Calipari says Skal would be # 1 pick in 2018 or 19

[rondohondo]

Brett Dawson: John Calipari says whatever NBA team takes Skal Labissiere in the draft is essentially getting the No. 1 pick in 2018 or 2019.

So is he just talking him up because he wants him to go high in the lottery , or does he really believe this ? I saw in a thread on realm that his measurements are very Similar to Noel . I watched him a few times and thought he was pretty impressive down low , but is still really raw .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtnyG6TMO4Q

So what do you think , if we fall to 5 or lower, is he worth the gamble ?

[sofutomygaha]

Man. Talk about putting yourself on the line, there

[Grindfather]

Calipari's main value as a college coach is his ability to recruit players, which he is able to do because he makes dudes lottery picks.  I think Cal feels like he failed Skal a little bit this year by not showcasing him properly.  This kind of pre-draft hype job adds to Calipari's rep as a guy that gets his players into the NBA. 

That being said, I'm sure he kind of believes it too.  I, personally, think it is ridiculous to think that a 23 year-old would be drafted 1st overall in 2019.  Look at the crap Hield and Dunn get for being 22 and they are guys most people slot into the 4-7 range. 

[coffee425]

So he'd be a 22 or 23 year old first overall pick. Got it.

[loco_91]

Calipari's main value as a college coach is his ability to recruit players, which he is able to do because he makes dudes lottery picks.  I think Cal feels like he failed Skal a little bit this year by not showcasing him properly.  This kind of pre-draft hype job adds to Calipari's rep as a guy that gets his players into the NBA. 

That being said, I'm sure he kind of believes it too.  I, personally, think it is ridiculous to think that a 23 year-old would be drafted 1st overall in 2019.  Look at the crap Hield and Dunn get for being 22 and they are guys most people slot into the 4-7 range.

Spot on

[RebusRankin]

Cal is a salesman first and foremost. Trying to sell his guy, so he can land the next guy to sell and hype.

[Moranis]

There is a reason that Skal was the consensus #2 pick before the college season.  There is also a reason he is no longer at #2, but he obviously is very skilled, just not ready.

[jpotter33]

Where do most mocks have him? Is he available at 16? If so, I think you almost HAVE to take a swing for the fences with him there, though I doubt we end up using that pick.

Let him develop in the D-League for a couple of years and see where he goes.

[max215]

Where do most mocks have him? Is he available at 16? If so, I think you almost HAVE to take a swing for the fences with him there, though I doubt we end up using that pick.

Let him develop in the D-League for a couple of years and see where he goes.

Most mocks have him in the 9-12 range. I still like his upside enough to take him in that range if we trade up.

[alldaboston]

I'd rather trade up and take my chances with Skal than take Bender at 3

[ConnerHenry]

Cal also said there was no wrong-doing at UMASS, everything was done by the books.

Cal said the Nets would be a perennial playoff team when he coached them.

[walker834]

I think either Skal or Davis has a chance to be a whiteside type player this draft.  It's going to take them a bit though.  I like them both along with brown.  As far as athletic ability they are all up there underrated nba prospects. 

I am a fan of taking all these guys at 16 or trying to swing a trade where we can move up.  I wouldn't take them with a top 3 pick though.

[Roy H.]

Yeah, Cal pimps his players. No surprise there. He said similar stuff about Murray being a top pick.

[walker834]

Calipari is being a salesman.  Skal is not a top 3 pick this draft.  He is a top 10 one though possibly and a lottery pick with a good sales pitch.

Calipari is just looking out for his player.

[kozlodoev]

Brett Dawson: John Calipari says whatever NBA team takes Skal Labissiere in the draft is essentially getting the No. 1 pick in 2018 or 2019.

So is he just talking him up because he wants him to go high in the lottery , or does he really believe this ? I saw in a thread on realm that his measurements are very Similar to Noel . I watched him a few times and thought he was pretty impressive down low , but is still really raw .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtnyG6TMO4Q

So what do you think , if we fall to 5 or lower, is he worth the gamble ?

Yes, Labissierre is just dying to come out 2 years early and be taken 5+ spots lower, right? Seems rational.