Pistons: Biggest sleeper and other predictions about the 2023 NBA Draft
The 2023 NBA Draft has been completed and it was a good one for the Detroit Pistons.
They didn’t play it safe, and instead took the high-ceiling Ausar Thompson, who should be a very good defender right away and has a better offensive game than many realize.
Detroit then traded up to get experienced guard prospect Marcus Sasser, a guy who also plays lockdown defense on the perimeter and was one of college basketball’s best high-volume 3-point shooters over the last two years.
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This will be remembered as the Victor Wembanyama draft, but there is talent up and down both rounds, which makes predicting who will eventually emerge as the top talent very difficult.
Here are some predictions for the 2023 NBA Draft class next season.
Detroit Pistons: Biggest sleeper and other predictions about the 2023 NBA Draft class
Who will win Rookie of the Year?
Unless there is an injury, it’s hard to see anyone other than Victor Wembanyama taking home this award. He’s joining a bad team on which he will be the immediate focus on both ends. He’s gotten more hype than ANY HUMAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD (seriously) and is going to be featured often on national TV.
As long as he stays healthy, it’s his award to lose. But if he doesn’t, I like Scoot Henderson, who looked amazing in workouts, has a massive chip on his shoulder and could end up taking over Portland if they trade Damian Lillard at some point.
Biggest surprise of the 2023 NBA Draft?
The Wizards trading up to select Bilal Coulibaly has to be one of the biggest draft surprises of the last few seasons. He was one of the fastest risers on big boards just before the draft, but I didn’t see anyone having him selected in the top-10. Also, did the Wizards really need to trade up to get him? It’s possible that the Pacers were going to take him, or at least convinced Washington they would, but that seems unlikely. It was one of many strange moves by the Wizards so far this offseason as they start their rebuild.