The Toronto Raptors are starting to turn away from making a win-now trade due to their recent poor record and are positioning themselves to earn a top-10 NBA Draft pick for the second time in three years. They aren’t alone in their pursuit of a game-changer.
The 2023 NBA mock draft machine is starting to get fired back up, as this class features two different players that are regarded as elite prospects that will come into town and instantly assert themselves as stars that can be franchise cornerstones right off the jump.
At the same time, perennial tanking teams will be looking to finally strike gold and land a player that can pull them out of the dreg heap that is the lottery. This is certainly a good year for that, given how top-heavy this draft class appears to be.
Which teams will bring home a star in the 2023 NBA Draft? While the draft is still a few months away, any executive that is worth a damn is already hard at work scouting potential picks.
2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
It is not hyperbolic to infer that Wembanyama is in the same rarified air as a prospect that names like LeBron James once reached. How many 7-4 ball-handlers who can create their own shot, defend multiple positions, and run the floor well have ever existed?
While things are very glum in Houston, they could soon be overloaded with insane young talent. Wembanyama as the centerpiece with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun around him might be the finest collection of youngsters in the Western Conference.
NBA Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson are elite.
While this may cause a bit of a backcourt logjam alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, Henderson is so preposterously talented and athletic that it would be a real waste to pass him up and let someone else take over the No. 2 spot. Henderson plays like John Wall reincarnated.
While he isn’t the most amazing shooter right now, it’s worth working with a player of this caliber in order to correct that mistake. Be it with Dwane Casey or a new voice, it’ll be tough to see how a Cunningham-Henderson backcourt doesn’t immediately put the Eastern Conference on notice.
While Charlotte could be a bit annoyed if they miss on Wembanyama and Henderson, Miller is looking like a No. 1 pick in most non-Wemby seasons. Averaging 20.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game on 46% shooting from 3-point range shows what a terrific offensive player he is at this stage of his career.
No matter what offseason tumult happens, the Hornets will build their future around the exploits of LaMelo Ball in the backcourt. Michael Jordan couldn’t find a wing better suited to play with Ball than Miller, who should be able to handle starting responsibilities right out of the box.
Both Thompson twins will be future stars in the NBA and have nearly identical athletic skillsets, so the level of competition questions don’t hold up. Of the two brothers, Amen is more of a ball-handler, which could interest a San Antonio team looking for a leader at the point guard position. This could be the selection that finally pulls them out of the gutter.
Ausar is more of a wing and better isolation scorer than his brother, which might make him more tuned to what Orlando needs. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner establishing themselves as stars, they need shooters who can supplement what those two bring. If Thompson manages to light up the scoreboard as he did in Overtime play, the Magic would be well on their way to assuming a playoff spot.
While Smith has dealt with some injuries during his time in Fayetteville, he should be picked in the Top 10 if he stays healthy for the rest of the year. Smith can be the point guard of the future in Washington, using his propensity for unusual shot-making and tremendous court vision.
NBA Mock Draft: Will Cason Wallace fix the Toronto Raptors?
With the Raptors potentially bracing for a Fred VanVleet exit, why not draft someone with a similar skillset and better efficiency? Wallace is a lethal shooter that is an absolute pest on the defensive end. Both of those traits will convince Ujiri that he can help lead them in their post-VanVleet era.
George can make some spellbinding passes and convert some truly outrageous shots. Even though New Orleans has CJ McCollum instilled at point guard, George and fellow top pick Dyson Daniels can make sure that the Pelicans’ backcourt is locked for the next half-decade.
Orlando might be in a position to go for the best player available with the pick they acquired from the Bulls. Walker is a bulky 6-8 forward who is a genuinely positionless defender. He’ll be a nice defensive chess piece for Jamahl Mosley while he sands off the rough edges of his game.
While Black might not look like the most traditional point guard on the market, the Suns could catch the positionless fever and bring him in as the eventual successor to Chris Paul. A rock-solid defender, Black’s floor is high, and he fits well in many schemes.
The Jusuf Nurkic era is likely nearing its end, and Filipowski can provide a high-floor answer at the center position. A quality rebounder with a soft touch in the paint, Filipowski could evolve into another quality running mate for Damian Lillard.
While Whitmore isn’t a Draymond Green clone, the Warriors may need to start looking for power forward replacements if Jonathan Kuminga doesn’t step up. Whitmore will likely earn a starting role right away in Golden State’s attack.
NBA Mock Draft: GG Jackson is rising fast.
Still just 18 years old, Jackson would be the traditional power forward that Oklahoma City needs due to his soft touch around the basket and mouthwatering physical tools. He and Chet Holmgren will hold down starting sports with the Thunder for a decade.
The 6-6, 235-pound Sensabaugh has been lighting the rest of the Big Ten on fire this season, making him a player that will undoubtedly be a first-round pick if he declares. The Raptors could use him, but so could a Pacers team that is on the rise.
LA loves shooters, and you won’t find many in this draft that are better than Dick. That elite trait and some intriguing physical tools will make him a potential lottery pick.
Howard is a quick riser who isn’t going to win Defensive Player of the Year, but Utah can add to their parade of young shooters by getting someone with his lethal 3-point shot.
If the Jazz part ways with Mike Conley, Smith could be a natural replacement. A slippery scorer who can play both guard spots, Smith can be productive right away in Utah.
NBA Mock Draft: Can Dariq Whitehead bounce back?
Which player are the Hawks getting? If they get early-season Whitehead, it’s bust city. If they get the guy we’ve seen in the last few weeks, Whitehead could challenge for an All-Star spot.
The Knicks can afford to take an international gamble with one of their two second-rounders. Rupert could be the team’s Sixth Man of the future if all his length and hops translate to the NBA.
Ware has not had the most productive offensive season, but New York might be looking to add someone with A+ athletic ability and potential to light a fire under Mitchell Robinson.
The Heat are clearly running out of patience with Kyle Lowry. Sasser’s solid shooting and energetic style make him a perfect long-term replacement for the GROAT.
Shannon has been in mock drafts for years, but he’s finally ready to bring his electric perimeter game to the pros. No team needs a player like Shannon more than the Lakers.
Mitchell has fallen hard in most mocks due to his poor offensive game, but a defense-deficient Kings team could get a solid wing stopper while slowly bringing along his shooting.
With a skillset similar to twin brother Keegan, Kris will fit in well on Indiana’s wide-open offense. He won’t take a ton of time to get accustomed to the rigors of the NBA, giving him a very high floor at this point in the draft.
I’m personally surprised that a four-year player on a national champion averaging just under 21 points per game is still available here. Wilson can easily become a long-term bench standout in Brooklyn.
NBA Mock Draft: Can Leonard Miller put it all together?
Miller is incredibly raw, but even the most basic NBA scout can see the untapped potential. Utah has the benefit of being able to bring him along very judiciously.
The Kevin Porter Jr. experiment is not exactly going over well, so Houston might turn to the 6-6 Hood-Schifino and TyTy Washington to supplement or take over his starting spot.
Between Lewis and Kessler Edwards, the Waves have quite a talent for producing wings that can shoot and create for themselves. Lewis is an ideal Dillon Brooks backup.
A do-it-all 6-6 guard who can rebound and pass, Jones will make himself very attractive for Charlotte due to his versatility and improved 3-point shot.
Indiana ends the first round by taking a former top recruit who has been stuck behind Filipowski all season. Lively is incredibly raw offensively, but he is a defensive menace.