In all of sports, including in the NBA, there is no magic recipe for guaranteed winning. You need the right guy at the right time, the right coaching staff and the role players around the right guy, for an athlete to succeed, or they may just flop at the professional level. All teams believe they are drafting the right guy at the right time, but some of the most promising draft picks do not jell with the team. There still may be time to develop their craft in the off-season and into the regular season, for athletes wanting to prove their doubters wrong. Others seamlessly flourish within the NBA.
Here are five NBA players from the 2023 NBA Draft who look like busts and five NBA players who look like Superstars.
Bust – Taylor Hendricks
Needing a new power forward since Rudy Gay was released, the Jazz drafted Taylor Hendricks, hoping he would get to work right away. Instead, Hendricks has split time with the Jazz and the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G-League. He has also filled in as a role player, while the veterans recover from injuries. Hendricks also has dealt with his fair share of rookie struggles with messed-up switches, in a couple of games. To his credit, he does watch the film, so he can learn from his mistakes. The main question: Will Hendricks continue learning from his mistakes to finish the 2023-24 season on a high note and keep progressing in the 2024-25 season? Only time will tell.
Superstar – Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama has been a massive bright spot in a woeful San Antonio Spurs team. Wembanyama has averaged 20.4 points per game, for the Spurs, so far this season, and has put up quite the fight against playoff-like NBA teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and so forth. Wembanyama’s Spurs may not be title contenders now. They need to draft another point guard to complement Wembanayama, for the 2024-25 season.
Bust – Amen Thompson
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It may be early for a complete critique, but Thompson’s game has been a bit slow. He’s averaged 6.5 points per game so far this season and has a lot of improvements to make. The Houston Rockets, who drafted Thompson fourth overall in the 2023 Draft, hope to make Thompson a superstar. However, Thompson has struggled with his shooting and needs to improve his three-point completion rate. If Thompson continues to struggle with three-pointers, perhaps some time in the G-League, maybe the answer, for a bit. Once that’s squared away, Thompson can potentially become a bonafide star, for the Rockets.
Superstar – Brandon Miller
Even though the Charlotte Hornets are a bit of a mess, Brandon Miller has been a glimmer of hope, for the team. Miller has averaged 16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, as of Feb. 15, before the All-Star Break. Miller broke the most made three-pointers by a Charlotte Hornet, which was previously held by DJ Augustin, in a Feb.14 game against the Atlanta Hawks. Don’t be surprised if Miller and LaMelo Ball form a dynamic duo in Charlotte, as Miller continues to improve.
Bust – GG Jackson
During his collegiate years, Jackson was drafted in the second round by the Grizzlies, with high expectations that he would clique with Ja Morant on the court. Jackson split his time with the Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, Memphis Hustle, before signing a four-year deal with the Grizzlies. Jackson has struggled with shooting three-pointers and was suspended for one game recently for violating team rules. Hopefully, Jackson will turn his slight struggles around and become a strong role player, with the Grizzlies, as the season progresses.
Superstar – Chet Holmgren
After missing the 2022-23 season due to a Lisfranc injury, Holmgren made his rookie debut in October 2023, on a young and very talented Oklahoma City, Thunder team. Holmgren has averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, as of Feb. 15, before the All-Star Break. Holmgren has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, since missing his original rookie season, and so far he’s been making a strong impact on the court, to the Thunder’s delight. Holmgren, also ranks in the NBA’s top four, in blocks per game.
Bust – Gradey Dick
Gradey Dick was drafted 13th overall out of Kansas, to improve the Toronto Raptors’ sharp-shooting on the court. However, Gradey has split time with the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, the 905 Raptors. During Gradey’s time with the 905 Raptors, he struggled by scoring two points, two rebounds, and an assist but had three turnovers. During his first months in the NBA, Gradey averaged 3.9 points per game, on 27 percent shooting. Head coach Darko Rajakovic referred to Gradey, as the future of the organization. As of Feb. 15, before the All-Star break, Gradey averaged 5.5 points and 1.1 assists per game. Gradey needs to step it up if he wants to be a solid shooter in the NBA.
Superstar – Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Ever since the Miami Heat drafted the former UCLA Bruin, 13th overall, Jaquez Jr. has been a hit in South Beach. Jaquez Jr. has averaged 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 points per game, as of Feb. 15, before the All-Star Break. Jaquez Jr. has received great veteran mentorship from teammate Kevin Love. Jaquez Jr. also works with Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and head coach Erik Spoelstra, helping him out each step of the way. If Jaquez Jr. continues playing well, he can be an NBA Rookie of the Year candidate.
Bust – Scoot Henderson
Henderson was selected third overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, by the Portland Trail Blazers, as a replacement point guard for All-Star point guard, Damian Lillard, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 off-season. Henderson has struggled shooting on the field, with a 37.5 percentage, so far this season. Henderson also suffered a foot strain and missed some time. He did struggle in a game against the Utah Jazz, where he scored seven field goals. The NBA season is long, so, there is still time for Henderson to improve his shot.
Superstar – Dereck Lively II
Dereck Lively II has been the answer that the Mavericks have been missing at the center spot since the departure of Tyson Chandler more than a decade ago. A perfect pick-and-roll partner for Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, Lively finishes off lobs with ease and power. Once he develops a dependable three-point shot in the future, the Mavericks will become an unstoppable force. There’s no doubt that this young big man will be a star down the road.
