10 under-the-radar 2023 NBA Draft prospects
The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on June 22 and contrary to popular belief, Victor Wembanyama isn't the only player in the class.
Here are 10 under-the-radar prospects whose stock should rise as we inch closer to the draft.
Emoni Bates, SF, Eastern Michigan
The 6-foot-9 small forward averaged 19.2 points for Eastern Michigan last season. He was a bit streaky from deep, shooting 33% in 2022-23 but did have two games in which he made eight and nine threes, respectively.
Sidy Cissoko, SG, G League Ignite
Teammate Scoot Henderson received most of the attention, but Cissoko showed that he fits in the NBA as well. This past season, he displayed great passing skills, including one sequence when Cissoko (No. 25) recorded a block on one end and delivered a sharp pass on the other.
He had another incredible assist when he slung this pass out to a cutting Henderson.
In 28 starts in the G League, Cissoko averaged 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 45.5% shooting.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF, Indiana
Jackson-Davis fits the modern NBA with his length and switchability on defense. He also has a high motor, never as evident as on this play against Eastern Michigan when Davis-Jackson (No. 23) blocked a shot and sprinted down the court for a dunk.
He averaged 20.9 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 58.1% during his senior year in 2022-23.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG, UCLA
Jaquez is a big guard at 6-foot-6. He used his size to his advantage at UCLA and could punish smaller defenders in the NBA as well.
He might struggle against quicker guards while on defense, but he also proved to be a capable defender with the Bruins, reacting well after getting beat to the rim.
Keyontae Johnson, SF, Kansas State
Johnson will be his point guard's best friend in the NBA. Wildcats guard Markquis Nowell connected with Johnson on multiple alley-oops in big moments this season.
The fifth-year senior shot 40.5% from three in 2022-23 as he returned to action after collapsing on-court while at Florida in 2020.
Bobi Klintman, SF, Wake Forest
The forward from Sweden wasn't used often as a freshman but showcased his natural abilities in limited opportunities.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie said it best when he described Klintman as "very fluid." The moment never looked too big for Klintman (No. 34), whether he was faced with knocking down a three-pointer or attacking the basket.
Brandin Podziemski, SG, Santa Clara
A change of scenery — and a bigger opportunity — did wonders for Podziemski. After playing 16 games and 4.3 minutes per game last year at Illinois, Podziemski (No. 22) transferred to Santa Clara where he started 32 games in 2022-23 and averaged 19.9 points while shooting 43.8% from deep.
He is a crafty finisher in the lane but excels from deep. At the NBA Draft Combine, he was nearly automatic.
Marcus Sasser, PG, Houston
Sasser has some of the best handles of any guard in this class. Against Wichita State, he did a masterful job of keeping the basketball on a yo-yo on this drive.
He also showed off against Auburn by loosening up the defense before knocking down a three.
Sasser deserves a spot in the league based on this Euro step alone.
Julian Strawther, SG, Gonzaga
If there's a clutch gene, Strawther has it.
The 6-foot-7 guard has the length to guard multiple positions and the shooting prowess to be a difficult matchup on offense. In 69 games the past two seasons, Strawther shot 39% from deep, and not always on easy attempts.
Tristan Vukcevic, PF, KK Partizan
Vukcevic shot 37.3% from deep in 40 games with KK Partizan in the Serbian league during the 2022-23 season. He also displayed nice touch around the rim and projects as a stretch-five in the NBA.
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