The 2022 NBA draft is over, which means it's time to start talking about the amazing talent pool for 2023.
Scouts have already invested a lot of effort in planning for and discussing the anticipated class for next June.
The board's top is more crowded than it has ever been. Furthermore, there is a significant likelihood that none of the top three picks will participate in college basketball.
Prospects who chose to return to school despite drawing interest for the 2022 draft should also provide next year's draft a big boost. Then there is Emoni Bates, who will eventually be eligible for the draft and whose progress will be closely watched, no matter where it occurs.
Below is GiveMeSport’s 2023 NBA mock draft.
1. Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92, PF/C, 2004)
Wembanyama is being seen by scouts in a different way than any recent pre-draft prospect. Wembanyama's ability to defend the rim and block shots could make him the NBA's most valuable two-way player. Only durability worries might cause teams to second-guess whether he should be taken first overall.
2. Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2003)
After averaging 14.3 points and 4.2 assists in the G League as a 17 or 18-year-old, Henderson appears to be a top-three lock. He differs from most ballhandlers in terms of speed, explosion, and strength, but he also possesses playmaking instincts and sophisticated pull-up technique to support his exceptional athleticism.
3. Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 2003)
Thompson might move up to the top three of the 2023 class with better shooting. Given his 6'7" height, ability to create and direct plays with the ball, explosiveness when attacking the rim, and defensive speed, a more dangerous jumper would unlock what appears to be unmatched flexibility.
4. Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SG/SF, Freshman)
Whitehead has a tendency to go on streaks and rely heavily on tough jumpers, but with his 6'6" size, versatile shooting range, secondary playmaking abilities, and excellent defensive capabilities, Whitehead is likely to be seen as one of the class' more complete prospects.
5. Cam Whitmore (Villanova, SF, Freshman)
Whitmore, with his unique combination of explosion, coordination, and energy, is a good bet to lead the freshman wings in dunks. However, he also made 10-of-22 three-point attempts this month in Tijuana for the USA, and his passing and handling skills are gradually developing.
6. Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, SG/SF, 2003)
Although Thompson has demonstrated enough off-the-dribble skills and pull-ups for evaluators to see high-level scoring potential, he is an every-play threat merely based on his quickness, jumping, and instincts at both ends.
7. Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, PG, Freshman)
Smith handles the ball as a scorer with a sophisticated in-between game and developing playmaking instincts. He is a shot creator, but if he shoots well from three and avoids making rash moves, his chances of cracking the top five should be maximized.
8. Kel'el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)
Ware averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just 19.5 minutes, and evaluators continue to believe that he has a three-ball in his game that will eventually come into play.
9. Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)
George's aggressive takes and pull-up threes put pressure on defences. Though NBA teams should be able to identify a good scorer anyway, he will become more complete if he develops his playmaking and mid-range touch shots.
10. Jarace Walker (Houston, SF/PF, Freshman)
Walker placed first in field goal percentage and second in blocks in nine NIBC games, but it was his occasional face-up manoeuvres, improved touch, and passing that made him a lottery pick. In addition to his power, he has significantly increased his skill over the previous year.
11. Dillon Mitchell (Texas, PF, Freshman)
The majority of Mitchell's scoring and impact-producing plays are incredibly athletic, but they also feel transferable on both ends. He frequently creates easy baskets for himself, and his brief post-ups and transition passing show that he is more versatile than others.
12. Dereck Lively II (Duke, C, Freshman)
Lively, who stands 7'1", has an absurdly long reach, an effortless ability to make plays above the cylinder, and will serve as a finisher and rim protector. To set him apart from other easy-basket targets, it will be important to keep developing the post-ups and spot-up threes that he has already shown.
13. GG Jackson (South Carolina, PF/C, Freshman)
Jackson posted a double-double and 2.3 blocks per game at Peach Jam this month, showcasing his physical prowess and developing skill set. While his size, length, and athleticism will account for the majority of his performance at South Carolina, the NBA will be more interested in him for his brief bursts of smooth drives and outside touch.
14. Cason Wallace (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)
Wallace should score and generate lottery talk with a credible level of skill and craft off drives, dribble jumpers, and floaters, so long as athletic/physical limitations don't become concerning.
15. Julian Phillips (Tennessee, SG/SF, Freshman)
The 6'8" wingspan, projectable shooting, and adaptability in shot-making of Phillips could help him stand out. Despite being frail and having a small creative repertoire, he seems like a natural NBA fit given his off-ball scoring prowess.
16. Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, SG, Sophomore)
Smith should have a first-round case based on his incredible shot-making firepower and secondary playmaking flashes as long as he increases his finishing effectiveness.
17. Kyle Filipowski (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Filipowski, who is extremely skilful for a projected power forward or centre, will make plays by handling in the open court and shooting threes. In order to convince scouts to support him, he must demonstrate his ability to defend away from the basket.
18. Anthony Black (Arkansas, SF, Freshman)
Black's distinguishing trait or characteristic will be two-way playmaking. He may struggle to score in large quantities, but in 19.5 minutes a game this month for the U18s, he averaged 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.8 steals.
19. Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 2003)
In the G League, where he can continue to sell teams on his wing talents and shot-making as a 6'9" forward, Leonard will have the opportunity to refine his game.
20 Yohan Traore (Auburn, PF, Freshman)
Traore will win over NBA fans despite not being the most explosive athlete by nailing pick-and-pop jumpers, finishing, scoring effectively, and playing aggressively.
21. Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF/PF, Freshman)
Walsh is likely to receive high praise for his defence. Walsh still plays as a face-up scorer with driving ability, a mid-range shot, and passing skills even though his three-ball isn't quite there yet.
22. Gradey Dick (Kansas, SG/SF, Freshman)
Dick might make a case for being the best shooter in the draft by next June. Additionally, he has some athletic pop on finishes, and his intelligence as a passer and defender is encouraging for his potential as a role player.
23. Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF/PF, Sophomore)
Given his 6'7" height, athleticism, and defensive abilities, Kaluma is ready to take a big step forward as a shooter and creator, which should catch the NBA's notice.
24. Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004)
The Nike Hoop Summit showed Cissoko's undeveloped offensive game, but his 6'7" size, passing ability, and defensive skills give him special potential that should buy him time with scouts.
25. JJ Starling (Notre Dame, SG, Freshman)
Starling, who is anticipated to take over for Blake Wesley at Notre Dame, possesses the intriguing open-floor quickness and shot-making versatility needed to drill jumpers in a number of ways.
26. Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman)
Mintz, who is nimble and deft off the dribble, should get the chance to show off his masterpiece now that Cole Swider and the Boeheim twins are no longer around. His poor ball handling, poor shooting, and high energy/activity will win him admirers.
27. Chris Livingston (Kentucky, SF, Freshman)
Livingston combines a great physical profile with the capacity to score three-pointers, attack from the wings, and guard both forward positions. The first round of 2023 should depend on how efficiently he shoots and chooses his shots.
28. Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)
After observing Murray's shooting development, defensive engagement, and occasional displays of scoring versatility, it appears like he is about to have a breakthrough. There should be a high-usage role for Kris to produce and continue honing his shot-making and half-court face-up skills now that his brother Keegan is a Sacramento King.
29. Emoni Bates (Eastern Michigan, SG/SF, Sophomore)
By making more thoughtful decisions regarding his choice of shot and attempts at finishing, Bates will have an opportunity to regain lost support. He may have issues with his athleticism, body, and intangibles, but for a 6'9" wing, he still makes high-level shots.
30. Harrison Ingram (Stanford, SF, Sophomore)
Ingram showed great touch and passing IQ, qualities for an NBA connector role, but he will need to make more threes to make up for his athletic limitations inside the arc.
Keep up to date with all of the latest NBA News right here at GiveMeSport.