2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks dream draft choice falls, Rockets shock at 4

The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on June 22, and it will be a league-altering night full of surprises. Victor Wembanyama will be the number one overall pick and head to the San Antonio Spurs, but there is a ton of mystery after that. Who will Charlotte select at two? How many trades are made? Do fans get a blockbuster deal that gets the entire league buzzing?

The Dallas Mavericks hold the tenth overall pick, but they are rumored to be shopping it. Will they trade it on draft night to the highest bidder? What if their top target falls to ten? All the options are on the table as Dallas tries to build a title contender around Luka Doncic. They need more talent and have to find a way to add it this summer.

Here is a look at the latest rumblings with just ten days to go before draft night, including how they could create the ideal scenario for the Mavs at pick ten.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: 1. San Antonio Spurs select Victor Wembanyama

The 7’4 big man has led Metropolitans 92 to the French league finals and the hype continues to grow. Wembanyama is an elite scorer, rebounder, rim protector, and defender that can do it all on the floor. He will be shooting stepback 3-pointers, handling the ball, and creating tons of highlights in the NBA next season.

The Spurs had lottery luck on their side again as they won for the third time with a generationally-talented big man at the top of the board. Can Wemby follow in Tim Duncan and David Robinson’s footsteps and become the next all-time great Spur? Gregg Popovich will look to develop him, and there will be plenty of eyes on San Antonio to see what the French prodigy can do in the NBA.

With the top pick decided, the Hornets have a difficult decision to make between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson at number two.

2. Charlotte Hornets select Brandon Miller

The Hornets had the fourth-worst record in the NBA this season but jumped to number two in the lottery. They will choose between Miller and Scoot Henderson. Do they want a versatile 6’9 forward coming off a strong lone season at the University of Alabama or a 6’2 point guard that can serve as a lead facilitator for the next decade-plus?

Henderson was viewed as the number two prospect coming into the season, and he shined in his showcase against Victor Wembanyama to begin the year, but his play trailed off as the campaign progressed. That opened the door for Miller, who averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game. His size, length, and athletic ability have every team interested.

The consensus has the Hornets taking Miller and leaving LaMelo Ball as their lead ball-handler and playmaker. The 20-year-old prospect shot 38.4 percent from 3-point range last season, and he could quickly become a force on both ends of the floor. Miller will produce plenty of highlights next season, and Hornets fans will quickly fall in love with his game.

If Wembanyama and Miller go one and two in this class, that leaves the Trail Blazers with a difficult decision at three.

3. Portland Trail Blazers take Scoot Henderson

Portland is shopping the number three pick as they look to build an immediate contender around Damian Lillard. There is a consensus top three in this draft, and it would be shocking to see any team pass on Henderson here. Building around two 6’2 point guards is not easy, but the Blazers cannot afford to pass on a potential superstar in the draft.

Henderson played for the G League Ignite where he averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 30.7 minutes per game playing against professional competition. He is an impressive athlete that gets up for monster dunks. Scoot can put on a show to go with his ability to lead an offense.

There are questions about his jumper, shot selection, and defense. Henderson shot just 27.5 percent from 3-point range last season, and he took a lot of long twos. Can the 19-year-old consistently hit threes and improve his shooting efficiency? The 6’2 guard competes hard on the defensive end, but teams will hunt him because he is undersized.

Where will Scoot Henderson end up? Does Portland trade this selection for win-now help? Do fans get to see Scoot next to Dame next season? There are plenty of questions here and this is where things could get crazy on draft night.

4. Houston Rockets grab Cam Whitmore

Most have Amen Thompson heading to Houston with this selection, which the Rockets are also rumored to be shopping, but what if James Harden returns to Space City? Thompson is a 6’7 playmaker with a questionable jumper. Harden will dominate the ball, so Houston should be focused on finding a two-way wing.

The Rockets ranked 29th in defensive rating last season, and Harden is not going to improve them on that end of the floor. It is why Amen Thompson makes some sense, but Whitmore is 6’6 with the potential to be an above-average NBA 3-point shooter quickly. He made 34.3 percent of his 108 attempts during his lone season at Villanova and his jumper continues to improve.

Whitmore is a plus athlete that does not 19 until July, and his upside has scouts intrigued. He could end up as the second-best player in this class if he reaches his ceiling. The former Wildcat has the potential to become an elite scorer, impactful defender, and secondary creator if things break correctly, and that would leave the Rockets kicking themselves for passing on him at four.

This is where the draft becomes wide-open. There are several names drawing consideration at four and that group goes all the way to 11. Will Houston make this pick? It could be the first surprise of the 2023 NBA Draft.

5. Detroit Pistons take Amen Thompson

The Pistons had the most disappointing lottery night as they slipped to fifth after having the worst record in the NBA last season. Detroit hired Monty Williams to be their head coach, and they are looking to exit their rebuild. There was plenty of disappointment on lottery night, but the Pistons will get another exciting young talent to add to their core.

Thompson is 6’6 elite athlete with a seven-foot wingspan that has shown the ability to run an offense and be a primary ball-handler. The 20-year-old has tremendous upside, and he could help get the Pistons playing faster. Thompson is a problem with the ball in his hands, and he may quickly become an impactful player on both ends of the floor.

Thompson has to improve his jumper to reach his potential. He has been working on his form, but it has some holes. The 20-year-old is a below-average free throw shooter, and he could be a non-factor from the outside. Defenders will sag off and force him to shoot early in his career, and things could be a struggle if Thompson cannot make them consistently.

Amen Thompson has tremendous upside, and the Detroit Pistons are looking to stockpile talent. He may not be the cleanest fit next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, but his defensive potential and ability to get out in transition should help ease the transition.

6. Orland Magic draft Anthony Black

The Magic have an exciting young roster with plenty of talent. They are hoping to add another key cog here and quickly move past their rebuild. Orlando needs shooters, and they are searching for a long-term answer at the two.

Black gives off some Tyrese Haliburton vibes as a connector that can play on or off the ball. The 19-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals in 34.9 minutes per game last season. He can be the primary creator, but the 6’7 guard has the size and versatility to do it all on the court. Black is not an elite scorer at this stage, and he may never get there, but the rest of his game has scouts intrigued.

The former Razorback has a high basketball IQ and excels defending on or off the ball. The Magic have a ton of length and athleticism already. Add in Black to jump passing lanes and limit dribble penetration, and Orlando could be building something special.

The biggest knock on Anthony Black is his shooting. He made just 30.1 percent of his 93 3-point attempts last season, and his mechanics are questionable at best. The Orlando Magic were 27th in 3-pointers attempted last season and 24th in 3-point percentage. They need shooting, but the Magic could target that at 11 with the hope that Gradey Dick is still available.

7. Indiana Pacers choose Ausar Thompson

It feels like Amen Thompson will be a top-five pick on draft night, but his twin brother’s draft range is a bit wider. Ausar could go in the top five or still be on the board at pick ten. He does not have his brother’s playmaking chops, but drafting a 6’7 wing with a seven-foot wingspan will be of interest to nearly every team.

There are significant questions about his jumper. Thompson has shown improvement, but he struggled mightily against lesser competition in the Overtime Elite circuit. His mechanics have improved in the pre-draft process, and the 20-year-old has plenty of time to continue getting better, but what is his ceiling? Can he make even 33 percent from 3-point range in the NBA?

Thompson is an elite athlete that defends well on or off the ball. His size, length, strength, and high basketball IQ should help him make an impact on that end of the floor quickly, but what can he provide on offense? Having a wing that struggles to shoot can become problematic quickly.

Indiana may be the perfect fit for Ausar Thompson. Head coach Rick Carlisle has had success improving jump shots since his days with the Dallas Mavericks. Can he help get Ausar’s ironed out and make him one of the best players in this class? Indiana would certainly love to try.

8. Washington Wizards select Jarace Walker

The Wizards hired Michael Winger to take over their front office, and it creates plenty of questions about their future. Washington has attempted to contend, but they have reached the playoffs just once in the last five years. Does Winger blow it up and attempt a full-scale rebuild in the nation’s capital?

Rebuilding allows the Wizards to go in any direction with this selection. The hardest asset to acquire behind superstar talent is a versatile wing. That should be atop Washington’s wish list if they decide to tear down their roster, which makes Jarace Walker the perfect fit.

The 6’7 wing has a 7’2 wingspan. He can legitimately guard every player on the court and is already arguably the most polished defender in this class. Walker should make a defensive impact immediately, including as a rebounder and shot-blocker.

Walker’s jumper is a bit of a question mark. He shot 34.7 percent from 3-point range and 66.3 percent on his free throws during his lone season at Houston. His shot is improving to go along with his ability to set screens and finish around the rim. Walker could be viewed as a steal if falls this far, and the Wizards would love for him to start their potential rebuild.

9. Utah Jazz grab Bilal Coulibaly

Coulibaly is the biggest riser in this year’s class. Nobody had the 18-year-old French teenager as a first-round pick coming into the season, but he has stood out playing next to Victor Wembanyama in France enough to draw significant lottery buzz. NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe went as far as to say that he has heard rumblings (subscription required) of Utah targeting him over a point guard here.

It would be surprising, but the 6’6 wing did average 11.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 23.9 minutes per game playing professionally in France. His defense, athleticism, and 3-and-D potential has intrigued scouts. Coulibaly’s offensive game continued to improve this season, but his shot-making and ball-handling are question marks heading into the NBA.

The Utah Jazz have three first-round picks, but if they want to draft Bilal Coulibaly, they will have to do it here. The 6’6 wing is one of the hottest names in the class, and he continues to improve his stock during the French league playoffs as Metropolitans 92 has reached the finals.

If the Jazz select Coulibaly here, they will take a point guard at 16 where there are a handful of ball-handlers and playmakers expected to be available. Danny Ainge had success drafting wings in Boston, and he could look to replicate it in Utah.

10. Dallas Mavericks draft Taylor Hendricks

Hendricks is another massive riser in this class, but he is exactly what the Mavericks need. The 6’8 forward has a seven-foot wingspan and shot 39.4 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at UCF. He also averaged 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game. The Mavs were the worst rebounding team in the NBA last season, and their rim protection was non-existent.

Dallas needs to size, defense, rim protection, and rebounding this summer. Hendricks could give them a versatile forward with strong two-way potential. The Mavs' top priority is re-signing Kyrie Irving in free agency. If the eight-time All-Star is back, Hendricks would get plenty of open shots as defenses try to stop their superstar duo. The teenage rookie could also become Dallas’ top perimeter defender and a needed on-ball stopper.

The Mavericks are shopping this pick, and many experts think they will deal it to the highest bidder, but what if Taylor Hendricks falls? Yes, there are questions about him translating his game quickly to the NBA, but he could be an impactful two-way forward for the next 15 years. Dallas would have to strongly consider selecting him and figuring out their other issues in free agency or via trade.

It is a crucial offseason for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, and it starts with what they do at ten. Can the Mavs turn the pick into an impactful rotation piece next season? That is the hope.

11. Orlando Magic (via Bulls) select Gradey Dick

Orlando desperately needs shooting, and Dick may be the best marksman in this class. The 19-year-old shot 40.3 percent on his 206 3-point attempts during his lone season at the University of Kansas. He has a beautiful jumper that should immediately translate to the NBA.

The Magic were 24th in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-pointers attempted last season. They struggled to space the floor and adding a sharpshooter could unlock their offense, which finished 26th in offensive rating.

Gradey Dick is not just a shooter. He is a 6’6 wing with a 6’9 wingspan that averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 32.7 minutes per game last season. Dick showed the ability to attack a closeout and shoots well on the move. Orlando could scheme up plenty of ways to get him open, and the 19-year-old wing will knock down those looks at a high clip.

There are questions about Dick’s defense, despite his size and effort. He needs to add some mass because he lacks the quickness to guard on the perimeter in the NBA. Teams will likely hunt the 6’7 wing early in his career, and he must improve on that end of the floor to reach his ceiling.

The Orlando Magic would be ecstatic to walk away with Anthony Black and Gradey Dick on June 22 with their two picks in the top 11.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder take Jordan Hawkins

The Thunder have a young roster that is loaded with talent, but they would love to add another shooter around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. The return of Chet Holmgren should help, but OKC could put another key floor spacer around them.

Hawkins had a breakout sophomore season at UConn where he helped the Huskies win the NCAA championship. He played just 14.7 minutes per game as a freshman before becoming a starter and key contributor in year two. Hawkins averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 29.4 minutes each night as he shot 38.8 percent from 3-point range.

The 6’4 guard hit nearly three 3-pointer each game last season and his ability to do it on the move makes him intriguing in the lottery. Hawkins compared himself to Klay Thompson, and that could be the Thunder’s dream if they make this selection.

Jordan Hawkins measured at 6’4 with a 6’7 wingspan at the combine. He competes hard on the defensive end of the floor, but there are some questions because he is not an elite athlete.

The 21-year-old is a bit older and lacks playmaking ability, but the Thunder have plenty of ball-handlers on their roster. Oklahoma City is the perfect fit because Hawkins can just focus on making shots and defending.

13. Toronto Raptors grab Cason Wallace

The Raptors need to make changes this summer, and their roster could look extremely different next fall. Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. have player options that they are expected to decline to become unrestricted free agents. Jakob Poeltl also hits the open market this summer. Can Toronto bring all three players back? VanVleet is drawing plenty of buzz around the league, and he could have a new home next season.

Toronto may look to draft his replacement at 13, and there has been plenty of buzz about their interest in Wallace. The 6’3 guard averaged 11.7 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 32.2 minutes per game during his lone season at Kentucky.

The 6’3 guard is an impactful on-ball defender that has drawn Jrue Holiday comparisons. There is no guarantee that he becomes one of the best defenders in the NBA, but teams are certainly excited about his potential.

Wallace profiles more as a secondary creator on offense. He spaces the floor well and could become an elite catch-and-shoot option in the NBA.

The Toronto Raptors have a ton of length, so adding an undersized guard should not be an issue. Cason Wallace could quickly become an impactful option on both ends of the floor, and the Raptors would love to see him available at pick 13.

14. New Orleans Pelicans acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino

The Pelicans love to draft length and upside. Hood-Schifino is a 6’4 guard with a 6’10 wingspan that could solve New Orleans' shot-creation issues. They want to put the ball in the hands of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, but can that duo stay healthy and live up to their superstar potential?

Hood-Schifino averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.1 minutes per game during his lone season at Indiana. He offers the Pelicans another capable on-ball defender that can run pick and rolls, make plays, create shots, and dominate the mid-range. Hood-Schifino should be a seamless fit that can serve as a connector and facilitator for whoever is on the floor.

The 19-year-old will need some time to develop, but the Pelicans have never been shy about working their talent in slowly. Dyson Daniels will be looking for minutes in year two, which could leave Hood-Schifino as the third-string option that plays significant minutes in the G League. The 6’4 guard will continue working on his jumper as he attempts to become a standout rotation player in year two and beyond.

The New Orleans Pelicans could go in several different directions with this selection, but drafting a combo guard that does a little bit of everything on the floor seems like the perfect fit for their talented and versatile roster. 

15. Atlanta Hawks choose Jett Howard

The Hawks are facing a crucial offseason. They reached the conference finals in 2021, but back-to-back first-round playoff exits are not good enough for a roster pushing the NBA’s new second tax apron. Atlanta shook up their front office and coaching staff midseason leaving their roster next on the agenda.

The Hawks desperately need shooting and floor spacing around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray after finishing 28th in 3-pointers attempted and 21st in 3-point percentage last season.

Jett Howard is the son of Michigan head coach and 19-year NBA veteran Juwan. He grew up around the game and is ready to make an impact immediately. Jett shot 36.8 percent on his 212 3-point attempts for the Wolverines last season, and he is comfortable shooting off movement.

There are questions about his defense, but Howard is 6’8 with a high basketball IQ. He should be able to hold his own and his ability to handle the ball and make smart passes further improves his draft stock. The 19-year-old plays hard and figures to have a long NBA career.

The Atlanta Hawks need shooting and want to win now. Jett Howard should be able to contribute quickly, even if he lacks the upside of some of the prospects around him. Getting a rotation player for the next 15 years is good value in the middle of the first round.

16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves) take Nick Smith Jr.

If the Jazz take Bilal Coulibaly at nine, they will want the best available point guard at 16. Utah is in the early stages of a rebuild. They need to maximize their talent and continue to add pieces as they go. Lauri Markkanen became a surprise All-Star last season under first-year head coach Will Hardy, and the Jazz would love to have a young lead ball-handler to develop.

Smith Jr. was the number three player in the 2022 high school class and projected to be a top-five pick before injuries wreaked havoc on his lone season at the University of Arkansas. He played just 17 games and struggled to find a consistent starring role.

How much will teams knock the 6’5 guard for those 17 subpar games? Smith Jr. profiles as a strong scorer that thrives with the ball in his hands. His playmaking was a bit lacking in college, but the floor spacing around him was not strong. Smith Jr. could instantly take his game to another level in the NBA, and the Jazz may get the steal of the draft if he slips this far.

There are questions about his shot selection and decision-making after Nick Smith Jr. shot 37.6 percent from the field as a freshman and had a 1:1 to assist to turnover ratio. Can the Utah Jazz iron things out and help him reach his potential as one of the best players in a loaded draft class? They would love to find out.

17. Los Angeles Lakers select Dereck Lively II

The 2023 NBA Draft is loaded with talent, but it lacks depth at center. The Spurs are the only team that will have a shot at Victor Wembanyama, and Dereck Lively II is the next-best pure five on the board. The 7’1 big man has a reported 7’7 wingspan, and he blocked 2.4 shots in 20.6 minutes per game during his lone season at Duke.

Lively’s potential is immense, but he will certainly take time to develop. The 19-year-old averaged 2.7 personal fouls per game, which limited his minutes. He could be an elite defender, rim-protector, and rebounder in the NBA in five years. Lively II was the number two player in his class coming out of high school, but his struggles to stay on the floor for the Blue Devils have dropped him to the mid-to-late first round.

There were signs of improvement as the season went on, and any team in need of a big man could scoop him up in the draft. The Lakers are looking for a long-term answer next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, and Dereck Lively II certainly has the potential to become an elite big man.

Will the Lakers keep this pick? They want to win and now with LeBron James leading their roster. Los Angeles may trade it for a veteran or just select a more NBA-ready option with lesser upside. If they are looking long-term, Lively II is an outstanding option. 

18. Miami Heat draft Kobe Bufkin

Bufkin played just 10.6 minutes per game during his freshman season at Michigan, but the 6’4 guard broke out in year two. He is even drawing some lottery buzz after averaging 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes per game. The 19-year-old shot 48.2 percent from the field, 35.5 percent on his threes, and 84.9 percent from the free throw line.

Bufkin feels like the perfect glue player that the Heat gravitate towards. He does not have one elite skill, but the 6’4 guard does a bit of everything. He can handle the ball, make plays, shoot, finish around the rim, and run pick and rolls. Bufkin is going to do whatever his team needs.

He will need some time to develop, but Kobe Bufkin feels like he could be an impactful role player for a decade-plus in Miami. He may never become an All-Star but should provide solid and steady production.

Gabe Vincent is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Kyle Lowry is entering the final year of his contract, which could create a need in the backcourt for the Heat. Miami may look to fill it with this pick, and Bufkin offers a strong blend of skills that should help him be impactful.

19. Golden State Warriors choose Leonard Miller

Miller appears to have a wide draft range, and it is difficult to project where the Canadian teenager will be selected on draft night. He measured at 6’9 with a 7’2 wingspan at the combine after averaging 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game for the G League Ignite. There is a lot to like and a ton of potential.

Teams may be worried about his jumper as he attempted just over two 3-pointers per game last season and shot just 32.7 percent from outside. Can he space the floor and consistently hit open looks? His free throw percentage was strong, and he has the form to improve, but it could take time.

Miller has a ton of defensive potential, but he needs to stay locked in and continue to improve on that end of the floor. The 6’9 forward can guard multiple positions, but he must be fully engaged to reach his full potential.

The Warriors have a massive payroll and could be forced to shed salaries this summer. They need talent on cheap contracts if they are going to keep their contention window open. Miller was impactful playing professionally for the G League Ignite, and he could offer the Dubs some size and versatility in the second unit.

20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers) take Rayan Rupert

The Rockets went with Cam Whitmore at four, and they still need additional defensive help after Houston finished 29th in defensive rating. They are hoping to add James Harden to be their lead playmaker, but his defense is questionable at best. Could the Rockets take a swing on a lockdown defensive wing with a questionable offensive game?

Rupert is 6’6 with a 7’2 wingspan. He competes hard on the defensive end and can guard virtually any player on the floor. The Rockets could make him their on-ball stopper that can switch onto bigs. His father played professionally and his sister is currently in the WNBA. Rupert knows what it takes to succeed, and he figures to be impactful quickly on the defensive end.

What does he offer on the other end of the floor? His ball-handling and playmaking chops are improving, but he struggles to shoot and had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio with the New Zealand Breakers last season. Finding Rupert an offensive niche will be key in keeping him on the floor.

The Houston Rockets could go in a lot of different directions with both of their first-round draft picks. If James Harden decides against returning to Houston, they could take Amen Thompson at four and someone like Keyonte George here to improve their playmaking and offensive punch. June 22 could tell fans a lot about the Rockets' plans in free agency, which is just one more storyline to watch.

21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns) grab Keyonte George

George could be a lottery pick or fall to the end of the first round. It feels like there will be a run on guards in the middle of the round, but there are more prospects than teams looking. Someone will likely slip into the 20s, and George’s defensive questions and negative assist-to-turnover ratio make him the potential choice.

The 6’4 guard had a rocky lone season at Baylor where he averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.6 minutes per game. George shot just 37.6 percent from the field and committed nearly three turnovers each night. His ability to get buckets goes unquestioned, but can he be more than a sixth man in the NBA?

The effort is there on the defensive end, but he is only 6’4. Can he hold his own defensively enough to average 30 minutes per game? He has some strength and the ability to add more, but he certainly needs polish to get more run.

The Brooklyn Nets are looking to rebuild their roster around Mikal Bridges, and they would love to add a bucket-getter to their bench. Expect the Nets to make some moves this summer, and the franchise will likely shoot for upside with their back-to-back first-round picks in the early 20s.

22. Brooklyn Nets acquire Noah Clowney

Clowney was the 74th-ranked player coming out of high school in 2022, and nobody expected him to play just one season at the University of Alabama, but the 18-year-old shined for the Crimson Tide. He is listed at 6’10 and his versatility, length, and high basketball IQ helped his team become the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Clowney’s numbers do not leap off the screen, but his impact on winning did.

The teenager can guard multiple positions, including switching onto the perimeter. The Nets appear all-in on creating a versatile team that can mix the matchups. They are loaded with wings, and Noah Clowney could be a long-term starter at the four next to Nicolas Claxton that gives Brooklyn unlimited options defensively.

His role on offense would likely be as a screen-setter and roll man. He took 120 3-pointers during his lone season at Alabama but made just 28.3 percent of them. There is hope of developing his jumper, but it will take time.

Clowney could become a starter and play 30 minutes per game if he continues to improve. He may never be an All-Star, but getting a talented big man with versatility at 22 is fantastic value for the Nets.

23. Portland Trail Blazers (via Knicks) land Jordan Walsh

The Blazers went with Scoot Henderson at three, and they desperately need to improve their defense after finishing 28th in defensive rating last season. They will have a small backcourt with Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, and Scoot, so they could be looking for length and versatility at 23.

Walsh is a fringe first-round prospect that averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals during his freshman season at Arkansas. Why would the Trail Blazers select him here? This pick is purely based on upside for a roster that just simply needs more talent around their superstar.

Walsh is a 6'6 wing with a 7'2 wingspan that has shown flashes on both sides of the ball. He could become a 3-and-D wing if everything breaks right for the 19-year-old with the versatility to guard every player on the court. He is years away from producing at that level, but the raw talent exists. Walsh has to improve his shooting to stick in the NBA.

If Portland has plans of moving on from Damian Lillard and starting a rebuild, they should be looking for upside with this pick. Jordan Walsh could become the wing that every team in the NBA wants if he reaches his ceiling, and that could make him a first-round pick on June 22.

24. Sacramento Kings choose Kris Murray

The Sacramento Kings just broke the league’s longest playoff drought, and they are eager to remain in contention after finishing third in the Western Conference. With Harrison Barnes headed into free agency, Sacramento will likely be searching for a 6’8 forward that can play a role immediately at 24.

After Keegan Murray’s strong rookie year, it just makes sense for the Kings to target his twin brother in this year’s draft. The 22-year-old will likely slip into the late first round, and the Kings may be eagerly waiting to select him.

Kris Murray is 6’8 with a seven-foot wingspan, and he profiles as a 3-and-D wing option for whatever team lands him on June 22. He can guard multiple positions, knock down jumpers off the catch, and has a high basketball IQ. Murray will be ready to slot into the rotation immediately, and he is comfortable playing his role on both ends of the floor.

The Kings finished 24th in defensive rating last season, despite their success. They need to upgrade their defense to make a deep playoff run. What better way than getting a 6’8 wing on a rookie contract that is eager to join the team? Expect Kris Murray to go in the late first round and many believe he will wind up playing next to his brother in Sacramento.

25. Memphis Grizzlies take Brice Sensabaugh

The Grizzlies took 34.2 3-pointers per game last season, which ranked 11th in the NBA, but they finished 23rd in 3-point percentage. They traded for Luke Kennard at the deadline as Memphis recognized their need for a 3-point marksman. With Dillion Brooks headed into free agency, the Grizzlies have an opening on the wing, and they could be looking for another shot-maker to fill their void.

Sensabaugh was not expected to be a one-and-done player, but he declared for the draft after averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game. The 6’6 wing shot 48.0 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from 3-point range. He can make it off the bounce or the catch, and could certainly improve the Grizzlies' long-range shooting next season.

Sensabaugh is still available at pick 25 because there are major defensive and playmaking concerns. He averaged 2.0 turnovers and just 1.2 assists per game during his lone season at Ohio State, and the 19-year-old did not play more for the Buckeyes in part because of his defense.

The Memphis Grizzlies can bring Brice Sensabaugh off the bench as a shot-maker and bucket-getter. How quickly can the 19-year-old translate his scoring to the NBA? The Grizzlies will likely select someone ready to contribute immediately as they look to make a deep playoff run in 2024.

26. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers) draft Dariq Whitehead

Whitehead was the number one player in the 2022 high school class, but injuries limited him during his lone season at Duke. He just underwent a second foot surgery. Whitehead is expected to be back before training camp, but his college struggles coupled with another surgery could push him out of the first round entirely.

The 18-year-old profiles as a scorer, shot-maker, and stout defender. He is 6’6 with a 6’10 wingspan and coming off a season where he shot 42.9 percent on 98 3-point attempts. There is plenty to be excited about, but how do the injuries and limited minutes impact his draft position?

The Indiana Pacers have three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, so they can afford to take a swing. Head coach Rick Carlisle wants his team shooting threes, and the Pacers' rebuild should have them searching for top-end talent. Whitehead could be the steal of the draft in the late first round, but only if his health improves.

Fans will not get to see Dariq Whitehead in summer league, so he will be a total unknown heading into training camp. The Pacers will be hoping his foot issues are in the past, and he can quickly get back to being one of the best players in this class if they select him here.

27. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets) grab GG Jackson

Gregory (G.G.) Jackson is the youngest player in this class, and he may have the highest draft range. There is talk about him going in the teens and others have him in the second round. The 18-year-old averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season, but he shot 38.4 percent from the field and just 32.4 percent on his threes.

The biggest knock may be his 0.8 assists per game. Jackson handed out just 27 dimes in 1,021 minutes in his college career. He is a 6’8 wing with a seven-foot wingspan, but there are serious questions about how his game translates to the next level.

Teams are excited about his defensive versatility and scoring potential. They would love to have a 6’8 wing that can guard every position on the floor and score 15 every night. Can Jackson blossom into that and get buckets efficiently? He needs time to develop, but the potential is there.

The Charlotte Hornets should be shooting for upside as they continue their rebuild. If Brandon Miller blossoms into a superstar and they nail this pick, the Hornets could be back in contention in short order. GG Jackson has potential, but Charlotte would have to develop him.

28. Utah Jazz (via 76ers) select Maxwell Lewis

Lewis is a 6’6 wing with a seven-foot wingspan that averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game during his sophomore season at Pepperdine. The 20-year-old shot 35.4 percent over his 223 NCAA 3-point attempts, and he could quickly become a versatile 3-and-D wing in the NBA.

Lewis took a tremendous leap this season, so teams could get excited about his potential to continue improving. He projects to blossom into a 3-and-D wing at the next level that has some ball-handling and shot-creation ability.

The Utah Jazz took Bilal Coulibaly and Nick Smith Jr. already in this mock draft. With Lauri Markkanen locked in at the four and Walker Kessler taking over as their starting center, they should be looking to add young guards and wings. Lewis gives them an NBA-ready option with the upside to blossom into something more around their young core.

The Jazz are at the start of their rebuild, so they could gamble on someone with a higher ceiling, but Danny Ainge should be eager to get a quality piece for now with the upside that he blossoms into a key starter for the next decade-plus.

29. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics) acquire Trayce Jackson-Davis

Indiana took a shot on the upside of Ausar Thompson and Dariq Whitehead, so they may be looking for a safe option that is ready to contribute immediately.

Teams will be scared off because Jackson-Davis is already 23 years old, attempted just three 3-pointers in his four years at Indiana, and is a 6’8 big man. None of that matters if he can make an impact defensively and serve as a lob target for Tyrese Haliburton.

TJD showed some playmaking ability during his senior season where he averaged 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.9 blocks in 34.5 minutes per game. Jackson-Davis is an undersized center that will have to play a smaller role in the NBA, but the 23-year-old can still be an impactful option.

The Pacers could play him next to Myles Turner and as their backup center. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor gives Indiana options, and the hometown kid could make an immediate impact. Will the Pacers shoot for more upside here? There is a case to be made, but they should be looking to round out their rotation too. Trayce Jackson-Davis gives them a needed big-man option to do just that.

30. LA Clippers (via Bucks) draft Colby Jones

The Clippers have a massive payroll and should go all-in for one final run with their current group. They have the talent, but LA needs Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to stay healthy to make noise in the playoffs. The Clippers will be one of the best teams on paper again next season, but the teardown is coming quickly with the new second tax apron taking effect.

LA should be looking for immediate impact with this pick, and Jones is a 6’5 wing with a 6’8 wingspan that just showcased a versatile skill set during his junior season at Xavier. He plays hard on both ends, can space the floor, operate as a secondary playmaker, and helps his team win. Jones could quickly slot into the rotation and make an impact when Kawhi and PG13 miss time.

There are some questions about his jumper after he shot just 30.3 percent from 3-point range in his first two college seasons, but the improvements as a junior could be a sign of things to come. The 21-year-old is NBA-ready, and he should be part of their rotation for the next decade-plus.

The 2023 NBA Draft promises to provide fireworks. Superstars will find new homes as surprising trades go down as part of the unexpected happenings, so do not miss a second of the action on June 22.