Scoot Henderson Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

2023 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Full 2-Round Predictions

Jonathan Wasserman

*Editor's Note: This mock draft will be updated to reflect B/R intel, latest news and trades between now and the June 22 NBA Draft.

Check back for updates, and hit the comments with your draft-night predictions.


Between the French league (LNB Pro A) playoffs ending and gossip spreading as prospects make their workout rounds, necessary changes to our mock draft have been made.

Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller both completed two solo workouts each for the Charlotte Hornets. While opinions of Miller having an edge have been widespread, there doesn't appear to be as much substance behind them as once thought.

The biggest changes as of Tuesday June 20, include:

1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images

Position: PF/C

Team: Metropolitans 92

Age: 19

Wembanyama has finally made it to the United States after leading his team to the LNB Pro A finals.

The only question regarding his immediate future is whether he'll play in summer league for the San Antonio Spurs. He'll be the No. 1 overall pick after finishing second in France's top league in scoring, first in rebounding and shot-blocking and making 54 threes as a 7'5" 19-year-old.

San Antonio is on the verge of pairing a five-position defender in Jeremy Sochan with an elite shot-blocker who'll double as both the team's rim protector and No. 1 scoring option.

2. Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson

Scoot Henderson Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

Position: PG

Team: G League Ignite

Age: 19

While the belief has been that the Charlotte Hornets prefer Brandon Miller, it's sounding more like just a rumor that's snowballed. No NBA sources have any legitimate explanation or substance behind the assumption. Scoot Henderson had been the No. 2 prospect for most scouts B/R spoke to throughout the year. And until we hear the Hornets don't believe in his fit, we're moving Henderson back to No. 2 as the best player available after Victor Wembanyama.

Both Miller and Henderson were in Charlotte this week for solo workouts. Henderson should have looked more enticing in that setting, given his superior explosiveness and ball control, and a jumper that looks fairly believable despite its reputation for being the reason to question his upside.

The Hornets should be able to talk themselves into Henderson complementing LaMelo Ball's three-point game and passing with more rim pressure and mid-range scoring.

Henderson is scheduled to meet with Hornets governor Michael Jordan on Monday, according to B/R's Chris Haynes.

3. Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Miller

Brandon Miller Joe Robbins/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Position: SF

School: Alabama

Age: 20

The Portland Trail Blazers may be less inclined to trade No. 3 if they can add Brandon Miller, an easy fit for the team's small forward spot.

Portland will still be active in trade calls to land an established star who can instantly help Damian Lillard compete in the playoffs. But unless the New Orleans Pelicans are willing to part with Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson, or the Blazers thought Bradley Beal was the answer, it's difficult to identify any other realistic deal or targets.

Portland may have to think about resetting around the No. 3 pick and a Lillard trade. Between Miller, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, Portland could start a rebuild with a core of special shot-makers.

The other option is building off Lillard with Sharpe and Miller (or Henderson) and shopping Simons.

4. Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Position: PG/SG

Team: Overtime Elite

Age: 19

New intel suggests the Houston Rockets have gone back and forth between Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, but Thomspon has the edge in the best-player-available discussion.

His playmaking and defense are the selling points. The question is whether the Rockets have confidence in James Harden's return or if they're willing to overpay to bring him back. His arrival would create an interesting logjam with Jalen Green and Thompson, who's far more valuable on the ball than as a wing.

At this stage, we'll stick with Houston ignoring fit, considering they can't be certain how free agency will play out. Regardless, Thompson will give Houston a needed passer next to Green.

5. Detroit Pistons: Jarace Walker

Jarace Walker, Houston AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

Position: PF

Team: Houston

Age: 19

Jarace Walker seems locked into the No. 5-9 range, but the Pistons could ultimately value his fit, versatility and projected readiness over Ausar Thompson's higher ceiling.

The Pistons may see Walker's potential to shoot threes, attack closeouts and pass off live dribbles as an appealing, complementary skill set to place next to Jalen Duren.

Call it a coincidence but general manager Troy Weaver also has a recent history of drafting/acquiring prospects with A+ physical builds, between Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren and James Wiseman.If not Walker, Thompson makes more sense than Amen, but trading out for a quality NBA starter may be the more desirable outcome.

Mid Lottery

Ausar Thompson Stacy Revere/Getty Images

6. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

Interest in Black seems to be spreading and growing. The Wizards now seem like his floor. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic may have to pass on a forward like Cam Whitmore, whose medical reports have also raised some questions. Orlando could see more upside with Black than Markelle Fultz, and the front office does have a recent history of valuing skill and versatility over athleticism. Black has fans all over for his coveted mix of positional size, passing and defense.

7. Indiana Pacers: Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida, PF, 19 years old)

Hendricks' textbook fit could give him an edge, with the Pacers needing to improving their shooting and defense, and the 19-year-old looking like the draft's top three-and-D forward prospect. Teams also believe Indiana will continue to be active in trade talks, as they look for a veteran figure out what to do with picks No. 26, No. 29 and No. 32.

8. Washington Wizards: Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 2003)

The Wizards will be operating in best-player-available mode after the Bradley Beal trade. Thompson offers the most upside on the board at No. 8 with his unbeatable quickness and explosion, plus budding playmaking ability and improving shot-making.

9. Utah Jazz: Cam Whitmore (Villanova, SF, Freshman)

There have been some concerns over Whitmore's medicals, which could cause a few teams to pass in the mid-lottery, per sources. This could be an opportunity for the Jazz or others to buy low on an 18-year-old who showed no signs of any injury affecting his explosiveness during the season. The Jazz are also expected to be explore different trade possibilities with three first-round picks.

10. Dallas Mavericks: Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92, SF, 2004)

League sources expect the Mavericks to trade this pick, and Coulibaly could be an upside target for a team looking to take a big swing. His season just came to an end last week, when he scored eight points on five shots in Game 3 of the LNB Finals. Between a combination of age, explosion and shot-making that screams upside, plus his budding production into the LNB Pro A playoffs, teams think he's going somewhere in the No. 9-14 range.

Late Lottery

Dereck Lively, Duke Lance King/Getty Images

11. Orlando Magic: Gradey Dick (Kansas, SF, Freshman)

Orlando will be hoping that Dick is still there at No. 11, as they'll swing for upside at No. 6 and then target shooting in the late-lottery. If Dick is gone, Jordan Hawkins is expected to draw consideration.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kobe Bufkin (Michigan, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Bufkin has fans in the lottery. His workout schedule and camp have also been quiet, leaving some to believe he has a good idea of where he may end up. He offers both skill versatility and IQ, making Bufkin seem highly adaptable to any situation.

13. Toronto Raptors: Dereck Lively (Duke, C, Freshman)

League sources say that interest in Lively has escalated to the point where teams may need to trade into the top 10 to get him. The Mavericks trading out could allow him to be here at No. 13, and the Raptors could see a long-term rim protector if it's not Jakob Poeltl. Still, Lively's shooting during pro day and workouts has scouts revisiting the high-school projections of a potential stretch-5 shot-blocker.

14. New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman)

Hood-Schifino is earning consideration as high as No. 9 from the Jazz. We're hearing there has been a significant buildup of buzz on him during workout season, to the point where rival agents don't anticipating him being on the board outside the lottery.

Nos. 15-30

Leonard Miller, G League Ignite David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images

15. Atlanta Hawks: Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG, Freshman)

League sources say the Hawks have explored the idea of trading De'Andre Hunter with AJ Griffin needing more playing time. Any deal may affect this pick, but if stays Atlanta's, Wallace would give the Hawks different look from Trae Young and Dejounte Murray with his more controlled pace and defense.

16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut, SG/SF, 21 years old)

The Jazz could add more shot-making support with Hawkins, who put together one of the most convincing seasons of shooting with 109 threes, including 19 during Connecticut's national title run. The draft's most productive off-screen scorer should be an easy fit as a catch-and-shoot weapon.

17. Los Angeles Lakers: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, 19 years old)

There's some fading appeal in scoring 2-guards who aren't plus playmakers and struggle defensively. George sounds vulnerable to a slide, but his shot-making prowess should be too much for teams searching for more offensive firepower.

18. Miami Heat: Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Marquette, SF, Sophomore)

Strong reviews are coming in about how hard Prosper has competed during workouts. He's visited a whopping 15 teams and counting. Sources around the league think he's built enough momentum to start drawing top-20 consideration, with his outstanding physical tools, motor, defense and correctable shooting driving the interest.

19. Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, PG/SG, Sophomore)

Podziemski would give Golden State's second unit some extra creation and shot-making. The Santa Clara guard strengthened his first-round case at the combine, leaving scouts more confident that his shot-making, playmaking and rebounding can translate.

20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Ben Sheppard (Belmore, SG, Senior)

The No. 20 pick is expected to be up for grabs, and Sheppard has become a popular riser in the first-round discussion. Whoever picks here could value his shooting versatility and ability to put pressure on defenses as an extra pick-and-roll ball-handler.

21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, SG, 19 years old)

After injuries affected Smith's season and inefficiency cast a cloud over it, scouts sounded pleased with his pro day. There is still plenty of confidence in his shot-making and three-level scoring, despite what the percentages at Arkansas say. Smith would give Brooklyn more extra self-creation and three-level scoring off the bench.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 19 years old)

More of an idea than a surefire NBA pro at this time last year, Miller now has a season's worth of solid G League production, plus gradual improvement and an attractive combination of 6'9" size and wing skills.

23. Portland Trail Blazers: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)

Murray comes off as NBA-ready with similar shot-making and off-ball scoring skills as twin brother Keegan.

24. Sacramento Kings: Noah Clowney (Alabama, PF/C, 18 years old)

Clowney enters the draft with a project label, though certain teams will be willing to invest and wait on the potential rewards of adding frontcourt three-and-D.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF/PF, 22 years old)

With Jaquez, there will be teams in the 20s and 30s willing to forget about upside, and instead value the floor tied to his physicality, intangibles and versatility. He's drawn positive reviews for his shooting during workouts.

26. Indiana Pacers: Jett Howard (Michigan, SF, 19 years old)

With a valued, translatable skill set for off-ball scoring, and questions about athleticism and defense, Howard's draft range is wide, likely from No. 15 to No. 30.

27. Charlotte Hornets: Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF, Freshman)

Walsh clearly has fans, including some who may have convinced him to stay in the draft. His defensive versatility and intensity could sway teams to look past his scoring limitations. He'll have a defined role that calls for getting stops and making hustle plays.

28. Utah Jazz: Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, 18 years old)

Whitehead just underwent a secondary surgery to fix an unhealed foot injury, which was completed by Nets' physician Dr. Martin O'Malley. Prior to the procedure, he'd met with late-lottery teams and multiple teams that have two or more first-rounders, per sources. There was no re-fracture in his foot, and with a second pick in the 20s, Utah could take a chance on Whitehead returning to pre-Duke form, when he blossomed into a No. 1 option at Montverde with an exciting mix of self-creation skill, shot-making and slashing we didn't see much of this past season.

29. Indiana Pacers: Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 18 years old)

Rupert will draw first-round looks just based off the appeal to long wings (7'2" wingspan) with shot-making potential. Limited production in the NBL has also led to low confidence levels in scouts.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SF, Sophomore)

Scouts have been trying to weigh Lewis' NBA physical profile, three-level shot-making and enticing creation flashes versus Pepperdine's 9-22 record and the sophomore's inconsistent defense against lower-level competition. He should ultimately look enticing in a workout setting with the body of a wing and the shooting versatility to hit different types of jumpers from all over.

Nos. 31-45

Amari Bailey, UCLA Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

31. Detroit Pistons: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State, SG/SF, 19 years old)

A late-season knee injury has affected Sensabaugh's availability and likelihood of rising during the pre-draft process. He'll still draw first-round interest based on his scoring efficiency, shooting versatility and NBA-ready, 235-pound frame.

32. Indiana Pacers (via Rockets): James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 18 years old)

Nnaji's physical profile and Euroleague experience for an 18-year-old should be enough to draw looks in the 20s and 30s from teams who see a high-floor finisher and defender.

33. San Antonio Spurs: Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, 21 years old)

If the Hornets take Brandon Miller, a big, defensive guard who can pass should look appealing at No. 27. Jones could handle the ball behind LaMelo or play a Swiss Army Knife role at either position.

34. Charlotte Hornets: Amari Bailey (UCLA, PG, 19 years old)

Unteachable basketball IQ and improvisation have helped Bailey earn NBA fans. Instead of selling himself as a scoring combo, teams have started to picture a facilitator who shown just enough creative shot-making to keep defenses honest.

35. Boston Celtics (via Blazers): Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut, SG/SF, 21 years old)

While teams acknowledge Jackson's shooting woes, scouts have still found a way to love his athleticism, passing and intangibles for a unique two-way playmaker role.

36. Orlando Magic: Tristan Vukcevic (KK Partizan, PF, 20 years old)

Though not everyone was convinced by Vukcevic's stellar NBA combine scrimmage—mostly due to athletic and defensive questions—he's still an enticing pick in the 30s for his 7'0" size, obvious shooting touch and high skill level.

37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Wizards): Julian Phillips (Tennessee, SF, 19 years old)

Scouts around the league believe Phillips has early second-round teams willing to offer guaranteed money. The former McDonald's All-American is starting to be seen as a buy-low pick after he measured near 6'7" in socks, won athletic testing and presumably shot worse than he's capable of at Tennessee.

38. Sacramento Kings (via Pacers): Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana, PF/C, 23 years old)

Jackson-Davis has been shooting jumpers during NBA auditions, something he didn't do at Indiana. Regardless, he'll earn consideration for his effectiveness as a post scorer, finisher, passer and rebounder.

39. Charlotte Hornets (via Jazz): Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, 21 years old)

Strawther has earned some first-round grades for his spot-up and movement shooting, though the ability put the ball down and weaponize his floater/runner has turned him into a more multidimensional off-ball scorer.

40. Denver Nuggets (via Mavericks): GG Jackson (South Carolina, PF, 18 years old)

Jackson will draw looks from teams in the teens who see upside in an 18-year-old forward who can create for himself, hit specialty jumpers and shoot threes. He's also a candidate to slip given his lengthier NBA-ready timeline, inefficient scoring and suspect decision-making and defense.

41. Charlotte Hornets (via Thunder): Seth Lundy (Penn State, SF, 23 years old)

Teams looking for shooting will have Lundy highlighted on their boards after he hit 92 threes and lit up NBA combine scrimmages with his balanced mechanics and quick, confident release.

42. Washington Wizards (via Bulls): Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, 22 years old)

Teams have been scared off by smaller scoring guards, but Sasser's ball-handling and shooting versatility should be convincing enough for one team to picture a useful bench spark.

43. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Kobe Brown (Missouri, SF, 23 years old)

Brown will likely have to lose some weight from his 252-pound frame, but his shooting and passing skills point to an NBA fit and second round.

44. San Antonio Spurs: Sidy Cissoko (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 19 years old)

Missing a signature skill hurts Cissoko, but his combination of secondary playmaking, capable shot-making and the defensive tools should create enough versatility for Round 2.

45. Memphis Grizzlies: Jalen Pickett (Penn State, PG, Senior)

Pickett's production and effectiveness with his shot-making and passing could sway a second-round team to look past his old man's game and age (23).

Nos. 46-60

Seth Lundy, Penn State Jamie Sabau/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

46. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF/PF, 23 years old)

Shooting, strong defensive tools and toughness should help Johnson generate second-round interest from teams who see a two-way role player.

47. Los Angeles Lakers: Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, SG, 20 years old)

Scouts have concerns over Smith's inefficiency and defense, but his shot-making and pick-and-roll offense should keep interest alive in the second round.

48. Los Angeles Clippers: Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF/PF, 22 years old)

Though Wilson struggled at the NBA combine, his college production, improved shot-making and strong frame will keep him in second-round conversations.

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Warriors): Toumani Camara (Dayton, SF, 23 years old)

From the Portsmouth Invitational to Elite Camp and the NBA combine, Camara was productive throughout while off an appealing mix of offensive versatility, capable shooting and high activity levels.

50. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Heat): Chris Livingston (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)

This late, a team can bet on Livingston's high-school shot-making and slashing, which didn't pop as often in Kentucky's deeper lineup.

51. Brooklyn Nets: Emoni Bates (Eastern Michigan, SF, 19 years old)

While there is skepticism over Bates' limited frame, athleticism for separating and feel for the game, the combination of 6'8" size and shot-making could get him drafted this late.

52. Phoenix Suns: Mouhamed Gueye (Washington State, PF/C, 20 years old))

In a draft with limited true bigs, Gueye should hear his named called after a productive season that highlighted a combination of post skill, mid-range touch, face-up driving potential and rebounding motor.

53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Knicks): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, 21 years old)

Council is falling after a poor NBA combine and few signs of three-point improvement. He'll be in the late second-round mix based on his explosiveness, creation flashes and two-point shot-making.

54. Sacramento Kings: Tosan Evbuomwan (Princeton, PF, 22 years old)

This late, it's worth taking a flier on a unique big like Evbuomwan, an outstanding passer for a big who's flashed glimpses of open shot-making and driving.

55. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Jordan Miller (Miami, SF, 23 years old)

Marginal shooting improvement this season created some optimism, though Miller will draw second-round looks for his slashing, finishing and wing defense.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SG/SF, 21 years old)

Despite missing the NCAA tournament and NBA combine with an injury, Clark established himself as a clear defensive difference-maker with unteachable instincts and just enough play-finishing and passing ability to get by offensively.

57. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets): Forfeited

58. Philadelphia 76ers: Forfeited

59. Washington Wizards (via Celtics): Sir'Jabari Rice (Texas, SG/SF, 24 years old)

Rice may wind up getting himself picked after a strong predraft process—from Portsmouth to Elite Camp to the combine—where he continued to shoot and finish well despite underwhelming athletic ability.

60. Milwaukee Bucks: Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky, PF/C, Senior)

Teams could see a rebounding specialist and active, physical body with Tshiebwe, whose mid-range touch also slowly started showing.

   

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