OFFICIAL 2023 NBA Draft MEGA THREAD with BRAND NEW Gonzo/Moneyball Draft Lotto Update. Put your big boards/mocks/draft stuff HERE!

[ALT GRIND 0]

33 minutes ago, Ndq0327 said:

I like Hood-Schifinon the most but he can end up out of the Grizz range if he continues to play well.

I would take either of those Jalen’s but this draft doesn’t really look all that good to me.

This draft looks ok.  I am actually not mega high on Wemby.  Reminds me of Sam Bowie.  Also felt the urge to look up Stojko Vrankovic' highlights. Similar to Wemby, although, apparently, Stojko was lazy.  UPSIDE comp for Wemby might be Bill Walton LITE -- but with 3 point shooting (although Wemby is back to his career sub-30% shooting from "deep" -- the Parisan Barista League's 3 point line is probably shorter than the NBA's).

Amen is my top guy.  But he is one of those types of guys that get GM's fired. Either your OWN or someone else's.  He could be the Butch McRae of this draft.

Gradey D can SHOOT.  As can Jordan Hawkins (Baby John Starks???).  Noah Clowney is a good one, too.  

In our range: N'faly Dante could be a good enforcer/rim protector.  

Ausar Thompson might be worth trading UP for.

In our range I am gonna pound the advanced stats (they are posted at Tankathon Dot Com).  Terrance Shannon, Jr. is still outperforming.  Colby Jones is solid.  

Wing/transition defense is gonna be the new new new thing.  Then grab/go rebounding and turning defense into offense.  Chase-down blocks from the weak side or on fast breaks AND blocking 3 point shots might be the NEW "blocking shots at the rim" (maybe even MORE important). 

It's ONE THING to score 130 points a night.  Even if you LOSE.  But, you CAN'T lose by TWENTY (which some team did to the Bucks.  Was that the Pistons???).  I think we get SCORING/3 point shooting disinflation fairly soon... then a repeat of 80's/late 90's style stuff (where athleticism/explosiveness matters) but with some ABA offense/NFL defense vibes.

Dereck Lively might just be the "modern backup center" for the next 15 years.  He could be in our range.  Maybe John Salley-ish with a bit more shooting range (potentially).

... watching highlights: Tyrese Proctor hasn't been that great, but he has some decent size for a point guard.  Might be a good pick for us if we are going after Playmakers-With-Size.  Outside of Amen Thompson/Anthony Black, Tyrese Proctor could be in our sights.

We probably need to shore up our bench at the trade deadline (and maybe go after a towel-waving vet, too) AND consolidate picks/move up in the draft.  

The Brat Pack needs some reinforcements.

[Ndq0327 0]

Neither of the Thompson twins can shoot they will probably slide on draft night. 
 

Wemby is very good but I think the Physicality of the NBA will be a surprise for him he’s still the undisputed 1st pick.

 

I like Shannon Jr but I don’t know if he has a standout skill Same for Colby Jones. I could see the Grizz drafting either of them.

I like Both Lively and aware from Oregon and it seem like one or both of them could be available the Grizz could really use a 7’0 center prospect.

I’d look at Adem Bona from UCLA as a big too

 

[kevofrommempho 0]

Trayce Jackson-Davis seems to me to be a similar prospect to Brandon Clarke.  I'd spend a 2nd round pick on him.

[Ndq0327 0]

6 hours ago, kevofrommempho said:

Trayce Jackson-Davis seems to me to be a similar prospect to Brandon Clarke.  I'd spend a 2nd round pick on him.

He doesn’t shoot from the perimeter at all he has better size than Clarke but they essentially do the same things so why would you add him if you already have a player that does the same stuff not to mention Jr coming down the pipeline. They need a legit center sized big that rebounds and defends 

[ALT GRIND 0]

9 hours ago, Ndq0327 said:

Neither of the Thompson twins can shoot they will probably slide on draft night. 
 

Wemby is very good but I think the Physicality of the NBA will be a surprise for him he’s still the undisputed 1st pick.

 

I like Shannon Jr but I don’t know if he has a standout skill Same for Colby Jones. I could see the Grizz drafting either of them.

I like Both Lively and aware from Oregon and it seem like one or both of them could be available the Grizz could really use a 7’0 center prospect.

I’d look at Adem Bona from UCLA as a big too

 

At least one of Lively/Ware/Bona should be available when we pick.  
 

Seems like Bona and Jaren have different games so they should be able to complement each other.

[Ndq0327 0]

1 hour ago, ALT GRIND said:

At least one of Lively/Ware/Bona should be available when we pick.  
 

Seems like Bona and Jaren have different games so they should be able to complement each other.

I’m starting to Like Bona the more I look into him. The Grizz desperately need a center with his skillset. 

[ALT GRIND 0]

12 hours ago, Ndq0327 said:

Wemby is very good but I think the Physicality of the NBA will be a surprise for him he’s still the undisputed 1st pick.

 

 

 

Wemby seems fairly fluid but not super athletic or explosive.  

He's supposed to be a mobile stretch big man but in his last game he didn't move good.  He didn't shoot good.  He's shooting 29.5% on 3's which is MEH.  ... and he has Emoni Bates' shot selection.

Not sure his defensive impact will translate in the NBA since it's mostly defending in space and in transition.

Not sure about the guy.  Still.  Amen or Scoot should probably be the top pick.  It's a Quarterback League.  Unless Hakeem 2.0 or LeBron 2.0 shows up.  And, Wemby is neither.

For us, I guess we go "BPA" which is the usual party line.  I would like to see some explosive/long guys get picked.  

Currently in a 3 game losing streak coming off a major run of winning.  And, Adams is hurt now.  The team is kind of in flux.  Can The Ja Show refocus?  If reinforcements aren't on the way at the trade deadline maybe we can get some in the draft.  If the playoffs expose any weaknesses, hopefully our '23 draft picks help shore up some of those weaknesses.

[Ndq0327 0]

11 minutes ago, ALT GRIND said:

Wemby seems fairly fluid but not super athletic or explosive.  

He's supposed to be a mobile stretch big man but in his last game he didn't move good.  He didn't shoot good.  He's shooting 29.5% on 3's which is MEH.  ... and he has Emoni Bates' shot selection.

Not sure his defensive impact will translate in the NBA since it's mostly defending in space and in transition.

Not sure about the guy.  Still.  Amen or Scoot should probably be the top pick.  It's a Quarterback League.  Unless Hakeem 2.0 or LeBron 2.0 shows up.  And, Wemby is neither.

For us, I guess we go "BPA" which is the usual party line.  I would like to see some explosive/long guys get picked.  

Currently in a 3 game losing streak coming off a major run of winning.  And, Adams is hurt now.  The team is kind of in flux.  Can The Ja Show refocus?  If reinforcements aren't on the way at the trade deadline maybe we can get some in the draft.  If the playoffs expose any weaknesses, hopefully our '23 draft picks help shore up some of those weaknesses.

The just drafted 4 players last year and only one of them has really contributed so I wouldn’t count on rookies being contributors. I think the Grizz may have did themselves a disservice by drafting both LaRavia and Roddy cause they play the same positions they should have taken a guard and one of LaRavia or Roddy.

They are in desperate need of some offensive creation off the bench I think grooming a combo guard this year would have made more sense then having two first round combo forwards.

[kevofrommempho 0]

10 hours ago, Ndq0327 said:

He doesn’t shoot from the perimeter at all he has better size than Clarke but they essentially do the same things so why would you add him if you already have a player that does the same stuff not to mention Jr coming down the pipeline. They need a legit center sized big that rebounds and defends 

I don't think you are getting that in the second round.  Basically I think in the second round you are just looking for guys that are undervalued and have a legitimate shot at making it as an NBA player.  I think Trayce is undervalued and can play a similar role on an NBA team to Clarke.   Getting that in the second round is a winning move.  Looking for a particular type of player in the second round is a good way to waste your pick on a bust.

[Ndq0327 0]

1 hour ago, kevofrommempho said:

I don't think you are getting that in the second round.  Basically I think in the second round you are just looking for guys that are undervalued and have a legitimate shot at making it as an NBA player.  I think Trayce is undervalued and can play a similar role on an NBA team to Clarke.   Getting that in the second round is a winning move.  Looking for a particular type of player in the second round is a good way to waste your pick on a bust.

A lot of people are saying the number one rated recruit from last year could slide cause he hasn’t been playing up to par at Duke, as well as the Oregon Center and the UCLA center. Bigs aren’t really all that coveted like they used to be.

[kevofrommempho 0]

1 hour ago, Ndq0327 said:

A lot of people are saying the number one rated recruit from last year could slide cause he hasn’t been playing up to par at Duke, as well as the Oregon Center and the UCLA center. Bigs aren’t really all that coveted like they used to be.

Haha.  If Dereck Lively or Kel'el Ware fall to us in the second round I would be extremely excited about that!  Not going to happen though.  Possible we could get one of them with our 1st round pick but still unlikely IMO.  

Does UCLA even have a center?  Who are you referring to?

In general though that people keep pushing this narrative that big aren't valued anymore when the two time defending NBA MVP is a center and the MVP the two years before that was Giannis who is basically a center and the best players so far from last year's draft are bigs: Banchero and Kessler.  Bigs are still valued and valuable.

[Ndq0327 0]

1 hour ago, kevofrommempho said:

Haha.  If Dereck Lively or Kel'el Ware fall to us in the second round I would be extremely excited about that!  Not going to happen though.  Possible we could get one of them with our 1st round pick but still unlikely IMO.  

Does UCLA even have a center?  Who are you referring to?

In general though that people keep pushing this narrative that big aren't valued anymore when the two time defending NBA MVP is a center and the MVP the two years before that was Giannis who is basically a center and the best players so far from last year's draft are bigs: Banchero and Kessler.  Bigs are still valued and valuable.

Adem Bona is their center he’s a freshman I’d actually prefer him over the other two cause I want a center that does center things. 

 

[ALT GRIND 0]

19 hours ago, Ndq0327 said:

The just drafted 4 players last year and only one of them has really contributed so I wouldn’t count on rookies being contributors. I think the Grizz may have did themselves a disservice by drafting both LaRavia and Roddy cause they play the same positions they should have taken a guard and one of LaRavia or Roddy.

They are in desperate need of some offensive creation off the bench I think grooming a combo guard this year would have made more sense then having two first round combo forwards.

Yeah, that's almost fantasy sports ball draft 101.  Don't take like 3 backup Kickers or Tight Ends (or some marginal position that doesn't matter.  Basically, you don't load up on the same thing.  Then, Kenneth Lofton Jr. is another stubby combo forward/combo big.

We might even have to move one of these guys (and Vince Williams Jr.) so our upcoming first round pick can get some playing time.

Unfortunately, I think the PRICE of combo guard 6th man types, and even solid (veteran) 8th/9th men is going UP.

The Grizz FO definitely has a TYPE.  But maybe we should go after longer/more explosive players just to mix things up a bit.  And/or try to draft over DeAnthony Melton.

Seems like the trade deadline might be a dud.  Teams want multiple first round picks for JUNK.  This might also carry over into free agency (I think, yet again, college basketball free agency is going to be MUCH more exciting than NBA free agency).  I also wouldn't bet against Emoni Bates getting traded to Louisville before the Grizzlies front office makes a major move.  lol

[Ndq0327 0]

I really like Nelson but he’s 3rd on my top 5 list

my top 5 in order are 

Jalen Wilson

Jalen Hood - Schifino

Grant Nelson

Colby Jones

Arthur Kaluma

 

[ALT GRIND 0]

On 10/6/2022 at 4:32 PM, ALT GRIND said:

This can be the OFFICIAL 2023 draft mega thread.  Last year someone started a draft thread in late July.  A bit early... but this year with preseason well underway and Vic/Scoot Round 1 in the books (I think Round 2 is on right now but I haven't tuned in or checked the box scores)....

Gonna go with a MONEYBALL (off-the-wall?) version of the big board.  Yeah, Vic/Scoot SHOULD be good, BUT teams will have to tank their ENTIRE season for a shot at either.  Might even have to pawn off some assets (SGA in OKC? by the REBUILD ends in OKC SGA might be on his 3rd contract).

Vic looks like VIDEO GAME Shawn Bradley.  The BEST OF Manute Bol highlights.  BUT, is that it?  Looked to have a sluggish motor and didn't do a ton on defense besides block shots (and there is MORE to defense than blocking shots).  Also got into foul trouble and only grabbed 4 rebounds.  He's basically what Jaren's mom thinks Jaren is.

Scoot looks good.  Ja LITE?  His team won and he looked like he picked his spots.  Looks more like an undersized 2 than a pure point guard.  Good athlete with explosiveness. Tried to dunk on Vic... but it didn't work.  Shades of Andrew Toney?  Although I never watched Andrew Toney play.  Deluxe Doc Rivers?

For MY money, what about going after a MONEYBALL version of Vic/Scoot?  Since i think that a team WINS the draft by getting BOTH Vic/Scoot, although that would be HARD.  A team like OKC would essentially have to land the number one overall pick AND trade SGA/Chet/Poku/future picks for a scratch-off lotto ticket (that lands at 2).

There are some other really, really good players in this class, too.  

Can't wait to do some more deep dives AND I am looking forward to college basketball season!

 

Gonzo/Moneyball Draft Lotto 1.0

 

1. Kendrick Davis (Memphis) -- good vibes with this guy.  IS he the guy we want Scoot Henderson to be?  Scoot is getting CP3 comps.  IF Kendrick Davis can be a MONEYBALL version of CP3 then that should be worth something.

2.  Jarace Walker -- tough, looks like a good all-around player.  Larry Johnson vibes.

3.  Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (Memphis) -- SUPER bouncy.  looks fluid.  Walks good.  Has a solid frame and good wingspan (around 7'4?).  He might be the guy I wanted Kostas Freak to be.  Possibly 150 spots too high, but oh well, in MONEYBALL terms he gives you those nice dunk/block shots archetypal vibes.  

4.  Victor Wembanyama -- getting lots of Ralph Sampson comps.  That's good.  BUT, Ralph didn't hold up all that well.  Might go with ANOTHER comp here, one of the dudes I compared to Kevin Durant coming out, and ironically, Vic is getting KD comps: Bob McAdoo -- can shoot and shoot and shoot, can score, and block shots... BUT can he put it all together?  Does the WIN TEST match the FANTASY STATS TEST?

5. Scoot Henderson -- I used to comp Ja Morant as the next Doc Gooden (thinking that Ja/Jaren are the best young sports duo since Doc/Darryl Strawberry for the Mets).  THIS might be a better comp for Scoot -- THE Doc Gooden of basketball.  Ironically, Glen Rivers' nickname is ALSO Doc so Doc Henderson should be a good nickname.  Didn't Doc Henderson play football at the University of Memphis???

6.  Keyonte George -- King George can get his.  

7.  Nick Smith, Jr. -- MONEYBALL D'Angelo Russell.  Good, crafty baller.  Might be a Moneyball version of Cade Cunningham.

8.  Amen Thompson -- bouncy 2 guard.  Is he related to David?  MIGHT be a little low for SKY JUNIOR but the draft is looking interesting.

9.  Dereck Lively -- Willie Cauley-Stein with a jumper and brain.  IF he can play smart and not take bad shots he MIGHT be AS effective as Vic.  ALSO getting BROKE TIM DUNCAN vibes from THE LIVELY ONE.

10.  Anthony Black -- another Cade-esque prospect.  CAN he play off-ball?  Arkansas should be fun to watch this year.  

11.  Drew Peterson -- shades of Franz meets Klay Thompson with hints of Craig Ehlo.  One of the older prospects.... just gets it done.  fairly low usage but looks like he can make some plays.  The Grizzlies worked him out I think... hopefully he is still on our radar.

12.  Kyle Filipowski -- I don't know THAT much about him but he looks like a good prospect.  Could show out more OR less playing next to Lively.  Although I wouldn't be shocked if Filipowski is BETTER.

13.  Cam Whitmore -- I think Jarace Walker is the guy we want Cam Whitmore to be, but, still a solid prospect.  I am seeing DeMar DeRozan comps -- I don't see that AT ALL.  Looks like Rodney Rodgers.  Shades of Ron Artest?  Ok, a Rodney Rodgers/Ron Artest mash-up sounds pretty good.  lol

14. Drew Pember -- another sleeper pick.  UNC-Asheville product used to be a UT Vol.  Seems to have a fairly high motor and given his bounce/tools I think he should be on draftniks' radar.

 

 

P.S.  I will probably post my SECOND draft lotto aka version 2.0 around Thanksgiving.  Thanks!

P.P.S.  Maybe I will be thoroughly discredited by Thanksgiving (or at least Lotto 1.0 will be), BUT it appears that Vic/Scoot are INFINITELY EXPENSIVE in terms of time/draft capital/player personnel. And, if EITHER get Kareem/LeBron (or even Shaq) hype I doubt it will be 100% deserved.

Bump.

My ORIGINAL lotto draft board for this year’s draft doesn’t seem to be any worse than my CURRENT boards. 
 

Yikes.

I still think that Wemby won’t end up as a Kareem or Shaq level player.  Amen is currently at 1 on my board but guys like Kendric Davis and Keynote George have outperformed the OTE product.  My breakdown of Jarace Walker versus Cam Whitmore looked good.  
 

I might update my big board during the All Star Break — tempted to have no player higher than Tier 2... with a fairly sizeable Tier 3.  
 

Drew Pember put up 38 or so the other night.  He’s doing well.  Should be a sleeper pick type. 
 

Drew Peterson should still be on our radar.  Might be a solid second round this year. 

[IdrinkGuinness 0]

 

[IdrinkGuinness 0]

one thing for sure  , GG looking like a pure chucker a total boom or bust type .

[Ndq0327 0]

A couple sleeper guys I’ve been monitoring that aren’t really on a lot of mocks

 Kobe Brown 6’8 250 senior G/F 

Brandon Podziemski 6’5 200 sophomore G

I’m not sure if he has nba level athleticism or speed but you can never tell with guys that play in the smaller conferences 

 

[Ndq0327 0]

5 hours ago, IdrinkGuinness said:

 

He’s a no for me I want them to go pack to drafting guys that have lower upside but high floors. The only high upside swings I’m willing to take are for guys like Baba Miller, or Grant Nelson or guys with freakishly weird measurements 

[IdrinkGuinness 0]

3 minutes ago, Ndq0327 said:

He’s a no for me I want them to go pack to drafting guys that have lower upside but high floors. The only high upside swings I’m willing to take are for guys like Baba Miller, or Grant Nelson or guys with freakishly weird measurements 

he has a pretty decent floor imho .  but yeah i get ya , he's almost like ousman dieng but a bit better and should be a nice enough defender . i mean he's  6'7" with a  7'3" wingspan wanna see how he measure out at the combine though .

[kevofrommempho 0]

On 2/3/2023 at 4:55 AM, ALT GRIND said:

Bump.

My ORIGINAL lotto draft board for this year’s draft doesn’t seem to be any worse than my CURRENT boards. 
 

Yikes.

I still think that Wemby won’t end up as a Kareem or Shaq level player.  Amen is currently at 1 on my board but guys like Kendric Davis and Keynote George have outperformed the OTE product.  My breakdown of Jarace Walker versus Cam Whitmore looked good.  
 

I might update my big board during the All Star Break — tempted to have no player higher than Tier 2... with a fairly sizeable Tier 3.  
 

Drew Pember put up 38 or so the other night.  He’s doing well.  Should be a sleeper pick type. 
 

Drew Peterson should still be on our radar.  Might be a solid second round this year. 

My Top 10 right now:

1. Victor Wembanyama, 19, C, International
2. Brandon Miller, 20, F, Alabama
3. Scoot Henderson, 19, PG, G League
4. Amen Thompson, 20, G/F , Overtime Elite
5. Ausar Thompson, 20, G/F, Overtime Elite
6. Keyonte George, 19, G, Baylor
7. Jarace Walker, 19, PF, Houston
8. Nick Smith Jr, 18, G, Arkansas
9. Cason Wallace, 19, PG, Kentucky
10. Gradey ****, 19, G/F, Kansas

[BAMAFREAK 0]

Grace all of our 1st to get up to 3 or 4 and take B Miller. He’s ready and so are we 

[ALT GRIND 0]

2 hours ago, BAMAFREAK said:

Grace all of our 1st to get up to 3 or 4 and take B Miller. He’s ready and so are we 

Not even sure we can get him.  He looks to be a top 5ish lock.  Big small forwards who can score/shoot are highly coveted.

Maybe we can get to the mid-first.  Jarace Walker or Taylor Hendricks could fall (bigs) or a center like Dereck Lively or Noah Clowney could be there.  

My top non-lotto wings/guards (in some order) are Jordan Hawkins, Colby Jones, and I think Ausar Thompson might fall a bit.  

We could consider drafting an overseas guy, too.  Rayan Rupert is getting buzz. Tristan Vukcevic, Ousmane Ndiaye, James Nnaji, Roko Prkacin, and Yannick Kraag are some other options.  Could leave a draft/stash player overseas to help facilitate trades further down the road.  

Although I am not bullish on this draft (overall) outside the top 15 or 20 guys.  Or, at least, MY top 15-20 guys.

Once our '24 Warriors pick conveys, maybe next year is the year we package picks (and other assets) to move up.

[IdrinkGuinness 0]

 

[IdrinkGuinness 0]