Since our last 2023 NBA mock draft update, quite a lot has changed.
For example, we know the full order of the 2023 NBA Draft and we’re now less than three weeks away from the big night. We also had an eventful few days at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
Even though top prospect Victor Wembanyama was not able to attend, several players drastically improved their draft stock while participating.
We also know exactly what players are eligible to hear their name called on draft night. Two hundred and forty-two players applied as early-entry candidates for the 2023 NBA Draft, and hundreds more were automatically eligible.
After several notable prospects tested the waters with the option to return to school, 108 players ultimately decided to withdraw from this year’s pre-draft process and will try again another year.
This mock draft is based on intel, 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.
For example, while G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson is projected to fall a bit in this mock, we expect a team to trade up to select him earlier than our current outlook. But as of right now, this is how we see it shaking out.
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.
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MORE:
- Meet NBA draft sleeper Brandin Podziemski, who used the transfer portal to make himself a pro
- Meet NBA draft prospect Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who says he is ‘somebody that is electric’
- Hunter Dickinson and the top-40 players who used the NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal
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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. Wembanyama is 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 help 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
While we long anticipated Scoot Henderson as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, his fit with Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball is “suboptimal” at this point.
Mitch Kupchak, who is the president of basketball operations for the Hornets, said they will consider positional needs and that makes Alabama’s Brandon Miller the likely choice. Kupchak attended Miller’s 41-point game vs. South Carolina in February, per ESPN.
He was a consensus All-American who was named SEC Rookie of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP, and SEC Player of the Year. The NBA is a league that values size and floor spacing and the 6-foot-9 wing shot over 40.0 percent on 3-pointers during the regular season.
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’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Miller has received high praise from NBA teams so far during the pre-draft process.
Miller, who performed poorly during March Madness, would benefit from strong workouts when he meets with NBA teams. However, he is recovering from mononucleosis and has reportedly lost 13 pounds since the NCAA season concluded.
3
Portland Trail Blazers: Amen Thompson
Elite, Overtime, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Oakland, Calif.
DRAFT AGE: 20.4
I do not think the Portland Trail Blazers end up using this draft pick and would prefer win-now pieces to play alongside Damian Lillard next year, and instead, I’d expect them to trade it to a team seeking to find their point guard of the future in Scoot Henderson.
But until a trade is made, I’m going to act as if Portland is indeed making the pick. In that case, be open to the possibility that the Trail Blazers may be unafraid to take an unconventional route and select Amen Thompson. As he told Casey Holdahl:
“Everybody says there’s a clear-cut top 3. I feel like that’s kind of doing the draft a disservice … It’s more than three, for sure, and if there’s three … I’m one of them.”
Portland recently hosted Amen and his twin brother, Ausar, for a private workout and Amen displayed his jaw-dropping vertical pop.
Just look at who they drafted in the lottery last year and you can learn a bit of what they may value. Shaedon Sharpe was considered a “wildcard” after not playing in college but he is also one of the most athletic players in the world. Frankly, so is Amen. Both players are 6-foot-6 or taller and they would be an unreal duo in the same lineup.
4
Houston Rockets: Scoot Henderson
Ignite, G League, 6-foot-2 guard
FROM: Marietta, Ga.
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Wembanyama said that he feels G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson is the second-best prospect in this class. But the second-best prospect isn’t always the second player to hear his name called on draft night.
Henderson has previously said that it would not be acceptable if he fell to No. 3 in the draft, and one would have to imagine that No. 4 overall could be even more frustrating. Still, Henderson is expected to become the first top-10 pick 6-foot-2 or shorter since Ja Morant and Darius Garland were selected in 2019.
As we heard from John Wall and Austin Rivers, the Rockets lacked a unifying force last season. Henderson could be the perfect floor general to tie it all together in Houston.
Henderson would provide tremendous athleticism in the backcourt alongside Jalen Green, who also took the G League path to the NBA. Houston likely owes its 2024 pick to Oklahoma City, so with an incentive to win next season, drafting such a talented player would be a tremendous fit.
If the Rockets reunite with James Harden, as rumors suggest, this is another potential spot to watch out for a trade.
5
Detroit Pistons: Cam Whitmore
Villanova Wildcats, Freshman, 6-foot-7 wing
FROM: Odenton, Md.
DRAFT AGE: 19.0
Even during his time with the Thunder, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver favored athletic prospects. In fact, we recently learned that the Pistons nearly selected Jalen Green at No. 1 overall instead of Cade Cunningham after he impressed during his pre-draft workout.
Villanova’s Cam Whitmore is exactly the type of player that the Detroit office could fall in love with during the pre-draft process. The Big East Rookie of the Year 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.
He 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.
Throw his athleticism alongside Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren and have them play alongside a primary initiator like Cade Cunningham. Suddenly, you have a really exciting young core.
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 out of the set less often (22.7 percent) than Whitmore.
6
Orlando Magic: Ausar Thompson
Elite, Overtime, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Oakland, Calif.
DRAFT AGE: 20.4
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.
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
According to league insider Marc Stein, the Pacers are reportedly considering packaging their trade picks and moving up to select higher in the 2023 NBA Draft. But wherever they pick, we can likely expect a power forward.
Pacers executive Kevin Pritchard told the media after the lottery that his team is looking to improve their “competitive spirit” next season. Caitlin Cooper speculated about how Hendricks would fill that void (via Basketball, She Wrote):
“To a certain degree, that describes Hendricks — a competitor who, from shooting 39 percent on catch-and-shoots to upsizing their scheme and upgrading their ability to contain, has the potential to make the Pacers stronger at what they already do while perhaps requiring more time (and strength) to add to what they are missing.”
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 (including Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin) were lottery picks and seven heard their name called as one of the first seven picks in their respective draft class.
8
Washington Wizards: Cason Wallace
Kentucky Wildcats, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Dallas
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
As the Wizards look for a point guard to join Bradley Beal in the backcourt, they will likely consider Kentucky’s Cason Wallace.
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.
9
Utah Jazz: Anthony Black
Arkansas Razorbacks, Freshman. 6-foot-7 guard
FROM: Duncanville, Texas
DRAFT AGE: 19.4
Utah’s rebuild could use a do-it-all prospect like Arkansas freshman Anthony Black. Prospects with his blend of size, passing, and defensive playmaking tend to hear their name called early in the draft. Here is more from Tony Jones (via The Athletic):
“His defense would be valuable in almost any situation. He would make the Jazz switchable defensively, and give the Jazz some perimeter size and length. He’s got a chance to be a good one.”
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.
10
Dallas Mavericks: Jarace Walker
Houston Cougars, Freshman, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: New Freedom, Pa.
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Houston’s Jarace Walker “called off his pro day” at the last minute, per ESPN, which led some to speculate that he may have a “promise” from a team on the clock in a range that makes him comfortable.
Perhaps that team is the Mavericks. The front office is more “focused on athleticism and physicality” than the previous regime, per The Athletic’s Tim Cato. Walker fits that description. Dallas had a bottom-5 defense in the NBA after trading away Dorian Finney-Smith and Walker could bring some value back on that end of the court.
The American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year 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.
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’s Rafael Barlowe, the forward has far more playmaking to offer than what we saw him provide at Houston.
11
Orlando Magic (via CHI): 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 is the highest among all projected first-round draft picks.
12
Oklahoma City Thunder: Bilal Coulibaly
Metropolitans 92, International, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: France
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
Bleacher Report‘s Jonathan Wasserman reported that France’s Bilal Coulibaly “has a promise” in the first round before No. 14. NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe reported that “several scouts and agents” believe the Thunder are targeting Coulibaly at No. 12 overall.
While he has played well as teammates with Wembanyana in France’s top-tier division as they continue their run 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.
Oklahoma City may also consolidate its assets and trade up for a higher pick.
13
Toronto Raptors: Keyonte George
Baylor Bears, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Lewisville, Texas
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Toronto needs to improve its shooting and self-creation, so Baylor’s Keyonte George is someone they should seriously consider. 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.
The Raptors also finished last in defensive rebounds last season. 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.
According to NBA Big Board’s Raphael Barlowe, George “put on arguably the best pro day” and is in “tremendous shape” heading into the draft.
14
New Orleans Pelicans: Kobe Bufkin
Michigan Wolverines, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 guard
FROM: Grand Rapids, Mich.
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
New Orleans could add some depth with All-Big Ten guard Kobe Bufkin. The sophomore 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.
He 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.
15
Atlanta Hawks: Jordan Hawkins
Connecticut Huskies, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 wing
FROM: Gaithersburg, Md.
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
This feels like a comfortable range for UConn’s Jordan Hawkins because he is a movement shooter perfect for the modern NBA.
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.
16
Utah Jazz (via MIN): Dariq Whitehead
Duke Blue Devils, Freshman, 6-foot-7 wing
FROM: 18.9
DRAFT AGE: Newark, N.J.
Duke’s Dariq 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, played through injuries as a freshman.
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.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Whitehead has been “unable to conduct workouts” after his recent foot surgery and so he is widely perceived as a “question mark” before the draft.
Whitehead is the third-youngest player in this draft class and once he gets healthy, this could be a tremendous value for a team like the Jazz with surplus picks.
17
Los Angeles Lakers: Nick Smith Jr.
Arkansas Razorbacks, Freshman, 6-foot-4 guard
FROM: Jacksonville, Ark.
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Although he struggled to stay healthy and wasn’t particularly efficient during his one-and-done season at Arkansas, the upside for Nick Smith Jr. is still very high.
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.
Drafting Smith, who is represented by Klutch Sports, would be a worthwhile home-run swing for the Lakers.
18
Miami Heat: Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette Golden Eagles, Junior, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: Canada
DRAFT AGE: 21.0
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.
Prosper impressed during athletic testing at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. He ranked in the 98th percentile for standing vertical (35.0 inches) among participants since 2000, per Stadium Speak, while also finishing in the 90th percentile or better in lane agility (10.59 seconds) and max vertical (43 inches).
“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.
“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.”
19
Golden State Warriors: 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. Golden State needs someone like Lively to defend opponents like Anthony Davis.
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.
While he had a very low usage rate on offense, he was an efficient finisher on his chances.
20
Houston Rockets (via LAC): 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.
21
Brooklyn Nets (via PHX): 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 and Jeremy Woo (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.
22
Brooklyn Nets: Gregory “GG” Jackson II
South Carolina Gamecocks, Freshman, 6-foot-9 forward
FROM: Columbia, S.C.
DRAFT AGE: 18.5
G.G. Jackson is the youngest player in this draft class, and he won’t even yet turn 19 years old when the next NBA season begins. Once the consensus best collegiate prospect in his class, Jackson decided to forgo his senior year of high school and reclassify to play for South Carolina last season.
South Carolina struggled defensively during minutes when Jackson was on the court, but the SEC All-Freshman forward is a promising upside swing for a team willing to bet on his continued development.
23
Portland Trail Blazers (via NYK): Kris Murray
Iowa Hawkeyes, Junior, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
DRAFT AGE: 22.9
Iowa’s Kris Murray would have benefited from a stronger performance in the NCAA men’s tournament, but it’s still worth noting that he had an excellent season. The All-Big Ten forward finished the season averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He projects well as a valuable rotation player for a team like Portland.
24
Sacramento Kings: Brice Sensabaugh
Ohio State Buckeyes, Freshman, 6-foot-6 wing
FROM: Orlando, Fla.
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
According to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, the pre-draft process has presented challenges for Ohio State freshman Brice Sensabaugh (via ESPN):
“Sensabaugh has been hobbled by a knee issue he suffered late in Ohio State’s season, which required surgery and has thus far prevented him from conducting competitive team workouts.”
When healthy, however, Sensabaugh 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.
25
Memphis Grizzlies: Brandin Podziemski
Santa Clara Broncos, Sophomore, 6-foot-5 wing
FROM: Greenfield, Wis.
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
Brandin Podziemski scored just 22 points during the entirety of his freshman season at Illinois. He transferred to Santa Clara and enjoyed a phenomenal 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. He provides some of the versatility Memphis tends to value in draft picks.
“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.”
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.”
26
Indiana Pacers (via CLE): Bobi Klintman
Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Freshman, 6-foot-10 wing
FROM: Sweden
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
Sweden’s Bobi Klintman could be the “mystery man” of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Although he averaged just 5.3 points per game, per Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, Klintman is a 6-foot-9 wing who has a 7-foot wingspan. He can dribble, pass, and shoot and his upside is outstanding.
He averaged 16.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game for Sweden at the U20 Euro Championship B in 2022, via Cerebro. He also played well down the stretch for Wake Forest, notching 17 points and 11 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block during a win over Syracuse in the ACC Conference Tournament.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, some believe Klintman “could have a promise” in the 20s. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto added that “there was a belief circulating” that the Pacers are high on Klintman.
27
Charlotte Hornets (via DEN): Sidy Cisoko
Ignite, G League, 6-foot-8 forward
FROM: France
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
G League Ignite’s Sidy Cissoko found a rhythm down the stretch, averaging 15.2 points and 3.3 rebounds with 4.4 assists as well as 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game during 13 appearances after the All-Star break.
Opponents were just 10-for-33 (30.3) overall when he was credited as the nearest defender in the restricted area of the paint, per Stats Perform. That ranked as the best among consensus top-100 prospects with at least 30 attempts tracked in that zone.
Cissoko has flown under the radar during the pre-draft process but could make a high impact.
28
Utah Jazz (via PHI): 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.
Adrian Wojnarowski recently shared an interesting anecdote Howard shared with Jazz assistant general manager David Fizdale at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine (via ESPN):
“[Fizdale] reminded Jett Howard when he saw him at the Combine that he used to sleep on the little Nerf basket in David Fizdale’s office in Miami when Fiz was an assistant in Miami and Juwan Howard went from a player to an assistant with the Heat. Bloodlines matter too. That always intrigues people.”
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.
29
Indiana Pacers (via BOS): 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.”
Stay tuned for a longer conversation with Lewis on our site.
30
L.A. Clippers: Noah Clowney
Alabama Crimson Tide, Freshman, 6-foot-10 forward
AGE: 20.9
FROM: Roebuck, S.C.
The Clippers desperately need youth at the power forward position, and Alabama’s Noah Clowney is potentially their answer. 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.
31
SECOND ROUND
31. Detroit Pistons: Julian Phillips
32. San Antonio Spurs: Andre Jackson Jr.
33. Boston Celtics (via HOU): Amari Bailey
34. Charlotte Hornets: Colby Jones
35. Oklahoma City Thunder (via POR): Rayan Rupert
36. Orlando Magic: James Nnaji
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via WAS): Jaime Jaquez Jr.
38. Sacramento Kings (via IND): Terquavion Smith
39. Charlotte Hornets (via UTA): Ben Sheppard
40. Denver Nuggets (via DAL): Kobe Brown
41. Charlotte Hornets (via OKC): Tristan Vukcevic
42. Washington Wizards (via CHI): Jordan Walsh
43. Portland Trail Blazers (via ATL): Isaiah Wong
44. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Marcus Sasser
45. Memphis Grizzlies (via MIN): Trayce Jackson-Davis
46. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Jalen Wilson
47. Los Angeles Lakers: Julian Strawther
48. L.A. Clippers: Ricky Council IV
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via GSW): Emoni Bates
50. Indiana Pacers (via MIA): Adam Flagler
51. Brooklyn Nets: Seth Lundy
52. Phoenix Suns: Mouhamed Gueye
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via NYK): Tosan Evbuomwan
54. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Slawson
55. Indiana Pacers (via CLE): Drew Timme
56. Memphis Grizzlies: Azuolas Tubelis
57. Washington Wizards (via BOS): Oscar Tshiebwe
58. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Miller
