2023 NBA Draft Thread

Post #101 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 2:50 pm

Elite Role Player But is he a top-20 pick yet? :dontknow:

Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, Junior)

Jones seems to be earning fans by the month with efficient scoring and passing for a 6'6" interchangeable guard/wing. On Thursday, he carried Xavier back from a 13-point, second-half deficit with timely shooting and consistent ball-screen execution using his strength, touch shots and improv on drives.

Jones isn't the most creative scorer, and it's worth wondering what his 67.0 free-throw percentage says about his three-point improvement on low volume. But the junior ultimately checks too many boxes with translatable physical tools for finishing and defense, skill for shot-making and IQ/toughness NBA teams want in supporting players.

Bleacher Report

Post #102 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 2:53 pm

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Spoiler:

Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

The occasional single digit in Wallace's scoring column has sparked conversation about his potential to create at the NBA level. We're calling it an overblown worry, particularly given the surefire value he'll add with his shooting, passing and defense.

There may be some validity to the fears over Wallace's 12 games under 10 points, 2.6 free-throw attempts per 40 minutes and lack of standout physical traits. But he shows enough craftiness and command with his handle to get to spots, and he makes up for athletic limitations with a 42.5 percent pull-up, excellent finishing feel (64.3 percent at rim) and playmaking IQ off ball screens and penetration.

Wallace may not be the same level scorer of previously undervalued Kentucky guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, Tyrese Maxey or Tyler Herro. But his scoring should come efficiently, and he'll add versatility and value in other areas with his IQ/processing, facilitation skills and defense.

Bleacher Report

Post #103 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 3:14 pm

Pro Comparisons for Top 2023 NBA Draft Prospects

Colby Jones, Xavier SG/SF Junior

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Pro comparison: Josh Hart

Scouts see a safe, high-floor pick in Colby Jones, who they project to operate as a Swiss Army Knife passer, driver, set shooter and defender.

He'll play a similar role as Josh Hart's, which values his versatility, toughness and IQ. Like Hart, Jones is more of a capable three-point threat than a volume shooter. Neither player should be expected to serve as a top scoring option, but they can both make plays on or off the ball, whether it's by attacking or playmaking in pick-and-roll sets, spotting up or cutting.

They're easy fits with enough skill and size to play and guard positions 1-3. Just as the New York Knicks saw Hart as the glue guy or low-usage, impact role player they were missing, NBA teams will picture Jones to fill that same void.

Bleacher Report

CP War Hawks · Post #104 » by **CP War Hawks** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:07 am

Finalizing a short list of SFs and PFs.

Leonard Miller vs Kris Murray vs Taylor Hendricks = considering Hendricks is likely lotto bound Miller it is.

Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly vs Dariq Whitehead vs Jett Howard = very hard decision to take the two best fits for the team. I'd think Griffin factors here with elite shooter/scorer, so elite defenders would fit best. Rupert and Bilal it is.

So to summarize, my short list is: Leonard Miller vs Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly.

Post #105 » by **Jamaaliver** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 1:02 pm

CP War Hawks wrote:Finalizing a short list of SFs and PFs.

Leonard Miller vs Kris Murray vs Taylor Hendricks = considering Hendricks is likely lotto bound Miller it is.

Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly vs Dariq Whitehead vs Jett Howard = very hard decision to take the two best fits for the team. I'd think Griffin factors here with elite shooter/scorer, so elite defenders would fit best. Rupert and Bilal it is.

So to summarize, my short list is: Leonard Miller vs Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly.

IDK, man. It feels like you're limiting yourself trying to build around an undeniably flawed roster. I'm in favor of best player available since this is likely the highest draft pick we'll have for a few years. I'd even be willing to trade up for a kid we really love.

...I'd even be willing to draft a highly regarded PG at this point.

CP War Hawks · Post #106 » by **CP War Hawks** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:00 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
CP War Hawks wrote:Finalizing a short list of SFs and PFs.

Leonard Miller vs Kris Murray vs Taylor Hendricks = considering Hendricks is likely lotto bound Miller it is.

Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly vs Dariq Whitehead vs Jett Howard = very hard decision to take the two best fits for the team. I'd think Griffin factors here with elite shooter/scorer, so elite defenders would fit best. Rupert and Bilal it is.

So to summarize, my short list is: Leonard Miller vs Ryan Rupert vs Bilal Coulibaly.

IDK, man. It feels like you're limiting yourself trying to build around an undeniably flawed roster. I'm in favor of best player available since this is likely the highest draft pick we'll have for a few years. I'd even be willing to trade up for a kid we really love.

...I'd even be willing to draft a highly regarded PG at this point.

How so? those archetypes are coveted by OKC, Tor, Mil, etc. and they are sitting pretty now and into the future... The Hawks need to start adding versatility into their front court. Combination of BPA and fit is computed into my current shortlist.

Post #107 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:42 pm

Overheard on twitter:

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Post #108 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:44 pm

It would be a real shame if this guy goes undrafted after a stellar 4 year collegiate career.

No reason he can't at least hold down a spot on the bench a la Frank Kaminsky or Bruno Fernando.
#ManAmongBoys
#YMCAAllStar
#NoCollegeForOldMen

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Post #109 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:46 pm

If we want to improve our outside shooting numbers, add cheap depth to the backcourt and replace Huerter in the rotation, here's an easy selection to accomplish all three.

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Post #110 » by **Jamaaliver** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:49 pm

This kid is in line for a AJ Griffin-esqe fall in the draft after suffering injuries late in the season:

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Post #111 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:59 am

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Post #112 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 1:05 am

Best Catch & Shoot player in the draft?

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Post #113 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:41 pm

I'm really leaning towards taking a real homerun swing by pursuing this kid in the draft. He was viewed as a future star in HS. Similar to AJ Griffin, injuries affected his time at Duke and lowered his draft stock. But he is supremely talented and already a willing/effective defender.

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Post #114 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:49 pm

HS Scouting on Dariq:

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Post #115 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Apr 2, 2023 3:45 pm

If Trae leaves, this guy could be a solid replacement at starting SG in a few years.

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jayu70 · Post #116 » by **jayu70** » Sun Apr 2, 2023 6:18 pm

About time!

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Post #117 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Apr 2, 2023 6:19 pm

Best defender in this year's draft this side of Wemby? He likely ends up somewhere between Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart

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jayu70 · Post #118 » by **jayu70** » Sun Apr 2, 2023 6:48 pm

This is ridiculous. Wow.

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atlantabbq99 · Post #119 » by **atlantabbq99** » Mon Apr 3, 2023 8:37 am

The draft is pretty weak. I can't identify a talent like Walker Kessler. Hawks are better off in focusing on signing free agents like Paul Reed and Nick Richards.

Hawks would be better of in trading this years pick and trying to get a guy like Isaiah Jackson or Tari Eason or Alperen Sengun or Isaiah Hartenstein

Post #120 » by **Jamaaliver** » Mon Apr 10, 2023 1:09 pm

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