2023 Draft Prospect discussion

[God Squad]

If our pick ends up 15-20 I would feel comfortable drafting Sasser there. They will look at Wallace hard too. I can't see the Raptors touching Juwan's son as he can't defend well or rebound. Raps only take players who fill up the stat sheets on that end, look at Masai's history.

Why though? Just draft him in the second round, he'll be there.

[God Squad]

Depending on where we land, i'm looking at a balanced of need/potential. I understand drafting for need isn't ideal, but we have so many holes that either need replacing or plugging.

- Shot creation
- 3 pt shooting
- bench
- off guard

Also hopefully a better defensive scheme next year will be crucial.

[ItsDanger]

If we keep the current roster, lose Fred, the fit should be a combo guard. I'm sure they'll take best player available but once you get in that range (lets say #15), should consider fit at least partially.

[BoyzNTheHood]

If we keep the current roster, lose Fred, the fit should be a combo guard. I'm sure they'll take best player available but once you get in that range (lets say #15), should consider fit at least partially.

JHS

[God Squad]

If we keep the current roster, lose Fred, the fit should be a combo guard. I'm sure they'll take best player available but once you get in that range (lets say #15), should consider fit at least partially.

JHS

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

[grant101]

Rupert is one of the most interesting international projects in this class. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Rupert has the kind of tools every scout wants.

Doubt that's true. That's Kawhi dimensions. Really rare for a guard to have a wingspan that big. This kid will be in the lottery.

It's true. Crazy wingspan

Coulibaly has the same measurements as Rupert, 6'7, 7'3 wingspan. Combined with Wemby, WTH are they feeding kids in France!?! Lol

[Kevin Willis]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=TheScoutingRapport

Strengths

Pickett's biggest strength is his elite IQ and feel for the game. As far as freshman point guards go, he is elite at creating shots for teammates while taking care of the ball. He is in the same conversation with Tre Jones, Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton in that regard, except he has higher usage than any of them by a decent margin. Now that could also be offset by his much lower level of competition, but regardless it is evident that Pickett reads the floor at a very high level and is capable of executing some very impressive passes while minimizing turnovers. His AST/TOV per 40 of 7.8/3 is an elite number, and he does it while not really having much consistent help offensively. He is especially proficient in the pick & roll, where he makes high level reads on the move and makes passes with pinpoint accuracy to outside shooters or roll men. He uses his size very well in the pick & roll, as he is able to see over the top of many smaller defenders. He overall just has great feel for running the P&R, using his big body to maneuver himself into advantageous positions to take defenders out of the play, 'putting his man in jail' as they call it. This is a skill that not many young point guards really have, especially guys at mid-majors who were not really high level recruits.

Weaknesses

Despite Pickett's overall high skill level and feel for the game, he has some pretty major weaknesses that limit him as an NBA prospect. The first is an overall lack of high end athleticism. Pickett is pretty slow for a PG prospect, lacking the burst to really take his man to the basket with much frequency, even sometimes lacking the quickness to blow by switches. He does slightly overcome this with his shooting and size, but NBA PG's really need the ability to get into the paint at a high level, and I'm not sure Pickett every has that ability. He also lacks vertical explosion when he does get into the paint, which impacts his finishing. These athletic limitations are pretty huge factors that could legitimately stop Pickett from ever playing at the next level, especially since he's not a high radar guy in the first place.

Note: he has improved his weaknesses this year to be a better FT% and stronger handles. Can't find his wingspan but apparently he's long.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

If our pick ends up 15-20 I would feel comfortable drafting Sasser there. They will look at Wallace hard too. I can't see the Raptors touching Juwan's son as he can't defend well or rebound. Raps only take players who fill up the stat sheets on that end, look at Masai's history.

Why though? Just draft him in the second round, he'll be there.

According to who? Everyone was saying 2nd round and more and more mock drafts are now coming out with him going as high as 20 overall. CBS sports one just had him going 23rd. If there's a guy you like you just grab him. I wouldn't feel like 15-20 is too early for him, I believe in him big time. If he goes on a run with Houston in the tournament he's gonna open the eyes of people sleeping on him and his "stock" will certainly rise. He's gonna impress the hell out of organizations during the interview process and with glowing reviews from the Houston coaching staff and all it's gonna take is a few good workouts for someone to pull the trigger mid round to late round especially when they see him cook people with his handle.

[Yallbecrazy]

If we keep the current roster, lose Fred, the fit should be a combo guard. I'm sure they'll take best player available but once you get in that range (lets say #15), should consider fit at least partially.

JHS

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

Deanondraft has JHS on his do not draft list.

States he doesn't have any go to strengths and his ceiling is Brogdon with a bunch of much worse outcomes. Basically his 3pt shooting is probably a mirage since it's on low volume and his ft% isn't good. His terrible 2pt% shows he can't get to the rim at all and has to settle for midrange pullups which he isn't all that great at. Passing and defense are okay to decent and he's old for a freshman.

[DreamTeam09]

Damn, Keyonte George's draft stock has taken a pretty big hit in these last couple of weeks.

I'm not madd at that, I'm a believer in him and would like him as a Raptor. We need a guard like him...

[God Squad]

JHS

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

Deanondraft has JHS on his do not draft list.

States he doesn't have any go to strengths and his ceiling is Brogdon with a bunch of much worse outcomes. Basically his 3pt shooting is probably a mirage since it's on low volume and his ft% isn't good. His terrible 2pt% shows he can't get to the rim at all and has to settle for midrange pullups which he isn't all that great at. Passing and defense are okay to decent and he's old for a freshman.

Sounds like a SRP to me. Hopefully I'll catch a game to see how he plays. I'd love to know which prospects you like so far. You were pretty adamant on Sengun being great.

[Rapsfan07]

Really hope they trade out of this draft. See what you can get for OG + the pick (made on behalf of other team) and if nothing interesting is there, just punt the pick for a future 1st.

...What?

[Rapsfan07]

If our pick ends up 15-20 I would feel comfortable drafting Sasser there. They will look at Wallace hard too. I can't see the Raptors touching Juwan's son as he can't defend well or rebound. Raps only take players who fill up the stat sheets on that end, look at Masai's history.

Sasser at 15-20 is wild b.

He'll be there closer to the bottom of the first round or even the early second. No need to reach for him this high.

[WuTang_CMB]

Really hope they trade out of this draft. See what you can get for OG + the pick (made on behalf of other team) and if nothing interesting is there, just punt the pick for a future 1st.

...What?

With no pick next year, they need to hit this draft

[Rapsfan07]

Depending on where we land, i'm looking at a balanced of need/potential. I understand drafting for need isn't ideal, but we have so many holes that either need replacing or plugging.

- Shot creation
- 3 pt shooting
- bench
- off guard

Also hopefully a better defensive scheme next year will be crucial.

Jett Howard and Keyonte George can potentially answer all of these questions.

Really, really hoping for a deal that gives us a few extra first rounders. A lot of potential high quality rotation guys in this draft.

[Psubs]

JHS

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

Deanondraft has JHS on his do not draft list.

States he doesn't have any go to strengths and his ceiling is Brogdon with a bunch of much worse outcomes. Basically his 3pt shooting is probably a mirage since it's on low volume and his ft% isn't good. His terrible 2pt% shows he can't get to the rim at all and has to settle for midrange pullups which he isn't all that great at. Passing and defense are okay to decent and he's old for a freshman.

To me he's on par with how Johnny Juzang was, his 1st year at UCLA, playing in a tougher conference. Juzang shot over 80% FT's at least. He should stay another year like Terquavion did. See how he plays without TJD.

[Yallbecrazy]

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

Deanondraft has JHS on his do not draft list.

States he doesn't have any go to strengths and his ceiling is Brogdon with a bunch of much worse outcomes. Basically his 3pt shooting is probably a mirage since it's on low volume and his ft% isn't good. His terrible 2pt% shows he can't get to the rim at all and has to settle for midrange pullups which he isn't all that great at. Passing and defense are okay to decent and he's old for a freshman.

Sounds like a SRP to me. Hopefully I'll catch a game to see how he plays. I'd love to know which prospects you like so far. You were pretty adamant on Sengun being great.

I'm not a scout, I look at stats/age/competition and look for certain stats that seem to be better indicators of future success. No one jumps out as an elite player this year so far, maybe some of that will change with more games.

Gradey Dick looks like the best player after Scoot and Wemby because of his shooting and high bbiq. He does offer a high steal rate, but isn't all that athletic with poor block numbers and meh rebounding. Definitely looks to be an NBA calibre starting player, just don't think he has the physical profile to be a top 20 player in the league unless he can end up being an all time great shooter.
Brandon Miller looks to be right behind him.

Edey could be pretty good value in the mid to late first round as his stats are too good to be waved away.

[dozo]

I need to watch/see more. From what I've heard is he's a high floor/low ceiling type. But the stats look good and he's a freshman. So I'm asking why is his perceived ceiling "lower" and what's his swing skill for the next level? 3pt shot?

Looks like a good guard prospect, but not my favourite.

Deanondraft has JHS on his do not draft list.

States he doesn't have any go to strengths and his ceiling is Brogdon with a bunch of much worse outcomes. Basically his 3pt shooting is probably a mirage since it's on low volume and his ft% isn't good. His terrible 2pt% shows he can't get to the rim at all and has to settle for midrange pullups which he isn't all that great at. Passing and defense are okay to decent and he's old for a freshman.

To me he's on par with how Johnny Juzang was, his 1st year at UCLA, playing in a tougher conference. Juzang shot over 80% FT's at least. He should stay another year like Terquavion did. See how he plays without TJD.

No ceilings new Draft Big Board vol.4 has JHS @ 12.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2023-nba-draft-big-board-v4

[ItsDanger]

Seen JHS once live. Good mid range game. Can get to the hoop a little, need to see more, unsure about offhand. 3.5 3PA is decent volume, has had 3 games 4+ 3s. Has too much of a ball handling role at Indiana currently. Question about shot creation, is he quick enough?

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

If our pick ends up 15-20 I would feel comfortable drafting Sasser there. They will look at Wallace hard too. I can't see the Raptors touching Juwan's son as he can't defend well or rebound. Raps only take players who fill up the stat sheets on that end, look at Masai's history.

Sasser at 15-20 is wild b.

He'll be there closer to the bottom of the first round or even the early second. No need to reach for him this high.

So who isn't a reach at 15-20? Juwan Howard's soft trashcan chucker son? Sasser is a better player than all these guys brought up by the masses like Jett Howard, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jordan Hawkins and Keyonte George. He is a stud and the toughest PG in all of college basketball leading the best team in the entire country. He has some Lowry to his game and being an older experienced player, will be able to fit in quickly with our core and slot into our lineup. Worst case he's a vital bench piece, best case he becomes our starting PG by or before 2025. At 15-20 you're not expecting a guy who can march right in and gobble up 25-30 mins a night anyway.