With the 2023 NBA Draft set to take place later this week on June 22, we here at Southbound & Down release our first, and only, 2023 NBA Mock Draft. As to what this includes, this is the first round only (no trades), with the picks being an average of multiple drafts from a few of our contributors here at Southbound & Down put into one, with each participating member found below:
- Matt Melton – @matt_melton20
- Elliot Reeder – @elliot_reeder
- Patrick Previty – @PatrickPrevity
So, let’s get to it. Here is our 2023 NBA Mock Draft, which sees a total of six SEC players taken in the first 30 picks.
2023 NBA Mock Draft: Miller, Black headline 6 projected SEC first rounders
1. San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama (France)
Similar to the remainder of the basketball world, we are also in agreement that the No. 1 overall pick is likely going to be Wembanyama to the San Antonio Spurs. A versatile forward at 7-foot-4, Wembanyama is simply a generational-type prospect, and arguably has as much upside as any other name in this draft on both ends of the floor.
2. Charlotte Hornets – Scoot Henderson (NBA G-League Ignite)
As for the No. 2 overall pick, we have the Charlotte Hornets selecting NBA G-League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson over Alabama forward Brandon Miller. A selection of Henderson would give the Hornets arguably the most talented guard in the 2023 NBA Draft, pairing the electric playmaker with franchise guard LaMelo Ball to compose a young, star-studded backcourt in Charlotte.
3. Portland Trail Blazers – Brandon Miller (Alabama)
As mentioned previously, we do have Henderson coming off the board at No. 2 over Miller, but the Alabama freshman should not have to wait very long past that to hear his name called. The 2022-23 SEC Player of the Year, Miller should be the SEC’s first player selected later this week, and will likely be an immediate impact player for the Portland Trail Blazers should this happen at No. 3.
4. Houston Rockets – Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite)
The second consensus pick in our 2023 NBA Mock Draft aside from No. 1 overall, we all have Thompson coming off the board at No. 4 to the Houston Rockets. A wing out of Overtime Elite, Thompson will provide Houston with yet another talented young player to a roster that will certainly be looking to compete in the near future.
5. Detroit Pistons – Cam Whitmore (Villanova)
We round out the top five with yet another consensus pick in Whitmore to the Detroit Pistons at No. 5. The Villanova wing is one of multiple options that the Pistons could have at this pick, but in taking Whitmore, Detroit lands yet another talented young player to add alongside the likes of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and more.