2023 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons drop to 5th, surprise everyone

Metropolitans 92 forward Victor Wembanyama Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Metropolitans 92 forward Victor Wembanyama Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr. Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 NBA Mock Draft

12. 149. Pick Analysis. Guard. Nick Smith Jr.. player. Scouting Report. Arkansas

The OKC Thunder have young talent just about everywhere as well as about ten thousand future draft picks, so there is no telling what they will do this summer after making the play-in tournament without top pick Chet Holmgren.

I could definitely see the Thunder trading this pick for a “win now” talent to go with all of their youth, but they really don’t have to, as their team is progressing nicely and will be getting Holmgren back.

Smith Jr. was an elite high school prospect and considered one of the top point guards in this draft, so he could potentially help their backup point guard situation right away. He could play at guard with either Josh Giddey or SGA, so he’d be a nice fit on the Thunder.