NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson leads January mock draft
25. Brooklyn Nets – Jordan Hawkins – Uconn – 6’5, 185 lbs – April 2002
Hawkins is one of the best shooters in the class, with a feathery jumper. He rises over defenders with ease, coming off of curls, pin-downs, and flares. He’s a bit weak and can be a one-trick pony sometimes, usually looking to score. Developing some of those ancillary skills could help him survive in the long-run. But in the short run, the Nets could use his off-ball floor-spacing with Seth Curry becoming a free agent and Cam Thomas not panning out thus far.
Nice scoring display from Uconn's Jordan Hawkins last night, going for 22 points in a win over Nova. Elite shooter who can hit jumpers in so many different ways. Over 40% from deep on 17.5 3P/100. pic.twitter.com/sUKJ11QVvS
— Brandon Simberg (@BrandonSimberg) December 29, 2022
26. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia 76ers) – Marcus Sasser – Houston – 6’1, 190 lbs – September 2000
Sasser is starting to round into form as the preseason All-American we expected. He’s a tough shot-maker, who can create space off the bounce and pressure the paint. Although he’s just 6’1, Sasser plays bigger with his +6 wingspan and strength.
He’s got a bulldog mentality, which you need to survive as an undersized guard. He’s tough, competitive, and goes about things in a winning way (as most Houston players tend to do). He has the chops to survive in the NBA as a backup point guard.
27. Houston Rockets (Via Milwaukee Bucks) – Sidy Cissoko – G-League Ignite – 6’8, 200 lbs – April 2004
With a crux of young guys on the roster, the Rockets get even younger with Cissoko. A powerful, strong athlete, Cissoko hasn’t had overwhelming production in the G-League. However, the flashes are there for a two-way wing. He’s best as a finisher, powering through defenders off of two feet. He has some feel for the game and has occasionally hit some jumpers. Long-term, the Rockets will need his defense to blossom and Cissoko to potentially become a multi-positional defender that rebounds well. I’m not sure he matters much as a rookie, but the Rockets are one of the youngest and worst teams in the league so they likely won’t need him to be.