Real 2021 Draft: Evan Mobley Portrait Release

[bluejaybrandon]

The 19th prospect on the list is Josh Green, guard out of Arizona. He was hyped coming out of high school and was part of a recruiting class for Arizona that underwhelmed considering their expectations. That doesn't all fall on Green though, as he flashed enough athleticism, playmaking, and scoring to probably solidify a first-round grade.

He's 6'5" and long so his size probably won't be an issue. He has a deadly mid-range game that he will look to stretch in the pros. His biggest highlights come from his transition game where he is able to get out in space. He also has one of the more refined pull-up games in this class, one advanced well beyond his age.

I know he's a polarizing prospect so I'm curious if anyone is high on him. He's not my top perimeter player but I also wouldn't be disappointed if my team scooped him late.

[MonkeymanJSV]

The 19th prospect on the list is Josh Green, guard out of Arizona. He was hyped coming out of high school and was part of a recruiting class for Arizona that underwhelmed considering their expectations. That doesn't all fall on Green though, as he flashed enough athleticism, playmaking, and scoring to probably solidify a first-round grade.

He's 6'5" and long so his size probably won't be an issue. He has a deadly mid-range game that he will look to stretch in the pros. His biggest highlights come from his transition game where he is able to get out in space. He also has one of the more refined pull-up games in this class, one advanced well beyond his age.

I know he's a polarizing prospect so I'm curious if anyone is high on him. He's not my top perimeter player but I also wouldn't be disappointed if my team scooped him late.



[ Image ]

I’m still pretty high on this kid (although I am biased because he’s an Aussie from my hometown) but I still see a lot of potential, uses his length and athleticism to be a terror on the defensive end altho he does lack discipline on that side of the ball. The right system and defensive schemes and I believe he can be a top tier perimeter defender. Offensively is where I’m worried, he can definitely be a great stand and shot guy but not really much else at this point in his development. He’s a below average finisher and definitely shouldn’t be left to create his own shot. But he is still young and I believe he’s current skill set will definitely give him a role early in his career allowing time for his development.

Edit: also who ever created his cyberface did an awesome job, one of the best cyberfaces in all the previews I’ve seen of this class

[bluejaybrandon]

The 19th prospect on the list is Josh Green, guard out of Arizona. He was hyped coming out of high school and was part of a recruiting class for Arizona that underwhelmed considering their expectations. That doesn't all fall on Green though, as he flashed enough athleticism, playmaking, and scoring to probably solidify a first-round grade.

He's 6'5" and long so his size probably won't be an issue. He has a deadly mid-range game that he will look to stretch in the pros. His biggest highlights come from his transition game where he is able to get out in space. He also has one of the more refined pull-up games in this class, one advanced well beyond his age.

I know he's a polarizing prospect so I'm curious if anyone is high on him. He's not my top perimeter player but I also wouldn't be disappointed if my team scooped him late.



[ Image ]

I’m still pretty high on this kid (although I am biased because he’s an Aussie from my hometown) but I still see a lot of potential, uses his length and athleticism to be a terror on the defensive end altho he does lack discipline on that side of the ball. The right system and defensive schemes and I believe he can be a top tier perimeter defender. Offensively is where I’m worried, he can definitely be a great stand and shot guy but not really much else at this point in his development. He’s a below average finisher and definitely shouldn’t be left to create his own shot. But he is still young and I believe he’s current skill set will definitely give him a role early in his career allowing time for his development.

Edit: also who ever created his cyberface did an awesome job, one of the best cyberfaces in all the previews I’ve seen of this class

I really think his college game was more of an anomaly. In high school he wasn’t afraid to pull up. The Pac12 runs so much zone that he didn’t get the same looks he did before. With a transition back to man defense in the pros, I think you’ll see more shooting on the move, for better or for worse. I think you’re right about early minutes. I see him falling to someone who wants him on like a second team/rotation player. The worst would be for him to just get thrown to the wolves and forced to start. I think it would shake his confidence too much.

[cardo]

There's a lot of depth here. You maybe have won me over with your ratings system. Great analysis -- pretty much on par with many publications, but with additional varied insights. Kudos, man. Great work.

[bluejaybrandon]

There's a lot of depth here. You maybe have won me over with your ratings system. Great analysis -- pretty much on par with many publications, but with additional varied insights. Kudos, man. Great work.

I really appreciate that sentiment man, it means a lot. I know the faces are the main draw but I’ve spent tons of time behind the scenes with each player making them as close to realistic as possible. These aren’t just generic players with cyberfaces slapped over the top.

I know the ratings are low for many and there are few badges but I think that presents people with realism. Like Josh Green will enter the NBA with some above average qualities but it’s up to you as the GM to get him the right mentor for badge progression and see that he develops properly ratings wise. Rookies naturally take time to adjust and I tried to make that be reflected in this. Then again if people want to skip that or feel I didn’t do a good job, they can just boost or drop whoever they want. Again, thanks for your kind words man.

[bluejaybrandon]

#18 is teammates with Josh Green and is sure to be polarizing. Nico Mannion out of Arizona was a highly touted prospect out of high school and stood out for his playmaking and bright orange, curly hair. It's not a stretch to say he is unique for his appearance alone.

Nico certainly underperformed at Arizona. He was supposed to be competing for the first overall pick in some experts' minds but instead likely sees his stock fall out of the lottery. That is all of course assuming he doesn't return to school where he may have a chance to rekindle that pre-season hype and raise his stock.

Assuming he stays, I think teams will still be tantalized by his playmaking ability. He has a knack for passing guys open and can place lobs with great precision. The problem is he isn't a floor general like most point guards in this draft and he was overcome at times by the speed of the college game.

Ultimately, I don't think he is able to reach the Steve Nash or Jason Kidd comparisons he drew early on, but I do think he can carve out a role as a starter or decent backup. He'll need to progress his defense or shooting to stay in a rotation but his passing alone should allow him to be a viable option at the next level. He finds himself in the center of a draft full of question marks.

[bluejaybrandon]

Next, we have another wing out of Florida State. Devin Vassell rose from relative obscurity and climbed up mock drafts, solidifying himself as many analysts' top 3+D player in this class. He'll likely find himself as a lottery pick on draft day.

His biggest draw is the D part of 3+D. He has excellent length and quick hips, able to keep his assignment in front of him at all times. He was often given the hardest matchup of his ACC opponents and made their life difficult. Additionally, he shot lights out especially from corner threes.

I'm quite high on him myself, but I can't help but feel as though he put together one great season that is not indicative of his overall play. He'll certainly be a matchup nightmare defensively once he adjusts to the pro game, but only time will tell if his hot shooting streak is legitimate or just an aboration.

[sarella]

Man how I love these ratings. I have been lowering player ratings since forever, still remember old NBA Live days when I had some key bench players bearly reaching low 70s OVR.
So in short, awesome job on this draft class. Can't wait to get my hands on this and continue my save.

[TGsoGood]

I remember creating a team on 2K5 and I had to get Kevin Ollie as my PG. That was the 1st time I thought "low rated players are still good on NBA 2K". That was when I started transitioning to 2K. But now they inflate ratings its not as fun to team build with a default 2K roster. This draft class and his roster should be a good combo

[MonkeymanJSV]

I agree with goods, how’s your roster looking would love to use it along side this draft class

[bluejaybrandon]

I agree with goods, how’s your roster looking would love to use it along side this draft class

They won’t release simultaneously but it shouldn’t be too far behind it. Maybe a month? That’s why initially I was trying to hold off on the class until the roster was basically done so they could work hand in hand.

[jk31]

I remember creating a team on 2K5 and I had to get Kevin Ollie as my PG. That was the 1st time I thought "low rated players are still good on NBA 2K". That was when I started transitioning to 2K. But now they inflate ratings its not as fun to team build with a default 2K roster. This draft class and his roster should be a good combo

Definitely. It is not so long ago, that it was completely normal that each team had <70 in their rotation. I remember in 2k11 or 2k12 I was really proud that I built a team, where all rotation players where at least 70 rated! Now everyone and their mother is close to an 80 rating, making it really hard in 2k to develop some of those past-lottery picks, as they tend to be rated very low and the AI just refuses to use or even sign them.

[MrArni]

How to find these players and jerseys?

[bluejaybrandon]

How to find these players and jerseys?

The college and international jerseys are just downloadable team files. Just search the college and download the template. It’s all in-game.

[bluejaybrandon]

I fell behind a tad on the previews because I've been called back into work. I'll use the weekend to catch up on previews. The release is 100% next week, it won't be moved. Thanks to those who are following along.

[TGsoGood]

I fell behind a tad on the previews because I've been called back into work. I'll use the weekend to catch up on previews. The release is 100% next week, it won't be moved. Thanks to those who are following along.

That's good news

[bluejaybrandon]

Alright, I'm back to catch up on previews. Today and Tomorrow I will be going through 16-6.

First up is Aaron Nesmith, a wing out of Vanderbilt. Nesmith has battled injury throughout his college career but when he's on the court he can be electric. He is undoubtedly one of the best shooters in this draft. He is a constant spot-up threat and has no problem hitting it with a hand in his face.

He is the polar opposite of a guy like Devin Vassell, as Nesmith's offense is strides better than his defense. He doesn't have the lateral quickness and athleticism to keep up with quicker players. Unless his defense improves, he's likely to fall into a Korver/McDermott role.

What are your opinions of him? Who do you have over him? Would you rather have Vassell, Bey, or another wing in this draft?

[TGsoGood]

right on time. I got online, just to check this thread

[bluejaybrandon]

Now we are hitting "the lottery". Remember, these aren't necessarily in an order beyond rating. I don't think Nesmith is better than Vessell, just that they're both better than Josh Green (71=71 > 70).

At the fifteenth spot, I have Tyrese Maxey. I recognize he is likely dropping in many mocks. I just think with the pedigree of being a McDonald's All-American and UK starter, he's bound to find his footing.

He is a solid shooter but was wildly inconsistent at Kentucky. This is partially because of the paradox of Kentucky's backcourt where they seeming had 3 studs and no studs at the same time. He was never really able to develop a rhythm.

Maxey still has a lot of potential and if he finds a team that is willing to be patient with his development, he could blossom into an excellent guard.

[MonkeymanJSV]

Amazing work blue I’m getting so hype for this

[twortlieb1983]

Agreed. This looks to be your best work yet (really like the ratings too).

[bluejaybrandon]

Thank you guys for the kind words. While the ratings are mine, I do want to stress that the faces are not. I take no credit for that but those guys are among the most talented creators in the game right now.

Number 14 on the list is Precious Achiuwa, who is an athletic forward out of Memphis. He was highly recruited and while he was consistent at Memphis, he never really brought the "wow" factor. Part of that may be from the extra attention he would have received from opponents after the loss of Wiseman.

He is an above-average athlete who likes to play above the rim. Most notably he was a standout shot-blocker and all-around hustle player. His ability to gather and offensive rebound and go back up with it should carry forward to the NBA.

As for weaknesses, the main one looks to be his shooting. He is a below-average shooter and even struggles at free throws (sub 60%). That may be an indicator that the shot will never be there. Even so, a lob threat, cutter, and defensive energy player he should be able to carve out a role on a team.

[big-shot-ROB]

[bluejaybrandon]

Theo Maledon comes in at #13. He's an explosive point guard from France playing for ASVEL Basket. Like many other euro prospects, he is a relative unknown coming into the league. His position has fluctuated throughout the year from a guaranteed top 10 to potentially out of the lottery.

He has an incredibly quick first step and has no trouble blowing by even average opponents. He excels in open space with his athleticism. Unfortunately, the shot and playmaking have not caught up to the athleticism.

In my opinion, he has a lot of untapped potential and is worth a gamble for a team in need of a guard of the future. Those of you that may be more familiar, are you high on him? Is he too raw to be worth it?

[bluejaybrandon]

Huge shoutout to TGsoGood for the excellent video! I appreciate the love and its awesome to hear your insight on these prospects.

phpBB [video]