A Scout’s Take: Assessing Four 2023 Prospect Draft Outcomes Versus Big Board Rankings

Making the case for and against the draft outcomes of four 2023 NBA draft prospects.

In wrapping up the 2023 draft cycle, there were several prospects whose draft outcomes were either higher or lower than the draft grade I had given them. Let’s take a look at four of those prospects and make the case both for and against relative to that grade.

GG Jackson I Big Wing I South Carolina I Memphis Grizzlies

Board Ranking: 25th

Draft Outcome: 2nd Round, 45th overall to Memphis

Case For: Jackson is the big wing shot creator that NBA teams crave. 6-foot-9 self creator with advanced dribble moves, tough shotmaking ability, functional athleticism and defensive tools. There is off ball equity in his rim running, cutting and spot up shooting that can give the youngest player in the draft (wont turn 19 until December) another development path to success.

Case Against: There is real concern that Jackson won't ever figure out how to become a more efficient scorer and consistently find others ways to impact the game with his skills and tools. Combined with perhaps overblown maturity concerns, fit becomes even more vital and likely contributed to Jackson’s somewhat expected second round slide. The Memphis fit could be an ideal one that produces one of draft’s top steals.

Maxwell Lewis I Wing I Pepperdine I Los Angeles Lakers

Board Ranking: 27th

Draft Outcome: 2nd Round, 40th overall to Los Angeles

Case For: An athletic, twitchy wing shooter (career 35% 3-point shooter on 4.3 attempts per game) with positional size and length (6-foot-6, 7-foot wingspan) alongside defensive tools. He has upside as a multi level scorer if he can improve his pullup shooting, ball handling and functional strength. Can effectively slot into a 3-and-D role with more consistent defensive engagement.

Case Against: Might be much more of a project than a ready NBA contributor right now with significant growth needed in his ancillary skills. Talented shooter but not an elite level NBA shooter. If the shot isn't falling, hasn't’ shown the ability to consistently leverage his physical tools to add defensive value.

Ricky Council IV I Wing I Arkansas I Philadelphia 76ers

Board Ranking: 38th

Draft Position: UDFA, Two-way deal with PHI

Case For: An explosive, powerful wing that excels as a play finisher and slasher who made the successful transition from the AAC to SEC. Provides scoring versatility including rim attacks, pullups, cuts, floor runs and spot up shot making. He possesses the tools in his strength, length (6-foot-9 wingspan), active hands and fluid lateral quickness to be a plus defender. He fills a 3-and-D plus role if he can hold enough shooting gravity, otherwise more of a microwave bucket getter off the bench.

Case Against: 3-point shooting is the obvious swing skill for Council IV, a career 30% 3-point collegiate shooter on 238 attempts. The pairing of poor 3-point numbers and a funky release don't exactly inspire confidence in him holding enough shooting gravity. Without it, Council’s role and value will be limited and likely contributed to him going undrafted.

Mike Miles Jr. I Ancillary Guard I TCU I Dallas Mavericks

Board Ranking: 51st

Draft Outcome: UDFA, Two-way deal with DAL

Case For: Despite being a small guard, Miles has the skill set to become an impactful rotation player. He’s a creative multi-level scorer off the bounce that thrives in transition and in the halfcourt with his blend of shotmaking, crafty handle, burst, vertical pop and immensely competitive spirit. His ability to operate pick-and-rolls as a scorer and playmaker while holding shooting gravity as an off ball player can immediately provide a bench jolt.

Case Against: It’s a daunting and borderline impossible task for 6-footish guards to have staying power without an elite, translate skill. Without a truly elite skill at 6-foot-1 and a barely plus wingspan (6-foot-1.5), there are significant factors working against Miles, there is no reason to count him out.

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