 2018 1st round pick to make a larger deal more attractive. This team views Jrue as a SG. I think somehow we come away with a starting PG at the end of the offseason, and Dell will use anything at his disposal to do so. So yes, that pick is probably gone.

Good point, or to flip it the other way, he can be scouting players strictly to fill out our G League roster. Getting 2nd round players will be a cheap affordable alternative for this this team.

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Do you guys think Dell trade the pick 40? The guys we are scouting and Interviewed so far are mostly players with Undrafted grades.

Man I hope I'm wrong.

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at the combine we interviewed first / early second talents.
Wait and see who will come for the workouts.
Dont expect official announcments.

Some second hand infos or tweets from agents.
Too early to predict

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

I honestly don't think he or Juwan Evans will. But keep in mind for whatever reasons some players take massive leaps and massive falls. Last year Notor Dame Demetrius Jackson was considered a lottery pick, and fail all the way to 52 or something. While Tho Maker, and 2nd round mystery went 10 lmao.

Strange things has happened.

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I'll concede you make a valid point, but I certainly wouldn't bet my retirement on OGA falling to the 2nd round, much less 40.

Honestly, I don't give a rat's *** who they pick at 40, so long as the guy ends up being a decent contributor to winning basketball.

Josh Hart anyone? He could be the Malcolm Brogdon of this year's draft.

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Originally Posted by DaFranchise80

Josh Hart anyone? He could be the Malcolm Brogdon of this year's draft.

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Big fan here, he's quite close to a perfect fit (great 3 point shooter with defensive toughness) but since he's only 6'5, it's hard to envision him playing at the 3 so that's why Iwundu has a small edge for me.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

Big fan here, he's quite close to a perfect fit (great 3 point shooter with defensive toughness) but since he's only 6'5, it's hard to envision him playing at the 3 so that's why Iwundu has a small edge for me.

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Why are people overlooking Iwundu when Semi Ojeleye has better leadership skills, athleticism, 3 point, and energy. The only thing Semi Ojeleye has to work on is his defense.

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Why are people overlooking Iwundu when Semi Ojeleye has better leadership skills, athleticism, 3 point, and energy. The only thing Semi Ojeleye has to work on is his defense.

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Iwundu is a true wing, he has all fundamentals to defend on the perimeter, he's a better passer, better handle, more length.
Regarding Ojeleye my biggest knock on him is my doubt about his ability to transition to the 3. I think it will be hard, especially in a league were 3 are smaller and quicker with small ball. He would be a good option as small ball 4, but he may not succeed at the 3 in NBA. Also, the scouting report of the combine from draftexpress tends to confirm my fears.

For some reason I see us drafting a PG and get rid of Frazier.
I just don't see us pick a wing that will be behind Hill,Moore, Crawford, Qpon and eventually Dante if he resigns, when we have only Jrue at the point that even might become SG next season (assuming he comes back)

I see us trading for PG and drafting wing.
Even maybe signing one guy from abroad. Ayon/Roberts -like

There are good names abroad at guard, but I'm not sure the big names that could have 25 min of playing time in the NBA such as Teodosic and DeColo would like to come over.

My hope is still to find a way to trade Asik for a PG with a worse contract such as Knight.

One name to keep an eye on abroad: Brad Wanamaker. 6'4 with 6'8 wingspan, 28 years old, 2016-2017 all euroleague second team, 16.7 ppg 4,5 assists shooting 38.6% from 3pt.

Would like to see us buy a 1st rounder due to the depth of talent in this draft. Portland has 3 1sts and significant cap issues next year. I do not see them drafting 3 guaranteed contracts. I imagine at least one pick will be a draft and stash. If we could buy say pick 20, maybe we could have a shot at a player falling (i.e. if Kennard. Jackson or Anunoby fall) or take a shot on Jawun Evans or Derrick White there. We could use a cheap guaranteed contract on the bench and grab a better than usual developmental player with the late pick.

I'm almost 100% certain we aren't going to sit back. We're gonna make a move to get into the 1st round. Not sure how. But I figure buying one is prudent.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

I'm almost 100% certain we aren't going to sit back. We're gonna make a move to get into the 1st round. Not sure how. But I figure buying one is prudent.

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Hope so.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

I'm almost 100% certain we aren't going to sit back. We're gonna make a move to get into the 1st round. Not sure how. But I figure buying one is prudent.

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I would bet they'd try but unless they use a future first, I don't think they've got the goods to get there.

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Originally Posted by Mr. West

I would bet they'd try but unless they use a future first, I don't think they've got the goods to get there.

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Could buy a pick (maybe the #26).

Why Portland might want to sell late 1st rounder for say 3-5 millions? When they can attach it to dump 10s of millions of Crabbe/Turner dollars

Expect sellers of mid /late seconds.
First rounders are acquired in trades these Times. ..

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Originally Posted by pawel

Why Portland might want to sell late 1st rounder for say 3-5 millions? When they can attach it to dump 10s of millions of Crabbe/Turner dollars

Expect sellers of mid /late seconds.
First rounders are acquired in trades these Times. ..

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Why? Because maybe whoever they want to trade doesn't want Evan Turner or Allen Crabbe.

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Originally Posted by pawel

Why Portland might want to sell late 1st rounder for say 3-5 millions? When they can attach it to dump 10s of millions of Crabbe/Turner dollars

Expect sellers of mid /late seconds.
First rounders are acquired in trades these Times. ..

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Will be tough to get someone to take on those contracts for a late first. Maybe #15 could draw that attention, but doubt #26 does. They do not want to add more guaranteed contracts with their cap situation. Now, they may be able to trade it for a protected future 1st rather than sell it.

I have to say that I'm torn with the opportunity of trading for late first round picks.

On first end, if you look at it from CBA prospective, they are fully guaranteed contract, so it's harder to get rid of them if you miss on them. If you look into statistical data (some here : http://www.82games.com/barzilai1.htm http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm) you can see that their mean value is slighlty higher but still within the margin of error of each pick, so they are not significantly better than almost all second round picks. So the maths are telling me not to trade for them.

But on the other end, I'm sure I'm not the only one around NBA to notice. I think most of the GMs with statistical department knows. So it means that there's an higher value placed for early second round picks than for first round picks. So it should could less to get an extra players from the late first round than from the early 2nd round, so all the sudden, the gap of value between the two contracts seems narrower. But now if you look at draftee as players and not only numbers, you could see real advantage to have more choice (especially if you have a great scouting staff).

So my conclusion is late first round picks and 2nd round picks have pretty much the same appeal if correctly assessed and the best strategy to find a solid players from them is to multiply them.

Now regarding the pels situation, I think draft picks are less valuable, mostly because rookies only play if they are stud and every draft picks need time and playing time to mature, so the chances of seeing them contributes on the long term are really low for any of these picks.

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Originally Posted by Blattman

I have to say that I'm torn with the opportunity of trading for late first round picks.

On first end, if you look at it from CBA prospective, they are fully guaranteed contract, so it's harder to get rid of them if you miss on them. If you look into statistical data (some here : http://www.82games.com/barzilai1.htm http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm) you can see that their mean value is slighlty higher but still within the margin of error of each pick, so they are not significantly better than almost all second round picks. So the maths are telling me not to trade for them.

But on the other end, I'm sure I'm not the only one around NBA to notice. I think most of the GMs with statistical department knows. So it means that there's an higher value placed for early second round picks than for first round picks. So it should could less to get an extra players from the late first round than from the early 2nd round, so all the sudden, the gap of value between the two contracts seems narrower. But now if you look at draftee as players and not only numbers, you could see real advantage to have more choice (especially if you have a great scouting staff).

So my conclusion is late first round picks and 2nd round picks have pretty much the same appeal if correctly assessed and the best strategy to find a solid players from them is to multiply them.

Now regarding the pels situation, I think draft picks are less valuable, mostly because rookies only play if they are stud and every draft picks need time and playing time to mature, so the chances of seeing them contributes on the long term are really low for any of these picks.

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Normally I would agree. However, this is a very rich draft and we have some very high guaranteed contracts (and more to come with a Boogie extension (hopefully)). So, a small guaranteed contract on the bench is not a bad thing and with the size of rookie contracts, is very easily tradable if necessary.

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Originally Posted by Delko

For some reason I see us drafting a PG and get rid of Frazier.
I just don't see us pick a wing that will be behind Hill,Moore, Crawford, Qpon and eventually Dante if he resigns, when we have only Jrue at the point that even might become SG next season (assuming he comes back)

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I can see that.

Duke's Frank Jackson would be ideal to slip cause we need PG and SG and he is truly both with tons of upside


at the end of the day I see us having one of these:

Frank Jackson
Jawun Evans
Derrick White
Dwayne Bacon
PJ Dozier
Damyean Dotson
Josh Hart
Sindarius Thornwell
Jaron Blossomgame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWNL2mBS-UA

I'm crazy enough to take this guy as a tall backup SF who can slide to PF where needed. Exactly the things I saw/liked in Marquese Chriss in last years draft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcxqpsVa98M

If this guy is still on the board when we pick it is a no brainer. Love his aggressiveness, athletic game, hes super young too with so many physical tools to work with.

Andrew White is the guy I want. I'd take him at 40 and be super happy.

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Originally Posted by Impose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcxqpsVa98M

If this guy is still on the board when we pick it is a no brainer. Love his aggressiveness, athletic game, hes super young too with so many physical tools to work with.

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If folks are smart they'd take him in at least late 1st. He's simply explosive. If he played 4 years at ok la st. Or Kansas he would be way better than the pig's they have in this years draft

Here three great argentinian player to this draft:

Gabriel Deck is a 6-8 SF/PF (22 years old), who play for Argentina in the national team at the olympics in RÃ**o. He is a pesky defender with great scoring instincts. He is a star of LNB of Argentina where was awarded as best argentine player in the LNB ( http://basquetplus.com/articulo/deck...-liga-nacional ) and was in the ideal team of the LNB league ( http://basquetplus.com/articulo/deck...e-saca-de-foco ). He also was recently named in the ideal team of the Liga de las Américas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shxM-crE9Vg&feature=youtu.be

Watch this block: https://youtu.be/NtgPixzX3w0?t=33s

Six different teams came to see him in Argentina: Utah, Chicago, Boston, Milwaukee, Indiana and New Orleans. Within that group, Utah and Milwaukee appeared as the most interested, remembering that the Jazz has four picks. http://www.basquetplus.com/articulo/...los-argentinos

Erik Thomas (6-5, SF) finished great his senior year. Not only classify the University of New Orleans to NCAA's March Madness after a 21-year absence, but he also received individual awards: he was named best player of the Southland Conference, as well a special mention in the All-American awards. He was in Portland to do workouts. (http://www.basquetplus.com/articulo/...-mi-sue%C3%B1o)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYzTwB5L0dk


Luca Vildoza (6-3, PG) is a gem of argentinian basketball, multiple nba teams was in Argentina to see him. He's a super fluid guard that is athletic, patient and he's NBA quick, he has a ton of potential. He's also an insane rebounder for a guard. But Vildoza already has an extensive contract signed with Baskonia of Spain, which maybe could detract some chances of bet on him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah6Hr2nhSqE

Good drop!