Wake Up!! It's NBA Draft Day 2023!!!
The Latest Rumors Surrounding Players Rising and Falling in the 2023 NBA Draft!
The day we've all been waiting for is finally here.
364 days later, and the 2023 class is waiting to hear their names called later tonight by Commissioner Adam Silver. Here's the latest surrounding certain prospects' stocks and whether their rising or falling:
Rising
Jarace Walker
Houston Forward Jarace Walker seems to of locked in his draft range more so than rising, but that can also fit the fill here. ESPN's Jonathan Givony said this about Walker, "he's going to get looks as high as 5 from Detroit… his range is going to be very narrow, probably not falling past Indiana at 7". The versatile defender brings a lot to an NBA team, and Detroit and Indiana seem like suitable suitors for Walker unless a team trades up to go get him.
Kobe Bufkin
Michigan Guard Kobe Bufkin has been quite the riser throughout the Pre-Draft process, rising from a guy out of the lottery to a guy in the lottery. Bufkin is a tenacious two-way guard with defensive intensity and a budding offensive skill set. Bufkin is a fascinating prospect because he's been impossible for teams to get into their gyms. He's declined all workouts leading some to believe he has a promise. Bufkin's range varies based on who you ask, but I expect him to start being considered at #8 with Washington down to #13 with the Raptors. Most of his range depends on if there's a run on guards at the top of the draft involving a bunch of trades.
Bilal Coulibaly
French Wing and teammate of Victor Wembanyama Bilal Coulibaly has ascended from the 20s up to the lottery over the recent week during the French Pro A playoffs and Mets 92's run to the Finals, which ended in defeat to Monaco. Coulibaly exploded onto the scene in that time, contributing vitally to his teams' success. Standing at 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan and a developing jumper, it's easy to see why the 18 y/o has recently risen up draft boards. Coulibaly's range seems to be very team dependent and whether or not a team decides to fall in love with the Frenchmen or not. A trade-up for Coulibaly is also potentially in the cards, as he could go anywhere from 5(ish) - 14. Look out for Coulibaly tonight.
Falling
Brice Sensabaugh
Orlando native Brice Sensabaugh has been a faller of late, most likely attributed to 3 knee surgeries going back to high school. Sensabaugh's range had been around the late teens to mid-20s all year but has slipped as of late to be a potential early second-rounder in numerous mocks. On the court, Sensabaugh is arguably the best scorer in this draft class in an efficient manner, but what weighs Sensabaugh down is his lack of playmaking and defense. Sensabaugh's range is probably more, around 20(ish) - 35(ish). Look out for Sensabaugh as a potential second-round steal.
Keyontae George
Baylor Combo Guard Keyontae George is another player with a viable chance of sliding tonight. George had a reasonably successful season compared to expectations posting a solid 15.3 PPG, considering he's known to be a bucket-getter. Initially considered a surefire lottery guy, George has slipped a couple of picks in the Pre-Draft process due to injury concerns and players rising above him. George is still a quality addition to any roster in a 6th man type of role, so his range should be around 15-23(ish). Watch out for George as a potential faller.
Cason Wallace
Kentucky Guard Cason Wallace is another player to watch as the night progresses tonight. Wallace's potential slide is less so because of him and more so because of players in his same range rising above him. Wallace isn't even slipping a ton, as he'd be going from late lottery to just outside the lottery. That being said, Wallace is still an extremely gifted defender despite standing at 6'2", although he boasts a 6'8" wingspan, drawing comparisons to Jrue Holiday. Wallace is also an excellent caretaker of the ball posting a 2:1 Ast/TO ratio at Kentucky this past year. Expect Wallace to be considered from around 13(ish) - 20. Keep an eye on him, as he could be a steal for a team in the late teens.
Wrap-Up
It's finally NBA Draft Day 2023, so sit back, relax, enjoy, and hope your favorite team lands the player you want them to select! The excitement is through the roof as the prospects anxiously await Commissioner Adam Silver's announcements. Rising stars include Jarace Walker, a versatile forward with a narrow draft range, and Kobe Bufkin, a tenacious guard whose range depends on the guard frenzy at the top. Bilal Coulibaly, the French wing with an impressive wingspan, has also caught attention. On the flip side, Brice Sensabaugh's stock has dipped due to knee surgeries, while Keyontae George and Cason Wallace face some downward pressure in a competitive field. Stay tuned to see where these talents end up and how they'll impact their new teams. Let the draft madness begin!