The 2023 NBA Draft has the potential to be one of the most memorable in recent memory. While each draft brings about fresh new talent to the NBA, the upcoming draft pool could feature two generational talents in Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson.
Just as there are a number of title contenders this upcoming season, there are a number of teams that are a few years away from having such aspirations. For those teams, a shot at landing either Wembanyama or Henderson is enough to accelerate that path towards title contention.
While the 2023 NBA Draft is not until June, plenty of teams have begun the process of getting their affairs in order with the upcoming draft class in mind. Part of that process includes accumulating draft capital, which will only increase teams' likelihood to land a top pick in the draft.
As we look forward to the upcoming draft, take stock of which teams have the most first-round draft picks, including full information on the conditions around the picks they may or may not own.
FACT OR FICTION: Victor Wembanyama is the best draft prospect since LeBron James
Which NBA teams have the most first-round draft picks in 2023?
(Note: conditional draft picks are in italics.)
Knicks
There is a timeline in which New York could have the most first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. In addition to their own draft pick, the Knicks could acquire picks from the Mavericks, Pistons and Wizards depending on the draft order.
- Own pick
- Mavericks' pick (Top-10 protected)
- Wizards' pick (Lottery protected)
- Pistons' pick (Top-18 protected)
Jazz
The Jazz's rebuild will be accelerated in 2023 when they have at least three first-round picks. Utah owns its own pick, a first-round pick from Minnesota and the least favorable draft pick from Brooklyn, Houston and Philadelphia.
- Own pick
- Timberwolves' pick
- Least favorable pick of Nets, Rockets and 76ers
Pacers
Indiana will likely make three selections in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft as it has its own pick in addition to two lightly-protected picks from Boston and Cleveland, teams that anticipate making the playoffs in 2023.
- Own pick
- Celtics' pick (Top-12 protected)
- Cavaliers' pick (Lottery protected)
Rockets
The Rockets have their own draft pick with the option of swapping with the Nets. Houston also owns an unprotected first-round pick from Milwaukee.
- Own pick (Right to swap with Nets)
- Bucks' pick
Magic
In all likelihood, the Magic will make two first-round selections — their own and the Bulls' pick, which is unprotected outside of the top four.
- Own pick
- Bulls' pick (Top-four protected)
Spurs
The Spurs are guaranteed to pick at least once in the first round. San Antonio could also get Charlotte's first-round pick if it falls outside of the top 16.
- Own pick
- Hornets' pick (Top-16 protected)
Hornets
The Hornets could pick twice in the first round if their draft pick is in the top 16 and the Nuggets make the playoffs. Charlotte hasn't made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season while Denver has made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
- Own pick (Top-16 protected)
- Nuggets' pick (Lottery protected)
Bulls
Chicago will have its own pick if it falls inside the top four in next year's draft, otherwise, it will be rerouted to Orlando. The Bulls will acquire the Trail Blazers' pick if Portland advances to the NBA Playoffs in 2023.
- Own pick (Top-4 protected)
- Trail Blazers' pick (Lottery protected)
Pelicans
The Pelicans own their own pick in next year's draft but because of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019 have the option of swapping picks with the Lakers. If New Orleans finishes ahead of LA in the standings, it will surely exercise that right.
- Own pick (Right to swap with Lakers)
Thunder
The Thunder have the right to swap draft picks with the Clippers as part of the Paul George trade in 2019. Given the Clippers' real title aspirations, they'll likely finish with a better record, meaning Oklahoma City is not likely to use this swap.
- Own pick (Right to swap with Clippers)
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Hawks
The Hawks are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Heat
The Heat are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Kings
The Kings are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Raptors
The Raptors are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Suns
The Suns are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Warriors
The Warriors are one of seven teams that own their first-round pick outright with no swaps or protections.
- Own pick
Lakers
As part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019, the Lakers gave the Pelicans the right to swap first-round picks in 2023. If New Orleans finishes with a better record than LA, expect the picks to be swapped.
- Own pick (Pelicans could elect to swap)
Clippers
As part of the Paul George trade in 2019, the Clippers gave the Thunder the right to swap first-round picks in 2023. OKC would only exercise this right if it finishes with a better record than LA.
- Own pick (Thunder could elect to swap)
Nets
Brooklyn will end up with the second-most favorable of these three first-round picks: its own, Houston's or Philadelphia's. If the Rockets fail to make the playoffs, the Nets will get the better pick between their own and the 76ers. The other first-round pick will get re-routed to Utah.
- Second-most favorable pick between their own, Rockets and 76ers
Pistons
Detroit has high expectations this season but it will likely retain its first-round pick, which is top-18 protected. If the Pistons make a run and select outside of the top 18, the pick goes to the Knicks.
- Own pick (Top-18 protected)
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will make their own first-round selection if they fail to qualify for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. If Cleveland qualifies, the pick is sent to Indiana.
- Own pick (Lottery protected)
Nuggets
The Nuggets will make their own first-round selection if they fail to qualify for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. If Denver qualifies, the pick is sent to Charlotte.
- Own pick (Lottery protected)
Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers will make their own first-round selection if they fail to qualify for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. If Portland qualifies, the pick is sent to Chicago.
- Own pick (Lottery protected)
Wizards
The Wizards will make their own first-round selection if they fail to qualify for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. If Washington qualifies, the pick is sent to New York.
- Own pick (Lottery protected)
Celtics
The Celtics will make their own first-round selection if it is in the top 12. If the pick falls outside of the top 12, it will be sent to Indiana.
- Own pick (Top-12 protected)
Mavericks
The Mavericks will make their own first-round selection if it is in the top 10. If the pick falls outside of the top 10, it will be sent to New York.
- Own pick (Top-10 protected)
76ers
- No picks
Bucks
- No picks
Timberwolves
- No picks
