Best Day 1 Contributors in the 2023 NBA Draft
Why Ben Sheppard, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Kris Murray can Help NBA Teams from Day 1
More so than ever, the NBA is constantly being filled with an influx of talent via the Draft 1-60 (58 this year). Through the development of this trend, teams looking to compete for a Larry O’Brien often seek out upperclassmen in hopes of them contributing on Day 1 towards their championship aspirations. Christian Braun is a perfect example. He joined the Denver Nuggets with the 21st pick in last year’s draft and was a mainstay throughout their playoff run en route to a championship. That is what teams seek, which plays into the hands of a handful of guys in this year’s draft.
Belmont’s Ben Sheppard, Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Iowa’s Kris Murray perfectly exemplify this, along with a couple of other guys, such as Jaime Jaquez or Seth Lundy. One player in your playoff rotation for these teams competing for championships can be the difference between a championship-winning season and a 2nd round exit.
With that being said, here are the Best Day 1 Contributors from the 2023 NBA Draft Class:
Ben Sheppard - Belmont, G - 6’5”,194
This year, Belmont Senior Ben Sheppard burst onto the scene as a potential draftee while displaying his improved jumper to NBA decision-makers. Sheppard’s 41.5 3P%, both off the catch and the dribble, was the main reason he became a known name around NBA circles. Sheppard is a competitive defender, which makes him not the target of NBA offenses. He constantly fights hard over screens keeping him from being a liability on the defensive end. He stays active and involved off-ball, often finding himself in passing lanes. Sheppard is a competent passer, often trusted to do the right thing with the ball in his hands due to growing up as Point Guard before hitting a late growth spurt. Sheppard consistently reminds me of Quentin Grimes due to the similar type of contributions that they can make to NBA rosters while still having the ability to show some unseen upside. Look for Sheppard to be on a top team next year while in the rotation.
Ben Sheppard Combine - Draft Express
Olivier-Maxence Prosper - Marquette, F - 6’7”,212
Canadian wing Olivier-Maxence Prosper is the perfect example of a complete role player. He is often found being the first guy to the floor and chasing after every loose ball. That said, he has a proficient all-around game, most notably being an explosive athlete, which was highlighted at the NBA combine after posting outlier numbers. Defensively, Prosper is always hovering in passing lanes while being big and long enough to contain big players making him a versatile plus defender. This versatility makes him easily switchable defensively, attracting executives of title-contending teams. If Prosper wants to stick, though, he’ll have to continue to develop his 3-point shot, which he only shot 33.9% on in his Junior year. Before that, he only had 28.2% from beyond the arc. That doesn’t mean that he isn’t a capable spot-up shooter at the moment, though. Overall, Prosper is what you look for in a modern two-way guy, so look for Prosper to be a guy that continues to rise as we work our way towards draft day. He may even rise into the late teens should a team reach by trading up.
Olivier-Maxence (O-Max) Prosper - Season Highlights
Kris Murray - Iowa, F - 6’8”,213
Iowa’s Kris Murray, twin brother of Keegan, is the perfect example of a Day 1 contributor. “How do you know that?” you might ask. Well, Kris and Keegan are the exact same player, except Kris is left-handed rather than right-handed. With Kris being put in the right situation, whether that’s in Sacramento or elsewhere, I believe Kris can make an All-Rookie team while contributing to a team that’s winning a bunch of games. Kris is a reliable knockdown shooter that you can count on making a few threes from the perimeter. Not to mention, defensively, Murray is an incredibly versatile and physical defender more than holding his own. Offensively, there is some upside as a creator, but the likelihood of that being tapped into by the team that drafts him is low. Look for Murray to be taken somewhere in the twenties.
Fits
The most obvious thing to comment on regarding each one of these guys’ fits is that they’re all built for a contender from Day 1, but is that the best fit? Personally, I think that it could be beneficial for some of these guys to join teams in a rebuild to help grow with their core. Look out for teams like Charlotte, Indiana, Detroit, and Orlando. As for contending teams, I’d expect teams that are entering/are (in) their championship windows to take chances on older guys. Look out for teams Sacramento, Boston, OKC, and Memphis in addition to “the usuals” that are contending.
Wrap-Up
The 2023 NBA Draft class offers several players who can provide an immediate impact on Day 1 for teams aiming to compete for a championship. Ben Sheppard, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Kris Murray all possess the skills and versatility to contribute to winning teams. Sheppard impresses with his improved shooting and defensive tenacity, while Prosper brings a complete role-player package with his athleticism and defensive abilities. Murray, the twin brother of Keegan Murray, showcases reliable shooting and defensive versatility, making him a valuable asset to a contending team.
While these players are suited for championship-caliber teams, there is also an argument for them to join rebuilding franchises and grow alongside their core players. On the other hand, championship-contending teams like Boston, LA, and Miami, along with other perennial contenders, may take the opportunity to acquire experienced players who can immediately contribute to their pursuit of a title. Overall, the 2023 NBA Draft class presents an exciting pool of experienced talent that can significantly impact teams’ success next season. That is why these are the best Day 1 contributors in the 2023 NBA Draft.