Rank 10-8: Exploring the Most Promising 10 NBA Prospects of 2023"

Building Blocks: Exploring the Most Promising 10 NBA Prospects of 2023

Counting down to the 10-8 rankings.

After meticulously studying film on around 90 prospects for this year's NBA draft, I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the top 10 prospects. It's important to note that this ranking doesn't strictly correlate with where they may be selected in the draft, but rather reflects my assessment of their potential impact both in the immediate and long term. In formulating this list, I have placed value on guards with exceptional size and wings who possess the potential for impact on both ends of the court. In my view, having versatile and impactful wings is a key ingredient to achieving success in the NBA, hence their prominence in my rankings.

10. Bilal Coulibaly

    6-7 wing | 18 years old | Metropolitans 92

Victor Wembanyama, his teammate says Bilal is a top 5 prospect. Thunder GM, Sam Presti (OKC is picking 12th) has been seen at his games in France. So who is Bilal Coulibaly?

Bilal Coulibaly is a rising prospect whose stock has surged in recent weeks. With his team, Metropolitans 92, still competing in the French league LNB Pro A (despite being down 0-2 in the finals at the time of writing), he has had the opportunity to showcase his skills on both the junior (Pro B) and senior (Pro A) squads.

Primarily known for his defensive prowess, Coulibaly is a wing player with impressive athleticism and length. His defensive abilities make him a disruptive force, causing problems for opposing ball handlers by limiting passing options and obstructing their vision. Coulibaly demonstrates sound defensive instincts, making the right reads, rotations, and adhering to defensive schemes. While his steal and block numbers may have decreased when transitioning to the senior team (due to fewer minutes), it's worth noting that the French league is recognized for its disciplined play, making his defensive contributions significant.

In addition to his length, Coulibaly possesses the flexibility, lateral speed, and mobility necessary to excel as a strong wing defender in today's switch-heavy NBA.

Offensively, Coulibaly's development path is longer. He excels in the open court, utilizing his length and athleticism to draw fouls. However, his shooting, shooting mechanics, and overall offensive indicators require refinement. To become a prototypical NBA wing player, he will need to either develop a consistent three-point shot or enhance his cutting ability, akin to players like Mikal Bridges. Teams considering drafting him should be aware that he is a project on the offensive end but presents intriguing upside.

Overall, Bilal Coulibaly's defensive skills, length, and athleticism make him an enticing prospect, while his offensive game remains a work in progress with significant potential for improvement.

NBA closest player comparison: Victor Oladipo

9. Anthony Black

   6-7 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas

The NBA landscape has witnessed a rise in the success of big guards in recent years, with notable names like SGA and Tyrese Haliburton making their mark as all-stars. Players such as Josh Giddey, Lamelo Ball, and Cade Cunningham have also stood out, showcasing exceptional size for the point guard position. This coveted combination of size and skill has become a highly sought-after asset in the NBA, and the upcoming 2023 draft class boasts a handful of players who fit that mold. Leading the pack is Anthony Black, a player who epitomizes the ideal big guard prototype and promises to make a significant impact at the professional level.

Anthony Black not only possesses the physical attributes required for the point guard position, but his basketball acumen, exceptional court awareness, and innate leadership qualities elevate him to an elite level. His remarkable feel for the game, high basketball IQ, and floor general instincts set him apart from his peers. With a unique skill-set that combines size, intelligence, and the ability to orchestrate the flow of the game, Black epitomizes the quintessential point guard capable of guiding his team to success on the court.

Delving further into his repertoire of playmaking skills reveals a remarkable versatility. Black showcases proficiency as a pick-and-roll maestro, employing an array of passing techniques ranging from drive-and-kicks that find open shooters to deftly creating opportunities in the paint for his teammates through well-executed pocket passes. Notably, he exudes composure when entrusted with the ball during crucial moments, a hallmark characteristic of a bona fide point guard.

When it comes to scoring, Anthony Black exhibits promise as a slasher and an effective finisher around the rim. However, his shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, remains a point of concern. His shooting mechanics and release, in particular, require refinement and improvement. To elevate his game, Anthony Black must focus on being more aggressive and refining his scoring abilities.

On the defensive end, Black's size allows him to guard multiple positions in the NBA, including point guards, shooting guards, and many small forwards. He already showcases excellent on-ball defensive skills, effectively pressuring opponents. Notably, his defensive prowess extends beyond individual matchups. Black possesses exceptional defensive vision, enabling him to anticipate and disrupt passes from a distance, as evidenced by his steal numbers. Additionally, his ability to contest shots with verticality and go straight up adds to his defensive repertoire. Remarkably, these defensive attributes are already well-developed for a 19-year-old, suggesting a high defensive floor for his future potential.

NBA closest player comparison: Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball

8. Cam Whitmore

   6-7 wing | 18 years old | Villanova

Cam Whitmore, a highly touted high school prospect, arrived at Villanova with much anticipation. However, his college debut was delayed as he missed the first seven games due to a thumb injury. Despite the setback, Whitmore's potential as a self-creating scorer became evident.

Standing at 6'7" and weighing 230 pounds, Whitmore possesses a unique blend of size, skill, strength, footwork, and a diverse offensive arsenal. His ability to beat defenders off the dribble, utilize his body effectively, and showcase a wide variety of jumpers make him a versatile scoring threat. Additionally, his exceptional finishing skills at the rim and prowess in transition highlight his explosiveness and athleticism.

Defensively, Whitmore's physical attributes, including his athleticism and strength, provide him with the tools to be an effective on-ball defender. However, there are concerns about his consistency and defensive motor, as he has shown a tendency to have lapses and occasionally take possessions off.

One area of improvement for Whitmore is his playmaking ability. Although Villanova's offensive system may not prioritize high assist numbers, his low average of 0.7 assists per game in 27.3 minutes raises questions about his vision and ability to create for others. Developing better court awareness and enhancing his passing skills will be essential for him to thrive as a complete offensive threat.

To take the next step as a potential number one option on the wing, Whitmore needs to focus on enhancing his three-point shooting consistency, elevating his defensive intensity and consistency, and expanding his playmaking skills. These areas of development will determine his ability to lead an offense effectively and become a well-rounded player capable of making a significant impact at the next level.

With his impressive size and scoring prowess, Cam Whitmore possesses a high ceiling in today's NBA. His combination of physical attributes, including his 6'7" frame and scoring versatility, aligns well with the evolving style of play in the league. In an era where positional versatility and multi-dimensional scoring are highly valued, Whitmore's skill set holds significant potential.

NBA closest player comparison: Miles Bridges, Jaylen Brown

This list will continue over the weekend, counting down from 7th-1st on my big board.