2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Spurs, Raptors land star guards

Miller has found himself on the wrong end of some very unsavory news stories, as he was connected to former Alabama player Darius Miles before Miles was charged with capital murder. Though he hasn’t been charged with anything, the concerns likely won’t abate.

If the character worries are alleviated, the Hornets might be willing to take the plunge. Charlotte needs another dynamite scorer alongside LaMelo Ball, and Miller’s expert 3-point marksmanship could be enough to kick Gordon Hayward out of the starting lineup.

Amen might be the flashier player, but it would not be an unreasonable take to assume that Ausar has the higher floor. A dynamite on-ball defender with offensive potential that is through the roof, the Magic could add a future All-Star with this pick.

Assuming that Jalen Suggs finally takes the step forward that Orlando wants, Thompson joining a group that already has Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner could help them return to contention sooner rather than later.

NBA Mock Draft: Jarace Walker could start as a rookie.

The Pacers need a starter at the 4-spot, and Walker can certainly provide that if everything ends up working out. While it took him a long time to get his feet under him with the Cougars, he eventually showed why all of the hype he accrued in high school was warranted.

Walker is going to be a tremendous defender at the peak of his powers, and his offensive game will be effective enough during his rookie season. Indiana must let him work out the kinks, but Walker’s ceiling remains sky-high.

Whitmore may come to the Magic by virtue of him being the best player available at this point. While his performance with the Wildcats has been up and down all year long, the physical tools he is working with are equaled by very few across this prospect pool.

Whitmore will bring ferocious defense, impressive verticality, and a tireless motor to an Orlando team that would happily take more of those two traits. With Jonathan Isaac likely out of the picture, Whitmore could be a replacement.

George might be a polarizing prospect to some. While some will fall in love with how electric he can be with the ball in his hands, others might not be sold on a player that still has very poor shot selection. A place like Utah could be a solid crucible to develop in.

The Jazz need a point guard that can be the long-term core of the backcourt, as Collin Sexton hasn’t been the same high-flying scorer that he was in Cleveland. The Jazz may not be contenders anytime soon, but George and Lauri Markkanen would be a formidable 1-2 punch.