Draft Deeper's Favorite 2023 NBA Draft Picks
Our own Nathan Grubel provides his insight on which teams made the best picks by value and fit during the 2023 NBA Draft.
What a night it was during the 2023 NBA Draft!
Plenty of surprises, risers, fallers, and trades kept the night buzzing with excitement as each fan’s favorite team made moves to hopefully improve their respective rosters for next season.
While we won’t have to wait long to see a lot of these selections in action with Las Vegas Summer League right around the corner (don’t forget the California Classic!) there’s plenty to discuss and analyze between now and the official start of free agency.
There will be continuous analysis of the new CBA and what the implications are moving forward for NBA organizations, but one thing that’s clear to me is that building through the draft and nailing first and second round selections to add depth with reasonable contracts is as important as ever.
So with that being said, I wanted to take a look at some of my favorite picks that will help teams do just that: add not only legitimate potential stars to build around in the future but also add rotational value to those looking to contend for or excel in the playoffs in the short term.
One caveat: obviously, Victor Wembanyama was going to qualify as a favorite pick no matter who got the chance to select him, making the San Antonio Spurs clear winners on draft night. Congrats to Wembanyama, the organization, and second round pick Sidy Cissoko on the chance to grow in a great culture for years to come!
Let’s start with the player who I was sounding the horn for the most as we got closer to the draft!
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
There are a number of different directions the Portland Trail Blazers could’ve gone on draft night with the #3 overall pick.
Trades aside, I’m ecstatic that the organization made the smart decision to keep the pick and take Scoot Henderson.
While not the most conventional “fit” given how the roster is currently constructed, the 6’2” guard has one of the highest upsides in this class, both on and off the floor.
Whether Damian Lillard is in this for the long haul or out the door via a trade request, Henderson has what it takes to help lead a team and set a hard-working example, just like Lillard has done for years. Even though this squad has a number of lethal backcourt options in the mix with Lillard, including Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, none of them can pressure the rim and create downhill chaos quite like Henderson.
As Sharpe continues to develop his ball skills and ability to leverage his scoring gravity into making correct playmaking decisions, Henderson can give this team the driving threat it needs to create better shooting opportunities for others. Lillard and Simons are both better off creating perimeter shots for themselves, and Sharpe has also become great at converting on both catch and drive looks as well as cuts to the basket. Having Henderson in the mix to displace defenders and pull them away from his counterparts gives lineups a healthier balance offensively.
And Henderson may be the best defender in the backcourt out of every other guard on the roster in the short-term (Sharpe at 6’6” clearly has the highest ceiling of everyone long-term on that side of the ball). Capable of defending opposing guards at the point of attack and using his quick, large hands to poke balls free and force steals, Henderson can create extra possessions in ways other guards haven’t been able to when also factoring in his ability to rebound.
Even though he needs to continue developing his jump shot, Henderson creates looks and gets to his spots easier than arguably any other player that was available in the 2023 NBA Draft. His acceleration, deceleration, and handle give him ways to separate and launch from anywhere on the floor.
This was the correct pick for Portland to make, as no matter which direction this roster goes, Henderson can step in and contribute now and well into the future. No trade that could’ve been made with the third pick for a “star” wing would’ve been worth the price going out as well as the value in getting the potential players available for possibly only one or two seasons. Henderson is under contract for far longer than that, with much less baggage coming.
Well done, Trail Blazers, for standing strong and making the forward-thinking decision.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards were involved in a deal on draft night, and they essentially gave two second round picks to the Indiana Pacers to move ahead to take Bilal Coulibaly.
While this may have just been a great move for the Pacers to use leverage in order to acquire additional assets, given the number of selections the Wizards gained in trades this past week, there was no real penalty for doing what needed to be done to get “the guy” this franchise wanted.
And even though there’s a good deal of risk involved in taking a prospect like Coulibaly, the rapid growth he’s shown (both physically and on the court) suggests his ceiling may be much higher than initially anticipated.
As a 6’8” wing who can handle the ball, make fluid plays out of pick-and-roll sets, score in transition, generate offense off the ball, and defend multiple positions, Coulibaly’s floor as a useful role player is what every NBA team wants in its rotation, ideally in its starting lineup.
But what Coulibaly’s upside offers is something far more than just a complementary piece. If he’s able to make higher-level passing reads and convert on pull-up jumpers, there’s every reason to believe he can become dangerous from all three levels on the floor given the improvements he continues to make to his spot-up shooting from distance.
Already a highly efficient finisher at the basket both below and above the rim, Coulibaly is just scratching the surface of how good he could become on offense. His defense is well in line with what’s needed to get him on the floor, and as he gets more opportunities to handle the ball, even the guards Washington brought in like Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole could thrive with more shots being created for them.
While Wizards fans need to be PATIENT with Coulibaly’s development, there’s every reason to take a wing with legit two-way upside with a lottery pick in the middle of a full rebuild. Should this selection hit, Washington has the makings of a bright future on the court if each of its new pieces can mesh well together.
Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers
Getting their guy while also picking up some extra draft capital was brilliance from the Indiana Pacers front office.
But while I could go on and on discussing the importance of having second-round picks to use or trade with the new CBA’s implications, this is about Jarace Walker being the best fit for this current team as it looks to get back into the playoffs in 2023-24.
Sure, Taylor Hendricks could’ve also provided immediate value as a “3-and-D” spot-up forward, but Walker’s potential to play within Indiana’s system and mesh with its best stars is what makes this pick incredibly fascinating.
Sometimes, we as analysts and fans mock players to certain teams based not only on fit, but also on addressing weaknesses to turn them into strengths.
In reality, rookies don’t help win a large number of games or help a team make major strides in certain areas. So while those players could develop to help in the latter, there’s also something to be said about a strategy that involves selecting prospects that actually play to an organization’s existing strengths.
That’s what Walker is here to do. A capable ball handler and passer at his size, Walker can keep the ball moving and face up in the halfcourt. The Pacers want to play fast, given their pace ratings last season, and there’s no reason why that won’t continue to be an emphasis moving forward.
Walker’s connective decision-making, interior scoring, and catch-and-shoot game allow him to make the right choices as soon as he gets the ball. He’s not a “stopper” by any means, and offers some versatility vs. immediately driving to score or shoot like Hendricks or Cam Whitmore would’ve provided in a similar position.
Predictability is the bane of any coach’s existence, so having players that can improvise and react on the fly creates chaos for opposing defenses and makes it more difficult to gameplan against. Walker has more to his offensive game than he was able to show at Houston, so these skills allow him to fit into that very philosophy.
Oh, and he’s also one hell of a competitive rebounder, shot blocker, and overall defender. He’s maybe not as “switchable” as everyone would like him to be depending on the matchups, but Walker’s backline defense and ability to scale up and guard centers in a pinch give him enough versatility to mesh with a team that’s more about creating turnovers and making plays on the ball than purely trying to stop guys dead in their tracks.
Having a player like Walker who can thrive alongside a pass-first backcourt and floor-spacing center is exactly what Indiana needed to keep taking steps forward.
Jett Howard, Orlando Magic
Even though Jett Howard didn’t finish the draft cycle in my lottery rankings (not far off, but I regret it nonetheless), I never quite understood why he fell outside of the Top 20 on so many draft boards and projections.
Howard didn’t finish the season on the strongest note, but he also suffered double ankle injuries and wasn’t nearly the same player as he was in the first half of the year, when he was arguably a top half of the lottery talent on many scouting radars.
Because of who Howard is, he fits the modern NBA perfectly. At his best, he’s a 6’7” wing who can dribble, pass, and shoot. And when I say shoot, I mean SHOOT. More than just a spot-up threat, Howard was at his best moving without the ball, coming off screens, and firing from deep. Be it on the catch or on the move, Howard’s shot-making prowess from the perimeter is ideal for an Orlando Magic team that needs spacing in the worst way.
Where the “upside” with Howard comes into play is in how he can not only handle the ball, but also how he can make decisions working in screen-and-roll and DHO sets. Howard’s pacing, passing vision, and delivery give him a role as a secondary or tertiary playmaker alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in a way that another shooter like Gradey Dick or Jordan Hawkins wouldn’t.
Having another release valve that can take pressure off those two engines, as well as new floor general Anthony Black, only adds to the types of actions the Magic can run.
Look, there are definitely negatives that come with Howard. He’s not a great defender, and he is a poor positional rebounder and rim finisher. I’m confident there’s more to his game to come as he fills out physically and finds easier lanes to the basket, given the talent and spacing he’ll play with at the next level, but all three of those could provide limitations in the short term.
Still, there’s more to drafting than just dwelling on what prospects can’t do. It’s about what they CAN do, and who they are. Howard’s perimeter game and passing chops at his size were clearly too good for Orlando to pass on, and again, finding players who can add to what this team does well and fits core philosophies can also yield incredible results down the line.
Ben Sheppard, Indiana Pacers
I can understand why some fans might’ve been partially confused with the selections on draft night by the Indiana Pacers after they took Jarace Walker.
One thing this team needed to add was depth in skilled size. Getting Walker was a start down that path, but with plenty of long-term options in the backcourt, including Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard, I’m sure no one expected the Pacers to look the way of adding firepower at the guard spot.
That’s why many were confused at the idea of adding Ben Sheppard, given that he’s not a traditional “wing” player. However, I’d argue that Sheppard’s game is more complete than meets the eye, and his competitiveness should allow him to scale in the way of 2/3 more often than 2/1.
Despite being viewed as a combo guard, Sheppard’s value away from the basketball is important for this Pacers squad. His ability to shoot on the move, work off screens, and pass off a live dribble let him play a connective role around guards like Haliburton and Mathurin to accentuate their current roles and strengths.
Sheppard is an underrated cutter, secondary ball handler, and defender. He’s stronger than given credit for, and he’s creative on the move. While not expected to run a high volume of pick-and-roll sets or get downhill every single possession, Sheppard is a great athlete who is quick and decisive with or without the ball.
Indiana, as noted previously, plays fast. Sheppard operates at one speed almost all the time: fast! In transition or in the halfcourt, Sheppard makes defenders work to deny him the ball or opportunities to get to his spots. And when he’s able to tire out defenders, it’s game over.
Sheppard is the kind of relentless role player that can make a difference next to experienced ball handlers and frontcourt defenders. While not the “cleanest” fit on a surface level, diving deeper into what the Pacers value leads one to walk away saying that Sheppard was arguably a perfect pick in terms of value where the team got him.
Positional overlap be damned; just go draft the best player on the board. I would’ve taken Sheppard in the teens, so the Pacers selecting him where they did could bode very well for the future.
Jalen Pickett, Denver Nuggets
My co-host on the Draft Deeper podcast dubbed Jalen Pickett’s game with one phrase: BOOTY BALL!
Despite an unconventional way of producing on offense, Pickett is undeniably a guard who is very much so suited to step in off the bench and commandeer a second unit.
A 6’4” guard listed at over 200 pounds, Pickett has the strength to back guys down and create crafty angles to score or distribute the ball. His manipulation of screens, passing out of the post, and uncanny ability to draw contact or fake defenders off their spots to score at the basket give him ways to generate offense at a variety of spots and angles.
Pickett thrives on picking apart defenses based on what they give him. Force the ball out of his hands, and Pickett will give and go or relocate to spot up. Give him situations in isolation, and Pickett will force a defender’s hand to bite off his pump fake and foul or give up a window to score or pass. Double Pickett when he goes to his signature post move, and he’ll kick the ball to where it needs to go and make the right decision every time.
Essentially, teams are hoping for Pickett or his teammates to miss shots. It’s possible to cut him off and make life difficult for him, since he’s never been the quickest guy on the floor, but he thinks the game at such a high level to where it’s nearly impossible to speed him up or get him out of his comfort zone.
There’s a path for Pickett to become a starting point guard in the NBA, especially when factoring in how he competes and communicates defensively. His nose for rebounding the ball defensively and crashing the offensive glass only further add to his overall value on the court.
If Pickett is able to improve his at-times streaky shooting and add consistency to his perimeter game, he could become one of the most valuable backup point guards in the league, similar to what Tyus Jones has done. There’s some Andre Miller to his game, someone who thrived no matter whether he was starting or coming off the bench.
Given that the Denver Nuggets will be looking to add cheaper rotational players and navigate the waters of the new CBA, there’s value in taking chances on experienced talents like Pickett as well as other draftees Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson. All three know their roles on the floor and will bring toughness and energy. Not to mention all are great rebounders for their respective positions, meaning that possessions won’t be given up easily to the opposing team.
Pickett in particular, though, was a great choice to add quality backcourt depth at a very reasonable price. Nuggets fans should be excited about what he’ll bring to the table in the near future.
Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics
This was just one heck of a value pick by the Boston Celtics in the draft.
Not only were they able to make multiple trades on draft night to net a number of future second-round picks, but they also moved back to a spot where a player like Jordan Walsh could still be brought in.
While not someone who’s fully developed to start right away (and Brad Stevens has already acknowledged the organization will be patient with Walsh), there are few players in this range with his type of upside.
A 6’8” combo forward with real slashing upside, live-dribble passing, spot-up potential, and defensive versatility, Walsh checks so many boxes alone because of his tools and comfort level. Walsh’s size, length, and athleticism allow him to swallow up certain matchups and hang with others as he can scale up and down the lineup.
His ball-handling isn’t refined or advanced, but good enough to hold together as he uses his long strides to get past defenders and move downhill toward the rim. Walsh’s touch isn’t perfect, but he can go up and over matchups to finish close shots, and he’s not averse to backing someone down and getting a fadeaway shot off.
Even in pointing out the immediate negatives, there’s still enough there to picture Walsh doing more than just spotting up in the corner on offense. He can bring the ball up in transition after grabbing a round, push the tempo, and get to the cup or make the right dish. There’s value in his offensive game that should blossom as he’s given reps and experience in the G League.
And defensively, every NBA team wants a player like him on the roster whether he’s starting or not. At some point, each head coach wants the luxury to turn to a defensive weapon and tell him to shut someone down. Walsh actually has that potential. He’s not just someone who can jump passing lanes or rotate to help. Walsh has lockdown potential, and it will only get scarier as he gets stronger.
Players like Walsh shouldn’t be on the board in the second round. I understand drafting guys first who are proficient at shooting the ball, but basketball is about more than JUST shooting. With nearly every other box, Walsh either checks it now or has shown enough flashes to suggest he’ll check it in the future. He’s a prospect I wanted to buy in on before the draft, so well done to the Boston Celtics for nabbing him at #38.