2023 NBA Draft Megathread

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Staying at 9 our worst case scenario is starting to look like maybe Walker.

I would take Hendricks and Black over him comfortably.

I think the Jazz are going to seriously consider trading up to #6 in order to draft one of Whitmore or Walker, as neither one is expected to make it to 9. Personally, I would be happy with Walker at 9, I would be lukewarm at best with Hendricks, and I would be disappointed with Black.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

GG at 28? If Hardy thinks he can make a real difference, otherwise I would trust Ainge.

That said, I do think a player like Rudy Gay is like one of the few players in the league that could reach someone who has a lot of personal issues and help them grow.

GG needs to demonstrate that he's a serious person and that he wants to be coached and work hard. That's it. The mental side is a huge part of being a high-level athlete, and Will Hardy isn't going to let it slide if GG can't do it.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

There are some limited sample size stats from the Thompson twins but Amen is extremely elite at finishing in transition and Ausar had some very good defensive stats.

Amen's combination of size, length, explosion and handle means he's going to break the paint into little pieces. No one is going to stay in front of him. If the shooting never happens, he's still the John Wall of this draft.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

I said it the other day and I’ll say it again we are in a good spot regardless of what happens. This is a deep draft at the top.

True, but Whitmore and possibly Walker are such obvious Ainge targets that I think the Jazz are going to try to trade up.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

At this point, I have to think the Jazz would be ecstatic if they could trade around, leverage their cap space and walk out of this draft with Whitmore and Bufkin. If not, then Plan B would probably be Walker and Hood-Schifino.

 

[Elizah Huge]

True, but Whitmore and possibly Walker are such obvious Ainge targets that I think the Jazz are going to try to trade up.

Hendricks is better than Walker.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Hendricks is better than Walker.

If you want someone to spot up and space the floor, then yes. If you want a three-level scorer and secondary creator, then no. Hendricks makes a lot of sense for Dallas or Orlando.

If the Magic trade back from #6 to #9 with the Jazz, I think it will be because they are very confident that Hendricks will be available at #9.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Maybe Utah, Washington and Orlando can put their heads together, figure out who wants who, and shuffle picks 6, 8 and 9 to sort it out. Someone gets Walker. Someone gets Black. Someone gets Hendricks.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Hendricks is better than Walker.

Jack of all trades players are well and good if they’re above average at those things. When they’re worse than average at those things they could be an actual bust. Yeah, I get he’s a defensive talent, but his default position is center (on a good team) if he doesn’t become a floor-spacer, and he likely doesn’t have the size to play that full time.

Again, if that shot doesn’t come around, he’s a backup center.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

BTW, there is a rumor floating around that Jarace Walker skipped his Pro Day because he has a promise from someone. Walker doesn't have a health issue with his elbow or whatever. He's been healthy and working out individually.

 

[Elizah Huge]

If you want someone to spot up and space the floor, then yes. If you want a three-level scorer and secondary creator, then no. Hendricks makes a lot of sense for Dallas or Orlando.

If the Magic trade back from #6 to #9 with the Jazz, I think it will be because they are very confident that Hendricks will be available at #9.

Secondary creator? Walker averaged 0.51 passes per touch which is 6th lowest among projected first round picks.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Secondary creator? Walker averaged 0.51 passes per touch which is 6th lowest among projected first round picks.

His role was stifled at Houston. He's a more dynamic player on the ball than that. He can run 4/5 pick-and-rolls and self-create from 20 feet in. He's a good passer if you look at his HS tape.