Baller Sports Dialogue's NBA Draft 2023 Top 60 Big Board
These are the top 60 prospects in this year's ultra-talented NBA Draft
Victor Wembanyama, 7-5 PF/C 19 years old, Metropolitans 92
David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and now Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have gotten a generational player with the #1 pick three times. The best prospect since LeBron James and a generational talent on both ends of the floor, at 7-5 with a whopping 8 foot wingspan, Wembanyama can handle the ball like a guard, has elite 3-level shot creation with an unblockable jumper (because of his height). He is also one of the more versatile defensive prospects in recent memory.
Though his efficiency has dwindled down toward the end of Metropolitans 92’s season, the volume was still elite as Wembanyama still averaged 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game last season with a TS% of 58. I wouldn’t be surprised with the pace of play in today’s NBA if he averaged 22+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks per game as a rookie for a Spurs team that is desperate for two-way production (ranked 29th in offensive rating and 30th in defensive rating last year).
Wemby the all the talent in the world and could become the greatest player in NBA history if he reaches his potential, though his career will not be deemed a failure if he doesn’t reach his ceiling despite many critics putting enormous amounts of pressure on him to succeed.
NBA Comp: Kevin Durant mixed with Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson’s shot altering ability
Scoot Henderson, 6-2 PG 19 years old, G-League Ignite
The most athletic guard prospect to come into the NBA since at least Ja Morant and probably Russell Westbrook, Scoot Henderson brings a mixture of elite explosiveness, scoring, and playmaking at the point guard position and his jumper is much better than Russell Westbrook’s was entering the NBA.
One of the hardest workers in the draft (which is a known fact about Scoot, especially the rumors that he leaves his phone at home when he enters the gym), I have no doubt Henderson will be able to excel in the NBA and vastly improve his jumper each year. The shot mechanics are there, and he is a better defender than people give him credit for (1.1 steals per game, very quick laterally, and is good off ball).
Henderson averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game for Ignite with a 3PT% of 27.5 on only 2.7 attempts from 3 per game. His FT% of 76.4 and his TS% of 53.7 indicate that he will be a better 3PT shooter with more attempts at the NBA level, though it doesn’t exclude from from needing to improve immensely from beyond the arc. Scouts may question his height (just 6-2) but when you have game changing athleticism and scoring ability that Henderson has, that shouldn’t matter to an organization. I would be shocked if Henderson isn’t one of the best players in the NBA within four years.
NBA Comp: Prime Russell Westbrook with a better jumper
Brandon Miller, 6-9 Forward Freshman, Alabama
A lot of scouts indicated that Brandon Miller showed up to NBA workouts out of shape and 10 pounds heavier, and the other off the court issues don’t do him any justice, but his skill set and perfect fit in the modern NBA should be able to outlast those questions. Miller is an excellent shot creator at 6-9 who is a catch and shoot wizard and can create his own shot off the dribble (averaged 19.6 points per game with 103 total 3-pointers made and a TS% of 61.3).
His lack of first step explosiveness has been compared to Jabari Smith Jr. from last year (Smith Jr. didn’t have the best rookie year despite playing much better in the second half of the season), but his versatility on both ends of the floor at the Wing position is hard to overlook. The Hornets may take him 2nd overall (which would be a mistake) because of the need for high end 3 and D Wings in the modern NBA and Miller is the best one in this years Draft.
NBA Comp: Paul George
Amen Thompson, 6-7 PG 19 years old, Overtime Elite
Amen Thompson is an excellent athlete with a knack for getting to the rim and drawing defenders to get his teammates open looks. His defense is solid and he’s one of the quicker prospects in this draft, but no one will even get within 5 feet of him attempting a 3.
Thompson shot just 25% from beyond the arc against very weak competition in the Overtime Elite league and if he is unable to improve his 3PT jumper, his outstanding playmaking will take a hit as defenses will know exactly what he wants to do (which is get to the rim, create space for a fallaway or mid range jumper, and get his teammates open looks after drawing defenders).
Nonetheless, the upside of an NBA star is there, but it may take a few years for Thompson to get acclimated against real competition and make a serious impact at the NBA level. He could reach superstar status if his jumper ever comes around.
NBA Comp: Prospect Lonzo Ball with more athleticism
Taylor Hendricks, 6-9 Forward Freshman, UCF
Taylor Hendricks checks a lot of boxes: He’s an elite 3PT shooter (39.4% on 4.6 attempts per game) that can create his own shot at 6-9, he is an extremely versatile defender who can guard 1-4 very well and block shots at a high level (1.7 blocks per game), and he can rebound very well (7 boards per game) at just 19 years old. Other than Miller, Hendricks is the best 3 and D player in this class and should be more efficient than Miller right away. The extra shot creation Hendricks showed down the stretch of last season proved he has more upside than meets the eye.
NBA Comp: Trey Murphy III
Anthony Black, 6-8 PG Freshman, Arkansas
Anthony Black is the next big-guard to take over the NBA (think Josh Giddey and LaMelo Ball). At 6-7 Black is excellent in transition, lets the game come to him ver easily, and is always looking to get open shots for his teammates. Add in he is one of the best on ball defenders and high-IQ players in the draft, NBA teams are going to fall in love with Black and his undeniable upside.
Like a few other prospects in this draft, Black struggles at shooting the 3-pointer (30.1% last year), but he gets to the rim with ease, does all the right things, and makes his teammates better. That should allow Black to play in the NBA for 10+ years and contribute at a high level regardless of whether he ever becomes a good 3PT shooter.
NBA Comp: Josh Giddey
Cason Wallace, 6-3 PG Freshman, Kentucky
Cason Wallace is a lockdown defender who will drive opposing guards crazy at the next level. He is also a gifted playmaker and scorer, though his lack of athleticism is the reason he isn’t considered a top 5 pick. Wallace averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds,4.2 assists, and 2 steals per game with a TS% of 54.6, and his all-around game should transfer almost immediately to the NBA level. Whoever selects Wallace in the draft will be getting a possible two-way star in Wallace.
NBA Comp: Jrue Holiday
Cam Whitmore, 6-7 Wing Freshman, Villanova
Cam Whitmore is one of the most physically imposing and athletic players in this draft, who at just 18 years old will enter the league with an ability to blow by defenders and score at will. His 3PT shooting needs some work (34.5%) but his TS% of 57.6 and his good on ball defense are hard to ignore. Whitmore may go as high as 5th to the Pistons because of his two-way versatility and knack for scoring at such a young age.
NBA Comp: Jaylen Brown
Ausar Thompson, 6-7 Wing 19 years old, Overtime Elite
Ausar Thompson is extremely athletic, just like his brother, but he’s got a fluid shooting stroke and can hit the mid range and 3PT shot with at least some consistency (though his 29% from 3 mark last year doesn’t necessarily support that claim, the shooting mechanics are there).
Thompson is a good off-ball defender that switches and has a high IQ on that end of the floor. However, the reason. he isn’t as highly touted as his brother is his lack of playmaking skills. Either way, someone in the top 10 will take a chance on Thompson’s upside and try to refine the rest of his game.
NBA Comp: Prospect Zach LaVine
Nick Smith Jr., 6-5 Combo Guard Freshman, Arkansas
Nick Smith Jr. is a crafty Combo Guard that is a true 3-level scorer with some playmaking upside. Smith Jr.’s season was plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, but his knack for scoring and the upside of being an offensive star at the NBA level will not go unnoticed. Originally seen as a top 5 talent in this year’s draft, Smith Jr. will now be selected at a discount outside the top 8.
NBA Comp: Jamal Murray
Keyonte George, 6-4 SG Freshman, Baylor
Keyonte George can score at will and showed that his Freshman year at Baylor averaging 15.3 points per game with a 3PT% of 33.8 and a TS% of 54 in the Big 12 at just 19 years old. His playmaking and defense need some work, but he’s a high upside player that should be able to contribute on the offensive end right when he enters the league.
NBA Comp: Bradley Beal
Jarace Walker, 6-9 PF Freshman, Houston
Jarace Walker has a prototypical build for a big man in the NBA, but he has the quickness of a Wing. His mid range jumper is extremely advanced for his age, and he is one of the most versatile defenders in the draft projecting the ability to guard 3-5 at the NBA level.
He should develop a 3PT shot in time, but his playmaking skills progressed as his Freshman year at Houston went on, and he can already use his big body to get to the rim whenever he wants. Overall, Walker doesn’t have a whole lot of upside, but should be a prototypical “championship role player” who will contribute to winning for years to come.
NBA Comp: Paul Millsap
Gradey Dick, 6-8 Wing Freshman, Kansas
Gradey Dick is arguably the best shooter in this draft (40.3% from 3, 58.6 TS%), but he shouldn’t be deemed simply that. Dick can create his own shot off the dribble and get his teammates open, while also showing some versatility on the defensive end of the floor.
Everyone needs a reliable shotmaker who does all the right things and Dick will fit in wherever he goes. He may never be the best player on a title team, but should be able to create instant offense for years in the NBA.
NBA Comp: Gordon Hayward
Jordan Hawkins, 6-5 SG Sophomore, UCONN
Jordan Hawkins shot 38.8% from 3PT range despite taking 7.6 3-point attempts per game on average in his Sophomore season at UCONN, but he is way more than just a gifted shooter.
He started scoring more from mid-range and at the rim as last year progressed and is a proven on-ball defender that should translate to the next level. 3PT shooting, secondary playmaking, and on ball defense will intrigue enough teams for Hawkins to be taken in the lottery or right outside it. The Lakers would love to get him at 17th overall as his catch and shoot and one dribble spot up 3PT shooting abilities are invaluable in today’s NBA.
NBA Comp: Norman Powell
Amari Bailey, 6-4 Combo Guard Freshman, UCLA
I am higher on Amari Bailey than any other evaluator in the country. Despite struggling to find his role on offense earlier on in the season at UCLA, Bailey found a way to tear defenses a part in the NCAA Tournament with his innate playmaking and finishing skills.
After Bailey used his athleticism to impose his will in getting to the rim, then he’d keep defenses honest by knocking down a few mid-range and 3PT shots, showing his improved versatility on offense. Add in his elite on ball defense (one of the best on-ball defenders in the draft) and his dominant end to the season, scouts should be salivating at the opportunity to select Bailey outside the lottery at a discount.
Confidence isn’t an issue for Bailey…talk about the moxie it takes to shoot that go-ahead three against Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 with the game on the line. That showed Bailey’s unwavering confidence in himself, and that is important for bigger games at the NBA level when things will get tough to continue to believe in yourself. A comparison for Bailey is very tough because very few guards with his athleticism and finishing skills have his court vision and elite on-ball defense.
NBA Comp: More Athletic and Bigger Jalen Brunson
GG Jackson, 6-9 PF Freshman, South Carolina
GG Jackson should be graduating High School right now as he enrolled a year early at South Carolina to play for the Gamecocks. He will be the youngest player in the NBA next year and had an impressive Freshman season averaging 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with a 3PT% of 32.4. Jackson is a more advanced playmaker than a lot of scouts give him credit for.
He can bring up the ball, create his own shot, and find open teammates when his shot isn’t there all as a 6-9 Power Forward (which is why the Pascal Siakam comparison makes a lot of sense). He wasn’t the most efficient player in College Basketball last season, but he has one of the higher upsides in the draft and is an extremely gifted scorer and a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.
Dariq Whitehead, 6-8 Wing Freshman, Duke
Dariq Whitehead was the #1 recruit in the country entering Duke, but after missing substantial time due to injuries, and not being as impactful on both ends of the floor as scouts had hoped he’d be, Whitehead is falling out of the lottery despite his immense talent.
Whitehead has excellent shooting mechanics and shot almost 43% from 3PT range in his Freshman year at Duke, while also displaying some extra playmaking and shot creation skills, like one dribble-pullups, crossover-two steps and finishing at the rim, and a few step back threes.
His defense is solid, though he may never be more than an average defender at best in the NBA. A team would be taking a risk on Whitehead, hoping the 3-level efficient scorer that he was in high school can eventually translate to the NBA and the some team will gamble on the upside of Whitehead.
NBA Comp: Cam Reddish+
Kobe Bufkin, 6-4 SG Sophomore, Michigan
Kobe Bufkin has one of the highest ceilings in the draft due to 6-8 wingspan, being excellent at changing pace (think D’Angelo Russell) and his versatility on both ends of the floor. Bufkin is a gifted playmaker who can get to the rim with ease and draw multiple defenders to make the extra pass to a wide open shooter, but he will look to score first if he can.
On defense, Bufkin is laterally quick and switches well, he doesn’t let many defenders blow by him and he rotates well off ball. The only negatives surrounding Bufkin is that he tries to do too much at times, leading to turnovers and bad shots.
NBA Comp: Taller Tyrese Maxey/D’Angelo Russell
Jett Howard, 6-8 Wing Freshman, Michigan
Jett Howard has one of the smoothest jumpers in the class and will fit perfectly alongside any pass-first point guard that will get him open shots on catch and shoot opportunities. However, he isn’t just a catch and shoot threat, a lot of times using his athleticism to get to the rim and dunk on opponents. He scored 14.2 points per game and shot about 37% from 3PT range as a Freshman in the Big 10, but his defense isn’t great A lot of teams desperately need a good 3PT shooter that can be relied upon in big games, and Howard should be able to step up to the plate and provide that.
He lacks lateral quickness and has trouble switching and staying in front of defenders. However, that shouldn’t matter as his poise and production as a catch-and-shoot 3PT shooter with some secondary shot-creation at just 19 years old can help a team win right away.
NBA Comp: Klay Thompson/Keegan Murray
Derek Lively II, 7-1 C Freshman, Duke
A wizard at interior defense, Dereck Lively II is an absolute game-changer on defense that has elite shot-altering ability to the likes of Anthony Davis, Hassan Whiteside, and other great shot-blockers. Though Robert Williams III is much shorter, quicker, and more versatile than Lively, the way he can change the pace of play and completely shut down big men is reminiscent of the “Time Lord” himself.
He will likely never be that impactful on offense, but he could be an impactful role player on a championship team for years to come and I am sure teams in need of a defensive big (like the Lakers, Clippers, Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Kings) will be strongly considering Lively II.
NBA Comp: Robert Williams III
Kris Murray, 6-8 Wing Junior, Iowa
Kris Murray plays exactly like his brother, Keegan Murray, shooting 3’s at a high rate, showing some secondary shot creation skills, and having versatility on defense as well. Keegan was a better prospect because he can shoot better, but Kris is going to be a good NBA role player at the very least and will be a first-round pick because of his size and versatility.
What I like most about Kris is that he doesn’t rush the game, he lets it come to him. If his shot isn’t there, he won’t force it, he will make the extra pass. Defensively he has a very high IQ and has some lateral quickness and overall toughness. For contending teams, Murray will be a plug and play rotational player as he is one of the more NBA ready prospects in this draft.
NBA Comp: Keegan Murray
Rayan Rupert, 6-7 Wing 19 years old, New Zealand Breakers
I am always hesitant to rank players very high that have no offensive game, but Jeremy Sochan proved a lot of people wrong in year 1 despite showing almost no offensive ability in college.
Like Sochan, Rayan Rupert is an elite defender with an unreal 7-2 wingspan, but unlike Sochan in college, Rupert has shown some flashes of 3PT shooting. His playmaking and shot creation need work, but he will at the very least be an elite defender at the NBA level with some offensive upside if developed correctly.
NBA Comp: Jeremy Sochan
Maxwell Lewis, 6-7 Wing Freshman, Pepperdine
Maxwell Lewis is an elite 3PT shooter who has a 7 foot wingspan that allows him to cause problems defensively. Lewis showed more promise at the beginning of the year for Pepperdine, but his 3 and D potential is off the charts and teams will be licking their cops trying to add Lewis outside of the lottery and late in the first round.
Comp: Trey Murphy
Colby Jones, 6-5 SG Junior, Xavier
Colby Jones will get knocked because he doesn’t do anything absolutely elite on offense, but he is a ballhawk on defense that forces turnovers at a high rate, and is an extremely gifted playmaker and shot creator that excels with the ball in his hands in transition. His off-ball defensive IQ is also one of the best in the draft, and he is a team leader that is vocal on both ends of the floor.
Jones can contribute right away to any team, and despite him being a Junior, he’s still just 20 years old and has more upside than a lot of scouts give him credit for. At the very least, Jones should be a very good backup Combo Guard for years to come and should fit right in on a contending team that needs a plug and play Combo Guard in the rotation.
NBA Comp: Josh Hart
Jalen Hood-Schifino, 6-6 SG Freshman, Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino is rising up all draft boards because of his ideal size and scoring ability (especially in the mid-range game) to play Shooting Guard in the NBA. Hood-Schifino averaged an inefficient 13.5 points per game in his lone year at Indiana (as his eFG% of just 46.8 indicates), but many scouts still love his scoring upside despite the inefficient numbers.
I am one of the evaluators that doesn’t think Hood-Schifino’s game will translate to the NBA right away. He is a risky prospect that will need a ton of development on both ends of the floor to reach his ceiling, but the Nets have back-to-back picks here and will take a gamble with one of them.
NBA Comp: CJ McCollum
Julian Strawther, 6-7 Wing Junior, Gonzaga
Many scouts don’t love Julian Strawther because of his lack of burst and athleticism, but his outside shooting and shot creation is so elite that it shouldn’t matter. At the very least, Strawther should become a Doug McDermott, Luke Kennard, or Malik Beasley type of player, but he also has some defensive upside that is going unnoticed.
Sure, he isn’t the quickest, but he uses his high IQ to switch on screens, rotate, and create turnovers from on-ball pressure. A team like the Lakers may take him as high as 17th because of his size and shooting ability, but in this Mock Draft he falls to 28 to the Jazz. (ADD)
NBA Comp: Ochai Agbaji
Jaime Jaquez Jr., 6-6 SF Senior, UCLA
Jaime Jaquez will never. be one of the three best players on a basketball team, but he is a switchable and versatile defender who is tough and has a high IQ. He has a bigger bag than many evaluators give him credit for on offense, including a step back from mid range, using his strength to finish at the rim, and every once in a while knocking down a needed 3-point jumper. Jaquez fits the build as a “team first championship role player”, someone who will understand their role and do whatever it takes to win.
NBA Comp: Rick Fox
Marcus Sasser, 6-2 SG Combo Guard Senior, Houston
Marcus Sasser will get knocked for his size (6-2) playing the Shooting Guard position at the NBA level, but he’s a shifty playmaker and shot creator who is a ballhawk defensively. Sasser has a high IQ, rarely makes mistakes, and is one of the most NBA ready players in this draft. A contender will not think twice about adding a player of Sasser’s value at the end of the first round.
NBA Comp: Jared Butler
Brice Sensabaugh, 6-6 Wing Freshman, Ohio State
Brice Sensabaugh was one of the most efficient scorers in the country as a Freshman in the Big 10 averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game with a 3PT% of 40.2 and an eFG% of 55.5 despite having an extremely high usage percentage of 34.4.
Sensabaugh may never be a good defender at the NBA level but he is a true bucket-getter that can score from all 3 levels and that will entice a lot of teams considering his skill set and age. The Grizzlies are a team in need some more scoring off the bench and Sensabaugh can bring that right away, so I expect them to target him. Other teams that may benefit from Sensabaugh late in the draft are the Heat and Clippers.
NBA Comp: TJ Warren
Leonard Miller, 6-10 PF 19 years old, G-League Ignite
Leonard Miller is an ultra athletic big man that can dribble and create his own shot. Miller is also extremely versatile on defense because of his quickness and length (7-2 wingspan). He excelled in his one year in the G-League averaging 18.2 points per game with a TS% of about 65 and pulled in over 11 rebounds per game and was a menace on the offensive glass.
Miller has enormous upside, but he will likely need a few years before he can be counted on to contribute to a contending. team. The Pacers will try to develop Miller quickly and prepare him for big games at a very young age as their rebuild around Tyrese Haliburton is almost complete.
NBA Comp: Christian Wood
Andre Jackson Jr., 6-6 Combo Guard Junior, UCONN
Andre Jackson Jr. is a bulldog on defense, constantly putting pressure on whoever he is guarding. He is also one of the best prospects in this draft in transition, an ultra quick guard who can get to the rim with ease and dish it out to open teammates. There are a lot of question marks regarding his jumper (just 28.7% from 3), but he is an elite defender, a high-end playmaker, and an excellent rebounder for his size.
NBA Comp: Delon Wright
Brandin Podziemski, 6-5 SG Sophomore, Santa Clara
One of the best shooters in the country, Brandin Podziemski is like Luke Kennard from beyond the arc, a sniper that if you give space will make you pay. But unlike Kennard at the NBA level, Podziemski projects for some extra shot creation and playmaking skills at the next level, which makes him an intriguing prospect. His on-ball defense isn’t great, but he has a high IQ off ball and switches well enough to get minutes in the NBA right away. However, every team will be drafting Podziemski for his shot-making, not his defense.
NBA Comp: Luke Kennard +
Bilal Coulibaly, 6-7 Forward 18 years old, Metropolitans 92
Bilal Coulibaly got some more scouts on him after playing alongside top pick Victor Wembanyama for Metropolitans 92. Couliably is arguably the biggest project in this year’s class, as he is an excellent athlete who slashes well, plays above the rim, and can multiple positions defend at a high level. He is a high riser who shot over 45% from 3 for Metropolitians 92 but a lot of scouts question whether that will translate to the NBA level.
The upside is there to become a solid two-way wing and if he goes to the right organization with a great shooting coach, Coulilbaly could be one of the big steals in thee draft.
NBA Comp: Prospect OG Anunoby
Terquavion Smith, 6-2 Combo Guard Sophomore, NC State
Terquavion Smith is a 3-level scorer who is very athletic and excellent at changing directions and change of pace. He has great length for a Combo Guard (6-7 wingspan at 6-2), but isn’t the best defender yet. He projects for some improved defensive versatility at the next level, but he is going to be drafted as a guy who can come in and get you a bucket whenever you need one.
NBA Comp: Bones Hyland
Bobi Klintman, 6-10 PF Freshman, Wake Forest (Sweeden)
Bobi Klintman is rising up all draft boards because of his two-way versatility. Klintman is an excellent 3PT shooter (36.8% his Freshman year at Wake Forest) and showed some secondary shot-creation as he got more minutes throughout the season.
He is a good rebounder (topping 11 rebounds in his last two college games) and projects to be a good defender in time. He is a long-term prospect that will bring shooting and versatility to the NBA right away, but the rest of his game needs some refinement.
NBA Comp: Kyle Kuzma
Grant Nelson, 6-11 Forward Junior, North Dakota State
Perhaps the most interesting prospect in this class, the uber-talented Grant Nelson is known for his point-guard like skills at 6-11 and showcased elite scoring and shot creation upside in his time at North Dakota State.
I think Nelson has one of the highest upsides in this draft, and is largely being slept on because he didn’t face much competition at NDSU. Nonetheless, Nelson averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game last year for the bison and has the potential to become a versatile two-way star at the NBA level, though he’ll likely need the correct organization to be patient and develop him.
NBA Comp: Discount Chet Holmgren
Sidy Cissoko, 6-8 SF 19 years old, G-League Ignite (France)
Sidy Cissoko is one of the best defensive prospects in this draft class, and should be able to guard 1-3 right when he enters the NBA. In fact, his positional versatility on defense will be the reason he’s drafted earlier than most are expecting.
Cissoko has good court vision and is a very good passer for a SF, but his jumper is a work in progress and his decision making isn’t always crisp. He loves to play in transition and often times pushes the pace to catch defenses off guard. Overall, Cissoko is a defensive specialist with some upside as a playmaker.
NBA Comp: Dorian Finney-Smith
Jalen Wilson, 6-8 Forward Senior, Kansas
Jalen Wilson can flat out score. He isn’t the most athletic player, but he finds ways to put the ball in the basket and should be relied upon to do so immediately at the NBA level (20.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last year at Kansas). Wilson is a big body (6-8 225 pounds) that can use his strength to draw and-ones and get to the rim, but he also has a lot of finesse to his game.
Wilson is excellent at shooting the mid-range jumper and finishing at the rim, and his 3PT shot should translate to the NBA level as well. Overall, Wilson will get overlooked because of his “lack of athleticism”, but he is one of the more NBA ready players in this draft that contribute right away offensively.
NBA Comp: Keldon Johnson
Nikola Djurisic, 6-8 Guard/Wing 19 years old, Serbia
Nikola Djurisic is a big guard that lives on his playmaking and shot creation. He isn’t a great 3PT shooter yet, but he finishes well at the rim, is extremely athletic and likes to catch lobs in transition, and seems like he has eyes on the back of his head with the way he finds open teammates in the blink of an eye.
His on-ball defense is above-average and he has the strength to stay in front of NBA Wings right away, but any team drafting Djurisic is banking on the upside of his jumper.
NBA Comp: Nikola Jovic
Keyontae Johnson, 6-6 Wing Senior, Kansas State
Keyontae Johnson has excellent length for a Wing (6-11 wingspan) and is one of the strongest players in the draft, but he isn’t a reliable 3PT shooter and relies on his strength and athleticism to score inside.
At the NBA level he has the defensive abilities to guard 2-4, but the offensive limitations of a Power Forward inside of a Shooting Guard/Small Forwards body. Johnson can contribute on both ends of the floor right away, but he’s a career role player at best.
NBA Comp: Shorter Julius Randle
Tristan Vukcevic, 6-11 C 20 years old, Serbia
Tristan Vukevic is an absolute sleeper in the draft, and should probably be a first=rounder if we’re talking simply skill level. Vukevic is a stretch 5 that has a beautiful jump-shot that is unblockable.
He is more of a pick-and-pop player than pick-and-roll because his jumper is so fluid, but he also loves to one dribble step back and shoot from mid-range as well. His defense needs work as he focuses a lot more on the offensive end of the floor, but he has one of the highest upsides in this year’s draft and I would be surprised if he doesn’t go in the top 45.
NBA Comp: Shorter Kristaps Porzingis/Nikola Vucevic
Emoni Bates, 6-10 Forward Sophomore, Eastern Michigan
Emoni Bates is widely known as the 16-year old prodigy that was supposed to be the next Kevin Durant. After an underwhelming Freshman year at Memphis and some off the court issues before transferring to Eastern Michigan, Bates is now supposed to be a fringe second-rounder just on pure upside.
Though Bates shot just 33% from 3 and 40.6% overall from the floor, he still is a 6-10 wing with an extremely fluid jumper and some shot creation skills you just can’t teach. Drafting Bates is a huge risk, but one that could pay off if he is developed correctly and the organization is patient with him.
NBA Comp: Discount Brandon Ingram
Adama Sanogo, 6-8 PF/C Junior, UCONN
Adama Sanogo has a good blend of shooting touch, back-to-basket play, and playmaking for a Big, but he is a bit undersized. He dominated in college because of his advanced feel for the game, but he will undoubtedly struggle to defend Big men in the NBA. He’s not the interior presence Bam Adebayo is, which limits his upside as a 6-8 PF. Nonetheless, he should be able to become a good role player at the NBA level.
NBA Comp: Onyeka Okongwu
Noah Clowney, 6-10 PF Freshman, Alabama
Noah Clowney is an ultra-athletic Power Forward that is quick and mobile, which allows him to guard both the 3 and the 4 and block shots at a high level. However, Clowney isn’t a great shooter yet (28.3% from 3 and just 64.9% from the charity stripe), but he has good shooting mechanics and could be able to stretch the floor in time. He isn’t that strong and that could mean trouble on the defensive end guarding Bigs earlier in his career, but Clowney is a high-upside guy with two-way potential.
NBA Comp: Jared Vanderbilt
Trayce Jackson-Davis, 6-9 PF/C Senior, Indiana
Trayce Jackson Davis is a high-flying and mobile Big that thrives in the pick-and-roll game, similar to John Collins. Jackson-Davis also has a mid range jumper and some post moves, but his bread and butter is his shot-blocking ability, interior defense, rebounding, and ability to catch lobs.
NBA Comp: John Collins
Jaylen Clark, 6-5 Guard/Wing Junior, UCLA
Jaylen Clark developed into a two-way star last year at UCLA, not only showing that he was the best defender in the country, but also that he could create his own shot on the offensive end as well. If he didn’t tear his Achillies, he would be a fringe first-rounder because of his lockdown defense.
NBA Comp: Issac Okoro
Isaiah Wong, 6-4 Combo Guard Junior, Miami
Isaiah Wong is a bucket-getter that can provide scoring off of the bench right away in the NBA. However, there isn’t much else he can provide as he gets beat on defense a lot and struggles to get his teammates open looks if his shot isn’t there. His improved 3PT% of 38.4 has NBA teams buzzing about Wong’s NBA readiness, but his lack of size for a Combo-Guard and lapses defensively could make him a late second-round pick.
NBA Comp: Lou Williams
Jordan Miller, 6-7 SG/SF Senior, Miami
Jordan Miller played five years in college before entering the NBA Draft, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a coveted prospect in the second-round. Miller isn’t a shot creator, but is excellent at being the 2nd option on his team, catching and shooting 3’s, slashing to the basket for easy layups, then dishing it to open shooters on fastbreaks. Miller is a versatile defender too, but teams still question what Miller is elite at. Does it matter? To me, Miller can do a little bit of everything and should position himself for minutes in the NBA right away.
NBA Comp: Troy Brown Jr.
Drew Timme, 6-10 PF Senior, Gonzaga
Everyone questions whether Drew Timme can play at the NBA level, being a back-to-basket old style Big with great footwork and elite rebounding skills, but I think there’s more to him than that. Timme has shown an emphasis on stretching the floor and being able to knockdown mid range shots and 3-pointers, and he is great at finding open teammates on cuts and off backpicks. Timme just didn’t have to do that as much in college because he was so dominant in the post. In fact, Timme has the most impressive arsenal of post-moves that I have seen in recent years from a prospect, and that should silence all of the critics right away.
NBA Comp: Luka Garza
James Nnaji, 6-10 C 18 years old, Barcelona (ACB), Nigeria
James Nnaji is an ultra athletic Big that blocks shots and rebounds at a high level. He doesn’t have a jumper, and isn’t the stretch 5 many modern NBA teams are looking for, but he can contribute to winning with his interior defense and lob-catching/offensive rebounding abilities.
NBA Comp: Bismack Biyombo
Terrence Shannon Jr., 6-7 Wing Senior, Illinois
Terrence Shannon Jr. did not have the year many scouts had envisioned him having, as Illinois got thumped in the first-round of the NCAA Tournament and Shannon Jr. shot just 32.1% from 3PT range despite shooting close to 39% from beyond the arc the year before. Shannon Jr. did average 17.2 points and 1.3 steals per game showing he’s a bucket on offense and can produce some turnovers on the defensive end. He is 22 years old and could be a good role-player on an NBA team, but Shannon Jr. is a risky pick because of the lack of upside.
NBA Comp: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oliver Maxence-Prosper, 6-8 Wing Junior, Marquette
Oliver Maxence-Prosper is a big Wing who can do just a bit of everything. He defends well, is a high energy guy that forces turnovers on defense, can hit the 3-pointer (although not his strongest attribute) and uses his strength and athleticism to create offense.
NBA Comp: Otto Porter Jr.
Julian Phillips, 6-7 Wing Freshman, Tennessee
Julian Phillips is a 6-8 Wing with a 7 foot wingspan that should become a very good 3 and D player at the NBA level in time. He is one of the rawest prospects in this draft, considering he shot just 23.9% from 3 his Freshman year for the Volunteers, but he shot close to 83% from the FT line and his shot mechanics are good. Phillips is also a switchable versatile defender who can get to the rim with ease on offense.
NBA Comp: Zhaire Smith
Jordan Walsh, 6-7 Wing Freshman, Arkansas
Jordan Walsh is a defense-first Wing with the potential for some shot creation at the next level. He’s young (just turned 19 years old) and has plenty of time to refine his offensive game, not to mention he is one of the more athletic players in this draft class.
At this point, he is a gifted defender and rebounder, and a willing passer and playmaker on offense. Walsh has a high basketball IQ and at the very least should be a defender off of the bench in the NBA.
NBA Comp: Herb Jones
Ricky Council IV, 6-6 Wing Junior, Arkansas
Ricky Council IV can flat out score, indicative of his 16.1 points per game in the SEC last season at Alabama. Though the efficiency wasn’t great (27% from 3PT range and only 43.3% from the floor overall), Council is still a bucket-getter with some obvious upside on the defensive end as well. He may never be an efficient scorer at the NBA level, but with development could become a two-way wing that can bring some energy, defense, and scoring production off of the bench.
NBA Comp: Ben McLemore
Azuolas Tubelis, 6-11 PF/C Junior, Arizona
Despite being knocked out early in the NCAA Tournament, Azuolas Tubleis had shown enough in his Junior year at Arizona to be considered in the second-round with his soft touch by the basket and rebounding. Tubleis averaged 19.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game with a TS% of 62.5, but didn’t show a whole lot of interior defense in his time at Arizona, which tells scouts he could be an offense-only Big at the NBA level. Nonetheless, he has enough skill to play at the NBA level.
NBA Comp: Super discounted Domantas Sabonis
Adam Flagler, 6-3 SG Senior, Baylor
Adam Flagler is an NBA ready guard is a proven winner and an efficient scorer (being a key piece in the 2021 Baylor Bears championship run where he shot a remarkable 43.8% from 3PT range that season). Flagler is one of the older players in this class (23 years old, turns 24 in December) but a contending team will want a good scorer and 3PT shooter off of the bench and a guy who improved immensely every year in college.
NBA Comp: Andrew Nembhard
Ryan Kalkbrenner, 7-1 PF/C Junior, Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner is a versatile stretch 5 who can contribute right away on both ends of the floor, indicative of his 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game with a 3PT% of 31.6 and overall field goal percentage of 69.5. HE may return for his final year at Creighton, but it is hard to find a 7-1 big man who can hit 3’s, block shots, and provide some secondary shot creation.
NBA Comp: Frank Kaminsky
DaRon Holmes, 6-10 PF Sophomore, Dayton
DaRon Holmes is one of the sleepers of the second round due to his scoring upside and interior defense. Holmes averaged 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last year at Dayton, and even hit 31.6% of his threes, showing scouts he can stretch the floor when need be. There is a high chance Holmes goes toward the top of the second-round because of his proven production and young age.
NBA Comp: Christian Wood
Seth Lundy, 6-6 SG/SF Senior, Penn State
Seth Lundy will likely never be more than a solid role player at the NBA level, but he projects to contribute to winning if his career at Penn State indicates anything about him. Lundy is a good 3PT shooter (40% last season at Penn State) and a ballhawk on defense who can guard 1-3. HE will be close to 24 on draft night, but some contending team will be willing to add an NBA ready Combo Guard/Wing who can provide 3PT shooting and Defense off of the bench.
NBA Comp: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Advanced Statistics used in this article are gathered from Fox Sports.com, ESPN.com, Overtime Elite, and G-League Ignite and are updated as of May 26th, 2023