The 2023 NBA Draft – or the Victor Wembanyama #1 coronation – takes place on Thursday night. There is obviously no suspense surrounding the top pick belonging to the San Antonio Spurs, but things will get interesting once the Charlotte Hornets find themselves on the clock in the second spot.'
Here is my first-round mock draft in advance of Thursday's proceedings, and you can also read Prop Holliday's best NBA Draft bets in addition to our analysis of the #1 and #2 picks. '
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1. San Antonio Spurs – Victor Webanyama, C, France
At 7'4'' and with a shooting range reminiscent of Kevin Durant, Wembanyama looks like a generational talent. There is obviously no debate at the top of the board. '
2. Charlotte Hornets – Scoot Henderson, PG, G-League
Will it be Henderson or Brandon Miller going right behind Wembanyama at #2? It's a difficult call, but the higher ceiling of Henderson is probably too much to pass up.
3. Portland Trail Blazers – Brandon Miller, SF, Alabama
The top 3 appears to be clear cut, although the specific order of #2 and #3 is still up for discussion. Portland will likely be content with either Miller or Henderson.
4. Houston Rockets – Amen Thompson, SG, Overtime Elite
Houston has to be ruing a missed opportunity to land in the top 3, but Thompson isn't the worst consolation prize. He is probably the second-most athletic guard in the draft.
5. Detroit Pistons – Cam Whitmore, SF, Villanova
Detroit already has a nice young core and Whitmore will add to that in a major way. He didn't do a ton at Villanova, but his pre-draft workouts were extremely impressive.
6. Orlando Magic – Anthony Black, PG, Arkansas
After landing Paolo Banchero at #1 overall last year, the Magic will likely go in the direction of a guard – and perhaps multiple guards – this time around.
7. Indiana Pacers – Jarace Walker, PF, Houston
The Pacers could go in any number of directions considering how many picks they have, but Walker makes the most sense if the first 6 selections go as planned above.
8. Washington Wizards – Ausar Thompson, SF, Overtime Elite
Yes, the Thompson twins of Overtime Elite are both likely to go in the lottery – and even in the top 10. You could swap Black and Thompson at #6 and #8 depending on what Orlando decides to do.
9. Utah Jazz – Taylor Hendricks, SF, UCF
The Jazz are formidable in the frontcourt with Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, but they could use a versatile wing player and Hendricks fits that mold. '
10. Dallas Mavericks – Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
Lively didn't do a whole lot in his 1 season at Duke, but perhaps no one is shooting up draft boards to a greater extent than he is at the moment.
11. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls) – Gradey Dick, SG, Kansas
It was 1-and-done for Dick at Kansas. Now it could be time for him to help Orlando revamp its backcourt and continue the rebuilding process along with Banchero.'
12.Oklahoma City Thunder – Kobe Bufkin, SG, Michigan'
Picks, picks and more picks…. That's what the Thunder are all about these days. Bufkin improved his stock with a big finish to the season for Michigan.
13. Toronto Raptors – Cason Wallace, PG, Kentucky
Wallace is arguably the best defensive guard in the draft. The Raptors are already stout on defense around the basket, but they could improve in that area on the perimeter.
14. New Orleans Pelicans – Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG, Indiana
New Orleans is 1 of many teams rumored to be in the trade market this time of year, and that could obviously involve this pick. If not, JHS would be a solid choice.
15. Atlanta Hawks – Bilal Coulibaly, SF, France
The Hawks are by no means great, but they are deep at most positions with plenty of young talent. They can draft someone with high upside and perhaps send him to the G-League for a while.
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16. Utah Jazz (from Minnesota Timberwolves) – Jordan Hawkins, SG, UConn