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

7. Washington Wizards – Cason Wallace – Kentucky – 6’4, 193 lbs – November 2003

Another team on the verge of consistent mediocrity, the Wizards could afford to swing for some upside with Cam Whitmore here, but I love Cason Wallace’s skillset next to Beal.

Wallace is not only the best defensive guard prospect in this draft but maybe the last few. He is incredibly strong, active on the ball, and knows where to be in the help. With his size and strength, he can defend both backcourt spots well, similar to a Jrue Holiday. Wallace has shot the ball well off the catch and while he isn’t the most dynamic with the ball in his hands, there’s enough handle and speed to be a secondary handler. Wallace may also benefit from NBA spacing more than others, playing in a cramped Kentucky backcourt.

Wallace’s skills complement Beal’s defensive inability and he can help get Beal and Kyle Kuzma the ball in the right spots. This isn’t a “sexy upside” pick, but Wallace has the highest floor of any guard in this class.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder – Brandon Miller – Alabama – 6’9, 200 lbs – November 2002

Even with rookie center and former top 2 pick Chet Holmgren out for the season, the Thunder have remained semi-competitive in large part due to the young backcourt duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

The Thunder land one of the best shooters in the draft and the most productive freshman in the country in Miller. At 6’9, Miller has been on fire from deep this year at over 46%. He’s got versatility in that area, hitting shots off the move and catch. It’s not like he is a ball-hog either, showing a willingness to move the ball and play within the team context.

The handle and rim-finishing has been really poor and Miller has struggled against more physical teams. He struggles to create for himself. He’s also on the older side as a prospect, limiting his upside.

Regardless, the Thunder can swing on a complimentary role player with real size and shooting that I think makes Miller a pretty safe pick.

9. Orlando Magic (Via Chicago Bulls) – Cam Whitmore – Villanova – 6’7, 232 lbs – July 2004

After shoring up the backcourt depth with Nick Smith at No. 3, the Magic take an athletic wing with Whitmore at No. 9. After missing the first month of the season with a hand injury, Whitmore has been productive on an oddly mediocre Villanova team. He is a big, strong, powerful wing, who thrives as a straight-line driver. He hasn’t been a great shooter, but Whitmore has decent enough mechanics to think he can be passable (35-37%) at the next level.

Whitmore will need to show some more IQ, as he is a bit of a ball-stopper at times and has a low assist rate. But, he is incredibly young for this draft class and playing in a weird context. The Magic can let Whitmore develop a bit and not task him with too much responsibility, but he should be able to pair well with the young core.