This 2023 NBA Mock Draft is about the future of the NBA, and it features some of the most intriguing prospects. You’ll hear about Victor Wembanyama, the top prospect since LeBron James, and the Overtime Elite’s Nick Smith jr. In addition to the aforementioned players, we also talk about the French superstar Victor Wembanyama, who is currently playing for the G-League Ignite. Wembanyama’s French club is playing in Vegas this weekend, so scouts will have the opportunity to watch him in action.
Wembanyama is the top prospect since LeBron James
Wembanyama has been projected as the top prospect since LeBron James for a few reasons. First, he has elite physical attributes and has the potential to be the best big man in the NBA. His wingspan is 7 feet 9 inches, and his quickness and defensive skill make him a strong prospect. Second, his versatility makes him an ideal combination of size and athleticism, which gives him the ability to play both in the post and on the perimeter.
As a teenager, Wembanyama played for the JSF Nanterre U18 team, despite being three years younger than his classmates. He had a lot of potential, and he spoke nearly perfect English. In June, he is expected to be selected by an NBA team. Then, at the age of 19-1/2, he will be able to move to the U.S., or possibly Canada. That would be great news for him, as he has only a few months left in France before he’s allowed to move.
While the order of the 2023 NBA mock draft has not been finalized, it is clear that a number of teams will be in the mix for Wembanyama, who has been rated the top prospect since LeBron James. He could go to the first overall pick, but his odds of landing on that position are low. In any case, the talent is truly freakish, and he could be the best player taken by a team in the 2023 NBA mock draft.
Asuar Thompson is a point-of-attack defender
The 2023 NBA Draft is full of promising talent. Scouts have already begun discussing the classes they expect to see next June. It is difficult to know who will end up on the top of the draft board, but the top three picks may not even play college basketball. Prospects that return to school and improve their draft stock will give teams a chance to make a high pick.
Ausar Thompson is an athletic, high-motor swingman who can guard all positions. He has an excellent jumper and is a good defender on both ends of the floor. His athleticism could help him develop into a solid NBA player.
The 2023 NBA Draft features 59 players. Chicago forfeited a second-round pick this year due to a tampering investigation. In addition, the Bulls’ staff signed Lonzo Ball in 2021.
Cam Whitmore could be a top-five pick
Cam Whitmore is a high school standout and a potential top-five pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s a powerful athlete with a chip on his shoulder who has the size and strength to play either forward position. His athleticism and toughness make him a dangerous defender, and he is improving on his long-range shooting. He is also a punishing downhill slasher. Regardless of where he ends up at the NBA Draft, he is a player to keep an eye on during the 2022-23 NCAA season.
The 2023 NBA draft looks to be even more crowded than previous draft classes. However, there’s no guarantee that the top three picks will be college players. Prospects who return to school in 2022 will help their stock next year. Cam Whitmore, Emoni Bates, and Victor Wembanyama could all be considered top-five picks in the 2023 NBA Mock Draft.
Another prospect with college experience who could be a top-five pick in a 2023 NBA Mock Draft is Keegan Murray. He averaged 16.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in his freshman season. He’ll need to improve his shooting to reach the top 10 of the draft. Meanwhile, he could compete for a starting point guard position for Sacramento.
Nick Smith jr
Nick Smith Jr projects as a top five pick in the 2023 NBA mock draft. His athleticism and versatility make him a potential three-level scoring threat. He can shoot off the bounce and catch the ball, and his wingspan of 6-9 makes him look larger than his true size. While he doesn’t have elite burst like Jaden Ivey, his quickness and suddenness in his game give him an edge over other prospects.
His athleticism is well-rounded, with great power and coordination. He enjoys contact at the rim and has the ability to make tough finishes. He’s adept at hitting threes with his hand in his face and pull-ups from the midrange. His ballhandling skills are advanced, and he’s comfortable operating on the perimeter and in the half court.
Smith played his senior season at North Little Rock High School, leading the team to a 27-3 record and the Arkansas Class 6A championship. He flirted with the triple-double and was named MVP of the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic. The 2023 NBA mock draft projects Smith to go first to the Indiana Pacers, which is the fourth pick overall. The Jazz traded for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, but Smith could be the top pick in the draft.