2023 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

Most of the names below seem about right for where we'll likely be drafting.

Of those listed, Kris Murray seems like an immediate impact player as a 23 year old combo forward.
Dariq Whitehead feels like an AJ-esqe homerun swing for a HS stud who struggled through injuries in college.
Jordan Hawkins is the most useful as a Kevin Huerter-like three point specialist who'd thrive running off screens in a wide open offense.
Kyle Filipowski is a risky pick who could pair well with Okongwu...or fade out of the NBA altogether due to a lack of athleticism.
Rayan Rupert, Colby Jones and Max Lewis all have elite role player ceilings that could still be quite useful.

[Jamaaliver]

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[CP War Hawks]

Did the Pelicans 2nd rd pick transfer? I'm seeing it at pick 46 on Tankathon which is awesome for me. I like the 2nd rounders contingent on them keeping it.

[atlantabbq99]

Hawks are at a great spot at 15, but too bad this draft is so weak. I can't identify and gems like Kessler or Branham, like last year. Hawks would be better off packaging 15 and Hunter for a player that is a better fit with Trae and DM, like Nick Richards or Paul Reed

[Jamaaliver]

Any thoughts on this kid?

Kobe Bufkin (Michigan, PG/SG, Sophomore)

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A steady buildup of ball-handling and shot-making flashes culminated in Bufkin averaging 18.7 points over his final nine games. The eye test buys the smoothness of his creativity, dribble-jumper game and craftiness around the basket, but there are also promising stat indicators.

Bufkin shot 84.9 percent from the free-throw line and 48.9 percent on long twos, both of which are promising signs for his shooting potential (35.5 percent on only 3.7 3PTA). Although he isn't super strong or athletic, he was the most efficient finisher (71.1 percent at the rim) among first-round guards, showing impressive body control and adjustments to challenges.

Savvy passing, quick hands on defense and age (19) pump more intrigue into Bufkin's scouting report. He'll have an interesting decision ahead with a bigger 2023-24 role waiting and a weaker draft class to compete with next year.

Bleacher Report

[atlantabbq99]

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Spoiler:

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Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

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

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

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

Bleacher Report

I would want Wallace unless Trae gets traded. Wallace and DM would work well together but with Trae, it would be pointless to add Wallace.

Wallace is no Gary Payton. Cason's vertical and speed are sub par, but he could be another Tony Allen or Marcus Smart

[Jamaaliver]

Great decision by the kid. He was a middling 1st round prospect as a freshman. With more development and strengthening, he should be a top-10 selection as a sophomore in a weak draft class.

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[Jamaaliver]

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[atlantabbq99]

The more film i watch the more it becomes obvious that Brice Sensabaugh is hands down the best shooter in the 2023 draft, even better than Hawkins and Gradey. Hawks should still trade down or package #15 to get another defensive big.

[Jamaaliver]

Might be a Jalen Williams scenario with this kid.

Kobe Bufkin: 2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report

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Thanks to an explosive final five weeks of the season, Kobe Bufkin is no longer hiding. He broke out as a true draft candidate half-way through his sophomore season. From February 1st onward, he averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 52-45-89 splits.

Now, Bufkin is firmly involved in first-round discussions and might even be the best prospect on the Michigan team. He helps his team in so many different ways, both in terms of usage and impact. For a 6’4” combo guard, he was impactful across the board and in any metric you’d use to measure him.

Right now, Bufkin is more of the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ guard. He’s got good size and athletic traits, a really projectable shot off the bounce or the catch, efficient finishing with both hands, and the quick hands and instincts to be a plus defender. Even while he’s been statistically impactful and flashed all those skills as positives, he doesn’t really have a signature skill or area where he impacts the game.

He’s not a proven high-volume creator for himself or others. He’s great around the rim, but the role he plays to get him there consistently isn’t defined. He’s shown good defense on most possessions but doesn’t scream ‘lockdown guy’.

More than anything, Bufkin is just a damn good basketball player. He’s a young sophomore who has played different roles in college and adapted well to them all. As he came into his own with the Wolverines over the final six weeks of the season, we saw a great deal of potential for who Bufkin can become if he consistently puts all those traits together. And that version of him is pretty damn good at basketball.

The Box and One

[Jamaaliver]

Somewhere between Lonzo Ball and DeJounte Murray?

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[Jamaaliver]

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[CP War Hawks]

Did the Pelicans 2nd rd pick transfer? I'm seeing it at pick 46 on Tankathon which is awesome for me. I like the 2nd rounders contingent on them keeping it.

Not quite certain, since the Pels finished with a better overall record than the Wolves, the 46th pick transfers even without them making the playoffs.

[CP War Hawks]

Might be a Jalen Williams scenario with this kid.

Kobe Bufkin: 2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report

Watch on YouTube

Thanks to an explosive final five weeks of the season, Kobe Bufkin is no longer hiding. He broke out as a true draft candidate half-way through his sophomore season. From February 1st onward, he averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 52-45-89 splits.

Now, Bufkin is firmly involved in first-round discussions and might even be the best prospect on the Michigan team. He helps his team in so many different ways, both in terms of usage and impact. For a 6’4” combo guard, he was impactful across the board and in any metric you’d use to measure him.

Right now, Bufkin is more of the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ guard. He’s got good size and athletic traits, a really projectable shot off the bounce or the catch, efficient finishing with both hands, and the quick hands and instincts to be a plus defender. Even while he’s been statistically impactful and flashed all those skills as positives, he doesn’t really have a signature skill or area where he impacts the game.

He’s not a proven high-volume creator for himself or others. He’s great around the rim, but the role he plays to get him there consistently isn’t defined. He’s shown good defense on most possessions but doesn’t scream ‘lockdown guy’.

More than anything, Bufkin is just a damn good basketball player. He’s a young sophomore who has played different roles in college and adapted well to them all. As he came into his own with the Wolverines over the final six weeks of the season, we saw a great deal of potential for who Bufkin can become if he consistently puts all those traits together. And that version of him is pretty damn good at basketball.

The Box and One

Ehh, I'd have to watch tape on this guy. The Jalen Williams glow up is reserved for Couilboy for me. Super versatile, can play and defend multiple positions.

[jayu70]

Who should we target at #15.

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[atlantabbq99]

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I would pick Brice Sensabaugh over Jalen Wilson, but Jalen Wilson is still very good. The only problem is that Hawks are already loaded with SF/SG. Wilson reminds me of Demarre Carroll, high floor low ceiling player, high IQ, smooth, and generally finds a way to be in the right place at the right time, but nothing really amazes you with his shooting, athleticism, frame, or defense. I wouldn't be upset if he was taken at 15.

[atlantabbq99]

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Here are some interesting 2nd round picks, who are bigs, who could work out well for the Hawks...

Azuolas Tubelis, poor man's Kevin Love, a new gen PF, and like Love, is very skilled but limited athleticism

Colin Castleton, not spectacular, but you have to admire his grit and hustle, he reminds me of Meyers Leonard

Armando Bacot, old school big who reminds me of Grant Long or Antonio Davis, does all the little things, might just be a bench guy but could still have a 10 year NBA career.

Oscar Tshiebwe, a mini Capela, his production doesn't lie, and has the UK pedigree, but his size is the only issue.

Zach Edey, old school big but is probably the best in the draft at setting screens, i have a feeling of all the bigs, he would work the best with Trae and DM. Would be a great back up center and guy on the bench, and maybe one day could be a 25mpg starter.

[jayu70]

Do we have a 2nd round pick this year? Our pick is going to Portland. Did we get NOP's pick?

[Jamaaliver]

Do we have a 2nd round pick this year? Our pick is going to Portland. Did we get NOP's pick?

According to RealGM, we only keep that pick if it falls between picks 46-60.

ESPN's official draft order confirms that it will convey to us this summer.

[Jamaaliver]

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Here are some interesting 2nd round picks, who are bigs, who could work out well for the Hawks...

Oscar Tshiebwe, a mini Capela, his production doesn't lie, and has the UK pedigree, but his size is the only issue.

I am very interested in Oscar. He can thrive as a big off the bench playing next to a floor stretching 7 footer like Jokic.



I hear that Edey may actually return to school next year. Scouts not projecting him as a guaranteed draftee.