NBA Draft 2023: Latest stock watch including Jett Howard and GG Jackson

Stock: Down

Dillon Mitchell – Texas – 6’8, 205 lbs – Freshman –  October 2003

Mitchell impressed me at Montverde with his freak athleticism and high motor and I tabbed him as a potential lottery pick in the preseason. Those two attributes haven’t changed, but Mitchell is just struggling to make much of an impact in Austin right now.

I didn’t think he would be much of a shooter, but Mitchell hasn’t even attempted a three this season and his 12-22 free throw numbers don’t suggest he will become one. Playing next alongside two ball-dominant guards, I didn’t expect Mitchell to play a huge role. But unlike Taylor Hendricks, Mitchell can be invisible on both ends at times. The defense and rebounding aren’t bad and Mitchell still has some highlight moments. That end will likely be his calling card early on and he should be versatile enough to guard a few spots.

Again, Mitchell’s lack of success early on isn’t entirely on him. Texas is a veteran team across the board with guys that impact their title hopes more right now. Mitchell has seldom used in the dunker spot or short-roll opportunities, which is where he thrived in high school and would be best fit in the NBA. It isn’t a Greg Brown scenario, because Mitchell strikes me as a smarter player who uses his physical tools more effectively. I think Mitchell is talented and toolsy enough to make it at some point. Still, it’s hard to have him as a lottery guy right now and expect him to be an impactful NBA player from the get-go when he isn’t doing that in college.

Stock: Down

Terrance Arceneaux – Houston – 6’5, 195 lbs – Freshman – November 2003

Despite being a four-star recruit, Arcenaux was a trendy sleeper one-and-done prospect in the preseason. After double-digit scoring games against Oral Roberts and Oregon, there was some strong buzz. But Arcenaux has regressed a bit lately, playing just eight minutes against Alabama and getting a DNP against Virginia.

Like Mitchell, it wasn’t inconceivable that Arcenaux would struggle to find a consistent role. Houston is a top-three team in the sport with veterans across every position. That being said, Arceneaux has struggled when given time. Billed as a “three-and-D” wing, Arcenaux hasn’t found his groove as a shooter. He doesn’t offer much on the ball in terms of creating for himself or others and his lack of strength has inhibited him as a shooter.

In Houston’s trapping scheme, Arcenaux has had success as a roamer and in passing lanes. He still needs to shore up his point-of-attack defense. Arcenaux’s minutes will be interesting to track as the Cougars start conference play soon, but are expected to roll through the AAC. Finding a consistent spot in the rotation would be super beneficial to him, but I think it could also help Houston come March.

I’m not out on Arcenaux as a prospect by any means, I just think he needs another year in school. With a handful of Houston’s players expected to go pro or graduate, he could step into a much larger role next season.