2023 NBA Draft Megathread

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Someone always gets picked earlier than expected. What if the Jazz picked Leonard Miller at #9 since no one obvious fell to 9? Would you freak out? He is tall, long, and athletic. He scores and rebounds great. He could probably put in some time at the 3, 4, and maybe even the 5 in spurts. He gives effect on defense. I've seen/heard him anywhere from around 11 or 12 all the way down into the mid 20s.

I wouldn't freak out tbh. I like Miller, I probably wont have him lottery, but there is talent and if Utah brought him in, I would trust they arent morons and saw something they could develop into more than meets the eye.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

K, but what if you want a player who has a prototype size and athleticism at the 3 spot with advanced footwork (who could possibly still be growing at 18 years old) and has a functional shooting release and half-court scoring ability?

If it comes with being a blackhole and complete defensive liability with a kid who showed a lack of maturity that doesn't typically change when they get millions of dollars.... then I will wait.

How is GG going to respond when he is in the G League and collecting DNPs? Maybe SC was rough but NBA gonna potentially be much rougher.

 

[NUMBERICA]

If it comes with being a blackhole and complete defensive liability with a kid who showed a lack of maturity that doesn't typically change when they get millions of dollars.... then I will wait.

How is GG going to respond when he is in the G League and collecting DNPs? Maybe SC was rough but NBA gonna potentially be much rougher.

He needs rougher. Your first paragraph doesn’t work with your second.

 

[The Midnight]

Someone always gets picked earlier than expected. What if the Jazz picked Leonard Miller at #9 since no one obvious fell to 9? Would you freak out? He is tall, long, and athletic. He scores and rebounds great. He could probably put in some time at the 3, 4, and maybe even the 5 in spurts. He gives effect on defense. I've seen/heard him anywhere from around 11 or 12 all the way down into the mid 20s.

Yeah but what about creating for himself though?

Definitely at #16 but not at #9 for mine.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Does Miller having visibly clunky shot mechanics move the needle for you? Cuz GG doesn’t have that.

I think it’s easier to tame a young fool than it is to correct something as fundamental as shot mechanics. Miller’s floor is for sure higher but I’m swing-happy after 9.

I actually disagree... Miller can be an nba player even if the shot doesn't improve. I think it will but it may never be awesome. I think its easier to take the guy who does all the extra stuff on the court and is really productive and build out some offense. The guy who puts his hands on his knees when he doesn't have the ball and is a horrible defender despite his tools.... I think its harder to teach that when they think they are Tatum.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

He needs rougher. Your first paragraph doesn’t align with your second.

I also think his mindset was go to South Carolina, get the ball and dominate, it's just college. Which is fair IMO, not great, but I get it.

I would think he has been humbled at least a bit and won't have that same mindset as the 9th overall pick. Utah also isnt a super young team, there are vets there to check him.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I actually disagree... Miller can be an nba player even if the shot doesn't improve. I think it will but it may never be awesome. I think its easier to take the guy who does all the extra stuff on the court and is really productive and build out some offense. The guy who puts his hands on his knees when he doesn't have the ball and is a horrible defender despite his tools.... I think its harder to teach that when they think they are Tatum.

I agree, Miller has a higher floor and an easier/more likely path to a steady NBA role, but are we drafting for floors at 9? Just doesnt vibe with me.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

And we have Walker Kessler. Drafting a 4/5 who has a questionable jumper long-term is kind of iffy. His floor might be safe and viable, but his fit with WK is anything but.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I also think his mindset was go to South Carolina, get the ball and dominate, it's just college. Which is fair IMO, not great, but I get it.

I would think he has been humbled at least a bit and won't have that same mindset as the 9th overall pick. Utah also isnt a super young team, there are vets there to check him.

He’s doomed if he’s not checked and held accountable from the jump. I think everything good is in there but it has to be dredged from under years of hero ball muck.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

He needs rougher. Your first paragraph doesn’t work with your second.

He needs something... but I was referring to the many times he displayed a selfish immature attitude due to adversity. There is a lot more adversity coming... he's young and may respond differently... but many times adding money to maturity issues makes things worse.

It could just be a kid being a kid cuz he's very young. With age comes maturity... sometimes.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I agree, Miller has a higher floor and an easier/more likely path to a steady NBA role, but are we drafting for floors at 9? Just doesnt vibe with me.

I think at that high, you draft floor AND ceiling. Especially with where the Jazz are and getting multiple chances to take big swings on the later picks.

 

[NUMBERICA]

He needs something... but I was referring to the many times he displayed a selfish immature attitude due to adversity. There is a lot more adversity coming... he's young and may respond differently... but many times adding money to maturity issues makes things worse.

It could just be a kid being a kid cuz he's very young. With age comes maturity... sometimes.

The difference is he won’t play if he sulks in the NBA. He will get with it or he will be out, simple as that. That wasn’t happening at the school of his choice that is also a garbage and desperate program.