2023 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The latest projections after the draft lottery
The order of the 2023 NBA draft was decided this week following the conclusion of the lottery as the San Antonio Spurs received the No. 1 pick for the third time in franchise history.
Of course, that means the Spurs will have the first opportunity to select 7-foot-4 French phenom Victor Wembanyama. They are apparently the team he had his sights set on and he will now look to continue his basketball journey in San Antonio.
Elsewhere, other teams made jumps in their lottery positioning, like Charlotte and Portland, and will now have more options to consider on draft night. However, Detroit dropped the furthest in the lottery to fifth, down from its No. 1 slot by virtue of having the worst record.
With the order now set, teams will ramp up their draft preparations.
This week, the league converged in Chicago for the G League Elite Camp and draft combine. Though many prospects skipped the 5-on-5 scrimmages and other testing, several players have seemingly helped themselves with great showings on the court.
Teams will continue to prioritize seeing those individuals that declared as early entrants with the deadline to return to school looming on May 31. Several prospects will have tough decisions to make in the coming days but should have more clarity after the combine.
Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the lottery. 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.
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Height: 7-4 | Weight: 209 | Year: N/A | Position: C
The Spurs won the draft lottery on Tuesday and the right to select Wembanyama with the first pick this year. If we’re to believe him, he spoke the eventual pairing into existence prior to the festivities and is excited to join the organization. The team is a hit in France, largely in part because of former Spurs players Tony Parker and Boris Diaw. Now, Wembanyama will look to follow in their footsteps.
Wembanyama is expected to step in and help transform the organization back into relevance in the NBA. They have missed the playoffs in four straight years, the longest drought under head coach Gregg Popovich. He is viewed as a generational player that can do everything on the court, which is unheard of for a player his size. With Wembanyama in the fold, look for the Spurs to make an immediate jump.
Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
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Height: 6-2 | Weight: 196 | Year: N/A | Position: G
With the draft lottery set, it appears as though Henderson will be heading to the Hornets. He has been long viewed as the No. 2 prospect in this draft class, though, Alabama forward Brandon Miller may have something to say about that. However, Henderson looks to be a great backcourt mate with LaMelo Ball as the two players project to be a good fit with each other on offense.
Henderson has proven to be able to play on or off the ball and will give the team a dynamic scorer that can also get others involved. He will bring great size with him and should have a smooth transition after playing with the Ignite over the past two seasons. Henderson was viewed by many as a consolation prize for the team that missed out on Wembanyama and the Hornets will greatly benefit by his arrival.
Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Miller, Alabama
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Height: 6-9 | Weight: 200 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
It was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on Tuesday during the draft lottery that teams are not finding anything to disqualify Miller as a high pick this year after his involvement in the shooting of a 23-year-old woman in January. In fact, they believe Miller is mature and focused and believe his character is an asset.
On the court, Miller projects to check many boxes and figures to be a welcomed addition to the Trail Blazers. He has good size and is the prototypical wing player that teams covet with his ability to space the floor and score at the rim. The All-American appears to be locked in as a top-three pick at this stage of the pre-draft process.
Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 214 | Year: N/A | Position: G
The Rockets will have the opportunity to draft Thompson and fill an immediate need in the backcourt. Of the Thompson twins, Amen is viewed more as a point guard with his ability to run the offense and get others involved. He is super athletic and would be exciting to watch next to Jalen Green next season and beyond.
He recently measured in with a 7-foot wingspan at the draft combine, a massive number relative to his 6-foot, 7-inch frame. With his length and athleticism, Thompson offers plenty of potential on the defensive end of the floor and could develop into a 3-and-D player at the next level with development.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Detroit Pistons: Cam Whitmore, Villanova
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 235 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
The Pistons certainly had a disappointing draft lottery after dropping to fifth. However, general manager Troy Weaver didn’t view the results as a large disappointment and believes the team can add another young player to the mix. They are even open to trading the pick, too. In any case, this stage of the draft looks to be where things will get rather interesting as the Pistons will seemingly have several players to consider.
Whitmore should be considered here.
He established himself as one of the top college prospects this past season with his athleticism and ability to penetrate into the paint and finish with power. He can score from seemingly all over the court and still has plenty of room to develop. Whitmore had some inconsistent performances due to injury but has all of the tools to develop into a franchise cornerstone, something the Pistons are in the market for.
Orlando Magic: Jarace Walker, Houston
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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 248 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
The quest to win back-to-back No. 1 picks fell short of the mark on Tuesday as the Magic were awarded the sixth selection. The team has the opportunity to add another piece to a roster that features Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and others. The Magic have often been a team that has taken the best player available in the draft and that shouldn’t change this year.
Walker, who was the AAC Freshman of the Year, would arrive in Orlando as a tremendous defender that can “sit down and guard,” as Jamahl Mosley likes to say. He measured in with a 7-foot, 2.5-inch wingspan at the draft combine, something that the Magic will love. Outside of his defense, Walker showed that he can be a capable shooter at the next level after converting 34.7% from distance.
Indiana Pacers: Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 218 | Year: N/A | Position: G
Like his twin brother Amen, Ausar Thompson measured in with a 7-foot wingspan at the draft combine this week. Add that to his elite athleticism and growing offensive game and there is an elite-level prospect available. He would fill an immediate need for the Pacers on the defensive end of the court as a versatile wing. Indiana is still very much in the talent-gathering business and adding Thompson would be a great pick for years to come.
Washington Wizards: Anthony Black, Arkansas
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 210 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Black projects to be a good fit with the Wizards as a player that can play off the ball, if needed. He showed promise last season as a cutter with his off-ball movement and was also a standout on defense with his length and quickness. He has added about 12 pounds to his frame from his listed weight at Arkansas, which will help him with the transition to the next level. As a player that can impact games on both ends of the floor, Black should be a top-10 pick this year.
Utah Jazz: Cason Wallace, Kentucky
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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Given his ability to shoot and defend, Wallace looks to be a good fit with the Jazz. He 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 he can run an offense efficiently after ranking second in the SEC in assists (4.3) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio. He also projects to be able to step in and log big minutes, if needed.
Dallas Mavericks: Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 213 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Hendricks made a rapid rise up draft boards after a great freshman campaign with UCF. He has the athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions and switch onto smaller players. He boasts a 7-foot wingspan that will help enable him to play the passing lanes and help protect the paint. Offensively, Hendricks can space the floor, after shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc, and help facilitate things on the court.
After some great tanking efforts, the Mavericks managed to hang onto this pick. Dallas appears to be the floor for Hendricks as some believe he can go even higher on draft night. Based on his ascension to this point, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see him go in the 6-8 range after the combine and team workouts. In any case, Hendricks is well on his way to becoming the first Knights player drafted in the first round.
Orlando Magic (via Chicago): Gradey Dick, Kansas
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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 204 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
The Magic have a second lottery pick due to the trade involving Nikola Vucevic two years ago. The front office is excited about the opportunity to continue to build the roster by adding two high picks and is eager to begin meeting with those prospects projected in this range.
Dick is a player that could step in and fill an immediate need for the Magic: 3-point shooting. He set the Jayhawks freshman record for most 3s in a season (83) after shooting 40.3% shooting from 3-point range. The Magic desperately need shooting so Dick could be the pick here.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Keyonte George, Baylor
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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 185 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
George has the ability to take over games on offense and that could be a valuable asset for the Thunder. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals last season, and holds the program record for the most 20-point games (12) and 3s in a season by a freshman (77). He’ll need to improve his efficiency at the next level, but has the tools in place to become a consistent scorer with his ability to create for himself and others.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Toronto Raptors: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 185 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Smith, who was once viewed as a potential top-five pick, has slipped some after an inconsistent freshman year with the Razorbacks. Of course, he missed time due to injury, and that largely prevented him from having a strong year. However, teams in this range should absolutely take a look at him here.
With some uncertainty regarding their backcourt, the Raptors figure to be a good fit for Smith. He has elite athleticism and is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and passer, traits the Raptors could certainly use. It seems a bit odd to think Smith, a former No. 3 recruit, could be a steal at this stage of the draft, but that looks to be the case here.
New Orleans Pelicans: Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
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Height: 6-10 | Weight: 212 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Miller, who was born in Canada, is highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor. He does the majority of his work in the paint but shot 30.4% from 3-point range on 2.4 attempts per game last season. He is active as a cutter and has a great package of finishes and often hits the offensive glass hard.
He became a walking double-double with the Ignite in February, recording seven alone in the month (in eight games), and will be able to bring that production to the NBA. We are a bit higher on Miller than most at this point of the process and believe his stock will continue to rise as the draft approaches on June 22.
Atlanta Hawks: Kobe Bufkin, Michigan
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 186 | Year: So. | Position: G
Bufkin has been among the biggest risers throughout the college season and is widely expected to be selected in this range. He excelled in running the offense at Michigan and has the ability to stretch the floor with his smooth lefty stroke. His addition would give the Hawks some more depth in the backcourt.
Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Jordan Hawkins, UConn
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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 186 | Year: So. | Position: G
Hawkins 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 and would be a good addition to the Jazz.
Los Angeles Lakers: Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State
Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 235 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
The selection of Sensabaugh would give the Lakers some scoring and shooting. The team took a massive leap in each category after its trade deadline acquisitions and Sensabaugh would certainly add to that. He can work from all three levels and boasts great size at the next level at 6 feet, 6 inches and 235 pounds. His range could be a bit higher than this spot, but if he is still on the board, the Lakers should take a look at him.
For more coverage on LeBron James and the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire
Miami Heat: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 216 | Year: Fr. | Position: PG
Hood-Schifino is viewed as one of the top point guards in the draft this year given his ability on both ends of the court. He showed great poise throughout the year and dished out the fourth-most assists (117) in program history by a freshman. He also has the length needed to make an impact on the defensive end of the floor, as well. He ascended mock drafts rapidly throughout the year and now looks to be locked in as a mid-first-rounder.
Golden State Warriors: 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 has a great shooting form and can launch quickly, which will certainly be something the Warriors could use. His shooting will be what draws teams in but he has shown the ability to penetrate the paint and finish. He is projected to be a mid-to-late first-rounder this year and the Warriors could be a potential destination for him.
For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire
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, ranking eighth in the country in blocks. He would be able to step into any situation and immediately help shore up their interior defense, including the Rockets. He could even go higher than this position after a strong showing at his pro day and in workouts.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix): Dariq Whitehead, Duke
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 217 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Whitehead recently underwent a second surgery on his foot to correct a previous procedure, but he is expected to be ready for the start of next season. He sought out multiple opinions on the injury and is hopeful he can finally put it behind him. While he never really looked 100% on the court this past season, he still showed flashes of what made him so highly recruited.
He averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and one assist on 42.9% shooting from 3-point range. He finished second in the ACC in 3-point percentage, and it was the fifth-highest mark of any freshman in program history. He showed that he can be a three-level scorer at the next level and put up points in a hurry. Teams will certainly look into his foot injury, but assuming that checks out, Whitehead will be a first-round pick.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Brooklyn Nets: Bobi Klintman, Wake Forest
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Height: 6-10 | Weight: 225 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Klintman has climbed draft boards early in the pre-draft process given his size and potential. He withdrew from the draft combine this week, sparking rumors that he may have received a first-round promise from a team. Nonetheless, he is viewed as one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.
His counting stats don’t necessarily jump off the page — 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range — but he can do a little bit of everything. He is still raw in terms of his ability, but developing in an NBA system will certainly help him in the future. With a couple of picks in this range, the Nets could be a team to target him.
For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire
Portland Trail Blazers (via New York): Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL)
Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 193 | Year: N/A | Position: G
Rupert, who was born in France, is an intriguing prospect due to his potential on defense. He boasts a 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan that often helps him create havoc in the passing lanes. He also has great athleticism and can move his feet quickly. On the other end, he has shown the ability to penetrate into the paint and kick it out when necessary. However, he will need to improve his shot, but with some development on that end, Rupert could be a potential steal at this stage of the draft.
Sacramento Kings: Gregory 'GG' Jackson II, South Carolina
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 214 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Jackson proved a great scorer this past season at South Carolina with his ability to create for himself and emerged as a strong creator and playmaker on offense. He 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 is projected to go in this range and would be a good addition to a Kings roster that could use more scoring.
Memphis Grizzlies: Bilal Coulibaly, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 230 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Coulibaly, who will turn 19 in July, 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. Coulibaly started off the year a bit slow but has come on strong over the past few months and is now viewed as a late first-rounder this year.
Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland): Kris Murray, Iowa
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 212 | Year: Jr. | Position: F
Murray, who is training with his twin brother, looks to be a great option for teams in this range. He 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 and should step in as an athletic wing player at the next level. With three first-round picks this year, the Pacers can fill quite a few needs on draft night.
Charlotte Hornets (via Denver): Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette
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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 212 | Year: Jr. | Position: F
Prosper, who was born in Canada, has emerged as one of the top standouts at the draft combine this week. He produced 21 points and seven rebounds in his first scrimmage game and flashed his athleticism and overall skill set on both ends of the court. He hasn’t yet decided if he’ll return to school or stay in the draft but said this week that he’ll do so after meeting with more teams for workouts and interviews. However, his showing in the combine certainly helped his stock among teams.
Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia): Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 226 | Year: Sr. | Position: F
Jaquez is another player that helped himself this week at the draft combine. He registered a 39-inch max vertical jump, which ranked seventh, and was third in standing vertical jump at 34.5 inches. He isn’t necessarily a player many would consider one of the most athletic players in the draft but Jaquez has that ability. He has a tremendous ability to score and can also make an impact on the defensive side of the ball. He has shot up draft boards of late and now appears to be a potential late first-rounder.
Indiana Pacers (via Boston): Andre Jackson Jr., UConn
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 198 | Year: Jr. | Position: F
Jackson was one of eight players in the country to record at least 225 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists last season. After shooting just 28.1% from 3-point range, Jackson is working daily to improve his shot and said it is his biggest point of emphasis during his pre-draft training. But it will be his rebounding and potential as a lockdown defender that teams will love at this stage of the draft.
LA Clippers (via Milwaukee): Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine
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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 207 | Year: So. | Position: F
Lewis emerged as a great scorer and was even ranked nationally in the top 20 earlier in the season. He has good size at his position as a wing and added about 12 pounds to his frame compared to his listed weight last season at Pepperdine. Lewis has plenty of upside and could be a good value pick here at 30.
Second Round: Nos. 31-40
31. Detroit: Sidy Cissoko, G League Ignite
32. Indiana (via Houston): James Nnaji, Barcelona (Spain)
33. San Antonio: Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara
34. Charlotte: Colby Jones, Xavier
35. Boston (via Portland): Terquavion Smith, NC State
36. Orlando: Noah Clowney, Alabama
37. Oklahoma City (via Washington): DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
38: Sacramento (via Indiana): Kobe Brown, Missouri
39. Charlotte (via Utah): Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
40. Denver (via Dallas): Amari Bailey, UCLA
Second Round: Nos. 41-50
41. Charlotte (via Oklahoma City): Jalen Slawson, Furman
42. Washington (via Chicago): Trey Alexander, Creighton
43. Portland (via Atlanta): Marcus Sasser, Houston
44. San Antonio (via Toronto): Tristan Vukcevic, KK Partizan (Serbia)
45. Memphis (via Minnesota): Jalen Wilson, Kansas
46. Atlanta (via New Orleans): Adem Bona, UCLA
47. Los Angeles Lakers: Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
48. LA Clippers: Omari Moore, San Jose State
49. Cleveland (via Golden State): Julian Phillips, Tennessee
50. Oklahoma City (via Miami): Mouhamed Gueye, Washington State
Second Round: Nos. 51-58
51. Brooklyn: Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
52. Phoenix: Nikola Djurisic, KK Mega Basket (Serbia)
53. Minnesota (via New York): Ricky Council IV, Arkansas
54. Sacramento: Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan
55. Indiana (via Cleveland): Tosan Evbuomwan, Princeton
56. Memphis: Jaylen Clark, UCLA
Chicago (via Denver): Forfeited
Philadelphia: Forfeited
57. Washington (via Boston): Ben Sheppard, Belmont
58. Milwaukee: Kevin McCullar, Kansas
