NBA’s Top 25 Players 25and Under Numbers 8 & 7 + Central Division Win Totals Breakdown

[00:00:13] Happy Hunt Day 2, you, it's Wednesday. You know what time it is. Front Runner Podcast Collective is back on the air. I am your humble host, Vince. We have a really good show for you today.

[00:00:26] We're going to go through the Central Division win totals overunders. Do a couple player profiles along with that.

[00:00:35] And give you kind of our thoughts going into camp. And we're also going to continue our series as we get closer and closer to the top five. So today is number seven and number six of our top 2525 and under.

[00:00:53] But before we get to that, let's get into the socials. X at Front Runner PC and then the producers are at Raya underscore bunch FRPC. Make sure that you are following us on though that platform.

[00:01:13] Make sure you're getting our updates on the new post that are dropping and it also will lead you to the YouTube channel. And the reason why I'm about to talk about that is because the heat has broken here in Southern California.

[00:01:28] And we are going to be in a situation where the computer now looks like it's going to be working correctly. And we're going to give videos, hopefully over the next couple days we will have several videos, put up.

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[00:02:48] Now with that being said, we can get into the podcast today. And again, I am very excited about this because we've been giving you primers to the teams as we get closer and closer to a camps opening up and it looks like camps are going to be opening it up at the end of September.

[00:03:10] And we will be covering all of that for you. But as we get closer, what we're going to start doing and we did it on the last podcast. So if you are going, well, what happened to Miami in Washington and Charlotte and what have you out the southeast division was taking care of last podcast. So go back and check those out and it's a good listen.

[00:03:34] And I can't wait for you to hear it. So today we're going to go and deal with the central division of now these wind totals are and these are what they guess are telling us what they are and this is what people were saying. So we have just gathered information and then at the end of this, oh, we're going to give you our thoughts and this is no we haven't done all our work yet.

[00:04:00] I am a bit proponent on seeing like some preseason games and trying to see what the vibe is after and then making a pick as far as the certain but we're leading closer and closer to that last year, we did our big reveal as far as what are predictions were like right before the season started.

[00:04:21] And that's what we're going to end up doing this year, but we're guiding you closer and closer to that. I'm looking forward to this so we're going to get into the Milwaukee bucks. Now their wind total is 51 and a half.

[00:04:34] The bucks are coming off a 49 and 33 season. They added obviously Damian Little last year. There were a bunch of issues they had Adrian Griffin as the coach then they didn't have Adrian Griffin as the coach.

[00:04:50] He was you might have been wild to tell you whatever the case may be the players did not believe in him and then Doc Rivers took over midseason. Now obviously when Doc takes over, you can't put your implement your system in.

[00:05:07] He has a whole off season to do so and obviously they pretty much have brought back the same cast of characters now. They have beefed up on the free agents and we'll talk about that a little bit later, but I do believe that what they're doing right now.

[00:05:27] Vegas has a met 51. This is telling you that they believe that Doc Rivers rhetoric will be heard by Janis and by Dan.

[00:05:38] Now we're still looking to see what's going to happen with Chris Middleton. He had two ankle surgeries on both ankle. We're going to see how that's going to play out.

[00:05:48] That's seeing a little bit of an issue if you don't, if you don't mind me saying now what that being said, let's get into somebody's quotes that other people have said, Zach Lil had a quote.

[00:06:02] The bucks retail with little but concerns over the team's aging core especially key players like Burke, Lopez and Chris Middleton will make staining regular season dominance.

[00:06:18] The thing that I have been thinking with this team, I know it's unpopular in Milwaukee but I had made a kind of thought bubble and I did a live on the podcast about maybe taking Chris Middleton and turning him into multiple pieces.

[00:06:37] I think Tim Vontemps also said this and I'm going to echo this. They lack athleticism. Doc doesn't like playing young guys that's whether athleticism is now telling me how we can merge the two together.

[00:06:53] The only way really to do that is to in a sense take away from your core and maybe say now a bigger burden is on Damian Lillard and Janis Octacumpo.

[00:07:04] And then you have a situation where hopefully you strike absolute goal with the role players that you get back in return for Chris Middleton.

[00:07:17] Now these are all suggestions. I made these suggestions prior so this is nothing new underneath the sun personally, but the question is, we asked, how do you get athleticism in a lineup that is Burke Lopez.

[00:07:36] Janis you don't have to worry about Chris Middleton, Damian Lillard who's in his mid 30s and then whoever's going to start at the two guard is Tashon is Torny Krins going to be in there.

[00:07:54] To provide point of the tag defense. I don't know. The easiest questions that we're going to get to see answered in a count and what we're going to see in the preseason even with Lillard Janis Octacumpo remains the heart and soul of this team.

[00:08:15] Janis ever started wanting points 11.8 rebounds in five point seven assists he had undeniable impact on both ends obviously his this is his defense of box plus minus three point one.

[00:08:31] So that's positive. Janis shows that he has a lead defense of impact and he will need to show his versatility especially with Dane focusing on offense.

[00:08:43] Well that's going to be the key. And he says that are you going to be able to somehow either high Dane or get Dane to buy in a little bit where he's not a complete sieve on the front end.

[00:09:03] Now when he was reportedly in it was different or we were they were trying to get up and down score points will have you dock is not trying to play that way.

[00:09:13] He wants to run no doubt but he wants it to be more on the defense of sight of ball. It's like we got them all because they missed a shot left run let's be opportunistic.

[00:09:25] The thing with that is is that you got to play defense to get that and do you have the guys do you have the horses to be able to do it.

[00:09:35] 50 one and a half is lofty is lofty because of the fact that in their own division they have Cleveland. They have Indiana.

[00:09:47] These teams were a pretty good last year. It just is one of those things where it's going to be and then you got to talk about the rest of the east.

[00:10:00] Now you guys have what the Boston's of the world you got to talk about the New York next. You must also include in that Philadelphia a great training camp is going to be very important to this team.

[00:10:20] The other question that I have how healthy is Chris Middleton after the two ankle surgeries. Are we getting Chris Middleton fully healthy ready to attack training camp and go into the year strong.

[00:10:36] Or are we easing him back in and we're playing the game of low management and minute restriction and things of that nature.

[00:10:46] So these are all questions that I have now if I'm looking at it and I'm going hey 51 and a half wins you'd have to tell me they stay healthy every free agent they hit they got they hit on.

[00:11:07] And one other young guys gets to play some sort of defensive role that allows this team to really unlock some of the defensive potential with Google 51 and a half is lofty but given that Cleveland is changing their coach.

[00:11:34] Out and they would be.

[00:11:38] They in Indiana would be the closest to competitors to Milwaukee I think that Milwaukee is going to be right around this number.

[00:11:46] I think this is one of those that if you were really trying to bet this.

[00:11:51] I would almost tell you stay away because you are counting on a lot of things to happen.

[00:11:57] Worked low pez is another year older.

[00:12:01] That makes him like 36 we know about Dame we also know that he did not work out prior to the season last year.

[00:12:12] This year he's coming in fully motivated got a lot of his personal situations out of the way and obviously it's going to be committed to turning this ship around.

[00:12:23] I am really it's a toss up personally I would think that if you tell me everything goes right they get to 51 and a half wins they get 53.

[00:12:32] What it's asking a lot.

[00:12:35] To wrap your head around that.

[00:12:37] This team is going to stay completely healthy everything is going to work out the whole doc situation and know what is going to get tired of it.

[00:12:47] Lot to ask.

[00:12:49] Let's move on to Cleveland.

[00:12:53] Cleveland is another fascinating team despite dealing with significant injuries to Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan, Mobile last season they managed to win 48 games.

[00:13:06] Their win total is set at 48 and a half this season.

[00:13:11] And I think there's a value in the over here let me read you a couple quotes from other people talking about.

[00:13:19] The Cleveland Cavaliers this is for Jonathan Wasserman.

[00:13:23] The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best young teams in the league if they can stay healthy there are dark horse to contend in the east.

[00:13:33] And that's from Wasserman on August 12 from Bleacher Report.

[00:13:39] Mitchell is coming down to the Mitchell who signed an extension is coming off a really strong season last year.

[00:13:45] Remember there was a point where Darius Garland and Evan Mobile missed like 18 games they went on a 17 and one record during that time.

[00:13:55] There was this talk there was speculation do we trade.

[00:14:01] Darius Garland and one of the centers to maximize was going on here ultimately Kobe Altman decided not to do that he decided that it was best to continue to stay on the path.

[00:14:15] They'll keep in this quarter together.

[00:14:18] And now you got Jonathan Mitchell who have 27 points again last year, 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists he really great efficiency play probably one of his best years since the early days of Utah.

[00:14:36] Now Mitchell's effective field goal percentage is 54.2%.

[00:14:44] His efficiency with the volume that he has that's what makes himself successful is that he is willing to take 25 shots again every single game that he's in.

[00:14:58] At six foot two or six foot three whatever hell he is and a six foot 11 wingspan.

[00:15:06] What he's able to get out of his body the athleticism the strength to be able to take some of the bumps when you go into the line.

[00:15:14] Yeah they saw I don't I think.

[00:15:17] We talked all last off season was this going to be something they were going to be able to do.

[00:15:23] He came they decided so far to do that and to tell you truth I don't know how far this team can go personally.

[00:15:32] I think the guards the back court is small but if you're telling me that this team is going to make a deep playoff run I can't tell you they're not.

[00:15:45] And here's the thing I will say.

[00:15:48] The 48 and a half wins I want to say this.

[00:15:53] When I did say there was value on that I think.

[00:15:58] Jv bit of staff as good as he was.

[00:16:01] He led that team as far as he could possibly take it and then now you get Kenny Aconson who coach Berkland and everyone he coach Berkland.

[00:16:13] That was the Dianjaro Russell Spencer Dynwitty days.

[00:16:19] The productivity that he got out of the Dianjaro Russell and Spencer did do Dynwitty they never match that.

[00:16:27] We seen the Angela being as efficient as he was.

[00:16:32] In Brooklyn but we've never seen him reach the heights that he got in Brooklyn.

[00:16:37] So if you're telling me that Kenny Aconson is coming in this bull's well for two people.

[00:16:43] Bull's well for Evan Mobley.

[00:16:45] This also bull's well for Darius Carlin.

[00:16:48] Now how he's able to unlock those two is going to be critical to what goes on.

[00:16:54] In Cleveland as we can.

[00:16:56] Tying you to move forward.

[00:16:59] But I would tell you that I think they Cleveland if Kenny Aconson can get their attention early.

[00:17:05] They might be able to surprise and win this division outright personally.

[00:17:09] I think they might be that 48 and a half.

[00:17:14] Is a light to me.

[00:17:16] I think you can make some real hay on that so I would I would take that and look at that real hard.

[00:17:23] Obviously if there's injuries and things of that nature they have enough talent.

[00:17:27] If it's a one.

[00:17:30] Then I'm going to tell you this is a vibe that when it's multiple if you if it's a New York next situation.

[00:17:37] Which looks like we talked about on Friday.

[00:17:41] You know that what they went through last year completely different but if we're talking about one person.

[00:17:46] They have enough talent and enough firepower to write out one injury.

[00:17:52] If it's not something that is catastrophic that is like season into.

[00:17:58] Here's my synopsis for them so we're better health and Kenny Aconson at the helm as a head coach.

[00:18:04] I'm confidently taking over the 48 and a half to me seems like I said again.

[00:18:11] We're going to move on to the Indiana pastes.

[00:18:14] Now the Indiana pastes last year is the cry of everybody that came out the block super high.

[00:18:19] They were the best offense we've ever seen in the history of basketball until January.

[00:18:26] And then Tyre's caliber and got hurt.

[00:18:31] And then they traded for Pascal Siocom and Tyre's caliber and came back way too soon from his injury.

[00:18:44] And they struggled but they finally put out a really depleted New York next team to make it to the Eastern Carface Finals.

[00:18:56] And then it stomped out by the Boston Celtics but it was a hell of a year for the Indiana pastes last year.

[00:19:05] So let's talk about them a little bit.

[00:19:10] Their record last year was 47 and 35.

[00:19:13] Their win total is 46 and a half.

[00:19:17] Tyre's caliber and is a key player to their success.

[00:19:21] Let's get something from John Hollinger.

[00:19:24] Halliburton is the perfect modern point guard.

[00:19:27] Great vision, reliable three point shot and the ability to push the pace.

[00:19:33] He'll drive the pace as often as this year.

[00:19:37] John Hollinger is looking for a bounce back here.

[00:19:41] Now when Tyre's was healthy he was looking at all NBA tight mentioning.

[00:19:48] And it wasn't 13.

[00:19:51] Let's put it that way.

[00:19:53] This podcast is going to huge fan of Tyre's caliber since he was at Iowa State.

[00:19:59] We believe that them in the draft.

[00:20:01] We know what kind of talent he is now.

[00:20:03] Here's a thing.

[00:20:05] They re-signed TJ McConnell.

[00:20:07] They signed Andrew Nimhard to a contract.

[00:20:10] I think they could have waited on that but we will see.

[00:20:14] The other thing is that they re-s-they also extended Pascal Siakum not a surprise since they gave up draft capital to get him.

[00:20:23] But he's going to be that second dairy anchor, offensive anchor and also provide some defensive versatility on the other end.

[00:20:37] My whole thing with this team is this.

[00:20:41] There was a confluence of events last year that got them to where they ultimately ended up going.

[00:20:49] Remember we had Andrews to Joel and B.

[00:20:54] We had Andrews even to Milwaukee.

[00:20:57] We had Andrews to Cleveland.

[00:21:00] Obviously the next.

[00:21:02] So my question is this the team I hate to be this dude,

[00:21:07] but is this the team that is the Sacramento Kings last year?

[00:21:16] I'm not saying that they're not talented.

[00:21:19] I'm not saying that they're not going to be in the playoffs.

[00:21:21] My question is that we beat up on Milwaukee because we had their number in the end of fans.

[00:21:30] My hashtag boom babies out there.

[00:21:34] We beat up on them because we had their number.

[00:21:37] We probably beat up on Cleveland a little bit as well because they were hurt.

[00:21:45] My question through all of this is is there enough if Ben Maddering coming back is he and

[00:21:53] enough is the full year of Pascal Siakum and Miles Turner?

[00:21:59] Is that enough?

[00:22:01] I want to see it.

[00:22:03] 46 and a half seemed like right there.

[00:22:08] It just seems right there.

[00:22:12] Halle Burton's playmaking skills are elite as evidenced by his league leading 10.9 assists per game.

[00:22:22] He's going to run the offense.

[00:22:24] It's going to be a macula.

[00:22:26] My whole thing is do you get this?

[00:22:29] Remember they also have buddy heel half that year too.

[00:22:33] It's a different team.

[00:22:34] Are you going to get the same production that you got from buddy heel from Andrew

[00:22:39] Neumhar or are you just expecting Ben Maddering to take over that situation?

[00:22:46] Here's another key.

[00:22:47] Here's another advanced staff for you.

[00:22:50] 41.5%.

[00:22:52] That was how Burton's assists are presented.

[00:22:56] That shows nearly half of Indiana's offense runs through him.

[00:23:00] He runs the show.

[00:23:04] He's not running it.

[00:23:06] The ball is in good hands.

[00:23:08] They don't turn it all over.

[00:23:10] He would be the more loose with the ball than TJ McConnell.

[00:23:18] They take care of the basketball, which is great.

[00:23:24] His playing making is going to be crucial to the patient.

[00:23:26] He's trying to exceed that 46.5 wins.

[00:23:29] We're also asking for extended leaves from Ben Maddering.

[00:23:34] Are we going to get anything from Jerez Walker the first round pick in 2023?

[00:23:40] What is this team going to look like?

[00:23:42] Is it at the level of the talent when the talent is absolutely healthy in the east?

[00:23:52] Does it match up?

[00:23:53] We're going to find out.

[00:23:54] I love Tyre's Gallagherton.

[00:23:57] I want to see if Ben Maddering has made some adjustments as far as being able to be somewhat

[00:24:04] somewhat of an offense and creator for others.

[00:24:07] We know that he can get his own shot, no doubt whatsoever.

[00:24:11] My other thing is he's going to be able to look for other people.

[00:24:15] We will see how it goes.

[00:24:16] 46.5 seems.

[00:24:19] It's right around the number.

[00:24:20] I would say they're going to go under that, but they're not going to be too far under that.

[00:24:25] I don't think it's going to be a completely disappointing season.

[00:24:28] I think we just got to recalibrate our dial is for them and knowing what division there

[00:24:37] in and if the division is healthy and locked in, this is going to be a dog fight.

[00:24:44] We'll see how it goes.

[00:24:45] As we'll see how Indiana looks early in the season, re-incorporating Ben Maddering,

[00:24:51] too Pascal Siocca, Monterey, and so we'll go on from there.

[00:24:59] The next team is the Chicago Bulls.

[00:25:04] Their win total is 27.5.

[00:25:07] The Chicago Bulls have entered the rebuild after trading away Alex Kruissel and Demar Rosen

[00:25:15] with their win total set at 27.5.

[00:25:19] It's clear that their expectations low for sure, but we got to it as a lot still going on here.

[00:25:28] Our guys at Zach Harper, Chimes in, pointed out that the bulls are clearly rebuilding

[00:25:33] and this year will be about player development.

[00:25:36] They won't be competing for a playoff spot in the East anytime soon.

[00:25:41] And that was Zach Harper in the athletic on July 30.

[00:25:49] One intriguing player that they did get in the Alice Kruissel deal,

[00:25:53] and can we just talk one second about this deal?

[00:25:57] I understand that you can tell me that Josh Gettie, 21 years of age, six foot, seven, six foot, eight,

[00:26:04] a creative ball handler, a craze offense for other of a bigger,

[00:26:08] Ricky Rubio with hopefully the shot coming back.

[00:26:13] But to not get one draft pick back from Oklahoma City,

[00:26:17] who has a plethora of draft picks seems somewhat of a derelict of duty.

[00:26:23] I know people consider this trade to be equal.

[00:26:26] I think that giving the fact that Oklahoma City is on the prefixes of becoming a legitimate title

[00:26:36] and I think they're, we'll see what we're looking for.

[00:26:42] Their eagerness to in their mind may be complete their team with Alex Kruissel.

[00:26:50] I think there should have been some sort of actual draft compensation in this deal.

[00:26:56] But we are past that now, but Gettie, we love that guy.

[00:27:00] Gettie is coming up coming over in the trade from Oklahoma City,

[00:27:04] where he averes 13.9 points against 7.8 rebounds again,

[00:27:09] and 5.7 assists over his first three seasons.

[00:27:21] Gettie's rebounding percentage is 11.2.

[00:27:24] This is his total rebound percentage, 11.2.

[00:27:27] This is excellent for guards, and it adds a dynamic element to the bull's lineup,

[00:27:32] because you're getting a bigger player that is not going to be able to take the ball off the glass

[00:27:38] and then start to break himself.

[00:27:41] So that's awesome.

[00:27:43] Love that.

[00:27:45] Now, questions that I have, 27 and a half should be very easy to get, right?

[00:27:54] The problem is, is Zach Levine is still on the team.

[00:28:01] And then my other question is, I don't have a problem with Dr. Gettie being there.

[00:28:08] I don't have a problem with Bouselis.

[00:28:13] They're a draft pick who they got.

[00:28:15] I love that kid, by the way.

[00:28:16] I think he will work out.

[00:28:18] I'm worried about the shot, but I think somehow, some way,

[00:28:22] he can contribute to a winning basketball organization over the years.

[00:28:28] I think you'll have a long career in the NBA.

[00:28:32] I hope the shot does develop, though.

[00:28:34] I'm worried about it, but I hope it does develop.

[00:28:38] But that leads me to the question of Kobe White, who played his ass off last year

[00:28:45] when Zach Levine basically decided I'm a quiet quit on the Chicago Bulls.

[00:28:56] And you're turning the keys over to Josh Gettie, and the offense over to Josh Gettie, no doubt.

[00:29:02] And that means they also you're trying to develop Gettie along with Pouselis.

[00:29:09] Is there enough room for development for Kobe White?

[00:29:13] Is he still part of whatever the next wave of Chicago Bulls is, or is he part of the,

[00:29:23] I guess if you want to call it the problem with you have Zach Levine, Lanzo Ball.

[00:29:29] I know Lanzo Ball is a complete health risk and you're probably going to play him with kid clubs.

[00:29:37] So there's a way to turn down his volume, sort of speak.

[00:29:41] If you're Chicago, I get that.

[00:29:44] But what do you do with Zach Levine?

[00:29:47] And what do you do with Kobe White?

[00:29:49] Kobe White played masterfully in Levine's absence.

[00:29:54] And it looked like he really turned the corner.

[00:29:57] So my question is that if you're going to try to get to 27 and a half,

[00:30:04] and really you want to be below that, kind of have to get Zach Levine and

[00:30:12] or Kobe White both off the team.

[00:30:17] We'll see how that goes.

[00:30:20] 27 and a half seems a little hard to get to with those guys on the squad.

[00:30:24] I don't see it.

[00:30:27] Now we're going to turn our attention to the Detroit pistons.

[00:30:32] Their win total is 28 and a half, which is weird.

[00:30:40] She'd be less.

[00:30:42] Let's finally get to them.

[00:30:44] So they had a terrible year last year.

[00:30:47] We had coaches fired all the whole deal.

[00:30:49] We talked about Detroit over the summer, it seemed like the most because we still don't know what the hell they're doing.

[00:30:56] That's probably why.

[00:30:58] Yeah, 28 and a half is lofty for this team.

[00:31:01] I'm just saying right now, they're trying to continue together.

[00:31:05] Talent, stop pilot talent.

[00:31:07] You're just looking at Detroit.

[00:31:08] You're looking to see if there are dudes that can play with K, kind of him.

[00:31:14] Can't jade nivey make a leap.

[00:31:17] Has he made some adjustments to his junk shot that allowed it to be more consistent?

[00:31:24] What is a saw Thompson's role with this team?

[00:31:29] Ron Holland just selected with the fifth overall pit.

[00:31:33] How do you incorporate all of these young athletic wings went to bias Harris and some won't

[00:31:41] Fontechio are probably going to start?

[00:31:46] These are all questions that the Detroit pistons have to answer.

[00:31:58] John Think of only remarked on K, cutting him.

[00:32:01] He says, yeah, it's all the tools to be a franchise cornerstone if he stays healthy.

[00:32:06] Detroit could take a step forward this year, provide it.

[00:32:11] The veteran leadership does provide veteran leadership.

[00:32:19] Cutting him usage is 27.4 before the injuries as far as that's concerned.

[00:32:25] He bounced back last year.

[00:32:27] You what you saw and we talked about it in some of the pre camp previews.

[00:32:32] And I believe, yeah, Detroit was one of them.

[00:32:34] What you did see with K as a year went on.

[00:32:39] And they actually did put players around him who could shoot the basketball.

[00:32:44] What you did see is you did see him blossom.

[00:32:47] You saw some games where you saw the offensive production and the explosivity and the creativity

[00:32:53] and his offense really flourish.

[00:32:56] The problem is that they didn't have enough guys to be able to do that with.

[00:33:01] And if you're still trying to force feed J9V and that junk shot has not come along,

[00:33:06] I saw a Thompson shot 18% last year.

[00:33:12] I only understand where you go with that and route Holland is a terrible junk at 3.2.

[00:33:17] As well.

[00:33:19] So tell me where if these guys are to develop,

[00:33:25] how do they develop with K, cutting him and develop that synergy?

[00:33:30] They cannot be on the floor with K because they don't provide the proper spacing that he needs to allow his superpower.

[00:33:39] To take over which his length, his size, his ball handling ability,

[00:33:46] his ability to get into the paint.

[00:33:48] How can he get into the paint when it's clocked?

[00:33:53] You know these are just questions I have.

[00:33:57] So 28 and a half games is lofty for the Detroit Pistons.

[00:34:01] Obviously you could be better.

[00:34:04] You could 100% I don't know if you're really trying to be better

[00:34:08] and there's still a lot of questions.

[00:34:11] JB Becker-Stab who comes over from Cleveland where we say maybe his situation ran out in Cleveland.

[00:34:19] I think he's the perfect fit in Detroit because he's going to tell those kids what they need to do to get on the court.

[00:34:26] He's going to level on those kids, he's going to allow those kids to develop my things.

[00:34:31] Because if you have K, J. and a sore in Ron Highland, tell me where the spacing comes from.

[00:34:44] I just don't see the plan.

[00:34:52] We're going to move along to our next segment which is our talk 25, 20 players that are 25 and under.

[00:35:00] I'll enjoy this segment so much because it's good look at what the kids were when they came in to the draft.

[00:35:11] Now that we had a couple of years or whatever, we can see what they've done into the NBA has all those skills translated or other things do they need to develop.

[00:35:21] I really enjoyed this and I know that people look at the list and go, oh wow, this is going to be super controversial.

[00:35:29] But I think we've done a good job of putting people aware we think they belong.

[00:35:34] I think we've done a good job with making sure that we're also telling you a story with this too because I think the players that we're getting into now these are like players that have the opportunity to be franchise players.

[00:35:49] These are the players that have the opportunity to be number one options on their squad.

[00:35:56] So I think when you start to get to this level, this is where the rubber meets the road with the type of talent they were talking about.

[00:36:06] So we're excited to get into it today and we're going to start off with number eight and number eight is Scotty Barnes other Toronto Raptors.

[00:36:15] Scotty Barnes, forward wing, whatever to hell you want to call him six foot nine, 227 pounds, oddly shaped looks like kind of a Paul peers early days that makes any sense to you guys.

[00:36:36] So go back, YouTube, Paul peers, lots of Celtics early days.

[00:36:41] Maybe a little Antoine Walker action too.

[00:36:48] He's the August baby comes out at the University of Florida.

[00:36:52] He was the fourth overall cake in the 2021 draft.

[00:36:56] Let's get into some of the pre drafts, scouting report thoughts.

[00:37:02] Elite defensive potential Barnes was regarded as one of the best defenders in the 2021 draft class with the ability to guard all five positions thanks to his footwork, motor and defensive instincts.

[00:37:19] Playmaking ability.

[00:37:22] He has displayed excellent vision passing skills uncommon for a forward, often initiating offense in transition high energy and competitive this.

[00:37:35] Barnes is known for his leadership and his competitiveness.

[00:37:41] He was seen as a high character player who could impact game again without even scoring.

[00:37:48] Pre draft weaknesses, shooting.

[00:37:52] His inconsistency shooting from deep and the free throw line was the biggest concern for scouts.

[00:37:58] Barnes lacked a go-to move offensively and wasn't seen as a polished score coming out of college.

[00:38:07] This is all true.

[00:38:11] Okay, so we're going to get to his NBA pathway in his current development.

[00:38:16] Now if you look at what Toronto has done.

[00:38:18] Toronto has really given him the keys to the kingdom.

[00:38:22] They trust him with handling his, he's the guard.

[00:38:26] He's the point guard of the team.

[00:38:28] Even despite being his size and we'll have you traditionally the wings aren't the guards.

[00:38:35] What Scotty Barnes is going into that LeBron James type of situation where non-Augog on the point guard.

[00:38:43] I make the offensive decisions.

[00:38:46] Scotty Barnes took the NBA by storm a first season, 15.3 points against him and had rebounds three and have assists.

[00:38:54] He's already working on the year honors.

[00:38:57] His ability to contribute on both ends made him a key piece to the Raptor's lineup.

[00:39:06] Now Barnes has continued to develop into a versatile forward who can defend, play and provide energy.

[00:39:13] He has flourish in the Toronto system.

[00:39:16] Positionless basketball where his skills are maximized although his scoring exceeded expectations early on.

[00:39:23] His shooting remains a work in progress.

[00:39:28] Here's what a couple NBA scouts said about him.

[00:39:32] Defensively scouting Barnes is living up to the hype as a defensive stalwart.

[00:39:36] His ability to switch on the guards and wings and even some sinners is elite for such a young player.

[00:39:43] This is from John Hollinger.

[00:39:46] His 16.1 assist percentage reflects his role as a playmaker in Toronto's offense, making key reads and that leads to easy blockage for his teammates.

[00:40:00] His versatility is a little bit doing a little bit of everything regarding guarding multiple positions.

[00:40:06] His shown growth in his leadership.

[00:40:13] He has gotten better since his work year.

[00:40:16] He shot the wall like 28% of his work year.

[00:40:19] He's been in the low 30s since.

[00:40:22] So it has gotten better and just has a reach to level where nothing is down at a 40% clip.

[00:40:30] I don't know if he'll ever get there honestly.

[00:40:33] But then it's, well what you put around him at that point.

[00:40:40] Well that will be a critical aspect to where they go as a team.

[00:40:46] His aggressiveness Barnes has the tools to be more aggressive as a score of what at times he defers to his teammates instead of taking control offensively.

[00:40:56] Yeah, that's going to be the bug of who with him.

[00:41:00] Now the defensive box plus minus shows that he is a 1.9 positive reflects that part is elite defensive impact,

[00:41:09] breaking him along the top 20% of his position.

[00:41:14] His true shooting percentage is 53.4, which is slightly below league average indicating that while Barnes is a efficient,

[00:41:23] his shooting efficiency is growing this number down.

[00:41:30] I think he's largely lived up to his expectations,

[00:41:33] especially on the defensive side of the wall.

[00:41:36] He's shown growth on the offensive and, but for him truly to reach his potential,

[00:41:42] it's going to be that every point shot.

[00:41:46] Or, greatie dig, a manual quickly, whoever else they have on that squad down the road is going to have to shoot the lights out

[00:41:56] and then allow Scotty just kind of being almost like yawning.

[00:42:01] That's another way of going.

[00:42:02] I mean, there's multiple ways you can make this guy excellent.

[00:42:07] He doesn't have to shoot stare curry like he could be like 35% but be just this incredible,

[00:42:16] efficient ball handler and just spraying it out to shooters because he can get into the lane anytime once.

[00:42:24] So we'll see how it all goes with him with that.

[00:42:27] I personally think that Scotty is like right there.

[00:42:30] I just, I wonder, I wonder, has Toronto seen enough where they build the team around him and put the shooters around him or do they believe

[00:42:42] that that shot will continue to develop get better and he'll be more of a efficient shooter from outside,

[00:42:51] which will then make him more dangerous.

[00:42:54] What we see this year, out of Toronto, will give us some indication of which way they're going in as far as their philosophy surrounding one Scotty Barnes.

[00:43:08] So we're going to move on to the mellow ball who is our seventh overall guy.

[00:43:14] Le Mello Charlotte Hornets.

[00:43:16] He is six was seven.

[00:43:19] He was drafted third overall in the 2020 draft.

[00:43:24] Here's some of the pre draft scout and ports on our guy Le Mello.

[00:43:29] Le Mello will seen as one of the best passers in the draft making flashing passes but accurate passes,

[00:43:35] in transition and in the half court setting.

[00:43:39] Size for his position, six seven frame allows him to see over defenders and make plays.

[00:43:47] Known for his ability to push the pace and find teammates in transition, Le Mello, excelled in fast break opportunities.

[00:43:59] Remember that some of the weaknesses was that his shooting mechanics were terrible.

[00:44:03] It looks like he's gotten better with the mechanics and moved the hand over a little bit.

[00:44:08] Remember he used to shoot it with almost with his hand in his face but now it's over to the side.

[00:44:16] So they work with him extensively to kind of change that.

[00:44:20] And he is, it works man.

[00:44:23] He's going to do shoots a wall.

[00:44:25] So whatever is going on, it works.

[00:44:29] His engagement and discipline on defense or question and scouts pointed out to his awareness and effort as areas of needing improvement.

[00:44:39] But we're going to get to that part.

[00:44:42] Now he won't work you the year when he came in.

[00:44:48] Le Mello has become the hardest franchise player.

[00:44:50] There's no doubt to that but living up to the lofty expectations, he's got to stay on the court.

[00:44:57] He has to be healthy that ankle situation needs to clear itself up.

[00:45:06] I think that we have talked about him talking to Steph Curry.

[00:45:10] I believe those conversations have now happened.

[00:45:15] I don't know if the change will happen this year.

[00:45:18] Maybe it'll take time, maybe next year will be the year.

[00:45:21] But at some point, we need to see Lamello stay on the court.

[00:45:26] He's 70 to 72 games and get a real year out of Lamello ball.

[00:45:33] Just thoughts when he comes to that.

[00:45:45] Like he shot like close to 38% of like blast couple years.

[00:45:49] It's just you got to stay on the court.

[00:45:51] And we can talk about all the improvements he's made.

[00:45:54] Now I will tell you the areas that are improving that he needs to continue to really like lock in.

[00:46:00] And on this too, his defense is a trotace.

[00:46:06] He has 115 rating as a defender is below average and the scouts have noted that his engagement

[00:46:14] off the ball is inconsistent.

[00:46:18] His shot selection could also use work.

[00:46:20] Now keep in mind he played on a shitty basketball team.

[00:46:24] And he also didn't have a lot of people around him really saying, hey, bro.

[00:46:30] If you shoot up this 30 footer with 19 seconds left on the shot clock and nobody in the paint area for us to rebound it,

[00:46:40] you're going to sit on his bench.

[00:46:42] And that is where Charles Lee comes into play.

[00:46:46] I think we're going to see a different Lamello this year.

[00:46:48] We're going to see a more, it will look more mature but it'll be because it'll be disciplined.

[00:46:57] Charlie Charles Lee does not play.

[00:47:00] So I am looking forward to seeing how this all works in Charlotte because Lamello is so talented.

[00:47:09] He's so gifted and if you look at that team right now honestly,

[00:47:15] that's a way better team than like this low level lottery team.

[00:47:22] If you're telling me Lamello's going to play 70 plus games,

[00:47:26] Brandon Miller is going to at least be what he was last year if not better.

[00:47:33] Miles bridges got the rest off last year and Mark will use it whoever else you want to put on that.

[00:47:39] Starting lineup if it's trade man whoever it else it is.

[00:47:45] That's a pretty decent squad.

[00:47:47] I'm not saying they're challenging for a playoff squad or anything like that,

[00:47:51] but I can see Charlotte hanging around until May of February and seeing maybe the power is to be pulled up plug

[00:48:00] and maybe we got a couple growing pools here and there back in during here and there whatever.

[00:48:05] But we'll see here's an advanced stat for you about Lamello.

[00:48:13] This is what his passing will show you 35.7% assist percentage.

[00:48:19] Lamello ranks in the top 10 among NBA guards reflecting his lead playmaking ability.

[00:48:24] His usage rate 26.4.

[00:48:28] He's the central part of what the Hornets do offensively of course.

[00:48:34] Of course.

[00:48:36] Because you won't end with the ball.

[00:48:40] Now he makes terrible decisions when he's feeling it or whatever with the shot.

[00:48:47] But if you can curtail some of that, you got a phenomenal player.

[00:48:54] Sometimes you got to ride these waves of inconsistency with Lamello.

[00:48:59] But I think that Charles Lee can get to him and show him how he can be a lot more efficient and do less or do more or less basically.

[00:49:14] Now Lamello has established himself firmly as a cornerstone of the Charlotte Hornets.

[00:49:20] In the shooting improvements, he'll quail some of the pre-drilled concerns.

[00:49:24] His trajectory towards multiple off-dors appearances.

[00:49:32] Though to reach the MVP contention, he will need to refine his shot selection and his defense.

[00:49:41] I honestly believe personally that Lamello is a special talent.

[00:49:47] And you can talk about the sliding doors theory where he goes to Golden State or he goes to another team that we see a better version of Lamello.

[00:50:00] All that might be true, but I really hope that it happens in Charlotte.

[00:50:07] For my guy, Coach T, shout out to Tony Milton, I love you my guy and for a lot of people in Charlotte.

[00:50:16] It's a basketball hungry area.

[00:50:20] They have an exciting innovative talent in Lamello ball.

[00:50:25] They also have another guy who seems like he is on the verge of really breaking out in branded Miller.

[00:50:33] They have a skyscraper who can really protect around in Mark Williams.

[00:50:41] And Miles Bridges can play grass wall.

[00:50:44] All the off-docard stuff I cannot stand.

[00:50:48] What I am willing to say that guy is young and maybe he's learned his lesson.

[00:50:53] We don't know, it's not up to us but if all this is there, it's really hard for me to believe that Charlotte and a healthy Lamello ball with him locked in

[00:51:09] and can't win like close to 40 games.

[00:51:14] It defies logic to me personally.

[00:51:19] So those are two guys, so we have A and 7.

[00:51:25] So on Friday, here's what you can expect.

[00:51:29] We will do number 6 by himself.

[00:51:33] We will also do the overunders for the Atlantic division.

[00:51:39] So that is Boston, that is New York, that is Brooklyn, that is the Toronto Routes, Philadelphia 76ers.

[00:51:47] So look forward to that on Friday.

[00:51:50] And if there's any news and notes that pop up, obviously that front runner podcast collective will be all over it.

[00:51:58] With that being said, we can get up on out of here.

[00:52:02] I want to thank my producers today, I want to thank Sirea.

[00:52:06] I also want to thank bunch of funds for holding down being silent assassins on the ones and twos.

[00:52:13] And then we are going to leave you with this.

[00:52:16] The best part of you is you.

[00:52:18] Make sure that the people around you are doing everything to illuminate your light.

[00:52:25] Go out there and do some good in the world.

[00:52:28] And we will see you back on this feed on Friday.

[00:52:31] Peace.