The NBA 2023 Draft has presented fans with the next round of players and a sense of optimism in a number of franchises. Though coming into the league with a clean slate, these rookies have expectations they need to meet, some fairly and some unfairly. Scouts and fans alike will look at a player and see an all time great that has a similar game. Regardless of what happens in the future, these rookies will be compared to many pros and greats and the top 10 NBA Draft picks this year and their pro ceilings.
10. Cason Wallace – Jrue Holiday
Cason Wallace is one of the most underrated players in the 2023 Draft. The 6’4” Point Guard is among, if not, the best defenders in the draft, and will have time to develop in a deep Oklahoma City Thunder team. Though his college numbers didn’t jump off the stat sheets, Wallace will be able to contribute off the bench almost immediately.
If he can figure out his offensive game, Jrue Holiday is a real possibility for Wallace. Holiday is one of the NBA’s best two-way players and can match up with almost any perimeter player in the league despite his 6’4” frame. Wallace and Holiday have almost identical size and ability, and he should seek out Holiday as a mentor to reach his potential.
9. Taylor Hendricks – Larry Nance Sr.
Taylor Hendricks is an explosive athlete who can contribute on both ends of the floor. The 6’9” Power Forward plays above the rim, blocks shots, runs the floor, and is a reliable three-point shooter. From day one for the Utah Jazz, he’s going to be a highlight reel, but his ball-handling and overall efficiency leave much to be desired.
There is no better ceiling for Hendricks than Larry Nance Sr. Nance was known for his highlight reel dunks and amazing defense that helped him become a three-time All-Star. With similar builds and amazing athleticism, Nance is someone that Hendricks should aspire to be, and could be a nightmare to face at his peak.
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8. Jarace Walker – Ron Artest
Jarace Walker is on the shorter side of the Power Forward position at 6’6”, but makes up for it with defense and his 250 lb frame. He is a bruiser who will be a menace on the defensive end and push around smaller Forwards. Another plug and play type player, his strength and defensive acumen is a perfect fit for the Indiana Pacers.
Ironically, Walker’s ceiling is a former Indiana Pacer, Ron Artest. Artest was a former Defensive Player of the Year who relied on toughness and physicality to bully opponents but could also score at a decent clip. Walker and Artest are incredibly similar to one another physically, and if the former can reach his potential, expect another high level Pacer for years to come.
7. Bilal Coulibaly – Tayshaun Prince
Bilal Coulibaly was one of the big unknowns in the draft. His profile is similar to Brandon Miller, but currently lacks the pure ability to stretch the floor at an NBA level. He’s an efficient scorer who has an elite wingspan and can play the passing lanes. He’ll be a long-term project for the Washington Wizards, but there is a clear role if he develops.
As a prospect, Tayshaun Prince is an idea ceiling. Prince at his best could score in the flow of the game, spread the floor, and smother teams on the perimeter with his length on the defensive end. Coulibaly’s thin frame and scoring ability would compliment any team at the wing, and if he becomes a Prince level player, he will look to have a successful career.
6. Anthony Black – Dejonte Murray
Anthony Black was among the most sought after players in the NBA Draft, and it’s not hard to understand why. Black is another large guard at 6’7”, but could also play defense and showed elite passing ability. Now a member of the Orlando Magic, he’ll have plenty of chances to show these skills off on an up and coming team.
If there was any amazing comps for him, it’s Dejonte Murray. Murray has exceptional defense and passing, and has taken time to develop into an All-Star caliber player. Black fits this profile and long term could be a potential assist leader in the NBA. There is a lot to like about Anthony Black, and Murray’s game is a reasonable ceiling.
5. Ausar Thompson – Andre Iguodala
Ausar Thompson is a do it all Forward that would benefit every team in the league. He may not have the offensive polish as his brother Amen, but he is an amazing defender, an elite athlete, and is a very good shooter from the outside. He’s a five tool player who can fit into literally situation and lineup and will play within the system, which the Detroit Pistons needed when they drafted him.
In terms of a complete profile, his ceiling of Andre Iguodala sounds low, but Iguodala is among the most underrated players in league history. Iguodala could play multiple positions, pass, defend among the best in the league, and made several All Defensive teams en route to 4 NBA Championships. If Ausar can reach Iguodala’s peak, Detroit’s future looks that much brighter.
4. Amen Thompson – Penny Hardaway
Amen Thompson is an outstanding athlete and playmaker. The 6’7” Point Guard is a great ball handler, scorer, and passer who also happens to be among the most athletic players in the NBA before stepping on the court. He’s more poised than most rookies his age, and will bring stability to the Houston Rockets back court.
As far as play style, Thompson’s ceiling as a player is Penny Hardaway. Before his injury woes, Hardaway was destined to be one of the top playmakers in the NBA. His combination of skill and athleticism helped lead the Orlando Magic to their first Finals appearance. Though Thompson looks to be the better athlete, he would benefit from watching Hardaway footage as they’re more similar than one might think.
3. Scoot Henderson – Russell Westbrook
Scoot Henderson should’ve been the 2nd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 6’2” Point Guard is hyper athletic, built like a Running Back, and has an unbelievable work ethic. He plays with an edge and is unstoppable in transition. With a young Trail Blazers team, look for his transition game and playmaking to have an immediate impact.
There is no better comparison than Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is easily one of the hardest workers in the league and has been since day one, and when he has the ball in his hands is virtually unstoppable. Watching Westbrooks game would do wonders for Henderson, as he is the heir apparent for the future hall of famer.
2. Brandon Miller – Paul George
If someone built a prototype wing profile, it would be Brandon Miller. The long and thin 6’9” Small Forward may be raw, but has every physical tool to become a big time starter and perennial all-star. Miller is athletic, can stretch the floor, and can be molded into an all NBA defender, so who should he emulate.
Miller has long said that Paul George is his favorite player and who he styled his game off of, and there isn’t a better match in the league. George is a multiple time all-star and all-NBA team member who’s athleticism and ability propelled him to be a top 20 player in the NBA. If Miller can maximize his talents with the Hornets, George is a great comparison.
1. Victor Wembanyama – Kevin Garnett with a 3-Pointer
Victor Wembanyama is very much on a crash course to become the next great NBA player, but there is a lot of controversy around his ceiling. Some scouts compare him to a mix of Kevin Durant and Rudy Gobert, others to Ralph Sampson, and some say he is incomparable as a prospect. The 7’4” Spurs Center has a rare blend of size, defense, and shooting ability that clearly shows promise, but his ceiling is something that will definitely propel his career forward.
Kevin Garnett sounds like a weird comparison, but don’t forget just how good the Big Ticket was. The Power Forward was among the best two way players in the league, using his length and thin frame to become a matchup nightmare, quite similar to Wembanyama. The only difference is Wembanyama’s perimeter game, which will fit perfect in today’s league. Following KG’s footsteps could create an unprecedented career for Wenbanyama.
