2023 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: An early look at the top prospects next year

With the basketball world over a month removed from the NBA draft, many have started to look ahead to the next rookie class and which prospects may be available.

The class is headlined by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who is considered one of the top prospects in recent memory. He has performed well in the top basketball league in France and looks to already be locked in as the top pick in 2023.

Elsewhere, there are several other prospects that will be worth monitoring over the course of next season. The rankings will certainly change but it can be a productive exercise to see how prospects moved up and down draft boards ahead of next year.

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor as the 2022-23 season approaches in a couple of months.

Note: The order of the draft was determined by the reverse championship odds set by Tipico Sportsbook. The 2023 draft will only have 59 picks after the Bulls were stripped of their second-round pick by the NBA due to a tampering violation involving the signing of Lonzo Ball.

Sacramento Kings: Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans 92 (France)

Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images

Height: 7-3

Weight: 209

Year: N/A

Position: C

Wembanyama enters the initial rankings considered to be the top pick next year and is considered to be perhaps the top prospect since LeBron James. He dazzles on the court with his fluidity and does things that players his size shouldn’t be able to do. He can shoot, handle the ball and work in the post. Teams will also be thoroughly impressed with his 7-foot-9 wingspan and ability to control the paint.

The 18-year-old averaged 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots last season with ASVEL Basket in France. He also competed last year in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, averaging 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks and 1.4 assists to help France to the silver medal. He will switch teams to Metropolitans 92 in Paris and work under head coach Vincent Collet, who is also with the French national team.

While the draft order is, of course, far from being set, there are expected to be a half-dozen teams in the running to have the opportunity to draft Wembanyama. Teams’ tanking efforts could be at an all-time high so it will be worth monitoring how things shake out next season.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Scoot Henderson, NBA G League Ignite

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Year: N/A

Position: G

When Henderson joined the Ignite last year at 17, he became the youngest professional basketball player in the United States after signing a two-year contract. The former No. 10 prospect in the class of 2022 averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 18 games with the Ignite last season. He was among their prospects to participate in the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend, joining MarJon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels and Jaden Hardy. Henderson has exceptional athleticism and shined in creating for himself and others. With another season in the G League, Henderson looks to be a lock to be a top-three pick.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Houston Rockets: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

Caitlyn Jordan/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-5

Weight: 185

Year: Fr.

Position: G

Smith, from North Little Rock High School, was the highest-ranked prospect to commit to Arkansas since Al Jefferson in 2004, who eventually entered the NBA straight out of high school. He averaged 26.5 points, eight rebounds and 7.3 assists last season as a senior and also competed with USA Basketball in the Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic, in which he earned co-MVP honors. Smith enters next season highly touted given his ability as a scorer and passer and should help the Razorbacks make another deep postseason run.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

San Antonio Spurs: Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite

Height: 6-7

Weight: 195

Year: N/A

Position: SG

Ausar Thompson, and his twin brother, Amen, played last season with Overtime Elite and will do so again next season. Of the two brothers, Ausar is viewed more as a traditional two-guard and can score in a variety of ways. He has elite athleticism that enables him to create for himself and penetrate into the paint and finish at the rim. He has an evolving shot but has impressed in every other way on offense at this stage. The two brothers recently competed in The Basketball Tournament as Ausar had a very Ja Morant-esque block.

Detroit Pistons: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite

Height: 6-7

Weight: 195

Year: N/A

Position: G

Amen Thompson established himself as a guard that can make plays for others and has dazzled as a passer. Like his brother, Ausar, he has elite athleticism that enables him to flourish on both sides of the ball. The two brothers ooze immense potential and that is a big reason why they’re highly touted entering the draft next year. They should each hear their names called inside the top 10, barring something unforeseen.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-18

Orlando Magic: Dariq Whitehead, Duke

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-7

Weight: 190

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Whitehead was the second-ranked prospect in the class of 2022 after a strong run at the Montverde Academy, averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals. He was named the Naismith Boys’ High School Player of the Year after leading his team to the championship in the GEICO Nationals. He also earned MVP honors in the McDonald’s All-American Game and participated in the Nike Hoop Summit for USA Basketball. Whitehead has the potential to become the top scoring option for the Blue Devils next season given his ability and size. With likely only one season in college to come, Whitehead should be a high pick next year.

Indiana Pacers: Cam Whitmore, Villanova

FIBA.Basketball

Height: 6-6

Weight: 237

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Whitmore, from Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland, most recently competed with USA Basketball in the 2022 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Tijuana, Mexico. He was named MVP of the event after leading the U.S. to the gold medal, averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He dropped 30 points and 12 rebounds in the title game versus Brazil, the most-ever by an American in a gold medal game. He will now prepare to transition to Villanova next season after reaffirming his commitment to the school after Jay Wright retired. He has elite athleticism so prepare to see him often on the highlight reels.

Washington Wizards: Keyonte George, Baylor

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-8

Weight: 205

Year: Fr.

Position: G

George, the No. 3 prospect in the class of 2022, played last season at the IMG Academy and is the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Baylor. He was named a McDonald’s All-American and also competed in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit for USA Basketball. He enters college highly touted for his scoring prowess and ability to defend. George has a great jump shot and can knock it down from all over the court, and can penetrate into the paint at will. He should be in store for a strong freshman campaign.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14

Charlotte Hornets: Cason Wallace, Kentucky

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Height: 6-4

Weight: 190

Year: Fr.

Position: G

Wallace, of Richardson High School, was named the Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 19.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic after a strong senior year. Wallace is viewed as a great defensive prospect given his length and athleticism and has also shown potential as a ballhandler and facilitator. Kentucky head coach John Calipari has compared him some to Eric Bledsoe and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and already believes he is an elite on-ball defender so it will be worth watching how he can develop next season in Lexington.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-16

Utah Jazz: Dereck Lively II, Duke

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Height: 7-1

Weight: 215

Year: Fr.

Position: C

Lively was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Boys Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots. He is regarded as one of the top defensive players in next year’s draft class with an evolving offensive game. He is viewed as a potential top-10 pick but will need to continue to improve on offense to be a sure-fire high selection. However, for teams looking for a defensive anchor in the paint, there may not be many better options than Lively.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Black, Arkansas

FIBA.Basketball

Height: 6-7

Weight: 195

Year: Fr.

Position: G

Black helped USA Basketball claim the gold medal in the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in June. He averaged 4.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals, leading the team in rebounds and assists. He is known as a strong floor general, often setting up his teammates first, and can rebound very well at his position. Along with Nick Smith, the Razorbacks had their best recruiting class ever and are poised to have a strong 2022-23 campaign.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14. It will convey to the Pacers if it falls outside of the top 14 as part of the Caris LeVert trade.

New York Knicks: Kel’el Ware, Oregon

FIBA.Basketball

Height: 7-0

Weight: 210

Year: Fr.

Position: C

Ware averaged 23.2 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.8 blocks last season to help North Little Rock claim their second straight 6A championship in Arkansas. He emerged as a force in the paint on both sides of the ball with his ability to score and defend. He recorded a ridiculous triple-double in November with 15 points, 21 rebounds and 18 blocked shots. Most recently, Ware helped USA Basketball to the gold medal in the FIBA U18 Americas Championship, recording 15.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Ware enters next season highly regarded after his play over the last year and should help the Ducks achieve great success on the court.

Portland Trail Blazers: Terquavion Smith, N.C. State

AP Photo/Gerry Broome

Height: 6-3

Weight: 165

Year: So.

Position: G

Smith was viewed by some teams as a first-round prospect this year after testing the draft process, which made his decision to return to school very surprising. However, he simply just wanted to play another season in college and should improve his draft stock next year, as a result. Smith is highly touted at the guard position given his explosiveness and ability to score. He also emerged as a strong 3-point shooter and set the program record for a freshman with 96 triples. With another year in college, Smith should be locked in as a lottery pick.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14

Orlando Magic (via Chicago): Dillon Mitchell, Texas

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-8

Weight: 200

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Mitchell competed in each of the major high school exhibition games and was named MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic after scoring 18 points. He dazzles with his athleticism and plays with a lot of energy on the court. He will need to continue to develop on offense, especially with his shooting, but looks to have the tools in place to succeed at the next level. Teams will certainly want to see how he can develop in what will likely be his lone season in college.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-4. It will convey to the Magic if it falls outside of the top four as part of the Nikola Vucevic trade.

Atlanta Hawks: Gradey Dick, Kansas

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Height: 6-8

Weight: 205

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Dick was named the Gatorade National Boys Player of the Year after averaging 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. He can score in a variety of ways but excels in shooting. He converted on 46.7% from 3-point range last season and can hit from all over the court — off the catch, dribble and screens. Dick has great athleticism and also plays with great confidence, which should translate well to the next level.

New Orleans Pelicans: Leonard Miller, NBA G League Ignite

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Height: 6-10

Weight: 211

Year: N/A

Position: F

Miller tested the pre-draft process this year but ultimately opted to withdraw and sign with the Ignite for their third season. He projects to have the skills needed to eventually make the transition to the NBA. He has an all-around offensive game and boasts a 7-foot-2 wingspan that can help protect the paint on defense. With a year in the G League, Miller should solidify himself as a potential lottery pick.

Note: The Pelicans have the right to swap this pick with the Lakers. 

Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Arthur Kaluma, Creighton

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 220

Year: So.

Position: F

Kaluma was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team last season after averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the Bluejays. He dazzled on the defense end of the floor with his near 7-foot wingspan and showed promise as a rebounder. However, he will need to improve as a shooter after converting on just 26.5% from beyond the arc. But he has the size and plays with a physicality that makes him a good prospect at the next level. Creighton enters next season with high expectations and Kaluma figures to play a large role once again.

Note: This selection conveys to the Jazz as part of the Rudy Gobert trade.

Toronto Raptors: Brandon Miller, Alabama

Alan Poizner/The Tennessean

Height: 6-9

Weight: 200

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Miller, the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, averaged 24.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals to lead Cane Ridge High School to the Class AAA state championship game. He is highly touted for his scoring and ability to shoot, especially from well beyond the arc. He has also shown promise as a defender given his athleticism and length. Alabama has sent several players to the NBA in recent memory and Miller will be looking to become the next in line.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jarace Walker, Houston

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-8

Weight: 235

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Walker, who played at the IMG Academy, was ranked as the No. 1 power forward and is the Cougars’ first five-star signee since 2012. He has great size at his position entering college and should be able to continue to add to his frame over the next year. Walker has great instincts and can emerge as a problem defensively with his athleticism. He will need to improve offensively but has the tools in place to become a strong defender at the next level.

New York Knicks (via Dallas): Amari Bailey, UCLA

Andrew Jansen/News-Leader

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Year: Fr.

Position: G

Bailey helped Sierra Canyon advance to the CIF SoCal Open Division championship game last season. He also participated in the Nike Hoops Summit for USA Basketball, scoring 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. He flourishes in the open court as a playmaker and can also keep it himself and throw down some monster dunks. He has a smooth lefty shot and projects to have a big role with the Bruins next season.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-10 as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Charlotte Hornets (via Denver): Kris Murray, Iowa

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen

Height: 6-8

Weight: 225

Year: Jr.

Position: F

Murray, the twin brother of Keegan, briefly tested the pre-draft process this year before ultimately opting to return to school for another season. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games last season and should be able to improve upon those numbers next year. Murray wasn’t projected to be selected this year but figures to have the potential to be a first-rounder with additional development.

Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14.

Brooklyn Nets: Chris Livingston, Kentucky

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-7

Weight: 210

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Livington committed to the Wildcats in September 2021, which gave them three five-star recruits in the class of 2022 at the time. He was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and also competed in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. Livingston also impressed during his time with USA Basketball in the 2019 FIBA Americans U16 Championship, where he was named MVP after averaging 14.8 points and eight rebounds. He has great size entering college and could be a one-and-done prospect under head coach John Calipari.

For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire

Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia): Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Height: 6-11

Weight: 220

Year: Fr.

Position: C

Filipowski is regarded as perhaps the top offensive big man in next year’s class. He has great footwork that enables him to work inside the paint and can also step out and space the floor. He has questions to answer defensively but Filipowski already checks a lot of boxes on the other end of the floor that should make him a first-rounder.

Los Angeles Lakers: Tyrese Hunter, Texas

Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-0

Weight: 178

Year: So.

Position: PG

Hunter opted to transfer to Texas after a strong first season in college with Iowa State. He was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 11 points, 4.9 assists and two steals. He set program records for assists (172), steals (71) and games started (35). Hunter projects to be able to step in immediately and make an impact for the Longhorns alongside Dillon Mitchell and others.

Note: The Pelicans have the right to swap this pick with the Lakers. 

Miami Heat: Sidy Cissoko, NBA G League Ignite

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Height: 6-8

Weight: 200

Year: N/A

Position: G

Cissoko, a 6-foot-8 forward from France, played last season with Iraurgi Saski Baloia in the second division of the Spanish Basketball League, averaging 10.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Cissoko also represented France at the 2021 FIBA U18 European Challengers, averaging 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals. He is highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor. He has demonstrated good court vision at times and has shown flashes on defense given his length and athleticism. He is still a bit raw but has the tools in place to develop into a good player. With a year in the G League, Cissoko could be ready to make the jump to the NBA.

Phoenix Suns: Julian Strawther, Gonzaga

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 207

Year: Jr.

Position: G

Strawther was viewed as one of the top returning players after withdrawing from the draft. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and one assist last season and scored in double figures 21 times. He emerged as a great shooter with the Zags and will look to continue to improve on offense. Teams will also likely want to see him take the next step as a defender and if he can do that, he should be a lock as a first-round pick next year.

Los Angeles Clippers: Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL)

FIBA.Basketball

Height: 6-6

Weight: N/A

Year: N/A

Position: F

Rupert is currently dazzling with France in the FIBA U18 European Championship. In two games, Rupert is averaging 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and two steals as France looks to be the team to beat in the event. Rupert flourishes in transition and has the ability to penetrate into the paint and kick it out when necessary. On the other end, his 7-foot-3 wingspan can create havoc in the passing lanes. He will spend next season with the NZ Breakers, a team that has sent Ousmane Dieng, R.J. Hampton and others to the NBA recently.

Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee): Marcus Sasser, Houston

AP Photo/Justin Rex

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Year: Sr.

Position: G

Sasser tested the pre-draft process and was viewed by some as a second-round pick but chose to return to school for one more season. His junior year was cut short due to a season-ending foot injury in December so he likely wanted to put forth a full season before entering the NBA. Sasser can do a little bit of everything and excels on the defensive end. With another year on tape, Sasser should be a first-round pick.

Note: The Rockets acquired this pick as part of the PJ Tucker trade.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Golden State Warriors: Harrison Ingram, Stanford

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 232

Year: So.

Position: F

Ingram, who was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year last season, averaged 10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and three assists in 32 games. He was one of two true freshmen in the country (Paolo Banchero, Duke) to average at least 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. Ingram is an intriguing prospect given his size and court vision. He has been projected as a player that could handle the ball some at the next level and will look to take the next step as a sophomore.

For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire

Indiana Pacers (via Boston): Julian Phillips, Tennessee

Landon Bost/Naples Daily News

Height: 6-8

Weight: 200

Year: Fr.

Position: F

Phillips is the seventh five-star prospect to commit to U.T. under head coach Rick Barnes. He had a strong showing in the McDonald’s All-American game, scoring nine points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal on 4-of-5 shooting from the field. He is projected to be a strong 3-and-D prospect at the next level and figures to play a large role with the Vols.

Note: The Pacers acquired this pick as part of the Malcolm Brogdon trade.

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire