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Following Potential 2018 Draftees

I like him in the second round

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...kurucs-2018-nba-draft-international-prospects

Arnoldas Kulboka | 6-10 | SF
1998-born | Capo D'Orlando (Italian League, Champions League)

Game scouted: Capo D'orlando at Cantu | 6 PTS (3-of-8 FGs) in 24 MIN

In Desio, Italy to get eyes on 6-10 Lithuanian wing Arnoldas Kulboka as he and his club, Capo D'Orlando, take on Cantu. Kulboka is shooting 39.8% from 3 on 113 attempts in 24 games this season. High-level shooter with positional size. pic.twitter.com/sfKio1ifUn

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

The Kaunas, Lithuania native has jumped around from Zalgiris to Bamberg in Germany and is now on loan with Capo D'Orlando in Southern Italy. While he has started all 28 games he has played and is getting his fair share of minutes, he's not in an ideal development situation or the right team structure to showcase his talents. Capo D'Orlando is 8-20 on the year and isn't exactly loaded with talent, featuring players such as former OKC guard Eric Maynor (who is toward the end of his career). The club is also reportedly behind on paychecks, which has made for a less-than-favorable environment. For a player such as Kulboka, who isn't naturally assertive and is likely a role player at every level, this isn't an ideal situation to develop or be evaluated.

Potential NBA role: Wing shooter

The 6-10 wing has the eye of NBA teams thanks to his smooth shooting stroke and positional size. While not the most gifted shot creator, he has excellent touch with his feet set and possesses the footwork to eventually develop into a guy who can get going off of motion. Kulboka also has a projectable yet skinny frame and fluid athleticism, which should show in a more wide-open game. On the flip side, he's quite limited with the ball on offense and lacks a degree of grit and physicality on the defensive end. Looking a bit mopey on the floor at times, Kulboka would benefit from revving up his intensity and enthusiasm, along with finding more ways to impact the game if he's not making shots.

Outlook: In dire need of a new situation, Kulboka wouldn't surprise by keeping his name in the draft this year despite having an up-and-down season so far. Every team is searching for shooting, and a change of scenery could bring out the best in Kulboka, who is an interesting second-round option.

Marko Simonovic | 7-0 | PF/C
1999-born | Siena (LegaDue -- Italy 2nd Division)

Game scouted: Siena at Tortona | 5 fouls, 0 PTS, 1 TOV in 10 MIN

In Voghera, Italy to watch Siena 7-footer Marko Simonovic. First live look at the 18-year-old Montenegro native as Siena takes on Tortona (Italy A2). Simonovic broke out this summer at the U18 Euros, averaging 17.7 PTS and 8.4 REBS while posting a 31.9 PER. Soft touch out to 3. pic.twitter.com/OWex0asC22

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

Siena, once a longtime Italian first division powerhouse and EuroLeague participant, has been slowed by financial struggles over the years and it's bled over to the on-court product. LegaDue, Italy's second division, isn't the most inspiring level of play from a global standpoint, and the late-blooming Simonovic hasn't done all that much with the minutes he's been given thus far. With that said, he's not in the best evaluation situation as he's used almost strictly as a screener and diver. The 18-year-old late-bloomer showed this summer, by averaging 17.7 PPG at the under-18s, that he's comfortable stepping out to 3 and thriving in more skill-based situations.

Potential NBA role: Agile, Skilled PF/C

Simonovic, who Jonathan Givony profiled more extensively in his most recent international scouting notebook, is still finding out who he is as a prospect. Formerly a perimeter player, he's extremely agile at close to 7-feet, with budding skill that should allow him to stretch the floor more consistently in time. Because he's not overly long or wide framed, being able to slide up and play some power forward as a more skilled 4 would make Simonovic far more intriguing to NBA teams. Also learning how to defend without fouling and play through physicality are on the priority list for the 18-year-old. With that said, he's a bit of blank canvas who is still at an early stage of his development.

Outlook: Simonovic's combination of agility and offensive upside are certainly intriguing long-term, but he's quite clearly a year or two away from maximizing his draft stock. It will be interesting to see if he attends the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, as a week of drills in front of NBA scouts will certainly work in his favor given his shooting potential and athleticism. Simonovic may also compete in the under-20 European Championships this summer with Montenegro.
 
I like him in the second round

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...kurucs-2018-nba-draft-international-prospects

Arnoldas Kulboka | 6-10 | SF
1998-born | Capo D'Orlando (Italian League, Champions League)

Game scouted: Capo D'orlando at Cantu | 6 PTS (3-of-8 FGs) in 24 MIN

In Desio, Italy to get eyes on 6-10 Lithuanian wing Arnoldas Kulboka as he and his club, Capo D'Orlando, take on Cantu. Kulboka is shooting 39.8% from 3 on 113 attempts in 24 games this season. High-level shooter with positional size. pic.twitter.com/sfKio1ifUn

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

The Kaunas, Lithuania native has jumped around from Zalgiris to Bamberg in Germany and is now on loan with Capo D'Orlando in Southern Italy. While he has started all 28 games he has played and is getting his fair share of minutes, he's not in an ideal development situation or the right team structure to showcase his talents. Capo D'Orlando is 8-20 on the year and isn't exactly loaded with talent, featuring players such as former OKC guard Eric Maynor (who is toward the end of his career). The club is also reportedly behind on paychecks, which has made for a less-than-favorable environment. For a player such as Kulboka, who isn't naturally assertive and is likely a role player at every level, this isn't an ideal situation to develop or be evaluated.

Potential NBA role: Wing shooter

The 6-10 wing has the eye of NBA teams thanks to his smooth shooting stroke and positional size. While not the most gifted shot creator, he has excellent touch with his feet set and possesses the footwork to eventually develop into a guy who can get going off of motion. Kulboka also has a projectable yet skinny frame and fluid athleticism, which should show in a more wide-open game. On the flip side, he's quite limited with the ball on offense and lacks a degree of grit and physicality on the defensive end. Looking a bit mopey on the floor at times, Kulboka would benefit from revving up his intensity and enthusiasm, along with finding more ways to impact the game if he's not making shots.

Outlook: In dire need of a new situation, Kulboka wouldn't surprise by keeping his name in the draft this year despite having an up-and-down season so far. Every team is searching for shooting, and a change of scenery could bring out the best in Kulboka, who is an interesting second-round option.

Marko Simonovic | 7-0 | PF/C
1999-born | Siena (LegaDue -- Italy 2nd Division)

Game scouted: Siena at Tortona | 5 fouls, 0 PTS, 1 TOV in 10 MIN

In Voghera, Italy to watch Siena 7-footer Marko Simonovic. First live look at the 18-year-old Montenegro native as Siena takes on Tortona (Italy A2). Simonovic broke out this summer at the U18 Euros, averaging 17.7 PTS and 8.4 REBS while posting a 31.9 PER. Soft touch out to 3. pic.twitter.com/OWex0asC22

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

Siena, once a longtime Italian first division powerhouse and EuroLeague participant, has been slowed by financial struggles over the years and it's bled over to the on-court product. LegaDue, Italy's second division, isn't the most inspiring level of play from a global standpoint, and the late-blooming Simonovic hasn't done all that much with the minutes he's been given thus far. With that said, he's not in the best evaluation situation as he's used almost strictly as a screener and diver. The 18-year-old late-bloomer showed this summer, by averaging 17.7 PPG at the under-18s, that he's comfortable stepping out to 3 and thriving in more skill-based situations.

Potential NBA role: Agile, Skilled PF/C

Simonovic, who Jonathan Givony profiled more extensively in his most recent international scouting notebook, is still finding out who he is as a prospect. Formerly a perimeter player, he's extremely agile at close to 7-feet, with budding skill that should allow him to stretch the floor more consistently in time. Because he's not overly long or wide framed, being able to slide up and play some power forward as a more skilled 4 would make Simonovic far more intriguing to NBA teams. Also learning how to defend without fouling and play through physicality are on the priority list for the 18-year-old. With that said, he's a bit of blank canvas who is still at an early stage of his development.

Outlook: Simonovic's combination of agility and offensive upside are certainly intriguing long-term, but he's quite clearly a year or two away from maximizing his draft stock. It will be interesting to see if he attends the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, as a week of drills in front of NBA scouts will certainly work in his favor given his shooting potential and athleticism. Simonovic may also compete in the under-20 European Championships this summer with Montenegro.
 
Rodions Kurucs | 6-10 | SF/PF
1998-born | Barcelona (EuroLeague, ACB, LEB Gold)

Some solid moments for 6-10 Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs in LEB Gold last week with Barcelona II. It's been tough for him to find consistency this season but he reminded us of his talent against Lleida. Still only 19. pic.twitter.com/ob4RYnETub

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 19, 2018

Kurucs has been a man of mystery of sorts for the better part of this season, as Barcelona continually moves him between the top team and the second team, doing all it can to keep him from playing meaningful minutes in front of NBA scouts. The 6-10 Latvian forward, who was a highly-touted youth player, and his agent chose not to sign an extension with Barcelona, which ruffled the feathers of management.

We were expected to see Kurucs play with Barcelona's second team against Prat just outside of Barcelona during the L'Hospitalet Adidas Next Generation Tournament, which attracts scouts from almost every NBA team. This would have been an ideal time to showcase Kurucs' versatility as a 6-10 forward who can make a spot 3, attack a closeout and use his range to make plays off the ball defensively. With so many scouts in attendance, Barcelona decided to send Kurucs to Sevilla with the first team, where he played the final 45 seconds of a blowout and finished a breakaway dunk.

Kurucs eventually played with the second team on Jan. 12 at Llieda and had a nice game scoring 11 points (4-of-7 shooting) in 18 minutes. A few scouts were able to make it to the game, but most opted out when planning their schedules, as it's too much of a risk to roll the dice not knowing whether he will play or not until the day of the game. Kurucs reportedly traveled with the first team to Greece for its EuroLeague game against Panathinaikos on the night of Jan. 11. He returned around 5 a.m. on the 12th and was told last minute that he'd be traveling with the second team to play in Llieda that evening. This is a perfect example of the unpredictability of trying to chase down prospects developing in the Barcelona system. NBA scouts are becoming more and more frustrated with the situation, with some flat-out refusing to even try chasing the 19-year-old prospect around due to the unpredictability.

Kurucs has one more year left on his deal with a buyout estimated close to $4 million Euro, which is a hurdle in building his draft stock. Although he's a fringe first-round talent and arguably the second-best international prospect in the draft, he has played only 145 total minutes this season and hasn't been overly productive in LEB Gold, which isn't the most inspiring level. Kurucs is still developing through practice time, but the inconsistent in-game burn and the discourse with the organization has become a trend in Barcelona, with stubborn Croatian Mario Hezonja as the most recent example.

Although he didn't always help himself with his mentality, Hezonja was a highly touted, ultra-talented prospect at a young age who would have greatly benefited from playing consistent minutes at any level. The muddy situation in Barcelona, along with a series of lower extremity injuries and inconsistent play, has slowed draft momentum for Kurucs, who was viewed as a future surefire first-round pick when he was thriving as a youth player in 2014 and 2015.

Potential NBA role: Versatile combo forward

Although we weren't able to see Kurucs live on this swing, we dove into the film of his 18-minute game against Llieda and have seen him up close at different stages in the past. Physically, he has the size and agility to play minutes at either forward spot, with his best offensive minutes likely coming at the 4. However, he isn't the most durable guy, and he needs to get tougher on the glass and defensively to steal minutes as a small-ball 4. His value comes as an occasional spot-up shooter who can also attack in a straight line and operate out of the post a little bit against smaller wings. He's not the most sound one-on-one perimeter defender, as he lacks a degree of discipline and plays the game a little high on that end. With that said, his height, reach and instincts make him a factor off the ball. His shooting will be the key moving forward, especially given his limitations as an advanced ball-handler and shot creator. A lifetime 30.8 percent 3-point shooter on 250 attempts, ironing out his shooting stroke will be integral in his development. Players in his mold often find ways to hang around the NBA given their size, shooting potential and overall versatility.

Outlook: As it stands now, Kurucs and his camp have their eyes set on the 2019 draft, as he'll be a free agent and is expected to have a little more of a consistent role next season. All it takes to stay in the draft is for one team with an attractive situation to promise Kurucs, though, so we'll continue to track his progress as this year's annual prospect in hiding.
 
Veddy interested to see what DeAndre Ayton's gonna do in this 2nd half, their down vs Washington, who's coach is HANDS-DOWN the best new College coach I've seen, Mike Hopkins --- it's probably not even close, this dude is a certified miracle worker..

UW has this tough sob 6'11" Sam Timmins, new zealand native.. For my $$ he's thoroughly outplayed Ayton in the first half..
 
Xthren said:
I like him in the second round

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...kurucs-2018-nba-draft-international-prospects

Arnoldas Kulboka | 6-10 | SF
1998-born | Capo D'Orlando (Italian League, Champions League)

Game scouted: Capo D'orlando at Cantu | 6 PTS (3-of-8 FGs) in 24 MIN

In Desio, Italy to get eyes on 6-10 Lithuanian wing Arnoldas Kulboka as he and his club, Capo D'Orlando, take on Cantu. Kulboka is shooting 39.8% from 3 on 113 attempts in 24 games this season. High-level shooter with positional size. pic.twitter.com/sfKio1ifUn

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

The Kaunas, Lithuania native has jumped around from Zalgiris to Bamberg in Germany and is now on loan with Capo D'Orlando in Southern Italy. While he has started all 28 games he has played and is getting his fair share of minutes, he's not in an ideal development situation or the right team structure to showcase his talents. Capo D'Orlando is 8-20 on the year and isn't exactly loaded with talent, featuring players such as former OKC guard Eric Maynor (who is toward the end of his career). The club is also reportedly behind on paychecks, which has made for a less-than-favorable environment. For a player such as Kulboka, who isn't naturally assertive and is likely a role player at every level, this isn't an ideal situation to develop or be evaluated.

Potential NBA role: Wing shooter

The 6-10 wing has the eye of NBA teams thanks to his smooth shooting stroke and positional size. While not the most gifted shot creator, he has excellent touch with his feet set and possesses the footwork to eventually develop into a guy who can get going off of motion. Kulboka also has a projectable yet skinny frame and fluid athleticism, which should show in a more wide-open game. On the flip side, he's quite limited with the ball on offense and lacks a degree of grit and physicality on the defensive end. Looking a bit mopey on the floor at times, Kulboka would benefit from revving up his intensity and enthusiasm, along with finding more ways to impact the game if he's not making shots.

Outlook: In dire need of a new situation, Kulboka wouldn't surprise by keeping his name in the draft this year despite having an up-and-down season so far. Every team is searching for shooting, and a change of scenery could bring out the best in Kulboka, who is an interesting second-round option.

Marko Simonovic | 7-0 | PF/C
1999-born | Siena (LegaDue -- Italy 2nd Division)

Game scouted: Siena at Tortona | 5 fouls, 0 PTS, 1 TOV in 10 MIN

In Voghera, Italy to watch Siena 7-footer Marko Simonovic. First live look at the 18-year-old Montenegro native as Siena takes on Tortona (Italy A2). Simonovic broke out this summer at the U18 Euros, averaging 17.7 PTS and 8.4 REBS while posting a 31.9 PER. Soft touch out to 3. pic.twitter.com/OWex0asC22

- Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 7, 2018

Siena, once a longtime Italian first division powerhouse and EuroLeague participant, has been slowed by financial struggles over the years and it's bled over to the on-court product. LegaDue, Italy's second division, isn't the most inspiring level of play from a global standpoint, and the late-blooming Simonovic hasn't done all that much with the minutes he's been given thus far. With that said, he's not in the best evaluation situation as he's used almost strictly as a screener and diver. The 18-year-old late-bloomer showed this summer, by averaging 17.7 PPG at the under-18s, that he's comfortable stepping out to 3 and thriving in more skill-based situations.

Potential NBA role: Agile, Skilled PF/C

Simonovic, who Jonathan Givony profiled more extensively in his most recent international scouting notebook, is still finding out who he is as a prospect. Formerly a perimeter player, he's extremely agile at close to 7-feet, with budding skill that should allow him to stretch the floor more consistently in time. Because he's not overly long or wide framed, being able to slide up and play some power forward as a more skilled 4 would make Simonovic far more intriguing to NBA teams. Also learning how to defend without fouling and play through physicality are on the priority list for the 18-year-old. With that said, he's a bit of blank canvas who is still at an early stage of his development.

Outlook: Simonovic's combination of agility and offensive upside are certainly intriguing long-term, but he's quite clearly a year or two away from maximizing his draft stock. It will be interesting to see if he attends the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, as a week of drills in front of NBA scouts will certainly work in his favor given his shooting potential and athleticism. Simonovic may also compete in the under-20 European Championships this summer with Montenegro.
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Yeah i'm still a bigtime fan of Kulboka as I was last year, interesting they say he's 6'10". I believe it. When they say "He's eventually a guy who can get going with his feet set" thats being overly cautious IMO, if u watch him he is definitely not just a catch -and-shoot guy, and with how feeble some wingplayers ball-skills can be, I think it's an overstatement. Interested to see how he looks come draft time, i've seen him play at least a handful of games and always thought he was fun to watch.

Simonovic is also very interesting. I doubt he'd show all that well at the Nike Hoop Summit event vs the top HS bigs, I could be wrong tho. I have a very good feeling about him tbh, looks liek a 1st rd pick to me.
 
Washington is steamrolling Ayton and Arizona in this game... flawless execution.. Washingtons bigs are making everything they touch tho this is particularly ugly IMO.. I would love to hear objective opinions from the Ayton is #1 or #2 people about this game specifically..
 
Alright, Ayton woke up after I started talking ****. Any fanbase that gets him needs to be prepared for this tho..

This thing that he does, it's funny, I've watched him for a very long time now and it is not a coincidence, it happens all the time tbh....

Whats the best way I can describe it? Ayton is like Mike Tyson in a way that at his peak, he's gonna have someone else in his ear barking at him hyping him up holding him to some ridiculously impossible high-standard... Ayton is not gonna be able to reach his peak doing that sort of thing for himself -- I don't mean that really as a slight on him or anything, thats just the facts of the matter..


Ayton is like One Punch Man or something.. There's like this glorious level of misty-foginess but there's also just this extreme undeniable level of brilliance.
 
The Kurucs **** is super weird because he certainly passes the eye test, but he gets 0 minutes against any relevant competition. Is it just his club ****ing him over or is he not that good?
 
PG_AB said:
See this kid Barnett on Mizzou can ball!! His shot is good. he's about 6'7½", strong but room for more bulk for sure.. He's tough and very explosive too..

Lots of things backfiring for UK in this one..
Click to expand...
I really like Barnett. Pure shooter, legit 3 and D potential. Explosive athlete. Can guard 3 positions, high bball IQ.
 
Keita Bates Diop is going HAM all over Illinois (FS1)... He might drop 40 if he keeps this up... 16 minutes to go and he's gotta have like 25 already...

I always knew he was gonna be good, and an NBA player, didn't think he'd be this good tho for sure..

This big guy they have Kaleb Wesson is very impressive too. Way better than 1st rd pick Daniel Orton for instance, Wesson has great feel for the game for his size/age..
 
Somebody on JF, about a month ago, was saying Mikal Bridges isn't much of an athlete.

I guarantee Bates-Diop will measure at at least 6'9" at the combine.

Omari Spellman is an underrated stretch 4 prospect. He can play big, excellent athlete, defends and has a pure 3pt stroke.
 
So hyped for this Temple-Tulane matchup coming up soon!!!

Can't wait to see this kid Melvin Frazier, his stats are spectacularly efficient.. Quenton Rose too...
 
seattlejazzfan said:
Somebody on JF, about a month ago, was saying Mikal Bridges isn't much of an athlete.

I guarantee Bates-Diop will measure at at least 6'9" at the combine.

Omari Spellman is an underrated stretch 4 prospect. He can play big, excellent athlete, defends and has a pure 3pt stroke.
Click to expand...
Bridges is very very good functional athlete. He won't jump 40 inches, but his coordination and ambidextrous finishing is very natural. Look at those:




His length helps a lot with the dunking but my point in showing those was how natural he goes for the dunk off both sides and with either hand, jumping off either foot. This is not natural for most players. This IMO is much more important than him just jumping extremely high.
 
Saint Cy of JFC said:
The Kurucs **** is super weird because he certainly passes the eye test, but he gets 0 minutes against any relevant competition. Is it just his club ****ing him over or is he not that good?
Click to expand...
He should have come out last year tbh. I think he has a long ways to go, but his club is certainly screwing him over.

I still think that an NBA team (like the Jazz) looking to get an edge, should partner up with a mid level Euro team and focus on attracting young players who want to develop for the NBA. Get them top notch coaching and training, while supporting them financially. Have all of your international players filter through there and be generous with buyouts. It’s an edge that hasn’t ever been looked at before, but I could see a mutually beneficial arrangement working somewhere.

I’d also have the Jazz “host” a team of all international or free agent players for the SLC summer league. Give them an extended audition for NBA execs and see if any can latch on in summer league somewhere.
 
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