With the NBA season at the midway point and the college basketball campaign nearing its own, it's time to take a look at how prospects are faring ahead of the NBA draft in June.
As the Association continues to increasingly prioritize offense and scoring creators with size, it's little surprise that this list is comprised of 21 forwards compared to just eight guards and one center.
There's too much yet to determine in the NBA standings, so instead of focusing on team needs, this mock draft zeroes in on the quality of the respective prospects and how their talents translate to the professional game.
Stats and standings as of Jan. 12.
1. Houston Rockets - Victor Wembanyama, F, Metropolitans 92
What has Wembanyama done since becoming an instant phenomenon in his team's games against the G League Ignite back in October? Only lead the French league in points, rebounds, and blocks, while posting the highest performance rating the league has seen in almost 30 years. Almost more importantly, he's played in every game so far this season, easing injury concerns slightly.
On the downside, Wembanyama has hit only 22% of his 3-pointers in his last six games. But considering his solid shooting form, and the fact he's getting insane defensive attention, it isn't a major roadblock towards him being the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.
2. Charlotte Hornets - Scoot Henderson, G, G League Ignite
Overwhelmingly expected to be the second pick, Henderson has only played seven G League games in a late-starting season. But he has impressed nonetheless, averaging 21 points and 6.4 assists on nearly 50% shooting from the field. He's been getting to the basket relentlessly, showcasing his generational athleticism that allows him to produce show-stopping slams.
Much like Wembanyama, though, the shooting is a slight concern. Henderson is making under 30% of his long balls, and his 2.4 attempts per game may be an even bigger issue. If the 18-year-old can't at least keep defenses honest from deep, it produces a noticeable hole in an otherwise tremendously well-rounded skillset.
3. Detroit Pistons - Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova
In a draft that features a clear top two, Whitmore provides a balance of potential and immediate projectability. The well-built 6-foot-6 wing already has NBA-level strength and athleticism, and he's become Villanova's lead option after missing the start of the season with a thumb injury.
On a team with little offensive creation, Whitmore's taken over 65% of his shots off the dribble, and has only attempted five unguarded jump shots all season, per Synergy. Yet he's still hitting 35% of his 3-pointers in conference play. Combine his athletic profile and potential offensive profile with the fact that he'll still be 18 when drafted, and he becomes an enticing consolation prize.
4. San Antonio Spurs - Amen Thompson, F, Overtime Elite
No one has been drafted out of the Overtime Elite program in its early stages, but that will surely change with the Thompson twins. Amen's speed and bounce at 6-foot-7 are unmatched in this draft class, but it's his on-ball skills as a point forward that have scouts the most intrigued. At the very least, he'll be a menace in transition at the next level.
On the flip side, there are still questions about his ability to both score and make plays for others in the halfcourt. He's yet to worry defenses with his 3-point jumper, and being sagged off as an on-ball player creates tons of spacing issues in the NBA. Still, with his elite physical profile and clear passing acumen, he could be molded into one of the best players in the draft in a couple years.
5. Orlando Magic - Brandon Miller, F, Alabama
Miller has been scorching the nets from deep for an Alabama team that may be the best in the country. The 5-star recruit is hitting 44.5% of his long balls this season, both off the catch and on the bounce. His rangy 6-foot-9 frame allows him to shoot over contesting defenders and helps his projection as a defender, where he's been hit-or-miss.
That said, the 20-year-old freshman is making just 41.2% of layups, showing a lack of burst around the rim, though he has averaged nearly five free throw attempts per game.
6. Washington Wizards - Nick Smith, G, Arkansas
Smith was probably the most popular choice to go behind Wembanyama and Henderson prior to the season, but a knee injury has limited him to five games on the year. In action, the 6-foot-5 guard hit just 39% of his field goals and only produced nine assists to six turnovers while playing one high-major team in the process.
Still, Smith was the MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic for a reason, and he's proven to be a high-level scorer with a shifty handle and effective shotmaking throughout his prep career. Whether he gets the chance to show that off consistently at the college level will drastically swing his draft range.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jarace Walker, F, Houston
Playing only 24.5 minutes per game on a loaded Houston team that plays at one of the country's slowest paces, Walker is averaging an eye-popping 26.2 points, 15.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.2 blocks per 100 possessions. The bouncy 6-foot-8, 240lbs forward is also making 51% of his twos and 40% of his threes on the year.
Proving that he can combine his unrelenting motor and impressive frame with serious on-court production makes him one of the safer picks among the lottery, and there's room to grow an off-the-bounce repertoire offensively.
8. Toronto Raptors - Ausar Thompson, F, Overtime Elite
The other Thompson twin plays similarly to his brother and shares many of his strengths and weaknesses. He is also seen as a project due to a lack of half-court offensive production right now, but he oozes potential with a smooth athletic game and vision on the ball.
While many of the college stars sandwiching Thompson in the mock draft have quantifiable numbers to go along with their skill sets, it's just much harder to properly compare both Thompsons to the rest of the class. That could either be a big advantage, or disadvantage, for whichever team drafts them.
9. Orlando Magic (via CHI) - Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
There's been a lot to like from Wallace's freshman campaign on an otherwise disappointing Kentucky team. First and foremost, Wallace is a hyperactive defender, combining a sturdy 6-foot-4 frame, lateral quickness, and aggressiveness that puts him in the top 75 nationally in steal percentage. On top of that, he's shown decent playmaking skills and a consistent 3-point jumper he's hitting at 41.9%.
Wallace does have some room to grow as an offensive creator, though, hitting just 36.8% of his jump shots off the dribble, per Synergy. That said, at 19 years old, scouts should be banking on his ability to grow and combine on-ball scoring with his enticing defensive profile, burgeoning passing, and standstill shooting.
10. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) - Gradey Dick, F, Kansas
Although Dick entered college with the reputation of a shooter, he's still been better than advertised. The 6-foot-8 wing is shooting 47.2% from beyond the arc, including a remarkable 52.4% of his 21 3-point attempts off the dribble. He's also been an extremely helpful piece for a potential national championship-winning Kansas team, featuring in the team's most efficient two, three, four, and five-man lineups, per EvanMiya.com.
While his strength and defense remain concerns at the next level, there's no denying Dick's ability to shoot at an elite clip and play heady basketball immediately in the NBA.
11. Atlanta Hawks - Keyonte George, G, Baylor
Expectations were sky-high for both George and Baylor this season, but each have had some struggles. Seen as one of the top scorers in the freshman class, George is connecting on just 39.6% of his field goals, and a large reason for that is his questionable shot selection. Per Synergy, over 85% of his shots are considered medium or low quality, many being long twos or contested threes.
George has shown some promise as a defender despite a lack of physical tools, but he isn't flashing as a playmaker, posting a near-even assist to turnover ratio on the season. If he isn't able to up his efficiency scoring the ball, he runs the risk of falling further down the draft board without many other elite skills to bank on.
12. Portland Trail Blazers - Brice Sensabaugh, F, Ohio State
Sensabaugh has gone from 4-star prospect to potential lottery pick in three months thanks to a vast and efficient scoring repertoire. He's currently the first freshman in the Basketball Reference database to shoot at least 50% from the field, 40% from deep, and 80% from the free throw line on at least 10 shot attempts per game, and he has scored at least 17 points in all but one of the eight contests in which he's seen over 20 minutes.
There's still a question of whether he can keep up this pace long-term, as well as questions about his unconventional 6-foot-6, 235lbs frame, but one can't ignore his current production.
13. Utah Jazz (via MIN) - Jett Howard, F, Michigan
Pardon the lack of sophisticated basketball terminology, but Howard's game can be described quite easily - he's a bucket. He ranks in the top third nationally in catch and shoot jumpers, off the dribble pull ups, runners, and scoring at the rim, per Synergy. He's also the first freshman in over a decade to make at least 2.5 twos and threes per game while shooting at least 55% from inside and 35% from outside the arc.
That said, Howard isn't very athletic at 6-foot-8, which affects both his burst off the bounce (he only has three dunks on the season) and defensive potential. Still, in a league continuing to prioritize offense, Howard should be seen as a hot commodity.
14. Utah Jazz - Noah Clowney, F, Alabama
Ranked as just the 68th recruit in ESPN's 2022 class, Clowney was seen as a likely multi-year prospect who could serve to put on weight and grow offensively. But after starting from day one, shooting nearly 70% from inside the arc and 35% on threes, and ranking in the SEC's top 10 in blocks and rebounds, Clowney has surely put himself on the first-round radar.
With the potential to defend the rim, guard multiple positions, finish around the basket, and hit standstill threes, the 18-year-old is the perfect project with tantalizing upside.
15. Golden State Warriors - Jordan Hawkins, G, UConn
Hawkins has as pure a jump shot as you'll find in college basketball, making nearly 39% of his threes on a high volume. More than just a solid percentage, he can make shots off the bounce, in transition, off of movement, or on the catch, all at an NBA level. He's also played surprisingly solid defense on the perimeter, and at 6-foot-5 with decent quickness, he can guard positions one through three moving forward.
Scoring inside the arc has been a challenge for him, though, making just 50% of his shots at the rim and shooting only 27.3% on 2-point jumpers. He also hasn't topped three assists in any of his 43 career college games. If Hawkins can develop a more well-rounded offensive profile, he could become a top-half starting two-guard in the NBA.
16. Phoenix Suns - Dariq Whitehead, F, Duke
After being ranked No. 2 in ESPN's 2022 freshman class, things have not gone as planned for Whitehead. He was hurt to begin Duke's season and hasn't been very effective since returning. Known as a strong athlete, Whitehead's shown a lack of burst and physicality, shooting 52 of his 107 shots from beyond the arc and getting to the free throw line just 13 times.
He'll still be 18 when drafted, so there's certainly tons of time for Whitehead to turn things around, and his defense has been solid at times, which is a positive for someone with the tools on that end. But based off the way he's played in college thus far, there are other wing options that have showcased more offensive versatility and projectability at the next level.
17. Los Angeles Clippers - Maxwell Lewis, F, Pepperdine
Despite playing at mid-major Pepperdine, Lewis has scored from all areas of the floor this season at a long 6-foot-7, already providing two vital skills for a first-rounder. Though his college team plays little defense, any team drafting Lewis is hoping he can become the ever-popular 3-and-D wing while being able to showcase his impressive offensive game that has him 18th nationally in scoring at 20.1 points per game on a sparkling 62.9% true shooting.
18. Miami Heat - Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
Without fellow star freshman Nick Smith, Black has taken over on-ball duties for Arkansas to mixed results. His 6-foot-7 frame allows him to see over defenses, and he's used that to make strong passes and get to the basket with ease. On the flipside, he's only made one of his 13 3-pointers in conference play and remains limited as a prospect until the jumper comes around.
19. Indiana Pacers - Kris Murray, F, Iowa
In terms of pure production, Murray has almost taken the same leap that his brother, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan, did at Iowa last season. He's proven to be a dynamic scorer (20.9 points per game) and solid rebounder at his position (9.6 rebounds per game), becoming one of the most effective players in high-major basketball. He'll be 23 by the time he makes his NBA debut, though, and lacks ceiling-raising potential without top-tier NBA burst.
20. New York Knicks - Colby Jones, F, Xavier
Jones is joined by former first-rounders Kyle Anderson and Denzel Valentine as the only power conference players in Basketball Reference's all-time database to average at least 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists while hitting at least 44% of their 3-pointers. While not flashy, Jones is proving to be a solid pick for any team looking for a quality depth piece on the wing.
21. New York Knicks (via DAL) - Julian Strawther, F, Gonzaga
Strawther is a relatively known commodity at this point. He's an excellent spot-up 3-point shooter who can hold his own defensively with solid positional size at 6-foot-7. He'll probably never be more than a prototypical 3-and-D wing, but there's unlikely to be more of a clear-cut candidate for that role in this draft, especially considering his proven success at Gonzaga.
22. Sacramento Kings - GG Jackson, F, South Carolina
One of the youngest players in college basketball, Jackson reclassified to join a very poor South Carolina team this season. The results have been as expected - flashes of excellence mixed with loads of inefficiency and growing pains. It's tough for NBA teams to envision a role for Jackson while he sits third in the SEC in usage rate, but as a 6-foot-9, 18-year-old with a strong pedigree and usable jumper, he's clearly worth a first round pick.
23. Los Angeles Lakers (via NO) - Andre Jackson, F, UConn
It's pretty rare that a junior averaging 6.6 points on 38% shooting from the field and 29.4% from deep is a projected first-rounder, but Jackson is an exception. His jaw-dropping bounce, top-tier defending, and point forward abilities make him the ultimate role player for No. 6 UConn, and will allow him to succeed in the same role at the next level. He currently sits No. 4 nationally in EvanMiya.com's BPR statistic, representing "the ultimate measure of a player's overall value to his team when he is on the floor."
24. Indiana Pacers (via CLE) - Rayan Rupert, F, New Zealand Breakers
One of the bigger wildcards in the field, Rupert's length and promising stroke screams 3-and-D wing. The Frenchman is just 18 years old and is still relatively early in his pro development, which only adds to his enticing profile. A team looking to hit a home run has a decent shot at doing so with Rupert, and increased production in the NBL could see his stock continue to rise, like last year's No. 11 pick, Ousmane Dieng.
25. Brooklyn Nets (via PHI) - Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana
After a pretty rough start to his freshman campaign, Hood-Schifino has been excellent for Indiana, averaging 19.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while making 55% of his field goals and a whopping 60.7% of his 3-pointers on nearly five attempts per game in his last six contests. Between his shooting, his ability to run the pick-and-roll as a ball handler, and his legitimate size at 6-foot-6, he has the look of a modern combo guard offensively.
26. Houston Rockets (via MIL) - Kel'el Ware, C, Oregon
Selecting Ware is a projection pick, with the ultra-lanky, 7-foot, 210lbs big man lacking strength and college production. ESPN's No. 8 recruit is playing just 21.1 minutes per game off the bench at Oregon, though he has flashed potential as a spot-up shooter along with expected rim protection. The 18-year-old has a long way to go but could eventually become a starting center in the league.
27. Utah Jazz (via BKN) - Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF
Hendricks has been UCF's best player from the jump as a freshman, producing an all-around game at 6-foot-9 that rightfully has scouts excited. He grades out excellently as a jump shooter, a transition scorer, and a rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. What position he guards defensively remains a question, but if he can continue to be productive, he's a prime candidate to fly up teams' draft boards.
28. Memphis Grizzlies - Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
After sitting in the shadows of 2022 first-rounders Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun on the wing last season, Wilson has become one of the best players in the country this year. Though not insanely athletic or dynamic, he's a solid standstill shooter and an excellent rebounder for his position. As one of the older players on the board at 22 and with proven college productivity, Wilson is among the safer choices at the end of the first round.
29. Charlotte Hornets (via DEN) - Kevin McCullar, F, Kansas
Wilson's teammate McCullar has much less offensive pop, but his blend of tremendous on-ball defense, physicality at 6-foot-6, and surprising playmaking skills should catch scouts' attention. Not only is McCullar eighth nationally in steals per game at 2.7, but the only other power conference players in the 21st century to add at least 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists to that steal tally are highly regarded NBA role players Jae Crowder and Gary Payton II.
30. Indiana Pacers (via BOS) - Marcus Sasser, G, Houston
Sasser may not be shooting the ball quite as well as his 43.7% clip from deep last season, but he's still been one of the more impactful players in the country for No. 1 Houston. One of the best guard defenders in the country, he ranks in the top five nationally in win shares and box plus/minus, illustrating his immense value on the floor. For a team seeking a backup point guard who can hit open threes, find teammates, and frustrate the opponent's lead-scoring option, Sasser is a worthy investment.
