NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson leads January mock draft

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Jalen Hood-Schifino – Indiana – 6’6, 213 lbs – June 2003

The Grizzlies have undoubtedly been one of the best drafting teams the past few years with major hits like Desmond Bane, John Konchar and even Santi Aldama finding success in his second season. As a result, they are atop the standings in the West and don’t have too many holes on their roster.

Hood-Schifino may not see immediate time, but is a potential candidate to replace Tyus Jones who enters unrestricted free agency after the 2023-2024 season. Hood-Schifino has come on late for Indiana in the absence of Xavier Johnson. He’s got great size for a point guard, makes heady reads, isn’t the burstiest but plays with a good pace, and has shown improvement as a shooter from his Montverde days.

Hood-Schifino’s upside feels a bit capped without elite athletic tools or a knockdown jumper, but there’s enough of a framework here to think he can be a backup point guard in the NBA. He’s a potential return candidate for the 2024 draft, but the Grizzlies can afford to stash him in the G-League for a year and without a ton of depth at the point guard spot in this class, I can see him being convinced to stay in.

29. Charlotte Hornets (Via Denver Nuggets) – Coleman Hawkins – Illinois – 6’10, 200 lbs – December 2001

The Hornets will have some holes to fill up front, and Hawkins is an intriguing long-term piece that could make some sense here. After barely playing as a freshman, and then being limited next to Kofi Cockburn last season, Hawkins has found his role this season playing both front-court spots for Illinois.

Perimeter skills at his size are the main selling point. Hawkins has plus vision and can operate offense out of the high-post, dribble-handoffs or in the short roll. His turnover numbers are a bit high, but Hawkins has shown he’s not afraid to take risks as a playmaker, which is a sign of high processing. The three-point shooting will be a swing skill and while it has ticked up this year, he doesn’t always look 100% confident shooting them. Hawkins still needs to get better at traditional center things like play-fishing and rebounding. But, front-court players that can space the floor, pass, and offer rim protection usually stick around and Hawkins does a lot of things you look for in a modern four or five.

30. Indiana Pacers (Via Boston Celtics) – Jaylen Clark – UCLA – 6’5, 195 lbs – October 2001

Admittedly, this is probably the highest the UCLA junior will hear his name called. But, if you follow me you know I am a massive Jaylen Clark fan. He embodies so many aspects of winning basketball.

Clark is incredibly hard-nosed, rebounding exceptionally well for his size and always finding himself in the mix of a play. He is a strong point-of-attack defender, who wreaks havoc off the ball. Clark’s +12.7 BPM is third among high-major players and is a key reason why the Bruins are 16-2.

Offensively, his shooting has predictably regressed and I don’t buy it long-term. But he still finds ways to score in transition and as a cutter. He will play a low-usage role and should add value defensively. He’s a wonky prospect, but he plays too hard for me not to believe.

I went front-court with the Pacers’ first two picks, and with Tyrese Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard all playing well as youngsters, Clark won’t need the ball in his hands to help them succeed.