Pick 1 – San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama 

Position: C/PF

Height: 7’4 – Unconfirmed

Wingspan:  8’0

Weight: 230 lb

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 4th January 2004

There isn’t much that can be said about Victor Wembanyama that hasn’t already been said. A 7’4 big man with the skills of a guard and ridiculous rim-protecting abilities is unheard of. His insane measurements are backed up with a high level of skill that contributed towards a successful season in the top French basketball league. 

As a fan of NBA basketball, seeing the Spurs win the NBA Draft Lottery was very exciting. San Antonio has consistently proven to be a great place for young players to develop their games. With the coaching staff of San Antonio and the mentorship of Tim Duncan, I don’t think Wembanyama could have possibly landed in a better scenario. 

One of the things to watch with Wembanyama is his jumpshot. While most fans view him as a stretch big with a great jumper, his 3 point percentage has never really reflected this. Wembanyama shot only 27.5% from deep this season. However his free throw percentage did increase to 82.8%. I do not expect Wembanyama to be an efficient scorer in his first few years in the NBA, however once he fills out his frame and continues to develop his skill set, he has a serious chance of becoming a generational player. 

Pick 2 – Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6’9 – College Listed Height

Wingspan:  6’11 – 7’1 – Differing Reports

Weight: 200 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birth Date: 22nd November 2002

Charlotte has arguably the toughest decision to make in the 2023 NBA Draft: Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson. Both players are NBA-ready skillswise, and both have All Star if not All-NBA potential. Miller is a big wing capable of knocking down a high volume of 3’s, while Scoot Henderson is a freak athlete with incredible finishing abilities and great court vision. 

According to Woj, one of the most trusted inside reporters in the NBA, the Hornets are moving forward with drafting Brandon Miller based on his fit with the current roster and impressing the team with his recent work out. 

While I personally would have liked to see how Scoot and LaMelo Ball would have paired in the backcourt, I can understand why the Hornets are leaning towards Miller.

Brandon Miller averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds a game. He shot 38.4% from deep while also shooting 85.9% from the free throw line. As the season progressed Miller improved his handle and his finishing abilities. 

Miller is an easy fit next to LaMelo Ball on a Hornets team that is still coming into shape. Miller’s natural fit on the roster should help him develop quicker as the Hornets will be wanting him to play to his strengths as a shooter. 

Pick 3 – Portland Trail Blazers

Scoot Henderson

Position: PG

Height: 6’2

Wingspan:  6’9 – Reportedly

Weight: 195 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 3rd February 2004

Scoot Henderson would be a steal with the 3rd pick in the draft. Henderson is a point guard who possesses rare strength and athleticism. On top of his physical attributes Henderson is a gifted passer and high basketball IQ. While his jumper is streaky, when he is in rhythm he can make some tough shots. I personally expect to see Scoot develop into a smaller point guard version of Anthony Edwards. 

Unfortunately for Scoot as the Trail Blazers pick, he isn’t likely to have a clear idea of where he will be starting his NBA career immediately. This pick could be traded for a star player to help the Trail Blazers build around Damian Lillard. There is also the chance that Lillard demands a trade, and Scoot becomes the new building block for Portland. 

Pick 4 – Houston Rockets

Amen Thompson

Position: PG/SG/SF

Height: 6’5.75 – Barefoot Draft Combine Measurements 

Wingspan:  7’0 –  NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Weight: 214 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 30th January 2003

Amen Thompson is a risky selection in this year’s draft. On one hand he is a near 6 foot 6 point guard with elite court vision, elite athleticism, great lateral quickness and unheard of control over his own speed. On the other hand he has what appears to be a broken jumpshot and has been playing in a low level basketball league that has yet to put out an NBA caliber player. 

In the right scenario Thompson should be able to become a high level drive and kick point guard. While his lack of a jumper may make it hard for him to run a traditional pick and roll despite his speed, he could potentially be deadly out of the pick and pop with a stretch big. I think this big could be Jabari Smith Jr of the Houston Rockets. 

Houston needs a lead ball handler, while Kevin Porter Jr has grown his game a lot with the Rockets, I do not think he can co-exist with Jalen Green going forward due to both of their lack of ability to guard on the ball. In Houston, Thompson would have a stretch 4 in Jabari Smith, a running mate in Jalen Green, and a good post playmaker in Aleperen Sengun to reward his slashing. Amen is going to need a team built around his needs due to his lack of jumpshot, but his physical tools and playmaking should make him worth the risk. 

Pick 5 – Detroit Pistons 

Taylor Hendricks

Position: PF

Height: 6’8.25 – Barefoot NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Wingspan:  7’0.5 – NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Weight: 214 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 22nd November 2003

While some may consider Taylor Hendricks a reach with the 5th pick, I believe that his talent and natural fit on the Pistons roster make him their best choice.

Hendricks brings defense and shooting to whichever team drafts him. Hendricks shooting is a skill that the Pistons need. In order to play Jaden Ivery and Jalen Duren together, I believe the Pistons are going to need to surround them with shooters. Hendricks should be able to bring this needed floor spacing to the Pistons while also continuing to add to the defense toughness that Detroit is looking to develop. 

Once Hendricks fills out his frame he should be able to guard 3-5 effectively for the Pistons, making him a much needed asset on both sides of the floor. As a spot up shooter and roller, Hendricks’ playing style should naturally complement both Cunningham and Ivey.

Pick 6 – Orlando Magic

Anthony Black

Position: PG/SG/SF

Height: 6’5.75 – Barefoot Draft Combine Measurements 

Wingspan:  6’7.5 –  Barefoot Draft Combine Measurements 

Weight: 210 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 20th January 2004

Anthony Black is another relatively risky draft pick, but for completely different reasons. Black is a tall point guard with an incredibly high basketball-IQ. He is a good defender who is capable of guarding multiple positions. However the risk comes in his jumpshot. Only shooting 30.1% from deep with a 70.5% free throw, Black has not yet displayed the ability to shoot at a high level. If Black’s jumpshot does not develop I fear he may become a similar player to Justise Winslow.

However Black’s strengths come in his court vision, ability to play with and without the ball, and his ability to finish through contact. With the ability to play point guard on both offense and defense, Black would allow Orlando to continue to play with some very large lineups. 

Pick 7 – Indiana Pacers

Jarace Walker

Position: PF/SF(/C?)

Height: 6’6.5 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot Measurement

Wingspan:  7’2.5 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot Measurement

Weight: 248.6 lb

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 4th September 2003

Jarace Walker is only just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. The big man has a wide range of skills, and is still yet to take full advantage of them. Walker is incredibly strongly built with great length. He has the ability to guard multiple positions at a high level. Walker has a streaky jumpshot, and only a 66.3% free throw, yet many feel that is jumpshot is still workable. 

At this point Walker is still avoiding contact on his drives, and is not taking full advantage of his overpowering strength. Things like this make it easy to see why NBA teams believe that Jarace Walker could be developed into a star player with the right coaching. 

Pick 8 – Washington Wizards

Ausar Thompson

Position: SG/SF(/PG?)

Height: 6’5.75 – Barefoot Draft Combine Measurements 

Wingspan:  7’0 –  Different Reported Wingspans

Weight: 214 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 30th January 2003

Ausar is a risky pick just like his twin brother. Ausar is just as athletic as Amen, however he lacks Amen’s superhuman level of control over his feet and speed. What Ausar does have over Amen though, is a workable jumpshot. 

Ausar’s jumpshot has improved over the last year in the Overtime Elite league. While his shooting form is still a work in progress, this is still a very positive sign. Ausar also was possibly the best defender in the OTE, however this is a rather low level of basketball.  

With Washington now trading both Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal away, it appears that the team is looking for a clean slate. Due to this they need to draft the player with the highest ceiling regardless of position. Even with the questions of Thompson’s jumper and level of competition he has played in, his physical attributes and work ethic make him the best player available in this mock draft. 

Pick 9 – Utah Jazz

Cam Whitmore

Position: SF/PF/SG

Height: 6’5.75  – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’8.5 – NBA Draft Combine Measurement

Weight: 235 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 18

Birthdate: 8th July 2004

Whitmore is a freak athlete with a raw skillset. Whitmore is an excellent driver and slasher who will benefit from NBA level playmakers. I believe that questions around his jump shot could cause him to fall on draft night. Whitmore is currently lacking NBA-level decision making, but his ability to just soar across the court should make him appealing to the right team.

Pick 10 – Dallas Mavericks

Gradey Dick

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6’6.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’8.75 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 204 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 20th November 2003

Gradey Dick looks to be the best shooter in the 2023 NBA Draft, shooting 40.3% from deep and 85.4% from the free throw line. Due to this he will be the most valuable player available in this mock draft. 

Dallas is expected to trade this draft pick. Due to this, they will either trade this pick on draft night, or draft the most valuable player available. Due to the premium on shooting in the modern NBA, I believe that this would be Gradey Dick.

Pick 11 – Orlando Magic

Dereck Lively II

Position: C

Height: 7’0 – 7’2 – Different Reported Heights 

Wingspan:  7’4+

Weight: 230 lb – Reportedly

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 12th February 2004

Pick 12 – OKC Thunder

Kobe Bufkin

Position: PG/SG

Height: 6’4.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot 

Wingspan:  6’7.75 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 186.8 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 21st September 2003

Pick 13 – Toronto Raptors

Cason Wallace

Position: PG/SG

Height: 6’2.5 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’8.5 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 195 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 7th November 2003

Pick 14 – New Orleans Pelicans 

Jalen Hood-Schifino 

Position: PG/SG/SF

Height: 6’4.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’10.25 – Wingspan

Weight: 216.6 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 19th June 2003

Pick 15 – Atlanta Hawks

Bilal Coulibaly 

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6’6 – 6’8 – Different Reported Heights

Wingspan:  7+ Wingspan 

Weight: 190 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 18

Birthdate: 26th July 2004

Pick 16 – Utah Jazz

Keyonte George 

Position: PG/SG

Height: 6’2 – 6’4 – Different Reported Heights 

Wingspan: Unconfirmed 

Weight: 185 lb

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 8th November 2003

Pick 17 – LA Lakers

Jordan Hawkins

Position: SG

Height: 6’4.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot Measurement 

Wingspan:  6’6.75

Weight: 186 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 21

Birthdate: 29th April 2002

Pick 18 – Miami Heat

Nick Smith Jr

Position: PG/Sg

Height: 6’2 – 6’5 – Different Reports

Wingspan:  Unconfirmed 

Weight: 185 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 18th April 2004

Pick 19 – Golden State Warriors 

Leonard Miller

Position: PF/SF

Height: 6’9.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  7’2 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 212.8 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 26th November 2003

Pick 20 – Houston Rockets

Jett Howard

Position: SF

Height: 6’6 – 6’8

Wingspan:  Unconfirmed 

Weight: 215 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 14th September 2003

Pick 21 – Brooklyn Nets

Brandin Podziemski 

Position: SG/PG

Height: 6’3.75 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’5.5 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 203.8 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 25th February 2003

Pick 22 – Brooklyn Nets

Olivier Maxence-Prosper 

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6’6.75 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  7’1 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 212.4 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 3rd July 2002

Pick 23 – Portland Trail Blazers

Kris Murray

Position: PF/SF

Height: 6’7.75 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’11.75 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 212.8 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 22

Birthdate: 19th August 2000

Pick 24 – Sacramento Kings

Maxwell Lewis

Position: SF/SG

Height: 6’6.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  7’0 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 207 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 20

Birthdate: 27th July 2002

Pick 25 – Boston Celtics

Brice Sensabaugh 

Position: SF

Height: 6’4 – 6’6  – Unconfirmed 

Wingspan:  Unconfirmed 

Weight: 235 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 30th October 2003

Pick 26 – Indiana Pacers

Rayan Rupert 

Position: SF/SG/PF

Height: 6’6 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  7’2 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 193.2 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 19

Birthdate: 31st May 2004

Pick 27 – Charlotte Hornets

Noah Clowney 

Position: PF/C

Height: 6’8 – 6’10 – Differing Reports

Wingspan:  7’2 – Unconfirmed 

Weight: 210 lbs 

Age on Draft Night: 18

Birthdate: 14th July 2004

Pick 28 – Utah Jazz

Dariq Whitehead 

Position: SF/SG

Height: 6’5.75 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’10.25

Weight: 217 lb

Age on Draft Night: 18

Birthdate: 1st August 2004

Pick 29 – Denver Nuggets 

Trayce Jackson-Davis 

Position: C/PF

Height: 6’8.25 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  7’1 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 240 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 23

Birthdate: 22nd February 2000

Pick 30 – LA Clippers 

Jaime Jaquez Jr. 

Position: SF

Height: 6’6 – NBA Draft Combine Barefoot

Wingspan:  6’9.5 – NBA Draft Combine

Weight: 226.4 lbs

Age on Draft Night: 22

Birthdate: 18th February 2001