2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[playa-hater]

I'm actually hesitant to make my top 5 for 25. Because I feel brad stevens may actually trade it for somebody or something.. Possibly moving up yet again.

[Hal14]

Watch on YouTube

If he is there at no.25 pick this is no brainer.

Yes. You read my mind.

I actually was gonna post that he is my #1 target with this pick.

You look at the recent mock drafts and Miller is projected to go in the 23-27 range. So it seems like a 50/50 on whether he'll still be there at 25.

But on my personal big board, he's 16th.

2 things I'd be looking for in an ideal pick:

1) A guy who could potentially (if he pans out) be our 8th man this season behind a starting 5 of white, JB, JT, KP, Rob, with Brogdon and Al off the bench

2) A guy who long term could potentially start for us at the 4. Being optimistic here, I'm thinking KP stays for awhile. An ideal 4 playing next to KP would have adequate size to play the 4, but MUST be quick, good mobility for a bigger guy (cause KP is kind of slow and not really a fast paced up and down the floor transition type of guy, so it'd be ideal to get a fast, transition type of guy who can also handle the ball in the open floor to balance out KP since he doesn't really do those things). Shooting is a plus, but not a requirement since KP can shoot too. Whoever this guy is, the shooting would help though, since they will also be playing next to Rob sometimes

If those 2 things are the criteria, who fits the best? Leonard Miller.

Miller is 6'10", with a 7'2" wingspan. So definitely good size for a PF who can play small ball 5. He's only 212 lbs - if you look at him, he's not crazy skinny. But he could stand to bulk up a little bit. I'm sure he will over time - he's still only 19! Oh and being only 212 lbs, I think it helps him - because he is REALLY quick, moves very well for a 6'10" guy.

Really good ball skills for a guy his size. Last year (when he was only in HS still) he was playing a point forward role, and many were comparing him to Lamar Odom.

The shooting still needs some work. The form is a little wonky but the good news is, he has EXCELLENT touch. Like, maybe the best touch of anyone in this draft class who's 6'10" or taller.

The shooting got much better as the season went along, too. Probably just needed an adjustment period (was a huge step up this season for him in competition going from HS to g league) and went from HS 3 pt line straight to the NBA 3 pt line, which is used in the g league.

First 23 games: 26.2% from 3
Last 15 games = 38.7% from 3

So, big improvement there. And he shot 79% from the FT line.

Oh and he's a REALLY good rebounder. Was top 5 in the entire g league this season in rebounding, averaging 10 RPG...as a 19 yr old!

Lastly, cool article on him here.

https://theswishtheory.com/nba-draft/2023/06/leonard-miller-evaluatory-paradigms-energy-transfer-and-the-fallacy-of-role-projection/

Ok, that's it. I don't want to get too far down a rabbit hole in case Miller is gone before our pick - or in case we trade this pick (maybe in a package with Brogdon).

But, these are all guys who could be good picks for us at 25 who could be on the board still:

1. Leonard Miller
2. Sidy Cissoko
3. Colby Jones
4. GG Jackson
5. Jordan Walsh
6. Rayan Rupert
7. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
8. Maxwell Lewis
9. Kris Murray
10. Jaime Jaquez

These guys are all good. Honestly, we could sit here and debate how we'd rank these 10 guys all day. For the most part, they're pretty interchangeable.

There's pros and cons to all of them. Some of them will be gone before our pick, too.

Just realized I didn't include Whitehead in my list above. If I'm just listing where I have them on my big board (which is a team agnostic big board) he'd be 3rd on that list, right after Cissoko. But IDK man, as I posted the other day, I'm not sure about the fit with Whitehead here. He's a score-first wing. Decent defender, decent passer but not average at best in both of those areas. Doesn't really rebound either. Has suspect ball handling. Just not sure if that is the best fit alongside the Jays. Sure, the shooting certainly is a plus - he can shoot. But with this pick, I'd be looking for more defense/playmaking/rebounding. Which is why, I'm not sure GG Jackson would be the best fit either.

That being said, I'd take GG over Dariq. Because GG is more of a stretch 4. GG is kind of a boom or bust prospect, but if he hits, woah, watch out - he's got legit star potential and could slide in to that 4 spot, potentially starting there for us long term.

Plus, Dariq just had foot surgery - his 2nd surgery on that foot in the past year - definitely a red flag for a dude who's only 18.

So there's 11 really good options here. And that's not even mentioning others who could be available: Nnaji, TJD, Jordan Hawkins, Brice Sensabaugh.

I just don't really see us taking a big man now, with Al (here for 2 more years), Rob (signed for 3 more years) and KP (only 1 year on his deal but obviously the team will want to extend him).

Sensabaugh is interesting. He's getting mocked in the 21-32 range, a wide range. But on my personal big board, I actually have him ranked 12th. That's right, 12th. The guy is GOOD. He's a walking bucket. But that's the thing. Kind of like I mentioned with Dariq, I'm not sure about the fit with Sensabaugh since he's a wing scorer with not so good passing and not so good defense. But he can really shoot it, and he can create his own shot off the dribble. He's kind of like Middleton. Kind of like Booker (except an inch taller, but a step slower) in terms of the way he can attack off the bounce, get to his spots, hit shots from all over the floor and has a deep bag - a deeper bag than Middleton, even.

Sensabaugh, Dariq and GG are all kind of high risk/high reward type guys. All have star potential - they could all end up being top 10 players from this class. Or they could bust.

I think Leonard Miller could also end up being a top 10 player from this class too, though. And he has a higher floor.

[TheMartian]

If they're keeping the pick, i want someone who's a dog like Smart.

[Curmudgeon]

If they're keeping the pick, i want someone who's a dog like Smart.

Davion Mitchell

[Kalela]

If Nnaji is available, that is who I would want the Celtics to draft. Even with how raw offensively he is, that size, athleticism/mobility/fluidity at only 18 is not something that can be found easily. He can be a long-term defensive anchor for this team and will probably contribute defensively right away. With that said, I really can't see the Celtics drafting a big after this Porzingis trade.

Whitehead is my guy.

Whitehead is an Ainge type of guy. He liked players who were highly rated in high school who for whatever reason did not help their draft stock in college. Many people had this guy as a top 10 guy before the college season and may still go high.

For an UFA, I like PG Craig Porter Jr. (he could surprise people, he's really good), and maybe Tubelis.

He is one of the players who worked out for the Celtics.

[playa-hater]

I have no idea but I feel Brad will try to draft someone who may be more ready earlier than later Even if that player may have more Upside.

Not in order, but I still love the talents of GG Jackson and Prospser. Leanord Miller is in there. So is Maxwell Lewis, Jett Howard, Murray and Clowney.

I also NOW like Brandin Podziemski. wasn't interested until the Brogdon injury came up. But also would much rather CP3 and draft a Wing combo.

*** If there was a trade up, I wonder who Brad is targeting.

[playa-hater]

If Nnaji is available, that is who I would want the Celtics to draft. Even with how raw offensively he is, that size, athleticism/mobility/fluidity at only 18 is not something that can be found easily. With that said, I really can't see the Celtics drafting a big after this Porzingis trade.

Whitehead is my guy.

Whitehead is an Ainge type of guy. He liked players who were highly rated in high school who for whatever reason did not help their draft stock in college. Many people had this guy as a top 10 guy before the college season and may still go high.

For an UFA, I like PG Craig Porter Jr. (he could surprise people, he's really good), and maybe Tubelis.

He is one of the players who worked out for the Celtics.

I also like Whitehead.. His game reminds me of a 6'6 Terry Rozier actually in the way his rises up and shoots the 3.

[Andrew McCeltic]

McCeltic Big Board for Pick 25:



Tier 1: 
Olivier Maxence-Prosper, 
Jaime Jaquez



Tier 2:
Dariq Whitehead, Andre Jackson



Tier 3:
Noah Clowney, Leonard Miller



Tier 4:
James Nnaji, Sidy Cissoko, Trace Jackson-Davis



Big Board for Lotto Trade-Up (6 to 12)



Tier 1: Anthony Black
, Dereck Lively II(, Jarace Walker?)

Tier 2:
 Jordan Hawkins, 
Taylor Hendricks

[big-shot-ROB]

You need contribute-ready players. With that 2nd apron you can't afford to pick projects you will not be able to pay when they develop. There's a reason Brad shipped Smart without hesitation and it was the 2 FRPs. Thats cheap and controlled talent and everyone will figure it out eventually. Denver already did some moves too.

So definetely no GG or DW or Clowney or Nnaji. If we keep the pick I'm pretty sure we're picking ready to be in the rotation players.

[shackles10]

You need contribute-ready players. With that 2nd apron you can't afford to pick projects you will not be able to pay when they develop. There's a reason Brad shipped Smart without hesitation and it was the 2 FRPs. Thats cheap and controlled talent and everyone will figure it out eventually. Denver already did some moves too.

So definetely no GG or DW or Clowney or Nnaji. If we keep the pick I'm pretty sure we're picking ready to be in the rotation players.

I like to think he did hesitate. It makes me feel better about it.

[big-shot-ROB]

You need contribute-ready players. With that 2nd apron you can't afford to pick projects you will not be able to pay when they develop. There's a reason Brad shipped Smart without hesitation and it was the 2 FRPs. Thats cheap and controlled talent and everyone will figure it out eventually. Denver already did some moves too.

So definetely no GG or DW or Clowney or Nnaji. If we keep the pick I'm pretty sure we're picking ready to be in the rotation players.

I like to think he did hesitate. It makes me feel better about it.

I wish he did too. At least given how he loved Smart I'd like to think he gave him a call. But man, the guy wasted no time to reformulate another 3 team trade to net the same player

[Hal14]

McCeltic Big Board for Pick 25:



Tier 1: 
Olivier Maxence-Prosper, 
Jaime Jaquez



Tier 2:
Dariq Whitehead, Andre Jackson



Tier 3:
Noah Clowney, Leonard Miller



Tier 4:
James Nnaji, Sidy Cissoko, Trace Jackson-Davis



Big Board for Lotto Trade-Up (6 to 12)



Tier 1: Anthony Black
, Dereck Lively II(, Jarace Walker?)

Tier 2:
 Jordan Hawkins, 
Taylor Hendricks

Not bad. Some good options there.

You think we might trade that high up? I hear we might trade up. But I figure that would only be from 25 to like the 15-20 range. I doubt we get into the lottery - who would we trade to get there?

Grant isn't eligible to be traded in a S&T till July 1 (I think) and I doubt anyone is giving up a lottery pick for Grant Williams anyways.

I can see possibly moving Pritchard to Houston in a deal, which could move up from pick 25 to 20..

[Andrew McCeltic]

McCeltic Big Board for Pick 25:



Tier 1: 
Olivier Maxence-Prosper, 
Jaime Jaquez



Tier 2:
Dariq Whitehead, Andre Jackson



Tier 3:
Noah Clowney, Leonard Miller



Tier 4:
James Nnaji, Sidy Cissoko, Trace Jackson-Davis



Big Board for Lotto Trade-Up (6 to 12)



Tier 1: Anthony Black
, Dereck Lively II(, Jarace Walker?)

Tier 2:
 Jordan Hawkins, 
Taylor Hendricks

Not bad. Some good options there.

You think we might trade that high up? I hear we might trade up. But I figure that would only be from 25 to like the 15-20 range. I doubt we get into the lottery - who would we trade to get there?

Grant isn't eligible to be traded in a S&T till July 1 (I think) and I doubt anyone is giving up a lottery pick for Grant Williams.

I don't think we go that high but given the picks we have now it's a possibility. Lot of teams have been rumored to want out of the late single digits.. Hoping Orlando drafts Black, no. 1 target for me is Suggs.

I don't have a board for the middle of the first because I don't see anyone there worth trading up for. If we jump up a few spots it'll be to get one of the guys on the first board.

[KamikazeK]

I think I'd like them to pick a really good shooter more than anything else.

[CelticsPride18]

If we trade up I want Cason Wallace

[Hal14]

Jett Howard is an intriguing possibility if he's still there at 25 (or if we trade up a few spots from 25)

But again, he's kind of in a similar bucket to Dariq and Sensabaugh. Wing scorers who can shoot it well, have some size but aren't very good defense or passing so I'm not sure of the fit next to the Jays.

I feel like any wing we get to complement the Jays needs to be either an above average passer or an above average defender (while being at least a decent shooter). Especially since we already have Hauser, a guy with size who can really shoot it, but isn't above average at passing or defense.

Guys who fit the description in bold:

-Prosper
-Jaquez
-Rupert
-Cissoko
-Walsh

Kris Murray kind of fits that too, but he doesn't fit the description quite as much as the others. However, Murray being an older guy is more plug and play, more ready contribute right away than someone like Walsh, Cissoko or Rupert..

Especially with Porzingis here. We now have THREE guys on this team who are legit 20+ PPG scorers. So any guy who gets most of their value from scoring, probably isn't a good fit with JT/JB/KP here. That's why I think we need guys next to them who defend, pass the ball (can do both of those things at least at an average level and ideally do at least 1 of those things at a very good level) and are average (or better) shooters.

[Hal14]

If we trade up I want Cason Wallace

I like wallace a lot. Would not hate that at all if we got him - especially if Brogdon's injury is looking serious..

Cason is GOOD. And Kentucky guards always seem to do better in the pros than what they're able to show at Kentucky.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Givony has the Celtics going with Rayan Rupert. 6'6" with a 7'2" wingspan, just turned 19 a few weeks ago but has been a pro since 15.
Projects as a 3 and D wing, but the 3 isn't there yet (32% last year) but good FT shooter (75%+) so projects pretty well. Cr: Cellar-Door

[Cuban Pete]

Watch on YouTube

If he is there at no.25 pick this is no brainer.

Yes. You read my mind.

I actually was gonna post that he is my #1 target with this pick.

You look at the recent mock drafts and Miller is projected to go in the 23-27 range. So it seems like a 50/50 on whether he'll still be there at 25.

But on my personal big board, he's 16th.

2 things I'd be looking for in an ideal pick:

1) A guy who could potentially (if he pans out) be our 8th man this season behind a starting 5 of white, JB, JT, KP, Rob, with Brogdon and Al off the bench

2) A guy who long term could potentially start for us at the 4. Being optimistic here, I'm thinking KP stays for awhile. An ideal 4 playing next to KP would have adequate size to play the 4, but MUST be quick, good mobility for a bigger guy (cause KP is kind of slow and not really a fast paced up and down the floor transition type of guy, so it'd be ideal to get a fast, transition type of guy who can also handle the ball in the open floor to balance out KP since he doesn't really do those things). Shooting is a plus, but not a requirement since KP can shoot too. Whoever this guy is, the shooting would help though, since they will also be playing next to Rob sometimes

If those 2 things are the criteria, who fits the best? Leonard Miller.

Miller is 6'10", with a 7'2" wingspan. So definitely good size for a PF who can play small ball 5. He's only 212 lbs - if you look at him, he's not crazy skinny. But he could stand to bulk up a little bit. I'm sure he will over time - he's still only 19! Oh and being only 212 lbs, I think it helps him - because he is REALLY quick, moves very well for a 6'10" guy.

Really good ball skills for a guy his size. Last year (when he was only in HS still) he was playing a point forward role, and many were comparing him to Lamar Odom.

The shooting still needs some work. The form is a little wonky but the good news is, he has EXCELLENT touch. Like, maybe the best touch of anyone in this draft class who's 6'10" or taller.

The shooting got much better as the season went along, too. Probably just needed an adjustment period (was a huge step up this season for him in competition going from HS to g league) and went from HS 3 pt line straight to the NBA 3 pt line, which is used in the g league.

First 23 games: 26.2% from 3
Last 15 games = 38.7% from 3

So, big improvement there. And he shot 79% from the FT line.

Oh and he's a REALLY good rebounder. Was top 5 in the entire g league this season in rebounding, averaging 10 RPG...as a 19 yr old!

Lastly, cool article on him here.

https://theswishtheory.com/nba-draft/2023/06/leonard-miller-evaluatory-paradigms-energy-transfer-and-the-fallacy-of-role-projection/

Ok, that's it. I don't want to get too far down a rabbit hole in case Miller is gone before our pick - or in case we trade this pick (maybe in a package with Brogdon).

But, these are all guys who could be good picks for us at 25 who could be on the board still:

1. Leonard Miller
2. Sidy Cissoko
3. Colby Jones
4. GG Jackson
5. Jordan Walsh
6. Rayan Rupert
7. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
8. Maxwell Lewis
9. Kris Murray
10. Jaime Jaquez

These guys are all good. Honestly, we could sit here and debate how we'd rank these 10 guys all day. For the most part, they're pretty interchangeable.

There's pros and cons to all of them. Some of them will be gone before our pick, too.

Just realized I didn't include Whitehead in my list above. If I'm just listing where I have them on my big board (which is a team agnostic big board) he'd be 3rd on that list, right after Cissoko. But IDK man, as I posted the other day, I'm not sure about the fit with Whitehead here. He's a score-first wing. Decent defender, decent passer but not average at best in both of those areas. Doesn't really rebound either. Has suspect ball handling. Just not sure if that is the best fit alongside the Jays. Sure, the shooting certainly is a plus - he can shoot. But with this pick, I'd be looking for more defense/playmaking/rebounding. Which is why, I'm not sure GG Jackson would be the best fit either.

That being said, I'd take GG over Dariq. Because GG is more of a stretch 4. GG is kind of a boom or bust prospect, but if he hits, woah, watch out - he's got legit star potential and could slide in to that 4 spot, potentially starting there for us long term.

Plus, Dariq just had foot surgery - his 2nd surgery on that foot in the past year - definitely a red flag for a dude who's only 18.

So there's 11 really good options here. And that's not even mentioning others who could be available: Nnaji, TJD, Jordan Hawkins, Brice Sensabaugh.

I just don't really see us taking a big man now, with Al (here for 2 more years), Rob (signed for 3 more years) and KP (only 1 year on his deal but obviously the team will want to extend him).

Sensabaugh is interesting. He's getting mocked in the 21-32 range, a wide range. But on my personal big board, I actually have him ranked 12th. That's right, 12th. The guy is GOOD. He's a walking bucket. But that's the thing. Kind of like I mentioned with Dariq, I'm not sure about the fit with Sensabaugh since he's a wing scorer with not so good passing and not so good defense. But he can really shoot it, and he can create his own shot off the dribble. He's kind of like Middleton. Kind of like Booker (except an inch taller, but a step slower) in terms of the way he can attack off the bounce, get to his spots, hit shots from all over the floor and has a deep bag - a deeper bag than Middleton, even.

Sensabaugh, Dariq and GG are all kind of high risk/high reward type guys. All have star potential - they could all end up being top 10 players from this class. Or they could bust.

I think Leonard Miller could also end up being a top 10 player from this class too, though. And he has a higher floor.

I'd take Hawkins or Sensabaugh over anyone on that top ten list. Pierce wasn't a great passer at Kansas and he wound up to become the best point forward in the NBA.

[Hal14]

Watch on YouTube

If he is there at no.25 pick this is no brainer.

Yes. You read my mind.

I actually was gonna post that he is my #1 target with this pick.

You look at the recent mock drafts and Miller is projected to go in the 23-27 range. So it seems like a 50/50 on whether he'll still be there at 25.

But on my personal big board, he's 16th.

2 things I'd be looking for in an ideal pick:

1) A guy who could potentially (if he pans out) be our 8th man this season behind a starting 5 of white, JB, JT, KP, Rob, with Brogdon and Al off the bench

2) A guy who long term could potentially start for us at the 4. Being optimistic here, I'm thinking KP stays for awhile. An ideal 4 playing next to KP would have adequate size to play the 4, but MUST be quick, good mobility for a bigger guy (cause KP is kind of slow and not really a fast paced up and down the floor transition type of guy, so it'd be ideal to get a fast, transition type of guy who can also handle the ball in the open floor to balance out KP since he doesn't really do those things). Shooting is a plus, but not a requirement since KP can shoot too. Whoever this guy is, the shooting would help though, since they will also be playing next to Rob sometimes

If those 2 things are the criteria, who fits the best? Leonard Miller.

Miller is 6'10", with a 7'2" wingspan. So definitely good size for a PF who can play small ball 5. He's only 212 lbs - if you look at him, he's not crazy skinny. But he could stand to bulk up a little bit. I'm sure he will over time - he's still only 19! Oh and being only 212 lbs, I think it helps him - because he is REALLY quick, moves very well for a 6'10" guy.

Really good ball skills for a guy his size. Last year (when he was only in HS still) he was playing a point forward role, and many were comparing him to Lamar Odom.

The shooting still needs some work. The form is a little wonky but the good news is, he has EXCELLENT touch. Like, maybe the best touch of anyone in this draft class who's 6'10" or taller.

The shooting got much better as the season went along, too. Probably just needed an adjustment period (was a huge step up this season for him in competition going from HS to g league) and went from HS 3 pt line straight to the NBA 3 pt line, which is used in the g league.

First 23 games: 26.2% from 3
Last 15 games = 38.7% from 3

So, big improvement there. And he shot 79% from the FT line.

Oh and he's a REALLY good rebounder. Was top 5 in the entire g league this season in rebounding, averaging 10 RPG...as a 19 yr old!

Lastly, cool article on him here.

https://theswishtheory.com/nba-draft/2023/06/leonard-miller-evaluatory-paradigms-energy-transfer-and-the-fallacy-of-role-projection/

Ok, that's it. I don't want to get too far down a rabbit hole in case Miller is gone before our pick - or in case we trade this pick (maybe in a package with Brogdon).

But, these are all guys who could be good picks for us at 25 who could be on the board still:

1. Leonard Miller
2. Sidy Cissoko
3. Colby Jones
4. GG Jackson
5. Jordan Walsh
6. Rayan Rupert
7. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
8. Maxwell Lewis
9. Kris Murray
10. Jaime Jaquez

These guys are all good. Honestly, we could sit here and debate how we'd rank these 10 guys all day. For the most part, they're pretty interchangeable.

There's pros and cons to all of them. Some of them will be gone before our pick, too.

Just realized I didn't include Whitehead in my list above. If I'm just listing where I have them on my big board (which is a team agnostic big board) he'd be 3rd on that list, right after Cissoko. But IDK man, as I posted the other day, I'm not sure about the fit with Whitehead here. He's a score-first wing. Decent defender, decent passer but not average at best in both of those areas. Doesn't really rebound either. Has suspect ball handling. Just not sure if that is the best fit alongside the Jays. Sure, the shooting certainly is a plus - he can shoot. But with this pick, I'd be looking for more defense/playmaking/rebounding. Which is why, I'm not sure GG Jackson would be the best fit either.

That being said, I'd take GG over Dariq. Because GG is more of a stretch 4. GG is kind of a boom or bust prospect, but if he hits, woah, watch out - he's got legit star potential and could slide in to that 4 spot, potentially starting there for us long term.

Plus, Dariq just had foot surgery - his 2nd surgery on that foot in the past year - definitely a red flag for a dude who's only 18.

So there's 11 really good options here. And that's not even mentioning others who could be available: Nnaji, TJD, Jordan Hawkins, Brice Sensabaugh.

I just don't really see us taking a big man now, with Al (here for 2 more years), Rob (signed for 3 more years) and KP (only 1 year on his deal but obviously the team will want to extend him).

Sensabaugh is interesting. He's getting mocked in the 21-32 range, a wide range. But on my personal big board, I actually have him ranked 12th. That's right, 12th. The guy is GOOD. He's a walking bucket. But that's the thing. Kind of like I mentioned with Dariq, I'm not sure about the fit with Sensabaugh since he's a wing scorer with not so good passing and not so good defense. But he can really shoot it, and he can create his own shot off the dribble. He's kind of like Middleton. Kind of like Booker (except an inch taller, but a step slower) in terms of the way he can attack off the bounce, get to his spots, hit shots from all over the floor and has a deep bag - a deeper bag than Middleton, even.

Sensabaugh, Dariq and GG are all kind of high risk/high reward type guys. All have star potential - they could all end up being top 10 players from this class. Or they could bust.

I think Leonard Miller could also end up being a top 10 player from this class too, though. And he has a higher floor.

I'd take Hawkins or Sensabaugh over anyone on that top ten list. Pierce wasn't a great passer at Kansas and he wound up to become the best point forward in the NBA.

Just my opinion though, that with Tatum, Brown and Porzingis, we need guys who can pass the ball - not guys who get most of their value from scoring.

And c'mon now, Pierce a better point forward than Lebron?