2023 NBA Draft

Consensus Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama seems set, but then what?

The Spurs will almost certainly grab Victor Wembanyama, but the real intrigue begins at No. 2 between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson.

Scoot Henderson, who starred last season for G League Ignite, is projected to be a top 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

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Some notes in what could be our last look (depending on whether writers update their mocks) before the 2023 NBA Draft, where the San Antonio Spurs are on the clock with the No. 1 pick.

Remember, the Consensus Mock Draft is a compilation of the best mock drafts around the web. We bring them together to provide a solid estimate of how the Draft could play out (Last update: May 17, 2:24 a.m. ET):

  • The wait is over, and we finally know who won the lottery of all lotteries and the right to first dibs on Victor Wembanyama. And let’s be real, there’s no doubt the San Antonio Spurs are almost certain to pick the 19-year-old French big man who appears to be a once-a-generation prospect. To that point, all 10 of the mock drafts peg Wemby as the No. 1 pick, and it would be shocking to see anything change between now and June 23.
  • The real drama begins at No. 2 where before Tuesday’s lottery it appeared G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson was the prohibitive favorite to land here. But with Charlotte getting the 2nd pick — and with LaMelo Ball solidified at point guard — some mock drafts are wondering if the Hornets might lean toward Alabama forward Brandon Miller, who could play alongside Ball. Six of the 10 mock drafts have Miller going here, with four still leaning toward Henderson. Of course, that leaves the Trail Blazers with the other player. Does Portland want to start over with Henderson at the point and move Damian Lillard in the offseason? Or will other teams try to swoop in to move up for Henderson? This will definitely be a spot to watch right up to Draft night.
  • After those three, Amen Thompson is the next closest thing we have to a consensus as nine of the 10 mocks we survey have him going 4th overall to the Houston Rockets. A backcourt of Thompson and Jalen Green (with Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt) could be something Houston could build around.
  • The Pistons, who finished with the league’s worst record last season, must feel disappointed slipping to No. 5 overall and out of the Wemby sweepstakes. Five of the 10 mocks have them opting for Villanova’s Cam Whitmore, who could slot in right away as a versatile swingman alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. If not Whitmore, Jarace Walker could add some punch inside alongside last year’s 13th pick, Jalen Duren.
  • Anthony Black, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Arkansas, should see his name called somewhere in the middle of the lottery. He shows up most often at No. 9 to Utah (four times), as high as No. 6 to Orlando (twice) and as low as No. 10 (twice).
  • UCF’s Taylor Hendricks, one of the Draft’s best defenders, is a player seeing his name all over the lottery. He shows up as high as No. 6 (twice) and as low as to Orlando at No. 12 (CBS Sports/Gary Parrish)
  • Ten players appear in the lottery in all 12 mocks we survey: Wembanyama, Miller, Henderson, Amen and Ausur Thompson, Whitmore, Walker, Black, Gradey Dick and Hendricks.

MOST COMMON PICKS

No. 1 (Spurs): Victor Wembanyama (10)

No. 2 (Hornets): Brandon Miller (6)

No. 3 (Trail Blazers): Scoot Henderson (6)

No. 4 (Rockets): Amen Thompson (9)

No. 5 (Pistons): Cam Whitmore (5)

No. 6 (Magic): Ausar Thompson (4)

No. 7 (Pacers): Taylor Hendricks (4)

No. 8 (Wizards): Ausar Thompson, Cam Whitmore (3)

No. 9 (Jazz): Anthony Black (4)

No. 10 (Mavericks): Gradey Dick (3)

No. 11 (Magic): Gradey Dick (5)

No. 12 (Thunder): Keyonte George, Jordan Hawkins, Leonard Miller, Cason Wallace (2)

No. 13 (Raptors): Keyonte George, Nick Smith Jr. (3)

No. 14 (Pelicans): Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr. (3)

Most common (above): Pick at which the player is most commonly projected, with number of mock drafts in parentheses. For example, Victor Wembanyama is projected to go 1st in 10 of the 10 mock drafts listed below.


Top 14 (below): To calculate the consensus, we award 14 points for every mock draft in which the player went first overall, 13 for second, continuing to one point for the final lottery pick. The player with the highest point total represents the top overall selection, which is as follows:


1. Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs

Metropolitans 92 (France) | Position: C | Height: 7-3
Status: International
Most Common: 1 (10)

One of the league’s best prospects in decades who possesses the combination of size, athleticism and all-around talent to potentially become an NBA legend


2. Brandon Miller | Charlotte Hornets

Alabama | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 2 (6)

Possesses the size, playmaking ability and shooting skills to become an elite swingman in the NBA.  


3. Scoot Henderson | Portland Trail Blazers

G League Ignite | Position: G | Height: 6-2
Status: G League
Most Common: 3 (6)

Athletic, quick point guard who can get to the rim and finish with authority. Good shooter and excellent, active defender who should step right in as a starting point guard in the NBA.


4. Amen Thompson | Houston Rockets

City Reapers | Position: G/F | Height: 6-7
Status: Overtime Elite
Most Common: 4 (9)

Elite playmaker who can create his own shot and has the athleticism to make an impact on both ends of the floor.


5. Cam Whitmore | Detroit Pistons

Villanova | Position: F | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 5 (5)

Has the strength, explosiveness and shot-making ability to provide instant offense but is also a willing passer and high motor to be a two-way threat in the NBA.


6. Ausar Thompson | Orlando Magic

City Reapers | Position: G/F | Height: 6-6
Status: Overtime Elite
Most Common: 6 (4)

Has incredible quickness and athleticism, which are only more dangerous thanks to his tight handle which allows him to create separation. 


7. Jarace Walker | Indiana Pacers

Houston | Position: G | Height: 6-7
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 5, 7 (3)

Strong, bruising big man who thrives on defense and has the raw skills to become a versatile playmaker and scorer.


8. Taylor Hendricks | Washington Wizards

UCF | Position: G | Height: 6-8
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 7 (4)

Long, athletic big man who will have an impact on both ends of the floor, whether catching lobs or locking down players with his length and hops.


9. Anthony Black | Utah Jazz

Arkansas | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 9 (4)

A selfless playmaker who has excellent court vision and feel for the game. Versatile defender who will help any team on both ends of the floor.


10. Gradey Dick | Dallas Mavericks

Kansas | Position: F | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 11 (5)

One of the Draft’s best shooters who can also score off cuts and off-the-ball movement. Puts in the effort on defense, despite being a potential liability.


11. Cason Wallace | Orlando Magic

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-2
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 9, 12 (2)

Point guard with the combination of passing IQ, shooting versatility and defensive instincts who can contribute right away.


12. Keyonte George | Oklahoma City Thunder

Baylor | Position: G | Height: 6-4
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 11, 13 (3)

Crafty scorer who can pick apart defenses to get to the rim or pull up for the jumper. Questions remain about his shooting numbers, but scouts love his playmaking.


13. Jordan Hawkins | Toronto Raptors

UConn | Position: G | Height: 6-5
Status: Sophomore
Most Common: 12 (2)

Elite shooter who can hit from anywhere on the floor. Will likely be a catch-and-shoot guard who will thrive in the NBA’s wide-open offenses and produce right away with his deadly accuracy.


14. Nick Smith Jr. | New Orleans Pelicans

Arkansas | Position: F | Height: 6-2
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 13 (3)

Smith is an undersized off guard, but has the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether knocking down 3s or hitting mid-range floaters or runners. 


MOCK DRAFTS

ESPN.com

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Brandon Miller
3. Scoot Henderson
4. Amen Thompson
5. Ausar Thompson
6. Cam Whitmore
7. Jarace Walker
8. Anthony Black
9. Gradey Dick
10. Taylor Hendricks
11. Jordan Hawkins
12. Cason Wallace
13. Keyonte George
14. Nick Smith Jr.

Last updated: May 16


The Ringer

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Brandon Miller
3. Scoot Henderson
4. Amen Thompson
5. Cam Whitmore
6. Ausar Thompson
7. Taylor Hendricks
8. Anthony Black
9. Cason Wallace
10. Jarace Walker
11. Gradey Dick
12. Leonard Miller
13. Kobe Bufkin
14. Nick Smith Jr.

Last updated: May 16


The Athletic

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Brandon Miller
4. Amen Thompson
5. Cam Whitmore
6. Taylor Hendricks
7. Jarace Walker
8. Ausar Thompson
9. Anthony Black
10. Dereck Lively II
11. Gradey Dick
12. Leonard Miller
13. Cason Wallace
14. Kobe Bufkin

Last updated: May 16


Yahoo Sports

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Brandon Miller
4. Amen Thompson
5. Ausar Thompson
6. Jarace Walker
7. Taylor Hendricks
8. Cam Whitmore
9. Anthony Black
10. Gradey Dick
11. Keyonte George
12. Jordan Hawkins
13. Nick Smith Jr.
14. Jalen Hood-Schifino

Last updated: May 16


Bleacher Report

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Brandon Miller
4. Amen Thompson
5. Jarace Walker
6. Ausar Thompson
7. Taylor Hendricks
8. Cam Whitmore
9. Anthony Black
10. Gradey Dick
11. Keyonte George
12. Cason Wallace
13. Nick Smith Jr.
14. Jett Howard

Last updated: May 16


NetScouts Basketball

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Brandon Miller
4. Amen Thompson
5. Jarace Walker
6. Ausar Thompson
7. Cason Wallace
8. Cam Whitmore
9. Anthony Black
10. Taylor Hendricks
11. Gradey Dick
12. Keyonte George
13. Nick Smith Jr.
14. GG Jackson

Last updated: May 16


CBS Sports (Gary Parrish)

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Brandon Miller
3. Scoot Henderson
4. Amen Thompson
5. Jarace Walker
6. Anthony Black
7. Gradey Dick
8. Ausar Thompson
9. Cam Whitmore
10. Jalen Hood-Schifino
11. Keyonte George
12. Taylor Hendricks
13. Jordan Hawkins
14. Cason Wallace

Last updated: May 16


CBS Sports (Kyle Boone)

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Brandon Miller
3. Scoot Henderson
4. Amen Thompson
5. Cam Whitmore
6. Anthony Black
7. Jarace Walker
8. Ausar Thompson
9. Taylor Hendricks
10. Gradey Dick
11. Cason Wallace
12. Jordan Hawkins
13. Keyonte George
14. Kris Murray

Last updated: May 16


SB Nation

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Amen Thompson
4. Brandon Miller
5. Cam Whitmore
6. Taylor Hendricks
7. Ausar Thompson
8. Jarace Walker
9. Cason Wallace
10. Anthony Black
11. Gradey Dick
12. Keyonte George
13. Dariq Whitehead
14. Brice Sensabaugh

Last updated: May 16


USA Today/FTW

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Brandon Miller
3. Scoot Henderson
4. Amen Thompson
5. Cam Whitmore
6. Ausar Thompson
7. Taylor Hendricks
8. Cason Wallace
9. Jarace Walker
10. Anthony Black
11. Gradey Dick
12. Brice Sensabaugh
13. Keyonte George
14. Kobe Bufkin

Last updated: May 16

* * *

ESPN Insider: Jonathan Givony

The Ringer: Kevin O’Connor

The Athletic: Sam Vecenie

Bleacher Report: Jonathan Wasserman

Yahoo Sports: Krysten Peek

NetScouts Basketball: Carl Berman

CBS Sports: Kyle Boone, Gary Parrish

SB Nation: Ricky O’Donnell

USA Today / FTW: Bryan Kalbrosky

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