2023 NBA Mock Draft: Full 2-Spherical Predictions Getting into March

Whereas NBA scouts do most of their touring and evaluating all through the faculty basketball season, March is a well-liked time for executives to make their rounds and get eyes on prospects.

However February was additionally a key month for a handful of gamers who made robust impressions and improved their inventory. Two new underclassmen have jumped into our first-round projections, together with one who’s making his debut on the 2023 board.

The large storyline towards the highest of the draft is how NBA groups will really feel about Alabama ahead Brandon Miller being tied to a homicide case. Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr.’s return from harm and fast manufacturing even have scouts buzzing coming into March.

This mock draft order was based mostly on NBA standings heading into Monday, February 27.

1. Houston Rockets: Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92, PF/C, 2004)

A change of surroundings for the World Cup Qualifiers did not throw off Wembanyama, who went for 22 factors, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks in France’s win over Czech Republic. He is simply crossing off causes to doubt him.

Match will not be a difficulty with whichever crew wins the lottery. Wembanyama is being utilized in each potential means for an enormous—as a submit participant, pick-and-pop shooter and ball-handler.

The Houston Rockets would presumably simply throw positions out the window with Wembanyama, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. Rockets head coach Stephen Silas has proven a willingness to bench Şengün for defensive causes, so his future function with Wembanyama could be turn into a storyline to look at.

Whereas Smith is off to a slower begin relative to the opposite high 2022 draft picks, Wembanyama is way extra prone to affect video games as a rookie along with his outrageous defensive vary, capturing ability, ending and passing that ought to all translate to the NBA immediately.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004)

The play of Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr.’s return and the Thompsons’ upside could at the least make the Spurs assume earlier than taking Henderson. However whichever crew lands the No. 2 choose will presumably circle again to the Ignite star.

Whereas Henderson’s explosiveness, energy and off-the-dribble burst separate Henderson from the remainder of his draft classmates, a latest 20-point (2-of-4 3PT), 14-assist recreation in opposition to a Memphis Hustle crew with a number of NBA-caliber gamers highlighted his ability enchancment, playmaking and shot-making potential.

3. Detroit Pistons: Amen Thompson (Time beyond regulation Elite, Level wing, 2003)

With a few of the high NCAA prospects constructing steam, Thompson answered within the Metropolis Reapers’ first recreation of Time beyond regulation’s playoff semis, ending with 20 factors, 12 rebounds and eight assists whereas capturing 2-of-4 from three. The efficiency was a reminder why he is a probable outlier who would not require the best ability stage to attain or play-make.

Thompson is a harmful benefit creator along with his go off the bounce and lightning-quick dribble strikes to blow by and separate. As soon as he earns himself only a trace of area on the transfer, he capitalizes with bounce and adaptability or passing imaginative and prescient to arrange teammates.

There are sufficient examples of limited-shooting stars who can generate offense off their face-up video games and explosiveness. Thompson’s shot additionally hasn’t regarded completely damaged recently, whereas his 6’7″ measurement, foot/hand velocity and leaping give him wild defensive potential as nicely.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller (Alabama, SF, Freshman)

NBA groups’ view of Miller has turn into a subject of dialog after it was alleged by detectives investigating the killing of Jamea Jonae Harris that Miller introduced now-ex-teammate Darius Miles the gun used within the capturing. Miller has not been charged within the case and continues to play for Alabama.

Every entrance workplace will do its personal due diligence by investigating and interviewing, making it troublesome to evaluate how Miller’s involvement will have an effect on his draft inventory.

On the courtroom, there are fewer query marks about him. Recently, he is answered key ones that popped up earlier within the season, when he struggled to transform across the basket. Final Wednesday evening, he put collectively his most convincing on-court pitch of the season, totaling 41 factors in opposition to South Carolina, which included the game-tying drive in regulation and one other to win in additional time.

Miller continues to shoot at a clip that after felt unsustainable: 42.4 % on 7.2 three-point makes an attempt per recreation. However he has strengthened his case as a possible top-three prospect by showcasing extra ball-handling and shiftiness into self-created drives, plus a lot improved ending with contact, changes and physique management. The sport has seemingly slowed down for him sufficient to make essential changes/counters in visitors.

5. Orlando Magic: Jarace Walker (Houston, PF, Freshman)

The Orlando Magic would ignore their must draft the perfect participant accessible in Walker. His reputation continues to develop in NBA circles regardless of some quiet video games, as scouts rave about his ability versatility and the suggestions they’ve acquired about his work ethic and coachability.

With an impressive 6’8″, 240-pound body, Walker’s flashes of capturing, contact photographs, close-out drives and passes have been persuasive, even when he is not constantly executing but. He figures to solely make extra followers in the course of the predraft course of along with his measurements, exercises in entrance of executives and interviews.

6. Indiana Pacers: Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

After a virtually two-month layoff, it took Smith solely 4 video games to place up 26 factors and ship the creation and shot-making flashes that fueled top-five hype within the preseason. He is additionally taking part in with noticeable vitality and exercise, which has made him an even bigger off-ball scoring risk and disruptive defender. We’ve not seen as a lot playmaking with Anthony Black working as Arkansas’ lead decision-maker, however between Smith’s artful ball-handling, capturing confidence and chopping, the Pacers and different groups with level guards ought to nonetheless see an interchangeable match.

7. Orlando Magic (by way of Bulls): Gradey Dick (Kansas, SF, Freshman)

Dick has already secured the “secure” label from scouts, given how simple it’s to image a plug-and-play slot in a 6’8″ sharpshooter, athletic finisher, sensible/robust defender and sound decision-maker. Occasional flashes of self-creation, shot-making versatility and pick-and-roll scoring additionally trace at extra paths to upside.

8. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: Cam Whitmore (Villanova, SF, Freshman)

Inconsistent capturing has affected Whitmore’s scoring, however between his useful ball-handling strikes to interrupt down defenses and his explosiveness and energy within the lane, he is nonetheless been capable of create and end alternatives within the half courtroom. His 30 three-pointers in 22 video games spotlight sufficient shot-making means for groups wager on enchancment. The one potential purple flag to control is Whitmore’s 0.7 assists per recreation, which is an awfully low quantity for a wing. It might be price fascinated about the 6’7″, 232-pound ahead extra as a small-ball 4.

9. Washington Wizards: Ausar Thompson (Time beyond regulation Elite, SG/SF, 2003)

Lately named the MVP of Time beyond regulation’s second season, Thompson had his finest recreation in the course of the Metropolis Reapers’ second playoff contest, ending with 26 factors, eight assists and 5 made three-pointers. He is been too streaky to belief the capturing, and his decision-making stays shaky, however his particular athletic means, defensive courtroom protection and creation flashes deserve to purchase him time with regards to his shot-making improvement.

10. New Orleans Pelicans (by way of Lakers): Anthony Black (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

Scouts stay excessive on Black’s archetype (6’7″ two-way playmaker), with many keen to look previous his scoring limitations due to his translatable passing, defensive instincts, off-ball ending and competitiveness. Regardless of considerations over his self-creation and capturing, scouts worth Black’s versatility and unteachable “is aware of learn how to play” intangibles.

11. Portland Path Blazers: Taylor Hendricks (UCF, PF, Freshman)

Taking pictures 41.2 % from three, averaging 1.7 blocks and totaling 30 dunks in 28 video games, Hendricks has but to hit a freshman wall. He simply scored a season-high 25 factors in opposition to Tulsa on Sunday, showcasing extra creation from the submit and brief corners. The capturing and athleticism/instruments for ending and protection alone put Hendricks within the lottery dialogue, nevertheless it additionally feels just like the 19-year-old has extra ability to unlock future scoring potential.

12. Toronto Raptors: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)

George has been erratic, although the inconsistency is extra so a product of his explicit shot choice and magnificence of play. Scouts will purchase his makes and firepower, which spotlight translatable self-creation and shot-making versatility/vary for takeover scoring.

13. Los Angeles Lakers (by way of Pelicans): Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)

Averaging 7.6 assists over Kentucky’s final 5 video games, Wallace is trying extra assured along with his playmaking. Regardless of questions on how nicely he’ll be capable to create for himself within the half courtroom, scouts nonetheless purchase his passing IQ, three-level shot-making and protection all translating.

14. Utah Jazz (by way of Timberwolves): Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman)

Curiosity in Hood-Schifino had been rising for weeks, lengthy earlier than Saturday’s 35-point eruption in Indiana’s win over Purdue. He is taken on extra scoring accountability, which has highlighted an efficient mixture of 6’6″ positional measurement, pacing off the dribble and three-level shot-making. Although he is not probably the most explosive athlete, Hood-Schifino has showcased a convincing mixture of creation really feel by altering speeds, pull-up capturing and passing IQ for combo-guard offense.

15. Utah Jazz: Jett Howard (Michigan, SG/SF, Freshman)

Howard stays out with an ankle harm, although he is already proven sufficient shot-making for a 6’8″ freshman to lock in top-20 curiosity. The dearth of playmaking and protection do put extra stress on his improvement as a creator, however even a worst-case end result for Howard ought to lead to a crew getting worth tied to his translatable capturing versatility from both wing spot.

16. Golden State Warriors: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)

Whereas scouts stay hesitant to purchase Murray’s quantity scoring absolutely translating to the NBA, they do see the off-ball offense (capturing, chopping, transition ending) carrying over. He’ll be deemed a straightforward match and secure choose within the mid-to-late first spherical as soon as the flashier creators and youngsters are off the board.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State, SG/SF, Freshman)

Groups interested by simply including a scoring weapon will need Sensabaugh. He is a robust, environment friendly self-creator and shot-maker who will not provide a lot playmaking worth or defensive upside.

18. New York Knicks (by way of Mavericks): Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, Freshman)

Some scouts sound satisfied that accidents have affected Whitehead’s play. His effectiveness continues to fluctuate in a spot-up function for Duke, although he’s capturing a powerful 40.7 % from three. There’ll finally be NBA groups who put additional inventory into predraft scouting, when Whitehead flashed extra self-creation for three-level scoring and athleticism in transition at Montverde. His draft vary might be vast if he does enter in 2023.

19. Houston Rockets (by way of Clippers): Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004)

Age (18) and a valued archetype will hold NBA groups affected person with Rupert, a 6’6″ wing who has a projectable capturing stroke and seven’3″ wingspan for protection. He simply would not have constant manufacturing within the NBL.

20. Miami Warmth: Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Podziemski’s identify is trending in scouting circles as he continues to place up monster stat traces with attractive creativity and shot-making ability. Hesitation attributable to athletic limitations and Santa Clara’s schedule is fading by the week. Scouts are actually speaking about Podziemski as a professional first-round choose who can seemingly hold climbing along with his constant capturing, contact photographs, craftiness off the dribble, playmaking and distinctive positional rebounding (8.8 per recreation).

21. Brooklyn Nets (by way of Suns): GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman)

With a spotlight reel that options attractive capturing flashes, step-backs and explosive finishes, and stats that embody a 37.9 field-goal share, 64.5 free-throw share, 76 turnovers to 24 assists and 41 fouls to 23 blocks, Jackson has turn into one of the vital divisive prospects on this draft class. He is probably land someplace within the teenagers or 20s on a crew that is keen to have persistence and wager on the event of a 6’9″ 18-year-old with ball-handling and shot-making ability.

22. Portland Path Blazers (by way of Knicks): Kobe Bufkin (Michigan, SG, Sophomore)

Grabbing scouts’ consideration with a mixture of three-level shot-making, ball-screen playmaking, ending craft (72.0 % at rim) and protection, Bufkin has entered the draft dialogue. Whether or not we’re speaking 2023 or 2024 stays to be seen, however he is producing NBA buzz along with his versatility and effectivity, significantly after scoring a season-high 28 factors in a win over Wisconsin on Sunday.

23. Brooklyn Nets: Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Averaging 19.9 factors over Connecticut’s final 11 video games, Hawkins continues to appear like one of many draft’s most convincing shot-makers. His off-the-dribble recreation and pull-up nonetheless want work, however at 6’5″ with 80 made threes, together with 21 off screens, his athleticism and off-ball capturing ought to assist make him a straightforward match within the NBA.

24. Sacramento Kings: Bilal Coulibaly (Metropoliitans 92, SF, 2004)

Coulibaly might go on this draft and watch for an even bigger function (and weaker 2024 class) after Victor Wembanyama heads to the NBA. However it’s additionally turning into extra probably {that a} crew would use a first-round choose this 12 months and attain early on an explosive, 6’6″ 18-year-old with plausible capturing potential, spotlight ending means, defensive upside and passing flashes.

25. Indiana Pacers (by way of Cavaliers): Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Lewis’ lottery case is fading as he struggles to make photographs and Pepperdine retains shedding. He is nonetheless a first-round prospect, although. At 6’7″, he has loads of shot-making ability and improved creation means for one-on-one scoring and secondary playmaking.

26. Memphis Grizzlies: Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior)

There are scouts who see first-round worth within the chance that Strawther’s catch-and-shoot recreation and contact rapidly translate to NBA shot-making and off-ball scoring.

27. Utah Jazz (by way of 76ers): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, Junior)

Council’s capturing (27.6 % 3PT, 78.6 % FT) should not trigger groups to write down off his scoring potential. Every little thing else about it feels simple to purchase, given his ball-handling and burst for creation, athletic ending and speciality shot-making contained in the arc.

28. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Nuggets): Kyle Filipowski (Duke, PF, Freshman)

It has been more durable to image the upside recently with Filipowski, a non shot-blocker making 28.6 % of his threes with 77 turnovers to 44 assists, however his inside-out scoring versatility for a 7-footer continues to be sure to create first-round curiosity. A crew will purchase his offensive potential based mostly on his flashes of three-point vary, face-up ability and post-ups.

29. Los Angeles Clippers (by way of Bucks): Dereck Full of life II (Duke, C, Freshman)

Patrolling Duke’s paint with improved consciousness and reactions, Full of life has begun to re-sell groups on his rim-protection instruments. The shot-blocking and ending alone could possibly be price a first-round choose to the best crew with scoring and a necessity for easier baskets and inside protection.

30. Indiana Pacers (by way of Celtics): Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Smith hasn’t made the soar efficiency-wise that NBA scouts had been hoping for, however a crew in 20s or 30s will nonetheless see worth in his assured shot-making for an instant-offense function.

31. Indiana Pacers (by way of Rockets): Noah Clowney (Alabama, PF, Freshman)

Clowney could also be too far-off for groups to confidently use a first-round choose on him, however he does have the potential shooting-shot-blocking-rebounding combo that some could also be keen to succeed in on.

32. San Antonio Spurs: James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 2004)

Groups will wager on Nnaji’s 6’11”, 250-pound body for ending, rebounding and rim safety, particularly given his consolation stage taking part in within the Spanish ACB at 18 years previous.

33. Detroit Pistons: Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman)

Mintz continues to face out throughout Syracuse’s down 12 months, incomes followers along with his creativity, mid-range shot-making, aggressiveness on the rim, playmaking and defensive vitality. Questions on his 6’3″, 172-pound body and long-range capturing have stored curiosity from blowing up, however scouts are monitoring his latest three-point streak (he is 8-of-10 from deep over his final 4 video games).

34. Charlotte Hornets: Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, Senior)

Although Sasser has executed little to enhance his picture as some extent guard, NBA groups will nonetheless be after his capturing versatility and skill to generate his personal perimeter offense.

35. Orlando Magic: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana, PF/C, Senior)

Jackson-Davis has made it tougher to nitpick his perceived outdated submit scoring by making critical enhancements to his passing and protection.

36. Sacramento Kings (by way of Pacers): Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, Junior)

Jones’ recreation would not scream upside, however his passing, capturing and protection does level to an easy-fit function participant who can be utilized on or off the ball.

37. Washington Wizards (by way of Bulls): Tristan Vukčević (KK Partizan, C, 2003)

Vukčević has regarded like a extra plausible prospect this 12 months, capturing 37.7 % from three and delivering extra frequent flashes of face-up offense and passing.

38. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Wizards): Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 2003)

Miller has been productive within the G League by tapping into his mobility, face-up agility and rim working. The one clear path to upside requires important enchancment to his capturing/mechanics, although there might be groups keen to wager on it given his age (19) and what a jumper might do for a 6’10” wing.

39. Denver Nuggets (by way of Thunder): Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF, Senior)

Taking pictures 41.9 % from three, Johnson has emerged as a three-level shot-maker and passing risk. He now has the kind of off-ball offense and defensive instruments NBA groups can image translating.

40. Los Angeles Lakers: Kel’el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Fully out of Oregon’s rotation, Ware will now must promote himself strictly on potential and the temporary flashes of capturing, submit scoring, ending and shot-blocking that he confirmed. Groups will simply see extra of of venture with out a lot manufacturing to again up the highlights.

41. Boston Celtics (by way of Blazers): Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF/PF, Senior)

Scouts sound cut up on Jacquez, whose versatility and toughness have earned first-round grades from believers, and whose athletic limitations have brought on some to concern his means to separate or defend wings.

42. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Raptors): Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF/PF, Junior)

At 6’8″ and 225 kilos, Wilson has the physicality and instruments to proceed attacking, ending and rebounding within the NBA. Though his jumper hasn’t been falling recently, his 2.0 made threes per recreation and mid-range shot-making recommend it is price betting on sufficient ample capturing to enhance his slashing and transition offense.

43. New Orleans Pelicans: Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004)

There was curiosity in Cissoko’s potential versatility as a two-way playmaker and improved shot-maker, however there are additionally questions on whether or not he checks anybody field with sufficient certainty.

44. Memphis Grizzles (by way of Timberwolves): Jalen Pickett (Penn State, PG/SG, Senior)

With 41- and 32-point video games in mid-February, Pickett has seemingly turn into too efficient along with his shot-making and passing for groups to fret about his age or athleticism within the second spherical.

45. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Jazz): DaRon Holmes II (Dayton, C, Sophomore)

Coming off a season-high 34 factors in opposition to George Mason, Holmes continues to strengthen his NBA case round bodily instruments and athleticism for ending, inside scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking.

46. Atlanta Hawks: Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF/PF, Freshman)

Walsh’s quickness to lock up, guard a number of positions and defend with depth ought to sway NBA groups to stay affected person along with his capturing consistency and off-the-dribble improvement.

47. Cleveland Cavaliers (by way of Warriors): Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois, SF, Senior)

Taking pictures stays a swing ability for Shannon, a 6’6″ slasher and defender who has demonstrated improved shot-making and the power to catch fireplace.

48. Denver Nuggets (by way of Lakers): Emoni Bates (Jap Michigan, SF, Sophomore)

Scouts stay hesitant about Bates’ athleticism, decision-making, protection and professionalism. However in some unspecified time in the future, one crew is sure to chew on his shot-making.

49. Los Angeles Clippers: Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF, Junior)

Regardless of Hawkins’ inconsistent offense and scoring limitations, some NBA crew will wager on his capturing improvement, given the potential match and worth tied to a switchable, stretch huge who can actually go.

50. Boston Celtics (by way of Warmth): Baylor Scheierman (Creighton, SG/SF, Senior)

Scheierman possesses the confirmed capturing, passing IQ and sufficient defensive mobility for groups to image a connector who will not want athleticism to be efficient.

51. Phoenix Suns: Ąžuolas Tubelis (Arizona, PF/C, Junior)

In some unspecified time in the future, Tubelis’ manufacturing turns into a promoting level that implies his rim working, ending, rebounding and short-range contact can work in an energizer function.

52. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Knicks): Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SG/SF, Senior)

Groups will think about to the concept of Clark carving out a defensive specialist function whereas nonetheless providing sufficient driving, play-finishing and passing for a fourth or fifth choice.

53. Brooklyn Nets: Drew Peterson (USC, SG/SF, Senior)

Regardless of having already turned 23 years previous, Peterson is turning into attention-grabbing along with his ball-handling and creation flashes, shot-making versatility and passing (4.7 assists) at 6’9″.

54. Sacramento Kings: Zach Edey (Purdue, C, Senior)

Averaging 22.3 factors, 12.9 rebounds and a couple of.4 blocks per recreation, Edey figures to persuade some crew it is price playing a 7’4″, 305-pound rim protector whose ending and submit recreation might be troublesome to problem.

55. Milwaukee Bucks (by way of Cavaliers): Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF, Sophomore)

Inconsistency has made Kaluma more durable to purchase, however at 6’7″ and 225 kilos with agile slashing and streaky shot-making, he is a challenge whom groups might deem price taking over within the second spherical.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: Malcolm Cazalon (Mega MIS, SG, 2001)

On NBA radars for the previous few years, Cazalon has put collectively his strongest draft case this season with sufficient shot-making and two-way playmaking to enhance his athleticism for ending at 6’6″.

57. Philadelphia 76ers: Forfeited

58. Chicago Bulls (by way of Nuggets): Forfeited

59. Milwaukee Bucks: Mouhammed Gueye (Washington State, PF, Sophomore)

Racking up double-doubles recently, Gueye has drawn consideration along with his 6’11” measurement, manufacturing across the basket and flashes of mid-range capturing and exhausting drives in area.

60. Boston Celtics: Ben Sheppard (Belmont, SG, Senior)

A 6’6″, 40.6 % three-point shooter, off-ball weapon and pick-and-roll risk, Sheppard is a probable Portsmouth Invitational attendee who’ll have the possibility to stand up boards competing in opposition to different second-round prospects in the course of the predraft course of.

Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.