The 2023 NBA Draft showcased a mixture of anticipated selections and unexpected risers as teams sought to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. Among the surprise picks, Dylan was one of the bigger surprises and most intriguing wildcards to be drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, paired with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the court. When combined, they’re an electric lineup designed to strengthen the team’s competitive edge against increasing adversaries in the upcoming season.
It was Dylan’s draft pick that caused the uproar. He didn’t match the dazzling college production boasted by other top-10 picks. His incredible physical tools immediately pop off the charts. At 7’2, 9’6 standing reach, 7’6¾ wingspan, coaches get enamored with the potential he hasn’t quite reached yet. They view Dylan as a client-facing project. His comfort level with being a secondary or tertiary offensive option for Charlotte could allow him to make an easier, more seamless transition into the league.
A Closer Look at Dylan’s Journey
Standing only 5’9”, Dylan’s journey to the NBA was unconventional, to say the least, with his flamboyant, magnetic playing style. Despite not having the same statistical output as other top prospects, his physical skills and versatility make him an intriguing addition to the Hornets. Coaches love his ability to do everything because he’s so used to playing multiple positions. This skill will be a gift as he continues to develop his raw game at the pro ranks.
“He’s a great individual talent.” – No specific coach mentioned
His ability and willingness to accept a secondary scoring role rather than force the issue on the offensive end is what makes Wembanyama so unique. Coaches have noted that while Dylan may not be capable of carrying a team single-handedly, he excels in areas such as slashing, pick-and-roll situations, and offensive rebounding. The question remains: how will he score effectively in the NBA?
“Can he be a primary guy?” – Big 12 coach
As teams evaluate their options, they recognize that relying solely on individual talent is not always effective in winning games.
“But if you’re not scoring, what other things are you doing that help winning? Inevitably the best players in the world are going to have off nights.” – No specific coach mentioned
The recent focus frame makes it even more clear that full, colorful contributions are what we’re looking for from players such as Dylan.
The Rise of Knueppel and Other Standouts
There’s no bigger name from the class than Knueppel. Relative to their draft slot, only four prospects ranked higher among the top 10 picks. His stellar performance at Duke—averaging 14.4 points per game and shooting above 40% from three-point range—demonstrates his scoring ability and reliability on the court. Fellow coaches have noted Knueppel’s extremely high floor, meaning he might be, in the safest of bets, Charlotte’s best bet to move forward.
What some doubt is whether Knueppel has as high a ceiling as other players in his draft tier. Even with that success, worries still exist over his ability to get to elite levels with his overall game. With continued growth in the NBA, he turns into a must-watch player.
“He’s just scratching the surface. He’s somebody that can be like a Dereck Lively type in the NBA.” – Coach comment
Knueppel’s ability to adapt and wide skillset should treat him well as he heads to the professional level.
The No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2024 was once considered a lock for the first overall pick. Despite playing next to Knueppel at Duke, Myers fell down the rankings. His NBA performance over the next couple years will be highly scrutinized, as each team judges how well they could fit him into their own system.
Evaluating Bryant and Raynaud’s Potential
Bryant left a major impression during the draft process, shooting nearly 39% from three-point range in Big 12 action. His ability to make multiple three-pointers in game settings after the calendar turned to 2025 further solidified his status as a valuable asset for any team. Coaches hope Hernandez can maximize scoring potential because he’s a steady performer, never wavering in solid play.
Raynaud shines as another excellent choice. He averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting almost 35% from deep at a mind-boggling height of 7 feet 1 inches. His unique blend of size and skill makes him the kind of player that most teams in the league want to develop for years to come.
Niederhauser’s draft stock had a surprising surge in the predraft process. He opened the season averaging 12.9 points while showcasing his tantalizing skillset and athleticism to scouts. This performance helped him receive invitations to the G League Elite camp and the NBA draft combine. His stubbornness and recent progression to guard have made him one of the more intriguing wild cards for teams in search of that type of versatile juice.
“I think if he came back to college, he would’ve been a lottery pick next year.” – Coach comment
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