2023 NBA Mock Draft Including Best Bets & Sleeper Picks

2023 NBA Mock Draft & Best Bets

Now that the NBA Draft order is set, it’s 2023 Mock Draft time. Teams will be making their selections on Thursday, June 22 and NBA Draft betting markets can be some of the most lucrative if you stay on top of news and take personal stands. We saw that last year when the Orlando Magic selected Paolo Banchero No. 1 overall after it was rumored that Jabari Smith Jr. would go first for the weeks leading up to the big day.

This year, it’s almost certain that international phenom Victor Wembanyama will go first overall, but a lot can change from now until the day of the draft. Below, you’ll see the first edition of my 2023 NBA Mock Draft, analysis for each pick and an associated best bet (with the best odds) for every possible betting market.

2023 NBA Draft Mock Draft Lottery Picks

1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (C, France)

At 7’5, Wembanyama is one of the most prestigious NBA prospects in recent memory. With ball-handling skills like a guard and a ridiculous wingspan, the 19 year old put up 21.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.2 blocks in the French professional league and is expected to be a transcendent star at this level instantly. All of a sudden, Gregg Popovich might want to coach another decade! The shortest odds you can get on this outcome is -6600 right now, which makes it un-bettable.

2. Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson (PG, G League)  

If it wasn’t for Wembanyama, Henderson would likely be the No. 1 prospect in this draft class. He averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists in the G League and this 19 year old has a ton of flair, elite athleticism and is expected to make an instant impact. Will he fit in alongside LaMelo Ball? I don’t really care. He’s the best player after Wembanyama in this class and I expect Charlotte to make this pick. 

3. Portland Trail Blazers: Amen Thompson (SG, Overtime Elite)

Identical twins Amen and Ausar Thompson put up nearly identical numbers for the Overtime Elite last season, but I see Amen as the slightly better prospect. He put up 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per contest and projects to be an All-Star level talent at the NBA level. Amen is a slightly better ball-handler than his brother and will make up a dynamic threesome alongside Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons in Portland.      

4. Houston Rockets: Ausar Thomson (SG, Overtime Elite)  

Ausar averaged 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per contest for the Overtime Elite last season and spent more time on the wing than his brother. He should make an instant impact from Day 1 just like his twin and help guide the rebuild in Houston forward alongside guys like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., among others.

5. Detroit Pistons: Brandon Miller (SF, Alabama)

While he struggled at times in the NCAA Tournament, Miller’s body of work (on the court) during his one-and-done season at Alabama was impressive. He put up 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds and has an NBA-ready body at 6’9 and 200 pounds. There are some clear off-court concerns with him, but if the team feels comfortable with him, he’s a Top 5 pick. Adding him to a young core that contains Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren would be a very smart move for Detroit. 

6. Orlando Magic: GG Jackson (PF, South Carolina)

I’m extremely high on Jackson, who averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds and shot 32.4% on 170 three-pointers as a 6’9 power forward. His game should translate very well at the next level. Sure, he needs a little bit of polish, but this Orlando squad has more than enough depth in their backcourt and should add someone who can play the four with this pick. 

7. Indiana Pacers: Rayan Rupert (SF, France)

Rupert is 6’7 but has a 7’3 wingspan. That’s incredibly attractive to NBA teams in search of elite defensive prospects. He spent last season with the New Zealand Breakers in a development year, but I think he’s going to go very high despite the fact that he averaged just 6.8 points and 2.4 rebounds. Indiana’s defense struggles last season make them an obvious fit at No. 7.

8. Washington Wizards: Gradey Dick (SF, Kansas)

Dick is a lanky, 6’7 shot-maker who has an NBA-ready game after averaging 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in his one-and-done year at Kansas. He’s a capable defender and has the ability to create his own shot as well, a skill that will only be a positive at the next level. Adding him in Washington makes a ton of sense.

9. Utah Jazz: Jordan Hawkins (SG, UConn)

Hawkins made a name for himself in UConn’s run to the championship, playing through injuries and illnesses while simultaneously establishing himself as one of the best shooters in the nation. Overall, the 6’5 shooting guard posted 16.2 points per game, but he’s going to be a spot-up shooter and will provide spacing for any team that drafts him.

10. Dallas Mavericks: Kris Murray (PF, Iowa)

Kris’ twin brother Keegan made a name for himself in Sacramento last year while Kris stayed back in college to put up 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds at the helm of Iowa’s program. The lefty is 6’8, has experience as a volume scorer and his game should translate well to this level. His presence could help take some of the scoring pressure off of Luka Doncic.

11. Orlando Magic: Anthony Black (PG, Arkansas)

Black put up 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Arkansas in his one-and-done year and the 6’7 point guard has a ton of length as a facilitator and could still be growing. The 19 year old needs to improve as a shot-maker, but his facilitation skills and rebounding ability should mold him into a solid NBA player eventually.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cam Whitmore (SF, Villanova)

Whitmore put up 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in his one-and-done year at Villanova and is likely going to be a prototypical three-and-D player in the NBA. The Thunder have enough depth in their frontcourt and I think they'll go with a wing at this spot to fill their most glaring need.

13. Toronto Raptors: Taylor Hendricks (PF, UCF)

In his one-and-done year at UCF, the 6’9 Hendricks put up 15.1 points and 7.0 rebounds and the Raptors could use some frontcourt depth. I expect Toronto to make some offseason moves to start fresh in the post Nick Nurse Era, so the path to playing time might not be blocked for long if he ends up there.

14. New Orleans Pelicans: Jarace Walker (PF, Houston)

The Pelicans need to bolster their frontcourt depth and Walker could provide exactly that. At 6’8 and 220 pounds, Walker is very athletic and averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in his one-and-done year at Houston. 

2023 NBA 1st Round Mock Draft Picks

15. Atlanta Hawks: Trayce Jackson-Davis (PF, Indiana)

While Jackson-Davis is already 23 years old, the Hawks are in win-now mode and will return their entire core for next year under head coach Quin Snyder. Jackson-Davis averaged 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.9 blocks at Indiana last year and could be an instant producer in Atlanta’s frontcourt for years to come, especially since John Collins has been an underwhelming option in recent seasons. 

16. Utah Jazz: Cason Wallace (PG, Kentucky)

Wallace may be young and raw after averaging 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his one-and-done year at Kentucky, but this Utah team is in full rebuild mode. With no pressure to instantly get on the court, Wallace would have the time to develop into a NBA guard within an organization with a solid track record of developing prospects. Pairing him with Hawkins would be an intriguing young combo.

17. Los Angeles Lakers: Emoni Bates (SF, Eastern Michigan)

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and company are obviously still going to be in win-now mode and in my opinion, this would be a perfect landing spot for the embattled Bates, who dealt with some off-court issues in college. Being able to learn how to conduct himself under James’ guidance would be helpful for him and Bates’ elite offensive skills would certainly bolster LA’s second unit.

18. Miami Heat: Brice Sensabaugh (SF, Ohio State)

Sensabaugh’s 6’6, 235-pound frame and production during his one-and-done year at Ohio State lead me to believe he can be an impactful producer right away as a wing. He averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds (23.9 points, 7.9 rebounds per 36 minutes) in college and presumably could fit right into Miami’s second unit while also learning behind Jimmy Butler.

19. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Sasser (SG, Houston)

Speaking of teams in win-now mode, the Warriors’ window might still be open. The former two-way star at Houston put up 16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals and would be able to provide solid two-way minutes at the next level. He may not have a ton of upside, but he could be a solid NBA role player which is what the Warriors would probably need him to be.

20. Houston Rockets: Sidy Cissoko (SG, G League) 

Cissoko is a very lengthy guard at 6’8 and spent last year in the G League, where he put up 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes. While the 19 year old is a project, the Rockets are in a full rebuild and presumably have time to be patient with him. This is a high-upside selection. 

21. Brooklyn Nets: Nick Smith Jr. (SG, Arkansas)

Smith had some clear growing pains at Arkansas, averaging 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in his one-and-done season. He saw his playing time limited in postseason play a bit, too, and was a liability when his team needed him most, which is why I think he’s going to slide a bit. With that being said, he’s an explosively-athletic player who has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Kobe Bufkin (SG, Michigan)

Bufkin put up 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists at Michigan and even though he played two college seasons, he’s still going to enter his rookie NBA season as a 19 year old. If Brooklyn keeps picks 21 and 22, I don’t hate the idea of trying to draft their backcourt of the future.

23. Portland Trail Blazers: Dereck Lively II (C, Duke)

As shown multiple times last season, the Blazers were thin in the frontcourt and even though Jusuf Nurkic is signed for multiple seasons to come, it wouldn’t have hurt to have depth and length behind him. Lively is certainly a project (5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks in his one-and-done year at Duke), but the 7’1 project makes a whole lot of sense here, especially considering how thin the position is.

24. Sacramento Kings: Dariq Whitehead (SF, Duke)

Speaking of Duke projects, Whitehead put up just 8.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his one-and-done freshman season, but is still just 18 years old with presumably a ton of potential as a wing contributor at the next level. 

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Leonard Miller (SF, G League Ignite) 

Measuring in at 6’10, Miller had a productive year in the G League, averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds. Keep an eye on his stock moving forward, because I have a feeling his name is going to keep rising and rising as the weeks go by. 

26. Indiana Pacers: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SG, UCLA)

If the Pacers are going to make some noise and make the playoffs next season, they’re going to need to surround Tyrese Haliburton with some proven pieces. Indiana struggles to attract free agents, so the next-best idea would be to draft someone like Jaquez, a decorated collegiate player who put up 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds during his senior year at UCLA. I don’t expect him to be more than a productive role player, but this team desperately needs to add talent.

27. Charlotte Hornets: Antoine Davis (SG, Detroit Mercy)

Davis is a walking bucket. After scoring 28.2 points per game during his senior year at Detroit Mercy, he came just three points shy of breaking the all-time Division I scoring record. Most mock drafts don’t have him in the first round conversation, but there’s a lot of worth for a scorer of his caliber in today’s NBA. He would instantly be able to lead Charlotte’s second unit and would have a path to start if the Hornets move Terry Rozier.

28. Utah Jazz: Keyonte George (SG, Baylor)

George put up 15.3 points, 4.2 boards and 2.8 dimes in his one-and-done season at Baylor and could fit in well as the Jazz retool and rebuild. Keep in mind that he had a massive rate with the Bears, so don’t expect his scoring numbers in the NBA to rival those for a few years at least.

29. Indiana Pacers: Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG, Indiana)

This 6’6 combo guard seemingly got better and better as his one-and-done collegiate season at Indiana progressed and I like the idea of him coming off the bench behind Haliburton, another oversized point guard. 

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Bilal Coulibaly (SF, France)

As one of Wembanyama’s pro teammates, Coulibaly didn’t flash a ton of offensive upside, but profiles as a potential defensive star on the wing at the NBA level. Given the project, I have him going here, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he surges upwards in the next few versions of this mock.

2023 NBA 2nd Round Mock Draft Picks

31. Detroit Pistons: Colby Jones (SG, Xavier)

Jones is a 6’6 combo guard coming out of Xavier and put up solid numbers (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists) in his junior year, but he will be 21 years old entering his rookie year. With that being said, I think the Pistons would be a really nice fit for him based on their current lack of depth in their backcourt. 

32. San Antonio Spurs: James Nnaji (C, Nigeria)

The Spurs and another international project? Sign me up. Nnaji is a Nigerian prospect who spent last season playing as a reserve in Spain, but this San Antonio organization has a rich history of molding these types of prospects into special players at the NBA level.

33. Houston Rockets: Jalen Wilson (SF, Kansas)

The Rockets have a very young core, but adding a proven collegiate player like Wilson (20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds per game in his senior season at Kansas) would make a ton of sense for them. He’d likely be able to come in and produce right away for new head coach Ime Udoka.

34. Charlotte Hornets: Terquavion Smith (SG, NC State)

Smith is one of my favorite players in this draft class due to his tenacity and he made the right decision spending two years at NC State. In his sophomore campaign, he put up 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists and would fit in very well alongside Antoine Davis on Charlotte’s second unit. Imagine LaMelo Ball, Scoot Henderson, Davis and Smith all splitting minutes and how fun that'd be to watch.

35. Portland Trail Blazers: Maxwell Lewis (SF, Pepperdine)

Speaking of guys who did the right thing by going back to school, Lewis molded himself into a legitimate NBA prospect during his second season at Pepperdine, where he averaged 17.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest. At this point, he’d be the best player available and the Blazers need to make Damian Lillard happy.

36. Orlando Magic: Julian Phillips (SF, Tennessee)

Phillips may take his name out of the draft once he tests the pre-draft waters, but it’s a telling sign that he also entered the transfer portal. After putting up 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game at Tennessee, the slashing wing would need years of development, but the Magic wouldn’t need him to come in and start or even play right away.

37. Oklahoma City Thunder: Brandin Podziemski (SG, Santa Clara)

Not only does Podiemski kind of resemble Josh Giddey, but this team needs some backcourt depth. This 6’5 combo guard averaged an impressive 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists during his sophomore year at Santa Clara and could presumably spell either Giddey or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

38. Sacramento Kings: DaRon Holmes (PF, Dayton)

This 6’10 power forward put up 18.4 points and 8.4 boards during his sophomore year at Dayton and could provide some frontcourt depth immediately in Sacramento.

39. Charlotte Hornets: Kobe Brown (PF, Missouri)

Brown is already 23 years old and just put up 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds at Missouri. While he projects to be an NBA role player, the Hornets could address a frontcourt need by drafting him.

40. Denver Nuggets: Jett Howard (SG, Michigan) 

The Nuggets need depth and a reliable second unit heading into next season. With that being said, Howard is a very long (6’8) shooting guard who put up 14.2 points per game at Michigan for his dad in his one-and-done year. Howard seemingly has the potential to be a solid scorer at the professional level. 

41. Charlotte Hornets: Amari Bailey (SG, UCLA)

Bailey is very athletic, but went through some growing pains during his one-and-done year at UCLA. This lefty combo guard is going to be a project, but the Hornets have time to develop him.

42. Washington Wizards: Noah Clowney (PF, Alabama)

Clowney’s 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds at Alabama might not seem like much, but over 36 minutes, those numbers were 13.8 points and 11.2 boards. The Wizards need to add some frontcourt help this offseason, so taking on this 18 year old as a project makes a lot of sense.

43. Portland Trail Blazers: Julian Strawther (SG, Gonzaga)

Adding a three-and-D wing to play alongside Dame makes a lot of sense and Strawther is an experienced player who spent years in a very successful Gonzaga program. This makes complete sense all around.

44. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Djurisic (SG, Serbia)

Another international prospect, another Spurs pick. This time, 6’8 Serbian shooting guard Djurisic would be the pick. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per 36 minutes in the Serbian professional league last season and just turned 19 years old. He has a big frame, tons of offensive versatility and is a proven shot-maker and playmaker. He will probably climb in my next mock depending on how his workouts go.

45. Memphis Grizzlies: Andre Jackson Jr. (SG, UConn)

As a UConn fan, Jackson Jr. does a lot of the little things that don’t appear on the box score. He’s a proven leader, is coming off a National Championship win and has the defensive versatility to play at this level. Maybe this could be the Dillon Brooks replacement.

46. Atlanta Hawks: Ricky Council IV (SG, Arkansas)

As one of the many Arkansas prospects, Council averaged 16.1 points and was at times the best player on his star-studded team.

47. Los Angeles Lakers: Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG, Illinois)

Just like they did drafting Emoni Bates in the first round, I have the Lakers going with Shannon in the second round after he put up 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game at Illinois in his senior year.

48. Los Angeles Clippers: Keyonte Johnson (SF, Kansas State)

Johnson is a very talented scorer who was the best player on the court in multiple Kansas State games this past season. He averaged 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds at KSU in his senior season and would be the best player left at this spot in the draft.

49. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylen Clark (SG, UCLA)

Clark averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds as a 6’5 guard at UCLA last season and the Cavaliers need to develop talent in their backcourt behind Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

50. Miami Heat: Adem Bona (C, UCLA)

Bona put up 12.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes during his one-and-done freshman year at UCLA and this would be the perfect spot for him right behind Bam Adebayo in Miami. Bona is 6’10 and 235 pounds, has a bunch of defensive upside and would be a smart upgrade to add as backup center.

51. Brooklyn Nets: Dillon Mitchell (SF, Texas)

Mitchell is a project (he averaged 8.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per 36 minutes in his one-and-done season at Texas), but he’s young and has the makings of a talented wing.

52. Phoenix Suns: Trey Alexander (SG, Creighton) 

Alexander is an accurate long-range shooter and was a dependable scoring option at Creighton, averaging 13.6 points per contest. The Suns need depth on their bench and he’d be able to make an instant impact there.

53. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tristan Vukcevic (PF, Serbia)

This Serbian prospect spent last season with Real Madrid B in Spain, where he averaged just 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. He’s going to be a multi-year project, but I expect this Timberwolves team to undergo some major offseason changes and maybe even start a full rebuild.

54. Sacramento Kings: Adama Sanogo (C, UConn)

Sanogo is a proven winner and helped guide UConn to a title. His size makes him an oversized four or an undersized five and he doesn’t have the offensive range necessary to be an NBA starter, but he could certainly provide some energetic minutes as a role player. The Kings could use him off their bench.

55. Indiana Pacers: Azuolas Tubelis (C, Arizona)

The Lithuanian center reminds me a lot of Domantas Sabonis, who the Pacers traded away, but he averaged 19.8 points and 9.1 rebounds at Arizona in his junior year. I’m a big fan of his game and think he will become a solid role player at the next level.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: Mouhamed Gueye (PF, Washington State)

Gueye averaged 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds during his sophomore year at Washington State and while the Grizzlies have some frontcourt depth, Gueye is very long and was a proven double-double machine in college.

57. Washington Wizards: Isaiah Wong (SG, Miami)

Wong is a proven scorer who showed off his skills in the NCAA Tournament and in ACC Tournament play when it all mattered most. He put up 16.2 points per game during his junior year at Miami and would likely be able to log minutes right away in Washington.

58. Milwaukee Bucks: Drew Timme (C, Gonzaga)

While Timme probably won’t ever become a starter at the NBA level, this spot makes a lot of sense for him behind Brook Lopez. 

How To Bet The NBA Draft

When it comes to NBA Draft betting, there are several types of bets you can consider. Here are some common bet types associated with the NBA Draft:

1. Draft Position: This type of bet involves predicting the draft position of a specific player. For example, you might bet on whether a certain player will be selected within the top 5 picks or if they will fall outside the top 10 picks.
2. Player Matchups: In player matchups, you can bet on which player will be drafted higher between two specific prospects. Sportsbooks will pair up players, and you have to choose the one you think will be selected earlier.
3. Team Prop Bets: These bets involve predicting what a specific team will do during the draft. Examples include betting on whether a team will trade up or down in the draft, whether they will select a player from a particular college, or if they will draft a player at a specific position.
4. Draft Order: This type of bet involves predicting the exact order in which the players will be selected in the draft. It is a more challenging bet but can offer higher payouts.
5. Over/Under: Some sportsbooks may offer over/under bets on various draft-related metrics, such as the total number of players selected from a specific conference or college, the total number of international players drafted, or the total number of trades that occur during the draft.
6. Special Prop Bets: These are unique and specific bets related to the draft that can vary depending on the sportsbook. They might include bets on whether a specific player will be booed or cheered by the fans when selected or whether a team will draft a player from a specific country.

It's worth noting that the availability of specific bet types can vary depending on the sportsbook or online platform you use for NBA Draft betting. Always check the available markets and odds before placing any bets.

While I can provide you with general information and strategies, it's important to note that predicting the outcome of the NBA Draft can be challenging, as there are numerous variables and uncertainties involved. Expert analysis from sports analysts, draft experts, and NBA insiders can be valuable in informing your betting decisions. Here are a few factors to consider and avenues for expert analysis when betting on the NBA Draft:

1. Mock Drafts: Following mock drafts from reputable sources can provide insight into the projected order and potential landing spots for players. Experts who specialize in draft analysis often release mock drafts leading up to the event. Pay attention to analysts who have a track record of accurate predictions.
2. Player Evaluations: Expert analysis can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of individual players. Evaluating player skills, potential, and fit within specific team systems can provide an edge when predicting draft positions or player performances.
3. Team Needs: Understanding the needs and strategies of individual NBA teams is crucial. Expert analysis can shed light on which positions teams are likely to prioritize in the draft, potential trade scenarios, and the strategies employed by different front offices.
4. Draft Combine Performance: The NBA Draft Combine allows players to showcase their skills in various tests and drills. Expert analysis of player performances and how they might translate to the NBA level can be valuable in assessing prospects and making informed betting decisions.
5. Trade Rumors: Paying attention to credible trade rumors and speculation can be advantageous, as draft-day trades can significantly impact the draft order and player selections. Experts who have inside sources and access to team information can provide valuable insights into potential trade scenarios.
6. Historical Data: Analyzing trends and patterns from previous drafts can provide insights into how certain teams approach the draft, the success rates of specific draft positions, and the impact of draft-day trades. Experts who study draft history can offer valuable perspectives on potential outcomes.

Remember that even with expert analysis, the NBA Draft remains unpredictable, and unexpected trades, surprises, or draft-day decisions can occur. It's essential to combine expert analysis with your own research and judgment, considering factors such as player injuries, team dynamics, and overall draft-day unpredictability. Additionally, responsible bankroll management and understanding the odds and probabilities are crucial elements of successful betting.