2023 NBA Draft Night Losers

June 27, 2023

Daniel Leonard explains why he thinks these four teams failed to meet their offseason objectives through the 2023 NBA Draft.

Just a few days ago, I wrote up my winners from the NBA draft, now I'm going to be going over my losers. I completely understand that not everything can go your way on draft night, but I feel like these teams could've gone in some different directions to improve their team. Not every team can be a winner on draft night, and some teams, in my opinion, did the wrong things.

Just so you understand why each team is on this list, I will be basing my losers on who they selected, who was available at the time, and if they improved at all. Each team has different plans on how to improve their team, and I understand that completely. But that shouldn't stop you from getting better at each available opportunity, and I feel like these teams did not take advantage of their opportunity.

Now that you understand where I'm coming from, let's hop straight into the list. If you have any questions or concerns, you can find me on Twitter at @danieldleonard7.

1. Miami Heat

Big Loss - They didn't get a player who can contribute right away.

The more I think about this pick by Miami, the more I feel optimistic, but I still feel like this was a reach. Jaime Jaquez is a good player, don't get me wrong, but I feel like there were better prospects still on the board. I think players like Cam Whitmore, Kris Murray, and others could come in and contribute better right away. The Heat had the worst scoring offense in the NBA last year, so I was sure that they would select someone who had a lot of scoring or shooting upside.

Jamie played all four years at UCLA, so I could see why they feel like he can contribute right away, but I feel the opposite. I just think the Heat had better players on the board available. I think they could've traded back and still acquired Jaime, he was routinely mocked as an early 2nd round prospect.

2. New York Knicks

Big Loss - Not trying to get any picks via trades.

I'm a firm believer in drafting at least one player during the draft. They could be drafted to contribute right now or be a developmental piece for the future, it's good to at least draft one. The Knicks did not do this, and neither did the 76ers, but the Sixers signed two players that I firmly believed should've been drafted, so I think they had a successful draft day. The Knicks, on the other hand, did nothing to improve their roster, when I thought there were a multitude of ways to improve.

There have been countless rumors of Obi Toppin being dissatisfied with his role within the Knicks organization. If these rumors are true, I think the draft day would've been the perfect day to move him. Obi is currently on a rookie contract, so it is harder to find players that match his salary, so the draft would've been perfect to grab a pick because they are also on rookie contracts. This move would've potentially saved them money as well, something that would've come in handy for the Josh Hart contract extension.

3. Washington Wizards

Big Loss - Giving up future assets for a project player.

Look I believe in the Coulibaly hype just as much as anyone else, but I don't think they needed to trade up for him. I've heard all the hype surrounding Coulibaly and I believe he would've been selected in the lottery by multiple teams. But, I think the Wizards had more prospects available that were more proven. Also, trading up one position instead of just staying at their spot confused me, they really must've been concerned with someone else selecting Coulibaly.

I completely understand people that disagree with me, I know the Wizards are rebuilding so they have the luxury to take chances. But, I personally would've gone with some other prospects that could come in and produce, I don't want to have another Deni situation. Having a talented prospect who just can't produce consistently is something I wouldn't want to go through again, there's a chance this also happens with Coulibaly.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

Big Loss - Reaching and not trading the pick.

A few days before the draft, the Clippers were slated to get the reigning sixth man of the year, Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Marcus Morris and the 30th overall pick. But when injury concerns were raised, the Clippers backed out of the deal swiftly. Going into the draft, I thought they would only be selecting a player if they couldn't find an adequate trade, which is what they did. They selected Kobe Brown, who was a reach in my opinion. Yes, he flashed some versatile skills during his time in Missouri, but I don't think he warranted a first-round pick.

The Clippers also selected again at number 48, where they picked Jordan Miller. I don't anticipate these two prospects playing unless some unprecedented events occur. The Clippers could have had better players with more upside, like Rayan Rupert, or Leonard Miller with their first-round pick. I think they should've gone with younger players with more upside because they have a very murky future right now. They don't have many picks in their future and need some backup plans when they eventually move on from Paul George and Kwhi Leonard.

That's the end of the list. I tried to give insight into what I thought each team was trying to accomplish so that you knew why I graded them as losers.

Just remember that I ranked each team as a loser based on who they selected, who was available at the time, and if they improved at all.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can find me on Twitter at @danieldleonard7.

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