2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

The 2023 NBA Draft order is set, and teams are working tirelessly to prepare for June 22. The lottery and combine are in the books, but there will be workouts, pro days, and plenty of information to gather before selecting a player. There are zero guarantees in the draft, and every team does things a bit differently.

The Dallas Mavericks kept the tenth pick in the lottery, and they face a crucial decision. Do they deal it for win-now help or keep it and add a talented prospect on a rookie contract? The Mavs are exploring their options, but what can they get for the final top ten pick?

Victor Wembanyama will be the number one pick, but there will be plenty of drama and trades on draft night. Where will the prospects land on June 22? Here is a mock draft of all 30 first-round selections.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: 1. San Antonio Spurs select Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs will select Wembanyama with the top pick this year. The 7’5 big man is the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James, and ESPN sent a reporter to France to interview him during the draft lottery. The teenage prodigy will end up in San Antonio to give them a third number one overall pick of a legendary big man in the last 40 years.

Wembanyama has a unique skill set. He averaged 21.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks in 32.2 minutes per game this season playing professionally in France. The 7’5 big man can handle the ball, protect the rim, rebound, shoot stepback threes, and score. Wemby has the potential to be the best player in the NBA in a few years.

There is already plenty of hype, and the teenager will be the face of the franchise in San Antonio from the moment he arrives. The Spurs have experience developing star big men, and they are hoping to make Victor Wembanyama an all-time great. Fans should be excited to see what he can do in the best league in the world.

The first overall pick is decided which means the drama of the 2023 NBA Draft starts at number two.

2. Charlotte Hornets select Brandon Miller

The first debate starts here, and there are two players under consideration for this spot. Scoot Henderson was viewed as the number two prospect coming into the season, but he struggled with the G League Ignite, and Miller had a phenomenal freshman season at Alabama. The 6’9 forward has a nearly seven-foot wingspan, and he could be the next dominant wing.

He averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game as he shot 43.0 percent from the field and 38.4 percent on his 3-point tries. His size and versatility will have Charlotte strongly considering Miller for the second overall pick.

The Hornets have a difficult decision to make here. They have LaMelo Ball as their lead playmaker, and he needs the ball in his hands to be at his best. Do they take another ball-handler at two or do they go for the wing scorer that could be a force on both ends of the floor?

I’d go best player, but the Charlotte Hornets will likely go for Brandon Miller as their second building block. They will try to put some mass on him to increase his versatility and ensure he reaches his All-NBA potential.

3. Portland Trail Blazers take Scoot Henderson

The Blazers are rumored to be shopping this pick after moving up in the lottery. Could Portland get some win-now help to put around Damian Lillard? Will it be enough to get the Trail Blazers back into contention?

Teams will certainly be calling if Scoot is still on the board. The 6’2 guard is a bit undersized, but he is a phenomenal athlete that can make plays on both ends of the floor. There will be highlight reel dunks to go with his ability to be a primary ball-handler and playmaker.

Henderson’s jump shot and his shot selection are his biggest question marks. He attempted too many long twos for the G League Ignite, and he hit just 27.5 percent from 3-point range. Similar things were said about De’Aaron Fox coming into the 2017 NBA Draft, and he just made his first All-Star appearance and led his team to the third seed in the Western Conference.

Scoot Henderson could certainly be an All-Star and All-NBA player if he reaches his potential. He believes he should be the number one pick on June 22. The 6’2 guard is a special talent, and he will be ready to make an impact from day one in the NBA. Where will he end up? It depends on what Charlotte and Portland decide to do.

4. Houston Rockets grab Amen Thompson

There are significant debates about who should go after the top three in this draft. Both Thompson twins are projected to be top ten picks, but there are concerns about the level of competition that they faced playing for Overtime Elite.

Amen Thompson is a 6’6 guard that may be the best pure athlete in this class. He averaged 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.4 steals in 28.2 minutes per game this season. The 20-year-old loves to play in transition, and he will ensure that his team gets easy buckets. He is a capable lead ball-handler that will use his speed to athletic chops to increase his team’s pace.

The Rockets have a plethora of young talent and are eager to improve quickly. Will James Harden return in free agency? If he does, they will have their point guard. Without the ten-time All-Star, Houston needs a primary playmaker that can organize their attack.

Amen Thompson is the perfect fit. He could run their offense and get the young roster plenty of easy buckets. The 6’7 guard must improve his outside shooting, but his struggles from the foul line may be a problematic predictor. Can Thompson be even a league-average 3-point shooter in the NBA?

The Houston Rockets could shop this pick as well, but if they keep it, expect them to select the best player available in Amen Thompson.

5. Detroit Pistons take Ausar Thompson

This pick feels wide open, and the Pistons were the biggest loser on lottery night. They finished with the worst record in the NBA before falling to fifth. Detroit now has to decide among a group of players with similar draft grades.

The Pistons are building around Cade Cunningham with Jaden Ivey as their point guard of the present and future. They also have multiple talented young big men, but Detroit could use a wing to round out their core.

Selecting Ausar Thompson may come as a bit of a surprise because he struggles to space the floor, but getting a 6’6 athletic wing with a 6’10 wingspan is difficult to pass on. Thompson could become a lockdown defender, along with being able to handle the ball, rebound, and score. This is a selection based on upside, which makes sense as Detroit looks to exit a rebuild.

Can Thompson improve his jumper and become a league-average 3-point shooter? How will the Pistons adjust with another ball-handler in the mix? Their new coach will have plenty of avenues to explore, and Detroit could become dangerous quickly if their young talent blossoms. There are multiple options here, but do not be surprised to see the Thompson twins go back-to-back on June 22.

6. Orland Magic draft Cam Whitmore

Whitmore will be a top-ten pick on draft night because of his potential. The 6’7 wing checks in at 232 pounds, and he could be the two-way force that every team desires. The 18-year-old is a plus athlete with defensive versatility that is one of the youngest players in this class. He does not turn 19 until July.

The two biggest question marks are his shooting and playmaking. Whitmore shot 34.3 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at Villanova, but it was 37.3 percent over his final 20 games. Scouts are intrigued by his improvement, but they still question if it is real. The 6’7 wing averaged just 0.7 assists per game last season, and he consistently missed reads. Can he improve his playmaking and jumper enough to reach his immense ceiling?

Cam Whitmore is an explosive athlete that is going to make highlight-reel plays in the NBA. His seven-foot wingspan gives him immense defensive potential too. Can the Magic unlock him and have another key piece of their rebuild?

Putting Whitmore at the two gives Orlando a scary young lineup that should only get better. Playing him next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero gives the Magic length and versatility to take on any matchup, and they could become one of the most feared trios in the league if all three reach their ceiling.

7. Indiana Pacers choose Jarace Walker

Walker is arguably the best defender in this class. He has an NBA-ready body at 6’7 and 240 pounds with a 7’2 wingspan. He can guard all five players on the floor along with bringing energy and toughness. He will likely slot in at the four, but Walker is truly a position-less option that will thrive in a switch-heavy defense.

Can he make enough 3-pointers to be a coveted 3-and-D wing in the NBA? He shot 34.7 percent from long range at the shorter college line on 101 attempts. Walker has some passing and playmaking chops for a forward, but can he space the floor and become a two-way weapon at the next level?

Rick Carlisle is an outstanding offensive coach, but the Pacers desperately need help on the defensive end of the floor. They finished 26th in defensive rating last season. Indiana has Myles Turner to protect the rim, but one player cannot make a defense.

Jarace Walker is the perfect fit here. Carlisle has had success improving jumpers back to his days with the Dallas Mavericks, and the 19-year-old is the switchable defender the Pacers need at the four. Indiana is just hoping that the University of Houston product falls to pick seven.

8. Washington Wizards select Anthony Black

The Wizards are one of the true wildcards in the 2023 NBA Draft. Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma are both unrestricted free agents this offseason, and Washington missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. Do they head into a rebuild? The Wizards need a lead executive first, and the process has been moving slowly after firing Tommy Sheppard.

No matter who is in charge, they need a point guard to organize the offense and play strong perimeter defense. Washington finished 21st in defensive rating and 22nd in offensive rating as they missed the Play-In Tournament. Can the Wizards find their lead ball-handler of the present and future in this draft?

Black seems like the perfect fit. He is a 6’7 point guard with a high basketball IQ and immense two-way potential. He averaged over two steals per game during his lone season at Arkansas as the 19-year-old is a strong perimeter defender that can hold his own on switches.

There are questions about his jumper, but Anthony Black should be a lottery pick on June 22. His basketball intelligence coupled with strong playmaking and defense will have him ready to make an impact in the NBA, but can he become a league-average shooter? It is something he will be working on feverously.

9. Utah Jazz grab Taylor Hendricks

Nobody expects Hendricks to be a top-ten pick in the 2023 NBA Draft coming into this season. He was the 46th prospect coming out of high school, and most expected him to spend multiple seasons at UCF.

Instead, the 6’9 forward blossomed. He averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 39.4 percent on his threes. He is listed at 210 pounds and has tons of athletic ability.

Hendricks could be the 3-and-D forward that every team covets. He has a seven-foot wingspan and the versatility to guard two through four. The 19-year-old will throw in fives as he adds some mass. Hendricks could be used as a stretch five in the right matchups, and there is immense potential, especially after making a massive improvement over the last year.

The Utah Jazz are just starting a rebuild, and Danny Ainge would love to add a talented wing. He drafted both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. Could Taylor Hendricks be Ainge’s next homerun draft choice? He certainly has the potential. Expect him to go in the top ten, and it will be tough for the Jazz to pass if he slips this far.

10. Dallas Mavericks draft Cason Wallace

The Mavs desperately need defense. They struggled to guard on the perimeter and in the paint last season. Defense was a staple of their 2022 run to the conference finals, but they slipped to 25th in defensive rating as Dallas missed the postseason entirely in 2023. The Mavericks need perimeter help, rebounding, and rim protection upgrades this summer if they going to return to contention.

Wallace has drawn some Jrue Holiday comparisons for his incredible on-ball defense. The 6’4 guard has a 6’8 wingspan and a high basketball IQ. He is going to make an impact as a perimeter defender from day one in the NBA.

Some may question the Mavericks taking a guard with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, but number 77 is not going to be guarding on the perimeter. Dallas needs an on-ball stopper, and Wallace may be the best one of those in this class.

The Dallas Mavericks are rumored to be shopping this pick as they search for win-now help around Doncic and Irving. They could trade back a few spots and pick up an extra asset or move out of the draft altogether. Either way, Dallas needs defense. Cason Wallace would be a wise target as he shoots well off the catch, can handle the ball, and is a pest when defending on the ball.

11. Orlando Magic (via Bulls) select Gradey Dick

The Magic desperately need shooting after finishing 27th in attempts and 24th in 3-point percentage last season. Could one of the best options in this class still be available with their second lottery pick?

Dick shot 40.3 percent from 3-point range on 5.7 attempts per game during his lone season at the University of Kansas. The 6’8 wing should be more than a 3-point specialist too. He competes hard on the defensive end but may struggle to stay in front of ball-handlers. Still, Dick has a high basketball IQ and some scoring chops beyond his shooting.

Gradey Dick will be a starter in the NBA for a decade, and there is potential for him to turn into more. Getting a surefire starter with a league-ready skill at the 11th pick is fantastic value. Dick may never earn an All-Star nod, but he figures to be a consistent contributor over the length of his NBA career.

If the Orlando Magic exit the 2023 NBA Draft with two outstanding wings with complementary skill sets, they could be a dangerous team in a few years. They will need time to grow and develop, but Gradey Dick offers them a high-floor option to boost their rebuild.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder take Jordan Hawkins

Hawkins had a breakout second season at UConn where he helped the Huskies win the NCAA championship. The 6’5 wing averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 29.4 minutes per game while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 38.8 percent on his 3-point tries.

Hawkins made nearly three 3-pointers per game last season, and he is not just a catch-and-shoot option. The 21-year-old nails jumpers in transition and coming off screens. He talked about modeling his game after Klay Thompson among others, and there are flashes of that from the marksman.

Hawkins will likely last until the late lottery because of questions about his ball handling and defense. He averaged just 1.3 assists per game during the Huskies' championship season, and the 6’5 wing struggled to finish at the rim. His on and off-ball defense both need work as Jordan Hawkins attempts to jump to the next level.

Oklahoma City could go in any direction with this selection. They already have an outstanding young roster that is just beginning to blossom. What does every team in the NBA need? More shooting and Jordan Hawkins profiles as one of the best floor spacers in this class.

13. Toronto Raptors grab Nick Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. was viewed by many as a top-five pick in this class coming out of high school, but an injury-riddled lone season at the University of Arkansas has created plenty of questions. There were struggles on the court too, including shooting just 37.6 percent from the field and producing only 1.7 assists per game.

The 19-year-old missed the start of the season before returning in late November for five games. Then, he suffered a second knee injury that kept him out for two months. Smith Jr. played just 17 contests last season, and the Razorbacks struggled to space the floor around him. It was not ideal, but teams will be looking at his larger body of work when considering his draft stock.

The 6’5 combo guard is known for getting buckets, but he must improve his strength, shot selection, and consistency. Smith Jr. does not need the ball in his hands to score, but the 19-year-old will need some time before he makes a massive impact in the NBA.

The Toronto Raptors have a bit of uncertainty in the backcourt as Fred VanVleet enters free agency, and they have a strong track record of getting the most out of their guards. Nick Smith Jr. is a high-upside pick that could turn into a home run in the late lottery.

14. New Orleans Pelicans acquire Dereck Lively II

The Pelicans have a deep young roster, but they must figure out how to take the next step. Zion Williamson played just 29 games, which is just above his average after four seasons. Can New Orleans count on him to be their star moving forward? They are hoping to develop Dyson Daniels to join their young core with center and point guard being their biggest question marks.

Lively was the number two player in his class coming out of high school, but the 7’1 big man struggled during his lone season at Duke where he averaged just 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game. His minutes were limited in part because of foul trouble. The 19-year-old averaged 2.4 blocks, but 2.7 personal fouls per game for the Blue Devils. Lively was trying to block everything, and it created plenty of foul issues.

Do the Pelicans want a rim protector and rebounder next to Zion in the frontcourt? Lively has a massive 7’6 wingspan and boundless defensive potential. He averaged north of seven rebounds and three blocks per game over Duke’s final 15 games where his impact shined.

It feels like New Orleans could go in any direction with this selection, but they will likely shoot for upside. Dereck Lively could be an elite rim protector if he reaches his ceiling, which will have multiple teams intrigued.

15. Atlanta Hawks choose Kobe Bufkin

Bufkin has been vaulting up draft boards after a strong finish to his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. The 6’4 guard averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent on his 3-point tries. Could Bufkin be a top-ten pick on June 22?

Do not rule it out. The 19-year-old showcased a well-rounded game this season. He scored from all three levels, shot well from long range, and displayed increased playmaking ability as the year went on. Bufkin competes hard on defense and puts up strong numbers, despite being listed at just 175 pounds.

The Hawks are another team looking to shake up their roster this summer. They already have Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in the backcourt, but do they view that tandem as a long-term fit? If not, they could target a young guard in the draft that can grow under their two stars.

Kobe Bufkin will need time to develop, but he could be an exciting offensive player that holds his own defensively. He may never be a star, but the 6’4 guard could be a starter and third or four option in the NBA in the right system.

16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves) take Jalen Hood-Schifino

The Jazz are in the early stages of a rebuild. Lauri Markkanen became an All-Star and has taken over as their building block. Utah got a massive haul of draft picks for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and Danny Ainge is searching for difference-makers in the draft.

They have three first-round picks in 2023, and the Jazz would love to find a long-term solution at point guard. Hood-Schifino may be best as a secondary creator, but he is 6’6 with strong versatility. He can make plays and is fantastic in the mid-range along with being able to guard multiple positions. The 19-year-old has a 6’10 wingspan and is a strong on-ball defender.

The biggest question mark is his jumper as Hood-Schifino shot just 33.3 percent on 111 3-point attempts during his lone season at Indiana University. It is not the prettiest shot, and it will be an area of needed improvement at the next level.

The Utah Jazz could let him develop on the court next season. He may begin the season primarily in the G League until he works his way into the rotation. Tightening up his handle and cutting down on his turnovers will be key if the Jazz want him to be their point guard of the future.

17. Los Angeles Lakers select Leonard Miller

Will the Lakers keep this pick? They are all-in on building around LeBron James after reaching the conference finals in 2023, which could mean dealing the selection for win-now help. If Los Angeles decides to make the selection, they will likely be searching for a high-ceiling prospect that can take a step forward after James retires.

Miller was outstanding for the G League Ignite as he averaged 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.9 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game. He shot 55.6 percent from the field and 79.2 percent on his free throws as a 19-year-old playing professionally.

Miller is still growing into his body, but he is already 6’10 with a 7’2 wingspan. There is a ton of defensive potential to go with his scoring chops. He must improve his jumper, add some mass, and be more consistent on both ends of the floor, but the teenager has an incredibly high ceiling.

It would not be a surprise to see Leonard Miller taken in the lottery. His size, scoring, length, and potential will be difficult to pass up, and the Lakers could get the steal of the 2023 NBA Draft if he falls to 17th overall.

18. Miami Heat draft Jett Howard

Howard is the son of 19-year NBA veteran and former Heat forward Juwan Howard. The elder Howard coached his son at the University of Michigan, and the 20-year-old has been around the NBA game his entire life. Juwan has done well preparing his son for what lies ahead.

Jett Howard is an outstanding shooter that shined in a pro-style offense at Michigan. He averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 31.8 minutes per game while shooting 36.8 percent from 3-point range. Howard is not just a catch-and-shoot option as he thrives coming off screens and firing off movement. The 6’8 wing should be ready to make an impact immediately with the upside to be a starter and consistent role player for 15-plus years.

Howard’s defense is the biggest question mark. He struggled on and off the ball at Michigan, and it is keeping his draft stock from vaulting into the lottery.

His father finished his career with the Miami Heat, and Jett Howard could make an instant impact in Miami with room to grow. He would have to buy into “Heat Culture”, but it could be the best spot for him. The 6’8 wing will improve his defense in Miami and that should help unlock his potential.

19. Golden State Warriors choose Dariq Whitehead

Whitehead’s stock is all over the board after a rough season at Duke. He was the number one player coming out of high school, but injuries and poor performance have scouts questioning what to expect from the 18-year-old next season and long-term. Whitehead averaged just 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 20.6 minutes per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 79.3 percent on his free throws.

He was slowed by a foot injury early in the season and had a second procedure in May, which certainly contributed to his struggles. How much stock should experts put into anything that happened for the 6’7 wing at Duke?

Whitehead did shoot 42.9 percent on 98 3-point attempts last season. Can he become the 3-and-D wing that every NBA team covets? His shooting will make him a first-round pick, but how soon will a team take a chance on his upside?

The Warriors need rookie contracts on their books to keep their luxury tax bill down. Golden State wants to win more championships, so they should be targeting high-upside talent. Dariq Whitehead was a projected top-five pick coming into this season, and the Dubs would love to be the team that attempts to unlock his potential.

20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers) take Brice Sensabaugh

Sensabaugh was an outstanding scorer during his lone season at Ohio State as he averaged 16.3 points on 48.0 percent shooting from the field, 40.5 percent on his 3-point attempts, and 83.0 percent from the free-throw line. The 19-year-old wing can handle the ball and create shots, which will have plenty of teams interested in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

Sensabaugh is one of the best shooters in the class, but he does not project to go higher because of concerns about his defense and playmaking ability. He is not an elite athlete, and the 6’6 wing was attacked often at the college level. The former Buckeye has to improve his defense and become a more-willing facilitator if he wants to become an NBA starter and reach his ceiling.

Sensabaugh is a shot-maker, which should translate to the next level and have plenty of teams interested. 

The Houston Rockets shot a league-worst 32.7 percent from 3-point range last season. They need floor spacers, especially if they plan on adding James Harden to run their offense this summer. If they select one of the Thompson twins at pick four, their need for shooting only gets bigger. Houston needs defense too, but they will have to choose which way to go with this selection.

21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns) grab Keyonte George

George has a high draft range after an up-and-down lone season at Baylor. The 6’4 guard averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.6 minutes per game, but he shot just 37.6 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from 3-point range with nearly three turnovers per game.

The 19-year-old is not shy about getting shots up. He took nearly seven 3-pointers per game last season and improvements in his shot selection should lead him to become an above-average shooter in the NBA. George needs polish, but his handle, playmaking chops, and ability to run an offense are intriguing.

The 6’4 guard has serious defensive question marks. He is listed at 185 pounds and will likely be targeted on that end of the floor. Can he hold his own defensively enough to stay on the floor early in his career? George will compete hard, but that may not be enough.

The Brooklyn Nets are in the early stages of retooling their roster after the failed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving experiment. They need a point guard who can get buckets and create for others, and the Nets have the luxury of waiting for George to develop.

22. Brooklyn Nets acquire Noah Clowney

The Nets have back-to-back picks at 21 and 22, and the freedom to go in any direction. They have depth on the wing, and Nicolas Claxton is locked in as their starting center. Could Brooklyn add a point guard and power forward to enhance the role players on their roster?

Clowney was not even viewed as a one-and-done candidate coming out of high school, but playing a key role for the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament coupled with his size and athletic ability has scouts drooling. He is still 18 years old, and he could be a two-way standout at the next level.

Clowney might quickly become a stretch four with defensive versatility. The teenager has a 7’2 wingspan and the athletic ability to step out on the perimeter on switches. He must improve his jumper and add some mass, but the 6’10 big man is oozing with potential.

The Brooklyn Nets need a star player after the departures of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they have zero incentive to tank because they traded their picks to the Rockets. Brooklyn should be shooting for upside with one or both of their first-round picks this year, and Noah Clowney is the perfect option.

23. Portland Trail Blazers (via Knicks) land Rayan Rupert

The Blazers appear committed to building around Damian Lillard, and they are rumored to be shopping the third overall pick for win-now help. Portland must improve their defense if they are going to return to contention. They were 28th in defensive rating and were five points per 100 possessions worse than the tenth-ranked team. It is impossible to make a run when giving up that many points.

Rupert is ready to make an immediate impact on the defensive end of the floor. At the combine, he measured at 6’6 with a 7’2 wingspan and 193 pounds. Rupert has the athletic ability to defend multiple positions and the quickness to stay in front of lead ball handlers.

His offensive game will determine his ceiling and playing time in the NBA. Rupert averaged 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 18.1 minutes per game this season playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL. He shot just 36.9 percent from the field and 31.3 percent on his threes. Can the 18-year-old improve his jumper enough to become a 3-and-D wing? Does he add some ball-handling and playmaking ability? There are tools, but it will take time.

The Portland Trail Blazers can keep him on the end of the bench or in the G League as they wait for Rayan Rupert to develop, but getting a defensive-minded wing is precisely what the franchise needs around Dame.

24. Sacramento Kings choose Kris Murray

The Kings were the third seed in the Western Conference, and they will be searching for a role player that can help their roster immediately with this pick. Keegan Murray made an immediate impact as a rookie, and the franchise could look to bring his twin brother to Sacramento this summer.

Murray is already 22 years old, which will scare off some teams, but he measured at 6’8 with a seven-foot wingspan at the combine. He blossomed in his third year at the University of Iowa as he averaged over 20 points and nearly eight rebounds per game. Murray will play more of a 3-and-D wing role in the NBA, and he should be able to immediately get on the floor.

Expect Kris Murray to be more of a rotation wing early in his career. He shot just 33.5 percent from 3-point range last season, and it will take time for him to get acclimated to the NBA. The 22-year-old has starter potential, and he would welcome a reunion with Keegan in Sacramento.

Expect Kris Murray to go in the late first round because of his age, but he could blossom into a valuable 3-and-D wing that every team covets. Do not be surprised to see the Sacramento Kings select him here on draft night.

25. Memphis Grizzlies take GG Jackson

Gregory (G.G.) Jackson II and Dariq Whitehead may be the two most polarizing players in this class. Some scouts have them in contention to be picked in the late lottery and others have them outside the first round. There is zero consensus, especially for Jackson, who struggled in his lone season at the University of South Carolina.

He is 6’8 with a seven-foot wingspan. Scouts are excited about his shot-creation ability and defensive versatility. Jackson is also one of the youngest players in this class as he is still 18 years old. There is plenty of raw talent there, but GG is going to take time to develop.

He averaged 2.7 turnovers and 0.8 assists per game last season along with shooting 38.4 percent from the field, 32.4 percent on his threes, and 67.7 percent from the foul line. There are shot selection and maturity questions that could knock this immense talent out of the first round.

The Memphis Grizzlies have an outstanding young roster and a strong track record of developing talent. They would love to take a shot on GG’s upside. Can they get him to improve and become a force on both ends of the floor? Never count Memphis out when it comes to talent development.

26. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers) draft Colby Jones

The Pacers have three first-round picks, including the seventh overall selection. With Tyrese Haliburton leading their charge, Indiana could go in several different directions, but loading up on wings seems like the best bet.

Jones averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field, 37.8 percent on his 3-point attempts, and 65.3 percent from the foul line during his junior season at Xavier. The 6’5 wing can do a lot of things well, and he should immediately be able to join the rotation.

There are some questions about his jumper after Jones shot just 30.3 percent from 3-point range during his first two college seasons combined, but he still profiles as a first-round pick. Were his improvements this season real or will his jumper regress as he makes the leap into the NBA? Expect him to continue working on his shot as he looks round out his game.

The Indiana Pacers could play him next to Bennedict Mathurin, Buddy Hield, and Chris Duarte as they look to add to their wing depth. Jones offers some secondary creation ability and the defensive chops to guard multiple positions. Head coach Rick Carlisle will be eager to get the Pacers back to the playoffs, and he knows that teams can never have too many wings in the postseason.

27. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets) grab Maxwell Lewis

The Hornets have LaMelo Ball and the second overall pick as building blocks moving forward. No matter if they got Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller, Charlotte could look at adding wing depth here. If they believe in Mark Williams as their starting center of the future, the Hornets should want 3-and-D wings to round out their rotation.

Lewis had a breakout sophomore season at Pepperdine where he averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game as he shot 46.8 percent from the field, 34.8 percent on his 3-point tries, and 78.7 percent from the foul line. The 20-year-old measured at 6’6 with a seven-foot wingspan at the combine.

His offensive game is ahead of his defense at this stage. Lewis has the size and tools to be a 3-and-D wing in the NBA with some secondary playmaking ability, but he will need to make significant improvements on the defensive end. He is likely to guard more threes and fours than guards as he struggles to stay in front of quicker players.

Could the Charlotte Hornets walk away from the 2023 NBA Draft with two talented wings to improve their depth and versatility? Expect Maxwell Lewis to be taken in the late first or early second round, and he could fit in Charlotte.

28. Utah Jazz (via 76ers) select Bilal Coulibaly

Coulibaly was teammates with soon-to-be number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama in France this season, and it helped the 18-year-old get on the draft radar. Nobody viewed him as a prospect at the start of 2022, but the 6’7 wing with a reported 7’3 wingspan has opened plenty of eyes as scouts have flocked to see the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James.

Coulibaly’s defense gets teams interested. His size and length are what every team is searching for on the wing, and he competes hard. Coulibaly could blossom into a switchable defender that can take on anyone and wreak havoc with his ability to create turnovers.

His offensive game is a work in progress. He shot 36.0 percent from 3-point range on 100 attempts, but there are questions about his consistency. Coulibaly is an explosive athlete, but his ball-handling and playmaking need to improve for the 18-year-old to reach his ceiling.

The Utah Jazz are just starting a rebuild, and they have three first-round picks in 2023. Danny Ainge can afford to draft a young prospect with immense potential and wait for him to develop. Bilal Coulibaly could be the steal of this draft if he reaches his ceiling, and his strong defense gives him a safe floor as a rotation player for the next 15 years.

29. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics) acquire Sidy Cissoko

Cissoko showcased his defensive chops with the G League Ignite this season. He is 6’6 and 232 pounds with a 6’10 wingspan. The 19-year-old is a switchable defender that brings toughness and energy. His defense just shined against professionals, including averaging 1.2 steals and 1.0 block per game, and Cissoko has an NBA-ready body. The teenager could make an impact right away with the potential to be a starter for a decade in the league.

Cissoko has some playmaking ability, but it is his jumper that puts him in the late first or early second-round draft range. He shot just 30.4 percent from 3-point range last season, and there appears to be a mechanical flaw. Can the 19-year-old fix his shot?

The Indiana Pacers have three first-round picks, and head coach Rick Carlisle and his staff have had plenty of success improving jumpers. The championship coach helped Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber become above-league-average shooters during his time with Dallas. Could he get the best out of Sidy Cissoko?

The Pacers also allow him to improve his game without needing a consistent role in the rotation. They can bring Cissoko along slowly and help him reach his ceiling.

30. LA Clippers (via Bucks) draft James Nnaji

Nnaji has played professionally for three years already, but primarily as a third-string center. The 18-year-old averaged just 3.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 9.6 minutes per game playing for Barcelona. There are intriguing tools, but Nnaji needs time to develop.

The teenager's measurements are a bit all over the board, but he is rumored to be 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan. Scouts are excited about his defensive potential because of his lateral quickness and leaping ability. Nnaji could blossom into an elite rim protector that eats up rebounds and can switch onto the perimeter. It is years away, but centers often take time to blossom.

His inconsistent role coupled with his need to develop will push him to the late first or early second round in this year’s draft, but some team could get a steal. James Nnaji has immense potential and going to the right situation will be key. 

The LA Clippers plan to stay in contention next season, but who knows what will happen with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George long-term. Getting a developmental big man behind Ivica Zubac could prove valuable in 2026.

The 2023 NBA Draft is loaded with talent, and there are tons of question marks with one month to go before the picks are in. Stay tuned for all the latest.