By Zack Sawyer|June 21, 2023
1st Pick
Victor Wenbanyama (19) – 7’3” (C) France –
Stats - 21.6/10.4/2.4 on 47/28/83 splits with 3 blocks per game in LNB Pro A (Top French League)
FIRST GLANCE-
• One of the most unique prospects we have ever seen in any sport, listed at 7’3”, but by all accounts, being at least one, maybe two inches taller than that and having legitimate ball handling and outside shooting ability.
• One of the prospects that comes along and is truly capable of changing the trajectory of a franchise. This gets said a lot, but for this young man the sky is the limit. I do worry the expectations are getting blown out of proportion and all I hope is that this kid is allowed to grow and develop without the insanity of expecting him to be the best player in the league by year three.
STRENGTHS-
• Other worldly range on the defensive side of the ball, seems to be able to influence the entire half court area from his position in the paint. He will change the geometry of how this game works with his length and ability to cover ground in such a short amount of time.
• Ball handling and overall “bag” for a guy taller than 7 feet and at his age is impressive and something that he is sure to build on as well as his outside shot.
WEAKNESSES-
• Being slight will make things challenging in the early going of his career but he will grow into his body and soon be able to deal with the crazy physicality that exists in the paint of an NBA game.
• This is a knit pick for sure but needs to make sure to not get carried away with getting blocks. Savvy NBA players will use that aggression to get him in early foul trouble (JJJ) and he can’t risk missing minutes. Stay in the structure of the defense and the blocks will come.
COMPS-
• Kristaps Porzingis with evolutionary movement ability (Nickname is the Unicorn, might has to pass that one on to this young fella)
• Ralph Sampson
• Really there is no one like him but this will give a slight frame of reference.
PERSONAL THOUGHTS- This is the only 100% sure thing pick in this draft. The San Antonio Spurs fell into one of the best prospects we have seen in years and if we were doing a 2k Simulation with the injuries turned off this is a player that you can guarantee will have a fantastic career with many all-star appearances and some All-NBA accolades. Excited to watch what this team can do, especially in this off-season with a projected 37 million of cap space to work with. Do you let the young man get his sea legs with no pressure and load up next year or push for the playoffs next season?
2nd Pick
Scoot Henderson (19)- 6’2” Combo Guard, G League Ignite
Stats- 16.5/5.3/6.8 on 43/28/77 splits with a 2/1 TO Ratio in the NBA G League
FIRST GLANCE-
• A pit bull of a guard that despite his height (6’2”) can contend with bigger players due to his explosive athleticism, his 6’9” wingspan and sturdy build (195lbs).
• Gets rave reviews for his competitiveness and professionalism. A real gym rat that I believe will snuff out weaknesses in his game and correct them over time.
• Not the typical “I need the ball every possession. “, guard and can affect the game with his energy, ability to push in transition and his overall feel for the game.
STRENGTHS-
• In complete control of his basketball “transmission” already at a young age (19), switching smoothly between gears and making him extremely hard to stay with on the ball.
• Competes in all aspects of the game including the boards, and defensively. He might not be a showstopper on the defensive end but there is no doubt that he cares.
• Has elite vision and already understands how to manipulate the defense with his pace, spacing and rim pressure. Shows true lead guard skills with his pick on roll control.
• Is elite in the mid-range both finishing the play and scaring the defense, creating opportunities for his teammates.
WEAKNESSES-
• Offensive efficiency must improve. Most of the G League guys have not been incredibly efficient in their time playing there and he has shown a real ability to fill it up, we just need to see continued improvement especially from the 3PT line. He can be a good starter in the league with a below average 3PT shot but to reach the potential I believe he has, which is All-NBA, he could really use that in his bag.
COMPS-
• Isiah Thomas with crazy long arms
• Rod Strickland
• Russell Westbrook (not quite) and Chris Paul (not quite)
PERSONAL THOUGHTS- In my opinion if the Hornets stay at 2 and don’t pick Scoot, they are making a huge mistake. This Hornets roster is not nearly substantial enough to be picking for fit in this position and I think without a shadow of a doubt that Scoot is the second best prospect in this draft. Scoot can absolutely fit beside LaMelo, and I think could give the team the intensity and leadership that Ball doesn’t seem to be comfortable providing. I love this guy and I fully expect to see him in the All-Star game within 3 years.
3rd Pick
Brandon Miller (20) 6’9” Wing, Alabama
Stats- 18.8/8.2/2.1 on 43/38/86 splits.
FIRST GLANCE- Brandon Miller is a long, smooth, offensive talented wing who projects to be a fantastic shooter in the league from day one. Great size, should fit anywhere and one any team.
STRENGTHS-
• 3PT shooting is elite. Off the dribble, off the catch, or on the run, he can do it.
• Shows good instincts for playmaking and I think very soon could be a second side ball handler and creator. Needs some time for the primary creation role but could very well develop that.
• Competes on the boards and doesn’t let his size and length go to waste like some star offensive hubs might.
WEAKNESSES-
• Little bit skinny at the moment and some of the big wings (LeBron, Kawhi, Tatum) are going to be able to push him around for a little while. This is normal for younger players and should work itself out in time.
• The moderate amount of playmaking chops that he has shown could be a confusing attribute at the start of his career. I don’t think he is ready for full fledged primary reps in large volume and would love to see that part of his game brought along slowly and allowed to develop.
COMPS-
• Paul George minus the defense
• Taller Joe Johnson
PERSONAL THOUGHTS- I really, really like this player and I think whoever ends up with this pick, whether that be Portland or any prospective trade partner, will be extremely lucky to get him with the third pick in this draft. A very well-rounded offensive player day one would be insane next to Shaedon Sharpe as a wing combo. I see real potential for stardom just not quite at the level I see from Scoot. Wonderful consolation prize with the third choice.
4th Pick
Cam Whitmore (18) 6’7” 232lbs Wing, Villanova
Stats- 12.5/5.3/0.7 on 48/34/70 splits
FIRST GLANCE- incredible specimen of a wing with the size to play some 4 and the movement skills to guard the smaller players. Explosive athlete that could jump right into the league as an elite play finisher.
STRENGTHS-
• Perfect combination of size for this version of the NBA. Being strong as well as agile is such a blessing today that affords your team much lineup versatility.
• His catch and shoot 3PT attempts show an ability to spread the floor and could improve from 40% in college. This combined with explosive rim pressure makes a very dangerous second side attacker from the triple threat.
• Insane on the break and could be devastating if paired with a run and gun facilitator.
WEAKNESSES-
• Some of the worst playmaking numbers we have seen out of a top prospect in some time. 6% AST Rate is not going to cut it as a starting NBA player. Some of this could be because of the terrible position at Villanova, with Jay Wright leaving and the talent he played with being subpar but some of it definitely comes from being tunnel visioned. Must be improved.
• Should be more effective on the boards with his size and physical tools.
COMPS-
• Kuminga with scoring versatility
• Larry Johnson
PERSONAL THOUGHTS- Cam Whitmore has had some negativity coming from his freshman year at Villanova but I think a lot of that comes from being surrounded by subpar talent and not trusting his teammates. Will he be a good playmaker in the NBA? Doubtful. Will he be an elite play finisher? I think he will. Houston continues the youth movement and goes Whitmore.
5th Pick
Ausar Thompson (20) 6’7” 215lbs Wing, Overtime Elite
Stats- 16.3/6.9/6.1 on 48/30/67 splits with 2.7 STLS but also 3.4 TO
First Glance- This is the wing brother. Where Amen profiles more as a ball handler, offensive hub, Ausar is a defensive stud with great slashing ability and a little more touch around the rim. He seems far more comfortable with an off-ball role, and I think has a better chance at being an NBA level shooter than his brother.
Strengths-
• Other worldly athleticism (even though slightly less than Amen) that will produce many NBATV Top 10 moments.
• Destructive on the break and an exceptional cutter. Will pair nicely with ball handlers such as Cunningham and Ivey.
• Unselfish player that will do whatever it takes on the court to give his team the best chance.
• Potential to be one of the best shutdown defenders on the wing that we have.
Weaknesses-
• Shooting must improve if he is going to be an All-Star type guy.
• Doesn’t profile and an offense driver in the NBA which somewhat limits his overall potential.
• Slight Jaylen Brown handle syndrome.
Comps-
• Young Andrew Wiggins
• Latrell Sprewell
Personal Thoughts- at 5 I think this is the best pick with Whitmore off the board. They have two players that like the ball in their hands in Cunningham and Ivey that will work very well with this monster of an athlete that can make an impact without being the PG. I have slowly moved Ausar in front of Amen throughout this draft process because I just believe he will be an easier fit on teams with established ball dominant guys.
6th Pick
Amen Thompson (20) 6’7” 210lbs G, Overtime Elite
Stats- 16.4/5.9/5.9 on 57/25/66 splits
First Glance- a straight up Looney Toon athlete that can’t really shoot at all but has a great feel for the game. If he can put the shooting together the sky is truly the limit, but if that never falls into place there is legitimate risk here.
Strengths-
• Top 5 athlete in the league from day one. I don’t think I have ever seen a player with this size move this quickly.
• Great “freelance” playmaker. I am not sure if he is ready to be the primary playmaking option on a good team but shows instincts to develop into that.
• Great on ball defender, could develop into devasting overall contributor on that side of the floor with some coaching and experience.
• By all accounts both of these kids are awesome people that work hard and are coachable.
Weaknesses-
• Shooting, shooting and shooting. This is by far the biggest impediment to this kid’s ceiling. If he can turn the corner on that, watch out.
Comps-
• Zach Lavine (switch the shooting for playmaking) – little bit of a stretch but we have a crazy athlete that can shoot and doesn’t make anyone else better vs crazy athlete who has good feel and can’t shoot.
• Giant Ja Morant
Personal Thoughts- this is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s draft, with an upside that could be incredible to watch but also a true chance of flaming out. The Magic having 2 picks in the lottery allows then to take this chance with a crazy athlete who could develop into something truly special to go along with the young talent already in place while possibly taking a more certain contributor at 11. I would absolutely love this pick for Orlando.
7th Pick
Taylor Hendricks (19) 6’9” 210lbs F, UCF
Stats- 15.1/7.0/1.4 on 48/40/78 splits on 5 3pt FGA per game and 1.7 BPG
First Glance- a long, rangy athlete with fantastic help side rim protection and defensive versatility. Shows a real ability to hit outside shots with high efficiency off the catch and with these skills should contribute immediately.
Strengths-
• 3PT shooting is the best facet of his offensive game, finishing with 40% accuracy last year.
• Great weak side rim protection, showing great timing, instincts and real bounce.
• Good discipline when faced with up fakes, stay vertical and limits his fouling.
• Shows real defensive versatility when forced to switch on to small players, using his length to swallow them up on drive attempts.
Weaknesses-
• not super comfortable with the ball in his hands on dribble penetration or when try to be a playmaker.
• Should be a stronger rebounder than he is.
• Needs to improve his finishing package around the cup.
Comps-
• Jerami Grant
• Marvin Williams (offense)
• Robert Covington (defense)
Personal Thoughts- I really like this fit with Indiana. Pairing with Haliburton on the offensive end should provide him with plenty of open looks and the combination of Hendricks and Turner down low is going to tough to deal with for opposing offenses around the rim. Love this pick at 7.
8th Pick
Anthony Black (19) 6’7” 195lbs G, Arkansas
Stats- 12.8/5.1/3.9 on 45/30/71 splits with 2.1 Stl
First Glance- Lead ball handler with great size, body control and top of the charts feel for the game. One of the best “little things” players in this draft with All Defense capabilities.
Strengths-
• Positional size, at 6’7” with his unique herky, jerky way of moving, he should live in the lane.
• Can play as a traditional pick and roll creator or operate as more of a guide to the offense. Think Lonzo and Draymond.
• A terror on the defensive end where he uses that previously mentioned size and his incredible motor to really make the opponents guards feel him.
Weaknesses-
• Another player that struggled with his shooting. I have no doubts that he will become a serviceable catch and shoot player but being a plus shooter is probably not in the cards.
• Not a super explosive athlete and could have trouble separating from good defenders.
• Not a great solo offensive player. Will work much better with a competent supporting cast.
Comps-
• Lonzo Ball
• Hard to find other fits. Unique player for sure.
Personal Thoughts- I think that this is a good choice for the rebuilding Wizards. Depending on what they do with KP and Kuzma they could be starting over or retooling. He works for both scenarios. Will be a culture setter on the defensive end and be able to open things up unlike any PG since John Wall has been able to in Washington.
9th Pick
Kobe Bufkin (19) 6’5” 187lbs Guard, Michigan
Stats- 14/4.5/2.9 on 48/36/85 splits
First Glance- a do it all combo guard that is successful both on and off ball. Brings tenacious intensity to the defensive end of the floor and shows signs of real leadership.
Strengths-
• Being above average at every aspect of the game. There really is not an obvious hole that I can see.
• Finishing at the basket was a real strength for him this season finishing with 71% FG around the basket.
• Facilitates as well as succeeds in the off ball, get buckets roll. Very versatile on the offensive end.
• Projects as an average to above average shooter at his position.
Weaknesses-
• Not a crazy athlete.
• Not elite at any one skill, just good at all of them.
• Slight, needs to put a little muscle of his frame to deal with the stronger perimeter players.
Comps-
• Cuttino Mobley with a defensive motor. (Lefty)
• Skinnier Austin Reaves
Personal Thoughts- I think he would be great for the Jazz who are trying to build something that will last. Culture setter, solid, steady and versatile. Would love to have him on my Thunder but it looks like he might not make it to us.
10th Pick
Jarace Walker (19) 6’7” 245lbs F, Houston
Stats- 11.2/6.8/1.8 on 47/35/66 splits with a 7’3” wingspan
First Glance- 6’7” beast of a forward that is built to be a defensive asset in the league day one. Extremely long arms and full fledged man body will allow him to deal with the bigs in the paint and his effort and instincts should provide issues for smalls on switches.
Strengths-
• Strength! One of the main reasons that younger players sometimes struggle is the amount of time it takes to grow into their bodies. This one doesn’t need any more time.
• Versatility on defense with some real 1-5 guarding capabilities.
• A smart team defender who makes the right read almost every time.
• Shows some connector, quick role decision making ability of offense.
Weaknesses-
• His shot scares man. Percentages aren’t the worst in the world, but the form needs work and I think he needs too much time to get his shot off.
• Surprisingly bad at finishing his drives. Chooses to shoot floaters and off-balance runners far too often for someone with his athleticism and size.
Comps-
• Charles Oakley
• Aaron Gordon with less bounce
Personal Thoughts- I have some reservations about what he is capable of as an offensive player but there is no doubt that he will be a defensive asset. Someone like Luka would probably succeed with him as a pick and roll rim threat and I think this would be a good place for him to develop his finishing without having too much responsibility on O.
11th Pick
Gradey Dick (19) 6’8” 205lbs SG, Kansas
Stats- 14.1/5.1/1.7 on 44/40/85 splits
First Glance- tall, surprising athlete in a straight line with elite shooting upside. He is already and outstanding shooter but he and one other player in this draft (Jordan Hawkins, UCONN) are the only two that I see having real S tier shooting ability.
Strengths-
• Shooting, as previously mentioned this man can shoot it, from everywhere, in every variation.
• Cutting is a big strength of his and he loves catching guys with the baseline back cut where he has real success finishing with either hand.
• Feel for the game is outstanding. He is not the maestro of the offense but is extremely adept at relocation and finding the open areas on the court.
Weaknesses-
• Length and lateral movement are concerns for him on the defensive end, with both of those making things hard for him as an on-ball defender. I think he can be serviceable, but he will not be a plus on defense.
• Not a particularly good ball handler in the half court. Will need scheme and other creators to make things easier for him in those situations.
Comps-
• Kevin Huerter
• Reggie Miller
Personal Thoughts- I really like this fit with the Magic. They have all of the ball handling and size to hide his inefficiencies and those ball handlers are going to have a much easier time penetrating the defense with someone that commands as much respect on the outside as he does.
12th Pick
Bilal Coulibaly (18) 6’7” 230lbs Wing, Metro 92
Stats- 10.9/4.1/1.4 on 53/34/71 splits with 7’2” wingspan
First Glance- extremely long and rangy wing with some real 3 and D ability. One of the youngest guys in the draft that really showed out in the playoff run with teammate Victor Wenbanyama in the French Pro League.
Strengths-
• Defensive menace with his crazy long arms and movement ability. Can guard a really wide range of offensive players.
• Great athlete who will be devastating in transition.
• Real athlete that has a fantastic motor at both ends.
• Just effects the game in positive ways and showed incredible improvement throughout the season.
Weaknesses-
• Shooting is a weak point in his game right now but like each of the weaknesses there is great room for development considering the age.
• Handle is shaky and he doesn’t bring much to the half court offense other than his cutting.
• Goes with the handle but he has a hard time creating one on one separation both for dribble drives and to get his shot off.
Comps-
• Young Batum
• OG Anunoby without the shot
Personal Thoughts- I like this pick for my guys and the main reason I stuck him here is because this is the most Thunder pick ever. Long, athletic, super young prospect that gets after it on the defensive end. I trust my guys to develop him to be the best he can be.
13th Pick
Cason Wallace (19) 6’2” 195lbs G, Kentucky
Stats- 11.7/3.7/4.3 on 45/35/76 splits
First Glance- defensive specialist with some real catch and shoot ability that can guard up to bigger positions due to his length (6’8” wingspan) and strong frame.
Strengths-
• Everything on the defensive end. Has real pride in his abilities, always stays in the play and should contribute there immediately.
• Catch and shoot 3’s were a strength of his at the beginning of the season when he was in more of an off ball role. Before Kentucky’s starting point guard went out with injury, he was shooting 41.9% of his catch and shoot opportunities.
• Mid-range scoring is polished.
• Leadership and fire that will be infectious to the rest of the team.
Weaknesses-
• Combo guard in every sense of the word meaning he isn’t the best bucket getter but also isn’t equipped to completely take over an offense yet. I think the playmaking could develop into more of a lead guard skill, it just isn’t there yet.
• Pullups from 3 need to improve to round out his offensive arsenal.
Comps-
• Lu Dort with offensive upside
• Pat Bev on steroids and likeable (think all the 2k sliders up)
Personal Thoughts- I think him falling this far would be great for the Raptors who are trying to find their identity for the near future. Pairing him with Barnes, who wants more of the ball handling responsibilities, should be a nice fit.
14th Pick
Dereck Lively (19) 7’1” 230lbs C, Duke
Stats- 5.2/5.4/1.1 on 66/15/60 splits with 2.4 BPG in 20.6 minutes
First Glance- giant, nimble rim protector who could really solidify a defense on the back end with offensive upside.
Strengths-
• Monster rim protector with great timing and athleticism.
• Impressive pick and roll coverage
• Great vertical spacer with great catch and finish range.
Weaknesses-
• Finesse post offense needs development, not much in the bag of moves and relies heavily on athleticism.
• Has to watch his foul trouble. Loves to get his blocks but these guys in the NBA are crafty.
• Needs to develop at least an extended corner jumper to require respect from his matchup in the half court and to allow his perimeter players driving lanes.
Comps-
• Jaxson Hayes with a head on his shoulders
• Willie Cauley-Stein with more potential.
Personal Thoughts- I think it is a great fit for the Pelicans. I think that it is time to move on from Hayes and if Zion is still on the team at the start of the season Lively can make up for some of the interior defense problems that Zion presents.
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