The 2023 NBA draft is nearly nine months away, and the pick order is far from determined. As usual, the first-round order will be primarily shaped by each team’s record in the 2022-23 season — worst to best — with a weighted lottery for the first four selections.
With two potentially generational prospects available, 7-foot-4 French big man Victor Wembanyama and G League Ignite guard Scott Henderson, there’s considerable intrigue in making early projections. Yes, even before the regular season has started.
After finishing with the NBA’s worst record in each of the last two seasons, the Rockets earned the No. 2 and No. 3 overall draft picks in the 2021 and 2022 first rounds, respectively, which led to them adding Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. to the roster. Based on those types of blue chip young talents, many believe the Rockets could have more success in 2022-23. Sunday’s 38-point romp over San Antonio in the preseason opener could offer evidence in that direction.
ESPN, however, doesn’t appear sold. (Or, perhaps they’re expecting some luck for Houston out of a lower spot in the pre-lottery order.)
In a newly released mock draft, ESPN is projecting Wembanyama to the Rockets with the No. 1 overall selection in June 2023. Scroll on for a look at their insight, along with statistics and highlights from Tuesday’s showcase game between Henderson’s Ignite and Wembanyama’s Metropolitans 92 team from France.
Those two top prospects will meet in a second showcase game on Thursday, Oct. 6, with tipoff set for 2 p.m. Central. That game will again be broadcast on national television via ESPN2.
ESPN’s mock draft
"Think Kevin Durant meets Rudy Gobert."@DraftExpress says Victor Wembanyama is a prospect he's never seen before 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RaUoJwC7G0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 5, 2022
2023 mock draft update on ESPN, including a preview of the Victor Wembanyama vs Scoot Henderson matchups, Amen Thompson emerging as a potential No. 1 pick candidate, GG Jackson's mock debut and early observations about the international draft class.https://t.co/aseJZi1vSK
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 4, 2022
Statistics from Oct. 4 head-to-head showcase
Victor Wembanyama: 37 points, 11-of-20 shooting (55.0%), 7-of-11 on 3-pointers (62.6%), 5 blocks, 4 rebounds
Scoot Henderson: 28 points, 11-of-21 shooting (52.4%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Henderson’s team won the game, 122-115 (box score).
Wembanyama highlights
37 points, 5 blocks and 7 made 3s for Victor Wembanyama in his first ever game on US soil. Showed exactly why he's considered a generational talent and the projected No. 1 pick in a loaded draft class. pic.twitter.com/DolqdnkAty
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 5, 2022
Henderson highlights
28 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds for projected No. 2 pick Scoot Henderson in G League Ignite's win over Metropolitans 92. Got where he wanted, made some terrific reads, and shot the ball well inside and outside the arc. Every bit the top prospect he's billed as. pic.twitter.com/Wtx2nIoFpj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 5, 2022
Draft lottery odds, without ties
The 14 “seeds” entering the 2023 NBA draft lottery will be awarded to the 14 teams that miss the league’s 2022-23 playoffs, with the top seeds and corresponding odds going to teams with the worst records, in descending order. The lottery draw takes place in May 2023.
