The excitement levels surrounding the 2023 NBA Draft -- anchored primarily by No. 1-with-a-bullet prospect Victor Wembanyama -- has leveled off in recent months as the college crop of talents underwhelm and one-and-done prospects fail to meet expectations. There's a clear No. 1 and No. 2 in the class with Wembanyama and G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson holding it down atop the class, but beyond that things are a bit of a mixed bag. Maybe No. 3 in the class is Alabama rising freshman Brandon Miller. Villanova wing Cam Whitmore has the tools to grow and develop into consideration. Overtime Elite has several contenders who could get there.

Right now it's a mystery.

Our latest mock draft has Amen Thompson of Overtime Elite at the No. 3 spot but at this point it feels like a placeholder. Thompson and his twin, Ausar, are clear top-10 prospects, but whether or not they warrant consideration this high in the draft is dependent upon how the college prospects develop in coming months. Much is to be answered on that front with No. 1 recruit Nick Smith Jr. dealing with injury at Arkansas, Villanova wing Cam Whitmore still easing into a bigger role coming off injury and the Duke duo of Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively looking far from locks to be one-and-done lottery picks.

Version 2.0 of the in-season mock is below and is primarily projected using the latest Top 60 Big Board. It remains early in the draft process to make projections factoring in team needs because teams and order can and likely will change as the season goes on. So with that let's dive into the mock below. Order is set by SportsLine's projected NBA standings.

Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Victor Wembanyama C
France • 7'4" / 210 lbs
Projected Team
Orlando
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
22.9
RPG
9.6
BPG
3.0
3P%
29.6%
LeBron James said he is "like an alien." Stephen Curry thinks he is "like a cheat code." I think he's the clear No. 1 in this class and it is not close. "He's a giraffe," one scout told me recently of Wembanyama. "The head on his shoulders, the skill level, seeing that in person scouting him you just fantasize about the upside with him."
Round 1 - Pick 2
Scoot Henderson PG
G League Ignite • 6'3" / 195 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
19.5
RPG
5.0
BPG
6.5
3P%
33.3%
Henderson is the clear consolation prize for whichever teams finishes runner-up in the Wembanyama sweepstakes. He'd be a pretty clear No. 1 pick contender in most years with the way he can explode by defenders with his speed, and his competitive spirit is unrivaled among guards in this class. Tough, fiery lead guard who plays with an edge on both ends and will make some NBA team very happy.
Round 1- Pick 3
Amen Thompson SF
Overtime Elite • 6'7" / 199 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
16.7
RPG
5.6
APG
5.9
3P%
20.8%
Both Amen and his twin brother, Ausar, should be in the mix here. I give a slight lean to Amen for now because of his polish as a playmaker and handler but they both have combo guard abilities to run an NBA offense and have serious athletic pop to boot.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Arkansas • 6'2" / 185 lbs
Projected Team
Charlotte
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PPG
12.8
RPG
1.8
APG
1.8
3P%
30%
A knee injury delayed the start of the season for Smith, who was the No. 1 recruit in his class, and again it has hampered his freshman season as he's now indefinitely out again dealing with it. Short-term it's a bummer. Long-term he's still a top-five talent in the class with superstar potential.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Alabama • 6'7" / 200 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
19.1
RPG
8.6
APG
2.1
3P%
44.1%
The most productive freshman in college basketball and it's not close. Miller leads all SEC players in scoring this season and has been killer from 3-point range, too. Great size + scoring combo that'll make him plug-and-play at the next level.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Ausar Thompson SF
Overtime Elite • 6'6" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
Oklahoma City
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
4th
PPG
17.2
RPG
7.8
APG
5.2
3P%
33.3%
Splitting hairs between Ausar and Amen -- the twins are both elite prospects -- but Ausar slots in at No. 6 a few spots behind his brother. Not quite the passer his brother is but every bit the scorer and then some. Shooting it much better than his brother from 3-point range thus far this season and has a knack for getting to his spots and scoring in bunches.
Round 1 - Pick 7
Villanova • 6'7" / 230 lbs
Projected Team
Toronto
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PPG
11.7
RPG
6
APG
0.7
3P%
28.6%
An injury kept Whitmore out to start the season for Villanova but even as he is working his way back into a full-time role, he is putting up numbers -- and most importantly looks the part -- of the top-10 talent we expected he'd be. Long wing who is a slasher type but has some silk to his game as well. Would love to see his shot from deep improve but can't nitpick too much. No. 4 prospect for me in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 8
Baylor • 6'4" / 185 lbs
Projected Team
Orlando
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
15.6
RPG
4.3
APG
3.7
3P%
33.7%
The production has been there for George but the recognition thus far has not quite followed. That'll come soon. He's a terrific offensive weapon who at Baylor is putting on full display his scoring ability while also developing and showing a ton of promise as a facilitator. Unselfish microwave guys are a rarity so teams are going to trip over themselves to score him in the lottery.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Kentucky • 6'3" / 195 lbs
Projected Team
Utah
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PPG
12.9
RPG
3.6
APG
3.9
3P%
45.6%
Kentucky's offense is a total mess right now but Wallace is one of the lone bright spots. He's shooting a really good number from 3-point range -- 45.6% -- and it seems he's becoming more entrusted with initiating the offense and facilitating, too. Those are all just bonuses for him, though, because Wallace's defensive impact and ability to affect games with his length and anticipation on the perimeter is the real elite skills he brings. Defense generally isn't fun to watch but his individual consistent effort is a joy.
Round 1 - Pick 10
Arkansas • 6'7" / 200 lbs
Projected Team
New Orleans
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
12.2
RPG
5.2
APG
3.7
3P%
36.1%
Black has leveled off a bit since a hot end to November but with Nick Smith Jr. out, he continues to operate as the leading assist man and a focal point as a scorer as well. His creation ability at his size gives off some strong Cade Cunningham vibes.
Round 1 - Pick 11
Michigan • 6'6" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Indiana
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
5th
PPG
14.6
RPG
2.7
APG
2.6
3P%
36.8%
One of the biggest risers this college basketball season. Has gone from a possible two-year prospect to a potential one-and-done lottery pick. Howard has an excellent combo of size and scoring ability that makes him very appealing at the wing spot.
Round 1 - Pick 12
Duke • 6'6" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
11th
POSITION RNK
5th
PPG
7.6
RPG
2.2
APG
1
3P%
26.7%
After starting the season injured, Whitehead has started slow with Duke but come on strong of late with consecutive double-digit scoring performances (spaced three weeks part because of an injury) to close out the 2022 calendar year. Talent is evident, but obviously would like to see him string together a run where he's uninjured and impactful. Buying, and think this is probably closer to his floor in this draft.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Houston • 6'7" / 235 lbs
Projected Team
Utah
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
8.8
RPG
5.9
APG
1.8
3P%
36.4%
Ideal frame and built-out physically to be impactful right away in the NBA as a true power forward. Plays with a ton of energy and hustle and already producing as a relentless offensive rebounder for a Houston team that's arguably the best in the country.
Round 1 - Pick 14
South Carolina • 6'9" / 210 lbs
Projected Team
Sacramento
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
16.9
RPG
7.5
APG
0.6
3P%
33.8%
In the lottery and likely to only see his stock rise as the season progresses. Jackson turned 18 just less than a month ago but seems to be clicking right now as a do-it-all forward. The rebounding and scoring is plenty impressive but his ability to space the floor and shoot from 3-point range adds a threat that makes him a really dynamic weapon.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Kansas • 6'6" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
8th
PPG
14.6
RPG
5.3
APG
1.9
3P%
46.8%
Killer shooter, quick release, big frame and plays with that to his advantage as a glass-crasher. Does a little of everything and a fiery competitor who plays with an edge.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Leonard Miller SF
G League Ignite • 6'10" / 210 lbs
Projected Team
Miami
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
7th
PPG
14.7
RPG
11.3
APG
1.7
3P%
20.0%
Miller tested the NBA Draft waters and had some first-round buzz before ultimately withdrawing and committing to the G League Ignite. Now he's putting on a show as a scorer and rebounder who, while still a tad raw, has the physical tools and size to warrant mid-to-late lottery consideration.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Texas • Soph • 6'8" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
New York
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
6th
PPG
8
RPG
4.8
APG
0.4
Mitchell blossomed into a bona fide five-star who finished as the No. 5 player in the 2022 recruiting class and now looks like a lottery contender because of his elite athleticism and defensive wizardry. Will need to improve his scoring but checks a lot of boxes for a high-upside pick with a nice foundation.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Iowa • 6'8" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
Golden St.
PROSPECT RNK
15th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PPG
20.4
RPG
9.8
APG
1.9
3P%
37.1%
Iowa is down bad right now but Murray is still putting up massive numbers in his new starring role for the Hawkeyes. He's coming off a career-high 32-point explosion vs. Penn State and his shooting combined with his big frame makes him borderline lottery material in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Duke • Soph • 7'0" / 248 lbs
Projected Team
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PPG
13.8
RPG
8.6
APG
1.4
3P%
28.6%
Filipowski was the third-highest ranked recruit in Duke's class but has thus far been the best player not just in his class but on the team. At 7-feet he plays with a ton of awareness as a passer and has the shot to be a floor-spacing five-man.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Illinois • Sr • 6'6" / 225 lbs
Projected Team
New York
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
7th
PPG
17.8
RPG
5.4
APG
2.9
3P%
33.3%
If you've been around these streets with me for long you know I've been a Shannon stan dating back to his early time at Texas Tech. The full breakout appears to be happening this season at Illinois as the team is funneling its offense through him and he's responding with career production.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Duke • 7'1" / 230 lbs
Projected Team
L.A. Clippers
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
4
RPG
3.5
BPG
2.0
Still a believer long-term in Lively but it's becoming an increasingly tough sell in the short-term to keep him here. He's playing right around 20 minutes per game and doing very little with it; in six games this season he has scored two or fewer points. Perplexing. At 7-foot-1 though the size and shot-blocking are pieces on which he can build on, and the hope is that the light flicks on with him eventually. (This season would be preferred, but he'll be a first-rounder no matter if it does or not.)
Round 1 - Pick 22
NC State • 6'4" / 160 lbs
Projected Team
Phoenix
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
18.1
RPG
3.6
APG
5.3
3P%
34.4%
Smith is a twitchy athlete who I thought was a first-round talent a year ago before withdrawing and returning to NC State. He's basically held steady production-wise but his improvement as a passer and decision-maker has unlocked even more upside for him.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Oregon • Soph • 7'0" / 242 lbs
Projected Team
Brooklyn
PROSPECT RNK
23rd
POSITION RNK
4th
PPG
8.9
RPG
5.1
APG
1
3P%
29%
Seven-footers who can step out and hit 3-pointers and who move the way Ware does as a live above-the-rim athlete don't come around often. The production hasn't quite been there with Oregon but as an off-the-bench piece the flashes of athleticism, size and scoring make him impossible to ignore inside the top 30 picks.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Ohio State • 6'5" / 235 lbs
Projected Team
L.A. Lakers
PROSPECT RNK
30th
POSITION RNK
10th
PPG
15.9
RPG
4.5
APG
1.2
3P%
46.6%
As a four-star prospect ranked 85th in his class, Sensabaugh wasn't even on the one-and-done radar entering the season. But his production with Ohio State is tough to ignore. Uses his big frame well and smashing in his role as a rotation piece hitting 47% of his 3-pointers on the year.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Houston • 6'2" / 195 lbs
Projected Team
Indiana
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
5th
PPG
15.9
RPG
2.8
APG
2.7
3P%
32%
Sasser is one of the best two-way weapons in college basketball as a lockdown perimeter defender on one end and a smooth operator who can create for himself and for others on the offensive end. Might be overlooked because of his 6-2 frame and his age (he'll turn 23 later this year) but he can clearly play.
Round 1 - Pick 26
Xavier • 6'6" / 207 lbs
Projected Team
Memphis
PROSPECT RNK
48th
POSITION RNK
16th
PPG
14.3
RPG
5.2
APG
5.6
3P%
45%
Rare third-year breakout from Xavier who is wowing this season by hitting nearly 50% from 3-point range -- by far a career-best -- and on a career-high attempts, too. Major promise shown here as a playmaker as well.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Kansas • 6'6" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
Charlotte
PROSPECT RNK
42nd
POSITION RNK
13th
PPG
20.6
RPG
8.4
APG
2.9
3P%
33.7%
Kansas lost a ton of pieces from its title team but has maintained its contender status thanks to the leap Wilson has made. He's improved from 3-point range and remains one of the best rebounding wings in the sport. Not quite 3-and-D -- the 3-point shooting may not be a reliable weapon for him just yet -- but someone who can bring energy and versatility as a rotational piece.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Gonzaga • 6'6" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
6th
PPG
13.5
RPG
7.5
APG
0.8
3P%
42.3%
Strawther's been nails in a bigger role with Gonzaga this season and has somehow been more efficient from 3-point range despite drawing more attention. Big guards who can hit from deep with regularity and serve in that role -- like he did last season -- makes him an easy projection to the NBA.
Round 1 - Pick 29
UCLA • Soph • 6'10" / 245 lbs
Projected Team
Brooklyn
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
4th
PPG
8
RPG
4.5
BPG
1.4
Bona's not setting the world on fire in the box score but he's quietly been a steadying presence in the post for UCLA even in a smaller role than you might expect from someone of his five-star pedigree. Very efficient so far with his opportunities and his timing affecting and blocking shots has been on full display.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Tennessee • 6'8" / 197 lbs
Projected Team
Indiana
PROSPECT RNK
38th
POSITION RNK
11th
PPG
10.1
RPG
5.7
APG
1.6
3P%
20.8%
The shooting numbers on the season aren't great but Phillips seems to be making strides and getting more comfortable as the season goes along. Think he's definitely in first-round range even if that doesn't improve much because of his defensive ability and length at the all-important wing spot.