Taking a look at the top fifteen players currently projected to hear their names called first, below is the way-to-early MIP Scouting 2023 NBA Mock Draft.
While this may be there draft position, click here to find out where they rank overall!
In our first 2023 NBA Mock Draft, we examine the deepest class in recent memory. Tanking teams have been saving and stockpiling picks for this moment. When franchise changing players aren’t just at the top of the draft board but scattered deep into the first round. NBA contenders have a chance to find an instant piece while lottery teams are planning to exit their own rebuild in an effort to make a true playoff push with a new franchise cornerstone. As we inch closer to both the college and NBA season, below is the first fifteen picks of the NBA 2023 draft, if it happened today.
Picks 15-10
15. Indiana Pacers (via CLE): Amari Bailey (SG) UCLA
While the Pacers certainly have a surplus of guards on their current roster, it is hard to imagine the team passing on Bailey. An extremely athletic two guard who can have an impact on both ends of the floor is an essential piece to any playoff team. This also gives Indy additional flexibility if/when they move Buddy Hield this season. Already drafting Ausar Thompson will allow Haliburton, Bailey and Thompson to grow together as starters with Chris Duarte providing support from the bench.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Arthur Kaluma (PF) Creighton
The Pelicans already have Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones but that is the extent of impact forwards on the team. Kaluma, a 6-7 sophomore from Omaha would help solidify both the three and four position on a team the needs it. An improving three point shooter he would project into the new type of NBA forward, a player that can contribute on offense and guard up and down the lineup. Expect him to continue to generate lottery buzz.
13. New York Knicks: Terquavion Smith (SG) NC State
Terquavion Smith put on a show at the combine and solidified himself as a first round pick in the 2022 draft. In a shock move he decided to return to school, betting on himself and his ability. Smith would be taken higher if the draft above him wasn’t so strong. The Knicks grabbing a high lottery pick in Smith at 13, addressing their guard issues and finding a potential offensive marksmen is a huge win for New York. Watch out for NC State and Smith this season.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Derek Lively II (C) Duke
After selecting Mark Williams in the most recent draft, why would Charlotte go back to the center position? It is currently their biggest need. In a league that has been dominated by guards having a steady presence in the middle is beginning to emerge as essential once again. With the offensive game of Williams still a work in progress the Hornets double down on a defensive and offensive presence in Lively II. A player that should help space the floor and be a cheaper offseason acquisition than most other big men in the league a Lively/Williams rotation would become a major headache for years to come.
11. Utah Jazz: Keyonte George (SG) Baylor
A human microwave and potential elite shooting ability Keyonte George brings an NBA ready offensive game to the table. As the Jazz continue to listen to offers to blow up their franchise, replacing Donovan Mitchell with George looks good on paper. Pairing them together may look even better. While he doesn’t have elite pace off the dribble, his size athleticism and leaping ability make up for it.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Anthony Black (SG/SF) Arkansas
Truthfully if Atlanta is picking 10th after their offseason, it would be a massive failure in the present. However, it would help them stake their claim for the future. The team added Dejounte Murray in the offseason without losing the core of their most recent rotation. If Murray can rise to the occasion and hide Trae Young’s defensive deficiencies, the Hawks could be back in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, it feels like the franchise is not done tweaking their roster and we think it could backfire. Grabbing Anthony Black in the process would make it all worth it a modern point forward with a smooth jumper he could give the team a steady hand off the bench and in their rotation.
Picks 9-5
9. Portland Trailblazers: Kel’El Ware (C) Oregon
Not winning the lottery for expected first round pick Victor Wembanyama is hard but that doesn’t mean you can’t leave the draft with a top tier center for the future. Kel’El Ware of Oregon is a 7-0, 210 pound superstar in the making. With tremendous upside in his game he has already shown a touch around the rim, stretch ability and great leaping ability. Hardly a consolation prize Portland would be able to make Ware the star of their front court and fully embracing the rebuild. If Ware can stay locked in at Oregon this year he should rise even higher on draft boards.
8. Washington Wizards: Amen Thompson (SG/PG) OTE
One of two Thompson brothers, Amen touts elite athleticism and solid size for an NBA level combo guard. His gifts as an athlete give him a quick first step and helps him see the game at a slower pace than most, making him an excellent passer. While there are still questions about his jumpshot his passing ability, athleticism and high upside make him the perfect candidate to play along side Bradly Beal. As Washington continues to search for a PG in lift after John Wall, Amen Thompson could finally be the answer.
7. Detroit Pistons: Dillon Mitchell (SF) Texas
Dillon Mitchell has plans to be a one and done prospect at Texas and that should land him in the lottery. A high motor forward that is active on both ends of the floor it is hard to keep track of Mitchell when he is moving. If it is getting into passing lanes, blocking shots off of help defense or slipping to the basket on a cut Mitchell is excellent around the rim and off the ball. At Texas, he should continue to expand his offensive game, become more involved on a consistent basis and expand his scoring range to an NBA level. Placing Mitchell on a team with Ivey and Cunningham as distributors just makes sense. Detroit could round out their future five by placing Mitchell in the front court with Bey and Duren. The Pistons overall would have a complete team that has a backbone on both ends of the floor. Mitchell would be almost a perfect fit in the motor city.
6. San Antonio Spurs: Cam Whitmore (PF) Villanova
Whitmore is a perfect Spur. An excellent physical build, high motor, strong work ethic and a drive to always improve. As a freshman at Villanova he should only continue to become a better overall player, similar to the Spurs system. His athleticism with a mix of finesse and power allow him to finish around the rim regardless of the players in front of him. Never shying away from contact Whitmore is someone who isn’t afraid to be the guy. An all around player he can continue to improve the decision making aspect of his game and sharpen the rest of his skills. Rebounding, ball handling and versatility on the defense end make him a point forward threat and someone who can command the fast break at the next level.
5. Indiana Pacers: Ausar Thompson (SG/SF) OTE
Ausar Thomspon is the first Thompson twin off the board because of his ability to play above the rim, slot in at the three spot and defend multiple positions. His upside on both ends of the floor is the driving factor that pushes him into the top 5. While he, as a twin, has major similarities in his game compared to his brother, he is selected here because of Indiana need. With Brogdon gone and Haliburton taking over the team needs players that can play and defend multiple positions. While Ausar isn’t the best outside shooter at his current state he has shown promise behind the line. Coming into the league as a finisher and defensive agitator will help him earn minutes and let Indiana continue to develop their young core.
The Top 4
4. Orlando Magic: Nick Smith (PG/SG) Arkansas
Nick Smith is an NBA ready combo guard with the athleticism and agility to put any defense on their heels. The Orlando Magic have a guard surplus but to say there is any game changing player in their back court would be wrong. Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs have all shown promise but nothing in comparison to what Smith can bring to the table. While there would have to be a deal out of Orlando to help free up some back court space, Smith could finally help correct the trend of underwhelming guards since Penny Hardaway. A natural scorer anywhere on the floor he could become a better rebounder and find consistency on the defensive end but pairing him with Paolo puts the team back on track.
3. Sacramento Kings: Dariq Whitehead (SF) Duke
In our opinion, Dariq Whitehead is the best forward prospect in the country and should be an immediate NBA contributor. A draft filled with amazing athletes Whitehead seems to lead the charge and his development shows he can do much more than just be a rim runner and cutter. A player that has started to create their own shot, space the floor and defend multiple positions he should have an explosive year at Duke. As Sacramento continues to search for answers in steering their franchise in the right direction Keegan Murray and Dariq Whitehead together could be the course correct they so desperately need.
2. Houston Rockets: Scoot Henderson (PG) G-League
The Houston Rockets ending up with Scoot Henderson this year might as well be the first round pick. A player that at 17 was dominating the G-League Ignite, Scoot is the best guard prospect in this class and in recent memory. In most drafts prior to this he would have been in the outright first round pick. With all the makings of a high level NBA he will need to continue to improve his outside shot and decision making as the lead guard. However, his size, quickness, vision, scoring ability around the rim, physical prowess and creativity are all reasons to buy as high as you can on Scoot Henderson. Pairing him with Jabari Smith Jr. and the other pieces already established in Houston would help the franchise buzz again. Even in a crowded West.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Victor Wembanyama (C) France
Taking into consideration the recent injury to Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are in position to land the first pick in 2023. Victor Wembanyama has been the first round pick in this draft since his first highlight tape came out and he has only continued to rise to the occasion. A seven footer that can be your offensive and defensive cornerstone he has the instincts to block shots, handle the ball and score from all three levels. Concerns may arise about the lack of body weight in comparison to other NBA bigs but that hasn’t stopped Wembanyama from competing overseas. The Thunder will weigh their options if they land the first pick because of their ever crowding front court but to not take a swing on a truly franchise altering player would be