{"id":14279,"date":"2023-06-22T03:32:13","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T08:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/?p=14279"},"modified":"2023-06-22T03:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T08:33:52","slug":"nba-mock-draft-wembanyama-easy-no-1-ap-has-miller-second-henderson-third","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/?p=14279","title":{"rendered":"NBA mock draft: Wembanyama easy No. 1; AP has Miller second, Henderson third"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Victor Wembanyama\u2019s<\/a> NBA draft experience will be quite unlike last year\u2019s No. 1 pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paolo Banchero could never be certain he would be taken first. There was too much speculation that Orlando was also considering Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren, with some mock drafts listing Banchero below both. The eventual Rookie of the Year said he didn\u2019t find out he was the Magic\u2019s choice<\/a> until less than a minute before Commissioner Adam Silver went on stage in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wembanyama has no need to wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 19-year-old from France has owned permanent residence atop mock draft boards, including all four versions of the AP\u2019s, and could begin walking to the stage Thursday night before Silver finishes announcing the San Antonio Spurs\u2019 selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortly after, two twin brothers could make the same walk. Amen and Ausar Thompson<\/a> of Overtime Elite are both expected to land inside the top 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: VICTOR WEMBANYAMA, FORWARD, FRANCE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

His combination of a center\u2019s size and a guard\u2019s shooting and dribbling make the 19-year-old a prospect perhaps unlike any other the NBA has seen, and should end the 13-year streak of the No. 1 pick being a college freshman. The Spurs won five NBA titles after taking Tim Duncan in 1997, the last time they had the No. 1 pick and dream of a similar impact from Wembanyama, who is listed at 7-foot-4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: BRANDON MILLER, FORWARD, ALABAMA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At 6-9, the SEC player of the year and tournament MVP as a freshman has the size, versatility and 3-point stroke to make him an ideal player for the modern NBA game. But the Hornets, who played without Miles Bridges last season after an arrest for a domestic violence incident against the mother of his children, may have to weigh a negative reaction if they add Miller, who delivered the gun used in a fatal shooting.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: SCOOT HENDERSON, GUARD, G LEAGUE IGNITE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Worked out for the Trail Blazers<\/a> and showed the athleticism and ability to do it all from the guard spot that may have made Henderson the No. 1 pick in many years. This time, he could be part of a trade if the Blazers decide they\u2019d prefer to acquire more veteran help around Damian Lillard \u2014 or perhaps Lillard\u2019s replacement if they instead decide to build around youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. HOUSTON ROCKETS: AMEN THOMPSON, GUARD, OVERTIME ELITE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At 6-7, Thompson has great size for a guard and the 20-year old showed the ability to step up when it matters most, averaging 17.2 points, 9.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in the playoffs to lead the City Reapers to the championship last season. The Rockets, after adding Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. in the last two drafts, are positioned to get another good one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. DETROIT PISTONS: CAM WHITMORE, FORWARD, VILLANOVA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Pistons fell to the lowest spot possible in the lottery after finishing with the NBA\u2019s worst record and sharing the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick. But getting Whitmore, a versatile wing with a strong build, to add to young pieces such as Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey under new coach Monty Williams would help ease the sting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. ORLANDO MAGIC: AUSAR THOMPSON, FORWARD, OVERTIME ELITE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Amen Thompson\u2019s twin brother has been the Overtime Elite regular season and finals MVP the last two seasons and the 6-7 swingman plays big on defense, twice blocking seven shots in a game. The Magic were a team on the rise in the second half of last season and Thompson could help ensure that continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. INDIANA PACERS: JARACE WALKER, FORWARD, HOUSTON<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Coming from Houston\u2019s rugged program means Walker already plays NBA-ready defense, and the offensive end could come along quickly under Rick Carlisle. At 6-8, 240 pounds, he already has the size and strength to deal with anyone he could face in the frontcourt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: ANTHONY BLACK, GUARD, ARKANSAS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With Bradley Beal going<\/a> and no certainty that Chris Paul will stay, there\u2019s an opportunity for an immediate impact in the Washington backcourt. The 6-7 guard seems to have endless energy, playing nearly 35 minutes a game to lead the Southeastern Conference and all 20 minutes in a half 19 times. That included 37 minutes on an injured left ankle in the Razorbacks\u2019 NCAA Tournament upset of top-seeded Kansas, when he helped hold expected lottery pick Gradey Dick to seven points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. UTAH JAZZ: TAYLOR HENDRICKS, CENTRAL FLORIDA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 6-9 freshman makes an impact inside and outside on both ends of the floor. He led the American Athletic Conference in blocked shots and shot 39% from 3-point range, becoming the only Division I player last season with at least 60 3-pointers, 55 blocked shots and 35 dunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. DALLAS MAVERICKS: GRADEY DICK, GUARD, KANSAS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dick made 83 3-pointers, most in Kansas history by a freshman, and the 6-8 forward could get plenty of open looks when Mavericks opponents focus their attention on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving \u2014 if Irving remains in Dallas. The Mavs went to great lengths to protect their chances of keeping this pick, tanking their final couple games to boost their lottery odds while still in play-in contention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. ORLANDO MAGIC (from Chicago Bulls): BILAL COULIBALY, FORWARD, FRANCE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wembanyama\u2019s teammate with Metropolitans 92 is a 6-6 swingman whose stock rose as their team reached their French League finals. He hasn\u2019t reached his potential yet as a scorer, but his 7-3 wingspan allows him to impact the game on both ends even without doing so and could make him a good fit with 2022 No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: DERECK LIVELY II, CENTER, DUKE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is still limited offensively, but the 7-1 Lively shows promise as a rebounder and shot blocker, highlighted by 14 boards and eight blocks in a game against rival North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. TORONTO RAPTORS: JALEN HOOD-SCHIFINO, GUARD, INDIANA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Big Ten freshman of the year has great size in the backcourt at 6-6 and could help the Raptors guard against a potential loss of Fred VanVleet in free agency, but needs to become a better shooter after hitting only 40% from the field in his lone season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: CASON WALLACE, KENTUCKY<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A point guard who takes care of the ball and takes it away from opponents, he was fourth in the SEC in both steals per game and assist-to-turnover ratio. At 6-4, has the size and strength to defend some of the marquee guards in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. ATLANTA HAWKS: KOBE BUFKIN, GUARD, MICHIGAN<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Massive leap from first to second year of college, averaging 14 points as a sophomore after not starting a game while averaging 3.0 points as a freshman. Next leap is to the NBA, where the 6-4 lefty could quickly be a change-of-pace guard off the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. UTAH JAZZ (from Minnesota): KEYONTE GEORGE, GUARD, BAYLOR<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The highest-ranked recruit in program history lived up to the billing in his lone college season, scoring 20 or more points 12 times and averaging 15.3 en route to Big 12 freshman of the year honors. The 6-4 guard could provide scoring punch on a team that stayed in the postseason hunt longer than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. LOS ANGELES LAKERS: NICK SMITH JR., GUARD, ARKANSAS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After mixed results with Russell Westbrook and D\u2019Angelo Russell last season, the Lakers\u2019 search for guard help could lead to Arkansas, where the 6-5 Smith played in just 17 games in his lone college season after recovering from a right knee injury but showed the ability to play either guard spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. MIAMI HEAT: JORDAN HAWKINS, GUARD, UCONN<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ballhandling still needs improvement, but Hawkins\u2019 catch-and-shoot ability was one of the biggest reasons the Huskies stormed through the NCAA Tournament to their fifth national title, and something the Heat were missing in their NBA Finals loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: NOAH CLOWNEY, FORWARD, ALABAMA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clowney put up nearly eight rebounds and a block per game in his lone college season. With just 210 pounds on his 6-10 frame, he will need to add strength for the battles inside against NBA big men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. HOUSTON ROCKETS (from LA Clippers): KRIS MURRAY, FORWARD, IOWA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After averaging 20.2 points \u2014 with a 30-point, 20-rebound game in one outing \u2014 Murray will try to make a similar first-year NBA impact as twin brother Keegan, who after leaving the Hawkeyes became an immediate starter for Sacramento last season and was an All-Rookie first-team selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. BROOKLYN NETS (from Phoenix): JETT HOWARD, GUARD, MICHIGAN<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

His willingness to fire from behind the arc makes the freshman a perfect fit for the 3-point happy NBA. The 6-8 freshman made multiple 3-pointers in 24 of his 29 games for Juwan Howard, his father, and hit three or more in almost half of them. Howard made 36.8% of them while averaging 14.2 points<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. BROOKLYN NETS: LEONARD MILLER, FORWARD, G LEAGUE IGNITE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Nets have needed more scoring punch since trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and Miller looks capable of providing it after averaging 18 points last season. The 6-10 Canadian also averaged nearly 11 rebounds, another area Nets leadership has identified as a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (from New York): BRICE SENSABAUGH, FORWARD, OHIO STATE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Averaged 16.3 points and shot better than 40% from 3-point range in his strong one season for the Buckeyes, where he was the first freshman to lead the team in scoring since D\u2019Angelo Russell in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. SACRAMENTO KINGS: MAXWELL LEWIS, FORWARD, PEPPERDINE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 6-7 Lewis made nearly 80% of his free throws and 36% of his 3-point attempts in his two seasons with the Waves, and improved his ability to score off the dribble while averaging 17.1 points last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: G.G. JACKSON, FORWARD, SOUTH CAROLINA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Would have been heading to college now \u2014 perhaps as the No. 1 prospect \u2014 before reclassifying last summer to enter a year earlier. Instead, the 6-9 Jackson is on his way to the NBA after scoring in double figures in 25 of his 32 games, averaging 15.4 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. INDIANA PACERS (from Cleveland): JAIME JAQUEZ JR., GUARD, UCLA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The do-everything swingman led the Bruins with 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, becoming their first Pac-12 player of the year since Kevin Love in 2008. At 6-7, Jaquez does everything well \u2014 he\u2019s No. 8 in UCLA history in both points and steals \u2014 but maybe not any of them at the top NBA level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

27. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (from Denver via New York and Oklahoma City): AMARI BAILEY, GUARD, UCLA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bailey had a strong finish to his lone college season, averaging 16.7 points on 56% shooting in the Bruins\u2019 run to the Sweet 16. The Hornets struggle when LaMelo Ball is out, so the 6-5 guard could be appealing to a team that was fourth-worst in the NBA in scoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28. UTAH JAZZ (from Philadelphia via Brooklyn): COLBY JONES, GUARD, XAVIER<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With three picks in the first round, the Jazz are positioned to bolster a team that hung around the playoff race much longer than expected. The 6-6 Jones, who made 18 of 21 shots in one torrid stretch last season and shot 9 of 10 on 3-pointers in another, could be a nice late addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

29. INDIANA PACERS (from Boston): BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI, GUARD, SANTA CLARA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Made 43.8% of his 3-pointers in his lone season after transferring from Illinois, accuracy from behind the arc that NBA teams covet. The 6-5 guard shared WCC player of the year honors after averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds, finishing in the top three in the conference in both categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (from Milwaukee via Houston): DARIQ WHITEHEAD, FORWARD, DUKE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arrived at Duke as the high school player of the year, but a foot injury led to a delayed start to his college career followed by shooting struggles after it finally began. But the 6-7 forward showed enough defensive and 3-point abilities in his limited time to make himself worthy of a first-round spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apnews<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Victor Wembanyama\u2019s NBA draft experience will be quite unlike last year\u2019s No. 1 pick. Paolo Banchero could never be certain he would be taken first. There was too much speculation that Orlando was also considering Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren, with some mock drafts listing Banchero below both. The eventual Rookie of the Year said […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":14280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1154],"tags":[8936,1904,5923,8934,8935,6578,6363,8937,8938],"class_list":["post-14279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","category-trending","tag-8936","tag-basketball","tag-draft","tag-henderson","tag-miller","tag-nba","tag-simulation","tag-spurs","tag-winbanyama"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14279"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14281,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14279\/revisions\/14281"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14280"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ustower.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}