Orlando, FL – There is a common cliché when it comes to draft season, never believe everything that you hear. Commonly referred to as “smoke”, teams and the media are notorious for spreading false rumors in hopes to manipulate the draft in some form or fashion, this is no different. In fact, this might be one of the busiest in history when it comes to rumors, especially in regards to trades. With that being said we’re in for a fun night come June 22nd.
Here are our predictions on how we believe things will unfold tonight:
Round 1 – Pick 1 San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (7’4”, 230 lbs)
(C, Metropolitans 92, France, 19 yrs old) (21.6 pts, 10.4 reb, 2.4 ast, 3.0 blk)
No surprise here! This pick has been all but locked in even before the Spurs were announced the winners of the draft lotterythis past May. For the 3rd time in franchise history the Spurs have had the opportunity to draft a generational prospect at the center position, let’s just all hope he can reach the massive expectations that are bestowed upon him not only by Spurs fans, but by NBA fans worldwide.
Round 1 – Pick 2 Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson (6’2”, 195 lbs)
(G, G-League Ignite, 19 yrs old) (17.6 pts, 5.1 reb, 6.6 ast)
The draft truly begins here with the Charlotte Hornets’ selection. With the news of owner Michael Jordan selling his majority stake of the team it remains to be seen whether current GM Mitch Kupchak is on the way out as well, which could impact this decision massively. Until the sale is final, it is the decision of Kupchak and Jordan to select this pick ultimately. While you would assume this had to have been discussed prior to the sale, we just don’t truly know at this point.
Additionally, with reports the Hornets brought back both Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller for second workouts, it really leaves this pick in the air, which is at the benefit of Charlotte with the possibility that they are shopping this pick in efforts to improve around LaMelo immediately, or go about the process of finding him a long term partner or just replacing him.
Now, despite all the reports of Brandon Miller being the preferred target, I think the pick here is Scoot Henderson. Up until recently, the consensus thought was Wembanyama would be number 1 and Henderson would be number 2, and I think that stays the case. His only knock is his shooting, but his shot is not broken by any means and given time in an NBA program and his shot will develop even further. With two valuable years playing with G-League Ignite as well, I believe Scoot and LaMelo would make for one of the most exciting backcourts in the league. Jordan finally gets it right here.
Round 1 – Pick 3 Portland Trailblazers: Brandon Miller (6’9”, 200 lbs)
(F, Alabama, Freshman) (18.8 pts, 8.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Similar to Charlotte, there is a lot of interest in Portland’s pick depending on the route they decide to go; either trading this pick for veteran help to continue to build around Damian Lillard or to start preparing for the future without him. And although the recently stated trade talks for Dame are closed, I would not totally rule out that possibility
Ultimately, their decision is going to be based on what happens with Charlotte’s pick. Should Charlotte go with Scoot, then we have Portland ending up with Brandon Miller, which is probably their preferred option anyways. Sliding Miller alongside Lillard and Simons at small forward would be a perfect fit, with last years lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe slotting in at PF. His length and shooting ability should allow to him be able to contribute from day 1, which would bode well for Dame as he desires to get back into contention.
Round 1 – Pick 4 Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson (6’6”, 214 lbs)
(G, Overtime Elite, 20 yrs old) (16.4 pts, 5.9 ast, 5.9 reb)
With rumors James Harden and Houston are interested in a reunion, the Rockets selection here may in turn reveal to use whether that is truly the case or not. If so I believe they go elsewhere. Assuming that is not in the cards however, and Harden stays in Philly, I think the best case scenario is to go with either of the Thompson twins or Jarace Walker. Out of those options, Amen presents the most upside despite his lack of a consistent jump shot. His lead guard skills and elite athleticism would fit well alongside Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. Porter Jr. still being on the roster might influence this decision a bit, but ultimately I think they go with Amen.
Round 1 – Pick 5 Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson (6’7”, 215 lbs)
(G/F, Overtime Elite, 20 yrs old) (16.3 pts, 6.1 ast, 7.1 reb)
For the first time since the Morris brothers in 2011, twins are selected with back-to-back picks in the NBA draft. Ausar should be able to slide in to the SF position and start right away. There is a debate for Cam Whitmore or Jarace Walker here, but I believe they prioritize Thompson’s elite athletic ability and playmaking skills. The knock on Ausar is the same as his twin brothers, although Ausar showed decent improvement on his jump shot in the their playoff run to end the season.
Round 1 – Pick 6 Orlando Magic: Taylor Hendricks (6’9”, 210 lbs)
(F, UCF, Freshman) (15.1 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.4 ast)
Considered the best 3-and-D prospect in this draft, Orlando finally drafts a hometown hero to join the pinstripes. The addition of a local talent would do wonders for the home crowd and give the team an even deeper sense of the “family” dynamic they are building. Above that however, is his ability to impact the game on both ends, shooting 39 % from behind the arc while also registering nearly 2 blocks a game. With two lottery picks in this draft the Magic have had the opportunity to take a look at let several options to take with this spot. The two-way versatility is too much to pass up on here.
Round 1 – Pick 7 Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker (6’8”, 240 lbs)
(F, Houston, Freshman) (11.2 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.8 ast)
After hitting gold with last years’ lottery pick Benedict Mathurin and the emergence of Tyrese Haliburton as an all-star, the Pacers need to continue to add to their young core and Walker would project to be the starter at the PF position from day one.
Round 1 – Pick 8 Washington Wizards: Anthony Black (6’7”, 198 lbs)
(PG, Arkansas, Freshman) (12.8 ppg, 5.1 reb, 3.9 ast)
After trading Bradley Beal this past week and reports of a sign and trade involving Kristapz Porzingis, it is clear Washington is in full rebuild mode under the new regime. While that gives them flexibility on who to draft, Acquiring Black would give the Wizards a solid back court to build around in Black and last years’ lottery pick Johnny Davis along with their plethora of young wings. There have been talks of Black going as high as 6, however the Wizards would be his best chance to have an impact right away.
Round 1 – Pick 9 Utah Jazz: Cam Whitmore (6’7”, 232 lbs)
(F, Villanova, Freshman) (12.5 pts, 5.3 reb, 0.7 ast)
After a surprising season where the Jazz almost made the playoffs, it is safe to say they are doing well so far in their rebuild, finishing last season with a 37-45 record even after trading franchise cornerstones Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. With that being said they should still be in best player available mode and Cam Whitmore should be the pick in that case. Days before the draft it was reported that Whitmore’s medical has caused concern for some teams, predicting it could cost him to fall all the way down to number 10.
While it is tough to believe everything you hear during draft season, I believe there is enough skepticism in the air that will cause teams pass on Whitmore and have Utah end up with what could be the steal of the draft.
Round 1 – Pick 10 Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II (7’1”, 230 lbs)
(C, Duke, Freshman) (5.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Some controversy surrounded the end of the 2022-2023 season for the Mavericks as they deliberately tanked the final games of the season in order to retain the possibility of keeping this pick, which they did. What they do with this pick is the question.
Assuming they keep this pick, drafting Lively II not only fills a need at Center but gives Luka a potential two-way threat for the future. Although raw, the skills he has shown in the pre-draft workouts remind everyone of his #1 overall ranking coming out of high school. His stock has risen the most out of anyone in the first round outside of Hendricks.
Round 1 – Pick 11 Orlando Magic: Gradey Dick (6’8”, 205 lbs)
(SG, Kansas, Freshman) (14.1 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.7 ast)
This would likely be a dream scenario for the Magic after securing another shooter earlier in the draft in Hendricks. Dick is arguably the best shooter in the draft and would be a perfect fit with this roster. While it is possible that they trade this pick in search for veteran help, drafting a player with the size and shooting ability that Dick has is hard to pass up, in spite of the youth already on the roster. Pretty much every mock draft has the Magic making this selection, Magic fans hope this turns out to be the case.
Round 1 – Pick 12 Oklahoma City Thunder: Bilal Coulibaly (6’8”, 194 lbs)
(F, Metropolitans 92, 18 yrs old) (5.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.8 ast)
While his stats on paper on are underwhelming, Coulibaly’s intangibles are what make him an intriguing prospect, especially considering he is just 18 years old. A former teammate of Victor Wembanyama’s on the Mets 92 team, Coulibaly brings massive upside that make it worth a lottery selection. It is rumored the Spurs want to trade up in hopes of pairing Coulibaly with Wemby, so don’t be surprised if you see some action around this spot in the draft.
Round 1 – Pick 13 Toronto Raptors: Kobe Bufkin (6’4”, 195 lbs)
(G, Michigan, Sophomore) (14.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.9 ast)
With the looming free agency of Fred VanVleet, it would be wise for Toronto to look into possible replacements at the guard position. Bufkin brings versatility and a strong IQ which would help Toronto in whichever direction they decide to go in.
Round 1 – Pick 14 New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins (6’5”, 195 lbs)
(G, UConn, Sophomore) (16.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
With the final pick in the lottery the Pelicans get one of the top shooters in the draft that can slide right in on the wings and provide valuable floor spacing for this team. While rumors have been rampant of the Pelicans wanting to try and trade up for Scoot, it is more than likely that they retain and make this selection.
Round 1 – Pick 15 Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Hood-Schifino (6’6”, 215 lbs)
(G, Indiana, Freshman) (13.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.7 ast)
Hood-Schifino has been a late riser, getting considerations all the up to pick number 9 supposedly. He would be a nice back up for Trae Young.
Round 1 – Pick 16 Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Cason Wallace (6’4”, 193 lbs)
(G, Kentucky, Freshman) (11.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.3 ast)
With their second pick, the Jazz should be targeting a guard as there are talks of them wanting to move on from current starter Collin Sexton.
Round 1 – Pick 17 Los Angeles Lakers: Nick Smith Jr (6’4”, 170 lbs)
(G, Arkansas, Freshman) (12.5 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.7 ast)
Originally projected a top-10 pick, Smith Jr’s stock has fallen the most out of anyone in the draft due to injuries and an inefficient season. With the potential still there the Lakers could end up with a huge steal.
Round 1 – Pick 18 Miami Heat: Jett Howard (6’8, 215 lbs)
(G/F, Michigan, Freshman) (14.2 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.0 ast)
Miami native and son of former Miami Heat player/coach Juwan Howard would fit right in with the Heat. Despite some red flags on the defensive end Howard would fit right in with Heat culture.
Round 1 – Pick 19 Golden State Warriors: Keyonte George (6’4, 185 lbs)
(G, Baylor, Freshman) (15.3 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.8 ast)
Expect the Warriors to do their best to trade out of this spot but regardless Keynote George would be a great addition to their team with the 19th pick.
Round 1 – Pick 20 Houston Rockets (via Clippers): Kris Murray (6’8”, 220lbs)
(F, Iowa, Junior) (20.2 pts, 7.9 reb, 2.0 ast)
Twin brother of last years 4th overall pick Keegan Murray, Kris projects to ready from day one to plug and play at any of the front-court positions and provide value. His maturity is also something that could bode well for this young squad.
Round 1 – Pick 21 Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): Brandin Podziemski (6’5”, 205 lbs)
(G, Santa Clara, Sophomore) (19.9 pts, 8.8 reb, 3.7 ast)
With the first of two back-to-back picks the Nets land a potential lead guard that would help with their lack of size in the backcourt. Podziemski showed versatility on the offensive end that will seemingly translate at the next level.
Round 1 – Pick 22 Brooklyn Nets: Dariq Whitehead (6’7”, 220 lbs)
(F, Duke, Freshman) (8.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
With two back-to-back picks in the first round, the Nets can afford to take a gamble here and bet on Whitehead getting back to pre-Duke form where he was top recruit. Not to mention there are already ties with the organization as his second surgery on his foot was performed by the current Nets’ Physician Dr. Martin O’Malley.
Round 1 – Pick 23 Portland Trailblazers: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (6’7”, 225 lbs)
(F, UCLA, Senior) (17.8 pts, 8.2 rebs, 2.4 ast)
The only senior projected in the first round, Jaquez’s NBA ready body and skill set should prove beneficial for the Blazers quest to build a team ready to compete with Dame.
Round 1 – Pick 24 Sacramento Kings: Ben Sheppard (6’6”, 190 lbs)
(G, Belmont, Senior) (18.8 pts, 5.2 rebs, 2.9 ast)
With his age Sheppard should be able to step right in and contribute on this playoff roster due to his knack for scoring the ball and decent size for the position, Similar to Keegan Murray last season.
Round 1 – Pick 25 Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies): Olivier-Maxence Prosper (6’8”, 230 lbs)
(F, Marquette, Junior) (12.5 pts, 4.7 reb, 0.7 ast)
A versatile wing, Prosper should be able to contribute right away on both ends. Giving the Celtics even more wing depth.
Round 1 – Pick 26 Indiana Pacers (via Cavs): Noah Clowney (6’10”, 210 lbs)
(F/C, Alabama, Freshman) (9.8 pts, 7.9 reb, 0.8 ast)
Although considered the biggest project in the first round, Clowney’s potential as two-way threat at his size has scouts drooling at the potential. With Myles Turner seemingly always on the trade block, grabbing his possible replacement would be smart to do here.
Round 1 – Pick 27 Charlotte Hornets: Jordan Walsh (6’7’, 205 lbs)
(G, Arkansas, Freshman) (7.1 pts, 3.9 reb, 0.9 ast)
Although limited offensively, Walsh’s defensive instincts and hustle would a welcome addition in Charlotte and could have an immediate impact on that end of the floor. His offense needs to improve so he can stay on the floor however.
Round 1 – Pick 28 Utah Jazz: Maxwell Lewis (6’7”, 195 lbs)
(F, Pepperdine, Sophomore) (17.1 pts, 5.7 reb, 2.8 ast)
Lewis has all the intangibles to a scorer in this league, the knock on him comes from his inconsistent defense and effort against lower level competition while playing at Pepperdine. Scouts ultimately will value his potential over what was shown at school.
Round 1 – Pick 29 Denver Nuggets (via Celtics): Brice Sensabaugh (6’6”, 235 lbs)
(F, Ohio State, Freshman) (16.3 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
After the news of Bruce Brown entering unrestricted free agency, the Nuggets traded with the Celtics to get in the first-round. With that being the case you would assume they are looking for a possible replacement. His NBA ready body and shooting ability should be just what the defending champs need.
Round 1 – Pick 30 LA Clippers: Amari Bailey (6’5”, 185 lbs)
(G, UCLA, Freshman) (11.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.2 ast)
While mostly projected in the 2nd round in most mock drafts, Bailey would be great addition for the Clippers as he will boost their guard depth and give them scoring from that position which the desperately need. Also staying in LA would be dope.
