Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

No appearance at the Combine for Wembanyama -- he is still playing out his season with Mets 92 -- but no problem. He remains No. 1 with a bullet atop a loaded class.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

This isn't who I would take, but this is believed to be the way Charlotte is leaning. A 6-foot-9 scoring forward who shoots 38.4% from 3 -point range would pair nicely next to LaMelo Ball.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Portland has all but deployed billboards to let the rest of the NBA know this pick is up for sale as it looks to upgrade its roster around Damian Lillard. Henderson would be the pick here if Wembanyama and Miller go No. 1 and No. 2, but whether he'll be playing for the Trail Blazers or someone else is up in the air.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Thompson is an elite playmaker who possesses the ability to make advanced reads as a potential lead guard. He profiles as someone who could be the initiator for an NBA offense, potentially setting up Houston -- which has already met with him after securing the No. 4 pick -- to maximize its investments in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

There's a number of directions Detroit could go here at wing, but the addition of Jarace Walker makes a ton of sense both from a value perspective and from a fit standpoint. He's a ready-made NBA power forward who can hit shots and provide toughness for a young core centered around Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

There's lots of steam around Ausar -- the twin brother of Amen -- indicating he may not only be on the rise but in the mix to supplant Amen as the first Thompson taken in this year's draft. Getting him at No. 6 here would be robbery for the Magic, giving them a combo wing who has incredible athleticism, selfless playmaking ability and an improving shot.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Whitmore is not a playmaker but what he does provide as a shooting wing with above-the-rim hops he does at a high level. Indiana surrounding Tyrese Haliburton with a player of Whitmore's ilk who can score should be priority No. 1 in this draft.

If you squint a bit at George's game you'll see some shades of Bradley Beal in terms of what he can do as a scorer and combo guard. George impressed NBA teams at his pro day in Chicago during the NBA Draft Combine and appears to be on the rise as a potential top-10 pick.

Prospect Breakdowns: Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

The meteoric rise last season of Santa Clara star Jalen Williams -- and his subsequent stellar season as a rookie with OKC -- has taught us not to overlook mid-major stars. Hendricks is perhaps the latest example of that, as he starred for UCF last season as a sharpshooting forward who can protect the rim and be a havoc-wreaker on defense.

Tall wings who have the ability to shoot it -- and do so successfully in the multitude of ways Dick can shoot it -- don't come around every draft. His game is tailor-made for an NBA role player with room to grow into more alongside a superstar in Luka Doncic.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Kentucky

Perhaps Orlando looks elsewhere here after going guard with its first pick in this mock, but Wallace's skill set is so different and complementary to Thompson that the two could coexist successfully. One of the best playmaking defenders in this class.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Black had the highest assist rate on a loaded Arkansas team last season operating as a connective tissue and heartbeat for one of the most talented teams in the SEC. OKC is stacked with selfless guards of Black's archetype and checks a ton of boxes for what this team likes.

If Bufkin gets past OKC at No. 12, it's unlikely he is on the board much longer. The second-year player for Michigan blossomed into a bona fide first-round talent this past season. He has a nice combination of scoring and creation that might make him an appealing two-way guard in the league.

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

Scouting Breakdown: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana)

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

NBA teams are always on the hunt for combo guard/creators like Hood-Schifino, and he flashed enough on both ends at Indiana to push for a potential lottery spot in this year's draft. Great frame, really good defensively, and knows how to attack and make plays off the bounce. His shot needs to become more developmentally consistent but the tools here are undeniable.

Few players boosted their draft stock at the combine than did Bailey, who acquitted himself nicely as expected as a scoring guard but flashed some unexpected playmaking and passing to boot in front of NBA teams. The former five-star recruit has played his way into the lottery mix and seems unlikely to slip out of the first round.

No player in this class is more skilled as a spot-up shooter than Hawkins, whose ability to be his own offensive hub because of his space-creation is underrated and under-appreciated. He profiles as a Duncan Robinson-like talent with better defense.

Alexander's development the last two years from an athletic wing into a legitimate playmaking guard who can shoot is among the more impressive arcs for a player in this class. He did well for himself at the combine, getting to the rim at will and showcasing his length as a potential two-way player in the NBA.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

As a four-star prospect ranked 85th in his class, Sensabaugh wasn't even on the one-and-done radar entering the season. But his production with Ohio State is tough to ignore. Uses his big frame well and smashed in his role as a rotation piece hitting 40.5% of his 3-pointers on the year.

Scouting Breakdown: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State)

As a four-star prospect ranked 85th in his class, Sensabaugh wasn't even on the one-and-done radar entering the season. But his production with Ohio State is tough to ignore. Uses his big frame well and smashed in his role as a rotation piece hitting 40.5% of his 3-pointers on the year.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Best player available here is Lively, the one-and-done Duke big man who was among the most effective rim-protecting players in all of college hoops last season. He's still got some growing to do as an offensive weapon, but his defensive impact is a foundational piece of his game that will translate.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Whitehead had a topsy-turvy season at Duke and didn't quite live up to expectations as a five-star, consensus top-five recruit, in part because of injuries and inconsistencies that resulted from that. ESPN reported that his preseason right foot injury did not heal properly and requires a follow-up procedure, so teams will want to make sure his medicals check out.

Big men who don't shoot 3-pointers don't pop off the page as definite first-rounders, and yet Jackson-Davis by most measures appears to be an anomaly. He's a dominant interior scorer and rebounder who shows great touch and makes great plays as a passer, and there is optimism in NBA circles that he will in time develop into a floor-spacer.

One of my favorite prospects in this class. Jones is one of those players who can fade in and out of games, then you look up and he has 10 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. Impacts winning in a variety of ways.

One of my favorite prospects in this class. Jones is one of those players who can fade in and out of games, then you look up and he has 10 points, seven assists and eight rebounds. Impacts winning in a variety of ways.

This is probably the floor for Coulibaly, a late-riser in the 2023 class who could go as high as mid lottery to somewhere in the 20s. Playing next to Victor Wembanyama for Mets 92 has given him a huge spotlight to shine as a long wing with great athleticism who has shown improvement as a shooter.

Prosper played so well on the first day of scrimmages at the combine that he pulled out of the second day, showing so much as an energetic combo forward that he likely solidified himself as a top-30 pick in this class. A really athletic, long forward who can shoot and impact winning with effort.

Not the most appealing profile coming off a disappointing season at South Carolina, but Jackson, the youngest prospect in the class and a former No. 1 recruit, has plenty of believers in NBA circles and feels like a lock to hear his name called in the first round.

No team is going to trip over themselves just glancing at Jackson Jr.'s stat line, but no team that watched UConn in its run to national champion this past season will be able to resist what he brings to the table as a playmaking guard who brings energy and an infectious attitude to the table.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Wembanyama has a chance to be one of the best players in the world, and perhaps of all-time, on both sides of the ball. The 19-year-old phenom is a perfect centerpiece for a San Antonio organization that's obviously had loads of success in the past spending No. 1 picks on bigs.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

The presence of LaMelo Ball as Charlotte's lead guard is among the reasons Miller is now considered the favorite to go second overall. He's a wing with size who made 38.4% of the 7.5 3-pointers he attempted per game while leading Alabama to the outright SEC regular-season title.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

If Miller goes second, odds are Henderson will go third. The G-League Ignite product has the athleticism and strength to be a franchise-changing lead guard as long as his still-developing 3-point shot eventually becomes reliable.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Thompson is a big and super-athletic guard with a unique ability to shot-create and deliver passes most prospects his age can't even see. The Rockets are still very much in a take-the-best-prospect-available mode, and this is the Thompson twin who checks that box.

Considering nobody had better lottery odds than the Pistons, it's disappointing for Detroit to be picking fifth in this draft. That said, Walker would be a nice consolation prize as a physical specimen who exerts energy on both ends of the court and possesses the ability to play the four or small-ball five.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

The Magic have promising frontcourt players but could really use comparable young guards. Black has a chance to be one thanks to the fact that he has great size for his position and the ability to make incredible passes and make plays out of pick-and-rolls.

Nothing is more valuable in the NBA right now than wings who can shoot, and Dick is the best shooter in this draft. He made more than 40% of the 5.7 3-pointers he attempted per game for the outright Big 12 regular-season champs and would fit nicely alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

The Wizards should take the best prospect available, and the other Thompson twin is that guy and this point in this mock draft. He's a tall athlete just like his brother and something of a traditional driver and slasher who can guard multiple positions well.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Black is a lead guard with great size who is a gifted passer and nice pick-and-roll playmaker. If he ever develops a reliable jumper, All-Star Game appearances could be in his future.

Scouting Breakdown: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana)

Whether the Mavericks bring back Kyrie Irving or not, having another combo guard to play with Luka Donic isn't the worst idea in the world. Hood-Schifino has good-enough size and a more-dependable 3-point shot than what he showed in his one season at Indiana.

I have the Magic taking a big point guard with their first pick in this draft, so this is a decent spot to grab a backcourt partner. George wasn't the most consistent freshmen in the country in his one season at Baylor, but his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, put pressure on defenses and score is undeniable.

Prospect Breakdowns: Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

Hendricks is an out-of-nowhere prospect who is the type of tall, athletic and a proven shooter Oklahoma City prioritizes. He made 39.4% of the 4.6 3-pointers he attempted in his one season at UCF while becoming a one-and-done lottery pick despite being ranked outside of the top 80 in the Class of 2022.

The Raptors ranked 28th in the NBA in 3-point percentage, which is among the reasons Hawkins is a sensible option. He made more than 38% of his 3-point attempts this season while helping UConn win the national championship.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Kentucky

The Pelicans have a lot of interesting pieces but still need a starter-level point guard. Wallace is a nice option at the bottom of the lottery as a playmaker who has a chance to be above average on both ends of the court given the way he enthusiastically takes on the role as an on-ball defender.

Scouting Breakdown: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State)

Sensabaugh, like Hendricks, was a sub-80 prospect in the Class of 2022 who was surprisingly great in his one year at Ohio State. If he improves as a perimeter defender, the 6-6 wing could develop into the type of 3-and-D player everybody wants in the modern NBA.

Prospect Breakdowns: Jett Howard (Michigan)

Howard was the MVP of the Iverson Classic before his freshman season at Michigan. He can play multiple positions, make shots from the perimeter and is just, broadly speaking, a good-sized player with a well-rounded skillset, in part because he's the son of a former NBA player and high-major college coach.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Smith dealt with a less-than-perfect knee all season that limited him to just 17 games, most of which he struggled in relative to expectations that accompanied him to Arkansas. That's among the reasons he won't be selected where most projected he'd go a year ago, but he should still go somewhere inside the top 20 based on the ability to score he showed when he was healthy in high school.

Much like his brother who plays for the Kings, Murray projects as a combo forward who can stretch the floor on offense and guard multiple positions on defense. The Iowa alum won't be a top-five pick like his twin was last year, but he should comfortably go somewhere in the first round.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Lively's one season at Duke got off to a rough start and was statistically unimpressive. But he showed enough as a rim-protecting big down the stretch to solidify himself as a first-round pick.

Bufkin didn't enter the season with first-round projections but eventually established himself at Michigan as an interesting two-way player. He made 35.5% of the 3.7 3-pointers he attempted per game, which is a respectable number for a 6-4 guard.

Jackson is one of the youngest players in this draft, in part because he reclassified and enrolled at South Carolina a year early. He was off the radar much of the season because he played for a bad team, but the former top-ranked recruit showed enough to keep NBA front offices interested in his obvious talent.

Miller had a nice season with the G-League Ignite, averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds as a 19 year-old playing against professionals. There's still a lot of development that needs to be done, but the physical tools to make it are all in place.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

Whitehead had an underwhelming one season at Duke, where he only averaged 8.3 points per game. But he did shoot 42.4% from 3-point range as a 6-7 wing, and at this point in the draft he's worth a flyer even though he's expected to soon have another procedure performed on his injured right foot.

Jaquez should enter the NBA at the age of 22 ready to contribute immediately. He's not going to wow anybody in individual workouts or test off the charts, but there are a lot of reasons to believe he has the stuff to be, at worst, an impactful role player on a winning team for many years to come.

Rupert remains unreliable offensively and very much a project. But he's a 6-6 wing with a 7-3 wingspan who has all the prerequisites to be a great perimeter defender if his shooting comes around enough to make him playable at the NBA level.

Sasser is a combo guard who played a big role in helping Houston secure a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. His ability to playmake and reliably make jumpers will give him a chance to stick in the NBA even if he is a little on the small side.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Alabama

Defensive versatility is a desired skillset these days, and it also happens to be Clowney's strongest attribute. The 6-10 forward has a 7-2 wingspan and the necessary enthusiasm to guard different types of players all over the court.

Wilson is the latest Kansas alum to develop into a legitimate NBA player after spending multiple years under Bill Self. He made a huge leap from his third season to his fourth season with the Jayhawks while earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors.

Smith already has a strong pull-up game and the athleticism to make big plays on both sides of the court. If he becomes a more efficient version of himself and adds strength, he'll turn out to be very worthy of a late first-round selection.

Lewis is the rare non-Gonzaga WCC player with realistic first-round aspirations. He's a 6-7 wing with a 6-10 wingspan who can shot-create and punish teams from the 3-point line, both of which are qualities NBA franchises value immensely.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

There will be no surprise with the No. 1 pick this year. Victor Wembanyama is not only the consensus top pick, but he’s already being billed as a generational prospect. He’s 7-foot-4 with a nearly 8-foot wingspan, a high skill-level that extends out to the three-point line and extreme shot-blocking ability. His presence made this pick one of the most coveted in recent draft history and the San Antonio Spurs were the big winner. Make no mistake about it, if everything goes right for Wembanyama, this could be the night that completely changed the course of the Spurs franchise. We just haven't seen a prospect with Wemby's combination of size, length, mobility, defensive dominance and offensive skill. The Spurs have some solid young pieces in Keldon Johnson (23-years-old), Devin Vassell (22-years-old), Malik Branham (20-years-old) and Jeremy Sochan (19-years-old). What they don't have is anyone currently tracking as a potential star. Wemby is going to change that.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Brandon Miller is a highly skilled, big wing who exceeded all expectations in his freshman season at Alabama. Not only does he provide a big shot-maker on the wing, but he also has more playmaking ability and rebounding skills than we anticipated coming out of high school. Miller may even have some defensive versatility. He'll need to build up his body and continue to make strides with his ability to put pressure on the rim as a scorer, but if he keep keep developing at a similar rate to what we've seen in the last year his upside is significant. Miller will give the Hornets a much-needed shooting touch as well as provide a transition partner for LaMelo Ball. It's going to be a tough decision as Hornets fans might fall in love with the idea of pairing Ball with another playmaking guard in Scoot Henderson, but I came around on Miller in the early spring as the better player and he will still fit in great as Charlotte starts to build a nice young core.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Scoot Henderson is a dynamic athlete in the lead guard spot. He's strong, athletic, and able to attack the rim perhaps like no one else in the draft. He's made some strides with his shooting, but most continue to do so, and simultaneously become a more committed defender. While all the talk in this year's draft is about Wembanyama, and rightfully so at this point, Henderson has the potential to be one of the best guards in the NBA down the road. Dame Lillard wants to win now. If they honor that, this pick could be on the market. If they want to tear it down, Lillard could go on the market. This will force the Blazers to rebuild mode around the young core of Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons with Scoot projecting to be the star.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Amen and Ausar Thompson are twin brothers who have starred for Overtime Elite for the last two years. Amen is portrayed as the superior of the two prospects in the media, but Ausar has actually been the better player. In fact, he’s won both the OTE MVP and OTE Finals MVP in each of the last two seasons. At 6-foot-7, Thompson is a high-level athlete, quality passer, and potentially versatile defender who has made significant strides with his shooting this year. Like Portland, it's very possible that this pick will be up for grabs as Houston tries to secure a star in hopes to win immediately. Don't be surprised if Ausar/the No. 4 pick is the highlight of a trade package that possibly features Jalen Green or Jabari Smith.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Cam Whitmore is one of the more polarizing prospects in this class. Some people content he should be in contention as high as 2, and others that he may slip to the late lottery. What is undeniable is that he is a powerful, downhill athlete with plays above the rim with force, and has made strides with his shooting. That's a prototype that should thrive in NBA spacing, but simultaneously he also have to prove he can operate in structure, better utilize his physical gifts on the defensive end of the floor, and be more consistent and reliable. The Pistons are building around Cade Cunningham (who missed most of this season with injury) and Jaden Ivey, who is coming off a strong rookie campaign. If Whitmore can continue to improve his shooting, then he will make a big difference for the Pistons, who are of course bummed to go from dreaming of Wembanyama to learning about options this far down the board.

Evaluating Top Prospects in Latest "Draftables"

Amen Thompson is widely considered to be the best athlete in the draft as well as a jumbo playmaker who can create for himself and others at 6-foot-7. The jump shot is a major concern, but if he can progress even to the point where opposing defenders can't leave him unguarded at the arc, there is a case to be made that his upside could be higher than anyone in this draft not named Victor. Thompson could be the dynamic playmaker in the backcourt the Magic needs to help free up Paolo Banchero.

Jarace Walker may be the most versatile interior defender in this draft class. He’s a powerful 6-foot-8 forward with a long 7-foot-2 wingspan. He can body up with bigger players inside, provide some rim protection, and be switchable on the perimeter. His offense isn’t quite as dynamic, but he's shown an intriguing combination of athleticism and frontcourt passing, along with enough shooting touch to develop.Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best young point guards in the NBA. The Pacers nailed last year's draft with Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard. However, the most notable hole is at the four, meaning Jarace Walker would fit perfectly.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Arkansas

Anthony Black proved himself to be a legitimate 6-foot-7 point guard this year. More than that, he also showed himself to be one of the best, and most versatile, defensive prospects in the draft. The upside of a two-way lead guard with that type of positional size, but like several other prospects in this class, his shooting is considered a major swing skill at this point. The Wizards are a franchise without a GM after firing Tommy Sheppard and an owner who appears to want to get to the playoffs now. This means they're building around Bradley Beal. Kristaps Prozingis had a resurgent year last year and Kyle Kuzma can score on the wing. A switchable big guard like Black would be another great accent piece.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Kentucky

Cason Wallace is a hard-nosed and tough two-way player who shot the ball better than expected this year at Kentucky. There are questions about how dynamic his individual offense is, but even that showed notable progress this season. Ultimately, even if he doesn't evolve into a primary creator, he’s a versatile building block who can play on and off the ball. It's good to note that Danny Ainge drafted Marcus Smart. Cason shows similar promise in that respect and he would fit perfectly into the Jazz's treasure trove of assets in future picks and young players.

Prospect Breakdowns: Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

Taylor Hendricks is freshman forward from Central Florida whose stock continues to gain momentum. The 6-foot-9 forward looks like an ideal fit for the modern NBA because he can space the floor offensively and be versatile defensively. Hendricks shot over 39% from three in his freshman season at UCF while blocking nearly 2 shots per game and simultaneously showing he could move his feet on the perimeter. Luka Doncic is Dallas' franchise player. There's no doubt about that. But if the Mavs are serious about wanting to retain Kyrie Irving, then they'll need to surround that duo with floor-spacers and defenders. Hendricks can do both.

Gradey Dick may be the best wing shooter in this year's draft. He has good size at 6-foot-8 and a high and compact release point that will allow him to get his shot off. He's an adequate defender and could stand to diversify his offensive attack a bit more, but ultimately, in a league that has never valued shooting more, he's one of the very best in this draft. This is the Magic's second pick of the lottery. This allows them to grab possibly one of the best "3-and-D" prospect in the draft in Gradey Dick. Dick's shooting will open up the floor for Banchero and Wagner who will thrive off Amen's playmaking.

Jordan Hawkins looked like the best movement shooter in the country during Connecticut’s national championship run. His non-shooting metics are a bit concerning, but he’s got decent positional size, bounce at the rim and plenty of untapped upside as he fills out his frame. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a legit star for the Thunder and now Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams are clear long-term building blocks. Like this trio, Hawkins can be a passion project for Presti and Co. OKC will also get Chet Holmgren back who missed the season with injury. Hawkins and Chet could gel to fill out the Thunder's line up.

NBA Draft Prospect Team Spotlight: Duke

The Raptors are another team that typically prioritize length and athleticism, and yet desperately need shooting. While Dariq Whitehead was not himself throughout his freshman season at Duke, he would upgrade their perimeter shooting and simultaneously provide legit size and length in the backcourt. While this year's injuries prevented him from being the player we saw in high school, it did serve a purpose, and that was to show the progression of his shooting, which was not known as a strength through his years at Montverde Academy.

Keyonte George is a scoring combo-guard who can fill it up when he gets hot. Now, he's got to commit to his conditioning on a full-time basis and doesn't have ideal size for someone who is much more two than one, but all of that, both good and bad, makes him an ideal understudy for CJ McCollum, who will turn 32 years old before the beginning of next year’s regular season.