Assuming Mark Williams heads for the draft, Lively will immediately replace his easy baskets and rim protection at Duke. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman is the most tantalizing prospect to come into the NBA Draft since LeBron James came out of high school. He will catch lobs, inhale rebounds, and put his 230-pound frame to good use on the block. He has more work to do offensively, but Walkers impressive athleticism and potential as a downhill scorer shine through. "I have C.J. First, let's look at the updated 2023 mock, followed by some top storylines for next year's class. 2. Averaging 5.0 assists as a freshman, Hunter brings speed and playmaking to Iowa State's offense. Bona should be a highlight machine at UCLA, just by tapping into his active mix of size, length, athleticism and motor. To NYK (via LAC) if NYK 15-30 in 2023 or to POR (via LAC to NYK) if NYK 1-14 in 2023; More favorable of WAS and MEM (via MEM to OKC to WAS; via BRK to DET) Golden State Warriors. He has more than doubled his 3-point attempts compared to last season and hes hitting a lot of them. He can sling every pass in the book out of pick-and-rolls, hes great at kickstarting transition offense, and he does the little things to keep the ship sailing smoothly. At 6-foot-5, he has good size and physicality at the point of attack on defense. The NBA has gone away from traditional 7-footers, which makes Kelel Wares blend of old-school appeal with modern flourishes quite appealing. If he can clean up simple mistakes and really nail down the 3-point shot, NBA teams will have no trouble imagining a productive future at the next level. Class of 2023 Rankings List. Something of a dinosaur in his ability to score with power and finesse in the post, many will question whether or not Trayce Jackson-Davis is a decade late to the NBA. Bronny James isn't a top-25 college recruit, but his NBA prospects appear to be much better. Nets vs Celtics, 11 p.m. Sunday, July 17 Raising his three-point percentage (30.6) will be important for scouts to get past his lack of explosion. One of the most electric performers in college basketball, Terquavion Smith will likely have no shortage of standout moments this season. 1. To put it in perspective: In the past 10 years, there have been only six non-college players selected in the top five total. G League Ignite and Overtime Elite are other evaluation platforms that are becoming increasingly important in the NBA scouting world, as evidenced by the fact that only one of the top five projected 2023 picks will be attending college -- something that's never occurred in the history of the NBA draft. Ja Morant became the first player in . CLE. Playing against grown men in the Adriatic League, the teenage Nikola Durisic has proven his mettle on both sides of the ball. And athletic, interchangeable wing, Livingston possesses a solid 6'6" frame for attacking and defending. 8. Big men emerge early as prospects for obvious reasons, but the bar for being playable in today's NBA has never been higher, which means that showcasing their defensive versatility, playmaking ability and skill level on the perimeter will be important to separate from the crowd. Starling combines exciting open-floor athleticism and the shot-making versatility to drill jumpers in a variety of ways. Advanced self-creation, shooting versatility, floater touch and. We've watched the class' best prospects grow up in high school, AAU, USA Basketball . 2023 Mock Draft; 2024 Mock Draft; Consensus Mock Draft; My Mock Drafts; Create Your Own Mock Draft; Actual Drafts; . And he still has room to improve his shooting. Hes not a freak athlete, but Wallace plays with spirit and contributes in myriad ways offensively, from a bankable 3-point shot to nifty floaters and proficient passing. 1 pick stuns NBA fans with his flashy diamond suit during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Chinhoyi High School has been closed with immediate effect, for non-examination classes, as the number of Covid-19 cases has risen to 58 students. He takes pride in his defense and is switch-friendly. Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004). From now through draft night on June 22, this will be the hub for everything you need to know. Limited offensively in a veteran lineup with forwards Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr., Watson hasn't had a chance to build any confidence. All of which will be on show this June as the 2022/23 NBA season comes to an end. All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball, Alonso says Aston 'living a dream,' eyes podium, Top moments from Brady, Manning, Jordan and other athletes hosting 'Saturday Night Live'. Filipowski will have to convince scouts the offensive dynamism can offset the defensive limitations. He makes his presence felt consistently on the defensive end. Now at Eastern Michigan after his dreadful stint in Memphis, Bates is looking to rebuild his draft stock. Summer League title game, 3 p.m. That starts with Scoot Henderson, who has Jaden Ivey-esque explosiveness changing gears in the open court, taking a piece of the paint and finishing powerfully above the rim. Henderson's court vision is more advanced than Ivey's at the same stage, but he's 2 inches shorter and his struggles as a perimeter shooter (22% from 3) are something teams will want to study closely next year. Fudge doesn't offer enough creation or shooting to draw 2022 draft looks. Fantastic to swat the ball from behind. Hes off to a slower start than expected but his game projects quite favorably toward the modern NBA. We have progressed from interesting starts and tantalizing flashes to increasingly solid bodies of work. Dariq Whitehead (Duke) Shooting guard/small forward, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds. We answer your curiosities and queries below, detailing out everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming months as the NBA prepares for another blockbuster spell of trading and claiming. Just over one-third of all players currently projected to be picked can be classified as big men, which is a significant number but might not ultimately hold up. It seems his presence on the side-lines may stay that way, with G-League officials stating that he is being monitored out of caution for future NBA involvement. Offensively, hes quick to impress with playmaking flare and signs of shot-making potential. Traore could be in good position to produce next year, assuming Tari Eason leaves LSU for the 2022 draft. 5. That likely caused quite a few players to slip between the cracks and end up at lower levels than they should have. 1. Dariq Whitehead participates in the second half of the McDonald's All-American boys basketball game Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Chicago. Looking more comfortable the second half of the season, Cleveland still needs to show he can make an open three. Saturday, July 16 That's only going to increase in the coming years with the advent of platforms like the NBA Academy, G League Ignite, OTE and the NIBC, which all scout the globe intently and draw on talent from extremely diverse backgrounds. Denver's first-rounder is owned by Oklahoma City if Denver's pick falls between 15 and 30 in 2023. Another twin, for good measure. He may have a better chance at going first round in 2023, though it could alsobe tough to top the season he just had in terms of efficiency. Gonzaga's Nolan Hickman, the "purest" point guard of the group, will hope to break through and show his stripes as a distributor in a crowded backcourt despite his average physical tools. From an NBA perspective, there is still enough to like about his ball-handling, passing, athleticism and defensive projection for a 6'7" guard or wing. At 6'8", 230 pounds, he offers a unique mix of size, strength, shooting potential and passing IQ. Showing he can hit open threes would be huge for his draft stock. Check out our detailed scouting report on Amen Thompson here. He's added considerable skill to go with his power over the past year. Other notable 2023 NBA draft prospects. That would open up a major opportunity for George, a strong, athletic slasher who defenders have trouble containing or stopping at the rim. Adem Bona (Prolific Prep, C, UCLA commit). Unfortunately, hes 6-foot-2 in shoes and will be unavoidably limited on the defensive end despite his impressive commitment to that side of the ball. A physically imposing center with rim-rocking power and impressive shot-blocking instincts, James Nnaji has honed his skill set with one of the best teams in Europe Barcelona. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onAll NBA and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Currently posting absurd shooting numbers at Pepperdine, Maxwell Lewis has quickly rocketed up draft boards. Find out by returning here often. Aminu Mohammed (Georgetown, SG/SF, Freshman). Similarly, they are also deemed eligible if they have played for a team outside the US under a professional contract. Wings also make up a good part of the intrigue with this group, especially near the top of the draft. Very few freshmen have been as productive as Sensabaugh, but the defense has been deeply problematic and could hold him back at the next level. Several NBA decision-makers we've spoken with expressed the belief that the NBA draft continues to get stronger and deeper, pointing to the fact that the 2020 and 2021 draft classes have significantly exceeded early expectations. Depending on where you end up, you could get the pick of the best prospective players from a new generation and completely transform the trajectory of your franchise. He's not super impressive physically or athletically, but he manages to compensate with crafty paint finishes and confident shot-making. The team that wins gets the first pick, which was Paolo Banchero this year who plays for the Orlando Magic. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. If he can get NBA teams to believe in his offensive package, the athleticism and defensive upside could carry him into the first round. "He got better as the . This 2023 NBA Draft cycle started in earnest earlier than normal due to where . He defends smart and hard, with enough 3-point shooting and off-ball scoring upside to complement teammates on that side of the ball too. Theres a lot to like here: at 6-foot-10, Coleman Hawkins combines excellent effort and versatility on the defensive end with a budding offensive repertoire. The 2023 draft order is based on ESPN projections prior to draft night, and reflects the current state of picks owed and owned: Victor Wembanyama | ASVEL | PF/C| Age: 18.4, Scoot Henderson | G League Ignite | PG | Age: 18.3, Nick Smith | Arkansas | PG/SG | Age: 18.1, Ausar Thompson | Overtime Elite | SG/SF | Age: 19.3, Amen Thompson | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 19.3, Cameron Whitmore | Villanova | SF | Age: 17.9, Dillon Mitchell | Texas | SF/PF | Age: 18.7, Dariq Whitehead | Duke | SG/SF | Age: 17.8, 12. October 27, 2022 FROM BLEACHER REPORT B/R: NBA. Since 2005, the drafting of high school players has been. He can finish with power or finesse around the rim and hes electric in the open court, where his speediness and playmaking are on full display. Early January is usually the month in which NBA prospects aim to get the attention of teams before the draft. . We'd project him in the mid-lottery range for 2023 if he did choose to play next year at Kentucky. Baileycould be walking into a high-usage role at UCLA if Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr. leave for the draft. If he can continue to grow as a passer, great. He profiles well as a two-way role player at the next level. Washington's first-rounder is owned by Oklahoma City if Washington's pick falls between 15 and 30 in 2023. Tie that in with steady growth as a shooter and playmaker, and theres reason to believe Whitmores game will only get better from here. The 2023 NBA Draft could be one of the most talented in recent memory Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson lead a 2023 NBA Draft class that could be special. History says prospects who are projected top 10 don't return to school. The No. Hes a monster at the point of attack, frequently bottling up ball-handlers and converting turnovers into transition offense. Per usual, positional versatility (especially on defense) boosts his stock. While Nick Smith Jr. lacks the eye-popping athleticism of his top-five counterparts, he more than makes up for it with skill and craft. Houston has first-round swap rights with Brooklyn. Sure, draft picks can be obtained, but they can also be traded, a pretty common practice which poses for much more excitement and thrill. defender as well. Unfortunately, hes slated to miss extended time to knee maladies, which can always get dicey. The NBA values versatility above all else, and Jarace Walker provides a lot of it. 6. The 3-point shot looks legit and hes starting to show more life as a passer. Emoni Bates was touted as the "next LeBron James" in high school, but his college career has left NBA scouts with a wide range of opinions. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. There are obvious and valid concerns about his potential to hold up defensively in the NBA he doesnt move very well in space but he can still wall off the paint, inhale rebounds, and contribute with surprising skill on the offensive end. He doesnt explode off the screen and he needs to get his 3-point numbers back on track, but hes a gritty two-way player with scoring craft, a real eye for playmaking, and all the intangibles youd expect with an accomplished four-year player. NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? Also, the abundance of young talent found throughout the 2022 crop caused several highly regarded talents to drop on draft night into the second round, or even go undrafted altogether. A talented three-level scorer who can make shots from any angle, Keyonte George should have no trouble finding his way to points in the NBA. His numbers have been consistent across this season in France. The 2023 NBA draft is 12 months away, but we've had our eyes on this group of players for quite some time, . Victor Wembanyama joins the ESPN booth during the Lakers-Timberwolves preseason game in Las Vegas. A 6'6" guard/wing, Sharpe possesses the type of athletic bounce, self-creation and shot-making suited for NBA scoring. There are some restrictions. The 2023 NBA draft is 12 months away, but we've had our eyes on this group of players for quite some time, . And over the course of the season, a handful young players who aren't ready to go pro have flashed glimpses of pro potential. He has a real chance to enter the first-round conversation, if he hasnt already. The 19-year-old point guard has showcased himself as the perfect clutch player, with silky ballhandling skills. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Marcus Sasser is a magnificent shooter with deep range on the move, pulling up, standing still, it doesnt really matter. On defense, he has the potential to guard 4-5 positions on any given night. Of course, a lot will still change between now and then. An impressive athlete at 6'6", he's added more self-creation and shot-making skill for half-court scoring to average 16.8 points in the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference. Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels and more highlight best looks from the NBA draft, NBA trade grades: Breaking down the most impactful deals, including an eight-player swap between Houston and OKC, Sign up now to unlock everything ESPN+ has to offer. Scoot Henderson : G--4 . As mentioned before, teams have been known to swap prospective players for more experienced, proven figures, to bring about wins, or fuel a playoff run. Improved shooting and fewer defensive lapses could help Rollins generate legitimate NBA interest. SF: West Hartford, CT Kingswood-Oxford Wyverns High School: Rutgers Signed. That said, his decision-making can lag behind at times. Matthew Cleveland (Florida State, SF, Freshman). No Ceilings 15 min ago 2 The 2022-23 NBA season is about to reach the All-Star break. Positional 6'7" size, shot-making flashes, off-ball athletic plays and defensive playmaking have helped Thompson look like Overtime's top prospect. We're also getting closer to current NCAA players making key decisions about entering the draft. With Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith and the rest of the 2022 class off to the NBA, it's time to shift our full attention to next year's group. NBA bans high school drafting The list has stopped growing however, as basketball players can no longer be drafted from high school. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Victor Wembanyama Highlights vs. Lithuania, What to expect from Scoot Henderson at NBA level, Wembanyama erupts for 31 in French League play, NBA G League Next Up Game: Team Luka 178, Team Scoot 162, Top prospect Henderson shows go-to moves on NBA TV, Ignite's Scoot Henderson serves up huge poster slam, Wembanyama drops 20 points, 8 rebounds in loss, Wembanyama scores 27, wins LNB All-Star Game MVP, 8 G League Ignite games to stream for free on NBA App, NBA App to stream all Wembanyama games for free, Draft Lottery: Odds, history and how it works, B/R: NBA comps for projected 2023 Lottery picks, B/R: 9 under-the-radar prospects for 2023, B/R: Updated Mock Draft at college season's midpoint, B/R: Updated Mock Draft after 1st impressions, B/R: New prospects emerging in latest Mock Draft, B/R: Ranking top 50 college basketball prospects, French prodigy Wembanyama thrills Paris crowd, Durant: 'Can't wait' to see Wembanyama in NBA, France picks Wembanyama for World Cup qualifying, From Carroll to Banchero, every top pick since 1980, All-Access: Behind scenes at 2021 NBA Draft, 2020 NBA Draft Prospects: All-Access Pass, Who wore it best? The 6-foot-10 freshman, however, has been steadily climbing up draft boards on the strength of his multi-faceted defense and competent complementary skill set on offense. 4. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. This means the best team gets the last pick, number 60, and the worst team gets the first pick, number 31. His 3-point shot is falling, but the volume remains low. He's a . Regardless, scouts may still have a tough time resisting the way he earns easy baskets, defends wings or bigs, blocks shots, crashes the glass and impacts games without needing plays run for him. Eight games will be broadcast on the NBA App, starting with a Nov. 4 matchup between the G League Ignite and the Oklahoma City Blue. He needs to trim the fat off his shot chart right now, but Hendersons explosive live-dribble playmaking makes it easy to believe in him as a lead initiator and future star point guard. 4. NBA Mock Draft: Wembanyama, Henderson are 1-2, but behind them are lottery questions. Hes statistically a very poor 3-point shooter, but his touch closer to the rim is a positive indicator long-term. Chris Livingston (Oak Hill, SG/SF, Kentucky commit). Wembanyama could very well be on the move this offseason thanks to an opt-out clause in his contract that he's expected to execute at the conclusion of the French playoff finals. A breakout junior year led to scouts visiting Williams, who averaged 18.0 points and 4.2 assists on 51.8 percent shooting and 40.6 percent from three. Cason Wallace will look to keep the momentum going. Limiting the forced shots and decisions will be key for Smith, whose positional tools, scoring confidence and playmaking flashes scream NBA. 1. First Round: 2023 NBA Mock Draft 1- Detroit Pistons: Victor Wembanyama. He can spread the floor, attack the lane, and defend a couple positions. Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams. The lottery is conducted using numbered ping-pong balls which are then randomly selected by the machine. An NBA mock draft from ESPN's Jonathan Givony has LeBron James' oldest son as a top-10 pick in 2024 . He has to get more efficient and choose his spots more wisely, but he has the foundation of a gifted multi-faceted contributor. Though Ingram looked like a one-and-done prospect earlier in the year, he hit a wall over the past month, and scouts still need more convincing. 2- Chicago Bulls: Scoot Henderson. Walker immediately stands out for his chiseled 6'6", 220-pound frame. On draft night, Charlotte scored a protected top-14 protected first-rounder from Denver via Oklahoma City and New York in a three-way trade. They also have to be a minimum of one year removed from when they graduated from high school unless they are deemed to be an international player. The NBA Academy graduates were top 10 picks in Thursday's NBA Draft. Below, youll find in-depth scouting reports of the best players in this class. It wouldn't be shocking if he wound up leaving Memphis after such an inefficient year (38.6 percent FG, 42 turnovers, 23 assists) and Jalen Duren's (presumed) final one in school. Hes more of a wing than Amen, but Ausar profiles as a better defender and a perfectly impressive slasher with room to expand his abilities as a shot-creator. The 2023 draft has been starred for years in anticipation of Wembanyama's NBA eligibility. Charlotte Hornets (to Atlanta if 17-30), Anthony Black | Arkansas | SG | Age: 18.4, Terquavion Smith | NC State | SG | Age: 19.4, Cason Wallace | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 18.6, Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 18.6, Julian Phillips | Tennessee | SF | Age: 18.6, Leonard Miller | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 18.5, Jordan Walsh | Arkansas | SF/PF | Age: 18.3, Rayan Rupert | NZ Breakers | SG/SF | Age: 18.0, Brandon Miller | Alabama | SF | Age: 19.5, Chris Livingston | Kentucky | SF/PF | Age: 18.6, Sidy Cissoko | Undecided | SG/SF | Age: 18.2, J.J. Starling | Notre Dame | SG | Age: 18.2, Marcus Sasser | Houston | PG/SG | Age: 21.7, Ousmane Ndiaye | Undecided | PF/C | Age: 18.2, Nikola Djurisic | Mega Mozzart | SG/SF | Age: 18.3, Arthur Kaluma | Creighton | PF | Age: 20.3, Emoni Bates | Undecided | SG/SF | Age: 18.4, Julian Strawther | Gonzaga | SF | Age: 20.1, Andre Jackson | UConn | SG/SF | Age: 20.6, Harrison Ingram | Stanford | SF/PF | Age: 19.5, 39. He can handle the ball in tight spaces, create for teammates, and defend multiple positions. Ben DuBose. With the McDonald's All-American Game (March 29) and Nike Hoop Summit (April 8) coming up, it's worth looking ahead to the 2023 NBA draft. Not unlike throwing a dart in a dark room. He's athletic. Once a role player alongside Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes and Moses Moody, Whitehead has transformed into a No. The NBA draft is an annual event in which teams select players from their American colleges as well as international professional leagues to join their rosters. Hes one of the most dominant players in college basketball and is going to earn some looks at the next level. OKC. Wembanyama has an incredible. If Charlotte's pick finishes between 1-16, Atlanta will instead receive Charlotte's 2024 first-rounder, lottery-protected. The path to the 2023 NFL Draft will cross a major checkpoint with the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 28 to March 6. Keyonte George (IMG, SG, Baylor commit). Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. Chicago's first-rounder is owned by Orlando if Chicago's pick falls between 5 and 30 in 2023. Until he wasnt. Hes playing important minutes against professional, high-level competition. But he's promising enough from outside for a two-way scoring wing with his physical profile. Yohan Traore (Dream City Christian, PF, LSU commit). His length and touch make up for his lack of strength finishing inside. Get access to exclusive original series, premium articles from our NBA insiders, the full 30 for 30 library and more. The 2023 NBA Draft is headlined by center Victor Wembanyama and guard Scoot . We've watched the class' best prospects grow up in high school, AAU, USA Basketball . After starting the season slowly, hes beginning to absolutely wreck teams in the paint more in line with preseason expectations. The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be held on May 16, 2023. Improving his shooting consistency remains a priority. Once the top recruit in the high school class of 2023, Jackson instead graduated early and went to Carolina as a 17-year-old. 7. Victor Wembanyama, generously listed at 7-foot-5 and 220 pounds over at ESPN, will be the No.1 overall pick in 2023. And how could this year's draft affect the future of the league? Now in the thick of the college basketball season, which NBA Draft prospects are rising and falling on our NBA Draft Big Board in the new year? This process began back in 1947, however it went through various shades of transformation, with fairer rules and policies set in place.