2023 Draft Discussion Part 5

[Reeko]

There was a draft interview with Max Lewis and he talked about how he is up to 206 lbs and I just remain curious about this 6'7 wing.

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Elite vertical athlete
Shot creator from the perimeter
Advanced step-thru and pivot moves
Capable defender
Can make basic pick and roll reads

There are very workable tools in there and he has been training against NBA guys like Keon Johnson at Impact.

I think he was lotto after 15 games because he was 50/40/80 after 15 games but his stock went down after teams adjusted to him. I remain curious about him because he looks like an NBA wing with some scoring upside to be over 20 a game.

Since when have people considered him a capable defender? All that I've read and seen about him is about how porous his defense is.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Anybody who is ultra high on Coulibaly really needs to take the 2 hours to watch the film session video that was uploaded to youtube. I agree completely that guys like Bufkin are way ahead of him in terms of development and it's not even close. If you watch the entire video I'm thinking you will likely start to agree that his ceiling is as a role player and that Mikal Bridges is not a comp that has merit or any other comp with some kind of high volume efficient scorer with self-creation ability. That's just not the reality of what Coulibaly is as a prospect.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

There was a draft interview with Max Lewis and he talked about how he is up to 206 lbs and I just remain curious about this 6'7 wing.

Watch on YouTube

Elite vertical athlete
Shot creator from the perimeter
Advanced step-thru and pivot moves
Capable defender
Can make basic pick and roll reads

There are very workable tools in there and he has been training against NBA guys like Keon Johnson at Impact.

I think he was lotto after 15 games because he was 50/40/80 after 15 games but his stock went down after teams adjusted to him. I remain curious about him because he looks like an NBA wing with some scoring upside to be over 20 a game.

Since when have people considered him a capable defender? All that I've read and seen about him is about how porous his defense is.

His handle and his defense are two big issues. His handle passes the eye test at times but the truth is that it can get loose way too often. He has the ability to become a capable defender with his frame but he certainly isn't one right now.

I just find it fascinating how many ways this guy scored the ball in college, his bag is incredibly deep.

[Yallbecrazy]

Maxwell Lewis put up a 1.8 BPM, including -0.1DBPM for a team who went 2-14 in the WCC. He's a turnover machine and shouldn't be taken in the top 40 in any circumstances.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Maxwell Lewis put up a 1.8 BPM, including -0.1DBPM for a team who went 2-14 in the WCC. He's a turnover machine and shouldn't be taken in the top 40 in any circumstances.

He also only started playing decent level organized basketball at 15 years old. Not disagreeing with what you're saying but he should not be discounted entirely.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/chad-fords-nba-big-board-48767/max-lewis-pre-draft-interview-nba-big-board-one-on-one-series-1575392751

[niQ]

i feel like george can be this years maxey

Bilal still sits at the top of my draft board but I can get with what you're saying in terms of "impact"...

I can see him being that level of player because Keyonte's bag is just so obviously influenced by guys like Murray, Booker, Kyrie etc. To me, he just screams the guy that people are gonna watch get buckets and say they don't know why he fell out of the top 10 after. He's just flat out a bucketgetter and if he gets to a team like ours that cleaned up MUCH worse shooters like Pascal, OG and even Norm...KG's mechanics already look nice, clean up whatever clearly small tweek he needs, he's gonna be that Maxey-ish, kinda 2nd-3rd option bucket getter.

His bag already reminds me so much of things Kyrie & Murray like to do and while maybe I can't see him getting to quite their levels, Maxey's does seem very doable to me and arguably more since he's a much more advanced ballhandler and signs of also being a better passer. He's currently 2/3ish on my board, so I'd love to have him too. Personally have just stopped talking about him because the rumors of Simons/3rd trade and obviously Simons does a lot of the same stuff, although Keyonte is known as a much better defender than he is (another advantage he may have over Maxey). Personally I'd be very happy with selecting Keyonte, even if Bilal would leave me thinking "what if we drafted him" lol.

Keyonte George to me is like the guard version of GG Jackson. High potential on offense, questionable efficiency, and still ways to go on defense. But a lot of people have been yearning for scoring/shooting. I think I still like Kobe Bufkin more but wouldn't be mad at either if we finally drafting a guard.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Givony said that GG got winded early in the Ji Yinlian workout format. George was cooking, but didn't get measured, so that's kinda suspect for a prospect that isn't slated to go top 5.

[Reeko]

So apparently Jett had injured both of his ankles going into the second half of the season, and this significantly impacted his play and his efficiency.

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[ArthurVandelay]

Anybody who is ultra high on Coulibaly really needs to take the 2 hours to watch the film session video that was uploaded to youtube. I agree completely that guys like Bufkin are way ahead of him in terms of development and it's not even close. If you watch the entire video I'm thinking you will likely start to agree that his ceiling is as a role player and that Mikal Bridges is not a comp that has merit or any other comp with some kind of high volume efficient scorer with self-creation ability. That's just not the reality of what Coulibaly is as a prospect.

After that is done, go watch the highlights of Giannis coming out of 2nd division Greek. They aren't pretty. But yet you can still see something there. You could do the same with Siakam's first NBA season. Same thing with Coulibaly. There is something there, time will tell what.

If we created a film session with every prospect's on ball plays for an entire season, I'm pretty sure we would come across some really bad footage and tons of questionable plays as well as some great plays.

[grant101]

Anybody who is ultra high on Coulibaly really needs to take the 2 hours to watch the film session video that was uploaded to youtube. I agree completely that guys like Bufkin are way ahead of him in terms of development and it's not even close. If you watch the entire video I'm thinking you will likely start to agree that his ceiling is as a role player and that Mikal Bridges is not a comp that has merit or any other comp with some kind of high volume efficient scorer with self-creation ability. That's just not the reality of what Coulibaly is as a prospect.

Agreed that folks should spend some time with the Coulibaly tape (that said, it's important to note that the video came out a few weeks back and is missing a number of his games with the big club). Also agree that Bilal is still very much a diamond in the rough - he's likely not going to be a positive next year, it's going to take time.

That said, I watched the same video a while back and came away with very different conclusions. He played within himself with the big club and played the role his club demanded of him. Tough to take too much away from most of those clips outside of the fact that he is unselfish comfortable playing within the context of a team with ball dominant players (tremont waters) and a clear star (Victor).

But, whenever he did get some on-ball reps (in both clubs), his instinct and footwork shone through and I saw a number of flashes of creativity that are atypical from the OGs of this world. While some of his shots didn't go in, including a few smoked lay-ups, I was intrigued with how he clean the looks he was able to create for himself were (in spite of what is admittedly a slow release). He also finished a number of drives with dunks and extension finishes simply not available to most prospects. I trust the touch and think with experience/strength those shots start to drop for him, and with confidence/reps, he takes more of them. This is a lot of projection, I admit, but I'd be willing to take that bet. Then again, I may be a little more patient with prospects than most.

All that said, If Wallace/Gradey are off the board, I'm still torn between Bilal and Bufkin (who is more polished and has significant upside of this own).

[Jadoogar]

How I guess it will go

1 - Spurs - Wembanyama
2 - Hornets - B. Miller
3 - Blazers - Henderson
4- Rockets - Amen Thompson
5 - Pistons - Whitmore
6 - Magic - Hendricks
7- Pacers - Ausar Thompson
8 - Wizards - Walker
9 - Jazz - Black
10 - Mavs - Hawkins
11 - Magic - Dick
12 - Thunder - L. Miller / Rupert
13 - Raptors - Coulibaly / Wallace
14 - Pelicans - George

My draft board for the Raptors:

1- Wembanyama
2 - Henderson
3 - B. Miller
4 - Whitmore
5 - Coulibaly
6 - Amen
7 - Hendricks
8 - Ausar
9 - Black
10 - Walker
11 - Wallace
12 - Cissoko
13 - Hawkins
14 - L. Miller

We usually go with length and playmaker, with great physical tools. Bilal checks all that off and he's a strong fit with Barnes. I would guess we try to develop him like he's a guard.

Extra note: I am pretty sure Miller will be a bust but he's pretty high in other draft boards so maybe it's just me.

Gradey Dick isn't even on your draft board for the Raptors?

[Dalek]

There was a draft interview with Max Lewis and he talked about how he is up to 206 lbs and I just remain curious about this 6'7 wing.

Watch on YouTube

Elite vertical athlete
Shot creator from the perimeter
Advanced step-thru and pivot moves
Capable defender
Can make basic pick and roll reads

There are very workable tools in there and he has been training against NBA guys like Keon Johnson at Impact.

I think he was lotto after 15 games because he was 50/40/80 after 15 games but his stock went down after teams adjusted to him. I remain curious about him because he looks like an NBA wing with some scoring upside to be over 20 a game.

Since when have people considered him a capable defender? All that I've read and seen about him is about how porous his defense is.

He had a 1.4 STL% and 2.5 blk% and has good athleticism and a 6'10 wingspan to contain the point of attack. He was undisciplined last year, but he has his moments and possibly under a good system he could learn how to defend more smartly and less with the jupming the passing lane approach. He is capable in that I don't see any physical reason for him not to improve (he is over 200 lbs, good footwork, and length to guard three positions), and he seems like a worker considering his year-over-year improvement.

He has made strides, but it was a bumpy road for him this year on defense, but early on it showed good progress:

Lewis’s defensive efforts are much better this year, too. While he made plays on the defensive end as a freshman, at times, he was too much of a gambler. At the point of attack, Lewis is more disciplined. Coach Romar pointed out, “He’s getting so much better at not reaching. In the past, he had success with that, but now [at the college level] guys protect the ball better. The more you reach, the better the guy you’re guarding becomes. He’s staying in front better, and he’s hard to score on when he’s in front of you.”

Lewis is nasty on the ball. He’s long and he slides well. He stays big while on the move. His mobility and hip flexibility allow him to slink around screens. On the rare occasions that he does get beat, Lewis doesn’t quit on the play. He works to recover and has such imposing physical tools that he’s never out of the play. “We thought he could become an elite defender,” Coach Romar stated. “We’re starting to put him on the other team’s best defender, and he’s doing a good job with that.” He can still get into foul trouble, and he did against UC Irvine. Lewis ended up fouling out of the game. It’s still a work in progress, but he’s far ahead of where he was last season.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/the-prospect-overview-max-lewis-has?utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Fmaxwell%2520lewis&utm_medium=reader2

I think a lot of people will see that he was on a losing team and his defense was poor, but I think there is another side to Lewis that could see him as a player with excellent raw materials. I imagine with a smaller offensive role he can focus on defense, and turnovers will also come down as he moves away from being a primary, and he gets more catch and shoot opportunities to take advantage of his his jumpshot.

[Dalek]

Maxwell Lewis put up a 1.8 BPM, including -0.1DBPM for a team who went 2-14 in the WCC. He's a turnover machine and shouldn't be taken in the top 40 in any circumstances.

My argument would be that he was on a bad team and had a way too big role. It will be interesting to see if he drops, which I will say is possible. The Combine had a lot of interesting new names like Ben Sheppard, and Omari Moore, Amari Bailey likely raise their stock up so some former lotto considered guys like Lewis may drop.

I don't think I am advocating for him to be lotto now, but he just has a lot of really good tools and with better guidance he might be a a steal looking back.

The biggest thing for me is he has a lot more in his offensive bag than a lot of other guys. His hesitation dribble and pump fake all show a lot of unteachable craft. He isn't just a jumpshooter, but a true hooper/scorer with plus athleticism. To me, it all reminds me a lot of JR Smith. Max Lewis is a guy to watch on the workout circuit.

[dozo]

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Toronto Raptors Get: Anfernee Simons, 2023 Portland Trail Blazers 1st-Round Pick, 2023 New York Knicks 1st-Round Pick, 2029 Portland Trail Blazers 1st-Round Pick

Portland Trail Blazers Get: OG Anunoby

It was rumored during the previous trade deadline that Anunoby was worth as many as THREE first-round picks, which is what the Trail Blazers would give up here along with Simons to make the money work.

Again, while Anunoby is a starting small forward that EVERY NBA team would love to have, is THIS the right price to pay for that player? Depleting draft capital for a team that could jump to a rebuilding phase any day now for a guy who has at most two years and then has to be re-signed?

Lillard deserves more help on the wing, but Anunoby has not proven he’s more than a spot-up threat who can defend a few positions. As valuable as Anunoby could be to have in the playoffs, there’s a reason why he wasn’t moved at the deadline if that’s the true asking price in my opinion.

[Vorticity]

Some tidbits:

Brandin Podziemski | Santa Clara | Top 100: No. 31

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Having entered the week as one of our higher-ranked prospects slated to scrimmage, Podziemski turned in an excellent showing on the first day of games, stuffing the box score with 10 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, flashing some on-ball creation ability and a willingness to battle in the run of play. While not immensely gifted from a physical standpoint (6-foot-3¾ barefoot with a 6-5 wingspan), his constant pursuit of 50-50 balls and nonstop motor would seem to be good indicators that he'll at least hold his own on the defensive end. He will have to work himself into a truly high-level shooter to secure a regular NBA role, but he has been trending in a good direction on that front.

Many around the league view Podziemski as one of the most competitive prospects in this class, and he reinforced that reputation in Chicago, approaching every aspect of the combine seriously and choosing to play on the second day of scrimmages, rather than shut it down after a strong initial showing. On Friday, Podziemski announced his intent to remain in the draft, and he has likely earned himself guaranteed money.

Cason Wallace | Kentucky | Top 100: No. 12

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Wallace measured 2½ inches longer and more than an inch taller than expected from the figures we received from the Kentucky pro day in October -- an event that seemed to shortchange several of its players (Chris Livingston's wingspan is more than 3 inches longer and he's over an inch taller, for example). At 6-4 in shoes, 195 pounds with a 6-8½ wingspan, John Wall, Bruce Brown, De'Anthony Melton and Derrick White are some of the comps our database offers, suggesting Wallace has the type of coveted defensive versatility we saw in his lone season at Kentucky.

Keyonte George | Baylor | Top 100: No. 15

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George elected to not measure, test or participate in any facet of the drills portion of the combine, making his pro day the only glimpse of on-court action NBA teams would receive. Several executives pointed to this workout as one of the most impressive they saw over the course of the week, as he was noticeably in outstanding shape, looked extremely explosive finishing around the basket and made difficult shots look easy all session long. The late-night workout, run by two-time NBA champion Mike Miller (who is also his agent), was full of energy and something much appreciated by scouts after a long day in the gym. George still has work to do in workouts to solidify his standing as a lottery prospect, but he certainly helped his cause in Chicago.

lol

Gregory Jackson II | South Carolina | Top 100: 34

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Viewed by NBA teams as one of the more polarizing prospects in this class in terms of his draft range, Jackson's pro day was well attended by executives. Electing to be the only player on the floor, somewhat of a rarity, Jackson looked completely gassed only minutes into his workout, struggling to make shots for much of the session. If teams had concerns about his body language and especially his shot selection this season -- he was the most inefficient high-volume scorer in high-major basketball (44 EFG%) -- Jackson didn't do much to alleviate those concerns. The majority of the types of shots he attempted in Chicago would be considered low-percentage looks. Couple that with his relatively pedestrian measurements for a power forward -- Paul George, Kevin Knox, Sam Dekker and Sekou Doumbouya are some of his closest physical comps -- along with his struggles in the drills session of the combine on Monday, and this clearly wasn't a great week for Jackson's hopes of solidifying himself as a sure-fire first-rounder.

-- Givony

[WuTang_CMB]

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[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Anybody who is ultra high on Coulibaly really needs to take the 2 hours to watch the film session video that was uploaded to youtube. I agree completely that guys like Bufkin are way ahead of him in terms of development and it's not even close. If you watch the entire video I'm thinking you will likely start to agree that his ceiling is as a role player and that Mikal Bridges is not a comp that has merit or any other comp with some kind of high volume efficient scorer with self-creation ability. That's just not the reality of what Coulibaly is as a prospect.

After that is done, go watch the highlights of Giannis coming out of 2nd division Greek. They aren't pretty. But yet you can still see something there. You could do the same with Siakam's first NBA season. Same thing with Coulibaly. There is something there, time will tell what.

If we created a film session with every prospect's on ball plays for an entire season, I'm pretty sure we would come across some really bad footage and tons of questionable plays as well as some great plays.

There's a lot of Giannis' game that still isn't pretty. His shooting sucks. He has made a living with his absurdly high ftR, rebounding, defense and interior finishing efficiency.

Everything that Giannis' game is predicated on was only achievable in the NBA due to him filling out his frame and becoming a physical freak which allows him to be so dominant in every area which doesn't involve shooting.

If you're saying that there's something there with Coulibaly then what is there? You can say "there's something there" about a ton of players, the goal is to figure that out now and determine their future value. All of your comments lead me to believe you think Coulibaly is going to be a stud ISO player in the NBA so please come forth and say it instead of dancing around the issue.

[WuTang_CMB]

George elected to not measure, test or participate in any facet of the drills portion of the combine, making his pro day the only glimpse of on-court action NBA teams would receive. Several executives pointed to this workout as one of the most impressive they saw over the course of the week, as he was noticeably in outstanding shape, looked extremely explosive finishing around the basket and made difficult shots look easy all session long. The late-night workout, run by two-time NBA champion Mike Miller (who is also his agent), was full of energy and something much appreciated by scouts after a long day in the gym. George still has work to do in workouts to solidify his standing as a lottery prospect, but he certainly helped his cause in Chicago.

Rayan Rupert | NZ Breakers | Top 100: No. 18
We were well aware of Rupert's dimensions from the season, but it was still impressive to see them on paper. He has the same wingspan as De'Andre Hunter (7-2) and very similar dimensions to his favorite NBA player, Mikal Bridges, who was 11 pounds heavier at age 21 (Rupert is still 18). Herbert Jones, Trevor Ariza and Otto Porter Jr. are a few other names our database suggests as close physical comps, which is exactly the mold of player many NBA teams envision when projecting Rupert long-term.

George gaining buzz.

[OakleyDokely]

George shoots piss poorly in college, leaves after one season and then refuses to measure, test or participate in the combine.

Typically not the sign of an elite prospect.