B/R's Final 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Full 2-Round Predictions
For the past year-plus, Bleacher Report and the collective NBA world have watched and scrutinized the 2023 draft class. Whether from afar or up close in person, the study around each prospect has been rigorous. And it's all led to this.
Thursday officially marks Victor Wembanyama Day the 2023 NBA draft, and while no one expects the San Antonio Spurs to get cute at No. 1, genuine debates begin immediately following with the second overall pick.
What happens next is in the hands of the 30 NBA franchises. They've done their homework; now it's time to put their studies to the test.
Below you'll find B/R's final mock draft as we see it today. Note that things remain fluid. This piece will be updated through Thursday morning to reflect trades and surprise intel as we count down the hours.
*Editor's note: Some of the following analysis and intel was published in a previous Mock Draft.
1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama
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Position: PF/C
Team: Metropolitans 92
Age: 19
Victor Wembanyama has finally made it to the United States after leading his team to the LNB Pro A Finals.
The only question regarding his immediate future is whether he'll play in the summer league for the San Antonio Spurs. He'll be the No. 1 overall pick after finishing second in France's top league in scoring, first in rebounding and shot-blocking and making 54 threes as a 7'5" 19-year-old.
San Antonio is on the verge of pairing a five-position defender in Jeremy Sochan with an elite shot-blocker who'll double as both the team's rim protector and No. 1 scoring option.
2. Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson
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Position: PG
Team: G League Ignite
Age: 19
While the belief has been that the Charlotte Hornets prefer Brandon Miller, it's sounding more like just a rumor that's snowballed. No NBA sources have any legitimate explanation or substance behind the assumption. Scoot Henderson had been the No. 2 prospect for most scouts B/R spoke to throughout the year. And until we hear the Hornets don't believe in his fit, we're moving Henderson back to No. 2 as the best player available after Victor Wembanyama.
Both Miller and Henderson were in Charlotte this week for solo workouts. Henderson should have looked more enticing in that setting, given his superior explosiveness and ball control, and a jumper that looks fairly believable despite its reputation for being the reason to question his upside.
The Hornets should be able to talk themselves into Henderson complementing LaMelo Ball's three-point game and passing with more rim pressure and mid-range scoring.
3. Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Miller
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Position: SF
School: Alabama
Age: 20
The Portland Trail Blazers may be less inclined to trade No. 3 if they can add Brandon Miller, an easy fit for the team's small forward spot.
Portland will still be active in trade calls to land an established star who can instantly help Damian Lillard compete in the playoffs. But unless the New Orleans Pelicans are willing to part with Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson, it's difficult to identify any other realistic deal or targets.
Portland may have to think about resetting around the No. 3 pick and a Lillard trade. Between Miller, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, Portland could start a rebuild with a core of special shot-makers. The other option is building off Lillard with Sharpe and Miller (or Henderson) and shopping Simons.
4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson
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Position: PG/SG
Team: Overtime Elite
Age: 20
New intel suggests the Houston Rockets have gone back and forth between Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, but the former has the edge in the best-player-available discussion.
His playmaking and defense are the selling points. The question is whether the Rockets have confidence in James Harden's return or if they're willing to overpay to bring him back. His arrival would create an interesting logjam with Jalen Green and Thompson, who's far more valuable on the ball than as a wing.
At this stage, we'll stick with Houston ignoring fit, considering it can't be certain how free agency will play out. Regardless, Thompson will give Houston a needed passer next to Green.
5. Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson
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Position: SG/SF
Team: Overtime Elite
Age: 20
The Detroit Pistons are expected to be deciding between Ausar Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Jarace Walker. Thompson could have the edge here with his unmatchable athleticism, improving shot-making and playmaking potential that Whitmore and Walker don't offer.
Detroit could be enticed by the speed and rim pressure Ivey and Thompson could unload on defenses.
The Pistons would also be a favorable landing spot for Thompson, who could play to his athletic strengths early and lean on Cade Cunningham and Ivey for creation.
6. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black
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Position: PG/SG
Team: Arkansas
Age: 19
Interest in Anthony Black seems to be spreading and growing. The Wizards at No. 8 now seem like his floor.
With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic may have to pass on a forward like Cam Whitmore, whose medical reports have also raised some questions.
Orlando could see more upside with Black than Markelle Fultz, and the front office does have a recent history of valuing skill and versatility over athleticism.
Black has fans all over for his coveted mix of positional size, passing and defense.
7. Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker
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Position: PF
Team: Houston
Age: 19
The Pacers will be deciding between Jarace Walker, Cam Whitmore, Taylor Hendricks and Gradey Dick. But they're also active in trade calls. Swapping with Utah would mean they're still guaranteed to land one of these targets.
Walker should have the edge here a both a best player available option and fit with his two-way versatility at power forward.
8. Washington Wizards: Cam Whitmore
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Position: SG/SF
Team: Overtime Elite
Age: 20
The Wizards will be operating in best-player-available mode after the Bradley Beal trade.
They'll stop Cam Whitmore's mini-fall unless they're alarmed by his medical reports or poor assist rate. Washington would give Whitmore far more freedom to work on his creation than he had at Villanova.
9. Utah Jazz: Bilal Coulibaly
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Position: SF
Team: Metropolitans 92
Age: 18
Bilal Coulibaly could be an upside target for a team looking to take a big swing.
The 18-year-old's season just came to an end last week, when he scored eight points on five shots in Game 3 of the LNB Finals.
Between a combination of age, explosion and shot-making that screams upside—not to mention his budding production into the LNB Pro A playoffs—teams think he's going somewhere in the No. 9-14 range.
10. Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively
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Position: C
Team: Duke
Age: 19
Rival teams expect the Dallas Mavericks to try and move this pick. They may stay put if they find out Dereck Lively will be available, given how they'd presumably value his defensive presence and offensive efficiency.
Taylor Hendricks would be the other option here, whether it's or Dallas or a team like the Atlanta Hawks looking to trade up.
11. Orlando Magic: Gradey Dick
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Position: SF
School: Kansas
Age: 19
Orlando will be hoping Gradey Dick is still there at No. 11, as it will swing for upside at No. 6 and then target shooting in the late-lottery.
If Dick is gone, Jordan Hawkins is another name expected to draw consideration.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Taylor Hendricks
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Position: C
Team: Duke
Age: 19
No. 12 could be Taylor Hendricks floor, as he being considered by the Indiana Pacers and everyone else in the Nos. 8-11 range.
His three-and-D archetype should create an easy fit for any roster.
13. Toronto Raptors: Kobe Bufkin
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Position: PG/SG
Team: Michigan
Age: 19
Kobe Bufkin has fans in the lottery. And both his workout schedule and camp have also been quiet, leaving some to believe he has a good idea of where he may end up.
The guard offers both skill versatility and IQ, making him highly adaptable to any situation.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen Hood-Schifino
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Position: PG/SG
Team: Indiana
Age: 20
Jalen Hood-Schifino is earning consideration as high as No. 9 from the Jazz.
We're hearing there has been a significant buildup of buzz on him during workout season, to the point where rival agents don't anticipate him being on the board outside the lottery.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Cason Wallace
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Position: PG
Team: Kentucky
Age: 19
League sources say the Atlanta Hawks have explored the idea of trading De'Andre Hunter with AJ Griffin needing more playing time.
Any deal may affect this pick, but Cason Wallace would give the Hawks a different look from Trae Young and Dejounte Murray with his more controlled pace and defense.
16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Jordan Hawkins
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Position: SG/SF
Team: Connecticut
Age: 21
The Jazz could add more shot-making support with Jordan Hawkins, who put together one of the most convincing seasons of shooting with 109 threes, including 19 during Connecticut's national title run.
The draft's most productive off-screen scorer should be an easy fit as a catch-and-shoot weapon.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Keyonte George
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Position: SG
Team: Baylor
Age: 19
There's some fading appeal in scoring 2-guards who aren't plus-playmakers and struggle defensively.
Keyonte George sounds vulnerable to a slide, but his shot-making prowess should be too much for teams searching for more offensive firepower.
18. Miami Heat: Olivier-Maxence Prosper
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Position: SF
Team: Marquette
Age: 20
Strong reviews are coming in about how hard Olivier-Maxence Prosper has competed during workouts. He's visited a whopping 15 teams and counting.
Sources around the league think he's built enough momentum to start drawing top-20 consideration, with his outstanding physical tools, motor, defense and correctable shooting driving the interest.
19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski
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Position: PG/SG
Team: Santa Clara
Age: 20
Brandin Podziemski strengthened his first-round case at the combine, leaving scouts more confident that his shot-making, playmaking and rebounding can translate.
The Santa Clara guard figures to be a trade-up candidate for teams eying the Houston Rockets' second first-round pick.
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Ben Sheppard
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Position: SG
Team: Belmont
Age: 21
Ben Sheppard has become a popular riser in the first-round discussion after validating his senior production by dominating NBA combine scrimmages.
Whoever picks here could value his shooting versatility and ability to put pressure on defenses as an extra pick-and-roll ball-handler.
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): Leonard Miller
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Position: SF
Team: G League Ignite
Age: 19
This time last year, Leonard Miller was seen as more of an idea than a surefire NBA pro.
Now, he has a season's worth of solid G League production, plus gradual improvement and an attractive combination of 6'9" size and wing skills—all things that make him a first-round pick.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Nick Smith Jr.
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Position: SG
Team: Arkansas
Age: 19
After injuries affected Nick Smith Jr.'s season and inefficiency cast a cloud over it, scouts sounded pleased with his pro day.
There is still plenty of confidence in his shot-making and three-level scoring, despite what the percentages at Arkansas say.
Smith would give Brooklyn more extra self-creation and three-level scoring off the bench.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Kris Murray
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Position: PF
Team: Iowa
Age: 22
Kris Murray comes off as NBA-ready with similar shot-making and off-ball scoring skills as twin brother Keegan.
Although his age doesn't scream upside, he looks the part of a top-five combo forward from the 2023 draft class.
24. Sacramento Kings: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
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Position: SF/PF
Team: UCLA
Age: 22
There will be teams in the 20s willing to forget about Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s upside and age, instead value the higher floor tied to his physicality, intangibles and versatility.
He has drawn rave reviews for his shooting and competitiveness during workouts, and a green-room invite indicates clear first-round interest.
25: Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies): Jett Howard
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Position: SF
Team: Michigan
Age: 19
Jett Howard was considered a top-20 prospect at one point, but there are red flags that complicate his current draft stock, including a lack of rebounding, playmaking and defense—all absences that translate to a shot-making-or-bust prospect.
Still, with a valued, translatable skill set for off-ball scoring, his draft range is wide, likely from Nos. 15-30.
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cavs): Noah Clowney
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Position: PF/C
Team: Alabama
Age: 18
Noah Clowney will enter the NBA with a project label, though certain teams will be willing to invest and wait on the potential rewards of adding frontcourt three-and-D.
He also enters as the No. 3 big on our prospect list ahead of the June 22 draft.
27. Charlotte Hornets: Jordan Walsh
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Position: SF
Team: Arkansas
Age: 19
Jordan Walsh clearly has fans, including some who may have convinced him to stay in the draft.
His defensive versatility and intensity could sway teams to look past his scoring limitations.
Walsh will have a defined role that calls for getting stops and making hustle plays.
28. Utah Jazz: Dariq Whitehead
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Position: SG/SF
Team: Duke
Age: 18
Dariq Whitehead just underwent a secondary surgery to fix an unhealed foot injury, which was completed by Nets' physician Dr. Martin O'Malley. Prior to the procedure, he'd met with late-lottery teams and multiple teams that have two or more first-rounders, per sources.
There was no refracture in his foot, and with a second pick in the 20s, Utah could take a chance on the 18-year-old returning to pre-Duke form, when he blossomed into a No. 1 option at Montverde with an exciting mix of self-creation skill, shot-making and slashing we didn't see much of this past season.
29. Denver Nuggets (via Celtics): Rayan Rupert
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Position: SG/SF
Team: New Zealand Breakers
Age: 19
Rayan Rupert will draw first-round looks just based on the appeal to long wings (7'2" wingspan) with shot-making potential.
However, limited production in the NBL has also led to low confidence levels in scouts.
30. LA Clippers: Maxwell Lewis
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Position: SF
Team: Pepperdine
Age: 20
Scouts have been trying to weigh Maxwell Lewis' NBA physical profile, three-level shot-making and enticing creation flashes versus Pepperdine's 9-22 record and the sophomore's inconsistent defense against lower-level competition.
Ultimately, he should look enticing in a workout setting with the body of a wing and the shooting versatility to hit different types of jumpers from all over.
Nos. 31-35
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31. Detroit Pistons: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State, SG/SF, 19)
A late-season knee injury has affected Brice Sensabaugh's availability and likelihood of rising during the pre-draft process. He'll still draw first-round interest based on his scoring efficiency, shooting versatility and NBA-ready, 235-pound frame.
32. Denver Nuggets (via Pacers): James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 18)
James Nnaji's physical profile and EuroLeague experience for an 18-year-old should be enough to draw looks in the 20s and 30s from teams that see a high-floor finisher and defender.
33. San Antonio Spurs: Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, 21)
Two-way versatility is a big selling point to Jones, who would give a team a Swiss Army Knife capable of running offense and defending multiple positions.
34. Charlotte Hornets: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana, PF/C, 23)
Trayce Jackson-Davis has been shooting jumpers during NBA auditions, something he didn't do at Indiana. Regardless, he'll earn consideration for his effectiveness as a post scorer, finisher, passer and rebounder.
35. Boston Celtics (via Blazers): Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut, SG/SF, 21)
While teams acknowledge Andre Jackson Jr.'s shooting woes, scouts have still found a way to love his athleticism, passing and intangibles for a unique two-way playmaker role.
Nos. 36-40
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36. Orlando Magic: Tristan Vukčević (KK Partizan, PF, 20)
Though not everyone was convinced by Tristan Vukčević's stellar NBA combine scrimmage—mostly due to athletic and defensive questions—he's still an enticing pick in the 30s for his 7'0" size, obvious shooting touch and high skill level.
37. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder): Julian Phillips (Tennessee, SF, 19)
Scouts around the league believe Julian Phillips has early second-round teams willing to offer guaranteed money. The former McDonald's All-American is starting to be seen as a buy-low pick after he measured near 6'7" in socks, won athletic testing and presumably shot worse than he's capable of at Tennessee.
38. Sacramento Kings (via Pacers): Amari Bailey (UCLA, PG, 19)
Unteachable basketball IQ and improvisation have helped Amari Bailey earn NBA fans. Instead of selling himself as a scoring combo, teams have started to picture a facilitator who has shown just enough creative shot-making to keep defenses honest.
39. Charlotte Hornets (via Jazz): Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, 22)
Teams have been scared off by smaller scoring guards, but Marcus Sasser's ball-handling and shooting versatility should be convincing enough for one team to picture a useful bench spark.
40. Los Angeles Lakers (via Pacers): Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF/PF, 23)
Shooting, strong defensive tools and toughness should help Keyontae Johnson generate second-round interest from teams who see a two-way role player.
Nos. 41-45
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41. Charlotte Hornets (via Thunder): Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, 21)
Julian Strawther has earned some first-round grades for his spot-up and movement shooting, though the ability to put the ball down and weaponize his floater/runner has turned him into a more multidimensional off-ball scorer.
42. Washington Wizards (via Bulls): GG Jackson (South Carolina, PF, Freshman)
Teams have questioned Jackson's professionalism and NBA-readiness, but in the second round, there is less of a gamble on a 6'9", 18-year-old with his level of perimeter skill.
43. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Kobe Brown (Missouri, SF, 23)
Kobe Brown will likely have to lose some weight from his 250-pound frame, but his shooting and passing skills point to an NBA fit and the second round.
44. San Antonio Spurs: Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 19)
Missing a signature skill hurts Sidy Cissoko, but his combination of secondary playmaking, capable shot-making and the defensive tools should create enough versatility for Round 2.
45. Memphis Grizzlies: Jalen Pickett (Penn State, PG, Senior)
Jalen Pickett's production and effectiveness with his shot-making and passing could sway a second-round team to look past his old man's game and age (23).
Nos 46-50
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46. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Seth Lundy (Penn State, SF, 23)
Teams looking for shooting will have Seth Lundy highlighted on their boards after he hit 92 threes and lit up NBA combine scrimmages with his balanced mechanics and quick, confident release.
47. Indiana Pacers (via Lakers): Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, SG, 20)
Scouts have concerns over Terquavion Smith's inefficiency and defense, but his shot-making and pick-and-roll offense should keep interest alive in the second round.
48. Los Angeles Clippers: Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF/PF, 22)
Though Jalen Wilson struggled at the NBA combine, his college production, improved shot-making and strong frame will keep him in second-round conversations.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Warriors): Toumani Camara (Dayton, SF, 23)
From the Portsmouth Invitational to Elite Camp and the NBA combine, Toumani Camara was productive throughout while offering an appealing mix of offensive versatility, capable shooting and high activity levels.
50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat): Chris Livingston (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)
This late, a team can bet on 19-year-old Chris Livingston's high school shot-making and slashing, which didn't pop as often in Kentucky's deeper lineup.
Nos. 51-55
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51. Brooklyn Nets: Colin Castleton (Florida, C, Senior)
Castleton drew interest at G League Elite Camp, and there are teams in the Nos. 45-60 range adding the skilled, 7-foot shot-blocker to a two-way deal. jaylen
52. Phoenix Suns: Mouhamed Gueye (Washington State, PF/C, 20)
In a draft with limited true bigs, Mouhamed Gueye should hear his name called after a productive season that highlighted a combination of post skill, mid-range touch, face-up driving potential and rebounding motor.
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Knicks): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, 21)
Ricky Council IV is falling after a poor NBA combine and few signs of three-point improvement. He'll be in the late second-round mix based on his explosiveness, creation flashes and two-point shot-making.
54. Sacramento Kings: Tosan Evbuomwan (Princeton, PF, 22)
This late, it's worth taking a flier on a unique big like Tosan Evbuomwan, an outstanding passer for a big who's flashed glimpses of open shot-making and driving.
55. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Jordan Miller (Miami, SF, 23)
Marginal shooting improvement this season created some optimism, though Jordan Miller will draw second-round looks for his slashing, finishing and wing defense.
Nos. 56-60
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56. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SG/SF, 21)
Despite missing the NCAA tournament and NBA combine with an injury, Jaylen Clark established himself as a clear defensive difference-maker with unteachable instincts and just enough play-finishing and passing ability to get by offensively.
57. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets): Forfeited
58. Philadelphia 76ers: Forfeited
59. Washington Wizards (via Celtics): Sir'Jabari Rice (Texas, SG/SF, 24)
Sir'Jabari Rice may wind up getting himself picked after a strong predraft process—from Portsmouth to Elite Camp to the combine—where he continued to shoot and finish well despite underwhelming athletic ability.
60. Milwaukee Bucks: Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky, PF/C, Senior)
Teams could see a rebounding specialist and active, physical body with 23-year-old Oscar Tshiebwe, whose mid-range touch also slowly started showing.
