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

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.