2023 NBA Draft Prospects

[Jammer]

Meet your next franchise center guys:

https://streamable.com/9eguud

Wemby healthy and back from injury, playing pre-season games in France.

You have to take him #1 if you get the pick, but his build terrifies me in the long run. The only player I can think of that really dominated with that build is Kareem, who might of been the best to play the game. Just about every other player that size dealt with terrible lingering injuries.

Webanyama may be mis-characterized as a center, because he's 7' 3", when he's really a Stretch 4 (More like Point Forward) with a 7' 9" wingspan.

It's like all these websites listing 6' Shooting Guards as Point Guards strictly based on height.

Webanyama would work nicely alongside Kessler and Markkanen. The Jazz could get lucky if Minnesota has a rough finish, at least you could have some more lottery balls (not that your own pick will have that many even if you finish 9th or 10th in the West).

Plus, the article below cites Webanyama's self-stated preferred position as Power Forward.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-projected-first-overall-pick-victor-wembanyama-preferred-position-revealed

[Catchall]

The Jazz need a plus-sized guard who is elite with the ball in his hands. I'm resigning myself to the fact that they're probably not going to get that player in this draft. I'm not seeing Cason Wallace or Hood-Schifino as big difference-makers, even though they look like decent rotational guys. The fact that the Jazz are playing THT and Kris Dunn in the lead-guard spot shows how empty they are in that role.

Is Anthony Black really supposed to be that guy? Do you take a swing on Nick Smith if he drops? Can Maxwell Lewis become an on-ball guy? Seems iffy at best.

[Catchall]

I don't like Sensabaugh in the lottery at all. If he isn't scoring he is actively hurting you, he offers absolutely nothing else so you have to be confident he can do that at a pretty elite level.

Right now we sit at 13, 16, & 27. Guys I like in those ranges right now:

13: Jett Howard, Nick Smith, Anthony Black, Cason Wallace (someone probably slips down in this range, but most of these guys go earlier)
16: Ricky Council, Dariq Whitehead, GG Jackson, Maxwell Lewis
27: Jalen Wilson, Brice Sensabaugh, Julian Strawther, Sidy Cissoko

Still on the "draft wings unless someone drops" train. It is such a deep wing class.

I think your conclusions about Sensabaugh might apply to Jett Howard as well. Howard has some on-ball creation and facilitation ability, but I don't think it's high level. (Think Tyler Herro.) He's not seen as a guy who really digs in on defense and goes to the boards either.

Historically, Ainge has wanted 2-way players. On the Celtics, for example, everyone defends, everyone rebounds and everyone moves the ball. He's made an exception in the past for a superstar-level scorer like Kyrie, but otherwise I'm really curious to see how Ainge rates pure scoring wings like Howard and Sensabaugh if they don't contribute much in other areas.

I still view GG Jackson as a top-7 talent in this draft, though his lack of maturity and his overall rawness are risk factors. I think he made a mistake jumping up to this draft class. I'm guessing NIL money influenced his decision to jump a class and to sign with South Carolina. I think if he stayed in high school, he'd be viewed as a top-5 prospect in 2024. The 2024 class doesn't actually look that strong to me.

Along with the players you listed, I think Taylor Hendricks may come into play. Also, I don't see how Sensabaugh falls out of the top 20.

[babyjax13]

I don't like Sensabaugh in the lottery at all. If he isn't scoring he is actively hurting you, he offers absolutely nothing else so you have to be confident he can do that at a pretty elite level.

Right now we sit at 13, 16, & 27. Guys I like in those ranges right now:

13: Jett Howard, Nick Smith, Anthony Black, Cason Wallace (someone probably slips down in this range, but most of these guys go earlier)
16: Ricky Council, Dariq Whitehead, GG Jackson, Maxwell Lewis
27: Jalen Wilson, Brice Sensabaugh, Julian Strawther, Sidy Cissoko

Still on the "draft wings unless someone drops" train. It is such a deep wing class.

I think your conclusions about Sensabaugh might apply to Jett Howard as well. Howard has some on-ball creation and facilitation ability, but I don't think it's high level. (Think Tyler Herro.) He's not seen as a guy who really digs in on defense and goes to the boards either.

Historically, Ainge has wanted 2-way players. On the Celtics, for example, everyone defends, everyone rebounds and everyone moves the ball. He's made an exception in the past for a superstar-level scorer like Kyrie, but otherwise I'm really curious to see how Ainge rates pure scoring wings like Howard and Sensabaugh if they don't contribute much in other areas.

I still view GG Jackson as a top-7 talent in this draft, though his lack of maturity and his overall rawness are risk factors. I think he made a mistake jumping up to this draft class. I'm guessing NIL money influenced his decision to jump a class and to sign with South Carolina. I think if he stayed in high school, he'd be viewed as a top-5 prospect in 2024. The 2024 class doesn't actually look that strong to me.

Along with the players you listed, I think Taylor Hendricks may come into play. Also, I don't see how Sensabaugh falls out of the top 20.

I think Howard has a lot more perimeter gravity and he keeps the ball moving (doesn't need it to stick, or try to create by overdribbling). He's also a bit longer, and to my eyes, gives better effort on defense. I think they both have their flaws, but I think Sensabaugh's are basically career-ending if his scoring doesn't translate.

[Catchall]

I don't like Sensabaugh in the lottery at all. If he isn't scoring he is actively hurting you, he offers absolutely nothing else so you have to be confident he can do that at a pretty elite level.

Right now we sit at 13, 16, & 27. Guys I like in those ranges right now:

13: Jett Howard, Nick Smith, Anthony Black, Cason Wallace (someone probably slips down in this range, but most of these guys go earlier)
16: Ricky Council, Dariq Whitehead, GG Jackson, Maxwell Lewis
27: Jalen Wilson, Brice Sensabaugh, Julian Strawther, Sidy Cissoko

Still on the "draft wings unless someone drops" train. It is such a deep wing class.

I think your conclusions about Sensabaugh might apply to Jett Howard as well. Howard has some on-ball creation and facilitation ability, but I don't think it's high level. (Think Tyler Herro.) He's not seen as a guy who really digs in on defense and goes to the boards either.

Historically, Ainge has wanted 2-way players. On the Celtics, for example, everyone defends, everyone rebounds and everyone moves the ball. He's made an exception in the past for a superstar-level scorer like Kyrie, but otherwise I'm really curious to see how Ainge rates pure scoring wings like Howard and Sensabaugh if they don't contribute much in other areas.

I still view GG Jackson as a top-7 talent in this draft, though his lack of maturity and his overall rawness are risk factors. I think he made a mistake jumping up to this draft class. I'm guessing NIL money influenced his decision to jump a class and to sign with South Carolina. I think if he stayed in high school, he'd be viewed as a top-5 prospect in 2024. The 2024 class doesn't actually look that strong to me.

Along with the players you listed, I think Taylor Hendricks may come into play. Also, I don't see how Sensabaugh falls out of the top 20.

I think Howard has a lot more perimeter gravity and he keeps the ball moving (doesn't need it to stick, or try to create by overdribbling). He's also a bit longer, and to my eyes, gives better effort on defense. I think they both have their flaws, but I think Sensabaugh's are basically career-ending if his scoring doesn't translate.

Say what you want about Sensabaugh, but he scores the ball like he's Paul Pierce. Maybe he can learn to pass and play defense eventually.

[SoCalJazzFan]

The Jazz need a plus-sized guard who is elite with the ball in his hands. I'm resigning myself to the fact that they're probably not going to get that player in this draft. I'm not seeing Cason Wallace or Hood-Schifino as big difference-makers, even though they look like decent rotational guys. The fact that the Jazz are playing THT and Kris Dunn in the lead-guard spot shows how empty they are in that role.

Is Anthony Black really supposed to be that guy? Do you take a swing on Nick Smith if he drops? Can Maxwell Lewis become an on-ball guy? Seems iffy at best.

I’m not sure that Wallace is the Batman/alpha/1A, but I see aspects of SGA and Jrue Holiday in him and think that he could be a really solid PG. In fact, he might be my 2nd favorite PG in the draft.

From what I’ve seen of Anthony Black, his size and length make a difference at the college level. He hustles and plays D. However, he is not a good shooter and even looks awkward when he shoots and regularly passes up good shots for questionable passes. He has just an ok handle. He also seems a bit chunky for lead guard and I wonder how big he’ll get as he matures. He might be awesome, but I have my concerns.

[Catchall]

The Jazz need a plus-sized guard who is elite with the ball in his hands. I'm resigning myself to the fact that they're probably not going to get that player in this draft. I'm not seeing Cason Wallace or Hood-Schifino as big difference-makers, even though they look like decent rotational guys. The fact that the Jazz are playing THT and Kris Dunn in the lead-guard spot shows how empty they are in that role.

Is Anthony Black really supposed to be that guy? Do you take a swing on Nick Smith if he drops? Can Maxwell Lewis become an on-ball guy? Seems iffy at best.

I’m not sure that Wallace is the Batman/alpha/1A, but I see aspects of SGA and Jrue Holiday in him and think that he could be a really solid PG. In fact, he might be my 2nd favorite PG in the draft.

From what I’ve seen of Anthony Black, his size and length make a difference at the college level. He hustles and plays D. However, he is not a good shooter and even looks awkward when he shoots and regularly passes up good shots for questionable passes. He has just an ok handle. He also seems a bit chunky for lead guard and I wonder how big he’ll get as he matures. He might be awesome, but I have my concerns.

I could see the Jazz drafting Wallace in the late lottery or mid-teens if he's there. I think Black is more of an off-ball glue-guy.

[Hoops Addict]

PG shoice. Do we want Wallace or Black?

[Catchall]

PG shoice. Do we want Wallace or Black?

I don't think Black is a full-time PG, or if he is, he's likely a system player. He's got size and athleticism. He moves the ball. He defends multiple positions. He just isn't advanced enough as a shooter or scorer off the dribble to have the ball in his hands all the time. Defenses will back way off. I think he'd more naturally play at the 2 and be a two-way glue guy.

Wallace is a tough 3D guard who can do a bit extra. His offense is pretty basic right now, but maybe some of it is being hidden at UK. I'm not terribly excited about him, but could see the Jazz taking him simply because he'll be a solid rotational player at a position of need. Maybe he can be functionally similar to Terry Rozier with some time to develop?

I'd prefer one of the Thompsons or Keyonte George. The jury is still out for me on Nick Smith.

[SoCalJazzFan]

PG shoice. Do we want Wallace or Black?

I don't think Black is a full-time PG, or if he is, he's likely a system player. He's got size and athleticism. He moves the ball. He defends multiple positions. He just isn't advanced enough as a shooter or scorer off the dribble to have the ball in his hands all the time. Defenses will back way off. I think he'd more naturally play at the 2 and be a two-way glue guy.

Wallace is a tough 3D guard who can do a bit extra. His offense is pretty basic right now, but maybe some of it is being hidden at UK. I'm not terribly excited about him, but could see the Jazz taking him simply because he'll be a solid rotational player at a position of need. Maybe he can be functionally similar to Terry Rozier with some time to develop?

I'd prefer one of the Thompsons or Keyonte George. The jury is still out for me on Nick Smith.

You think Keyonte George is a PG? I thought he was purely a SG.

Amen Thompson has great size, athleticism and handles, but the lack of a shot is really a concern for me. Not that it matters, he’ll be long gone by our pick.

I’m hoping that if the Jazz get Wallace that he becomes Jrue Holiday 2.0, maybe with some SGA in his game with the way he can drive to the rim. Seems I’m higher than most on him.

[Hoops Addict]

Today the Jazz would pick, #13, #27 and #27

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2023

Who do you want the Jazz to draft?

[Catchall]

PG shoice. Do we want Wallace or Black?

I don't think Black is a full-time PG, or if he is, he's likely a system player. He's got size and athleticism. He moves the ball. He defends multiple positions. He just isn't advanced enough as a shooter or scorer off the dribble to have the ball in his hands all the time. Defenses will back way off. I think he'd more naturally play at the 2 and be a two-way glue guy.

Wallace is a tough 3D guard who can do a bit extra. His offense is pretty basic right now, but maybe some of it is being hidden at UK. I'm not terribly excited about him, but could see the Jazz taking him simply because he'll be a solid rotational player at a position of need. Maybe he can be functionally similar to Terry Rozier with some time to develop?

I'd prefer one of the Thompsons or Keyonte George. The jury is still out for me on Nick Smith.

You think Keyonte George is a PG? I thought he was purely a SG.

I think he can be. He likes to score, but could have an all-around game like Markelle Fultz if he's reigned in and coached well.

[Catchall]

Today the Jazz would pick, #13, #27 and #27

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2023

Who do you want the Jazz to draft?

I think the Jazz are going to take a dive and try to get to #7 or #8 if they can. I think Ainge is going to go after Cam Whitmore.

The later pick I'm hoping will still be top 15 or 16, and would be Cason Wallace or Taylor Hendricks if either is available.

[Hoops Addict]

https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nba-mock-draft-6-how-brandon-miller-ranks-as-a-prospect-plus-full-projections-after-all-star-break-192113567.html

[SoCalJazzFan]

What do you think of Kris Murray?

He has had two very good years at Iowa (buried behind Luke Garza and his brother before that). He looks to have a well rounded game and probably more NBA ready than many. I could see him playing alongside Marrkanen. His twin brother, Keegan, is having a very solid rookie season for the playoff-bound Kings.

He would probably be around in the mid-teens where the TWolves pick could be. Other players you would like to have in that range instead?

[AingesBurner]

Read that Utah sent scouts to watch every game the Thompson brothers played in Europe. I’d keep my eyes on one of them.

[SoCalJazzFan]

Read that Utah sent scouts to watch every game the Thompson brothers played in Europe. I’d keep my eyes on one of them.

I read that too. However, Amen Thompson will probably be a top 4 pick. His brother, Ausar, doesn't have the playmaking/ball handling skills his brother Amen has, from what I have seen, and will probably be a wing and might go mid-lottery based on mock drafts.

While they are hyper athletic, my biggest concern is that neither can shoot. Not like a situation of a player shooting low 30s% 3pt and working them up to near 40%, like they shoot around 20% 3pt. They are really, really bad shooters. The modern NBA requires nearly all players to be able to shoot, particularly guards and wings.

[bkohler]

If I'm the Jazz and I land in the top 4 but not the top two I think I'm trying to trade down with ORL and get 6 & 8 or something similar. It doesn't feel like the drop off from 3 - 9 is all that big this year. Miller/Amen are probably 3/4 but I could see Ausar, Walker, NSJ, or Whitemore being just as good.

I'm also really high on Taylor Hendricks lately.

[SoCalJazzFan]

If I'm the Jazz and I land in the top 4 but not the top two I think I'm trying to trade down with ORL and get 6 & 8 or something similar. It doesn't feel like the drop off from 3 - 9 is all that big this year. Miller/Amen are probably 3/4 but I could see Ausar, Walker, NSJ, or Whitemore being just as good.

I'm also really high on Taylor Hendricks lately.

I would expand that to top 3, as I think that Brandon Miller has separation from other players, and could possibly be picked #2, depending on which team ends up with that pick.

Interesting thought with ORL trade.

[Hoops Addict]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/ new mock draft