2023 NBA Draft Megathread

[Handlogten's Heros]

Hollinger’s big board:

Whitmore at 3
Miller at 4
Black at 5
Amen at 6
Lively at 8
Hendricks at 9
Bufkin at 10
Walker at 12
Wallace at 13
Bilal at 17

Lively was a big turn for Hollinger btw... he has been a "don't draft centers in the lotto" guy in the past. Maybe changing his tune a bit.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I've rotated a bit... I like Black a lot... I just watched more Arkansas than any other team and it was maddening. Its a mix of college basketball, a horrible outside shooting team, and his limitations... so its not all on him. It just became too hard for me to decide how much of that **** show on offense was on him and how much was just their drives to nowhere. I would honestly be happy with any of the three. Black is by far the most unique guy in that range with is equal parts awesome and terrifying.

The thing that worries me with Black is that he is passive as a scorer/shooter. His form isnt the worst in the world and certainly workable, but a lot of his shooting issues came from obvious confidence issues.

It's pretty easy for me to see him being so worried about his shot that he fades into the background of a team and becomes a wide open spot-up shooter who isnt putting his impact on the game he is capable of.

 

[zyzz]

So who are some of the “Danny Ainge types” in our draft ranges?

 

[Thee Jazz Fan]

Ausar will probably shoot well enough to justify the Andre Iguodala comps.
Amen will be a drive-and-kick player (e.g., rookie Ja Morant) until he learns to shoot.
Anthony Black, I'm not sure. Do you pretend he's Ben Simmons and let him run your show?

Black, if he’s ben Simmons with no catastrophic mental issues he’s a top pick in this draft

 

[KqWIN]

So who are some of the “Danny Ainge types” in our draft ranges?

Black
Cason
GG
Nick Smith
Dariq


The real Ainge type is Cam

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

So who are some of the “Danny Ainge types” in our draft ranges?

The only type of guy I really associate with DA is scoring guards, so Keyonte George?

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Why the hate on Brandon Miller? Seriously it puts a damper on your other takes which have been pretty good.

I like Miller. He's always been in my top 8-10. I don't think he's a #1 option. I also think he's overpriced in the top 5. That's why he hasn't been a priority for me.

If you're talking about the Jazz, there is also likely a question of cultural fit.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

I usually feel the same. Best to take a swing for the fences because the payoff is immense if/when you hit.

That said, Cason isnt that for me but I would still very much consider him at 9 depending on how it all pans out. Mostly because if he hits his ceiling, thats the kind of dude that absolutely helps a team go get a chip. The stars win it but dudes like that are necessary IMO. Love the kid.

I would absolutely draft Wallace outside the top 10.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

The thing that worries me with Black is that he is passive as a scorer/shooter. His form isnt the worst in the world and certainly workable, but a lot of his shooting issues came from obvious confidence issues.

It's pretty easy for me to see him being so worried about his shot that he fades into the background of a team and becomes a wide open spot-up shooter who isnt putting his impact on the game he is capable of.

Watching them I kept wondering if the coach was anti-three and wanted them to drive instead of take the open jumper. He had some quote where he essentially said they aren't a shooting team... because Black was kind of aggressive in driving but then you kick to an open shooter and its Jordan Walsh who moves it along or Ricky Council who pump fakes and drives. It was drives to nowhere and it just seemed like the paint was so congested.

Which is why after watching I was like its impossible to split the blame pie correctly here and everyone who sees this can rationally split it how they want and be right. Its why I am fascinated with Black and would be happy with the pick and a little scared. Cason provides a similar level of defense and is more normal. The Kentucky guard thing works in his favor and if the back injury isn't serious it might be a hint that he has more he couldn't show. If those guys are left at 9... give me one of em and I don't care which really.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

he decided early on in the college season he wasn't a fan, that miller had specific warts, etc - cooled off a tad when Miller continued to dominate and produce - but ultimately he can't or is unwilling to shake it off. it is what it is. ferguson does have good takes, you just ignore anything brandon miller related. and that's okay.

I compared Miller to Otto Porter, Khris Middleton and Nic Batum and people think I'm hating on him. I'm not.

Also, Miller struggled in the NCAA tournament.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I compared Miller to Otto Porter, Khris Middleton and Nic Batum and people think I'm hating on him. I'm not.

Also, Miller struggled in the NCAA tournament.

Yeah but GG struggled at basketball and life.

I'm kidding... have your opinion.

 

[seattlejazzfan]

I compared Miller to Otto Porter, Khris Middleton and Nic Batum and people think I'm hating on him. I'm not.

Also, Miller struggled in the NCAA tournament.

his ceiling is so much higher than those guys, it's scary. especially batum and porter. middleton is probably a conservative comp - though miller is bigger and more athletic.