In our opinion, the most overlooked player in the 2023 NBA Draft is Jalen Slawson. He is a versatile forward that plays defense well and is improving as a wing shooter. Perhaps folks are dwelling on his seemingly below-average running and jumping ability (33" max. vert.). Slawson averaged 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 2022-23. He shot 39.4% from three-point range and 77.5% FT. His assist-to-turnover ratio was 1.23-to-1. Slawson led the So-Con in boxscore plus/minus, effective field goal percentage, and true shooting percentage. Slawson's DEFRTG was 5.2 points better than the Furman team DEFRTG (that's a BIG number for a wing). He has a 6'11.75" wingspan. In 2021-22 he was the SoCon Defensive Player of the Year. Right-handed. We doubt Slawson will be drafted. In our opinion, that will prove to be the worst decision of the 2023 Draft (if it happens). Slawson is a player! He has positional size. He shoots it. He defends. He shares. We view him as a potential top-tier small forward in the NBA.
