If you blinked, you might have missed the first half of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Somehow, we're already a week away from March, meaning the trade deadline and All-Star weekend are behind us and the NBA Playoff push and the NCAA Tournament are in the not-too-distant future.
With the 2023 NBA Draft only four months away, prospects are beginning to separate themselves heading into the third quarter of the draft cycle. That lends us to our third Mock Draft of the season, taking stock of how players have performed heading into the home stretch of their seasons.
In my Mock Draft heading into the college basketball season, there were 19 freshmen projected to land in the first round. This time around, there are 16 freshmen but a lot of the names have changed compared to the preseason.
While players like Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson have continued to hold down the top two spots, respectively, there have been several college basketball players who have emerged as NBA-caliber talents since the preseason.
Now that we have a better idea of how the final NBA standings could shake out, I have attempted to place each prospect based on how they fit with the team making a selection for the first time this draft cycle. The draft order below is based on Tankathon's Draft Lottery simulator using reverse standings.
So without further ado, with the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select...
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2023 NBA Mock Draft
1. Rockets: Victor Wembanyama, France — Metropolitans 92
Age: 19
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 210 lbs.
To no surprise, nothing has changed at the top of the 2023 NBA Draft board.
Wembanyama has somehow exceeded expectations, putting together an MVP-caliber season for Mets 92 by averaging 22.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 2.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Victor Wembanyama gets Mets 92 back on the winning track with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and some ridiculous highlights as usual for the future No. 1 pick and French league MVP. pic.twitter.com/l376LEbQ1f
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 10, 2023
The generational talent is a surefire lock to be the No. 1 overall pick in June.
2. Spurs: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 195 lbs.
Henderson's second G League Ignite season has been muddled by injuries, dealing with a nasal fracture and concussion earlier in the year and an ankle injury as of late. The Ignite have been overly cautious with the star prospect, who has done more than enough to prove he is worthy of the No. 2 overall pick behind Wembanyama.
oh. my. goodness. scoot. @thereal013 pic.twitter.com/GCiQKJrI2x
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) January 4, 2023
In just 17 total games (regular season and Showcase Cup), Henderson is averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
MORE: Scoot Henderson is much more than a consolation prize in Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes
3. Pistons: Brandon Miller, Alabama
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 200 lbs.
Miller has emerged as the best NCAA prospect in the 2023 draft class, leading Alabama to its first No. 1 overall ranking since 2002-03 (even if only for one week). The 6-9 forward has wowed talent evaluators with his lights-out perimeter shooting, averaging 19.5 points while knocking down 43.1 percent (!) of his 7.3 3-point attempts per game.
Proven to be an active and versatile defender on the other side of the ball with plenty of room to grow as a shot-creator on offense, Miller is the biggest rising prospect in college basketball.
(Note: Miller's status with an ongoing legal investigation could impact his draft position. We will continue to monitor and update accordingly.)
4. Hornets: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 202 lbs.
Amen will be one of two Thompson twins to hear their names called in the top 10 in this draft. The Overtime Elite star showcased his talent and untapped potential with the City Reapers, averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.
His explosive athleticism and disruptive defense were on display all season — as expected — but his developed playmaking is what makes him an intriguing guard prospect at 6-7. While his shooting hasn't shown much improvement (25.0 percent from 3), he proved enough in other areas of the game to still warrant top-five consideration.
MORE: Get to know Overtime Elite stars: Amen, Ausar Thompson
5. Magic: Jarace Walker, Houston
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 240 lbs.
Walker is starting to climb Mock Draft boards because of the physicality, versatility and skill he has displayed this season. The 6-8 forward is built like an edge rusher, yet he moves fluidly with a powerful presence. Walker was already known as a defensive stopper with the energy and athleticism to attack the glass on both ends, but he has shown more offensive prowess than expected.
Since the start of conference play, Walker is averaging 12.9 points while knocking down 35.4 percent of his 3s, stretching the floor on top of the damage he does inside. Don't be surprised if he solidifies himself as a top-five pick with a strong showing during Championship Week and March Madness.
6. Pacers: Cam Whitmore, Villanova
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 232 lbs.
Whitmore missed the first seven games of his freshman year after receiving surgery on his right thumb in the preseason. Since his return, he hasn't had the immediate impact that was expected of him for a struggling Villanova squad. However, the 18-year-old has still shown flashes as a powerful athlete with a blend of size and strength. He's a force around the basket and dunks everything, bullying his way to the rim off the dribble or using his explosive leaping ability to throw down lobs.
The home stretch of Big East play will be telling of Whitmore's draft stock come June.
7. Magic (via CHI): Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Position: Guard/Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 207 lbs.
Ausar is the second Thompson twin projected to be selected in the top 10 of this year's draft. Recently named MVP of the Overtime Elite season, Ausar averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks for the City Reapers. Like his brother, he is an explosive athlete who cuts through defenses off of the dribble to get to the rim. Ausar is a swarming and versatile defender and his playmaking grew considerably during this past season. He also improved his perimeter shooting, although he still only converted 29.8 percent of his 3-point attempts.
8. Pelicans (via LAL): Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 185 lbs.
Smith is another star freshman who began the season on the sidelines, taking a precautious route with a right knee injury. That troublesome knee has limited Smith to just nine games this season, causing his draft stock to slide a bit.
When he has been on the floor, we've seen snippets of why the shifty and athletic guard was once projected to be the first college basketball player off of the board. He has tight handle and a smooth jumper from both the perimeter and midrange, making him a three-level scorer. Smith hasn't had much opportunity to get into a rhythm with inconsistent availability, but I could still see a guard-needy team in the top 10 taking a swing on his potential once he's at full strength.
9. Raptors: Keyonte George, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 185 lbs.
I wrote this of George in my "Risers and Fallers" piece a few weeks back and it holds up for how I feel about the prolific-scoring guard: "The Baylor freshman exudes a certain level of confidence on the offensive end that makes you feel like every shot is a heat check on the brink of a gamebreaker. That confidence is a blessing and a curse because it helps explain why George is shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from 3."
George has had some massive games and some ugly outings, but he is a pro-caliber shot-creator and shot-maker. I'd be willing to bet on his tools to be an impactful scorer and distributor at the next level, he just has to polish his shot selection and decision-making.
10. Trail Blazers: Anthony Black, Arkansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 198 lbs.
Black is another one of the biggest risers on Mock Drafts, stepping up as Arkansas' lead playmaker this season with Smith in and out of the lineup. The freshman guard has been a sound floor general who can make every type of read and pass necessary to run the point at the next level. His size as a 6-7 guard makes him an extremely versatile perimeter defender with quick hands and keen instincts to come up with stops, steals and deflections. His scoring ability and jumpshot are still in question but Black has worked his way into the lottery range with his play this year.
11. Wizards: Cason Wallace, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 193 lbs.
Despite Kentucky's struggles this season, Wallace has still been one of the most reliable passers and perimeter defenders in this draft class. His playmaking has really flourished as of late, dishing out 23 assists to just five turnovers over the Wildcats' last three games. He's been a pest on the defensive end, racking up 52 steals in 27 games. Even though his jumper hasn't been as consistent as expected, his mechanics are smooth and Wallace should still receive lottery buzz for a team in need of a floor general.
12. Jazz: Gradey Dick, Kansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 205 lbs.
Dick has elevated his stock into the lottery range, proving to be one of the best — and most consistent — perimeter shooters in this class. Knocking down 40.7 percent of his 5.8 3-point attempts per game, the Kansas freshman has shown off his limitless range and ability to knock down shots off of the catch, dribble, or flying off of screens. Dick has 3-and-D potential at the next level and should only improve defensively once he fills out his frame.
13. Thunder: Jett Howard, Michigan
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 215 lbs.
The son of NBA champion Juwan Howard, Jett is a 6-8 scoring wing, looking the part of an NBA player with great size and length for a sharpshooter. He has a quick, high, smooth release and excels at knocking down 3s off of the catch or running off of screens and handoffs. He's flashed some potential as a shot-creator with stepbacks you see from the pros, but there is no shot he doesn't like. A team will draft him for his shooting but they will need to get him to buy in on the defensive end to be a two-way player.
14. Warriors: GG Jackson, South Carolina
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 215 lbs.
At 6-9, 215 pounds with a 6-10 wingspan, Jackson already has the size, strength and length of an NBA player. He is one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, just turning 18 in December.
Jackson has shown he can spot up, create his own shot off the dribble or put the ball on the deck and attack the rim. He has all the tools to be a switchy defensive stopper at the next level, using his motor and physicality to guard multiple positions. He has a tendency to force things on offense but his role will be drastically different when he first gets to the NBA.
This is admittedly trying to guess a fit for the Warriors, but I could still see any team taking a swing at Jackson's potential as a project in the late lottery or mid-first round.
MORE: Post-All-Star NBA Power Rankings: Where did the Warriors fall?
15. Hawks: Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 210 lbs.
After being left off of most preseason Mock Draft boards, Hendricks has become a staple in the first round as his freshman season has gone on. The 6-9 floor spacer is a two-way threat, knocking down 41.1 percent of his 3s while averaging 2.6 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. He fits the prototypical mold of a stretch-four in today's NBA.
16. Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 215 lbs.
Hood-Schifino is rising up draft boards as Indiana's floor general and lead guard. The 6-6 playmaker is a pick-and-roll maestro. He's slithery off the bounce with a great change of pace and he has a confident midrange jumper and floater. He has continued to improve throughout the season and could work his way into the lottery if he maintains his recent level of play.
17. Lakers (via NOP) Dariq Whitehead, Duke
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 220 lbs.
Whitehead's freshman season has been littered with injuries. He fractured his right foot before the season started, forcing him to miss the first three games of the year. When he returned, he played fewer than 20 minutes in his first seven games at Duke. Once he finally started to find a rhythm, Whitehead suffered a lower left leg injury, forcing him to miss another four games.
The 18-year-old was a projected top-five pick to start the year but he hasn't had much of a chance to showcase his talent.
18. Knicks: Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 195 lbs.
Lewis is a mid-major riser who has cemented himself as a projected first-round pick. The 6-7 wing is an offensive weapon who will serve as an off-ball scorer and shooter at the next level. He can knock down perimeter shots in a variety of ways and he uses his size and length to finish at the rim, be it off the dribble or as a cutter. He's the type of prospect who could thrive as a role player in the NBA.
19. Nets (via PHX): Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL, Australia)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 190 lbs.
A product of the NBL Next Stars program, Rupert comes into the draft with some professional experience playing a limited role for the New Zealand Breakers. At 6-7 with a 7-3 wingspan, Rupert is a versatile defender who has the length to hold his own in the paint but the quickness to keep up with wings. He's a raw product offensively, but he's a willing shooter, shot creator and passer. Rupert is an upside potential play for a team that is willing to be patient in the first round.
20. Rockets (via LAC): Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Foward/Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 230 lbs.
Filipowski has been a star during his freshman season at Duke, looking like a lock to take home ACC Rookie of the Year. His skill is what stands out as a 7-footer, showing his capability to play multiple roles on offense. He can work with his back to the basket, he's physical and competes with an attitude in the paint, he can space the floor as a shooter and he's also shown some playmaking chops.
21. Heat: Bryce Sensabaugh, Ohio State
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard/Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 235 lbs.
Sensabaugh is another rising freshman who has entered NBA Draft conversations as a three-level scoring threat. Sensabaugh is one of the best shooters and shot creators in this class, capable of knocking down everything from pull-ups off the dribble, to catch-and-shoot 3s off of screens, to fadeaways out of the post. Any team looking for instant offense off of the bench will be interested in the Ohio State wing.
22. Trail Blazers: Kris Murray, Iowa
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 220 lbs.
Kris is the brother of 2022 top-five pick, Keegan Murray. He immediately stepped in to fill his brother's role as the go-to guy for the Hawkeyes, averaging 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game so far this season. With positional versatility on defense and the ability to space the floor on the wing, Murray will be a target for playoff teams in the late first round.
23. Kings: Dereck Lively, Duke
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-1, 230 lbs.
After missing the start of the season with a calf injury, Lively had to earn his minutes in the rotation upon his return. While his offensive impact hasn't been anywhere near what was anticipated for the top-ranked player in the high school class of 2022, we've started to see the type of impact he can make as a shot blocker and defensive anchor. Don't be surprised if a team takes a swing on his upside earlier than this spot.
MORE: March Madness bracket predictions 4.0: Projecting the field of 68 for 2023
24. Nets: Colby Jones, Xavier
Age: 20, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 205 lbs.
Jones is the type of upperclassman guard who teams will target in the late first round. He has great positional size for a lead guard, he's a savvy passer and decision-maker, and he's improved his 3-point shooting stroke, converting 39.1 percent of his attempts from deep this season (compared to 29.2 percent as a sophomore).
25. Grizzlies: Jordan Hawkins, UConn
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 195 lbs.
Simply put, Hawkins has a flamethrower. The UConn sophomore is knocking down 39.0 percent of his 3s, and that's on an extremely high volume at 7.5 attempts per game. Better yet, although he's more than capable of creating his own shot, he's also converting 45.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s, according to InStat. His perimeter shooting would be beneficial for any NBA team.
26. Pacers (via CLE): Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 210 lbs.
Miller has taken on a new role with the Ignite this season, becoming more of a grinder on both ends of the floor. The 6-10 forward has defended at a high level and he's excelling offensively as a cutter and offensive rebounder. Averaging 15.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, Miller has gotten comfortable with the responsibilities he'll hold at the next level.
27. Jazz: Jalen Wilson, Kansas
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 225 lbs.
Wilson has the highest motor in all of college basketball, doing whatever it takes to win games. He has the size, strength, quickness and athleticism to defend multiple positions at the next level and he has improved as a perimeter shooter. For every forced shot, there's a hustle play to scrap for a rebound. Teams in the late first round looking for an instant-impact player should target Wilson.
28. Hornets (via DEN): Terquavion Smith, NC State
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 165 lbs.
Smith was one of the biggest risers at last year's NBA Draft Combine, showing his electrifying quickness and competitive demeanor. There is no doubt about his ability to score the ball, averaging 17.9 points per game, but his efficiency has gone from bad to worse with his field goal percentage (37.6) and 3-point percentage (33.5) dropping this season. He projects as a microwave scorer at the next level but that's his ceiling.
29. Clippers (via MIL): Marcus Sasser, Houston
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 195 lbs.
Sasser hasn't had the most efficient season but the senior guard projects to be a reserve floor general in the NBA. He can score in bunches, he competes on the defensive end and he's a reliable playmaker. He's been the engine of a Houston squad with championship aspirations and he can bring those winning qualities to a team in the late first or early second round.
30. Pacers: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 245 lbs.
Jackson-Davis has been one of the most productive players in the NCAA, averaging 20.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He's a non-shooter from the perimeter — which is why you won't see him as a first-rounder in some Mock Drafts — but his skill, switchability on defense and activity on both ends of the floor should warrant consideration around this range.