2023 NBA Draft Thread 4

[Audi]

Wasn't this draft being lauded as the most talent loaded drafts in recent history? What happened?

[VFX]

Wasn't this draft being lauded as the most talent loaded drafts in recent history? What happened?

It's one of the deepest. The talent between picks #4-12/13 is pretty open.

One of the biggest generational talents at the top. 2-3 potential all stars after that, and then just a an extremely deep talent pool. Some of the guys that were mocked top 5 are now in the 13-20's like Whitehead. There are going to be a lot of surprises from this draft. It's a good draft to have two lotto picks.

[cedric76]

Bro i live in middle of f*** Europe so who knows more about Europien baketball? Somebody who heared about french league month ago or somebody who follows Euro basketball for 20 years? I assume you right?

Cedric made 14 000 posts and majority of them are "Ur wrung g' magic" . Guy has one of the worst +1 to post ratios on this forum because he can't elaborate nor articulate his own opinion to save his life.

If you have something to argue against me- argue with facts and arguments not with whatever you think you are doing ( tbh 99% of time you just spam youtube videos like nobody else can use youtube and write : "XY highlight video" )

You two are now head over heels about player you never seen single full basketball game in your lifes, because some twitter head told you he has " Jimmy Butler/ OG written all over him" and that he "outscored Wemby in one game" .

I can help you if you actually want to WATCH him play. in 4 days, you can catch stream on Spotklub ( Croatian/serbian tv channel, you know, place i'm from ) and they will have game 1 finals. Or i can provide stream of that game in inbox if you need.

You will be very shocked once you learn your favorite flavor of a month is 6'6 but apsolutley never puts ball on the floor nor tries to attack off dribble, yet those internet wannabe "scouts" are trying to sell you as "shooting guard" and than just smam you with percentages instad of volumen of his actual shots. Guy makes 0,5 threes a game as "shooter", in league where 3 point line stands at 20,5 feet. But who needs facts when guy on twitter wrote he is great? Who needs critical thinking? Who needs own head to make own opinons when twitter can provide one for you?

btw pss don't let Evan haters, hear you, but in league where Culibaliy averages 5 ppg, Evan averaged 14

Stop trolling, I live in France, you are clueless about French basketball or any basketball for that matter.
You just a hater.

For those speaking french, here is a nice video about people would followed Bilal since he is 15

Watch on YouTube

and for the rest of us that don't?lol can you give us a rundown... lol

The video was recorded before he start shining with the first team.

They were saying that he has huge upside, no major flaw, potential to be a very player, and they were saying that if he doesn't go to the draft this year and be the main guy for the Mets next season he would definitely be a top 10 player in the 2024 draft

They had zero doubt that he d do great if given minutes with the first team.

They were spot on

Also, they said that they are making a video featuring Bilal footages from 15 yrs old to nowadays

[jonbob17]

so we draft hendricks as our shooter and have him come off the bench? Wcj is better than him atm. Having hendricks off the bench doesnt solve our shooting woes, imo. Then we add Lively too?

Who are you going to draft that is a shooter and start? Hawkins? Gradey? Neither of those guys are beating Suggs for minutes by a coach trying to win basketball games. Personally I could care less who starts. If Hendricks gets 28 minutes a game and shoots 39% from 3 on 5 attempts a game...who cares if he's not a starter. That's 2 made threes a game.

What I do care about is who is going to guard Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown three years from now in the Eastern Conference Finals, and who is defending the rim.

Suggs can come off the bench or play the 1.

The fact that we have WCJ and we’re also doubling down with Lively, only begs to wonder where Hendricks minutes will come from. If Hendricks is to backup WCJ, then we just wasted the 11th pick (Lively, based on your preference) on a 3rd stringer.

I’m not sure in what world Hendricks is capable of playing the 3 in the NBA. His decision making and ball handling might suit him better at the 5 as well

I don't get where this Hendricks at the 5 comes from he just weighed in at the combine at 214lbs. Fultz weighs nearly that much, at 210, and Hendricks has 5" on him.

I am not convinced WCJ is the answer at center. He's nice on the current deal, and he was fine this year, but he's not a rim protector. Paolo's not that guy either. I'd love for JI to step up an be that guy, but I am not betting on that horse anymore. WCJ might be a player we could use to upgrade another position too, given his contract. I like WCJ, and am happy he's on the team, but I just have a hard time envisioning him making a difference in the playoffs, and ultimately that is all that should matter to this team.

If we are talking about Best Player available, and amount of projected NBA projection, it's hard to imagine a more productive basketball player that might be available at 11. I think we've seen in these playoffs the value of Centers again, in the finals particularly, centers that are skilled.

[bigdogdylan5]

So is anyone still pro Cason Wallace with his measurements at the combine?

He measured pretty well with his wingspan.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

He was like 6’2” with his height that actually has me more spooked then the shooting

[basketballRob]

So is anyone still pro Cason Wallace with his measurements at the combine?

He measured pretty well with his wingspan.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

He was like 6’2” with his height that actually has me more spooked then the shooting

I'm pretty sure he has a promise at #8 @ anyway.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[OrlChamps2030]

So is anyone still pro Cason Wallace with his measurements at the combine?

He measured pretty well with his wingspan.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

He was like 6’2” with his height that actually has me more spooked then the shooting

6' 8.5" wingspan though, thats pretty long for a combo guard

[Knightro]

Latest Mock Draft from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer

1. San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama
2. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
3. Portland Trailblazers - Scoot Henderson
4. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

7. Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks
8. Washington Wizards - Ausar Thompson
9. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black
10. Dallas Mavericks - Cason Wallace

11. Orlando Magic - Grady Dick
The Magic need lots of shooting, which Dick can provide. The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-point attempts last season.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

[Residual-Heat]

delete

[OrlChamps2030]

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

Read on Twitter

Watch on YouTube

[eyriq]

Latest Mock Draft from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer

1. San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama
2. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
3. Portland Trailblazers - Scoot Henderson
4. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

7. Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks
8. Washington Wizards - Ausar Thompson
9. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black
10. Dallas Mavericks - Cason Wallace

11. Orlando Magic - Grady Dick
The Magic need lots of shooting, which Dick can provide. The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-point attempts last season.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

Amen over Ausar is interesting. The main difference I pick up between them is personality. Amen seems more social, Ausar more reserved.

If we get Amen and Gradey or Ausar and Gradey I'm ecstatic.

[89Magicfan]

Latest Mock Draft from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer

1. San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama
2. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
3. Portland Trailblazers - Scoot Henderson
4. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

7. Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks
8. Washington Wizards - Ausar Thompson
9. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black
10. Dallas Mavericks - Cason Wallace

11. Orlando Magic - Grady Dick
The Magic need lots of shooting, which Dick can provide. The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-point attempts last season.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

I wouldn’t be mad...Trade for Scoot and I’m celebrating.

[Def Swami]

Latest Mock Draft from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer

1. San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama
2. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
3. Portland Trailblazers - Scoot Henderson
4. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

7. Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks
8. Washington Wizards - Ausar Thompson
9. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black
10. Dallas Mavericks - Cason Wallace

11. Orlando Magic - Grady Dick
The Magic need lots of shooting, which Dick can provide. The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-point attempts last season.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

Amen over Ausar is interesting. The main difference I pick up between them is personality. Amen seems more social, Ausar more reserved.

If we get Amen and Gradey or Ausar and Gradey I'm ecstatic.

I think KOC also moved Ausar ahead of Amen on his Big Board.

How does everyone actually evaluate the Thompson Twins? I'll admit, I watched zero of the OTE league and every time I watch the clips on YouTube, I'm always amused by how unstructured most of the games look. Can they play in a half court offense? They look like pick up games. I've liked both in interviews I've seen. I just don't know what to make of these guys as prospects.

[eyriq]

Latest Mock Draft from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer

1. San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama
2. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
3. Portland Trailblazers - Scoot Henderson
4. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker

6. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson
The Magic already have a point guard with a limited jumper in Markelle Fultz, so this might seem like a strange pick. Thompson would need to improve his perimeter game to stand out, but the rest of his skills suggest he could slide right in as a quick-twitch, athletic shot creator.

7. Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks
8. Washington Wizards - Ausar Thompson
9. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black
10. Dallas Mavericks - Cason Wallace

11. Orlando Magic - Grady Dick
The Magic need lots of shooting, which Dick can provide. The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-point attempts last season.

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

Amen over Ausar is interesting. The main difference I pick up between them is personality. Amen seems more social, Ausar more reserved.

If we get Amen and Gradey or Ausar and Gradey I'm ecstatic.

I think KOC also moved Ausar ahead of Amen on his Big Board.

How does everyone actually evaluate the Thompson Twins? I'll admit, I watched zero of the OTE league and every time I watch the clips on YouTube, I'm always amused by how unstructured most of the games look. Can they play in a half court offense? They look like pick up games. I've liked both in interviews I've seen. I just don't know what to make of these guys as prospects.

My eye test says they suck. But if they suck this draft is hopeless. So I drink the Kool-Aid.

[Residual-Heat]

I have a feeling atleast one of the Thompson twins will be available at 11.

[jonbob17]

So is anyone still pro Cason Wallace with his measurements at the combine?

He measured pretty well with his wingspan.

He was like 6’2” with his height that actually has me more spooked then the shooting

Yah, i have been a huge Wallace proponent, but i was very disappointed by his 6'2.5"....find myself making all the excuses for him...but he's 6'4" in shoes, and 6'8.5" wingspan. He's a defense first guard that might not have the on ball or passing to be a lead guard.

I believe in his game, but it's going to be tough for him to be Jrue Holiday or Marcus Smart at that height. I still think he will make it, but i am wondering if that limits his upside. Height matters.

[VFX]

So is anyone still pro Cason Wallace with his measurements at the combine?

He measured pretty well with his wingspan.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

He was like 6’2” with his height that actually has me more spooked then the shooting

Why are you pretending like you were ever high on him?

Wasn't he "just another Suggs"?

[basketballRob]

Amen averaged 16.4 ppg as a 20 year old against high school kids. What will he do in the NBA?

Feels like they're slipping.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[OrlChamps2030]

Not sure if this got posted here, but it’s a great read. Film review on Anthony Black vs Cason Wallace

https://draftpunkofficial.substack.com/p/getting-defensive-anthony-black-vs?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

[MAGICian619]

I feel like we have to come out of this draft with a wing. Not sure there will be any ones with good outcomes at 11. Currently thinking . Previously was in favor of two of: cason, hendricks, gradey

This is where i am at now:
6. Hendricks
11. Lively

We can sign a shooter. Hendricks shoots well.

Fultz/Cole
Suggs/Harris or FA/Houstan
Franz/Hendricks
Paolo/JI/Bol
WCJ/Lively/MoVV

I try to picture what WCJ would look like on the Heat or the Celtics...I just can't see it. Lively is going to be a difference maker on the defensive side.

Hendricks add shooting and defense to the perimeter. We will need to upgrade PG through trade, FA, or development. It's just not available in this draft.

Hendricks and Lively should be very good NBA rotation players around the same time Paolo and Franz are starting to hit their upside.

Big UCF guy here. Hendricks is not a 3 and anyone will be very disappointed if they try and play him there. He is a 4 who will be able to play some small ball 5.

He's 6'8" 214. Can he defend SFs? Absolutely. If he can shoot and guard SFs, he can play SF.

A small ball 5? Jerace Walker gets called that. He' 6'7 250.

Hendricks is lighter than Aaron Gordon was at combine.
He may be more Jerami Grant, they were almost identical in size. Grant started off as a SF, but eventually moved to PF because he couldn't defend the position. But Grant was never a good defender.
I guess it just comes down to who can Hendricks defend? I buy Hendricks as switchable defender but he may end up being more of PF if he can't defend.

Hendricks can absolutely defend 3's. However he completely lacks the ball skills to do anything that a successful SF needs to do on offense. Think Jabari Smith from last year who struggles to take more than 2 consecutive dribbles, but probably worse. It's just not his game.