QK Hoops

If it weren't for the Coronavirus outbreak, the 2020 NBA playoffs would be starting in little over a week. Instead, we are left with no basketball and a lot of spare time in our homes. That's why its a good time to take a gander at the 2017 draft class and see how the draft would've played out with what we know three years onward. All draft day trades will be rescinded and team needs at the time of the draft will be taken into account. 1. Philadelphia 76ers (Via BKN) Jayson Tatum - Originally Taken 3rd | Original Pick: Markelle Fultz 2020 Stats: 23.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 45 FG%, 2.8 3PM, 40 3P% This season, Jayson Tatum blossomed into one of the NBA's most skill savvy players and appears on pace to be a perennial all-star moving forwards. As a premier two-way forward, Tatum would fit seamlessly next to Philadelphia's stars in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid as he would not only provide much-needed floor spacing and the ability to close games à l

In the wake of Houston shipping Clint Capela to Atlanta, the word was that the Rockets were exploring the market for bigs. However, Morey's hoarding of versatile frontcourt pieces has said otherwise. Houston appears committed to their unorthodox approach to small-ball basketball with their recent additions of forwards DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green . Houston plans to use its two open roster spots on forwards DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green. https://t.co/ZbjKbr3DVJ — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 17, 2020 DeMarre Carroll 's time in San Antonio was shrouded in disappointment on behalf of both sides. After racking up 15 straight DNP-CDs, Carroll's frustration over playing time surged and a buyout between the two parties seemed inevitable. While Carroll struggled to produce in limited minutes for the Spurs having only scored 2.2 points per game on an uncharacteristic 23% clip from deep, the 33-year-old forward should provide intensity and defensive versatility

While we are in the midst of an exciting first round of the NBA playoffs that has seen young teams such as the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets shock the world with a pair of stunning victories in game one, I among many other lovers of the NBA Draft can not wait for the draft lottery. What makes this year's draft lottery so highly anticipated is the new odds which were introduced to combat against the effectiveness of tanking. Each team has a more even chance at landing the #1 pick or landing in the top 4 (formerly only the top 3 were drawn). Check out tankathon.com for a look at the new lottery odds. Expect to see some crazy jumps and falls during the lottery on May 14th. In light of the countdown to the lottery, I thought it would be fun to do my own simulation of the draft to see how much the order could change. Here's how it went... 1. Atlanta Hawks (+4) - Zion Williamson, PF In this scenario, Atlanta finds themselves sitting pretty on top and winning the Zion swee

CIAA player of the year Amir Hinton makes for a rare breed in comparison to his fellow D-II student-athletes. The 6'5" guard recently expressed his desire to enter his name in the 2019 NBA Draft in hope of being the first D-II player to make it big-time since 2005 (Robert Whaley, Walsh University, #51 to the Utah Jazz). Hinton and the Shaw Bears' season came to an end in a 77-66 loss to Virginia State in the CIAA tournament championship game. Hinton capped off the game with a stellar 34 points, 5 boards, 3 dimes and 5 steals. Despite the loss, it was all worth the effort as 12 NBA scouts were in attendance for his impressive final outing. Not only does Hinton himself have confidence in his NBA prospects, so do several scouts around the association. Shaw University coach, Joel Hopkins, claims that all thirty NBA teams have been in town to see Hinton live in action. "Some scouts have told me I am a top-three guard in this class" Hinton curre

Only 18 months after being selected 9th overall by Dallas in the 2017 NBA draft, Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr may be on the move sooner rather than later. The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly exploring their options in terms of the young guard's trade value and have been in talks with several teams so far. While they are open to accepting a deal of "good value", the Mavericks have backtracked on their word and are apparently optimistic that they can move forward and build around a duo of Dennis Smith Jr and Luka Doncic. But when it comes to buying or selling on this, I'm not buying in on their optimism. Smith Jr has been inactive for a string of games recently and many speculate that this is linked to the Mavericks closing in on shipping Smith Jr elsewhere. On top of this, DSJ will not travel with the Mavericks in their upcoming road trip against the Pacers and the Bucks which leads me to believe that the Mavericks are getting closer to finding a deal. Luka Do

After an avertible loss to the lottery-bound Orlando Magic, a lonesome Kyrie Irving sat at his locker in frustration. For many, this is a display of Irving's passionate desire to win. But as a Celtic fan, this frustration brings worry and attention to Kyrie's looming free agency decision.   The Boston Celtics entered the 2018-2019 season with sky-high (and possibly inflated) expectations following their near-finals run. Many believed that an injury-free Boston squad with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward under fold could possibly be the ones to dethrone the Warriors from their historic run. Although, as of right now that seems like overly optimistic thinking as this year's Boston squad has looked far from title-ready. Boston currently sits at 25-17, placing them at an underwhelming 5th in the east despite their stand-out depth and array of young talent. While the Celtics have been reasonably successful at home, their struggles have come on the road as they sport a 10-12 aw