2023 NBA Draft Prospects

[SoCalJazzFan]

The latest Ringer Big Board has Cam Whitmore #9, which I know would please many Jazz fans ( https://nbadraft.theringer.com/ )

For those in love with him as a prospect, please explain to me how his strengths overcome his utter lack of court vision/passing/playmaking.

Edit: All of Leonard Miller, GG Jackson, and Bilal C would be available on their Big Board, which would make me happy if the Jazz selected a PG with #9.

Yes, Whitmore at #9 will please me greatly. He's only 18 and in fact, if he was two and a half weeks older he would have been too young to be eligible to enter the draft.

No prospect is perfect but if the main criticism about him is lack of court vision/passing/playmaking, I'd say he's a damn good prospect. I'd imagine you can train and develop an 18 year old with all the physical and athletic tools and with plenty of skill how to pass the ball and play within a system. Or, use him as a finisher. Markkanen only averaged 1.9 assists last season and I'm sure Whitmore can accomplish that. In short, I'd say that his main deficiency can be taught, developed and overcome, while he's got pretty much everything else you want. That's an easy pick at #9, and someone I'd be willing to trade up for and consider it a very nice consolation prize for missing on Victor, Scoot or Miller.

If the fact that he were 2.5 weeks younger that he would not qualify for the draft, then GG Jackson, who is 5.5 months younger than Cam Whitmore, would not be draft eligible. Perhaps you are confusing their draft eligibility.

Along those lines, if an NBA team can teach a young player to overcome his weaknesses, then GG should be our man as he skipped his senior year of high school and is younger than Cam (younger than everyone in the draft), has great size and athleticism and promising skills and will probably be available at #16. The concern about him is similar to Whitmore, can he play in a team system where he has to be aware of open teammates and will not always be the go to scorer?

Arguably, if a team can teach a young kid to overcome their deficiencies, then the Thompson twins should be #2 and #3, respectively, in this draft as they have everything one would want in a prospect aside from shooting.

I just don't buy into the belief that teams can mold their players into something that they are not. The reaility is that some of these players will always have their deficiency, at least to some degree, and the question is how effective will they be even with that deficiency.

Court awareness and vision seem to be something that players either have or don't have. Perhaps Cam will be awesome regardless of this deficiency as he does have some really nice attributes, but it is concerning to me.

[Inigo Montoya]

If the fact that he were 2.5 weeks younger that he would not qualify for the draft, then GG Jackson, who is 5.5 months younger than Cam Whitmore, would not be draft eligible. Perhaps you are confusing their draft eligibility.

I think you're right, I probably mixed them up. Whitmore is still very young though.

Along those lines, if an NBA team can teach a young player to overcome his weaknesses, then GG should be our man as he skipped his senior year of high school and is younger than Cam (younger than everyone in the draft), has great size and athleticism and promising skills and will probably be available at #16. The concern about him is similar to Whitmore, can he play in a team system where he has to be aware of open teammates and will not always be the go to scorer?

I'm not sure Jackson will be there at 16, though if he is, I think he'd be a good value and I'd have no problem picking him there. In fact, if certain players are off the board and the Jazz stays at 9, I wouldn't be mad if the Jazz picked him there. My personal issue with him is that I'm not sure which position he plays in the NBA. He looks to me like a 3-4 type but not really either.

Arguably, if a team can teach a young kid to overcome their deficiencies, then the Thompson twins should be #2 and #3, respectively, in this draft as they have everything one would want in a prospect aside from shooting.

I think the Thompsons are already slated to be drafted very high, and there is also the matter of fit. I think Miller and Scoot have a more defined position and a more complete game, while with the Thompsons it's a bit unclear. Is Amen a PG, a SG who can't shoot, or a point-forward from the SF position? Same with his brother. They also played against 16 year olds as 20 year olds, so there is the issue of the competition they faced, which may contribute to why they are projected to be picked where they are.

I just don't buy into the belief that teams can mold their players into something that they are not. The reaility is that some of these players will always have their deficiency, at least to some degree, and the question is how effective will they be even with that deficiency.

Court awareness and vision seem to be something that players either have or don't have. Perhaps Cam will be awesome regardless of this deficiency as he does have some really nice attributes, but it is concerning to me.

As with any prospect, teams are trying to project what players they'd be 5-7 years from now and I'd say they are both (Thompsons) going to be selected quite high. Some players manage to overcome their deficiencies and add to their game, and some don't. Look at Ja Morant who couldn't shoot when he entered the league, and now he added that to his game.

Also, keep in mind it's not like we're trying to turn Whitmore into John Stockton. All he needs is to learn how to read situations, execute and play within the offense and those things are teachable. He doesn't need to average 7 assists per game. I think the concerns about his court awareness and visions are valid, but not ones that would deter me from selecting him or trading up for him.

For the sake of the argument, let's say you're right and that teams can't mold their players into something that they are not. To support your argument, I'll bring up Lauri Markkanen, who was never a good passer (at least statistically) and even in a career year, posted a career high of only 1.9 assists per game. Does that mean he isn't awesome? Like you said, he is awesome regardless of his deficiency, and he's also used as a finisher (no pun intended) so he doesn't need to pass as much. That can also be done with Whitmore, assuming he shows to be a good scorer.

[SoCalJazzFan]

^^
To be clear, I think that Whitmore will be a good scorer, even if he keeps his tunnel vision when he has the ball. He is very athletic and should be a good defender too. If he is available at #9, either he is a steal or we should be paranoid that NBA brass have identified serious concerns about him. I question whether it would be worth the cost of moving up to get him, particularly if he is in the 5-6 range, though.

[babyjax13]

I don't think Whitmore's 'lack of vision' is as bad as it has been made out to be. He made basic reads and I think should have had more assists than he did, but it was not a good team. He won't be a good/great passer, but he's not historically bad like his numbers would indicate. If he slips to us that's ideal, because to me he is the 5th highest ceiling prospect in this draft behind Vic/Scoot/Miller/Amen. Otherwise I really want Anthony Black, or if we move down (say to 12 and get our 2024 pick back from OKC for 9) I'd want Cason Wallace or Leonard Miller (whichever of the two is there). I am hoping for Keyonte George at 16. Iffy if he makes it there, but love his offensive potential.

[Jampod]

I'm high on Taylor Hendricks and Cason Wallace at 9. Kentucky guards track historically well in the nba and everything i'm reading indicates Wallace could be Jrue Holiday-esque. Hendricks could be great defensive player in the NBA. Then at 16 either grab Miller or JHS or even take a swing on GG Jackson.

[bkohler]

I'm high on Taylor Hendricks and Cason Wallace at 9. Kentucky guards track historically well in the nba and everything i'm reading indicates Wallace could be Jrue Holiday-esque. Hendricks could be great defensive player in the NBA. Then at 16 either grab Miller or JHS or even take a swing on GG Jackson.

I love Hendricks at 9; he’s my best case scenario.

I’m kinda falling into the trap of loving too many players, I’ve wondered if the Jazz aren’t attempting to be super competitive next year if trading 16 for 21 and 22 and rolling with four rookies is crazy. Or taking on bad salary to get another pick in that range.

[WinterSoldier]

I'm high on Taylor Hendricks and Cason Wallace at 9. Kentucky guards track historically well in the nba and everything i'm reading indicates Wallace could be Jrue Holiday-esque. Hendricks could be great defensive player in the NBA. Then at 16 either grab Miller or JHS or even take a swing on GG Jackson.

I love Hendricks at 9; he’s my best case scenario.

I’m kinda falling into the trap of loving too many players, I’ve wondered if the Jazz aren’t attempting to be super competitive next year if trading 16 for 21 and 22 and rolling with four rookies is crazy. Or taking on bad salary to get another pick in that range.

I'm also really liking Hendricks but I have a feeling that Pistons or Pacers will likely take him, I'm also liking Jalen Hood-Schfino and wondering if the Jazz should trade up to 13 with Raptors to ensure they get him.

My ideal draft would be #9 Hendricks,#16 JHS, and #28 Jaquez.

[Cappy_Smurf]

My ideal draft would be #9 Hendricks,#16 JHS, and #28 Jaquez.

I don't think Utah drafts 3 rookies. 2 at the most. They will try to move up or use the 3rd pick in a trade, even if it's for a pick in next year's draft.

[Hoops Addict]

A stretch 4 is the NBA position that is very coveted.......it prevents the defense from sagging......without a streth 4 threat from outside, the defense makes it a 5-4 advantage by swithcing and cloggin up the paint. Only outside shooting prevents the defense from sagging.

Hendricks is a great 3 point shooter. His devense looks great......will it translate?

[Hoops Addict]

Also.....Bilal Couliuly ......i see a mock draft-big board that says he is the 10th best player. Agree?

https://nbadraftroom.com/long-form-2023-top-70-big-board-v6-after-the-withdrawal-deadline/

Bilal Coulibaly – SF –France – He just keeps rising as his game and his body keep growing. Bilal has grown about 2 inches over the past year and is now listed at (and looking like a legit) 6-8 with good length and truly awesome athletic ability. The way he moves up and down the court is mesmerizing (at least if you’re a basketball scout). I know this is a lofty statement but he reminds me a bit of the first time I watched Giannis and saw his otherworldly athleticism. Bilal is a swing for the fences type of prospect but I’d be tempted to make that swing in the lottery, if I was a NBA decision maker.

It's true.....Bilal moves like a guard at 6-8.....huge athleticism.

Would the Jazz consider him at #9, or if they trade back with OKC ( to get them to give up our pick to them next year) and get the 12th pick, will Bilal be there??? Who would you pick at #12?

[Hoops Addict]

AT #16.....would you like it if the Jazz choose Whitehead.

He is doing a 2nd foot surgery, but previously he was considered in the top 2 high school players.......if he wasn't hurt, he would be a top 10 selection.

Although injured he still shot 43% from 3 and is tall, strong, moves smoothly,

He was 1st in the ACC for 3 point shooting 47%.....and from NBA range he shot 50% last year.

I would take him at #16........I evaluate him being like the Denver player Michael Porter JR, who was injured and slid in the draft to #14 and has been a great player........a value pick.

https://nbadraftroom.com/p/dariq-whitehead/

Dariq Whitehead, one of the best wing prospects in the 2023 draft, sustained a fractured foot on August 29th, 2022 and will miss at least the beginning of the season. Look for the Duke staff to be cautious with Whitehead and bring him back slowly. He’s an elite prospect and a likely lottery pick who should fully recover from this setback.

Dariq is a big time athlete who is smooth in the open court and can play above the rim. He’s got solid size for a wing and all of the athleticism you could hope for.

He’s developed into much more than just a run/jump athlete, showing an improved ability to get his own shot and is becoming a consistent threat from 3pt land. His shooting improvement is a testament to his work ethic and determination to be the bet he can be.

He projects as a standout defender who can guard 1-3.

Has a nice frame with broad shoulders and a +4 wingspan.

[SoCalJazzFan]

My ideal draft would be #9 Hendricks,#16 JHS, and #28 Jaquez.

I don't think Utah drafts 3 rookies. 2 at the most. They will try to move up or use the 3rd pick in a trade, even if it's for a pick in next year's draft.

I think you're probably right, although do you think that the Jazz will keep their 2024 FRP?
I think that there is a good chance they don't, and given the depth of this year's draft, there could be a solid role player or swing for the fences player at #28, so I think that trading it for one or more future picks could be a mistake.

[SoCalJazzFan]

Also.....Bilal Couliuly ......i see a mock draft-big board that says he is the 10th best player. Agree?

https://nbadraftroom.com/long-form-2023-top-70-big-board-v6-after-the-withdrawal-deadline/

Bilal Coulibaly – SF –France – He just keeps rising as his game and his body keep growing. Bilal has grown about 2 inches over the past year and is now listed at (and looking like a legit) 6-8 with good length and truly awesome athletic ability. The way he moves up and down the court is mesmerizing (at least if you’re a basketball scout). I know this is a lofty statement but he reminds me a bit of the first time I watched Giannis and saw his otherworldly athleticism. Bilal is a swing for the fences type of prospect but I’d be tempted to make that swing in the lottery, if I was a NBA decision maker.

It's true.....Bilal moves like a guard at 6-8.....huge athleticism.

Would the Jazz consider him at #9, or if they trade back with OKC ( to get them to give up our pick to them next year) and get the 12th pick, will Bilal be there??? Who would you pick at #12?

I've read that Jazz brass have attended several Metro 92 games, even after the lottery (with Ainge attending) so they weren't there to scout VW, but probably rather Bilal, so there must be some interest there. I doubt at #9, though. He has some holes in his game and needs some maturing and development, but he certainly has some promise. Maybe at #16, or a reason for them to keep their #28 if he falls that far.

[SoCalJazzFan]

AT #16.....would you like it if the Jazz choose Whitehead.

My early draft dream was Cason Wallace at #9 and Dariq at #16. The Jazz would have to be confident that the foot is going to heal properly after this second surgery. Some fans might hate this draft and it could end up being a wiff if neither player gets off of their floor. However, if Wallace is indeed Jure Holiday-esque and Dariq gets healthy and hits his ceiling, it would be a grand slam of a draft.

[Hoops Addict]

AT #16.....would you like it if the Jazz choose Whitehead.

My early draft dream was Cason Wallace at #9 and Dariq at #16. The Jazz would have to be confident that the foot is going to heal properly after this second surgery. Some fans might hate this draft and it could end up being a wiff if neither player gets off of their floor. However, if Wallace is indeed Jure Holiday-esque and Dariq gets healthy and hits his ceiling, it would be a grand slam of a draft.

I agree with your analysys. At #16 I also like Coulibily, Hawkins, and anyobne who slips down that far like Keyonte George or Wallace.

+1

[zero24gravity]

More on Coulibaly, and potential of coming to the Jazz:

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/jazz-nba-draft-metropolitans-bilal-coulibaly


As this rumor/hype builds, I would say that a draft where the Jazz pick #9 (Hendricks, Black, Walker, etc.), then also package 16 + 28 to move up enough to land Coulibaly, might be a best case scenario.

[AingesBurner]

More on Coulibaly, and potential of coming to the Jazz:

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/jazz-nba-draft-metropolitans-bilal-coulibaly


As this rumor/hype builds, I would say that a draft where the Jazz pick #9 (Hendricks, Black, Walker, etc.), then also package 16 + 28 to move up enough to land Coulibaly, might be a best case scenario.

Maybe the Magic might be convinced to move back to 16, 28, and a 2nd or two. You just have to hope that Dallas doesn’t take him.

[SoCalJazzFan]

Cason Wallace worked out with Wizards, who have the 8th pick, today before his Hawks workout was cancelled.

Read on Twitter

[mg]

My ideal draft would be #9 Hendricks,#16 JHS, and #28 Jaquez.

I don't think Utah drafts 3 rookies. 2 at the most. They will try to move up or use the 3rd pick in a trade, even if it's for a pick in next year's draft.

I'd take that draft.

With that said I'm getting more intrigued by Bilal Coulibaly the more I research him.

Whitmore really seems like the prototype Ainge pick but it's looking more like he goes in the top 5 at this point.

[mg]

More on Coulibaly, and potential of coming to the Jazz:

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/jazz-nba-draft-metropolitans-bilal-coulibaly


As this rumor/hype builds, I would say that a draft where the Jazz pick #9 (Hendricks, Black, Walker, etc.), then also package 16 + 28 to move up enough to land Coulibaly, might be a best case scenario.

Maybe the Magic might be convinced to move back to 16, 28, and a 2nd or two. You just have to hope that Dallas doesn’t take him.

That won't be enough to move up to 11. The Magic already have a ton of young players and don't need to be adding mid tier prospects. That 28th pick doesn't have much value unfortunately.

They might have to draft Coulibaly at 9 if they really want him. With your package they could potentially trade up from 16 to maybe 13-14 and pick one of those guards (Wallace, JHS or Bufkin). I'm assuming 2 of them could still be there at that point.