2023 NBA Draft Megathread

[The Midnight]

My questions on Dick:

- Can he bulk up enough for defense and attacking the rim
- Can he score at 3 levels?

Iif he’s just a Kevin Heurter I’d rather take someone with more upsides.

 

[LogGrad98]

My questions on Dick:

- Can he bulk up enough for defense and attacking the rim
- Can he score at 3 levels?

Iif he’s just a Kevin Heurter I’d rather take someone with more upsides.

So there are questions about whether Dick is long enough, and you are asking if he is thick enough too.

 

[The Midnight]

So.. is there a Josh Giddey in this draft? Could Anthony Black be him?

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

So.. is there a Josh Giddey in this draft? Could Anthony Black be him?

They share some similarities. Big guards, iffy shooting, amazing hair.

I think Josh is regarded as a better passer and Black is a better defender.

 

[seattlejazzfan]

So.. is there a Josh Giddey in this draft? Could Anthony Black be him?

i do think if you draft black, that the optimistic scenario you are hoping for.

 

[whatthe]

Big picture question: In my heart don't believe it, but I must ask due to present day reality, If offenses are now unstoppable, at a high level, what's the point of drafting someone with defensive skill? Maybe just go all out for offensive skill instead?

 

[KqWIN]

Big picture question: In my heart don't believe it, but I must ask due to present day reality, If offenses are now unstoppable, at a high level, what's the point of drafting someone with defensive skill? Maybe just go all out for offensive skill instead?

Because a good defender still makes a difference from a bad defender. Think about the reverse, what if it was really hard to score and defenses dominated. Would it sill be worth getting a good offense player?

Both point totals matter lol.

 

[default]

If would could come up with Amen, Black, and Dick in the draft, that could lead to some interesting threads here.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Big picture question: In my heart don't believe it, but I must ask due to present day reality, If offenses are now unstoppable, at a high level, what's the point of drafting someone with defensive skill? Maybe just go all out for offensive skill instead?

It’s all relative, though. A team that can get more stops is better than a team that can’t all else equal.

I would actually argue that an elite defense would be more valuable now than in the past. It’s just much harder to defend now, so you can’t just park a giant at the hoop and play prevent defense anymore. Players and schemes are just so much better and dynamic, so now you need better and dynamic defensive ability to contain teams from going off.

This is why disruptive and switchable defenders that can shoot the basketball are going to be increasingly required to be a real contender. That is why Hendricks and Wallace hold so much (prospective) value.

If you can not only blow up pick and rolls but create a little uncertainty or discomfort by hounding the ball, intercepting passes, and protecting the rim with multiple defenders, then you are simply a cut above. The days of a Rudy Gobert being an entire defense are over.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Big picture question: In my heart don't believe it, but I must ask due to present day reality, If offenses are now unstoppable, at a high level, what's the point of drafting someone with defensive skill? Maybe just go all out for offensive skill instead?

I mean, we basically exist in that reality as currently constructed.

If we didnt, Jordan Walsh would be surefire first round pick and that's why guys like Brice Sensabaugh are first rounders. You have to have a baseline of offensive ability to play in the NBA. Defensively you just cant be an absolute target.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

It’s all relative, though. A team that can get more stops is better than a team that can’t all else equal.

I would actually argue that an elite defense would be more valuable now than in the past. It’s just much harder to defend now, so you can’t just park a giant at the hoop and play prevent defense anymore. Players and schemes are just so much better and dynamic, so now you need better and dynamic defensive ability to contain teams from going off.

This is why disruptive and switchable defenders that can shoot the basketball are going to be increasingly required to be a real contender. That is why Hendricks and Wallace hold so much (prospective) value.

If you can not only blow up pick and rolls but create a little uncertainty or discomfort by hounding the ball, intercepting passes, and protecting the rim with multiple defenders, then you are simply a cut above. The days of a Rudy Gobert being an entire defense are over.

I also think Hardy understands these things and why he switched to a zone at times. Its about getting the extra few stops somehow.

I think good offense will still beat good defense most of the time but good defense is still a requirement to win a title. There is a baseline of competency you will need to get to and pushing the limits beyond that may not have as much benefit if there is some sacrifice on offense.

 

[default]

2023 NBA Draft: UConn C Adama Sanogo declares after standout NCAA Tournament

Sanogo's announcement comes after a legendary 2023 NCAA Tournament run

www.cbssports.com

He played well in the tournament. 28th pick?