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

George may be a high-variance player that doesn’t offer a ton of immediate potential as a defender, but it can be very easy to see how a team like Atlanta would be interested in bringing a lethal scorer like George to town as a backup to Trae Young. George falling to 15 would be a blessing.

With a very similar skillset to that of his twin brother Keegan, Kris figures to be a solid scorer and rebounder that can hold his own in a very limited defensive role. Markkanen is the star, and Walker Kessler is dominant, but Murray could be what ends up completing the frontcourt.

Smith is a former top recruit who looked like a Top 5 lock before injuries missed up his college career. The Lakers have been known to take risks on big names in the past, and the high-end upside Smith offers puts him in an entirely separate tier as far as guards are concerned.

Lively barely averaged over five points per game in college, but that number will tick upward with an expanding role coming his way. He is already a dominant rebounder and defender, meaning that a Heat team that has already turned Bam Adebayo into a star would love bringing Lively to Miami.

The Warriors not only need to start thinking about life after Klay Thompson, but also life after Steph Curry. Hood-Schifino brings the perimeter defensive skills of Thompson with the tremendous feel for the game and passing instincts Curry has, all in a 6-5 package.

Hawkins’ stock has risen considerably after his NCAA tournament run, and the Rockets will take advantage of that by adding a knockdown shooter with some impressive defensive performances on his ledger. Ime Udoka loves shooters that can lock up on the wing, and Hawkins fits the bill.

NBA Mock Draft: Dariq Whitehead could bounce back.

The first of Brooklyn’s two picks involves a former top recruit who came alive in the second half of his freshman year. The Nets will likely be willing to let him buff up the weak points in his offensive game while throwing him at skilled wings early on due to his defensive excellence. Not to mention, he can stroke it from deep.

Jackson-Davis may be a bit of a tweener as a bulky 6-9 rim protector, but he has been one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in college basketball for years. The Nets need a backup to Nic Claxton, and TJD might have a better short-term ceiling than Day’Ron Sharpe.