All Hornets NBA Mock Draft 2.0
We are now less than a week away from the 2023 NBA Draft. Rumors are swirling and opinions are flying about what teams should do to get the most out of their draft capital. Here's how the first round would go if a few members of the All-Hornets staff were the decision-makers on Thursday:
1 - San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama, Center, France
San Antonio won arguably the biggest lottery in twenty years with the chance to pick the French phenom. Any team with the first pick was always going to pick Wembanyama, but the fact that he doesn’t have to take away floor minutes from Keldon Johnson or Devin Vassell puts the Spurs in an even better spot for the future. -Ian Black
2 - Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller, Wing, Alabama
Approximately 40% shooting from 3 point range on over 7 attempts a game. He does it off the catch, off the dribble, and coming off screens. This is an elite shooter with an elite frame. It is a wings league and even if Brandon Miller’s shot is off he can help you in other areas with his passing and defensive ability. I admittedly go back and forth with Scoot and Miller but, if you think it’s close, the tie goes to the 6’9" wing over a 6’2" guard. Is that an oversimplification? Yes, but I think that is the philosophy of many NBA decision-makers. From reports, it seems that the league is higher on Brandon Miller than the average fan. Considering his lack of quick twitch ability, his upside is tied to his BBIQ/feel for the game. If he puts on 20 pounds of muscle, WATCH OUT. -Eric Barnes
3 - Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson, Guard, G League Ignite
This pick could very possibly be traded, but if it’s not I don’t expect Portland to get too creative. Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz had Scoot Henderson as his number 2 prospect in the class in his ESPN mock draft before he joined Portland, he will undoubtedly be a supporter of this pick. Anfernee Simons might be on the move on draft in return for a wing if this move is made as the Blazers are in desperate need of help in that position. - James Plowright
4 - Houston Rockets
Jarace Walker, Forward, Houston
Most mocks have the Rockets taking a guard here, but the menacing Walker is where Houston should go at fourth overall. Walker has a defensive prowess and versatility desperately needed by a Houston team that lacked a tone-setter on that end. On offense the 19 year-old is fluid and skilled in a way that should allow for immediate success out of the pick-and-roll. The shooting isn’t there at this time, but he can do enough with and without the ball to still make a difference. -Ian Black
5 - Detroit Pistons
Cam Whitmore, Wing, Villanova
This just feels like the perfect fit for Whitmore and the Pistons. After drafting Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in recent years they could use a wing of the future. Cam’s athleticism and shot making gives him enormous upside. He will need to improve the tunnel vision he seems to have as his Assist/Turnover ratio was pedestrian this past year at Villanova. But, he’s a 6’6" 230 pound explosive athlete that can hit the 3 ball and do some creation of the dribble. Those type of guys are highly valued in the league. - Eric Barnes
6- Orlando Magic
Ausar Thompson, Guard, Overtime Elite
Ausar to the Magic is a fit I’ve been eying up since January this year. Orlando desperately need some athleticism and perimeter defense in their starting unit, Ausar Thompson fits that bill. He has already shown he has the ability to play off another star, he excelled winning Overtime Elite’s MVP despite letting his twin Amen play as the primary ball handler. Ausar would play well off Banchero and give Orlando some transition “Umph”, something they currently lack with their Wagner/Banchero/Carter Jr front court. -James Plowright
7 - Indiana Pacers
Taylor Hendricks, Forward, UCF
Hendricks brings a bounce, awareness, and versatility that would absolutely thrive in Rick Carlisle’s scheme next to Tyrese Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner. His high energy play is felt on both ends of the court, and the shooting ability he pairs with his athleticism will open up lots of possibilities and space no matter which position he’s playing. -Ian Black
8 - Washington Wizards
Amen Thompson, Point Guard, OT Elite
I was shocked to see Amen Thompson still available at 8. I do have real concerns over his jump shot and I have serious doubts he ever reaches league average shooting ability; which is probably why he was still on the board here. However, Wizards fans would be ecstatic if the board fell this way. Amen is well worth the swing at 8. We are talking elite athleticism, elite defensive potential, and an elite playmaker. The jumpshot is the one thing holding Amen back from hearing his name called as high as 2nd overall. -Eric Barnes
9 - Utah Jazz
Cason Wallace, Point Guard, Kentucky
Utah will come out of the 2023 draft with a point guard, the question is which one? In this mock I had the pick of the litter with Anthony Black unexpectedly sliding out the top 8. I sided with Wallace in this spot for two main reasons. Firstly, with Kessler being a none-shooter and part of the core, I want to avoid Black who would mean there are two struggling shooters on the floor at the same time. Secondly, Wallace’s defensive versatility fit nicely next to Markkanen, Clarkson and Sexton. I do wonder if Danny Ainge might see some Marcus Smart in Cason Wallace… -James Plowright
10 - Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Black, Guard, Arkansas
Black falling all the way to 10th here is huge for the Mavericks. The 6’6” guard would immediately alleviate Luka Doncic’s massive load as the primary creator on offense with a floor general play style on that end. On defense, Black brings the size, strength, and quickness to make an impact with a variety of matchups. Obviously Kyrie Irving could be back in Dallas next season, but Black would be a much needed addition to the guard rotation either way. -Ian Black
11 - Orlando Magic
Gradey Dick, Wing, Kansas
The Magic have a little of everything on their roster when it comes to young talent. The one thing they don’t have when looking at their roster is a sharpshooter. At this point in the draft talent and need line up perfectly and Kansas adds arguably the best shooter in the draft. Dick work well next to Banchero’s playmaking abilities along with the rest of the young talent in Orlando. - Eric Barnes
12- Oklahoma City Thunder
Jett Howard, Forward, Michigan
The Thunder have talent, but floor spacing isn’t one of their strengths. Shai, Giddey, J-Will all excel going to the rim. Chet Holmgren should help as he projects as a floor spacing big. However, Jett Howard gives Oklahoma City a movement weapon with size they can use in various creative sets. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has also shown a good track record of getting poor defenders up to standard. -James Plowright
13 - Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bufkin, Wing, Michigan
The Raptors appear like they might be close to hitting a reset button of sorts with Fred VanVleet on the free agent market and OG Anunoby trade rumors swirling. Whether they stay or go, adding Bufkin is a chance to add a player with serious potential at 13th overall. Bufkin is already an extremely skilled finisher and smart defender, but if his jump shot and playmaking skills keep trending up the way they did in Ann Arbor, Toronto will be looking at a steal of an All-Star with this selection. -Ian Black
14 - New Orleans Pelicans
Derek Lively, Center, Duke
The Pelicans are another team where on paper a lot of their roles are already filled at guard, wing, and down low. However, the Jaxon Hayes experiment has had mixed reviews to this point so it would make sense to add another hyper athletic Center to that group with Hayes contract coming to an end soon. Lively should be able to protect the rim and serve as a lob threat from day one. Lively has shown flashes of a reliable 3 point shot in pre draft workouts as videos have surfaced recently of him knocking down several 3 pointers in a row. At 7’1" with a 7’7" wingspan and hyper athleticism Lively is a worthwhile swing to close out the lottery. -Eric Barnes
15 - Atlanta Hawks
Leonard Miller, Forward, G League Ignite
Miller is quirky in everything he does. How he moves, his shot form, his play style, it’s all different but it was extremely effective this year for the Ignite. Atlanta is a nice landing spot for him, with John Collins always seemingly on the edge of being traded and Jalen Johnson still not cementing his place in the rotation, there’s a real path to rotation minutes. At the same time, Miller won’t be relied upon in Atlanta, he can adapt to playing with a ball dominant guard like Trae Young who I actually think can help dish him up around the rim where Miller excels. - James Plowright
16 - Utah Jazz
Keyonte George, Guard, Baylor
There have already been rumors of the Jazz looking to move up to target George ahead of Thursday’s draft, but here they don’t have to give anything up to get him. George is a crafty and able player with the ball in his hands, George can be a half-court threat from day one with his arsenal of moves that allows for exciting and efficient scoring at all three levels. He’s not an elite athlete so there will be some limitations out of the gate, but once his game reaches an NBA speed mentally he will be tough to stop. - Ian Black
17 - Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Hawkins, Guard, UCONN
Jordan Hawkins is another player that is a pure shooter. He is good off the catch and running off screens. Hawkins and the Lakers seem like a match made in heaven as far as the draft goes this year. With LeBron and AD as your focal points the Lakers just need to continue to add shooting around those guys. To me this is another point in draft where talent and fit align perfectly. The Lakers wouldn’t be hitting a home run here but it is an easy stand up double. -Eric Barnes
18 - Miami Heat
Jalen Hood-Schifino, Guard, Indiana
With Kyle Lowry approaching the end of his career and Gabe Vincent an impending free agent this off-season, Miami need to add to their guard depth. Hood-Schifino gives them a big defensive minded guard they haven’t had in a long time. With Bam/Butler not being high volume outside shooters, there is some concern Hood-Schifinio 33% clip from three might be an issue, but he’s a great fit next to Tyler Herro in the back-court. -James Plowright
19 - Golden State Warriors
Noah Clowney, Big, Alabama
The Warriors need to balance maximizing their time left with their historic core, while also adding intriguing pieces for the future. Clowney is just the player for that as he will bringing fantastic mobility and versatility to the defensive end out of the gate with his 7’2” wingspan and hustle, while also projecting to be a floor-spacer on offense from the center position. He’ll need to bulk up to play meaningful playoff minutes in year one, but there might not be a better team to make use of his skills at this point. -Ian Black
20 - Houston Rockets
Bilal Coulibaly, Wing, France
Coulibaly is this year's version of the pre draft riser. A few weeks ago you would find his name in mock drafts as late as the 2nd round; now you start to hear buzz that he could go as high as late lottery. Bilal is a 6’6" wing with great athleticism and a jump shot that is improving. Ohh, and he’s still only 18. Scouts believe Coulibaly may just be scratching the surface as to what he will become. At 20, this could be a huge steal for Houston. -Eric Barnes
21 - Brooklyn Nets
Sidy Cissoko, Guard/Wing, France
The Nets are in NBA no-mans land following the departure of Durant and Irving, but all signs point to them re-upping and trying to compete next season. Cissoko is a ball of raw talent. He’s a super athlete (2nd in dunks in the G-League), has a thick, strong frame, while also having the passing and ball skills of a guard. I’m not sure what his role will be in the NBA moving forwards, but the Nets need some shot creation and size on the wing next to Mikal Bridges who looks set to be there long term. -James Plowright
22 - Brooklyn Nets
Nick Smith Jr., Guard, Arkansas
After grabbing Cissoko with the previous pick, the Nets dip back into the well of athletic guards with Smith Jr.. His play style is reminiscent of Tyler Herro in how he’s a microwave scorer who probably shouldn’t be your primary ball handler. He doesn’t play into contact well at all on either end of the court and needs to pick his spots more efficiently, but his feel for what it takes to get the ball in the hoop is undeniable. -Ian Black
23 - Portland Trail Blazers
Maxwell Lewis, Wing, Pepperdine
Lewis reminds me a bit of Jalen Williams who is now a member of the OKC Thunder and is coming off a sensational rookie year. Lewis stands 6’7" and spent the past season for Pepperdine operating as the engine of their offense. In the NBA he will not be asked to do that, but having experience in that role could serve him well in the long run in terms of what he has the potential to become. Plus athleticism and another guy that can knock down shots from the perimeter. His catch and shoot numbers from 3 this year were over 40%. I expect Lewis to have a long NBA career and at this point in the 1st round he is another guy that is a candidate for steal of the draft. -Eric Barnes
24 - Sacramento Kings
Rayan Rupert, Wing, NZ Breakers
The Kings offense was outstanding this past season, but their wing defense continually let them down. With Barnes sudden decline and a bevy of smaller undersized wings in Monk and Huerter, they need to find a premier wing defender. Rupert likely won’t be ready next season, but he’s the perfect perimeter lockdown wing who could help Sacramento. -James Plowright
25 - Memphis Grizzlies
Kris Murray, Forward, Iowa
Kris Murray, twin brother of Keegan, brings a similarly low-maintenance play style to the court that could fit in great with Memphis. He’s versatile, smart, and does all the little things that would allow for stability and immediate impact for a Memphis team looking to make noise in the playoffs. -Ian Black
26 - Indiana Pacers
Brice Sensabaugh, Wing, Ohio State
Sensabaugh was a pleasant surprise this past year for Ohio State. He came in as a 4 star recruit yet was a highly efficient offensive player for the Buckeyes. Brice shot 50% from the field, 40% from 3 point range, and 83% from the line. On top of all that he stands 6’6, 235 pounds. The question for Sensabaugh will be his defense and lateral quickness. Although he already has enough strength to compete in the league he may have trouble on the defensive end as quicker players may blow by him. He also isn’t much of a vertical athlete. Still at this point in the draft Brice is well worth the swing. -Eric Barnes
27 - Charlotte Hornets
Dariq Whitehead, Wing, Duke
I was hoping Sensabaugh dropped to Charlotte but unfortunately he goes a spot too early here. Instead the Hornets take a swing on Dariq Whithead in hope he can reach the levels he showed in high school. Whitehead played hurt most this year, there’s some hope the second surgery he had after the Duke season might help him find the athleticism which made him the number 1 recruit in the 2022 class. In Charlotte, Whitehead wouldn’t be any pressure to be relied on, I’d expect him to spend the majority of the season in Greensboro where hopefully he can find his rhythm again. -James Plowright
28 - Utah Jazz
Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Forward, Marquette
This mock has seen Utah add guards Cason Wallace and Keyonte George earlier in the round, so the Jazz taking OMP at 28 would be a great piece to add to a frontcourt already including the likes of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Truly elite athletic tools, even by NBA standards, allow Prosper to be a tenacious and versatile defender who can keep up with the quickness of smaller players and bulk of larger players seamlessly. He doesn’t currently bring much flash or exceptional skill to the offensive end of the court, but there is reason to believe he could be a spot-up threat of sorts in the future if his jump shot continues to improve. -Ian Black
29 - Indiana Pacers
Julian Strawther, Wing, Gonzaga
At this point in the draft if I was a GM the only thing I am looking for are guys that can earn minutes in the rotation. At 6’7 205 pounds Strawther projects as a 3 & D type of role player. Strawther shot 40% from 3 on over 5 attempts per game in his last season at Gonzaga. This is a guy that should be able to find a role on a team in the league and help in spacing the floor for the stars he plays with. -Eric Barnes
30 - Los Angeles Clippers
Marcus Sasser, Point Guard, Houston
Sasser is a versatile guard who can play both on and off the ball, he’s a perfect defensive floor spacer to fit around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers are under pressure to be competing for championships right now, Sasser is one of the most ready prospects in this class and you could see him playing a Gabe Vincent role in the playoffs in the future. -James Plowright
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