1. San Antonio Spurs — Victor Wembanyama, F, France
Once more, the Spurs have won the NBA Draft Lottery. And, yet again, it could not have happened at a more opportune time. San Antonio has missed the postseason four years in a row. The Spurs had previously missed the playoffs just four times total since joining the NBA in 1976. This is a franchise unfamiliar with winning droughts, but they picked up a huge win on the night of the NBA Draft Lottery.
As such, they are now in line to draft what many are calling a generational talent. The type of talent only rivaled by LeBron James in terms of hype. Wembanyama is essentially a 7-foot-4 version of Kevin Durant with shot-blocking skills. We’ve never seen a player like this. If he can stay healthy and avoid the foot injuries that plague many his height, we’re looking at a seriously transcendent guy. It’s fitting for the Spurs of all teams to get another big man unicorn (Tim Duncan) ironically hailing from France (Tony Parker).
2. Charlotte Hornets — Brandon Miller, F, Alabama
Brandon Miller is the type of prospect that scouts salivate over. At a shade under 6-foot-10, he’s the classic explosive athlete with a string bean frame yet tantalizing upside. There’s no doubt that he must add strength and bulk to his 200-pound frame. With that said, Miller does possess a toolbox worth investing in.
He can play both the 3 and 4 spots (and projects to probably be more of a stretch four down the line). Miller is known for being very good in the mid-range, and he also has ability when taking bigger players off the dribble. There’s a smoothness to his game — and the potential on the defensive side of the floor is undeniable. Charlotte narrowly missed out on No. 1, but Miller would be in contention for the top pick any other year and projects to be a good fit next to Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
3. Portland Trail Blazers — Jarace Walker, F, Houston
Walker is a 6-foot-8 combo forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. He plays very hard — on both ends of the floor (a staple of Houston’s program). Walker can get his on the offensive end. This includes playing with the ball in his hands, and also without as a cutter/diver towards the rim. Defensively, Walker can guard multiple positions and utilizes his strength, size, and agility to bother opposing players.
Portland could go any number of ways with this pick. Walker fits in as a plug-and-play piece should the Blazers opt to roll with the players they have now. However, we cannot rule out the potential for a full-on rebuild. Which could possibly include a Damian Lillard trade. If that did happen, one of the remaining guards could be taken at this spot.
4. Houston Rockets — Scoot Henderson, G, G-League
Jalen Green is a budding star at the shooting guard spot. Kevin Porter Jr. is likely best suited as a creative scorer off the bench. Young big men Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun are perfect complements to one another. All that’s really missing from this young group is a point guard. Enter Scoot Henderson — the perceived best floor leader from this draft.
Henderson is known for his explosiveness off the dribble. He can get into the lane whenever he wants, and has the ability to finish at the rim quite effortlessly. Henderson is even proficient with a silk midrange jumper. What most impresses us is his collective savvy. He plays the game under control, and is very adept at getting others involved. Houston would be doing cartwheels if Henderson falls to this spot.
5. Detroit Pistons — Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Like twin brother Ausar, Amen skipped college in favor of a faster route to playing professional basketball. he’s a springy 6-foot-7 wing with an impressive 6-foot-11 wingspan. With his impressive frame, Ausar is a potential matchup nightmare at the two spot. He can shoot over most players at his position, and Amen also has the athletic ability to get to the paint at will.
This would be a good fit for the Pistons, as Amen has some considerable upside. We’re not saying he’s the next Tracy McGrady. Amen is considerably shorter in comparison. However, there are some crossover traits between their respective games.
6. Orlando Magic — Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
Black is a unique player. If LaMelo Ball, Kyle Anderson, and Shaun Livingston had a baby, you’d end up with the freshman out of Arkansas. At 6-foot-7, Black is a true facilitator of the basketball. He won’t necessarily ‘wow’ you with athletic ability. With that said, he has a unique skill-set which is crafted around making life easier for teammates.
The Magic are essentially collecting two-way, high-IQ players who like to share the ball. Black would be a seamless fit as he doesn’t need to necessarily disrupt the offensive flow to be a difference-maker. With Black, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero in tow, the Magic would have three jumbo playmakers who can create for themselves and others.
7. Indiana Pacers — Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova
Cam Whitmore would be a perfect fit for a Pacers looking to return to the postseason. In terms of his collegiate choice, there wasn’t a better place to hone his skills than Villanova. The Philadelphia product is tough as nails, a high-octane athlete, has a motor that doesn’t stop, and is a very high-character kid.
His athleticism pops off the screen whenever watching him play. Whitmore plays above the rim — and often bigger than his size would indicate as a 6-foot-7 small forward. His ball-handling skills are good, as is his ability to drive to the cup. If he can unlock his perimeter shot and become decent in that category, the sky’s the limit with his potential.
8. Washington Wizards — Ausar Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Ausar is a slightly bigger, more defensive-minded player compared to his brother (Amen). Whereas Amen is more of a jumbo two guard, Ausar is a classic wing — ready to compete and take on any challenge in front of him. He is the type of guy who is positionless on that end of the floor. Whether it be smaller, quicker guys or bigger, taller athletes, Ausar relishes the opportunity to make life difficult.
Offensively, Ausar is far from a finished product. He does boast a rather clean shot from the perimeter — though his ball skills need some refining. As an ultimate best-case scenario, you could be looking at someone akin to Kawhi Leonard (if the offensive game improves). If not, the (scary) comparison could be a slightly better offensive version of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
9. Utah Jazz — Gradey Dick, F, Kansas
Kansas’ Gradey Dick was one of the stars of college basketball last season. The Wichita native made a name for himself in an impressive early-season performance versus Duke, and continued his ascent while being a consistent contributor for a Jayhawks team which finished the regular season ranked 4th in the country.
Dick is the ideal wing in today’s league. He’s 6-foot-8, a knockdown shooter, good athlete, and capable playmaker. Players who check all of those boxes do not fall outside of the lottery. The Jazz are in need of some long-range specialists after trading away both Mike Conley Jr. and Malik Beasley last year. Inserting him into a starting lineup which should include Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler makes for a nice young core in Utah.
10. Dallas Mavericks — Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
Cason Wallace is a dog in the best sense of the term. He’s a defensive stopper who hounds opposing guards with relentless pressure. Many compare Wallace to Jrue Holiday stylistically. He’s a good athlete, but the things separating him most include his defensive ability and high basketball I.Q.
Wallace prides himself on being a lockdown defender. He’ll also shoot the three ball — and can also get to the cup with some shiftiness. As we’ve seen with Holiday, having a two-way guard with combo skills is a massive advantage for any contender. Especially when the other guards on your team (in this case, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving) are averse to the defensive end of the floor.
11. Orlando Magic (from CHI) — Keyonte George, G, Baylor
The Baylor frosh is an intriguing player. In terms of a build, he’s quite similar to Marcus Smart. George won’t necessarily beat you with quickness or athleticism. However, he can bully you with strength — and that’s backed up with a really good perimeter shot. Essentially, he’s a younger version of Eric Gordon — with a bit more length. There’s always room for these types of guys who can get a bucket at a moment’s notice. He’s crafty when he needs to be, and plays beyond his years.
Orlando doesn’t have many players with a score-first mentality. Cole Anthony fills that role off the bench, but George is bigger and should hold up better defensively. Having a guy like George on the floor next to natural playmakers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will make the Magic increasingly difficult to defend.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder — Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF
When it’s all said and done Taylor Hendricks could end up being one of the steals towards the end of the lottery. The UCF freshman has steadily climbed boards as scouts laud his frame, motor, and two-way potential. No doubt, whichever team drafts Hendricks will need to be patient with the 19-year-old. However, there’s plenty to be excited about when examining his profile.
Defensively, there’s a lot to like. He has a sturdy frame with decent length and quality footspeed. Additionally, he knocked down 40-percent of his threes in his lone collegiate year. Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti would be ecstatic if it could add Hendricks to a core featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren. That gives OKC a ton of length, defensive versatility, and upside.
13. Toronto Raptors — Nick Smith, G, Arkansas
The former No. 1 high school recruit (according to 247sports), Smith’s lone injury-riddled campaign at Arkansas bumped him down a bit. Still, this is a gifted offensive player who we could easily envision one day being an NBA All-Star. Smith has the look of a modern-day two-guard with excellent size (6-foot-5), shooting touch, and on-ball creativity. He finishes well near the basket, and boasts the ability to score from every level.
Toronto has never shied away from targeting players that have tremendous upside despite some obvious limitations. Smith’s shot-selection will need to be ironed out, and he’ll need to put on some weight to contend with NBA wings, but the potential is there for a steal at the end of the lottery.
14. New Orleans Pelicans — Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan
A microwave scorer who does not back down on the defensive end, Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin is player to look out for in this range of the draft. Players of Bufkin’s ilk are gaining value with each passing year — just look at the success of guys like Tyrese Maxey, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Herro, and Immanuel Quickley. Even fellow Michigan Wolverine Jordan Poole cashed in on a massive contract extension last season after a strong playoff run. Bufkin can follow in the footsteps of those players as a dynamic threat who can make defenses pay both on- and off-the-ball.
The Pelicans seem to have a nice core in place with the two stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Of course, health is always going to be an issue — certainly in Zion’s case — but finding players that can fit around those guys is imperative for the Pelicans to breakout into the upper echelon of the West. Bufkin fits the bill, and would be a tremendous pick here.
15. Atlanta Hawks — Leonard Miller, F, G-League
The Canadian-born Miller will be one of the youngest players eligible to be drafted this year. The 19-year-old doesn’t celebrate his 20th birthday until November, and already possesses an NBA-ready frame. At 6-foot-10 with a long wingspan, Miller has the ideal makeup for a frontcourt player. Though, Miller is also an excellent playmaker for his size who can get up-and-down the floor with ease.
Atlanta’s roster is stacked with a staggering amount of talent. There isn’t one particular position they need to target, allowing them to go any number of ways. Miller works here because he brings something different to the table than the other bigs currently on the Hawks roster. As we’ve seen in this postseason, having a malleable team that can attack defenses in different ways is paramount to playoff success.
16. Utah Jazz (from MIN) — Jett Howard, G, Michigan
Jett Howard is one of the more intriguing prospects on the board. The son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, Jett is a jumbo guard (6-foot-8) with the potential to fill a number of roles. For the Wolverines, Howard does a bit of everything as he’s a more than capable shooter who has shown the ability to create.
While Howard isn’t an explosive athlete, he uses his size well and is deliberate with his movements. Being the son of a former NBA player, Howard has great poise and feel for a freshman. In all likelihood, his stock will only increase as we get closer to the draft. Sons of former players have had a strong track record recently, and Howard is a legit wing with shooting and playmaking chops.
17. Los Angeles Lakers — Jordan Hawkins, G, Connecticut
UConn’s Jordan Hawkins declared for the draft after lighting up nets throughout the entire NCAA Tournament. Helping lead his Huskies to a National Championship, Hawkins was college basketball’s most dangerous deadeye. The 6-foot-5 wing has a picture-perfect jumpshot which he can launch from anywhere on the floor. Hawkins excels coming off screens and getting into his shooting motion quickly, not allowing defenders to contest with a high release point.
Shooters are always at a premium in today’s league, and that is especially true for a team that employs LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Hawkins can provide the spacing LA’s two stars need to operate, and will torch defenses when they commit to stopping James or Davis.
18. Miami Heat — Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana
Indiana basketball had its best season in years thanks in large part to freshman sensation Jalen Hood-Schifino. A savvy combo guard with a strong frame, Hood-Schifino is bit reminiscent of Jamal Murray coming out of college. Both players have a similar frame — Hood-Schifino might be an inch or two taller — and excel at hunting mid-range jumpers out of the pick-and-roll.
Miami will likely be in the market for a guard very soon. Gabe Vincent — the team’s starting point guard during its playoff run — is projected to be lured away in free agency this Summer. Kyle Lowry is also a name that may be on the move via trade. Hood-Schifino has the sort of toughness that several Heat players already possess, and he’s got the size and build to hold up defensively on the perimeter.
19. Golden State Warriors — Kris Murray, F, Iowa
Kris Murray’s ascent into becoming a potential lottery pick was a tad predictable. The Iowa native was limited in what he could do for a stacked Hawkeyes team last year. Of course, those Hawkeyes were led by Kris’ older brother, Keegan, who now plays for the Sacramento Kings. With Keegan gone, Kris stepped into a more prominent role and showcased what he was always capable of.
Murray was a double-double machine for the Hawkeyes while providing efficient scoring numbers. His shooting splits finished near 50/40/80 and he was one of the best rebounders in the nation. The Warriors have taken some chances on high-upside prospects (James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Patrick Baldwin Jr.) in recent years, but Murray is the kind of player who could instantly help a team looking to make another championship push.
20. Houston Rockets (from LAC) — Dereck Lively, C, Duke
Many have pegged Lively as the No. 2 big man in the class behind likely top pick Victor Wembanyama. Standing at 7-foot-1, his clear top strength is protecting the rim at a very high level. He’s also possessing a springy frame. Lively isn’t plodding when running the floor. On the contrary — he can flip his hips and turn well when transitioning down the floor.
We don’t know if he’ll ever turn out to be a dominant post scorer. Like most young big men, Lively needs to become more polished on that end. With that said, if he continues to perfect a newfound three-point shot, you could be looking at the athletic new-age version of Brook Lopez.
21. Brooklyn Nets (from PHX) — Dariq Whitehead, F, Duke
Next to Dereck Lively and perhaps Kyle Filipowski, Dariq Whitehead is the most ballyhooed recruit who attended Duke last season. He’s got perfect two-guard size at 6-foot-6, 195 pounds. He’s a multi-level scorer — possessing the ability to shoot it from deep, post up smaller players, and also get to the rim.
While Whitehead was limited due to injury as a freshman, his skill level is apparent. He’s the type of two-way talent teams will look to roll the dice on at this point in the draft. The Nets are just the team to take a chance on a high-profile prospect right here. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving gone, Brooklyn doesn’t look to contend anytime soon. As such, Whitehead would get ample time to develop under HC Jacque Vaughn.
22. Brooklyn Nets (from PHI) — GG Jackson, F, South Carolina
This is a player many are excited about. Jackson reclassified in order to play in college a year early. He shocked everyone by spurning North Carolina in favor of…South Carolina! Jackson’s freshman campaign could have gone better, but the talent around him was less than stellar. He struggled from the field, and didn’t flash much in the way of playmaking. However, this is a young player who could potentially boom with the right development.
The 6-foot-6 forward won’t turn 19 until later this year, and oozes upside. Jackson is an isolation-based jumbo forward. He’s adept at getting to the basket with his sizable frame or stretching out defenses with a workable outside jumper. With the second of their first round picks, the Nets add a quality player who can crack their frontcourt rotation.
23. Portland Trail Blazers (from NYK) — Bilal Couilbaly, F, France
As we touched on earlier, the Blazers are in an interesting spot. Not to often does a team with a player as talented as Damian Lillard get to draft so early — let alone posses two first-round picks. If the idea is still to build a contender in the present, adding to their wing depth seems like the logical move. France’s Bilal Coulibaly is a prospect on the rise due to his two-way upside. Possessing excellent length and defensive instincts, Coulibaly can be a disruptor at the point of attack as well as in the passing lanes. If his jumpshot stabilizes, you’re looking at a potentially devastating 3-and-D player.
24. Sacramento Kings — Jaime Jaquez Jr., F, UCLA
One of the best upperclassmen in the country, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has starred for Mick Cronin’s Bruins over the last three seasons. Though he could have potentially been a first-round pick last year, Jaquez opted to return for his senior year to further bolster his stock. Jaquez was debilitated by foot injuries throughout the ’22 campaign, which likely caused a sharp dip in his three-point percentage (.276 down from .394 the previous year).
He’s a good wing defender with playmaking chops who isn’t afraid of physicality down low. In fact, Jaquez seemingly seeks out contact and thrives in the paint. If he shoots well during workouts he could be a top-20 pick. Instead, we have him falling to the Kings and savvy GM Monte McNair. The Kings desperately need more size on the wing, and Jaquez would be a nice addition to a group that already includes Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes.
25. Memphis Grizzlies — Julian Phillips, F, Tennessee
After a colorful recruitment featuring various big-time programs, Phillips ended up signing with Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers. He’s yet another big 6-foot-8 wing with nice upside. As it currently stands, Phillips could be headed for a career as a 3-and-D guy. He can run the floor very well in transition. However, Phillips still isn’t super comfortable when isolated as a scorer.
While Phillips likely could have used another year of development, teams will certainly be excited to get their hands on the athletic 19-year-old now. He could be in line for a G-League stint (or two), but he has All-Defensive upside if everything clicks.
26. Indiana Pacers (from CLE) — Bobi Klintman, F, Wake Forest
The Swedish-born Bobi Klintman is a tantalizing prospect who could be an instant difference-maker on the defensive end. After a rather quiet season at Wake Forest, Klintman opted for the draft following his freshman year. Then, the 6-foot-10 wing surprised everyone when he pulled out of the draft combine. That has led many to speculate a team could have already made a promise to the 20-year-old.
The Pacers are deep at wing, but could use some more size upfront. Jalen Smith was a nice find, but the team is a bit thin at power forward. It’s clear that Myles Turner is sticking around for the time-being, and finding more options that can configure next to him is a good idea. Klintman adds a speed dimension that they’ll need since Turner will likely be parked near the basket. In transition, Klintman would be the perfect running mate next to extraordinary playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.
27. Charlotte Hornets (from DEN) — Sidy Cissoko, F, France
Having selected Brandon Miller earlier in the draft, the Hornets must continue to find role players to fill its roster. When you have somebody like Miller and 21-year-old All-Star LaMelo Ball, it’s more about finding players that fit rather than taking the best player on the board.
Sidy Cissoko could end up being one of the best role players in the draft — but also has some upside to be even better. He’s a great defender who already possesses an NBA-ready body (6-foot-6, 225 pounds). Cissoko gave it his all defensively for the G-League Ignite last season, and was also a fairly good passer who can serve as a connector offensively.
28. Utah Jazz (from PHI) — Chris Livingston, F, Kentucky
Expect Chris Livingston to garner a ton of hype as the draft approaches. The five-star Wildcat checks all of the boxes for potential NBA wings. He has exceptional size (6-foot-6) with a strong build (220 pounds). Livingston thrives transition where he is a smooth athlete who gets up-and-down the floor well.
He wasn’t asked to create much for Kentucky’s offense, but he’s shown a knack for getting to the basket. Though his shooting numbers have been inconsistent, he already has great form and range which stretches beyond the NBA three-point line. Think Atlanta’s DeAndre Hunter with a bit more on-the-ball capability.
29. Indiana Pacers (from BOS) — Rayan Rupert, G, New Zealand Breakers
At 6-foot-6 with a monstrous 7-foot-3 wingspan, France’s Rayan Rupert is oozing potential. Rupert could instantly become a standout defender given his height and length. Players with that kind of size are always at a premium given how difficult it has become to defend star wings. There is plenty that Rupert has to work on, but the benefit in drafting him is that he is one of the youngest players in the entire pool. Rupert won’t turn 19 until days before the 2023 NBA Draft. That could be an incentive to take a chance on the Breakers’ wing.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (from MIL) — Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
Jalen Wilson was given a chance to star for the defending champion Jayhawks following the departure of several of his former teammates. With Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun leaving for the NBA and David McCormack and Remy Martin graduating, Wilson became the veteran for the defending champion Kansas Jayhawks. The Texas native played well in this role, setting career-highs across the board.
Among the top scorers and rebounders in the Big 12, Wilson has a nose for the ball and is constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses. If his shooting continues to improve (like it already has), Wilson should have no trouble finding an NBA home.
