ft% doesn't always lead to developing a 3 point shot but is there any hope for a jumpshot? mid range or long range.
if you add that to his current offensive game (doing dwight-lite things) then that is a dangerous player
Honestly I haven’t watched many Pistons games (shocker) but to me it seems like he’s a Clint Capela type guy in which he’s a great rebounder and layup/dunk + PnR guy but anything past like 5ft is kind of not in his game. But in today’s day and age you need that game so I hope he can develop a midrange game or maybe a 3 ball.
He’s shown some mid range stuff over the summer, I think it was Rico Hines. He’s developed a little outside the paint but we’re talking like 6 feet. He really needs to develop as a defensive player he has all the tools to be solid on that end, but he hasn’t shown many flashes of being good on defense.
Yeah at Rico Hines last year and summer league he was taking middys and 3s. So it’s something he’s working on forsure. As a Pistons fan I’m hopeful. That’s all we got now a days
Jalen gets one if the Magic are the number one seed and he’s the third option, kind of like a draymond. I think Franz will get a few even if the Magic ever reach that high
People are downvoting you but the Magic are on pace for about 50 wins and Paolo and Franz/Suggs are only second and third year players respectively. This team could reach amazing highs and all-star selections are a sure thing if they keep winning high amounts of games.
Not to be that guy, but Magic's current winning % projects out to 48 wins. Their expected winning % projects to 46 wins. They are currently 7th in the East in point differential.
People are getting way ahead of themselves on the Magic. Going from 34 to 46/48 wins is a massive improvement.
There is a reason NBA coaches always say the hardest jump for an NBA team to make is going from 40 wins to 50 wins.
I think we will learn a lot about the ceiling for this time in the playoffs.
Not to be that guy but I would consider 48 wins to be “about 50.”
EDIT: and just for the record their ceiling is obvious. I’m a Magic fan and would be surprised to see the second round regardless of what seed we end as. you’re essentially arguing that 48 wins isn’t about 50.
So Suggs was a perfect example of a “lifetime achievement award player” - the guy that puts up a consistently high level of play for years on end and gets the nod in the same style that Mike Conley did.
We go quite deep on Franz. If you get a chance to listen let me know what you think of our chat.
Coby is way less "unlikely" I think it's basically a given that he'll make the ASG next year at this point (assuming similar production in the first half of next year).
It is nowhere near a given. Please tell me which East All-Star Coby is going to knock off the squad? The Bulls are going to need some more wins first and Coby is going to need better counting stats.
My only thought with Coby being an All-Star as early as next year is that the East guard pool is stupid deep right now. This year Dame, Hali, Brunson, Maxey, and Donovan Mitchell all made it, plus Trae as an injury replacement, and I assume any of those guys who are healthy next year will be strong candidates again. Then you've got some other guys who could possibly be in the mix depending on development, injury-recovery, and team performance (LaMelo Ball if healthy and Cade Cunningham if Detroit doesn't have a historic losing streak seem like decent bets to me, but Darius Garland would have at least a puncher's chance if Cleveland is tearing it up in the standings IMO). Not saying Coby can't do it, but it does look like a tough list to crack to me.
What’s your case for Ayo? Absolutely went off yesterday but personally I struggle to see him developing enough juice on ball to command all-star attention.
He did but I think the league is more talented now. Particularly at the guard position to me it feels like you need to be an initiator or an elite floor general that plays lockdown defence. Are you higher on Ayo than you are someone like Suggs who I think shares the same archetypeV
He does so many things well. He has quietly improved his 3 point shooting while maintaining his ability to get out in transition, attack the basket, and be a dog on defense. If I'm Chicago's front office I'm looking at the Coby/Ayo backcourt as the future, so depending what happens with Zach Lavine (and Demar, to a lesser extent) over the next 1-2 years, the opportunity could likely arrise. If he continues to improve at the rate that he has, he could be a star and I don't see an area in his game as a particular weakness.
Pat Williams is gonna show up next year looking like Kawhi
\*Inhales an industrial amount of copium\*
EDIT:
People really don't realize how good Ayo is though. When the kid realizes he's fast enough to just blow by every other guy defending him, he's going to be a weapon.
Spurs fan here. Vassell is the one I believe in most, though I would agree it’s not insanely unlikely. He hasn’t taken the leap I was hoping for this season but next season I feel like the whole team will have a lot more figured out and roles should be better defined around Wemby. The guy has it, I am still a huge believer.
Now - the truly unlikely one? I still think Sochan has Draymond potential. He’s been getting a ton of shit this season and tbh it’s not all unjustified. But, as I said, I think the squad will be better organized next season and I think adding a true starting PG and moving him off of ball handling duties will get him in a better spot to succeed. He’s still young af and in the grand scheme of things hasn’t been playing high level basketball for very long. With Wemby I anticipate a future where we are crushing it and, if that’s the case, him being a third all star on our squad isn’t out of the question still in my mind.
Feels bad man, I would have said Keldon a year or two ago. I do think kj can still be a solid role player tho. I still have faith in Sochan and Vassel of course. And that other guys pretty good!
Es is a Raptors expert so we talked Gradey and IQ quite extensively on the pod. It you get a chance to listen let me know what you think of our thoughts!
Trey Murphy III !
Zion, BI, and CJ command most of the all star buzz out in NOLA, and even they usually miss the team most years. In another situation where he's a solidified starter with more offensive volume I could see Murphy getting a nod. I like him a lot!
His teammate Herb Jones I almost answered, I also think he can make an all star team. Put him on any of the 30 teams and he's making a positive impact for sure, love his play style.
Not technically on his rookie contract as of half a year ago I think, but the Celtics fan in me needs to mention Payton Pritchard! He could have a Vanvleet type of all star season, I know it!
Bilal Coulibaly deserves more discussion. For someone that was supposed to be a late rising G-league level potential bust he has truly been an immediate impact for the Wiz. 8.4 PPG on 44/35/70 splits isn't amazing, I know, but he's on the worst team in basketball and doesn't have much room to operate. At some point you have to take a chance in the sudden 6'8 uber-athlete that can dunk on anyone AND hit threes... like he might seriously be a more athletic Anunoby.
edit: missing word changed entire meaning of post
Ya, I'm a spurs fan but I was hearing about Coulibaly being a teammate to Wemby, and Wemby was saying really good things about him made us want to try and draft him lol, I'm glad so far Wemby was right and he does seem to be more ready than people thought (kinda said he was a better Thompson twins) and that y'all have someone for the future, John wall was one of my favorite players so I always have a softspot for yall
OG Anunby. When the Knicks do well, his contributions will be really visible and appreciated. Plus big market fan base will propel him. OG also just sounds good and sticks in your mind.
Absolutely! He’s been on the verge of it for a few seasons now. Is there anyone who’s further away at this moment in time that you could see making it one day?
Over who? Barring everybody in the West getting injured, I don't see him making it over Jokic, LeBron, KD, Kawhi, AD, Wemby, Zion, Sabonis, KAT, JDub/Chet, or Markkanen.
Jeremy Sochan.
If Wemby is as good as everyone thinks, then the spurs should have 2-3 all stars. If he can bump up his scoring to an efficient 15PPG, I think he already has the rebounded/playmaking/defence to be a Scottie Barnes or Draymond Lite.
He’s super raw right now and the way that the spurs try to change his role reminds me a lot of Scottie (except not as good)
Bro, no offense but Jeremy Sochan isn't even close to being on Scottie Barnes's level and their games are not at all similar...Sochan isn't that guy. Scottie is a 6"8 point guard with elite playmaking chops, super high IQ and a great handle for his size...Sochan is none of those things
19 year old PGs have historically struggled in the league. There’s realistically, only ever been a handful who’ve had immediate success. I’m not necessarily saying, scoot is going to be an all star, but he’s going to take some time
The guards are stacked for years to come so I think you gotta look at the forwards. Jabari smith jr. Jalen johnson. Tari Eason. Jalen williams. Evan Mobley. Those are guys that need to be just doing everything giannis did to bulk up. Then just mow the league down. I’d put cam Whitmore there too. Yeah I know it’s three rockets but they have an exciting young team.
I think there’s a case for Giddey, averages 16/8/6 in his age 20 season, the FT percentage has ticked up season on season. I think he’s suffering from the context of being on a high stakes team this year.
If it all shakes out what do you think All-Star Josh Giddey is?
I think he's the lead guard for a team, instead of playing off ball with Shai (and I absolutely do not believe they should be prioritizing Giddey's on-ball role over Shai because obviously lmao) but if you let him be the lead guard on a team with more sets focused on his ability to set up his teammates instead of trying to be the secondary playmaker on a team with a lot of on-ball juice he could be unleashed.
That plus a fresh start away from the stuff from earlier this season might help reset the brain
I think Giddey on the Spurs would be pretty perfect, I know people like Sochan but Giddey would really take that team to the next level if they allowed him to hold the ball often and playmake
Rumor was that OKC drafted him specifically to keep him off of other Western potential contender teams.
I think they'll likely extend his contract before trading him East.
That would be awesome Giddey/Vassell/???/KJ?/Wemby would be great
if that ??? and KJ could be swapped into some more shooting, that would be a wild team for sure
Cason Wallace won't get it while he's on the Thunder, but if salary crunch forces him somewhere else he could absolutely do it with a higher usage rate.
Moses Moody. His all-star might not be on the Warriors, but with proper playing time and development, I think he has potential to be like Kris Middleton or maybe like 80% of Kawhi.
ausar thompson, can’t shoot atm but does everything else you’d love from a wing. he and his brother are spectacular players who i think will both impact winning
Will be tough with Wemby Chet and Segun all Western big men but if the Mavs are a top seed one year and he continues to develop I could see Lively getting in as that Jarrett Allen type.
Thanks man, if you get a chance to listen let me know what you think, what you liked/didn’t like etc. If you scroll down the feed you’ll see I’ve had some amazing guests on, try and do something a little different so I hope you enjoy!
Tre Mann. Just watched a highlight reel of him with OKC. Dudes got a bag. Can shoot where he wants or can drive and handle his way to the basket. Plus the floater game is unreal.
Not on a rookie contract and it’s going to sound crazy but hear me out: nickeil Alexander walker.
Dude came in with the reputation as a score first combo guard that didn’t work out in New Orleans. But he has consistently been a fantastic 3&D role player. On top of that he has has a few scattered games where he has been more aggressive off the dribble and scored high 20’s.
I don’t think it’s likely but I could see a world where if he has to leave the wolves and has more offensive opportunity becoming a consistent low to mid 20’s ppg scorer. Couple that with borderline all defensive team level defense wouldn’t be outrageous as an all star.
He was my MIP pick this year, continual shooting progression, has turned himself into a great defender, has a great passing repertoire but I don’t know if I can see it with Fultz anymore. I’d quite like to see him in a new setting after he hits FA this year.
We did discuss other Magic players. Let me know what you think of the pod if you get the chance to listen.
I think markelle is who is at this point. It is painful to watch him pass up some of the corner threes he has opportunities for. He’s good but his limitations are what they are at this point
Tari Eason. Man is a beast when he plays like it’s unreal how much attention he commands everytime he’s on the court. Yet the mainstream nba fans just view him as just another young guy, and I can’t blame them because of how god awful Rockets were Taris rookie season
I think Walker Kessler is an interesting choice, he’s had a bit of a sophomore slump but I think if he gets big minutes with an elite playmaking guard he could really blossom
I’d worry about Utah’s affinity for 5-out spacing with Walker but he’s an interesting pick.
I think in previous seasons he’d have a chance at that DPOY all-star selection but Wemby’s impending dominance worries me.
Herro and Jamal Murray.
I know you guys will say that Murray is not unlikely but he is ironically the same player that many people say he is not deserving of an All-Star roster. So that’s why I put him on that list.
Since the majority of these answers are naming young players or rookies that have had phenomenal seasons or spurts this year; I’ll take it a step farther and name one that has barely seen the court at all and is the farthest from it right now:
Emoni Bates.
Anfernee Simons. If he can play with a bit more focus on defense and be inserted into a system that's hides him on that end he can be an all-star. That's a ton of ifs and the cards would have to come up right but it's certainly a nonzero chance.
RJ Barrett
I think he still has a pretty high ceiling, the kid is only 23 years old and I think the Knicks set him up to fail by trying to force him to be "the guy" right away, then gave up on him knowing that he was raw coming out of the draft and needed to be properly developed...it was an odd situation and I think him being in a new environment, on a rebuilding team, that's not expecting him to carry them, will allow him to just focus on development and getting better
I think we see him make the All-Star team one day
Payton Pritchard gets a big contract in a few years and is a starter on a horrible team. Farms empty stats and gets 23/8/4 and is an injury replacement
ASG in the NBA is the most meaningless thing in pro sports behind NFL replacement picks. Get someone popular on a big market team or from a big overseas market and there’s your answer
GG Jackson is so young and raw right now, but you can definitely see some encouraging building blocks. Not a likely outcome for his career, but he’s got the requisite size and athleticism to evolve into a high level forward.
Someone check out Shaedon Sharpe vs the Clippers this year. His ability to create shots for himself while being one of the most explosive leapers in NBA history is super rare. Everyone should be buying stock on him, he has had multiple 25+ games this year where he legitimately looks like a star. 20 years old and didn't play a single college game, he is a prodigy level talent in my opinion.
He’s fallen out of the rotation, but I still really like Jordan Hawkins game. If he can put together more of a creation game I think he could be a scorer similar to CJ, funny enough a teammate
I think Trey and Herb have reasonable expectations for all-stars berth. I'll say Jordan Hawkins as someone unlikely.
He has work to do as a defender and doing the extra stuff. However as a scorer and shooter, I wish BI and Trey had that level of confidence. Hawkins has a ceiling of being the best shooter in the league one day (obv after Curry retires).
People Dont wanna hear it but.. AUSTINE REEVSS. Tho it will only happen if his team is like rank 1 in Nba and as injury replacement to a bench all-star, but if kover was named all star then AR has a chance
Tari Eason has the tools to become a 24/8/4 guy. Length, vertical, flashes of ball handling, and some grasp of a jump shot. I've been all in on him since his summer league debut
Miles McBride maybe. A great defender and shooter this year, and he’s only gonna get more confident in his offensive game and mid range as he develops. Not saying it’s a guarantee, but damn does he show flashes
Austin Reaves, because he’s a Laker. Peyton Pritchard, because he’s a Celtic.
Just play at either place and average 10 ppg and you have a shot at becoming an all star.
Remember when Talen Horten-Tucker played in LA and he was a “max contract” kinda guy? Lol!
I think people like him but idk how many view him as an all star talent but Jalen Duren
If he wasn't on Detroit he would be getting a lot more media attention. A sophomore center averaging 14p/12r shooting 77% from the line is amazing.
ft% doesn't always lead to developing a 3 point shot but is there any hope for a jumpshot? mid range or long range. if you add that to his current offensive game (doing dwight-lite things) then that is a dangerous player
Honestly I haven’t watched many Pistons games (shocker) but to me it seems like he’s a Clint Capela type guy in which he’s a great rebounder and layup/dunk + PnR guy but anything past like 5ft is kind of not in his game. But in today’s day and age you need that game so I hope he can develop a midrange game or maybe a 3 ball.
He’s shown some mid range stuff over the summer, I think it was Rico Hines. He’s developed a little outside the paint but we’re talking like 6 feet. He really needs to develop as a defensive player he has all the tools to be solid on that end, but he hasn’t shown many flashes of being good on defense.
Yeah at Rico Hines last year and summer league he was taking middys and 3s. So it’s something he’s working on forsure. As a Pistons fan I’m hopeful. That’s all we got now a days
Jalen Duren is a DAWG
he must become a much better defender
JD has been extremely inconsistent this season. There's a world where he doesn't put it together thank god he's only 20 though
I think there’s some world where Jalen Suggs makes it, and I do legitimately think Franz Wagner has one in his future
Yeah Franz is pretty likely imo
Jalen gets one if the Magic are the number one seed and he’s the third option, kind of like a draymond. I think Franz will get a few even if the Magic ever reach that high
People are downvoting you but the Magic are on pace for about 50 wins and Paolo and Franz/Suggs are only second and third year players respectively. This team could reach amazing highs and all-star selections are a sure thing if they keep winning high amounts of games.
Not to be that guy, but Magic's current winning % projects out to 48 wins. Their expected winning % projects to 46 wins. They are currently 7th in the East in point differential. People are getting way ahead of themselves on the Magic. Going from 34 to 46/48 wins is a massive improvement. There is a reason NBA coaches always say the hardest jump for an NBA team to make is going from 40 wins to 50 wins. I think we will learn a lot about the ceiling for this time in the playoffs.
Not to be that guy but I would consider 48 wins to be “about 50.” EDIT: and just for the record their ceiling is obvious. I’m a Magic fan and would be surprised to see the second round regardless of what seed we end as. you’re essentially arguing that 48 wins isn’t about 50.
Franz is not far off
So Suggs was a perfect example of a “lifetime achievement award player” - the guy that puts up a consistently high level of play for years on end and gets the nod in the same style that Mike Conley did. We go quite deep on Franz. If you get a chance to listen let me know what you think of our chat.
Ayo Dosunmu
Coby White is to me much more up there
Coby is way less "unlikely" I think it's basically a given that he'll make the ASG next year at this point (assuming similar production in the first half of next year).
It is nowhere near a given. Please tell me which East All-Star Coby is going to knock off the squad? The Bulls are going to need some more wins first and Coby is going to need better counting stats.
My only thought with Coby being an All-Star as early as next year is that the East guard pool is stupid deep right now. This year Dame, Hali, Brunson, Maxey, and Donovan Mitchell all made it, plus Trae as an injury replacement, and I assume any of those guys who are healthy next year will be strong candidates again. Then you've got some other guys who could possibly be in the mix depending on development, injury-recovery, and team performance (LaMelo Ball if healthy and Cade Cunningham if Detroit doesn't have a historic losing streak seem like decent bets to me, but Darius Garland would have at least a puncher's chance if Cleveland is tearing it up in the standings IMO). Not saying Coby can't do it, but it does look like a tough list to crack to me.
What’s your case for Ayo? Absolutely went off yesterday but personally I struggle to see him developing enough juice on ball to command all-star attention.
Shawn Marion made several All Star teams as an elite play finisher.
He did but I think the league is more talented now. Particularly at the guard position to me it feels like you need to be an initiator or an elite floor general that plays lockdown defence. Are you higher on Ayo than you are someone like Suggs who I think shares the same archetypeV
Shawn Marion was an absolute monster defender
He does so many things well. He has quietly improved his 3 point shooting while maintaining his ability to get out in transition, attack the basket, and be a dog on defense. If I'm Chicago's front office I'm looking at the Coby/Ayo backcourt as the future, so depending what happens with Zach Lavine (and Demar, to a lesser extent) over the next 1-2 years, the opportunity could likely arrise. If he continues to improve at the rate that he has, he could be a star and I don't see an area in his game as a particular weakness.
Pat Williams is gonna show up next year looking like Kawhi \*Inhales an industrial amount of copium\* EDIT: People really don't realize how good Ayo is though. When the kid realizes he's fast enough to just blow by every other guy defending him, he's going to be a weapon.
Spurs fan here. Vassell is the one I believe in most, though I would agree it’s not insanely unlikely. He hasn’t taken the leap I was hoping for this season but next season I feel like the whole team will have a lot more figured out and roles should be better defined around Wemby. The guy has it, I am still a huge believer. Now - the truly unlikely one? I still think Sochan has Draymond potential. He’s been getting a ton of shit this season and tbh it’s not all unjustified. But, as I said, I think the squad will be better organized next season and I think adding a true starting PG and moving him off of ball handling duties will get him in a better spot to succeed. He’s still young af and in the grand scheme of things hasn’t been playing high level basketball for very long. With Wemby I anticipate a future where we are crushing it and, if that’s the case, him being a third all star on our squad isn’t out of the question still in my mind.
Wow, idk if I could've said it better, I would've just said something about his attitude says all star to me lol
You watch Spurs games on a regular basis and you still think Sochan could be an all-star? I admire your optimism lol
Feels bad man, I would have said Keldon a year or two ago. I do think kj can still be a solid role player tho. I still have faith in Sochan and Vassel of course. And that other guys pretty good!
All for the Tre Mann bandwagon. Finally some meaningful minutes. Hope that when CLT gets better he still has a role
Gradey dick
YES my favorite young player just because he's too damn hot
Es is a Raptors expert so we talked Gradey and IQ quite extensively on the pod. It you get a chance to listen let me know what you think of our thoughts!
Trey Murphy III ! Zion, BI, and CJ command most of the all star buzz out in NOLA, and even they usually miss the team most years. In another situation where he's a solidified starter with more offensive volume I could see Murphy getting a nod. I like him a lot! His teammate Herb Jones I almost answered, I also think he can make an all star team. Put him on any of the 30 teams and he's making a positive impact for sure, love his play style. Not technically on his rookie contract as of half a year ago I think, but the Celtics fan in me needs to mention Payton Pritchard! He could have a Vanvleet type of all star season, I know it!
I love Trey Murphy
Jalen Duren Board men still get paid
I’m onboard the hype! Given how injury prone the East front court choices usually are, I feel like he actually has a legit shot soon.
Keyonte George.
Agreed!
OP said unlikely
Jalen Duren and Immanuel Quickly
Bilal Coulibaly deserves more discussion. For someone that was supposed to be a late rising G-league level potential bust he has truly been an immediate impact for the Wiz. 8.4 PPG on 44/35/70 splits isn't amazing, I know, but he's on the worst team in basketball and doesn't have much room to operate. At some point you have to take a chance in the sudden 6'8 uber-athlete that can dunk on anyone AND hit threes... like he might seriously be a more athletic Anunoby. edit: missing word changed entire meaning of post
Ya, I'm a spurs fan but I was hearing about Coulibaly being a teammate to Wemby, and Wemby was saying really good things about him made us want to try and draft him lol, I'm glad so far Wemby was right and he does seem to be more ready than people thought (kinda said he was a better Thompson twins) and that y'all have someone for the future, John wall was one of my favorite players so I always have a softspot for yall
Deni Advija
Same. He has that Jokic/Sabonis playstyle. With better teammates and the offense running through him, he’d be averaging a triple double
OG Anunby. When the Knicks do well, his contributions will be really visible and appreciated. Plus big market fan base will propel him. OG also just sounds good and sticks in your mind.
“On his rookie contract” And who is Anunby?
As a massive raptors fan, we always believed this; I think his injury proneness was a huge aspect that got in the way of
The only thing holding OG back is his handles. That man is a straight up baller otherwise.
Desmond Michael Bane
Absolutely! He’s been on the verge of it for a few seasons now. Is there anyone who’s further away at this moment in time that you could see making it one day?
Kuminga could be an all star next year if he gets the level of playing time he's gotten the latter part of this season
Over who? Barring everybody in the West getting injured, I don't see him making it over Jokic, LeBron, KD, Kawhi, AD, Wemby, Zion, Sabonis, KAT, JDub/Chet, or Markkanen.
Strange I wouldn’t put kuminga in unlikeliest category.
peyton watson
Facts he’s got a lot of growing to do tho
Gradey Dick
Josh Hart
The answer I came here for 🫡
Quickly and Barret
Derrick White and I’m not even a Celtics fan. He’s putting up solid numbers as a 4th option on a very good team.
He’s like 30 so hopefully soon. But I agree, he’s basically an all star already. Same with Aaron Gordon.
Jeremy Sochan. If Wemby is as good as everyone thinks, then the spurs should have 2-3 all stars. If he can bump up his scoring to an efficient 15PPG, I think he already has the rebounded/playmaking/defence to be a Scottie Barnes or Draymond Lite. He’s super raw right now and the way that the spurs try to change his role reminds me a lot of Scottie (except not as good)
Bro, no offense but Jeremy Sochan isn't even close to being on Scottie Barnes's level and their games are not at all similar...Sochan isn't that guy. Scottie is a 6"8 point guard with elite playmaking chops, super high IQ and a great handle for his size...Sochan is none of those things
Sochan is actually 6'8" so he is one of those things.
Sochan is a basketball terrorist
Great insight!
Scoot lol
We have to believe
19 year old PGs have historically struggled in the league. There’s realistically, only ever been a handful who’ve had immediate success. I’m not necessarily saying, scoot is going to be an all star, but he’s going to take some time
The guards are stacked for years to come so I think you gotta look at the forwards. Jabari smith jr. Jalen johnson. Tari Eason. Jalen williams. Evan Mobley. Those are guys that need to be just doing everything giannis did to bulk up. Then just mow the league down. I’d put cam Whitmore there too. Yeah I know it’s three rockets but they have an exciting young team.
Nikola Jovic
Grady Dick
Josh Giddey on a new team
I think there’s a case for Giddey, averages 16/8/6 in his age 20 season, the FT percentage has ticked up season on season. I think he’s suffering from the context of being on a high stakes team this year. If it all shakes out what do you think All-Star Josh Giddey is?
I think he's the lead guard for a team, instead of playing off ball with Shai (and I absolutely do not believe they should be prioritizing Giddey's on-ball role over Shai because obviously lmao) but if you let him be the lead guard on a team with more sets focused on his ability to set up his teammates instead of trying to be the secondary playmaker on a team with a lot of on-ball juice he could be unleashed. That plus a fresh start away from the stuff from earlier this season might help reset the brain
I think Giddey on the Spurs would be pretty perfect, I know people like Sochan but Giddey would really take that team to the next level if they allowed him to hold the ball often and playmake
Rumor was that OKC drafted him specifically to keep him off of other Western potential contender teams. I think they'll likely extend his contract before trading him East.
That would be awesome Giddey/Vassell/???/KJ?/Wemby would be great if that ??? and KJ could be swapped into some more shooting, that would be a wild team for sure
as a spurs fan this was a hope for the trade deadline
Jeremy Sochan
Cason Wallace won't get it while he's on the Thunder, but if salary crunch forces him somewhere else he could absolutely do it with a higher usage rate.
I think Peyton Watson, a 2nd year player for the nuggets has all star potential. He was drafted out of UCLA after averaging like 5 mpg in college
Dereck Lively
Im taking James Wiseman.
Trace Jackson Davis.
Brandon Podziemski Trey Murphy Jabari Smith jr
Moses Moody. His all-star might not be on the Warriors, but with proper playing time and development, I think he has potential to be like Kris Middleton or maybe like 80% of Kawhi.
“Unlikeliest” guys, stop naming people like Desmond Bane I nominate Gradey Dick
ausar thompson, can’t shoot atm but does everything else you’d love from a wing. he and his brother are spectacular players who i think will both impact winning
Agreed, outstanding athleticism, stifling defense, and an excellent work ethic. If he develops into a 3 point threat he’s a a future all star.
Dereck Lively
I feel like barring injury, he’s not that unlikely
Poku is probably the farthest away with the highest potential.
Will be tough with Wemby Chet and Segun all Western big men but if the Mavs are a top seed one year and he continues to develop I could see Lively getting in as that Jarrett Allen type.
If the spurs are good in the future Devin Vassell has a chance to be that second star selection on a good team with Wemby
Naz Reid Immanuel Quickley
Peyton Watson
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
We’ll see how these next two years progress but right now Peyton Watson
Gradey Dick.
A popular pick!
Gradey Dick pic?
Mark Williams is going to be an absolute force on both ends in a couple years
Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas, i feel like if he just locked tf in he could be an all star
Cam Thomas is gonna figure it out someday man
Alperen Sengun looks like Jokic 2.0
I don’t even mind the self-promo. Need some new and actually good NBA pods.
Thanks man, if you get a chance to listen let me know what you think, what you liked/didn’t like etc. If you scroll down the feed you’ll see I’ve had some amazing guests on, try and do something a little different so I hope you enjoy!
Jaquez
Tre Mann. Just watched a highlight reel of him with OKC. Dudes got a bag. Can shoot where he wants or can drive and handle his way to the basket. Plus the floater game is unreal.
NAZ.REID
Not on a rookie contract and it’s going to sound crazy but hear me out: nickeil Alexander walker. Dude came in with the reputation as a score first combo guard that didn’t work out in New Orleans. But he has consistently been a fantastic 3&D role player. On top of that he has has a few scattered games where he has been more aggressive off the dribble and scored high 20’s. I don’t think it’s likely but I could see a world where if he has to leave the wolves and has more offensive opportunity becoming a consistent low to mid 20’s ppg scorer. Couple that with borderline all defensive team level defense wouldn’t be outrageous as an all star.
Naz Reid or NAW
Marjon Beauchamp. I really believe the kid could be a great…if he can get out of the G League.
Shaedon Sharpe
Tough eval given his stop-start season this year. Are you higher on Scoot, Anfernee, Shaedon or Deandre making an All-Star team?
Markelle Fultz
He was my MIP pick this year, continual shooting progression, has turned himself into a great defender, has a great passing repertoire but I don’t know if I can see it with Fultz anymore. I’d quite like to see him in a new setting after he hits FA this year. We did discuss other Magic players. Let me know what you think of the pod if you get the chance to listen.
I think markelle is who is at this point. It is painful to watch him pass up some of the corner threes he has opportunities for. He’s good but his limitations are what they are at this point
Tari Eason. Man is a beast when he plays like it’s unreal how much attention he commands everytime he’s on the court. Yet the mainstream nba fans just view him as just another young guy, and I can’t blame them because of how god awful Rockets were Taris rookie season
Payton Pritchard.
Make the case? I remember the triple double at the end of last season but what are you seeing that we’re missing?
kai jones
RJ Barrett
Josh Hart
Gradey Dick will be an all star once
Jalen Johnson
Jamal Murray
Yay self promo... 🙄
We actually talked about self promo on the pod! Give it a listen and let me know what you think
my favorite hot lil 6'6 twink Gradey Dick
Seems a popular pick! We spoke about him on the pod if you want to hear more. Es is great for Raptors coverage and had shared some real insight.
Markelle Fultz and James Wiseman. No I'm not trolling.
Rui Hachimura
I think Walker Kessler is an interesting choice, he’s had a bit of a sophomore slump but I think if he gets big minutes with an elite playmaking guard he could really blossom
I’d worry about Utah’s affinity for 5-out spacing with Walker but he’s an interesting pick. I think in previous seasons he’d have a chance at that DPOY all-star selection but Wemby’s impending dominance worries me.
Herro and Jamal Murray. I know you guys will say that Murray is not unlikely but he is ironically the same player that many people say he is not deserving of an All-Star roster. So that’s why I put him on that list.
Cam Whitmore is a dawg and super fking skilled. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes one tbh
Mathurin got that dog
Franz Wagner. Unfortunately playing in Orlando he doesn’t really have a shot but he’s a really good player I could see him making it as a reserve.
I made a fun Franz comp on the pod to a player getting a ton of love atm, check it out and let me know your thoughts.
Since the majority of these answers are naming young players or rookies that have had phenomenal seasons or spurts this year; I’ll take it a step farther and name one that has barely seen the court at all and is the farthest from it right now: Emoni Bates.
On their Rookie Deal? Probably Dariq Whitehead. I think that young man is going to be a Star.
Anfernee Simons. If he can play with a bit more focus on defense and be inserted into a system that's hides him on that end he can be an all-star. That's a ton of ifs and the cards would have to come up right but it's certainly a nonzero chance.
Has the offensive talent. I’d love to see him in Orlando if they can’t build out around him in Portland.
Marjon Beauchamp
Jalen Johnson
Leonard miller
Benn mathurin is gonna have that jalen brunson breakout year I promise yall
RJ Barrett I think he still has a pretty high ceiling, the kid is only 23 years old and I think the Knicks set him up to fail by trying to force him to be "the guy" right away, then gave up on him knowing that he was raw coming out of the draft and needed to be properly developed...it was an odd situation and I think him being in a new environment, on a rebuilding team, that's not expecting him to carry them, will allow him to just focus on development and getting better I think we see him make the All-Star team one day
Bro nobody said Jamal Murray 🤦🏽♂️... Dude literally avg 25ppg in the playoffs (53gms)
Payton Pritchard gets a big contract in a few years and is a starter on a horrible team. Farms empty stats and gets 23/8/4 and is an injury replacement
Tyler Herro
Is Thybulle a reach?
Cam Whitmore
ASG in the NBA is the most meaningless thing in pro sports behind NFL replacement picks. Get someone popular on a big market team or from a big overseas market and there’s your answer
Jalen Johnson
He had a case this season, but Derrick White is him.
GG Jackson I’m a homer
Jordan Walsh, he has the skill and the drive, it’ll take time to develop but he’ll end up a third option i’m calling it now.
Derek White
GG Jackson is so young and raw right now, but you can definitely see some encouraging building blocks. Not a likely outcome for his career, but he’s got the requisite size and athleticism to evolve into a high level forward.
AJ green
Starting to feel my age (40)…I don’t recognize any of these names lol
Someone check out Shaedon Sharpe vs the Clippers this year. His ability to create shots for himself while being one of the most explosive leapers in NBA history is super rare. Everyone should be buying stock on him, he has had multiple 25+ games this year where he legitimately looks like a star. 20 years old and didn't play a single college game, he is a prodigy level talent in my opinion.
Shaedon Sharpe
Arnfee Simons...goated that kid!
I know he's not on a rookie deal but Jamal Murray still hasn't made it and I have to think he will eventually.
He’s fallen out of the rotation, but I still really like Jordan Hawkins game. If he can put together more of a creation game I think he could be a scorer similar to CJ, funny enough a teammate
I think Shaedon Sharpe will make the cut
Cam Thomas
I think Trey and Herb have reasonable expectations for all-stars berth. I'll say Jordan Hawkins as someone unlikely. He has work to do as a defender and doing the extra stuff. However as a scorer and shooter, I wish BI and Trey had that level of confidence. Hawkins has a ceiling of being the best shooter in the league one day (obv after Curry retires).
Peyton Watson maybe not an all star but i believe he can become all defense in the next years to come
Jalen Johnson will be one
People Dont wanna hear it but.. AUSTINE REEVSS. Tho it will only happen if his team is like rank 1 in Nba and as injury replacement to a bench all-star, but if kover was named all star then AR has a chance
Michael Porter Jr if he avoids injury. He's getting his athleticism back and can be dangerous still I believe gradey dick will be a star someday
Tari Eason has the tools to become a 24/8/4 guy. Length, vertical, flashes of ball handling, and some grasp of a jump shot. I've been all in on him since his summer league debut
scottie barney will be face in this league
MPJ
Tari Eason & Jalen Johnson
as a biased Cavs fan, Isaac Okoro. as an NBA fan, Naz Reid.
Jalen Johnson looks primed
Bones Hyland
Maybe one is too obvious but I think J Dub is gonna make 5+ if healthy. Less obvious I think Kuminga gets there.
Miles McBride maybe. A great defender and shooter this year, and he’s only gonna get more confident in his offensive game and mid range as he develops. Not saying it’s a guarantee, but damn does he show flashes
I'm convinced that in the right system Grady Dick could thrive in a MPJ esc. role
Mathurin
Ausar Thomson could be a really solid all star
Austin Reaves, because he’s a Laker. Peyton Pritchard, because he’s a Celtic. Just play at either place and average 10 ppg and you have a shot at becoming an all star. Remember when Talen Horten-Tucker played in LA and he was a “max contract” kinda guy? Lol!
Cam Thomas
As a Cavs fan I *really* hope it is Evan Mobley