Post-NBA Lottery Full First Round Mock Draft
The NBA Draft lottery concluded earlier this evening, so we finally know who is picking where in next month's draft.
Despite the 4th-best odds for a lottery pick going in, the Hornets were able to jump up to the second overall pick in the draft. This puts them in prime position to bolster the roster with some much needed talent.
Here's our first look at where these rookies could hear their names called on June 22nd:
1.) San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama, Center, France
The San Antonio Spurs have won the sweepstakes for the right to draft arguably the most coveted prospect since LeBron James. Wembayama does it all with incredible length and fluidity for his height, and could very well be the next great Spurs big man.
2.) Charlotte Hornets - Scoot Henderson, Guard, G-League
With Lamelo Ball already on the roster, adding the ferocious guard Henderson would create a backcourt pair that covers a wide variety of strengths. The 6’2” guard is a ridiculous athlete, savvy playmaker, and active defender, and has been improving his jump shot over time. Don’t overthink this one, Charlotte.
3.) Portland Trail Blazers - Brandon Miller. Wing, Alabama
Portland snags Brandon Miller third to add a solid playmaker around Damian Lillard. He’ll need to bulk up to sustain the wear and tear of an NBA season, but there are a few areas Miller won’t be serviceable in once he gets his feet under him.
4.) Houston Rockets- Amen Thompson, Wing, Overtime Elite
The Rockets grab an elite athlete with the fourth pick in Amen Thompson. His explosive abilities with or without the ball in his hands cannot be overstated, and he can lead an offense in Houston very much in need of a general. Thompson isn’t a very good shooter, so he’s going to need to learn to thrive in the half-court when the pace is not immediately on his side.
5.) Detroit Pistons- Ausar Thompson, Wing, Overtime Elite
Similar to his brother, Ausar is a top-tier athlete. He plays a bit bigger as a rebounder and defender, but his handle is a bit on the looser side. Detroit falling all the way from the worst record in the league to the fifth pick isn’t ideal, but Thompson can slide in nicely next to the other young pieces already on the roster.
6.) Orlando Magic - Cam Whitmore, Wing, Villanova
Whitmore brings a motor and selflessness to a team already hosting some interesting pieces like Franz Wagner & reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. There’s a lot of growing to be done for the young wing, but he has all of the tools to be part of the bright future down in Orlando.
7.) Indiana Pacers - Taylor Hendricks, Forward, UCF
A bouncy athlete who can immediately make an impact on both ends of the court, Hendricks would fit seamlessly into the brand of basketball they are cooking in Indiana. Making the jump to NBA-level talent from UCF will be a tall task, but the 19-year-old seems up to the challenge.
8.) Washington Wizards - Anthony Black, Guard, Arkansas
A 6’7” guard who can be an elite floor general, Black would be a great fit on a Washington team desperate for an identity. With the Lonzo Ball-esque play style, Black will need to have shooters around him early in his NBA career to be effective.
9.) Utah Jazz - Cason Wallace, Guard, Kentucky
A defensive hound with enough offensive capabilities to keep things flowing, Wallace would be a welcome addition to head coach Will Hardy’s system. Tightening up his handle should be priority number one during his rookie season.
10.) Dallas Mavericks - Jarace Walker, Forward, Houston
Built more like an NFL player than an NBA player, Jarace Walker will be a recognized force physically from day one in the league. He isn’t all frame though, as his feel for the game on the offensive end is there as well. Dallas needs a tone-setter, Walker is him.
11.) Orlando Magic - Gradey Dick, Guard, Kansas
The Magic went with a tenacious athlete at pick six in this mock, and pair him with elite sharpshooter Gradey Dick at pick 11. Dick will be an effective and efficient offensive option from day one, and Orlando has the length to potentially cover for his defensive shortcomings until he gets his feet under him.
12.) Oklahoma City Thunder - Keyonte George, Guard, Baylor
The Thunder may already have Josh Giddey and Shai Gligeous-Alexander in the backcourt, but George’s impressive game as a shot-creator would make him a welcome addition to Oklahoma City’s stockpiling of exciting young talent. He plays well both from the perimeter and near the rim on offense, but is not much on the defensive end at this point, even with his solid frame.
13.) Toronto Raptors - Nick Smith Jr., Guard, Arkansas
Toronto has plenty of size and length on the roster, but whether or not they retain Fred VanVleet, they need to add another playmaker to the mix. Smith Jr. doesn’t have a great shot selection yet and will be a liability early on defense, but he’s a fluid athlete with a pretty looking jump shot who can do some crafty things with a ball in his hands.
14.) New Orleans Pelicans - Jett Howard, Wing, Michigan
The Pelicans grab another big perimeter presence to place around Zion Williamson. Howard is an intelligent player with consistent range. He’ll need to improve his understanding of defensive roles at the next level to earn his way to consistent minutes.
15.) Atlanta Hawks - Kobe Bufkin, Wing, Michigan
Bufkin is a potentially dynamic presence on both ends of the court. He’s a talented on-ball defender and doesn’t need to take the ball out of Trae Young’s hands on offense to be effective. If his improved shooting mechanics translate to success at the next level, Atlanta will have struck gold.
16.) Utah Jazz - Leonard Miller, Forward, G-League
After nabbing a combo guard at pick 9, the Jazz turn to athletic big man Miller. He has ball-handling chops and has flashed some solid two-way potential, but needs some time to develop a better feel for the game as a whole. Thankfully for Utah, they have enough draft ammo to take the swing.
17.) Los Angeles Lakers - Bobi Klintman, Forward, Wake Forest
The Lakers' top-priority for the remainder of the James/Davis era is going to be surrounding the stars with shooting, versatility, and a feel for the game that can keep up. Luckily for them, Klintman provides all of those things, with the potential for more.
18.) Miami Heat - G.G. Jackson, Forward, South Carolina
Originally the top recruit in the 2023 class, Jackson had a mixed bag of a season after reclassifying ahead. Despite being the youngest player in the class, his body is NBA-ready and he’s an extremely hard worker that can fit right into the culture Miami has created. His game will absolutely need polishing, but Miami would be an ideal spot for that to happen.
19.) Golden State Warriors - Jordan Hawkins, Guard, UConn
The Warriors snag a guard who can shoot the lights out and brings a cerebral approach to the game. Hawkins can be both a piece to compete for the rest of the current squad’s window, while also being a potential centerpiece for the future.
20.) Houston Rockets - Bilal Coulibaly, Wing, France
Coulibaly is an intriguing prospect that may be hearing his name called earlier than some expect on draft night. The 6’7” wing has a 7’3” wingspan to lure teams in, and a gritty defensive presence to make them stay. His offensive play is raw, but Houston simply needs players who will have the defensive effort and skill necessary for what they hope will eventually be winning basketball.
21.) Brooklyn Nets - Dereck Lively II, Center, Duke
The Nets have front court is currently Nic Claxton, Ben Simmons, and….. maybe Dereck Lively II! In all seriousness, they need to add another big to the rotation and Lively has the tools to be that player. He was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school and has a natural feel for some parts of the game, but he will need to engage mentally more often to live up to that potential.
22.) Brooklyn Nets - Jalen Hood-Schifino, Guard, Indiana
Hood-Schifino is a big, cerebral guard who can be a pick-and-roll maestro from day one. His shooting and finishing at the rim are both wildly inconsistent, but his muscular frame and hustle on the defensive end should help him find a role in the league regardless.
23.) Portland Trail Blazers - Noah Clowney, Forward/Center, Alabama
Nurkic has been fine when healthy, but Portland needs a fresh face in the front court. Clowney is a versatile defender who has shown the mechanics necessary for an effective jump shot in the future. His mobility could be a huge asset in the Trail Blazers finding their way back to postseason basketball.
24.) Sacramento Kings - Colby Jones, Wing, Xavier
Jones is a high-floor prospect who can slide in perfectly to a Sacramento squad looking to aggressively pursue their current window. His tireless defensive effort and unselfish offensive output would be welcomed gladly by many teams.
25.) Memphis Grizzlies - Sidy Cissoko, Forward, G-League
The Grizzlies don’t necessarily have any glaring needs at this exact moment in time, but Cissoko is an energetic defender who can contribute to playoff-style basketball. His offensive output is best left to playing near the rim and in transition for now.
26.) Indiana Pacers - Kris Murray, Forward, Iowa
Murray just feels like he’d slide in perfectly to the Pacers lineup with his unselfish and effective play style. He’s as 3-and-D as they come and would have a great opportunity to thrive playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton.
27.) Charlotte Hornets - Rayan Rupert, Wing, France
Rupert is a menacing defender with his incredible 7’3” wingspan, who could also operate as a secondary ball handler next to Lamelo Ball or Scoot Henderson. The offensive consistency has not been there to this point in his career, and he’ll need to bulk up a bit, but his tenacity could lead to All-NBA level defense one day.
28.) Utah Jazz - Brice Sensabaugh, Guard, Ohio State
The Jazz are the perfect home for Sensabaugh here near the end of the first round. The man just flat-out got buckets in his only year at Ohio State, but his lack of athletic tools is not going to do him any favors at the next level. Utah would need to see him pick his spots like a pro and make sure his approach is as methodical as possible before he would see the court.
29.) Indiana Pacers - Trayce Jackson-Davis, Forward/Center, Indiana
Jackson-Davis would be an intriguing pairing next to Myles Turner with his leaping ability and scheme diversity and even has some playmaking chops with the ball in his hands.
30.) Los Angeles Clippers - Andre Jackson Jr., Wing, UConn
A defensive tone-setter through and through, the Clippers would welcome his hustle and aggression with open arms. Jackson Jr. is an active rebounder who can quickly turn his superb defense into easy offense. NBA teams are going to sag off of him in the half-court so he won’t be able to be on the court in all situations, but there is still a role to carve out for players with his skill set.
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