With the NBA trade deadline less than three weeks away, front offices will be attempting to gauge the value of not only their first- and second-round picks in this upcoming draft, but also the 2023 class.
Historically, several future first-rounders get traded at the deadline, and knowing what type of protection a team can comfortably include (including reverse protection, guaranteeing a pick ends up at a certain slot, to avoid being conveyed late first-round picks) is an important factor in whether or not deals can be made to strengthen teams’ rosters as they attempt to position themselves for playoff runs.
Mike Schmitz and Jonathan Givony spent the past few weeks crisscrossing Europe and watching dozens of high school games live and on film to get an updated look at how the 2023 class is shaping up.
Note: The projected 2023 draft order is based on ESPN projections. The full 1-60 order also reflects picks owed and owned.
Jonathan Givony’s 2023 NBA mock draft
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Victor Wembanyama | ASVEL | PF/C | Age: 18.0
.png)
