2023 NBA Mock Draft – 1st and 2nd Round

The best time of the year if you are a basketball junkie like myself. The rumors and chatter have picked up as we welcome the next batch of potential stars to the NBA. This draft is very deep and filled with quality players. I expect chaos this week and would not be surprised if we saw multiple moves by multiple teams.

Below is my updated NBA Mock Draft for the draft with some detailed analysis of the players and how they fit into their new team. I did not factor in trades because that is all subjective. I’m very excited about this draft and to see where these players go and how they perform. The draft starts at pick two with the Hornets, and after that, who knows what will transpire.

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2023 NBA Mock Draft – 1st and 2nd Round

Round 1

#	Team	Pick	Pos	College
1	Spurs	Victor Wembanyama	C	France
		Not much analysis is needed. One of the most highly touted players since LeBron James. He will be an anchor for the Spurs defensively, and with some improved shooting, he could be the next best Spurs player.
2	Hornets	Scoot Henderson	PG	G-League Ignite
		The draft starts here. The Hornets have glaring needs at multiple positions and are not a team known for their player development. Scoot takes the pressure off of LaMelo while also giving you another playmaker. The jump shot has to improve, but from reports about how hard he works, I have no doubt he will improve.
3	Trail Blazers	Brandon Miller	SF	Alabama
		Off-court issues aside, Miller is the best pure scorer in this draft. He can score at all three levels and has improved his playmaking throughout the year. Miller, alongside Sharpe and Simons, gives you multiple young offensive threats, with Miller having the potential to be special defensively. If Dame is traded, Miller can average 16-18 points for this team.
4	Rockets	Amen Thompson	CG	Overtime Elite
		The Rockets have been linked to James Harden, making this pick critical. Amen is a playmaking finisher who has unreal athleticism. The shooting has to improve, but Houston needs a point guard who can distribute and defend at a high level. Amen can do both things while fitting right into how the Rockets play, and that's at a rapid pace.
5	Pistons	Cam Whitmore	SG	Villanova
		Interesting spot here for Detroit as they are log jammed at several positions. One of those positions that could use a bump is the scoring ability at the guard position. Cam could bring a physical scoring guard alongside Cade. Cam's ability to get to the rim and finish helps Detroit open up the floor for Ivey and Cade. He is an upgrade over Burkes, Hayes, and Joseph. A great fit for the new-look Pistons under Monty.
6	Magic	Anthony Black	PG	Arkansas
		Orlando has drafted and developed well over the last few years. Paolo and Franz are trending upward and need a table setter like Anthony Black. While Fultz and Anthony are fine guards, the upside of Black is what Orlando needs. Black is a big guard who can play both sides and does not need the ball in his hand to make his presence felt. The shooting is an issue, but he will not be asked to be a knockdown shooter immediately. This is a great fit for the trajectory of what Orlando is headed.
7	Pacers	Jarace Walker	PF	Houston
		Ironically, Walker is a similar player to Myles Turner. He is excellent in the pick and roll, which is a plus with Haliburton orchestrating. Walker is a much better passer than what we saw at Houston. He has a great touch and the ability to guard multiple positions. It also allows the Pacers to move off of Turner for other assets.
8	Wizards	Ausar Thompson	SG	Overtime Elite
		I will go on record by saying I think Ausar will be the better twin. He is a better shooter and defender than his brother, which is exactly what Washington needs, with Bradley Beal rumored to be on the move. Ausar, alongside Avdija and Kuzma, could be an entertaining team. Ausar is excellent in transition and would be a perfect piece in the rebuild of the Wizards.
9	Jazz	Cason Wallace	SG	Kentucky
		Utah needs a guard like Cason. He has two-way potential and can play either guard spot. The Kentucky guards are usually the players we look back on and say, "How did he not go higher?" That could be the case with Cason, as he can have an impact similar to what Tyrese Maxey had on the 76ers. Cason instantly becomes one of the Jazz's better on-ball defenders and mid-range shooters. Both are traits needed by a young team with a bright upside.
10	Mavericks	Taylor Hendricks	PF	UCF
		The Mavericks have two of the top ten guards in the NBA. Their offense ranked 6th in Net Rating but 24th on the defensive side. Hendricks is an athletic forward who can block shots and rim run with the best of them. His 7-1 wingspan allows him to be a serious rim protector while also throwing down lobs off Luka and Kyrie pick and rolls. The Mavs are likely not to have Christian Wood back, and the frontcourt depth is already thin. Hendricks has the potential to be able to be an impact starter from day one for a team in desperate need of a defensive-big.
11	Magicvia CHI	Gradey Dick	SG	Kansas/b>
		Orlando was bottom seven in three-point percentage on the year. Gradey is well regarded as the second-best shooter in the draft behind Jordan Hawkins. The forward depth behind Paolo could be better, especially with injuries to Isaac and inconsistencies of Bol Bol. All of the boxes that the Magic need to be checked are checked with this pick after getting their point guard with Anthony Black.
12	Thunder	Dereck Lively II	C	Duke
		Lively underwhelmed at Duke for what we thought he would be out of high school. Some of that was due to injury. The other issue may have been scheme fit. In the back half of the season, he showcased what he could be at the next level. OKC lacks interior depth, and with Chet coming back from an injury, he and Lively would be a defensive force. On his pro day, Lively showcased his ability to shoot the corner three. If he can knock that down consistently, the Thunder could have the steal of the draft.
13	Raptors	Bilal Coulibaly	PG	Metro 92
		One of the biggest risers in this year's draft. Bilal is 6-7 with a 7-3 wingspan and has the ability to be a shut down defender. Due to his play in the Pro A Finals, he was not able to work out for teams but his play throughout the playoffs spoke for itself. Toronto is likely to lose Fred Van Vleet and are in need of a young dynamic guard with Bilal's upside. He fits their system and what they want to do perfectly. The jump shot and playmaking have to improve, but his defensive upside and relentless ability to get to the rim are what makes him work in the Raptors system.
14	Pelicans	Nick Smith Jr	SG	Arkansas
		Once thought of as a top 5 pick, Smith had some lows his freshman season riddled with injuries and not performing well in the NCAA Tournament. All of that aside, he is one of the more prolific guard scorers in this class. The Pelicans have had guard issues all year which caused them to put CJ Mccollum at the point guard slot and there wasn't much depth behind him. Smith comes in as instant offense and has excellent off ball movement. He can create his own shot and score at all three levels which is something Pelicans do not have at the guard spot outside of CJ. His playmaking and defense has to improve if he wants to get on the court and be a factor but from what I have read and listened to about his work ethic, that will not be an issue for much longer.
15	Hawks	Jalen Hood-Schifino	PG	Indiana
		Jalen played in a pro style system under Mike Woodson at Indiana. He is tremendous out of pick and roll sets and has great instincts for finding his teammates. The Hawks do not have much behind Trae and with Snyder having a full off-season to insert his system, I think we see a lot more of Trae off the ball. Jalen is a smooth player that can dribble, playmake, and defend. His 6-10 wingspan allows him to be more active and in passing lanes on defense. That is a huge need for the Hawks, especially at the guard position.
16	Jazzvia MIN	Keyonte George	SG	Baylor
		The Jazz absolutely love George. There have been numerous reports linking one of their top two picks to him and I think after selecting Cason with their first, they come back with another Dallas product who grew up with Cason. George has the ability to score at all three levels. He is elite athletically and performs against elite competition. Clarkson is likely to be moved and that would open up for George to be a big addition and upgrade on both sides of the ball.
17	Lakers	Jordan Hawkins	SG	Uconn
		The Lakers desperately need shooting. The cure for that is grabbing the best shooter in the draft. Hawkins displayed incredible shooting during the Huskies’ championship run. He is not just a set shooter but moves well without the ball and off of screens similar to Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton. LeBron is at his best with shooters around him and I think Hawkins is a homerun pick who can contribute instantly.
18	Heats	Kobe Bufkin	CG	Michigan
		Miami is likely to lose a few guards in free agency and Bufkin is a great selection to help limit the damage of some of those guys leaving. He is versatile and can play on or off the ball much like he did with Jett at Michigan. He's a 35% three-point shooter who has the ability to get downhill and finish consistently. Likely not a day one impact player but we have seen what the Heat culture can create and how good they develop their players. Bufkin could be another addition to that list.
19	Warriors	Jett Howard	CG	Michigan
		We all watched Jordan Poole in the playoffs. It was not a good run for a player making that much money. The Warriors are still in win now mode which gives me the idea that this pick may be packaged and traded. However if they do stick to the selection, Jett is an excellent fit. He is a knockdown shooter and is effective with or without the ball. He is a little erratic at times but that comes with the youth. His body type and playing style is NBA ready and I think the Warriors are a good team to help develop and shape him into what they thought they were getting from Poole.
20	Rocketsvia LAC	Oliver Maxence-Prosper	PF	Marquette
		Another riser in the draft gets selected in an ideal situation. O-Max is a fearless defender and finisher at the rim. Ime is known for his defensive coaching style and this would fill an instant void on that roster. Great movement off the ball and can be used as a pick and roll threat as he was with Tyler Kolek in college. Every team needs a glue guy like what I think O-Max is capable of being. He is explosive, aggressive and defends without fouling. All three are traits that not many players at his age possess. Ime is going to love his energy and effort.
21	Netsvia PHX	Leonard Miller	SF	G-League Ignite
		Similarities to Kawhi but with less offense. The biggest need for the Nets is on the defensive end. Leonard Miller has the ability to guard multiple positions and also be a slasher on the offensive end. Mikal, Cam, and Spencer will take care of the offense but Miller could step into a big role as being the defensive stopper along with Dorian Finney-Smith. This pick also keeps their wing depth above average if they were to lose Cam Johnson in free agency. Miller is a great fit for what he does defensively alone.
22	Nets	Noah Clowney	C	Alabama
		Miller fills the Nets need for perimeter defense and Clowney will help with the interior. Sharpe is a serviceable backup but not a ton of upside. Clowney has more offensive upside along with being an overall better defender. Claxton is often in foul trouble and the Nets find themselves scrambling for big bodies. Clowney improved every month this past season on both ends and reminds me of a Clint Capela type of big. He doesn't need plays called for him, he is going to block shots, and run the floor. He checks all the boxes for the Nets.
23	Trail Blazersvia NY	James Nnaji	C	Barcelona
		Nurkic is either in foul trouble or hurt throughout the year. Nnaji is a raw prospect that fills the need up front right away. The stats don't jump off the page but this is an upside type of pick. Nnaji is a big physical body who will rebound and block shots. More importantly he will be available unlike a lot of the Portland big men.
24	Kings	Kris Murray	SF	Iowa
		Is it destiny? Maybe but the Kings have the ability to pair the Murray twins and fill in a rotational piece in the process. In the playoffs, Kevin Huerter was unplayable at times and there was no backup plan. Kris is a versatile wing who can defend better than his brother and also rebound at a decent clip. After all the success Keegan had with the Kings this year, it would not be hard to see his brother have similar success in a lesser role in Sacramento.
25	Grizzlies	Brandin Podziemski	SG	Santa Clara
		Memphis has drafted and developed at an elite level over the past four years. This is going to be another example of how well that front office does at evaluating players. Brandin is a knock down shooter who has some point guard experience. Ja is out for 25 games which could lead to him getting his feet to the fire sooner than later. The spacing with him, Bane, and Luke on the floor would be fascinating to watch. One of the players I think we will look back on and wonder how he did not go higher.
26	Pacersvia CLE	Brice Sensabaugh	CG	Ohio St
		Two words to describe Brice: Bucket Getter. Prolific scorer in numerous ways and has the ability to play on or off the ball. There is a bit of a jam at the SG position for the Pacers but they are a team who is actively looking to trade and acquire more assets so maybe moving off of Hield, Duarte, and Nesmith could be beneficial for Brice. He matches up well with Tyrese and Mathurin as well as being a scorer for that second unit.
27	Hornetsvia DEN	Jaime Jaquez	SF	Ohio St
		Jaime is a winner and has played great within his role throughout his college career. He has excellent footwork, mid range scoring and is a sneaky good athlete. Hayward is old, Oubre is inconsistent and who knows what is going to happen with Miles Bridges. Jaquez can provide spacing, versatility, and defensive upside for the Hornets. He also adds some insurance in case they allow PJ Washington to go in free agency.
28	Jazzvia PHI	Maxwell Lewis	SF	Pepperdine
		The Jazz have a million picks and are likely to take a few big swings towards the end of the draft. Why not swing at one of the top shooters in this draft. Lewis shot the ball extremely well in his pre-draft process and is continuing to catch teams attention. Due to the conference he played in, there are questions about if he is ready to compete at this high of a level. A team with picks like Utah can afford to take their time with Lewis and mold him into a solid rotational piece. After all, you can never have too many wings that can shoot the way Lewis does.
29	Pacers via BOS	Colby Jones	SG	Xavier
		After taking Jarace and shoring up the front line, Colby adds guard depth for the Pacers behind Haliburton and Hield. Jones has the ability to play on and off the ball so he fits in well with any type of lineup the Pacers want to throw out.
30	Clippersvia MIL	Trayce Jackson-Davis	PF	indiana
		The Clippers lack interior depth and rim protection. TJD instantly gives them both of those things. He is a great lob threat off pick and rolls as well as having the ability to pass out of the post. Zubac is often in foul trouble and is limited defensively. TJD compliments him well off the bench and has the upside to be an all defensive type of player.

Round 2

#	Team	Pick	Pos	College
31	Pistons	Dariq Whitehead	SG	Duke
32	Pacers	Marcus Sasser	PG	Houston
33	Spurs	Rayan Rupert	PG	NZ Breakers
34	Hornets	GG Jackson	SF	South Carolina
35	Celtics	Ben Sheppard	SG	Belmont
36	Magic	Jordan Walsh	PF	Arkansas
37	Nuggets	Tristan Vukcevic	C	Partizan
38	Kings	Jalen Wilson	SF	Kansas
39	Hornets	Terquavion Smith	SG	NC State
40	Nuggets	Sidy Cissoko	SF	G-League Ignite
41	Hornets	Kobe Brown	SG	Missouri
42	Wizards	Andre Jackson Jr	SF	UConn
43	Trail Blazersvia NY	Amari Bailey	CG	UCLA
44	Spurs	Julian Strawther	SG	Gonzaga
45	Grizzlies	Adama Sanogo	C	UConn
46	Hawks	Keyonte Johnson	SG	Kansas State
47	Lakers	Emoni Bates	SG	Eastern Michigan
48	Clippers	Seth Lundy	SG	Penn St
49	Cavaliers	Isaiah Wong	SG	Miami
50	Thunder	Hunter Tyson	SG	Clemson
51	Nets	Julian Phillips	SF	Tennessee
52	Suns	Colin Castleton	C	Florida
53	Timberwolves	Ricky Counvil IV	SF	Arkansas
54	Kingsvia NY via CHI/i>	Azuolas Tubelis	PF	Arizona
55	Pacersvia CLE via MIL & DET/i>	Jordan Miller	SF	Miami
56	Grizzlies	Jaylen Clark	SF	UCLA
57	Wizards	Charles Bediako	PF	Alabama
58	Bucks	Drew Timme	PF	Gonzaga