2023 Draft Discussion Part III

[aminiaturebuddha]

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Scheyer and injuries cost him a lot. He will be a workout riser

He should consider participating at this year's draft combine. A good showing could increase his stock back into the lottery.

I think I'm higher on Whitehead now than a lot of mocks and basketball analysts in part because I didn't pay much attention to the high school rankings or hype. I'm not looking at him as a first option star type player. But if he's there in the middle of the first round, teams need to be looking for someone who could become a rotation player, and I definitely think he could be that.

I think his shooting will absolutely play at the next level, and at worst he'll become an above average defender. Does he have much in the way of self-creation right now? No. But he has a good chance at becoming a solid 3-and-D guy, with some latent talent to be more. I think some teams will regret it if he slips much beyond the 20th pick range.

[Psubs]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

You would take Desmond Bane over Ja Morant?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Psubs]

Scheyer and injuries cost him a lot. He will be a workout riser

He should consider participating at this year's draft combine. A good showing could increase his stock back into the lottery.

I think I'm higher on Whitehead now than a lot of mocks and basketball analysts in part because I didn't pay much attention to the high school rankings or hype. I'm not looking at him as a first option star type player. But if he's there in the middle of the first round, teams need to be looking for someone who could become a rotation player, and I definitely think he could be that.

I think his shooting will absolutely play at the next level, and at worst he'll become an above average defender. Does he have much in the way of self-creation right now? No. But he has a good chance at becoming a solid 3-and-D guy, with some latent talent to be more. I think some teams will regret it if he slips much beyond the 20th pick range.

Well, right now he's an AJ Griffin level prospect, with possibly slightly better playmaking.

[WuTang_CMB]

Not saying Colby is the pick but Raps love these type of dudes. Usually bodes well for a kid to keep coming back with added arsenal to his game. Good on him, hope he goes to a good development team who respects his game.

I pride myself on going to bat for upperclassmen that have simply gotten better each year throughout their collegiate careers. Over the years, being an “upperclassman” has been ruled as a negative in the draft space. It’s something that continues to shock me as an evaluator and, most importantly, a fan of the NBA.

Players will look at themselves in the mirror and say, “you know what, I could probably improve my game a lot with another year.” We should be applauding them for that type of self-realization. That’s just what Xavier junior guard Colby Jones did. Listed at 6’6”, Colby Jones will be a swiss-army-knife of production at the next level. Jones was buzzing in NBA Draft circles as a potential sleeper during the 2021-22 NCAA season. While Jones was filling up the box scores, there was a clear desire for him to add the outside shot to his game. That’s when Colby decided to return for his junior season.

Jones went back and did just what NBA scouts wanted to see. He developed a smooth-shooting stroke from outside that looks to be trending in the right direction rapidly. It’s not just the shot that makes Colby an intriguing talent moving forward, though. Jones is an intelligent player who understands patience and how to work to get to his spots. He’s going to have the potential to be an outstanding “connecting” piece at the next level. When players are entering the NBA, they are going to have to rely on their strengths in order to make an impact as a rookie. Jones offers the versatility on both sides of the floor to step up and contribute in a number of different areas.

Jones won’t be the “sexiest” pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. But he’s going to be in the running for “how did he go that late?” Some team will have a long conversation about passing him up much earlier than expected.

[Psubs]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

You would take Desmond Bane over Ja Morant?


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If I was the GM of the Grizzlies and had to pick one. I'd trade him like Demar Derozan to improve the team. Arguably the Grizz have been playing even better Jones at starting guard with Bane. So not really hard to replace Ja and he could bring back a lot.

A more obvious scenario is Dejounte Murray over Trae Young. The Grizz shouldn't be looking to trade Ja unless a crazy offer comes up like for Donovan Mitchell, you make the trade easy. The Hawks on the otherhand are treadmilling and should trade Trae as he won't get them to the Finals. Oh, geez, I don't know any team that should trade for him. Charlotte trades Rozier, Hayward and 1st pick for Trae and Capela?

[Psubs]

Not saying Colby is the pick but Raps love these type of dudes. Usually bodes well for a kid to keep coming back with added arsenal to his game. Good on him, hope he goes to a good development team who respects his game.

I pride myself on going to bat for upperclassmen that have simply gotten better each year throughout their collegiate careers. Over the years, being an “upperclassman” has been ruled as a negative in the draft space. It’s something that continues to shock me as an evaluator and, most importantly, a fan of the NBA.

Players will look at themselves in the mirror and say, “you know what, I could probably improve my game a lot with another year.” We should be applauding them for that type of self-realization. That’s just what Xavier junior guard Colby Jones did. Listed at 6’6”, Colby Jones will be a swiss-army-knife of production at the next level. Jones was buzzing in NBA Draft circles as a potential sleeper during the 2021-22 NCAA season. While Jones was filling up the box scores, there was a clear desire for him to add the outside shot to his game. That’s when Colby decided to return for his junior season.

Jones went back and did just what NBA scouts wanted to see. He developed a smooth-shooting stroke from outside that looks to be trending in the right direction rapidly. It’s not just the shot that makes Colby an intriguing talent moving forward, though. Jones is an intelligent player who understands patience and how to work to get to his spots. He’s going to have the potential to be an outstanding “connecting” piece at the next level. When players are entering the NBA, they are going to have to rely on their strengths in order to make an impact as a rookie. Jones offers the versatility on both sides of the floor to step up and contribute in a number of different areas.

Jones won’t be the “sexiest” pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. But he’s going to be in the running for “how did he go that late?” Some team will have a long conversation about passing him up much earlier than expected.

Jordan Miller may not cost a draft pick and has an A/T of 3 in the tourney. Being 23 gets him undrafted but a great backup SG/PG. I think he's like a Josh Hart, but with a little less rebounding and a little more play-making.

[Dalek]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

Not that I dislike a Cason Wallace, but sometimes when I read this board it feels like some people just want guys who fit analytics models and not entertaining basketball players. I know there is the "one goal is a championship yada yada," but only one team gets that.

A guy like Scoot is infinitely more entertaining to build your franchise around than Wallace. Similarly, no one is coming to watch Bane while everyone loves to watch the Morant show, and he adds so much marketing value to the team with jersey sales, national TV spots etc.

I think there was one post on here that mentioned We the North is dead. Well, it is because this team is dull oncourt and plays a brutally ugly form of basketball with limited shooting and self creation skills.

Franchises are willing to bet on guys like Scoot or Amen Thompson because they see the value of a Ja Morant or Lamelo. There has to be some style and marketability or the NBA just becomes a bunch of 3 and D players because they play mistake-free, optimal basketball.

[Psubs]

Someone said that Thad has a buyout of $1 million so that's a no-brainer and also a reason why he isn't playing at all anymore.

Sidy is a jumbo creator that lead the U18 French team!!! He shows the vision and creativity of Scottie and can dunk on 1 step like OG. He must be 6'7 at least and is STILLLLLLLLLL only 18 (for another week). He has the most potential and could be a mix of Scottie and OG. I think he's exactly what the Raptors look for.

What makes Hendricks and Jarace better prospects than Sidy? Hendricks is a better 3pt shooter (though he shot a few from beyond the college distance). Jarace is more ferocious? Sidy is more complete and I think more versitile able to guard 1-4. Will Sidy have a better career than Scoot, who also can't shoot well from NBA 3 yet?

I like Cason Wallace as PG/SG Jrue and Sidy Cissoko like Scottie Barnes 2.0.

Kinda moves like Jeff Green. I read that he was seen as a weak defender for most of his career in Spain and has improved with the Ignite, but I think it's also hard to get a good read for that against Gleague competition. He's going to be compared to Black, Rupert, Coulibaly in this draft.

My main concern with Sidy is: where does he play? What value does he add?

He's not great on the ball (nor will he get much opportunity to play with the ball in his hands on this team), I don't trust his shooting, he has a tendency to float on the perimeter, and at the moment he's a average defender. What separates him from someone like Ron Harper Junior?

He's a decent athlete, has a nice frame and every now and then throws a flashy pass. I just don't see how he contributes to winning or fills any gaps on this team. Maybe, after a few years development, but there are other upside bets I'd prefer the team to take

That sounds like what was said about Scottie over Suggs. I think Sidy is just as good a creator as Wagner and Scottie. Sidy does everything at least average. Turning 19 in a week he has as much potential as any in the draft.

Also, maybe he hasn't stopped growing?!?!?! There are listings of him being 6'5-6'6 but over the past year he looks like he's dunking a lot more in traffic and from standstill like OG. He's got to be at least 6'7 and might end up 6'8 like Scottie.

Sidy would spend most of the year with the 905 and becoming an MVP candidate.

Watch on YouTube

He makes the hard passes and sports an A/T of 2 against good competition.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

Not that I dislike a Cason Wallace, but sometimes when I read this board it feels like some people just want guys who fit analytics models and not entertaining basketball players. I know there is the "one goal is a championship yada yada," but only one team gets that.

A guy like Scoot is infinitely more entertaining to build your franchise around than Wallace. Similarly, no one is coming to watch Bane while everyone loves to watch the Morant show, and he adds so much marketing value to the team with jersey sales, national TV spots etc.

I think there was one post on here that mentioned We the North is dead. Well, it is because this team is dull oncourt and plays a brutally ugly form of basketball with limited shooting and self creation skills.

Franchises are willing to bet on guys like Scoot or Amen Thompson because they see the value of a Ja Morant or Lamelo. There has to be some style and marketability or the NBA just becomes a bunch of 3 and D players because they play mistake-free, optimal basketball.

The Raptors sell better than the Grizzlies and Hornets. I'll take boring Ws over flashy Ls any day of the week

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

Not that I dislike a Cason Wallace, but sometimes when I read this board it feels like some people just want guys who fit analytics models and not entertaining basketball players. I know there is the "one goal is a championship yada yada," but only one team gets that.

A guy like Scoot is infinitely more entertaining to build your franchise around than Wallace. Similarly, no one is coming to watch Bane while everyone loves to watch the Morant show, and he adds so much marketing value to the team with jersey sales, national TV spots etc.

I think there was one post on here that mentioned We the North is dead. Well, it is because this team is dull oncourt and plays a brutally ugly form of basketball with limited shooting and self creation skills.

Franchises are willing to bet on guys like Scoot or Amen Thompson because they see the value of a Ja Morant or Lamelo. There has to be some style and marketability or the NBA just becomes a bunch of 3 and D players because they play mistake-free, optimal basketball.

I mean a lot of things can be entertaining, not only the players/gameplay. Sam Mitchell was more entertaining than Nurse. Chuck Swirsky was more entertaining than Matt Devlin. Mop Girl was more entertaining than whoever is mopping the floors now.

Would I have traded the championship team with dull personalities for 10 years of laugh out loud quotations and interviews with Smitch or 10 years of prime Vince Carter? I wouldn't be able to justify it.

[Psubs]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

He's poor athletically and poor at self creation and creating separation. No he shouldn't go in the top5 at all

I see what you're saying but watching him run the floor in transition he looks pretty fast and also attacking the basket he is sneaky quick.

Just watching his footage it's hard to say he's a poor athlete. Maybe he's below average in relation to what people would expect out of a top 5 pick but I don't see any kind of lack of athleticism that will hold him back from impacting the NBA floor.

Agreed. Jrue might be in the top 5 in WS in his draft class and he was drafted #17 and wasn't a workout darling.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

It's nice if you can find a way to entertain fans along the way with a showstopping NBA JAM type player or two while being a championship caliber team, sonetimes it works that way and sometimes it doesn't.

[Psubs]

Does anyone else feel Cason Wallace should be drafted top 5? I think there's a definite argument to be made for him to be selected over Jarace Walker who has looked really clumsy to me at times and has frequent mental lapses.

Cason gives me Kawhi vibes in strict terms of his laser focus and intensity and how he approaches the game. It's easy to get excited about him as a potentially elite NBA iso defender and he's very smart in everything he does on the offensive end.

I think so. He might help a team win more than Scoot.

It's like Ja Morant is over-rated and Desmond Bane is more important to the Grizzlies.

Not that I dislike a Cason Wallace, but sometimes when I read this board it feels like some people just want guys who fit analytics models and not entertaining basketball players. I know there is the "one goal is a championship yada yada," but only one team gets that.

A guy like Scoot is infinitely more entertaining to build your franchise around than Wallace. Similarly, no one is coming to watch Bane while everyone loves to watch the Morant show, and he adds so much marketing value to the team with jersey sales, national TV spots etc.

I think there was one post on here that mentioned We the North is dead. Well, it is because this team is dull oncourt and plays a brutally ugly form of basketball with limited shooting and self creation skills.

Franchises are willing to bet on guys like Scoot or Amen Thompson because they see the value of a Ja Morant or Lamelo. There has to be some style and marketability or the NBA just becomes a bunch of 3 and D players because they play mistake-free, optimal basketball.

The Raptors have won a championship. I'd like for them to win another in the next decade and I think that's possible with Lebron, KD, Kawhi, Curry, all being retired. Giannis, Tatum and Jokic will be old. Will Dallas be able to add talent around Luka?

There haven't really been many generational talents drafted in the last 10 years except for Luka.

Raptors don't need to entertain the fans with Vince Carter, they need players like Lowry. Of course Kawhi too. I wouldn't mind if they were boring like the 90's Jazz or the Spurs. It's hard when operating in a "small" market.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

He's poor athletically and poor at self creation and creating separation. No he shouldn't go in the top5 at all

I see what you're saying but watching him run the floor in transition he looks pretty fast and also attacking the basket he is sneaky quick.

Just watching his footage it's hard to say he's a poor athlete. Maybe he's below average in relation to what people would expect out of a top 5 pick but I don't see any kind of lack of athleticism that will hold him back from impacting the NBA floor.

Agreed. Jrue might be in the top 5 in WS in his draft class and he was drafted #17 and wasn't a workout darling.

Cason's last game in the tourney really made me go from ok this is a really good prospect to ok there's something special there.

I'm surprised nobody made a highlight video of his gameplay from that game yet. It's only a game but his intensity and focus had me envisioning him locked in during an nba playoff game just tuning everything else out and playing with fearlessness and confidence.

[ATLTimekeeper]

This logic would have taken Kemba over Kawhi. I don't want to pursue this awful line of thinking any longer.

[Psubs]

It's nice if you can find a way to entertain fans along the way with a showstopping NBA JAM type player or two while being a championship caliber team, sonetimes it works that way and sometimes it doesn't.

Scottie's dunks are NICE enough.

Cissoko is dunking on guys!!! I am entertained!!!

Watch on YouTube

I don't need over-dribbling step-backs all the time. Last night Mitchell hit a 3 with less than a minute left and then the next possession when they had a a full shot clock he tried a heat-check 3 when all he needed was get to the bucket and get FT's.

[Psubs]

I see what you're saying but watching him run the floor in transition he looks pretty fast and also attacking the basket he is sneaky quick.

Just watching his footage it's hard to say he's a poor athlete. Maybe he's below average in relation to what people would expect out of a top 5 pick but I don't see any kind of lack of athleticism that will hold him back from impacting the NBA floor.

Agreed. Jrue might be in the top 5 in WS in his draft class and he was drafted #17 and wasn't a workout darling.

Cason's last game in the tourney really made me go from ok this is a really good prospect to ok there's something special there.

I'm surprised nobody made a highlight video of his gameplay from that game yet. It's only a game but his intensity and focus had me envisioning him locked in during an nba playoff game just tuning everything else out and playing with fearlessness and confidence.

No player specific video.

Watch on YouTube

Well you can see how Oscar Tshiebwe looks like old Biyombo at best and shouldn't be drafted even with a late 2nd. Uses brute force but doesn't have great defensive positioning even after so many years in college.

[Rapsfan07]

Jaylen Williams: 6'6 (Junior): 34.8 MIN, 18.0 PPG, 4.4 REB, 4.2 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.5 BLK, .513 FG, .396 3PT, .809 FT, .601 TS
Colby Jones: 6'5 (Junior): 34.0 MIN, 15.0 PPG, 5.7 REB, 4.4 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.6 BLK, .509 FG, .378 3PT, .653 FT, .580 TS

Similar stats for sure. Most notable difference being that free throw percentage which could explain the difference in PPG.

Williams just looks like the better shooter in general. But still, even with all of that...very interesting comp.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Agreed. Jrue might be in the top 5 in WS in his draft class and he was drafted #17 and wasn't a workout darling.

Cason's last game in the tourney really made me go from ok this is a really good prospect to ok there's something special there.

I'm surprised nobody made a highlight video of his gameplay from that game yet. It's only a game but his intensity and focus had me envisioning him locked in during an nba playoff game just tuning everything else out and playing with fearlessness and confidence.

No player specific video.

Watch on YouTube

Well you can see how Oscar Tshiebwe looks like old Biyombo at best and shouldn't be drafted even with a late 2nd. Uses brute force but doesn't have great defensive positioning even after so many years in college.

Yeah I'm not a fan of Tshiebwe when it comes to 2nd round/udfa undersized Cs, some people have him firmly in the mid 2nd. I think he goes undrafted and Sanogo gets drafted late.