51. UCLAs Jaylen Clark could be a valuable pick in the late first or early second round of the 2023 draft. Mintz isnt a likely rookie contributor in 2023-24, and there is also a decent chance hell be back at Syracuse for his sophomore season. 28. Jones isnt the sharpest creator off the dribble, and a limited pull-up game and low volume of 3-point attempts suggest he doesnt project as a high-upside scorer. But, that was cancelled after some concerning news dropped. Offensively, he provides a solid spot-up shooter with a compact release and a typically good passer, who can also get loose from some explosive plays and finishes in transition. With 41- and 32-point games in mid-February, Pickett has seemingly become too effective with his shot-making and passing for teams to worry about his age or athleticism in the second round. Alongside the trophies, medals, plaques, certificates and awards the UCLA guard has accumulated over a career spanning numerous youth and high school championships plus a trip to the Final Four will soon reside one improbable basketball memento. Memphis Grizzlies: Malcolm Cazalon (Mega MIS, SG, 2001). 2 Connecticut. There have been questionable sequences when he struggles to separate offensively, but realistically one-on-one scoring wont be a big part of his job description at the next level. Portland Trail Blazers: Taylor Hendricks (UCF, PF, Freshman). Utah Jazz: Jett Howard (Michigan, SG/SF, Freshman). JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Detroit Pistons: Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman). Completely out of Oregon's rotation, Ware will now have to sell himself strictly on potential and the brief flashes of shooting, post scoring, finishing and shot-blocking that he showed. Outstanding defensive instincts pop first when watching Clark, whos averaging 2.7 steals per game by reading plays from off the ball. Shooting 41.9 percent from three, Johnson has emerged as a three-level shot-maker and passing threat. Hes eclipsing the 50-40-90 barrier with 53% shooting from the floor, 51% from the three-point line, and 90% from the free-throw line while simultaneously handing out 7.5 assist to just 2.8 turnovers and also grabbing 4.2 rebounds per game. 1 seed is still in play for UCLA. One of college basketballs best defenders. Occasional flashes of self-creation, shot-making versatility and pick-and-roll scoring also hint at more paths to upside. He's been too streaky to trust the shooting, and his decision-making remains shaky, but his special athletic ability, defensive court coverage and creation flashes deserve to buy him time when it comes to his shot-making development. 21. 47. Overlooked because of:Syracuses record, shooting numbers, physical tools, Undervalued because of:creativity, versatility, shot-making, energy. With some of the top NCAA prospects building steam, Thompson answered in the City Reapers' first game of Overtime's playoff semis, finishing with 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while shooting 2-of-4 from three. Keep an eye on him! The only clear path to upside calls for significant improvement to his shooting/mechanics, though there will be teams willing to bet on it given his age (19) and what a jumper could do for a 6'10" wing. Los Angeles Clippers: Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF, Junior). Phoenix Suns: uolas Tubelis (Arizona, PF/C, Junior). His shooting development is starting to look like a gamble worth taking, based on his 11-of-31 start on 3-pointers and the likelihood that his off-ball finishing, on-ball decision-making and defense can translate in a supporting role. First, he shines on the defensive end of the floor. He doesnt offer too much versatility, but Hawkins has a plug-and-play skill set with a valuable specialty that should continue to be effective in a catch-and-shoot role alongside NBA creators and passers. Possessing rare length, Williams had some positive moments contesting shots and staying active defensively, while opposing offenses looked to run him ragged in the pick and roll. B/R draft expert Jonathan Wasserman updates his mock draft following new developments. Despite weighing just 172 pounds, he takes contact well. 1 to the Orlando . His off-the-dribble game and pull-up still need work, but at 6'5" with 80 made threes, including 21 off screens, his athleticism and off-ball shooting should help make him an easy fit in the NBA. Numerous media reports also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of Jan. 15, 2023. His perimeter rebounding was again on display, to the tune of 6 boards in just 22 minutes, while there were also a couple of impressive passes, an area of his game that Mick Cronin has recognized in some of his comments this season. Jeremy Woo Dec. Jaylen Clark should be playing himself onto Draft boards, more so with versatility and consistent impact plays than his 14.1 points per game. Hes also a very good perimeter rebounder. 2. 54. Duality underpins practically everything about the brief existence of the KD, Harden and Kyrie Nets. Racking up double-doubles lately, Gueye has drawn attention with his 6'11" size, production around the basket and flashes of mid-range shooting and hard drives in space. Walsh's quickness to lock up, guard multiple positions and defend with intensity should sway NBA teams to remain patient with his shooting consistency and off-the-dribble development. Despite concerns over his self-creation and shooting, scouts value Black's versatility and unteachable "knows how to play" intangibles. Today, were examining five new players that have started to resonate with NBA scouts after not making the initial Draftables list. Rockets head coach Stephen Silas has shown a willingness to bench engn for defensive reasons, so his future role with Wembanyama would be become a storyline to watch. The kid who defended like crazy wasnt a hot college prospect by the time Cronin settled into his courtside seat inside a high school gym to see him play for the first time. Showing good instincts while hunting shots off the ball, he proved to be one of the more well-rounded, consistent offensive players on the west coast as a junior. 29. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department secured an arrest warrant for Carter on Wednesday on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. Scouts should see translatable defense tied to his tools, foot speed, IQ, concentration, motor, recoveries and playmaking (3.2 steal percentage). Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. 55. Patrolling Duke's paint with improved awareness and reactions, Lively has begun to re-sell teams on his rim-protection tools. 45. Bolch is also the author of the recently released book 100 Things UCLA Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. He previously covered UCLA basketball from 2010-11 before going on to cover the NBA and the Clippers for five years. Hes averaging three made 3-pointers in just 26 minutes per game, burying jumpers off spot-ups (47.1%) and screens (43.6 percent). The NBA has reached its midway point and the NBA Draft picture is starting to take shape after a busy trade deadline. 34. Clark was a four-star prospect and averaged 18.5 points per game as a senior at Etiwanda High School last. He's also playing with noticeable energy and activity, which has made him a bigger off-ball scoring threat and disruptive defender. Averaging 19.9 points over Connecticut's last 11 games, Hawkins continues to look like one of the draft's most convincing shot-makers. Smith hasn't made the jump efficiency-wise that NBA scouts were hoping for, but a team in 20s or 30s will still see value in his confident shot-making for an instant-offense role. The Orlando forward played only 11 games this season after missing two years with a torn ACL. The lack of playmaking and defense do put more pressure on his development as a creator, but even a worst-case outcome for Howard should result in a team getting value tied to his translatable shooting versatility from either wing spot. He just doesn't have consistent production in the NBL. Tubelis is producing his way into the draft discussion, averaging 20.1 points and 8.7 boards off a combination of rim-running effort, good hands, touch in the paint and the occasional open jump . 24) powered a Santa Clara team that finished 21-12 and reached the NIT in 2021-22. After a strong start to the season, Pelle Larsson hasnt put up especially big numbers in his last three games. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. His magnetic pull toward dimpled leather reminds Edney of Jason Kidd, the former California star who set the Pac-12 record with an absurd 110 steals during the 1992-93 season. Brooklyn Nets: Drew Peterson (USC, SG/SF, Senior). Like most young players, Clark fancied the offensive highlight. His 30 three-pointers in 22 games highlight enough shot-making ability for teams bet on improvement. This season, hes playing with the ball in his hands more and getting to show his total game. We began this years NBA Draft coverage by ascertaining exactly how things work behind the scenes. Clark also scored a team-high 19 points in those 22 minutes.3pt shooting may ultimately be the key to a translatable role for the next level, but he drew a lot of contact, showed some mid-range craft, & flashed the passing that Mick Cronin has praised. Clowney projects as a plus rebounder who adds value defensively with his mobility, motor and length. With Clark, it's the sheer improvement I've seen offensively. Height: 6-5 (196cm) Weight: 210 (95kg), Current NBA Status: Draft Eligible in 2025, High School: Etiwanda High School [Rancho Cucamonga, California], Jump to: [ NCAA ] [ High School ] [ AAU ], Prep/High School: Etiwanda High School [Rancho Cucamonga, California]. Golden State Warriors: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior). The Hungry Dog Award won by UCLAs Jaime Jaquez Jr. in 2020. You play defense, his father told him, youre going to force your way onto the floor.. He creates separation for himself with counters, timing and bounce. Their No. Hes not just a stopper on that end though, hes also a playmaker with 2.7 steals per game. 39. Miller has been productive in the G League by tapping into his mobility, face-up agility and rim running. 56. Jackson-Davis has made it harder to nitpick his perceived outdated post scoring by making serious improvements to his passing and defense. What would he do if Edney swiped at the ball a certain way? You can follow him onTwitter. The Houston Rockets would presumably just throw positions out the window with Wembanyama, Alperen engn and Jabari Smith Jr. Thompson is a dangerous advantage creator with his burst off the bounce and lightning-quick dribble moves to blow by and separate. An inconsistent jump shot wasnt off-putting in the least. Measured standing 65.75 in shoes with a solid 209-pound frame and a remarkable 72.25 wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, Williams is one of the longest players in recent history relative to his height. But he has strengthened his case as a potential top-three prospect by showcasing more ball-handling and shiftiness into self-created drives, plus much improved finishing with touch, adjustments and body control. When he declared for the NBA Draft back in 2021 after a third-team All-Big 12 season, he was told he needed to work on two critical things. Status Signed UCLA 02/05/2020. 12 UCLA dodge disaster in win over Arizona State Feb. 21, 2022 "The kid took off real quick and I kinda pulled on his arm and then went to swipe at the ball,". Wembanyama is being used in every possible way for a bigas a post player, pick-and-pop shooter and ball-handler. Later in the day, Carter released a statement on his official Twitter account, saying that he will return to Athens to answer the charges against him, while expressing his goal to clear his name. The undersized point guard had also faced questions about being a UCLA-caliber player before going on to play in three Final Fours and spend a decade in the NBA. Mintz is crafty in the lane, where he uses pivots, fakes, patience and touch (14-of-28 runners). Santa Clara guard Jalen Williams entering NBA draft, will retain eligibility Jalen Williams (No. 12 UCLA limit top opponents' scoring and is looking to do the same against Oregon on Thursday. Averaging 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, Edey figures to convince some team it's worth gambling a 7'4", 305-pound rim protector whose finishing and post game will be difficult to challenge. An arrest warrant was issued to Georgia defensive lineman and NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter. All rights reserved. Walsh has flashed enough shooting mechanics plus off-the-dribble maneuvering, touch shots, physical finishes (64.9% at rim), effort and foot speed for teams to bet on off-ball scoring and defense from the 3 or 4 position. 4. Choose at least two teams from the menus below to start your trade. The big storyline toward the top of the draft is how NBA teams will feel about Alabama forward Brandon Miller being tied to a murder case. Though he isn't the most explosive athlete, Hood-Schifino has showcased a convincing mix of creation feel by changing speeds, pull-up shooting and passing IQ for combo-guard offense. UCLA basketballs Hungry Dog Award for this season. They start out by breaking down Albert's comparison between Jaylen Clark and NFL Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed. Beyond the production though, its the way his tools could potentially translate. #12 Pick Jalen Williams looks to energize the Thunder with his Scoring ability. Here are the best prospects. Inconsistent shooting has affected Whitmore's scoring, but between his functional ball-handling moves to break down defenses and his explosiveness and power in the lane, he's still been able to create and finish opportunities in the half court. He does remain limited in creation situations, but hes ultraefficient when converting in transition (99th percentile), and hes produced by mostly playing to his strengths, play-finishing fast-breaks, rolls, cuts and catch-and-shoot chances. Hes shown an unteachable feel for anticipating and reacting as a help defender, jumping passing lanes or blowing up screens to force turnovers and often turn them into fast-break points. Exceptionally long wing who took a major leap as a jump shooter and shot creator in his third year at Santa Clara and showed his work at the NBA Draft Combine. We structured our preseason coverage as a reflection of that, identifying and sorting prospects across all six high-major conferences and then throughout all the non-power conferences. He really doesnt have a weakness in his game when that jump shots falling, said Collison, whose 231 steals as a Bruin trail only Earl Watson (235) on the schools career list since it started tracking the statistic in 1978. Confirm that your trade proposal is valid according to the NBA collective bargaining agreement. In the Athens-Clark County Police Department statement, it says Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk at high speeds alongside LeCroy, who was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition, and were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing leaving the downtown Athens area at 2:30 a.m after the teams national championship parade. Versatile with an ability to get his hands on a ton of balls. Jaylen Clark has really starred in his role so far this season at UCLA. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller (Alabama, SF, Freshman). Jaimes not going to have another one.. Toronto Raptors: Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman). 3. 38. While he did much of his heavy lifting scoring the ball, his improvement as a passer and off ball threat gives him promising versatility. Utah Jazz (via 76ers): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, Junior). The toxicology report, per the Athens-Clark County Police Department, determined that LeCroy's blood alcohol level was at .197, which is more than two times the legal limit in Georgia. The Orlando Magic would ignore their needs to draft the best player available in Walker. Two other players who are starting to catch my eye: Jaylen Clark and Jordan Hawkins. This mock draft order was based on NBA standings heading into Monday, February 27. Although his jumper hasn't been falling lately, his 2.0 made threes per game and mid-range shot-making suggest it's worth betting on enough adequate shooting to complement his slashing and transition offense. Denver Nuggets (via MIA): Jaylen Clark (UCLA) 49. . His effectiveness continues to fluctuate in a spot-up role for Duke, though he is shooting an impressive 40.7 percent from three. Memphis Grizzles (via Timberwolves): Jalen Pickett (Penn State, PG/SG, Senior). While it may be unrealistic to expect him to shoot the ball this well all season long, if the floor-spacing is real (he shot 20% from three as a freshman and 26% as a sophomore), hell project as a three-and-D type versatile guard. We are not making it all up in our heads, thinking well of Kris Dunn because we want to: he has real talents to bring, and a body that for the time being will allow him to use them. Doing much of his damage out of ball screens, his deceptiveness with the ball and ability to score from anywhere on the floor allowed him to put significant pressure on opposing defenses. Matthew Murrell Ole Miss. According to a warrant for Morrow's arrest, he's facing charges of assault by strangulation, second-degree kidnapping and communicating threats. Though limited offensively in terms of ball-handling, self-creation and post play, Clowney does find ways to score off the ball, showing good timing/awareness slipping screens and rolling or getting to the dunkers spot (68.3% at the rim). Alongside the trophies, medals, plaques, certificates and awards the UCLA guard has accumulated over a career spanning numerous youth and high. Indiana Pacers: Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman). Playing at a somewhat unique pace, using hesitation moves exceptionally well to probe the lane and freeze the defense to create angles, Williams was fairly prolific in the midrange. Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference. Clark knocked down 6-of-9 shots from the field, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds three steals during Thursday's win over Stanford. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns): GG Jackson II (South Carolina, PF, Freshman). Teams may be wise to invest early and remain patient with the freshman guard, whose two-point shot-making and free-throw percentages (77.3) hint at room for shooting improvement and whose creativity and playmaking are already pluses. 13. 49. On the court, there are fewer question marks about him. Were looking at a mix of breakout returners and freshmen who didnt receive much one-and-done hype entering the season. Jaylen Clark is the lone incoming freshman for UCLA men's basketball next season. UCLA guard Jaylen Clark blocks a shot by Norfolk State guard Joe Bryant Jr. during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics): Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore). Jalen Carter (@breadmanjalen) March 1, 2023, This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have ben issued against me for reckless driving and racing, writes Carter. The shooting and athleticism/tools for finishing and defense alone put Hendricks in the lottery discussion, but it also feels like the 19-year-old has more skill to unlock future scoring potential. Clowney may be too far away for teams to confidently use a first-round pick on him, but he does have the potential shooting-shot-blocking-rebounding combo that some may be willing to reach on. It may be worth thinking about the 6'7", 232-pound forward more as a small-ball 4. Jaylen Clark 2023 Draft Profile | Tankathon NBA Home Mock Draft Big Board Compare Prospects Full Order More Jaylen Clark Team UCLA Year Junior Position Shooting Guard Height 6'5" Weight 205 lbs Age 21.38 yrs Draft Age 21.68 yrs Birthdate Oct 13, 2001 Nation USA Hometown Corona, CA High School Etiwanda High School Big Board 53rd STAT STRENGTHS Overall, its far from a sure thing, but hes someone who most scouts are saying they intend to track. Look for his minutes at UCLA to increase and NBA scouts to start to take notice. He now has the type of off-ball offense and defensive tools NBA teams can picture translating. Jones feels highly adaptable for the next level with his ball-screen play and passing IQ (5.6 apg), improving shot-making and physical tools for driving, finishing and defending multiple positions. Everything else about it feels easy to buy, given his ball-handling and burst for creation, athletic finishing and speciality shot-making inside the arc. Despite questions about how well he'll be able to create for himself in the half court, scouts still buy his passing IQ, three-level shot-making and defense all translating. Defensively, he s competitive and physical. Despite having already turned 23 years old, Peterson is becoming interesting with his ball-handling and creation flashes, shot-making versatility and passing (4.7 assists) at 6'9". Jaylen (@jayl7en) April 20, 2022 Clark plays strong defense and can be a force on the glass for the Bruins. Jaylen Clark should be playing himself onto Draft boards, more so with versatility and consistent impact plays than his 14.1 points per game. There were a relatively wide range of opinions on Taylor Hendricks coming out of high school last year as some outlets had him as high as 54th in the country and others as low as 119th. San Antonio Spurs: James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 2004). Hes averaging almost 15 points per game, shooting 40% from behind the arc, grabbing over 7 rebounds, and blocking 1.7 shots per game. Clark is an intriguing long-term prospect who has a chance to be special. Hes still an underrated prospect with his wiggle, off-the-dribble shooting, rim pressure, passing, defensive motor and improvable shooting range. His 14.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 40 minutes highlight NBA physical tools and activity. Jones is also tough and alert on defense and on pace to finish with a 2.5steal percentagefor the third consecutive season. (B/R) With conference play underway, were bound to see a handful of under-the-radar NBA prospects start to creep their way up Draft boards. Tyus Edney piled up steals by studying the guy he was guarding, the onetime UCLA point guard comparing the first few minutes of each game to boxers feeling each other out at the start of a match. Jaime Jaquez Jr. enclosed the bones he won during Cronins first two seasons in Westwood in protective plastic cases. Hell also look for screens when he knows players intend to curl around for a pass that often finds its way into his hands. His point production has more than doubled, jumping from 6.7 to 15.7 while shooting 46.7% from three and an incredible 72% on two-point field goals. At 6-foot-5, he can move his feet, check smaller guards, and be. First, he shines on the defensive end of the floor. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images). Miller continues to shoot at a clip that once felt unsustainable: 42.4 percent on 7.2 three-point attempts per game. Though clearly most comfortable/dangerous releasing off the catch, hes flashed enough promise with his pull-up (36%), separating by rising with abrupt decisiveness and height over the contest. He also finished with a team high 19 points and while there werent any signs of the long-range shooting that may ultimately be the key to a translatable offensive role, he was explosive in transition, physical off the dribble, and effective in the deep mid-range area. Its ultimate destination is already known, at least in Clarks mind. Washington Wizards (via Bulls): Tristan Vukevi (KK Partizan, C, 2003). Jonathan Wasserman provides his latest projections through 2 rounds after an early look at the potential 2023 class. Teams interested in just adding a scoring weapon will want Sensabaugh. Clark usually blows those up, leading to another signature on the bone. Nick Agar-Johnson brings Albert Ghim back on the Deep Dives podcast to talk about Albert's recent article on UCLA guard Jaylen Clark. Jones' game doesn't scream upside, but his passing, shooting and defense does point to an easy-fit role player who can be used on or off the ball. Teams will just see more of a gamble without much production to back up the highlights. secured an arrest warrant for Carter on Wednesday, deaths of Georgia offensive linemen Devin Willock and team recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, the Athens-Clark County Police Department statement, she died from the injuries sustained in the crash, exclusive report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cutting off the ball effectively as well, he proved to be more opportunistic than most high-volume pick and roll threats. Its also left nearly every offense the Bruins have faced in tatters, like the ripped practice jerseys Clark regularly cycles through. To believe that any of 2023's neo-contenders can become bonafide champs over the next few months is to believe that a once-in-a-quarter-century occurrence is about to transpire. At 6'8" and 225 pounds, Wilson has the physicality and tools to continue attacking, finishing and rebounding in the NBA. But whichever team lands the No. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages. Teams will give thought to the idea of Clark carving out a defensive specialist role while still offering enough driving, play-finishing and passing for a fourth or fifth option. Once he earns himself just a hint of space on the move, he capitalizes with bounce and flexibility or passing vision to set up teammates. 50. (Photo: Scott Wachter, USA TODAY Sports) On the surface, Dillon Mitchell looks like a no-brainer candidate to come back for his sophomore year. 6-5, 200 | Class of 2020. Judah Mintz Syracuse. Jalen Green is a lanky, exceptionally athletic guard whose improvement as a shot-maker shined for stretches during his season with the inaugural G League Ignite team . Note: There are only 58 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft with the Sixers and Bulls forfeiting their second-rounders. Less than a month into the college season and weve already seen proof of that. 1 NFL. After a nearly two-month layoff, it took Smith only four games to put up 26 points and deliver the creation and shot-making flashes that fueled top-five hype in the preseason. Read the recent NBA news and rumors about Jaylen Brown for fantasy basketball. Rising prospects such as Pepperdines Maxwell Lewis, Ohio States Brice Sensabaugh and Illinois Coleman Hawkins have ultimately become too well known to be considered sleepers anymore. Using his length to score scoops and floaters inside, creating separation with hesitation moves or subtle changes of speed in the midrange, and even finding the open man effectively in spots, his ability to create off the dribble was a cornerstone of Santa Claras offense. Hes 6-foot-7, being utilized as a smallball five, and not switching defensively. 52. Leading the Pac-12 Conference with an average of 2.64 steals going into the seventh-ranked Bruins game against Oregon State on Thursday evening at Gill Coliseum, Clark wants to make his bones about more than bones. His versatility allowed him to roam the court like a free safety in football, anticipating passes that he either intercepted or tipped to tally another deflection in his pursuit of the deflections bone. Collison taught his protege to get up on his man, know when hes going to change hands and take something away so that when he tries to counter, Clark can be ready. Tools and Resources Used by Real General Managers. Ben Bolch has been a Los Angeles Times staff writer since 1999. Los Angeles Lakers: Kel'el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman). The most iconic shot in UCLA history by Tyus Edney with 4.8 seconds left in a 1995 March Madness game originated on a makeshift driveway court. The game has seemingly slowed down for him enough to make necessary adjustments/counters in traffic. Hometown Corona, Calif. School Etiwanda High School. . It seems like hes a ball of energy in covering ground.. Charlotte Hornets: Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, Senior). Judah Mintzs poor 3-point numbers and Syracuses bad losses have kept his Draft buzz in check.