2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[165bows]

If Zach Edey falls past the early second round, a lot of GMs are going to regret not taking him. I hope we take him if we end up with that early 2nd round pick from Houston. Edey taken his game to another level this season because he is a hard worker. His confidence is also growing this season with each game.

If I'm Brad, I'm trying somehow to move up in the late 1st round to get him.

+1.

Also think Marcus Sasser has a little bit of a Kyle Lowry vibe. Not sure if that comp has been overdone or not but some similar stuff there. Team in the later first could be happy with that guy.

I actually think Sasser's teammate Jamal Shead reminds me of Lowry more. Shead is just not nearly as good as Lowry.

Sasser to me is like a Bones Hyland type..but Sasser is a couple yrs older than Bones when he was drafted, so that limits Sasser's upside a little.

Yeah agree it's not fair to put that overall upside on him - but he's got a lot of similarities. Good defender, not really a Bones guy. Smaller stocky guy with long arms and a bulldog on D, some offensive ability all around. Very poor man's Lowry imo.

[shackles10]

But does he flop and have a giant ass? These are the kind of reports I expect out of this board.

Seriously though thank you to those who keep up with the college and international game, especially in relation to our picks. I used to love the college game, but hardly watch much at all anymore.

[Wes-J]

Sorry if it's been discussed but does anybody have a take on Ohio state's Brice Sensabaugh? I'm a Buckeye fan but don't watch NCAA BB anymore. All I heard locally is that he's a lottery pick.

Is that really true? Would we be interested if he were a 2nd Rd prospect??

[Hal14]

Sorry if it's been discussed but does anybody have a take on Ohio state's Brice Sensabaugh? I'm a Buckeye fan but don't watch NCAA BB anymore. All I heard locally is that he's a lottery pick.

Is that really true? Would we be interested if he were a 2nd Rd prospect??

Likely a lottery pick. Might even go top 10. No way he slips past the top 20.

[Wes-J]

Sorry if it's been discussed but does anybody have a take on Ohio state's Brice Sensabaugh? I'm a Buckeye fan but don't watch NCAA BB anymore. All I heard locally is that he's a lottery pick.

Is that really true? Would we be interested if he were a 2nd Rd prospect??

Likely a lottery pick. Might even go top 10. No way he slips past the top 20.

Oh wow, ok thanks. I think the last time we got an OSU guy was ET.

[Hal14]

Sorry if it's been discussed but does anybody have a take on Ohio state's Brice Sensabaugh? I'm a Buckeye fan but don't watch NCAA BB anymore. All I heard locally is that he's a lottery pick.

Is that really true? Would we be interested if he were a 2nd Rd prospect??

Likely a lottery pick. Might even go top 10. No way he slips past the top 20.

Oh wow, ok thanks. I think the last time we got an OSU guy was ET.

I would have jumped all over Liddell if he fell to us last year. Really like his game and seems like a good dude. Bummer about his injury.

[shackles10]

Sully and ET on the 2015 team together as Buckeyes

[Wes-J]

Sully and ET on the 2015 team together as Buckeyes

Lol how could I forget Sully.

[165bows]

So which picks are still on deck? Better of Houston/Dallas/Miami option vs Portland? Pretty good way to structure it really.

[165bows]

Hornets moved Plumlee and McDaniels.
SAS moved Poeltl.
Detroit moved Bey.
Houston moved Gordon.

I feel like Houston may have some eff you vibes for Gordon after he kind of trashed that team though. Might just be being a homer there.

[Bohemian]

So which picks are still on deck? Better of Houston/Dallas/Miami option vs Portland? Pretty good way to structure it really.

According to nbadraft.net we must have just the pick #42 right now since we traded the worst of our second rounders of this year for Muscala.

[165bows]

Man the second guy here, Emanual Miller, darn good wing defender.

Watch on YouTube

[Hal14]

Ok, time to unveil a sleeper. This guy has very little draft buzz, is pretty much not on any mocks or big boards so good chance we could snag him mid to late 2nd round.

But the upside is potentially getting a top 15 player in this draft.

Isaiah Miranda.

The case for him is pretty simple. Guys who are 7'1", are only 19 and can move like he can move on the court, handle the ball, pass, shoot and block shots typically go VERY high in the draft.

https://youtube.com/shorts/miIx8Co8j9Q?feature=share

He hits 3 threes in this game:

Watch on YouTube

Footage from a game last season:
5:30 some flashes of switchability. He defends a small/quick guard out on the perimeter, denies the drive and forces the guard to kick it to a teammate out on the perimeter
5:50 catches it out on the perimeter. Takes it to the hole, has enough burst to get by his man, then a dipsy do finish which shows a high skill level for a 7-footer
6:00 nice rim protection here
6:11 catches the lob, turns to the basket and lays it in, all in 1 fluid motion. Then we see him run back on D, looks very fluid and quick, runs more fluid than most 7-footers, especially ones who are in HS
7:29 catch, turn, and then quickly faces up to basket, fires the shot and hits it. Smooth

Watch on YouTube

Highlights from a HS showcase:
Rim protection, he's even blocking multiple 3 point attempts!
Taking it to the rim with change of direction moves
Throwing down lobs
:44 Roll man, catches it, turns, 1 dribble, change of direction, strong finish at rim
:50 knocks down the 3, smooth
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A2hBe4XtUY0

He's underrated because he enrolled at NC State at the beginning of the 2nd semester (last month) and hasn't played yet in a college game.

Also, because he's a late bloomer who wasn't a highly rated recruit till just recently and grew 5 inches since high school.

[Hal14]

For sh&ts and giggles, in case we get the Rockets 2nd round pick and it's #33, here's my top 33 prospects at the moment:

Rank Player
1 Victor Wembanyama
2 Scoot Henderson
3 Brandon Miller
4 Jarace Walker
5 Amen Thompson
6 Anthony Black
7 Jett Howard
8 Keyonte George
9 Ausar Thompson
10 Cam Whitmore
11 Brice Sensabaugh
12 Cason Wallace
13 GG Jackson
14 Nick Smith Jr.
15 Maxwell Lewis
16 Taylor Hendricks
17 Kris Murray
18 Gradey Dick
19 Kyle Filipowski
20 Dariq Whitehead
21 Noah Clowney
22 Rayan Rupert
23 Colby Jones
24 Jalen Hood-Schifino
25 Julian Strawther
26 Kobe Brown
27 Jordan Hawkins
28 Jordan Walsh
29 Sidy Cissoko
30 Dereck Lively
31 Terquavion Smith
32 Tristan Vukcevic
33 Ricky Council IV

The top 20 or so guys will likely all be gone. But the guys ranked in that 21-33 range. That's 13 players worth keeping an eye on over the next few months..

A bunch of those guys could be a nice fit here, especially Clowney, Rupert, Jones, Strawther, Brown, Walsh, Lively and Vukcevic.

[Hal14]

Kobe Brown with another big game today. 24 pts, 6 rebs, 5/7 from 3.

Wait till Tatum finds out there's a guy we could draft who's named Kobe and wears #24..

[DrCoach]

Chris Ledlum - Harvard

35pts 13rebs 6stls 3ast 2Blks two 3’s

[165bows]

For sh&ts and giggles, in case we get the Rockets 2nd round pick and it's #33, here's my top 33 prospects at the moment:

Rank Player
1 Victor Wembanyama
2 Scoot Henderson
3 Brandon Miller
4 Jarace Walker
5 Amen Thompson
6 Anthony Black
7 Jett Howard
8 Keyonte George
9 Ausar Thompson
10 Cam Whitmore
11 Brice Sensabaugh
12 Cason Wallace
13 GG Jackson
14 Nick Smith Jr.
15 Maxwell Lewis
16 Taylor Hendricks
17 Kris Murray
18 Gradey Dick
19 Kyle Filipowski
20 Dariq Whitehead
21 Noah Clowney
22 Rayan Rupert
23 Colby Jones
24 Jalen Hood-Schifino
25 Julian Strawther
26 Kobe Brown
27 Jordan Hawkins
28 Jordan Walsh
29 Sidy Cissoko
30 Dereck Lively
31 Terquavion Smith
32 Tristan Vukcevic
33 Ricky Council IV

The top 20 or so guys will likely all be gone. But the guys ranked in that 21-33 range. That's 13 players worth keeping an eye on over the next few months..

A bunch of those guys could be a nice fit here, especially Clowney, Rupert, Jones, Strawther, Brown, Walsh, Lively and Vukcevic.

Warming up to TJD as a second round pick for this team. Suddenly a ton of big man depth but nice to get an infusion of athleticism especially with size.

[Hal14]

For sh&ts and giggles, in case we get the Rockets 2nd round pick and it's #33, here's my top 33 prospects at the moment:

Rank Player
1 Victor Wembanyama
2 Scoot Henderson
3 Brandon Miller
4 Jarace Walker
5 Amen Thompson
6 Anthony Black
7 Jett Howard
8 Keyonte George
9 Ausar Thompson
10 Cam Whitmore
11 Brice Sensabaugh
12 Cason Wallace
13 GG Jackson
14 Nick Smith Jr.
15 Maxwell Lewis
16 Taylor Hendricks
17 Kris Murray
18 Gradey Dick
19 Kyle Filipowski
20 Dariq Whitehead
21 Noah Clowney
22 Rayan Rupert
23 Colby Jones
24 Jalen Hood-Schifino
25 Julian Strawther
26 Kobe Brown
27 Jordan Hawkins
28 Jordan Walsh
29 Sidy Cissoko
30 Dereck Lively
31 Terquavion Smith
32 Tristan Vukcevic
33 Ricky Council IV

The top 20 or so guys will likely all be gone. But the guys ranked in that 21-33 range. That's 13 players worth keeping an eye on over the next few months..

A bunch of those guys could be a nice fit here, especially Clowney, Rupert, Jones, Strawther, Brown, Walsh, Lively and Vukcevic.

Warming up to TJD as a second round pick for this team. Suddenly a ton of big man depth but nice to get an infusion of athleticism especially with size.

The combination of athleticism, ability to be a rim runner + shot blocker along with his passing ability at 6'9 with a 7'2" wingspan. He could give us a lot of what Rob gives us. And he's showing more grab and go ability (like Al). And even some flashes of facing up and taking his man off the dribble from the high post or from perimeter. I also like that he plays with a swagger.

Really the only downside with Jackson-Davis is being old (23 on draft night), lack of shooting and I'm not sure if he can switch defensively and defend in space. Then again, if he could check those boxes he'd be going much higher in the draft and out of our range.

There's a few bigs who could be a good fit for us. Jackson-Davis, Hawkins, Sanogo. Perhaps Ware or if Clowney or Lively somehow falls to us. Or a younger rim runner like Nnaji or Bona.

We haven't drafted a big man since Timelord. With his injuries and Al's age, wouldn't surprise me if we grab 1 in the 2nd round this year. Perhaps 1 big and 1 wing with our 2 picks..I also wouldn't be surprised if 1 of our picks is a draft and stash. Since we might not have enough roster spots for 2 2nd round guys. There just doesn't seem to be that many draft and stash prospects in this draft - perhaps Vukcevic..

[165bows]

For sh&ts and giggles, in case we get the Rockets 2nd round pick and it's #33, here's my top 33 prospects at the moment:

Rank Player
1 Victor Wembanyama
2 Scoot Henderson
3 Brandon Miller
4 Jarace Walker
5 Amen Thompson
6 Anthony Black
7 Jett Howard
8 Keyonte George
9 Ausar Thompson
10 Cam Whitmore
11 Brice Sensabaugh
12 Cason Wallace
13 GG Jackson
14 Nick Smith Jr.
15 Maxwell Lewis
16 Taylor Hendricks
17 Kris Murray
18 Gradey Dick
19 Kyle Filipowski
20 Dariq Whitehead
21 Noah Clowney
22 Rayan Rupert
23 Colby Jones
24 Jalen Hood-Schifino
25 Julian Strawther
26 Kobe Brown
27 Jordan Hawkins
28 Jordan Walsh
29 Sidy Cissoko
30 Dereck Lively
31 Terquavion Smith
32 Tristan Vukcevic
33 Ricky Council IV

The top 20 or so guys will likely all be gone. But the guys ranked in that 21-33 range. That's 13 players worth keeping an eye on over the next few months..

A bunch of those guys could be a nice fit here, especially Clowney, Rupert, Jones, Strawther, Brown, Walsh, Lively and Vukcevic.

Warming up to TJD as a second round pick for this team. Suddenly a ton of big man depth but nice to get an infusion of athleticism especially with size.

The combination of athleticism, ability to be a rim runner + shot blocker along with his passing ability at 6'9 with a 7'2" wingspan. He could give us a lot of what Rob gives us. And he's showing more grab and go ability (like Al). And even some flashes of facing up and taking his man off the dribble from the high post or from perimeter. I also like that he plays with a swagger.

Really the only downside with Jackson-Davis is being old (23 on draft night), lack of shooting and I'm not sure if he can switch defensively and defend in space. Then again, if he could check those boxes he'd be going much higher in the draft and out of our range.

There's a few bigs who could be a good fit for us. Jackson-Davis, Hawkins, Sanogo. Perhaps Ware or if Clowney or Lively somehow falls to us. Or a younger rim runner like Nnaji or Bona.

We haven't drafted a big man since Timelord. With his injuries and Al's age, wouldn't surprise me if we grab 1 in the 2nd round this year. Perhaps 1 big and 1 wing with our 2 picks..I also wouldn't be surprised if 1 of our picks is a draft and stash. Since we might not have enough roster spots for 2 2nd round guys. There just doesn't seem to be that many draft and stash prospects in this draft - perhaps Vukcevic..

Yeah I think the age is almost a positive at this stage. Not a lot of roster spots for projects and there will be a need for cost-effective contributors. Get a guy through his mid-20s who is ready to hold some bench minutes, that could work. They’ve got a couple young projects in the back court already.

Not sure if they could swing it but would be fine with trading pick 60 for a future second. Otherwise like you said it’s likely just a two-way or draft+stash guy.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Bilal Coulibaly looks like a classic Stevens pick. Draft and stash guy, super young (doesn't turn 19 until July), plus size for his position (6'6, listed at 230lbs although that feels generous, 7'3 wingspan) and pretty raw.

He's starting to get minutes with the first team at Boulogne Levallois and he had his best game last week.

Watch on YouTube

Someone to keep an eye on.