2023 NBA Mock Draft: Big names go early in game-changing year

The Pacers may try to trade this selection, but they might make a fine selection if they stay put right here and add Walker to the fold. At 6-8 with a neverending wingspan and close to 250 pounds of muscle, Walker is a prototypical power forward for the modern NBA.

Imagine Tyrese Haliburton setting up Walker and Myles Turner in the paint. While his offensive game might need some work regardless of the Haliburton factor driving his stats up, Walker is such a dominant defensive presence that he isn’t going to fall much further.

Bradley Beal is on his way out in Washington, so it is full-on rebuild time with the Wizards. Black is the type of addition that a rebuilding team who wants to choose the best player available needs to make, as he can do so many things well on the basketball court.

Black may not be the best shooter in the world right now, but a 6-7 forward with guard-like handles and some incredible defensive reps against future professional prospects will be enough to sell Michael Winger on him. Black should have no trouble starting as a rookie.

NBA Mock Draft: Gradey Dick could be a terrific shooter.

Dick is more than just an elite shooter, as he is a capable rim-runner and all-around athlete, but that ability to stroke it from 3-point range is what will get him picked this high. The Jazz can afford to be patient with Dick as they try to fix some of the deficiencies he had in his game.

Lauri Markkanen has already shown he can be an All-Star player in Utah, but Danny Ainge is not going to exit his rebuild without a few more stars around him. Dick looks like one of the more pro-ready players in this draft, as his shot will be able to help the Jazz from the jump.

With Luka Doncic and (likely) Kyrie Irving in need of some supporting cast members, and Christian Wood potentially not being retained, a new power forward might be just what the doctor ordered. Hendricks can play both forward spots well due to his lethal jumper and refined offensive game.

Dallas may end up moving off this pick in a trade, but they might be better off keeping this selection and adding a young co-star for Luka. The Mavericks’ success with Jaden Hardy shows that this front office can nail it in the draft and develop talent after making the pick, and Hendricks is a fairly high-floor player.