2023 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: What if 76ers trade into first round?
With the wing trio of Banchero, Wagner, and Miller now installed, Orlando takes Gradey Dick in an effort to bolster the supporting cast. Dick is one of the best volume shooters in the draft, capable of hitting shots on the move and occasionally even torching his defender with a couple size-up dribbles and a step-back. He’s also a sharp connective playmaker and competitive defender at 6-foot-7, despite his spindly frame.
OKC has the luxury of depth at almost every position right now. Sam Presit has done a magnificent job of filling out that roster with promising young talent, and he still has a treasure trove of cap flexibility and trade assets to work with. In Keyonte George, they add another volume shooter to the backcourt — but also a twitchy self-creator with the upside to one day carry the scoring burden alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Toronto adds size and shooting in Jett Howard, son of former NBA All-Star Juwan Howard. A talented offensive player who can fit seamlessly into just about any system, Howard’s 3-point proficiency and passing acumen would certainly elevate the Raptors’ hopelessly compressed offense. He needs to put in the work to become a better defender, but the Raptors have several elite defenders to pick up Howard’s slack early on.
The youngest player on the board, GG Jackson originally profiled as a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2024 before reclassifying to the class of 2023 and joining South Carolina a year early. The results were mixed, but it’s hard not to see the bright future of a powerful 6-foot-8 athlete who can create his own shots off the dribble. Utah can afford to take an upside swing with their second lottery pick.
Trade details: 76ers receive John Collins + No. 15 pick, No. 47 pick; Hawks receive Tobias Harris, Nassir Little, Trendon Watford + No. 34 pick; Blazers receive Clint Capela
The Sixers finally swing a Tobias Harris trade, offloading the 30-year-old in the final year of his contract. In return, Philly gets to buy low on John Collins, who just a few years ago was averaging a steady 20-10. In addition to Collins, the Sixers receive the draft rights to Cason Wallace — a generational perimeter defender and promising combo-guard who would immediately find his place in the second unit… especially if James Harden bolts for Houston.