2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Projections for every pick post-March Madness

The NBA pre-draft process is in full swing with the basketball season winding down as prospects around the world prepare to transition to the next level.

Teams around the league will begin hosting private workouts in the coming weeks as they finalize their draft boards. There will also be various pro days on the radar and, of course, the draft combine and G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft. There have been several notable players that have already decided to return to school, such as Kyle Filipowski, Harrison Ingram, Baylor Scheierman and Kel’el Ware. Others are still mulling over their decisions.

Related: Key dates for NBA draft, combine, lottery and deadlines

With players still in the process of making their decisions, some prospects were excluded from this mock draft because they are projected to return to school next season. However, most players projected to be drafted have already announced their decisions.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the NCAA Tournament. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of April 14. The draft will have only 58 picks this year because the Bulls and 76ers were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA due to tampering violations.

Detroit Pistons: Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans 92

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Height: 7-4 | Weight: 209 | Year: N/A | Position: C

While the NCAA Tournament was in its final stages, Victor Wembanyama was busy dazzling in France. The phenom had everyone talking after an absurd sequence recently, in which he followed up his own miss from the 3-point line and threw down a one-handed putback jam.

The play sort of encapsulated what Wembanyama has done all year long. He has dazzled seemingly every time he’s touched the court and has had teams near the top of the draft board drooling over his potential when he arrives in the U.S. later this year.

The Pistons are currently in the driver’s seat for the top pick, but the draft lottery on May 16 will ultimately decide that. Wembanyama would be a huge addition to the Pistons, or any other team that lands the top pick, for that matter.

San Antonio Spurs: Scoot Henderson, NBA G League Ignite

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Height: 6-2 | Weight: 196 | Year: N/A | Position: G

Henderson was held out of action by the Ignite for their last six games of the season as the team believed he showcased enough of his game to be a high pick. He has been the consensus No. 2 pick throughout the year but may have some competition from Alabama’s Brandon Miller to be the second player selected on June 22.

He likely solidified his draft stock in October in front of 200-plus executives and scouts against Victor Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 in Henderson, Nevada. He missed the second game but dazzled in the first matchup with 28 points and continued that run from that opening game, dazzling throughout the year with the Ignite

Henderson finished by averaging 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 44.4% shooting from the field in 25 games. He registered 12 20-point games and became one of four players this season to record at least 20 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds in a game on Feb. 23. In other words: He should still be the second player off the board.

Houston Rockets: Brandon Miller, Alabama

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Height: 6-9 | Weight: 200 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Miller had quite a season with the Crimson Tide and is now expected to be a top-three pick this year. He was named a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 38.4% shooting from 3-point range. He was the first player to win the SEC Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and conference tournament MVP in the same season, and was the fourth freshman in the last 50 years to lead the SEC in scoring.

The 20-year-old struggled some during the NCAA Tournament, but still showed flashes of what enabled him to have a strong year on the court. His freshman campaign was clouded some by his involvement in the shooting of a 23-year-old woman near campus in January and teams will certainly do some of their own investigating regarding that incident. However, if everything checks out clean, as Miller has maintained, he will be a high pick on June 22.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Charlotte Hornets: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 202 | Year: N/A | Position: G

Thompson has perhaps the highest ceiling in the draft and is widely viewed as a raw prospect after two seasons with Overtime Elite. Teams will be curious to see him in workouts and how much of his tape at Overtime Elite can translate to the next level. The Hornets could look to take a chance on him here but the front office will certainly have to decide how much of a risk they want to take should they land the fourth pick. If they believe Thompson, or his twin brother Ausar Thompson, is too much of a risk, someone like Jarace Walker or Cam Whitmore could jump into this range.

Portland Trail Blazers: Jarace Walker, Houston

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 235 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Walker was named the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal in 36 games. He is considered a first-round pick this year given his ability as a defender. He ranked fifth in the country in defensive rating (87.1), sixth in defensive win shares (2.8) and second in the conference in block percentage (6.3). Walker has great instincts and athleticism, and with an improving offensive game, he is emerging as one of the top two-way prospects in the draft this year.

Orlando Magic: Gradey Dick, Kansas

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 205 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Gradey Dick entered college known as a shooter and the 19-year-old lived up to expectations. He posted 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals on 40.3% shooting from 3-point range, and set the Jayhawks record for most 3s in a season by a freshman with 83. Dick is regarded as perhaps the best shooter in the draft and would step in and help fill an immediate need for the Magic.

The front office often takes the best player available, rather than focusing on team need, but the addition of Dick would make a lot of sense. Depending on how the team views the likes of Ausar Thompson and Cam Whitmore, who are also projected to go in this range, the Jayhawks standout could be the pick here. On top of his shooting, Dick was also able to score in a variety of ways, while holding his own on defense.

Washington Wizards: Cam Whitmore, Villanova

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 232 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Whitmore established himself as one of the top college prospects with his athleticism and ability to penetrate into the paint and finish with power. He can score from seemingly all over the court and is projected to be a lottery pick. He was previously viewed as a top-five pick but was inconsistent at times, especially after missing the start of the season due to thumb surgery. However, he still has all of the tools needed to be successful at the next level. The Wizards have often utilized their G League affiliate to develop players, including 10th pick Johnny Davis this season, and Whitmore could spend some time there to get consistent minutes next season.

Indiana Pacers: Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 207 | Year: N/A | Position: G

Like his twin brother, Thompson possesses elite athleticism that enables him to be electric on the court. He is still a very raw prospect but has improved his shooting over the past year with Overtime Elite. Some believe he has the potential to develop into a star on both ends of the floor, but teams will be curious to see him in workouts during the pre-draft process. Thompson will need some time to develop and the Pacers could be a good situation for him.

Utah Jazz: Anthony Black, Arkansas

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 198 | Year: Fr. | Position: G

Black, who was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals. He led the conference in minutes (34.9) and was the only player to rank inside the top 25 in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks (22). He showed promise as a cutter with his off-ball movement and was also a standout on defense with his length and quickness. Black will need to improve as a shooter and bulk up some to endure the physicality at the next level but should still be a high pick.

Dallas Mavericks: Taylor Hendricks, UCF

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Height: 6-9 | Weight: 210 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

The Mavericks did a masterful job of tanking to put themselves in the best position to keep this pick and they should have the chance to add a contributor should it stay inside the top 10. Hendricks averaged 15.1 points, seven rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 assists on 39.4% shooting from 3-point range. He led the AAC in blocks and was eighth in the country in scoring among all freshmen.

Hendricks made a rapid rise up draft boards after a great freshman campaign with the Knights. He affects games on both ends of the court and is a great fit in the modern game given his size and ability to shoot. For example: He was one of two players in the country with at least 60 3s and 55 blocks. Hendricks would be a great fit on a Mavericks team that is in need of help on the defensive end.

Note: This pick is protected for selection Nos. 1-10

Oklahoma City Thunder: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 185 | Year: Fr. | Position: G

Smith missed extensive time due to a right knee injury but played in each of Arkansas’ last 12 games after returning to the lineup on Feb. 11. He scored in double figures in seven straight games upon returning and put up his best stretch of the season, averaging 18.1 points, 2.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals.

The former No. 3 recruit has elite athleticism and is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and passer. He flourishes in the paint and can often convert difficult looks at the rim. He is still viewed as a lottery pick and the Thunder could make sense as a landing spot for him as a team that can try to tap into his potential.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Orlando Magic (via Chicago): Keyonte George, Baylor

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 185 | Year: Fr. | Position: G

With likely another pick in the lottery thanks to the trade involving Nikola Vucevic in 2021, the Magic will add another young player to a core that features Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs among others. George, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, would give the group another scoring option. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals, and holds the program record for the most 20-point games (12) and 3s in a season by a freshman (77). George has the ability to take over games on offense and that should be something that is highly coveted in this range.

Note: This pick is protected for selection Nos. 1-4

Toronto Raptors: Cason Wallace, Kentucky

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 193 | Year: Fr. | Position: G

The All-SEC guard is most commonly projected to be a late lottery pick this year given his ability to shoot and defend. Wallace brings a ton of energy on defense and has all of the tools and physical attributes to lock down opponents on a nightly basis. He showed that he can run an offense efficiently after ranking second in the conference in assists (4.3) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio. He is projected to be able to step in immediately and contribute.

New Orleans Pelicans: Leonard Miller, NBA G League Ignite

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Height: 6-11 | Weight: 221 | Year: N/A | Position: F

Miller, who was born in Canada, emerged as the second-best prospect on the Ignite this season, behind only Scoot Henderson. He averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.7 rebounds and one steal on 53.6% shooting from the field in 38 games. He was a walking double-double late in the season, registering seven alone in February.

The 19-year-old is highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor. He does the majority of his work in the paint but did shoot 30.4% from 3-point range on 2.4 attempts per game. He is active as a cutter and has a great package of finishes. He often hits the offensive glass hard and is good for a few putbacks each game.

Atlanta Hawks: Jordan Hawkins, UConn

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 195 | Year: So. | Position: G

Hawkins helped lead UConn to its fifth national title with a sensational run in the NCAA Tournament. He became the third Huskies player to hit at least 20 3s in a tournament run and was honored on the All-Tournament team after averaging 16.3 points on 50% shooting from 3-point range in their six games. The 20-year-old is regarded as perhaps the best shooter in the draft this year after finishing 12th in the country in 3s. From shooting on the move to coming off screens, Hawkins’ game fits perfectly at the next level.

Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Dariq Whitehead, Duke

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 220 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Whitehead missed the first four games of the season due to a foot injury and another four games because of a leg sprain. He started a bit slowly, but settled in and scored in double figures eight times in 11 games from Dec. 10-Feb. 18, averaging 11.1 points in that span. He proved to be a three-level scorer throughout the year and excelled in shooting after converting 42.9% from 3-point range. He finished second in the ACC in 3-point percentage as it was the fifth-highest mark of any freshman in program history. Despite dealing with some injuries, Whitehead showed that he can score with the best of them in this draft class.

Los Angeles Lakers: Jett Howard, Michigan

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 215 | Year: Fr. | Position: G

Howard, the son of Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard, is considered a first-round pick this year given his ability as a scorer and shooter. He showed he can get hot in any game and went off for a career-high 34 points on Jan. 12 against Iowa with seven 3-pointers. Howard has a great shooting form and can launch quickly, which will help him at the next level. Outside of his shooting, he has shown the ability to penetrate the paint and finish but it will be his shooting that teams will love.

For more coverage on LeBron and the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire

Miami Heat: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 213 | Year: Fr. | Position: PG

The Big Ten Freshman of the Year wasn’t on the national radar entering the season but quickly established himself as one of the top first-year players in the country. Hood-Schifino is regarded as one of the top point guards in the draft, given his ability to shoot and put up points. Though he shot 33.3% from 3-point range on 3.5 attempts, Hood-Schifino has a great form and quick release that should enable a smooth transition to the next level. He projects to be able to step in and make an impact in the NBA with his offensive talent, something that could help the Heat.

Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers): Dereck Lively II, Duke

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Height: 7-1 | Weight: 230 | Year: Fr. | Position: C

Lively emerged as an excellent rim protector and overall defender with the Blue Devils. He posted averages of 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.1 assists on 65.8% shooting from the field in 34 games. He was eighth in the country in blocks and swatted at least one shot in 32 games. He had six blocks in the Blue Devils’ first-round win over Oral Roberts, a program record by a freshman in the NCAA Tournament. The Rockets could use a rim protector in their frontcourt and could look to Lively to help solve some of those issues with their second selection in the first round.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Golden State Warriors: Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 235 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Sensabaugh emerged as a high-usage player with the Buckeyes (34.0). He averaged 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 40.5% shooting from 3-point range. He finished eighth in the conference in scoring and 13th in the country in offensive box plus-minus (plus-7.8). He can work from all three levels and boasts great size to play well at the next level at 6 feet, 6 inches and 235 pounds. Sensabaugh somewhat surprisingly announced that he would retain the right to return to school when declaring for the draft, but he is widely considered to be a lock as a first-rounder so he likely won’t be returning to Columbus.

For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire

Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix): Kobe Bufkin, Michigan

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195 | Year: So. | Position: G

Bufkin wasn’t on the national radar to begin the season but climbed draft boards with his ability to run the offense and score at a high level. The lefty has a nice shooting stroke and converted 35.5% of his 3.7 attempts per game. He figures to provide some depth in the backcourt for teams drafting in this range, something the Nets could use.

For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire

Brooklyn Nets: Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL)

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 192 | Year: N/A | Position: G

Rupert, who was born in France, averaged 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds on 35% shooting from the field with the NZ Breakers in the NBL. He missed nearly two months of action early in the season due to a wrist injury but eventually returned on Jan. 3. He has shown the ability to penetrate into the paint and kick it out when necessary.

On the other end, his 7-foot-3 wingspan and strong instincts can often create havoc in the passing lanes. He will need to improve on his shooting and overall offensive package, but it is his defense and overall potential that teams will covet. He is currently training in Dallas and already looks to be busy working on those areas.

For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire

Portland Trail Blazers (via New York): Gregory 'GG' Jackson II, South Carolina

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Height: 6-9 | Weight: 215 | Year: Fr. | Position: F

Jackson was fifth in the country in scoring among first-year players (15.4) and had the most 20-point games (11) by a Gamecocks freshman since the team joined the SEC in 1991. He proved a great scorer with his ability to create for himself and emerged as a strong creator and playmaker on offense. Jackson will need to improve as a shooter, after converting 32.4% on 5.3 attempts per game, but has the tools necessary to be a good scorer at the next level.

Sacramento Kings: Colby Jones, Xavier

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 205 | Year: Jr. | Position: G

Jones emerged as a dynamic scorer with his ability to create for himself and get into the paint. He produced nine 20-point games and finished by averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals on 37.8% shooting from 3-point range, which is an improvement from 29.2% last year as a sophomore. He is one of the more experienced players projected to be taken in the first round and teams should love his maturity and unselfishness.

Memphis Grizzlies: Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 195 | Year: So. | Position: F

Lewis dazzled as a scorer with Pepperdine and is “all-in” on the draft this year. He was ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring earlier this year and put up a season-high 30 points twice. He has good size at his position as a wing and is a great rebounder. He will still need to improve as a defender and could spend next year in mostly a developmental role. The Grizzlies leaned on their G League affiliate often this season with so many first-year guys on their roster and Lewis could stand to benefit in their system. He has plenty of upside and should hear his name called in this range.

Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland): Kris Murray, Iowa

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 220 | Year: Jr. | Position: F

Murray really flourished with the Hawkeyes following the departure of his twin brother, Keegan Murray. He was named a consensus third-team All-American after averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal. Murray was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and one block with at least 65 3-pointers this season. He shares many of the same abilities Keegan has and projects to be an impact player at the next level.

Charlotte Hornets (via Denver): Bilal Coulibaly, Metropolitans 92 (France)

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 230 | Year: N/A | Position: F

With much of the basketball world focusing on Victor Wembanyama this season, teams had the opportunity to get an extended look at Coulibaly on Metropolitans 92. The Frenchman averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.3 assists on 35.7% shooting from 3-point range in 38 games this season. He started off a bit slow, but improved as the season progressed and put up some strong performances.

As one of the youngest players in the draft, Coulibaly has impressed on offense with his burst and ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. He also showed promise as a shooter and player that can make the right plays. He is said to have a 7-foot, 3-inch wingspan, which will help him defensively. He isn’t 100% locked in on staying in the draft, but that could change.

Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia): Noah Clowney, Alabama

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 230 | Year: N/A | Position: F

With three first-round picks, the Jazz will be in the business of adding young and talented players through the draft and Clowney is likely the top player at this stage with the most upside available. He had a tremendous rise up draft boards this season and is viewed as one of the top defenders in the class. He will have to work on his offensive game and become a better shooter but has shown flashes of what he can become with a consistent jumper.

Indiana Pacers (via Boston): James Nnaji, Barcelona (Spain)

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Height: 6-11 | Weight: 225 | Year: N/A | Position: C

Nnaji is highly touted for his ability to play with physicality down low. He is very mobile for his size and found great success working in the paint during his limited run on a stacked Barcelona team. He will need to improve as an interior defender but with good size and athleticism, that should come with time. For a team with three first-round picks, Nnaji could be a good option here as a high-upside pick.

LA Clippers (via Milwaukee): Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 225 | Year: Sr. | Position: F

The Pac-12 Player of the Year was a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals on 48.1% shooting from the field. He has shot up draft boards of late and is viewed as a potential late first-round pick that can step in immediately and contribute off the bench. He projects to have a good fit here with the Clippers with his scoring and potential on defense with his 6-foot, 11-inch wingspan.

Second Round: Nos. 31-40

31. Detroit: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

32. Indiana (via Houston): Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara

33. San Antonio: Sidy Cissoko, NBA G League Ignite

34. Charlotte: Terquavion Smith, NC State

35. Boston (via Portland): Marcus Sasser, Houston

36. Orlando: Jalen Wilson, Kansas

37. Sacramento (via Indiana): Amari Bailey, UCLA

38. Oklahoma City (via Washington): Nikola Djurisic, KK Mega Basket (Serbia)

39. Charlotte (via Utah): Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois

40. Denver (via Dallas): Ricky Council IV, Arkansas

Second Round: Nos. 41-50

41. Washington (via Chicago): Julian Strawther, Gonzaga

42. Charlotte (via Oklahoma City): Jalen Slawson, Furman

43. Portland (via Atlanta): Kobe Brown, Missouri

44. San Antonio (via Toronto): Coleman Hawkins, Illinois

45. Memphis (via Minnesota): Mouhamed Gueye, Washington State

46. Atlanta (via New Orleans): Tristan Vukcevic, KK Partizan (Serbia)

47. Los Angeles Lakers: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton

48. Cleveland (via Golden State): Keyontae Johnson, Kansas State

49. LA Clippers: Julian Phillips, Tennessee

50. Oklahoma City (via Miami): Reece Beekman, Virginia

Second Round: Nos. 51-58

51. Brooklyn: Zach Edey, Purdue

52. Phoenix: Drew Timme, Gonzaga

53. Minnesota (via New York): Jordan Miller, Miami (Fla.)

54. Sacramento: Judah Mintz, Syracuse

55. Indiana (via Cleveland): Jordan Walsh, Arkansas

56. Memphis: Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan

Chicago (via Denver): Forfeited

Philadelphia: Forfeited

57. Washington (via Boston): Mike Miles Jr., TCU

58. Milwaukee: Azuolas Tubelis, Arizona

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire