You’ve undoubtedly been curious about the 2023 NBA Draft now that the San Antonio Spurs have decided to go for the rebuild. There have been a couple lists of worthy names to follow. Of course, one includes the presumptive top pick in Victor Wenbanyama and another list includes some other potential first round players.
And now we have yet another list for you. These are all players expected to land in the first round as of this writing. So enjoy and become familiar with some of these guys before the college season gets going.
Kel’el Ware
The 7-footer who’s headed to Oregon can be a major game changer in college. If he plays well there and looks like he can hold up against stronger competition, he could see himself getting picked in the lottery. He’s a nice smooth athlete with potential to stretch the floor as a big man. He blocks shots with his long arms and has some good hands.
Amari Bailey
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard is headed to UCLA and could be drafted early despite the experience on that team. He’s an excellent guard on both ends of the floor, using his athleticism and IQ well. He is a team-first guy and can set others up while getting his own shot when needed. However, he will have to work on his three-point shooting and become more consistent there.
Gradey Dick
The 6-foot-8, 205-pound guard is a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and five-star recruit headed to Kansas. He should have the chance to be a go-to guy for them with Ochai Agbaji gone along with Christian Braun. He’s a sharp shooter who moves well off the ball and can attack aggressive closeouts. He will have to improve on defense though.
Jordan Walsh
The McDonald’s All-American is yet another five-star player who’s headed to Arkansas this year. The 6-foot-7, 200-pound Walsh is a consensus top-25 player in the recruiting class who has great length and is an explosive athlete. He has the tools to be great on both ends of the floor, but will likely have to show a little more on defense at the collegiate level.
Kyle Filipowski
The 6-foot-11, 220-pound Duke bound center is exactly what teams are looking for in the modern day NBA. He can handle the ball a bit, pass it well, and he has stretch big potential. He can play with his back to the basket as well as on the perimeter. Whether he gets to showcase all of those skills at Duke with other star players will be the real question.
Arthur Kaluma
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward out of Creighton is being pegged as a breakout star this season. He will have to improve his jumper and be more of a ball handler this season, but should he do that, he becomes a first-round pick. He should have great defensive versatility and he is a strong player who can guard bigger guys.
Baba Miller
The 6-foot-10, 205-pound overseas is yet another under-the-radar prospect that coach Leonard Hamilton has poached to join his team. Playing overseas has made him a mature player and he rarely makes bad decisions. He is a smooth and fluid athlete with good passing instincts and a nice feel for the game. He will undoubtedly get a lot of extra love because he will be playing in the Florida State system as well.
