The week of the NBA draft always generates constant rumors and gossip, and Bleacher Report has kept its ear on the NBA’s door.
Most of the chatter we’re hearing about concerns the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets: who they’re considering and which prospects are surging up teams’ boards.
We’ve made substantial changes to our recent lottery projections, though we’re also keeping tabs on the lower-profile prospects trying to position themselves for late-first and second-round consideration.
Here’s the latest gossip report after talking with scouts, executives and agents.
Rival teams have speculated that the Charlotte Hornets will take Brandon Miller at No. 2. But no source has been able to trace the origin of the rumor or whether there is any substance behind it.
It’s brought up memories of last year’s draft, when Jabari Smith Jr. was presumed to be the Orlando Magic’s choice at No. 1—a rumor that snowballed into a perceived certainty before Orlando drafted Paolo Banchero.
Sources tell Bleacher Report there are both pro-Miller and pro-Scoot Henderson voices in Charlotte’s front office, but the majority of NBA scouting sources we’ve spoken with still prefer Henderson over Miller in a vacuum.
Both prospects worked out for Charlotte last week, and Miller and Henderson are expected to meet with owner Michael Jordan Monday. All indications signal that Charlotte is still debating Henderson’s fit alongside LaMelo Ball, and who would be the best prospect in a vacuum.
For the Houston Rockets’ pick at No. 4, two names continue to come up: Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.
Sources close to the situation say Thompson is most likely their best-player-available choice. But some uncertainty surrounds James Harden’s free agency—specifically his price tag. Whatever happens with Harden could impact how Thompson’s fit factors into their decision.
Whitmore, more than a year younger than the Thompsons, has closed the gap on the No. 4 spot during the pre-draft process. His effortless athleticism and shot-making during workouts suggest both a high floor and high ceiling.
However, a week before the draft, sources still say Amen Thompson has the edge with his needed playmaking and defense next to Jalen Green.
Of all the pre-draft risers, Dereck Lively could go the earliest. League sources say he’s earning consideration in the top 10 after wowing with his shooting during his pro day and workouts.
Given the tape in high school, when Lively played some stretch 4 next to Jalen Duren for Team Final, teams seem more willing to buy the 7-footer’s shooting development despite the lack of attempts at Duke.
Regardless, interest in Lively is mostly driven by his potential to improve a team’s defensive identity with rim protection. The Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans are all potential suitors in the lottery, a range we no longer expect Lively to slip out of.
One of the big winners of the NBA Combine, Olivier-Maxence Prosper has continued to impress more executives during an incredible workout run that’s included visits with at least 16 teams.
League sources believe he’s now earning consideration from teams in the top 20, with a number of them suddenly high on his competitiveness, motor, defensive upside and potential to improve as a shooter. Multiple lottery teams remain interested, though it’s unclear if they see Prosper as more of a trade-down target.
He’s become appealing for different types of rosters, with playoff teams intrigued by the idea of adding an immediately impactful wing defender. Rebuilding teams also see value in his ability to set a tone. He brings relentless energy and an ability to make an impact without needing dribbles.
Where he’s taken could come down to the team’s belief in his shooting development. This past season, Prosper improved to make 39 threes in 36 games (33.9 percent) while making 73.5 percent of his free throws. We’re hearing he could go as early as the late lottery, though the mid-to-late first round seems more realistic.
- While a Bradley Beal trade could throw a wrench into the Washington Wizards draft, rival teams don’t believe they pass on Anthony Black at No. 8. Regardless, he’s expected to be off the board by the time the Dallas Mavericks pick at No. 10, whether it’s to Washington or the Utah Jazz.
- Teams anticipate Kobe Bufkin going early and no later than the Toronto Raptors at No. 13. He’s participated in limited workouts and there has been silence from his camp, a sign that he may have a promise. Bufkin emerged as one of the biggest late-season risers, checking boxes with his shot-making, passing, finishing and defensive instincts.
- With Dereck Lively, Hood-Schifino, Bufkin and French wing Bilal Coulibaly suddenly seen as lottery picks, Keyonte George and Nick Smith Jr. look the most vulnerable to falling into the No. 15-20 range. Both were inefficient scoring 2-guards, while George struggled with shot selection and defense, and Smith, 185 pounds, showing no convincing signs of any playmaking or rim pressure.
- Scouts acknowledge that Ben Sheppard’s post-combine rise is real. They just question how early a team will be willing to take him. Sources say he’s a trade-up target for multiple teams in the mid-first round, where he’s garnering legitimate consideration.
- Teams and agents do not expect the Houston Rockets to keep the No. 20 pick. This would be a spot on the board where Houston would simply look for a future protected first-rounder in return.
- Rival teams believe that once Gradey Dick is off the board, teams focused on adding shooting will reach for Jordan Hawkins, who we’re hearing could go as high as No. 11 to the Orlando Magic.
- The one non-NBA-combine invite who’s generated the most love: Florida’s Colin Castleton. The skilled 6’11” shot-blocker is drawing interest from teams in the 40s and 50s.
Check out our 2023 NBA Mock Draft with latest updates and B/R intel, and hit the comments with your draft night predictions.
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