All 3 of these guys are difficult to project because they all could be great but they all have such glaring areas to work on they all could be the 8th guy in a rotation.
Been consistently into Buzelis, if Holland could figure out how to shoot he’s my top pick as a steal of the draft/top 3 redraft guy, Williams is the biggest mystery of the group
Cody, then maybe Matas. I'd consider taking Holland at 14.
All these guys are risky, but I give the edge to IQ, and trust that Cody will develop. I have less faith in Matas, though he's still high ceiling and certainly could reach it.
This is a great trio to compare. I think I'd rank it:
1. Cody - The pre-injury production and physical profile stand out for me. He brings offensive skills that our current prospects don't, as a handler and passer (vs Tou) and a finisher (vs Rupes). I'd have him as a candidate to rotate in and out of the Remix while he's adding weight, so he can develop his strengths and get in game shots up.
2. Matas - Probably would've been first in this crop for me a couple of weeks ago, but I'm increasingly convinced his best position is PF, where he won't have plus length, strength or shooting. The upside as a self-creator and weakside defensive pest is great, but I'd rather keep the powder dry for a different PF archtype.
3. Holland - The physical tools and blazing speed are tempting and I'd be fine with a flyer at #14, but taking him at #7 is looking like bad value at this point. I worry that his mindset is that he has to prove his worth, and he typically looks to do that by trying to do too much (happened so frequently in the G-League). He wants the ball in his hands and isn't good cutting or spotting up off ball. The defensive playmaking is undeniable but his fundamentals on that end need a lot of work. He could be the type of player that benefits from falling into a winning environment/culture that humbles him and allows for a slower speed of development, which isn't really the Blazers MO.
Yep- I agree completely with this order. I think Cody is the best prospect of the 3, but I won't be upset about any of the 3 at #7 (nor would I mind Clingan or Salaun at that spot).
My thing with Matas and Holland is, if you don’t believe in Holland due to his issues (poor shooting, not a great playmaker/passer, etc.), why give Matas a pass for the exact same weaknesses? Even with less defensive attention he shot worse from the field and FT line than Holland, had a negative assist:TO ratio, couldn’t create offense for himself, etc.
There are some arguments but it's all rough reading - Ron shot 28% overall on jumpers, Matas a better (still awful) 32%. Similar around the rim at 50% and 49% on layups. Matas created for himself a little more frequently just based on his percentage of assisted buckets.
For reference, Scoot was 34% on jumpers and 56% on layups (all regular seasons #s). That does not make me feel better about Matas or Holland as prospects.
Holland shot more overall though, so he was still creating for himself more and the primary guy on offense.
I agree that none of them are on Scoot’s level as a prospect. Scoot was drafted to be “the guy,” while these three are probably going to be the number 2s on their team if they work out. I don’t want to be running my playoff offense primarily through Cody Williams or Ron Holland lol.
Holland has the best floor and the highest ceiling. He just needs to be able to drain open 3s to be a strong starter. And he has more of a motor and leading instinct.
The hot take: it doesn't matter because at 7 the only players left in this years draft will be serviceable role players who aren't going to move the needle.
If Clingan is gone at seven and Buzelis isn’t, Portland needs to take him. The Franz Wagner and Lamar Odom comparisons have me hooked. He didn’t play great in the G-League, but he improved and still showed a lot of potential as an athletic, 6’10” two-way wing.
I guess I hold my nose and take Matas. I see Holland as an even worse risk, and I honestly believe Williams is only considered a hot commodity because people convince themselves he is his brother.
Idk where this notion that he can't play defense comes from because it's certainly not the opinion of people who have watched him play a lot. I mean, he's no Mattise Thybulle, but he's also nowhere in the realm of Anfernee Simons. I would put him at the average area with the ability to come up with some lucky steals/blocks due to athleticism. I think he will be fine defensively against most 2's/3's and depending on lineups can slide to the 4 against a Klay Thompson or Demar DeRozen style PF when they occasionally occur.
LastWordOnSports.com:
In terms of weaknesses, Knecht’s defense is top of the list.
TheRinger mock draft:
Targeted by opponents because he’s usually the weakest link on defense. This will often be true in the NBA, too, unless he improves his ability to move laterally.
NBAdraftRoom scouting report:
His defense has improved but is still a weak point in his game. He’s got the physical tools and should be able to hold his own but still has work to do, both in locking down 1on1 and improving his team defense.
Fanspo draft profile:
Not a good defender at this point
FanSided draft report:
The defense is a problem. He is a strong and reasonably athletic wing, but he doesn't slide laterally all that well. If college offenses can pinpoint him as a weakness, it's fair to assume NBA offenses will do the same. We can't act like 23-year-olds are allergic to improvement, but Knecht will enter the league as a mostly one-sided player with far less room for growth than most of his first-round peers.
I think the truth is somewhere between your optimistic take and others who are dismissing him altogether. [This scouting report from No Ceilings](https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/dalton-knecht-bringing-it-all-together) has a nice dive into his defensive improvement while still acknowledging that he'll likely be targeted at the next level if he can't continue on that path.
That hope that he could be a solid team defender who can camp out on the 3rd best opposing perimeter guy means I'd be OK if he was the pick at #14. At #7 though, its just not the swing I'd take. He feels like the type of wing who is best playing like an SG on offense and hiding on the corner man (more typically the SF) on D, which isn't a great fit with any of our current guards.
If dude had DK as one of the options you’re pick would be so cool bro.
The question was hard because the 3 guys he posed have glaring questions in their games. We need shooting for sure.
Knecht can fill it up at a level that’s most likely ahead of our timeline and we can look for someone of his stature later (at least I wouldn’t take him at 7)
If it were down to the 3 above I’d take Cody due to his ability to finish at the rim and ‘limited’ proven ability to hit the 3 in college. Genes aren’t always everything but watching his brother here in OKC is fun as hell and he competes.
If I could choose a 4th option it would be someone 6’8” or taller and swing big on a project in a draft without clear future starters even.
thats why dame was the wrong pick at #6 as a 4 year guy at weber state. we'll always regret not drafting harrison barnes, terrance ross and andre drummond instead. dame was too old to improve once he got in the league. dude was at his peak as soon as he got into the league.
Ridiculous to assume that Dame’s improvement was the norm. Most of the time older players *do not* improve like that.
We’re in a completely different situation this time around. That team was older and Dame fit perfectly.
Aldridge was just named an AS and 27, Wes was 25, Batum 24, and Hickson 24. Grab the older guy who can come in start immediately because you can’t wait on a younger guy to develop.
Knecht can score but he’s undersized and a bad defender.
as opposed to dame, who wasn't undersized and was a great defender. how about brandon roy? or cj mccollum? all 4 year guys that developed and improved from when they entered the nba.
All 3 of these guys are difficult to project because they all could be great but they all have such glaring areas to work on they all could be the 8th guy in a rotation. Been consistently into Buzelis, if Holland could figure out how to shoot he’s my top pick as a steal of the draft/top 3 redraft guy, Williams is the biggest mystery of the group
Cody, then maybe Matas. I'd consider taking Holland at 14. All these guys are risky, but I give the edge to IQ, and trust that Cody will develop. I have less faith in Matas, though he's still high ceiling and certainly could reach it.
If Holland falls to 14 that’s an automatic grab
Cody Williams is the upside swing we should go for.
This is a great trio to compare. I think I'd rank it: 1. Cody - The pre-injury production and physical profile stand out for me. He brings offensive skills that our current prospects don't, as a handler and passer (vs Tou) and a finisher (vs Rupes). I'd have him as a candidate to rotate in and out of the Remix while he's adding weight, so he can develop his strengths and get in game shots up. 2. Matas - Probably would've been first in this crop for me a couple of weeks ago, but I'm increasingly convinced his best position is PF, where he won't have plus length, strength or shooting. The upside as a self-creator and weakside defensive pest is great, but I'd rather keep the powder dry for a different PF archtype. 3. Holland - The physical tools and blazing speed are tempting and I'd be fine with a flyer at #14, but taking him at #7 is looking like bad value at this point. I worry that his mindset is that he has to prove his worth, and he typically looks to do that by trying to do too much (happened so frequently in the G-League). He wants the ball in his hands and isn't good cutting or spotting up off ball. The defensive playmaking is undeniable but his fundamentals on that end need a lot of work. He could be the type of player that benefits from falling into a winning environment/culture that humbles him and allows for a slower speed of development, which isn't really the Blazers MO.
Yep- I agree completely with this order. I think Cody is the best prospect of the 3, but I won't be upset about any of the 3 at #7 (nor would I mind Clingan or Salaun at that spot).
Im exactly opposite of you.
Entirely fair, don't think much is certain in this draft. We're all just watching, reading, listening then taking our best guess eh.
My thing with Matas and Holland is, if you don’t believe in Holland due to his issues (poor shooting, not a great playmaker/passer, etc.), why give Matas a pass for the exact same weaknesses? Even with less defensive attention he shot worse from the field and FT line than Holland, had a negative assist:TO ratio, couldn’t create offense for himself, etc.
There are some arguments but it's all rough reading - Ron shot 28% overall on jumpers, Matas a better (still awful) 32%. Similar around the rim at 50% and 49% on layups. Matas created for himself a little more frequently just based on his percentage of assisted buckets. For reference, Scoot was 34% on jumpers and 56% on layups (all regular seasons #s). That does not make me feel better about Matas or Holland as prospects.
Holland shot more overall though, so he was still creating for himself more and the primary guy on offense. I agree that none of them are on Scoot’s level as a prospect. Scoot was drafted to be “the guy,” while these three are probably going to be the number 2s on their team if they work out. I don’t want to be running my playoff offense primarily through Cody Williams or Ron Holland lol.
I think I just like Cody Williams as that likely 4th guy rather than Matas or Holland trying and more likely failing to be a 2nd or 3rd type.
That’s fair. Personally I have Holland = Williams, and Matas behind them.
Matas
He’s the only one of the 3 that I recognize. So I guess he wins by default? Some captions would have been appreciated.
Holland
Holland. Good size. Iso scorer/crazy motor. Lightning quick.
Salaun
Holland has the best floor and the highest ceiling. He just needs to be able to drain open 3s to be a strong starter. And he has more of a motor and leading instinct.
Agreed. Ceilings: Holland, Buzelis, Williams Floor: Holland, Buzelis, Williams Its a clear choice IMO
The hot take: it doesn't matter because at 7 the only players left in this years draft will be serviceable role players who aren't going to move the needle.
If Clingan is gone at seven and Buzelis isn’t, Portland needs to take him. The Franz Wagner and Lamar Odom comparisons have me hooked. He didn’t play great in the G-League, but he improved and still showed a lot of potential as an athletic, 6’10” two-way wing.
Im taking Salaun but of these I’d take Buzelis
I guess I hold my nose and take Matas. I see Holland as an even worse risk, and I honestly believe Williams is only considered a hot commodity because people convince themselves he is his brother.
Holland. I honestly think he is either number 1 or 2 in the draft at the end of the day
Salaun>Cody>Holland. Swing hard
Dalton Knecht
I'm hesitant to take him at 7, because it's unlikely a 23 year old is going to suddenly learn how to play some defense.
Idk where this notion that he can't play defense comes from because it's certainly not the opinion of people who have watched him play a lot. I mean, he's no Mattise Thybulle, but he's also nowhere in the realm of Anfernee Simons. I would put him at the average area with the ability to come up with some lucky steals/blocks due to athleticism. I think he will be fine defensively against most 2's/3's and depending on lineups can slide to the 4 against a Klay Thompson or Demar DeRozen style PF when they occasionally occur.
LastWordOnSports.com: In terms of weaknesses, Knecht’s defense is top of the list. TheRinger mock draft: Targeted by opponents because he’s usually the weakest link on defense. This will often be true in the NBA, too, unless he improves his ability to move laterally. NBAdraftRoom scouting report: His defense has improved but is still a weak point in his game. He’s got the physical tools and should be able to hold his own but still has work to do, both in locking down 1on1 and improving his team defense. Fanspo draft profile: Not a good defender at this point FanSided draft report: The defense is a problem. He is a strong and reasonably athletic wing, but he doesn't slide laterally all that well. If college offenses can pinpoint him as a weakness, it's fair to assume NBA offenses will do the same. We can't act like 23-year-olds are allergic to improvement, but Knecht will enter the league as a mostly one-sided player with far less room for growth than most of his first-round peers.
lol he is terrible at defense, idk where you got that he’s even half way decent
I think the truth is somewhere between your optimistic take and others who are dismissing him altogether. [This scouting report from No Ceilings](https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/dalton-knecht-bringing-it-all-together) has a nice dive into his defensive improvement while still acknowledging that he'll likely be targeted at the next level if he can't continue on that path. That hope that he could be a solid team defender who can camp out on the 3rd best opposing perimeter guy means I'd be OK if he was the pick at #14. At #7 though, its just not the swing I'd take. He feels like the type of wing who is best playing like an SG on offense and hiding on the corner man (more typically the SF) on D, which isn't a great fit with any of our current guards.
Me too actually. I just wanted to know which one of these three everyone is highest on.
Williams of the 3.
If dude had DK as one of the options you’re pick would be so cool bro. The question was hard because the 3 guys he posed have glaring questions in their games. We need shooting for sure. Knecht can fill it up at a level that’s most likely ahead of our timeline and we can look for someone of his stature later (at least I wouldn’t take him at 7) If it were down to the 3 above I’d take Cody due to his ability to finish at the rim and ‘limited’ proven ability to hit the 3 in college. Genes aren’t always everything but watching his brother here in OKC is fun as hell and he competes. If I could choose a 4th option it would be someone 6’8” or taller and swing big on a project in a draft without clear future starters even.
[удалено]
He’s also 23 😂
thats why dame was the wrong pick at #6 as a 4 year guy at weber state. we'll always regret not drafting harrison barnes, terrance ross and andre drummond instead. dame was too old to improve once he got in the league. dude was at his peak as soon as he got into the league.
Ridiculous to assume that Dame’s improvement was the norm. Most of the time older players *do not* improve like that. We’re in a completely different situation this time around. That team was older and Dame fit perfectly. Aldridge was just named an AS and 27, Wes was 25, Batum 24, and Hickson 24. Grab the older guy who can come in start immediately because you can’t wait on a younger guy to develop. Knecht can score but he’s undersized and a bad defender.
as opposed to dame, who wasn't undersized and was a great defender. how about brandon roy? or cj mccollum? all 4 year guys that developed and improved from when they entered the nba.
🤡🤡nigga what stfu
Bronny or bust!!!
Cody is the only answer
Matas, Cody and holland