All Hornets NBA Mock Draft 1.0
With the Hornets season finishing we have launched into draft season with the first All Hornets 2023 NBA Mock Draft. The draft selections will be made by All Hornets three leading draft analysts James Plowright (1st pick), Eric Barnes (2nd pick) and Israel Ormondi (3rd pick), the order of selection will then repeat. This mock draft will go all the way up to pick number 34 to include Charlotte's first 2nd round pick.
To determine the order of this mock draft we used a single Tankathon.com simulation, unfortunately on this occasion Charlotte fell back to the 6th selection which has a 25% chance of happening on draft night. So, how will the lottery playout and who will Charlotte select? Scroll down to find out.
1. Portland Trailblazers - Victor Wembanyama | 7'2 | Power Forward/Center | Metropolitans 92
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 22.0 PTS | 9.6 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.8 STL | 3.2 BLK
- 47.3 FG% | 29.5 3P% | 80.8 FT%
James Plowright: The Blazers late season tank strategy pays off on this occasion by jumping up 4 spots to number 1. Portland offers Victor Wembanyama the unlikely chance to be part of a playoff caliber team in year 1, with him immediately playing in high stakes games. The Lillard-Simons backcourt last led Portland to a bottom 5 defense for the season, but Wembanyama might just have the defensive ability to cover for the mistakes of this undersized back court. Wemby has the flexibility to slot in at Power Forward in between Grant and Nurkic, or he could step in straight away at Center to replace an ageing Nurkic who seems to be on the downside of his career.
2. Washington Wizards - Scoot Henderson | 6'3 | Point Guard/Combo Guard | G League Ignite
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 16.5 PTS | 5.3 REB | 6.8 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.6 BLK
- 42.9 FG% | 27.5 3P% | 76.4 FT%
Eric Barnes: Lately there has been a growing debate on who should go at number 2 behind Wembanyama. Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller? Although Brandon Miller has made a push to at least be in the conversation at 2 I am going with the G league Ignite phenom in Scoot Henderson. The Wizards already have a handful of promising forwards on the roster in Kuzma, Avdija and Porzingis. As time goes on it seems more and more likely Beal doesn't finish his career in Washington. Washington needs reinforcements at the guard spot. And by hitting the lotto they couldn't ask for a better building block than Scoot Henderson. Scouts have been comparing Scoot to Derrick Rose +. Tantalizing upside. Scoot is a high flyer with a quick first step. His strength is getting to the rim and putting pressure on the defense. Although the jump shot isn't quite where you would want it to be the improvements he has shown from year 1 to year 2 with the Ignite make many people believe the shooting will continue to round out once he arrives in the NBA. Standing 6'3 with a 6'9 wingspan Scoot is also an excellent positional defender.
3. Houston Rockets - Cam Whitmore | Power Forward/Small Forward | Villanova
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 12.5 PTS | 5.3 REB | 0.7 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.3 BLK
- 47.8 FG% | 34.3 3P% | 70.3 FT%
Israel Omondi: Adding Cam Whitmore would help bolster the Rockets young core of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. Whitmore is an explosive, high-flying one-of-a-kind athlete. Houston really needs a floor general, but at three Whitmore is their best option to me. He didn't have the greatest college season, but his talent is undeniable. He can get to the rim at will with his combination of explosiveness, strength, in-air body control, and size. He also has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. He's going to be able to provide some on-ball juice for Houston with the spacing Jabari Smith will provide, but also be a roller and diver off the ball in actions with Sengun & Green.
4. San Antonio Spurs - Brandon Miller | 6'9 | Wing | Alabama
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 19.6 PTS | 8.3 REB | 2.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
- 45.1 FG% | 40.1 3P% | 85.6 FT%
James Plowright: I have Miller 2nd on my board so I was thrilled to see him drop to #4 in this scenario. Adding Miller in between Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan would give San Antonio a formidable group of young wings/forwards who compliment each other nicely. This pick takes some of the pressure of the Spurs limited guard play as Miller has shown enough passing flashes to suggest he could be an offensive initiator. Defensively, Shochan and Miller would be a switchy and long defensive pairing who could be well placed to guard some of the league's best offensive players on the wing. Outside of Victor and Scoot, Miller is the perfect player for the Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons - Jarace Walker | 6'8 | Forward | Houston
- 11.2 PTS | 6.8 REB | 1.8 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.3 BLK
- 56.6 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 66.3 FT%
Eric Barnes: Walker in my opinion doesn't have superstar upside, when you are picking in the top 5 in the draft that is typically what you are going for. However, at this point in the draft I don't think there are many guys left who have obvious high upside outside of the Thompson twins. And when you consider Detroit's roster with Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham I don't believe either of the twins make a ton of sense here. The Pistons have a plethora of young Centers at this point so on paper what they could use is a tough wing/forward who can compliment their lottery picks from the last couple of years. Walker slots in as a well built power forward who serves as a glue guy of sorts. Walker will do the dirty work on the defensive end and at the college level has shown the ability to knock down the outside shot. Walker will do a lot of the little things that contributes to winning. Every team needs those type of guys.
6. Charlotte Hornets - Ausar Thompson | 6'7 | Guard | Overtime Elite
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 16.3 PTS | 7.1 REB | 6.1 AST | 2.4 STL | 1.1 BLK
- 48.1 FG% | 29.8 3P% | 66.2 FT%
Israel Omondi: Charlotte needs high level athletes surrounding LaMelo Ball in the fast-paced offense that he wants to run, and Ausar Thompson is close to as good as it gets when it comes to that department. Ausar is a generational type of athlete that loves to get up and down the floor in strides. He has incredible speed and makes adjustments mid-air while finishing that very few humans can do. Charlotte has a log-jam of guards with Terry Rozier, Cody Martin, James Bouknight, and Bryce McGowens all under contract, but none of them can do the things Ausar can on both ends of the floor. He's going to fit well alongside LaMelo catching lobs of the weakside, and attacking the rim off of the gravity of Melo's shooting. Defensively, Ausar doesn't have the greatest technique but he makes up for it with his athleticism. He has the potential to be a monster defender with his ability to recover for blocks and withstand physicality.
7. Orlando Magic - Amen Thompson | 6'7 | Wing | Overtime Elite
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 16.4 PTS | 5.9 REB | 5.9 AST | 2.3 STL | 0.9 BLK
- 56.6 FG% | 25.0 3P% | 65.6 FT%
James Plowright: It's true Markelle Fultz has been one of the league's best reclamation projects of recent years. It's also true that Jalen Suggs has had a much improved second season and Cole Anthony still flashes at times. However, the opportunity to add not only the best athlete in the draft but also the most creative passer can't be passed on for the Magic. There are areas to worry about such as his shooting, half court impact and off ball role. But they're put to ease to some extent by the reports out of Overtime Elite that Amen's work ethic and character are off the charts. I'd argue Ausar would be an even better fit in Orlando as they have a clear need at shooting guard which is more likely Ausar's position, but on this occasion Orlando swing big for the biggest upside selection in the draft.
8. Indiana Pacers - Gradey Dick | 6'8 | Wing | Kansas
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 14.1 PTS | 4.9 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.3 BLK
- 44.1 FG% | 39.9 3P% | 85.1 FT%
Eric Barnes: This was a tough decision between Gradey and Taylor Hendricks from UCF. The Pacers have Haliburton and Mathurin who look to be the core of the team going forward. I ultimately took the wing from Kansas as I envision Haliburton being able to get him A LOT of open shots at the next level. I think this is a point in the draft where BPA and team fit line up perfectly for Indiana. The elite shooting Gradey provides will improve floor spacing and open up the floor for more drives to the rim for his teammates. While Gradey doesn't have great athleticism he has positional size and good instincts that should allow him to, at the minimum, be an average defender at the NBA level.
9. Orlando Magic- Taylor Hendricks | 6'9 | Forward | UCF
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.1 PTS | 7 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.7 BLK
- 47.8 FG% | 39.4 3P% | 78.2 FT%
Israel Omondi: The Magic are in a great position here to acquire one of my favorite players in the 2023 Draft. Taylor Hendricks is the swiss-army knife, rangy prototypical wing that every team in the association is looking for. He protects the rim and can guard outside in space at a high level. Has also shot the ball from outside pretty well at 39,4% on 4.6 attempts a game. He can replace the role that Orlando envisioned with Jonathan Issac who has only played 11 games in the last three years. In this league you need size, shooting, and defense and Taylor Hendricks provides all three.
10. Utah Jazz - Anthony Black | 6'7 | Guard | Arkansas
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 12.8 PTS | 5.1 REB | 4.2 AST | 2.0 STL | 0.6 BLK
- 46.5 FG% | 31.0 3P% | 69.6 FT%
James Plowright: This is my favorite fit of the draft so far and I don't think that will change. Black is a Swiss-army knife defensively and would be fantastic paired with an elite rim protector in Kessler behind him. Black also gives Utah another plus defender around Markkanen to help give him the easier defensive assignments. You can imagine Danny Ainge who drafted Marcus Smart being a fan of Black's defensive intangibles. Black would likely come into straight into a starting role on a fiesty western conference play-in contender.
11. New York Knicks - Cason Wallace | 6'4 | Guard | Kentucky
- 11.7 PTS | 3.7 REB | 4.3 AST | 2.0 STL | 0.5 BLK
- 44.6 FG% | 34.6 3P% | 75.7 FT%
Eric Barnes: In this mock the Dallas pick ended up at 11 which means the New York Knicks own the pick. Based off what has happened in previous years I would almost expect Leon Rose to trade this pick to acquire more seasoned vets compared to rolling the dice on a teenager. If the Knicks do make the pick Cason Wallace makes a ton of sense for a team whose head coach is Tom Thibodeau. Wallace is a tenacious on ball defender which shows up in the box score as he averages 2 steals a game. Wallace really just does a bit of everything. Plays defense, is good on the boards, shooting splits look pretty good for a player his age. I could see him coming in and learning from Jalen Brunson as the backup point guard early in his career. I see a Marcus Smart type of player as a possible range of outcomes at the next level. If that happens that is a great pick in the back half of the lottery.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder - GG Jackson | 6'9 | Forward | South Carolina
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.4 PTS | 5.9 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK
- 38.4 FG% | 32.4 3P% | 67.7 FT%
Israel Omondi: GG Jackson is one of the bigger question marks in the 2023 Draft with his intriguing upside but lackluster production, but if there's any team that can afford to take risks in the lottery it's the Thunder with all the draft capital they've acquired. GG Jackson will be 18 years old through draft night and displayed an elite skillset at 6'9 at South Carolina. He can put the ball on the floor, rim-run, initiate actions as a point forward, and can rise up into a pull-up middy. Sam Presti has to be intriguied with GG Jackson being everything he envisioned with Poku a few years back.
13. New Orleans Pelicans - Keyonte George | 6'4 | Guard | Baylor
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.8 PTS | 4.2 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK
- 38.7 FG% | 34.9 3P% | 79.7 FT%
James Plowright: I don't think George would help NOLA in year one, but they do need help at both guard spots which I think he can potentially play. The decision making is raw, I mean James Bouknight rookie year level raw, but there's not many guards with a better combination of shooting, handle and passing vision. George profiles to be a very good outside shooter, don't let his splits put you took a lot of tough shots while also finishing the year off hurt which effected his shooting. If any of Hendricks, Black are Wallace dropped I would have selected them as they're all more NBA ready, but in this situation New Orleans will have to take the patient approach.
14. Toronto Raptors - Jett Howard | 6'8 | Wing | Michigan
- 14.2 PTS | 2.8 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.4 STL | 0.7 BLK
- 41.4 FG% | 36.8 3P% | 80.0 FT%
Eric Barnes: Jett Howard is son of Michigan legend and current coach Juwan Howard. Jett's signature skill is 3 point shooting. He's a sniper. He shot 36.8% on over 7 attempts a game in his freshman year at Michigan. Combine that with his 6'8 215 pound frame Howard should have long career in the NBA. The reason he finds his name this far down the list is he didn't help in many other categories at Michigan outside of the shooting. For someone his size you would hope he averaged more than 2.8 rebounds per game. With rumors of the Raptors not wanting to pay Gary Trent Jr. 20 mill + Howard could be a seamless replacement for the what Trent brings to the table for Toronto. Howard also fits the profile of what the Raptors typically go for in players with great size. There is a ways to go on the defensive end but NBA coaches typically think if a prospect has the tools as Howard does they can teach them to be successful on the defensive end within their defensive scheme.
15. Atlanta Hawks - Max Lewis | 6'7 | Wing | Pepperdine
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 17.1 PTS | 5.7 REB | 2.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK
- 46.8 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 78.7 FT%
Israel Omondi: The Atlanta Hawks find themself right outside of the lottery at 15 and follow their trend of drafting shooting wings with Max Lewis. Lewis was one of the biggest risers this season because of his prototypical size as a wing and ability to fill it up. He provides some more wing shooting to the Hawks which you can never get enough of. Frees himself up for perimeter shots and shoots great off the catch. Isn't an elite athlete, but he can attack some closeouts and has shown a willingness to create for others.
16. Utah Jazz - Rayan Rupert | 6'7 | Wing | New Zealand Breakers
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 7.0 PTS | 2.5 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
- 36.9 FG% | 31.2 3P% | 73.8 FT%
James Plowright: Despite having a dominant paint defender in Walker Kessler, the Jazz still ranked 24th in defense. After taking Anthony Black with their first selection, Utah double down on defense by taking the exceedingly long and agile French wing in Rupert. Utah are early in their rebuild so can be patient on Rupert who is a year or two away from being NBA ready but has the defensive tools and guard skills to be an impact two way player.
17. Los Angeles Lakers- Jordan Hawkins | 6'5 | Guard | UConn
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.9 PTS | 3.9 REB | 1.4 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.6 BLK
- 40.4 FG% | 37.3 3P% | 88.0 FT%
Eric Barnes: Hawkins would be a dream fit for the Lakers if the board fell this way. Hawkins is in the conversation as best shooter in the draft. Although his percentages are not eye popping it is how he is able to shoot on the move and coming off screens that is his signature skill. This is the type of player the Lakers have been looking for as someone who can space the floor so guys like Lebron and AD have more room to attack the paint.
18. Miami Heat - Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6'6 | Guard | Indiana
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 13.5 PTS | 4.1 REB | 3.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
- 42.2 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 77.6 FT%
Israel Omondi: The Heat are in desperate need of guard play with an aging Kyle Lowry and Jalen Hood Schifino can come in under his tutelage and assume that role. JHS is a big guard at 6'6 and plays at his own pace. He's going to control the tempo and has the athleticism that Miami is lacking with their guards. He'll get downhill and collapse the defense, opening things up for guys like Tyler Herro and Max Strus. I'm sure Jimmy Butler will also like to have a player that loves the midrange shot as much as himself.
19. Houston Rockets- Kobe Bufkin | 6'4 | Guard | Michigan
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 13.7 PTS | 4.4 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.7 BLK
- 47.7 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 84.1 FT%
James Plowright: Name a weakness of Kobe Bufkin... It's tricky right? Bufkin could be one of the huge risers this draft cycle but in this mock I was thrilled to see him drop to Houston who are still looking for a long term point guard as the jury is still out on Porter Jr and Tyty Washington. Bufkin can play on/off ball and would instantly become the Rockets' best on ball defensive guard.
20. Golden State Warriors - Kris Murray | 6'8 | Forward | Iowa
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 20.4 PTS | 7.9 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.2 BLK
- 48.4 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 73.7 FT%
Eric Barnes: Kris Murray is a little bit older of a prospect and projects similarly to his brother Keegan. Where they differ is Keegan coming into the league was more of a sure thing as a 3 point shooter. As he proved setting the record for rookies this year with the highest 3 point percentage for a rookie that took over 500 3 point attempts. Golden State has tried the upside swing route with James Wiseman and Kuminga. With this pick falling in the 20s I think their front office will focus more on fit than upside. Murray plays the game the right way and should be able to continue to grow as a shooter as time goes on.
21. Brooklyn Nets - Colby Jones | 6'6 | Guard | Xavier
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.2 PTS | 5.4 REB | 4.3 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.5 BLK
- 51.9 FG% | 38.2 3P% | 67.0 FT%
Israel Omondi: The Nets have all the wings in the world, but what they're lacking are floor generals. Ben Simmons has looked practically unplayable following his back injury and the only other PG Brooklyn has is Spencer Dinwiddie. Colby Jones iis a high-floor guard and is a pretty safe pick here at 21 for Brooklyn. He'll be 21 years old on draft night and has three years of college on his belt. He's a great connective piece. Plays at his own pace, makes the right reads at the right time, and takes efficient shots. He has elite touch on floaters and makes great plays off drives. Also defends at a high level. Seems like a guy Coach Vaughn will love to have.
22. Brooklyn Nets - Marcus Sasser | 6'3 | Guard | Houston
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 17.1 PTS | 2.8 REB | 3.2 AST | 1.7 STL | 0.2 BLK
- 43.9 FG% | 38.3 3P% | 84.0 FT%
James Plowright: Full transparency, I had Kyle Filipowski going here before he announced earlier today he is returning to Duke. After a quick pivot without wanting to completely re-do the latter half of our mock draft I settled on Marcus Sasser. The Senior out of Houston is has two exceptional skills, on-ball defense and 3pt shooting, two coveted skills for NBA Teams. The Nets have no real guard depth behind Dinwiddie, but Sasser would be the perfect defensive floor spacer to fit next to Cam Thomas in Brooklyn's 2nd unit. Sasser isn't much of a creator or finisher in the paint, but he is destined to be an 10+ year pro in the mould of Jevon Carter.
23. Portland Trailblazers - Brice Sensabaugh | 6'6 | Wing | Ohio State
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 16.3 PTS | 5.4 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.4 BLK
- 48.0 FG% | 40.5 3P% | 83.0 FT%
Eric Barnes: Sensabaugh at this point in the draft could end up being a huge steal. Brice's stands 6'6 230 pounds and came into college as a 4 star prospect. It's safe to say Brice outperformed that 4 star rating. 48% from the field 40% from 3 and 83% from the line with an NBA body from day 1 could be a steal in the 20's for the Blazers.
24. Sacramento Kings - Nick Smith Jr. | 6'5 | Guard | Arkansas
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 14.0 PTS | 1.8 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.1 BLK
- 39.1 FG% | 34.4 3P% | 73.9 FT%
Israel Omondi: This is quite the fall for Nick Smith Jr who is regarded as one of the most talented players in the 2023 Draft. He missed most of the college season due to injury, and didn't really get to show his best self at Arkansas. It's hard not to take him here for Sacramento because his ability to score the ball is hard to deny. He scores at all three levels and shoots a great ball. He functions similar to a Malik Monk, but is younger with more upside at the moment.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Dereck Lively II | 7'1 | Center | Duke
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 5.4 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.5 STL | 2.3 BLK
- 65.8 FG% | 15.4 3P% | 60.0 FT%
James Plowright: With an ageing Steven Adams and a serious injury to Brandon Clarke, Memphis need to bolster their front court depth. Lively and Jackson Jr would be a devastating defensive pairing assuming they can both manage to limit their foul trouble. Lively being able to focus on his strengths and not being asked too much of earlier in his career is best for his development.
26. Indiana Pacers - Leonard Miller | 6'10 | Forward | G League Ignite
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 16.7 PTS | 10.0 REB | 1.4 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.7 BLK
- 53.3 FG% | 29.5 3P% | 79.7 FT%
Eric Barnes: Leonard Miller at 26 would make a ton of sense. High upside player who can help you in a variety of areas. Big question is will the jump shot continue to progress. At 26 Miller upside becomes to tantalizing to pass up.
27. Charlotte Hornets - Julian Strawther | 6'7 | Wing | Gonzaga
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 15.1 PTS | 5.9 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.4 BLK
- 48.3 FG% | 42.6 3P% | 78.1 FT%
Israel Omondi: Julian Strawther is the type of player every team would love to have on their team. He knows his role and does it at a high level. Has ideal size for the wing position at 6'7 and can shoot the hell out of the ball. Charlotte was the 2nd worst shooting team in the association this past season and need all the shooting around LaMelo Ball they can get. Strawther is a low usage guy who will do the dirty work and provide some grit to this Hornets team.
28. Utah Jazz- Dariq Whitehead | 6'6 | Wing | Duke
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 8.1 PTS | 2.4 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
- 40.8 FG% | 41.1 3P% | 88.5 FT%
James Plowright: Utah's president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is well known to like drafting big high school recruits. Jared Sullinger, Marcus Smart, James Young, Robert Williams, you get the idea. After taking two defensive minded players in Black/Rupert earlier in this mock, the Jazz add some offensive firepower in Whitehead who might not have been able to show his full offensive repertoire at Duke.
29. Indiana Pacers - Bilal Coulibaly | 6'6 | Wing | Metropolitans 92
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 12.5 PTS | 4.4 REB | 1.5 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.7 BLK
- 53.8 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 71.8 FT%
Eric Barnes: This is the Pacers 3rd pick in the 1st and I'm not entirely sure they will be making all of these selections. However if they do make this pick Coulibaly would be a great value at this point. Scouts seem to be coming around on Coulibaly as the draft inches closer. He offers plus athleticism with great size and contributes on both ends of the floor. As the draft process continues to play out I expect Bilal to be a riser and before it is all said and done could find himself in the lottery conversation.
30. LA Clippers - Noah Clowney | 6'10 | Forward | Alabama
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 10.1 PTS | 8.0 REB | 0.9 AST | 0.5 STL | 1.0 BLK
- 49.6 FG% | 28.2 3P% | 64.4 FT%
Israel Omondi: The Clippers are lacking in frontcourt play with Zubac as the only center under contract and Mason Plumlee expiring. Noah Clowney is one of the best defending bigs in this draft class with his length and mobility. He projects to be a great weak-side rim protector and will fit alongside nicely with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Something he provides that the Clippers haven't had in their bigs is his ability to stretch the floor, which can help open up a LA offense than can at times get stale.
31. Detroit Pistons- Jaime Jaquez Jr. | 6'7 | Wing | UCLA
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 17.3 PTS | 8.1 REB | 2.3 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.6 BLK
- 47.4 FG% | 31.3 3P% | 77.3 FT%
James Plowright: Pistons GM Troy Weaver has a track record of taking strong players who play hard, Jaquez ticks all the boxes. Jaquez's game isn't traditional for a 6'6 wing, he is a relentless rebounder with great touch around the rim and pretty footwork to score. He doesn't have the size, length or athleticism you normally see in an NBA player, but he plays harder and smarter than most.
32. Indiana Pacers- Trayce Jackson-Davis | 6'9 | Center | Indiana
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 20.8 PTS | 10.9 REB | 4.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.7 BLK
- 57.8 FG% | N/A 3P% | 68.6 FT%
Eric Barnes: This is now the Pacers 4th pick in this draft and again I don't find it likely they make all of these selections. Funny enough I have picked for the Pacers at every turn selecting Gradey Dick, Leonard Miller and Bilal Coulibaly. With this pick the Pacers pick the big time college producer straight out of Indiana University. Older college guys can end up being values in this range as we have seen with a guy like Desmond Bane. Jackson contributes in many areas but considering he is undersized for a 5 he will have to continue to work on that jumper if he wants to get on the court on a consistent basis.
33. San Antonio Spurs - Sidy Cissoko | 6'8 | Wing | G League Ignite
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 11.3 PTS | 2.7 REB | 3.1 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.9 BLK
- 43.2 FG% | 32.9 3P% | 66.7 FT%
Israel Omondi: Sidy Cissoko is one of the most unique prospects in this draft class. He's a raw prospect, but the Spurs can afford to wait on his upside due to them just starting their rebuild. Cissoko could end up playing any position from the 1-3 because of his versatility on both ends. The jumbo guard sees the floor at a high level and can help set up the floor for Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. He also has elite defensive instincts and convers alot of ground on that end of the floor.
34. Charlotte Hornets - Jalen Wilson | 6'8 | Wing | Kansas
STATS (as of 3/13/23):
- 20.1 PTS | 8.4 REB | 2.3 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.5 BLK
- 42.5 FG% | 33.8 3P% | 79.6 FT%
James Plowright: Kupchak has shown he's not afraid to take a chance on seniors such as Cody Martin and Nick Richards. Wilson is a versatile 3/4 who excels at rebounding and getting down hill into the paint to draw fouls, that skillset would fit right into a Steve Clifford system. With the team moving on from Jalen McDaniels they will be on the lookout for another forward option. I've firmly got Wilson in my first round which makes this selection a steal in my eyes.
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