2023 Mock Draft – By Michael (Bucks GM)
15 min read
DTNBA Mock Draft
Welcome to my DTNBA Mock Draft!
This time of year always feels the most exciting to me & the draft is always a crucial part of building your roster. As a Thunder fan, I realise its key to draft well for superstar talent that can remain under franchise control & in also in the later part of the draft which can separate the contenders from the pretenders (see 22-23 Miami Heat)!
A quick DISCLAIMER: This board does not reveal my own draft strategy & the DTNA comps are based on production as opposed to playing style – although were I could I tried to match these up.
This is my first article on the site & hope you enjoy it, hit up by DM for any feedback, trade talks or future ideas!
Michael – Milwaukee Bucks GM
Overview
- Michael’s Big Board
- Detailed Mock Draft (1-20)
- Mock Draft Summary Table (1-30)
Michael’s Big Board
- Victor Wembanyama
- Scoot Henderson
- Amen Thompson
- Brandon Miller
- Ausar Thompson
- Taylor Hendricks
- Bilal Coulibaly
- Cam Whitmore
- Cason Wallace
- Jarace Walker
- Kobe Bufkin
- Anthony Black
- Gradey Dick
- Derek Lively Jr
- Jaime Jacquez
- Noah Clowney
- Keyonte George
- Brandin Podziemsk
- Oliver-Maxence Propser
- Brice Sensabaugh
- Jordan Hawkins
- Jett Howard
- Leonard Miller
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- Julian Strawther
- Nick Smith Jr
- James Nnaji
- Tristan Vukcevic
- Kris Murray
- Dariq Whitehead
Mock draft (1-20)
- Victor Wembanyama to Detroit Pistons
Player Summary: The Greatest prospect since LeBron & the biggest story of the 22-23 NBA season – Victor has arrived & he’s heading to Motor City!
Michael’s view
My Draft Ranking: 1
DTNBA Comp(s):
Year 1: JJJ
Long Term: Anthony Davis with Mamba Mentality
Impact on Roster: The highest coveted number 1 pick potentially in NBA/DTNBA history – Wemby will quickly become the main man for the Pistons and a projected star man in the DTNBA for years to come.
A genuine two-way star, I’d expect it will be on the defensive end that he makes an instant impact.
This is a home run pick for the Pistons & after strong seasons from Lauri Markannen & Jamal Murray – they have the basis of a strong starting 5.
Combine this with depth on the wings in Wiggins, KCP & Williams, this draft pick catapults the Pistons straight into play of contention in the east.
Congratulations to the Pistons – how quickly they can become a contender will depend on roster construction but either way Wemby is a nice place to start for any squad.
- Scoot Henderson to Boston Celtics (acquired via Milwaukee)
Player Summary: A number 1 in possibly any other draft, Scoot has shown he’s capable of going head-to-head with Wemby and will have his eyes on ROTY – if Dame leaves Portland he will be the new man in Portland for years to come.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 2
DTNBA Comp(s):
Year 1: Rookie Ja Morant
Long Term: Rockets Russell Westbrook
Impact on Roster:
The Celtics look the perfect fit for Scoot and this fit may mimic his role/situation in the NBA.
Scoot becomes a franchise guy, alongside Jalen Green the Celts now have an electric backcourt for the future.
The challenge now for Josh is to find shooting, Trey Murphy is a nice start, but more depth is required alongside the development of an outside shot for the two young guards.
3. Amen Thompson to Chicago Bulls (acquired via Memphis)
Player Summary: One of the drafts elite athletes, with genuine two-way potential – after trading Dame, Amen becomes the main guy in Chicago & projects to have the ability to play and defend multiple positions alongside elite passing skills.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 3
DTNBA Comp(s):
Year 1: Rookie Scottie Barnes
Long Term: Jaylen Brown
Roster Fit: The first shock of the mock draft – but after trading Dame, I believe the Bulls should start their new era by drafting Amen ahead of Miller the no.3 player on my board.
Likely to make an immediate impact on the defensive end, offensively his shot may take time to develop, however his athleticism should allow him to score in the paint and on the fast break.
As the bulls have further picks in the top 10, if they can put shooting round Amen & MPJ their ceiling as a contender in the DTNBA is apparent.
4. Brandon Miller to Houston Rockets
Player Summary: A modern day NBA wing who has all the tools teams crave, Miller will provide size, shooting & the ability to rebound the ball. I feel he is destined for a solid NBA career but questions over whether he will be a superstar or multiple time all-star remain for me.
Michael’s view
My Draft Ranking: 4
DTNBA Comp(s):
Year 1: Rookie Jayson Tatum
Long Term: Brandon Ingram
Roster Fit: This is a great result for Houston, with Miller dropping to 4 – he slides perfectly into the starting 5 and will be a great fit with Darius Garland.
Houston has picks 12 & 17 so will have a good opportunity to add depth at the 2 guard & centre position – getting Miller at 4 if he is there would be a huge result and makes the later picks much easier due to his versatility.
I also expect Wiseman and AJ Griffin to see increased roles/production this season, so if Houston can draft right their future could be looking bright.
5. Asuar Thompson to Milwaukee Bucks (acquired via Philadelphia)
Player Summary: Like his twin brother, Ausar will enter the league as one of the best athletes in the league – who should provide a significant two-way impact with lockdown defense and aggressive downhill scoring.
Michael’s view
My Draft Ranking: 5
DTNBA Comp(s):
Year 1: Rookie Scottie Barnes
Long Term: Jaylen Brown
Roster Fit: The Bucks turn the number 2 pick into their back court for the future with Ausar to compliment the recently acquired Ivey.
Both young prospects have elite athleticism but will need to develop their shot.
Defensively Ausar is a nice fit alongside Bridges & DFS – with Picks 20 & 27 the Bucks will be looking to move themselves towards the East Playoff picture.
6. Taylor Hendricks to Chicago Bulls (acquired via Philadelphia)
Player summary: Another exciting athlete, this time on the wing – Hendricks has shown lots of ability as a pull up shooter and his effort on the defensive end will appeal to lots of GMs in this draft. Part of the new look Utah squad for this season, Hendricks is one of my favourite players in this draft class.
Michael’s view
My Draft Ranking: 6
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Thunder Jerami Grant
Long Term: GSW Andrew Wiggins
Roster Fit: A home run pick here for Chicago, after drafting Amen to partner Garland – Hendricks would be a great pick here. Hendricks will provide versatility across all wing positions and long term may be able to play limited minutes as a small ball 5. Alongside Michael Porter – Hendricks will provide elite spacing and complimentary defense – after the trade for Vucevic the Bulls have a nice starting 5 with pick 9 still to come.
7. Anthony Black to Indiana Pacers
Player Summary: A hybrid guard that fits the Magic mould, who should enhance his teammates with his playing style. Black will provide positionally versatility and become a floor general – how good his jumper can develop remains to be seen – plenty of upside with this pick.
Michael’s view
My Draft Ranking: 11
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Rookie Lonzo Ball
Long Term: Markelle Fultz
Roster fit: The Pacers draft their starting point guard who adds to an already talented young defensive team.
The Pacers need a point guard and in Black they add a much-needed playmaking presence who also fits the roster profile as a defensive stopper.
Black projects as an advanced pick-and-roll playmaker and with Mobley and Chet this would be a great roster fit. All 3 players have their offensive constraints but as they are all on the same timeline they can grow together.
The shooting and offensive worries may mean the immediate impact is not realised – but with this pick I project Indiana to be a up and coming force in the DTNBA – with two big rookie seasons ahead with Black and Chet all eyes will be on how quick Indiana can be a force.
8. Jarace Walker to Boston Celtics
Player Summary: A big man who likes to explode on the defensive end with highlight plays, has all the tools offensively particularly as a playmaker. If he can learn to use his size offensively and continue to develop his outside shot, he has all the makings of the modern big man.
Michael’s view
My Draft Rank: 7
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Aaron Gordon
Long Term: Bam Adebayo
Roster Fit: The Celtics prioritise roster fit and take Walker who provides much needed bulk and versatility and would be a great offensive complement to Jalen Green & Jaden Ivey.
The Celtics have lots of young talent at the guard position & the young Celtics need a boost in their front court.
Versatility will be one of the perks of drafting Walker since he will be able to play some small-ball five – with the Celtics having picks 13 & 15, I would encourage them to take a player with a ceiling not available in that range, Walker becomes the main and only real big man on the Celtics roster, and if this pick hits, the Celtics have an elite big man for their future.
9. Bilal Coulibaly to Chicago Bulls
Player Summary: A late riser on draft boards and a surprise trade up pick for the Wizards, Bilal has all the tools, showing defensive talent in France and some flashes offensively when provided the opportunity. A real high risk/reward pick and a player who you wouldn’t be surprised to see higher/lower on this board in a few years to come.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 12
DTNBA Comp(s)
Short Term: 2nd Year Giannis
Long Term: OG Anunoby
Roster Fit: After the Bulls take Amen & Hendricks with solid picks earlier in the draft, there is no better choice at 9 providing Bilal is on the board.
Possibly the most intriguing player in the draft due to undetermined potential – the Bulls after having 2 other lottery picks have the time to let him mature.
Long term successor to Bagley at the PF position, we are likely to see Bilal get all the reps he needs for Washington which should mean instant impact for the Bulls.
10. Cason Wallace to Miami Heat
Player Summary: A defensive specialist who defends well on ball and up positions, Wallace has shown potential as a ball handler and shooter – making him an attractive option for all GMS – with the Thunder trading up to take him and their recent track record in this range, Wallace is one to watch.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 12
DTNBA Comp(s)
Short Term: De’Anthony Melton
Long Term: Lu Dort with a jumper
Roster Fit: A perfect complementary piece to Luka and Tatum – Wallace provides game-changing point-of-attack defence whilst also provides support on offense as a playmaker and capable shooter.
Wallace has a game best suited for a ball-sharing offense which will be music to Miami’s ears – defensively he is combo guard and will provide everything Luka needs.
Wallace has shown he can be a knockdown spot-up shooter with a quick release & whilst he has competition with Simmons & Vassell, I think he is a more complimentary piece to a Miami team that couldn’t quite get their balance right last season.
Another quality player added to a talented squad – if Austin has work out his rotations, then the rest of the league will be on notice.
11. Gradey Dick to New Orleans Pelicans
Player Summary: One of the best shooters in the draft, with playmaking skills to match – Dick will be known for much more than his infamous surname and draft night antics if he can develop a serviceable defensive game.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 12
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Bojan Bogdanovic
Long Term: Zach Lavine
Roster Fit: Another interesting pick here – there are plenty of options in this range for the Pels.
I believe they should take add Dick who will add immediate shooting to a roster with some already established lead ball handlers.
Dick also fits the timeline of those players and is more ready to contribute than some others in this range – he possesses under rate play making skills and should fit in the flow of any offence, providing the Pelicans which some much needed 3 point shooting the likes of Lamelo will love!
12. Cam Whitmore to Houston Rockets
Player Summary: The most polarising player in this draft class, some had him as high as number 2 on their boards, only for him to fall to 20. Whitmore has one of the highest floors and has flashed signs of stardom – I believe he could go anywhere from 4-20 in this draft.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 8 (pre-NBA draft 4)
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Miles Bridges
Long Term: Gerald Wallace
Roster Fit: After taking Brandon Miller earlier in the draft, the Rockets shadow the NBA Rockets and don’t pass up the chance to draft Whitmore who even in this range could turn out to be a draft steal.
Defensively solid and can score the ball, how much he can develop as a facilitator is still to be determined, however on this Rockets roster with a pass first guard like Garland, Whitmore could flourish.
If the Rockets draft Miller & Whitmore they should feel pretty happy with their draft and still have pick 17 to consider a complimentary big man.
13. Kobe Bufkin to Boston Celtics
Player Summary: A guard who has a two-way presence & will fill up TikTok highlight reels. If his jumper keeps trending up, he has All-Star potential long term. It will be interesting to see how his arrival impacts the Trae Young/Dejounte Murray era in Atlanta.
My Draft Ranking: 11
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Colin Sexton
Long Term: Pacers Victor Oladipo
Roster Fit: I love this pick for the Celtics if Bufkin is still on the board, after the trade of Jaden Ivey to acquire Scoot Henderson & my projected pick of Jarace Walker – this would round of quite a coup for the Celtics.
Whilst the Celtics would already have Green & Scoot on the roster, Bufkin provides a different skill set here & I don’t see any of the bigs having a bigger upside than him – my number 1 rule for drafts is take the talent and not fit & this is what the Celtics should do. They still have pick 15 if they want to see which bigs remain there.
14. Keyonte George to Memphis Grizzlies
Player Summary: A talented offensive player George will be one of the best scorers in this draft when all said and done. If his playmaking and defence can continue to develop, he will have a fruitful NBA career, I also like that he is heading to Utah where he should see a clear opportunity to develop.
My Draft Ranking: 11
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Jaden Hardy
Long Term: Bradley Beal
Roster Fit: The Grizzlies have plenty of big men talent and options in the front court. There are a few intriguing guards in this range that would be a nice pick up for them (see previous pick). In this draft, George heads to Memphis and will provide long term perimeter skills and become the lead guard: Though he’s shooting only 33.7 percent from 3 for Baylor, he made 38.1 percent of his 3s in high school, and this is better evidence of his shooting potential.
15. Noah Clowney to Boston Celtics
Player Summary: A player I really love in this draft, who will head to Brooklyn to develop his game alongside their young core. Clowney possesses the type of defensive versatility valued in the NBA and will be a DTNBA stud.
My Draft Ranking: 11
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Jaylin Williams (Arkansas)
Long Term: Wendell Carter
Roster Fit: The Celtics will have a few big man options in this range: Clowney, Jacquez & Lively Jr – all who have their merits. I would recommend taking Clowney – One of the youngest players in the class who can develop alongside their other youngsters.
Skills wise he is a mobile defender with a 7-foot-2 wingspan – offensively he has range & looks the part as a 3-point shooter with comfortable mechanics – skills the Celtics need and would love!
16. Brice Sensabaugh to Golden State Warriors
Player Summary: A pure scorer who will put up and make shots both off the dribble and catch, unfazed by contests with modern day range.
Sensabaugh can be one of the best scorers in this draft and with the right opportunity may have the chance to be a leading scorer in this rookie class – two knee injuries saw him slide down the board but if healthy he will be a valuable NBA player.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 20
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Shake Milton
Long Term: CJ McCollum
Roster Fit: The Warriors have a ton of talent and two ball dominant guards, alongside KAT who will demand touches.
Brice is a clean fit as a knockdown shooter who operates off the catch with smooth mechanics. Long term he also has the potential to become a player that hits 3s off movement which will be a huge asset to the Warriors offence.
The current downside is the defence – concerns surround his ability as an off-ball defender – however in this Warriors team he will have time to improve before playing big minutes.
17. Derek Lively to Houston Rockets
Player Summary: A versatile big man who has rim protecting ability, Lively should thrive rolling and cutting to the rim with Luka & Kyrie. He has playmaking ability that should continue to evolve, whilst the 3-point shoot has potential.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 14
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Mitchell Robinson
Long Term: Clint Capella with a jumper
Roster Fit: Another big man in this range of the draft, after Houston takes Miller and Whitmore they add Lively to rival the Celtics & Bulls as the winners of the draft.
Roster Lively joins Wiseman in the centre rotation, this isn’t a problem as it may take 2-3 years to see his role in Dallas mature.
Development wise he may need to work on developing his own offense but playing alongside Garland & Miller in Houston, Lively will get on just fine.
18. Jett Howard to Los Angeles Clippers
Player Summary: A knockdown shooter who could thrive playing next to an offensive facilitator. Howard shot the lights out at his Magic workout and was a surprise selection in the NBA draft. He is a high IQ player and versatile – defensively he provides effort although will need to improve at this level.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 22
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Tre Mann
Long Term: Desmond Bane
Roster Fit: The Clippers draft a Klay Thompson back up and a versatile offensive player that should slide right into their rotation – whilst they have a few guards, Howard will provide more variety as a shooter and has better long-term prospects.
There is potential that one of the bigs taken in the last few selections are on the board but if Howard is still available at this pick, then it would be hard for the Clippers not to take him.
19. Jordan Hawkins to Denver Nuggets
Player Summary: In my opinion the best all round shooter in this draft class alongside Dick, Hawkins can light it up in a multitude of ways. A winner at college level he will bring plenty to the NBA as he can pass, shoot and defend well on the ball.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 22
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Max Struss
Long Term: Immanuel Quickley
Roster Fit: I love this pick for the Nuggets, Hawkins can come in and contribute straight away for the Nuggets as they look to continue to challenge at the top of the West.
The Nuggets currently have lots of depth in the front court & with Murray the lead ball handler, Hawkins would be a brilliant fit here – The Nuggets could play a 3 guard line up with Murray, Bane & Hawkins with Turner & Collins providing rim protection & also their own outside threat.
20. Oliver Maxence Prosper to Milwaukee Bucks
Player Summary: Another explosive athlete, with will be a defensive presence in the league, whilst this offensive game is more of a no-nonsense throwback style whilst still having plenty of potential to shoot from range.
Michael’s View
My Draft Ranking: 19
DTNBA Comp(s):
Short Term: Obi Toppin
Long Term: Miles Bridges
Roster Fit: O-Max would be a nice pick up for the Bucks, he would provide some size and depth to the wing positions behind Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.
Projected to be a valuable role player, he will fit into the Bucks style of players who play on both ends of the floor and who don’t need the ball in their hands to succeed.
His playmaking needs to improve but players in this range all have their flaws.
Mock Draft 1- 30 Summary
| Pick | Team | Player |
| 1 | Detroit | Victor Wembanyama |
| 2 | Boston (via Milwaukee) | Scoot Henderson |
| 3 | Chicago (via Memphis) | Amen Thompson |
| 4 | Houston Rockets | Brandon Miller |
| 5 | Milwaukee (via Boston) | Ausar Thompson |
| 6 | Chicago (via Philadelphia) | Taylor Hendricks |
| 7 | Indiana Pacers | Anthony Black |
| 8 | Boston (via San Antonio) | Jarace Walker |
| 9 | Chicago Bulls | Bilal Coulibaly |
| 10 | Miami Heat | Cason Wallace |
| 11 | New Orleans Pelicans | Gradey Dick |
| 12 | Houston Rockets | Cam Whitmore |
| 13 | Boston Celtics | Kobe Bufkin |
| 14 | Memphis Grizzlies | Keyonte George |
| 15 | Boston Celtics | Noah Clowney |
| 16 | Golden State Warriors | Brice Sensabaugh |
| 17 | Houston Rockets | Derek Lively Jr |
| 18 | Los Angeles Clippers | Jett Howard |
| 19 | Denver Nuggets | Jordin Hawkins |
| 20 | Milwaukee Bucks | Oliver Maxence Prosper |
| 21 | Memphis Grizzlies | Jalen Hood-Schifino |
| 22 | Toronto Raptors | Jaime Jacquez |
| 23 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Brandin Podziemski |
| 24 | Dallas Mavericks | Leonard Miller |
| 25 | Washington Wizards | Kris Murray |
| 26 | Los Angeles Clippers | Nick Smith Jr |
| 27 | Milwaukee Bucks | Tristan Vukcevic |
| 28 | Charlotte Hornets | Julian Strawther |
| 29 | Boston Celtics | Trayce Jackson-Davis |
| 30 | Los Angeles Lakers | Dariq Whitehead |
