Thank you to those who have been answering my question about VJ. Most of the answers seem to be about his athleticism, per se. Perhaps I worded my question in a way that led to these types of answers, but I'm actually wondering about his whole game, not just his athleticism (though his athleticism is part of what matters, of course).
Following Potential 2025 Draftees
- Thread starter Elizah Huge
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Effectively, I think his most likely case is something like Jalen Suggs. I think he will be able to translate his athleticism and motor into great (potentially elite) defense. Offensively it's more of a mixed bag. His ball skills (particularly his handle) need to catch up. His passing is better than his ball handling right now. The shot will also be a swing skill as it is with Suggs, but if he's hitting 40% you have a really amazing player and one that works especially well with someone else doing the primary ballhandling.
If his handle improves I think it will have exponential effects to his overall level. That's where he can head towards a Mitchell/Westbrook type outcome. I'd say those are very high outcomes and not likely, but it's somewhat in the realm of possibility. I'd say Suggs is good modest and median expectation for him. He could obviously turn out worse than that.
We don't know yet. He's still 18 and it's a question of how his game develops. Right now, he's mostly an off-ball guy who can make spot-ups and score off of cuts and open drives. He makes defensive plays and finishes breaks. Given his age, he could grow another inch or so. His floor is a decent-to-high-impact, two-way combo-guard.
He's not much of a self-creator or isolation scorer, though theoretically he could become one.
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Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
As I posted earlier, some people see VJ's ballhandling as basic and unimaginative... I see it as deliberate and economical. Even if the truth is somewhere in the middle, I'm not worried about it at all.
The thing about the NBA is... the defenders have seen it all. The more you're showing off, pounding the ball and dribbling between your legs without really going anywhere, the more they're resting. They'd much rather guard a guy like that than someone who's hyper athletic, decisive and has a plan. No dribbling for dribbling's sake. Put the ball on the floor when you NEED to.
Sure Edgecombe has things he can improve, but I just love watching him play. He seems like he's gonna be a rookie you don't have to pull aside to explain basketball basics: Yes, you're supposed to play defense. Yes, you're supposed to move without the ball. No, you're not allowed to pout when you turn it over, don't run back and get yelled at. He already knows all that and plays like it.
I'm not the biggest Flagg fan in the world, but that's something these two guys share: they don't act entitled, like they're too good for all the dirty work and playing hard off the ball. Such a breath of fresh air to have several kids like that in the Top 10.
The thing about the NBA is... the defenders have seen it all. The more you're showing off, pounding the ball and dribbling between your legs without really going anywhere, the more they're resting. They'd much rather guard a guy like that than someone who's hyper athletic, decisive and has a plan. No dribbling for dribbling's sake. Put the ball on the floor when you NEED to.
Sure Edgecombe has things he can improve, but I just love watching him play. He seems like he's gonna be a rookie you don't have to pull aside to explain basketball basics: Yes, you're supposed to play defense. Yes, you're supposed to move without the ball. No, you're not allowed to pout when you turn it over, don't run back and get yelled at. He already knows all that and plays like it.
I'm not the biggest Flagg fan in the world, but that's something these two guys share: they don't act entitled, like they're too good for all the dirty work and playing hard off the ball. Such a breath of fresh air to have several kids like that in the Top 10.
Flagg is in the Top 1
Yeah, but it's worth it this year.
The Jazz Wonderbra
Well-Known Member
You really need to watch some more of these guys. This is a rock solid top 5 draft and even outside that top 5 I still really like Traore, Newell, Fland and Demin.
Yeah, the 6th pick looks like our backstop. But, if we tank this year and next, that increases our chances of getting a top-4 pick. So between the two drafts, the Jazz would have about a 77% chance of a top-4 guy in one of two really nice drafts. Get a #1 option in one draft, and get a #2 option in the other.
seattlejazzfan
Well-Known Member
Ace Bailey just went off in the first half without Harper. 9-10 FGs, 24 pts.
seattlejazzfan
Well-Known Member
6th pick probably gets you Tre Johnson or Kasparas at worst. I can live with that.
So can I....especially if we get Dybantsa, Boozer or Peterson next year.
If I'm the Jazz, I'd be looking at Carter Bryant with the Twolves pick. I'm also mildly curious about Maluach if he can add more dimensions to his game.
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I'm locked in on Drake Powell. He isn't having the impact that was expected but he is going to be a rock solid all around wing which is something we need.
Just a beast.
seattlejazzfan
Well-Known Member
I said this a couple weeks ago when Bailey was hovering aroung 60% FTs. In Bailey's last 6 games, he's 26-29 FTs (90%). 14-14 in his last two. Bailey can shoot. FTs are a non-issue in terms of projecting him as a shooter - if anything they are a feather in his cap. the early season struggles were an aberration.
I wish that Ace had better ballhandling and playmaking, but you definitely can't argue with his scoring ability. I would be thrilled to have him if we miss out on Flagg and Harper.
View: https://x.com/brhoops/status/1884819676946964709
View: https://x.com/brhoops/status/1884819676946964709
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
I really hope we manage to dodge a situation where we "have" to take Bailey.
The lack of athleticism and ballhandling is such a red flag for a supposed "pure scorer". In the league, he's gonna be a spot up shooter who can't guard his position. Period.
Bailey is just 6'8'' with zero bounce, which means that he'll have a lot of trouble just shooting over people in the NBA. He's being guarded by 6'5'' guys in college, but that will change.
This kid can still become a useful NBA player since shooting is a premium skill, but you have to run complicated actions to get him free and hide him on defense. In other words, a role player. No thanks.
Perfect player for a contender with the other pieces already in place, though.
The lack of athleticism and ballhandling is such a red flag for a supposed "pure scorer". In the league, he's gonna be a spot up shooter who can't guard his position. Period.
Bailey is just 6'8'' with zero bounce, which means that he'll have a lot of trouble just shooting over people in the NBA. He's being guarded by 6'5'' guys in college, but that will change.
This kid can still become a useful NBA player since shooting is a premium skill, but you have to run complicated actions to get him free and hide him on defense. In other words, a role player. No thanks.
Perfect player for a contender with the other pieces already in place, though.
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