2023 NBA Mock Draft: Miller, Black headline 6 projected SEC first rounders

By Matt Melton | Jun 19, 2023

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MARCH 24: Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the first half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KFC YUM! Center against the San Diego State Aztecs on March 24, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images) /

16. Utah Jazz – Keyonte George (Baylor)

17. Los Angeles Lakers – Jordan Hawkins (UConn)

18. Miami Heat – Dariq Whitehead (Duke)

19. Golden State Warriors – Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas)

20. Houston Rockets – Jett Howard (Michigan)

As for the pick No. 16-20 range, there are multiple names who could possibly end up being among the biggest steals of the draft, with the lone SEC player we have being selected is Smith Jr. at No. 19 to the Golden State Warriors. The Arkansas freshman is a former top recruit who missed time a year ago due to injury, and will give Golden State another scorer in a backcourt that already features the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole.

We also have another former top recruit coming off the board in this range in Whitehead at No. 18 to the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, as well as the Jazz selecting a guard in George after landing Taylor Hendricks at No. 9 overall. In addition to those teams, we have the Los Angeles Lakers adding Hawkins off the defending national champion UConn Huskies, along with the Rockets taking Howard after landing Amen Thompson at No. 4 overall.

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