2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[Kalela]

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[playa-hater]

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I know this kid... He is from Belgium and moved across from me.. Very hard worker and an extremely nice kid. Always thought he "overvalued" his ability and potential. He did go to UGA first. Perhaps the culture shock of not having great success early in College grounded him.

On a technical note, while being a lefty he would seemingly always start going left but tried to finish with his right. In HS I tried to get him to take longer strides and finish with his left hand more often like most lefties usually do..

He also hesitated to Pull with confidence with his 3 in HS. Hope he over came that.

Will be looking closely. Hope it works out.

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

I know this kid... He is from Belgium and moved across from me.. Very hard worker and an extremely nice kid. Always thought he "overvalued" his ability and potential. He did go to UGA first. Perhaps the culture shock of not having great success early in College grounded him.

On a technical note, while being a lefty he would seemingly always start going left but tried to finish with his right. In HS I tried to get him to take longer strides and finish with his left hand more often like most lefties usually do..

He also hesitated to Pull with confidence with his 3 in HS. Hope he over came that.

Will be looking closely. Hope it works out.

I haven't watched him very closely yet. But his stats are impressive. A 17% rebounding % this past season is VERY good, especially for a guy who didn't even play center...AND played alongside a center who is a good rebounding/rim protector big man, DaRon Holmes.

Good steal %, good blocks % (for the past 3 yrs in a row). Over his career, hasn't been a shooter, but this season improved quite a bit there, with 36% from 3. Low volume, but 2.4 attempts per game is at least respectable. A BPM of 7.1 is also VERY good, especially for a guy who was on a team that wasn't very good.

From the footage I have seen, seems like a tough, scrappy forward who plays hard. You never know, he could have a shot to make it.

[Kalela]

I know this kid... He is from Belgium and moved across from me.. Very hard worker and an extremely nice kid. Always thought he "overvalued" his ability and potential. He did go to UGA first. Perhaps the culture shock of not having great success early in College grounded him.

On a technical note, while being a lefty he would seemingly always start going left but tried to finish with his right. In HS I tried to get him to take longer strides and finish with his left hand more often like most lefties usually do..

He also hesitated to Pull with confidence with his 3 in HS. Hope he over came that.

Will be looking closely. Hope it works out.

Nice.

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[playa-hater]

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I know this kid... He is from Belgium and moved across from me.. Very hard worker and an extremely nice kid. Always thought he "overvalued" his ability and potential. He did go to UGA first. Perhaps the culture shock of not having great success early in College grounded him.

On a technical note, while being a lefty he would seemingly always start going left but tried to finish with his right. In HS I tried to get him to take longer strides and finish with his left hand more often like most lefties usually do..

He also hesitated to Pull with confidence with his 3 in HS. Hope he over came that.

Will be looking closely. Hope it works out.

I haven't watched him very closely yet. But his stats are impressive. A 17% rebounding % this past season is VERY good, especially for a guy who didn't even play center...AND played alongside a center who is a good rebounding/rim protector big man, DaRon Holmes.

Good steal %, good blocks % (for the past 3 yrs in a row). Over his career, hasn't been a shooter, but this season improved quite a bit there, with 36% from 3. Low volume, but 2.4 attempts per game is at least respectable. A BPM of 7.1 is also VERY good, especially for a guy who was on a team that wasn't very good.

From the footage I have seen, seems like a tough, scrappy forward who plays hard. You never know, he could have a shot to make it.

He has always been scrappy so I guess that comes natural but I don't like the fact that even at a smaller division one school he wasn't putting up way more than 2.4 attempts per game.. I think hes still hesitant... And at his height he'll definitely need to be better at that...

The NBA is just so talented and so is the world he needs more to stand out to make that select group..

[165bows]

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I know this kid... He is from Belgium and moved across from me.. Very hard worker and an extremely nice kid. Always thought he "overvalued" his ability and potential. He did go to UGA first. Perhaps the culture shock of not having great success early in College grounded him.

On a technical note, while being a lefty he would seemingly always start going left but tried to finish with his right. In HS I tried to get him to take longer strides and finish with his left hand more often like most lefties usually do..

He also hesitated to Pull with confidence with his 3 in HS. Hope he over came that.

Will be looking closely. Hope it works out.

I haven't watched him very closely yet. But his stats are impressive. A 17% rebounding % this past season is VERY good, especially for a guy who didn't even play center...AND played alongside a center who is a good rebounding/rim protector big man, DaRon Holmes.

Good steal %, good blocks % (for the past 3 yrs in a row). Over his career, hasn't been a shooter, but this season improved quite a bit there, with 36% from 3. Low volume, but 2.4 attempts per game is at least respectable. A BPM of 7.1 is also VERY good, especially for a guy who was on a team that wasn't very good.

From the footage I have seen, seems like a tough, scrappy forward who plays hard. You never know, he could have a shot to make it.

Seems like Dayton must have played at a super slow pace, I think that must depress his per game and overall stats a bit.

[Hal14]

Intriguing sleeper.

Age 21.

Playing in Hungary's top pro league.

A 6'10" wing.

Had 52/43/88 shooting splits this season (decent volume, 3.4 attempts per game from 3). Those shooting splits for a 6'10" dude who's only 21 and is playing in a pro league are nothing to sneeze at!

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If he doesn't get drafted, at least throw him an invite to play for our summer league team. Nothing to lose! Low risk, high reward.

[BostonCouchGM]

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he's one of the guys I named in the 2023 draft sleeper thread. It'd be great to have some wing depth in the event we lose Williams and/or Jaylen. Love this guy

[Bill Lumbergh]

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This kid has tools. I like him. I'd be happy with him at 33/35.

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[playa-hater]

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This kid has tools. I like him. I'd be happy with him at 33/35.

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Damn.. If he did get drafted By Boston, I would have a nice "inside information" on Boston...track.

[Half-Full]

Just getting into looking at draft possibilities. Adama Sonogo just declared for the draft, and he looks impressive. Will he be available when we pick, and if he is, do we pull the trigger? Not a rim protector, but good rebounder and FT shooter. Decent defender, and scoring improved every year at UConn. Not one that will be pushed around, as he is solidly built (6'9" 245 lbs). Had a great tournament, helping UConn win the title. How much will that affect his stock? Certainly seems worthy of serious consideration in any case.

[Hal14]

Just getting into looking at draft possibilities. Adama Sonogo just declared for the draft, and he looks impressive. Will he be available when we pick, and if he is, do we pull the trigger? Not a rim protector, but good rebounder and FT shooter. Decent defender, and scoring improved every year at UConn. Not one that will be pushed around, as he is solidly built (6'9" 245 lbs). Had a great tournament, helping UConn win the title. How much will that affect his stock? Certainly seems worthy of serious consideration in any case.

Perhaps if we trade back in the draft. I definitely think he's a draftable guy. But I'd probably take him mid to late 2nd round.

Like you said, not a rim protector. And not really a lob threat/rim runner or good athleticism type of big.

And only 6'9".

So he's gotta have something else that he can really hang his hat on. I just don't know if he has that. I think he can possibly be like a poor man's horford - especially if he keeps working on his outside shot. But it's a gamble, cause he'd have to really get more comfortable with the shooting - and he has a ways to go to be able to do what Al can do in terms of defensive versatility.

I think he might be a little bit of a reach at 33 or 35th pick.

[return2glory]

For PF/C, I'm looking at:

1. Trayce Jackson-Davis
2. Zack Eddy
3. Adam Sanogo
4. Drew Timme

Sanogo was great in the tournament and the best player on the UCONN championship team. Sanogo has been working on his outside shot. Hard worker. His game is still improving.

Eddy had a great year. Showed so much improvement. Unstoppable in the post with his size and foot work. He is stronger than people think.

The mock drafts don't like Timme, but he has the best post moves in all of NCAA. He needs to work on an outside shot. But he has the it factor and can figure it out eventually. He is a gamble.

All these guys are hard workers and all are really talented. They all have a few holes in their games, but if they didn't they would be 1st round picks.

[Half-Full]

Just getting into looking at draft possibilities. Adama Sonogo just declared for the draft, and he looks impressive. Will he be available when we pick, and if he is, do we pull the trigger? Not a rim protector, but good rebounder and FT shooter. Decent defender, and scoring improved every year at UConn. Not one that will be pushed around, as he is solidly built (6'9" 245 lbs). Had a great tournament, helping UConn win the title. How much will that affect his stock? Certainly seems worthy of serious consideration in any case.

Perhaps if we trade back in the draft. I definitely think he's a draftable guy. But I'd probably take him mid to late 2nd round.

Like you said, not a rim protector. And not really a lob threat/rim runner or good athleticism type of big.

And only 6'9".

So he's gotta have something else that he can really hang his hat on. I just don't know if he has that. I think he can possibly be like a poor man's horford - especially if he keeps working on his outside shot. But it's a gamble, cause he'd have to really get more comfortable with the shooting - and he has a ways to go to be able to do what Al can do in terms of defensive versatility.

I think he might be a little bit of a reach at 33 or 35th pick.

What about as a Grant Williams replacement? He's got three inches on Grant. Perhaps the Celtics are inclined to keep Grant, but he could price himself off the team. Anyway, it is not likely that we will get a Horford replacement at 33 or 35 based on what I'm seeing in this years draft class. Perhaps in a trade. We could still use a big, though. I'm curious if we will invite Sonogo for a workout. Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to check this video out, give it a look. I'm impressed with Sonogo's hands, and how he uses his strength to create space for himself. He's got some touch too. It's encouraging that he improved every year at UConn, and he certainly was a force in the tournament averaging 20 points/10 rebounds. Whether he can be an effective NBA player, I can't say, but I would bet on him.

Watch on YouTube

;t=134s

[playa-hater]

For PF/C, I'm looking at:

1. Trayce Jackson-Davis
2. Zack Eddy
3. Adam Sanogo
4. Drew Timme

Sanogo was great in the tournament and the best player on the UCONN championship team. Sanogo has been working on his outside shot. Hard worker. His game is still improving.

Eddy had a great year. Showed so much improvement. Unstoppable in the post with his size and foot work. He is stronger than people think.

The mock drafts don't like Timme, but he has the best post moves in all of NCAA. He needs to work on an outside shot. But he has the it factor and can figure it out eventually. He is a gamble.

All these guys are hard workers and all are really talented. They all have a few holes in their games, but if they didn't they would be 1st round picks.

I know the NBA is so different now, but if Stevens took a good look and believed Edey could get the Job done at center, I would be all over this. Brook Lopez can not be that much faster, yet he is a DPOY candidate. Edey is so damn Big and strong.. and unlike Kornet, I bet he would gobble up plenty of rebounds.. Not to mention put in all the Shots Kornet won't even attempt. Although he only goes right in the post.

Would he be my top choice at Center.. No... But rather take my chance on him that some PG/SG that may slide down but will never ever get a chance..

Either way, ONLY IF Bard takes a good look and likes what he sees

[playa-hater]

Failed to mention my top choice isn't a player YET, but trading PP for either another pick or package to move up.

[Hal14]

Just getting into looking at draft possibilities. Adama Sonogo just declared for the draft, and he looks impressive. Will he be available when we pick, and if he is, do we pull the trigger? Not a rim protector, but good rebounder and FT shooter. Decent defender, and scoring improved every year at UConn. Not one that will be pushed around, as he is solidly built (6'9" 245 lbs). Had a great tournament, helping UConn win the title. How much will that affect his stock? Certainly seems worthy of serious consideration in any case.

Perhaps if we trade back in the draft. I definitely think he's a draftable guy. But I'd probably take him mid to late 2nd round.

Like you said, not a rim protector. And not really a lob threat/rim runner or good athleticism type of big.

And only 6'9".

So he's gotta have something else that he can really hang his hat on. I just don't know if he has that. I think he can possibly be like a poor man's horford - especially if he keeps working on his outside shot. But it's a gamble, cause he'd have to really get more comfortable with the shooting - and he has a ways to go to be able to do what Al can do in terms of defensive versatility.

I think he might be a little bit of a reach at 33 or 35th pick.

What about as a Grant Williams replacement? He's got three inches on Grant. Perhaps the Celtics are inclined to keep Grant, but he could price himself off the team. Anyway, it is not likely that we will get a Horford replacement at 33 or 35 based on what I'm seeing in this years draft class. Perhaps in a trade. We could still use a big, though. I'm curious if we will invite Sonogo for a workout. Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to check this video out, give it a look. I'm impressed with Sonogo's hands, and how he uses his strength to create space for himself. He's got some touch too. It's encouraging that he improved every year at UConn, and he certainly was a force in the tournament averaging 20 points/10 rebounds. Whether he can be an effective NBA player, I can't say, but I would bet on him.

Watch on YouTube

;t=134s

IDK. From what I've seen, with his mobility, athleticism and skill set (relies heavily on low post moves, put-backs, dump-off passes near the basket) he really is more of a center, IMO. And not too many PF's who are 245 lbs.

He's definitely got some skills. He's a big body, plays hard and the improvement this season he showed hitting 3's was encouraging. Again, I think he's draftable but more in the mid to late 2nd round. I think we can do better with pick 33 / 35.

[Hal14]

We've talked about Tristan Vukcevic a little bit in this thread. Someone else posted about him a few weeks ago I think.

He's a guy I'm closely monitoring as we get closer to the draft - to see how he's developing but also to see whether he declares for the draft. I haven't seen an official announcement yet.

But a guy who just turned 20, is 6'11" and can shoot close to 40% from 3 (while also showing flashes of handling the ball, taking it to the rim and hitting jumpers off the dribble) is very intriguing.

Also offers the flexibility of being able to stash him overseas for a year or 2, which is nice since we have limited roster spots available and Brad prefers to give roster spots to guys who are ready to contribute, rather than unproven projects.

Showing some improvement with his defense and mobility too:

Read on Twitter

Might be a tiny bit of a reach at 33 or 35. But if he plays well here at the end of his season and looks good in pre-draft workouts, it could be a good pick in that spot.

[Dogen]

Perhaps if we trade back in the draft. I definitely think he's a draftable guy. But I'd probably take him mid to late 2nd round.

Like you said, not a rim protector. And not really a lob threat/rim runner or good athleticism type of big.

And only 6'9".

So he's gotta have something else that he can really hang his hat on. I just don't know if he has that. I think he can possibly be like a poor man's horford - especially if he keeps working on his outside shot. But it's a gamble, cause he'd have to really get more comfortable with the shooting - and he has a ways to go to be able to do what Al can do in terms of defensive versatility.

I think he might be a little bit of a reach at 33 or 35th pick.

What about as a Grant Williams replacement? He's got three inches on Grant. Perhaps the Celtics are inclined to keep Grant, but he could price himself off the team. Anyway, it is not likely that we will get a Horford replacement at 33 or 35 based on what I'm seeing in this years draft class. Perhaps in a trade. We could still use a big, though. I'm curious if we will invite Sonogo for a workout. Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to check this video out, give it a look. I'm impressed with Sonogo's hands, and how he uses his strength to create space for himself. He's got some touch too. It's encouraging that he improved every year at UConn, and he certainly was a force in the tournament averaging 20 points/10 rebounds. Whether he can be an effective NBA player, I can't say, but I would bet on him.

Watch on YouTube

;t=134s

IDK. From what I've seen, with his mobility, athleticism and skill set (relies heavily on low post moves, put-backs, dump-off passes near the basket) he really is more of a center, IMO. And not too many PF's who are 245 lbs.

He's definitely got some skills. He's a big body, plays hard and the improvement this season he showed hitting 3's was encouraging. Again, I think he's draftable but more in the mid to late 2nd round. I think we can do better with pick 33 / 35.

Sonogo is intriguing but doesn't he replicate a lot of what Kabengele brings? And Kabengele with more experience and already waiting in the wings for some PT.

[Dogen]

We've talked about Tristan Vukcevic a little bit in this thread. Someone else posted about him a few weeks ago I think.

He's a guy I'm closely monitoring as we get closer to the draft - to see how he's developing but also to see whether he declares for the draft. I haven't seen an official announcement yet.

But a guy who just turned 20, is 6'11" and can shoot close to 40% from 3 (while also showing flashes of handling the ball, taking it to the rim and hit jumpers off the dribble) is very intriguing.

Also offers the flexibility of being able to stash him overseas for a year or 2, which is nice since we have limited roster spots available and Brad prefers to give roster spots to guys who are ready to contribute, rather than unproven projects.

Showing some improvement with his defense and mobility too:

Read on Twitter

Might be a tiny bit of a reach at 33 or 35. But if he plays well here at the end of his season and looks good in pre-draft workouts, it could be a good pick in that spot.

That's a smooth J from 3, plus he looks long and athletic. Maybe a younger, agile Muscala-type that can help spread the floor on O. The blocks look nice but hard to tell if he can play NBA D of course. I'd love for the C's to finally grab a Euro steal; seems like they always pass on them.

Since the team is already pretty loaded, with guys overseas waiting, another young 2nd round stash seems to fit in Brad's M.O..

Kabengele, Vukcevic, Champagnie, Begarin, Davison, Madar summer league team would be fun to see.

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