My 2023 NBA Draft player rankings, from 1-30.
1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Scoot Henderson
3. Brandon Miller
4. Amen Thompson
5. Ausar Thompson
6. Taylor Hendricks
7. Cam Whitmore
8. Jarace Walker
9. Anthony Black
10. Kobe Bufkin
Notes: The 7ft 4in Wembanyama brings Hall of Fame potential, making him easily my #1 ranked player for the 2023 class. As for Henderson, Miller, the Thompson twins, Hendricks, and Whitmore, I don’t see why they can’t become All Stars one day while Walker, Black, and Bufkin are long time NBA starters with a smaller but still realistic chance of becoming All Stars in my opinion. If you’re wondering why I ranked Henderson ahead of Miller, it basically came down to Scoot’s competitiveness, both of their skillsets are spectacular.
11. Derek Lively
12. Jalen Hood-Schifino
13. Gradey Dick
14. Nick Smith Jr.
15. Bilal Coulibaly
16. Jordan Hawkins
17. Cason Wallace
18. Dariq Whitehead
19. GG Jackson
20. Keyonte George
Notes: Lively’s shot blocking and efficiency from the field should translate nicely. Hood-Schifino & Dick are extremely solid, I see them being true pros. I’m still a big believer in Smith Jr. and his flamethrower offense. Even if he never finds a jumper, Coulibaly’s length and IQ should be enough to make him a productive player. Hawkins runs off screens better than anyone in this draft for knock down threes. I’d trust Wallace’s two-way ability and him making the right plays while Whitehead, Jackson, and George have incredibly high ceilings if they can figure it out. I just think those last three at 18, 19, and 20 are way too talented to not end up as top 20 players in this draft years later.
21. Brandin Podziemski
22. Maxwell Lewis
23. Kris Murray
24. Noah Clowney
25. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
26. Brice Sensabaugh
27. Jett Howard
28. Jaime Jaquez
29. Ben Sheppard
30. Leonard Miller
Notes: I believe Podziemski & Lewis’ shooting, playmaking, and defense are versatile enough to put them at 21 and 22 while Murray’s scoring ability and Clowney’s athleticism/mobility should help the two adjust to the league as role players. Prosper brings energy that can change games with his high motor on both ends, as Sensabaugh & Howard can put up points in a hurry, but need to work on the overall aspect of their games. Lastly, at 28, 29, and 30, I think Jaquez, Sheppard, and Miller are winners that fit on any NBA team.
