🏀 The Enjoy Basketball Community Mock Draft

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Do you hear the wind howling outside? That's the rumor hurricane that's been swirling for the past week. We don't have all the answers to who's going where (yet), but we do have the next best thing: a special mock draft edition of the Newsletter! Things are about to go off the rails in the best way possible.

Today’s Lineup

Wheelin and Dealin: The Enjoy Basketball Mock Draft: This time with trades!

All About Fun: No Ceilings shares their most enjoyable prospects

Jarritos

The NBA season may be over, but our thirst for Jarritos is year-round!

Whether you’re a Spurs, Pistons, or Hornets fan, we can all agree on one thing: Jarritos is the best drink to have waiting in the fridge when the draft begins.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy Jarritos. From Pineapple to Watermelon to Mango, there’s a flavor for everyone!  🥭 🍍 🍉

There’s truly nothing like enjoying a cold Jarritos. With no high fructose corn syrup, it’s certainly not your average soda.

Go pick up a Fiesta Pack today 🎊 and see what all the hype is about!

The Enjoy Basketball Community Mock Draft

Gather 'round everyone! For the second season in a row, we’ve assembled an elite team of Enjoyers and Armchair GMs to put together the most accurate mock draft known to man. And this year…we've left the trade slider turned on. 👀 

Multiple All-stars on the move, complete retools from a couple of Eastern Conference teams, and even a Ben Simmons trade are in the cards for today. Now, let's not waste any time and start with the obvious.

1. San Antonio (Dylan): Victor Wembanyama

It’s been heartwarming to see Wemby acting so excited to come to San Antonio after years of hearing that high-profile players won’t want to go there. The Spurs are loaded with underrated young talent, draft picks, and cap space. Time to build!

2. Charlotte (Quinn): Scoot Henderson 

Just don’t overthink it, Charlotte. Scoot Henderson is the second-best player in this draft, and that’s why he is the second overall pick here. Not only does a Scoot-Lamelo Ball backcourt work, it works well. The Hornets suddenly have one of the most explosive young guard tandems in the NBA.

🚨 Massive Trade Alert 🚨

Dame is getting some help! The Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors have agreed to a trade that sends Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, the 3rd pick, the 43rd pick, and a 2028 second-round pick (via GS) to the Raptors for Pascal Siakam and the 13th pick.

3. Toronto (Dylan): Brandon Miller

It’s hard to envision a path to contention for Toronto, so I decided to try resetting. I love Siakam’s game, but this deal for Brandon Miller and Anfernee Simons paves a clear route into the future.

4. Houston (Colin): Cam Whitmore

In this mock, we just acquired a young guard in Jaden Hardy (more on that later) and are expected to sign another JH to run point guard too. Given the crowded backcourt, the Rockets decide to go for a high-motor wing player to round out their young core.

5. Detroit (Sean): Amen Thompson

Despite being prime candidates to trade down in this year’s draft, in this scenario, I believe Amen Thompson’s upside is too much to pass up. Despite his lack of shooting ability, his freak athleticism and versatility make Thompson a great fit alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.

6. Orlando (aahil): Ausar Thompson

The Magic are ready to start competing, and with a second lottery pick at 11, we can take more of a swing and go for the upside here in Ausar. Much like his brother, his elite size and athleticism are hard to pass up on here. While the magic backcourt may seem crowded with Fultz, Cole, and Suggs, Ausar will have time to develop with this core and contribute to this team competing for a playoff spot.

7. Indiana (Tarik): Taylor Hendricks

Hendricks may be the best 3&D player in the draft with his elite 6’9" frame and 7-foot wingspan. He showed he can stretch the floor in college, shooting 39.4% from 3, while his ability to contest shots at the rim should help his game translate to the NBA. Hendricks fits like a glove next to Tyrese Halliburton in Indiana.

8. Washington (Buzz): Anthony Black

A long rangy guard who is dangerous both as a scorer and a playmaker, Anthony Black is the type of perimeter player that leaves modern NBA front offices salivating. With Bradley Beal now in Phoenix, the Wizards need a new lead guard to carry the team into the future, and Black certainly fits the bill.

9. Utah (Ethan): Jarace Walker

Falling to pick #9, Jarace Walker should be a solid fit next to Lauri Markkanen. Walker's biggest upside is his defense (ranked #10 in NCAA Defensive Rating at 87.1) and physicality, coming in at 6'7" and 233 pounds. He will join Walker Kessler in the frontcourt to help rebuild Utah's defensive presence.

🚨Double Trade Alert🚨

Some big moves here at the bottom half of the top ten as three teams get new centers, let's break it down.

The Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a trade that sends Myles Turner and the 29th pick to Dallas in exchange for the 10th pick and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns have agreed to a three-team trade that sends Clint Capela, pick 55, and the Kings 2024 lottery-protected first-round pick to Phoenix, the 10th pick to Atlanta, and Deandre Ayton to Indiana.

10. Atlanta (Austin): Cason Wallace

While this pick almost moved in discussions to move up or down, or for a star such as OG Anunoby, the pick remained and came down to Cason Wallace and Dereck Lively II. Wallace provides high-caliber defense and energy off the bench as a combo guard, shooting just below 35% from 3. Add that to his playmaking, and Cason will be a big part of coach Quin Snyder’s bench to start.

11. Orlando (aahil): Gradey Dick

The Magic need shooting. After taking Ausar with the 6th pick, they need to address that issue here, and Gradey is the best shooter available. His length and athleticism give him the upside to be a good defender, but the immediate impact of his shooting gives Orlando another weapon on offense.

12. Oklahoma City (Bryce): Bilal Coulibaly

OKC continues to play the upside game with the 12th pick of Bilal Coulibaly. The lanky French wing projects to be a versatile defender and fierce cutter with plenty of years to hone his game alongside SGA & Josh Giddey. The Thunder just continue to build brick by brick.

Oh, and having the Victor Wembanyama endorsement helps.

13. Portland (Spencer): Dereck Lively II

The Blazers have desperately needed a defensive-minded backup big for years, and Lively has the potential to do that and so much more. A fierce rim protector with insane length, Lively has the body to be a DPOY-level player. Combine that with great offensive rebounding numbers and an impressive shooting performance at the combine, and he seems like the logical pick here.

14. New Orleans (Sports Sage): Kobe Bufkin

The Pelicans need more versatile scoring options, especially off the bench. Bufkin is one of the best rim-finishers in this class while also showing tremendous growth in his mid-range and perimeter game as a sophomore. He should immediately fill a needed role in New Orleans with the potential to grow into something more with time.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

According to sources, the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with De'Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and pick number 15 in this draft for a sign-and-trade involving Cam Johnson (4 years/$92 million), Royce O’Neale, and the 22nd pick. Atlanta's restructuring continues.

15. Brooklyn (Jacob): Jalen Hood-Schifino

With Brooklyn having their eyes set on the future and Spencer Dinwiddie entering the last year of his deal, Hood-Schifino will have the ability to come into Brooklyn and develop his game behind a player that he's resembled. Alongside Nic Claxton, he’ll be able to take advantage of the pick-and-roll game, and his ability to pull up in the mid-range is a plus as well. He has the size and length to be a pest defensively, as he showed throughout his time at Indiana.

16. Utah (Ethan): Nick Smith Jr.

While there are injury concerns, Nick Smith Jr. is one of the top PGs in this draft. Although inconsistent at times, he has displayed a certain level of craftiness on offense that will give Utah another capable scorer. He has also shown to be a solid playmaker, which Utah lacks, with Talen Horton-Tucker having to assume that role late last season.

17. Los Angeles Lakers (Finn): Jett Howard

The Lakers' defense was dominant last season on their way to a Western Conference Finals appearance, but they struggled to get buckets to fall from long range consistently. That’s where Jett Howard comes in. With a fluid jumper and elite catch-and-shoot ability, Howard will help space the floor in LA for a team who can hopefully help hide his defensive weaknesses.

18. Miami (Eli): Jordan Hawkins

Looking back to their miraculous NBA Finals run, the Heat’s team defense was in a league of its own, but getting past the century mark in points proved daunting in the Finals due to inconsistent shooting. Hawkins was arguably the best shooter in the NCAA tourney last year, and he’s a smooth operator moving off-ball. Miami gets some desperately needed perimeter shooting and a bonafide dog wrapped all into one.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

The Sacramento Kings have agreed to send picks 24 and 38 to Golden State in exchange for pick 19. The Kings are trading up! And they'll be selecting…

19. Sacramento (Zach): Keyonte George

Keyonte George may not fill the Kings’ greatest need, but his offensive ability and potential are too much to pass on. A delightfully physical player and a high-volume scorer, George will fit perfectly into Mike Brown’s offense. He’s inconsistent defensively and lacks burst but will contribute offensively from Day 1.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

The Dallas Mavericks are sending Jaden Hardy, Davis Bertans, and the 29th pick in the 2023 Draft to the Houston Rockets for Jae’Sean Tate and the 20th pick in the 2023 Draft. Dallas sacrifices Hardy for much-needed depth, while Houston gets another promising youngster.

20. Dallas (Andy Quach): Brice Sensabaugh

With Myles Turner on board, the Dallas Mavericks are poised to build around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Brice Sensabaugh is worth trading up for here, as he has NBA size and can immediately play off of Doncic and Irving and create instant offense off the bench.

21. Brooklyn (Jacob): Colby Jones

The Nets get a versatile player in Jones who fits the mold of the modern 3&D player, shooting 38% from deep as a junior. He’s always moving all over the court, cutting inside and finishing through contact or moving on the perimeter to get open. He always has a hand in an opponent’s face and fights over screens on defense, consistently looking to make an impact at both ends of the game.

🚨 Double Trade Alert 🚨 

WOAH. A late surprise as two All-Star guards get swapped.

Jrue Holiday and a 2029 first-round pick (top 3 protected) are going to Atlanta in exchange for Dejounte Murray and the 22nd pick. Milwaukee gets younger, while Atlanta gets the perfect tutor for Cason Wallace.

The Sacramento Kings are sending Davion Mitchell to the Bucks for the 22nd overall pick. Milwaukee looks to replace Jrue’s defensive impact immediately.

22. Sacramento (Zach): Kris Murray

Surprise, surprise, the Sacramento Kings have reunited the Murray twins. While Kris does not display the same athleticism as his brother, he is reminiscent as a shooter. A capable defender and a strong shooter off the catch, the Kings have struck gold out of Iowa yet again.

23. Portland (Spencer): Leonard Miller

The Lively pick was a great start, but the Blazers still need extra size down low. Luckily, Leonard Miller is the perfect high-upside option here at #23. After a poor combine showing in 2022, he reinvented himself in the G-League as a more physical player, excelling in doing the dirty work while still showing some very intriguing flashes as a shooter and ball-handler.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

The Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets agree to a deal that sends Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and the 24th pick in this year's draft to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney Smith, Joe Harris, the 51st pick, and a ‘25 first-round pick (via Houston). The Warriors’ two young prospects get a change of scenery while bringing in players that fit exactly what they need: shooting, quality defense, and experience.

24. Brooklyn (Jacob): Noah Clowney

After acquiring a young project at the four in Kuminga, the Nets doubled down on building their frontcourt of the future with another versatile player, this time in Noah Clowney. At Alabama, Clowney showed his ability to play both the four and the five on the defense as his 7-foot-2 wingspan disrupted shots, and his athleticism allowed him to step out and guard the perimeter. Offensively, his three-point shot looks to keep improving. His upside will allow him to form a formidable defensive duo with center Nic Claxton.

 25. Memphis (Zach): GG Jackson

The Memphis Grizzlies have an abundance of youth, but GG Jackson has the potential to rise above the rest. While there are some risks with GG’s history of immaturity, both on and off the court, he’s a physical player that boasts the makings of a solid three-point game. Jackson is worth betting on at this point in the draft.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a trade that sends Buddy Hield, Jordan Nwora, TJ McConnell, and the 26th pick to the Hawks for John Collins, Garrison Mathews, and the 46th pick. The Pacers now have a new Collins-Ayton frontcourt to pair with Tyrese Haliburton.

26. Atlanta (Austin): James Nnanji

With the departures of Capela and Collins and the arrival of Cam Johnson as a 3-and-D piece at the four, a big was still needed to back up Onyeka Okongwu and provide height, rebounding, and rim protection to the bench. Nnaji is an athletic gem at 6 '11" and, with a 7’7” wingspan, has garnered comparisons to Clint Capela due to his natural defensive skill and catch-and-finish ability. His standout defensive attributes will earn him playing time during his rookie year.

27. Charlotte (Quinn) Maxwell Lewis

With Charlotte choosing Scoot over Brandon Miller in the end, the team tries to find its wing scorer later in the first round here. Lewis, a 6’7" bucket-getter, is the pick. This is a swing for the fences, with a prospect that our friends at No Ceilings call “frustrating, but oozing with potential.”

28. Utah (Ethan): Dariq Whitehead

As long as he heals properly coming off the fractured foot he suffered late last year, Dariq Whitehead should come out as one of the better wings of this draft. He’s a proven scorer from beyond the arc, shooting 42.9% at Duke. At only 18 years old, Utah should be able to develop him for years to come.

29. Houston (Colin): Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Prosper is a late green room invite that fell to the 29th pick, and the Rockets happily take him as a Jae'Sean Tate replacement.

🚨 Trade Alert 🚨

The Nets send Ben Simmons, Edmond Sumner, a 2028 Lottery Protected first-round pick, a 2025 2nd via Miami, a 2026 2nd, a 2027 2nd via Dallas to Clippers for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Jason Preston, and the 30th pick.

30. Brooklyn (Jacob): Kobe Brown

Versatility is the phrase of the draft for the Nets, and Kobe Brown fits that perfectly. A 46% three-point shooter a defender who can guard 2-4, he brings a Swiss Army knife range to the Nets.

No Ceilings: Most Enjoyable Prospects

What’s up, Enjoyers?! Ya boys from No Ceilings are back with another quick hit to get you ready for Thursday’s draft. Today we’re gonna switch things up and just straight Enjoy the NBA Draft by breaking down the most fun prospects on the board.

Born To Get Buckets

Baylor’s Keyonte George is a walking heat check. My dude lives and breathes buckets, and when he gets going, there’s nothing you can do to stop him. His confidence is on 1,000, and he carries himself like the best player in the gym. Think Jamal Murray with the way he can cook you with a dribble package but also fly off screens and shoot it off the catch.

Aerial Assault

Arkansas wing Ricky Council IV can flat-out fly. When I asked where his athleticism ranks in a class with the Thompsons and Cam Whitmore, he told us: “top of the line.” Whether he’s running in transition or beating his man backdoor, Council has one thing in mind…rocking the rim with fury. Throw on his highlights, sit back, and enjoy the show.

The Chaos Agent

National Champ Andre Jackson Jr. absolutely brings the funk. An utter ball of energy flying around the floor, Jackson is the definition of talking it to 11. A defensive disruptor that will go coast to coast and yam on your head, A-Jax plays with infectious energy, makes plays for his teammates, and can lock up. Jackson could be the kind of star role player that helps a team win an NBA Championship one day.

Make sure you’re caught up on all things draft by copping the official 2023 No Ceilings NBA Draft Guide

Frozen Moments

• Michael Malone is rocking some fresh ink.

• Wemby’s first pitch doesn’t quite go according to plan. 😅

Signing Off

Thanks for reading, everyone! Collaborative days like this are what make our community so special. Give us a call when one of you lands a GM job.

Until next time,

-Spencer Poole

Trivia Answer: The answer to today’s trivia is Kentucky! The Wildcats have produced an insane 57 first-round draft picks.

Before you go…

Happy birthdays to Enjoyers Adam, Dylan, Jesse, Jonny, and Owen! Nothing but love for all your support. If you want your own birthday shoutout, all you have to do is click the button below and fill out our short survey. 👇