ImageImageImageImageImage

2023 Draft Discussion Part III

Moderators: DG88, niQ, Duffman100, tsherkin, Reeko, lebron stopper, HiJiNX, Morris_Shatford, 7 Footer

Mark_83
Lead Assistant
Posts: 4,802
And1: 3,855
Joined: Jun 26, 2008

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#421 » by Mark_83 » Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:14 pm

Psubs wrote:
ItsDanger wrote:Saw Whitehead play a few times. Good perimeter shooter, supposedly a 3 level scorer, but I didn't see mid range much. Basically was 4th option, low usage on Duke. By the end was elbow and corner 3 pt shooter on the floor. Good defensive upside. I would need to see his handles more in traffic and how he goes left. Workouts will be huge factor for him. Basically, first 6 weeks or so were kind of a wash in his season.


He looks slower and less bouncy after the injury. So could be AJ Griffin 2.0 with possibly more passing skills.

Good comp, but I was and am actually a big Griffen fan. I think he's got elite shooting capabilities, and if he either gets his athleticism back or learns to rely on his overpowering strength more to compensate, he's going to be a beast.
User avatar
niQ
Forum Mod - Raptors
Forum Mod - Raptors
Posts: 16,006
And1: 29,857
Joined: Jun 14, 2011

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#422 » by niQ » Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:23 pm

Dalek wrote:In honour of him declaring, and to remind folks of what he was before his injuries this year: Dariq Whitehead at Monteverde:

Read on Twitter


Former Scottie and Precious teammate
At Duke despite injuries still averaged 42% from three and 79 FT%
Still only 18YO

Dariq could be the next draftee who was probably top five coming into the class but injuries derailed his outlook.

People look back at OG and his injuries that led to him being 20s pick. To me, we didn't see a healthy Whitehead all year. Could be a steal in our range. Watching him play, he reminds me a lot of Harrison Barnes. Just a shooting guard/forward who will have a long career in the NBA assuming his injuries aren't a long-term concern.


I made a similar post in a previous thread and yea, I am always interested to see where these players who get injured end up in the draft. Obviously, we didn't get to see much of him. But I def remember him being near the top of the mocks early on. Could be a good value pick.

Though, depending on how teams see view his injury, could probably be more of a late 1st pick. Or maybe a team takes a risk like ATL with AJ Griffin.
Yallbecrazy
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,797
And1: 5,473
Joined: Nov 25, 2013

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#423 » by Yallbecrazy » Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:32 pm

Rapsfan07 wrote:
ATLTimekeeper wrote:
Rapsfan07 wrote:
Thanks, I appreciate that.


Looking at these, Cissoko's WS/48 is a red flag.

.008 and -.041 in the showcase games. I know his rebounding is garbage, but he should be considered more of a project and a multi-year Gleague player.

I'm higher on Miller, who is a stringbean that eats glass and finishes in the paint. Motor and toughness travel.


Yeah, I don't get the Cissoko hype. I think he has some tools and the potential be a decent NBA rotation guy if he lands with the right team and puts in the work but if I'm going to make that sort of a gamble, I've come around on Leonard Miller. A huge wing player who can rebound and score in the paint with relative ease.

His shooting isn't great but if he can get to 35-36 3ptFG and adequate perimeter defense, I think he could return great value compared to where he was taken, which I anticipate to be 25-30. I do think he could be a riser come workouts and combine though; NBA GMs love their big wings.

I do like Cissoko but I can't rationalize taking him over guys like Colby Jones or Kobe Bufkin. But if those guys are off the board and you want to take a chance on an SG, he's your guy for sure.


His offensive rebounding was okay, defensive rebounding can be more of a team/system thing so I'm not too worried about it.
Dalek
RealGM
Posts: 13,877
And1: 10,677
Joined: Jan 24, 2005
Location: At the elbow - dropping dimes
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#424 » by Dalek » Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:27 pm

niQ wrote:
Dalek wrote:In honour of him declaring, and to remind folks of what he was before his injuries this year: Dariq Whitehead at Monteverde:

Read on Twitter


Former Scottie and Precious teammate
At Duke despite injuries still averaged 42% from three and 79 FT%
Still only 18YO

Dariq could be the next draftee who was probably top five coming into the class but injuries derailed his outlook.

People look back at OG and his injuries that led to him being 20s pick. To me, we didn't see a healthy Whitehead all year. Could be a steal in our range. Watching him play, he reminds me a lot of Harrison Barnes. Just a shooting guard/forward who will have a long career in the NBA assuming his injuries aren't a long-term concern.


I made a similar post in a previous thread and yea, I am always interested to see where these players who get injured end up in the draft. Obviously, we didn't get to see much of him. But I def remember him being near the top of the mocks early on. Could be a good value pick.

Though, depending on how teams see view his injury, could probably be more of a late 1st pick. Or maybe a team takes a risk like ATL with AJ Griffin.


I like the probability that he will be a value pick. Watching his Montverde film, he just looks like a night and day difference in the way he moves and gets up off the ground. I can't help but think he was playing through some physical limitation.
ATLTimekeeper
RealGM
Posts: 42,447
And1: 23,686
Joined: Apr 28, 2008

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#425 » by ATLTimekeeper » Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:46 pm

tecumseh18 wrote:
ATLTimekeeper wrote:He's largely just taking above the break 3s. %s are likely going to look bad on those for younger players.. Time will tell on that, but rebounding tends to translate. I'm not sure how we can grade Gleague defense, especially on the Ignite. They get back on D, which is more than most Gleague teams. These Ignite kids are all projects. But Miller's absolutely a first rounder in this draft.


Is it fair to want to see a few Ignite draftees really solidify their position in the NBA before taking a risk in drafting one? Although tbf I wouldn't mind Jaden Hardy.


Hardy was a good risk where he was selected, I guess, but his defense is garbage and will likely always be. I wouldn't blame the Raptors from passing on any Gleague prospect, but just comparing like to like and Miller is one of the most successful ones to date. Eventually they'll have some home runs.
Dalek
RealGM
Posts: 13,877
And1: 10,677
Joined: Jan 24, 2005
Location: At the elbow - dropping dimes
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#426 » by Dalek » Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:03 pm

In March, the time where his minutes went way up, Jaden Hardy averaged 16/3/3 with a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio, and he averages 24 PPG as a starter (in only 3 games), and 42% from three overall. He really should have been a first rounder.

Hardy is 6'4 and has a 6'10 wingspan and weighs 198 lbs, so from a size POV he can definitely be able to be physically impactful on the defensive end, but he just hasn't done much on that end at any level.

There are a lot of combo guards this draft cycle who physically look to be the same as Hardy and have similar offensive games. Maybe guys like Bufkin, Smith Jr., George, Terq, Hawkins are way off our board given that we passed on Hardy.
User avatar
HumbleRen
RealGM
Posts: 18,481
And1: 25,508
Joined: Jul 02, 2021
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#427 » by HumbleRen » Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:07 pm

yall stiffs had your chances with inept offensive players with good defensive tools

it's our turn now, if we can't get Cason Wallace, give me offence first player, we can teach defence later
Dalek
RealGM
Posts: 13,877
And1: 10,677
Joined: Jan 24, 2005
Location: At the elbow - dropping dimes
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#428 » by Dalek » Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:57 pm

Read on Twitter


Now that Fino is officially in, we have another shortlist candidate for the draft. Note he is a bit of a mid-range master who is a little hotter from the right side of the floor.

Image
User avatar
BoyzNTheHood
Head Coach
Posts: 7,220
And1: 6,813
Joined: Apr 19, 2015

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#429 » by BoyzNTheHood » Fri Mar 31, 2023 11:00 pm

I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense
deeps6x wrote:I guarantee you that (Jaylen) Brown and (Kris) Dunn are drafted OUT of the top 5.
grant101
Bench Warmer
Posts: 1,468
And1: 1,077
Joined: Feb 04, 2022
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#430 » by grant101 » Sat Apr 1, 2023 1:01 am

BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Not my first choice, but I'm m down for the upside swing with Dariq. His shot is pure, and he's still so young. Health is the key, but he's got more to his game that he has the chance to unlock with health and NBA spacing.

Was also with you on Hardy. Thought there was no way he'd drop to us before the draft, and was so annoyed when passed on him for Koloko....sigh. These small mistakes are staring to add up.
User avatar
BoyzNTheHood
Head Coach
Posts: 7,220
And1: 6,813
Joined: Apr 19, 2015

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#431 » by BoyzNTheHood » Sat Apr 1, 2023 1:06 am

grant101 wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Not my first choice, but I'm m down for the upside swing with Dariq. His shot is pure, and he's still so young. Health is the key, but he's got more to his game that he has the chance to unlock with health and NBA spacing.

Was also with you on Hardy. Thought there was no way he'd drop to us before the draft, and was so annoyed when passed on him for Koloko....sigh. These small mistakes are staring to add up.

I have to be honest and say I don’t hate the Koloko pick even if he wasn’t my first choice. I firmly believe if he swapped places with Kessler he’d have similar production in Utah.

As for Whitehead, if he stays healthy I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns top 5 value in this draft.
deeps6x wrote:I guarantee you that (Jaylen) Brown and (Kris) Dunn are drafted OUT of the top 5.
User avatar
Kevin Willis
RealGM
Posts: 12,680
And1: 8,096
Joined: Apr 17, 2009
       

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#432 » by Kevin Willis » Sat Apr 1, 2023 1:11 am

BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Similarities - bold
Differences - italics
First guy is better prospect
Second guy's head has a different shape but enough similarities for them to pass as family.

Spoiler:
6-8, 228 Small Forward

Strengths: ... standing 6’8 with substantial length, mobility and athleticismFluid, confident and reliable in catch and shoot situations with NBA range. His ability to spot up and knock down shots will likely give him a long and prosperous NBA careerHe’s crisp in the midrange with precise footwork and a high release on his jumperEffective pulling up off one dribble or two … Uses pump fakes efficiently to get open looks … Maintains balance and body control when attacking the rim both on and off the ball Has the ability to make difficult shots from different spots on the floorWilling passer … Can get out and finish in transition … High basketball IQ and a high character individualHas the tools to be an effective defender

Weaknesses: ... inability to create easy shots for himselfMost of his damage is done on the perimeter, where he struggles to move north/south and attack the rim off the dribble … Too one-dimensional, and hasn’t added an aggressive go-to move from one year to the next … If his outside stroke is off, he has the tendency to disappear and become a non-factor in the game … Physically he lacks the explosiveness to finish at the rim with consistency or ease … Tends to rely on athleticism and shy away from contact on the interior … Too upright defensively making him easy to get by … Generally inconsistent which is enigmatic considering his talents … Needs to add bulk and become more aggressive …

Overall: ...has a high basement, in that worst case scenario he serves as an outside threat that can slash and defend … He’s proven that his game is better suited complimenting a top scoring option then being one himself … Still, he has the potential to become a team’s fixture at the 3 if his ceiling is reached …


Spoiler:
6-7, 220 Small Forward

Strengths: 6’6 wing … Solid length with a 6’9 wingspan … Good athlete. Good elevation and body control around the rim. Quick first step … Good strength level and build. Plays physical and embraces contact. Can use either hand at the rim … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line and can hit shots off the dribble, screens, or step backs. Good release point and arc on shot … Gets midrange pull-up off with ease, little space, and good balance. Good understanding and balance of when to look to score vs facilitate … Moves well off the ball … Unselfish and alert, does a solid job of finding the open teammateGood tools and physicality as a defender. Aware off the ball and jumps passes. Stays in a stance and defends well on the ball. Solid shot blocker and defensive versatility for position … Even keeled demeanor and always under control … Carries himself well and has a professional approach … High floor … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in August of his freshman year of college …

Weaknesses: Can improve shooting and finishing consistency and efficiency in all areas. Tends to release his shot on the way down. On the negative side of streaky shooting, he’s had games where his contribution was less than desiredLimited creativity and can expand his offensive game in the half-court. Reliant and settles for pull-ups, sometimes contested, and can work on getting to the rim more often … Solid passing ability but not too advanced. Ball-handling can improve as well, especially with his left hand …
When Chuck Norris was born the doc said "Congratulations, its a man"
ArthurVandelay
Head Coach
Posts: 6,563
And1: 6,302
Joined: Feb 10, 2023
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#433 » by ArthurVandelay » Sat Apr 1, 2023 1:20 am

Dalek wrote:
Read on Twitter


Now that Fino is officially in, we have another shortlist candidate for the draft. Note he is a bit of a mid-range master who is a little hotter from the right side of the floor.

Image


He’s firmly on my DND.

0.4 OBPM
0.3 DBPM
<45% 2fg
13 PER
0.07 WS/40
20-17 Ast %-TO %
95 ORTG
104 DRTG
1.4 Stl%

Hard pass.

Hopefully he pushes a player like Wallace or Rupert lower.
User avatar
BoyzNTheHood
Head Coach
Posts: 7,220
And1: 6,813
Joined: Apr 19, 2015

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#434 » by BoyzNTheHood » Sat Apr 1, 2023 1:37 am

Kevin Willis wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Similarities - bold
Differences - italics
First guy is better prospect
Second guy's head has a different shape but enough similarities for them to pass as family.

Spoiler:
6-8, 228 Small Forward

Strengths: ... standing 6’8 with substantial length, mobility and athleticismFluid, confident and reliable in catch and shoot situations with NBA range. His ability to spot up and knock down shots will likely give him a long and prosperous NBA careerHe’s crisp in the midrange with precise footwork and a high release on his jumperEffective pulling up off one dribble or two … Uses pump fakes efficiently to get open looks … Maintains balance and body control when attacking the rim both on and off the ball Has the ability to make difficult shots from different spots on the floorWilling passer … Can get out and finish in transition … High basketball IQ and a high character individualHas the tools to be an effective defender

Weaknesses: ... inability to create easy shots for himselfMost of his damage is done on the perimeter, where he struggles to move north/south and attack the rim off the dribble … Too one-dimensional, and hasn’t added an aggressive go-to move from one year to the next … If his outside stroke is off, he has the tendency to disappear and become a non-factor in the game … Physically he lacks the explosiveness to finish at the rim with consistency or ease … Tends to rely on athleticism and shy away from contact on the interior … Too upright defensively making him easy to get by … Generally inconsistent which is enigmatic considering his talents … Needs to add bulk and become more aggressive …

Overall: ...has a high basement, in that worst case scenario he serves as an outside threat that can slash and defend … He’s proven that his game is better suited complimenting a top scoring option then being one himself … Still, he has the potential to become a team’s fixture at the 3 if his ceiling is reached …


Spoiler:
6-7, 220 Small Forward

Strengths: 6’6 wing … Solid length with a 6’9 wingspan … Good athlete. Good elevation and body control around the rim. Quick first step … Good strength level and build. Plays physical and embraces contact. Can use either hand at the rim … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line and can hit shots off the dribble, screens, or step backs. Good release point and arc on shot … Gets midrange pull-up off with ease, little space, and good balance. Good understanding and balance of when to look to score vs facilitate … Moves well off the ball … Unselfish and alert, does a solid job of finding the open teammateGood tools and physicality as a defender. Aware off the ball and jumps passes. Stays in a stance and defends well on the ball. Solid shot blocker and defensive versatility for position … Even keeled demeanor and always under control … Carries himself well and has a professional approach … High floor … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in August of his freshman year of college …

Weaknesses: Can improve shooting and finishing consistency and efficiency in all areas. Tends to release his shot on the way down. On the negative side of streaky shooting, he’s had games where his contribution was less than desiredLimited creativity and can expand his offensive game in the half-court. Reliant and settles for pull-ups, sometimes contested, and can work on getting to the rim more often … Solid passing ability but not too advanced. Ball-handling can improve as well, especially with his left hand …

I never liked Harrison Barnes as a prospect and wasn’t too salty when we lost the coin toss. UNC is my favourite NCAA team so I watched him regularly and was regular underwhelmed. It wasn’t easy to argue for him. Unfortunately, I was a fan of Andre Drummond so I failed at picking anything besides empty stats. But basically what I’m trying to say is, I don’t think Whitehead will be like Barnes. Tatum is my comp.
deeps6x wrote:I guarantee you that (Jaylen) Brown and (Kris) Dunn are drafted OUT of the top 5.
Ell Curry
Head Coach
Posts: 7,468
And1: 2,079
Joined: Oct 27, 2001
Location: Newfoundland

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#435 » by Ell Curry » Sat Apr 1, 2023 2:55 am

Dalek wrote:In March, the time where his minutes went way up, Jaden Hardy averaged 16/3/3 with a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio, and he averages 24 PPG as a starter (in only 3 games), and 42% from three overall. He really should have been a first rounder.

Hardy is 6'4 and has a 6'10 wingspan and weighs 198 lbs, so from a size POV he can definitely be able to be physically impactful on the defensive end, but he just hasn't done much on that end at any level.

There are a lot of combo guards this draft cycle who physically look to be the same as Hardy and have similar offensive games. Maybe guys like Bufkin, Smith Jr., George, Terq, Hawkins are way off our board given that we passed on Hardy.


Predicting picks is basically impossible unless an O.G falls to us, but based on our track record I'd say Smith Jr we're probably low on because his stats aren't very good, Terq, Hawkins and George I could see and Bufkin we might actually just like, he kinda does a bit of everything.
Where's the D?
grant101
Bench Warmer
Posts: 1,468
And1: 1,077
Joined: Feb 04, 2022
 

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#436 » by grant101 » Sat Apr 1, 2023 2:59 am

BoyzNTheHood wrote:
grant101 wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Not my first choice, but I'm m down for the upside swing with Dariq. His shot is pure, and he's still so young. Health is the key, but he's got more to his game that he has the chance to unlock with health and NBA spacing.

Was also with you on Hardy. Thought there was no way he'd drop to us before the draft, and was so annoyed when passed on him for Koloko....sigh. These small mistakes are staring to add up.

I have to be honest and say I don’t hate the Koloko pick even if he wasn’t my first choice. I firmly believe if he swapped places with Kessler he’d have similar production in Utah.

As for Whitehead, if he stays healthy I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns top 5 value in this draft.


Wasn't a fan of the Koloko pick then, and haven't changed my opinion. I'm on record preferring Kessler over the other bigs, but didn't have him all that high on my board either (crazy how many Raps fans crying about missing out on Kessler when I distinctly remember a lot of folks on this board dogging him about a week before the draft lol). Any case - what's done is done.

As for Dariq, I might not see the Tatum comp, but he definitely has a hell of a lot of upside, and his shooting will buy him playing time in the league until he gets stronger, learns how to play defense, and builds out his game/confidence. Solid bet.
Ell Curry
Head Coach
Posts: 7,468
And1: 2,079
Joined: Oct 27, 2001
Location: Newfoundland

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#437 » by Ell Curry » Sat Apr 1, 2023 3:07 am

I wonder if Golden State would do #18 and Moody for #13 and a couple of 2nd rounders. We might get the guy we want at 13 at 18, and add a 3 and D wing prospect who wont be expensive to resign even if he had a good season and plays 20 minutes a game for us. Probably makes more sense for the Warriors if you add Boucher and they send us the injured Gary Payton III.

Poeltl - Koloko - Precious
Siakam - Precious - Barnes
Barnes - OG - Moody
OG - Trent - Moody
Van Vleet - MLE - #18

sign a boring backup PG for the MLE while the guard gets a year to redshirt and you have 10 rotation guys and then Otto and the 18 pick are the 11th and 12th guy.

Warriors:

Looney-Draymond-Boucher
Draymond-Boucher-Kuminga
Wiggins-Klay-Kuminga
Klay-Poole
Curry-DeVincenzo/MLE

and the Warriors can draft whoever falls or try to move up a couple of picks to get a great fit like Hendricks or Walker.
Where's the D?
User avatar
Psubs
RealGM
Posts: 20,795
And1: 11,887
Joined: Nov 20, 2004
Location: Toronto

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#438 » by Psubs » Sat Apr 1, 2023 3:47 am

grant101 wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:
grant101 wrote:
Not my first choice, but I'm m down for the upside swing with Dariq. His shot is pure, and he's still so young. Health is the key, but he's got more to his game that he has the chance to unlock with health and NBA spacing.

Was also with you on Hardy. Thought there was no way he'd drop to us before the draft, and was so annoyed when passed on him for Koloko....sigh. These small mistakes are staring to add up.

I have to be honest and say I don’t hate the Koloko pick even if he wasn’t my first choice. I firmly believe if he swapped places with Kessler he’d have similar production in Utah.

As for Whitehead, if he stays healthy I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns top 5 value in this draft.


Wasn't a fan of the Koloko pick then, and haven't changed my opinion. I'm on record preferring Kessler over the other bigs, but didn't have him all that high on my board either (crazy how many Raps fans crying about missing out on Kessler when I distinctly remember a lot of folks on this board dogging him about a week before the draft lol). Any case - what's done is done.

As for Dariq, I might not see the Tatum comp, but he definitely has a hell of a lot of upside, and his shooting will buy him playing time in the league until he gets stronger, learns how to play defense, and builds out his game/confidence. Solid bet.


I never left my spot as President of the Walker Kessler fan club. I even stood by my statement that Kessler was more important to winning at Auburn than Jabari Smith.

TJD should be drafted ahead of JHS!
Image
User avatar
Kevin Willis
RealGM
Posts: 12,680
And1: 8,096
Joined: Apr 17, 2009
       

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#439 » by Kevin Willis » Sat Apr 1, 2023 4:25 am

BoyzNTheHood wrote:
Kevin Willis wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:I called Hardy last year and people scoffed. I’m calling Whitehead the closest thing to Tatum this year and people compare him to Harrison Barnes because they’re both dark skinned black dudes. Like wtf. Maybe actually watch them play. Whitehead’s injury concerns are VERY real for me, but if he can stay healthy he’ll be a massive steal for someone. He’s the smoothest bucket getter in this draft besides Wemby and B Miller. Everyone else like George and Terq get buckets but do it inefficiently. Or you can bring in Sensabaugh but he’s a pylon on defense


Similarities - bold
Differences - italics
First guy is better prospect
Second guy's head has a different shape but enough similarities for them to pass as family.

Spoiler:
6-8, 228 Small Forward

Strengths: ... standing 6’8 with substantial length, mobility and athleticismFluid, confident and reliable in catch and shoot situations with NBA range. His ability to spot up and knock down shots will likely give him a long and prosperous NBA careerHe’s crisp in the midrange with precise footwork and a high release on his jumperEffective pulling up off one dribble or two … Uses pump fakes efficiently to get open looks … Maintains balance and body control when attacking the rim both on and off the ball Has the ability to make difficult shots from different spots on the floorWilling passer … Can get out and finish in transition … High basketball IQ and a high character individualHas the tools to be an effective defender

Weaknesses: ... inability to create easy shots for himselfMost of his damage is done on the perimeter, where he struggles to move north/south and attack the rim off the dribble … Too one-dimensional, and hasn’t added an aggressive go-to move from one year to the next … If his outside stroke is off, he has the tendency to disappear and become a non-factor in the game … Physically he lacks the explosiveness to finish at the rim with consistency or ease … Tends to rely on athleticism and shy away from contact on the interior … Too upright defensively making him easy to get by … Generally inconsistent which is enigmatic considering his talents … Needs to add bulk and become more aggressive …

Overall: ...has a high basement, in that worst case scenario he serves as an outside threat that can slash and defend … He’s proven that his game is better suited complimenting a top scoring option then being one himself … Still, he has the potential to become a team’s fixture at the 3 if his ceiling is reached …


Spoiler:
6-7, 220 Small Forward

Strengths: 6’6 wing … Solid length with a 6’9 wingspan … Good athlete. Good elevation and body control around the rim. Quick first step … Good strength level and build. Plays physical and embraces contact. Can use either hand at the rim … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line and can hit shots off the dribble, screens, or step backs. Good release point and arc on shot … Gets midrange pull-up off with ease, little space, and good balance. Good understanding and balance of when to look to score vs facilitate … Moves well off the ball … Unselfish and alert, does a solid job of finding the open teammateGood tools and physicality as a defender. Aware off the ball and jumps passes. Stays in a stance and defends well on the ball. Solid shot blocker and defensive versatility for position … Even keeled demeanor and always under control … Carries himself well and has a professional approach … High floor … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in August of his freshman year of college …

Weaknesses: Can improve shooting and finishing consistency and efficiency in all areas. Tends to release his shot on the way down. On the negative side of streaky shooting, he’s had games where his contribution was less than desiredLimited creativity and can expand his offensive game in the half-court. Reliant and settles for pull-ups, sometimes contested, and can work on getting to the rim more often … Solid passing ability but not too advanced. Ball-handling can improve as well, especially with his left hand …

I never liked Harrison Barnes as a prospect and wasn’t too salty when we lost the coin toss. UNC is my favourite NCAA team so I watched him regularly and was regular underwhelmed. It wasn’t easy to argue for him. Unfortunately, I was a fan of Andre Drummond so I failed at picking anything besides empty stats. But basically what I’m trying to say is, I don’t think Whitehead will be like Barnes. Tatum is my comp.


I also wasn't a huge fan of Barnes. Don't know what to think of Dariq. His shooting was really good this year but he didn't contribute as much as expected but he was hurt. Plus he plays on Duke. He moves better than Barnes. A more fluid Barnes might be Tatum. I really don't know so I won't say much, probably need to watch a few games of him this year.
When Chuck Norris was born the doc said "Congratulations, its a man"
User avatar
BoyzNTheHood
Head Coach
Posts: 7,220
And1: 6,813
Joined: Apr 19, 2015

Re: 2023 Draft Discussion Part III 

Post#440 » by BoyzNTheHood » Sat Apr 1, 2023 4:25 am

Psubs wrote:
grant101 wrote:
BoyzNTheHood wrote:I have to be honest and say I don’t hate the Koloko pick even if he wasn’t my first choice. I firmly believe if he swapped places with Kessler he’d have similar production in Utah.

As for Whitehead, if he stays healthy I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns top 5 value in this draft.


Wasn't a fan of the Koloko pick then, and haven't changed my opinion. I'm on record preferring Kessler over the other bigs, but didn't have him all that high on my board either (crazy how many Raps fans crying about missing out on Kessler when I distinctly remember a lot of folks on this board dogging him about a week before the draft lol). Any case - what's done is done.

As for Dariq, I might not see the Tatum comp, but he definitely has a hell of a lot of upside, and his shooting will buy him playing time in the league until he gets stronger, learns how to play defense, and builds out his game/confidence. Solid bet.


I never left my spot as President of the Walker Kessler fan club. I even stood by my statement that Kessler was more important to winning at Auburn than Jabari Smith.

TJD should be drafted ahead of JHS!

I agree with both of you. We’re 3 members of the Walker Kessler club from last year.

As for JHS, my opinion of him has fallen off a cliff from earlier in the year. I agree that there’s ONE first round pick on Indiana, and his name is Trayce Jackson Davis.
deeps6x wrote:I guarantee you that (Jaylen) Brown and (Kris) Dunn are drafted OUT of the top 5.

Return to Toronto Raptors