2023 NBA Draft: Complete draft grades for all 58 picks
Picks 16-20
16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Keyonte George (SG, Baylor)
Pure, effortless scoring, that’s what Keyonte George brings to the table for the Utah Jazz. Able to score at all three levels, George will have every opportunity to light up opponents as the Jazz continue their rebuild. He likely will never be a plus defender, but his defensive acumen is not why the Jazz drafted him.
Grade: B-
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG/SG, Indiana)
The top two needs of the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the draft were arguably shooting, and playmaking at the guard position. They certainly answered the latter by drafting Jalen Hood-Schifino. While the shot is a bit of a concern, JHS possesses a tremendous ability to dominate teams in PNR play. That first lob to Anthony Davis next season will undoubtedly impress.
Grade: B
18. Miami Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF/PF, UCLA)
Was there a more Miami Heat player in this draft than Jaime Jaquez Jr.? Absolutely not. The forward out of UCLA screams Heat culture, and while the middle of the draft is a bit higher than the senior was projected to go, he figures to play an important role both on and off the court for Miami over the next few years at least.
Grade: B
19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski (PG/SG, Santa Clara)
The Golden State Warriors added a shooter and rebounder in Brandi Podziemski, but there are major questions about his size and lack of athleticism. If all goes right, the Warriors have found another steal out of Santa Clara, but if he cannot find a way to thrive offensively, he may prove to be too much of a liability to receive consistent minutes.
Grade: C
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Cam Whitmore (SF, Villanova)
The Houston Rockets were rumored to be considering drafting Cam Whitmore with the fourth overall pick in the draft. Here they are, sixteen picks later, with the opportunity to select one of the top talents in the draft and they leaped at the opportunity.
Whitmore fell in the draft in large part due to poor individual workouts/meetings with teams, but far more worrisome is his flagged medicals. Some have referred to the condition of Whitmore’s knee as potentially degenerative, and while hopefully, that is not the case, it is a far concern for teams to have.
When healthy, Cam Whitmore is one of the most physically talented players in this entire draft; however, until we know more about the condition of his knee, it’s unfair to fully grade this selection.
Grade: Incomplete (A+ if healthy)