ESPN updates 2023 NBA mock draft following NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament has come and gone, bringing the 2022-23 season to a close as the top players enter their name in the NBA Draft. With the NBA regular season also coming to a close, many teams inside the lottery know their odds of landing a top-four pick ahead of the May 16 reveal.
French phenom Victor Wembanyama has run away from the field and become the prize waiting the lucky winner of the NBA’s supposed anti-tanking tool. However, the league has seen many teams turn their focus away from winning – even investigating the Dallas Mavericks – with a projected generational talent atop everyone’s board.
Below Wembanyama, a debate has started over which American prospect will ultimately go No. 2 overall. After G-League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson held the mantle for much of the season, Alabama forward Brandon Miller continued to gain ground by proving his abilities against college competition.
Check out how ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo settled the debate in their latest 2023 NBA mock draft, along with the rest of the lottery picks to come.
1. Detroit Pistons
Victor Wembanyama, C, Metropolitans 92
As a 7-foot-5 center who plays with guard skills and continually shows off other-worldly physical traits, it is easy to see why Wembanyama is the most intriguing prospect since Kevin Durant or LeBron James, depending on who you ask. Ultimately the lottery will determine who gets this honor, but the Pistons put themselves in poll position.
2. Houston Rockets
Miller showcased an ability to shoot from the perimeter which is unique at 6-foot-9. Coupled with his increased ability to finish around the rim throughout the season, he has shot up draft boards. Despite a poor showing in the NCAA Tournament – attributed to a nagging groin injury – he has clearly impressed ESPN’s mock draft experts.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Scoot Henderson, G, G-League Ignite
Henderson has elite physical traits and drew early comparisons to the most electric guards in the NBA like Ja Morant. The brief history of G-League Ignite has turned out mixed results for the young players who skip college ball for the pro route. Some have shot up the board while others tailed off due to various question marks exposed by a higher competition level.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Even more interesting than the history of G-League Ignite prospects will be the first chance to gauge the impact of Overtime Elite competition on a player’s draft position. Amen, along with his twin brother Ausar, are projected to become the first duo from the organization to enter the league.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Walker entered the college ranks as one of the top-rated defenders inside but adding more to his perimeter game in one season at Houston. He will have the chance to build on his growth at the next level and assert himself as a high-level two-way player with value at multiple positions.
6. Orlando Magic
Ausar Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Projected just two spots below his twin brother, Ausar will also make the jump from Overtime Elite to the NBA Draft this summer. ESPN cites Thompson as one of the highest-ceiling prospects in this year’s class.
7. Indiana Pacers
Villanova had a disappointing 2022-23 campaign but did not harm the draft stock of Whitmore in the process thanks to several flashes of his full potential. He will always have a spot in the modern NBA as a versatile wing who can score.
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8. Washington Wizards
Black did not enter Arkansas’ 2022 recruiting class as the most anticipated prospect, but quickly became the engine of his team which dealt with multiple key injuries. The 6-foot-7 playmaker uses his length to create for himself and others.
9. Utah Jazz
After becoming a fan favorite in the student section, Dick quickly showed he was one of the top prospects in the college ranks. He shot over 40 percent from the 3-point line last season and fills one of the most important roles in the NBA.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Hendricks did not enter the 2022-23 season with the recruiting pedigree of other lottery prospects but his combination of size, shooting and defense have moved him into the Top 10 conversation.
11. Orlando Magic (via Chicago)
Hawkins utilized his time in the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament to showcase elite shooting touch and the ability to create shots on a team which made a historic run to the national championship. That combination gives him the bump needed to reach the lottery.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Smith Jr. dealt with injuries throughout the season and struggled to find his rhythm at Arkansas in limited minutes. However, he entered the year as a projected Top 3 pick and the favorite to become the first collegiate star off the board.
13. Toronto Raptors
Among the guards entering the NBA Draft this season, Baylor’s George is one of he most versatile in his usage. While working on the ball, he has shown passing ability and playmaking, also showcasing his shooting ability when off the ball.
14. New Orleans Pelicans
After starting the season as an off-ball option and secondary playmaker, Wallace stole the starting job and lead Kentucky to a mid-season turnaround after a difficult stretch put them on the bubble.
See the full mock draft from ESPN, including the picks 15-30 and the second round here.