NBA Draft 2023: Latest mock draft after San Antonio Spurs get No. 1 overall pick
8. player. 142. . G/W. Washington Wizards. Anthony Black
Entering the past season, Nick Smith was supposed to be the top prospect at Arkansas. But it was another five-star freshman in Black, who at 6’7 and extremely versatile showcased almost everything a lottery pick should have. He averaged 12.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 3.9 apg as the lead guard while Smith was injured and showed that he can go off scoring-wise, including back-to-back 26-point games in the Maui Invitational.
Washington is a franchise that has star Bradley Beal and two more 20+ scorers in Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porziņģis. Point guard is a glaring need for them and while Black isn’t a true PG, he’s capable of running the offense and can guard the opposing team’s best player. And it would also put pressure on last year’s 1st-round pick, Johnny Davis.
100. . Forward. Indiana Pacers. Jarace Walker. 7. player
Walker was the AAC Rookie of the Year after averaging 11.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg on 47% shooting. Despite being the 4th option on offense, the 6’8 forward showed some real potential at the end, including 23 points and 10 rebounds versus SMU. The former five-star prospect out of high school already has every measurable/trait needed to be a top-10 pick and impact rookie in the NBA.
Whether big man Myles Turner remains with the Pacers or not, the four-spot is in a big position of need in this draft. Between Walker and Hendricks, the former Houston starter is the more all-around prospect on both ends and barely gets the slight nod.