2023 NBA draft: Team-by-team analysis, projected picks, and needs for rebuilding

The NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with live coverage on ABC/ESPN. Following a series of important events, including the NBA Draft Combine, agent pro days, team workouts, and interviews, the overall picture for the first and second rounds is beginning to emerge. Among the prospects generating significant buzz, 7-foot-4 sensation Victor Wembanyama is widely projected to be the top pick in the draft. However, the real intrigue and speculation kick in at the second spot, which belongs to the Charlotte Hornets.

Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson, two promising talents, went for one final workout for the Hornets on Monday. This session could influence the team’s decision-making process, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the second overall pick. As the draft unfolds, multiple trades will likely materialize as early as the third selection involving the Portland Trail Blazers. These trades can potentially alter the entire course of the draft, introducing unforeseen twists and turns.

Furthermore, with a noticeable decline in one-and-done talent expected in the upcoming 2024 and 2025 drafts, numerous teams are eager to seize opportunities and become actively involved in this year’s draft.

2023 NBA draft: Team by team analysis

San Antonio Spurs - Victor Wembanyama (Center)

The upcoming 2023 NBA draft is less than a week away, and the Spurs are expected to select Victor Wembanyama as the first overall pick. Additionally, they have two second-round picks which their General Manager, Brian Wright, could use to acquire more young talent or an experienced college player. However, the team might use these assets to trade for an extra first-round pick, according to LJ Ellis of SpursTalk.

With his impressive 8-foot wingspan and ability to impact the game from various court areas, he brings top-tier rim protection to the Spurs. Tim Duncan will mentor Wembanyama when he arrives in San Antonio, and spectators will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the talented young French player whenever he takes to the court.

Charlotte Hornets: Scoot Henderson (Guard)

In 2023, the Charlotte Hornets finished with a record of 27-55, placing them last in their division and second-worst in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, this marks their seventh consecutive season missing the playoffs, making them the team with the longest active NBA playoff drought.

They didn’t secure Wembanyama but still have a consolation prize in Scoot Henderson, widely considered the second most promising prospect. Henderson, a 6′2″ guard, is often compared to Westbrook and Rose, and he loves to drive to the basket and slam it home with authority. Despite being undersized, he’s a highlight reel and a great addition to any offense. Although he needs to work on his three-point shooting and shot selection, those are the only areas of improvement at the moment.

Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Miller (Guard/Forward)

The 2022-2023 season saw the Blazers finishing with a record of 33-49, landing them in fifth place in their division and 13th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, this marks their second year missing the postseason, with Chauncey Billups continuing as their coach for a second season.

Brandon Miller displayed impressive skills during his workout in Portland and appeared at ease during drills. If the Hornets select Henderson as the No. 2 pick, Miller will provide valuable length and size to the perimeter. As a standout in college basketball, Miller was recognized as one of the top 3-point shooting wings and was honored with both the SEC Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards, becoming the first player to achieve this feat since Anthony Davis accomplished it with Kentucky in 2012.

Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson (Guard)

The Rockets, currently in a rebuilding phase, unfortunately, landed the 4th position in the draft lottery and will not have the opportunity to draft the highly-talented French big man, Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to be picked first overall by San Antonio. Nonetheless, Houston still has various skilled options, including Scoot Henderson, a guard from the NBA G League Ignite, Amen Thompson, a guard from Overtime Elite, and Brandon Miller, a forward from Alabama. Additionally, the Rockets possess the 20th pick in the first round after acquiring it from the Eric Gordon trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thompson would be the ideal choice for their team based on their draft position. He possesses exceptional athleticism, particularly as a guard, and is known for his relentless defense and ability to make intelligent decisions as a ball-handler. Although his long-range shooting could improve, Thompson’s overall potential as an NBA guard makes him the best candidate for the fourth pick.

Detroit Pistons: Cam Whitmore (Guard)

The Pistons had a difficult season, finishing with the worst record in the league at 17-65. Their offense struggled significantly, ranking second to last in scoring and dead last in field goal percentage. Additionally, they were 22nd in 3-point percentage and 25th in turnovers. The team also faced challenges on the defensive end, coming in 27th in scoring defense and 26th in defensive field goal percentage. Fouling was another issue for the Pistons.

Looking ahead to the draft, Cam Whitmore is a talented guard with a quick first step from the wing and can play any perimeter position. While the Pistons may consider selecting a forward at the fifth pick or trading down, Whitmore would be an excellent choice if they focus on the best available prospect. He could fit well with Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham in the rotation or lead the bench unit.

Orlando Magic: Ausar Thompson (Guard)

The Orlando Magic possess significant influence in the upcoming NBA Draft, allowing them to potentially make a notable impact by maneuvering around. This could involve trading down to acquire additional assets while securing their preferred player. The team’s strategy is more focused on fulfilling their draft needs rather than fixating on specific players. Additionally, other teams may be interested in moving up to acquire certain assets, providing opportunities for potential trades.

One of the Thompson twins, Ausar, excels as a perimeter player and is known for being a skilled shooter. Additionally, he is an exceptional defender who can guard various positions on the court. His agility and love for playing above the rim make him dynamic during transitions. What often goes unnoticed is his ability to move without the ball and find open spots to score. Given their position in a talented draft class, the Magic can take a chance on Thompson, who has the potential to become a future guard in the league.

Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker (Forward)

The upcoming 2023 NBA Draft presents the Indiana Pacers with plenty of draft capital, including three first-round and two second-round picks. They can keep or use them in potential trades, which could provide them with a lot of flexibility and leverage. The Pacers will likely explore trade opportunities with some of their picks, as President Kevin Pritchard has expressed his desire to avoid adding too many inexperienced players to the roster. Instead, the team may pursue a veteran wing player like OG Anunoby or Obi Toppin to make a playoff push next season.

Conversely, Walker possesses the most NBA-ready physique among all forwards in the lottery. His defensive adaptability enables him to be a plug-and-play asset alongside Myles Turner in the frontcourt. The Pacers recently held a workout session for Gradey Dick and were presumed to be seeking out shooting wings. However, they have several options with their multiple picks. Walker’s dependable nature, size, and influence fulfill a crucial role.

Washington Wizards: Anthony Black (Guard)

For the second year in a row, Washington failed to make it to the postseason after finishing with a 35-47 record. They placed third in the southeast division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. The team’s lackluster performance led to the removal of Tommy Sheppard, their former general manager and president of basketball operations.

Anthony Black is a promising two-way guard with exceptional skills as a primary ball-handler. He has a remarkable ability to read the defense and visualize the floor, which makes him stand out. The Wizards traded Bradley Beal and are unlikely to acquire Chris Paul, so they seem to be moving toward the rebuild mode. In this scenario, Black has the potential to become one of the most productive guards in the draft class.

Utah Jazz: Taylor Hendricks (Guard/Forward)

The Utah Jazz are slated to make three selections in the 2023 NBA draft - ninth, 16th, and 28th overall. However, the players they’ll choose remain uncertain, as predictions vary across mock drafts. As the Jazz embarks on their rebuilding journey, they have the flexibility to prioritize talent over specific positional needs, allowing them to select the most skilled players available in the first round.

Taylor Hendricks possesses the highly sought-after trait of positional versatility, making him a desirable prospect for many teams. If he is still available, the Jazz would likely select him due to his potential as a 3-and-D player and his size on the wing. Hendricks’ offensive skills from beyond the arc and his ability to defend smaller forwards in the paint with his length make him a valuable addition to various lineups and rotations.

Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II (Center)

The Dallas Mavericks are considering the option to trade their 10th pick. They have a few potential options, including compensation for trading down in the order or altogether trading out of the pick. While their main focus is to re-sign Kyrie Irving, they cannot reach a formal contract agreement until July 1st. The Mavericks’ priority for the offseason is to improve their defense and rebounding, as they ranked 25th in defensive rating and 30th in total rebounding percentage during the 2022-23 season. After the NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago, it was reported that the team recognized the need to address rim protection and on-ball defense.

During his pro day with Klutch Sports, Lively impressed with his improved motor and 3-point shot, causing him to be one of the biggest draft risers. The Mavericks, if they keep this pick, can benefit from his rim protection and 7-7 wingspan without needing to rely on him for offense, given their existing strong players like Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić. While at Duke, Lively’s stats were modest, with only 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on average in 20 minutes of play.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kobe Bufkin (Guard)

The Oklahoma City Thunder boasts one of the youngest rosters in the NBA and is expected to acquire three rookies in the 2023 NBA Draft. With a first-round pick at No. 12 and two second-round picks at No. 37 and No. 50, the team has multiple chances to find valuable players. Additionally, the Thunder is in a position where the positional need is not a priority, allowing them to choose the most talented players.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Kobe Bufkin as he heads into the draft. He’s impressed during team workouts, and his draft stock has risen. During the pre-draft process, Bufkin even worked with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and held his own against the All-NBA first-team guard. The Thunder have already added some talented playmaking wings in the last draft, so they may be looking to add a guard like Bufkin to lead their secondary unit after Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

Toronto Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Guard)

The Raptors finished the season with a record of 41-41 and lost in the Play-In Tournament. While they were able to beat bad teams that were tanking, they struggled against opponents with a winning record. This was a complete reversal from the previous season, where they had a record of 28-22 in 2021-22 and 19-30 in 2022-23. Additionally, the team had difficulty performing in clutch situations, as evidenced by their 4-10 record in games decided by three points or less. Based on these factors, the Raptors can defeat non-playoff teams but lack the talent to win against teams with a higher standing consistently.

Jalen Hood-Schifino’s 6-6 frame doesn’t limit his game as he plays bigger on the court with his 6-10 wingspan. He can defend the perimeter and alter shots off the dribble, making him a versatile player. His performance in the pick-and-roll is exceptional, and he’s shown confidence in making crucial decisions towards the end of the season. Despite many proficient guards in the lottery and mid-first round, Hood-Schifino has the potential to enter the lottery with his impressive workouts leading up to the draft.

New Orleans Pelicans: Bilal Coulibaly (Guard/Forward)

The New Orleans team qualified for the Play-In Tournament for the second consecutive year but unfortunately fell short of making it to the actual postseason. Their final record for the season was 42-40, placing them second in their division and ninth in the conference. To improve, the team requires better efficiency in shooting and stronger rim protection.

Bilal Coulibaly, turning 19 in July, is among the youngest players in the current draft class. He has improved significantly since the beginning of his French season with the Mets 92. Despite averaging only five points and three rebounds during the regular season, the 6-6 guard made a breakthrough during the LNB Pro A playoffs. Coulibaly has an impressive 7-2 wingspan and great length. However, he still needs some time to develop his game before he can play impactful minutes. Nonetheless, his talent is undeniable, and it is unlikely that teams will overlook him in the late lottery or mid-first round.

Atlanta Hawks: Cason Wallace (Guard)

The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 15 overall pick (and No. 46 overall) for the upcoming draft. However, they have faced some difficulty in attracting high-level prospects, which could be due to their already stacked roster and their position just outside of the draft lottery. In the last season, the Hawks achieved a .500 record (41-41), secured second place in their division, and clinched the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. They won a spot in the Play-In Tournament as the seventh seed by defeating the Miami Heat, who later became the Eastern Conference champions. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics, losing six games.

Wallace stands out as the most exceptional on-ball defender in this draft class. Despite limited offensive opportunities during his single season at Kentucky, NBA teams have learned from past experiences with Kentucky guards that they often perform even better in the professional league than in college. Wallace is also a decent outside shooter and skillfully utilizes his speed advantage against larger guards.

Los Angeles Lakers: Jordan Hawkins (Guard)

The Lakers can trade their draft picks for experienced players to strengthen their team, but they have a track record of nurturing young talent. Their high first-round pick presents an opportunity to acquire a player who can contribute immediately to the team’s success next season. Despite starting the season with five consecutive losses, the Lakers bounced back after the trade deadline and finished with a respectable 43-39 record. They made it to the Play-In Tournament and advanced to the Western Conference Finals before getting swept, proving they are formidable.

Hawkins is a skilled player who excels in the half-court, providing consistent shots and creating opportunities for his teammates. He can be compared to players like Kyle Korver or Buddy Hield, adding value to any team with a creative coach. Hawkins can turn the tide of a game when he’s in the zone. However, his ability to consistently contribute will depend on his performance in other areas. The Huskies ended their season with a top-10 defense and strong rim protectors, and while Hawkins made positive contributions to the team’s defense, he also benefited from playing alongside talented teammates.

Miami Heat: Leonard Miller (Guard/Forward)

Miami had an inauspicious regular season, going 44-38 and qualifying only for the Play-In Tournament. After they escaped the tourney, they put together a historic run to the NBA Finals, becoming the first 8th seed to reach the final round since the Knicks in 1999. This run included beating the 1-seeded Bucks and finishing a series against the Celtics in which they went up 3-0, only for them to force a Game 7.

A talented player, Leonard Miller, demonstrated impressive stats in the G League with an average of 22.8 points and 13.6 rebounds per 40 minutes. His great size and length make him a valuable asset in the wing position. Throughout the 24 games he played this past season, Miller showcased significant improvement and promising potential, with smooth movements and athleticism on the perimeter. The Heat is recognized as one of the top franchises in developing young players. Hence Miller could be a valuable addition to an established team that made a run to the NBA Finals this season.

Golden State Warriors: Maxwell Lewis (Guard/Forward)

Golden State had a disappointing season with a 44-38 record as the defending champions entered the year, primarily due to their poor road performance. They faced a tough challenge from the emerging Sacramento Kings in the first round but ultimately lost to LeBron and the Lakers in the second. With only one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Warriors will likely focus on selecting a player who can contribute immediately and help maximize the remaining years of Curry, Klay, and Draymond’s careers if they keep him on the team.

This season, Pepperdine only managed to win nine games, making it difficult for NBA scouts to assess Lewis’ potential as a prospect. However, during the pre-draft process, Lewis has made noticeable improvements. He has gained 13 pounds of muscle, and his defense has become more active, utilizing his length to deflect passes and alter shots. Lewis is considered one of the top shooting guards in the first round and could bring some much-needed offensive consistency to the Warriors’ secondary unit, playing alongside Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga.

Brooklyn Nets: Nick Smith Jr. (Guard)

The Nets had a rocky start to their season when they let go of their head coach Steve Nash on November 1st. Despite this setback, they could qualify for the playoffs, even though they traded away their two most prominent players, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Sadly, their hopes of advancing were dashed when Philadelphia swept them in the first round. Currently, the Nets are projected to have the 22nd pick in the upcoming draft and the 21st pick from the Phoenix Suns, which they received in exchange for Durant. This allows Brooklyn to add not one but two promising prospects in 2023, which will be of great benefit as they move forward from the Irving-Durant-James Harden era.

During his time at Arkansas, Nick Smith Jr. experienced mixed results due to a minor knee injury that kept him benched for most of the season. Despite this setback, he demonstrated flashes of offensive brilliance with his impressive lane floater and ability to make shots, particularly in the SEC tournament. These attributes make him a good prospect for any NBA team looking for a productive guard. While his overall stats for the season were not particularly outstanding, with a negative BPM (box plus-minus), it is essential to note that he was considered one of the country’s best freshman guards before the college season. As a result, it would be difficult to overlook him in his 20s.

Sacramento Kings: Kris Murray (Forward)

The Kings had an impressive season, finishing first in their division and third overall in the Western Conference. Mike Brown’s outstanding efforts earned him the first unanimous Coach of the Year title. Despite giving the defending champions a tough time in the first round and forcing a Game 7, the Warriors eventually defeated the Kings. Looking ahead to the future, the franchise has its sights set on the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft, which could be the missing piece to an even better campaign. The draft process becomes crucial with players like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk signed on for 2023-24. The Sacramento Kings should consider targeting a sleeper prospect with the No. 24 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Murray is a highly skilled 3-and-D guard, making him a top contender in this year’s draft class. Fans of the Kings would surely appreciate seeing him team up with his twin brother, Keegan, who the Kings drafted in last year’s No. 4 pick. With his experience and expertise, Murray can provide the Kings with much-needed 3-point shooting and defensive flexibility, bolstering the secondary group of a team that recently made the playoffs after a 17-year drought.

Memphis Grizzlies: Brandin Podziemski (Guard)

The Memphis basketball team won their division for the second year in a row with an impressive 51-31 record. Despite being the Western Conference’s second seed, they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly publicized and controversial seven-game series during the first round. The Grizzlies have their work cut out this summer as they navigate the upcoming season without their star point guard, Ja Morant. Morant faces a significant suspension, and the team is left wondering where they will find additional offensive production in his absence. Furthermore, the Grizzlies are searching for a new starting small forward as they are not expected to re-sign Dillon Brooks, leaving a gap in their starting lineup.

A young basketball player named Brandin Podziemski faced difficulties during his first year at the University of Illinois, resulting in his transfer to Santa Clara. His move proved to be an intelligent decision as he quickly became the top player in the West Coast Conference. Podziemski was named the conference player of the year, averaging impressive stats of 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while leading his team’s offense. Recently, Podziemski attended the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago and surprised everyone with his athletic testing and skills during scrimmages. As a result, he is now a projected first-round pick and is expected to impact as a high-feel playmaker and 3-point shooter.

Los Angeles Clippers: Dariq Whitehead (Guard)

The LA Clippers concluded their season with a record of 44-38, which placed them third in the division and fourth in the Western Conference. In contrast, the team remained relatively healthy throughout the year. Unfortunately, both of their star players were injured in the first round of the playoffs, resulting in a five-game elimination by the Suns. Despite their final placement, the Clippers’ front office still has the opportunity to select from a pool of promising talent in the upcoming 2023 NBA draft, with many examples of late picks developing into top players.

It has been reported that Dariq Whitehead, a two-way guard with great potential as an NBA playmaker, underwent a second foot surgery to address an injury sustained during his time at Duke before the season began. Despite this setback, many teams towards the end of the draft’s first round may still consider selecting him due to his size and impressive track record as one of the most promising high school prospects.

Boston Celtics: G.G. Jackson (Forward)

Joe Mazzulla was appointed as the interim head coach of Boston following Ime Udoka’s scandal. Eventually, in February, he was made the full-time head coach. The team had a remarkable season, going 57-25 and securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Although they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they fell short of a repeat NBA Finals appearance after forcing a Game 7 despite being down 0-3. The Boston Celtics have now determined their sole pick for the 2023 NBA draft, a second-round pick obtained from the Portland Trail Blazers due to a complex set of pick protections related to the moves made during the 2022 offseason. As mentioned earlier, the pick will probably be utilized to acquire a player who can immediately impact the team’s deep rotation.

One of the youngest players in the draft class, G.G. Jackson, will not turn 19 until after the NBA season starts. He decided to join South Carolina a year early after reclassifying. Although he has the ideal size for a young forward, he will require some development before playing significant minutes in the NBA. The Celtics have a well-established roster and can afford to be patient while grooming this talented player, who was a top recruit in high school.

Denver Nuggets: Sidy Cissoko (Guard/Forward)

The Nuggets achieved an impressive record of 53-29, securing the top spot in their division and the Western Conference. They utilized their favorable position as the number one seed to reach the NBA Finals, where they made franchise history by winning the championship title. They acquired an additional pick in the 2023 NBA Draft during the Finals through a trade. Denver only had one pick, the 40th overall selection, in the upcoming draft. However, they acquired the 37th overall pick by trading a protected first-round pick in 2029, the worst of the Thunder’s four first-round picks in 2024, and a second-round pick in 2024 to Oklahoma City.

Cissoko is a player who thrives on his instincts and elite athleticism to make plays, particularly on the defensive end. He has a solid frame and natural strength, a solid 6-9+ wingspan, considerable ability, and an upside on the defensive end. He can guard 1-3, meaning he can handle both guards and forwards with equal success, and he is big enough to defend power forwards in small-ball lineups. Surely he will be a great addition to build alongside Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, and Christian Braun.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Jordan Miller (Guard)

The Cleveland team ended the regular season with a 51-31 record, earning them the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were surprisingly eliminated from the playoffs by the Knicks in just five games. This marked their first playoff appearance since LeBron James’ departure from the Lakers. The Cavs require additional bench support for size and rebounding to improve their performance in the upcoming 2023 Draft and beyond. According to NBA.com, Cleveland recorded 37.2 rebounds and 12.4 contested rebounds per game during the NBA Playoffs, placing them second-to-last and 13th among playoff teams, respectively.

Jordan Miller, who transferred from George Mason to Miami, showed impressive growth in his game within the ACC. During his fifth year at Miami, Miller received recognition as an All-ACC player due to his efficiency on the court. Throughout the season, he maintained an average of 15.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.7 APG. Miller is a unique off-guard with a versatile style of play. He excels defensively by clamping down on-ball, creating chaos off-ball, and finishing well at the rim. With exceptional length, lateral quickness, and intelligence to anticipate and disrupt plays, Miller has high potential to become an outstanding NBA defender. His quick adaptation skills make him capable of guarding positions 1-4 with ease.

Phoenix Suns: Adama Sanogo (Center)

The Phoenix Suns made a bold move to secure their championship aspirations by acquiring Kevin Durant in a major trade. Despite finishing fourth in the Western Conference with a 45-37 record, the Suns were eliminated in the second round, leading to the dismissal of their head coach Monty Williams. Frank Vogel, who previously led the Lakers to a championship, will take over as head coach for the upcoming season. In their efforts to strengthen their top-heavy roster, the Suns are considering the value of NBA Draft picks, which do not typically yield high earnings. With pick No. 52 in the 2023 draft, the team hopes to find a skilled college player with experience who can contribute in the 2023-24 season. If luck is on their side, they may be able to secure a low-risk, high-rewarding player.

The Suns could benefit from some extra size in the post and improved defensive presence, especially with the addition of Bradley Beal and an already-established backcourt. Sanogo, an impressive rebounder during the regular season and NBA Draft Combine scrimmages, could be a valuable addition at this late draft stage. He could partner with Deandre Ayton in the post or provide reliable support off the bench.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Council IV (Guard)

Minnesota has successfully made its way to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a milestone they haven’t reached since 2003-2004. By securing the eighth seed in the Western Conference after earning a 42-40 record, they had to compete in two Play-In games. Despite their efforts, the Timberwolves were defeated in the first round, losing in five games. The team’s options are limited in the 2023 NBA Draft, with only the No. 53 pick at their disposal. If they wish to acquire talented young players cheaply, they must either trade up using their second-round picks from the D’Angelo Russell deal or actively seek undrafted free agents.

During the NBA Draft Combine held in May, Council’s performance in the scrimmages was impressive as he scored two and-1s on drives on the second day. He also exhibited excellent defensive skills, which improved his market value in terms of his swing skill of defensive impact. In addition to his finishing ability, Council possesses outstanding ball-handling skills, making him an ideal off-guard or wing who can create opportunities for himself. Furthermore, he is adept at slashing and can absorb contact while finishing the play.

Milwaukee Bucks: Toumani Camara (Guard/Forward)

The Milwaukee team has had a strong record in the NBA, finishing as the best three times in five seasons. However, despite their first-seed status, they were defeated by the Miami Heat, who eventually became the Eastern Conference Champions, in just five games. Due to this loss, the head coach, Mike Budenholzer, was fired. In addition, with the upcoming free agency of players like Jae Crowder, Wesley Matthews, and Joe Ingles, the Bucks need depth on the wing. Moreover, the team needs some younger players since they had the oldest roster in the league last season. Trading up and selecting a wing player in the upcoming draft could be wise to address both concerns.

Toumani Camara’s success came after two fruitful seasons at Dayton, following his initial two seasons at the University of Georgia. He made a name for himself in the A-10 league, earning the title All A-10 member twice and receiving recognition for his defensive skills. His impressive performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament caught the attention of NBA teams, leading to his selection for the NBA Draft Combine in May. As a versatile small forward, Camara can play multiple positions, making him a flexible option for any lineup, including potentially as a small-ball 5. With his potential as a top defender, off-ball threat, athleticism, and intense game sense, Camara is a safe bet to contribute as a late second-round draft pick.