2023 NBA Draft Prospects

[AingesBurner]

Would anyone disagree that this draft in the most fun leading up to it for Jazz fans since perhaps the Exum draft?

Personally I’m not having great fun coz there’s simply too many unknowns. At this stage I’m not even sure which direction we want to take in our rebuild? It’s a strong draft for sure and we have options but I can’t get too excited about player x or y, trading up or down without knowing what the plan is for next year.
I understand the FO wants to keep their cards close to the chest but for me the immediate consequence is that I’m not overly excited either (just yet).

I agree. A lot of uncertainty; I’d almost trade back to 12 while getting our 24 pick back. Take Bilal at 12 and whatever PG is available at 16. This draft is about finding an undervalued player who exceeds expectations and gets us Luka.

[bkohler]

Would anyone disagree that this draft in the most fun leading up to it for Jazz fans since perhaps the Exum draft?

Personally I’m not having great fun coz there’s simply too many unknowns. At this stage I’m not even sure which direction we want to take in our rebuild? It’s a strong draft for sure and we have options but I can’t get too excited about player x or y, trading up or down without knowing what the plan is for next year.
I understand the FO wants to keep their cards close to the chest but for me the immediate consequence is that I’m not overly excited either (just yet).

I agree. A lot of uncertainty; I’d almost trade back to 12 while getting our 24 pick back. Take Bilal at 12 and whatever PG is available at 16. This draft is about finding an undervalued player who exceeds expectations and gets us Luka.

I admire your commitment (and hope in) the Luka cause. The more I look at what it takes to win a championship you really do need a guy like him.

[D Rog]

Bufkin cancelled his Jazz workout, might have a promise with the Wizards.

Ausar also might have a promise with the Magic at 6.

Please help me out... I am just a draft, free agency & trade junkie. I probably enjoy the business side of the Jazz more than the actual season. What are some of the best sites everybody frequents to get rumors or information regarding draft, free agency and trades? I didn't hear that Bufkin cancelled his workout.

[AingesBurner]

Bufkin cancelled his Jazz workout, might have a promise with the Wizards.

Ausar also might have a promise with the Magic at 6.

Please help me out... I am just a draft, free agency & trade junkie. I probably enjoy the business side of the Jazz more than the actual season. What are some of the best sites everybody frequents to get rumors or information regarding draft, free agency and trades? I didn't hear that Bufkin cancelled his workout.

Google!

[SoCalJazzFan]

Bufkin cancelled his Jazz workout, might have a promise with the Wizards.

Ausar also might have a promise with the Magic at 6.

Please help me out... I am just a draft, free agency & trade junkie. I probably enjoy the business side of the Jazz more than the actual season. What are some of the best sites everybody frequents to get rumors or information regarding draft, free agency and trades? I didn't hear that Bufkin cancelled his workout.

Hoopshype, Hoopsrumors, various twitter feeds, inlcuding Woj, etc.

[ForeverRDjazz]

I'm starting to like Grady at 9 and Whitehead at 16. I want great shooters and scorers. If you can move back and still get these guys and more picks even better.

[ForeverRDjazz]

Watch on YouTube

great body control and great touch on his shot.

[ForeverRDjazz]

Gradey does move a lot like Reggie Miller.

[Denizfeital]

I am still hoping Danny Ainge can do his magic and trade up, somehow. 2-3 would be fantastic, but 4-6 would also be pretty good.

[D Rog]

I am still hoping Danny Ainge can do his magic and trade up, somehow. 2-3 would be fantastic, but 4-6 would also be pretty good.

I agree. I don't think you are getting 2-3. Who do you want 4-6?

Personally, I am not a fan of Black because when a guy can't shoot in college I am concerned. My ideal scenario is a trade with Orlando. I have read they don't want 2 rookies with an already young team. Can the Jazz get #6 and keep #9? It would cost #16 and a future 1st IMHO (Orlando can trade #16). If Orlando doesn't want #16 then you are using 2 future firsts (I am not a big a fan of that but I would have to consider it). I have also read Sexton to Orlando and I am ok with that. My target would be Hendricks with #6 (too many rumors that Indiana wants Hendricks at #7). This allows the Jazz to have their choice of the more traditional PGs at #9 (Bufkin, Wallace or JHS). If Danny is set on Black at #6 then the Jazz still get a solid wing at #9. In Danny I trust.

[AingesBurner]

I am still hoping Danny Ainge can do his magic and trade up, somehow. 2-3 would be fantastic, but 4-6 would also be pretty good.

I agree. I don't think you are getting 2-3. Who do you want 4-6?

Personally, I am not a fan of Black because when a guy can't shoot in college I am concerned. My ideal scenario is a trade with Orlando. I have read they don't want 2 rookies with an already young team. Can the Jazz get #6 and keep #9? It would cost #16 and a future 1st IMHO (Orlando can trade #16). If Orlando doesn't want #16 then you are using 2 future firsts (I am not a big a fan of that but I would have to consider it). I have also read Sexton to Orlando and I am ok with that. My target would be Hendricks with #6 (too many rumors that Indiana wants Hendricks at #7). This allows the Jazz to have their choice of the more traditional PGs at #9 (Bufkin, Wallace or JHS). If Danny is set on Black at #6 then the Jazz still get a solid wing at #9. In Danny I trust.

I see the Sexton rumors as Ainge building value in him to turn #9, #16, #28, and Sexton into #6, #11, and Harris. Orlando gets another vet PG/SG while still not dropping to low.

[bkohler]

I've been wondering about a Sexton for Lowry + 18 trade, then use 18 + 16 to move up?

[Inigo Montoya]

I've been wondering about a Sexton for Lowry + 18 trade, then use 18 + 16 to move up?

Doesn't seem to be worth the trouble. Which team in front of the Jazz could use #16+#18 instead of their own pick? And how far do you think the Jazz could climb with this offer? Most of the teams in front of us either have too many picks and young players already, or they're looking for a high lottery pick in exchange for a difference-making player.

The only exception might be Dallas, just because they have a dearth of picks and lack talent and depth, but even they are looking to trade their pick for player who could really help them.

[Crunch 99]

Interesting article below on Anthony Black's journey to top ten lottery pick. I could see Ainge, a multi sport athlete himself, getting smitten by Black, who has excelled in baseball, soccer, football and basketball. I can also understand why people think that Black's ceiling may potentially be much higher than the level he is playing at now, given that Black hasn't focused on basketball to the extent other top ten picks have. There is hope that with more reps the three point shooting will come around.

Inside Anthony Black's winding journey from bright football future to likely top-10 pick
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2023-nba-draft-inside-anthony-blacks-winding-journey-from-bright-football-future-to-likely-top-10-pick/

[TNJazz]

Interesting article below on Anthony Black's journey to top ten lottery pick. I could see Ainge, a multi sport athlete himself, getting smitten by Black, who has excelled in baseball, soccer, football and basketball. I can also understand why people think that Black's ceiling may potentially be much higher than the level he is playing at now, given that Black hasn't focused on basketball to the extent other top ten picks have. There is hope that with more reps the three point shooting will come around.

Inside Anthony Black's winding journey from bright football future to likely top-10 pick
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2023-nba-draft-inside-anthony-blacks-winding-journey-from-bright-football-future-to-likely-top-10-pick/

Really interesting article. Sheds some nice light on Black (pun intended) as a potential Jazz PGOTF. Bring in Horny to coach his shooting and all will be good.

[Inigo Montoya]

Nothing against Black, but if the Jazz draft him at #9 (let alone trade up from there to draft him), I'd be disappointed. I get the infatuation with tall point guards but it's getting ridiculous that 6"2 point guards are considered small nowadays.

When you look at it, how many 6"7 point guards are out there that are actually really good? The only ones I could come up with are Cade Cunningham (6"6) who I'm still not sold on, and Tyrese Haliburton (6"5). The rest of the point guards in the league are smaller than that.

[D Rog]

I agree with Inigo regarding Black. Love The Athletic's final mock draft, especially if the Jazz can get the Mavs #10 pick for future picks. My ideal draft has the Jazz getting Jarace W or Taylor H

#9 - Cam Whitmore #10 Taylor Hendricks #16 Cason Wallace #28 Dariq Whitehead

[tugs]

Nothing against Black, but if the Jazz draft him at #9 (let alone trade up from there to draft him), I'd be disappointed. I get the infatuation with tall point guards but it's getting ridiculous that 6"2 point guards are considered small nowadays.

When you look at it, how many 6"7 point guards are out there that are actually really good? The only ones I could come up with are Cade Cunningham (6"6) who I'm still not sold on, and Tyrese Haliburton (6"5). The rest of the point guards in the league are smaller than that.

Josh Giddey. Although Black is a step slower it seems, but he makes up for aggressiveness

[Inigo Montoya]

Nothing against Black, but if the Jazz draft him at #9 (let alone trade up from there to draft him), I'd be disappointed. I get the infatuation with tall point guards but it's getting ridiculous that 6"2 point guards are considered small nowadays.

When you look at it, how many 6"7 point guards are out there that are actually really good? The only ones I could come up with are Cade Cunningham (6"6) who I'm still not sold on, and Tyrese Haliburton (6"5). The rest of the point guards in the league are smaller than that.

Josh Giddey. Although Black is a step slower it seems, but he makes up for aggressiveness

He plays off the ball a lot, and not really as a 'traditional' PG. But even if we include him, that's 3 out of the entire league.

[bkohler]

Nothing against Black, but if the Jazz draft him at #9 (let alone trade up from there to draft him), I'd be disappointed. I get the infatuation with tall point guards but it's getting ridiculous that 6"2 point guards are considered small nowadays.

When you look at it, how many 6"7 point guards are out there that are actually really good? The only ones I could come up with are Cade Cunningham (6"6) who I'm still not sold on, and Tyrese Haliburton (6"5). The rest of the point guards in the league are smaller than that.

I've said this before but isn't the idea of Black what made Dante Exum so intriguing? Good defender, who can pass, has great athleticism but can't shoot? Seems like you could have the same thing by bringing someone like Exum back for far cheaper than the cost of the 9th pick.