We are merely hours away from the 2023 NBA Draft and we are starting to get a more clear picture of how everything will shake out.
This mock draft is based on intel, research, scouting, deep data dives, and continued conversations with experts around the league. The results of this mock draft are based on the current order of the draft, though we can expect trades that will shake up the picks on the night of the event.
Included in this version is original reporting with direct quotes from Jarace Walker, Dereck Lively, Gradey Dick, Nick Smith, Keyonte George, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Brandin Podziemski, Noah Clowney and more!
Unless noted otherwise, all data was pulled from our friends at Cerebro Sports — you can create a free account to evaluate player performance across all levels globally.
We also used AI-Powered statistics provided by the Stats Perform database.
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
MORE:
- Meet NBA draft prospect Dereck Lively, the big man from Duke who is going to dominate on defense
- Meet NBA draft prospect Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who says he is ‘somebody that is electric’
- Meet NBA draft sleeper Brandin Podziemski, who used the transfer portal to make himself a pro
1
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama
Metropolitans 92, International, 7-foot-4 center
FROM: France
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
We don’t have much to discuss here when it comes to whether or not the Spurs select Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Spurs chairman Peter Holt said he nearly fainted when he learned the results of the lottery. Wembanyama seemed happy with the results, too.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reportedly flew to France, perhaps to visit Wembanyama, shortly after the lottery. San Antonio also sent medical staff to France to evaluate the big man, per ESPN, because Wembanyama was, until recently, still playing in the postseason for the Metropolitans 92 in the top-tier French league.
Instead, the more interesting question becomes whether or not they decide to sign a veteran point guard (e.g. Fred VanVleet) to make Wemby’s transition to the NBA a bit easier.
2
Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller
Alabama Crimson Tide, Freshman. 6-foot-9 wing
FROM: Antioch, Tenn.
DRAFT AGE: 20.6
Alabama’s Brandon Miller, who performed poorly during March Madness, would have benefited from strong workouts when he met with NBA teams.
Miller worked out for the Hornets on June 13, via the HoopsHype workout tracker. However, he is recovering from mononucleosis and has reportedly lost 13 pounds since the NCAA season concluded.
G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson may have looked better during individual workouts, per ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony. But his fit with Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball is widely considered “suboptimal” at this point.
When it comes down to it, it seems that Miller still makes the most sense at this point. His teammate, Noah Clowney, helped explain why:
“Brandon can do a little bit of everything, quite literally. Defensively, he’s got length. He can guard and offer secondary rim protection. He’s got a package defensively,” Clowney told For The Win. “And then offensively, he can do even more. … He doesn’t miss from 3. … He has a floater. … He’s athletic, a lot more than people know. He just got a complete package, really.”
But there are some important questions to answer surrounding Miller’s involvement in a fatal Alabama shooting that killed 23-year-old Jamea Harris in January. For what it is worth: ESPN league insider Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Miller has received high praise from NBA teams so far during the pre-draft process.
3
Portland Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson
Ignite, G League, 6-foot-2 guard
FROM: Marietta, Ga.
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Should the Hornets decide to take Scoot Henderson at No. 2 overall, consider Amen Thompson as a legitimate option for Portland.
Henderson has previously said that it would not be acceptable if he fell to No. 3 in the draft. But if the Hornets take Miller, that is where Henderson will hear his name called.
Meanwhile, per Yahoo reporter Jake Fischer, Portland “appears unlikely” to trade the pick unless they get a “premium” asset in return.
The Ringer staff writer Kevin O’Connor, however, reported that the Wizards and Raptors could explore options to trade up for Henderson.
According to The Athletic, meanwhile, the Pelicans are another potential suitor “to target” Henderson. The Pelicans are “undeniably drawn” to the explosiveness Henderson could provide as a scorer, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.
But it is not just the scoring that is attractive about Henderson — 22.8 percent of Henderson’s passes led to a shot, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the most among all projected first-round draft picks.
4
Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson
Elite, Overtime, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Oakland, Calif.
DRAFT AGE: 20.4
Overtime Elite’s Amen Thompson “looks increasingly like the front-runner” at No. 4 overall for the Rockets, according to ESPN. The Rockets are reportedly “intrigued” by Amen’s upside as a playmaker and defender, per NBA Big Board director of scouting Rafael Barlowe.
Amen attacks the basket with ease, averaging 0.19 drives per touch. That ranked as the best among all prospects projected in the first round, via Stats Perform.
His opponents averaged just 0.21 points per touch when defended by Amen in isolation, via Stats Perform, which was the best among all projected first-round picks.
5
Detroit Pistons: Jarace Walker
Houston Cougars, Freshman, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: New Freedom, Pa.
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Houston’s Jarace Walker is exactly the type of athletic player that the Detroit front office could fall in love with during the pre-draft process.
Walker measured with a 7-foot-2.5-inch wingspan at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. His standing vertical (34.5 inches) ranked in the 97th percentile among all participants since 2000. His lane agility (10.89 seconds) and three-quarter sprint (3.2 seconds) both rank 75th percentile or better as well, per Stadium Speak.
“I’m also mobile, can get around, jump and move, both vertically and horizontally,” Walker told For The Win during a conversation in Brooklyn.
He compared his archetype to Jerami Grant or Jaylen Brown and other strong, versatile players.
With his athleticism, he can provide help on the defensive end of the floor for the Pistons next season. Houston allowed 0.58 points per defensive chance when Walker defended the ball handler, per Stats Perform, and 0.51 points per defensive chance when he defended the pick-and-roll screener. Both rates were the best among projected first-round picks with at least 30 attempts tracked.
Something to watch: Walker averaged just 0.51 passes per touch, per Stats Perform, which was the sixth-lowest among all prospects we projected in the first round. But as noted by NBA Big Board director of scouting Rafael Barlowe, the forward has far more playmaking to offer than what we saw him provide at Houston.
“I feel like it will definitely be effective, especially in the open floor, getting up and down, being able to bring the ball up, handle the ball,” said Walker, who thinks he will benefit from increased spacing on the floor. “I’m definitely excited.”
6
Orlando Magic: Ausar Thompson
Elite, Overtime, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Oakland, Calif.
DRAFT AGE: 20.4
Ausar Thompson had a solo workout scheduled with the Pacers, who have the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. But he reportedly decided to withdraw from the workout, per Tony East, which suggests he could be assured he will hear his name called before then.
There are some talent evaluators who prefer Ausar Thompson over his twin brother, Amen. At this point in the draft, the Magic should take the best player available and Ausar is that guy.
He has had more success with his jump shot than his twin brother, Amen, and his defensive output is outstanding. He had the highest defensive statistical impact (DSI) among players with more than 10 games in Cerebro-certified events in the league, per Cerebro Sports.
He allowed just 0.60 points per defensive chance, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the best among all of our projected first-round draft picks.
Ausar also has the unique blend of size and playmaking that would flank well in Orlando next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
7
Indiana Pacers: Taylor Hendricks
UCF Knights, Freshman, 6-foot-9 forward
FROM: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Yahoo writer Jake Fischer reported that the Pacers “are widely believed” to choose between Walker or UCF’s Taylor Hendricks at No. 7 overall if either is available. So if Walker is off the clock, expect Hendricks to hear his name called.
According to ESPN, the Pacers want to draft an “explosive, defensive-minded power forward” who can bring a “physical presence and multi-positional versatility” and that perfectly describes Hendricks.
The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie described Hendricks as “the biggest riser” in this draft class. Hendricks is one of just ten high-major freshmen on record with at least 35 dunks and 3-pointers in the same season. Eight of the previous nine were lottery picks in their respective draft class.
8
Washington Wizards: Kobe Bufkin
Michigan Wolverines, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 guard
FROM: Grand Rapids, Mich.
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
The Wizards are “primarily eyeing guards” with this pick, per ESPN, and Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin is one name they will seriously consider.
Bufkin “has fans” among teams picking in the lottery, per Bleacher Report lead scout Jonathan Wasserman. Here is the latest from ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony:
“One player that every team is studying right now is Kobe Bufkin. He has really helped himself in this pre-draft process … He has made himself sparse … You hear speculation about Washington at eight, Utah at nine, Oklahoma City at 12 [and] probably worst case [is] Toronto at 13. He has positioned himself very well in this process.”
While teams have struggled to get Bufkin into their gym, Bufkin does have an upcoming workout scheduled with the Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the team.
The reason why he is coveted is that he was highly impactful for his team, averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds with 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Michigan outscored opponents by 10.3 points per 100 possessions when Bufkin was on the floor, according to CBB Analytics. They were outscored by 14.0 points per 100 when he was not featured. That swing ranked fourth-best among all high-major players (minimum: 1,000 minutes) in 2022-23.
The All-Big Ten guard is a 6-foot-4 sophomore with two years of collegiate experience but he is younger than several notable freshmen including teammate Jett Howard as well as Jarace Walker, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Brandon Miller.
9
Utah Jazz: Anthony Black
Arkansas Razorbacks, Freshman. 6-foot-7 guard
FROM: Duncanville, Texas
DRAFT AGE: 19.4
According to Sam Vecenie, per The Athletic, the Jazz “are thought to be big fans” of Black. He is “believed to be high on the team’s draft board” in this class, per ESPN.
Black is a name to watch because prospects with his blend of size, passing, and defensive playmaking tend to hear their name called early in the draft.
His teammate, Nick Smith, gave us a scouting report for Black:
“He can play one through four,” Smith told For The Win. “He can handle the ball and get the team involved. He gets everybody involved. … AB can really do a lot of things for a team especially because of his size and just how smart he is at the game.”
Black averaged 0.76 passes per touch, per Stats Perform, which ranked second-best among projected first-round draft picks.
Although the SEC All-Freshman point-forward shot only 30.1 percent on 3-pointers, he got his shot to fall when he was open. Black was 18-for-48 (37.5 percent) on his uncontested shots from beyond the arc, per Stats Perform, and also shot 16-for-34 (47.1 percent) on shots from the NBA distance.
If he can convince his teams that his jump shot will improve at the next level, he will hear his name called in the lottery of the 2023 NBA Draft.
10
Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II
Duke Blue Devils, Freshman, 7-foot-1 center
FROM: Philadelphia
DRAFT AGE: 19.4
After a tough start to his collegiate career, Duke big man Dereck Lively eventually blossomed into a highly impactful player on the defensive end of the floor.
“I’m somebody who is going to chip away at the rock every single day, trying to get one percent better every day and try to make sure you’re sharpening something whether it’s dribble or shooting or finishing or your touch shot,” Lively told For The Win. “No matter what it is, you have to get a little bit better.”
The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie reported that few players “have had a stronger pre-draft process” than Lively. According to Bleacher Report lead scout Jonathan Wasserman, teams “may need to trade” for a higher pick in the draft if they want to select Lively.
Opponents were just 14-for-38 (36.8 percent) when he defended them in the restricted area of the paint, per Stats Perform. Meanwhile, via CBB Analytics, the other team was held to shoot just 29.8 percent in the paint during minutes when Lively was on the floor.
“I’m always somebody that you’re going to hear on the floor, no matter if that’s on offense or defense,” Lively added. “I still have to be the kind of radio tower. Everybody sees me. Everybody can hear me. But I can see everything. I have to be able to navigate everybody on the court.”
Lively does the little things very well, too, which makes him valuable.
Lively set 0.21 ball screens per touch, per Stats Perform, which was the most among all projected first-round draft picks. The big man set 0.10 handoffs per touch and 0.16 off-ball screens per offensive chance, and both rates ranked as the second-most among projected first-rounders.
“I’m just trying to go out there and be the most coachable player and try to be the best teammate and be able to be the best player on the court,” Lively said. “No matter if that’s me diving out of bounds or diving on the floor to save a ball or making an extra pass or making an extra rebound or doing whatever it takes to win.”
MORE: Meet NBA draft prospect Dereck Lively, the big man from Duke who is going to dominate on defense
11
Orlando Magic (via CHI): Cam Whitmore
Villanova Wildcats, Freshman, 6-foot-7 wing
FROM: Odenton, Md.
DRAFT AGE: 19.0
Villanova’s Cam Whitmore is a potential star in the NBA, but apparently, his draft stock is reportedly falling.
He was seen “struggling at times with his shooting and intensity” during his individual team workouts, per ESPN. Jonathan Wasserman, meanwhile, shared a noteworthy update about Whitmore as well (via Bleacher Report):
“There have been some concerns over Cam Whitmore’s medicals, which could cause a few teams to pass in the mid-lottery, per sources.”
But the upside is still strong for Whitmore, who measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical during the 2023 NBA Draft Combine and tested well in drills for speed and agility as well.
The Big East Rookie of the Year uses that to attack the basket and he scored 0.76 points per touch on drives, per Stats Perform, which ranked as the best among projected first-rounders.
Once in the NBA, however, his coaches will need to see more playmaking from Whitmore. Among all prospects in a draftable range who finished at least 40 possessions as the ball handler in pick-and-roll sets, per Synergy, none opted to pass less often (22.7 percent) than Whitmore.
12
Oklahoma City Thunder: Gradey Dick
Kansas Jayhawks, Freshman, 6-foot-8 wing
FROM: Wichita, Kan.
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
The Magic desperately need help on the perimeter, finishing with the fourth-fewest 3-pointers attempted per game last season. Kansas freshman Gradey Dick would provide immediate relief with Orlando’s spacing.
Dick connected on more than 40.0 percent of his shots from beyond the arc during his one-and-done campaign. The All-Big 12 forward forced a closeout on 28.7 percent of his offensive touches, per Stats Perform, which ranked as the highest among all projected first-round draft picks.
“I feel like my game goes with anybody’s play style,” Gradey told For The Win during a conversation in Brooklyn. “I have the mentality that I can step in and try to make an impact early. I think it’s one of those things where I have the versatility to do that and the size to do that quickly.”
Dick had a workout scheduled with the Magic, per the HoopsHype workout tracker.
13
Toronto Raptors: Jordan Hawkins
Connecticut Huskies, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 wing
FROM: Gaithersburg, Md.
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
UConn’s Jordan Hawkins is a movement shooter perfect for the modern NBA. The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie reported that Hawkins’ range “starts at No. 12” and based on what we saw from him during the NCAA tournament, we probably shouldn’t expect him to last much longer than that.
Hawkins worked out for the Raptors earlier this month, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the team.
The All-Big East guard led all players in points scored on handoffs and off-ball screens during the NCAA men’s tournament, per Synergy. But this wasn’t just a stellar run for the UConn star during March Madness. He did that all season.
The NCAA champion drew a ton of contact and led Division I with 23 fouls drawn on 3-pointers, via CBB Analytics. Yet even if defenders got a hand in his face, Hawkins still managed to shoot 38-for-93 (40.6 percent) on contested 3-pointers, per Stats Perform.
14
New Orleans Pelicans: Cason Wallace
Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Dallas
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Kentucky’s Cason Wallace is a potential target for the Pelicans.
The SEC All-Freshman guard was perhaps the most promising of the backcourt prospects in college basketball last season. He averaged 0.77 passes per touch, via Stats Perform, which was the highest among all projected first-round draft picks.
Wallace shot just 34.6 percent on 3-pointers for Kentucky, which wasn’t fantastic. But he was 24-for-57 (42.1 percent) on 3-pointers from the NBA distance, via Stats Perform. According to CBB Analytics, he also shot 15-for-31 (48.4 percent) on corner 3-pointers.
He maintained a high steal rate throughout the season, too, showing his prowess as a defensive playmaker. He projects well as a solid contributor both on and off the ball at the next level.
15
Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Hood-Schifino
Indiana Hoosiers, Freshman, 6-foot-6 guard
FROM: Pittsburgh
DRAFT AGE: 20.0
Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino is trending up of late, according to Jonathan Givony (via ESPN):
“Hood-Schifino is one of the big winners of the measurements and pro day portions of the draft process, as he clearly possesses all-star-level physical tools with his tremendous size, frame and length for a point guard. Players with his caliber of upside tend to rise as we get closer to the draft.”
The Indiana freshman measured with a 6-foot-10.25 wingspan and looks comfortable with the ball in his hands. He averaged 0.24 ball screens per touch while at Indiana, per Stats Perform, which is the most of any projected first-round pick.
16
Utah Jazz (via MIN): Bilal Coulibaly
Metropolitans 92, International, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: France
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
According to The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie, Bilal Coulibaly is regarded as a “likely bet” to hear his name called with one of the top 16 picks in the draft. That is significant because the Jazz currently have picks No. 9 and No. 16.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge traveled to France to watch Coulibaly in late April, per Bleacher Report lead scout Jonathan Wasserman. Meanwhile, per ESPN, the Jazz reportedly “sent decision-makers” to scout Coulibaly in Monaco during the Pro A finals earlier this month.
According to ESPN, due to travel constraints, Coulibaly did not conduct any team workouts during the pre-draft process. But keep an eye on the Spurs and the Thunder as potential suitors as well.
Coulibaly has averaged 0.89 points per offensive chance for the Metropolitans, via Stats Perform, which ranks as the best among our projected first-rounders.
While he played well as teammates with Wembanyana in France’s top-tier division as they continued their run late in the postseason, he was especially productive in the LNB Espoirs for the under-21 age group.
Coulibaly averaged 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game across 16 appearances in the LNB Espoirs. He led all players in pure scoring prowess (PSP) and defensive statistical impact (DSI) as well, per Cerebro.
17
Los Angeles Lakers: Nick Smith Jr.
Arkansas Razorbacks, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Jacksonville, Ark.
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Arkansas freshman Nick Smith Jr. is reportedly drawing “serious interest” from several teams around the league, per ESPN, and the Lakers are one of those teams.
Although he struggled to stay healthy and wasn’t particularly efficient during his one-and-done season at Arkansas, the upside is still very high.
“Before I got hurt, I was one of the quickest guards in the draft, hands down. If you ask anybody around me, I’m super fast,” Smith recently told For The Win. “A lot of people don’t really see that, though.”
Even hampered by injury, Smith used his quickness to average 3.6 fastbreak points per 40 minutes. According to CBB Analytics, that ranked in the 93rd percentile among all Division I men’s college basketball players.
With a clean slate free from injuries, it’s worth betting on his development that Smith could make a return to the player he was as a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 1 overall recruit coming out of high school.
MORE: Meet NBA draft prospect Nick Smith Jr., who thinks he can be one of the NBA’s top passers someday
18
Miami Heat: Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette Golden Eagles, Junior, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: Canada
DRAFT AGE: 21.0
According to Bleacher Report lead scout Jonathan Wasserman, Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper has reportedly “built enough momentum” to start drawing top-20 consideration in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Prosper worked out for the Heat on June 15, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the team.
When he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, we wrote about why Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper is the perfect fit for a team looking to draft the next OG Anunoby.
“On the offensive end, they’re going to see somebody that is electric. I love to run. I love to push the ball. I love to play in transition and get up and dunk and catch alley-oops. I can also stretch the floor and shoot catch-and-shoot 3-pointers,” he recently told For The Win.
Prosper contributed positively to winning considering Marquette outscored opponents by 26.8 points per 100 possessions when Prosper was on the court relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which ranked second-best among players at all top-tier Division I programs.
Opponents were just 17-for-63 (26.9 percent) when he contested their jumpers, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the best among projected first-rounders.
“The biggest thing I want them to know is that I’m going to leave everything on the floor to win. I’m a competitor. I’m a hard worker,” Prosper explained. “I want to be known as a winner and a guy that makes winning plays and impacts the game in a positive way.”
MORE: Meet NBA draft prospect Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who says he is ‘somebody that is electric’
19
Golden State Warriors: Keyonte George
Baylor Bears, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Lewisville, Texas
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
According to NBA Big Board director of scouting Rafael Barlowe, Keyonte George “put on arguably the best pro day” of all prospects and he is currently in “tremendous shape” heading into the draft.
Per 100 possessions, per CBB Analytics, the Big 12 Rookie of the Year was one of the leaders in unassisted 3-pointers made (1.8) last season.
“I’m able to score at all three levels whether it’s finishing over length, getting to the midrange pull-up or the floater or my trey ball. I feel like that’s a part of my game that translates really well,” George told For The Win during a conversation in Brooklyn. “I know I’m going to make shots. I’m able to create not just for myself but for others as well.”
He also provided value on the other side of the court, too. George grabbed 88.7 percent of his adjusted rebound chances, via Stats Perform, which is the best mark among all projected first-rounders regardless of position.
He also averaged 0.16 closeouts per defensive chance, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the most among all projected first-rounders as well.
20
Houston Rockets (via LAC): Brice Sensabaugh
Ohio State Buckeyes, Freshman, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Orlando, Fla.
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Even if this pick is traded, keep an eye on Houston as a legitimate suitor for Ohio State freshman Brice Sensabaugh.
Sensabaugh was recently cleared to begin participating in team workouts and passed his medical background test, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
The Big Ten All-Freshman is a genuinely efficient three-level scorer.
He made 50 shots at the basket, 50 shots from mid-range, and 50 shots beyond the arc. Among all freshmen with at least 50 makes in each zone, meanwhile, he joins one of just four (Markelle Fultz, Lauri Markkanen, CJ McCollum) to shoot 40.0 percent from each zone.
Sensabaugh averaged 0.46 points per offensive touch, via Stats Perform, which ranks as the best among all projected first-round draft picks.
21
Brooklyn Nets (via PHX): Leonard Miller
Ignite, G League, 6-foot-10 forward
FROM: Canada
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Although he was a bit overshadowed by his star teammate Scoot Henderson on the G League Ignite, Leonard Miller showed excellent developments during his first professional season.
He is tough to stop as the ball handler in transition and averaged 20.7 points and 12.9 rebounds with 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game during his 11 games in the G League after the All-Star break.
Miller is a great ball mover who finished with the highest rate of passes (4.3 percent) that led to an assist (also known as a secondary assist or a hockey assist) among all projected first-round draft picks, per Stats Perform.
After testing the waters during the 2022 NBA Draft, he may continue to rise during the pre-draft process.
22
Brooklyn Nets: Dariq Whitehead
Duke Blue Devils, Freshman, 6-foot-7 wing
FROM: 18.9
DRAFT AGE: Newark, N.J.
Earlier this offseason, Duke’s Dariq Whitehead had an operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The surgeon was Dr. Martin O’Malley, the team orthopedist for the Nets.
Whitehead, who was named Mr. Basketball USA and Naismith Prep Player of the Year while taking home MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American Game in 2022, is the third-youngest player in this draft class.
Even while playing through injuries, Whitehead finished his Duke one-and-done campaign shooting 42.9 percent on 3-pointers. The freshman was 24-for-48 (50.0 percent) on 3-pointers attempted from NBA distance, per Stats Perform, which ranked second-best among consensus top-100 prospects with at least 25 attempts tracked.
If the Nets do not wind up selecting Whitehead, also consider the Clippers as another potential fit.
23
Portland Trail Blazers (via NYK): Jett Howard
Michigan Wolverines, Freshman, 6-foot-8 forward
AGE: 19.8
FROM: Miami
Jett Howard, the son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, makes a compelling case as a floor-spacing sharpshooter.
Howard shot well on a large diet of 3-pointers per game as a freshman,
One concern for Howard is that although he is 6-foot-8, he only boxed out his opponent on just 14.0 percent of his opportunities. According to Stats Perform, regardless of position, that ranked as the lowest among all of our projected first-round draft picks.
24
Sacramento Kings: Kris Murray
Iowa Hawkeyes, Junior, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
DRAFT AGE: 22.9
Iowa’s Kris Murray averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists while adding 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game for Iowa.
He was one of just three players in Division I men’s college basketball to record at least 200 rebounds, 30 steals, 30 blocks and 60 3-pointers last season. The other two were Brandon Miller and Taylor Hendricks. It was a successful campaign during his first-ever season playing without his twin brother, Keegan Murray.
“We’ve been together for so long, and I’m grateful that he’s been my teammate for the time that he was,” Murray told For The Win. “But having my own team and being able to play without him helped me grow my game and helped me create my own identity.”
But after selecting Keegan last season, according to ESPN, the Kings will “will likely think long and hard” about selecting Kris.
25
Boston Celtics (via MEM): Kobe Brown
Missouri Tigers, Senior, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: Huntsville, Ala.
DRAFT AGE: 23.5
Missouri’s Kobe Brown was coached by Phil Pressey, who recently joined Boston’s coaching staff under head coach Joe Mazzulla. After trading away Marcus Smart, Brown could provide some of the same physicality Smart had on defense.
Brown averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.5 percent on 3-pointers last season. He also added 1.5 steals per game and was named First-Team All-SEC in 2023.
He is one of just four players in SEC history to record at least 500 defensive rebounds, 100 steals and 50 blocks.
“I hate when other guys get the best of me. I just tried to show that no matter who the guy is, I’m going to give it my all no matter what,” Brown recently told For The Win. “Especially on defense, it’s not always about who is quicker than the other. It’s about who’s outthinking the other person. When those times come up, you have to outsmart the next guy.”
Brown is also one of the most efficient scorers (especially on uncontested jumpers) and among the best passers at his position in this draft class.
MORE: Meet NBA draft sleeper Kobe Brown, who projects as the perfect ‘glue guy’ at the next level
26
Indiana Pacers (via CLE): Noah Clowney
Alabama Crimson Tide, Freshman, 6-foot-10 forward
AGE: 19.0
FROM: Roebuck, S.C.
Alabama freshman Noah Clowney, who is still just 18 years old, is perceived around the league as a cerebral and efficient forward.
Opponents were just 12-for-31 (38.7 percent) when Clowney was credited as the nearest defender in the restricted area, per Stats Perform. That ranked as one of the best marks among prospects in a draftable range who defended at least as many attempts in that zone.
“I think the thing that helped our defense is that I was smart. Later in the season, I caught on,” Clowney told For The Win. “Not only can I do what I’m supposed to do but I can talk to my teammates and tell them what they need to do as well. I feel like it helped our defense a good bit.”
Clowney recently held a pre-draft workout with the Pacers on June 6, per the HoopsHype workout tracker.
MORE: Meet NBA draft prospect Noah Clowney, the ‘always overlooked’ Alabama product
27
Charlotte Hornets (via DEN): Maxwell Lewis
Pepperdine Waves, Sophomore, 6-foot-8 forward
AGE: 20.9
FROM: Las Vegas
Pepperdine’s Maxwell Lewis is a 6-foot-7 wing who averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game as a sophomore. Lewis recently explained to us why his game will translate to the pros:
“I’d say my size and what I bring to the table and how I play the game is built for the NBA,” Lewis recently told For The Win. “I love to play with space and I love to do athletic dunks and make shots off the dribble. I feel like my game is for the NBA.”
Lewis averaged 0.38 points per touch as the ball handler in pick-and-roll actions, which ranked as the most among all projected first-round picks with at least 40 attempts tracked.
MORE: Meet NBA draft sleeper Maxwell Lewis, the saxophone player turned prototypical NBA wing
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Utah Jazz (via PHI): Brandin Podziemski
Santa Clara Broncos, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 wing
FROM: Greenfield, Wis.
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
According to The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie, the Jazz are seeking “competitiveness” and want players who “get after it” every night. Vecenie believes that Santa Clara’s Podziemski “fits with what Ainge seems to be looking for” on draft night.
Brandin Podziemski scored just 22 points during the entirety of his freshman season at Illinois.
“I went to a big school my first year. It didn’t work out,” Podziemski recently told For The Win. “I wouldn’t change it. Even though it sounds silly, I wouldn’t change it. I learned so much from that experience.”
He transferred to Santa Clara and enjoyed a breakout campaign, winning West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Among all underclassmen, per Cerebro, he had the highest overall grade in the catch-all metric C-RAM last season.
Podziemski averaged 19.9 points while shooting 43.8 percent on 3-pointers. That is particularly impressive considering 69.9 percent of Podziemski’s 3-point attempts were contested. That was the highest rate among all consensus top-100 prospects, per Stats Perform.
The sophomore, who averaged 8.8 rebounds per game, also takes pride on the defensive end of the floor.
“I know as soon as I step foot on the court, they’re all going to go at me for one reason or another,” Podziemski added. “So I take defense personally. I don’t like getting scored on. I don’t like to lose and getting scored on is a part of that.”
MORE: Meet NBA draft sleeper Brandin Podziemski, who used the transfer portal to make himself a pro
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Denver Nuggets (via BOS): Jaime Jaquez Jr.
UCLA Bruins, Senior, 6-foot-7 wing
FROM: Camarillo, Calif.
DRAFT AGE: 22.4
According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nuggets are drafting with this pick for the “chance to keep gathering up young role players for this championship window” and to find a potential replacement for Bruce Brown.
UCLA’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., who recently received a green room invitation to attend the 2023 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, could be a win-now role player for the Nuggets.
Jaquez averaged 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds. 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game and can do a little bit of everything on the court.
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L.A. Clippers (via MIL): Ben Sheppard
Belmont Bruins, Senior, 6-foot-6 forward
AGE: 21.9
FROM: Atlanta
Belmont wing Ben Sheppard, who averaged 18.8 points per game while shooting 41.5 percent on 3-pointers as a senior, was a star at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine.
He was a do-it-all contributor who projects well, especially as a movement shooter. He was one of the leaders in dribble handoffs received per touch and in points scored using off-ball screens.
Sheppard, who measured at 6-foot-5.25 without shoes, recorded the fastest overall shuttle run (2.94 seconds) during athletic testing.
Per Stadium Speak: Sheppard finished 84th percentile or better among all participants since 2000 for shuttle run, lane agility (10.88 seconds), and his three-quarter sprint (3.17 seconds). He is one of the fastest and most agile prospects to go through the combine at his height since Mavericks wing Josh Green.
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SECOND ROUND
31. Detroit Pistons: Julian Phillips
32. Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Wong
33. San Antonio Spurs: Amari Bailey
34. Charlotte Hornets: Terquavion Smith
35. Boston Celtics: Andre Jackson Jr.
36. Orlando Magic: Gregory “GG” Jackson II
37. Denver Nuggets: Adam Flagler
38. Sacramento Kings: Sidy Cissoko
39. Charlotte Hornets: Colby Jones
40. Los Angeles Lakers: Colin Castleton
41. Charlotte Hornets: James Nnaji
42. Washington Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic
43. Portland Trail Blazers: Rayan Rupert
44. San Antonio Spurs: Marcus Sasser
45. Memphis Grizzlies: Seth Lundy
46. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Wilson
47. Indiana Pacers: Trayce Jackson-Davis
48. L.A. Clippers: Ricky Council IV
49. Cleveland Cavaliers: Emoni Bates
50. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Walsh
51. Brooklyn Nets: Julian Strawther
52. Phoenix Suns: Mouhamed Gueye
53. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tosan Evbuomwan
54. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Slawson
55. Indiana Pacers: Drew Timme
56. Memphis Grizzlies: Azuolas Tubelis
57. Washington Wizards: Oscar Tshiebwe
58. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Miller
