When it comes to the NBA Draft, one thing is for certain: Victor Wembanyama, a prospect like no other, is going to be taken No. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs.
Past that, call it a box of chocolates or an improv night at a jazz bar because whatever comes next is anyone’s guess, particularly past the top-three picks.
To best come to a conclusion on the general thoughts of where each of the prospects will land in an all-time “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” draft, we put together a consensus mock draft, aggregating selections from around the web.
Players will be assigned to particular teams based on where mocks most commonly put them. Though rumours have swirled surrounding potential trades into the top-three picks, we won’t include any presumptive moves and will be sticking with the draft order as it was laid out on Wednesday.
You can watch the NBA Draft on Sportsnet and SN ONE on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
Results have been aggregated from The Athletic, The Ringer, ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report.
1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, C, Metropolitans 92 (France) – 19 years old, 7-foot-4, 235 lbs.
There aren’t enough words to describe the preternatural abilities Victor Wembanyama possesses. From leading the LNB (French pro league) in blocks at 3.0 a game to the absolutely absurd viral videos of him hitting mind-bending one-legged floater 3-pointers or finishing a putback off his own 3-point miss, Wembanayama has been the prize for every team that committed to the tank. Unsurprisingly, it hasn’t been up for debate as to who the Spurs will take No. 1 overall. Lock this in.
2. Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson, G, G League Ignite – 19 years old, 6-foot-2, 190 lbs.
This is where the draft gets interesting, as Scoot Henderson, who has been the presumptive second-overall pick for most of the year, has a chance to be usurped by Brandon Miller. The Hornets are still expected to take the dynamic guard in the mould of prime Russell Westbrook to play alongside incumbent lead guard LaMelo Ball. The fit between the two is debatable, but the Hornets aren’t a team that should be drafting for fit. Henderson is the best player available.
3. Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Miller, F, Alabama – 20 years old, 6-foot-8, 200 lbs.
The Trail Blazers have long been the subject of rumours concerning their willingness to either trade the third-overall pick to give star guard Damian Lillard a real co-star. In this case, they’ll take forward Brandon Miller, whose NBA-ready frame and skillset could fit both timelines, giving Lillard the type of wing he’s never played with while also allowing them to stay young and build alongside Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons.
4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite – 20 years old, 6-foot-6, 215 lbs.
The Rockets have also been the subject of speculation, with some wondering whether or not they’ll trade out of the fourth pick. Rumours about James Harden reuniting with them in the offseason have also been abound. In this case, they’ll take Amen Thompson from Overtime Elite. Though his shooting needs a ton of work, giving Jalen Green a proper distributor in the backcourt will be essential for both players achieving their potential. He’s also a strong defender, working well at the point-of-attack or using his 7-foot wingspan to disrupt passing lanes.
5. Detroit Pistons: Jarace Walker, F, Houston – 19 years old, 6-foot-7, 245 lbs.
With the Pistons’ backcourt set between Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, they’ll look to beef up their frontcourt alongside 2022 draftee Jalen Duren. Walker could be that guy for them, giving them a basketball player with a football player’s frame, capable of functioning as a terrifying rim-running asset in the pick-and-roll. He’s also a great playmaker out of the short-roll and a more than capable defender, able to switch 2-through-5 with relative success.
6. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black, G, Arkansas – 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 210 lbs.
As a young team that looks ready to take the next step, the Magic could do well to pick for fit at this point. With their core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in place, an upgrade in the backcourt seems like the way to go. Black has incredible size for his position, making him a versatile threat on both ends of the court. He’s one of the smartest players in the draft, and though his assist/turnover rate wasn’t great (3.9/3.0), his high character and basketball IQ make him a solid piece to help the Magic take the next step.
7. Indiana Pacers: Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF – 19 years old, 6-foot-8, 215 lbs.
Taylor Hendricks has been one of the late risers in the pre-draft process, as the hyper-athletic forward from UCF displayed some serious two-way potential despite not being heavily scouted out of high school. He fits what the Pacers are lacking in a switchable defensive wing with high upside. On offence, he’ll be a great pick-and-roll weapon for emerging point guard Tyrese Haliburton and displayed an ability to knock down the deep shot, hitting 39.4 per cent of his looks in his one year of college.
8. Washington Wizards: Ausar Thompson, G, Overtime Elite – 20 years old, 6-foot-6, 195 lbs.
With Bradley Beal out the door, the rebuilding process has begun in Washington. As compared to his twin brother, Ausar Thompson is a much better shooter and is still just as capable a defender. Though he lacks the explosiveness of Amen, he’ll be a steadying presence on both ends for the Wizards if selected here.
9. Utah Jazz: Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova – 18 years old, 6-foot-6, 230 lbs.
The Utah Jazz seem to have found the first piece of their rebuild in Lauri Markkanen. Now, they can bolster their frontcourt with the explosive Cam Whitmore, whose three-level scoring ability and elite athleticism could turn the Jazz into one of the scarier offences of the future. If he improves his ability to read the game, this could turn into one of the steals of the draft.
10. Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, C, Duke – 19 years old, 7-foot-1, 230 lbs.
With their backcourt already in place and a bevy of role-playing wings at their disposal, the Mavericks could select big man Dereck Lively II here. Lively is the second-best defensive player in this draft, after Wembanyama. He swatted 2.5 shots a game in only 20 minutes of work and was a catalyst to Duke’s up-turn at the end of the season. The Mavericks need defence desperately and Lively could be the answer here.
11. Orlando Magic: Gradey Dick, F/G, Kansas – 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 205 lbs.
With their second pick, the Orlando Magic could select Gradey Dick here to bolster their shooting. The Magic shot 31.1 three-pointers per game last season (fourth-least) and knocked down 34.6 per cent of them (sixth-least). Dick could completely reshape their offensive profile, having knocked down 40.3 per cent of his deep shots last year while scoring 14.1 points a game.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan – 19 years old 6-foot-4, 185 lbs.
Last year, the Thunder snatched forwards with length for the majority of their selections, so this year they’ll have to bolster their guard depth behind stalwarts Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Kobe Bufkin has been a late riser in the process and saw a huge improvement on offence from his freshman to sophomore year, bumping his FG% from 38.0 to 48.2 percent and his 3P% from 22.2 to 35.5 percent.
13. Toronto Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana – 20 years old, 6-foot-4, 215 lbs.
If incumbent guard Fred VanVleet takes his talents elsewhere, the Raptors, who were already bereft of guard talent, are going to have to fill their gaping hole. Jalen Hood-Schifino could be the selection here, as he fits the Raptors’ M.O. of going after long guys (6-foot-10 wingspan). He’s best in the pick-and-roll, an action the Raptors showed an affinity for after trading for Jakob Poeltl last season, and did great as a pull-up midrange shooter. If he’s able to extend his range beyond the three-point line, he could be the exact type of guard the directionally indecisive Raptors are looking for.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Bilal Coulibaly, F, Metropolitans 92 (France) – 18 years old, 6-foot-6, 220 lbs.
After missing out on Hood-Schifino, the Pelicans can take a swing at one of the highest-upside players in the draft in Bilal Coulibaly. Despite being one of the youngest players in the draft, his physical tools are beyond his years, showcasing a freaky 7-foot-3 wingspan and a terrifying explosiveness. His defensive upside is massive, and he showed solid improvements in shooting from deep, knocking down 40 per cent of his catch-and-shoot looks.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky – 19 years old, 6-foot-3, 195 lbs.
Despite the headliners of the team being the guard duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the Hawks are actually sorely lacking guard depth. Cason Wallace is a heady defender, always willing to play the point-of-attack, and pairing him with Murray could make for a fearsome defensive tandem. He’s a good shooter off movement and has a steady pull-up game, meaning that he won’t need the ball in his hands too much to be effective alongside the more offensively gifted Young.
16. Utah Jazz: Keyonte George, G, Baylor – 19 years old, 6-foot-4, 185 lbs.
With reports of Collin Sexton being available for a trade, the Jazz might look to add depth to their backcourt, selecting Keyonte George from Baylor. He’s not an efficient shooter, ending his one college season with a rough 37.6 per cent from the field, but he got his buckets in every possible way and projects to be a long-range threat at the next level.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Jett Howard, F, Michigan – 19 years old, 6-foot-7, 215 lbs.
Over the years, the best fit alongside LeBron James has always been shooters. That’s exactly what the Lakers would get with Jett Howard, a 37 per cent three-point shooter on high volume while playing for his dad Juwan Howard at Michigan. He’ll need to improve on the defensive end, but the effort he puts in is clear.
18. Miami Heat: Jordan Hawkins, G/F, UCONN – 21 years old, 6-foot-4, 185 lbs.
After a finals run like that, it’s hard to not picture the Heat as being only a piece away from the title. Jordan Hawkins could be a solid complementary piece. He’s got championship pedigree after winning the National Championship and averaging 16 points a game on 50 per cent from deep during their run. Miami uses a ton of movement to get shooters open and Hawkins fits the bill perfectly as someone who can hit it off any action.
19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, G/F, Santa Clara – 20 years old, 6-foot-4, 205 lbs.
With Donte DiVincenzo likely leaving the Warriors in free agency, picking up a player in his mould could be a good way to replace his underrated production. Brandin Podziemski is a late bloomer but has shown legit chops as a knockdown shooter, hitting 43.8 per cent of his looks last season. He’s a solid connector, always knowing when to make the extra pass, and is a solid off-ball defender.
20. Houston Rockets: Olivier-Maxence Prosper, F, Marquette – 20 years old, 6-foot-7, 210 lbs.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper could be the first Canadian off the board and could bring a renewed defensive identity to the Rockets. His massive 7-foot-1 wingspan and quick feet allow him to be extremely switchable on the defensive end. He saw his draft stock grow at the combine, showing improvements to his shooting that teams will hope translates to the NBA.
21. Brooklyn Nets: Nick Smith Jr., G, Arkansas – 19 years old, 6-foot-4, 185 lbs.
Nick Smith Jr. entered this college season as the No. 1 recruit in the country according to 247 Sports. However, he was hampered by injury and inconsistent during his one year with the Razorbacks. Smith provides a similar scoring prowess to Nets player Cam Thomas but can provide more of a burst off-ball on cuts or dribble hand-offs.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Jaime Jaquez Jr., G/F, UCLA – 22 years old, 6-foot-6, 225 lbs.
Jaime Jaquez, who spent four years at UCLA, would be the oldest player drafted. He’s an experienced player who could slot into a Nets team that doesn’t necessarily want to rebuild at this point, and could instead see themselves retooling around Mikal Bridges and savvy competitors such as Jaquez.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Leonard Miller, F, G League Ignite – 19 years old, 6-foot-9, 215 lbs.
If Leonard Miller were to fall this far, he could be the steal of the draft for the Trail Blazers, as his upside can make him one of the more tantalizing prospects come draft night. The Scarborough, Ont., native saw marked improvements during his one year with the Ignite, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds a game while playing in their professional scheme. With questions still surrounding the direction the Blazers are heading, taking Miller here might be an indication of a shift in focus toward development and rebuilding.
24. Sacramento Kings: Kris Murray, F, Iowa – 22 years old, 6-foot-8, 215 lbs.
Why not pair Keegan Murray, last year’s fourth-overall selection, with his twin brother Kris? When the Kings selected Keegan Murray last season, they drafted a player with a high floor who would complement exactly what the team needed. Taking Kris here would be much of the same as a talented on- and off-ball defender who saw a massive jump in scoring during his last season at Iowa.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Noah Clowney, F/C, Alabama – 18 years old, 6-foot-10, 210lbs
In the absence of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke last season, the Memphis Grizzlies got crushed by the Lakers’ physical style of play. Noah Clowney could help remedy those issues and more as he projects to be a more versatile defensive tool, capable of switching onto smaller wings. Though he only shot 28.3 per cent from deep on the year, that number is mostly hamstrung by a 2-for-16 stretch to start the year.
26. Indiana Pacers: Brice Sensabaugh, F/G, Ohio State – 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 235 lbs.
Brice Sensabaugh likely isn’t made to be a first option, and with Indiana, he absolutely won’t have to be. Through the first 19 games of the collegiate season, he shot an incredible 47.7 per cent from long range and was adept at creating his own looks. He’ll need to work on his defence but another shooting option for Haliburton to feed is never a bad thing.
27. Charlotte Hornets: Ben Sheppard, F/G, Belmont – 21 years old, 6-foot-5, 195 lbs.
In his senior season at Belmont, Ben Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and shot an incredible 41.5 per cent from deep. He made the Missouri Valley All-Defence team and teams have liked his competitive edge during the draft process. He could slot in as a much-needed 3-and-D role player for the lacking Hornets.
28. Utah Jazz: Rayan Rupert, G/F, New Zealand Breakers (NBL) – 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 195 lbs.
Selecting Rayan Rupert here is about getting a guy with long-term upside. He won’t be a contributor on an NBA court just yet, as he averaged only 5.9 points a game in the NBL last season. However, his physical tools are there as the athletic wing carries a 7-foot-2 wingspan with incredible lateral quickness and a good nose for the ball.
29. Denver Nuggets: James Nnaji, C, Barcelona (Spain) – 18 years old, 6-foot-11, 250 lbs.
The Nuggets traded their first-round pick in 2024 to jump up 11 spots here and add depth to their championship roster. With it, they could select James Nnaji, one of the most intriguing physical specimens in this year’s draft. His otherworldly 7-foot-7 wingspan went viral and though his minutes were limited at Barcelona, he averaged 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes and could be the defensive anchor the Nuggets need behind Jokic.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Dariq Whitehead, G/F, Duke – 18 years old, 6-foot-6, 220 lbs.
Dariq Whitehead came into the season as the No. 2 recruit, according to 247 Sports, but similarly to Nick Smith Jr., he was hampered by injury. He underwent a second foot surgery in the offseason. He’s a talented scorer, knocking down 42.9 per cent of his looks from deep. The Clippers don’t have many future first-round selections, so grabbing someone who could project to be a steal down the road instead of a contributor now might be smart.
More from Sportsnet
Raptors headline most interesting teams to watch at 2023 NBA Draft
With Trent Jr. back, Raptors can turn focus to VanVleet, Poeltl
Kai Gammage
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/2023-consensus-nba-mock-draft-wembanyama-a-lock-at-no-1-hood-schifino-to-raptors/
By: Kai Gammage
Title: 2023 Consensus NBA Mock Draft: Wembanyama a lock at No. 1, Hood-Schifino to Raptors
Sourced From: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/2023-consensus-nba-mock-draft-wembanyama-a-lock-at-no-1-hood-schifino-to-raptors/
Published Date: 06-22-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NBA player has made the most blocked shots during a single season
Mark Eaton set the all-time records for blocks (456) and blocks per game (5.56) in a season during 1984-85. Eaton's total that year is the highest single-season number ever recorded in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon holds the NBA's record for most career blocks at 3,830. Olajuwon played 1,238 games over his 18-year tenure and averaged 21.8 point, 11.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
What is a trade exception within the NBA?
The NBA allows teams to trade away players under the trade exception. This exception allows teams the opportunity to acquire players whose salaries exceed those of the players they have traded away, without having to make corresponding salary moves. The exception is available to a team over multiple seasons. It does not count against their salary cap, luxury tax threshold, or other restrictions. Trade exceptions provide a way for teams not to have to trim their rosters or make changes to their roster composition. This helps to keep the teams in competition and avoid unfair advantage situations due to financial circumstances.
It keeps the league financially strong and gives teams the freedom to make moves without worrying about their finances. Trade exceptions can be used to help teams win championships and are an essential part in roster construction.
What does NBA waive?
The NBA refers to "waived", which means that a team has released a player. This could be for salary cap reasons, personal reasons, or disciplinary actions. A player who is waived becomes an unrestricted agent and can sign for any team in the league. A player who was waived within the last three months of the previous season is not eligible to play for the playoffs.
Who made the NBA's first basket?
Ossie Schectman was an American pro basketball player. He scored the first basket with the Basketball Association of America, which later became the National Basketball Association. The Toronto Huskies played the New York Knickerbockers on November 1, 1946. Schectman's historic first basket opened up the BAA's inaugural season.
When was Bill Russell last seen?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
Legends last forever. Legends die when they stop playing.
However, those moments gave us a glimpse of the greatest basketball players.
Russell was born in February 1934. He died on July 31, 2022. In 13 seasons, he won 11 titles with the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell won five MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections. He was inducted into The Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a remarkable leader and defender, who ignited the game's passion for winning.
He transformed the Celtics' team from one of the worst in sports history to another. He was a tough competitor and an unselfish teammate, who inspired his teammates towards their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations. His legacy is irreplaceable.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. Your legacy will be one of the most admired basketball players.
What team is the most successful NBA team ever?
The question of "What is the best way to answer this question?" is subjective. It will be debated by fans for years. Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics have the most NBA titles with 17, while the Boston Celtics has 17. Chicago Bulls' glory years were in the 1990s under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs have won five championships since 1999, and the Golden State Warriors won four titles in the last decade. Other notable teams from throughout NBA history include the Philadelphia 76ers of the early 1980s, the Kobe-Shaq Lakers of the 2000s, and LeBron James's Miami Heat team that won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
si.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams will Join the Victor Wembanyama Teamathon?
- Recent NBA Intel: Sources Expect Zach LaVine To Re-Sign With Chicago Bulls
sports.yahoo.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
How To
How can I prepare for an NBA Game Experience?
It is important to have the correct tickets in order to be prepared for a NBA game experience. Tickets can be purchased through the team's website, or an online third-party seller. Then plan and know the arena policies, such as what items are allowed inside the stadium, so you don't get unaware. Arrive early for warm-ups, pregame activities, and to avoid the rush. Get team merchandise like a shirt or helmet if you need it. To capture close-up views of the court action, bring your camera. Consider other entertainment options during halftimes, such a concert or special event if you don’t want to miss any of it. Enjoy the game.
