2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[Hal14]

The hype on Victor may be well deserved.. But when people talk about an 18 year old etc.. killing.. I am guessing many did not see what Dirk Nowitzki did to the USA HS Dream team. Clearly Dirk is not on Vic's defensive level, but had so much more speed and strength and yes even shooting.. Not saying one is better than the other at 18, just making a point Dirk did this all pre-social media etc..

Dirk stepped right into the NBA as a rookie and killed.. Not so sure Victor will do the same early on.

Dirk averaged 8 PPG as a rookie. He only started half of his teams games, only averaging 20 MPG. He had a -2.5 BPM. I wouldn't say he killed it as a rookie.

But yes, I saw the footage of him vs Team USA. Yes, he was faster than Victor (IDK if I've ever seen a 7-footer move that fast while dribbling up the floor, it was crazy). But Victor is 5" taller which obviously gives advantages in various ways (being able to shoot over people, being able to see over the top of the defense to make reads, passes, can block more shots, etc.

Also, Dirk was 19 when he played vs Team USA, not 18.

When I watch Victor, the guys who come to mind that he kind of plays like: Dirk, KD, Garnett, Olajuwon, Duncan. I mean, that's pretty good company. Most people have all of them in the top 20 players of all time.

[Hal14]

When I see guys like woj saying he’s the “singular greatest draft prospect in nba history” I roll my eyes tbh. I think the kid likely is gonna be very special. Imo it’s probably better to say he’s the “most unique prospect” we’ve ever seen. He’s 7’3 moves like a wing and block shots like Gobert.

He has a real chance to be an all time great but “greatest prospect ever” that’s too much. Even with some draft guys talking about how great he is I always temper expectations in some regard just because we live in a sports world where we are always saying “this guys the next” Jordan or lebron etc. and even when people attach their name and are wrong there’s no repercussions as it’s the nature of the beast when it comes to the draft- since it’s all projections. It’s part of the social media landscape where everything’s the “greatest”.

Someone will say well he said “prospect” defending what he means but all these guys in the draft are prospects - it’s not an exact science and more like a total crap shoot. Teams are going to tank hard for him as they should and as long as there’s no injury issues with his frame it’s going to be very exciting to see where his career goes and how great he becomes.

normally I'd agree as sports and the media deal in hyperbole to the extreme but in this case he really is the greatest prospect ever. Remember, he's only 18 y/o. He has 20-40 lbs of muscle and girth he'll add on naturally to fill out his frame at minimum. He's already almost guaranteed to lead the league in blocks and he can shoot from outside, run the floor and score inside. There's been guys who have been physically similar (Wilt, Kareem, Sampson, Shaq, Chet) but none of them could shoot from outside, handle the ball, pass, or defend the perimeter like Victor can. That is what really separates him from everyone before him. Only injuries will prevent him from going down as one of the best in history should he reach his potential. There's been less than ten true "generational" prospects i.e. Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Bird, MJ, Shaq, Lebron and now Wembanyama. That's rarified air. So even if he isn't THE best prospect he's in that discussion alongside those guys.

That’s fine he can be in the discussion but to say he’s the “best prospect ever” is a load of **** imo. I do think he’s the most unique one we’ve ever seen tho- he moves so fluid for his size it’s really nuts.

Long term I think we will continue to see 7’’ players being able to handle and move etc just because the game of basketball has changed so much and guys that size are encouraged now to shoot it, handle it etc. the game is totally different nowadays for guys that size then it was before- that doesn’t mean however any of them can move with the grace this kid can.

If you wanna say generational prospect that’s fine but can’t call this guy the best one ever Imo.

I think the distinction here is that Woj is saying greatest prospect in NBA history, not greatest player in NBA history.

Jordan wasn't even the top pick in his draft. LeBron obviously has a case. He was a freak in HS. We really had never seen before someone at 6'8" with that type of speed, athleticism, skill and already with NBA frame in HS.

Even if we're just saying best prospect ever, I do think it's still premature to say that. Victor didn't put up great numbers last year (although he was only 17 playing in a pro league) and while he's putting up crazy numbers this year, it's only been a few games. Let's wait till later in the year and see how he is playing and if he's staying healthy.

But even then, putting him in the same conversation with guys like LeBron, Jordan, Zion, etc. when he's only 18 and hasn't played a game yet in the NBA - it might just be putting too much pressure on the kid.

But Woj is gonna do what he's gotta do for the views, likes, followers and clicks, smh.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Wembayana seems to be a better shooter than a young Anthony Davis, but overall I really fail to see what could possibly make him a better prospect than AD was, let alone the "singular greatest prospect in NBA draft history."

I suspect he is being overrated like Sekou Doumbaya was, granted a clearly better prospect than Doumbaya.

If you don't see the difference between Davis and Wembanyama, you can just start by looking at their size. Malik Beasley is 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan. Davis is 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. Wembanyama is 7'4 with a 8' wingspan. The size gap between Davis and Wembanyama is similar to the gap between Beasley and Davis. Let that sink in.

Wembanyama and Doumbouya are nothing alike. Doumbouya was a good athlete with limited skills and basketball IQ. Teams tried to talk themselves into that selection by convincing themselves that he was one of the youngest players in the draft and he started playing late and that's why he was behind his peers skill-wise. There were rumblings about his lack of commitment in France since before the draft and the truth is just that he was never all that serious about basketball. He was pushed into that sport because he was 6'9 and athletic so some sucker was going to give him a life changing amount of money before he had to put in the work. Wembanyama is smart, obviously on a completely different tier as an athlete, actually enjoys the game and works much harder at it as a result.

[threrf23]

Malik Beasley is 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan. Davis is 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. Wembanyama is 7'4 with a 8' wingspan. The size gap between Davis and Wembanyama is similar to the gap between Beasley and Davis. Let that sink in.

Sure, but does he play much taller than AD? You make a good point, but I would argue that the extra height/length doesn't mean as much as it is given credit for. At some point, I'm not sure extra height/length matters so much.

Bol Bol is 7'2 and has a 7'8 wingspan and is pretty skilled, was a second round pick and is borderline out of the league rn.

[jfs1000d]

Viktor


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[playa-hater]

The hype on Victor may be well deserved.. But when people talk about an 18 year old etc.. killing.. I am guessing many did not see what Dirk Nowitzki did to the USA HS Dream team. Clearly Dirk is not on Vic's defensive level, but had so much more speed and strength and yes even shooting.. Not saying one is better than the other at 18, just making a point Dirk did this all pre-social media etc..

Dirk stepped right into the NBA as a rookie and killed.. Not so sure Victor will do the same early on.

Dirk put up a whopping 8-3-1 and shot 20% from three as a rookie

OK year 2, Dirk with 82 started.

35.8
17.5
46.1
37.9
6.5
2.5
0.8
0.8

My point stands more or less Dirk made a big impact early in his career.

[BostonCouchGM]

The hype on Victor may be well deserved.. But when people talk about an 18 year old etc.. killing.. I am guessing many did not see what Dirk Nowitzki did to the USA HS Dream team. Clearly Dirk is not on Vic's defensive level, but had so much more speed and strength and yes even shooting.. Not saying one is better than the other at 18, just making a point Dirk did this all pre-social media etc..

Dirk stepped right into the NBA as a rookie and killed.. Not so sure Victor will do the same early on.

Dirk put up a whopping 8-3-1 and shot 20% from three as a rookie

OK year 2, Dirk with 82 started.

35.8
17.5
46.1
37.9
6.5
2.5
0.8
0.8

My point stands more or less Dirk made a big impact early in his career.

Well you did say “as a rookie” so I was just going by what you said lol. I think Victor will actually dominate as a rookie

[batabatuta]

This would've been a good time to tank but obviously we are going deep this season.

[Patsfan1081]

All this draft talk just gets me depressed that for the third year in a row we’ll have no first. Hopefully Houston finishes third to last so we can get close to one. A title would also make me forget quick.

[Hal14]

All this draft talk just gets me depressed that for the third year in a row we’ll have no first. Hopefully Houston finishes third to last so we can get close to one. A title would also make me forget quick.

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

[Hal14]

Ok, just for sh&ts and giggles. I took the current top 30 players on my big board and compared it to the tankathon big board.

The purpose? To try and give us an idea of the best players on my big board who are likely to be available when we pick.

Currently, our highest pick is projected to be #42.

The following players are in the top 30 on my personal big board but are NOT in the top 36 of tankathon's big board. In parenthesis is where i have them ranked on my big board:

Yohan Traore (12)
Jalen Hood-Schifino (16)
Nikola Durisic (17)
Mark Mitchell (20)
Tre White (21)
Julian Phillips (27)
Adem Bona (29)
MJ Rice (30)

In other words, these are 8 guys to keep an eye on as we head into the season.

Obviously a long way to go till the draft, but as of now, there's a high chance that at least a few of the players listed above will still be there when we pick.

[Patsfan1081]

All this draft talk just gets me depressed that for the third year in a row we’ll have no first. Hopefully Houston finishes third to last so we can get close to one. A title would also make me forget quick.

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

All this draft talk just gets me depressed that for the third year in a row we’ll have no first. Hopefully Houston finishes third to last so we can get close to one. A title would also make me forget quick.

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

I think tankathon messed up the protections on some of the picks, according to https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed, the Celtics have the following picks in the upcoming draft:
Blazers 2nd round pick
Orlando 2nd round pick if it's 55-60 (lol not happening)
the more favorable of (i) Houston's 2023 2nd round pick protected for selections 31-32 and (ii) the less favorable of the Dallas pick and the Miami pick
FYI, our own pick is due either to Charlotte or Washington depending on where Boston ends up.

Also it's pretty harsh to say that Stevens hasn't drafted a decent prospect yet considering he's only had two late second rounders to use and neither of the guys he selected has played a NBA game yet. Maybe let's wait until we see them play NBA competition before passing judgement.

[165bows]

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

I think tankathon messed up the protections on some of the picks, according to https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed, the Celtics have the following picks in the upcoming draft:
Blazers 2nd round pick
Orlando 2nd round pick if it's 55-60 (lol not happening)
the more favorable of (i) Houston's 2023 2nd round pick protected for selections 31-32 and (ii) the less favorable of the Dallas pick and the Miami pick
FYI, our own pick is due either to Charlotte or Washington depending on where Boston ends up.

Also it's pretty harsh to say that Stevens hasn't drafted a decent prospect yet considering he's only had two late second rounders to use and neither of the guys he selected has played a NBA game yet. Maybe let's wait until we see them play NBA competition before passing judgement.

This guy does a pretty good job running down the details. I can't even keep track, but there is the sort of chain of custody of where they came from. These picks are super confusing lol.

https://prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Celtics.htm

Afaik they will probably have Portland's, their own, and something like the worse of Miami/Dallas. But good luck to anyone trying to pin that down.

[sam_I_am]

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

I think tankathon messed up the protections on some of the picks, according to https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed, the Celtics have the following picks in the upcoming draft:
Blazers 2nd round pick
Orlando 2nd round pick if it's 55-60 (lol not happening)
the more favorable of (i) Houston's 2023 2nd round pick protected for selections 31-32 and (ii) the less favorable of the Dallas pick and the Miami pick
FYI, our own pick is due either to Charlotte or Washington depending on where Boston ends up.

Also it's pretty harsh to say that Stevens hasn't drafted a decent prospect yet considering he's only had two late second rounders to use and neither of the guys he selected has played a NBA game yet. Maybe let's wait until we see them play NBA competition before passing judgement.

The signs of being good at judging talent are there. Brad and organization seemed to have interest in Scottie Barnes and Tari Eason - 2 of the best picks in last 2 drafts and their second round picks and undrafted pickups have shown promise. Their ability to target the right players as free agents or trade targets has also been spot on.

[Hal14]

Malik Beasley is 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan. Davis is 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. Wembanyama is 7'4 with a 8' wingspan. The size gap between Davis and Wembanyama is similar to the gap between Beasley and Davis. Let that sink in.

Sure, but does he play much taller than AD? You make a good point, but I would argue that the extra height/length doesn't mean as much as it is given credit for. At some point, I'm not sure extra height/length matters so much.

Bol Bol is 7'2 and has a 7'8 wingspan and is pretty skilled, was a second round pick and is borderline out of the league rn.

Bol Bol was projected to be the 3rd overall pick in the draft, before suffering a season ending foot injury just 9 games into his freshman season at Oregon.

Injuries have continued to plague him throughout his career. Injuries are why he was picked 2nd round and injuries are why his NBA career has gotten off to a rocky start - has nothing to do with being 7'2".

Wembanyama is already more skilled at age 18 than anything we have seen from Bol Bol. Bol is less skilled and more clumsy and has had tons of injuries. It's an apples to oranges comparison.

[threrf23]

Malik Beasley is 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan. Davis is 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. Wembanyama is 7'4 with a 8' wingspan. The size gap between Davis and Wembanyama is similar to the gap between Beasley and Davis. Let that sink in.

Sure, but does he play much taller than AD? You make a good point, but I would argue that the extra height/length doesn't mean as much as it is given credit for. At some point, I'm not sure extra height/length matters so much.

Bol Bol is 7'2 and has a 7'8 wingspan and is pretty skilled, was a second round pick and is borderline out of the league rn.

Bol Bol was projected to be the 3rd overall pick in the draft, before suffering a season ending foot injury just 9 games into his freshman season at Oregon.

Injuries have continued to plague him throughout his career. Injuries are why he was picked 2nd round and injuries are why his NBA career has gotten off to a rocky start - has nothing to do with being 7'2".

Wembanyama is already more skilled at age 18 than anything we have seen from Bol Bol. Bol is less skilled and more clumsy and has had tons of injuries. It's an apples to oranges comparison.

The main point was simply that his freakish length didn't mean so much. If it really made such a difference, people would refer to him like they do Zion. Maybe Wembyana is more skilled and has a passion for greatness unlike Bol, but his freakish length is somewhat besides the point.

But writing off Bol's failures simply to injuries also seems questionable - i.e. Zion has been just as injury prone. And it's not like Bol wasn't skilled. In his 9 games at Oregon he averaged 29 & 13 per 40, on efficient shooting, while contributing across the board. Even as a 20 y/o in the NBA, his numbers per 36 were easily more impressive than what Wembyana posted against Euroleague competition (albeit at 17).

Anyways, if the videos that have been posted here are any indication, I don't think Wembyana is nearly as fluid as he gets credit for being.

[Hal14]

Sure, but does he play much taller than AD? You make a good point, but I would argue that the extra height/length doesn't mean as much as it is given credit for. At some point, I'm not sure extra height/length matters so much.

Bol Bol is 7'2 and has a 7'8 wingspan and is pretty skilled, was a second round pick and is borderline out of the league rn.

Bol Bol was projected to be the 3rd overall pick in the draft, before suffering a season ending foot injury just 9 games into his freshman season at Oregon.

Injuries have continued to plague him throughout his career. Injuries are why he was picked 2nd round and injuries are why his NBA career has gotten off to a rocky start - has nothing to do with being 7'2".

Wembanyama is already more skilled at age 18 than anything we have seen from Bol Bol. Bol is less skilled and more clumsy and has had tons of injuries. It's an apples to oranges comparison.

The main point was simply that his freakish length didn't mean so much. If it really made such a difference, people would refer to him like they do Zion. Maybe Wembyana is more skilled and has a passion for greatness unlike Bol, but his freakish length is somewhat besides the point.

But writing off Bol's failures simply to injuries also seems questionable. In his 9 games at Oregon he averaged 29 & 13 per 40, on efficient shooting, while contributing across the board. Even as a 20 y/o in the NBA, his numbers per 36 were easily more impressive than what Wembyana posted against Euroleague competition (albeit at 17).

Anyways, if the videos that have been posted here are any indication, I don't think Wembyana is nearly as fluid as he gets credit for being.

oh please. it doesn't get more fluid than this at 7'5"

Watch on YouTube

;t=44s

And I have no idea why we're comparing Bol Bol as a 19 yr old freshman playing against Portland State and Texas Southern to Wembanyama as a 17 year old kid playing against grown men in one of the top pro leagues in the world lol

[Patsfan1081]

Well, as of now, we're projected to have picks 42, 52 and 60.

https://www.tankathon.com/full_draft

According to that site, if we didn't trade our 1st rounder, our 1st round pick would be pick 30.

There probably won't be that much difference between a player we could have gotten at pick 30 and the player we will get at pick 42.

But with that being said, I doubt we keep all 3 of those 2nd round picks. I'm assuming at least 1 of them will be traded..

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

I think tankathon messed up the protections on some of the picks, according to https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed, the Celtics have the following picks in the upcoming draft:
Blazers 2nd round pick
Orlando 2nd round pick if it's 55-60 (lol not happening)
the more favorable of (i) Houston's 2023 2nd round pick protected for selections 31-32 and (ii) the less favorable of the Dallas pick and the Miami pick
FYI, our own pick is due either to Charlotte or Washington depending on where Boston ends up.

Also it's pretty harsh to say that Stevens hasn't drafted a decent prospect yet considering he's only had two late second rounders to use and neither of the guys he selected has played a NBA game yet. Maybe let's wait until we see them play NBA competition before passing judgement.

Oh I didnt mean it like that, more so meant that hopefully we’ll get to see him make a somewhat meaningful pick for the first time if a pick in the low thirties transfers. I have to wonder if there’s been another gm thats ever not had a top 40 pick the first three years on the job. I kind of want to see how well he evaluates talent, hard to get a read from late second round flyers. And from the looks of it this should be a somewhat deep draft class.

[Patsfan1081]

Yeah best scenario would be the Blazers getting the first pick, Rockets getting the third pick, and us finishing with a top five record. That would equate to the 31st, 33rd, and the 55th pick. I really hope the Rockets dont get a top two pick or else it would go to the Pacers not us. That pick was part of the return for the Bane pick which now looks horrendous. This draft also appears to most likely have more freshman than previous seasons so hopefully Brad could finally draft a decent prospect for the first time.

I think tankathon messed up the protections on some of the picks, according to https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed, the Celtics have the following picks in the upcoming draft:
Blazers 2nd round pick
Orlando 2nd round pick if it's 55-60 (lol not happening)
the more favorable of (i) Houston's 2023 2nd round pick protected for selections 31-32 and (ii) the less favorable of the Dallas pick and the Miami pick
FYI, our own pick is due either to Charlotte or Washington depending on where Boston ends up.

Also it's pretty harsh to say that Stevens hasn't drafted a decent prospect yet considering he's only had two late second rounders to use and neither of the guys he selected has played a NBA game yet. Maybe let's wait until we see them play NBA competition before passing judgement.

The signs of being good at judging talent are there. Brad and organization seemed to have interest in Scottie Barnes and Tari Eason - 2 of the best picks in last 2 drafts and their second round picks and undrafted pickups have shown promise. Their ability to target the right players as free agents or trade targets has also been spot on.

He’s def done a good job with trades and free agency, the draft is still a mystery though. There was no way they were getting a pick high enough to get Barnes and if they were so enamored with Eason they could have moved up to get him. I mean they work out a ton of players, I dont really think that reflects their talent evaluation capabilities too much. And its not like Brad didnt have a say in the previous drafts during the Ainge regime, they had some big misses towards the end there. Brad continued Ainge’s love for undersized point guards