2023 NBA Draft (tonight's discussion on pg 58)

[DusterBuster]

Hope we draft something other than a guard.

Would not surprise me in the slightest if they do.

[BlazersBroncos]

Bilal Coulibaly is going to be a late riser. Really interesting young international swing man. Would take him w/ the NYK pick but think he ends up late lotto. Teams are going to fall in love with him.

+1 on him, he keeps moving up and could be a Batum like player. A little smaller but more explosive of an athlete at the same age (Batum was super smooth though), who knows if he will develop the passing and shooting like Batum did but good to start with tools there.

Ya, he checks a ton of boxes - just wish he was projected closer to 6'8 than 6'6.

Still like taking a flyer on Leonard Miller w/ the NYK pick as well. His 3PT shooting is trash (30%) but his FT% (79%) bodes well for that shot developing. His frame is the archetype for a SF - but he might have a bit of Cam Reddish syndrome. That ideal frame and a nice looking shot that just doesnt translate somehow.

[JasonStern]

Hope we draft something other than a guard.

Would not surprise me in the slightest if they do.

Per nbadraft.net:

1 *Detroit Victor Wembanyama 7-2 210 C France Intl.
2 Houston Brandon Miller 6-9 200 SF Alabama Fr.
3 San Antonio Scoot Henderson 6-2 195 PG G-League Fr.
4 *Charlotte Nick Smith 6-5 185 PG/SG Arkansas Fr.
5 Orlando Anthony Black 6-7 200 PG/SG Arkansas Fr.
6 Indiana Gradey Dick 6-8 205 SG Kansas Fr.
7 *Portland Keyonte George 6-4 185 SG Baylor Fr.
8 *Orlando Amen Thompson 6-7 200 SG Overtime Elite Fr.

A ton of combo guards and shooting guards in the projected pick range. Trading the lotto pick and using the Knicks pick probably makes the most sense, but then I don't have access to the scouting material that the Blazers do.

The Knicks pick actually interests me more than the lotto pick, as I see more deep value there. A player like Bilal Coulibaly properly developed could be a steal.

Given the cap threshold and a likely Grant overpay this off-season, ~#23 for ~#26 or ~#29 + ~#32 isn't a terrible idea depending on how the draft plays out. I doubt Indiana wants to add 4 rookies.

[JRoy]

Hope we draft something other than a guard.

Would not surprise me in the slightest if they do.

Per nbadraft.net:

1 *Detroit Victor Wembanyama 7-2 210 C France Intl.
2 Houston Brandon Miller 6-9 200 SF Alabama Fr.
3 San Antonio Scoot Henderson 6-2 195 PG G-League Fr.
4 *Charlotte Nick Smith 6-5 185 PG/SG Arkansas Fr.
5 Orlando Anthony Black 6-7 200 PG/SG Arkansas Fr.
6 Indiana Gradey Dick 6-8 205 SG Kansas Fr.
7 *Portland Keyonte George 6-4 185 SG Baylor Fr.
8 *Orlando Amen Thompson 6-7 200 SG Overtime Elite Fr.

A ton of combo guards and shooting guards in the projected pick range. Trading the lotto pick and using the Knicks pick probably makes the most sense, but then I don't have access to the scouting material that the Blazers do.

The Knicks pick actually interests me more than the lotto pick, as I see more deep value there. A player like Bilal Coulibaly properly developed could be a steal.

Given the cap threshold and a likely Grant overpay this off-season, ~#23 for ~#26 or ~#29 + ~#32 isn't a terrible idea depending on how the draft plays out. I doubt Indiana wants to add 4 rookies.

Hoping we let Grant go or SnT

[HoopsFanAZ]

1. Draft Lottery -- Pray to the basketball gods for Top2
2. Send the Knicks pick to Chicago. 2nd rounders or other as sweetener if necessary. Future 1st rounders now freed up.
3. If top 2, select Wemby (1) or Miller (2) UNLESS it's a BIG package deal -- (Embiid, for example) which is QUESTIONABLE but arguable.
4. If lower than top 2, package with future picks and Ant to get a Top notch SF (or an Embiid, though it's much more likely a forward).
5. New contract for Grant paired with elite forward. Shaedon hopefully kept as SG. Thybulle kept for minutes at 2 and 3.
6. Trade Nurkic for a perhaps less skilled big man -- but one who is more MOBILE on D, a rim protector, and a rebounder (and healthier).
7. Fill-in remainder of roster with 2 TPE's -- one 8+ million > MLE-taxpayer.

[BlazersBroncos]

4. If lower than top 2, package with future picks and Ant to get a Top notch SF (or an Embiid, though more unlikely a forward).

Who fits this though?

6. Trade Nurkic for a perhaps less skilled big man -- but one who is more MOBILE on D, a rim protector, and a rebounder (and healthier).

As with above, who fits this?

Just looking for names. I have spent so much time looking at options for SF and C and really dont see many. Maybe we can trade a 4-6 pick for OG, but is that worth it?

Nurkic especially, which team is trading a more mobile defensive C for him? I think it takes our LP to swap him for Myles Turner and even then I could see Indiana truly envisioning Myles as a core guy, not a asset fetcher.

[The Sebastian Express]

Orlando did win last night, which means they're only one game 'ahead' of us for fifth place. I think they have some winnable games left on the schedule, so there's a legitimate chance we could at least tie.

[JRoy]

Hope we draft something other than a guard.

Would not surprise me in the slightest if they do.

A smallish no d sg

[Goldbum]

Wizards should have 3 more wins, I think we will fall behind them. Maybe the Magic will pass us in the standings but I don't think so...

[The Sebastian Express]

Man.. the MAgic are 12 seconds away from beating the Knicks, up 6. If we hadn't won last night we'd be tied with them..

Damn. But it's okay. We still have a shot to get 5th.

[HoopsFanAZ]

4. If lower than top 2, package with future picks and Ant to get a Top notch SF (or an Embiid, though more unlikely a forward).

Who fits this though?

6. Trade Nurkic for a perhaps less skilled big man -- but one who is more MOBILE on D, a rim protector, and a rebounder (and healthier).

As with above, who fits this?
Just looking for names. I have spent so much time looking at options for SF and C and really dont see many. Maybe we can trade a 4-6 pick for OG, but is that worth it?
Nurkic especially, which team is trading a more mobile defensive C for him? I think it takes our LP to swap him for Myles Turner and even then I could see Indiana truly envisioning Myles as a core guy, not a asset fetcher.

I absolutely agree with what you're saying and with simply asking for names. I've looked up and down line-ups, and salaries (Spotrac) and ... the field is small.

4. Not "elite" in the sense of All Star or Superstar ... but next tier and who I see as a #2 -- Mikal Bridges. Brooklyn in a major rebuild with Phoenix picks (unprotected), and he's 26. They still need an off ramp from Ben Simmons. Ant and Nas as young building blocks with a lottery pick and other 1st rounders (2 perhaps) is A LOT, but Cronin said he's wanting to go for chips pushed to the middle of the table. Already friends with Dame and worked out with him in the summer. Dame, Shaedon, Bridges, Grant ... to me it makes sense as 4 of 5 starters. This is my favorite move that is "doable" in the realm of possibility.

6. They're not a running team and Davis needs help from a center because his body doesn't hold up trying to play one -- the Lakers. Nurkic = Mo Bamba + Jarred Vanderbilt. Two backup bigs at C and PF and previously linked to Portland in chatter and comments. I'd hope Cronin uses the $8+ million TPE on a journeyman, youngish center.

The other trade I want to see is Keon Johnson to Boston for Payton Pritchard. A backup PG who knows exactly who he is but totally buried on the Celtics. Keon has superior athleticism and who knows his upside but needs a new home.

[Norm2953]

Draft likely the BPA with their mid-lottery pick and the best big players with the Knicks and
their own SRP.

There seems to be a Nigerian big in all the mock drafts that the Blazers might get with the Knicks
pick. He's a real project, farther behind Duren but all the mocks have him getting picked at the
end of the first round which is fine with the Knicks pick.

[BlazersBroncos]

4. Not "elite" in the sense of All Star or Superstar ... but next tier and who I see as a #2 -- Mikal Bridges. Brooklyn in a major rebuild with Phoenix picks (unprotected), and he's 26. They still need an off ramp from Ben Simmons. Ant and Nas as young building blocks with a lottery pick and other 1st rounders (2 perhaps) is A LOT, but Cronin said he's wanting to go for chips pushed to the middle of the table. Already friends with Dame and worked out with him in the summer. Dame, Shaedon, Bridges, Grant ... to me it makes sense as 4 of 5 starters. This is my favorite move that is "doable" in the realm of possibility.

The DL rumors were BRK was getting 5 FRP offers for Mikal and passed them up. And this was PHX Mikal, before he started posting 25ppg on great efficiency in BRK. Now, those were grab bag picks - maybe a offer of #4-7 with a few future picks attached gets them to approach it differently. But I am not optimistic.

6. They're not a running team and Davis needs help from a center because his body doesn't hold up trying to play one -- the Lakers. Nurkic = Mo Bamba + Jarred Vanderbilt. Two backup bigs at C and PF and previously linked to Portland in chatter and comments. I'd hope Cronin uses the $8+ million TPE on a journeyman, youngish center.

I dont think LAL makes that move. They are about to have to pay DLo and Reaves long term so I cant see them taking on Nurkic's long deal. Reaves especially has been playing of late like a 15M AV guy, and with the dearth of talent this offseason I can see a team or two throwing him a juicy contract.

The other trade I want to see is Keon Johnson to Boston for Payton Pritchard. A backup PG who knows exactly who he is but totally buried on the Celtics. Keon has superior athleticism and who knows his upside but needs a new home.

This I would do. Loved Keon but he has really let me down this year. If BOS wants a guy to develop this could be a nice fit. PP is an ideal backup to Dame - not going to cry about MPG, knows how to set an offense up, can play off ball, hustler. But not sure BOS would want to take on the extra Keon money at this point in his career and with how little he has shown.

[The Sebastian Express]

I wanted to ask some of you so eagerly agreeing to trade Simons, Sharpe PLUS our lotto pick for Jaylen Brown.

Can you guys tell me why you're so wanting to give that nice package of lotto pick plus lotto pick for a guy whose contract expires next summer who's never been All NBA, I don't think he's ever been on any defensive teams and only an all-star twice?

[BlazersBroncos]

I wanted to ask some of you so eagerly agreeing to trade Simons, Sharpe PLUS our lotto pick for Jaylen Brown.

Can you guys tell me why you're so wanting to give that nice package of lotto pick plus lotto pick for a guy whose contract expires next summer who's never been All NBA, I don't think he's ever been on any defensive teams and only an all-star twice?

I think the main reason to be wary on Brown is he currently is in a tremendous situation palying to his strengths with a elite supporting cast and isnt happy - he might say otherwise, but the dude clearly isnt content w/ being a #2 to a much better player in Tatum.

That isnt changing here w/ Dame. Brown is a huge buyer beware, his attitude is low key a huge issue IMO.

Would rather target Pascal and think we could get it done using Simons to team X and sending our LP and team X LP to TOR (Plus other stuff, not getting too detailed ATM). Saves us SS and I like Pascal's on and off court character more. Not to mention his vision is miles better than Brown and something we really do need in a #2 w/ SS and Grant being pretty poor at creating for others.

PDX TRADES - Anfernee Simons (24.11), Nas Little (6.25), Keon Johnson (2.81), 2023 PDX LP, 2023 NYK FRP = (33.17)
PDX RECEIVES - Pascal Siakiam = (35.45)

ORL TRADES - Markelle Fultz (17), Bol Bol (2.2), 2023 CHI LP = (19.2)
ORL RECEIVES - Anfernee Simons (24.11), 2023 NYK FRP = (24.11)

TOR TRADES - Pascal Siakiam = (35.45)
TOR RECEIVES - Markelle Fultz (17), Nas Little (6.25), Keon Johnson (2.18), Bol Bol (2.2), 2023 CHI LP, 2023 PDX LP = (27.63)

I think all the in / out movement is within 25% so it should work.

G - Damian Lillard / 2023 SRP
G - Matisse Thybulle / Shadeon Sharpe
F - Jerami Grant / MLE
F - Pascal Siakiam / Trendon Watford / Jabari Walker JR
C - Jusuf Nurkic / Drew Eubanks

[DaVoiceMaster]

Man.. the MAgic are 12 seconds away from beating the Knicks, up 6. If we hadn't won last night we'd be tied with them..

Damn. But it's okay. We still have a shot to get 5th.

Orlando has 43 losses and the Blazers have 40 losses. 5th is not happening. Hoping they don't puss away 6th.

[zzaj]

The player I’m kinda curious about in a Nurkic (4 years) trade, is Valanciunas (2 years). As long as Lillard is here, he would be an upgrade over Nurkic.

[dunlop212]

If you're trying to win, you look at the Loss column. When you're tanking, you look at the win column.

[Village Idiot]

Hendricks is listed at 6-9 210 lbs. Like most 19-20 year olds, he's going to need some time
to gain weight and strength

He looks like a guy with a frame which will fill out nicely and could become a center. I like his game.

Scoot Henderson has dropped to third in a couple of different mocks. Hollinger has a good summary of the thought process

And yet … when Henderson can’t get a head of steam in transition his play devolves toward ordinary. Opponents go under ball screens and leave him settling for pull-up jumpers, which he takes in bunches but doesn’t convert at a particularly high rate. Henderson also rarely draws fouls, getting to the line just 72 times in 25 games this year. For somebody with his athleticism, that’s shocking. He’s also not much of a 3-point threat, shooting both infrequently and not all that accurately: converting just 22 of his 68 tries on the season

Henderson’s numbers haven’t improved at all (PER 14.9 this year versus 15.2 last year, shooting 44.3 percent versus 44.9 percent), and his most obvious weakness, perimeter shooting, hasn’t shown any real improvement either.

Overall, my takeaway is that watching Henderson is similar to watching Derrick Rose or Anthony Edwards in college, where you have to take the results with a grain of salt and understand the freakish athleticism underlying his game. That said, he’s going to have to develop a reliable jump shot to justify being the second pick in the draft, and he also needs to put more genuine pressure on the rim. Given that he already represents a player archetype – high-scoring, shoot-first guard who generates headlines but isn’t very valuable unless it’s accompanied by high efficiency — he no longer feels like a no-brainer to go second.

guys I like with our lottery pick:

Walker - will never be a superstar but a really high level connector who has a the frame and strength to the be primary screener in the offense. His shooting acumen and excellent passing skills make him potentially an offensive focal point. I project him as a better shooting Scottie Barnes.

Hendricks

Miller - PG13 similarities. Have to wonder about the really bad judgement in carrying a weapon in his car which was used in a homicide. Bad friends. red flag but the talent is there if we luck into the 2nd or 3rd pick

If we can't get one of those guys I'd look to trade out since the rest of the guys projected in that range are guards which is the last thing we need. I don't see any of them having more upside than Sharpe.

what about Whitmore? - worthless if he doesn't have the ball in his hands. He might be Miles Bridges but he might also be another athlete who can't transition into a contributing NBA player

guys I like with the Knicks pick:

GG Jackson - elite athlete, good skillset excellent frame. Similar to Sharpe in that he reclassified at the last minute after being highly ranked in the 24 draft class. Like Sharpe never got the summer practice and then ended up playing for a really bad team and underperformed.

Noah Clowney - another potential C of the future. Solid athlete. Plays the game the right way.

Leonard Miller - has developed really well after withdrawing from last years draft. Good athlete with a high BBIQ. Solid offensive game but weak frame and a poor defender. His massive development during the past year is really enouraging though.

Coleman Hawkins, James Nnaji - good athletes at the PF/C position who could be worth taking a flyer on developing. All are projected lower than this pick.

If Jackson or Clowney aren't there with the Knicks pick I would try to give that pick to the Bulls to settle that debt

NBAdraft.net has Hendricks up at #4 in their most recent mock!

A couple of more guys I like with the Knicks pick or if we can acquire an early 2nd rounder:

Derrick Lively - 7'1. Really solid defender both in the post and on switches. Not just good block numbers. Has had a limited role offensivley and pretty bad FT rate doesn't bode well. Pretty good rebounder. Mtchell Robinson with better core strength seems like a decent comp

Jordan Walsh - 6'7, 7'3 WS. I love this kids motor. Really long and strong. Can guard 1-4. Decent looking jumper. Reminds me of a Sochan/Rodman type of player

Jalen Slawson - 6'7 He's an old 3 and D (2-4) wing who does most things well. Will never be a star but should be able to step in and contribute from day 1.

[Skybox]

Man.. the MAgic are 12 seconds away from beating the Knicks, up 6. If we hadn't won last night we'd be tied with them..

Damn. But it's okay. We still have a shot to get 5th.

Orlando has 43 losses and the Blazers have 40 losses. 5th is not happening. Hoping they don't puss away 6th.

ORL is trying to win every night, POR is trying to lose every night...you'll jump us in the lottery. But it's still a LOTTERY (I keep telling myself).

Every great game for Sharpe puts you a step closer to sending ORL Simons I love a Sharpe/Dame backcourt and Dame clearly isn't going anywhere or aging out...hopefully, an eventful summer for both of us.