It’s the most wonderful time of the year for NBA Draft diehards, as the 2023 NBA Draft is finally upon us. This year promises to be one of the most important and seismic in recent history, given how powerful and well-regarded the high-end players in this class are. It’s NBA Mock Draft time!
While the top three picks in the draft appear to be fairly cut and dry, given how the prospects themselves have separated and the clear needs of all the teams picking in that range, this draft should give us plenty of surprises after that. This is a surprisingly deep draft, especially when it comes to guards.
Expect things to get crazy after the first handful of picks, especially considering how many wild trade rumors are starting to fly around. Which players will add a franchise cornerstone?
2023 NBA Mock Draft: Big names off the board early
This is as easy a mock draft pick as you’ll ever see anyone make in your life. Wembanyama has basically had this spot locked down for the last two seasons, and it’s the Spurs who got lucky enough to bring someone who could be a generational talent down to their organization.
It’s hard to find faults in Wembanyama’s game, as he is a 7-4 big man that can handle the ball, protect the paint, and create his own shot. Just about any task you need him to do will be accomplished with grace and finesse. San Antonio may flirt with the playoffs on Wemby’s skill alone.
NBA Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama is a lock for No. 1
Rather than add a second point guard that takes responsibility away from LaMelo Ball, Charlotte can add a wing like MIller. While he has serious character concerns hanging around him due to the fact his name came up in connection with a former teammate’s fatal shooting, the Hornets could take him if they do their due diligence.
Miller is an elite shooter and a very promising defender that should have no difficulty coming right into the pros and being an impact scorer instantly. He and Ball will give Charlotte an automatic 40 points every night during his rookie season, all while giving them an immediate upgrade at a position that has been a need for years.
While teams like the Wizards and Raptors have been willing to engage with Portland for the No. 3 pick, they could plan for the post-Damian Lillard era by staying where they are and drafting one of the most athletic point guard prospects we’ve seen come into the league in a half-decade.
While the very skilled Henderson could stand to be a bit more aggressive, he has tremendous rim-rocking ability and a jumper that can set him apart. Assuming Anfernee Simons gets dealt, the hydra of Lillard, Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe could be a headache for even the best Western Conference teams.