Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart will return for his sophomore season {merged}

[IamQuailman]

Thanks, I haven't been as involved in all the draft prospect threads... And tbh, outside the big names I don't know many of the outside of top 5-6 prospects in the draft

[Inner_GI]

MCW is probably a 8-12 pick realistically, but with Smart dropping out, he could be a shoe in for top 8. Actually, I'd say he goes top 8 for sure now.

Pretty much Burke and MCW for PG in the top 10 now.

[AD23forMVP]

I have MCW mocked going #6 to the Kings.

[Pelicans78]

MCW should be a mid first round pick. Some time will be disappointed if they draft him in the top 10.

[AD23forMVP]

MCW should be a mid first round pick. Some time will be disappointed if they draft him in the top 10.

Agreed, but some team will draft him for the things he does well.

[AD23nEG10]

this changes everything from Burke & ourstandpoint

[AD23forMVP]

1- - Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
2- - Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
3- - Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
4- - Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
5- - Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
6- - Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
7- - Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
8- - Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
9- - Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State
10- - Alex Len, C, Maryland
11- - Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
12- - Glenn Robinson, SF, Michigan
13- - Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
14- - Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

[Inner_GI]

Boy, Dieng sure shot up the boards with his performance. I didn't even know he was coming out.

[Davisistheman]

Agreed. You could even throw Bennett in there as well. He is one of the most talented guy in this draft. Has all the tools but needs to get the mental aspect of the game down.

But who will Bennett be able to defend in the NBA. lots of accounts say he's too small and lacks the aggressiveness to be effective at PF and is to slow to defense the SF spot.. 6'7 240lb iirc.. at this point to they grow much more vertically?

[Vinny6420]

Wow, I am shocked he would go back. That is a terrible financial decision for him. Next year's draft looks to be stronger and he risks injury.

this

[Snarly]

Maybe.. just maybe... he likes college life.

[BeeBall Reasons]

This is bad. I could see Burke not being on the board when we pick. If it's all the same I want to stay away from Oladipo. Don't think he'll be more than an Avery Bradley guy in the NBA. Which is good but not what we should be looking for.

[NemesisKING]

This is bad. I could see Burke not being on the board when we pick. If it's all the same I want to stay away from Oladipo. Don't think he'll be more than an Avery Bradley guy in the NBA. Which is good but not what we should be looking for.

We've had him before on this team, Kirk Snyder.

[goat gorilla]

Boy, Dieng sure shot up the boards with his performance. I didn't even know he was coming out.

I know nothing of his season or stats. But if that championship game is an indicator of his talent, he will be a stud and contribute from game one. Nice shot, hustle, nba ready body, great rebounder. I wouldn't be surprised if he is next Ibaka.

[Kibner]

Maybe.. just maybe... he likes college life.

That is literally the only reason I can see for him staying.

[NOLa.]

He must really be the BMOC.

[nolaslim213]

But who will Bennett be able to defend in the NBA. lots of accounts say he's too small and lacks the aggressiveness to be effective at PF and is to slow to defense the SF spot.. 6'7 240lb iirc.. at this point to they grow much more vertically?

I'm not crazy high on him, but the kid has talent/potential. He is certainly strong enough to hold his ground defensively, and he has a big wingspan to make up for his lack of height. I really haven't looked into him that much, but his numbers are undeniable. I don't like his attitude defensively though. I don't expect us to draft him, and he would probably be worst case scenario.

[MeSoHornets504]

He must really be the BMOC.

Until Brandon Weeden shows up and starts telling those young wipper snappers about his time in World War 1

[MeSoHornets504]

I'm not crazy high on him, but the kid has talent/potential. He is certainly strong enough to hold his ground defensively, and he has a big wingspan to make up for his lack of height. I really haven't looked into him that much, but his numbers are undeniable. I don't like his attitude defensively though. I don't expect us to draft him, and he would probably be worst case scenario.

I think he's basically Derrick Williams/Thomas Robinson of this year. Maybe a little better than either, but I don't even know if I'd go that far.

[Snarly]

I think he's basically Derrick Williams/Thomas Robinson of this year. Maybe a little better than either, but I don't even know if I'd go that far.

Offensively, he's head and shoulders above both. Better skilled and better athletically. Not to mention he's longer. Defensively, he has better tools but lacks the mentality and the effort to defend. The problem is he's barely trying on the defensive end. He will have no problems putting up points and rebounding in the league.

[IVAN_NOH]

I'm all in for shabazz, we need offense especially in his position.

[BallSoHard]

Offensively, he's head and shoulders above both. Better skilled and better athletically. Not to mention he's longer. Defensively, he has better tools but lacks the mentality and the effort to defend. The problem is he's barely trying on the defensive end. He will have no problems putting up points and rebounding in the league.

I'm not sure about the better athletically or longer. Derrick Williams has a 7'1.5" Wingspan and is roughly the same height. I have him about the same as Derrick Williams.

[AD23nEG10]

1- - Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky
2- - Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas
3- - Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown
4- - Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana
5- - Trey Burke, PG, Michigan
6- - Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse
7- - Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA
8- - Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV
9- - Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State
10- - Alex Len, C, Maryland
11- - Cody Zeller, C, Indiana
12- - Glenn Robinson, SF, Michigan
13- - Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
14- - Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

if Orlando doesn't get Noel, they'll take a serious look at Burke at 2 or trade down

[Snarly]

Maybe it's Bennett's girth but for some reason he looks longer to me. Athletically, I still like Bennett much better due to the combination of size, strength, physicality, and length. He just has some nasty in him. Williams was way too finesse coming out of zona. Bennett also has superior handles and a much better post game. Overall, I feel Bennett's offensive game will translate much better.

[B504ever]

We are a long way out knowing how the draft will play out. After the lottery and combine pass we will have a better idea. Theres always guys that shoot up the draft board after combine like Lillard and guys that slide down the boards like Sullinger and Perry Jones III did last year. Dont be surprised if Alex Len goes in the top 5. Also Id be shocked if Burke wasnt available when the Pelicans pick, unless Detroit jumped us in the lottery.