Six Big 12 Players Listed on B/R 2023 NBA Full Two-Round Mock Draft
In a recent two-round 2023 NBA mock draft, the Big 12 has six players among those chosen in this year’s NBA Draft.
With a crazy trade deadline behind us, the current lottery odds project multiple first-round picks for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Portland Trail Blazers.
That means the odds of a Big 12 superstar landing with a franchise in need are pretty good at this point in time.
Let’s take a look at where Bleacher Report has each of the Big 12 players going and what Jonathan Wasserman has to say about them.
Projected Big 12 Selections in 2023 NBA Draft
6. Indiana Pacers: Gradey Dick (Kansas, SF, Freshman)
When the best-player-available discussion begins to get murkier in the late lottery, Dick’s surefire shooting could give him an edge. Teams will know what they’re getting in the 6’8″ forward who is at 42.0 percent from three. But there is also a path to more upside among Dick’s flashes of perimeter creation into dribble jumpers, athletic finishes and defensive playmaking.
9. Toronto Raptors: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)
George’s off games and forced shots will make top-five teams hesitant and question the impact of his decision-making. But in that next tier, he will sell a team on his scoring potential with sharp skill for self-creation into drives and jumpers and sweet rhythm to elevate into pull-ups, step-backs and off-screen threes.
31. Indiana Pacers (via Rockets): Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Senior)
On track to double last year’s three-point makes, Wilson has rebuilt his draft stock with improved shooting that complements his excellent finishing, rebounding and mid-range shot-making.
39. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF, Senior)
At 6’6″, 230 pounds, shooting 41.4 percent from three, Johnson has the shooting range, shot-making versatility and physical tools to carve out an off-ball role without possessing a great deal of creation skill.
52. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Celtics): Dillon Mitchell (Texas, PF, Freshman)
Though Mitchell would seem like a candidate to return for a sophomore season, he may be motivated to make the jump and receive more freedom to develop his offense in the G League. Right now, athletic finishes and defensive playmaking alone won’t be enough to draw first-round interest.
59. Milwaukee Bucks: Adam Flagler (Baylor, PG/SG, Senior)
Consistent shooting, passing and decision-making could help Flagler compensate for limited tools and athleticism in a bench role.
