If you couldn't tell by the smoke screens and trade rumors, the 2023 NBA Draft is upon us.
By now, you know that this year's draft is headlined by French phenom Victor Wembanyama. You've likely also heard about the battle for the No. 2 pick between Alabama forward Brandon Miller and G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson. But even just a day away, after the first three picks, it feels like anything can happen.
There are multiple reports around teams trying to package picks and move up in the draft, or sacrifice an earlier draft pick to move back while acquiring rotation-level talent. Opinions vary on the prospects available from the back end of the lottery and the end of the first round, leaving a lot of uncertainty as to which players will rise and fall on draft night.
Before the chaos commences on Thursday, take a look at The Sporting News' final 2023 NBA Mock Draft, adjusted from all of the intel and rumors swirling around the NBA's first tentpole event of the offseason.
MORE: Final 2023 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 60 prospects with player comparisons
2023 NBA Mock Draft: Final predictions, latest rumors entering draft day
1. Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Age: 19
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 230 lbs.
Wembanyama is a lock for the No. 1 pick, set to follow the footsteps of Hall of Famers like David Robinson and Tim Duncan who landed in San Antonio as the top selection in their respective drafts.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama's highlights show why he's the perennial No. 1 pick
2. Hornets: Brandon Miller, Alabama
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 200 lbs.
Miller and Scoot Henderson both worked out in front of former Hornets owner Michael Jordan and the new ownership group in Charlotte on Monday, and reports suggest Miller is the frontrunner to go No. 2.
Although I'm still confident Henderson is the second-best player in this draft class, selecting Miller makes sense. The sharpshooter is a more natural fit alongside franchise point guard LaMelo Ball and fills a need for scoring on the wing.
MORE: Brandon Miller scouting report: Strengths, weaknesses for projected top-three pick
3. Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 195 lbs.
The latest reports suggest the Trail Blazers plan on keeping the No. 3 pick and that franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard "prefers to remain in Portland."
In this scenario, the Blazers would get their point guard of the future in Henderson, who will be groomed by one of his favorite players in Lillard. The backcourt fit between Lillard and Henderson isn't seamless, but it's not impossible, either.
Both players can play with or without the ball in their hands and Henderson is the type of NBA-ready prospect who can help Portland bridge the gap between the present and the future.
MORE: Scoot Henderson is much more than a consolation prize in Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes
4. Rockets: Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 209 lbs.
The Rockets seem to be favoring Amen with this selection, as the Thompson twin would give Houston a playmaking guard and elite perimeter defender to pair with Jalen Green in the backcourt.
While I personally like the idea of Cam Whitmore coming off the board at No. 4, it's hard to argue against the clean fit between what the Rockets' backcourt needs and what Amen provides.
MORE: Which Thompson twin in the 2023 NBA Draft is better?
5. Pistons: Jarace Walker, Houston
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 249 lbs.
Whitmore would be an ideal fit with the Pistons as well, but Detroit reportedly favors Walker with this pick — and it can't go wrong with either athletic forward.
The Pistons have their backcourt of the future in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, and they should be confident in developing their center rotation of the future in Jalen Duren and James Wiseman. Insert an elite defender like Walker into their frontcourt and Detroit nearly has an entire starting lineup of promising young players.
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, 215 lbs.
While Thompson doesn't fill Orlando's need for perimeter shooting, it can still find that skillset with its second lottery pick (No. 11). At No. 6, Ausar has too much potential to pass up on as a freakishly athletic, defensive-minded wing with some off-ball scoring prowess and budding playmaking.
He can play any perimeter position, giving the Magic another versatile option for their core of the future with players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
7. Indiana: Cam Whitmore, Villanova
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 235 lbs.
It would be a dream scenario for the Pacers if Whitmore fell to No. 7. Indiana desperately needs to fill a void in its frontcourt and a powerful and explosive athlete like Whitmore would thrive alongside a playmaker of Tyrese Haliburton's caliber.
If the Pacers believe they could use a more established perimeter shooter with this pick, then UCF freshman Taylor Hendricks would not be a reach. But if Whitmore is available at No. 7, Indiana shouldn't blink.
8. Wizards: Anthony Black, Arkansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 210 lbs.
All signs point to the Wizards selecting Black at No. 8, and this has been one of those match made in heaven-type fits ever since the NBA Draft Lottery shook out. Especially with the blockbuster trade that sent Bradley Beal to Phoenix, Washington should look to start fresh in the backcourt with arguably the best playmaker in this draft class.
MORE: Anthony Black scouting report: What makes the Arkansas guard a top-10 pick?
9. Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 214 lbs.
The Jazz are reportedly trying to package this pick and No. 16 to jump ahead of the Wizards and select Black, but Hendricks would not be a bad fallback option if they can't make it happen.
The 6-8 stretch-four is a prototypical power forward in today's NBA. He shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range this past season and he has the defensive versatility to defend both wings and bigs because of his size and mobility.
Utah would be set for the future with a frontcourt of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Hendricks.
10. Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, Duke
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-1, 230 lbs.
Reports suggest the Mavericks are aggressively trying to shop this pick to put established talent around franchise player Luka Doncic, but if they can't find a trade partner, Lively appears to be the favorite to go No. 10.
The Duke center improved with every game over his freshman season, showcasing his elite rim protection and motor on the glass as a future defensive anchor in the NBA. Lively's draft stock soared during pre-draft workouts when he flashed his potential to knock down 3s, and he's the type of lob threat who would make life easy for Doncic.
11. Magic (via CHI): Gradey Dick, Kansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 204 lbs.
The Magic would be thrilled to see arguably the best pure shooter in this draft class fall to No. 11. Orlando finished 25th in the NBA in 3-point makes per game and 24th in 3-point percentage. Dick knocked down over 40 percent of his 3s during his freshman season and would give the Magic an instant-impact sharpshooter to space the floor.
MORE: Gradey Dick scouting report: Kansas wing among top shooters in the draft
12. Thunder: Jordan Hawkins, UConn
Age: 21, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 186 lbs.
This may feel like somewhat of a reach for Hawkins, but the Thunder have so many draft assets that they can get aggressive when targeting areas of need. With Josh Giddey's passing and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's inside-the-arc scoring prowess, Hawkins would be the perfect catch-and-shoot floor spacer to give Oklahoma City's star playmakers more room to operate as an outlet on the perimeter.
MORE: Jordan Hawkins scouting report: UConn guard's draft stock rose in March Madness
13. Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 217 lbs.
I've had Hood-Schifino mocked to the Raptors for a while now, and the fit grew even stronger when Toronto hired Darko Rajakovic, a pick-and-roll savant, as its new head coach. With VanVleet set to hit unrestricted free agency, Hood-Schifino could give the Raptors insurance as a fluid pick-and-roll ball handler and developing scorer to run their offense.
Even if VanVleet decides to stick around, Toronto could still use guard depth and a second-unit playmaker with a ton of untapped potential like Hood-Schifino.
14. Pelicans: Cason Wallace, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 195 lbs.
The Pelicans spiraled NBA Draft trade rumors when it was reported that they were willing to move Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram for the No. 2 pick to select Henderson. While it appears those rumors have gone silent, New Orleans could still land a top-10 caliber point guard in Wallace with the final pick of the lottery.
Wallace is one of the most reliable guard prospects in this draft class as a tenacious on-ball defender, sound decision maker and growing scorer. He could give the Pelicans a future floor general with a similar ilk to Jrue Holiday, who had several successful seasons in New Orleans.
15. Hawks: Kobe Bufkin, Michigan
Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 187 lbs.
The Hawks don't have much guard depth beyond Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic, and in this scenario, Bufkin would be a steal just outside the lottery. There are reports that Bufkin could go as early as No. 9 to the Jazz, but if he were still available at No. 15, Atlanta could bolster its backcourt with a creative combo guard to take some offensive pressure off of its two stars.
16. Jazz (via MIN): Bilal Coulibaly, Metropolitans 92 (France)
Age: 18
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, N/A
The Jazz are said to be huge fans of Coulibaly and they're the type of rebuilding franchise that could be patient with his development as he tries to grow as a scorer. Coulibaly is the type of versatile defender, impactful cutter and budding playmaker who could develop into a hidden gem during Utah's rebuild.
17. Lakers: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 185 lbs.
The Lakers' backcourt could use a jolt of scoring and Smith Jr. would provide them with a potential steal with the No. 17 pick. Smith Jr. was once projected to be the first college prospect off the board before a lingering knee injury derailed his freshman season. His upside as a three-level scorer is undeniable and learning from a basketball genius like LeBron James would be invaluable for developing his weaknesses like poor shot selection.
It's an added bonus that Smith Jr. is a Klutch client — an agency with plenty of ties to the Lakers franchise.
MORE: Nick Smith Jr. scouting report: Will the Arkansas guard still be a lottery pick?
18. Heat: Jett Howard, Michigan
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 215 lbs.
The Heat could use another offensive threat and a big sharpshooting wing like Howard would be a great fit for a team that heavily relies on the 3-ball. He would provide floor spacing for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, just as we saw from Miami's role players during its 2023 NBA Finals run.
It's worth mentioning that his father, Juwan, also won two NBA titles with the Heat in 2012 and 2013.
19. Warriors: Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette
Age: 20, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 212 lbs.
The Warriors are reportedly "done with projects" as they look to target a more established prospect with the No. 19 pick. Enter Prosper, an upperclassman forward whose draft stock has skyrocketed since the combine because of his long, wiry frame and versatility on both sides of the ball.
"O-Max" would give Golden State an energetic defender, intelligent cutter and growing 3-point shooter who could provide quality minutes for a win-now team right away.
20. Rockets (via LAC): Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 213 lbs.
After selecting a defensive-minded, playmaking guard like Amen Thompson with the No. 4 pick, the Rockets could use a glue-guy frontcourt prospect like Miller at No. 20.
It is said that Houston may try and move this pick to add a contributing rotation player, but it could also find that in Miller if he is still available. The 19-year-old really bought into his role with the Ignite this past season, showing his ability to make an impact as a high-energy forward on both sides of the ball. He'd be a great development project for a rebuilding Rockets team.
21. Nets (via PHX): Keyonte George, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 185 lbs.
The Nets would be glad to see George slip this far in the draft, filling a need for a shot-creating scorer in their backcourt. The Baylor freshman is already an NBA-caliber shot maker, he just has to refine his shot selection and decision-making.
George was once seen as a projected top-10 pick and he could easily still end up in the lottery on draft night, but Brooklyn shouldn't hesitate to use one of its back-to-back first-round picks on him if he's still available here.
22. Nets: Noah Clowney, Alabama
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward/Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 210 lbs.
The Nets don't have much frontcourt depth behind Nic Claxton and Clowney is the type of high-ceiling forward prospect who could thrive in Brooklyn's rebuild. Clowney will still only be 18 years old on draft night and his potential as a versatile defender and floor-stretching shooter has rewarded him with a Green Room invite, indicating he'll almost certainly land in the first round.
23. Trail Blazers (via NYK): Colby Jones, Xavier
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 199 lbs.
If the Trail Blazers plan to keep their No. 3 overall pick and hold on to Lillard, then they should target an upperclassman with this pick. Jones is one of my favorite NBA-ready prospects who can morph into whatever a team needs to contribute to winning. He's the type of capable playmaker, defender and scorer who would be ready for rotation minutes on a playoff team.
MORE: Who could be the Christian Braun of the 2023 NBA Draft class?
24. Kings: Kris Murray, Iowa
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 213 lbs.
After snapping the longest playoff drought among the four major North American sports, the Kings will look to add an instant-impact player to take another step forward. In need of some frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting, Sacramento should keep things in the family and select Kris Murray, who brings a similar skillset as his identical twin, Keegan, who the Kings took with a top-five pick last year.
25. Grizzlies: Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 204 lbs.
It's hard not to wonder if the ruling of Ja Morant's 25-game suspension will affect the Grizzlies' decision with the No. 25 pick. If it does give Memphis a desire for guard insurance, Podziemski would be a great choice as a creative playmaker and knockdown perimeter shooter who could fit seamlessly next to both Desmond Bane or Tyus Jones.
26. Pacers (via CLE): Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 225 lbs.
It appears that there are a handful of teams outside of the lottery that are targeting upperclassmen who could contribute immediately and Jaquez Jr. is among the favorites. While it is unlikely that the Pacers use all five of their draft picks, Jaquez Jr. could provide them with a savvy and crafty wing who plays winning basketball and competes on the defensive end.
27. Hornets (via DEN): Dariq Whitehead, Duke
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 216 lbs.
Selecting Miller with the No. 2 pick helps the Hornets' need for wing depth, but it doesn't completely fill the void. If Whitehead is still available, Charlotte could land a prospect who was once seen as a sure-fire top-10 pick before injuries dismantled his lone college season.
The Duke freshman recently underwent a second foot surgery during the pre-draft process, but the Hornets could be patient with his recovery as he aims to get back to the player he was projected to be. Whitehead is a three-level scoring threat who could be a diamond in the rough for any team in the late first round who is willing to look past his injury history and bank on his potential.
28. Jazz (via PHI): Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers (NBL, Australia)
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 190 lbs.
The Jazz can afford to be patient and Rupert would have a fantastic opportunity to develop in Utah. The 6-7 forward is a versatile defender with a reported 7-3 wingspan, and he has shown some flashes as a shooter, shot creator and passer on offense.
29. Pacers (via BOS): Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 240 lbs.
Again, it's unlikely the Pacers keep all five of their draft picks, but if they do hold onto this pick, they should look to add a more experienced player who could enter their rotation immediately.
Playing his college basketball right down the road at Indiana, Jackson-Davis would fill a void in the Pacers' frontcourt as a capable small-ball five who can score in the pick-and-roll, provide switchability on defense and add depth as a rim protector.
30. Clippers (via MIL): Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard/Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 235 lbs.
Sensabaugh appears to be a likely candidate to fall on draft night just because some of the prospects around him have seemingly increased their stock. The Ohio State freshman is a knockdown perimeter shooter and crafty midrange scorer who would be a steal for the Clippers with the final pick of the first round.
Second round
31. Pistons: Maxwell Lewis, F, Pepperdine
32. Pacers (via HOU): GG Jackson, F, South Carolina
33. Spurs: Marcus Sasser, G, Houston
34. Hornets: Amari Bailey, G, UCLA
35. Celtics (via POR): Julian Strawther, F, Gonzaga
36. Magic: Ben Sheppard, F, Belmont
37. Nuggets (via OKC): Andre Jackson Jr., F, UConn
38. Kings (via IND): James Nnaji, C, FC Barcelona (Spain)
39. Hornets (via UTA): Jordan Walsh, F, Arkansas
40. Nuggets (via DAL): Tristan Vukcevic, F, KK Partizan (Serbia)
41. Hornets (via OKC): Julian Phillips, F, Tennessee
42. Wizards (via CHI): Sidy Cissoko, G, G League Ignite
43. Trail Blazers (via ATL): Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
44. Spurs (via TOR): Seth Lundy, F, Penn State
45. Grizzlies (via MIN): Terquavion Smith, G, NC State
46. Hawks (via NOP): Kobe Brown, F, Missouri
47. Lakers: Chris Livingston, F, Kentucky
48. Clippers: Jaylen Clark, G, UCLA
49. Cavaliers (via GSW): Keyontae Johnson, F, Kansas State
50. Thunder (via MIA): Ricky Council IV, G, Arkansas
51. Nets: Mouhamed Gueye, F, Washington State
52. Suns: Jordan Miller, F, Miami
53. Timberwolves (via NYK): Toumani Camara, F, Dayton
54. Kings: Jalen Slawson, F, Furman
55. Pacers (via CLE): Adama Sanogo, C, UConn
56. Grizzlies: Oscar Tshiebwe, C, Kentucky
57. Wizards (via BOS): Jalen Pickett, G, Penn State
58. Bucks: Colin Castleton, C, Florida