2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land defensive stopper, Warriors add another shooter

The 2023 NBA Draft is days away and the hype building around the lottery is building by the day.

New rumors are emerging, teams are thinking about trading up, and players are excited for one of the biggest days of their lives as they put on the draft cap and learn what city they'll be starting their journey in.

The Dallas Mavericks tanked their final two games to have better odds of keeping their first-round pick. They succeeded, as they ended up with the 10th overall pick and will look to bring in an elite talent to help get them back to the playoffs next season.

A big possibility for Dallas is trading their pick. There have been rumors that Dallas will probably trade the pick, while other sources saying they'll keep it.

The first round will be full of surprises and has the potential to be one of the strongest draft classes in the last few years.

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

After winning one of the biggest draft lotteries ever, the San Antonio Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama. He is the obvious best player in this draft and has the potential to be one of the greatest bigs of all time.

San Antonio has drafted two other superstar bigs during their time with David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and Wemby has the chance to be the next big thing.

Wemby averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and three blocks per game while playing for Metropolitans 92 in France. He can do it all on the court. He blocks shots, rebounds, handles the ball and is a solid shooter. Name a skill, and Wemby is probably good at it.

Wembanyama will have a solid support system in San Antonio, as they have an outstanding coach in Greg Popovich and a solid fanbase. They will look like an entirely different team with Wemby on the roster and could make a push for the Play-In Tournament.

It's a given that Wembanyama is going to the Spurs and they will have him to anchor their defense for years to come. But once Wemby gets drafted, the uncertainty begins as no one knows how the rest of the lottery and the first round will go.

2. Charlotte Hornets take Brandon Miller

The fun starts here in the 2023 NBA Draft, and the Hornets go fit over the best player available by taking Brandon Miller from the University of Alabama.

The Hornets could go with Scoot Henderson, but having him and Lamelo Ball in the same backcourt could be a questionable fit, so they make the safe choice by taking Miller.

The 6'9 wing averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds. 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in his freshman year. He is a dynamic scorer and an elite shooter. He will be able to score at all three levels in the NBA and throws down an occasional highlight reel dunk as well.

Charlotte just needs someone to compliment Lamelo Ball that is a reliable three-point shooter. The Hornets lack a true knockdown shooter, other than Svi Mykhailiuk, and Miller has the potential to be a 40+ percent shooter from downtown at the NBA level. He shot 38.4 percent from three and 85.9 percent from the free-throw line at Alabama.

His shooting should translate seamlessly, and he will thrive with NBA spacing. Once he gets stronger and improves as a finisher, he will be even deadlier as an offensive weapon. This is the safe pick for the Hornets, and it adds a solid floor spacer to duo with Ball as the Hornets' core.

3. Portland Trailblazers grab Scoot Henderson

Although it looks like Portland is considering trading the pick, I have them taking Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick. It looks like Anfernee Simons could also be out the door soon, so having another star guard to play with Damian Lillard is a smart move.

Lillard can play off the ball, which will allow Henderson to develop his lead ball handler skills at times and learn behind one of the best point guards in the league.

Henderson averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this season for the G-League Ignite. He is one of the most athletic players in this year's draft, and a core headlined by Henderson and Lillard is a good start. They also have the money to grab another piece in free agency.

Henderson is also a phenomenal playmaker. He gets downhill often and makes the smart play when the ball is in his hands.

Henderson and Lillard could end up being one of the top backcourts in the Western Conference one day, and Portland should be able to make a push for the Play-In Tournament next season. They aren't far off from taking the next step, and Henderson helps them do that.

4. Houston Rockets choose Amen Thompson

The Houston Rockets were one of the biggest losers in the draft lottery as they dropped two spots, but Amen Thompson more than makes up for it.

Thompson is arguably the most athletic player in this draft, and pairing him next to Jalen Green in Houston gives them one of the most athletic backcourts in the NBA. He also plays point guard, which will allow Green to develop more off the ball while letting Thompson develop into a true point guard.

He is also a lockdown on-ball defender. Houston has been a pitiful defensive team, and Thompson can help them turn that around. His athleticism allows him to play tight defense, and he doesn't often. He also is great in transition and turns his steals into buckets for his team on the other end.

His biggest weakness is that he can't shoot. He will have to improve as a shooter to reach his full potential in the NBA, and playing for a team like Houston will be the perfect opportunity for him. He can endure his growing pains as a player without being asked to do too much.

Houston shouldn't think too hard about this one and should take Thompson with the fourth pick.

5. Detroit Pistons acquire Cam Whitmore

After a 17-65 season and somehow falling four spots in the lottery, the Detroit Pistons are on the clock. They were without Cade Cunningham for 70 games last season, and now they have the chance to add a player to their young core to play with Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.

Cam Whitmore fell right into Detroit's hands, and they can't pass up on him. They have solid guards in Ivey and Cunningham, a young frontcourt in Marvin Bagley III, Jalen Duren, and James Wiseman, and a veteran scorer in Bojan Bogdanovic. The missing piece to that puzzle is Cam Whitmore.

Whitmore is built like a freight train and has crazy bounce. He is a fearless finisher in transition and has the perfect size of an NBA wing. He has the height and size to switch on defense and the strength to body smaller defenders.

He also can guard multiple positions and plays with physicality on this end of the floor. Whitmore thrives as an off-ball defender as he anticipates passes and often makes help-side blocks.

Whitmore looks like he'll fall to the fifth pick, and Detroit has to take him. He would fit perfectly into their young core and will help with their perimeter defense. Star potential is there, and Whitmore, Cunningham, and Ivey are a dynamic big three.

6. Orlando Magic select Jarace Walker

The Orlando Magic have one of the brightest futures of any team in the lottery, and their future gets even brighter on draft night as they have two selections in the top 11.

They have two chances to add a nice piece to their young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., and Cole Anthony. All of these players are 25 years old or younger, and adding two young players to that young core will work wonders for the Magic.

With their first selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, I have them selecting Jarace Walker from the University of Houston. Walker averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and one steal per game as a freshman at Houston. He is a defensive monster and also has some potential as a playmaker.

He is the perfect fit in the starting lineup for Orlando alongside Banchero and Wagner and will compliment their game beuatifully. His vision and decision making in transition will be fun to watch in Orlando as they are a young team that will thrive in transition.

Walker can take the tough defensive assignments, and his ability to switch on defense and compete with bigger forwards will complete a defensive frontcourt alongside Carter Jr.

7. Indiana Pacers grab Ausar Thompson

The Indiana Pacers' young core of Tyrese Halliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith is here to stay. They have a young, hard-working group of guys that all submit to their roles.

They also have solid veterans like Buddy Hield and Myles Turner. Now they have to make the right decision in the draft.

If Indiana wants to draft for fit, they likely take Taylor Hendricks. He could play the three or four and provide defensive versatility along with three-point shooting.

But with Ausar Thompson still on the board, the Pacers can't pass on him. Thompson averaged 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game for the City Reapers of Overtime Elite.

Thompson would take the role of the lockdown defender if the Pacers select him. Standing at 6'7 and having incredible athleticism, Thompson has the quickness and intangibles to defend multiple positions. He can switch on everything and plays with intensity.

Offensively, Thompson struggles as a shooter. This is one area of improvement that he'll have to work on once he enters the league, as teams let him shoot from outside while playing in the OTE. Being in Indiana would be great for him as they have plenty of shooters around him, and he could occasionally play some point forward as he has good ball-handing and passing ability.

8. Washington Wizards take Anthony Black

The Wizards could look to blow up their entire roster this summer and will have some pressure to make the right selection at No. 8. Bradley Beal, Washington's star player that has played there his entire career, just got traded.

No one knows exactly what else is going to happen in Washington this summer, and they should make a safe selection by taking Anthony Black.

Black is a crafty point guard with excellent size, passing, and defending. Black is 6'7 and has phenomenal court vision. He is a smart player that could serve as the Wizards' floor general for years to come. He is also a solid finisher around the bucket.

As a defender, Black can guard multiple positions effectively. He fights through screens and competes with whoever his defensive assignment is.

One downside to Black's game is that he can't shoot. He shot 30.1 percent from three at Arkansas and has to get better at shooting. Even a small step in the right direction would be huge for Black, as he has all the other skills to be a great point guard.

He would fit great next to Beal as he could take on the tougher defensive assignment and is a good building block if they decide to completely rebuild. If Black falls this far, Washington would happily take him.

9. Utah Jazz acquire Taylor Hendricks

The Utah Jazz hold three first-round picks in this year's draft and will be sitting comfortably if the top eight plays out as it is mocked above. Utah has their front court of the future with Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, and they decide to add a 3-and-D wing onto their squad as they select Taylor Hendricks with the ninth overall pick.

Hendricks is a player that has been mocked all over the place, and Utah would love it if he falls to nine. He is a versatile defender that Jazz fans would love next to Markkanen and Kessler. He has the size to guard wings and forwards and the quickness to defend some guards. He can thrive in a diverse set of defensive roles and is also a good help-side rim protector.

Offensively, Hendricks is best at shooting off the catch and being an option as a roller in the pick and roll. He shot 39.4 percent from three at UCF and was a reliable option to knock down open shots.

In the pick and roll, he is good at catching difficult passes around the rim and slamming them home. He has the athleticism to go up and get high passes.

A lineup of Hendricks, Kessler, and Markkanen would be fun to watch, as they have great size and a good balance of shooting, rebounding, and defense.

10. Dallas Mavericks choose Cason Wallace

The Dallas Mavericks would be thrilled if Taylor Hendricks falls to 10, but that may be too good to be true. They need a defensive wing, but none of the wings available at 10 would be players that could help Dallas win now.

Alternatively, Dallas can add that 3-and-D wing in free agency and add a backup point guard through the draft in Cason Wallace.

Wallace is originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and would get to stay home for the first chapter of his NBA career. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and two steals per game as a freshman at Kentucky.

He would fit great in Dallas as he can guard both guard spots and is a competitor. Wallace doesn't back down from any challenge and would be a great fit off the bench next to Jaden Hardy. He also can guard some wings due to his length and feel for the game.

On offense, Wallace is a smart point guard that is an excellent three-point shooter off the catch. He isn't the best at creating his own shot yet but having players like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Hardy would help him add some moves to his bag.

This isn't the most flashy pick for Dallas, but they address the need for a defensive-minded player off the bench.

11. Orlando Magic select Gradey Dick

The Orlando Magic bolstered their frontcourt with the sixth overall pick as they selected Jarace Walker. Now that they have a defensive beast joining the team with Walker, it's time to add some shooting.

Orlando was the 25th-ranked three-point shooting team last season, as they only drained 10.8 three-pointers per game. Once they are on the clock to make the 11th overall pick, shooting should be their focus.

That's why Gradey Dick makes the most sense for Orlando at 11. He is arguably the best shooter in this year's class and should be able to help Orlando in that way immediately. He'd space the floor for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and not be forced into an offensively-commanding role.

Dick averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his lone season at Kansas. He was one of the best freshmen in the country and showed that he was NBA-ready all season long.

Dick would fit best in a role that allows him to be just a shooter at first while developing the rest of his skills on the way. Luckily, Orlando already has players that can go get a bucket like Banchero, Fultz, and Wagner, so Dick will be a reliable kick-out option for all of them.

Defensively, Dick isn't the best, but there is reason to believe that he will improve in that area. He brings great energy and is a smart off-ball defender. Dick will likely never be an elite defender, but adding some strength will help.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Keyonte George

The Oklahoma City Thunder were a win away from making the NBA Playoffs last season but lost in the second play-in game to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their future looks bright, and they did all of this without the No. 2 overall pick from last year's draft, Chet Holmgren.

With a full offseason of training for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company, the Thunder will be looking to take the next step next season. With the 12th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, I have the Thunder selecting Keyonte George from Baylor.

George averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in his one-and-done season at Baylor. He is an excellent scorer that can create his shot whenever he wants. George uses dribble moves to get to his spots and loves to get all the way to the basket and finish at the rim.

George makes sense for OKC because they need another shooter. Adding George on the court will help spread the floor more and provide the Thunder with a reliable scorer and shooter off the bench. George shot 33.8 percent from three as a freshman but took some tough shots. His shooting looks like it'll translate beautifully to the NBA.

13. Toronto Raptors acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino

The Toronto Raptors are in a tough spot for this year's NBA Draft.

It looks like Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet are out the door, and Jakob Poeltl's future in Toronto is also in question. For now, they have to build on what they have with Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby even though Siakam and Anunoby could be gone soon as well.

A safe pick in this slot is selecting Indiana guard Jalen Hood-Scifino.

Hood-Schifino averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 33.3 percent from three. He would fit great next to Scottie Barnes as he has good size and plays solid defense. Toronto could throw out elite defensive lineups that include Hood-Schifino, Barnes, Anunoby, and Siakam all on the court at once.

That team would be fun to watch and they'd have a VanVleet or Trent Jr. replacement right away. Although he can't shoot as well as either one of them, he still looks like he will be a solid combo guard at the NBA level.

He also brings great hustle as an off-ball defender. Hood-Schifino deflects passes often and has the motor to play with high intensity. He would thrive in Toronto, and having insurance in the case that either of their guards leaves this summer is ideal.

14. New Orleans Pelicans take Dereck Lively II

No one knows exactly what is going to happen with the New Orleans Pelicans on draft night, but it seems like this pick could be getting traded.

They reportedly want to trade up to grab Scoot Henderson, but if they stay at pick 14, I have them drafting Dereck Lively II from Duke.

The 7'1 center averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game as a freshman. His offensive game was limited to him being a rim runner and lob threat while at Duke, but his jump shot looks to be coming along. Lively II drained 14 threes in a row at his pro day and is proving that he can shoot a little bit.

Lively II would fit in New Orleans because they need a rim protector. Not a single player averaged over 0.7 blocks per game last season, and their backup center spot is in question as well. He would be able to contribute off the bench and potentially take Jonas Valanciunas' spot in the starting lineup once his contract expires.

Lively II is also a great lob catcher at the center position, and New Orleans needs that. Having two lob catchers in the frontcourt in Zion Williamson and Lively II would be fun to watch as defenses would have to always keep an eye on them.

Lively II also has great length and would anchor the Pelicans' defense.

15. Atlanta Hawks select Bilal Coulibaly

This is further than most people having him drop, but with the 15th pick, I have the Atlanta Haws selecting Bilal Coulibaly from Metropolitans 92.

Coulibaly was mostly known as Victor Wembanyama's teammate at first, but now he's made a name for himself. He is a great perimeter defender that has the potential to shut players down. Atlanta needs wing defenders around Trae Young, and this pick makes the most sense.

Coulibaly averaged 11.5 points and 1.6 steals per game for Metropolitans 92 and should be a reliable wing defender immediately. He has a big frame and long wingspan, giving him the perfect intangibles to compete with some of the elite wings in the NBA. Atlanta could task him with guarding the best player on the floor in the future, and he will be ready for that assignment.

Although his offensive skills still aren't the best, the potential is there. He is a strong driver and is a good finisher at the rim. Coulibaly is also an improved shooter that is best off the catch. He shot 35.4 percent from three last season and can be a reliable shooter if he becomes more consistent.

Atlanta would be thrilled if Coulibaly falls this far as he gives them another 3-and-D wing to build around Young.

16. Utah Jazz draft Kobe Bufkin

After selecting the best player available with the ninth overall pick in Taylor Hendricks, the Jazz decide to go with a guard at 16th overall and select Kobe Bufkin from the University of Michigan.

Bufkin averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in his second year at Michigan. He improved tremendously in between his freshman and sophomore seasons and is ready to make another jump into the NBA.

The best part about Bufkin's offensive game is his ability to score when going downhill. Bufkin uses hesi's and crossovers to get to the rim and finish with a layup or a floater. He has great touch around the basket, and he gets to the rim effortlessly.

Defensively, Bufkin hustles and guards ball handlers tight. He often gets steals on the ball and is an instinctual defender off the ball. Utah will benefit from having him in the lineup as he brings effort and defense to the guard position. He may struggle a bit with bigger guards as he only weighs 195 pounds, but once he adds muscle, he'll be an ideal two-way guard for the Jazz.

He can play point guard when he needs to but can also play off the ball. He shot 35.5 percent from downtown and would be great at shooting guard as well. This would be a great pick if he falls to 16, and Jazz fans would be happy to end up with Hendricks and Bufkin with their first two picks.

17. Los Angeles Lakers select Jordan Hawkins

You can never have too many shooters around LeBron James, right?

That's why with the 17th overall pick, I have the Los Angeles Lakers selecting Jordan Hawins from UConn. Hawkins is a top-two shooter in this year's draft, and pairing him with LeBron would elevate both of their games.

Hawkins would get to catch passes for open shots from one of the greatest players of all time while opening up the floor for LeBron and Anthony Davis to operate inside the arc. The Lakers also already have Austin Reaves (if he re-signs) and James as their lead ball handlers, and drafting a shooter here makes sense for LA.

Other than being a great shooter, Hawkins is also a solid defender. He makes smart rotations and hustles endlessly. Hawkins isn't the type of defender that will shut down the other team's best player but can pester other guards and compete with most players.

This is the right pick for LA because they add another shooter to play alongside LeBron that can also defend. They need a player that can knock down threes in bunches and be a threat at all times from anywhere behind the arc. Hawkins is that guy.

18. Miami Heat acquire Nick Smith Jr.

Although Miami's clear need is adding a new frontcourt player, drafting one at this position may be too big of a reach. They need a backup point guard, and Nick Smith Jr. is too good to pass up on at pick 18.

Smith Jr. was the number one ranked player in high school but had an injury-plagued freshman season at Arkansas. He still averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game and battled back from his knee injury.

The Heat don't have a backup point guard, and he'd have the chance to learn behind Kyle Lowry. He immediately gives them much-needed guard depth, as they don't know if Max Strus or Gabe Vincent will return this summer.

Smith Jr. is an excellent ball handler and showed flashes of great playmaking. His assist numbers weren't great, but his handle allows him to get anywhere he wants on the court, and is good in the pick and roll.

He hustles on defense and his effort is never a question. Smith Jr. would fit great in Miami as their guards are great at backdoor cuts. That is something that Smith Jr. is good at as well as he can play on and off the ball.

19. Golden State Warriors draft Jett Howard

After missing the Western Conference Finals a year after winning the NBA Finals, the Warriors will look to nail this pick, gaining a valuable rotation piece. Draymond Green's future with the team is uncertain, and Jordan Poole has been included in trade rumors.

With the 19th overall pick, I have the Golden State Warriors selecting Jett Howard. Howard averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and two assists per game while shooting 36.8 percent from three. He is a pure-scoring wing and would fit great next to Stephen Curry and company.

He is great when coming off screens and can shoot right off the screen or drive to the bucket and find a teammate. He is an all-around great offensive talent.

Defensively he hustles and competes at all times. Some people doubt his I.Q. as an off-ball defender, but his effort and size should allow him to be a fine defender in the NBA.

Howard knows how to play the game the right way, and playing in Golden State would be a perfect fit. He has a great point guard to play with in Curry and adds another floor spacer into the mix. The Warriors can never have too many shooters, and Howard could be a valuable piece for them right away.

20. Houston Rockets land Noah Clowney

After taking Amen Thompson with the fourth overall pick, the Houston Rockets strengthen their frontcourt later in the second round and add Noah Clowney.

Clowney averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game as a freshman at Alabama and shot 29.3 percent from three on 3.3 attempts per game. He has the confidence to let it fly, and he could develop into a consistent shooter out of the pick and pop as he is a good screen setter.

His free-throw percentage is 64.9 percent, which could be a red flag, but his shooting mechanics aren't bad.

Clowney could be an outside threat for them, but Houston is mainly taking him for his defense. They have to get back to caring on that end, and Clowney and Thompson could help them get back to being a competitive defensive team. Clowney is mature, and young maturity is not something that Houston has had recently.

He can switch on defense, and he has a massive wingspan. He is a mobile big and his on and off-court fit makes sense in Houston.

Clowney is also a great rebounder and would help Houston become an even better rebounding team. He hustles for every board and boxes out.

21. Brooklyn Nets grab Leonard Miller

The Nets are desperate for frontcourt depth and need to add a player to help through the draft. Leonard Miller is the perfect piece to add to the mix and gives them much-needed size.

Miller is a 6'10 forward and would give the Nets versatility and depth. Miller has the size of a forward, but he has the quickness and skills of a seasoned guard. He can comfortably handle the ball in open space and be a point forward if needed.

Miller uses his handle to get to the basket and has the athleticism to throw down monstrous dunks. He's fun to watch and would be a great fit for the Nets.

Offensively, Miller is a good shooter from mid-range and can hit shots while moving. His three-point shot isn't there yet (shot 32.7 percent), but should improve as time goes on.

He would also help their rebounding. Miller uses his athleticism to grab tough rebounds. He fits best as a wing or power forward, but could eventually turn into a capable defender against centers.

Miller could turn into one of the biggest steals in the draft, and gives Brooklyn a new forward to add to their rotation. They've needed players with size that can rebound, and Miller checks both of those boxes.

22. Brooklyn Nets select Brice Sensabaugh

After adding some frontcourt depth with the previous pick, the Nets can move to add the best available. Brice Sensabaugh fell far enough, and Brooklyn takes him off the board with the 22nd pick.

Sensabaugh is a pure scorer that would thrive off the bench in Brooklyn. He averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his lone season at Ohio State and shot 40.5 percent from three. Brooklyn would love to have another scorer off their bench, and Sensabaugh would be the perfect player to plug into that role.

He can light the scoreboard up quickly and scores in a variety of different ways. He hits pull-up jumpers from anywhere on the floor and can also hit fadeaways after backing defenders down with his strength.

Defensively, he struggles to keep up with quicker players and fouls too much. He will have to get quicker laterally to compete with shifty guards, but he has the strength and size to defend big guards.

He has great ball handling, but he must become a better passer if Brooklyn ever wants him to be a lead guard off the bench. He calls his own number often and will need to become more willing of a passer depending on how Brooklyn plans to use him.

23. Portland Trailblazers grab Kris Murray

The Portland Trailblazers seem to be all in on building around Damian Lillard, and they landed Scoot Henderson to play with him with the third overall pick. Now, they need to add some depth to their frontcourt.

With the 23rd overall pick, the Portland Trailblazers select Kris Murray.

He is the twin brother of Kings forward Keegan Murray, and Portland would be lucky if they can get a similar performance out of his brother. Kris averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in his third season at Iowa. He took his game to the next level at the perfect time, and Portland should take a chance on him.

His game is similar to his brother's and has the potential to be a great wing in the NBA. He is a good scorer and scores easy buckets off backdoor cuts. Murray is also a good three-point shooter off the catch.

He can also drive all the way to the bucket and is a willing passer. Murray is an all-around wing that should succeed in the NBA as a 3-and-D wing.

Defensively, Murray is physical and can switch on screens. He is a smart player and competitor that would be a safe pick for Portland. The only downside of this pick is that he is 22 years old.

24. Sacramento Kings take Olivier-Maxence Prosper

After an impressive regular season led to a first-round series loss from the Golden State Warriors, it's time for Sacramento to take the next step, and they need depth in the frontcourt.

With the 24th overall pick, the Sacramento Kings select Olivier-Maxence Prosper. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game at Marquette. Prosper has good size to play on the wing, and Sacramento rolls the dice to add another versatile wing to their roster.

Prosper is a great defender that can guard multiple positions. He stays locked in regardless of where the ball is on the floor and is active in passing lanes. His athleticism and quickness should make him a great NBA defender.

Prosper would be a good 3-and-D wing for Sacramento as he shot 33.9 percent from downtown. That number isn't great, but he should improve in this area as time goes on, and he shoots more. Once his shot improves, he should be able to use his quickness to blow by defenders that close out and attack the rim.

This pick gives Sacramento insurance if Harrison Barnes signs elsewhere and gives them a solid role player. That would be fabulous luck if they can have impact rookies in back-to-back seasons, and Prosper has that potential.

25. Memphis Grizzlies acquire Rayan Rupert

The Memphis Grizzlies' offseason has been filled with drama after getting bounced from the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers. Ja Morant got caught with a gun on Instagram Live again and then tried to say that the gun was a toy.

Not the best look.

Memphis is also not bringing back Dillon Brooks this offseason, and that will be a big change for them as he typically guards the other team's best player. The Grizzlies need more depth at shooting guard, and that's why I have them selecting Rayan Rupert with the 25th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Just like Brooks, Rupert has high defensive upside and could turn into the Grizzlies' next defensive stopper. Kevin O'Connor even compared him to former Memphis Grizzlies guard, Tony Allen, on his annual pre-draft big board. He has a 7'3 wingspan and brings full effort on and off the ball.

He looks like an NFL defensive back in the passing lanes as he anticipates where the ball will go and flies over there. Rupert pokes the ball away often and can pick up opponents full court if needed.

Offensively, Rupret is a good ball-handler and passer. He isn't a true point guard, but can handle his own if he needs to bring the ball up. His shooting numbers aren't there yet, and he's streaky.

This pick would be a great pick to help their defense, and he could develop into being a 3-and-D option over time.

26. Indiana Pacers draft James Nnaji

After electing to draft Ausar Thompson with the seventh overall pick, the Pacers have two picks in the final five selections of the draft.

With the 26th overall pick in the draft, I have the Indiana Pacers selecting James Nnaji. The 6'10 center is one of the best bigs in the draft and is a safe pick for the Pacers as Myles Turner is constantly involved in trade rumors. This pick gives them a solid backup big that could step in when Turner's contract ended or is traded.

Nnaji is a great finisher around the bucket and sets good screens. He would fit well with Tyrese Halliburton as he can be a lob threat and a dump-off option for the young point guard. Nnaji loves to roll to the bucket, and Halliburton could reward him on offense due to his fierce defense.

On defense, Nnaji is a monster. He would anchor the Pacers' defense when he is in the game and is a great, instinctual shot blocker. Nnaji can also switch when needed and isn't a liability on the perimeter.

This pick would be a project for Indiana, and he may take some time to fully pan out, but has good value this late in the first round. He'll be a good rim protector immediately and would be a good addition to their core.

27. Charlotte Hornets select Brandin Podziemski

The Charlotte Hornets grabbed Brandon Miller with the second overall pick and are back on the clock late in the first round. Charlotte can go any direction with this pick, and I have them selecting Brandin Podziemski from Santa Clara with the 27th overall pick.

Podziemski averaged 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in his sophomore season. He is a great scorer and would be a great spark plug for Charlotte. Podziemski is one of the best shooters in the draft and shot 43.8 percent from three on over five attempts per game.

If Podziemski isn't shooting, he's probably getting to the paint and making a floater. He has soft touch, and he uses his handle and change of pace to get to his spots. Podziemski is also a smart passer that takes care of the ball. He can play either guard spot.

Podziemski could be the second-straight first-round pick out of Santa Clara, following Jalen Williams last year to the Thunder, and could turn out to be a steal just like him. He has an all-around game that Charlotte will love. He also has a high motor and will make his presence felt on defense.

28. Utah Jazz draft Colby Jones

The Jazz had a great start to the draft as they grabbed Taylor Hendricks with the ninth pick and Kobe Bufkin with the 16th pick. Utah decides to use their last pick of the first round on Colby Jones.

Jones is a wing from Xavier and looks like he’ll turn into a great role player in the NBA.

He averaged 15 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals last season at Xavier. He is a great two-way player and is a plug-and-play player that Utah would love to add to their core.

Jones can do it all.

He is a reliable wing defender and has a high motor. Jones stays engaged and doesn’t give his man much space.

On offense, Jones is versatile and has a balanced game. He is a great shooter as he shot 37.8 percent from three and is best off the catch.

When he’s not shooting, he’s getting into the paint and scoring around the basket. He attacks closeouts and lets the game come to him.

A first round of Hendricks, Bufkin, and Jones would be a great day for Utah. Utah as a whole lacks star power, but adding some good, young role players into the mix will be beneficial.

29. Indiana Pacers take Dariq Whitehead

The Indiana Pacers have three picks in between 26 and 32 and decide to go with the best player available with the 29th overall pick. They select Dariq Whitehead, and this could be one of the better steals from the draft.

Whitehead averaged 8.3 points, one assist, and 0.8 steals per game last season at Duke. This may not be the most flashy pick, but his upside as a scorer should excite the Pacers. He has great pull-up game and is comfortable with the ball in his hands. If he’s not pulling up from mid-range or knocking down a three, he’s probably getting to the basket.

He finishes effectively with both hands and can finish through contact.

He is also a good on-ball defender. Whitehead has a 6’9 wingspan and can guard both guard spots and wings. He is a competitor on this end of the floor and plays hard.

One of the biggest reasons that Whitehead fell so far in the draft is his injury history. He has had two foot surgeries recently, and teams could be afraid to use a first-round pick on a player that has been injury prone. He was the No. 2 player in the class of 2022 according to 247 Sports and has tons of potential.

Indiana has the leeway to make this selection, and they should take a chance on Whitehead.

30. Los Angeles Clippers land GG Jackson II

The Los Angeles Clippers round up the first round with the 30th overall pick and draft the best player available. They have a good roster and solid role players around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George but haven't been able to put it all together.

With the 30th overall pick, the Los Angeles Clippers select GG Jackson II from the University of South Carolina. Jackson II has even been mocked to go in the middle of the first round at some points but has fallen to the second round in most mock drafts.

Jackson II was the No. 1 ranked prospect in the class of 2023 before reclassifying and has high upside. He is a solid scorer and is a good ball-handler for his size. Standing at 6'8, he is the size of a big wing but handles the ball like a guard. He gets to his spots and hits tough shots.

He is also a good defender. Jackson II plays hard and is a solid team defender. He also crashes the glass and makes his presence felt in any way he can.

This pick may be a risk, but the Clippers can afford to make one. They need to add versatile players to their roster, and Jackson II could give them good minutes off the bench eventually.