The Official 2023 Draft Thread

[doclinkin]

Really if I landed at #2 and I could trade back a spot or two and be assured of landing Miller, I'd do it no question. It doesn't require much projection to see where he fits in any NBA squad. Not a lot of 'if' about his game.

My only concern with him would be if medical savants suggest he is vulnerable to nagging injuries like that groin strain. Get him a nutritionist and a chef from day one.

[NatP4]

Miller is like the seemingly ultra safe guy with a very small % chance that he’s Deandre Hunter (who I was certain would be an elite player). You PROBABLY are getting a guy that can help any team on both ends.

The Alabama scandal+the Deandre Hunter outcome both scare me a little bit, but I would be happy to walk away with Miller. I don’t wanna say bust potential but his chance at “not being atleast a quality starter/positive impact player” is like 10% whereas Amen and Scoot are like 35% or something.

If I my personal best projection for Miller, he’s going to be Otto Porter with a body that doesn’t break down on him. AKA an elite role player that seriously impacts winning.

I lean towards Ausar’s upside to break down defenses and be a primary initiator, but again, I’m thrilled to land Miller.

Imagine if the Wiz walk away with Miller in round 1, and Podziemski in round 2, that’s an explosive offense next year.

[Dat2U]

Miller is like the seemingly ultra safe guy with a very small % chance that he’s Deandre Hunter (who I was certain would be an elite player). You PROBABLY are getting a guy that can help any team on both ends.

The Alabama scandal+the Deandre Hunter outcome both scare me a little bit, but I would be happy to walk away with Miller. I don’t wanna say bust potential but his chance at “not being atleast a quality starter/positive impact player” is like 10% whereas Amen and Scoot are like 35% or something.

If I my personal best projection for Miller, he’s going to be Otto Porter with a body that doesn’t break down on him. AKA an elite role player that seriously impacts winning.

I lean towards Ausar’s upside to break down defenses and be a primary initiator, but again, I’m thrilled to land Miller.

Imagine if the Wiz walk away with Miller in round 1, and Podziemski in round 2, that’s an explosive offense next year.

He's not De'Andre Hunter who I was never sold on as a top 5 pick. Miller has shot versatility. He's equally effective off the bounce, coming off screens, curls and he's flashed some mid-range ability although that was not a big part of Alabama's offense. Hunter was really good on the corner 3 but wasn't creator and was more of a stand in the corner, 4th/5th option type drafted mainly for his defense.

My comp for Miller is Middleton which has been thrown around alot. I think he fits as a #2 option in time ideally. He'd be a nice consolation prize in the Wemby sweepstakes and gives us probably the best prospect the organization has had since they drafted Beal. He gives you a legit wing and certainly raises the ceiling of the roster who would be a candidate for rookie of the year in most year (not next year though lol).

Podziemski is wildy effective if not necessarily looking the part. I have him in the late 1st but not without some reservations about whether he has the skill level to overcome the athletic deficiencies. He also isn't real need. We've got Beal and Johnny Davis there. Kispert can play there. Q. Jackson looks like a keeper. I don't know if he stands out in that group, but in a 2nd rd scenario he presents good enough value where I'd strongly consider taking him.

[DCZards]

My comp for Miller is Middleton which has been thrown around alot. I think he fits as a #2 option in time ideally. He'd be a nice consolation prize in the Wemby sweepstakes and gives us probably the best prospect the organization has had since they drafted Beal. He gives you a legit wing and certainly raises the ceiling of the roster who would be a candidate for rookie of the year in most year.

I’m not seeing the Middleton comp. Miller is bigger and a more impactful athlete on both ends of the floor. I’ve heard some Paul George comps…not sure that’s the case either but it’s probably closer than Middleton.

[Frichuela]

If we get lucky and pick 2-3, I'd love to get Brandon Miller. Problem is Turd is highly likely to veto his selection due to "character" issues..

[Frichuela]

If we stay put and pick 8-9th, my gut tells me to go for Cason Wallace (vs. Hendricks, Black or Dick). I really liked his poise and defensive instincts in the few Kentucky games I watched this season. I thought his last game vs Kansas State was great (minus a few turnovers). Despite playing against a crowded zone, he shot the ball incredibly well and managed to navigate the zone and get to the basket with ease. As discussed here before, his game has reminiscences of Jrue Holiday...My hope is he could be a better offensive version of Delon Wright as soon as his 3rd season, with a reliable 3pt shot and great defensive instincts.

[dckingsfan]

I don't see the temping trade down scenarios this year...

I don’t see anyone projected in the 7-15 range as worthy of the 8/9 pick. 9 for 21&22 from Brooklyn would be my move. Then package 42&59 and whatever else, to move up into the 30-35 range.

Interesting 9 for 21&22. Do you wait until the last second to see if anyone falls out of the top 6?

[NatP4]

I don't see the temping trade down scenarios this year...

I don’t see anyone projected in the 7-15 range as worthy of the 8/9 pick. 9 for 21&22 from Brooklyn would be my move. Then package 42&59 and whatever else, to move up into the 30-35 range.

Interesting 9 for 21&22. Do you wait until the last second to see if anyone falls out of the top 6?

It’s hard to envision any of Wemby/Scoot/Twins/Miller dropping that far. After that, it’s a big pile of mediocrity. Nothing special is happening at 8 or 9.

Have said it before, but if we stay put, I’d rather go way off the board and take Bilal Coulibaly over guys like Dick/Wallace/Walker/Black/Hendricks.

Really hoping for a jump to 4, and picking Ausar, or trading down from 8/9 to get all of Coulibaly/Cissoko/Podziemski. Pretty settled on these thoughts at this point.

[NatP4]

Ausar really couldn’t be a better fit. Can play on the wing next to Beal. Has point of attack, switchable from 1-4, elite lockdown traits. Gives us the guy that can break down the defense and be a primary playmaker that we have badly needed. His shot will be passable, but ideally, he’s playing with the ball in his hands with Beal getting back to an off the ball role.

He’s also an elite cutter, and can play well off of Porzingis having the ball. Allows Wright&Morris to continue to just be game managing off ball guards. Ausar would generate a ton of open 3s for Kispert.

Morris Wright
Beal Davis
Thompson Kispert
Avdija
Porzingis Gafford

Couldn’t be a better fit for what this team needs.

[dckingsfan]

Ausar really couldn’t be a better fit. Can play on the wing next to Beal. Has point of attack, switchable from 1-4, elite lockdown traits. Gives us the guy that can break down the defense and be a primary playmaker that we have badly needed. His shot will be passable, but ideally, he’s playing with the ball in his hands with Beal getting back to an off the ball role.

He’s also an elite cutter, and can play well off of Porzingis having the ball. Allows Wright&Morris to continue to just be game managing off ball guards. Ausar would generate a ton of open 3s for Kispert.

Morris Wright
Beal Davis
Thompson Kispert
Avdija
Porzingis Gafford

Couldn’t be a better fit for what this team needs.

Gotcha, we need luck to jump to #4 or above, #soWizards.

Wright Morris Goodwin
Beal Kispert Davis
Thompson Avdija
Porzingis Gill
Gafford Huff

[DCZards]

If we stay put and pick 8-9th, my gut tells me to go for Cason Wallace (vs. Hendricks, Black or Dick). I really liked his poise and defensive instincts in the few Kentucky games I watched this season. I thought his last game vs Kansas State was great (minus a few turnovers). Despite playing against a crowded zone, he shot the ball incredibly well and managed to navigate the zone and get to the basket with ease. As discussed here before, his game has reminiscences of Jrue Holiday...My hope is he could be a better offensive version of Delon Wright as soon as his 3rd season, with a reliable 3pt shot and great defensive instincts.

If the Zards end of drafting 8 or 9 and the projected top 5-6 players are gone, I’d be good with Wallace. Although I find Black’s combo of size, passing and smarts intriguing.

[Dat2U]

At this point I've cooled considerably on Anthony Black. I love the relentless slashing but the combo of a lack of a reliable shot & struggles with finishing in half court settings is alot to overcome. I moved him to late lottery from mid-lottery.

I like Cason Wallace and like Gradey Dick I'm sure he's a future 10+ year vet. I have concerns about his playmaking though and wonder if he's not a bigger stronger Monte Morris (which isn't bad but getting a playmaking PG is a real need).

Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

[dckingsfan]

At this point I've cooled considerably on Anthony Black. I love the relentless slashing but the combo of a lack of a reliable shot & struggles with finishing in half court settings is alot to overcome. I moved him to late lottery from mid-lottery.

I like Cason Wallace and like Gradey Dick I'm sure he's a future 10+ year vet. I have concerns about his playmaking though and wonder if he's not a bigger stronger Monte Morris (which isn't bad but getting a playmaking PG is a real need).

Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

Who would you want if we have 21 & 22?

[Dat2U]

At this point I've cooled considerably on Anthony Black. I love the relentless slashing but the combo of a lack of a reliable shot & struggles with finishing in half court settings is alot to overcome. I moved him to late lottery from mid-lottery.

I like Cason Wallace and like Gradey Dick I'm sure he's a future 10+ year vet. I have concerns about his playmaking though and wonder if he's not a bigger stronger Monte Morris (which isn't bad but getting a playmaking PG is a real need).

Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

Who would you want if we have 21 & 22?

C Dereck Lively II - massive rim runner and elite defensive traits

F Jett Howard - lengthy shot creator with wiggle on the bounce at 6-8, needs to do more outside of shot creation though.

F Bilal Coulibaly - projectable wing with excellent tools and developing skill set

If they fall, without hesitation:

F Brice Sensabaugh - The best 3 level scorer freshman in college including B. Miller

F Kris Murray - too productive to ignore, on same track as his brother Keegan.

Will also consider:

G Kobe Bufkin
F Maxwell Lewis
G Colby Jones

I'm cool on:

G Jalen Hood-Schifino ... outside of a handful of games was consistently terrible in terms of efficiency. Skilled in the mid-range but doesn't have 3 range yet.

F Noah Clowney - I like him but he's all theory at this point. A p3 point shot is WIP. Not a versatile shooter, strictly catch & shoot, almost exclusively in the corners. I think long term his position is C but must get bigger & stronger.

F G.G. Jackson - Pure project. Good skill level for his size but doesn't see the floor well at all on either end. This year's Rui Hachimura.

[doclinkin]

My comp for Miller is Middleton which has been thrown around alot. I think he fits as a #2 option in time ideally. He'd be a nice consolation prize in the Wemby sweepstakes and gives us probably the best prospect the organization has had since they drafted Beal. He gives you a legit wing and certainly raises the ceiling of the roster who would be a candidate for rookie of the year in most year.

I’m not seeing the Middleton comp. Miller is bigger and a more impactful athlete on both ends of the floor. I’ve heard some Paul George comps…not sure that’s the case either but it’s probably closer than Middleton.

I see him as a dollar store Tracy McGrady. He shows a little bit of an advanced handle, can truly play as a 6'9" 2-guard, on offense anyway. Okay not the interior finisher of TMac --though he showed more confidence attacking inside in the 2nd half of the season. I want to see him after strength training. Middleton is a reasonable comp though. He's on that track anyway, looks to me like he is developing quickly.

[doclinkin]

If we stay put and pick 8-9th, my gut tells me to go for Cason Wallace (vs. Hendricks, Black or Dick). I really liked his poise and defensive instincts in the few Kentucky games I watched this season. I thought his last game vs Kansas State was great (minus a few turnovers). Despite playing against a crowded zone, he shot the ball incredibly well and managed to navigate the zone and get to the basket with ease. As discussed here before, his game has reminiscences of Jrue Holiday...My hope is he could be a better offensive version of Delon Wright as soon as his 3rd season, with a reliable 3pt shot and great defensive instincts.

I like Cason okay. Cason has moxie. But his shooting stats truly crashlanded against ranked competition. He only played well against KSA and Gonzaga.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/4683692/cason-wallace

He made up for it in other stats in games where he shot poorly, but if I am choosing between 2 players give me the guy who shoots better. I'd take Hendricks over Gradey, Gradey over Cason or Black.

[doclinkin]

Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

I haven't tracked him through all the available games, but watching the Houston games to see how he did on offense against a top defense I noticed him getting lost and beat on defense himself. Poor rebounding technique as well. I'll see if I can catch a few other games to track him at that end. I like the defensive highlight reels, but there are times at that end he seems a little lost in space.

Watch on YouTube

Still his athleticism is evident and makes up the difference. He's still my pick if we are 7 or 8, we don't trade, and he is on the board.

[Jay81]

At this point I've cooled considerably on Anthony Black. I love the relentless slashing but the combo of a lack of a reliable shot & struggles with finishing in half court settings is alot to overcome. I moved him to late lottery from mid-lottery.

I like Cason Wallace and like Gradey Dick I'm sure he's a future 10+ year vet. I have concerns about his playmaking though and wonder if he's not a bigger stronger Monte Morris (which isn't bad but getting a playmaking PG is a real need).

Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

How about Cam Whitmore?

[Dat2U]

At this point I've cooled considerably on Anthony Black. I love the relentless slashing but the combo of a lack of a reliable shot & struggles with finishing in half court settings is alot to overcome. I moved him to late lottery from mid-lottery.

I like Cason Wallace and like Gradey Dick I'm sure he's a future 10+ year vet. I have concerns about his playmaking though and wonder if he's not a bigger stronger Monte Morris (which isn't bad but getting a playmaking PG is a real need).
Taylor Hendricks is really intriguing as a high volume 3pt shooter with shot versatility and a shot blocking menace at PF. Shot creation isn't great but he can attack closeouts in a straight line. I like his awareness on D which is a huge plus in my eyes. I wish he saw the floor better on offense though.

How about Cam Whitmore?

I think he goes before 8 which is why I didn't mention him. I don't like the court vision and I think the game moved a little fast for him at times but he is an impressively built wing with top tier athleticism and some off the bounce and athletic pop at the rim. I ses more of a 3/4 than a 3/2 based on skill level. The simpler the game is kept for him, the better he'll probably do. I get the Jaylen Brown comparisons. Similar type of player coming into the league with Cam being built a little bigger and a better rebounder. If he's there at 8, take him and I have him as the 6th best prospect at the moment after Wemby, Scoot, Miller & the Thompson twins.

[Jay81]

tankathon has us getting Cam at 8

https://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft