Re: 2023 Draft Prospect discussion Part II

[Kevin Willis]

Love him. One of the more gifted drivers in this class and great touch inside the arc. The 3pt shot is the only thing holding him back at the moment (it's funky, no way around it). If he shows improvement and goes back to school he's a top 5 pick next year. It's a little roll of the dice to take him this year, but the upside is higher than all but a handful.

I think he'd be like a Terquavion kind of prospect.

He did shoot 50% from 3 over the 7 games in February. If he can at least shoot 33% in the remaining games, it bodes well for him as he shot under 30% prior to Feb.

I doubt top 10 unless he shoots the 3 over 35%. He might be like Mathurin returning and his stock increasing.

He’s the type of home run pick we need, especially as a team needing elite guard play. And the great thing is he’s listed at 6’3”-6’4”, which if true bodes well for his long term outlook. He also gets after it defensively. All I could find when it came to wingspan was one shady report that it’s 7’0” which i highly doubt so we’ll have to wait and see on that.

What do we need and how does Mintz provide that better than any other prospect ranked higher than him?

[Dalek]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

I really like Bufkin and saw the Poole comp too. I don't know about drafting his over a guy like Cason Wallace but I think Bufkin ends up first round. I just think the past month or so he has found another gear.

Why I like these combo types is because Toronto misses having a dynamic guard like this. Fred is great when he is on but he will never finish at the rim like I think these bigger faster guards will once they have NBA spacing.

I think Wallace would be our pick because he is an even more tenacious defender and Kentucky guards rule. Look at Quickley for the Knicks today with 37 against Boston.

Bufkin is attention grabbing. He is so special the way he can get to the basket and finish. The left hand messes guys up.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I think he'd be like a Terquavion kind of prospect.

He did shoot 50% from 3 over the 7 games in February. If he can at least shoot 33% in the remaining games, it bodes well for him as he shot under 30% prior to Feb.

I doubt top 10 unless he shoots the 3 over 35%. He might be like Mathurin returning and his stock increasing.

He’s the type of home run pick we need, especially as a team needing elite guard play. And the great thing is he’s listed at 6’3”-6’4”, which if true bodes well for his long term outlook. He also gets after it defensively. All I could find when it came to wingspan was one shady report that it’s 7’0” which i highly doubt so we’ll have to wait and see on that.

What do we need and how does Mintz provide that better than any other prospect ranked higher than him?

Nothing that I can argue for at the moment. As is he needs a lot of the same space on the court as Pascal and Scottie, but if he develops a jump shot he has the potential to be very good

[mtcan]

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Tall, long wingspan, started basketball relatively late (started in high school), started basketball late because he was playing hockey and baseball before that, and he has some touch around the basket.

I like Zach Edey and even though we have Jak and Koloko...I wouldn't mind Edey as well. With all these 6'8 guys we already have...I have to think you go with a big man or a point guard with whatever pick we end up...which seems to be anywhere between 12-16.

[grant101]

He’s the type of home run pick we need, especially as a team needing elite guard play. And the great thing is he’s listed at 6’3”-6’4”, which if true bodes well for his long term outlook. He also gets after it defensively. All I could find when it came to wingspan was one shady report that it’s 7’0” which i highly doubt so we’ll have to wait and see on that.

What do we need and how does Mintz provide that better than any other prospect ranked higher than him?

Nothing that I can argue for at the moment. As is he needs a lot of the same space on the court as Pascal and Scottie, but if he develops a jump shot he has the potential to be very good

He's incredible at creating for himself and getting to the basket (a little like nick smith jr, but gets to the basket more, and has more pop), and is a great passer, so I see a world where he's leading an NBA offence. We haven't had a guard like him on this team in years. He's also decent-sized, very long for his height, and a really good onball defender (at least from what you can gather from watching syracuse's gimmicky zone).

I have faith his 3pt shot comes around (his touch is so good), but you gotta really believe it and be patient to draft him (cause like i said, the shot is not great and the form is wierd). I almost hate to say it, but the player he reminds me of coming out of college is SGA (aside from the shot, though SGA wasn'tsome sniper at UK).

[Psubs]

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Tall, long wingspan, started basketball relatively late (started in high school), started basketball late because he was playing hockey and baseball before that, and he has some touch around the basket.

I like Zach Edey and even though we have Jak and Koloko...I wouldn't mind Edey as well. With all these 6'8 guys we already have...I have to think you go with a big man or a point guard with whatever pick we end up...which seems to be anywhere between 12-16.

Jak and Koloko are plenty. Precious, Barnes and Siakam can help too at C.

I would look to consolidate Boucher, Thaddeus and Flynn and try to squeeze out a late 1st pick for taking on someone like Fournier or a worse contract with maybe 2 years on it. Then go for Trayce Jackson-Davis, who outplayed and beat Edey as a much lower ranked team.

Maybe Edey finds a nice team to fit on and gets to have a decent career making the MLE like Ivica Zubac.

[Rapsfan07]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

You're wilding bro. I hope you weren't being serious with this one.

If you have a chance at a Booker type prospect at our range in the draft, you take him and run. Don't ever look back.

This team is full of secondary and tertiary level players. The last thing we need to do is draft another one of those guys.

However, I do agree that I would take Wallace over Bufkin...not sure about Cissoko though. An additional late first could end up going a long, long way.

[dozo]

Read on Twitter

Adem Bona is the only prospect we haven't discussed.

[Psubs]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

You're wilding bro. I hope you weren't being serious with this one.

If you have a chance at a Booker type prospect at our range in the draft, you take him and run. Don't ever look back.

This team is full of secondary and tertiary level players. The last thing we need to do is draft another one of those guys.

However, I do agree that I would take Wallace over Bufkin...not sure about Cissoko though. An additional late first could end up going a long, long way.

Booker isn't going to to lead you to a championship and will command max money. Maybe with KD they win it and maybe Booker edges out Durant for Finals MVP but still. More like what I'm saying is I'd rather draft a Kawhi than a Booker.

[DemHeavyHands]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

I really like Bufkin and saw the Poole comp too. I don't know about drafting his over a guy like Cason Wallace but I think Bufkin ends up first round. I just think the past month or so he has found another gear.

Why I like these combo types is because Toronto misses having a dynamic guard like this. Fred is great when he is on but he will never finish at the rim like I think these bigger faster guards will once they have NBA spacing.

I think Wallace would be our pick because he is an even more tenacious defender and Kentucky guards rule. Look at Quickley for the Knicks today with 37 against Boston.

Bufkin is attention grabbing. He is so special the way he can get to the basket and finish. The left hand messes guys up.

I agree on Cason Wallace, but I’m thinking he won’t even be able come our pick. He’ll probably go mid lotteryish, and if he has a good tourney, he’s definitely not gonna be available.

I just hope we switch things up and go with a guard with a some size and shot creation skills. Bufkin is def intriguing, plus his name is Kobe

[DemHeavyHands]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

I hear u, I do think booker is overrated, but we need a guard with some shot making/creating skills tho. We got a lot of forwards. I like those names you mentioned, especially Colby jones. Fan of him too, even tho he’s a bit older

[Psubs]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

I hear u, I do think booker is overrated, but we need a guard with some shot making/creating skills tho. We got a lot of forwards. I like those names you mentioned, especially Colby jones. Fan of him too, even tho he’s a bit older

If getting a late 1st pick, I don't mind getting a Malcolm Brogdon level player that might have a lower ceiling but will have more size than Malachi Flynn.

[Kevin Willis]

What do we need and how does Mintz provide that better than any other prospect ranked higher than him?

Nothing that I can argue for at the moment. As is he needs a lot of the same space on the court as Pascal and Scottie, but if he develops a jump shot he has the potential to be very good

He's incredible at creating for himself and getting to the basket (a little like nick smith jr, but gets to the basket more, and has more pop), and is a great passer, so I see a world where he's leading an NBA offence. We haven't had a guard like him on this team in years. He's also decent-sized, very long for his height, and a really good onball defender (at least from what you can gather from watching syracuse's gimmicky zone).

I have faith his 3pt shot comes around (his touch is so good), but you gotta really believe it and be patient to draft him (cause like i said, the shot is not great and the form is wierd). I almost hate to say it, but the player he reminds me of coming out of college is SGA (aside from the shot, though SGA wasn'tsome sniper at UK).

Come on, don't compare Mintz to Nick Smith Jr. (poor guy is really disrespected on this board). First of all he plays for Syracuse who tend to have bad outcomes. Part of that is they play zone and not man to man so it's hard to see what kind of defender he will be. Plus Mintz fouls too much. Technically he's a 6'3" shooting / combo guard. 45/30/75. Nick Smith is 6'5" - 40/34/78 (that includes bad post injury games). I looked at a Mintz game then a Smith Jr. game and the first thing that popped out was quickness. Smith Jr in the open court is a blur. Plus his first step allows him to blow by his defender. Mintz doesn't have that burst. Mintz powers his way to the basket so he's in the paint more but he gets blocked more. Smith Jr. definitely has better position and that might be because he's taller.

Not saying he's a bad player. Just saying he's not a lotto player and there are better options at our pick. If we can get Nick Smith Jr for whatever reason, it would help the team tremendously. He's quick. He's long (6'8") so he can be a shorter long boi. He can score at all three levels. He has good vision / playmaker. He can guard 1,2. He can play on and off the ball. However he won't be available and there will be better options than Mintz. Sasser might be a better option than Mintz.

[gha4life]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

You're wilding bro. I hope you weren't being serious with this one.

If you have a chance at a Booker type prospect at our range in the draft, you take him and run. Don't ever look back.

This team is full of secondary and tertiary level players. The last thing we need to do is draft another one of those guys.

However, I do agree that I would take Wallace over Bufkin...not sure about Cissoko though. An additional late first could end up going a long, long way.

Ikr lol we never learn , this obsession with guys who can't create and shoot is crazy , the conditioning the front office has done on this franchise

Sent from my SM-N975W using RealGM mobile app

[Psubs]

Just watched Michigan for the first time this year.

They got this kid Kobe Bufkin, he’s literally a Jordan Poole clone he moves like him, similar body build, and they even have similar 2nd yr numbers. Only difference is he’s left handed and seems to be a better defender than Poole was/is. Poole might’ve been a slightly better shooter tho

I’ve seen a few mock drafts putting him in the first round. I would think he’s available when our pick is up, assuming we draft around 15ish?

So my question to u guys, how do u feel about a better defending Jordan Poole on this team?? Lol

I really like Bufkin and saw the Poole comp too. I don't know about drafting his over a guy like Cason Wallace but I think Bufkin ends up first round. I just think the past month or so he has found another gear.

Why I like these combo types is because Toronto misses having a dynamic guard like this. Fred is great when he is on but he will never finish at the rim like I think these bigger faster guards will once they have NBA spacing.

I think Wallace would be our pick because he is an even more tenacious defender and Kentucky guards rule. Look at Quickley for the Knicks today with 37 against Boston.

Bufkin is attention grabbing. He is so special the way he can get to the basket and finish. The left hand messes guys up.

I agree on Cason Wallace, but I’m thinking he won’t even be able come our pick. He’ll probably go mid lotteryish, and if he has a good tourney, he’s definitely not gonna be available.

I just hope we switch things up and go with a guard with a some size and shot creation skills. Bufkin is def intriguing, plus his name is Kobe

I think Cason Wallace has a minor injury and hasn't been shooting well lately.

I didn't know that Hunter Dickenson is shooting over 40% from 3?!?!?!?! With that ability, I think he should get drafted ahead of Edey. Maybe he's Jonas Valanciunas 2.0? With Poeltl no, room for him on the Raptors but I think he should be drafted late 1st, early 2nd with the likes of Azoulas Tubelis.

[Psubs]

No more chuckers that aren't elite. Don't even want a guy like Devin Booker. He ends up shooting 36% from 3. Want more 3 and D guys like a Mikal Bridges. I'd take Cason Wallace or Sidy Cissoko over Bufkin. If able to trade someone for a 1st pick in the 20's maybe take a flyer on Bufkin, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Hawkins, etc.

You're wilding bro. I hope you weren't being serious with this one.

If you have a chance at a Booker type prospect at our range in the draft, you take him and run. Don't ever look back.

This team is full of secondary and tertiary level players. The last thing we need to do is draft another one of those guys.

However, I do agree that I would take Wallace over Bufkin...not sure about Cissoko though. An additional late first could end up going a long, long way.

Ikr lol we never learn , this obsession with guys who can't create and shoot is crazy , the conditioning the front office has done on this franchise

Sent from my SM-N975W using RealGM mobile app

Cissoko is a really good passer like say a Franz Wagner. Let's see if he can put up 6 straight 20+pt games. Scoot runs the team and Sidy is still able to put up 3.4 assists to only 1.7 turnovers.

Sidy is still 18 for another month!

Watch on YouTube

@3:38 what a sweet dime
@3:54 able to finish from the dunker's spot with step, able to play 1-4 on offense.

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Leonard Miller is the slightly taller and better version of Isaiah Todd.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Things may not have worked out for him at Illinois, but sometimes guys just need a change of scenery and a new opportunity to blossom into who they’re destined to be. Someone who rates out no lower than the 62nd percentile in almost every offensive category (registering in 10 different play types), and rates in the 94th percentile on all jumpers deserves a legitimate NBA shot.

It's hard to see Podziemski not become an NBA rotation player. This is legitimately impressive stuff not even factoring in he's an absolute beast on the glass for a guard.

[ItsDanger]

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Tall, long wingspan, started basketball relatively late (started in high school), started basketball late because he was playing hockey and baseball before that, and he has some touch around the basket.

I like Zach Edey and even though we have Jak and Koloko...I wouldn't mind Edey as well. With all these 6'8 guys we already have...I have to think you go with a big man or a point guard with whatever pick we end up...which seems to be anywhere between 12-16.

I still take him, although odds plummeted now with Poeltl here. Better scorer in the post and is solid FT shooter.

If we go with big lineup, the 6'9 lineup with Scotte/OG/Siakam/Achiuwa? what is the ideal C for them? A switchable 6'9 guy? A switchable shot blocking C? Or a drop coverage shot blocking C that can score at high rate? I think its the latter that works better UNLESS the 4 other players have top end offense (which they don't on this team). To me length helps the drop big and you try and funnel the ball on defense to the worst shooter on opposing team.

[Rapsfan07]

Things may not have worked out for him at Illinois, but sometimes guys just need a change of scenery and a new opportunity to blossom into who they’re destined to be. Someone who rates out no lower than the 62nd percentile in almost every offensive category (registering in 10 different play types), and rates in the 94th percentile on all jumpers deserves a legitimate NBA shot.

It's hard to see Podziemski not become an NBA rotation player. This is legitimately impressive stuff not even factoring in he's an absolute beast on the glass for a guard.

I agree. Someone has to take a flyer on this guy. His numbers are really, really impressive.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Jalen Hood Schifino has a BPM of 0.9 How is that even possible? You can't draft that kid.