In the latest update of ESPN's NBA mock draft, Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Wu dished on some new information they've heard about the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets. With prospects moving up and down the draft board so quickly, some teams may want to move up in the 2023 draft, while others may want to move down.
First, with the third pick, Givony was drafted by Kentucky Reed Shepherd The pick will go to the Rockets, but there is some doubt as to whether Houston will select anyone.
Most teams expect the Rockets to aggressively pursue trade opportunities, either moving down the ranks (with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies or Chicago Bulls, for example) or backing out altogether if a key player like Mikal Bridges unexpectedly emerges.
With the sixth pick, Charlotte traded to Kentucky. Rob DillinghamBut Woo points out that sixth pick in this year's draft seems like a strange position, one that could hurt the team.
The Hornets are in a tough position, finishing sixth in the league and with some of their best prospects unwilling to train in Charlotte, and with a new front office and the team's new owner known to be heavily involved in decision-making, it remains to be seen what direction the franchise will take.
Portland is in Connecticut Donovan Clingan He will be the seventh pick, but Givony brings up rumors among other teams that Portland may move up in the rankings to get him.
There have been rumors around the league that teams like Portland, Memphis and Chicago are interested in drafting Clingan earlier, but in this mock-up scenario, he falls to the Trail Blazers. Clingan has the size, length, defensive ability, nonstop intensity and passing ability, plus a background in playing in back-to-back national championship games.
Wu was picked 14th by Portland. Cody Williams If only they could get Clingan in the seventh.
His draft rating has fluctuated somewhat due to Colorado's struggles late in the season, but lottery teams with an eye on long-term development view him as a viable long-term project.
In the second round, Portland beat Virginia Ryan Dunn 34th place: UCLA Adem Bona (Trained in Portland) #40.
Other picks of interest to Blazers fans include: Zachary Lisacher Spurs jumped to first place Tijan Saran Nicola Topic, which was ranked 8th, dropped to 10th place. Kelel Ware He remains on the board until the Bucks take him at 23rd overall.
