2023 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: What if 76ers trade into first round?

The Nets add backcourt depth in the form of Jalen Hood-Schifino, one of the biggest freshmen surprises of the college basketball season. Not originally expected to go one-and-done, the Indiana product impressed talent evaluators with his herky-jerky handles and fearless shot-making. A lack of explosiveness and efficiency finishing around the basket is cause for concern, but Hood-Schifino is a master manipulator off the dribble and his players with his size, shooting, and playmaking upside tend to be worth the risk.

Brooklyn gets a double shot of creation skills on the perimeter. Brandin Podziemski has been ultra-productive outside the national spotlight at Santa Clara, but bigger guards who can comfortably create space off the dribble and shoot 3s at a high rate are always valulable. What Podziemski may lack in athleticism, he makes up for with craft, confidence, and a will to win (he averaged over eight rebounds per game as a perimeter player).

With Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons running the show and a defensive core of Clint Capela, Jarace Walker, and Matisse Thybulle established, Portland now looks for complementary talent on the offensive end. Jordan Hawkins has a credible claim to the title of best shooter in the draft; the kind of speciality skill that can lead to a successful career.

The Kings’ biggest vice right now is defense. For all the super-charged offensive power that team possesses, it’s hard to project toward the playoffs with any confidence when the team has a bottom-five defense. Rayan Rupert won’t solve all their problems, but he’s an absolute menace on the perimeter with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and a talent for disruption.

With Myles Turner locked up long term and the backcourt duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Amen Thompson in place, the Pacers target size and shooting in the form of Kris Murray. Twin brother of last year’s No. 4 overall pick, Keegan Murray, the Iowa product experienced an eerily similar breakout this season. He profiles as an excellent complementary talent at the 4 spot.