2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Pistons face difficult choice at No. 2
142. . G, Arkansas. Washington Wizards. Anthony Black. 9. player
The Wizards are still stuck in NBA no man’s land, unable to mount a serious run in the East but not bad enough to properly join the Wemby sweepstakes. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis have formed quite the offensive tandem, but Washington could use another two-way contributor on the perimeter — especially given the questions about Kyle Kuzma’s future with the franchise.
Anthony Black profiles as an immediate positive-impact player and a comfortable fit next to Beal in the backcourt. Washington spent a lottery pick on a guard last summer, but with Johnny Davis coming along slowly, a more imminently successful guard like Black could interest them.
Black is maybe the best intangibles prospect in the lottery. He doesn’t need to dominate touches to influence winning at the highest level. He’s a heady, high-effort defender and one of the quickest processors on the board. He plays a free-flowing and unselfish style, making snappy decisions and keeping the ball in motion. A lot of comps have been made to Lonzo Ball.
While Black pails in comparison to Ball as a perimeter shooter, there’s reason for optimism on that front. Even if he struggles in the meantime, Black’s playmaking eye and connective-tissue skill set should still prove useful. At 6-foot-7, he provides excellent size and versatility at his position.