The NBA Draft is where stars are born. Tune in to the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 22.
The NBA Mailbag is here to answer your questions throughout the 2023 offseason! Have a question for Jamal? Submit it at the bottom of this edition of the NBA Mailbag.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to the 2023 NBA draftees?
– from Jasper in Australia
The best advice I would give them is to understand that the real work starts now. Be happy to accomplish a life-long dream, but know that hard work is the foundation to keep your dream alive.
What is it like when you hear your name called at the Draft? Is it as amazing as it seems?
– from Cole in Philadelphia, PA
It’s a feeling like no other! It’s the single coolest moment of my NBA experience. Nothing I did afterward could’ve happened without that step!
What was your main feeling on Draft night?
– from Aarav in Sharon, MA
The nervousness of not knowing what was going to happen. So many rumors, and anxiety, but knowing you’re closer to your dream makes it all worth it.
What are your thoughts regarding the draft hype for Victor Wembanyama?
– from Bradley in New York
The hype is good for everyone. We see very few players come into the league with this much anticipation. So that adds an extra layer to this Draft class. I also love how he handles all the attention. You can tell he’s really focused!
Get to know the 7-foot-4 French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Is Victor Wembanyama truly a generational prospect?
– from Gracie in Florida
He’s definitely a generational prospect!! A real-life unicorn. I’m excited to watch his journey!
Where do you think Scoot Henderson will go and how will his career turn out?
– from Kristoffer in Norway
I’m not sure where he’ll go. But wherever he goes he will help immensely. He is wise beyond his years, and his work ethic and mentality will separate him from his peers. Check out the interview we did earlier this year.
Scoot Henderson chats with Jamal Crawford about his unorthodox route to the NBA.
Which prospects are you most excited to see develop in the NBA?
– from Rueben in Canada
To be honest, there isn’t just one. You see every type of journey within a Draft class — some will have immediate success, and some will have to find their way all season. Then some will need multiple seasons before they find their role. That’s what makes drafts and player development so interesting. You never know how a prospect will respond to the NBA.
Which player do you believe will contribute to their team right away once drafted?
– from Bernard in Maryland
Scoot is that guy for me. I feel like he’s physically ready, but more importantly MENTALLY ready!!
If you were the GM, what do you do with the Blazers?
– from Tad in Seattle
If I’m the GM, I have a superstar in LIllard — I’m doing whatever it takes to bring in another ready-to-go star to pair with him. He’s in his prime, and he’s been patient and very loyal. You have to get as much help for him as you can right now!
Why is it difficult to predict a future star at the NBA Draft? Specifically, how could six teams pass over Stephen Curry in the 2009 draft?
– from Selçuk in Minneapolis
It’s difficult because sometimes people get caught up in size and numbers, OR they talk about what this player can’t do instead of thinking, “If I allow him to do what he does best, how good can we be?” I’m kind of happy it turned out like it did for Steph. It ended up being the perfect marriage between him and Golden State.
Go behind the scenes with Stephen Curry during the 2009 NBA Draft.
You were drafted by the Cavs & traded on draft night to the Bulls. Did you ever work out for Cavs? Do you have any thoughts on that roster that was there? Or were you traded pretty quickly so it never really sunk in?
– from Jaimeson in Virginia Beach
It was the weirdest thing because I never worked out or talked to the Cavs. But the cameras came around my table once they were selecting, I thought it was a mistake lol. I was traded 15 mins later to the Bulls. Worked out for me because I wanted to go to the Bulls anyway. 🤷🏾♂️
What do you think is the greatest draft class of all time?
– from James in Utah
Hmmmm. In no particular order:
- 1984
- 2003
- 1996
What was your favorite NBA draft year? Could be yours!
– from Dominic in Canada
1996. I was 16 and really chasing my dream. Watching Kobe, Iverson, Marbury … that resonated with me.
Take a look back at every pick from the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft.
What is the best skill that translates from college to pro?
– from Benjamin
Simply knowing how to play is an underrated thing not talked about enough. If you know how to play — you can fit in anywhere.
If you were a GM, which quality would be most important when drafting a player – natural talent or strong work ethic?
– from Noah in Paris, France
For me, “love of the game” is most important because if you truly love the game, you will do whatever you can to get better at it. You’ll never be satisfied because your love for the game will always push you.
What happens to the undrafted players?
– from Mattias in Utah
They all keep working (hopefully). Some end up overseas or in the G League and they continue to grind to make it to the NBA.
Would you rather build a franchise around Wemby or Zion?
– from Dakota in Stockbridge, GA
I love both, but Wemby would be my pick.
What steps or processes does an organization take when deciding who they are going to draft?
– from Isaiah in Gilbertsville, NY
They do a lot of detailed research. A lot of information to get to know the player on and off the court. How much he works, how much he loves the game, what’s driving him. Usually, the stuff they ask, they already know the answer to.
What kind of player do you feel like the Detroit Pistons need?
– from Trell in Detroit, MI
They may just need time for now. They have the coach they want, which is a great starting point with all the young talent they have.
Will the Phoenix Suns trading for Bradley Beal help or hurt them?
– from Robert in Jerome, PA
It remains to be seen. A lot of talent together, and I’m always interested to see how it fits, who’s going to sacrifice the most, etc etc. Exciting on paper though!
What do you think is the most underrated skill or attribute for a basketball player to possess?
– from Mangesh in Boston, MA
Loving the game and keeping that first and foremost is a lost art. Any advice to any player coming up would be to stay in love with the process, and love the game unconditionally — everything else you want will follow that.
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back next week for another edition of the NBA Mailbag!
