The 2023 NCAA National Championship game has passed and the 2022-23 NBA regular season has come to a close. Now, all eyes shift to the NBA Draft.
With the NBA Draft Lottery set for May 16 and the NBA Draft set for June 22, the draft cycle is heating up quickly.
Which players helped or hurt their draft stock during March Madness? Which prospects have decided to turn pro or return to school?
MORE: Complete list of 2023 NBA Draft early entrants
Now that the final NBA standings have shaken out, I've attempted to place each prospect based on how they fit with the team making a selection.
With that being said, the draft order below was based on Tankathon's Draft Lottery simulator using reverse standings from April 3rd.
So without further ado, with the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select...
MORE: NBA Draft decisions: Seven players on the fence of returning to college
2023 NBA Mock Draft
1. Pistons: Victor Wembanyama, France — Metropolitans 92
Age: 19
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 210 lbs.
As the draft cycle has gone on, Wembanyama has only reaffirmed his position to remain the No. 1 pick in June. The 19-year-old unicorn is averaging 21.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 2.2 assists per game, putting together an MVP-caliber season for Mets 92.
Plays like this give you a sneak preview of the ungodly things Wembanyama can do on the basketball court:
Wemby got his own rebound for the jam 😳
— NBA (@NBA) April 2, 2023
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📺: https://t.co/b5MGDG4xqB pic.twitter.com/SBJNqoNSSx
2. Rockets: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 195 lbs.
Alabama's Brandon Miller is starting to pick up some steam as the potential No. 2 pick, but I'm sticking with Henderson for the Rockets here. Who gets selected No. 2 could largely depend on which team earns the pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Henderson's second G League Ignite season was riddled with injuries, dealing with a nasal fracture, concussion and ankle injury. He was shut down early, out of precaution, finishing with averages of 16.5 points, 6.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. The explosive guard is still the second-most NBA-ready prospect in this class.
MORE: Scoot Henderson is much more than a consolation prize in Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes
3. Spurs: Brandon Miller, Alabama
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 200 lbs.
Miller emerged as the NCAA's best prospect this season, posting averages of 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 38.4 percent from 3-point range. Miller didn't show out on the March Madness stage the way he was expected to, a nagging groin injury certainly played a role in his struggles.
Even with those shortcomings, Miller still has a chance to go as high as No. 2 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. If a team that needs a scoring wing more than a lead guard earns the second pick (looking at you, Pistons or Hornets) Miller will undoubtedly be in the conversation to leap Henderson.
MORE: Brandon Miller scouting report: Strengths, weaknesses for projected top-three pick
4. Hornets: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 202 lbs.
Amen will be one of two Thompson twins to hear their names called in the top 10 in this draft. The Overtime Elite star showed out for his team in the OTE Playoffs, posting 17.2 points, 9.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while leading the City Reapers to a championship.
Amen is a two-way threat as an explosive athlete and disruptive defender. His growth as a playmaker elevated his draft stock, even if there are still lingering questions about his jump shot.
MORE: Get to know Overtime Elite stars: Amen, Ausar Thompson
5. Trail Blazers: Jarace Walker, Houston
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 240 lbs.
Walker put his versatility and elite defensive prowess on display in the NCAA Tournament, tallying 12 blocks over three games with more than a handful of impressive sequences on that end. The 6-8, 240-pound forward is built like an edge rusher, yet he moves fluidly with a powerful presence. He is one of the best all-around defenders in this class with relentless energy on the glass. On offense, he's a constant lob threat and he's shown flashes of a soft shooting touch and some shot creation and passing chops.
Walker fits the archetype of what teams are looking for in a power forward in today's NBA and the Trail Blazers could desperately use a player with his skill set.
MORE: Jarace Walker scouting report: Strengths, weaknesses for projected top-five pick
6. Magic: Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Position: Guard/Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 207 lbs.
Ausar is the second Thompson twin projected to be selected in the top 10 of this year's draft. He filled out his trophy case over the Overtime Elite season, earning regular season MVP, Finals MVP and a championship with the City Reapers.
Like his brother, he is an explosive athlete who cuts through defenses off of the dribble to get to the rim. Ausar is a swarming and versatile defender and his playmaking grew considerably during this past season. He has similar questions surrounding his jump shot, but Ausar showed enough growth in other areas of his game to still warrant potential top-five consideration and the Magic could use a guard with his potential.
7. Pacers: Cam Whitmore, Villanova
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 232 lbs.
Whitmore's freshman season was delayed by thumb surgery and he didn't consistently produce at the level that was expected upon his return, but the flashes were bright enough to see his high ceiling of potential. The 18-year-old is a powerful athlete with a blend of size, strength and speed. He's a force around the basket and dunks everything, bullying his way to the rim off the dribble or using his explosive leaping ability to throw down lobs.
He's another versatile forward who fits the mold of a desired archetype in today's NBA and the Pacers could use his athleticism in the frontcourt.
8. Wizards: Anthony Black, Arkansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 198 lbs.
Black is a big point guard, coming in as a two-way playmaker at 6-7, 198 pounds. He has the versatility to defend any perimeter player and he's a sound floor general who can make every type of read and pass necessary to run an NBA offense. For a team like the Wizards who could use a lead guard and some help on the defensive end, Black checks both of those boxes.
MORE: Anthony Black scouting report: What makes the Arkansas guard a top-10 pick?
9. Magic (via CHI): Keyonte George, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 185 lbs.
George didn't help his draft stock during the NCAA Tournament, shooting 3-for-19 from the field and 1-for-10 from 3 over two games before Baylor was eliminated in the Round of 32. That is the type of volatility you should come to expect from the freshman guard, as he exudes a level of confidence on the offensive end that makes you feel like every shot is a heat check on the brink of a gamebreaker.
With that being said, George is a pro-caliber shot-creator and shot-maker and I'd be willing to bet on his tools to be an impactful scorer and distributor at the next level but he has to polish up his shot selection and decision-making. The highs are high enough to deserve top-10 consideration.
10. Jazz: Cason Wallace, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 193 lbs.
Even though Kentucky had another early March Madness exit, Wallace still helped his draft stock in the process. The 19-year-old is the type of reliable playmaker, tenacious perimeter defender and developing scorer that any guard-needy team should be trying to target. With recent success stories like Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, Tyler Herro, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De'Aaron Fox, Jamal Murray and Devin Booker, Wallace is looking like the next Kentucky guard whose game should translate to the next level.
11. Knicks (via DAL): Gradey Dick, Kansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 205 lbs.
Dick has elevated his stock into the lottery range, proving to be one of the best — and most consistent — perimeter shooters in this class. He finished the season shooting a blistering 40.3 percent from 3 on 5.7 attempts per game, showing off his limitless range and ability to knock down shots off of the catch, dribble, or flying off of screens. The Knicks could use a shooting specialist like Dick, who has 3-and-D potential at the next level once he fills out his frame.
MORE: Gradey Dick scouting report: Kansas wing among top shooters in the draft
12. Thunder: Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 210 lbs.
Hendricks has become a staple in the lottery of Mock Drafts because his skill set and measurables translate so well to the NBA level. The 6-9 floor spacer is a two-way threat, knocking down 39.4 percent of his 3s while averaging 2.6 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. He fits the prototypical mold of a stretch-four in today's NBA and would thrive in Oklahoma City next to playmakers like Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
13. Pelicans: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 185 lbs.
Smith was limited to just 17 games during his freshman season due to a troublesome knee injury. He never looked quite right when he was available, but he showed snippets of why the shifty and athletic guard was once projected to be the first college basketball player off the board.
The three-level scorer should still receive lottery consideration because of his potential. Teams like the Pelicans, who can be a little more patient with his development, should take a swing on the 18-year-old in the lottery.
MORE: Nick Smith Jr. scouting report: Will the Arkansas guard still be a lottery pick?
14. Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 215 lbs.
Hood-Schifino has skyrocketed up Mock Draft boards after a promising freshman season at Indiana. The 6-6 playmaker is a pick-and-roll maestro, already proving his ability to operate one of the NBA's most-used actions at a high level. He's slithery off the bounce with a great change of pace and he has a confident midrange jumper and floater.
The 19-year-old was extremely inconsistent this year but there are few guard prospects in this class who I am more confident in their potential to be successful in the NBA. He'd be a perfect fit on a team like the Raptors, who need lead guard depth and have a rich recent history of player development.
15. Hawks: Jett Howard, Michigan
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 215 lbs.
The son of NBA champion Juwan Howard, Jett is a 6-8 scoring wing, looking the part of an NBA player with great size and length for a sharpshooter. He has a quick, high, smooth release and excels at knocking down 3s off of the catch or running off of screens and handoffs. A team will draft him for his shooting but they will need to get him to buy in on the defensive end to be a two-way player.
16. Lakers: Jordan Hawkins, UConn
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 195 lbs.
Simply put, Hawkins has a flamethrower. The UConn sophomore shot the lights out during the NCAA Tournament, elevating his draft stock in the process. Hawkins showed his ability to knock down 3s in a variety of ways, converting at a lights-out 50 percent clip on 38 attempts. He's constantly moving without the ball and has a lightning-quick release, rarely phased by defenders closing out on his shot.
It would be a dream scenario for the Lakers if he fell out of the lottery range.
MORE: Jordan Hawkins scouting report: UConn guard's draft stock rose in March Madness
17. Jazz (via MIN): GG Jackson, South Carolina
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 215 lbs.
At 6-9, 215 pounds with a 6-10 wingspan, Jackson already has the size, strength and length of an NBA player. He is one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, just turning 18 in December.
Jackson has shown he can spot up, create his own shot off the dribble or put the ball on the deck and attack the rim. He has all the tools to be a switchy defensive stopper at the next level, using his motor and physicality to guard multiple positions. With so much upside, Jackson would be a fantastic home run swing for a rebuilding team like Utah.
18. Heat: Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Foward/Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 230 lbs.
Filipowski exceeded expectations during his freshman season at Duke, taking home ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Tournament Most Outstanding Player. His skill is what stands out as a 7-footer, showing his capability to play multiple roles on offense. He can work with his back to the basket, he's physical and competes with an attitude in the paint, he can space the floor as a shooter and he's also shown some playmaking chops.
His game should translate to the NBA level as a stretch-four, inside-out threat.
19. Warriors: Colby Jones, Xavier
Age: 20, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 205 lbs.
Jones is the type of upperclassman who a team like the Warriors should target in the first round. He has great positional size for a lead guard, he's a savvy passer and decision-maker, and he's improved his 3-point shooting stroke, converting 39.1 percent of his attempts from deep this season (compared to 29.2 percent as a sophomore).
Jones is a jack-of-all-trades on both ends of the floor, doing whatever it takes to help his team win games. He would thrive in Golden State's development system as a plug-and-play rotation player to add some young depth to an older core.
20. Rockets (via LAC): Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL, Australia)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 190 lbs.
A product of the NBL Next Stars program, Rupert comes into the draft with some professional experience playing a limited role for the New Zealand Breakers. At 6-7 with a 7-3 wingspan, Rupert is a versatile defender who has the length to hold his own in the paint but the quickness to keep up with wings. He's a raw product offensively, but he's a willing shooter, shot creator and passer.
Rupert would be a great upside potential play for a rebuilding team like the Rockets, who need talent at every position.
21. Nets: Bryce Sensabaugh, Ohio State
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard/Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 235 lbs.
Sensabaugh is one of the best shot creators in this draft class. He is a three-level scoring threat who is capable of knocking down everything from pull-ups off the dribble, to catch-and-shoot 3s off of screens, to fadeaways out of the post. As the Nets look to revamp their roster and fill the scoring voids left behind by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, a player like Sensabaugh would bring an offensive punch off the bench.
22. Nets (via PHX): Dereck Lively, Duke
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-1, 230 lbs.
Lively rebuilt his draft stock during the second half of the season, needing some time to carve out a role after a calf injury delayed the start of his freshman year. Once he got comfortable, Lively proved his ability to anchor a defense as an elite shot blocker and aggressive rebounder. Even if his offense never came along the way it was expected to, he showed he has what it takes to be a rim-runner and lob threat at the NBA level.
In this scenario, the Nets would be lucky to land Lively, who could learn a thing or two as a backup to a similar player like Nic Claxton.
23. Trail Blazers (via NYK): Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 195 lbs.
Lewis is a mid-major riser who has cemented himself as a projected first-round pick. The 6-7 wing is an offensive weapon that will serve as an off-ball scorer and shooter at the next level. He can knock down perimeter shots in a variety of ways and he uses his size and length to finish at the rim, be it off the dribble or as a cutter. He's the type of prospect who could thrive as a role player in the NBA and the Trail Blazers could use some forward depth.
24. Kings: Kris Murray, Iowa
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 220 lbs.
Kris immediately stepped in to fill his brother Keegan's role as the go-to guy for the Hawkeyes this season, averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. He brings a similar positional versatility on defense and has the ability to space the floor on the wing. For a Kings team that could use some forward depth, they would likely be thrilled to pair the Murray brothers if Kris were available at this point in the first round.
25. Pacers (via CLE): Dariq Whitehead, Duke
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 220 lbs.
Whitehead's freshman campaign was littered with injuries, dealing with a fractured foot to begin the year and a lower leg injury later in the season. He never seemed to get into a rhythm for Duke, failing to take on the lead scoring role that was expected of him once head coach Jon Scheyer landed the five-star recruit.
Even with a disappointing season, Whitehead still declared for the draft because his potential is clear. He shot a promising 42.9 percent from 3 and showed flashes as a three-level scoring threat. Whitehead could be a buy-low steal for a team in the late first round.
26. Grizzlies: Noah Clowney, Alabama
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward/Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 210 lbs.
Clowney is a fluid and athletic big man who should garner first-round interest because he's a moldable and versatile prospect. The 18-year-old averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds for Alabama and even knocked down 34 3-pointers (albeit on a 28.3 percent clip). He's a physical interior presence as a rim protector and rebounder and has the mobility to do damage inside and out on offense.
It wasn't a guarantee that Clowney would declare for the draft but now that he has, expect to hear his name called in the late first round.
27. Jazz (via PHI): Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 210 lbs.
Miller thrived in a new role with the Ignite this season, becoming more of a grinder on both ends of the floor. The 6-10 forward defended at a high level and excelled offensively as a cutter and offensive rebounder. Averaging 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.7 stocks (steals + blocks) per game, Miller has gotten comfortable with the responsibilities he'll hold at the next level, which will only help his draft stock.
It's important for Miller to land in the right situation because he still has a ton of untapped potential on both ends of the floor.
28. Hornets (via DEN): Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 245 lbs.
Jackson-Davis was been one of the most productive players in the NCAA, averaging 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He's a non-shooter from the perimeter — which is why you won't see him as a first-rounder in some Mock Drafts — but his skill, feel for the game, switchability on defense and activity on both sides of the ball should warrant consideration around this range.
With the right team, Jackson-Davis could help add some depth to a team's frontcourt rotation.
29. Pacers (via BOS): Kobe Bufkin, Michigan
Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 195 lbs.
Bufkin was a late riser in this draft cycle, really finding his groove as Big Ten play went on for Michigan. The 19-year-old is a prolific scorer who showed significant improvement as a playmaker during his sophomore season. He's a true combo guard with the ability to score from all three levels, play with or without the ball in his hands and elevate his teammates as a passer.
It was a bit of a surprise that Bufkin declared for the draft, so don't be surprised if his stock rises even higher with the NBA Draft Combine and individual team workouts right around the corner.
30. Clippers (via MIL): Marcus Sasser, Houston
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 195 lbs.
Sasser was one of the best guards in the country this season and he projects as a reliable reserve floor general in the NBA. He can score in bunches, he's a dog on the defensive end and he's a reliable playmaker. Sasser should get a look in the late-first round from teams that are trying to add some NBA-ready experience to their roster.
