We are back with my top 10 wings in the 2023 NBA Draft. I already ranked my top 10 guards in the draft, which you can read here. DISCLAIMER: Out of a lack of film attainable, I have decided to omit most international and G League Ignite/Overtime Elite prospects.
From: University of Alabama Athletics
1. Brandon Miller
Miller is one of, if not the best, shooters in this class. At 6'9", his elite size for a wing allows him to easily shoot over defenders. He can shoot off the catch and off the dribble, making him an intriguing prospect to go number 2 overall to the Hornets. Passing is an underrated trait of Miller's, and it continued to grow throughout the year at Alabama. The character concerns that plagued Miller during the winter seemed to have been subsided, as he has been cleared of any illegal activity related to the Darius Miles case.
From: Greg Carroccio (Sideline Photos)
2. Cameron Whitmore, Villanova
Whitmore is a big, strong, athletic wing who was one of the lone stars on a depleted Villanova team last year. He attacks closeouts from the perimeter well, and when he gets to the rim, loves to attack big men. He understands offenses well, and knows when to pick his spots. He is also a very solid defender, both on and off the ball, making him a valuable two way wing at the next level. Whitmore's shot creation lacked consistency last year, which led to an inconsistent shooting year from beyond the arc.
From: Overtime Elite
3. Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
I project Thompson to be a wing at the NBA level, although he has the ability to play guard in a pinch. Ausar is a much better shooter than his twin brother Amen, and his form also leads me to believe he can continue to grow. Thompson is a lockdown perimeter defender that can guard multiple positions with his elite athleticism and long frame. Ausar is a good passer as well, and has quick decision making that allows him to make reads in any situation. Although it is better than his brother's, Thompson's jump shot is still not consistent. He also gets overly confident in his passing abilities, and tries to make the highlight pass instead of the easy one at times.
From: Michael Reaves (Getty Images)
4. Gradey Dick, Kansas
When I turned on the tape to look at Dick, the first thing I wrote down was "SHOOTER". The Jayhawk wing is the embodiment of a shooter, and he can do it in a multitude of ways. If you lose him in transition, he'll make you pay with an easy spot up three with his smooth stroke. He is much more athletic than he shows, and takes what the defense gives him when they overcommit to his perimeter shot. Dick is not a traffic cone on defense either, and plays with effort which pairs well with instincts to make him serviceable.
From: Charlie Neibergall (AP Photo)
5. Jett Howard, Michigan
Howard is just slightly below Gradey Dick, but not by much. Howard is a scary good catch and shoot wing that has NBA range with ease. Jett also showed an ability to pull up in transition and knock down threes. I think he should be a solid defender at the next level, projecting him to be a valuable 3&D wing on a serious contender.
From: Morgan Davenport (Pepperdine Athletics)
6. Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine
Lewis was a solid draft prospect last year, but decided to return to Pepperdine for a second year. As is the case for most wings in the 2023 NBA Draft, Lewis displays a smooth stroke from deep. Lewis is a patient driver, waiting for the right time to attack the rim. His Sophomore season saw him have an increased role in the offense, doubling his assist numbers. Lewis turnover numbers also spiked, but in a limited role at the next level, he should be a good connective passer. His length and athleticism allow him to deflect passes and block shots.
From: Duke Athletics
7. Dariq Whitehead, Duke
Whitehead's lone year at Duke was plagued by injuries. The number 1 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class was not able to stay on the court consistently, which has dropped him in my rankings. Whitehead has supreme confidence as a shotmaker, commanding attention from defenses. He is a good shooter, but struggles to create and convert quality looks at the rim. Three foot surgeries over the course of two years is cause for concern, but if he can stay healthy, there's a very good chance he outperforms some of the names ahead of him.
From: Robert Gauthier (Los Angeles Times)
8. Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
Julian Strawther is one of those players who is going to fly under the radar pretty much until he has a big night in the NBA. Strawther was never the star in his three years at Gonzaga, but every year he got more minutes and in turn Mark Few gave him a bigger and bigger role. He possesses a deadly three point shot, which he put on display in the NCAA Tournament (Sorry UCLA). While Strawther is not the greatest defender, his length and athleticism should bail him out of tough situations. Strawther is not afraid to crash the glass and grab a rebound either, averaging 6.2 rebounds a game his Junior year.
From: Jan Kim Lim
9. Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Jaime Jaquez is the epitome of a winner. He was apart of one of the winningest groups in UCLA history, alongside Tyger Campbell and David Singleton. Jaquez is a crafty player who uses his body to shield off defenders on his way to the rim. He uses the pivot as a weapon, frequently stopping and turning to find an angle to get a shot off. Jaime also shows a sense of toughness in his game, and brought down 8.2 rebounds per game last year. Jaquez needs to improve as a perimeter shooter if he wants to land a major role in the NBA, but his frame and basketball IQ should carry him far.
From: Jan Kim Lim
10. Jaylen Clark, UCLA
If it were not for a catastrophic achilles injury, I would have Jaylen Clark going in the lottery. Clark took a massive leap for UCLA last year, and excelled as a third option alongside Tyger Campbell and Jaime Jaquez. He was the best perimeter defender in college last year, stonewalling everyone offenses put in front of him. Clark also has the positional versatility to guard 1-4. Clark showed improvement in his offensive game every year, with both his scoring and efficiency increasing year after year. If he can rebound from the achilles injury, I have supreme confidence that Jaylen Clark will be a fantastic 3&D player at the next level
PARTING THOUGHTS:
While the class does not display a true superstar, the 2023 NBA Draft is home to many safe, solid wing prospects that will slot in easily in the modern NBA.