# Team Player Pos
1 Victor Wembanyama C
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

No appearance at the Combine for Wembanyama -- he is still playing out his season with Mets 92 -- but no problem. He remains No. 1 with a bullet atop a loaded class.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Wembanyama has long been considered one of the best basketball prospects on the planet and a generational talent. Standing 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama projects as the No. 1 player in the class and one of the best basketball prospects since LeBron James with his rare combination of size, skill and defensive versatility.

Pro Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis' length and shooting with Rudy Gobert's shot-blocking

Facts and Stats

  • Led LNB Pro A in PPG (21.5), RPG (10.4) and BPG (3.0) playing for Metropolitans 92


Strengths

  • Advanced ball-handling skills for his position and size
  • Elite defensive prospect who can cover ground quickly and moves fluidly
  • Great defensive anchor who can block shots from anywhere on the court; affects shots with his length and long frame
  • Mechanically sound shot and repeatable shooting motion that extends to the 3-point line


Weaknesses

  • Tall, slender frame raises questions about how his body could hold up in the NBA; he plays roughly once weekly with Mets 92, can he play 82 games in an NBA season and be durable?
  • Can sometimes be turnover prone and foul prone; he struggles sometimes to play within himself and frequently, likely because of his situation, tries to do too much
  • Has tendency to take wild shots, though even the one-legged trick shots frequently fall through the hoop
2 Brandon Miller
Alabama, Fr
SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

This isn't who I would take, but this is believed to be the way Charlotte is leaning. A 6-foot-9 scoring forward who shoots 38.4% from 3 -point range would pair nicely next to LaMelo Ball.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Long wings who can score are among the more valuable archetypes in the NBA, and Miller projects neatly as exactly that. The former five-star recruit was a first-team All-American, led all freshmen in scoring last season at Alabama and led the Tide to SEC regular-season and tournament championships while going on to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Pro Comparison: Playmaking Jabari Smith Jr.

Facts and Stats

  • Named to AP and CBS Sports All-America first team
  • Led SEC in PPG and led all freshmen in PPG in 2022-23
  • Finished in 22nd percentile as at-rim finisher on shots that qualified as layup per Synergy data, finishing 46.8% (58/124) on such shots
  • Shot 38.4% from 3-point line on 276 attempts


Strengths

  • Excellent shooter who can be a threat from distance and space the floor
  • Can create and operate as ball-handler in spots; knows how to operate in transition and savvy at creating looks for himself
  • Long frame with big reach; projects as solid wing defender and embraced his role on defensive end as true freshman for Alabama team that finished top-three in adjusted efficiency on defense


Weaknesses

  • Improved during the season at Alabama but still can struggle finishing around the rim
  • Shows signs of being a good playmaker and passer but can be turnover-prone; had a higher turnover rate than assist rate in one season at Alabama
  • Has tendency to play rushed when running as lead guard in pick-and-roll
  • Doesn't do a great job of setting up his defender on screens and makes mistakes with loose handle/errant passes

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.6 18.8 8.2 2.1 43.0
3 Scoot Henderson PG
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Portland has all but deployed billboards to let the rest of the NBA know this pick is up for sale as it looks to upgrade its roster around Damian Lillard. Henderson would be the pick here if Wembanyama and Miller go No. 1 and No. 2, but whether he'll be playing for the Trail Blazers or someone else is up in the air.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

A former five-star recruit from Marietta, Georgia, Henderson is a first-of-his-kind prospect who spent two seasons with G League Ignite, developing the last two years into a bona fide top-five prospect in the 2023 draft class. Henderson's combination of playmaking, athleticism and competitiveness makes him an appealing lead guard who could serve as a building block for a franchise.

Pro Comparison: Collin Sexton

Facts and Stats

  • Led G League Ignite in PPG (17.6), APG (6.6) and SPG (1.2) in 2022-23
  • Shot 33% on catch-and-shoot jumpers and 31.3% on pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc
  • Reported 6-foot-9 wingspan makes him one of the longer athletes comparative to height in this class


Strengths

  • High-level competitor who plays with an edge and chip on his shoulder
  • Bouncy athlete who is unafraid to attack the basket and can finish around the rim
  • Tight handles help him operate as a lead guard; has savvy to facilitate for others and knows when to be aggressive


Weaknesses

  • Capable outside shooter but did not make developmental leap as 3-point shooter that some hoped he would
  • Good, but not great frame; a really good defensive hound at point of attack but doesn't project as switchable defender
  • Needs to improve as a shooter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations, to become a more rounded weapon
4 Amen Thompson SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Thompson is an elite playmaker who possesses the ability to make advanced reads as a potential lead guard. He profiles as someone who could be the initiator for an NBA offense, potentially setting up Houston -- which has already met with him after securing the No. 4 pick -- to maximize its investments in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Thompson is the twin brother of Ausar, both of whom project as lottery picks in the 2023 draft. Amen is a natural playmaker who has explosive athletic ability and a long frame to buttress one of the most exciting long-term profiles in the class. He spent the last two seasons developing with Overtime Elite and could be the program's first player selected in the first round - if his twin brother doesn't beat him to the punch.

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 214 pounds | Wingspan: 7'00" | Vertical: N/A

Facts and Stats

  • Shot 25% from three with OTE in 2022-23
  • Led OTE in playoffs with 9.2 APG in helping lead the City Reapers to a championship


Strengths

  • Special athlete with rare combination of size and leaping ability for a point guard prospect
  • Twitchy with his ability to stop and start
  • Can make advanced reads as playmaker and facilitator


Weaknesses

  • Can be turnover-prone, a product of trying to force passes into tight windows
  • Jump shot has improved but needs to continue developing
  • Level of competition faced against OTE leaves questions about scouting him and how his game will project early on
5 Jarace Walker
Houston, Fr
PF

There's a number of directions Detroit could go here at wing, but the addition of Jarace Walker makes a ton of sense both from a value perspective and from a fit standpoint. He's a ready-made NBA power forward who can hit shots and provide toughness for a young core centered around Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Walker became the highest-rated signee in Houston men's basketball history in 2022 in signing with the Cougars out of high school, and paid off right away as a floor-spacing forward with talents galore on both ends of the floor. He was a versatile defensive weapon and Swiss Army knife offensive player for a 33-win Houston team that was primarily comprised of upperclassmen, and there is untapped potential in his game as a playmaker and scorer that should be unlocked with NBA spacing.

Pro Comparison: Thomas Bryant

Height: 6'6 ½" | Weight: 249 pounds | Wingspan: 7'2 ½" | Vertical: 38"

Facts and Stats

  • Shot 34.7% from 3 on 101 attempts as freshman for Houston
  • McDonald's All-American and former five-star recruit who went on to win AAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2022-23


Strengths

  • Playmaking power forward who has guard-like playmaking and passing vision
  • Physically advanced body and frame with movement skills and fluidity of a four-year college player
  • Gifted playmaker with off-the-dribble skills; projects as combination forward who can slide anywhere from the wing to a small-ball center


Weaknesses

  • Can fade in and out of action. Was the best talent on a veteran Houston team, but had a tendency to be standoffish.
  • Has playmaking upside as both a creator and passer, but had a higher turnover rate than assist rate as freshman, partly due to erratic decision-making and partly due to carelessness when handling the ball and driving.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.5 11.2 6.8 1.8 46.5
6 Ausar Thompson SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

There's lots of steam around Ausar -- the twin brother of Amen -- indicating he may not only be on the rise but in the mix to supplant Amen as the first Thompson taken in this year's draft. Getting him at No. 6 here would be robbery for the Magic, giving them a combo wing who has incredible athleticism, selfless playmaking ability and an improving shot.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The twin brother of potential top-five pick Amen Thompson, Ausar, like his brother, has long been viewed as a bluechip prospect with NBA pedigree. Ausar spent the last two seasons developing with Overtime Elite and has grown into his own as a gifted scorer and improved shot-maker. He brings great size and skill to the wing spot and projects as a boom prospect with loads of long-term upside.

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 218 pounds | Wingspan: 7'00" | Vertical: N/A

Facts and Stats

  • Led OTE in regular season in APG (6.1)
  • Shot 40% on catch-and-shoot jumpers in OTE playoffs (12 of 30)


Strengths

  • Has made significant developmental strides as a shooter and functional scorer
  • Top-shelf athlete like his twin brother who can play above the rim and use his length to affect plays on defense
  • Improving finisher with good shooting touch around the basket


Weaknesses

  • Still not a reliable shooter; while he has made improvements in this area, he still needs to work on strengthening his shot to become a threat
  • Can struggle to finish through contact - or finish in general - when getting to the rim
  • Can get boxed out in offensive situations; really good in transition and shows signs of promise as a playmaker with the ball, but hard to envision him being a star if his shooting doesn't improve
7 Cam Whitmore SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Whitmore is not a playmaker but what he does provide as a shooting wing with above-the-rim hops he does at a high level. Indiana surrounding Tyrese Haliburton with a player of Whitmore's ilk who can score should be priority No. 1 in this draft.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The first Villanova one-and-done since Tim Thomas in 1997, Whitmore brings power and explosiveness to the table as one of the most appealing long-term wing prospects in this year's draft class. A former five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his class from Maryland, Whitmore is an above-the-rim wing finisher who can provide floor-spacing as a spot-up threat and showed immense talent making shots in a variety of ways, though his playmaking ability for others is an area of improvement. 

Pro Comparison: Miles Bridges

Height: 6'5 ¾ " | Weight: 235 pounds | Wingspan: 6'8 ½" | Vertical: 40 ½"

Facts and Stats

  • Turnover rate (15.1%) more than double his assist rate (6.4%) at Villanova
  • 85% of his drives in college were to his left, per Synergy data


Strengths

  • Explosive athlete with jaw-dropping hops who can finish above the rim and thrives in transition
  • Good catch-and-shoot weapon; hit 34.3% of 3s at Villanova and rated in 84th percentile in catch-and-shoot across all opportunities, per Synergy data
  • Powerful athletic ability that he uses to attack downhill; can be a load for defenders to keep in front of and has good off-the-ball creation flashes
  • Smart cutter who plays well off the ball and knows when to flash into gaps in the defense
  • Can be a winner in isolation situations given his power and athletic ability


Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve playmaking ability; very low assist rate in one college season, though he was mostly asked to play as an attacking wing and not as a creator
  • His unwillingness/inability to make plays for others slows down the flow of the offense and can lead to him making forced errors

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.2 12.5 5.3 0.7 47.8
8 Keyonte George
Baylor, Fr
SG

If you squint a bit at George's game you'll see some shades of Bradley Beal in terms of what he can do as a scorer and combo guard. George impressed NBA teams at his pro day in Chicago during the NBA Draft Combine and appears to be on the rise as a potential top-10 pick.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

A nagging ankle injury sapped some of George's sensational skill set in his one-and-done season at Baylor, but he has made a strong impression on NBA teams during the pre-draft process both with his athleticism and his polished scoring ability. George led all Big 12 freshmen in scoring last season and showed growth as a playmaker, making him an appealing two-way guard whose offensive versatility is his biggest selling point.

Pro Comparison: Bradley Beal

Facts and Stats

  • Led all freshmen in Big 12 in PPG (15.8) and finished second among all Big 12 freshmen in APG (2.8)
  • Ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports and was a consensus five-star, top-10 national recruit


Strengths

  • Dynamic shot-maker and shot-creator who can function as an offensive hub
  • Lots of untapped potential as facilitator and playmaker with good passing and vision
  • Microwave scoring option who can play on and off the ball


Weaknesses

  • Can be streaky at times as a shooter; needs to improve consistency with which he scores
  • Shows playmaking promise, but needs to cut down on turnovers; turnover rate and assist rate were virtually identical during freshman season at Baylor
  • Needs to improve defensive discipline; has tools to be multi-positional defender but has tendency to stand upright and out of stance, and frequently bites on pump fakes

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.6 15.3 4.2 2.8 37.6
9 Taylor Hendricks
UCF, Fr
PF
Prospect Breakdowns: Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

The meteoric rise last season of Santa Clara star Jalen Williams -- and his subsequent stellar season as a rookie with OKC -- has taught us not to overlook mid-major stars. Hendricks is perhaps the latest example of that, as he starred for UCF last season as a sharpshooting forward who can protect the rim and be a havoc-wreaker on defense.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Ranked as the No. 84 player in the Class of 2022 coming out of high school in Florida, Hendricks is the most meteoric of risers over the last year among potential top-10 picks after a stellar one-and-done season at UCF. He flashed dominance as a do-it-all defender and shot nearly 40% from 3 on 155 attempts throughout the year, earning second-team All-AAC honors as a true freshman.

Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels

Height: 6'8 ¼" | Weight: 214 pounds | Wingspan: 7'0 ½" | Vertical: 36"

Facts and Stats

  • Rated in the 98th percentile as post-up defender at UCF, per Synergy, allowing only a staggering 0.4 points per possession
  • One of the best transition players at his position in the draft, averaging 1.458 points per possession, per Synergy data


Strengths

  • Versatile defensive prospect who brings good length, smarts and savvy positioning to the table for his position
  • Excellent shooter who showed shot-making skills and shot-making versatility not only as a floor-spacing spot-up threat but also in some dynamic situations off the dribble and attacking
  • Explosive athlete who can be a pogo-stick leaper and lob threat around the basket; that skill allows him to recover on defense and act as a high-level rim protector and weak-side shot blocker


Weaknesses

  • Shows great shooting touch but his finishing ability at the rim leaves something to be desired; improved strength and reps will in time likely quell concerns
  • Needs to show improvement as a playmaker and decision-maker to hit his high-end NBA outcome; had more turnovers than assists and sometimes looked out of his depth when asked to make plays with the ball in his hands

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.7 15.1 7 1.4 47.8
10 Gradey Dick
Kansas, Fr
SF

Tall wings who have the ability to shoot it -- and do so successfully in the multitude of ways Dick can shoot it -- don't come around every draft. His game is tailor-made for an NBA role player with room to grow into more alongside a superstar in Luka Doncic.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.6 14.1 5.1 1.7 44.2
11 Cason Wallace PG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Kentucky

Perhaps Orlando looks elsewhere here after going guard with its first pick in this mock, but Wallace's skill set is so different and complementary to Thompson that the two could coexist successfully. One of the best playmaking defenders in this class.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 11.7 3.7 4.3 44.6
12 Anthony Black PG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Black had the highest assist rate on a loaded Arkansas team last season operating as a connective tissue and heartbeat for one of the most talented teams in the SEC. OKC is stacked with selfless guards of Black's archetype and checks a ton of boxes for what this team likes.

Draft prospect outlook

Summary

Black was the No. 1-ranked point guard prospect in the Class of 2022 and a consensus five-star recruit who signed with Arkansas out of high school. He led the team in assists and minutes per game as a true freshman in 2022-23 and profiles as a big-bodied combo guard who can make plays and score. If his 3-point shot shows continued improvement, he will be one of the most complete NBA prospects in this class.

Pro Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 210 pounds | Wingspan: 6'7 ½" | Vertical: 39"


Strengths

  • Smart guard who has quick processing skills and showed he can function as a facilitator and playmaker
  • Big frame who uses it well as a dynamic defensive player; knows how to slither his way to spots on offense as smooth operator
  • Immense feel for the game as young player; knows how to read defenses as lead guard and has innate sense for where to be and when


Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve his shooting, particularly as spot-up shooter and in distance shooting; he shot 30.1% from 3 and rated in the 34th percentile in spot-up shooting situations
  • Rarely put in isolation situations at Arkansas, but in the instances he was, he averaged .375 points per possession, which was in the fifth percentile among all college players last season, per Synergy. His creation ability and talents to create space one-on-one need improvement.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.3 12.8 5.1 3.9 45.3
13 Kobe Bufkin
Michigan, Soph
SG

If Bufkin gets past OKC at No. 12, it's unlikely he is on the board much longer. The second-year player for Michigan blossomed into a bona fide first-round talent this past season. He has a nice combination of scoring and creation that might make him an appealing two-way guard in the league.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 14 4.5 2.9 48.2
14 Kris Murray
Iowa, Jr
PF

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.7 20.2 7.9 2 47.6
15 Jalen Hood-Schifino
Indiana, Fr
PG
Scouting Breakdown: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana)

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 13.5 4.1 3.7 41.7
16 Leonard Miller SF

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

17 Amari Bailey
UCLA, Fr
SG

Few players boosted their draft stock at the combine than did Bailey, who acquitted himself nicely as expected as a scoring guard but flashed some unexpected playmaking and passing to boot in front of NBA teams. The former five-star recruit has played his way into the lottery mix and seems unlikely to slip out of the first round.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.8 11.2 3.8 2.2 49.5
18 Jordan Hawkins
UConn, Soph
SG

No player in this class is more skilled as a spot-up shooter than Hawkins, whose ability to be his own offensive hub because of his space-creation is underrated and under-appreciated. He profiles as a Duncan Robinson-like talent with better defense.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.3 16.2 3.8 1.3 40.9
19 Trey Alexander
Creighton, Soph
SG

Alexander's development the last two years from an athletic wing into a legitimate playmaking guard who can shoot is among the more impressive arcs for a player in this class. He did well for himself at the combine, getting to the rim at will and showcasing his length as a potential two-way player in the NBA.

20 Nick Smith Jr. SG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

As a four-star prospect ranked 85th in his class, Sensabaugh wasn't even on the one-and-done radar entering the season. But his production with Ohio State is tough to ignore. Uses his big frame well and smashed in his role as a rotation piece hitting 40.5% of his 3-pointers on the year.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.8 12.5 1.6 1.7 37.6
21 Brice Sensabaugh SF
Scouting Breakdown: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State)

As a four-star prospect ranked 85th in his class, Sensabaugh wasn't even on the one-and-done radar entering the season. But his production with Ohio State is tough to ignore. Uses his big frame well and smashed in his role as a rotation piece hitting 40.5% of his 3-pointers on the year.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.4 16.3 5.4 1.2 48.2
22 Dereck Lively II
Duke, Fr
C
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Best player available here is Lively, the one-and-done Duke big man who was among the most effective rim-protecting players in all of college hoops last season. He's still got some growing to do as an offensive weapon, but his defensive impact is a foundational piece of his game that will translate.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
20.5 5.2 5.4 1.1 65.8
23 Dariq Whitehead
Duke, Fr
SF
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Whitehead had a topsy-turvy season at Duke and didn't quite live up to expectations as a five-star, consensus top-five recruit, in part because of injuries and inconsistencies that resulted from that. ESPN reported that his preseason right foot injury did not heal properly and requires a follow-up procedure, so teams will want to make sure his medicals check out.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
20.5 8.3 2.4 1 42.1
24 Trayce Jackson-Davis
Indiana, Jr
PF

Big men who don't shoot 3-pointers don't pop off the page as definite first-rounders, and yet Jackson-Davis by most measures appears to be an anomaly. He's a dominant interior scorer and rebounder who shows great touch and makes great plays as a passer, and there is optimism in NBA circles that he will in time develop into a floor-spacer.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.6 20.9 10.8 4 58.2
25 Brandin Podziemski SG

One of my favorite prospects in this class. Jones is one of those players who can fade in and out of games, then you look up and he has 10 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. Impacts winning in a variety of ways.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
36 19.9 8.8 3.7 48.3
26 Colby Jones
Xavier, Jr
SG

One of my favorite prospects in this class. Jones is one of those players who can fade in and out of games, then you look up and he has 10 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. Impacts winning in a variety of ways.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 15 5.7 4.4 50.9
27 Bilal Coulibaly SF

This is probably the floor for Coulibaly, a late-riser in the 2023 class who could go as high as mid lottery to somewhere in the 20s. Playing next to Victor Wembanyama for Mets 92 has given him a huge spotlight to shine as a long wing with great athleticism who has shown improvement as a shooter.

28 Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette, Soph
SF

Prosper played so well on the first day of scrimmages at the combine that he pulled out of the second day, showing so much as an energetic combo forward that he likely solidified himself as a top-30 pick in this class. A really athletic, long forward who can shoot and impact winning with effort.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.2 12.5 4.7 0.7 51.2
29 Gregory Jackson PF

Not the most appealing profile coming off a disappointing season at South Carolina, but Jackson, the youngest prospect in the class and a former No. 1 recruit, has plenty of believers in NBA circles and feels like a lock to hear his name called in the first round.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.9 15.4 5.9 0.8 38.4
30 Andre Jackson Jr.
UConn, Jr
SG

No team is going to trip over themselves just glancing at Jackson Jr.'s stat line, but no team that watched UConn in its run to national champion this past season will be able to resist what he brings to the table as a playmaking guard who brings energy and an infectious attitude to the table.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.2 6.7 6.2 4.7 43.2
# Team Player Pos
1 Victor Wembanyama C
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Wembanyama has been described as the most unique, and arguably best, teenage basketball prospect the world has ever seen. If things break the right way, the French sensation could eventually become the best offensive and the best defensive player in the NBA.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Wembanyama has long been considered one of the best basketball prospects on the planet and a generational talent. Standing 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama projects as the No. 1 player in the class and one of the best basketball prospects since LeBron James with his rare combination of size, skill and defensive versatility.

Pro Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis' length and shooting with Rudy Gobert's shot-blocking

Facts and Stats

  • Led LNB Pro A in PPG (21.5), RPG (10.4) and BPG (3.0) playing for Metropolitans 92


Strengths

  • Advanced ball-handling skills for his position and size
  • Elite defensive prospect who can cover ground quickly and moves fluidly
  • Great defensive anchor who can block shots from anywhere on the court; affects shots with his length and long frame
  • Mechanically sound shot and repeatable shooting motion that extends to the 3-point line


Weaknesses

  • Tall, slender frame raises questions about how his body could hold up in the NBA; he plays roughly once weekly with Mets 92, can he play 82 games in an NBA season and be durable?
  • Can sometimes be turnover prone and foul prone; he struggles sometimes to play within himself and frequently, likely because of his situation, tries to do too much
  • Has tendency to take wild shots, though even the one-legged trick shots frequently fall through the hoop
2 Brandon Miller
Alabama, Fr
SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Reasonable minds can disagree on whether Miller or Scoot Henderson is the second-best prospect in this draft because most believe it's very debatable. What's less debatable is that Miller is a better fit with franchise point guard LaMelo Ball, and that's among the reasons Charlotte should probably go that direction.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Long wings who can score are among the more valuable archetypes in the NBA, and Miller projects neatly as exactly that. The former five-star recruit was a first-team All-American, led all freshmen in scoring last season at Alabama and led the Tide to SEC regular-season and tournament championships while going on to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Pro Comparison: Playmaking Jabari Smith Jr.

Facts and Stats

  • Named to AP and CBS Sports All-America first team
  • Led SEC in PPG and led all freshmen in PPG in 2022-23
  • Finished in 22nd percentile as at-rim finisher on shots that qualified as layup per Synergy data, finishing 46.8% (58/124) on such shots
  • Shot 38.4% from 3-point line on 276 attempts


Strengths

  • Excellent shooter who can be a threat from distance and space the floor
  • Can create and operate as ball-handler in spots; knows how to operate in transition and savvy at creating looks for himself
  • Long frame with big reach; projects as solid wing defender and embraced his role on defensive end as true freshman for Alabama team that finished top-three in adjusted efficiency on defense


Weaknesses

  • Improved during the season at Alabama but still can struggle finishing around the rim
  • Shows signs of being a good playmaker and passer but can be turnover-prone; had a higher turnover rate than assist rate in one season at Alabama
  • Has tendency to play rushed when running as lead guard in pick-and-roll
  • Doesn't do a great job of setting up his defender on screens and makes mistakes with loose handle/errant passes

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.6 18.8 8.2 2.1 43.0
3 Scoot Henderson PG
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

There's a lot of speculation that Portland will move this pick for an experienced piece who is better equipped to help Damian Lillard win now. Either way, Henderson, a super-athletic lead guard who skipped college for the G-League Ignite, should be the third player selected in this draft by the Blazers or somebody else.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

A former five-star recruit from Marietta, Georgia, Henderson is a first-of-his-kind prospect who spent two seasons with G League Ignite, developing the last two years into a bona fide top-five prospect in the 2023 draft class. Henderson's combination of playmaking, athleticism and competitiveness makes him an appealing lead guard who could serve as a building block for a franchise.

Pro Comparison: Collin Sexton

Facts and Stats

  • Led G League Ignite in PPG (17.6), APG (6.6) and SPG (1.2) in 2022-23
  • Shot 33% on catch-and-shoot jumpers and 31.3% on pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc
  • Reported 6-foot-9 wingspan makes him one of the longer athletes comparative to height in this class


Strengths

  • High-level competitor who plays with an edge and chip on his shoulder
  • Bouncy athlete who is unafraid to attack the basket and can finish around the rim
  • Tight handles help him operate as a lead guard; has savvy to facilitate for others and knows when to be aggressive


Weaknesses

  • Capable outside shooter but did not make developmental leap as 3-point shooter that some hoped he would
  • Good, but not great frame; a really good defensive hound at point of attack but doesn't project as switchable defender
  • Needs to improve as a shooter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations, to become a more rounded weapon
4 Cam Whitmore SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Whitmore reportedly had a super-impressive pro day in California that very much has him under consideration to be a top-four pick. The wing is a great athlete with a top-shelf body and in possession of most of the attributes that are usually necessary to star in the NBA.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The first Villanova one-and-done since Tim Thomas in 1997, Whitmore brings power and explosiveness to the table as one of the most appealing long-term wing prospects in this year's draft class. A former five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his class from Maryland, Whitmore is an above-the-rim wing finisher who can provide floor-spacing as a spot-up threat and showed immense talent making shots in a variety of ways, though his playmaking ability for others is an area of improvement. 

Pro Comparison: Miles Bridges

Height: 6'5 ¾ " | Weight: 235 pounds | Wingspan: 6'8 ½" | Vertical: 40 ½"

Facts and Stats

  • Turnover rate (15.1%) more than double his assist rate (6.4%) at Villanova
  • 85% of his drives in college were to his left, per Synergy data


Strengths

  • Explosive athlete with jaw-dropping hops who can finish above the rim and thrives in transition
  • Good catch-and-shoot weapon; hit 34.3% of 3s at Villanova and rated in 84th percentile in catch-and-shoot across all opportunities, per Synergy data
  • Powerful athletic ability that he uses to attack downhill; can be a load for defenders to keep in front of and has good off-the-ball creation flashes
  • Smart cutter who plays well off the ball and knows when to flash into gaps in the defense
  • Can be a winner in isolation situations given his power and athletic ability


Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve playmaking ability; very low assist rate in one college season, though he was mostly asked to play as an attacking wing and not as a creator
  • His unwillingness/inability to make plays for others slows down the flow of the offense and can lead to him making forced errors

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.2 12.5 5.3 0.7 47.8
5 Amen Thompson SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

The Pistons already have young guards like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey on the roster — but it would still be difficult to pass on a talent like Amen Thompson at this point in the draft. It's not a perfect fit, but Detroit's new coach, Monty Williams, would have a fun time figuring out how to make it work.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Thompson is the twin brother of Ausar, both of whom project as lottery picks in the 2023 draft. Amen is a natural playmaker who has explosive athletic ability and a long frame to buttress one of the most exciting long-term profiles in the class. He spent the last two seasons developing with Overtime Elite and could be the program's first player selected in the first round - if his twin brother doesn't beat him to the punch.

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 214 pounds | Wingspan: 7'00" | Vertical: N/A

Facts and Stats

  • Shot 25% from three with OTE in 2022-23
  • Led OTE in playoffs with 9.2 APG in helping lead the City Reapers to a championship


Strengths

  • Special athlete with rare combination of size and leaping ability for a point guard prospect
  • Twitchy with his ability to stop and start
  • Can make advanced reads as playmaker and facilitator


Weaknesses

  • Can be turnover-prone, a product of trying to force passes into tight windows
  • Jump shot has improved but needs to continue developing
  • Level of competition faced against OTE leaves questions about scouting him and how his game will project early on
6 Ausar Thompson SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Ausar Thompson is Amen's twin brother and a comparable talent whom some believe is actually the superior talent. He would be a nice building block in Orlando next to frontcourt standouts Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The twin brother of potential top-five pick Amen Thompson, Ausar, like his brother, has long been viewed as a bluechip prospect with NBA pedigree. Ausar spent the last two seasons developing with Overtime Elite and has grown into his own as a gifted scorer and improved shot-maker. He brings great size and skill to the wing spot and projects as a boom prospect with loads of long-term upside.

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 218 pounds | Wingspan: 7'00" | Vertical: N/A

Facts and Stats

  • Led OTE in regular season in APG (6.1)
  • Shot 40% on catch-and-shoot jumpers in OTE playoffs (12 of 30)


Strengths

  • Has made significant developmental strides as a shooter and functional scorer
  • Top-shelf athlete like his twin brother who can play above the rim and use his length to affect plays on defense
  • Improving finisher with good shooting touch around the basket


Weaknesses

  • Still not a reliable shooter; while he has made improvements in this area, he still needs to work on strengthening his shot to become a threat
  • Can struggle to finish through contact - or finish in general - when getting to the rim
  • Can get boxed out in offensive situations; really good in transition and shows signs of promise as a playmaker with the ball, but hard to envision him being a star if his shooting doesn't improve
7 Jarace Walker
Houston, Fr
PF

Walker will enter the NBA with incredible physical attributes and should be more capable of making an impact defensively than offensively. In time, he'll be able to play the four and some small-ball five, and stardom is possible if his offensive game develops as he grows older.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Walker became the highest-rated signee in Houston men's basketball history in 2022 in signing with the Cougars out of high school, and paid off right away as a floor-spacing forward with talents galore on both ends of the floor. He was a versatile defensive weapon and Swiss Army knife offensive player for a 33-win Houston team that was primarily comprised of upperclassmen, and there is untapped potential in his game as a playmaker and scorer that should be unlocked with NBA spacing.

Pro Comparison: Thomas Bryant

Height: 6'6 ½" | Weight: 249 pounds | Wingspan: 7'2 ½" | Vertical: 38"

Facts and Stats

  • Shot 34.7% from 3 on 101 attempts as freshman for Houston
  • McDonald's All-American and former five-star recruit who went on to win AAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2022-23


Strengths

  • Playmaking power forward who has guard-like playmaking and passing vision
  • Physically advanced body and frame with movement skills and fluidity of a four-year college player
  • Gifted playmaker with off-the-dribble skills; projects as combination forward who can slide anywhere from the wing to a small-ball center


Weaknesses

  • Can fade in and out of action. Was the best talent on a veteran Houston team, but had a tendency to be standoffish.
  • Has playmaking upside as both a creator and passer, but had a higher turnover rate than assist rate as freshman, partly due to erratic decision-making and partly due to carelessness when handling the ball and driving.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.5 11.2 6.8 1.8 46.5
8 Jalen Hood-Schifino
Indiana, Fr
PG
Scouting Breakdown: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana)

Hood-Schifino is, in my opinion, the best prospect available at this point in this mock draft. He's a super-talented combo guard who has a more-dependable 3-point shot than what he showed in his one season at Indiana.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 13.5 4.1 3.7 41.7
9 Anthony Black PG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Black has great size for his position and the ability to make plays out of pick-and-rolls. Those attributes combined with a high basketball IQ make him a sensible option for a Utah franchise rebuilding.

Draft prospect outlook

Summary

Black was the No. 1-ranked point guard prospect in the Class of 2022 and a consensus five-star recruit who signed with Arkansas out of high school. He led the team in assists and minutes per game as a true freshman in 2022-23 and profiles as a big-bodied combo guard who can make plays and score. If his 3-point shot shows continued improvement, he will be one of the most complete NBA prospects in this class.

Pro Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 210 pounds | Wingspan: 6'7 ½" | Vertical: 39"


Strengths

  • Smart guard who has quick processing skills and showed he can function as a facilitator and playmaker
  • Big frame who uses it well as a dynamic defensive player; knows how to slither his way to spots on offense as smooth operator
  • Immense feel for the game as young player; knows how to read defenses as lead guard and has innate sense for where to be and when


Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve his shooting, particularly as spot-up shooter and in distance shooting; he shot 30.1% from 3 and rated in the 34th percentile in spot-up shooting situations
  • Rarely put in isolation situations at Arkansas, but in the instances he was, he averaged .375 points per possession, which was in the fifth percentile among all college players last season, per Synergy. His creation ability and talents to create space one-on-one need improvement.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.3 12.8 5.1 3.9 45.3
10 Gradey Dick
Kansas, Fr
SF

It's hard to know what the Mavericks' roster will look like next season given the uncertainty surrounding the Kyrie Irving situation. But every franchise needs more shooting, and Dick is arguably the best shooter in this draft.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.6 14.1 5.1 1.7 44.2
11 Keyonte George
Baylor, Fr
SG

I have the Magic taking a big guard with their first pick in this draft, so this is a decent spot to grab a backcourt partner. George wasn't the most consistent freshman in the country in his one season at Baylor, but his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, put pressure on defenses and score is undeniable.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

A nagging ankle injury sapped some of George's sensational skill set in his one-and-done season at Baylor, but he has made a strong impression on NBA teams during the pre-draft process both with his athleticism and his polished scoring ability. George led all Big 12 freshmen in scoring last season and showed growth as a playmaker, making him an appealing two-way guard whose offensive versatility is his biggest selling point.

Pro Comparison: Bradley Beal

Facts and Stats

  • Led all freshmen in Big 12 in PPG (15.8) and finished second among all Big 12 freshmen in APG (2.8)
  • Ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports and was a consensus five-star, top-10 national recruit


Strengths

  • Dynamic shot-maker and shot-creator who can function as an offensive hub
  • Lots of untapped potential as facilitator and playmaker with good passing and vision
  • Microwave scoring option who can play on and off the ball


Weaknesses

  • Can be streaky at times as a shooter; needs to improve consistency with which he scores
  • Shows playmaking promise, but needs to cut down on turnovers; turnover rate and assist rate were virtually identical during freshman season at Baylor
  • Needs to improve defensive discipline; has tools to be multi-positional defender but has tendency to stand upright and out of stance, and frequently bites on pump fakes

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.6 15.3 4.2 2.8 37.6
12 Taylor Hendricks
UCF, Fr
PF
Prospect Breakdowns: Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

Hendricks is an out-of-nowhere prospect who is the type of tall, athletic and a proven shooter Oklahoma City prioritizes. He made 39.4% of the 4.6 3-pointers he attempted in his one season at UCF while becoming a one-and-done lottery pick despite being ranked outside of the top 80 in the Class of 2022.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Ranked as the No. 84 player in the Class of 2022 coming out of high school in Florida, Hendricks is the most meteoric of risers over the last year among potential top-10 picks after a stellar one-and-done season at UCF. He flashed dominance as a do-it-all defender and shot nearly 40% from 3 on 155 attempts throughout the year, earning second-team All-AAC honors as a true freshman.

Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels

Height: 6'8 ¼" | Weight: 214 pounds | Wingspan: 7'0 ½" | Vertical: 36"

Facts and Stats

  • Rated in the 98th percentile as post-up defender at UCF, per Synergy, allowing only a staggering 0.4 points per possession
  • One of the best transition players at his position in the draft, averaging 1.458 points per possession, per Synergy data


Strengths

  • Versatile defensive prospect who brings good length, smarts and savvy positioning to the table for his position
  • Excellent shooter who showed shot-making skills and shot-making versatility not only as a floor-spacing spot-up threat but also in some dynamic situations off the dribble and attacking
  • Explosive athlete who can be a pogo-stick leaper and lob threat around the basket; that skill allows him to recover on defense and act as a high-level rim protector and weak-side shot blocker


Weaknesses

  • Shows great shooting touch but his finishing ability at the rim leaves something to be desired; improved strength and reps will in time likely quell concerns
  • Needs to show improvement as a playmaker and decision-maker to hit his high-end NBA outcome; had more turnovers than assists and sometimes looked out of his depth when asked to make plays with the ball in his hands

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.7 15.1 7 1.4 47.8
13 Jett Howard SG
Prospect Breakdowns: Jett Howard (Michigan)

The Raptors ranked 28th this season in 3-point percentage, which is among the reasons Howard makes sense for them. He can play multiple positions, reliably make shots from the perimeter and is just, broadly speaking, a good-sized player with a well-rounded skillset, in part because he's the son of a former NBA player and high-major college coach.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.7 14.2 2.8 2 41.4
14 Jordan Hawkins
UConn, Soph
SG

Assuming Zion Williamson is ever healthy enough to play consistently, the Pelicans will need to surround him with shooting. Hawkins made more than 38% of the 7.6 3-pointers he attempted per game this season while helping UConn win the national championship.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.3 16.2 3.8 1.3 40.9
15 Dereck Lively II
Duke, Fr
C
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Having a real and young rim-protector to grow with Trae Young would be a move in the right direction for an Atlanta franchise that's stalled. Lively's one season at Duke got off to a rough start and was statistically unimpressive, but he showed enough down the stretch as an impactful defender to solidify himself as a top-20 pick.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
20.5 5.2 5.4 1.1 65.8
16 Nick Smith Jr. SG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Smith dealt with a less-than-perfect knee all season that limited him to just 17 games, most of which he struggled in relative to expectations that accompanied him to Arkansas. That's among the reasons he won't be selected where most projected he'd go a year ago, but he should still go somewhere inside the top 20 based on the ability to score he showed when he was healthy in high school.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.8 12.5 1.6 1.7 37.6
17 Brice Sensabaugh SF
Scouting Breakdown: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State)

Sensabaugh, like Hendricks, was a sub-80 prospect in the Class of 2022 who was surprisingly great in his one year at Ohio State. If he improves as a perimeter defender, the 6-6 wing could develop into the type of 3-and-D player who could help LeBron James keep the Lakers as legitimate contenders in the West.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.4 16.3 5.4 1.2 48.2
18 Cason Wallace PG
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Kentucky

The Heat could stand to add a young point guard to the roster as Kyle Lowry enters the final season of a three-year contract. Wallace is a nice option considering he's a playmaker who has a chance to be above average on both ends of the court given the way he enthusiastically takes on the role as an on-ball defender.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 11.7 3.7 4.3 44.6
19 Kobe Bufkin
Michigan, Soph
SG

There's some thought that the Warriors might try to move off of Jordan Poole's contract this summer. If so, Bufkin could be a long-term replacement as an interesting two-way player who made 35.5% of the 3.7 3-pointers he attempted per game this season at Michigan.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 14 4.5 2.9 48.2
20 Bilal Coulibaly SF

The Rockets should still very much be in a take-the-best-prospect-available mode — and there are a lot of people who believe that person, at this point in this mock draft, would be Coulibaly. He's Wembanyama's less-famous teammate who has solidified himself as a first-round option during this postseason run in France.

21 Jaime Jaquez Jr.
UCLA, Sr
SG

Jaquez should enter the NBA at the age of 22 ready to contribute immediately. I've been a big believer in him for a while and assume he'll be, at worst, an impactful role player on a winning team for many years to come.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.3 17.8 8.2 2.4 48.1
22 Noah Clowney
Alabama, Fr
PF
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Alabama

Defensive versatility is a desired skillset these days, and it also happens to be Noah Clowney's strongest attribute. The 6-10 forward has a 7-2 wingspan and the necessary enthusiasm to guard different types of players all over the court.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
25.3 9.8 7.9 0.8 48.6
23 Kris Murray
Iowa, Jr
PF

Much like his brother who plays for the Kings, Murray projects as a combo forward who can stretch the floor on offense and guard multiple positions on defense. The Iowa alum won't be a top-five pick like his twin was last year, but he should comfortably go somewhere in the first round.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.7 20.2 7.9 2 47.6
24 Leonard Miller SF

Miller had a nice season with the G-League Ignite, averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds as a 19 year-old playing against professionals. There's still a lot of development that needs to be done, but the physical tools to make it are all in place.

25 Dariq Whitehead
Duke, Fr
SF
NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Grizzlies are in the market for a wing considering they're uninterested in bringing Dillon Brooks back into the franchise. Whitehead would be a nice option if he falls this far considering he has good positional size and shot 42.4% from 3-point range in his one season at Duke.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
20.5 8.3 2.4 1 42.1
26 Rayan Rupert SF

Rupert remains unreliable offensively and very much a project. But he's a 6-6 wing with a 7-3 wingspan who has all the prerequisites to be a great perimeter defender if his shooting comes around enough to make him playable at the NBA level.

27 Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Marquette, Soph
SF

Prosper emerged as a real first-round option thanks to a wonderful performance at the combine. He has a 7-1 wingspan and can be a versatile defender thanks to a motor that runs full-speed.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
29.2 12.5 4.7 0.7 51.2
28 Jalen Wilson
Kansas, Jr
SF

Wilson is the latest Kansas alum to develop into a legitimate NBA player after spending multiple years under Bill Self. He made a huge leap from his third season to his fourth season with the Jayhawks while earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.3 20.1 8.3 2.2 43.0
29 Marcus Sasser
Houston, Sr
SG

Sasser is a combo guard who played a big role in helping Houston secure a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. His ability to make plays and reliably hit jumpers will give him a chance to stick in the NBA even if he is a little on the small side.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.8 16.8 2.8 3.1 43.8
30 Maxwell Lewis
Pepperdine, Soph
SF

Lewis is the rare non-Gonzaga WCC player with realistic first-round aspirations. He's a 6-7 wing with a 6-10 wingspan who can shot-create and punish teams from the 3-point line, both of which are qualities NBA franchises value immensely.

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.4 17.1 5.7 2.8 46.9
# Team Player Pos
1 Victor Wembanyama C
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

There will be no surprise with the No. 1 pick this year. Victor Wembanyama is not only the consensus top pick, but he’s already being billed as a generational prospect. He’s 7-foot-4 with a nearly 8-foot wingspan, a high skill-level that extends out to the three-point line and extreme shot-blocking ability. His presence made this pick one of the most coveted in recent draft history and the San Antonio Spurs were the big winner. Make no mistake about it, if everything goes right for Wembanyama, this could be the night that completely changed the course of the Spurs franchise. We just haven't seen a prospect with Wemby's combination of size, length, mobility, defensive dominance and offensive skill. The Spurs have some solid young pieces in Keldon Johnson (23-years-old), Devin Vassell (22-years-old), Malik Branham (20-years-old) and Jeremy Sochan (19-years-old). What they don't have is anyone currently tracking as a potential star. Wemby is going to change that.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Wembanyama has long been considered one of the best basketball prospects on the planet and a generational talent. Standing 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama projects as the No. 1 player in the class and one of the best basketball prospects since LeBron James with his rare combination of size, skill and defensive versatility.

Pro Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis' length and shooting with Rudy Gobert's shot-blocking

Facts and Stats

  • Led LNB Pro A in PPG (21.5), RPG (10.4) and BPG (3.0) playing for Metropolitans 92


Strengths

  • Advanced ball-handling skills for his position and size
  • Elite defensive prospect who can cover ground quickly and moves fluidly
  • Great defensive anchor who can block shots from anywhere on the court; affects shots with his length and long frame
  • Mechanically sound shot and repeatable shooting motion that extends to the 3-point line


Weaknesses

  • Tall, slender frame raises questions about how his body could hold up in the NBA; he plays roughly once weekly with Mets 92, can he play 82 games in an NBA season and be durable?
  • Can sometimes be turnover prone and foul prone; he struggles sometimes to play within himself and frequently, likely because of his situation, tries to do too much
  • Has tendency to take wild shots, though even the one-legged trick shots frequently fall through the hoop
2 Brandon Miller
Alabama, Fr
SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Brandon Miller is a highly skilled, big wing who exceeded all expectations in his freshman season at Alabama. Not only does he provide a big shot-maker on the wing, but he also has more playmaking ability and rebounding skills than we anticipated coming out of high school. Miller may even have some defensive versatility. He'll need to build up his body and continue to make strides with his ability to put pressure on the rim as a scorer, but if he keep keep developing at a similar rate to what we've seen in the last year his upside is significant. Miller will give the Hornets a much-needed shooting touch as well as provide a transition partner for LaMelo Ball. It's going to be a tough decision as Hornets fans might fall in love with the idea of pairing Ball with another playmaking guard in Scoot Henderson, but I came around on Miller in the early spring as the better player and he will still fit in great as Charlotte starts to build a nice young core.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

Long wings who can score are among the more valuable archetypes in the NBA, and Miller projects neatly as exactly that. The former five-star recruit was a first-team All-American, led all freshmen in scoring last season at Alabama and led the Tide to SEC regular-season and tournament championships while going on to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Pro Comparison: Playmaking Jabari Smith Jr.

Facts and Stats

  • Named to AP and CBS Sports All-America first team
  • Led SEC in PPG and led all freshmen in PPG in 2022-23
  • Finished in 22nd percentile as at-rim finisher on shots that qualified as layup per Synergy data, finishing 46.8% (58/124) on such shots
  • Shot 38.4% from 3-point line on 276 attempts


Strengths

  • Excellent shooter who can be a threat from distance and space the floor
  • Can create and operate as ball-handler in spots; knows how to operate in transition and savvy at creating looks for himself
  • Long frame with big reach; projects as solid wing defender and embraced his role on defensive end as true freshman for Alabama team that finished top-three in adjusted efficiency on defense


Weaknesses

  • Improved during the season at Alabama but still can struggle finishing around the rim
  • Shows signs of being a good playmaker and passer but can be turnover-prone; had a higher turnover rate than assist rate in one season at Alabama
  • Has tendency to play rushed when running as lead guard in pick-and-roll
  • Doesn't do a great job of setting up his defender on screens and makes mistakes with loose handle/errant passes

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.6 18.8 8.2 2.1 43.0
3 Scoot Henderson PG
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Scoot Henderson is a dynamic athlete in the lead guard spot. He's strong, athletic, and able to attack the rim perhaps like no one else in the draft. He's made some strides with his shooting, but most continue to do so, and simultaneously become a more committed defender. While all the talk in this year's draft is about Wembanyama, and rightfully so at this point, Henderson has the potential to be one of the best guards in the NBA down the road. Dame Lillard wants to win now. If they honor that, this pick could be on the market. If they want to tear it down, Lillard could go on the market. This will force the Blazers to rebuild mode around the young core of Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons with Scoot projecting to be the star.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

A former five-star recruit from Marietta, Georgia, Henderson is a first-of-his-kind prospect who spent two seasons with G League Ignite, developing the last two years into a bona fide top-five prospect in the 2023 draft class. Henderson's combination of playmaking, athleticism and competitiveness makes him an appealing lead guard who could serve as a building block for a franchise.

Pro Comparison: Collin Sexton

Facts and Stats

  • Led G League Ignite in PPG (17.6), APG (6.6) and SPG (1.2) in 2022-23
  • Shot 33% on catch-and-shoot jumpers and 31.3% on pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc
  • Reported 6-foot-9 wingspan makes him one of the longer athletes comparative to height in this class


Strengths

  • High-level competitor who plays with an edge and chip on his shoulder
  • Bouncy athlete who is unafraid to attack the basket and can finish around the rim
  • Tight handles help him operate as a lead guard; has savvy to facilitate for others and knows when to be aggressive


Weaknesses

  • Capable outside shooter but did not make developmental leap as 3-point shooter that some hoped he would
  • Good, but not great frame; a really good defensive hound at point of attack but doesn't project as switchable defender
  • Needs to improve as a shooter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations, to become a more rounded weapon
4 Ausar Thompson SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Amen and Ausar Thompson are twin brothers who have starred for Overtime Elite for the last two years. Amen is portrayed as the superior of the two prospects in the media, but Ausar has actually been the better player. In fact, he’s won both the OTE MVP and OTE Finals MVP in each of the last two seasons. At 6-foot-7, Thompson is a high-level athlete, quality passer, and potentially versatile defender who has made significant strides with his shooting this year. Like Portland, it's very possible that this pick will be up for grabs as Houston tries to secure a star in hopes to win immediately. Don't be surprised if Ausar/the No. 4 pick is the highlight of a trade package that possibly features Jalen Green or Jabari Smith.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The twin brother of potential top-five pick Amen Thompson, Ausar, like his brother, has long been viewed as a bluechip prospect with NBA pedigree. Ausar spent the last two seasons developing with Overtime Elite and has grown into his own as a gifted scorer and improved shot-maker. He brings great size and skill to the wing spot and projects as a boom prospect with loads of long-term upside.

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

Height: 6'5 ¾" | Weight: 218 pounds | Wingspan: 7'00" | Vertical: N/A

Facts and Stats

  • Led OTE in regular season in APG (6.1)
  • Shot 40% on catch-and-shoot jumpers in OTE playoffs (12 of 30)


Strengths

  • Has made significant developmental strides as a shooter and functional scorer
  • Top-shelf athlete like his twin brother who can play above the rim and use his length to affect plays on defense
  • Improving finisher with good shooting touch around the basket


Weaknesses

  • Still not a reliable shooter; while he has made improvements in this area, he still needs to work on strengthening his shot to become a threat
  • Can struggle to finish through contact - or finish in general - when getting to the rim
  • Can get boxed out in offensive situations; really good in transition and shows signs of promise as a playmaker with the ball, but hard to envision him being a star if his shooting doesn't improve
5 Cam Whitmore SF
Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Cam Whitmore is one of the more polarizing prospects in this class. Some people content he should be in contention as high as 2, and others that he may slip to the late lottery. What is undeniable is that he is a powerful, downhill athlete with plays above the rim with force, and has made strides with his shooting. That's a prototype that should thrive in NBA spacing, but simultaneously he also have to prove he can operate in structure, better utilize his physical gifts on the defensive end of the floor, and be more consistent and reliable. The Pistons are building around Cade Cunningham (who missed most of this season with injury) and Jaden Ivey, who is coming off a strong rookie campaign. If Whitmore can continue to improve his shooting, then he will make a big difference for the Pistons, who are of course bummed to go from dreaming of Wembanyama to learning about options this far down the board.

Draft prospect outlook


Summary

The first Villanova one-and-done since Tim Thomas in 1997, Whitmore brings power and explosiveness to the table as one of the most appealing long-term wing prospects in this year's draft class. A former five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his class from Maryland, Whitmore is an above-the-rim wing finisher who can provide floor-spacing as a spot-up threat and showed immense talent making shots in a variety of ways, though his playmaking ability for others is an area of improvement. 

Pro Comparison: Miles Bridges

Height: 6'5 ¾ " | Weight: 235 pounds | Wingspan: 6'8 ½" | Vertical: 40 ½"

Facts and Stats

  • Turnover rate (15.1%) more than double his assist rate (6.4%) at Villanova
  • 85% of his drives in college were to his left, per Synergy data


Strengths

  • Explosive athlete with jaw-dropping hops who can finish above the rim and thrives in transition
  • Good catch-and-shoot weapon; hit 34.3% of 3s at Villanova and rated in 84th percentile in catch-and-shoot across all opportunities, per Synergy data
  • Powerful athletic ability that he uses to attack downhill; can be a load for defenders to keep in front of and has good off-the-ball creation flashes
  • Smart cutter who plays well off the ball and knows when to flash into gaps in the defense
  • Can be a winner in isolation situations given his power and athletic ability


Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve playmaking ability; very low assist rate in one college season, though he was mostly asked to play as an attacking wing and not as a creator
  • His unwillingness/inability to make plays for others slows down the flow of the offense and can lead to him making forced errors

2022 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.2 12.5 5.3 0.7 47.8
6 Amen Thompson