2023 NBA Draft – Thurs, 8PM, June 22

[Hal14]

Just give me Nnaji, Gueye or Jackson-Davis (in that order).

Then for UDFA, grab a wing like Lundy, Livingston, Phillips or Drew Peterson.

New mock:
https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2023-nba-mock-draft/

They got Nnaji going 21st, TJD goes 29th.

They got us taking Jaquez. I wouldn't hate that pick, but I would definitely take Gueye over him.

Walsh and Prosper are also still on the board at 35 in this mock. I have both of them ranked slightly ahead of Jaquez as well..

Video with interview and clips of Jaquez working out before the draft:

Watch on YouTube

In the interview he sounds very mature, very focused. In the workout, his shooting looks good and also looked pretty explosive going to the basket for some dunks.

He's a better shooter than the stats indicate, too.
-34.9% on C&S 3's
-41.7% on unguarded C&S 3's
-Last 2 years his FT% has been 76% and then 77% which is solid

And this video is cool. Gave me chills a little bit, hearing his dad talk about him. How can you not root for him?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/13_FiZhuOxI

[playa-hater]

Just give me Nnaji, Gueye or Jackson-Davis (in that order).

Then for UDFA, grab a wing like Lundy, Livingston, Phillips or Drew Peterson.

New mock:
https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2023-nba-mock-draft/

They got Nnaji going 21st, TJD goes 29th.

They got us taking Jaquez. I wouldn't hate that pick, but I would definitely take Gueye over him.

Walsh and Prosper are also still on the board at 35 in this mock. I have both of them ranked slightly ahead of Jaquez as well..

Video with interview and clips of Jaquez working out before the draft:

Watch on YouTube

In the interview he sounds very mature, very focused. In the workout, his shooting looks good and also looked pretty explosive going to the basket for some dunks.

He's a better shooter than the stats indicate, too.
-34.9% on C&S 3's
-41.7% on unguarded C&S 3's
-Last 2 years his FT% has been 76% and then 77% which is solid

And this video is cool. Gave me chills a little bit, hearing his dad talk about him. How can you not root for him?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/13_FiZhuOxI

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

[cl2117]

Read on Twitter

If the Pelicans trade Ingram for Scoot it's over. If the Celtics wanted to do that move for Jaylen, they're going to take Ingram over an expiring JB.

Good news is Dame stays in Portland if that happens

If the Pelicans make a move with Charlotte at #2 then I think it's more likely a deal with Portland at #3 would make sense.

Dame stays put, Blazers look to upgrade their talent, C's slide in for Miller and Simons.

[playa-hater]

Read on Twitter

If the Pelicans trade Ingram for Scoot it's over. If the Celtics wanted to do that move for Jaylen, they're going to take Ingram over an expiring JB.

Good news is Dame stays in Portland if that happens

If the Pelicans make a move with Charlotte at #2 then I think it's more likely a deal with Portland at #3 would make sense.

Dame stays put, Blazers look to upgrade their talent, C's slide in for Miller and Simons.

I would be all over that... Somehow I still think siacum ends up in Portland... Instead of Brown.. I think Toronto is way more willing to trade Siakam then Boston is Brown.. Also think there's a far greater chance that Siakam resigns with Paul and then Brown as well..

But who the hell really knows..

[aim2please]

Celtics are valuing high character guys since Brad took over. My guess is they're gonna draft a guy that projects to be a good role player and could contribute in year 1 or 2. Don't think they're gonna draft high upside, long-term project.

One of the following trio is my best guess: Andre Jackson Jr, Jackson-Davis, Jordan Walsh. Don't watch college basketball so no idea who is the sleeper. I just know drafting small guards is a no-no. So no to Sasser.

[165bows]

Just give me Nnaji, Gueye or Jackson-Davis (in that order).

Then for UDFA, grab a wing like Lundy, Livingston, Phillips or Drew Peterson.

New mock:
https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2023-nba-mock-draft/

They got Nnaji going 21st, TJD goes 29th.

They got us taking Jaquez. I wouldn't hate that pick, but I would definitely take Gueye over him.

Walsh and Prosper are also still on the board at 35 in this mock. I have both of them ranked slightly ahead of Jaquez as well..

Video with interview and clips of Jaquez working out before the draft:

Watch on YouTube

In the interview he sounds very mature, very focused. In the workout, his shooting looks good and also looked pretty explosive going to the basket for some dunks.

He's a better shooter than the stats indicate, too.
-34.9% on C&S 3's
-41.7% on unguarded C&S 3's
-Last 2 years his FT% has been 76% and then 77% which is solid

And this video is cool. Gave me chills a little bit, hearing his dad talk about him. How can you not root for him?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/13_FiZhuOxI

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

He played the most minutes on the 4th best defense in college basketball.

[Hal14]

Just give me Nnaji, Gueye or Jackson-Davis (in that order).

Then for UDFA, grab a wing like Lundy, Livingston, Phillips or Drew Peterson.

New mock:
https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2023-nba-mock-draft/

They got Nnaji going 21st, TJD goes 29th.

They got us taking Jaquez. I wouldn't hate that pick, but I would definitely take Gueye over him.

Walsh and Prosper are also still on the board at 35 in this mock. I have both of them ranked slightly ahead of Jaquez as well..

Video with interview and clips of Jaquez working out before the draft:

Watch on YouTube

In the interview he sounds very mature, very focused. In the workout, his shooting looks good and also looked pretty explosive going to the basket for some dunks.

He's a better shooter than the stats indicate, too.
-34.9% on C&S 3's
-41.7% on unguarded C&S 3's
-Last 2 years his FT% has been 76% and then 77% which is solid

And this video is cool. Gave me chills a little bit, hearing his dad talk about him. How can you not root for him?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/13_FiZhuOxI

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

Fair points, which is why he's not at the top of my list. I'd take Gueye, Walsh and Prosper over him.

But I think Jaquez defensively should just try to follow the Hauser blueprint in terms of his defense:

Year 1: Development year to get used to the NBA game, the speed/athleticism of the NBA players, and just working hard to improve on D. Play lots in the g league and get in some NBA games during garbage time
Year 2: Hopefully he's adjusted and put the work in, so perhaps now he's ready to be at least a decent defender

He's a decent defender inside. He even blocked one of Gueye's shots at the basket when their teams faced each other. Jaquez has good strength and combined that with toughness, positioning, technique, IQ to hold his own defending bigger guys inside (kind of like how Grant does a decent job defending bigger guys)

The issue is defending quicker, more skilled guys out on the perimeter. Which goes back to the Hauser formula..

[return2glory]

Just give me Nnaji, Gueye or Jackson-Davis (in that order).

Then for UDFA, grab a wing like Lundy, Livingston, Phillips or Drew Peterson.

New mock:
https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2023-nba-mock-draft/

They got Nnaji going 21st, TJD goes 29th.

They got us taking Jaquez. I wouldn't hate that pick, but I would definitely take Gueye over him.

Walsh and Prosper are also still on the board at 35 in this mock. I have both of them ranked slightly ahead of Jaquez as well..

Video with interview and clips of Jaquez working out before the draft:

Watch on YouTube

In the interview he sounds very mature, very focused. In the workout, his shooting looks good and also looked pretty explosive going to the basket for some dunks.

He's a better shooter than the stats indicate, too.
-34.9% on C&S 3's
-41.7% on unguarded C&S 3's
-Last 2 years his FT% has been 76% and then 77% which is solid

And this video is cool. Gave me chills a little bit, hearing his dad talk about him. How can you not root for him?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/13_FiZhuOxI

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

Fair points, which is why he's not at the top of my list. I'd take Gueye, Walsh and Prosper over him.

But I think Jaquez defensively should just try to follow the Hauser blueprint in terms of his defense:

Year 1: Development year to get used to the NBA game, the speed/athleticism of the NBA players, and just working hard to improve on D. Play lots in the g league and get in some NBA games during garbage time
Year 2: Hopefully he's adjusted and put the work in, so perhaps now he's ready to be at least a decent defender

He's a decent defender inside. He event blocked one of Gueye's shots at the basket when their teams faced each other. Jaquez has good strength and combined that with toughness, positioning, technique, IQ to hold his own defending bigger guys inside.

The issue is defending quicker, more skilled guys out on the perimeter. Which goes back to the Hauser formula..

What you seen Jaime Jaquez play? Just curious. Like full games, from start to finish? Has anyone? He might not have a "great upside", but he does a little of everything and does it well. He knows how to play the game and impacts winning.

[Hal14]

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

Fair points, which is why he's not at the top of my list. I'd take Gueye, Walsh and Prosper over him.

But I think Jaquez defensively should just try to follow the Hauser blueprint in terms of his defense:

Year 1: Development year to get used to the NBA game, the speed/athleticism of the NBA players, and just working hard to improve on D. Play lots in the g league and get in some NBA games during garbage time
Year 2: Hopefully he's adjusted and put the work in, so perhaps now he's ready to be at least a decent defender

He's a decent defender inside. He event blocked one of Gueye's shots at the basket when their teams faced each other. Jaquez has good strength and combined that with toughness, positioning, technique, IQ to hold his own defending bigger guys inside.

The issue is defending quicker, more skilled guys out on the perimeter. Which goes back to the Hauser formula..

What you seen chrome Jaime Jaquez play? Just curious. Like full games, from start to finish? Has anyone? He might but have a "great upside", but he does a little of everything and does it well. He knows how to play the game and impacts winning.

No one is disagreeing with you about that. But he does struggle moving his feet to stay in front of quicker, more skilled guards/wings out on the perimeter (see 9:17 mark of the video below)

That's not the only factor when drafting a player, but it is a factor. Especially since in the NBA he'll be going against a lot more quick/skilled players - on a bigger court with more spacing so more ground to cover. And if you get beat off the dribble, it's harder for a teammate to bail you out since the defenders are more spread out (less packed in than they are in college where it's a smaller court) and plus there's better shooters in the NBA so help defender isn't gonna want to leave his man to help if you get beat off the dribble.

Watch on YouTube

[shackles10]

Not a fan of Jacquez.. For one thing his game is more built for college than the nba.. Even if hes a little tougher on offense then I may give him credit for what position can he actually guard?.

By nba standards I don't think he can guard anyone..

Fair points, which is why he's not at the top of my list. I'd take Gueye, Walsh and Prosper over him.

But I think Jaquez defensively should just try to follow the Hauser blueprint in terms of his defense:

Year 1: Development year to get used to the NBA game, the speed/athleticism of the NBA players, and just working hard to improve on D. Play lots in the g league and get in some NBA games during garbage time
Year 2: Hopefully he's adjusted and put the work in, so perhaps now he's ready to be at least a decent defender

He's a decent defender inside. He event blocked one of Gueye's shots at the basket when their teams faced each other. Jaquez has good strength and combined that with toughness, positioning, technique, IQ to hold his own defending bigger guys inside.

The issue is defending quicker, more skilled guys out on the perimeter. Which goes back to the Hauser formula..

What you seen chrome Jaime Jaquez play? Just curious. Like full games, from start to finish? Has anyone? He might but have a "great upside", but he does a little of everything and does it well. He knows how to play the game and impacts winning.

I saw him kick Kentucky's ass this season. He did whatever he wanted on offense and was active on defense, but didn't leave feeling like he was more than just a guy who's really good at the college game. One game biased sample size so feel free to 100% ignore this breathtaking analysis lol.

[Hal14]

This either means there's no way in hell Prosper will still be on the board at pick 35. Or it's just his agent hyping him up to the media..

Read on Twitter

[Dogen]

This either means there's no way in hell Prosper will still be on the board at pick 35. Or it's just his agent hyping him up to the media..

Read on Twitter

Pacers got a full quiver of picks so no doubt there will be plenty of rumours and they'll likely snag at least one off your big board.

[Dogen]

Fair points, which is why he's not at the top of my list. I'd take Gueye, Walsh and Prosper over him.

But I think Jaquez defensively should just try to follow the Hauser blueprint in terms of his defense:

Year 1: Development year to get used to the NBA game, the speed/athleticism of the NBA players, and just working hard to improve on D. Play lots in the g league and get in some NBA games during garbage time
Year 2: Hopefully he's adjusted and put the work in, so perhaps now he's ready to be at least a decent defender

He's a decent defender inside. He event blocked one of Gueye's shots at the basket when their teams faced each other. Jaquez has good strength and combined that with toughness, positioning, technique, IQ to hold his own defending bigger guys inside.

The issue is defending quicker, more skilled guys out on the perimeter. Which goes back to the Hauser formula..

What you seen chrome Jaime Jaquez play? Just curious. Like full games, from start to finish? Has anyone? He might but have a "great upside", but he does a little of everything and does it well. He knows how to play the game and impacts winning.

I saw him kick Kentucky's ass this season. He did whatever he wanted on offense and was active on defense, but didn't leave feeling like he was more than just a guy who's really good at the college game. One game biased sample size so feel free to 100% ignore this breathtaking analysis lol.

Jaquez seems like a good due and the type of player Brad likes. A little bit of D White in there. A bit of size with that A Gordon energy (I'm still feeling AG withdrawal from when we got Fournier instead) but less hops. He could fit in that needed backup wing role for the Celtics.

He does look a bit slow for NBA, from basic eye test, but then again so does D White to me, and White does very well due to his basketball intelligence and timing. Sometimes guys without that innate lateral speed figure out other ways to dictate the tempo through anticipation. Jaime seems like he has a good basketball mind and it runs in the family.

And he's Mexican-American!

I agree with the G League/garbage time prescription. He could end up being a nice steal if given time to work on weaknesses.

[Hal14]

The shot looking pretty smooth..

6'7" with a 7'2" wingspan. Just turned 19..

Read on Twitter

The handle looks a little bit loose, though. But we wouldn't be asking him to handle the ball much..just crash offensive boards, attack the occasional closeout, hit the open 3, get out in transition and finish on the break, set some screens here and there..

[djFan71]

The shot looking pretty smooth..

6'7" with a 7'2" wingspan. Just turned 19..

Read on Twitter

You're doing good work here, Hal!

[Hal14]

My updated big board:

1 Victor Wembanyama
2 Brandon Miller
3 Scoot Henderson
4 Ausar Thompson
5 Amen Thompson
6 Jarace Walker
7 Taylor Hendricks
8 Cam Whitmore
9 Bilal Coulibaly
10 Cason Wallace
11 Anthony Black
12 Brice Sensabaugh
13 Dereck Lively
14 GG Jackson
15 Jett Howard
16 Keyonte George
17 Nick Smith Jr.
18 Leonard Miller
19 Gradey Dick
20 Sidy Cissoko
21 James Nnaji
22 Mouhamed Gueye
23 Noah Clowney
24 Trayce Jackson-Davis
25 Jordan Walsh
26 Rayan Rupert
27 Olivier-Maxence Prosper
28 Jalen Hood-Schifino
29 Kobe Bufkin
30 Colby Jones
31 Dariq Whitehead
32 Jordan Hawkins
33 Jaime Jaquez
34 Kobe Brown
35 Maxwell Lewis
36 Kris Murray
37 Amari Bailey
38 Julian Strawther
39 Brandin Podziemski
40 Tristan Vukcevic
41 Nikos Rogkavopoulos
42 Vincent Valerio-Bodon
43 Ben Sheppard
44 Seth Lundy
45 Chris Livingston
46 Jordan Miller
47 Adama Sanogo
48 Marcus Sasser
49 Ricky Council IV
50 Andre Jackson Jr.

[165bows]

What you seen chrome Jaime Jaquez play? Just curious. Like full games, from start to finish? Has anyone? He might but have a "great upside", but he does a little of everything and does it well. He knows how to play the game and impacts winning.

I saw him kick Kentucky's ass this season. He did whatever he wanted on offense and was active on defense, but didn't leave feeling like he was more than just a guy who's really good at the college game. One game biased sample size so feel free to 100% ignore this breathtaking analysis lol.

Jaquez seems like a good due and the type of player Brad likes. A little bit of D White in there. A bit of size with that A Gordon energy (I'm still feeling AG withdrawal from when we got Fournier instead) but less hops. He could fit in that needed backup wing role for the Celtics.

He does look a bit slow for NBA, from basic eye test, but then again so does D White to me, and White does very well due to his basketball intelligence and timing. Sometimes guys without that innate lateral speed figure out other ways to dictate the tempo through anticipation. Jaime seems like he has a good basketball mind and it runs in the family.

And he's Mexican-American!

I agree with the G League/garbage time prescription. He could end up being a nice steal if given time to work on weaknesses.

Right - I don’t think the eye test always works that well for defense. Scouting report on Draymond was he wasn’t that quick on D, they sort of missed him being an elite versatile, all-NBA defense guy. No one saw Jimmy Butler becoming an elite defensive player. They were bland older dudes.

[BostonCouchGM]

Read on Twitter

If the Pelicans trade Ingram for Scoot it's over. If the Celtics wanted to do that move for Jaylen, they're going to take Ingram over an expiring JB.

Good news is Dame stays in Portland if that happens

If the Pelicans make a move with Charlotte at #2 then I think it's more likely a deal with Portland at #3 would make sense.

Dame stays put, Blazers look to upgrade their talent, C's slide in for Miller and Simons.

Blazers just drafted Shaedon Sharpe who plays SG so they don't need a SG. The #3 pick is laughable and not on the table for Jaylen even if he didn't have just one year left on his deal. I DO think POR will trade Simons but probably for Siakam who would be a better fit since they need a 4. TOR gets their PG of the future and FVV replacement, avoids losing Siakam for nothing and POR gets to load the deck for Lillard. POR also has the cap space to sign Siakam or absorb him in a S & T. Simons and the #23 pick plus change should be enough to get Siakam if he doesn't sign.

[BostonCouchGM]

I saw him kick Kentucky's ass this season. He did whatever he wanted on offense and was active on defense, but didn't leave feeling like he was more than just a guy who's really good at the college game. One game biased sample size so feel free to 100% ignore this breathtaking analysis lol.

Jaquez seems like a good due and the type of player Brad likes. A little bit of D White in there. A bit of size with that A Gordon energy (I'm still feeling AG withdrawal from when we got Fournier instead) but less hops. He could fit in that needed backup wing role for the Celtics.

He does look a bit slow for NBA, from basic eye test, but then again so does D White to me, and White does very well due to his basketball intelligence and timing. Sometimes guys without that innate lateral speed figure out other ways to dictate the tempo through anticipation. Jaime seems like he has a good basketball mind and it runs in the family.

And he's Mexican-American!

I agree with the G League/garbage time prescription. He could end up being a nice steal if given time to work on weaknesses.

Right - I don’t think the eye test always works that well for defense. Scouting report on Draymond was he wasn’t that quick on D, they sort of missed him being an elite versatile, all-NBA defense guy. No one saw Jimmy Butler becoming an elite defensive player. They were bland older dudes.

not really, both were considered good to great potential defenders especially Butler. Scouts couldn't have envisioned Draymond playing small ball 5 which is really where his elite defense stems from. Jaquez could be a better defender than Hauser and not much worse than Grant. If we got him in the 2nd we should count ourselves lucky thought there's other guys I'd rather have over him.

[ThePigeon]

After watching a lot of film of potential big men in our range (slim pickings) I am sold on Mouhamed Gueye
He will be the 3rd best big on our team right away
Good size, strong, nice touch from inside and midrange, nice handle for a big man. Can learn how to defend better and pass from Big Al

Watch on YouTube