Mock Draft Roundup: Experts Make Final Predictions for Warriors' 2023 Draft Pick

The Warriors are currently slated to make the 19th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday. The Dubs can go several directions with that pick, so we’ve scoured the web for various mock drafts to see who the “experts” think the Warriors will take. Keep reading to see who various media outlets predict will go to the Dubs at No. 19.

The following draft prospects are among those who external media members are predicting to be selected by the Warriors in the 2023 NBA Draft, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Golden State Warriors or its basketball operations staff.

Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports draft experts have the Dubs selecting Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr., who played in 17 games for the Razorbacks, averaging 12.5 points. Smith Jr. was among the highest-ranked players from his high school recruiting class but had an "up-and-down season at Arkansas," plagued with a knee injury that kept him sidelined for most of the season. Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports believes Smith Jr.'s upside is too hard to pass on late in the first round.

"Coming into the college season as one of the best freshman guards in the country, it would be hard to pass on him (Smith Jr.) in the back half of the first round," Peek said.

Bleacher Report and ESPN.com draft experts have the Warriors selecting combo guard Brandin Podziemski from Santa Clara. Podziemski was named WCC Co-Player of the Year, averaging 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals this past season. He was very efficient, shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman envisions Podziemski giving the Warriors' second unit "extra creation and shot-making."

"The Santa Clara guard strengthened his first-round case at the combine, leaving scouts more confident that his shot-making, playmaking and rebounding can translate," Wasserman said.

Bryan Kalbrosky of USA Today has the Warriors taking former Duke center Dereck Lively II. Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports, who has Lively going to the Dallas Mavericks with the 10th pick, described Lively as "a prolific shot blocker and rebounder who can contribute right away defensively." In addition, Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer, who now projects the Orlando Magic to take Lively with the 11th pick, envisioned Lively being successful setting ball screens for Stephen Curry pick-and-rolls, which the Dubs had a lot of success with in the postseason.  

"Their success running ball screens with Steph Curry in postseason situations is undeniable," O'Connor said. (Lively's) a great finisher off rolls and cuts. He has soft hands for catching fastballs and a massive wingspan to catch passes above the rim. With bouncy athleticism, he's a constant lob threat in the half court."

Lively played one season at Duke and averaged 5.2 points on 65.8 percent from the field, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks through 34 games.

Brady Klopfer of SB Nation has the Warriors selecting center Noah Clowney from Alabama. Clowney possesses a 7'2 wingspan and a versatile skillset while being one of the younger prospects in the draft at 18 years old. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, averaging 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds.

Brady Klopfer draws comparisons to Kevon Looney citing a player that has "length, athleticism, and instincts that project Clowney as a quality defender."

Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer, who has the Pelicans taking Clowney with the 14th pick, sees Clowney being effective as a roller and pick-and-pop threat.

"He's a versatile ball-screen threat since he could become a shooter and he’s already skilled on the roll. He has soft hands to catch tough passes, and in the paint has great patience going up for layups," O'Connor said.

"Dick could help immediately in Steve Kerr’s motion-based offensive system. Dick offers more than shooting because his playmaking ability and at-rim finishing, making him a higher-upside player than people give him credit for," O'Connor said.

Anthony Slater of the Athletic has the Warriors selecting forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. from UCLA. Jaquez played four years with the Bruins and had his best season in his senior year, averaging 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds. Jaquez was named PAC-12 Player of the Year for his performance.

Slater views Jaquez as someone who could provide 20 legit rotation minutes as a rookie.

"Jaquez plays a style conducive to Steve Kerr's system," Slater said.

Based on new General Manager Mike Dunleavy's introductory press conference, Slater thinks the Warriors may seek out an older player and prioritize someone who can contribute right away.

That said, Dunleavy emphasized in that press conference his desire to simply draft "a good basketball player" regardless of their age.

Overall, the Warriors could go several different directions during the 2023 NBA Draft, including potentially trading their 19th pick. So, tune into the NBA Draft tomorrow at 5 p.m. Pacific (ESPN for full draft, ABC for first round only) to see what the Warriors decide to do.