NBA Draft 2023: December scouting notes on Judah Mintz, Arthur Kaluma and others

Syracuse @ Notre Dame – December 3rd

JJ Starling – Notre Dame – 6’4, 200 lbs – March 2004 

Weird game to evaluate Starling just given how Syracuse’s zone didn’t allow for many pick-and-roll opportunities. He did slice through the zone a few times and was able to show off his crafty finishing ability. He’s not overly athletic but does a really good job of using goofy finishes (same hand/same leg, using his weak hand) to disrupt the bigs’ timing. Shot poorly against the zone, and his release point is way too low for my liking. But he did shoot it well in warm-ups and it’s mechanically solid enough now that NBA shooting coaches can tweak the release point and make him a good shooter.

Again, kind of a hard game to take too much away from but I liked his approach and effort. I’d like to see him play make more and create for others, but I’ll see Notre Dame again in person. Still in the first-round mix for me.

Judah Mintz – Syracuse – 6’3, 172 lbs – July 2003

Mintz looked shorter than his 6’3 standing, which doesn’t bode well for his positional versatility long-term. He probably has to be a true point guard to make it work. The jumper has been his biggest question mark, and I really didn’t like the way it came off his hands in warm-ups.

Notre Dame realized this and went under on every ball screen, and gave him short closeouts on the perimeter. Mintz still found a way to get some buckets. He has a creative handle and gets to the paint pretty easily. His plus leaping and body control help him as a finisher (he had one really creative one over Notre Dame’s center). Mintz’s jumper looks better off the bounce as the dribble seems to help him gather himself and he rises over defenders. Mintz hit two pull-ups but missed all of his three-point attempts.

I like Mintz long-term, but the size, shooting, and general PG feel make me think he’s not super close to an NBA contribution. I’d be interested in him in the second round this year as a G-League development piece for a year, but think he should probably come back to school and iron out those previously discussed flaws.

Jesse Edwards – Syracuse – 6’11, 215 lbs – March 2000

Edwards was dominant inside against Notre Dame. He finished lobs and dunker spot opportunities and was a tenacious rebounder. He used his long arms to corral rebounds at their high point. He didn’t block any shots in the middle of Syracuse’s zone but altered and deterred drivers from testing him.

I’m impressed with his growth over the past few years and while he isn’t noticeably stronger, I think he’s starting to use his size more functionally. Ancillary skills aren’t really there, but he could be worth a look for a Summer League/Exhibit 10 contract as a rim-runner and rim-protector.