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NBA Draft 2023: 8 early entry decisions to monitor for next month

By Brandon Simberg

Mar 10, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Trey Alexander (23) brings the ball up court against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Trey Alexander (23) brings the ball up court against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft North Dakota State Bison forward Grant Nelson Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

May 31st is just weeks away and there are tons that we don’t know about regarding who will stay or go in the 2023 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at the current key player decisions to watch and what the pros and cons are for their pending decisions.

With Hunter Dickinson going to Kansas, that creates a clear pathway for Oscar Tshiebwe to return to Kansas.. He isn’t currently projected to be drafted so it would make sense in theory. The Wildcats have a ton of young talent incoming in the backcourt. Bring back Tshebwe and Antonio Reeves, and expectations in Lexington will be very high…again.

I was a bit surprised to see Michigan State point guard AJ Hoggard joining his teammate Jaden Akins on the early-entry list. Akins has a little more intrigue, but neither is regarded as NBA prospects this year. Losing one, or both would hurt Michigan State’s chances next season in what is Tom Izzo’s best team on paper since 2019-2020. I would expect both to return and the Spartans to be a consensus top-10 team this preseason, but it’s a situation to monitor.

Grant Nelson – North Dakota State – 6’10, 215 lbs – March 2002

Nelson made even more headlines when he decided to enter the transfer portal this week. A fascinating story all season, Nelson’s breakout year had scouts flying out to Fargo, North Dakota to see him. He intriguing with his blend of ball-skills and leaping ability at his size. But, playing in the Summit League, scouts questioned how his play and skill set would translate to the next level.

With Nelson now in the portal, these next few weeks for him will now interest college coaches. Nelson has already been contacted by a bevy of high-major coaches. The combine (Nelson has a confirmed invitation to the NBA Draft Combine), will be crucial for his stock. If he plays well there and continues that momentum into pre-draft workouts, then Nelson will definitely be in position to be drafted. If he struggles? Well, he could become one of the hotter names in the transfer portal.

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