NBA Rookie Mid-Season Check-In: Picks Six Through Ten
With the turn of the calendar, the 2023-24 NBA season now approaches its midway point. The 2023 draftees have all now gotten their first batch of NBA games under their belt.
How have each of picks six through ten fared so far? Let’s take a look:
No. 6 Pick: Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
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Black has quietly made a big impact down in Orlando and has started 28 games while contributing a good amount defensively. As the Magic chase the first playoff appearance of their new era, Black has a chance to make an early impact in high-level situations. As a two-way handler with size, Black has intriguing potential if he can improve upon his offensive skills.
No. 7 Pick: Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
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Similar to Black, Coulibaly has quietly been making strides in Washington DC. He’s used his 7-foot-3 wingspan to be a disruptor defensively in a talented Wizards wing room. As the season continues, Coulibaly can make a convincing case to make an all-rookie team with his two-way impact.
No. 8 Pick: Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers
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To this point, Walker has made more headlines due to trade talks rather than his play. He’s spent a lot of time in the G League with the Mad Ants, where he’s put up large scoring numbers. However, it’s been tough for him to crack the rotation for the playoff-bound Pacers. Forwards such as Obi Toppin, Jalen Smith, and Aaron Nesmith sit ahead of him on the depth chart. In the future, though, his upside as a defensive-minded versatile forward could fit in nicely alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and the rest of the core.
No. 9 Pick: Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz
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Hendricks’ situation resembles Walker’s in a lot of ways. He’s barely played in the NBA, but has racked up buckets in the G League. As he ultimately joins the Jazz’s core, his athletic profile as a rim protector could add immense value to Utah’s lineups.
No. 10 Pick: Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Wallace has played a featured role on one of the NBA’s best teams. For the Western Conference’s second seed, he’s come off the bench and played solid defense while helping out on offense with steady play. Wallace should be bound for an all-rookie team as this season turns to its second half and the Thunder look to make noise in the postseason.
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