Editor’s Note: For More of Jonathan Wasserman’s coverage of the 2023 Draft on Bleacher Report or to read this article on BleacherReport.com, click here.
(B/R) — With the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit coming up, it’s worth looking ahead to the 2023 NBA draft.
We’re also getting closer to current NCAA players making key decisions about entering the draft. And over the course of the season, a handful young players who aren’t ready to go pro have flashed glimpses of pro potential.
We went through the names you’ll need to know once the 2022 class is drafted.
Early 2023 No. 1 Overall Candidate Predictions
1. Victor Wembanyama (France/ASVEL, PF/C, 2004)
The 2023 draft has been starred for years in anticipation of Wembanyama’s NBA eligibility. Viewed by international scouts as the top prospect outside the U.S. since 16 years old, the 7’2″ French big is now playing in Euroleague and the Jeep Elite (France’s top division) after averaging 14.0 points and 4.7 blocks in just 22.5 minutes at last summer’s U19 World Cup.
Wembanyama went for 22 points, eight boards and eight blocks in the finals against 2022 potential No. 1 pick Chet Holmgren. He’s struggled from the floor this season as a member of ASVEL, playing up against some of the top competition outside the NBA. But Wembanyama possesses an unheard of combination of 7’9″ wingspan, mobility and perimeter skill, including speciality shot-making around the post and three-point range.
2. Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004)
Henderson quickly became Ignite’s biggest draw, despite scouts visiting mainly for 2022-eligible prospects Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels and MarJon Beauchamp. Explosiveness, speed and strength immediately pop when watching the 18-year-old point guard who’s put up 14.2 points and 4.2 assists per game against G League opponents.
Flashes of speed and athleticism create visions of a Ja Morant- or De’Aaron Fox-type ball-handler. But Henderson has a signature mid-range scoring package with the pull-up to complement his blow-by burst and crafty finishing at the rim. With passing skill/IQ, strong defensive tools and touch to work with (76.9 percent FT) for his long-range shooting development (10-of-47), Henderson offers enough three-level scoring, passing and two-way potential to generate No. 1 buzz heading into 2023.
3. Dariq Whitehead (Montverde Academy, SG, Duke commit)
Once a role player alongside Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes and Moses Moody, Whitehead has transformed into a No. 1 option for Montverde. An impressive athlete at 6’6″, he’s added more self-creation and shot-making skill for half-court scoring to average 16.8 points in the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference.
Improving his shooting consistency remains a priority. In the meantime, he’s still a threat to impact games with his transition offense and downhill slashing, passing and outstanding defensive tools. If he can stay away from too many hero jumpers and make an encouraging amount of threes at Duke, Whitehead will generate a ton of interest as a two-way, three-level scoring wing.
Jonathan Wassmernan has covered the NBA for more than 10 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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