2023 NBA Mock Draft: Big names go early in game-changing year
By Mike Luciano
player. Scouting Report. 11. Michigan. Kobe Bufkin. 38. Pick Analysis. PG
Reports have hinted that Bufkin is likely not going to make it out of the lottery, which could prompt a team like Orlando to take him. With so many quality young point guards, the Magic could address their frontcourt depth by trading one of them for an equal player and bringing Bufkin into the fold.
Bufkin can be a deadly defender at the point of attack, all while slicing to the basket with ease and making some very difficult shots from all over the floor. The Magic will have the benefit of bringing the skinny Bufkin along slowly and letting him physically mature.
Pick Analysis. Scouting Report. SF. France. Bilal Coulibaly. 12. player. 149
Coulibaly has flown up the rankings in the last few weeks, as there are reports that he has been promised to be selected by a lottery team. More than just Victor Wembanyama’s running mate, Coulibaly will be a terrific defender instantly in the NBA after hardening his game against grown men in France.
The Thunder love size and length, and they have enough firepower in the starting lineup to take an offensively raw player like Coulibaly and bring him along slowly. Oklahoma City’s big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey need a defensive switchblade like Coulibaly backing them up.
NBA Mock Draft: The Toronto Raptors need someone like Cason Wallace.
81. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Kentucky. player. PG/SG. Cason Wallace. 13
Toronto has needed guard depth for years, specifically guards who can shoot from deep without being considered a defensive liability. What stands out about Wallace is the fact he profiles as a tremendous on-ball defender while looking like a player who can contribute offensively.
Wallace is a Raptors-esque prospect because he can be a two-way contributor immediately and has shown up when the chips were down against other elite future professional players. The Fred VanVleet replacement might be coming if they play their cards right.
player. 69. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. SF. Ohio State. Brice Sensabaugh. 14
New Orleans appears to have their three-headed monster of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum locked and loaded, but they need to continue adding to their young core. The Pelicans have Dyson Daniels and Herb Jones, but a wing like Sensabaugh could complete the trio.
Sensabaugh is the best points-per-minute scorer in this draft, all while possessing a 230-pound frame that will enable him to defend multiple positions from the jump. Sensabuagh has all the tools needed to jump right into the action and become a solid backup player for years to come.