The 2023 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 22nd. A lot of new information will become available between now and then. However, we now have a better shot at projecting the draft picks following the draft combine and early entry withdrawal deadline.
For a more in-depth analysis of several draft prospects, be sure to check out LWOS’ NBA Draft section, which includes player draft profiles.
Here is the updated first-round projection following the combine and withdrawals. Spoiler alert: The first pick remained the same.
2023 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Post Combine
NBA Mock Draft: Picks No. 1-10
1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, F/C, Metropolitans 92
This is as clear-cut of a No. 1 pick projection as it gets. Victor Wembanyama is a potentially generational talent that is arguably the most coveted NBA Draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003.
2. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller, F, Alabama
The Hornets organization will have a lot of debate regarding whether to select Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson. Earlier in the season, the pick likely would’ve been Henderson. However, it seems like the momentum has shifted towards Miller in the past couple of months, particularly with his late-season play at Alabama.
Ultimately, the tiebreaker for Charlotte may be the more natural fit next to LaMelo Ball, which leans in Miller’s favor with his length and 3-and-D skill set as a wing.
3. Portland Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, PG, G League Ignite
The Trail Blazers are among the most intriguing teams to watch these next weeks. All eyes are on what they decide to do with the No. 3 overall pick and whether they end up trading it to get more veteran help to go all-in with Damian Lillard. Whatever team picks in this slot will likely select whoever is left between Miller and Henderson.
4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Amen Thompson is a lengthy 6-foot-7 playmaker. While he still needs to improve his shooting, he is a high-upside pick that could be just the thing to propel this Rockets franchise. In addition, he’s also a natural fit alongside the young Rockets core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
5. Detroit Pistons: Taylor Hendricks, F, Central Florida
This pick could go in a ton of different directions. But, it will likely be a forward that is selected. The Pistons need a forward to accompany their promising trio of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren. So, they could go with Taylor Hendricks, a great 3-and-D forward that would fit seamlessly into what they’re building in Detroit.
Picks No. 6-10
6. Orlando Magic: Ausar Thompson, G/F, Overtime, Elite
Ausar Thompson is more of a wing than his brother Amen, but he still flashes tons of potential. Like his brother, Ausar also needs to improve his shooting. However, he’s a Swiss army knife-type player that does all the intangibles associated with winning.
Orlando could have a great young, lengthy, and versatile core with Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Thompson.
7. Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker, PF, Houston
Much like Detroit and Orlando, this pick could go a variety of different ways. All these teams could use forwards, and there are multiple ones available that are projected to go in the lottery. Therefore, Indiana could be intrigued by Jarace Walker, who would be a two-way forward to pair alongside Myles Turner to make a tantalizing, defensive-minded frontcourt.
8. Washington Wizards: Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
The Wizards desperately need a franchise point guard, and Anthony Black could be just the thing their missing. At 6-foot-7, Black is a lengthy and versatile guard that has a ton of two-way potential. In addition, he’s a great playmaker and could get the likes of Bradley Beal and others involved.
9. Utah Jazz: Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova
The Jazz should be thrilled if Cam Whitmore falls to them at No. 9, as he’s been projected to go as high as fifth overall in other mocks. He would be a great addition alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. With Whitmore, Utah would get more athleticism and physicality at the wing position. Additionally, he would complement Markkanen’s skill set well.
10. Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
Dallas is clearly in need of defensive help to pair with Luka Doncic and potentially Kyrie Irving should he re-sign. Enter Dereck Lively II, a 7-foot-1 center that could be a potential defensive anchor they’ve been missing in the Luka era. At Duke, Lively averaged 2.4 blocks per game.
NBA Mock Draft: Picks No. 11-20
11. Orlando Magic: Cason Wallace, PG, Kentucky
Markelle Fultz has been playing well for Orlando, but they could still take a chance on a defensive-minded guard in Cason Wallace with this pick. Additionally, with Thompson and Wallace, the Magic would add great potential two-way players that could reshape the team’s identity.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Bilal Coulibaly, F, Metropolitans 92
The Thunder are known for taking chances with their picks, or at least selecting players that are projected to be picked later in the draft. Given their multitude of picks in upcoming seasons, it makes sense to take high-risk, high-reward flyers.
Enter Bilal Coulibaly, an 18-year-old two-way prospect. Also, it’s rumored that Coulibaly has been promised to be selected by a team picking around the Thunder in the late lottery.
13. Toronto Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG, Indiana
With Fred VanVleet’s uncertain future, Jalen Hood-Schifino could make a lot of sense with this pick. His draft stock has supposedly shot up the draft board with his recent draft combine measurements and workout. Also, the Raptors’ identity is a lengthy, defensively switchable team. Hood-Schifino, at 6-foot-6, could be a great fit to go along with their scheme.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Gradey Dick, G/F, Kansas
Gradey Dick is a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter that shot 40 percent from three in his rookie season at Kansas. The Pelicans could use another floor spacer. Especially to allow their stars, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, room to operate.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Jordan Hawkins, G/F, Connecticut
The Hawks’ team identity is shooting and floor spacing. NCAA Champion, Jordan Hawkins, shot 39 percent from three in his sophomore season at UConn. Therefore, he could be a great replacement for the Kevin Huerter role that the Hawks have yet to fill.
Picks No. 16-20
16. Utah Jazz (from Timberwolves): Nick Smith Jr., SG, Arkansas
Nick Smith Jr. was a top-ranked high school prospect with a relatively underwhelming season during his rookie year at Arkansas. He was limited by injuries and only ended up playing roughly half the season. Still, he has all the tools that suggest he could be a great scorer at the next level. Also, with multiple first-round picks, the Jazz could be more enticed to take a chance on someone like Smith Jr.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Keyonte George, SG, Baylor
With D’Angelo Russell‘s uncertain future, the Lakers could use another guard that could be relied upon to score and take the burden off of James. Especially with LeBron James aging and his impending retirement. George scored 15.3 points per game his freshman season at Baylor and could be a great fit for Los Angeles’ needs.
18. Miami Heat: Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan
Kobe Bufkin made a massive leap in his sophomore year at Michigan, going from 3.0 points per game to 14.0. He’s a great two-way player and has the mindset the Miami Heat seem to value both in terms of defense and yearly improvement.
19. Golden State Warriors: Kris Murray, F, Iowa
Kris Murray is an NBA-ready player that averaged 20.2 points per game at Iowa as a Junior. The Warriors are in win-now mode with their veteran core. Because of this, Murray is someone that they could seamlessly plugin on day one.
20. Houston Rockets (from Clippers): Jett Howard, F, Michigan
Jett Howard is a lengthy, lethal shooter that could provide the Rockets’ core floor spacing. Therefore, it would be an excellent complement to go along with their first pick, Amen Thompson. Especially since Thompson’s main weakness is shooting.
NBA Mock Draft: Picks No. 21-30
21. Brooklyn Nets (from Suns): Dariq Whitehead, G/F, Duke
Dariq Whitehead is projected to fall after suffering foot injuries in his lone season at Duke. However, the Nets are the type of team that could take a flyer on Whitehead. They have back-to-back picks and also aren’t in win-now mode.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Colby Jones, G, Xavier
Colby Jones is a great two-way guard that projects to be a relatively safe pick. Because of this, it could make sense to pair someone safer like Jones with Whitehead if that’s the route the Nets decide to go. In addition, the Nets would have a great defensive identity with players such as Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton, and now Jones.
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Noah Clowney, F/C, Alabama
The Blazers desperately need defense, size, and rebounding; enter Noah Clowney. He’s a raw prospect that could take a few years to come into significant minutes. However, he’s a versatile big that could be a great defender at the next level.
24. Sacramento Kings: James Nnaji, C, Barcelona
The Kings had an excellent season. However, their lack of size was exploited in their playoff matchup against the Golden State Warriors. As a result, James Nnaji could be a great pick for them as a defensive-minded big that provides energy and rebounding.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: GG Jackson, F, South Carolina
GG Jackson is the youngest player in the draft class and somewhat raw as a prospect. However, the Grizzlies could be a great fit for them to replace Dillon Brooks. Jackson provides a similar skill set as someone that needs to improve his shooting and passing but is solid in other aspects.
Picks No. 26-30
26. Indiana Pacers: Jaime Jaquez Jr., F, UCLA
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been receiving praise in his draft process, primarily for his size and shooting ability. While he has a relatively low ceiling and high floor, a team like the Pacers, who needs wing depth and shooting, could end up with Jaquez.
27. Charlotte Hornets: Rayan Rupert, G/F, New Zealand Breakers
Rayan Rupert is a 6-foot-6 wing with a 7-3 wingspan. As a result, a team will eventually take a flyer on him with his intriguing two-way potential, likely in the first round.
28. Utah Jazz: Leonard Miller, F, League Ignite
Leonard Miller is one of the youngest players in the draft class and is relatively raw as a player. However, the Jazz could be just the team to take a chance on him as they have time to be patient and let Miller develop into his defensive potential at 6-foot-10.
29. Indiana Pacers: Brice Sensabaugh, G/F, Ohio State
The Pacers continue to add shooting with the addition of Brice Sensabaugh. Now they have an extremely interesting core that could blend well together. Especially with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way as the playmaker.
30. Los Angeles Clippers: Brandin Podziemski, G, Santa Clara
Brandin Podziemski isn’t the most athletic prospect. However, he could be underrated as someone that is a sound playmaker and solid shooter. Also, a team like the Clippers could make a lot of sense, given they have two-way stars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to cover for any of Podziemski’s defensive limitations.
