He passed the 2023 NBA draft and it’s time to analyze what the event leftthrough them 58 options. Which teams did best at Barclays Center? Who made questionable and complicated decisions for you to understand?
Next, our review of the 2023 NBA Draft winners and losers.
draft winners
San Antonio Spurs
Except that they weren’t worth much more than the lottery luckimpossible not to mention San Antonio among the winners, the night they hope to have added one generational talent like Victor Wembanyamaselected with the first choice. Wemby promises to put the Popovichs back on the map.
Of much greater value is what San Antonio did in the second round, selecting Sidy Cissoko with the choose 44. Compatriot Wembanyama is short on shots and points but is a Physical, defensive forward and amazing level as a passer. A First Round talent, in the latter part of the Draft. Nothing bad.
Portland Trail Blazers
After Charlotte drafted Brandon Miller, Portland served up what many of us believe will be Second best player in this 2023 class: Scoot Henderson. His arrival probably means the end of the Damian Lillard era with the Blazerssince they don’t seem to be compatible, but it’s about time Portland started thinking a young stage. And Scoot is the one commanding it.
The Blazers also added two other options who could end up being rotation players: Chris Murray, Keegan’s brother and a versatile 3-4 on defense, strong offense at the rim and with an acceptable outside shot. and Ryan Rupertwho fell to No. 43 despite being considered a First Round talent due to his defensive potential.
Houston Rockets
Big Draft for the Rockets, which maybe added to two best athletes of this class: Amen Thompsonwith the fourth choice and cam Whitmorewho surprisingly fell to 20th place.
After a long time, the ball in Houston will once again be in reliable hands Like Thompson’s. This is a two-meter base of huge explosion in the open fieldwho shines as a passer, defender and finisher in the paint.
Whitmore is the other extreme in terms of a complete lack of passes, but he is a bull attacking the wreath and it will surely give us a lot alley-oops spectacular with his rookie partner.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Small mention for the Timberwolves, who put two second-round picks to good use: Leonard Miller with the 33rda versatile and quick back four with the ball in his possession, along with Jaylen Clark (53rd) that comes from being considered the best perimeter defender in the NCAA lately.
Miller, especially, has what it takes to be one of them Big steals of the second round.
Dallas Mavericks
Smart and very active draft for Dallas. First, they dropped from 10th to 12th, but still got to pick the player they wanted -Derek Livelyan interior with great defensive potential- with that extra in this move they got rid of the contract toxic by Davis Bertans.
They then acquired the 24th pick and drafted Olivier Maxence-ProsperCanadian forward with very good physique, perimeter defense and transition scoring.
Dallas needs it add defense resources and they did so with Lively and Prosper, besides improving their contractual situation with the departure of Bertans.
draft losers
Detroit Pistons
Detroit’s two teams leave plenty of doubt. Ausar Thompson (5th) is far from having the ball handling and burst of his brother Amen. He’s a very good transition defender and scorer, but the fit in an offense that already has Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes, Marvin Bagley, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren is far from the best. The Pistons seem determined to surround Cade Cunningham with bad shooters.
Then, with the 25th pick, they picked Marcus Sassera good point guard who will provide defense and an outside shot, but who due to age and role seemed more destined for Second round than in the first one
Boston Celtics
The Celtics had two picks in the Top 40 and might not have landed not really an nba player with them. With 38 they chose a Jordan Walsh very intense in defence, but this contributes little to attack, while with the 39th they went for Mohamed Gueyea tall and athletic interior, but lacking in physique and defense.
Orlando Magic
The Magic finished 27th in three-pointers attempted, 25th in three-pointers made and 24th in three-point percentage in 2022-23. Lately, filming has always been a problem for them. What did they do in the Draft? They selected a point guard with the sixth pick Bad Outside Throw as Anthony Blackwho probably stands out as a defender and play makerbut that doesn’t seem like the best fit for the Florida franchise.
Then with the 11th pick they went Jett Howard. Who is a specialist shooter, but brings very little else to the table. Using the 11th pick on Howard seems a bit excessive.especially when shooters like Jordan Hawkins or Grady Dick were still available.
