{"id":36071,"date":"2023-01-24T10:18:46","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T15:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/?p=36071"},"modified":"2023-01-24T10:18:46","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T15:18:46","slug":"with-the-first-pick-january-2023-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2023\/01\/24\/with-the-first-pick-january-2023-mock-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"With the First Pick: January 2023 Mock Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Luke Scotchie<\/em><\/p>\n

New year, new games and new talking points about the 2023 NBA Draft. So much has happened since the last installment of this article. Conference play has begun in the NCAA, trades have happened in the NBA and several new prospects have shot up from second-rounders at best to guys in contention for a lottery spot. <\/span><\/p>\n

Teams and fans alike are starting to craft their big boards with legitimate confidence in their assessments of each player. And because of this newfound confidence, I feel now is the perfect time to write my next mock draft, the first of 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

In an attempt to dispel any assumption of the opposite, this order is not a big board, nor is necessarily it a ranking of basketball\u2019s best prospects. In addition, these are also not predictions. This is a mock draft based on what I believe each team should do given the position they are in and the players available to them. <\/span><\/p>\n

I take a variety of factors into account here, including overall talent, physical tools, team needs and skillset matches. In some cases, I may pass on a player who I believe to be a better prospect to take a player who fits better with the team drafting at a certain position. But this is simply my opinion based on the amount of basketball I\u2019ve consumed over these last months, and it may be very different from yours. And that\u2019s the beauty of this type of speculation.<\/span><\/p>\n

So without further ado, here is my second 2023 NBA Mock Draft:<\/span><\/p>\n

*Draft order is based on NBA standings as of Jan. 23, 2023, as well as any transactions that have taken place before then.<\/span><\/p>\n

1.) Houston Rockets: <\/span>Victor Wembanyama<\/b>\u2014Metropolitans 92, C<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) Detroit Pisons: <\/span>Scoot Henderson<\/b>\u2014G-League Ignite, G<\/span><\/p>\n

3.) Charlotte Hornets: <\/span>Brandon Miller<\/b>\u2014Alabama, F<\/span><\/p>\n

4.) San Antonio Spurs: <\/span>Amen Thompson<\/b>\u2014Overtime Elite, G<\/span><\/p>\n

5.) Orlando Magic: <\/span>Cam Whitmore<\/b>\u2014Villanova, F<\/span><\/p>\n

6.) Washington Wizards: <\/span>Ausar Thompson<\/b>\u2014Overtime Elite, F<\/span><\/p>\n

7.) Toronto Raptors: <\/span>Nick Smith, Jr.<\/b>\u2014Arkansas, G<\/span><\/p>\n

8.) Portland Trailblazers: <\/span>Cason Wallace<\/b>\u2014Kentucky, G<\/span><\/p>\n

9.) Orlando Magic (via Chicago): <\/span>Jett Howard<\/b>\u2014Michigan, G<\/span><\/p>\n

10.) New Orleans Pelicans (via LA Lakers): <\/span>GG Jackson<\/b>\u2014South Carolina, C<\/span><\/p>\n

11.) Indiana Pacers: <\/span>Jarace Walker<\/b>\u2014Houston, F<\/span><\/p>\n

12.) Golden State Warriors: <\/span>Anthony Black<\/b>\u2014Arkansas, G<\/span><\/p>\n

13.) Oklahoma City Thunder: <\/span>Gradey Dick<\/b>\u2014Kansas, F<\/span><\/p>\n

14.) Utah Jazz: <\/span>Keyonte George<\/b>\u2014Baylor, G<\/span><\/p>\n

15.) Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): <\/span>Dariq Whitehead<\/b>\u2014Duke, F<\/span><\/p>\n

16.) Phoenix Suns: <\/span>Maxwell Lewis<\/b>\u2014Pepperdine, F<\/span><\/p>\n

17.) Los Angeles Clippers: <\/span>Terquavion Smith<\/b>\u2014North Carolina State, G<\/span><\/p>\n

18.) Atlanta Hawks: <\/span>Taylor Hendricks<\/b>\u2014Central Florida, F<\/span><\/p>\n

19.) New York Knicks: <\/span>Brice Sensabaugh<\/b>\u2014Ohio State, G<\/span><\/p>\n

20.) New York Knicks (via Dallas): <\/span>Kyle Filipowski<\/b>\u2014Duke, F<\/span><\/p>\n

21.) Miami Heat: <\/span>Kris Murray<\/b>\u2014Iowa, F<\/span><\/p>\n

22.) Los Angeles Lakers (via New Orleans): <\/span>Colby Jones<\/b>\u2014Xavier, G<\/span><\/p>\n

23.) Sacramento Kings: <\/span>Rayan Rupert<\/b>\u2014New Zealand Breakers, F<\/span><\/p>\n

24.) Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland): <\/span>Leonard Miller<\/b>\u2014G-League Ignite, F<\/span><\/p>\n

25.) Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee): <\/span>Baba Miller<\/b>\u2014Florida State, F<\/span><\/p>\n

26.) Brooklyn Nets: <\/span>Marcus Sasser<\/b>\u2014Houston, G<\/span><\/p>\n

27.) Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia): <\/span>Kel\u2019el Ware<\/b>\u2014Oregon, C<\/span><\/p>\n

28.) Memphis Grizzlies: <\/span>Noah Clowney<\/b>\u2014Alabama, F<\/span><\/p>\n

29.) Charlotte Hornets(via Denver): <\/span>DaRon Holmes II<\/b>\u2014Dayton, C<\/span><\/p>\n

30.) Indiana Pacers (via Boston): <\/span>Terrence Shannon, Jr.<\/b>\u2014Illinois, G<\/span><\/p>\n

Barring an impeccable winning streak or a dramatic fall-off, each team will likely pick around the spots they\u2019re currently at. We\u2019re at the point in the NBA season where we know how serious each team is competing for a championship, and which ones will be stuck in the basement. <\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, fans of each team should familiarize themselves with the names of the players in close proximity to where their team is selecting in this mock draft, because in all likelihood, they\u2019ll end up with one of them in June. But even though not everyone will become the next NBA superstar, I believe every team\u2019s potential can be maximized if they select the respective prospects that I have. Each of these selections, in my opinion, is the right one for each team given a combination of talent, team fit and player availability. I\u2019ll go through some of the player\/team combinations I find the most interesting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember when I said that I will sometimes pass over a better player if I think a different, lesser-ranked player\u2019s fit is better with the team at that selection? Such was the case with my No. 3 overall pick. I know that this column has become the Brandon Miller fan club as of recently, but I still have Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson ranked somewhat comfortably ahead of him. <\/span><\/p>\n

But Thompson\u2019s strengths do not align with Charlotte\u2019s areas of need as well as Miller\u2019s do. The Hornets need shooting, perimeter defense and off-ball talent to complement their rising star in LaMelo Ball. Thompson has the defensive skill and the finishing talent they\u2019ve been missing since Miles Bridges\u2019 (deserved) exodus, but he\u2019s best utilized as a ball handler in my eyes, which will take the ball away from Ball, and his shooting needs a ton of work. <\/span>Miller pairs next to Ball almost perfectly, and I think Miller would become Ball\u2019s favorite passing target. The two complete each other, which is why I have Miller going third to the Hornets over Thompson.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Thompson won\u2019t wait that long to hear his name called, as I have him going fourth to the San Antonio Spurs. And honestly, this might be one of my favorite player-team fits in this draft. <\/span><\/p>\n

I like Tre Jones. He\u2019s a very solid defensive-minded guards, and I believe he can admirably run a second unit. But his offense is far from where it needs to be to be a consistent starter in the league. Replacing him in the main lineup with Thompson would work wonders for the Spurs. I\u2019m all aboard the train that says Thompson is secretly the best playmaker in this draft, and having several spot-up and cutting threats like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and potentially Malaki Branham to pass the ball to would only affirm that. <\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s also one of the most athletic<\/span>\u00a0human beings I\u2019ve ever seen, being able to effortlessly shift gears and leap with the strength and grace of a gazelle. The Spurs could use that athleticism on both sides of the ball, as a finisher and defender. Regardless of how they want to play him, Gregg Popovich and the rest of the Spurs organization will be jumping for joy if Thompson is still available by the time they draft him.<\/span><\/p>\n

I really like the combination of players that Orlando takes in this mock, Villanova\u2019s Cam Whitmore and Michigan\u2019s Jett Howard. Truth be told, I am an Orlando Magic fan. And I know as well as anyone that this team is in desperate need of two things: a perimeter defender that doesn\u2019t need the ball in his hands to thrive offensively, and spacing. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Magic check both of those boxes with their selections of Whitmore, an athletic, powerful player who plays very admirable defense and is probably the best cutter in this draft; and Howard, one of college basketball\u2019s best shooters, shotmakers, and highlight reels. I\u2019m not sure which of these two players ends up starting for the Magic, or if it ends up being soon-to-be third-year guard Jalen Suggs. Regardless, the Magic need a supporting cast to surround their stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and there aren\u2019t many players that can do that better than Whitmore and Howard.<\/span><\/p>\n

If I\u2019m being perfectly honest, I have no idea what to make of GG Jackson. He\u2019s so young (he was born in November 2004) and already shows NBA-level shot creation, quickness, athleticism and respectable shooting, especially for someone as tall (6\u20199\u201d) as he is. <\/span>But I don\u2019t think he even knows how to play off-ball, as he doesn\u2019t seem to know how to get himself into position to cut or shoot well. <\/span><\/p>\n

To make matters worse, he is a dreadful passer, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of a measly 0.3. So not only is he an on-ball player only, he\u2019s also a ball stopper. That combination makes it very easy for opposing defenses to shut him down. I\u2019d normally steer clear of players like this\u2026 but the upside is there. <\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s also so young and raw that proper coaching can change almost all of that, since South Carolina\u2019s scheme all but forcing the ball in his hands for every play doesn\u2019t help him ameliorate his weaknesses. He\u2019s worth a lottery pick on upside alone, and if anyone can help him achieve his full potential, it\u2019s Willie Green and the New Orleans Pelicans. <\/span><\/p>\n

Jackson can play under Jonas Valanciunas for the first few years of his career, become familiar with the game\u2019s nuances while learning from the likes of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, and when a starting center spot opens up for him, he can assume that role and turn into a valuable contributor for a Pelicans team that should still be contending.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t really considered the possibility of Houston\u2019s Jarace Walker to the Indiana Pacers up until now, but now that I am, I really like it. Walker is one of the best defensive players in this draft, a Swiss army knife on that end that can switch better than most of his peers. That defensive versatility is something that the Pacers absolutely need, especially if Myles Turner leaves this summer. On offense, he looks to be the perfect pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton, and just simply playing alongside each other could unlock both of their offensive potential. They fit together just as well as Ball and Miller would in Charlotte, and for that reason, as well as Walker\u2019s NBA-ready defense, frame and his filling a hole for the Pacers at starting power forward, I have him going here.<\/span><\/p>\n

The forward situation in Atlanta is uncertain at best. Rookie AJ Griffin looks to be a valuable piece, but DeAndre\u2019 Hunter is underwhelming and John Collins\u2019 days as a Hawk might be numbered. That\u2019s why I have Atlanta reaching a little and selecting the biggest riser since my last mock draft: UCF\u2019s Taylor Hendricks. <\/span><\/p>\n

I discussed him briefly in my last article, but I have grown to love Hendricks\u2019 game. He, like Walker, is a versatile and switchable defender, but he is also a very good spot-up shooter too. If that doesn\u2019t scream \u201cHawk,\u201d I don\u2019t know what does. <\/span><\/p>\n

He and Griffin would become an intriguing shooting forward duo in Atlanta, giving Trae Young plenty of off-ball tools to work with. Within time, Atlanta\u2019s closing playoff window might swing back open with young talent of Griffin, Hendricks and center Onyeka Okongwu playing alongside Young. If the Hawks decide to move on from Collins, they should feel comfortable knowing that his replacement will likely be available for them to select, one who fits the team like a glove.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the Houston Rockets find themselves in a very interesting situation. The NBA\u2019s worst team is in desperate need of a point guard, as I have officially lost confidence in Kevin Porter Jr.\u2019s ability as a facilitator and playmaker. I liked TyTy Washington in last year\u2019s draft, and I think he\u2019ll eventually assume that starting point guard spot after lighting up the G-League, but the Rockets could use some insurance, and I\u2019m not sure if I like any of the available ball handlers in the mid-20\u2019s as much as I do Washington. <\/span><\/p>\n

So I did something weird, but hopefully effective. In addition to selecting the best NBA Draft prospect in the past 20 years in Victor Wembanyama (there\u2019s no chance they\u2019d take a guard over him), I have them taking Florida State\u2019s Baba Miller here. Miller is, without question, the biggest wild card of this draft. He hasn\u2019t played much this season, coming off of an NCAA-mandated suspension and tonsillitis. That makes it very difficult to speculate how his unique game will translate to basketball. He\u2019s a near 7-footer with genuine guard skills. I\u2019d love to see whether or not Miller could assume ball handling duties on a Rockets team that would do anything to have one, but if he can\u2019t, they have one in the G-League in Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n

This has been my second mock of the 2023 NBA Draft, and I\u2019m very confident in it as of now. Of course, anything can change from now to June, but things are starting to come into focus now. All of these players have something to give to the teams that I have them going to, and that\u2019s why I have them going in their respective places. But there\u2019s still so much basketball to be played before then, and I will continue to cover it all right here on \u201cWith the First Pick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Luke Scotchie New year, new games and new talking points about the 2023 NBA Draft. So much has happened since the last installment of this article. Conference play has begun in the NCAA, trades have happened in the NBA and several new prospects have shot up from second-rounders at best to guys in contention […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21480,"featured_media":36072,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1024,1035,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36071"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21480"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36071"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36073,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36071\/revisions\/36073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}