Everything 2024 Draft

[Joey]

Big, fat 0/2 whiff in the second round. Yuck.

A little early to be saying that no? Why do people feel the need to make snap judgements with absolutely nothing to base it on.

[LJ2]

A full training camp and season of Quickley, RJ, Scottie and Poeltl should be good enough to at least make the Play in so we'll see.

They're going to need a lot of help. Most of the new guys aren't going to be able to contribute for a while I don't think.

[Primer]

A little early to be saying that no? Why do people feel the need to make snap judgements with absolutely nothing to base it on.

He's basing it on the guys he wanted us to pick not being selected even though they were available. Same stuff everyone has to go on with every pick so far. I don't think it's too early to say if you like who we drafted or not.

[3inthekeon]

A little early to be saying that no? Why do people feel the need to make snap judgements with absolutely nothing to base it on.

Dunning-Kruger

I wasn't thrilled at all about the Shead pick either, but just read this from Vecenie, who knows draft picks much more than I do.

Vecenie’s ranking: 31

Jamal Shead is one of my favorite players in the class, and I am higher on him than consensus. The last time a smaller guard made an NBA All-Defense team was in 2020, when both Eric Bledsoe and Patrick Beverley did so. I think Shead has their kind of upside on that end of the court if he can figure out an offensive role by improving as a shooter. He is among the most instinctive, high-IQ defensive players I’ve ever evaluated and possesses arguably the best motor I’ve seen on defense. I have zero question that Shead will be an impactful player on that end of the floor. He needs enough offense to consistently stay on the court. He’s still young even though he’s a four-year player, as he won’t turn 22 until after Summer League. At a minimum, I’d be stunned if he doesn’t carve out a role as a backup point guard in the NBA. If his shooting comes along, there’s even a chance he becomes a high-impact role player. His defense is that good.

[MixxAOR]

[DanH]

The only thing I really knew about Shead was that when I was researching Dunn and everyone kept saying how good his defence was, they kept saying that Shead was his only comparable in the draft class. So that alone is reason enough to risk a mid 2nd on him. And I think there are more signs of life in his jumper than in Dunn’s (of course, it’s more needed since he’s a guard and can’t hide off ball at the rim like Dunn potentially could).

[Ebonhawke]

The Raptors plan to sign undrafted free agent Branden Carlson to a two-way contract, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (via Twitter).

Carlson, who is ranked No. 33 on ESPN’s best available list, is a Utah native who spent all five of his college seasons with the Utes. The 7’1? center averaged 17.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 1.5 BPG on .501/.379/.714 shooting in 36 games as a “super senior” in 2023/24 (29.6 MPG).
In his draft profile, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony says Carlson holds some intrigue as a big man with a nice blend of offensive skills, but he’s also 25 years old and very thin, which could make him a liability on the defensive end in the NBA.

Toronto also intends to sign undrafted free agent Quincy Guerrier to an Exhibit 10 training camp deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
A 6’7? forward, Guerrier made stops at Oregon and Syracuse before finishing out his fifth and final college season with Illinois. As a “super senior” last season, he averaged 9.6 PPG and 6.3 RPG on .476/.374/.569 shooting in 38 games (24.1 MPG).
If Guerrier is waived by the Raptors before the ’24/25 campaign and spends at least 60 days with the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate, he could earn a bonus worth just under $78K.

[Ebonhawke]

Draft Profile on Carlson from ESPN

Pre-Draft Analysis


Strengths: Carlson is a 7-foot-1 stretch big man who has some real skill and versatility offensively with his quickness getting off his feet, an ability to handle and pass, and impressive shot-making prowess.

Weaknesses: At 219 pounds, despite already being 25 years old, his lack of strength is a limiting factor around the basket on both ends. He has never been much of a rebounder and was regularly attacked by average players at the college level, raising questions about his ability to hold his own defensively against pros.

The verdict: Carlson's skill level is intriguing at his size, as the NBA is always looking for big men who can handle, pass and shoot, but his lack of strength and toughness hurts his viability on the other end of the floor considering he was one of the oldest players in college basketball this season. -- Jonathan Givony


Didn't see a profile on Guerrier

[3inthekeon]

The Heat

Would you bet actual money on that? If so, I recommend 3inthekeoncasino.

[A.I]

Draft Profile on Carlson from ESPN

Pre-Draft Analysis


Strengths: Carlson is a 7-foot-1 stretch big man who has some real skill and versatility offensively with his quickness getting off his feet, an ability to handle and pass, and impressive shot-making prowess.

Weaknesses: At 219 pounds, despite already being 25 years old, his lack of strength is a limiting factor around the basket on both ends. He has never been much of a rebounder and was regularly attacked by average players at the college level, raising questions about his ability to hold his own defensively against pros.

The verdict: Carlson's skill level is intriguing at his size, as the NBA is always looking for big men who can handle, pass and shoot, but his lack of strength and toughness hurts his viability on the other end of the floor considering he was one of the oldest players in college basketball this season. -- Jonathan Givony


Didn't see a profile on Guerrier

So basically another Jontay Porter. I hope he doesn't have gambling issues.

[golden]

Shead is a straight up beast. Can’t wait to release the hounds on PGs like Maxey.

[TomAmnot]

Guerrier est de Montréal!

[SkywalkerAC]

Holy smokes we knocked it out of the park! Talk about a youth movement and athleticism upgrade. WOW.

[Jclaw]

Shead is a straight up beast. Can’t wait to release the hounds on PGs like Maxey.

He looks like he gets actual blocks, not “stocks”

[WJF]

Shead is a straight up beast. Can’t wait to release the hounds on PGs like Maxey.

He’s got way more bounce than I thought.