Follow Mike @MikeElworth24. For site updates follow @walterfootball.
Updated: June 22, 2023.
-
Utah Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, F, Central Florida 
Hendricks came from nowhere to make himself a possible lottery pick. This is all about drafting potential for for Utah and its massive rebuild. -
Los Angeles Lakers: Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana 
Jalen Hood-Schifino is primarily a point guard, but he has the size to play shooting guard and should be a key reserve as a rookie, but can develop into a starter. He had a fantastic freshman season and has excellent potential. -
Miami Heat: Brice Sensabaugh, F, Ohio State 
His team was pretty pathetic, but Sensabaugh is one of the biggest Big Ten talents in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes forward is an excellent scorer, and his scoring efficiency as well as shooting efficiency are fantastic. The Heat need a fourth consistent performer, and Sensabaugh can be that guy. -
Golden State Warriors: Gregory Jackson, C, South Carolina 
If you watched the playoffs, you could see that the Warriors were desperate for size and could use a big who can score the ball. Jackson may be a smaller center, but has the physical talent for that not to be an issue. He would be a nice prospect for Golden State, and I’ve been a big fan of him for awhile. -
Houston Rockets: Sidy Cissoko, SG, France 
The French guard has the ability to play on or off the ball, has fantastic size, and is an excellent defender, a strong playmaker and a strong scorer. The Rockets could use a versatile talent like Cissoko. -
Brooklyn Nets: Marcus Sasser, G, Houston 
I’m a huge fan of Sasser, who was the first option on a a Cougars team that was considered a title contender. He can be an elite scoring sixth man and has starter potential. The Nets can use a young guard as a sixth man and may need a starting point guard if Spencer Dinwiddie is dealt. -
Brooklyn Nets: Noah Clowney, PF, Alabama
The Nets can really use a big man who can be the reserve to Nic Claxton, but also play with him as as the scoring big man. Clowney is potentially a strong NBA starter. -
Portland Trail Blazers: Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan 
The Trail Blazers could easily trade this pick as well, but Bufkin’s stock is improving quickly and is a big-time talent. The combo guard is a two-way talent who can shoot, and Portland is desperate for ready-made talent, so I like the match. I assume this pick wont be made by the Trail Blazers. -
Sacramento Kings: Maxwell Lewis, F, Pepperdine 
The Kings could use another forward, and Lewis has excellent offensive potential. You have to love Keegan Murray, Kevin Hueter and Malik Monk, but I would love to see the Kings add another scorer. A starting-caliber big man is a larger need, but there are none available. -
Memphis Grizzlies: Dariq Whitehead, SF, Duke 
The Grizzlies need to add at least one forward to the team, and the Duke freshman may not be able to help much as a rookie, but he was considered a monster talent to start the season. That talent is still there, and he would be nice prospect for Memphis. -
Indiana Pacers: Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
The Pacers have Myles Turner signed for two more seasons, but he could potentially be dealt and they need defense and size. Lively is arguably the top defensive center in the 2023 NBA Draft, and at 7-foot-1, he is a shot-blocking machine. He needs to develop offensively, but that should come with age. -
Charlotte Hornets: Bilal Coulibaly, SG, France 
There are rumors of Coulibaly being a potential lottery pick, but the 2023 NBA Draft is full of talent and I’m not sold on him. He’s an excellent defensive prospect, but his offense needs work. This is the Pistons simply grabbing a fantastic prospect. -
Utah Jazz: Jett Howard, SG, Michigan
With a second first-round pick, the Jazz should get two big-time pieces for their rebuild. At this point, Juwan Howard’s son is excellent value. He’s a huge two-three with immense scoring talent. -
Denver Nuggets: Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF/C, Indiana 
The Nuggets have to get at least one strong role player from their recently acquired picks. Jackson-Davis would be a fantastic second center option, as he is a big-time scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker who could give them a reserve with abilities similar to their MVP. -
Los Angeles Clippers: Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas 
Wilson was one of college’s premier players last season as a junior and won a title as a sophomore. As for the Clippers, they need cheap role players, and Wilson fits that criteria. He’s an excellent scorer and rebounder. I love this match.
Go to Mike’s 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
Back to Mike’s 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 1-15
By Mike Elworth.
Follow Mike @MikeElworth24. For site updates follow @walterfootball.
Mike Elworth's 2023 NBA Mock Draft
Mike Elworth's 2024 NBA Mock Draft
NFL Picks - Dec. 15
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
