The 2023 NBA Draft is about to get underway. Soon, many of the league’s top young prospects will have their NBA dreams realized as they take their game to the next level.
Among them is Victor Wembanyama, the consensus No. 1 pick and arguably the greatest prospect we’ve seen since LeBron James. But after the San Antonio Spurs nab him to open the night, anything could happen.
Here’s a look at the NBA Draft order and selections as well as my instant analysis of each pick.
NBA lines are current as of Thursday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
NBA Draft Pick Tracker 2023
| Rd | Pk | Team | Player | POS | School/Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | SAS | Victor Wembanyama | C | France |
| 1 | 2 | CHA | Brandon Miller | F | Alabama |
| 1 | 3 | POR | Scoot Henderson | G | G League |
| 1 | 4 | HOU | Amen Thompson | G | Overtime Elite |
| 1 | 5 | DET | Ausar Thompson | G | Overtime Elite |
| 1 | 6 | ORL | Anthony Black | G | Arkansas |
| 1 | 7 | WAS (via IND) | Bilal Coulibaly | F | France |
| 1 | 8 | IND (via WAS) | Jarace Walker | F | Houston |
| 1 | 9 | UTA | Taylor Hendricks | F | UCF |
| 1 | 10 | OKC (via DAL) | Cason Wallace | G | Kentucky |
| 1 | 11 | ORL (via CHI) | Jett Howard | F | Michigan |
| 1 | 12 | DAL (via OKC) | Dereck Lively II | C | Duke |
| 1 | 13 | TOR | Gradey Dick | G | Kansas |
| 1 | 14 | NOP | Jordan Hawkins | G | UConn |
| 1 | 15 | ATL | Kobe Bufkin | G | Michigan |
| 1 | 16 | UTA (via MIN) | Keyonte George | G | Baylor |
| 1 | 17 | LAL | Jalen Hood-Schifino | G | Indiana |
| 1 | 18 | MIA | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | F | UCLA |
| 1 | 19 | GSW | Brandin Podziemski | G | Santa Clara |
| 1 | 20 | HOU (via LAC) | Cam Whitmore | F | Villanova |
| 1 | 21 | BKN (via PHX) | Noah Clowney | F | Alabama |
| 1 | 22 | BKN | Dariq Whitehead | F | Duke |
| 1 | 23 | POR (via NYK) | Kris Murray | F | Iowa |
| 1 | 24 | DAL (via SAC) | Olivier Maxence-Prosper | F | Marquette |
| 1 | 25 | DET (via MEM) | Marcus Sasser | G | Houston |
| 1 | 26 | IND (via CLE) | Ben Sheppard | G | Belmont |
| 1 | 27 | CHA (via DEN) | Nick Smith Jr. | G | Arkansas |
| 1 | 28 | UTA (via PHI) | Brice Sensabaugh | G | Ohio State |
| 1 | 29 | DEN (via BOS) | Julian Strawther | F | Gonzaga |
| 1 | 30 | LAC (via MIL) | Kobe Brown | F | Missouri |
| 2 | 31 | CHA (via DET) | James Nnaji | C | Nigeria |
| 2 | 32 | DEN (via HOU) | Jalen Pickett | G | Penn State |
| 2 | 33 | MIN (via SAS) | Leonard Miller | F | G League |
| 2 | 34 | SAC (via CHA) | Colby Jones | G | Xavier |
| 2 | 35 | CHI (via POR) | Julian Phillips | F | Tennessee |
| 2 | 36 | MIL (via ORL) | Andre Jackson Jr. | G | UConn |
| 2 | 37 | DEN (via WAS) | Hunter Tyson | F | Clemson |
| 2 | 38 | BOS (via IND) | Jordan Walsh | F | Arkansas |
| 2 | 39 | ATL (via UTA) | Mouhamed Gueye | C | Washington State |
| 2 | 40 | LAL (via DAL) | Maxwell Lewis | F | Pepperdine |
| 2 | 41 | CHA (via OKC) | Amari Bailey | G | UCLA |
| 2 | 42 | WAS (via CHI) | Tristan Vukčević | C | Serbia |
| 2 | 43 | POR (via ATL) | Rayan Rupert | G | France |
| 2 | 44 | SAS (via TOR) | Sidy Cissoko | F | G League |
| 2 | 45 | MEM (via MIN) | G.G. Jackson | F | South Carolina |
| 2 | 46 | ATL (via NOP) | Seth Lundy | G | Penn State |
| 2 | 47 | IND (via LAL) | Mojave King | G | G League |
| 2 | 48 | LAC | Jordan Miller | F | Miami (FL) |
| 2 | 49 | CLE (via GSW) | Emoni Bates | G | Eastern Michigan |
| 2 | 50 | OKC (via MIA) | Keyontae Johnson | F | Kansas State |
| 2 | 51 | BKN | Jalen Wilson | F | Kansas |
| 2 | 52 | PHX | Toumani Camara | F | Dayton |
| 2 | 53 | MIN (via NYK) | Jaylen Clark | G | UCLA |
| 2 | 54 | SAC | Jalen Slawson | F | Furman |
| 2 | 55 | IND (via CLE) | Isaiah Wong | G | Miami (FL) |
| 2 | 56 | MEM | Tarik Biberović | G | Turkey |
| 2 | 57 | GSW (via BOS) | Trayce Jackson-Davis | F | Indiana |
| 2 | 58 | MIL | Chris Livingston | F | Kentucky |
Round 1 NBA Draft Picks
1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, C, France
No surprises here: Wembanyama, the 7-foot-5 positionless wonder, is the first player off the board in the 2023 NBA Draft. There’s not much else to say about him that hasn’t already been said — there’s never been another player like him in this league, and it’ll likely be some time before we do again.
Wembanyama can do it all, which is exactly what this San Antonio roster needs. The Spurs managed just 22 wins in 2022-23 but could genuinely push for a playoff spot this coming season behind the trio of Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson — two young, underrated forwards.
So long as he can stay healthy, he should at least lead the Spurs to a respectable record.
2. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller, F, Alabama
There was much debate about whether the Hornets would go with Miller or Scoot Henderson at No. 2, but ultimately, Charlotte settled on the former. The 20-year-old wing is a more natural fit alongside LaMelo Ball, and, among other things, the best collegiate player in this draft class.
Miller can score at will from all three levels (.430/.384/.859 shooting splits), can defend multiple positions, and is a gifted rebounder as well. Given his elite shot-making skills and lanky 6-foot-9 frame, he certainly has the tools to excel in his rookie season.
3. Portland Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, G, G League
Time will tell if Portland made this pick for itself or another franchise, but for now, Henderson is heading to the Trail Blazers. The springy, hyper-athletic guard is motivated to succeed and will have a chip on his shoulder in Year 1 after sliding to No. 3.
As far as his on-court production goes, Henderson averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game despite his 6-foot-2 frame. He’s not much of an outside shooter, but given his ferocity in the paint and his ability to drive and score, he really doesn’t need to be.
4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Thompson is an unbelievable athlete with a sky-high ceiling. Like Henderson, he’s not a terrific shooter, but he finishes at the rim with ease (thanks in part to his reported 44-inch vertical leap) and has received much praise for his defensive versatility.
Houston is about as good a landing spot as it gets for Thompson, too. These Rockets are defined by young, high-flying players like Jalen Green, and he should be a seamless fit alongside him.
5. Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Getting double vision? Ausar, the twin brother of Amen Thompson, comes off the board at No. 5 to the Pistons. Like his brother, Ausar has tremendous potential, staggering athleticism, and defensive ability for days — and there’s a chance he could become the better player of the two, too.
Detroit is a great spot for Thompson to succeed. He’s a near-perfect fit at forward alongside Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren, and his presence could help elevate a roster that finished with the fewest wins in the NBA in 2022-23.
6. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
After selecting Paolo Banchero at No. 1 overall in 2022, the Magic tap Arkansas’ Black to be his pick-and-roll partner of the future. He has terrific two-way potential, excelling as an offensive playmaker and on-ball defender.
I am curious about where he fits in — Orlando already has Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, and Jalen Suggs at the guard position — and Black isn’t a strong shooter, either, which the Magic desperately need.
7. Washington Wizards (via Pacers): Bilal Coulibaly, F, France
Our first (reported) trade! The Wizards are moving up to select Coulibaly, who shot up draft boards after playing alongside Wembanyama for Metropolitans 92 in France.
It’s all about potential with Coulibaly. He’s shown flashes of excellence on offense, but it’s the other side of the floor where he does his best work. The path is certainly there for him to become one of the better 3-and-D wings in this league, and he should have every opportunity to see the floor this season.
8. Indiana Pacers (via Wizards): Jarace Walker, F, Houston
The Pacers moved back a spot to select Walker, who looked the part of a dominant forward in his first year with Houston. He’s still just 19 years old, but he’s already displayed terrific versatility on both ends of the floor, racking up three-pointers and blocked shots.
I’m a big fan of Walker’s fit with this Pacers team, too. Tyrese Haliburton is a rising star in this league, and power forward was the obvious weakness in Indiana’s rotation this past season. The two should really blend well together as the years go on.
9. Utah Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF
Hendricks has the potential to be precisely the type of player that just about every team seems to want these days. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he has the size and ability to make a difference on defense. He’s also a near-40% shooter from three-point range, bolstering his two-way talent.
Hendricks is set to join a talented Jazz team that already rosters one of the best rim protectors in the league in Walker Kessler and a much-improved wing in Lauri Markkanen. This young core is nothing to mess with.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Mavericks): Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
The Thunder reportedly struck a deal with the Mavericks to move up to the No. 10 pick in the draft and are selecting Kentucky product Cason Wallace. The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the top defenders in this class and has drawn comparisons to Jrue Holiday, filling a significant need for OKC.
Wallace has offensive chops, too, averaging 11.7 points on .514/.346/.757 shooting splits and 4.3 assists per game as a freshman. He should fit in nicely alongside fellow former Kentucky standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
11. Orlando Magic (via Bulls): Jett Howard, F, Michigan
With their second lottery pick in this year’s draft, the Magic snag Jett Howard, the son of former NBA All-Star Juwan Howard. Don’t assume that his name is all that got him here, though, because Howard has the potential to become the best three-point shooter in his class, which Orlando truly needs.
The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 14.2 points and connected on 36.8% of his three-point attempts as a freshman, taking an astounding 7.3 per game. Alongside fellow rookie Anthony Black, he could really shine.
12. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
Dallas traded back to select Lively, obviously tantalized by his potential. He averaged just 20.6 minutes as a freshman, but it’s no surprise that he still managed to rack up over two blocks per game given his 7-foot-1 frame and 7-foot-7 wingspan.
Lively projects as an efficient finisher on offense and formidable rim protector on defense, providing the Mavericks with a skillset they’ve struggled to put on the floor in the Luka Dončić era. It’s possible they’ve found a long-term answer at center.
13. Toronto Raptors: Gradey Dick, G, Kansas
Ring the efficiency bell, because Dick is about as good a shooter as they come. The Kansas product posted .442/.403/.854 shooting splits in his lone year at Kansas, and it’s worth noting that he also cleaned up on the glass and showed playmaking potential as well.
Defense is a question mark at this stage of his career, but Toronto is a great landing spot for him. The Raptors have plenty of stout defenders on the roster, including OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, who can help cover him while he develops on that end of the floor.
14. New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins, G, UConn
I’ve been high on Hawkins throughout the draft process, and I love this landing spot for him. New Orleans ranked 29th in three-point attempts this past season, and Hawkins converted 38.8% of his looks from beyond the arc on an astonishing 7.6 attempts per game.
That type of volume and efficiency is rarely seen at the college level, and it’s something that will help him step in and contribute right away for the Pelicans. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the top scorers in his class in Year 1.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Hawks this offseason, but if one thing is clear, it’s that this team needs more three-point shooting. Atlanta ranked 28th in three-point attempts in 2022-23, and Bufkin is someone who figures to help out in that department.
It’s not just the deep ball for Bufkin, though. Despite his small frame, he’s more than effective on defense, averaging 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game as a 6-foot-4 guard. So long as he continues to improve, he could become a future All-Star for the Hawks.
16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Keyonte George, G, Baylor
If nothing else, George can be relied upon to shoot the ball like crazy. He attempted 12.5 field goals per game as a freshman (6.9 of which came from three-point range), though his .376/.338/.793 shooting splits leave something to be desired in terms of efficiency.
George does have upside as a playmaker (2.8 assists per game) and defender (1.1 steals), but he needs to improve some in both regards if he’s going to get consistent time on the floor as a rookie. Fortunately, he’s still just 19 years old and will have time to develop with this young Jazz squad.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana
Hood-Schifino is a nice grab for the Lakers at No. 17. The 20-year-old Indiana product possesses two-way talent at his position, and his physical tools (6-foot-4 frame, 6-foot-10 wingspan) will help him succeed against the longer, stronger competition in the NBA.
He’s not a strong three-point shooter, but he does excel in the mid-range and has some legitimate playmaking chops. Assuming his skills translate to the pros, he should be a great fit — now and in the future — for Los Angeles.
18. Miami Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr., F, UCLA
Miami has developed a reputation for finding gems in the back end of the draft and beyond, but it may be onto something here in Jaquez, who can come in and contribute immediately as a rookie. The 6-foot-6 wing was one of the best players in all of college basketball last season and has an incredibly high IQ.
He’s a career 32.8% shooter from three-point range, but Jaquez is still an effective scorer (17.8 points per game as a senior) and strong defender. He’ll impress right away with the Heat and could become an important rotation piece as they look to make another deep playoff run.
19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, G, Santa Clara
Podziemski made huge strides as a sophomore in his first year at Santa Clara, averaging 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He was also incredibly efficient as a shooter, posting .483/.438/.771 shooting splits.
The West Coast Conference is a bit weaker than most in college basketball, but don’t assume that his ability won’t translate well to the pros because of that. Jalen Williams, who burst onto the scene as a rookie for the Thunder in 2022-23, spent all three of his college seasons there.
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova
Whitmore finally comes off the board at No. 20, ending his lengthy slide. Not only was he projected to go in the lottery range, but he was once considered one of the five or so top talents in this class as recently as last week. The Rockets nabbing him at No. 4 wouldn’t have been unexpected.
Time will tell why he fell so far, but Houston was smart to pick him up here. At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Whitmore is a physical forward and impressive athlete who averaged 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman at Villanova.
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): Noah Clowney, F, Alabama
Brandon Miller stole the spotlight this season at Alabama, freeing up fellow freshman Noah Clowney to become somewhat of a sleeper. He’s not a strong shooter just yet, but at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he certainly has an NBA body.
Right now, Clowney’s upside is on the defensive end. He’s a great rebounder who can defend a variety of positions, and by playing alongside guys like Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton in Brooklyn, he could become something special on that side of the ball.
22. Brooklyn Nets: Dariq Whitehead, F, Duke
A former No. 1 recruit, Whitehead started in just seven games as a freshman due to some health setbacks. He’s already had multiple foot surgeries, which may be cause for concern about his playing future.
Nonetheless, the potential is certainly there for Whitehead, who is a stout defender and displayed an ability to be an efficient three-level scorer in college. His .421/.429/.793 shooting splits suggest that he has what it takes to become a legitimate two-way threat in the NBA.
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via Knicks): Kris Murray, F, Iowa
If this name sounds familiar, it’s because Keegan Murray — Kris’ twin brother — went fourth overall to the Sacramento Kings in the 2022 NBA Draft. Keegan blossomed a bit earlier than Kris, but the latter made massive improvements in his junior season to vault himself into the first round.
After averaging 9.7 points per game as a sophomore, Murray elevated his scoring to 20.2 this past season, with 7.9 rebounds to boot. He can contribute right away for the Trail Blazers in a 3-and-D role.
24. Dallas Mavericks (via Kings): Olivier Maxence-Prosper, F, Marquette
A late riser in the NBA Draft process, Marquette product Maxence-Prosper is another 3-and-D forward who could make an impact right away in Dallas — especially since the Mavs dealt Dorian Finney-Smith in the trade to acquire Kyrie Irving.
Maxence-Prosper is a high-level athlete who still has some room to grow as a shooter, but he’s shown consistent improvement in that regard throughout his three years as a Golden Eagle. Ultimately, he’s one of those guys who will always be credited with making winning plays.
25. Detroit Pistons (via Grizzlies): Marcus Sasser, G, Houston
The Celtics acquired this pick via the Marcus Smart trade, and they’ve since moved it in a deal with the Pistons. Detroit, then, will be the team that lands Sasser, who was one of the best players in college basketball this past year.
He’s undersized at 6-foot-1, but he was also the heart and soul of a Cougars team that went 33-4 in 2022-23. He’s a great scorer, terrific defender, and all-around winning player. This is a nice get for the Pistons.
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Ben Sheppard, G, Belmont
Another late riser, Sheppard made a name for himself at the NBA Draft Combine. As a four-year player at Belmont, Sheppard improved each year as a three-point shooter (41.5% as a senior) while rounding out the rest of his game, particularly on the offensive end of the floor.
His free-throw shooting (68.4% in 2022-23) is some cause for concern, but his ceiling as an elite option from beyond the arc makes him tough to pass up on in this range.
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets): Nick Smith Jr., G, Arkansas
It’s hardly a surprise to see Smith heading to the Hornets at No. 27. Charlotte has developed a reputation for targeting thin guards, and Smith’s upside is difficult to ignore.
A former No. 3 recruit, Smith appeared in just 17 games as a freshman at Arkansas due to a nagging knee injury. When he played, he averaged 12.5 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 rebounds, establishing himself as a score-first guard.
28. Utah Jazz (via 76ers): Brice Sensabaugh, G, Ohio State
The Jazz continue to clean up, this time selecting Buckeyes standout Brice Sensabaugh at No. 28. The 6-foot-6 swingman proved that he can be an efficient three-level scorer in his lone year at Ohio State, averaging 16.3 points on .480/.405/.830 shooting splits.
Defense is hardly his strong suit, but he’s here to be a bucket-getter, and he should do just that in Utah.
29. Denver Nuggets (via Celtics): Julian Strawther, F, Gonzaga
Fresh off their first-ever NBA title, the Nuggets may have struck gold once again in Strawther. The Gonzaga product put together an impressive campaign this past year, averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds while knocking down nearly 41% of his looks from beyond the arc.
Strawther can also bring it on defense, providing the Nuggets with a versatile, two-way wing to add to their already impressive roster. He can contribute right away, as did rookie Christian Braun in 2022-23.
30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Bucks): Kobe Brown, F, Missouri
The Clippers need someone who can step in and help right away, and Brown is someone who figures to fill that role. The Missouri standout started in 118 of his 123 games in college, making huge strides with his three-point shot as a senior.
Brown has great size (6-foot-7, 7-foot-1 wingspan) and knocked down a blistering 45.5% of his looks from deep this past year. He rounded out his averages with 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals to boot.
Round 2 NBA Draft Picks
31. Charlotte Hornets (via Pistons): James Nnaji, C, Nigeria
Nnaji is massive, coming in at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He’s incredibly raw, but he excels as a finisher around the rim and is an impressive shot-blocker. His athleticism — and the fact that he’s still just 18 years old — are reasons to believe in his high ceiling.
32. Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Jalen Pickett, G, Penn State
After picking up Strawther late in the first round, the Nuggets snag another more experienced prospect in Pickett. He did virtually everything for the Nittany Lions in his fifth and final college season, averaging 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Unsurprisingly, I love this pick.
33. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Spurs): Leonard Miller, F, G League
The Timberwolves moved up to acquire Miller, who impressed with the G League Ignite this past season. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he has the build to complement his game, averaging 18.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in 24 appearances.
34. Sacramento Kings (via Hornets): Colby Jones, G, Xavier
The Kings traded into this pick to land Jones, a third-year swingman who started in 82 of 86 games over three years at Xavier. Despite his poor free-throw percentage (65.3%), Jones sank 56.3% of his looks inside the arc as a junior and looks the part of an NBA-caliber defender.
35. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Julian Phillips, F, Tennessee
A former high-end high school recruit, Phillips struggled in his lone season at Tennessee but still finds a spot with the Bulls at No. 35. His three-point shot (23.9%) still needs to come along, but he has the athleticism and defensive ability to carve out a niche in this league.
36. Milwaukee Bucks (via Magic): Andre Jackson Jr., G, UConn
Jackson isn’t being drafted for his shooting. Rather, it’s his strong defensive chops and playmaking ability, providing the Bucks with a potential glue guy for years to come.
37. Denver Nuggets (via Wizards): Hunter Tyson, F, Clemson
Tyson looked the part of a knockdown shooter in his fifth year at Clemson, averaging 15.3 points per game on .479/.405/.838 splits. If he sees consistent time on the floor this season, he could really benefit by playing with some of Denver’s more efficient scorers.
38. Boston Celtics (via Pacers): Jordan Walsh, F, Arkansas
After shipping out Marcus Smart to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics find a potential replacement in Walsh. The 6-foot-6 wing boasts a 7-foot-3 wingspan and is an intense defender, which should help him earn some time on the court as a 19-year-old rookie.
39. Atlanta Hawks (via Jazz): Mouhamed Gueye, C, Washington State
A second-year big who possesses a 6-foot-11 frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan, Gueye has the potential to become a real threat around the rim on both ends of the floor. He also flashed some signs of expanding his offensive game to the three-point line, but it’ll take time to develop.
40. Los Angeles Lakers (via Mavericks): Maxwell Lewis, F, Pepperdine
A 6-foot-7 wing who made significant improvements as a sophomore, Lewis has the potential to become a solid 3-and-D option, though his efficiency left something to be desired.
41. Charlotte Hornets (via Thunder): Amari Bailey, G, UCLA
Bailey needs to work on limiting turnovers, but the potential is there for him to become a solid playmaker. At just 19 years old, he’ll have plenty of time to improve in this Hornets system.
42. Washington Wizards (via Bulls): Tristan Vukčević, C, Serbia
We’ve seen plenty of more traditional big men come off the board tonight, but Vukčević has real floor-spacing ability. He’s just 20 years old and likely still needs some time to develop, but you can’t blame Washington for taking a risk here.
43. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Rayan Rupert, G, France
Rupert is a defense-first prospect, which is complemented by his 6-foot-6 frame and massive 7-foot-3 wingspan. At 19, he’s clearly a long-term play for Portland, which gives him time to round out his offensive game.
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Sidy Cissoko, F, G League
Cissoko impressed on defense with the G League Ignite, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks in 28 games. On the other side of the floor, he averaged 12.8 points per game on .455/.304/.645 splits. His two-way potential is easy to see, and he’s a terrific athlete as well.
45. Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves): G.G. Jackson, F, South Carolina
A former high-ranking high school recruit, Jackson struggled as a freshman at South Carolina in 2022-23. Still, the upside is there as a scorer, and he’s still only 18. Perhaps Memphis has something here at No. 45.
46. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Seth Lundy, G, Penn State
A four-year player at Penn State, Lundy was coveted in this class for his shooting. He took 6.4 three-pointers per game as a senior and converted 40% of them, potentially filling another need for a Hawks team that’s desperate for perimeter offense.
47. Indiana Pacers (via Lakers): Mojave King, G, G League
King is an upside play for the Pacers. The 6-foot-5 swingman averaged 25.1 minutes but struggled to find his shot with the G League Ignite, knocking down just 24.3% of his looks from deep. The potential is there for him to become a solid 3-and-D wing.
48. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Miller, F, Miami (FL)
After snagging Kobe Brown at No. 30 to fuel their win-now mentality, the Clippers tap Miami forward Jordan Miller at No. 48. A five-year college athlete, Miller has honed his craft to the point where he rarely makes mistakes and can be relied upon immediately — not unlike former second-round talent Terance Mann.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Warriors): Emoni Bates, G, Eastern Michigan
A former five-star recruit who once drew comparisons to NBA superstars like Kevin Durant, Bates finds himself going to Cleveland at No. 49. He’s an impressive scorer with tremendous size, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the pros.
50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat): Keyontae Johnson, F, Kansas State
After taking two years off due to a heart condition, Johnson transferred to Kansas State and instantly proved why he belongs in the NBA. The 6-foot-5 forward has impressive length with a seven-foot wingspan, and he averaged 17.4 points on 40.5% shooting from deep this past year.
51. Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
Wilson was a standout at Kansas, averaging 20.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this past year. He’s not a particularly strong shooter from beyond the arc, but he’s a winning player who was heavily relied upon during the Jayhawks’ run to the title in 2022.
52. Phoenix Suns: Toumani Camara, F, Dayton
A strong presence on the glass and defense, Camara boasts a 6-foot-8 frame that helped him snag 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 2022-23. His three-point shot has also come a long way since his freshman year at Georgia, improving from 17.2% to 36.3%.
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Knicks): Jaylen Clark, G, UCLA
One of the best defenders in his class, Clark averaged a staggering 2.6 steals per game as a junior at UCLA. Efficient scoring will likely never be something he provides, but his defensive versatility makes him a valuable pick at this range of the draft.
54. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Slawson, F, Furman
A breakout star in March, Slawson came up big in Furman’s massive upset over Virginia, logging 19 points and 10 rebounds. In his fifth year, Slawson averaged 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks, highlighting his ceiling as a 3-and-D rotation piece.
55. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Isaiah Wong, G, Miami (FL)
The other half of Miami’s impressive duo, Wong averaged an impressive 16.2 points over 37 games for the Hurricanes in 2022-23. He’s a shifty guard with a proven ability to score at all three levels, making him a terrific value at No. 55.
56. Memphis Grizzlies: Tarik Biberović, G, Turkey
Biberović is a reported draft-and-stash for the Grizzlies at No. 56. The 22-year-old comes in at 6-foot-7 and appeared in 12 games for Fenerbahçe in 2022-23, averaging 2.9 points.
57. Golden State Warriors (via Celtics): Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana
One of college basketball’s most dominant players, Trayce Jackson-Davis started in all 126 games for Indiana over his four-year career, averaging 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game in 2022-23. He’s an explosive athlete who plays exclusively inside the arc on offense.
58. Milwaukee Bucks: Chris Livingston, F, Kentucky
A former top recruit, Livingston is a solid wing who still has room to grow on offense. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a freshman at Kentucky, but his upside lies squarely in his rebounding and defensive potential.
