NBA 2023 Mock Draft 1.0: Utah Jazz select 3 studs in first-round

With the Utah Jazz officially securing odds for a top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, it’s time to take a look at how the Jazz can capitalize on their three first-rounders.

The Utah Jazz enter this draft tied with the Indiana Pacers with the most picks in the first round, both having three. The last time the Jazz entered the draft with three first-round picks? About 20 years ago in the 2004 draft, when the team ended up with Kris Humphries, Kirk Snyder, and Pavel Podkolzin.

Yeah, needless to say, the upcoming rookie class for this Jazz team needs to be a bit better than in 2004. And with the entering class being as talented as it’s made out to be, it shouldn’t be too hard for these players to meet those expectations.

The Jazz currently hold the projected 9th pick in the 2023 draft, the 16th pick from the Timberwolves, and the 28th pick from the 76ers. With Utah freshly entering a rebuild, this draft will be a big part of how successful the Jazz can be moving forward.

Let’s take a look at how the first round of the draft could play out, and how the Utah Jazz can make the most of it.

1

Victor Wembanyama

Center, France, Detroit Pistons

Even though the Pistons have multiple young bigs on the roster already, you just can’t pass on a talent like Wembanyama here.

2

Scoot Henderson

Point Guard, San Antonio Spurs

While Brandon Miller does make a case here, Henderson ultimately fills a need for the Spurs while also being the best player on the board.

3

Brandon Miller

SF, Alabama, Houston Rockets

A starting lineup that would consist of Green, Miller, Smith Jr., and Sengun would be one guard away from becoming a serious team in the West.

4

Ausar Thompson

SG, Overtime Elite, Charlotte Hornets

Ausar would be a perfect fit next to Lamelo Ball in the backcourt, providing excellent slashing and defending ability with room to grow.

5

Amen Thompson

PG, Overtime Elite, Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers should have one of the most interesting positions in the draft come June, but at this point, the best player available makes the most sense.

6

Anthony Black

SG, Arkansas, Orlando Magic

Black gives the Magic size, playmaking, and versatility at guard, being a great complimentary piece to Wagner and Banchero going forward.

7

Cam Whitmore

SF, Villanova, Washington Wizards

Whitmore is one of the youngest players in the draft who should give the Wizards nice athleticism and perimeter defense with potential.

8

Jarace Walker

PF, Houston, Indiana Pacers

Walker’s huge build combined with his defensive ability would be a nightmare for opposing offenses when paired with Myles Turner in Indy.

With the 9th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Gradey Dick, SG, Kansas.

DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 18: Gradey Dick #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 18, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Jazz find themselves on the board with an array of options at ninth overall, and even with some opportunity to trade up in the draft if they really wanted. However, Gradey Dick ends up as the pick here.

Gradey measures at 6’8, projecting to be a versatile wing at the NBA level with a great shot already a part of his arsenal. While he’s known mostly as a shooter, he was one of the focal points of the Jayhawks’ offense as a freshman.

In his one season at Kansas, Gradey Dick averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, shooting over 40% from three as well.

Talen-Horton Tucker and Jordan Clarkson have pending player options they could decline. Rudy Gay and Juan Toscano-Anderson are also entering the open market this summer. As a result, the Jazz could opt to take Gradey to have security at their wing position moving forward.

10

Taylor Hendricks

Power Forward, UCF, Dallas Mavericks

With the hope of Kyrie Irving resigning this offseason, the Mavericks decide to take a big with great 3-and-D potential in Hendricks.