2023 NBA Mock Draft II and Predictions
2023 NBA Mock Draft II and Predictions
The NBA Draft is now two days and it’s time to take a look at the first round with additional information available. The first pick will be 7-4 Frenchman Victor Wembanyama to San Antonio, but after that pick, it becomes a little more unpredictable. He’s -20000 at Draft Kings to go first. Scoot Henderson, coming off great workouts, is now -220 to go second and Brandon Miller is at +150. The Bradley Beal deal to Phoenix has put the Suns at +650 to win the NBA title, but that’s still third behind Boston (+550) and Denver (+475). NBA finalist Miami is the eighth pick at +1400 to win the league next season.
First Round
1)San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama, 7-4, 210, France
The athletic shotblocker is one of the most offensively skilled big man in draft history. He still has to get stronger and there’s going to be the worries of exceptionally tall players who have an injury history. Remember Ralph Sampson? There are some similarities and he was a very good player until knee injuries robbed him of his agility. Let’s hope Wemby will avoid major injuries and change the game.
2)Charlotte Hornets Brandon Miller, 6-9, 200, Alabama
Miller is not a game-changer necessarily, but he is an athletic wing who can get his own shot and also can defend. The Hornets could go with PG Scoot Henderson here, but they already have LaMelo Ball. Does Michael Jordan want to make one last splash before he sells the team?
3)Portland Trailblazers Scoot Henderson, 6-2, 195, G-League Elite
Henderson is a dynamic player with a great upside. Portland may end up moving Damian Lillard and/or Anfernee Simons. Or the pick. Though now they intend on keeping the pick or at least, that’s what they are saying since most teams lie this close to the draft.
4)Houston Rockets Amen Thompson, 6-7, 214, Overtime Elite
Thompson is an incredible athlete who has unlimited potential on both ends of the floor. One problem? It may take him awhile to find a consistent shooting stroke. The Thompsons could go back-to-back, but I don’t see it that way.
5)Detroit Pistons Jarace Walker, 6-8, 240, Houston
Walker is a powerful defender and rebounder with a good feel for the game. His ability to switch defensively shows an upside of a Draymond Green-type of player.
6)Orlando Magic Ausar Thompson, 6-6, 218, Overtime Elite
He’s not the playmaker that his brother Amen is. His upside will be too much to pass up for the Magic. They could also look at point guard Anthony Black.
7)Indiana Pacers Cam Whitmore, 6-6, 235, Villanova
A freak athlete who has a nice upside as a quality finisher. Very strong and has NBA body already. Needs to improve his shooting and his passing.
8)Washington Wizards Bilal Coulibaly, 6-7, 190, France
Washington needs to make a splash here with an upside pick. The 19-year-old small forward is very explosive and a bit raw. Has a 7-3 wingspan and can develop into a 3-and-D wing
9)Utah Jazz Anthony Black 6-6, 210, Arkansas
This might be a little bit low for the big point guard from the SEC, but he has to fit somewhere with his size and defensive ability. However, his shooting numbers are a concern.
10)Dallas Mavericks . Taylor Hendricks, 6-8, 214, UCF
Another athletic wing, but Hendricks can really shoot it. He’s also very good at defending the rim. His problem is ballhandling and creating shots.
11)Orlando Magic Dereck Lively, 7-1, 230, Duke
Lively has a 7-7 wingspan but his offense has a ways to go.
12)Oklahoma City Thunder
Gradey Dick, 6-8, 205 Utah
Dick is an outstanding shooter with good size for the wing spot. Can be a pretty good three-and-D player.
13)Toronto Raptors Cason Wallace, 6-3, 195, Kentucky
With Fred VanVleet possibly gone, this pick would make a ton of sense. Injury concerns could cause him to slip even lower.
14)New Orleans Kobe Bufkin, 6-4, 187, Michigan
A high riser in the draft who seems to be a polarizing player. Is he a short shooting guard or big point guard? Has long reach, can score the ball and should be very good defensively.
15)Atlanta Hawks Jordan Hawkins, 6-5, 185, UConn
Hawkins is a dynamic shooter and a perfect floor spacer who could come off the bench now, but eventually start if the Hawks move Trae Young or DeJounte Murray.
.
16)Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) Jalen Hood-Schifno, 6-4, 217, Indiana
17)LA Lakers Nick Smith, 6-5, 185, Arkansas
18)Miami Heat Jaime Jaquez Jr. 6-6, 228 UCLA
19)Golden State Keyontae George, 6-4, 185, Baylor
20)Houston Rockets Jett Howard, 6-8, 215 Michigan
21)Brooklyn Nets Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 6-7, 212 Marquette
22)Brooklyn Nets Brice Sensabaugh, 6-6, 235, Ohio State
23)Portland Trailblazers James Nnanji, 7-0, 250, Nigeria
24)Sacramento Kings Leonard Miller, 6-9, 213, G League Ignite
25)Memphis Grizzlies Dariq Whitehead, 6-6, 217, Duke
26)Indiana Pacers Noah Clowney, 6-10, 210, Alabama
27)Charlotte Hornets Rayan Rupert, 6-6, 192, France
28)Utah Jazz Colby Jones 6-5, 199, Xavier
29)Indiana Pacers Brandin Podziemski, 6-4, 205, Santa Clara
30)LA Clippers Kris Murray, 6-8, 213, Iowa
