The Sixer Sense
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2023 NBA Mock Draft: 5 first round prospects the 76ers should monitor

By Christopher Kline

Dec 10, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Dariq Whitehead (0) shoots over Maryland Eastern Shore Eagles guard Da'Shawn Phillip (5) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Dariq Whitehead (0) shoots over Maryland Eastern Shore Eagles guard Da'Shawn Phillip (5) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

F. Central Florida. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 11. player. 27. Taylor Hendricks

Taylor Hendricks shot up draft boards with a surprising freshman season at UCF. A gutsy, multi-faceted defender who can splash 3s and proficiently attack closeouts, Hendricks is the type of 3-and-D contributor contenders covet. The Knicks have depth across the board and thus prioritize Hendricks’ winning qualities and defensive acumen, which could speak to Tom Thibodeau.

38. F. Metropolitans 92. 12. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Bilal Coulibaly. player

Bilal Coulibaly has a lot of positive momentum right now. He could wait another season and angle for top-10 status in 2024, but frankly he might not be that far off if the right lottery team latches on this season. The Magic love athletes and Coulibaly pops with his blend of length and explosiveness on the wing.

Scouting Report. G. Cason Wallace. player. 13. 81. Pick Analysis. Kentucky

The Raptors desperately need guard play, especially with Fred VanVleet entering free agency. Cason Wallace isn’t totally comfortable being a lead playmaker yet, but he’s a good shooter and savvy passer who can absolutely terrorize ball-handlers on the defensive end.

G. 14. player. 69. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Connecticut. Jordan Hawkins

Jordan Hawkins boosted his stock significantly with a strong NCAA tournament run for the champs. He’s an elite off-ball shooter, possessing arguably the most immediately translatable and valuable single skill a player can possess. The Pelicans are looking to win sooner than later and Hawkins’ skill set accentuates the star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Scouting Report. Michigan. player. 125. Pick Analysis. F. Jett Howard. 15

There appears to be some hesitance to anoint Jett Howard because of his poor defense, but the offensive skill set is undeniable. Son of former NBA All-Star Juwan Howard, the protege fared quite well in his freshman campaign at Michigan. Howard is an excellent shooter with size and creation upside, plus he certainly tries to defend. The intangibles and complementary skill set should make the wayward Hawks interested.