NBA Draft

A Scout’s Take: Quick Hitters from the 2023 NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages (Part One)

Part one of some quick hitting thoughts on the 2023 NBA Draft Combine including a potential big riser, 3-and-D targets, the international mystery man and a key decision a prospect must make
Jam Hines|
A Scout’s Take: Quick Hitters from the 2023 NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages (Part One)
A Scout’s Take: Quick Hitters from the 2023 NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages (Part One)

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Santa Clara BroncosSyracuse OrangePenn State Nittany LionsBelmont Bruins

The NBA combine is a time of both nerves and excitement for prospects and their support systems as they navigate through the milestone event of the pre-draft process. With lots to unpack this year’s combine, particularly the scrimmages, here are a few quick hitting thoughts on the top standouts and questions. 

How High Will Podziemski Rise?

Brandin Podziemski made a legitimate case to be amongst the biggest risers on boards and at the very least, force evaluators to rewatch more Santa Clara tape. He looked like the best player on the floor during the first day of scrimmages as he flirted with a triple double, recording 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists alongside two steals.

What he showed in the first game is exactly the type of value, effort and production he brought to Santa Clara and has the potential to bring a NBA franchise. He’s a versatile guard and knockdown 3-point shooter (43% on 5.8 attempts) that's capable of operating as a secondary handler and shot creator and playmaker.

His two points and two assists on 1-of-4 shooting from the field in game two is no reason to be concerned. He arguably shouldn't have played another game and he’s already put enough on film at Santa Clara that should hold more weight anyway.

I currently have Podziemski as a top 25 prospect, in the same range that he’s been in for most of the year for me and plenty others. I wouldn't be surprised if there is more end of lottery or borderline lottery buzz as we move through workouts and towards June’s draft.

Upperclassmen 3-and-D Wings Shine

Senior wings Seth Lundy (Penn State) and Ben Sheppard (Belmont) should be risers because of their scrimmage performances and seamless 3-and-D role fits.

Lundy, a 40% 3-point shooter on 6.4 attempts this past season, buried eight of his 11 threes in the two scrimmages including stand still and movement makes. Listed at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he’s a tough and competitive defender that won’t back down from defensive assignments. He’s a late second round/priority undrafted free agent that I can see continuing to impress during team workouts.

Sheppard’s standout combine didn't surprise those that are familiar with his game. His shotmaking, feel and disruptive defense popped in front of NBA decision makers.

The rangy 6-foot-6 wing is a 41% 3-point shooter (6 attempts per game) that left a lasting impression in his second combine game with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

While not quite as long as Lundy (6-foot-7 wingspan), Sheppard is active on and off the ball with his length and quick hands, which manifested multiple times for stops and forced turnovers. One of better plays that highlighted Sheppard’s value was him forcing a steal on the ball then delivering a beautiful two hand bounce pass between defenders to a Johni Broome and one finish.

Sheppard is moreso a 3-and-D plus prospect, meaning he’s capable of filling a 3-and-D role, but has the skillset or upside to thrive in other roles as well. His blend of ball skills, feel and playmaking certainly give him the ingredients for an eventual secondary facilitator and pick-and-roll handler role. I can envision him drafted in the late first to early second round range.

Well Played, Mr. Vukcevic

Kudos to Tristan Vukcevic and his team. They absolutely knew their assignment, nailed it and shut things down after Vukcevic’s dazzling opening game, maintaining that “international man of mystery” vibe that we encounter each draft cycle.

The Serbian stretch big torched the nets for 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Vukcevic confidently and fluidly showcased his combination of size (7-foot) and shotmaking to bury shots off the bounce and catch, including a pick-and-pop three and a pullup jumper.

Vukcevic has a clear NBA skill (40% 3-point clip on 45 attempts this past season in the Adriatic League) and role, but his defense is the biggest question mark. He’ll need to rely on a combination of length (7-foot-2 wingspan), size and effort to be a serviceable defender in space and at the rim.

I did like that he attempted to take a charge in the scrimmage. It’s a little glimpse that shows me he’s willing to put his body on the line and find a way to help the team defensively. Regardless, it’ll be his ability to shoot at the five spot that gets him drafted and out on the floor.

What Will Judah Mintz Decide?

Mintz entered his freshman season as a sneaky one-and-done prospect and lived up to that notion by averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 assists, 1.8 steals and getting to the free throw line just under six attempts per game (5.8). After adding two standout scrimmages to his dynamic freshman campaign, he’ll have one of the more interesting stay or return decisions in the class.

Over both games, it was typical Mintz. He thrived getting downhill to pressure the rim for ambidextrous finishes and to his patented pull up where he relies upon an uncanny blend of body control and tough shot making. Defensively, Mintz was consistently engaged and often pressuring ball handlers and defending at the point of attack. 

What was most notable for me was his continued display of growth as a playmaker despite playing in an scrimmage environment where things can become a little too loose and easy to get into shot hunting mode. In game one, Mintz scored nine points while dishing out seven assists to two turnovers. His playmaking diet featured live dribble reads, drop offs, skip passes, all of which encouraged his upside as a lead or secondary handler and could be a ceiling raiser.

3-point shooting still remains a key swing skill for Mintz that NBA teams want to see improvement in both percentage (30%) and volume (2.5 attempts). You would imagine he’ll get those reps opportunities either in the G League or back at Syracuse. Based on feedback, he’ll have to decide on being a likely second rounder or returning to Syracuse with the opportunity to raise his draft stock in a more open 2024 first-round class. 

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Jam Hines
JAM HINES

Jam is a scout with nearly a decade of evaluation experience through his time with former NBA scouting and consulting services, EV Hoops and BPA Hoops. From the high school to NBA level, he brings a wealth of knowledge on prospects.

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