The Official 2023 Draft Thread

[FAH1223]

I knew he would go off. The combine games are tailor made for a guy like him. Like Jalen Williams before him he will rise after these games. I've been saying I think Podz converts to a PG at the next level, his game feel is stellar, and the size advantage plus anticipation skills may mitigate the speed disadvantage he may have against the quickest of the quick.

I’m taking him at 8 if Ausar doesn’t drop. He’s going to be a star lead guard. Reminds me of a bigger Jalen Brunson.

If he's the guy I think you have to trade back. I've seen him mocked as high as 20 but mostly in the 30's range.

Certainly, this guy can shoot and from what I've heard is a solid playmaker. I think he'll find a place in the NBA off of his 3-point shooting alone. Definitely some athleticism concerns however and I question if his role in the NBA is lead guard or bench scorer.

His stock will rise because of....

[FAH1223]

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[closg00]

I believe Orlando will take Black

[Frichuela]

I believe Orlando will take Black

Not sure about this. I think they may be more inclined to take a wing/forward, particularly one that can shoot (e.g. Hendricks).

Time will tell...

[FAH1223]

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Looks like he's working with Steph Curry's trainer

[Frichuela]

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Looks like he's working with Steph Curry's trainer

Nothing but net

Seriously, his lack of lift in his jumper is a bit concerning. Other than that his defensive potential and size are impressive.

[NatP4]

I believe Orlando will take Black

Not sure about this. I think they may be more inclined to take a wing/forward, particularly one that can shoot (e.g. Hendricks).

Time will tell...

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

[Rafael122]

Harden rumored to be going to Houston. Don't see how the Thompson twins fit here because they need the ball in their hands. I could see a big man here, i.e. Whitmore as a rim runner type.

[Dat2U]

I believe Orlando will take Black

Not sure about this. I think they may be more inclined to take a wing/forward, particularly one that can shoot (e.g. Hendricks).

Time will tell...

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

Huh? How sway? Suggs is one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league but offensively he's limited and had to be moved off the ball because of his play making limitations.

[TGW]

I wouldn’t be mad if black was the pick. 100x better pick than Cam Whitmore.

[Kanyewest]

Nova beat reporter who is a 76ers on the Wizards Bleav in podcast was pretty high on Whitmore. He's a 76ers fans, said he would trade Maxey for #8 if Whitmore fell that far.

[FAH1223]

Harden rumored to be going to Houston. Don't see how the Thompson twins fit here because they need the ball in their hands. I could see a big man here, i.e. Whitmore as a rim runner type.

They could take Walker too

[NatP4]

Not sure about this. I think they may be more inclined to take a wing/forward, particularly one that can shoot (e.g. Hendricks).

Time will tell...

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

Huh? How sway? Suggs is one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league but offensively he's limited and had to be moved off the ball because of his play making limitations.

Last 20 games he posted 17-5-3. 2 turnovers 2 steals and 1 block per 36. 54.4% TS with elite defense. Only 21 years old. 37% from 3.

Plays off ball because he’s developed into a good shooter and they have an elite wing in Franz Wagner that was putting up 4.5 assists per 36 in those last 20 games.

Orlando hit a home run with both of those picks. Lucky they didn’t end up with Cunningham&Kuminga.

[NatP4]

Harden rumored to be going to Houston. Don't see how the Thompson twins fit here because they need the ball in their hands. I could see a big man here, i.e. Whitmore as a rim runner type.

I say Hendricks or Walker there, Indy takes the other. Detroit seems like the team to take Whitmore. Still think Orlando is certain to take Ausar, then Amen falls right into our laps at 8.

[Kanyewest]

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

Huh? How sway? Suggs is one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league but offensively he's limited and had to be moved off the ball because of his play making limitations.

Last 20 games he posted 17-5-3. 2 turnovers 2 steals and 1 block per 36. 54.4% TS with elite defense. Only 21 years old. 37% from 3.

Plays off ball because he’s developed into a good shooter and they have an elite wing in Franz Wagner that was putting up 4.5 assists per 36 in those last 20 games.

Orlando hit a home run with both of those picks. Lucky they didn’t end up with Cunningham&Kuminga.

Kuminga actually seemed kind of solid to close out the regular season.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuminjo01/gamelog/2023#118-137-sum:pgl_basic

His defense must be pretty bad though if he can't get any minutes in the playoffs. Although I'm guessing he wouldn't have been worse on that end than Poole.

[joshuacf]

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

Huh? How sway? Suggs is one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league but offensively he's limited and had to be moved off the ball because of his play making limitations.

Last 20 games he posted 17-5-3. 2 turnovers 2 steals and 1 block per 36. 54.4% TS with elite defense. Only 21 years old. 37% from 3.

Plays off ball because he’s developed into a good shooter and they have an elite wing in Franz Wagner that was putting up 4.5 assists per 36 in those last 20 games.

Orlando hit a home run with both of those picks. Lucky they didn’t end up with Cunningham&Kuminga.

You like Suggs more than Cade??

[DCZards]

2-3 years from now Cunningham will be better than Wagner and Suggs.

[Dat2U]

Yeah, Suggs is one of the best young players in the league, not going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s not really a great perimeter shooter. Black would be a bit redundant here. Don’t think there’s any chance of Black to Orlando.

They are building around Suggs-Wagner-Banchero, seems like they need another big or a shot creating 2 guard. Ausar just makes way too much sense for them.

Huh? How sway? Suggs is one of the better young perimeter defenders in the league but offensively he's limited and had to be moved off the ball because of his play making limitations.

Last 20 games he posted 17-5-3. 2 turnovers 2 steals and 1 block per 36. 54.4% TS with elite defense. Only 21 years old. 37% from 3.

Plays off ball because he’s developed into a good shooter and they have an elite wing in Franz Wagner that was putting up 4.5 assists per 36 in those last 20 games.

Orlando hit a home run with both of those picks. Lucky they didn’t end up with Cunningham&Kuminga.

Imagine if Cunningham finished the season strong. Unfortunately he was injured and missed most of the year, yet your willing to right him off? At 21? Kuminga is only 20. Why cut the rope on the guys you didn't like from jump and yet have incredible optimism for 'your' guys?

[payitforward]

Anybody watch much of the Combine? Any thoughts on who looked good? Surprises?

[NatP4]

Anybody watch much of the Combine? Any thoughts on who looked good? Surprises?

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Per 36, averaging 19.7 points 7.7 rebounds 2.5 assists 1.2 steals 1.2 blocks. 70% from 2, 40% from 3. 81% from the free throw line in the ABA.