NBA Draft 2023: Latest mock draft after San Antonio Spurs get No. 1 overall pick
38. . Forward. Orlando Magic. Cam Whitmore. 6. player
Despite being injured for half the season, Whitmore was able to showcase the skills that proved why he was a top-10 caliber prospect. The 6’7 wing averaged 12.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg on 48% shooting at Villanova, including 26 points against Xavier and 19 points and 10 rebounds against Georgetown. Whitmore is a premier athlete and shot-creator and also projects to be a sound defender in the pros.
There’s a view that there’s a top-5 tier in this draft, with Orlando just outside at 6. They have Paolo Banchero in the frontcourt and there are some quality forwards available from 6-10. Whitmore is a big wing that can push Franz Wagner and Banchero down a spot in the lineup and it’ll still work on both ends.
64. . G/W. Detroit Pistons. Ausar Thompson. 5. player
Ausar Thompson plays more on the wings compared to his brother and is the ideal “3 and D” prospect. The 6’7 guard has shown great defensive instincts and has a growing offensive game. Ausar isn’t as good a ball-handler as Amen but could be a better defender and in an NBA that’s filled with elite wings, should be considered a top-tier target.
Detroit has both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt and recently acquired former top-3 NBA Draft pick, James Wiseman at center. With leading scorer Bojan Bogdanović likely returning at the four-spot, that leaves the wing wide open. And Thompson could be a nice fit next to the more offensive-minded guards but still carve his own role in the lineup.