The 2023 NBA Draft class has historic potential. That starts with No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, who is already pushing the limits of the human imagination in his first campaign with the San Antonio Spurs. What is scary is how much room Wemby has left to grow. He's still sanding the rough edges of his game, especially on offense, and the Spurs haven't really put a complete team around him.
Every draft class has its early disappointments, but there's reason for sustained confidence in just about every top-10 pick. The early struggle bus patrons — Scoot Henderson, Amen Thompson, Taylor Hendricks — are going to be just fine. Meanwhile, the depth of the 2023 class has been on full display. Late first and early second-round picks Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandin Podziemski, and Andre Jackson Jr. are all contributing for contenders.
It's far too early for concrete assessments of the 2023 rookie class, but it's always fun to reimagine and recontextualize prospects based on new information. There are definitely a few NBA teams out there second-guessing their decisions last June. On the other hand, there are a few front offices celebrating their highway robbery and thanking the basketball gods that re-drafts don't actually occur.
Let's dive in.
Re-drafting the 2023 NBA Draft: Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller headline exciting class
Original Pick: Victor Wembanyama
No shocker here. The Spurs continue to benefit tremendously from Victor Wembanyama's presence, even if the team around him has struggled to manufacture wins. Wembanyama is already on the shortlist of most impactful rim protectors in the NBA. Poor efficiency is a mark against him on offense, but the Spurs have thrust Wemby into a major role with minimal support. As the personnel around him improves, Wembanyama should come upon easier looks at the rim. It's easy to buy his shooting touch. He is a generational talent, as expected.
Original Pick: Brandon Miller
We were pretty staunchly Scoot Henderson > Brandon Miller in these parts, but it's hard to imagine the Hornets feeling any regret about their decision so far. Miller has adjusted seamlessly to a starting role in the NBA, averaging 15.0 points in 32.3 minutes and hitting 38.2 percent of his 3s. The playmaking hasn't translated, but Miller is a potent off-ball scorer and capable wing defender who fits an archetype every NBA team covets.
Original Pick: Scoot Henderson
It's too early to abandon ship. The Blazers have experienced every pre-draft concern that plagued Scoot Henderson first hand. His decision-making is all over the place and he's struggling to score efficiently, splitting .373/.235/.784 with 11.1 points and 4.4 assists (3.2 turnovers). Still, after returning from an ankle injury, we have started to see flashes of the star point guard we all expected. He's getting downhill, flashing as a finisher, and looking far more comfortable setting the table. It may take a while, but Portland should remain committed to Henderson.
Original Pick: Amen Thompson
The Rockets make like Lindsay Lohan and swap twins. Amen Thompson needs time and space to get back up to speed after an ankle injury, but it's hard not to be impressed by Ausar Thompson's early output for the wayward Pistons. The wing defense is borderline elite and he's supplying enough paint pressure and rim finishing to contribute on offense. He would look even better with the Rockets' spacing and offensive infrastructure. Ausar can probably contribute more to Houston's present postseason quest than Amen, while offering comparable upside.
Original Pick: Ausar Thompson
Lost in the Wizards' awful start has been a series of extremely promising performances from Bilal Coulibaly, who has scored double digits in seven of his last eight games. He's shooting 41.6 percent on 3s, making solid decisions on offense, and contributing all over the court on defense. His length, anticipation skills, and athleticism have been on full display as one of the youngest players in the NBA. Coulibaly would fit the Pistons' current needs better than any other prospect, and frankly, he might be the best upside bet, too.
Original Pick: Anthony Black
Cason Wallace is shooting 50 percent from deep through 25 games. He has been absurdly efficient in a malleable bench role for the No. 2 seed Thunder, supplying connective tissue on offense and defending either guard position at a high level. OKC uses him all over the place on offense and in several different contexts on defense. He would help the postseason-aspirant Magic with their spacing, while further improving one of the NBA's top defenses.
Original Pick: Bilal Coulibaly
So, Jordan Poole ain't it. The Wizards need a go-to scorer and ball-handler to lead the next generation. Amen Thompson still has to iron out the 3-point shot, but he's a bolt of lightning attacking downhill with the most creative passing chops in this draft. We haven't seen much of him with Houston, but don't confuse the limitations of his role (and an early-season injury) for limitations of him as a player.
Original Pick: Jarace Walker
I'll humbly take the 'L' on Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was the No. 46 prospect at FanSided in June. Concerns about athleticism were vastly overblown. His iffy 3-point shot at UCLA felt like a mirage. He's splitting .505/.373/.842 in an expansive role for the reigning Eastern Conference champs. Jaquez can space the floor, create off drives, or lean into his unique post-up repertoire with great success. On defense, he's providing the energy and awareness needed to overcome limited lateral quickness. It's early, but Jaquez is already extremely good. He looks the part of a postseason contributor.
Original Pick: Taylor Hendricks
It has been a struggle from an efficiency standpoint for Keyonte George, but Utah handed him the starting point guard reins early on and there's no reason to jump ship. The flashes of shot creation — both for himself and for others — are extremely positive. George's pull-up shooting, physical driving, and improved court vision merit sustained investment.
Original Pick: Cason Wallace
Dereck Lively was essentially a day-one starter for a playoff team. That's extremely rare, especially at the center position. It's hard to anchor a defense in the NBA, but Lively's length, explosiveness, and anticipation skills have translated to immediate success. He's a legitimate rim deterrent. On offense, he's a hyper-efficient finisher who would provide the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey with another lob threat. Lively would boost OKC on both ends as a backup center who could also share the floor with Chet Holmgren in bigger lineups.
Original Pick: Jett Howard
Brandin Podziemski was recently promoted to the Warriors' starting five over Andrew Wiggins. That's more related to Wiggins than Podziemski, perhaps, but the rookie has been a plainly beneficial presence for a team that wants to contend. He competes hard on defense, making up for athletic limitations with I.Q. and effort. On offense, Podziemski hits 40.0 percent of his 3s and processes the game at a high level, amplifying Golden State's stars with his rapid-fire passes and selfless attitude.
Original Pick: Dereck Lively II
Anthony Black has been rock-solid as the stopgap starting point guard for the East's No. 4 seed. He's still not a volume shooter, but Black has all the trappings of a positive role player. He can defend multiple positions at 6-foot-7, he's a brilliant passer, and most importantly for Dallas, he doesn't actually need to run point guard to succeed. Involve him as a screener, spacer, cutter, ball-handler — regardless, he'll probably figure out how to positively influence the game.
Original Pick: Gradey Dick
Jarace Walker has been on G League assignment for the Pacers, but don't be fooled. He's a special prospect, blessed with unreal mobility for a 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward. Walker has the potential to guard five positions while oscillating between on-ball and off-ball roles offensively. That's a long way out — it's probably best for him to focus on simple, decisive actions on offense right now — but the Raptors love players in Walker's mold and he's worth the patience.
Original Pick: Jordan Hawkins
On a per-minute basis, few rookies have been more impactful than Andre Jackson Jr. in Milwaukee. He's going to be a postseason staple for one of the league's foremost contenders. His point of attack defense at 6-foot-6 is invaluable to the Bucks' second unit. On offense, he's hitting 47.8 percent of his 3s to go along with timely off-ball movement, explosive rim finishes, and precise passing.
Original Pick: Kobe Bufkin
We haven't seen much of Cam Whitmore since he fell from a projected top-five pick to No. 20 overall on draft night. He looked great in Summer League and he's absolutely tearing up the G League, though, so Atlanta should be smart enough to bet on talent. There's a strong chance Whitmore vastly outperforms even this spot in a few years time.
Original Pick: Keyonte George
Utah essentially flips first-round picks around. Taylor Hendricks has been buried in a deep frontcourt, but his defensive versatility and 3-point shooting at 6-foot-9 earned him top-10 status for a reason. The Jazz are already souring on John Collins, so it could be time for Hendricks to get his shine sooner rather than later. On paper, he's the perfect defensive four next to Walker Kessler.
Original Pick: Jalen Hood-Schifino
Marcus Sasser has been one of the few genuine bright spots for Detroit. He's buried somewhat in a deep backcourt, but his shot-making pops on a regular basis. He's one of the most versatile shooters on the team, with the quickness to beat closeouts, touch the paint, and create for others in concert with Detroit's primary ball-handlers. The Lakers could upgrade the Gabe Vincent spot in short order with Sasser.
Original Pick: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jordan Hawkins has been reliant on 3-point volume in New Orleans, but that was always the point. He's a gifted movement shooter who would thrive in a Miami system that empowers the likes of Duncan Robinson. Hawkins fits the 'Heat Culture' as a proven college winner who does bring energy and effort on defense, even if his slender frame comes with unavoidable limitations.
Original Pick: Brandin Podziemski
Nick Smith Jr. fell way too far on draft night. He has been sparsely used in Charlotte, but there's reason to believe the Warriors could derive value from a tall-ish scoring guard in lieu of Jordan Poole. Smith has hit 10-of-24 triples out of the gate and his sense for off-ball movement would align beautifully with Golden State's system.
Original Pick: Cam Whitmore
Toumani Camara was unheralded as Phoenix's No. 52 pick, but he has arguably been the most impactful rookie on Portland's roster since arriving as part of the Damian Lillard three-way trade. Camara still has to sand the rough edges of his game on offense, but he's a complete defensive juggernaut at 6-foot-8. He mucks up the game and often handles the Blazers' toughest assignments.
Original Pick: Noah Clowney
Jett Howard has been lightly used in Orlando, but there's natural appeal to a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter with Howard's comfort level attacking off the bounce and flowing into pull-up jumpers. He's 2-for-11 on 3s out of the gate, but that's too small a sample size to actually worry about. Howard has produced well in the G-League and the Nets could benefit from his complementary skill set.
Original Pick: Dariq Whitehead
There have ups and downs that are natural for any rookie, but Julian Strawther looks comfortable in Denver's system as the quintessential 3-and-D wing. The Nets could find similar use for the tried-and-true Gonzaga product, whose comfort running off screens and launching rapid-fire off the catch translates to any offense.
Original Pick: Kris Murray
Colby Jones has been buried in the Kings' deep perimeter rotation, but he has earned rave reviews from Mike Brown and the coaching staff. Jones was one of the most well-rounded role playing wings in the draft, complete with a projectable 3-point stroke, some burst attacking the rim, and a high basketball I.Q. If Portland wants a ready-now contributor in this spot, Jones is the best bet.
Original Pick: Olivier Maxence-Prosper
Preseason dreams of Olivier Maxence-Prosper starting on the wing have long faded, but there's no reason to believe Dallas would change their pick here. O-Max does fit a need on the Mavs' roster with his size, defensive intensity, and spot-up shooting. If the explosive downhill drives translate and O-Max can fully gain control of his athleticism, he will be a useful role player — at worst — for years to come.
Original Pick: Marcus Sasser
It has been a rough start for Gradey Dick in Toronto. It's a bit difficult to reconcile expectations of him as a "ready-now" contributor with the fact that he's still 20 years old. That said, the Pistons need size and shooting on the wing. Dick checks both boxes, and he was a generally impactful team defender at Kansas. What he lacks in athleticism and physicality, Dick should eventually be able to make up for with skill and I.Q.
Original Pick: Ben Sheppard
Craig Porter Jr. briefly entered the All-Rookie conversation with an impressive stint filling in for the injured Darius Garland in Cleveland. His role has since diminished, but Porter came out of nowhere as an instant-impact shooter and facilitator. He's on track for a long, fruitful career in the backup point guard role. The Pacers could work him into the guard rotation behind Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, potentially clearing the path for a T.J. McConnell trade.
Original Pick: Nick Smith Jr.
A flashy preseason established hype around Leonard Miller. He's not going to see any significant run in Minnesota's deep frontcourt, but 6-foot-11 forwards with Leonard's intersection of athleticism, hustle, and skill are hard to come by. He needs to polish his offensive repertoire, but Miller has the potential to hit spot-up 3s, attack fluidly on straight-line drives, and frequently punish sleepy defenders as a cutter — all while crashing the glass with reckless abandon and defending multiple positions.
Original Pick: Brice Sensabaugh
The Jazz bring back their entire original rookie class with Brice Sensabaugh. He looks great in the G-League. Utah clearly has a future for a guard-wing combo with Sensabaugh's penchant for 3-point bombing and upside for playmaking. He's not the most advanced passer (yet), but Sensabaugh knows how to generate advantages with subtle ball-handling jerks and clever deployment of his strength at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds.
Original Pick: Julian Strawther
Jordan Walsh has been banished to the G Leauge, and understandably so given the Celtics' position in the Eastern Conference standings, but he is — without question — a dude. At least on defense. Listed at 6-foot-7 with quick-twitch athleticism and a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Walsh can absolutely wall off ball-handlers at the point of attack. He's flashing on offense, too, with bursty drives and enough 3-point shooting to project confidently long-term.
Original Pick: Kobe Brown
Is Trayce Jackson-Davis about to start at center for the Warriors? Golden State's youth revolution continues. There was no reason for Jackson-Davis to fall to No. 57 in the first place. The Clippers strike gold on a day-one backup center with the potential to take over Ivica Zubac's role somewhere down the line.