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

10. Atlanta Hawks – Jarace Walker – Houston – 6’8, 240 lbs – September 2003

The Hawks feel like a team way too talented to be picking here, but alas the NBA is just deep and talented. With no dire holes, the Hawks get a toughness and physicality boost here with Walker. The chiseled 6’8 forward has been a steadying two-way force for the No. 1 ranked Cougars. He is a versatile and tough defender, who plays hard and rebounds well. His offensive game has come and gone, especially on a team with a lot of high-usage guards. But Walker has shown some flashes of taking slow-footed bigs off the bounce, short-roll passing, and play-finishing.

The jumper, even if passable, could turn Walker into a high-level two-way player. But even if it doesn’t come around, he does too many intangible things well to completely fail. The Hawks struggle to get stops and don’t necessarily need another player who needs the ball, so I like the fit.

11. New Orleans Pelicans (Via Lakers) – Jett Howard – Michigan – 6’8, 215 lbs – September 2003

The repercussions of the Anthony Davis trade hit here as the Pelicans (currently third in the West) get a lottery pick. Again another team without a dire need, they take another wing shooter in Howard here.

Howard has surpassed expectations as a four-star, averaging over 15 points per game on 40% from deep. He can hit a variety of shots and has been a solid finisher at the rim. Howard has made some impressive passing reads out of dribble handoffs and Zoom actions. He’s shown flashes of isolation scoring at times, which bodes well for his ability to attack closeouts.

Howard probably won’t ever be a super dynamic scorer, but there’s enough of a package to fit him into a role. The defense needs to improve, but the Pelicans have an insanely deep roster and won’t have high expectations from the jump.

12. Portland Trail Blazers – Rayan Rupert – NZ Breakers – 6’6, 185 lbs – May 2004

Ruper burst onto the scene with a dominant performance at the U18 Europe Cup this past summer with a menacing defensive performance. An early season injury caused him to miss a chunk of the NBL season, but Rupert has looked solid in his return to action.

Rupert’s insanely long wingspan allows him to be an incredible disruptor on defense. He pressures the heck out of the ball and positions himself to blow up plays off of it. The offensive is still growing, but Rupert can shoot it a bit and attack the basket with his stride length. Some added upper-body strength could aid him as a finisher. If the shot can become passable, Rupert should be a valuable two-way role player for years to come.

The Blazers have their two heliocentric offensive pieces locked up in Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons and while they could bolster their front-court depth, this is a bit early for some of the front-court options. Rupert can help with the perimeter defense while not needing the ball in his hands to add value.