2023 Draft Discussion Part 5

[Fairview4Life]

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.

Draft buzz is the least trustworthy of all the buzzes.

[HumbleRen]

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.

Mike Miller has been killing it as an agent.

His workouts with Paolo increased his stock like crazy as well during this stretch this time last year.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Podziemski gets slammed a lot for his athleticism but hey, so did Nikola Jokic. Podz really looked good at the combine, he's an NBA player guaranteed IMO.

[ATLTimekeeper]

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.

Mike Miller has been killing it as an agent.

His workouts with Paolo increased his stock like crazy as well during this stretch this time last year.

Like crazy? I'm pretty sure he was projected as top 2-3 pick all year.

[ATLTimekeeper]

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.

Hey, at least he got into good shape.

[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.

Hey, at least he got into good shape.

[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.

Draft buzz is the least trustworthy of all the buzzes.

That will come when GM's start throwing out smoke closer to draft

[ATLTimekeeper]

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).

Overwhelms the lower level, and then successfully translates to an off ball role at the higher level. Those NCAA prospects you all mentioned have been role players on their own NCAA team, with Bufkin taking on more on ball responsibility in the latter half of his second season.

We can't really tell too much from Coulibaly's Jeep Elite league games, other than he's not that good but also didn't crap his pants. Wemby is 8 months older and only played 18 minutes in that league last year. He was incredible defensively but not that good on offense. There's will obviously be more of a leap of faith and trust in character and development with Coulibaly, but I consider most of the prospects in that range to have limited upside as well, so I'd be happy to take the risk.

[ItsDanger]

Coulibaly was mostly off ball in the higher league. I'd look more closely at the lower level video to see his on ball skills. He's more of a rebuild type pick, don't see him playing much in rookie season if he came over.

[ArthurVandelay]

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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.

I love OG but he’s gone if I’m Raptors GM and that offer hits the table. Can’t believe Portland would offer that.

[niQ]

Watch on YouTube

[Yallbecrazy]

Podziemski gets slammed a lot for his athleticism but hey, so did Nikola Jokic. Podz really looked good at the combine, he's an NBA player guaranteed IMO.

The ceiling of these guys gets underrated too. Podziemski isn't outlier skilled to be like a Steph, Trae, Jokic, or even Sengun at this point. Still he is arguably the most skilled player in the draft and one of the younger ones, being an old freshman/ very young sophomore age. He's also been playing basketball for only 7 years and can score from anywhere on the court in a variety of ways. He was one of the most efficient shooters on pullups, catch and shoots, coming of screens, floaters, and step backs.

He also showed off some great vision on passes too throughout the season and despite his teammates being really bad and him being focused on by opposing defenses he was still very efficient as the go to guy on Santa Clara with very high usage. I understand the WCC isn't the ACC, but it's not the MAC or WAC either.

edit:
Jalen Williams came from the same school a year prior as a junior and probably goes top 5 in a redraft last year. Jalen has an incredible wingspan and is taller, but Podz put up way better stats across the board even including defense than Jalen did.

He needs to improve his handle to be a full time PG in the NBA, but with his skill at other things I see that happening much more often than not.

[OakleyDokely]

Podziemski gets slammed a lot for his athleticism but hey, so did Nikola Jokic. Podz really looked good at the combine, he's an NBA player guaranteed IMO.

The ceiling of these guys gets underrated too. Podziemski isn't outlier skilled to be like a Steph, Trae, Jokic, or even Sengun at this point. Still he is arguably the most skilled player in the draft and one of the younger ones, being an old freshman/ very young sophomore age. He's also been playing basketball for only 7 years and can score from anywhere on the court in a variety of ways. He was one of the most efficient shooters on pullups, catch and shoots, coming of screens, floaters, and step backs.

He also showed off some great vision on passes too throughout the season and despite his teammates being really bad and him being focused on by opposing defenses he was still very efficient as the go to guy on Santa Clara with very high usage. I understand the WCC isn't the ACC, but it's not the MAC or WAC either.

He's a guy who will be drafted in the teens and years later people will wonder why he went so low.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Podziemski gets slammed a lot for his athleticism but hey, so did Nikola Jokic. Podz really looked good at the combine, he's an NBA player guaranteed IMO.

The ceiling of these guys gets underrated too. Podziemski isn't outlier skilled to be like a Steph, Trae, Jokic, or even Sengun at this point. Still he is arguably the most skilled player in the draft and one of the younger ones, being an old freshman/ very young sophomore age. He's also been playing basketball for only 7 years and can score from anywhere on the court in a variety of ways. He was one of the most efficient shooters on pullups, catch and shoots, coming of screens, floaters, and step backs.

He also showed off some great vision on passes too throughout the season and despite his teammates being really bad and him being focused on by opposing defenses he was still very efficient as the go to guy on Santa Clara with very high usage. I understand the WCC isn't the ACC, but it's not the MAC or WAC either.

The thing that sells me on him is that he is a big time shot maker while showing enough IQ and ability to fill up the stat sheet in a lot of areas. I do wish he showed more change of pace ability and played with faster pace but I see a definite bench guard with the potential to be a starter down the line and I'm starting to like him a lot more than Colby Jones due to his shooting. Jones is still a question mark for me when it comes to his 3pt and ft shooting.

I have likened Podziemski to a similar style offensively as Ty Jerome but he overall impacts the game more with his rebounding ability and as a defender. That's not a slight as if you imagine Ty Jerome at the top of his game offensively and then add in some quality glass crashing and better defense there's a really good player there. Not in consideration for me at 13 but has value to me later on.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Does anyone want to discuss Jaquez? He has some Jimmy Buckets in his game

[Kevin Willis]

Watch on YouTube

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[HumbleRen]

Coulibaly was mostly off ball in the higher league. I'd look more closely at the lower level video to see his on ball skills. He's more of a rebuild type pick, don't see him playing much in rookie season if he came over.

This FO has shown you consistently that they undervalue guard play.

I don’t think they’d care if he was a rebuild type.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Wemby makes that Jones guy on his team look like Marquis Nowell next to him

[grant101]

Does anyone want to discuss Jaquez? He has some Jimmy Buckets in his game

Our FO should be very familiar with his game seeing as he's played in the Rico runs the last two summers. I see a solid, heady connective piece with Jaime. Not sure he sticks around without a 3pt shot though - his tools and defense are just meh. If the shot does come around, though he'll make a great bench wing

[WuTang_CMB]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=LNBOfficiel

I think everyone realizes that Bilal is a big development pick that you hope can produce consistenly by year 3. But what excites you are the tools and defensive upside. You aren't getting any offense from him next season and he will need to grow into a 3+D player first before taking that next step, just like OG is trying to do now.