- Sep 18, 2003
- 61,938
- 134,381
Not surprised
2025 NBA Draft Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by addict4sneakers,
- Start date
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- Apr 14, 2016
- 13,526
- 26,427
Blazers need to stop wasting time and just trade dame
- Jul 8, 2013
- 12,066
- 13,589
Honestly , I dont know what numbers Vic would have to put up his rookie year to live up to the hype.
24-26ppg probably should be the minimum with elite defense to live up to it
24-26ppg probably should be the minimum with elite defense to live up to it
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
Mavericks 2023 NBA Draft Big Board: Who could Dallas draft at No. 10?
The Dallas Mavericks’ No. 10 selection in next month’s 2023 NBA Draft won’t solve the team’s problems, not on its own. It’s why the team views the pick as a potential trade asset, something to dangle while they prepare for a meaningful summer overhaul that attempts to make this roster right.
Still, the team does have the pick. They aren’t obligated to trade it, nor are other teams obligated to accept deals that might make sense for Dallas. What the Mavericks will be offered for the No. 10 pick depends on the nine selections before them, of course, and will be affected by the teams above them who might also be looking to move down. Dallas might trade down, rather than entirely out, of the first round as well.
For all those reasons, it’s good for fans who care about this offseason to have an idea about the prospects who might be available here or further down in the draft. I’m going to group them into tiers, and we’ll continue diving deeper into some prospects later on.
You can’t overthink if they fall
In Chicago at the draft combine, I constantly asked team and league personnel about the draft’s most important question. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the answer was clear: No, it’s considered unlikely Victor Wembanyama falls to the No. 10 selection.
(I did actually ask that question several times. Oddly enough, people seemed to think I was joking. Fine! Sorry for asking questions!)
Taylor Hendricks is the only top-nine player whose immediate value to the Mavericks — as a 6-foot-9 wing with a proven offensive repertoire and elite defensive abilities — would almost certainly outweigh the offers from teams interested in trading up to snag him. I’d put Anthony Black in that category, too. He’s a 6-7 guard who might not be a lead shot creator, but whose offensive skillset and plus defending are perfectly suited to be a high-level starter.
Cam Whitmore should be mentioned here, too, but it seems even less likely that he falls.
You have to consider them at No. 10
If the draft holds true to what’s expected right now, about one month out, those players won’t be available. The following players are the ones that the Dallas front office is most actively discussing and analyzing, even if they are serious about trading that No. 10 selection.
Trading a first-round pick on draft night is different than trading a future selection. Any trade proposal gets its valuation based on the player you’d be prepared to pick instead, and Dallas has to know how it views those players — and which teams might be interested in what prospects — so the team can push for more in any potential deal it discusses. Here are those players:
Jarace Walker | 6-8 | F-C | 19 years old
Walker is projected as a small-ball center more than a big wing, which is the slightly less valuable archetype. But positions don’t matter nearly as much as skillsets, and Walker’s immediate defensive abilities — mobile enough to switch, a good shot blocker even if he won’t be a rim-protecting defensive anchor and great traits to be an exceptional rebounder — are desperately needed in Dallas. He’s a smart playmaker especially in the short roll, which Dallas didn’t have consistently last season. His 3-point shooting improved in his one season at Houston, but Walker’s main question is how prolific he can be behind the arc.
Kobe Bufkin | 6-4 | G | 19 years old
Dallas shouldn’t be interested in drafting any prospect who profiles as a lead guard, but Bufkin projects more as a connector and initiator than a lead scorer. In Dallas, he could play as more of a dynamic 3-and-D wing — thanks to good defensive fundamentals and a 6-8 wingspan — without needing the ball to succeed. It’s possible he rises into the top nine in the next month, although he’s currently seen as a late-lottery pick.
Leonard Miller | 6-9 | F | 19 years old
Miller is my favorite developmental wing prospect, although he’s truthfully more of a versatile, ball-handling big man. But it would probably take a couple of years, at least, to develop his jump shot and find ways to use his plus athleticism to help a team with big postseason aspirations like Dallas.
Overall thoughts
There’s a good chance Walker is drafted prior to No. 10, and Miller might not be selected until after the lottery. (Trading down into the mid-teens and still drafting Miller might be a dream scenario if the Dallas front office decides that it’s a believer in the Canadian teen.) But that trio of players is who I think the Mavericks should debate and wrestle with drafting outright before deciding to trade the pick.
You hope other teams love them
I don’t think Ausar Thompson, the 20-year-old 6-7 wing, is developed enough offensively to make sense for Dallas even if he has instant impact potential on the defensive end. If any top-nine projected prospect were to fall, though, it’s possible that it’s him. That might be a great scenario for Dallas if multiple teams are interested in trading up to snag him.
Gradey **** isn’t likely to be considered by Dallas, team and league sources tell The Athletic, all of whom were granted anonymity since they were not authorized to speak publicly about prospects. The team’s new front office is focused on athleticism and physicality much more than the old guard, which might have favored a skilled shooter but an unremarkable athlete like ****.
Bufkin is the only guard who I would consider with the No. 10 overall pick, though Dallas might feel differently. Cason Wallace, Keyonte George and Nick Smith Jr. don’t solve Dallas’ urgent needs and might struggle to earn minutes.
You’d love to trade down for them
Dallas can’t be choosers if the team does, indeed, trade the No. 10 selection. The best available move might not involve another first-round selection, but it could! What Dallas thinks of these players, what picks might be brandished by another team in a potential deal and whether the team could snatch one of these players with such a pick are all considerations they must have in the next month.
Dereck Lively Jr. | 7-1 | C | 19 years old
Lively has a chance to be drafted in the lottery, but it’s just as likely that the big center from Duke goes in the mid-to-late teens. He’s a rim deterrent — not just blocking shots, but scaring opponents from challenging him — who has athletic mobility and unpolished-but-somewhat-promising offensive potential. But he might need a season or two to get stronger and learn the rhythms of the NBA.
Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-5 | W | 20 years old
Hood-Schifino is a rangy wing defender who could have a lot of off-the-dribble juice in the midrange areas and as a secondary creator. He projects as a solid, low-ceiling role player. His 3-point shooting has questions, though, and neither he nor the next player solves the Mavericks’ immediate need for a big wing.
Jordan Hawkins | 6-5 | W | 21 years old
Hawkins’ most obvious comparison is Desmond Bane. While Bane has developed into a legitimate scoring option, his projection coming into the 2020 NBA Draft was similar to Hawkins’: proven volume shooter, older player with immediate impact potential, solid-if-not-shutdown defender. Hawkins might never be a 30-minute-per-night starter, but you can never have enough of those players.
Bobi Klintman | 6-10 | W/F | 20 years old
Bilal Coulibaly | 6-6 | W | 18 years old
G.G. Jackson | 6-9 | F | 18 years old
Klintman, Coulibaly, and Jackson are all developmental wings with buckets of potential that may or may not ever be realized. If Miller falls, I like him better than this trio, but Dallas could do worse than trading for and using a pick in, say, the early 20s to grab one of these players with a forward-thinking perspective. It’s even more important given the stricter rules in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement making it harder to retain high-salaried veteran role players.
I don’t have strong enough feelings, for now, to put any separation between this trio. But they made sense grouped together due to their similar strengths and weaknesses.
Overall thoughts
Dallas’ dream trade-down scenario, to me, would be exchanging the No. 10 selection for a spot in the late teens to select Lively or the early 20s for Hood-Schifino or Hawkins. If they could do that while receiving some sort of defense-first veteran who could immediately receive rotation minutes, that’s a clear win. But it would take a willing team, and perhaps the right prospect falling, for that to happen.
The Dallas Mavericks’ No. 10 selection in next month’s 2023 NBA Draft won’t solve the team’s problems, not on its own. It’s why the team views the pick as a potential trade asset, something to dangle while they prepare for a meaningful summer overhaul that attempts to make this roster right.
Still, the team does have the pick. They aren’t obligated to trade it, nor are other teams obligated to accept deals that might make sense for Dallas. What the Mavericks will be offered for the No. 10 pick depends on the nine selections before them, of course, and will be affected by the teams above them who might also be looking to move down. Dallas might trade down, rather than entirely out, of the first round as well.
For all those reasons, it’s good for fans who care about this offseason to have an idea about the prospects who might be available here or further down in the draft. I’m going to group them into tiers, and we’ll continue diving deeper into some prospects later on.
You can’t overthink if they fall
In Chicago at the draft combine, I constantly asked team and league personnel about the draft’s most important question. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the answer was clear: No, it’s considered unlikely Victor Wembanyama falls to the No. 10 selection.
(I did actually ask that question several times. Oddly enough, people seemed to think I was joking. Fine! Sorry for asking questions!)
Taylor Hendricks is the only top-nine player whose immediate value to the Mavericks — as a 6-foot-9 wing with a proven offensive repertoire and elite defensive abilities — would almost certainly outweigh the offers from teams interested in trading up to snag him. I’d put Anthony Black in that category, too. He’s a 6-7 guard who might not be a lead shot creator, but whose offensive skillset and plus defending are perfectly suited to be a high-level starter.
Cam Whitmore should be mentioned here, too, but it seems even less likely that he falls.
You have to consider them at No. 10
If the draft holds true to what’s expected right now, about one month out, those players won’t be available. The following players are the ones that the Dallas front office is most actively discussing and analyzing, even if they are serious about trading that No. 10 selection.
Trading a first-round pick on draft night is different than trading a future selection. Any trade proposal gets its valuation based on the player you’d be prepared to pick instead, and Dallas has to know how it views those players — and which teams might be interested in what prospects — so the team can push for more in any potential deal it discusses. Here are those players:
Jarace Walker | 6-8 | F-C | 19 years old
Walker is projected as a small-ball center more than a big wing, which is the slightly less valuable archetype. But positions don’t matter nearly as much as skillsets, and Walker’s immediate defensive abilities — mobile enough to switch, a good shot blocker even if he won’t be a rim-protecting defensive anchor and great traits to be an exceptional rebounder — are desperately needed in Dallas. He’s a smart playmaker especially in the short roll, which Dallas didn’t have consistently last season. His 3-point shooting improved in his one season at Houston, but Walker’s main question is how prolific he can be behind the arc.
Kobe Bufkin | 6-4 | G | 19 years old
Dallas shouldn’t be interested in drafting any prospect who profiles as a lead guard, but Bufkin projects more as a connector and initiator than a lead scorer. In Dallas, he could play as more of a dynamic 3-and-D wing — thanks to good defensive fundamentals and a 6-8 wingspan — without needing the ball to succeed. It’s possible he rises into the top nine in the next month, although he’s currently seen as a late-lottery pick.
Leonard Miller | 6-9 | F | 19 years old
Miller is my favorite developmental wing prospect, although he’s truthfully more of a versatile, ball-handling big man. But it would probably take a couple of years, at least, to develop his jump shot and find ways to use his plus athleticism to help a team with big postseason aspirations like Dallas.
Overall thoughts
There’s a good chance Walker is drafted prior to No. 10, and Miller might not be selected until after the lottery. (Trading down into the mid-teens and still drafting Miller might be a dream scenario if the Dallas front office decides that it’s a believer in the Canadian teen.) But that trio of players is who I think the Mavericks should debate and wrestle with drafting outright before deciding to trade the pick.
You hope other teams love them
I don’t think Ausar Thompson, the 20-year-old 6-7 wing, is developed enough offensively to make sense for Dallas even if he has instant impact potential on the defensive end. If any top-nine projected prospect were to fall, though, it’s possible that it’s him. That might be a great scenario for Dallas if multiple teams are interested in trading up to snag him.
Gradey **** isn’t likely to be considered by Dallas, team and league sources tell The Athletic, all of whom were granted anonymity since they were not authorized to speak publicly about prospects. The team’s new front office is focused on athleticism and physicality much more than the old guard, which might have favored a skilled shooter but an unremarkable athlete like ****.
Bufkin is the only guard who I would consider with the No. 10 overall pick, though Dallas might feel differently. Cason Wallace, Keyonte George and Nick Smith Jr. don’t solve Dallas’ urgent needs and might struggle to earn minutes.
You’d love to trade down for them
Dallas can’t be choosers if the team does, indeed, trade the No. 10 selection. The best available move might not involve another first-round selection, but it could! What Dallas thinks of these players, what picks might be brandished by another team in a potential deal and whether the team could snatch one of these players with such a pick are all considerations they must have in the next month.
Dereck Lively Jr. | 7-1 | C | 19 years old
Lively has a chance to be drafted in the lottery, but it’s just as likely that the big center from Duke goes in the mid-to-late teens. He’s a rim deterrent — not just blocking shots, but scaring opponents from challenging him — who has athletic mobility and unpolished-but-somewhat-promising offensive potential. But he might need a season or two to get stronger and learn the rhythms of the NBA.
Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-5 | W | 20 years old
Hood-Schifino is a rangy wing defender who could have a lot of off-the-dribble juice in the midrange areas and as a secondary creator. He projects as a solid, low-ceiling role player. His 3-point shooting has questions, though, and neither he nor the next player solves the Mavericks’ immediate need for a big wing.
Jordan Hawkins | 6-5 | W | 21 years old
Hawkins’ most obvious comparison is Desmond Bane. While Bane has developed into a legitimate scoring option, his projection coming into the 2020 NBA Draft was similar to Hawkins’: proven volume shooter, older player with immediate impact potential, solid-if-not-shutdown defender. Hawkins might never be a 30-minute-per-night starter, but you can never have enough of those players.
Bobi Klintman | 6-10 | W/F | 20 years old
Bilal Coulibaly | 6-6 | W | 18 years old
G.G. Jackson | 6-9 | F | 18 years old
Klintman, Coulibaly, and Jackson are all developmental wings with buckets of potential that may or may not ever be realized. If Miller falls, I like him better than this trio, but Dallas could do worse than trading for and using a pick in, say, the early 20s to grab one of these players with a forward-thinking perspective. It’s even more important given the stricter rules in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement making it harder to retain high-salaried veteran role players.
I don’t have strong enough feelings, for now, to put any separation between this trio. But they made sense grouped together due to their similar strengths and weaknesses.
Overall thoughts
Dallas’ dream trade-down scenario, to me, would be exchanging the No. 10 selection for a spot in the late teens to select Lively or the early 20s for Hood-Schifino or Hawkins. If they could do that while receiving some sort of defense-first veteran who could immediately receive rotation minutes, that’s a clear win. But it would take a willing team, and perhaps the right prospect falling, for that to happen.
- Apr 16, 2014
- 24,085
- 48,744
20-10 with ay least 1.5 blocks a game at least or I'm slandering him.
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
- May 31, 2013
- 1,076
- 1,646
- Jul 13, 2005
- 35,421
- 27,033
Who's the better twin again?
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- Apr 14, 2016
- 13,526
- 26,427
I’m excited for Amen with the 4th pick. Him and Jalen green will be the most athletic backcourt of all time.
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
finessence
Supporter
- Mar 14, 2010
- 29,476
- 41,868
What if Bazley just peaked and just wasn’t good enough?
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
2023 NBA mock draft: Post-combine and pro day impacts on the draft class
The draft combine and pro day circuit are in the rearview. Now, teams are jumping into individual workouts that will help them narrow down their boards and get a better handle on whom they might select on draft night.
After the San Antonio Spurs inevitably select Victor Wembanyama at No. 1, the draft truly starts with the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, owners of the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, who are likely to select Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson in some order.
Things are wide open after that. A host of scenarios are in play involving trades and a big group of prospects vying to be the next ones to hear their names called as the draft moves on.
There's still much to be determined regarding how the 2023 NBA draft, to be held June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will shape up. ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo considered the draft board and the likely players available at each spot to update the ESPN 2023 NBA mock draft accordingly.
Their latest mock, which reflects a long period of exhaustive evaluation of the 2023 draft class and considers intel gathered from conversations with scouts and front-office personnel, also accounts for picks owed and owned by all 30 teams.
FIRST ROUND
1. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama
Metropolitans 92
PF/C
Age: 19.4
The Spurs are as excited about landing Wembanyama as you'd expect: The word going around the combine was coach Gregg Popovich flew to France shortly after San Antonio won the lottery. Meanwhile, Wembanyama's season continues, with Metropolitans 92 advancing past Cholet and leading his former club, ASVEL, 2-0 in the LNB Pro A semifinals. A deep playoff run could mean Wembanyama's season runs right up to draft night, with June 20 presently the latest date the finals could end. -- Jeremy Woo
2. Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller
Alabama
SF
Age: 20.5
Miller's camp says it is hoping he can do enough on his June 10 visit in Charlotte to convince the Hornets to give him assurances they'll pick him at this spot, something that might hinge more on how he performs in his interview than his workout. He sat down with 12 teams at the draft combine in Chicago, but arrived holding a legal brief written by his attorneys informing teams that he would not be able to comment on specific details regarding his involvement in the lead-up to the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris. It's the biggest factor holding him back from being the easy choice at No. 2, as many expect to be the case in Charlotte. Miller's fit with Charlotte's roster looks ideal, and he is considered the front-runner here if he can do enough to alleviate off-court concerns. -- Givony
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson
G League Ignite
PG
Age: 19.3
Sources say Henderson is also very interested in Charlotte's situation and would welcome hearing his name called second, as much due to geographic proximity to his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, as the excitement over new ownership that is potentially taking over the Hornets organization this summer. If that doesn't materialize, landing in Portland and being mentored by Damian Lillard is also viewed as an attractive option. There's belief the two can play together along with last season's top-10 pick, Shaedon Sharpe, and that Henderson can eventually take the reins of the franchise in the coming years. -- Givony
4. Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson
Overtime Elite
PG/SG
Age: 20.3
The Thompson twins have made themselves somewhat scarce in the pre-draft process thus far, measuring and doing interviews at the combine but electing not to hold a pro day. Like most of the top prospects, Thompson plans to conduct only 1-on-0 workouts for teams at this point. While his tantalizing upside makes him a candidate for the Rockets here, for now there's no foregone conclusion to draw at No. 4, particularly with steam gathering around James Harden's potential return to Houston. The proposition of finding backcourt touches for potentially all of Harden, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. seems less than ideal for Thompson's development. Whether the Rockets look to move this pick or stay put, No. 4 is where the draft truly opens up. -- Woo
5. Detroit Pistons
Cam Whitmore
Villanova
SF
Age: 18.8
Whitmore helped his cause by putting his tremendous physical tools and overall talent on display at the WME pro day in Santa Barbara, California. Pretty much every NBA representative in attendance walked away highly impressed by the considerable long-term upside he possesses. It's not clear how Detroit views 34-year old Bogdan Bogdanovic's timetable with its young roster despite his team-friendly contract that expires in 2025, but it's easy to see Whitmore's fit with the rest of the Pistons' young pieces, especially Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Whitmore will also be firmly in contention for Houston at No. 4, as the Rockets' confidence in landing James Harden could lead them more toward wing options, especially those with better floor-spacing potential such as Whitmore. -- Givony
6. Orlando Magic
Ausar Thompson
Overtime Elite
PG/SG
Age: 20.3
Like his brother, Thompson might have a little wider range than you'd think, as he's an imperfect fit on paper for the teams in this range, and teams have lingering questions the twins will have to address in workout settings. The Magic are building around two focal offensive players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, creating a need for shooting elsewhere on the floor, something Thompson doesn't necessarily provide yet. But because Orlando has two lottery picks, there's rationale to swing on upside at No. 6, then address that need more directly at No. 11. Thompson's work ethic and improving jumper should give teams some optimism that he'll be able to iron out his weaknesses, and his ability to play off the ball might fit with the Magic. -- Woo
7. Indiana Pacers
Jarace Walker
Houston
PF
Age: 19.7
Many NBA eyebrows were raised last week when Walker called off his pro day appearance in Santa Barbara at the last minute, despite looking completely healthy on first glance. The immediate suspicion among teams was that a team has elected to "shut him down," something we'll likely learn more about depending on how his workout schedule evolves the next few weeks. Regardless of whether that's the case or not, Walker's fit on Indiana's roster looks extremely strong, as the Pacers don't have a player they can point to at his position who is a clear-cut starter long-term. Walker's defensive versatility, passing acumen and developing perimeter shooting prowess could be an ideal fit here. -- Givony
8. Washington Wizards
Anthony Black
Arkansas
PG/SG
Age: 19.3
Black shot the ball well at his recent pro day, presumably a good sign for his pre-draft process, as he'll need to persuade prospective teams his jumper can reach a level that makes him an adequate off-ball threat. The Wizards, now under the leadership of former Clippers general manager Michael Winger, will presumably swing on the best prospect available but have long been seeking greater stability at lead guard, and could fulfill both criteria with this pick. Black's positional size, feel and two-way upside vibe with where the NBA game seems to be headed. -- Woo
9. Utah Jazz
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Indiana
PG/SG
Age: 19.9
Hood-Schifino is one of the big winners of the measurements and pro day portions of the draft process, as he clearly possesses all-star-level physical tools with his tremendous size, frame and length for a point guard. Players with his caliber of upside tend to rise as we get closer to the draft. Many executives pivot into home run-swing mode at this stage of the lottery, especially teams like the Jazz who have three picks at their disposal and some clear holes to plug in the backcourt. -- Givony
10. Dallas Mavericks
Taylor Hendricks
UCF
PF
Age: 19.5
The Dallas pick creates an intriguing swing spot in the lottery, with the Mavs looking to stay competitive around Luka Doncic and wielding this pick as a useful trade chip in improving the roster. That said, the Mavs should be in the market to improve their frontcourt no matter what, and grabbing Hendricks, who provides both rim protection and floor spacing, would be a feasible step in that direction. Hendricks is in play with teams all over the lottery due to his versatility and the intrinsic value of his skill set. -- Woo
11. Orlando Magic (via Chicago)
Gradey ****
Kansas
SG/SF
Age: 19.5
There's been some chatter that the Magic might not keep both of their lottery picks -- they should certainly have options if they choose to try to move around -- but a scenario like this where **** is available to them at No. 11 could lead them to stay put. Orlando needs to surround Banchero and Wagner with shooting, and would achieve that here by adding one of the top shooters in the draft. Teams view **** as a lock to come off the board in the lottery, and the Magic look like a nice landing spot. -- Woo
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Nick Smith Jr.
Arkansas
PG/SG
Age: 19.1
Smith did a good job reminding teams why he was considered one of the most talented prospects in the class coming out of high school at the Klutch pro day, where he shot the ball well and looked healthier than he did during the season at Arkansas. Most NBA executives expect the Thunder to be active in trade discussions looking to potentially package this pick and future first-rounders in an attempt to move up on draft night, which makes sense considering the shortage of roster spots the Thunder could be working with moving forward with all the talent they've accumulated. -- Givony
13. Toronto Raptors
Jordan Hawkins
UConn
SG
Age: 21.0
Although Hawkins is widely viewed as the top shooter in the draft, there's a bit of disagreement among executives as to where exactly he becomes worth the bet, whether that's late lottery range or further down. He's expected off the board somewhere between picks 11 and 19, offering NBA-ready movement and shooting skills that many teams feel they can utilize immediately. The Raptors were near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting last season and would certainly help address that need with Hawkins, whom teams view as a plug-and-play type of talent. -- Woo
14. New Orleans Pelicans
Dereck Lively II
Duke
C
Age: 19.2
Lively is another player who generated significant buzz at the Klutch pro day, appearing to be in outstanding shape physically, shooting the ball exceptionally well from the perimeter and bringing a degree of intensity and aggressiveness we didn't always see in his lone season at Duke. He'll have to validate that in private workouts, but the dearth of big men in this class gives him the ability to be a riser on draft night, especially as teams consider the fact that he was the No. 1 recruit in his high school class entering the season. He seems to have plenty of upside left to tap into as his frame continues to fill out. -- Givony
15. Atlanta Hawks
Keyonte George
Baylor
SG
Age: 19.5
Following a strong pro day in Chicago, George continues to jockey for position among a large group of guards expected off the board in the late lottery and teens. Although he elected not to measure or test at the combine, George appears to have worked himself into excellent shape, which might address -- to some extent -- teams' concerns over his physical profile. Teams still feel he has some maturing to do, but his skill level and gifts as a scorer have kept his stock somewhat stable -- if he falls out of the lottery, it shouldn't be too far. -- Woo
16. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Kobe Bufkin
Michigan
PG/SG
Age: 19.6
Bufkin looks to be well-established in this range of the draft, having set himself apart somewhat as a two-way contributor who can fulfill a range of needs in the backcourt. He measured well for a combo guard at north of 6-foot-4 barefoot, which helps him comparatively in this range, where his well-roundedness becomes a strong sell. Bufkin is in play for teams beginning in the late lottery and at this point would seem firmly entrenched in the top 20. -- Woo
17. Los Angeles Lakers
Cason Wallace
Kentucky
PG/SG
Age: 19.5
Wallace measured better than expected at the draft combine but appears to have a bit of a wider range on draft night than other lottery candidates, as some teams don't view him as a surefire point guard or primary creator and others question his scoring credentials. Still, there aren't many better defenders in the class than Wallace. His strong dimensions (comparable to multipositional guards like De'Anthony Melton, Bruce Brown and Tyrese Maxey) give him significant versatility to tap into when paired with his excellent instincts and intensity level, especially when surrounded with talent on a playoff team. -- Givony
18. Miami Heat
Jett Howard
Michigan
SG/SF
Age: 19.7
Howard is a bit of a polarizing prospect in this class, as he seems to have some real fans in NBA front offices, but also some teams weren't impressed at all with what they saw from him in Big Ten play as he was playing hurt. The way Howard shot the ball at the CAA pro day served as a good reminder for teams of the coveted role he can play, as there's clearly more to his game than just his jumper. He'll have to continue to perform well on the private workout circuit to solidify his standing. -- Givony
19. Golden State Warriors
Rayan Rupert
NZ Breakers
SG/SF
Age: 18.9
Rupert is being selective with the teams he visits, prioritizing roster fit and strong development situations on playoff-caliber teams rather than trying to be selected as high as possible. Golden State's disappointing playoff exit revealed some issues the franchise will need to address with its aging roster. The Warriors' inability to get stops in key moments hurt them against the Lakers, so a defensive-minded prospect like Rupert -- who can wreak havoc all over the floor with his 7-2 wingspan and high intensity level -- could be interesting at this stage of the draft. -- Givony
20. Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers)
Noah Clowney
Alabama
PF
Age: 18.8
Clowney's range appears somewhat wide, but his extreme youth, defensive instincts and shooting potential make him one of the more attractive first-round project options. He quietly built up a lot of fans in front offices over the course of the season and has yet to turn 19, making him an appealing development pick, particularly for teams in this part of the draft who can afford to bring him along slowly. -- Woo
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix)
Bilal Coulibaly
Metropolitans 92
SG/SF
Age: 18.8
Coulibaly continues to play a key supporting role as Metropolitans 92 competes in the Pro A playoffs, scoring 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting in Tuesday's semifinal win against ASVEL. His production has been up and down, but it would appear he's on track to stay in the draft, having shown enough flashes alongside Wembanyama to justify a first-round selection. However, his team's success has left Coulibaly unable to work out for teams stateside, which puts him in a bit of flux, at least for the time being. -- Woo
22. Brooklyn Nets
Leonard Miller
G League Ignite
SF/PF
Age: 19.5
Miller is a bit of a polarizing prospect in NBA circles. On one hand, he's coming off an incredibly productive season in the G League in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a 19-year-old. On the other hand, teams question his shooting mechanics and feel for the game, as it's not quite clear what position or role he's best suited for long term. Ultimately, it's hard to find teenagers with the type of length, activity and scoring instincts Miller brings, which gives him real upside to grow into and makes him a strong candidate to be picked in the first round. -- Givony
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York)
James Nnaji
Barcelona
C
Age: 18.7
Nnaji was originally scheduled to travel to Chicago and scrimmage at the draft combine, before Barcelona opted to have him remain with the team headed into the EuroLeague Final Four. That decision reflected the growth of his role but also meant a missed opportunity for Nnaji to showcase himself in the combine setting, where his physical tools likely would have set him apart in a thin class of centers. As Barcelona enters the ACB playoffs this week, Nnaji will have more time to showcase himself, but he remains more of a long-term bet who will benefit from the lack of quality bigs on the board in this draft. -- Woo
24. Sacramento Kings
Kris Murray
Iowa
PF
Age: 22.7
After a playoff run that reenergized the franchise and changed the Kings' focus to competing now, they could prefer an experienced college prospect at this selection. In this scenario, it's Murray, with whom they're intimately familiar after drafting his twin brother, Keegan, last season. Reuniting the twins, low-maintenance players whose skill sets complement one another, could pay immediate dividends. But Kris' shooting ability has put him in play for teams beginning in the teens, so it's no guarantee he makes it this far. -- Woo
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Brice Sensabaugh
Ohio State
SF/PF
Age: 19.5
Sensabaugh has been hobbled by a knee issue he suffered late in Ohio State's season, which required surgery and has thus far prevented him from conducting competitive team workouts, a source told ESPN. He nevertheless shot the ball well at his pro day last week -- according to teams that were present -- and recently got cleared to begin visiting and working out for teams, which should help reveal a better picture of where his draft stock lies in the coming weeks. -- Givony
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Dariq Whitehead
Duke
SG/SF
Age: 18.8
Whitehead has been unable to conduct workouts following last month's foot surgery, leaving his stock something of a question mark entering June. That said, letting a player with his youth and pedigree slip toward the back of the first round might be a mistake on the part of teams, considering he's 18 years old and was never quite right during his freshman year at Duke. He would represent an intriguing opportunity in this range of the draft, and a young team like the Pacers, which can afford to be patient with his health and development, might make sense as a soft landing spot. -- Woo
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Denver)
Brandin Podziemski
Santa Clara
SG
Age: 20.2
Podziemski had an excellent showing in the first game of the NBA draft combine, demonstrating impressive passing creativity, shot-making versatility and toughness on the glass. There's a clear niche for skilled guards in his mold who bring a strong feel for the game. He shot 45% from 3 this season, which has elevated his stock into first-round territory. -- Givony
28. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia)
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette
PF
Age: 20.9
Prosper had perhaps the single best performance at the combine, dropping 21 points and seven rebounds in just 22 minutes of action, mostly through pure hustle and activity. He fits a clear mold NBA teams are actively pursuing with his defensive versatility, 7-1 wingspan and budding perimeter shooting, causing him to keep his name in the draft after strong feedback. -- Givony
29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston)
Colby Jones
Xavier
SF
Age: 21.0
With the Nos. 27, 29 and 32 picks all in hand, it seems unlikely the Pacers keep all three of those selections. This is a prime spot for another team to potentially trade up or into the draft if Indiana doesn't move up itself. Jones makes for an easy fit in most rotations with an unselfish, versatile style of play that could make him an immediate value add for teams off the bench. He's in play for teams all over the back part of the first round. -- Woo
30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee)
Maxwell Lewis
Pepperdine
SF
Age: 20.8
After an uneven season at Pepperdine, Lewis has one of the bigger ranges of any player in the class, as he's receiving interest from teams already in the late lottery extending throughout the first round. There aren't many prospects with more natural talent in this stage than Lewis, who stands 6-7½ in shoes with a 7-foot wingspan and diverse shot-making and shot-creation prowess. Lewis' performance in private workouts, where he thus far has excelled, should provide a better gauge of where his draft range lies ultimately. -- Givony
SECOND ROUND
31. Detroit Pistons
Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA | SF | Age: 22.2
32. Indiana Pacers (via Houston)
Andre Jackson Jr. | UConn | SG/SF | Age: 21.5
33. San Antonio Spurs
Gregory Jackson II | South Carolina | PF | Age: 18.4
34. Charlotte Hornets
Julian Phillips | Tennessee | SF | Age: 19.5
35. Boston Celtics (via Portland)
Tristan Vukcevic | Partizan | PF/C | Age: 20.2
36. Orlando Magic
Ben Sheppard | Belmont | SF | Age: 21.8
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Washington)
Marcus Sasser | Houston | PG/SG | Age: 22.6
38. Sacramento Kings (via Indiana)
Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | PF/C | Age: 23.2
39. Charlotte Hornets (via Utah)
Jordan Walsh | Arkansas | SF/PF | Age: 19.2
40. Denver Nuggets (via Dallas)
Sidy Cissoko | G League Ignite | SG/SF | Age: 19.1
41. Charlotte Hornets (via Oklahoma City)
Dillon Mitchell | Texas | PF | Age: 19.6
42. Washington Wizards (via Chicago)
Terquavion Smith | NC State | SG | Age: 20.4
43. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta)
Reece Beekman | Virginia | PG | Age: 21.6
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
Jalen Wilson | Kansas | SF/PF | Age: 22.5
45. Memphis Grizzlies (via Minnesota)
Amari Bailey | UCLA | PG | Age: 19.2
46. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Kobe Brown | Missouri | PF/C | Age: 23.4
47. Los Angeles Lakers
Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.0
48. LA Clippers
Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 20.1
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Golden State)
Keyontae Johnson | Kansas St. | SF | Age: 23.0
50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Mouhamed Gueye | Washington St. | PF/C | Age: 20.5
51. Brooklyn Nets
DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 20.7
52. Phoenix Suns
Seth Lundy | Penn State | SG/SF | Age: 23.1
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via New York)
Bobi Klintman | Wake Forest | SF/PF | Age: 20.2
54. Sacramento Kings
Coleman Hawkins | Illinois | PF | Age: 21.4
55. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Illinois | SG/SF | Age: 22.8
56. Memphis Grizzlies
Julian Strawther | Gonzaga | SF | Age: 21.1
57. Washington Wizards (via Boston)
Hunter Tyson | Clemson | SF/PF | Age: 22.9
58. Milwaukee Bucks
Emoni Bates | Eastern Michigan | SG/SF | Age: 19.3
Note: The Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers each forfeited a 2023 second-round draft pick.
The draft combine and pro day circuit are in the rearview. Now, teams are jumping into individual workouts that will help them narrow down their boards and get a better handle on whom they might select on draft night.
After the San Antonio Spurs inevitably select Victor Wembanyama at No. 1, the draft truly starts with the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, owners of the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, who are likely to select Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson in some order.
Things are wide open after that. A host of scenarios are in play involving trades and a big group of prospects vying to be the next ones to hear their names called as the draft moves on.
There's still much to be determined regarding how the 2023 NBA draft, to be held June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will shape up. ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo considered the draft board and the likely players available at each spot to update the ESPN 2023 NBA mock draft accordingly.
Their latest mock, which reflects a long period of exhaustive evaluation of the 2023 draft class and considers intel gathered from conversations with scouts and front-office personnel, also accounts for picks owed and owned by all 30 teams.
FIRST ROUND
1. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama
Metropolitans 92
PF/C
Age: 19.4
The Spurs are as excited about landing Wembanyama as you'd expect: The word going around the combine was coach Gregg Popovich flew to France shortly after San Antonio won the lottery. Meanwhile, Wembanyama's season continues, with Metropolitans 92 advancing past Cholet and leading his former club, ASVEL, 2-0 in the LNB Pro A semifinals. A deep playoff run could mean Wembanyama's season runs right up to draft night, with June 20 presently the latest date the finals could end. -- Jeremy Woo
2. Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller
Alabama
SF
Age: 20.5
Miller's camp says it is hoping he can do enough on his June 10 visit in Charlotte to convince the Hornets to give him assurances they'll pick him at this spot, something that might hinge more on how he performs in his interview than his workout. He sat down with 12 teams at the draft combine in Chicago, but arrived holding a legal brief written by his attorneys informing teams that he would not be able to comment on specific details regarding his involvement in the lead-up to the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris. It's the biggest factor holding him back from being the easy choice at No. 2, as many expect to be the case in Charlotte. Miller's fit with Charlotte's roster looks ideal, and he is considered the front-runner here if he can do enough to alleviate off-court concerns. -- Givony
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson
G League Ignite
PG
Age: 19.3
Sources say Henderson is also very interested in Charlotte's situation and would welcome hearing his name called second, as much due to geographic proximity to his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, as the excitement over new ownership that is potentially taking over the Hornets organization this summer. If that doesn't materialize, landing in Portland and being mentored by Damian Lillard is also viewed as an attractive option. There's belief the two can play together along with last season's top-10 pick, Shaedon Sharpe, and that Henderson can eventually take the reins of the franchise in the coming years. -- Givony
4. Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson
Overtime Elite
PG/SG
Age: 20.3
The Thompson twins have made themselves somewhat scarce in the pre-draft process thus far, measuring and doing interviews at the combine but electing not to hold a pro day. Like most of the top prospects, Thompson plans to conduct only 1-on-0 workouts for teams at this point. While his tantalizing upside makes him a candidate for the Rockets here, for now there's no foregone conclusion to draw at No. 4, particularly with steam gathering around James Harden's potential return to Houston. The proposition of finding backcourt touches for potentially all of Harden, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. seems less than ideal for Thompson's development. Whether the Rockets look to move this pick or stay put, No. 4 is where the draft truly opens up. -- Woo
5. Detroit Pistons
Cam Whitmore
Villanova
SF
Age: 18.8
Whitmore helped his cause by putting his tremendous physical tools and overall talent on display at the WME pro day in Santa Barbara, California. Pretty much every NBA representative in attendance walked away highly impressed by the considerable long-term upside he possesses. It's not clear how Detroit views 34-year old Bogdan Bogdanovic's timetable with its young roster despite his team-friendly contract that expires in 2025, but it's easy to see Whitmore's fit with the rest of the Pistons' young pieces, especially Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Whitmore will also be firmly in contention for Houston at No. 4, as the Rockets' confidence in landing James Harden could lead them more toward wing options, especially those with better floor-spacing potential such as Whitmore. -- Givony
6. Orlando Magic
Ausar Thompson
Overtime Elite
PG/SG
Age: 20.3
Like his brother, Thompson might have a little wider range than you'd think, as he's an imperfect fit on paper for the teams in this range, and teams have lingering questions the twins will have to address in workout settings. The Magic are building around two focal offensive players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, creating a need for shooting elsewhere on the floor, something Thompson doesn't necessarily provide yet. But because Orlando has two lottery picks, there's rationale to swing on upside at No. 6, then address that need more directly at No. 11. Thompson's work ethic and improving jumper should give teams some optimism that he'll be able to iron out his weaknesses, and his ability to play off the ball might fit with the Magic. -- Woo
7. Indiana Pacers
Jarace Walker
Houston
PF
Age: 19.7
Many NBA eyebrows were raised last week when Walker called off his pro day appearance in Santa Barbara at the last minute, despite looking completely healthy on first glance. The immediate suspicion among teams was that a team has elected to "shut him down," something we'll likely learn more about depending on how his workout schedule evolves the next few weeks. Regardless of whether that's the case or not, Walker's fit on Indiana's roster looks extremely strong, as the Pacers don't have a player they can point to at his position who is a clear-cut starter long-term. Walker's defensive versatility, passing acumen and developing perimeter shooting prowess could be an ideal fit here. -- Givony
8. Washington Wizards
Anthony Black
Arkansas
PG/SG
Age: 19.3
Black shot the ball well at his recent pro day, presumably a good sign for his pre-draft process, as he'll need to persuade prospective teams his jumper can reach a level that makes him an adequate off-ball threat. The Wizards, now under the leadership of former Clippers general manager Michael Winger, will presumably swing on the best prospect available but have long been seeking greater stability at lead guard, and could fulfill both criteria with this pick. Black's positional size, feel and two-way upside vibe with where the NBA game seems to be headed. -- Woo
9. Utah Jazz
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Indiana
PG/SG
Age: 19.9
Hood-Schifino is one of the big winners of the measurements and pro day portions of the draft process, as he clearly possesses all-star-level physical tools with his tremendous size, frame and length for a point guard. Players with his caliber of upside tend to rise as we get closer to the draft. Many executives pivot into home run-swing mode at this stage of the lottery, especially teams like the Jazz who have three picks at their disposal and some clear holes to plug in the backcourt. -- Givony
10. Dallas Mavericks
Taylor Hendricks
UCF
PF
Age: 19.5
The Dallas pick creates an intriguing swing spot in the lottery, with the Mavs looking to stay competitive around Luka Doncic and wielding this pick as a useful trade chip in improving the roster. That said, the Mavs should be in the market to improve their frontcourt no matter what, and grabbing Hendricks, who provides both rim protection and floor spacing, would be a feasible step in that direction. Hendricks is in play with teams all over the lottery due to his versatility and the intrinsic value of his skill set. -- Woo
11. Orlando Magic (via Chicago)
Gradey ****
Kansas
SG/SF
Age: 19.5
There's been some chatter that the Magic might not keep both of their lottery picks -- they should certainly have options if they choose to try to move around -- but a scenario like this where **** is available to them at No. 11 could lead them to stay put. Orlando needs to surround Banchero and Wagner with shooting, and would achieve that here by adding one of the top shooters in the draft. Teams view **** as a lock to come off the board in the lottery, and the Magic look like a nice landing spot. -- Woo
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Nick Smith Jr.
Arkansas
PG/SG
Age: 19.1
Smith did a good job reminding teams why he was considered one of the most talented prospects in the class coming out of high school at the Klutch pro day, where he shot the ball well and looked healthier than he did during the season at Arkansas. Most NBA executives expect the Thunder to be active in trade discussions looking to potentially package this pick and future first-rounders in an attempt to move up on draft night, which makes sense considering the shortage of roster spots the Thunder could be working with moving forward with all the talent they've accumulated. -- Givony
13. Toronto Raptors
Jordan Hawkins
UConn
SG
Age: 21.0
Although Hawkins is widely viewed as the top shooter in the draft, there's a bit of disagreement among executives as to where exactly he becomes worth the bet, whether that's late lottery range or further down. He's expected off the board somewhere between picks 11 and 19, offering NBA-ready movement and shooting skills that many teams feel they can utilize immediately. The Raptors were near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting last season and would certainly help address that need with Hawkins, whom teams view as a plug-and-play type of talent. -- Woo
14. New Orleans Pelicans
Dereck Lively II
Duke
C
Age: 19.2
Lively is another player who generated significant buzz at the Klutch pro day, appearing to be in outstanding shape physically, shooting the ball exceptionally well from the perimeter and bringing a degree of intensity and aggressiveness we didn't always see in his lone season at Duke. He'll have to validate that in private workouts, but the dearth of big men in this class gives him the ability to be a riser on draft night, especially as teams consider the fact that he was the No. 1 recruit in his high school class entering the season. He seems to have plenty of upside left to tap into as his frame continues to fill out. -- Givony
15. Atlanta Hawks
Keyonte George
Baylor
SG
Age: 19.5
Following a strong pro day in Chicago, George continues to jockey for position among a large group of guards expected off the board in the late lottery and teens. Although he elected not to measure or test at the combine, George appears to have worked himself into excellent shape, which might address -- to some extent -- teams' concerns over his physical profile. Teams still feel he has some maturing to do, but his skill level and gifts as a scorer have kept his stock somewhat stable -- if he falls out of the lottery, it shouldn't be too far. -- Woo
16. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Kobe Bufkin
Michigan
PG/SG
Age: 19.6
Bufkin looks to be well-established in this range of the draft, having set himself apart somewhat as a two-way contributor who can fulfill a range of needs in the backcourt. He measured well for a combo guard at north of 6-foot-4 barefoot, which helps him comparatively in this range, where his well-roundedness becomes a strong sell. Bufkin is in play for teams beginning in the late lottery and at this point would seem firmly entrenched in the top 20. -- Woo
17. Los Angeles Lakers
Cason Wallace
Kentucky
PG/SG
Age: 19.5
Wallace measured better than expected at the draft combine but appears to have a bit of a wider range on draft night than other lottery candidates, as some teams don't view him as a surefire point guard or primary creator and others question his scoring credentials. Still, there aren't many better defenders in the class than Wallace. His strong dimensions (comparable to multipositional guards like De'Anthony Melton, Bruce Brown and Tyrese Maxey) give him significant versatility to tap into when paired with his excellent instincts and intensity level, especially when surrounded with talent on a playoff team. -- Givony
18. Miami Heat
Jett Howard
Michigan
SG/SF
Age: 19.7
Howard is a bit of a polarizing prospect in this class, as he seems to have some real fans in NBA front offices, but also some teams weren't impressed at all with what they saw from him in Big Ten play as he was playing hurt. The way Howard shot the ball at the CAA pro day served as a good reminder for teams of the coveted role he can play, as there's clearly more to his game than just his jumper. He'll have to continue to perform well on the private workout circuit to solidify his standing. -- Givony
19. Golden State Warriors
Rayan Rupert
NZ Breakers
SG/SF
Age: 18.9
Rupert is being selective with the teams he visits, prioritizing roster fit and strong development situations on playoff-caliber teams rather than trying to be selected as high as possible. Golden State's disappointing playoff exit revealed some issues the franchise will need to address with its aging roster. The Warriors' inability to get stops in key moments hurt them against the Lakers, so a defensive-minded prospect like Rupert -- who can wreak havoc all over the floor with his 7-2 wingspan and high intensity level -- could be interesting at this stage of the draft. -- Givony
20. Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers)
Noah Clowney
Alabama
PF
Age: 18.8
Clowney's range appears somewhat wide, but his extreme youth, defensive instincts and shooting potential make him one of the more attractive first-round project options. He quietly built up a lot of fans in front offices over the course of the season and has yet to turn 19, making him an appealing development pick, particularly for teams in this part of the draft who can afford to bring him along slowly. -- Woo
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix)
Bilal Coulibaly
Metropolitans 92
SG/SF
Age: 18.8
Coulibaly continues to play a key supporting role as Metropolitans 92 competes in the Pro A playoffs, scoring 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting in Tuesday's semifinal win against ASVEL. His production has been up and down, but it would appear he's on track to stay in the draft, having shown enough flashes alongside Wembanyama to justify a first-round selection. However, his team's success has left Coulibaly unable to work out for teams stateside, which puts him in a bit of flux, at least for the time being. -- Woo
22. Brooklyn Nets
Leonard Miller
G League Ignite
SF/PF
Age: 19.5
Miller is a bit of a polarizing prospect in NBA circles. On one hand, he's coming off an incredibly productive season in the G League in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a 19-year-old. On the other hand, teams question his shooting mechanics and feel for the game, as it's not quite clear what position or role he's best suited for long term. Ultimately, it's hard to find teenagers with the type of length, activity and scoring instincts Miller brings, which gives him real upside to grow into and makes him a strong candidate to be picked in the first round. -- Givony
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York)
James Nnaji
Barcelona
C
Age: 18.7
Nnaji was originally scheduled to travel to Chicago and scrimmage at the draft combine, before Barcelona opted to have him remain with the team headed into the EuroLeague Final Four. That decision reflected the growth of his role but also meant a missed opportunity for Nnaji to showcase himself in the combine setting, where his physical tools likely would have set him apart in a thin class of centers. As Barcelona enters the ACB playoffs this week, Nnaji will have more time to showcase himself, but he remains more of a long-term bet who will benefit from the lack of quality bigs on the board in this draft. -- Woo
24. Sacramento Kings
Kris Murray
Iowa
PF
Age: 22.7
After a playoff run that reenergized the franchise and changed the Kings' focus to competing now, they could prefer an experienced college prospect at this selection. In this scenario, it's Murray, with whom they're intimately familiar after drafting his twin brother, Keegan, last season. Reuniting the twins, low-maintenance players whose skill sets complement one another, could pay immediate dividends. But Kris' shooting ability has put him in play for teams beginning in the teens, so it's no guarantee he makes it this far. -- Woo
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Brice Sensabaugh
Ohio State
SF/PF
Age: 19.5
Sensabaugh has been hobbled by a knee issue he suffered late in Ohio State's season, which required surgery and has thus far prevented him from conducting competitive team workouts, a source told ESPN. He nevertheless shot the ball well at his pro day last week -- according to teams that were present -- and recently got cleared to begin visiting and working out for teams, which should help reveal a better picture of where his draft stock lies in the coming weeks. -- Givony
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Dariq Whitehead
Duke
SG/SF
Age: 18.8
Whitehead has been unable to conduct workouts following last month's foot surgery, leaving his stock something of a question mark entering June. That said, letting a player with his youth and pedigree slip toward the back of the first round might be a mistake on the part of teams, considering he's 18 years old and was never quite right during his freshman year at Duke. He would represent an intriguing opportunity in this range of the draft, and a young team like the Pacers, which can afford to be patient with his health and development, might make sense as a soft landing spot. -- Woo
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Denver)
Brandin Podziemski
Santa Clara
SG
Age: 20.2
Podziemski had an excellent showing in the first game of the NBA draft combine, demonstrating impressive passing creativity, shot-making versatility and toughness on the glass. There's a clear niche for skilled guards in his mold who bring a strong feel for the game. He shot 45% from 3 this season, which has elevated his stock into first-round territory. -- Givony
28. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia)
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette
PF
Age: 20.9
Prosper had perhaps the single best performance at the combine, dropping 21 points and seven rebounds in just 22 minutes of action, mostly through pure hustle and activity. He fits a clear mold NBA teams are actively pursuing with his defensive versatility, 7-1 wingspan and budding perimeter shooting, causing him to keep his name in the draft after strong feedback. -- Givony
29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston)
Colby Jones
Xavier
SF
Age: 21.0
With the Nos. 27, 29 and 32 picks all in hand, it seems unlikely the Pacers keep all three of those selections. This is a prime spot for another team to potentially trade up or into the draft if Indiana doesn't move up itself. Jones makes for an easy fit in most rotations with an unselfish, versatile style of play that could make him an immediate value add for teams off the bench. He's in play for teams all over the back part of the first round. -- Woo
30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee)
Maxwell Lewis
Pepperdine
SF
Age: 20.8
After an uneven season at Pepperdine, Lewis has one of the bigger ranges of any player in the class, as he's receiving interest from teams already in the late lottery extending throughout the first round. There aren't many prospects with more natural talent in this stage than Lewis, who stands 6-7½ in shoes with a 7-foot wingspan and diverse shot-making and shot-creation prowess. Lewis' performance in private workouts, where he thus far has excelled, should provide a better gauge of where his draft range lies ultimately. -- Givony
SECOND ROUND
31. Detroit Pistons
Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA | SF | Age: 22.2
32. Indiana Pacers (via Houston)
Andre Jackson Jr. | UConn | SG/SF | Age: 21.5
33. San Antonio Spurs
Gregory Jackson II | South Carolina | PF | Age: 18.4
34. Charlotte Hornets
Julian Phillips | Tennessee | SF | Age: 19.5
35. Boston Celtics (via Portland)
Tristan Vukcevic | Partizan | PF/C | Age: 20.2
36. Orlando Magic
Ben Sheppard | Belmont | SF | Age: 21.8
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Washington)
Marcus Sasser | Houston | PG/SG | Age: 22.6
38. Sacramento Kings (via Indiana)
Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | PF/C | Age: 23.2
39. Charlotte Hornets (via Utah)
Jordan Walsh | Arkansas | SF/PF | Age: 19.2
40. Denver Nuggets (via Dallas)
Sidy Cissoko | G League Ignite | SG/SF | Age: 19.1
41. Charlotte Hornets (via Oklahoma City)
Dillon Mitchell | Texas | PF | Age: 19.6
42. Washington Wizards (via Chicago)
Terquavion Smith | NC State | SG | Age: 20.4
43. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta)
Reece Beekman | Virginia | PG | Age: 21.6
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
Jalen Wilson | Kansas | SF/PF | Age: 22.5
45. Memphis Grizzlies (via Minnesota)
Amari Bailey | UCLA | PG | Age: 19.2
46. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Kobe Brown | Missouri | PF/C | Age: 23.4
47. Los Angeles Lakers
Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.0
48. LA Clippers
Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 20.1
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Golden State)
Keyontae Johnson | Kansas St. | SF | Age: 23.0
50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Mouhamed Gueye | Washington St. | PF/C | Age: 20.5
51. Brooklyn Nets
DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 20.7
52. Phoenix Suns
Seth Lundy | Penn State | SG/SF | Age: 23.1
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via New York)
Bobi Klintman | Wake Forest | SF/PF | Age: 20.2
54. Sacramento Kings
Coleman Hawkins | Illinois | PF | Age: 21.4
55. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland)
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Illinois | SG/SF | Age: 22.8
56. Memphis Grizzlies
Julian Strawther | Gonzaga | SF | Age: 21.1
57. Washington Wizards (via Boston)
Hunter Tyson | Clemson | SF/PF | Age: 22.9
58. Milwaukee Bucks
Emoni Bates | Eastern Michigan | SG/SF | Age: 19.3
Note: The Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers each forfeited a 2023 second-round draft pick.
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
dacomeup
Supporter
- Jan 20, 2006
- 26,645
- 37,696
He went to my HS. I saw him play his senior year and was shocked that he was a McDAA, going to Syracuse prior to him announcing for the draft. He’s never been that good.
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- Apr 14, 2016
- 13,526
- 26,427
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
- Apr 5, 2008
- 39,612
- 80,274
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- Apr 14, 2016
- 13,526
- 26,427
finessence
Supporter
- Mar 14, 2010
- 29,476
- 41,868
Yeah bro some dudes just peak physically at an early age or altogether. Other guys catch up and get better also. They may be there best at 18-22, then someone else just comes along and blooms
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
datznasty
Supporter
- May 25, 2001
- 22,158
- 16,425
His breakup with the Thunder had more to do with off the court than on. He tweeted some **** that had everyone upset then went and started doing music with Antonio Brown. Literally all it took was on call from RP to be like “fam, dont!” or at least keep it to yourself then he could get back to Adele and Ben Simmons.
He also probably would have been better off going to college or pro for 1 yr then working in the office at New Balance. I dont know what that was supposed to do for him
He’s flat special as a defender but a doofus on offense (partly blame Coach Diagonal for installing a 5 out offense that is giving him DHOs above the break but still)
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,286
- 130,019
