T$ Big Board 2023

This draft has it all: an all-time European Prospect, multiple competing leagues to stack talent, and a huge re-classified draft class to choose from. This is the deepest Big Board in the last six years, with a whopping 7 players that I consider to have all-star upside.

How will NBA scouts adjust to these new variables? Where do teams see their current talent level in comparison to reality? Did the T$ Big Board shift Vegas odds and lead to Paolo’s first overall selection last year?

All legitimate questions begging for an answer. Let’s do it:

1. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA

T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-NBA Scoring Threat with Defensive Versatility

There’s not much that I can say about Wemby that hasn’t already been said. He’s a freak athlete with true high-level three-point range and the ability to block most shots at the rim. He’s been training for the NBA since he was old enough to lace ’em up and has an impressive level-headed demeanor to complement his extraordinary athleticism. Victor is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, so it’s fair to ask, “does he live up to the billing?” Watch this video and you tell me.

2. SCOOT HENDERSON

T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-NBA Lead Guard

I’m in no way inclined to pour cold water on the Wemby hypetrain, but I do think that he has allowed Scoot to hide in plain sight during the pre-draft process. Playing multiple years in the G League gave Scoot tremendous experience at the next level to go along with his electric scoring chops. Scoot film has no shortage of heady moves and exciting scoring highlights, but I’m most impressed by his desire to improve. He’s consistently training with players like Steph Curry while improving his game, even after he was the G League’s highest paid prospect. That level of maturity leads me to believe that he will only improve, and that could land him as a top 5 PG in the league.

3. AUSAR THOMPSON

T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-Star Wing with Upside

The Thompson twins are two highly skilled players with top 5% NBA athletic profiles. In 2021, they made the decision to play for the Overtime Elite start-up league rather than the G League or college. While the sketchy level of competition they played against makes it tough to truly evaluate them, both twins have sought out experiences abroad to test themselves at the highest level (Italy scrimmages against Marc Gasol, practicing with NBA talent, etc.). Ausar edges out Amen primarily due to his jump shot. His percentages improved throughout the year and I’m confident that he will be able to get his shot off in the half court while dominating in the open floor. Ausar is an outstanding athlete, a constantly evolving player, and has shown the ability to implement feedback to improve his game. I am all in on the Thompson twins.

4. ANTHONY BLACK

T$ Likely Player Outcome: All-Star Level Combo Guard

You simply don’t see many young players with the court vision and intelligence that Anthony Black demonstrated during his freshman season with Arkansas. With a frame that can defend wings, Black showed the ability to be a nuisance on the defensive end and then use his instincts to track the ball and unleash the fast break. He has a natural jump shot and navigated a challenging year as Arkansas tried to integrate a number of recruits that did not blend too well. With an AB selection, you get a leader at bare minimum, and if he continues to improve his scoring he could be an all-NBA talent.

5. AMEN THOMPSON

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Ben Simmons, but Coachable

Take the notes on the Thompson twins above and let’s frame this conversation around playmaking. While Ausar shows a much more advanced jumper, Amen is elite with the ball in his hands. He has a more slender frame to go with his incredible first step, which helps him get to the rim in the half court while he operates in the fast break like a savant QB1. His jumpshot form is really concerning which could limit his upside, but unlike Ben Simmons, he shows the willingness to shoot and the desire to get better. He could be an absolute steal if he lasts too long on the board.

6. CASON WALLACE

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Defensive Starting Level Guard

Cason Wallace was recently asked during NBA work-outs what separates him from other PG prospects. He responded, “I just got that dog mentality.” We’re loving what we’re hearing. Cason was a high-level recruit and he did a great job of managing the veteran roster that he inherited at UK. While he primarily set up Calipari’s infamously slow sets, he was able to flash his defensive skills at the point of the attack which consistently led to fast break points. He has elite quickness with the ball in his hands and showcased an impressive jumper over the past year. I’m really excited to see what Wallace will look like in a more spread offense, but I’m buying into continued Kentucky PG excellence in the NBA.

7. JETT HOWARD

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Lethal Shooting Guard with Creation Abilities

With NBA blood running through his veins, Jett showcased an array of intriguing offensive moves while navigating his freshman season at Michigan. With so few true two-guards in the league, I was refreshed to see a big shooter like Jett that flashed a ton of upside off the bounce and in transition. He will be a scoring threat from his first day of minicamp, but I could see him developing into a real two-way threat. The Michigan team was an overall disappointment last year, but Jett was the main bright spot for me. Bet on the talent and upbringing.

8. TAYLOR HENDRICKS

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Defensive Wrecker & 40% 3 PT Shooter

I found myself mesmerized by Hendricks’ defensive versatility in combination with his size while studying his tape. He often flashed the ability to stop his opponent in isolation while dominating his conference in help blocks. His game is raw off the bounce, but the jumper is pure. The best part is he showed the ability to hit at a high rate on catch and shoot 3s as well as off the roll/dribble. His floor is late era Rashard Lewis(-ish), but I have a feeling that he’ll continue to develop into a quality starter over time.

9. BRANDON MILLER

T$ Likely Player Outcome: 3&D Wing with Secondary Creation Skills

This may appear low compared to a lot of mocks, but it’s more of a reflection of the quality of the top end of this draft. Improper/troubled personal life decision-making aside (and when you brush that aside you need about 50 brooms), I love Miller’s ability to control the offense and shoot with confidence. I am, however, extremely skeptical of his ability to get shots off 1:1 at a high rate given his low release point. He’s rated poorly when you consider his advanced metrics around the rim. I still see Brandon as a starter in the league, but I would view him as more of a safe choice than a swing when there is so much upside before him on the board.

10. BILAL COULIBALY

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Athletic Wing Defender with Immense Potential

The ability to track overseas prospects has grown so much in just the six years of the big board that now you can watch tape on every minute of a player from a more high-profile team like Mets 92. Bilal Coulibaly is a polarizing prospect that has risen off the back of intense Wemby scouting, but it’s hard to ignore his intangibles and physical gifts the more you watch. The knock against Bilal is his limited playing time but he has an above average jumper with good form, a livewire quick twitch frame that can get to the basket with ease, and the motor to interrupt half-court offense passing lanes. Whoever drafts Bilal will need to pour a lot of player development capital into him, but the upside could be Giannis; no one wants to miss out again.

11. GRADEY DICK

T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Level Motion Shooter with Halfcourt Creation

“White American player, great shooter…so he’s like Kyle Korver?” Hear me out: Gradey has a lot more juice as a secondary ball handler than he gets credit for. If you look at his shot chart from Kansas, he was primarily staying on the perimeter but shot over 50% from transition three pointers. His ability to make contested long-range shots separates him and is a skillset that is coveted in the NBA. I see the Kevin Huerter type profile as his floor but a lot more potential to excel as a wing.

12. JORDAN WALSH

T$ Likely Player Outcome: 3&D Wing and Offensive Rebound Monster

Since the start of the season I tuned into Arkansas games regularly to watch Nick Smith and Anthony Black, but walked away extremely encouraged by the bench play of Jordan Walsh. He has a lot of size to go with a great jumper form (reflected by his FT %). Outside of that, he regularly closed games and showed himself to have a knack for a well-timed offensive rebound or defensive stop. I personally think he has more playmaking skills than he was able to display given the roster composition, but I’d look for Jordan Walsh to go higher in this draft than most think.

13. CAM WHITMORE

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Do It All Wing and Bench Iso Offense

There was a ton of hype surrounding Whitmore entering the season as he came into Villanova as their second-highest rated prospect ever. Cam delivered in terms of his tendency to provide highlight dunks and driving finishes, but he was a frustratingly inconsistent player on the whole at Nova. He clearly struggled to fit into a more structured offense and was unable to lend confidence in his jumper. The release point from his hip proved tough to get off one-on-one, but his age and measurables suggest that he could develop into a beast. That upside has translated in his top 15 ranking, but I’m not confident he will be more than a role player.

14. KEYONTE GEORGE

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Microwave Scorer in the Halfcourt

I always admire when a young player seems to have a command for the moment on a more veteran team. George flashed his scoring skills and found the ball in his hands at key moments throughout Baylor’s season. He’s undersized for an NBA shooting guard but makes up for that with a really stout base and high-level shooting. He tends to have tunnel vision when he gets the ball at the top of the key, so I wouldn’t cast him in a playmaking role, but I think he could be an important scorer in the right situation.

15. jarace walker

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Defensive Force on the Wing

The fair comp for Walker is somewhere between the Luguentz Dort and Tari Eason zip codes. Jarace stepped onto a Houston team that was packed with experience and made his mark as a defender while steadily showing off his driving package throughout the year. The swing skill is his ability to shoot the ball on the perimeter but he profiles as a useful wing either way with a lot of potential.

16. OLIVIER-MAXENCE PROSPER

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Long Wing with Half Court Creation

I can’t stop seeing Pascal Siakam the more I watch full games from Prosper. He’s longer than most wings and uses great footwork to weave his way to the rim in the halfcourt. Factor in his tenacious offensive rebounding and his finishing in the open court and you have a modern day wing. He took a bit of time to develop in college, but I think there’s a ton of raw talent that can help him become a starter within a structured offense.

17. JAMES NNAJI

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Rim Running Defensive Center

Nnaji is built like a brick shithouse and has the aggressiveness to be a high-level defender from day one in the league. Notice that he’s only 18 years old — with the right training staff, you could build a top 15 modern day center with a later round pick. Given how raw his overall skillset is, there are many potential outcomes for Nnaji but I’m betting on his physical profile.

18. JORDAN HAWKINS

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Movement Shooter with Killer Instincts

If you watched the most recent NCAA Final Four, you could have easily mistaken Hawkins for Rip Hamilton as he routinely hit big shots off screens and movement. He’s an older Sophomore who did lack consistency throughout the regular season, but he also played in an offense with 2-3 non-shooters on the court at all times. I think that he is going to deliver when given a defined bench role and more space in the NBA.

19. JALEN HOOD-SCHIFINO

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Combo Guard and Second Unit Leader

Much of Indiana’s surprising turnaround this year was due to JHS and his ability to command a veteran team. I really like his playmaking in transition paired with his size, but he does leave some question marks when it comes to halfcourt playmaking and shooting. In the modern NBA it’s just really tough to start at PG without consistency from beyond the arc. That will be the swing skill for Jalen that ultimately decides his fate, but the upside is certainly here.

20. Seth Lundy

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench 3&D with Perimeter Prowess

Seth is the type of low-ceiling role player that I grow more fond of the more I watch him. He understands his strengths and worked tirelessly every year to specifically improve in each of them. Lundy can defend the perimeter 1-4 on the switch and will be a 40% long distance shooter. There’s not a team in the league that would not sign up for that.

21. amari bailey

T$ Likely Player Outcome: High Quality “Do It All” Role Player

When I say “do it all,” it really is a contextual statement. Amari is a solid shooter, ballhandler, and defender. Emphasis on the word “solid.” He can do all of these things but doesn’t really pop. While AB was a hyped high school prospect, he stepped into a veteran laden UCLA team and was able to provide real contributions. He has a lot of room to grow, so a draft pick here will most likely involve him getting some PG reps in the G League, but if any of one those skills move from solid to prolific then you’re looking at a steal.

22. nick smith

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Lou Williams Threat Potential That Needs Coaching

A very disappointing fall throughout this season for Nick who came into the year as one of the most touted Freshman in the country. He has a very intriguing frame and a great first step, but he was consistently unable to finish at the college level. While he struggled, he pressed a bit and was unable to show off much playmaking aptitude as well. Who knows what his workouts are looking like, but from his interviews, this appears to be a player that may be looking to prove something. With what we saw at the college level, it might be a futile effort. The pedigree keeps him in the Big Board.

23. andre jackson jr.

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Bench Wing with “Plug and Play” Basketball IQ

Do me a favor and watch his NCAA games rather than looking at Andre’s stat lines. Jackson Jr. is a facilitator and elite defender. He’ll be really dependent on which team drafts him, but if he is surrounded by shooters I could see him having an impact that even exceeds this spot in the Big Board. Unique wing that I can talk myself into.

24. dereck lively

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Replacement Level Center with Shooting Upside

The body and baseline skillset is there for Lively to grow into a starting caliber center in the NBA. This projection really comes down to how difficult you think it is to find this type of player. I’m inclined to take swings on players that I see having more versatility than this, but Dereck could certainly contribute. He’s also been flashing some three point shooting that he was unable to showcase at Duke in his workout videos. There’s upside here.

25. jacob toppin

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Mature Role Player w/ Halfcourt Playmaking IQ

The younger brother of Obi, Jacob has come a long way since he transferred to Kentucky three seasons ago. He is a smart player that does not have the counting stats to show for importance, specifically in the half court. I was always impressed by his ability to diagnose set defenses and operate within the clogged orbit of Oscar T. I think Jacob will be an interesting player at the next level with support and a defined bench role.

26. trayce jackson-davis

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Energy Big with Explosive Transition Finishing

It’s understandable if you haven’t heard of Trayce, but I would bet you’ve seen a dunk highlight on YouTube or ESPN without realizing it was him over the past three years. TJD has the physical profile of the prototypical NBA stretch four but slides into the doldrums of the Big Board due to his lack of perimeter game. I think he has a shot to be in an NBA rotation but will need to suit up for a team with real guard play to be “unlocked.”

27. julian phillips

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Project Wing with Upside

The Tennessee tape is pretty underwhelming for Julian, but at this stage a team is looking to gain some value from their coaching staff. Phillips has the athleticism and bounce that you look for in a wing at the next level, but his jumpshot and maturity will need to take a step forward. I think this is a solid calculated risk.

28. julian strawther

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Tough Shot Maker and Microwave Bench Scorer

We’ve seen this profile before: smart player that gains a lot of reps in high pressure games at a big school while not having the ideal NBA body. Strawther is a shot maker, and that’s always an essential skill in a playoff rotation. While the upside is limited, I can see Julian giving a contender reliable bench production quickly.

29. kobe bufkin

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Project Bench Guard w/ Elite Quickness

Kobe certainly shows some playmaking skills, but this projection is based on my lack of certainty that he will be an efficient scorer at the next level. He took a huge step up this year in terms of counting numbers, but you could argue that his usage contributed to Michigan’s poor record. I won’t go far enough to lay Dickinson’s transfer at his feet, but he’ll need to learn his place in a rotation to have success.

30. jaime jaquez jr.

T$ Likely Player Outcome: Classic Savvy Bench Big

At this point in the talent pool, we’re searching for players that know their strengths and can contribute off the bench. It’s been interesting to watch Jaime transform over four years from a role player to the PAC 12 POY, all while not straying far from his strengths: rebounding and playmaking in the break. While I wouldn’t expect 18 PPG again, I am confident that he’ll find a way to impact the game with bench minutes.

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