Who You Got with the 14th Pick? (Poll added)

[footey]

Gouki88 and I seem to be the only two who like Kira Lewis at 14.  He is more experienced, but younger, than Terry.  He is longer than Terry (6'7" wingspan). Probably taller.  Definitely faster, quicker, elite speed really.  And while he doesn't shoot as efficiently as Terry, he is a very good 3 point shooter.

Oh, and the major criticism of him, like Terry, was that he was too thin. Guess what? He also gained 15 lbs working out in the weight room. (My guess is we will be seeing this happening for all underweight draft picks going forward.)

Article below is pretty good update on why the Knicks are interested in drafting him, although I doubt they would take him at 8.

https://sports.yahoo.com/kira-lewis-jr-trainer-believes-213954286.html

Since the college season ended, Kira Lewis Jr. has added about 15 pounds to his frame. That added weight, coupled with his 6-foot-7 wing span, should entice teams who need a point guard in the draft.

The Knicks certainly fall into that category. And they’ve already interviewed Lewis Jr. over a Zoom call, so we know they have a degree of interest in the guard from Alabama.

If New York ends up selecting Lewis Jr. in the draft, a coach/trainer from the Big Apple will probably be pretty happy about it.

Corey Underwood, a former Forest Hills HS star who grew up in Queens, has helped coach/train Lewis Jr. for the past three years.

Underwood played in the NBA G League and with the 76ers, so he understands what college players need to thrive at the NBA level.

Scouts see Lewis Jr. as one of the fastest guards in the draft and point to an improved perimeter shot as one of his NBA-ready traits.

Underwood, who has coached/trained dozens of top amateur players, agrees with that assessment. But he also believes Lewis Jr.’s intangibles will also help him thrive in the NBA.

“He loves the game. It’s not a façade, it’s not fake, not just for the look. Kira is very aware that basketball is a major part of his life after God, family, and education,” Underwood says.

After working with him for the past few years, including last offseason in Alabama, Underwood sees Lewis Jr. as a young player who is consumed with improving.

After he missed a free throw late in an Alabama loss last season, Lewis Jr. went back to the court and made 500 free throws.

He studied tape of his opponents Underwood put together regularly during the season, looking for tendencies he could exploit.

That film study will continue at the next level, Underwood says.

“He’s going to dive into film and he’s going to know his opponents like the back of his hand because he’s going to take the time to watch film on his own, on top of what (he’s watching with the team),” Underwood says.

[Tr1boy]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

[hwangjini_1]

on Kira Lewis Jr, here is a link that discusses both his strength and weaknesses.

https://www.brewhoop.com/2020/4/2/21203122/milwaukee-bucks-2020-nba-draft-prospects-kira-lewis-jr-scouting-report

Weaknesses
Out of Control: A lot of his weaknesses are directly related to his greatest strength; speed. Lewis is sometimes out of control when attacking the paint, leading to a surprising amount of offensive charges for a guy who is only 165 pounds. There are too many times he attacks without a plan and it leads to negative outcomes (lazy passes that are intercepted, bad shots, etc).

Decision Making/Shot Selection: Speaking of bad shots, Lewis has a propensity for taking shots that make you scream, “no!” before it’s even left his hand. Given his aggressive and attacking nature, he’ll often press early in the shot clock and settle for highly-contested floaters or pull-ups that have very little chance of finding the bottom of the net.

As for his mid-range game, he often seems reluctant to take those pull-up jumpers, instead, electing to drive deep into the heart of the defense and challenge shot-blockers in their natural element in the paint.

- Adding strength, any strength, should help him improve in a number of areas.

- Despite standing 6’3”, he had a below average wingspan of 6’5.5” at the Nike Elite 100 in 2017.

[wiley]

If Ainge settled on Kira Lewis Jr. over Tyrell Terry I'd have no issue and be on board.  I just think Terry seems more like a fit for team needs than Lewis, more a fit with what Brad likes, more a general fit in terms of timeline for having a PG of the future.  I could be way off though.

Still hoping for PWill.  I mean, a couple of serious mocks have major players dropping.  Givony has Hayes dropping to us (at least in his last mock).  Another site had Vassell to us (Yes to Vassell over either Terry or Kira).  And Tankathon has Patrick Williams to the C's.   So there's hope.  There's also hope of easily moving up one or two spots for someone Danny loves. 

If he loves Terry, I might ask Dallas for their 18 and 31 and take a risk that Terry is there....Well no, if he loves Terry better take him at 14. 

[hwangjini_1]

 here is another possible candidate..... r. j. hampton.

i was really impressed by the videos i saw for his speed, drive to basket, height, and more. but i was put off by his really bad 3 point shooting. (29%  )

but if this is accurate information below, i would be happy with ainge taking him at 14.

https://theathletic.com/2093647/2020/10/01/vecenie-why-im-buying-r-j-hampton-stock-after-changes-to-his-shot-mechanics/


Sam Vecenie
@Sam_Vecenie
R.J. Hampton has shot up my big board this month to where I have him in the top-10. Why? Because he’s completely re-vamped his shot in the pre-draft process.

I talked to his trainers Mike Miller and Tyler Relph, and broke down the film to explain how: https://theathletic.com/2093647/2020/10/01/vecenie-why-im-buying-r-j-hampton-stock-after-changes-to-his-shot-mechanics/

[CFAN38]

If Ainge settled on Kira Lewis Jr. over Tyrell Terry I'd have no issue and be on board.  I just think Terry seems more like a fit for team needs than Lewis, more a fit with what Brad likes, more a general fit in terms of timeline for having a PG of the future.  I could be way off though.

Still hoping for PWill.  I mean, a couple of serious mocks have major players dropping.  Givony has Hayes dropping to us (at least in his last mock).  Another site had Vassell to us (Yes to Vassell over either Terry or Kira).  And Tankathon has Patrick Williams to the C's.   So there's hope.  There's also hope of easily moving up one or two spots for someone Danny loves. 

If he loves Terry, I might ask Dallas for their 18 and 31 and take a risk that Terry is there....Well no, if he loves Terry better take him at 14.

My biggest concern with drafting any sub 6'4 PG is with their replacement value. Meaning is the player the Cs are using a first on going to provide more value then a low cost FA like Wannamaker or Shane Larkin would?

There seems to be a very fine line in the NBA between being a high level starting NBA Point Guard who is capable of playing in the playoffs and a bench PG who can be easily replaced. Bigger guards who can shoot carry the added protection of serving as small wings.

Terry I am confident will shoot the ball at an elite level and at worst will provide value off the bench as a Seth Curry like 3pt specialist playing off of a primary creator.

Lewis Jr worries me because if he isnt a starter (aka eventual kemba replacement) goes he provide enough value to warrant the high pick? In the playoffs small weaker PGs are hard to get on the court, especially in backup roles.

This is why I'm so high on Maxey, despite not being a large guard he has a strong frame and should have little issue defending up and competing against bigger players.

[CFAN38]

here is another possible candidate..... r. j. hampton.

i was really impressed by the videos i saw for his speed, drive to basket, height, and more. but i was put off by his really bad 3 point shooting. (29%  )

but if this is accurate information below, i would be happy with ainge taking him at 14.

https://theathletic.com/2093647/2020/10/01/vecenie-why-im-buying-r-j-hampton-stock-after-changes-to-his-shot-mechanics/


Sam Vecenie
@Sam_Vecenie
R.J. Hampton has shot up my big board this month to where I have him in the top-10. Why? Because he’s completely re-vamped his shot in the pre-draft process.

I talked to his trainers Mike Miller and Tyler Relph, and broke down the film to explain how: https://theathletic.com/2093647/2020/10/01/vecenie-why-im-buying-r-j-hampton-stock-after-changes-to-his-shot-mechanics/

Even pre shooting hype piece I would have been shocked to actually see Hampton fall to #14. He needs to get strong and refine his shot but the tools are there for him to be the best player in this class. He is one of the highest ceiling guys in the class and well worth the 14th and even a 14 + 26 trade up if needed.

[footey]

If Ainge settled on Kira Lewis Jr. over Tyrell Terry I'd have no issue and be on board.  I just think Terry seems more like a fit for team needs than Lewis, more a fit with what Brad likes, more a general fit in terms of timeline for having a PG of the future.  I could be way off though.

Still hoping for PWill.  I mean, a couple of serious mocks have major players dropping.  Givony has Hayes dropping to us (at least in his last mock).  Another site had Vassell to us (Yes to Vassell over either Terry or Kira).  And Tankathon has Patrick Williams to the C's.   So there's hope.  There's also hope of easily moving up one or two spots for someone Danny loves. 

If he loves Terry, I might ask Dallas for their 18 and 31 and take a risk that Terry is there....Well no, if he loves Terry better take him at 14.

My biggest concern with drafting any sub 6'4 PG is with their replacement value. Meaning is the player the Cs are using a first on going to provide more value then a low cost FA like Wannamaker or Shane Larkin would?

There seems to be a very fine line in the NBA between being a high level starting NBA Point Guard who is capable of playing in the playoffs and a bench PG who can be easily replaced. Bigger guards who can shoot carry the added protection of serving as small wings.

Terry I am confident will shoot the ball at an elite level and at worst will provide value off the bench as a Seth Curry like 3pt specialist playing off of a primary creator.

Lewis Jr worries me because if he isnt a starter (aka eventual kemba replacement) goes he provide enough value to warrant the high pick? In the playoffs small weaker PGs are hard to get on the court, especially in backup roles.

This is why I'm so high on Maxey, despite not being a large guard he has a strong frame and should have little issue defending up and competing against bigger players.

Why are you so confident that Terry will shoot the ball at elite level?   Very little evidence to support that confident of a projection.

I'd buy Maxey if he were a little taller and longer.  I look at his upside as Donovan Mitchell lite.  I know guys like Max Carlin are in love with him.  I am not there given his lack of size and length.

[footey]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

Doubt Lewis available at 26.

You'd take Terry at 14 but not Lewis? This I don't get.

[liam]

I think I would pick up Markus Howard with 47. Ainge does love these undersized scoring guards and Markus Howard is undersized and can just shoot lights out. Howard's game is a lot like IT and Kemba. He can shoot behind picks and off the dribble and can drive. On defense, he is a liability but he probably would just function as a spark plug off the bench. At 47 he's worth a look.

[wiley]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

Doubt Lewis available at 26.

You'd take Terry at 14 but not Lewis? This I don't get.

one of the CBS mockers has Lewis going at pick 8 to the Knicks...very doubtful...they could trade down...but he certainly won't be there at 26.

[gouki88]

Gouki88 and I seem to be the only two who like Kira Lewis at 14.  He is more experienced, but younger, than Terry.  He is longer than Terry (6'7" wingspan). Probably taller.  Definitely faster, quicker, elite speed really.  And while he doesn't shoot as efficiently as Terry, he is a very good 3 point shooter.

Oh, and the major criticism of him, like Terry, was that he was too thin. Guess what? He also gained 15 lbs working out in the weight room. (My guess is we will be seeing this happening for all underweight draft picks going forward.)

Article below is pretty good update on why the Knicks are interested in drafting him, although I doubt they would take him at 8.

https://sports.yahoo.com/kira-lewis-jr-trainer-believes-213954286.html

Since the college season ended, Kira Lewis Jr. has added about 15 pounds to his frame. That added weight, coupled with his 6-foot-7 wing span, should entice teams who need a point guard in the draft.

The Knicks certainly fall into that category. And they’ve already interviewed Lewis Jr. over a Zoom call, so we know they have a degree of interest in the guard from Alabama.

If New York ends up selecting Lewis Jr. in the draft, a coach/trainer from the Big Apple will probably be pretty happy about it.

Corey Underwood, a former Forest Hills HS star who grew up in Queens, has helped coach/train Lewis Jr. for the past three years.

Underwood played in the NBA G League and with the 76ers, so he understands what college players need to thrive at the NBA level.

Scouts see Lewis Jr. as one of the fastest guards in the draft and point to an improved perimeter shot as one of his NBA-ready traits.

Underwood, who has coached/trained dozens of top amateur players, agrees with that assessment. But he also believes Lewis Jr.’s intangibles will also help him thrive in the NBA.

“He loves the game. It’s not a façade, it’s not fake, not just for the look. Kira is very aware that basketball is a major part of his life after God, family, and education,” Underwood says.

After working with him for the past few years, including last offseason in Alabama, Underwood sees Lewis Jr. as a young player who is consumed with improving.

After he missed a free throw late in an Alabama loss last season, Lewis Jr. went back to the court and made 500 free throws.

He studied tape of his opponents Underwood put together regularly during the season, looking for tendencies he could exploit.

That film study will continue at the next level, Underwood says.

“He’s going to dive into film and he’s going to know his opponents like the back of his hand because he’s going to take the time to watch film on his own, on top of what (he’s watching with the team),” Underwood says.

Man, if the Knicks take Kira Lewis Jr. it will be super bittersweet. Big reach by them, as he's a 12-18 guy in my mock, so it would mean that a higher ranked prospect would fall.

However, I want him to succeed, and it's the Knicks..

[Tr1boy]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

Doubt Lewis available at 26.

You'd take Terry at 14 but not Lewis? This I don't get.

one of the CBS mockers has Lewis going at pick 8 to the Knicks...very doubtful...they could trade down...but he certainly won't be there at 26.

no way. Too high for him

[gouki88]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

Doubt Lewis available at 26.

You'd take Terry at 14 but not Lewis? This I don't get.

one of the CBS mockers has Lewis going at pick 8 to the Knicks...very doubtful...they could trade down...but he certainly won't be there at 26.

no way. Too high for him

Given it's the Knicks it's certainly a possibility

[Tr1boy]

If Celts miss out or skip on Terry ... I wouldn't mind Lewis Jr. at 26 or Riller at 30. 

Celts do need to add depth to the PG position.  I doubt Wannamaker will be brought back

Doubt Lewis available at 26.

You'd take Terry at 14 but not Lewis? This I don't get.

yup. Terry is a better halfcourt player (pnr/pnp/passing) and shooter (3pt and mid range)

Lewis Jr. has tremendous speed.  But unless you play a dumb team that gives up multiple fast break points,  Lewis Jr. will need to iron out his game and add some more mass.   

His defense also needs tweaking.   Overall he will need to some time down in Maine