2019 Draft Megathread

Myt1

educated, civility-loving ass
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Mar 13, 2006
41,577
South Boston
Mauf didn’t say that he meant anything else by it. In fact, he specifically said that he didn’t think that. It’s very specifically not an accusation.

Mauf was basically giving a gentle nudge you might give someone who used the word “gypped” to describe being cheated out of something, without knowing the etymology.

“You probably didn’t mean anything by it, but you probably shouldn’t joke about a black guy gorging on fried chicken,” is a pretty anodyne statement.
 

cromulence

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Aug 25, 2009
6,700
Mauf didn’t say that he meant anything else by it. In fact, he specifically said that he didn’t think that. It’s very specifically not an accusation.

Mauf was basically giving a gentle nudge you might give someone who used the word “gypped” to describe being cheated out of something, without knowing the etymology.

“You probably didn’t mean anything by it, but you probably shouldn’t joke about a black guy gorging on fried chicken,” is a pretty anodyne statement.
This. My first instinct was also "that's a bit much", but then I saw that he specifically said that he didn't think that there was any racist intent behind the post. Then I stopped and thought and realized that he's right - when you think of New Orleans, you think of gumbo, po boys, crawfish.

No one is saying you're racist, HRB. Seriously. It's just a healthy reminder of a trap that almost everybody falls into from time to time.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
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Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
This is the second time in a couple days a poster has undeservedly been accused of a racist post (DeJesus being the other). Not much on this board REALLY pisses me off or offends me......but an accusation like this is complete FUCKING BULLSHIT!!!!!

I didn’t PM because I want my feeling on this to be heard. Yes I’m really fucking pissed at this accusation since the only time race entered my mind was after reading your post. No, I have never had an issue with you personally and actually feel we’ve “gotten along” quite well over the years. Very disapponting.
This is literally the opposite of what he said.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
Actually, I think the other day, a poster was accused of implying that everyone else in Boston is racist. Today, you're racist, because you referenced a Louisiana fast-food restaurant in a post about someone getting fat in Louisiana.

Things are pretty touchy around here.
If anyone else has comments about moderation please take them to backwash. We'll also be giving reading comprehension lessons for those that need them.
 

EL Jeffe

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Aug 30, 2006
1,314
Does anyone have the dirt on why Porter got dismissed from USC? I didn't find it (but I also didn't dig too deeply). I did run across this article back in January though with some quotes from NBA people saying Porter is a lotto pick regardless and could've gone #3 if he kept his nose clean. There's an interesting Harden/DeRozan hybrid comp in there, too.

https://247sports.com/college/usc/Article/USC-basketball-Kevin-Porter-Jr-Jeff-Goodman-NBA-execs-comment-on-Porter-Jrs-off-court-issues--127978272/

After the turmoil the Celtics went through, I'm not sure if Ainge has the appetite to bring on a known headcase, but Porter checks a lot of boxes for the type of player Ainge generally likes.
 

nighthob

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Jul 15, 2005
12,678
Does anyone have the dirt on why Porter got dismissed from USC? I didn't find it (but I also didn't dig too deeply). I did run across this article back in January though with some quotes from NBA people saying Porter is a lotto pick regardless and could've gone #3 if he kept his nose clean. There's an interesting Harden/DeRozan hybrid comp in there, too.

https://247sports.com/college/usc/Article/USC-basketball-Kevin-Porter-Jr-Jeff-Goodman-NBA-execs-comment-on-Porter-Jrs-off-court-issues--127978272/

After the turmoil the Celtics went through, I'm not sure if Ainge has the appetite to bring on a known headcase, but Porter checks a lot of boxes for the type of player Ainge generally likes.
He or Alexander-Walker would be my choice at #14. The biggest question, for which I haven't found a good answer yet (and I have looked), is what in the name of all that's unholy do you need to do to get kicked off a USC athletic team? But Porter has some serious Harden upside, and he's one guy I could absolutely see hitting top 10 status that's going to float.

If Boston could land Porter and Walker, there'd be real reason for optimism even if they get screwed by Kyexit and Browexit (assuming they make that bet).
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
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Jan 15, 2004
30,096
When I think of New Orleans cuisine, fried chicken isn’t the first, second, or third thing that springs to mind.

Next time you make a joke about an NBA player eating himself out of the league (which we all know is a real thing that happens), please be more careful to steer clear of racist tropes. Not saying you meant that — if I thought you did, I wouldn’t be addressing it with a friendly note.
Mauf,
My apologies. I was so steamed and irate after reading the final sentence prior to the bolded that I never even got to the bolded part until I read some of the recent comments. Coop is correct in his post but sure that’s for another thread.

I’ve eaten at Popeyes on cheat days when I lived in NC and they certainly aren’t associated with only fried chicken so I never in a million years would feel I was associating Zion with fried chicken. Sorry if I actually did offend anyone.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
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Jan 15, 2004
30,096
There's big ... and then there's Tacko Fall. 8'-2.5" wingspan and 10'-2.5" standing reach??

The thing about Fall is that he isn’t a stiff. He’s dominated college basketball for the past several years in obscurity but he has some big time ball skills for someone his size. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he found a niche in the league......I mean if Greg Monroe can carve out 2nd unit playoff minutes this kid has a shot to make it.
 

RedOctober3829

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Jul 19, 2005
55,299
deep inside Guido territory
The thing about Fall is that he isn’t a stiff. He’s dominated college basketball for the past several years in obscurity but he has some big time ball skills for someone his size. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he found a niche in the league......I mean if Greg Monroe can carve out 2nd unit playoff minutes this kid has a shot to make it.
It's going to be a long time before Fall is ready to play in the NBA. He'll spend a long time in the G League.
 

mauf

Anderson Cooper × Mr. Rogers
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Mauf,
My apologies. I was so steamed and irate after reading the final sentence prior to the bolded that I never even got to the bolded part until I read some of the recent comments. Coop is correct in his post but sure that’s for another thread.

I’ve eaten at Popeyes on cheat days when I lived in NC and they certainly aren’t associated with only fried chicken so I never in a million years would feel I was associating Zion with fried chicken. Sorry if I actually did offend anyone.
Don’t mention it. You’re a good dude.
 

Kliq

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Mar 31, 2013
22,673
The thing about Fall is that he isn’t a stiff. He’s dominated college basketball for the past several years in obscurity but he has some big time ball skills for someone his size. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he found a niche in the league......I mean if Greg Monroe can carve out 2nd unit playoff minutes this kid has a shot to make it.
I think that he can come into a game for 4-5 minute spurts and absolutely dominate if they run some certain plays for him and let him try and block everything, somewhat like Manute Bol, who I always thought was underrated in just how he changed on offenses could attack the rim when he got into the game. Fall’s biggest problems are conditioning and getting into foul trouble, but if you are only counting on him for 10-15 mpg, that shouldn’t be a problem.
 

HowBoutDemSox

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Aug 12, 2009
10,103
Memphis reportedly letting it be known they’ll take Morant at #2:
The Memphis Grizzlies have told interested parties in Chicago, where the NBA draft combine is underway, that they intend to select Murray State guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick, provided the New Orleans Pelicans take Duke's Zion Williamsonfirst overall, sources told ESPN.
Playing Conley and Morant together in a smaller backcourt until a suitable deal is found is a possibility the Grizzlies might explore to help ease the rookie's transition to the NBA.
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26757427/grizz-make-known-pick-morant
 

Big John

New Member
Dec 9, 2016
2,086
Even at 7-5 guys like Fall have limited utility in the current era unless the NBA decides to make rule changes to make centers relevant again. Now if he's quick enough to defend the three point line and the high pick and roll (or pick and pop) without fouling -- sign him up!
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
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Dec 16, 2010
53,850
ESPN doing that ESPN thing where one reporter (Windhorst) says that *technically* Zion can go back to school after seeing how close NY and LA were to winning this thing and try again next year and then other ESPN people talk about it like it's news.

First off all, this was NY's shot. If they sign Durant and/or Kyrie and/or others they're not in the lottery again. And secondly, if there's no guarantee this year, why is there next year?
 

sheamonu

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Nov 11, 2004
1,342
Dublin, Ireland
I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
 

GoDa

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Sep 25, 2017
962
I wouldn't be upset if the C's used a pick on Fall. I feel like there's something there worth exploring.
 

The Social Chair

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Feb 17, 2010
6,082
Zion is stuck in NO for probably 8 years. He could end up on the Cavs next summer if he went back to school + he would lose at least one year of career earnings. He has no real leverage.
 

Red Averages

owes you $50
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Apr 20, 2003
9,056
ESPN doing that ESPN thing where one reporter (Windhorst) says that *technically* Zion can go back to school after seeing how close NY and LA were to winning this thing and try again next year and then other ESPN people talk about it like it's news.

First off all, this was NY's shot. If they sign Durant and/or Kyrie and/or others they're not in the lottery again. And secondly, if there's no guarantee this year, why is there next year?
Plus, he had a scary knee injury already this year. No way he returns to school. Also if he went to the Knicks or Lakers odds were he was going to be traded... to NO!

I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
No. Stop.

If the Celtics draft Fall, someone is going to have to check on BenHogan to see if he's holding up alright with AD, Horford and Fall on the team.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
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Dec 16, 2010
53,850
I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
That's not even close.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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Nov 19, 2008
3,932
I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
Nope. There's no reason for NO to do that deal. The price would be higher than AD, IMO. You're looking at Brown, Tatum and Timelord plus all of the best picks we have. And NO still probably says no.

It's much more likely NO goes into full rebuild and sends AD somewhere to build around Zion. That's where Danny needs to focus his efforts.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
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Oct 1, 2015
24,376
Agreed. We’d have to throw every asset we have at NO and that still may not be enough. Your talking about 8 years of control of a potentially generational player...
Forget the issues Davis has with New Orleans' management. Just on the merits of the player, with corresponding contracts and age, etc....

Who would bring back more in a trade: Davis or Zion? I can see the case for both.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
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Dec 16, 2010
53,850
Forget the issues Davis has with New Orleans' management. Just on the merits of the player, with corresponding contracts and age, etc....

Who would bring back more in a trade: Davis or Zion? I can see the case for both.
Zion. Easy. Because years of control and cost matter.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
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Oct 1, 2015
24,376
Zion. Easy. Because years of control and cost matter.
Right. That's the argument for Zion. Potential. Years of control. Etc.

But Davis is already a top-5 NBA player, a generational player in his own right who is just about to enter his prime. Zion, despite having worlds of potential, may possibly, if everything goes right for him, one day get to the level Davis is already comfortably at.
 

Devizier

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Jul 3, 2000
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Right. That's the argument for Zion. Potential. Years of control. Etc.

But Davis is already a top-5 NBA player, a generational player in his own right who is just about to enter his prime. Zion, despite having worlds of potential, may possibly, if everything goes right for him, one day get to the level Davis is already comfortably at.
Where a team is on the developmental timeline matters. New Orleans is years away; even if Davis agrees to a long term contract it will take a while for them to assemble a contender, especially given their lack of supporting assets.
 

tims4wins

PN23's replacement
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Jul 15, 2005
37,059
Hingham, MA
I love Zion. I think he is a great kid with a good head on his shoulders, is a fun guy, amazing teammate, and has a ton of talent.

That said, I think he is more valuable as a box office draw than he is as a cornerstone of a championship contender. If a franchise is just trying to put butts in seats - like say maybe the Pels or the Knicks - then Zion has a crap ton of value to them. But for a team like the C's that bang out the building and are truly looking to put a banner up, I take AD 10 times out of 10, despite the age and control discrepancy.

Edit: also, what @BaseballJones and @Devizier said
 

Jeff Van GULLY

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Jul 13, 2005
4,029
When I think of New Orleans cuisine, fried chicken isn’t the first, second, or third thing that springs to mind.

Next time you make a joke about an NBA player eating himself out of the league (which we all know is a real thing that happens), please be more careful to steer clear of racist tropes. Not saying you meant that — if I thought you did, I wouldn’t be addressing it with a friendly note.

Please take any further discussion of this issue to PM or Backwash.
Popeye's started in New Orleans by restaurateur Al Copeland who was a celebrity and fixture in New Orleans culture. It's a huge chain now but it is decidedly New Orleans and easily the most popular fried chicken chain in the city.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
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Dec 16, 2010
53,850
I love Zion. I think he is a great kid with a good head on his shoulders, is a fun guy, amazing teammate, and has a ton of talent.

That said, I think he is more valuable as a box office draw than he is as a cornerstone of a championship contender. If a franchise is just trying to put butts in seats - like say maybe the Pels or the Knicks - then Zion has a crap ton of value to them. But for a team like the C's that bang out the building and are truly looking to put a banner up, I take AD 10 times out of 10, despite the age and control discrepancy.

Edit: also, what @BaseballJones and @Devizier said
Sure, and others might too.

But I suspect, and based on his post this is what he wanted to know, that Zion would cost more in a trade.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
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Dec 16, 2010
53,850
Also, reports today that Zion has no issues with the Pelicans and is not thinking about going back to school.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Mar 26, 2005
30,500
I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
AD and Zion for everyone on the Cs who is tradeable plus approximately 7 first round picks? Who says no?
 

mcpickl

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Jul 23, 2007
4,546
I understand no one voluntarily gives up a Zion Williamson pick, but if the amateur psychologists' interpretations of Zion's body language is correct and if he makes it clear he is unhappy going to NO - would this year's 3 first rounders, plus another future first and any one on the roster except Tatum be an offer worth making? I assume it gets a quick "no" but - at least you're putting something in play.
Could've stopped right where it's bolded.
 

mcpickl

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Jul 23, 2007
4,546
ESPN doing that ESPN thing where one reporter (Windhorst) says that *technically* Zion can go back to school after seeing how close NY and LA were to winning this thing and try again next year and then other ESPN people talk about it like it's news.

First off all, this was NY's shot. If they sign Durant and/or Kyrie and/or others they're not in the lottery again. And secondly, if there's no guarantee this year, why is there next year?
Windhorst had a rough day. Besides pushing this theory(don't aggregate my nonsense!), he also tried to sell that the Celtics chances to get AD were hurt significantly by the Memphis pick not getting conveyed this year.

For real Windhorst?

Pretty much anyone with Celtics rooting interest wanted that to roll over.
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
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Jan 15, 2004
30,096
I wouldn't go THAT far . . . .

:)
You know how to hurt a man lol.

I’d like to see Memphis being Morant off the bench for the first 50 games until the deadline giving him the 15 backup minutes to Conley then another 5-10 with him......or just 20 off the bench. I hate hate hate seeing young kids enter the league and be handed minutes that lead to entitlement. Force them to work and earn minutes that is how they develop good work habits.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Mar 26, 2005
30,500
You know how to hurt a man lol.

I’d like to see Memphis being Morant off the bench for the first 50 games until the deadline giving him the 15 backup minutes to Conley then another 5-10 with him......or just 20 off the bench. I hate hate hate seeing young kids enter the league and be handed minutes that lead to entitlement. Force them to work and earn minutes that is how they develop good work habits.
OK, I take that back. You are the Kyle Kuzma's of dudes.

:drums:
 

Jimbodandy

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Jan 31, 2006
11,406
around the way
Windhorst had a rough day. Besides pushing this theory(don't aggregate my nonsense!), he also tried to sell that the Celtics chances to get AD were hurt significantly by the Memphis pick not getting conveyed this year.

For real Windhorst?

Pretty much anyone with Celtics rooting interest wanted that to roll over.
Anyone even halfheartedly floating the idea that Zion might return to school should be exiled to shithead island for all eternity. It's indefensible.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Dec 24, 2002
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To be fair, Windhorst doesn't say anything unless Klutch has its hand inside his head moving his mouth and vocalizing the words coming out.

If ever there was an example of someone whose career is a function of whom they know, Windhorst is example number one.
 

nighthob

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Jul 15, 2005
12,678
You know how to hurt a man lol.

I’d like to see Memphis being Morant off the bench for the first 50 games until the deadline giving him the 15 backup minutes to Conley then another 5-10 with him......or just 20 off the bench. I hate hate hate seeing young kids enter the league and be handed minutes that lead to entitlement. Force them to work and earn minutes that is how they develop good work habits.
For Boston's sake not only do I want to see them starting Morant, I want them starting him as their SF.
 

lovegtm

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Apr 30, 2013
11,997
To be fair, Windhorst doesn't say anything unless Klutch has its hand inside his head moving his mouth and vocalizing the words coming out.

If ever there was an example of someone whose career is a function of whom they know, Windhorst is example number one.
The Mouth of Sauron.
 

Jimbodandy

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Jan 31, 2006
11,406
around the way
To be fair, Windhorst doesn't say anything unless Klutch has its hand inside his head moving his mouth and vocalizing the words coming out.

If ever there was an example of someone whose career is a function of whom they know, Windhorst is example number one.
I totally get having an agenda and also the clickbait/talk show asshats. But this is an example of something that everyone on earth with an opinion knows isn't happening. He should be fucking ashamed of himself.
 

Soxfan in Fla

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Jul 30, 2001
7,187
I totally get having an agenda and also the clickbait/talk show asshats. But this is an example of something that everyone on earth with an opinion knows isn't happening. He should be fucking ashamed of himself.
Windy (what a stupid nickname) is an absolute twit who should pretty much never be taken seriously.
 

Captaincoop

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Jul 16, 2005
13,487
Santa Monica, CA
To be fair, Windhorst doesn't say anything unless Klutch has its hand inside his head moving his mouth and vocalizing the words coming out.

If ever there was an example of someone whose career is a function of whom they know, Windhorst is example number one.
I don't know, he's so good-looking, he would have found his way in front of a TV camera one way or another.

If Zion did blow off New Orleans, at least maybe that would hasten the move of that franchise to somewhere that can actually support NBA basketball and be a positive contributor to the league. New Orleans has been one NBA shitshow after another.