NFL
By: Greg Rector
Let’s look around the association at all the rumors surrounding the 2023 NBA Draft. The draft happens on June 22nd. I will go through all 30 teams.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are rumored to be shopping for deals. Some are saying Dejounte Murray or Trae Young might get moved. The likely candidate though is still John Collins. With the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks should be in line if they keep the selection to select Sacramento Kings Keegan Murray’s younger brother Kris Murray.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics don’t have a selection until round two with the 35th pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The Celtics’ number one option is deciding what to do with Jalen Brown. Jamie Jaquez a 6’6″ forward from UCLA would be available likely with the 35th selection.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets superstar era is over. Who knows what Ben Simmons can ever do again? I don’t see the Brooklyn Nets moving with the 21st and 22nd picks. With these two picks, I can see the Nets selecting Jett Howard 6’7″ From Michigan, and James Nnaji a 6’10” center who played for Barcelona.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have the second pick so must decide if they want to add Brandon Miller the 6’9″ forward from Alabama or from the NBA G-League point guard Scoot Henderson. Either way, the Charlotte Hornets go they will have an incredible backcourt or add the upfront guy to add to Lamelo Ball. I will have them go with Henderson. The Hornets also have the 27th pick and I have them choosing Brice Sensabaugh the 6’6″ forward from Ohio State.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have no selections at the 2023 NBA Draft.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers only have the 49th pick. Isiah Wong a 6’2″ PG from Miami might be the player they select here.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks will need to add a talented player with their 10th overall pick. Ausar Thompson a 6’5″ shooting guard should be an excellent choice for the Mavericks at the 2023 NBA draft.
Denver Nuggets
The new NBA champions Denver Nuggets don’t select until the 40th pick in round two. Adamo Sanago a 6’7′ from the Connecticut Huskies would be a great choice for the champions.
Detroit Pistons
The Piston’s new regime needs wing players. I have them selecting 6’7′ Jarace Walker from Houston with the 5th pick in round one. They also have the 31st pick and Maxwell Lewis is another good wing option at that position in the 2023 NBA draft.
Golden State Warriors
I have the Warriors selecting Nick Smith Jr the 6’5″ shooting guard from Arkansas.
Houston Rockets
If the Rockets keep their 4th overall pick I have them selecting Cam Whitmore the 6’6″ SF from Villanova.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have three first-round picks starting out with the 7th 26th and 29th picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. If they keep all three draft picks I have them selecting Taylor Hendricks a 6’8″ forward from UCF. At 26 I have the Pacers opting for Rayan Rupert a 6’6″ shooting guard who played in France. The 29th pick I have the Pacers selecting Dariq Whitehead a 6’5″ small forward who went to Duke.
Los Angeles Clippers
The junior varsity team that plays in Los Angeles has the 30th pick in round one. Ben Sheppard from Belmont is 6’6″ and plays both sides of the ball quite nicely would be a great option if he’s there as the 30th choice in the 2023 NBA draft.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have the 17th pick in round one. Keyonte George a 6’4″ shooting guard from Baylor would be an excellent choice for the Lakers.
Memphis Grizzlies
Tyus Jones will be staying with the Memphis Grizzlies since we all know Ja Morant has to serve a 25-game suspension to start next season. Replacing Dillon Brooks will be the key and with the 25th pick in the 2023 NBA draft I have the Grizzlies selecting Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Indiana Hoosiers. The 6’8″ power forward will be an excellent addition.
Miami Heat
With the 18th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, I have the Miami Heat going with 6’9″ power forward Leonard Miller the young Canadian from the G-League Ignite team.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks don’t have a selection until the 58th pick. I have them selecting Adam Flagler a 6’1″ shooting guard from Baylor.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves don’t have a first-round choice. With the 53rd choice for the 2023 NBA draft, I have them selecting Omari Moore a 6’6″ shooting guard from San Diego State.
New Orleans Pelicans
Who knows if the Pelicans do move Zion Williamson at this point? If not with their 14th selection I have the Pelicans choosing 6’4″ shooting guard Kobe Bufkin from Michigan.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have no 2023 NBA draft choices.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have the 12th pick in the 2023 NBA draft. At the 12th spot, I have the Oklahoma City Thunder choosing 6’6″ SF Gradey Dick from the Kansas Jayhawks.
Orlando Magic
The Magic have 6th and 11th picks in round one of the 2023 NBA draft. With the 6th pick, I select Amen Thompson a 6’6″ point guard who like his twin brother Ausar have being taken by the Mavericks and played in the Overtime Elite League. At the 11th spot, I have the Magic selecting Jordan Collins a 6’4″ shooting guard from UConn.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have no selections in the 2023 NBA draft.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns don’t select until the second round. Oscar Tshiebwe might only be 6’7 3/4″ tall but he can be a center who may need to develop of course.
Portland Trailblazers
This is where the draft gets really interesting. Do they trade away the third overall pick? Most suspect they do that indeed. However, as I write this I have them selecting Brandon Miller from Alabama. With the 23rd pick in the 2023 NBA draft, I have the Blazers doing a double and selecting a 6’10” Noah Clowney also from Alabama.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings add size with Dereck Lively the 7’1″ center from Duke University with their 24th overall pick for the 2023 NBA draft.
San Antonio Spurs
We all know the Spurs will select the 7’5″ Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
Toronto Raptors
With the 13th overall pick (so far) I have the Raptors selecting Cason Wallace the 6’2″ [point guard from Kentucky to replace Fred Van Vleet. Who knows if they move either Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby as of today in order to move up?
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have the 9th 16th and 28th overall 2023 NBA draft picks. At the 9th selection, I have the Utah Jazz taking Bilal Coulibaly the 6’8″ teammate of Victor Wembanyama. With the 16th selection, I have the Utah Jazz going with Jalen Hood-Schifino the 6’4″ point guard from Indiana. With the 28th pick I have the Jazz choosing Gregory Jackson a 6’8″ power forward from South Carolina.
Washington Wizards
I have the Wizards replacing Bradley Beal with 6’6″ Guard Anthony Black from the University of Arkansas. This young man will be a highlight reel player.
