The Official 94 Feet and Back 2023 NBA Draft Big Board
As we approach draft day, let's rank some prospects who's name should be called on Thursday night!
The NBA Draft! The culmination of hundreds of hours of work for many young draft prospects, whose futures will be decided in one of the most fun NBA nights of the year. This Thursday fans will either gain new hope for their franchise or lose the hope they had to begin with, depending on decisions made by front office personnel, who are simply making big-time decisions after months of scouting, discussing, and researching.
When it comes to my side for scouting work, this big board has been something I have been working on for months and highlights players I have had the pleasure of watching, scouting, and attempting to understand the nuances in their games. I only highlighted my top 5 tiers, which are the players I think have the most potential to make an impact at the NBA level. For the first 4 tiers, I decided to give some insight into their games and some key strengths and weaknesses. For each prospect, I listed the team they played with this past season, the position they play, their current age, and their height/wingspan.
Tier 1 - Generational Players:
Victor Wembenyama: Metropolitians 92, Big, 19 YO, 7’5/8’1
A generational talent, who has been touted as the no. 1 pick of this class since he was 16, Wembenyama is a ridiculously tall and lengthy big, with generational shot-blocking traits and offensive fluidity. Wembenyama’s combination of shooting, ball-handling ability, and size is unheard of and makes him a once-in-a-lifetime type prospect. He projects to be a star-level player from day 1 and a surefire bet to be a superstar in the NBA.
Strengths: Fluid Athleticism, Shooting Range, Off the Dribble Shooting, Length, Shot Blocking Instincts, Defense, Recovery, Rim Finishing, Ball Handling, Passing IQ
Weaknesses: Durability (Most players his size have some durability concerns), Strength (This is nitpicking, but he could get bullied by bigger guys though his size might just negate any strength advantage), Shooting Consistency
Tier 2 - All NBA Bets:
Scoot Henderson: G League Ignite, Lead Guard, 19 YO, 6’2/6’9
Pretty easily the second-best prospect in my opinion, Scoot Henderson is the future superstar NBA guard. His ridiculous athleticism, explosive first step, and creative finishing ability draw comparisons to fleet-footed guards such as De’Aaron Fox, Russell Westbrook, and John Wall. His progression as a jump shooter and defender will be big-time swing skills, but his elite athleticism, finishing ability, and passing IQ are all incredible traits for a young guard.
Strengths: 99th percentile athlete, Finishing, Playmaking (6.8 APG, 30% AST%, and 2.0 AST/TO Ratio), Jumping Ability (40+ inch vertical), Defensive Potential, Mid Range Shot Creation, Advantage Creation
Weaknesses: Shooting (23rd Percentile in Jump Shot Efficiency and sub 30% from 3), Overfouling (3.3 FPG)
Tier 3 - All-Star Talents:
Amen Thompson: OTE, Lead Guard, 20 YO, 6’7/7’0
An ultra-elite athlete, who possesses incredible passing and ball-handling ability at 6’7, Amen Thompson is one of the most dynamic prospects in this draft. His combination of playmaking talent, defensive potential, and athleticism is very rare and his ceiling as a prospect is immensely high. The major things holding I have about Amen as a prospect are his lack of shooting and concerns over OTE as a major developmental program. But regardless of those concerns, Thompson’s innate talent is undeniable and he will be a top 5 pick on Thursday.
Strengths: 99th Percentile Athlete, Finishing Potential (The numbers for the Thompsons twins are bad, but the athleticism and size are undeniable talent measures for rim finishing), Playmaking, Defensive Potential, Ball Handling
Weaknesses: Shooting (23.3% from 3 on 2.7 3PA), Defensive Discipline (Typical things for young prospects: gambling, ball watching)
Brandon Miller: Alabama, Forward, 20 YO, 6’9/7’2
The prototypical NBA wing, Brandon Miller is the latest in the long line of NBA wings who have superhuman shooting ability. Miller’s ability to shoot off the dribble, off the catch, and with movement is incredible for his size. Combine with his passing flashes in the pick and roll and defensive upside, Miller makes for an incredibly interesting prospect. He does have some off-the-court question marks surrounding his involvement in a murder in February, that may affect his standing with NBA teams.
Strengths: Shooting (Movement, C&S, Off the Dribble are in his bag as a 3 point shooter), Positional Size, Playmaking Potential (Good in live dribble situations and has a good vision), On Ball Defense
Weaknesses: Rim Finishing (Miller struggled at the rim: 46.8% within 0-5 Feet), Self Creation (31.8% in isolation), Physicality (Struggled to get open when faced with physical defenders)
Jarace Walker: Houston, Forward, 19 YO, 6’8/7’2
Built like a star Defensive End at 6’8 250 pounds, Jarace Walker is the class's best power forward due to his innate athleticism and defensive instincts. Walker projects to be a fantastic defensive forward from the get-go, who is still developing on the offensive end. Walker has shown flashes of playmaking from the post and scoring in the paint, but he remains a big question mark on that end mostly due to his lack of shooting ability. If he can develop the jumper and improve as a scorer, Walker will become a multiple-time All-Star.
Strengths: Athleticism, Lateral Quickness (Can defend multiple positions and along the perimeter), Strength, Rim Finishing, PNR Finishing, Elite Defensive Playmaker (2.4% STL% and 6.2 BLK%), Short Roll Passing
Weaknesses: Shooting (34.7% from 3 on 2.3 3PA and only 66.6% from the line on 2.2 FPA), Shot Diet (Didn’t utilize his size enough and settled a lot for mid ranges: 38.2% of field goals being mid ranges compared 32.1% of field goals being rim attempts)
Ausar Thompson: OTE, Guard/Wing, 20 YO, 6’7/7’0
The other Thompson twin, Ausar Thompson’s game has many similarities to Amen's. Both twins are elite athletes, both struggles as shooters, and both are elite defensive prospects. While Ausar doesn’t have the same elite playmaking ability that Amen flashes in the OTE, Ausar makes up for it with more flashes of elite shot-making. Ausar primarily played as a wing with OTE and he was dynamic with the ball in his hands, flashing the ability to be an elite closeout attacker and improving as a shooter over the year. While Ausar still has concerns over his jumper, his elite athleticism and defensive potential make him a fantastic prospect.
Strengths: 99th Percentile Athlete, Finishing Potential (The numbers for the Thompsons twins are bad, but the athleticism and size are undeniable talent measures for rim finishing), Secondary Playmaking, Defensive Potential, Shot Making Talent
Weaknesses: Shooting (30% from 3 on 3.8 3PA), Defensive Discipline (Typical things for young prospects: gambling, ball watching)
Cason Wallace: Kentucky, Lead Guard, 19 YO, 6’3/6’9
Wallace is my favorite point guard after the Amen and Scoot. His off-ball defense, scoring potential, and defensive tenacity are all extremely good traits to have for a lead guard. He has real Jrue Holiday potential with his ability to make impact plays on both ends of the court. I still have questions about his finishing process and his shooting consistency, but the tools are certainly there for Cason to be the next great Kentucky guard.
Strengths: On Ball Defense, Off Ball Defense (especially when digging into the bigs in the post), Mid Range Scoring, Pick and Roll Navigation, Playmaking
Weaknesses: Shooting Consistency (Started the season hot, but struggled in the second half), Finishing (Doesn’t use his left hand as much and at times picks up the ball too early)
Cam Whitmore: Villanova, Wing, 19 YO, 6’6/6’9
Fitting into the typical super athletic raw wing, Whitmore’s intrigue lies in his ceiling given his athleticism and finishing talent. Whitmore is one of the most impressive athletes in this class, possessing an incredible first step and leaping ability that lets him get to the rim with ease. Where Whitmore needs to improve to develop into the perfect version of his talent is at the defensive end of the court and making plays for others. Whitmore has a tendency to gamble and make wrong reads on defense, which limits his impact on that end from the get-go. However, even with questions about his passing and defense, Whitmore remains a highly talented prospect with true All-Star potential.
Strengths: 99th Percentile Athlete, Advantage Creation (Ultra Elite first step), Creation Potential, Above the Rim Finisher, On Ball Defense
Weaknesses: Playmaking, Ball Handling, Defensive Fundamentals (Bad away from the ball: caught ball watching and loses his defender), Shooting Consistency
Tier 4 - Great Role Players/Intriguing Potential Stars:
Anthony Black: Arkansas, Lead Guard, 19 YO, 6’7/6’7.5
Anthony Black is a player I went super in-depth with earlier on this blog, if you want to check that out click here, but I will do quick synopsis for the sake of this big board. Black boasts immense passing and defensive ability for his size. There are real questions about his shooting and scoring ability, but his passing, defense, and size at the guard position will make him, at worst, a fantastic connector for a contending team in the NBA.
Strengths: PNR Navigation, Rim Finishing, Passing Vision and IQ, Off Ball Defense, On Ball Defense, Size, Anticipation, and Hands
Weaknesses: Shooting (30% from 3 on 2.6 3PA), In-Between Game (No floater or mid-range game as of now), Discipline (Sometimes gambles and relies on his anticipation and hands to save him)
Leonard Miller: G League Ignite, Frontcourt, 19 YO, 6’10/7’2
Leonard Miller is probably the player I am highest on in this class. His finishing ability, rebounding tenacity, ball-handling flashes, passing, and athleticism are all incredibly intriguing for his size. I think Miller has the most pathways to success out of all the players in this class simply because of all the different skills he possesses at 6’10. If he develops a jumper and continues to improve on the defensive end the sky is the limit for Miller.
Strengths: Size, Rebounding (11 RPG), Motor, Shooting Potential (79% from FT on 2 FTA), Finishing, Athleticism, Passing Ability, Ball Handling, Defensive Potential, Draft Age
Weakness: Outside Shooting (30% from 3 on 2.2 3PA), Post Defense (mostly on stronger bigs needs to get stronger), Off Ball Defense (Tendency to ball watch, nothing that can’t be fixed)
Gradey Dick: Kansas, Wing, 19 YO, 6’6/6’9
Gradey Dick has been a fairly misunderstood prospect that (thankfully) people are starting to realize is much more than just an elite shooter. Dick showcases a very complete offensive skillset, with elite shooting, playmaking ability, great cutting, and good touch at the rim. He has concerns on the defensive end, surrounding a skinny frame and a lack of foot speed, but Gradey Dick’s complete offensive skillset and high IQ play will garner him a place in the lottery, regardless of defensive shortcomings.
Strengths: Portability, Off Ball Movement, Shooting (Great on Movement, C&S, and Off the Dribble: 40.3% on 5.7 3PA), Playmaking (Good vision in the half court), Rim Finishing
Weaknesses: Space Creation (Doesn’t have the speed to break down a defender off the dribble, will be worse in the NBA), On Ball Defense (Skinny frame and lack of foot speed will be difficult to improve upon at the NBA level)
Nick Smith Jr: Arkansas, Combo Guard, 19 YO, 6’5/6’9
One of my favorite prospects in this draft, Nick Smith Jr is a taller guard with amazing touch in the painted area. Even though he had a tumultuous freshman season with Arkansas marred with injuries that have led him to slide down draft boards, NSJ has a high potential due to his scoring ability from the mid-range and beyond the arc. His floater, pull-up jumper, and height at the guard position are all very good tools that project well for potential 3-level scoring at the NBA level. He needs to improve as a finisher within 0-5 feet and on the defensive end, but his advanced floater and jumper are very interesting traits that I rate highly.
Strengths: Floater/Touch (5-10 Feet), Jumpshot, Pull-Up Shooting Potential, Interior Passing (I find him a smart decision-maker in the paint), 3-Level Scoring Potential
Weaknesses: Size (mainly the lack of strength), Finishing (0-5 Feet, this stems from a lack of strength), Defense (Ball watching, lack of strength, some quickness issues which could be injury related)
Taylor Hendricks: UCF, Forward, 19 YO, 6’9/7’0
Taylor Hendricks was probably the biggest riser over the NCAA season, he boasts fantastic 3 and D ability for an NBA 4. His shot-blocking and ability to defend all 3 frontcourt positions on switches are intriguing on the defensive end. On offense, his ability as a C&S shooter provides versatile traits that can fit any NBA team. To reach his highest potential, Hendricks would have to improve as an on-ball creator and show he can create off the dribble.
Strengths: Athleticism, Defensive Versatility (Can defend every frontcourt position), Size, Shooting Upside (39.4% from 3 on 4.6 3PA), Shot Blocking Traits, Rebounding
Weaknesses: Finishing (44.7% off layups is concerning for his size), Shot Creation, Off the Dribble Shooting (33% on 45 Attempts)
Kobe Bufkin: Michigan, Combo Guard, 20 YO, 6’5/6’8
A late riser in the draft process, Kobe Bufkin is a very fun guard prospect in this draft. Flashing ability as both an on and off-ball scoring threat and elite on-ball defense on the other side of the ball, Bufkin has an intriguing skillset. Bufkin’s finishing at the rim, ability to run DHO, improvements as a shooter, and defensive engagement are all very good skills for a guard. His improvement from his freshman to his sophomore year also bodes well for further development and his ability to play either guard position makes him a fit for many NBA teams.
Strengths: Shooting Growth (Up 12% from Freshman to Sophomore year), Rim Finishing, Playmaker (Doesn’t try doing too much and makes the right reads), Defense (Sound defender: active off ball and quick on the ball, good hands), Deep Skillset (Doesn’t have too many weaknesses, really solid at a lot of things)
Weaknesses: Positional Questions (Too undersized to be a 2, not a good enough playmaker/floor general to be a 1), Shooting Growth (Needs the sophomore year not to be an outlier season and continue the growth)
Keyonte George: Baylor, Combo Guard, 19 YO, 6’4/6’7
Keyonte George is one of the most polarizing draft prospects in this year’s class. Possessing an immense bag as a creator, showing occasional flashes of elite finishing talent, and firing incredible passes in all sorts of situations, George tempts you with his incredibly intriguing skillset, while letting you down with disappointing efficiency and lapses in decision making. George’s ceiling as a prospect is very high, as he possesses the ability to be a great two-way player in the NBA, but there need to be improvements in his efficiency and decision-making if he wants to reach that ceiling.
Strengths: Pull Up Game, Finishing Potential (He only had 3 dunks, but his craft and ambidextrous finishing ability can bode well for potential finishing ability), Fluid Scorer, Defensive Engagement, Strength, Playmkaing Potential (Flashes of elite playmaking and reads)
Weaknesses: Efficiency (Shooting splits of 37.6/33.8/79.6 and TS% of 52.6 is not great), Decision Making (Makes a lot of live ball turnovers and has an AST/TO Ratio less than 1)
Bilal Coulibaly: Metropolitians 92, Wing, 18 YO, 6’8/7’3
One of the youngest prospects in the class, Bilal Coulibaly was a big riser late in the draft process. He improved a lot over the course of his season as he developed into a major perimeter stopper for Mets 92. With long arms, great size, good ball pressure, and great defensive instincts, Coulibaly projects to be an elite defensive player with some question marks on the offensive end. His athleticism and finishing ability bode well for offensive impact, but if Coulibaly wants to reach his potential he will need to develop a jumper.
Strengths: Size and Length, Turnover Creation (3.1 STL% and 2.0 BLK %), Athleticism, Rim Finishing Talent, Draft Age (Competing in a solid pro league at 18 is awesome), Cutting/Off Ball Movement
Weaknesses: Shooting (Showed improvements, but still below average at 33.8 on 2.3 3PA), Playmaking, Offensive Fouls/Erratic with Ball (Tendency to commit charges and drive erratically)
Maxwell Lewis: Pepperdine, Wing/Forward, 20 YO, 6’6/6’10
Maxwell Lewis rounds out my top 3 favorite prospects in this draft class. Lewis is a safe prospect with some real upside as a star wing, given his passing flashes, creativity as a scorer, and fantastic defensive ability. Lewis is expected to be selected in the early 20s, but his talent and multi-faceted skillset should be deserving of a look in the late lottery. At worst, Lewis projects as a great rotational wing who can provide good scoring and defense, but at his ceiling, Lewis has the potential to be a borderline star in the NBA.
Strengths: Functional Athleticism, 3 Level Scoring (Lead creator for Pepperdine and flashed the ability to score at all 3 levels), On Ball Defense, Cutting, Playmaking Talent, Shooting (Great off the dribble and in C&S)
Weaknesses: Turnovers (3.3 TO per game and an AST/TO ratio less than 1. Some of this can be equated to a heavy workload), Off Ball Defense (Tendency to ball watch and loss track of man away from the ball), Advantage Creation
Brice Sensabaugh: Ohio State, Wing, 19 YO, 6’6/7’2
One of the best shot creators in the class, Brice Sensabraugh is one of the best shooters and scorers in this draft. His ability to shoot off the dribble, catch, and even with heavy contests is intriguing at the NBA level. While Sensabaugh is one of the best scorers and shooters in the class, the reason he isn’t mocked near the lottery is his defensive limitations and injury history. His inability to defend both on and off the ball will be his biggest area of improvement in the NBA and if he is unable to become at least passable on that end he will remain a high-end bench scorer.
Strengths: Shooting Versatility (44% on C&S with 80 attempts/46.1 on OTD with 128 attempts), Tough Shot Making, Wingspan, Shot Creation
Weaknesses: Defense (He struggles everywhere on defense: gets caught ball watching, isn’t quick on the ball, gambles often off the ball, big defensive project), Durability (Multiple major knee injuries), Advantage Creation (Struggles to create separation at times)
Jordan Hawkins: Connecticut, Guard, 21 YO, 6’5/6’7
One of the biggest beneficiaries from the March Madness Tournament, Jordan Hawkins is another elite shooting prospect in this class. Hawkins is a sound NBA prospect, who understands his role extremely well. Hawkins is an elite transition shooter, who moves very well without the ball and showcases immense C&S shooting ability. Hawkins is also a solid on and off-ball defender, who rarely makes mistakes. While Hawkins isn’t a superb athlete and probably won’t develop into a star-tier player, he will be a fantastic role player who will be in the NBA for a long time.
Strengths: Shooting (38.8% from 3 on 7.6 3PA, but mostly just C&S and Movement), Relocation, Transition Scorer, Off Ball Defender
Weaknesses: Low Ceiling, Average Athlete, Off the Dribble Creation (Was pretty much just a 3-point shooter at UCONN, doesn’t have much ability to create off the dribble)
Brandin Podzimenski: Santa Clara, Combo Guard, 20 YO, 6’5/6’5
Another late process riser from Santa Clara, Brandin Podzimenski is an intriguing combo guard, who projects as an elite shooter with shot creation chops. Podzimenski acted as the primary creator for Santa Clara, showcasing his fantastic playmaking and slashing ability in this role. Not only can he create, but Podzimenski is also an elite C&S shooter and mover without the ball, which bodes well for off-ball upside. There are question marks on how Podzimenski’s on-ball defense (his foot speed and lack of length could make him a liability), but his offensive skills will allow him to play numerous roles in an NBA offense.
Strengths: Offensive Versatility, Shooting (43% on 5.8 3PA), Playmaking, Rebounding (8.8 RPG at 6’5), Off Ball Defense (Gets into passing lanes, good at swiping at drivers on the strong side)
Weaknesses: On Ball Defense (Lack’s length and foot speed to defend forwards and guards respectfully), Creation against Length, Finishing against Size
Tier 5 - Potential Role Players
Kris Murray: Iowa, Forward, 22 YO, 6’8/7’0
Dariq Whitehead: Duke, Wing, 18 YO, 6’6/6’10
Jett Howard: Michigan, Wing, 20 YO, 6’8
Dereck Lively III: Duke, Big, 19 YO, 7’1/7’7
Noah Clowney: Alabama, Forward/Big, 18, 6’10/
Olivier Maxence-Prosper: Marquette, Forward, 20 YO, 6’7/7’1
Jalen Hood Schifino: Indiana, Guard, 20 YO, 6’4/6’10
Colby Jones: Xavier, Guard/Forward, 6’5/6’8
Trayce Jackson-Davis: Indiana, Big, 23 YO, 6’9/7’1
Ben Sheppard: Belmont, Combo Guard, 21 YO, 6’6/6’8
Ricky Council IV: Arkansas, Guard/Forward, 21 YO, 6’6/6’10
Rayan Rupert: New Zealand Breakers (NBL), Wing, 19 YO, 6’7/7’3
Sidy Cissoko: G League Ignite, Wing, 19 YO, 6’6/6’10
Julian Phillips: Tennesee, Wing, 19 YO, 6’7/6’11
GG Jackson: South Carolina, Forward, 18 YO, 6’10/7’0
Marcus Sasser: Houston, Guard, 22 YO, 6’1/6’7
Julian Strawther: Gonzaga, Wing, 21 YO, 6’6/
Amari Bailey: UCLA, Guard, 19 YO, 6’3/6’7
Andre Jackson: Connecticut, Wing, 21 YO, 6’6/6’10
Tristan Vuckevic: KK Partizan, Big, 20 YO, 6’11/7’3
Jordan Walsh: Arkansas, Wing, 19 YO, 6’6/7’2
Tosan Evbuomvan: Princeton, Wing, 21 YO, 6’8/7’1