Category: 2023 NBA Draft

Rumor: Kentucky forward Chris Livingston cancels remaining draft workouts

Livingston will reportedly cancel his upcoming workouts after visiting with at least five teams.

Former Kentucky freshman Chris Livingston has reportedly canceled his upcoming team workouts ahead of the 2023 NBA draft, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Livingston has worked out with at least five teams as part of his pre-draft process. He was last scheduled to see Atlanta on Wednesday, two days after visiting Indiana. The decision to opt out of workouts has fueled speculation he has received a draft promise.

The 19-year-old isn’t projected to be selected by most mock drafts. Many believed he would return to Kentucky to improve his stock, but he explained that he believed he was ready to stay in the draft.

“I know I’m ready for this jump,” Livingston said Monday after working out with the Pacers. “The feedback I was getting from teams was positive. I’ve been killing my workouts, so that was one of the main things that put me in a position to stay.”

Livingston was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after averaging 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds on 42.9% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 14 points on Dec. 17 in a loss to UCLA.

The potential promise could explain, in part, why Livingston opted to stay in the draft. He had the opportunity to meet with teams at the combine last month in Chicago, Illinois, and also participated in various on-court workouts in front of executives and scouts.

With two weeks to go until the draft, it will be worth monitoring the situation with Livingston and what his potential draft range could be on June 22.

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Jarace Walker wants to bring effort, energy to the NBA from Day 1

Walker believes his effort and energy, especially on defense, will translate immediately to the next level.

Jarace Walker established himself as a tremendous defender at Houston, and the projected lottery pick looks to showcase that ability the moment he arrives in the NBA.

Walker was named the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year this past season after averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal. He was a unanimous selection to the All-Freshman team.

The 6-foot-8 Walker measured in with a 7-foot, 2 1/2-inch wingspan at the combine and projects to be a player that can wreak havoc in the passing lanes and on-ball defense with his length.

He believes that will enable him to make an impact at the next level.

“I’ve played against pros and have practiced against pros so I feel like my effort (will translate immediately),” Walker said Wednesday after working out with the Indiana Pacers, via Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. “I feel like that is the most important thing on defense so just being ready to go, ready to play and continue to learn at the highest level. I feel like that’s the one thing I can showcase off the rip.”

Walker ranked fifth in the country in defensive rating (87.1), sixth in defensive win shares (2.8) and second in the conference in block percentage (6.3). As a result, he is viewed as perhaps the top defender in this year’s draft class.

He is looking to showcase more than just his defense, though.

Walker showed the ability to stretch the floor after shooting 34.7% from 3-point range on 2.8 attempts per game. He offered some promise as a playmaker and flourished in that role in a limited sample size, as noted by Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board.

“I think my biggest asset is really my defense, my versatility there,” Walker said. “Obviously, that’s what people focus on but there are so many other things on the floor that I can do — work ethic and playing hard. I feel like that is the main thing that’ll keep you on the floor, playing hard and impacting winning; making all of the little plays.”

His workout with the Pacers was his first of the pre-draft process. He plans to visit Detroit and Utah next ahead of the draft on June 22. He is projected to be drafted in the 5-10 range as the three teams have each been linked to him thus far.

Certainly, his overall skills and ability to affect games in a variety of ways are things every team could use, and the 19-year-old is eager to get started.

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Projected lottery pick Taylor Hendricks credits UCF for growth, development

Hendricks is on the verge of becoming the first player in program history selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

Taylor Hendricks had a monumental rise up draft boards throughout his freshman season, and the 19-year-old credits his coaching staff and teammates at UCF for making that possible.

Entering the season, Hendricks wasn’t on the national radar, but he quickly burst onto the scene. He started to appear on mock drafts after helping the Knights race to a strong start, picking up nonconference wins over Florida State, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss.

Hendricks earned all-conference second-team honors after averaging 15.1 points, 7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 assists on 39.4% shooting from 3-point range. He was one of two players in the country with at least 60 3-pointers and 55 blocks.

The success, Hendricks said, didn’t come all on his own.

“I owe it all to my coaches at UCF,” Hendricks said on Wednesday after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “They put me in a lot of situations to be able to guard different types of positions and I feel like that has helped me, overall, with my development.”

The 6-foot-9 Hendricks has dazzled with his size and athleticism and has emerged as a real shot-blocking threat with his 7-foot wingspan and instincts. On the other side, he is a great lob threat. He also has great hands and has good vision out of the post to find his teammates.

Simply put: Hendricks would be a great addition to any organization.

The shooting may stand out, especially for his size, but Hendricks is working to show teams in the pre-draft process that he can affect games in a variety of ways.

“I feel like I fit into the modern NBA perfectly with my attitude, how I am on and off the court and just what I bring to the team,” Hendricks said. “I can do a lot more than shoot the ball. That’s what a lot of people are attracted to but I feel like I offer a lot of value in other areas on the court.”

Hendricks is considered a lottery pick and is projected to go in the 6-10 range on June 22. In addition to meeting with the Pacers, Hendricks has worked out with Orlando and plans visits with Dallas, Oklahoma City and Utah ahead of the draft.

After a tremendous year in Central Florida, Hendricks is on the verge of becoming the first player in program history drafted in the first round, and will forever be grateful to Johnny Dawkins & Co.

“I love all of those guys there,” Hendricks said. “Thinking about it makes me smile but just everything Coach has done for me. He has always been honest with me and always put me in a position to get better. I am really thankful for him.”

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Projected first-round pick Dariq Whitehead has second surgery on right foot

Whitehead is expected to begin the rehab process in two weeks and should be ready for the start of training camp.

Projected first-round pick Dariq Whitehead underwent surgery this week on his right foot to correct a previous procedure, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Whitehead missed four games this past season after undergoing surgery on the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in August. The bone did not heal properly, which prompted a “revision operation with bone grafting for a fifth metatarsal Jones fracture” this week.

The 18-year-old is expected to begin the rehab process in two weeks and should be ready for the start of training camp in September. The surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley in New York.

Whitehead averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and one assist on 42.9% shooting from 3-point range as a freshman. He finished second in the ACC in 3-point percentage, and it was the fifth-highest mark of any freshman in program history.

He is considered a mid-to-late first-round pick despite an uneven campaign. His shooting from beyond the arc will certainly stand out, but Whitehead showed he can be a three-level scorer at the next level and put up points in a hurry.

Though Whitehead hasn’t been able to participate in any pre-draft workouts, the 6-foot-7 forward has met and interviewed with teams in his range ahead of the draft.

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Rumor: Hornets leaning toward drafting Brandon Miller at No. 2

The Hornets may have already decided which player they will draft at No. 2, according to a recent rumor.

When the Charlotte Hornets are on the clock on June 22, there appears to be two players the organization will consider drafting second after Victor Wembanyama.

The decision may have already been made, though.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the recent intel circulating around the league is the Hornets will select Brandon Miller of Alabama over Scoot Henderson of the G League Ignite when they are on the clock this month.

All indications suggest the Hornets are leaning toward Miller with this choice as a partner for LaMelo Ball. I’d go in that direction too over Scoot Henderson because Miller brings playmaking skill in his own right, on top of his go-to scoring prowess.

Henderson was viewed as the consensus No. 2 player in the draft throughout the year after dazzling against Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 in October. However, Miller emerged as a viable option after a tremendous run with the Crimson Tide.

The conversation regarding the Hornets’ options has picked up of late as many have made the case for each player. Of course, it will ultimately come down to which player stands out the most to the front office in their upcoming workouts and interviews.

With Wembanyama a lock to go first to San Antonio, the draft is said to start with the Hornets as they have two strong options to consider selecting. But that decision may have already been decided.

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DePaul center Nick Ongenda: ‘My shot-blocking ability is unmatched’

Rookie Wire caught up with Ongenda this week to discuss his senior year, playing with Paul Reed, training for the draft and more.

Nick Ongenda played in only eight games this past season as a fourth-year senior at DePaul, but the 6-foot-11 center sure made his impact was felt upon returning to the lineup.

Ongenda suffered a wrist injury the day before the start of the Blue Demons’ season in November. He was initially slated to miss four weeks but it was later determined that surgery would be needed, which sidelined him until February.

From there, Ongenda dazzled on the court.

The 22-year-old wasted no time upon returning to the court, recording 11 points, eight blocks and six rebounds on Feb. 14 versus St. John’s. He finished the season averaging 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.4 blocks, 1.1 steals and one assist on 46.6% shooting from the field.

Ongenda also produced one of the top plays of the season.

In the first round of the conference tournament, Ongenda, who boasts a 7-foot, 3-inch wingspan, had a game-saving block against Seton Hall as time expired to send the Blue Demons to a 66-65 victory at Madison Square Garden.

Despite logging eight appearances, Ongenda still finished 10th in the Big East in blocks (35). His block average of 4.4 per game would have ranked first in the country as he was one of 12 Division I players to swat at least eight shots in a game.

Ongenda recorded two or more blocks in 35 career games and leaves the program ranked fourth on the all-time block list with 135, trailing only Dallas Comegys (1983-87), George Mikan (1942-46) and Paul Reed (2017-20).

He is in the midst of preparing for the NBA draft.

Ongenda has been training with other prospects in Miami, Florida. He has worked out with Dallas, Milwaukee and Utah so far and will visit Brooklyn this week. He has several other visits scheduled ahead of the draft on June 22.

Rookie Wire caught up with Ongenda this week to discuss his senior year at DePaul, playing with Reed as a freshman, training for the draft, working out with teams and more.

Note: This interview was edited for clarity

Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. explains what traits he brings to the NBA

Smith is projected to be a lottery pick this year given his athleticism and ability as a scorer and passer.

Nick Smith Jr. emerged as a player that did a little bit of everything on the court at Arkansas, and it is those traits the 19-year-old wants to bring to the NBA.

Smith was limited to 17 games this past season due to injury but had a strong run with the Razorbacks upon returning to the lineup. He scored in double figures in seven straight games and averaged 18.1 points, 2.6 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals over that stretch.

He explained what qualities he’ll provide his future team.

“I feel like I bring everything to a team, whatever the coach needs me to do,” Smith said on Monday after working out with the Washington Wizards. “My point guard abilities, I feel like I didn’t get a chance to show a lot in my college year; my scoring ability. Being able to play defense and make different reads, just little stuff like that.”

Despite a down freshman campaign, Smith is still projected to be a lottery pick. He has elite athleticism and is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and passer. He flourishes in the paint and can often convert difficult looks at the rim.

He skipped the on-court drills and scrimmages last month at the combine but reportedly had a strong shooting effort during his pro day in Chicago, which was viewed as perhaps his one area of weakness after shooting 33.8% last season from beyond the arc.

Smith has worked out with the Toronto Raptors and has others scheduled ahead of the draft on June 22. He will be working hard to showcase himself in those visits as he looks to solidify himself as a lottery pick.

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Chris Livingston addresses decision to leave Kentucky for NBA draft

Livingston was named to the SEC All-Freshman team last season after averaging 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds with the Wildcats.

Chris Livingston was expected by many to withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and return to Kentucky, but the 19-year-old opted to stay in and forgo his remaining eligibility.

Livingston initially declared for the draft on April 12 while maintaining the right to return to school. The news surfaced hours before the early entry withdrawal deadline that he had decided to remain in the draft and leave the Wildcats.

After participating in various on-court drills at the combine last month, and speaking with teams, Livingston believed the right decision was to stay in the draft.

“I felt ready,” Livingston said on Monday after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “I know I’m ready for this jump, and, two, the feedback I was getting from teams was positive. I’ve been killing my workouts, so that was one of the main things that put me in a position to stay.”

Livingston was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after averaging 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds on 42.9% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 14 points on Dec. 17 in a loss to UCLA.

He is viewed as a possible second-round pick this year. He has had the opportunity to perform in front of teams during workouts and has met with at least four teams thus far. It is an important stage for him to showcase himself to teams.

Livingston explained what he wants to showcase to teams.

I want to show that I got a good feel for the game. I know how to make the right play. (I want to) show how good my handle is and that I can also make shots, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. Those are the main things I want to show offensively and also, defensively, I just want to show how hard I can play and that I can guard 1-4 and be really versatile.

Livingston will continue to have the chance to meet with teams ahead of the draft and work to improve his positioning. He felt strongly about the decision to leave school and now looks to prove himself until the draft on June 22.

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Trayce Jackson-Davis working to showcase 3-point shot in pre-draft workouts

The All-American wasn’t tasked with shooting 3s at Indiana, but it is that aspect he is working to showcase in the pre-draft process.

Trayce Jackson-Davis wasn’t tasked with shooting 3-pointers at Indiana, but it is that aspect of the game the former All-American is working to showcase in the pre-draft process.

Jackson-Davis, who was the first Hoosier since 2013 to be named a consensus All-American, averaged 20.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, four assists and 2.9 blocks this past season. He ranked 19th nationally in scoring, 11th in rebounding and fifth in blocks (92).

The 6-foot-9 forward attempted three shots from beyond the arc in four seasons with the Hoosiers. However, Jackson-Davis knows he’ll need to develop that ability and be able to shoot it consistently from 3-point range at the next level.

“I have been in Los Angeles working on my game, working on my 3-point shot,” Jackson-Davis said on Monday after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “It is something I need to showcase in these workouts and the hard work I’ve been putting in is paying off. I’ve been able to shoot 3s and hit them in live segments and that is something I’m going to have to do at the next level.”

Jackson-Davis finished as the all-time leader in career rebounds (1,143) and blocks (270) and was third in points (2,258) at Indiana. He is one of five players in the history of the Big Ten to record at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

He is a potential first-round pick this year after a tremendous campaign with the Hoosiers. He is projected to bring an all-around ability to the next level and tries to model some of his game on Draymond Green and Domantas Sabonis.

The 23-year-old explained his potential role in the NBA.

I think, overall, I’ve got to be a basketball player. At the end of the day, whether I play the small-ball five or whether I play the four, (I just want) to guard positions out on the floor and do my job on offense, whatever the coach wants me to do. That is a big thing for me, being a basketball player, and showing my IQ, athletic ability and everything that comes with it.

Jackson-Davis has completed five workouts thus far and has 10 more scheduled. With an emphasis on his shot, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase himself ahead of the draft on June 22.

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Victor Wembanyama advocates for Bilal Coulibaly to be a high draft pick

Wembanyama is locked in as the top pick in the draft but the 19-year-old believes his French teammate should also be a high selection.

Victor Wembanyama is locked in to be the top pick in the 2023 NBA draft but the 19-year-old believes his French teammate Bilal Coulibaly should also be a high selection on June 22.

Of course, the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama established himself as perhaps the top draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003 with his unique blend of size and ability. His pending arrival in the United States should ensure the San Antonio Spurs take a massive leap next season.

With so much attention on Wembanyama and the Metropolitans 92 this season, teams also had the opportunity to watch Coulibaly closely. The 18-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick this year and is viewed as a potential lottery selection.

Wembanyama believes he should be drafted even higher.

Coulibaly started slowly this season but has improved as the year progressed and has put up some strong performances. He produced 16 points on Sunday as Metropolitans 92 won to advance to the LNB Finals versus Monaco starting on Saturday.

The 6-foot-6 forward has impressed on offense with his burst and ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. He has displayed great instincts on defense and can make an impact on that end of the court with his 7-foot, 3-inch wingspan.

Prior to playing with Metropolitans 92 this season, Coulibaly suited up with France in the 2022 FIBA U18 European Championship. He averaged 7.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist in seven games as France finished in fifth place.

Like Wembanyama, Coulibaly will be a late arrival in the U.S. ahead of the draft with Metropolitans 92 still in the playoffs. However, the two will still be first-round picks after putting up strong campaigns.

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