How many that were on the verge of turning the corner and had a promising future that is being thrown away for the sake of cutting costs?
I watched him in games during the Pac 12 season. He was incredibly easy to defend. Just crowd him, and he was shut down. Opponents who knew to get in his face successfully neutralized him. Opponents who gave him a little room were beaten by his incredibly quick shot release. Yes, he very occasionally drove the ball, but it was not enough of a threat not to crowd him, he didn't have a quick enough first step to overcome it, and his decision making wasn't good enough to make defenses pay for providing help at the rim. He is a catch-and-shoot shooting guard in a small point guard's body.
Daniel Oturu tested well in NBA draft combine. By Marcus Fuller StarTribune: Tre Jones also tested well. https://www.startribune.com/ex-goph...t-during-virtual-nba-draft-combine/572842752/
If Oturu makes it to the second round, he's going to be a steal for someone. Too bad James Jones gave up our second round pick in the Josh Jackson salary dump.
So after watching a lot of takes from ESPN NBA guys, the general consensus is what we all know on this board....there is no clear cut #1. So if I am PHX I stay put at #10 and take Jalen Smith and then look to acquire another pick in the 1st round and take Tre Jones. I think we need to fill out the bench with young, cheap players with potential for Williams and staff to develop. If PHX needs a starting PF they can look to FA at maybe Ibaka or a stop gap who can help this team next year after an impressive run in bubble to carry forward this upcoming season. The other reason to use draft to fill out bench with cheap talent is next year Giannis is a FA and while rumors are he is looking at MIA, PHX has been mentioned as a possible destination. Speculation is we could trade Ayton, Oubre and picks for Giannis but with Ayton still on a rookie deal and no real cap draining contracts we could clear space next year especially if we decide to let Oubre walk next year and try and fit him in sort of like GS got KD with Curry, Thompson & Green. If we draft Jones, he could be Rubio's replacement when his deal expires. If we hit the Giannis lottery, we could use Bird Rights to keep Ayton and be set with a Big 3 of Ayton, Booker & Giannis with draft picks filling out the bench.
It feels like another trade down may be coming. Tankathon now has Precious Achiuwa going #10 in their mock. I'd be thrilled with that pick.