Re-grading the 2023 NBA Draft one year later pick by pick
By Ben Handler
Round 1: Pick 11: Orlando Magic - Jett Howard
Grade: D
It’s early but this looks like one of the worst picks from last year’s draft. Howard struggled to even latch on at the G-League and made zero impact at the NBA level. He was supposed to be a shooting ace and the Magic badly need that, but Howard has a long way to go to prove he’s not a bust.
Round 1: Pick 12: Dallas Mavericks - Derek Lively II
Grade: A
What a coup for the Mavs this was. They tanked out of the play-in to keep this pick, then traded with OKC to get the guy they wanted and it paid immediate dividends. Lively was excellent as a rookie and ended up being one of the best players on a team that made the Finals. The sky is the limit for this kid and it looks like Dallas hit a home run.
Round 1: Pick 13: Toronto Raptors - Gradey Dick
Grade: C+
Dick got an extended shot late in the year after Toronto blew up the team and went into tank mode. He showed some nice two-way ability and should be able to develop into - at least - a very solid role player for years to come, but the star potential may not be there.
Round 1: Pick 14: New Orleans Pelicans - Jordan Hawkins
Grade: B
If anything, the Pels probably should have given Hawkins more playing time. He was one of their best shooters right out of the gate and had some really nice moments as a rookie. There is a logjam at his position and NOLA would be wise to free up more minutes for the young sharpshooter ASAP.
Round 1: Pick 15: Atlanta Hawks - Kobe Bufkin
Grade: D+
This seemed like an odd pick in the moment and nothing really changed that outlook over the season. Bufkin spent most of his time in the G-League and wasn’t able to find minutes even on a floundering Hawks team that faced injuries all season.