# Team Player Pos
1 Alex Sarr C

Atlanta has a chance to add a difference-maker at the center spot who can serve as an anchor on defense and help erase deficiencies for a Hawks team that lacks star power in the frontcourt.

2 Stephon Castle
UConn, Fr
 
PG

Castle was the unsung star of UConn's title-winning team this season who routinely drew the toughest defensive assignments and had splashes as an offensive weapon. If the confidence in his shot grows and he hits them with more frequency, he could be the best player from this draft. Easily.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.9 11.1 4.7 2.9 47.2
3 Rob Dillingham
Kentucky, Fr
 
PG

There's a wide range of projections for Dillingham in the lottery but it's hard to see him slipping too far given the skill set. He plays with mesmerizing confidence on offense and has an advanced handle and finishing ability. Can play either guard spot and has the game to heat up and take over when he's feeling it.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.3 15.2 2.9 3.9 47.5
4 Nikola Topic PG

Hard to find a better pairing with Wemby than Topic here. He's a smooth guard from Mega who has a big frame and fits the profile of a multi-positional facilitator. Can play downhill and attack plus has an advanced feel for the game that should translate to early production in the NBA.

5 Zaccharie Risacher SF

Risacher could go as high as No. 1 and his floor on draft night is probably right here at No. 5. He's a big wing who has shown a lot of growth as a shooter and has real potential to become a star. Pistons have to take a big swing here and Risacher is exactly that.

6 Matas Buzelis PF

In a league dominated by power wings with big frames, Charlotte swings once again for a huge upside prospect in Buzelis to pair with point guard LaMelo Ball and 2023 No. 2 pick Brandon Miller. Buzelis has a huge frame and immense potential to grow into a versatile forward who can dribble, pass and shoot.

7 Reed Sheppard
Kentucky, Fr
 
SG

Portland lands the best shooter in the draft to pair with No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson from last year. Sheppard hit 52.1% of his 3-pointers last season as a frosh at Kentucky and adds dynamism as both a playmaking defender and passer as well.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.9 12.5 4.1 4.5 53.6
8 Dalton Knecht
Tennessee, Sr
 
SG

After adding shooting and playmaking at No. 4, the Spurs come back and add more to their backcourt here with the late-rising Knecht. He was a star at Northern Colorado who became an All-American last season at Tennessee and has scoring pop to surround Victor Wembanyama with more weaponry.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 21.7 4.9 1.8 45.8
9 Donovan Clingan
UConn, Soph
 
C

No draft prospect had a better NCAA Tournament than Clingan, whose defensive impact as a shot-blocker and shot-alterer was on full display during UConn's title run. He doesn't yet have the outside game to fit the modern-day profile of an NBA big but he's sure good enough to be a difference-maker defensively already because of his length and timing on that end.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
22.6 13 7.4 1.5 63.9
10 Isaiah Collier
USC, Fr
 
PG

Collier gives the Jazz a downhill point of attack presence at the point guard positions whose skill set reminds a bit of Collin Sexton. His motor runs hot and he adds an element of explosiveness that makes it difficult for teams to defend.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30 16.3 2.9 4.3 49.0
11 Ron Holland PF

The trajectory and growth Holland showed this season as a consistent force for G League Ignite passing the ball, making plays and playing big with his athleticism should have NBA teams excited about his prospects. If you're Chicago this is probably the biggest upside swing on the board.

12 Jared McCain
Duke, Fr
 
PG

Being a shot-maker at the guard spot in the NBA is a must; being one who can make TOUGH shots in the NBA is a plus. That's what McCain brings to the table. Electric shooting weapon who can make shots off movement, and a relentless rebounder for a guard his size.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 14.3 5 1.9 46.2
13 Cody Williams
Colorado, Fr
 
SG

Williams is a bit of a mystery box prospect but the ascension of his older brother, Jalen Williams, into an All-Star producer should have NBA teams digging deep. He has ideal size, shoots it well and fits the mold of a power wing with multi-positional versatility.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.1 11.9 3 1.6 55.2
14 Kyle Filipowski
Duke, Soph
 
C

First Portland adds shooting in Reed Sheppard now it adds size + shooting in Filipowski, a 7-footer with real talent as a floor-spacer and offensive hub. He was vital to Duke's success the last two seasons and had a career year last season as a dynamic big who can do a little of everything.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 16.4 8.3 2.8 50.6
15 Ja'Kobe Walter
Baylor, Fr
 
SG

Walter wasn't been the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball, but he showed all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy, and his excellent free-throw shooting suggests there is long-term shooting upside. I'm still a believer.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.2 14.5 4.4 1.4 37.6
16 Tidjane Salaun SF

A big wing with a sturdy shooting base and a consistent release, Salaun has quickly become one of my favorites in this class. His mechanics as a shooter are excellent and his positional size as a jumbo wing make his game immediately translatable to the NBA.

17 Yves Missi
Baylor, Fr
 
C

A raw prospect with tremendous upside, Missi is a potential lottery pick due to his size, skill, and shot blocking ability. He's a developmental type prospect but the flashes of "wow" he put together at the end of the season became more frequent.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 10.7 5.6 0.4 61.4
18 Jaylon Tyson
California, Jr
 
SF

Cal went from a 3-win team to a 13-win team largely because of the addition of Tyson, who averaged just shy of 20 points per game this season and flashed real improvement in a leading role. Big wing with big-time shooting ability.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.3 19.6 6.8 3.5 46.5
19 Devin Carter
Providence, Jr
 
PG

The best player in the Big East this season was a Providence Friar. Carter was immense as a breakout junior, marrying up an already-elite defensive package with an unstoppable offensive game and improved 3-point consistency.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.2 19.7 8.7 3.6 47.3
20 Ryan Dunn
Virginia, Soph
 
SF

The selling point for Dunn is simple: he is one of the best defensive prospects in college basketball. Dunn averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game for a Virginia D that rated in the top 10 of efficiency metrics at KenPom, which no one else at the major conference level accomplished. He has excellent timing and anticipation on defense and is one of the few on that side of the ball I'd consider a true playmaker.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.4 8.1 6.9 0.8 54.8
21 Tyler Kolek
Marquette, Sr
 
PG

This might be earlier than some expect for Kolek, but he was the best player not named Zach Edey this season in college basketball when healthy. Love his competitive edge and swagger he plays with, and his shooting and passing have dramatically improved during his time at Marquette.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 15.3 4.9 7.7 49.6
22 Carlton Carrington
Pittsburgh, Fr
 
PG

Carrington began the season ranked just inside the top-100 of his own recruiting class but heads to the draft as a possible top-30 selection after a big year at Pitt. He led the team in assists and finished second in scoring and minutes played.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.2 13.8 5.2 4.1 41.2
23 Johnny Furphy
Kansas, Fr
 
SG

You have to do some projecting here to buy into Furphy because of his limited role at Kansas and hit-or-miss production, but he can shoot it great from anywhere on the floor and has the ball skills to be an attacker off the bounce as well.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.1 9 4.9 1 46.6
24 Kyshawn George
Miami, Fr
 
PG

Strong candidate to be a late-riser in this process. George shot 40.8% from 3-point range and rated in the 92nd percentile as a catch-and-shoot weapon as a freshman at Miami last season, per Synergy data. Huge frame and does a little of everything that will have NBA teams intrigued.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 7.6 3 2.2 42.6
25 Tyler Smith PF

Smith is a stretch big who has quietly had a strong season for G League Ignite shooting it from deep and showcasing his athleticism. He has a five-star pedigree and has flashed enough to get first round looks for a team in this range looking to develop a big for the future.

26 Zach Edey
Purdue, Sr
 
C

In a head-to-head matchup with projected top-10 pick Donovan Clingan in the national championship game, Edey scored 37 points and showed why even the most capable defenders may have trouble slowing him in the NBA. He's been the best player in college for two straight years and should get looks as early as the teens in this draft.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 25.2 12.2 2 62.3
27 Tristan da Silva
Colorado, Sr
 
PF

Few did better for their draft stock during the NCAA Tournament than da Silva, who for Colorado shot it great from 3-point range, flashed his two-way versatility and impacted winning on both ends. His defense and size coupled with his reliable jumper should make him a trendy riser late in the process.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34 16 5.1 2.4 49.3
28 Terrence Shannon Jr.
Illinois, Sr
 
SG

Shannon scored 26, 30 and 29 points in his first three NCAA Tournament games in dragging Illinois to the Elite Eight. He's an older player who spent five seasons in college but his polish as a scoring guard presents immediate value for teams in this range hoping to find someone to be plug-and-play.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.9 23 4 2.3 47.5
29 DaRon Holmes II
Dayton, Jr
 
PF

There's a wide range of draft outcomes for Holmes but this *should* be the basement of where he's selected. He's an incredible athlete who fits perfectly into the modern NBA's ideal of a big because of his shot-blocking, improved outside shot and lob threat.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.4 20.4 8.5 2.6 54.4
30 Bobi Klintman
Sweden, Fr
 
PF

This is quite a bit later than where Klintman is expected to go but there's reason to be a bit skeptical about his game. He's still young and has a great frame but he remains a work in progress and developmental prospect, which may not be as appealing for contending teams late in the 20s.

# Team Player Pos
1 Alex Sarr C

Sarr is a high-energy, versatile frontcourt prospect who should be the second straight French prospect to go first overall in the NBA Draft. Think Jaren Jackson Jr. but without the established 3-point shot. Is Sarr a can't-miss player? No. But he would be a nice fit in Detroit next to Jalen Duren and could become the piece that ultimately returns the Pistons to respectability.

2 Reed Sheppard
Kentucky, Fr
 
SG

Sheppard was among the biggest surprises this season as it pertains to prospects launching themselves into the lottery conversation. Nobody had him projected as a one-and-done top-10 pick — but that's what he'll be after shooting 52.1% from 3-point range in his one season at Kentucky while earning CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year honors. Simply put, Sheppard is a plus-athlete who can guard his position, and an elite shooter who can also dribble and pass. The floor here is very, very high. So is the ceiling.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.9 12.5 4.1 4.5 53.6
3 Stephon Castle
UConn, Fr
 
PG

Castle projects as a combo guard at the next level with nice positional size and all of the intangibles you could want. At UConn, he was comfortable just fitting in and playing a role while impacting winning despite arguably being the Huskies' best prospect. The only concern is an unreliable jumper that led to Castle shooting just 26.7% from 3-point range this season, but everything else is so intriguing that the idea of him playing between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller should excite Charlotte fans.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.9 11.1 4.7 2.9 47.2
4 Zaccharie Risacher SF

Risacher is a real candidate to go No. 1 overall in this draft, which by definition makes him a reasonable option for Portland at No. 4. He's a 6-8 wing who is shooting 56.1% from 3-point range in France this season. That he's doing this despite the fact that he won't turn 20 years old until next April is another thing working in Risacher's favor.

5 Rob Dillingham
Kentucky, Fr
 
PG

Dillingham was one of two projected top-five picks coming off of Kentucky's bench this season for reasons that will never make sense. Either way, most NBA evaluators now believe he'll be the latest guard to flourish in the NBA after not really doing it as much as his talent suggested he should've in one year at Kentucky. I agree with them, for what it's worth.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.3 15.2 2.9 3.9 47.5
6 Donovan Clingan
UConn, Soph
 
C

Clingan was a monster in the NCAA Tournament while helping UConn win a second straight national championship. The only real thing preventing him from being an ideal big in the modern-NBA is a reliable jumper. But everything else — the ability to block and alter shots, switch comfortably onto smaller players, etc., — is easy to see and why Clingan would make a nice building block in Toronto beside 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
22.6 13 7.4 1.5 63.9
7 Dalton Knecht
Tennessee, Sr
 
SG

Arguably no player helped his NBA Draft stock this past season more than Knecht. The former JUCO player who then spent two years at Northern Colorado was fabulous in his fifth year of college basketball at Tennessee — averaging 21.7 points while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game while earning SEC Player of the Year honors and leading the Vols to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Knecht should be one of the most impactful rookies in the NBA next season.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 21.7 4.9 1.8 45.8
8 Nikola Topic PG

Topic is an 18-year-old point guard from Serbia with great positional size who has already been a professional for multiple years. The Jazz remain in a rebuild and should simply take the best prospect available regardless of fit or need. In this mock draft, Topic is that player.

9 Matas Buzelis PF

Is Buzelis a reliable 3-point shooter like he seemed to be during his senior year of high school (43.1%) or a below-average 3-point shooter like he was this season for the G League Ignite (27.3%)? How front offices answer that question will determine whether he goes inside or outside of the top five of this draft. Either way, falling outside of the top 10 seems unlikely even if Buzelis hasn't done much to help himself over the past year.

10 Ja'Kobe Walter
Baylor, Fr
 
SG

Walter entered Baylor with the reputation as one of the world's best amateur prospects and mostly met expectations in his one season with the Bears. The 6-5 guard averaged 14.5 points per game while helping Baylor secure a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With Trae Young's and Dejounte Murray's futures in Atlanta uncertain, using the 10th pick on another dynamic guard would make sense.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.2 14.5 4.4 1.4 37.6
11 Isaiah Collier
USC, Fr
 
PG

Collier had a pretty forgettable one season at USC, where he lost more than he won and shot just 33.8% from 3-point range. Regardless, the top-ranked recruit from the Class of 2023 should still go in the lottery of this draft because he's a big and strong point guard who can be physically overwhelming at his position.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30 16.3 2.9 4.3 49.0
12 Ron Holland PF

Holland skipped college to play for the G League Ignite — but it didn't go too well even though he averaged a team-high 20.6 points. The problem is that Holland only shot 24.0% from 3-point range and was the face of a team that finished 2-32. Both things are concerning and why I'm a little lower on Holland than most although I remain open to the idea that this 18 year-old forward still has plenty of time to get to a point where his production matches his potential.

13 Cody Williams
Colorado, Fr
 
SG

Williams is the brother of Oklahoma City standout Jalen Williams — but taller and a lot more heralded at the same age. He needs to add weight and continue to develop as a 3-point threat, but there are reasons to believe he'll do both things in time. If he eventually pops, Williams would be a steal at this point in the draft after averaging 11.9 points in his one season at Colorado.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.1 11.9 3 1.6 55.2
14 Kyle Filipowski
Duke, Soph
 
C

Among the things Filipowski needed to do this season to improve his stock is make a higher percentage of 3-point shots to show that he can truly be a stretch-big at the next level. He did it. The 7-foot center made a respectable 34.8% of the 3.1 3-pointers he attempted per game while helping Duke make the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That's 6.6 percentage points better than what Filipowski shot from beyond the arc as a freshman, which should solidify his status as a top-20 pick.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 16.4 8.3 2.8 50.6
15 Jared McCain
Duke, Fr
 
PG

McCain lived up to his reputation as an elite shooter in his one season at Duke, where he averaged 14.3 points while making 41.4% of the 5.8 3-pointers he attempted per game. Considering the Heat are forever shopping Tyler Herro, and don't seem thrilled with Jimmy Butler, adding a young guard who can shoot in anticipation of a roster-shakeup might be the move.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 14.3 5 1.9 46.2
16 Tristan da Silva
Colorado, Sr
 
PF

For a Sixers franchise in win-now mode, adding a 23 year-old like da Silva who can guard his position and reliably make 3-pointers should be preferable to adding a teenager who needs time to develop. The 6-9 forward should be a plug-and-play addition for basically anybody on Day 1.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34 16 5.1 2.4 49.3
17 Devin Carter
Providence, Jr
 
PG

Carter, the son of a former NBA player, is the reigning Big East Player of the Year after averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals in his second season at Providence. He's a terrific competitor, elite defender and improved shooter who could theoretically fill a rotation spot for a playoff team as a rookie.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.2 19.7 8.7 3.6 47.3
18 Johnny Furphy
Kansas, Fr
 
SG

Kansas coach Bill Self recently said he expects Furphy to remain in the draft because he's going to be a first-round pick. I agree with the Hall of Fame coach. Furphy, an unusually long guard, comes from a family of athletes in Australia and just shot 46.6% from the field and 35.2% from 3-point range while starting 19 times for the Jayhawks.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.1 9 4.9 1 46.6
19 Tidjane Salaun SF

Salaun should be the third French player to go in the top 20 of this draft. He's a wing with size who is an emerging shooter and plus-defender with a good motor. At this point in his career, he's more of a spot-up shooter than an off-the-bounce shooter. But Salaun is still only 18 years old, point being there's plenty of time to expand his game on both ends for a Toronto franchise that's still likely multiple years from competing in the Eastern Conference again.

20 Carlton Carrington
Pittsburgh, Fr
 
PG

Carrington won't turn 19 years old until nearly a month after the draft, making him one of the youngest players available. The 6-5 guard was merely a borderline top-100 prospect coming out of high school, but he quickly showed enough promise as a shooter and passer with good positional size to emerge as a reasonable first-round option.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.2 13.8 5.2 4.1 41.2
21 Yves Missi
Baylor, Fr
 
C

Missi is an incredible physical specimen who is excellent at the rim on offense and in possession of enough athleticism, size and strength to excel defensively. The 7-footer from Cameroon would be fortunate to land in New Orleans, where he could support Zion Williamson and eventually serve as a suitable replacement for Jonas Valanciunas.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 10.7 5.6 0.4 61.4
22 Tyler Kolek
Marquette, Sr
 
PG

Kolek has some obvious issues as an NBA prospect, most notably a lack of athleticism relative to what's desired from lead guards. Still, at 6-3, Kolek is adequately sized for his position, terrific in pick-and-rolls, an A-plus passer and reliable 3-point shooter. Needless to say, Phoenix needs help at point guard. Kolek could provide some help.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 15.3 4.9 7.7 49.6
23 Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas, Sr
 
SG

McCullar's season came to an unfortunate end early because a nagging knee injury that derailed Kansas' season — but before that he was clearly KU's best player while averaging a career-high 18.3 points per game in his fifth year of college. He's an elite defender at his size and should be, at the age of 23, a solid plug-and-play option for a Milwaukee franchise that doesn't need to waste any more of Giannis Antetokounmpo's prime years.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.2 18.3 6 4.1 45.4
24 Zach Edey
Purdue, Sr
 
C

As incredible as Edey was at Purdue over the past two years, he remains a divisive NBA prospect with what appears to be a pretty big range. He could go in the lottery or slip into the 20s. Either way, Edey would be a sensible option for the Knicks if he's still available at this point in the draft considering they could be on the verge of losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 25.2 12.2 2 62.3
25 Justin Edwards
Kentucky, Fr
 
SF

Edwards was the highest-ranked prospect in Kentucky's top-ranked recruiting class but was largely disappointing all season. He finished sixth on the team in points, sixth on the team in scoring and averaged roughly as many turnovers as assists. Is he worth a flier at this point in the draft by a New York franchise with back-to-back picks? Sure. But Edwards did very little at UK to suggest he should be selected anywhere close to where most had him projected six months ago.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
21.5 8.8 3.4 0.9 48.6
26 Tyler Smith PF

Smith making better than 36% of the four 3-pointers he attempted per game for the G-League Ignite this season is a huge positive for the Overtime Elite alum. To stick in the NBA, the defense will have to improve dramatically. But Smith's shooting alone could prove valuable for a Washington franchise that ranked 25th in 3-point percentage this season.

27 Bobi Klintman
Sweden, Fr
 
PF

Klintman is a two-way wing from Sweden who should be able to alternate between both forward spots. He initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after one year at Wake Forest but ultimately withdrew to pursue a professional opportunity in Australia. With another year of development under his belt, and not many great options in the 20s, Klintman will have a better chance to get a guaranteed contract in this draft than he did last year.

28 DaRon Holmes II
Dayton, Jr
 
PF

Holmes is the rare top-55 high school prospect who enrolled at an Atlantic 10 school. He's a reasonable option at this point in the draft in part because of the way he's gone from a non-shooter upon enrolling at Dayton to a real stretch-the-floor threat as a third-year player who made 38.6% of the 3-pointers he attempted this season.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.4 20.4 8.5 2.6 54.4
29 Ryan Dunn
Virginia, Soph
 
SF

Some consider Dunn a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect who has the potential to be an elite defender who guards multiple positions but will maybe never amount to much on offense. I don't completely disagree with the sentiment. But using the 29th pick in a weak draft on a high-IQ, high-energy player who projects as the best versatile defender in this draft doesn't seem like the type of thing a franchise would regret.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.4 8.1 6.9 0.8 54.8
30 Oso Ighodaro
Marquette, Sr
 
SF

Ighodaro doesn't project as the type of big who will stretch the floor because he never even took 3-pointers at Marquette. But the 6-11 athlete is a versatile defender and lob threat who could be a real weapon in Boston, where 37 year-old Al Horford averaged 26.8 minutes per game this season.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.5 13.4 6.9 2.9 57.6
# Team Player Pos
1 Zaccharie Risacher SF

Risacher brings great size and length to the wing with encouraging fluidity on his outside shot. Like any young international prospect, Risacher will need time to develop the physicality required to thrive in the NBA. In the absence of an obvious headliner from the class, he's as deserving as anyone to be taken No. 1 overall.

2 Alex Sarr C

Sarr is an athletic rim protector with upside as a perimeter defender. His 3-point shooting percentages leave something to be desired. But for a young player of his size, he's ahead of the curve offensively in how he's flashed the ability to handle the basketball and create shots.

3 Nikola Topic PG

Topic is a big European guard with a nifty handle and natural passing instincts. It's easy to envision him facilitating out of the pick-and-roll. Whoever drafts him may need to be patient with his 3-point shot but will be getting a player with tantalizing offensive upside.

4 Reed Sheppard
Kentucky, Fr
 
SG

If you don't think Sheppard is a lottery-level player, it's because you haven't watched much Kentucky basketball and are relying on the same stereotypes as the evaluators who pegged him as the fifth-best player in his own signing class at UK. He's an elite defender, elite shooter and one of the best passers in college basketball.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.9 12.5 4.1 4.5 53.6
5 Matas Buzelis PF

Buzelis hasn't shot it great from 3-point range for G League Ignite, but he's shown a well-rounded offensive game and is making an impact on the defensive end. In a draft class full of rangy wings with potential versatility, he is arguably the most well-rounded of the bunch.

6 Cody Williams
Colorado, Fr
 
SG

If you want to nitpick, Williams has turned the ball over a lot and hasn't rated as one of Colorado's top defenders during his freshman season. But his offensive efficiency has been off the charts, and he's got all the physical tools and talent needed to potentially develop into an NBA All-Star.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.1 11.9 3 1.6 55.2
7 Stephon Castle
UConn, Fr
 
PG

Castle is a big, versatile guard capable of facilitating the offense or playing off the ball. He also rates as UConn's No. 2 defender behind only 7-4 Donovan Clingan, according to evanmiya.com. From an intangibles perspective, it's remarkably impressive to see a freshman making such valuable contributions to the reigning national title winners.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.9 11.1 4.7 2.9 47.2
8 Tidjane Salaun SF

Salaun is demonstrating encouraging proficiency as a 3-point shooter overseas, suggesting his floor would be as a rotational 3-and-D wing. If the flashes he's shown as an attacker and finisher translate to the next level, then he could be a dynamic NBA playmaker.

9 Ja'Kobe Walter
Baylor, Fr
 
SG

Walter hasn't been the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball, but he's shown all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy, and his excellent free-throw shooting suggests there is long-term shooting upside.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.2 14.5 4.4 1.4 37.6
10 Dalton Knecht
Tennessee, Sr
 
SG

Knecht is one of the oldest players with lottery potential in recent memory after five years of college basketball. But he's proven that he is an elite scorer at all three levels while playing for an excellent Tennessee team that has faced some of college basketball's top opposition.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 21.7 4.9 1.8 45.8
11 Kyle Filipowski
Duke, Soph
 
C

Filipowski's offensive efficiency and rim protection have improved this season. He could have been a first-round pick last year. After another year of quality development, he's undoubtedly a lottery-level talent in this class.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 16.4 8.3 2.8 50.6
12 Rob Dillingham
Kentucky, Fr
 
PG

Dillingham is an offensive wizard with a knockdown 3-point shot and a knack for finishing at the rim among the trees. He can play either guard spot and hit shots off the dribble or as a spot-up shooter. His defense is unimpressive, but that's no shock for a young and slender guard.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.3 15.2 2.9 3.9 47.5
13 Yves Missi
Baylor, Fr
 
C

Missi is a bouncy post player and potentially elite shot blocker who is effective offensively as a dunker, lob threat and face-up operator in the high post. He's still learning the game and 3-pointers aren't even close to being a part of his arsenal. But his tremendous defensive upside, length and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 10.7 5.6 0.4 61.4
14 Jared McCain
Duke, Fr
 
PG

For a slender guard, McCain's offensive efficiency has been off the charts. He's a relentless worker who can play either guard spot, and he rebounds well for his size. McCain's defense isn't a strength, but his offensive upside makes up for it, and he's no worse defensively than most players his size.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 14.3 5 1.9 46.2
15 DaRon Holmes II
Dayton, Jr
 
PF

Holmes is an athletic big man with a ton of variety in his game on both ends. He swats shots at the rim but can also move his feet to stay in front of smaller players. Offensively, he can score from the block or pull you out to the 3-point line with a sweet jumper. He can also put it on the deck and attack the closeout. Holmes is one of the most underrated players in this class.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.4 20.4 8.5 2.6 54.4
16 Isaiah Collier
USC, Fr
 
PG

Collier is an elite offensive guard with three-way scoring chops and the size to become a quality defender. There's a reason he was ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, and it's mostly because he can get buckets.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30 16.3 2.9 4.3 49.0
17 Ron Holland PF

Holland's offensive game needs plenty of refining, but his upside as a long and athletic wing is obvious. Few in this class share Holland's potential as a perimeter defender. If he can establish an offensive identity, Holland could be a useful NBA player earlier than many in this draft.

18 Donovan Clingan
UConn, Soph
 
C

Clingan's professional identity will be as a rim protector and dunker. There isn't much else to his game, but he's elite in those facets, which will make him useful to the right NBA team.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
22.6 13 7.4 1.5 63.9
19 Tyler Smith PF

Smith's 3-point shooting numbers are encouraging, and his solid free-throw shooting suggests they are no fluke. Defensively, he may be something of a "tweener" lacking the physicality of most fives and the lateral quickness of many fours. But a franchise with vision and developmental chops can help him reach proficiency on that end.

20 Jaylon Tyson
California, Jr
 
SF

Tyson is a two-way wing with impressive offensive efficiency for such a high-volume player. Perhaps the elite-level upside isn't there. But with a proven body of work in college basketball on both ends of the floor and good size, he should have a reasonably high floor in the NBA.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.3 19.6 6.8 3.5 46.5
21 Ryan Dunn
Virginia, Soph
 
SF

Dunn may be the best defender in the draft class. His perimeter shot needs a ton of work, but he's efficient inside the arc and is a versatile menace with elite shot-swatting DNA on the other end.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.4 8.1 6.9 0.8 54.8
22 Devin Carter
Providence, Jr
 
PG

Carter is a menacing perimeter defender whose draft stock has surged this season amid a massive uptick in his 3-point shooting volume and percentage. He can play either guard spot and defend taller players.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.2 19.7 8.7 3.6 47.3
23 Kyshawn George
Miami, Fr
 
PG

George is a big wing who shoots it well from deep while playing quality defense. Those two traits alone make him worth a look in the first round. But there are some edges that need to be smoothed out, especially with regard to his offensive game inside the arc.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 7.6 3 2.2 42.6
24 Dillon Jones
Weber St., Jr
 
SG

Since catching the attention of NBA scouts last season, Jones has only improved upon his stat-stuffing game, raising his 3-point percentage and remaining impressively efficient as a high-volume player with intriguing defensive upside.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
37 20.8 9.8 5.2 48.9
25 Trey Alexander
Creighton, Jr
 
SG

Alexander is a stingy perimeter defender for his size and brings three-way scoring chops to the table as a versatile guard capable of playing on or off the ball. His 3-point shooting percentage has slipped this season, but he retains high-upside as a shooter as evidenced by a steady career free-throw mark of above 80%.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
37.2 17.6 5.7 4.7 44.6
26 Kel'el Ware
Indiana, Soph
 
C

Ware is flying under the radar since Indiana is languishing outside the NCAA Tournament picture. But he's shown all the flashes of why he was a five-star prospect in the Class of 2022. With an effective 3-point shot and shot-blocking ability, there is a home for him in an NBA rotation.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.1 15.9 9.9 1.5 58.6
27 Hunter Sallis SG

A change of scenery was all Sallis needed to begin realizing his potential after two seasons as a reserve at Gonzaga. His offensive efficiency has been stunning for Wake Forest and has actually improved amid the grind of conference play.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.4 18 4.1 2.5 48.7
28 Justin Edwards
Kentucky, Fr
 
SF

Edwards has improved as an outside shooter as the season has progressed, helping him to quietly evolve into an efficient secondary option for a loaded Kentucky team. He's not been the star that many expected him to be out of high school, but the upside is still there, and that should become obvious to scouts if he goes through the pre-draft process.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
21.5 8.8 3.4 0.9 48.6
29 Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas, Sr
 
SG

The biggest questions with McCullar are about his health and age as he's sat out several games this season due to a lingering knee issue. If he checks out medically, he could make an early impact as one of the oldest prospects in this class with a well-proven skill set as a two-way wing.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.2 18.3 6 4.1 45.4
30 D.J. Wagner
Kansas, Fr
 
PG

Just because Wagner has been overshadowed by some of the other quality freshmen on Kentucky's roster shouldn't take away from the flashes of potential he's shown. The biggest issue is his unimpressive 3-point shooting. But the playmaking and shot-creation potential remain appealing.

# Team Player Pos
1 Alex Sarr C

This is a class without an obvious No. 1 but Sarr is a mobile 7-footer with an elastic build and clear defensive versatility and upside. The biggest questions are with regard to his offense and the extent to which it develops will ultimately dictate his upside. I don't love the fit, alongside a bad shooting Detroit team already littered with young bigs, but if the Pistons go for best available, Sarr is the early favorite.

2 Nikola Topic PG

The Wizards won 15 games this season and may not have more than two or three players on their active roster who are part of their long-term plans. Topic could give them a big point guard with size, feel, and instincts to develop with the benefit of having ample minutes to play through the growing pains in the coming years.

3 Ron Holland PF

I am higher on Holland than most. He's competitive, with solid wing size, and improved shooting. I also think pairing him with Brandon Miller, although counterintuitive at first, could work as Holland's motor, physicality, and defensive oriented pedigree could be a nice complement for last year's No. 2 overall pick in a Tatum/Brown type mold.

4 Matas Buzelis PF

Buzelis is one of the most naturally talented prospects in the class with good size, versatile offensive tools and the potential to play either the three or the four. The production hasn't always lived up to the potential, but he's still very young and gives Portland a high upside building block up front to pair with its young guards.

5 Zaccharie Risacher SF

Some people have Risacher as high as No. 1 given his wing size, shooting and defensive potential. The 3-and-D prototype gives him a high-floor and would also make him a very nice fit along the generational big man they San Antonio has up front, who just happens to be a fellow Frenchman.

6 Reed Sheppard
Kentucky, Fr
 
SG

Sheppard exceeded all expectations this year at Kentucky, specifically with his shooting which fueled some incredible efficiency metrics. He's not exactly the long athlete that the Raptors have prioritized in the past, but should still be a nice fit alongside as they rebuild around Scottie Barnes.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.9 12.5 4.1 4.5 53.6
7 Donovan Clingan
UConn, Soph
 
C

The Grizzlies need a rim-protecting true five-man and Clingan is the best one in this year's draft. When he was fully healthy this year for UConn, he dominated on that end of the floor, while being extremely efficient with still untapped potential offensively.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
22.6 13 7.4 1.5 63.9
8 Stephon Castle
UConn, Fr
 
PG

Castle just seems like a classic Danny Ainge type of guy – big and strong on the perimeter, tough, multi-positional and a hard-nosed perimeter defender. If the shooting or on-ball creation ever clicks, his stock goes to another level.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
26.9 11.1 4.7 2.9 47.2
9 Rob Dillingham
Kentucky, Fr
 
PG

Dillingham is one of the most skilled and dynamic players in the draft, but he's a total non-defender. That means playing for Ime Udoka could be total sink or swim, but if it's the latter it's another big draft day win for the Rockets on a young roster that he would fit nicely on.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23.3 15.2 2.9 3.9 47.5
10 Cody Williams
Colorado, Fr
 
SG

Williams is the ultimate high-risk high-reward prospect in this draft, but if everything goes right like it has thus far for his older brother (OKC's Jalen), he could theoretically give them the type of long-term young asset that could be a major building block.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
28.1 11.9 3 1.6 55.2
11 Dalton Knecht
Tennessee, Sr
 
SG

There are few players in this draft more ready to contribute on the offensive end of the floor. With the Bulls still fighting to hold off a full rebuild and simultaneously pondering the long-term fate of players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, they can plug Knecht next to Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu without a major drop-off.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 21.7 4.9 1.8 45.8
12 Ja'Kobe Walter
Baylor, Fr
 
SG

He doesn't necessarily have the paint touching ability that the Thunder have built their potent offense around, but Walter could add some shooting, spacing and potential defense in a valuable 3-and-D prototype on the wing that should support their dynamic young talent already in place.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.2 14.5 4.4 1.4 37.6
13 Jared McCain
Duke, Fr
 
PG

If the Kings lose Malik Monk in free agency, there could be a notable hole in the backcourt and McCain is the best equipped to attempt to fill those minutes. His shooting, energy and increasing on/off ball versatility make him intriguing in what would be a homecoming of sorts.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
31.5 14.3 5 1.9 46.2
14 Kyle Filipowski
Duke, Soph
 
C

Filipowski is a highly skilled big who would give them both a contingency plan behind DeAndre Ayton and a change-up, who could potentially provide some inverted playmaking to highlight their young and developing perimeter scorers.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30.5 16.4 8.3 2.8 50.6
15 Devin Carter
Providence, Jr
 
PG

Just like Jaime Jaquez a year earlier, Carter is an elite competitor who fits the Heat's culture. The fact that his father, Anthony Carter, has roots in the organization would only make the transition that much more seamless.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
35.2 19.7 8.7 3.6 47.3
16 Isaiah Collier
USC, Fr
 
PG

Collier is a powerful lead guard who can push pace and play pick-and-roll. He has the physical tools to be a better defender than we've seen thus far, while the jumper is another question, but he would add some needed backcourt depth next to Tyrese Maxey.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
30 16.3 2.9 4.3 49.0
17 Ryan Dunn
Virginia, Soph
 
SF

For Dunn to be in the mix this high, he's going to have to convince teams he has more shooting potential than he showed this year. He's an elite defender, so if he can make spot-up shots he could be ready to contribute from Day 1.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
27.4 8.1 6.9 0.8 54.8
18 Johnny Furphy
Kansas, Fr
 
SG

The Magic would love to get a shooter like Knecht or McCain here, but if they're both off the board, Furphy could make sense. He's still so young and going to require a lot of patience, but has shown an accelerated learning curve.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
24.1 9 4.9 1 46.6
19 Tidjane Salaun SF

Salaun could very well be off the board here, but if not, he provides the type of athlete in the middle of the lineup that Toronto had been known to prioritize not too long ago and yet now finds themselves without much of.

20 Yves Missi
Baylor, Fr
 
C

If the Cavaliers ever elect to break up their twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, this would give them a rim-running, shot-blocking, lob threat waiting in the wings to develop.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
23 10.7 5.6 0.4 61.4
21 Tyler Kolek
Marquette, Sr
 
PG

Kolek is a maestro in the pick-and-roll and was actually a knockdown shooter in high school. He also has elite intangibles and floor vision, which fit nicely with this Pelicans roster.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33 15.3 4.9 7.7 49.6
22 Carlton Carrington
Pittsburgh, Fr
 
PG

The temptation will be to find someone capable of playing immediate minutes, but if the Suns elect to take a swing given their lack of first-rounders in the future, Carrington has high upside outcomes down the road that make him intriguing.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
33.2 13.8 5.2 4.1 41.2
23 Tristan da Silva
Colorado, Sr
 
PF

A well-rounded role player who can space the floor, move the ball and be a scoring threat without much volume, da Silva could be a nice plug and play option here.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34 16 5.1 2.4 49.3
24 Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas, Sr
 
SG

New York coach Tom Thibodeau loves defense and McCullar is as good as anyone here. The overall culture of the current Knicks should be a fit too as they could add another versatile, multi-positional guy in the middle of the lineup.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
34.2 18.3 6 4.1 45.4
25 Zach Edey
Purdue, Sr
 
C

The Knicks have a two-headed monster at the center position right now, but if they lose Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency, the two-time college basketball player of the year would be a definite option to be their back-up big.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32 25.2 12.2 2 62.3
26 Kel'el Ware
Indiana, Soph
 
C

Ware showed significant growth this year at Indiana and has undeniable talent with inside-out tools that have been improving since high school. There may be bust potential, but this is a risk worth taking for a Washington team that realistically won't challenge for the playoffs next season.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.1 15.9 9.9 1.5 58.6
27 Justin Edwards
Kentucky, Fr
 
SF

Edwards didn't live up to expectations at Kentucky this season, but showed flashes of what made him a five-star prospect in high school. There are plenty of people who haven't given up on the big lefty wing yet.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
21.5 8.8 3.4 0.9 48.6
28 DaRon Holmes II
Dayton, Jr
 
PF

An athletic big who made notable strides with his shooting this season, Holmes could provide a backup for Nikola Jokic and maybe even slide over to the four at times.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.4 20.4 8.5 2.6 54.4
29 Bobi Klintman
Sweden, Fr
 
PF

He's the type of versatile plug-and-play two-way player that can fit a lot of holes and provide roster flexibility for a Utah team that is expected to be very active in the trade market in the near future.

30 Oso Ighodaro
Marquette, Sr
 
SF

Al Horford will be 38 years old when next season begins and Kristaps Porzingis' durability is a constant variable. Ighodaro can really pass and he has a soft touch. If he can turn that into a capable shot, he could contend for that spot.

2023 College Stats

MPG PPG RPG APG FG%
32.5 13.4 6.9 2.9 57.6

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