2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[Hal14]

Okay thanks to you guys I will look him up..

I posted a video of him just now on page 55. Also about a week back on page 51.
I like his game. I watch some West Coast games since I'm in CA. He is one of my sleepers in this draft.

His offensive game looks very good. What do the scouting reports have to say about his defense?

HIs defense is okay, from what I've seen. Not terrible but not great either.

The reason he's projected to go undrafted is mainly his age. He's 23, will be 24 in November and played 5 years of college basketball. Generally, the perception is that if a guy is that old, played 5 yrs of college ball and still isn't in the pros, he's not that good. Plus, when you watch his film from this season you have to factor in that he's 3-5 years older (with much more college experience) than a lot of the guys he's going against.

Plus, like Playa Hater said, he is pretty skinny. And, he's got slightly below average athleticism - has some burst and shiftiness to him, but only had a 32" vertical leap at the combine, which is typically what you might see from big men, not wings.

And the defense isn't great.

So yeah, that's why he's not projected to get drafted. I'm a little bit higher on him than the mainstream sites/analysts, so I have him ranked 57 on my board (you could make an argument for him to be a little higher than that, spots 52-65 on my board are fairly interchangeable.

I think he could be a solid UDFA pickup, as I've said. But I wouldn't take him at 35 - think we can do better with that pick.

He did play well at the g league elite camp. And the case for him is pretty simple - guys who are 6'9" who can move as quick as he does, with the type of handle, shooting and passing that he has. Well, you just don't see many 6'9" guys like that. He's basically like a poor man's Peja or Turkoglu. So there's definitely some appeal here. Peterson plays smart, fundamental basketball, too. Not someone who will need a ton of development - not a project. Already knows how to play and has a good baseline skill level.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Jay King weighs in. The Athletic is a very worthwhile subscription for those on the fence.

https://theathletic.com/4591105/2023/06/08/celtics-2023-nba-draft-pick-35/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983


Jordan Walsh: 6-foot-6 forward, Arkansas
Walsh just works. His energy stands out. He can get too eager (he fouled out of eight games) but his intentions are pure. He accepts the challenge of defending. Even when a ballhandler beats him, Walsh regularly hustles his way back into the play — and he sometimes finishes it with a block from behind. His rearview contests occasionally have shades of Derrick White. As Celtics fans know, that’s high praise. Especially for a 19-year-old with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Walsh plays with an unusual motor. He needs to add more strength but he’s tough and young with a solid frame already. He projects to be the type of versatile defender every team wants.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.: 6-foot-6 forward, UCLA
Jaquez Jr. hasn’t ever been a steady outside shooter. He’s not the quickest defender. He’s 22 and has a bunch of qualities that often make NBA teams say, “Pass.”

UCLA still won all sorts of big games over the past three seasons largely because Jaquez Jr. consistently played winning basketball at both ends of the court. He handled the ball in pick-and-rolls, defended all sorts of opponents and rebounded. Not many big wings can be trusted to run isolations at one end of the court while guarding up at the other, but Jaquez Jr. managed to do so at UCLA, showing off two-way versatility that helped make him one of the nation’s best players over the last three seasons. His intelligence at both ends helped define his team

Brandin Podziemski: 6-foot-4 guard, Santa Clara
After barely playing at Illinois as a freshman, Podziemski transferred and immediately emerged as one of the nation’s most productive players. Not many guys can combine the volume and efficiency he did as a sophomore at Santa Clara. While averaging 19.9 points per game and handling many of the creating responsibilities, he shot 51.3 percent on 2-pointers, 43.8 percent on 3-pointers and 77.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Podziemski displayed great touch, feel and a complete offensive repertoire. He can thrive in the post, where he can score and facilitate, and in transition, where he made a killing in college. Especially if he’s able to add more 3-point versatility (both off the bounce and off movement), it’s easy to see how he should help an offense at the NBA level. He gives off some Luke Kennard vibes, right down to the dominant high school numbers.

Jalen Pickett: 6-foot-2 guard, Penn State
I almost put Jalen Clark in this spot, but this list is too heavy on UCLA players already. His defense could make some team happy, though.

Anyway, Pickett became one of my favorite players to watch last season after transferring to Penn State. He might have the funkiest game of any draft prospect. He’s a point guard who lives in the post, a penetrator who plays with his back to the basket, a crafty dude who probably leaves defenders confused about why they can’t stop him.

Will Pickett’s unique game translate to the NBA? I’m not sure. Pickett is old for a prospect and he’s not the best athlete. Though he shot the 3-pointer well this past season, he did so on low volume and doesn’t have a long track record of sinking outside shots (he made 35.5 percent of 3-point attempts throughout his college career). There are reasons why Vecenie’s latest mock draft projected the 23-year-old Pickett to go undrafted. He is far from conventional and inverts the point guard position. It’s possible he won’t find the right fit for his weird game.

It could take a creative coach to unlock Pickett, but he had a huge season at Penn State. He handed out a ton of assists without turning the ball over much. He averaged 17.7 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 6.6 assists per game on efficient shooting percentages from inside and outside the arc. He has decent size and length for a point guard and a long history of making smart decisions with the ball. I might be going to “Moneyball” here, hollering about how the sidearmed pitcher can mow down people, but Penn State had one of the most potent offenses in the nation last season with the ball in Pickett’s hands much of the time.

Cr: BenHogan/SOSH

[Hal14]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

We all welcome Our New Dariq Whitehead Overlord....

There's a possibility because of the double foot surgeries, a Lottery Prospect like Whitehead could drop to 35.
He's projected anywhere from Late Lottery to the Clippers at 30.
He offers the Celtics a lot of what they like in a Draftee: Duke pedigree, high high school ranking, 5-Star-Prospect
and he could spend the season rehabilitating and developing in the G League.
Even if he's not available in the Second Round , this is the type of player you trade up for if he starts dropping down,
as a Homerun Shot.

[djFan71]

Jordan Walsh: 6-foot-6 forward, Arkansas
Walsh just works. His energy stands out. He can get too eager (he fouled out of eight games) but his intentions are pure. He accepts the challenge of defending. Even when a ballhandler beats him, Walsh regularly hustles his way back into the play — and he sometimes finishes it with a block from behind. His rearview contests occasionally have shades of Derrick White. As Celtics fans know, that’s high praise. Especially for a 19-year-old with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Walsh plays with an unusual motor. He needs to add more strength but he’s tough and young with a solid frame already. He projects to be the type of versatile defender every team wants.

[165bows]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

C's really seem to like high-level ball skills in their big men, and workout warrior types are easy to overhype.

But man does look like he's dunking on a nerf hoop there lol.

[Hal14]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

C's really seem to like high-level ball skills in their big men, and workout warrior types are easy to overhype.

But man does look like he's dunking on a nerf hoop there lol.

Well, the last time we drafted a big man, it was Rob who didn't have ball skills.

The team has clearly shown over the years that they like Rob and value him a lot.

Nnaji is a younger, taller, less injury prone Rob.

Nnaji doesn't have the passing feel that Rob has. But he can learn that over the next couple of years, from Rob and Al (2 of the best passing bigs in the league).

[MrGreenRunsDeep]

Trade the pick for a center! We don’t have time for Development

[Hal14]

Thread on Mo Gueye with a bunch of clips that showcase:
-Nice pass to a cutter from the post
-2 really good moves and finishes out of low post/mid post
-A couple nice face up drives/finishes
-Smooth jumper, from mid range and from 3
-Good interior defense, rebounding and shot blocking

Read on Twitter

[Hal14]

New mock just posted, with a bunch of juicy intel on where each player might go in the draft:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2023-nba-mock-draft-trade-talks-dereck-lively-bilal-coulibaly-brandin-podziemski/

If these are the first 34 picks, then these would be my preferred choices at 35:

1) Mo Gueye
2) TJD
3) Omax Prosper

I've currently got those 3 guys ranked 22, 24 and 26 on my big board. So I'd be pumped if we get 1 of them.

[return2glory]

New mock just posted, with a bunch of juicy intel on where each player might go in the draft:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2023-nba-mock-draft-trade-talks-dereck-lively-bilal-coulibaly-brandin-podziemski/

If these are the first 34 picks, then these would be my preferred choices at 35:

1) Mo Gueye
2) TJD
3) Omax Prosper

I've currently got those 3 guys ranked 22, 24 and 26 on my big board. So I'd be pumped if we get 1 of them.

Mock drafts rarely know where a player is going to get drafter unless it's in the top 5-7. They are guessing after like the 12th pick and beyond, especially when they get to the 2nd round. They are kind of going off what teams the player has worked out for. This person or people who made this draft have Sanogo and Jordan Miller going way too late at 58 and 60. Mock drafts are fun for what they are but accuracy isn't that strong. But it's fun to look at about 3 or 4 different ones every week til the draft.

[return2glory]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

C's really seem to like high-level ball skills in their big men, and workout warrior types are easy to overhype.

But man does look like he's dunking on a nerf hoop there lol.

I don't think that's on a 10 foot basket. Looks like about 9.5 or a little lower. Looks like they lowered the basket.

[Hal14]

Funny story. A few years ago, when my sister was pregnant, I would joke around by suggesting some silly names to name the baby.

One of them was Santa, one of them was Planet. One of them was Jelly.

Is it fate for the Celtics to sign this guy to a 2-way?

Read on Twitter

Fun player, but he's only 5'11".

[Hal14]

Updated list of guys we've worked out..

Trayce Jackson-Davis - PF/C - Indiana
Jordan Walsh - W/F - Arkansas
Andre Jackson Jr - G/W - UConn
Vincent Valerio-Bodon - F - Sopron KC (Hungary)
Jalen Slawson - F/C - Furman
Tosan Evbuomwan - F - Princeton
Charles Bediako - C - Alabama
Leaky Black - F - UNC
Drew Peterson - F - USC
Chris Livingston - W - Kentucky
Justin Powell - W - Washington State
Landers Nolley II - F - Cincinnati
Jazian Gortman - G - OTE
Jake Stephens - C - Chattanooga
Alex Fudge - W/F - Florida
Oscar Tshiebwe - C - Kentucky
Taevion Kinsey - W - Marshall
Kao Akobundu-Ehiogu - C - Memphis
Taylor Funk - F - Utah State
Craig Porter Jr - G - Wichita State
Patrick Gardner - C - Marist
Jelly Walker - G - UAB
Justyn Mutts - F - Virginia Tech
Demarcus Demonia - Wing - Texas A&M-Commerce
Enrique Freeman - Wing - Akron
RayJ Dennis - PG - Toledo
Isaiah Miranda - Stretch Big - NC State (withdrew from the draft)
Dillon Jones - G/W - Weber State (withdrew from the draft)
Terrence Shannon Jr - G/W - Illinois (withdrew from the draft)
Coleman Hawkins - F - Illinois (withdrew from the draft)
Jamal Shead - PG - Houston (withdrew from draft)
Mike Sharavjamts - W/F - Dayton (withdrew from draft)
Branden Carlson - C - Utah (withdrew from draft)
Clifford Omoruyi - C - Rutgers (withdrew from draft)
Norchad Omier - F - Miami (withdrew from draft)
Jaylen Forbes - G - Tulane (withdrew from draft)
Alijah Martin - PG - Florida Atlantic (withdrew from draft)

[ThePigeon]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

Reminds me of Jalen Duren from the Pistons
Long, strong, tough, athletic. Lives around the basket

I want a big out of this draft. Either draft or trade
There are some prospects that can play right away

[Hal14]

Good chance Nnaji is gone before our pick. But if he's still there, I think you gotta take him.

Read on Twitter

Reminds me of Jalen Duren from the Pistons
Long, strong, tough, athletic. Lives around the basket

I want a big out of this draft. Either draft or trade
There are some prospects that can play right away

Yup. When I watch Nnaji play, the fist 2 guys that come to mind are Clint Capela and Jalen Duren. Maybe a little bit of Time Lord too.

There's a few parallels with Duren. Duren is 6'11", 250 lbs with a 7'5" wingspan. Nnaji is 6'11", 249 lbs with a 7'5" wingspan. Both had rock solid, chiseled frames, even at age 18. Both very young for their draft class - Duren turned 19 a few months after he was drafted (in November) and Nnaji will turn 19 a couple months after he's drafted (in August).

Both very good shot blockers, both use their strength to defend the paint, and to finish near the rim on offense. Both have good motors and stay locked in on both ends of the floor. Both highly ranked players from their age group - Duren was a 5 star recruit out of HS - then put up solid numbers as the starting C for Memphis as a freshman, despite being VERY young, compared to other college basketball players. Nnaji is one of Europe's top prospects from his age group - and got rotation minutes for FC Barcelona this season. Pretty wild for an 18 year old kid to be getting rotation minutes for a team as good as Barcelona, in the freaking EuroLeague. He played well, too - battling and holding his own, even when matched up with a guy like Edy Tavares, the best big man in Europe, who is HUGE.

They were both a little bit raw, on both ends of the floor as prospects. Both very good lob threats.

As far as differences, I'd say Duren is maybe a little bit quicker, more spry getting up and down the floor. Nanji does move well for his size, but a little slow footed in the open floor compared to Duren (Duren was an absolute freak though in college last year, to see a guy his size move up and down the floor like he did was nuts haha). Duren is also maybe a little bit better as a passer and has shown flashes of being able to hit the mid range jump shot.

Nnaji meanwhile, appears to be a more swithable defender than Duren. Duren (at least as a prospect) was really just a drop coverage big who couldn't really defend the perimeter very well. Nnaji though has been very good on switches - like really good - like we've seen Nnaji pick up guards/wings out on the perimeter and defend them as well this season at age 18 as Time Lord was doing at age 23. I could definitely see Nnaji one day making all-NBA defense team. The other area Nnaji has an edge on Duren is the flashes he has shown being able to face up from the perimeter and make some impressive drives to the basket - like driving it from the 3 pt line to the rim and dunking on dudes - something we never really saw Time Lord do until this season at age 25.

Duren was the 13th pick last year and is the Pistons center of the future. One could make a case that Nnaji is just as good as Duren was as a prospect. The tricky thing with Nnaji is he only played 9 mins per game this season - a lot of the times when he's been in the game it was garbage time. So it's tricky to evaluate him. But on the other hand, when he has played meaningful mins, he's faced much better competition than Duren played last year at Memphis.

Like I said before, there's a good chance he's gone by 35. But if you get a guy like Nnaji at 35, that's a hell of a pick. Hell, someone on Twitter was even suggesting that perhaps you use Pritchard to try and move up a few spots to draft Nnaji, to ensure that you get him since he might not make it to 35..

[Hal14]

One weakness for Nnaji is that he only shot 46.8% on his free throws, yikes. But to his credit, he's in the gym working on it and getting better. Still just 18 yrs old, so could certainly improve in that area and is already showing signs of improvement here:

Read on Twitter

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

Pacers have picks 26, 29, 32 and 55..

[Smart2Nesmith43]

One weakness for Nnaji is that he only shot 46.8% on his free throws, yikes. But to his credit, he's in the gym working on it and getting better. Still just 18 yrs old, so could certainly improve in that area and is already showing signs of improvement here:

Read on Twitter

My rule of thumb is that if someone is a worse free throw shooter than I am (unless they are Shaq) then I don't want them on my NBA team. I'm garbage at basket, they are professionals, it's just embarassing.

[big-shot-ROB]

Nnaji is incredibly raw. No chance the BOS draft him and no chance he should come right away. I'd give him 2-3 stash years and then re-evaluate. He's a 45+ pick.