The 2023 NBA Rookie class seems to be one of the most promising and exciting groups in recent years. Led by a diverse array of talent, including explosive scorers, dynamic playmakers, and versatile defenders, this crop of youngsters looks to make an immediate impact on their respective teams.
A few standout players have emerged as potential future superstars, displaying a rare combination of skill, basketball IQ, and maturity beyond their years but this class is undoubtedly highlighted by no other than French wonder kid Victor Wembanyama, a real unicorn of a big man with range, exceptional court vision and above average ball handling skills. Here is the complete breakdown of the first round together with some early standouts from deeper in the process.
No. 1: Victor Wembanyama (PF/C) to the San Antonio Spurs
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 blocks on 47.0 FG% and 27.2 3P% General Comments: One of the greatest prospects in decades with the ceiling to be an all-time great, and unlike anyone the game has seen before.
NBA Comp: Kristaps Porzingis, Shades of a modern Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
No. 2: Brandon Miller (SF) to the Charlotte Hornets
Age on Draft Day: 21
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks on 43.0 FG% and 38.4 3P%
General Comments: Natural-born scorer with above average playmaking skills; lacks elite athleticism and skills to be a good finisher around the rim and priority should be to add muscle.
NBA Comp: Rudy Gay, Paul George
No. 3: Scoot Henderson (G) to the Portland Trailblazers
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.4 turnovers on 43.0 FG% and 28.0 3P%
General Comments: High-flying athlete and a fierce competitor with a feel for the game whose shooting is shaky at best while lack of size will be tested at the highest level. Showed that he belongs during the Summer League.
NBA Comp: Russell Westbrook
No. 4: Amen Thompson (PG/SG) to the Houston Rockets
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.8 blocks and 3.2 turnovers on 56.8 FG% and 23.3 3P%
General Comments: Elite athlete with length and speed who is a creator and a defensive menace but lacks shooting; impacts the game when on the floor.
NBA Comp: Athletic Shaun Livingston
No. 5: Ausar Thompson (SG/SF) to the Detroit Pistons
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.4 turnovers on 48.3 FG% and 30.0 3P%
General Comments: Like his twin brother, he is is a tremendous athlete but more of a two-way player who can score and defend equally well.
NBA Comp: Jason Richardson
No. 6: Anthony Black (PG) to the Orlando Magic
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals and 3.0 turnovers on 45.3 FG% and 30.1 3P%
General Comments: A selfless playmaker and floor general with great size and above average vision who seems to make the right play; needs to develop a consistent shot.
NBA Comp: Josh Giddey
No. 7: Bilal Coulibaly (SF/PF) to the Washington Wizards
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 10.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists 1.4 steals, 1.1 blocks on 52.7 FG% and 33.6 3P%
General Comments: Long, springy, bouncy athlete with great open court speed and above the rim ability who impressed with his potential but needs to work at his dribble and finesse; has a long road to become a contributor but lands at an ideal environment.
NBA Comp: OG Anunoby
No. 8: Jarace Walker (PF/C) to the Indiana Pacers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.3 blocks on 46.5 FG% and 34.7 3P%
General Comments: Versatile forward with surprising quickness who possesses above average playmaking skills and isn’t afraid of contact, 3pt shot is limited but he can play inside out effectively.
NBA Comp: More versatile John Collins, Paul Milsap
No. 9: Taylor Hendricks (F/C) to the Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 blocks on 47.8 FG% and 39.4 3P%
General Comments: An ideal fit in today’s NBA as a versatile big who can guard the rim, defend all over the court and space the floor on offense, not an elite rebounder but he has star potential.
NBA Comp: Jerami Grant
No. 10: Cason Wallace (PG) to the Oklahoma City Thunder
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals on 44.6 FG% and 34.6 3P%
General Comments: Probably the best defender of his class who also fills gaps on offense as a playmaker and shooter, he is a small project who struggles when driving to the basket but projects to be a solid role player for a long time.
NBA Comp: De’Anthony Melton
No. 11: Jett Howard (SG/SF) to the Orlando Magic
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 41.4 FG% and 36.8 3P%
General Comments: A reliable shot maker with size who projects as a floor spacing wing who can create some offense, he is one-dimensional but possesses a high IQ and has been coached up his whole life (son of Juwan Howard).
NBA Comp: Desmond Bane
No. 12: Dereck Lively II (C) to the Dallas Mavs
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks on 65.8 FG%.
General Comments: The best rim protector after Wembanyama in this class, he has length and plays above rim but needs to work on strength and his range to materialize to an NBA caliber starter.
NBA Comp: Mitchell Robinson
No. 13: Gradey Dick (SG/SF) to the Toronto Raptors
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals on 44.2 FG% and 40.3 3P%
General Comments: Fits the mold of a floor spacing big guard/wing with some shot creation ability and has an overall good feel for the game but lack of athleticism and strength might keep him limited at the pro level.
NBA Comp: JJ Redick with better size
No. 14: Jordan Hawkins (SG) to the New Orleans Pelicans
Age on Draft Day: 21
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 40.9 FG% and 38.8 3P%
General Comments: The best movement shooter of his class, he’s elite at coming off of screens, catching and firing lasers from deep plus he plays at both ends and is a solid defender and defensive rebounder but his size might be a concern and is more of a hit or miss guy right now.
NBA Comp: Richard “Rip” Hamilton
No. 15: Kobe Bufkin (PG/SG) to the Atlanta Hawks
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals on 48.2 FG% and 35.5 3P%
General Comments: A crafty lefty who is a versatile scorer with plenty of speed, burst and above the rim ability, he has a lot of promise as a 3pt shooter and is an above average defender but needs to adjust to speed of game and lacks size/strength.
NBA Comp: D’Angelo Russell
No. 16: Keyonte George (SG) to the Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steal on 37.6 FG% and 33.8 3P%
General Comments: A high scoring guard with deep range and great size, he can hold his ground against opponents but size will be an issue at the elite level; his play at the Summer League showed that he might have another level to unlock.
NBA Comp: Anfernee Simons
No. 17: Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG/SG) to the Los Angeles Lakers
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 41.7 FG% and 33.3 3P%
General Comments: A feisty and strong player who plays with an edge, he is a rock solid guard who is best playing on the ball, facilitating the offense and being a glue guy on both ends of the court. He showed a lot of defensive and passing potential during the Summer League and the Lakers will count on their ability to develop young talent like Austin Reaves and Max Christie.
NBA Comp: Spencer Dinwiddie
No. 18: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (G/F) to the Miami Heat
Age on Draft Day: 22
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks on 48.1 FG% and 31.7 3P%
General Comments: One of the older prospects, Jacques Jr. brings experience, ball-handling, defensive versatility and size at the wing position.
NBA Comp: More athletic Rick Fox
No. 19: Brandin Podziemski (G) to the Golden State Warriors
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals on 48.3 FG% and 43.8 3P%
General Comments: A confident combo guard who can facilitate, score at-will and rebound but his size and ability to finisharound the rim were tested in the Summer League; his shot will get him on the floor but he has a high basketball IQ and is too skilled to be buried on the bench.
NBA Comp: Donte DiVincenzo, Gary Harris
No. 20: Cam Whitmore (F) to the Houston Rockets
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals on 47.8 FG% and 34.3 3P%
General Comments: A powerhouse of an athlete who has the potential to be the steal of the draft, Whitmore fell at No. 20 because of his injury history that created medical concerns. An elite above the rim player and one of the most powerful dunkers in his class, he’s already got a NBA ready frame, possesses high energy, defends all over the court and excels in transition but doesn’t see the floor very well and struggles to set-up teammates.
NBA Comp: Corey Maggette, Jerry Stackhouse
No. 21: Noah Clowney (PF) to the Brooklyn Nets
Age on Draft Day:
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 48.6 FG% and 28.3 3P%
General Comments: One of the more complete bigs in this draft with size, length, and toughness, his mobility and versatility fits the mold of a modern big in the NBA and he just needs to add some muscle and work on his outside shot.
NBA Comp: Longer Wendell Carter Jr.
No. 22: Dariq Whitehead (G/F) to the to the Brooklyn Nets 
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 steals on 42.1 FG% and 42.9 3P%
General Comments: A top high school recruit who got set back by injuries at the college level, he is more than a run/jump athlete, showing an improved ability to get his own shot and become a consistent threat from 3pt territory.
NBA Comp: Caris LeVert, Lonnie Walker
No. 23: Kris Murray (F) to the Portland Trailblazers
Age on Draft Day: 23
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 blocks on 47.6 FG% and 33.5 3P%
General Comments: Already 23 years old, the twin brother of Keegan Murray, Kris, has a skilled offensive game, smooth athleticism and all the makings of being a solid wing at the NBA level.
NBA Comp: Left-handed Keegan Murray
No. 24: Olivier-Maxence Prosper (F) to the Dallas Mavs
Age on Draft Day: 21
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals on 51.2 FG% and 33.9 3P%
General Comments: A multi position role player with great defensive versatility, solid three-point shooting and the ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls, he has above average athleticism and all the tools to make it to the next level. Looked like a pro at the Summer League with tremendous self-awareness.
NBA Comp: Athletic Dorian Finney-Smith
No. 25: Marcus Sasser (G) to the Detroit Pistons
Age on Draft Day: 23
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.8 FG% and 38.4 3P%
General Comments: Undersized two-way guard who has length, strength and plays with a ton of passion and energy, he lacks size and is only a threat away from the basket so he will be challenged at the top level.
NBA Comp: Eddie House
No. 26: Ben Sheppard (SG) to the Indiana Pacers
Age on Draft Day: 22
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 47.5 FG% and 41.5 3P%
General Comments: One of the standout performers at the draft combine in May, he showed off an impressive shooting touch, above average ball handling skills and all around game and infectious energy, but questions remain about whether it was a fluke as he is a below-the-rim finisher who lacks a long tracking record as a knockdown shooter.
NBA Comp: Alec Burks
No. 27: Nick Smith Jr. (G) to the Charlotte Hornets
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.7, assists and 0.8 steals on 37.6 FG% and 33.8 3P%
General Comments: One of the most talented scorers in his class, he is a big, dynamic combo guard with long wingspan, and a crafty finisher who can score from anywhere on the floor. He lacks great quickness and struggled to gain separation at the college level but his defense is intense and offers upside.
NBA Comp: Bones Hyland
No. 28: Brice Sensabaugh (SF) to the Utah Jazz
Age on Draft Day: 20
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 48.0 FG% and 40.5 3P%
General Comments: Old school elite scorer inside and out who enjoys contact and possesses vintage offensive moves, he suffered two meniscus injuries while at high school and he is a liability on the defensive end.
NBA Comp: Bonzi Wells, T.J. Warren
No. 29: Julian Strawther (G/F) to the Denver Nuggets
Age on Draft Day: 21
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.8 steals on 46.9 FG% and 40.8 3P%
General Comments: A well-built athlete who has natural strength, broad shoulders and solid athletic ability, he has a nice ceiling as an efficient 3-and-D wing.
NBA Comp: Bigger Bruce Brown
No. 30: Kobe Brown (F) to the LA Clippers
Age on Draft Day: 23
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 55.3 FG% and 45.5 3P%
General Comments: A big wing with good scoring instincts, unique size/skill combination and great passing skills, if his shot falls he could become an immediate contributor.
NBA Comp: Smaller Al Horford
Notable 2nd rounders:
No. 33: Leonard Miller (SF) to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals on 53.7 FG% and 30.4 3P%
General Comments: A very long, wiry and mobile lefty 6-10 forward who rebounds, defends and does all the dirty work, he showed flashes of perimeter skills and fairly good handles for a big, making him a nice upside selection.
NBA Comp: Andray Blatche
No. 37: Hunter Tyson (SF) to the Denver Nuggets
Age on Draft Day: 23
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 steals on 47.9 FG% and 40.5 3P%
General Comments: A 6-foot-8 wing that possesses an impressive combination of size, shooting ability and toughness, he brings defensive versatility and projects to be an ideal glue guy for the champs. Looked comfortable launching both on the move and off screens during the Summer League.
NBA Comp: Gordon Hayward
No. 38: Jordan Walsh (SF) to the Boston Celtics
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 43.3 FG% and 27.8 3P%
General Comments: Explosive athlete with a big wingspan, a relentless approach and good overall instincts, his shot will determine whether he can become a reliable 3-and-D player in the league but he showed he has the confidence already.
NBA Comp: DeMarre Carroll/Renaldo Balkman
No. 49: Emoni Bates (SG/SF) to the Cleveland Cavs
Age on Draft Day: 19
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 40.5 FG% and 33.3 3P%
General Comments: A natural-born bucket-getter with all kinds of shot-making ability and scoring upside but also has a long ways to go before being ready to hold his own at the NBA level. Struggled with on- and off-court troubles.
NBA Comp: Kevin Porter Jr.
No. 57: Trayce Jackson-Davis (PF) to the Golden State Warriors
Age on Draft Day: 23
Notable 2022-23 Stats: 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.9 steals on 58.1 FG%
General Comments: High-flying lefty center who plays with an edge above the rim, brings defensive versatility and has above average passing skills for a big, he lacks range so he is likely to be limited
NBA Comp: Trey Lyles
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