2023 NBA Draft Report Card

Let's just pretend there is some punched-up intro here that beautifully sets the table for this draft class. Maybe a joke about how I knew Victor Wembanyama was going first, but after that it's a crapshoot. Or we can acknowledge that you'll probably skip this paragraph and mostly pay attention to the grades and not really any of my poorly researched analysis. But that's the fun of a draft, no one knows where these guys will end up. So, let's look forward to laughing at how wrong I'll be in five years.

Or maybe I'll be the one laughing.

Probably not.

Round 1

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Pick: 1

Player: Victor Wembanyana

Grade: 100

Analysis: What else needs to be said? I can’t say I expect Wilt Chamberlain numbers from the jump. There will be players who don’t know what to do with him. There will also be players who will push him around. Like any rookie, I think Wemby will have his highs and lows. He’ll dunk on guys and swat shots into the tenth row. He’ll also probably get dunked on and/or backed into his own stanchion.

If the Spurs upgraded at point guard, I think that would work wonders for the French phenom. Retaining Tre Jones isn’t a bad start, but bringing in a veteran who has run a successful offense would be ideal. Fred VanVleet, anyone?

The last point I’ll make is the injury thing cannot be overlooked. I don’t think anyone wants to recognize it because it ruins the fantasy of an alien playing in the NBA. The reality is dudes built like Wemby struggle to make it through NBA seasons unscathed. The Spurs will inevitably limit his minutes, but there’s only so much you can do. No one wants it, but we can’t ignore the fact that Wemby could be another Zion (hopefully minus the other off-season stuff).

This amount of hype comes with an equal amount of scrutiny. I always like to err on the side of caution when it comes to expectations. Underpromise, overdeliver. The NBA media circus has put this guy on a pedestal. I, for one, will refrain from crowning Wemby as the next Kareem and go with Kristaps Porzingis. For now. Sorry, not sorry.

Team: Charlotte Hornets

Pick: 2

Player: Brandon Miller

Grade: 87

Analysis: This was an unpopular pick, given that Scoot seems to be naturally more likable and talented than Miller. Miller's assertion that Paul George is the GOAT certainly didn't help his case in the popularity category.

To me, the Miller-Henderson debate is like asking if you would rather have a prime Russell Westbrook or a prime Andrew Wiggins. In other words, would you rather have an explosive, ball-dominant guard whose personal success doesn't necessarily correlate to winning or a second/third banana who can shoot and defend with the potential to contribute to a winning team? I'm not sure there is a right answer. It’s tied to the context of the roster. The Hornets' checkered history drafting in the lottery certainly doesn't help (looking at you Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, and James Bouknight), but a lineup that includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams ain't too shabby.

At the very least, Miller can shoot. Guys like that tend to stick around in today’s NBA. Maybe he’ll be like Marvin Williams - a second-overall pick who had a fifteen-year career. Obviously, Hornets fans are hoping for better. My point is the floor is super high.

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Pick: 3

Player: Scoot Henderson

Grade: 92

Analysis: The Trail Blazers really didn’t have a choice here. If Scoot wasn’t going second, he was going third. The problem is there are few worse scenarios for the former G-leaguer than Portland. With an already undersized backcourt duo in Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, Scoot only compounds their issues. He’s a ball-dominant guard who struggles from beyond the arc. At 6’2”, he’s bound to get hunted defensively by larger guards and wings - regardless of whether he “has that dog in him.” By all accounts, he possesses the intangibles, however, the one thing he can’t control - his height - may be his biggest shortcoming.

The question is what the Hell does Portland do now? Despite many folks calling for a Lillard trade (including a fan at the draft wearing a “Trade Dame” jersey), NBA insiders insist Dolla Dame’s waiting to see what Portland does in free agency. The Trail Blazers’ front office does not seem keen on moving the perennial all-star. We saw Golden State struggle to bring their young players into the fold, trying to simultaneously compete for a title and develop talent. With James Wiseman now in Detroit and Jonathan Kuminga on the block, we know how that went. And those guys didn’t have much positional overlap with Steph, Klay, and Draymond. Scoot, Dame, and Simons essentially all play the same position. Someone’s gotta go.

Team: Houston Rockets

Pick: 4

Player: Amen Thompson

Grade: 89

Analysis: This pick indicates what the Rockets’ long-term plans could be, especially as it pertains to a potential reunion with James Harden. I saw mocks where Cam Whitmore went here with the idea of drafting a wing to play off the Beard. Luckily, the Rockets went in a different direction, going with Amen Thompson, a much-needed playmaker on a roster heavy with shoot-first-ask-questions-later kind of guys. Kevin Porter Jr. has been filling in as a pseudo-point guard, but Thompson better fits the mold and should be able to provide some balance offensively. Funnily enough, the Rockets still ended up with Whitmore anyway, sixteen (SIXTEEN!) picks later. The two rookies round out a talented albeit rough around-the-edges core with Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Alferen Sengun, Tari Eason, and KJ Martin Jr. Not to mention Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington.

Thompson and Whitmore will not be the Rockets’ most important newcomers, however. In my opinion, new head coach Ime Udoka will be the biggest wild card going into this season. Can he galvanize this group? Can he get them to play together? Can he get them to play defense? We saw him spearhead one of the most impressive turnarounds ever with the Celtics. This will likely be a bigger long-term challenge.

Team: Detroit Pistons

Pick: 5

Player: Ausar Thompson

Grade: 81

Analysis: Going into the draft, I thought Jarace Walker or Taylor Hendricks made the most sense for Detroit. Between Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Killian Hayes, their backcourt seemed locked in. And there weren’t any big men projected in the top 10. Walker would bring some beef and defensive versatility to a team that struggled on that end last season (27th in points allowed per game). Hendricks would provide floor spacing and rim protection. Either would fit well in a lineup of Cunningham, Ivey, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Jalen Duren.

Instead, Ausar Thompson is going to the Motor City. I pictured him as more of a shooting guard than a small forward, but I suppose he qualifies as a wing. Along with much of this draft class, he’s not the most refined shooter, which isn’t ideal for a team that was 22nd in 3PT%. He does possess a lot of glue-guy attributes and should have a long-ish runway to develop along with the young core. Like Udoka, new head coach Monty Williams’ ability to cultivate a culture in the locker room will heavily determine where these Pistons land in the Eastern Conference standings.

Team: Orlando Magic

Pick: 6

Player: Anthony Black

Grade: 85

Analysis: While some Magic fans may be suffering from Elfrid Payton PTSD, I don’t think Anthony Black is Elfrid Payton. While both rock similar hairstyles and struggle to shoot, Black is 6’7” - four inches taller than Payton. That bodes well for Black’s ability to get into the teeth of the defense and finish or distribute.

Black is a high IQ, tough, and durable player who should be able to buttress a Magic backcourt with a lot of question marks. Can Markelle Fultz stay healthy? Will Cole Anthony realize he’s not Steph Curry? Can Jalen Suggs find any offensive groove? Should Bol Bol become the team’s point guard? With his size, Black can slide into the either guard position and complement Fultz, Anthony, or Suggs. He can also defend 1 through 3. I wouldn’t have minded Taylor Hendricks or Jarace Walker to sure up a relatively thin frontcourt, but I don’t have too many qualms with Black.

Team: Washington Wizards

Pick: 7

Player: Bilal Coulibaly

Grade: 83 Analysis: The Wizards placed the dynamite charges, lit the fuse, and are officially tearing down the monument of mediocrity the previous regime built over the past half-decade. With the tanking objective now in effect, the Wizards moved up a pick to take a big swing. If Coulibaly didn’t play on the same team as Victor Wembanyama, I’m not sure he lands in the top 10, but his performance in the French League playoffs fueled a meteoric rise up draft boards.

When he was 19, Bilal had a massive growth spurt, which usually results in a player with point guard skills in a wing’s body. He’s a lockdown defender with a budding offensive repertoire. I would have liked to see him go to a team a little further along in a rebuild than the Wizards, like Indiana or OKC. However, it’ll be fun to see what the French prospect can do with a long leash in the nation’s capital. I’m not sure how much his defensive prowess will matter when Jordan Poole is launching 25 shots a game. The Wizards will be a fascinating mess to watch next season. They may win more games than many think.

Team: Indiana Pacers

Pick: 8

Player: Jarace Walker

Grade: 86

Analysis: Like Detroit, Indiana struggled mightily on the defensive end last season. Jarace Walker should inject some much-needed hustle and versatility alongside Myles Turner. It certainly isn’t a huge upside play and Walker’s ability to shoot threes and defend wings will determine his ceiling. At 6’7,” and 250 pounds, he may be too slow to guard wings and too short to guard power forwards. Playing with Tyrese Haliburton can’t hurt him. He’s in the mold of PJ Tucker and Grant Williams - is that someone you’re willing to spend a top 10 pick on? I might have rolled the dice on Taylor Hendricks, given his taller frame and ability to shoot beyond the arc. As I re-read that, it could be a sentence that will haunt me. I tend to hedge my bets by saying shit like that.

Team: Utah Jazz

Pick: 9

Player: Taylor Hendricks

Grade: 90

Analysis: Well, I have pretty much mentioned Hendricks for the past four picks, so it should come as no surprise I think taking him at 9 is a great value. His combination of size and shotmaking is hard to come by in today’s NBA. Of course, coming out of a smaller program in UCF may be a concern. However, being behind Lauri Markennan and Kelly Olynyk, and playing for head coach Will Hardy, Hendricks finds himself in an ideal environment to develop. If the Jazz can address the void at point guard, that should help everyone immensely.

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Pick: 10

Player: Cason Wallace

Grade: 87

Analysis: Going into this draft, many experts had Wallace pegged as the most surefire plug-and-play prospect in the class. He drew comparisons to Jrue Holiday. I would have liked to see him on a roster with a bigger need for a point guard, but being a third wheel to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey ain’t a bad consolation prize. The Kentucky alum brings defensive intensity and athleticism at the point of attack. He didn’t shoot incredibly well from beyond the arc, but there seems to be less concern about his shot than most prospects in this class. While he may not be in crunch time lineups, Wallace should carve out a significant role for himself on this Thunder squad.

Team: Orlando Magic

Pick: 11

Player: Jett Howard

Grade: 79

Analysis: And here comes the first real head-scratcher. Or a least surprise. I, along with other mock draft makers, thought Gradey Dick made the most sense as a floor spacer and complementary playmaker for Orlando. Of course, I probably would have gone with Taylor Hendricks at 6, which would change the approach here at 11.

Enough people have shit on this pick that I’d like to point out reaches like this pan out sometimes. Cam Johnson, who was also drafted 11th, comes to mind. And he’s looking at a pretty big payday this summer. There is a world in which Jett Howard could fill that role. There is also an alternate world where the Magic try to sign Cam Johnson and get the real guy instead of betting on Howard to follow a similar trajectory.

While I understand the criticism, I’m not totally ready to chastise the Magic. Could they have traded back, picked up an extra asset, and still got Howard? Probably. If they were looking for shooting, could they have gone with more established shooters like Gradey Dick or Jordan Hawkins? Probably. Could Jett Howard develop into a complementary piece that provides the Magic with the frontcourt depth I talked about? Maybe? Am I betting on both horses so I can’t technically be wrong? Guilty as charged.

While basketball pundits on talk shows like to stir the pot and drum up engagement with hot takes, the truth is no one knows. The good thing is Jett Howard has very little pressure on him in a system that already has a boatload of ball handlers. If he can be average on defense and knock down open shots, I don’t think a Cam Johnson-esque career is unreasonable.

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Pick: 12

Player: Dereck Lively II

Grade: 84

Analysis: This is the rare need-based and upside play. At his floor, Lively is strictly a pick-and-roll rim runner and rim protector. At his ceiling, Lively could be…Jonas Valanciunas? Am I allowed to make that comp? While Dallas has one of the best owners in Marc Cuban (the guy from Shark Tank), this is not a fun environment to jump into as a rookie. The pressure has never been higher to build a contender around Luka Doncic. Even Luka himself has submitted his entry to the best summer workout video award (and it’s not even July!). Not to mention a rather tricky Kyrie Irving situation looming.

We thought Dallas would make a splash by trading the 10th pick for a starting-caliber player. Instead, they dumped Davis Bertans and moved back two picks. It’s not flashy, but it provided some necessary flexibility. It also allowed them to trade for Richaun Holmes and the 24th overall pick (more on that later).

Lively gives them some size at the center position they have seriously lacked in recent years. The combination of Dwight Powell, Christian Wood, and JaVale McGee doesn’t exactly have opposing offenses shaking in their boots. They might have been able to trade down further, but in a draft lacking big men with first-round upside, I can’t blame them for taking Lively at 12.

In terms of role, it’s hard to imagine the Mavericks asking Lively to do more than what he’s good at - dunking and blocking shots. But can you see him anchoring a defense in a playoff series within the next year or two? The jury’s still out.

Team: Toronto Raptors

Pick: 13

Player: Gradey Dick

Grade: 88

Analysis: Gradey Dick’s draft day outfit was almost as preposterous as his name. Anyone else hear, “Grade A Dick”? Anyone else looking forward to hearing Mike Breen shout, “Grade A Dick explodes at the rim!”

Dick jokes aside (the puns will haunt this guy forever), I honestly didn’t see Gradey (let’s be adults and stick with his first name only) falling past the Magic or Thunder. Both teams have a blatant need for a knockdown shooter. The Raptors have a similar void, but I projected them to address a different issue. A problem they’ve had for the past decade - undersized point guards. Kyle Lowry and then Fred VanVleet. With FVV’s future up in the air, why not bring in a big point guard like Jalen Hood-Schifino? Even if VanVleet returns, it can’t hurt to have a backup developing in the meantime. Malachi Flynn exists, but I doubt he is their longtime solution at PG (thanks a lot, Nick Nurse).

With that said, Gradey’s ability to space the floor could work wonders for Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam - two guys who make their money in the paint. He could also become a secondary or tertiary playmaker. With Nick Nurse out, maybe Pascal Siakam won’t lead the league in minutes played per game for a third straight season. A lot is in flux up north. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see Toronto ascending to contender status or bottoming out for a chance at a top 5 pick. Maybe in a fractured East with many teams still licking their wounds, Toronto finds a way to make a surprise run. Scottie Barnes needs to make a significant jump and Gradey needs to be a fringe starter right away.

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

Pick: 14

Player: Jordan Hawkins

Grade: 83

Analysis: This is a case of liking the player, not the fit. It’s not even fit, but more the rotation. Where does Jordan Hawkins fit on this Pelicans team? In the wake of the Anthony Davis trade, this franchise has more lottery guys than they know what to do with. How do you know what you have in a draft pick if they never see the floor? Hawkins must compete with other guys in Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis Jr., and Jose Alvarado. Not to mention CJ McCollum and Josh Richardson, if they decide to resign the latter. If Hawkins shoots and defends well enough, he could carve out a role on this squad.

Regardless, a consolidation move is in order in New Orleans. Better to trade a prospect who has some trade value now, than play them and find out they aren’t any good.

Team: Atlanta Hawks

Pick: 15

Player: Kobe Bufkin

Grade: 88

Analysis: Bufkin rose draft boards throughout the pre-draft process, and I saw him mocked as high as 8 to the Wizards. He’s a combo guard with decent size and the potential to run an offense or play off the ball. This offensive versatility should allow him to be in lineups featuring Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Aside from their two premier guards, the Hawks were thin at the position, so this pick is at the intersection of talent and need. Quin Snyder will probably hand Bufkin the keys to the second unit. And, depending on how quickly he makes an impact, the Hawks might have to re-evaluate the future of Young and Murray. They are kind of already doing that anyway.

Team: Utah Jazz

Pick: 16

Player: Keyonte George (just want to point out Grammarly suggests we change his name to Keynote George)

Grade: 80

Analysis: George was a polarizing prospect leading up to the draft, as he fell into the “either you love him or you hate him” category. Perhaps the biggest reason is he is 6’4” as a shooting guard. Undersized wings don’t tend to be highly sought after at the pro level. The Portland Trail Blazers have had an undersized backcourt problem for a decade. Personally, I don’t put much stock in pure bucket-getters. Of course, this is an upside play and with two first-round picks in this draft, you’d figure the Jazz should take at least one big swing. Cam Whitmore would have also qualified, by the way.

But what is George’s ceiling? Bradley Beal? The guy currently with one of the worst contracts in the league.

The Jazz had a glaring hole at point guard. Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson aren’t exactly facilitators. I would have liked to see them take Cason Wallace at 9, even though I like Taylor Hendricks. Alternatively, this pick could’ve been Jalen Hood-Schifino, a guy I didn’t foresee falling past Toronto and New Orleans.

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Pick: 17

Player: Jalen Hood-Schifino

Grade: 88

Analysis: Why argue about talent and need when you can have both? Assuming D’Angelo Russell does not return, the Lakers could use another PG. Ideally, one less trigger-happy than D’Lo (which is almost everyone). I am a fan of big guards, given that they are rarely hunted defensively in the playoffs. Like many guys in this class, Hood-Schifino’s ceiling will ultimately depend on if he can extend his range past the three-point line. LeBron thrives with off-ball shooters, which isn’t exactly Jalen’s game. However, in his rookie season, I doubt he’ll play that much with LeGoat. I imagine he’s more likely to run the second unit, coming off screens, making reads, and utilizing his excellent mid-range pull-up game.

And if LeBron dips in 2024 to join Bronny somewhere, who knows where that leaves the Lakers? But at least they’ll have a promising young point guard in Hood-Schifino.

Team: Miami Heat

Pick: 18

Player: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Grade: 80

Analysis: Apparently Jaquez to Miami was no secret as most experts (including Brian Dias) had the UCLA alum going to South Beach. He certainly saw his stock rise throughout the draft process, going from an early second-round projection to the late teens. Of course, Pat Riley went with a player that in many ways epitomizes Heat culture. Nothing flashy, just grinding in the trenches. He’s the sort of guy who doesn’t really pop on screen, but just gets it done on both ends.

I worry a little bit about how his game will translate to the NBA. In college, he relied on quick pivoting and leaning jump shots to score. There’s some concern he’s not quick enough to beat bigger defenders and not big enough to punish smaller ones. Still, he projects to fill a role immediately for the reigning Eastern Conference champs. Or end up going to Portland in a Damian Lillard trade.

Team: Golden State Warriors

Pick: 19

Player: Brandin Podziemski

Grade: 81

Analysis: Podziemski represents sort of uncharted territory in terms of a player transferring from a larger school (Illinois) to a mid-major (Santa Clara) and getting drafted. None of the previous five players in that category have panned out (shoutout to Semi Ojeleye). There’s always the issue of inferior competition within the conference, but the Thunder’s Jalen Williams went to Santa Clara and erupted in his rookie year. It all cancels out in the end, leading us back to the ultimate conclusion: it’s a crapshoot.

Podziemski shot 43.8% from three last season and if he can hover around 40% in the pros, he’ll always find himself on an NBA roster. Just ask Duncan Robinson, who went from bench warmer to an NBA finals rotation piece. The other number that pops off Podziemski’s stat line is 8.8 rebounds a game. No one can really explain it other than…hustle? Shooting will keep him on a roster, but his ability to defend may determine if he’ll play, especially come playoff time.

Podziemski drew comparisons to Donte DiVincenzo and may end up simply replacing him (DDV declined his player option). The Warriors misfired on James Wiseman, and are still waiting to see what they have with Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. I expected them to go with a more known entity like Kris Murray or Colby Jones here. Murray would have been added some size on the wing, and Colby Jones would have been a much-needed glue guy in the backcourt. Podziemski is a bigger risk but may have a higher ceiling than Murray or Jones.

Team: Houston Rockets

Pick: 20

Player: Cam Whitmore

Grade: 92

Analysis: And now we find ourselves at the end of the Cam Whitmore freefall. With the dust now settled, it appears that his injury history and casual demeanor during interviews are to blame. Apparently, he just doesn’t have much of a personality? Would that stop you from drafting Kawhi Leonard (everything else aside)? It is odd because Sam Vecenie of The Athletic had Whitmore over Brandon Miller in his comprehensive, 180-page draft guide. And yet, when I read it, it seems like Whitmore has some glaring holes in his game. Number one, he’s a ball-stopper. He’s a put his head down and get to the rim no matter what kind of guy. It leads to some impressive drives, but also some sloppy basketball. Personally, I like players who can make the right pass and move the ball. Generally, ball movement leads to more effective offense. As I said with Keyonte George, I don’t value bucket-getters as much as others.

Still, Whitmore’s frame and athleticism constitute a foundation that would be hard to pass on past the tenth pick. To some extent, I get why the Warriors and Heat would stay away, given they’re looking to find complementary pieces. Whitmore isn’t a guy who could slot into any lineup. The Pelicans probably don’t need a ball-dominant wing. Neither do the Hawks. However, the Magic, Mavericks, and Jazz may have made a huge mistake. Experts have likened Whitmore’s descent to that of Michael Porter Jr., who fell to 14. In my mind, Whitmore’s is more drastic. Porter Jr. was coming off major back injuries, while Whitmore played twenty-six games his freshman season. The Magic and Jazz had two first-round picks, why not grab a potential top-5 talent with the second one?

The Rockets now bring in Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. Do they need Whitmore? Probably not. Another young guy who doesn’t move the ball is probably the last thing they need. However, with Whitmore’s frame, he could be a menace on defense. And if Amen Thompson can be a central facilitator, Whitmore should benefit. Additionally, if Jalen Green can attract opposing teams’ best defenders, Whitmore should have the green light to attack mismatches.

It makes for a compelling albeit deeply flawed young core in Houston. As I said, Udoka has a lot of work to do. Just want to remind everyone he took this job before the Milwaukee or Phoenix spots opened. Had he held off, he could be coaching Giannis or KD, but instead…this.

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Pick: 21

Player: Noah Clowney

Grade: 84

Analysis: With the first of consecutive picks here, the Nets decide to add to their frontcourt. It’s a smart move considering Nic Claxton and Day’ron Sharpe are the only big men on the roster. They still don’t have a traditional center to bring in against beefy opponents like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.

Clowney’s shown flashes of being a stretch 5. He can, technically, shoot threes. He attempted over 3 a game last season, even though it was at a 28.3% success rate. It remains to be seen whether he’ll venture out to the three-point line in the pros, but at the very least he’ll offer some rebounding, rim running, and defensive versatility. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and the Nets should be patient enough to let him develop.

The Nets are sort of a random amalgamation of mistakes (Ben Simmons) and triumphs (Mikal Bridges). There are so many different pieces and much of it is in flux. Cam Johnson will have multiple suitors in (restricted) free agency. Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, Royce O’Neale, Patty Mills, and Nic Claxton are on expiring contracts. And oh yeah, there’s that pesky Ben Simmons piece.

Brooklyn has a decent number of picks, but not many of them are their own. Is this a team incentivized to go after a star? It’s one of the few franchises that make sense for Damian Lillard. There were rumors they turned down Anfernee Simons and the third pick for Mikal Bridges. I understand retaining Bridges and his team-friendly contract, but it couldn’t have been easy to decline the rights to Scoot Henderson. Regardless, it seems like the Nets are here to win. Clowney should help the cause.

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Pick: 22

Player: Dariq Whitehead

Grade: 82

Analysis: While Clowney may be able to contribute along the fringes, Dariq Whitehead could be more of a project. Or at least a waiting game. He only played 20.6 minutes a game in 28 games at Duke. He shot better from three (42.9%) than he did from two (42.1%). The flip side is he was a top-5 talent coming out of high school, but a foot injury hindered his freshman season. The Nets are betting on that pedigree.

When you have two firsts, it’s hard to blame you for taking a swing. Perhaps Whitehead can learn from experienced wing shooters Patty Mills and Joe Harris. The Nets have a logjam of three and D wings. Do they move any of them? Whitehead would have to leapfrog a few more established names to see the court. That could prove difficult if the Nets prioritize winning over development.

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Pick: 23

Player: Kris Murray

Grade: 85

Analysis: The dagger pick in the draft. The Trail Blazers prevent Kris from reuniting with his twin brother Keegan on the Sacramento Kings. Disrespectful. The lowdown on Kris is he’s basically his brother but less efficient as a shooter. This is somewhat concerning considering Keegan’s claim to fame is his shooting efficiency. Kris is old for this class and has a more refined game than most. He should help out a Portland franchise that…is trying to win this year?

Who knows what could transpire between now and opening night? Regardless, you can never have too many 6’8” wings in the NBA. Unless you’re Brooklyn maybe.

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Pick: 24

Player: Olivier Maxence-Prosper

Grade: 87

Analysis: The Mavs hop back into the draft, taking on Richaun Holmes’s contract from Sacramento and selecting “O-Max” out of Marquette. My theory is the Kings were so upset about missing out on Kris Murray that they threw in the towel altogether. The Mavs taking Dereck Lively and now Maxence-Prosper shows an emphasis on shoring up the defensive end. If they retain Kyrie Irving, he and Luka Doncic aren't exactly brick walls in the backcourt. OMP (do people refer to him as that?) projects to be some sort of Dorian Finney-Smith replacement. He’s even got the hyphenated last name.

There aren’t a ton of holes in O-Max’s game. He’s got good size for the wing with the ability to defend and shoot the ball. Luka will run the offense, so OMP’s limited ability to make plays for himself and his teammates shouldn’t really matter. It seems like he’ll come into a well-defined role and should have ample opportunity to thrive within it.

Team: Detroit Pistons

Pick: 25

Player: Marcus Sasser

Grade: 78

Analysis: Do the Detroit Pistons hate wing players? After drafting a guard in Ausar Thompson at 5, they go with a combo guard in Marcus Sasser at 25. Maybe Ausar can play the wing, but he’ll need to bulk up. Perhaps the Pistons are ready to move on from Killian Hayes, given he’s sitting in the third chair behind Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt. At 6’1”, Sasser would have to play the point, unless Monty Williams wants to go super small. He’ll be twenty-three by opening day, and maybe the Pistons are sick of projects. He shoots the ball well from three and is active on defense.

Nothing against Sasser, I just don’t understand the fit.

Team: Indiana Pacers

Pick: 26

Player: Ben Sheppard

Grade: 82

Analysis: Sheppard was a name that rose up mock drafts in the past few weeks. I saw him mocked as high as 19. Then he sort of settled into this range. Mid-major guys are always tricky. Coming out of Belmont, Sheppard impressed during the combine scrimmages, showing off his shooting ability. It remains to be seen if he’ll develop in any other category, but Rick Carlisle won’t need him to create for others with Tyrese Haliburton at the helm. If the Pacers look to move Buddy Hield, there will be an empty three-and-D role served up on a platter for Sheppard. All he has to do is knock down threes…and well, play defense.

Team: Charlotte Hornets

Pick: 27

Player: Nick Smith Jr.

Grade: 84

Analysis: If it feels like almost every player was a riser, it’s because we’re now getting to the point where some dudes fell. Smith Jr. had an injury-laden freshman season at Arkansas but was in the top five of his class coming out of high school. I don’t love the profile as a skinny, ball-dominant scorer, but the Hornets have little to lose this late in the draft. Perhaps he could become a Malik Monk/Jordan Clarkson sparkplug off-the-bench type.

Team: Utah Jazz

Pick: 28

Player: Brice Sensabaugh

Grade: 86

Analysis: Another faller baller due to his injury history, Sensabaugh fits in the Jaime Jaquez category of a nonathletic bucket-getter who somehow makes tough shots at a high rate. It’s a tricky thing to predict how it will translate to the NBA as defenders get bigger and more athletic. Without a primary facilitator in Utah, Sensabaugh may struggle to maintain the same efficiency he did in college. However, there’s always value in knockdown shooting.

Between Sensabaugh and Keyonte George, who knows what the future holds for Utah’s backcourt?

Team: Denver Nuggets

Pick: 29

Player: Julian Strawther

Grade: 80

Analysis: This pick makes a lot of sense for the defending champs, as Strawther projects as a plug-and-play type with good size and shooting ability. If Bruce Brown leaves in free agency, Mike Malone may task Strawther and Christian Braun to pick up the slack. Most guys would fit well with Nikola Jokic, but specifically guys who can cut and shoot off the ball thrive.

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Pick: 30

Player: Kobe Brown

Grade: 78

Analysis: The Clippers roster is so stacked with random sort of decent players that I wasn’t sure what direction they were going to go here. Brown could be a Marcus Morris Sr. replacement. They already tried to move Morris and this pick for Malcolm Brogdon before getting cold feet. Brown’s biggest challenge will be proving he can shoot in the neighborhood of the 45.5% he shot from three this past season. After shooting 23.7% in the previous three seasons, it seems a little fluky. But an entire college season ain’t a small sample size. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

Round 2

31. Charlotte Hornets, James Nnaji - Mark Williams projects to be the starting center for the foreseeable future. However, with some time to develop, Nnaji could be a formidable backup who can protect the rim and hold his own in the paint. Grade: 87

32. Denver Nuggets, Jalen Pickett - Most experts considered this a reach, but in the second round who really cares? Pickett is a bit of an unorthodox guard and is almost 24 years old. Still, he averaged 17.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 6.6 APG last season. There’s little appeal for a rebuilding team but for the defending champs? A seasoned, do-it-all guard makes a lot of sense. Grade: 81

33. Minnesota Timberwolves, Leonard Miller - Miller had been mocked in the top 20, so the Timberwolves could find themselves with first-round talent here early in the second. He’s kind of clunky, but he’s got good size. I don’t imagine he’ll play a ton right off the bat, which is probably a good thing. Grade: 88

34. Sacramento Kings, Colby Jones - Jones doesn’t have a specific go-to attribute to point to but has all the makings of a glue guy. He fits nicely into a Kings team that is building around the fringes. If he can shoot consistently from three, he could become a pivotal piece of a perennial playoff team. Grade: 86

35. Chicago Bulls, Julian Phillips - He’s an athletic wing that some thought should return to school to refine his game. Sort of a Matisse Thybulle type - a great defender, who can’t shoot. It’s a prototype that usually struggles to find playing time. Although with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan not being great perimeter defenders, it makes sense for the Bulls to go defensive here. Grade: 81

36. Milwaukee Bucks, Andre Jackson Jr. - Speaking of athletic wings who can’t shoot, enter Andre Jackson Jr. Kevin O’Connor’s comparison for Jackson was a honey badger. I would have loved to see him in an offense with more ball movement that could exploit his off-ball cutting, but he lands in Milwaukee’s iso/pick-and-roll scheme. He may play on the second unit, but without being able to shoot, it’s hard to imagine him in a playoff series aside from some spotty defensive minutes. Grade: 86

37. Denver Nuggets, Hunter Tyson - He is one of those names I hadn’t seen in many full mock drafts. When I finally came across him, I was impressed. A 6’8” forward who shot 40.5% from three on 6 attempts per game? Seems like a guy who could carve out a role for himself on the right team. Oh, he ends up on the Denver Nuggets playing with arguably the best offensive fulcrum in the league? Yeah, I could see him making an impact. With Strawther and Pickett, Tyson will look to bolster a second unit that struggled mightily last year. Grade: 80

38. Boston Celtics, Jordan Walsh - In the wake of the Marcus Smart deal, Jordan Walsh will look to be the grit and grind defender that Smart was for a decade. The numbers aren’t pretty, but he’s a hustler and a glue guy that won’t need the ball to positively impact the game. My guess is he’ll go from “that guy with alopecia” to “holy shit that guy with alopecia who’s everywhere on the floor.” Grade: 83

39. Atlanta Hawks, Mouhamed Gueye - This pick may be a precursor to a Clint Capela trade, as Onyeka Okongwu seems ready to take the starting job. Gueye has decent ball skills and a lean frame. He may have trouble in the trenches with bigger guys and on the perimeter with quicker wings. If Capela stays, it’ll be tough for Gueye to see the floor in his rookie season. Grade: 79

40. Los Angeles Lakers, Maxwell Lewis - Coming out of Pepperdine, it didn’t seem like anyone knew what to make of Maxwell Lewis. He’s a mid-major guy who had an up-and-down sophomore season. Early in the mock draft season, he was going in the late first round. I liked him for Indiana or Charlotte as a wing shooter. Instead, he goes to LA, where he could slot in as a wing on the second unit. I hope he gets a chance to play. Grade: 90

41. Charlotte Hornets, Amari Bailey - A five-star high school recruit who had a disappointing freshman season. Dennis Smith Jr. is a UFA, so Bailey may have a chance to step in as the backup point guard. With fellow rookies Brandon Miller and James Nnaji, Bailey should have ample opportunity to grow on this rebuilding Charlotte squad. Grade: 86

42. Washington Wizards, Tristan Vukcevic - A big man who shoots the ball from deep. He only averaged 5.6 points per game in Serbia, so it will probably take a while for him to adjust to the NBA game. The Wizards have nothing but time right now, so might as well take a shot. Grade: 84

43. Portland Trail Blazers, Rayan Rupert- KOC originally had Rupert 21st on his draft board and had him at 28 on draft day. He’s a defensive-minded player out of New Zealand who will need to…stop me if you’ve heard this before…develop a shot if he wants to earn any meaningful minutes. It’s good value for a 6’6” wing with a 7’3” wingspan. Grade: 89

44. San Antonio Spurs, Sidy Cissoko - I like the profile of a 6’6”, 224-pound wing with strong defensive skills who’s shown flashes of playmaking ability. San Antonio is a great landing spot for him to learn without having much pressure right away. Grade: 88

45. Memphis Grizzlies, GG Jackson - Jackson was a polarizing prospect coming off an inefficient freshman campaign on a bad South Carolina team. He’s the youngest player in the class, and in my opinion, pops off the screen when he’s in transition or creating shots for himself. Unfortunately, he won’t have a lot of opportunities in Memphis unless they move some pieces. Like Maxwell Lewis, I was hoping GG would land in a spot thinner on the wing like Indiana or Charlotte. If he’s going to develop, he’ll have to earn a spot on the court. Grade: 85

46. Atlanta Hawks, Seth Lundy - An older, smaller wing who can shoot the ball at a good clip. Hard to see him playing much with the crowded backcourt in Atlanta. Grade: 80

47. Indiana Pacers, Mojave King - King’s ceiling is probably a decent three-and-D guy. Not sure he’ll crack the rotation in Indy. Grade: 77

48. Los Angeles Clippers, Jordan Miller - Sort of a discount Colby Jones - a wing that can do a lot well, but nothing great. The Clippers got a bunch of random old guys who Miller would have to jump to earn minutes. Grade: 80

49. Cleveland Cavaliers, Emoni Bates - Sort of a mystery on and off the court. A highly touted prospect who transferred from Memphis to Central Michigan. He can score but does little else. The Cavaliers definitely need a player with Bates’ size, but his skill set as a ball-dominant scorer makes no sense next to Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Maybe he could a sparkplug off the bench? Grade: 77

50. Oklahoma City Thunder, Keyontae Johnson - Surprisingly, Johnson wasn’t on Sam Vecenie’s comprehensive draft guide. He did have a health scare in 2020 while playing for Florida, collapsing on the floor due to a heart issue. Maybe Vecenie didn’t want to mess with it. The Thunder have too many talented young guys for Johnson to play much. Grade: 78

51. Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Wilson - An older wing prospect with a strong frame. He scored over 20 points per game, but not on efficient shooting. Brooklyn is loaded with wings, so unless they move a few, Wilson is going to have a tough time cracking the rotation. Grade: 83

52. Phoenix Suns, Toumani Camara- A stout, 6’7” forward who KOC compared to Torrey Craig. Well, that’s sort of convenient considering Craig is a UFA, and Camara may be tasked with replacing him. The Suns are so thin following the Bradley Beal trade, I imagine we will see more Toumani Camara than we would if he was on just about any other team. Grade: 82

53. Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaylen Clark - It’s actually crazy how many dudes named Jalen or Jaylen get drafted these days. Jalen Roses’ mom may be one of the most influential people in NBA history. KOC compared Clark to Minkah Fitzpatrick - the free safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers. O’Connor went abstract with the comps with second-round prospects, apparently. His 2.6 steals per game is impressive and Minnesota could use another perimeter defender when Mike Conley Jr.’s not up to the task. I like this pick at 53. Grade: 89

54. Sacramento Kings, Jalen Slawson - How about another Jalen? The Kings go with another older, potential plug-and-play option here with Slawson. He has great size and shooting ability as a wing. The big question is whether he can defend. The Kings aren’t known for their defense, so that is a little concerning. Grade: 82

55. Indiana Pacers, Isaiah Wong - After the Mojave King selection, the Pacers go with another guard in Wong. It’s a little odd considering they’re pretty much set at the position for the foreseeable future. Grade: 79

56. Memphis Grizzlies, Tarik Biberovic - As far as I can tell, no one has any idea who this guy is. Grade: ?

57. Golden State Warriors, Trayce Jackson-Davis - Many would call this the steal of the second round, if not the entire draft. Jackson-Davis is a 6’8” center, which is generally a red flag. He’s also 23, so I don’t blame rebuilding teams for staying away. Still, the guy averaged 20.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 2.9 BPG last season. He makes a ton of sense for the Warriors as an athletic backup to Kevon Looney. He’ll most likely have issues with taller big men, but Kevon Looney has been able to hold his own at the position and he’s only 6’9”. It’s not hard to imagine Jackson-Davis setting off-ball screens for Curry and Thompson, and feasting on a steady diet of dunks and near-the-rim finishes. He’s way more seasoned than James Wiseman was coming out of college, so hopefully he can play the Warrior way without issue. Grade: 90

58. Milwaukee Bucks, Chris Livingston - I find it hilarious that Livingston canceled all his pre-draft workouts, implying he received a promise from a team, just for it to be the last pick in the draft. He’s got the motor and the frame, but not much production to show for it. There’s nothing in his stat line that screams NBA player. Grade: 77