The NBA Draft always comes on the heels of the NBA Playoffs, and that certainly helps boost a case for certain prospect archetypes.
As we see every postseason, the need for perimeter shooting and switchability on defense is a must for any team hoping to compete for a championship. When it comes to the NBA Draft, teams will target "3-and-D" prospects who can provide both of those skills in one.
The 2023 NBA Draft is a unique case where there are plenty of 3-point sharpshooters, but not all of them provide elite-level defense — at least not yet.
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Below you can find the top five 3-and-D prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft, along with some honorable mentions who just missed the cut.
Ranking the top five 3-and-D prospects in 2023 NBA Draft
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team |
| 1. | Brandon Miller | SF | 20 | FR | 6-9, 200 lbs. | Alabama |
| 2. | Taylor Hendricks | PF | 19 | FR | 6-9, 210 lbs. | UCF |
| 3. | Gradey Dick | SF | 19 | FR | 6-8, 205 lbs. | Kansas |
| 4. | Jett Howard | SF | 20 | FR | 6-8, 215 lbs. | Michigan |
| 5. | Kris Murray | PF | 22 | JR | 6-8, 220 lbs. | Iowa |
Honorable mentions: Dariq Whitehead, Duke; Julian Strawther, Gonzaga; Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine; Seth Lundy, Penn State
There's a reason that Miller is a lock to go top-three on draft night. The Alabama freshman forward is not only one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, but he also possesses the type of length and defensive versatility every NBA team is looking for.
And speaking of length and versatility, Hendricks has seen his name skyrocket up Mock Draft boards throughout his freshman season. The UCF forward stands in at 6-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he knocked down 39.2 percent of his 3s and averaged 2.6 stocks (steals + blocks) per game.
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Dick is one of the prospects whose defense needs to come along but at 6-8, the potential is there. He's arguably the best perimeter shooter in this class and he's an intelligent defender, he just needs to add to his 204-pound frame to reach his ceiling defensively.
Add Howard to that list as well, although the Michigan freshman's shortcomings on defense are mostly from a lack of effort. At 6-8, 215 pounds with a reported 6-9 wingspan, Howard has all the potential to be a top 3-and-D prospect, he just has to find the right system to get him to buy in on that end of the floor.
Last, but certainly not least, Murray is the type of 3-and-D upperclassman who would thrive on a win-now team in the late first round. At 6-8, 220 lbs., Murray can defend multiple positions, he has quick hands and good instincts to block shots or get his hands in dribbling or passing lanes, and he shot 35.4 percent from 3 over his sophomore and junior seasons.
As for honorable mentions, Whitehead's injuries prevented him from showing his potential on defense and Lewis' 3-and-D potential could be the reason he's selected in the first round. Strawther and Lundy are the type of NBA-ready upperclassmen who could provide shooting and switchability as the season goes on.
