The NBA draft lottery confirmed: Who is going where?
The NBA draft lottery order has been finalised, with the San Antonio Spurs getting the holy grail number pick, setting themselves up to select generational talent Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs have had some extreme luck in the lottery's gone by, securing big men David Robinson and Tim Duncan in the last 20 years, who helped bring titles back to San Antonio.
Despite the obvious number one pick being Wembanyama, the rest of the NBA franchises have the choice of some of the greatest talent at college and G League levels.
Every NBA general manager will want a franchise-changing player, but who besides Wembanyama can offer that kind of talent?
After the NBA lottery was confirmed on Tuesday night, here is a mock draft for the projected top ten picks of the 2023 NBA draft.
A player with the kind of potential to impact the league like LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Victor Wembanyama is a prototype that has never been seen before, standing at 7ft3 and possessing the skillset of an elite NBA guard. The Spurs have a serious player on their hands.
College player of the year and 6ft9 forward Brandon Miller more kindly suits The Hornets franchise, pairing up with fellow guard LaMelo Ball. Miller is long, athletic, and possesses a sniper-like three-point shot, perfect for Charlotte and Ball.
Portland may have the perfect guard to complement Damian Lillard's elite shooting if they draft 6ft2 G League Ignite Guard Scoot Henderson. The guard possesses a giant frame, gets to the rim, and can knock down shots from the midrange.
The Houston Rockets will be jumping out of the gym next season, potentially adding 6ft7 guard Amen Thompson to the ranks from the Overtime Elite. Thompson possesses size, strength, and a leaping ability like no other.
Picture – Instagram @amen.thompson
6ft8 forward and American Athletic Conference player of the year Jarace Walker will offer great help on the defensive end if The Pistons draft him. The forward has a soft touch around the rim and has a 7ft2 wingspan that causes trouble for offensive players.
Like his brother Amen, Ausar Thompson is a lottery pick projected to go sixth to the Orlando Magic. The brother's play style is nearly identical, offering strong physical traits and finesse with the basketball, easily beating defenders, and utilizing a sweet stroke from a jump shot.
Arkansas graduate Anthony Black is another tall guard in the draft, standing at 6ft7. Black is a floor general who likes to set his teammates up with open looks, perfect for Pacers guards Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, who contribute with elite shooting.
Power forward/center Taylor Hendricks stands at 6ft9, offering a long reach and elite defending, should the Washington Wizards draft him. Hendricks can guard multiple positions and is an elite finisher at the rim through contact.
The potential ninth pick of the draft, heading to Utah, is 6ft7 forward Cam Whitmore. The forward from Villanova is a strong wing who operates on the perimeter, looking for jump shots or drives to the basket.
A tall and athletic guard who likes the ball inside and outside, Gradey Dick could be a perfect fit for Mavericks star Luca Doncic, finding him anywhere on the floor. The projected tenth pick of the draft shot 40% from three at Kansas last season.
The 77th edition of the NBA draft will be held on the 22nd of June 2023 at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, where you'll find all the confirmed locations of each draft prospect.