LAS VEGAS — The top two spots are likely to stay the same leading up to the 2023 NBA draft, with 7-foot-4 French center Victor Wembanyama as the favored No. 1 pick and G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson taking the No. 2 slot. Where it starts to get interesting is at No. 3 with a handful of options. Alabama’s Brandon Miller is one of the best shooting wings in college hoops. Overtime Elite’s Amen Thompson and Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. are two of the best guards in the country. Villanova’s Cam Whitmore has returned from a preseason thumb injury and is settling in well heading into conference play. He has been high on NBA draft boards since the summer.
There will be plenty of movement throughout the college season and into the draft on June 22. Here’s the latest look at the 2023 NBA draft and Yahoo Sports’ projections for the first round.
(Draft order is from Tankathon as of Dec. 23.)
Ht./Wt.: 7-4, 209 pounds | Metropolitans 92 (France)
Cade Cunningham is out for the rest of the season, undergoing shin surgery, giving Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes room for development. The Pistons currently have the worst record in the NBA at 8-26 and would love to add Wembanyama alongside Cunningham and Ivey next season. The French phenom is currently averaging 22.6 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game in the and is dominating the Betclic Élite league as one of the youngest players on the court.
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 196 pounds | G League Ignite
Henderson has been sidelined with a nose fracture and concussion for over a month and is planning on returning to the court soon. “I’m just taking my time and getting my rhythm back to get back on the court,” Henderson told Yahoo Sports. Prior to being sidelined, Henderson was averaging 21.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. One of his most impressive outings was in a win over Santa Cruz where he recorded a career-high 16 assists and added 18 points and six rebounds in 35 minutes.
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 200 pounds | Class: Freshman | Alabama
Miller recently scored 36 points, including six 3-pointers, in a close loss to Gonzaga. It’s the most points scored by any freshman this season. Miller is currently averaging 19.3 points per game, shooting 44% from deep. His size and skill set at the wing position make him an intriguing prospect within the top five.
Ht./Wt.: 6-7,…