The 2022-23 NBA season is officially over, and we’re only a week away from the 2023 NBA Draft. Hope will spring eternal on draft night for franchises across the competitive landscape, and particularly for those with early picks as front offices try and identify players who can move their teams toward the top of the sport.
While those with picks inside the top 14 of the draft — lottery picks — are far more likely to end up with a future star than teams picking later, there is still reason for those outside the lottery to be optimistic. Look no further than 2023 NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic as an example.
Denver selected Jokic with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2014 draft and he’s already won two MVP awards and appears to be a lock for the Hall of Fame at age 28. Jokic is an extreme example, but the 2023 All-Star Game rosters provide more evidence that future stars can be found outside the lottery. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Pascal Siakam were each selected outside the lottery in their respective drafts and were All-Stars this season.
Who are the players expected to be picked outside the lottery this year that could become All-Stars? Our writers are making their picks for this week’s edition of the Dribble Handoff.
I personally think Howard should be a lottery pick and won’t be surprised if he actually becomes one next week. That said, I seem to be in the minority; most people are not projecting the 6-foot-8 wing to go in the first 14 picks, which makes him eligible to be an answer in this Dribble Handoff.
I’ve long been a believer.
When I was on the sideline for the Iverson Classic in the Spring of 2022, every former NBA player I talked with — J.R. Smith, Stephen Jackson, etc., — labeled Howard as the most NBA-ready prospect at the event, and, it should be noted, Brandon Miller, Keyonte George, Anthony Black and Cason Wallace were also at the event. In the spirit of game…
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