2023 NBA Draft: Sleeper Picks For Top 10 & Top 20
There's value on Kobe Bufkin, Keyonte George & Brice Sensabaugh hearing their names called early.
Kate Constable - Jun 21, 2023, 1:13pm EDT
2023 NBA Draft: Top 10 & Top 20 Picks
The top three picks are fairly set in stone with Victor Wembanyama being the clear-cut favorite to go No. 1 at -50000. Barring something wild, Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson will be taken second and third, yet the order of the two has been fluctuating on draft boards.
We could then go down the list and project the exact players taken at picks No. 4-10, but instead, I think there is more value to be had by taking players at longer odds to be drafted in both the top 10 and top 20. Note: following odds were found at FanDuel. Use our exclusive welcome offer to open a new account there and take advantage of our exclusive offer now!
Kobe Bufkin (+210, Top 10 Pick)
Former Michigan wing Kobe Bufkin is a player that has shot up a lot of draft boards over the past few days. He's only 6’4" but has a 6'8" wingspan, making him a great perimeter defender and someone who can guard multiple positions. Bufkin's speed, feel for the game and playmaking abilities also makes him a threat on the offensive end. Draft analysts have compared him to D'Angelo Russell when he came out of Ohio State because of his ability to make the right reads and navigate the pick and roll. Michigan used the pick and roll more than most college programs, which could allow Bufkin to transition quickly to the NBA's style of play. At 187 pounds, he'll need to get bigger to avoid being picked on defensively, but that's something that he can easily work on this summer.
With the Wizards in a complete rebuild after trading away Bradley Beal and likely parting ways with Kyle Kuzma this offseason, Bufkin would be a nice addition to their roster at No. 8. He would also make sense with the Jazz at No. 9 being Utah could use more depth at the wing position and better on-ball defenders.
Keyonte George (+2900, Top 10 Pick)
If you're looking to wager on a longshot to be taken in the top 10, Keyonte George is your guy. He turned a lot of heads at the NBA Draft Combine and even had a few videos of his workouts go viral. He's an exciting, young playmaker with a ton of potential and looks to have gotten quite a bit stronger since wrapping up his college career. Projecting him to go No. 6 to the Magic might be a little too high, but I think he would be a good fit there.
Orlando is interesting because they have two lottery picks this year, yet already has a roster full of young talent. However, they ranked near the bottom of the league in Offensive Rating last season and could certainly use more scoring help off the bench. George fits that mold with the ability to score at all three levels. As a combo guard, he's great at getting to the basket and finishing around the rim with extreme athleticism. The Pacers at No. 7 and Mavericks at No. 10 are also teams that I think could benefit from George's skillset. It's more likely we see George taken in the mid-teens, but of all the longshot players on the board, George is the one I like the most.
Brice Sensabaugh (+430, Top 20)
At 6’6” 230 pounds, Brice Sensabaugh out of Ohio State is someone that I would target to go in the top 20. With that height and size, he comes into the league with an already NBA-ready body, making him more attractive than some of the smaller players at his position. He was one of the best freshmen in the country last season and has been described as one of the more pure scorers in this year's draft class.
Sensabaugh can hit threes, score in the midrange and can back down defenders in the post. As a two-guard, he's a great spot-up shooter and someone that you can rely on to go get a bucket when needed. After all, he did rank third in the nation in scoring among freshmen and led the Buckeyes with 16 points per game. Going anywhere from Utah at No. 16 to Houston at No. 20 all feel like realistic options. However, depending on what the Warriors do with Draymond Green, Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga this offseason, I think going to Golden State at No. 19 could be a great scenario for both parties.
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