2023 NBA Draft Thread

[jayu70]

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[Jamaaliver]

Was waiting on a vid to show me something. Long vid but he plays defense like how DJM was suppose to get after it. I'm weary this works on NBA guards but he competes harder than most on this end which is needed alongside Trae.

This is fair. Kobe Bufkin likely doesn't have superstar upside, but as long as he's healthy, he's easily a 10 year rotation player in the Association. And likely an above starter for most of that.

With pick #15, that is a solid return -- if a bit underwhelming. I think he can have a season like Jaylen Williams for OKC, starting player by the end of the season, filling up stat sheets across the board.

Notably, he's now projected to go in the late lottery.

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[Jamaaliver]

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[King Ken]

Mark me as someone who's fairly unimpressed with this class after 10th. I don't really see any options that make sense for Atlanta.

If I had to pick:

1. Bilal Coulibaly
SF | Metropolitans 92 6'6" 200 lbs International 18.8 yrs 18.2 PTS 6.6 REB 2.2 AST 1.0 BLK 2.5 STL
In the NBA, they want prototypes and he really doesn’t fit any but he’s unique. Excellent in the open floor, extremely athletic, and has a nice floor game, jumper is all over the place and reminds you of Dante Exum, a tremendous off-ball defender where it reminds you of Westbrook. In fact, he reminds me a lot of UCLA Westbrook. While he disappears way too much at times on offense, his upside like GG is real. The rumor is he's 6'8 now.

2. Taylor Hendricks
F | UCF 6'9" 210 lbs Freshman 19.5 yrs 15.7 PTS 7.2 REB 1.4 AST 1.8 BLK 0.9 STL
I get why people like the profile of Hendricks. 6’9 210 and 19 who can guard multiple positions potentially and can shoot. But he’s not a good basketball player right now and he’s years away from helping you. The upside is there but the floor is extremely low.

3. GG Jackson
PF | South Carolina 6'9" 215 lbs Freshman 18.4 yrs 17.4 PTS 6.7 REB 1.0 AST 0.9 BLK 0.8 STL
I don’t believe GG is any good right now at basketball for this level as he wasn’t for the last level(college), but his abilities are intriguing. He can really shoot, put the ball on the deck, has a skill set, and he’s very athletic. GG is one of those kids who should have been in HS still and it reflects in the age. He’s extremely raw but at this point, you must look at the terrible floor, high ceiling guys as they are safer bets than the rotational at best backups and specialists.

4. Dereck Lively II
C | Duke 7'1" 230 lbs Freshman 19.2 yrs 9.1 PTS 9.5 REB 1.9 AST 4.2 BLK 0.9 STL
I don’t see future legit starters after Dick so it’s difficult for me. Lively is the best defensive player in this draft after Wemby. He reminds me legit of Larry Sanders. That said, Sanders was stronger, a much better rebounder, and he was far closer to being NBA-ready. To be honest, I don’t even think he’s as good as Jaxson Hayes who has been a bust. Lively is probably two years away from being two years away but realistically, not trying to be funny like we were with Bruno. What you hope for is Claxton, but Claxton was closer to being NBA-ready when he entered the league.

5. Kris Murray
PF | Iowa 6'8" 225 lbs Junior 22.7 yrs 20.9 PTS 8.2 REB 2.1 AST 1.2 BLK 1.1 STL
I really love Murray. I know he’s not an ideal starter, but he reminds me so much of Robert Horry. You know he’s going to shoot exceptionally well. He’s going to be playing smart basketball. He’s never going to be more than a low-end starter at best but he’s critical especially if you have a pretty good team around him. A bad team would waste him as he’s just too limited. I would run to the podium to draft him if I was a good team and I just needed PF to space the floor at an elite level and play smart basketball. His lack of defensive versatility would bite him in the butt at times but it’s a low-end starting 4, what more can you expect

46 pick:

Markquis Nowell
PG | Kansas State 5'8" 160 lbs Senior 23.4 yrs 17.2 PTS 3.4 REB 8.1 AST 0.1 BLK 2.5 STL
Watching him play in the Gleague elite game confirms what I saw in college. He’s a legit NBA player with starter abilities. I understand his size is a massive issue especially with this game being more in space than ever before but he’s this generation’s Muggsy Bogues. Defenses twice his size are bouncing off of him. He’s strong, has elite hands, tremendous at steals, elite playmaker, and is a tremendous floor general.

He’s not going to be a starter in today’s NBA. Too much talent at PG these days unlike in the 90s. That said, he’s going to be an elite backup PG like Tyus Jones. Teams will pass on him, and I don’t think they should.

He's in my 4th tier and I believe he will be available at 46.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Mark me as someone who's fairly unimpressed with this class after 10th. I don't really see any options that make sense for Atlanta.

If I had to pick:

1. Bilal Coulibaly
SF | Metropolitans 92 6'6" 200 lbs International 18.8 yrs 18.2 PTS 6.6 REB 2.2 AST 1.0 BLK 2.5 STL
In the NBA, they want prototypes and he really doesn’t fit any but he’s unique. Excellent in the open floor, extremely athletic, and has a nice floor game, jumper is all over the place and reminds you of Dante Exum, a tremendous off-ball defender where it reminds you of Westbrook. In fact, he reminds me a lot of UCLA Westbrook. While he disappears way too much at times on offense, his upside like GG is real. The rumor is he's 6'8 now.

2. Taylor Hendricks
F | UCF 6'9" 210 lbs Freshman 19.5 yrs 15.7 PTS 7.2 REB 1.4 AST 1.8 BLK 0.9 STL
I get why people like the profile of Hendricks. 6’9 210 and 19 who can guard multiple positions potentially and can shoot. But he’s not a good basketball player right now and he’s years away from helping you. The upside is there but the floor is extremely low.

3. GG Jackson
PF | South Carolina 6'9" 215 lbs Freshman 18.4 yrs 17.4 PTS 6.7 REB 1.0 AST 0.9 BLK 0.8 STL
I don’t believe GG is any good right now at basketball for this level as he wasn’t for the last level(college), but his abilities are intriguing. He can really shoot, put the ball on the deck, has a skill set, and he’s very athletic. GG is one of those kids who should have been in HS still and it reflects in the age. He’s extremely raw but at this point, you must look at the terrible floor, high ceiling guys as they are safer bets than the rotational at best backups and specialists.

4. Dereck Lively II
C | Duke 7'1" 230 lbs Freshman 19.2 yrs 9.1 PTS 9.5 REB 1.9 AST 4.2 BLK 0.9 STL
I don’t see future legit starters after Dick so it’s difficult for me. Lively is the best defensive player in this draft after Wemby. He reminds me legit of Larry Sanders. That said, Sanders was stronger, a much better rebounder, and he was far closer to being NBA-ready. To be honest, I don’t even think he’s as good as Jaxson Hayes who has been a bust. Lively is probably two years away from being two years away but realistically, not trying to be funny like we were with Bruno. What you hope for is Claxton, but Claxton was closer to being NBA-ready when he entered the league.

5. Kris Murray
PF | Iowa 6'8" 225 lbs Junior 22.7 yrs 20.9 PTS 8.2 REB 2.1 AST 1.2 BLK 1.1 STL
I really love Murray. I know he’s not an ideal starter, but he reminds me so much of Robert Horry. You know he’s going to shoot exceptionally well. He’s going to be playing smart basketball. He’s never going to be more than a low-end starter at best but he’s critical especially if you have a pretty good team around him. A bad team would waste him as he’s just too limited. I would run to the podium to draft him if I was a good team and I just needed PF to space the floor at an elite level and play smart basketball. His lack of defensive versatility would bite him in the butt at times but it’s a low-end starting 4, what more can you expect

I'd take any of those guys except GG Jackson, but that's only because he's extremely raw like you said.

I doubt Murray falls to 15, but if he's similar at all to his brother, then he'd be worth it.

Bilal has a bit more readiness to him compared to GG.His shot has improved a lot over the past year. Hendricks would probably end up being the high ceiling guy you would want, and his floor would be somewhere around Bobby Portis hopefully. Hendricks might require a slight trade up though if you want him.

Lively gives you game changing length. Bigs in general with his upside are always worth the wait. If he never reaches his ceiling, you probably rather see that happen instead of watching him blossom under someone else. 4 BPG usually translates to the next level. If Larry Sanders is the comp, then i'll take that all day. Sanders was more ready because he stayed in college longer and developed there. Lively is only 19.

[King Ken]

I'd take any of those guys except GG Jackson, but that's only because he's extremely raw like you said.

I doubt Murray falls to 15, but if he's similar at all to his brother, then he'd be worth it.

Bilal has a bit more readiness to him compared to GG.His shot has improved a lot over the past year. Hendricks would probably end up being the high ceiling guy you would want, and his floor would be somewhere around Bobby Portis hopefully. Hendricks might require a slight trade up though if you want him.

Lively gives you game changing length. Bigs in general with his upside are always worth the wait. If he never reaches his ceiling, you probably rather see that happen instead of watching him blossom under someone else. 4 BPG usually translates to the next level. If Larry Sanders is the comp, then i'll take that all day. Sanders was more ready because he stayed in college longer and developed there. Lively is only 19.

GG isn't my cup of tea but I understand why you draft him. It's the same reason we drafted Jalen. Upside.

Kris Murray is more clear-cut than his brother but Keegan was a lot more versatile and that's what everyone is looking for, especially winning teams or teams trying to win.

Bilal can be a top 5 pick so I doubt he will be there. I will likely bump him up in the next iteration.

He's so far away is the biggest issue and that's a big deal. He might not be able to play in an NBA rotation for two years. Jalen was one year. That said, he's less of a risk than Bruno was since what he's good at, he should be able to do to a degree on this level whereas Bruno couldn't do what he did best in college.

I think game-changing is a bit of a reach. He would literally have to hit.

[Jamaaliver]

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[HMFFL]

Do any of you like Hunter Dickinson?

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/hunter-dickinson-1.html

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[King Ken]

Do any of you like Hunter Dickinson?

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/hunter-dickinson-1.html

Sent from my SM-N975U using RealGM mobile app

I thought he transferred with Kansas.

I like him as a player, he hasn't came on my radar as a nba prospect

[Jamaaliver]

Thoughts on this guy out of Santa Clara?

Branden Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)

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;pp=ygUSYnJhbmRpbiBwb2R6aWVtc2tp

While Podziemski has shed the sleeper label, some teams may hope that he doesn't scrimmage and increase his chances of moving up boards. There will be others who want more proof that the Santa Clara sophomore can light up a floor full of second-round prospects. An ultra efficient 60.2 true shooting percentage should help validate the 19.9 points per game that were generated off advanced creation, touch and shot-making. His 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game can also alleviate concerns over his frame and defense.

Bleacher Report

[atlantabbq99]

Spurs are a great organization but I hate how there are a few franchises that get multiple #1 picks, while other franchises have never had a #1 pick. I was rooting for the Jazz to get there first ever #1 pick.

[King Ken]

Thoughts on this guy out of Santa Clara?

Branden Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUSYnJhbmRpbiBwb2R6aWVtc2tp

While Podziemski has shed the sleeper label, some teams may hope that he doesn't scrimmage and increase his chances of moving up boards. There will be others who want more proof that the Santa Clara sophomore can light up a floor full of second-round prospects. An ultra efficient 60.2 true shooting percentage should help validate the 19.9 points per game that were generated off advanced creation, touch and shot-making. His 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game can also alleviate concerns over his frame and defense.

Bleacher Report

Other than LP, I like Santa Clara players

[CP War Hawks]

If they stay at 15, my shortlist post combine is:

Bufkin
Coulibaly
Leonard Miller
Clowney

2nd round it's impossible to forecast who be there, but I like Tristan Vukcevic for pick 46.

[Jamaaliver]

Thoughts on this guy out of Santa Clara?

Branden Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUSYnJhbmRpbiBwb2R6aWVtc2tp

While Podziemski has shed the sleeper label, some teams may hope that he doesn't scrimmage and increase his chances of moving up boards. There will be others who want more proof that the Santa Clara sophomore can light up a floor full of second-round prospects. An ultra efficient 60.2 true shooting percentage should help validate the 19.9 points per game that were generated off advanced creation, touch and shot-making. His 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game can also alleviate concerns over his frame and defense.

Bleacher Report

Other than LP, I like Santa Clara players

They have a small, but impressive track record in the NBA.


I'm thinking this guy's best case scenario is as a Ginobili-esqe scorer/facilitator off the bench.
Designated closer.

Obviously, a lot has to go right for that to be the case. But I don't know if he'd be a starter on most championship level teams.

[Jamaaliver]

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[King Ken]

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Is it me or I really don't see it with JHS

When is the last time someone with this many reds had success in the NBA

https://tankathon.com/players/jalen-hood-schifino

Cam had a lot of reds as did Austin Rivers

https://tankathon.com/players/cam-reddish

https://tankathon.com/players/austin-rivers

None became more than lower end rotational players.

[King Ken]

Thoughts on this guy out of Santa Clara?

Bleacher Report

Other than LP, I like Santa Clara players

They have a small, but impressive track record in the NBA.


I'm thinking this guy's best case scenario is as a Ginobili-esqe scorer/facilitator off the bench.
Designated closer.

Obviously, a lot has to go right for that to be the case. But I don't know if he'd be a starter on most championship level teams.

His tankathon looks good.

https://tankathon.com/players/brandin-podziemski

Better than Jalen last year. He's not as good as Jalen but I'll take him in a minute over JHS

https://tankathon.com/players/jalen-williams

[King Ken]

Yeah, i am 100% sold on Brandin Podziemski. That's my guy in this year's class for the Hawks. Last year, it was Jalen Williams. He does exactly what we need but he's actually good unless JHS. I don't know if he has star power but he looks good and ready day 1 and I could see him as a potential 6th man of the year in the mold of Joe Ingles. He's my top guy at 15 in a weak class and it's not close.

[CP War Hawks]

I'm liking Jackson more and more with his versatility to play both 4 and 3. MPJ like trajectory we can take advantage of .

[Jamaaliver]

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