The J-Notes
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What 2023 NBA Draft prospects are worth tanking for?

By Aaron Chertkow

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Donovan Mitchell walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Donovan Mitchell walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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With the Utah Jazz on the verge of a full rebuild pending the trade of Donovan Mitchell, the upcoming draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and promising in recent years for the franchise. There are several draft prospects that should have fans foaming at the mouth with Victor Wembanyama headlining the show.

Wembanyama is almost a household name at this point as the most hyped prospect to ever come out of Europe, but even if Utah misses out on the top spot, there are several players that could help save the franchise. Let’s take a look at a few players that should be worth tanking for:

Victor Wembanyama

Let’s start with the obvious choice that every NBA team wishes they could make. Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent that has the opportunity to change the history of any team that drafts him.

Victor currently stands at 7’3″ at just 18 years old while consistently drawing comparisons to superstars like Kevin Durant. It almost seems as though he can do no wrong on the basketball court, making everything he does look effortless. He plays defense, handles the ball like a guard, and can drain turnaround threes. What more could you ask for?

When most kids are messing around on the varsity high school team, Wembanyama is leading the way in the French A league, posting nine points, five rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and shooting a pretty solid 31% from deep.

Scoot Henderson

Skipping college and going directly to the G-League is becoming more and more common for NBA prospects, which is exactly what Henderson has done despite receiving interest from schools such as Kentucky, Auburn, and Memphis.

While playing for the G-League Ignite, Henderson put up 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. The most impressive fact about these numbers? He did all of this while only 17 years old. While he doesn’t shoot the three particularly well, he has plenty of time to improve and has a craftiness and explosiveness that more than make up for it.

The Jazz would have their cornerstone guard of the future with (relatively) plenty of time to develop and build around. The Jazz will need some incredible luck in the draft, as Henderson is the consensus number 2 pick behind Victor Wembanyama.

Emoni Bates

Emoni Bates became an internet sensation while in high school, quickly becoming touted as the next Kevin Durant and LeBron James and even landing the cover of Sports Illustrated.

At least, Emoni was an internet sensation. His freshman season in Memphis was a disaster. The 6’9″ forward put up 9.7 points and only 1.3 assists per game, all while doing so on just 38.6% shooting from the floor. Bates seems to be looking for a soft reset to his career, as he has decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan University for the upcoming school year. EMU boasts stars like George Gervin, but in recent years they have been a forgettable mid-major school. Maybe Bates can save the Eagles?

Even after all this, you can’t ignore the potential that is still there. Bates was once a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and can still show flashes of what could be. Should the opportunity arise, should the Jazz take a chance and risk it for what could be?

Rayan Rupert

Jazz fans might feel a little nostalgic when reading about Rupert’s stats: a 6’7″ defensive-minded Frenchman with a 7’3″ wingspan who is projected to be a late first-round pick. Except Rayan Rupert doesn’t work the frontcourt – he’s a guard. Coming off quite a nice stint playing for U18 France in the U18 European Championship, Rupert has signed a contract with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL.

Rupert should be an obvious choice for the Jazz, depending on how his projection changes throughout his upcoming season.

Next. Utah could host All-Star Weekend with no stars of their own. dark

Whoever the Jazz decide to draft, this upcoming year’s selection is deep and full of potential. Who would you want to see the Jazz Draft? Depending on if the Jazz tank or not, the franchise could find themselves in the latter half of the first round. With three picks, Utah will have plenty of options to pick from.