2023 Draft Discussion Part III

[BoyzNTheHood]

GG should have went to a school with better players. He never learned to pass or really play winning basketball. If we drafted him I think he would be a 4 year project so doubt it would happen. He's got talent and was obviously productive even though the efficiency wans't there, but still too young and really should enter the transfer portal and go to a better program instead of declaring imo

UNC was the original option he chose and he should’ve probably went there. Even though they had issues of their own that roster had solid college vets and a coach who played in the NBA

[mademan]

TBH, and its crazy to say, but i dont think Masai and the FO have the cache to take a swing on a guy like GG. I think they have to start doing something good and soon, cause there's only so long you can rest on past laurels. In a world where the NE owner isnt really going to bat for Bellichick, Masai is not safe.

[Rapsfan07]

It's looking like Siddy will be our pick as I think we'll be picking in the 15-18 range and I believe he's the most raptor like player to be available in the that range. Cason would obviously be the pick but I don't think he makes it to 15-18

Agreed.

I think take Sidy, re-sign FVV (can trade him later) sign and trade Trent for a late 1st pick (that they are drafting for us) and filler.

Late 1st - TJD, Bufkin, Sasser, Leonard, Podziemski, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Max Lewis, Whitehead, Strawther.

If end up with one of those with a pick 25-30, I'm cool.

I think we'll probably end up somewhere around 13-14. If that is the case and both Hendricks and Wallace are off the board (as I imagine they will be), no need to take Sidy there. No need to take him at all, really.

We should be able to trade back with Brooklyn for 21 and 22. There, I would probably take Jones and Bufkin.

I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of dealing OG either.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

It's looking like Siddy will be our pick as I think we'll be picking in the 15-18 range and I believe he's the most raptor like player to be available in the that range. Cason would obviously be the pick but I don't think he makes it to 15-18

Agreed.

I think take Sidy, re-sign FVV (can trade him later) sign and trade Trent for a late 1st pick (that they are drafting for us) and filler.

Late 1st - TJD, Bufkin, Sasser, Leonard, Podziemski, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Max Lewis, Whitehead, Strawther.

If end up with one of those with a pick 25-30, I'm cool.

It's almost impossible for me to envision Masai taking Terquavion Smith who is an inconsistent chucker with poor percentages and a 0.7 DBPM.

He should go for 2 way players with more reasonable percentages and balanced advanced stats. At this point I wouldn't be opposed to drafting 2 guards if possible unless Masai thinks he has some kind of otherworldly talent at wing who is hiding in plain sight somewhere.

Unfortunately history tells us Masai will probably bypass almost all the players listed in favor of a lanky International or African prospect like Bilal Coulibaly.

[Psubs]

It's looking like Siddy will be our pick as I think we'll be picking in the 15-18 range and I believe he's the most raptor like player to be available in the that range. Cason would obviously be the pick but I don't think he makes it to 15-18

Agreed.

I think take Sidy, re-sign FVV (can trade him later) sign and trade Trent for a late 1st pick (that they are drafting for us) and filler.

Late 1st - TJD, Bufkin, Sasser, Leonard, Podziemski, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Max Lewis, Whitehead, Strawther.

If end up with one of those with a pick 25-30, I'm cool.

I think we'll probably end up somewhere around 13-14. If that is the case and both Hendricks and Wallace are off the board (as I imagine they will be), no need to take Sidy there. No need to take him at all, really.

We should be able to trade back with Brooklyn for 21 and 22. There, I would probably take Jones and Bufkin.

I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of dealing OG either.

No need to take Sidy at all? He played well in the GLeague vs men who were ALL above average (mostly D1) players and those that are fringe NBA players. It might be slightly higher competition than the NBL and definitely better than college.

At 18, he's already shooting the NBA 3 better than Pascal at the same age and Boucher now! I would say that he would be the 2nd most creative passer on the team behind Scottie. That's something that the Raptors need on offense another creator on offense. Also he wouldn't struggle to finish at the rim like Trent, Thaddeus, etc.

Is Scoot THAT much better a prospect than Sidy? I would rate Sidy slightly higher than other internationals like Rupert and Coulibaly because of the play-making.

Over the last couple of years, I've pushed hard for Bane, Kessler and Franz Wagner (I guess I was cool with him, Barnes or Giddey).

This year outside of the top 3, I like Henricks, Cason and Sidy. A lot of people here like Jarace Walker but I think I see an Aaron Gordon or Isaiah Stewart with a floater. Though not someone that the Raptors really need.

[ATLTimekeeper]

And the opposing logic would likely draft Tyreke Evans over Steph Curry because he was a big PG who looked like he could defend at the next level. Or maybe Rubio who was an awesome two-way player in Spain.

You were complaining about an analytical approach. Now you're talking about size and two way play. I'm certain Curry was the best statistical prospect out of the three, and fwiw, Rubio was known in the NBA as a super-hyped phenom since he was 15 and was highly marketable and fun to watch. These aren't the examples you want to use.

Kawhi was a diamond in the rough but he was developed in the best place possible with the best shooting coach in the league. He was a good college player, but the Spurs developed him into a "superstar." He got to play with three hall-of-fame players to start his career. Not a bad group to learn from.

Still boring. You think Kemba on the Spurs is Kawhi? Nah.

Scoot has scary raw materials: speed, power and PG vision, and he is a natural leader/star that makes him special. Back in Lamelo's draft year people were talking themselves out of him because of his defense and his character, but as soon as stepped on an NBA court he was a walking triple double. I see the same for Scoot assuming he can stay healty.

I'm not talking about Scoot or individuals. The better prospect is the one you should draft, not the one that sells the most shirts. If there are some numbers that eliminate the noise and hype, they should be valued! Drafting isn't a perfect science. We can agree on that. You're thoughts here are too far gone, though. I'll take the Ws every time.

[DG88]

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[Rapsfan07]

Agreed.

I think take Sidy, re-sign FVV (can trade him later) sign and trade Trent for a late 1st pick (that they are drafting for us) and filler.

Late 1st - TJD, Bufkin, Sasser, Leonard, Podziemski, Terquavion, Colby Jones, Max Lewis, Whitehead, Strawther.

If end up with one of those with a pick 25-30, I'm cool.

I think we'll probably end up somewhere around 13-14. If that is the case and both Hendricks and Wallace are off the board (as I imagine they will be), no need to take Sidy there. No need to take him at all, really.

We should be able to trade back with Brooklyn for 21 and 22. There, I would probably take Jones and Bufkin.

I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of dealing OG either.

No need to take Sidy at all? He played well in the GLeague vs men who were ALL above average (mostly D1) players and those that are fringe NBA players. It might be slightly higher competition than the NBL and definitely better than college.

At 18, he's already shooting the NBA 3 better than Pascal at the same age and Boucher now! I would say that he would be the 2nd most creative passer on the team behind Scottie. That's something that the Raptors need on offense another creator on offense. Also he wouldn't struggle to finish at the rim like Trent, Thaddeus, etc.

Is Scoot THAT much better a prospect than Sidy? I would rate Sidy slightly higher than other internationals like Rupert and Coulibaly because of the play-making.

Over the last couple of years, I've pushed hard for Bane, Kessler and Franz Wagner (I guess I was cool with him, Barnes or Giddey).

This year outside of the top 3, I like Henricks, Cason and Sidy. A lot of people here like Jarace Walker but I think I see an Aaron Gordon or Isaiah Stewart with a floater. Though not someone that the Raptors really need.

I hear all that. I've seen Sidy play in person and what I liked about him most was his size and passing. Dude is absolutely huge and he does have an incredible knack for passing the ball. But that's honestly about it. I wasn't blown away by him. At least Scoot has elite athleticism, burst and speed.

This team, both now and in the future, needs scoring - preferably from all three levels. Right now, I'd probably take Bufkin over Cissoko... I'd probably even take Jones over Cissoko too and we don't even have an additional first rounder. Both of those guys also shoot the three better than Pascal did at the same age and better than Boucher does now. They both average more assists as well, albeit in a worse league and not as flashy as Cissoko is.

Again, I think it's because I'm prioritizing guards who can score from 3 levels and both those guys do it better than Sidy does.

EDIT: Bufkin averages 2.9 APG while Sidy averages 3.1. Not a massive difference but I thought I'd straighten that out. Jones still averages more than both of them.

[Rapsfan07]

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Man I want Wallace so bad. More than I do Hendricks at this point.

Sadly, I think he's gone by 10 and definitely before 14.

[OakleyDokely]

I think Cason Wallace is going to be a solid starter but I don't see star potential with him.

He's really not elite at anything, which will make it tough for him to become an all-star level guy. He's a pretty safe pick though. Low bust potential.

[Psubs]

I think we'll probably end up somewhere around 13-14. If that is the case and both Hendricks and Wallace are off the board (as I imagine they will be), no need to take Sidy there. No need to take him at all, really.

We should be able to trade back with Brooklyn for 21 and 22. There, I would probably take Jones and Bufkin.

I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of dealing OG either.

No need to take Sidy at all? He played well in the GLeague vs men who were ALL above average (mostly D1) players and those that are fringe NBA players. It might be slightly higher competition than the NBL and definitely better than college.

At 18, he's already shooting the NBA 3 better than Pascal at the same age and Boucher now! I would say that he would be the 2nd most creative passer on the team behind Scottie. That's something that the Raptors need on offense another creator on offense. Also he wouldn't struggle to finish at the rim like Trent, Thaddeus, etc.

Is Scoot THAT much better a prospect than Sidy? I would rate Sidy slightly higher than other internationals like Rupert and Coulibaly because of the play-making.

Over the last couple of years, I've pushed hard for Bane, Kessler and Franz Wagner (I guess I was cool with him, Barnes or Giddey).

This year outside of the top 3, I like Henricks, Cason and Sidy. A lot of people here like Jarace Walker but I think I see an Aaron Gordon or Isaiah Stewart with a floater. Though not someone that the Raptors really need.

I hear all that. I've seen Sidy play in person and what I liked about him most was his size and passing. Dude is absolutely huge and he does have an incredible knack for passing the ball. But that's honestly about it. I wasn't blown away by him. At least Scoot has elite athleticism, burst and speed.

This team, both now and in the future, needs scoring - preferably from all three levels. Right now, I'd probably take Bufkin over Cissoko... I'd probably even take Jones over Cissoko too and we don't even have an additional first rounder. Both of those guys also shoot the three better than Pascal did at the same age and better than Boucher does now. They both average more assists as well, albeit in a worse league and not as flashy as Cissoko is.

Again, I think it's because I'm prioritizing guards who can score from 3 levels and both those guys do it better than Sidy does.

EDIT: Bufkin averages 2.9 APG while Sidy averages 3.1. Not a massive difference but I thought I'd straighten that out. Jones still averages more than both of them.

I think Sidy grew and is getting used to the new body. I think he'll be a big "guard" like Scottie. Raptors should keep adding jumbo creators to corner the market. Franz Wagner didn't "look" too special either.

With Bufkin, I guess he could be the next Anfernee Simons or Jordan Poole, but I don't want to pay those guys $30 million per year. For a small market team, you can't add those players that will take up too much cap space. Just sign Eric Gordon to the full MLE.

[Psubs]

I think Cason Wallace is going to be a solid starter but I don't see star potential with him.

He's really not elite at anything, which will make it tough for him to become an all-star level guy. He's a pretty safe pick though. Low bust potential.

Jrue Holiday just put up 51 points.

[OakleyDokely]

I think Cason Wallace is going to be a solid starter but I don't see star potential with him.

He's really not elite at anything, which will make it tough for him to become an all-star level guy. He's a pretty safe pick though. Low bust potential.

Jrue Holiday just put up 51 points.

He's got a long way to go to become Jrue. That's probably best case scenario.

[Psubs]

I think Cason Wallace is going to be a solid starter but I don't see star potential with him.

He's really not elite at anything, which will make it tough for him to become an all-star level guy. He's a pretty safe pick though. Low bust potential.

Jrue Holiday just put up 51 points.

He's got a long way to go to become Jrue. That's probably best case scenario.

Cason is slightly taller so may be a better finisher at the rim. I can see him being a Marcus Smart player.

[OakleyDokely]

Looking at the options, I don't see value at #4. I think you're probably better off trading down a bit and getting an asset or two. Gotta hope someone is really high on someone though.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I think we'll probably end up somewhere around 13-14. If that is the case and both Hendricks and Wallace are off the board (as I imagine they will be), no need to take Sidy there. No need to take him at all, really.

We should be able to trade back with Brooklyn for 21 and 22. There, I would probably take Jones and Bufkin.

I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of dealing OG either.

No need to take Sidy at all? He played well in the GLeague vs men who were ALL above average (mostly D1) players and those that are fringe NBA players. It might be slightly higher competition than the NBL and definitely better than college.

At 18, he's already shooting the NBA 3 better than Pascal at the same age and Boucher now! I would say that he would be the 2nd most creative passer on the team behind Scottie. That's something that the Raptors need on offense another creator on offense. Also he wouldn't struggle to finish at the rim like Trent, Thaddeus, etc.

Is Scoot THAT much better a prospect than Sidy? I would rate Sidy slightly higher than other internationals like Rupert and Coulibaly because of the play-making.

Over the last couple of years, I've pushed hard for Bane, Kessler and Franz Wagner (I guess I was cool with him, Barnes or Giddey).

This year outside of the top 3, I like Henricks, Cason and Sidy. A lot of people here like Jarace Walker but I think I see an Aaron Gordon or Isaiah Stewart with a floater. Though not someone that the Raptors really need.

I hear all that. I've seen Sidy play in person and what I liked about him most was his size and passing. Dude is absolutely huge and he does have an incredible knack for passing the ball. But that's honestly about it. I wasn't blown away by him. At least Scoot has elite athleticism, burst and speed.

This team, both now and in the future, needs scoring - preferably from all three levels. Right now, I'd probably take Bufkin over Cissoko... I'd probably even take Jones over Cissoko too and we don't even have an additional first rounder. Both of those guys also shoot the three better than Pascal did at the same age and better than Boucher does now. They both average more assists as well, albeit in a worse league and not as flashy as Cissoko is.

Again, I think it's because I'm prioritizing guards who can score from 3 levels and both those guys do it better than Sidy does.

I'm pretty adamant about us needing a player or players with the following qualities for our team as it stands:

-Capable of playing PG or SG (true SG with the ability to cover NBA guards and closeout well on the perimeter, not "insert Scottie Barnes at SG and watch him get cooked" PF who the Raps will tout as a switchable defender who will get burned by agile and fluid NBA guards)

-Capable of eventually hovering around 40% from downtown as a volume 3 point shooter in the NBA w plus defense OR capable of having a base FG% of 46%+ and getting to the line 6+ times a game because of ability to absorb contact and finish w plus defense OR elite defensive potential mixed with a more moderate projection say 36% from downtown and being able to get to the line 4+ times a game. Of course the ideal here is to find eventual 3 level efficiency with great %s from 2pt 3pt and FTArate+%

-Must currently show a fair degree of competency as a passer and with AST/TO ratio.

-Must currently shoot 75%+ from the line.

-Must currently average at least 1 steal per 36.

[OakleyDokely]

I think the Raps are just going to take the best talent available regardless of current need.

Whomever they take likely won't contribute in a positive way next year anyways, so you might as well just take the best talent even it if it overlaps with the current roster.

[Rapsfan07]

Looking at the options, I don't see value at #4. I think you're probably better off trading down a bit and getting an asset or two. Gotta hope someone is really high on someone though.

I don't know about that either. I think people are writing off the Thompson Twins a little too early.

I think they could solidify themselves in the Top 7 depending on how the workouts and combine go. Amen is a 1% athlete with elite passing chops.

[Rapsfan07]

No need to take Sidy at all? He played well in the GLeague vs men who were ALL above average (mostly D1) players and those that are fringe NBA players. It might be slightly higher competition than the NBL and definitely better than college.

At 18, he's already shooting the NBA 3 better than Pascal at the same age and Boucher now! I would say that he would be the 2nd most creative passer on the team behind Scottie. That's something that the Raptors need on offense another creator on offense. Also he wouldn't struggle to finish at the rim like Trent, Thaddeus, etc.

Is Scoot THAT much better a prospect than Sidy? I would rate Sidy slightly higher than other internationals like Rupert and Coulibaly because of the play-making.

Over the last couple of years, I've pushed hard for Bane, Kessler and Franz Wagner (I guess I was cool with him, Barnes or Giddey).

This year outside of the top 3, I like Henricks, Cason and Sidy. A lot of people here like Jarace Walker but I think I see an Aaron Gordon or Isaiah Stewart with a floater. Though not someone that the Raptors really need.

I hear all that. I've seen Sidy play in person and what I liked about him most was his size and passing. Dude is absolutely huge and he does have an incredible knack for passing the ball. But that's honestly about it. I wasn't blown away by him. At least Scoot has elite athleticism, burst and speed.

This team, both now and in the future, needs scoring - preferably from all three levels. Right now, I'd probably take Bufkin over Cissoko... I'd probably even take Jones over Cissoko too and we don't even have an additional first rounder. Both of those guys also shoot the three better than Pascal did at the same age and better than Boucher does now. They both average more assists as well, albeit in a worse league and not as flashy as Cissoko is.

Again, I think it's because I'm prioritizing guards who can score from 3 levels and both those guys do it better than Sidy does.

I'm pretty adamant about us needing a player or players with the following qualities for our team as it stands:

-Capable of playing PG or SG (true SG with the ability to cover NBA guards and closeout well on the perimeter, not "insert Scottie Barnes at SG and watch him get cooked" PF who the Raps will tout as a switchable defender who will get burned by agile and fluid NBA guards)

-Capable of eventually hovering around 40% from downtown as a volume 3 point shooter in the NBA w plus defense OR capable of having a base FG% of 46%+ and getting to the line 6+ times a game because of ability to absorb contact and finish w plus defense OR elite defensive potential mixed with a more moderate projection say 36% from downtown and being able to get to the line 4+ times a game. Of course the ideal here is to find eventual 3 level efficiency with great %s from 2pt 3pt and FTArate+%

-Must currently show a fair degree of competency as a passer and with AST/TO ratio.

-Must currently shoot 75%+ from the line.

-Must currently average at least 1 steal per 36.

Sounds like a superstar to me lol

[OakleyDokely]

Looking at the options, I don't see value at #4. I think you're probably better off trading down a bit and getting an asset or two. Gotta hope someone is really high on someone though.

I don't know about that either. I think people are writing off the Thompson Twins a little too early.

I think they could solidify themselves in the Top 7 depending on how the workouts and combine go. Amen is a 1% athlete with elite passing chops.

Lets say you take Thompson at 4, is that better value than Wallace at 10 and a future lottery protected pick for example?