10 players most likely to succeed from 2023 NBA Draft

10: Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara) – Golden State Warriors

Brandin Podziemski became the third player drafted out of Santa Clara, following Steve Nash and Jalen Williams. He previously played for Illinois, but since coming to the West Coast Conference, he has completely flipped the switch. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, shot 43.8 from behind-the-arc, and 48.3 percent from the field for the Broncos last season.

Podziemski will join a Golden State Warriors backcourt consisting of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and, most recent addition to the Dubs, Chris Paul. I believe his shot-making abilities in high-pressure situations make him a difference-maker and a huge asset off the bench for coach Steve Kerr.

9:  Noah Clowney (Alabama) – Brooklyn Nets

When college basketball fans think of Alabama, they typically think of Brandon Miller’s performance throughout the 2022-23 season; however, many forget how Noah Clowney impacted the Crimson Tide’s run to the Sweet Sixteen.

The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and shot 48.6 percent. He started all 36 games for Alabama and led the team to earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament bracket.

The Brooklyn Nets added backcourt depth with the 21st pick in Noah Clowney, who will likely come off the bench and behind current power forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Ben Simmons and center Nic Claxton. While Clowney will have to earn his minutes early on, he has a high ceiling and could show flashes of a dominant big man.