2023 NBA Mock Draft 3

The NBA Draft is tonight, which means that I am releasing my final Mock Draft!  This has been known as a great draft in large part because of the talent at the top of the draft, but I think this draft has a lot of impressive depth as well.  As a note, these selections are not who I would select, but rather where they are currently projected based on the aggregate I have done.  All measurements are listed measurements for consistency’s sake except for the wingspan; if they were measured at the Combine, these measurements are rounded down to the nearest inch.  With the “Reminds me of” section, this is not an analysis of what their ceiling/floor is, but rather who their playing style seems like.  As a difference from the previous mock drafts, I focused on what I expect could happen with the draft stock of different players or what teams might do with their picks rather than assessment about each player; if you would like this assessment of players, I included one of each player I previously projected to be a first rounder in my prior mock drafts.  This mock includes draft pick trades up until and including the Kristaps Porzingis trade.  There are 58 picks this year due to the Bulls and 76ers being stripped of a second round pick each due to tampering.

 

 

1:  San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama,

C, 7’4, 230 lbs., 8’0 Wing, Metropolitans 92 (France), 19

Reminds me of:  Modern version of Yao Ming

Previously:  1

This pick is set in stone and shouldn’t be a surprise.

 

2:  Charlotte Hornets – Brandon Miller

SF, 6’9, 200 lbs., Alabama, Freshman, 20

Reminds me of:  Paul George

Previously:  2

Despite some rumors of trade interest, I’d be shocked if Charlotte made a trade.  It’s still possible that Scoot Henderson goes here; a lot of executives predict Miller while a lot of writers predict Henderson.  I think Miller is more likely, but neither would be surprising.

 

3:  Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson

PG, 6’3, 195 lbs., G-League Ignite, 19

Reminds me of:  Smaller but better shooting Russell Westbrook

Previously:  3

Pick to watch

The third pick will be whomever Charlotte doesn’t select between Miller and Henderson.  The big question is who will select this pick.  It’s sounding more like Portland will keep this pick, but a trade is possible; in particular, both New Orleans and Orlando have been rumored to show interest in Henderson.

 

4:  Houston Rockets – Amen Thompson

PG, 6’7, 190 lbs., 7’ Wing, Overtime Elite, 20

Reminds me of:  Some hybrid of a bigger Ja Morant and a more aggressive Ben Simmons

Previously:  4

With James Harden less likely to join Houston, Thompson is probably going to be the pick here.  That said, Houston was also interested in others veterans, including Fred VanVleet, so they might opt to go with someone like Cam Whitmore instead.

 

5:  Detroit Pistons – Cam Whitmore

SF, 6’7, 220 lbs., 6’8 Wing, Freshman, Villanova, 18

Reminds me of:  Miles Bridges (on the court)

Previously:  5

Player to watch

It’s possible that Detroit trades this pick, but I wouldn’t put money on it.  That said, there are rumors that Whitmore didn’t impress in his workout in Detroit and speculation that he could slip a bit.  If they don’t opt for him, I think Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks, and Ausar Thompson are most likely.  If Whitmore slips, I don’t see him going past Washington.

 

6:  Orlando Magic – Ausar Thompson

SG, 6’7, 190 lbs., 7’ Wing, Overtime Elite, 20

Reminds me of:  Some hybrid of Ben Simmons and early career Jaylen Brown

Previously:  6

Pick to watch

Orlando is rumored to be interested in trading up for Scoot Henderson, but if they keep the pick, I’m not quite sure what Orlando will do with this pick.  My guess is that they would take the best player available here and take a shooter with the second pick.  I could also see them going with Anthony Black here.

 

7:  Indiana Pacers – Jarace Walker

PF, 6’8, 240 lbs., 7’2 Wing, Houston, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Draymond Green

Previously:  7

While they have listened to offers with this pick, I expect Indiana will make this selection.  It should be noted that they also reportedly love Taylor Hendricks, though I could also see them going for Bilal Coulibaly.

 

8:  Washington Wizards – Anthony Black

PG, 6’7, 185 lbs., 6’7 Wing, Arkansas, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball

Previously:  8

I think that the only way this isn’t Black is if a player like Cam Whitmore winds up falling to them.  There are reports that Washington loves Black, and the fit makes a lot of sense.

 

9:  Utah Jazz – Taylor Hendricks

SF, 6’9, 210 lbs., 7’0 Wing, UCF, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Denver Jerami Grant, Jae Crowder

Previously:  9

There are a wide variety of things that could happen with this pick.  I wouldn’t be too shocked with Hendricks being drafted here, but I would also keep an eye on Bilal Coulibaly (who has also been linked to Utah), Keyonte George, and Cason Wallace.

 

10:  Dallas Mavericks – Gradey Dick

SF, 6’7, 195 lbs., 6’8 Wing, Kansas, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Bogdan Bogdanovic

Previously:  10

Pick to watch

I’d be shocked if Dallas ends up being the team to make this selection, considering they have been listening to several offers.  If they do end up selecting here, I could see them also considering Dereck Lively or a different wing player.  Dick could slip a bit, though I don’t see him going far outside the lottery if he does.

 

11:  Orlando Magic (from CHI) – Cason Wallace

PG, 6’3, 195 lbs., 6’8 Wing, Kentucky, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Jrue Holiday

Previously:  13

Pick to watch

As mentioned earlier, it’s possible that Orlando moves this pick and the 6^th pick to move up since they seem to love Scoot Henderson, though I think that’s easier said than done.  They could also draft a sharpshooter here or another guard.

 

12:  Oklahoma City Thunder – Bilal Coulibaly

SF, 6’8, 195 lbs., 7’2 Wing, Metropolitans 92 (France), 18

Reminds me of:  Raw OG Anunoby

Previously:  19

Player to watch

Coulibaly is rapidly rising, as he even has Utah interested in him (I’ve also heard rumors that a team in the top-8 is considering him as well, though I’m not sure what team).  If he’s still available here, I’d be surprised if OKC passes on him.

 

13:  Toronto Raptors – Kobe Bufkin

SG, 6’4, 180 lbs., Michigan, Sophomore, 19

Reminds me of:  Tyrese Maxey

Previously:  16

While there are several players that make sense with this pick, selecting a guard here isn’t too surprising for Toronto with Fred VanVleet’s future with the club not sounding as likely.

 

14:  New Orleans Pelicans – Dereck Lively

C, 7’1, 210 lbs., Duke, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Early career Robert Williams

Previously:  22

I genuinely don’t know what will happen with this pick.  There are a lot of options that New Orleans could go with here depending on who is available, including a shooter or guard.  I could also see Nick Smith, Jordan Hawkins, or Keyonte George being selected.

 

 

15:  Atlanta Hawks – Jaylen Hood-Schifino

PG, 6’6, 215 lbs., 6’10 Wing, Indiana, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Penny Hardaway, early career Shaun Livingston

Previously:  15

Pick to watch

Atlanta is reportedly looking at various trades, and I have heard that there are several teams interested in Hood-Schifino here.  One thing to note is that I’ve heard multiple agents have tried to not have guards be drafted here since they’d be stuck behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

 

16:  Utah Jazz (from MIN) – Keyonte George

SG, 6’4, 205 lbs., Baylor, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Cam Thomas

Previously:  11

Player to watch

For some reason, George seems to be slipping a bit in mock drafts.  I’m not sure if that’s just a factor of some others rising, but it’ll be interesting to see where he winds up.  I’d be surprised if he falls past 20, but I suppose it’s possible.

 

17:  Los Angeles Lakers – Jordan Hawkins

SG, 6’5, 175 lbs., 6’6 Wing, UConn, Sophomore, 21

Reminds me of:  Kyle Korver if he had a bit of the bus from Speed in him

Previously:  12

Player to watch, Pick to watch

Hawkins has slipped a little bit, though I’m not sure how much of that is due to reports of others impressing in workouts.  I expect he’ll still be drafted around here at the latest during the draft.  It’s worth noting that L.A. is interested in trading this pick for a veteran; that said, if they keep it, they have been linked to players such as Hawkins, Dereck Lively, Jett Howard, and Nick Smith.

 

18:  Miami Heat – Nick Smith

SG, 6’5, 185 lbs., Arkansas, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Jamal Crawford

Previously:  14

I don’t expect Smith will end up in Miami, but there is still a market for him.  If he falls here, I think there is a run of teams where it won’t be the cleanest fit unless a trade occurs, which isn’t surprising at this point of the draft.

 

19:  Golden State Warriors – Jett Howard

SF, 6’7, 220 lbs., Michigan, Freshman, 20

Reminds me of:  Bojan Bogdanovic

Previously:  21

While it’s possible that Howard slips, the fact that the Lakers really like him makes it possible that he will be a top-20 pick.  I think he’ll be a first-round pick, but don’t be totally shocked if he ends up late in the round.

 

20:  Houston Rockets (from LAC) – Leonard Miller

SF, 6’10, 211 lbs., 7’2 Wing, G-League Ignite, 19

Reminds me of:  Brandon Ingram with some Kyle Anderson playmaking ability

Previously:  18

I think there’s a bit of a wide range where writers and experts have Miller going, as many have him in the mid-late-20’s, but I think that he will be a top-20 pick due to his athleticism, skillset, and potential.  I also think it’s worth noting that picks in the 20’s have several teams likely looking for wings or higher upside players, though trades could change this.  It’s also worth noting that Miller wasn’t invited to the Green Room, but I still expect he’ll be a 1^st round pick.

 

21:  Brooklyn Nets (from PHO) – Kris Murray

PF, 6’8, 225 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Iowa, Junior, 22

Reminds me of:  Keegan Murray…ironically

Previously:  20

I’m not sure what Brooklyn will do here since they have back-to-back picks.  While a guard makes a lot of sense to target, there might not be one that makes enough sense here.  I expect Murray will go somewhere in the 20’s to a team where he can contribute to quickly (in particular, it’s worth noting that his twin brother, Keegan, has said that he would enjoy playing with him in Sacramento).

 

22:  Brooklyn Nets – Noah Clowney

PF, 6’10, 210 lbs., Alabama, Freshman, 18

Reminds me of:  Early career Bam Adebayo without the passing

Previously:  26

While some are a bit lower on Clowney, I feel pretty good about him getting a 1^st round selection, especially now that he was invited to the Green Room.  It’s also worth noting that Brooklyn will likely try to get frontcourt help with one of their picks.

 

23:  Portland Trail Blazers (NYK) – Brandin Podziemski

SG, 6’5, 195 lbs., 6’5 Wing, Santa Clara, Sophomore, 20

Reminds me of:  Some combo of Jalen Williams and Andrew Nembhard

Previously:  28

Player to watch

Podziemski continues his rapid ascension on draft boards, though I think his lack of athleticism/size will keep him from making a lottery jump like fellow Santa Clara star Jalen Williams made.  That said, he was invited to the Green Room, so he’ll probably end up being taken in the first round.  I also noted in a past post that Indiana was interested in him in the past.

 

24:  Sacramento Kings – Dariq Whitehead

SF, 6’6, 196 lbs., 6’10 Wing, Duke, Freshman, 18

Reminds me of:  Early career Andrew Wiggins with a better jumper

Previously:  24

Player to watch

While I expect he will be a first rounder, it’s worth monitoring the fact that he did have surgery this offseason, which can sometimes cause a team to shy away from a player.  I think he didn’t get a Green Room invitation for that reason, though I still expect him to go in the 1^st round.

 

25:  Boston Celtics (from MEM) – Oliver-Maxence Prosper

PF, 6’8, 220 lbs., 7’1 Wing, Marquette, Junior, 20

Reminds me of:  Bigger Christian Braun

Previously:  37

Player to watch

Prosper has rapidly risen up draft board, and now he seems like a legit first round pick.  I could see a competitive team more than willing to select him.  He was also invited to the Green Room, so it feels a little more likely that he will be selected.

 

26:  Indiana Pacers – Brice Sensabaugh

PF, 6’6, 235 lbs., Ohio State, Freshman, 19

Reminds me of:  Bigger but less athletic Norman Powell

Previously:  22

Player to watch

While he seemed like a sure-fire first round pick throughout, there are reports that some teams have some concerns related to his knees.  I’m not sure how this will impact him and whether it will prevent him from being a first rounder.

 

27:  Charlotte Hornets (from DEN) – Rayan Rupert

SG, 6’7, 190 lbs., 7’2 Wing, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand), 19

Reminds me of:  Andre Roberson with offensive upside

Previously:  23

Player to watch

While I’m a fan of Rupert and his upside, he has likely fallen due to his lack of current offensive talent.  That said, a surprising note is that Rupert was invited to the Green Room.  I’m not sure if he was invited prior to his fall in mocks or if there is a top-25 team that was rumored to take him.

 

28:  Utah Jazz (from PHI) – Maxwell Lewis

SF, 6’7, 195 lbs., 7’0 Wing, Pepperdine, Sophomore, 20

Reminds me of:  Jalen Williams, possibly cheap man’s Mikal Bridges

Previously:  27

Despite questions regarding how little Pepperdine won over the last two seasons, I expect Lewis will be drafted in the 22-30 range.  He could slip to the second round, though I’d be shocked if he’s still available in the 40’s.

 

29:  Denver Nuggets (from BOS) – Jaime Jaquez Jr.

SF, 6’6, 220 lbs., 6’9 Wing, UCLA, Senior, 22

Reminds me of:  Less athletic Tobias Harris with a passing touch

Previously:  32

There is a massive range of where Jaquez can go; I’ve heard as high as Miami at 18, though I could also see him slipping as low as 40.  He was invited to the Green Room as a late addition, which is something I considered to be a surprise; maybe a team in the top-25 gave him a promise.

 

30:  Los Angeles Clippers (from MIL) – Colby Jones

SF, 6’6, 203 lbs., Xavier, Junior 20

Reminds me of:  A blend of Malcolm Brogdon and Davion Mitchell as a wing

Previously:  31

Jones has a lot of versatility and skills that he is good at, which makes him appealing for competitive teams.  I think the 25-40 range makes a lot of sense for him.

 

 

31:  Detroit Pistons – James Nnaji

C, 6’10, 225 lbs., 7’7 Wing, Barcelona (Spain), 18

Previously:  29

 

32:  Denver Nuggets (from HOU) – GG Jackson

PF, 6’9, 210 lbs., 6’11 Wing, South Carolina, Freshman, 18

Previously:  26

Player to watch

Jackson has continued to rapidly fall, which is honestly something that I am surprised by.  It wouldn’t surprise me if a team takes a chance on him, but he wasn’t invited to the Green Room, which makes me wonder if he falls even further than this.

 

33:  San Antonio Spurs – Ben Sheppard

SG, 6’6, 185 lbs., 6’7 Wing, Belmont, Senior, 21

Previously:  44

Player to watch

Sheppard has been a massive riser in the process as of late.  He could wind up going in the 20’s, though I’d be shocked if he is still available in the 40’s.

 

34:  Charlotte Hornets – Trayce Jackson-Davis

PF, 6’9, 235 lbs., Indiana, Senior, 23

Previously:  35

 

35:  WAS (from POR) – Andre Jackson

SF, 6’6, 210 lbs., 6’9 Wing, UConn, Junior, 21

Previously:  30

Player to watch

Even though he slipped back down a tiny bit, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jackson drafted in the first round.  He’s a guy that I think ranges from 25-40, though I don’t see him dropping too far into the late-30’s.

 

36:  Orlando Magic – Sidy Cissoko

SG, 6’7, 200 lbs., 6’9 Wing, G-League Ignite, 19

Previously:  36

 

37:  Denver Nuggets (from WAS) – Amari Bailey

SG, 6’4, 190 lbs., 6’7 Wing, UCLA, Freshman, 19

Previously:  33

Player to watch

Even though he fell a bit since the last draft, I could see Bailey wind up sneaking into the late first round, though I’m not sure I would bet on that.  He’s probably a top-40 pick at worst.

 

38:  Sacramento Kings (from IND) – Marcus Sasser

SG, 6’2, 195 lbs., 6’7 Wing, Houston, Senior, 22

Previously:  36

 

39:  Charlotte Hornets (from UTA) – Julian Phillips

SF, 6’7, 210 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Tennessee, Freshman, 19

Previously:  40

 

40:  Indiana Pacers (from DAL) – Tristan Vukcevic

C, 6’10, 205 lbs., Partizan Mozzart Bet (Serbia), 20

Previously:  45

Player to watch

While most are focused on the fact that Vukcevic is a big who can shoot with his rise, the other major thing is that he is an international player who can be a draft-and-stash guy.  This should make top-45 a safe prediction, though how high he goes depends on how high James Nnaji goes as well.

 

41:  Charlotte Hornets (from OKC) – Julian Strawther

SF, 6’7, 200 lbs., 6’9 Wing, Gonzaga, Junior, 21

Previously:  41

 

42:  Washington Wizards (from CHI) – Jordan Walsh

SF, 6’7, 190 lbs., 7’1 Wing, Arkansas, Freshman, 19

Previously:  43

 

43:  Portland Trail Blazers (from ATL) – Jalen Wilson

SF/PF, 6’8, 215 lbs., 6’8, Kansas, Redshirt Senior, 22

Previously:  42

 

44:  San Antonio Spurs (from TOR) – Seth Lundy

SG/SF, 6’6, 220 lbs., 6’10 Wing, Penn State, Senior, 23

Previously:  50

Player to watch

Lundy has risen a bit later in the draft process, though I think sometime in the second round is most likely.  I expect you could start expecting his name as early as the late-30’s to early-40’s, though it could come a tiny bit later.

 

45:  Memphis Grizzlies (from MIN) – Terquavion Smith

SG, 6’4, 165 lbs., 6’6 Wing, NC State, Sophomore, 20

Previously:  39

Player to watch

How far does Smith wind up falling?  A former potential first-round pick now is mid-40’s in my draft, though I fear that he could wind up falling out of the draft.

 

46:  Atlanta Hawks (from NOP) – Kobe Brown

SG/SF, 6’8, 250 lbs., 7’0 Wing, Missouri, Senior, 23

Previously:  46

 

47:  Los Angeles Lakers – Keyontae Johnson

SF, 6’5, 230 lbs., 7’0 Wing, Kansas State, Redshirt Junior*, 22

*Note:  Johnson had two redshirt years for medical reasons

Previously:  48

One to watch

The big question with Johnson is his health, considering he missed almost 2 full seasons.  While he was cleared, this reminds me of Jared Butler, who seemed like a likely 1^st round pick for most of the draft after being cleared by the NBA, but then slipped to 40.

 

48:  Los Angeles Clippers – Emoni Bates

SF, 6’9, 190 lbs., 6’7 Wing, Eastern Michigan, Sophomore, 19

Previously:  49

 

49:  Cleveland Cavaliers (from GSW) – Chris Livingston

SF/PF, 6’6, 220 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Kentucky, Freshman, 19

Previously:  Undrafted

 

50:  Oklahoma City Thunder (from MIA) – Ricky Council IV

SG, 6’6, 205 lbs., Arkansas, Junior, 21

Previously:  47

 

51:  Brooklyn Nets – Jaylen Clark

SG, 6’5, 195 lbs., 6’9 Wing, UCLA, Junior, 21

Previously:  55

 

52;  Phoenix Suns – Adama Sanogo

PF, 6’9, 240 lbs., 7’2 Wing, UConn, Junior, 21

Previously:  53

 

53:  Minnesota Timberwolves (from NYK) – Jordan Miller

SF, 6’7, 195 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Miami, Redshirt Senior, 23

Previously:  56

 

54:  Sacramento Kings – Mouhamed Gueye

PF, 6’11, 195 lbs., 7’3, Washington State, Sophomore, 20

Previously:  54

 

55:  Indiana Pacers (from CLE) – Toumani Camara

SF, 6’8, 220 lbs., 7’0 Wing, Dayton, Senior, 20

Previously:  57

 

56:  Memphis Grizzlies – Isaiah Wong

SG, 6’4, 185 lbs., 6’6 Wing, Miami, Senior, 22

Previously:  51

 

57:  Washington Wizards (from BOS) – Jalen Pickett

PG, 6’4, 209 lbs., Penn State, Redshirt Senior, 23

Previously:  Undrafted

 

58:  Milwaukee Bucks – Oscar Tshiebwe

C, 6’9, 252 lbs., 7’3 Wing, Kentucky, Senior, 23

Previously:  Undrafted

 

Next 10:

1.       Colin Castleton, PF, 6’11, 231 lbs., Florida, Redshirt Senior, 23

2.       Hunter Tyson, SF, 6’8, 215 lbs., Clemson, Redshirt Senior, 23

3.       Adam Flagler, SG, 6’3, 180 lbs., 6’4 Wing, Baylor, Redshirt Senior, 23

4.       Mike Miles, PG, 6’1, 195 lbs., 6’0 Wing, TCU, Junior, 20

5.       Omari Moore, SF, 6’6, 195 lbs., 6’9 Wing, San Jose State, Senior, 22

6.       Mojave King, SG, 6’5, 195 lbs., 6’8 Wing, G-League Ignite, 21

7.       Azuolos Tubelis, PF, 6’9, 243 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Arizona, Junior, 21

8.       Jalen Slawson, SF/PF, 6’7, 210 lbs., 6’11 Wing, Furman, Redshirt Senior, 23

9.       Drew Timme, C, 6’9, 232 lbs., 7’1 Wing, Gonzaga, Senior, 22

10.   Tosan Evbuomwan, PF, 6’8, 217 lbs., Princeton, Senior, 22

 

 

The following players fell out of the draft:

·         Bobi Klintman (34, withdrew)

·         Nikola Djurisic (52, withdrew)

·         Adam Flagler (58)

 

 

Biggest Risers (by percent change, minimum 5 spots)

1.       Bilal Coulibaly (19 to 12, 7 spots, 36.84%)

2.       Oliver-Maxence Prosper (37 to 25, 12 spots, 32.43%)

3.       Ben Sheppard (44 to 33, 11 spots, 25.00%)

4.       Brandin Podziemski (28 to 23, 5 spots, 17.86%)

5.       Seth Lundy (50 to 44, 6 spots, 12.00%)

Note:  Kobe Bufkin, Dereck Lively, Cason Wallace, and Noah Clowney all could have placed in this range, but none of them met the 5 spot increase criteria.

 

Biggest Fallers (by percent change, minimum 5 spots)

1.       Keyonte George (11 to 16, 5 spots, -45.45%)

2.       Jordan Hawkins (12 to 17, 5 spots, -41.67%)

3.       GG Jackson (26 to 32, 6 spots, -23.08%)

4.       Andre Jackson (30 to 35, 5 spots, -16.67%)

5.       Terquavion Smith (39 to 45, 6 spots, -15.38%)

Note:  Nick Smith, Brice Sensabaugh, and Rayan Rupert all could have placed in this range, but none of them met the 5 spot increase criteria.

 

International Prospects to watch

Every draft, there are several international players to watch as Draft-and-Stash options.  While there aren’t as many international players who declared, these are the top-10 international players I have on my mock (note that some of these are coming over immediately).

1.       Victor Wembanyama (France, 1)

2.       Bilal Coulibaly (France, 12)

3.       Rayan Rupert (Australia, 27)

4.       James Nnaji (Spain, 31)

5.       Tristan Vukcevic (Serbia, 40)

6.       Malcolm Cazalon (Serbia, 73)

7.       Nadir Hifi (France, 74)

8.       Nikos Rogkavopoulos (Greece, 85)

9.       Tom Digbeu (France, 88)

10.   Vincent Valerio-Bodon (Hungary, 96)

 

 

Who do you like in the draft?  Let me know in the comments!