2023 NBA Mock Draft V.6
The No Ceilings crew puts together V.6 of their Mock Draft for the 2023 NBA Draft cycle.
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the college basketball season is in the rearview mirror. While some NBA squads are still fighting for a chance to take home the title, fans of other teams have their eyes on the future, and the potential prizes that they could take home in the NBA Draft.
Earlier this month, we here at No Ceilings launched V.6 of our BIG Board for the 2023 NBA Draft. For this month’s mock draft exercise, though, we decided to take it up another level. Instead of simply keeping the chaos to ourselves, we decided to share our latest mock draft with the world:
We also, of course, have write-ups of the first round of the mock draft, as always, whether to cap off your video experience or to be enjoyed separately.
Enjoy, No Ceilings family!
#1. Charlotte Hornets - Victor Wembanyama | Center | Metropolitans 92
22.0 PTS | 9.6 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.8 STL | 3.2 BLK
47.3 FG% | 29.5 3P% | 80.8 FT%
Corey and Albert: For an organization that has not had a tremendous amount of luck as of late, moving up to number one overall in the most important draft year in twenty years is franchise-altering. The Hornets make the easiest decision the franchise has ever had to make and tell Adam Silver to sprint to the podium to select Victor Wembanya. The team now has two real building blocks in Wemby and LaMelo, and create one of the most insanely lengthy defensive frontcourts the NBA has ever seen, pairing Wemby next to Mark Williams. Wembanyama changes everything for Buzz City and the Hornets now have the makings of a real legitimate long-term championship contender.
#2. Detroit Pistons - Scoot Henderson | Guard | G League Ignite
17.6 PTS | 5.1 REB | 6.4 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.4 BLK
44.3 FG% | 32.4 3P% | 75.0 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: The Detroit Pistons would be in an interesting position in this scenario, as this team has two capable lead ball handlers in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Why draft another in Scoot Henderson over a wing who could fill a positional need like Brandon Miller or Cam Whitmore? Because Henderson is the level of prospect who can help a franchise win the biggest of games: a 6’2” guard who plays tough as hell, and can explode to the rim while also stopping on a dime for a clean mid-range jumper. Possessing passing ability out of multiple sets, not to mention his individual point-of-attack defense, Henderson is an above-average three-point shot away from legitimate star territory. He would be able to play off Cunningham and Ivey while organizing the offense for either or possibly both players in smaller lineups as Cunningham continues to fill out and slides over to the small forward spot.
#3. Indiana Pacers - Brandon Miller | Wing | Alabama
19.6 PTS | 8.3 REB | 2.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
45.1 FG% | 40.1 3P% | 85.6 FT%
Corey and Albert: The Indiana Pacers would be ecstatic if they ended up adding Brandon Miller to their already exciting and young roster. The idea of adding Miller’s size, shooting, passing, and rebounding ability to a team that features young stars Tyrese Haliburton and Ben Mathurin is wild. Miller would be the perfect pick for the Pacers because of the upside and the fit. He could be an incredible play finisher and floor-spacer for them to start and can take his time tightening up his handle and play-making. Miller is an extremely skilled wing that’ll benefit from being on this team because he won’t be asked to be the number one or even number two option from day one. Miller is a rare prospect because he has such a high floor and a high ceiling as well.
#4. Orlando Magic - Cam Whitmore | Wing | Villanova
12.5 PTS | 5.3 REB | 0.7 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.4 BLK
47.5 FG% | 35.0 3P% | 72.1 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: The Orlando Magic seemingly found their franchise cornerstone in Paolo Banchero in the last draft. Now, their focus must be figuring out the best way to build a winning and cohesive team around that. Players like Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr, and their litany of guards are a great starting point, but they still have the flexibility to take some home run swings in the draft, instead of drafting for need, especially with two lottery picks. Out of Cam Whitmore, Jarace Walker, and the Thompson Twins, Whitmore won out after we considered upside and fit. Throughout the season, Whitmore’s jumper steadily improved along with his scoring versatility. He has freakish athleticism, and his cutting will fit beautifully alongside the playmaking of Banchero and Wagner. Additionally, Whitmore has scary defensive upside. He is physical, moves his feet well, and can guard a myriad of archetypes. Whitmore has the potential to grow into a star without significantly altering or upsetting the current path the Magic are on.
#5. San Antonio Spurs - Amen Thompson | Wing | Overtime Elite
16.4 PTS | 5.9 REB | 5.9 AST | 2.3 STL | 0.9 BLK
56.6 FG% | 25.0 3P% | 65.6 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: Even though Jarace Walker was the highest player on our board, we went with the lottery ticket of Amen Thompson. Thompson’s physical tools will make him one of the league’s best athletes on day one. This infusion of explosiveness and playmaking creativity could help San Antonio’s offense become more dynamic and diversified. There are some really concerning aspects of Thompson’s game, like his shooting, regular indifference on defense, and inconsistent at-rim finishing, but we have seen him succeed in all of those areas in spurts. If he hits, Thompson could be the biggest steal of the draft, and the infrastructure of the Spurs could be the best place for him to grow and develop more consistent habits.
#6. Houston Rockets - Jarace Walker | Forward | Houston
11.2 PTS | 6.8 REB | 1.8 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.3 BLK
46.5 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 66.2 FT%
Nick: The star forward for the Houston Cougars gets to stay in town, as the Rockets take Jarace Walker here with the sixth pick. The Rockets are in desperate need of defensive help and playmaking assistance, and Walker provides both in spades. He won’t be asked to be a high-level scorer right away; instead, he’ll slot in perfectly as a playmaking forward with complementary scoring skills on offense while helping Jabari Smith Jr. to shore up their frontcourt defense. Walker’s high-level defense will allow him to grow into a bigger role in the offense over time, and he already has the skills to thrive on that end in a smaller role while helming the defensive turnaround.
#7. Portland Trail Blazers - Taylor Hendricks | Forward | UCF
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
15.1 PTS | 7.0 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.7 BLK
47.8 FG% | 39.4 3P% | 78.2 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: Taylor Hendricks brings two things to the Trail Blazers— another valuable, high-upside player to their young core, and the potential to give immediate return due to his size and three-point shooting. At 6’9” with excellent mobility and long arms, Hendricks thrived during his freshman campaign at UCF. He’s able to contain smaller players on the perimeter and he’s an excellent weak-side rim protector. Hendricks also knocked down 39.4% of his threes on high volume, demonstrating a high release and clean mechanics. While he’s not the savviest passer or best ball-handler, he does make decisions quickly. Even if those skills don’t come along, Hendricks projects to be a player with great size who can shoot and defend multiple positions—a great value for the #7 pick.
#8. Washington Wizards - Cason Wallace | Guard | Kentucky
11.7 PTS | 3.7 REB | 4.3 AST | 2.0 STL | 0.5 BLK
44.6 FG% | 34.6 3P% | 75.7 FT%
Nick: The Washington Wizards have had a hole at point guard since John Wall left, and their perimeter defense has been floundering for years. Enter Cason Wallace, who will fit in right away as a steady point guard presence on offense while also being arguably the best defensive guard in the draft. Wallace will shore up the point-of-attack defense for the Wizards from Day One, while also providing scoring punch and rim pressure with his ability to get to the basket and convert at the rim. He also showed positive signs this season at Kentucky as a long-range threat; even if that part of his game doesn’t come around, though, Wallace’s all-around game makes him one of the safest bets available in the lottery.
#9. Utah Jazz - Brice Sensabaugh | Wing | Ohio State
16.3 PTS | 5.4 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.4 BLK
48.0 FG% | 40.5 3P% | 83.0 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: This may seem high for some, but the Utah Jazz need another potentially lethal offensive option on the wing to support All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. Having shooting around him in Markkanen, Olynyk, and in their platoon of guards led by Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji, Sensabaugh would fit right in as someone who could create his own shot inside the arc while offering shooting versatility outside of it. Even though he could’ve finished a higher percentage of looks around the basket (or pressured the rim more in general), Sensabaugh showed enough on tape to establish himself as both a shooter AND scorer. It’s not often a prospect shows enough diversity in both areas to earn each title, but Sensabaugh’s touch, handle, and physicality will give him an edge offensively while he continues to round out his playmaking and defense. If Sensabaugh lives up to his promise, he’s the type of wing NBA teams want on their team to alleviate the pressure on one or multiple stars, not to mention he has star scoring upside of his own.
#10. Dallas Mavericks - Ausar Thompson | Wing | Overtime Elite
16.3 PTS | 7.1 REB | 6.1 AST | 2.4 STL | 1.1 BLK
48.1 FG% | 29.8 3P% | 66.2 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: Dallas Mavericks fans are going to find themselves hoping for some lottery luck here. There’s a fascinating offseason coming up for Dallas, especially when it comes to the future of Kyrie Irving. We all know how good Luka Doncic is. What about getting him someone with the ability to offer impact off the ball who also offers sensational upside? While it’s a bit lower than expected, Dallas would sprint to the podium with the opportunity to add a talent with so much potential. Ausar is comfortable playing off the ball and has scary upside defensively.
#11. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jett Howard | Wing | Michigan
14.2 PTS | 2.8 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.4 STL | 0.7 BLK
41.4 FG% | 36.8 3P% | 80.0 FT%
Nick: The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to have settled on a new player archetype to target in the draft; instead of going for high-upside players with crazy athletic tools, they have more recently opted for high-feel players who can contribute in multiple areas. That seems to be right in line with Jett Howard, given his elite shooting touch and excellent playmaking feel for his size. Howard also offers size at 6’8” for a Thunder squad that frequently ran small; although Howard does struggle to rebound and defend effectively, he will at least give the Thunder a bigger forward option who can space the floor and make good decisions with the ball in his hands.
#12. Orlando Magic (via CHI) - Gradey Dick | Wing | Kansas
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
14.1 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.7 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.3 BLK
44.2 FG% | 40.3 3P% | 85.4 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: With the Magic’s first pick we went with the home run swing, and for their second we decided to fill a vital need with Gradey Dick. The Magic desperately need shooting on their team, and Dick is one of the best shooters in this class. At 6’8”, Dick also fits the Magic’s roster construction approach of adding players with plus size for their position. Dick is an excellent off-ball mover who can thrive off of their current playmakers. He’ll be targeted on defense, but we saw his defense steadily improve throughout the year. By the end of the year, Dick became a highly reliable off-ball defender with his rotations and quick hands. As long as he can avoid being a complete negative on defense, Dick should significantly improve the Magic’s spacing on offense.
#13. Toronto Raptors - Keyonte George | Guard | Baylor
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
15.3 PTS | 4.2 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK
37.6 FG% | 33.8 3P% | 79.3 FT%
Corey and Albert: The Raptors had a tumultuous season and after failing to make the playoffs have left much of the future direction of the team up in the air as they head into their off-season. When it comes to the draft, Masai typically has a type that he targets—you know: 6’8”, long, switchable, with a shaky jumper – but he opts to go in a different direction by taking the value and selecting a buckety combo guard in Keyonte George. George was streaky and struggled with efficiency throughout his freshman campaign but when the flashes were flashing he was one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in college basketball. If the Raptors decide to rip the band-aid off and rebuild this off-season, Keyonte George and Scottie Barnes form a solid starting point as complimentary pieces for the Great White North.
#14. New Orleans Pelicans - Bilal Coulibaly | Wing | Metropolitans 92
11.5 PTS | 4.2 REB | 1.4 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.6 BLK
52.8 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 72.5 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: Standing 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, Bilal Coulibaly is a defensive playmaker with potent athleticism. He darts into passing lanes and meets opponents at the rim. His driving game is nasty, with great downhill burst, wiggle, and explosive one-footed leaping ability. Coulibaly has converted 70% of his shots at the rim playing in France’s top pro league. His shot and mid-range game are both works in progress, but he’s hit 35.3% of his threes across various pro leagues this season, which is a great starting point. Coulibaly comes in as an NBA athlete who can play a role at the professional level, as he’s shown in France. But for the Pelicans, who face an uncertain future, he also offers tantalizing upside, with the potential to be a high-end defender who can attack, make good decisions, and shoot. Even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling, he gives them another long, athletic wing alongside Trey Murphy and Herb Jones.
#15. Atlanta Hawks - Anthony Black | Guard | Arkansas
12.8 PTS | 5.1 REB | 3.9 AST | 2.1 STL | 0.6 BLK
45.3 FG% | 30.1 3P% | 70.5 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: So here’s the problem with this spot. You’re the Hawks with a crowded backcourt consisting of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. What do you do? Well you take the best dang player on the board and don’t think twice about it. Sure, there would be questions about the fit moving forward immediately. But Anthony Black is way too talented to not jump all over when it comes to the value at this selection. There’s a realistic chance that the Arkansas freshman is off the board much earlier than this. But in this scenario, take the 6’7” playmaking wizard who is oozing with defensive ability. Figure out the rest later.
#16. Utah Jazz (via MIN) - Kobe Bufkin | Guard | Michigan
14.0 PTS | 4.5 REB | 2.9 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.7 BLK
48.2 FG% | 35.5 3P% | 84.9 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: The second of three first-round picks for the Jazz, going with a lead guard prospect was an easy choice after selecting a wing in the lottery. Out of the number of options available here, Kobe Bufkin has very intriguing upside as a table setter and efficient scorer around the basket as well as away from it. Even though the jumper was viewed as a weakness of Bufkin’s this past season, he still posted efficient marks on a number of shot types while also scoring well out of pick-and-roll sets, cuts, and transition opportunities. Bufkin’s defense at the top of the floor was also great at Michigan, and he should be able to grow into a pesky defender at the NBA level. His two-way impact with plenty of room to grow on both sides of the ball makes him a great long-term play for a Jazz team who can afford to take some time building a contender the right (patient) way with talented studs who just need reps to live up to their potential. Bufkin fits that bill.
#17. Los Angeles Lakers - Jordan Hawkins | Guard | UConn
16.2 PTS | 3.8 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.5 BLK
40.9 FG% | 38.8 3P% | 88.7 FT%
Nick: The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season at 25th in the league in three-point percentage; while adding Malik Beasley at the trade deadline did bolster their shooting pretty dramatically, any LeBron James-led team could always use more off-ball shooting threats—especially players who can run off screens and draw defensive attention with their constant movement. Jordan Hawkins is the best fit for that need in this draft; he is a ridiculously efficient spot-up shooter who is also in near-constant motion off the ball and is always running around screens looking for an inch of space. Hawkins is no slouch on the defensive end, either; he’s an excellent off-ball defender who will contribute on that end of the floor sooner rather than later.
#18. Miami Heat - Jalen Hood-Schifino | Guard | Indiana
13.5 PTS | 4.1 REB | 3.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
41.7 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 77.6 FT%
Corey and Albert: Kyle Lowry just turned 37 in March; I think it’s safe to say that he’s probably not in Miami’s long-term plans as their lead guard. Adding a talent like Jalen Hood-Schifino at this point in the draft would be a steal. Hood-Schifino is a jumbo guard with an NBA-ready physique, awesome vision as a play-maker, and is deadly from the mid-range with the potential to extend his range out to three. Hood-Schifinio did struggle with some consistency issues, but that’s when you throw in the old, “HeatCulture” stuff around and hope that the coaching staff there and the influence of the veterans there can help him clean that up. Hood-Schifino probably won’t be ready to take the reins from the jump but the Heat will probably still have Kyle Lowry around to mentor him until he is ready.
#19. Houston Rockets (via LAC) - Colby Jones | Guard | Xavier
15.0 PTS | 5.7 REB | 4.4 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.6 BLK
50.9 FG% | 37.8 3P% | 65.3 FT%
Nick: The Houston Rockets shored up their defense and frontcourt playmaking by taking Jarace Walker with their first pick of the draft. With their next pick, they opt to fill multiple gaps at once with an all-around threat in Xavier’s Colby Jones. Jones is a heady passer, solid defender, and burgeoning shooting threat with a mature game; he would instantly become one of the better wing defenders on the Rockets, and he will make good decisions with the ball in his hands. His steady play—paired with the consistent development that he showed in college—gives the Rockets a stabilizing presence on the wing who could potentially grow into more than that in time.
#20. Golden State Warriors - Dereck Lively | Center | Duke
5.2 PTS | 5.4 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.5 STL | 2.4 BLK
65.8 FG% | 15.4 3P% | 60.0 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: Is Dereck Lively the type of big man the Golden State Warriors THOUGHT they were getting in James Wiseman? There are a number of reasons why that pick didn’t quite work out on both sides, but what is clear is that it mainly comes back to the type of offense that the Warriors run. A motion-heavy scheme that’s built on ball and player movement, Lively’s passing instincts he showed off second chances and short rolls feeds into the types of opportunities Golden State capitalizes on regularly. Throw in his elite-level rim protection, athleticism, and frame that should fill out well, and it’s easy to see how Lively could bring much-needed size to the Warriors while also having some more skill of his own to unlock, especially if he shoots it down the line.
#21. Brooklyn Nets (via PHX) - GG Jackson | Forward | South Carolina
15.4 PTS | 5.9 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK
38.4 FG% | 32.4 3P% | 67.7 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: The Nets are in a curious position with their team, but passing on the upside of G.G. Jackson at this point felt foolish. Jackson had a rough season and so much of his game is theoretical, but goodness is that theoretical outcome exciting. Jackson would be added to Brooklyn’s cadre of forwards, but he has the highest on-ball scoring upside of any of them. Jackson is still extremely young, and if the Nets can quickly instill better habits and decision-making in his game, he has All-Star upside.
#22. Brooklyn Nets - Trayce Jackson-Davis | Center | Indiana
20.9 PTS | 10.8 REB | 4.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 2.9 BLK
58.1 FG% | N/A 3P% | 69.5 FT%
Tyler and Tyler: Trayce Jackson-Davis doesn’t have traditional size for a center, but he’s grown his game to a point where it doesn’t matter. His length and explosiveness would immediately improve the Nets’ lack of depth at center, along with their defensive rebounding issues. Offensively, Jackson-Davis would give them a unique playmaking hub that their myriad of off-ball scorers could thrive around.
#23. Portland Trail Blazers (via NYK) - Maxwell Lewis | Forward | Pepperdine
17.1 PTS | 5.7 REB | 2.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK
46.8 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 78.7 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: Here, the Blazers add yet another high-upside wing to their exciting core. The 6’7” Lewis had ups and downs at Pepperdine, but he ultimately finished well at the basket and knocked down 44.1% of his catch-and-shoot threes. He also showed improvement as a shotmaker, and he has heaps of athleticism to get downhill attacking closeouts. Though raw on the defensive end, Lewis can move well laterally and fly off the floor, so the tools are there. With Shaedon Sharp, Taylor Hendricks, and Max Lewis, the Blazers would have three young, entertaining, and athletic wings who can all fill it up from long range.
#24. Sacramento Kings - Sidy Cissoko | Wing | G League Ignite
11.6 PTS | 2.8 REB | 3.1 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
43.6 FG% | 31.4 3P% | 64.3 FT%
Nick: The Sacramento Kings made the playoffs for the first time in 16 years with one of the highest-octane offenses in NBA history. Sidy Cissoko only adds more fuel to that fire with his exceptional playmaking and burgeoning offensive game. He would instantly be a sizeable upgrade over Terence Davis off the bench, and he has the size and defensive chops to be a potential long-term forward option—or even a short-term option if Harrison Barnes goes elsewhere in free agency. Cissoko showed real growth as a scoring threat this season as an 18-year-old in one of the toughest leagues in the world, and his playmaking and developing scoring touch would bolster the already stellar Sacramento Kings offense to new heights.
#25. Memphis Grizzlies - Nick Smith Jr. | Guard | Arkansas
12.5 PTS | 1.6 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.1 BLK
37.6 FG% | 33.8 3P% | 74.0 FT%
Corey and Albert: It was a tough freshman campaign for Nick Smith after coming into the year as a projected Top 5 pick; however, Memphis gets the opportunity to bet on that lottery-level potential at the point of the draft where the juice is worth the squeeze. Smith can get hot quickly and that extra scoring punch off the bench as a combo guard that can score on or off the ball adds an element to the backcourt that the Grizz are currently lacking.
#26. Indiana Pacers (via CLE) - Kris Murray | Forward | Iowa
20.2 PTS | 7.9 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.2 BLK
47.6 FG% | 33.5 3P% | 72.9 FT%
Corey and Albert: The Pacers go back to the well and grab another jumbo wing here in Kris Murray. Murray is an exciting prospect because of his size, shooting prowess, and overall production in college. Murray did a great job of taking over as the number one option after his brother Keegan left this season. Kris may not have as much on-ball juice as Keegan but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any at all. His lefty shooting stroke is beautiful to watch and although the percentages were lower from three this season, you have to consider the fact that he had to take tougher shots in the leading role.
#27. Charlotte Hornets (via DEN) - Marcus Sasser | Guard | Houston
16.8 PTS | 2.8 REB | 3.1 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.2 BLK
43.8 FG% | 38.4 3P% | 84.8 FT%
Corey and Albert: The Hornets already won the draft with the Wembanyama selection, but for a team that now has intriguing enough pieces to make a run at the playoffs they opt to go with Marcus Sasser—a culture builder with a deep bag that gets after it on both sides of the ball. Sasser can play off LaMelo or run the offense when he is on the bench and the Hornets can afford to run a smallish guard on the floor with Wembanyama and Williams backing him up. Sasser is also just a straight up bulldog with a high level of feel, that doesn’t turn the ball over, and shoots the bejesus out of the ball on insane volume. He’d thrive in this Hornets context.
#28. Utah Jazz (via PHI) - Leonard Miller | Forward | G League Ignite
16.9 PTS | 10.1 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.8 BLK
53.7 FG% | 30.4 3P% | 79.2 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: Finally for the Utah Jazz, choosing Leonard Miller near the back end of the first round could prove to be an absolute steal if his production is to be taken seriously from this past season with Ignite. A lock for 17 points and 10 rebounds seemingly each time out on the floor, Miller mixed it up and provided glue and toughness to a developing roster that needed talented size. Not only is he an elite rebounder for his age, but he has ball-handling ability, touch on runners and short shots (as well as from the free-throw line), and defensive versatility in how much ground he can cover on or off the ball. 6’10” forwards aren’t supposed to play the game like Miller does, and his face-up game along with what he’s shown around the basket could allow him to not only share the floor with another big, but also play some small-ball center in certain lineups to add a unique dimension to his respective team. Having Miller to back up Walker Kessler with different combinations of players would be interesting, to say the least.
#29. Indiana Pacers (via BOS) - James Nnaji | Center | FC Barcelona
3.8 PTS | 2.1 REB | 0.3 AST | 0.1 STL | 0.5 BLK
68.4 FG% | N/A 3P% | 52.4 FT%
Corey and Albert: Nnaji is the cherry on top for what would be an incredible haul for the Pacers. Adding Brandon Miller and Kris Murray at the wing position is huge, and adding Nnaji as another athletic big really seals things. Nnaji is an agile big with a great frame and length. Although the Pacers have some options in Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson, and Jaylen Smith, adding Nnaji as another option wouldn’t hurt. Nnaji has light feet for his size and shows great anticipation with his shot-blocking. Adding a talent like this at the end of the first round would be smart.
#30. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIL) - Dariq Whitehead | Wing | Duke
8.3 PTS | 2.4 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
42.1 FG% | 42.9 3P% | 79.3 FT%
Nathan and Maxwell: The Clippers have shown a willingness to swing for the fences with recent draft picks, and that’s what they would be doing here with Dariq Whitehead. The top-ranked player in his high school class using the RSCI metric, Whitehead had some struggles at Duke, scoring only 8.3 points per game and shooting 42.1% from the field. Despite that, he displayed flashes as a shot-maker, knocking down 42.9% of his threes. In high school, Whitehead showed some real pop as a straight-line driver. With Whitehead battling injuries at Duke, that didn’t show up on the college tape. His defensive impact was minimal, but earlier in his career, he’d used his size and tools well on that end of the floor. If Whitehead can get his legs back under him, he could be a steal for the Clippers, bringing floor spacing and the ability to attack the rim to the offensive end of the floor while he works out the kinks on defense.
SECOND ROUND
#31. Detroit Pistons - Rayan Rupert | Wing | NZ Breakers
6.8 PTS | 2.4 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.2 BLK
36.9 FG% | 31.2 3P% | 73.8 FT%
#32. Indiana Pacers (via HOU) - Terquavion Smith | Guard | NC State
17.9 PTS | 3.6 REB | 4.1 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.4 BLK
38.0 FG% | 33.6 3P% | 70.1 FT%
#33. San Antonio Spurs - Adem Bona | Center | UCLA
7.7 PTS | 5.3 REB | 0.7 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.7 BLK
67.5 FG% | N/A 3P% | 57.3 FT%
#34. Charlotte Hornets - Julian Strawther | Wing | Gonzaga
15.2 PTS | 6.2 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.4 BLK
46.9 FG% | 40.8 3P% | 77.6 FT%
#35. Boston Celtics (via POR) - Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Wing | UCLA
17.8 PTS | 8.2 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.6 BLK
48.1 FG% | 31.7 3P% | 77.0 FT%
#36. Orlando Magic - Mike Miles Jr. | Guard | TCU
17.9 PTS | 2.7 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
49.7 FG% | 36.2 3P% | 74.9 FT%
#37. Sacramento Kings (via IND) - DaRon Holmes II | Center | Dayton
18.4 PTS | 8.1 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.9 BLK
59.0 FG% | 31.6 3P% | 66.9 FT%
#38. Oklahoma City Thunder (via WAS) - Noah Clowney | Forward | Alabama
9.8 PTS | 7.9 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.3 BLK
48.6 FG% | 28.3 3P% | 64.9 FT%
#39. Charlotte Hornets (via UTA) - Jaylen Clark | Wing | UCLA
13.0 PTS | 6.0 REB | 1.9 AST | 2.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
48.1 FG% | 32.9 3P% | 69.8 FT%
#40. Denver Nuggets (via DAL) - Julian Phillips | Forward | Tennessee
8.3 PTS | 4.7 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.5 BLK
41.1 FG% | 23.9 3P% | 82.2 FT%
#41. Washington Wizards (via CHI) - Jalen Wilson | Forward | Kansas
20.1 PTS | 8.3 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.5 BLK
43.0 FG% | 33.7 3P% | 79.9 FT%
#42. Charlotte Hornets (via OKC) - Nikola Đurišić | Wing | Mega Basket
12.1 PTS | 3.0 REB | 3.8 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.1 BLK
39.0 FG% | 19.2 3P% | 69.5 FT%
#43. Portland Trail Blazers (via ATL) - Jordan Walsh | Wing | Arkansas
7.1 PTS | 3.9 REB | 0.9 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.5 BLK
43.3 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 71.2 FT%
#44. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) - Trey Alexander | Guard | Creighton
13.6 PTS | 4.2 REB | 2.6 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.5 BLK
44.7 FG% | 41.0 3P% | 82.4 FT%
#45. Memphis Grizzlies (via MIN) - Zach Edey | Center | Purdue
22.3 PTS | 12.9 REB | 1.5 AST | 0.2 STL | 2.1 BLK
60.7 FG% | N/A 3P% | 73.4 FT%
#46. Atlanta Hawks (via NOLA) - Kevin McCullar | Guard | Kansas
10.7 PTS | 7.0 REB | 2.4 AST | 2.0 STL | 0.7 BLK
44.4 FG% | 29.6 3P% | 76.1 FT%
#47. Los Angeles Lakers - Dillon Mitchell | Forward | Texas
4.3 PTS | 3.9 REB | 0.4 AST | 0.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
63.6 FG% | N/A 3P% | 40.5 FT%
#48. Cleveland Cavaliers (via GSW) - Brandin Podziemski | Guard | Santa Clara
19.9 PTS | 8.8 REB | 3.7 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.3 FG% | 43.8 3P% | 77.1 FT%
#49. Los Angeles Clippers - Amari Bailey | Guard | UCLA
11.2 PTS | 3.8 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.3 BLK
49.5 FG% | 38.9 3P% | 69.8 FT%
#50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Azuolas Tubelis | Forward | Arizona
19.8 PTS | 9.1 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.7 BLK
57.0 FG% | 31.2 3P% | 76.4 FT%
#51. Brooklyn Nets - Reece Beekman | Guard | Virginia
9.5 PTS | 3.0 REB | 5.3 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.5 BLK
40.5 FG% | 35.1 3P% | 79.3 FT%
#52. Phoenix Suns - Seth Lundy | Guard | Penn State
14.2 PTS | 6.3 REB | 0.9 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.6 BLK
45.0 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 80.7 FT%
#53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via NYK) - Jaylen Forbes | Guard | Tulane
18.5 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.7 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.4 BLK
42.5 FG% | 38.8 3P% | 86.1 FT%
#54. Sacramento Kings - D’Moi Hodge | Guard | Missouri
14.7 PTS | 3.9 REB | 1.6 AST | 2.6 STL | 0.5 BLK
47.7 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 73.4 FT%
#55. Indiana Pacers (via CLE) - Nae’Qwan Tomlin | Forward | Kansas State
10.4 PTS | 5.9 REB | 1.2 AST | 1.2 STL | 1.0 BLK
50.0 FG% | 27.5 3P% | 73.8 FT%
#56. Memphis Grizzlies - Bobi Klintman | Forward | Wake Forest
5.3 PTS | 4.5 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.6 BLK
40.7 FG% | 36.8 3P% | 74.3 FT%
#57. Forfeited (Chicago Bulls)
#58. Forfeited (Philadelphia 76ers)
#59. Washington Wizards (via BOS) - Arthur Kaluma | Forward | Creighton
11.8 PTS | 6.0 REB | 1.6 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.6 BLK
42.3 FG% | 31.1 3P% | 73.6 FT%
#60. Milwaukee Bucks - Emoni Bates | Wing | Eastern Michigan
19.2 PTS | 5.8 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.5 BLK
40.5 FG% | 33.0 3P% | 78.2 FT%
second round order is not correct.
Somebody has got to take a flier on Tristan Vuckevic if he’s available in the second. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s a first round guy by the time the draft comes around. The way he moves at his size combined with the shooting and flashes of shot creation and playmaking is way too intriguing to pass up that late in the draft.