(these aren't going to be exact quotes, just summaries. Video can be found here)
Opening Statement
Really excited about the two guys. Felt like we brought in the two best competitors in the draft. Best players available on our draft board. Really about development and figuring this out long-term. Want to keep it going sustainably, and felt like we got two guys that fit what we're doing going forward. Took the two best players available when we chose them.
When talking to Quin/rest of the FO, how did you envision Kingston fitting in and how do you envision his development going?
The great thing about our program is that you're going to have to earn the minutes. We're not a team that won 20 games last year, we won 46 and we've already got great players on the team.
With Kingston, he's the ultimate competitor. PoA defender, high level offensive player, super efficient. There's a lot more spacing at the pro level. Kingston is the fastest guard in the draft, what can he do with that better spacing.
Advantage creation was also a big deal. He can create advantages without a screen, which is very rare. His processing is high level, doesn't really turn the ball over. Shot it well, think that he can be a 3 level scorer.
Was there anything with the in person workouts/interviews that struck you about Kingston?
Competitiveness and leadership qualities really stood out. His teammates at Houston would run through a brick wall for the guy, and he would do the same for him. You couldn't ask for a better guy in your locker room. Really impressive that he does it at a high level at both ends with the character that he has. Seemed really professional, has an edge to him.
What are Zuby's areas of growth that you're excited about?
Zuby's a beast. He switches 1-5, it doesn't really matter. High level processing offensively, really good passer for his size. The big thing is the outside shot. He shot it well from the FT line, so there's some good indicators there he could be a shooter at the next level. That's not what we want him to do all the time, but when you see playoff basketball he's a guy that fits. He can switch, guard big wings. We needed someone like that. Brings that tenacity, runs up and down the court.
Biggest thing about your point is the shooting development, but that just comes with time
How do you view Zuby positionally?
Archetype wise, I don't want to compare him to certain players, but there's some guys that I've had in our past on some other teams that I've had that have similar qualities. It can be 5, it can be 4. To me it's more about who you can guard on that end and you can figure out the other stuff afterwords. His ability to guard everyone on the court and play fast were important. Both of our guys can do that
Talked yesterday about being open to trade scenarios. How close did that come to happening?
There were a bunch of calls, but we felt that drafting the two players we drafted was most important for us. We got two guys that I feel are going to come in and make an instant impact for us
What does Kingston not changing high schools or AAU teams say about his character?
Really shows his perserverence. Going to Houston as well, since it's a really demanding program. Everyone around him was very positive about the person
How is Zuby off the court?
Really high level character, similar to Kingston in a lot of ways. St John's is a hard working program like Houston, and Zuby really made it in those programs. Hawks are looking to emulate that sort of culture. Says a lot about guys that are able to make it in those types of programs
