The Three Biggest Winners From the 2023 NBA Draft
The 2023 NBA draft featured some very talented prospects that have the potential to become stars in the league one day. Some teams had a great draft and were able to change the outlook of their franchise for the next decade plus. So, who were the biggest winners from the draft? Let’s take a look.
1.Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets had arguably the best draft out of any team in the league. The Rockets are currently a team full of young guys who haven't exactly figured out how to win at this level just yet. They have some very exciting players such as Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr. One significant need for the Rockets is a true floor general who can make others better and run the offense. Their fourth overall pick, Amen Thompson, solves that issue instantly. Amen is arguably the best playmaker in this year’s draft. He also has the tools to be an impactful defender at the next level. Amen can score, pass, and most importantly, create easier looks for guys like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets also drafted Cam Whitmore at number 20 overall. Whitmore is considered by many as the steal of the draft and a top-five talent from the class. He is one of the most athletic players in the class and has the potential to be a two-way star in the league. Whitmore gives Houston another talented scorer who can help them improve their offense under new head coach Ime Udoka.
2. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are a team that shocked many last season. After trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, they were expected to be the worst team in the league. However, All-Star Lauri Markennen and company led them to become a respectable team actually in the playoff picture for much of the season. Rookie Walker Kessler also had a fantastic season and has already proved to be one of the best defensive big men in the league. The Jazz started by drafting Taylor Hendricks, a 6’10 forward that fits the mold of what a modern-day power forward should look like. He can defend on the perimeter and in the paint and shot almost 40 percent from three last season. Hendricks has a very high floor and should contribute right away. The Jazz also drafted Keyonte George, an explosive guard with a high ceiling. George will likely take more time to develop and reach his potential, but if he does, he will be a force. Utah also got Brice Sensebaugh at the end of the first round. Brice was projected to go much earlier but ended up falling. Brice is another talented scorer who can space the floor extremely well and shoot from all three levels. Utah’s trio of first-round picks has the potential to make their team a playoff team this upcoming season.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder exceeded all expectations last season and ended up being a play-in team. Led by All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they put themselves on the map and made a splash. Their first pick was guard Cason Wallace from Kentucky. Wallace is one of the most intriguing prospects in the class and might be the best defender in the class as well. He has long arms and great defensive instincts that allow him to make some very impressive steals and blocks. Wallace can also shoot the ball well and should be a quality three-and-D guard at the next level. They also drafted Keyontae Johnson, who has an inspiring story and can find a role as an effective scorer and defender at the next level. Oklahoma City wanted to improve defensively in the draft, and they did just that.
